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lunadreams

Gastric Sleeve Patients
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Posts posted by lunadreams


  1. On 7/18/2021 at 11:40 PM, Arabesque said:

    I also found warm drinks more soothing than cool or cold. I used to add double the Water to my shake to thin it to make it easier to swallow, dilute the unpleasant taste & so I was drinking something besides water. (I’d warm the chocolate one (squint & imagine hard & you can almost convince yourself it’s hot chocolate 😁)

    I'm having a really hard time with anything that isn't warm broth or water-consistency. I was actually wondering if I could try warming a watered-down chocolate shake...


  2. 8 hours ago, NovaLuna said:

    Definitely call your surgeon just to make sure it's not a stricture or anything. Also, are your Protein Shakes milk based (such as whey Protein shakes)? Because some people can't tolerate dairy after surgery (sometimes only for a few months, sometimes a year or so, and sometimes permanent). You may have to try a different type of Protein such as plant based protein.

    I spoke with the NP on call this week-end, and they said it may resolve and focus on hydration. But if it's not any better by tomorrow, I'm going to call again and try to speak with a doctor tomorrow.

    My shakes are plant-based, but I can't tolerate them. I'm trying protein-water, which is whey-based, but that's not going a lot better.

    And I am so hungry, because I've had like no calories in almost a week... 😭


  3. 1 minute ago, eholmes89 said:

    Hi Luna dreams.

    This sure sounds familiar. I’m 11 days post op. It will still take me about 4-5 hours to finish a 250ml Protein Shake. I take 2-3 small sips, burp and get instant heart burn. I have to wait for that to settle before I sip again.

    I have to say it’s getting better though.. it’s not as often now.. still taking me a few hours to get through a shake but the heartburn is stopping.
    I do however burp all the time!! Even with just Water.

    I found using Gaviscon or Infacol (U.K. based I’m not sure where you live) helpful with the wind and heartburn.

    ive only just been able to really get my full Protein requirements in each day, however I’m still Not drinking enough fluids.. but as you say it’s so hard I always feel so full and bloated.

    I’m just hoping it’s part of the process…

    good luck xx

    Thank you! Did you have to go back to the hospital for IV fluids, or if you couldn't get enough protein in?


  4. My VSG on 7/20 reportedly went well, but I had to stay in the hospital an extra day as due to pain and not feeling well, was pumped full of fluids (today, I am still eight pounds higher than my surgery weight, and look pregnant), was discharged on Thursday, went back to the ER on Friday and was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot near where my IV was), and ever since I started trying to add back diluted Protein Shakes yesterday, it's been awful.

    Every time I tried to take a teeny tiny sip of the diluted Protein Shake, I would burp, my stomach would make horrible noises, and I eventually had to stop (I drank about 2/3 of the bottle between afternoon and evening) because I was fighting so hard not to throw up. I haven't tried a Protein shake today, but the burping and nausea (despite the Zofran I was prescribed) are happening constantly after I take tiny sips of clear Fluid. I'm trying to drink protein Water, which is a little better, but I'm still struggling with it. I'm really worried that I can't drink even tiny sips without either burping and/or fighting the urge to vomit.

    Did this happen to anyone else? Did it go away? I hope this isn't a serious complication.


  5. My surgery on the 20th reportedly went well, but I had to stay in the hospital an extra day as due to pain and not feeling well, was pumped full of fluids (today, I am still eight pounds higher than my surgery weight, and look pregnant), was discharged on Thursday, went back to the ER on Friday and was diagnosed with a superficial blood clot near where my IV was), and ever since I started trying to add back diluted Protein Shakes yesterday, it's been awful.

    Every time I tried to take a teeny tiny sip of the diluted Protein Shake, I would burp, my stomach would make horrible noises, and I eventually had to stop (I drank about 2/3 of the bottle between afternoon and evening) because I was fighting so hard not to throw up. I haven't tried a Protein shake today, but the burping and nausea are happening constantly after I take tiny sips. I'm trying to drink protein Water, which is a little better, but I'm still struggling with it.

    Did this happen to anyone else? Did it go away? I hope this isn't a serious complication.


