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My sister took 2 weeks off from her bypass surgery (office job, but had 2 little kids under 10 at home). My old boss took 4 weeks (teacher). Neither had robotic surgery which research said costs more but is supposed to be less painful with potentially faster recovery. I work in elementary special ed, and I'm taking just shy of 2 weeks (Mar 26-Apr 7) going back on a half day/non-instruction planning day Apr. 8th to see how I feel. I might take the rest of that week off for an extra 4 days if I'm healing slow. My clinic paperwork says patients will generally be able to swallow any med under the size of a pinkie nail after surgery. Pill powder (or crushed pills) can be put in thin liquid or applesauce. They recommend one a day bariatric fusion multivitamins but to take them x2 a day. The nutritionist said to either get the chewable or to open up the capsule and put it in a spoon of food/fluid. I have a splitter already but a pill crusher might be handy.

Hello everyone I'm Pre-Op VSG scheduled for March 10, 2020. I was wondering if there's others with a similar date or live in NYC with close dates?! Id love to have a surgery buddy or even just a group of people who also want someone to "go through" this with when others may not understand!

Yes, I had to lose 77 lbs before I could have surgery. Some insurance policies require people to lose 10% of their body weight. Thirteen pounds doesn't seem like that much. Count your calories a do some walking each day. As part of the pre-op you will probably meet with a nutritionist, so ask them for help.

My sister took 2 weeks off from her bypass surgery (office job, but had 2 little kids under 10 at home). My old boss took 4 weeks (teacher). Neither had robotic surgery which research said costs more but is supposed to be less painful with potentially faster recovery. I work in elementary special ed, and I'm taking 2 weeks (Mar 26-Apr 7) going back on a half day/non-instruction planning Wednesday to see how I feel. I might take the rest of that week off for an extra 4 days if I'm healing slow.

Y’all!! Someone posted the Ricotta Bake recipe on the other thread and OMG. It. Is. Heaven. I served it over spaghetti noodles for my 10 year old and she LOVES it. This will now be in our rotation!!!

Hi. My BMI was 35.8. And my weight at the start of pre op was 222. Day of surgery on 10/15/19 was 207. I am now 162ish with a BMI of 26. I’m thrilled with my progress so far. I’m getting so close to a normal BMI I can taste it! Lol I had several co morbidities (except diabetes). I’m much healthier already after only 4 months! I don’t know your age but I can tell you that unless you get your weight by some means, it will only get worse. Best wishes!!

I firmly agree. I bought a vintage ballroom style long tutu that was labeled either a 10 or 12 ... And they meant it 😂. It fits me how a modern 6 or 8 now fits.

Have you ever thought of coming to the states like our cities NYC, LA, Miami, Atlanta, Boston or Chicago to shop? I, too, have trouble fitting into clothing that is sized correctly, well-constructed (like you said, art) and proportioned for petite XS and, in some cases XXS. The surrounding villages/towns of all these major cities have amazing boutique shoppes to your absolute delight! Have you ever shopped at Saks Fifth Avenue? I have found some nice ready made dresses, slacks and unique pieces in suitable sizes. Bloomingdales, too. Their sales can be very rewarding as I re-build my classic wardrobe slowly. All my shoes and beautiful couture full figure clothing are all gone now. I grieved them - I wanted to look nice even in a size 1, 2 or 3X. Whomever adopts them is one lucky individual considering not only their cost, excellent condition but the time, effort and travel to procure them... My garment seamstress has quickly become my best friend. Shopping on line is simply not the same experience. I hate to think we might loose all our fine department stores. Wish there could be a balance. I like amazon, too. And, I like to support our local businesses as well. The average American size is now 12 in the states but has shifted to a 10. The American consumer does not want to admit that they are actually a size 12 or 14. Clothing sizes have shifted upwards and should be taken with a grain of salt fueled by deceptive advertising + marketing + sales. True sizing can still be found in high-end boutiques, most designer goods and vintage shops. And, they will tell you the truth via your measurements. I love upscale consignment shops especially garments made in the 40's, 50's, 60's and labeled small...they really are an authentic small! I feel for you. Not shopping too much yet after plastics but know I will have a similar issue. I like quality not quantity - mix and match and eclectic.

