POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Twist at the waist back and forth to loosen food stick in esophagus

I had gastric bypass in 2014. Has anyone experienced or know someone who has experienced a condition called "Iron deficiency WITHOUT anemia"? It is also sometimes called HWA (Hypoferritinemia without anemia). This is a condition where ferritin is low but hemoglobin, RBC and other related blood markers are normal . I am experiencing chronic worsening symptoms that are identical to iron deficiency anemia (weakness, fatigue, light-headedness, brain fog) but my Hematologist doesn't seem to believe this is a real condition. In other words, since my red blood cell count and hemoglobin are fine, he believes these symptoms are not due to low ferritin. Can anyone recommend a hemat…

Anyone skip the puree stage? I can't get a lot of liquids down and feeling lethargic, weak I know I'm not getting enough protein, it just makes me sick

I could drink 64 oz of liquid the day after surgery and since then, I've worried that I did something wrong somehow. The past couple of days since starting the puree phase, I eat more at meals than I think I'm supposed to be able to. My doctor's office said that people don't usually finish a cup of greek yogurt in one sitting but I don't find that to be a problem. I don't even know what I'm asking. I'm just worried. --- RNY 9/10/20 HW: 245 Day of surgery: 225 CW: 213

Hi All. I'm new to the group as of today! I am a week postt op and I can't get down Protein shakes! They make me gag to even smell them. I literally gag. I have tried several flavors and varieties in different forms...even making my own. Nothing works. For my pre-op doctor's visit , my doctor is going to flip his lid of I tell him I can't do the protein shakes....HELP!!!!!!

Hello, I’m looking for some encouraging words- I’m 4 weeks out from my gastric bypass. The two weeks prior to surgery I lost 20lbs, the week after surgery I lost another ten. But I’ve not lost any weight in 3 weeks. This experience has been really challenging as I had very bad reactions to the pain medication that put me back in the hospital. Then just recovery, it’s been rough. It’s a mind f@@@ when I’m not even loosing weight. I’m doing what’s been told to me to do and yet nothing. It feels like it was all for nothing.

Greetings! I'm new to the group and praying for some advice. My sleeve surgery was 10 days ago. My daily protein recommendations are 60g – 90g. I am struggling to get in 30g, and I do mean struggling. The only thing I can keep down is ice water. The smell and slightest taste of protein shakes, protein water, and even unflavored protein (three different brands in 10 days) make me gag. I literally cannot tolerate anything sweet since surgery. I have tried sugar free jello, sugar free popsicles, thinned sugar fee pudding, sugar free juice, Crystal Light, etc. I have tried adding protein powder to soup, protein bariatric soup, and even made my own, all with the same resu…

Still trying to find a post-op protein drink that I actually like. I haven't had luck with the powders as I just can't get used to them and even though I've tried the Unjury unflavored, I can still taste it and can't stand it. I came across "Isopure" and have read VERY mixed reviews. Some people say it's an amazing post-op drink, packed with protein, and tastes pretty good. However, according to the nutrition label, it's also high in sodium and calories. On one website, the reviews reflected as being BOTH an outstanding drink for weightloss/post-op bariatric surgery AND for gaining weight (bodybuilders). So, which is it? Also, any idea where it's sold in less than a 12pk…

hi all i am new here don't know if i'm doing this right i had my gastric sleeve on July 6th i am now on a feeding tube not being able to eat anyone else have that issue

I have been 4 years post op with my gastric bypass underwent in 2016. Since this global pandemic I have gained weight due to the ability of working from home, stress, fear and the lack of exercise. I am slowly trying to fight against the challenges now the past 2 weeks such as discipline myself again to healthy eating, protein shakes, water intake and going to the gym 3 x a week. What exercise recommendations can you shed on me which will allow me to burn fat most, lose weight and allow me to meet my goal. I am so close I can taste it. Best missy

Does anyone know how many carbs we should be shooting for after gastric bypass? I’m 10 months out, down about 96 pounds from highest weight

I am 5 weeks post gastric sleeve! Everything is going fine and I'm able to keep food and liquids down. My question is I'm having allergies (it isn't the rona) and what can I take for it? My surgeon's office is currently closed right now. I'll have to call them in the morning.

Hi If anyone has low calorie meal plan ideas to share do. I enjoy meal planning for the week.

