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I am 5 weeks and was just curious to what other type of foods we can eat besides what’s on the booklet…. I been craving chicken soup so bad but was told I can’t have the noodles yet just the broth…. I’ve seen other blend it but don’t want to do something that will harm me… any suggestions

same, lady, same. traditional strength training was never for me...i forced myself to do it (the bare minimum) for a few years because i "knew" it was good for me, but i really, really disliked it. surprise surprise, it didn't last. i stopped a about 3 years ago. as mentioned above, there are other ways to build strength (and sexy muscles!): i personally do yoga (every day, often 2 or even 3 times a day), pilates (twice a week) and rock climbing (once or twice a week) you don't have to be a traditional gym gal to get fit/strong/healthy (but it does produce results!)...find something u like and do that. you'll more likely stick with it, which is better than doing nothing:) p.s. funny story - sorta related, sorta not - yesterday i saw an older couple "power walking" in my neighbourhood. i use quotes here because the were really just walking at a really slow pace, but were swinging their hips and pumping their arms with vigour! anyway i was all awwwww, they are exercising together so they will live longer together. then i noticed the man was holding a cigarette, lol. now, he could be on the couch smoking that cigarette, but at least he's walking! so yeah, better than nothing, ha. p.p.s. i was a smoker for decades, then not, then again for a few years, then not once more since 2023. i used to have a cigarette after my daily 5K runs...best thing ever, honestly. i half-joked that all my running was cancelling out the smoking. so yeah, again, better than nothing!

Yes all of the above. I still calorie count everything, every day. I log it religiously. I weigh myself every day. I am super scared of repeating my past mistakes. My first stall was scary. The second, well it was still a fright. By the third, I was quite used to them. Further along, I had a three month stall and everyone said I was done but I was no where near my goal so kept doing the same good things. It broke in its own good time and I chugged down a few more stones. In the end I chose my goal weight and with help from my team, upped my calories. That was a scary trip for me. I had to relax a bit. That was tough because I will not go back to being over 199lbs. Like you say, you have lost so much weight already. A lot more than 90% of us have, at six weeks. Your body needs to recentre itself. You will have to have faith and stick with the plan. We are all proof that this does work. Just take our word for it for now. Wait it out. x

I was sleeved in 2016. Lost weight, but no where near goal. Gained it all back. I just had a revision to a bypass this week (Jan 13). Things are going fine, almost too fine. Minimal discomfort, I have no problem keeping fluids or protein down. I am eating about 600 calories per day with 80 grams of protein. I’m not hungry. (I am on a 3 week liquid diet post op at the moment.) I also haven’t lost any weight. Does this sound normal?

No nausea.. and the pain was manageable enough with Tylenol. I was given a script for oxycodone for 5 days. But I never filled it. I was tired though, partially from coming off the anesthesia and the doctor told me at my 2 week followup, not drinking enough water. There were gas pains. And I was instructed to use Miralax to use the bathroom if I didn't go on my own. It wasn't that bad though. I was up and about by week 3 without feeling drained.

That's exciting! I have a few weeks to go until my 3 month follow-up, but like you, I'm anxious to hear what my surgeon says. I started losing weight right after the first of the year during the pre-op diet, had my bypass January 30, and have lost a total of 41 lbs. so far. It's been quite a journey!

Hi guys I just thought I would check in with you all and tell you of my progress, trials and tribulations! I'm nearly 6 weeks post-op and I am still adjusting to my new life. I am doing very well all things considered, except that one of my surgical sites reopened and is not healing properly, don't worry I am having medical support from the doctor and nurse, I just feel a bit down with it to be honest. I'm type 2 diabetic and my glucose levels have stabilized which is awesome! I lost 2 stone 1lb in just under a month which is amazing, I did stay the same last week which was disappointing but I guess my body needs time to catch up! I'm struggling mentally with self-imposed restrictions and triggering situations like food shopping etc and I wondered if you guys could help me gain some clarity I am one of the unlucky ones that still experiences real hunger and it is definitely not head hunger. I need to eat around every 2 hours, I am getting all my protein in and my fluids and I'm eating around 700 cals a day. My problem is that when I feel real hunger I panic and I don't know why! I have had lots of therapy and I am in a very good place now after many years of struggles with my mental health. I guess I was expecting not to feel hungry like most other people, and that was the case until about 3 weeks ago! The self imposed restriction is calorie counting! I am conflicted about whether I should be counting the calories in non starchy veg such as sprouts, cucumber tomatoes, gherkins, beetroot etc and fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and satsumas. Should I be counting calories at all? I'm eating around 700 cals a day at the moment. I am committed to eating healthy and do not crave junk food anymore which is awesome! I go for whole foods mainly and low carbs. Previously when I have given myself restrictions before I have done great for a few months then fallen off the wagon. I know it is different this time as I have a new tool, but it's taking my brain a while to catch up! I know that I am at the early stages at the moment and still learning my fullness cues and practising a fair amount of control, I used to eat mindlessly, now I think about everything that goes in my mouth. What do you guys think of this? I also worry that my weight loss will stall and I know it's only been a week so far and its not a stall until 3 to 4 weeks, but I have seen it so many times on lots of forums and it worries me a bit to be honest. I know that no one really knows how their weight loss is going to go as everyone is unique and I need to stop overthinking things but its so hard when I have done it all my life! Did any of you guys have similar worries or concerns in the early stages and did it resolve itself? Any advice would be great! Thanks in advance x

