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JennyBeez you wrote; " grieve the convenience of high fat/sugar/calorie foods. The ability to go anywhere with friends or family for a meal and not have to worry about 'will I be able to find something I can eat?' and cruising the menu online first." Hi, I'm blonde patriot living in CDA, and I have a problem. I'm a social eater..." This is the hardest for me. I am already sick of doing the menu scans beforehand. It quickly made me realize that 99.9% of the food at restaurants is a no go due to being fried, made with sugar or extremely high in carbs and calories! Plus, if you're like I am, I detest cooking and eating out is what my husband, friends and family do - we enjoy, excuse me I use to and they still do enjoy food and the experience. It took all the joy out of get togethers for me. Plus most food I can eat tastes bland now. Now before anyone says "but you can still enjoy being with friends and family foods just a small part of that" <rolls eyes> they don't understand - it wasn't and isn't a small part of it. When we used to go out it was to eat, we'd share our choices, talk about the differences between this and that choice here and at other restaurants etc. It was one of the main reasons we got together! We had certain restaurants for celebrating birthdays, promotions, good semester grades and holidays etc. We had certain dishes - our favorites depending on what our activities for the day were. Now, I spend the first 15 mins examining the menu picking each thing apart ..does it have fat, too many calories, carbs, protein or hidden sugars will it even taste decent? Is it 300 calories or preferably less? After that I look longingly at others choices I actually want. Then comes the dreaded lets get an after dinner drink or coffee with dessert. So I get to watch that too from the sidelines. Even my husbands and my retirement has changed, we had a list of the places in the U.S. that were known for specialties such as a lobster rolls in Maine, black beans and rice in New Orleans, Philly cheese steaks in Philly, New York pizza etc., for our first year of retirement we were going to rent an RV and travel..visit those places based on our food choices and eat their specialties, they were our destinations. Then, after the first year my husband wanted to "belly up" to the shrimp and lobster bars on cruises for "days on end." Now all this has changed and I'm now resentful at myself and society. Myself because well becoming obese and society for being judgmental and valuing youth, beauty and being thin over the value of a persons worth inside! Yes, I'm thinner and healthier and most likely will live longer (no guarantees)... but...to be honest I don't want to take a walk instead of going to a restaurant as one person said and as my dietician suggests. They're NOT the same thing, one does not equal the other! No friend who wants to go out and about with the girls to shop and eat wants to substitute a walk instead. I DO know its my "new reality" and I do what I must, I'm just not happy about it. It feels as if a part of the joy has been removed, sucked out of life along with a portion of my stomach. Yes...I do try and find other things.. .but yeah well. Everything involved food, go to the beach pack a lunch (not two separate lunches one I can eat and the rest for everyone else), go shopping, go to the theater with dinner beforehand, go to the movies, go dancing - nope no alcohol or anything with calories oh joy - water!!!. Lol no one ever said hey girls lets do a girls day...and hit the gym where we can all sweat together, grunt and watch others pop veins struggling to lift a weight bar for fun! Even my poor husband has had to change, he used to be excited to bring some new food home he found at a new restaurant or even at the grocery store he'd want to share with me...nope not anymore. He just eats it before he gets home to save me and him the having to turn it down. So yes, I mourn not only the food, but the convenience, fun and get togethers. I have even noticed my friends don't call much anymore to "do" lunches because they'd always ask "where CAN you eat now"? The choices were limited or I'd have to ask the server for considerations..making it more work than fun. 300 calories or less is extremely hard to do at restaurants and my friends didn't want to put me through it anymore. So yes, I mourn. Sorry for the long whine/rant but Jenny geez brought it all up again for me.

I had my gastric sleeve done in 2018, so have a few years experience. I couldn't eat anything for at least 4 weeks post op, and then it was a tiny teaspoon of mush at each meal. It took me hours to get through a protein shake of 300ml. By the time I finished the breakfast one, it was time to start the lunchtime one! And so on to dinner... 1200 calories seems huge to me at 3 weeks. I was struggling to drink enough water at that point. My tummy was so tiny. Even if I drank too much water, I would vomit, because my stomach was too small to cope. I still suffer that vomiting if I am too ambitious with my portions. I wouldn't be able to even get through 1200 cal now, unless maybe I went on a strict no carb, high protein plan. Even then it would be a struggle. High protein foods are SO filling. I love fish and seafood, but I can hardly eat 2 tbs of grilled salmon at a meal even 6 years out. I lost 90 pounds in 6 months, luckily no skin looseness... very fortunate. I have slowed my weight loss and then plateaued at 120 lbs loss. If I was you, I would go back to your protein drinks, and go from there.

