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So glad to hear you're out the other end of the surgery OP. My advice is prioritise your fluid goals for the first week or two. Honestly vitamins and protein goal and almost everything else can be caught up on later if you can't make them right now.

For me the physical hunger is completely gone now. With my sleeve it was also gone but it did come back. It was around 6 months that it started coming back if I’m remembering correctly. It comes back for most people to varying degrees of intensity. The best case is that you take that time to really change WHAT you eat, not just how much because when the hunger comes back you will likely eat larger portions and if it’s less healthy food you will probably begin to gain. At least I did. With my revision I have changed what I eat entirely. I didn’t do this with my sleeve. I had just a few menu options so it’s no wonder I got board with it and started to eat off plan more often. This time I did research and found several healthy recipes to try and I found quite a few that I enjoy so I don’t get board at all. You may not recall but I have Bipolar and Anxiety. I have found that freezing some healthy meals has come in real handy at times when I am not up to cooking. I also am in touch with my surgical team more often for office visits as well as the support group meetings and those help tremendously. Post op I also had more frequent appointment with my psychiatrist and psychologist as well. I just asked for all of the support I could find because it is a lot of change which I don’t do well with but now that I am two months out and i have a little routine I am feeling better than ever. The exercise that I am finally energized enough to do has helped my mood tremendously and the weight loss and the social aspect of the group fitness classes have helped with my self esteem too. I have so much more structure and routine now which is actually really great for Bipolar. I am able to fall asleep at night and stay asleep and I wake up at the same time and exercise, I set recurring alarms for vitamins/food and I log my food with the Baritastic app and my fitness watch keeps track of all of my activity. I show all of that data to my NP at my checkups and she helps me make adjustments to my nutrition. You will probably see a nutritionist for food related questions but I had a newer surgery called the SADI and the nutritionist wasn’t very helpful with regard to the macros after I got back to normal food. As long as you are managing your mental illness, though, you should be just fine. Just don’t hesitate to ask for whatever help that you need in order to be successful.

I've been burping and farting so I think the gas isn't trapped athough I decided to take the lactulose now to try and nip the constipation in the bud now. The most "pleasant" meds that I take have been the lactulose and the blood thinning subcutaneous injections. Everything else has made me feel awful or tasted bad and made me want to sip water which I can't do right after the meds. My favourite Vieve Protein Water still tastes good to me so I'm trying to switch between sips of that and regular water too. Since the multivitamin made me throw up, my team said I can try a two a day chewable instead and see if that helps, but like everyone else said, just prioritise fluids and protein if possible.

Getting up does kinda seem like a chore when it’s painful and you’re not hungry or thirsty anyways but it’s good to get up to avoid possibility of blood clots. When you do get up try walking a bit further than just to the kitchen too. You will see that you can do a bit more each day. Don’t rush it, of course but do get up enough to prevent clots. My goal was every hour but if I’m being honest I didn’t quite make that. Also, don’t forget to do your spirometer thing. The walking, spirometer and fluids should be the priority. Protein and vitamins are important but not nearly as important as the others. Take each day at a time this first couple of weeks. You will get in your groove soon enough.

This is a spasm, try drinking warm fluids, cold drinks sometimes trigger this. Keep on top of your pain meds. There were vitamins that I couldn't take especially ones with iron in. My team were ok with me getting iron free ones. Your poor tiny stomach literally doesnt know what has hit it at this time. Its tiny and very swollen. Very little can get through it. My team were ok with me not attaing my protein goals as long as I could keep trying to get in my liquids. Hopefully you will not be hungry for a long time. When you have mastered drinking, you can begin to find your way around eating. I could eat a tiny amount every 3 hours. I had to force myself because you can get very weak otherwise. It was a strange feeling for sure.

Oh good. I use the Baritastic too. It’s pretty great isn’t it? I’m so sorry that your dietician didn’t help. I know how frustrating that is because I went out of my way to see a second one, even and they didn’t help either. Did your surgeons office give you a book of any sort? Mine didn’t have like a calorie goal or any other macros other than protein and water but it did say what portions they expected me to eat at each stage and stuff to avoid. What were your questions? Maybe between the group of us we can tell you what advise was given to us and that will help. If I were you I would see if you can meet with the NP or PA at your surgeons office if they have one. I told mine that the dietician wasn’t very helpful with the SADI so she has just been going over the nutrition stuff with me.

