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Haha no way, I remember being tapped a lot while they were waking me up, actually, so strange how little you remember! I am still at the hospital right now, staying here for 4 nights total and then tomorrow I'll move to the hotel for 2 nights. They are really looking after me, which is a big help when you travel solo! I had water and sugar free apple juice yesterday, and now today I have lactose free milk and some drinkable yogurt. My tummy's not ready for the yogurt, it seems, so milk and water it is! The milk seems very sweet, I wonder is it my taste buds or is the milk here just different?! 🤷 Ohhh tea sounds amazing, looking forward to that stage! I will miss coffee too, once I get home, dreaming of some vanilla protein milk in a decaff latte... All in good time! 😋 I hear you, waking up was the weirdest sensation ever. What is boost, exactly? When you say tummy binder, do you mean a tablet or like a garment you wear? Glad you got some sleep! It's the best thing to wake up rested 😁

I have been crazy busy, but I love it here and wanted to update you guys on what's new with me. And hopefully some of you will give updates on yourselves here, too So I am getting used to the work outs I've been doing (and by that I mean I don't need 2-3 days between working out now. I can do 6 days and take 1 rest day). I do cardio twice per week for an hour and a half each time, I do strength and core training twice per week for an hour and 15 minutes each time, and I do weight training twice per week for an hour each time (that's my least favorite lol) On my rest day, I literally do nothing. I work and do college from home, so I either lay in bed or on my love seat and get stuff done. I'm a complete veg head lol I made my rest day on Mondays because...well...Monday lol I drink three 16oz bottles of propel electrolyte water everyday (my favorite) and one 20oz bottle of gatorade zero each day. I also drink 2-4 cups of tea (sweetened with monkfruit sweetener, or not sweetened at all, depending on the tea). Specifically, I drink green tea in the morning, black tea in the afternoon, white tea in the evening, and if I'm in the mood, I drink either oolong tea or yerba mate tea at night. Helps suppress appetite, burn fat, and the green and black teas give a little caffeine boost (not a lot, but juuuuust enough). I usually make a protein shake in the morning for breakfast (never been a big breakfast eater). I have several different protein powders to choose from, and I typically add my greens powder to it, turmeric powder, moringa powder, matcha powder, mct oil, black seed oil, collagen powder, soluble fiber, avocado, unsweetened vanilla almond milk, gut health powder (digestive enzymes with pre and probiotics), and vitamin c powder. If needed, I add some monk fruit sweetener for a little extra sweetness, and it's really yummy and filling. For lunch I typically have some kind of salad (I have a few different ones that I like) and I add a protein to it, and then dinner is always some kind of protein and veggie. On weight training days, I have a P3 protein pack for a snack, but I don't usually have a snack on other days. On cardio and strengthening days I tend to have about 1200 calories and 20 carbs. On weight training days I have around 1300 calories and 25ish carbs. On my rest day I have between 900 - 1000 calories and 15 or so carbs. I also found a new salt to use (I rarely use salt, but this is much healthier for when I do) called Kala Namak Himalayan salt (it's black). Black salt has antioxidant properties and has surprisingly low sodium levels. It also contains important minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, which are essential to healthy bodies. Black salt stimulates bile production in the liver, and helps control heartburn and bloating. Its sulfurous, salty, mineral taste works great in cooking or as a finishing salt. I'm firmly in a size 20 clothing now, and my ring size is an 8 (but it's starting to get loose, so I'm looking at 7 1/2 now). I'm also in a stall again, but I honestly don't even care. I'm getting so healthy and strong and I can see a difference, so the scale will move when it moves, and until then, I'm just gonna focus on what I'm doing. I'm working full time and I'm in college full time (I'm finishing up my bachelor's degree - I have 8 more classes now) so between that and my more fit lifestyle, I'm always busy with something lol I really love it, though. I finished my Associate's degree in October and decided that I was going to finish the rest of my dream and get the bachelor's degree. I already have my dream job, but it's for ME, you know? I'll be the first one in my family to have a degree, and I want that. It means a lot to me to have it, and I graduated with a 4.0 with my associate's degree, and I still have a 4.0 so far now. I'm going to do my best to keep it, too. I'm noticing I have zero boobs to speak of now LOL I wasn't really expecting that at all, but it's fine. That's what padded bras are for until I get em done later on lol I'm more than ready for my hair to stop falling out and to start growing back. I'll be 8 months post op on the 3rd. How much longer will this go on before it finally calms down? That's really my biggest gripe right now. I'm just ready to not lose so much hair. I knew it was coming, so I never freaked out, but it's getting on my nerves now lol That's really it. All in all, things are going pretty well. How is everyone else doing?

