Danilax

Thank you for your post. I was have a very difficult and miserable time following my doctors orders and I too was having no problems. I am two weeks and I day post surgery today and started eating chicken last saturday and I have been so happy. I eat small amounts and I chew very well and I have had no problems. I am not going to put tuna in the blender and drink it. Not going to happen. I want to get my Protein through food and not stupid Protein Shakes and artificial flavors and sweetners. My goal with the sleeve was to eat and live like a "normal" person. Protein shakes and fanatical eating is no normal life for me. I do not ever want to go back to my awful eating habits that got me in this position in the first place. I loved your post and I hope you don't get beat up for it, there are some people on here that are pretty critical of anyone not following the plan to a T.

I agree with you. Diets do not work! That's how we got here in the first place. My NUT suggested reading the book "Intuitave Eating" great advice about listening to your body, not all the so called diet rules that we've been brainwashed with.

Ok. Rules are SOMETIMES meant to be broken. So, Here's the deal. I am 2 weeks post op today. I am one of those who had zero issues and had a smooth ride from recovery room to date!! This post is not intended to mean I am sure I will have a long term good go at this! It also doesn't address the future, but really ONLY the many threads that I have read regarding the preo op and post op liquid diets and the Pre and post few weeks Do's and Dont's!
I have read almost every post on here before and after surgery, lol. Here is the point that I will explain. Your/Our obsession over following diet rules is what got us here in the first place.. isn't it?? I mean, it's great to have black and white rules.. Do's and Don's. can and cant's.. That's why we were ALL great on Atkins (remember the carb counting obsession), and South Beach (remember how carefully we chose the meals), weight watchers, low cal, grapefruit, slimfast , yada yada yada......RIGHT?
Sure, it worked. THEN WE WENT OFF THE WAGON and got sick of the rules and restrictions and put weight back on (and then some).... That's because it was a DIET.. Why do so many of you do that on here? I'm not judging, but trying to help! Yes, it's easier for me, since I have had no issues. I come from a strong medical family (i had bio as a minor,4 docs and 2 nurses in immed family) and I always love to understand WHY the rules are in place. If something doesn't make sense, I want to know why and not just follow a rule because it was put out there.
My surgeon told me that "rules" are on here for the lower end of reaction spectrum. meaning, many need not follow them, but since 30%, for ex, will have issues with some things, they want to make a general rule......
As EVERYONE says on here, as well as EVERY doc, ALL OF US ARE DIFFERENT! We heal differently, We tolerate pain differently, foods differently, weight loss differently, etc..... EVERY SINGLE ONE So, the rules need not be applied to the T!
Now, as a caveat and from feedback so far on this post, this is not an excuse to eat junk NOR stay on bad habits. I don't mean to enable anyone. here is what BUTTERTHEBEAN wrote:
"The only reason I say "enabling" is because I think there are some people waiting in the wings to hear someone tell them it's okay to eat whatever they want. They haven't tackled their food addictions and they are hoping for "permission" to go back to their old ways. I know there are some that can learn to eat "all things in moderation." I have no problem with that. For me, I chose to embrace my inner health nut. It's not fear or weakness or lack of self control...it's the desire to live a long, healthy and active life. I'm not depriving myself, or sacrifing. The things I'm doing and the life I'm leading now feel way better than eating pizza and cupcakes ever did (even in moderation). By that I mean that food did not give me pleasure (never did, I just thought it did), so I no longer look to food to satisfy my needs, except nutritionally."
Ok... Back to the post. Specifically, here is what I have had debunked by my brother (Anesthesiologist for bariatric), My mom (nurse and nutritionist), my bro's good friend and bariatric surgeon, and my surgeon..........
* Yes, the liquid PRE OP diet is not to be messed with. It sucked, but we need the liver to be soft and looking like liver in a supermarket. That will happen in most cases with one week.. Many docs do one week only and many do 2 weeks..... So, if you have a 2 week doc, don't worry if you cheat a little and wants some low calorie food.. It's OK!! have the Soup... etc. I didn't cheat as mine was only a week and I did not want to have a lifetime of liver issues if it was frail and broke a bit/injured while being moved for my surgery....
* Most docs on here POST OP put you on liquids for 2 weeks.. Why?? NOTHING medical. Really? Many docs, including mine, put me on Clear Liquids only day 1 in the hospital and then put me instantly on pureed foods (tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, greek yogurts, ricotta cheese, etc).. Yes. DAY 2! He does this for EVERY patient.. He has had NO MORE COMPLICATIONS than anyone else ever.... It is NOT true that eating this will cause a leak.. It can't get caught in you stitches, lol, as they are on the outside and you can't see them even in your stomach.. The ONLY risk is a)that you eat way too much and thus can cause leaks, so don't do that. and that is WAY too much. Meaning you go out of your way to test the limits. As any surgeon will tell you, stretching the stomach to break the staples is no easy task.... easy enough to follow that rule .. and the risk is that you get nauseated.. Ok.. we are all different. Some take 90 minutes the first time they eat to get down 4 oz of chicken salad.. I didn't . I got it down in 15 min and could have done it in 5..... But the point is, listen to your body. start slowly and if you tolerate it, then screw the rules.....
