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Some of us did not experience physical hungry for sometime post surgery. I'm one of them, so definitely not BS. I thought I was hungry, I wanted to order a pizza, I filled up my GrubHub shopping cart. But I came to realize, it wasn't my stomach telling me to eat, it was food cravings. It took me a while to figure out, because it feels identical. Real hunger didn't return for me until 3 months post op. And then this week it is gone again. I think many of us thought, head hunger, because of these comments "I think about food ALL THE TIME. Even in the hospital, the morning after surgery, I woke up dreaming of pizza and Italian rainbow Cookies". IMO that seems more of a food addiction/obsession rather than true hunger.

Because it is. You cut out most of your stomach and you're eating starvation level calories. Don't listen to the "head hunger" BS...when you're eating starvation levels of calories...you're hungry. Real hunger. Sally Struthers starving children in Africa hungry. Hungry. You're hungry because you physically can't and shouldn't yet eat the amount of calories your body requires. In a few weeks when your stomach can handle more food...you will still be facing the same choices you always have. Ghrelin be damned. You will still be on a diet that will require thought, attention, and will power. The good news....is that it gets better. Right after surgery, I could have eaten my leg off I was so hungry. After I was eating 1000-1200 calories around week three...I no longer felt like I was starving to death. I was much more comfortable, satisfied with much less, and found it pretty easy to stick to my calorie goals. Almost six months out....1200 calories a day still feels pretty satisfying. So that's an awesome change for the better. Now..back to your statement "this feels like a starvation diet and nothing more at this point." There are two ways to lose weight. Reduce input calories (Starve)....or.....Increase output calories (Exercise your arse off) The surgery isn't magic. If changes your tummy, not your head. You will still have to work hard and diet. It's not a magic fix. You will still be tempted. You will still crave old favorites. You will still get hungry. As time goes on and your tummy is healed and holds a little more...you will have to learn to resist temptation just like before. The big advantage of this surgery....is that if you screw up and lose your mind and eat without thinking it through......you're more likely to screw up by 1000 calories, instead of 5000 calories in a day. It buys you some time to really look at your behavior so you can address it. It gives you some relief from the massive portions you'd worked up to needing to feel full. And rapid results will hopefully give you incentive to finally commit to better habits. That's the goal...changing how you mentally cope with food. That's the reality. Work and diet. For the rest of your life. I'm sorry you were sold a steaming pile of BS. You're not alone. But again...the good news...is that what the sleeve realistically does for you is a leg up on any previous diet efforts. You've got a real chance to change your habits. A LOT of people have tremendous success with the sleeve. Most folks will lose 60-70% of their excess body weight....which is a tremendous accomplishment and standard dieting efforts don't come close to those results. Hang in there. It does get better.

I was really nervous telling my husband...he is on the other side of the planet right now...his ex wife had bypass years ago and she failed terribly and it enhanced her already changing personality (not in a good way) and she is now a bad alcoholic (she already had an unhealthy relationship with food and needed help prior to surgery and she replaced it with drinking) so needless to say he was not excited lol. When I told him it was dr’s recommendation and reminded him that I have medical issues that require drastic attention he was better. I made him admit (feelings not hurt at all bc it’s what I want as well), as he said he loves me the way I am (

My surgeon suggested bypass bc if that. And to be honest, I have seen more and more post of sleeve to bypass posts lately....so anyway my point is I’m having bypass and not sleeve bc of the GERD issue

That’s encouraging. My endocrinologist took me off of metformin bc we aren’t having more babies (I totally would tho) it wasn’t doing anything for me I don’t think.

I assume she WAS a surgical nurse? ROFLMAO-also. Old Joke; 1st person :I know a man with one leg named Henry. 2nd person: Oh really? And what would the other leg's name be? This probably goes in the "There's Your Sign" I started the first of the month. And I'm reminded of the panicked,new father who fed his new baby an undiuted bottle of baby formula. Woke the baby's doctor,out of a sound sleep. Doctor: Just give the baby an equivalent amount of water. Good Night!😛

I had surgery almost 2 weeks ago and there is a noticeable difference in my skin and hair. So Dry! Nails also and let's not talk about my alligator feet! (pedicure tomorrow) I am using more lotion, but just applying to the outside isn't the same! I am wondering if it is the hormone shift, same thing happened when I was pregnant. Could it be the hormones? Is it bc there are no healthy fats in my diet? Has this happened to anyone else? What did you do? Did it get better?

