Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

I wanted to check in and post my experience. I was miserable during the pre-op phase diet, I cheated with last meals almost once a day until the 3 day water fast which I adhered to. The last 3 days were honestly not that bad, just uncomfortable because of being hungry. My angelic wife was supportive and did the pre-op diet with me :). The surgical procedure was fast, I struggled with some moderate pain, gas pain from the CO2 belly inflate. I am anti narcotic and needed it for a long drive home (9 hrs), I don’t recommend that! That said I used the oxy suspension to sleep for the first 2 days and it will be in the trash this week. I am type 2 diabetic, I lost 2 meds …

I am 18 months out of the surgery today I ate like 3 slices of chicken luncheon and I feel like an elephant is standing on my stomach I can't breathe and I feel bloated is that normal and also I have had severe heart burn since few days and it can't be stopped as I have tried so many medicines

I smoked for a long time. This is my second time quitting. This time around I quit to do my bypass. But now after a month with stress etc I wanna smoke. Is that ok. I did have a cigarette.

Hi ! I’m three months post opp and for the last week I haven’t been able to keep anything down.I throw everything up almost immediately.Any ideas on what this could be ? Please help!

I’m about 18 months out op; I was sleeved 12/14/17 I’ve done really well; I had outpatient surgery, my recovery was relatively easy, at my one week follow up the nurses commented that I was recovering very well to only be a week out. However, I have found that a lot of foods I just can’t tolerate anymore. Most of them the effects are so bad they aren’t even worth the few minutes of reward eating them. Most meats are out except for seafood, and soft meats like beef liver, all fried foods cause the worst flatulence it’s not even worth the embarrassment. However, I had a salad last night, lettuce, cheese, egg, few croutons, and blue cheese dressing and I literally h…

My surgery is on Tues (11th June). I've spent the last two weeks on the pre-op milk diet; it's been painful, as I'm sure a lot of us know. I am really anxious about the surgery itself and I've been battling a lot of thoughts about keyhole/open surgery. My anxiety has me convinced that my liver won't be small enough for keyhole and they'll have to cut me open. I'm so excited to have this tool but I wish I could fall asleep tonight and wake up this time next week, with surgery and being in hospital over and done with.

Guys..I'm 4 months out and constantly snacking on rice chips because I get hunger pains and dont know what to eat. I know it's not right and I need to stop...any advice on what I can do as well as any snack advice would be so great. Thanks!!

i wanted to know weather anyone experienced saliva reduction after the operation, being almost 3 moths in my saliva production has not increased and i have to drink constantly, while talking i have to drink more water or else my entire mouth dries up. just wanted to know when my saliva will start to reproduce again

Hey! I’m just curious what others macros and calories are, as well as how far post op you are. I’m 6 weeks post op and down about 28lbs. I feel like I’m losing slower than others. Everyday seems to be so different for me calorie and macro wise. I need to find a good balance and stick to it! Thanks :)

VSG 11/17 155lbs BMI 27 Much of the same from the months prior. Getting checked out by surgeon about GERD & if i need a Conversion. We'll see what the tests say. Otherwise trying to settle firmly into maintenance. Food remains mostly the same but i did give up yogurt to see if it was prompting too may dumping episodes. Problem is i am also no longer eating the foods that i ate along with the yogurt so I'm not certain. Pics attached

The hospital submitted my paperwork today for insurance approval of the surgery. I’m equal parts excited and terrified. I just got a huge promotion and am overwhelmed at work, so the timing isn’t the best. I’ve been in the bariatric surgery program since January, but for some reason I still feel unprepared for what life will really be like post surgery. I’m scared about the loss of food. Did anyone else here have that same fear? How’s it going?

So I was sleeved 4/25/2019 and have had a few stalls. Most recently I was stuck at 203-204. I always weigh myself on the same scales and nothing on. The nurse is still getting used to that. (I kid, I kid). So I've was stuck there for more than a week. Weighing every morning. When I lose weight it's usually overnight and I would see up to a pound drop from bedtime to waking up. I assumed that I would slowly creep up on sub 200 but instead went from 203 - 197 in one night. I weighed myself six times because I couldn't believe it. That was yesterday. This morning I'm 196 so there is my usual pound. Anyone else ever have a huge drop overnight? I ha…

I was sleeved a few days ago 5/29 and I actually felt a lot better yesterday than I do today. I haven't had any protein, I cant stomach the premier protein, and I feel to weak to go to the store and buy some. I keep falling asleep I have no energy. I still have some gas pain in my chest, I’ve been trying to walk around the house to relieve that pain but earlier I feel like I almost fainted I couldn't stand up in the shower. Is this weakness just a normal part in the healing process? Should I try to walk it off or let myself sleep? Not feeling so great hope everyone who was recently sleeved is feeling better.

