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POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Life after weight loss surgery. Recovery, diet stages, nutrition, labs, complications, and weight regain, whether you are weeks or years out.

  1. Started by dominiquekyani,

    I'm only 3 days post op and I'm having terrible pain after I sip and swallow anything! Any tips?

  2. Started by nativenm,

    One of the blessings of the sleeve is that I am not hungry....ever. I am almost 2 months out and recognize I have mental hunger; craving of junk food or finding myself with the fridge open for no reason. The down side to this is I am feeling food aversions. I no longer can eat any canned meat(tuna or chicken) without feeling sick. It is not my sleeve but repulsion towards food. But by bit my list of approved foods is dwindling. Did anyone else feel this way and how did you get your protein in and how did you overcome it? I really don't want to be malnourished.

    • 1 reply
    • 727 views
  3. Started by Outlander,

    Hi. I had my RNY on 9/11 and started my full liquid diet today. I've been able to get my fluids in no problem and today so far have tolerated 1/4 cup of thinned cream of wheat for breakfast and 1/2 cup of tomato soup for lunch, plus an 11 oz. Premier protein shake. If I didn't have these incisions and awful gas pain, I wouldn't think I had surgery. I don't feel a restriction, I don't feel hunger and I don't feel full either. I'm just eating by the clock and making sure I get my 64 oz. of water in by bed time. Just not sure what is right?

    • 1 reply
    • 678 views
  4. Started by kaypitre5,

    Anyone here has surgery may 30th? Post your stats. mines is HW: 274 SW: 252 CW: 228 GW: 160 May 30th. 2017

  5. Started by Kat410,

    Hello everyone, I had said I would start exercising when I hit 280, which will be approaching and I need to plan. I am more anxious about going to a gym than I was about the surgery. I haven't walked into a gym since 1993! I have thought about hiring a personal trainer, but I don't want to feel ashamed/embarrassed or uncomfortable. Has anyone dealt with this and how did you deal with it? do you have any recommendations? I do walk a fair amount, live in NYC and deal with walking, subways, stairs, etc all the time, but that is not the same as working out. looking forward to hearing who else dealt with this and how you dealt with it. Thank you!

    • 19 replies
    • 2.7k views
  6. Has anyone given their sleeve a nickname and what the reason behind it? I've dubbed mine Sleevester Stallone after Sylvester Stallone LOL... my sleeve doesnt always know whats going on and just when you think its down for the count it kicks a$$ and takes names...(cue the Rocky music) I'm so happy with my sleeve!

    • 65 replies
    • 12.5k views
  7. Started by meganm92,

    I'm 7 weeks post op have lost about 35 pounds one of my surgeons said to count carbs and the other said don't that on my having 5-7 bites per meal it's not a big deal I do low carb but was just curious if any other surgeons have said not to count carbs Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

  8. I'm scheduled for VSG on 7/17 and I've read everything I can get my hands on and feel generally prepared, but I wonder what they don't tell you or what no one ever talks about. What, if anything, do you wish you had known before going in to surgery? What was the biggest surprise for you?

    • 142 replies
    • 15.8k views
  9. Started by peanut2772,

    Do any of you feel that "hunger pang" during or before your period? Like a craving or the need to eat? I want everything then when I have something I don't want it but I'm hungry like for bacon or something sweet or something healthy or anything. It's pretty ridiculous I know the hormones being out of control but this is just driving me crazy! What do you do/eat to eliminate that crazy drive? I feel like my 2 premier protein shakes a day in addition to a dinner/lunch/ or breakfast are not satisfying me during my time of the month.. Lapband placed: 8/2011 Lapband removed: 3/2017 VSG: 8/2/2017

  10. Started by breprih,

    What does your diet look like 9-12 months post op? I'm hoping for a January surgery date and am going on a Cruise 9 months later. I'm just trying to get a realistic idea of what people eat that far post op.

  11. Started by graziellabs,

    I lost 32 pounds in three weeks but this week from week three going into week 4 I'm staying the same it's not dropping. Is it because I started eating pureed foods or what can it be. I'm so nervous that I am only going to loose a little bit. What is going on? I was so excited to loose weight and then it just stops. Please help me!!!

  12. Started by Kat410,

    I am 16 weeks out from surgery - moving nicely, but for the past week I have experienced being very fatigued. It is now interfering with my work and I am having difficulty focusing. I typically have a lot of stamina. I work on average 65 hours a week. I have an active social life. I sleep well and uninterrupted (no sleep apnea or other sleep disorders). I sleep between 7-8 hours a night. I am not tired when I wake up - it's more a general sense of fatigue throughout the entire day. I think it may be nutrition related - I am averaging about 800 cals/day, 55-70 grams of protein, 60 ounces of water (not including other liquids). I take regular vitamins and v…

    • 5 replies
    • 688 views
  13. Started by Aginn10,

    Help!! Please tell me your ideas for choking down those protein shakes!! It's awful! Surgery tomorrow. Also I'll take any other protein ideas that you've found!

