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yes missing meals and letting yourself get too hungry is bad. So before I go out, I always bring a high protein yogurt and cut up veggies or tuna and crackers and eat on the go. Which also eating on the go after surgery is never a good idea! I hope you just hit a stall and keep loosing until you reach you goal weight!!!

I had my RNY and hernia repair on May 11th. Reflux stopped immediately and I spent one night at the hospital. I started my protein shake as soon as I got home and on May 14th, I woke up with excruciating stomach cramp and diarrhea and thought that I was dying. The doctor on call called me back and told me to lay off the protein shakes and take Imodium. He said it was lactose intolerance and I should only sip water for 24 hours. I had to throw away 6 boxes of premier protein shake and have now switched to fairlife which is lactose and gluten free. I seem to be tolerating this well. At my clinic, it is full liquid for 7 days as soon as you leave the hospital, 1 week of purée, then weeks 3-5 of soft food and you can begin to introduce solid food one at a time after week 5. Pre-surgery was just liquid only 1 day before surgery. I believe that lactose intolerance is usually with bypass patients. I did not have any problems with the sleeve in 2018, but was one of the few who never lose weight after the sleeve; just 45Ibs and very bad reflux.

I was told as long as I was meeting my protein goals, to just eat 3x a day. If I was hungry then eat again. Otherwise, the 6 meals a day are as needed. I currently do a shake for breakfast and then eat 3 other times through the day. I average 600-700 calories a day and 70 or more grams of protein. While maintaining 70 or more oz. of fluids. With all of the drinking and the no drinks 30 min before and after eating, I don't even know how you have time to eat every 3 hours. haha I am 7 weeks out and I can drink very fast now, but in the beginning it took all day to hit my fluids and I was barely hitting the goal. Although the goals got much easier when I got back to a normal diet.

I wasn't allowed to swallow any pills for the first 2 weeks and then only small pills approximately the size of a pea for 6 weeks. Although, they do have teas that might be ok? Should probably just ask your team to be safe.

That’s awesome! Us thyroid warriors have to stick together😊. Don’t worry the scale will move again. I had a stall at 3 weeks and I think I have stalled 3 more times since then. My latest labs show that my tsh has dropped with weight loss so I have been cutting back on my meds. My endo says it’s a good thing because it means my thyroid is doing more of the work on its own and doesn’t need as much help.

I can only answer the question on crushed pills. No, not forever. In fact, I was able to swallow all but two of mine whole as soon as I got home from the hospital. I had to wait about three weeks before I could swallow the remaining two whole.

@Woodstock23 Hi [emoji3059], I'm not too bad thank you. My surgery went well but I'll be honest it's been a tough journey for me so far. I'm now nearly 8 weeks post op and the smell of meat of any kind revolts me. I'm struggling to eat more than a few teaspoons of food and am no where near my protein and water consumption that I should be yet! But saying all that, I know things will get better with time and I do not regret surgery. I have already lost 34lb, I haven't been this weight since I was 23 and I'm 50 this year! [emoji16] My surgeon has told me that I have responded extremely well to the surgery and that the change in my hormones has caused the extreme sensitivity to the taste and smells of meat proteins. Would love any tips you can give me on emotional eating. I still find myself reaching for food and then feel disappointed when I can't have it. I'm trying to distract myself but sometimes I just go to bed to avoid the emotions, which I know isn't ideal. Ask as many questions as you want, I'm more then happy to support you in anyway I can. Good luck for your surgery [emoji3059], it's the beginning of a new you x Sent from my SM-G980F using BariatricPal mobile app

Don't eat past your hunger cues. One of the things that I want to beam into everyone's head is that for a LOT of us, aftercare is pretty horrible. My surgeon's bariatric nutritionist lit into me for eating 800 calories a day 3 months out - I work outdoors and work out for an hour a day. My surgeon actually skipped two check-ins in a row after that. So I went and got a nutrition coach (whom I absolutely LOVE). I could always eat more than they said I'd be able to. But as long as I ate slowly, the restriction kicked in eventually. I lost weight hand over fist (it has since slowed down, but I'm 8 months PO and not far from goal). I wouldn't worry about it. But do watch out for stalls. They happen, they suck, and they shouldn't derail you.

Can I be taking melatonin 1 week post op of a vsg?

