smg

I think that there are people who do this to deal with their own insecurities. That's what this sounds like to me. Putting down others somehow makes them feel better about themselves, especially if they can get someone else to join in the shaming with them. It's gross, but I'd be willing to bet if she got the help she needed to be confident herself she might not look to this as her way of coping.

How much regain have you had? Is the regain from not following a long-term exercise and diet plan or are there other health issues that prevent you from following these plans? You're correct, they're most likely not going to cover a revision if there are no underlying health issues aside from regain.

Every time you start to feel overwhelmed, stop, take a deep breath, close your eyes and imagine your life at a healthier weight. What are the things you want to do that you just simply can't at the moment. Imagine yourself doing those things. Drink Water right at the time of the urge.

Those urges are moments, and all moments pass. Stay positive and keep your eye on the prize!

For me it was life changing in every sense.

The surgery was quite simple, minor pain at the incision areas, but aside from that really no serious pain. Thankfully, I didn't have some of the 'gas pains' that others have. No nausea, vomiting or extreme discomfort. Not really very hungry for the first few weeks either.

I'm not sure if it's common practice, but right before my surgery and at my 6-month check up I had a "Myers Cocktail" which is basically a bunch of Vitamins given through IV. Really helped with recovery and energy levels during a time where you really can't get much energy from food.

YMMV, but for me recovery was super fast. I was eating pureed food by day 2 and solid foods by I think the end of week 2. Don't worry too much about calories in the beginning. Regardless of what you eat, you won't be able to eat much. Refried Beans were a lifesaver for me the first few days on pureed foods, and the Ricotta bake that you see mentioned so much here was also a staple.

Couple pieces of advice (again, everyone's different but some of what I see on here leads me to believe that the issue is more frequent than some others):

1. Pay attention to your Water. Sounds silly, but right after surgery I had no interest in drinking anything. I had to remind myself to drink water. So I started carrying around my water everywhere. That helped. Kept me sipping throughout the day.
2. One of my biggest issues pre-op was that I ate fast, and when I say fast I mean really really fast. I honestly believe that was a huge part of my weight gain as it led to difficulty digesting, overeating, etc. Use the time in the beginning to re-train yourself on eating slowly and chew chew chew chew chew! Even your liquids. Even your pureed food. Even your smoothies. Chew it all. Sounds weird, but helped me monumentally.
3. Don't try to jump into exercise too early, but don't put it off too long either. We all do this to bring about changes beyond food. We all want to be more active, make healthier choices. It's easy to want to jump right in, but I would wait until you get clearance from your doc (ask) to start, because any injury can cause complications with the surgery or set you back in your recovery or both. Also, you don't want to wait too long because it's WAY TOO EASY to fall back into old habits. Ask your doc at every checkup if you're cleared to exercise and when you are, get moving. Have a plan ready to go. Start with walks and move into beginner plans if you have to and then progressively take on more as you can, but start.
4. Don't get discouraged with stalls. They happen. For some they happen sooner than others, but I think most of us experience them. Just stick to your plan. There are some good articles on here about how to work through stalls. Stalls will hit your ego a lot harder than your overall progress, I promise. Keep with your plan, and you'll push through.
5. Use this time to change what you eat. Just because you can't eat as much of something does not mean that it's a good thing to eat. In the very beginning (first 1-2 weeks), you just need to get something in. Once you start back on solid foods, make sure you're choosing healthy foods. That doesn't mean you have to count calories, macros or any of that. Of course you can if that's what helps you, but I would use this time to find what works best for you. Since you can't eat a lot of different foods, chances are when you start back on solids you'll likely be eating only 1-2 different foods at a time. There won't be 3-4 sides, etc. It's a good time to see how different foods make you feel. Some people do great on a high-protein, low-carb diet. That didn't do it for me. I stuck with the physician's plan for the first 30 days (high protein), but I wanted something more balanced and more sustainable (for me) long-term. I made the change to go to a whole-foods based diet, and it's what I still do today, almost 5 years post-op. I stay away from anything processed as much as I possibly can. This doesn't limit me as much as other diets and it worked really for me. Try foods and see how they make you feel. Weed out the ones that leave you feeling bad, bloated, tired, etc.
6. Enjoy what you couldn't enjoy pre-op. When you get out there and start enjoying the things that you may not have been able to do before your surgery, it's automatic motivation to stay on plan. If you have activities or certain things you have had to sit out because of your weight, having the opportunity to do them is like being a kid again and doing these activities for the first time. Remember those experiences. They will get you through any challenges you might face.
7. Remember that times do get challenging, but that's why you're here. There's a lot of support here. I'm sure you have family and friends to help in that arena as well, but there's something about talking with people who've experienced everything you're going through. Don't forget that we're here.

