No thanks

7 hours ago, greenwitch17 said:

I’m sorry but this negativity is so off putting to your success. You need to do the work and surgery is only ever a TOOL. You should not be assuming it’ll magically work for you but also this should have been explicitly told to you by your care team prior to surgery. I haven’t gotten my surgery yet but I’ve already had every care practitioner emphasize that it’s a tool and I have to actually work for results. The way it’s different than just calorie restriction/exercise is that the surgery limits the amount you can eat and it also removes the part of the stomach that has the hunger hormones. This makes it actually possible to calorie restrict and exercise without the ability to binge or feel super hungry. If someone tried to do 800 calories a day without surgery they would feel like they are completely starving. Listen to your doctor. Seek a therapist. This is a safe space but also the negativity in your comments has been awful. You need to work on yourself and how you treat others too. Healing and weight loss are best friends, it takes a LOT of work.

This is her post and she’s venting. She’s not wrong. She comes on here for answers and possibly some support because even though a lot of people have success, some don’t and it’s frustrating to have a surgery such as this, see others making goals and she’s stuck. So have some compassion. You didn’t even have to comment did you. You did not even have the surgery yet. You be nice yourself.

800 calories long term is unrealistic. I stalled like everyone else and as soon as I was able to eat 1000-1200 calories I started losing the weight because my body was no longer in starvation mode. Try switching it up, try new exercises and see if that helps. I was 210 on my surgery date and am now 170 and my surgery was 9 weeks ago. But I realized I like everyone else who is starving themselves on here that didn’t work for me. Eating a balanced diet that yes Includes carbs has worked for me. What may work for another won’t necessarily work for you and no doctors don’t always know what they’re doing. My doctor didn’t even tell me about so many things that I eventually learned on my own or even on here talking to others. I’m sorry you’re having a rough time and for anyone being judgmental you clearly needed the surgery right so don’t go around bashing anyone else. Just cause you had it easier or your situation worked better. You don’t know what someone is going through and what they’re doing. You y very well could be an ongoing health issue they need to look into. Best of luck.

53 minutes ago, Smanky said:

I know the feeling! I stalled the second week post-op despite barely making 500 calories a day and exercising regularly, but I did a google search on why it happens, and reading that put me at ease. Made a lot of sense, and knowing that it's super common also helps. You'll break yours soon.

Have you tried a little diet cordial in Water to see if that helps? I've never been a soda or sweet drink person, so water and I have always gotten along well, but I know for folks who have an aversion to it, diet cordials help. Also Protein waters - double your fun!

No I have not tried that. I’ll have to though. I love this site, so many ideas that would never cross my mind. And I hope so. It will make 3 weeks on Friday and same. Have had no more than 600 calories a day and I work out 2-3 times a week depending on my knees and ankle. And still Not a pound lost since the initial weight loss after surgery. I do feel feel relieved knowing this will pass. Lol. Thank you for the encouragement and the advice. I will try that!

46 minutes ago, Smanky said:

First of all, you look fabulous! And I've just finished my second week of stall (surgery was the 22nd), so I feel you on the week-of-static-scales. I *think* mine has broken finally.

Regarding fluids: I'm great with Water, it's the easiest for me and always has been. It's the shakes and Protein water I struggle with, because I am SO sensitive to sweet things now and find even stevia-sweetened drinks sickly and they seem to affect me physically as well. The things I enjoy and drink no problem are plain water, tea and coffee (I never sweeten either).

I haven't tried cold water yet, however, it's all been room-temp so far. So maybe I'll experience the cramping folk mention yet.

That is so exciting that your stall has let up. I can’t wait. I feel like I’ll be stuck at this weight for a while. But I am ok with that. I’m just grateful I am feeling better than I was before. I am the opposite. I wish I was not but the one thing that always got me was I like sweet drinks. I seriously probably drank most of my calories before the surgery and that was something I had to work on months before the surgery. I hate water. My husband gets on me all the time about how I don’t drink enough of it and now I’m trying so hard to get the recommended water in I just can’t stand it. So that could be my issue as well. And thank you so much 😊 I feel so much better already. Best of luck on your journey! And I’ve definitely had the cramping drinking water. It is horrible.

