Search the Community

Greetings Everyone, Im at my wits end!!!! I feel horrible my nose keeps running and my head feels like it's about to explode. Im scared to take anything and my doctor's office is closed, any suggestions on what I can take that won't hurt me, Im 3 weeks post op?????please help

Don't sweat the small stuff! You are gonna do great and in a few short weeks the pain will be forgotten and you life begins again. Good luck, Jamie. Hang on tight, you are in for a great ride!

Im 2 weeks post op. I was looking forward to adding protien and yogurt to my diet but im not able to tolerate anything besides the clear liquid diet. Has this happened to anyone else? My stomach is bloated all day long when i try to incorporate protien shakes, dannon light and fit greek, diet v8, and fat free cream soups.

Will I ever enjoy food again? How long does it really take for one to get use to their new eating routine? Random question.. I'm almost 2 weeks out and can't get down liquids like I need and can only take about 2 to 3 bites of purée foods.

You will be able to enjoy food, you won't have the hot torrid love affair that you had with it previously, but instead it will be more a casual friendship. All I can tell you about getting things down is to go very slow. Don't use straws, try to stay hydrated and not worry so much about anything else. I was on a 2-2-2 post op plan 2 weeks of liquid, 2 of puree 2 of soft. Just go slow and and be patient. Liquid first, then worry about the food part. Hang in there!

Hi, rice may get stuck and even though it's soooooo good, it's not really that great for us bandsters. No protein at all. Just starch which turns into sugar. Mashed pot. aren't so great for us either but at least they won't get stuck. I cut chicken chunks up into tiny, tiny pieces during this stage and chewed them thoroughly. I also ate lots and lots of Yoplait yogurt and SF jello. There's many soups out there too that would be seen as mushy stage food. Cream of pot., Dinty Moore Beef Stew is great too. Just mash up the chunks with a fork. My doc. let me have homemade chili with ground beef at 2 weeks. It went down fine. I had no problems until my first fill. At this time, I began having food get stuck and throwing up. I had to learn how and what to eat. It's a learning process. Just try things you think you might can handle...just a little at a time. Good luck.

Hi Everyone! First some background- I started my journey with my first pre-op appt in sept 2014. I was 221lbs and 5'2". Had to do 6 months with nutrition for my insurance company. I lost 20 lbs in those 6 months and insurance approved my surgery. I was sleeved on 3/16/15 and surgery day weight was 201. On my 3 month surgiversary I weighed in at 156 lbs. I never took my measurements but wish I had. I went from wearing size 18/20 pants to wearing a size 10. Shirts were size 2X now down to a large shirt is wearable and a medium is better but slightly snug. I don't go crazy with exercise. I figured it wasn't sustainable for me. I try to at least workout 3x/week either I walk 2 miles at a quick pace or I do 30-45 min at the gym alternating cardio and strength training. I knew I could keep up a plan of doing that everyday. I'm happy if I get it in 2X/week and if I do 3 that's a plus! It was definitely hard at the beginning no being on liquids and the puréed foods. I started a journal at the beginning and it helped when I was feeling low to go back and read how far I had come. It does get better. Being on unrestrictive food is wonderful. Don't get me wrong there are sometimes especially during dinner I wish I could eat more. Especially if it's a really yummy meal. I pushed my sleeve to the limit twice and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I felt horrible. Felt like I was going to throw up, got feeling I wanted to Pass out and got hot and sweaty. It lasted for about 30 min and rest of night just felt horrible. I ignored my sleeve when it told me enough food. I start to hiccup when my sleeve says no more food and I normally stop when I start hiccuping. But I have to say those 2 times were enough. I stop when my sleeve says stop. I have been eating out at restaurants again but make good choices and always have them bring me a small plate and I put what I can eat on the small plate and have them bring me a box to put my leftovers in so they aren't tempting to me. Then I have them the next day and sometimes the day after that. I still have a protein drink and 1/2 of a protein bar a day to help get in my protein. I have learned that I can have a few carbs and not feel guilty. I have a biscuit sometimes it a whole one sometimes it's a half. But I don't eat all 6 like I used to. I can eat 1/2 of a cupcake if I'm at a birthday celebration and that's enough. I don't need to eat 4 or 5 of them that half is just enough to make me feel normal. I guess what I learned with carbs is don't beat yourself up. Someone told me it's a tool to help you be the best you can be. I am actually loving being able to go out to social situations and to participate in choosing food that makes me feel good. Not food that after I eat I feel guilty like I did before surgery. I don't do it all the time or everyday like I used to but it's great to know I can occasionally if I choose to. I will be fine, my sleeve is fine. I feel better than I ever have. I had been over 200lbs for about 20+ years. I know it's tough at the beginning but it will get better. Keep on focusing on goals that are for your best interest and health. You have to be able to sustain these for the rest of your healthy active lifestyle. I have some more weight to loose as I'm only 3 months out. They tell me 111lbs is my ideal weight. I personally think that's way to low for me. I think 120-125 will be best for me. I know that everyone is different and I'm just saying what I have experienced and what is working for me. Your experience maybe different. No 2 people are the same. Here's wishing you and me a successful And healthy journey!!