  6. On 7/16/2021 at 10:45 AM, brightly said:

    The other bit about it, unfortunately, is the usual infantilizing of overweight people thing: "to get you used to how you will have to eat post-surgery!". I don't know about anyone else, but I don't need to "get used to" drinking artificial shakes. The less I have to be on a shakes diet, the more committed I'll be to the necessary time I have to do it. After surgery, no one even wants to eat a bowl full of broccoli rabe or a fistfull of spikey toast and sharp pieces of metal, or so I've heard. It seems that drinking Water is a challenge at first, and that most are not interested in eating for a while. I'd prefer to go the math/science route and be told exactly what the breakdown of the diet is and why, so I can customize according to my own body's medical needs. But preop, it seems that patients should be armed with what will help them succeed at the objectives. If the dietician can't offer true individualized help, and can only communicate in condescending 3-word emails, then they need to print out the diet's actual parameters in the $350 packet of 6 sheets they hand you when you have the all-important "dietician consult". Mine was a joke. The dietician read the packet to me basically. I'm serious. Is this worth $350? I can read. I'm not sure why the parameters need to be so mysterious. Maybe to justify paying a dietician in the first place? An insurance thing like the psych consult? (also a hoop jump for insurance only)

    For real! My session with the dietician also consisted of her just reading through the packet to me, and her being unable to answer any specific questions. I'm pescatarian, and don't consume much dairy, so the only animal Proteins I eat are fish/seafood and some eggs. She had no idea about recommendations for non-dairy Protein Shakes, and no ideas about customizing the puree/soft foods phases to be things that weren't all ricotta, cottage cheese, and yogurt. This is a major university bariatric center. Asking about plant-based alternatives shouldn't be so befuddling. I'd love some specific recommendations and recipes, but yeah, if you can't do that, give me the info to do it, myself, and don't charge me hundreds of dollars for a service you aren't really providing.


  7. On 7/15/2021 at 6:39 PM, brightly said:

    Hi All, I'm new here. I still have to figure out how to enter my "stats" . I'm going in for vsg on July 28th. I have zero reservations, but this preop diet is killing me. I'm really failing at it. It's constipating and giving me severe GERD. (broth helps) I reached out to the dietician for insight on alternatives to the shakes because the Calcium is so high w 6 shakes (3900mg) and she told me to have three shakes and 3 egg whites total in a day. So it went from 1000 cals allowed to ~500. !!!??? I asked for the math on the diet--- and if the fact that it is liquid is most important and she didn't answer. Does anyone know? I'm wondering why not 9 egg whites to replace the Protein in the shakes. ? She said no steamed chicken. Isn't the point that your calories are low enough that you lose weight but keep your Protein up? If so, I do not understand why they don't give patients the tools to customize the preop diet to their medical needs, or at least offer suggestions that align with the preop diet's number of calories. The preop diet seems shrouded in mystery for no reason. It's infantilizing. It would help to know the science of what the preop diet is aiming to do. I'd love insight from veterans. Thanks!

    I had something similar happen...I have a hard time with Protein Shakes, and was just told to do protein waters instead, but not adjust the calories. Honestly, my dietician seems pretty useless. Thankfully, I was able to find some protein shakes that were tolerable, because I could not function on 500 calories a day!


  8. On 7/12/2020 at 1:46 AM, MotoZen said:

    I'm self-pay and my surgeon is Dr. Garth Davis. He's 100% plant-based himself, and wrote a book about the detrimental effects of animal food consumption and high Protein diets called "Proteinaholic" (mentioned in the resource list above). The dieticians at the clinic are very knowledgeable and completely support a WFPB lifestyle.

    @MotoZen, I'd read that the author of Proteinaholic was a bariatric surgeon. Does he have anything written about pre-op and post-op plant-based diets, or would you be willing to share information from your nutritionists there? I've tried asking the dietitians at my program about plant-based options and they are really not helpful. I'm not 100% plant-based, but mostly plant-based, and I don't eat meat or consume dairy. I was really curious for his recommendations...


  9. Just starting my pre-op diet tomorrow for surgery on the 20th...and I am so unprepared! I bought five different single-serving plant-based Protein Drinks to try that have been sitting in my fridge (because dairy and my sinuses don't get along, though I may try whey shakes if I really can't stand any of the vegan ones), because I hate Protein drinks with a passion. Going to try them soon, see which is the least gross, and go buy more tonight. I really feel like I'm dreading the pre-op and post-op liquid diet more than the actual surgery. Someone talk me down?! 😂


  10. 1 hour ago, Aliana Wood said:

    Are you even able to get gastric sleeve surgery with a BMI under 35? I didn't think it was possible.

    My endocrinologist told me she's had even just overweight patients with severe/uncontrolled diabetes have the surgery. It's possible if there is a serious medical reason. Probably also if someone is self pay?


