cellbell

I've been frustrated throughout the whole process about how inconsistent the different pre-op and post-op diets and instructions have been so I totally feel your pain here! How is it possible that the medical community hasn't done studies and determined a recommended set of guidelines at this point?!
Anyway, the others are right that just because you're cleared to do something doesn't mean you are forced to right away. If it helps, my info said no swimming or taking baths until 30 days out AND until the incisions have healed to the point where it looks like regular skin, no scabs or anything. I think it may be difficult because everyone heals at different rates.
I'm sorry that you're not feeling supported by your surgeon's office now that you've had surgery; I agree that sometimes the impression is that you're not their problem anymore. The good news is that this has been a really fantastic community for advice and help.

My stall started after only two weeks and thankfully broke yesterday on my one month surgiversary, putting me at exactly 20 pounds down for the month. I know it's not the most but at least it's something. Tomorrow I have a follow up with the PA and nutritionist and should get cleared for solid food and workouts beyond walking. I should also be able to take baths again and I cannot wait!
I'm still confused about how much to eat since the nutritionist wouldn't give me a calorie limit at the two week appointment. I've just been eating enough to get into the Protein range but that ends up being 400-500 calories most days and it sounds like most people are eating more, so I'm really going to try to get clarity tomorrow on that.
Hope everyone is doing well and pushing through their stalls!

My stall started after only two weeks and thankfully broke yesterday on my one month surgiversary, putting me at exactly 20 pounds down for the month. I know it's not the most but at least it's something. Tomorrow I have a follow up with the PA and nutritionist and should get cleared for solid food and workouts beyond walking. I should also be able to take baths again and I cannot wait!
I'm still confused about how much to eat since the nutritionist wouldn't give me a calorie limit at the two week appointment. I've just been eating enough to get into the Protein range but that ends up being 400-500 calories most days and it sounds like most people are eating more, so I'm really going to try to get clarity tomorrow on that.
Hope everyone is doing well and pushing through their stalls!

Thank you for responding. Now I know I'm not alone either hehe. I had surgery the day after yours so we are in the same boat. 😁I think as long as we don't get disheartened, it will break. Maybe our infamous 3 week stall is a couple weeks late. lol. It is definitely confusing when the CNP and nutritionist say opposing things. Either way I think we're still in good shape and staying on track with checking in, and connecting with others. Cheers!

Hey, perfect timing on your post bc it let me know I'm not alone. I didn't want to say anything, bc I'm grateful for losing what I have, and didn't want to be a jerk complaining when others have worse struggles than me. I've been stuck for about 6 days now, and actually went up 2 pounds two days ago, then back down to where I was 6 days ago today. I'm in that calorie range you are in, but my CNP told me something opposite what my nutritionist told me: Go Protein focused. Whether that mean 5-6 small meals, or 3 meals, only focus on your protein goal of 75-90g per day, and when you achieve it, stop eating. I'm also getting my 64oz Water and all my supplements, so I'm not sure what to do except up the excercise (mostly cardio still.)
I really hope you break through your plateau, and start losing again. I'll cheer for you, and when you do it, maybe you can give me a tip or two! 😁

I had that during the liquid phase but once I got to soft foods, it's the opposite problem. My doctor pretty much said that if you're only putting liquid in, what comes out is going to be pretty similar. Sorry, gross I know!

My discharge info said I shouldn't need painkillers beyond Tylenol after 2-3 days but I was in more pain than that. I took the oxycodone and Lyrica for 3 days and then just Tylenol on the 4th until I broke and had to have more oxycodone on the 5th. That said, everyone's experience and tolerance varies! I feel like my pain may have been worse because my nurses were super unhelpful and didn't show me how to get up safely (there's apparently a trick to it that a lot of people get explained), and I also didn't have any info about needing to sleep sitting up or anything like that.
You can always check in with your surgeon if it doesn't start improving too!

She may only be comfortable performing the sleeve. Every surgeon does the surgery a little different in terms of how big they leave the stomach, and in the bypass, exactly how much intestine they bypass. It could be that her method of doing the bypass led to more issues? I would at least talk to another doctor and see what their opinion is. It's pretty silly that they weren't upfront about this when you first started working with them.
I chose bypass for pretty much the same reasons you listed. My doctor performs more sleeves (I think there are more of those in the US overall) but didn't object, especially when I had reasonable thoughts about it. This is a big surgery! You shouldn't have to settle for something that isn't exactly what you want.

She may only be comfortable performing the sleeve. Every surgeon does the surgery a little different in terms of how big they leave the stomach, and in the bypass, exactly how much intestine they bypass. It could be that her method of doing the bypass led to more issues? I would at least talk to another doctor and see what their opinion is. It's pretty silly that they weren't upfront about this when you first started working with them.
I chose bypass for pretty much the same reasons you listed. My doctor performs more sleeves (I think there are more of those in the US overall) but didn't object, especially when I had reasonable thoughts about it. This is a big surgery! You shouldn't have to settle for something that isn't exactly what you want.

I'm just over two weeks out from surgery and started soft foods yesterday (my program doesn't have purees). I was excited to start eating again but I'm not feeling the fullness I expected. My portions have been about 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or refried Beans etc, and last night I had a 1/2 cup of turkey chili. I don't have trouble tolerating it but I feel exactly the same before and after eating--not hungry but not full either. Is this just because everything is still healing? I've been able to drink Water in bigger sips than I expected too (not on purpose!) so I have this irrational thought that the surgeon screwed up.