Exactly on point and why it was a fit for me as I was in full menopause with my hormone changes basically stalling my metabolism. I haven't experienced my appetite suppression as other have but regardless, due to my particular medical needs, it's working for me 🙂 Also, as an endocrine nurse, I have found my personal experience during all this as an amazing way to connect with my patients who are facing similar challenges. Everything happens for a reason ❤️

Yes I take myself off alone with lots of books for 3 weeks every year. It would be my husbands idea of hell. Deep joy

Yes, @Trish662 , I had the exact same situation only I’m 5’4”. I was 53 yrs old when I had surgery in August, and had a long stall in December and bloodwork came back iron anemia. It took a month of faithful iron supplements with vitamin C during my lunchtime (coffee, milk products, PPT, magnesium supplements all make taking iron at other times cancel out absorption). You will have to find a 4 hr window (nothing 2 hrs before and nothing 2 hrs after) that works for your absorption. I ate meatloaf, meatballs and ground grass fed beef with a small amount of marinara or mild salsa for lunch meals as well. At the time I could only eat 3 oz of protein due to restriction (dietitian still pushing for 4oz per meal even now). I get my 60-80 grams of protein per day in easily now! After that grueling iron work I did start loosing weight much more regularly 3-4 lbs a month and kept loosing weight until 2 years and 4 months. I had RNY so I need to stay on top of the iron absorption issue regularly. If I forget to take the iron with C for a week, I feel sluggish and 4-5 lbs shows up quickly. It takes about another week to get the weight and iron back on track (says the bloodwork and doc). You’ll feel better soon and your stall will end quickly. I take Centrum Women’s 50+ tablets in the morning with Calcuim and D3, then additional Nature Made Iron 65mg with Trader Joe Vitamin C complex at lunchtime. I found my magnesium low too so I take that at night with a probiotic, Trader Joe’s is the cheapest that doesn’t hurt my stomach or pocketbook but you will probably find something you like better. I don’t count carbs, but I find if I eat any simpler carbs like an apple or oatmeal I dump. I also throw off all my electrolytes and get wicked muscle spasms. Gatorade Zero or similar products help me stay balanced, and I stayed away from most carbs except veggies during the loosing phase. I can eat the same or more calories in fat and loose, but if it’s carbs, stall, stall, stall. You will find your sweet spot, pun intended.

The past week have been nightmarish. I have lost 3 something kgs and my BMI has dropped to below 18, which is considered underweight. I am totally okay and feel fine (checked with my team, my surgeon doesn’t seem too concerned) but been trying to eat everything caloric dense and fattening, no luck in gaining any weight so far!!

Agreed. It's always best to talk to a health professional whenever your health is involved. It's never a good idea to self-diagnose issues, even if it's something you've had going on before. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is potentially life threatening, so not worth taking a risk. While the risk for DVT is highest in the first few days after surgery, it can happen even weeks or months later. If it's not DVT, I do find it odd that you seem to struggle so much with dehydration and think you really need to double-down on drinking more water and not so much on supplements. Hopefully you're taking a bariatric multivitamin as recommended by your doctor? These typically already have potassium and magnesium, so it seems unlikely to me that you'd need additional supplementation of these particular electrolytes. (I assume that was the rationale for eating bananas and avocados). Sometimes people that sweat a lot exercising can actually lose too much sodium and cause an electrolyte imbalance since sodium is the primary electrolyte in your sweat. I suspect if you're only 3 weeks out, this is also unlikely.

