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Same! It's OK, even though I'm not where I thought I'd be, I'm happy to be losing consistently and not gaining it! I'm sorry you're experiencing so much nausea, I usually don't get nauseated unless I'm really about to vomit. Have you spoken with your doctor about trying Zofran to help with the nausea? My eating is OK. I struggle a lot, it seems many things make me vomit or can't be tolerated. I make sure to chew very, very well and to make sure not to overeat ever. Usually eat a 4-6 oz meal over an hour or 90 minutes to make sure I don't overdo it. If using portion cups, I have between 1/2c and 3/4c of food, depending on what I'm eating. When it's 000 Vanilla yogurt + blueberries I do the 1/2c yogurt and 1/4c blueberries, but normal meals with protein/veg are just 1/2c (4oz). I can finally get all of my protein and most of the water in everyday. I'm not quite to 64oz, but most days I'm really close. It's difficult to drink that much fluid throughout the day because I'm on the phone all day at work, so the time I have to down water is limited to before taking calls, on breaks, and after work (7pm at night). I walk, I swim, or I jump on the elliptical for a few minutes if it's raining and I can't walk. I've tried working out with resistance bands, but just a few sets into a workout, I feel like I'm going to pass out. I'm having about 750 calories a day most days, sometimes less if I ate something that made me vomit that day because for the rest of the day I can only have liquid because my stomach is unforgiving. I actually did pass out a couple weeks ago, apparently. We took our daughter to Legoland and I thought I had been drinking enough and forgot to eat (breakfast at 9am, but should've had protein or snack by 12pm and didn't). I don't remember what happened, but I woke up in the medical facility being cared for, they said I passed out and needed to be hydrated ASAP. They gave me 2 gatorade popsicles and made me drink my protein shake (premier protein carton my husband gave to them) and eventually I was feeling better and caught up with the family to continue our vacation. Truth is, I have hashimotos and because of the restrictions in eating, I feel 1000xs better. Free from the fatigue and the brain fog, I can finally reach my toes again, and I'm all around feeling better than I did at 421lbs (or the 381 I was at on the day of surgery). I really hope that you find it easier to be consistent. Sometimes setting hard boundaries are needed when you have a set day/time/times that you decide to walk/exercise. My daughter is 12 and a good helper, she reminds me every morning about our walks together OR getting on the elliptical and we go swimming every Saturday, sometimes Thursday or Sunday too, depending on how I feel. I don't stress the exercise as much right now because I'm consistent enough that when I take a day to rest, I'm not upsetting anything. My doctor asked me to start working up to eating 1000 calories a day by my 3 month post op, but I don't think that's going to happen. At 750 I feel full all day long and can hardly eat more and I don't eat fats in my food unless I have olives or avocado because I can't process it very well. But alas, we are all different. I've seen many stating how they feel great and can eat pretty much anything with no issues and I'm happy that they can. I'm hoping to grow up and be like them someday, LOL. Unfortunately, that's not my story for now.

Can I have this yogurt in week one? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes its the worst. After four or five days you will feel less hungry and just knuckle down and get on with it. I had three weeks. I just could not wait for it to end it is so boring. It felt like some cruel game some Doctor had conjured up just to make their day better. The diets are so random from doctor to doctor

Yesterday I had the last of my appointments, tests and virtual check-ins (or so I thought). I got a call after my last appointment - expecting it to be a scheduler to set up a time to meet with the surgeon. Instead, it was a question about my cardiac clearance - “did they do an echo while I was there?” (they didn’t). They said I would need one - sorry it got missed (irritated it’s another copay 🙄) … hoping they could get me in before my new insurance year (July 1st) but grateful they got me in on July 1st. At least it is not a long wait. I’m worried that’s going to push out my meeting with the surgeon… and back things up a little. I know I will have a 8 day pre-surgical liquid diet to do prior to my surgery…. but my question is - how long after your last meeting with the surgeon was your surgery scheduled for? My husband is a teacher and I’m hoping to have the surgery before he goes back so he can be around that first week or two at least. As June turns into July… (he goes back mid August for in-service) I worry that might not be possible. I’m not worried about the insurance part, I’m confident that is already good. I’m not worried about the echo (I have no cardiac issues… it’s just the programs requirement). So it’s really just the surgeons availability that’s the last piece of the puzzle. Thanks for any insight you can give. I’m trying not to stress - but the closer I get to the pre-surgical requirements being done … the more anxious I get.