  11. On 6/29/2021 at 10:37 PM, Beth_gs said:

    Omg me too.
    My doctor recommend me to have the sleeve she said gastric bypass has many complications and it is an invasive surgery but my endocrinologist said that bypass will be a better option for my metabolic issues... And here I am undecided on which surgery I should get.
    She wants me to watch some gastric bypass surgery videos to get my surgery date....

    Sent from my LM-K920 using BariatricPal mobile app

    Not sure if you saw my update, but after speaking with my neurologist, I decided to go with the sleeve. She told me there is more of a risk of complications involving neuropathy with the bypass, and I don't want to risk that. From what I've seen, bypass is somewhat more effective for resolving metabolic issues than sleeve, but sleeve still has a very good showing in terms of that. Good luck, whatever you decide!


  12. 15 hours ago, You Are My Sunshine said:

    July 20.

    I've had to reschedule 3x now, so I have this skeptical feeling, but that's my date!

    I think there are six of us in this thread for July 20th! 😊

    I'm sorry about having to reschedule so much...here is hoping! 🤞


  13. 19 hours ago, ShrinkingSydney said:

    I was just recently diagnosed with an irritated stomach lining and a small ulcer. I was supposed to be getting my clearances for surgery next Thursday with only one appointment left and about a month left until my surgery date was scheduled. I was getting so excited but now I am really worried. Has this happened to anyone else? How far back is this going to set me?

    I am also wavering on which type of surgery to get. I was pretty set on the sleeve because I have GERD ( but I also have a decent-sized hiatal hernia, so that could also be the cause). But I am now leaning toward the bypass for various reasons. My hesitation with the bypass is that I take medication for bipolar disorder and I'm worried about dosages and absorption with the bypass. Are bypasses more prone to ulcers? Or is it just harder to detect once you have them?

    Thanks for any advice!

    I had an ulcer, which was noted to be healing on endoscopy. My surgeon was not concerned because it was not around the part of the stomach on which she would be operating, so that may be a factor.


  14. On 6/17/2021 at 9:11 PM, TheAngryMeow said:

    That was my biggest concern, also. What's gonna happen if I put in all this effort, only to regain my weight and then some? I'm roughly a year and a half post-op. Can't say that I've been perfect along the way, but I have certainly not given up and I am still losing weight. That being said, I think the regaining is the furthest thing from my mind right now. I still get sick eating the wrong foods...So I guess my new question/anxiety is- will I feel sick forever? The weight is gone, but that doesn't mean it went peacefully. Many, long nights, I spent over a trash can after eating something that "didn't agree with me". And still learning, to this day.

    As far as the pre-op diet goes, I figured that would be my downfall, too. While I can't recommend what I did (sneaking in some crackers here and there), I CAN tell you that it is best to keep it interesting. Think of ANYTHING liquid. My typical food was a Protein Shake from Glucerna (the hunger smart ones seem to be the best tasting IMO). I absolutely LOATHE Protein Drinks. There is also one by shamrock farms that is under 200 calories and tastes like a melted shake to me. You could look into that as well. I found that I could palate campbells fat free broccoli cheddar Soup thinned with some fat free milk and then strained to get all the broccoli pieces out. It sucked the first week and a half, but by day 12, you really don't care. You are just so excited to get on that operating table (side note- I was f**king TERRIFIED the day of).

    Suffice to say, keep the diet simple and interesting. Change it up, as much as possible. Jell-o, Soups, drinks, etc etc. Don't start thinking about the failure now...That's a terrible mindset. This absolutely, 100%, needs to be a commitment of the heart, mind AND stomach. You aren't doing this for now. You are doing this for your future. When you think back to a miserable time (like when I couldn't buckle my seatbelt in a friends car), all of that "can I do this forever?" crap just fades away. Realize you made a huge decision that is going to be life-altering. Accept it and press forward and maintain a positive outlook that you will succeed and be healthy.

    Sending good vibes your way!

    Thank you so much! Good advice. Did you try adding unflavored Protein Powder to Soups? I've heard of some recommending that.

    And I fully expect to be f*cking terrified the day of...I just terrified myself today realizing I have to start the pre-op diet in two weeks! 😂

    I'm sorry you've been sick so much...I hope you find what works for you!


  15. 1 hour ago, Creekimp13 said:

    Yes. This surgery will help you control disordered eating....but it won't fix why you have disordered eating. Cutting out your stomach doesn't fix your head, and yes, lots and lots of people never come anywhere near goal and lots of people will regain the weight. Not what anyone wants to hear...but it's the truth.

