POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Any one have problems getting your liquids in? I’m in a struggle over here. I’m trying hard to drink and get the amount of protein in per day and getting discouraged fast. The doctor wants me to get in 48 ounces of liquid and 40 ounces of protein in the first couple weeks and I’m barely getting in 30 to 36 ounces. I tried the 4 ounces every hour on the hour but I feel like I’m stuffing myself.

Hello friends! I am about halfway through my weight management program and am looking forward to (fingers crossed!) being approved for RNY in late June. My question for you all: I read these boards daily and I read a lot about the struggles and challenges after surgery (let’s say first six months) - I’m trying to keep a positive mindset about the first few months and was curious if you’d share besides weight loss what have the BEST side effects been for you? What can us newbies look forward to in those first six months outside of weight loss? I know a lot of this is going to be a mental process so appreciate you sharing! ❤️

I had my 3 month (actually 4 month) post op appointment with my surgeon yesterday and he was very please with my progress - no more GERD, 42 pound weight loss and a 24 BMI. He reviewed my lab work and said to just keep doing what I'm doing - one Centrum fruity chew 50+, one sublingual B12, one 65 mg iron and 2 Viativ chews daily. No super expensive vitamin regimen for me - all over the counter and cheap at Walmart! Although my doctor wasn't concerned, my Zinc level is low. I did some internet research and saw that Zinc, like B12, is often low in gastric bypass patients and sublingual supplements may be needed. Does anyone else take a Zinc supplement? If so, do you t…

Before surgery I could not stand broth or cream of soups but I was “craving” (head hunger) something savory so bad I decided to try it and it tastes great now. I am curious to see what other taste changes I have as I am able to eat more. The nurse practitioner said that most people find that they prefer healthier foods after surgery which would be great. Just FYI it’s a real thing for me at least.

I hit a 5 day stall about a week after surgery and started intermittent fasting. I take all of my calories in between 12 noon and 6pm. Then fst for 18 hours. It is pretty simple since I am not hungry anyway. It got the scales moving again. I think we have to fool our bodies sometime. I will hit anothe stll and I will try something else. This is working good for now. How bout you? Any Tricks?

I was wondering if anyone would like to share a daily food log from their puréed stage that included all the protein you needed. Would love some ideas. ?

I am 6 weeks post op and I am stilling having pain. The main incision is on the right and the pain i am having is internal. The incision healed perfectly with no issues but I am having a sharp pain in my muscle that comes and goes. I want to start exercising but I can't because its so hard to bend due to the pain. I can't fully turn to either side while sleeping, i turn to the left - i feel like its being pulled.. turn to the right - i feel pressure. I can only turn half way to the side while sleeping. If I sit down at a height where my stomach is being pressed, pain. Sometimes I can't sit Indian style because I have that sharp pain. The pain sometimes radiate to my …

Can I see before and after pictures of all my peeps that turned into gym rats after surgery?

I am on day 5 of recovery and still in so much pain. I’m due back to work tomorrow but am not sure I can take it! I can get around okay but nights and mornings are very very hard. Anyone have this experience? How long did it last? It is mainly pain in my stomach/incision area and it is so difficult to swallow anything.

A little motivation let me see yours !

Hi there , looking for some direction. I am new here.. Had sleeve done 7 days ago, and struggling with the post op diet. I am healing well and have no pain or nausea. Would cream of wheat be ok for me to eat?? Any other suggestions on things I could SAFELY try other than what is on the list given to me? I have been following all directions but really needing some food variety and was wondering if maybe the list given could be a little more generous and I could try a few other things now. Wondering if its a little over the top conservative as far as what they say you can have. Thank you!

My surgery was 3/3 the first day was fine, but the second day I was throwing up green fluid running a fever of 101. My doctors husband told the nurse to stop giving me liquids and put steroids in my IV. The next day I felt ok so I was discharged Saturday. Monday my mouth produced excessive salvia and today I was doing fine until I ate jello. I vomited I have these disgusting burps and always nauseated burping up this nasty tasting fluid. I really don’t want to regret my surgery but I’m not getting a break

Just wanted to share how really happy I am that I made the decision to get RNY.. My out look on life is so much happier I am about to turn 40 next month and it the happiest I have been in years... Can't wait to post my OTTD pic, and my bday pics cause I have been working really hard and I plan on looking GOOOOOOD.

