POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Pre surgery, we used to go out to eat multiple times each week. Las Vegas is full of so much good food. Now that I can eat solid food again, just not much of it, I'm trying to figure out how we can still enjoy dinners out on the town and still eat within my calorie range. So far, we've had pretty good luck with sushi. I usually get sushimi and I only eat a little of it. I'm thinking Mexican might be okay if I order fajitas. Steakhouses, I could share steak or have leftovers. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Hi Guys, three days post op now and running into difficulty swallowing. Thin, clear liquids are okay but come with the requisite gas and pain. My pills are another story. I’m only able to keep down tiny ones but crushing them and taking them with applesauce, which is a real challenge on its own because the taste tries my gag reflex. The big ones? Forget it. I honestly think they are too solid, too soon but the ones I am referring to are my multiple vitamin and calcium + vitamin D. This can’t go on and I am not sure how to proceed. Do any of you use a vitamin patch?

My wife underwent gastric bypass and gal bladder removal 10 months ago. She started at 255lbs and she now fluctuates from 147-155. My main concerns are she used to be fairly strong. Could give me a challenge in a wrestling match. She is now weak AF. She is starting to look emaciated. Her legs have very little muscle and she pretty mutch has only skin and chubs left. She also looks like she has aged about 15-20 years on her face. Dr. Todd in anchorage had her on a fairly strict protein diet but yet she still lost damn near every bit of muscle she had. I wasn’t happy she went forward with this from the beginning and I’ve come to accept what she had done but I’m starting to…

I am very confused. I am 7 days post-op. I am walking about 3 miles a day, in 3 20-minute increments. I am drinking my protein and eating 3 x’s a day. But I am in a constant state of feeling full and hungry and tired. Am I doing too much? Too little? They kept telling me if I walked more I would feel better after the surgery, but it just makes me hurt and more hungry. How can I tell when I eat too much? How can I tell when I’m really hungry? How can I tell when the pain is caused by doing too much? How can I tell if the unending tiredness is from not eating enough?

Hi everyone! I just found this forum, and I’m loving it already I had my surgery two days ago (sleeve), and since then things have not been progressing very well. Every time I try to drink anything, I get a tight burning feeling in my chest. This is followed by a surge of stomach gas. Like somehow all that was in my stomach was gas, and by drinking I am displacing it. Is this normal? I know I’m barely out of the hospital, but I’m not able to fulfill my liquid and protein shake goals because it hurts so much. Would this be a sign on stenosis? I also underwent a hiatal hernia repair during the procedure - would that be causing these problems? Thanks so much…

How long does it take to start feeling better after sleeve surgery. I am 2 days post op and pain is excruciating. I can hardly handle it. Also tips for taking crushed pills. That too is making me gag and be sick. What pain meds were people sent home with. I am given 1 Percocet every 6 hours and my first dose home it made me sleep, but when I woke up an hour and a half later pain was so bad.

I've been posting several questions regarding weird sensations that freak me out. The night before last I awoke to a sensation of heat that traveled from my stomach to my chest area to my left arm. I freaked out and thought I was having a heart attack. It slowly went away, but yesterday almost all day I had a racing heart and the left arm tingling feeling didn't subside. I called my nurse and she returned my call around 6 PM. Our conversation was very enlightening. She went through several procedural questions trying to learn if it was leakage, or my fears: heart attack, body paralysis (I know I'm hysterical). Thank God, it's not symptoms for any of these. I'm toleratin…

My surgery date is Sept 12. How soon after the surgery do your pants outgrow you?

I had a gbs over 10 years ago and lost 200 lbs. I gained 100 back. I had a laparoscopy done today and it was strange. The nurse that was in the operation room told me what was wrong and said don't tell the surgeon I told you he will talk to you. She said they forgot to take the part in your stomach that gives you your appetite. Well the surgeon said the pouch was normal size but there is another procedure to do with the intestines. Was this nurse off her rocker or is this true? Please reply asap someone I am worried about this.

