BrigitteLM

Everyone recovers differently & can or can’t tolerate different things at different times. Not everyone experiences temporary changes in their senses taste &/or smell. Some can drink cold drinks easily while others find warm or Hot Drinks easier & more soothing. Some people are advised (by their surgeon) to progress through the stages more quickly while others need to stay at a stage longer.
You won’t really feel your restriction (a tightness across your chest) until you’re eating more solid foods & the nerves that were cut during the surgery are healed. The pain you initially felt would have been from stressing, straining or irritating your healing tummy. You shouldn’t use your restriction or discomfort as a signal you’ve eaten or drunk too much or too fast.
Not everyone dumps. Less than 30% with sleeve & less than 40% with bypass. But it is easily managed by avoiding those foods that cause it (fats &/or sugars) which you should be doing while you’re losing weight. In time even those who do dump may find they can eat a small amount of these foods without issue.
It is important to follow your plan. Remember all because you can doesn’t mean you should. The plan is in place for a reason. Initially to protect & support your healing tummy (think of all those sutures & staples holding your tummy together) & then to support your weight loss (awareness of portion sizes, calories, nutrition, food choices, reflect on old eating habits & establish new habits, etc.)
Conversations with your surgeon & dietician would be of benefit to ensure you are making the best choices - behaviours & foods. If your surgeon feels you are healed enough to progress more quickly, they’ll let you know what you are able to do & eat now.
I am worried you chose to eat cake at 4 weeks post surgery. It was your choice but was it a self sabotaging behaviour? Cake at week 4? What will you eat in subsequent weeks? Only you know the answer to this. Maybe a conversation with a therapist will help. And yes you will lose weight while your calorie intake is in deficit even eating cake but your focus should be on the nutritional value of what you are eating when your intake is low. Protein, protein, protein then vegetables & eventually some fruit & complex multi/whole grain carbs.

It’s also possible you may have jet belly - the pressure at high altitudes makes the trapped air in your gut expand, taking up more room and leading to bloating and pain. The sharp gas pain is definitely the worst of it and it gets better 🙏🏼 fairly quickly!!

As of yesterday I bumped myself up to 500 calories/75g Protein and felt better about this than 400 cals/60g protein. My taste buds seem to be improving by the day. My stomach still feels a little “raw” and a little swollen but very much healed compared to a few days ago. Our bodies are amazing!

Speaking of the mental aspect - I don’t think I have buyer’s remorse…??? maybe I’ll just voice out what I’m feeling as I do not know how to describe it. I just feel like woah i made a decision to undergo body modification that I can never undo. I previously had my gallbladder removed and didn’t experience the same feeling even though it does play a part in body functioning. It’s hard to remember this will result in weight loss, as I’m more focused on getting nutrients - Water, protein, Vitamins daily now. Feels like a game where I have to tick all the boxes daily to be sure I’m staying healthy. Again seems so far removed from this leading to weight loss. My weight loss goal wasn’t aesthetic, definitely preventative for other diseases stemming from obesity.

What has been tough is seeing all the amazing food on Instagram when I’m on liquids only. 😢 I remind myself I will eat food again, this stage is to nurture my stomach back to health.

I had my surgery yesterday and so far so good. I’m drinking 1 oz of Water 2x an hour and at 10 am will move up to 4 oz water/liquids an hour. I’ve gone to the bathroom 3 times. The hardest part is moving, but sooner you start moving the better.. oh and the hospital stay.. the came in like every hour from 3:00-7am , so kind of intrusive, but they were doing this job and giving me meds and taking labs. Biggest thing for me is nausea, making sure I don’t throw up. Oxygen levels, walking and if I can take liquids.
You can do this!! On a side note, my stomach is loud today! She’s mad at me.. lol

It wouldn't matter if they had. Don't do it. You don't need validation that other people have done this, too - if they did, they were wrong, too.
Follow your surgeon's guidelines. They are there for a reason. If you can't adhere to a post operative diet for a few weeks, you will have real issues down the road, so I suggest you look for some local support in the form of a group or personal counselor.
The hard part of this process is not losing the weight - it's dealing with the relationships we have with food and how we use food in ways that "healthy" people do not. There were other options to "get rid of that taste" and you went for the foods you should be avoiding right now (and until you're well into loss, I'd add) so I'd take a look at that behavior and work on it.
One (or two, or three) slips are not the end of the world, but your sleeve needs to heal, first and foremost. We don't have to be perfect, but we do need to be cautious and make smart choices.
Don't be the poster one year from now frustrated with yourself because you haven't lost much weight due to the fact that you didn't work your sleeve and started eating around it as soon as you healed.
Don't go down this path.
~Cheri