One of the major reasons I had VSG was to get off my diabetes meds. I haven't taken any since immediately post-op. Yay! Now I have the opposite problem. My fasting glucose yesterday was 71, which is approaching the danger zone. I'm shaky every morning and I can't exercise or I feel like absolute garbage. Three "meals" per day isn't an option - I have to snack or my levels tank. At only 6 weeks out, I'm not eating any carb-heavy foods or anything not on my plan, and I take in the appropriate number of calories for this stage. All water and protein goals met 99% of the time. It's too early to have "reactive hypoglycemia," so they're sending me to an endocrinolog…

Im struggling to get 60 oz of water a day. I can gulp the water fine but between the hour + it takes me to eat anything and the constant fullness, I just don't seem to get all my water in. Can I count any liquid (like protein shakes, soups, and icees) as part of my water intake? Or should it just be water?

After 14 days just 6kg.. Feeling bad

Hi guys, I recently got diagnosed with sleep apnea. I had a gastric sleeve surgery 3 years ago and wanted to know if it’s safe to take Modafinil XL. Need suggestions.

I am getting over 100 grams of protein in with the 2 shakes I am getting in each day. Closer to 120 grams. I guess since the doc wants 55-60 minimum this would be ok? What say ye?

The title says it all. Every time I eat steak (and it’s tender), I fall asleep or get so drowsy that I have to take a nap. It’s only with steak. It’s the same feeling I used to get after I ate turkey. The steak is always moist, I don’t get dizzy, or sweaty like I have when I had dumping syndrome. Does this happen to anyone else after a high protein meal? Any others feel this way after steak?

I'm 14 days out and my skin all over is wicked dry. Like I scratch it and get a rash it. Is so dry. This everywhere, legs, arms etc. is this from my nutrients change? Has anyone else experienced this post op? Did you find a solution? Thanks!

Anyone develop bile reflux shortly after surgery?

I just had my surgery 2/24/21 and it’s been 8 days now and I feel so tired like I have no energy I have dark circles around my eyes I just look so sick my doctor says it’s normal but I feel horrible.

Hello! I have finally received my surgery date for 3/30, and I absolutely can't believe it. I am so scared, but I am also so excited and hopeful about the future. I am looking to make a plan for requesting time off of work, and I am wondering how long it really takes until people feel back to normal, or normal enough to start doing regular work again. I am a teacher who works in person, and my surgery will be happening over spring break, so that will be the first week. In the current environment, its good because we have the option to work remotely, so I am going to request to work remotely the week after break - doing google meet sessions with students for abou…

Hi all, I'm 3.5 months out and my hair started falling out about 2-3 weeks ago. In that very short amount of time, I've noticed it's become extremely thin and my hairline is receding bigtime. How long does this last? Is there something that works to stop it and restart growth? I've added prenatal vitamins and liquid iron to my vitamin regimen, but I know it will take a while for them to start working - if they work at all. I'm still having trouble getting all my protein in as I have almost no appetite and it's still a bit painful to eat (yes, I'm taking small bites, chewing A LOT, and eating slowly). I'm supposed to have 60g-86g of protein/day, but I'm probably only …

I'm 10-days post-op and very happy to say that things have been going well. I've had no trouble getting liquids in and so far (cross fingers) my new little tummy is doing well with almost everything I've given her. I am on full liquids and will be for three more weeks. For my meals so far I've had Fairlife shakes, a couple of the bariatric pal soup mixes, yogurt with peanut butter protein and SF caramel syrup added (it was so good!), and Pero fake coffee with genepro in it. It would be nice to add a little variety over the next three weeks. Does anyone have a favorite full liquids recipe to share? I'll take favorite pureed recipes too since I'll be on that stage for…

Hi all had my surgery yesterday and I must say I am feeling pretty good. The gas pain is not as bad as I thought and other pain in pretty tolerable. I am so happy it is done and over with now I’m on the road to recovery. I am having a problem with peeing, they took the catheter out and want me to do it on my own but I can’t yet. Hopefully I will before I get discharged tomorrow. I’ve been sipping on water and jello so I hope that will help.

Hi, I am a 15yr RNY veteran and wondering if there is anyone else here like me. I haven't been so good for years and just started vitamins again and all the cells in my body woke up. I have Covid weight gain can't wait to get my shot and just go say hi to folks!

