POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My bypass surgery was Monday, June 20, 2016, so I am 4 days out from surgery. I think a nurse told me that I could drink Crystal Light after surgery, but I don't see this on my food list. However, they served me Crystal Light in 1 ounce portions while in the hospital. Crystal Light has aspartame and it's my understanding that the body processes aspartame just like sugar. I don't want to experience dumping. Anybody been told they can or can't drink Crystal Light after surgery?

When you're in the hospital, do they feed you instant pudding and jello? I'm a vegetarian and I don't eat gelatin products. I'm wondering if there are alternatives to these foods in the hospital.

Hi I had my RNY 3/16 and I am almost 3 months post op. I have had issues with food taste and food turn-off. I’m not so hungry and despise meat-it is hard to eat and not enjoyable. I have lost 51 pounds to presently at 183 from 233. When I have contacted my nurse and at my last appointment was told that not being hungry is good-eat Protein.< br /> 
I go to the doctor on 6/7 and had blood work done prior. I am able to get my results and my Ferritin level was high at 230(normal is below 150) ALK phosphates also high 109, MPV & RDW and also high. Apparently with my google med school education I am storing a serious amount of iron! I looked at the symptoms and tiredness and ab…

So having lost some weight, my skin under the neck is a bit saggy. I already have short neck, my side face makes it look more obvious. Question is, will the skin snap back a little may be in months to a year? How has your experience been, did you face skin snap back especially your neck area?

Had surgery Monday following orders I tried drinking some of a vanilla protein shake went down great today Dean some for breakfast and lunch I had 1/4 c tomato soup with no sugar almond milk and a little protein powder. that was noon and I am full still and bloated with gas. 245 calories what did I do wrong? Ty

Hi all. First time poster! Looking to start over, basically. I had weight loss surgery almost two years ago, lost all the weight, and have kept it off. However, it hasn't been for discipline, as my diet is fairly relaxed (too much) and I'm still struggling with dumping syndrome. I don't have a lot of information for the healed/maintenance phase. I've had a couple of requested appointments with my surgeon's office but the nutritionist is...not the best. So! For those who were given this info or are this far out: What should my macros be this far out? Calories per day? Portions? Any hardcore rules to still follow? A…

Hi All, I’m 10 months post op from gastric sleeve and have been at a stall for about a month. I’m at 173 from 250. I eat about 1,200 Cals a day and have about 60-80 ounces of water per day. How can I speed up my weight loss? What has worked for you? Thanks!

Hello everyone. Since post op day 5 I'm having a sore throat.. Have you experienced this too? It's making it difficult to keep up the intake?

I am about 4 weeks out can you eat watermelon. I have been craving fruit like I was pregnant. LOL but i am not.

Hey all, I've been doing great since surgery, (1/20) up until about 2 weeks ago. Everything I eat upsets my stomach. Don't know if there's anybody around thats had this surgery same time when I had it. Just wondering if there is and if you've had any issues. Seems only Nabisco Oyster Crackers is the only thing that doesn't bother me.

Hey, friends! It’s already too hot in Atlanta, so I decided to join a gym and start using the treadmill, elliptical, and stationary bikes. My doctor has cleared me to use all of those and do some light weights (general rule of no lifting 15+ stands). I’m 4 weeks out from surgery as of yesterday and figured this first stall would be a good time to switch things up. So yesterday I had my consultation that gyms generally force new members into. Explained my situation and told him what my plan was. Next thing I knew, he had me on a balance ball lifting a dumbbell (5-10 lbs) behind my head. It wasn’t super difficult, I had no trouble keeping up or breathing. Even had me …

I am now post-op day 3. I am having issues with cramping nausea, and heart burn after sipping Clear Liquids. I am taking Pepcid twice a day and Zofran too. How do you manage these symptoms, so you can continue to drink? I'm dying here.... Thank you.

Has anyone else just felt uninterested in food i went thru so many ugh moments after eating were ive felt pains and uncomfortableness and nausea vomiting diarrhea and gas pains that im kinda getting scared to even eat anything and totally losing interest in meal prep or anything im only almost 4 weeks out is this my new scarey life how did you do in this phase is this even a phase idk

Good Morning all. I had my surgery this past March. I have a 3-year old daughter and I was thinking about joining the military towards the end of next year before her 5th birthday in December. I was researching WLS and military enlistment. I have read its either a no-go, hard, or some were even able to get in. Most of the articles and responses were from 2009. I'm hoping things have changed since then. Any suggestions?