What does this mean? It means so what if you doc put you on 2 week post liquid. That is soo hard.. so, do it mostly, but don't obsess about cheating. have a friggin plate of tuna salad.. It will taste yummy.. Add some great yogurt. If you can handle it, you are good to go! I did.. They also want you on this liquid to max your weight loss for motivation up front? do you really need that?? I don't care if it takes me 1 more week than you to hit the same goal? Frankly, I decided to keep my calories around 800ish anyway for my first 2 weeks. It was a little hard, but nothing like your liquid nightmare and i lost as much weight... I'm now on 1200 cal full diet plan (less hard carbs and hard veggies) as of last night.
I've heard people say they are craving one Dorito chip.. Then the advice replies were "lick the cheese off" or "take a bit and spit it out...." LOL. Really? This is your diet/lifestyle for the rest of your life. HAVE A CHIP.. See if you get a lot of gas.. Chew it well.. If not problem, then enjoy the one chip. You got here because you at a half bag . One or three chips won't kill you! You need to find a way to eat what you will do.. The docs want you to build your healthy habits now.
*The first year is where you get your max weight loss- Ok. For sure,, so, as noted, build your healthy habits now.. but make it last. So, if I want a Dorito chip. I have one or two.. On my pureed phase, my kids had pretzels at a game. I took 2 small ones....I had a qtr of his hotdog meat.. The point is, if we can seriously lower the number of calories we eat (which, for me, they figured i was eating between 3500-4000 per day and needed to be at 2400 or so.. Now, with 1200, which believe me, with the sleeve is a mini feast, I will be eating half the amount and will lose a lot of weight. So, yes, build good eating habits and i'm working on good food choices that I can live with! Can I eat white bread. Damn right?should I// nO?? it's a waste of calories and spikes your sugar and appetite. But, I sure will if i want a hamburger or great sandwich. A month ago i would have had 2 cheeseburgers and 2 hotdogs at a bbq. .So, guess what, i'll lose weight. Can't make it a daily thing.. But, again, stop obsessing..
*Eating and drinking slowly eating- well, you don't HAVE to eat slowly, but as we have been told our whole lives, eat slowly so that when you are really full, you know it! Also, you need to see what your bod can tolerate and if you eat too quickly, you may not have realized you were about to puke. If you can tolerate it, you can eat and drink quicker than others, but not a good idea for reasons mentioned. so work on it, but don't obsess.. At the hospital, they told me I had to drink in in little tiny medical cups a few cc evry 20 min. I laughed, as Water went down easily in recovery even. ALL NURSES TOLD ME NO. When I saw my doc, i asked why I can't just drink as I can tolerate it at home and get my 64 oz is. HE said dont' chug, but do whatever you can do without discomfort. So, 8 oz bottle of Water went down in 5 minutes... etc....
*Chewing your food- ALL true... We have that banana sized stomach.. So, the doughy breads, and stringy veggies and large pieces of non chewed enough food INDEED often get stuck! Not stuck like a lap band, but rather, they move toward the pyloric valve and are too big to pass through it, since there isn't as much acid, etc in your stomach and, well, the route to the valve is now MUCH shorter.. So, it sits in front of it and as soon as the next item goes there, it waits in line. your body puts out gas and then knows there is a problem, so will signal you to vomit it up. not fun... So, chew! All true! Also makes us take longer to eat and thus enjoy the tastes more than ever and have the full signal sent to our brain while we are still eating or pretty close to that!
*Caffein is bad... Ok. Google whether it's an appetite suppressant or stimulant.. It's hysterical.. You'll get equal replies from GREAT sources that say the opposite. I WANT my one cup a day. I'm not an addict. I asked. I am now sipping on my first REAL one. It is indeed a diuretic for some. So, drink a half cup more water than a day! If you feel it makes you hungry after you have it and you don't want to hold back, then stop the coffee.. It doesn't for me. It does for some... But what will you be doing in a year from now??/ There is NO medical reason why you can't have caffein after a few weeks
*ALCOHOL is a no no for 2 months. NONSENSE.. Again, just there so we don't put empty calories. BUT what if I WANT one drink or two on a date tonight?? I am told, go for it, but just know you will have ingested 400 wasted calories. Ok. I get it, but I WILL drink in my life, although never drank a ton and that was not the cause of most of my weight.. Watch the calories and don't do it twice most weeks.. Or if you will, then cut back a bit on your Snacks, etc. Anyway, looking forward to a martini with my date tomorrow at dinner.. Oh, most people on here for a while, will tell you since there is less food to bind with alcohol, it goes into your intestines/blood stream much quicker and you get a nice buzz faster with less! way cool!
* Most other rules and comments on here are just not universal and again, if you feel the NEED to cheat, then well, cheat! How can it be cheating if this will be your new life! WOrk hard at right food choices and don't make this soooo hard. The harder you make it, the more YOU WILL revolt and end up going off the wagon like the good old days... Since I have had no pain, etc and pretty much eat what I wanted (and cheated on my puree period even), I feel this is just toooo easy. I hear so many of you struggling (not because you have pain, but because you want to break a rul) and so many of you "supporting them" to stay strong, that I just wanted to add this post! Also, again, much of the medical advice that our well meaning friends on here provide, just isn't true. Sorry, but it isnt.
I hope this helps some of you enjoy your Pre and Post diets much more than you may be now!
Best, my friends!

