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I’m juuuuust about 3 weeks out and as a die hard New Englander, i drink iced coffee year round. I haven’t had any caffeine in over a month. I cut it out during the pre op diet. When did everyone start adding coffee back in? I’m a milk only person with my iced coffee so no, I’m not missing the sugar, just my delicious iced coffee on warm sunny days.

Hello. Yes I had hernia surgery 2 weeks ago and having Bariatric surgery in 2 weeks

i have never seen that show but yea i was hoping for a little bit faster lol. but of course i am just 6 weeks post op. even my surgeon says hitting the goal weight takes time. up to a year or so

So i started the pre op diet on April 4th. Surgery April 18th. So far these are my stats 6 weeks post op. Always do my measurements on the 4th of the month. Not bad. Wish it was a little quicker but not bad for 6 weeks post op.

@loli_lotus oh my lovely I feel your pain. [emoji3059] I have also battled with depression and my weight for many years and I also had all the doubts and questions that you have. I first considered the surgery 3 years ago, all the doubts and questions made me change my mind and I decided to try dieting again ( because I thought I could do better this time). Fast forward 3 years and no matter how hard I worked at dieting, I struggled to lose weight. I finally had surgery this March! I still had doubts, questions and family trying to dissuade me but I finally realised that I couldn't do it myself I needed a help. I didn't want to spend anymore time sad and obese with no confidence or self esteem. I'll be honest, it hasn't been easy, I've had to deal with emotions that I previously ignored by eating. I now have counselling to help me deal with this. I reacted extremely well to surgery and for 8 weeks the smell of meat repulsed me, this happens when your hormones change after surgery, it doesn't happen to everyone though. I now struggle to eat a great deal and have to eat little and often. Food was my best friend and now I don't enjoy eating. I find it a struggle to eat more than a few mouthfuls, but I keep reminding myself that it won't be like this forever and I need to take advantage of this. I also remind myself that I chose to have the surgery and how much more confident I am already! I have lost 36lb in 10 weeks, dropped two dress sizes and now feel OK looking at myself in the mirror. Everyone reacts to surgery in they're own unique way and it is a personal decision that only you can make. It isn't a quick fix and it is a difficult journey, but you are already putting in the hard work of working on your mental health. For me, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I now look forward to going out and doing things I previously would avoid and I'm continuing with my counselling sessions to make sure that I don't return to emotional eating in the long run. I hope this has helped you, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you, sending you a huge hug x Sent from my SM-G980F using BariatricPal mobile app

I hit a wall with shakes this week. My doc team suggested unflavored protein powder in Gatorade zero. Ugh! No. It was wretched. I found this idea in a bariatric cookbook. Nonfat milk mixed with some nonfat milk powder. It wasn’t gross! I tried a bit then made some more.

I think you need to have a blood test to check your protein levels, vitamins, minerals, sugar, etc. Then you’ll know what your missing in your diet & your surgeon & dietician will be able to best advise you. And as @The Greater Fool said camp out at your surgeon & doctor’s & demand attention until you get answers & a way forward. I agree completely with @catwoman7’s advice around your caloric needs. We’re not all the same & there are too many factors that influence what you need as an individual. The blood test will help inform what your macros goals need to be - whether you need more, less or are consuming enough. I really appreciated the 3 monthly blood tests (& appointments) my surgeon & his colleague requested the last three years (just moved to 6months now). We picked up things like how removing my gall reduced my protein absorption, my vitamin D levels drop a little in winter, I didn’t need to continue to take multivitamins after I reached maintenance (except D in winter). I also agree with the advice to cut out any high fat or high sugar foods out of your diet & see if the dumping improves. Hypoglycaemic episodes gives me similar symptoms to what you’re experiencing though. (I usually eat a couple of berries as the little burst of sugar ease it very quickly.) Maybe your reactive hypoglycaemia needs to be explored further with your doctor too. All the best.

I’m not sure. Each surgeon may have their own requirements I just had my surgery a week ago on the 27th

I was told to lose 10lbs but I didn’t lose it until my pre-op liquid diet. I actually lost 15lbs in two weeks

yup, they are strict. I had grown to like the Atkins shake - all the same stuff, yadda, yadda, yadda - but only premier or BP pre-op. Fortunately, i found that I love (this week) Premier Peanut Butter/Chocolate.

