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Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
BlondePatriotInCDA replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Wow four weeks! I thought the three I did sucked, I feel for you. Just keep telling yourself one more hour, one more day towards getting the healthy thinner body you want, need and deserve! My husband did the same thing for me..lol still does. Just remember you CAN do this, its just a small blip on your new journey and the results will be worth it. I added no sodium clear broth packets to my fatty liver reduction diet which helped, it was "hot soup" with flavor and 5 calories and was helping with water intake. Could have as much as I wanted and it wasn't plain water or another protein drink! https://www.amazon.com/Hormel-Chicken-Bouillon-Sodium-Packets/dp/B0077DMWO0/ref=sr_1_5_pp?crid=2OTVXLTYW0OD9&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.lQfKYERXvAhUropfp5TcloiXDN09ZoegzxDIPbqvPsdG2SFel1Y2bZSDa-edU5IODMVLcTFZN7J_gN1J76UWRJ5alR_86je9RVJ7FT5B8fLCIu-Gu7R1P9CR4QwfZLXQSmYDC2T6w1YEIitQSLjlj6dtcWr9e9jsWqXzvU0vEStk6z7EO14TcHw9L8V52hbuymxrnf7R0fRn-6u0Hfi7Zg6T2nbJ6hPrQT4cjccBJc3kbDGnNXGQ3wuSN1klYubiT2jVe3qUR5qmQ2XYpBGvIOL9iJQXcem-L96snZm7jSE._KgKbU2PA1ogwJ3vncdpxEFEDsXdAL0MfVmhXtWkCx8&dib_tag=se&keywords=kosher+chicken+bouillon&qid=1708370322&sprefix=Kosher+chicken+%2Caps%2C260&sr=8-5 -
Every program will be different, but your best bet is to wean off it as quickly as you can. Decaf is usually fine, so you may start doing half-caf tomorrow with the goal of getting to all decaf before surgery. It's less a problem before surgery because you can make yourself drink extra water to combat the dehydration coffee can cause, but it's impossible to do that after, so ideally you don't want to drink anything that makes you get dehydrated. On the other hand, some programs let you have one cup of regular coffee per day. Just don't go cold turkey if you want to avoid a killer headache. I spent two weeks weaning myself off caffeine before my pre-op diet started.
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Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
Francesca525 replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think 4 weeks of liquid shakes only is a bit excessive. I was told by my surgeon that I could only drink 3 shakes a day for 2 weeks, but when I did my research on liver shrinkage, what I found was that the goal was deplete carbs. And you can do that with things other than protein shakes. Like actual protein. So I asked my surgeon why I couldn't just eat chicken breast and eggs all day, every day. He explained that it wouldn't be nutritionally balanced enough, plus after the surgery, my stomach wouldn't be able to handle solid foods for weeks so it was good "practice". I took all of that under consideration, as well as discussions I read about other people's pre-op diets, and went a bit rogue. I would choke down 2 shakes a day (instead of 3), then eat chicken + non-starchy veggies for dinner. I also drank low-sodium broths frequently because I REALLY don't like sweet things. During the last ~5 days of the diet, I switched to recommended 3 shakes per day to get in that "practice" the surgeon talked about. That slower transition was so much easier for me than going cold turkey. I'm 2 months post-op now and down 42 lbs so I guess it's working. Not saying you should rebel like I did, but you should at least ask your surgeon to explain his reasoning and maybe bring up some of the above points. See how he reacts. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
Lily2024 replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had a two week liquid only diet, that included sugar free popsicles, jello, milk for my decaf coffee, and protein shakes. It was brutal for days 1-4, then it got easier and I felt better. I did get resentful, I even posted about my liver better be freaking delicate by surgery day. Apparently it was bikini ready so that helps. I'm now almost 7 weeks post op and I can say that that time was harder than it is now. At that time, I knew my stomach could hold a lot of food, I just wasn't allowed to eat it. Now I know my stomach can't hold a lot and I'm good with that. My meals now are satisfying and I'm able to eat a few different things at one meal which makes it much more interesting. When it got bad I let myself feel crappy about it for a few minutes, then used some breathing exercises to calm and slow, and just found something else to do. This time will pass, maybe make a counter that lists the days in liquid diet vs the days to surgery, somehow that made it go better for me. I wish you all the best, this is hard but worth it. -
6 month blood labs..question.
