GinaFigz

Thank you for this, I decided to take the stool softener instead and then once I feel regular again, I’ll add some fiber. It’s been such a journey because of the new balancing act with nutrients, water, electrolytes, fiber.....it’s definitely a learning curve to figure out what works and doesn’t.

Hi, hope everyone is well. sorry if it’s TMI...but I don’t know what Is ok to do besides increasing water. Btw, I always have a water bottle with me and drink often. I’m thinking of taking a stool softener. Any other recommendations? I’m watching my portions and focus on protein and struggle to get in fruits/veggies. I’m just wondering if others go through this. Thanks!

Thank you all, I have a morning shake so I will definitely add some fiber. I’ll be fine for a few days and then it shuts down again and I have to get aggressive. Guess my system needs some help now.

Hi everyone, I had my surgery 2/18. I went for blood work 5/9 and was shocked to find out my cholesterol jumped from 130 to 190. I’ve lost about 40 pounds between blood tests. My B1 is non-existent so I will need to take Lipitor and a thiamine supplement. Just wondering if this has happened to others and if this will improve. Thanks!

Check out Halle Barrie’s instagram page, she posted about gym waist trainers in her effort for a 6 pack.

I’ve never had banging boobs and would love to know what that’s like. I’d always wish the fat from my belly would go up to my boobs instead. So unfair. Yes to the turkey waddle!. I’ve always had a double chin and then the weight gain made it worse. Now that we are all in virtual meetings, it’s all I see! I looked up exercises and even ordered a chin lifting mask from Amazon to see if it will help. I am not consistent with the roller and exercises so once all the weight is gone, I’ll see how I feel. Honestly, Ive had feelings about my boobs, tummy, thighs, back and upper arms and chin but I don’t take surgery lightly, it scares me but I know so many who have gotten surgery and look so good so I’ll see....but in the meantime I’ll keep using all the gizmos and gadgets I’ve bought over the years lol. Best wishes if anyone goes for it, share pics!

I think some can help But like anything you need to eat clean (as possible no one is perfect) and exercise. I find when I do even simple cardio with a waist shaper, over time my stomach tones but you have to keep it up.. Some have boning to shape, others will make you sweat plus you will be aware of your posture and might suck in your stomach which makes me aware of my stomach muscles. Mine are lax so when I wear my shaper consistently I do note a difference. I also fascia blast and use a foam roller and I feel the combination of it all helps.

Hi, so I have a long history with them. It’s also a cultural thing and I have a whole collection. It’s a problem lol. After my surgery my doctor recommended a binder so I used one of my post pregnancy bands (Ive had 3 c sections) that was firm and it helped because I have a weak core and it also smoothed me out. It also makes me more aware of my posture. I have a few of the rubber ones with hooks, (my hubby calls them my bullet proof vests) And some are looser than others so I would start with those and as you get used to it build up to those that offer more compression. Also, if you suffer from heartburn it can make it worse. But you don’t eat as much, I find I feel full quicker so I can eat light meals and not feel as hungry if that makes sense. I think it’s all personal preference. I do love how they make me look and like I said I have all types for different outfits/weather.

I use the fasciablaster on my flabby parts as I am still losing. Also old school leg lifts (like Jane Fonda did back in the day), squats and the fire hydrant pose can help build up the muscle to make it tighter and then the blasting could help smooth the skin. I don’t go hard, I oil and just blast to feel it but not hurt it. I didn’t know about not feeling anything in the area after a tummy tuck. That’s where I held the most weight so I’m very curious to see how I end up. My dr said not to worry because some people lose so much weight that there is nothing left to pinch. I’ve had three kids and I’ve been cut in all directions but I guess I’ll know in a few months how the losing will affect me.

I use maidenform flexees from Amazon. They are inexpensive and work well.

I have felt hunger since having the surgery. I also have gastric reflux which I think makes it feel more pronounced but I am losing so I am happy with my progress. It is all so odd because it is not like anything I have ever experienced. I read what is posted but know that our experiences may be different. I am trying to find the right balance because I do want bread, rice and pasta and I have tasted it so I know I can eat it but I dońt want to undo my progress so I found thejoeduff on YouTube and he has a lot of great keto recipes. I learned to make toast and some pancakes.The funny thing is that now my kids eat MY leftovers and it used to be the other way around! So usually my first meal of the day goes down rough and Ím burping and its all so noisy. I also find I get hungry later in the day. I was doing IF before the surgery so I dońt know if I became used to eating more later in the day in that window of time. Anyway, my point is for me this has been a lot of trial and error. Someone posted earlier to practice mindfulness and to listen to your body which I think is the best way to approach it. If something doesn’t feel right, listen to the cues and monitor what you can. If you get off track, forgive yourself and get back on. Wishing everyone health during the difficult time!

I would think a small portion of vegetable pasta should be ok, they can be found in the fever section.

It was tough for me at that point as well and it’s gotten better now that I have progressed to soft foods. Have you tried decaf coffee with sugar free creamer? That seemed to help.

