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I'm 2 weeks post op gastric sleeve and was excited to start my scrambled eggs today and something very weird happened 30 minutes after eating my 1 scrambled egg. I got this feeling of being drunk (I've been drunk before but haven't had alcohol in 45 days). I got a high feeling, I was slurring my speech,I tried to wake up to go the bathroom and damn near staggered all the way. My husband was really worried but also found it funny because he has seen me like that before but after a few.... so he found it funny that my 1st meal made me drunk. I've Googled and can't get any answers. Fast forward, this evening i had about 6 spoonfuls of plain ground beef and 30 minutes later my husband was waking me up telling me i passed out asleep while on my phone. The first thing I told him was that i felt buzzed like earlier and i slurred my words again. I'm wondering, has this happened to anyone here before? Am I having some weird complication? What am I doing wrong? I might end up calling my surgeon if this keeps happening..... Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I started looking into surgery four years ago and decided that it wasn't time. I had just entered psychoanalysis and was making progress but was nowhere near mentally or emotionally prepared to "give up" anything. I am a chef so my relationship with food is also economic. I had used food as a comforting crutch. I also used alcohol the way you use smoking. Through therapy I got to a place where these things were no longer important or issues and my health became more important. I chose to have the surgery four years later and I couldn't be happier with my journey so far. I am enjoying my food more than I EVER have before because of the concentration, savoring and taking in each bite knowing there is only going to be a few of them for each meal. I will say this. I would say fix your issues first and have surgery second or you will be miserable, you will not be prepared and you may fail. That's just my two cents from experience. FYI, smoking increases your chances of serious complications after surgery. My surgeon won't even do a surgery if you haven't quit for an extended period of time.

Thank you both so much, this has already helped me. Smanky, you are right, I do just need to keep my eye on the prize and remember why I’m doing this. I’m doing this for a healthier happier life. I’m not overly worried about the purée stage and I know all these stages are just a temporary thing which helps. I think the most part I’m worried about is the socialising with friends. I think I will take you’re advice catwoman and avoid going out for meals and just meet for teas or coffees. Luckily I am in my final year of nursing school next year so I won’t be able to see my friends as much as I usually would anyways which I think will help. I’m about 10 days into the pre op diet so I have 18 days to go. Myself and my friends are usually social butterfly’s and enjoy a few drinks so that will be a little strange but I know I can do it. I’ve done it prior when I did the Keto for a year. That’s a good idea with the plastic containers :) Yes I’m extremely lucky to have my partner and you are right, it is no one else’s buisness, I was just unsure if I tell a few people or no people. I’m still undecided and suppose I will wait until the time. I’m so happy to hear there are minimal complications for most. Thank you both for all your advice and support :) One more question, it seems it has been a while since you have had your surgery. How did you find the regain period and keeping off the weight and have any old habits tried to creep back in? Thanks again

there are food restrictions the first few months, but after that, there aren't any limitations as long as you can tolerate whatever the food is (I can no longer tolerate really high-fat meals - and it's not uncommon for people to develop things like lactose intolerance after surgery - but you won't have any restrictions per se. I'm "allowed" to eat anything - and have been for a long time). I was never a big drinker even before surgery - I'd just have an occasional glass or two of wine. We weren't supposed to drink for the first year (according to my clinic, anyway), and I didn't at all for the first three years. Now I'm back to having my occasional glass or two of wine - by which I mean, maybe four or five times a year. So for ME, I don't notice any difference...other than alcohol hits me a lot faster than it did pre-surgery. taking vitamins becomes pretty automatic after the first few weeks. I don't even think about it anymore. I take a small handful when I get up in the morning, a smaller handful around dinner time - and my iron and vitamin C before I go to bed. complications aren't common and most are minor and "fixable". The most common one with sleeve is reflux, which in most cases (if you happen to develop it) can be managed medically. In severe cases, there's always the option of revising to RNY - although I don't know how common it is for it to get to that point. Might be worth asking if you're concerned. I didn't mind the puree stage. It was a relief after being on all liquids. If you're not crazy about the puree stage, just keep in mind that it doesn't last very long. You'll be on soft foods - and then solid - before you know it. it'll be pretty obvious to others the first month or two by how little you can eat that something is "up". I mostly just tried to avoid going out with people so the question wouldn't come up - or I'd suggest meeting up for coffee or tea or some activity instead of a meal. After that, for several months I'd just claim I wasn't very hungry and order an appetizer or some soup or chili. Now I'll sometimes still order that - or if I do get an entree, I'll eat half of it and have the rest boxed up. Pretty much the same as a lot of my never-been-obese women friends. No one can tell anymore that I've had surgery. Basically, this will all take some getting used to - it can be overwhelming at first - but after the first few weeks, it really isn't. And you're right - pre-surgery nervousness is pretty common. I've had four surgeries in my life, and I get nervous every time - but they've all gone off without a hitch!