I felt EXACTLY the same way. Now that I'm transitioning into soft foods, you will feel it as others have said. By the time we get solids... It will be on! lol
Cheers!

Thank you! My program says 1/4 - 1/2 cup per meal so I'm on track but had just expected to feel *something* at some point if that makes sense!

nope -- you won't feel restriction until you start eating solid foods again. For one thing, things like purees move through your pouch pretty quickly. And secondly, you had some nerves cut during surgery, and it takes awhile for them to regenerate. By the time you get the go-ahead to move to solid foods, you should start feeling some restriction
also, for future reference, feeling "full" might feel differently now than it did pre-surgery. I don't feel full like I used to. Instead, I feel this pressure or discomfort in my chest and I know if I don't quit eating, I'm going to be sorry. I've read about others who have kind of weird "full cues" like a runny nose or sneezing. Of course, you may have the same full cues that you did before, but just so you know, they might be different. If they're different, it can awhile to figure out what they are.

but anyway, to circle back - completely normal to not feel "full" or restriction right now. It'll come back pretty quickly, though. For now, just measure out what your plan says to eat and stick to that.

I'm just over two weeks out from surgery and started soft foods yesterday (my program doesn't have purees). I was excited to start eating again but I'm not feeling the fullness I expected. My portions have been about 1/4 cup of cottage cheese or refried Beans etc, and last night I had a 1/2 cup of turkey chili. I don't have trouble tolerating it but I feel exactly the same before and after eating--not hungry but not full either. Is this just because everything is still healing? I've been able to drink Water in bigger sips than I expected too (not on purpose!) so I have this irrational thought that the surgeon screwed up.

My program said that eating low carb is what shrinks the liver, since glycogen is stored there, so from that perspective it looks fine outside of the Pasta. My plan did still involve two Protein Shakes a day along with one small meal, which they said they wanted to make sure my Protein intake was adequate prior to surgery while being inside the calorie limit they set.
It is very frustrating that there is no standardization or regulation in terms of nutrition guidance both before and after surgery, and I feel like it is a huge disservice to patients who are trying to compare their experiences only to find themselves with apples and oranges. My Vitamin recommendations are so different from others that I'm having the same doubts, so you're not alone here
Ultimately, you can ask them to clarify the reasons for their specific diet, and if you don't trust their answers, it may not be the right doctor/office for you. Better you learn that before surgery than after! You can also ask about their post op plans to see if it's closer to your expectations.

My program said that eating low carb is what shrinks the liver, since glycogen is stored there, so from that perspective it looks fine outside of the Pasta. My plan did still involve two Protein Shakes a day along with one small meal, which they said they wanted to make sure my Protein intake was adequate prior to surgery while being inside the calorie limit they set.
It is very frustrating that there is no standardization or regulation in terms of nutrition guidance both before and after surgery, and I feel like it is a huge disservice to patients who are trying to compare their experiences only to find themselves with apples and oranges. My Vitamin recommendations are so different from others that I'm having the same doubts, so you're not alone here
Ultimately, you can ask them to clarify the reasons for their specific diet, and if you don't trust their answers, it may not be the right doctor/office for you. Better you learn that before surgery than after! You can also ask about their post op plans to see if it's closer to your expectations.

You will begin to feel it as you move to more solid foods. For now, don't go over the amounts your program recommends.

Happy to report that I feel much better today! Just a little pain at the central incision but Tylenol is handling it. No problem keeping anything down and I transitioned from Clear Liquids to full liquids today. I had some Tomato Soup with Protein Powder and it was amazingly delicious.

Isopure zero carb but I don't love it, there's still a bit of an unnatural flavor to it.

Happy to report that I feel much better today! Just a little pain at the central incision but Tylenol is handling it. No problem keeping anything down and I transitioned from Clear Liquids to full liquids today. I had some Tomato Soup with Protein Powder and it was amazingly delicious.

Happy to report that I feel much better today! Just a little pain at the central incision but Tylenol is handling it. No problem keeping anything down and I transitioned from Clear Liquids to full liquids today. I had some Tomato Soup with Protein Powder and it was amazingly delicious.

How is everyone doing? I'm still in more pain then I expected. The biggest problem is the gas because it's poofing out my tummy and making the incisions sore. I've been trying to get by on Tylenol and Lyrica and have been avoiding the oxy because I'm scared of Constipation. I keep walking and walking and walking but it didn't seem like it's doing much!

I'm home from my surgery yesterday. I guess it went ok but it hurts to sit down or get up. The hospital ran out of rooms so i was stuck in the recovery room for 6 hours and couldn't get up to walk there. My surgeon said to start walking as soon as I got to my room but it took a lot of convincing the nurses to unhook everything so I could. I wish everyone was on the same page with these things.

I had bypass on Aug 2nd. Doing pretty well. The hardest part is getting in Protein. I did fine with shakes before the surgery and now they make me want to throw up after the first drink. I’m using Protein Powder in Gatorade zero and that’s working OK. I had a few bites of instant mashed potatoes yesterday and it was like heaven. Lol

Thank you! I'm glad that yours went well even if not as easy as you hoped! Hang in there over the next couple of days. I'm sitting here staring at my bottles of magnesium citrate, a little afraid to start drinking them lol.