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I got some clarification on what to start with on soft foods. It’s basically anything that you can cut easily with the side of your fork but chewed really well of course. With the exception or broccoli and asparagus or celery. She said those tend to cause issues for some people so just don’t start with them. The in person meeting was actually cool. He had a planned topic to present and asked if we had questions about that and then he opened it up to ask any questions we had about anything. They have different people cover it each month but last night was the surgeon so that was kinda cool.

Hello. I am 6 weeks out and down 41 pounds as of today (which includes a 2 weeks low carb preop diet where I lost 13 pounds). I went from a BMI of 39 to 33 and will be 32 with one more pound loss. I was 235 when I had my sleeve and lost down to 167 but I stalled there for a few months and then started gaining it all back plus 23 pounds. Aside from a few blisters that are slowing my walking down I feel fantastic. I have more energy and motivation then I have had in years. I’m exercising (walking 5-7 miles a day) and making all my meals from scratch. I am also planning to start yoga the week after next when I am 8 weeks. The NP actually said 6 weeks is okay but I’ve never done it so I’m afraid it will be strenuous and I’d rather be safe than sorry. I did have a pretty tough recovery. I was in the hospital for 5 days because they couldn’t get my pain to a level that was manageable with meds they were willing to send me home on. Well once I finally passed gas like 5 times I was fine without any pain meds but it still was a far tougher recovery than my sleeve. Not sure why but with my sleeve I was home and out front the next day and asked my husband to pass me the basketball because I forgot I had surgery and that was with no pain meds. This time they also took my gall bladder out though because it looked bad. I wasn’t expecting it because I never had any symptoms so we didn’t discuss it but the post op pathology came back that I had gall stones so it saved me from another surgery I guess. I suggest discussing some of the things like that which may pop up during your surgery and what your wishes are since they can’t wake you up to ask. I was kinda surprised that mine went ahead and did it but the NP said his thought was that it already looked bad and that the anticipated quick weight loss was going to only make it worse. Anyways, I took it easy for the full 6 weeks this time. My floors have never been so disgusting. I have done laundry because I have the pedestals and dishes and that’s about it. My hubby has freshened up the bathrooms and changed the sheets but other than that it’s all waited for me. I confess that it’s still waiting. I am supposed to be cleaning now but I sat down for lunch and got started on here 😂 My surgeon does not believe in resizing the stomach so my surgery was only on my intestines. This made my recovery in terms of food tolerance go way quicker. I am back to normal food already. I had raw veggies in my spring rolls even and that was fine. Of course ask your team before you do it. I didn’t have any food tolerance issues after my sleeve either though. I have not had any of the diarrhea that they warned me about. They said some of their SADI patients had it for 3 months. One had it so bad it interfered with work. I have been eating very healthy though. I was actually constipated In the beginning and even with the stool softeners I had to do milk of magnesia a couple of times but now I am able to eat a bit more fiber in my diet so I am trying to cut back the stool softeners slowly. if you don’t log your food now I suggest the Baritastic app. You can log EVERYTHING there. You food, weight, measurements, exercise, moods, even your bowel movements and you can also set notifications for your vitamins (although I don’t hear them so I have alarms set as well). I really like looking at the trends and graphs to see how I am progressing. A fitness watch is really good too. I had a much older Apple Watch that I dusted off and it makes it so much more fun to do my walking and stuff because you can see how fast it adds up. I never exercised with my sleeve but I talked on the phone with my friend the first few times and then my husband got me these awesome headphones that don’t go in or over your ear so you can still hear traffic while listening to music. They are called “bone phones”. Now I just put on my music and take off walking. Makes the time go by so much faster. I wear them all day actually. You can listen to music on low and hold a conversation with someone even. I also started posting here and attending the in person support group meetings before my surgery this time so post surgery I have had lots of support. I go to check in with my NP more often than they generally require too because I have pretty severe anxiety and that comes with lots of questions and I just need the reassurance that everything is okay. Don’t forget to take photos and do measurements before you start your preop diet and again before surgery and set reminders in your calendar for once a month or so to keep doing them. And if you want to use that Baritastic app you can also keep track of your protein and water on there so familiarize yourself with it early. I kinda rambled but I tried to cover everything I could think of that may be helpful.