Frustrating & upsetting I know but like everything about this experience (including the amount of weight you lose, your rate of loss, your time line for losing, etc.) the three week stall is just an average. Some will stall earlier & some will stall later. They usually last 1-3 weeks but could be more or less. Don’t worry, you will start to lose again. Just give your body time to reset it itself and work out your new needs. You’ll notice the scales dropping again when your body is ready. Can’t force it. You’ll only stress your body & yourself more.

My 5 penny worth of advice for what its worth - Your stall will eventually break and untill you get used to them they are scary. Do your best to eat as well as you can afford. I dont know if the news is fake or not but I beleive eggs are expensive in the US but a few boiled eggs are always handy in the fridge, eat them like apples or squash them in mayo with tiny melba toast. As @Arabesque said pre cooked chicken is super easy to grab with a small salad. Salmon and tuna is good too. I love a chunk of cheese with a sliced apple and a few grapes with cream cheese is a delicious dippy snack

It’s been a strange kind of week. I haven’t gone wildly off plan but I have definitely struggled with focus. Nothing has gone wrong, I’m not upset about anything or fed up. I just think that having the dietitian appointment and everything going OK with that sort of had me taking my foot off the accelerator a little. Then the shock of getting my appointment with the surgeon has played with my head somewhat? “I honestly don’t know” is the answer right now. I think, as others have pointed out, that this whole WLS journey became very real this week and there’s a bit of panic going on. Me and hubby have had lots of conversations this week too, about how the future may look what with the LRD to come, immediate post-surgery things to deal with and then long term. Hubby admitted that he knows he’s going to find how little I will be able to eat a struggle but takes comfort in the fact that others have done, and continue to do, the exact same thing and survive plus the Bariatric team at our hospital seem really switched on so he knows I’m in good hands. It’s a learning curve for him too, with more lessons to come! Thankfully the hospital team does welcome questions from family members because they know it can be difficult for them too. I’m not worried about anything specific, just more a case of the practicalities of things. I always do better when I have planned things, even if it’s just in my head, because it’s feeling like I have some control! I’ve ordered a mini food processor to hel with the purée part of the journey to come, so that should be here by the end of the week. Hubby has been looking at different sized ice cube trays for freezing individual portions of purée plus looking at recipes etc. I think he feels a bit ‘in limbo’ at the moment, which I do understand. Anyway, went to see Fatboy Slim on Saturday. I felt good in what I was wearing: Size smaller sparkly black jeans (with lots of stretch, obviously 😉) It was a nice confidence boost anyway! However, the gig was outside and it was freezing cold - that a UK summer for you 🙄 I had a blanket plus a wrap but it got too cold and my hips and knees just had enough, especially with being locked in one position while sitting on the scooter. We left before the end because I honestly couldn’t handle the cold anymore. Disappointing, yes but it happens. On the drive home the heavens opened and it rained so I didn’t feel too bad after that. It took me ages to get warm though. Had a hot shower, extra blanket on the bed, plus pyjamas but I couldn’t warm up. Hubby eventually made me a hot water bottle and I managed to slowly thaw out. We’ve said no more outdoor things for now, especially as the weather is so unpredictable here. Nothing else to report. I will knuckle back down and re-focus. I’ve had a weekend of pizza and alcohol so that’s my wander off-plan done with! Oh, my new weighing scales are in agreement with the dietitian’s scales, which surprised me! The dietitian suggested that I took a photo of her printout from when she had weighed me. I have no idea what everything means but she did underline a couple of things like the visceral fat number, metabolic age etc etc and my new scales match those numbers exactly 😮 So thank you @FifiLux for your suggestion 🥰 I just need to make sure that the weight numbers on the new, shiny scales start reducing again… Wishing everyone a successful, happy week regardless of where you are on your weight loss journey 😎 Onwards and downwards everybody!

Definitely take a picture every month or so, just so you can look back and compare! Honestly it has really helped me currently where my weight loss has slowed down and I am in a bit of a stall! Congratulations on your journey so far - you have already smashed it out of the park! I was in so much pain daily pre-WLS, lacking energy and hip pain as you say! Honestly both of those things went for me around the 2-3 month mark, so I hope that you soon feel that too! Thank you ❤️

Aah, stalls. The eternal battle of weight loss. But yes, you can continue to experience stalls of varying lengths until you stop losing. Plus you’re getting close to your goal weight (or your new set point) so your rate of loss can slow right down to what seems like nothing - like measuring loss in ounces not pounds. The last 11kg I lost took about a year so less than a kilo (about a pound) a month on average but in those last months it was almost at a dead stop with fluctuations until it finally settled & didn’t change. Did you carry most of your weight in your abdominal area? If so, this might be why you are still carrying weight there as it is where you had the most to lose. Losing an inch off your thighs will look like you’ve lost more than losing an inch off your tummy because it is a larger area. But it wouldn’t hurt to speak with your doctor about possible build up of lymphatic fluid or lymphedema given your history.

