Search the Community

I wish you the very best in this difficult part of your journey. Remember to not eat at least 2 hours before lying down for bed, and stay away from spicy foods. I have found that taking 2Tbsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar every morning has helped to the point to where I don't need Prilosec anymore. I have been taking it for about 6 weeks now. Maybe it could help lessen your symptoms. Also, you don't need to do a keto diet to start losing weight. You just need to let go of the soft drinks and junk food/processed food/fast food. That should help you. Try to get some lean protein and veggies each meal followed up by some healthy snacks. I like to make my own P3 snacks, like raw almonds, Monterey jack cheese, and turkey slices. If you really want to get the weight back off, you are going to have to change your lifestyle and relationship with food back to something more healthy and balanced. Not an easy thing to do, especially with the added stress of school. You can do it though. Just take it 1 day at a time. If you still have your restriction, your tool can still help you. I hope that you are able to solve these problems without the need for another surgery. I believe that you can do it.

I see your point. And I agree. UNLESS someone is Keto. Then they advocate something crazy like 65% fat and like 100 grams of protein. No way someone even a couple years post op could even get enough calories for that! My point is don't be too afraid of fat. A lot of times, healthy fat and protein go hand in hand, and you can get more bang for your buck with things like nuts. But I definitely agree it shouldn't be the main percentage of your macros.

The problem with keto as it was explained to my by my physician was the fact mpact on the liver can be bad and cause damage. So while you can adopt much of the keto principals going full keto was a going to be a problem if it was done for an extended period of time. It also worked for me in years pre op period but so did the diet that my dietitian had me on at the end.

You're eating less than 500 very low carb calories a day. That, in itself, will cause a little weight loss in 6 days. But the bulk of what you've lost is likely water. Because of your low carbs, you are stripping your liver of all the glucose stored there...so it shrinks. (Which is really nice, because there is a little more room for the surgeon to work with the liver reduced) As the glucose in the liver is used, a lot of water is expelled, too. This "instant significant weight loss" when we mostly eliminate carbs from our diets....is why people are so delighted when they go on a Keto diet and instantly lose weight and inches around their waists. But they're not losing fat....they're just losing their emergency glucose and the water it's stored in, and just shrinking their livers. Your loss is normal and I wouldn't worry about it. Keep following your team's instructions.

Welcome to ketosis. Stronger body odour, bad breath, smelly urine, etc. are renowned side effects of ketosis. It’s like all our natural body secretions suddenly reek. We want to be burning fat but it’s a shame the side effect can be quite offensive. Regularly apply deodorants, pop breath fresheners, shower more regularly. I purchased some body wipe towelettes so I could freshen up a little in the toilet at work. https://hip2keto.com/tips/keto-common-side-effects-smell/

Stopping ketosis? Yes and no, depending upon how one defines it. As far dropping ketones that are detectable in a urine test, that is a normal result of burning off your fat stores - which is what we are trying to do - irrespective what diet is used. All it takes is a suitable caloric deficit, so that is pretty much unavoidable if you are losing the weight that you want to lose. If one is aiming for high numbers or pretty colors on a keto stick, and gushes about how the bad breath and body odors that they are getting is a sign of burning fat, then no, that is not at all necessary. I followed a very strict "no fad diet" regimen - no Atkins, Ornish, Paleo, South Beach, Zone, Keto, etc., and had to work to stop the loss when I approached goal weight. I quite specifically avoided symptomatic ketosis (along with other classic low carb diet symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy, brain fade, hypoglycemia, etc.) by maintaining as balanced a diet as reasonably possible within our post bariatric protein and low calorie requirements, though ketones were detectable in the normal urine tests - that is normal when metabolizing the fat. One does not need to go overboard on consuming excess fats to drive one into ketosis - that is just part of the keto fad and has nothing to do with burning your fat stores in losing weight. The protein in your urine may just be a passing thing (no pun intended...) or may be indicative of something else. I have often passed detectable amounts of protein in my urine, even well before WLS, but that's just me. It can be a sign of possible kidney problems, or maybe not - it is something that we monitor. Our post bariatric diets are not so much high protein, as they are adequate protein bur low on everything else; in a year or two when you are much lighter and maintaining your weight, your protein levels should be about the same as they are now, but everything else will be higher to fill out the extra calories that you need to maintain, and to provide the nutrition that you need. If you look at bariatrics historically, you find that dietary style (low fat, low carb, keto, paleo, etc.) makes very little difference to overall weight loss, as that is primarily determined by the caloric deficit created by eating so little for that first year or so. Indeed, if you look back 20-30 years ago, patients were often advised to "eat like you always have, just less...." and it worked. Of course, what didn't work was them maintaining the loss as they never learned to eat sustainably to maintain their weight. So, it is entirely reasonable to eat a basically healthy diet that, for a time, is protein biased (we can supplement most everything else) and not worry about whatever the fad diet of the day happens to be - eat with an eye towards how you should be eating five years from now. Those who follow the fad diets have the same problem that non-WLS dieters have - learning how to eat sustainably once they have lost the weight and no long have to "diet".

