FLHappyGirl

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

Hey there!
One way to see if you can live with the lifestyle changes longterm is to start implementing them prior.
The ones you can stick to *may* be the ones that will carry you through permanently (i.e. giving up takeout FOREVER vs only having it for special occasions, not being able to exercise in the gym 24/7 RAIN OR SHINE vs walking in the evenings or giving up bread/rice/pasta FOR ETERNITY vs once a month in maintenance, etc.)
Think about what you absolutely will never give up and be honest with yourself about if it will work with the post op lifestyle. The things you can't commit to that will cause burnout maybe more harm than help, but only you will know.
I'm no special circumstance on either side of the spectrum when it comes to WLS. Mine was slow and unspectacular. But it got me to where i needed to be. I worked arduously for every lb lost. Had to work different angles to accomplish goals. It wasn't too easy but not an epic struggle either.
I have made many concessions and given up many things because ive honestly had a lifetime filled with them anyways (my choice) I'm no self proclaimed foodie because i don't necessarily feel the love with food like some may, but I'm not simply ascetic eating for fuel either.
I do have a thread that's dedicated directly to food on the board so can see what people are actually eating.
Bowel movements with the sleeve aren't that much different pre/post op. Immediately after surgery for me they started out one way then change to another then stabilize (loose, impacted, just right). But this is usually if there are no complications.
This surgery is also referred to as Metabolic Surgery so you have to speak with the Team you choose about the science behind that.
It will matter.
You will not gain and lose like someone who has not had surgery or their metabolism reset/altered. It *may* be possible to gain/lose on less/more calories than before because your BMR will be lowered/accelerated.
I've seen a few posts where people are going in not understanding this and are bewildered later. But there is no precursor to knowing where you will land. Many many many things can effect your outcome.
Your journey is going to be as individual as you are. You will have to tailor it around what will work best for you.
Team/sites/groups/studies can give you expected outcomes based on averages but you may fall at either end of that haunting bell curve. Or like me just sitting somewhere on the middle of it often eating a salad and being a vigilant watchman again regain.
Good Luck 💜

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

I want to lead off by saying I am an outlier. I had a very easy surgery and recovery. I have an Iron sleeve, almost nothing bothers it, and hasn't from the beginning. I have lost 100% of my excess weight, am below my goal weight, and have maintained for nearly 6 months now. So, take what I say with a grain of salt, knowing that I have been supremely lucky, and the stars have aligned for me, for now (who knows what the future holds though).
I am also a foodie. I eat out very frequently, both for business, and just as my personal lifestyle. I have not have any issue eating a very wide range of food (with one exception, I'll get to later).
My first business trip was 3 weeks post op. It was a week long wine and dine event, with elaborate meals, dinners being upwards of 20 courses. I ate ahead of my plan, and had little tiny bits of just about everything. I don't recommend this, but it caused no issue for me, other than a weight gain of 3 lbs when I returned.
I have been on multiple international trips post op. I ate meat pies and drank beer in Scotland. I ate Pasta and drank wine in Italy. I ate falafel and drank tea in Egypt.
BUT, it wasn't all just eat whatever I want, but smaller portions. I balanced "off plan" meals with being very disciplined, especially when I was home. For many months, until my hunger returned, I was routinely under 500 cals a day. I took advantage of not being hungry, and not having head hunger triggers, by eating to only get my required Protein in, and therefore consuming very few cals, many days.
Now that I am in maintenance, I have been fortunate so far. My BMR appear to be north of 1500 cals a day. I still have a fair amount of restriction, so I am able to eat relatively freely. But I log everything I eat and weigh myself nearly everyday I am home. I am willing to adjust my diet and cals in order to maintain at a weight I'm happy with (which may eventually end up higher than my current weight). But even if I do end up having to be more careful with my diet, it will always be a combo of disciplined and splurge meals. It will just be about finding the balance between the two.
On the topic of digestive issues, I have had no accidents, no diarrhea (other than the occasional that everyone gets from time to time). I was constipated early post op, and added Benefiber to every non-water liquid I ingested. I can get nausea if I over eat, but it passes quickly. I have only gotten sick twice, and it was Vitamins on too empty of a stomach.
The only negative consequence I have had, is dumping-ish symptoms, from time to time. Occasionally it is random, but the most common trigger is liquid sugar, such as Vietnamese coffee, or Baileys Irish Cream for example. I just get extreme nausea and my heart races. So I've given up any large quantities of sweet beverages, or anything similar, like ice cream, pudding.
So, it is possible to live a normal foodie life, post sleeve. But this journey is very, very individual. It is a true YMMV situation. So just as there are outliers who have lots of complications & food sensitivities, I am an outlier that has had practically none. I am at one extreme of the bell curve.
Hope that helps!

I think it is always nice to have in the event you get thirsty, however if you don't like carrying something when you walk you should be ok without for a short time. Just be sure you are properly hydrated before you leave and replenish when you get home.

