Wendums

Congrats on your approval!

1) I started taking pills right away. Never had any problems with them. Your physician should be able to tell you when to start taking them. They do tend to fill you up, be prepared for that.
2) Once I was approved for surgery, I had one last office visit, they took my blood for something, can't remember what for. Then gave me a surgery date at that appointment. Everything else that was required was done before insurance approval.
3) It's a struggle at first after surgery, especially having such a strange diet compared to everyone else in the house. But hang in there, it gets so much easier to manage after month two. It starts becoming second nature, and you don't have to think about every little thing about your diet so closely. The real change comes when the weight starts dropping. You'll be able to do everyday things again that the weight has made a struggle. I've only come down 75lbs so far, and I'm already feeling like a new person..

Congrats on your approval!

1) I started taking pills right away. Never had any problems with them. Your physician should be able to tell you when to start taking them. They do tend to fill you up, be prepared for that.
2) Once I was approved for surgery, I had one last office visit, they took my blood for something, can't remember what for. Then gave me a surgery date at that appointment. Everything else that was required was done before insurance approval.
3) It's a struggle at first after surgery, especially having such a strange diet compared to everyone else in the house. But hang in there, it gets so much easier to manage after month two. It starts becoming second nature, and you don't have to think about every little thing about your diet so closely. The real change comes when the weight starts dropping. You'll be able to do everyday things again that the weight has made a struggle. I've only come down 75lbs so far, and I'm already feeling like a new person..

So I wanted to pick your brains. I just got approved for surgery and am currently waiting on my date. In the meantime I don't want to drive my nurses nuts with so many questions. I was dead set on having the sleeve but I have to have RNY now. For all of you kind people:
1) How hard is it to take pills post-OP? I'm concerned about the size of Vitamins.
2) after approval, what all did you have to do test wise? I know all drs are different but just curious.
3) what can I expect my life to be life after surgery? I have 3 wonderful kids and a great husband but I need to prepare for the good, the bad, and the ugly lmao.

I've been experiencing this but didn't know it had a name or that I could get the pressure adjusted. Breakfast is a painful meal for me. I can tell it's because I have air in there. I can hear and feel the air moving around so I try burping. I push the breakfast down slowly and it helps get the air out. Do you contact your pcp for the referral to the cpap dr or contact the bariatric surgeon? Did they do another study on you or just lower the pressure?

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm on a bi-pap machine with a full face mask. My concern is that this happens to me all the time. I already knew what it was but was concerned what it will do to my stomach right after surgery. Like could it cause my newly stapled stomach to leak. I'm supposed to be hooked up during my procedure. It will be some time before they can lower my settings. I stop breathing over 100 times an hour.

Just the thought of eggs makes me nauseous. I had a bad experience in month 2 with them and don't know if I'll ever get myself to try again.
I get my Protein from about half shakes and half food now. I hate Protein Shakes, but I manage one every morning, I've made it a routine. Wish I could just gulp it down and be done with it, but nope, gotta sip sip sip it.. ew

Needless to say, I was shocked when it happened to me, so I'm glad to get the word out and warn others. As far as my stomach stretching. I am working on keeping my portions down, unfortunately when you don't feel anything after eating soft food it's hard to not want more. I have noticed though that since I'm advancing to more solid food, I can actually feel it in my stomach, and have needed less to feel full. Maybe my stomach is shrinking back to where it's suppose to be. Hard to say yet. Thank You for all your support.

Aerophagia is what it's called. When air enters the esophagus and goes into the belly during sleep from too high of a pressure from a CPAP machine. My Bariatric Dr. knew I used a CPAP, and my sleep Dr. knew that I was having Bariatric surgery. Neither of them ever mentioned to me that this is a thing. Well about 2 weeks post-op, after I had lost about 40lbs total, my body getting leaner, the high pressure of my machine started pushing air into my new tiny belly while I slept. After a couple of days waking up to a full belly of air, I started looking online for answers, It was on a Saturday, so I would have to wait till Monday to call the dr. and find out what could be done. They lowered my pressure and it stopped doing this, but I fear it messed up my new stomach a little. And I think the amount it takes to satisfy me is a direct result of this. There's no going back from this now, so I'm just leaving my rant here, and moving on with my plan, and knowing that even though I may be able to eat a bit more than the suggested 4oz max at a meal right now, It's by far less than the overfilled plates that I could put away prior to surgery. 😕

I'm 3 mos post op, and still struggle to reach Water and Protein goals. I just forget to drink, and I'm so sick of Protein Shakes at this point it's not even funny (although I do manage a premier shake each morning). I also miss being able to eat all I want. Not that I want to go back to doing it, I just miss it sometimes. Like I went to a Mexican restaurant the other day. I nibbled on the chips and salsa, trying not to overdo it for my main coarse, when it came (pork smothered in green sauce/chili verde, Beans & rice) I couldn't even get through 2oz. of the plate before I was stuffed. meat is so dense I can't eat very much of it. The guy kept coming over and asking me if my food was good, if it was ok, because I didn't eat much of it. OMG I wanted to tear into it sooo bad. Those are the moments I miss eating like a fat girl. And then I come back to my senses and realize I'm one of the lucky ones that has received this gift of living my best life. ❤️