Yes I went yesterday and got my protein drinks but I didn’t buy a lot of premier protein because the last ones I tried I didn’t like so that way if I don’t like them I can try another brand. I just forgot the broth so I’m going to go today to buy some.

Late night snack- whole wheat toast with Vegemite, a white cheddar babybel cheese, and a microwaved apple with cinnamon and a packet of equal. 245 calories, 6g fiber, and 8.5g protein.

Excellent thread - thank you @JamieLogical! I got sleeved almost 3 years ago. I hit my goal weight well within my first year. I lost another 10lbs very slowly in my second year to reach a BMI of 20. I was absolutely thrilled - I had lost just over half my body weight and was well beyond wildest dreams territory after a lifetime of obesity. But I started to regain this year. Initially I thought it was just the classic '3rd year regain' of the 10 - 20 lbs that so many people seem to experience. I asked lots of questions here and was reassured by the answers. I hadn't really drifted *that* much off the path (I thought). However, I continued to regain with no let up and was getting really worried. I eventually reached 16lbs over my lowest weight a month or so ago. Finally, I decided to go back to absolute basics and see whether that might reverse the regain. Carbs had crept in a bit (NOT A LOT, honestly) so I started every meal with protein, ate veg next, and stopped all bread, rice, pasta, potatoes etc. Just as I would have 2-3 years ago. Guess what? I have lost 9lbs of that regain in just over a month. My current diet is pretty much strict keto and not hard at all. I totally agree that the tool is there, we just have to use it and not eat around it. I'm so happy that I caught myself before I regained much more, but I can also totally see how I might have undone much more hard work. I wish you all the very very best with your new loss. I suspect you'll greet every milestone with just as much joy as you did originally.

In dmv Kaiser has various phases post op for sleeve - they allow coffee & carbonated drinks 6 weeks post op for example protein is always prioritized but how is left to the patient

Lately by ovaries and uterus have been trying to kill me so I’ve been nauseous and in SO much pain. They’re being evicted soon so 🤷‍♀️ hopefully I’ll have relief. Like today I had a protein shake (maybe?), a large frozen coffee, 1/3 of a gas station pizza thing (like a calzone but honestly awful), a grape gummy, and 1/2 a serving of spicy carbonara ramen.

I thought I was the only one who turned into a ravenous hungry bear during that time of the month! I allow myself to eat more and I do not feel bad about it. I eat more protein and nut butters by the spoonful. I also workout a lot so I don't care. If a lady wants to eat then i shall eat. 😂

Thank you. I understand the reasoning for it, it just threw me off when she said it was forever. I even had to ask because I thought I misunderstood her, but nope, she confirmed they’re asking us to avoid the 4 c’s of drinking and to eat deconstructed, protein first. That makes perfect sense to follow the plan while losing and hopefully through that time, build a better relationship with food and learn to choose healthier options along the way. I appreciate the feedback and advice.

Things I’ve eaten: This beautiful egg sandwich with bacon, cheese and spicy mayo between perfectly toasted buttery brioche bread. I picked it up early in the morning but decided I didn’t want to eat it when I got home. Later at night fixed myself half of it with ketchup: A couple of bites in I decided I didn’t feel like eating the bread so picked out the bread and ate the insides of the entire sandwich. Here’s an after of the unfortunate bread (it was so good but too rich and filling): The next day I made 2 ribbon eggs with shallots, feta and pepper flakes. Ate it all with one protein toast (who dis? The secret is taking one whole hour to eat it and eating soooo slowly) also it was after a strenuous hour of exercise ha!

So I get very very very hungry right before my period and the first few days of my cycle. It is so intense that I feel that there is a hole in my stomach where the food disappears 10 minutes after I’ve eaten. It is so weird and I have never experienced this pre WLS. I have clocked 1750 calories for 4 days straight and a whopping 120 grams of protein because I can’t seem to get full. Then I just lose interest in eating for the rest of my cycle, anyone else experience this? Things I’ve eaten the past few days: Galore of burgers. Double smashed cheeseburgers, a classic burger, and a spicy crispy chicken burger. Maple buffalo shrimps Up close and personal on the spicy chicken burger. So hubby was quite taken aback at how much I ordered (knowing he’ll have to eat most of it, teaser: he did) I got excited to try everything (teaser: I didn’t). I hade around 3/4 of one half of the smash cheeseburger, and a bite of the spicy chicken burger which was soooo good but then I felt so sick and regretted eating that. Hubby ate most of the shrimps, his whole burger and my half. The rest was put in the fridge. There was also a large portion of fries which I didn’t taste.

