readi2lose4

The change in my taste buds has been the biggest issue for me. I am 7 weeks out tomorrow. I had no pain after surgery (morphine is amazing) and zero pain from my incisions ever. I have never vomited. My stomach gurgles and can be loud after I eat but I have no foaming or saliva issues.
BUT, I really thought I could just force myself to eat/drink whatever I needed to get it. I just can't stand to force down Protein shakes (I have tried dozens) or those chewable Vitamins I bought from my surgeon. The old me would just force it all down, I have never been a picky eater, but I feel nauseated when I try to make myself eat or drink something I just can't stand post-surgery.
The main challenge for me has been starting to eat again. Lots of things I used to love taste terrible now. That may change over time but for now it is so hard. I feel hungry but 3 or 4 bites of something fill me up. I struggle to get enough Protein and calories in. I see people eating things (and amounts) at 3 or 4 weeks that I STILL can't eat now.

Hormones will make you crazy. The hormones stored in fat flush out into your bloodstream and cause you to feel out of control sometimes. Depressed (serious deep depression), anger, bouts of crying and instant irritation (short fuse syndrome) are all possible, for as long as you are losing weight. Would have liked to know before for this and alert close family that sometimes I might blow up or start crying and might need to excuse myself (or ask for help).
That the surgery is not the magic bullet you think it is. There is real work involved and it's not just healing from surgery - you have to use the honeymoon time to throw out ALL of your bad eating habits and learn what it means to eat healthy, whole foods. If you don't do this, you will lapse back into eating the old way, and likely regain most of the weight you lose in the first year or two. The surgery does help to reduce your portions permanently, but it mainly is a tool that helps you to lose a large amount of weight and reduce hunger and give you a fighting chance to replace the unhealthy eating habits. This is the most important part of this whole thing - and they just don't emphasize this enough from what I've read over the last couple of years. It is REALLY easy to eat around a sleeve if you go back to crap foods (high carb, fat, calorie foods).
How important it is to face up to your unhealthy food issues/relationship (binging, eating for comfort, using it as an emotional crutch, whatever). And find healthy non-food ways to reward, comfort, deal with stress. It has been HARD realizing how much I used food for so many things beside basic nourishment.

I do the Bariatric fusion (Mixed berry Flavor). In my opinion, they are very palatable (a little sweet, but not too sweet). In tiny print for the Supplement Facts, it says on there for Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve patients to take 4 a day. I chew all 4 of them, all in the morning, one after another. After each one, I take a sip of hot tea (or whatever hot drink you want).
My NUT explained to me that having 4 of them would fulfill all the requirements that you need for the day including the Vitamin B12, Iron, D3, and Calcium.
My labwork has been great.
I wish you the best in finding one that works, but think that the Bariatric Fusion is a great choice because you won't need anything additional.

Are you unknowingly following some of your old dieting habits? After decades of dieting it can be hard to let go of old beliefs and behaviors. But be careful, some of those old rules and tricks are downright dangerous after WLS.


Bariatric Dietitian Elizabeth Anderson unveils 5 common but Dangerous Diet Myths.
Today, myth #2--low calorie food don't count.
Let’s start with pure, innocent popcorn.< /p>
Popcorn is a great, high volume, low calorie, whole grain snack-- if prepared in a healthful way.
Dieters love air-popped popcorn! It provides a BIG feeling of fullness for very few calories. It can be a great tool for managing late night snacking when you’re watching your weight …
if you aren’t a bariatric surgery patient.
For weight loss surgery patients, it’s that feeling of fullness that’s the concern. After WLS, you’ve got to be very careful about high volume foods—even if they’re ‘healthy’ or low calorie.
Those neat little bags of baby carrots are a classic example.
In many diet plans, these low calorie veggies are the perfect ‘free food’ because they’re high in nutrition. I’ve had many clients tell me this is their go-to snack because ‘they really don’t count.’
Don’t get me wrong, we all need vegetables and carrots ARE super healthy. But WLS surgery intentionally left you with precious little capacity in your pouch or sleeve.
For the very best and most healthy weight loss/maintenance, you need to fill that tiny space very strategically. Protein, vegetables, whole grains—in that order.
Be careful not to override your surgical tool with very low calorie vegetables or…popcorn. Yes, they’re healthy but standard dieting advice is just one more of things that don’t fit after WLS.
Tomorrow dangerous diet tip #3: Fooling Your Stomach with Fluid.< /p>

