sweatybettybandit

Hello everyone ???? I've just joined the app, I was googling trying to find some sort of support group for wls in melbourne. I'm 2 weeks post op today, & so far so good! Looking forward to getting to know some other wls peeps ????
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Nothing to be nervous about, but watch over your shoulder at all times.
When you go in for adjustments (adding saline, that is), you'll be given some Water to drink to be sure it goes down comfortably. Each surgical practice gives its own instructions. You may be told to stick with liquids for a couple of days or just for the rest of the day... or some other variation. Follow the instructions you're given and you'll feel safe and confident.
food should go down comfortably, but be sure to take small bites, chew to smithereens and pause before the next bite. If you get stuck, feeling that the food is stuck in th esophagus and the only solution is to bring it back up to get over the pain, you're a little too tight. In such case, get back in for another adjustment (aka unfill) to loosen a bit.
Some people choose to keep a tight band in favor of what they see as a more rapid rate of weight loss. They'd rather be uncomfortable. I think that's nuts. Losing weight shouldn't feel like punishment and eating should be pleasurable even in smaller quantities. You'll find your own way.

I have not had any regrets.. when I first had my surgery I would say the first week I was scared that I would not be able to follow the rules and lose weight. I have done fine , had no problems or complications but I try to be very compliant. My Dr. had some rules such as no straws, no soda's and no gum. Negative stories on the internet can make you feel afraid or anticipate something happening to you, ignore those stories and do your own thing. I have maintained my weight loss for 3 years. I feel great, have managed to get healthier, no diabetes, no high cholesterol and blood pressure back to normal. I would say that was worth it. You will mourn the loss of your favorite foods, but honestly there are very few things that I still crave. I wish you the very best and look forward to you posting your success.

Oooh that's exciting! Good luck!!
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Whilst it is not the most pleasant topic, bowel motions, or lack thereof, are something we are regularly asked about following weight loss surgery.


We often have people tell us they are constipated at their first post-surgery appointment. It is important however to realise that Constipation and slower bowels are two very different things - it’s not how often you go, it is how you go! After surgery, particularly during the recovery stages, the amount of food you eat is far less than pre-surgery. With less food comes less waste, so it is likely you will use your bowels less. As long as you are not uncomfortable, this is not a problem. If your motions are less frequent, hard, dry and you need to strain to pass them, then you are likely constipated.
The ‘key ingredients’ to help manage periods of constipation are:

Fibre – this helps to bulk and soften bowel motions and move them through the intestine
Fluid – fibre absorbs Fluid, so if you increase fibre without ensuring your fluid intake is adequate it can make constipation worse.

During the weight loss surgery recovery phases of the fluid and smooth puree diets, it can be a significant challenge to obtain enough fibre and fluid and for many this results in constipation.
Boosting Your Fibre Intake
During the fluid phase:

Blitz rolled oats and chia seeds in your food processor to form the texture of flour and add to smoothies and shakes. Don’t forget to add plenty of fresh fruit as well.
Add plenty of vegetables to Soups. Chop up your favourites and blitz in your food processor. Make sure you blend them enough that they could pass through a straw. Onion, carrot and celery work well to boost both the fibre and flavour of almost any Soup.< br> Add legumes or lentils into soups to boost both Protein and fibre. Once blended they help make soups creamy and will help keep you feeling satisfied. Chickpeas, bean mixes and lentils all work well.

During the smooth puree phase:

Introduce porridge or Weetbix® with plenty of low fat milk at Breakfast. Sprinkle with crushed seeds and/or try topping with some pureed fruit.
Add plenty of vegetables and legumes or lentils into stews and casseroles. Remember to blend into a smooth consistency (much like the texture of smooth mashed potato).

During the soft diet phase:

Naturally soft fruits such as banana, mango, ripe pears and peaches can be reintroduced.
Well cooked vegetables that are soft enough to cut with a fork can also be enjoyed.

Longer term:
Remember to focus on wholemeal and wholegrain bread and Cereal products.
Include fresh fruits and vegetables daily. Include skins where you can , just chew them well.
Include some regular exercise.

It is important in all dietary phases to focus on your fluid intake – remember to sip, sip, sip and aim for 1.5L of fluid daily.
For detailed information on where to find fibre in foods speak to your dietitian or check out the section on fibre in Your Complete Guide to Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery.
Need Extra Help?
If you are constipated at any stage, you may find a fibre supplement useful. A soluble fibre supplement such as Benefiber® or Metamucil Fibresure® can help. These products are colourless and tasteless, hence can be dissolved in a range of fluids. They are best taken regularly, with plenty of fluid. They are not likely to be effective taken if you take a random dose once constipation is established.
The following recipe for prune, bran and apple mix can be a useful addition to your diet to improve your bowels. Try adding 1 tablespoon to your breakfast, or with some yoghurt for a high fibre, high protein snack.< /p>
Prune Bran Apple Mix
75g All-bran®
250g Apple Puree or apples, pureed
75g prunes, pureed
50ml orange juice
Blend together adding more juice if required. Freeze in ice cube trays and defrost 1 cube at a time as needed.
If constipation persists, discuss this with your surgical team or GP. Please seek medical advice before commencing laxatives.< /p>

Even funnier are those by people who have. I do realize that when people research surgery, they may not research all the varieties (or even their own!!), so of course there may be misunderstandings, but when other WLS patients spout off "facts" about surgery with no real basis for their beliefs, I've got to laugh.
It's been an epidemic around here lately, so let's see which "facts" we can debunk.

**DISCLAIMER. I am NOT an expert on anyone but me. I had sleeve surgery. I am confident that I can not talk about bypass, bands, balloons, revisions, switches, etc. with any personal knowledge. This thread is for sh!ts and giggles only.**



Sleeves do not "grow back". I know the whole stretching thing is debatable but I can say without a doubt, they don't grow. And yes, there is a difference.

You cannot feel your staples through your skin. If you can, you've lost far too much weight and should seek immediate medical attention.

If you have a sleeve, you do NOT have a pouch.

liquid will not stretch your sleeve no matter what kind of liquid it is. Liquid runs through a sleeve quickly.

You can eat around your sleeve (I did it yesterday), so you do have to be forever mindful of this tool you now possess.

Your way is not the ONLY way nor is MY way. Neither are the BEST way, either. There are a lot of different roads, hopefully they all end up at the same destination.

You cannot/will not poop out your staples. Really.