Is anyone familiar with the Keto diet? Is it good or bad for bariatric sleeve surgery?

@@Cervidae I got a dog. It has helped me so much with my stress and isolation from living and working alone. The dog is the best comfort available. I realize everyone can't afford or wants to take care of a dog. I comfort myself right now by shopping. It isn't always about purchasing items, it is more about trying on clothes, seeing what I can wear and also seeing myself in a different environment. Even though there are mirrors and full length mirrors all over my house, I find that I can see my changes better outside the house and trying on entirely new clothes. That helps me stick to plan and also validates my struggles with head hunger. Doing your nails, deep conditioning your hair. Okay on to food. Comforting myself with food, is something I worked through before surgery, before I even considered surgery. I gave up sugar, I gave up alcohol. I learned to work through my problems and I always removed a lot of stress from my life. Now to be real, I Keto. That is more comforting than most diets. Fats satisfy a lot of needs. Low carb and low fat is just fail to me, and it doesn't seem to satisfy anything. So I have healthy fats, very few carbs and meet my Protein goals. That is satisfying and comforting to me every day. My food is high quality and delicious. I had filet mignon for almost a week straight, at 4 oz at a time, it is affordable yet still decadent.Totally on plan, totally delicious. I am savory kind of person. I would rather have fried chicken or fried fish than chocolate or any kind of sweet. That being said, it is kind of easier to get "treat" like foods that are sweets since most people are sugar fiends. I think that if sweets are your trigger then you should be really careful. I can eat these items and not care about them. They are mainly convenience more than comfort. Protein Brownies. Looking they are protein brownies and they taste like protein brownies, but they do taste good. They also aren't cheap, so you might not want one every day. Found on instagram, a real life saver, added bonus, they are moderately filling. http://www.eatmeguiltfree.com/ Protein Peanut Butter The chocolate is delicious. https://wildfriendsfoods.com/protein_plus/ Quest Bars Low carb cheesecake (just google a recipe. I get these at Trader Joes for $1.99 or 2.99 a bar, I forget the price. cheaper than Lily's I have one square at a time as a snack http://www.amazon.com/Simply-Lite-Chocolate-Cacao-3-Ounce/dp/B0049UDYHI These from trader joe's, fi you are going to buy them, weigh/measure out all the servings and put them in individual baggies as soon as you get it home. Only take one serving at a time. The calories are high per serving for those of us on 1000 calories or so a day so plan accordingly. I stopped buying them because they aren't worth the calories to me, but they aren't a terrible option. http://i.imgur.com/jWCaYT1.jpg Again I am going to state I can eat this things because sweets are not a trigger for me. If they are for you, don't do it. Food though is fuel, not a comfort device. We all need to work past seeing food as a comfort. It doesn't even work post surgery at least for me. Being full is super uncomfortable, it isn't soothing, it doesn't make me numb or sleepy, just miserable. Cooking a complicated keto or paleo recipe is soothing to me. It takes me out of my own thoughts and I have to focus on what I am doing. I find that relaxing. Recipe sites.. http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/ http://www.ruled.me/ http://cavemanketo.com/ https://ketodietapp.com/Blog I am not familiar with what RNY people can eat so if all of these are things you can't tolerate. I'm sorry.

Making sure you get enough water and magnesium helps with keto stink. Epsom salt baths or foot soaks are a relaxing way to get extra magnesium in.

I too have Hashimoto which makes it difficult to loose weight. I had the sleeve a little over 3 years ago and I've gained about 15 pounds back. It started when my medication and levels got out of whack! I've been struggling every since. I'm thinking of looking into the Keto diet. Don't know much about it. Thanks for sharing.