Initially I didn't really tell anyone. I wanted to be secretive in the beginning and I was... but that has slowly changed. So... I first started talking with a co-worker about it. She had it done 4 years ago (I was September 2019). I got a lot of support initially from her. I waited to tell my husband until I NEEDED him to know. Why/When did I need him to know? After my first appointments with my surgeon and nutritionist and I had to tell him because I was leaving the country for 5 weeks and I needed him to help me schedule some appointments for pre-surgery testing. He did NOT want me to have surgery. He made that very clear. But I insisted I was doing it, so he begrudgingly (sort of) helped me make appointments. He still tried to talk me out of surgery until the DAY OF surgery. He was scared I would die or something. But... he was also the one who took care of me in the hospital. Now he is proud of me for getting my health back. My daugther: I told her a few days before I had the surgery, only because she lives with me and she needed to know why I would spend the night in the hospital and then not go to work for a while. She is 16. She thinks it was stupid I had the surgery, but she doesn't give me much flak about it. My sons: I waited until a month after surgery to tell them, only when 1 was coming home for a visit. Both boys were surprised I did it, but they didn't really say anything bad about it. My younger son is still trying to just figure out what my new diet is lol. Co-workers: I ended up telling a couple before surgery and I knew they would be supportive. Otherwise, I was keeping it a secret initially. I still have not told the rest of my family (parents/siblings etc). I have no plans to tell anyone else. I did end up eventually telling everyone in my main office building and a few in other buildings that I work with... very selective with people outside my building. I will tell you, I was shocked at how interested and how supportive almost everyone has been! I get the most judgement from my own immediate family, but even that hasn't been unbearable or anything. My husband's reaction was out of fear for my health and safety. My daughter, just because she is 16 and judgmental of everything (mom and dad are ALWAYS an embarrassment stage). The only negative reaction I got from others was from someone who is much bigger than I was, who needs something like this much more than I did. And really... other than whatever she said in the first minutes after learning that I had surgery.... she has simply not talked to me much since. And that is OK with me. She isn't ready to face having surgery herself, so I won't talk about mine unless she asks. And she won't. And that is OK. If she changes her mind, I will share my experience. So... all in all... I am now happy to share with the people I am willing to share with. And the rest? If they figure it out, fine. If they don't, that is great too! I will tell you also, I have another co-worker who has asked a ton of questions and is now in the beginning stages of considering surgery for herself. I am so glad she knows she can come to me for support/guidance and I am happy to help her and anyone else thinking about going through the process. Hope this helps! Edited to add... my PCP was the one who referred me to my bariatric surgeon. She was great about it. My Sleep Apnea doc didn't really say much. My OBGYN didn't care either way (But when I asked for more IV fluids for a procedure shortly after my VSG, he was happy to order them). Haven't seen my cardiologist since I decided to have surgery, but he wanted me to lose weight. If he isn't supportive or gives me a hard time about it, I would probably just switch docs. But I like this guy and I think he will be happy my weight is down.

Ugh! I am so frustrated. The scale hasn’t moved in two weeks! I don’t know what to do. I’m 5 months post op. I’m eating about 700 calories a day. Doc wants me up to 1000, but it’s been tough to get there. I haven’t had a whole lot of energy the past month, but I upped my protein shakes to twice a day and that has helped with my energy considerably. I admit I haven’t been too strict with my diet relying mostly on the tiny portions that I eat keeping me in check, which they have in the sense that I’m not getting very many calories. I do try and make sure I’ve gotten my protein in each day, and my water. I just don’t see how 700 calories a day can keep me at 185lbs for 2 weeks without so much as one pound lost. I have been loosing slow from the get go and now its trickling to a hault. I’m 50lbs down since surgery but my weight loss can’t already be stopping. Can it? Please advise. Or share you similar story. HW 238, SW 230, CW 185 Surgery date September 19, 2019

For me, it was much better 3-4 days after, but really, it wasn't completely gone for 10 days. I laughed that I had surgery because I was fat, and after surgery, I came out looking fatter! 😆It gets better!

I posted this on the Sophomore thread then realized I should have posted it here: I don’t know if I’m still a Sophomore, I kind of feel like a Junior now. I had my 18 month post op today! The Dr. & nutritionist are both thrilled with my results, although my Dr. would like me to gain 10 pounds because of my age (59). I was honest with him and said there was no way I could psychologically handle an intentional gain at this point which he understood. I’m not losing anymore and I’ve read that a 10 pound bounce is very common by year 2. There is a monthly support/informational meeting at the hospital for pre and post op patients, they asked me to give a presentation followed by a question and answer session next month. I’m kind of nervous and very flattered that they asked me to do it. I asked if she wanted me to send her a copy of what I plan to say and she replied, ‘No, we trust you”. I could use some advice. I’m going to discuss my experience of course, foods, menu planning, restaurants, exercise, journaling and most importantly attitude, emotions, expectations, reality and getting and keeping your mindset and motivation.  Please hit me up with ideas, I want to do a good job! Sorry about the “Call an audible “ confusion: call an audible (third-person singular simple present calls an audible, present participle calling an audible, simple past and past participle called an audible) (American football) To change the play at the line of scrimmage by yelling out a new one. (US, idiomatic) To change plans at the last minute based on newly revealed information.

