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I am at the 6 month mark and my hair started to thin out at month 5. Currently its getting worse lol. and i am a guy with very short hair so its very noticeable now. So i bought me one of these hats to wear at work hahaha. Its funny and my customers love it. Hair always grows back (well except for old age lol) Shall see how it is in the next few months. I have my 6 month follow up in 2 weeks and i get my blood tests done on Monday for vitamins, CBC and a lipid panel. Kinda curious to see what my cholesterol levels are at because they were very high before surgery.

Glad it is going well. Doing okay. I seem to have hit a stall this week, but I also started doing workouts this week. Hoping I will bump over this hump. I have monkfruit sweetner, may have to give it a try. My biggest issue is water right now. No issues with the protein. Jennifer

Congrats on getting your surgery date! If you’re anything like me, it feels like the process drags on forever until you get to a few weeks before surgery and then it feels like it snuck up on you soooo quickly.

So I’ve been having back pain since last week- sciatica I think. I went to urgent care and they gave me injections which did nothing but it’s been a week so it is starting to heal on its own. Yesterday was my annual physical so I figured I would go ahead and ask about it. I asked what I am supposed to do next time this happens in terms of pain management since tylenol doesn’t do anything for me and the first day or two it’s pretty painful. He started acting all weird immediately. Avoiding the Pain medicine part completely. He did an exam, wrote a script for lidocaine patches, a referral for physical therapy and an order for an X-ray. I said nothing gonna show up on an X-ray is it? He said no you probably need an MRI but we have to do this first cause of insurance. But The whole time he just kept saying okay okay okay with one foot already out the door and never would talk about pain rx. I said I understand there are risks of addiction and transfer addiction and all that but there has to be a responsible way to treat my pain, right? I wasn’t looking for anything then, just the reassurance that if I do need it that my doctor will help me. Again, he just avoided the issue entirely. Frustrated, I took my stack of referrals to the front desk and she said he wanted to see me back. I asked if I could see a different doctor next time because I don’t feel like this doctor really listens to me. She said she would have to call me to set that up. When I got to the parking lot I called my surgeons office. I asked the nurse do I need to just see a pain management doctor or something? She said that the pain management doctor would probably ask for an MRI too and it wouldn’t hurt to find out if it’s something chronic since if it is pain medication long term can’t be the answer anyways. That made sense so I went and got the X ray. When I called to ask about my appointment she said that the other doctor refuses to see me. I said I was confused and asked why she wouldn’t answer and gave me the number for the office manager. This morning I finally got through to him and he says he has to call the dr and see what’s going on. in the meantime my X-ray results had come back and the nurse called me. Basically said one thing was from normal aging and another thing was cause my back was in spasm when they took the film. I said maybe cause I was in pain lying on that table she said most likely. Then I said well what is the next step. She was going back and forth with him and he said physical therapy. I said well yesterday you said I needed MRI and maybe surgery or ablation. He says no you don’t need that yet you need to do physical therapy. I said well the radiologist report says they recommend it too. He basically says well I’m the doctor. I just keep thinking that if I have a MRI in another week or two, this episode will be healed and nothing will show and I will just be wasting tons of money. Frustrated again I said okay thanks and got off the phone. I’m guessing he is ticked off cause I want to see a different doctor and I have no clue what he told the other doctor to make them not want to see me but The only thing I can think of is that he got the impression I was just trying to abuse drugs?? Or am I crazy. That’s the only thing that makes sense right? I mean we also talked about my cholesterol and I asked about my hormones so he ordered a lab and referred me to an endocrinologist but that can’t be it. I thought they can check under your social and make sure you’re not doing anything wrong. If they did they would see pain meds one time in like the past five years. Post surgery and I didn’t even need them. I am so confused and frustrated. I feel like now I am stuck in limbo. I tried calling a new dr and they are sending paperwork but can’t see me till December. My back is gonna be fine soon I’m sure. This time. But I need to have a doctor if this happens again or if something else happens. And I sorta want another opinion as to whether I really do need an MRI. I mean of course I don’t want to throw away money if I don’t need it but he said yesterday I needed it and then the radiologist said same thing. I don’t even know what anyone can say about this mess. I just needed to vent I guess. I am mostly just really really afraid that I am going to be in severe pain and end up in the ER cause no one else will help me. That’s gonna get really expensive really quick. Especially if this is a chronic issue. I actually called my old doctor just now and they are gonna get me in Tuesday. Now I am just worried about how to explain why I am switching doctors without them assuming the same thing about me. This is a nightmare.