Good afternoon, I'm officially 10 weeks post op after VSG. I've only lost 48 lbs, but I'm feeling SO much better than before. Just curious for anyone who's been out of surgery around the same time (my date was April 13th) and what you've lost during this time. I'm not worried about not losing more because 48lbs in 10 weeks is still a great amount to have lost, but my surgeon said I would've lost between 50-60 lbs by 8 weeks out, on average. Weight loss is consistent now, I didn't lose anything for about 3+ weeks after week 3 while I was healing, but now it's consistently about 3-4 lbs down every week. I've also found it helpful to include at least 2 tbsp a day of some type of grain or starch (nothing processed/white/wheat). When I stay lower in carbs (below 35), I don't lose weight at all for that week.

Ugggg, I forgot how much the preop diet sucks. I'm being revised from a lapband to gastric bypass on July 6. My band has been unfilled since December, so I've been able to eat normally since then. My current surgeon has me doing two weeks of shake for breakfast, shake for lunch, healthy choice steamer for dinner. Last time I did all liquids, staying under 20 grams of carbs, but it was only for a week. From what I remember, the first days of the preop diet are the worst and then I kinda got numb and it wasn't so bad. But I'm in the thick of it now. And staring down two full week of this is daunting. I made it last time, I'll make it this time, but just uggg.

At 3 weeks I wasn't eating any carbs at all! But I'm getting hungrier and hungrier as time goes on. Real hunger, not "head" hunger. I know some people have to deal with more than others. I started getting hungry ast end the end of my first 3 weeks. Added proteins and some vegs in, that helped. As I get farther away from surgery the hunger is getting worse. I'm trying to get an appt with my surgeon to talk about this again. Of course the type of Carb makes a big difference. But I noticed any carbs, even high quality ones with loads of fiber still slow me down on losing.

Question - I get sharp pains in the top of my stomach when I drink anything. It's intermittent. They don't even last a second but I was hoping they would get better a week out, but it's the same. I'm thinking it's the hernia repair I had at the same time, or could it be common to the sleeve?

June 14, a week ago. SO happy!!

One week, 20 pounds!!! I know we're not supposed to weigh ourselves much, but, Hurray! I really notice the difference in not having to haul that around. Question - how's everybody's energy doing? I'm really struggling with low energy. Okay, I'm 74, just had major surgery (including a bonus hernia repair), and yesterday was the first day I was able to get in 800 calories, so I guess the answer to my own question is simply, "Patience." ---sigh--- (Not my strong suit)

One week post op and I can get out of bed without straining myself.

I'm one week post op, terrified the entire time leading up to the surgery I would drop below BMI and lose my chance. Obviously successful. My surgeon told me to skip the liver shrinking diet as the BMI was more important. How INSANE!!! Well, it is what is. My mindset dealing with pre-op was that I knew I was stuffing myself with food that wasn't good for me and that I didn't even want to eat but it was for a short term, specific goal. It was SO hard! At the same time I really concentrated and meditated on post surgery/rest of my life eating habits, why I was going through this and what I wanted to get out of it. My first thought waking up after surgery was that I didn't ever have to do that again and felt so relieved. This is just the price of admission to a fabolous tool that, if used correctly, will make a huge difference in the rest of my life. Hang in there and commit to the work after. And DON'T get me started on the absurdly, inaccurate and arbitrary decisions based on outdated BMI requirements!!!! LOL

I had my one week consult. Everything is going well. No problem working out but they want me to make sure I listen to my body. I’m moving my liquids to 100oz and protein to 100gr. I know it all water weight but down 13 lbs.