Yes, any crisps or crisp like foods such as pepperoni crisps or Serrano ham crisps mentioned above are all a big no for the purée stage. Sure look at them for when you’re much further out but ensure serve the portion recommendations. They can be moorish and before you know it you’ve eaten 2 or 3 serves and there’s 200, 300 calories. (I’m looking at you those pork crackling/scratchings.) It takes at least 6 weeks for your tummy to heal. (Think of all those sutures and staples holding it together.) The staged diet of liquids, to purées, to soft is all to protect your tummy/digestive system and not damage your it or impeded your recovery. Remember too any desire for crunch is a craving and thus a head hunger. It’s got nothing to do with real hunger. The first weeks after surgery are stressful and emotional & naturally your head tells you to seek something to comfort you: food and often crunchy or salty food. Look for distractions at these times: craft, read, play a game, call family or friends, sip a warm drink, go for a walk, etc. It does help. You will get through it and learn to better manage cravings in the future.

Glad you are doing well! Same for me, almost! Losing hair, I've lost a little over 60 lbs since sleeve surgery on Dec. 2, 2024, have sagging skin, but overall, I am very glad I did it in hopes I can KEEP it off this time. I'm eating 900-1100 most days I think. And have upped my water and protein since hair has thinned. Praying it comes back like normal soon. I have recently begun working out with resistance, etc 3 days a week and 5 days a week I have a goal of 10k steps. On day 2 of this. LOL! Just need to make it habit again like I did before. It helps! They said at my already-scheduled one year visit on Dec. 2, that I should probably be around 166. But my own goal is 154. So gotta up my game!! LOL! Then they said ultimate goal should be low end 115 and high end 125 lbs. Cannot imagine being that small. Lowest I ever got to was 155 as an adult and was there about 5 minutes. LOL! Thanks for doing a check in for us December Peeps! That's my month. Birthday and Christmas all in one! And now surgiversary too!!

While I am a foodie and looove to try new foods, recipes and going out to eat (you would not catch me repeating meals). I have been eating much less the past couple of weeks, I have borderline lost my appetite and eating feels like a chore. I can probably take 3 bites comfortably before I feel my restriction and I hate that pressure feeling, it is so intense and borderline painful, so I just dread eating sometimes.

Guys I'm not liking myself. I feel "fat" it's so weird how I feel .. I look myself in the mirror and I c that I've gained weight but on the scale I was losing weight and just stalled for 2 weeks (well gained 200g) so I'm just feeling shitty. I feel like I'm able to eat more (not as much as pre surgery ) but more... my husband almost smacked me to snap out of it lool and he said I was delulu n I'm not seeing myself .... I'm trying to watch my food and I'm between 1000 to 1300ish cals and maintaining 70 to 90g of protein. Sometimes my carbs are over but I won't say too bad. I'm almost 6 months post op

Thanks for the information. I'm a Gym Rat, but my surgeon told me I had to wait 6 weeks before I go back to swimming and cycling, and I have a personal trainer working with me on strength training so I lift weights well. I'm getting in over 80 grams of protein with my protein water and doing a lot of walking and only 3 days post op now. It has been a wild ride so far, and the surgeon called me last night to see how I was doing and checking my glucose numbers and pain...that was a shocker, who does that? My surgeon does!! He is a people person, that's way cool! Anyway, thanks again for your support, and everyone's support. I'm starting my new life happy.

I told my surgeon about meals as they had me eating soup with shredded chicken and tiny bits of carrots all they said it’s ok if your tolerance is ok. Just as well it was and I didn’t get any problems but I must admit it’s left me quite confused now and what I’m able to eat 3 weeks later x

Ah - such an interesting topic! Also a stomach sleeper through my whole life (including pregnancies with wedge pillows). I had to change to sleeping on my side for many weeks after my sleeve because of horrible draggy pain, with pillows wedged into various places, especially initially. I wish I had had a body pillow. About 3 months post op I was able to sleep my stomach but by then actively preferring my side, and now I sleep only on my side. One of the many random changes I've experienced post op. Welcome to your new life 😍