flipper72

Anyone here practice a ketogenic way of eating after having the gastric sleeve surgery? Just wondering if you have and how it's going? I tried it for a few months and cannot believe how great I felt but I am a little afraid it may affect me differently since I'm over a year out of the sleeve surgery. Just looking for some feedback. Thank you.

I'm having a really hard time lately. I can see myself falling back into old habits and can't seem to find my way out of it. I've attempted the 5 day pouch test/reset and failed miserably. I REALLY need to get my mind right and refocus on staying healthy. Anyone else been here? it's really so so so so true....our mind is our biggest asset and biggest hurdle all in one.

I'm about a year post-op and am not only at a stall..but think I've actually gained a couple pounds..but haven't really changed anything major. Same basic diet and routine. I'm wondering if anyone has ever tried this pouch reset I've read about? and if so, any success after the fact? Thanks!

wow, that's good to know, thanks! I'm really shocked nobody else on here has ever tried the pouch reset..there are so many articles about it. Thanks for responding!

Thank god for this site is right! Wow...it really helps to know I'm not alone. I've been struggling so much with my habits, exercise, mental hunger....stress eating. It's starting to affect me in a big way. I'm at a stall...haven't gained anything....thank you baby jesus! ...but I'm not losing either. I work about 14hours a day at the moment, and that's not going to change until after 4/15 (any guesses what I do for a living..haha) I'm on my duff A LOT in the office. I do walk the dog...but the walks get shorter and shorter the longer my work day is. It really drives me crazy when people say that weight loss surgery is a cop out....it's an aid, that's for sure...but this is still work!! I guess I should be happy that I'm not gaining. This time of year, I'm usually good for gaining about 15lbs...but right now, I'm not losing...but not gaining. I guess I'll take it. And if anyone has ANY advice for sagging skin...please please please email me or respond...mine is bad and I'm almost more self conscious about that than I was about my weight before all this. Thanks for any support in advance. I just love this site!!

I have a green drink every day with plain Protein and I'm still suffering some pretty serious hair loss. I can't imagine how much hair I would be losing if I didn't get my protein in. I am a fan of ground turkey/lean beef. It seems like it's the easiest to digest. I'm 6months out *8/4/15 sleeve* and food still sometimes comes right up. I have learned that I have to really slow down...but even when I chew chew chew and wait in between bites, some food just says "nope...not staying down here"...and it's like a just burp and viola....it comes up. I was very nervous for awhile because I was worried about the toll it would take on my esophagus but it's gotten a little better over time. I've found that paying attention is 9/10ths of the battle. Your body will let you know when it's happy and when it's not and we just have to listen and reprogram ourselves a bit. I was an ice cream fanatic for most of my life. I've tried to splurge with ice cream and after "trying" several times I just said wait...My body doesn't want this anymore. My brain might....but my body definitely did not. I really hate when I hear people talk about how weight loss surgery is a cop out! It's still hard work.....but we now have a better tool....our bodies are transformed...it's like we went to the shop and got a tune up and now we just have to listen for different signals. Though I had some complications early on....I am still so very glad I made this change!

I was sleeved on Aug 4th 2015. I've been losing my hair pretty regularly and noticeably for about a month now. I take biotin and use Bosley hair products. My diet is very varied.....I drink coffee and have alcohol fairly regularly. I drink a green smoothie with Unjury protein powder everyday and really just eat when I'm hungry. I'm down about 100lbs, roughly 65lbs since surgery.I had some very serious difficulties about 3 weeks after my surgery when I developed pancreatitis...worst 2 weeks of my life...hands down. But I made it through. In one way, I feel like I'm back to "normal living" for lack of a better word. I have my cravings....I'm a carb queen....but when I have those cravings, I'm able to have a couple bites and be satisfied. I don't overdo it and I eat very slowly...which helps. I'm starting my lifestyle classes this wednesday.....I'm guessing it'll be mostly about nutrition, but I'm not sure. I think I'm averaging about a 2-3lb a week weight loss. My only real exercise is walking at the moment.

Anyone experience this? I'm 2 weeks post op...my sterile strip stitch thingys have fallen off and I've been wearing reg clothes etc where the waistline is right at the main incision. I've been getting these very sharps pains. ...not constantly...but when I move a certain way....feels like something is poking me from the inside and it HURTS....like...stop me in my tracks...hurts. anyone experience this?

