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Hi there! I am getting ready to have surgery on Tuesday. I am so excited and nervous all at the same time. I did a lot of preparing for this surgery. Three weeks ago, I did the liquid diet that you are supposed to do post op. I just wanted to get a feel of how it would be so I can prepare for what's to come. I started implementing the things that my dietitian and providers told me that I need to do to be successful post op. I stopped drinking all pop and carbonated beverages. I was buying all the things that was zero sugar added and sugar free. I have been drinking my protein shakes and clear protein drinks. I have been keeping up with my water intake and getting in as much exercise as I can. When I decided to go ahead a do the surgery I was weighing at 291 lbs. My task goal weight loss for surgery was set a 5lbs. I actually lost way more than that, I surpassed what they wanted me to lose. I am now 254lbs. I will probably have lost a little more by Tuesday. Starting tomorrow I have to be on clear liquids to prep for Tuesday. Just want to let you know you got this and you will do great. Just stay focus and motivated. I was the same way on edge and excited. Make sure you have a good support team too! This will help and make things feel so much better. It is good that you are nervous and excited! Way to go!!!!

I'm doing okay, lost another 10 pounds and still waiting for my surgery day to come. One more nutrition consult. Today is my birthday and went out to a restaurant for lunch with my husband. I had Lamb, it was s o good, and enjoyed them so very much, good source of protein. Otherwise I'm just hanging out, doing as many support groups as possible, and I am learning to love me for who I am. I look forward to the saggy baggy skin, and the removal thereof. Tomorrow, heading out to the pool for a couple of hours of a workout, and hopefully work off some of that lamb I had today. LOL

I do the really lean beef with 2% cheese as a cheeseburger wrap on them low carb wraps and that doesn’t make me have any crazy cravings afterwards. They even sell really small ones if your portions are still tiny. Do you have any low carb wraps available to you? It tastes kinda dry to me so I spread a bit of avocado on the wrap but if you need a lower fat option you could also do like salsa or some pico de gallo with the lettuce to add some moisture. Or a yogurt dressing. I don’t know why I am just thinking of that. I would probably really like it with the yogurt ranch.

I wish I could do lean meat. I love chicken and fish. no sugar jello and the no sugar popsicles are actually really good. I'm just craving savory filling foods. Like cheese and pizza. All the stuff that put me in the position to have surgery in the first place. I think if I could eat the lean meats, I would be fine. My favorite meal of all time is a salad with chicken on it. But not being able to have anything, to me is just a recipe for disaster. It's turning me into an angry person. Trying to work full time, school full time, mom full time and go through a divorce. Let's just say the poor guy at Les Schwab got an ear full today. And the ex wasn't happy when I told him he wasn't my priority.

also, your surgeon may not want to do a re-sleeve. Some still do but many consider it to be too risky and it yields too little reward (the weight loss for a second sleeve is statistically less than a virgin sleeve which is already less than the other surgeries). The typical surgery for revision is usually the bypass although a newer alternative to that is to revise to a surgery called the SADI which is what I just did and it is a little more aggressive so it yields faster loss and so far the research shows more durable loss as well. I have lost quite a bit rather quickly with it. You don’t need to know any of this yet. Your doctor of course will know if any of the options apply to you and explain them at that point but just know that it may be a little different surgery if you do go with a revision. One that alters your intestines this time which is a bit riskier.

I've been doing a lot of reading lately about post-bariatric surgery life, and something that's really started to concern me is weight cycling. I know I'm only 15 months out from my gastric bypass and have made great progress (73 lbs down, Yay! 😄), but I've been seeing some articles that have me a bit worried about maintaining this loss long-term. I came across a study published on PMC, "Weight Gain After Bariatric Surgery: a Systematic Review" (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4232339/), which discussed how some bariatric patients experience weight regain. It really got me thinking about how crucial it is to not just lose the weight, but to keep it off. Then I found another article, "How to Avoid Weight Cycling and Maintain Your Weight Loss" (https://slimvive.com/avoid-weight-cycling-and-maintain-your-weight-loss/), which offered some practical advice on preventing regain. It's just a bit daunting to think about, especially when I'm still figuring out how to balance everything, getting enough protein, managing my blood sugar, and those 1/4 cup portions😣. Has anyone else felt this concern about weight cycling after reading up on it?

