Search the Community

Yes!!! I still didn’t have a BM. Surgery was Wednesday. I didn’t start a shake until today. And couldn’t finish the whole 8 oz of it. Had a few spoons of yogurt. How long did your BM take? I asked him what to take for gas and he told me simethicone. He didn’t even mention Gas X or suggest it.

Hi sailorgirl, Omg your diet sounded like mine post op: lots of crystal light and / or Water sugar free popsicles (yummy!!) Skinny cow fudge pops gross Bariatric Advantage shakes yogurt Jello pudding and jello cups tea instant chicken soup/ instant grits/ instant polenta I purposefully didn't weigh myself for the first few days I post surgery because I felt so bloated and gassy I thought for sure I couldn't have lost weight.....You're doing great with the program, and please continue on your course and add a little walking or moving around when you feel up to it....you will get there I'm almost 3 weeks out and have lost a total of 15 pounds....some days I look like I gain a few and then I'm back down a little later....we're all so different, but it's a great feeling to know that you CAN lost weight......7 pounds in a week is amazing!!! Btw, I was self pay too.

If you are two months out can you not eat food? What happens when you eat things like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, turkey, tuna or other fish, chicken, etc.?

Hello fellow sleevers or potential sleevers, I am new here, and this is my story ....sort of.... The decission to have Weight Loss Surgery was not a easy one, but it was a logical decission. I am a 33 yo Male, 5ft11in 302 pounds. I have been battling with weight loss for many years, I have tried all diets and spent thousands and thousands of dollars on them, Nutrisystem x3 times, Weight Watchers, Slim Fast, Herbal Life, Nutripia Fresh food Delivery, GNC Total Lean. I have lost weight on all those diets, but nothing significant. I suffer from bulging disks in my back and have had 2 arthoscopic right knee surgeries which prevent me from excercising. My family has a history of Obesity, Cardiac, Hight Blood Pressure, Diabetes, High Cholestorol. I see myself gaining weight, and slowing down, I am tired, and my whole body is in pain, all the time. I wasnt able to do things I wanted to do, because my body just wouldnt do it, The attempt at just normal walks, i would be in pain. So I was discussing the options with my boyfriend, he mentioned to me that a radio DJ from local radio station Z100 had weight loss surgery, and I looked him up, at this point, I never heard of the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, I only knew of the Lap Band, and the Bypass, which both, I was not happy about, I heard about huge failures from the Lap Band, and I didnt like the idea of re routing my intestines, let alone did I ever think i was a candidate for weight loss surgery either. So I decided to google the radio DJ, and looked up where he had the surgery, I landed on the website of New York Bariatric Group, after browsing their website, and learning about different types of surgeries, I filled out the quick contact form to make an appointment for a consulation, they promptly called me back the next day and I made an appointment for March 14, 2012. March 14, 2012, I had an appointment with Dr. Spencer Holover, From NY Bariatric Group, for initial consultation, he explained every surgery in detail and told me, I didnt have to make a decission on the actual procedure I wanted, until my last appointment, when it is time to make the surgery date. Which i was relieved about, because I had my own research to do (which I highly recommend). I left the office, feeling very informed, and not pressured into making a rapid huge decission, The office staff was extremely welcoming, and pleasant to deal with, they handed me a folder with information in it, and told me, all I had to do, was fill out the information in the folder, and they would handle everything on my behalf, and they did. During the 6 months required by my insurance, I did my own research, which consisted of a lot of self made videos from people who actually had the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Bypass, and Lap Band, and I started leaning towards the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, it seemd the most successful, with minimal complications, and I liked the fact of still keeping my anatomy, just less of it. Up until the 5 month, I stll have never made the decission, I tossed the idea around with the psychologist, until