POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I could have sworn I saw a post this morning about post-sleeve diabetes management. When I got to my office to post something, it was gone. So, I thought I'd start a thread - would love to hear from other diabetics in the group. Before my sleeve surgery, I was on 1.8 mcg of victoza, 2000 mg of metformin, 60 units of lantus and 60+ (sliding scale) of apidra daily. My surgeon reduced my meds immediately after surgery - no victoza, half the metformin and 10 units of each of the insulins. Unfortunately my blood sugars, particularly my fasting sugars, were not where I wanted them after I began solid food, so I consulted with my GP and we went back to 2000 mg of metformin (le…

Down 60 pounds

I am two months post op and my stomach feels weird when I drink it but I’m fine with water. It’s diet tea. Is this normal? I sometimes want to change up from water.

How much time off of work should I plan to take after the surgery? Some people say 1 week and some are even saying up to 6 weeks. Tiffany

I had my sleeve done in Thailand on 4th September. I lost 9kg in first two weeks, lost another 6kg in following 2 weeks, then nothing for 3 weeks. Checked today and lost 1.5kg in last 2 weeks. Its very depressing when so much money has been spent to have this weight loss surgery done, but the results are not coming through. Is this normal. I have no support here, as I had my surgery done privately in Thailand. I have tried numerous dietitians and Nutritionists; who charge heaps but actually are no help. I did find on line the multivitamin called BN Multis, there are .co.nz and .co.au sites for them. They have a chewable multi specifically designed for Gastric slee…

Week 2 post op and have had no problems at all . no nausea or vomitting or any trouble with liquids or purred food. today tho i have a weird pressure in my chest? no burning and not painful but its annoying. any ideas?

My doctor tole me to wait until I was a month out before taking my vitamins, so I'm ready to start taking them. I got the chewable multivitamins, but calcium citrate in pill form. I didn't realize how big the Calcium citrate pills were, they're longer than the multivitamins I was taking before surgery. Can I have these? How long out until you all started taking the calcium pills?

I’m 13 days post-op from my sleeve and my belly is growling it feels like a hunger growl (even though I’m not hungry). It’s so weird! I’m assuming it’s gas or bowel movements but has anyone else experienced this?

is there anyone else that is having a problem not getting full. I feel like I am starving all the time I am constantly snacking to try to feel full. I think the surgeon made a mistake and left my stomach in. I am 5 weeks post op I snack on cheddar cheese and beef jerky all day but am still starving by end of day. I have learned to stay away from chips because I can eat a whole bag and not realize it. I have a friend that had same surgery and he said he has same problem with chips.

I’m 5 days post op and granted I haven’t been on the top of the moon lately because I’m in a lot of pain and I’m naturally on all liquids and less than 300 calories per day however my husband has not changed his eating habits not even a tiny bit since I got home. He will sit right beside me on the couch and eat ho ho’s, peanut butter cookies, chips, peanuts, cheese burgers, candy, Burger King etc. etc. I finally looked at him today and said “don’t you have any consideration around what I’m going through right now? Can you maybe eat this in the kitchen and not 5 inches from my face (literally) and he looks at me and tells me just because I changed my life doesn’t mean he …

I just left my first post-op nutrition class. I expected to learn that I'd be on pureed or blended foods now but that's not the case. I can go straight to solid foods. I have to cut it up very small and chew thoroughly but I can do it. Has anyone else had their diet progress like this? Sent from my SM-J327V using BariatricPal mobile app

Did anyone else get this, seems every 2 to 3 hours a have go. Wandering if it happened to you how long did it last. Trying to make sure I have 4oz of fluid every hour with alarms on the phone etc. But would love to know if this happened and how long. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a bottle of Bariatric Advantage multi vitamins and a bottle of Centrum one a day chewable vitamins and notice the daily percentages content are vastly different between the two. Some doses are double or tripled on the BA vs the Centrum. I have read on this site that Centrum are what many of you take daily. Is it because you’ve got more time since your surgery? Or because you’re bypass and I’m (almost) a sleeve? Does it really matter as long as it’s taken each and every day without fail? Vitamin A is 200% on the BA and only 30% on Centrum. Similar with most other nutrients. I purchased the Centrum and won the BA at a support group and they’re huge horse pills and …

I’m 5 days out today and this evening I am sooo hungry. I have eaten a sugar free popsicle and have been sipping water but nothing is helping. Anyone else feel hungry this early on in post op and if so any suggestions?