@NickelChip is on totally on point. I cannot stress the importance of asking yourself do you need this next bite or do you just want this. If you just want it put your fork down. If you’re about to put that mouthful in your mouth out of habit, put the fork down. Even if your response is I don’t know put your fork down & wait. In a couple of minutes try again & if the answer yes, I need it take the bite. Of course you have to really consider the difference between wanting & needing. I started practising this from my surgery (so 5,5yrs ago) & still do it. Been extremely helpful. Slowing your eating is based on the fact it least. 20 minutes for the message to get through to your head that you’ve had enough. If you are a fast eating, eating mouthful after mouthful, by the time the signal you’ve had enough registers you’ve eaten way too much. Notice I say enough not full. Enough is the goal. Enough is what your body needs to function. Full or over full is usually the volume of food to make you feel good or better or happier or whatever. Some hints & tips to incorporate which can help. Buy yourself some small cutlery. Baby forks and spoons, cocktail forks, sporks or similar. (I think almost everyone uses smaller cutlery after surgery but you could start now.) They will make your spoonful smaller and slow your eating. if you haven’t yet, get hold of some smaller bowls & plates. Will help to keep your portions the correct size and can make you think you’re eating more because the smaller plate is full. I used ramekins, tapas plates, side plates while losing & now use entree/appetiser plates (9in dia). So still no dinner plates for me. After putting food on your cutlery, push some off so the fork and spoon aren ‘t full. Try sending timelines for smaller portions of your meal. Like, I’ll take 10 minutes to eat a quarter of my meal. If you eat it before ten minutes, wait before starting the next quarter. Or, try cutting up your meat (depending on your meal) first. Count how many pieces and work out how often you can eat a piece. I still do this type of portioning. Right now I’m eating some crackers with a topping for lunch. I eat one cracker every ten minutes. Sometime I wait longer but never more quickly. If you are eating with others, put your cutlery down when they are talking and don’t take a bite until they have finished or someone adds to the conversation. You become a good listener & distracts you from eating. I live alone & didn’t like using a timer so I used to set other guideline. If watching tv, take a bite with an ad or a scene change or similar. If playing on line game like solitaire, play a game before taking a bite. If reading, take a bite after reading a certain number of pages. Between bites, put your cutlery down, and sit back from the table so you're not leaning on the table. Sure others may have some tips as well. All the best.

I wonder if your therapist just chose the wrong word. I think we all enjoy food (stimulating all the senses) but what we don’t do (or try not to do) is rely on it as a comfort or let it take up a great deal of our thinking. So may be glamorise wasn’t the best word and focus or fixate may have been better. But they should have given you some strategies to help. You may have to ask for some the next time you meet. You know that old adage of eating to live not living to eat? For many of us that is what it is like now. I still love to go out to restaurants with family & friends. I still like to try new foods. I still like the taste, smell, texture, & sight of food. I still love to cook & try new recipes. I just watch portions, ingredients, cooking styles, frequency, etc. & make adjustments accordingly and also make the best choices I can in the situation. But a lot of that has become second nature now & don’t think about it much. If you were someone who used food to comfort or sooth yourself, the first weeks after surgery can be challenging. Your emotions can be all over the place & you may be stressed, anxious, teary, …. If when you felt like this before surgery you turned to food you may want food more now simply because you can’t which can also make you more emotional. Plus being restricted about what you eat can often make you crave the food you can’t have even more. Though challenging, these things are temporary, not long term & certainly not forever. In the meantime try distracting yourself when you find the food voices in your head too loud or you think you may hungry. It’s a great strategy we all use. Go for a walk (as you’re able), read a book, craft, ring a friend or family member, play a game or do a puzzle, check your socials (like this forum), meditate, etc. Sometimes a warm drink can be helpful like green or herbal tea (counts to your fluid goal too - yay!). All the best.

