Sleeve_Me_Alone

I am 4.5 weeks post-op VSG. Recovery is going well and I'm progressing through my plan's stages with minimal difficulty. I'm now in "full" soft foods and getting a little more variety. Prior to today, I have been using small containers to portion out my food, eyeballing it based on the size of the container (e.g. a 4oz container, roughly 3/4 full gets logged as 3oz, and so on). I've been averaging about 3oz per meal comfortably, sometimes a bite more, sometimes a bite less. Given that my diet is a little more varied and I'm really focusing on getting as much protein from "real" foods as possible, I decided to start weighing my portions to be more accurate. For lunch today, I weighed out 2.5oz of finely shredded rotisserie chicken and 30g of Alouette soft cheese. It *appeared* to be far more food than what I've been able to eat and I was a little shocked - lo and behold I have probably 1/4 of it left that I will not eat. I would have thought by weight the portion would have been LESS?! Doing some research, opinions on measuring by volume vs. weight are pretty varied, and my own program does not dictate one as better/more accurate than the other, just that we should measure & track. As a long time MFP user and lifelong dieter, weighing food is not new to me, and I certainly don't mind doing it. But I'm just so confused by the perceived disparity of a 2.5oz by weight portion vs. a 3oz by volume portion! TL;DR: I don't know how to portion food. HAAAALP. Do you weigh or measure? In your experience which is more accurate? Which is more helpful in portion control/tracking?

Thanks, all. I appreciate the feedback. As frustrating as it is, its comforting to know that I'm not the only one trying to navigate this. I think I'll experiment for the week measuring by weight and compare to what I've experienced when measuring by volume and then decide what works best for me. Either way, I'm not eating past restricting, I'm being very mindful to let my body tell me when its had enough, regardless of how much I've portioned out. But I would like to track and log accurately so I can make sure I'm hitting my protein goals and nutritional needs. Plus it will be valuable data for when I need to make adjustments down the line.

Very normal, but worth discussing with your surgeon. My surgeon said the internal sutures take 100-120 days to completely dissolve, so tweaks and twinges up to 4 months are possible. Could be sutures, could be nerve regeneration pain, could be nothing. I have similar pains when getting out of bed sometimes.

I'm so sorry you're struggling. I know it must be extremely frustrating and scary to be at this point with so little support from your surgeon. I think weight loss normally slows significantly after the first couple of months, exactly when depends on each persons body, so don't be alarmed that you aren't losing at the same rate you did in month 1. However, I'm honestly shocked to hear that your surgeon recommends only one meal a day. I know that programs vary widely, but nearly all suggest several small meals a day by the 3 month mark. I had VSG, so my guidelines are a little different, but my surgeon recommends 4-6 2-4oz meals a day for RNY patients at the 3 month mark. Does your program have a registered dietician you can work with, instead of the surgeon? If not, could you find an independent one or maybe have your PCP refer you? If that's not an option, there are a ton of really great bariatric dieticians that do 1:1 coaching; you might want to look into that. In the interim, maybe try experimenting with a couple small meals a day. Focus on getting in proteins first, then high quality veggies/complex carbs. It may also be worth getting set up with a counselor. WLS is a HUGE life change and having some extra support can make all the difference in the world. The surgery is a tool, not a magic fix, and we are only as successful as our ability to USE that tool. So much of it is mental that it can feel overwhelming, and having a resource to help you work through the internal pieces of it can be a game changer. Best of luck to you! I know its exhausting, but you're doing a great job!

I use Baritastic to track food because its linked to my surgeon's office; it also tracks weight/BMI/goals. I also use a FitTrack scale, which I LOVE because its incredibly data heavy, the app is super user friendly. I also use an app called "monitor your weight" because I like the layout.

I'll echo what others have said: the 3 week stall is REAL. There are THOUSANDS of posts here from folks who stall somewhere between week 3-6 for 1-3 weeks, sometimes more. Your body is likely rebounding from surgery and catching up with all the changes. Give it time, be patient, stay the course, follow your plan. It won't last forever, and it will happen again. Its all just part of the process. If its taxing you mentally, maybe take a week or two break from the scale. Take body measurements for a couple weeks instead, or use photos to track progress. Remember that the scale is only ONE measure of progress, other things can be just as valuable. Lastly, a TRUE stall is generally considered 3+ weeks; 4 days is absolutely nothing. You're right where you're supposed to be!

