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I did switch from synthroid to naturthroid so maybe that needs to titrate. I have done the Paleo and Keto thing and even when I fell off carb wagon, I haven't felt hunger like this. It is if I never had the surgery because I can eat a lot more too (I know about slider foods etc. etc.) I saying I could eat half a plate of food, now I can eat a whole plate almost over night. It is a bit scary.

Sounds like ketosis, the metallic taste is a dead ringer. Ketosis is the state of your metabolism switching from Ironing glucose as a primary fuel source to burning fat. It can be burning stored fat, or dietary fat and most likely a mix of both. Your body contains approximately 300g of glucose "on hand" stored in your muscle tissue. Once you cut your carbs, those stores get depleted and your body turns to an alternate fuel source, fat. Your liver generates 280g of glucose every day for brain function and cellular functions every day regardless of your diet, so there is no danger to remaining in ketosis. When fat cells are burned, there are by products called "ketone bodies" or ketones created. There are 3 types of ketones, and you can buy urine strips that will test for 1 of them. When you first start ketosis, your body sucks at using ketones and so that "spill" over into urine. The longer you remain ketogenic, the more efficient you become at burning them. Beta-hydroxybuterate is one of the ketone bodies that has been shown to have very beneficial results on the heart, and is a preferred source of fuel for the brain. While initially in carb withdrawal and your body can't uptake ketones properly, there is a syndrome known as "keto flu". But after the initial withdrawal subside and your body adapts to using ketones as well as fats for energy and fuel, there is evidence of increased mental clarity and acuity as well as dramatic improvement in heart conditions. Sorry if this is more info than you wanted, just chewing the fat, so to speak.

Don't even mention having a procedure. Start talking now about switching to a keto diet (Your future diet will match that story. Also mention going to the gym or starting some exercise program. That's what I did, and no one questions me.

Many people do follow keto long term and are happy. I'm not one of them. My preferred diet is a diet rich in fruits, veggies, legumes, seeds, nuts and whole grains with at least half of my protein coming from plant sources. Lot of different paths up the mountain. Know the benefits and risks of whatever plan you choose. Best wishes.

#16 Listened to the Keto Diet Podcast (Leanne Vogel), episode w/ Ashley Salvatori. I play with keto but I am not all in. Still can't believe that so much fat can ultimately be good for you. Especially since many of the people in my IF groups that do keto have terrible bloodwork. But i am open minded---and desperate!! #17 Did this last weekend, but I can't seem to dump my old clothes. they are piled in bags in the bottom of my closet. Day 3 of my no junk food challenge. I want to murder someone.