I dose out my vitamins for a whole month at a time using these pill cases: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08QR78YP3 Sometimes you can find them (or a similar brand) with a coupon for a bit more off, but honestly they are cheap enough to get 4 and still not break the bank. Start with 1 or 2 though until you know you like them. I love how colorful they are, it helps me not lose them when I carry around the day's doses. Then I set a medication reminder (iphones have this in the health section, but you can get apps for it too). I have to take vitamins and meds 4 times a day, so doing this really helps me remember to take them and to not get behind. Finding movement you enjoy is important. Gyms aren't necessary and for many of us they hold a lot of negative associations. If you love the gym then disregard this suggestion, but if you don't, you might be much more likely to do an exercise that actually feels GOOD in your body to do. Also, I carry protein snacks with me at all times. And when I get off track and forget, I stop at a store or gas station to get little packets of nuts and jerky, instead of stopping at a fast food place or eating a bunch of simple carbs. I keep reminding myself that just because I'm cleared for "all foods" does not mean that "all foods" are "right now" foods. Some things are not for us in this first 18 months, even if we can technically digest them fine. When I relax into that awareness and get myself back into ketosis, I usually feel better and stop craving simple carbs so much. Except for chocolate. I will always want chocolate. LOL

Hi ShoppGirl, I replied to you in the DS forum. You'll probably find the answers you need in the Facebook group I'm in. It says it is for the Duodenal Switch, but we also have plenty of SADI patients in the group and we have veterans of both surgeries in there. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1799552573392212 I highly suggest joining that group and posting your questions. Regarding gas, yes, the SADI can have gas issues if you eat too many simple carbs. And eating too much junk food may make your bathroom visits rather unpleasant. I had the DS done about 4.5 months ago and I don't usually have any gas issues and my bathroom visits are pretty normal except my stools are pale colored now due to the fat malabsorption (perfectly normal). But I stay below 50 total carbs per day and eat about 120 grams of protein a day and about 100 grams of fat. With the SADI or DS surgery you are more focused on your macros than calories because we malabsorb a portion of everything but simple carbs. If you keep your carbs low after the SADI you will lose weight better and maintain weight better...and you should minimize the side effects. You'd also want to stay away from sugar alcohols and you might find that some foods digest differently, like lettuce or other leafy greens. Usually most SADI or DS patients learn within the first year what their trigger foods are and learn to eat them at home at night or not at all.

I have a protein malabsorption issue too (mine began after my gall was removed). I was prescribed Creons. They’re pancreatic enzymes which help with absorption. Maybe ask her doctor about those. Does she have a dietician? (Way more qualified than a nutritionalist.) They could help review your mum’s diet & make suggestions on what she could be adding or pick up if she is missing something. They may be able to offer suggestions on the vitamins she is taking too (quality, quantity, other brand suggestions, etc.) Does she track all her food? If not maybe do it for a few weeks so she has it for the dietician to review. Tracking may be a lifetime behaviour so she can keep on top of the nutrients she is consuming & ensure she’s not accidentally missing something. Many continue to track in the long term to keep themselves honest & help them maintain. Wishing your mother all the best & hope you get some advice & guidance on a definitive path forward.

That must have been frustrating! I don't like being told I'm doing poorly when I know I'm doing everything I can, either. Do you know how much fluid and protein you've been getting, and how far off it is from their goals for you?

