Smanky

So again, this is a tool to use. It is not a quick fix nor is it an easy way for you to lose weight and still keep your bad eating habits. It changes your physiology to make your weight loss chances more permanent. The rest is up to you. Now this is going to sound harsh but it is on YOU to do the research about any procedure before you have it. It is on YOU to do what is required to make a procedure like this work. To proclaim it bullshit because you don't want to put in the work is not placing the responsibility where it belongs.
What are you eating? Is it fried food? Carbs? Cookies? chips? Are you getting any exercise? Because if you are still eating garbage and sitting around on the couch then, yeah, you're screwed.

Love this. It's so common. I no longer welcome people sharing their 'concerns' with me.

Thanks for this post, MiniGastricBypassDude! Us Omega-Loopers are a clear minority on the forum, so it's great to read a detailed post from someone further along the journey than I am.
I concur with your praise of the MGB - despite a run-in with ulcers and my repeated stalls due to how little I've been able to eat (both have improved immensely now), I'm still super glad I got this procedure. Everything has resolved and it's now getting easier and easier. I can get more calories in now, so the stalling has stopped and I'm losing at a good clip.
My surgeon offers Sleeve, RNY, MGB and SADI-S, but is very pro-MGB over RNY because of all you mentioned. He says it has better long-term results, though yes, our supplements are vital. I had originally wanted the Sleeve (the malabsorbtion and potential dumping had me a little wary of a bypass), but because of existing GORD, he talked me out of it and into a MGB. Glad he did, as yes, this is the right surgery for me.
I'm also ETERNALLY grateful that I've never had an emotional attachment to food, or BED. I know I'm very fortunate that my head has been in a great space for this, and I feel for folks who are having a rougher time of it.

There's your red flag right there! Yikes.
There's often a subtext to people who try to talk you out of WLS, and she showed hers with that question. Stay the course! Ignore the nay-sayers. You're doing this for your health and quality of life, and if you're confident with your surgical team, no-one else needs to add their two-cents into it!

Yep, people who aren't obese and struggling cannot understand what it's like, can't understand the despair that comes with it, alongside the health problems.
And unfortunately, even people who love you can struggle to understand it, and sometimes even react with underlying jealousy if they're overweight themselves. Annoyance dressed up as concern.
Glad you've shaken the comments off! You're gonna do brilliantly. 💪

There's your red flag right there! Yikes.
There's often a subtext to people who try to talk you out of WLS, and she showed hers with that question. Stay the course! Ignore the nay-sayers. You're doing this for your health and quality of life, and if you're confident with your surgical team, no-one else needs to add their two-cents into it!

I had surgery in Mx. on 9/21 and it was the best decision I've ever made for myself. It was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but ultimately it was the very best thing I could do for myself. Most people mean well and their concern comes from a genuine, if not misinformed, place. Medical Tourism is a multi-billion dollar business; thousands of people travel to Mx. every year for surgeries and care of various kinds. If you have done your research and thoroughly vetted your surgeon, then you are just as safe and will be as well cared for as you would be in the US.
She is your pastor's wife, who loves and cares about you, to be sure. But she is not a physician, certainly not YOUR physician, and you would be wise to not take medical advice from her. What you need from her is her love and support. She should be offering to care for you, pray for you, serve you, and see you through, not discourage you from something that will likely be a life-changing, and possibly life-saving medical procedure.
You need to trust yourself. You have been given discernment and intuition for a reason. You desserve to take care of yourself!

However well meaning your pastors wife is - She has no input you should be concerned about. She has not got all the information she needs to help you make any decision on your on or off journey.
My biggest worry was that my surgery would get snatched from my grasp at the last minute. I needed it so much. I also felt it was too good to be true.
In these last few days you will be more anxious, its normal and healthy. You can always postpone but you will be angry at your self. Hug yourself for me

