toasty

A month before surgery, I could barely fit into my size 46 jeans, I was really probably a size 48. I am now 11 days post-op, and I went into my closet to pull out my "old" size 44 clothes, and guess what? They were still a little big! I happened to have one pair of jeans at size 42, and they fit, although a bit snug.
I lost a tremendous amount of weight during my 10-day pre-op liquid diet, and then I have continued to have significant weight loss since the surgery. I am so happy.
I am keeping one pair of my big pants and shirt forever, just so I can remind myself of where I was when I'm feeling low about a stall or something.

@@Dallas Powell I hear you that you are losing weight, but it sounds like the only way that is happening is for you to do the same type of dieting that we all had to do pre-surgery. That's absolutely wrong. Like you say, that depends on willpower alone, which won't work over the long term.
You're going down the right path to make your doctor accountable for this. Having him explain how you can possibly eat three lean cuisines at a sitting if your pouch is the size of an egg would be very illuminating. Its not so much about the calories (although I agree those are beyond the pale), but just the volume is impossible if your surgery was done correctly. If you can do that, why bother getting the surgery in the first place?
If your doctor denies there is any problem, be sure and tell him you are not satisfied and are going to get a second opinion.
Best of luck, and keep strong. If you are persistent, you will get to the bottom of it.

I am now about 2-1/2 months out from my surgery, and I am eating about 1/2 cup of food at a meal. If I go over that, up it comes. I generally have a Protein shake for breakfast (I'm used to that, been doing it for years), a rolled-up slice of deli ham and cheese with 6 Kalmata olives for lunch, and a small dinner (tonight I had two Swedish meatballs with a couple of broccoli florets). Finally, I have a cup of sugar free diet cocoa with a scoop of chocolate Protein Powder for dessert. I am generally in the neighborhood of 500-600 calories a day.
The only thing in my diet that varies day to day is my dinner, everything else is exactly the same every day. I know it sounds boring, but I find it really convenient.

I am now about 2-1/2 months out from my surgery, and I am eating about 1/2 cup of food at a meal. If I go over that, up it comes. I generally have a Protein shake for breakfast (I'm used to that, been doing it for years), a rolled-up slice of deli ham and cheese with 6 Kalmata olives for lunch, and a small dinner (tonight I had two Swedish meatballs with a couple of broccoli florets). Finally, I have a cup of sugar free diet cocoa with a scoop of chocolate Protein Powder for dessert. I am generally in the neighborhood of 500-600 calories a day.
The only thing in my diet that varies day to day is my dinner, everything else is exactly the same every day. I know it sounds boring, but I find it really convenient.

A month before surgery, I could barely fit into my size 46 jeans, I was really probably a size 48. I am now 11 days post-op, and I went into my closet to pull out my "old" size 44 clothes, and guess what? They were still a little big! I happened to have one pair of jeans at size 42, and they fit, although a bit snug.
I lost a tremendous amount of weight during my 10-day pre-op liquid diet, and then I have continued to have significant weight loss since the surgery. I am so happy.
I am keeping one pair of my big pants and shirt forever, just so I can remind myself of where I was when I'm feeling low about a stall or something.

First, I have never heard that there was more risk with RNY. In fact, I have heard on this very forum a number of times from people who had the band or sleeve and ended up getting a revision to RNY, because of the problems that came up with their other procedure.
Gastric Bypass is the "Gold Standard". It has been around since the 1960s, and the medical community knows the most about the long term effects of it.
Note that in the gastric sleeve, they actually remove a huge portion of your stomach, right out of your body! In RNY surgery, everything stays there (it's just re-routed).
Now, it is definitely true that there are some increased restrictions with RNY. You can develop "dumping syndrome", where if you eat sweets or high-fat foods you may feel light-headed, dizzy, fainting, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, cramps, or multiple of these symptoms at once. Not a happy thing to go through. But guess what? You shouldn't be eating those things anyway, so it is a good training tool to keep you away from that stuff.
Also, your pouch will be much smaller than the stomach left by the sleeve. You will be eating less. And if you don't chew your food completely, it doesn't get through the opening in your stomach and you end up throwing up. So, just remember to always chew your food.< /p>
Vitamins? You have to take those with the sleeve as well.
All in all, RNY is nothing to be afraid of. I've been living with it for 9 weeks now, and I've really embraced it.