So I eat 4200 calories a day. Long story short. 456 pounds at age 19 had DS 39 now and I weigh 178 pounds I've been working out 3x a week for two years. Lifting weights. At first I lost muscle, because I was eating 2200 calories most days maybe 60 grams of protein. I now I eat 4200 a day and get 250 grams of protein easy but even with gaining muscle I don't gain weight on the scale yet. I've gained in the past but once I started lifting weights I stopped. I just stay at 178ish.. my doctor wants me to take enzymes but I want to be able to gain weight with food... It's annoying to me I can't even gain a pound. I'm slowly raising calories 200 at a time. I wait a month then I'll raise it again but does anyone know how many calories I probably need and can anyone tell me for sure how many calories I absorb and how much fat, carbs, protein I absorb? My doctor says he can't tell me because everyone is different but... I need answers. I find myself scared every day I'll lose weight.. it's crazy to me im eating so much but my doctor's kinda not cool.. so I don't trust him last time I took enzymes I ended up getting up to 240 pounds on accident and the idea of gaining that much weight scares me.. I prefer to do it normally I just wonder what the calorie number is need. What works for you

Every surgeon is different, but with my program, I was allowed to start soft proteins on Day 7 after a chat with the nurse to make sure I was getting my hydration in and feeling well. I had great luck with tuna salad made with low-fat mayo, yogurt (I did Oikos Triple Zero, but eventually the artificial sweetener taste turned me off them), oh, and cottage cheese was an absolute delight! I made a poached egg and it went down nicely, so then I tried a deviled eggs (yum!) and finally scrambled with a bit of cheddar. I was also allowed refried beans and ground chicken/turkey (which I made with some taco seasoning). After a week of just those items, I was allowed to slowly add in some veg, fruit, and finally grains. This is much faster than what my surgeon allows for sleeve, by the way. He explained that the healing is different between sleeve and bypass, so I was happy to be able to get back to real foods faster. My only issues with vomiting came from reheating some salmon (way too dry) and another time of eating a bit too fast without properly chewing every single bite and waiting long enough between bites. But otherwise, I'm at 4 weeks as of tomorrow and I'm pretty much able to have any types of food, including raw veg. I have a tiny cucumber, tomato, shredded carrot, and edamame "salad" with most of my lunches. As for pills, I crush or sprinkle all of mine over a couple tablespoons of applesauce. Except for vitamins and calciu, which are chewables and have been fine.

Um, your doctor should have told you that not ALL bariatric patients lose their feelings of hunger after surgery. And even when they do, hunger eventually comes back for almost everyone. Hunger is a normal body sensation! It would be nice to have a break from it, but not all of us get that. I woke up in the recovery room and was STARVING! It wasn't a vague hungry either, I would have eaten seafood in that moment and I generally hate seafood (though post op I now like fish, oddly). I felt really annoyed, especially because before surgery I had not experienced hunger in a long time. I have had some instances of head hunger post op. Like Summerseeker said, if it is a particular craving, it is most likely head hunger. If you'd eat a protein you don't even like, or plain chicken breast, it is probably genuine hunger... Either way, your digestive system isn't ready for any solids yet, so expect to feel hungry for a while. I never found increasing protein helped it. The only thing that helped was the soft food stage, and even then, it took a while to settle. Also, if you aren't on a PPI, the extra acid in our tummies can cause you to be ravenous when you aren't really hungry, it is a gnawing stomach pang sort of feeling caused by the acid irritating your new tummy.

Thank you for the detailed information! I do take some of the medications you listed, tried flavoring my water too. I dodn't know that dehydration could make nausea worse though. I felt fine in the hospital and was able to eat more, but as soon as I left the pain and intense nausea returned. I now have body aches to boot. So i was thinking that hydration and sleep should be my priorites at this point, maybe if i get those fixed i can eat more and feel better? I'm switching from water to electrolytes so add taste and electrolytes. I really don't want to rely on protein shakes bc I'd like to be able to eat with my family at some point in the next few months, even if it is just a little bit. Also be be able to go a long walk without feeling like collapsing from fatigue would be nice too. What is a TPN?

