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So, I woke up Friday evening around 5pm in my room. I have no idea how long the surgery was and I have no idea how long I was in recovery. I was told during a nurse shift change that I'd had a hernia repaired as well, which was news to me. The nurse allowed me to keep the leg massagers on which was nice. My mouth was SO dry and they said I could have ice chips. They brought in a 64oz cup full of ice, then got mad when I said there munching on ice, lol. Around 9pm, the nurse asked me if I wanted to walk around the hospital wing and I said I did. At first she was worried that I'd fall, but I was pretty comfortable on my feet and did 10 laps around the wing. She seemed impressed and told me that I'd be surprised to know how many people have the surgery and refuse to walk. A few hours later, I had really bad chest pain and no one seemed to know what it was. One nurse claimed it was gas pain, another said that it was probably associated with one or more of the incisions, another claimed it probably had to do with the hernia fix or the tube they shoved down my throat. Saturday morning, after being told all day that I couldn't eat or drink anything, they brought in a breakfast tray with a cup of chicken broth, a jello cup, and a bottle of water with a crystal light packet. I appreciated that and was able to get about three sips out of the broth, a couple small bites of the jello, and a couple sips of the crystal light. The flavor was lemonade and it was wonderful. I then asked the nurse if I could walk again and she agreed. At this point, I wanted to up my laps from 10 to 20. On lap 17, my surgeon appeared in the hallway and told me that he was glad to see me walking. He asked if I was able to keep down the liquids that I'd been given and I said that I had. He asked if I had any nausea or anything, which I didn't, then he asked me if I wanted to be discharged or spend a 2nd night in the hospital, I chose to take the discharge, though I probably should have stayed. Currently, I'm able to sip liquids but I'm not getting even close to the suggested 4oz an hour. I notice that after I sip, I have brief stomach pain. I assume that I'm probably going to have it for at least a week, which is okay I guess. It's only a brief pain, then goes away. I was prescribed Tylenol 3 with codeine for pain and bought a pill crusher, which is a PITA, but it works okay. To date, I started my journey at 385lbs, I went to my surgery at 361lbs, and I stepped on the scale today and weighed in at 348lbs. It's hard for me to imagine that I lost 13lbs between Friday morning and Sunday, but maybe the lack of eating over the last 3-4 days and the stomach removal is what did it for me? I have no idea, but this has been an interesting journey and I'll looking forward to what comes next.

I know that theres not many options wghen surgery was just a week away but I'm sick of boullion and none broth. Is egg drop soup ok strained by chance?

Thanks Nananette. I’m at the beach until Saturday. Surgery is a week from Monday. The liquid diet is challenging right now. 8 days to go 😊

Hi everyone! I am hoping someone can help me understand the process of Post-Op life. Like, how often do you see your surgeon after surgery? And for how long do routine visits continue? My situation is this. I am scheduled to get surgery on August 11th. I am rocking and rolling through all of my Pre-Op appointments and really excited for the change this will all bring to my life. But we are looking to move 1300 miles away some time in October. I'm guessing I'll need to find a bariatric doctor just to have someone to reach out to with any issues or concerns. But is this going to be ridiculously difficult? Do doctors easily take on patients if they aren't making the "surgery money" off of you? And if things go well, how often am I supposed to follow up with a doc 8 weeks Post-Op? I realize it might not go stellar and then I'll desperately NEED my doc as well, so I really want to start the process of finding someone sooner rather than later. I hope this doesn't make me sound foolish. It's just that part of "changing my life" is to not just to get fit and healthy, more active and not a slave to my relationship with food, but to also embrace all of the things I want in my life. And this move is certainly a part of that. I am already prepared for postponing the move if I'm having any issues and need an extra month or so. October is just the best time for all other things being considered. I appreciate any advice you can give me. Thank you!

Hooy cow, I start my preop diet Tuesday! It's all happening very fast after months of meeting the insurance requirements. We picked up some of my center's recommended frozen dinners and ingredients for recipes. I've been a Diet Dr Pepper drinker forever, at least 20 years. We haven't had any in the house for a month. At that point I'd gone from drinking 2-3 of the 16.9 ounce bottles a day to 1 a week. (Not given it up 100%, I'll sometimes have a can at work or drink at a restaurant but I'm still hitting 55 ounces of water daily now). I do have the SodaStream syrup that I've been thinking about just adding to cold water. Tomorrow I fill out the FMLA paperwork for work and meal plan for the next 2 weeks. We're also going to take my measurements as the current starting point. We got this!

