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This happens to a lot of people, both bariatric and not. One reason, I think, is that we restrict ourselves early in the day to "be good." It's an old "dieting" way of thinking, like if I eat nothing all day, I will lose weight. So your body gets tired from lack of fuel and starts to send hunger signals, and you ignore them until evening comes, by which time you can't fight them off as much. Plus, now you are probably getting cravings for all sorts of junk food that will give your body a rapid energy burst because your body is sneaky like that. Eating your biggest meal in the morning or early afternoon can help reduce evening cravings, as can adding in more fiber with each meal in the form of vegetables, if you have the capacity. Try to shift your major calorie intake to early in the day so your evening meal is just a light bite to finish the day. If that doesn't help, try breaking the cycle of what triggers cravings at night. For me, watching television is a big one because of the association with old snacking habits, plus the constant food commercials. Sometimes recognizing the bad habit and naming it to yourself, like "I only think I am hungry because I am watching a commercial for a fast food restaurant right now" actually helps you overcome it.
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Have you spoken to your surgeon? I’d probably get in touch with them. Could it be a sensitivity to a particular food? Are there any commonalities in what you’re eating like dairy or gluten?
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When did you start indulge or give yourself a "cheat meal"
NickelChip replied to AmberFL's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I guess I've been doing this all along, at least once I was allowed regular foods. I'll have a small serving of ice cream if I go to an ice cream place. I had a couple bites of cheesecake a while back. I'll have a square of dark chocolate a few times a week. I generally order chicken or fish, and not fried, with veggies at a restaurant, but I'll eat the sauces and not worry about it. I'll eat a couple fries off someone else's plate. That'a all I want is one or two. My program is fairly simple, 60-80g protein and 64 oz water are the only rules I was given, (no specific calorie or carb rules) with an added recommendation of aim for 3 meals a day, about 40% protein per meal, and avoid snacking. Obviously, there is the list of good choices and not so good choices that we all know, like avoid oils and fried foods, and eat nutrient dense foods, etc. But I stopped keeping a written food journal every day because it isn't required of me, and for me, I don't want to live like I'm on a perpetual diet. Somewhere I heard the advice to follow a 90/10 rule. If 90% of what you eat is healthy, don't worry so much about the other 10%. That resonates with me. Also, I like the concept of a "planned indulgence" instead of a cheat meal. Cheating implies doing something wrong. Planning to indulge in something is deliberate and you're in control of it. For me, that fits my life. -
Where to start (in the UK)?
FifiLux replied to simonbRTRCPL's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I didn't have to pay for my surgery (financially anyway, just with lost months in hospital, lost bonuses from work, lost time with friends and family!) but look at it this way... think that what you will save on food post-op can go towards monthly payments -
26 Months since Bypass and my appetitie is out of control
SemperVeritas replied to Possum220's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Hi, sorry to hear about your struggles 😔 it can be so tough! I'm 17m post op bypass, and although my team was happy with my loss at one year post op, I wanted to lose more and was really aware of how much I wanted to eat, like I never stopped thinking about food. I started taking compounded semaglutide in April, and the low doses didn't do much for me, but I've recently reached the therapeutic dose, and it has been great! Just this morning I hit a normal BMI, something I thought I could never do. I've been thinking about posting about my experience with it, because it was made a huge difference in both my physical appetite and my thoughts about food. I weighed 157 at my one year post-op, and 144.8 this morning! And most of that has come off just the last two months. Any drawbacks - I have had a few "learning experiences" like I did post-op, but overall it's been fine. If your doctor thinks it might be worth a trial, maybe give it a try. ☺️ I know it's making a big difference for lots of people. -
Rapid gastric emptying. Possible treatment.
