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-In regards to the straws, some doctors say yes, some say no. It's honestly just to avoid any extra gas in your stomach. I'm 3 months out & I finally started drinking with straws again, but small sips to avoid any extra air. I would avoid it during the first couple of months -In terms of 'testing' it seems standard that you recieve a small water cup, broth & jello for your first meal post op. If you have any negative reactions, tell your nurses! However a lot of the time most discomfort or nausea you feel is normal. -Broth. Your doctor should give you a sheet or at least inform you of all the options you have during the liquid stage but yeah, my program reccomended everything to be low sodium! -For your bonus, take your biggest comfiest pj pants for when you leave. I took pj pants that fit just right & they were suddenly too tight when I was being discharged because of the gas they pumped in. It made the car ride home uncomfortable, don't make the same mistake I made!

1) There is some disagreement about this, but I have used straws since 1 month post-op, and I haven't had the slightest problem. 2) I used the Bariatric Fusion multivitamin, and it worked for me. My vitamin levels are normal. 3) What do you mean when you say "tested"? 4) N/A 5) I can't imagine showering after surgery. Too sore, incisions still healing. I think I waited about a week. Bonus: do a search here. That question is asked often. No drain placed for sleeve.

Hey guys, so, I have a few questions and I will ask my surgeon as well at my upcoming pre surgery appointment. 1. Are straws allowed while drinking anything? I swear I was told that you can 2. I'm thinking about getting the bariatric fusion vitamins. The nurse at the bariatrics office tells me that she recommends them over getting the vitamins separately. Do I still need other vitamins on top of those? 3. So, I was wondering if we get tested the day after surgery to see if everything is working the way they're supposed to? Or is every surgeon different? (Like I said I will be asking my surgeon all of these questions) 4. Soups...we can use the broth in any soup? Probably the lower sodium soups right? 5. Last, but not least. Do they usually let you take a shower after surgery or do you have to wait awhile? I would really like to shower before I come home. Surgery is getting closer and closer...ahh! 2 Bonus question, what is or did everyone pack for surgery? Is their going to be a drain placed? Nurse told me to make a list of any questions I may have. I'm so nervous and my insides are going to be strange lol

Ah now that’s a complicated question & there is no definitive answer. There’ll be those who tell you sleeve is the best or bypass is the way to go, etc. The thing to remember is that was the surgery that was best for them. And yes there’ll be those who say they wished they’d chosen another surgery. There are some issues that can make one surgery a much better option over another. For example if you have pre existing reflux/gerd sleeve is not for you or you have a lot of weight to lose bypass may be a better choice. There are other pre existing conditions that may need to be taken into consideration too. As well as factors like your weight loss & gain history, lifestyle, eating style & preferences, etc. Best advice is to do lots of reading & gather information like this yourself & then have a long conversation with your surgeon & see what they recommend based on your medical status, general health & with consideration of the factors mentioned above & then make your decision. As for the long term effects of, I presume maintaining your weight, it really comes down to you. The changes you’re willing to make to your eating, how compliant you are in the long term with your new way of eating, the activity you choose to add to your lifestyle, etc. The surgery is a tool & it’s success depends on how you use it & the sustainability of the changes you make. My surgeon recommended a sleeve after going through everything with me & answering my questions. I was leaning that way anyway as I didn’t want as major a change as with bypass. My weight had only become a serious obese issue with menopause before that I bounced between a BMI of 23 healthy & 29 overweight). I had some existing food sensitivities. I dislike taking medications. Didn’t have any co morbidities - my general health was good. Was fairly controlled about a lot of my eating & was aware of food choices, portion sizes, etc. Didn’t want the increased possibility of dumping (already had random episodes of hypoglycaemia) or absorption issues (especially calcium & iron as a menopausal woman). And yes, it was the right choice for me & my situation & needs. I lost all my weight & more. I’m only 3.75yrs out but have pretty much maintained my weight except for a very fast 2kg (4lbs) gain after my gall was removed in June 2021 which reduced my absorption of protein (so made a dietary change) & we also recently discovered my HRT. I had lost about 0.5kg of the 2kgs over almost a year but since I went on a HRT patch 3 months ago I’ve lost a kg without trying (Damn hormones - or lack of in my case.) Will be interesting to see if the last 0.5kg goes too & I end up where I was at 49kg. That’s my story anyway. All the best whichever surgery you choose.

I echo the above - it’s likely a stall. As for not for not being able to eat all your advised portion, that’s okay & something we’ve all experienced at times. At the moment you’re still healing & early out so it’s not unusual to not feel hungry, not interested in eating, not wanting to eat all your serve, or to become temporarily sensitive to certain tastes, textures or smells which can effect what or how much you eat. The bigger concern would be if you were eating more than your portion. As long as your meeting or being close to your protein goal you’ll be okay. You’ll find it all gets easier as you progress. As for drinking, is it the taste or texture of what you’re drinking that upsets you? Or do you have discomfort on swallowing? Many of us found warm drinks easier to drink initially - more soothing than cold drinks. I found plain water almost too heavy to drink at first. Try varying what you drink throughout the day. Try a flavoured water (or just add a little lemon or lime juice), protein water, green or herbal tea, yoghurt drinks (make your own by adding milk to your preferred yoghurt), etc. I used to open bottles of sparkling water & let them go flat & drink them too. And ensure you are sipping slowly enough for you. At 3.75yrs I still have leftovers in my fridge from meals I couldn’t finish a few times a week. Last night I had the leftover vegetables & a lamb cutlet I didn’t eat from the night before. Just added another cutlet so I met my goals.