Not that uncommon and comparatively not more strict. There are variations between surgeons and surgeries with many of these things. Sometimes it’s also related to you, your health, how much weight you have to lose, your relationship with food, etc, Not being allowed carbonated drinks is common. The differences arise in length of time of this avoidance and then whether you can tolerate it. Also you may be allowed sparkling water that you let go flat a bit but not sodas. Same with alcohol avoidance but there are three main reasons often behind this. One is concern for addiction transfer which can occur after weight loss surgery. Secondly, alcohol is calorie dense and offers no nutrients which are vital while we are losing and eating small portions and lastly it will slow your metabolism & dehydrate you. Again some surgeons just put a time frame on it but it does depend on your surgery too. Caffeine is another thing that is allowed by some surgeons and not by others and again there can be differences in for how long you should avoid it. Deconstructing meals is not a forever thing. Certainly while losing, focussing on eating the protein component of your meal first is very important. If you are able after you’ve eaten the protein in your meal. you then can eat your vegetables then any carbs you are allowed. (There were many times I could only eat my protein at a meal and nothing else.) This is because of the small portions we can eat initially & the necessity of getting that protein in to meet your protein goals. It does make tracking your food much easier too. When you near your goal, and are eating larger portions, it’s not as important to eat your protein first but you must continue to hit your protein goals forever so it will be something of which you are aware when you’re eating. In saying that I often ate soups, stews & casserole type dishes, omelettes, etc. which combined protein & vegetables while losing but not every meal and not every day. Actually not allowing protein shakes is also not uncommon. For example, in the UK, many aren’t allowed protein shakes in the pre surgery diet (they drink milk instead). Protein shakes aren’t the sole source of protein & nutrients in that first stage after surgery. Bone broths, consommés and cream soups are also options. Thank goodness too because after surgery those protein shakes can be disgusting. I found them unpleasantly grainy and crazy sweet & struggled to drink one a day. Best advice is to follow your plan while you are losing.However, if you find it difficult to tolerate your food options or to reach your goals ask for alternatives that will allow you to still meet protein goals & other nutrient requirements within any calorie guidelines you are given. How and what you eat once your weight has stabilised is up to you, what you’ve learnt about your eating and relationship with food and if it allows you to maintain a lower and healthier weight & lifestyle.

Hello - for anyone who has gone through the northern California Kaiser bariatric program, how are you handling the diet post op? It is very strict, not allowing any protein shakes, carbonated drinks, caffeine and alcohol. We’re also taught that we have to eat our meals deconstructed, eating all the protein first before anything else. I’ve asked the nutritionist if this was forever and she said yes it is. I keep, however, seeing videos and post from other people who have coffee daily and who make meals like for example, the ricotta cheese bites where everything is mixed in a small muffin pan. I understand different programs do things differently, it’s just strange to me because it’s the same surgery everywhere. Thoughts? Experiences?

Do you like seafood? I mean have you tried it post surgery. I didn’t like it presurgery. Would occasionally have a little Mahi just because I knew it was good for me but never really liked it. Post surgery I usually eat seafood at least twice a week, I also have things with ground turkey such as a Mexican skillet, meatballs or turkey taco filling (I just do the meat and toppings without the taco shell or the lettuce). The lettuce would be fine of course but it just takes up valuable room. I also do things with lean beef such as chili. I will also do a “pasta” dish once a week which is either the ricotta bake which I make with a protein and veggies added, zucchini noodles with fresh basil pesto, or a low carb Italian bake that I found the recipe for online although I make mine with turkey sausage to cut the fat a bit. There are quite a few bariatric recipe sites that have some great recipes. I did like 3 weeks of all different recipes. You can also do like a white chicken chili or southwest chicken with peppers and onions. Just so your don’t have to eat just plain chicken nuggets. If you don’t love to cook the southwest chicken and the chicken chili are recipes from seasoning packets so they are fairly simple if you have a Walmart the southwest ranch is a street taco seasoning from McCormick and the white chicken chili seasoning is by McCormick as well. Those two and the McCormick tex Mex chili are three of my favorite meals that are relatively simple and the chili Freezes well so I have been doing a double batch and then use my souper cubes to freeze single servings. The chili does have healthy carbs though so of course be mindful of that. I am allowed some carbs because I’m pretty active but I still budget for them by doing pretty low carb for breakfast and lunch on days I know the plan is chili is for diner.

