Debsgonnamakeit

I am scheduled for Nov. 3. While it has been a frustrating process at times with quite a few hic-cups but all in all very happy with the time to think through this very drastic life change for someone in their 60's. Now that I'm in the 2 wk liver diet it feels so real. Fingers crossed for great success to all posting.

I had surgery on 11/10/20, but started my weight loss efforts on 7/5/20. If you’ve been here a while I’m sure you’ve seen me lurking about the forums.
Stats: SW 339. CW: 165. I am a 5’10 woman in her 40s. I work full time and have young children. My current BMI is 23, I started off with it closer to 50.

I knew it was going to take me a while to hit goal- I had 174 lbs to lose. I did all the calculators pre-op that said I would be lucky to get under 200 lbs, but I decided that just wasn’t going to apply to me (haha). My plan was to focus on fruits, vegetables, and healthy Proteins while ramping up exercise. I eliminated Cookies, pastries, and candy but that’s about it. I don’t do low carb, because that isn’t how I’m planning on living the rest of my life. I focus on calorie reduction, which sounds like oh if that’s so easy why did you need surgery? Well cutting calories is possible if you aren’t hungry all the time no matter how much you eat, and if you can fill up on the healthy things without it being like flash paper into a volcano. I honestly did need the surgery, and I’m not going to pretend it did the work for me, but it gave me the help for the work I wanted to be able to do.

Six days a week I do a split between running and rowing for a half hour. I’m going to run in a 5k this spring, which has been a dream of mine for years. I exercise on my lunch break every day.

Yes, I have some loose skin. It’s nowhere as bad as people make it out to be. I am not exactly planning on running around in a bikini so it’s not like it limits my life at all. It’s not visible in my clothes, not even tight fitting ones. I might get it removed some day, but if I don’t I’ll still be happy.

This weight loss has been the fulfillment of a lifelong dream for me. Life is difficult when you are morbidly obese. It’s difficult physically, emotionally, and socially. This weight loss hasn’t fixed every problem in my life, but I didn’t expect for it to. It fixed my weight related problems, and I had a lot of them.

This surgery can be life changing, but it’s not a magic bullet. You still have to make huge life changes. But if you feel sabotaged you your own constant hunger, cravings, and binges, this can really be the tool you use to dig yourself out of the seemingly insurmountable weight you need to lose.

This isn’t a finish line for me. I am still working on hopefully losing another 15 lbs, and I’m never going back to my old eating habits. I know I signed up for a lifelong change, otherwise I’ll be right back where I started. But finally hitting goal was a nice early Christmas present to myself. Sorry for the essay, but I don’t really have anyone in real life to share with who gets it!

Thanks Summerseeker and Timeisnear for the support. I know the Fluid weight will disperse but I was just surprised by that. I should have known that taking me of my diuretic would have me holding fluid though. Not worried just hope to see progress. i am able to walk very comfortably now. Yesterday I got in over 3500 steps and i enjoyed the walk. Getting in the fluids an ounce at a time is like a full time job, seriously! Hope all who have had their procedures are doing well and those on the varied liver diets hang in there.

StratusPhr, what surgery are you having? Maybe I missed an earlier post, sorry. Are you having a conversion from gastric sleeve or lapband?

i had gastric sleeve on Nov. 3 so i am 11 days out and all has gone as it should. Hospital stay was fine, I felt prepared for what was ahead at home with the 2 wk Clear Liquids. I am getting my fluids in but after a couple of days i could not stomach the sweetness of the Protein Shakes and did not tolerate the sodium in the Protein Drinks (yuk) so I have experimented with making shakes and having broth ect. Walks have been good, try to get a minimum of 3500 steps but I have what i call high energy and low energy days which, I imagine ,is expected on how few calories we are taking in. Very much looking forward to 2 wk appt and start on soft foods.
SO wondering if anyone else who is a couple wks out has had this happen? I was starting my morning - nothing by mouth as yet. Took my first sip of tea (decaf) and was struck with a horrific chest pain that was moving up and down and to my back. I couldn't belch or slow breath through it. I didn't think I had gulped but must have swallowed air. I ended up gagging and spitting up bile . Then pain gone. Lasted 3 or 4 minutes but frightening. Any thoughts? Don't want to experience that again. I do need to slow down........