  14. Started by jesslovesglitter,

    So I had gastric sleeve done 8/4. The day of surgery I weighed 309 lb. Prior to surgery on the pre-op diet I was 334 lb. Since August 22 I have stalled. I been stuck at 288/287 lb. I must admit that's when I started school and returned to work. In school we aren't allowed to eat during class because it's a lab science class-we just can't. Class is 3 hrs long. By the time I get out I'm starving. I usually go straight home make me one egg and feel better. Then I barely have enough time to go to work where it's only part time so I don't get breaks/lunches. I'm there for another 4-5 hrs without eating. I get home by 7/8 pm and I'm starving again. I will admit there's been a c…

    • 11 replies
    • 1.5k views
  15. Started by Bbolin,

    Next week I will be 6 months out, I have lost 88 pounds and feeling great, still only about to eat about 3-4 ounces. Have chest days every now and then but everything is on track. I have a love hate relationship with my decision bc sometimes I feel so restricted but then I look at this and now I can run with my kid and play and not get out of breath!

  16. Started by anewme17,

    I am wondering, how many ounces at a time should I be drinking my protein shake? I am getting down 11.5oz of premier protein shake within an hour. Is that too much at a time? Don't want to be dramatic but would this cause my sleeve to stretch due too much liquid?

  17. Started by lessoflilo,

    Hello everybody! I was just wondering what your day looks like during te puréed stage. How much can you eat in a sitting; Ive been doing 2 tablespoons of protein (ie: tuna blended with Greek yogurt) and 2 tablespoons (or less) of mashed potato. I feel I could eat more. I don't want to overeat. I also don't know when I'm full. How do you know you are full? Thank you in advance!

  18. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    I can't wait until I can have grits, oatmeal, and tomato juice Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using BariatricPal mobile app

  19. Started by cosmic_trash,

    I was sleeved on 9/5, still on only liquids, and have not hit my required daily 60g of protein since surgery. I currently drink Premier shakes, but can only get a few sips in before I get this weird chest pain and give up trying to drink it. I'm not sure what's wrong with me. Any tips on on how to meet my protein requirement while still in the liquid stage?

  20. Started by Seerae3,

    I'm looking to set myself up for success after surgery. What have you found to be "must-haves" after surgery? I've had some suggestions like a scale, an air fryer, etc. But I'm sure all of you have some excellent suggestions. thank you in advance!

    • 13 replies
    • 1.4k views
  21. Started by RnYMike,

    I had my bypass done 9/5 and was wondering when most of you all got cleared to workout? I would like to start hitting the treadmill and light weights to help with my weight loss. Thanks Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

  22. Started by healthybarb,

    I just have to say, I am thankful everyday that I was able to have the VSG! For over 30 years I struggled with weight issues. Each "diet" attempt I would lose approximately 15 pounds each time through painstaking effort. Then I would regain that and more. Eventually gaining to 253. At 5'3" that was not a good thing! The sleeve has enabled me for the first time to consistently lose. 10 months out I am 107 lbs down! This is not an "easy fix". As time goes along I am able to eat larger volumes without getting uncomfortable. I have slipped and eaten cake and cookies a few times. The mental challenge is still there. But the sleeve helps me to put the brakes on before I bi…

  23. I had surgery on 8/23/17, and aside from needing an IV last week for dehydration, I have been doing very well. Last night I was half asleep and went to turn from my belly to my side, and my torso twisted slightly and I experienced a sharp pain in my abdomen. It's above my belly button in the middle, probably closer to my ribs than my belly button. It has been rather sore so far today, and I have tightened my binder and apply pressure with a pillow to help support it. I'm expecting a checkup call from my nurse today, and I will be sure to bring it up. But I wanted to ask if this happened to anyone else, and if it is normal or if I did damage. I hope I didn't do somet…

    • 2 replies
    • 406 views
  24. Started by Aginn10,

    The surgery place told me to wear a sundress tomorrow that I wouldn't want anything touching my waist. Did you guys experience that and if so how long before you felt comfortable in normal clothes?

    • 6 replies
    • 1.7k views
  25. Started by alexeleni,

    So, has anyone noticed anything weird with their teeth and gums? I have terrible gums to begin with, but they seem to be receding even more than usual. I'm worried it's some sort of vitamin deficiency, though I do take my vitamins. I know I need to go to the dentist, which I haven't done in too long, and am doing that, but does anyone else have anything weird going on with their teeth and/or gums?