Lilia_90 replied to ShoppGirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I don't know if I am the right person to answer this as I'm a newbie (less than 6 months out), but I do get hungry every 2 hours and I need to be eating something every two hours if I have access to food (meaning not out running errands or busy with anything). But again what I eat is considered a very small portion which I assume is the case for everyone who's had WLS? Unfortunately if I'm not eating every 2 hours then I would barely get in 300 calories a day. So the point is, it depends on how much you eat that you feel hungry 2 hours later? If it is little food then it is completely understandable. -
5 weeks post op (Sadi S)
ShoppGirl replied to Milagros Roman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everyone’s post op plan is different. At five weeks I was on soft foods post SADI revision but it’s important to follow the plan your surgeon set for you. It goes by pretty fast. You will be able to eat again soon. For soups, if you get a good soup and strain it (like from a restaurant) that can be a little treat because the broth is more flavorful even if you can’t have the noodles. If you are on soft but just can’t have the noodles, try having just the broth with the veggies (celery can cause some people issues, though so be mindful of that). Honestly the longer you can go without having processed carbs the better. Carbs make you crave more carbs (or that’s how it works for many people anyways). -
You being able to drink more fluids is not due to your tummy being bigger. You probably are not having as much internal swelling as someone else does. Also, some never lose their ability to gulp a good bit of water, and you don't list your surgery, some bypass patients also have this happen. Fluids exit our stomach really quickly, some faster than others. The restriction with fluids early on is because of the internal swelling and how long it takes to get to the stomach through that swollen area. I had a LOT of swelling. Water went down at a trickle. I could literally hear it displace air in my stomach when it finally got there, like a little drain finally clearing. It was hilarious and so strange feeling. For me it took 3 weeks for this weirdness to stop. I can take a good 3-4 full swallows most days now before I get pressure from my tummy to slow down. I tell you all this because I know for a fact I have a larger sleeved stomach than most, my surgeon made it that way due to reflux. I've seen it empty fluids on imaging, it is fast as lightning! LOL Your tummy will not lead to bad food choices, even if it were bigger. But your mind will! Trust me, once you add solid proteins in, you will probably feel your restriction to some degree. Many never feel restriction with purees and fluids.
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Dumping Syndrome is Dumping!
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to Lilia_90's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
So I had the sleeve and then a year later revision to bypass (due to complications). I can tell you that I developed sensitivities and outright allergies to foods I had never had before IN MY LIFE after my surgeries. After my sleeve, I developed an allergy to peanuts. Not horrible, but I need to take something if I eat them, so I just don't eat them or anything with peanuts in them. I also became lactose intolerant. BADLY. So I avoid dairy and use almond milk and lactose free things. I also have a low tolerance for salt. I use to salt EVERYTHING and now I pretty much never use it at all because I can't tolerate the taste. It's very metallic tasting and gives me a headache. When I had my revision, all of that stayed the same PLUS I suddenly got a serious, life threatening allergy to shellfish. I have to carry an epi pen with me at all times. I can't eat it, touch it, or even be in the room when it's being cooked because even breathing in the proteins that are released into the air when it's being cooked causes a reaction. I was born and raised in Florida. Shellfish are a way of life there. I could LIVE on crab legs and shrimp. It literally BROKE MY HEART when I realized I'd never be able to eat it again. Also from the revision, I developed an allergy to surgical glue lol Didn't have that with my first surgery, or any other surgery before it, but from my revision on, can't tolerate it, and can barely tolerate band-aids lol I mean, what??? That's so strange to me, but it's true. I've had every test under the sun, and while it's common for taste buds and likes/dislikes for foods and drinks to change after these surgeries (definitely have that, as well), and even to develop sensitivities to foods like dairy and sugar and salt, it's rare to get such major allergies to foods (happens, but it's rare). So of course, my doctors were super interested in me lol Not trying to make history, ya'll, just tryin to feel better lol -
I’m 19 and i have gastric sugery
Arabesque replied to TheLostAngel's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Almost everyone slips up at some stage so don’t beat yourself up. Slipping again and again is when it becomes concerning. Remind yourself why you had the surgery & what you’re wanting to achieve. Remember the purpose of the staged return to eating (protect your healing tummy & not strain or stress it). It’s the beginning of your reflecting upon your relationship with food (the why, when, what & how you eat) too. Sometimes we just have to make the best choices we can in the situation we’re in. Maybe reflect on why you chose to slip this time. You can then use this for next time you’re in a similar situation. It will help you prepare ahead like maybe take your own food with you, review menus before going, eat before you go, etc. We do say there’s lots of head work to do along the way. Everyone’s experiences can be different. Like I didn’t have any real problem eating solid food after surgery (except for the temporary changes to my tastebuds making some foods taste awful). As to whether you have caused any problems this time, it sounds like you’re okay. Though remember all because you can (or did) doesn’t mean you should or should again. I’d tell my surgeon & dietician but also tell them why & what you’d do next time. Always best t be honest in all this. It will show you’re learning & growing. Ask them for tips too. All the best & congrats on your surgery. -
Rapid gastric emptying. Possible treatment.