I was told not to have rice, but the others were OK for me. Remember Protein is the key. If you stock up on protein you will feel better and not be as hungry. Check with your Dr. They should have a list for you to refer to. I went and got Egg flour Soup, hot and sour soup and put it in the blender- yummy. Cottage cheese, yogurt, soft poached eggs(again...protein) are good things too. Steam carrots put in blender with a little chicken broth, blend any chunky soup... believe me...I am into week 2 and I am getting creative! The blender is my buddy! Good luck! Jill

My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, so I've decided to get it done in Mexico. That's not the "wrong" part though, believe it or not. I do feel there is value to the pre-op hoops you jump through to get approved and other preparatory and follow-up work that I'm worried I'm not even aware of. Like everyone else here, I want the best possible chance at success and I feel like I'm already behind the curve. Here's where I stand with my own attempts to get the right support network in place: DIETITIAN - Do I need one after surgery? I'm not currently seeing one, but I used the services of an RD for 2 years, 2006-2008, so I've got all the knowledge regarding portions, balance, nutrient density, etc. I tried to find one, both locally and remotely, but the bariatric specialist RDs are all affiliated with surgical centers and only deal with those patients. I will try again if I need one, I just don't know if I do. THERAPIST - I've tried therapy five times before and never got anywhere. I'm currently getting medication management by a psych nurse, who is on board and has changed my anti-depressant scripts to regular not extended release. Anyway, I'm utterly convinced that this surgery won't succeed without 'head work' and I'm giving it another shot. Unfortunately my first appointment isn't until 2 weeks before my surgery, but at least I'll have it in place for afterwards. He does bariatric psych evaluations for insurance companies, so I'm feeling positive about this choice. POST-OP SURGICAL SUPPORT - I get follow-up support via phone afterwards. My primary doc where I live is on board with ordering the vitamin level tests and such afterwards. This is, unfortunately, all I have figured out...I simply don't know what else I need. BOOKS - I've read Bariatric Mindset Success by Kristin Lloyd, but it didn't really resonate the way I hoped it would Feel free to recommend a book that takes you through all the steps, or a dietitian who does skype sessions, or even just write a bit about a valuable piece of the puzzle I'm either understimating or missing completely. Thank you.

Hi guys! Maybe I didn't provide enough detail. My week 1- which was last week consisted of only Water. As many bottles as I cld get in a day. I was allowed to have sugar free juice & broth like Soups.. But I don't eat broth & the juices were too sweet tasting. So I only drank the water. On the list my doctors office gave me, I was NOT to have any Protein shakes etc until week 2...Now -Week 2, starts off the protein shakes & powders, etc. I was totally sick ALL day from the 1 sip of smoothie..UUGH! ... But I tomorrow is another day, right? I'm gonna go to GNC & try my best to find a protein powder that doesn't taste like vomit...Wish me luck! P.S. You guys are all AWESOME

I'm 3 weeks post-op today. I feel great! More energy than I've had in a very long time. I've had no issues with choking, but until yesterday I've been on a liquid only diet. I started pureed foods yesterday and no issues so far. Just make sure you don't cheat and eat foods your stomach isn't ready for. There is a lot of healing that has to happen - even though you feel good and your external incisions have healed, inside you are still very raw and not ready for "real" food. If your doctor hasn't provided a post-surgery diet, ask for one. If he doesn't have one, I'll be happy to share mine and another one I found on-line. I know others on here have also posted their post-surgery diets. Each surgeon seems to have their own ideas about what you should do. Mine is VERY conservative (which I like). Best of luck - you will be fine - and soon you'll be as happy as I am to be healthier and happier

I have 1/2 slice of rye toast once a week or so. No problems with it. I couldn't eat more than that, honestly. Haven't had a problem with tortillas. Am now trying to use low-carb high fiber tortillas - I don't eat them very often. Starches fill me up too much to eat my protein. Oddly enough, I don't crave bread and starches any longer, either.

Thank you for a positive reaction, I think each person tolerates pain differently. I have never had a bad surgery. All have been relatively easy for me. The hystorectomy was the worst, and it was not really that bad to me. Just the 6 week waiting period was boring. How much does the TT cost? How much time for recovery? I'd LOVE to have a breast lift, I've always had low beams. Would LOVE to be perky for a change. Tell me MORE gurl....

Had a great day today on soft food now and done with my 4 weeks of shakes. Now i only have to do them to get protein in. I am going to try to get it all in with food i know that will be hard though and probably will have at least one or two shakes a day.

