Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums

Hey everyone! I'm Elliot. In 32 and from Warrington UK. ...sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place. I had a sleeve on September 8th and I'm feeling great. Before the pre op diet I was 22 stone and I'm not 20.01stone This was actually a revision sleeve for me. I first had thr procedure back in 2010 in Prague but I later found out that they only did 2/3 of the sleeve and left the bottom part which allowed it to stretch back and not be as restrictive. Feeling great and motivated and looking forward to reading the forums.

I'm so excited and just have to share the news that insurance has approved surgery! I have been going through all of the motions since January and am so excited! A little about me: I'm 46, mother of two kids (10 & 7), and I teach 6th grade. I had medullary thryoid cancer and my thyroid was removed in 2008. Even though my thyroid hormone levels are within range, weight has been a problem ever since the removal of my thyroid. Have I mentioned that I am SO EXCITED?!?

Hopefully, some of you out there can share your experiences post surgery in regards to your initial weight loss. ? I had my WLS last week on 9/7, so I’m about 9 days post op. With that said, I’m excited about my journey but a little concerned. As of this morning I have lost approximately 18.7 lbs since my surgery date. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m glad that I’m dropping weight, I just wasn’t expecting to lose so much in such little time. ? Any feedback would be appreciated!

Hello amazing people i had my surgery on 9-9 thursday around 4pm - i have regained the feeling of eating 2 days ago although ive been distracting myself - im now on my 2nd day of vitamins- protein Shakes but i feel like i eat, when i smell and see people eating my brain goes into ape mode and i wana consume ive been trying to be patient but i find myself now calling my doctor to ask ( he wont reply go figure ) - so i was wondering what did others here feel and what they did about it? - im Not gona put any food in my mouth until i talk with my doctor but id love to know how others here dealt with it - the hunger feeling is the same before surgery although i havent been d…

I was on two blood pressure medications. One contained a water pill, and my PCP decided that since I'll be struggling to hydrate, I don't need to take the one with the water pill. In two days—TWO DAYS—my uncontrolled (pre-meds) blood pressure dropped from 155/95 to 134/75. I really don't understand how that would work physically, but I'm not going to argue with it!

I’m exactly 1 week post op. I do not feel full at all, ever. I catch myself gulping water and remember that I’m supposed to carefully sip. Instructions are to sip my protein shakes slowly. 1 once over 15 minutes… but why? from the moment I woke up in recovery, I had pain on my incision marks but I do not feel like my stomach is any different at All. I do follow the portion sizes for the full liquid diet, but I almost suspect that my stomach was not operated on at all. Is this normal?

Has anyone had their WLS in Mexico? Where is the best place to go? Where do I need to stay away from? Thanks!

Hey so i quit smoking before surgery last week - i am feeling strong and well for last 2-3 days and currently on my 2nd week of protien Shake and vitamins, i really want to smoke a joint so badly sometimes but i know i should wait 1 more week but i was curious when did others here go for a ciggarete or puff - all my friends are smokers they wana see me and hangout but im not sure if i should cause will trigger my bad habit ( i know its bad etc but i use it for my anxiety-stress relief etc ) - also im getting food cravings for last 2 days but been I only mean one ciggarete a day or less btw i have trouble sleeping due to it sleep 3-4 hours and awake all night Hope y…

Hi all, I got sleeved with a hiatal hernia repair on 9/9. I am having an OK time getting fluids down- water, tea, etc. I am having an impossible time stomaching protein shakes or even getting yogurt down. Is this normal? When does it get easier? I find myself thinking about food all the time.. when does all this get easier?

Hey i had my surgery on thursday 9/9 and yesterday my doctor met me removed the cover i had on my stitches and said i could function normally and swim and stuff but online all doctors said weeks - and my pre op diet was 2 days not weeks like others i was thinking of going to a general M.D. To do some testing and look at my wounds for a second opnion but people around me are saying im being paranoid im honestly not sure what to do can anyone give me advice please ? He has done this operation many times etc but i just feel they dont care about patients that much after i paid and op is done. Hope you are all doing well and thanks for taking the time to read this hopefull…

I’ve had some regain. I’ll be 5 years out next March and I’ve gained back almost half of what I lost. I’m extremely depressed about it. I met with my doctor last week and see my nutritionist in a couple weeks. I work out with a trainer 1-2 times per week and go to the gym 3-4 times per week for about 40 minutes. I do HIIT training. I try to track but I’m not great at it…and I tend to get extremely obsessive about the numbers. I’m starting to feel like a failure and I feel like a deer in headlights! If you’ve been down this road please help. I could use some support and encouragement.

