AZhiker

I crave sodas in general. What helps curb the cravings is carbonated Water - BUT BOY DO I BURP A STORM!
I tried to drink Diet Sprite or 7up. (not a black soda fan) and unfortunately, i couldn't. Tastes too sweet now.
So I stick to carbonated water and sometimes i add a tiny drop of some sort of Syrup to make it similar to a soda i guess.

However, I think like the rest of the replies ill be letting go of this soda habit as well *sad*. But hey that's why we all did these surgeries - to let go of bad habits that got us where we are today.

Never.
I gave up carbonated beverages in the months before surgery and aside from an episode of genuine old-fashioned rootbeer envy in my first year, do not miss them. Not one single bit.

I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I mean, you would think there was actually cocaine in it, the way I was driven to seek the dopamine release it gave me. I would even dream about it. Once I quit, it took 3 full years before my car stopped trying to drive itself through the McDonald's drive-thru for a large size, dollar Diet Coke. The addiction is real! Anyway, for me this weight loss journey meant learning to live in a new and healthier way - for life. I had surgery for my health, so it made no sense to continue habits that were not healthy - not when I paid so much money for the surgery and made such sacrifices to lose the weight. That meant getting rid of the stuff that was not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, soda included. Any kind of soda is terrible on your teeth, bad for your surgical site, and even diet sodas can trigger insulin release that results in fat storage - not fat breakdown. Soda is also listed in the medical literature as one factor in the development of Fatty Liver Disease. I had fatty liver, and WLS gave me back a new, nonfatty one. So why in the world would I feed it soda again??? There are more than a few studies that show diet soda drinkers actually gain more weight than people who drink regular soda.
Anyway, I'm not trying to preach at anyone, but just asking folks to consider choosing the best and healthiest options for your new life, rather than flirting with foods and drinks that perhaps tripped you up in the first place, and that can hinder your long term success.

I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I mean, you would think there was actually cocaine in it, the way I was driven to seek the dopamine release it gave me. I would even dream about it. Once I quit, it took 3 full years before my car stopped trying to drive itself through the McDonald's drive-thru for a large size, dollar Diet Coke. The addiction is real! Anyway, for me this weight loss journey meant learning to live in a new and healthier way - for life. I had surgery for my health, so it made no sense to continue habits that were not healthy - not when I paid so much money for the surgery and made such sacrifices to lose the weight. That meant getting rid of the stuff that was not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, soda included. Any kind of soda is terrible on your teeth, bad for your surgical site, and even diet sodas can trigger insulin release that results in fat storage - not fat breakdown. Soda is also listed in the medical literature as one factor in the development of Fatty Liver Disease. I had fatty liver, and WLS gave me back a new, nonfatty one. So why in the world would I feed it soda again??? There are more than a few studies that show diet soda drinkers actually gain more weight than people who drink regular soda.
Anyway, I'm not trying to preach at anyone, but just asking folks to consider choosing the best and healthiest options for your new life, rather than flirting with foods and drinks that perhaps tripped you up in the first place, and that can hinder your long term success.

I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I mean, you would think there was actually cocaine in it, the way I was driven to seek the dopamine release it gave me. I would even dream about it. Once I quit, it took 3 full years before my car stopped trying to drive itself through the McDonald's drive-thru for a large size, dollar Diet Coke. The addiction is real! Anyway, for me this weight loss journey meant learning to live in a new and healthier way - for life. I had surgery for my health, so it made no sense to continue habits that were not healthy - not when I paid so much money for the surgery and made such sacrifices to lose the weight. That meant getting rid of the stuff that was not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, soda included. Any kind of soda is terrible on your teeth, bad for your surgical site, and even diet sodas can trigger insulin release that results in fat storage - not fat breakdown. Soda is also listed in the medical literature as one factor in the development of Fatty Liver Disease. I had fatty liver, and WLS gave me back a new, nonfatty one. So why in the world would I feed it soda again??? There are more than a few studies that show diet soda drinkers actually gain more weight than people who drink regular soda.
Anyway, I'm not trying to preach at anyone, but just asking folks to consider choosing the best and healthiest options for your new life, rather than flirting with foods and drinks that perhaps tripped you up in the first place, and that can hinder your long term success.

