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Hey y’all. Has anyone had any troubles getting their liquids and protein water down the first few days after surgery? I am having a hell of a time with it. Im taking baby sips like my doc said but still struggling.

I’m 4 days out from gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia repair as of today. Woke up a little dehydrated this morning and not feeling great. Yesterday was the first day I missed my water goal. (yes I had other things that contribute to my water, but I’ve been pretty good about getting 64 oz plus those other liquids) I have had super low energy today - sleeping way more than normal. I’m working hard to get my water in but no matter how much I drink my mouth seems dry - and this stubborn headache won’t go away. Today has thrown me for quite a loop because I expected to feel better day 4 than I did day 2 and that is not the case. The day after surgery I was walking around the ward and feeling relatively good - considering the surgery. I was up and around and went for a short walk on day 2. Day 3 I didn’t do as much but I did get time in on the recumbent bike - energy level was low, so I thought I could take it easier on the bike and still hit my movement goal. I have been getting my water in ok today - despite the nausea when I got up earlier, had a frozen juice popsicle and that went down ok. Had some protein soup (broth only with protein powder) - powder was not the best with that broth, but I got it down. I’m struggling with the shakes today (which I usually have no issues with - but today they aren’t appealing). I struggle with artificial sweeteners - they upset my stomach and can trigger headaches, so I’m limited in some of the options I have during my liquid phase. The yogurts suggested are of course the ones with artificial sweetener which makes them not ideal on a day I’m already not feeling well. Which eliminates yogurt based smoothies that are suggested in place of a store bought shake. Can anyone tell me if you experienced anything like this your first week? I’m still on full liquids, transition to purées Wednesday. Maybe it’s the low calories kicking my butt energy wise? I’m struggling to even hit 800 calories, my goals are 800-1200 … I’m getting about 770-780 most days. I don’t think it’s a Keto flue because I’m allowed fruit juice and I use that for popsicles. I haven’t had caffeine in months so I don’t think it’s withdraw from that either. I’ll call my nutritionist Monday if I’m still not feeling well, but since it’s the weekend I thought I would ask if others experienced anything similar and how you got through. Any suggestions or advice appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Were you down to 160 at the time of your revision surgery? My surgeon was originally recommending conversion to bypass. He decided that bypass might have too many side effects since I have already lost a significant amount of weight. He opted to repair my hernia and place a mesh to see if that gets rid of the GERD. He said we still have bypass as a backup option. I’m almost 4 weeks post op and it’s been a tough recovery. I haven’t had any reflux or had to take meds since surgery. Hoping this works!

My surgery is in 6 days. I'm going to be following Dr. Weiner's diet after surgery. Because of some other health issues, I have to avoid certain foods and his philosophy most closely matches how I need to be eating, so it was a good fit for me. I have questions for others who are also following his diet. I bought three of his books, including the recipe book, but I would love to find more recipes and/or tips on how to follow this plan successfully. Were you able to avoid fake sugars in the first stage after surgery? How did you manage your protein intake if you were trying to cut back on/avoid dairy? Also, are there other websites, support groups, forums, etc. where his diet is specifically discussed? I'm obviously discussing it here, but I want to expand my support network. That is all. 😊

Wow. I love your gas station too. I haven’t been able to find many good options around here. I thought The quest reeces were pretty yummy. I think I got them at Walmart near the protein bars. I would put them in a ziplock so I would have it with me because most times I was satisfied with only one cup. The puffs and the pop tarts I have not seen yet. I will have to check around for those. I agree that you gotta splurge sometimes and it’s better to splurge on something like that. I guess we are all different in how we manage this journey though. Thanks for the suggestions.

You need to contact your team and tell them these worries. It could be as simple as your full stomach signals have finally kicked in. Mine did this and I had to go back to just eating protein until I could fit a little more in my tummy.