I'm 2 months post-op, and I've been doing pretty well with fluid intake, getting about 60 ounces per day (mostly water, sometimes protein drinks as well). But for the last few days, I've had a lot of trouble choking down water. I've struggled to get 40 ounces. Just taking a sip makes me feel queasy, even when I should be thirsty, like after a workout. It tastes bad to me, whether it's plain or flavored, ice cold, room temperature, or hot tea -- my stomach doesn't want it. Eating is fine; I can eat 1/2 cup without problems and it tastes as I expect. Has anyone else experienced this? Should I be concerned?

If you’ve had gastric bypass in the last few months how are you doing? How much weight have you lost? Any regrets or pleased with your decision to go with the bypass?

Motivation needed! I am almost one year post op (gastric bypass) and I have stalled. I have gotten sloppy with my eating habits and I'm looking for any advice or motivation you can offer. Looking for ideas for a meal plan to get back on track. Thanks y'all and I hope everyone is well!

I had gastric bypass Nov 2019. Since its been uncomplicated except for an ulcer found 2 months ago, and the inability to eat enough protein or drink enough liquids. Anyway I'm now having lower left abdominal pain . Any idea of what could be going on?

So I have lost 12lbs since surgery 9/04/2020 and Iam very happy I just wanted to see what the average amount is with other people that have gastric Bypass.

Hi All! I had my vsg on 9/8/20 and so far everything has been going great. I can drink my protein shakes and water with no pain or problems. Sometimes i think Im doing something wrong because shouldnt i feel restriction if i chugg my water/shakes . My concern is my eating schedule , since i dont feel hungry im not sure when to have a shake or a jello, popsicle etc. for my pre-op diet i had a hourly schedule i was following , now im lost :/ . Any suggestions or advice ?

Hey so i had a second scan on my suspected ileus not sure if anyone else has this

Hi. I had my sleeve done on September 5th and have followed the post open diet perfectly. My average calorie intake is around 600 calories per day with high protein low carb. According to my bathroom scales I have not lost a single kg. I swear I can see that my face in particular is thinner and my clothes are looser. Am I being impatient or should I have lost some weight by now?

Hey everyone! I'm about 8 months post op and down 110 lbs (which I'm ecstatic about!). I do have a bit of loose skin in the belly area and seem to be getting some kind of rash or infection in/around my belly button. I'm definitely documenting it and taking pics for possible insurance coverage of plastic surgery later, but my obgyn advised not to do any before I get pregnant again (I want one more child). In the meantime, I need to figure out how to stop these skin issues! Anyone have any experience or suggestions? Thanks in advance!

Well, it seems I've hit my first plateau. I've been fluctuating between 206-207 for close to two weeks now. Nothing has changed as far as my diet (in "phase 3" - soft/ground meat, soft veggies, most fruit, etc.) and I still have a minimal appetite. I do weigh myself at the same time every day (morning) and under the same conditions (after going to the bathroom, before eating/drinking, etc.). While I'm down 41# since my highest weight - which was in February 2020 - I'm really only down 16# since surgery on 8/19. I'm sure this is 100% normal, but I find it frustrating. I've increased walking & bike riding (can't really work out as I have terrible arthritis in my back &a…

So, I live with PTSD. Prior to my surgery, I was taking antidepressants. My doctor took me off them when I got my surgery. For the first couple months post-op, I was doing pretty well and didn't feel I needed them. However, recently, my PTSD symptoms have been getting in the way of me having a good life. I think I need to go back on them. But I'm scared! So many antidepressants cause weight gain. What do I do? Has anyone been able to take antidepressants and still keep their weight off? How about alternative treatments like CBD oil? Any help is appreciated. Thank you!

Anyone using the tespo vitamin machine? Do you like it? Sent from my LG-K550 using BariatricPal mobile app

I realize there's unlikely to be a one-size-fits-all equation to measure one's weight loss progress objectively, but are there any guidelines, i.e.: With a starting weight on date of surgery of N, if I am weight Z at X days post-surgery, am I on target, ahead of schedule, or behind schedule? In other words, where am I? My medical team really hasn't given me any guidelines. When I entered the assessment program in June of 2019 I was 382. I was 337 on date of surgery July 13, 2020. So 6 weeks post-op I'm now at 311, a subsequent loss of 26 pounds since date of surgery, and a cumulative loss of 71 pounds since start of journey. I know that I'm prone …

How do you deal with slumps in your eating habits? The last few days I feel like a failure for overeating. I’ve been the most hungry I’ve been since surgery and have had overwhelming cravings. I haven’t eaten large portions but am eating more frequently. I feel like such a failure because I’m only 5 months post op and have done amazing up until this point. I’m 70 pounds down and loving it but I can’t stop eating. Please share your experiences and advice.