I was sleeved 9/13/21 and am about 24hours out. All in all, I have no regrets so far. I was a mess going into surgery, couldn’t stop crying and asking my husband if I was making a mistake, but I’m so relieved I did it. I feel like this is the first day of the rest of my life! A few things that I think might help those of you about to go in… 1. When I woke up, pain was about a 7/10, they gave me some meds and I felt much better. Ladies, if you’ve experienced contractions this is a walk in the park. 2. Deep breaths are uncomfortable (doc tells me this is totally normal). They have me blowing into one of those funny tubes to make me fully inflate my lungs to avoid “gu…

Hey guys, was wondering if anyone has had their gastric sleeve done in Los Angeles, self paid (how much) and which doctor you ultimate went with. I really would like to get it done, however, I don't qualify through insurance. I'm only a 33/34 BMI, my blood pressure is high, but not high enough, my cholesterol is high, but not high enough, and i don't have any of the other obesity related qualifers. Before delving into my options in Mexico, wanted to find out if Los Angeles would be a viable option (I know it won't be the cheapest but wanted to see how much it could be). Thanks!!

My first goal was 180. The last weight I remember when I was social and comfortable enough with my appearance that I went out and did things like bowling league. I just reached 180.7 today!!

Is it normal for weight to go up and down the first month after surgery?

My surgery was ~8 mos ago. I've started having very itchy skin all over my body... legs, arms, chest, abdomen, etc. Everywhere except my face. And there are some areas that have red 'bumps'. They look like a teen breakout but they're not actually pimples, and I haven't had breakouts for > 20 years. If I'm not paying attention, I scratch so much that I end up with huge hematomas/ scratch marks in large areas. The areas with the 'bumps' are most itchy but I'm essentially scratching everywhere depending on the day. I thought it was dry skin but moisturizing hasn't helped. And I've never had this type of problem before during any season. I've lost just over …

What soft foods did you first add to your diet at 6 week PO? Which vegetables did you start with that were cooked down?

I’m so glad I’ve found this site! I know no one who’s had this surgery so I’ve got no one to ask so I’m hoping you lovely people can help. I’m 9 days post surgery and so far everything seems to be going well, except I can’t stop burping, is this normal? Has anyone else experienced this

Hello everyone, So I'm getting nervous now! I have Ahcccs w/ AZ Complete Health Plan) & I have been doing all the requirements from my Bariatric Surgeon. 6 months supervised diet w/ chart all chart notes & visit summary (lost 6 lbs, never gained), endoscopy, cardiac clearance (pet scan, echo & EKG), pulmonary clearance (chest x-ray), sleep study, psych eval & clearance, nutritionist, & letter of recommendation from Primary Care doc. I made sure to get copies of everything & sent them to my surgery coordinator in the doctor's portal. FINALLY FINISHED! My surgeon's office is submitting everything next week & I'm nervous! I'm worried if I w…

My surgery is scheduled for Monday - I can’t believe in 48 hours it’s finally time!! I’ve been on the pre-op diet for two weeks tomorrow and I’m down 12lbs. I started at 242 and am now 230. I’m feeling ALL THE FEELINGS… excited, scared, like I’ve failed, like there is hope, like it won’t work for me, like it will work and I’ll finally achieve a normal weight. I’m all over the place! Did anyone else go through this?!

Hi everyone. I am about to hit my 4 month and I am at a major stall, plus I gained some weight and I am not using the restroom how I was the first 2 months after. I am stuck on 30 well now back to 24lbs. I wanted to ask what is you all eating plan that ya'll go by on a day to day. I'm talking very informative like Breakfast, Snack, Lunch, Snack, Dinner the reason why I am asking because I meal prep week to week. I really want feedback from those who have had success through the VSG and those who broke their stales. I can't wait to read all your replies.

Is it normal to have explosive diarrhea everyday after surgery? I'm still on the all liquid diet. I first thought it was dairy, so I cut that out. Now it's anything I eat, besides water. I'm not nauseated. I'm scared to leave my house because when it hits, I got to go now. I'm not dehydrated. I'm getting in the water. Oh and I recently started getting dizzy spells.

I just wanted to post my experience to help anyone who is getting the surgery, here is my experience: I had surgery yesterday around 11:30 am. When I woke up, I was in great pain. Mind you I have had multiple surgeries and major surgeries that were worse, but the middle of my chest was hurting bad because of the gas. It was dead in the middle of my chest. I thought I was having a heart attack for 14 hours, lol. Around 3:00 am this morning, the pain just disappeared like magic. Today, I have been walking, released around noon, come home took a vitamin and I am on no pain meds. Really don't need them, the stomach incisions feel like the gallbladder surgery I had i…

Day 4 from the surgery and my doctor has advised to consume a minimum of 1.5 to 2 litres of liquids but as much as I try to drink I'm just unable to tolerate more than about 500 to 700 millilitres a day and mu urine is starting to turn pretty dark especially at night time. any advice on what could make me tolerate more liquids such as water?

