Search the Community

I'm 2 months post-op, I'm on 80mg of pantoprazole, not on puree stage yet. I just got off of my PICC line yesterday. It seems like for the past 1-2 weeks the GERD has gotten worse, which is also when I started drinking a regular amount. I'm only drinking gatorade zero and 2 shakes. I have so much flem and saliva now and it also hurts. I had GERD, gastritis, and a small hernia prior to surgery. Does it get better as time goes on? Is it just worse in the beginning months or do I need to start looking at options (revision etc)?

Earlier this week insurance was a no go. This afternoon about 1:30 we get word it's been approved, doctor's office received a fax with the reference code etc. Surgery is set for the day after Thanksgiving with Dr. Victor Gonzalez in Dallas. I'm starting the pre-op diet tomorrow. I wish I could remember what I needed and didn't need to take to the hospital eleven years ago!! Following several threads closely.

Earlier this week insurance was a no go. This afternoon about 1:30 we get word it's been approved and surgery is set for the day after Thanksgiving. I'm starting the pre-op diet tomorrow. I wish I could remember what I needed and didn't need to take to the hospital eleven years ago!! Following several threads closely.

I'm sorry you're going through a bad time. Three major surgeries in less than a year is a LOT of stress on your body and mind. I lost my mom to cancer, so I understand how the anniversary of a loss like that can affect you. Be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal, inside and out. I will pray you recover soon.

UPDATE: So I got my test results back. Doc had me get several tests to check and see if I was perimenopause or menopause and if maybe that could be the reason I am almost 4 weeks late with my period. Turns out he said I'm most definitely NOT menopausal or even close to perimenopause, which is a shock considering I'm 49. But yeah, that's that. He said if things don't level out soon to see my GYN. I think even more now with those results that this is most definitely tied to me cutting my Metformin in half. Bleh!

I agree with tek. Your surgeons office will be the advice you should follow. However, after I had my revision (for gerd) I drank liquids pretty well right after. I managed broth, crystal light and water for my meals in the hospital the first couple days with no problem. After that I was on full liquids (including pudding and jello) for 2 weeks then purées for 2 weeks. With a revision you won’t have a pyloric valve so liquids will likely be easier but as you move on you’ll feel restriction from food.

Hahaha I am 15 years into the lap band successfully with no fills and still down almost 100 pounds from surgery day. Was 150+ down before life stepped in lol. I love my band still, however. Exactly as my doctor had said this band is not a magic era it is to help you learn how to eat well. He was exactly truthful and that’s the way it is today. I eat one filling meal a day about 3 PM and a snack around 8 PM. My meal is generally planned about a week in advance because I still craving love food. So I eat it, all of it. Just not all at once. 1st protein must have substance no bullshit food like lettuce. The protein of it is generally about 3 or 5 ounces. When it hurts I stop eating. Rule #1 snack: salami & good cheese 2oz drink ONLY water ever lol reminder: the only exception to any rule is there’s always an exception mine has a 30 day value to it minimum. eat and drink what you crave never eat it more than once a month lots of luck it’s all in your head

I got the sleeve. My surgeon was very conservative. He says that his main goal was to protect the stitches the first 1-2 weeks, to let them heal without solids getting stuck in there, and irritating the lining.. My diet (after sleeve), was 3 days clear liquids (no protein).. 4 days of clear protein drinks. And then 1-2 weeks (not sure) of full liquid diet (protein shakes, etc). In any case, all surgeons have dfifferent playbooks.. you should ask/follow yours.. Best of luck next Wednesday!

Beautiful pic! That guy sounds like someone not worth your time. There are plenty of compassionate people out there looking for kindness too. I'm just 5 weeks post op and dating in general is an unkind world. If I was on a date with someone who made a comment like that, I'd reply by asking how they overcame one of their life's biggest battles and if it was easy for them? If I felt uncomfortable enough, I may just tell them this wouldn't work out and excuse myself. You're not there to please and bend to them. You're your own person and trying to find your significant other who cares about you. Maybe they apologize, maybe they don't. I hope this helps. It's easier giving advice than listening to my own so I totally understand how you feel and you're not alone. I'm trying to remind myself I'm not in a hurry. Good luck!

restriction eases over time. I'm several years out now. If this gives you any idea, at restaurants my usual order is an appetizer - or else I'll order an entree, eat half of it, and have them box up the other half. No different than a lot of my never-been-obese women friends, to be honest. that week 3 thing is the infamous "three week stall". It's not always the third week, but it usually is, hence the name. But the vast majority of us hit our first major stall sometime during the first month or so after surgery. Stalls typically last 1-3 weeks. When you hit one (and you'll likely hit several on your journey), just stick to your plan and stay off the scale for a few days - and know that it'll eventually break and you'll be on your way again. If you want more info on the three week stall, do a search for it on this site. Last time I checked, there were over 17,000 posts on it. And no, I am NOT kidding...