I good bowl of soup is always an option.

Wow it sounds like you are doing amazing!! Sorry you started off so rough but you are doing great, you should be so proud! I wish I could forget sweets. I've never been one that ate a ton of sweets but if they are in my reach I'll have some. That's why I usually just don't keep any in the house but Christmas seems to be the exception. I'm finally able to get most of my protein without the shakes but I still enjoy eating a protein yogurt for breakfast every day so that gives me a good start. Although I do love my hot chai made with a protein shake but only the vanilla from fairlife. I tried like 3 other vanillas and didn't like them at all. So I still do eat some protein items but its because I like the flavors instead of needing it. My goal is lower than yours though, I'm supposed to have 60 per day. You are doing amazing at working hard at your goals, can't wait to hear what the next 3 months brings for you I hope our hair struggles are short lived but I know its all worth it in the end.

I usually have a couple of snacks that I allow myself in the form of healthy snacks in small amounts, but I usually do my favorite hobby. This is probably the easiest option when hungry, for me it's reading books, someone is into handicrafts.

I had texture issues too and my entire purée stage consisted of soup hummus, refried beans and mashed potatoes (yes my team permitted them) along with yogurt and protein shakes. It wasn’t much variety and yea it got very old but I survived it. I didn’t think of it but puréed sweet potatoes would have added a little more variety. Keep in mind also you can purée any soup you like. Just make sure to supplement with shakes if the meals do not have much protein.

My surgeon does not do Protein Shakes. I drank milk with dry milk powder in it to boost the protein levels. Its cheap and you can choose how to flavour it.

Suzi sorry to hear. I have hit another stall too. But mine is I’ve fallen back into bad habits of eating every 2nd day. Yep even over Christmas. I’ve also got thee fear of vomiting so don’t eat. And I’m not getting the calories or protein I need. Everything tastes gross on the taste buds. Also I’ve only walked a few days as I re injured the shoulder so have to stop the exercising. I am walking an hour every other day.

oof my hair is falling out, too ive lost a ton of weight post-op, and ive been stalled the past week or so because my period has finally come back (yay? o.O), and ive caught a cold (double yay xD). im not struggling super hard eating anything in particular, but sometimes nothing sounds good or goes down easily. i struggled early on with various complications and strictures, but i haven't needed an endoscopy to widen my stomach pouch connection since the end of november! i think im finally out of the woods! i try sooo hard to hit my daily protein goals but it's difficult. my dietitian has me aiming for 80 g of protein daily and i am regularly hitting somewhere between 60-80 g of protein which ends up being around 700-900 calories. ive definitely become more of a savory over sweet person post-op - i completely forgot about sweets this christmas! xD so far ive lost about 120 lbs (85 lbs post-op) and 48 inches overall. i got new workout clothes for christmas because nothing fits anymore! xD ive gone from 5x to 2x clothes, and a tight size 28 pants to a loose 18-20! im trying so hard - this cold really has me frustrated because i want to work out and keep up my progress, but i have to stay home for now and not get sicker or get anyone else sick.

I was having dehydration issues the week after surgery and I’ve now switched to straight water/ice instead of my flavored water I was using earlier. Seems to have helped a bit. I’m also having issues with my protein (separate issue) and slowed that while I get dehydrated. Thanks for the help everyone.

Had my revision 11/30. That was fun, not! 😂 I’m on soft foods, it’s going well, everything I’ve tried is tolerated well. I’m curious what others experience as far as feeling hunger signals. I have yet to feel one little tinge of hunger. I get other queues from my body like feeling tired, dizzy, shaky, that kind of need to eat feeling. But never once have I thought, I’d really like to eat now. Or that sounds good. I’ve always been a food junkie this is so strange to me. Im not complaining! Just learning to change my relationship with food has been a big deal this time around and super eye opening how much I would eat just cause it sounded good or whatever. Im eating because I have to and eat to get in my protein. I hope it lasts. What are your experiences? Also I haven’t felt full yet, very different from the sleeve. Im sticking to the recommended portions and not pushing it but even some of the amounts I would have felt that restriction with my sleeve.