Esophagus is highly vascular and heals quickly. Your surgeon did a good job getting a specialist and checking everything right away. Important to control your nausea as you progress to PO intake. You do not want to throw up bc it can cause stress on the perforation.

So question on the diuretics...I thought those were a no no bc of possible dehydration...thus the reason water has been etched in our brains...

Hello everyone! My name is Carolina, 25 year old from Brooklyn, NY. I had my gastric by pass on June 23 2017 and loss a total of 129 pounds (HW: 249”bs CW 120lbs). After reaching my goal weight of 120lbs and switching to maintance calories, about a month and half ago, something happen to me— mentally. I can’t stop obsessing over food. Food is the first thing I think about as soon as I wake up, the last thing I think about before falling to sleep, and ALL I think about in between. I am constantly eating without planning and without being hungry. Often, I just eat because the food is available. I lose control of my fitness/health goals and lose sight of my decisison to be more mindful with eating. althought I am fully aware of what am doing during the time I am eating, the strength to stop myself is not there anymore. Knowing that I loss my initial decipline is scary. However, there are more scary thoughts that hunt me. I am scare.. scare of regaining all the weight back, scare of not getting control of this mindless eating stage, and above it all.. scare of losing the person I now see in the mirror. The person I always wanted to be. Can anyone else relate? Help me....

Even though I told my doctor’s office it seemed like I couldn’t have a net gain they assured me it would be fine. Low and behold I was denied for a 5 lb net gain. I am 250 currently at 5’6 and they have suggested I do the six months again and this time just stay at 250 to ensure I am at 40 BMI since I only have mild sleep apnea and no other issues. My question is—at the end of the new six months will Aetna deny me bc I still didn’t lose the original 5 lbs or should I get back down to 245 even though that puts my BMI at 39.5? We considered doing a peer to peer and having the doctor say water weight etc., but felt it would be better to do six more months which is really only five based on counting April’s weigh in. Timing actually works out on my favor with surgery now I’m Sept, so I’m not worried about that, but I don’t want to get to September and be denied again.

Hi, I have not had my surgery yet, I will have it in October . I am a insulin dependent diabetic right now . I have been following the eating plan my Nut gave me in March 2018. I have had some very low glucose scares,. They usually happen in the middle of the night . I have dropped my insulin way down and I make sure I get something with protein and a few carbs about 1 hr before bed. My diet looks like this 3 oz lean protein 3x a day 3 servings low fat dairy 3x a day ( this counts towards my protein) 3 or more servings of veggies a day ( 1 c raw or 1/2 c cooked) 2 servings max of fruit 1 healthy fat ( oatmeal, quinoa 1/2 c I eat 3 meals and 3 snacks for anywhere of 1000 - 1200 calories daily 100 g protein 60 - 90 carbs ( I never reach this ) I have not had surgery yet 64oz water ( I drink about 80oz) No caffeine ( decaf is ok) no regular creamer sf only I use vanilla protein powder in my coffee that helps with my protein also No alcohol ( empty calories, high sugar) No pop or anything that is carbonated No candy, chips, bread , anything made with flour, rice, bananas, cream soup, tomato soup ( unless I make it myself without sugar) No pasta No juice (regular or diet) I used to have juice to help with my bs lows before I started this Now I use glucose tabs with 4g sugar. No real sugar ( stevia, Splenda ,other subs are ok with my Nut ) I drink at least 1 protein shake a day to get my 100g in. I will be going down to 80g in the beginning of June If you would like to know more send me a private message. I have lost 44.5 lbs from following this and exercising 5 days a week. I don’t miss the carbs anymore, I do miss my club soda but I can live without bubbles in my water. I will be very honest I started this diet change 7 months before I am even having surgery because I know myself. It will take me that long to be clean as I call it. I do have a treat now and then ,I have gone out and eaten a pice of fried food but I always ask for a box to be brought out when they bring my meal I take most of it and put it in the go box. My husband gets any fried food left over and I get the veggies , I always order veggies as my side . I don’t always get my protein in or my water but I try. I was never up before 9 am and now I am up at 5:30 and leave for the gym at 6:30 Monday - Friday . On the weekends I am usually walking around our doing yard work that is my exercise for the weekend. You can do this. You will have some bs lows but you will deal with them and move on. Please don’t get discouraged because of 1 person. Ask all the questions you have this forum is full of the best people around . They have experienced everything after there surgeries and have the best suggestions and great ideas to help get through this. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Awww i feel you, seriously. the first week was horrible!! i was very emotional and cried a lot because i regretted the sleeve and it finally hit me that what i had done was permanent and i missed food and i wanted the horrible pain to go away. it is normal. i know you might feel very alone but im telling you, i understand and trust me it gets way better. give it time, i was feeling semi normal by 2 weeks max and my recovery was terrible, i was drugged up on codeine all day for the first week because the internal/incisional pains were KILLERRR. i am about 27 days post op and i still feel some sharp "pulling" pains if i sit in a weird position or if i lay on my side with my stomach hanging lol , if that makes sense. but the pain is nothing like the first few days post-op, it is more like uncomfortable now . As for incision pains, my biggest incision from where my stomach was removed (bellybutton) is still kinda sore. first week , it was horrible. even my shirt rubbing against the incision areas would irritate it and make it hurt!! but now it is only if i press down on it. Just know that it gets better, it gets sooo much better and very quickly. i feel so sad reading your post bc i feel your pain..it is rough and the pains when moving or getting up from bed are terrible but just give it a couple days and you will start to see the difference , trust me. As for gas pains, it also will get better. honestly that took a little longer for me because i also had a hernia repair which made it feel like heart attack when i took the smallest sip of any liquid. but now it goes down smoothly as long as i dont gulp down half a water bottle (which i have done only once since my surgery and i had to sit down and close my eyes and pray to god because i thought i was going to die bc it all got stuck in my throat LOL but i learned my lesson) . Best of luck on your journey, keep in mind you will look and feel great in time and all of this emotional and physical pain will be well worth it. stay strong & when you regret your decision, tell yourself the deed has been done, no going back! Cry if it makes u feel better, god knows i cried like a baby but just dont lose focus. sending love and strength !!