I had VSG in Tijuana, Mx. at HospitalBC with Dr. Illan, so I can only speak to my own personal experience. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. Regarding your questions above: 1 - No, it was a combination of finances, timeline, convenience, and other factors. 2 - No, I did not get an option. My surgeon uses a 32 as his standard and will only deviate when appropriate for the patient. 3 - I met with my PCP before I went and she was extremely supportive. She does all my post-op labs, checked my incisions, offered dietary support, etc. She now recommends my surgeon to other patients who are interested in going out of country for the procedure. 4 - The hospital I chose was staffed with additional medical personnel in case of emergencies, but that really wasn't a consideration for me. The instance/risk of major complications DURING surgery is essentially nil. 5 - Complications aren't usually the result of a surgical mistake, so there is generally nothing for the surgeon to "fix" they typically are just the result of a person's own body's healing. For instance, a stricture is one of the most common (though still extremely rare) post-op complications, and they are almost never a direct result of surgical error. They just happen. 6 - My hospital offers lifetime nutritional support, which is great. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend some serious counseling before & after to deal with the emotional/mental work that has to be done. I was really well informed pre-op but still felt like the extra support would be critical, and it was. I would also suggest ongoing community support - either here, or something like BariNation (which I LOVE), or a local support group. I am a card carrying, people hating, highly independent introvert and have still found community support to be vital to my success. 7 - I wish I had known how ridiculously kind and accommodating the staff would be. I went alone and really kept to myself, but the one time I needed the staff they were incredibly responsive and very kind. In hindsight, I wish I had been more engaged. *going out of order* 9 - It takes time. Most people will NOT be able to hit their protein and water goals right away. It took me probably 3 months before I was able to get there consistently. It just takes a crap ton of work. I keep water handy at ALL times, and drink, drink, drink like its my job. I was never advised to drink warm water or to adjust my intake in any way. Just drink, all the time. 8 - I am going to say this as gently and with as much love as I possibly can - This is not your journey and you would serve your wife best by keeping your opinions to yourself. Unless you have lived in her brain and her body, you cannot understand what she is going through, what is driving her behaviors, or what toll it is taking on her mental health. I can guarantee you, she feels plenty of shame already and doesn't need you second guessing her ability to be successful. The best thing you can do is research, report back, support her, and shut up. My husband is thin and has the metabolism of a hummingbird. He has never struggled with his weight and as such has no frame of reference and no ability to understand. He recognized this early on, and has thus deferred to me on every diet, every fast, every medication, and ultimately my decision to have surgery. His unconditional support, free of opinions and judgment, was the kindest gift he ever gave to me. I know you love her, and you clearly want her to succeed. But the baggage you are forcing her to drag around is entirely unhelpful. A much more valuable way to help would be to help her find a therapist so she can do the work that would set her up for success long term.

Hi Dolly - I'd love to share my experience. I did the travel program through Alabama Bariatrics. My surgery was scheduled on a Tuesday. I had to be in Alabama for an in person consult and final labs on Monday, surgery on Tuesday then I stayed overnight at the hospital until Weds. I was discharged to a hotel and had to stay local that night then I was able to drive home on Thursday. All of the pre-surgery labs were done through my primary care physician. My initial contact with Alabama Bariatrics was at the end of November 2021 and my surgery ended up being March 2022. It could have been much sooner but I didn't have a primary care physician so I had to wait almost 2 months for a new patient appointment which delayed things. Also, I could have gotten surgery in mid-February but I chose to wait until March so I could have it done the week my kids were on spring break so my parents (babysitters) didn't have to worry about taking them back and forth to school. Here's their website: https://alabariatrics.com/ feel free to ask me anything! I would highly recommend them, the entire process was super easy.