I have Hashimotos and I am eating LCHF or Keto. I am limiting my carbs to 30-35g daily and I feel like I am doing well. I don't crave carbs anymore at all. I eat about 1-2oz of veggies at lunch and dinner and it seems to be enough. I also take a probiotic and that has helped tremendously with keeping me regular.

I agree. At this point, you should be following your clinic's plan. There are WLS patients who do follow Keto, but they're quite a ways out from surgery. stalls are a very normal part of a weight loss journey. If you stick to your eating plan, they WILL break.

Keto is a little different than just low carb high protein because you are keeping a balanced ratio of fats, carbs and protein. The balance works better than a low fat or a low carb diet.

Hi there...a week shy of 5 months post op RNY....down almost 80lbs. I will admit I am not taking my vitamins, water or protein like I should. I know...what a dumb f**k I am. I know. But I have started to take my liquid vitamins and my protein but did bad with water this week leading me to be SO constipated from Monday to today. All in all everything cleared out and I thought I was okay but the last couple of days I've been feeli my a sort of nauseas feeling and almost like indigestion but not fully since RNY...almost like a thick grease feeling in my throat. This is after I made and had about 3 oz of home made pulled pork. Since I am losing regularly I've been eating a keto inspired diet (including steak and bacon) am I wrong for this? I am going to make an appointment with my doctor but I'm leaving for Disney in 1 week...shoukd I just take the rest of the proposed prescription? Is it all lack of water? Please help, I'm nervous and d ont really want to see my doctor and have him tell me I'm failing Thank you Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have been keeping up with several groups on Keto diet and there is information on intermittent fasting to promote weight loss. I have tried this ( fasting 16 hours a day and consuming all meals within 8 hours) but with the limited quantity I can eat at one meal, I have found that I can’t get all the calories in an 8 hour period. I don’t get hungry (a good thing) and will eat till “full” but I would have to eat every hour to get 1200 calories in 8 hours. This frustrates me because I know from past experiences that I go into starvation mode when my calories drop under 1000. Has anyone else tried intermittent fasting post sleeve?

I don't think surgery is a good option to lose 30 pounds so you made the right choice. check out https://www.reddit.com/r/keto/ you can probably drop that weight in a few months with keto, and keto is an easy way to eat for the rest of your life. Good luck.

I am an old timer. I was sleeved January of 2013. I am short at 5’2” and my sw was 205. My lowest weight was February 2014 at 112. I have been up and down since with my highest weight post surgery at 161. I’ve been doing Keto since 1/7/2019 and am back down to 142. I’d like to get down to 125-130. Keto has really helped with the cravings and I don’t worry about calories. I eat lots of eggs, meats, taco salad with lettuce, ground beef, sour cream, salsa, avocado, etc. I always feel full after eating. I also try to skip breakfast and not eat after dinner. Basically I try to do 18:6 fasting where I stop eating at 6:30pm and I don’t eat again until 12:30 the next day. This seems to be helping. I do drink coffee with heavy whipping cream.

Thanks, I am typically like that too. But for some reason I have not been having any trouble following this high Protein diet for 8 months now. I don't feel hungry and don't seem to be having the uncontrollable urges that I used to have. I also am very aware that I am addicted to food and can fall off the wagon at any time. (That is why I am constantly reading BariatricPal to keep me motivated and for the support.) I wish you well on your journey. Is Keto a special program?

I'm in the same boat right now. I have 2 more nutrition visits, and should be able to schedule surgery in December or January . . . BUT, I just started Keto. Cleaned sugar and carbs OUT of my house and my life. Made the decision, and realized that sugar was poison to me. I lost almost 10lbs the first week, and the weight loss has slowed down a little. I'm giving myself until December 15th to make the decision. If I'm still losing, and haven't been cheating, then I will postpone. My insurance doesn't reset until June 30, 2016 . . so I have until then for my deductible. I talked to my cousin, and asked her (she's on Keto, and had the sleeve 2 years ago) if she was me, would she have the surgery - she said YES! For her, (and for me typically), we are all gung ho on the diets for a month or two, then we fall off the wagon. I will most likely still do it, but I'm not going to rush my decision.

