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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. 🤮

I'm part of a group of people who are mostly several years out of surgery. Some have tried WW. Some of them really like it and have been successful with it, but for others, it's not their "jam" and they gave up. I guess all you can do is try it and see if it works for you. others have tried things like Keto, intermittent fasting, or going back to logging and eating protein first, etc (in other words, the basics). Whatever works! BTW - 800 kcal a day being as far out as you aren't isn't really sustainable. Start logging to find out what your calorie range is (i.e., about how many calories does it take to keep your weight where it is. May take a month or so of logging to figure this out). Then, if you want to lose, cut back from there. Maybe 100 calories at a time. For example, if it takes 1600 kcal a day to maintain your weight, try cutting back to 1500. If after a couple of weeks nothing's happening, cut back to 1400. Rinse and repeat.

I had the sleeve because I have bipolar disorder and was concerned about the absorption of medication with the bypass. The dr said he recommended the sleeve because of my lower BMI but would do bypass if I wanted it. The NP said she would go with sleeve because it’s the safer choice in terms of my medications. I did not lose as much weight as I had hoped to. In all fairness the NP did warn me that sometimes with Bipolar disorder that people do not lose quite as much as those without it but I only got down to 25.7 BMI which is still technically overweight and then I gained the bounce back weight. I sometimes wonder if I had just chosen the bypass if I would have lost more and had a little easier time keeping it off. The only thing is, who is to say that I wouldn’t be one of the people who lost less with bypass as well. What if it’s not the surgery choice at all. Don’t get me wrong. I am still happy to have lost what I did lose and if I can maintain this I will be happy enough. I just don’t have much wiggle room and do wonder if I had chosen bypass if it would be different. I think it’s only human to wonder if the grass would’ve been greener on the other side. You definitely do still have time to change your mind though. They told me I was in no rush to decide all along. If I had more time to research one question I would have asked is if their patients that revised sleeve to bypass lost more after the bypass (got to a lesser weight than they had with the sleeve). I know that doesn’t 100% mean people who get bypass first will lose more than they would have with sleeve but it seems like it would be the case. They are both excellent and relatively safe options so I don’t think there is a wrong choice really. My only real advice would be to take your time until you feel confident in your choice and don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions until you are.

5 months post op: No one has really ever say anything about how little I eat. Maybe because I have only really sat down at the table for a "real" meal with people who know I had surgery. As far as cookouts and group settings, etc. You kind of just eat randomly and maybe stand around or sit where ever with your plate so no one is really paying attention. I haven't had any Holidays yet, we have a huge family Christmas eve dinner every year and only 1 person in my family knows I had surgery. So, I do wonder how that will go. My entire family is obese, and everything revolves around food. But, I have lost 100+ lbs multiple times, so I think it will be easy to shrug off as "just be trying to loose weight again". The flip side, I will likely be pretty close to my goal weight by then. (I hope anyway) So at that point, they will probably be more focused on how much weight I have loss and I can easily explain eating less in result of a strict diet for so long. When I went out for surgery, I told work I was having a haital hernia fixed (which was true and mine was very bad). So I was on a strict diet for that with liquids and graduating back thru stages to normal foods. I kinda played it as well since I couldn't eat for a month it kick started my weight loss so I am just sticking with it and following through to keep loosing weight. So, they just think I am on a diet. They also know I have lost 100+ lbs in the past, so just stated trying to do it again and keep it off this time. As far as restaurants, I never had a server as if everything was ok. My wife and I share a meal a lot, so most of it gets eaten anyway. And so many people are obsessed with these "fad" diets, that I don't think most people even blink an eye anymore to strange requests. Like "no bun" or "no sauce" etc. I went to a sub shop because I was dying for my favorite turkey sub. I said "I am sorry to be so weird but can you dig most of the bread out of the roll before making it" She replied, that's not weird at all tons of people ask us to do that. Then I even took the bottom of the roll off and cut the top in half and added the meat and toppings to the half of a hollow roll to fit my needs. PS, still couldn't eat more than a few bites of the bread but it DEFINITELY satisfied my sub craving. I am allowed all foods, while focusing on proteins first. I eat very balanced, so I don't need to make many requests or have much of a different plate than everyone else. I just have smaller portions and/or eat less of the food on my plate and make the healthier of choices in front of me. Sorry for the long winded response!

No body odor that I ever noticed but my breath was gross for a few weeks/month after surgery. Also, I think (still think) my pee smells like protein powder. lol I don't use protein powder but I drink a premade shake every morning and the smell is still the same. Very particular.