5 minutes ago, Kimberly_TN said:

Yes 100%! I’m 5 weeks today post op and I discussed the same thing with my nutritionist. She said it might be sensitivity to the temperature of the drink. I’ve noticed that cold drinks seem to make my tummy cramp. Hot and room temp have been fine. Maybe pay attention to that and see if you can tolerate Water at room temp. Good luck and let the journey begin!

Thank you so much. I didn’t even think about that. Good luck to you as well

Hello fellow September surgery buddies, I’m 18 days post op. Eating a little better now that I’m on soft foods. Talked to my dietician yesterday and my biggest gripe is remembering to take tiny bites and eat very slow and chew thoroughly. I forget sometimes and eat too fast and then I have a horrible uncomfortable pain where it feels food is stuck. But anywho my question for anyone really is, is it just me or has anyone else noticed that other drinks go down way easier than Water? I have to take the tiniest of sips of water and wait but with tea for example I can sip more easily and without issue. Just thought that was interesting. Lol

I had my surgery 24Sep and I was 210 before surgery and am now 197. But I’m pretty sure I’m in the 3 week stall people talk about as I’ve been this weight for a week. But I’m proud of the changes I’m seeing. I took a pic today to compare it and I can tell a slight difference already. There were times I was second guessing the surgery but I can now walk two miles without a lot of pain. I have osteoporosis and arthritis and break bones easily so the 30 + pounds I gained in the last year put a lot of pressure on my joints. I’ve broken an ankle three times and had a broken back. Just some background info, I started at 227 pounds. I was about 222 in the black dress and today at 197.

2 hours ago, Jjsdrm1021 said:

I "WAS"scheduled for my RNY on 10/19, BUT my Dr. has to leave for two weeks on a family emergency. So now I am scheduled for 11/4. Please nomoredelays.

I’m so sorry. I definitely know how frustrating that is. I thought I was going to have to wait until we moved and I was so irritated. Here’s to hoping this is your date

12 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

My stomach growls after I eat as well. I think it’s digesting and maybe because it’s smaller we hear it more. I honestly don’t know either for certain. Sometimes it’s really loud too.

Yes!! That’s my stomach exactly. lol. It’s so confusing. So I’m not the only one. Thank you so much. That may it. I will definitely ask my doctor or nutritionist this week cause I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to for the most part but I just could not comprehend some of the feelings and especially the growling after I eat. Thank you sooo much.

2 minutes ago, KarrinnaP said:

My nutritionist told me to eat six small meals a day but I really can’t. I have a Protein Shake when I wake up and maybe get a third of it down, then I try to do an egg white scramble a few hours later, then for lunch I’ve been just sticking to Soups, then I may try and finish the Protein shake or have a sugar free pudding. Then I don’t eat until dinner. And that is totally dependent on how I’m feeling. Maybe I really am hungry and I’m scared to over eat. I honestly never had a food problem until this surgery. I could not lose weight after my 4th baby then I gained 30 pounds last year after a total hysterectomy and the extra 30 pounds was putting too much pressure on my fragile joints( I had a broken back and broke my ankle three times) after I left the military. So I felt like once I hit 227 it was time for a change. But I like to think I always was a practical eater, now I’m feeling obsessed with what I’m supposed to eat or how I’m supposed to feel. I just want to feel “normal”. But I just feel a lot discomfort now matter how much or little I eat. And the Crazy thing, I don’t know if the person posting about this has this too, my stomach growls at me after I eat. Never before. Idk what that is about.

13 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

Idk if this helps but the NP told me that we are supposed to eat to prevent hunger rather than to eat when we are hungry. Since surgery I have been eating by the clock and it seems to work for me. Between three meals and two Snacks I eat a small portion every three hours and I know when I feel hungry between meals it must be head hunger cause I just ate.

Thank you by the way. I’m feeling like a head case lately.

4 minutes ago, ShoppGirl said:

Idk if this helps but the NP told me that we are supposed to eat to prevent hunger rather than to eat when we are hungry. Since surgery I have been eating by the clock and it seems to work for me. Between three meals and two Snacks I eat a small portion every three hours and I know when I feel hungry between meals it must be head hunger cause I just ate.