Sorry for the long-winded post, but I hope this gives you some encouragement as you start your journey. Best of luck to you and please keep us in the loop with how everything is going!

23 hours ago, escape_pinacolada said:

Hello,

I am new to this forum but I really need to warn others. I am 5 years post op from the sleeve surgery and am MISERABLE! I have also had 4 more surgeries to fix a hiatal hernia at the esophagus and stomach as well as pouches that were formed by the surgery. I have not been able to eat normally since the surgery and by normally I mean the way you are suppose to after VSG. I haven't been able to drink Water without pain. My SW was 245 and now I am at 184 and losing since my most recent surgery. The recent surgery was to fix the hiatal hernia again. I was told it was a "new" way of fixing the hernia, nothing more was told to me. My pancreas was also removed at the same time. My surgery was called a Nissen Fundoplication, its pretty complicated. They use of the stomach to be wrapped around the esophagus so it won't go up into that area again. From the beginning I have had GERD very bad, it was so bad I was on 2 different medications as well as over the counter antacids so that is why the Nissen Fundoplication. It has been horrible this 5 year journey. I am getting all of my records together for a second opinion and to possibly have a revision to the RNY.

This surgery was the biggest regret of my life. My life has suffered more and my relationship has also been hurt by this. I am always so tired and sick, and my husband is worried about losing me.

I have also been just left to flounder. I have had numerous swallow tests and load of medications but NOTHING allows me to drink a nice glass of Water, albeit a sip at a time, without pain.

So in one word "YES" i regret everything about this surgery.

Heather

Really sorry to hear this. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It's important for people considering any surgery to see and hear as many experiences as they can. I am thankful that I'm going on 5-years post-op VSG and have hit my weight goal and am successfully maintaining it, but I realize that's not everyone's story. For me, it's been 100% life-changing, from top to bottom. It sounds as though this experience has taken its toll on you both physically and mentally. I empathize with you sincerely.

Are you still seeing the same physician or have you started seeing different professionals? If you're not happy with and not getting the results you need from the physician who performed the surgery, maybe you can find another who can locate and diagnose the issue accurately, and hopefully get things turned around for you. I'm guessing your RNY is being evaluated by another medical professional (I hope). It doesn't sound like there's much confidence in the original surgeon.

Regardless of what you decide moving forward, I truly hope you find the help that you need and get things turned around for the better!

Awesome! Congratulations!!

8 hours ago, apositivelife4me said:

I was just wondering if we can eat Quinoa because I read that it can adversely affect the stomach and intestines. Does anyone have any knowledge of this and can you share with me what you know about eating Quinoa after sleeve surgery. Thank you.

Like anything, it depends on each individual. I had no problems eating quinoa, but have a hard time with oats. Just try a bit and see how it feels after a few hours. I think most people that have difficulty with quinoa or oats is due to the high fiber. It's super easy to overeat as well, so make sure to take it slow and see how you react before eating more.

It's pretty common. You're dealing with 'head hunger'. You're not really hungry, but your body is used to eating more. It will get easier. The liquid and soft/foods stages are super-important to give your sleeve time to heal, which it needs!

Focus on getting in your Water and Protein, and try to do some things you wouldn't normally do. Go for a walk outside, short hike, swim, etc. Now is the best time to make those changes because you want to break from the normal schedule....and this is the time to do it!

Best of luck!

Not at all abnormal. I tried to switch up my eating routine, and get into the 'post-surgery' diet BEFORE my surgery, just to get some of the urges out of the way and get into the habit at really being conscious of what I was eating. It helped a lot.