You should be able to take a stool softener or Miralax to relieve the constipation. It isn't unusual for people to have some digestive issues on the shakes, they are heavy in protein and low in fat and fiber, two things that usually help regulate our stools. Make sure you are getting in at least 64oz of water daily. Some surgeons have strict rules about the shakes you can use pre-op, others just give guidelines. Premier Protein ready made shakes are the only ones I was allowed to have pre-op (or Bariatric Advantage, but they are AWFUL). I like their Cafe Latte the best, though the vanilla and caramel are good too... I've had just about every flavor they make out of boredom on the pre-op diet and they were all passable, though I recommend you drink them cold. My least favorite are the peanut butter chocolate and the winter mint. If you can drink whatever shake you want, Ghost makes some tasty protein powders! I also like the Syntrax line in general, just pay attention to getting the correct whey your doctor wants. I love Seeq, they sell sample packs on their website and they taste like juice! I think the watermelon one is the best... I also like Genepro powder, it is tasteless and dissolves into just about anything so you could put it in sugar free liquids. And Fairlife does ready to drink shakes that are pretty delicious! They mess with my stomach for some odd reason, but I know a LOT of bariatric patients that buy them by the case. You can usually get them individually at Target or some grocery stores. As for the cooking, I'd just excuse myself as much as possible... Yes, this is your path, and yes, it is your struggle, but I think asking our partners to have empathy is important too, they may not understand how hard it is... Electrolytes once a day help a lot with cravings, be sure they are sugar free. Having a variety of shake flavors helps too. And just being honest with your family if you can and saying "Hey, this is hard for me, and I might be grumpy around you when you are eating food or I'm having to cook you food. It isn't personal, I'm just hungry!!" LOL

Hi folks! I had surgery on Feb 27. Stayed at hospital overnight to verify I passed the swallow leak test. They also wanted to make sure I could drink. Now I’m home. Everything feels 10x better, but I’m still getting spasms in my stomach (nearly) every time I swallow something. It has prevented me from much intake since it is so exhausting. I’m never hungry though now so I just give up eating. My lack of interest in food is a bit scary. I feel like I’m flipping from an over-eater to anorexic. My doctor required a two week full liquid pre-diet and a 24 hr clear liquid only pre-diet. I lost 15 lbs pre-op. I’m 5’3” and started at 210. Since surgery, I’m down another 9 lbs. I’ve been averaging about 1.5 lbs down per day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to finish 2 protein shakes (finally)! I know this rate of decline won’t continue indefinitely, but I’ll be at my target by summer the way things are progressing. I feel like this is a roller coaster and I’m just barreling down a high peak. It is exciting and scary all at the same time.

Hi Iv rang up and got appt next week Portions are small if OH puts it out it’s bigger but I always eat same amount and leave loads anyway I don’t eat extra even if he’s put more than I have on so much waste lol Trying to teach myself to chew chew chew and cut small bites I will see if I can remember when talking to someone at same time! I’m adding gravy and seem to do ok with chvolled tinned tomatoes Yeah chicken is hard for me I’m ok with minced beef just not much of it lol Thanks I will try chicken thighs Iv got a few protein shakes just for mornings to up my protein a bit I will look into smoothies to actually do you make your own? Or buy them I got my B12 yesterday I had forgot all about it in December then I wasn’t well and also no appts u til now but glad I have it done. Yeah trying really hard to get all meds in I have to take so many i take like 15 a day of different meds and it’s hard on my tum sometimes and run out of time to get them all in as not meant to take all together but sometimes I have to. Thanks for reply and for suggestions 😊 xx

I final got to move onto the soft food diet, but after eating a small amount of food for 3 days, I went back to liquids because the idea of food makes me sick. I have had an issue with pain and nausea since I was in the hospital and it continued at home, does this go away? I'm going into my 3rd week and I don't think I have ever made my protein and water goals..

@DanM I can eat like a horse. The only consequence is bloating and gas if I eat too much fat or carbonated beverages. Since I love Ice Cream, I eat it every day and also have a small bottle of Coke. It does cause gas which is eliminated every morning with the usual major morning bowel movement. I also eat a lot of chocolate but otherwise I'm mostly a heathy eater including tons of fruits and protein.

For all my 1/24 surgery twins, we did it! But man has it been a RIDE already. I had some issues at the hospital surgery day with post surgery blood vomiting but that’s apparently normal. It was horrific and scary though. It went away and when I got home the next day, I did great with fluids. I’ve been keeping 64 ounces down. Starting soft today. Protein shakes/yogurt and more jello. So heats hoping. But the worst is the gas and incision pain. So much swelling but, trying to focus on the long term success. Sending love and healing to all!!!

