JPM514

I don't know about your experience but I got different information from the dietitian than I got from my surgeon. My surgeon said that basically the point is that after the surgery you can medicall have anything and everything just smaller portions. She always said I could go back to alchol and coffee and said I could go back before the dietitian recommended. Also she never really told me about straws either that came from the dietitian. The way I understand it is that once you make it to what I think of as the safety zone...where you're no longer in danger of blowing out your stomach then you can start introducing foods back into your diet. Everyone's biological reactions to their changes will be different. Therefore some people go back to carbonation and some do not. I heard that it can be uncomfortable as well. I am on week... wow week 6 now. I don't use straws all the time but sometimes I do and I haven't had any issues with it. It was more important on the first few weeks because you didn't want to fill your stomach and hurt yourself. I have not experienced gas pains or anything and another person I know who is 2 weeks ahead of me also has been using straws.

So my point is that there is a recommended way and a taught way but in reality it's how your body responds. I know that I hope to drink beer again so I hope to be able to tolerate the carbonation in small portions.

P.S. also I note that many people from all over the US and the world recieve different variations of their directions too. different stages instructions and restrictions. For example my pre op diet was not only liquids. I was on a low fat, no sugar, 1000 calories/day diet. So everyone has a different plan all for the same purpose - to live healthier lives and a safe procedure and recovery.

Just my thoughts/opinions/observations...
Hope this helps,
-Joe M.

I think a huge influence on your depression is that you are alone in the sense that you seem to say you have no one to talk to. It also sounds like you have some other challenges within the family going on and therefor while you are going through this very challenging life changing journey (which effects your mind, heart, body, and spirit) it makes it more difficult to cope especially when your old coping mechanism of food is no longer available!
But there is hope!!! I know you can get through this tough time! I think one tip is connecting to people on here and exchanging numbers having someone to chat with over text or calls! I am a texter not a caller- if you want to follow me and message me we can do that. my surgery was may 11th.
But doesn't have to be me. I have connected with others who are in my area and also had this sleeve. it helps a lot to chat with them!
Do you have other social areas you could connect with others? church groups or hobbies or community? do you have any bariatric support centers around you? those are other places you can find some support that you need.
I pray and hope you the best on your journey! I hope your heart can heal and so that your body can too!
-Joe M.

Herbal teas, diet cranberry juice.

hunger does come back for some.. I am 5 weeks post op and hunger has come back. I found though that it's not always regular hunger... its different. sometimes it's the acids in my stomach. so step one try an anti acid pill like Ranitdine. words wonders! Take that with sips of Water and it will help. I also sometimes just drink some milk it helps fill my small pouch allowing me to feel relieved and full. I also was going to say that sometimes your body is telling you you need water so like I already said drink a lot of water. when you're sick of water...add the flavors and whatever you can and it will help.
Another thing is how you pointed out "the kind of hunger...when your bored" ...to me this shows maybe it's the head hunger that is just as real as the physical. Try to keep yourself busy. Find new habbits that can replace the eating behaviors. If it helps you could chew gum too.
My walks have been helpful in finding a new hobby and also I watch TV now without wanting food as much. I just drink water or flavored water and watch my TV content now.
hope this helps!
-Joe M.

I would like to respond about the carbination. Everyone's recovery might be different. However I would recommend now having carbination yet. I know that air in the stomach right now isn't good for it because it expands it.
I know ppl who had bypass a while ago who will drink soda and another one who admits it bothers them when they drink it.
I think it takes time and then you can try it and see what works for you. I will want to have a beer in the future. I am 5 weeks post op. When I can have alcohol according to my surgeon I will have non carbinated for a while. Then when I am ready I will try carbination again and see how I tolerate it.
Essentiall the idea is that medically we will be able to eat and drink anything and everything again, but in smaller amounts.

In the meanwhile... You could make some sort of uncafinated tea and make it iced if you want. Starbucks/Tazo Passion tea is non cafinated and has great flavors. I also love the Water flavorers- mio or whatever you can find. There's different flavors. I like the fruit punch and iced tea.
Also protien waters taste good. Atkins has a water with 20g per bottle! My surgeon said it can't count as water because I was not getting enough water. But it's something you can drink and helps with your Protein goals.
Hope this helps a bit
-Joe M.

hunger does come back for some.. I am 5 weeks post op and hunger has come back. I found though that it's not always regular hunger... its different. sometimes it's the acids in my stomach. so step one try an anti acid pill like Ranitdine. words wonders! Take that with sips of Water and it will help. I also sometimes just drink some milk it helps fill my small pouch allowing me to feel relieved and full. I also was going to say that sometimes your body is telling you you need water so like I already said drink a lot of water. when you're sick of water...add the flavors and whatever you can and it will help.
Another thing is how you pointed out "the kind of hunger...when your bored" ...to me this shows maybe it's the head hunger that is just as real as the physical. Try to keep yourself busy. Find new habbits that can replace the eating behaviors. If it helps you could chew gum too.
My walks have been helpful in finding a new hobby and also I watch TV now without wanting food as much. I just drink water or flavored water and watch my TV content now.
hope this helps!
-Joe M.

