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Check with your dietician/nutritionalist & surgeon for calorie & macro guidelines. You will still be on their plans while you are losing. There are a lot of different plans out there & one person’s plan may not be what your medical team recommends. For example, mine want very prescriptive. I wasn’t given calorie or macros goals just protein & fluid goals & portion size recommendations. I was also given lists of foods I could eat or had to avoid. It was low carb, low fat, low sugar but no specific numbers. I saw my dietician every week for the first months who reviewed my diet each time & together we worked out what else I might need or could try. Your dietician may also make specific suggestions according to your needs: activity levels, allergies, eating preferences (vegan, vegetarian, etc.). & so on. Even your age & gender could influence your plan. Do you cook? It’s much easier to control the ingredients, how the food is prepped & cooked & therefore the calories & macros if you make it yourself. A lot of prepared food even so called diet food is calorie heavy for our needs & ‘low fat’ foods can be higher in sugar & vice versa. For example a single lean cuisine meal would exceeded the calories I was eating in a whole day the first couple of months, plus include ingredients on my avoid list. PS - congrats on your surgery.

I visited the sleep center today and was given results by the NP. I have had three previous studies. The first one I only slept 16 minutes out of eight hours. The second study was better but I could not tolerate C -PAP so they stopped that study and had me come back in for Bi-PAP. I sure do hope this does not set my surgery date back. Has anyone had any experience with this? Thank you and be blessed.

Yeah, sadly, those heady days of a high rate of weight loss don’t last. You can always depend on your weight loss slowing the closer you are to goal. You’re eating more (which is a normal progression) & getting closer to the number of calories your body needs to maintain your weight. As @catwoman7 said how much food you eat depends on the food you’re eating. A good place to begin is to look at the recommended portion sizes of different foods - start with google & quiz your dietician on what is a serve of beef, of chicken of vegetables, etc. You’re probably getting to close to a recommended serving size now. The problems only start to arise if you’re eating more than that & the only thing that will stop you eating larger portions sizes is you. Plus check the calories of what you’re eating & the nutritional content if you’re not still doing this. 1500 calories is 1500 calories regardless of whether it’s from nutritionally dense food or from cake, sodas, chips, pizza, etc. I eat more often & eat more food in a day now than I did when I was obese. It’s just more nutritionally dense food & my my metabolism is working better. As to what’s bad: carbs, fats or sugar? I think this is a personal thing. You know your medical status which would influence whether you should keep your fat intake low or not. You know your weaknesses - sugar, carbs. I think we should work out a lot of our eating plans based on these things about ourselves. There are recommended daily allowances for fats, sugar & carbs too. Generally, I’m a bit of a balanced diet person. Though I don’t eat a lot of carbs & only multi or whole grains - I used to eat a lot of bread, pasta & rice. I also avoid a lot of sugar, artificial sweeteners & sugar substitutes because I think sugar is the real devil. I get my sweet from fruit. I don’t have dessert as such but have eaten chia pudding (flavoured with vanilla extract). I’ll have a protein bar after dinner if my protein is a little low for the day or will have fruit. How I feel real hunger is very different. I feel restless & I don’t crave a specific food or type (salt, sweet, carb) of food. If my ‘hunger’ is craving something specific it’s head hunger & not real. If there’s an emotional component to the ‘hunger’ (like hangry) it’s not real hunger. Part of the ‘fun’ of maintenance is working out your calorie & nutritional needs. It took me a while to work out what mine was & to be physically able to eat that much food. But you have to find a balance too. If you have to have such a restricted diet to maintain that it compromises you enjoying your life, it’s doomed to fail. It’s about sustainability. If that means you end of weighing a little more than you thought you wanted to be, that’s ok. If you enjoy your latte every day enjoy it. If it worries you try a smaller serve or reduce it to one a day or three cups every two days. There’s always work arounds or substitutes you can make like zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti but still enjoy what you’re eating & not feel like you’re missing out. The truth about exercising is that it will only contribute to 10-20% of any weight you want to lose. Want to lose 10lbs? Exercising will only contribute to you losing 1 or 2 lbs. Plus if you increase your exercising, your hunger will increase. Unfortunately the work doesn’t the end. All the best.