I sat down and said, it was the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy I was going to have. My Surgeon required the following: Cardiac Clearance Pulmonary Clearance Mental Health Dietary Evaluation Endoscop Endocrine Consult PCP Surgical Clearance Stress Test Gastric Emptying Study My insurance (GHI) required the following: 6 Month Weight Loss Program In the time during the 6 Month Weight Loss Program, I made all the appointments for the Surgeon requirments. It is very important, that you DO NOT miss a weigh in with the surgeon, the insurance company will make you start all over again. My surgery date was 9/18/2012, at Mercy Medical Center in Rockville Center, NY. Since all doctors and nutritionists are different, and therefore so are there guidelines. These are the guidelines that I followed according to my doctors' advice. Two Weeks Before Surgery - liquid Diet with 3-4 Protein shakes a day. The reason for the pre-op diet is simple - obese people tend to have a condition called fatty infiltration of the liver. The liver sits right in the way of your surgeon and they have to be able to lift it and get it out of the way while they work. Caffeine, carbonated drinks of any kind and alcohol are now off the menu at this point. Carbonated drinks are gone forever. 24 hours before surgery - Clear liquid diet. Water, chicken broth, sugar-free Jello, sugar free popsicles. Nothing after midnight on the day before surgery. Surgery - In the hospital on tue morning and surgery around 8am. Next day - They came with Ice Water and looked like mini shot glasses, then they came with a tray of chicken broth, tea, diet cranberry juice, they said if I can tolerate this, then they would come with a tray of pureed food.( I drank the cranberry juice and chicken broth)They came with the following:Pureed Food - they came with a tray of tuna fish, creamy tomato Soup, diet cranbery juice, tea, low fat milk, Pro-Stat Proetin drink/mixI ate some tuna, drank some cranberry juice and mixed the protein mix in with it. I ate enough, and it stood down. ( took the rest home with me) Basic Post-Op Rules ( For my surgeon ) Eat slowly. Each meal should take 15-30 minutes. Drink fluids between meals, either 30 minutes before or 30-45 minutes after. 4-6 week Post-Op - Stage 2 - Soft, Mushy and or pureed ( First month adter surgery solid food are all prohibited ) Examples: Pureed meats, fish, chicken Baby food containing protein Low fat yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, humus Sugar free puddings or jellos Hot Cereal (oatmeal, cream of wheat, farina, grits Ground meats such as turkey, chicken, veal or pork Turkey burgers or chicken balls White Flaky fish (Tilapia, cod, flounder) Eggs/Whites (Scrambled, poached, omelets) fruits and vegetables are limited Preparation: Foods can be baked, broiled, grilled, steamed, or poached. Do Not Use Bread Crumbs Use chicken, vegetable, or beef broth to make moist. Do Not Reheat in microwave, it can change the consistency of the the food. Portion Size: Palm of hand (3-4 ounces) Remember: You are concentrating on protein. The food does not have to be "meal specific". Try omlets for dinner or leftover fish for Breakfast. I had minimal pain during the hospital stay although I was on a morphine PAC pump, I used it before they walked me every 2 hrs, because it was uncomfortable to get in and out of bed, yes they walked me, every two hours on the DOT around the clock, they are very strict with their procedures, but it minimalized infections, blood clots, and any aother issues that can arrise. I have to say, I am very happy with the whole process, I am happy with my sleeve, and I am down from 302lb to 273ib. (obvioulsy I lost a decent ammount with the 2 week liquid diet) but I am still making some progress.

Hello All! This is my first post and I wanted to say Hi! I am due for surgery in about 12 days!! I am really excited but am also a bit weary,.. I know this is the best direction for me and had a few questions. I do have a nutritionist but wanted to find out if any of you had any similar experiences, for the week before I am limited much like most of you to a full liquid diet, (Muscle Milk Light, low fat pudding, 0% yogurt etc) however I have a Blendtec Blender that can basically Liquify veggies and fruits, is this an acceptable Meal Replacement? or should I wait till the "mushy food" stage before using my blender for this? Thanks all and I look forward to seeing you guys as a skinnier and healthier me Jonathan

