POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I bought a pair of green Calvin Klein capris in size 14, with no give, no elastic, no stretch at all anywhere. They weren't fitting yet (mostly in the stomach area, pre-hysterectomy), so I kind of hid them in the back of the closet. Today I pulled them out and tried them on and OMG they fit PERFECTLY!!! I actually cried. I got them at our local thrift store here called The Arc (it's my favorite and I love it so much) and just never had the chance to wear them until literally right now. I am still shocked that I'm in an actual, legit size 14. I was a size 30 at my highest weight, and this just absolutely BLOWS MY MIND. I had to clean out my closet AGAIN and get r…

My sister who was sleeved on Aug 30th and now myself who was sleeved on Dec 28th both have trouble sleeping. I am used to being exhausted and sleep a good 8 hours a night, but since surgery, I wake after 5 hours and just can't go back to sleep. If I do get up for awhile and go back to bed I can get in another 2-3 hours. I am back to work now so I don't have the time to do back to bed. Does this ever change? Does anyone out there have a remedy? I blame it on all the Protein so I've been trying to get my daily requirements in before 2:00, but it didn't work last night. Bingo, 3:00 am and I am up for the day. Help!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy and am now on HRT (literally the first time since I was 15 that I've had my hormones regulated at all). My uterus, 3 huge uterine fibroids, both ovaries, both fallopian tubes, and cervix combines weighed 4 pounds when they were removed. I weighed 212 on surgery day on May 7th. After I lost the water weight from 3 days of IVs, I was 208, which I expected. I was started on estrogen in the hospital. So here I am, 18 days post op, and I have lost 13 pounds. I walk 3-4 times every day, I eat normally, I rest a lot. I take my normal MS and Lupus meds and my normal supplements. The only difference is I had the hysterectomy and I'm on HRT. …

I had a total abdominal hysterectomy on May 7th. I was in the hospital for 3 days and 2 nights. The initial surgery took 3 hours because not only did they remove my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, but they also had to call in general surgery to detach my intestines from my uterus (was attached with lesions in 3 places). My heart actually did really well and there were no complications.....with that. But it wouldn't be me if there wasn't something wrong somewhere. Ok, so I get back to recovery and seem to be doing well. Blood pressure is a little low, but all in all, not too bad. About an hour into my recovery, the nurse notices a lot of blood. She chec…

I am craving ice cream. It was definitely my guilty pleasure prior to surgery. I’m just wondering how and when everyone is doing if they reincorporate ice cream back into their diet.

I'm ugly crying!!! I made it to ONEderland!! Omg!!!! 4 more pounds to go to hit goal!!!

I had surgery 3/22/2024 and have only been able to drink a few ounces an hour. This morning I woke up hungry and drank a 12 oz protein drink with 35 minutes, I have NOT been able to do that since before surgery. Have I inadvertently stretched my stomach? My eating yesterday was still only 3-4 oz per meal and water in between. I really don’t want to mess up this surgery. I am 8 weeks post op and I thought my stomach could only hold 4 oz - but the drink is 12 oz.

I had surgery on 4/24 and keep having very bad lower back pain. Concerned that it might be constipation, I did an enema the laxatives weren't helping) and I seemed to get some relief, but the back pain is happening again today. I have only had liquids since 4/23, so I'm honestly not sure if I would even be producing any poop to become constipated. Anyone have any insight on this? Thanks, LA

I don't know why, but something told me to check my weight today. I had no intention of doing it for another week, but because I take Linzess for IBS-C and it pulls water from the body to help with pooing, I thought maybe I was shedding the water weight a little faster. Not only that, but I wanted to see if I lost the 3 pounds from the surgery I had, so I checked this morning. Omg almost there!!! 5 more pounds until I hit my official goal weight!!!! ?