Both my kids are high functioning ASD - I know what you mean! We mostly avoid artificial/processed food, but the pre-op diet was tough. I'd already picked up a few Sucralose products during the insurance mandated diet, but went full chemical sugar free for the last few weeks of super low carb. Man, it was *nasty*. But I've seen the pictures from my surgery and my liver looked FABULOUS, so I'm pretending it helped my liver shrink and am moving on. Like elisa5150, I did use sugar free stuff the first month or so - especially the sugar free popsicles - but also Gelatin, Protein powder, and some protein hot chocolate. Now, I use flavored stevia drops for kefir or yogurt (yay live cultures!) and a little xylitol (a sugar alcohol) in my tea. Some of Protein shakes (Orgain) have stevia and erythritol (another sugar alcohol) or monkfruit and inulin (Jamie Eason Lean Body for Her). Personally, I do really well with xylitol and okay with erythritol (though their "naturalness" is highly debatable). And while current research increasingly makes it look like sucralose and other traditional artificial sweeteners are really messing with gut health, there doesn't seem to be any evidence that stevia, monkfruit, xylitol, or erythritol have much effect one way or the other. There are natural(-ish) protein powders out there - as long as you can keep the carbs and protein where they're supposed to be. (My NUT recommended youbars - they make custom Protein Bars with options for natural sweeteners.) We love grass fed butter and cheese, though I'm sticking with olive oil and coconut oil for now. I do have a tub of natural coconut oil based vegan butter spread I use every once in a while, but I wouldn't give up grass fed dairy for margarine if I had a choice. Mostly, though, my new stomach prefers savory moderate to low fat food, so I try to work with that as much as I can. When I was still eating dairy, I discovered I could mix herbs (Penzey's Fox Point seasoning) into low fat Greek yogurt and use it as a dip. Still got my protein, but didn't have to sweeten it. Which is probably for the best. I don't think living on artificially sweet or fatty things is necessarily better than living on real sweet or fatty things. So, good fats when we eat them - grass fed beef; pastured eggs; olive & coconut oil - and all in reasonable amount. If a dish is too fatty, I can't eat enough to meet my protein goal. Sort of a self limiting problem, so I don't see the need to drag margarine into it. As for sweets... research just keeps making it look like artificial sweeteners wreck your gut and make you crave more sweets. Which kind of makes sense since some "bad" gut bacteria has been tied to increased sugar consumption/desire for sugar. And sweets have gotten me into a lot of trouble in general, so I feel like this is the time to develop better habits. Thank heavens I did full on high fat/low carb Keto before surgery - I rarely had sweet things anyway and it still kicked my butt! But it really did kick the sugar cravings and I am so glad I didn't have to deal with that post surgery! It's made it way easier to explore healthy options that don't involve so many chemicals. Now to try and get back on my gut health protocol and try and get my kids onboard. Wow - sorry this is so meandering - it's the middle of the night and we have a small herd of cousins over for the first Christmas break sleepover. Brain. Fried. Let me know if you need product ideas - I feel like I've researched them all . Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

@@PixelToph Could you share some of your vegetarian keto/low carb meals?

I think for the most part, the diet we follow post-surgery (whether sleeve or bypass) is what is known as protein-prioritized keto (there's a FB group if you are interested). Keep protein high, fats low to moderate, and carbs low. In fact, I really don't understand the (traditional keto) focus on high fat since the reason most people lose weight is because of low carbs. And of course protein is better for you than fat. That said, some people may be more sensitive to fatty foods after bypass (I just had a bypass revision myself and this is something I'm concerned about). I would talk to your doctor/nutritionist to see what they think.

Protein Prioritized Dirty Keto

I gave these a try tonight and they were actually pretty good. Its sliced mozzarella baked til its golden, then you roll whatever you want in it. I used shredded chicken, and some seasoned black beans and corn. I was only able to finish like 2 if them lol, but that's because it's been really hot and I haven't eaten much. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

There is also just a change in attitude. Anyone that doesn't pat people on the head for eating 1/2 a pizza on day 10 was considered a bully. That seems to have died down some and people are better able to take suggestions and constructive criticism. Still with the void of people over 12 months out, there is less here for Vets, which means long term less vets will be active. I'm not even a real Vet (I think people beyond 3 years are Vets) but I am probably the furthest from surgery of people that post daily or close to everyday. If it ever stops raining and I can get my summer going, I won't be posting much either. It is a shame, this was the most active site, the other ones are dead dead dead. Oh well. At least I have my Keto groups.

Keto was great, it got me to the required # for wls. I saw a lot of people in the Facebook groups go nuts with the fat bombs and sugar free candy and wondered why the scale didn't move down. It's not a free for all with the fats lol Paleo is also great, but one needs to be wary of those paleo sites with 23984923874 'paleo' baked good recipes. Those treats will get you on the wrong path quick. Whole30 is my favorite thus far. It confirmed those pesky grains were doing all sorts of bad stuff to my intestines and made me feel so much better. Keto/low carb with mostly Whole30 rules works best for me.

For me Paleo is boring AF and too limiting, there is no way in hell I am giving up cheese for anyone or anything and I don't even it often, maybe 2 or 3 times a week but still. If you don't stick with it, you will pack on pounds just like people pack on pounds not sticking to Keto. It doesn't matter what diet anyone follows, what matters is that you like it enough that you can stick to it long term. I feel like everyone is looking for some magic diet and there isn't one. You have to find a way to eat, hopefully not a "diet" that you like and can stick to, it might not be any known plan. You just need to find something that you can stick to and maintain a calorie deficit or calories at maintenance level without feeling deprived.