Tonight's Lovely liquid delight - Home made Satay Pumpkin Bone broken soup with added tasteless protein. 125ml serve = 49 cals 😲 😎 I have been having some pain like trapped wind when liquid hits my stomach the last few days, I think I have been eating too quickly 😪

Hey sweet, I think what you are experiencing is something we all go/continue to go through! Although I still don't feel hungry very often, I crave certain tastes if that makes sense! I have found with a balance of healthy and high protein foods, I can still enjoy a treat every so often, as I know one thing that used to completely derail me was not allowing myself to indulge every now and then - it is now just about changing what we indulge in! Honestly it does get easier and easier to manage as time goes on, and you are doing amazingly already! x

You have NOT failed. Please stop catastrophizing. You are only 7 weeks post op. Super duper early. There are literally more options now than ever before to aid you on this journey. Tell your team you are struggling and need help. It’s very likely you need more than just the sleeve and white knuckled willpower but what that looks like is ultimately up to you. You’ve come this far already, so you know you’re committed enough to make lifestyle changes. Please keep going. ❤️

I had roux en y bypass on the 22nd. My pre-op diet was: Cream of Wheat and a protein shake for breakfast, snack a sugar free jello or pudding, lunch was broth and a low-fat Greek yogurt and dinner was low-fat cream of Chx or tomato soup with cottage cheese. I had one to two more shakes as snacks or more jello or sugar free popsicles. Also at least 64oz of water!

Hi all, I am almost 8 months post op bypass. I'm down 68 lbs (31 kg) I feel and look fantastic and I'm quite happy but I still need to lose 33-44 lbs and well it's barely coming off these past months. Now my question is I'm eating pretty well and counting calories and protien content. I'm focused on calories mostly but I think that's where the problem is. I should focus on my protien only which means I should eat 115g of protien daily which might mean more calories and it scares me.. I m active and go to the gym too (not as gym rat but not lazy) so what am I doing wrong? Do I need to up my protein? Also how much of the food is actually absorbed? Does bypass really mean ill def lose and maintain the weight? I need reassurance. Help me understand what to do now and if I'm safe

I LOVE and I MEAN LOVE SWEETS! I'm looking forward to people sharing low sugar or no sugar added sweet treats (Recipes and Favs). I have been eating sweets ever since my surgery. I have never stopped eating sweets. I'm a great cook so I make all the sweets myself! From my own protein bars to even Yes my own chocolate. I never stopped eating sweets and I still continue to lose weight, I just make a lot of dupes and it's very satisfying ... I'm 11 months postop. Let's get to sharing those tasty treats.

Well I'm still pending results but they think that the immunotherapy is causing colitis and if so and we can’t control it that I may have to stop the med. This med of course is the most effective treatment along with the chemo for my type of cancer so it’s not good. Well I talked to the oncology dietician and she gave me a low fiber diet to start with. If that doesn’t work there is an even more strict one for me to try but it’s basically everything complete opposite of what we have been doing with the bariatric diet and I am so worried it’s going to make me gain all my weight back. I mean I have no choice but to do it but this just sucks. I have worked so hard. I am supposed to eat like saltines, white rice, white bread, white pasta, etc. Basically carbs and fat with some protein options. Hardly any fruits or veggies. I can have lean meats but without anything with them they are hard to get down right now. I gotta do this though. The doctor mentioned an even stronger steroid to reverse it or having to stop it alltogether and I just can’t let that happen. Part of me is tempted to just not eat a lot but I know I gotta keep my strength up to keep doing these treatments. I’m having a bit of a pity party this morning since I stepped on the scale and of course I have gained. 😢 I know that I know how to lose it now though so I’m just hoping that once I get through this I can. Maybe I can get the GLP-1 if not to help with the appetite suppression to get me started. It’s another year at least so hopefully they will be cheaper and more accessible by then.

I live by this. Everything in moderation. I love my protein, salads and fruit, and also love my bread, snacks and my treats. I can't imagine not being able to eat out, try new dishes, new desserts and cuisines. I eat small portions of everything, but I will try everything. A balanced life is very important to me, and cutting out food/food groups just isn't sustainable for me or my lifestyle. On my way to toast some olive and sundried tomato slice of sourdough and slather it with feta and olive oil (YUMMERS).