When have you guys started the shakes? I was thinking of trying today because I'm really struggling getting my protein in with just the water, and the shakes I got have 30g of protein per bottle. But I'm nervous because I'm afraid they might be a little too thick 3 days post op. What do you guys think? And if I DO try and it IS too thick, what will happen? Will it hurt or feel over-full or will I throw up?

Hi, I need some help/advice. I’m 10 days post-op after RNY. Yesterday I was feeling queasy all day, but today I woke up feeling a lot worse. Nausea, burning pain in my lower abdomen and a raging headache. I’ve taken tylenol, gas x, zofran and prilosec but nothing seems to be touching it. Sleep is my only relief. Before surgery I would take alka seltzer for stomach pain, but I know that is a non-option. Anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!

So I have hit a stall. It's been about 3 weeks and scale isn't moving. I know stalls are a norm but damn they are frustrating. ? I was just curious, how many such significant stalls did you come across during your weight loss phase? (Definitely more a question for those who are already a year or 2 post-Op).

Hi everyone! I am currently 10 days post op and am having a lot of issues with burping... ALL DAY LONG. And the burps smell. I am back at work and it is very embarrassing. Any one else have this problem? I am drinking small sips, eating slow, but even when I am not eating or drinking I am belching.

So I discovered I have a brand spanking new allergy to shellfish. I had a weird rash on Monday and Tuesday. I couldn't figure it out, and then Wednesday it hit me. I started taking my krill oil supplement again (I always took it before with no issues at all, and my surgeon recommended it again once I hit 3 weeks post op). So since there had never been any issues with it in the past, I didn't even consider it an issue when the rash started. Anyway, on Wednesday I remembered it and decided to take it out of my pills and see how things go. Lo and behold, no rash. No redness, no itching, nothing. So I looked it up and the rash/hives are part of an allergic reaction to…

So i had my sleeve surgery last Monday, the 16th. I had my regularly scheduled period May 6-10th. Today it started again. No pain, no cramping, none of my usual symptoms. Is this my body resetting itself? Is this because the weight loss released estrogen into my system and my plumbing needed to be flushed? My OB/GYN was zero help with this and I’m just looking to see if anyone else experienced this. Please don’t flood me with “call the surgeon” because I’m not necessarily concerned, just looking to see if this has happened to others. I see him tomorrow for my post op as well.

I had sleeve converted to bypass due to severe GERDS and H/h on 5.20. I spent weekend in hospital and wondering if anyone has struggled with a lot of pain on the right side. Weird I had pain in my back as well but the tenderness to stand up and sit down is hard. I can't lay in my bed yet, have to sleep elevated on my back due to the extreme tenderness on my side. Did anyone else struggle. I have 1 week follow up appt with doc Friday, but this pain is pretty rough. I am walking and have finally started passing gas but no BM yet. If you had pain, how long did it last?

So I just had my first solid food. I had chicken. Not the canned stuff, but chicken legs. I had 2 of them. They were amazing. But I'm only 19 days post op and I had NO restriction, NO fullness, NO discomfort, nothing. WHY am I able to eat this much already? And I thought once solid food was introduced, that's where restriction would come into play. So what's going on with me? Did my doctor leave too much stomach? WHERE IS MY RESTRICTION??? After eating my normal mushy lunch, it was about an hour later that I had the 2 chicken legs. And now I feel comfortable, but not full. Why do I still have so much hunger? And why am I able to eat so much? I keep trying not to, but…

Hi! I’m a week post gastric sleeve surgery. I am so uncomfortable with the painful gas. I can feel it bubble in my intestines, make noise, and then I get an intense heavy feeling in my sternum. What can I do about it? I got Gas X in pill form and it has not helped in any way, shape or form. I’ve been walking since my surgery day. I force myself to burp all day long. I can’t really pass gas but I sometimes do. Is there anything I can do to help this stop? I didn’t think it’d last so long but I’m miserable! Personally my gas pains are with me pretty much all day. Is this normal?

I’m curious to know what is the best body scale to purchase?