Bariatric Dietitian Elizabeth Anderson didn't exactly love school but she has an odd fondness for it now as September approaches and she's had a great deal of quality time with her teenager!
Find out what she learned in all those nutrition science classes as she answers some common WLS questions in Protein 101.


Which foods have protein?
Protein is found in meat, fish and chicken. For vegetarians and those less keen on meat, there’s protein in cottage cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt, tofu, cheese sticks all the Beans you might put in chili—except green beans.
There’s also protein in meat alternatives like products from Morningstar Farms and Boca. You can usually find these products in the frozen food section. Protein amounts vary so check the labels.
How much protein do I need?
I tell my clients aim for 60-80 grams per day. Anyone with kidney issues might need to be much lower so it’s important to work with a dietitian specializing in bariatrics and kidney disease to get the protein prescription right for you.
Can you get too much protein?
If you’re drinking more than a two Protein Drinks per day along with multiple servings of protein, it’s easy to get up to 90 grams per day or more.
There IS such a thing as too much protein and greater than 95-100 grams per day is starting to push healthy levels.
p.s. Did you know the body simply cannot absorb more than 30 grams of protein per meal? If any of your protein drinks or bars are promising more than this per serving, don’t be fooled into thinking you are giving your body that full amount.
Is protein really that important, anyway?
Oh yes my friends, it is. Here’s why. Your body needs protein for its daily operations—cell building, transportation and repair work-- just to name a few.
If you don’t feed it enough protein it will use the protein it has in storage (your muscles!!!) while stopping all fat burning activity. It does this because it senses that this is a crisis situation and perhaps a famine is ahead. Any body fat on hand has become more precious than a winning Powerball ticket and will be protected appropriately.
It’s a common myth that after WLS you can eat whatever you want because you can’t ‘overeat.’ My advice? For optimal weight loss, that you can sustain, pull a Goldilocks and strive to get the amount that’s not too low and not too high but just right.

Quest Smore
Quest Double chocolate
Power Crunch Bars

Now THIS post is helpful. Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I actually did seek out your thread because you responded to my thread about recovery by saying you wished you hadn't done it, and then when I asked why you simply said, "I want things how they were before", or something very close to that.
Since I am pre-op I was very curious. I don't have any experience with the surgery or the recovery or any of it, so I'm not coming from that point. I think these people are actually trying to help. When you say that you'll "never" stop regretting it after only 9 weeks then other people who maybe felt that way at 9 weeks are trying to encourage you by letting you know it could change.
I had a DCR surgery a few years ago and got Iron poisoning by swallowing too much blood. I have literally NEVER been so sick in my life. It's the only time I've lain in a hospital bed and not cared if I was dying. The point is that you can't be objective when you're suffering and in pain. Now that it's over, those few days (as AWFUL as they were) were worth the new tear duct they drilled through my nose and the end of constant and painful eye infections and pus leaking out of mine.
Sometimes it's hard to see the forest for the trees. Even if you are right and this surgery was the wrong decision for you it makes perfect sense that from an objective standpoint your complications are coloring the entire experience so far.
I think that you can indeed appropriate some blame on your doctors. I've done most of my research on my own and online and have already read about many of the possible complications. After 2 years they certainly should've been brought to your attention.
Just be open to the possibility that once things settle down and the post surgical complications ease up you may feel differently.