some people say they've worked for them and others have said they haven't. I think the jury might still be out on these. And like the person above said, sometimes it can take months or even years for deficiencies to start showing up. I never tried them because I figured I'd be one of the people they didn't work for. Plus some people's surgeons and dietitians are telling them not to use them since it's not clear that they work. They haven't been around long enough for much long-term research. I've considered getting some for when I'm traveling overseas, though, so I don't have to lug two or three weeks' worth of vitamins with me, but for regular use, I stick to regular vitamins.

Oh ! Makes me realise how darn slow everything happens in NZ! I spoke to my GP last August, it took him 2 weeks to even write the referral letter (I had to get referred even though I am self funding). I waited until December to see the surgeon, then i had to have two psych appointments and a dietician appointment, then they all got together yesterday and agreed I can have the surgery 😁 I have another final appointment with the surgeon beginning of March where he will schedule the actual date…..am elated and terrified at the same time! So it will be near 9 months. Though I did actually talk to another GP in the practice about surgery over a year ago, she was negative and told me that keto might work…it did but I have since put nearly all the weight back on again.

the closer you get to a normal BMI, the slower it goes. Those last 20 lbs were a BEAR for me to get off. Took forever. We're talking like 2 lbs a month the last three or four months. But I hung in there and finally made it. The reason being, your calorie requirements at that weight are MUCH lower than they were when you started. It takes about 1600 calories for me to maintain my current weight. I would have lost weight like CRAZY if I ate 1600 calories when I weighed over 300 lbs. For me to lose 2 lbs a week (which I could have done NO PROBLEM when I weighed 300 + lbs), I would have to eat 7000 fewer calories that week (well, I would have when I weighed 300+ lbs, too). That's 1000 fewer calories a day. When I was scarfing up 3500 kcal/day, that means I would have had to cut back to 2500 kcal/day. Now I would have to cut back to 600 per day. Ah...no. I could do that the first couple months out of surgery, but 600 calories a day at seven years out? No way. Plus it wouldn't have even been healthy. So I basically lose a couple lbs a month when I'm trying to lose weight. 8-10 oz portions - would depend on what it is. Greek yogurt, yes. Steak - no. Stretching your stomach - probably not. You'd have to really overeat, day after day, every day, to do that. you are hungry because physical hunger does come back for the vast majority of us sometime during the first year. And that's when things get a lot harder. I've never counted fats. And I wasn't on an ultra-low carb plan (mine was balanced), but the first few months, I rarely ate over 80 carbs a day since I had to get in so much protein. There wasn't room for more than about 80 carbs. Now i probably get double that - but I limit the "bad" ones. Mine mostly come from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. exercise isn't that effective in helping you lose a bunch of weight unless you're talking swimming mega laps or running marathons. But it's great for your overall health, and you should do it regularly if you can. It CAN help you maintain once you get to goal, though.

In the early days of the surgery the scale has no relation to your body's reality. My advice - ignore it for a bit. While you are on liquids and basically minimal calories, you are losing weight. Nothing more you can do. For reasons I cant explain (and it seems no one else really can either) weight loss is not linear at all. Days will pass where the scale doesnt move - then one day three pounds disappear. We all go through the same anxiety from time to time (I am in the midst of another stall now). Other than having this group tell you its all going to be alright, there is nothing to do but be patient, and know that its just a matter of time. Wishing you good luck!