After all this time, and all this work, I still love my sleeve even with everything that comes with it. I am still amazed at how my body cyclically and periodically continues to drop weight. I never dreamed that I would lose this much. I have left my stretch goal in the dust, because when I started it seemed unlikely I would ever reach it anyway even though it would still be considered 60 pounds overweight. I am now well beneath that and I am continuing. Here is a picture of before and present.

Hey, guys!
I was sleeved 3 weeks ago, and things have been fine until a few days ago! These last few days I have felt constant hunger.

For example, tonight I had a homemade salmon patty. Before it would have filled me up yet here I am, and my stomach is gurgling. It feels like hunger. The kind of hunger you'd feel when you were bored and wanted to graze
Is something wrong with me? Did anyone else struggle with this?
Also, I've been in a stall all week. I go up and down a few pounds. I am finally able to get all my Protein in and today was the first day I was able to get 64 oz of Water in! I am hoping this will help with the stall, but the constant hunger is scaring me.

After the first week it gets better.

Also keep in mind that studies have shown smart watch exercise tracking apps all overestimate calories burned. Some are worse than others.

I like Powerade Zero (specifically fruit punch and grape). I have about 32 oz of it per day, and the rest of my Fluid consumption is Water. I also liked Decaf iced tea in the days immediately post-op, but I don't have it much anymore.
I am almost 9 months post-op and I still haven't brought back carbonated drinks. I may be able to tolerate them now, but I don't know. To be honest, I was as big a diet coke addict pre-op as I am a (now recovering) food addict, so I'll never bring soda back because it was so hard to leave it behind in the first place.

This is a great question that I don't really know the answer to. I think the focus is trying to get to the protien goal and Water goals more than anything. I had my surgery a month ago and I still can't quite make it to 80 g. of protien a day.
As for calories I am about where you are too

This is a great question that I don't really know the answer to. I think the focus is trying to get to the protien goal and Water goals more than anything. I had my surgery a month ago and I still can't quite make it to 80 g. of protien a day.
As for calories I am about where you are too

This is a great question that I don't really know the answer to. I think the focus is trying to get to the protien goal and Water goals more than anything. I had my surgery a month ago and I still can't quite make it to 80 g. of protien a day.
As for calories I am about where you are too

Great suggestion! Removing food as a centerpiece of social interactions has been a key to my success pre- and post-op.

Thanks so much Shannon.....I never thought of cheese! lol
i did plan on yogurt and Water, so the cheese is perfect!

Babybel cheese, yogurt, Water with Crystal Light. I bring stuff into the theater all the time. If it fits in my purse, I will bring it. Another option might be to eat before you go and forego the Snacks. Disassociate movies with snacking. If not, there are healthy options.

Help! I'm on my last day of full liquids...15 days post-op. My wonderful hubby wants to take me out to the movies! We're big movie goers, and always have the popcorn and pop. Do you all have any suggestions I can snack on during the film? I would really appreciate it....thanks

On my tracking app it reports both total calories and net calories and I am wondering which figure is the most important? My workouts and steps walked automatically syncs with the app so I don't even have to input my exercise. The reason I ask is because I thought I was getting close to 800 calories per day, but when I look at my net calories it is actually more like 500-600.

I think a huge influence on your depression is that you are alone in the sense that you seem to say you have no one to talk to. It also sounds like you have some other challenges within the family going on and therefor while you are going through this very challenging life changing journey (which effects your mind, heart, body, and spirit) it makes it more difficult to cope especially when your old coping mechanism of food is no longer available!
But there is hope!!! I know you can get through this tough time! I think one tip is connecting to people on here and exchanging numbers having someone to chat with over text or calls! I am a texter not a caller- if you want to follow me and message me we can do that. my surgery was may 11th.
But doesn't have to be me. I have connected with others who are in my area and also had this sleeve. it helps a lot to chat with them!
Do you have other social areas you could connect with others? church groups or hobbies or community? do you have any bariatric support centers around you? those are other places you can find some support that you need.
I pray and hope you the best on your journey! I hope your heart can heal and so that your body can too!
-Joe M.

Are you drinking enough Water? Many times we think we are hungry, but our body is just dehydrated.

I can!! Its about 4 oz altogether.

