imaginegirl

Most any sensible diet works post op and can be adapted for the immediate post op transition period as well. Vegetarian/vegan is tricky for a while because of the low Protein density of most foods and the small amount that can be consumed for a while, but there are some veg Protein Drinks out there that can be used.
Does this surgeon have an RD associated with the practice? They would be the most helpful in tailoring a diet for your needs - most understand that for a diet to be successful, it has to work for the individual. Some surgeons will jump on the latest fad diet, like Keto, as a way of "tailoring" their program to the greatest number of potential patients while keeping it "one size fits all".
When I went through this, there was a clique of patients on these forums who were all gaga about their surgeon because he was a strict low carb fan and they were all hooked on the low carb fad and many chose him specifically for his diet (Keto wasn't a thing then, more classic Atkins was the then current fad). A great marketing tool for the surgeon, and an OK diet for many patients, but hardly a necessity.
Our program was quite flexible, aiming mostly to get maximum tolerance while keeping to the protein levels and textures required early on, Right out of the hospital we could have eggs, oatmeal, cream of wheat, sloppy mashed potatoes, refried Beans, yogurt, etc. and it was quite successful for most everyone. So no need to get into any of those fad diets, or put up with docs who do.

Have a look at Dr Matthew Weiner’s Pound of Cure book & his you tube videos. He’s a bariatric surgeon who supports a low animal Protein diet. It may not be anything all that new but may make you more comfortable about how to manage your weight loss post surgery.
A good dietician should help you devise a way of eating that is best for you, your health requirements & your eating preferences. The biggest ficus post surgery is your prirein intake (& fluids) but I’ve never heard anyone say they were restricted to getting their protein only from animal sources. Plenty of plant based Protein Shakes & powders, yoghurts, milk, etc. as you know you can eat to meet the goals you’ll be given.
Initially after the surgery you will be on a staged return to eating diet. This is support your healing tummy & not put undue stress on your digestive system. There are some foods we’re not advised to eat during this period. But again a good dietician should be able to advise you of alternatives. Mind you many have refried Beans on their list of recommended foods during the staged return to eating stages.
While I was on Keto for my pre surgery diet, I was not encouraged to follow it long term by my dietician: good for kickstarting a diet but not long term she advised. I had my own doubts about it so I was glad. Many of us use the weight loss stage to devise a way of eating that best suits our needs & preferences & don’t follow any specific ‘diet’. I mean if there was a diet that worked for everyone none of us would have been obese & needed surgery. Personally I’m a low fat, low carb (2 serves of whole/multigrain carbs a day), low sugar & high protein (absorption issue).
Many vegetarians successfully have surgery so your eating preferences should not be a deterrent to you either once you find a supportive surgeon & dietician.

May I add a suggestion that you just call around and ask if you can pick up a copy of the post op diet rather than making appointments and going there just to see if that part works. They may not agree to give it to you but if you explain why they may?? Just a thought.

Should have also mentioned a consideration is that losing weight is pretty hard on the liver. Plus as we lose weight cholesterol is released into your blood stream from your fat. It is quite common to have poor liver function results & to see your cholesterol levels rise while you are losing weight. (It settles again once your weight settles.) A high fat diet would put even more stress on your liver & increase your cholesterol levels further. Just something to consider & discuss with your surgeon & dietician.

Check out Heavenly fan on youtube. She is vegan based Keto.

I went to one bariatric surgeon who said I'd have to go on the Keto diet after surgery. I'm a vegetarian, and I have no desire to go on a diet that doesn't allow Beans, complex carb grains, and minimally sweetened yogurt (the kind recommended by bariatric surgeons).
If I tell another surgeon that I will not go on a keto diet after surgery, are they likely to deny my surgery?

I am having a hard time not blaming myself for being 100 pounds overweight and having high cholesterol, high blood sugar, fatty liver, and other health problems.
How did I get here, I've been asking myself.
I was under the most extreme stress of my life for the past several years. I lost track of the fact that stress can affect the heart and cholesterol, etc. or I would have handled things differently. Now I might be having heart problems, which I NEVER though would happen...I'm very careful not to eat foods that are high in saturated fat. Genetics are working against me. My father and brother were about 100 pounds overweight when they had sleeve surgery, and a few cousins had gastric bypass surgery. I've taken medications that affect the metabolic system, so I think that system is totally dysfunctional now. I feel like I've failed my body by not taking care of it. It makes me very sad. On the other hand, I feel like this body isn't really mine. The real me is hidden in this body. But I swear to you I've had the best of intentions. I have done some things right, like eating lots of vegetables and fruits and drinking tons of Water.
I'm making an appointment with a bariatric surgeon to discuss gastric bypass surgery. That day can't come soon enough. I'm looking forward to being on the path that you all have bravely taken.
Has anyone else had feelings like these? I seem to be overcome by them lately.

Hi, I'm considering bariatric surgery. I've been on a medication for decades and have ended up weighing 250 lbs at 5'3". I can't stop taking this medicine, and there are no alternatives. And as with everyone here, no weight loss or exercise plan has helped me lose weight and keep it off.
So...as a result of taking this med, I have metabolic syndrome. That means high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity.
I've finally come to the conclusion that bariatric surgery might be my best solution.
Has anyone else conquered metabolic syndrome (or any of these symptoms) with bariatric surgery?
Thank you for your advice!

@suzannethemom, year of ME...I love it!! I lost myself in my family and work problems for years. It's time for me to take my life back!