5’3” and was 200lbs when I made my decision. For me, it’s been the best decision. But only you know what’s best for you in regards to your weight and your overall health now & in the future. I was healthy without any co morbidities before my surgery but I knew carrying the weight I was meant health issues were in my future. Only you know if you can continue on your current weight loss journey and fully adopt your new behaviours around food, eating, etc. (Congrats on the changes you have made.) Of course after surgery you have to adopt new behaviours as well, but the surgery gives you benefits (some temporary) to support you as your losing & helps gets you through the period when you’re adapting to the changes. BMI shouldn’t be used as a hard and fast rule as to what is a healthy weight range but merely as an idea of what might be good for you. (The science/studies behind the development of the BMI metrics is flawed and did not take in many factors like ethnicity, muscle mass, your frame/build, age, etc.). You’re right, everyone carries their weight differently (I carried it all over) and what’s a comfortable weight for one may not be for someone else. Some people feel happier at a higher weight whilst others don’t. Some here have got to a lower weight but happily settle at a higher weight. I thought my goal of 132lbs was fine for me and achievable. I had always been happy at that weight. I ended up less than that (108) and I feel great at this weight. Discovered I actually am quite finely built and so I look slim/tiny but not bony. And I still have an hourglass shape though the ratio is much smaller than before (lol!). Usually, your approval for surgery is based upon your starting weight (before your classes not your weight after you’ve completed them. So your starting weight would make you eligible in most cases, Why not meet with the surgeon, see what they suggest. Ask too if you can delay your decision & for how long so you can see how you continue on your own. I know I haven’t answered your questions & have only given you some more things to consider but I hope they help you decide your next steps. All the best whatever you choose to do.

I had a baby food maker for my babies and I thought it was more work than what it was worth if I am being honest.

I totally get what you're saying! I realize that the portions are getting bigger, but I'm just so scared of messing it up. I definitely need to see someone about these thoughts because it's really overwhelming at times. I actually have an appointment in mid-October with the obesity center and dietitian, and then again in December with the surgical team for my 3-month post-op checkup. I’m excited to talk to them about these fears and what expectations I should have around portion sizes and everything else. To help stay on track, I've been taking daily pictures of my meals and sending them to my sister for her to review at the end of the day. She even rates them, which has been fun and keeps me mindful! Everyone around me keeps saying that I'm barely eating enough, but to me, it feels like I'm eating a lot. It’s such a mentally exhausting situation! Also, I was never really into sweets before either. My thing was more about carby foods like rice and pasta, so that's why I’m not struggling with sugar cravings now, which helps a lot.

Welcome. Yes, there will be many changes ahead but there will also be so many benefits and wins. And yes, it’s not uncommon to have concerns and fears and mourn what you used to do. (Yes, you may find the thread @summerseeker recommended helpful. At least in knowing you’re not alone in how you’re feeling.) I can only speak from my experience. Did I feel worried or grieve before my surgery or after? Honestly no. I truely had, had enough. And it all happened very quickly like not quite 6 weeks between seeing my GP for a referral & my surgery. Though I am someone who once makes a decision I stick to it. It’s interesting you should say you feel having the surgery is a punishment. I saw the constant dieting a punishment for gaining weight. I’d got to the point that nothing I did changed my weight. (Menopause did the final number on me.) I’m five years out. Do I think I’m on a diet now? No, this is just how I eat. Do I feel like I’m not eating enough? No, because I’ve learnt what I eat is appropriate for my needs and I used to eat way too much & way more than my body needed. I pretty much eat the recommended portion size of foods. Do I feel like I’m missing out on anything? No. There’s always alternatives, or you can have a small amount of what ever it is others are having or you used to enjoy. It comes down to how often you have it and how much you have. Plus you may find new things you really enjoy. Do I want to go back to eating exactly like I did before ? No. I mean that’s how I got to the weight I was & why I always struggled. Do I like to exercise. No & never really did before either (another punishment in the most part) so you’re ahead of me in that game. But I have found some things I do (little things like stretches and using resistance bands I do throughout my day) & I actually don’t mind doing them. A lot is of this is about learning & introducing new habits, new routines and developing a new relationship with food. Never be reluctant to seek the help & support of a therapist. Your head can be your greatest enemy. I do have a couple of little issues I deal with since my sleeve? Yes, I call them my quirks. I had a quirky tummy before my surgery so nothing new really just some are different & some are gone. Doesn’t stop me doing what I enjoy. PS And congrats on being able to do a push up. I’ve never been able to do a proper one. I can get down but can’t get back up again - tee hee! I do wall pushups though - stand about a meter away from a wall.

