Shepherdess1

Same story here! VSG June 14 with Bhatti GI & North Memorial in MN. Recovery has really been a breeze. I took 1 week off from my desk job for surgery recovery. At almost 8 weeks, 32.5 lbs down. Including a recent 10-day vacation, eating normal foods at restaurants, but small amounts. On vacation we walked 3-6 miles a day. Normally I barely exercise…yeah…I know I need to do better, but I do physical farm work too. No food intolerances, nausea, pain, hair loss, or dumping. I get my 65-90g protein, hydrate, and have my vitamins & probiotic. 900-1200 calories/day. Too often my carbs are too high (>75g). It’s hard to get fiber. The “hardest” part for me and the only deviation from the plan that I have committed (besides erratic levels of exercise) was clear liquids. I was prescribed 3 days CL before surgery (lost 4lbs) plus 2 weeks CL after surgery. 2w after was way too long. I got dizzy and weak because I couldn’t get enough protein. Switching to full liquids was like paradise. Did that a week early with no issues. North Memorial’s diet plan is very conservative. I also got Covid for the first time at 4w post-op. I only had a scratchy throat for 3 days and was tired for a week, but had no problems keeping to the dietary guidelines. Almost zero movement b/c I did strict quarantine for 10d to not spread it. I am surprised I’ve done so well given how crazy it all sounds in retrospect. Major abdominal surgery, FT work, life with 3 kids, Covid, harvest season on the farm, and lengthy travel all in 8 weeks. But it’s been great! I have tons of energy! Fear of complications and lack of insurance coverage kept me from doing this for probably 8+ years. It’s nice to hear positive stories collected in one place. I feel for those of us struggling. I still fear something will crop up. We are fortunate.

My surgery was 6/14. Doesn’t feel like 12 days ago. Healing fast. I did clear fluids until day 6 post-op (plus 3 days preop). I went to stage 2 a day early because I was getting really light headed. It’s so crazy how different programs are. Now I’m on Fairlife Elite, strained soups, s/f pudding, baby meats & cereals, thinned cottage cheese, yogurt, probiotic, etc. Had to start a half pouch baby prune purée to promote BM. It all digests fine. I can feel the restriction around 1/4 to 1/2 cup. I lost 17 lbs (6/11-6/20) then have been stuck the past 6 days. Wondering if it’s too few calories? I never made it past 550/day so far. I have been meeting protein and water goals in stage 2. I walked 6 hours today (farming). Maybe it will un-budge me.