Hi Post-Opers, I was wondering if you could give me any info on who has had to have a blood transfusion during surgery, and how much blood( pints did you get. I'm debating if I should make the 1.5 he drive to donate my own blood - just in case. I just wasn't sure how often blood transfusions occur with this surgery. I'm only going to be able to do 1 pint, so I'm also not sure it's even worth it. Thanks for any info you have on this. Sara

Hi y'all. So I have a bad cold and am coughing. But dang, it's so difficult to get a productive cough and move stuff up out of my chest. It feels like I don't have the muscle or diaphragm "ooomph" that I need. It's pretty wimpy. I also can't do a sit up even though I exercise and have been doing core exercises. Do any of you who are healed also experience this lack of diaphragm strength? It's dramatically different from my pre-op strength. (Oh I am 6+ months out from RNY.) TIA!

I just spent my entire day in the ER. I have been feeling so miserable the past week or so. Have not been able to naturally have a bm and even with soemthing it sometimes doesn’t happen. I have absolutely no appetite at all. I’m repulsed by any food. I’m experiencing constant nausea, dehydrated, and severe constipation. I don’t know what to do! I feel so absolutely miserable. I feel worse than I did right after surgery. Horrible pain in the core of my abdomen and such nauseaCat scan, bloodwork came back fine but no one gave me an explanation as to why I feel so miserable! any experiences like this? ??

Hey all. I'm 14 days pay vertical sleeve today. I have 1 more week on my liquid diet before i get to move on to soft foods. I'm hungry but almost there. This is one of the most difficult things i've ever done but I'm hopeful and happy. My pain is virtually gone now except if I bend or twist wrong. Any tips for surviving these lazy few days on liquids?

Just wondering? Does everyone experience this? I am reading and it seems most do. I am 2.5 months out and so far so good but everytime I shower I look to see if I see hair in the tub.

Hi all. I’m about 3 weeks post op. I’m on the puréed stage. I should be able to move to soft food in a week than regular food in two weeks. I’m moving through the stages slowly because I experienced a partial bowel blockage and was in the hospital for a couple days. This was caused because I advanced my diet too quickly and tried to eat more advanced food than I was ready to (it was only a couple items.). So, I went back to the beginning and had to do clear liquids and protein shakes again. You would have thought that this would teach me- and it did for awhile. I have not gone off plan until today. But I feel like I’ve been living on protein shakes for mon…

I am having a devil of a time remembering to take my vitamins. I’m 6 days post surgery and for the life of me the mid day stuff just slips my mind. Which phone apps do you use to remind you to take your vitamins?? I’m using myfitnesspal to record the liquids and foods but I don’t see a way to remind me to take the “meds”. TIA Carol

Just curious, sometimes when I'm not hungry and I'm focusing on drinking my water, I'll take a drink and then it's like when it hits my stomach, it triggers hunger (or something). Am I crazy? Does anyone else ever have this sensation when they drink water? What is that? I try to tell myself that it is NOT hunger, but my brain says otherwise. Why would I even have head hunger (or real hunger) from drinking water.

So I am post op 12 days and getting ready for the pureed stage. As I look up things on line all post-op diet plans look different. I am craving chicken noodle Soup and noticed that on one website it says Soups with soft noodles can be used during the clear liquid stage. Has anyone tried this??? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So today is 2 weeks exactly since surgery (VSG) and yesterday afternoon I started to get serious heartburn. I’ve never had heartburn pre-op but this is pretty bad. I read that Tums (Calcium Carbonate) May cause kidney stones so we should stay away from them; they may also interfere with the calcium (citrate) we take as a supplement. May this be true or not it’s completely freaked me out so now idk what I can and cannot take. I called my surgeon this morning but Mo days are his surgery days (duh! Lol I had my surgery on a Monday) and his staff will get in touch with him tomorrow I regards to this issue and let me know what I can take for immediate relief. He does ha…

Hi, I’m 6 weeks post op with the sleeve. My last visit was at 2 weeks post op and I remember back then he still told me to take my medicine crushed/open capsule and drink pellets. I forgot to ask him when I can start taking regular pills again. I have a MAJOR headache and really don’t wanna take children’s Tylenol it’s so sweet and makes me even more nauseous. When did everyone start taking pills Tylenol tablets specifically post surgery? And please give me the doctors recommendation. Like when was it okay by the doctor. Doctors office is closed right now and I can’t call. Thanks in advance.

