2ndSpring

@@Spiceyfrog you are my hero. thank you for having the generosity of spirit to share your story and your pictures to help and educate this community.

@Newme17thanks for the recommendation!!! I bought the book and am nearly finished. It has totally changed my perspective.
As I mentioned earlier, I've been a pescatarian most of my adult life so I'm already a big believer in plant power for good health. I have to admit though, that I had really been sucked into the WLS mantra of high Protein if you want to lose. I was eating a lot of eggs and cheese (which is not very heart healthy), ordering a protein in restaurants when I really wanted salad and eating Protein Bars or shakes on days when my protein grams were too low.
Dr. Davis actually reviewed and debunked some of the studies that I had based my decisions on. Even limiting my research to published studies, there is no way that a layperson can know who is in Big Agro's pocket or who had faulty statistical models. I'm so glad to have read a book that goes through each study the way he did.
This week has been so liberating - not worrying about protein content and putting starches back on the menu. I had oatmeal for the first time since before surgery!
Ugh, but now I feel really bad about giving out advice on this site that was misguided.

I don't usually post a strong opinion on any nutrition topic because everyone's journey is different and there are multiple paths to success.
However, I feel strongly enough about this that I gotta come out and say it......refined carbs like bread, rolls and Pasta should be avoided during weight loss. They trigger cravings and head hunger, they slide through too quickly, and they take up room that should be allocated to food that provides nutrition.
A big part of how WLS promotes success is our new ability to feel full and satisfied on less. If your stomach empties shortly after eating, then the tool's effectiveness is undermined.
Also, my experience has been that my desire for them is stronger than the satisfaction from eating them. I had the flu a few months back and doc's advice was to eat simple carbs for a day or 2 because my body needed them temporarily. I was psyched. FREE PASS!!! I ordered lo mein and thought it would be delicious. But it was Gummy and tasteless. I guess I used to inhale it so fast (and with a ton of duck sauce and crushed up fried wonton noodles sprinkled on top) that I never noticed it wasn't that good to start with.

thanks for posting this @heycrystal2052
maybe its bad, maybe its not. It is a cheap additive that the processed food industry and fast food industry love - and damn, they are more creative than big tobacco in finding ways to kill us.
There is only 1 study out there and while it was showed some negative results, it was on rats. Great start, but not the final word. There is no conclusive evidence either way, just educated guesses. So I agree with you, why take a chance?

hormones???? I don't ever get involved in these types of arguments but I can't let blatant misogyny go unchecked. Gender bias is ugly and should be left back in the 1950s where it belongs. Resorting to dirty tactics like that demeans no one but you.

me too. its definitely the combo of WF and PB together. Back when I was pescetarian and relying mostly on bread and Pasta pre-surgery I was always backed up.

I drink seltzer or the occasional beer - but very slowly. Seltzer is very bubbly and hurts if I drink too much at once.
I was told pre-surgery that I should never drink carbonation for the rest of my life because it would stretch my stomach. I've also read a lot of people sharing that advice on here. There is no evidence that this is true - it is just one of those WLS urban myths.

I've had decent experiences here and have received great advice. There are definitely some tools around and some hyper sensitive folks that get upset if you don't use emojis and hugs and say everything in the most delicate way. I have no patience with either lol

I don't sense any negativity.

Y'all are stupid.





Just kidding, that was sarcasm.

@jess9395 and @Apple1 I give you both a lot of credit for jumping into the fray on this topic. (LOL I wasn't touching it with a 10 foot pole!! ) I appreciate your willingness to share your insights and engage in a thoughtful and respectful exchange of opinions and ideas. I'm always impressed with both of your posts. Thanks

Exactly!!
We really need to research for ourselves and not take what the USDA says as truth. There is a huge conflict of interest and that agency should not be telling us what to eat.
Disclosure: I work for the USDA, but my research is in beneficial insects.

I believe many are not after the health aspect but the vanity aspect. We all know that going from obese to normal is healthier, but it's the questions of "how much weight can I lose?" "What size will I be?" "How can I lose faster?" that seems to be the forefront of all, whether wls or dieting. Seems to become a true health issue when it's too late (or being diagnosed) and then we start to think about our insides more. Does that make sense? I told my surgeon, I'll be very happy (and continue to be) if I stay at 205lbs knowing I'm truly in optimal health now. He got a smile and nodded his head like "this girl has got it". I'm am very grateful for the knowledge myself and it's just too hard to ignore the science and facts even if I tried to. It's just too clear to be ignored.

"Normally you would soothe it will food..." how incredibly true!! It's like I'm lost! Even in the hospital while the meal trolleys were coming around it felt 'weird' not having a tray of food infront of me like everyone else - rather, a cup of lemon cordial! I guess there is a food mourning phase..?...it makes me realize the psychological 'habits' are still pinging but I don't have the desire (nor capacity anymore) to follow through..
I'm very thankful for your reply, it really helped me sigh with relief to read that what I'm going through is normal Is it also normal to feel like biting into something?? lol

thanks for posting this @heycrystal2052
maybe its bad, maybe its not. It is a cheap additive that the processed food industry and fast food industry love - and damn, they are more creative than big tobacco in finding ways to kill us.
There is only 1 study out there and while it was showed some negative results, it was on rats. Great start, but not the final word. There is no conclusive evidence either way, just educated guesses. So I agree with you, why take a chance?