I used to be addicted to Diet Coke. I mean, you would think there was actually cocaine in it, the way I was driven to seek the dopamine release it gave me. I would even dream about it. Once I quit, it took 3 full years before my car stopped trying to drive itself through the McDonald's drive-thru for a large size, dollar Diet Coke. The addiction is real! Anyway, for me this weight loss journey meant learning to live in a new and healthier way - for life. I had surgery for my health, so it made no sense to continue habits that were not healthy - not when I paid so much money for the surgery and made such sacrifices to lose the weight. That meant getting rid of the stuff that was not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, soda included. Any kind of soda is terrible on your teeth, bad for your surgical site, and even diet sodas can trigger insulin release that results in fat storage - not fat breakdown. Soda is also listed in the medical literature as one factor in the development of Fatty Liver Disease. I had fatty liver, and WLS gave me back a new, nonfatty one. So why in the world would I feed it soda again??? There are more than a few studies that show diet soda drinkers actually gain more weight than people who drink regular soda.
Anyway, I'm not trying to preach at anyone, but just asking folks to consider choosing the best and healthiest options for your new life, rather than flirting with foods and drinks that perhaps tripped you up in the first place, and that can hinder your long term success.

I had my first "learning experience" yesterday. I frequently make a big pan of roasted vegetables (mini potatoes, sweet peppers, onion, mushrooms) for a side dish. I had successfully eaten small amounts prior. However, yesterday's veggies were not as well-cooked. I thought I was taking small bites and chewing well. The joke was on me! I should have stopped at the first twinge of discomfort but I thought it would pass and continued to have more. All of the sudden, I felt excruciating pain between my shoulder blades and it felt like I couldn't get a full breath. Nothing I did made me feel better and I was really getting concerned. After a few minutes, I vomited. That relieved most of the pain. Within an hour, the pain was completely gone. Vomiting showed me (literally) that I had not chewed my food as well as I thought and definitely had eaten too fast. Lesson learned and I realize I had gotten too big for my britches 🤪

Like you, I told almost nobody about my surgery. Lots of people asked me how I lost so much weight, and I simply told them that it was a medically-supervised weight-loss program (which is true). If they ask how much I've lost, I say that I'm not sure and that it doesn't matter because I did it for my health. I then tell them that I feel great and have more energy than I've had in a long time.

OMG, it is so rude for people to ask this. Two different people came up to me at work last week and asked me how much weight I've lost. I am kind of shocked that anyone would think this is appropriate to ask someone AT WORK (or, honestly, anywhere, but especially at work). My answer is to say jokingly, "Oh, you know a lady never tells."

Way to go, girl! Congratulations! It truly is amazing to get your life back!

Yup, I got an ulcer in the first year. I don't smoke, don't drink alcohol at all, no caffeine at that time, so soda - absolutely no risk factors, but there it was. Doc thinks maybe one of the stitches didn't heal well and caused a spot for irritation, Anyway, a couple of months on omeprazole and that was done. Never had a problem since. I drink small bits of Decaf coffee now, but not much. No alcohol, no soda.
I also developed blood clots in my legs about 10 days out. Again, no risk factors except obesity, major surgery and varicose veins. I was out of bed walking the halls within a few hours after surgery and doing 10,000 steps a day by day 7. 3 months on a blood thinner that that was done. However, I developed phlebitis in those darn veins again just a couple of weeks ago. So I think I just need to have the veins taken care of with an ablation.

Thanks to all who replied, kind of sets my mind at ease. I know to keep my eye on the prize and this will all be worth it.

And you may well find that you will not need a lot of your meds after surgery, including antidepressants. Did you know that most of your body's serotonin and dopamine are actually made in the gut? The gut biome is extremely important in regulation of so many functions, and all that is going to change. You are going to lose all that stored estrogen that is hiding in fatty tissue, and your gut biome is going to get an overhaul as you eat healthier foods.

Vitamin deficiencies are actually pretty rare as long as you keep on top of your supplements. The one exception seems to be Iron - some people don't absorb iron from oral supplements well, so they have to go in for occasional infusions. The vast majority of us absorb iron from oral supplements just fine, though.
by "restricted" - do you mean what kinds of foods are restricted, or how small our pouches still are? If you're asking about food, there are no restrictions once you get a few months out. I can eat anything, just not huge portions.

As you lose weight a lot of hormones, etc. are released into your body that were stored in your fat which can cause issues. For me, the oestrogen that was released stopped my menopause symptoms (they came back when I reached my goal weight unfortunately) & my cholesterol levels rose very quickly (back to the level it was pre surgery now). My general liver function was off too. My GP & surgeon were concerned & I was having monthly blood tests & scans. It was my dietician who explained what was happening & that things would settle when I reached my goal which they did. I was still glad I had all the tests though - better safe than sorry.
This could be what’s happening to you too. It’s worth discussing with your endocrinologist. Hope they find a answer soon.
PS - feeling cold is very common as you lose weight. All that insulation is disappearing. I almost need to wear thermals to go grocery shopping in the middle of summer.

I didn't drink coffee for a while but after a few months, I started a daily routine of getting a large cup, where about 2/3 can be filled up with my Keurig coffee and the rest of the room I pour in my Premier Protein shake. The Cafe Latte flavor is perfect, but sometimes I mix it up with chocolate or vanilla. It takes me a while to finish it and that's all the coffee I drink in a day. The rest of the day, I usually drink Gatorade Zero.