Like @@LipstickLady losing weight was not the issue. The issue was doing it without feeling deprived, and keeping it off, both seemed impossible. Ultimately no one has to live in your skin but you and it is your decision. I will just share my experience. I am a good ketoer/lowcarber. I like it, I enjoy it, I can live it. I got a sugar free, clean eating lifestyle together long before surgery. I still struggled with portion sizes. Always. I'm a workaholic. I will work all day and forget to eat, then grind through a lot of calories. Surgery has allowed me to continue my keto lifestyle, and made it effortless. I have no hunger, I can easily eat correct portions (in spite of people thinking we eat very little, when it comes to Protein we are eat the normal amounts most of the time, portion sizes are out of control). food doesn't rule my life. I feel like I have a lot of food freedom, even with a "restricted" diet. Since you have already lost weight and seem to have your food under control you are going to be successful than most people. Just search here for all the people asking when they can eat xyz, and those are the people that are going to regain. Most people are not in the right head space for surgery, if you just had 80-90% of your stomach removed and your biggest concern is when you can get a kitkat or a slice of pizza, your long term success seems unlikely. You are ahead of the curve! You are really ready for surgery. Today is the youngest you are ever going to be in life. If you delay and have to go down this road again, you are only going to be worse off. Also a lot of us don't have issues. We just don't post everyday how great it is not to have a lot of the issues other people have because it seems rude. No one really wants to read how awesome someone else is doing when they are miserable.

I’ve told my boss bc I was just out on a 6 wk leave for shoulder surgery... and I need to take a few hrs off of work here and there for dr appts to get the wls approved thru insurance. I told my mom, (she’s a nurse too) who will help me thru the process... and lastly I told my sister and BIL. My sister is skinny and very weight conscience. She works out, eats healthy, etc. I wouldn’t be able to hide my restricted eating, having surgery, and all that comes with it. We are close so it’s nice to have my sister and mom to support me and talk about it with. Other than that, I’m telling NO ONE. I’m fortunately working from home thru Sept and I should have my surgery (Est July) before. People at work, family I bump into will get the...”I’ve been eating healthy, cut my portions way back, and exercising”... that’s all they need to know. If they want more specifics, “ then add high protein, low carb, no sugar... say it’s Keto”... that’s not even a lie. It’s no ones business. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. It’s your journey!

Same. I had my surgery in October. I told 4 people close to me because I didn't want to be known to the rest of the world as the girl that had the weight loss surgery. A friend that had the surgery said that she felt that way and wished she hadn't shared it with others. I'm a pretty private person, so her comments stuck with me. As I've been losing weight and people ask what I'm doing, I just tell them I'm doing keto. The bariatric diet is high in protein and low in carbs, so the diet they see me eating reflects that. Also, I don't feel like I'm lying because I am basically doing keto. Everyone has their own path- just do what's best for you!

If you don’t want to tell them about having surgery you could say you had hernia/gallbladder surgery and then started the keto diet? People usually lose weight fast on keto too and it’s a fad right now

I am almost 3 months out. My doctor has a food plan of introducing all proteins at 4 weeks, start vegetables at 2 months, potatoes (all varieties) at 4 months, fruits at 6 months and all foods at 1 year. The nutritionist said try some fruits at 2 months as they may be easier to digest vs vegetables however be aware of carbs/sugars etc. A lot of others post here about potatoes and oatmeal a few weeks after surgery. So far all is well but I feel like I am not getting natural vitamin sources with such a limited diet. I do take calcium and bariatric multivitamin. I'm in a rut and stick to a premier shake, yogurt, some meat (protein, tuna, egg) and some limited vegetables like carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. Is anyone else trying chia seeds? ground flax? fruits this early post op? I asked about nuts and the nutritionist said to try it slowly. When I look at Keto recipes they have a lot of foods I have not tried yet. I am feeling a little overwhelmed so I just stick with my basic foods. I have lost an average of 3 pounds per week form month 2-3 on 600 calories and started at a BMI of 35 so I think I may be losing too fast (I never thought that would be a concern). Any tips?

5-7 bites of even seemingly Healthy food can relate into a ton of Carbs. Condiments are another area that you really have to watch as well. My Best Friend is the Nutrition Label and so many times people neglect multiplying by the true serving size. I would in the past ridicule the Low Carb Keto lifestyle but the last 9 months and 200 pound loss has shown me that for me it works. Good Luck In your Weight loss Journey.