Valentine, First I want to remind you that when we transition back on sold foods it is common for us to gain some weight. Besides, by being constipated you are literally holding in some extra weight. Bear with it, this too shall pass (and hopefully soon). I know you don't want to hear about the "this is a healing phase, not a losing phase" so I won't repeat it or bore you with it. I'm not going to tell you not to eat bread. I say, if you can.....do it. I do, but in moderation and I feel normal. I don't feel like I'm on some terribly restricted diet which usually leads me to some binge and subsequently, failure. If you're short on protein and you don't like chocolate you're going to have to be kind of creative, but it can be done. Some of my favorite protein shakes have absolutely nothing to do with chocolate. I LOVE SF CIB French Vanilla with Unjury, milk, 1Tbsp of peanut butter and about a half of a banana. It's MARVELOUS. I like strawberry, too (with real strawberries and strawberry SF CIB). I also like banana with pineapple chunks. Strawberry with pineapple chunks. Get creative and you'll be glad for it. I saw one that had coffee in it. Yummy if you like coffee. I think I saw one with banana and maple extract. Although I haven't tried it, it sounds O.K. Another thing I do, when I get tired of shakes is yogurt. Not any yogurt, a jazzed up yogurt. Get one of those quarts of low fat vanilla yogurt, put in a can of mandarin oranges, a can of pineapple tid bits and about a cup of quick oats. Let it sit over night and it's a great treat. When I'm ready to eat it, I put Unjury in the single serving (or any protein powder will do). Also optional for this recipe is to add slivered almonds which add protein and crunch. Even my kids love this one. Good luck,

Kind of frustrated these past 2 weeks. I was doing great, with an amazing momentum, and here I am, stuck at the same weight for almost 2 weeks. So frustrating!!!!!!! I lost 11 lbs since August 29th, and I have noticed the difference in my energy and attitude, as well as my clothes fitting a little looser. But nothing in 2 weeks?? Sigh, it's not making me want to change my mind with this or anything, or even revert back to my poor eating habits. It just makes me wonder if I am doing something wrong. Maybe I didn't eat enough? Maybe I have to cut out this reduced fat cheese/yogurt cheese? I know I'm moving around enough, because I'm lucky if I get a break or chance to sleep. I don't know - just one of those "beat myself up" days.

Thanks everyone, I am glad to know I am not the only one this is happening to. I don't seem to be having a problem doing water, tea, etc. I have two kinds of protein powder that I am using... Syntrax nectar and bariatric fusion. The nectar has been a little too sweet for me and the fusion makes me so full after about four sips. I may have to try the greek yogurt and see how that goes. Mostly I am just trying to stay hydrated.

After gastric bypass surgery, many people use yogurt. Generally the advise is to avoid yogurt with fruit on the bottom because the fruit generally has added sugar. Greek yogurt is better than normal yogurt because it has almost twice the protein content. So I would recommend that you select a yogurt with "no added sugar". Read the ingredient label for contents and avoid any yogurt with process sugar listed in the ingredients. Milk and milk products can contain natural sugars. So even though the yogurt may indicate 6 grams of sugar, if it is all derived from natural sugars contained in the dairy used to make the yogurt, that will not present a problem.

You can carry a small 6-pack cooler with cheese sticks and yogurt and freeze a couple of Water bottles before you travel. As far as non-perishable items, you can carry almonds, small tuna pouches, bananas and peanut/almond butter. There's always the option of stopping at a convenience store along the way. Happy travels!

I've seen individual frozen bags containing all the stuff for smoothies including protein powder. Freeze cubes of greek yogurt separately and add to bags. Grab blend go.

thanks!!! I use to crave chocolate as if there was never going to be chocolate ever again! Now I can't even stand the smell of it! I have been eating mostly Soups and over cook my noodles and veggies so it can be smooshie. I am going to try that greek yogurt, I am getting sick of those Protein Drinks.. bleh!