there are food restrictions the first few months, but after that, there aren't any limitations as long as you can tolerate whatever the food is (I can no longer tolerate really high-fat meals - and it's not uncommon for people to develop things like lactose intolerance after surgery - but you won't have any restrictions per se. I'm "allowed" to eat anything - and have been for a long time). I was never a big drinker even before surgery - I'd just have an occasional glass or two of wine. We weren't supposed to drink for the first year (according to my clinic, anyway), and I didn't at all for the first three years. Now I'm back to having my occasional glass or two of wine - by which I mean, maybe four or five times a year. So for ME, I don't notice any difference...other than alcohol hits me a lot faster than it did pre-surgery. taking vitamins becomes pretty automatic after the first few weeks. I don't even think about it anymore. I take a small handful when I get up in the morning, a smaller handful around dinner time - and my iron and vitamin C before I go to bed. complications aren't common and most are minor and "fixable". The most common one with sleeve is reflux, which in most cases (if you happen to develop it) can be managed medically. In severe cases, there's always the option of revising to RNY - although I don't know how common it is for it to get to that point. Might be worth asking if you're concerned. I didn't mind the puree stage. It was a relief after being on all liquids. If you're not crazy about the puree stage, just keep in mind that it doesn't last very long. You'll be on soft foods - and then solid - before you know it. it'll be pretty obvious to others the first month or two by how little you can eat that something is "up". I mostly just tried to avoid going out with people so the question wouldn't come up - or I'd suggest meeting up for coffee or tea or some activity instead of a meal. After that, for several months I'd just claim I wasn't very hungry and order an appetizer or some soup or chili. Now I'll sometimes still order that - or if I do get an entree, I'll eat half of it and have the rest boxed up. Pretty much the same as a lot of my never-been-obese women friends. No one can tell anymore that I've had surgery. Basically, this will all take some getting used to - it can be overwhelming at first - but after the first few weeks, it really isn't. And you're right - pre-surgery nervousness is pretty common. I've had four surgeries in my life, and I get nervous every time - but they've all gone off without a hitch!

I'm very curious about this. I'm 20 days out from surgery (pre-op) and I'm currently hiking/walking 4-6x a week (making sure I hit some hills/stairs), and I just started doing a little resistance/strength training. I just want to build a little muscle and help my cardiovascular system. Eventually I want to get rid of my fat, flat ass and change it for a nice one. I enjoy working out and I have friends that will do it with me... So long story short my #1 goal is a healthy recovery from surgery with no complications, so I'm wondering how much I can do without pulling on my stomach. Should I wait four weeks to start some minor resistance exercises? Or the whole 6 weeks? That would be hard for me. Everything engages the abs so I'm just wondering. (I will be discussing this with my surgeon).

I'm 2 weeks and 2 days post op. This is exactly how I felt! Now 2 weeks later, not as much but I do feel a bit shell shocked. I don't think any amount of research can really prepare you for it. It's a massive deal. Food is a big thing and your body has gone through a lot. Try to remember why you done and how the weight held you back. You obviously done it for the right reasons. Good luck 🍀💪

I don't think anyone goes into surgery without the ol' pre-surgery nerves! We are permanently altering our digestive system, so it's a big life change and that really hits like bricks in the weeks leading up! Stay busy, and keep your eyes on the prize, and keep the "why you're doing this" in your mind. Look at clothes you'd love to buy when you're smaller. Play computer games. Read. Excercise listening to podcasts or audiobooks. The puree stage was fine, but I was definitely grateful to be able to move onto solid food, even if my portions are absurdly small. Being able to chew on something was a boon. Just remember - the puree stage is only about 4 weeks, you'll be done and dusted in no time. The hardest part is the pre-op liver shrinking diet! I won't be touching alcohol for at least a year, and I'm okay with that. I socialised with friends two weeks ago and was the only sober one (sat on still water with a twist of fresh lime all night), and I still had a lot of fun. I've yet to eat with people who aren't my partner, but honestly it's no-one's business, not even my nearest and dearest. I take a plastic food container with me to cafes and restaurants and I pop what I can't eat in it and take it home. I've embraced being the Takeaway Queen. 👑 That you have your partner's full support is wonderful - yay for them! As for everyone else, it's not their business unless you want to tell them. I've told my immediate family, in-laws, and closest friends. No-one else needs to know. Good luck!