Jazz, I just wanted to share one thought on your comment about seeking advice.
I had a bad recovery, the worst really and I came here because I was confused about my symptoms and wasn't getting the medical support I should have from my doctor's office. I have seen others do the same, I've in fact offered "medical" advice, based on my complications that I know helped someone understand the need to move on past their doctor to get adequate medical care, or just force their doctor to listen to them, which resulted in the situation being taken more seriously by their doc (often people get stopped at the nurses or aide's desk and the doc isn't involved, which is silly). So honestly, coming to a place like this, where we have all had the same procedure, can be a place to pick up valuable medical advise though of course you should additionally discuss your thoughts with a doctor.
I know from years of fighting for diagnosis for my son's rare condition that a patient HAS to contribute to their medical situation when it's a tricky situation or if they aren't getting what they need from the medical community. The first step in that is seeing what's normal and what's not, and a place like this is the place to find that stuff out
Just my perspective...worth about a penny.two but I wanted to share it with you.

I had to respond to this because honestly, I am actually in shock by some of these statements. Granted it is possible, very possible to gain weight even with the sleeve when you eat or drink more calories then you should I believe everyone of us are fully aware of that, it is pretty much engrained in us during the whole process before surgery. However, 10,000 calories in a day with this surgery...REALLY??? I don't think so.....something is seriously wrong if you can get that many in, I think a little exaggeration went into effect there and it was unneccessary, she may have been drinking a little more protein then she should but nothing that was too outrageous...good lord people get a grip. Also, a surgeon making a mistake preposterous, hmmm...tell that to all the patients that have had equipment left in them after surgery, or had the wrong procedure performed on them, seriously man do you not watch the news or read articles, why is everyone trying to discredit her story? Why can't people just be supportive and just let her ask a question and then someone answer it. As some of this post actually had some information that is helpful to the OP, a lot of it is only opinion and really could have probably been kept out of the post because it really sounded like it was discrediting the OP, why do that. I just feel if you don't have an answer for her question, or do not want to give her words of encouragement I just don't see a reason to post!
To the OP.....please, please ignore all the rude and unintelligable comments and know that there are those of us that are supportive and do feel awful that this is happening to you and hope you find the answers you are looking for and get the assistance you need to fix the problem. There actually some really good posts out here and they have provided some great information, especially about the protein, that is really good information, but the negative discrediting stuff....ignore it, who cares what they think. I think a lot of that is just for attention. So anyway, I would love to know the outcome if you even want to post it out here, or just send it to me privately. I wish you the best and pray you get the help you need as soon as possible.