Had bypass on August 10. Between then and Sept 08 I lost 14.6 kg (32 pounds) - but since then nothing. It's now been 10 days since I lost any weight and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Wondering if I should cut back on portion sizes (I have a small breakfast but lunch and dinner are around 150-200g each).

I’m pretty sure everyone is gonna say it’s normal but is it really I’m 10 1/2months out and I’m still having constipation problems... is this going to be a life long problem and has anyone had to be on medication to poop every days for months on end? I really hope I’m not the only one and hopefully others will stay it gets better in the years out. I don’t know how much torture I can put my bum through ? yes I do get about 25g of fiber more or less and I’m not a very big eater anymore like food is sooo much more less appealing, I just feel like this surgery did a number on me.

I’m just about a month out and have been given the green light to start testing out solid foods within reason. I was feeling really good during the liquid portion, keeping down every protein shake, not throwing up at all... basically could not wait to have solid foods again. But now, I feel sick all the time. I’m never in the mood for any food or drink, nothing ever sounds good. Things that worked well at the beginning (yogurt, canned chicken) make me feel gross now. When I eat, I almost always feel discomfort. I’m pretty sure I’m dehydrated and wouldn’t be surprised if I had low iron or something else. How about anyone else? Did you have swings like this, and how long…

Aside from unnecessary/unwanted carbs, is pasta actually bad for you? As in, will it tear up your sleeve or make you sick? I’ve literally had probably less than 50 carbs in the last 3 weeks (surgery was 8/19) and I’ve had issues eating & drinking period. Can minimal carbs really be that terrible? The only response I’ve gotten from my dietician is that “pasta should be avoided”, but she refused to be specific as to why.

My first post is on the humble, so folks be gentle. I am officially 3 weeks post op VSG. I had the most awful experience with constipation and i wanted to know what did you all do to stay regular through this process? PLEASE HELP, because i’m so scared to eat now.

its been over 2 yrs. Since my sleeve was done. Anyone else struggling with severe dizziness apon standing? Its been going on for about a yr now with me.

7 days and still on liquids, let me tell you it ain't fun at all. The pain from surgery is almost gone but the idea of continuing to drink liquids all day is really taking a toll on me idk, I feel no energy and sometimes get dizzy. Its mental strength that I need i am driving myself crazy, but I know this too shall pass.

This may be extremely commonplace, but did anyone have an incision that was closed & stitched to your abdominal wall so that your stomach looks indented in that spot? Besides general soreness in my stomach, that incision is the only place that hurts & boy, does it hurt! The surgeon said that incision was the one used to cut out the stomach, remove it, & work the staple gun. But I’m not sure why they had to stitch it to my abdominal wall. Once it feels better, I’ll be feeling great.

I am a bit concerned that my pouch is too big. I never have had any pain or problems with swallowing. I was able to drink 6 oz Water at once first day after surgery with normal swallowing like before VSG. I can swallow large pills and tonight was able to drink 11.9 oz Protein Shake in 5 minutes. After reading all you struggling with 1-2 oz in 15 minutes, I feel very different. I am ONE WEEK post VSG.

Water makes me nauseous. After so many trials and errors, I bought Luisianne decaf tea bags and make tea in my cold brew coffee maker. I will drink a lot because the Luisianne is not bitter like most teas, sugar and caffeine free. No muss, no fuss. Using small eating utensils works for me. It takes longer to eat with them and taking smaller bites allows the food to go down better. I bought mine through Amazon and rather than being toddler flatware, they are dessert ware. Protein shakes out of the container are not easy for me because sometimes they solidify and no amount of shaking dissolves it. So I put mine in my Nutribullet with ice and sometimes almond milk.…

Good morning! My Gastric Bypass RNY is scheduled for September 15th and I’m trying to prepare for when I get home. What did you all have ready? What did you love? What did you not use? Any and all info is so appreciated!

I’ve come across some scary research that states a high rate of bone loss among bariatric surgery patients. It said that the bone loss is prominent around 3-5+ years post surgery. This concerns me. I thought calcium supplementation and weight bearing exercises should help avoid and issues. Has anyone come across this? Or if you are 3-5+ years out have you experienced it?