Hey all, my wife is looking into the gastric sleeve surgery, of course I am the one with all the questions about it. Hoping maybe someone could help with any anecdotal evidence at least. I'm trying to reduce the "I wish we knew x before doing this" ... Anyway, for obvious reasons we are looking at Mexico. The first one she sent me was Elias Ortiz out of Tijuana. So I looked into him more, and read about some very poor (in my opinion) things about him, I think mostly when he was with ALM (or whatever it's called). Of course the first surgeon we look at giving me the eebie geebies is not a great start. He's not officially out of running, but we have looked into the following now. Odd that there didn't seem to be lists of them. Haven't looking into everything equally, our spoken to the coordinator on prices or anything, but these are probably in order of what we like. Endobariatric in Piedras Negras with Guillermo Alvarez LIMARC in Tijuana with Liza María Pompa González Obesity Control Center in Tijuana with Ariel Ortiz Elias Ortiz & Co in Tijuana VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana with Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz So I guess the questions are the following. If anyone could answer whatever question you may be able to add to, that would be great. Thanks!! 1) After deciding on Mexico, what was the overriding determinant in picking a surgeon, was it only price? 2 Did you get to pick the bougie size? I read a study (odd that I only found one) about bougie sizes - apparently 32 fr and 40 fr are the 2 commonest sizes? Anyway the study said that there was no materially significant weight loss difference between the two sizes, but there were less complications with the 40 fr size. Also in her situation, she's 5'10", and her general body type is such that her most healthy weight is going to be more than others her height, so I fear something too restrictive could come with problems of their own. 3 I've read about issues where people's Drs don't support post op care for out of country surgeries. This was old info though. Have people found this to still be the case? Is it only for the primary doctors, or only bariatric doctors? Or both, or is that not really a thing anymore? 4 What about complications during surgery. I have to imagine they send you to an ER in the states. I understand at that point our insurance will cover the emergency internationally, but not sure the MX hospital would be adequately staffed, and may have to send us to a place in the US. Any issues with transportation delays having to cross border? 5 Complications after you return home... I assume no, but are there any that, if we are about to make it back out, would fix the problem for like no cost or reduced fee? 6 Post op care. Like weeks/months/years... Is there a type of support you wish you had but was not provided? Nutritionist, or type of PT or psychologist/psychotherapist that focuses on mental issues that may arise after the big life change, to avoid body dysmorphia from moving to a different body part... I know the OCC place mentioned 5 years worth of support. Not sure if that is worth it, or if it's just something out there for fluff because it seems like something that would be useful for patients, but actually patients after the fact realize it's not helpful. 7 anything you know now, but would've been really helpful to know beforehand? Whether generally, or issues that would be specific to MX vs going to a place in US? 8 wondering the success of people with situation like her... In my opinion her problem isn't with overeating/the size of her stomach. She doesn't eat because she's hungry, so I'm not sure the impact this has on ghrelin will be a huge help. She invites an environment where she keeps low metabolism, skips meals, snacks on crap, drinks artificial sweeteners, takes medication that has been shown to lower metabolism. I tell her she needs to eat more protein, fiber, and 'eat like a diabetic' and when she works out (which she doesn't even do anymore), it's more of a benefit to go shorter sessions, but with more intensity, as that is best for your metabolism ... She says "Believe it or not, I actually learned this in college (for her nursing degree) and I know what I need to do" but yet does not do at all what she needs to do - and yet also simultaneously complains that she's tried everything to lose weight, even though that's not the case, particularly in last few years when she's out on anywhere from 20-40 pounds (guess). Looking at all the pre and post op diets, it looks like there's a focus on protein (as one would expect). So she's like, addicted to the dopamine I guess that she gets. She eats because she knows it's there. So while I am sure she will lose a bunch of weight offer the first 6-12 months, I tell her I'm more worried about being back where she is now 5 years after the fact, due to her behaviors that have put us in this situation in the beginning. There have been a handful of things that she's done (each successive thing being more expensive), where she's like "if I get x then it will force me to do y" and that's basically her 'argument' here. 9 related to above, how does one stay hydrated while exercising, esp in heat? Or even being sick? Is it recommended to drink warm water, due to the quicker absorption than cold?

So how did all our June 21ers do? Mine went smoothly. Surgery at 11. I woke up in post op about 3 (problem sooner but that's my first memory). Taken up to recovery about 330. I think I took my first walk around 5. Ditched the walker halfway in. Walking is not a problem at all and I look forward to them. Just started feeling gas cramps, OUCH. I've done a little burping but no pass gas. Peed plenty but no poop. Having no trouble getting down my "food" and drink. Lots of sleeping. All in all, SO FAR, this has been easier than expected.

