Search the Community

Question - I get sharp pains in the top of my stomach when I drink anything. It's intermittent. They don't even last a second but I was hoping they would get better a week out, but it's the same. I'm thinking it's the hernia repair I had at the same time, or could it be common to the sleeve?

Hi yalllll, So I’m rlly just wondering if I’m fucking this surgery up 😞 I am able to eat a yogurt (6oz) in like 20 mins and I don’t feel gross after. My brother who also had the surgery two/three years ago is telling me I’m eating way too fast, but I don’t like understand how or what he means? He won’t rlly help me understand either 😞 I just don’t want this all to be in vain, I’m a worry wort as you can probably see but I have lost 12ish lbs and I wanna keep the momentum, and make sure I’m not doing anything dumb to jeopardize my success. Any input would be helpful! Xx

I had VSG in Tijuana, Mx. at HospitalBC with Dr. Illan, so I can only speak to my own personal experience. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. Regarding your questions above: 1 - No, it was a combination of finances, timeline, convenience, and other factors. 2 - No, I did not get an option. My surgeon uses a 32 as his standard and will only deviate when appropriate for the patient. 3 - I met with my PCP before I went and she was extremely supportive. She does all my post-op labs, checked my incisions, offered dietary support, etc. She now recommends my surgeon to other patients who are interested in going out of country for the procedure. 4 - The hospital I chose was staffed with additional medical personnel in case of emergencies, but that really wasn't a consideration for me. The instance/risk of major complications DURING surgery is essentially nil. 5 - Complications aren't usually the result of a surgical mistake, so there is generally nothing for the surgeon to "fix" they typically are just the result of a person's own body's healing. For instance, a stricture is one of the most common (though still extremely rare) post-op complications, and they are almost never a direct result of surgical error. They just happen. 6 - My hospital offers lifetime nutritional support, which is great. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend some serious counseling before & after to deal with the emotional/mental work that has to be done. I was really well informed pre-op but still felt like the extra support would be critical, and it was. I would also suggest ongoing community support - either here, or something like BariNation (which I LOVE), or a local support group. I am a card carrying, people hating, highly independent introvert and have still found community support to be vital to my success. 7 - I wish I had known how ridiculously kind and accommodating the staff would be. I went alone and really kept to myself, but the one time I needed the staff they were incredibly responsive and very kind. In hindsight, I wish I had been more engaged. *going out of order* 9 - It takes time. Most people will NOT be able to hit their protein and water goals right away. It took me probably 3 months before I was able to get there consistently. It just takes a crap ton of work. I keep water handy at ALL times, and drink, drink, drink like its my job. I was never advised to drink warm water or to adjust my intake in any way. Just drink, all the time. 8 - I am going to say this as gently and with as much love as I possibly can - This is not your journey and you would serve your wife best by keeping your opinions to yourself. Unless you have lived in her brain and her body, you cannot understand what she is going through, what is driving her behaviors, or what toll it is taking on her mental health. I can guarantee you, she feels plenty of shame already and doesn't need you second guessing her ability to be successful. The best thing you can do is research, report back, support her, and shut up. My husband is thin and has the metabolism of a hummingbird. He has never struggled with his weight and as such has no frame of reference and no ability to understand. He recognized this early on, and has thus deferred to me on every diet, every fast, every medication, and ultimately my decision to have surgery. His unconditional support, free of opinions and judgment, was the kindest gift he ever gave to me. I know you love her, and you clearly want her to succeed. But the baggage you are forcing her to drag around is entirely unhelpful. A much more valuable way to help would be to help her find a therapist so she can do the work that would set her up for success long term.

These are good tips. I wonder if these menu items mentioned are still available or if anyone has any new items to add to the list. I admit I haven’t tried a lot of fast food yet. Just fresco tacos so far. But I do love Chick-fil-A salads. I just bring my own dressing.

Thanks, I will check her out. My favorite so far is Katina Eats Kilos. She doesn't eat too fast and talks a lot during it. And does all kinds of food. So much fun and satisfying to watch.

Had surgery on Monday and was discharged by noon on Tues. Tbh no cramping, no nausea, not horrid pain, and had a bm without taking anything for it. The only weird thing is my taste buds have changed. Sweet protein shakes make gag now or maybe it's the flavors I buy idk. I got some unjury protein powders in savory flavors like chicken soup and santa fe chili. I also got the unflavored to add strained soup. I have no cravings or hunger. If I sip too fast I burp or hiccup it up...not a fun feeling.

I am also not losing weight as fast as others but it is what it is. I just make sure I meet my protein and water goals and figured it will happen in its own time.

It's just the patty. No bun, none of the junk that usually goes on it. Just the patty with a little seasoning. And they are homemade patties, not fast food or anything.

I’m still having a hard time getting all of my water in. Sometimes I drink too fast and feel like vomiting. Sometimes I feel like I have heartburn. I’ve been moved to the purée part, but I still feel like I can’t really eat anything other than thick soup or blended fish/chicken chunks. I feel like I’m not following the program well enough and I’m frustrated.

Not everyone progresses through the stages as fast. You may need to go back to the previous stage for a few days.