Disclaimer: Always listen to your doctor - or at least not me 🙂 When you read about the liquid stage pre surgery, its sounds nearly impossible. Actually, the hardest part is consuming the liquid. You wont be hungry. I found the protein broths were the most tolerable. Hated the fat free cream of something soups. My doc (may be different from yours) basically said for the first few days worry about not being dehydrated - to do your best on protein. Then it was protein based liquids - check out the protein waters, they aren't "heavy." Pretty soon thereafter, shakes, puddings, jello, yogurt. That's only about a week-10 days out. at that point protein isn't too hard. In the early stages, I agree with Queen - warm was much easier than cold. I thought this one was pretty tolerable: Protein Broth Wish you all the best for surgery. If its at all encouraging - I think it was the best decision I have made!

Hi everyone, I had my sleeve done on 1/28/22. This is my first post, but I have been lurking for a few weeks. Right now I’m on stage 3 of the diet — I’ve starting eating puréed veggies, ricotta cheese, etc (can’t bring myself to purée any meats 🤢). I also made a big batch of roasted tomato soup and I’ve been eating that for dinner. I’m not hungry ever, which I know is typical. But I also don’t really notice ever feeling very full, like so many people tend to. It’s making me nervous, because I know eventually the hunger comes back, and that feeling of quick fullness was what I was banking on. I stop myself at what I think are appropriate portions (like for breakfast I had 1/4 cup of ricotta cheese, felt fine, but stopped eating because I didn’t want to overdo it). I called the nutritionist at my surgeon’s office when I was still on stage 2; she told me that because I was still basically on liquids that I wouldn’t start to feel the fullness until more solids were introduced. I thought maybe getting to stage 3 I would start to feel that, but still haven’t. Has anyone else experienced that? I’m about 3 weeks out and I’m already nervous that this is all eventually going to be for nothing. I seem to be losing at an OK pace; I thought it would be quicker but I guess it’s on track, since my surgery I’ve lost 11 lbs, and 38 lbs in total since I started trying pre-op. Anyway, thanks for reading, any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!

Hey all - So like many of you, I am still trying to figure out what normal means, six months post surgery. First off, I am so happy I did the VSG - no complaints, I feel great, surgeon was fantastic, their office is responsive and follows up and I am down from an all-time high of 305, 261 on Surgery Day, and 195 Today. Hoping to get to 185. That's where my difficulty is: In the past 10 weeks, I have lost maybe 5 pounds. I find my weight fluctuates daily +/- 5 pounds, so I only track the lows as benchmarks. (IDK: water retention, lack of BM, salt...). My low was 194, today 196, the other day 200 (which is a number I hate!). I think I am spoiled by the rapidity of weight loss early on and feeling a little discouraged now that things are slower. More than that though, my fear is that my portion size is starting to feel almost normal person normal... not my pre VSG by any stretch, but not terribly restricted. I also am getting hungry again... and craving things like sweets again. After a filling dinner at 6, by 9 I think about dessert - and sometimes succumb. Thus far, I havent done anything too terrible, but the idea of making a batch of chocolate chip cookies has been on my mind for weeks. I feel like I could fall off the wagon at any time. And now that I can eat almost normal amounts again, its not like the little cheats along the way that didnt matter due to space restrictions - I COULD DO DAMAGE! (BTW- still dont understand the "2nd stomach" when it comes to dessert. If I think about having another piece of grilled chicken, I know I am full, but a bowl of iced cream, suddenly I am starving!) With slow weight loss, which I understand is normal as I am getting close to goal weight, and growing portions (8-10 oz at a time), cravings for sweets, and inter-meal hunger, I am terrified that I am a few months from seeing an uptick on the scale. Ten pounds from the finish line - which I might hit, but for how long? So, for my version of the "is this normal" questions: 1. 5 lbs in 10 weeks? 2. 8-10 oz portions 6 months out? 3. How long till 8-10oz becomes, 12, 14... 4. Is this in my control (am I stretching), or is this healing and normal? 5. Why am I hungry - is it psychological bad habits or physical healing and ok? 6. I have no problem getting enough protein, but are carbs still the enemy, or calories, or fat? 7. Macros, Keto, Calorie counting - academically I understand them all. I cant reconcile the conflicting info. Even my Doc and my nutritionist seems to differ (though they obfuscate to be respectful of one another). Anyone in a similar phase of this process with insight on this part? And tips: 1. Least harmful desserts that have worked for you? Mathing things our has been getting me a little crazy. I have gotten back to espresso/lattes lately, which I find to be a filling snack, but even with skim milk: 100 calories x 2/day x 7 days per week = 1400 calories = almost half a pound a week. Same with the 100 calorie dessert. Thus, if the I'm doing the math right: I am basically eating a neutral calorie amount at this point - evidenced by lack of meaningful weight loss. Avg 1/2 a pound a week for the past 10 = 1750 calorie deficit per week = 250 calorie deficit per day. Does that mean I am a skim milk latte and an apple a way from not losing weight. Then any excess is gain!?!? I think all I have left in my arsenal is more exercise, which frankly, doesnt seem that probable. If I liked the treadmill, I would be on this forum now would I? Welcome thoughts & feedback! Thanks all!