I read some interesting comments today and I wanted to make something really clear.
Out of all these people around the globe that are on this website, there are going to be some of us that have found post op, that this surgery was the wrong decision.
If you want this website to be honest and truthful, a source of good solid information for people considering surgery and a source of support for people post op, then everyone's experiences should be welcome.
The reason's I think this surgery was wrong for me has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with my post op complications!
And as for comments about people who regret their surgeries and have complications because:
• "houses were dirty"
• "they didn't follow instructions"
• "they haven't seen the great results yet"
• "they are just negative people and negative people are more vocal
So, just let me tell you this, some of us simply made a mistake.
We thought this was a good plan, we took advice, did our research, attended the seminars and weigh ins (in my case, two years attending).
We met our surgeons, we discussed our pre existing conditions, we spoke to our family and friends.
I myself have a counsellor, did CBT counselling for the entire two years pre op and am deemed emotionally and mentally sound. (just as an aside, my NHS CBT counsellor did not agree with this surgery).
I checked with my pain mgt team about the efficacy of my medications post op.
And it was still a mistake!
And so what?
It happens. And people like me should be able to explain these things without others trying to negate our admission of this mistake by offering excuses as to why we are unhappy with our decision.
I could have floated onto a cloud, had magical unicorns lick away my stomach, and woke up in paradise fully healed, sipping a cocktail in the sun and I would still tell you that this was a mistake for ME. And for many of my friends.
It doesn't matter how many years post op I get, I will consider this a mistake.
My house is not dirty, I followed instructions to the letter, I consider my bariatric discharge booklet my life guideline and I never variate.
I keep in touch with anyone and everyone in my medical care stream that might be helpful.
And complications happened. And yes, to many of us in our bariatric system. But again, it was not the complications that disturb us.
We all have different reasons for regretting it.
Most of us feel that we were misinformed, which doesn't help. My neighbour regrets her bypass because of her now permanent diarrhea and no improvement in her diabetes. She tells me that she has to think about food most of the day just to keep herself fed (choosing the right foods so as not to vomit), and she could have simply dieted harder if she had known she would have to think of food all day. She is three years post op and she still struggles with dehydration. Her hair never grew back after the initial drop out.
I myself am only 9 weeks post op and have had complications so I can't know what my future holds.
I miss eating quickly and simply in a way that doesn't have to be well thought out.
I want to be able to eat a full salad, maybe even with dressings, without worrying about which component might not agree with me.
I want to be able to eat any kind of meat I want cooked how I want in the quantity I want.
I want to drink beverages with my meals.
I miss a morning coffee or afternoon tea. I miss ice tea. (I know other people can drink it but I can't now).
I don't want to have to plan my food day meticulously or be different from others around me eating.
I want my medications to work again in the way they did pre op to control my fibromyalgia symptoms.
And I have definitely seen weightloss results. As I was lying there starving to death for seven weeks, I have lost all but 20lbs of my expected and required excess weight to satisfy my healthcare team. ( I am still only getting around 500 cals a day in, but have constant diarrhea so who knows how much stays in).
I now look "normal" except for the grey pallor in my skin and the nappy I now have to wear because of fecal incontinence (my IBS-d was totally controlled before surgery).
I am six dress sizes smaller but can only leave my house if I don't eat anything and wear adult protection in case of Water causing an "accident". Or in case I become faint from lack of food and fall.
So I do actually feel that had I read a forum entry like this, I might have thought twice.
And that's a good thing. If people are scared, that's okay. Let them hear more than just "don't worry, I was fine, you will be too!" Because maybe they won't!
So this is not about complications, it's about people.
One size does not fit all. Some of us should have simply accepted our weight, or worked harder to diet it off. Had I taken in only 300 to 500 calories a day for 9 weeks pre op, I would have lost all this weight anyway.
If you are happy, well done! If you are dead set on going ahead, ignore this. If you are a high BMI person (think 600lb life), God bless you, this may save your life, if you are a food addict, I feel your pain.
You will still have to diet post op! You will still have to exercise.
If you are undecided, then simply take a breath, think about it, really examine your food issues. Could you do more to lose weight? Could you move a bit more and eat a bit less?
Anyway, I am where I am and I plan to make the best of what I have left. And I intend to keep making sure that pre op people have a good think and post op people like me have someone they can talk to.
Thanks to everyone who is supporting me.
Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@Seastars
This is just food for thought (pardon the pun). When you are speaking of carbs, I get the impression you are taking about whole grains mostly.
Good carbs like Beans, legumes, vegetables and even fruit are a good part of a low carb diet. My nut has said from the beginning that I must included veggies and fruit daily so she had me follow this simple rule. 2 bites of Protein for every 1 bite of good carbs like veggies or fruit.
I would not be afraid of using Beans and legumes as part of your diet while losing. I would worry about adding whole grains just yet because you are in the lose phase.
Again, this is just my opinion and you may already be eating veggies and some fruit. I just wanted to ensure that low carb doesn't mean no carb.
I lost 151lbs eating meat & cheese Proteins, veggies and fruit over a period of 18 months. Now, I lost slower because I had restrictions after having 4 surgeries in a year but I did it with a 2 bites of Protein to every 1 bite of good carbs. I stayed away from Pasta, bread, cereals, rice and sweets. I allowed potatoes once or twice per week max.
I still drink one 30gram Protein shake a day because I struggle to get enough. I believe a still have a really good restriction. I am lucky if I can get 2 oz of dense protein.