I develop a rash on my body Every Time my carb intake drops below 20 for longer than a few weeks. I have logged in MFP for years, and it correlates. Always on the trunk of my body. ( I hadn't even heard of 'keto rash' but assumed it was some sort of inflammatory body reaction). It is a rare phenomenon. If I upped my carb intake by 20 or 30 grams it would go away. I have had it multiple times. It is more annoying than anything else so I will just deal with it this year. It is now annoying than anything else and get a Costco size jar of hydrocortisone cream. I also am going to ask my PCP for a dermatology consult. Currently, I have it on my back. I have had it on my back, chest, stomach and neck. Every body is different and you should always listen to yours and be aware, note changes etc.

I actually have less issues when I am on low carbs. I am really gassy since the surgery. The days that I eat less carbs I don’t have that issue. As far as high calories, I’m not absorbing a lot of that fat. I’ve started keto... for those who are interested I’ll keep you updated. Again, this is not a lifestyle thing. I got an ok from a PA I know, so here I go...

Ok, this is very important!!! Having the certainty that there is an "end" to the suffering is very critical. I'm pre-surg, but have been through really huge reconstruction surgeries on my boobs/back after a double mastectomy. And it hurt so badly, the only way I knew I could do it was because I knew that each day out would/should be better than the one before and that there would come a day when the suckage would be over. We can get through anything for a short time, especially if the reward is great. So I loved the idea someone said about thinking about all the good things coming in your future, as you endure each day and check that day off your list! Right?! Also, I have written this before, but my nephew is a surgeon and told me that any time you go in and mess with the gut (even just touching or moving it), you will deal with post-op transient depression. It releases hormones that jack with your mood cuz it's part of the gut/brain axis. Then too, you're not fully (most of us) keto adapted, so your mood is further affected by having little to no food, you're getting over anesthesia, you're bloated from IV fluids, not sleeping well, and in pain. It's the perfect storm for fatigue, crying jags, and daily naps. Treat yourself gently and with love. Nap when you feel like it. Move slowly. Take it one step at a time and don't forget to breath! ((hugs))

Chapul cricket flour is available on Amazon. I think it is over $40 per pound. That's why I raised my own in the past. It is excellent for keto and a very nutritionally dense, high protein supplement for anyone.

I have to keep at or below 129kg (284lbs), but otherwise, there has been no specific diet that they've told me to be on. I got down to 124kg, but I am, as of this morning, back up to 133kg, so I am kind of in a panic. I know it's mostly water weight, but I'm terrified that they will send me home on the day of if I am not where I am supposed to be. Since my original date was postponed due to the pandemic, I have been messing up my personal diet pretty badly. I am "good" for a few days and then I get overwhelming stress and turn right back to food. I plan on going to a therapist after surgery to help find better ways to cope. I will probably switch to a keto diet if I don't see a dramatic amount of weight loss over the next few days here..

I'll be 5 years post VSG this month. I lost about 80# initially-give or take...stress, life etc and I regained almost 40. Went strict Keto and lost that regain. But i'm still wavering with about 25 lbs to go until my ultimate goal. It's a serious marathon here, but I feel like at least I'm still working at it...