I'm sorry you're dealing with GERD already! Been there, done that. It's a MISERABLE way to live. And I lived that way for several years. It gets to a point that the best prescription GERD meds can't touch it. Google foods to avoid when you have GERD, there's several: fatty foods, dairy, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, mint, etc. You may try sleeping propped up or in a recliner, that's what I had to do. I'd say reach out to your surgeon and get prescription reflux meds and see what the surgeon says about how to treat it going forth. Are you okay with revising to bypass? GERD is common after lap band and sleeve since your tummy is operating under a high pressure system. And I know tons of sleeve/band patients have told their stories on here, just as I have. I told my story hoping to help prevent another person from choosing a high pressure weight loss procedure and make a better choice. The lap band permanently altered my esophagus, and I have dysmotility and nerve damage. It caused me to develop GERD along with bile reflux. If I stayed that course I was destined for Barrett's esophagus and possibly esophageal cancer. I hope this reaches at least one person considering the sleeve. I know GERD doesn't happen to everyone who gets a sleeve, but if GERD and revision and another 2 week pre-op diet doesn't sound like something you'd be keen to experience, please reconsider getting a sleeve. It's not the only weight loss surgery option out there. @SleeveDiva2022 I wish you the best and hope you feel better soon!

I did keto a while back and had the keto flu for about a week. The bariatric diet and keto are actually the same except bariatric diet wants your fats 50 or less per day and keto wants HEALTHY fats higher. I did the bariatric diet for 2 1/2 months and my body hated it. I would stall over and over. I decided to switch to keto again and I haven't had a stall in the month I've been doing it and have steadily lost. No keto flu this time, tho. But it's normal and goes away. I keep my calories between 1000-1150 per day (I work out and need the extras so my body doesn't think it's starving and hold on to everything). I keep my carbs between 25-35 per day. My protein stays around 75-85 per day. My fats are usually around 70-80. And I'm completely sugarfree or very low sugar (such as certain fruits or veggies). I work out for 45 minutes per day, and I generally take in around 75-90oz of fluids (depending on the type of workout I did that day).

I can't eat as much as I did a month ago. Normally I would eat around 1.5 to 2 oz of meat (usually chicken) and 2 oz of veggies. I can't finish either. I weigh all my food and nothing has changed at all. I am having to drink more shakes to try and make up for the loss of protein. Has this happened to anyone? What did you do?

I don't think we have those over here. So far I've tried several different types of protein shakes, but they all taste disgusting to me. I don't like the fake chocolate, caramel or fruit taste, and I don't like the consistency either. I started making smoothies out of greek yoghurt mixed with water and vanilla flavoring. I don't know if it's a good idea or not, but it's not as horrible as protein shakes, to me, and it does contain some protein.

That sounds like a sensible approach. My drs program allows me to count half of the liquid in protein drinks as water, but since I can't really get them down, it makes little difference. What kind of food are you eating during the puree stage? I'm supposed to start the puree stage next week, and not really sure what to do. I'm not meeting anyone at the clinic before the puree stage starts and the written program is a bit vague about this stage.

Hi! Every doctor is different, but my program for the liquid stage was (3) servings of 2 oz per day...that's it. There was absolutely no way I'd even get close to any kind of protein goal. They said for this stage to focus on fluids more than food. But in my program, shakes count as food NOT liquid. If I could drink shakes as liquid + the 3 servings, I'd maybe get closer to protein goals, but nope. For me, they are food. Protein waters count as food too. I'm on puree now, but still nowhere near protein goals because even though I can have 4-5 servings of food each day, they are still only 2 oz portions. I haven't been able to get to 5 servings...I'm stuck on 4 per day. My body just doesn't want more and I don't want to force it. So, I've stopped stressing so much about protein goals and focus more on water goals right now. I know once the portion size increases and food consistency changes, I'll be able to meet those protein goals, but it's just not going to happen for me right now.

I'm on day ten after surgery, and it's been like this for six days. I find it hard to decide if what I'm drinking agrees with me or not, since everything seems to have the same effect. What kind of shakes were you adding the benefiber to? Something you made from scratch, or ready made protein shakes?

I had my first post-op appointment today. My doc says I'm progessing nicely and to keep aiming for my water and protein goals. The only negative is that they determined that I'm allergic to the suture tape so they removed it all today and my incisions are not healed up yet. I'm going to keep applying EltaMD silvergel and gauze until they're 100%

Is anyone else having a hard time getting enough protein and just with the liquid diet in general? I can't stomach any of the protein drinks or puddings, so I'm using the tasteless whey protein powder, but even with that I'm not close to meeting my protein goals. Also, is it normal to have diarrhea every day? I don't have any gas pain or discomfort, so I don't know if I should be worried or not.