Hello, everyone! I was sleeved on 4/15 and have had much success. As of today, I am down approximately 70 lbs. It was the best thing I have done for myself in a long time. My energy level bounced back, my back pain is subsiding. I am going back to the person I once was. However, it seems we've hit a bump in the road. My kids have had a nasty virus/cold turned into upper respiratory track infection. I got the same thing. It appears mine settled into a bronchitis. My asthma acted up and I was given Augmentin for the infection. My surgeon encouraged me to ask my PCP for Levaquin as the augmentin would be too much for my stomach to handle.. So, I've been taking the Levaquin. However, for the pest few days it seems as if I have extreme difficulty in swallowing. It is almost like the feeling you have immediately after your operation. I have to take small bites and chew them super finely. I also have to take small sips as liquid is even bothering me. I called my surgeon who said that I probably have an irritated and inflamed esophageal tract from the post nasal drop and the antibiotics…and not to mention, I started eating salads this week. So, the sickness, the antibiotic, salad, etc….could be causing my system some grief. My surgeon recommended I take a few days and just have soft Proteins (yogurts, cottage cheese, Protein shakes, etc). My question is has anyone experienced this before? I was worried I had a leak, but there's no fever and no constant abdominal pain. I was also wondering if anyone has heard of esophageal stricture and what the symptoms were? It's hard to swallow and when I do it feels as if what I am eating gets stuck and has a very hard time going down> Anyone who has had this or something like it please respond and put my mind to eat. I see my surgeon on Thursday fora routine check up anyway and will bring this yo to her as well but wanted to see what you guys thought. Thank you so much!!!!!!

I agree with 123crod. Stop looking for the full feeling. Full after being banded is different. What you should be aiming for is satisfied. Eat the recommended amounts, stop and see how long before you are PHYSICALLY hungry again.And yes this is far different from head hunger. Most of us eat for reasons other than hunger e.g Habit, boredom, because its there, because it looks good, because everyone else is eating it. Counselling sounds like a good suggestion. You also need to look at what you eat. Some foods will fill you up for a lot longer than others. Solid Protein is the best. Steak will fill you up for longer than mince ,mince will fill you better thah mashed potatoes etc.So if you are not making the right choices that could also be part of your problem. Between meals you may get hungry but then you should have a drink. A full drink in a short period will help to fill you up - sipping over a long period of time won't. Does your Dr allow Snacks? Mine allows a small planned healthy snack midmorning and mid afternoon if i need it. Things like vegie Soup, yogurt, tinned tuna etc. Hope some of these suggestions help.

I am on the 2 week post op liquid diet, but my dr does allow a few super-mushies in- yogurt, applesauce, whipped cottage cheese. It's unseasonably warm here in Boston, and I wanted a cool and creamy treat- I just took 1/3 cup part skim ricotta, mixed in 3 packets of Splenda, a little cinnamon and a little vanilla, and it's heaven- my own little ricotta pie plus, it has 9 g of protein!!! This will stay on my snack list weight at start of pre surgery diet - 304/current weight 293/surgery scheduled for April 10!

I was sleeved Monday as well. I have been having difficulties consuming enough. Been having horrible stomach pains after drinking or eating. Nothing taste good either. Been doing Protein drinks, Water, flavored water, Jello, pudding, strained cream soup, and Greek yogurt!! Good news is im down 6lbs already Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

@@Shaunie I'm doing pretty good, still trying to figure this whole thing out. I definitely am overdoing it physically at times because we just moved into our dream house and I just want to unpack and make it my own, but I just don't want to cause problems with my incisions and new stomach. From what I gather, everyone has different post op eating instructions. Mine is to get in 56 ounces of Fluid and 30g Protein. I am really limited on my eating to broth, pureed Soup (non cream based) and yogurt. The yogurt...whoa, I feel it going down into my stomach, not a great feeling yet! How about you, how are you?

I don't know if there is a brand that only does frozen greek yogurt, but the other day I saw that there were single serving cups of Oikos greek yogurt in a tray inside the freezer door with the ice cream at the grocery store. I know my kids love it when I freeze their Gogurts, so I assume this would basically be the same? I think I'm going to try it.

I eat protein about every 2-3 hours, usually breakfast is a protein shake, with fruit or a little peanut butte. I also started doing a fried egg on a 100 calorie wheat english muffin with a slice of cheese, that is around 19 gms of protein and very filling, I usually can't finish. Then around 10:30 I have a greek yogurt or apple with peanut butter. keep mixing things up or your body adapts to what you are eating. I average about 100-120 gms of protein a day, and in order to do that I have to eat 5 times a day