BlondePatriotInCDA replied to BlondePatriotInCDA's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Yes, I was told 64oz, yet I'm honestly only getting +-48oz. I KNOW I should be getting more, but I'm just not thirsty and I get busy/sidetracked and forget because I'm not thirsty so I don't get my required in. So much f I'm not getting close to my goal how could I be over hydrated? I know its silly to worry since I have my appointment this week..but I still wonder. I'm a need to know person, A laboratory manager ..so its just who I am..researcher! "I honestly don't think I've ever had my hydration level tested, so I have no clue about that one! Have you been eating any high sodium foods? Or started doing strength-training recently? Both can cause some Water retention. Other than that...??? high WBC usually means you're fighting an infection - although I just googled albuterol, and you're right - it can increase white blood cell count. That could be what's going on. I would imagine that if you were early out of surgery and your body was trying to heal, that could cause an increase as well - but since you're six months out, then no - probably not that. More likely water retention or the albuterol. Let us know what they think...I'm curious." - Catwoman7 No, I don't ever add sodium and my diet is low in sodium, so its not edema. This is why I'm worried - if it was a diet with excessive sodium I'd not worry. No on strength training "lately".. just light hand weights which I've been doing for months. Regarding the high WBC count, I don't have a known illness/cold/sick.. Thank you for your questions and potential reasons. I guess I'll know soon enough and I'll PST the doctors answers. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
xKirstenx replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thank you so much for your reply, I appreciate it. I think both of your suggestions are worth taking into consideration and I've decided that if I'm still feeling this bad by the upcoming Friday then I will contact my clinic and ask for recommendations. I think once I see the first week's weight loss that will also give me a boost! I need something to make it feel like it's worth it and I'm sure that will help. Also, I'm just trying to stay positive in general, writing things down and talking to my partner about things to look forward to. Thanks! 🙂 -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
NickelChip replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Just wanted to say I'm starting Day 13 of my 2 week preop liquid diet and it's not so bad at this point. I mean, I wouldn't recommend it to friends, but my energy levels are good and the hunger isn't terrible. The first few days I was tired and cold all the time, but it is winter and I live near Boston, so cold comes with the territory. 4 weeks would be hard, but you can do it! I suggest getting any source of temptation out of sight, and keep yourself busy. Also, if you're like me, you will start thinking of the most random food-related things, like a food you like or a restaurant you went to one time 10 years ago, just totally out of the blue. Avoid cooking shows. I stupidly was halfway through an episode of Great British Baking Show before I realized what I was doing! OMG, why am I watching someone cook a tart right now?!? If you're allowed it, get the chicken soup flavored shakes (I know Bariatric Fusion, Unjury, and Celebrate have versions, if those brands are available to you). That has been such a life saver as I'm really tired of everything being sweet. Sugar free jello is lovely and only 5 calories, so it should be fine for you to have. It's almost like chewing, sort of. Good luck! -
Anyone else do a VSG to ESG?
teedsg replied to teedsg's topic in Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Forum
Omg! Sorry for this late update, but after a long time dealing with which procedure to get, I ended up going with the SASI bypass on January 9, 2024. My surgery went well. I was immensely sore. I had so much excess gas in my stomach it was unbearable for at least 3 days after surgery. I didn’t get complications until two weeks after surgery and I have been up and down on feeling ill ever since. My surgeon put me on purées for the rest of this month. 🙃 other than that, I’m alive and well. 😀 -
Any ladies experience very heavy periods after surgery ?
Star1234 posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi so I'm on the pill and I don't have periods as my pill stops this, 2 weeks before my op I was spotting, I don't know if the milk diet stressed my body out , I had my op 3 weeks ago, I'm having such a heavy period! Is this normal ? Anyone else experience this after surgery? I've been on for 5 weeks ! I have a appointment with my doctor in a couple of weeks, just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced long heavy periods after surgery? -
6 month blood labs..question.