There's a lot to be said for going, and not giving in. You should be proud of that. That's a victory. Good job.

It gets easier. Stay the course. It's life-changing.

Best of luck...

Just an amazing video I wanted to share with everyone. Arthur is an amazing man and really shows what we can do with enough determination!

I did a Protein Shake in the morning, then one in the afternoon before trying to eat. Then at night, I had a water-based Protein Drink called About Time, but I don't think they sell the ready-to-drink waters anymore. Isopure is another water-based Protein option as well. They were a little easier to get down later in the day.

There were days when I couldn't get both Protein Shakes plus food, but on those days the water-based Protein Drinks came in handy as well.

2 things during the 'soft food' phase were amazing for me. Refried Beans and, of course, the Ricotta Bake from Eggface:

https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1793517

Oh no! Sorry to hear that. Was it an insurance issue or something with the pre-surgery requirements/tests? Hope it gets worked out!

On 7/4/2018 at 9:32 AM, kjuno said:

Hi. So my surgery won’t be until December I’m getting the gastric sleeve. however I’m trying to prepare as much ahead of time as possible. Changing diet exercising etc. I’ve seen a lot of posts about people not loosing the amount they wanted to and I was just wondering what was the most challenging issues and how you overcame them?

Glad to hear you are deciding to make changes pre-op. That mindset will certainly be helpful come post-op. It was one of the best things I did and I even lost 20 lbs before surgery so bonus!!

One of the biggest pitfalls I have seen from people is that they get 'tunnel vision' meaning they focus singularly on weight and weight alone. While we all love seeing the number on the scale go down, it's not the only measure of success. It's not uncommon to hear stories from people who were losing a few pounds per week hit a plateau and immediately shift gears and change their entire diet. In addition to weight, you should be focused on fitness. None of us want to hear this over and over but I can tell you it's probably the best advice I got. Everyone's different and not all of us can just walk out the operating room into the gym. Regardless of how you choose to exercise, it's absolutely crucial to LONG-TERM success that you do. Even if you start small, with some light to moderate walking/cycling/swimming. Do what you can and try to push yourself a bit more each week. It will payoff.

Other things to pay attention to aside from weight are the non-scale victories. Body measurements going down regardless of weight loss, getting in and out of a car easier, not getting winded when walking up a few flights of stairs. These are all positive and it's a real confidence booster when you take the time to notice them.

STAY HYDRATED!! This will help with EVERYTHING. It will mitigate the Constipation, help your muscles recover faster from workouts, allow you to get better sleep. Literally helps with everything. Super important.

The biggest change that I made, and it has worked for me for over 2 years now is that I switched to a whole-foods based diet and cut out processed foods as much as possible. I don't count calories, but I do track macros. I found a ratio that works well for me and my lifestyle which is MUCH more active now. My split is about 40/30/30. 40% of my calories from Protein, 30% from fats, and 30% from good carbs like fruits/veggies, brown rice, quinoa, oats, etc. I don't weigh my foods for exact ratios, but I do try to use those numbers as a guideline.

If you happen to give in to temptation, don't give up. I've seen others say they've had a bite of pizza and so now they're diet is shot so they "might as well have more". That's a common trap. Don't fall into it. If you have a moment where you give in to temptation, realize it, shake it off and get back to your commitment.

The sleeve is a powerful tool but it's ONLY a tool. How you use it is up to you! Best of luck!!

This should definitely have been something your surgeon or NUT should have gone over with you. When I had my surgery we had classes specifically on this. Also, I had a Myer's cocktail following the surgery. They did that because it lasts for some time because of the amount of Vitamins and nutrients in it and this way, we wouldn't have to try to take pills for 1-2 weeks following surgery, which was good because there's no way I would've been able to do it the week after. The 2nd week maybe, but didn't have to start until week 3 post-op which worked out great.

If you're using vitamins that are in capsules, you could empty them into a smoothie and that way not have to worry about digesting or swallowing the capsule itself, and as long as you're not using anything listed as "time release" you could break up pills as well. Just don't do that with any prescription meds unless you check with your doc first.

Best of luck!

Would definitely suggest you contact your doc. Could be gas pain, could be gall bladder, could be nothing. Best to be safe.

