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What it’s like being a mini gastric bypass patient on BariatricPal – what I found useful, and why I needed a pause from participating on the forum I think the forum is a fantastic resource, I love the store, and I can’t imagine not having read all of you wonderful people’s stories along the way. However, you feel lonely here as an MGB’er, because it’s very America-centric and there’s just not a lot of MGB’ers in America. That’s how it is. Consider this my tiny contribution to change that. What drove me off the site is the already-discussed-ad-nauseam rigidity you meet, and I seriously urge anyone to consider if they’re posting their “I can only eat half a lentil a week, am I losing too fast?” story for themselves rather than for others. Now that I’m below goal, I can say: I had a LOT more calories than what you’d believe was necessary to be a success. And I’m still losing on 2000-2200/day. Had I gone by the consensus here, I would’ve given up a long, long time ago. And I see some of the posters who had surgery around the same time as me, who were very active, and very judgmental of me and people like me, well … they’re not posting anymore. That makes me sad. Because I know why they did that; they needed the resolve and the boost from telling others they were doing it wrong. I hope they made it and that they’re happy wherever they are in their lives. I am back to say we should be so much more forgiving, kind, and open to each other’s experiences. We have a whole world judging us and frankly, we shouldn’t put up with it. That starts with forgiving ourselves and each other, and then stick together, us former, current, and future fatties

What I wish they had told me prior to surgery I honestly had no idea how much pain I would be in right after waking up. And due to COVID-19, I wasn’t allowed anyone in the hospital to help me tell the nurses to seriously give me more morphine. I had about half an hour when I seriously wanted to kill myself due to being inflated from surgery and nowhere near covered by pain meds. Yep. It won’t feel like it, but you should get up as soon as you can. I mean that seriously. It lowered my pain from 10 to high 8 immediately. I’ve done rough contact sports, I’ve had my knee cap dislocated, torn my ACL, had a ruptured appendix, broken more bones than I care to count. And nothing compared to this. Other people have barely any pain. And you know what? I do it all again in a heartbeat. The results are that great. Otherwise, I felt pretty well-informed. I called the bariatric team when 1400 cals clearly weren’t enough, and once they heard my loss at that point, they were like ‘yeah you should’ve been on 1800 a month ago, then’. So reach out, they’re there for you. I had some stalls but expected them, talked to my close people about it, and reminded myself not to stress about it. I had a month or so of low blood sugar, but it fixed itself. I get constipated from iron supplements, so I’m actually managing without now that I can eat more (my iron increased from surgery to month 9, which is pretty neat).

Alcohol and MGB So this will be controversial for the Americans. Sorry in advance. I’ve had alcohol weekly since week 5. I made room for it in my calorie count. Sometimes, I went over. And then got right back on the counting the next day. Alcohol is a part of life where I live. And I’ve found myself wanting to go out more. I get drunk super fast, and I have to pace myself. It hasn’t really been an issue; I can see why people get addicted, but I’ve never been the kind of guy who would drink alone and that’s a hard rule for me. YMMV is what I’m saying. If you’re reading this thinking you’ll never drink again, well, a lot of us are while being successful still. Don’t you wish you had refrained from drinking and then your EWL might have been 95 instead of 89? Absolutely not. I wouldn’t have gotten to a year by staying in. I did this my way, and it worked for me.

Exercise – what and when and how much? I was told to exercise at least 4 times a week for 30 minutes, and then incorporate walking on top of that. In reality, I haven’t done that much, but I’ve done some. I think that works for me – I was always so either/or, and I’m trying to live in the middle now. I walked maybe 3 times a week in the first 3 months. Then, at around 260 lbs, I gave running a go. I hate running. There, I said it. So I did interval running. Basically week 1 and later on, 2, of Couch-2-5K. Gave it my best for a minute, walked two. Rinse and repeat. For a grand total for 20-25 minutes. Did this twice a week for a couple of months. And didn’t increase the running time much, just increased speed in the intervals. Did I mention I hate running? That’s why. If I know it’s going to be unsustainable, I’m finding something that is. And that was the gym. I like going. I don’t go all that much, maybe 1.5 times a week on average. I took up boxing once a week, but sometimes other things get in the way. Then I go the next week. Again, not all or nothing, just getting by. I bike to work now, except when it rains. It’s not a long journey by any means, but it counts. And so on and so forth. Not once have I beat myself over the head, and that kept me moving. That said, I’ve been ecstatic about seeing what my body can do. I just walked home from work, 20 minutes brisk walk. Didn’t break a sweat. Didn’t consider what other people might think of the fat guy walking there because, well, I’m not fat. I’m free.