So many great responses, especially those reminding you that it may take a bit to find the best approach for you and for your body to kick into weight loss gear. A couple of suggestions.
1. Try planning your meals primarily solid Protein and vegetables. Eat slowly and chew your food really well. Enjoy Water a half hour before and an hour after meals, but eat your meals pretty dry. The sleeve is a restrictive surgery and liquids may not be giving you the sensation of fullness you're looking for to feel satisfied.
2. Aim for 1000 calories of carefully planned meals, Protein and vegetables, only small amounts of complex carbs or fruit to start. Avoid liquid calories unless you can only manage a shake in a hurry.
3. Physical activity is really healthy and almost essential for maintenance, but it has a limited effect for weight loss. The focus should be on the food you eat. It's not necessary to exercise 3 hours a day or push yourself to the limit. If you do that to the extreme, you're body may think you're starving and go into high gear to hold on to your weight.
4. Trust your body and the process. You'll learn what works for you. Sometimes it just takes a bit longer to figure it out. Take care. Dr. Gail

I am not a sleeve patient but I know many of them. I am a bypass patient.
I can tell you that this process is absolutely not magic so if you were promised that, yikes. You will have to work hard and it sounds like you are already doing that.
I am a little shocked at how many calories you are eating this early out. As I said, I am a bypass patient and if I eat 1200 to 1300 calories I maintain and do not lose. If I am closer to 1000 calories, I lose consistently.
That being said, you are a lower BMI patient and I would not expect huge drops in weight. You will likely lose much slower than some. That is not a bad thing even though it feels that way. The slower you lose the better you work at building good long term habits.
You did not put on this weight overnight and it will not come off that way either. Also I would just say, this really is not a diet, it is a lifestyle and your body needs time to get used to it.
When is the last time you lost 3lbs per week? That is great progress and you should be very proud of it.
Other than my first 2 months I averaged between 5 and 10lbs per month. It took me 18 months to lose 151lbs and get to goal. The good news is, this is my new life and I have and my body has had time to adjust.
Please be patient and if it makes you crazy put the scale away and stick to your plan. You will get there!
Best of luck to all of you.

@@hbrhonda All I can say is - COMMUNICATE!!! There's no need to stop enjoying going out - you might just need to adjust what you are eating and drinking. Your husband may also be feeling a little insecure. Again - talk to him! Be open and honest and try to get him to tell you what's going on. Hope everything works out well!