I don't know that I have ever heard anyone indicate the maximum grams of sugar per day. And I know that not all sugar is created equal, so to speak. Generally, sugar found in milk (lactose) is not as much of a problem as say table sugar or high fructose corn Syrup, so I wouldn't worry about the sugar in Nonfat Greek yogurt. Other yogurts may have added sugar, though. Also, although fructose and sucrose can be a problem, in fruits with a high level of Fiber (such as apples, for example) the sugar is not really a problem.
So the answer seems complicated, and I don't really think there is a simple "no more than X grams of sugar" answer.
Generally, I follow the rule of very little ADDED sugar, or very little sugar from low-fiber products.

Sure sounds like a form of dumping to me. The symptoms of dumping syndrome are curiously like that of hypoglycemia. Feelings like you are going to faint, sweating, dizziness, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, either one or more of those symptoms, are common. Since you are feeling faint, sounds like a form of dumping.
You probably shouldn't eat sugar anymore. Even little bits.

After RNY bariatric surgery, the most important requirements are Protein, fluids and Vitamins. food is secondary. This is because you body is converting stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight.
If you had your surgery in October of this year, you are still very early in the program. You are posting a weight loss of 88 pounds, which is very good. Stalls happen and you should not panic. Generally meal volume is measured in terms of volume not calories. If you decide to track calories, are you including the calories in your Protein supplements (protein shakes, protein bars)? They can be a major component. Since you already indicated that you are not meeting your daily protein requirement, this is the area I would most be concerned about.

personally, I wouldn't do it - but that is me...I am a rule follower and the tool I was given is doing some pretty awesome things for me. I am about 4 weeks out myself and still struggle each day to get in all my nutrients so I can get healthy and strong.
The choice is ultimately yours. I would, though, caution you against trying a new food like that for the first time in the company of others. Believe me, if it does make you sick it will ruin your whole day. I found out that I am lactose intolerant a couple of weeks ago - 2 bites of cottage cheese and I thought I was going to die from the pain - that went on for almost 45 minutes before I was able to throw up. For me it was a reminder that my stomach was new and was going to have its way lol.

A month before surgery, I could barely fit into my size 46 jeans, I was really probably a size 48. I am now 11 days post-op, and I went into my closet to pull out my "old" size 44 clothes, and guess what? They were still a little big! I happened to have one pair of jeans at size 42, and they fit, although a bit snug.
I lost a tremendous amount of weight during my 10-day pre-op liquid diet, and then I have continued to have significant weight loss since the surgery. I am so happy.
I am keeping one pair of my big pants and shirt forever, just so I can remind myself of where I was when I'm feeling low about a stall or something.

As everyone here has said, you just slipped a little. Guess what, you're human and we all slip every once in a while. What you need to do is to brush yourself off and recommit to following the diet for these early stages. It will get better; soon you will be able to eat pureed food, and then soft foods. At each stage things will get better.
One thing I might suggest is if you are not already seeing a therapist, go see one. Personally, this helps me out tremendously. Dealing with the underlying problems and habits that link boredom and stress with eating is key to success.
I really like the blog "The World According to Eggface" (http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/). She is very motivational. There is a story on her website that I found inspirational (http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2013/12/weight-loss-surgery-wisdom-from-friend.html). I suggest you read it. It is in the second half of the page, titled "There's no crying in baseball". It's kinda harsh, but totally true.
I'll paste it here so you don't have to follow the link:

THERE'S NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!!! By: Leilani Gibbs

That's the sentiment (scenario) that comes to mind sometimes when I hear some of the comments from people who've already had the surgery. In case you haven't made the connection, that's a line Tom Hanks made famous in the movie "A League Of Their Own." Resorting to tears or just giving up every time the going gets tough. Or your sick of taking Vitamins, getting in Protein is hard, Water doesn't taste good, etc. That kinda' thinking is NOT going to make you successful or keep you healthy. ENOUGH already! It's time to LOVE yourself enough to get "TOUGH" with your aftercare. Your long term health is worth it!! Success comes with a backbone, NOT a wishbone!

First and foremost, you have to keep it POSITIVE. As with everything in life, if you think you can't - you WON'T! Simple enough? I have to wonder when "we" (as adults) finally take ownership for our actions, our life and our health? We have been given a gift, a second chance to actually LIVE life again instead of merely existing on the sidelines. It's up to each of us to do that as healthy and productively as possible.

We're ALL statistics waiting to happen and the insurance companies are chomping at the bit. The bean counters are eager to drop Weight Loss Surgery ("WLS") from the policies; some already have. Don't you know that any negative feedback thrown into the mix only strengthens their cause? I may not be able to control every thing that happens to my body after WLS, but most things I can.