Hey everyone! Had my surgery on September 4th. I'm 37 years old and I weighed 445 lb 2 weeks before the surgery. Lost 11 lb by d-day. Surgery done, doctor said my kidney was so far from my stomach so much so it all went perfectly well. Now, come to day 4 and I still have pain in my upper chest it feels like someone is stabbing me. it's not constant, it comes and goes but when it comes it's painful, not extremely severe but pretty damn painful, ESPECIALLY WHEN I BURP which is happening quiet a lot eventhough I'm regularly releasing wind (aka farting) is this normal 4 days after the surgery? I read in most cases the pains will go by the second day or so.…

Hi all. I had a lapse into vaping and have surgery the 13th. I'm self pay and am wondering if insurance is the main cause for nicotine testing. I'm afraid there will be a nicotine test before the surgery. I am aware it was foolish. Please just peoples' experience with insurance- not desirous of scolders or pleas, or the science of quitting. If you don't understand what that means, please refrain from posting on this thread.

Hello, So tomorrow I'll be 2 months post op. So far this journey has been great! I'm down 25 lbs since surgery, 36 since starting the pre op diet. The last 8 days I haven't lost or gained anything. I've been stuck at this weight. I average 850-900 calories, 85g of protein, 50g of carbs (total, not net), 40g of fat, and 80 oz of water. & I workout about 4 days a week. Can anyone offer advice to help break this stall? It has me starting to freak out a little about how long it'll be and I'm only halfway to my goal.

Hi all! Just wondering for those who have step counts, how many steps do you try and get in a day? I'm 3 weeks post op and looking for a rough measure so I can work towards goals. I lost 4kg of muscle over my surgery and my dietician was not happy about that so much, so definitely gotta gain that back!

Hello, I am week 4 from my surgery and am really tired a lot. I work from home 10 hours most days. This makes it really difficult to get to the gym. My Dr said it will get better. Anyone else have these issues. Thanks

Hi guys, I had surgery on 8/26, so 12 days out. I also had a hernia repair. I felt amazing a week after, minimal pain, great energy, drinking my protein shakes and liquids just fine. Then, over Labor Day weekend, we went to the beach, and I walked a ton (like 17,000 steps two days in a row). By the end of the weekend, I slowed down, became incredibly fatigued, and now I can't get comfortable AT ALL. My upper back and my chest are just very achy. I haven't reached out to my surgeon because I'm sure she'll tell me pain is normal at this stage. My first post op appointment isn't until next Wednesday. I'm hoping I'm just sore, and with rest it will get better. Any th…

Just curious to know how many people in this forum currently active are around my pre-op weight.

Just had a 6 week follow up with my surgeon. He advised to eat about 1,000 calories a day at this point as to not slow down weight loss. I’ve been averaging between 600-700. Since July 15 I’ve lost 30 pounds. Pre-2 week surgery diet I was 250. Surgery day weight was 241, now I’m 220 even. Seems slow. He told me that weight loss isn’t like a straight drop. And two weeks ago, I stalled for about 3 weeks. He advised to only weigh once a week. How is everyone else doing on calories and weight loss at about 6/7 weeks out? Just want to see how I’m doing. One thing I haven’t been doing is rigorous exercise…he said that would help too. Any advice is appreciated.

I have a large red bump below my incision. I have noticed it has been getting redder and bigger. It is warm to the touch and hurts really bad. It reminds me of a cyst. Should I be concerned or is this normal?

9 days and counting! I'm excited and nervous and scared and impatient and.... No pre-op diet for me, just a general urging to eat less and practice how I'll eat after surgery. Where are you having your surgery done? I'll be in Torrance, CA

Hi all, just wondering how long people's incisions hurt after vsg? Bonus question. How long did you feel twinges or a little ache in your stomach area? Context:I get that after I eat, I'm so bloody worried I'm doing damage and I'm gonna get a leak... but I'm seeing my surgeon on Wednesday. I wonder if he'll let me get another gastroscopy, just to check it out and make sure... My incisions are also still quite tender! Vsg on 18 August.

Does drinking too much water stretch your pouch?

Hi there. I'm wondering if the water sipping every 10-15 minutes is a forever thing. I am so irresponsible about drinking water now. I worry I will drop the ball. It's seriously making me reconsider in addition to other fears.

Hello all I am currently 6 weeks post-op (Surgery date 07/24/2021) and I have been losing SLOWLY after my three-week plateau. I am losing 1 pound A WEEK. Mind you, I have PCOS. So yeah, I get I will be a "slow loser" and such. But aren't I too early in the game for me to lose at such a damn SLOW PACE? I am eating up to 90 g of protein, I stay under 20 net carbs, I eat healthy (hell, I haven't tried anything other than what's on my doctor's list), and yet... my damn scale is frozen in numbers. I am feeling regretful at this point. It has nothing to do with the fact that I am a "lower weight than most." (I am stuck at 167.2) Many are this weight currently and are …

I am less than a week away from my VSG (8/31) and I am so worried that the Governor of NJ is going to force some sort of elective surgery shutdown like he did last year. I have gone through a lot over the past few months and it is so close now. Anyone else going through this?

