GBLady41

Intense exercises justify the increased calories, and getting more of that from (complex) carbs if need be. Carbs represent more immediately available energy, which is important if doing that kind of exercise.

23 months.
I know lots of people that eat more carbs than me and are successful long term.
The thing is I don't actually like carbs, so I don't eat them. I eat the things I like.
I hate rice, I hate Beans, I don't like Pasta unless it is freshly made and then only one kind, and only like fresh baked (rye and pumpernickel) bread. and croissants. Crackers just make no logical sense to me what so ever. I think I have eaten crackers less than 5 times in my entire life and I am just making that number up because I can't even recall eating them.
The issue with carbs post-op from WLS is carbs are EASY to eat. They go down very easy because they don't trigger restriction and you can eat them in massive (normal sized and binge size) quantities. So a lot of people that are food addicts go right back to carbs as soon as they get a chance. Then once they start, they can't seem to stop.
My choice to limit and not introduce carbs came from not only just not liking them but from years and years of reading stories on WLS forums of people that regained. There was always one common denominator, carbs. Complex or otherwise. Complex seem to be a gateway to not so complex.

Low carb isn't Keto and keto isn't low carb. People keep mixing up the terms and they are not the same thing.
A post-op diet is low carb, not keto.
Almost all bariatric diets post-op are low carb and low fat (which is kind of impossible).
The reason so many people fail at Keto is because they don't understand what it is or how it works. You have to set your macros and control the ratios carefully. If you aren't you are just low carbing, which is fine, but it isn't Keto.
Unless you are vegetarian/vegan, you are going to low carb for the rest of your life anyway if you are eating properly in the right order.
If you have plate of food, you are supposed to eat your Protein FIRST. First means ALONE not alternating bites with other foods, FIRST. If you have your proper portion of protein 3-4 ounces, and you finish that, THEN eat your veggies/carbs, you will be lucky to get an ounce of those items in. The protein is going to make you full by eating it first.
People don't follow these directions, they eat alternating bites. They don't measure and weigh their portions. If you eat your veggies alternating bites with your protein, you can eat a lot more food, and you won't feel as full and you will not get all your protein in.
This is why I eat my veggies separate at Snacks so I can get enough veggies in while meeting my protein goals. If I didn't eat my veggies separate, I would never eat any, because 3 to 4 ounces of protein fills me up. On a typical day I eat 4 cups of spinach. That is pretty much the sum of my carbs, and it is barely 4 carbs, the rest of my carbs are from half and half. If I have broccoli instead I might hit 6 carbs in broccoli and even that is a stretch because broccoli is more filling and I can't eat as much of it as I can of spinach. If you are eating protein and green veggies, it is basically impossible not to low carb.

The ideal diet for WLS surgery patients is simple. 64-100 grams Protein a day, depending on your needs. 64-120 oz [mention=255522]her1981[/mention]just emphasized as I was typing this up.
The only reason during weight loss to up their caloric intake, and carbs, is if they're body building or doing significant exercise. For the vast majority of people on sites like this who are sedentary or low active, carb intake is proportionate to chances of failure.

Nope. I'm not really being guided by my surgeon or a NUT since I'm getting my surgery out of the country. But from the support groups I'm on, and the recipes page, everyone seems to be following a Keto diet. (Low carb, high fat, high protein) So many recipes include cheese, butter, etc. Everything is ok in moderation, but eating "sandwiches" where your bread is replace by cheese constantly just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I love healthy fats (avocado, nuts, etc) but too much fat like butter and cheese scare me :x

I have heard that when someone loses a lot of weight, the spine readjusts to the weight loss, and can cause pinched nerves and pain while it's getting used to it. Also, people can start to have trouble with their weight bearing joints (knees, hips, ankles)

You may want to check with your doctor. Maybe a realignment can help with the low back pain and pinched nerves.

It depends on the insurance...I would really keep trying to lose weight.

Great article, Dr. Long! I have sent a friend request and messaged you asking to be added to the group.

I had MGB surgery 8 weeks ago and I'm not really experiencing hunger and have to remind myself to eat. Everyone's different.