I CHOOSE to take control and I will be a positive statistic when the numbers get counted.We live in a spoiled society, expecting everything in life to come with a buncha really cool choices. Well, guess what? When it comes to your health, you're not always going to get a choice. You either DO IT and stay healthy, or you DON'T and your body pays the price.

The way I saw it, I had a 90 day healing and adjusting period after surgery. My 'super morbidly obese' body had more than enough stores to survive the learning curve. In turn, it gave me plenty of time to heal, adjust and learn. For those of you OVER 90 days Post-Op, the probation period is over - its time to get serious and LIVE what you've learned.

* You say you can't get in enough liquids throughout the day, don't like the taste of Water, or just keep forgetting? -- TOUGH! It's not an option anymore. Find a way to do it, get suggestions and tips from others in support groups, message boards, etc. Read, learn and JUST DO IT!! Why do you think there is a choice here?

* You say you don't like the big horse pill type Vitamins, or the tart chalky chewables? ... it's just too many to bother with? Or maybe you just can't remember to take them? -- TOUGH! You gave up the option NOT to take vitamins when you agreed to have your insides rerouted. FIND a way to get them in; crushed, minced, chopped, liquified, in a shake, etc. No exceptions, your health depends on it.

* Protein is a must. So you can't get it all in via foods and you don't like the way the shakes taste? -- TOUGH! Either get it through your meals (and there are a gazillion food choices out there) or supplement it with Protein Shakes and bars. Trust me, I don't drink my Protein Shake every morning because I think it tastes like a chocolate blizzard from Dairy Queen. I've tried many varieties over the last 2 years. I'd even venture to say 25 of the top sellers/flavors have crossed my lips. For the record? I've yet to find one that is as 'delicious' as boasted by the distributor. So what. I still drink one every morning. My HEALTH dictates that I need "X" grams of protein per day. If I'm not getting enough from my meals then I supplement a shake. 'Nuff said.

This surgery is a gift, I owe it to me and everyone else fighting the approval process, to do it right! I will continue to choke down my vitamins, my water and my protein every single day, for the REST OF MY LIFE. Some days will be easier than others, regardless, no days will be missed. It's all about discipline. Create a routine, set a timer, develop a pattern, tie a string around your finger, glue a note on your forehead, whatever it takes. You're an adult - take responsibility! If this surgery doesn't slap a back bone into you, not much will.

My disclaimer is that I have not been told specifically by my doctor or NUT why it is bad. But I have some ideas.
Caffeine is a diuretic (although a mild one), and after surgery one of the things we are trying to do is get our Water in, not out. Seriously, we are constantly working to avoid dehydration and to get in our 64oz of fluids a day.
Caffeine is a stimulant, and increases hunger. Not something you want to have if you are trying to lose weight.
Maybe there are other reasons, but those are two that come to mind.
Remember the surgery is a tool, not a magic bullet for weight loss. After surgery, you will have to stick with a new way of eating to lose weight, and for the rest of your life. It will not be magic; you will still probably have cravings that you will have to deal with. Anything that increases or stimulates your hunger will simply make things harder on you.
I would seriously try to find caffeine-free alternatives, such as caffeine-free tea. You should not be drinking any soda (or other carbonated beverage) after surgery, caffeine-free or not, since the gas expands in your pouch and could stretch it or at the very least cause you extreme pain.

Back in 2007 I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. My pulmonologist put me on a BiPAP (like a CPAP, but different pressures for inhaling and exhaling). I have used it continuously, every single night (even on the rare occasions when I take a nap), since then. I even take it with me when travelling; I have used it on a long flight.
That said, if I could get along without it I would be very happy. Going on camping trips is a hassle, getting authorization to use it on an airplane is a hassle, making sure I have power near my bed in hotels is a hassle, etc. So when I heard that after WLS some people stopped using it, I was very encouraged.
However, I saw my pulmonologist last week, and he told me that I might be able to reduce my pressure as I lose weight, but I will probably never be able to get off of it completely. The problem for me is that the opening between my epiglottis and my esophagus is too small, and when I lay down it closes down so air has a hard time getting through. The pressure from the BiPAP keeps the opening...open.
So, the answer is: it depends. You may be able to get rid of the CPAP if your physical characteristics allow it, but you also might not. You should talk to your pulmonologist to find out about your specific situation.

