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The guidelines vary so much between doctors. I’m in NYC and went thru NYU and their program requires 3 weeks of full liquid.

Oh no! I hope you feel better soon. I’m about 17 days post op, and full is still a feeling that im learning— dont want to push,and am being careful. I think listening to your body is best and it may be that three tiny bites is all it was ready for that moment— take small bites through the day in the first stages for sure. Jello worked well in the first stage for me because it basically liquifies on the way down. Maybe try that?

I'm 5 days post-op. I caught the stomach flu while at home and had to be readmitted so I'm writing this from my hospital bed. Prior to this morning, I couldn't keep down little tiny sips of water because I would puke it back up. I'm much more stabilized today and they want me to try to get some pudding in to get a little nutrition to help my stomach process all these meds that have been pumped into me. I took three little baby bird bites from the spoon and then had a sensation like there's a frog in my throat. Is that what 'feeling full' feels like or do you think this is still the stomach bug trying to act up?

I have completed all my classes, I see the surgeon on Thursday (3/23) then I am told my surgery will be 5-6 weeks out from there, I keep going back and forth on which one to have, Bypass or Sleeve. I have Gerd bad, and its been getting worse, and I am morbidly over weight and need to loose like over 150lbs, so the bypass was recommended, but I hear and have been reading so many stories about dumping and not being able to eat a lot of certain foods anymore and I am not sure I want to live like that the rest of my life. I am a very picky eater all ready and i am worried the things i do like I wont be able to eat at all and then what??? Maybe I am just thinking to much into this, I just don't know but I need to decide in 3 days!!

I've heard something like that, but it didn't apply to me at all. I just checked - I'd lost 40 lbs at three months out and 130 lbs at the year mark. maybe this formula applies to a lot of people, but I really don't like these kinds of things because it just causes worry and anxiety in people if they're not reaching certain "goals" at certain points in their journey. Especially those of us who were slower losers. I was a slow but steady loser and lost all of my excess weight by 20-months out. I would have been really discouraged if I paid attention to these kinds of predictions and took them to heart.

First time I hear about it. Seems to be yet another little tool for inducing even more anxiety in patients when it comes to "reaching their goals". Patients putting themselves under pressure is already really, really common - this will put even more pressure on them when it comes to weight loss within the first three months ("I have about 200 lbs to lose to reach a normal BMI but I've only lost 80 lbs in the first 3 months and studies say..."). Err.

Which cost $200 - the Robards or another one? Are the $200 ones those you were advised to use by your surgeon or medical team? Usually we say follow your surgeon’s & medical team’s plan because it’s in place to best support you lose weight & make the surgery easier & safer. There likely is a specific reason your surgeon recommended the shakes they did. But if the expense is a concern (& $200 does seem excessive - does your insurance cover it?) I’d speak to your surgeon & ask for alternatives. My surgeon puts different patients on different pre surgery plans. For example he sent me to a dietician & did keto for the two weeks. He sent my friend (who had more to lose & pre existing health issues which I didn’t) to the hospital’s weight loss clinic to do their shake plan.

Yeah, avoid the Facebook groups. I’ve never heard of or read a favourable or supportive one ever. I don’t go near them. One thing you can be certain of is that everyone’s experiences will have some similarities but also differences & there’s no one right way just a right way for you.We are different people, with different bodies, ages, gender height, build, needs, health status & issues, on different meds, etc. so it can’t be exactly the same. Look at the advice & suggestion people give here as ideas for you to consider, maybe try &/or discuss with your medical team. I’m glad you’re seeing your surgeon soon. They’re going to be best placed to assess your progress in relation to you & your situations & needs. And have a chat with your dietician as well for alternative food suggestions & portion recommendations - you never know what may help. And yes, take body measurements. The scale doesn’t always move especially during a stall which you could have had or be experiencing (they usually last 1-3 weeks). PS - Two eggs at 7 weeks?? I could just about eat one by 6 months & at almost 4 years I can almost eat two eggs. See lots of differences. Neither right or wrong. 😁