I found this info and wanted to pass it on. It has a lot of ideas on foods to eat in each food stage after surgery. PLEASE clear ALL info with your doctor first, though!! Dietary Guidelines after Bariatric Surgery The purpose of the following guidelines is to reduce the symptoms associated with gastric bypass surgery, promote long-term satisfaction, and to achieve and maintain a desirable weight. The diet following surgery is divided into three phases. Phase I: First 2 weeks* after surgery - liquids (*Time frame varies according to physician) Acceptable beverages include: Water Flavored waters that are sugar-free and non-carbonated Crysta…

So i'm new to this! Came across this site trying to figure out if my hungry self can eat pasta two weeks post op! (Of course I know this wont be a good idea lol) But Im glad I found it because I for sure need some support from people who are going though the same thing! So i'm two weeks post op and I feel like the first week great! I lost 16 lbs that week....but this week I have only lost 3 pounds! What i'm I doing wrong?! And NOOOOO I havent been eating solids....regardless the pasta comment lol Im still on liquids. Hummmmm...TBC

Hi all! Just wondering what your experience has been with popcorn. Do you eat it, is it uncomfortable, does it give you gas, does it get stuck? Has anyone ever been advised against it? Has anyone experienced any complications with popcorn or is it safe? Thanks!

Hi everyone! Here's my 6 week update! The beginning was rough but I have no regrets. I'm feeling better every day. I have a lot more to go but am getting there! Pre OP : 225 Current weight: 190

I am 6 wks post op. I feel like I have had the hardest time. I wish they could put me back like I was. I have had pills stuck in my throat. Nausea And now I'm dealing with constipation. ughhhh Can I get ONE good day??? Is that too much to ask for?

Hi I’m new to support group I had my gastric sleeve done Dec26, 2017 I started at 319 and I’m down to 257 I haven’t lost much weight and feeling a little depressed because of it any recommendations

So I've been back at work since Tuesday. My procedure was 09/12. I've been doing so much better pain wise. I haven't needed meds for pain in 2 days. I'm on day 8 now. My main issue now is bloating and gas discomfort. I've been taking gas-x but nothing is working and i feel like a balloon. Lol. I have 2 more weeks of full liquids but I'm dreaming of some sort of real food. how is everyone else doing? Any tips or tricks? Please share!

Hi there, I just joined this site looking for support and suggestions on my 1st major weight gain 16 years post a very successful gastric bypass surgery. I am 52, had the surgery at 36, and lost 198 lbs, and maintained a goal weight of 170 lbs, with a yearly fluctuation of 10 lbs, or so, post operatively. I also maintain yearly blood work that drives my nutrition and supplemental needs with my primary doctor. I gained about 20 lbs about 4 years ago after back surgery, but brought it down again within the year. Here is my problem, last January I started menopause, stopped oral contraceptive, and have experienced heavy insomnia, hot flashes, hormone shifts, and large w…

UGH! I just ate my first apple since surgery. I am sooo nauseous and the gurgling is out-of-this world noisy! And, of course, I at the whole @#$% thing! Devil__1 Eve___ 0

I’m looking for a good unflavored protein that mixes well. I want to add it to my yogurt/coffee/soup. I had some right after surgery but even though it said unflavored you could taste a difference. Also it didn’t blend well. Any ideas is appreciated.