Good Morning all, In 3 days I'll be 2 months post OP and the scale won't move, I'm sad and want to cry. I posted here several times and I've also had a NSV of being able to fit clothes I haven't worn in maybe a year or more. My thing is I want to see the numbers go down. I thought I was doing things right and someone here told me to cut my calories down to 300 to 500 which I did. I then went to the doctor and she told me I needed to eat MORE than what I was and bring my calorie intake up to at least 1000 to 1200. Im feeling overwhelmed and feeling like it's only me that can't lose weight. I see people here and whom i know from other forums and stated the journey when I d…

I had my sleeve last 04/24/19. Prior to my surgery, I didn’t get my period for about 2 months. About a week after my surgery, I got my period which was heavier than normal and lasted longer. I didn’t think of it too much but then I experienced little bleeding again about 2 weeks after. And it was just for a day. 19 days later I got my period AGAIN and today is my 2nd day and it’s Super heavy. I had never experience my period to be this heavy before. I am worried. Did this happen to anyone?

Hi everyone! I'm a little over 1 month post-op gastric sleeve. Lost around 40 lbs so far. I was 399 before surgery. Haven't had any trouble with foods or swallowing thus far. Here's my question: I would really like to take a regular capsule multivitamin. Is that OK or do I need to continue with the chewable? Taking a chewable makes me feel like a kid and I feel like all the vitamins just get stuck in my teeth - LOL. Thanks for any advice!

everything has been submitted to insurance. How long does it usually take?

I am just over 1 month post-op gastric sleeve. I was at 399 the day of surgery. I'm now down to 259 or so. Lost about 40 pounds. I know that's good -- its only been a month -- but I am getting very impatient. Compared to what I used to eat before surgery, I eat like a mouse now. I feel like I should have lost 100 lbs by now. Has anyone else dealt with this? Also, is there a way to prevent from getting too much loose skin? I don't want to wait until I've lost 100 lbs. to worry about it. Thanks so much. This forum is a great resource!

I am new to the bariatricpal site and the forums on VGS. I start my two week before surgery low cal plan on May 27, 2019. I'm asking to hear from those who have been through the surgery and are at least 6mos out from the surgery date. Name your top recommendation for me as I start this process and dramatic life change with VGS? Thanks for sharing your wisdom.

I'm 6 years out, lost 150lbs and have maintained pretty well +/- 10 to 15 lbs. But I have noticed that my loose skin belly bulge seems to be growing disproportionately with my weight fluctuations...Even at my lowest weight my lower belly bulge seems to be getting larger with time? Any one else experience this? Any theories? Thx

However, when do you stop losing weight? I've lost 150lbs... very satisfied! The hanging skin, well that's another story! I'm getting a little worried. Was 300, lost half of my weight. I eat but when I get full I stop. I eat small portion, lots healthy but some I do indulge...It will be a year, the end of this month the 26th. I don't want to go under 150. My legs are so little my son calls me stick legs, I'll take it though. I'm much healthier, I move around a lot easier, exercise, ride my bike and tons of other stuff I wasn't able to do before. I slowed down with the exercising because I don't want to go below 150. Any suggestions? Also, my hair...OMG! it started fa…

Hey Y’all! ? I’m new here, sort of, I’ve been coming here for answers all during pre-op. I decided to join so that I can interact and not just read! My husband and I finished all of pre-op requirements Friday. Today we will be submitting everything to insurance and choosing our date!

Hi friends; I'm about to start pureed stage tomorrow. RD's talked to me about pureed chicken/fish. They didn't mention pureed red meat. I sent them a message to ask, but also thought I would ask here: did anyone eat pureed beef (small amount of course) in the puree stage (2-3 weeks post op)? Thanks!

Hello...did anyone develop insomnia after surgery? If so, did it resolve and how long did that take? I frequently wake up 2 or 3 hours after falling asleep and then I toss and turn for the next 3 hours. Its miserable for work and my attitude!