Nausea, vomiting, foamies, difficulty eating aren’t that uncommon after surgery. Your tummy is pretty sensitive and while it usually take about 6 or so weeks to heal some take longer. But it is always best to rule out anything else. Please tell me your doctor gave you something for the nausea & is sending you for tests. If not, I’d ask (demand) an endoscope to rule out a stricture and an ultrasound to check your gall and rule out anything else (appendix, pancreas). I only had one symptom with my gall (I had a stone) and that was pain. Very strong, writhing on the bed pain upper right abdomen & around to my back. Nothing before that. I know my sister in law used to get crampy pain and nausea when she ate fatty foods or a large heavy meal with her gall. You’re certainly not eating fatty or rich heavy meals at the moment. If it is a stricture, they’re easy to fix. If you do have gall stones it would mean another surgery. Gall issues after surgery aren’t uncommon. Rapid weight loss can cause stones to grow but usually not that soon out. (Mine was 2 years and one month later.) Or you may have had them already but they’re making themselves known now.

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. ❤️

Ok, so I'm 2 years and 4 months out from my 1st surgery and 1 year 3 months out from my revision. I'm still losing (trying to stop losing but so far I'm still losing an average of 4 pounds per month) so I haven't experienced the rebound weight gain yet. I can tell you I eat popcorn all the time. I also eat smokehouse almonds, cheese cubes, salami and/or peperoni slices for snacks. I eat Rebel ice-cream, keto brownies, sliced apples mixed with fresh blueberries and raspberries, Greek yogurt with fresh berries and monk fruit sweetener mixed in, keto cake with sugar free icing, French toast with keto bread, fresh berries, and sugar free syrup. If I want "guilty" food, I have something like steak, 2 spoonfuls peas mixed with mozzarella cheese, and 2 spoonfuls of Bob Evans mashed potatoes. I don't tolerate carbs very well, so I have to be careful with them. I also have kettle chips fried in avocado oil, 1 packet (instead of my former usual 2-3) of oatmeal such as cinnamon apple or banana cream, and minestrone soup and crackers (only like 4 or 5). Everything is a balance. Nothing in excess, no large portions, no "off plan" foods too often. Just a little here and there and whatever you have should be fine. Just remember to keep working out, keep moving your body, keep prioritizing protein and you should be good.

I think my problem is that my brain programming is still the same, where I still have a very high appetite but due to the surgery, can't act on it. For example, if I was to go to an all you can eat buffet, I'd fill up my plate to the brim despite not being able to eat much. It's frustrating. Will get easier over time because hopefully my gluttony for food won't be that intense.

I finally gained weight!!! I'm officially at 180, and I like that. I feel better, I have more energy, and I don't feel nearly so run down and out of it. Still look super thin, but it is what it is. Now I'm going to work on maintenance since this is where I want to stay. I'm ok with 2 pounds in either direction, but I definitely don't want to drop below 178 again lol I got all the way down to 170 and it was just really bad. I literally don't work out at all anymore because I'm on my feet all day working 5 days per week. I increased my calories to 1700 per day (up from 1500), my carbs to 55 net per day (up from 40 or so), my protein to 100g per day (up from 80), my healthy fats to 80g per day (up from 50), my fiber intake to 30g (10 from supplements and the rest from food - up from 20) and upped my fluids to 120 fl oz per day (up from 90 - 100). I'll add my weekend workouts back in now (nothing crazy, just core and strength but on the lighter side, not heavy) so I don't gain too much now that I've figured out how to finally gain weight lol

