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Yeah, it's not clear yet and it was a new guideline from my dietician post-op. She switched me to eating every 2 hours to avoid nausea. Initially, I tried to eat my meals just the 3 times a day and found I'd get sick at night. She thinks I need to take in less amount of food more frequently instead of more less frequently. It's worked so far, I'm not getting sick from eating but it's hard to get my water in too. The meals I have, I usually eat them in parts. Like I'll have half of it and then the other half later so I am taking in small amounts of food all day. They also want me to cool it on the protein shakes because they think it's causing my a lot of constipation. I started making my own because I couldn't do all the milk products so now I just have one a day and get the rest through food. I def think you're right though... I need to drink more water and hopefully, some of the painful movements will get better. Water is soooo difficult though but I'm determined. Still trying to figure out the right balance for me.

…and just like that, almost 600 calories in my tum in no time flat! chicharron (i.e., pork cracklings) are very sliderish for me, kinda like chips. I ate all of this save for 3-4 pieces that someone pinched from my bowl when i left it unattended lol 594 calories:

How kind of you to say! It's going pretty well so far (three weeks in).

Yes the addiction is so real, was not planning on quitting but was forced to. My mom was a smoker for several years and to quit you just have to be ready and I was not there yet, still am not but Im being good for the sake of surgery. I see you had your surgery a couple weeks ago hope all is going well.

I have NO IDEA how you're supposed to meet your water goal when you can't drink for 40+ minutes (because you need to count eating time too!) out of every 2 hours. That's bonkers. I had surgery 2/16 so I'm a similar ways out as you, and my plan has me eat 1/4 cup of protein for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and then supplement with a protein shake/powders to hit my protein goal. It helps a LOT to hit protein and hydration goals when you can drink part of your protein! You said "I eat 3 small meals a day, one snack and a Protein Shake" so that shouldn't be every 2 hours, right? Like I do 8 am breakfast, 12 pm lunch, 6 pm dinner, and a protein shake somewhere in there and sometimes another half a scoop of protein powder in there if my meals weren't high enough protein. Even with a snack, you should have a solid 4 hours or so between most of your meals, right? If they really want you eating every 2 hours, see if you can replace some of those with protein shakes? That's yikes! For the constipation, I'm sorry you're dealing with that! It's likely because you're not getting enough water - those stool softeners you listed work by pulling water into the stool to soften it, but if you're not getting adequate hydration all they're doing is bulking it up and not actually softening it.

I had mine on Feb 14th so I'm 5 weeks and 3 days out. I felt pretty good about fluids and protein until like 2 weeks ago drinking water and feeling pain/restriction, especially when it's room temp. Using a straw and having ice water seems to help me get it down better. I actually gulp in a lot of air when I don't use a straw. Most teams tell you not to, even mine but I feel gas pain in my chest without the straw. I'm doing really well with protein though and get 70-80 grams a day through about 700-800 calories. Rarely do I get to 800 cals though. I noticed on days when I have eaten up to 800 cals I feel nauseated at night so I try to not go over 750. It's a small difference but weird enough I can really feel it. I eat 3 small meals a day, one snack and a protein shake. My dietician has me eat 2 oz of protein every 2 hours during the daytime. I'm taking vitamins well, no hair loss...yet? I do need to take nausea medicine in the morning because maybe 4 times a week I wake up with the instinct to dry heave. I don't know why but I've always felt nauseous in the mornings, even pre op. I find that I can either focus on food or water but not both. When I drink 64 oz of fluids, I eat less and miss my protein goal. When I reach my protein goal, I drink less fluids. I find that balance to be really difficult to deal with and get right. I wonder when that'll be easier? It's also tough with the 2-hour eating rule and then the 10 min before 30 after drinking rule. I'd basically always have to have food or fluid in my mouth all day which isn't realistic for me. I've lost 29 lbs in 5 weeks. I don't really feel it yet/still feel like a big out-of-shape lump LOL. I think I'll feel the weight loss when I hit the 240's. I have my one-month post-op tomorrow with my nurse practitioner. Looking forward to it. P.S. Is anyone still dealing with constipation and ROCK HARD stool? I am on prune juice, Metamucil, colace and occasional senna tea. I go almost every day but it's incredibly forced, usually bleeding occurs or I need to slap on a pair of gloves and take it out (I know TMI I'm sorry ) . I'm going to talk to my team about it tomorrow but I'm so done with it. It also causes me a great deal of nausea. Wondering if anyone else is dealing with this and what you're doing to make it better?