@AshAsh1Yes. There is definitely an uncomfortableness if I eat too much but it takes a while to get there and by this time I know about where it is so I rarely hit it. Nope. Not much exercise at all. Just some walking and weight lifting (when I'm able). Because of the malabsorption there isn't a calorie count involved. As long as most of what I eat is protein, I'm good. No gain. Most DSers put back maybe 10 -15 lbs. after a few years. This is bc many get down a bit too low. I didn't have that. If I put on a few, I just eat more protein and drink more liquids.

[emoji112] hello, started in July of last year with the process to rny. In the middle of the 6 month program I went on vacation and when I returned weighed in at my highest , 378! Day of surgery I weighed 363 and am so close to the 200’s. I remember my surgeon(who no longer performs surgery bc of all of its complications, he told me after my surgery) told me the closer to a BMI of 60 the less likely of long term success. At my highest my BMI was 61. I’ve only been in the 300 for the past 2 years or so and prior was mid 200s. My BMI is now exactly 50 and I love watching it go down. I will succeed and am bettering myself and my body everyday. Since surgery I’ve lost a little over 50 pounds and can tell a huge difference but do not get many comments from other. I know once I’m down another 20 it will be more obvious bc my clothes are now pretty big and loose. Hw-378 Sw- 363 (2/27/18) CW-310.6