As long as you are having your numbers checked periodically and they are in range, then you're good, HOWEVER, typically low-priced Vitamins are going to also be low quality vitamins. I would strongly recommend that you use a Vitamin specifically made for WLS patients, but if you can't find one that's affordable and that you can take without issues, then by all means go with what works. A great site that actually independently tests vitamins and supplements so you can actually see if you're getting what it says you're getting on the label is Labdoor. Here's a link to the Multivitamin testing. While you're there I would suggest checking out their Protein tests and any other vitamin/supplement you regularly take:

https://labdoor.com/rankings/multivitamins

Best of luck!

Ground beef was too much for me until aboutn ~2 months post-op, however, ground turkey (93/7) was fine. Not sure why the difference, but I've since stuck with ground turkey as a staple and rarely eat ground beef anymore.

I received before/after photos with the surgery report. It's pretty standard that they take photos.

Everyone heals differently, and reacts to anesthesia differently. Based on my personal experience I would say that it's possible, but I would say that you are going to feel drained, and may or may not be working out gas the abdominal inflation during surgery. Also, you'll need to make sure there is a way for you to get up and walk during as you will want to do this periodically throughout the day...very important.

But honestly, aside from just wanting to stay in your PJ's I can't think of any reason you couldn't do there what you'll need to do at home anyway (as long as there's room to walk). I did sleep quite a bit for the first 2 days after surgery. Not much in terms of food, so energy remained low. Best of luck!

1 hour ago, tinab59 said:

It will be 3 weeks. I've been doing great with my puréed foods this week.

This is a tough one, because at only 3 weeks, there's not much experience with solid foods yet, so unless the restaurant has something you've already tried and know won't bother you, it could be challenging. My suggestions would be to make sure to research the menu and see if there is anything that you KNOW will (1) be gentle to your new sleeve, (2) give you the nutrients you need most right now (protein) and (3) actually be on your eating plan.

The surgery is meant to kickstart your new eating habits so try to choose something that won't derail those plans. It's hard enough to get enough Water in at 3 weeks so beware of the excess sodium restaurants (even "healthy ones") put on their food....you'll probably want to ask them to leave it unsalted and then you can control it by adding it yourself.

Also you'll probably want to choose something that saves well because you will undoubtedly have leftovers

Best of luck!

Refried Beans...ricotta bake......the end

There's actually a pretty good recipe list on the site. There's a section for each "stage". Best of luck!

https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1052-recipe-sharing/

On 7/5/2017 at 8:32 AM, char3672 said:

I have zofran, but I try not to take it and omeprezerole (spelling) I CAN'T drink shakes AT ALL! The dr tolf me to stop them, but when I tried, I can't drink them anyway. EVERYTHING makes me nauseaus. I'm wondering if I need stronger reflux meds. I'm so depressed, I knew it would be a life change, but I didn't count on feeling like THIS.

Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I saw that you typed that (above in red) and figured I would just address it. Kind of figured you didn't mean "clinically depressed" but more of a defeated feeling, but wanted to mention it just in case. Glad to hear you are not depressed and still staying positive. Hopefully things will turn around for you soon!

I absolutely agree with @Berry78. You NEED to tell someone everything. Where you are going, contact numbers, all of it. Be safe and best of luck!

On 6/19/2017 at 2:10 PM, GenJones said:

Are you talking about regular soda, with sugar? Because I drink diet soda and I'm wondering if the "no soda post-surgery" is because of the carbonation or because of the sugar. I certainly wouldn't want to do anything bad for my liver but I really don't know what it is about soda that's bad for WLS patients.

Mainly it's because you have a much smaller space to place nutrients post-surgery. Soda (whether diet or regular) offers absolutely NOTHING in terms of nutrients. You need that little space to be filled with things that will feed your body. In the beginning, the carbonation can hurt your sleeve. The gas expands in your sleeve and with a freshly sewn organ this can certainly be painful.

I'm a little over a year out and haven't had a soda since pre-op. Haven't missed it either. Thought I would but just haven't. If you use that immediate post-op time to develop new eating/drinking habits, you'll be amazed at what you can cut out and just simply not have the taste for after some time without it. Best of luck