Arabesque replied to BlondePatriotInCDA's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I wondered fluid retention too. And I hadn’t heard of hyper hydration either. I do know drinking too much fluid can flush vital enzymes & nutrients from your body which can cause many side effects. Were you told 64ozs/2L of fluids per day? This is the recommended intake for everybody. I do average about 2L every day & pee continuously so I must be well hydrated. Personally I’ve often thought it’s a little too much for me. I’m not tall, not active & on the smaller size. How can I need the same amount of fluid as say a 6’ tall man with a BMI of 30+??? I mean I can’t give blood because I weigh less than 50kg - simply because there’s less in my body. My pee is generally lighter (which is accepted as a sign you’re well hydrated) on the odd day I drink less (1.2 - 1.5L). Hence me wondering more that 2L is too much for me & I’m flushing out nutrients & enzymes. Got me worried now. Will be interested to hear what you're told at your appointment next week. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
Arabesque replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
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. -
Cold feet b4 Surgery time sensitive.
Arabesque replied to Joe Brown's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
For life? Not true at all. Stage two of the post op return to eating is purée. It usually is weeks 3 & 4 so two weeks only in the first month. The staged return to eating (usually a two week cycle of liquids, purée, soft then solid foods) is to protect & support your healing tummy. It takes about 8 weeks to fully heal. Some surgeons recommend chewing well before swallowing to help during this time too to ensure nothing too coarse or fibrous is swallowed that could impact your healing. It also makes you stop & think about your eating. I wasn’t told to do that. A couple of weeks on the solid food stage (probably early start of month 3) I was eating chicken thighs, steak, lamb chops, pork loin, etc. Yes we are advised to eat slowly. It takes a good 20 odd minutes for the message to get through that you’re full. If you eat quickly you’ll easily eat too much & be over full. It’s about being mindful when eating too. Putting your cutlery down between bites & really thinking about if you need the next bite yet or just want it is a good habit to get into. It’s actually a good practice for everyone not just bariatric patients. So many people just shovel in spoonful after spoonful of food in their mouths & before they know it they’ve eaten copious amounts of food & are groaning & uncomfortable because they are overfull. Something to be aware of is eating too much, too fast or food that is too coarse or fibrous can result in the foamies. Thick foamy saliva rises to protect your oesophagus & to help you bring up the excess food or food that is causing a blockage. I still have the foamies at times. I think my oesophagus is more sensitive. Char grilled meats & vegetables & sometimes fibrous vegetables can cause me grief. But I feel fine once I’ve bought up the offending thing, I feel fine. Last time I had an episode it was because I hadn’t trimmed my sugar snap peas well & there was string left dangling & it irritated me. Most people rarely experience it & not in the long term. There’s lots of misinformation & scary horror stories online many not based on any truth or vey little or posted to drive likes (the scarier the story the more clicks). Go to reputable medical sites & forums like this one. Generally a good idea to avoid social media too. Highly recommend the you tube videos of Dr Matt Weiner (A pound of Cure) & Dr John Pilcher. Straight forward, practical information, clearly explained. -
As the title says, I had my 6 month labs done a few weeks back (I'll be at 6 months post op Feb 21) and my 6 month check in is next week. My question is this; has anyone's lab come back hyper-hydrated? I told the dietician who called with the results (she wasn't aware my app was next week) there is no way I could be over hydrated I seldom meet my water goals much less go way over it. She said it was beyond her knowledge. I was told my white blood count was elevated as well along with my iron being too high. She told me to cut back to 18mg iron opposed to the 45mgs I was taking. The dietician never commented on my other labs so I'll have to wait for those. I'm concerned because my 6 month is with the dietician and if its beyond her she won't know. Anyone else have odd labs like this? Hyper (over) hydrated yet not drinking enough to do this? Is leukocytosis normal as well, seems my WBC's are always higher.. Although it could be my albuterol which can cause elevated white blood cells sometimes. I'm impatient and thought I'd ask here.. Unfortunately, everything I read isn't good - stupid internet but, I'm hoping its WLS related. So I thought I'd ask the experts - you! I know you aren't doctors, but you've been through WLS and know things sometimes WL clinics don't or just don't think to share. Thanks for answering!
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Cold feet b4 Surgery time sensitive.
Joe Brown replied to Joe Brown's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
An the other hand i want to be 200 pounds and ive had a hard time maintaining that I snore heavily and buy a lot of food out and on general want to stop being crazy about running after food im seriously confused surgery in three days feel like cancelling -
February 2024 Surgery Buddies?