First, you are still healing & the messages are likely not getting through. Take it slowly. Remember all those sutures & staples holding your tummy together.
You are not alone in getting overexcited about being able to eat ‘real’ food again & consuming more than is recommended. Though all because you can doesn’t mean you should. Spread the cup of food out across the day. Sip on the Protein Shakes interspersed with your Water because they count as Protein & Fluid. My plan was 1/4 cup of food per meal from purée stage but that was my plan. It is always best to follow your plan as closely as possible. It’s there for a reason - to aid your healing & recovery & to start you really reflecting on what & why you eat.
And yes, some people do feel hungry from after surgery but whether is it head hunger or real hunger is harder to discern. Certainly, the emotional aspects of the surgery can really exacerbate cravings - seeking food to soothe & comfort. Only you can really tell which hunger you’re feeling. For me if I’m ‘hungry’ for something like a specific food or a more general l want salty or sweet or carbs then that’s a craving or head hunger. Real hunger feels different for me. I get restless & I don’t know what I want to eat (except I now want it to be healthy). Head hunger also passes quickly - distract myself for 30 minutes & it’s abated.
Working all this out takes time. And we’re all allowed to make mistakes & slip. And when you do, you have to pick yourself & get back on your plan. You’ll get there & work out what it all means for you.

Morning 3 after my sleeve. I have felt pretty good all in all. I am able to walk outside easily and move around with little or no discomfort. I have not used the prescribed pain meds at home and tylenol has managed discomfort well. Only real struggle has been in getting to the 48 oz goal for liquids. It is a challenge but yesterday I got in 56 oz. which was great. I guess each new step will come with challenges to accomplish and I look forward to moving ahead.
Anyone who has had surgery: did your weight go up in hospital due to Fluid retention or maybe swelling? I had lost 15 lbs on liver diet and came home 7 lbs heavier. Next morning down 3 but still have the additional lbs. I know the gas is still a thing for me and they have taken me off the diuretic (sp?) that was in my blood pressure pill. Hope to see a change soon.
Thanks 3 Grands for your well wishes. Best to you.

The further out I get, the more I adopt the attitude of Never Say Never.
I have regular crap food in my diet. As I do healthier stuff (i love me some salad). I love food and can thoroughly enjoy eating in my much smaller quantities. Balance and Portion Control is key for me.
I started eating bread again (the regular, non-keto, full-everything kind WiITH butter) about 2-ish years post op…and surprise, surprise, I didn’t implode. Warm, fresh bread is THE BEST (my Mr. is the bread whisperer lol). Now, I won’t eat 5 slices anymore, I’ll likely just have 3-4 bites (as it is very filling for me), but still. Other than excess sugar, I can enjoy a wide range of foods with no ill effects nor unintended weight gain.
Im 3 years post op and been maintaining my weight consistently at 115-ish since reaching goal almost 2.5 years ago…non-healthy food choices (with portion control) and all. My most recent labs a couple weeks ago showed once again that i am the picture of health.
I do understand that for some folks, some foods are triggers or potential starts of slippery slopes. I guess just know what your boundaries are and strive to stay within them. You may not be perfect, but u can be perfect ENOUGH.
Indefinite denial and avoidance, especially if it causes you angst is a meltdown waiting to happen.
P.S. For those early in the process, for me it helped to tell myself: “Not right now, but maybe later”; or, “This kinda sucks, but it won’t always be so”. Making peace with the fact that nothing is forever helped with accepting my present circumstance.
and who knows? what u really want today may not even be on ur radar tomorrow or next week or next year. And if it is, you can always have it then.
Good Luck! ❤️

Homemade fries in an air fryer are pretty good substitute if you eat them right away (they get soggy if not). I have some recipes for using other veggies too that would be even better option since potatoes still aren’t the best option even when air fried. Some Things I have seen used in place of potatoes are asparagus, zucchini and carrots. For sandwiches I’d try out some of the lower carb wraps. It’s the insides that give it the flavor anyways.

Well said, Arabesque. If we continue eating the foods and Snacks we used to eat or look for Keto snacks (which are heavily processed foods), we are very likely to regain all that has been lost.
Even though "bariatric/keto snacks" and "protein bars" are sold on some bariatric sites does not mean that they are appropriate or good for us. Instead, look to whole foods, healthy foods, while avoiding those that lure us into eating more--sugar, flour, rice, Pasta, processed foods. Read nutrition and ingredients labels like a boss!
Lest you think I'm preaching, I can only tell you that I speak from experience. I've done all these wrong things in the past and paid the price--and I'm still tempted by them.