Has anyone here had a gastric sleeve and also has Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)? I just need to know that someone else safely had it done and didn't have a major multi-systemic reaction to the surgery or in post-op. I'm prone to anaphylaxis but I've had other surgeries (knees and shoulder) since diagnosis and with my surgical team being cautious I made it through surgery without having a major reaction. I previously had a consult with a bariatric surgeon and she said she wouldn't touch me; that it was too risky. But that was maybe three years ago and I'm definitely more stable now than I was then. My pain doctor wants me to get a second opinion so I'm going to meeting with a bariatric surgeon in a few weeks and also meeting with my mast cell doctor. I was just hoping that someone who it has experience with it could reassure me that it can be done safely. Concerns I have: - my diet already has to be restrictive because of the MCAS. I worry about getting enough protein in when I have to avoid tree nuts and all meat products. I can have milk (lactose free) and eggs. - I read that my meds have to be crushed or split post-surgery. Is that for forever? I have some capsules that I take that can't be crushed or broken. I also have liquid medication I take that gets diluted I'm about a cup of water. I use that water to take all of my pills, and there's a fair amount of pills. - exercise is an issue for me. I've anaphylaxed during an easy yoga class before. I've built up to be able to do seven to ten minutes on a seated elliptical or seated stepper. But I'm not going to be running any 5ks anytime soon. Is it still an effective surgery if my workout options afterwards are extremely limited because of my MCAS? - if I'm on meds that have caused weight gain for me, is it possible to still lose weight while being on the med? I can't safely go off of the meds unfortunately. I think I'm just scared to get my hopes up that this surgery could be a safe and effective tool to help me lose weight. I'm 5'4 and 400 lbs. I need help. The likelihood that my surgeon will be familiar with or educated in mast cell diseases is really low and I know that I'll have to do a lot of advocating for myself. If you've made it this far thank you for listening. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Was it dumping, the foamies or just your restriction? Dumping makes you feel physically sick & you may vomit or have diarrhoea, cold sweats, heart palpitations, etc. takes time (often hours) to recover. The foamies feels like something is stuck, you produce excess salvia & you may regurgitate a thick foamy saliva & often whatever you ate that was ‘stuck’. I also sometime have a barking cough as if trying to shift the obstruction. It passes quickly. Your restriction is a heaviness or tightness across your upper chest. I find myself thumping my chest as if to relieve & open it up again. It can take longer to pass than the foamies but not hours like dumping. The first time I had the foamies was with a mushy carrot but potato sits heavily in my tummy - like groan heavy, eaten way too much heavy & after only a bite or two. Still does & I’m three years out. (Bread & pasta is the same for me.) It’s all part of how we are different. At the beginning your tummy can be sensitive & fussy. Eat something today no issue. Eat it tomorrow & your tummy is no way. But two days later all is fine again. I called mine a petulant, tantrum throwing 2 yr old.

Three years out & I take 30-60minutes to eat - probably average 40minutes for a meal. If I eat too quickly my restriction kicks in & then I’m done. I also do it because I don’t focus as much on the act of eating as I did before surgery. Still ask myself do I need the next bite or do I just want it & I often put food on my fork but then put it down again too. I still take small bites too. A lot of it is just habit now. Remember it takes time for the full message to get through & when it does you likely have eaten more than you need & are more than full. My full message can be very slow, (30mins or so after I’ve finished) which also directs my slow eating but that is me. I’m not someone who has been able to go back to skulling a lot of liquid. Two large mouthfuls at a time. A couple of minutes later I can have another mouthful. I can have a couple of sips up to 5 minutes before I eat & about the same after. But not mouthfuls as they can be too filling & wash the food out of my tummy more quickly. So I guess it really comes down to what you’re able to do & what works for you. But certainly while you are losing keep waiting to drink before & after you eat & keep eating slowly.

That’s great mizzkp. I am 4 weeks out and I’ve lost 25 lbs and over 20 inches. I haven’t lost in a week so I’m a bit frustrated but I’ve heard there’s a 3rd week stall. I am so relieved that the scale is going down as well.