Hi Heidi: Blue Cross told me five years, United Healthcare told me two. I realized I had a COBRA policy I can opt into but the price is unbelievable: they quoted me 1,322.00 a month to stay insured, and it's Anthem so I'm not sure if they would cover anything that happened anyway. What I'm thinking is I'll just cross my fingers and pay COBRA for a couple months, and then go out looking for cheaper insurance. I remember Aetna told me that you had to wait six weeks before applying after a major surgery or pre-existing diagnosis and they would look at applications on a case-by-case basis. I don't qualify for HIPAA or CHIP because I have COBRA; if I have a valid offer I don't qualify until it's exhausted. But basically I think what's going to happen is as soon as I'm sure I'm not going to have complications, I'll drop insurance and go bare. I am *quite confident* that barring any complications I am going to be a lot healthier after this surgery. Most routine stuff -- cold, bladder infection, etc, is cheaper out of pocket anyway. Most health conditions in middle age are related to diet: diabetes, heart problems, cancer -- all of it is either entire or somewhat related to that so the likelihood of my having a heart attack or something *after* this surgery is kind of small. This is clearly the biggest risk self-pay patients face but later on I wonder who else will be stuck between a rock and a hard place, unisurable because of their sugery they got while on another carrier. I spent some time following links from an initial link that promised to have "gastric bypass insurance." All I got back was a quote screen where I could leave a name and number for agents, to call: most of them were BCBS, Aetna, etc. Not sure what they're up to there. If you're not insurable over 40 and you're not insurable after bypass, it seems what insurance companies want us to do is diet and exercise so we never bother them with any kind of bill at all.

First you have to remember there is not always going to be weight loss every single week or month. Once you realize that you will do fine. Even with the best weight loss patients they don't have weight loss every single month.

FINALLY the psych eval was sent to my hospital and now my case is opened for approval by insurance! So nervous but excited... apparently I will find out within the week.

Some doctors require a pre-op diet. Mine was supposed to be 650 calories with at least 70 g Protein, less than 60 g carbs & around 15 g of fat per day for 2 weeks before surgery. Different doctors have different plans & some don't have any pre-op plan. Depending on what your calories are now, I'd suggest lowering your calories somewhat and trying to eat healthier (increase protein) before surgery. Even if your surgeon doesn't have a pre-op diet, it can't hurt to do one. I've seen many people here that have done their own all-liquid or limited pre-op diet even though they weren't required to do one. Good luck on your journey! I'm almost 5 weeks out now & couldn't be happier with my decision!

I wasn't required to do the six month because I had been seeing a nutritionist and I was able to get the proof from her office and the insurance company accepted it. Keep in contact with the insurance person at the doctors office because they are following a routine. I'm sure I annoyedd my insurance girl because I too had a date in mind that would work for me. I was on it!! I did all my pre-op consults in two weeks. She didn't believe me. I was on the doctors to turn in their reports. I was always pleasant and showered the office with please and thank yous. LOL

Update: so I went to my primary care and requested to start Wellbutrin XL. It's been almost 2 weeks since I started and I feel so so much better. I still have my days for sure.. But the overwhelming sadness has disappeared. I'm 5 weeks out of surgery and have hit 24 lbs down. I'm officially in the 180s. It's crazy to say that.. When I had my band put in 4 years ago I was almost 300lbs. Keep you chin up and take one day at a time. Even with the meds I can't look at the future and not get sad.. Thanksgiving.. Halloween.. Christmas... But I now know that I'll just have to jump these hurdles as they come.

Trust me your not the only one i did all the research i could before asked alot of questions but not once did anyone or any doctor talk about the depresion i was feeling it started from the first day i was in the hospital believe me i got hit hard with it noone to talk to about it i was really scared and yes ill say it i regretted having my sleeve but now 14 days out ive learned not to let myself be down and focus on the big prize i have lost 25 pounds in my first week just so u know it will get better best of luck

I am 3.5 weeks out of surgery. Am I the only one that feels like I've gone bat sh*t crazy?? I have used food as a comfort for 30+ years.. I was also a smoker then converted to ecigs 2 yrs ago. On my day of surgery I lost my two best friends.. Food and nicotine. I know that sounds terrible, but I am having a hard time emotionally with this transition. Some days I'll wake up so excited to see my progress and in the same minute hate that I can no longer go out to dinner with my family at our favorite restaurant.. I know the day will eventually come, but for now.. I have spiraled into a dark tunnel that feels impossible to get out of. Is there anyone else who has gone through this? Im quick to lash out.. Quick to cry and just this overwhelming feeling of anger and guilt. Part of me wishes I didnt have the surgery.. I go for my 1 month check up next week and will be discussing this with my doctor. Thanks for everyones on going support here. :-)

My depression has gotten significantly worse since my surgery. I had it well managed an under control. I do suspect that my extended release meds were not being properly absorbed. It has been 7.5 weeks and I am down 40 lbs. shouldn't I be happy!

Omg. I feel the exact same thing. Tomorrow I'll be a week post-op and I'm usually a strong and optimistic woman. I was that way before the surgery and right after. I think even yesterday! But today just turned cloudy on me. I feel angry that I had to go to these extremes for weight loss, angry that I can't eat what I want, guilty for having modified my body like this. Just so many emotions. Yes I know the results will come, this is the best decision I could have made for my health, etc. but at this very moment I am just feeling blue! ????

So i finally got the app working on my phone again. Im almost hitting week 3 post op and i feel great. Im down 8 kilos and a dress size. Everyones commenting on how im trimming down and i have tonnes of energy. Sometimes i cant make my watet quota but most days i do. Im not sure if im getting enough protein how does everyone measure protein intake? Also my right stitch is still sore is anyone else expetiencing this?