My diet and calories – stages + what does a typical day look like after a year? My post-op plan was pretty standard: 1 week of fluids 1 week of puréed 1 week of soft solids and then gradually into solids. It was easy, but I had reached out for help prior to surgery and had family take care of me. I could’ve done it on my own, but I do recommend letting all pride go and simply take as much time off work as you can, ask for all and any help you can from the people around you. You have no idea how willing people are to help. That first month is so crucial to get off to a great start – it’s a long journey – and we deserve it. I had alcohol less than a month after surgery (for NYE) and it was fine. It was OK’ed with my surgeon’s team. I understand this is different for different cultures, but alcohol is a major part of life where I live, and I am done doing unsustainable things. So I had to practice flexible control right off the bat. It works well for me. For me, tracking calories and protein has been crucial I was on: 1400 cals/day for 6 months, then 1800 cals a day for 3 months and then the bariatric team asked me to stop losing and find my balance. Since then, I’ve lost 7-8 lbs as I’m finding my equilibrium. I stopped tracking on weekends, and I still track on weekdays. It’s good to keep that sense of what 2000-2200 calories look like, but it’s also a more long-term sustainable solution for me to not sit at a restaurant and think about whether I go 50 over or under on a Friday. This gets into the mental game, and I’ll cover that below. A typical day now looks like this: Breakfast Protein Oatmeal (around 200 cals) Lunch Meat + mixed salad + a little dressing at work. Small plate. Early afternoon A protein snack, like Quest Protein Chips. Late afternoon Usually some fruit, a slice of protein bread with low-fat cheese. Dinner I’ve grown fond of Thai curries with chicken + cauliflower rice. I truly have no desire for, say, burgers and pizza – it’s too heavy for my system. I repeat: it’s not that I can’t have it, I just don’t really want to. New times indeed. Evening snack(s) I tend to leave 400-600 calories for after dinner (which is easier on 2200 calories, mind you). I unfortunately work a bunch, and this has been the problem in the past – working and snacking all night long. I spend those calories on a smoothie with protein and fruit, and usually a bariatric-friendly treat like sugar-free chocolate, popsicles, or something like that. This keeps the habit of stuffing myself with empty calories somewhat at bay, while also not setting me up for failure by pretending I can go from 7pm to bedtime at 1am without eating. I can’t, so I don’t.

My weight journey pre-op + for a year after the mini gastric bypass I reached my highest weight – 364 lbs – fairly close to surgery. I then lost from 364 to 344 at day of surgery. In the first month, I lost 34 lbs, and at the 60 day mark, I had lost 61 lbs. So 2 months after surgery, I was down to 283 lbs. At the 6 month mark, I was down to 234 lbs (total loss 130 lbs), and at the 12 month mark I’m at 201 lbs (total loss 163 lbs). My EWL is 88.8%, and I’m of a pretty muscular build, so for all intents and purposes, I’m done losing. More importantly, I think I look fantastic! I went from a 54” waist to wearing 32” jeans, and from a 6XL to a medium or large in men’s tops. I can see the individual parts of the shoulder muscles, there’s tricep definition, my legs look like pro soccer player legs … in a way, my fat decade was a massive bulk for the fellow weight lifters out there As for excess skin, it looks like I gave birth to quintuplets a few weeks ago, and there’s loose skin everywhere. I’m only wanting surgery on the stomach area, though. I think the rest will gradually be okay, and I don’t really need to be perfect. I’m great as I am. I’ve debated whether to include photos, but what the hell. I have nothing to be ashamed of, and if this motivates just one person to go do this for themselves, I’ll be happy. DAY BEFORE SURGERY (this is 20 lbs lower than my heaviest) ... aaand: FROM THE PAST WEEK (163 lbs lighter than my heaviest, BMI around 27.5)