You don’t have to make your own cream soup. Just buy them from the supermarket. That’s all I did those first two weeks. Made my own soups after then but honestly couldn’t be bothered to cook anything that first fortnight. Heat or shake were my cooking limits. 😁 Any broth works including the broth from wonton soup or pho (jus drain & strain the solids out). Bone broth is the best but it can be salty. Just watch any fruit chunks in the yoghurt. Strain it well after blending it with the milk. Chobani yoghurt was recommended to me but I found it too sweet. Found a less sweet one with more protein (20g) which also had a yoghurt drink. Think it’s only in Australia (Danone yopro) but the don’t do the drink anymore. Mine didn’t have to be ‘lite’.

Hello all, according to guide I have from my doctor: this is what I can take week 1 below. I am confused on how to make a creamed soup as I don’t soup. Are there suggestions for a soup for week 1? Something that is easy to make? Can I have chicken broth instead of a creamed soup? My second question is about light yogurt blended with skim milk as that it was it listed in the picture I have posted. Any recommendations of a yogurt I can pick from target or Walmart to satisfy this requirement? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hubby grilled this tomahawk steak Father's day. It was amazing! We are enjoying the leftovers this week. Pair it with homemade broccoli and cauliflower salads - for a lighter touch side dish. Can only tolerate about 10 tiny bites of beef at a meal.

I think that's why they should have waited. The issue was because I had seen my PCP a week after surgery and my BP was fine so she was fine with me not being on any, wasn't until a week or two later that it rose back up. Hopefully mine will drop down as time goes on.

Hi Tela - Tomorrow will be one week for me post ESG. I had very little complications, nausea gone within 48 hours and back working already . Per my doctor, I don’t have any restrictions but I’m pretty tired. He thought it would take 2 or 3 weeks, but more about being tired. The restrictions are much less because there is not cutting. I have zero problems with getting enough water. I do mix in vitamin water zero, and crystal light lemonade. I have no problem with getting protein. The majority through fairlife protein shakes but I’ve started to do some unflavored isopure. Without solid foods, I think it will be hard to get much more calories. But I feel like I could eat solid foods but will follow the guideline Lets keep in touch. Good luck. Oh, i have a consult tomorrow. I’m going to be asking a similar question.

There seems to be no 'normal' when it comes to pre-op diets. Everybody seems to have a different one. Mine was two weeks of non-fat milk, 20oz, three times per day. Plus water..... Other people get meat and veggies. Most seem to get protein shakes.

So today is my weekly weigh in day, and I weigh 349!!! It's the first time in 2 years I have been below 350 (1st time was when I did keto, but as soon as I hit 320 it literally came back up and I never lost a single pound after I went back to my original weight). I'm figuring out the food portions, timing, measurements and I think I have it down!!! You guys have all been so amazing with all the meltdowns, crazy questions, doubting myself, etc I've done on here (I know, I was a bit loco lol ). But I seem to be losing at a nice steady pace (5-7 pounds per week) and I have to say, I'm really liking it. I feel like this is much more sustainable and maintainable than when I was doing keto (and surprisingly, a lot less restrictive! ) I'm 7 weeks post op today and honestly, other than my scars on my tummy, I would never know I had surgery. No pain, no more limitations, no problems at all. I still have to be mindful of how much I eat and how often, because as I have said before, I never lost any of my hunger hormone. But I make homemade smoothies with fruit or I drink a protein shake if I need a little extra protein, or I just keep busy until I can teach my stomach and body that I'm NOT hungry and I HAVE eaten enough and I will NOT be eating anymore because I had my allotted amount and that's it. It's harder when you're still hungry, but it CAN be done. Especially when I see the progress on the scale. So so glad I had this surgery. I don't regret it at all. Not even a tiny bit. I just wish I had done it sooner. But I guess we all do, don't we? lol

I only weigh once a week at most, sometimes every two weeks. I would drive myself nuts weighing every day, because a salty meal and I can gain 5 pounds! I learned not to do this to myself awhile back. Everyone is different, some people can handle the normal fluctuations.