Hey everybody, I am 5 days post op and my incision sites are itching like crazy. I still have my staples - they get removed on the 25th- my question is what can I do about the itching? I can't use lotions or creams but I'm thinking maybe bio oil? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Hello About nine years ago I had the gastric sleeve and lost a bunch of weight. I gained it all back. Almost a year ago I had bypass surgery and have done very well. I’ve lost over 90 pounds and am less than 10 pounds away from my goal. I am taking it far more seriously this time and feel I will keep it off. My problem is that when I look in the mirror I only see a person that weighs 250 pounds and feel like a fraud when I’m shopping for a size 12 in pants. Am I the only one or have other people had struggles with this as well? thanks

Had my VSG on March 29 and I’m feeling really great considering. However, as I’m on the clear liquid diet along with protein intake, I’m worried about stomach stretching and monitoring my intake. As I’m sure most of you know, I have to get at least 60g of protein in along with plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. It’s basically sipping a liquid for 12 hours a day to get all of it in, but what about stomach stretching? I don’t want to sabotage my surgery, but there are times it’s hard to get all of the protein in along with the liquids… btw, I know they are not exclusive, protein counts as liquids. I guess I’m just asking do you all strictly measure your intake at…

I have started noticing a burning in my throat that now that I think about it I have had quite a while but it’s getting more and more frequent now. Nothing in my chest though? Is this GERD??

So I'm eating mushy foods now, and I was going over everything that was given to me, and I have NOTHING about amounts of food I can eat. No suggestions for meals, no amounts to eat, nothing. When I called my dietician on Friday, I got an email back that said "Since you had a sleeve, you can pretty much eat what you want, just in smaller amounts. Just try a lot of foods and see what you like and what your body can tolerate. And make sure you have 60-80g of protein per day, and make sure you have a very low amount of carbs, or you'll undo all of your progress." WHAT am I supposed to do with that??? I already know that!!! I need to know how often do I eat the mushy food? Is …

I am 2 days post sleeve and when I drink anything especially cold drinks it feels like my stomach spasms! That lasts for a few seconds. Has anyone experienced this?

What are you cleared to eat at 14days post?

HI all!!! So I had my bypass on 11/17/21 a few days after I started getting really nauseous and couldn't eat of drink. The Friday after Thanksgiving I begin throwing up massive amounts of blood and clots. My surgeon rushed me to ER. They did a CT scan and everything looked good. They admitted me and started fluids. over the next week I had an endoscopy and a text on my gallbladder. The endoscopy showed no new blood but my stomach lining was VERY irritated. The gallbladder test showed it was not draining properly. He decided he was going to remove it. At the same time he was getting concerned because my numbers were out of whack and my protein levels were dropping. …

Ok I had dinner an hour ago (took almost an hour to eat lol) and I gave myself some variety. I had 1 tbsp of hummus (my favorite), 1/2 tbsp of avocado spread, and 1/2 tbsp of no fat refried Beans. And I'm drinking Iced black tea lemonade. OMG. Can I just tell you how amazing my dinner was? I have timers set to eat every 3 hours, but I'm wondering...is it every 3 hours, or 3 hours after your last meal? Because I can't imagine eating again in 2 hours. I'm still very very comfortably not hungry.

I feel like my appetite is getting bigger and my weight loss is slowing down. I gained 3 pounds I’m scared. After a 100 pound weight loss I’m nervous had this happened to anyone. Can anyone guide me?

My bypass + hh repair was early in the morning. Pain level after surgery 0 but NOW 8:39pm I have level pain 6. My Liquid diet start in stage 2. Protein shake, broth, sugar free popsicle, apple juice and water. Probably come home tomorrow. No nausea, no vomit at this moment. But you need walk, walk and walk. OFFICIALLY I’M ON THE OTHER SIDE!!! Yessss!!!!

Hello, My hair is like cotton candy 7 months post -op. I had to get it buzz cut to try and get some nutrition to it. I take all my vitamin's and actually feel great. Any suggestions would be appreciated, please. Kindest Regards, Lola

Day 5 post op and protein shakes are now disgusting to me. 3 weeks of protein shakes (Pre op and post op) i knew it would get to me. need to figure out other ways to get protein in until May 3rd when i am cleared for soft foods.

I had an RNY a week ago. At this point I am scared to weigh myself for fear of retaining fluid. Not sure when to weigh myself. Every month, week or day? In previous attempts with weight loss programs I found the weekly weigh in daunting due to the fact that I was a slow lose most people weigh themselves. How often do you weigh in?

I had surgery Tuesday morning and for the most part feel pretty good. However, any time I take a sip of anything (water, Gatorade zero, protein shake) a few minutes later I feel a rolling pain from my lower abdomen up towards my chest. Is this still gas? Is this the sleeve? I am taking omperozole prescribed for reflux but no other pain meds. Just trying to decide if I keep pushing the fluid or wait till this pain goes away.

