char3672

This is a bit difficult, since I followed my plan (so the plan told me what to add and when).
Basically, try and keep to one type of consistency for a week at a time, and by time you are 8-9 weeks out, you'll add in everything.
So, starting today, make sure everything is a runny puree consistency. Smooth, thin, will run off a spoon. Add liquid if things are too thick. (You can do tuna or beef in the blender if you want.. puree is about the texture, rather than what you are eating.)
At 4 weeks, you move to thick and smooth. Like greek yogurt. Will stand up on a spoon, but still no chunks.
At 5 weeks, you move to soft chunks (like unblended split pea soup). You'll need to chew a bit, but everything should turn to mush in your mouth.
At 6-8 weeks, you move gradually into firmer and firmer foods. Raw veggies are one of the last things you add.. especially raw carrots, cucumbers with peels, etc. It might take longer than 8 weeks to bring some of that back in.
I knew it was ok to advance to the next stage when I could eat the current stage relatively quickly and without discomfort. Anytime you try out a new food, just take a small bite, chew it well, swallow, and wait to see if everything is ok, before taking the next bite. Your tummy will tell you when it doesn't like things.
If you overdo, and end up vomiting, go back to liquids for a day to rest your tummy. Wait at least a week before reintroducing something that didn't agree with you.

This is a bit difficult, since I followed my plan (so the plan told me what to add and when).
Basically, try and keep to one type of consistency for a week at a time, and by time you are 8-9 weeks out, you'll add in everything.
So, starting today, make sure everything is a runny puree consistency. Smooth, thin, will run off a spoon. Add liquid if things are too thick. (You can do tuna or beef in the blender if you want.. puree is about the texture, rather than what you are eating.)
At 4 weeks, you move to thick and smooth. Like greek yogurt. Will stand up on a spoon, but still no chunks.
At 5 weeks, you move to soft chunks (like unblended split pea soup). You'll need to chew a bit, but everything should turn to mush in your mouth.
At 6-8 weeks, you move gradually into firmer and firmer foods. Raw veggies are one of the last things you add.. especially raw carrots, cucumbers with peels, etc. It might take longer than 8 weeks to bring some of that back in.
I knew it was ok to advance to the next stage when I could eat the current stage relatively quickly and without discomfort. Anytime you try out a new food, just take a small bite, chew it well, swallow, and wait to see if everything is ok, before taking the next bite. Your tummy will tell you when it doesn't like things.
If you overdo, and end up vomiting, go back to liquids for a day to rest your tummy. Wait at least a week before reintroducing something that didn't agree with you.

Every time I see this it seems crazy.
My doc has her patients do 2 weeks pre-op all liquid and a slow system for Post op
- Day 0-21 days post op all liquid diet
-Day 21 to 42 after surgery soft and mashable foods are added (scrambled eggs, tofu, flaky fish, soft low fat cheese, soft veggies),
THEN 42 to day 63 post-op adding chicken, pork, raw veggies
Finally day 63+ is adding red meat.

In my opinion, 6 days is too soon. Docs all have their own plans, but mine did things slowly and it worked great for me. 3rd week everything was purees; like yogurt, split pea Soup, mashed potatoes and the like (for consistency).
Week one was Clear Liquids. Week 2 was full liquids.. So the purees opened up a new world [emoji6]
One thing that you shouldn't overlook is the idea of taking things slowly, and don't hesitate to revert back to the easier foods. If yogurt is working, great! I found my tastes had changed so much that I could tolerate plain yogurt, no sweetener needed. YMMV

My rule of thumb with yogurt was a 1 to 1 ratio, Protein to carbs. So it sounds like yours is pretty good. The first month (to me) is about healing, not weight loss, so do what you need to. When you are on solid foods, it will be much easier to transition to higher protein/lower carb choices.

Hi. I am 3.5 weeks out, and I have been having alot of problems eating and drinking. I was put on meats, cheese, soft veggies...pretty much anything since day 6. I think it was too early. I have been nauseaus and not wanting food (or drinks) I was taken off shakes (which I can't get down anyway) and yogurt. My question is, i know that we are supposed to eat yogurt with more Protein than sugar, but since I'm having so much trouble, would it hurt to eat one that has 13g sugar and 11g protein? Even if just until I can eat better?

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I had the sleeve 4/4/17 and for 3 weeks had severe nausea, was on zofran, compazine and the scolpmaine patch, and still was nauseated, it did get better, I walked, I sipped, I threw up, drank broth and tea which helped some. Keep motivated it will pass,