^^^That was my 2-week post op diet.^^^ LOL And yes, I was happy to be able to eat meat and veggies pre-op. Especially after hearing most say the liver shrinking liquid diet was the most difficult part leading up to surgery.

Hair loss usually lasts 3-4 months. You just have to ride it out until your accelerated hair loss cycle reverts to its usual rate. Those who spend money taking extra supplements using special shampoos, etc. find their accelerated hair loss slows at about 3 or 4 months so I say save your money. Your new hair is still growing just at its usual rate. Many of us cut our hair shorter if it was long so the new growth will reach your shorter length more quickly. And shorter hair is usually bouncier so can look thicker. May be get in contact with your dietician to review your food choices & suggest healthier alternatives because based on what you’ve said it seems you are eating too much & not making the best choices. Your dietician will also be able to advise on caloric goals that you need (we have different needs & are often given different goals), number of snacks each day & recommendations for intake of other macros (fats, carbs, sugars, etc.) & food groups. You just need to start implementing those better habits & routines. Start by making one or two changes & then next week make another change or two. Always easier to adapt to a couple of changes at a time than a total dramatic overhaul that can be too confronting & difficult to manage & stick to. A couple of tips. Avoid popcorn. It is a slider food & goes through you very quickly so it’s easy to eat too much. Usually rice, pasta, breads & bread alternatives (bagels, wraps, tortillas, etc.) are off the menu. They are considered high processed, nutrient poor simple carbs. They are too filling in your tiny tummy reducing your ability to eat more essential nutrient dense foods like your protein.h Get rid of the junk food out of your house so you won’t be tempted. If you have family, store their snacks in a separate area. Try not to skip your three meals - it only slows your metabolism. I eat later in the day because it works for me: breakfast at about 9am, snack at about 1pm, lunch at about 4, dinner at about 6pm.

The first 2 weeks are really challenging. By day 10 I was crying, some fluids started to repulse me, nausea returned and I just wanted to start eating again. Just be strong and know it's a tiny part of this journey. Try not to sneak food in this time, your tummy is undergoing major healing. Big hugs!

I’m on day 6 of my liver shrinking diet. I actually thought it would be a lot harder. I’m just bored of my selection of food. I do 2 protein shakes a day and one meal. Usually 5 oz of lean meat (chicken, shrimp, salmon) and a cup of veggies. No butter. I did make a home made cabbage and other veggie soup to “snack” on here and there and count that as my veggies. I’m just getting really bored of the food. Anyone have any suggestions or meals to make it a bit more bearable? I have 2 more weeks. Surgery date is July 10.

My choice on the bypass was solely made because I have GERD and I didn't want to possibly make it worse by getting the sleeve. I cannot imagine going through a revision surgery. A lot of people do, but that was definitely something I didn't want to experience, especially since the first 6 weeks after were very unfun. That said, it's your choice and either surgery will give you great weight loss results; just look at the possible cons of each surgery as well. As far as dumping with the bypass, it keeps me in check when choosing what to eat. I hope that works for my advantage later down the road.

My surgeon stopped by the hospital today and I’m getting discharged at noon. I asked when he’d remove the staples and he said in about a week. Sounds good to me.

Oh that’s awesome! You’re making such strides already! I’m scared to go on the scale after a disappointing week 1 lol. So I’ll wait til my next doctor’s appointment.

Yea that pain is no joke. But it will subside. It took me a week to not feel intense pain. But everyone is different. Hopefully they don’t prescribe children’s Tylenol like they did with me 🤦🏿‍♀️. Like everyone says, try to get some walking in. It really helps!

Just a thought about the hunger. Could it be head hunger vs. being hungry. I know around 3 weeks my head cravings were a beast. Every time I smelled food my brain would light up. As soon as I removed myself it would stop, usually. Maybe when those hungry thoughts come, go for a walk, if you can; drink something with some flavor, or do something else distracting. It can be a lot in the beginning.

I can only speak for myself. That being said I’m in the US and I had to go on a “diet” before my surgery to yes decrease the size of liver. I had to stop stepping on the scale as it will drive you batty. Focus on your meal plan. 3 weeks is short period of time and it’s not expected to drop off that fast. Weight loss is only one goal. Water is one of your goals, and meeting your calorie and protein numbers is another. Your comments are kind of unusual for someone 3 weeks out tho. Usually it’s about other things, nausea, not feeling hungry…etc. if you’re skipping eating that will effect your weight loss. If you follow your meal plan to the letter you will see the difference. You didn’t really mention what stage of your meal plan you are on now (liquids, soft, purée). Best of luck.

