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I was wonder if anyone has tried Natures Twist strawberry lemonade. I am so anxious to get my date . I finish pre-op appts 10/18 really want the date! Did anyone create menu schedule for pre op and after surgery to make it easier. I get so confused. I need to find a good water bottle gallon that keeps it cold. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot for your patience.

Hello! I’m new here in the investigation stage of doing sleeve surgery. I met with a weight loss Dr in May and started naltrexone (I was already on high dose bupropion) and a high protein/low carb diet. We discussed sleeve surgery for later this year. I lost 10lbs that month despite going on a cruise , but found out just before the cruise that we would be moving over the summer. I pretty much put my weight on hold and went into survival mode dealing with the move and kids who didn’t want to move, etc. But now we’ve moved and settled in and I’m miserable - I can’t be active at all with my kids, clothes are uncomfortable, autoimmune disorders and pain are out of control, and life in general is hard! My new PCP let me go back on naltrexone (I already take bupropion) and I’m looking for the best surgeon near Manhattan, KS (seems like there’s a great option in Topeka and I watched their video yesterday ). Best news is that our insurance here actually will actually cover surgery after the first of the year! I’m concerned about feeding the rest of my family after surgery though. My 10 year old has behavior issues and food or not getting foods she wants is a big trigger. She wants carbs, carb, carbs! She eats me out of house and home. We’re working portion control and body positivity with her. My 8 year old has sensory and feeding issues, barely eating, very underweight, and we’re trying to get his caloric intake UP! And my husband…well… We do convenience foods/fast food often. I have so many questions about how this will all look if I have surgery! Are you making 2 completely different meals for yourself and your family? (I already often make something different for the one who doesn’t eat anything!) How do you manage family food needs while meeting your own as well? I’m afraid of turning to even more convenience foods for family. This seems selfish though. It feels like such a hard balance as a family after surgery! Can anyone relate and tell me how you’ve managed? Sorry so long - thanks for reading!

Once you get to later stages, your plan should allow apple sauce. If that helps get the pills down, I'd think it would be fine. My problem isn't that they are hard to swallow, it's that my team wants me to take them one at a time, then wait 10 minutes between pills. I take over 20 pills a day right now. As to vitamins, it sort of depends on which ones you use. I'm using the ProCare Health one-a-day with Iron right now. It runs about $15 before shipping. There are some that are less expensive and some that are more. You'll also need calcium supplements, and most folks choose the calcium citrate chews with vitamin D3. Those run about $30-$35 a month.

My progress is very similar as yours. Sleeved on 9/1. I'm a little under 5'2". Started the pre-op diet at 203 and surgery weight was 199. Since surgery date I've lost 14, with 7 of that during the first week. Mine has gone a tad up and down a little which was disappointing. I went up 2 lbs in one day! The day before I had drank Gatorade Protein sugar free drink which had a lot of sodium. Good for 10 grams of protein but not the salt. I am being more careful with that now. Just gotta do what is best for us individually and, as you said, don't stress about it. Best of progress to us all!

I had my yearly pulmonologist appt. the other day. I've been seeing him for about 10 years, since I got diagnosed with asthma. I had suspected I had it for a long time before that, but when I got up to almost 400 pounds it got a lot worse. That year I was sick 10 months out of the year. It was awful. Well, at this appointment the other day he said my lung function is better than normal for a woman my age (51). Like, WAY better than normal, and he doesn't need to see me anymore unless I have a problem. He also took me off my controlling inhaler with the long acting brochodilator in it and put me on a regular one that is just a steroid. I had originally had to go on the one with the brochodilator because we couldn't get my asthma under control with just a steroid. Actually, I love this doctor and he's the best doctor I've ever had so I will miss him, but I'm so happy. I NEVER knew the impact my weight was having on my ashtma until I lost the weight. I just can't believe how much better I feel. I can't believe after struggling to get it under control for a long time, now it's like I don't even have asthma. It's amazing! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

I am turning 48 soon, so close. I just had GVS and it went really well despite having an umbilical hernia to boot. I am back to work, since day 7. However, I do teach from home and sit while working. If I didn't I would say a minimum of two weeks. I tested positive for sleep apnea as well. I don't tell many people about the surgery, not because I am ashamed but rather it is like any other health issue for me, I don't go around talking about them. I tell who needs to know or I tell someone who is struggle and asks me how I am losing my weight. The first few days are super hard, and the tiredness is hard in the beginning as well. You do have to get used to prepping food differently but, this is all worth adding 10 years to my life. Down 17 lbs since surgery on the 12th.