Day 6 Post-Op for me!! I had my sleeve surgery on March 7th.
I agree with most of what has been said so far but I had quite a lot of pain for the first 3 days. They ran some tests, which showed nothing, so I imagined it or have turned into a big baby! I thought days 1-3 were brutal but in hindsight, I probably should have done a few things better.
1. Do exactly what your nurses tell you to do as soon as they tell you to do it. No matter how you feel. If they don't get you up and walking, you ask. My first nurse had me up on the first day and we walked twice. The next day was his day off so no one offered after that. As I was laying in bed miserable every time I looked up there was a young lady with pink hair and a big smile on her face making lap after lap. So I got approval to do it on my own
2. Start drinking the moment they tell you. It will look gross but it will make you feel so much better and SIP DO NOT GULP!! I could only get down Water and didn't really even try to until the 3rd day
3. Have a game plan for recovery. I'm not sure why this happened but I woke up feeling very strange about what I'd done. Several moments of Buyer's Remorse and I remember just feeling sick about it. Almost like I hadn't expected it or the surgery happened by surprise. I can't really describe it but it was very strange and I didn't snap out of it for at least 2 days. So pull in your support group as quickly as you need.
So now it's Day 6 and I almost feel back to normal. Pain is gone, I'm having no trouble getting all my Protein and liquids in. I'm a little more tired than normal but that's it, really.
I think the rest is going to be mental, so I'm trying to get my expectations in a realistic position. Please don't doubt your decision, or feel alone. We're all in this together and we can lean on each other when we need

March 23 VSG for me. I start my liquid diet Friday 3/17. Just got my final surgery clearance today. Hoping I don’t chicken out!

Day 4 post-Op was the first day I physically felt strong enough… but focusing on all the eating and drinking goals is it’s own job. If it’s possible I would highly consider asking for more time off if you can. Also flying immediately after surgery (not sure how long your flight is) seems rather brutal. I could barely sit up day 1 post-Op and getting into a car shaking my whole body did not feel good. Plus I had random episodes of dumping and/or nausea. You know your circumstances best but those first few days you really need to be very kind and gentle with your body.

As of yesterday I bumped myself up to 500 calories/75g Protein and felt better about this than 400 cals/60g protein. My taste buds seem to be improving by the day. My stomach still feels a little “raw” and a little swollen but very much healed compared to a few days ago. Our bodies are amazing!

Speaking of the mental aspect - I don’t think I have buyer’s remorse…??? maybe I’ll just voice out what I’m feeling as I do not know how to describe it. I just feel like woah i made a decision to undergo body modification that I can never undo. I previously had my gallbladder removed and didn’t experience the same feeling even though it does play a part in body functioning. It’s hard to remember this will result in weight loss, as I’m more focused on getting nutrients - Water, protein, Vitamins daily now. Feels like a game where I have to tick all the boxes daily to be sure I’m staying healthy. Again seems so far removed from this leading to weight loss. My weight loss goal wasn’t aesthetic, definitely preventative for other diseases stemming from obesity.

What has been tough is seeing all the amazing food on Instagram when I’m on liquids only. 😢 I remind myself I will eat food again, this stage is to nurture my stomach back to health.

Today is day 5 post-Op for me and yesterday/Day 4 post felt like a physical turning point in terms of being more mobile. I did some short slow walking laps at a park across the street from me though I think the chafing against my shirt material may have irritated my center incision on my stomach where it looks like there is a keloid scar now so I am being more careful going forward. I went into the kitchen today to keep my body moving (my arm muscles feel weak when washing my hair for example) and I made the Kaiser recommended recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. Eating that now for lunch.
Yesterday I got less than 400 cals but did get 60 G Protein in and I felt discomfort at night (hunger? My stomach makes noise all day long so it’s hard to tell what each new sound means). So today I am aiming for 600 cals/75 G protein instead. The soup tastes actually decent, even after adding in Isopure zero carb powder in it. I’m keeping up with my skincare, grateful for veggies being added to the mix and using this time to listen to audiobooks and color on my iPad while I eat. Days 1-3 were horrific for me - I couldn’t eat because everything tasted super off and I was fading.
So for all those feeling a little down after surgery I think with each day there’s a new experience and the body does heal and recover physically, emotionally, mentally. 🤩

It’s Day 2 Post-Op for me - my surgery was on March 8th (robot assisted sleeve gastrectomy - Da Vinci machine). I’m doing okay on getting the liquid amount recommended to me but unfortunately it’s either Water or Vitamin water. The Premier Clear Peach flavor tastes salty to me so not doing well on the Protein count but trying not to panic. I also tried broth yesterday and it tasted SOUR and I had it confirmed that it was not sour by my fiancé.
The amount of gas in my tummy is going down slowly making it easier to drink liquids without a sharp pain.
Wishing all the March surgeries a speedy recovery!!! To better lifelong health.