This video by Dr Pilcher mentions it. (It’s a very good video & he has other informative ones too.) But with all statistics & averages, some people don’t meet them & some exceed them. They just give you an idea of what you might expect. I’m almost four years post surgery. Personally, I’d lost 17kg at 3 months (from surgery weight). I reached goal at 6 months having lost 27kgs. At 12 months, I’d lost 36kg so about double as they suggest. But from that 6 month mark I was trying not to lose - my body though was working at getting to my new set point where it was happiest (& I actually am too). Who knows what I might have lost if I was actively still trying to lose during the second half of the first year. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The first three months are often called the honeymoon phase when the benefits of the surgery are at their optimal effectiveness. After that your weight loss rate starts to slow, for many they’re appetite & hunger may start to come back, etc. After that, your success depends more & more on you.

When you’ve never experienced something before, it’s natural to be concerned & have some worries. Bariatric surgery is a very safe surgery especially when compared to many other commonly performed operations. And yes your team are experienced professionals. Don’t be afraid to tell them you are nervous or have pain, nausea, or whatever. They are there to help you. Your pain is easily managed with medication & many find by day 4 +/- they have little or none. Gas pain can persist longer though - up to a week but it’s more discomfort than pain - walk, walk, walk. Yes, the initial placement of the IV can briefly temporarily hurt but it’s more of a sting than pain. My anaesthetist was joking with me & asking what alcohol I’d like him to add to the drip which was a distraction. I had blood tests every month - alternating one for my GP & one for my surgeon. From my second year I was every three months & at three years I began every 6 months. Again just a little sting at first & looking away does help. I’m so used to them now, I dint even think about it. Big picture, the surgery is nothing really. Certainly when compared to the potential health issues & treatments & intervention you may need if you continue being obese. For example, the pain from this surgery is nothing compared to knee replacement or heart surgery. I had sleeve like you’re having & it was the best thing I ever did too.

When I started considering WLS, particularly VSG Surgery, I researched extensively. I read medical studies, case histories, personal blogs and watched hundreds of hours of YouTube videos posted by patients and bariatric surgeons. I cannot remember where I read or saw the European study called "The Three Month Marker", nor have I been able to find the article or video again. The "supposed" study was of VSG patients and their success rates. The results of the study indicated that the total average weight loss at 12 months post-op was double the amount lost at the 3 month post-op mark for patients who closely followed the bariatric guidelines. Has anyone else heard about "The Three Month Marker"? For those who are at least 12 months post-op, does this study relate to your experience?

@amandarara 3/13/23 surgery here too. You’re allowed to eat cottage cheese and chicken?! Does that hurt at all? I’m struggling so bad with my protein. I liked them before surgery when I could break it up with Food. But now I get nauseated from the first sip because they are too sweet. Cottage would really help a lot if I could have it. But I’m told to wait 3 weeks 🤷🏽‍♀️

Hi 👋🏼 did anyone use the Robard high protein low carb products for their pre-op diet? I need to pay $200 for my two week pre op diet and just wondering if these products help or I should just do it on my own 🤷🏻‍♀️ Thanks!

Hello everyone! I’m new here. I’m 41 and I’ve been struggling with my weight for about 10 years now. I looked into getting the sleeve January 2022 when I was at my highest weight of 260 lbs. I decided that I would try to lose on my own and would revisit the idea of surgery if I was unsuccessful. In that year I managed to lose 20 lbs. This January I started researching again because I am determined to get back to a healthy weight. I went through an online seminar and decided to make my consultation appointment after I was diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri and was told that weight loss can help alleviate the symptoms and I can stop taking the medication that I am taking for it. I have a host of other health issues and I’m hoping the weight loss can help me feel better physically. I had my consultation a week ago and my appointments with the nutritionist and physical therapist have been scheduled and I completed my initial bloodwork. I do not have to complete a medically supervised weight loss program and I spoke with my insurance company and was notified that the most I’ll need to pay out of pocket is $1300. I’m excited and nervous about what’s to come.