Hi Kelly, Yep, I think all of us were in the same boat of some kind. I've been have been heavy all my life, since birth, I was a big baby. I never lost my baby fat, I just added more and more. I'm finally going through a RNY soon, I have done everything except one more nutrition consult after Monday's consult. I think I am doing pretty good. I have tried all kinds of protein shakes, clear liquid drinks with protein, and doing exercise daily for 30 minutes, either strength or aerobic. So...just want that date, and get that date as soon as possible. A 2-week "vacation" from work, and the support of my dear husband, I got this! I might be 60 years old, but I have to lose so I can have my left hip replaced. That's what started it all. My ortho won't do the surgery unless I lose 40 pounds. Having tried everything from diets, to pills, shots and the like, I finally gave in what I had started to research 4 years ago. I'm almost there. So Kelly, welcome to the group and ask whatever questions that you may have, we are a group of people who care about other people. Wendy

P.S. the amount of vitamins recommended are often just a starting point. It's common to have quarterly blood tests the first year, and then annual tests thereafter. I think being allowed to go off all supplements isn't all that common (although it's true for some people), and I'd be surprised if it's true of ANYONE who had bypass, since that surgery has a malabsorption component. At any rate, vitamins and amounts of vitamins required are sometimes adjusted depending on the test results. For example, I require more protein than most patients because we discovered early on that my pre albumin level tanks unless I average 100 g a day. Also, I had to quit taking calcium a few years after surgery because it was clear I had no trouble absorbing it from my food and regular multivitamins, and the overage by taking additional supplementation was not only unneeded, but was also putting me at risk for kidney stones or damage. So your particular needs may change as time goes on - that's why it's important to keep up with any required testing.

Not that uncommon and comparatively not more strict. There are variations between surgeons and surgeries with many of these things. Sometimes it’s also related to you, your health, how much weight you have to lose, your relationship with food, etc, Not being allowed carbonated drinks is common. The differences arise in length of time of this avoidance and then whether you can tolerate it. Also you may be allowed sparkling water that you let go flat a bit but not sodas. Same with alcohol avoidance but there are three main reasons often behind this. One is concern for addiction transfer which can occur after weight loss surgery. Secondly, alcohol is calorie dense and offers no nutrients which are vital while we are losing and eating small portions and lastly it will slow your metabolism & dehydrate you. Again some surgeons just put a time frame on it but it does depend on your surgery too. Caffeine is another thing that is allowed by some surgeons and not by others and again there can be differences in for how long you should avoid it. Deconstructing meals is not a forever thing. Certainly while losing, focussing on eating the protein component of your meal first is very important. If you are able after you’ve eaten the protein in your meal. you then can eat your vegetables then any carbs you are allowed. (There were many times I could only eat my protein at a meal and nothing else.) This is because of the small portions we can eat initially & the necessity of getting that protein in to meet your protein goals. It does make tracking your food much easier too. When you near your goal, and are eating larger portions, it’s not as important to eat your protein first but you must continue to hit your protein goals forever so it will be something of which you are aware when you’re eating. In saying that I often ate soups, stews & casserole type dishes, omelettes, etc. which combined protein & vegetables while losing but not every meal and not every day. Actually not allowing protein shakes is also not uncommon. For example, in the UK, many aren’t allowed protein shakes in the pre surgery diet (they drink milk instead). Protein shakes aren’t the sole source of protein & nutrients in that first stage after surgery. Bone broths, consommés and cream soups are also options. Thank goodness too because after surgery those protein shakes can be disgusting. I found them unpleasantly grainy and crazy sweet & struggled to drink one a day. Best advice is to follow your plan while you are losing.However, if you find it difficult to tolerate your food options or to reach your goals ask for alternatives that will allow you to still meet protein goals & other nutrient requirements within any calorie guidelines you are given. How and what you eat once your weight has stabilised is up to you, what you’ve learnt about your eating and relationship with food and if it allows you to maintain a lower and healthier weight & lifestyle.

So I’m technically on soft foods now, per their little sheet they gave me. I tolerated purées fine so I was cleared to move to soft foods. I’ve also been…rarely picking at the softer ends of regular foods. Primarily pickles. Not sure why I have been intensely craving pickles, but it’s more intense than when I was pregnant. I have a fear of losing all of my hair and what muscle mass I do have so I’ve been hyper focused on my protein intake, which is absolutely pitiful right now. I did go shopping on the site earlier and ordered some of the protein shots, and then some hot cocoa mix, as well as liquid protein packets. I have always been a “grazer” so it’s hard for me to sit down and focus on a meal, but if I have something healthy to pick at or drink, I’ll drink it. I figure 100ml is easier to down than an entire shake, and I can do that a lot easier three times a day than I can with regular shakes.