Hi, I'm new here. I've had a sleeve 2 weeks ago today. I've had a lapband for 8 years prior my surgery. Actually my lapband has been removed at the same time as doing the sleeve surgery. Everything has been going great. I can drink, eat without any discomfort or pain ( I am starting to eat more consistent now) and I've been eating about 1/2 cup per lunch. Here's the thing. I lost one 1 pound in 7 days. I have no idea what I'm doing wrong. I try to eat my proteins first and after vegetables. I drink Mio water as water itself makes me nauseous. Is this normal? Any recommendations? I would appreciate it. Here in Canada, Montreal, the post-op follow-ups are terrible, so I hop…

How long after surgery did you start exercising? And what have you done to help with loose skin? Thank you!

Well, it's been a rough few days. Since last Friday evening, I've felt like an overstuffed turkey. My sleeve has felt like an overinflated beach ball (as I previously posted). I messaged my doctor's office and they think I might be having an allergic reaction to whey protein, so I've stopped that and need to start on soy-based protein drinks (not a fan of those either). What worries me is that they also asked me to schedule a UGI x-ray "ASAP", so I'm going Friday morning. I'm eating/drinking less & less every day, but not really losing weight (1lb. since Friday). I can hardly get down 15oz water/drink per day, and if I have more than a couple forkfuls/spoonfuls of an …

Anyone have a recommendation for a decent calcium citrate supplement? The tablets are usually huge and make me really uncomfortable post op. I got some Caltrate fruity chewables, but they’re basically like Tums except they have this insane bitter aftertaste that makes everything I eat or drink afterwards taste gross too. They’ve become one of the worst parts of my day lol.

When I tell you I have so Many mixed feelings It would be an understatement, So happy and grateful to have finally had my surgery But post op is not a joke there are a lot of hurdles you have to going over and I'm taking it slow drinking water walking and pain management are some of the few things I hope soon all I'm gonna remember is good stuff because right now it's really hard.

Hey everyone! So I had my surgery on 9/3. I am allowed to have purées on Friday (today is Tuesday) I’m so ready. I’m tired of just drinking. Is this Normal? I feel like I shouldn’t want to eat yet maybe? I don’t know if I necessarily feel hungry yet but I do feel like my stomach starts to feel empty and I want something. Fluids are filling me up fine just ready for next stage. Did anyone else feel like they were ready? I feel like there is something wrong with me! second how will I know if I’m full? On liquids it’s like after a few sips I feel like it’s enough maybe. Like my mind telling me it’s enough but maybe my stomach also not feeling empty. This is so con…

Hi everyone. Sorry this is kind of long, I’ll put a TL;DR at the bottom. I’m trying to see if anyone has had the same issue as me and can help me. I went through BeLiteWeight for my mini bypass. I’m 5 weeks post-op and 23 years old. I was bouncing back pretty quickly and was very excited. I know someone who went through the same program, and when he saw the diet plan that was given to me he was worried. When he had his surgery several years ago, they were a lot stricter on the diet. The papers they gave me said I could start having soft solid foods at 3 weeks and most regular solid foods at 4. I was let off most dietary restrictions at 5 weeks post-op. So at 3 we…

Ok so I am 10 days post op and the constipation is real 2 days ago I thought I had it worked out after 2 days of max dosage of colase and a suppoitory but now its back and even more vengeful. After the last bout I stopped taking any medication that had constipating side effects because no amount of pain or nausea is worth this. Probably TMI but it is like rock hard... Any suggestions? How long does this last?

Hi everyone, I'm kinda new only and posted a few times, I had VSG on 8/19 and so far everything has been going smoothly for my healing. I found these awesome little containers at my local Home Goods and I also saw them at TJ Maxx the same day and really wanted to share. (Yesterday 8/31/20) They were in the housewares section by the rest of the Tupperware style containers. I think they were $3.99 and it comes with 12 they are freezer, microwave, and I think dishwasher safe, although they are easy enough to wash by hand lol. They fit appropriately 1/3 cup (I measured) which is about 2.5 oz I believe. I plan on using them to freeze some shredded/pureed chicken for lunc…

Hi I am 5 days post op and wanted to know if its necessary to drink protein shakes or i can just keep going with clear liquids only? Thank you

Hi I should be on purees by Wednesday or Thursday. My husband had his sleeve surgery done on 2017 and told me he struggled about a week with purees. He is also kind of picky. Did you have trouble?