I'm 4 weeks PO and have the exact same internal argument all day every day. Weeks 1 & 2 I lost 6lbs each, week 3 was barely 2lbs and I pitched a fit. Its been really helpful to read the stories and experiences of other folks though, it helps me remember that everyone is different, everyone goes at their own pace, and all of the WTF moments are completely normal. I'm really focusing on my mental health as well, working on my relationship with food and my body, etc. Because it is such a mind game, regardless of what the scale says, I want to be HEALTHY, including internally. Just know, you're absolutely not alone!

@echubbythighs I'm about a week behind you and feeling very similarly. Thankfully recovery has been mostly smooth, save for one episode of "the foamies" last week that nearly undid me. Apparently, chili is still off the table for now. I'm switching to a capsule multivitamin next week when I run out of the chewable I have; since surgery they are disgusting and make me gag. I'm down about 18lbs since surgery, 37 total. It feels slower than I'd hoped, but I know that's a mental thing and I continue to work on my mental health/body image/self care stuff. SO MUCH of this journey is mental, it can be overwhelming. I got back on the treadmill this week, for the first time since surgery. I feel slow and unsteady, but it was good to move my body and work up a sweat. Glad you're doing well and making progress!

I've opted not to have desserts, treats, cheats, etc. until I am in maintenance or 1+ year out, whichever is sooner, even if I have the "ok" from my surgeon. I intend to stick to my plan !00% for the time being. My sleeve will never be more effective and weight loss be easier than it is right now, in the post-op honeymoon phase. If I want to be successful long-term, I need to be willing to give up some comforts in the short-term. The empty calories don't serve me or my goals and aren't helpful in any way. Additionally, I don't want to give myself any temptation to fall back into old habits that might hurt me in the long run. I support you in whatever decision you make, but I would suggest maybe holding off for a while. Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

First of all, I'm so sorry you're experiencing so many difficulties. I can't even imagine how frustrating and scary this must be. This is not the norm, and as such, I STRONGLY recommend you contact your surgeon ASAP. If they can't get you in go to the ER. This much pain and regression in eating a month out is super unusual and could be indicative of a complication. Go get seen! As for your partner, if they are frustrated by your pain then that is a problem with them. Someone who loves you should be empathetic, caring, and more concerned about your well being than their comfort. If you have to lie or hide your pain to keep them from being inconvenienced, then you might want to reevaluate that relationship. All that being said, take care of YOURSELF. This procedure is a tool and only works as well as we learn to use it which includes advocating for your needs and getting help when you need it. You do not need to suffer and should not be, please reach out to your team...

Soups with little to no lumps, mashed potatoes with protein powder added, refried beans with protein powder added, cottage cheese, yogurt with protein powder added, ricotta bake, curried lentils, and occasionally some very tender shredded chicken mixed with a good bit of mild enchilada sauce so its nearly a soup consistency.

I'm 4 weeks post-op and woke up this morning with a terribly sore back! I have the worst ache on my right side, just below my shoulder blade that I can't seem to stretch or massage out. I took a Tylenol, hoping that will take the edge off. As others have said, I've read that this is pretty normal due to the changes your body is going through so rapidly. Doesn't make it any better, but maybe take solace in the fact that its normal, and you definitely aren't the only one.

All completely normal, and it does get better with time. Immediately post-op every wallow hurt and I could barely get a few ounces of liquid in per hour. I'm 3.5 weeks out now, and am able to get all of my fluids in, no pain swallowing, and tolerating purees/soft foods well. I will say, I still feel "bubbly" when I eat, but I have found that if I eat really slow, the gurgling is a good full indicator for me. When it becomes somewhat uncomfortable, I immediately stop eating and that seems to be working. Just give yourself lots of time to get used to your new body and be gentle with yourself while you're healing.

Agreed with the above. You need to plan food & drinks very, very well as options will be limited and that early out you'll need to be hyper focused on nutrition and hydration. I also echo the DVT/blood clot concerns. Talk to your surgeon about the risks and whether or not a longer course of blood thinners may be appropriate. I am 3 weeks post-op and just recently had two 2 hour flights. It was manageable, but not great. I honestly don't think I could do a multi hour flight at this point, but I'm sure others absolutely could. There is really no way to tell exactly how you will feel, as everyone heals at their own pace. But if the trip is set in stone, the best thing you can do is prepare well.

Most bariatric surgeons require some amount of weight loss or compliance with a pre-op program before surgery. That is very, very common. Its highly unlikely though that insurance would use that as the basis to deny surgery, given that even after the weight loss, your BMI would still qualify you. Additionally, if you have any obesity related health issues (diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, etc.) than it would further justify the need for surgery. I would say go for it and use the pre-op process to prepare your heart and mind for the life long changes that will come post-op. You're going to do great!