Well, I was just diagnosed with this yesterday.....I've been having some serious aches and pains in my hips, knees and shoulders that I thought was just weight related..... Turns out I have an autoimmune disease called Polymyalgia Rheumatica. It's a form of arthritis. Treatment is prednisone. I had an intermuscular injection yesterday to start working on the inflammation. Not a fan at all of prednisone. It can and does increase hunger and can cause swelling and weight gain. Yay! I sort of had a feeling that something wasn't right but I didn't think is was something like this. My Rheumatologist (yes, I have one of those now) says I need to postpone my surg…

Please HELP! I need suggestions for food. Can I eat refried beans in this stage?

Is it pretty much the same for everyone?

I’m seeing my surgeon tomorrow for my one week post-op and hopefully they’ll see what’s going on but I’m hoping I’m just worried for nothing. I just had my sleeve done on October 17th and I’m not feeling well. I’m really cold but I know that’s a normal thing. But my blood pressure gets low in the morning and I feel dizzy and nauseous like I’m gonna pass out. I’ve had this problem before my surgery but it’s more often now. And I also still have ALOT of gas I’m constantly burping and I haven’t had a bowel movement yet. It’s hard for me to get liquids down. So far I’m able to get one-one and a half protein shakes down and one 30oz bottle of water a day. However anytime I do…

My surgery date was 6/27/17, so I am about 4 months out. I have not had an easy time of it. I have been sick a bit and I have developed an aversion to food. I literally have to force myself to eat. I eat around 500 to 600 calories a day and I only eat things that have protein because I am worried about getting all my protein in. Literally most everything I put in my mouth makes me sick. My doctor has told me to add carbs to my diet because I am starving myself. I really don't mean to, but I literally hate the thought of eating. I know that it is probably a mental struggle that I am having. Has anyone else had this problem and if so, how did you overcome it?

Alright so I hate having to post about this because other than this one pesky vitamin, I've had no issues. See, I take the vitamin patches. I take the multivitamin with has 1000mcg of B12 already in it. On top of that I take the B12 patch, which has another 1000mcg in it. In July for my year bloodwork, my tests came back to where my B12 was super close to being deficient. I'll post an image of my results below for each test. After those results, my PCP started having me come in to get an additional B12 shot every month. I've had 3 months of that. Then, as you can see, results from the other day come in. While it's gone up a bit, she's still concerned enough that it's on t…

Hi, my surgeon & nutritionist recommended Bariatric Advantage products, Multi EA Chewable, Calcium Citrate Chew 500s & Biotin, each 2x's daily. The cost is $71/mo w shipping & tax. I'm on a fixed income disability & these aren't covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Any suggestions? I appreciate you input. I'm 5 mos post-VGS & have lost almost 75 lbs. Thank you. MT

Has anyone cheat on post op before the 4 weeks liquid diet. If yes what cheating did you do. and what week of post op and what happened ?

So I just had my gallbladder out and was told by my general surgeon that the sleeve was made too small and that I will have trouble and keep loosing weight until I stretch it out.... has anyone had this problem?? And what can I do to stretch it out.... I'm allready down 158 pounds in one year and still loosing....

Hey everyone, I'm almost 3 weeks post op and was wondering if it's normal to still be having pretty bad pain on my lower left side of my stomach in between the left incision and my belly button. That area is still numb to the touch... I can get buy during the day with just Tylenol every 4 hours but when it comes to sleeping I have to take Atleast one of the prescribed painkillers. Also it still hurts a lot whenever I bend over. And back pain, was wondering if anyone else experienced that within the first couple of weeks as well? Thanks!!