I’m having my sleeve done at a clinic about a 4 hour drive away from my home. I’ll only spend one night in the hospital and I can’t decide if it’ll be better to spend another night in a hotel near the hospital to heal more before the drive home or if it’ll be better to go straight home where I’ll be more comfortable. Anyone with a similar experience and opinion? Was the ride home from the hospital rough for those of you who had a longer trip?

I hope this information is helpful for WLS patients who need to have a colonoscopy. I have one scheduled for Wednesday. After telling my gastroenterologist that I had WLS and have significant nausea problems, he prescribed Suprep for my colon prep. With Suprep, you have to drink 4L of water, preferably in one hour. I know I won't be able to do this, so I searched online and found medical articles that said bariatric patients can take longer to drink the 4L since their stomachs are so small. https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/which-bowel-preparation-should-be-used-for-colonoscopy-in-patients-who-have-had-bariatric-surgery/ . But the article stated that the authors …

Hello! I had gastric sleeve Monday March 1st. Recovery seems a bit rough at this point. Having trouble keeping things down so my Dr. made me switch back to Clear Liquids, waters and SF Gatorade only. I keep getting these horrible horrible gas/air pains in my stomach and chest. Any tips and tricks to a smoother recovery?

I'm currently down about 74lb. (give or take, it tends to fluctuate) but in the last week or two, when I look in the mirror, I think I look "fat". I've never had an issue with body dysmorphia, but I almost feel like I'm developing it. My logical brain tells me not to be silly and it's obvious I'm smaller than I was (and I'm only about 35# from my goal weight), but I can't help but think I don't look as "thin" as I should, or even as thin as I did two-three weeks ago. Is it common to develop these perceptions? I keep getting stuck at plateaus all the time too, which doesn't help. Thanks for any feedback.

Tried to be tough but its not working.. still on protein shake

Hiya! I am recovering pretty well & I'm getting my fluids in and my protein. I have had cramping & nausea but today has been better for that too. My pain is definitely lessened & I can move and walk and take stairs without feeling exhausted. I actually wake up like normal and maybe take a short nap. I feel like I'm healing too fast...like I should be having a harder time & since I'm not, I think it failed. I'm even feeling hungry. Is this unusual?

Hi everyone, I had gastric sleeve 10/16/20 the day of surgery I weighed 213 5'3", I'm currently 165. I do struggle getting in all of the protein needed. Does anyone have any protein drink/powder recommendations? The premier protein drinks aren't sitting as well with me as they used to. Open to any feedback on what works protein wise for you, including foods. Thanks in advance ?

Has anyone experienced a dry mouth while taking omeprazole? I’m taking 20mg a day and have been having a wicked dry mouth, especially overnight. I know sometimes WLS patients can have dental issues post op and I know lack of saliva production can be a problem. I’ve had this before in a previous episode of taking this med and it resolved when I stopped it. BTW I found a great resource to combat my dry mouth at night. I’ve only used it a couple of nights so far but boy what a difference it makes! XyliMelts Dry Mouth —they’re a stick on (to your gum) melting tablet that dissolves slowly over time. I’ve been waking up without a Sahara mouth.

Hello everyone! Mostly a question directed toward the ladies of the group. My hair has been falling out at a steady rate for the past six weeks. my baby hairs are growing in at the same rate. I am 5 months post op. Have any of you gotten your hair done during this time? I have tried to avoid it but at 33 yo my hair is growing back wicked grey. Curious if anyone had an appointment then regretted it after. I expect additional hair loss but definitely don’t want to speed up the process lol. Thinking a cut may help too. What have your experiences been? Thanks so much.

Hello, I'm a newbie. I completed four months of the required weight management for my insurance to approve the surgery. I am scheduled for surgery in early April. I had the EGD a few weeks ago for my surgeon to look to see if there are any issues in my esophagus or stomach before surgery. I had already mentioned to him that one month prior, I had started burping and was worried that I was developing acid reflux. Since that was the only symptom, he said it could be anything and that his practice is to fix any hernias that they see during the same WLS to help prevent acid reflux later. He said that if I have acid reflux, he would be able to see it during the EGD. So, …

I am 16 months post-VSG and not quite to my goal (but surpassed my medical team's goal). I do eat protein first and get 90+ oz of water in a day, but I find that I am grazing more often and not eating on-plan sometimes. I know the "go back to basics" and the typical bariatric responses to keep going on my weight loss, but I'm wondering if anyone has thoughts/experiences/etc. specifically about Weight Watchers (WW+) post-VSG? Good, bad, opinions?