So tell me about your last 20lbs or so. I’d like to lose another 15 but it is sloooooow even though I’m still in the first year. Tips and advice are greatly appreciated.

Does anyone else get hot and sweaty after eating beef or pork in the early stages?

I am 12 days post op and the struggle is REAL!!! I have a few more days until I can start pureed foods but it feels like that’s an eternity away! I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy journey but I never realized how much I obsessed about food. Any suggestions on what to try first? I’m looking forward to eggs and mashed avocado.

Hello. I have 2 more months of my nutrition to send my paperwork to insurance. I am a mess. I want to buy stuff for the surgery and after but say if I get denied I would be heartbroken. Last week I had to call my surgeon and tell them that they had my wrong height by an inch so I had to go into the office and get rechecked then I called my primary doctor because they had it wrong and I had to go in there and get rechecked and sure enough they all had me taller by an inch so that changed my BMI but now that they corrected it my BMI is above 35 and I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol but say if the insurance company denies me because of that. I am a nervo…

The last week in a half now I have been so drained. I thought it maybe because I came on my monthly , but this is something different. I usually go straight to the gym after work, but lately I have only been 3 days. I'm just so exhausted, I can bearly make it through my 8 hours at work. I'm going to the gym tomorrow but now I'm worried about gaining. Shouldn't be because I can not anyways. 3 bites and I'm full. Still having a hard time drinking 64 oz of fluids. It will be 3 months out on 6/20 and I hope I have not gained. Just don't know how to get more energy, this just hit me at once last week. Hope it's almost over.

While it is already the Dog Days of summer here... I've caught a brutal cold that hubby brought home from his workplace last week. I am five months out and thankfully, did not contact the flu or any other illness until now. This cold has hit like a vengeance! Funniest thing. It feels very different than colds in the past. Does anyone have any remedies or tips that helped them through? I have continued to drink water and hot tea allotments, however any food just irritates the very raw throat with tummy upset. Previously, it was said: Feed a cold, Starve a fever. Remember?! And, OH boy, would I ever feed + comfort myself (Ahhhh...) with Stouffers macaroni and cheese…

Tomorrow is the big day. On Sunday afternoon, I started getting pain in my right leg. It feels like I ran 40 miles carrying 100 pounds of weight on my right leg. I'm not sure if it might be from dehydration or maybe because I'm not getting my usual vitamins since I've been on the diet. It feels better sometimes. But there is no pattern to it. Anyone else have fun leg pain?

I started this process in April with my PCP. I barely met the cut for insurance to cover with a 35 BMI, but need the surgery for several medical conditions. I called my insurance to make sure it was okay to start the weight loss and fall below the 35. She said, yes, as long as you have process started and have weight on record. Then I went last week for appt. with dietician and she was concerned about starting the pre-op diet for insurance purposes falling below the required 35 BMI. She went and talked to someone, I am assuming with insurance dept. She came back and said we don't have to worry about that, she says it is fine to drop below 35. I get home and get a c…

I'm 7 days post op & I just ate 2 oz of cottage cheese. *side eyes myself* Except it went down just fine & I'm going to punch myself in the face & throw up if I have to eat another sip of soup. Am I the only one who's cheated post op & should I expect to die in an hour or two? (kidding) I'm not even craving bad things, I just cannot take soup or protein shakes. CANNOT.

So I have no thyroid due to thyroid cancer 5 years ago so I have to be on thyroid meds for life. I was on 212 mg pre op but I read some articles that your tsh levels go down 9 mg a day post op and you have to adjust your medication. What has been your experiences post op regarding adjusting medication. I am very anxious about over medicating or under so I can properly lose weight. I requested my blood be tested a week after surgery and it was fine and I’ve had great energy. How often should you get tsh levels tested? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I may be getting a new job and I know they have Keystone Health Plan East BCBS (I'm in PA). Anyone have experience with them? How long was the waiting period? How did the approval process go for the surgery? I appreciate it!

I had my surgery on April 30th. It has bin effective.. but has anyone have a burning sharp pain by their belly button... I have no stitches there so I know it's internal.. any one else going thru this and how long does it last and what did u do to ease the pain? I'm on a heat pad constantly.