Hi, yes I had a week of clear fluids and then a week of soups and shakes. You're almost there and you have done so well - just one and a bit more days to go! Every step feels like a big one towards a completely new way of eating but it's like waiting for the holidays - I get all "hurry uuuuuup!" every single day 😂

Lisa, hang in there... if you stood on the scale at the Dr's office... it could be off a few lbs and I'm sure you were not butt naked to identify your true weight. So depending upon your clothes, shoes, jacket (it is getting colder at least where I live) these could all be throwing your numbers. The simple thing to do to determine if your scale is out of whack is to grab an object of a known weight (i.e. a 2lb dumbell) stand on the scale, get off the scale, grab the weight, stand... compare. Either way 1lb in 2 weeks... uh... unless you are doing massive weight lifting - I suggest a call to your NUT and have them go over your food intake and exercise patterns with you. Chin up... if you follow their advice... you will see weight come off.

After surgery my periods were normal for a couple of months then I went on the Depo-provera shot BC and that was the worst decision I have ever made. I have pretty much been bleeding non-stop since March 2021. There have been about two months recently when it would stop for 3-4 weeks which I assume means it's going back to normal but then when the period comes it lasts for 3 weeks minimum. It was at least like spotting level but this last one has been full out heavy the whole time. Doctor has checked everything, hormone levels, everything and it's all fine. Everything healthy just obviously a low iron level. I started taking a different iron supplement and it seemed to help for a while but I am at a loss. I've heard it can take a year for your body to recover from the Depo shot and that on top of the weightless I imagine my body is panicking. I would just sincerely love for it to go back to normal. This one I'm on right now has been brutal, full on symptoms and just no respite.

The bruising lasted about two weeks around one of my scars. When everything was healed (around 4 weeks post op) I started using silicone scar tape. I am now almost 16 weeks post and they look a lot lighter already. I plan to use the scar tape till about 6 months post op (for new scars, at least 3 months is recommended I think).

I AM IN BED RIGHT NOW, with a heating pad and the cat! I'm supposed to return to teaching next week; the last week before winter break! 🤣 😭 Yeah, the pureed soups seemed too "hearty" to me, but I'm doing it. Something simple: garlic satueed in olive oil, then add garbanzo beans and broth, simmer, then puree 'till it's very thin. I think we're not supposed to have beans (???), but I chose these because there's a bit of protein. Another lifesaver for me has been warm broth. I mix it with Unjury chicken soup flavored protein powder. In another post someone mentioned how warm fluids seem more filling. I find this to be very true. And this Unjury savory powder and broth will be staple for me from now on. Even my kids love it. I meant that I don't think that I can decaf. Man, I have been on a liquid diet AND without caffeine for two weeks. No wonder I feel weak and tired!

Yeh I thought so too. It would help heal the stomach and intestine that went through a full ramage. Miserable indeed. Good to know there are others who have had similar stuctured program. Ofc every program is different. I was just concerned about losing muscle this week of clear liquids. But that's bound to happen and hoping they'll recover with time. 😊

Once all scabs come off, about 2-3 weeks post-op, I started using BioOil. Then around week 6 I added in silicone scar tape. I have olive skin and tend to scar easily, both seem to be helping minimize discoloration though final results are still TBD. As far as bruising, I think I had bruises for probably 2 weeks. I feel like by the time the scabs were gone, so were the bruises. But, as with most things, every body is different and there is no right or wrong timeline for healing.

Yep, my plan was 1 week clear liquids then 1 week full liquids, and so on. Each program has their own version, some include protein some do not. I think the goal of such a restrictive plan is to minimize discomfort and potential complications. It is pretty miserable, but thankfully it doesn't last forever!

So I have been wondering if anyone else here has been put on only clear liquids post-Op? Diluted juice, broth, jello, flavored water, decaf tea or coffee and plain water. That's all. Today is day 6, so almost there. One more day and I can move ahead to full liquids/pureed diet. Clear liquid phase is told to be done for healing process but there's no protein nothing. Usually after surgery one needs protein because body is in catabolic stage. So not sure why they no source of protein at all in my phase 1. May be all the protein from pre-Op diet may have been done for the reason. Clear liquid diet for a week has definitely been challenging especially post day 3. And around day 5ish, weakness and fatigue. Waiting on day 8 so badly to move past this stage. Anyhow, so anyone else have had similar clear liquid phase post their surgery?