    • 4 replies
    • 8.8k views
  26. Started by whitmac,

    2 weeks post op.. down 13.5 lbs ...I need to sweat ... dying to do some cardio. ..I have so much more energy probably from the excitement from having surgery done...I want to jump start and work out to push the weight loss but I'm stuck walking... Sent from my SM-N910W8 using BariatricPal mobile app

  27. Started by bannsleeve,

    Had sleeve done on Mon the 11th.. so post op by 2 or 3 days. I'm still in the hospital and working on sipping water. However each time I swallow it burns my chest for just a few seconds, is this normal? Sent from my SM-S765C using BariatricPal mobile app

  28. Started by GassyGurl,

    Does anyone have experience with an increased heart rate post op? I'm almost 5 weeks and it's not unusual for my heart rate to jump up to 110 bpm, as measured by my BP machine or new fit bit. I normally don't notice it till it gets into the 105+ range, but overall it's been running in the upper 80s to 100s. Around 105 I feel it racing and start to feel weird, but it's not like I'm doing anything to cause it to increase. I don't recall this happening before surgery. I've Google and see that can happen after eating, or it could be related to BP. I don't think it's dehydration as I've been getting my fluids in since about week 1. At what point would you worry? On a side…

  29. Started by nabokov,

    Hello everyone I was wondering if anyone has had issues with protein causing gas and discomfort. I have been pretty strict in following doctors directions....and I have been eating only protein shakes and they have been contributing to the gassy feeling which is very uncomfortable. Anyone else been experiencing this? Any comments or suggestions?

    • 3 replies
    • 482 views
  30. Started by Stephanie12579,

    I am 2 weeks post op today.... This morning I decided to push for the third mile with my morning walk.... Aside from my feet hurting I felt fine, then I came home and my right side has been hurting since. Has anyone else experienced this? I haven't had any pain in over a week! I want to assume its normal but I also worry because it's right where I believe my sleeve is location wise. I hate to call my Drs Office unnecessarily. What are your thoughts?

  31. Started by graziellabs,

    I'm three weeks out and measure 2 ounces and I eat like not even half maybe a quarter. Have no problem getting liquids down. I feel like I'm not eating enough. Is this ok or normal for now.

  32. Started by mikey701,

    Did the shakes for 12 days started food having no issues with 2 meals and 1 shake is it too early to transition to 3 meals if u can handle it? They say at ur pace

  33. Started by Sleeved in DFW :-),

    Three weeks out from VSG. I just ate an Oikos Triple Zero peach yogurt. It was 5.3 oz. I had no idea it was that much! I didn't look at the size until I was done. It took 45 minutes to eat it and I was sitting at my desk. Should I be worried that my Sleeve is already stretched?!! My doctor said I should be eating 2-3 oz at a meal. Please tell me what you think! "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying" HW 237 SW 225 CW 214 GW tbd

  34. My surgery is In the am!! I'm really nervous and I'm concerned more with possible pain than anything. My doctor does do anything. It an abdominal pain block. No pain meds the day of and it's outpatient in by 630 out by noon. Seems rushed which makes me nervous too. I finally got him to prescribe some pain meds for home in case. I just know a hiatal hernia and the sleeve will leave me in pain. There's no way it wouldn't!!!! Eeeek!

  35. Started by alyssa_vsg,

    So I got the ok from my doctor to begin the phase 2 "full" liquid diet for 2 weeks. The list I received of approved foods is pretty vague: -soups( blended and strained) -milk/almond/soy -cream of wheat -protein shakes Looking for a more specific list of foods, so please share what you had or what you are having while on phase 2! Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

  36. Started by Kathytej,

    I am dying here, thank God tomorrow I start puree diet in addition of all the liquids I am taking. I've been mostly in bed for the last 6 days so tomorrow I will go out, I need to do food shopping for my family, hope to have the energy to do all I have to do. I am grateful I am not hungry or in pain but I am bored. Just venting Sent from my SM-N920T using BariatricPal mobile app

  37. Hello all. I am from the Tampa Bay area, and I have been forced to evacuate. However, this location is all but certain to lose power and I expect to have zero electricity for days or weeks when I return home. I'm still in the puree stage, which means nearly everything I need to eat has to be refrigerated. Does anyone know: 1. If I can't keep milk cold, can I make my Unjury shakes with water? I have both chocolate and vanilla flavors. 2. If I have time, can I make the shakes in advance and put them in the freezer so they will stay cold longer? 3. If worse comes to worst, and I can't puree my foods, do you think something chunked like canned tuna or chicken w…

  38. Started by Neens,

    Ok, I'm only on clear liquids, 8 days post op and I do not feel full, not even when I have Jello, I'm not up to testing it so I don't hurt myself but the most i've felt is like a grunting sound coming from my stomach so I take that as a signal and I stop, but not uncomfortable at all. I could eat like 2 cups of Jello slowly in 2 1/2 - 3 hrs and didn't feel full at all. Is that weird? Should I be concerned? I'm seeing my doctor tomorrow and I've written down a lot of questions but I just want to hear other people's experiences. I feel like if i wanted I could drink a whole glass of water with no problem in one sitting.