4 days post op and having severe forearm pain in the arm that had the IV. The IV was in my hand and the nurse failed to notice that the IV had blown my vein. Needless to say, at discharge my hand and forearm looked like a latex balloon. Each day since, the pain has gotten progressively worse to the point that I’m no longer able to sleep through it. Even with the Oxy from surgery, it only buys me 3 hours of sleep where I’m still conscience of the pain. [emoji30]

What have you used to get your hair back?? My self esteem is so low when i should be feeling so great[emoji52] i take bariatric fusion vitamins and biotin 5000mg. Also using biotin and collagen shampoo. I get my protein and fluids in with no problem. Any remedies would be helpful, im considering womens Rogaine but scared it may make my hair fall out more, and as you can see theres not much left! First pic was right after surgery then 6 months post op HW 260 CW 185 Sleeved 2/8/2017

It's been 4+ weeks and I still have a lot of positional pain when I stand up or sit down. I have returned to work but the pain makes it difficult to get through the day. Last week I only made it to Wednesday half day then i have to leave because of the pain. I went to the ER. They believe it's only muscle pain and nothing to be concerned with. When will this pain end? Someone please help.

I’m in so much pain and have so much pressure mid abdomen right under my rib cage. Has anyone had pain like this? It’s been impossible for me to drink much of anything, even water. Is this normal? Anyone experience anything like this?

And not hitting ANY of my goals [emoji30]

Developing a sore lump on my left from side shoulder / arm area 5 day post op. Getting progressively more sore as the day goes on. Haven't lifted anything. Anyone ever heard of this after surgery ?

I am 4 days post off and naturally on full liquids however I’m getting less than 200 calories per day. That includes broth, one protein shake and sugar free jello. That just sounds like such a low amount of calories am I doing this right?

I found this ground flaxseed at Walmart ($5) it has 3G of protien for two tablespoons. If you add this to each shake and all of your foods (eggs, chicken, broth, etc) you can take in an extra 3G per meal!!!

My two actual surgeries went very well (1) gastric bypass 2) cholycystectomy (gallbladder removal including a 2 inch gallstone. See attached pics). Walked a lot from day 1 and used inspiration spirometer like crazy too 10 times per hour-was very compliant and literally, just soo thrilled to be in the post-op phase. Afterwards on day 4, I had some complications, however. Temp went from 99 (was 99-99.4 post op days 1-3) to 102.6 on day 4. At the ER, all blood work was normal, but the the ct scan with contrast & chest ray showed that I have ATELECTASIS as it turns out. (An area of one of my lungs didn’t reinflate) after I was taken off the ventilator during anesthesia.…

I had my 4 week appointment yesterday. 4 weeks to the day and was given the all clear to resume normal eating with no restrictions. Of course that doesn’t mean to go back to candy and all that other junk, but i can eat whatever I want. It’s on me to be smart about it. I started morning of surgery at 275. Four days later I was at 266.6 (8.4lb loss). One week out i was at 259 (16lb loss) and two weeks out I was at 252 (23lb loss). I’m now at 247. Total loss in 4 weeks is 28 pounds so I’m pretty pleased. 1st week was just chicken soup broth, premier protein shakes (Costco), surgar free jello, popscicles, and sugar free pudding. 2nd week, same as week o…

Heyo, So I had my surgery on the 13th of October (6 days ago) and today throughout the day I noticed that the incesion by my belly button was somewhat "leaking". I felt somethin cold and I lifted up my top and noticed a fluid it had some blood and some clear liquid. I panicked and dried it then started researching. I'm still not sure whats going on?!? I red that I should just let it dry and not move too much so thats what I'm doing. If this has happened to anyone pls lemme know. Im freaking out a bit because my doctor is going on holiday tmrw and hes not back for 4 days! Btw this leak is not like shooting out blood haha its just a small amount but im still worried. …

I had RNY on 10/19 and about 5 days post op I developed tachycardia. My heart rate sits around 110-120, but can get as high as 160. It’s very random and I’ve not found any rhyme or reason. Tonight I vomited for the first time since surgery and haven’t felt good since, which I assume is normal. Just a lot of pain and strange feeling in my lower abdomen. My normal heart rate is 65-70, so this is really high for me. I googled and it said tachycardia can be a sign of a leak, but I had an upper gi the day after my surgery to verify no leak and it was clear. I also have no other symptoms listed. Anyone else deal with this?