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

The first few months can be difficult as you cycle through the different phases while your body heals. Expect it. That way you won't be disappointed. I had the sleeve, no accidents. A few times early on dry meat (chicken) didn't agree with me but I can honestly eat anything now. I limit my carbs and sugar because they are a slippery slope for me. Surgery or not, I think everyone should limit carbs and sugar.
I loved to cook for my family and friends before surgery and still do. I think the surgery has made me an even better cook, insisting on only the best ingredients! I'm not wasting my small capacity on something that tastes like crap, it is going to be spectacular. Last week my husband actually said, "You've become an even better cook the last couple years." I swear he said it, and he didn't even want anything

I agree completely. I am a former chef (went to the cia etc) and even if i hadn't been in the food and bev field - for my family and friends food is a huge huge deal.
The pre-op diet and the first month in my opinion was the hardest for me. May i never have to be on a life time pureed diet ( it wasn't that bad - it only lasts a few weeks).
You won't know until you have the surgery what your experience will be. Will you have complications (rare), will you not eventually be able to stomach red meat...will you be a slow loser (holla to all the slow losers like me)...will you wake up hungry?
You might for a while think i just don't care about food but it will pass for most people. Take up bridge or some other new hobby in the interim.
I say all of this because I think expectations pre-surgery aren't talked about enough. We are all special snowflakes.
You are going to have to decide whether or not being a foodie trumps being healthy.
For me, the fear of becoming diabetic, having to take hypertension medication, etc. Took priority over anything i could put into my mouth, no matter how delicious.
Being a foodie doesn't have to stop because of the fact you have a new normal.
Your new lifestyle will take some time to, just to but last night i made a Sicilian meatball recipe with sauce over mashed cauliflower. I ate about a 1/4 cup of meatballs and sauce and whatever left of the mashed cauliflower until I am full ( like 1/8th of a cup). It was great. I am a little over six weeks out and should be in the 600-800 calorie range.
You may have to be a bit more creative if you aren't used to watching your carb intake, but over time, I believe it does get easier.
I regret I didn't have the surgery before my umpteenth yoyo dieting attempt , hich I believed was the 'last time'. I lost 65 pounds and put on 72 pounds over a year and some change. I swear if i could add all the weight i loss together over the years, i am sure it would be around what i weigh currently 238.
Good health, whatever you choose.

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

I live on the lake, I have a suit every year. Most have skirts, as I'm an old lady. The only one you have to please is yourself. Go and have fun!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

^^^This. Absolutely. But even more, try to embrace and encourage your ambivalence! By doing that, you can maximize this vacation from food!! At this point look at it as I need to eat "x" or "y" to meet my Protein goals for the day. I need to drink "x" or "y" to get my liquids in. The End.
Delay experimentation. Delay adding extras. Go for as long as you can on minimal. I swear the weight will just fly off you if you do!!! Cuz reality is, that all too soon, you will be fighting with your head hunger and body hunger. And all too soon you will be eating and eating larger and larger amounts. And your weight loss will dramatically slow, or stop completely, or become a gain.
This is the magical time. Congrats!!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

***UPDATE***
I had blood work done for the second time since having surgery back in August 29th 2018 and I am soooo ecstatic! I Got me blood work results yesterday from my PCP and My A1C is 6.0. Before surgery it was out of control 9.7, after surgery my endocrinologist took me off all diabetic meds (I was taking 1500 mg of metformin and the highest dosage of Victoza and felt sick every day) three months after surgery A1C went down to 6.7, now 9 months it's 6.0. My main reason for having wls was to get better control of my diabetes. The sleeve is working great for me and I'm so happy that I had it done.

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!

Congratulations on making the decision to better your life! It's not easy but it is worth it! I was lucky, when I told my boss he was understanding and didn't press for details but I know he assumed it was for "female" stuff. If someone asked me, that's what I would have (actually probably did) said because I didn't (and still don't) want my co-workers to know my business.
I suggest going through HR if your not comfortable talking to your supervisor. Depending on your job and your recovery you could need as little as a few days or as much as several weeks to recover. Just be prepared in the event you need extra time. Like Mike says above, know your rights and work within the proper channels.
Good luck on your journey!

I lost my appetite for quite a while after surgery. I ate to get my Protein in, not because I was hungry. My restriction is still very noticeable especially when I eat dense protein but I am hungry a few hours later. The hunger is different though, I don't crave the crap I used to crave. I realize now I was a major sugar addict, not so much anymore. Now if I crave sweets I can have a sugar free or no sugar added popsicle (or two) and be good, even a flavored greek yogurt or some berries will usually satisfy the craving. I think this is partly because I refused to eat what was not on my plan (and still do for the most part). I avoid bread, pastas, rice, and sweets. I know in my head if I go back to eating these things it is a slippery slope and I'll be stuffing my face again!
The tricky part is head hunger.....I've realized I have strong tendencies to eat when I am stressed, bored or experiencing a lot of emotion (pissed off, anxious, for example.) Looking back, this was always the case.
Use your prep time to become aware of triggers and why you are eating and if you are truly hungry or just looking for food to soothe you. It will help after you go through the surgery.
Best of luck!