I am having a hard time not blaming myself for being 100 pounds overweight and having high cholesterol, high blood sugar, fatty liver, and other health problems.
How did I get here, I've been asking myself.
I was under the most extreme stress of my life for the past several years. I lost track of the fact that stress can affect the heart and cholesterol, etc. or I would have handled things differently. Now I might be having heart problems, which I NEVER though would happen...I'm very careful not to eat foods that are high in saturated fat. Genetics are working against me. My father and brother were about 100 pounds overweight when they had sleeve surgery, and a few cousins had gastric bypass surgery. I've taken medications that affect the metabolic system, so I think that system is totally dysfunctional now. I feel like I've failed my body by not taking care of it. It makes me very sad. On the other hand, I feel like this body isn't really mine. The real me is hidden in this body. But I swear to you I've had the best of intentions. I have done some things right, like eating lots of vegetables and fruits and drinking tons of Water.
I'm making an appointment with a bariatric surgeon to discuss gastric bypass surgery. That day can't come soon enough. I'm looking forward to being on the path that you all have bravely taken.
Has anyone else had feelings like these? I seem to be overcome by them lately.

@@freelee it's a form of smoking; it's vaper instead of smoke, flavored and free of all the chemicals and additives that tobacco cigarettes contain.

It is a nicotine delivery method, if you choose to use nicotine. Leading up to my VSG, I have gone to zero nicotine. It is NOT smoking. No leaves are being burned, hence no tar, arsenic, benzene, etc. etc. Many think I'm splitting hairs here because of what vaping looks like, but make no mistake. It is NOT smoking.
Allow me to be frank right along with you. Nicotine is NOT a carcinogen. It is a mild stimulant, much like caffeine. There is evidence that it could slow the post-surgical healing process, which is why most docs want zero nicotine tests before doing surgery, but it's many other chemicals in cigs that cause cancer, not nicotine.
The thing is, unless you have a vested interest, you would never do your homework. Most people just take the information fed to them by main stream media as fact. The facts are much different, and I can support everything I say. I'm with you! Most don't do their due diligence because it's so much easier to criticize something that looks like smoking. It's not like they care or anything.

I am not on here to debate with anyone. I am only here to give STARS my feedback of personal experience.
I started Vaping last year after quitting smoking for 30 years. I did not quit nor will I.
I have done my research and you should too. I do know it does not hinder your progress of WL from surgery.
My only concern is extra dehydration and dry mouth. Vaping in and of itself dehydrates you. WLS dehydrates you. I guess combined I get doubly dehydrated which in turn I drink way more than recommended. Do your homework and
Stay Calm and Vape!

I tried to smoke a joint in the first week post to deal with surgery pain cuz I didn’t want to take my pain meds.
The resulting coughing fit (and stomach pain from the coughing) put an end to that real quick!
About a year later i tried again and was fine. Im back to my normal rate of usage (like once every couple months) with no issue. Bonus points: I don’t get the uncontrollable munchies anymore! If i do feel munchy, its easy to ignore 💪🏼
P.S. No, i dont have a medical marijuana card, and Yes, its legal up here now, lol.
P.S.S. I also drink/drank regularly (pre and post op), but only started drinking regularly again after weight loss phase. During weight loss phase I probably had about 5 partial drinks in total the entire time.
P.P.S. I also smoke (cigarettes), which i am half-heartedly trying to stop. Sigh.

I have a medical marijuana card (put down your pitchforks people, i have two qualifying medical conditions), but i haven’t used since the pre-op diet to help offset the nausea i experienced. I haven’t use post operatively since i haven’t experienced a flare up of either condition. Unfortunately, you aren’t going to meet any supportive people on this site as far as recreational or medical drug use. You’ll get a lot of lectures and pearl clutching instead.

Yeah, I read that banana pudding and a few others are vegan. That might work.

When you're in the hospital, do they feed you instant pudding and Jello? I'm a vegetarian and I don't eat Gelatin products. I'm wondering if there are alternatives to these foods in the hospital.

That's a relief!

I was fed ensure Protein and Water. I guess you could bring a plant based Protein Shake with you. I was just in the hospital 24 hours.

The hospital should call you a day or two prior to your surgery. I would ask them what options they will have for you. I know all I had was broth while I was in the hospital. I don’t think they even offered me Jello now that you mention it.

That's a relief!

I am also concerned about being overweight, so I decided to learn more about this topic. I found an interesting article about childhood obesity https://artscolumbia.org/free-essays/childhood-obesity/ on a resource with free essay samples. Perhaps these materials will help prevent problems in the future.

I too had/have metabolic syndrome. I'm three weeks out from surgery and my blood pressure is back to normal range, my blood sugar is back to normal range, and I'm losing weight to get me out of the obese range. Cholesterol was lower as of my pre-surgery bloodwork but I'm also on Fenofibrate to reduce my triglycerides. I have repeat bloodwork in about four weeks to see if I can cut down on the Fenofibrate. But so far after surgery, I've come off my Metformin, Lisinopril, Propanalol, and now my hydrochlorithiazide (HCTZ), so I think surgery really will help with metabolic syndrome.

Hi, I'm considering bariatric surgery. I've been on a medication for decades and have ended up weighing 250 lbs at 5'3". I can't stop taking this medicine, and there are no alternatives. And as with everyone here, no weight loss or exercise plan has helped me lose weight and keep it off.
So...as a result of taking this med, I have metabolic syndrome. That means high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and obesity.
I've finally come to the conclusion that bariatric surgery might be my best solution.
Has anyone else conquered metabolic syndrome (or any of these symptoms) with bariatric surgery?
Thank you for your advice!

@suzannethemom, year of ME...I love it!! I lost myself in my family and work problems for years. It's time for me to take my life back!