    Here's my version of "wisdom"... (lol)

    1. Avoid extremes like the plague. Work on reaching a normal sustainable amount of calories eating healthy well-balanced foods. Crash diets and extremes don't work longterm. You probably already know this. Don't forget.

    2. Losing weight at a breakneck pace is exciting and giddy....but can be crappy for your health and your longterm metabolism. You didn't gain it all in a year, you likely won't lose it all in a year. Work harder on making small meaningful permenant changes you can live with forever....than embracing extremes that will eventually burn you out. It's very easy to feel like post surgical extreme dieting is the new norm. Eventually, it catches up with you. The goal should always be a nutritious balanced diet with adequate (but not excessive) calories.

    3. Find and see a bariatric therapist. Particulary, after surgery. Your disordered-eating brain still needs to be retrained. It has triggers you can identify and work through that will increase your success long term. Give your eating behavior history the care and consideration you give your new stomach. If depression and anxiety contribute to your disordered eating...address them. (This one is so important)

    And these are just my personal ones...

    4. Wear a fitness tracker. You don't have to go to the gym to increase your exercise, but you do need to be aware of how much you move and how many calories you're burning. My exercise is just walking more. It has made a HUGE difference in my health, endurance, fitness. Even if you're someone who has limitied mobility, or who "hates exercise"...you can give your metabolism a terrific boost just by adding a couple hundred steps a week.

    5. Invest time in supportive people. Avoid unsupportive people. At least until you've got a good handle on how to manage your eating behavior and triggers.

    Thank you for this. It is so helpful!

    I've never been a crash dieter, and I'm worried if I can sustain being as strict as I should be!

    I hear such conflicting advice, between "slow and steady" and "take advantage of the 'honeymoon' time as much as you can, because it's never going to be this easy again to lose weight."

    I'm trying to find a bariatric therapist, but having a hard time finding someone who accepts my insurance who seems good.

    It's kind of weird to start thinking of myself as having disordered eating, because, for the past couple of years, I've been eating about 1600-1700 calories a day while exercising almost every day, and still not losing weight. I don't binge or restrict excessively. But I realize that, for sure, even though I'm not consuming a ton of calories, I definitely graze/snack more than I should (which I know is a pitfall for after weight loss surgery) and sometimes do eat when I'm upset or bored. And I know that a lot of social activities have centered around eating, and I've always loved to cook and bake and share food (thankfully, I do not enjoy eating much sugar!), and I know not being able to do those things in the same way will feel like deprivation and I'll need to adjust to it. So, definitely issues to work on...

    Unfortunately, I can't do much weight-bearing exercise, as per my neurologist, so I'm planning to get a bike, but temporarily am using one at my local gym.

    Good tip about supportive and unsupportive people. Did you tell many people? My husband and kids are super supportive, and I plan to tell some friends, but I have a weird relationship with my mom, who was always very body-shaming, and has her own issues around weight, and the thought of talking to her about it makes me cringe, but it also seems like it will be hard to hide it.


  16. 1 hour ago, catwoman7 said:

    the thought of regain is what has kept me on track for the last six years. I did bounce up 20 lbs after hitting my lowest weight (which admittedly was too low for me - I look better now), but that 10-20 lb bounce back during year 2 or 3 is extremely common, so I wasn't shocked by that. As for now, I know it'd be really easy to gain weight if I stopped paying attention - and the thought of that makes me pay attention! I still log my food and still weigh myself at least once a week so I can jump quickly onto any gain and get it back under control. This will probably be a lifelong thing...

    Thank you. Do you track as intensively now as you did in the beginning, or just periodically to make sure you're not straying too much?

    Yeah, my surgeon was very upfront that most people do regain a small percentage of lost weight after a couple of years. It's good to be aware of that so it isn't shocking, but also a little disheartening.


  17. I just got a voicemail from the surgical coordinator to schedule my surgery, so I'm assuming insurance has approved me!

    I'm looking at mid-July, and...I know in my head and heart that the sleeve is the right thing and I definitely want to move forward, but am also feeling super anxious about the pre-op diet (I have difficulty choking down Protein Shakes and get queasy without solid food), and even more so, about the recovery and all the long-term changes ahead of me, as well as the whether or not this will be sustainable over time. It's scary to read of stories of people's hunger coming back and regaining weight after all the effort. I just really want this to work.

    Any words of wisdom? 😊

    [Sorry for the x-post, didn't get any replies today in the pre-op forum]

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