I really liked bread too & I had access to a lot of really damn tasty artisanal bakeries. But I don’t eat bread any more. It tends to sit heavily in my tummy. Last time I tried was a couple of months ago (a za’tar & garlic flat bread - smelt & tasted divine) but nope not for me. Do I miss it? It may seem strange but not really.
As @dms75 said you develop a different relationship with food. I too look at food as what I need not what I want. I still enjoy it but I don’t find it difficult to choose not to eat certain foods like Desserts, chips, bread, Pasta, rice, etc. Some of these I don’t eat through choice, others because they don’t sit well. You will find some people do eat bread, chips, sweet things once into maintenance. But it is their choice & most seem to seek out healthier, more nutrient dense options (like air fried sweet potato chips, high Protein breads, etc.) & are careful with portions & frequency.
Don’t worry too much about struggling with certain foods like eggs. For most this is a short term difficulty. Your tummy can be a bit fussy for a little while. Try some hydralyte or similar electrolyte drinks to help with energy drops. I carried a bottle with me everywhere for months. It does get easier & you’ll be eating a greater variety of food sooner than you think.
The surgery will get you so far. The rest is up to you & the dietary changes you make. Exercise only accounts for a maximum of 20% of the weight you want to/have to lose. It has other benefits. I’m not an exerciser but I lost all the weight I was to lose plus more because I made changes to what I ate. But the decision as to what you eat & how often you eat it is ultimately up to you. Best advice to gain the most of your surgery while losing is to follow your surgeon’s plan & dietician’s recommendations.
Good luck.

Thanks Summerseeker and Timeisnear for the support. I know the Fluid weight will disperse but I was just surprised by that. I should have known that taking me of my diuretic would have me holding fluid though. Not worried just hope to see progress. i am able to walk very comfortably now. Yesterday I got in over 3500 steps and i enjoyed the walk. Getting in the fluids an ounce at a time is like a full time job, seriously! Hope all who have had their procedures are doing well and those on the varied liver diets hang in there.

Agree with @vikingbeast. You need to take a big step back. You’re stressed & emotional which only enhances those cravings. You crave the foods which offered you comfort in the past & you crave the familiar of being able to eat what you want, when you want it. And the more you worry the more anxious you become. You may find a therapist who specialises in supporting bariatric patients very helpful. Ask your surgeon for a recommendation.
Constipation is part of the journey. I tried to keep on top of mine by taking Benefibre at least every second day, keeping my Fluid intake up & taking a stool softener if I got to day 3 or 4 without movement. I also ate very mild instant rolled oats from purée stage. Took me days to eat a full serve but it was good fibre. You may need an enema since it’s been 15 days or a visit to the hospital for assistance. Being constipated does make it seem you’ve stopped losing or have gained. Get rid of it & your weight will be lower very quickly & you’ll feel much better.
Stalls are very common. They can last 1 - 3 weeks, sometimes more. And you can experience a number of them as you’re losing. The first usually occurs around week 3 give or take. You just have to ride them out. They’re just your body taking a time out to come to terms with your weight loss.
Changes to your sense of smell & taste are also common. They usually are temporary but how long it lasts is individual. Are there specific foods that upset you more you can avoid?
The strong body odour is from your body being in ketosis - fat burning. It’s like every bodily secretion reeks. It passes too. I took deodorant, toothbrush, tooth paste & mouth wash & body wipes to work for refreshes during the day.
I was someone who frequently skipped meals in an effort to lose weight (did that for 40+years) & tried all those very low calorie diets including one I did several times that was only 500 calories a day. I still lost all my weight & more.
Stick as close to your plan as you can. It may take you a little longer to reach a stage recommendation for calories, portion size &/or foods you can eat but that’s ok. You’ll get there.

Okay. Deep breath. Exhale. 'Nother deep breath. Exhale. One more. Exhale.
If you search these forums, you will find almost 20,000 posts on the infamous "three-week stall". That is exactly where you are, and sometimes it lasts a few weeks. Stay on your plan, stay OFF the friggin' scale except ONCE a week, and just be patient.
The Constipation is almost certainly part of the issue, though you're not eating enough to really be backing stuff up. But you can go and get an enema at any drugstore; sometimes it just "packs" and you have to break the pack. (Gross, sorry, I know, but facts.) You're also almost certainly not getting much if any Fiber.
It does get better. One thing you might want to try (though who knows if it'll work for you) is INCREASING your food a little bit. I know it sucks, but anything helps. Soup. Tomato Soup. Cream soup. Whatever. Just increase calories to about 500-600, in concert with your nutritionist's guidance, and see if that moves things along.