@@Dallas Powell I hear you that you are losing weight, but it sounds like the only way that is happening is for you to do the same type of dieting that we all had to do pre-surgery. That's absolutely wrong. Like you say, that depends on willpower alone, which won't work over the long term.
You're going down the right path to make your doctor accountable for this. Having him explain how you can possibly eat three lean cuisines at a sitting if your pouch is the size of an egg would be very illuminating. Its not so much about the calories (although I agree those are beyond the pale), but just the volume is impossible if your surgery was done correctly. If you can do that, why bother getting the surgery in the first place?
If your doctor denies there is any problem, be sure and tell him you are not satisfied and are going to get a second opinion.
Best of luck, and keep strong. If you are persistent, you will get to the bottom of it.

Dumping Syndrome. Pure and simple. The maple and brown sugar. Some of the symptoms of dumping are lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, cramps, etc. The symptoms are actually very similar to hypoglycemia.
Don't do sugar!

One more thing: obviously, the situation you are now in is totally different from any diet you have been on before. Before, having high-volume foods to fill up your stomach was the key. So, lots of veggies and high-volume (but low calorie) foods to keep you full (such as lettuce/salads, tomatoes, raw celery, etc.).
Now, your stomach is tiny, so almost the opposite is true. You need mostly dense, high-protein foods (so they fit in your small pouch). BLTs are fine, but should probably not be a staple in your diet, because they keep you from eating the Protein rich foods.
YMMV.

I have never heard of a NUT telling you to eat bread. I can imagine they would say you *can* eat bread, but not that you *should* eat bread. Maybe that's what you meant.

As far as I am concerned, I tried a small piece of bread a week ago (I am seven weeks out) and up it came half an hour later. I've heard lots of people say that they can only tolerate bread toasted, so that's possible.

I would suggest just trying bread by itself, to see how it goes. If you can tolerate it, then fine. Just remember to limit starches.

Also, for myself, I tolerate lettuce fine (at least in small amounts), but I can't stand bacon. I used to love it, but now it just tastes like a mouthful of grease to me (yuck!).

Lastly, given that your portion size at your point should be about 1/4 cup at a meal, you sure won't be able to eat more than 2 bites of the BLT before you are full (or at least, you shouldn't eat more than that). That doesn't equate to much Protein (only the bacon in that has any Protein, and not much bacon), which is what your meals are supposed to be mostly. I would think a BLT would be more appropriate for 6 months or more out when you can actually eat more.

@@Dallas Powell Based on what you're telling us, your surgeon sounds like a fucknut. You have two academic medical centers in Virginia with incredible programs -- UVA and VCU. Are either of those a possibility for you?

Winkle I took your advice and went to the hospital yesterday. I ended up going to another one and unfortunately they didn’t have a bariatric doctor. I will have to go out of town for that. But they did do tests. They did a CAT Scan which they said confirmed that I don’t have a fistula. The way this hospital worked is they sent it out of town to Richmond VA for people to analyze it and then sent results back. So I could only talk to a nurse who repeated what they said. I asked her if the stomach has to be full in order for the contrast to get through a fistula because I hadn’t eaten anything as of then. She said no.

That still leaves the question where could the food possibly go. I have been emailing back and forth with the surgeons assistant and she says there is no problem. The nutritionist doesn’t say that though. She says it's impossible.

Drmeow, I am on some anti ulcer medication and a heart burn medication they said I have to take for 3 months.

Likeadiamond regarding the Vitamins, I take Dr. Wallach’s 90 essential nutrients. Which may be too strong as he is way over 100% of the daily value on almost all Vitamins including the fat soluble ones. They said they do a leak test by blowing up the stomach with gas or air or something while they are doing the surgery. And I think that CAT Scan would test for leaks as well. It may be that he made a huge stomach. Or that he didn’t taper down the other side of it so food doesn’t sit in it but rather just drops right into the intestine. After all the surgeon did tell my GF that he had difficulty creating my pouch due to my anatomy. She had the same surgery by him 3 weeks prior to me. And she can eat way more than you guys can. Not as much as me but still way more than you guys. And during her surgery he called me and said it took so long on her due to scar tissue he had to get through and "her build".

TMG yes meeting the Protein goals. They say 60 to 70 grams a day. Meeting any minimum isn’t difficult when I don’t get full.

MsTwist. It’ seems to me now after having that CAT Scan that it may be exactly what you’re saying.