Hi JUNE friends! I get notifications when there are posts and how emotional I was to see all the NEW 2022 Junies posting! Made me reflect on everything that has happened to me in the last year. Recorded my highest weight in NOV 2019 at 305 at 5ft1in at the doctor's office. Cried and talked with her about surgery. She was all for it. Let that sit and fester for another year, what was the rush? I have only been thinking about this for the last TEN years. Finally, Nov 2020, my levels were prediabetic. I was on two high BP meds. I knew I needed to stop this. My insurance sucked and conventional route was not going to happen. MANY MANY insurance companies DO NOT cover bariatric surgeries any more. WHICH is ridiculous since it is the only elective surgery that reverses or ends so many mortal diseases. Why wouldn't they pay? Between HBP and soon to be diabetes, probably need knee replacements, and on and on!! I had to find self pay. I was too nervous to look at Mexico, and found Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas. I started my Pre-Op diet May 25th, 2021. Surgery was June 15th, 2021. Best DECISION I EVER MADE! We have all been there. Should have done it sooner, hmmm-ed and hawed for months and months once my doctor and I talked about it. Then there was covid. The delays never ended. But to all the new people.....TRUST THE PROCESS, LISTEN to your body. It will know what to do. If you do the work, it will follow. I consider myself a SLOW loser. I was not, will not, and won't ever be an exercise lover. I couldn't fathom doing any exercise when I was 305lbs. It was a terrible cycle. I can't walk and move my body because my knees hurt, my back hurt. I didn't walk much when I started this journey but then, after the tiredness subsides, you think wow, my knees don't hurt. I can go for a walk with the dog. Then, I WANT to walk the dog. For me, everything was baby steps. BUT, suddenly the pants are looser. You start to see your face change. Then, those close to you start to notice. Slowly, but SURELY, it comes off. The ONLY WAY to lose this weight is by calorie deficit. It is the ONLY WAY we can all do this. It is NOT EASY. Having surgery is NOT easy. We still have to change the way we eat. We are still have to fight those old habits and desires. I read everything I could, joined this group, and a couple on FB. I read all the advice. I am here to tell you a few of mine. I HATED pictures of any kind. I didn't take many before or after surgery. DO TAKE PICTURES!!! I love seeing people's before and afters and transformations and I just can't go back. and POOP. No one talks about the POOP or lack of it. It was my biggest side effect and still an issue. HAIR LOSS, it happens, just start those biotin pills NOW! SO, sorry for this long post, it was kind of emotional and I needed to just write it all out. You took the first steps. You got this! I still feel like I just did and am in the stages you are. But, as I close in on my first anniversary, I am overwhelmed. I hit the 100 pound lost mark. Then, this week, I hit ONEDERLAND. Lots of milestones all at once. I am anxious to see what my pounds lost will be on June 15th! Trust yourself and the process. There are NO steadfast rules. I hate when I see posts and people are so adamant and actually rude about stuff. In the end, you make the rules. I'm an open book and will answer any questions. You can message me or post. Literally remind yourself, it's ONE day at a time. Best wishes Junies!!

I just got the same letter sand read it a few second ago. I too was wondering what it meant and if it pertained to an EDG I did last week! I guess I was approved! Congratulations!!!!

It depends on how much your Max Out Of Pocket is and how much you have left of it after your deductible. I didn't realize how good my insurance was until I was talking to my mom about her deductible and Max OOP. I meet my deductible and put a big dent into my OOP every year just by doing therapy I feel like. Then add in the extra appointments for pre-surgical clearance and you are knocking away more. I am having unrelated neuro-psych testing done next week and if it doesn't finish out my OOP, then I am assuming I'll get pretty close to it since I only have less than $500 left. It's possible I won't have to pay anything out of pocket for the actual surgery since my maxes are so low. You can call your insurance provider and ask them about your benefits and where you are with your deductible and Out Of Pocket, and also ask the insurance person at the doctor's office for the billing codes as well.

I’m five days out and I want food. Ricotta is allowed mid Stage 2 week, cottage cheese end of week. I just enjoyed those and I can’t have them again until mid and late next week 😢. Tasted so good. Hubby is cooking for himself and things smell good, it’s pleasant. I did sniff the potato salad bowl (want) and made puppy dog eyes at it. Mashed taters would be heaven. Only one more week on this…we can do it!

So i had my surgery 4 weeks ago and i am self pay. I paid about $18K... Today i checked my insurance and looks like the hospital made a claim for the surgery... My responsibility amount... $40,000. when i saw that i was like WTF is this claim? Oh i am going to be making phone calls tomorrow... lmao. WTF. They trying to double dip. haha.