My doctor doesn't want me snacking - just 3 meals a day. I am 10 days post op and currently on full liquids. To get all my protein in every day, I have to add protein powder to Oikos Triple Zero yogurt and SF pudding (allowed in this stage in my program) + a significantly watered down Premier Protein Clear drink (which I can barely tolerate). I have tried unflavored protein powder in soups, but I can't eat enough soup (less than 1/3 of a cup for 7 grams of protein) to get to what I need in protein for a meal. I gag on every protein shake I have tried. I have tried...I am just not a shake girl! Later this week, I am moving to the pureed stage. I am planner + I can't …

It feels like a bruise, but can’t see one. It feels like it’s inside and not on the surface. It had quit hurting a few weeks post op, but has started hurting again. Anyone else experienced this?

I was operated on on Tuesday of this week and I finally go home tomorrow. My question is should I weigh myself or wait u til my first post-op dr appt? I see some people who have had amazing results and others who have gained. I know this is a time of healing and everyone’s body is different but I must admit I’m curious to say the least? Suggestions are most welcomed.

Okay, so I'm 5 days post op and I'm so over broth. Thank God for the creamy soups, protein powder shakes, and sugar free popsicles(only yellow[emoji5]). Nausea and vomiting left me at 2 days out, so the doctor felt comfortable releasing me from the hospital. So far I'm having problems getting in all of my fluids. I'm better at my shakes than I am at my water and Crystal Light. I'm getting around pretty well and getting out some of the gas. Still no BM[emoji30]. Any suggestions for a BM are welcomed. Oh, and here are my stats: HW: 277 (July 22, 2017) SW: 254 ( Oct 17, 2017) CW: 247 ( Oct 21, 2017) [emoji652]30 lbs Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using BariatricPal mobile a…

I'm currently on the puree'd foods. I am, as I think many of us are, very tired of whey protein. I can start on soft foods next Thursday. But things are going well. I am a bit more tired than I thought I would have been, but I find a nap during the day seems to perk me up. Prior to surgery, I was taking 17 different medications (metabolic syndrome) plus a shot twice a month; I am now taking 4 medications, plus the two shots. No high blood pressure, no heart angina, no osteoarthritis. So overall right now, feeling pretty great on top of it. I do have a question; while I am loosing steadily, once in a while I have a day where it goes up just a bit (about hal…

Heyo, So I was wondering if anyone knows how long It's recommended to wait before taking a puff. I want to make sure that my body can handle it. I am aware of munchies but I'm not too worried about that. Pls let me know what you've expierenced or what youve been reccomended by doctors.

Heyo, So I was wondering if anyone knows how long It's recommended to wait before taking a puff. I want to make sure that my body can handle it. I am aware of munchies but I'm not too worried about that. Pls let me know what you've expierenced or what youve been reccomended by doctors.

I'm a week post opp and ready for some coffee even if it's decaf. When did you drink coffee again after surgery?? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using BariatricPal mobile app

I've heard it's pretty common for emotions to run the gammut in the first months after surgery due to hormonal changes. Does anyone know what makes the hormonal changes happen in the first place? Why does it happen, and what hormones are either released too much, or not enough in the brain? Geeky biology question...but I've always wondered.

3 day post op my face is on fire. I having a lot of gas pain. Anyone having red cheeks after surgery?

I had my sleeve done two days ago. When I was in the hospital I could only hold down an ounce or two... Then I was stuffed. Since then, I can get about 4 ounces of fluid down... I'm wondering if this is normal? Should I be worried about stretching it? I know I had lots of gas in my system. That might have limited me?

I just got back from my 10 weeks post op appointment with my Nutritionist, and some things shocked me, like the fact she allows me to eat pasta (with no cheese and veggies but it's still pasta) and RICE. The rice part is the one that confuses me the most because I read a lot of you talking about how we shouldn't eat rice anymore after the by-pass. Of course I follow my nut's diet and so far it's been working great (I lost 31 kg between my pre-op and post-op diet in less than 6 months) so I trust her but why isn't there like a universal RNY diet? Why is everyone's so different?

Since I left the hospital June 17th, I have had major migraines! Anyone having the same experience? I have never had migraines like this. It started after my surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just wondering if I'm too old to have VSG.....This all part of the "freak-out" before surgery.... I'll be 59 in February. Any others in this age bracket that had the surgery and did well?