This post may be touchy for some people. But we will try. I do ketamine infusions periodically for depression. My ketamine physician said to wait until cleared on 5/16/22 and then we could resume once a month infusions. My next appt is set for 5/23. Anyone have any feedback on resuming this type of treatment post weight loss surgery? It’s fairly uncommon treatment so maybe not but I thought I’d try for some feedback :)

I’ve been doing really well… until last night. My right side is suddenly so painful, but only when standing and walking. It’s so bad that I don’t know if I can even manage to shower tonight. I have this persistent heaviness and tugging sensation, and while I understand why, it’s quite painful. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this.

I have a stabbing, spasm type of pain behind my belly button. I felt a shooting type pain from my left incision to this area over the past week. But today the pain is strictly underneath my belly button and it’s excruciating. Does anybody know what what causes this?

I had surgery 2 days ago. I thought I was tough but the pain on my left side is bad. Right after the surgery I was hurting. They gave me pain meds at the surgery center & I couldn't tell it did a thing. The pain medicine I have at home works much better but mainly because it knocks me out. The worst pain comes when I try to get up or sit back down. It feels like I am just going to rip something out. It's around the port area. I also had a hiatel hernia repaired while they were in there so I'm thinking maybe that could be contributing a little to the pain. I feel like a wimp after reading how well some people are doing. I had 2 kids with no epidurals & I didn't hur…

If you’re familiar to the food before and after thread then you’ll already know my father passed away April 17th. While it was unexpected in place and timing but he had been in declining health for some time so I suspected it was coming. My hope is that this thread will help someone else in the future with positive ways of coping that don’t involve food. Things that have worked (somewhat) have been- Taking a walk- this for me has been a moving forward Visiting their favorite places- my dad loved to fish so for me that has been anywhere you can drop a line. Hobby- either one of a loved one (my dad was a tinkerer so he did loads of things) or one of …

I'm 51 years old & started menopause after my birth control "essure" was removed at the age of 47. I sleep with the air conditioning on all seasons, I carry a fan around with me everywhere (restaurants, parties, movies, work, etc.). Night sweats and major hot flashes. Has anyone's body changed after VSG (menopause symptoms went away, got worse or stayed the same)? Trying to prepare myself - surgery date August 27th!

I had my band restitched and plication last Thursday and am now on a full liquid diet. While I was in the hospital I noticed they had runny oatmeal and runny grits on their full liquid diet menu. Anybody else consider those two items full liquids?

How long did everyone wear there compression socks? I have not been consistant at all i dont have the socks i have ace bandages and its difficult to wrap and they come apart all the time

I had surgery 8 months ago, and I think about it probably every hour or two still, which isn't really what I was expecting. I was hoping that it would become "second nature" and I would just be eating less and feeling great. I am eating less, but I am uncomfortable after every meal: If I eat so little that I'm not uncomfortable, then I'm super hungry in 20 minutes. I only stay "full" (not HUNGRY) if I am stuffed after I eat. There are some good ways in which I can't forget I had surgery: I every time I see myself in a mirror (Like in the bathroom) I realize how much smaller I am, and every time I get dressed I think my clothes are so small they can't possibly fit. A…

I had gastric bypass in Oct 2019, within the last 6 months (or so), I have been vaping THC pretty regularly. Slowly, I've had nausea feelings everyday. Some days worse than others (like today). At first I thought I'll just vape some more and this will take care of my nausea (like cancer patients will do for pain and nausea). Well, the nausea seems to be getting worse and I think there is a connection (duh). Has anyone else experienced this? Do you know if THC is NOT a good thing for bariatric patients? I'm going to stop for a week and see what happens. I'll keep you updated. Stewy56

I called my surgeon's office today and asked if it was ok to try a little bit of mushy food, just to see how my stomach handles it. They said yes, but to go slow. So I did tonight when I started to really feel hungry. I had 1 tsp of classic hummus and it was GLORIOUS!!!!!!! The taste was amazing (more intense than I remember) and best of all, NO PAIN!!!!! I stopped at 1 tsp because I didn't want to push it. And I was actually full!!!! From a teaspoon of hummus!!!! It was so cool!!!!! My head immediately went to "omg that tastes soooo goood, eat more more more!!!" but I didn't. I recognized that for what it was, and I got to have a taste and feel full, and such a small amo…