I know it's not recommended but I weigh myself every single day, it's part of my morning routine now, and I track it in MyFitnessPal so I can keep an eye on the charts. This is really bad but I'll usually weigh myself at night too (I don't track it though), I've gotten good at predicting what I'll weigh in the morning based on my night time weigh-in (I usually drop about 2 lbs. overnight). I know the stalls and fluctuations drive some folks nuts but it works for me.

This thread was a wild ride. I also don't believe OP was trolling, but I think there are more issues going on here than just dealing with the weight loss stuff. If you're still reading this OP, I sincerely recommend you try to speak with a therapist about the issues you've been discussing. If you can find a bariatric therapist, great. Otherwise, any certified therapist should be able to help provide you with a caring ear. You seem to be carrying a lot more weight than just the physical pounds, if you get what I'm saying, and speaking to someone can help lighten the load. Regarding the specific things you've been discussing, a few thoughts. First, as others have mentioned, the procedure you chose is a tool like the other procedures, but it's a tool that statistically results in the least weight lost of the rest. That doesn't mean you can't be extremely successful, just that it might be tougher. You say you don't want to be one of those people weighing every gram of your food on a postage scale. Well, I'm one of those people and I've been lucky enough to have a lot of success so far. That said, I don't necessarily watch every gram, if I'm a little over it's not the end of the world. But most people have absolutely no idea what a portion of food actually weights until they actually weigh it. When I started out I was shocked on how small my 4 oz potions of food were, if I had been eyeballing them I would have had twice as much as I should have. So I would get a cheap scale (you can get them for $10 or less) and start weighing EVERYTHING. You say you don't have time, but it takes practically no time at all. Weighing all my ingredients takes at MOST 3-4 minutes per DAY. You just put stuff on your plate like normal, but first put the plate on the scale. I had some cantaloupe for a snack earlier, and I just put the bowl on the scale and watched the numbers as I filled it and stopped when I hit my limit. It took pretty much the same amount of time that it would have taken to put the cantaloupe in the bowl without using the scale anyway. You also mentioned you weren't interested in a sleeve because you believe the recovery time would be a month. I can only speak for myself but four days after my sleeve I drove 30 miles to visit with family, and I was fine. I took about a week or so off of work and went back with no problems. Everyone is different but from what I've seen posted by others, that's generally the experience most folks have. I'm not saying you need a revision, but don't let the potential recovery time deter you from a procedure if you and your doctor feel it would be appropriate. Best of luck.

Well the nurse said I might go and see the appointments clerk to see if they can reschedule in the next two weeks that way you won't ruin your fluid diet and just do another two weeks and she comes back to say there are no appointments for the next 2 weeks so just continue eating normal. I'm just now waiting to hear from them I'm losing my motivation to be honest. I've lost a month of income in the process jeopardising my position in my job, and who's to pay for all the losses and damage in the process? all they do is send you a message apologising! it's just not good enough.

When i was hungry on the liquid diet after surgery i just had some more shakes to try to fill me up and it worked a bit. but you will make it. That 2 weeks after surgery sucks because that is the strict liquid diet unlike pre op where sometimes you can have a little something extra or different lol

After surgery, wait 2-3 weeks to weigh - I know it’s tempting, but the accumulation of fluids in tissues can freak you out. After that, I weighed once a week and have continued that routine (I’m almost 2 years out).

I had my gastric bypass surgery exactly a week ago. I have been doing okay on shakes and sugar-free Jello for the most part. This past week I haven't had any food cravings or experienced hunger until now. Any tips for how to last the next week? I feel like it will be impossible!!!!! All I can think about is eating cream of wheat or mashed potatoes....

Ok so I had my 1st post op appt today, and I was weighed and I actually weigh 358!!!!! WHAAAAAT??!?! And my nurse practioner was SO much more helpful than my dietician. She told me that eating 1-2 tbsp per meal is actually less than they would normally see (she said 3-4 oz is pretty typical). She said my bp is the same now without my meds as it was 3 weeks ago when I was on it!!!! And my blood sugar was 126 without diabetes meds for 3 weeks (3 weeks ago, on both my meds, it was 144). So all in all it was a SUPER good appointment and I'm happy and relieved. She said I'm doing excellent, and that my walking on the treadmill for 20 min twice a day and riding the exercise bike 5 min twice a day (still have a bit of pain in my abdomen from the incision and the muscle, so the bike is much slower going) is really good and giving me the results we want to see. I told her about this board and how amazing it is and she said she would recommend it to her other patients. So all in all, a GREAT day!!!!!