I had the revision from sleeve to RNY last August due to severe gerd. Have lost all my excess weight and I can finally sleep restfully all night long. No severe gerd. I can't say whether you will screw up again but I assure you, with the RNY, it'll be much harder to slide back into bad habits. I'm in my 10th month and it's been a lovely journey for me so far. I am still elated that I can get full on 2 eggs. Unfortunately, complications can happen with all surgeries. I had a complication with the lap band and the VSG. No fault of my own. RNY is no longer a permanent surgery, but it is a risky procedure to reverse it. The sleeve is considered permanent. As for vitamins, I had a complete bloodwork 2 weeks ago and I was not deficient in any vitamins, minerals or protein. Cholesterol, triglycerides, sugar, all perfect. I only take a vitamin patch by patchaid. It may not work for others but it sure works for me. I hope this helps.

I agree with you 100%. I did the research and coffee also has health benefits, provided you don’t exceed 450 mg. My dietician doesn’t allow caffeine EVER, as in never! I say bullshit to that rule and plan on drinking coffee when I get to the 3rd month. I’m currently on week 7 and drinking decaf coffee occasionally.

Changing macros is always interesting and usually pays off. Some say cut the carbs, others say up them. For example, I upped my carbs to over 100g and dropped another 5 lbs. I have been below my weight loss goal but was stalled for a few weeks. I have been working up to consume the 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as per my surgeon's diet plan. It's similar to the Longevity diet based on a 30 year recent study.

I also had severe GERD, which some insurance companies consider a comorbidity. I think that BCBS was just being mean and looking for an excuse because my starting weight was on the lower end (223 pounds). I am doing okay on week 7 after surgery. Every day is a struggle to eat the right things and stay away from crackers. I discovered that I can very easily eat Skinny Pop popcorn, Goldfish crackers and Cheez-Its. Now I’m addicted and trying really hard to resist them. They are now banned from the house!

I am on day 13 of 100% liquid Diet. My surgery is this coming Monday 6/6. This is what I been living on for the past 3 weeks (started earlier as a trial) Drinks: 64oz daily of any of the items below Water, sugar free noncarbonated beverage such as Crystal Light, Sugar free fitness beverage such as 0 calorie Propel Fitness Water or G2, Bullion or Broth, Decaffeinated coffee or tea, "Flat" decaffeinated diet soft drinks such as flattened diet ginger ale, Diet Jell-O or Gelatin 20, Tomato or V-8 Juice (NOT splash or Fusion unless DIET), Sugar- Free Popsicle (less than 20 calories each; limit 2-3 per day) Meal Options: 3-5 a day Shakes (Premier, Optifast, Carnation Instant Breakfast etc.) It also gives you guidelines to make your own between 150-250 Calories/serving, 12g of protein per serving minimum, 10-15 grams of sugar per serving Snack: 2-3 per day Yogurt: Nonfat, light, Nonfat or 1% milk, Tomato or Low Fat Cream Soup, Sugar Free Pudding, Greek Yogurt Fat Free I hope this gives you an idea. As per nurse if is not on the list I am not allow to eat it 😐 but it is almost over 😄

I been taking the collagen mix on my shakes for 3 weeks now. I will be adding Biotin to it, any recommendations?