Hi all, I don’t want to depress or trigger but I am really looking for some reassurance that what I am feeling is normal or maybe someone else has felt the same way. Again, trigger warning for mentions of mental illness/ED. I had my gastric sleeve surgery on July 13th (my doc also repaired my hiatal hernia) I feel like such an outcast reading these forums because everyone says they have no regrets and I swear as soon as I woke up from surgery that was the first thought that I had. I assumed it was because I was in so much pain but it would get better. Now I’m 3 weeks out on the purée stage and I am so depressed I can barely bring myself to do anything. I don’t feel …

I had my sleeve on 8/16. I'm a male, 6'6", and on that day I weighted 387. Today (8/25), I'm at 362. I'm obviously happy with the progress, but I'm battling lightheadness and I think it's related to lack of protein. (If I drink half a shake or so, it clears up a bit later.) I had the procedure done at UCLA & the post-op guidance was 80-100 grams of protein as tolerated, and 64oz of water. This past week I haven't had any issue with either. In fact, I'm wondering if I should increase my protein intake to combat the lightheadness?

Hello! I’m new! I’ve done everything on the checklist and have 35.2 BMI and I just found out I have mild sleep apnea. Does anyone have experience having trouble getting approval from CIGNA for gastric sleeve with only mild sleep apnea as your only comorbidity with 35 BMI? Thank you in advance.

Hi Everyone! I am here for some advice, input, personal stories, etc. I am a 46 year old female and started my WLS journey back in March. My surgeon approved me as a candidate for VSG and my insurance required 6 months of nutritional counseling. I have also gone through the psych eval and EGD. I have my final pre-op with the surgeon next week and then she submits everything to my insurance company for authorization. I am starting to have serious doubts about going through surgery. I am terrified of losing my hair. I am perimenopausal and have hypothyroidism so my hair is already thin. I am also just scared in general of the procedure, and any possible side effects. Does a…

OMG y'all, DO NOT TRUST A FART. First, I'm 8 days post sleeve surgery and haven't had a proper bowel movement. So, I'm at the DMV with my husband so he can get his truck registered, and I'm sitting in the BRAND NEW truck with our 5 y/o while my husband is inside. Surprise! I have to fart, so I do, only IT'S NOT A FART! I literally **** my pants while sitting in our brand new truck. So I text my husband, "I just **** my pants, I need to come into the bathroom." He says come on in, so I grab the 5 y/o after much complaining about not wanting to leave the car, and go running into the DMV bathroom. I run in, to my relief, it's a 1-only with a lockable door, I look at …

I am almost 6 weeks post gastric sleeve. I am starting to slowly introduce ‘normal’ foods. I have managed to eat spaghetti and noodles fine but tonight I tried penne pasta and sauce. I only have about 2 tablespoons of pasta and a tomato sauce, I didn’t even manage to eat all of this. I have vomited shortly after. This is the second time to happen in the last week. Does anyone know why this could be? I don’t want to get scared of trying to introduce new foods but it’s putting me off eating!

I am a month and two weeks out from my sleeve surgery. It’s much easier to drink water now. Is there a certain amount we should be sipping at a time or can we pretty much drink water in one period as much as we can handle? I want to make sure I’m not ingesting it too fast for my stomach or something like that. I don’t feel that much restriction with water so I don’t want to stretch my stomach.

Hello, I’m about 2 months post OP, lost about 40 pounds (from a 253 start). I started to drink Diet Coca-Cola again from a 3 months total abstinence. It’s ok to do that? I’m drinking about 500ml per day, half after lunch and the rest in nighttime. I don’t feel any discomfort, but I’m worried about side effects to the surgery. Thanks for the advices!

I'm married with a husband who works tons of hours and two active teenagers. They are self-sufficient for breakfast and lunch, but if I want everyone together around the dinner table, it's still up to me to cook dinner for the family. I found this a little challenging at first and some nights I ditched, but when I do that it seems everyone scatters and just makes a sandwich when they feel like it or runs out for take-out. I really enjoy our family dinners because it seems like the only time everyone takes a pause and sits down together to connect. So, I had to get back to the kitchen, even though I'm still early in my post-op diet and not eating what they do. I know …

Hi all as most folks I have been working from home since March 2020. I had my gastric sleeve 8/16/2021. My team at work who I absolutely love we are like a family are getting together before going back into the offiice. We will be going in on a rotating basis. My question is when did you feel comfortable going to a social gathering? I don't think I am nowhere near ready for that. Also do you all tell people you have had the surgery? Thanks for listening