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I had lap band in 2005. Lost 80-90lbs, but it was a struggle. Shortly after I was banded, my gallbladder acted up and I was misdiagnosed with "esophageal spasms" for about 6 months before I demanded to have my gallbladder checked. Had it out, but I was never the same. TERRIBLE reflux. About 4 years later, I changed lap band doctors who found that my band was slipped (likely due to violent vomiting related to the gallbladder episodes). So, I had it taken out in 2009. In 2014, I had some major life stresses and managed to gain all of my weight back over the course of 2 years. Long story short and after a lot of thought, I was sleeved in 2018. The surgeon said that my lap band caused a lot of scar tissue and it took him extra time to perform the sleeve because of it. I think his words were something like, "you really made me earn my money today." Today, I am nearly 3 years post-sleeve and very happy. I had some tough episodes with GERD in my first year and was seriously considering a Stretta procedure when COVID hit. Forced to manage GERD on my own, I am now VERY well controlled with it and am glad I stuck it out. @Heather RN Chambers I wish you the best. You didn't say where in Texas you are, but I'm sure you can find a reputable bariatric surgeon closer. However, I would advise you to stick with someone you trust, regardless of the distance.

@Stina537 I agree with the other posters. This sounds like verbal and emotional abuse to me, regardless of cultural behavior. And, as others have said, if your husband won't get counseling, I strongly suggest you get some yourself. It's unlikely that this will stop without some sort of intervention. As one abuse survivor to another, strength and prayers to you.

I'm with Arabesque on this. I started drinking hot green tea for the anti-oxidants. I had given up caffeine long ago and wasn't interested in re-introducing it. I have been drinking it since about 2006 and often sip on green tea all day while I work. It had no significant effect on my weight loss alone.

@GradyCat The condition is called gustatory rhinitis and is common in bariatric patients. It is linked to "snatiation" or sneezing after eating and is a reflex. I read somewhere that it has to do with stimulating a nerve in the upper stomach, now more sensitive or exposed due to the surgery. However, I cannot find the specific article or reference anymore. Years ago, when I had a lap band, a runny nose for me was my "signal" that I was full or getting full and needed to stop eating. Since being sleeved, I still get the runny nose, but it's not as "free-flowing" whereas the sneezing really gets my attention. In my first 6 months, I would sneeze and sneeze and sneeze to the point where my co-workers would come to my office to make sure I was alright! These days, it's pretty common for me to sneeze once or twice after a meal (more if I've overindulged).

I am an avid hot tea drinker. I drink mostly green teas, oolong teas, herbal teas, etc. I have been drinking tea since day 1. I took chrysanthemum puehr tea bags with me to the hospital and had a few sips. The hospital staff didn't want me to drink it HOT HOT, but I could have it.

I think it's kind of normal to have fears/second-thoughts as you approach surgery. I know that I did. I thought I'd dealt with them, but honestly, I started crying as they placed me on the surgical table and started strapping me in. The surgical staff tried to comfort me, but really the only thing that stopped the crying was the anesthesia. Today, I have NO REGRETS. I had a sort of "grieving" period in my first year as my relationship with food changed, but regret...no. Question 2: You can eat "regular" food usually in about 4-6 weeks. It goes by faster than you'd think and isn't as much of a burden as you'd think. For me, I had no interest in food and really only ate because I knew that I had to get some nutrition in. Question 3: The pre-op liquid diet is hard, but not undoable. I just kept myself focused on the goal. It was much easier afterward (see above). Question 4: Any unflavored protein powder can be mixed in nearly anything. The options are limited only to your imagination. To my knowledge, the only limitation has to do with temperature. Some powders don't mix well or "curdle" in water over 140°. When I first started out, I mixed mine with Fairlife Milk for shakes. I also did protein puddings and jello. Bonus: Early on, one of the best decisions I made was to purchase a chicken soup flavored protein. It was a life-saver because after a while I got REALLY tired of the sweet varieties. Question 5: For me...It was definitely worth it. I feel so much better and am not sure why I waited so long. BUT, as others have said, remember that it's only a tool.

Yes/No. I have experienced discomfort while swallowing food on occasion. It's usually a sign that I have taken too big of a bite/didn't chew well enough/am eating too fast. However, it's a sort of pressure discomfort. I wouldn't call it a "cramp."