I don’t see it as being possible for me to remain on a diet forever. As with all fat people statistically I will end up breaking it. I have already been dieting for 6 months prior to the surgery as a requirement. And I’m getting real tired of it. I wish they would have done it right the first time... what a pain. I really was excited about this surgery and hoping that I would feel full on small amounts of food which would have helped me tremendously on losing weight.

I am still loosing though. On the day of the surgery 3 weeks ago I was 307. I am now 294. But I have struggled to get there. It has been by a regular diet. The surgery hasn’t helped me get there. It’s all me fighting the urge to eat.

The surgeons assistant said the next appointment with him is the second week of November. So I guess I have to wait until then. The emergency room has concluded that the contrast went where it should and said I’m not in danger of dying right now. And I can guarantee when I go back to the Dr. he’s going to deny it and say it’s not his fault. That’s what I expect to hear. Seems the way people do things these days with lack of integrity and honesty.

Thank you all for helping me through this and helping me realize that there is in fact some problem!

I am with @@winklie on this. Get yourself back to the hospital and demand answers and solutions.
This is absolutely not normal, something did not go right with your surgery.
I am 13 months post op tomorrow. I still can barely eat 1 cup of food at mealtime. I try to get between 1000 and 1200 calories a day and most days have to snack like heck just to get to 1000.
Also, you really do need to quit processed foods and focus on good home cooked Protein. It keeps you full a lot longer and gets you the Protein needed. You should not be eating Pasta of any kind at this point.
Low carb, high protein. Carbs should come from vegetables and some fruit.< /p>
I am so sorry that this has happened to you and want you to be successful. It has to start back with your surgeon right away.
Please take good care of yourself! You deserve to be healthy after everything you have hone through. Please take the time to hold your surgeon accountable.
In addition, I would call your nut and ask for a specific guide to your required diet ASAP.

Something doesn't add up. I was worried that something was wrong early on because it felt like I could eat more than others. I had no problem with 1/3 to a 1/2 a cup of food at a time, while many others struggled to keep down a tablespoon or two. Searching around, I found it is pretty common to be able to eat with no issues after surgery. However, I don't recall one person claiming to be able to eat close to 2k calories. I don't get an overwhelming full feeling on 1/2 cup of food, but I'm around 700 calories a day and don't feel hungry for most of it.
Also, it sounds like they did not give you very good directions with regards to the post-op diet. My plan is very similar to yours... full liquids up until my first post-op appt, then pureed for 1-2 weeks followed by soft foods for 2 weeks. However, I was told no Pasta, rice, bread for I believe 6 months.
If it were me, I'd be getting in to see the doctor asap to see if he made the pouch too big and also to get more info from the nutritionist on the recommended diet.

One more thing: obviously, the situation you are now in is totally different from any diet you have been on before. Before, having high-volume foods to fill up your stomach was the key. So, lots of veggies and high-volume (but low calorie) foods to keep you full (such as lettuce/salads, tomatoes, raw celery, etc.).
Now, your stomach is tiny, so almost the opposite is true. You need mostly dense, high-protein foods (so they fit in your small pouch). BLTs are fine, but should probably not be a staple in your diet, because they keep you from eating the Protein rich foods.
YMMV.

Back in 2007 I was diagnosed with severe sleep apnea. My pulmonologist put me on a BiPAP (like a CPAP, but different pressures for inhaling and exhaling). I have used it continuously, every single night (even on the rare occasions when I take a nap), since then. I even take it with me when travelling; I have used it on a long flight.
That said, if I could get along without it I would be very happy. Going on camping trips is a hassle, getting authorization to use it on an airplane is a hassle, making sure I have power near my bed in hotels is a hassle, etc. So when I heard that after WLS some people stopped using it, I was very encouraged.
However, I saw my pulmonologist last week, and he told me that I might be able to reduce my pressure as I lose weight, but I will probably never be able to get off of it completely. The problem for me is that the opening between my epiglottis and my esophagus is too small, and when I lay down it closes down so air has a hard time getting through. The pressure from the BiPAP keeps the opening...open.
So, the answer is: it depends. You may be able to get rid of the CPAP if your physical characteristics allow it, but you also might not. You should talk to your pulmonologist to find out about your specific situation.

I cannot do bread even almost burnt at two months out. I am not allowed lettuce until three months out and I recently shared a horrible story about tomatoes. What does that leave? Bacon. I have had bacon, both turkey and pork with my eggs, my burgers and even just by itself.
I would advise anyone with RNY not to attempt un-toasted bread any time in the first three months. Obviously some plans okay it but nothing has ever made me feel as miserable as a bite of whole wheat bread. Ugh.