There are some antidepressants that can cause weight gain (for example, tricyclic antidepressants are notorious for it). Surely your doctor didn't prescribe an antidepressant that can cause weight gain since they know that you are trying to lose weight. IMO, the best antidepressant for overweight patients is Wellbutrin (burpopion) because it can actually promote weight loss. Sorry, I am a pharmacist so I can't stop myself from making drug recommendations. I know everyone pushes the "reset diet" but I have to say that what made it easy for me to get rid of my regain and not feel hungry doing it was my doctor prescribing me Ozempic. I am a type 2 diabetic and I had been taking Bydureon in the past without weight loss effect then my insurance removed Bydureon from their formulary and I was switched to Ozempic. Weight started coming off within a month of starting the Ozempic and just kept coming off. I have currently lost around 30lbs. If you are not a diabetic, Wegovy has the same drug in it as Ozempic (semaglutide) just at a different dosage for weight loss. I have been taking Ozempic for almost a year now and I no longer have cravings and rarely ever even feel hungry. It is funny how Ozempic, Bydureon, and Saxenda are all in the same drug class but I only experienced weight loss with Ozempic. I just flat out couldn't tolerate Saxenda. Slowed my gastric emptying to an unbearable level. Bydureon worked for my diabetes but didn't have any effect on my weight. Of course, these are all injectable drugs (Ozempic/Wegovy/Bydureon are only once a week though vs daily for Saxenda). Contrave is an oral weight loss drug that contains wellbutrin (bupropion) as one of the ingredients. It seems like it would be a good option for those who can't stand the thought of using an injectable medication but honestly, I. Rybelsus is the oral equivalent of Ozempic. Phentermine is probably the most popular weight loss drug but I have known of people with poorly controlled hypertension to have strokes while on phentermine so I don't recommend it unless I know that the person either does not have hypertension or they take their BP meds and check their blood pressure frequently. Best of Luck

I always feel bad for my waiter when I go out to eat because they will usually come over and ask me if there is anything wrong with my meal. I just tell them that I had a stomach surgery and don't feel like eating and then I take my meal to go. When I am out with people outside of my family, I usually order something small and cut it up and use my fork to mix everything on the plate together and move it around to try to make it look like I ate more than I actually did. (This is a technique that small children often use to try to convince Mom that they have eaten enough dinner. I have often wondered how many other bariatric surgery patients have done this in an effort to not offend a host. ) You can also just box up half of your meal before you even start eating and just say that you are trying new eating habits if anyone asks. Buffets are just a no go for me unless they have to go options (pay by weight of meal). Even though I am several years out from surgery, after my doctor started me on Ozempic last year (for diabetes, not weight loss), I have been unable to eat more than a few bites of food at a time. My stomach literally feels just like it did a few weeks after surgery. Consequently, I have lost more weight which is great but I have to say that the daily nausea is getting old at this point.

It’s likely a combination of the surgery itself (pain & discomfort), surgical gas & excess stomach acid. You’re still producing the same about of acid as you needed in your much larger tummy & you’ve eaten very little. The excess acid can feel like a cutting type pain. This also can make people think they’re hungry. We’re usually prescribed a PPI for the first couple of months to reduce the acid production until it settles but you would not have started the PPIs yet being day 2. Plus you can be dealing with head hunger: I’ve hardly eaten a thing for two days so I have to be starving type thinking. If you are still in hospital, let the nurses & your surgeon know. If you’re home, make sure you’re sipping your protein shakes, broths so you are consuming some of your needed nutrition & contact your surgeon if it persists. All the best. PS - In most gases a rumbling tummy is just your digestive system working & doesn't mean you’re hungry. That’s an old wive’s tale. I rumble a lot now & it’s really loud. 😁😁

Yes, there are odd things that I have to manage with my sleeve but there were things I had to manage with what I ate before surgery. I had a dodgy digestive system with sensitivities & intolerances. Still dodgy with a couple of other considerations now. Some of the changes I made to what I eat can limit my options but generally I can find a few options I can eat or can eat around. I’m also much more aware of my body’s response & reactions to various foods & situations then ever before. I look at it as being a good thing & part of eating mindfully. I think much of the portion size issue is really about people’s inaccurate perception of what is an appropriate portion size. We are confronted with what are jumbo size portions that are 2, 3 or more what is a recommended size & we think they are normal. Take note of how much & what other slimmer people eat & you’ll realise you are much like them. The reality is the portion we eat is about what everyone should be eating. It only looks small because of the excessive portion sizes. Sure, I have days when my energy is lower. Some is because of my low blood pressure. But when I stop & reflect before surgery I had days when my energy was low too but then it was because of my weight. Generally though I’m certainly fitter & stronger than I was before & that outweighs (pun) the odd day I feel weak or need a nap. Most of my family & friends are aware of my food preferences & portion needs. They make allowances for them much the same way as they would with someone with a food allergy or who was vegetarian or vegan, etc. It just all takes time. From you understanding your body, needs & changes to others understanding the changes you’ve made. You don’t have to explain your surgery if you don’t want to. Sometimes just saying I’m not hungry or I’m seeing a dietician or I’m trying a new way of eating is more than enough if you feel you need to explain. Ultimately what you choose to put in your mouth is nobody’s business but yours.