Fluffyfluff replied to NickelChip's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Surgery complete! It was on the 12th. I’m not going to lie -it really hurts. The first day or two was pretty rough. Besides my stomach hurting my throat was so angry from the tube. I’m going to blame that on my snoring… I find that every day I’m feeling much better than the last. From the start of my liquid diet a week before to now I’m down 12 lbs. that makes me very very happy. Definitely the most productive weight loss I’ve ever had. Im 6 days post-op and feeling pretty good- I get a twinge of pain when I use my stomachs muscles like laying down or sitting up but just a twinge like a 2/10. Now I’m ready to get going- I want to get the weight off and keep it off. -
Cold feet b4 Surgery time sensitive.
CelticSoul replied to Joe Brown's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Joe, I am almost 8 weeks post surgery. While I can't speak for everyone, I did not experience this. Yes, you have to chew your food well (if it needs chewing), but it is not as onerous as it seems. Sure, the first time I had solid food I made sure that it was well chewed and I ate it slowly to make sure it was not going to present a problem. I've done that with every new food I've tried. But it has NEVER taken me 10-15 minutes to eat 2 tablespoons of food. In fact, I have to make sure I don't eat too fast! It is like drinking water after surgery... at first you struggle to take a sip at a time. Then you notice you are taking bigger sips and then a large swallow. I can drink 8 oz of water in a couple of swallows now. I know that thought of the changes this surgery may bring to your life can be scary, but does it really matter if when you are past the initial stages of the process it takes you 15 minutes longer to eat your dinner than it did prior to surgery? That you can't get your money's worth at an all you can eat buffet? If you look at the surveys of people who have had WLS, their most common regret is that they didn't have the surgery sooner. BTW - I'd always been a "healthy" fat person until I wasn't. I can't count the number of times I lost a little weight only to gain it back; Weight Watchers should have been giving me frequent flyer rates. Today, I went under 300 lbs. for the first time in 19 years and I'm 35 lbs away from being a weight I haven't seen since 1984. Yeah... I'm good with it all! -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
CelticSoul replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
The purpose of this diet is to shrink your liver. The liver is in the path of surgery. Following the diet will use up the glycogen that is stored in your liver. Glycogen is the storage form of carbohydrates. Depleting your liver’s glycogen stores shrinks the liver, which can decrease complications during and after surgery That being said, 4 weeks of nothing but meal replacement shakes is a tough row to hoe. I agree with the broth suggestion. You may also want to ask your doctor if you can have non-starch veggies - at least for the first two weeks. I had to do 2 weeks of a full liquid diet; it does get easier the closer you get to surgery - because you are ALMOST there! And as you get closer to the date and you are losing weight and your clothes are getting looser and you feel better, it is even more incentive. Hang in there! -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
xKirstenx replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Summer! Thank you for the hugs, I really appreciate it. Thank you for the reassurance, I will obviously keep trying my best, and know that it will end in 25 days. Thank you for sharing your experience, I think you're right. It feels a bit resentful towards the people around you. I hate that most people don't go through this. I hate that my partner can eat what he wants and gain nothing. I hate the fact I have to do this for 4 weeks. But it will help in the long run of course. It's crazy that you lost 15 pounds from the diet though! Those are some fantastic tips, thank you so much! Do you just have the sugar-free jellies when you just need a cheeky pick me up? I will see how I get on this week and then contact them for advice if I'm really struggling still. Thank you 🙂 -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
xKirstenx replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Will do, thank you! I'll start it today. I can't have anything else in my diet. Just my three shakes (to which I add skimmed milk). Everything else adds calories and they said it's a complete meal replacement shake diet only, so unfortunately I can't have anything else 😞 Do you think things would still be okay if I ate maybe broth and soup but went on just shakes for the last two weeks? I just don't know. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
