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I appreciate all your comments, definitely helps. I was having a moment last night. I've had two surgeries in the past, fibroid removal and a c section. I just feel this is more intense. I feel okay though. It's true I have so much more to think about. Drinking medications and vitamins, this is a whole new world for me lol Sent from my SM-A326U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Gastric leaks are almost always discovered before you even leave the hospital. So you can put that fear aside.

Just rest, sleep and heal. Forget everything else, you have enough to think about with vitamins, supplements and drinking your quota.

You have all been so very helpful. I don’t know what I would do without this forum. My surgeon is not very supportive. He said that I’m only the second patient he’s had that’s gotten this hunger and he’s been practicing for 25 years. He noted that I had a history of depression and anxiety ( long since resolved) and suggested that I keep my therapist notified for when I experienced these “episodes”. I believe in his arrogance he simply didn’t like me questioning his work, which I did. There was no sympathy, no alternative explanation as has been given here by my peers. The distress I’ve gone through is something that no person going through this should have to go through. All VSG patients should be told that they MAY experience hunger, right away. This notion that’s in all our preparation and classes or books that ghrelin is removed is false for too many people. If I hadn’t found this on the web I’d have been in really bad shape. Thank you all! Please continue to share with me your experiences with hunger and if it resolved. It is helping!

P.S. don't chase the full feeling - for one thing, most people don't feel restriction to around the time they start up on solid foods - or until the nerves that were cut during the surgery regenerate (which also tends to be around the time we move to solid foods). Plus the "full" cue is often different after surgery. I don't feel full the way I did pre-surgery. Now, it's more like a discomfort in my chest. when I feel that, I know it's time to stop, or I"m going to be sorry. Others have reported weirder things like runny noses when they're full. For now, you're better off measuring out what you're supposed to eat and just eating that. and no - your surgery is not unsuccessful. You're losing weight at a normal clip. And you'll continue to as long as you stick to your program.

That darn number is a crazy thing. It gets in your head and kind of takes over your brain. I still worry every single day that it will start creeping up regardless of what I put in my mouth. I have retrained my brain when it comes to eating and my relationship with food BUT the mirror and scale are the devils

Congratulations! It is crazy the change we see in ourselves when we do a side by side picture.

You are doing fantastic!!! Congrats!! Sent from my SM-G973U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

It might be helpful to remember what a true keto diet is vs. what diet culture makes it out to be. A TRUE keto diet simply means eating few enough carbohydrates that your body enters ketosis where it is no longer using glucose as its primary fuel source. It is NOT inherently a high fat, meat only diet. That is what diet culture has turned it into. There are lots of vegetarians who follow a healthy, whole foods based ketogenic diet. Additionally, the amount of carbs that allow ketosis will vary WIDELY from person to person so unless you are testing regularly, you won't really even know if you are truly in ketosis or not. Now, that being said, most surgeons will say that WLS patients eat a keto diet simply because your primary focus will be protein and your intake will be so low that by virtue of the volume and type of foods you'll be eating you'll be in ketosis. Immediately post-op, you won't be able to eat enough beans (or anything else for that matter) to get in your full protein requirement, let alone extra grains & veggies on top. That is not, however, a requirement (generally speaking) nor is it permanent. Over time, as you're able to eat more food and a wider variety, you'll very likely see your carbohydrate intake increase. I would say, it may be helpful to revisit the conversation with the surgeon and/or dietitian to ensure they understand your needs as a vegetarian and that they are able to support you and tailor the post-op diet to your needs. If they can't or won't then it may be helpful to consult with another surgeon. Ultimately, being HEALTHY post-op is the primary concern and that requires eating a metric crap ton of protein. Can you do that as a vegetarian? Absolutely! But it will require extra support and possibly some creativity and flexibility on your part. Best of luck to you!

I agree wholeheartedly with @liveaboard15. Such people as your aunt are poison. Tell her that if she wants you dead then she gets her wish: You're dead to her. And never talk to her again. Family doesn't get special rights or privileges to treat you like carp. Cut her out. If she visits go to another room, or 'run an errand.' If other family hound you about 'respect' or 'honoring elders' or push visiting with the aunt remind them that she wants you dead. You're just giving her what she wants: one less niece. Tell them if they keep pushing you into a taxic situation they can be added to the ignore list. Life is to short to spend any of it on your aunt or anyone else that can't treat you with, at a minimum, basic courtesy. You are your first priority. Good luck, Tek