Hi everyone. This is my first post and I’m 9 days post roux-en-y today. I’m still on my full liquid diet and have my post op check tomorrow. I’m assuming he’ll advance me to a soft diet at that time (I’m very excited about this). My question is this: for the past 2-3 days I’ve noticed that about 30 minutes after my “meal”, whether it’s a protein shake, yogurts, etc. I find that I’m hungry, with actual hunger pangs. Nothing painful, just that hungry feeling in my stomach. I’m trying to up my water intake between meals to fill me up so I’m not snacking all day, but I’m wondering if this is normal? I’m hitting 70 grams of protein or very close to it each day, and my calories…

Hello All, I am trying to get out the word in person by speaking in a forum. I am having a hard time finding who to contact, and if there are forums out there to speak in person about my experiences and what patients will go through. (i.e. Forums in San Francisco) Can anyone help? Thanks in advance, Phillip Strickland

I feel like I have heartburn all the time is that normal can I use Tums for relief has any one experienced this it's been 4 days since I got mini sleeve done

So maybe it's the food demons trying to convince me that the surgery isn't going to be successful in the long run, but my stomach doesn't feel any different. I'm hydrating fine (I'm averaging around 48oz a day) and holding down protein shakes with no issues other than a little gas. I'm concerned that I don't "feel full" as every one said I would. Has anyone else experienced this?

So I'm exactly 7 days post Op RNY.. Still having left sided incisions pain, getting over a left plueral effusion ( fluid in the space around the lung). My surgeon wants to send me back to work next week.... I'm a nurse. Just wanted to know if this was common practice. TIA

Im 2 months post op, and I been feeling kind of depressed lately. I thought that by loosing weight I wouldn’t miss food. Socialization revolves around food always, going out to dinner or getting together with the family on Sunday involves food. Almost every major holiday is enhanced with a traditional menu. I feel that I cannot participate in a ritual in the same way. But the worst part is that no one understands. And I feel terrible watching everyone enjoying and asking if I would like some and I having to say “no thank you” because I know if I eat something that is not on my menu will make me feel very sick. I really hope this gets better I really miss gathering the fam…

I am 7 days today revision from sleeve to bypass, hiatal hernia repair and gallbladder removal. I have had a rough time getting my fluids in and a lot of stomach spasms. The day after surgery in the hospital I did great. I drank fine went home second day no problem. But them I started have stomach spasms with cold fluids and my protein drinks. I couldn't get my fluids in and got dehydrated. I am doing better with getting fluids in, but I had a bad 3 hours bout with spams last night for unknown reasons. I go to the doctor tomorrow and I am hoping to move forward to pureed but I am nervous about having more problems with my pouch not liking it I never had any issues with s…

How long did your incision pain last? Day 5 and it’s only slightly better. Would like to stop the pain meds because they turn my stomach.

What the heck?! Surgery was 8/22, I lost 10lbs right away but now I've gained 3 back. I feel like I'm already failing. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Had my RYGB in the summer of 2000. Over the years, I have lived quite happily w/my altered anatomy. However, starting this past summer (6.18) all of that changed...... During my 1st pregnancy, in 2011, I experieneced some serious tummy troubles; everything from aching to dry heaving, & bowel troubles. Had an upper Endoscopy where my Gastro Doc located a llttle ulcer in my little tummy. "No prob," I thought. " I'll just add Prilosec to my daily medication list!" So, for roughly the next 7 years, any tummy troubles, both above & below the belt, I attributted to my ulcer acting up. Wow, was I WRONG!! This June, I was rushed to the ER with THE WORST ab …

I had Roux-en-y gastric bypass with the silicone ring. I had issues with the ring within the first month ( vomiting / pain) they ended up doing an upper GI saying everything looked normal, but noted in my records that the Silicone Ring was not visible. Little over a month after the GI, I ended up with excruciating pain on my left side.. After doing a cat-scan they scheduled surgery, and removed the ring that had come off my pouch. Very concerned that this wasn't taken care of after they noticed it missing during the upper GI and now I'm going through this surgery pain all over again. Has anyone experienced something like this or similar?