If you read through the thread, it HAS been stated that the OP was not a good candidate and shouldn't have been approved for the surgery if s/he was not willing to work at adopting the habits that lead to success. We're not focusing on that point because it's not helpful now. What's done is done. As I said in an earlier post, if the OP just wants to vent and isn't really interested in advice, then all we can say is "I'm sorry you're having a hard time."
But the OP isn't even 6 months out from surgery, so it's much too early to say the surgery has failed unless the OP is unwilling to make changes. People on BariatricPal are disposed to help, so when someone posts "I don't know what to do", we will jump in and try to help with analysis and advice. From the OP's reaction to that advice, it's become clear that this thread was just intended to vent the OP's frustration and anger. Those feelings are valid, but we can't really help with them except to say that it would be a good idea to seek therapy. Beyond that, almost no one on BariatricPal is going to say "Yes, you're right, the surgery is BS." because too many of us have had it change our lives for the better. So if that's the only thing you and the OP would consider to be supportive, you're both likely to be disappointed. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Congrats on getting your surgery and starting the journey, JoyLilith!
I hear you on sushi, I love rice and adore onigiri but all of that is off the menu for me until maintenance. You could, however, have sashimi once you're on the soft food stage, so it's the delicious sushi hit without the rice.
Navigating social eating is definitely something that takes time. I'm fine with friends and family who know I've had this done, but I'm a bit more wary of dining out with people who don't. And my partner and I are still trying to perfect the "new normal" of just the two of us going out to cafes and restaurants. We're getting better at it, though!
Glad your procedure has gone so smoothly.

Congrats on getting your surgery and starting the journey, JoyLilith!
I hear you on sushi, I love rice and adore onigiri but all of that is off the menu for me until maintenance. You could, however, have sashimi once you're on the soft food stage, so it's the delicious sushi hit without the rice.
Navigating social eating is definitely something that takes time. I'm fine with friends and family who know I've had this done, but I'm a bit more wary of dining out with people who don't. And my partner and I are still trying to perfect the "new normal" of just the two of us going out to cafes and restaurants. We're getting better at it, though!
Glad your procedure has gone so smoothly.

No I haven't but I will try to introduce some day by day but I know they will restrict my drinking time. I am so thirsty. Some of my tablets are tiny but I am a little apprehensive about them getting lodged and starting foaming again. I will have to be brave and pull up my old lady pants and get on with it.

I'm sorry you've had a rocky start, Summerseeker, and hope you're on a upward trajectory now. My instinct would be to stay on the liquids for that second week, purely because your start was so rough. Give your system the gentlest easing into the pureed stage.
Are you able to take your medicine and Vitamins now that the foamies have subsided?

Hi everyone
i just wanted to check in say after three plus years maintain weight and activity level is through the roof staying very busy
i will start checking in more often hope all well with all of you cheers

Yep, my incisions drove me mad with the itching - and unlike the itching from healing tattoos, you can't slap the area for relief! I took antihistamines and used cold packs held against the incision area, which helped immensely! Like me, you also may be a bit allergic to the bandage adhesive.
My itching lasted about a week and a half, unfortunately. I hope yours goes away faster!

Honestly, we're living in a vegan renaissance, so there's a plant based alternative for almost everything these days.
My best advice is to go in at a pace that's comfortable and don't beat yourself up if you can't quit it all at once. I'm a firm believer in doing what you can, and acknowledging that nothing is perfect. Think about what you know you'll really miss (for most people, that's cheese and/or bacon) and tackle that last. Not everyone can do cold turkey!
There's so many dairy alternatives now that you can pick and choose to suit. I personally prefer soy and oat, and use Protein fortified soy milk now that I'm post-op for the extra protein. And try different brands - one brand's soy/oat/almond might be delicious, while another is undrinkable!
There are also excellent vegan cheese options these days. Miyoko's Creamery is a US brand and make good stuff, including a divine butter. I know you're in Florida, but you may have something similar to this near you: https://www.thespruceeats.com/vegan-cheese-5090419 Those Texas cheeses look good, and the article also lists other good plant cheeses in the US. Lots of yoghurt and other dairy options available now too.
Meat! There's some vegan meat available now that are SO DAMN REAL that I actually feel sick when they're cooking they smell so realistic. Beyond and Impossible Burger both do freakishly beef-like beef, and Omni do pork. I would also urge you to hit up your local Chinese supermarket (I know you call it something else in the US ... grocer?) and check out their vegan meats because Chinese vegan companies work some kind of sorcery here. You'll find superb faux chicken, roast duck, char siu pork and even fish. They also have bacon, as do other western brands. If you have a Trader Joes or Wholefoods near you, I imagine you'll be spoiled for choice in their plant-based offerings!
Eggs! Yeah... there's really no substitute here, sorry. Effort has been made, and you can get passable fried eggs, but a nice poached egg is and will likely remain unattainable. That said, a bangin' vegan scramble can be home made using well drained medium tofu crumbled, and flavoured with a little turmeric, black salt (important - kala namak is sulfurous so gives that eggy taste, but use sparingly!), dijon mustard and cracked pepper. Add mushrooms and spring onions for extra flavour. It's not a dupe for scrambled eggs, but it's tasty and a great protein rich Breakfast.
The other thing is: get excited about food, because there's new stuff coming out almost every other week! Vegans get ridiculously excited about food, I think because we remember the dark days, in the before-times, when all vegan food was punitive and we had to be content with bran muffins and sadness.
Apologies for the novella, and I hope I helped!