I'm very curious about this. I'm 20 days out from surgery (pre-op) and I'm currently hiking/walking 4-6x a week (making sure I hit some hills/stairs), and I just started doing a little resistance/strength training. I just want to build a little muscle and help my cardiovascular system. Eventually I want to get rid of my fat, flat ass and change it for a nice one. I enjoy working out and I have friends that will do it with me... So long story short my #1 goal is a healthy recovery from surgery with no complications, so I'm wondering how much I can do without pulling on my stomach. Should I wait four weeks to start some minor resistance exercises? Or the whole 6 weeks? That would be hard for me. Everything engages the abs so I'm just wondering. (I will be discussing this with my surgeon).

Hi everyone, My surgery is creeping up fast and I’m starting to feel a little nervous. I’ve been reading on what to eat and what to avoid post surgery and it’s a little scary thinking about somethings you will never be able to eat again, or always taking tablets, rarely consuming alcohol, possible complications…. I’m sure most people get to this stage pre-surgery. So far I’ve been nothing but excited for my surgery and a second chance at life and treating my body well. Just wondering from those that have had surgery if they have any tips, advice on how they managed leading up to surgery and how it has been since? How was the purée stage and how long until you could socialise with people without being questioned about how slow or little you’ve eaten? Also I know it says alcohol on special occasions, so just wondering how people cope with alcohol since surgery? I’ve also decided not to tell people and just have the support from my partner who has been amazing. He is fully supportive. I just don’t want alot of critical people trying to tell me I shouldn’t do it or shouldn’t have done it? Hugely appreciate any help and guidance :) Thanks :)

You Are My Sunshine- Thank you for sharing this post. I am sure there are many people on here that are considering this surgery that may also be apprehensive & have similar fears of going through with the surgery. It is a life changing decision, and I think it is better to hold off until you are sure that you are ready to proceed. Perhaps going into it so unsure may have given you a more challenging recovery, in that you might have more buyer's remorse & have more difficulty tolerating the challenges you might face during the healing process. A year ago, I don't think I would have been ready for this surgery. I had been offended when doctors suggested it in the past. I needed to be in the right place & ready for it. Once I finally decided that I needed the surgery for me to have a successful weight loss journey, I had a peaceful & hopeful feeling about it. I still had some slight fears of complications, but nothing that would have stopped my plans. I think the suggestion from ShoppGirl to see a bariatric therapist is a great idea. Give yourself time to discover whether this is right for you, or maybe it something that should be reconsidered down the road. Good luck, and know that you did the right thing for you at this time. 🤗

Congrats! My advice: this journey is much more about the mental/emotional than it is the physical. Barring really nasty complications, the physical end of the surgery will be fine, especially once you are recovered. But the mental/emotional aspects will be with you for the rest of your life.