Sleeve in 2017 to revision Gastric Bypass Aug 2023 - Update Hi All! I can't believe how fast time has gone! I will be going to my 6 mth check up tomorrow 2/20/24. Everything is a lot better! As of today I am 173lbs, I'll update my ticker it's still at 183. I am able to eat more varieties that I cook at home. Can't tolerate beef to well but I was never a big red meat person. I am still on the fence with salads/raw vegs though I can tolerate raw onions and tomatoes. I CANNOT eat take out! Purchased chinese for my son as he was going back to college... tried a little and was bringing it back up the rest of the night! If I eat out it has to be at a place that actually cooks food like salmon, veggies, no added anything. Food prepared at home is MUCH beter because you know what's in it. I am not doing too well with my multi because I purchased capsules that I open to put in my protein smoothies (Unjury Vanilla) which I don't take every day anymore. I just purchase the multi-vitamin patch from the bariatric store, I'll update you on that later My food is mostly a diet consistency of pescatarian due to the low cal/high protein and the ease of my system digesting the food. I would occassionally eat chicken as well (ground, poached breast etc), turkey hardly ever because the meat is not as soft as chicken. My veggies are fine steamed, some legumes & beans (occasional), as far as grains or potatoes etc I try to not do carbs at all or keep them at a bare minimum (jasmine or basati brown rice) with an occasional meal...I've really gotten into sweet potatoes as I didn't eat them a lot before. Swelling is gone, skin is good, and I can visually see the difference in pounds and inches loss especially from a side view lol. I still have work to do (vitamins, eat more, move more) and I am working on it. BTW!!!! I am back in the health & wellness field as I start my new position next week. I took a pause last summer. Now as I am on my health journey I'll be helping my patients with weight loss and adopting healthier lifestyles. My goal is to lose 13 more lbs and as you all know after running so long and you can see the finish line in sight....your legs get weary and that last sprint is the hardest. It is good to move from "morbidly obese", to "obese", to now "overweight"...do you guys feel the same? Let me know how you all are doing!

Hi everyone, I just had my band removed on Friday (4 days ago) and my Dr told me to stay on Clear liquids the first week, but I could have Protein shakes and then thicker liquids the next. The third week I could start adding food to my diet. For those of you who have had their band removed, how was your diet afterwards? I'm asking this because I think my Dr is still trying to treat me like a WLS patient. I am so ready to start chewing some food...

To be honest, early on I had lots of problems with nausea and vomiting eating normal solid foods when it was allowed for me. I stayed on liquids and soft foods maybe longer than most. But it was easier for me. I figured my tummy just needed more time to heal and really had no reason to force it just because I could have it. So, I prioritized getting my protein and liquids in first in the form of shakes, milk, yogurt, soups etc. I've said it here before, that you are better off staying hydrated if eating solid foods is keeping you from that, timewise. (30-minute rule) I simply preferred that to feeling nauseous and figured I had the rest of my life to eat solid foods. Becoming dehydrated can cause stalls and constipation. I also have trouble drinking plain water but found if I add Crystal Light I tend to drink more in a day., I also take a stool softener twice a day since WLS, recommended by my surgeon. Of course, like everyone else here said, periodic stalls are normal. Long term you have to question what you are doing. Now at almost a year post op, I can pretty much eat and drink as needed. I just came off a stall and since I'm nearing goal weight, those last few pounds are coming off slower. I don't weigh myself as often so as not to get discouraged. But I'm pretty damn happy with where I am. Try to get those liquids in... it's important. GL

I have my meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday as well, although for me it is 4 weeks pre-op. I believe the 2 week liquid diet is a given for me, but I've been getting used to the idea by replacing breakfast and lunch with a protein shake several times a week for the past few weeks. It's not too bad. I haven't gotten really hungry during the day, although getting to have a regular dinner does make it easier, so I'm not looking forward to the real thing.