Add a protein booster to them and that should help get the amounts up closer to where you need them to be.

Before my VSG, I only lost 2 lbs during my 2 week pre-op diet! Talk about discouraging! They had me only eating/drinking protein shakes and greek yogurt. I never eat yogurt because it’s too high in calories and carbs. I think that is what kept me from losing any weight. However, my surgery went very well and I recovered quickly so there’s that… This time around (I’m getting ready for a revision from VSG to RNY) I’m drinking protein shakes but not eating much greek yogurt. I’m sipping on chicken bone broth a lot instead. I started my pre-op diet 4 days ago and I’ve lost 3 lbs. so far. Hang in there! It’s all going to work out great! Just stick to your pre-op diet and everything will be fine. You’ll start dropping weight after your surgery. I lost almost 80 lbs in about 3 months after my VSG.

It may be ketosis. I had the worst breath - and it didn't matter how much I brushed - for the first few months when it was all protein, all the time. If you are eating no or very few carbs, that could be the culprit. My program isn't carb restrictive, so once I could start integrating them back into my diet, it resolved itself.

Prayers coming. I’m sure in a few days it will be routine and second nature. I’m worried because I can easily take in my Protein Shakes, soup/broth and Water without restriction. That doesn’t seem “normal”. Im not hungry - I’m just trying to reach my water, calorie and Protein goals for the day. Hopefully when I start purées next week I will notice the restriction and I will stop stressing.

I used to love premier protein before surgery.... Not I hate it. too sweet for me.... I have the Atkins Chai or Atkins Coffee. Not the most amount of protein but it tastes good to me .

I did and the unflavored protein powder to my tomato soup and it wasn’t to bad. It did change the taste a little but not enough to make me not want to drink it. I need my fairlife to be REALLY cold, then I’m ok with getting those down. I haven’t really expanded much beyond tomato soup… I figure if I stick with what I know I can tolerate I’ll be safe for the next 8 days. Next Wednesday I start with purées. I’m looking forward to refried beans and hoping I can tolerate those ok for a couple of meals. If I do well with that I will expand little by little. Share when you find combinations you do like, I might find something I haven’t thought to try!

I went into my surgeons office expecting her to want me to choose bypass because of my hi bmi and the fact I’m already taking Pepcid for reflux. She reviewed my medical history and asked me what I wanted. My reply to her was “after reviewing my medical history and your vast experience, what would you recommend for the most successful outcome for me”. She smiled and said I’m so glad you asked me that. Given my high BMI, if my goal was weight-loss alone she would have recommended Duodenal Switch. Then she went over the reasons why she doesn’t recommend that at this time. She then explained why she wouldn’t recommend a bypass for me. And then explained why she would actually recommend the sleeve for me. I was actually relieved because I really preferred the sleeve because of the lower risk and complications out of the three. She told me if I wanted to convert to the DS later we could. But if I put the work in and used my new tool to it’s fullest advantage - I might find that to not be necessary. My husband and I were both on board with what she was saying so that’s the direction we went in. She did a hiatal hernia repair at the same time as my sleeve so the hope is I will be able to transition off of the meds for reflux at some point, but if I can’t so be it. And down the road if I feel like we need to go with another option that’s open to me as well. I’m not really looking forward to another surgery - so I’m hoping this is it. Only time will tell. You have time to decide. No two people have the exact same outcome - so the best anyone can tell you is look at all the information and make the best choice for you. Best of luck.

Hi everyone! I had VSG surgery two and a half years ago (Feb 2020) I'm finding that there are days (most days) when I feel like I am my best, strongest, healthiest self and then sometimes there's a day or two where I'm the most frail, delicate, exhausted, fussiest critter in the world because of my VSG needs. Is this pretty normal, do you think? Sometimes navigating "new normal" things really frustrate me and make me feel like I am weaker because I have different needs than a "normie" does. I get to drink all of that water, again. Not enough water= confusion from dehydration which is REAL. It seems like it gets hard when the differences post VSG are really obvious: my boss pointed out that I didn't each much at a lunch, because she thought I was nervous- so I disclosed my surgery to her privately and then she understood, or a stranger will comment on how strange it is when I am waiting 30 minutes to drink water before/after a meal. These are usually people that didn't know me when I was obese, so I get it, it's a little out of the ordinary to strangers. But I deal with it. And then I go to an outdoor festival and there is a no outside food policy and I'm left with eating half of a greasy burger patty with my bare hands, no, I don't want the fries or the bun, thanks- but because no forks either, for some reason- but protein, is protein. These are things that *I* have gotten used to, but sometimes they are still incredibly frustrating. (Venue got an email with some suggestions!) Anyway, do y'all need some bariatric friends, so we can have safety in numbers? Because I am yet to encounter someone who openly eats like me in the wild. It's not really that disruptive all the time, but there are times when I'm just like...... WTF did I do to myself? (and why didn't I do it sooner?!) No negativity from me, really. I have no regrets. I just wish I had people to help me navigate!