You gotta give him a little slack.. You made a huge change, not him. Try to give him a little leeway..

I think it's important that you find a happy medium.....remember that he didn't have surgery. So going out to eat is still possible for both of you....I don't know if you're back on regular food but if not it'll get easier once you are. I think it's important to do things he likes without being bored....make the best of it.....Instead of being bored just enjoy the time you're spending together. You also should find something you both enjoy equally....going to the movies....concerts, plays, etc.....Remember that this has been a huge change so your relationship will need work....
Good luck to you both in finding your new normal.

@@hbrhonda - I am 14 months post and I have never stopped eating out with hubby. he likes to eat out a lot. I am just more selective and get to eat a couple of meals out of one. We order a la carte items for me. I occasionally have a drink but that doesn't mean I cannot drink Water, unsweetened tea or coffee.
Maybe you need to get some newer things to do while enjoying getting healthier with hubby. When you go to the concert at the park walk around, sip some SF flavored water (you can be the designated driver) and eat some post VSG friendly type food that BOTH of you would like: sliced cheese, meats, etc.
Why watch him eat when you go out? I found out that my hubby felt guilty that I had so little to eat compared to his plate. Chew you food slowly, put the fork down, don't drink while eating, basically s-t-r-e-t-c-h out your meal to finish closer to the time he is done
Buffets offer a lot to choose from, you don't have to eat ALOT of anything so just get a bite of this or a bite of that.
Food = fuel for the body, think of it that way and re-evaluate this situations and see if you can change not only his view, but yours as well, as what "a good time" can be.
Sharing food is part of socializing, and post WLS as a patient, you adjust and move on...don't expect everyone to want to do a 180 degree change (baby steps).
You got this!

Major life change for one is always going to stress the relationship... if the relationship was on solid foundation heading into the change, there's a good chance you can make it through. If not... well... this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybksJr1anc8

600-800 calories a day? Can one actually live on that? I certainly need to learn more about life after the surgery. I thought 1200 cals per day was the norm...

That was probably your Psych Eval. Therapy/Counseling can be very helpful if you have a good therapist. I found therapy much more helpful than nutrition (although that was because I knew most of what the NUT had to say already). @@TracyBar - I'd recommend counseling if you can find a good psychologist familiar with Bariatric Surgery and emotional eating.

The part about people watching, very true.
But other than that, follow the program. Keep the protien up, carbs low. Fats somewhat low due to the higher calories per gram when compared to carbs and protien. Carbs low because you want to try your best to keep your body burning fat and not carbs throughout the day.
Drink Water. Drink protien shakes with low carbs. Try your best to avoid any drinks other than the mentioned.
Lift weights. This applies to both women and men. Helps keep the skin tight, and the body from losing muscle during your extreme calorie deficit after surgery.
If you find yourself in a stall, drink your way out of it. This drink being Water. Also, have your carbs before 4pm in the day. Limit them to below 30g for the whole day, this way your stay in ketosis.
Myfitnesspal is your friend.
Good luck to anyone pursuing this huge positive change in their life! Find what works for you but follow A PLAN! Do not just wing this!
Weeks out: 15
SW: 365
CW: 287
WL: 78lbs

Wow, that's awesome how you lost that much weight so fast. You look amazing! How did you lose so much so fast? What types of meals did you have? What types of exercise(s) did you do? Looking for helpful advice.

I am 2.5 months post op and I drink V8 V-fusion Energy drinks. The one I like (Orange Pineapple) come in an 8 oz can. It has 50 calories and 12 carbs. It isn't carbonated and has more caffeine than a diet Soda in a 12 oz can.
They come in diet and lots of different flavors too!
Worth a try since they have the pick up you are looking for and not carbonated PLUS they have a daily dose of a veggie and fruit AND some of the Vitamins we all need since having surgery. )
Good Luck!