Just a quick update: I left the hospital AMA. I was there for ELEVEN HOURS. It took 3 hours in the ER to get 1 bag of fluid IV with the reglan and Prilosec. Another hour and a half to get the CT scan. Over an hour to get the results, which were ready after 17 minutes. Then I got another IV (just fluid, no meds) and was taken upstairs to my room. When I hadn’t heard a word from anyone at midnight I walked to the nurses station and asked what was up. I hadn’t had any of my daily meds (some are psychiatric so IMPORTANT) and I’d been sitting with an empty IV bag for 4 hours. Well, turns out my doctor had left for a vacation this evening but decided to be on call and do all his work through the computer system. Well that’s fine, but after FOUR HOURS he still hadn’t submitted ANY orders for me. They tried to email him, no response. They called him, voicemail full. They tried to text him, no response. So I told them to get the paperwork I’m signing myself out. They tried to pull the old BS line about if you leave AMA your insurance won’t cover your stay. Which is bogus. Sorry guys, but I’ve worked in lots of medical fields, including billing, and that’s not true. So, I left. I just got home. I know there are going to be people who think this was a stupid decision, and if that’s you opinion, fine. But for me it was the right way to go for several reasons. One, like I said, I’ve worked in medical. The CT came back clean and I drank 3 full cups of nasty contrast in 60 minutes to have that test performed, so I’m obviously able to take in fluids again. Two, I’ve been dehydrated before (and much worse than this considering I had no dehydration symptoms and was just trying to be proactive) and the typical treatment is 1-3 IV bags and back out the door. Three, not being able to contact my doctor and providing NOTHING, not even my regularly prescribed medications, is completely unacceptable and I would be able to treat myself better at home, for free. And four, if they were to provide me with any prescription medications it would be the reglan and a scopolamine patch. The patch gives me hives and I never was nauseous to begin with. And I would NEVER take Reglan outside of 1-2 IV doses. It has incredibly terrible side effects that are irreversible. These include Tardive Dyskenesia, Parkinsonism, dystonia, depression and suicide (I’m already bipolar so no thanks!) and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrom. Sorry, but like I said I’ve worked all over in medical, so I know the games. Just an FYI, I was a CPhT, an MA, a CNA, a medical biller and worked in plastics, endocrinology and ENT. So I know the risks. The whole situation was completely unacceptable and I am incredibly disappointed in this facility’s hospital and ER departments. And here’s the real effing problem. The doctor on call tonight? The one who went on vacation and no one could reach? THAT IS MY SURGEON!!! Now, he’s top notch. Best in this area of the US. But, for any type of immediate care, I will be going to my PCP or my PCP’s ER. He can check on my surgical sites, run labs and do weigh ins, but I’ll be taking any serious issues that hopefully don’t pop up to my regular provider. I am MORE than satisfied with the pre-op and actual operation portion of this journey and I would still recommend him AS A SURGEON to anyone. But for follow-up or emergencies? Not a chance. So, agree with my decision to leave AMA or not, but I did, I consider it the best choice for myself and I am independently educated in many aspects of the healthcare system. What I experienced today was complete bull. Oh. And I’ve already had 16oz of water since I got the vending machine on my way out and it’s been peachy keen. I also picked up nexium to add to my Prilosec to decrease my stomachs production of acid each day. Anyway, thanks for being there for me everyone! It meant so much to not be completely alone. I hope none of you have to deal with anything like this. Bless you all and have a wonderful night. HW: 311 SW: 255 VSG CW: 243.0 First goal weight: 209 Second goal weight: 191 lbs Third goal weight: 159 lbs Final Goal weight: 142 lbs 5’6” 34 yo female in NC

Ok. Now we’re getting into some BS level stuff. Since I was a nurse, I know what their main page of medhost means. My CT results have been reviewed for almost an entire hour and not one person has come by my room. I’m about to walk my happy butt out the the nurses. Keeping someone waiting on something as important as, oh, I don’t know.... being able to swallow anything? Is too much HW: 311 SW: 255 VSG CW: 243.0 First goal weight: 209 Second goal weight: 191 lbs Third goal weight: 159 lbs Final Goal weight: 142 lbs 5’6” 34 yo female in NC

Yeah even one day is tough on this preop diet. The doctor didn’t require a laxative but I really think it’ll be good for me Bc I haven’t been on liquids only and I’m afraid of not being throughly cleansed. O wow.. you’re able to switch doctors in the middle of the process? Have you been to any seminars yet? Yo-Yo Girl from New York City

I'm actually hoping/planning on 125lb, figuring a 10-15lb bump up that I might not be able to keep from happening--or maybe I will have control over it--I don't honestly know. I talked to my oncologist at my 6 month check-up today. He wants every last smidge off and for me to maintain without regain. So he would happily see me at 125lbs. I do not have a large frame, it's small to medium and I'm closer to 5'3" than 5'4" now that I'm shrinky-dinking. My range is about 108-145lbs as normal range. And he wants me in "normal" range cuz of the BC. So being at 120-125lbs puts me smack in the middle of normal. He doesn't know whether that is doable for me--or realistic. He just encouraged me to continue to follow my doc's plan and to keep up the re-conditioning and walking and then later lifting weights and strength training. He terms what I'm in as super-menopause. Cuz I take a cancer drug that is a hormone blocker (aromatase inhibitor) and it amplifies the menopause because as I lose my max fat, then I shut down as much hormone as possible in my body.

I use meat replacements for variety in my diet. And bc some types of meat gross me out, like sausage. I only eat sausage from 1 amazing butcher by me. I really love Morningstar farms maple flavored breakfast patties crumbled up in my breakfast scramble: eggs, veggies, chia, and nutritional yeast; you have a perfect breakfast. Can make ahead for work days too. My other favorite is Trader Joe's quinoa cowboy veggie burgers.