I think that is one of my considerations. I'm ready tool-wise and education-wise, but I'm not 100% sure of my best result at this time in my life if I were to have complications, and maybe if I were not. I want the focus to be on best time for me for best result, not best time for insurance, or for an age milestone, etc. Not saying that's not workable for others, but I think my support base (internal/external) needs to be a bit wider than it is right now. I'm looking forward to talking with the psych about it. I appreciate the insights others have given here as well!

@shopgirl Maybe.. I was there so I figured might as well. Fears? Complications. For sure. Fear of getting VSG and having to revise to RNY. Fear of something so permanent and not being able to go back. Like, if something does go wrong, I can't have a "re do." I was panicking thinking of them sucking my stomach out through my belly. I asked in my pre-op if I could pre-medicate and was told no, that they'd give me something in my IV. I told them I might not make it to the hospital. I wasn't joking. My husband was concerned that they wouldn't even operate on me considering I was in a huge panic.

I’m 8 days post op. I really haven’t had much pain. Over the weekend I’ve been coughing a lot due to my allergies. Yes I have a pillow across my stomach. I do hold it really tight while coughing. Between yesterday and this morning I’m feeling sharp pain on my right side. Just a little note. There was some complications with my gastric sleeve surgery 11/01. What supposed to be a 2 hour surgery ended up being a 4 hour surgery. Has anyone experienced this? PS: I have called and left message with my doctor.

5 month update I am now down to 190 lbs. 65lb in 5 months. I feel great and am back doing all the things i live to do. Zero complications. I still walk alot and keep my food portions small. I dont have quite the discomfort i had after eating like i did in the beginning. I say just do it. Like everybody else says, i wish i would have done this 10 years ago.

Hi there! I'm scheduled with Dr. Perez on 12/2/21! How are things going now? How much weight have you lost? Any complications? Any regrets?? Thanks for your post it's hard to find info on the internet that's not just their FB page.

Originally, LapBands were marketed as permanent and life-long. They are a medical grade device so they don't have an expiration date and do not require removal after a certain period of time. That being said, as the years have gone on, long term complication rates continue to go up, and there is documented research that indicates that they can degrade over time, usually starting around the 10 year mark. That is limited though, and varies widely. As such, many LapBand patients have opted to have them removed and move on to VSG or RNY as a permanent weight loss solution. If you are no longer happy with it, not using it, and/or having complications, definitely get in touch with a bariatric surgeon in your area and see what options you have for getting it removed.

I have had the band for 13 years now. It's doing nothing inside me. I have it loose so I don't get complications. I trying to find out if and when it should be removed, especially if it's doing nothing. I don't want to find out 5 years later that I need surgery and it started to cause internal issues. To remove or not to remove?? How long does the actual material last or deteriorate inside ? Help! I am in Ontario and need some real honest answers if anyone can direct me. Thanks.

Hello All, I had my sleeve surgery exactly 7 months ago. Have done great with weight loss and no complications. I had my 6 month follow up last month, and surgeon said I was doing great. He asked if I was hungry, I said no. Fast forward just 2-3 days, and I started grazing. It has gone on for 3 weeks now and in scared. I'm not hungry. I can graze even after meals when I feel full. It's like a few bites of fruit or almonds or now its carrots. I weigh daily which isn't an emotional issue for me. It's just a check. I am at goal so I'm not trying to lose more, but I'm not wanting to use grazing to maintain weight either. I was going to ask at my 8 month follow up appt next month, what should I do to stop losing and just maintai. Looks like I've found it. But, I dont want grazing to be the answer. For those of you who had challenges with grazing, how did you stop it? Mine is totally mental. It started after my first true vacation in october. I did great with staying on plan during the trip. When I got back home, I felt the "back home from vacation" letdown and maybe even a little boredom. Then I started grazing. I need to stop. I'm scared because my restriction is a little less, and I don't want to trigger a bad habit. It's been 3 weeks. Please share what helped you stop. P.S. Yes, I'm alerting my dietitian today also. But, you all can share lived experience of what helped you stop. Thanks!