Initially I was given the water goal of 1200ml/40oz per day, which I had no trouble drinking. Slow going for sure, but totally doable, as water travels pretty quickly through the bypass. I've had a slow but steady water increase and can now do 1500ml per day at least. Some do struggle with the water however; there's no universal experience after a bypass so it can swing either way. I was fortunate that liquids haven't been an issue. My post surgery diet was 1 week liquid only, then pureed stage for 4 weeks, then soft-food stage for another 4 which I'm still currently on. I'm able to eat some raw veg, though, however I make sure to chew it into pulp. It's pretty evident pretty quickly when you've eaten something you're not really ready for. AND if you drink water too quickly - found that one out last night and won't be doing that again! Diets vary depending on the surgeon though. Has your dietician gone over it with you?

I'm going in next Wednesday for revision from sleeve to bypass, very excited to start this journey again! For those who went through this already, I was curious about eating/drinking after the surgery. After my sleeve, they had me eating real food the next day, starting with eggs for breakfast and then for other meals chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad, blended very smooth. I was able to take in about 4-6 oz per meal with no problem, also got my liquids and protein in. I know that the bypass pouch is significantly smaller than the sleeve, so I was wondering what the diet is like after surgery. I know they want us to drink 64 oz of water a day, but is that even possible with such a small pouch? Thanks!

Thank you so much for this post. I'm planning on a sleeve to RNY revision right after the first of the year. I was wondering if I'd lose some of my regain (45 lbs), I have severe reflux and a hiatial hernia. If I can lose some weight on top of hopefully fixing the reflux and non-cardiac heart pain from the hernia, it will be a great 2022!! I am with you, dumping and not worrying about regain, at least not much, is worth the trade off!! Again, thank you. If you have any helpful hints about eating/getting through the first couple of months, I'd appreciate it. I cannot imagine eating baby food. What protein did you find easy to get down the first two weeks? Again, thank you!

Thank you! Looks like insurance isn't going to cover the RNY portion, but I think they'll cover the hernia surgery, so that will help. I want to get through the holidays and schedule surgery for the second week in January. I'll have my deductible met and will be nice so early in the year. Thank you for responding! I'm surprised about veggies. What about butter, do you put a little on veggies or is real butter a risky thing to do?

If it's any comfort, I can eat that now (two months post-op) and just had a barium swallow and my sleeve is exactly fine. Don't freak out. Just weigh yourself once a week or so, and have an "oh sh*t" weight where if you get there you will go back to basics to get back down. So if your goal was 50 kg, maybe you say at 53 kg it's time to get serious (it being a lot easier to lose 3 kg than 10 kg).

It gets so much better from there. Don't give up on it yet. The first week is the hardest; the second week is the second hardest. In a couple of months you're going to be astounded at the positive changes in your life. Hang in there.

I’m not sure it gets much better, but rather you get used to it. I am 5months post op. The food doesn’t feel stuck any more, but the few bites is still a thing. I can usually get 6 bites in but I take large bites and eat fast which is not good so maybe if you continue with small bites and eat slow you will continue to gain bites! They call it restriction and basically it means your sleeve is doing it’s job, but it is hard to get used to! Sounds like you are on the right track… your weight loss stalls are very normal at this stage!

Hi there - when I got to that point (under 20 pounds from goal), my surgeon did recommend resistance training. Not in order to burn off calories, but to add muscle which raises your BMR. I adopted a beginner's dumbell routine (it was at the height of the pandemic so I couldn't go to the gym) and started doing it 3 times a week. Within 2 weeks the scale was moving again.

Thank you for replying, I know I won’t be able to eat like before but I just wondered if it going down will get easier and being able to eat more than 2-3 small mouthfuls before feeling full will ever change. Ive lost 21 pounds but I did not lose a pound in week 3 is that normal for 1 month post surgery?

I started puréed at the one week mark. So many doctors require different things. I followed my friends plan (i was allowed to start puréed on week 2 for me). I lost so much weight (not healthily) bc I couldn’t drink anything anymore I wanted to chew so I preferred not to eat and was starving. Nothing has felt bad so that’s good. I was on yogurt and stuff when I got home from hospital. My follow up is tomorrow so hopefully all is well. listen to your body. If something feels like it’s not setting then remove it and try again at another time.

I’m in my 5th week since my gastric sleeve, I’m the uk we have fluids for one day then puréed for 2 -3 weeks then soft foods. I was told it was my journey. I moved on early to soft foods as soup and purée was going straight through I’m finding it hard still learning a new way of eating. I can’t eat more than 2 -3 small spoon mouthfuls before i feel full and it feels almost stuck. I just wondered if it will get better that I don’t have to wait so long to eat in between mouthfuls I’m waiting 30 seconds, I think the most hardest thing to get used to is this new way of time it takes to eat a little food.