It sounds like you’ve been through quite a journey, and it's commendable that you're taking such an active role in your health now. The feelings of frustration and sadness you experienced after your sleeve surgery are completely valid, especially considering how much effort you put into your lifestyle changes. Many people feel that the sleeve doesn't provide the same metabolic impact as other surgeries, which can lead to feelings of disappointment when expected results don't materialize. Your decision to pursue the SADI is a brave step, and it’s great to hear that you’re feeling more supported this time around. Finding healthier foods that you enjoy and integrating exercise into your routine are essential for long-term success. It’s understandable to have fears about regain, but it’s important to focus on the progress you’re making towards a healthier lifestyle rather than fixating solely on numbers on a scale. Setting realistic goals is crucial. It’s okay not to hit your ideal weight as long as you’re feeling healthier and more energetic. Remember that every step you take towards better health counts, and it's wonderful that you’re prioritizing your well-being over just weight loss. Celebrate the positive changes, no matter how small, and lean on your support network—they can be a powerful motivator! You're doing an amazing job, and your journey is inspiring to others. Keep pushing forward, and remind yourself that it's all about the journey to a healthier you! Thank you for sharing!

My team doesn’t really give specific calorie goals either. But everything on the list is no added sugar and non fat or low fat so with the little portions we are eating it doesn’t add up to a lot. Plus it’s not all about calories anyways. You also have to consider fat and carbs )especially added sugars). What you’re describing sounds well under 1000 calories to me though. Have you really added it up? I mean my ready made protein shakes are 160 or 180 calories. Even three times a day is 540 and then a tiny bit of soup? I mean the fruit and the oats were not on my full liquid stage if that helps. But they are allowed on puréed Which I’m assuming you will be in very soon. But if they are in your list of food that are allowed then I’m guessing they know about how many calories you are getting and it’s okay. I honestly think you are doing fine. It’s so easy to stress over every little detail because we have fail at diets so many times but when you go to your post op appointments take your food log and if they feel Ike you are off track they should tell you what changes to make.

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.

Dr Matthew Weiner has done a few podcast and has been speaking about regain with sleeve on his social media a lot lately. May be worth checking them out if only for some information to consider. He does prescribe GLP -1s for many of his sleevers and says this is a path many will have to go down as regain is common with sleeve. Have you been in contact with your surgeon (if they are still practicing nearby) to discuss options? Have you considered revisiting your dietician too. May be worth tracking what your eating and drinking too just to ensure your not missing something. It’s easy to become complacent about food choices, portion sizes, frequency or meals, etc. or not meeting protein & fluid goals as time passes. Have you had any medication changes? What are your activity levels like?

It is funny how we just need to hear things from someone else sometimes (things that we already know). $78 USD is steep Counseling sessions here are pricey too without insurance. With insurance they can vary drastically in price. A friend told me that she gets like 12 sessions a year with a counselor for free as part of her benefits which is pretty great. I’m not sure if that’s through her insurance or something separate her employer just pays for, but most people pay a copay for Mental Health. They also have self help type workbooks that you can do that may help. Someone on here recommended a couple for food addiction a while ago. I wish I could remember what they were. I wonder if you do a thread asking for suggestions for self help ideas if anyone has any ideas. If not, maybe ask your team for suggestions. That or just go for the first appointment and see if they can give you suggestions or just give you lots or homework so you can do sessions less often. Or maybe you could even do some online support groups. That Dr Matthew Weiner has nutritional support on his website pound of cure weight loss .com i think it is. He may have other support groups meetings. Maybe tell your team you would be interested in in person support group meetings or see if they know any other patients that may want to be introduced so you can support one another. Can’t hurt to ask.