I wish someone would tell me to eat more

My leak test was also done in surgery. Which to me makes much better sense -- why wait until you are out of surgery to detect a leak? If there is a leak then it's back to surgery. It also saves the patient from having to go through what appears to be a pretty miserable experience ( based on what I've read on VST). Just my opinion.

...Several people have asked several questions of me above...please feel free to message me, and I would be more than happy to answer more about it. I feel I have given quite lengthy and honest answers above & on other similar threads, but I am more than willing to respond in a message if you would like & I especially respond to those who are pre-op always. I will not be silenced about my feeling on wls. People can be as rude and obnoxious as they would like with me...it just strengthens my resolve! This surgery is NOT for everyone. And just because I state that, doesn't mean I didn't think, didn't read, research, attend several support groups, interview those who had wls, participate in therapy, know the risks, know the hair loss dangers, know the consequences, realize the physical changes, realize the mental changes, etc etc etc - ...everybody is different. Everybody's perspective is needed on a forum such as this. Everybody has a right to be here & speak their truth.
Last week, I started a thread called Manners Matter - I am untechno, so I don't know how to bring it back up...but in a nut shell I stated - if you read someone's post & you cannot say anything nice or supportive to that person - or the person's thoughts/feelings/questions are so 'anti' to your own that you can respond in a appropriate manner...then, please don't respond to the person, period....I tell my middle schoolers every day ' if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all, period'...I think some 'adults' on here need to hear the same thing! If you are a part of the 98% - great for you. If you are a part of the 2% - like myself - hopefully each day will get better for us. Either side of the coin, ought to be able to express themselves freely & comfortably without being berated or asked asinine questions...or just frankly bombarded with rude comments. From various threads on regret - which I always attempt to reply because I feel true regret - I have noticed it is always the same people who have the same negative response to anyone who regrets or just even questions any aspect of the surgery...so maybe look in the mirror and ask yourself why you always feel compelled to respond...you say you are the 98% & you love your sleeve...then, why respond?? Go on with your happy sleeve to the next thread...Why not allow us 2% people to help others in the 2% without your negativity???? Just a suggestion...

it is obvious that you have jumped to a conclusion and did not understand the depth of the posting. Several of your postings contain "not saying that to be mean" which readers really understand as being mean. is this a request so an honest debate will not be addressed on this thread?

I appreciate the encouraging suggestions and truly helpful suggestions. However, this forum thread is a "would you do it again" and say why. I have found that if you do not embrace the WLS line one must be on the defensive from those that tend to belittle the poster. As I have posted, I knew what to expect and knew the risks. I thought an OPINION thread was to have BOTH sides represented. Guess I must have stepped on some toes with my posts.......although they weren't fat toes.

I am happy for all the folks that have had successful results from the surgery. As stated before I would not opt to have this surgery again if I could turn back the hands of time. I cannot do this however. So, I shall live with the loss of hair ( have been told this is normal and will come back....we shall see), lack of energy and endurance ( I get fatigued more easily now), have lost sexual desire (was told this would get better...has gotten worse), food is of no interest even though I feel hungry, when I eat I throw up, I used to enjoy cooking but making such small amounts seem worthless and by and large all the good things that were supposed to happen are greatly diminished. The surgery went well with no infections so that is not a worry and recovery went well. Perhaps I expected too much.

THanks for clarifying Laura, I did misunderstand you
I used to post in those areas Laura but frankly I got tired of the constant "Fiddleman" like posts berating me for even mentioning this isn't all sunshine and giggles. The lower the BMI the uglier the response quite often and you should have seen some of the PM's. Heck I rarely post on VSG anymore because I get tired of the shushing
Despite what some prefer to think, I actually live a very happy and secure life. It is only in a forum specifically dedicated to a medical condition I've been involved in that my posts are "Focused" specifically, which means that some people think that all I do is moan and groan about what I've done to myself. I find it beyond annoying that people can't understand that I post about vsg issues in the vsg forum but that it's not an all consuming passion of mine LOL
I also post only about old houses in the old house forums. One would think I wouldn't enter a mid century modern because I only discuss issues with victorians
I don't post about vsg in the selective immuno therapy forums....I only post about IgG issues. Why is it in those other forums people understand that you discuss what you discuss because of the focus of the forum, but here people can't understand that?
I'm rambling, time for a burger and fries
Ok cottage cheese LOL