Yesterday Wednesday, Feb 12 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.25 yr PO Sleeve / 116.8 lbs ---------------------------------------- I heart SLEEP... ---------------------------------------- 10:00am - coffee w/ stevia 3:00pm - salad w/ vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + red onions + tomatoes + 1/2 fl oz pumpkin seeds + 1oz feta cheese + 1 slice prosciutto + 1.5 oz pork loin tossed in 1/2 tbsp cream cheese + 3 oz pan fried brussel sprouts in bacon fat 6:00pm - salad w/ vinaigrette + 2 oz seafood salad (2 oz imitation crab + celery + 1/4 tbsp mayonnaise) 9:00pm - 3/4 cup greek yogurt + 1fl oz pumpkin seeds + 1 oz blueberries + 3 squares dark chocolate --------------------------------------- Totals: 982 cals - 60g Protein 37g NET carbs - 56g fat

My BMI was 39 when I had my consultation. I self paid (in the uk) and it's now 22. (It had gone down to 19 at its lowest and people tell me I was too thin. I'd argue but I'd probably agree it's ok now :)) Anyway, I had no real co-morbidity, but my twin had type 2 and had had a stroke and I just felt enough already with losing and gaining the same stone over and over - like sisyphus running the boulder up a hill! So my weight loss has been around the 100lbs all told and it's enough. But it's your body, your weight and your choice. I would also say that I have cause, daily, to feel glad about my size. I LOVE my clothes, my skin isn't too bad (yeah I'd love a lift but I'm 56 and I'm not sure I can be bothered!), I'm fit and healthy and my confidence has increased. What's not to love. Go for it. We''re worth it!

Awe you are too sweet. Until last night I legit “tapped out” and told the hubs he had bedtime.... he was SHOCKED! I LOVE bedtime - I don’t care how old they are I’m crawling into their beds and loving on them. But Mama was back last night and did her thing. My 10 year old grabbed my face and said Mama I missed this.... UGH heart breaker!! She was one of my reasons for having the surgery!! But honestly, thanks so much. I love you guys and it’s good to know y’all care xoxo xoxo

I don’t know if I’m still a Sophomore, I kind of feel like a Junior now. I had my 18 month post op today! The Dr. & nutritionist are both thrilled with my results, although my Dr. would like me to gain 10 pounds because of my age (59). I was honest with him and said there was no way I could psychologically handle an intentional gain at this point which he understood. I’m not losing anymore and I’ve read that a 10 pound bounce is very common by year 2. There is a monthly support/informational meeting at the hospital for pre and post op patients, they asked me to give a presentation followed by a question and answer session next month. I’m kind of nervous and very flattered that they asked me to do it. I asked if she wanted me to send her a copy of what I plan to say and she replied, ‘No, we trust you”. I could use some advice. I’m going to discuss my experience of course, foods, menu planning, restaurants, exercise, journaling and most importantly attitude, emotions, expectations, reality and getting and keeping your mindset and motivation. Please hit me up with ideas, I want to do a good job!

I feel like a million bucks. When I had my sleeve done 6 years ago I was in terrible ain, was very nauseous, and vomiting. Not this time! The changed the medications they used and thin time was great. I was admitted at 10:45 in the OP by 1pm. I was discharged less than 24 hours later.

So, I had VSG on July 25, 2019. I haven’t had any issues or stalls or anything for about 5 months. Then comes January. I lost about 5 lbs total that month. I had no changes in my diet or anything, and I was eating about 900 cals/day and going to the gym lifting/doing cardio 3-4 times a week. I gained and lost the same two pounds the last two weeks of that month. I had my birth control implant changed in December, so I started thinking that maybe hormones were playing a part because I was on point with everything else. Now it’s February, and I’ve lost 17 lbs since last Thursday (according to my scale). Let me explain. I usually only weigh myself in Wednesday’s, but since I hadn’t been losing, I was temporarily keeping track of my weight every couple of days. I weighed in at 244.4 last Thursday. Last Saturday, I weighed 238.7. I thought this was reasonable because maybe I had been retaining water and maybe I lost a couple of pounds. Fine. Yesterday, I weighed 234.5. I was shocked. I was expecting around the same number I had seen two days before. It’s worth noting that I only record my Wednesday weight. That’s the “official” one. The others are just to see if I need to make any tweaks. Well this morning, after weighing in at 234.5 yesterday, I weighed 227.5. HOW?!?! What is going on?!?! I weigh myself on the same scale wearing the same thing (which is nothing) each time. My brain can’t make sense of this. I stepped off the scale to clear it, let it turn off, then I stepped on again, and it was the same weight. Has this happened to anyone else? Because 17 lbs is like, first couple of weeks post-op numbers. I was afraid to record it because I’m terrified I’m gonna rebound or something. Any guidance you guys could give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!