I was experiencing some serious cramps that I thought was constipation given that I had been on soft solid foods for 2 days. Well, after a few days of growing intense pain, I went to the ER....an ambulance ride to MGH and after some tests they determined it is pancreatitis...OUCH!! I know a lot of people post some reasons as to why they regret having the sleeve surgery...which is usually followed up with "it'll get better and you'll be very happy you did"...and I do believe that is the case. however, has any ever had this? I'm definitely reading WAY too much on the web because this can get pretty bad. I'm hoping it's one and done.....I'm just really hoping it goes away soon. It's so painful and there is very little relief. I could use a pancreatitis buddy if there are any of you out there... thanks! Christy

hi everyone! Well...I've found myself at a stall. Though I must say, I'm okay with it. Since my pancreatitis episode I'm perfectly happy not losing too much too fast. I have actually been the same weight, give or take a pound or 3 for almost 3 weeks. I've gradually began eating somewhat normally but am getting bored with ground turkey and veggies and eggs. I'm only 2 months post-op, and am on soft-solid foods. Anyone have any fun recipes that they love and are willing to share? Anything but the ricotta bake....that's what I ate the night before I landed in the ER....I know it wasn't the reason, but well..........you know...haha Thanks!

Thank you!! I think I'm finally on the other side of the pancreatitis. Had some follow up imagining and scans done and everything looks clear. I've started incorporating more foods into my diet and haven't lost too much weight in the last 3 weeks...which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. After a whirlwind 6 weeks...I'm happy to have leveled out for a bit and am working on a balanced diet and exercise. Fingers crossed the pancreatitis never returns! Good luck to you as you heal from surgery. I hope your pancreatitis is gone and you're feeling so much better!

Hi everyone, I've hesitated to post this because I certainly do not want to scare anyone. However, this is one side effect that no one ever warned me about...and maybe because you can't really predict when something like this could happen. I'm referring to PANCREATITIS! If you haven't heard of it...it's an inflammation of the pancreas that is, by far, the most painful thing I've ever experienced. The ER docs and nurses compared it to child labor. When I asked if it was similar to diverticulosis.....the nurse said "Sweetie, people with pancreatitis pray that it was only diverticulosis". Pancreatitis is something that can be reoccurring...or it could be something that happens once. I had it once for a little over two weeks....couldn't go anywhere or do anything beside try my hardest to fight the pain. From what I've been told...the Doc's think that the rapid weight loss lead to gall stones which upon traveling to my small intestines got lodged in my pancreatic duct. (the gall bladder and the pancreas to not get along apparently) Anyway, once inflamed, it can take anywhere from a week or months for the pancreas to recover. Again, this isn't something anyone can predict. I had an ultrasound on my gall bladder in June (my surgery was Aug 4th) and it was clear. However, if you lose weight fast your gall bladder can create stones and from there.....a litany of things can happen. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I'm not trying to scare anyone from having the surgery......even though it was brutal....in the end, I do not regret the surgery. But I was so blindsided by this that I thought I would share my experience. Hope you're all doing great with your pre & post surgery experiences!! Thanks for reading

The first symptom for me was a feeling of constipation/fullness. It lasted the first day and into the night. however, when I woke up I was bent over in major pain. Went to urgent care and they put me in an ambulance to the hospital. Trust me....you will know if you have pancreatitis. It's not subtle at all.

HI SleeveMe247 - I am so sorry to hear you're suffering from pancreatitis right now!! sounds like the timeline is right on though....roughly 2-3 weeks after surgery. From all that I've read and from people I've talked with...they never really know exactly what causes it. However, rapid weight loss is definitely a factor. You could've passed a stone! I do not think it was anything you ate per se.....however, the day after I started the soft solids/mushies phase I did have cheese....whole cheese...which has fat in it. Prior to that both pre and post-op, I was eating practically zero fat or very little. When you change your eating so drastically your gallbladder (that helps digest fats) is no longer as regulated as it once was and could therefore produce a stone. First, let me just say try not to go online and read too much about this. There are many forms of pancreatitis and each person is different. I got so bummed out reading that I had to stop and focus on myself. Also, do not worry about the nutrients. Your body probably has enough stored fat that you will be just fine. ( I mean that in the best way possible - I was put on a liquid diet as well but it's to give your pancreas a break...let it rest and decrease the inflammation some. Then you'll start to incorporate more to get it working again. But I know the fear you're having because we basically just came off of a 2 week liquid diet and then they want to put you on another one. But it's definitely for the best. I was only in hospital for 3 days and then home trying to manage the pain for about 10days. I'm not going to lie to you..it's going to be a rough time while the inflammation goes down. Be very vocal if the pain meds don't work....the ones they gave me in the hospital did not work great for me. They sent me home with 4mg of Dilaudid and it was much better. I survived on low sugar Gatorade, pain meds and heating pads for days. If they can give you something to help you sleep....ask for it! sleeping is the only time your body will really rest and if you have issues sleeping you'll need help!! I really hope it doesn't last long for you!! I'll be sending lots of positive healing thoughts your way!!! xoxo