Hey Yall. Very very new to this but I need some help. I had gastric sleeve surgery on May 10th. The liquid diet leading up to it, and afterwards was absolutely torture for me (I know it's really hard on everyone) but I could barely get broth down, especially post op. When I say that, I mean the idea of drinking more and more broth, no matter what kind or flavor, made me feel absolutely nauseous. And I literally gagged trying to get it down. Needless to say, I didn't get much broth down, but I tried to stay as consistent as I could with protein shakes, which also had a similar effect on me. So when today came around, I was so excited because finally I could slowly try…

Hi everyone! So I've been scouring the internet (and the forums lol) for information on menstruation complications post WLS. I've seen plenty of 'scientific' and medical journals talk about how menstrual cycles are better regulated after Gastric Bypass & Sleeve surgeries, and even more comments from WLS patients about how their cycles went haywire, flows became excessive, pain levels increased, etc. Myself, (prior to my WLS) I've always had fairly regular cycles, always heavy flow -- other than at certain points of severe weight gain where I would start skipping (once for 6 months!) or just get trickles of a flow. Other than in my early teens, I never experi…

So my surgery went successfully on 14/05/24. The first night was beyond rough, I don't think anything can prepare you for the gas pain! It was the first time I'd been in hospital & had surgery as an adult so it was very daunting, but everything went well. I am home now after 2 nights in the hospital, and I am feeling quite tender but I am not sure if this is just the residual gas pain, or just the feeling of overwhelming fullness when I am trying to drink water! I am really glad it is done now, but it is a bit overwhelming to begin with! Thank you everyone who sent me well wishes x

Hi there! Newbie here. Been reading a lot of the threads and already feel like a lot of you are my friends when I haven't actually spoken to any of you ? I had my surgery on the 17th of December 2023 and my stats were: Height: 166 Cm (around 5'5/5'6?) Weight: 90 KG (198 lbs) I didn't do the liquid diet because my surgeon doesn't believe in it. Also, my surgeon specifically said "I will be very happy if you lose 20 KG (44 lb) but it's quite unlikely".I wan't heavily overweight and I was very athletic with a lot of muscle mass. Fast forward 18 weeks post surgery I have lost around 28.4 kgs (62.48 lbs) and my surgeon's mind is kind of blown lol,…

I just wanted to share this. It has been really hard for me in the past few days, I’m sad and depressed. Today I went to the gym, I slept in. And right now I’m sitting alone at the movies theater. I bought a little kids box of popcorn and I put butter on it. I took a small iced tea (which I used to drink every meal but I haven’t drank it since my surgery) and a little bag of candies. I have lost 60 lbs since January 29th. I have been really good in my diet since my surgery. But today I feel like this is what I need. To treat me with something because I feel like I’m drowning and I can’t save myself. I feel lonely, but going to the movies always helped me before surgery.…

I had surgery 4/9/24. Been sick ever since the second week, I can barely keep water down. Everyone keeps saying it’ll get better but this is by far my biggest regret!! I feel like I’m dying!! Anyone else experience this? I don’t know if I’m losing too fast or what but I can’t live like this!

I had surgery May 1st, 2024, I lost 14 lbs the first week, but as soon as I started drinking and eating protein, I’ve stopped losing weight. I’m assuming it’s because I’m assuming it’s the protein intake, and not being able to eat veggies. ??‍♀️ Anyone experience this?

Hello to all! for those of you have seen me pop up here and their over the course of five years. The past year has been hell. So I had a gastric sleeve this has been confirmed by other mri’s / ct scans years ago. I have had sever diarrhea . When I eat food sits right under the sternum. Well I went to ER for diarreha , dehydration along with stomach and flank pain. They dismissed as nothing was wrong when I got home the ct scan states “Bowel: Postoperative change of stomach and jejunal loops, Roux-en-Y surgery changes. I did not have this done. I’m Still in rough shape Any one have any thoughts? I know some of us are not dr’s . I just need ins…

I'm going on 12 weeks post-op and for the past 2 weeks, I have been stalled. I know this is common, if frustrating. But what interests me is where I stalled. About 7 years ago, I had my most successful attempt at weight loss through nutrition counseling. I started at 251 lbs and I lost fairly rapidly and steadily for 6 months through calorie restriction and daily walking, reaching a low-point of 203.8 lbs. And then I stalled. I never got below 203.8. In fact, I steadily gained about 10 lbs over the next several months and then maintained that higher weight for maybe a year, and then gained more. When I started the surgical program last summer, I was right back at 251 lbs.…

I’m struggling with constipation since having surgery. Like it’s there but won’t come out. I then have to take miralax, Metamucil wafer thins and drink smooth move tea. Then I stress until I can actually get it out. Is there any way to avoid this? It’s very frustrating and depressing. I welcome any help.

