VSG4Mag

Welcome! I'm not familiar with your surgery since I had VSG, but I am familiar with your excitement I'm a bit over 2 weeks post op and I feel great. Goos luck with the rest of your prep:)

Just my husband and my 2 best friends. I didn't tell another best friend bc she has a big mouth. I made a similar post called "has anyone kept it a secret". I'm new here so I couldn't tell you how to search it but there are a bunch of responses that cover it. I feel the same as you. Some people think it's being a liar or deceptive, but I just chose to keep it personal. I'm not boasting myself as some weight loss guru. The sleeve had such a short recovery time that it's easy to keep from people. The first three days were tough, but I was out and about for short periods by day three and back to work by day 7. Day 12 I flew to Disney and I'm totally fine. Nobody suspects anything. (Assuming of course you are doing VSG) As as far as losing weight fast and people obviously knowing...I'm not concerned. I've done strict diets and lost 45 pounds in 3 months, so it's not my first time around this block.

Wow! That's crazy. How are you surviving??? I'm 2 weeks out and had 4oz fish, 2 premier protein shakes, a yogurt and 3 oz of cheese today. And drank like 80 oz of water. I haven't had that much at home, I'm at Disney this week and have been going for 8 hours a day at the parks in the heat while pushing 75+ pounds in a stroller. But at home 4-7 oz of fish & 2 shakes is average for me. I try to get at least 70gm protein.

So I've done it! Had my VSG last Thursday 2/23. I've struggled with my weight my whole life. Creeping up to 40 I've seen that since putting a significant amount of weight on over the years, I'm not living the life I want. My kids are not getting the best version of me. But....I don't want to share this with the people close to me. Of course my husband knows and I told my childhood best friend who has shared similar struggles and is interested in this too. But my immediate family, children, close friends and co-workers do NOT KNOW. Has anyone managed to pull this off? 4 weeks prior to surgery I made a vow to cut back and get myself in shape surgery or not. I gave up sugar and then subsequently all processed carbs just before I was approved. Then shortly thereafter started the pre-op liquid diet and just told people I was using my Protein shakes as Meal Replacements. So it's no secret that I'm trying to lose weight...I just left out the VSG part. Truth be told I don't want to explain myself. I don't want people thinking I'm taking the easy way out. I don't or at least I didn't want people trying to talk me out of it...and trust me they would have. I don't want people watching what I eat and asking if I should be eating it, etc. I've seen what people do and say for others who have gone down this road first hand...at work and in my personal life, and I'm just trying to avoid all that. And of course, I'm afraid of failing. I have the can do attitude. I really see myself being a success and I mean life long. But there is that fear from my past failures. Any advice or personal experiences from people who have been down this road would be appreciated.

Yeah! That's $100 worth per month! Thanks

Ugh! I'm dreading it. I had my question answered already, looks like between 3-6 months I'll start the shedding. I think prenatal vitamins would be too big for the sleeve. Mine were HUGE!

I agree. I eat 3-5 times a day. I measure out 2 oz tuna and put them into little containers. So I call it a snack, but it's really a mini meal. I could eat more, but I am satisfied with 2oz and it get my protein in with real food. "Snacking" is fine (just my opinion) if you plan them out. I'm heading to Disney (right now) and I had to plan out my meals/snacks so that I have options. I don't want to feel hungry and only have park food to turn to. My doc has me with NO fruit for the first 3 months, so my choices are very limited. I ordered groceries and packed my little containers and ice packs and shakes to keep me on track.

Yes. My program required that too. First I had an hour to drink 8 oz. then an hour to drink 16 oz. then an hour to drink some protein shake and jello, but they didn't need me to finish it, just tolerate it. I definilty like my shakes and that I can get 30 oz of protein to start my day. I either go for 8oz water, then 30-40 min later I drink my shake or I reverse it but wait an hour before I start my water. But I don't want to rely on shakes for my nutrition, that's why (although i was reluctant) I started fish within a few days post surgery. I want to eat as clean as possible and while the shakes are great, they are full of stuff/sweeteners that I'd like to avoid. I also promised myself that I would stick to the rules and I make it my job to keep hydrated and get my protein first. I just figured I'd. Have more of a problem doing it. It was really hard that first few days, but yesterday I actually had 100 gems of protein. I thought that was a little much, but it was a long day and there were so many temptations that I avoided, so I had a second shake to keep me in line

You get the premier protein through insurance? I had heard about it but wasn't sure.