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I think they quoted you and just highlighted in the red to point out your original phasing.
I just got the sleeve 6/27 and have too felt horrible, my god so horrible. I had surgery on my spinal cord 6/1 (yes only 3 weeks before) but my company is a government contractor and I had the looming possibility of changing health insurance 6/30, so I had to push through since I was approved by insurance already and had met all my out of pocket maximum for the year so my surgery was 'free' if i did it before any potential converge changes. So my body was already weakened before I ever had this surgery, compounding issues for my recovery by a lot.
I was comforted by the knowledge that I have a great suregon which makes every patient be 100% informed, tested, and healthy. Besides reg mental eval, we had to go through pre-op support groups, PT trainings on exercise, prove we were doing the liquid diet seriously, and start a 4 day pre-op in and out cleaning with hybiclens outside and nystatin inside to ward off complications. While she didn't want to do surgery so quick after the spinal, my neurosurgeon convinced her I was safe and healthy enough for the sleeve. My hospital is also one of the centers of bariatric excellence in Maryland with 6 out of only 20 specialized bariatric nurses in the state (which sadly i didn't have one of them otherwise I'm sure post-op would be going much smoother). With all that, I've still had a very hard time.
But the severe regret I felt at the beginning post op is slowly fading as my body learns to work my new digestive system. Like others have said, I have an awesome day and then 2 bad ones or even an awesome day and then nausea and diarrhea in the PM (I know not normal but explain next).
I was doing great the first 2 days after I was home from hospital (stayed 2 days in hospital but felt like eternity because my 7am-7pm nurse did not treat me well, my surgeon and her PA was pissed). Swallowing hurt and taking medicine was hard but i was tolerating drinks well and getting 50oz fluids a day, 70g Protein, 30g carbs.
But then I went right back into the ER Sunday due to a spiked 102.6 fever and severe dehydration due to constant overnight diarrhea (I'd say tmi but with this surgery I think nothing is tmi honestly). CT discovered that I had an intestinal infection- Colitis most likely picked up in the hospital. Ever since I can't tolerate any of my Protein Shakes or bariatric food I've been living off of essentially since my spinal surgery (had to go through front of throat so liquid diet basically started early). I'm not getting enough Fluid, protein or carbs and my sleep schedule is completely flipped. By time i get up the DC area heat is too oppressive to risk walking while so weak, it sucks. My suregon is keeping an incredibly close eye, I've already had a CBC and ER recheck Wednesday and will have more blood testing and another recheck next Wednesday which in sure she'll notice bathe dehydration now and lean into me to step it up for my own safety.
Anyway, this long reply just to say that I totally understand the fear and pain and regret. It'll get better but it's damn hard to see the sun from the clouds. This is where forums and supports groups come to try and shed hope even if sometimes discouraging when you hear about the lucky ones who had it smooth.
I'm down 18 pounds already. This weekend I'm resolved to join a gym. As everyone says, this is not an easy way out, but we will be amazed looking back at how far we came

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!

Everyone heals differently, for sure, but I think most of us probably experienced similar symptoms at one point or another during our recovery. I would first remind you to keep in mind that you very recently had MAJOR surgery. It's common to experience nausea for some time following ANY surgery, and especially one that just removed most of your stomach [emoji4]
Zofran or something similar is typically issued upon release because nausea is a very common ailment following this (or any) surgery. Typically it's not a symptom of a larger problem, but again, this was major surgery and should be treated that way. If you are not feeling well, then you should, by all means, either contact your surgeon/team or go to the ER. It's easy for those of us who have had the issues sit back and say don't worry it's normal, but what we experience isn't always the same as what you experience, even if the symptoms are the same. Better to be safe than sorry.
As far as the depression is concerned, this is something that you should UNDOUBTEDLY speak with your surgeon/team about. They will most likely have recommendations for either a specialist or support group that can offer you help in this area.
Bottom line. It's probably nothing...just typical recovery symptoms, but again, I wouldn't be the one to decide that. You have a surgeon and team at your disposal (provided you got your surgery fairly close to home), I would use it. If you don't/can't see your surgeon, see a GP. If you can't do that, go to the ER. There are a million and one reasons you could have these symptoms. Most likely it's not enough Water and/or Protein, but it could also be irritation or just normal recovery. Better to know for sure is my opinion...if for no other reason than peace-of-mind.
Once you know what the problem is, correcting it will be much easier. Best of luck!

Char3672, thank you for posting this. I am having surgery on July 31st. I have battled depression and anxiety for 20 years and am concerned about how I will feel after surgery. My husband had surgery before Christmas and did fantastic but everyone is different so I was thankful to read your post and hope you continue to update your progress over the next few weeks.

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I know exactly I'm a total foodie ! 5 weeks might be a little hard to be away from home but just bring any shakes or whatever your dr allows you to have with you . We've been away several times recently and I was surprised how easy it was to find healthy things to order . Only thing that sucked was watching the family eat at the breakfast buffet . I just ****** a couple bites of eggs and a little fruit and I'm good . This time will pass so quickly! You'll do great ! Feel free to message me if you have any questions!

The first few weeks are a little rough but it will pass before you know it . I am almost 6 months out and down 70 pounds . I felt some regret right after but your body will get used to it . I have half a slice of pizza here and there and I am able to tolerate steak . I could not drink Protein Shakes from the beginning so that was hard . It definitely gets easier I promise !!! Some things I can't eat are desserts or anything with sugar , and rice doesn't sit well with me . Try to avoid bread but have pita or Half English muffin here and there an it's totally fine . Just stay positive and keep your eye on the prize .