Today is day 5 post-Op for me and yesterday/Day 4 post felt like a physical turning point in terms of being more mobile. I did some short slow walking laps at a park across the street from me though I think the chafing against my shirt material may have irritated my center incision on my stomach where it looks like there is a keloid scar now so I am being more careful going forward. I went into the kitchen today to keep my body moving (my arm muscles feel weak when washing my hair for example) and I made the Kaiser recommended recipe for Butternut Squash Soup. Eating that now for lunch.
Yesterday I got less than 400 cals but did get 60 G Protein in and I felt discomfort at night (hunger? My stomach makes noise all day long so it’s hard to tell what each new sound means). So today I am aiming for 600 cals/75 G protein instead. The soup tastes actually decent, even after adding in Isopure zero carb powder in it. I’m keeping up with my skincare, grateful for veggies being added to the mix and using this time to listen to audiobooks and color on my iPad while I eat. Days 1-3 were horrific for me - I couldn’t eat because everything tasted super off and I was fading.
So for all those feeling a little down after surgery I think with each day there’s a new experience and the body does heal and recover physically, emotionally, mentally. 🤩

It’s Day 2 Post-Op for me - my surgery was on March 8th (robot assisted sleeve gastrectomy - Da Vinci machine). I’m doing okay on getting the liquid amount recommended to me but unfortunately it’s either Water or Vitamin water. The Premier Clear Peach flavor tastes salty to me so not doing well on the Protein count but trying not to panic. I also tried broth yesterday and it tasted SOUR and I had it confirmed that it was not sour by my fiancé.
The amount of gas in my tummy is going down slowly making it easier to drink liquids without a sharp pain.
Wishing all the March surgeries a speedy recovery!!! To better lifelong health.

My pre-op diet doesn’t seem super strict. 2 Protein Shakes (Premier recommended) and then a 400 calorie dinner. On MyFitnessPal premium I inputted 720 calories as my target with a mix of 50% Protein, 30% fat, and 20% carbs to yield 90g protein target. Just finished Day 2, so it’s early days but not bad so far. I typically wouldn’t eat during work hours anyway due to stress and being over consumed by work so it’s not a huge change for me.

The oats are high Protein because I add Protein Powder to them. The oats are just oats.

I am on day 2 post op as well however I am still in the hospital. My bladder has decided to become quite lazy after the anesthesia and is refusing to begin work again quite yet so am having to be straight cathed every few hours u til it begins to respond to its own signals to empty when I am ready.
Other than that, water and my shakes (Orgain plant protein) is going down fairly easy without too much difficulty in 2oz medicine cups every 15 minutes that I am awake. I do still have considerable bloating due to the CO² in my abdomen/torso and have not been able to pass any but my body is absorbing it slowly. I am walking the unit almost every hour while awake however at times I really do feel exhausted but I still feel it is worth it not to lie in the hospital bed.
I still have a very sore throat and am very hoarse from the tubes down my throat during surgery but I have been gargling with warm salt water which feels good and should speed up the healing of this area. Regardingvpain after VGS, (laparoscopy) I can say that I am uncomfortable but not in pain. It is tolerable knowing day to day is is going to ease and all be worth all of the struggles when I reach my goal. It will only be a memory. I am thinking of all of the others who have had surgery this week and those who have their's coming up rapidly and offer encouragement to not be anxious. It is not horrible, nothing to fear. Just ve diligent about working your program and following all of the recommendations put to you from your surgeon and / or your WL clinic to stay disciplined wirh your diet, walk, walk, walk, and use your support systems. Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Allow your body to heal.
Bless you all. 🙏
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It’s Day 2 Post-Op for me - my surgery was on March 8th (robot assisted sleeve gastrectomy - Da Vinci machine). I’m doing okay on getting the liquid amount recommended to me but unfortunately it’s either Water or Vitamin water. The Premier Clear Peach flavor tastes salty to me so not doing well on the Protein count but trying not to panic. I also tried broth yesterday and it tasted SOUR and I had it confirmed that it was not sour by my fiancé.
The amount of gas in my tummy is going down slowly making it easier to drink liquids without a sharp pain.
Wishing all the March surgeries a speedy recovery!!! To better lifelong health.

Now I have my eye on Protein I also don’t find it hard to hit 90g of protein in a day but I’m pre-op and nearly there to the other side.!!!!