My nutritionist told me to eat six small meals a day but I really can’t. I have a Protein Shake when I wake up and maybe get a third of it down, then I try to do an egg white scramble a few hours later, then for lunch I’ve been just sticking to Soups, then I may try and finish the Protein shake or have a sugar free pudding. Then I don’t eat until dinner. And that is totally dependent on how I’m feeling. Maybe I really am hungry and I’m scared to over eat. I honestly never had a food problem until this surgery. I could not lose weight after my 4th baby then I gained 30 pounds last year after a total hysterectomy and the extra 30 pounds was putting too much pressure on my fragile joints( I had a broken back and broke my ankle three times) after I left the military. So I felt like once I hit 227 it was time for a change. But I like to think I always was a practical eater, now I’m feeling obsessed with what I’m supposed to eat or how I’m supposed to feel. I just want to feel “normal”. But I just feel a lot discomfort now matter how much or little I eat. And the Crazy thing, I don’t know if the person posting about this has this too, my stomach growls at me after I eat. Never before. Idk what that is about.

6 hours ago, Sleeve_Me_Alone said:

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 now on purées too and I have the same issue. I have no idea what is going on with my body. But I just eat very small portions and then try to ignore that hunger feeling cause I don’t want to over do it. But I have no clue. I’m nervous moving forward if my stomach doesn’t figure itself out. Lol

5 hours ago, Tony B - NJ said:

Being stagnant in the car so long you may want to consider wearing compression stockings. Ev3n a month or so out there is some risk of DVT for prolonged periods of immobility.

Thank you. I will have to buy some. Great idea!

19 hours ago, GreenTealael said:

Gas stations now have Protein Shakes, boiled eggs, yogurt and nuts. These will help in a pinch. You’ll do great, just use the bathroom as often as you can (don’t wait or hold it)

Congrats on the move ❤️

Thank you 😊

1 hour ago, vikingbeast said:

Don't be worried, there's places, just not as many as east of the Mississippi.

If you're taking I-10, after you leave San Antonio there's at least decent size truck stops at Junction, Sonora, Ft. Stockton, and Van Horn. Once you leave El Paso there's Las Cruces, Deming, and Lordsburg. In Arizona there's San Simon, Willcox, and Benson before you get to Tucson (and on I-8 there's Gila Bend and Yuma).

If you're taking I-20, west of Fort Worth there's Weatherford, Ranger, Abilene, Midland-Odessa, and Pecos before you hit I-10.

If you're taking I-40, west of Oklahoma City there's Elk City, then in Texas there's Shamrock and Amarillo, then in NM there's Tucumcari, Santa Rosa, Albuquerque, Grants, and Gallup, and in Arizona there's Holbrook, Winslow, Flagstaff, Kingman, and stuff both in Needles CA and across in AZ (fill up in AZ, it's like a dollar and a half cheaper per gallon... CA prices for gas are insane though sometimes there's cheaper gas on-base). But there's nothing in California at all between Needles and Newberry Springs/Barstow which is like 120 miles.

Thank you. I appreciate that. It’s been so long since we’ve driven through to California. I’m from California but it’s been a good 12 years since I’ve driven to or from California. Last time was when I was in Dallas but this is much further and then we used to travel a lot to Colorado from California growing up. I just remember being in the middle of nowhere a lot of the time. But I feel much better after getting advice from you guys. And at least I know I’ll have options and be able to make good decisions. Gas is crazy there. Im not looking forward to the many things we will have to adjust to financially. That’s for sure. But I’m happy to be getting back to family.

9 hours ago, Danpaul said:

Planning, Planning and more Planning. First off, thank you for your service. When you make your trip you will need to keep the mind set that you will have enough to eat. Do not worry about eating you have a restriction from surgery. You will not want to eat too much. Get it out of your head that you will be starving. Many here have said that you should bring along Protein Shakes, great idea. At the time of your travels you should be (unless your Dr has a different plan) on soft foods. Baby foods are a good travel option for you as well. Make sure that you have plenty of Water. That will be the key, it will hydrate you and also give you a feeling of fullness. Herbal tea, if you can get it on the road is another great option.