I was on Phentermine off and on for two years. Lost weight but stopped working. Started having chest pains and had a stress test. I found out I had developed a mild regurgitation in a couple of areas. Fortunately, nothing else happened but I stopped taking it. It's not worth it.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

I tried Phentermine before I had surgery. The results didn't last and caused some heart issues. I wouldn't suggest you try Phentermine.

As @[mention=248904]MarciaN[/mention] said....."Don't settle"
I am 44 and divorced since 1998.
Only had two very short relationships since then, but that's all it took to realize I was much happier alone than in a setting that "society" led me to think I needed.
Have I sworn off relationships/dating? Not at all, but he, whomever it might be, will have to be someone amazing to get me to take notice.
If my lack of looking makes me die alone, then so be it. Being able to just plan for myself is pretty darn good. I'm kinda selfish like that, but we all deserve a little selfishness []
Point is......I'd rather die alone happy, than miserable in a relationship.

I'm so happy for you!!!

I'm five and a half months out and still drink one Premier Protein shake a day. I also start my day with Oikos Drinkable Yogurt. Both work for my lifestyle and my nutritionist has no problem with it. Drinking a shake probably has nothing to do with you're being hungry. It's probably the Prilosec. I take one 40 mg Prilosec (pantoprazole) a day. Although I still don't get hungry, I know if I have gone too long between eating. If drinking a Protein Shake works for you, you should continue drinking it. I bet the Prilosec will help.

I would absolutely have my MGB surgery again. I'm over 5 and a half months out and 71 lbs down since surgery.

Thank you so much for affirming my decision. I will be on a plane this time tomorrow headed to San Diego for surgery Monday morning. I will update this thread with my experiences as I am able.

Mexico is a great choice. I'm living witness. You get better hospital care, longer stay, the doctors, nurses, and staff are more attentive and they make sure you are doing well.

Going to Mexico to have my surgery was one of the best choices I have ever made. You are in wonderful hands!!

I had MGB over 5 months ago. I haven't had any complications whatsoever. I was self pay and went to Tijuana, Mexico, where Dr. Illan was my surgeon. I was in the hospital for three days, and then went to the hotel for two days, where a doctor came to visit me each day. I have steadily lost weight with no stalls, and it's one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am almost 70 lbs down and I couldn't be happier!!!

I agree with MarinaGirl. My research has come up with the same information. The surgeon who performed my MGB told me that an experienced surgeon will know how to correctly make the pouch to eliminate any chance of bile reflux. I'm almost 5 1/2 months out and have had no issues with any reflux.

I would talk to your surgeon about this. It sounds like it could be a stricture or ulcer, like James Marusek mentioned.

I believe any plastic surgery will have to wait until well into months into the maintenance phase.

I agree with pattycaketoo. Go and see them in person. If it still doesn't work, I would change surgeons. Your records can be transferred to your new surgeon's office, and they have to send those records. You should not have to start over. You have already done what you are required to do. But I have great doubts over whether or not this surgeon is up to the task. Maybe he is taking on too much. He certainly has not put you or your surgery at the priority it should be.

I am almost 5 months out from surgery. I also don't get hungry. And I have had the full feeling since the first day they allowed me to start drinking fluids. So it is different for everyone. I follow a schedule in order to make sure I get in my Protein and fluids. I do realize that if I don't eat every few hours I get tired. But I have no hunger feelings.

I will just relay a short story about my experince in Mexico. I am a nurse and have worked in surgery for 12yrs. I had my lap band removed and a conversion to VSG. I had complications in Mexico and did not feel the hospital was adequately equipped to deal with serious issues. The nurses spoke very broken English and there where no CT scanners or MRI machines nor ICU beds. IF everything goes well Mexico is a great option. My best friend had same procedure same day. Did great. For the 95% of people that go and do perfect Mexico is a God send (we were both self pay) but it's a choice you ultimately have to make yourself. I am now 4 weeks post op and have a 1mm stricture in my stomach and require further surgery. The same complication could happen at ant hospital to any surgeon the difference is in the US the hospital and staff have the equipment and knowledge to handle just about anything..... so my point is this. Think hard and long about how willing you are to accept the consequences of your decision. [emoji738]