If I could give one piece of advice/lesson learned, it's to push as hard as you can during the first 3 months post-op. That's the "honeymoon" period when weight drops off the fastest. Weight loss progressively slows down each post-op month, and by month 6 has typically slowed dramatically. Most people stop losing 9 to 12 months post-op. So, you have a short window in which to really take advantage of the "magic" of weight loss surgery. Research has shown that weight loss at 3 months post-op is a strong predictor of weight loss success. https://www.sages.org/meetings/annual-meeting/abstracts-archive/weight-loss-at-three-months-post-operatively-predicts-weight-loss-success-at-one-year-for-roux-en-y-gastric-bypass-and-sleeve-gastrectomy/

I am 6 weeks post op and on soft foods. I have already found out that beef and couscous make me vomit. My problem is protein shakes. I have tried many and many flavors but keep gagging when sipping it. I wish I could just gulp it down. I now add unflavored whey to my soup and Wendy’s chili. Tonight is my first time going out to a Hibachi restaurant. I will order a side order of hibachi chicken. The veggies are too hard to eat. Would hibachi noodles be ok?

pain is all across the board but most of us seem to have little or none of it. I had hardly any pain and never even opened the bottle of pain killers they sent me home with. If you're one of the ones who has pain - never fear - they'll send you home with pain killers. Just take them on schedule and you should be able to keep on top of it. But again, most of us don't have much pain with these surgeries. get used to needles - I had follow-ups with blood draws about every three months the first year, I think (I had my surgery almost eight years ago, so my memory is a little fuzzy). After the first year, I only had to come in once a year unless I was having issues (I haven't had any issues), and I have to go for a blood draw before that appt, too. They like to see what your various levels are so they can adjust your vitamins or whatever. I never found the needles very painful - I just look the other way.

I'm getting my multi and calcium as my team prescribed. I keep a journal on baritastic and I have a follow up with my surgeon next week. I do think I've lost .. girth? I've had to tighten my pants up (been wearing jeans with a drawstring since surgery). It's just been hard seeing everyone lose so much more in the same time, ya know? I've been following the surgeon and dieticians plan, they say at this point that's how much I should be getting and taking 30 minutes to eat it. Admittedly I don't always finish the whole meal, so my pups have been very happy about it. I think I'll try to get more protein though, maybe switch to just powdered in the coffee instead of pre-made shakes.

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

I had bypass on 2/13, I've always followed the plan very closely. I managed to lose 70 pounds pre-op on the dieticians plans and working out and then 20 pounds on the liquid diet. Since surgery I've only lost 5 pounds. I thought I was doing very well but I guess not? I stick close to the diet plan, though I admit my calories can go over but my main goal has always been to get to my protein goal before anything else. I've been working out 4-5 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes. I do a lot of strength training because I am into strongwoman stuff, so its been weird staying in the weight restriction. I also hit my water goals alongside my protein goals. I made the mistake of posting this on a facebook support group and.. wow. I don't think I've ever felt worse about myself, there was almost no support and a lot of telling me I'm doing something wrong obviously. A lot of people there were blaming the scant amount of bbq sauce I use or the single string cheese. Most were telling me I'm eating far too much. Others were telling me to stop working out entirely? I don't want to be skinny, I want to be healthy and I want to be strong. Am I eating too much still? When I don't work out I get 600 calories, and when I do its usually more around 800 to be honest. I don't feel like I'm making the wrong decisions. Meal 1: Oikos Triple Zero yogurt to take my meds with. Meal 2: Fairlife elite core protein in my coffee. Meal 3: 3 oz turkey lunch meat 1 oz of cheeze and mustard. Meal 4: 1 String cheese. Meal 5: 4-5 oz of chicken with bbq sauce (its not sugar free, I live in the country and the rural grocery store doesnt stock sugar free and the next closest is over 50 miles away). I'm so confused and heartbroken.

