No thanks

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.

I think if you read back through more of the thread, you'll see people accusing her of being a downer, negative, and implying that she hasn't tried hard enough, which, particularly without knowing this person, is highly judgmental. As stated above, realistic tips and strategies are always productive and positive, so yes, you are correct, and there's previous agreement on that point.

We're here to support each other. The fact is, Goodmange's outcome is a real possibility for anyone.
Preaching and lecturing is counterproductive: nonjudgmental tips and strategies are helpful & productive.

Don't get discouraged! You can do this. One thing that really helped me was to measure just about everything into 1/4 sized meals and freezing them. I always had a high Protein, portion -controlled lunch or dinner available every day. The best advice I can give you is to focus on behavior modification. Veering away from the behaviors that we learned prior to surgery will almost definitely result in weight regain down the road (TRUST ME).

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.

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.

You may be one of the unlucky ones whose hunger doesn't go away with surgery.
And I will say that your surgeon's idea that you must stay on 800 cal a day to lose weight flies in the face of scienc. Stand back, I'm going to use MATH!
If you were maintaining your (heavy) weight by eating, say, 3500 calories a day, then that's your maintenance for that weight. So now, if you are eating 800 calories, you are in a deficit of 2700 calories a day, which means you'd lose three quarters of a pound per day on average. If you're eating 1200 calories, you're in a deficit of 2300 calories a day, which means you'd lose two thirds of a pound per day on average.
Yes, different macros (protein, carbs, fat, alcohol) do work differently in your body, but ultimately your body is bound, like everyone's, to the calories in-calories out equation.
I suspect what happened to you is twofold:
1. You're in a lengthy stall (search up "three-week stall", it happens to almost all of us, it's incredibly frustrating, it's not always at 3 weeks, and it can last a month for some people). It's because your body has depleted its glycogen and is probably somewhat dehydrated (it's hard to drink enough right after surgery), and your Fluid balance is adjusting itself.
2. You're frustrated and not tracking what you eat. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be done. You can't fix your diet if you don't know what your diet is. And that means, at least for me, pre-prepping meals and weighing things out. I just pop a tray in the microwave a few times a day and have it all specced out. I use MyMacros+ for tracking. One of the big culprits is cooking oil/fat. How many people measure the oil they put in a pan to cook their, say, chicken breast? Nobody except bariatric patients—everyone else just sploops some oil in a pan until it looks right. I actually have a bar jigger on the counter so I can measure in 1/2 ounces and full ounces.
Track your food. Literally track your food. If you find you're not losing weight on 800 cal a day, spend a week eating 1000 cal a day to see if it'll shock your system. I am at about 1400-1500 cal a day a little short of three months post-op, because I work physical work and am very active (gym, running, hiking, etc.) and need the calories to be able to function. But I still track each and every day.
The surgery isn't bullshit. If it were possible to just severely restrict calories without it, nobody would get the surgery. But there are thousands of people here, myself included, who found success with the surgery that wouldn't have been possible without it.

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.

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.

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.

So it’s been one year!

my weight before surgery (August 2020) was 330 lbs!
my weight today is 170 lbs.
I really want to inspire people as much as I can.. I want my journey to show you that you can do it no matter what. I’m much healthier now and I feel like I own the world, my life has completely changed, I don’t have sleep apnea anymore, I’m back to being the energetic kid I used to be, no more sleeping 24/7, and I can finally drive! ( I never had the chance to due to severe sleep apnea)
I couldn’t ride roller coasters before duo to my weight, and I’ve waited in line just to discover that I don’t fit into seats many times. But now, I can fit in every single ride and I just feel so happy, I feel.. alive!



Before pics and after pics included ❤️ Hope this inspires someone!!

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.

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!

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!

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

I have been going through a rough time mentally and have lost too much weight from my sleeve and started restricting my diet so I don't stretch my stomach. Starting to get help to overcome this. My boyfriend has been a saint and helps me because I have been at my lowest. He has issues too. He is only 24, I am 29. And has already had his 2nd open heart surgery. SO he is dealing with a lot too. I am trying to recenter myself and find a happy balance, but I just can't switch to happy overnight and be like yup all fixed! He told me today it feels like he has lost me and that I don't want him around. Which is not true. Just I am someone who needs me time too especially through this emotional rollercoaster. I try to practice mindful eating because my hunger and fullness signals are VERY similar and I am trying to decipher which is which and after dinner he comes up and grabs me around the waste and like throws my stomach around. Or at night time he wants to lay ontop of me. Which was ok before for a little bit, but I now weigh 114lbs and he is 285lbs. I feel crushed and it hurts and he gets mad saying I feel like I am going to hurt you and you don't want me touching you. It isn't that at all! I am just fragile right now and trying to get better and I do not want to lose him. We live together and talk about kids and marriage and I feel like I am ruining everything I have ever dreamed of. A little backstory, I used to weigh my food the 1st year and a half outta surgery on a food scale at 4oz. I was happy and enjoyed a lot of foods. Then My providers said NO not 4oz of weight WE MEAN VOLUME! What I can fit into a measuring cup. I had an endoscopy to make sure I didn't stretch my stomach and they said I was good. But if I kept doing what I was doing it would eventually stretch. I got SCARED and restricted my self to 1/3cup volume to ensure I never would overeat. Well then I started mourning food and felt deprived. It is so hard to find food to mush into a measuring cup! Eventually I got full off my 1/3c or what I think fullness is?? And eventually couldn't even finish that. meat no longer sits well with me and neither does eggs or dairy. I had Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy August 6th 2019. My HW was 352lbs and now I am 114lbs. Now my providers say don't weigh or measure anything at all just go by how I am "Feeling" and that is hard for me! I eat 3 meals a day with a protien shake in between. I am so messed up about eating and where I will be in 3 - 10 years because medical journals say that ultimately the sleeve is a failed procedure in the long run and that terrifies me. Multiple published medical journals, sites my surgeon belongs to, say most gain their weight and stretch their stomach back 3-10 and gain anywhere to 20 - 80 - too ALL OF THEIR WEIGHT BACK. SO here I am freaking out and could possibly lose the love of my life, but everyone just expects me to turn around and be happy and not worry and say so ya gain a few pounds, go ahead you can overeat this one time..it wont hurt you! No, but those habits will!
Tat is my long rant.. I am so sorry...

Wow. Good riddance I say. My husband lost 70 lbs taking a weekly injectible for diabetes before I had my surgery. I know he wanted me to lose weight too. I had the sleeve in Dec 2019, and lost 104 lbs in 12 months and am maintaining that weight eating and drinking what I want but in tiny portions. I eat healthier than I used to, but I definitely still eat things on occasion that I did not eat in the first year at all, and I had no alcohol for the first 12 months. I am lucky like that, he was very supportive and even did the shake diet with me in the beginning. He's a great cook and it was my love of his good cooking and my liking to eat that got me to 304 lbs in the first place. I ate it all willingly, but he cooks healthier for me now. After 30 years I can't imagine my life with out him. That guy wasn't the right one for you, be glad he helped you see that before he broke your heart or it cost you money.

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. 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.