First, let me say that you picked one he// of a time to get sleeved. You're very brave. Me, I was sleeved in the spring but as the holidays approached I grew very anxious. Eating is so integral to my family's holiday season that I had a lot of feelings that I had to work through. Kudos to you! Stay strong! Second, it does feel like you're eating/drinking on a schedule in those first days/weeks. Hang in there. It gets better. Lastly, to answer your question on the strictness of the no drinking with eating rule, I'd say it's pretty important and one that I can honestly say that I never break. Not only does it negate some of the benefits of your sleeve, but it also hurts (at least for me anyway). That being said, I was never told not to drink 30 minutes BEFORE I ate. This is where you'll see some variances in advice based on your doctor's preferences. I generally drink right up to when I eat, but NEVER drink with my meal and ALWAYS wait at least 30 minutes. Think of your new stomach sort of like an hourglass. The sand (food) moves through slowly, but steady. If you introduce liquid into the mix, the liquid effectively "washes" the food through more quickly. By drinking with eating, you will empty your stomach quicker and feel hungry again sooner. So, it's good to get the habit down now while you're on liquids and still swollen from your surgery. At this point, for me, it's a habit and I only notice it when I'm in a restaurant. I always get that quizzical look from the wait staff who are confused when I tell them I don't want anything to drink/don't want refills/etc. "Yes, really. I don't want anything to drink. Not even water."

I agree with Arabesque. I take mine shortly after a meal and after my food has "settled" a bit (maybe 15-30 minutes). I take it with only as much water as is necessary to swallow the pill. I have found that if I take it on an empty or nearly empty stomach, I will get nauseated. The more empty, the more nausea.

Medically, coffee with no creamers/milk/etc is on a clear liquid diet. However, as others have said, during the bariatric process the caffeine is the issue. As all doctors seem to have their own dietary recommendations, please consult your surgeon's office for their dietary guidelines.

@midnightramen, when you say you "can't" is this a psychological can't or a physical can't? Because if your esophageal motility is such that you physically cannot take in solids without adding liquid to help it move, then you really need to discuss this with your doctor in more specific terms than "need to be practicing eating without drinking." Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, but I do have some medical experience in low esophageal motility. Maybe you need to suggest an esophageal motility test. Gastric sleeve is not going to remove this condition and since we're advised not to drink while eating, your condition poses a problem. I wouldn't say it would make it worse, but it certainly won't help. PLEASE discuss this and your concerns again with your doctor.

Yep. When I was setting up my profile/updating it, I was obsessed with Outlander. I thought it was fitting for my life circumstances at the time as well. Still love Outlander, but there's only so many times I can re-read the books during drought-lander time.

Yes, it's common for bariatric surgery patients to feel cold after surgery. I absolutely could not get warm for the first several months. It was spring in Texas and I was bundled up as if I were in Antarctica! The good news is that it gets BETTER. The bad news, you MIGHT have a noticeable change in your temperature tolerance for the long term. I'm 2.5 years out and I'm still cold quite a lot. Not the freezing, "I cannot get warm" cold, but I tend to wear layers and keep lap blankets around at all times. It's quite annoying to my husband who is exactly the opposite. He'll be in shorts/t-shirt and I'm walking around in a sweater and long pants.

In my line of work, I had a case of HS and had to do some in-depth research. What a miserable condition. You have my complete sympathy. The cause of HS is multi-factorial. Experts believe flare-ups could be related to hormones, diet, excess weight, or metabolic syndrome. All of which the obese community seems to have in spades. Know: you didn't CAUSE this by your hygiene. Unfortunately, you seem to be pre-disposed AND surgery can certainly knock your system out of whack. Talk with your dermatologist (or whatever doctor treats your HS) for treatment recommendations. Here are some resources for you: Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation American Academy of Dermatology Association-HS I also find The Mayo Clinic-Hidradenitis Suppurativa a good resource that's easy to understand.

This ^. Your insides will take about 4-6 weeks to heal. Your soft tissues are still "knitting" together properly and you may have some small adhesions that are sorting themselves out.

I agree. My first thought was "carb flu." Also, if you've cut out or cut down on your other vices, they could also give same/similar symptoms. While I don't have experience with it, caffeine "withdrawal" can come with a headache. I had the "carb flu" about 2 or 3 days into my pre-op prep. I had a nagging headache, fatigue, even muscle soreness and a "brain fog." I think it lasted another 2 or 3 days, but once it passed I felt pretty good. "Clean" is the best way to put it. Best of luck on your journey.