Those that feel people with regrets post VSG should just fade into the woodwork are really doing everyone here a disservice. The 2% is just as important as the fabulous 98%, if not more so. Everyone's opinion is valid and important on this forum: positive, negative and everything in-between. .
Anyone researching a major surgery should want to hear about the success and failures, it is the only way to make a totally informed decision. Those that do not are living in a dream world and who knows, post-op that dream could turn into a nightmare and then you'll be the one being told to quiet down and think about the successful ones.

You are NOT alone...I have regretted my decision since that first night in the hospital after surgery. I am so sorry about your situation & your friends' situations. My heart goes out to you all. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers. I just want you to know that anytime anyone posts anything other than.."I love my sleeve!" "This is the best thing ever!"....certain people will post negative comments to you, or even send you negative private messages...do NOT let that bother you. I got slammed with my first post about regretting it in many different directions. I let it bother me a couple of days. Now, I post anytime I see anything about regret. I will NOT be silenced about it. Our journey, our regret is just as significant and valid as someone who loves thier sleeve & loves their wls decision. I just wanted to say I support you & anyone who has any type of regrets...don't feel alone in your regret.

PdxMan - I guess what is hard for me is that even when I eat the RIGHT types of food... and eat a lot less...it is still not ... easy? comfortable? Not sure... I guess I could take exercising every day, logging calories (professional dieter - used to that) but I expected that I would eat LESS and eat healthier... what I did NOT expect was difficulty eating PERIOD. Eating skinless chicken or turkey, eating Protein, I don't even miss carbs as much as I thought I would... but I still feel physical discomfort eating. So. Perhaps that is just me. I did not expect a lifetime of dreading food...just LESS food and healthier food.

Lolly,
Girl! There are sharks on these boards and when they see you talking about pizza, doritos, etc.. they smell the blood in the Water and you are toast!! As for me, I had this surgery so I could live like a normal person, eating normal portions and end my dieting, food obsession nightmare. I am not living my life on Protein Shakes. That said, I still have to have a Protein Shake everyday to get all my Protein in because I am only 2 months out. I am a lucky one who has a sleeve of steel and have only barfed once and I think I ate too fast and didn't chew well enough. I tolerate everything. I ate a very small piece of thin crust delight pizza from papa murphys at about 6 weeks. I was full. It was great, I used to eat 4-5 pieces to feel full before.

It is hard at first. Everyone has a different frame of reference. Compared to cancer treatment, it was a piece of cake. To me it was hard, but not unbearable. The cancer treatment was painful and I was given not much hope for living let alone successful living. The sleeve came with promise of a better life. With God's help and my own perserverence it has delivered.
I feel "normal". In fact, much more normal than I did when I was lugging the extra 110 pounds around. I can do what "normal" people do now, and even more than they do thanks to my exercise program.
I do not at all feel deprived, I eat what I want to eat. It's just that my brain has adjusted my wants, I eat healthy big and slop very small. I have a nice set of muscles now and want to keep them going and the twinkle in Deb's eye. Muscles get fed, body stays healthy, life is gooder and gooder.

I'm 5'2, don't be so hard on yourself . I felt that way the first month , things will get better , be confident , I wanted quicker results, but I'm learning to accept 1-2 lbs a week , when others are losing more. Fact is, before the surgery , I wasn't losing any lbs per week & stuck being fat. At least now it's slowly coming off. It will happen for you , good luck .

I don't mean to sound rude...but if what you said about what you are eating is true, you really need to have some tests done. Perhaps your thyroid isn't operating correctly.
I took your stats and put them into the BMR Calculator and got 2,037 calories. This means at your weight/height/age, if you sat still all day, your body would need 2,037 calories a day just to function and to stay at the same weight. Lets say you are working out and burning 400 calories... that means if you ate 2,437 calories a day you would stay at 268.
Something doesn't add up if you are only maintaining. Either you aren't being honest about how much you are eating or you have a metabolic/thyroid issue.... and I'm not sure that the sleeve is going to fix that for you.
Have you shared your food journals with your nutritionist or doctor?