Hey everyone I had surgery 2/8 so I’m at 6 weeks post op I’m still only able to eat two small meals and I drink a protein shake to make up for the last meal and still no snacks. I am drinking atleast 5-7 water bottles a day so I’m also hitting my water take. It takes time soon enough you all will start to feel more and more normal atleast for your new stomach.

My surgery was on 16/2. It’s been 5 weeks post surgery. My fluid intake has gone up so much and I’m starting to lose weight again now. On the advice of my surgeon and dietician and trial and error, I’ve done these things: 1. Track my water usage using the Waterllama app. it’s cute and easy to use 2. track my food intake using the “see what you eat” app, making note of only the proteins I consume (I don’t count macros otherwise. Just make sure everything is “light” or “Low fat” and mostly “sugar free”) 3. set reminders on my phone to take medications, eat and drink (I don’t feel thirsty or hungry so this has been dangerous for me) 4. use water enhancers and uncaffeinated herbal teas to vary the taste of my fluids I haven’t been hospitalised other than that 1 night post surgery however I’ve been making weekly trips to meet the care team. I’ve lost 25lbs, which isn’t much. I was barely losing any in the previous 2 weeks but according to the body analysis, I was losing muscle and water. I was lethargic all the time but could still move. Once I got the proteins and fluid settled, I’ve been feeling so much better. For movement, I searched for anything “post bariatric surgery” and was doing basic stretches and walking for 15min then moved to 30 min. Now I look for “Low impact/intensity beginners cardio” lasting for about 30min to 45min. Don’t push yourself to the point of pain. Once I feel twinges, I stop. The physiotherapist in the care team suggests that movement be done for 10-15 min, twice a day at a start. For the first 3 weeks, my heart rate doesn’t go beyond 65% of my max heart rate. Now I’m pushing it to about 80%. After week 6 I will incorporate weights again. I enjoy resistance training and can’t weight to get back to it so just do what feels right to you. Find the type of movement that you enjoy. Whilst my body has been changing even without exercise, I am constantly reminding myself this is the same body. WLS is not magic. I have to take care of my body before I can get it to work right. This means eating drinking moving and resting sufficiently. I’ve been on 5 weeks of leave and this has helped me with my new-habit forming as well as allow me to heal gently. I will finally get back to work next Monday. I don’t know how I will be energy and pain wise but we’ll see.

So I have gotten different answers from my doctor's office (nutritionist, doctor, post-surgery team, etc.). I am meal prepping on the weekends and I portion my food into small 1/4 cup portion cups, that are typically used for dressings and condiments (I LOVE THESE THINGS!). Anyway, I noticed that at times, I can eat 2 of these within an hour (making it 1/2 cup), while other times I really can only have one of them before I feel restriction. I am so worried about damaging my stomach or busting a suture. What amounts of food have you guys been able to tolerate at 1 month post op? Also, bear in mind that my doctor's office moved me from liquid to pureed after week 1... then from pureed to soft food on week 3. I am on soft food for another couple of weeks before it's venturing out to regular food. Is there a good rule of thumb in the bariatric world to follow? Like maybe only eat 1/4 cup for each "meal" and have 4-5 "meals" per day? I always get the answer "it's variable and depends on the patient." I think I'd prefer some type of structure to go by. Also, my doctor said I wouldn't have to worry about dumping because I had the sleeve, and it's very uncommon; however, I have noticed that if I eat too fast, or don't wait 45-60 mins to drink after eating, that I get diarrhea. It's short-lived thank God, but it still is hard to prevent (which makes for a pretty uncomfortable environment at work!!) It sounds like dumping, but he said it's common... thoughts?

Hello! I had surgery on 2/22 and had major complications afterwards. I was in the hospital for 13 days out of the last month. I, too, had a hard time getting protein and fluids down and my weight loss has also stalled at 16 lbs. My doctor ordered thrice-weekly fluid and vitamin infusions for me. Perhaps you can ask your doctor about that.

Hi Mochi, I had the sleeve done on 2/23. I lost 15 pounds the first 3 weeks and have now stalled out. I've added in foods but cant always do food 3x day so still doing protein shakes 1-2meals a day. I know some days I have hunger to deal with.

In anticipation of and hoping for a 4/11-ish surgery date (week of Spring Break), i'm going to start the Liver Reduction Diet next Wednesday, 3/30...the day after my stress test. Can anyone recommend an approved Protein shake that doesn't taste disgusting? I cannot stand the taste of Premier Chocolate. Thanks in advance. PS: I am typically very easy going about how things taste, but I do not like the taste of Premier.