Hi, I just added this app. My surgery is for next week 02/23/2022! Im excited and nervous all at the same time. Anyone have any suggestions or advice for post op? Thanks

I'm 2 days after you. I'm doing the fast track "safe sleeve" with Blossom Bariatrics. I've been looking into it for quite some time. I'll be doing all the pre op testing when I get there. Literally, I fly in on Monday, meet them in person on Tuesday, testing Tuesday and Wednesday. Surgery on Thursday. Should be a whirlwind of emotion. Do you have to "shrink" your liver? That 2 week diet is going to be hard for me. I'll be here for moral support.

Exciting that your surgery is coming up. Still waiting on preop testing for me Lol. you are lucky that you may not have to do the liquid pre op diet... I have seen on here people have to do it up to 3 weeks or more. As for pain i personally stocked up on Vicodin pills and marijuana lol. idk what kind of pain meds they will give me once i am done with surgery so i wanna be prepared. I dont do pain well lol

I am two weeks post op, and I also experienced a lot of pain. I was kept in the hospital an additional day because it raised my blood pressure 158/96. I can promise you that it does get better. I know it is very isolating feeling, but if you cant bring yourself to go outside, just walk a lap or two around the inside of your house, some of the pain you are feeling might be gas related, and the walking will really help get it out. I can tell you, it is going to get better and easier

I’m one week post op and feeling good. I’m shocked I feel so well. A little sore but I love the scale. Started my pre op diet at 261. I’m now 236. No more back pains.

I'm not sure how your program works, but the people I deal with regularly are the nutritionist and the PAs, more than the surgeon (I am now 6 months out). Unless something goes wrong, I'm not really going to see her anymore or often. If I need advice on stalls, plateaus, whatever, the nutrition team deals with it. Surgeons are surgeons - they are really great at doing surgery. And while they are a doctor, just because they have a medical degree doesn't mean they are an expert in everything, including the nitty gritty details of nutrition. As long as you are dealing with a credentialed nutritionist (more on this in a min) who is experienced in working with bariatric patients, I would probably listen to them. Now, I did learn from my own nutrition team that not everyone who claims to be a nutritionist is really qualified or licensed (it depends on your state) so just something to be mindful of. Also, I think we all need to bring some common sense to the table even after surgery. Meaning, we shouldn't leave our common sense at the door just because we are talking to a surgeon/doctor/nutritionist/whatever. If something sounds off, we should ask questions. And, if needed, I wouldn't hesitate to (nicely) say to the nutrition team, "hey, your advice isn't aligning with what Dr. X said. Can we talk through it because now I am concerned." It alerts them to a problem, and they may be able to help "translate" what the doctor may have been trying to say. My guess is that it wouldn't be the first time they hear it.

I would try a different pulmonologist. I had the same issue but with the gastroenterologist and scheduling my endoscopy. The first dr I went to couldn’t get my endoscopy scheduled before March 25. I found another dr on my own who could do it sooner and was able to have my endoscopy done last week. Now when I see my surgeon tomorrow, all my requirements are done and we can hopefully schedule the date.