Funny thing, but as a former coffee addict, after surgery it tasted like mud! I couldn't stand it. I avoided all caffeine and acidic drinks after surgery to avoid ulcers (I got one anyway), and after two years it started to smell/taste good again. So now I drink only Decaf, with unsweetened soy milk, and only with a meal - not on an empty stomach. And not every day. So far, no more stomach problems 2 years out. So you may be surprised and not even like it post op.

Funny thing, but as a former coffee addict, after surgery it tasted like mud! I couldn't stand it. I avoided all caffeine and acidic drinks after surgery to avoid ulcers (I got one anyway), and after two years it started to smell/taste good again. So now I drink only Decaf, with unsweetened soy milk, and only with a meal - not on an empty stomach. And not every day. So far, no more stomach problems 2 years out. So you may be surprised and not even like it post op.

Such a strange thing. When I was fat, I thought I was actually just a bit overweight. I look at the before pictures now and am horrified at the reality. But after losing weight, it's like there was no gauge to accurately judge what I really did look like. I was always looking to see if the distance between my outside thighs and the edge of the chair was the same as someone else, or comparing myself to others at work who wore the same sized scrubs. I kept trying to give myself more space than needed to squeeze between furniture or other objects. It does pass, but it just takes time. It's like we landed on Mars and have to learn stuff all over again.

I would plan for some good walking shoes. You need to keep moving to avoid blood clots and to start into a healthy lifestyle plan. My doc wanted 10,000 steps a day, and I worked up to that in the first week. Naps and massage are great, but keep yourself moving inbetween or you could have complications.

I would plan for some good walking shoes. You need to keep moving to avoid blood clots and to start into a healthy lifestyle plan. My doc wanted 10,000 steps a day, and I worked up to that in the first week. Naps and massage are great, but keep yourself moving inbetween or you could have complications.

I would plan for some good walking shoes. You need to keep moving to avoid blood clots and to start into a healthy lifestyle plan. My doc wanted 10,000 steps a day, and I worked up to that in the first week. Naps and massage are great, but keep yourself moving inbetween or you could have complications.

Good for you! But don't think you have to "sell" it to anyone. If you want to say you are on a medically supervised diet, that is fine. If you want to tell people that you are having surgery, that is fine, too. But you don't have to give rationalizations or try to make them understand why this is so important and how the surgery works - because they won't understand, and basically they won't care. Seeing you actually lose the weight may even make some of them jealous and even more mean. Believe me, the day will come when you will NOT be the biggest person in the room - someone else will fill that spot and that will really upset the apple cart. All the overweight people who make fun of you now (because they secretly are happy that YOU are the fat one, and not them) will have to start wondering what everyone is thinking about THEM! Bottom line - say what you feel is the right thing, but keep it short and simple. Be prepared for everyone's opinion, but be prepared to brush them off. You don't have to answer to any of them. This is YOUR life, YOUR decision, YOUR health, and YOUR success. So glad your spouse is on board and supportive. That really means a lot.

Good for you! But don't think you have to "sell" it to anyone. If you want to say you are on a medically supervised diet, that is fine. If you want to tell people that you are having surgery, that is fine, too. But you don't have to give rationalizations or try to make them understand why this is so important and how the surgery works - because they won't understand, and basically they won't care. Seeing you actually lose the weight may even make some of them jealous and even more mean. Believe me, the day will come when you will NOT be the biggest person in the room - someone else will fill that spot and that will really upset the apple cart. All the overweight people who make fun of you now (because they secretly are happy that YOU are the fat one, and not them) will have to start wondering what everyone is thinking about THEM! Bottom line - say what you feel is the right thing, but keep it short and simple. Be prepared for everyone's opinion, but be prepared to brush them off. You don't have to answer to any of them. This is YOUR life, YOUR decision, YOUR health, and YOUR success. So glad your spouse is on board and supportive. That really means a lot.

Good for you! But don't think you have to "sell" it to anyone. If you want to say you are on a medically supervised diet, that is fine. If you want to tell people that you are having surgery, that is fine, too. But you don't have to give rationalizations or try to make them understand why this is so important and how the surgery works - because they won't understand, and basically they won't care. Seeing you actually lose the weight may even make some of them jealous and even more mean. Believe me, the day will come when you will NOT be the biggest person in the room - someone else will fill that spot and that will really upset the apple cart. All the overweight people who make fun of you now (because they secretly are happy that YOU are the fat one, and not them) will have to start wondering what everyone is thinking about THEM! Bottom line - say what you feel is the right thing, but keep it short and simple. Be prepared for everyone's opinion, but be prepared to brush them off. You don't have to answer to any of them. This is YOUR life, YOUR decision, YOUR health, and YOUR success. So glad your spouse is on board and supportive. That really means a lot.