My two week pre-op liquid diet started Christmas eve last year. That was hard... lol

My two week pre-op liquid diet started Christmas eve last year. That was hard... lol

My two week pre-op liquid diet started Christmas eve last year. That was hard... lol

Ok, this may be hilarious and I apparently didn't learn my lesson the first time I did this several years ago, BUT.....
I stocked up on a bunch of "sugar free" hard candies and ate about 8 pieces in one sitting. I was like, "No biggie, it's less than 100 calories, right?". That's when the rumbling started, very low in the guts. They seemed to echo like a humpback whale in heat, starting very softly, but constant, ever increasing until they were able to be heard from across the room.
The look that my wife and kids gave me was not nearly as priceless as the look I gave them as I started the 10 yard dash to the bathroom. I won't go into the rest, but I recall a scene from Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd got back at Harry for stealing his date by dumping Turbolax 3000 in his coffee.... It was just as violent.
There's no dignity coming out of the bathroom afterwards, I tell you, but I should have remembered what sugar alcohols do to me when I over-indulge... That is a lesson I am not going to forget again, I hope....OMG 💩💩💩

I'm 3 mos post op, and still struggle to reach Water and Protein goals. I just forget to drink, and I'm so sick of Protein Shakes at this point it's not even funny (although I do manage a premier shake each morning). I also miss being able to eat all I want. Not that I want to go back to doing it, I just miss it sometimes. Like I went to a Mexican restaurant the other day. I nibbled on the chips and salsa, trying not to overdo it for my main coarse, when it came (pork smothered in green sauce/chili verde, Beans & rice) I couldn't even get through 2oz. of the plate before I was stuffed. meat is so dense I can't eat very much of it. The guy kept coming over and asking me if my food was good, if it was ok, because I didn't eat much of it. OMG I wanted to tear into it sooo bad. Those are the moments I miss eating like a fat girl. And then I come back to my senses and realize I'm one of the lucky ones that has received this gift of living my best life. ❤️

I'm 3 mos post op, and still struggle to reach Water and Protein goals. I just forget to drink, and I'm so sick of Protein Shakes at this point it's not even funny (although I do manage a premier shake each morning). I also miss being able to eat all I want. Not that I want to go back to doing it, I just miss it sometimes. Like I went to a Mexican restaurant the other day. I nibbled on the chips and salsa, trying not to overdo it for my main coarse, when it came (pork smothered in green sauce/chili verde, Beans & rice) I couldn't even get through 2oz. of the plate before I was stuffed. meat is so dense I can't eat very much of it. The guy kept coming over and asking me if my food was good, if it was ok, because I didn't eat much of it. OMG I wanted to tear into it sooo bad. Those are the moments I miss eating like a fat girl. And then I come back to my senses and realize I'm one of the lucky ones that has received this gift of living my best life. ❤️

I'm 3 mos post op, and still struggle to reach Water and Protein goals. I just forget to drink, and I'm so sick of Protein Shakes at this point it's not even funny (although I do manage a premier shake each morning). I also miss being able to eat all I want. Not that I want to go back to doing it, I just miss it sometimes. Like I went to a Mexican restaurant the other day. I nibbled on the chips and salsa, trying not to overdo it for my main coarse, when it came (pork smothered in green sauce/chili verde, Beans & rice) I couldn't even get through 2oz. of the plate before I was stuffed. meat is so dense I can't eat very much of it. The guy kept coming over and asking me if my food was good, if it was ok, because I didn't eat much of it. OMG I wanted to tear into it sooo bad. Those are the moments I miss eating like a fat girl. And then I come back to my senses and realize I'm one of the lucky ones that has received this gift of living my best life. ❤️

HaHA... I had the same issue, I was even wondering if maybe they didn't make my pouch small enough because I couldn't feel it very well when I had enough. Ive noticed the softer the food, the less I feel it and the more of it I can eat, I think it slides through easier. The denser the food the less I can eat and the longer it just sits there in my pouch. Hang in there and just follow your plan, it's doing it's job even though it may not feel like it sometimes.