I am scheduled to get the gastric sleeve tomorrow morning and like the worry wart that I am, I am still doing research to prepare myself as much as possible. I have a few concerns/fears mostly related to recovery right out of the gate that I'm hoping I can find answers to. I know it will definitely vary person to person, but I'd still like to brace myself for what's to come.. or rather, what *could* come; Not so much rarer complications but the way your body actually feels. Here is the questions, thank you so much in advance to whoever takes the time to answer these! • My apologies if this is worded weirdly.. but, How did your tummy feel after the surgery? Were you able to *feel* your stomach, internally due to the surgery? - My reason for asking: I feel like I would have to mentally prepare myself if surgery can make my stomach feel like it's an open wound/raw. • Did you have to have a drain? Note: I'm not sure if this is absolutely necessary, I assume they would discuss it with me tomorrow. If so, how did that feel? Did it hurt or feel weird when it was removed? - My reason for asking: I didn't know this was something else that gets done with the surgery, I feel like the removal of it would make me rather queasy from the sensation. Yet another thing to mentally prepare for. • How long did you have to be on clear fluids after the surgery? If so, what clear fluids did you have? - My reason for asking: The clear fluids for two days prior has been hard for me since I've just been having chicken broth (which doesn't taste that great) and water, I might have to get some unsweetened apple juice or something. I don't think I can have something like Gatorade unfortunately due to my Citrus allergy. • Did you prefer cold, room temperature, or warm fluids? - My reason for asking: I imagine that if I'm able to feel my stomach in a weird way I'd probably be rather nauseous and prefer liquids on the warmer side. • Sipping. This one is a point of major confusion for me. Would the process of sipping be taking in enough just to wet your tongue, or is it enough to swallow? How long did it last for you? When were you able to drink down 1 ounce of fluid in one go even if slowly rather than over the course of 30 minutes or so? • Something I read said you won't be able to drink anything for the first 24 hours and that fluids will be through the IV, is that true? - My reason for asking: I tend to get a dry mouth/itchy throat when I don't drink water for awhile, so that's another worrisome thing. • How did you sleep in the first week? If you are a side sleeper, when were you able to finally sleep on your side? - My reason for asking: I'm a side sleeper, laying on my back tends to be extremely uncomfortable, I typically can only fall asleep on my back if I'm exhausted.

I’m three months post op and feel absolutely great now. You will feel so much better too after your body heals. Likely you will surprise yourself each day with another activity you couldn’t do before. Like doing a lunge in yoga or walking up the stairs without getting winded. Focus on your goals. I kept in mind that during the actual surgery I was going to be asleep. I wasn’t in charge of doing the actual surgery. It’s silly but it calmed me down. All I had to do was go to sleep and wake up, and I did. I was still me and felt like me afterward too. You will too. I also use a piece of jewelry as an anchor to remind myself to keep my focus on weight loss and self care. (WW idea) I have a ring. I couldn’t wear jewelry into the hospital but tapped my finger to remind myself of self care when I got scared. My old WW leader had a charm bracelet from her MIL who had died from diabetes complications. I still use my ring to refocus after missteps like Halloween candy lol.

It is common to have doubts. Make a list of reasons/fears why you shouldn't take the leap, and another one of the reasons why you should. I made these lists, the one with fears was mainly that, fear of the unknown, fear of complications, etc. This forum helped me tremendously to put a lot of those at rest. Now, my list of why I should take a leap.. well that one was pages and pages long.. So, I took the leap!