Hi Kaddy,
The first week is scary, right? I remember feeling exactly the same way. "Is this normal?". I feel like hell...how come other people are up and running marathons the week after?
Everything you are feeling is normal. The surgeons may be able to breeze through these operations with ease, but to your body, this was major. Inside, your stomach will be sore and swollen for many weeks. Your whole body may be weak and tired for many weeks too as you recover.
The blues are totally normal too. Your body has been through a major trauma and it is reacting both physically and mentally. Normally you would soothe it with food, but you can't and that is a big adjustment. Carb intake is really low right now and your hormone levels can also be reacting. It will all level out.
The first week or two, hydration is your number one priority. As you are able, switch over to focusing on your Protein.
I remember thinking I could eat more than others and was scared that I would not be successful. Now, I'm really happy that my sleeve wasn't so small. The sleeve relaxes a little over time, but not that much. In the first few months I was able to eat 4 ounces. Now I can eat 6 ounces. Its my new normal and something I can live with for the long haul.
Best of luck! I'm glad you reached out.

Hi Kaddy,
The first week is scary, right? I remember feeling exactly the same way. "Is this normal?". I feel like hell...how come other people are up and running marathons the week after?
Everything you are feeling is normal. The surgeons may be able to breeze through these operations with ease, but to your body, this was major. Inside, your stomach will be sore and swollen for many weeks. Your whole body may be weak and tired for many weeks too as you recover.
The blues are totally normal too. Your body has been through a major trauma and it is reacting both physically and mentally. Normally you would soothe it with food, but you can't and that is a big adjustment. Carb intake is really low right now and your hormone levels can also be reacting. It will all level out.
The first week or two, hydration is your number one priority. As you are able, switch over to focusing on your Protein.
I remember thinking I could eat more than others and was scared that I would not be successful. Now, I'm really happy that my sleeve wasn't so small. The sleeve relaxes a little over time, but not that much. In the first few months I was able to eat 4 ounces. Now I can eat 6 ounces. Its my new normal and something I can live with for the long haul.
Best of luck! I'm glad you reached out.

omg ddammit i meant excitement damn hahahha

Hi Kaddy,
The first week is scary, right? I remember feeling exactly the same way. "Is this normal?". I feel like hell...how come other people are up and running marathons the week after?
Everything you are feeling is normal. The surgeons may be able to breeze through these operations with ease, but to your body, this was major. Inside, your stomach will be sore and swollen for many weeks. Your whole body may be weak and tired for many weeks too as you recover.
The blues are totally normal too. Your body has been through a major trauma and it is reacting both physically and mentally. Normally you would soothe it with food, but you can't and that is a big adjustment. Carb intake is really low right now and your hormone levels can also be reacting. It will all level out.
The first week or two, hydration is your number one priority. As you are able, switch over to focusing on your Protein.
I remember thinking I could eat more than others and was scared that I would not be successful. Now, I'm really happy that my sleeve wasn't so small. The sleeve relaxes a little over time, but not that much. In the first few months I was able to eat 4 ounces. Now I can eat 6 ounces. Its my new normal and something I can live with for the long haul.
Best of luck! I'm glad you reached out.

Hey Kaddy!


First off, congratulations on even getting the surgery!

For the first week or few weeks I should say, your stomach is still healing and may even still be swollen, which means you won't feel hungry. Even after the swollen tissue returns normal, you'll feel full, however, you have to remind yourself to eat and get that protein!

Everyone's stomach size varies, even though they removed 75-80% of your stomach. You might be able to drink more but your only supposed to take sips here and there to prevent becoming full and having discomfort.

You'll still be a little sore bending over, twisting your body and even laying down, it's all normal, and yes, you may feel weak due to lack of sleep and energy, try to take naps here and there.

When you eat/drink, you'll begin to feel your stomach get discomfort and almost like a pain in the chest like foods stacking up in the stomach.

If you want to personally talk, shoot me a message! We are all here to support and help each other love!

~Shaun

As Dr. Weiner says, Protein drinks although essential in certain phases of the surgery, are still PROCESSED foods. He advises his patients to get off of them ASAP. I am still using them but much less (I limit to one or two a day).

I just bought 108 (big sale at costco using my Mom's account). I will be drinking them all. Once they are gone, I hope to be to the point where I don't need them.

I don't usually post a strong opinion on any nutrition topic because everyone's journey is different and there are multiple paths to success.
However, I feel strongly enough about this that I gotta come out and say it......refined carbs like bread, rolls and Pasta should be avoided during weight loss. They trigger cravings and head hunger, they slide through too quickly, and they take up room that should be allocated to food that provides nutrition.
A big part of how WLS promotes success is our new ability to feel full and satisfied on less. If your stomach empties shortly after eating, then the tool's effectiveness is undermined.
Also, my experience has been that my desire for them is stronger than the satisfaction from eating them. I had the flu a few months back and doc's advice was to eat simple carbs for a day or 2 because my body needed them temporarily. I was psyched. FREE PASS!!! I ordered lo mein and thought it would be delicious. But it was Gummy and tasteless. I guess I used to inhale it so fast (and with a ton of duck sauce and crushed up fried wonton noodles sprinkled on top) that I never noticed it wasn't that good to start with.

perfectly said!!! Before WLS. I was always hungry, always craving, never full, never satisfied. Now I can choose an eating plan and happily stick to it.

perfectly said!!! Before WLS. I was always hungry, always craving, never full, never satisfied. Now I can choose an eating plan and happily stick to it.

perfectly said!!! Before WLS. I was always hungry, always craving, never full, never satisfied. Now I can choose an eating plan and happily stick to it.

This. WLS takes the edge of the hunger and prevents getting these seconds and thirds simply because you're not feeling full. Being satisfied and/or full with one slice of bread and a bit of fruit or salad is something I experience as liberating. Before WLS it was three slices and fruit or salad on top.