GradyCat- how many oz of meat do you eat at a time? I’m not sure what my volume intake should be, if it’s still just one cup 3 times a day. I’m fairly certain I have stretched my pouch out and can eat way more.

My surgery was on 2/25 and I like some of you have been having trouble getting fluids and proteins in as well. It has truly been a struggle for me! I was having severe pain and cramps for 2 weeks with even drinking water. I've gotten through that stage and can now eat and drink without much pain yet I still have trouble with what to eat and just how to get my protein in. During those two weeks of struggle, I was dehydrated so at least now I am able to drink fluids. I had to go to ER to get rehydrated with fluids and electrolytes. I try to drink protein waters to get both in at the same time but I must say I still feel at times I am having a hard time. I don't feel that I get much support from my WLS Team other than them telling me to just keep trying (as if I am not). By the way, I have only lost 5 lbs since my surgery. They tell me that I haven't lost weight due to not getting my proteins in and that I need to start exercising. I am still very weak and unable to stand for long periods of time (more than 20 minutes or so) without having cramps or pain in my stomach and once my work day is over I usually lay around or sleep the rest of the day. Thank God that I work from home. I am staying hopeful that this is yet one more phase that I have to go through and soon I will be on the other side of this as well. Is anyone else experiencing these types of symptoms 4 weeks out from surgery?

I think most of us were prescribed ursodiol for the first few months to lessen the chance of gallbladder issues. my surgeon prescribed omeprazole for a year, but I had surgery back before the downside of PPIs were widely known. From what I can tell (by hanging out on bariatric forums), most surgeons just prescribe it for around 3-6 months post-surgery now.

That's just a week away! Good luck on your WLS journey.

Do you think it's possible that it could be a stricture? Remember I'm pre op for RNY so I have no personal exerience with this and I'm still learning about RNY complications, but I've seen @catwoman7 speak of them in these threads. I believe she's said a person is most at risk from surgery to month 3? I'm not sure if I remember that correctly. But check the symptoms of stricture and see if it sounds plausible.

@SmankySo I had an appt with my family physician. Here usually FPs take over after the surgery to monitor the blood work and the other medical aspects. She thinks may be calcium supplements may be causing the constipation, bloating and feeling stuffed. Asked me to cut down on the supplements since my blood work looks good and I also consume more than enough dairy to get my calcium naturally. Today I feel better. Another reason could be my periods, which happened after 6 months or so. So I guess I had forgotten how it felt to have periods lol. So bloating and all could be because of it too. Will give it a week or so for body to settle with reduced calcium supplement and periods. Hopefully bloating and all subsides soon.

It was really hard the first two weeks but then things got so much better! Eating some new things but mostly still wanting everything soft. I’m down 30 too. Not getting enough protein or water but still recovering well. Thank you for the prayers and prayers to you and everyone!

Thanks for the input! I’ve heard horror stories of people looking pregnant for months afterwards or horrible infections, always having to wear compression, etc… From the time I was 13, I’ve had the most horrible legs/thighs. Even now at a size 6, I’ve got thunder thighs that are half cellulite, half hanging skin. Add in my loose tummy skin and I’m jealous of ET’s body. I’ve got a very strong core thanks to yoga and pilates and my PS said he doesn’t think I will need any kind of muscle repair. If you pull back my tummy skin, I’ve actually got some impressive abs! I’ve had 2 kids, but no C-sections so that’s good. Also, many of the horror stories are from women who had a much higher BMI going into plastics than I have. I’m mostly worried about how the thigh lift will go. I’ve purchased a few professional summer dresses that I can wear compression shorts under for when I’ll go back to work, which will be 3 weeks PO. If I have a good experience with this and like the work, I’m totally saving up for a facelift within the next couple of years. Lol, work and save. Have surgery. Work and save. Repeat. 🤣