So as not to hijack an existing thread, I thought I'd start a new one.
Since I began looking into bariatric surgery in 2019, I've done much research and reading. On the internet, I limited myself to sites that I knew were reputable and were evidence-based (i.e., mayo Clinic) rather than sites that were trying to sell surgery. Once I was accepted into my program, I watched videos suggested by the program (i.e., Dr. Matthew Weiner) and took to heart the information I was given from my program. I came into the program with a lot of pre-existing knowledge on nutrition and diet having grown up with a Type 1 diabetic father and myself a Type 2. Despite that knowledge base, I obviously wasn't applying it or I would not have been to the point where I was considering surgery. One of the hardest things I had to do throughout my surgery preparation appointments and meetings was to go in and actually listen. I accepted that my way wasn't working and if I was going to proceed with a body and life-altering surgery, I needed to adopt what I was being taught. As you can see in my stats, it's worked. But I know I'm not done learning, maintaining and working on making good decisions and healthy choices for the long-term.
In my classes, the dietician warned about social-media, weight-loss surgery groups. I admit that I move in and out of some groups. The overall lack of information and sharing of misinformation boggles my mind. It certainly proved that there are programs and doctors simply out to make money and there are patients willing to believe anything they are told without doing their own research or taking accountability for their own actions.
I was grateful to find this site and have a source of information rather than opinion. I was happy to hear from WLS veterans who have gone through the process and how they are successfully maintaining. I wanted to hear what those experiences were so that I can learn from them. I did not want them to sugar-coat the truth and I did not expect unmitigated "support." If my understanding or behavior was counterproductive, I wanted to hear that. I needed to hear that. I still do. There seems to be a misconception that in order to be supportive, someone needs to say your choices are ok. Being truthful with someone, does not always mean saying what and how you are doing things is ok.

Honestly, we're living in a vegan renaissance, so there's a plant based alternative for almost everything these days.
My best advice is to go in at a pace that's comfortable and don't beat yourself up if you can't quit it all at once. I'm a firm believer in doing what you can, and acknowledging that nothing is perfect. Think about what you know you'll really miss (for most people, that's cheese and/or bacon) and tackle that last. Not everyone can do cold turkey!
There's so many dairy alternatives now that you can pick and choose to suit. I personally prefer soy and oat, and use Protein fortified soy milk now that I'm post-op for the extra protein. And try different brands - one brand's soy/oat/almond might be delicious, while another is undrinkable!
There are also excellent vegan cheese options these days. Miyoko's Creamery is a US brand and make good stuff, including a divine butter. I know you're in Florida, but you may have something similar to this near you: https://www.thespruceeats.com/vegan-cheese-5090419 Those Texas cheeses look good, and the article also lists other good plant cheeses in the US. Lots of yoghurt and other dairy options available now too.
Meat! There's some vegan meat available now that are SO DAMN REAL that I actually feel sick when they're cooking they smell so realistic. Beyond and Impossible Burger both do freakishly beef-like beef, and Omni do pork. I would also urge you to hit up your local Chinese supermarket (I know you call it something else in the US ... grocer?) and check out their vegan meats because Chinese vegan companies work some kind of sorcery here. You'll find superb faux chicken, roast duck, char siu pork and even fish. They also have bacon, as do other western brands. If you have a Trader Joes or Wholefoods near you, I imagine you'll be spoiled for choice in their plant-based offerings!
Eggs! Yeah... there's really no substitute here, sorry. Effort has been made, and you can get passable fried eggs, but a nice poached egg is and will likely remain unattainable. That said, a bangin' vegan scramble can be home made using well drained medium tofu crumbled, and flavoured with a little turmeric, black salt (important - kala namak is sulfurous so gives that eggy taste, but use sparingly!), dijon mustard and cracked pepper. Add mushrooms and spring onions for extra flavour. It's not a dupe for scrambled eggs, but it's tasty and a great protein rich Breakfast.
The other thing is: get excited about food, because there's new stuff coming out almost every other week! Vegans get ridiculously excited about food, I think because we remember the dark days, in the before-times, when all vegan food was punitive and we had to be content with bran muffins and sadness.
Apologies for the novella, and I hope I helped!