Hi all, I like sharing the story, because I remember having just as many questions when I had this (lapband) done back when my youngest child was 2 (so 8 years ago) I had been at a regular weight (5'5 or so and 130 lbs) - was good for me....until I got preg with my first - and SOMEHOW gained 70 with him (when I was 26) and despite diets, Weight Watchers, boot camps, south beach, no carb, walking, gym memberships - I only lost 30 of it. THEN, 6 years later (at the age of 32, I purposely got pregnant again, gained only 30 this time around, But remember - I was still carrying around the 40 pounds from my first baby(cakes). Anyway, in desperation, I did it. And I felt embarrassed that I had to go that route. But with my new metabolism and having two pregnancies - and after all the regular stuff, gym, walking, boot camp etc. -- it would not leave me and I didn't feel healthy. So, I did get the lapband, and it was a pain in the ass, there were required seminars and prescreening and pretests, liver checks, etc. etc. (but btw, eating healthier, exercise *walking was a huge help*) So, when my daughter was 2-3ish (back then it took forever to get certified, especially if you were too close to the BMI weight, which I was right on the cusp of not being qualified. Back then, it was like you had to gain weight before you qualified for it. When all was said and done, (again about 10 years ago now) I did land at a net weight loss of 70 pounds (from 240ish to 140/150) - but once I stopped having it filled, I did gain about 20. However, it doesn't matter, i'm back to close to pre-pregnancy weight and feel more in control about losing that in a healthy way. I know it's not easy when it's more than 50 pounds to lose. But, I do feel better! I don't really care now the nubmer that I weigh, as long as I feel good and more healthy. I quit getting it filled after after three times- it was very restrictive , even the doctor could see that. So, LONG story short, I was at where I wanted to be and had it completely unfilled, then removed about a month ago - I have not gained any weight!!! That is people's fear, but nope, I am happy to report, I actually lost 7 pounds since it was removed. And I feel much better with it OUT. I, obviously, am not against people who want or need it, but just keep an eye on it. My doctor said (not quoting him direct but in a nutshell he said ----> "10 year shelf life, if that - the statistics are still coming in" - just be careful. One POSITIVE experience from it: because I was restricted from eating for so long (whether band was filled or unfilled), I learned quickly to eat reasonable portions, not binge eat like I did when I was pregnant or whenever (everyone situation is different of to why they over ate)....and with the confidence that came with losing the weight - it did encourage me to PERMANENTLY eat different, healthier, and overall be more conscious of our eating habits and choices. And for those of you with kids, I don't need to repeat that! we want our kids to lead by example. I wish you all the best - I guess I'm leaning any advice for people with hesitations or wondering about self-experiences , and here to say - if you have the band, control the mind set and make it a permanent mindset and keep an eye on it!!! Because eventually you will not need it nor be able to have it. The removal surgery very me sucked badly, it was all wrapped around my intestines. (my doctor quit even doing them 7-8 years ago because of the complications they are seeing now that they have been reported more). But I guess, after everything else I tried and in combination with the rest of effort, it was worth it. if you get into that new "groove" - you won't need it the rest of your life. The important part, I think, is to sustain how your appetite and mind reconfigures itself afterwards. If you have any questions at all - feel free to message me! P.S. - I am not condoning lap band nor against it. I am only sharing my personal experience - just because I know that people need it for whatever reason they choose (health/self-confidence/feel better/not be so hot in the summer/can't lose/new metabolism sucks/never lost that baby weight, , etc., 👨‍⚕️

Start taking biotin and collagen to help with the hair loss. That was one too I got from someone else in the vsg community and it’s been working wonders for me. I’m 3 weeks post op and so far my hair is looking better than pre-op. I started taking biotin and collagen about 5-6 before surgery and make sure I mix it into my drinks daily.

Hi Shey, have them check it next week - I hope you have a reputable doctor --- it sounds like it need to be unfilled a bit based on what you are describing. You'll be okay though. Stick to broths, soft foods until you can get back into doctor. I would insist on a check in/barium look! Wish best!

i wasnt given a specific amount to loose. Just simply to follow the pre op diet for my specified time of 2 weeks which i lost 11lb during that time. How long is your pre op diet?

I am flying out for a holiday in a few weeks and have given snacks a great deal of thought. I can eat only a tiny amount at a meal, just a tiny bit more than a boiled egg. So I need in between meal options. In the UK there are lots of stuff to pack into children's lunch boxes. A lot is rubbish food but some is ok. 10 gm Pepperami sticks, Snacking nuts in 20 gm packs, Tiny packs of Melba toast to eat with a tin of tuna salad, 2 Oat biscuits in a packet with a 32 g pack of soft cheese or peanut butter, 65gm packs of snacking olives and 20 gm packets of mixed seeds are some that are on my tick list

Hope your doing well, I’m down 86.5lbs to (193lbs) since my late January surgery. I take my vitamins and walk everyday. I also work out 3 days a week. Still some days only consume 700-1000 calories and some days 1600 cals. I feel great!! Very happy with my progress and the decision to get this surgery. I also haven’t had a stall yet.