Hi all, I'm new here to bariatric pal and I'm trying to get some information and some real life experiences about vaping after surgery. I am 4 months out after surgery and I REALLY miss my vaping. I miss the flavor I miss the taste etc. I'm just curious if anyone vapes after surgery and what their experience has been. Thanks for reading and answering.

Had my surgery April 1st and I feel like I have not lost as much weight as I had anticipated. I started out with 297 and I am now 280. However, my nutritionist told me not to worry so much about the pounds, that I may feel like I'm not losing weight but that I may be losing inches. I do not feel the difference, are any of you experiencing this. If so any tips?

I am 9 months out from my surgery and about 10 pounds from my surgeon's goal (15 from my goal). I have been strength training four days a week for the past two months and was told to up my calories to around 1300 at that time. And...I have been stalled for about a month at the same weight. My resting metabolic rate is over 1500 calories (because I am burning calories on top of that), so I know I am in a calorie deficit. I know I should "stay the course" but I am doubting myself now...wondering if I should go down in calories. I am getting around 100 g of protein a day. Drinking 70 oz water or so. Very little cardio, though. Thoughts? What was your journey like once …

Anyone having issues with irregular heartbeats since having gastric bypass? I have been having problems with AFIB when I went through dumping the first few months and now 1 year out since February I have been in constant PVC (Premature ventricular contraction). My cardiologist is baffled. Been through all kinds of tests and my heart is healthy and have no blockages BUT even with meds it’s not going away. I am constantly having PVC’s AND when I eat my heart gets worse! I flutters like CRAZY!!!! Feels like I horrible panic attack, sometimes feel like I am going to have a heart attack or something. I have been in hospital, being monitored and back in hospital for testi…

How many calories should I be eating 3.5month post op gastric sleeve? Keep seeing different amounts online. Had surgery abroad so the after care isn’t the best either. Also macros? I don’t know weather I’m eating too much or too little I’m a slow loser and have stalled for 4 weeks.

I was reading a few posts and saw that some people were eating creamy soups on the full liquid diet. Is that allowed? I'm soooooo tired of the protein shakes already! Also, any recommendations on a non-flavored protein powder to add to that soup (assuming it is allowed)?

Has anyone else had nausea after drinking water? I'm creeping on 4 weeks PO and over this last weekend I dealt with nausea after drinking water??

Hello, my name is Kristen. New here. I'm 11 days post op. I'm on my protein weeks or phase 2 of 5 to weening back to normal foods. My nutritionist told me I should be able to feel full after 4-6 oz. I should drink a protein shake within 2 hours as my stomach couldn't handle it all at once. However, I'm finding out that I can eat/drink a lot more than that at once with no pain. I burp a little more but that's about it. I'm HIGHLY worried that this means I won't be able to control my food intake once I can have solid foods again and regain all my weight. I'm 11 days after and only down 4 pounds, which is another concern is that I'm not losing weigh…

Hi everyone, I have a question. Has anyone been totally fatigued with absolutely no energy daily. I was hospitalized for lack of fluids, an 2nd time for depleted potassium. I do IV infusions twice a week, still barely helps. I do the protein daily as well as water. Any ideas ?? Dr. says follow program, as I do..so far regretting surgery.

Hi I’m 1 year post op end of this month , how many calories and protein should I be eating now ?

Hi, looking for some advice, ive had a gastric band for 11 years and had it removed last month due to complications. Im struggling to loose any weight now. Im on a calorie restriction deficit now on 1400 cals per day & not loosing anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I've been looking all over but don't see any answers. Does anyone know if I can take dandelion root? I used it for water retention and I still feel like I'm retaining a lot of water after the surgery. I loved it after my pregnancy with my twins. Any information would be amazing, thank you!

Having my total hysterectomy on May 7th. They can't go in laparoscopically, so it'll be an abdominal hysterectomy. Taking out everything: uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix. I have 3 VERY large uterine fibroids that have made my uterus (and stomach now) the size of someone who is 5 or 5 1/2 months pregnant. I may, in the next couple of years, get skin surgery but I'm still thinking about it. Let's see if I have any cardiac issues with this surgery (like I did with the hernia repair surgery) before I make anymore decisions about elective surgeries. I can't wait for this to be done and over with and I can finally just live my dang life!!! From my initial sleeve s…

Hey all, I had surgery on 4/16 and everything went really, really well. I'm on full liquids for the next couple of weeks. I found something odd though. They kept telling me in the pre op program that my stomach would be so small that I would need to sip all day. The thing is, I don't. I still drink good amounts of water at a time with no consequence. My surgeon didn't mention anything post surgery, but it's leaving me a little curious. Has anyone else had something similar happen? I'm worried that a bigger tummy is going to lead down the road of bad choices again.