WLS is a tool. Like most tools, it makes the job easier but it doesn't do all the work. VSG is intended to restrict volume. It makes it harder to eat a large volume of food at one time.
Our post-op plans specify certain types and volumes of food.
In the early months when the restriction is new you (editorial you) often can't eat the amount of food for which your plan calls. For a period you can barely eat your full meal. During this period you are creating new habits: Healthier food choices, defined portions, new expectations, with the positive reinforcement of losing weight. If you haven't followed plan you will still lose weight for a short time, but having not changed habits, attitude, or outlook when the time comes when you can eat more you do.
Making these habit changes later, when the restriction has relaxed, can be nearly as difficult as doing it without surgery.
Good luck,
Tek

Honestly, we're living in a vegan renaissance, so there's a plant based alternative for almost everything these days.
My best advice is to go in at a pace that's comfortable and don't beat yourself up if you can't quit it all at once. I'm a firm believer in doing what you can, and acknowledging that nothing is perfect. Think about what you know you'll really miss (for most people, that's cheese and/or bacon) and tackle that last. Not everyone can do cold turkey!
There's so many dairy alternatives now that you can pick and choose to suit. I personally prefer soy and oat, and use Protein fortified soy milk now that I'm post-op for the extra protein. And try different brands - one brand's soy/oat/almond might be delicious, while another is undrinkable!
There are also excellent vegan cheese options these days. Miyoko's Creamery is a US brand and make good stuff, including a divine butter. I know you're in Florida, but you may have something similar to this near you: https://www.thespruceeats.com/vegan-cheese-5090419 Those Texas cheeses look good, and the article also lists other good plant cheeses in the US. Lots of yoghurt and other dairy options available now too.
Meat! There's some vegan meat available now that are SO DAMN REAL that I actually feel sick when they're cooking they smell so realistic. Beyond and Impossible Burger both do freakishly beef-like beef, and Omni do pork. I would also urge you to hit up your local Chinese supermarket (I know you call it something else in the US ... grocer?) and check out their vegan meats because Chinese vegan companies work some kind of sorcery here. You'll find superb faux chicken, roast duck, char siu pork and even fish. They also have bacon, as do other western brands. If you have a Trader Joes or Wholefoods near you, I imagine you'll be spoiled for choice in their plant-based offerings!
Eggs! Yeah... there's really no substitute here, sorry. Effort has been made, and you can get passable fried eggs, but a nice poached egg is and will likely remain unattainable. That said, a bangin' vegan scramble can be home made using well drained medium tofu crumbled, and flavoured with a little turmeric, black salt (important - kala namak is sulfurous so gives that eggy taste, but use sparingly!), dijon mustard and cracked pepper. Add mushrooms and spring onions for extra flavour. It's not a dupe for scrambled eggs, but it's tasty and a great protein rich Breakfast.
The other thing is: get excited about food, because there's new stuff coming out almost every other week! Vegans get ridiculously excited about food, I think because we remember the dark days, in the before-times, when all vegan food was punitive and we had to be content with bran muffins and sadness.
Apologies for the novella, and I hope I helped!

Protein Water. I double-up on both my protein and water that way, without feeling like an overfilled balloon all day. And as others have suggested, just keep taking a mouthful of water every five minutes or so. It gets easier with time.

The whole idea behind my nutritionist's 6-meals-per-day plan is to gradually increase the quantity per meal so that eventually I'll be able to eat one cup of food per meal three times a day. The six meals are 1/4 cup each, building up to 1/2 cup and so forth. I don't think any post-surgery plan is forever, they're all meant to shepherd you into your new normal.
And plans vary wildly between surgeons, as mentioned above. There's no one rule beyond sticking to the plan your surgeon gives you.

I despise the shakes, so I feel you! Have you looked into Protein Water? I'm currently getting my 60+grams from a protein water that is 28g per serve (I have two a day, 800ml total liquid), and then using protein fortified soy milk (10g protein per 250ml) in unsweetened matcha lattes. If you drink dairy, look for a protein fortified one.
The protein water I use is an Australian brand, but I've no doubt that you have many, many more choices over in the US.

Bringing your fave cake is brutal! Major props to you resisting that, even if it meant settling for sad yoghurt.
The fear of dumping is real though. It's why I'm not willing to touch potatoes, Pasta or bread.

My life was in turmoil, then I met a surgeon that saved my life!