Error, I'm 3 weeks out

I am Bearguy. In the gay community, bears generally need to stick with specific types of crowds, clubs, social apps etc. A majority of the male gay community is not only looks and body obsessed, they tend to look past chubby and fat guys as anything other than fun fat friends. I use the expression "gay fat" from Will and Grace because the perception is true, and the non gay community, and my fitness instructor community, to them Im just a big guy.
Through diet, spinning,and Zumba, I went from 280 to 228, then slowly crept back to 250 before my search for hernia mesh repair in my belly led me down the "sleeve" rabbit hole. I had no time for the torturous process insurance had to pay for surgery....I was 1 step from committing to an extortion level medical loan program....then I discovered the Mexico option...and had a 100% A+ experience I am willing to message about with anyone who needs information. I did trace two incidents ranted about on this forum to questionable sourcing, and that is related to what I do for a living.
I am not typical, I think. I was a dancer nearly all my life, had quite a bit of potential for disciplined behavior, and lost over 30 pounds through giving up most sugar, corn Syrup products, junk, all soda except home made seltzer and nearly all bread. I was petrified as it snuck back on from the stress of work. A male friend said they thought I was more ready for this than most because of the previous lifestyle. Every person who saw me was aghast...big negative reactions to me decision....."you aren't big enough", " you're just a big handsome bear type guy", but those people all consistently guess my weight at 10-20 pounds under reality. No one gets it right. My legs, calves, and butt are very muscular from cycling and dancing a lot. A lot. However, I have a nearly 50 inch sternum and belly measurement,, and only wear 42 pants because they sit underneath a belly that literally looks like a pregnancy on a man.
Surgery was a rough 24 hours, and allergies gave me a horrible reaction in my eyes from the gas anesthesia , I was pretty much only seeing blurs for 18 hours until a cold compress relieved the intense pain. Make sure the seal on your gas mask is super tight so gas doesn't flow directly into your eyes. In a room with 3 men, which helped and leads me to share an important .
My research of 100's stories and YouTube videos leads me to believe that men generally have a lot of different, and generally easier experiences at the surgery and subsequent weeks. It's not fair of course, but my anecdotal research was pretty consistent.
I'm only 2 weeks out, I'm NO EXPERT, just sharing experience and thoughts. Nausea passed within 2 days, high blood pressure many days finally returned to a safe zone when home. Opinion: apple juice boxes, regular Jello, Powerade brand, and regular ice pops left me in a bad place for 24 hours until I found G2 in Mexico, real electrolytes, minimal sugar, and I felt better in 2 hours. Like miraculously better. No more sugary kids juices, or regular apple, grape, or regular cranberry. I had removed them from my life before, so didn't need them now. I am suspicious of how they are the first tests of eating.
No vomiting, and I'm 2 weeks ahead of the curve stages of food. Everything that goes in my mouth as a test gets a tiny bite and a 15 minute wait and see. I took 5 years to reduce all red meat down to special treats only once a month. I'm Jewish and deli meat, real high quality Boars Head was always a weakness. Yesterday I tried 3 tiny turkey meatballs slow and had a little nausea that passed fast.
Next controversy. I am able to take a small sip of Water with food (cue collective gasp now), and hit Protein and water goals easily. I got overconfident yesterday over the holiday and slowly drank watered down top shelf bourbon diluted in water. It was fine. Had another. Then, a little judgement impaired, I rationalized 1/3 cup chili, no beef, just bean. Promptly threw up while falling asleep first incident. It was stupid and I broke guidance rules as well as my own. Thankfully my fear of vomiting damaging me was overwrought, I am luckily fine.
2 week prep? I couldn't have done it. 4 days worked for me. Years of nutrition classes and psych evaluations I would have failed. I am bi-polar 2, and HIV+, never sick, 32 years, genetics beat it, so it's a miracle of sorts. I thought no doctor would touch me....you just have to be honest, no one batted an eye.
Pre-PreP weight 253, today, 20 days later, 229.2 - it goes up and down every morning so trying not to obsess. Goal is 185, although as a wide chested son of a body builder, I'm confused what my goal should be. Chart for BMI says 165.
My app for discipline is called "Lose It". It has my data stored for past 7 years. It scans barcodes and logs your food for you, you just pick portion...and it remembers it for you, and memorizes your previous meals and puts them up front.
Next controversy: I have been vehemently against all Gastric bypasses since 1992 when my mom had it and subsequent skin surgeries. She now is in a nursing home suffering from such severe malabsorption and osteoporosis, she has broken over 9 bones and elbow major reconstructions. Her height is so many inches down I can't bear to ask how much she has lost. She can't swallow pills. She had the major re-routing, highly invasive early version and I've been angry a long time because where is the long term research? When we are older and needs change will we be ok? With new methods, I believe, finally, yes. My mom likely would have died like her sister who was so big she slept in a Lazy Boy chair and died in her sleep of cardiac arrest. This maybe was best.
I started lower, so I expect a slower curve, but I'm stuck at the weight I weighed the longest in my life, my bodies comfort weight, 230. I will be patient.
Final advice? A dab of sugar free whipped cream on jello, applesauce, pudding, or smoothie....it's heaven and I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere. I read that many people's boredom leads to trouble. Maybe that will help someone. Now the pics I have never let anyone see.   

Listen to the clinical description of food addiction?... this is a place to start on our road to Recovery!