Arabesque replied to ShoppGirl's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Interestingly, i just watched a medical program (hosted by the late Dr Michael Mosley) and a top UK gastro consultant said 2hrs is pretty average time frame for your tummy to empty of food. (His patient had delayed emptying - less than half after 3 hrs.) -
August Surgery buddies
ShoppGirl replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Feeling a little adventurous today. Made my purée egg salad with onion. It’s defiantly tasty. And so far so good. I know that there was onion in the fresh salsa I had with my refried beans but I only used a teaspoon full and not all onion so this was a lot more. I never had any issues with my sleeve but enough people talked about issues post Sadi with random foods I am more nervous this time. The thing is when they are talking “issues” I think they are talking about diarrhea so as long as I am home I guess it’s not the end of the world. -
August Surgery buddies
Mandalynne replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi everyone, I’m very new to forums, but it’s Nice to meet you all. I started this process back in February of this year, but I had been considering it for a while. my sister had the Gastric Sleeve, but my doctor wants me to get the Gastric Bypass, so that’s what I’m going to do. My starting weight was 266, i’m 5’3 with a BMI of 45… my doctor put my goal at 120.. fingers crossed. So insurance is covering it but I have a deductible. I have a surgery date of August 14, 2024. I’m currently on 2 week of the liquid diet. Today being the first day with absolutely no solid foods allowed. I had started preparing with purchasing toddler utensils and measured food containers, and a food scale. I stocked up on Ensure Max Protein, Unflavored protein powder, PB2 (no sugar added peanut butter powder), powdered banana and powdered freeze dried strawberries… all with no sugar added. I also bought Vanilla plant based protein powder. I blend a mixture of whatever flavor I want with 8 oz of skim milk or water. My routine is 2 ensures a day, then a powdered skim milk shake (in my ninja single blender) with whatever flavor, then I have 1 or 2 Progresso soup(s) for dinner (strained so I only get the broth)… the doctor said he didn’t care about the sodium only the sugar. If i need snacks, i drink 4oz of V8 juice original, or I have a sugar free chocolate pudding. i have been slowly buying and stocking baby food. I buy veggies and fruit and some mixed meals, but this is in preparation of the post-op puréed meal portion. I like to be prepared. I bought a 32oz water bottle on Amazon with that doesn’t have a straw (teaches me to sip). I know that I have to get through 2 of those a day minimum. I usually do pretty good. My biggest problem is that I don’t have the energy to get off my behind and use my Bowflex anymore. Sometimes I’ll do Beat saber for cardio but I’m just low on energy. Have to say low carb is rough and it gives me mild headaches every day. I’m worried that I’ll lose weight so fast that I won’t have time to protect the muscles I have because I don’t have the energy to work out. I’m now 6 days away from my surgery, I’m determined but nervous because the Bypass is a big change. I’m not a smoker, but to all of you out there quitting for this, kudos to you!! You can all do it if you set your mind to it. -
Gaining weight - experience of a decade
ShoppGirl replied to Gess's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had the sleeve and I started gaining just months after I reached goal. I was too embarrassed to reach out for help and ended up gaining it all back and had no choice but a revision. Good on you for reaching out here. My biggest piece of advice is to reach out to your team and get an appointment. Start logging your food again if you haven’t been and give them an honest picture of what you are eating so they can help you make tweaks. Also if you have a fitness watch, pull it out of the drawer and get a real picture of you current activity level. I thought for sure that my team was going to be so harsh on me and make me feel awful but they couldn’t have possibly been more understanding and all they wanted to do was help. For me the only real option was revision but for you some tweaks in your food and exercise may help, could be hormones so they may want to check that, weight loss medications in tablets or the newer option if the GLP-1 injections may even be an option. The other suggestion of support group meetings is a really good one too. I am doing so much better this time around because I am reaching out for support anywhere I can get it. This time I told more people so I have more people cheering me on and I have the in person support as well as on here and I am going to see the NP more of they than they usually require. I know that I need all the help that I can get. lol. -
Phase 3 Gastric Sleeve
ShoppGirl replied to Lulu60's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Did anyone tell you about the ricotta bake. That’s another thing that is good on purée/soft food. It’s basically lasagna without the noodles. You can bake it in the oven but I just microwaved it. Ricotta, marinara (without chunks) and low fat cheese. Some recipes that you bake call for an egg which may be better but I never tried that one. The refried brand reminded me because I basically lived on them two things for a while. -
What’s for dinner? The non cooks version.