I started on the pre-op diet on Wed so this just my third day. I get 2-3 protein shakes, 3 oz lean meat, and 2 cups veggies per day. I want to try this: 2 cups ice, 1 vanilla protein shake and 1 single packet of sf orange drink. Sounds and looks good on the video. She used a Ninja Bullitt.

I was sleeved on the 16th with a hernia repair. I’m definitely not at my best right now, I’m tired and deep breaths still catch me like a short shot in the ribs sometimes. This first week is bound to be the hardest on us but it’s going to get better in soooo many ways. Try to focus on that when things are feeling bleak. I’m so sorry your team was not more on top of your medications and having you address what you could and couldn’t take or finding alternatives by working with your prescribing dr. Maybe reaching out to your prescribing dr now to ask what you can do to make sure that you stay on top of your meds could offer any help. Maybe even a temporary change of some meds that can be cut or crushed while you heal is possible? The low energy thing - I’m right there with you. So far I have been ok with my protein & water goals but not my calories - so I’m sure that is part of why I’m dragging. The discomfort doesn’t help either. I’m hoping if I can get through this week - the pulling at my sutures when I move certain ways will be less, the purées will mean more calories and having a little more energy. And I’m expecting each week will get a little better. Hang in there, you aren’t alone and we can do this. Updates on how you’re doing would be great when you are filling up to it.

I haven't had surgery yet but my post-op diet reads no protein drinks until the 8th day.

The vanilla ones taste like melted ice cream. I totally agree, they def. taste like a cheat & I love that they have so much protein/

I haven’t experienced real hunger since starting the pre-op liquid diet (mine was 8 days), though head hunger has popped up a few times. I was sleeved on 8/16 and haven’t noticed any restriction either. I’m still on liquids until Wednesday, but it’s been unsettling being able to have a cup of tomato soup and not experience any “fullness” or even drinking water without any issues. While I am grateful I can make my goals with no issues, but have stressed over the lack of restriction. I was told as I progress to purées it should be more noticeable, so for the time being I’m just working to hit my calorie, protein and water goals and trying to keep my servings to 1 cup or less to get used to seeing those serving sizes.

Yes, liquids basically go right through - the pyloric valve at the base of the stomach that closes to keep food in for processing remains open as there is nothing for your stomach to do when you drink. Some people will have a lot of inflammation in their stomach after surgery, so drinking is like pouring through a pinched soda straw, but many will not have that problem. So, measuring a portion size for liquids relative to our new nominal stomach size (maybe 2 oz or so for a typical VSG) is meaningless. Once you get to more solid foods it will make a big difference. My wife, when she went through this, could barely fit her nominal stomach size of protein drink through in one sitting, while I was virtually unrestricted. Both were within the expected result when I questioned our surgeon about it.

Five-week Post-Op update. W1 - 7/22: -12.6 lbs W2 - 7/29: -5.6 lbs W3 - 8/05: -2.6 lbs W4 - 8/12: -3.8 lbs W5 - 8/19: -4.4 lbs That's 29 lbs since surgery to go with the 28 lbs I lost prior to surgery. It's great to see the numbers go down because when I see myself in a picture or in the mirror, all I see is my (still) big belly. I was weighing myself daily for the first 4 weeks, and not seeing big results each morning was driving me crazy. So, I am only recording my weight on Fridays now. After the first week, it looks like I'm losing about 4 pounds a week now. I think that's good, right? NSVs: My face is definitely thinner. My pants fit much looser and I am now fitting into some clothes that I had outgrown. I had to dig out an old belt since the one I have been using no longer had enough holes. I'm about to fully transition from my 3XL shirts to 2XL. Right now, it's a mix in my dresser drawer. Physically, I feel great. I still get hungry, but I fill up fast. I have a bit of a problem knowing when I'm full and it's hard to get out of the habit of eating everything on my plate. If I eat too much, it's a bit uncomfortable, but it doesn't hurt. I guess this concerns me a bit. I want to get better listening to my stomach. The diet plan completely sucks, and I try not to cheat. But it sucks, so what do they expect? I just got back from a family visit and had two 1,000 mile drives. For the trip, I made a low-fat chicken salad and had string cheese and Quest Protein chips for snacks.