It took me 2-3 weeks to get to a point where I could sustain an adequate level of thought to muddle through working at home. It was a combination of getting to a point where pain wasn't completely disabling and the ability to consume enough calories consistently to keep my brain working. It was only about a week more before I could manage office attendance. A work acquaintance just had Gastric Bypass a couple months ago and was useless for work for 6 weeks which included a bad period of a couple weeks that had him back in the hospital for a couple days. Part of his problem was trying to work too hard too soon which compounded the other issues. If there's a lesson it's don't push too hard too soon. Good luck, Tek

I had a desk job (I'm retired now). I took three weeks off but could have gone back after two. With working from home, you may not even need that much time - although like St77 said, it tends to be an individual thing.

That's hard to say. I was in the hospital for 3 days because there were issues with pain control and originally I had planned to take 2 1/2 weeks off (I also work from home), but ended extending it an additional week due to complications. Some people have taken less time, others take a bit more, so it really seems to be an individual basis. Do you have flexibility with using less time off or getting more as needed?

I was going to say the same thing - it sounds like the infamous "three week stall" (most of us have our first major stall within the first month or so after surgery - it's usually the third week (hence the name), but not always. Sometimes it's the second or fourth week (and occasionally even a little later). The best thing to do is make sure you're following your plan to a "T", and stay off the scale for a few days if you have to. Stalls usually last 1-3 weeks, although occasionally they'll last a little longer. But it WILL break as long as you stick to your plan. as far as exercising, you might want to check with your clinic for their recommendations. I was allowed to walk (and ENCOURAGED to walk) right away. I was cleared to do most other exercise ( other than weights) at about a month out. I was able to do weights at eight weeks out, I think.

I had my surgery 11/28 and struggle with this too. I now take 3 colace a day, two in the morning and one at night which is the maximum daily dose. I still only poop now once every few days but it’s not as miserable as before. If miralax is too much for you, you can try half of a capful instead of a full one.

Your body is adjusting, just follow your plan and it will pass. There is an iconic "3 week stall" which you seem to be right around there. Around 3 weeks post-op a lot of people hit a stall. Basically staying at the same weight for a little bit, just still to your plan and it will pass.

Hello everyone, today it has been 7 weeks since I got my surgery (was November 30th.) Since then I have lost 30 lbs. 54 lbs total from the pre surgery weight that I lost. My bmi was 42 now it is down to 32. Half way to my goal weight! Started at 241. Am now 187 goal weight 135!

Hi everyone, I had my Gastric Lap Band done 17 years ago. I lost 60kilos over the first 2 years. I fluctuated between putting on 6 kilos and losing it again over the 17 years. ATM I am under my goal weight. I’ve been quite ill for some months. Severe reflux, stomach pain, nausea, back pain, no appetite, night vomiting, (into my airway) night coughing and general feeling unwell. I underwent an endoscopy yesterday, it was suggested my band has slipped? And the band is very tight. I have not had an adjustment or seen a surgeon about my banding in over 8 years. Th Dr performing the Endoscopy is recommending my Dr refer me to to a Gatric banding specialist ASAP. His suggestion was, they may have to remove the band? I don’t see the Dr for a week, then there is the wait to see a specialist, and then????? That’s all a long wait while I feel so ill. Anyway my question is. If I have to have my lap band removed. IF THERE IS NO FURTHER DAMAGE. Can they replace it immediately with mother Lap Band. I m 68 years old and don’t want a Major surgery of Gastric Sleeve.

I have been lurking for a couple of weeks and finally joined today. I have gotten a tentative approval for VSG. Final approval is dependent on heart health clearance via results of echocardiogram, which is scheduled mid-February. Hopefully, I can set up my surgery in March. I view Gastric Sleeve and all bariatric procedures, as tools to help, not as a sure fix....it is not the easy way out as some would claim! I have been severely hypothyroid since I was 20 years old after having most of my thyroid removed because of Graves' Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroid). Although, I take thyroid replacement, synthetic drugs do not work as well as your own natural hormones. For the past 40 years, my weight issues have been cyclical "hills and valleys". I would normally stay slim about 12 years and then would go into a gaining pattern but never topping more than 163, lasting 6 to 7 years before dropping the excess weight again. In 2012, I suffered a head injury and my weight exploded. I went from 117 to 212 in 8 months! The medical community is now starting to study the relationship of TBI's (traumatic brain injury) and weight gain. I can relate a definitive change in my food cravings and appetite. This time, I couldn't get the weight off even though I had a history of successful dieting. My resolve was as strong as ever but something had changed with the head injury. What this proves is the path to losing weight and maintaining a healthy weight is rockier and steeper for some than others through no fault of their own. The adverse changes to my health was the catalyst that motivated me to look into VSG. I recently had to start on HBP meds and have a been experiencing knee issues. I have always enjoyed an active lifestyle but the extra weight has elevated my fears of a stroke or heart attack due to heart palpitations and shortness of breath with even the slightest exertion. I am certain I will be asking lots of questions and am grateful for such a knowledgeable and supportive group.