Following

If I'm being honest here, I'm almost 2 weeks out and have NO problem eating 4 oz of cod (allowed by my team) and I just had hummus (also allowed) and had almost 1/2 cup with no pain, no over fullness or ill affects. I just stopped eating it bc I got nervous and don't want to push it. I definilty feel full and don't want any more food, but I pretty much decided to stop eating just out of my personal judgement. Granted, I eat VERY slow. Like over 20-30 min period. And chew A LOT. But I definilty don't feel the restriction that others do...even others who are far out. I wonder why? I know that everyone is different, but would it vary from person to person? I am losing weight, 8 pounds in 12 days (14 if you count the 6pounds I put on during the hospital stay - sooo puffy with the fluids) and I do keep my carbs super low. But I just wonder why I don't feel so constricted like others.

I second this! Premier protein has 30 grams of protein per shake, with only 160 calories in 11 oz and 1 carb and 1 fat. Plus full of vitamins. They are pretty tasty and very smooth. I get them at COSTCO - vanilla, chocolate and banana cream. I also ordered them off COSTCO to get the caramel and strawberries and cream flavor and they are good. I usually Hate banana flavored things and even that one is good. I hear you can get a 4 pack at Walmart but I haven't looked for it there. I get 18 in a case for about $25 which I think is a good price per shake.

If you can't absorb it through your bypass, would the transdermal patches work? I got them mainly bc I have a tough time tolerating vitamins (pre-surgery) and I figured it would be tough getting them in with enough liquid post op. I also read that your gut (surgery or no surgery)can destroy many vitamins before they have a chance to be absorbed into our bodies. I cant tell you if my levels are good bc I haven't been teased yet, but the PA at my office said patients with them have no deficiencies. Springauto promo code gave me 40% off on patchmd.com this is the first time I can get my husband to take vitamins too- I just slap one or two on him -lol

cod had 25 grams of protein for a 4oz piece. I never ate cod before this and it's a nice white flakey fish with a mild taste. My doctor has it on the soft and mushy food stage, but it's obviously fine for any post liquid stage I call my local fish market and they'll cook me a 4 oz piece for lunch or dinner while I'm working and use seasonings only and bake or steam it. I have had them pre-cut pieces for me too for home that I'll season up and then freeze in foil so I can put them right into the oven.

Wow!! Great progress. You can see such a difference. I hope that's the same for me. 🤗 Keep up the good work. I'm 1 1/2 weeks out and hopeful!

So happy for you! My kids are a huge motivator for me. Not only do I want to be here, but I want to set a good example and be active in their lives as they grow. Also, good for you quitting smoking. You probably added years to your life with that big decision. I hope your appointment goes well and that you are in the path to a healthy weight real soon

Also, aside from getting hungry faster (which I have heard too) it pushes the food out and doesn't give your stomach enough time to absorb the nutrients. Since we take in such little amounts, we need to get the most nutrition from what we consume.

Jobey- you look great! Very inspirational, thanks for the post. Seeing people who have been through this and come out doing so well is uplifting. I'm just over a week out and I can't wait to be where you are

I felt the same way leading up to my surgery. I don't regret it and am praying that I can be focused and strict so I get to goal fast. Then I'd like to maintain for a year with exercise before considering plastics. My recovery was good. I felt like crap the day of surgery and it just slowly got better hour by hour. I was back to work for a few hours 3 days post op. Then back full time 1 week post op. No problems. I just finished up my work week and was a little tired today, but I took and nap and I'm all good. The sacrifices are worth the long term health and lifestyle gains

I just read this thread and want to say that you ladies look great! Good for you. 👍🏻👍🏻

Thanks everyone!

I was surprised at how hard it was to get in my protein and fluids those first few days. I am doing fine now 9 days out. I start my day with premier protein which has 30gms of protein so it's like I'm almost half way there after that. It was taking me over an hour to get one shake in, now I'm done in about 35 minutes. So it will get easier when the swelling goes down. If you are concerned about blood clots (like I was) then walk walk walk!! I used my elliptical every few hours for 5-15 minutes at a time. Also rotate your ankles in all directions and do the alphabet with your feet. Good luck!

I tried sf pudding yesterdayand threw it out after the 3rd bite! For whatever reason it grossed me out and I just knew that I couldn't have another bite.

Ugh! That's terrible. I was so concerned about blood clots that I walked every couple of hours on my elliptical. 5-15 minutes. Each day it subsided and I felt better, but I was never as bad as you. I do take benefiber every day it mixes clear and doesn't taste like anything. Also, I didn't take the narcotics much- a few times the first day home and before bed on day 2 and 3 post-op. I take 3 servings if I can and for the first few days I took miralax. Im definitely not normal in the BM department, but I think the fiver helps since I barely get any in my food.

Wow! Nice work. You look great