Hi everyone, I've hesitated to post this because I certainly do not want to scare anyone. However, this is one side effect that no one ever warned me about...and maybe because you can't really predict when something like this could happen. I'm referring to PANCREATITIS! If you haven't heard of it...it's an inflammation of the pancreas that is, by far, the most painful thing I've ever experienced. The ER docs and nurses compared it to child labor. When I asked if it was similar to diverticulosis.....the nurse said "Sweetie, people with pancreatitis pray that it was only diverticulosis". Pancreatitis is something that can be reoccurring...or it could be something that happens once. I had it once for a little over two weeks....couldn't go anywhere or do anything beside try my hardest to fight the pain. From what I've been told...the Doc's think that the rapid weight loss lead to gall stones which upon traveling to my small intestines got lodged in my pancreatic duct. (the gall bladder and the pancreas to not get along apparently) Anyway, once inflamed, it can take anywhere from a week or months for the pancreas to recover. Again, this isn't something anyone can predict. I had an ultrasound on my gall bladder in June (my surgery was Aug 4th) and it was clear. However, if you lose weight fast your gall bladder can create stones and from there.....a litany of things can happen. Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I'm not trying to scare anyone from having the surgery......even though it was brutal....in the end, I do not regret the surgery. But I was so blindsided by this that I thought I would share my experience. Hope you're all doing great with your pre & post surgery experiences!! Thanks for reading

I certainly wish I knew about Actigall but I'm very happy to hear it's out there for others!! I will most likely have my gall bladder removed at some point but need to wait a little longer since my surgery was just on the 4th.

Wow Emma - My pancreatitis started on the 21st and I was diagnosed in the emergency room on teh 22nd...we're the mirror image of one another. However, I had zero complications up until that point. I met with my surgeon on teh morning of the 21st and was telling her how stellar everything was...I had moved to soft solid foods and was walking everyday and feeling great. Got home, had dinner that night and boom...woke up in excruciating pain. Isn't it the worst pain ever!! UGH! I had a little setback because they had me on a liquid diet for about another week, but now I'm back to soft solids. I haven't had a carb/starch since July and bascially live on protein and my green smoothie drinks that I was excited to be able to add to my diet. I feel better physically but still have anxiety around eating anything that could possibly trigger an episode. My surgeon wants me to consider gall bladder removal in the future but like you, she wants me to wait. I hope you're feeling better and stronger everyday!! xo

Anyone ever a metallic taste in their mouth often? In the last several days it's been on and off all the time....I've suffered from pancreatitis recently and not sure if it's related....but just thought I'd check with fellow sleevers to see if anyone knows about this side effect and what it may be related to. Thank you!

Thank you both so much!!! I looked it up and I think you're both correct. and I love the "smell of fat burning"..haha. It's funny...I haven't lost 1lb in almost 2 weeks....but haven't eaten any different. If anything, all of a sudden I can't eat as much without it coming up heartburn style...I take my heartburn meds every day, but man....it's like I can't eat more than 2-3 bites without stopping for an hours or so. Guess it's all part of the process.

Anyone know if we can take magnesium citrate after we've had sleeve surgery?... it's kind of carbonated so I'm wondering if we shouldn't have it.... but I'm experiencing some serious cramps.. it feels like a blockage and I need relief. It's hard even getting water down at this point and I don't want to get dehydrated. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! !

Do you recall having bowel movements. .. I have so much as passed gas since Saturday afternoon ....tmi...I know...I'm sorry. ..but this is horrible....ugh

Mine was just over 2 weeks as well...I don't know how to find relief.....do you mind me asking how long yours lasted? They told me I could choose to stay at hospital or go home with meds....the hospital was soooo uncomfortable and I couldn't lie fiwn...needed my recliner. ..so I went home.

What is the pain?? I am just under 3 weeks post op ....I started soft solid food this past Thursday. Up until last Tuesday I was doing great. Tuesday I started having some pain at the incision area.... met with my surgeon & she said it was totally normal healing. However on Friday evening I started getting stomach cramps. I thought maybe I ate too much or too fast or maybe had water too close to a meal. Yesterday (Saturday) I could not eat. I probably got in about 10 ounces of water, a half a cup of chicken broth and a couple sips of a protein shake. Its 4 a.m. on Sunday morning in my stomach really hurts.... it feels like achy painful cramps in my intestines. My stomach is actually growling a little bit but the pain in my intestines makes the thought of eating impossible. What do I do? Is this normal? Will it work itself out? Should I go to drs? I just don't know what to do.... I haven't had a bowel movement since yesterday afternoon around 1 p.m. but I took stuff to clean myself out and do not think it's constipation. I've taken gas-x and pain meds to no avail....has anyone experienced this? HELP!!

well, I'm glad I went...it's acute pancreatitus and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. there's no real "cure"...I have to wait it out....pain meds barely work....just wanted to give a quick update. thank you so much for your feedback! I really appreciate it!!! I may open a post about this to see if anyone else has had it...I could use a buddy lol

What did you do for the pain? I'm at urgent care right now....its unbearable. ..