mcipanda

One thing that has really helped me is a set of scales at home that read body water, body fat and muscle mass. I can watch the trend of water over time (always want it to be going up) against body fat and muscle mass to make sure I’m actually losing fat compared to muscle or water. If you lose a bunch of pounds but your water also decreases significantly, it could be a sign that you lost water vs fat. Just a thought. Good luck!

There are these little protein packs called P3 at the grocery stores that have some cubed lean meat and cheese plus some nuts like cashews or peanuts. Some of the nuts are covered in chocolate for a little sweet. Each one has 11g of protein. My hubby is really picky, but he loves Quest protein chips. Each little bag has 20g of protein! He says the nacho cheese ones taste better than Doritos ? Also love Good Culture cottage cheese cups with fruit, Oikos triple zero yogurt and hard boiled eggs, egg bites etc.

Yay! Your hard work and patience are paying off. Well done! Can’t wait for you to get there ?

If I did the math right, you went into surgery weighing 190. I’m not sure what your expectations are regarding the speed of weight loss after surgery, but it’s safe to say they might be a bit unrealistic. Your anatomy was just rearranged, your body is in shock trying to heal and all of this is happening while taking in very few calories. The hospital will pump you full of fluids that can take a days to release, plus you’re inflamed and probably haven’t had a decent bowel movement yet if it’s only been three days. Take a step back, breathe and remember that surgery isn’t a switch that turns on fat release. It’s much more complicated than that. This entire process is life altering, so take it one day at a time and read up on the posts provided by @GreenTealael. It’s gonna be okay! You WILL lose the weight because it sounds like you’re following the program. Just give your mind and body more time. ?

Yay! Welcome to the other side ? Let us know how it went when you get a chance.

Im two weeks post op. Started thinking about surgery a few years ago, but actually acted on it in late January if this year. Wrapped up my pre-reqs in a single week and cleared with insurance in one day. After that, had a week of food funerals (fun times eating things I wouldn’t be able to for a while), then started my two week high protein low carb diet. It was tough, not gonna lie. I weaned myself off caffeine during the same two week period and BAM it was suddenly time for surgery. By this point, I’d lost about 6 or 7 lbs. Rolled into surgery at 6am on 3/13, started on time at 8am, only discomfort afterward was nausea from anesthesia. No vomiting; they took great care to relieve the nausea immediately and sent me home with medicine to help. First few days, I felt hungry. Dreamt of food. Realized it was just gas in my tummy causing a “hunger” feeling. The gas went away within a week and so did the faux hunger. I tried to go off pain meds too soon, and that sucked. When they do the surgery, they will go through the abdominal wall with the scopes. I had pretty strong abs (yay…) and the scope caused a bleed that healed very slowly. Caused me some pretty serious discomfort especially without the pain meds. Went back on the meds and rested for several days, all the while working to get all my protein and fluids in. Lost 9lbs the first week and then stalled three days into week two. The stall just broke today, one week after it began. Total of 16lbs lost since the start of the pre-op diet. I’m three days into week 3 and just started soft foods. If I had to choose one hard thing, it would be the emotional response I had post surgery. I realized “omg, I cannot eat those things…” the choice was no longer mine. I was scared at first, almost grieving. And then I felt light because the pressure of making the “right” decision was out of my hands. Yes, I could still make a bad choice… and when I made brownies for my daughter the other day I was tempted, but I don’t want to hurt my body or deal with the backlash from eating so much sugar after barely having any for the last month. I can just imagine the sugar rush and terrible feeling I would get… it would suck. Not to mention, with VSG (my procedure), the first six months are critical. You’ll lose the most weight if you can just get through with as much discipline as possible. I’m thankful for my family and therapist; they’ve all helped me find my way in the dark. I’m so glad I did this. Even as I just ate my first egg in weeks, I still wouldn’t change a thing. It’s like experiencing food again for the first time but with a coach in my body helping out ?? Good luck to you with whatever you choose!

Phew! That’s a relief to hear. Thank you Fred! ?

True! The yogurt is pretty smooth. I think I could have finished the container, but after 30 or so minutes I was scared I might stretch my new tummy. I think that’s my biggest fear while trying to “feel” my way through the last two weeks. Thank you for your thoughts!

Thanks, Jonathan! Congrats on your bypass. I hope you’re doing well!

I’m 2 weeks post op today and smack in the middle of the purées stage. Trying to get my protein is a struggle without shakes, but working on it. Tried an Oikos Triple Zero smooth yogurt today. They are 5.2oz. Is that too much at this stage? I ate about 4oz in 30 mins, feel fine. Do any of you finish the 5oz?

I tried something like 15 different brands of protein shakes and my top three are Fairlife Chocolate or Strawberry Banana, Ensure Max Nutrition in Vanilla and Premier Protein Chocolate blended with 1oz banana and a scoop of PBFit. I really loved the Fairlife Vanilla (has the taste of melted DQ), but my taste buds shifted after surgery and now I have a hard time with it. *shrug* this process is pure sorcery. ?

I had the same feeling of hunger a few days post op on clear liquids. I later figured out it was small bits of swallowed air and my stomach trying to deal with the fluids (especially broths or medicine). The warm broth REALLY helped. Within a couple days, the hunger feeling was gone.