My plan allowed protein drinks right after I came home from hospital. However, I find them really disgusting and have a hard time getting them down. I bought some unflavoured whey protein powder today, and hope that it will be a better choice for me. I plan on adding it to oatmeal, soups and shakes, as I've not been anywhere near meeting my protein goals.

How soon after surgery did yall start protein drinks again?

One items that I tried and still use that kills two birds with one stone is Oikos Pro Yogurt. It has 20 grams of protein so you get a shot of protein along with the puree type meal. I still use these for breakfast nearly every day.

I have been stalled for a couple months now. I lost 113 pounds and coming up on a year. I am trying everything...increased exercise, increase protein, more water, less water.....maybe I am just at my new setpoint.

I’m a slow eater (30-60mins). One of the reasons I eat slowly is to get my serving size (calories, nutrients) in. I found it was on the only way to stop myself losing. In saying that if I don’t need the next bite of food I won’t have it so there are many times I don’t eat all my meal. I never eat more than the correct portion of food & I never eat just because it’s on my plate. I also eat pretty much to a routine in terms of the times I eat. I may skip a meal or snack if i’m not hungry, but I don’t add meals or snacks. Honestly, it has got harder to do this as time’s passed so it is something I work at every day. How do you know your tummy is empty? Is it just that you ‘feel’ hungry? If so, it could be like @Spinoza suggested: not real hunger. If you’ve eaten a recommended portion size of a meal & are getting in all your protein & other required nutrients, you shouldn’t be hungry. We don’t have to keep food in outer tummy stall times. It does perfectly fine being empty. Are these old habits, thinking, etc, raising their head. That’s the down side of surgery. It removes some of your tummy but doesn’t remove why we ate the way we did. Are you still in contact with your surgeon, dietician, therapist? May be worth some conversations to work out what’s going on. All the best.

Hello Arizona_Guy! Saw your post and have been meaning to reply. I’m in Phoenix and after going back and forth on options available to me to assist in managing my weight, I decided on the ESG (I used Plication here because ESG isn’t offered in the surgery drop down!) procedure. I learned that Dr Rahul Pannala / Mayo Clinic is a leading Gastroenterologist with many subspecialities who has also been working in the bariatric field. I met with him and his team and felt very comfortable and at ease with them. From my first consultation thru my procedure I heard from someone on the team: the dr, nutritionist, nurse for my procedure prep etc. weekly. They answered all my questions and Dr Pannala patiently talked thru some last minute anxiety issues I was experiencing 2 days before my date! I was extremely fortunate in that when I first had my consultation on June 21, I was advised that my procedure date would likely be in August, possibly even September. I lucked out because Dr Pannala had a surgical cancelation so I was able to get my July 29 date! I know, suhweet! The pre-procedure protocol isn’t too bad, apply anti-nausea patch night before, clear liquids 1 day before (I did 2) and that was it. I weighed in at 195.4 the morning of the procedure, 202.8 when I returned home some 6 hours later, lol. Since home I was on clear liquids for the first two days and have been on protein shakes and taking Liquid IV thru last Sunday. Sunday afternoon I made my tasty chicken veggie soup and have been having that puréed for one of my meals each day this week, the rest protein shakes. I typically have one premade and one homemade, gotta switch it up! So, that’s where I am now. I am feeling very good about it all and believe I made the right decision for myself. If you have any questions, Arizona_Guy, ask away!

I should clarify - up until 7 months ago my pouch didn’t empty as fast and didn’t have a desire to eat between meals. I do eat enough protein and drink quite a bit of water each day (at least 100 oz). I reached my goal weight, and have since gained 25lbs. So having the pouch empty so quickly after eating a meal concerns me.

Are you still eating protein first KB? Hitting your fluid targets in between? And getting all your protein every day? If any of those have slipped might it be worth going back to basics to see if you can stay full for longer? Also, when you say you *can* eat again, does that mean you actually feel proper hunger? If not then could this be head hunger/boredom (or curiosity!!) eating? Have you regained any weight? I do hope you can get it sorted quickly, I can see how that would concern you.