Morning 3 after my sleeve. I have felt pretty good all in all. I am able to walk outside easily and move around with little or no discomfort. I have not used the prescribed pain meds at home and tylenol has managed discomfort well. Only real struggle has been in getting to the 48 oz goal for liquids. It is a challenge but yesterday I got in 56 oz. which was great. I guess each new step will come with challenges to accomplish and I look forward to moving ahead.
Anyone who has had surgery: did your weight go up in hospital due to Fluid retention or maybe swelling? I had lost 15 lbs on liver diet and came home 7 lbs heavier. Next morning down 3 but still have the additional lbs. I know the gas is still a thing for me and they have taken me off the diuretic (sp?) that was in my blood pressure pill. Hope to see a change soon.
Thanks 3 Grands for your well wishes. Best to you.

Some really great responses on this thread. At the end of the day, the sleeve is a tool. It is possible to lose all your excess weight (plus more) and it is possible to lose very little, or even regain. It is all about how the tool is used, and the person who has control over that is you. Some people lose fast, some people lose slow, but again, we have lots of slow losers on this board who have hit goal, but they had to persevere in using the tool and staying focused on their goal.

235 lbs at the start of my 2 week liquid pre-op diet.
127 lbs at goal 7 months later.
Am 3 yrs post op now and am 115.8 lbs this morning.
P.S. I'm 5'2"

This post really made me think about my relationship with food and drink again. I’m three months out with my bypass tool. I did graze one weekend on Greek style pizza and wine. I really enjoyed the company, could enjoy the wine with only two ounces. I did pack away 4 slices over 2 hours though. I had to really work hard a solid week to get back to my weight before that gathering. Looking back, the free laughter outside with friends was what I enjoyed. It felt like the openness pre-Covid. Keeping the feelings and why needs to be in front all the time. I am reminded that surgery is just a tool. Being social with friends safely is precious, and my physical health doesn’t need to take a toll. I’m going to track on an online app next time and plan ahead better. But you won’t have to stop socializing either, because I equate socializing with positive mental health. Like me you will have to evaluate your food and drink pitfalls and navigate through your strengths and weaknesses. For me, each gathering, each person, each situation is different. I have go into the next one with a better plan, but I promise I will still enjoy the socializing!

I'm a total foodie and cook, and loved a grazing booze-up at a mate's place. While cooking is currently WAY less exciting, I know I'll cook for others and that makes me happy. I can only eat tiny portions, and I struggle with that, but I eat food that's nutritious and delicious and because I have to stop and chew, I find I'm REALLY tasting it and that makes it more satisfying.
There was a get together at a mate's last weekend - the first in five months after a long lockdown here in Sydney AU. I knew I couldn't drink or graze like I used to. So I made some hummus, chopped up some carrots, bought a bag of corn-chips for the others, and a fancy bottle of still Water and a lime. My drink all night was the still water with a slice of lime in it, to pretend I was having something "fancy". I paced myself to nibble on a carrot stick with a little hummus every so often. It was fine! I had a fabulous time, laughed myself silly, and didn't leave drunk off my tits and WAY too full. The company was the important thing.
Thankfully my surgery has changed the way I feel about food. Had my friends ordered pizza, I would have felt a bit sick looking at it, and while baked snack food did come out, I wasn't tempted. As for alcohol, I know I'll have a glass ONE day. Maybe not for a year or so, but at some point I will. Right now, I'm content to stay sober.

This was one of my concerns also. I am a total foodie that loves having a wine and snack night with my husband. After surgery I didn’t drink wine for about 3 months…..I really didn’t want to….even when my mind was craving it. When I did try it again, it took me hours to sip on maybe 2 ounces of wine. I didn’t feel tipsy or anything….I just wanted Water more. I am 4+ months out now and can drink a whole glass, slowly. If food/snacks are involved it takes me a lot longer. The thing is I now have to listen to my (much smaller) stomach for cues on when to stop eating/drinking and not what my head is telling me I want.
The thing is, it doesn’t bother me in the way I thought it would. I can still have a fun time shooting the s%it with the family while eating and drinking (way) less. I have no regrets.