**My hair has begun shedding...A LOT. I have PCOS so I thought I was already used to it, but it's to the point now that if I run my hands through my hair a few times, hair comes out. Not in clumps or anything, just a lot of shedding. I knew it was coming, so I'm not freaking out, but it still sucks. **2 nights ago I had some kind of episode where I had a snack about 45 minutes after I worked out at night and I had INCREDIBLE pain. Felt heavy, sharp pains, burning. Hurt to sit up, hurt to lay down, couldn't find a comfortable position. Took pepto twice before I finally got any relief after about an hour. I was left with burning in my throat. My husband said it sounds like reflux (I'm on a PPI for 6 months, but I've never had reflux or GERD or anything before). My snack was normal (1 tbsp hummus and 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers) but my workout was more intense than normal (had the treadmill at a 5.5 incline at a speed of 3.5). Now I have burning in my throat everyday and slight nausea depending on what I eat. **I'm always tired. I have spurts of energy here and there, but they don't last long and I go back to being tired again. Even a nap doesn't really help all that much. I mean, I guess it does a little, but mostly I'm less tired (but still tired). **My taste is still weird. I thought it would correct itself by now, but I guess not. Stuff I loved, I don't like or can't eat now. Sour/tart stuff still tastes really sweet. What little sweet tooth I had is completely gone (the thought of chocolate, for example, literally makes me grossed out). I have no craving for anything greasy, salty, or fried (those were my weaknesses). I never use salt anymore because the taste is overwhelming, even in small amounts (I used to salt EVERYTHING). I can barely tolerate pickles (which were a STAPLE in my diet because I was obsessed with them) because the taste is just way too overwhelming and strong, even in tiny amounts. **I can finally drink diet soda again, but where I used to drink a 2 liter a day, I can drink one MAYBE two 12 ounce cans per day (usually just 1) because it tastes a little different and it takes a while because I still have to be careful with the carbonation (stomach is ok if I go slooooow, otherwise I get into trouble if I drink it too fast). **I can tolerate a little bit larger amounts of food now, but I have to be careful still because if I overestimate how much I can eat, food goes to waste or I end up in trouble. For example, I can eat 2 scrambled eggs and 2 sausage patties now (used to only be able to eat 1 of each). But there's no way I can eat more than that. If I do, it HURTS. I can eat 3 oz of steak in 1 sitting now (with 1/2 cup of a side like green beans), whereas I used to only be able to eat 1 or 1 1/2 with 1/4 cup of a side. At first it freaked me out, but now I'm good with it because I knew we would be able to eat more eventually, and I'm careful with what I eat and how much (and how often). **It's actually gotten easier to eyeball my food and see how much I can have. I still weigh it if I'm not sure, but more often than not, I can guesstimate pretty accurately. **It's a lot easier to stick to my diet and not overeat or eat stuff I'm not supposed to. Now that my brain is trained (still a work in progress, but so so much better now) I don't think about stuff I can't have. I use MyFitnessPal and I have my meals all planned out for the week and use that to know what I can eat, how many calories and carbs and protein is in each meal (makes it soooo easy to stay on track and get everything I need each day).

Hello everyone! First-time poster here. I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on Monday 8/15. I went in hungry and woke up hungry. The day of and days following I haven't experienced any nausea or vomiting. I have been drinking water non stop, eating Liquicel protein packs, and sugar free popsicles like crazy. I'm worried because I've not had anything come back up. My stomach should hold around 4ounces so if I'm consuming more than 4oz, where is the rest going? Does liquid just move extremely quickly through your stomach? I'm starting to think the doctor just made some incisions but didn't take anything out, Hah! I know, unlikely. I just don't feel as restricted as I was hoping for and I am having more hunger pains than I thought I would. Is anyone experiencing the same thing? Please share your experiences with me!

The Fairlife protein shakes are good. I bought a case of the chocolate, but once I bought an individual bottle, I think was banana/strawberry which was also good. If I have time though, I mix Bodytech Whey Tech Pro 24 with cold water. Their rich chocolate flavor is awesome and tastes exactly like chocolate milk. The vanilla ice cream flavor is good as well. But I do not care for the strawberry shortcake flavor. 🤮