Yesterday my surgeon did my hernia repair surgery to repair a substantial Hiatal Hernia and to do a revision from Sleeve to RNY. What I found out after surgery was there wasn't actually any hernia repair completed, just the revision. I was told by the surgeon's PA that conversion from sleeve to bypass pretty much permanently resolves most potential hiatal hernia issues. Recovery and first night seemed very similar to what I underwent with the sleeve in 2015. I do believe I am more sore at a couple of the incision sites than I was the first time. The most painful was where they had placed a couple of surgical drains which were removed this morning before discharge. Relaxing at home this first day isn't really relaxing, as almost any movement, and certainly getting in and out of chars, causes significant discomfort. I'm not one to usually take serious pain meds, but I did start using the Oxycodone that was prescribed to help reduce the pain. But other than incision pain the process was flawless. The surgery center specializes in bariatric surgeries so they have the routine down very well. There were only six patients in the center yesterday, and with three nurses working each had two patients. Great responsiveness.

Yes to all that! I would also add that I have the Renpho scale and SMART measuring tape. There are bunch of different SMART tools out there, so you don't have to get that one, but I absolutely agree with starting the documentation now. If/When you get down, you can look back at all the progress you made. It's really inspiring! I also joined here 6 months before my surgery and I think that was one of the reasons I've been successful. I felt really prepared for anything that might happen after surgery so when I had gas, felt pain, stalled, etc... I knew what to do. Good luck!!

I set the timer on my Apple watch and took sips every 3 min. I would do that for about 30 min and then I'd come back in 30 and do it again. It's a PITA right at first, but staying hydrated is critical in those first few weeks. Once you can have more than a sip at time, you can back that off. Even almost a year later, if I feel like I'm not drinking enough, I'll set my watch and have like 2-3 swallows every 3 minutes while I'm sitting at my desk.

I was "fortunate" that I was too large to fit on a home scale (or most doctors scales) so I could only weigh at my Doc's office at follow-ups. As a result I didn't see any stalls or phantom weight gains, so the scale never messed with me, so I was never tempted to "change things up" to get the scale moving. I just stayed on plan. Eventually, when I could weigh at home, I did it for a couple weeks until the novelty wore off, then I went back to only weighing at follow-ups then only annual physicals. You don't necessarily need a scale for success. My weight ruled my life for so long that I resolved after surgery I would stay on plan and let my weight take care of itself. Good luck, Tek

I will be 3 weeks post Tomorrow will be 3 weeks post op for me and my first "freezing" episode. Ftr, I'm ALWAYS hot. Like sleep with the fan on in the winter hot.... but not last night lol.

I finally got to my water intake at about 9 weeks out. I am still struggling to eat enough to get to my protein total, I am about 45 -50grams a day. I have give up worrying about it. I will get there soon In the beginning eating took all my time and drinking was a real pain to fit in but as things mend and begin working it gets better. Good luck

I would so wear both those. I told hubby last night, they are shoes that i will Never get rid of and so if they get scuffed, so be it. I'm going to wear the with sasssss and pride...... and hope i don't fall.... hehehe There are NO stores that sells them in MS. and all the stores we have gone too didn't sell them..... but when we went to Hawaii two weeks ago...... there they were size 36..... Needless to say i carried them on the plane.

almost all of us have our first stall sometime during the first 4-6 weeks after surgery. It's USUALLY the third week, but not always. Mine was weeks 2 & 3. Scale didn't budge. Just stick to your program and stay off the scale. Maybe just weigh yourself once a week until the stall breaks And as long as you stick to your program, it WILL break, and you'll be on your way again. oh - just wanted to add that I agree with one of the above people who said that this might not even be a stall if it's only been three days. But if it goes on longer, then yes, it probably is - and it's not uncommon at all!