I'm really struggling. Yesterday I still had IV fluids until around noon; Beginning last evening I started peeing all that out. I woke up this morning genuinely thirsty, but I can only take a tiny sip or I get nauseous. I've dry heaved after taking my chopped up medicine. This morning I sucked on a sugar free popsicle while walking around my house. It was a tiny popsicle, and I got about a third in before I started to get that nauseous feeling. It was great until then, though! This morning I filled a 24 ounce water bottle and put it in the fridge. I am taking an ounce or so at a time, with a couple of ice cubes, and just sipping it. Re-fill, repeat. I am also going to try to make a cup of hot mint tea, with a little stevia, and sip that until I can't, then refrigerate the rest for some iced tea later. 8 oz. more I'm going to try some bone broth this afternoon. 8 oz. liquid PLUS 9 g. or protein; we'll see how much I can get in. I've set alarms for 10, 2 and 6 to try to get as much protein shake in as I can. But today I am all about hydrating first. I feel like I am girding for battle! But on the upside, I'm more sore than in pain, and I slept 5 straight hours! Got up, took Tylenol, then walked around for a bit, went back to bed and slept another 3hours! Yeah for sleep! How is your post-op battle progressing?

Really good but i can't find the recipe 😢 i saw it on an Instagram video about 15 mins ago ran and made it and the post disappeared But this is the closest recipe i could find https://freshlydafna.com/2019/07/11/double-chocolate-sea-salt-cookies/

I’m 2/19 surgery date too! I was put on a 2 week pre-op diet. Only shakes and then 2oz of lean meat or 2 eggs at lunch. Dinner is 2 oz of lean meat or 2 eggs, 1 small piece of fruit and 1 half cup of starch or piece of bread. Unlimited non starchy veggies though. Ahhh. Almost a week til surgery!

Hey @DB in AZ I’m Glad to hear you are doing so well. I’m doing good. I have a 10 day pre-op diet so I just started on Sunday. I can have some foods but mostly yogurt, a little fruit, 3 oz of fat free deli meat, and protein shakes. I was a very heavy Pepsi drinker (like that is all I drank throughout the day) so I knew the caffeine withdrawal would be wicked and it was. Sunday night and yesterday, I felt really bad but I am feeling great today. I’m not hungry after eating the little bit that I’m allowed. I felt like the time was flying until I started my pre-op. Now it seems to be dragging a little lol but we’ll get there. And I agree. This forum has been really great!

10 months BEFORE wls surgery vs. 15 months AFTER wls surgery

Monday feb 10 29 months PO/5'2"/ CW 169.0 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Breakfast: coffee + almond milk Lunch: big salad+ 2 oz tuna + mayo Snack: salad + almonds / coffee + almond milk Dinner: lavish roll + 4 oz beef pastrami Snack: 4 oz greek yogurt + SF jello ------------------------------------------------------------------- Totals- 918 cals/64g protien/ 47g net carbs/ 51g fat Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had RNYGB about 10 years ago, dropped from just 0ver 400 to 175 in 7 months, I have varied up to 210 and back down again since. I am currently at 178 so I would say it was a success, I developed strictures with what VA called an Anastomotic Ulcer between 2 strictures, they decided to use a balloon to open the strictures so I could swallow my pills. You can probably guess the result, one perforated intestine. It is amazing how little the VA knows about these procedures and it took years to get put on instant release meds, I am still on extended release omeprazole because that is the only option VA gives the Doctors, I have been on a feeding tube since Aug 2019 and just received another 3 months supply of solution, because of multiple strictures they are against trying anything else. So other than not being able to eat a hamburger in 10 years and now not being able to eat anything thicker than cream soup strained I am actually quite glad that I had the procedure. Now if I could get enough food in me so I quit winding up in the Hospital for Malnutrition I would be perfect, not the fault of the RNYGB