Hi,I think you might have to wait for your stomach to heal some more. I had my surgery a week before you and what I eat is still soft. It will be soon though, I think in a few weeks.

So I have a question, how is the social isolation going and is your diet affected? My kids school is closed for two weeks. I have to work Monday but the kids are off for the week where I work. I am sick of broth so I'm enjoying eggs and meatballs (in moderation). I still drink my protein and I can drink my decaf without running to the bathroom. I do plan to revert to my jello and broth if we have to stay in for some time. How is everyone doing?

Congrats on breaking your stall! Yes the constipation has been tough too, I do feel that is getting better. I am trying to drink as much water as I can but there are so many time rules 30 minutes before and after plus I'm on antacids so then its two hours after so it's just been tough because sometimes I get busy and lose track of time. I am waiting a few days before the next weigh in.

I have at week 4, i was losing everyday and now at am a standstill. Not sure I need to add exercise but I’m kind of tired.

Hi everyone I can’t believe it’s been 3 weeks. I returned to work 2 weeks ago and overall feel good. By the time I get home from work I can be pretty wiped. I have three girls so I try to get it together for them. I’ve lost 16 pounds since the surgery and I sometimes find I miss a particular meal intensely but I can be satisfied with water, a protein drink or soup. I’m completely over jello. I have had moments where I chew something and then spit it out. Now that I can eat soft foods, I had one incident where I couldn’t keep it down so lesson learned. I’m looking forward to trying scrambled eggs tomorrow and building from there.

11 days out my daughter gave me her cold and cough. Other than that I feel great. I went for my check up and all is good. I am now able to eat creamier soups and cottage cheese. I am consuming no more than 300 calories a day, it’s not intentional I just can’t eat more. I drink water all day and eat my 3 small meals. I just can’t eat more than 4 ounces at a sitting, I also don’t push it and I haven’t had any nausea or vomiting. I’m just listening to my body and taking in as much as I can at this point. This is so new to me. It’s been hard to make sure I stop drinking water a half hour before, I am so used to drinking all day that I have to make myself stop, wait, eat, wait and then drink. I’m also on SuCralfate and omeprazole so they cut into my eating/drinking window. I started my vitamins, I had bought some from amazon but they don’t have enough nutrients so the dietician said to save them for when I am eating more and I picked up the BariatricPal advantage pills, thank goodness they are chewable. I haven’t really started any exercise, not there yet.

Hi everyone, Tomorrow is the big day! I'm in at 7:15 and will be in the OR at 9am. I had 3 c-sections and my last turned into an emergency hysterectomy so I'm familiar to recovering from surgery. I'm still super nervous because it's still an operation...I'm taking a week off of work and I'm reading a lot (too much is what my hubby would say) just to know what to expect. I really want to make sure I recover well. Aside from all the wonderful posts I've read here, I found Dr. Vong on YouTube who has made some very informative videos. I have struggled with my weight since 2012. At that point I was working out and getting on track which off course meant that the next logical step was to get pregnant with child #2. Child #3 followed in 2016 and I haven't been the same again. I'd diet for months, lose 10 pounds which would come back with more once life took over. I began a new job in 2019 and someone told me about their VSG experience. I immediately made an appt with their surgeon. I initially thought well this means I can eat however I want since it will all be over. I put up a few pounds and felt like crap. 12/28 I woke up and decided I needed to prep for surgery. I also felt like if it went well, I would reconsider the surgery. I have been on a low carb IF plan since then. I found it easy to stick too especially because I knew this would be my new normal. I met with members in support group and decided to go ahead with the surgery. All was great, then it was time for the liquid diet and honestly I've cheated here and there. I was 75% on point. I'd have great days and then an off moment. I kept waiting for that moment where I wouldn't be hungry anymore. It's never come. I do realize that I should have made a plan for this with time frames for my broth and jello. I'd get busy at work and then try to catch up on shakes...so lesson learned. I have plugged in time frames into my calendar which will send me alerts for liquids for the next three weeks. I have the containers ready so I always have my portioned liquids with me no matter what. I have my bag packed for tomorrow with the essentials and aside from reading, lol, I'm relaxing with my kids and my broth...

I wish you all the best for Thursday and your recovery! Focus on each day as you will heal and feel stronger day by day.

I can't believe it was only five days ago. I have found it easier to tolerate liquids. I was using a sugar free sweetener and that helped but today I was able to take my sips from a water bottle with no issue while I was out, walking and moving does help. I notice more of a gas bubble if I drink while sitting. The soreness is less while moving around so I'll get there. Just being patient and focusing on the day by day..

Those are some good ideas. I am still trying to figure it out and am asking around. We just picked up a hand blender so I just need to figure out what I will use it with lol. I see some pureed foods that turn me off so I'm trying to find what I will like and be satisfied with.

That's great, it does get better each day. It's interesting to see what works and doesn't, right? What is your plan for pureed foods?

Congrats! I had mine the day after. How are you feeling?