Okay so lets both take a deep breath together and break some of this down: Almost everyone here is here because we’ve had a history of eating/food/metabolism/addiction/toxic relationship issues. Maybe I’ve left a couple of things out, but that’s a good starting place. Let me start by saying that I’m now 3 years and 2 months from VGS. I had exceptional results. Lost over 100% excess fat, exceeded everyone’s expectations, and have more or less maintained. I lost 135 pounds in 9 months. Went from 267-132 (SW was 246). I’ve managed to maintain between 137-147 in the last 2 years after the free-fall dropped me down to 132. I was a hot mess at 132– BMI was right at 20% and people asked me all the time if I was sick. What I’m saying is the 10 pound “regain” is okay because I know that’s where my body needs to be. That being said, it’s still work. I still have to monitor what/how much I put in my mouth. Sometimes I tend to drink too much and I realize I’m using alcohol as a sub for food and then I stop and regroup. Sometimes I will find myself emotionally eating and have to stop and regroup. Sometimes I’m having a bad day or I’m on vacation and I just don’t give a damn. Afterwards I will stop and regroup. Only you (working with a therapist) can help deal with those habits, recognize them either during or after, then course correct. YOU do have all the power. Families can and will be toxic. If at all possible, have an exit strategy when it becomes too much. Have a go-to that doesn’t involve comforting with food and do that activity. Even if it’s as simple as putting on earbuds and listening to a guided medication. Even if you can’t physically exit the room. Also, I’m going to recommend that-for the short term at least-you’re going to have to let a certain amount of it roll off of you. You have decided a change is needed, but others aren’t compelled to go along with. In a perfect world, they would, but none of us got morbidly obese by living in a perfect world. I’m going to come out front and tell you that you WILL lose friends over this. There will be some relationships that WILL NOT be the same. They might end forever. You are about to embark on an amazing, difficult, rewarding, trying, and fantastic journey. It will be ugly at times. You will have highs and lows that will give you whiplash. You will not be the same person next year that you are this year. You MUST be prepared for all of this and be willing to embrace the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s okay to vent. This is one of the safest spaces ever so vent away unapologetically. I’m trying my best to take my own advice because I’ve got plastics set up for May and my husband and my son are the only other two people on the planet who are aware I’m going to do this. I’m keeping it a secret from the rest of my family because of how many of them reacted when I had WLS. If any of them notices (somewhat doubtful as I can hide a LOT of skin under my clothes and nobody is going to see me naked) I will tell them after the fact - unapologetically and with a challenge in my tone. That challenge will remind them of how far and how successful I’ve become since I started this journey in early 2018. You’ve got this. We are here to help

3 years, 2 months post VGS. I’ve gotten so used to my new stomach that I barely even register it anymore, but sometime we will go out to eat and I’ll get sad about how little I can still eat. Running errands last week, got hungry and decided to have some Mediterranean salad. It’s amazing how well this tool works even years later.

I did. March 9th. I'm on day 15 and I can finally have soft meats. It has been a struggle for me up to this point. Mentally draining and feeling weak. Plus, my daughter brought home a stomach bug last week 😅. Today was the first day I felt good enough to put on a dress and go out in the sun.

Hello everyone, I’m a little more than 3 years post VGS. I lost 125 pounds. Went from a size 24 to size 6 and have managed to maintain within a 5-8 pound window for the past 2 years. I’m a health care worker, so needless to say I’ve been a bit busy for the last 2 years. I’ve managed to save up for the plastics I want since my VGS ( 2 straight years of all the overtime I could work helped) and I’m now about 6 weeks away from the magic date. Me and my PS have decided on a TT with flank lipo, and a thigh lift. I’m a bit nervous about doing all of this at once, but I’ve only got one shot at getting the time off of work so it all has to be one surgery. I’m 5’7”, about 142-147, size 6-8 and in relatively good shape for a 53yo. Anyone else with my size range do this ? I’d love some tips and pointers. Oh yeah, because I can never do anything the “easy way” I will be in a walking boot due to some foot surgery I will be having 3 weeks prior to the plastics. The foot surgery is the only reason I will be able to be off work so it has to piggy-back off of that.

Hello February 2019 peeps! I’m doing okay. Gained 15 back from my all-time low, but maintaining within a 5-ish pound window now for about the last 15 months. Some days I wonder if I should try to get back into the 130’s ( I dropped all the way down to 133 at one point) but I’m hanging in the upper 140’s and feel like this is maintainable. For me, 2022 has been dubbed “The Year of the Foot” as I’ve already had one bunionectomy and will be having my left foot done next month. I was very happy to only gain 2 pounds in the 7 weeks I laid on my butt all day long with foot elevated. So here is me at 147 at my daughters wedding reception on March 5th. I was rocking a size small dress and- of course- my walking boot. I’m super excited to say that on May 10th I will be having plastics!! I’ve saved up and will be having a TT with flank lipo and a thigh lift. We are going to piggy-back it 3 weeks after foot surgery so I can minimize my time off work. Hope everyone is well. I miss you guys.