When you get into eating regular food can you eat the Grilled Chick Fil A Nuggets? I would think they meet the criteria and pretty dang Tasty!

Please share things you have found that fit our lifestyle moving forward and portions. Thanks

Well from what I have observed in a week, we are going to be saving lot of money on booze, food and toilet paper oh and skim milk! . I liked to drink good bourbon and will not be doing that anymore so that is some good savings. I was the primary user of T paper and that will be significantly less. Grocery bill is already way down. I was a heavy skim milk drinker. probably 8 gallons month. I believe this will all add up to over $600 month. Not too shabby!

Okay so I need to reach out to my surgery siblings right now because man I am STRUGGLING baddddd. With Covid happening and being stuck inside my mental health is PLUMMETING! I'm a yr and a half post op and I was doing good until covid started forcing everyone to stay home. Being stuck in a house 24/7 with my kids snacks is my own personal form of hell. I'm not going to punish them and take their snacks away just because I crave them. It wouldn't be right to punish them for my choices but OMG it really is a new form of TORTURE. How is everyone else holding up through all this? Anyone else struggling like me?

I am 9 weeks post op and have constant nausea and spasms. My dietitian has put me back on stage one , but I'm still having spasms anytime I drink and nausea is all the time. I've tried everything. They have me on zofran and phenergan which helps until I try to drink. Anyone else having this issue?

Wow I have been having such an easy time since the sugery overall...It has just been an incredibly smooth ride thus far. Well...Today I became light headed and and went in to check my BP...62/42 WOW!! What happened? My BP never ever has been that low that I know of. I had 2 ounzes of cream of chicken no meat) a little later drank some water and now back up to normal or getting close. I beleve my sodium is low and surprisingly I have exceeded 64 oz a day and still Dehydrated I will have to drink a little more. It has not bothered me.. Now I am 102/55 almost back to normal...That was wird.Any guesses or similar stories?

This is my very first post! I had RNY / hiatal hernia surgery for severe reflux due to my BMI. Gastric bypass was never my first choice but I figured it would be a win-win. Fix the reflux and lose weight! My surgery was February 24, 2021. Today is postop day four. I was down to 278 before surgery. Today I am 283!!!! I am in shock that eating 400 cal a day, 60 g of protein (and I’ve been able to drink about 50 ounces of water every day!) I still haven’t lost weight - in fact it’s gone up. I was in the hospital for two days because of severe pain and had a lot of IV fluids so this could be it but I don’t feel swollen? Did this happen to anybody immediately postop? ?

I’ve been at 290-295 since end of November. I’m supposed to be down to 260 by my next weight check in in March. I walk 2 times a day. Run 3-4 days a week. Usually eyeball my meals. What can I do to get this weight falling off again?!? Thanks!!!

I share this story in hopes that it may help someone to never pick up a drink after weight loss surgery or to at least be hyper-vigilant about the dangers of drinking post weight loss surgery. I was sleeved in August of 2015 @ 310 pounds. I Quickly lost most of the weight needed (lost over 100 pounds) and began running 5k. Not really setting the world on fire, but it was really good for me. I got down to a respectable 190 pounds. Prior to surgery, I had always enjoyed drinking with friends. Typical guy stuff - couple beers @ a football game or watching the game on Sunday, meeting for drinks after work, etc. Never an issue or problem. Never anything that …

I've heard that excess skin is a side effect of gastric bypass surgery and most people have to get plastic surgery to fix it. Is there a way to prevent loose skin?

I’ve been able to lose weight from diet and exercise, my problem comes with keeping it off. At my lowest weight I got down to 173 and couldn’t lose another pound. But to maintain that weight I had to exercise at least 25 hours a week and eat no more than 1000 calories a day. I kept it off for a few years but eventually gained it back because that’s obviously not sustainable. If I get down to that weight with surgery should I expect to have to do the same things to maintain that weight as I did before surgery? Or will it be easier?

Hi, I'm starting to extremely worry about my hair. I've read a few posts regarding thin hair/hair loss post operation and most of them have said they have gotten their hair back to normal 6-10 months post operation. It's been almost 2 years since my operation and past month or two my hair has been shredding quite heavily, just by sweeping my hands through my hair, I would get around 10-20 pieces of hair on my palm. Unfortunately, I've been stupid and neglected my required vitamins in the early stages after my operation until recent, where I've been required to take; B12 injection every 3 months, Fultium-D3 20000U capsules once a week and Calcichew-D3 500 MG…