ShoppGirl replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Food and Nutrition
I love salad. My husband usually barbecues a few times a week and I just ask him to make a couple chicken breasts and I can add whatever to make it a meal. Fruit and Chicken salad or “Market Salad” and low carb ceaser salad wraps are both in the rotation. I haven’t tried fish on salad. I don’t like salmon that much sadly. I know it’s so good for me but I think I will try it with mahii. I really hope that I can tolorate salads post SADI. Someone told me that they cannot post DS. That and the ones that say they can’t do a lot of fruit scare me a little. In terms of healthier food, they are my faves. With the sleeve I didn’t have any foods that gave me issies though and the sleeve part is already done so fingers crossed I will be okay with them. I never thought of looking for keto homey. I eat it so rarely. Thanks for the idea. -
I’m so scared my stomach will stretch out
NickelChip replied to sarahzinkann's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Yes, you are worrying too much, and if you are not hitting your protein and fluid targets because of this fear, you also risk endangering your health and recovery. Your stomach is stiff and swollen right now. It can't stretch out by having an extra sip of water or an extra ounce of food, though you might not feel well. On the other hand, spacing out food into small portions is appropriate. Just make sure you are consuming enough throughout the day and doing what your dietician recommends. I highly recommend you watch this video to put your mind at ease: -
August Surgery buddies
Hiddenroses replied to Averdra's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@Greekmom4 - Yay! I'm so happy for you to be close to purees! I don't get to have that step until Monday. Do the shakes not treat you well? I'm pretty burned out on them and they are admittedly a little pricy but getting down two of the 30g Protein Premier/Equate/Ensure has been the easiest way for me to meet my protein goals. Premier has a crazy amount of flavors and I'd put them in the lower-mid-range price point. I really like the Strawberry and as a long time coffee lover I will say the Caramel mixed with decaf coffee was a nice morning 'perk' that made me feel a little more like a normal human. The Banana one was ok, to me. I splurged and got their variety pack first off of Walmart. It's pricier that way per shake but at least lets you decide what flavors you like before committing to a four pack (or more) purchase of a given flavor. Also - 1000% agree on the bending! That's one factor I hadn't considered because I haven't had previous major surgeries - not to have things on the FLOOR that I need, lol. Thankfully my fella has been pretty patient about getting things for me that are out of reach. @ShoppGirl - I'm really glad you decided not to vacuum! I know how frustrating it is and must be for someone who seems so on top of things as you are, but try to be gentle with yourself! Recovering from either a gallbladder surgery OR bariatric surgery is a LOT, and you're doing both! Enjoy having that support person - and remember, I'm sure there are times when he leans on you, so it's totally ok to lean on him during this process. You'll be feeling like a million bucks and able to be Superwoman again before you know it! -
Share Your Keys To Success! How did you maintain your weight loss (Stay In Maintenance). Come on spill your secrets!
GreenTealael replied to Mspretty86's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
7 years out this November (I can’t believe it’s been that long!) 1. The surgery did all of the work. I didn’t wake up hungry, I didn’t feel like I could eat more than recommended. I didn’t have any (initial) complications that slowed the weight loss process. 2. I was really strict and followed every rule pre and post op. I was super serious because I absolutely needed this to work. My motivation remains for medical reasons first and aesthetics second. 3. I limited calories from liquids. 4. I am finally ready to admit that I have a narrow palate. I don’t like most food and definitely not most fast food but in a pinch I will eat it *some* things. I cook the vast majority of my meals and most are very boring by foodie standards. 5. I was converted from VSG to RNY at my goal weight (GERD etc) and I’m sure the durability of RNY has made a difference in maintaining. 6. I was given a higher BMI range by my surgeon and thank goodness because getting any lower would have been a real struggle without added benefits. 7. I invested in plastics. I shouldn’t make sense or a difference but I didn’t want to mess up the work I had done plus removed skin and fat cells are gone forever. 8. I address the smallest regains IMMEDIATELY adjusting behavior and intake. I’m not ashamed of it or ignore it, I weigh often to stay accountable to myself. 9. I found what works for me and focused on that, adjusting as needed. I try very, very hard not to compare myself with anyone else. I never attached self worth or morality to weight (gained or lost). I think it helped immensely that no one ever bothered me about weight. I realize it maybe a different story if this wasn’t the case. 10. I check in yearly with my bariatric team. -
Me 🙋♀️ I always drank cow's milk. My entire life. Never had an issue. After my sleeve, I switched from full fat to 2% but was still fine. HOWEVER, after my revision to bypass, I became COMPLETELY lactose intolerant. I drink almond milk now and use non dairy cheese and nutritional yeast. Anything dairy gives me all kinds of problems now. I developed a few food allergies after my bypass that I never had before. Super weird...