I'm actually amazed. Lost 90 lbs, down to fighting weight based on weigh-in at gym using one of those machines that measures body fat + weigh- in at doctor's with clothes on a day later. Went from 40 waist to 33 (American size), can now fit into clothes I could not wear for quite a while, work out 4 times a week at a serious gym, most sessions with a highly experienced trainer. I haven't done one sit up yet- it's about balance, step up, step down, with kettle bell, 12 reps, 5 sets, squats with a dumbbell, 12 reps, 5 sets, then next exercise, etc. I do my warm up 1/2 hour in advance of the trainer session so I don't waste time--it's all exercise when I work with the trainer. I drink a 30 gram protein drink before and another after, so I'm finally building some muscle on what is now a diminutive appearing frame. I can't quite press my body weight yet, but I will. I have long hair for a guy, and yeah, it was coming out when washing it (not every day, more like every 4 days unless I get sweaty) but that seems to have finally stopped. I have no cravings for foods that I cannot have because I get sick if I eat a slice of pizza with toppings or eat more indigestible foods. So I just stay away from them. I have developed a fondness for medium rare lamb chops and roasted potatoes with rosemary salt. My wife is a good cook but we still eat at restaurants and I'm careful. I found out that alcohol just doesn't work- a beer is too filling and carbonated, for some reason wine doesn't taste good; I'm a high proof whiskey man and it doesn't metabolize. I'm on my ass with far less than what I could normally consume, so I just stopped altogether. (Good because I have Barrett's and alcohol is inflammatory). Punchline- this surgery really turned me around. Trade-offs to be sure, but I feel so much better and look far younger. I can walk fast and not get winded as easily. I'm in my 70th year and don't look like a geezer-- more like a ruffian in rude health. I had targeted 185 as a goal weight and reached that but I still have a small roll of fat around my middle. I figure that I can continue to lose a little more given the surgery stats, and tighten up my core as my work-out regime continues. I'm gonna start swimming this summer-- where I am in Texas it is 3 months of summer and 9 months of hell. Hell is just starting here. The really hardcore stuff is pilates. I used to do that with a women's class and they kicked my butt. I'm planning to advance to that as well. I think the "whole picture" outlook is optimal for me- I don't check the scale at home, I do my thing and get routine blood work done. Though I have a few health issues which come with age, I'm in pretty decent shape now, physically and mentally. Thanks to all you kind folks for your advice and support.

Congrats on your surgery and welcome! I had a 5 week stall with losing and gaining the same 2-4 lbs. I'm 9 weeks out now and it just broke!! I started being really obsessive with getting as much protein as possible (I'm a DS patient and we need alllll the protein), and making sure I was getting at least 64 oz, more like 80 if I could help it. And then I added steps in, increasing by 500-1,000 steps a week. And then 2 weeks later the stall FINALLY broke! I don't know if it was a coincidence or if what I did helped, but I'm really thankful it broke. I lost 5 lbs! Hopefully it'll continue down from here, the stall weeks are stressful.

Apparently they called the first week of the pre surgery shake diet hell week at my surgeon’s office. There’s a lot of withdrawal symptoms associated with it (sugar, carbs, caffeine). Your cravings go crazy - you always want more the things you can’t have. Your emotions are all over the place which often makes you want to comfort yourself with food. On & on. Round & round. I was vey relieved I was placed on keto for the pre surgery diet. I had done the shake diet before. Two shakes & one small portion meal of steamed vegetables & plain cooked protein. Did it for 8 weeks & then again for 6 weeks a couple of years later as another diet I was trying. It ain’t easy even with one meal. Check with your dietician regarding swapping out a shake for a broth/soup. Some companies do offer them as well as shakes but they’re still going to be low calorie & go through you quickly being liquids. You’ve got this. You can do it.

That suddenly reminded me how much I miss real deal pecan pie. For reference a slice (1/8 of a 9"pie) is; Calories 503 Fat 27.08g Carbs 63.68g Protein 5.98g I'm going to be missing it for a long time!

I'm on day 3 of liquids today and doing okay but trying to figure out what choices are working and which ones aren't. Oikos triple zero yogurt has been a life saver. I have learned I am not a fan of ready-made sugar free pudding. I'm going to try making a batch from a box instead, but if that doesn't taste any better, I'll cross it off my list. Jello, on the other hand, has been delightful. I may end up going through a box of sugar free Jello mix per day. Bone broth tastes nice but does not score high in the satiety department. I may save it for post-op. I'm averaging just under 900 calories per day, 130g protein, 10g fat, and 50g carbs. I get about 150 oz fluid per day.