Glad you are doing well! Same for me, almost! Losing hair, I've lost a little over 60 lbs since sleeve surgery on Dec. 2, 2024, have sagging skin, but overall, I am very glad I did it in hopes I can KEEP it off this time. I'm eating 900-1100 most days I think. And have upped my water and protein since hair has thinned. Praying it comes back like normal soon. I have recently begun working out with resistance, etc 3 days a week and 5 days a week I have a goal of 10k steps. On day 2 of this. LOL! Just need to make it habit again like I did before. It helps! They said at my already-scheduled one year visit on Dec. 2, that I should probably be around 166. But my own goal is 154. So gotta up my game!! LOL! Then they said ultimate goal should be low end 115 and high end 125 lbs. Cannot imagine being that small. Lowest I ever got to was 155 as an adult and was there about 5 minutes. LOL! Thanks for doing a check in for us December Peeps! That's my month. Birthday and Christmas all in one! And now surgiversary too!!

Congratulations on your loss. I was a savory girl Lee bariatric world and post sleeve I became a sweet girl too. Then post SAFI that went away but has started to come back. I think MAYBE it’s just our bodies wanting carbs and sweet food is usually the absolute highest in carbs so the quickest way to get them. I did not have the bypass but I don’t think your friend is correct about eating whatever you want. I know that was for sure not true for the me with the sleeve. I started at 235, lost down to 168 then gained it all back plus some to 258 and was still gaining when I started the preop diet for my revision. I have also heard plenty of regain stories on here about the bypass. Now, does it malabsorb some of your food, absolutely. So if you were like 900 pounds before it’s possible you would stay a bit smaller just because you pretty much already ate all you wanted volume and calories wise before and the malabsorption would in theory make you weight a bit less if you ate the same exact food, but it would only be a bit less anyways and who of us wants that. . As far as a more common starting weight I really don’t think so because even at our high weights we still weren’t eating absolutely all we would have liked to or we could have and if we ate any and everything we wanted, even with some calories not absorbing that’s still probably giving our bodies more than we were eating before. I do know from experience that what fuel I put into my body changed how I feel, though, so even if I could get away with eating anything I wanted cosmetically, I know that I wouldn’t feel as good as I do when I eat a balanced diet and keep up my activity. That processed junk that most of us used to eat all the time is not good for us and it doesn’t give your bodies what it needs to run efficiently. Another thing to keep in mind is that we are still pretty early out to be relaxing too much. Most people have a 10–15 pound bounce back even if they keep working at it. I don’t know about you but I’ve still got more that I want to lost. I definitely don’t want to be bouncing back!! for the sweet cravings try the sugar free popsicles again. They can trick my brain sometimes and others i Have fruit. I figure calorie wise they may be more calories but at least it’s not added sugar. I try to avoid that as much as possible because that makes me have more cravings the next day and for like a week.

Glad you’ve turned a corner. We do say it gets better & easier but it doesn’t seem like it in the beginning. And it will continue to get better too. PS - Watch the calories in the shakes you’re having between meals though. They do add up. Bone broth may be a better lower calorie alternative but still giving you protein & some flavour. Or protein water.

After having both the gastric sleeve and now the Rouen y bypass, I regret not doing the bypass first. The sleeve sucks ass and the gerd almost killed me, seriously. I’m glad I lost the weight but for 5 years I hated food after the sleeve before the bypass. I hope I can enjoy food again since I had the bypass last weekend. 3 months of hell nasty protein shakes then hopefully I can enjoy food. I really miss it. Also I developed a bad painkiller regimen I’m trying to get off of. It really sucks.

My hair was coming out in chunks around 4-6months -I thought I would be lucky but sigh nope!. My hair is coming back thick and I'm 15months post op. I make sure I eat 100+ grams of protein a day (usually closer to 150g which might be too much but that is something I am trying to figure out), take all my vitamins and I put 2-4TBLS of this in my coffee or incorporate it into my food every single day: https://www.gnc.com/powders/542500.html?ogmap=SHP|NBR|BING|STND|c|SITEWIDE||{B_PMax_NB}|All Products - Holiday||396351403|1244648496726018&gclid=4eaca2547a921363fd6aca455842f355&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=4eaca2547a921363fd6aca455842f355&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=B_PMax_NB&utm_term=2329590261827342&utm_content=All Products - Holiday

I’m glad you asked this! I am 1 week post-op and still up 2# from my pre-surgery weight. Finally meeting my fluid goals and almost at protein goals, hoping that scale will start moving and give me a momentum boost!