Hey MominCanada, welcome and thanks for sharing. I had an ESG in November last year in Houston. I checked out Dr. Marvin and was confident in him, you should have a good experience. Stalls, great question, we all have them and there is usually more than one in my experience. It's a large change that our bodies are going though and each body reacts differently, it's not a linear process. I had a stall for 10 days where I didn't lose any weight, gained 1 pound and then afterwards in 2-3 days lost 3 pounds. Difficult for me as an engineer to explain. Water consumption and keeping it high seems to have something to do with it, see several recent posts in ESG forum. A number of us have had stalls, gone back and increased our water intake back >60-80 ounces per day and continued to lose weight. I have a goal >> than 20% weight loss and am about half way there. I would encourage you to discuss your goals clearly with Dr. Marvin and ask his opinion with your specific body size/shape and goal is ESG the best way to go. I had this same discussion with my Dr. and concluded VSG or ESG would work (I did not want something temporary like balloons) and eventually chose ESG due to the simpler procedure and quicker recovery time. My diet is very similar to a ketosis diet (only smaller portions) and when I have my blood checked I am deep into ketosis. Typically eating 2 eggs in AM, 3 ounces of protein at lunch and dinner with 1/4 cup green vegetables and 1/4 cup brown rice or pasta. I will do a yogurt for snack in AM and sugar free chocolate pudding for snack in PM. Total 800-1000 calories/day. When I spoke with the dietician we agreed this was very similar to a keto diet. I have the same approach with sharing, other than my wife not talking about procedure with others. I have told them I'm working with a doctor on a very strict diet, with blood monitoring, etc. Diet is focused on on lean proteins and similar to keto approach. So far so good on that front. Keep the questions coming, we're here to help! Please keep sharing it can help so many others! Tex

Hey chavrzmommy and all Jan 2016 sleevers! I'm struggling with emotional eating from time to time! Sometimes I just want to keep eating and eating and eating and I feel so bad that I have to throw up! I wish there was a brain surgery as well for the food insanity. I've been active but I need to start prioritizing my training more. I've been in a stall for who knows how long, but at the same time in +/- 3kg from my weight goal. I'm continuing with a lchf/keto/Banting and intermittent fasting diet. Looking forward to hear how's everyone doing and if you have any tips for me!' Cheers, Ariana

Happy new year everyone. May 2021 be the best year YET! More or less this has been my meals: 7am Protein shake 10 am one Scrambled egg with milk this makes it soft 12 2 oz of protein sometimes I’ll have a little veggie or mash 3 snack like cottage cheese, string cheese or keto friendly snacks 6 2 oz protein sometimes I’ll have a veggie or mash 8 protein shake Water in between meals and snack If I’m hungry before bed I’ll usually add a scrambled egg

I am just in the initial stages for pre op my surgeon appointment is on Tuesday but as I go grocery shopping I want to fill my fridge with the pre op diet foods, and have read most doctors diet pre surgery is keto. I have been doing the whole30 and have lost 30 pounds in the past 3 months and can transition to keto if that's what I'm going to be put on, in my research I'm seeing that keto is listed as the worst diet of 2017 and whole 30 was right with it. My bariatric may require 3 months dietician, exercise and weight loss. My insurance doesn't, Just failed attempts and need. I'm curious about keto diet recommendations, how much weight are you suppose to lose before surgery? How many carbs do you eat to be in ketosis, how do deal with the side effects? Thank you

Same here, two weeks post op and cannot get warm enough either. My doctor has me on a "keto" style diet and said cold hands & feet are to be expected while your body is in ketosis. It will balance out over time so for now, layer up and stay warm the best you can without a blow dryer.

Hi Cedybug I just had sleeve surgery on October 3. I told my husband to just come and visit me after the surgery. I got dropped off at the hospital by a friend. Personally.. I didn't feel like i wanted a lot of people around me. But a few hours of post surgery help were useful, especially for getting showered and dressed, and taking tiny walks. I was a bit short of breath and had a hard time talking to people. The pre-op diet was not as bad as I thought, although it was certainly the toughest part so far (except for pain meds for me). I got the "keto-flu" on the second day and it lasted for another two days, with headaches and a bit of grumpiness and miserableness. Just like the flu. Honestly, after two days I didn't feel hungry at all, although I seemed to think about food a lot and dream about food. But the dramatic drop in carbs does amazing things to the body! I haven't thrown up or felt nauseated once. I was bloated and did a big happy dance when I had my first post-op poo. Yay! I am not hungry at all and its an incredible feeling of freedom. I haven't had any social occasions to deal with yet, but I think I will just order some broth or skim milk. It will be enough. I know I will get some odd looks which is why I'm avoiding any socializing for as long as possible. I'm not sure if my story helps you.. but the takeaway is that the pre-op nerves and diet were worse for me that immediate post-op, and they weren't even really that bad. I'm really excited about the changes to come. If you have come this far, and taken all the right counselling steps, you are probably ready.