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BlondePatriotinCDA- I have been tracking my food and beverages until yesterday I was eating 500-600 calories a day for the last year waking up at night is the only way I am able to increase my intake. My symptoms aside from low calorie intake was severe hair loss, extreme fatigue like I could only be awake for a few hours at a time. I have epilepsy with medication I typically have 1 seizure a month, suddenly I was having severe a week. My mood also changed I am usually a very happy bubble person and my thoughts and emotions started going to a very dark place. I lost the ability to think clearly, could not even watch a 30 min show without losing g focus. I was snapping at everyone and I had a general unwell feeling and I started to get back pain and upper stomach pain. Then my blood pressure dropped low.
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Another observation on feeling full
NickelChip replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My advice is start slow. Choose moist foods. Chew twice as long as you think you need to. Eat half the size bite you think is a small bite. I did so well on soft foods that I was sure I could handle anything really easily. I could not. I have gotten sick so many times from something that was too dry, or eaten too quickly. And it's no fun! But you'll quickly learn what works for you. For example, I no longer microwave leftover meat. I try to use the leftovers cold, like on a salad. I may try steaming to reheat instead of the microwave, but haven't yet so can't vouch for it. Microwaving meat gets me in trouble every time. -
When did you start indulge or give yourself a "cheat meal"
ms.sss replied to AmberFL's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
same. and "anything i want" includes chocolate and chips and fried foods and sauces/gravvies and high-fat things and desserts and pizzas and bread, etc. etc. BUT not in copious amounts (for the most part). BUT i also eat salads and veggies and lean meats and cottage cheese and tofu and fruits, also not in copious amounts (for the most part). mind you my weight loss phase days are long behind me, but even during weight loss phase, i would occasionally have foods that were "off plan". like mentioned above, i was closer to maybe eating "what i was supposed to be eating" maybe 75-80% of the time. though my total average calories were always low regardless of what i was eating. -
Share your favorite air fryer and instant pot recipes!
NickelChip posted a topic in Regular foods (stage 4)
I am 4 months post-op and after spending way too much time researching, I finally got myself an air fryer! It's the combo type that is built into a toaster oven, so I can keep it out year-round without losing more counter space to appliances. I was also gifted an Instant Pot last Christmas and I will be the first to admit I have barely used it despite hearing so many people rave about them. Now that it's summer and too hot for the regular oven and stovetop, could you help me out with your (preferably simple) favorite bariatric-friendly recipes that use the air fryer or Instant Pot? I don't have any food restrictions except the usual "low carb, low fat" post-surgery recommendations, and try to keep things as minimally processed as possible. -
Head hunger/food noise
Arabesque replied to Erin18's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Simply put head hunger (& food noise) is not real hunger. It just often is more powerful & what we listen to. They often have an emotional cause - sad, angry, anxious, stressed, frustrated, etc. & you use food to comfort or sooth yourself. They can have a hormonal cause like craving carbs in the lead up to your period. They can get louder when you’re bored or because of habit & what you’re doing like watching tv. After surgery they can be particularly strong. You can be on a emotional roller coaster after surgery, your hormones can be all over the place, everything is strange & you can worry about doing the right thing or making a mistake - information overload, you may have some pain or discomfort for a little while after, and so on. Generally, if you’re craving a specific food, flavour or texture it’s head hunger. Your tummy rumbling (hunger pains/pangs) aren’t usually a sign of real hunger either - just your digestive system working. Real hunger feels different. Because we tended to listen to the food noise & head hunger cues we forget what real hunger feels like. I get restless like something is wrong. Don’t crave anything. And there is always a logical & legitimate reason to be hungry - I haven’t eaten (missed a meal) or didn’t eat much of my previous meal or it’s around or after my usual meal time. Distraction is the easiest & most commonly used technique to help. Read, check social media & this forum, phone a family me, ring friend, harder, craft, go for a walk, undertake a household task (clean out a cupboard or drawer), sip a warm drink. Delay satisfying the head hunger or food voice - often it will lessen in intensity & can pass after 30+/- minutes. I used to ask myself do I need this food or need the next bite or do I just want it. If I want it why? Actually I still do this a lot. Makes you really think about what’s driving you to eat, why the food voice or head hunger is shouting & it works towards understanding your relationship with food, Have a chat with your therapist too. If you didn’t meet with one as part of your pre surgery process, it may be helpful to ask for a referral to help you work your way through this. Many find them extremely helpful.