The only thing I have had issue with so far is chicken but even that is getting much better. I was hoping for more issues with sweets but my holiday snacking has proven that sweets are still tolerated. So it's up to my will power and that has a proven fail track rate. Luckily I am good about sticking to instructions so I still track everything and keep my calories 1000 or under. I was in a stall and so I even took the last week and a half off from weighing and ate holiday food and treats but I just weighed myself today and I lost 3 pounds. So I think that means that I can have my treats as long as I stick to the calories, protein and water goals I was told. Don't want to jinx it though or get used to the treats which is where I wish there was more consequences to my actions. On a side note, I think my hair is starting to fall out I see more and more of it on my brush and I'm sad. I was hoping I would be lucky and get to skip this phase of the surgery but I guess not. I'm just hoping my hair is ok for my cruise in Feb. I was looking forward to maybe getting to buy a new size of clothes and not hiding as much from the camera but missing hair might be something to hide too. I'm considering getting it cut and seeing if I get more body that way but I'm going to wait as see if it gets worse or if its just a little more hair in the brush. Hope everyone's holidays are going well- take care!

Ughh got a sore throat from the cold front that welcomed me to FL after my vacation, is hard drinking liquid or eating, but making sure I get at least 40oz in including a protein shake, soup and yogurt, honestly protein is on the back burner until I feel better to drink my liquids.

Try not to be so hard on yourself, the 1st couple of months can be hard. Your body has gone through a huge trauma & that’s why you are so tired. For the puréed stage I would make my family a pot roast with potatoes, carrots, celery & onion. The works. Then I would take a little bit of each & purée it in my magic bullet with some of the juices. I would also add unflavored protein powder to the mix. It was really good. It was like I was making my own high protein baby food. Maybe you could see a therapist to help your work through your food issues. The more weight that you loose the more energy you will have! Best of luck to you!

I started my pureed stage about 5 days ago and I'll continue it for 3-4 more weeks I'm going to talk to my doctor about this but I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to get through this stage more easily.I've been a bit depressed and have been sleeping a ton so I haven't been able to get much food in me.I'm drinking 3 protein shakes a day.Since it's around Christmas time I did cheat a bit.I really wanna progress to solid foods mainly because I have texture issues because of this I'm trying to stick to getting my protein mainly through the shakes.I'll have some yogurt,pudding and applesauce all sugar free of course.I'm just getting a bit mad at myself for wanting to eat junk.That's like all I think about,its frustrating because I wanna stick to the post op goals and eat healthy and not get sick or risk a leak or damage.I'm gonna talk to my NP in about 2 weeks maybe they'll have a solution and before any of you judge me for wanting to eat junk food (I haven't eaten any since before my pre surgery diet) I have a lot of trauma around food.I grew up eating out a lot because of my grandparents and in my young mind thought that food=love.I also have texture issues.Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

No, not just you. Been exhausted for days. I’m blaming the stress of Christmas prep & eating too much. Don’t think I was anywhere near my fluid or protein goals for days plus too much sweet stuff. So glad to get home yesterday & my routines. Also excited to cook & eat my food tonight after restocking my fridge with vegetables & non Christmas meats today. Thank goodness Christmas is once a year.

I'm a newbie, scheduled today for March 28th! Just three months! Does anyone else out there have Celiac? Should I be worried this might complicate the procedure and new diet. I guess I'll have to find gluten free protein shakes. Any input is appreciated! C Mac

Hi All, I thought I would share my resent adventure in traveling after surgery. Husband and I spent the holiday in Maui. As we all know when flying there is that 3 oz limit on liquids which I was concerned about. How am I going to get my proteins, water, pills and vitamins all in with the total day was spent flying? Here is what I came up with before traveling and it worked for me. For protien: I found Bariatric Fusion sells the powder in individuals packets. I also packed in my carry on 2 One protien bars. I picked up a yogurt at the airport to mix the powder in it. On lay overs I was able to find a couple places that had healthy food choice, like the Grab and Go. For water : I took with me a portable water bottle filled it up before got on the planes. I also asked the stewards to fill it up with water and ice while on the plane and it was no problem at all they where happy to do it. For Pills & Vitamins : I got those weekly pill cases one for morning and one for evening. Filled them up with the prescriptions I need for the week and stuck them in my carry on. This included my Biotin and Probiotics. I take fiber powder everyday and was able to find Walgreens carries fiber sticks. I got a box of those counted out how many I needed for the trip and put it in a carry on. I used a back back as my carryon and was able to get everything in there that I need. In Maui there was a lot of fish options which was great for me I love fish. I lot of the time we just split a meal as they where so big and I don't eat alot. I also picked up some individual low fat milk to put my protien powder in. This is usually my breakfast so it was nice to be able to stick to my routine. I was nervous about traveling and staying on track but once I found out that I could take with me what I needed it was a load off my mind. I was able to really enjoy our vacation. I hope this is helpful for any of you who are thinking of traveling or getting ready to travel. Melody