Hi all. I had my gastric sleeve on 28th March, and very quickly realised something was wrong. I couldn't tolerate water at all, and a few days after I developed tonsillitis. It was severe and believed to be Quincy's, which thankfully after a transfer to another hospital to check for this, it wasn't. However I became really really ill - my temperature was at sepsis level, I was completely dehydrated and on an IV for everything. Tried antibiotics but that didn't really work, which then led the doctors and surgeons to believe it would either be a very nasty viral infection, or I'm being followed up to check for an auto-immune disease. I spent 4 weeks…

I had surgery on Monday (22nd) and I was released from the hospital yesterday afternoon. The scales show me having gained weight but I’m sure that’s the IV’s they gave me constantly. My question is, I don’t feel hungry in the typical way as I did prior my sleeve surgery. Instead I feel pain? Or is it just gas? Or is it just surgical pain? How can I tell when I’m hungry and I need to eat?? I never thought eating was going to be so confusing. I don’t want to eat anything, I’m not hungry, but I know I have to eat too. Two days out and it all seems so foreign to me still. Help?

Hi, I had the sleeve in 2016. I lost about 30 or so pounds, which I have since regained. The sleeve was not very successful for me. On Monday (8/21/23), I had the SADI-S DS surgery. The doctor said that weigh loss will be slow. I am just worried of failing again. If anyone else had had the SADI-S revision, I would like to hear positive stories to inspire me and know that it is really possible this time. Thanks! Melody

I feel so defeated.... it feels like every time I try to improve my health I make things worse. A small bit of back story first.... I had my WLS back in 2000, and was never told a lot of what they tell people now. I was simply told to take calcium, stool softeners and a multivitamin.... not what kind or what it should include etc. I was then told years later I was anemic, but after 2 years with that (PCP) doctor she never addressed it even though I inquired. Due to an extremely large hernia and pain I was having, I went to the bariatric doctor and he said to fix the hernia I would need to lose weight. I was losing weight again (after many years) and was feeling tired all …

My surgery date was 04/04/2024. The pain started last night. Everytime I try to eat or drink, I have really sharp pain in the left side of my stomach. The pain shoots through my chest and shoulder. The only way I get relief is if I lay specifically on my left side. My right side and my back has bad pain also. Today, I hardly have drank anything due to this pain. My nutritionist told me to go back onto clear liquid just for today to see how it goes. He believes I consumed too fast and there may be a blockage. He also told me I started eating cottage cheese too soon and it could be that as well. He predicted it would be better by end of day. It has n…

So far I keep getting mixed information about the two procedures in terms of malabsorption. Do they both cause the same amount of malabsorption or does the MGB cause more malabsorption?? I remember my surgeon saying that life long supplementation is only needed for duodenal switch!!! And all other surgeries only need supplementation for the first couple of years only! Also read somewhere that RNY is really restrictive only. And 78% of the fat , 100% of the Protein and 100% of the carbs are still absorbed. And the huge loss of weight is only caused by restricting the calorie intake. That's why there is always a chance of regain several years later.

Good afternoon all! I just was thinking of all the surprises I've experienced since WLS...and I wanted to ask others what's surprised them about their weight loss/surgery journey that they weren't told by their bariatric team?! I'll go first: 1. All the aches and pains in my hips and butt. My butt hurts now when I sit since I'm missing my butt padding! Also, since losing weight my posture and gait have changed so now I'm in PT for hip abductor pain. 2. The ever increasing and changing locations of skin irritation. The skin now droops in places I wasn't told to expect and I get red irritation under my butt creases from over lap - sorry for the unpleasant vis…

There is a new video from Dr. Weiner on the Pound of Cure YouTube channel just posted today updating his now 10-year-old video on post-op eating. This applies to the first several weeks, up through about 3 months. So if you're at the stage of reintroducing foods and trying to hit water and protein goals and want a little extra guidance or reassurance, (or if you are pre-op and want a great reference for later) give it a watch:

So I am six months past surgery. My initial operation was August 21, 2023. I was 328 on the day of, and 376 at my highest before surgery. I lost 20 pounds by 2 weeks after the surgery, and have not lost weight since. I had weighed 305 since then. I noticed my weight creeping up on the scale now, and I'm at 309 again. I will say, however, I have gone from wearing a 4x to wearing a 1x in shirt sizes, though have only gone down two sizes in pants 28 to 24. I am struggling with drinking water. I feel starving. I've noticed myself wanting to eat every few hours. Then when I eat I vomit, or feel nauseous and spend a good amount of time nearly throwing up. Whenever I drink …

Hi all, I did a search through the forum but couldn't find a situation that was similar as already got my gall bladder removed years ago and not a recent post-op. Is it 'normal' to suffer frequent, as in every few days for a few hours at a time, abdominal pain even 8 months after surgery? I get it on both sides at times, other times just one side. It was so bad last night on my right side that I couldn't lie on my stomach, which is my preferred way to fall asleep, as it was uncomfortable. I am not sure if it is usual or a side effect of all the issues I had post-op (leak, pancreatitis, infection, abscesses, allergic reaction to meds). I didn't want to go to…

I can't believe it. I got on the scale this morning and it was 244.5 lbs. I've officially lost half of the weight towards my goal! I'm down 76 lbs since my highest weight and 63 lbs since surgery. And I'm not even 5 months out! I really didn't think it would happen this quickly. And weirdly enough, I feel smaller now than when I was this weight before. Weight distribution is a funny thing. Here's a pic of me pre-op at about 312 lbs, and two pics of me from today! I have so much more energy and mobility now. I'm so grateful to myself for having this surgery despite my fears and concerns. It has been SO worth it! Big thank yous to all of you guys for supporting me as I…

Hi Team! I realize that stalls are inevitable, but I am having some trouble determining if I am in a stall that I need to just wait out, or if I need to change something up. Background: I just hit 8 months post-op. Stats are in my info box. I have been sitting at 174 pounds for three weeks. I had been losing a pound or more per week at around 900 calories per day, Protein at 100G and carbs under 100 g. That is around the time I hired a personal trainer, upped my weight training (free weights now and four days a week), my steps, and my calories (1200 or so per day). The increase in calories was at the recommendation of the trainer, who also recommended increasi…

Is anyone out there like me? I had VSG surgery feb 2022. Started at 21.9 stone pre LRD diet. 20.9 stone after LRD , lowest after surgery 17 stone.  I lost weight the first year and then gained 2 stone currently sitting at 19 stone. Since jan 2023 the scale has not moved once , up and down by maybe 1 or 2 pounds but the scale is not moving. At all. I can count calories for a whole month and nothing. I can eat **** for a whole month .. and nothing. nothing makes my scales move and hasn’t for over a year. You can only imagine my frustration. is anyone else having this issue and if so PLEASE tell me how I can start losing …

I still don't understand why they tell us you're not allowed to have chewing gum post-op. I am 5 days post-op and would REALLY love a piece but I'm not sure what it will do. I mean obviously I won't swallow it or anything. I just want to chew it. Anyone post-op that chews gum??

Hi all, Did any one else develop a Hernia in the little stomach we have from VSG. I had my surgery 5 years ago but started experiencing terrible acid reflux about 6 months ago. I had an endoscopy done and was told I have a 5cm Hiatial Hernia which may need repairing if it gets worse.

I had gastric sleeve surgery a little over a week ago and I'm struggling with some pretty bad congestion and a clogged ear that just won't let up. I haven't been able to hear out of my right ear since surgery, nothing seems to be helping. I was wondering if anyone else experienced this after surgery and if you have any tips on how to help with either the congestion or unclogging my ear.

Hi. I had gastric bypass Monday the 18th. I am doing well, walking a lot. Today I had a few sips of coffee and I also am having a few sips of a lobster bisque soup. Technically neither of these things are allowed but I just needed something more than broth and protein shakes. I am also having trouble getting 48+ oz a day of liquids in. I’ve been consistently getting 36-40 but after that 40 it’s so hard. i guess my question is.. am i harming myself by jumping ahead by a few days? I understand it’s best to listen to my doctor but i am just struggling to do anything and tasting something different seems to have helped HW 324 SW (before liquid diet) 32…