    • 10 replies
    • 1.2k views
  39. Started by chasingpolaris321,

    Hey there! I was just wondering how soon after surgery people were able to do yoga? I haven't received great guidance on exercise from my surgeon (will be following up tomorrow) but in the meantime was wondering what people thought. If not yoga, when did you get back into exercise (besides walking)? Thanks!

  40. Started by Etharia,

    I used to be bulimic. I thought I was recovered. Then, this week, I started purging when I eat. I'm not overeating, I just make myself sick after eating. I'm worried I'm going to hurt my new stomach. I'm 2 months post-op. I tried to stop but it didn't work. Do you think I'm going to hurt my new stomach?

    • 13 replies
    • 2.6k views
  41. Started by cakes0329,

    How do you know when you are full? I'm one week our. Had the gastric sleeve. Still not able to determine when Im full. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

    • 14 replies
    • 1.3k views
  42. Started by Ouiser,

    I'm on my 3rd week post op and I had like 2-3 small spoonfuls of congee. I am in so much pain I feel like I'm going to explode. did i ruin everything?

    • 10 replies
    • 4.1k views
  43. Started by littlebearsmom25,

    I have been using protein powder, 3 strawberries, a piece of peach and a piece of pineapple to make fruit smoothies. I have also added about 1/4 cup orange juice to blend it all together. Does this seen like it okay. There is no added sugar, just natural sugars. I am 4 weeks post op. It takes me about 2 hours to drink the ama smoothie, but I am wondering if anyone else is doing this as well. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

  44. Started by Phobia42,

    I'm 2 1/2 weeks out from surgery, and want to plan ahead on minimizing scarring. My research seems to show that Silicone Gel Sheets are one of the more effective methods. I'm waiting until the last of my scabs fall off to begin using them. Anyone have experience with these? How long did you wear them, and were you happy with the results? Thanks!

  45. Started by BariGrrl90,

    Hi guys! I just got sleeved 9/6/17 - down 10 lbs I had a question about walking - I know that everyone says you need to walk a lot - but how much are we talking? I walk a bit throughout the day but am I supposed to be walking like 4 miles a day? Unfortunately, my post op plan does not specify - it just says exercise daily. I feel like my legs are kinda feeling odd from all the pressure and that I'm not walking enough but when I walk to do the dishes and walk around the house to do some chores I get sooo tired and just need to sit. Other than that I think I'm doing okay. Thanks in advance

    • 5 replies
    • 1.5k views
  46. Hii! So I am 7 days post op. I haven't had a full night of sleep just yet there's always something that gets in the way. Last night was the first time I was really aiming for sleeping through the night. Though, I will admit I only got like 30 g of protein in and maybe 30oz of water. I woke up super late since I haven't been sleeping. So last night was terrifying. I woke up at 1130 to these insane chills, my heart rate was scary fast and I kept feeling like I was going to pass out. Whenever I would almost fall asleep my mind would like, scare me awake like an anxiety attack and it happened throughout the whole night. I was so scared I wanted to go to the hospital. I didn't…

  47. Started by Ksyusha,

    I'm 4 weeks post-op. How do you think, can I eat spicy food?

    • 9 replies
    • 1.5k views
  48. Started by Amy1234,

    I'm two weeks out I have just been drinking protein shake n Gatorade/ protein water. But since I can't get enough liquids I'm dehydrated... this has led me to be constipated or idk if it's lack of fiber or cuz I stopped my metformin but it's been a week & I want to know if I can strain ??? I've started chewable fiber & took two stool softeners today ! Still it seems STUCK just like my life. I feel like once I'm relieved I'm only gonna drink fiber over protein

  49. Started by imthefatbitch,

    Hey so I'm three weeks post op and haven't really used shakes (my nurse didn't really encourage them) but now I have to use them to get enough protein in anyway you know you have to stop drinking 30 minutes before a meal? Do you have to do that with protein shakes? Or do they count as a drink? Thanks! ?

    • 4 replies
    • 464 views
  50. Started by QueenTiff,

    I am on week 3 post op and I feel like I made the biggest mistake in my life. I'm reading how my favorite foods is a no go and I'll never eat it in my life again. Here I am struggling to meet my goal of protein and water. I can't enjoy life with my friends. I'm over this sleeve people who wants to get it I tell them don't. I'm trying to find the beauty in all this but right now I feel like I ruined my life. Tiffani[emoji1528][emoji757]️[emoji175]

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