I posted another similar topic mostly as a goof awhile back and it's had an amazing number of views and replies. It made me realize that talking about your ass after surgery can be an embarrassing thing. Yes, I have shat myself, a number of times. There I said it. Lipsticklady gave me the words to live by: Never trust a fart. In keeping with educating people, especially new folks, I thought I would condense a long post and make sort of a guide to living with your ass after surgery, if I did this right, you, the reader will laugh and learn at the same time. Nothing is out of bounds in this post, it's just an amalgam of all the great information posted by the community…

I recently hit my 4 week post op date which has released me to introduce puréed foods. I’ve chosen healthy low carb choices and now I’m at a stall. Do you really continue to lose weight when you aren’t starving your body with water and protein shakes exclusively? I guess I just don’t see how this works and am feeling discouraged.

Hey everyone! I’m 2 days post-op from having my lapband to sleeve revision surgery. I’m having a HARD time getting water down and feel like I’m experiencing an abnormal amount of discomfort still. The nurse at discharge told me it was normal, because of the band removal/scar tissue repair as well as the sleeve itself. It’s weird, because the bubbling sensation I get here and there almost feels similar to my stomach growling, but every once in awhile it comes up a a tiny burp...It adds a lot of relief if I can pass any gas this way!! I’ve been chewing some gas-x in hopes it’ll give some relief, but almost wonder if it’s the trapped air causing my issues? No real nausea tod…

I am 6 days post op sleeve and have been on water/juice only since surgery. I have been cleared to drink broth & protein shakes so I tried both. I had about 3 sips of each sloooowly (hours apart) & had the same reaction. It’s like my chest fills with air/gas, hurts for about 5 seconds, then I feel/hear a gurgle followed by a burp. It is very unpleasant. This does not happen with water, just everything else! Anyone out there having the same experience?

I'm home from the hospital on the 3rd day part op. trying to drink my water and shakes but it's so hard. My husband just brought in a plate I'd steaming fragrant food for himself and it made me want to hurl. Everything hurts but I'm trying. I really hope it gets better but Sunday.

Hello, This is a question for sleevers. I am scheduled for VSG on October 17, my doctor has warned me that I could potentially have acid reflux. I don't have severe reflux now, but have had it in the past and occasionally depending on how I eat (what, when and how much). I usually fix it by making a natural tonic of warm water, baking soda, lemon and/or apple cider vinegar. I am wondering if any sleevers have experienced horrible acid reflux, I have read on the forums a lot of VSG'rs getting revisionsto the by-pass. I'm wondering if you don't make the correct lifestyle changes you have acid or if it's unavoidable? Will I be okay for a …

Hey everyone, I’ve been kind of a lurker until now... So I am 6 weeks post op, I returned to work 3 weeks ago at the start of the school year. I am a k-8 library teacher, on my feet all day, teaching all day, moving books and bins all day. By 1:00 I’m so sore I am starting to hunch over and get nauseous. I’m finding it very difficult to sip water all day...it’s hard to sip and teach at the same time. Did I go back too soon? I’m having a really hard time taking care of myself while trying to do my job well. I feel like such a wimp. On top of it, my doctors office is being really reluctant to give me a note in case I need a day or two off. Any help or advice woul…

Hi all I am day 11 after my gastric sleeve surgery. The surgeon advised us at the hospital to only take tiny sips 3 minutes apart of all liquids for 3 weeks or we risked getting a leak. I wondered if this was true? I haven't seen any other advice supporting this and a few times I have accidentally taken a larger sip at much shorter intervals without any discomfort. Can drinking too much water or liquid cause a leak?

Hello! So I am almost 9 weeks out from the sleeve and I am having trouble eating. I’m at the regular diet stage but everything I try to eat I either don’t like it or I am terrified of it getting “stuck” and possibly vomiting(which I’ve been able to avoid thus far). I think my fear of getting sick is getting in the way of me eating and I’m definitely not getting the amount of protein in which I should. I’m pretty much just eating yogurt and cheddar cheese sticks and some soup occasionally. I want things but I just don’t want to get sick! Can you guys please help with suggestions on things I can eat?? I spoke with my NUT but it’s very generic, tuna, fish, ground meat, etc. …