I'm 2 weeks post-op and I can absolutely promise you, it DOES get better. By the end of the first week, I felt like I had really turned a corner and my nausea and pain were nearly gone. I was getting more fluids down and felt more human again. Healing isn't linear though, so you really can't compare to anyone. You aren't ahead or behind, you are exactly where your body needs to be. As for the gurgling, I think that's a WLS thing that never really goes away completely My stomach makes all kinds of bizarre sounds now, but thankfully no pain or nausea anymore. As for fluids, try using a sugar free water flavoring, jello, broth, or sugar free popsicles. Having a variety of options helps. Its extremely important to do your best to stay hydrated; right now that's your priority. Give yourself lots of grace and remember that this is one day at time. You're doing great!

I'm 2 weeks post-op and have absolutely no idea what is happening in there. Some times I feel what I think is hunger, but then it goes away and I start questioning if I felt anything at all. Then when I eat (still on purees), I can't really tell how much to eat or when I'm full. I do think I've started to notice a pressure in my chest that I didn't have before and I'm thinking that might be my "full" signal, so I'm trying to listen to it and let it guide my eating. Thankfully, I haven't dealt with head hunger too much, but I also did (and am still doing) a lot of work around food addiction/emotional eating before surgery to try and get ahead of some of that, knowing that I for sure struggle with it. I just have to keep reminding myself that its a process and I need to learn to listen to my body as best I can.

I'm 2 weeks post-op today and trying to figure out the new "plumbing." Luckily, I haven't had any awful reactions yet, not much to react to when I'm still on purees, but I know its coming and I just have to keep reminding myself that its all part of the process. I hope the pain passes and you feel better soon! Definitely reach out to your surgeon if it doesn't go away. A little upset is normal, days of pain is not!

I just started purees as well, and I've found that making sure they are fairly thin, and relatively lump free helps. I also eat very, very slowly. 2oz of low fat cottage chees took me a solid 20min to get down. If you find that you're not quite ready for purees, go back to full liquids for another day or two. Just go slow, chew well, and be patient with yourself.

You're going to need to see a neurologist and get a script for a non-NSAID rescue. If migraines are frequent enough, maybe look into a preventative. All the OTC meds are not great for WLS patients because they have aspirin and/or ibuprofen in them.

My family LOVES Barebells. They have great flavors, VERY good macros, and don't have a funky aftertaste. 20g of protein, no added sure, no palm oils. They do use maltitol, but in moderation its never been problematic for us. You can buy them online by the box directly from their website, but I usually buy a few of each flavor from Trader Joes. The website has a location finder, so you can give them a test run if you aren't ready to commit to an entire box. They also have a plant-based version, but I have not tried those.

I have tried about a million online coaching/nutrition programs and failed at every single one. I just did not find that it was structured enough or supportive enough to help me make permanent, impactful changes. That may not be true for everyone, but that was my experience. As for the surgery options, my insurance (US) covers bariatric surgery and I've consulted 3 times over the years but always chickened out. The time commitment to get through the program, the insane amount of tests and pre-op appointments, and the sheer number of hoops to jump through always became overwhelmingly discouraging and I gave up. So, I opted to go the self-pay route in Mexico. From first consult to surgery was almost exactly 3 months. The cost out of pocket including flights, hotels, meds, etc. was less than what my deductible and co-pays would have been had I used my insurance. Additionally, I met with my primary care doc prior to surgery and secured her support. She will be doing all my post-op labs and can provide ongoing dietary guidance in conjunction with my surgeon's RD. I am only a week and a half post-op, but I am SO glad I finally did it. You need to weight the options in light of your own needs, what kind of support will help you be most successful, what are you willing to commit to as a timeline, what fits in your finances, etc. Ultimately you just need to get gut-level honest with yourself, and then decide. Whatever you do, I'm sure you will find success!

Yep, just last week. I've already had to tighten my FitBit band. The little things really are exciting.

I'm only about 10 days out, and haven't had the experience yet, but I've heard its awful. I'm so sorry you are experiencing this! It could definitely be the meds. I know I get sort of "crampy" if I don't space mine out well enough. Getting all my meds and vitamins down is literally an all day thing. I've heard a lot of folks say that if you aren't doing well on the phase you're at, you can always go back to the previous one for a bit. So, if soft foods might be a bit too much just yet, maybe go back to full liquids/purees for a few days and then try again? Everyone heals at a different pace and it absolutely isn't a race. Go as slow as you need to. And of course, east slow, no drinking 30 minutes before or after, chew really well, etc. Hopefully it settles down and you can continue recovering!

Congratulations!! Those are HUGE victories! Its amazing to see how quickly things improve post-op. Only up from here!