Lucky you for only getting a 10 day liquid diet (jealous some 😂). My anxiety kicked in during my last check in when they told me they were submitting everything to insurance 😩 I think it’s more so of a good and anxious nerve than fear. I’m anticipating the outcome more than anything. I have scheduled an appointment with my therapist 1 week before surgery for extra support with my anxiety. What are you mostly nervous about?

I am losing weight pretty quick since surgery. Today is day 10 and I am down 17 lbs. That may be a lot of this. I started some foods yesterday so hopefully that will help. Going to go for an IV infusion tomorrow.

Hi there! I'm New here and very excited to be here! Congrats on recognizing your pitfalls. I too am in a similar place, RNY December,2019. Loss 100 lbs, to date I've gained back 30. I've stopped beating myself up and taking myself more seriously about why I had the surgery and looking at my pitfalls, which are potato chips! With that being said I am now eating a little better, I still have trouble getting in a lot of food. So I try to start each morning with my protein shake and with that I'm usually full for the day and it gives me anywhere from 65 to 75 grams of protein. I've been trying to incorporate another protein, which is difficult for me because I'm not hungry, I never hungry. So I try to have a little chicken, turkey, or some other protein. I love now to eat a lot of vegetables, salads, and fruits which I now try to substitute these for the chips! I'm also getting ready to start exercising on a daily basis. With that being said, this is a journey, lifelong journey, lifestyle change that will greatly improve my life. And because I love living and being with family and exploring new things I feel more determined than ever to embark on this journey! So again congrats to you on recognizing where you are and what you have to do and blessings and success to you on this journey to improve your health, your life! Sent from my LM-T600 using BariatricPal mobile app

Newbie to posting but have been reading for a while. I have surgery on Sept 27 and am on day 5 of 10 of preop diet. Nervous and excited.

I found making my own shakes to be a little easier than the packaged protein shakes. I also liked Kettle and Fire chicken broth a lot. I am on day 10 and I started pureed today. I made egg salad with, eggs, mayo and salt/pepper/paprika. I ate 4 tbsp total today at 2 different times (2 each time). It was heavenly. I hope your transition goes just as smooth.

Hi all. I used this forum for support during my VSG journey. It took me 13 months to get to goal. I was 234 and made it to 135 in 2012. I kept that off for the most part for about 7 years but slowly gained 10 pounds a year for the last few years. I weighed 177 when I had ESG revision two weeks ago tomorrow. I have lost to 169 so far. I want to be a part of this forum again. It helped me so much the first time. I only have 35 pounds to lose now. I hope to make it there by February. About 6 months. Who else has had this done? I am retaining fluid because Im on full liquids and they are salty! I am struggling to get the water in like usual but Im making a more concerted effort this time. Let me know if any one else has had this or is interested in it. Thanks guys!

I can relate to this! I'm 10 weeks (2+ months) post-op and I was wondering the same thing, but I thought it was just me, so thank you for bringing this topic up! I now can eat more fruits/veg along with my protein, so its going away. I'm still not 100% on normal food though. I was so worried that I wasn't keeping myself clean, which I knew couldn't be the case because with my weight loss so far, its EASIER to take a shower and all that!

My Dietician has a "10 calories per 1g protein" rule for getting in lean proteins. With shakes and bars, he says to stay around 20 carbs and 5g sugar. That is pretty easy to find with protein bars. Most of the bars I eat are 180-210 calories and 20g protein so they fit right in. I tried the Unjury chicken soup and didn't like it, I couldn't even get past the smell. haha I do use Unjury protein powder though, keep it on hand for switching things up a little. I like the strawberry and I mix it with SF lemonade for a yummy strawberry lemonade. I use more lemonade to thin it out too so it is not really like drinking a thick shake but tastes good. I really want to get away from the shakes but I really struggle to hit my protein when I skip them. I literally eat ALL day and still end up around 55-65g protein. With the shakes I am more like 70-90g protein a day! Plus, I have never been a breakfast person so having a shake for breakfast is just easy and convenient. Just learning as I go and tweaking when necessary.

Yes! I've been feeling exactly the same. I'm day 19 post op and as so sick of liquids. I've been craving savoury foods so I've been living on different soups and adding different flavours like soy sauce to get some variety. sSimilar to you, anything sweet makes me feel sick. I don't know the answer but just want to say hang in there!