summerseeker replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Kirsten, Big hugs. We all think the pre op diet is the toughest part of the whole process. It will get easier. Once you are past 5 days the hunger just evaporates. You have it tough but just tell yourself it will be worth it. No lie it is. Your life will change. I had to do 3 weeks and oh boy did I want to take revenge on the surgeon. There were times that I hated him. I paid and I still had to go through this, how could he ! The only thing that kept me in line was the threat of waking up after surgery to find they could not do it. I had no shakes but had milk instead. I could also have non carb veg. My daily calories would be the same as you. I lost 15 pounds. You can try making lollies with the sugar free squash. It gives you a different mouth feel. Some people on here have successfully frozen their shakes, so they are like ice cream. Try the sugar free jellies if you need a safe cheat Ring your team if you struggle after a week. They might let you eat something else. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Write down your current health issues, struggles, anything that your weight is causing you trouble with. Then write down as each thing gets a little better during the diet. Also, definitely weigh yourself once a week and look at your entire body to remind yourself where you started, see where you're at, and envision where you want to be. Try to move your body more. I know at your current weight, it can be hard. Try to do some floor and chair exercises. Maybe ride an exercise bike. Do water exercises. Anything at all, more than you normally do, will help you so, so much. But don't try to do anything taxing since you're so low calorie. You should be able to have broth, right? I loved vegetable, chicken, and beef. Jello is also allowed on an all liquid diet. Try some of that and see if it helps. Also maybe cut some of the sweetness out of the shakes by adding a little unflavored shake mix to it. Can you add any fruit to the shakes? I noticed that if I made a shake and added frozen strawberries and blueberries (or raspberries and blackberries, depending on what I wanted) it actually cut the artificial sweet taste way down. I hope some of this helps!! -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
xKirstenx replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I feel the same. I was explaining to my partner that it's just liquid that doesn't even touch the sides. On top of that all the shakes are sweet, not savory, so it just feels like I'm having rubbish sweet shakes and nothing else. Sleep is the only time I feel okay because I don't feel the hunger as much. I just feel like I'm struggling on day 3 never mind another 25 days. I think maybe writing down the positives/reasons I'm doing it when I feel like I can't do it anymore or I'm tempted might be a good way to go. To remind myself. I think I'm going to weigh myself once a week to just see the scale down a little. Any weight loss is positive reinforcement. Thank you for sharing, it really helps! -
Did you have a gastric sleeve leak and if you did what was the reason?
FifiLux replied to KII's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had one as a complication after sleeve surgery and it was found a month later when I collapsed at home and had to go by ambulance to hospital. The cause was suture failure. My symptoms then were weakness (could barely stand), fever, nausea with vomiting and abdominal pain. It is a rare occurrence so if you are not suffering with any of these I think you don't need to worry, you are just causing yourself unnecessary stress when you are already going through enough to deal with following surgery and coping with food planning etc. I also had other complications post surgery with pancreatitis and abdominal abscesses so basically anything that could go wrong did, I ended up spending three months in hospital over a period of four months. They closed the gastric leak by using clips and mesh via gastroscopy but that failed, twice. I now have a tube coil like thing that was inserted in order to drain fluid and hope that the hole will then have time to heal and close. The only information I was given in advance of the surgery about it was that it could happen but the surgeon did not go into detail and just said she had never had a patient have a leak, guess I am her exception if she will admit it to others in the future. No other details given to me such as cause/effect/symptoms. -
Did you have a gastric sleeve leak and if so what caused it ???
FifiLux replied to KII's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had one as a complication after sleeve surgery and it was found a month later when I collapsed at home and had to go by ambulance to hospital. The cause was suture failure. My symptoms then were weakness (could barely stand), fever, nausea with vomiting and abdominal pain. It is a rare occurrence so if you are not suffering with any of these I think you don't need to worry, you are just causing yourself unnecessary stress when you are already going through enough to deal with following surgery and coping with food planning etc. I also had other complications post surgery with pancreatitis and abdominal abscesses so basically anything that could go wrong did, I ended up spending three months in hospital over a period of four months. They closed the gastric leak by using clips and mesh via gastroscopy but that failed, twice. I now have a tube coil like thing that was inserted in order to drain fluid and hope that the hole will then have time to heal and close. The only information I was given in advance of the surgery about it was that it could happen but the surgeon did not go into detail and just said she had never had a patient have a leak, guess I am her exception if she will admit it to others in the future. No other details given to me such as cause/effect/symptoms. -
Liver Shrinkage Diet struggles
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to xKirstenx's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I mean, you titled the post that way lol What else does LSD mean? I was over here thinking "this isn't the forum for that...how do we even help her? I better click on it and see if there's anything I can say, but I doubt it..." I'm having this internal debate with myself and you're over there talking about a 4 week pre-op diet LOL