I never did the puree stage. The food looked so yucky and my taste buds were so off. I had soup and broth for those two weeks and went straight to soft foods. Just do what ever you can to get as much protein and liquid in you as possible. Try them again when you feel like it. I couldn't eat chicken or fish for a whole year. I tried them every month but vomited every time. Then just when I thought I would never be able to eat them again - they are accepted in my stomach again. Carbs are another thing that I am struggling with but I am ok with never eating them again, they were my nemesis. We are all different and our bodies all take different lengths of time to heal. As they say - one size does not fit all

@L. Knight I’m doing better! - Thank you for asking. The heartburn has been pretty bad but I switched my protein shakes and that seemed to help a lot! I’m getting all my meds in and have been managing to get all my protein requirements and fluid intakes in as well. It’s quite a struggle and I’m not sure how I’ll be able to manage it going back to work next week!?? Any suggestions?

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.

First the average weight loss statistic for sleeve or bypass is about 65% of the weight you have to lose to put you in a healthier range. Of course some lose more & some lose less. Now the why. The surgery will reset your body’s set point. This is the weight your body is happiest at & is easiest to maintain. Your set point could end up higher or lower than you’d prefer. Life. It can throw crap at you & make it more difficult to lose or maintain your weight (stress, emotions). Health conditions & medications. Some meds are notorious for increasing your appetite & causing weight gain & some health conditions limit your ability to lose all the weight you want e.g, restrict mobility. Personal choice. Some feel happier at a higher weight. Or they make food choices that better complement their life & how they want to live their life. Your body reaches a lower weight but resettles a bit heavier. A bounce back regain of 10+/- lbs can occur. And so on. I understand your fear of regaining. I mean we all have a lifetime of experiencing weight loss & the inevitable regain. This is the first time in my life (was almost 54 when I had my surgery) I have ever maintained my weight after losing for longer than a couple of months. The difference is I did not go back to eating in the sane way as I always did. I worked out a way of eating that I’m comfortable with, doesn’t make me feel like I’m missing out or making sacrifices, allows me to live my life as I want, is sustainable (very important) & works for me & my body. I changed my relationship with food. My choices may not work for you or others & some may think it too restrictive. I din consider it a die but just how I eat. I avoid as much sugar, sugar alternatives & artificial sweeteners as I can so no sodas & sweets only a couple of times a year (e.g. Christmas). If I want/need sweet I eat fruit. I prep & cook most of what I eat - mostly lots of whole foods & low processed ingredients. I rarely have takeaway & haven’t had fast food since before my surgery. I keep my carbs lowish & choose whole & multi grains more complex carbs. No bread or similar products pasta or rice (choice & also sit heavily in my tummy). I also chose not to exercise. I didn’t want to have to spend hours in a gym or run or cycle miles every week to maintain my weight. I’m happy with the stretches, resistance band exercises & sit ups I do. (Takes a total of about 25 minutes over a couple of sessions a day & wouldn’t burn 30 calories - LOL!). It works for me & my body seems happy at this weight (set point). I’ve basically maintained my weight since my surgery. Chat with your surgeon about a realistic goal weight after surgery & what you might experience & your dietician about how your future of eating might look. Research & avoid trendy diets - if they worked & were sustainable no one would have weight issues. You may find this video informative. You may find this video informative. Dr John Pilcher has many great videos on a variety of topics. Dr Matt Weiner is very good too.

Your tummy is still healing, very sensitive & learning how to function again. I described it as a petulant temper throwing 2 year old child. It may continue this way for a couple of months & then every now & again in the future. Liking something one day & not the next. Being able to eat your portion today but not tomorrow. And so on. Lots of fun & games. Cold drinks can make your healing tummy muscles spasm.Try room temp, warm or hot drinks - more soothing. Try swapping brands or flavours or avoid what upsets you for a week & try again. Sometimes it can be the texture - like your purées are too thick - try diluting them more. It does get better & easier. I’m almost 4 yrs out & recently my tummy decided it didn’t like tasty cheese anymore. Don’t know why. It may be fine with it again in a few weeks time.