I can't say I had any particular feeling of loss related to food or drink. I was a binge eater and drinker. If one was good ten was better. My requirement for surgery was to stop me from binging. If I could break the cycle, I could do this.
Surgery isn't a magic weight loss button. All the rules still apply. Calories in vs calories out. Surgery just helps in some ways, especially early on. For a time it stops you over indulging at meals. But this effect tends to go away for most people with time, and then you are counting on the good habits you've developed to keep you going.
You indicate that you have a big family and spend a lot of time hanging out, shooting the .. and grazing and enjoying wine. The scary part in regard to grazing is not that you will lose it, it's that you won't. Grazing is by far the way many/most post-ops fail and regain their weight and more. Surgery can stop you from eating a lot of food at one meal. But, it doesn't stop you from grazing for hours at a time.
Evaluate your needs from surgery. This is not a short term diet it is a life long lifestyle change. Do what you can sustain.
Good luck,
Tek

I don't drink (never liked the taste) but I've definitely been enjoying food a lot since surgery. I eat a lot less (I am less than 2 months out, so I eat about 2 oz of meat/protein at a time), so that is definitely hard, but I still enjoy the food. Is this process easy. NO WAY! You have to change your relationship with food or it won't work. You can still enjoy food, but if you eat the same crap food you ate that made you obese, you will lose weight then gain it right back, or you will not lose much to begin with.
This has been the hardest part for me. I am resisting changing WHAT I eat, because I enjoy rich, sweet, restaurant foods. I don't want to eat simply seasoned, fresh, healthy foods. But I want this process to work, so I'm doing my best. I travel every week for work so some days I buy food from the grocery store and eat roast beef, hummus, prechopped veggies, ff greek yogurt, Protein Shakes, etc in my hotel room, and yes, it's a bit sad. Sometimes I do go out to restaurants and order something, enjoy my few oz of Protein and a tiny bit of veggies, but I feel like it's not healthy enough...
If you think you can live your old life eating five course restaurant meals after surgery, sure, you can do that after a few years, but you will gain your weight back. Just like any other weight loss scheme, you have to eat less. Right now, I physically can't eat much at one time, but if I were to graze or eat junk food, my weight loss would slow.
And I was counting on not being hungry and I'm starving all the time. And I was counting on my tastes to change so I wouldn't like unhealthy food. Nope!
This is hard. Think carefully. I don't regret doing it, but it's the hardest thing I've ever done, and I lost 100 lbs through diet and exercise. This is way harder in many ways.

Hi All

I am a chef by profession and feel that though I am going through the same as most (currently in puree stage) I refuse to give up my desire to eat well and be creative.
My weight loss is going great and I have been keeping the diet prescribed to me by my physician. I have, however, stretched my creative muscles to incorporate flavors I like into my day. This is one of my more successful ones. I am also trying to eat more vegetarian and vegan and this was a good place for that as I use Just egg and vegetarian sausage. If I had cashew yogurt I would have used that instead.
208 calories / 15 carbs / 12g Protein (vegetarian) should yield 1/4 cup. If more only eat what you are prescribed.
1 Morning Star Farm vegetarian Sausage Link
1/2 cup Oat Milk
1 ts Low-fat Greek Yogurt (plain)
1/4 ts rubbed sage
1/4 ts garlic powder
1/4 ts dried chives (optional)
Ground black pepper
1 ts corn starch disolved in 1 ts of Water
1 egg or 3Tbl. Just Egg
Over medium heat.
Cut up one sausage link and, in a small pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté until lightly browned.
Add Oat Milk, yogurt, sage, garlic powder and chives if you are using and stir until the yogurt dissolves and the gravy starts to simmer. Let it start to cook down a bit.

Stir the cornstarch and water slurry well to make sure it is fully dissolved and add it to the gravy.
Bring up the heat and stir till thickened to the consistency you wish. If too thick, add some water.
Remove from the pan and put the gravy into a small food processor. Blitz until smooth and the sausage is well incorporated.
Make your egg or egg substitute scrambled fine so it meets puree standards and serve with the gravy on top.
Though you are using about 1/2 cup of milk and such, out leaving you with approximately 1/4 cup of sausage gravy.
This is decadent, has the flavors you want, has a good amount of protein and meets the requirements.
Cheers
J

The countdown has started for me. This time tomorrow, Nov. 3, I will be at the hospital for my sleeve procedure. I feel as prepared as possible for this big step in my life and thrilled at the thought of improved health and self esteem. i have followed this forum and found much helpful info. It has been sometimes a frustrating and prolonged process to be approved for my surgery due to insurance requirements but the process works and i had lots of time to think through my decision. Now its here and I'm very happy to have the surgery behind me. Best of luck to all of us November buddies!

The countdown has started for me. This time tomorrow, Nov. 3, I will be at the hospital for my sleeve procedure. I feel as prepared as possible for this big step in my life and thrilled at the thought of improved health and self esteem. i have followed this forum and found much helpful info. It has been sometimes a frustrating and prolonged process to be approved for my surgery due to insurance requirements but the process works and i had lots of time to think through my decision. Now its here and I'm very happy to have the surgery behind me. Best of luck to all of us November buddies!