I took all my meds today and kept them down… I didn’t hit my protein I think I was like 10 g shy but today was the only day I haven’t hit my protein goal

Thank you so much. For the detailed repsonse i am indeed fed up of nuggets and shrimps which’s what my diet is predominantly composed of not bec of any indigestion but the restriction of the sleeve and my no interest I. Cooking I don’t like Greek yogurt. would love trying oatmeal but thought that would be too high carb frutis fill me fast at the cost of protein and fluids soups sound divine and recipes would be welcome ideas to diversify proteins beyond baked chicken and nuggets would also be very very appreciated

It’s great to hear about the positive changes you’ve experienced since switching to a plant-based diet! Staying hydrated through water-rich vegetables like cucumbers is a fantastic benefit. Craving cucumbers and apple cider vinegar also shows your body might be responding well to these healthy foods. It’s interesting that after hitting your goal, fresh fruits and vegetables have become more appealing. Surgery and lifestyle changes can sometimes alter taste preferences, making healthier options more satisfying. Does anyone else have similar experiences with cravings or new food preferences post-surgery?

Thanks everyone for the replies. I do absolutely think my skeleton is adjusting itself! I can tell when I am walking that things have definitely shifted and my balance has changed. I hadn’t considered this before, but it does feel almost like my bones are adjusting themselves. I do have a check-in with my surgeon soon and will go over what I’m experiencing. We’ll see what she says. I’ve also added in a small banana into my morning routine. I think both the carbs and the potassium are helping. I was sometimes getting leg cramps, which can be a sign on dehydration or lack of potassium. I'm really good at watching my protein, but not as good at making sure I’m getting much for carbs. I’m doing better this week with it. I do think my total carbs were wayyyy too low.

Wow girlie this looks good! I wanted some ideas to do something with cantaloupes that was different! Almost 6 months out and some days I do not feel like eating and I don't. I no longer force food down some days I can fast all day for multiple days at a time, some days it's just protein shakes. This I will try soon! Without the food noise I can now listen to my body!

Did you tell your team about the changes in your stool. It sounds like they are trying to help with the nausea and the constipation but that sounds like something they should be aware of. Especially if it’s more than once. It could be something simple like one of the meds you are taking causing it but the doctor will know. If you are able to eat some foods, what about high protein yogurts or unflavored protein powder added to things? Also, if you are not getting enough fluids it could actually be causing your nausea. It’s sort of a catch 22. The more nausea you feel the less you drink but the more dehydrated you get the more nauseous. Do you have other signs of dehydration like darker urine? And have to talked to the Doctor or NP or just the front desk. Maybe schedule an appointment if not and just be sure that the medical team is getting all of the details because sometimes when trying to type it out in an email or whatever things get left out. It’s okay to be the squeaky wheel right now, you are struggling. Their job is not just to chop you up and put your back together. It’s to get you through the healing process too. That includes getting you back to being able to eat and function normally. You will get there. ❤️

HI all, The surgery itself went well, the GERD is gone and my hiatal hernia has been repaired, however, I am dealing with terrible constipation (so much pain!), stomach cramps, and nausea (especially when trying to drink protein drinks or any zero sugar drinks). My surgeon has me on stool softeners, Miralax, and Smooth move tea, and Zofran for the nausea to help me to drink and consume more protein (they say I am in protein deficiency). They also want to get me an IV infusion to up my fluids intake with the hopes that will also help with the constipation. Mostly I'm just mentally and physically exhausted from it all. I know it will all be OK and a resolution will come eventually (whether it's a few weeks or months though is why I'm kind of worried about it all), but in the meantime I am at my job and uncomfortable sitting in my desk chair, feeling like I'm cheating my time because of how much I spend in the ladies room, and so close to a breaking point (there are other work issues) that I just want to quit so I can stay at home and convalesce in bed with my pets for a few more years. LOL I have lost a few pounds, which is a bonus (SW 286, last weigh-in was Sept 17 and I was 279, I think I'm probably below 275 at this point) since the surgery wasn't to lose weight but to fix the acid reflux issue. But I kind of feel like I just traded one problem (GERD) for another (constipation) and it's really dragging me down mentally. I hope everyone here is doing well and not dealing with any major issues post-surgery! Christine