As for truck stop food or fast food, STAY AWAY!!! After weight Loss Surgery (WLS) you should stay away from processed foods. Processed foods will only accelerate you gaining weight over time. You will not feel much hunger but in your mind you will THINK that you you will need to eat. It's our conditioning over the years to make us think that way. WLS has given you a powerful new tool a restriction. Don't eat around it, don't over feed it and most of all don't ignore it. It is your best friend. It will let you nourish yourself but not allow you to take in unnecessary amounts of food.

You will be surprised as to how easy it will be to take care of your hunger as it will dissipate quite fast with little nourishment. I hate to use this phrase but I'll make an exception here, You've Got It. Just Plan, Plan Plan.

Thank you so much! I honestly don’t think I’ll be thinking about food too much. My stomach is barely able to tolerate the cream Soups and Protein Shakes As it is. I just wanted to be prepared and have safe options. Definitely trying to plan so I don’t get tempted to do anything stupid. Lol. You all have great input. It’s so appreciated.

10 hours ago, lizonaplane said:

I wanted to emphasize what @FutureSylph said. I have a cross-country flight planned for 5 weeks after surgery and the surgeon said to make sure I walked around every hour. I am not sure it's necessary every hour in the car because you'll be able to change positions better, but definitely get out and walk around a bit frequently because you don't want to risk blood clots. That's a risk after any surgery, and if you're at a higher weight (like we all are), it's an even higher risk.

The food is a bit of a lesser issue, but I agree that you should be able to find things like Protein Shakes (Make sure the sugar count is low), cheese sticks, eggs, and order refried Beans, ground meat dishes, fish, etc and just throw things out or share with a family member. If you stop at subway or any sandwich place you should be able to order a sandwich and just eat the deli meat (that's on my plan for soft foods, not sure about yours). I haven't found restaurants in the US willing to do half portions in most cases.

Thank you so much!!! That was one thing my doctor mentioned. Making sure to walk and prevent blood clots. I will most likely be eating small things off my kids it looks like. Lol

10 hours ago, FutureSylph said:

What to eat wouldn't be my chief concern in this situation (there's always baby food and Protein powder); staying hydrated and rested would. Remember to plan plenty of extra rest stops to pee and stretch. You didn't mention the children's ages, but hopefully they're big enough to carry everything you need (cooler, overnight bag, etc.).

Thank you and yes they are plenty big enough to carry their own things and I have my husband. He’s not let me do anything yet. But starting next week we have to start packing and cleaning and the movers will be here in 3 weeks. It’s nerve wrecking because I am a control freak so being limited will be tough. We definitely plan on stopping every night to rest. Thank you

15 hours ago, Arabesque said:

The cooler is my go to too. I take yoghurt, cheese, Protein Bars, etc. Even packed cooked chicken & deli meats (got to make sure the cooler is very cold of course). If no freezer in my room, I’d ask management to pop the ice bricks in their kitchen freezer over night. Restock from grocery, convenience stores as you go. Throw in some Protein Shakes too.

Of course you’ll likely be only on soft foods in a month so you won’t be able to eat all that I pack but it might give you ideas. Try containers with meat balls & sauce (gravy) in your cooler instead of chicken & deli meats. Just mash them in the container with the gravy. Only last a couple of days but it will start you off.

Look for eating places with Soups, eggs (scrambled, poached, omelettes), mince meat dishes or slow cooked meats. Appetiser size meals are most realistic portions, or share meals with your family. Don’t be afraid to ask for half serves. I used to ask if they would mind scrambling a single egg for me when I was travelling. Most places were sure, no problem.

Hope the move goes smoothly. Be careful lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing too much though.

Thank you so much! Some great ideas!

17 hours ago, vikingbeast said:

Oh no! PCS during recovery!

A few options:

1. Pack a cooler with Protein Shakes in case you end up in some food desert (LOOKING AT YOU WESTERN TEXAS) with nothing you can eat. Also, get some Isopure which helps with Protein if you're truly stuck.

2. Meal prep some if you can. Maybe you can freeze it and keep ice on it? I transported frozen pork roll from New Jersey to California in February in the cab of my truck.