Some programs frowned upon it but my program allowed mashed potatoes on purée stage. They are most likely on the menu of soup is not. Just keep in mind like already mentioned this will not satisfy protein so you will want to make that up the rest of the day.

chew? and only 2 days post op? What are you eating? Most people are on a strict liquid only diet for a few weeks after surgery to allow the stomach to heal. i did fairlife protein shakes for the first couple weeks after surgery. Once i was approved for soft foods the first thing i ate was a quail egg. I did quail eggs because they are much smaller and two little eggs was still too much at that time.

Unfortunately, reflux or gerd is a possible side effect of the sleeve. Definitely speak to your surgeon about how it can be better managed & your options. I had reflux before my surgery which I managed most of the time with dietary choices. My reflux is worse now in that I need meds every day versus rarely before surgery. But the surgery also reduced some of the reflux symptoms I had like the horrendous hiccups. Try avoiding caffeine, carbonation & spicy & rich foods (though your current eating plan probably avoids a lot of these). Try not to eat heavy/dense protein a couple of hours before going to bed. Sleep on a wedge or raise the head of your bed with a brick. Worth a try to see if any of these things can help you even a little.

I have a virgin bypass, but I've been eating a normal diet for years. for your questions: 2. Yes, of course! It's not going to be much different than it was with the sleeve, from what I've read. Protein- yes - you need to make sure you're getting enough. For most people it's around 60-80 grams a day (although isn't that true of sleeve, too? My clinic told both types of patients to get that much) My first few weeks post-op I couldn't drink 15 minutes before eating and 30 minutes after, but once I moved to solid food, I was told I could drink up to the time I started eating. Still am supposed to wait 30 minutes after eating to drink, though. Chewing thing - at my clinic, they had both types of patients chewing everything at least 20x before swallowing. I was religious about it the first few weeks, but I don't really do that anymore. I probably should because after surgery (both types) your stomach doesn't churn as much as it did before, so you have to do some of that "churning" before swallowing it, but I don't think I normally chew things 20+ times. from everything I've read/heard, weight loss is slower after revision than it is with a virgin surgery, but I know people who've lost a lot of weight after revising (and others who've just lost 20 lbs or so) I don't think you're going to find it much different than sleeve. One big thing to remember, though, is that you need to keep on top of your protein and supplements. Of course, sleevers should as well, but the consequences are greater if you slack off with a bypass.

I’m having my 2013 sleeve converted to bypass on 1/9/2023 because of GERD. I’m not too happy that I have to go through with this as I never wanted a full bypass and have enjoyed being able to still eat a some what normal diet (albeit with less volume than pre sleeve). I’m down between 60-70 lbs from my top weight pre sleeve. Not as much as I really need to feel good in my body but certainly healthier. a few questions: Anyone done this and can share their experience? Will I ever be able to eat again? I know I will but the sleeve was pretty forgiving, everything I read about bypass with the emphasis on protein, chewing 20x, not drinking 15 min before or after eating, makes me think the little enjoyment I got from a good meal after VSG is over, even that is gone. What was you weight loss when you went from sleeve to bypass? I’ve heard I can expect maybe 10-15%. beyond where I am now Any tips or things to watch out for? I’ll be glad to get rid of the GERD and hopefully avoid all the bad things that can come from that but I’m super worried I won’t be able to follow the bypass regime and have other health problems from not following things as directed.

Is 3oz of pureed steamed cauliflower within your plan? Did you make yourself sick or uncomfortable? Your answers determine your answer. My plan said 3oz protein, 1oz veggies, not that I could manage it that early. There were days when 1oz of anything was overdoing it, others when 4oz wasn't. Good luck, Tek

Oh best of luck for tomorrow! Looks like you're well prepared. The first few days can be difficult - it's drink, drink, drink. I didn't rely on protein shakes once I went onto purees - I just pureed whole meals (some more successfully than others, LOL). Meat/veg/carbs meals were my favourites - my first pureed Sunday roast dinner felt like the nicest and tastiest thing I had eaten in months. In no time at all you'll be seeing big losses. Good luck on your journey.