My surgeon said no to coffee while healing due to the acidity that could hinder healing. I’m only in my second week post-op but plan on having coffee as soon as it’s safe to do so! Hope you enjoyed your time with friends and hopefully it went well! adding: I am a black coffee kinda girl:)

Programs will vary all over the place depending upon their experiences, convenience and tolerance for potential minor complications. Our program, for example, allowed us most everything liquid, mushy or soft for the first month, and we could switch between them and experiment depending upon our personal tolerances - if something didn't settle quite right, go back to what did and try that food again in a week or two. Some programs may prefer to keep their patients all on one track based on the most problematic patients (lowest common denominator) to avoid hassles and calls to their staff.

in addition to what kcuster83 said (which I agree with), stomachs don't "churn" nearly as much after surgery than they did before....so it's doubly important to chew things really well before swallowing. So that could be another factor (although I agree with the dryness of chicken - lots of people have issues with chicken the first few weeks or months because of that)

Exactly this. There are unfortunately no standards at all when it comes to pre and post bariatric surgery diets. I found this incredibly frustrating early on as it makes it seem like it's not science, but guess work. On reflection, I suspect it has more to do with how long a particular program has been doing bariatric surgery and the experiences of their patients over that time. Most teams probably only update their plans rarely. Some may still be clinging to recommendations that were more common a long time ago. Also, some doctors are just more conservative than others. Anyway, whatever the reason, every bariatric program is free to design their own plans. Some are very strict, and some not so much. When I asked my team about this, I was specifically told to ignore what other programs were doing. They designed their plan around the outcomes that work for them. In terms of conflicting advice between your written plan and what you were told, I agree it's best to ask. I had this happen a few times, but I always asked about it and was given a reason why they wanted me to deviate. For example, at my 2 week post-op visit, I was told I could progress faster than the written plan. This was specifically done for me because I was healing well and had no nausea.

I had mine on the 11th. Things went pretty darn well and I was sent home the next day. I think I had 3 of my pain pills (including in the hospital). I only took 1/2 pills... I do not need to plug myself up and I don't want an oxy addiction. I, too, have moments where I kind of forget that I had surgery, it's weird. I'm on full liquids right now and am able to meet my goal of 64oz a few days, but never my protein goal. I'm allowed to try some very thin puree, but haven't yet. I want to and I don't want to. Broth and water have been my friend. I made a HUGE batch of bone broth and have that at least twice a day. Sometimes I put protein in that, but my tummy can tell when I do. I put some spices in it today and then had kind of a freak out moment because - what if a spice gets stuck in a healing staple wound?! I get panicked sometimes about little things like that. I'm able to take a mouthful of water and break it down into about 4-5 swallows, which helps with my intake (sip, sip, sipping is hard). I've been moving and walking, but every day is a little different. Some days my energy levels are good, and others I'm a bit more tired. I had one poo like 3 or so days out, but it was very little, and nothing since even though I've taken stool softeners, magnesium, and magnesium powder. Today I tried some milk of magnesia in hopes that I will go tomorrow. That's my 1-week wrap up! LOL. Hope you are all doing well. And for those of you still on the docket for surgery - best wishes!

I talked with my pharmacist and told her of my surgery and sleeping struggles. She recommended I can take melatonin . I found these that are 3mg. A recommended dose can be from 5 to 10 mg. Si day one I tried just one 3mg. I slept ok. But still struggled a bit next day I tried two 3mg. And was great. Just to see I tried three 3 mg the following day and wes lights out quickly. Awesome! So I found that for me 2 or 3 work great. I try to keep it at two but I have the option of three. So I would ask your pharmacist and see what they would recommend. I also if woke up at night have a small glass of warm milk. And nighty night.

Just a little update. Got my surgery scheduled for 11/30. I asked for refresh on the diet and am signed up for a couple of classes and online groups with other patients and dietician. Having really horrible GERD this month, I have vomited like 3 times this week from it. I’m so looking forward to the relief.

How very glad to hear you're still doing great and almost there to your goal. I have kinda stalled for the last 2 months or so. But it's also cuz I have been travelling and wasn't following the plan to the T. I do want to lose another 10 or 15. Let's see if I make it. I am kinda happy with 120 but a bit wary of the 10-20 pounds bounce that can happen in year 2 or 3. Hence, I want to make myself steady around 105 or so, so even if I were to gain a little, I'll be alright.

Hello lovely people. So im confused on how every forum including my own surgeons says all different times to start things after surgery. Some day week 1-2 u can have mashed pot some say no only creamed soups some say yogurts some say You can have some normal food at week 3 please tell me what you all did or are doing . My nutritionist even is saying different then what was on post op papers . I don’t want to mess this up but if I can attempt different things that won’t affect me and is “allowed” I sorta want to. Pre weight 210 surgery Oct 12/22 weight 199 Current weight 187

my sense of taste intensified for awhile after surgery - sweet things tasted sweeter, spicy things tasted spicier. I haven't noticed that in a long time, though - not sure if it went away or if I just got used to it. But to answer your question, I don't remember being bothered by non-hot spices, like cinnamon. It was more the hot ones. Like hot peppers in various Asian dishes. I can eat them again now, but for a few weeks or months, they were too hot for me.

Hi! From my understanding my surgeon has a 1 week pre-op liquid diet, so I'll start it right after the first of the year.