I don't think that I am, but I have such teacher guilt about taking more time off. We have two weeks left until winter break and so that would mean I would work for a week before a three week break. But rain is in the forecast all next week and here in California, that means we stay inside with our students ALL DAY. Very tiring days because you never get any quiet time.

Yes to the hot drinks! The best for me currently is low sodium vegetable broth and chicken soup flavored protein powder. THANK YOU for sharing your experience of the hunger settling down. I am a teacher and I will be back to work next week. HOW will I have the stamina to deal with 6th graders excited for winter break???

I was ravenous for over two weeks LouLou - my hunger really only settled yesterday (day 18). It's so hard but I found that hot drinks filled me up more than cold if that's any help. Also I added dried skimmed milk to coffee and soups because it's easy additional protein. Keep going, you're already over the hardest few days 💪

Rest assured that you can speak with your surgeon or the PA associated and let them know how you are feeling. For me, the pain exceeded the ability of the pain management to supress. I did end up back in the ER and was given much needed fluids and pain management via IV and then sent home with a different pain pill. I have a few friends who went through the GVS and oh they were running a marathon the next day... no pain, all was beautiful and right in the world. For me... JC, I was in pain and needed a full 2 weeks of pain medication to get me to the point where Tylenol was able to take up for mild discomfort. It does get better, each day, small gains... Take Deep Breaths and know that you have a support system and you need to discuss how you are doing with them.

Forgive me for so many posts, but I am concerned. Day 6 after surgery and I feel like I'm starving. I am so hungry. My stomach is growling. I've been having protein drinks, broth with protein, and pureed soups. I get full very quickly, but I am on three "meals" a day and am so hungry in between meals. Will this improve when I'm on purees? Solids? I also feel very weak and tire very easily. I did have both the sleeve and hiatal hernia.

Hello everyone, I have lost another 1.5 lbs since last Tuesday so I’m really happy about that. I guess it’s safe to say I am over the hump. Yesterday I didn’t eat so well, though, and I am paying for it today. My stomach hurts and I keep having to use the restroom. Very happy to be back on track this week, it has been difficult to be on a diet with family over, but at least I kept losing. I sort of wish I had the gastric bypass instead of the SADI because I see people losing all there weight in less than six months, but I think this was probably best for me for a lot of reasons and I’m thankful for having this opportunity after messing up the first time.

I am 12 days post-op! Insurance ended up approving the surgery, they just took their sweet time about it. I’m so glad that my doctors wrote extra letters and went above and beyond so that I could have the surgery safely. I have lost 13lbs since the surgery for a total of 64lbs down from my highest weight. 100-ish more to go! I’m also glad that I took short term disability and did the full 5 weeks my surgeon recommended. I didn’t honestly understand just how impacted I’d be by the surgery and it’s comforting to know that I don’t need to magically get better in time to go back to work.

A lot of employer offered insurance plans can have specific exclusions for weight loss surgery. I've had three different insurances through employers in the past two years (old job switched carriers and then came to a new job) and all of them had WLS exclusions even if medically necessary. All of my plans have been pretty good, high quality plans otherwise, but they still have the exclusion. There could be other reasons for the OP, but just wanted to note that many still don't.

I am 5 weeks out. Doctor daily recommendations: 100-120g of protein/day. 800-1000 calories (or 600-800, if I wanted to 'push it') 50% protein, 25% veggies, and optionally 25% carbs. Meal wise: Protein shake for breakfast. Protein shake midmorning, after workout. 2 meals (lunch / dinner) 1 snack. I am currently doing 600-700 cals / day

I agree with the above poster - many people don't loose weight for a week or so because you can gain up to 9-10 lbs from the fluids they fill you with during surgery. Or, you may be in the "three week stall" which can happen early and last for a few weeks. Make sure you're getting all your water and protein, and hang in there!