Well, at last. The surgery is a done deal. And to my intense gratification, I never felt a moment of embarrassment due to any of the staff at the Surgery Center of Richardson. I felt quite at ease - and at 7am - there just weren't that many spectators - just the lovely staff. Apparently, it is a miracle that my liver hasn't just given up the goat and stopped functioning. According to Doctor Fox, even after losing 15 lbs on the pre-op diet, my liver was still big, fatty and misshapen. (uh - yeah, just like the rest of me!) So, now, I can move on with the rest of my life as a banded person. Personal goal: NO PB's!!! I am sipping some lovely beef consume as I type and I am vowing to myself to do the best I posssibly can to follow the post-op diet to the letter. I can live for 4 days on protein shakes and beef broth, no matter what my brain says. I mean, my BRAIN said I needed a cheeseburger on the way home from the surgery. I can see we are going to have to have some words, my brain and I. After that, I gradually move into what I would call mushies - but Doc Fox calls "full liquids". I think sugar free pudding and yogurt qualify as mushies...By day 8, I can have mashed potatoes, cream of wheat and bananas. By day 13, I can start with scrambled eggs and baked potatoes. I can survive this, really I can. All I have to do is totally avoid tv or any advertizing for the first week. The Spirometer is a big old pain - but I guess I will do that, too. I don't want any collapsed lungs or diaphram issues. Well, I have to get up and walk, now... Sip a little, Walk a little Sip a little, Walk a little SIP SIP SIP Walk a lot, Sip a little more...

My Dr gave me a booklet with all the necessary info. They are a center of excellence and allow the following: - Phase one (first two weeks after surgery): 2% milk, low fat yogurt (no seeds or chunks), Protein supplement, Soups without lumps/chunks, tomato Soup w/added milk, non-fat milk powder, pureed soups (must strain through a sieve after blending), low-sodium vegetable juice, maximum 10oz per day 100% fruit juice diluted 1:1. Phase 2 (2-4 weeks after surgery) is pureed foods. Phase 3 (4-6 weeks after surgery) is soft foods. After 6 weeks, you can start to eat "normal" foods. They recommend introducing new foods one at a time to make sure you can tolerate.

I cant either, six years on. Really cold stuff sets off painful cramps for me. I dont eat ice cream either and if I fancy a yogurt, I get it out of the fridge and leave it sit for half an hour to warm up. If I eat canned fruit that's been in the fridge, I nuke it for a few seconds to warm it up a bit. Cold stuff and my lapband do not get along, its something you adjust to. I never liked ice cream much anyhow, so its no big deal to me.

Was sleeved on oct 28th. On my first week post op was down 14lbs. It was a struggle with shakes and vitamins and liquid. I finally can drink premier Protien vanilla and bariatrics chewable vitamins. The problem I'm having now is what to eat. It is 4 weeks today and I don't know what to eat. I have oatmeal, Greek yogurt, broth with a little pastina in it. But that's pretty much it. Anything solid than that feels like it's stuck it very uncomfortable Does anyone know where I can get recipes or other foods to try. Thank you

One of my favorite indulgences is going to a movie by myself and eating popcorn and a Cherry Coke. I only do it about 2-3 times a year, and I know popcorn, Cherry Coke, and snacking are off limits now that I'm banded. I haven't ctually attempted popcorn, but I imagine it'd get easily stuck but movie theatre popcorn is sooooooo high inc alories so for me I won't even go there. Anyway, today I'm taking our 3 little boys to a movie-somehting we're starting to do more often. I'd like to incorporate snacking at the theatre into my meal plan today since it'll actually be my lunchtime. I'm not at all opposed to sneaking in my own food. Ay suggestions on what to sneak? I usually eat a serving of granola with a greek yogurt for lunch, so I'm thinking maybe a baggie of dry granola, a Protein shake, and I'm kinda hoping for another food option...maybe raw veggies? I'd love to hear other suggestions!!! thanks everyone

Loved him!! I'm really happy I did this for myself too. Great people up there! I finished my 'protein' drink that I made with the Greek yogurt and skim milk. I am so pleased that I liked it and drank it all. Five weeks out? So you are on soft foods? Tell me what you are eating with that? During the first three weeks, did you do like I am, blending stuff to try and get in Protein or just stick with the shakes or bullets? Congrats!