@kcuster83 - love the mentality of not feeling like you’re on a forever diet! Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the different alternative foods and love that many are seeking whole nutritious foods after or just other food in moderation vs targeting specifically these “synthetically” protein rich foods.

It’s definitely food for thought!! 😜

Hello, welcome to the Bari world!
You will learn very quickly that everyone has their opinion about foods/shakes. Not only how something taste but also their opinion on it's value to your diet. (Is it healthy? Should you eat it? Don''t eat carbs.. do eat carbs.. etc.)
I always say, follow YOUR teams/Dieticians plan! Period. You trusted them with your life (literally) so you should trust them in your recovery and your WL process. Every team is different, different rules, different guidelines, everything.
I tried a bunch of different "alternative" foods. Some are ok, most I didn't prefer. I find it easy to hit my Protein goals, so I don't need to make sure EVERY single item of food has protein. I still drink shakes every day for Breakfast but that is mainly because I am not a morning person and don't like to eat in the mornings. Otherwise most of my nutrition is from whole foods. My point is, if I feel like I really want "need" some chips, I just eat a few regular ones. I eat regular Cereal (usually raisin bran) with fairlife milk. With that being said I reiterate ALL PLANS ARE DIFFERENT. I am "allowed" anything in moderation as long as I am hitting my protein/fluid/ WL goals. My Dietician says "you shouldn't feel like you are on a diet for the rest of your life, you should modify your eating habits to gain a healthy life and learn moderation".
Now, to actually answer your questions. My opinions:
Quest chips: They are ok, the taste is good but the texture is a little weird to me. They feel powdery to me and do not hold up to any type of dipping or even to use as nachos.
Protein cereal: I have not specifically tried the magic spoon brand but have tried a few others. I hated them ALL. haha Literally hated them, brought them to work and threw them on the "sharing" table in the lunch room and it all sat there till i threw it away. I have tried premier brand, they are SO HARD and taste like stale rocks. I ate 2 bites and tried to flush the rest down the toilet and they wouldn't even flush! haha I also tried the brand "wonderworks keto" and felt just about the same way although they were better than the premier. They were ok to eat dry as a snack but disgusting with milk.
To each their own, you may find like some other people that you love them.
I have also tried Quest protein pizza, it was actually good but not a big enough deal to me for the price. I will jsut eat regular pizza. Usually a few bites and then just the toppings. Or, make home made pizza on low carb/calorie wraps.
I don't know what else I have tried other than probably hundreds of Protein Bars, which I still randomly try and eat once in a while. Usually more of a Meal Replacement in a pinch than a snack.
Ok- I have rambled long enough!
best of luck on your journey!!

What brand of high Protein oats do you like best? This looks amazing!

If it is not too difficult or stressful for you, I say go and enjoy yourself but drink your Protein prior and enjoy sipping on your teas, broths, etc while they eat and you all socialize. I am on day 10 of 14 and took my son to dinner for his birthday last week with family and did exactly that and was so glad that I went and enjoyed myself. It didn't bother me at all nor anyone else as they understood (many of whom I didn't feel the need to explain the full situation but simply if asked why I wasn't eating I explained I had an upcoming medical procedure and was on a very limited diet. No questions asked. Enjoy yourself! You can't stop living! This is only the beginning of life-long changes when we will not be able to eat as others do. Good luck and be strong. This is your life, live it! ❣️

I’m on day 6 of liquids for Breakfast and lunch and a 400 calorie dinner. Only craved food yesterday when I saw the “word” of a particular food, and it triggered a desire for it lol.

I’ve lost 6-8 lbs in the 6 days, just depends what my starting weight was exactly.

My surgery is next week Wednesday and I had a scare this week where I had to redo one of my labs. I nearly had a breakdown (it was also my birthday) as I felt so overwhelmed. But feeling better since then as my lab test came back normal now.

I’m on day 6 of liquids for Breakfast and lunch and a 400 calorie dinner. Only craved food yesterday when I saw the “word” of a particular food, and it triggered a desire for it lol.

I’ve lost 6-8 lbs in the 6 days, just depends what my starting weight was exactly.

My surgery is next week Wednesday and I had a scare this week where I had to redo one of my labs. I nearly had a breakdown (it was also my birthday) as I felt so overwhelmed. But feeling better since then as my lab test came back normal now.

I’m home! Actually came home yesterday, surgery was Mar 1. 7 little holes from the robot.
Doing ok, pain manageable, sipping.
The worst part was the gas pains…like elephant on your chest. For me, the pain gave me nausea, but they got it in check. Incision pain was almost nil, just felt like too many sit-ups.

Last day of full liquids.
Im first into surgery tomorrow. Have to be at hospital at 5:30am.
Whoo boy, anxiety is up...