One dr told me it was almost the same surgery....however, my surgeon wants me to have bypass bc my bad acid reflux....he didn’t say anything about Nissen fundoplication (my husband had it...for AR not sleeve for weight loss) I wasn’t going to have bypass (I told myself) but I actually feel peace about it. My surgery is on the 31st...

Recieved my VSG on May 3rd. Its been hard going through the phase 1 stage liquids only. I go see my nutritionist in 2 days to be approved for next phase. I can't wait bc this liquid diet is difficult. The cravings are there but controllable.

Well my good buddies and peeps I am a redhead- well actually strawberry blonde- but it's in the red family. Back when I was walking into of my least favorite clients room , yeah we all had them even if we were professional to show it. Her name was Virginia, I can mention,it because she became Satan's private. Secretary years ago, she thrived on being objectionable. She took one look at me and said "I supposed you put something on your hair again" now every chance. she got she made a snide remark up to and including my morals. This day I was a little fed-up- I looked her in the eye and said "No Virginia, it just rusted". If she would tell me " no use losing weight, you'll still be ugly."👿

Today is 12 weeks since surgery (almost "3 months" which happens on May 20), and I am gonna post my food today so I can look back and remember the quantities I was eating at 3 months. For the most part, I "think" this is going to pretty much be the quantity I will be eating for the next 9 months (hopefully)--and maybe even for the rest of my life (super hopeful that this will be true). As per my usual angst about not wrecking Iron Will (my pouch), I'm very tentative about eating "too much." And as my post surg history goes, the healing went so well with very little inflammation--it's hard to know whether I'm just advanced or if I'm over eating and damaging my new tool. I'm eating according to my rules: No drinking with meals 30/30. Weighing or measuring (but not both). Recording every bite or morsel that goes in my mouth. Protein first. Veggies second. A smidge of healthy fats each meal. And fruit if there's any room leftover (never is). Protein goal is 75g protein per day (40% of cals) (presently averaging 77, close enough good). Carb goal is 38g whole carbs per day (20% of cals) (presently averaging 33g, so I have a tiny bit of wiggle). Fat goal is 33g fat per day (40% of cals) (presently averaging 33g, so perfect). Calorie goal is 750 per day (and I'm swinging broadly between 600-850 cals per day, averaging about 728cals/day. Think I'm going to leave it where it is for a while. Some days I'm hungrier than others.) Walking 1 hour/day=about 2.25 miles; Conditioning Training (PT) 3 days/week ******************** 3 Month Menu (12 weeks Post RNY 2.20.18)--by weight rather than volume B1- 3 protein lattes (Prem Protein + decaff + sf Torani syrup) B2- 1oz steamed crimini and spinach, 3oz egg puff w/turkey sausage crumbles, 19g light cheddar wedge, 1oz salsa L- 3oz sardines packed in water, 2tsp yellow mustard, 2oz cucumber and carrots w/1.75oz grk yogurt ranch dressing (see recipe above) AS- 1 GG bran crisp, 19g lt cheddar wedge, 6g PB slim peanut butter powder (Vitacost) D- 3oz blackened salmon, 1oz asparagus, 1oz avocado tomato salad with 2 small lime wedges BS-none Nutritional Totals: 655 cals; 77g protein; 21g fat; 32g carbs; 11g fiber; 21g net carbs; 10g nat sugar ************************* Here's breakfast. Will try to remember to take photos of the other meals for posterity and to give a visual reminder of approx volume. Plates are saucer size = about 5in diam.

WOW! Just stumbled on this thread and read the whole thing. FluffyChix: Totally get what you were saying about the article, it sounded a little more like "throwing in the towel" than "moderation". There is a difference. To tell yourself that you do not exercise for weight loss is just dumb, it has to be PART of the reason. I do agree that the scale does not determine my self worth, I will be ok with a reasonable range of weights. REASONABLE, not bc I gave up. The way you talk about weight loss is like a warrior going into battle, and that is exactly what it is. It is the exact words many people use to describe thier weight loss journey. We have all heard people say things like: "I have been battling with my weight." We have to be geared up for a fight with our own bodies/fat cells. I hear You, take no prisoners this is war against my fat body. Surgery is just one weapon we have in this war, the rest is our choices and determination. KEEP FIGHTING! We all have different goals and that's ok. I just had surgery 4 days ago and do not intend to waste this opportunity either. This is my best shot at a healthy new me. But at the same time I have not set a specific weight goal for myself and at 5'4" I expect to still be considered overweight. That's ok, I am focused on NSV. Don't let anyone discourage you. Keep working towards your goal. Fight like hell.