The rate of your loss isn’t important but looking after your health is. Lacking in energy & being unable to undertake physical activity before your main meal of the day likely is because of your diet & not taking your vitamins. I wasn’t eating that many more calories by goal at 6 months & I’m about your height. I struggled with lack of energy for a few months too but it was complicated by low blood pressure & random hypoglycaemic episodes (pre-existing). What helped was eating nutrient dense food - low carbs, low fat: protein, vegetables, fruit & dairy. It wasn’t so much the number of calories but the quality of the calories I consumed. The importance of taking vitamins post bypass should have been stressed to you before your surgery. Have you had any blood tests to check you are not lacking in essential vitamins & nutrients & your body is absorbing what you need effectively? Malabsorption issues is a concern with bypass. Best advice is to stick to your plan. Meet your protein goals. Add water to your total fluid intake & meet that goal too. Do you still see your dietician? Have you reflected on your dietary choices & made any changes to what you ate before surgery to what you eat now? And why you ate & made those food choices? And I’m not talking just portion size because you can physically eat more as time progresses & you can eventually stretch your tummy out again if you ignore portion considerations. Many find a therapist helpful when coming to terms with what drives them to eat. Ultimately, the extent of your success is up to you & your choices. Nothing will change in the long term if you don’t make the changes.

So I'm on the 11th day of my pre-op. It's going OK, have not strayed or anything, but I keep having intrusive thoughts (or maybe logical thoughts) that I should bail. Not because I have a better way or think I can lose it on my own, but because cutting out half my stomach inviting in possible unknown complications and more stress into my already complicated life seems pretty irrational. Fear of the unknown is in every corner. I could have issues in other areas of my life arise, and would have to deal with them as they come. But this seems like an unnecessary venture - at least that's what 1/2 my brain is telling me. The other half is excited and thrilled with the idea of feeling better in my own skin, continuing working on a healthier relationship with food, and getting to a new normal that is satisfying. Literally telling people about the surgery, my husband has off, I've got my protein, my physical being is proceeding forward as if this is going to happen, That's my plan, at least. But then a part of me just wonders why I don't just DO that without surgery. Work a healthy path of eating, etc. I may not lose as much weight, but I can continue on the path of healthier relationship without surgery and without inviting the unknown complications in. I realize this is probably part of the mental battle. And maybe it's harder because I'm pre-surgery. Post, I wouldn't have the option of deciding on surgery or not, just to move forward and work on the food/emotions/etc. I had surgery scheduled for May, but got sick and had to delay. Part of me wondered if that was actually serendipity/God/fate letting me know that it wasn't for me. There was relief, but also sadness. Regardless, I stuck with the program. I've learned healthy habits, and learned a lot about myself through the program, honestly. But my weight hasn't really changed because of it. Just my head. Did anyone else get cold feet? Sometimes I hate my brain!

I’m just about 3 days post op and I’m experiencing more pain now than I ever have. That’s because I thanked warfarin due to my blood clot and PE problems. Any time I have surgery I must stop the warfarin and have Lovenox injections in my belly it causes large hard hematomas. They are painful. When I had my surgery Monday 11/01/21 and it was a complicated one and add the hematomas on my belly I’m in so much pain. No amount of medication will Make it go away.

My surgery center doesn't do it and my insurance doesn't cover it. My choices were sleeve or bypass. I don't know that I would have chosen it given the increased risk of complications/problems after surgery. But, if my BMI were higher, I might have. My starting BMI was just under 50. I went with sleeve but I seriously considered bypass.

This is a tough journey, even if you have no complications. Glad you're doing well. I am 7-8 weeks out and I have found the hardest thing is that I'm not sure if I'm eating too much. I'm on the road for work and I've been hungry all the time since surgery, so I'm eating 800-900 calories a day. I'm not as hungry now that I'm on the road because I'm busier, but now I'm eating more because the food is less healthy (Or, am I less hungry because the food is less healthy/I'm eating more?).

a lot of women experience screwed up cycles the first few weeks or months after surgery because of extra estrogen (or so they say...). Estrogen is stored in fat cells, so it's released during rapid weight loss. For most people, it'll eventually stabilize. However, with your medical history and various meds, your situation may be more complicated than that.