Okay, so my PCP referral came through on Saturday for the bariatric surgeon and I had to work on my patience to wait until Monday to call for an appointment. The surgeon had an opening on Wednesday morning, so I am headed there tomorrow to do my intake appointment. The nurse said it will take 2-3 hours. Can anyone help me with what to expect?? I am so nervous, I don't want to mess it up somehow. I know I am a "good" candidate (High BMI, T2D), and I want to have the surgery so badly. I am just afraid of being turned down. Anyone have any tips, or even words of encouragement??? I haven't told anyone about this journey yet, so I am sort of out here alone. Thanks!!

Hi, I am 3 1/2 weeks post OP and am battling with heartburn, especially at night. I get it when I eat and when I don't eat... I told my surgeon at my 2 week postbox visit and he said to try one of the OTC meds but I'm not getting any relief. I've already doubled the dosage (checked dosages for prescription strength first) but it's barely touching it. Is this normal?

Hi, I began my journey towards being healthy again one year ago, at a starting weight of 308lbs at 5'6", on two BP meds and still with a BP of 140/90, and also on cholesterol meds. When asked what my goal was, it was just to be healthy, and I thought it would be great to lose enough weight to get off all my meds. So I began seeing a nutritionist late May, 2018, and started modifying my eating habits, went back to the gym, and did the pre-requisite doctor visits and tests to get approved for surgery. By December I was down 34-35lbs. and feeling good with a surgery date of January 2, 2019. Soon after surgery I was able to cut back on my meds. Wa…

Anyone else getting their sleeve done January of 2019? I’d love to hear from some people who are around the same time as me. I’m getting it done January 9th. I’m nervously excited.

Had my surgery on January 16th and I am almost 4 months post op. I have noticed in the past 3 weeks that my hair is really falling out. I have read tons of peoples comments and knew this was most likely going to happen, but when it starts to happen to you it can be scary. Just asking to see if other January sleevers are experiencing this as well and what are you doing to help with it? I take biotin and eat as much protein as I can (probably could eat more). Any tips or tricks? Thanks

Hi December sleevers..first congrats!...second... let's help each other get through this with positive motivation & honesty I know I need it. I was sleeved on 12/10 . I'm convinced my surgeon took my whole damn stomach out.

I just passed my halfway point, and am feeling really good today! It may be slow, but it's better than not losing at all, or gaining. Feeling strong and knowing I can do this!

5/31/19 Oh, the journey I've traveled. It's been years since I last posted but I was such an avid contributor that I thought I'd "check in" again. My weight gain started after a very depressing first marriage & continued on through single parenthood. By the time I met my current husband (of almost 20 yrs now), I guess I was comfortable with myself & my terrible eating habits. I'm not sure I can pinpoint the moment I decided to have the gastric sleeve, but like many, I got to the point where I was so damn depressed that I didn't even want to go out. I didn't want to be seen or noticed. I was incredibly embarrassed with myself. Fast forward, I had…

Since Insure Nutrition closed last year, does anyone know of another company that offers insurance covered protein shakes and scar cream? Just curious. Thanks.

Hello. If my test for sleep acme comes back positive Can the doctor send my paperwork in for approval. My BMI is 36.7 I have high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My insurance wants 6 nutritional visits. I have done 3.

Can we have protein bars instead of shakes?

hi i’m newly sleeved. I’m on liquid diet & am now sooo sick of soup/liquids. Can’t wait till puree begins to try some mashed potato. I keep getting cravings for french fries, chinese spring rolls & seafood. in reality, if you put a plate of chips in front of me- i don’t think i’d physically be able to eat them but just wondered do these head cravings stop? i’m like watching food cooking on youtube & this kinda soothes my cravings as does smelling what the rest of my family are eating. is this weird behaviour? lol. I have been feeling v weak on this liquid diet. i’m hoping that when i’m on soft foods my digestion will sort itself…

Just wondering if anyone found the can not eat oatmeal anymore. Since my surgery it makes me sick. I know things change just thought I would be able to eat it eventually. Now I just feel sick.

Hi, I'm new to the group...I have my sleeve surgery may 28 and am excited! I had the realize band in 2008 and lost 110 pounds.... But it had to be removed in 2016 due to complications. All the weight came back, along with high blood pressure and a hiatal herni. Any others out there that went from band to sleeve and had a hiatal hernia repair? Was there any issues with adhesions or scar tissue? Thanks