Good luck with your surgery and I hope all goes well with you. I had my brother with me when I had mine and he was a great help. My sister was recovering from hers and we stayed in the same apartment. I stayed in the hospital for two nights and I needed my brother to help me to go to the toilet and walk with me etc. I know the nurses were there but still. He also helped with cleaning the dressing after I was released from the hospital etc. I'm lucky to have a supportive family. My wife was there for me after I flew home (I did mine in Egypt and flew to Malaysia after 10 days). Having someone to support (physically and emotionally) is good but I guess you can do it on your own for sure. Can't you hire a nurse to be there for the first few days? We are here for you! You got this 😃!

My surgeon is having me do a 10 day liquid diet so I will start that this weekend actually! My nerves are definitely starting to kick in! How are you feeling getting closer?

Hello to all. I had a Gastric Sleeve in 2019. Yes I’m old to this but here’s my problem and please to the newbies or to those who are thinking of having a Gastric sleeve, make sure the surgeon completely remove your fundus. The Gastric fundus prohibits inferior weights loss. I loss approximately 85 pounds within a 3 years time because of this and went into complete stalling. The surgeons kept over telling me I’m overeating which I told them I’m not. I just now found out my fundus is intake and wasn’t removed. I’ve been so sick from 2019 til present (2022) with stomach issues but CT scans during my emergency room visits shortly after surgery all come back normal. Nonetheless, I just suffered and stop trying to seek help until this year my acid reflux and swallowing started to interfere with my daily life. So the ER suggested a ENDOSCOPY in which the results come back as A Gastric Fundus is Generous and Mild Gastric lining Thickening. After researching, I found that the gastric sleeve was supposedly be removed. I don’t want any more revisions of surgeries but to not be sick, I will decide on it. Again, please inquire of this. Do your research on the topic of a “Retained Gastric Fundus” after weight loss surgery. Have anybody dealt with this and if so, what did you do? Lets be of help to one another with truth and honesty.

Hello to all. I had a Gastric Sleeve in 2019. Yes I’m old to this but here’s my problem and please to the newbies or to those who are thinking of having a Gastric sleeve, make sure the surgeon completely remove your fundus. The Gastric fundus prohibits inferior weights loss. I loss approximately 85 pounds within a 3 years time because of this and went into complete stalling. The surgeons kept over telling me I’m overeating which I told them I’m not. I just now found out my fundus is intake and wasn’t removed. I’ve been so sick from 2019 til present (2022) with stomach issues but CT scans during my emergency room visits shortly after surgery all come back normal. Nonetheless, I just suffered and stop trying to seek help until this year my acid reflux and swallowing started to interfere with my daily life. So the ER suggested a ENDOSCOPY in which the results come back as A Gastric Fundus is Generous and Mild Gastric lining Thickening. After researching, I found that the gastric sleeve was supposedly be removed. I don’t want any more revisions of surgeries but to not be sick, I will decide on it. Again, please inquire of this. Do your research on the topic of a “Retained Gastric Fundus” after weight loss surgery. Have anybody dealt with this and if so, what did you do? Lets be of help to one another with truth and honesty.

Yes. I am now at this point. Feeling so sick. The thing with me, I had my surgery in 2019. I always after that had built up gas, bloating, stomach pangs and acid reflux. Constantly went to ER’s they did CT scans, no problem. Did Endoscopy’s. Was told the fundus was a bit generous.