Hey there, congrats on your 56lb weight loss! I don’t have an auto immune disorder, just wanted to let you know I appreciate how determined you are in the face of such setbacks. It really shows how much you want this for yourself. Best of luck with everything!

Hi Blossom, really sorry to hear you’re struggling. Have you tried hummus? I heard many vegans talk about having hummus at this stage to get their protein. Refried beans are another option. Instead of going all out with dairy, I wonder if you could ease into it (sprinkle some cheese on refried beans, for example). Unflavored protein powder is something you could add to split pea soup or other vegan friendly soups to kick up the protein content. Just some ideas because I know it can be hard. Be sure to blend up larger chunks and sauce up things like eggs. I learned how to make “runny eggs” which are fully cooked scrambled eggs with cheese and cream. If you can’t do the cream, I wonder if you could add cashew milk? Anyways, I hope you’re able to find a good balance for yourself.

Hey everyone- quick update: I’m starting purées today and doing good. Applesauce and puréed Cuban black beans going down without issue. Happy to focus on moving into food proteins this week. Anybody else on purées or similar yet? How are you doing? What are you eating?

Hi Mark, welcome. I noticed that you’re willing to treat other side effects of your weight with medications & tools - CPAP machine, meds for the high blood pressure, and knee surgery for the worn out knees… But you hesitate with GERD and constipation, both of which can be corrected with medications alone (over the counter options as well as prescription). Having the surgery could even correct your high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which would remove those issues from the list. Not to mention, weight loss in the long term is desirable for knee replacement. This leads me to ask, what are you actually scared of? Weight loss surgery is an extremely effective procedure for long term results, and the RNY gastric bypass is highly effective in treating or preventing GERD. I’m so glad you’re here, because there is a lot to learn and reconcile with when it comes to weight in our society. At the end of the day, getting to a healthy weight and keeping it off is what everyone here is working toward. You will never be alone in this if you choose to move ahead. Best of luck to you!

Congrats, I’m so excited for you! I’ve been on the forums here with you for a bit and remember your surgery getting postponed ? but now it’s finally happening! Yay! I had my surgery on 3/13, so one week out. If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be: have a heating pad nearby!! It helps with pain and gas and is my “bff” these days lol Good luck!! Let us know how it went. We are rooting for you.

I went off caffeine the second week of my 14-day pre-op diet. I also have one cup a day (and have for many years). If you’re going to quit, just do it the day before surgery and let the anesthesia and pain meds take care of that headache for you lol seriously, though, your body probably doesn’t need the physical withdrawals in addition to the surgery. That’s why I quit beforehand. I started back on decaf (one cup a day as usual) as soon as I was confident I could get all 64oz of water in to help with the diuretic effect of coffee. the diuretic was my doctor’s biggest concern since dehydration is a nightmare for gastric patients after surgery. Use care. Good luck!

There are so any different programs and guidelines, I’m sure someone has been able to skip ahead. I personally know a couple people who went to eating scrambled eggs on day 4. It really depends. Is it the right thing for you? Well, I think that’s up to you and your bariatric team. I’ve heard that liquid phases are helped by taking in saltier things like broths, thinned soups, etc. if those don’t go well, Gatorade or other electrolyte drinks could be helpful. Just some ideas to help in this phase ? I do know it will get better, but definitely follow your instincts and don’t let the bariatric team brush off your concerns. ?

This is great to hear! I have similar feelings in my stomach that “feel” like hunger but are just gasses moving up and out. Also happens after every bite. Lots of burping lol I’m still on liquids through 3/22. Did some walking yesterday and felt great but have needed small naps due to low energy waves.

Im sorry the Facebook group was so harsh. Maybe everyone is having a rough week or something. I’d brush them off I’ve learned the body needs a base level of protein to function and more if you want to build muscle while working out. Based on what you’ve said, it’s possible you need more protein to support your workouts. You didn’t mention vitamins or supplements. Are you getting all of those in as well? The sleuth in me would keep a daily journal (for at least a week) of everything you’re eating and an honest assessment of calories and such. I’d also start taking body measurements with a cloth tape because you could be trimming up even though the scale isn’t moving much. Finally, make sure you have a dietician or time to review your food journal with your doctor so you can work together to understand what combination of macros would be best for your new lifestyle. Im always a little bothered when people try to sum things up in black or white (”it was the bbq sauce”, “you’re eating too much” or “you’re working out too much”). Our bodies are just too complex for that kind of minimization. Anyways, I’m sure others can weigh in here too. There’s so much experience on these forums

Thank you! ? the peeing comment totally made me laugh out loud!

Got it! That makes sense and sounds really good. ?

Thanks everyone, the liquid protein shakes take me a while to drink but are getting easier. I need to get three per day (60-80g protein). Three shakes total about 450-500 calories. If I have some thinned yogurt, SF pudding or soup broth, the calories go up to 600 or so. I reached out to my dietician but she probably won’t respond until Monday.

I had my VSG on Monday (5 days post op now) and on full liquids. I was given protein and fluid goals, but nothing else. Did you have calorie goals/restrictions during each phase (clear, full, purée, soft)?