3. Order small portions at restaurants and then just throw away what you can't eat. Wasteful, but better than starvation.

Also, just to reassure you—truck stops have AMAZING c-stores with things like Protein shakes and Protein Bars and cheeses and things. Like, I was blown away that in way-the-he||-and-gone western Oklahoma, the Love's Travel Stop had a HUGE range of stuff that would be bariatric-friendly.

If there's stuff you can eat now that you love that's Georgia-specific (my dad used to live outside of Brunswick), take some with you for comfort. Boiled peanuts spring to mind...

If you want, share the route and maybe I and other Bariatric Pals can share suggestions for places to go. I've driven all over this country.

Thank you so much. Was definitely planning on bringing a cooler of Protein Shakes and non fat yogurt at the very least. I was nervous about that too, when we drive through the desert. Lol

I had my surgery (sleeve) 7 days ago. I am moving to California Oct 29th. (Military) We will be traveling for 4-9 days (depending on kids) from South Georgia. I was supposed to have surgery this past summer. Then they made it for august and then covid got worse. So finally last week got it done. But now so many worries. Has anyone travelled Long distance after sleeve surgery? Anyone who has any tips or tricks they learned or have any good ideas. I have no idea how I’m gonna do this when I’m limited on what I can eat and we will be on the road for a while. Just getting nervous.

On 8/25/2021 at 12:15 PM, Jjsdrm1021 said:

It took less than 5 days for them to approve. I had to do 3 months of check-ins, and show a little weight loss. Now if they would allow elective surgeries here in Jacksonville, Fl.

That is where I just had my sleeve done Jacksonville. I too had to be approved through tricare. I was supposed to get my surgery done though this past summer because we’re moving at the end of October. but tricare took til august to approve. Was supposed to have it done last month but then covid. They just opened up for surgeries in Jacksonville so hopefully you’ll be in. Now we are pcsing to California and I’ll only be 5 weeks post op. Best of luck!

9 minutes ago, lizonaplane said:

Whether you are allowed Soup is up to your surgery center. I didn't ask... I was afraid they'd say no and I can't tolerate canned boring chicken broth, which was allowed. Hot and sour Soup is a little thicker even strained and Tom Yum has a bit of oil, but it doesn't have any pieces in it as long as you put it through a strainer.

I’d imagine that would be alright. At this point I’m willing to try anything once just to see if my stomach will tolerate it and give me a little energy back. Thank you.

1 hour ago, Sharon B. said:

Hi, congrats on your surgery! I had my sleeve done on 9- 23-21, so we're about in the same time frame post op. Are you drinking your shakes? They should help. I ordered fit and lean powder from Amazon, actually way before I had my surgery. I mix 2tbs chocolate PB2 or PB fit with 8 oz of coconut milk or almond milk- unsweetened and some ice cubes in my ninja blender and it is filling. I also think there is alot of Fiber in this particular powder so I experience a little more gas than usual. today is one week out for me and I tolerate the milk pretty good. my problem was drinking too big a sips of all my liquid. Good luck! surgery buddie!

That sounds delicious. Lately all I can stomach is a few tablespoons of a Premier Protein shake. I may try that tomorrow though. Thank you so much. Many good ideas. I definitely need the Fiber too. Good luck to you as well. I’m certainly excited.

2 hours ago, Sleeve_Me_Alone said:

Make sure you are getting enough electrolytes. Drink Powerade/Gatorade, use a Water Enhancer, or try some Pickle Juice if you can't stomach broth. When you are taking in so few calories and drinking all that Water, its easy to end up with an electrolyte imbalance which can contribute to low blood pressure and the dizzy feeling. It does get better once you move to full liquids, but its important to stay on top of it as best you can.

Thank you so much. I hadn’t thought of that!

1 hour ago, lizonaplane said:

I found sucking ice cubes to be helpful. I used small ice cubes, but if you have access to crushed ice, that might be helpful. Also, crystal light or other drink packets might be good. I didn't like the taste of broth, but I liked strained Tom Yum and Hot and Sour Soups.

That sounds good. Are we allowed that. My husband is a huge hot and sour Soup fan. I’m usually not but I’m desperate. Thank you 😊