Week 2 finally over and saw my dietician today. Woo hoo puried. We went to olive garden after for lunch and I asked them if they could puree my soup and the kitchen said yes. It was delicious.

I had surgery on a Wednesday and was back at work on Monday. I have a desk job so that part was fine. I didn't struggle much other than being tired by the end of the day. A week off to rest and heal would have been nice but going back 5 days post op was completely doable for me. Sent from my SM-F926U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I totally get your worries too - I have also been eating noticeably more in the last few weeks because I am hungrier, and I am fearful that it will just keep increasing and increasing until I'm back to eating too much of the wrong foods again and regaining everything. That's my big fear. And it does happen to some people who did really well post op. I think all we can do is keep tracking, keep observing the effects of a higher calorie intake on our bodies and try and get help early if eating does actually get out of hand again. There's lots of help here, and you should be able to ask your surgeon/dietician too. I really hope that you lose those final 20lbs, you have done so well it would be lovely to get where you really want to be. But even if you don't I hope you're fine in the long term and happy with all you've achieved - it's amazing.

I tried some creamy blended soup, but I got bad gas pain and bloating from it. It was Panera broccoli and cheese (blended to make sure no solids and watered down a little). Only had about 2 oz. Going to try a different one and see if that helps. Sugar free Jello makes me break out. So I am surviving on protein shakes and water. Which isn't awful because I'm one of the ones that have 0 hunger post op. I feel like I could never eat again and be ok. Which is great in some ways but also means I feel full whenever I try to drink anything. I'm looking forward to pureed/soft because I am craving normalcy. Sitting at a table with the family and taking a bite of something. I am dreading the 3 week stall, but I am happy to be on the road to a more normal diet pattern.

I had my revision done with the same person so the diet was exactly the same post op. Bonus was I only had a 1 week liquid diet instead of 2. I don’t feel restricted or get full cues so I have to weigh every single thing so I don’t over eat. Because I definitely have got sick/dry heaves when I was lazy and didn’t weigh.

I too have been struggling with similar issues over the last two weeks. I’ve gotten away from logging my food into the Baritastic App, I’m not drinking enough fluids, and I’m definitely not hitting my protein goals most days. I also have found myself snacking on foods that I would’ve chosen pre-surgery and I really need to nip that in the bud. I think that it’s no coincidence that they harp on fluid and protein intake when you’re in the pre-op phase. I really think those two things are key for successful and sustainable weight loss post surgery.

I know this is hard to read and even harder to hear, but one of the worst things you can do is compare yourself to others (I am no different and have been having this problem for the last few weeks myself). You’re the only you and there is no one else like you that has your exact situation, weight, metabolism, etc. Just try to stay focused with your post op and doing the best you can. That’s all any of us can do.

First, congratulations on your surgery. Secondly, it’s okay not to be ticking all the boxes in the first couple of weeks. As long as you are making an effort & you are getting closer it’s okay. You’ll find some days are easy & otherwise more of a struggle. Your shakes, broths etc. all count towards your fluid intake and I used to dilute my shakes (doubled the water) to dilute the flavour & to up my fluid intake. Used to sip on them for a couple of hours or until finished. Also added a little more water to the soups & broths too. If you’re worried about your protein intake you can also add some additional protein powder to your shake & swapping in protein water for drinking water will help too. I embraced my dislike for sweet & used it to withdraw myself from sweet tasting foods & drinks. Once onto purees & more solid foods, you’ll likely find other foods, even old favourites, smell or taste bad too for a while. It passes. Vitamins can be a challenge. The taste, difficulty swallowing them, nausea, etc. I took capsules which were easier to swallow (once my swelling reduced around day 4). Some surgeons are strict on when you can begin swallowing meds & recommend chews or patches. So it can be a bit of trial & error to find the right ones for you. Expensive too.

My endoscopy was yesterday. A piece of cake! The hardest part was the IV, my veins like to hide! Nurse suggested for the actual surgery I ask for ultrasound IV help as I/we'll have 2 IV's.. The did find a hiatal hernia :( but i think everything else looked good. Will know more next week at follow-up.. Good luck on your journey!

Day 2 post op vsg in Turkey. 5 day hospital stay. My first night was horrendous. I was nauseated and threw up three times. Since my stomach was empty it was just post surgery foam. But man that hurts. Today I was up and walking my post gas pains aren't too bad. I managed a bowel movement which helps get the gas moving. I've never been so happy to fart. I was allowed a little water today but am still on IV and I have a drain connected to my largest incision. I was told this is to monitor leakage. It should be removed tomorrow as long as my 2nd leak test is cleared. Pain has been manageable but I did ask for some relief in the evening as the getting up to walk every hour had caught up to me. I'm not sure if it was the pain medicine, antibiotics or anti nausea medicine injected into the iv that I could suddenly taste but it was such a weird experience. Luckily swallowing was no issue. So im hoping it's uphill from here, though I'll be curious if I also will have some gastro issues from my first "food".