THE WEIRDEST STUFF HAS BEEN HAPPENING TO ME AFTER I GOT MY BYPASS OCTOBER 2021 So when I was fresh out of surgery I had a really hard time when I started being able to eat solids, everything I ate made me sick, or I’d feel like something was stuck and just generally uncomfortable and so I had stopped eating because it became unbearable to be sick after every meal, it led to me being hospitalized a week or two for dehydration the doctor told me my body was eating itself (muscle/fat) anything it could to keep me alive and my blood sugar would stay critically low despite them putting sugar in my IV this happened twice (I was admitted on two separate occasions) they did all the tests but nothing was abnormal and they couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t eat, but my surgeon was getting worried/upset and he said if I was admitted again I’d be put on a feeding tube he said and I quote “eat anything I don’t care what it is, just eat” he also said it would probably be uncomfortable for awhile but still force yourself. So after that I went home and would just eat whatever I could whether that be bad food or good food and it did hurt a lot and I’d get so sick I’d get hot and feel like I’d faint and so to combat it I’d just lay down in front of a fan and bear the pain which lasted about 30mins after EVERY meal I’d also go into a mini food coma after every meal and it was a big inconvenience because no matter where I was after I ate I’d have to lay down and I’d be drawn into a food coma for who knows how long. Time skip to now, I’m doing better I don’t have a problem eating but when I eat too much I do have to lay down but the thing is… I can eat way more then I should like maybe two cups full of whatever food, although when it comes to certain meats I can only eat a little and I’ll feel pretty sick afterwards, but shrimp for example I can eat a lot of. I don’t have any problems eating sweets ( which I’m beyond great full for I feel more normal now even though I can eat only a little I feel like I got a bit of my life back I had felt so depressed because food was my outlet and not being able to enjoy food any type of food had really became hard for me) and I actually eat them on a daily basis although I can only have a small amount (or it depends what sweets it is) without getting sick, I seem to be able to eat alot of popcorn. I only experienced dumping syndrome once in my life after I had some tea with honey a few days out of surgery, but after that I never had it again. I gained this really weird symptom where every time I stand up from a sitting position I faint or feel very dizzy where everything goes black and I fall down without losing consciousness, it only last a few seconds and then I’m fine but I’ve hurt myself a few times because of it. I also feel hunger, I’ve felt hunger even right out of surgery but now I’m always hungry 2 hours after eating but I don’t get stomach rumbles I get this heartburn feeling that’s persistent until I eat it’s my way of knowing when to eat. I have a big problem with standing still in one spot for even 10 minutes It makes me feel sick like I’ll throw up or something I get hot and dizzy but I’m just fine walking for hours just the moment I stand still I get nauseous. I find it harder to drink water without a straw, and I find it easier to eat laying down than sitting up and I think that’s really weird, but despite eating anything I want I still lose weight and I don’t really feel the need to anymore I’m at a good area. One last thing that’s pretty recent…. I sleep eat. I don’t know when it happened maybe a month or two ago but every night now I’ll wake 3 or 4 times and munch a little on whatever is nearby, I’ve eaten 3 full boxes of cheese-its over the course of 5 days (which didn’t sit well with me in the long run) I’ve eaten cookies, I’ve eaten cheese, I’ve eaten candy, I’ve even eaten a whole sandwich and sometimes I have no recollection of it but I’ll see the wrapper or evidence near me on the floor. I don’t know how to stop this habit it’s really getting out of hand so now I just place healthy options near me before bed so I won’t gain weight because I did gain a few pounds recently. Well, these are just my experiences and this all started after my surgery although I don’t know for sure if it’s surgery related. Please feel free to comment below if you’ve experienced anything similar I’d love to hear it! I’m managing just fine I’ve found a system to deal with my inconveniences (since it’s just more annoying and I feel I can deal with it) but if I can find a way to rid myself of it then I’d feel more normal!! P.s. does anyone know how to tighten minor loose skin?? My skin isn’t very loose but in some areas like my lower stomach and thighs it’s not as tight, I lost the majority of my weight when I was the hospital which is less than ideal but even still the skin is only slightly loose. I’ve heard working out can help (and I have little to no muscle right now I lost it during the hospital phase) so I’m working on that but if anyone has any other type of remedies I’d LOVE to try it! Thanks again <3

I haven't had a revision to ESG but did have an original ESG (I now have a VSG). My personal opinon: I would think a bypass would have better longevity and outcome. https://bmiclinic.com.au/endoscopic-sleeve-gastroplasty-faq/ ESG following gastric sleeve: Endoscopic revision of a gastric sleeve is possible, however the weight loss that results is only approximately 10% of the baseline weight. There are likely more effective options which you can talk through with your Bariatric Specialist.

Just checking in with my November buddies again. I'm 10 months post surgery. Weight lost 111lbs, BMI 24.4 so I've only lost 3lbs in the last month. One week did include a vacation when I didn't track my intake and had a bit more alcohol to drink than usual. Life's gonna be like that. My goal (that I set 10 months ago and never believed I could ever reach) is now 5lbs away and it feels like I'll probably make it. This surgery is the best thing I have ever done for myself. How's everyone else getting along? Lots of us must be close to or at our goal weight now. Anyone not doing so well and needing some support?

my secondary insurance has received the request ! so hopefully within 10 days i will get a call with a date

First post-op appointment this morning and I found out that 1.) they inserted the drain tube 6” too far and 2.) this makes it not work well and ups infection risk. So I have been in such incredible pain because I now have a seroma and a site infection where the drain was. Getting that pulled out was 11-10 on the pain scale. So if you’re having a lot of pain 7 days post op, beware—there could be something else happening:(