Ugh, same here. Week two and I lost nothing. I started freaking out because I thought it was too soon! I’m still on the puréed stage. Surgery was May 17th. Still in the back of my head I keep thinking something is wrong because I have had no issues with anything but the surgeon just told me to trust the process so I’m trying to stay positive.

Hey all! Woah, I didn’t mean to make this so long, but I’m a rambler. This is my first post and I'm not sure if it belongs here, but it’s going here lol. I’ve been battling depression and obesity since I was a child. I hit 200lbs when I was 12, and although I was an active dancer in highschool and walked so so so much (my friends and I were mallrats with no cars) and saw a nutritionist in my junior and senior year, I was probably around 215 when I graduated. For a 5’2”, 17 year old girl, that was already morbidly obese and it just went up from there. I was definitely in survival mode for the next few years, on a few antidepressants, working and going to school, just trying to live. The earliest data I have from my FitBit and MyFitnessPal has be at 275lb in 2016, and I know I went up to the 290s in 2017, because 2017 is a blank on my trackers, and knowing me, I was too ashamed to record it. The next I have is 273 in 2018. I went off my antidepressants around the end of 2017, and while I was mentally “white-knuckling” it, I started losing weight. But it was very much a lose 10lbs, gain 15-20 cycle. Then my birth control made it worse. At the beginning of this year, I was stuck in a plateau of 231, and I talked to my doctor about my disordered eating, and she got me a therapist and I got myself a personal trainer. At that doctors appt, I almost asked for a referral for surgery, but chickened out and asked for a therapist and a nutritionist instead. Love my therapist, but the nutritionist wanted me on a 1200 cal diet that didn't mesh with disordered eating at all. An important note here, is that my mother, who has passed, had the RYGB circa 2002. So surgery has always been in the back of my mind. After a series of unfortunate events in March, I lost 10lbs rapidly and realized my bmi (40) was at the cut off for surgery with no comorbidities. At the beginning of April I asked my doctor for a surgery referral. She offered me Wegovy or Saxenda, but I really can’t see myself using injectables for the rest of my life, so she went ahead with the referral. Had the first consultation a little over a week later, did a few zoom classes, completed forms, did the psych eval (actually awful), and today I got an email saying my insurance approved me and my program would contact me soon for a date. My reasoning is that I see my trainer twice a week and my therapist and I are working on my relationship with food, but I’m getting older and I have that historic lose/gain cycle, and my weight has been a source of unhappiness literally my entire life. Surgery isn’t going to fix everything, I know that, I’ve talked to my therapist about that, but she and I agree this would be a great tool for me in conjunction with the other changes I’m making. My trainer, who is a family friend, doesn’t like the idea. But she’s only known me as an adult, she doesn’t see that a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and trying to stay active isn’t cutting it when I’m still carrying an extra 100lbs. A close member of my family wants me to do keto again, because that was my biggest diet win, but that also didn’t mesh with my disordered eating in the long run. Since my consult, I’ve lost about another 6lbs, firmly putting me where I was when I was a teenager, which is a surreal feeling, but it’s being used as proof that I can “do it on my own.” Honestly, my mindset is that I’m eating less in preparation for surgery. There’s been memes shared on instagram stories of people who I know must know I want to get wls done, calling the surgery “body mutilation” and how “surgeons regret performing bariatric surgeries because it's unnatural.” It makes me doubt myself, like is this just my depression wanting to “mutilate” myself, or is this me trying to overcome my depression and finally do something for myself? What was it for my mother? I was too young to ask her these questions and now I can't. This is a very long post to ask; I’m doing the right thing, right? Am I being rational and making sense? I know I can lose the weight, but keeping it off is constantly clawing and if I slip now just a little, the lose/gain cycle could catch up, and I'm so tired of it.