@calliekaine Prayers and hugs to you! Sounds like you've had a rough road. Based on your description above, you have a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube, aka a feeding tube. In my understanding, this is unusual after bariatric surgery. Not unheard of, obviously, but not common. You must have had some pretty significant complications to require this kind of intervention. BTW: it's relatively normal to have no appetite or desire to eat after sleeve surgery. My experience was a lot like catwoman7's (above). I had no appetite and I ate on schedule because I knew I needed nutrition. That lasted about 6 months or so. I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery!

The nagging thought in my mind: "When did this bruise appear?" You're now a little over 2 weeks post-op, while it's normal for bruising to take its sweet time in resolving and everyone heals at their own pace, I would expect any bruising incurred on your date of surgery to be fading (or at least changing colors). Other thoughts: You were likely given anti-coagulants immediately post-op. Do you remember any shots in your belly? If so, these could have caused some additional bruising on your belly. Has it gotten worse in the last week? Is it painful or just unsightly? Regardless of my thoughts and questions, my advice to you is to contact your doctor's office and let them know. If it's nothing, then at least you've gained the peace of mind by being told by the doctor it's normal and/or nothing to worry about. Disclaimer: none of the above is intended to be medical advice. As always, look to your doctor for medical-related questions/concerns.

I am an avid hot tea drinker, not only for enjoyment but for the health benefits many teas offer. Green teas, herbal teas, you name it. On a day to day basis, I drink my tea with no sweetener. However, honey has medicinal benefits (especially raw, organic honey that is locally harvested). So, when I feel like my immune system needs a little boost, I'll add a little raw, organic honey to my tea. It's especially good with a slice of lemon.

I guess I'd come back at you with "Why would you want to do that?" Clear liquids have limited nutritional value. The purpose of them is to maintain hydration while you give your GI system a rest. Progressing your diet to a full liquid (protein shakes) provides additional nutrition. If you'd like to stay on clear liquids out of fear, I'd recommend just taking it slow. Maybe 1 ounce at a time.

I guess I never noticed if my shake became room temperature, but if I HAD to keep it cold for palatability, I would use a Yeti or similar.

When I was in the consultation phase before my sleeve surgery, I had one bariatric practice diss PP like yours did. Having been down the bariatric road before, I politely listened and decided that I was going to do what I felt best. BTW-I DID NOT end up choosing that practice, but not for that reason alone. As others have said, their recommendations seem to be related to the type of protein in products like PP and their overall nutritive value. I was a big fan of PP before sleeve surgery and had cases of them. After surgery, I couldn't stand them. I hated the taste and I hated the slimy texture intended to simulate a "shake." My "go to" is Unjury, unflavored or flavored, and I still use them today. Not every day, but I use them to boost protein in some of my routine foods like yogurt. I like it because I like the taste and the versatility of the powders. What bothers me about your story is that she "made" you order some Unjury while you were in her presence. That kind of behavior is intimidating and threatening. I would CERTAINLY report it and I would probably NEVER return to that practitioner. Unprofessional at the very least.

I had surgery on a Tuesday and was supposed to be released the next day, but they overmedicated me in the recovery room and I slept for nearly 24 hours straight. I was unable to get up and walk and unable to drink because I was too groggy. So, I stayed for 2 nights and was discharged on Thursday.

I rely on lip balms all year round and keep one with me or near me at all times. My favorites are Burt's Bees, any of their fruity ones, but especially wild cherry. I cannot say as it has given me cravings, ever. I suppose if you're afraid of that, switch to a mint one. They have the benefit of a tingling sensation rather than the bland unflavored varieties.

At the time of my surgery, I had a high-stress desk job where I easily worked 10 hours/day, more with my commute (which was 1-1.5 hours coming and going). I had my surgery on a Tuesday and returned to work the following Monday. *That first week, I was able to work from home, so I did. BUT, I was fatigued and needed more frequent breaks than usual. One day, during that first week, I stepped away from my desk for a lunch break and sat down on my couch. I woke up 1.5 hours later! The following week (would have been week 2), I returned to the office. I can't say that I was terribly fatigued by then and had no trouble concentrating to perform my job. However, for several weeks, I'd sort of "crash." My husband and I had a running joke of it because as soon as I'd sit in my chair on Thursday evening, I'd fall asleep. My advice: take as much time as you feel you need. You WILL have fatigue. You WILL need frequent breaks even if it's only to go to the bathroom. I was pressured into returning after 1 week. I was the manager and they depended on me. Besides, I had a healthy fear that my department would fall to ruin without my influence.