Hi guys! So I’m just now allowed soft foods/purees I’m on my third week post op. On my allowed foods list is chili. So I had a little chili and when I went back to look at what’s allowed and what’s not I realized that vegetables are a no no. The chili had cooked onions and tomatoes in it and now I’m terrified I’m going to cause a leak. Any advice? I did chew well and didn’t eat that much, physically can’t lol, but still I’m so scared.

at 1 month post op, i was cleared for everything. i didn't eat everything (by choice) but still. by 7 months post op (i.e., goal) i eating ALMOST everything...i didn't eat rice, bread, nor pasta/noodles (again by choice) i was also limiting sugar as i was/am a dumper. i would not have alot of it (if at all) at one time or on an empty stomach. like maybe one bite of cake, 2-3 licks of ice cream, etc on rare occasions. by 2 years post i got over my carb-o-phobia and started eating rice, bread, pasta/noodles, yay! still limited sugar though. today - i hit my 6-yr wls anniversary this week! - i still can/will eat/drink everything. i can eat more in volume now that i could at year 2, but still less than those around me. i can also now have maybe up to 1/2 a slice of cake without ill effects (but only if my stomach is not empty). i probably eat out 4-5 times a week, and order take out another 4-5 times a week. i used to cook alot more before, but the past couple years me and Mr. have been empty nesting, and its actually really hard and inefficient to cook for just two people! not counting the past month* or so, i average about 2300 cals a day for the past year (full disclosure: i exercise alot). so long story short, you will be able to enjoy food at your own discretion. how much of it will be up to you.

I'm fairly certain its the other way around. The only thing you actually lose in hot weather is water weight causing dehydration. So make sure you drink more water with perhaps a bit of sodium added to your food! "You won't burn more calories in the heat, but that may be a different story in cold weather. According to the National Institutes of Health, the body works very hard to maintain its internal body temperature in both hot and cold environments. Yet, when it's cold, heat loss occurs and the internal body temperature drops, the hypothalamus (a small region in the brain) increases the body’s metabolism to generate heat. In addition, the muscles involuntarily contract to cause shivering and generate heat. Shivering also burns calories. However, a drop in body temperature or shivering only occurs in extreme and potentially life-threatening circumstances. Living in a cold climate does not necessarily translate to calorie burn." https://www.today.com/health/diet-fitness/burn-calories-heat-rcna157769

@AndreaJD I hear you on the fruit. I brought a couple of amazingly ripe mangoes to make a smoothie with as a sort of food funeral before my liquid diet began but I completely forgot about them till the diet began and I had to watch my family eat it through pain and tears! Good luck on your surgery! Wishing you best!

Seriously, unless you spent an absolute fortune on the brown rice protein powder, just bin it and put it down to experience. Life can be difficult enough with restricted food choices without forcing yourself to eat something you really dislike. Glad the pea protein was a win though! 👍

Genuinely Snag Tights are so good! I recommend them so highly! I shall have a look at that - would be nice not to have to rely purely on shorts to prevent chafing!

That’s the word I was looking for @FifiLux- vanilla. Thankfully just a one-off though you can choose to attend more sessions if you want…I don’t want! As for knee surgery - I was only told to get my BMI down to below 40 and nothing else. After checking whilst at the session last night, dropping below won’t be an issue as my initial BMI was 45.3 when the hospital received my referral from the GP. The fact that I have started losing weight shows commitment, as far as the hospital is concerned, to WLS. The only time surgery would be refused based on a lower BMI is if it went below 30 which I can’t see happening for me!! The Musculoskeletal Therapy team will give me a call around the end of October to see how things are with regards to the steroid injections and physio I should be having by then, and to check on my weight loss so I can be referred. I did say that I hoped to be 40 or just below by this time. I guess I will find out more once I’m referred. Honestly, I would prefer at least one knee replacement before WLS, purely because the recovery from the knee op can be pretty unpleasant and take several months but I know I have to be guided by the hospital with it all. I would like to have at least some movement when the heavy duty weight loss kicks in 😉