This is normal. You have buyers remorse. You regret the decision you made because you do not feel the instant gratification you thought you would feel. The first few weeks are the hardest. Nothing comes easy and this is the hardest part of the journey you will have.
I made a YouTube video in which I talked about the depression that I was feeling.
[/url] Honestly, it gets better. A lot better. It just takes time. Your feeling towards food is due to your fear that it will make you sick or that you think eating will make you gain weight. I felt both those emotions. Just know you need to eat, it is essential. Do not fear food. You will only be trading in one extreme for another. The goal is to gain a healthy relationship with food.
I used to live to eat. Now I eat to live. I look at food as what nutrition can I get from it. I make all kinds of recipes of my favorite foods, just low carb and calorie options.
It does get better. It just takes time.

Have you talked to your Dr? Feeling nauseous all the time is not normal. Anyone would feel miserable in those circumstances.
Also if you are not eating or drinking enough, you are always going to feel terrible. You can't starve and think you are going to feel good.
What does your Dr say about this?

You will be able to eat that post op after you heal. You probably won't be able to eat a whole hamburger and fries for quite a while post op. I've had pizza more times than I'd like to admit. I've also eaten a few fries. My cravings for food didn't go away but my sleeve keeps me quite full. I personally didn't have surgery to be on a diet for the rest of my life. I will eat what my family eats for the most part but I will eat way less. I eat very healthily most of the time but not all day every day. I haven't been to McDonald's post op yet..... I could prob eat half a hamburger now. It just doesn't sound good though. They make a great southwest chicken salad with grilled chicken. I haven't tried those yet either because salads scare me a bit still! I'm just afraid I won't be able to chew it enough. Maybe I'll try a salad tomorrow! I'm six weeks out this week.

Is there a reason you're avoiding taking the Zofran? It seem like if you have nausea and a nausea med on hand, maybe try taking it. Unless there is some reaction you are having?
I can tell you as someone currently at 6weeks out I had to take Zofran as needed for the first month. I still have occasional bouts of nausea, but it goes away after I eat. It just stinks because the nausea makes me not want to eat, so I have to fight through it.

What you're feeling is normal. I am over seven weeks out and i still get nauseous but only because I don't swallow my meds and fluids properly so it gets stuck and i have to work it down with big gulps or stroke my throat. More healing stomach will feel better. Sometimes eating and swallowing taste like bitter medicine but it subside please keep the faith. I know it's hard but i know you see results in your body.

The first few weeks after surgery are tough, physically and mentally.
it is a really big surgery for your body to recover from. Those little holes on the outside don't reflect the huge changes inside. Your insides are sore and inflamed right now. Fatigue, low energy and mild depression are common and will go away as the weeks pass.
Looking back, I remember starting to feel a little better every day right around the 3 week mark, so I think you are past the worst of it.
I promise you that it gets better, so much better [emoji4]

I am also 3 weeks post op, but I had little energy until I was getting enough Protein. I also had to make myself get up and move. Did they give you something for nausea, because that is what helped me? I had zofran for the first few weeks and also protonix to help with reflux and/or heartbearn. Those seemed to work for me. Do you tolerate the Protein Shakes okay?

Today is 3 weeks post op for me, and I can't even tell you how sorry I am that I did this. I feel nauseaus almost the time, I HATE the thought of food, or looking at food or smelling food. I have little energy and I just feel sad. Is this noal? Will it pass? (It's not that I MISS the food, except maybe pizza) but I just want to feel GOOD, NORMAL. UGH.

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Hell, I only lost 7 and my team was pleased. They should be happy!

My doc is a bit old school about the food and also because I had complications in my surgery so i had to take it easy and also i can eat Pasta but its the whole wheat one and it has to be very well done to be able to digest sure it's going to be in small amount
For the Water after the surgery i couldn't drink water i was like you not a water drinker [emoji23][emoji23] but i flavor the water with fruit so i can drink them and also watermelon and cucumber worked miracle for hydration

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Hi my name is Sylvia. I'm 41 mother of 2. My son is 15 and my daughter is 21. My daughter got my best years before I let my weight get me down. We were always going camping, boating, swimming, amusement parks. But 10 years ago I hurt my back and haven't been active since. I remember about 6 years ago taking my son to an amusement park waiting in line for an hour to ride a roller-coaster only to not fit in the seat. Thank goodness I had a friend with me and my son got to ride. I was humiliated. Haven't been back. I feel I've robbed him of a lot of experiences because I physically couldn't do it. Now he is starting to get big himself. When I hit the 300 mark back last August I new it was time to make some changes. I wanna be a better mother, wife, and reclaim my life. I was sleeved 6/22/17 and don't regret it one bit. I'm already down 34 lbs my feet and legs are no longer swollen and painful. My energy is up and my spirit has been lifted. I look forward to the future. It's about time I've done something for my self as well. I want to be active and have fun with my son before he grows up on me. My daughter is getting married in October and I'm excited and not dreading people seeing me feeling self-conscious. Also my husband of 22 years deserves to have his wife back. Really looking forward to our time. Ready to travel and just enjoy life. I'm so excited everytime I look in the mirror now. Can't wait to see how I will change in the months to come.

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