Hi everyone! I'm new to these forums and I'm so happy to find them. This might be a bit of a venting sesh/rant. I don't know anyone who had gastric bypass and I don't want to bother my doctor or dietician every 2.2 seconds with questions. I just need to feel like I'm not alone in this. I felt like I was doing okay for a bit. I'm having issues with the Protein intake. I'm sick of the taste and the smell of it makes me nauseous. I'm sure many of you experienced this. How did you get past this? Today I felt weak. I'm getting in my liquids but I just feel sort of hopeless and tired. I don't know what mood I'm going to get each day and I feel frustrated. I already suffer with anxiety and it's heightened now. I don't even want to check my weight on the scale because I'm scared I didn't lose enough because I'm super impatient and expect instant results which isn't realistic of course.
I'm so happy and grateful that I did this surgery. It's something I've been wanting for a long time but I'm just about ready to give up and it's only been 9 days since my surgery on March 23rd. I'm sitting with a Protein Shake right now typing this and it just makes me feel sick. I literally never want to have a protein shake for the rest of my life. I'm not really craving fatty foods. I was craving some on my first 2 days post op but now i just want to get to the soft foods phase so I can at least feel like I'm nourishing my body. I'm terrified of the unknown and I'm afraid of failing. It's tough trying to figure out what my body is telling me. I still don't understand if I'm feeling hunger pangs or if it's just a stomach ache.
I have my 2 week follow up with my doctor in a few days but I'm just looking to talk to people who've been through this and maybe help ease some of my anxiety about the unknown. I'm just scared and feel alone. Sorry for the Debbie Downer rant.

My bypass was done 4/3. On liquid diet and doing OK. Occasional discomfort if I sit a certain way, but otherwise I don’t feel that different than pre-op. I haven’t gotten a “full” feeling after a Protein Shake. I am hungry at times, but getting liquids down has not been a chore. In fact, I forgot about sipping one time and chugged a little on a bottle of Water and there were no consequences. I find myself wondering if I could fill my belly the same as before surgery. I’m grateful for everything, but right now I feel like I just continued my pre-op diet. I know this is strange to say, but I expected a struggle and I am a little concerned there isn’t one. Thoughts are creeping in of whether it was all worth it.  Anyone else feel that way?

I'm 3 mos post op, and still struggle to reach Water and Protein goals. I just forget to drink, and I'm so sick of Protein Shakes at this point it's not even funny (although I do manage a premier shake each morning). I also miss being able to eat all I want. Not that I want to go back to doing it, I just miss it sometimes. Like I went to a Mexican restaurant the other day. I nibbled on the chips and salsa, trying not to overdo it for my main coarse, when it came (pork smothered in green sauce/chili verde, Beans & rice) I couldn't even get through 2oz. of the plate before I was stuffed. meat is so dense I can't eat very much of it. The guy kept coming over and asking me if my food was good, if it was ok, because I didn't eat much of it. OMG I wanted to tear into it sooo bad. Those are the moments I miss eating like a fat girl. And then I come back to my senses and realize I'm one of the lucky ones that has received this gift of living my best life. ❤️

What has been everyone’s hardest part in the post op journey?

For me its been sticking to a healthy diet once my hunger returned. It was easy to ignore unhealthy foods when I wasn't hungry and its much much harder now. I have to be very deliberate in making my food choices and saying NO to food I know isn't healthy.

Are you sure you're ready for this major decision?
I knew I was, I had hit rock bottom, I surrendered to the fact that I had no self control to do it on my own. My health was starting to fail me and in desperation I looked into WLS. I am so glad that I did, I had never thought it was for me in the past, I always thought that I should do it on my own. This surgery changes you, and the way you think about food. At least it did for me. I have this new baby tummy and I need to protect it. It was a gift and I am treating it as such. Good luck on your decision, and if you feel you can do it on your own you should try to do so first in my opinion. I think if WLS is right for you, you will know it deep inside, and it will be one of the most important things in your life.

Yah... After everything is complete, you've jumped through hoops to fulfill all of the requirements and you're waiting for the approval, it can be pretty nerve wracking. Hang in there and hopefully the next call you get from your Dr's office is the one to schedule your pre op appointment. Best of luck on your journey beyond surgery, it really is a life changer. ❤️

My lunches usually contain a variety of the items below. I usually bring more than I will eat, so I can have what I feel like and then just repack the next day what I don't eat. I'm still adding new items to this list as I progress with trying/handling new things. it proves a challenge for me to pack lunches as I use to just eat out every day pre op. I have had a few things from fast food, but it's hard to find anything that you can eat. Jimmie Johns can makes all of their sandwiches into an Unwich, no bun - lettuce wrapped. I tried the turkey/ham and it was fabulous... it took me all day to eat 3/4 of it, but my pup was happy to get the rest at the end of the day.. also you can order a side of Beans at taco bell which satisfies if you have no other option.
My lunches contain an assortment of:
2 oz tuna salad (fixed as if it was going on a sandwich)
deli meat or some other sort of meat
hot Soup in thermos
olives
pickles
light string cheese
cherry tomatoes
apple
orange
P3 (deli isle) meat/cheese/nuts
pistachios
2-4 oz lowfat cottage cheese
2-4 oz yogurt
2-4 oz Protein sf Jello (unjury.com has recipe)
2-4 oz vegetable, I like green beans
2-4 oz dole no sugar fruits
I ordered some of the bariatric pal protein chips in a variety. I liked about half of them, but will not be attempting this again until I reach maintenance stage. I found myself eating more than one individual size bag a day or grazing through more than one portion at a time. It brought out old habits in me, and I don't need that kind of struggle with self control right now. Be careful with these my nutritionist also says they are slider foods, that dissolve fast and slide right through to the intestine, more calories for less satiety.