I just wanted to post this since i haven't seen one with the requirements. I am getting VSG in March here in New York. My insurance is Healthfirst with Medicaid and they cover bariatric surgery with the 6 month process. I have no comorbities, only a bmi of 47. My surgeon only required a psych eval, 3 nutritionist visits by phone (oct,nov,dec) and an endoscopy which i did in Nov. Every month i also have to go for a weigh in at my primary doctor's office for the 6 months (Sept-Feb). February is month 6 of the process which is when everything will be sent to insurance for authorization for my surgery in March. Hope this helps!

I actually learned a magic solution from someone on these boards. Smooth move tea which has senokot. My gastroenterologist approved it for 2-3 times a week. You take it in the evening and by the next morning after your first coffee or tea you’re a new person. Whoever i recommended it to can’t stop thanking me- it is a lifesaver

I was not a fan of Noom for a lot of the same reasons. Apparently steamed cheesy broccoli that you can find in the freezer section is a red (bad) food. Some of the suggestions they gave on separate weeks were that intermittant fasting is good, then to beware going too long between meals because you would get too hungry. I kept thinking, make up your mind with the advice.

A few months late to this thread, but want to bump for gratitude that it exists! I have these same questions - how are cardiac patients doing post-op? @OP, how are things going for you since creating this thread? I've just completed my pre-surgery checklist and annual echocardiogram this past week and everything is stable. I was diagnosed with non-ischemic cardiomyopathy a few years ago and am on a combination of calcium channel blockers and blood pressure meds. With the BP meds, my BP runs relatively low in the 100s/60s and I recognize my dosing will likley change post-op. I'm curious to know how others are doing.

Not at all true for me - 33lbs in the first 12 weeks but 104 in total (I'm exactly 14 months out). Everyone is so different - totally to be expected.

I’ve been working with the Bariatric program here since last June and finally got my surgery date for 3/8. After discussion with my surgeon we decided on the sleeve

Not really. 12 weeks after my surgery I had lost 73 pounds; I have lost a total of 123. So, in my case I had lost well over half what I've lost toal.

At 12 weeks I had lost 36lbs from surgery, 56 from highest. At 1 year I was down 80lbs from surgery, 100lbs from highest. I reached goal (114lbs lost) at 14 months. I think this is HIGHLY variable depending on start weight, how much total weight you want to lose, metabolism, etc etc etc. It might be a helpful anecdote, but probably not something to take as fact.

I lost 53 pounds in the first 12 weeks and an additional 68 pounds for a total of 121 pounds the first year (not counting the weight I lost before my surgery). The second year I lost another 26 pounds. Then this year I gained back some weight and am up about 13 pounds from my lowest weight (but this is common to gain back in your third year).

How much does your plan recommend? If they didn’t give you portion size recommendations I’d ask ask for some that will meet your needs especially if you feel more comfortable & confident with them. Best advice then is to follow your plan. Remember all because you can doesn’t mean you should. As you know there are differences with plans. Like I was told 1/4 - 1/3 cup from purée slowly increasing to about a cup near goal. I was never given calorie goals. Some are advised a larger portion because they are given a higher caloric goal. (I wasn’t given calorie goals just portion size recommendations.) I’d think everyone is able to eat/drink more soup, shakes & broths because they’re liquids & go through our tummy more quickly. I’d sip on them for hours … until the soup got too chunky.

I highly recommend this video (which another very kind member shared a little while ago) which may help with your question. The thing about weight loss is there is a lot of averages & the stats you mentioned are an example. There are averages for how much weight you’ll lose, how long it will take, how fast or slow you’ll lose, etc. They’re averages because there are so many factors which influence those stats: age, gender, starting weight, weight loss before surgery, weight loss & gain history, health issues, medications, your new set point, how closely you follow your plan, the lifestyle changes you implement (food choices, activity, …) & so on. As with all averages some will exceed them others won’t reach them. What averages give you are an idea of what might happen. Not a rule but a guideline of what might happen. I’m one of those who exceeded the average. At 12 weeks from surgery I’d lost about 15kg. I’d lost 31kg (including the 5kg pre surgery so about the double amount & got me to my goal) at 6 months. At 12 months I’d lost a total of about 41kgs (not intentionally but it was where my body wanted to be - my new set point). I bounced around there for another couple of months before settling about another kilo lighter (total 42.5kg lost). This was my experience.