This is what is happening to me. I discussed it in my support group, they said it is normal. They called it a 3 week stall. Said it is very common. 14 lost pre surgery and 8 post surgery. They all said to keep doing what I’m doing and focus on getting in all the required vitamins, protein, and water, and WALK.

You know one day in the not to distant future you’ll look back & wish you still weren’t interested in eating & weren’t hungry. Because when your appetite & real hunger comes back is when the battle truely begins. This is only for a few weeks, not forever. And it is in place to protect your healing tummy (about 12inches of sutures & staples holding it together) & support your recovery. Yes it can be difficult to find things to eat that your tummy will tolerate or taste okay. It can be a lot of trial & error. I tossed a few meals out before I found foods I could eat & enjoy. And don’t avoid foods you are allowed to eat because you didn’t like them before. Often with the temporary change to our taste buds &/or smell, foods we never liked suddenly are super tasty & vice versa. Wanting meat or any other specific foods, flavour or texture is head hunger not real hunger. It will be being driven by your emotions at the moment and you are craving certain foods etc. to comfort yourself. Look for other things to comfort or distract you. Go for a walk, ring a friend or family member, craft, watch your favourite movie or tv show or re read your favourite book, garden, have a warm/hot drink, cuddle with your loved one (children, partner or pet), etc. You’ll get through this.

Having surgery doesn’t mean you can’t manage your eating & drinking or it will be too hard to do. It’s more that it may be different to how you used to do things & you just need to establish new routines & habits. A lot of our old habits did us no favours anyway so they are no loss. Vitamins morning & night. Many people take a packed lunch to work. Pack your meals & snacks in a small ice bag & take it with you from vehicle to vehicle. Make sure you always have your fluids with you & sip, sip, sip. Pop everything you may need in a back pack or similar so it’s easy to grab & go. Be organised & allow for the unexpected. My family are on the land too & always take a large water bottle, a thermos of hot water & a packed lunch &/or snacks with them if they aren’t going to be near home. They haven’t had surgery but it’s their routine so it’s not impossible to do. Benefits of the surgery (loss of appetite, the staged return to eating, possible temporary changes to taste &/or smell, boosted metabolism) give you time to evaluate your old eating habits & try new more nutritious foods & cooking methods. Remember also the most restricted eating period after surgery is only usually about 6 weeks not forever. Therapy can also be very beneficial too. Helping you understand your relationship with food, what was behind your eating habits, cravings, etc. Doing the head work is essential. And sometimes realising something as serious as surgery is your only option to improve your health & life is the best motivation to make changes.

Hi!! I will be having the SADI-S surgery, should be July 2023. I get my exact date next week! I am purchasing the items I will need for the 2 week liver shrinking diet pre-op, as well as the liquid 4 weeks post op. I would really appreciate it if you could list the clear liquids you drank that you loved!!! So far, I love Unjury chicken soup. But I can't stand anything in the liquid protein sampler. *Liquicel- maybe I don't know what to mix it with!! The grape and unflavored gagged me. *Nectar powder-crystal sky. *The little protein shots, pink lemonaMr. Please help!!! I can't waste any more money. Nicole

I find I can have a little sip or two of water after an attack but I am a lot further out. You can try & see how you go at the moment @Cheesekitty7. Some people do struggle with eggs in the beginning but it usually passes so that could have been the cause of yours - just your tummy saying nope. I find the foamies can be delayed and can occur 15+ minutes after I’ve eaten or drunk too @brandiwine. Don’t know why. I’ve always put it down to just me. What is it with scrambled eggs at the moment?? They set me off last week too & I’ve never had trouble with eggs. Just my quirky tummy keeping me on my toes.

I'm a BIG milk lover and my dairy based protein shakes upset my stomach quite a few times the first couple weeks after surgery. I noticed though that I was able to eat other dairy products with no problem. Also, some do have trouble with air bubbles causing gas, etc. from blending their drinks. I continued drinking milk despite the random bouts of running to the bathroom. Thankfully mine wasn't lactose intolerance. Just a fussy tummy. It eventually got better and became a non-issue.

I had issues with dairy for a few weeks after surgery. It's a lot better now in smaller doses. I've had ricotta, cheese, and yogurt just fine. I'm not a fan of milk right now. I'm not sure why, it just doesn't appeal to me. So maybe try dairy again in a few weeks to a month and see how you do.

Update: today I had my second dilation and I’ll keep you guys updated on if it’s working. I’m having another in 2 weeks because they can stretch it all at once.