I agree with @catwoman7. It's also possible you're eating too fast, not chewing enough, or taking bites that are too large.

Oh no! I met the limit of my pouch two days ago eating too much ricotta bake too fast. I felt for a few minutes that I was going to vomit. That passed and I didn't. That sure does remind you and keep you in check.

Unfortunately the binge slope is a very slippery one. Once you start, it can go down hill fast. I know from experience! So it's best not to start in the first place. I know it's hard to do because unfortunately WLS does NOT prevent returning to old habits. Don't beat yourself up. Bad days are going to happen.

No not really. depending on your surgeons schedule you will be able to eat soft foods in a few weeks after surgery. and tiny amounts fill you up fast. I was on solids after 2 weeks and it was glorious lol. Because the 2 weeks pre op liquid diet sucked and the post op liquid diet sucked because that point you really cant have any solids until a couple weeks or longer depending on your surgeon. but after the liquids it gets so much better.

Maybe the burger patty, but not a burger patty on a bun and all that goes along with it. I guess is it a home made burger 🍔 or from Macca's or hungry jacks and the like because 1 burger from a fast food joint would be your calories for the whole day

Technically yes but no... After we heal up sure we can eat pretty much anything but in smaller portions. But the whole idea is to eat healthier as well... the bad things that got us to this weight should be avoided for the most part like fast food and fatty items.

I am about 7 weeks post op. I lost a lot of weight pre op and first 2 weeks. Since then i have slowed a lot. here are my measurements that i take on the 4th of every month. As you can see its not super fast. This process takes a while.

My surgery went well. Haven't had any MS flares at all. Had a bit of a slow recovery because of the incision they removed the stomach from. That one really hurt for a while. Other than that, things went well and I didn't have complications. Don't really have any restriction, and my hunger definitely never went away. I lost a lot of weight really fast, and then hit a 2 week stall, and now the weight is coming off super slow. Like SLOOOOW. But this is a marathon, not a sprint. I'll get there in the end.

Do you even have to do one (many do not) and you are assuming by other posts that you do? Many programs that do them tend to wait until the last minute to tell their patients (for fear of scaring them off, understandably.) Some programs specifically don't want their patients doing any of those fasting diets, preferring that they concentrate on learning how to eat sensibly. If you do need to do one, then yes, playing with different protein shakes to find one that you like, or at least tolerate, is a good idea, but it's not worth going overboard on it. If liver shrinking/condition is their goal (it usually is) then simple low carb will do as well as anything - lean meats and green veg; the liquid aspect is pretty much irrelevant to that goal (and I have never understood why some insist on that, other than they don't have to do it themselves!)

Pain is subsiding a little more each day. Walking definitely helps. Feeling up to taking a shower today. From surgery on Monday to today I've lost 5 pounds. Promised myself I wouldn't worry about how fast or slow the weight comes off as long as it comes off. So I'll keep strolling along. Sent from my SM-G981V using BariatricPal mobile app

This is true. That’s why therapy & understanding why you eat is a vital component of this process for many people. In the US a psychological assessment is part of the insurance approval process. In Australia, your surgeon recommends pre &/or post surgery therapy sessions. The surgery affords many benefits that dieting &/or exercising alone does. It resets your body set point (the weight your body naturally gravitates to), boosts your metabolism, removes part of the area that produces the hunger hormone (ghrelin) & can affect the glp1 hormone that regulates hunger & the metabolism of glucose. There are also of course physical changes that restricts how much food you can eat. You will have to change how & what you eat. (Many change when they eat too.) The surgery affords you the time to establish new habits, discover new foods & to work out what way of eating works best for you. I’ve tried many diets & I’m pig headed enough to stick to them for months without wavering but I’d always eventually go back to how & what I usually ate. I’ve never been able to maintain my weight like I can now. I made a decision to cut out a lot of sugar (real, artificial, substitutes) out of my diet. I don’t eat highly processed foods, avoid a lot of carbs & never have fast food. This has been what works for me. It may not work for you or complement your lifestyle. I didn’t record my food intake & still don’t. I do random checks of my calories & regularly check nutrients & ingredients. The only thing I watch carefully is my protein. Some people find tracking very helpful but it isn’t for everyone all the time. Though you may be required to do it for a while to ensure you’re getting in the nutrients you need. But you have to be ready to do this. As I said it’s not easy. It was harder than any other diet I’ve done.

I am 3 weeks out and have lost 40 pounds so far. I can’t even believe how fast the weight is coming off.

Hi, I was banded in 2013, had it removed in 2017 due to a twist; gained most of my weight back so I just under went VSG and I'm wondering if any one has a similar experience? How fast did you lose? Any complications? Thanks Sent from my SM-A526W using BariatricPal mobile app

I definitely feel restriction. I can't eat chicken even pureed. It's just easier to eat soft or pureed food. I did over eat on chicken and it was painful. I had to throw that up. Lesson learned. I try to remember to stop eating before I am full. It takes a bit for your brain to catch up to your stomach. I have always been a fast eater. So learning to slow down has been an issue.

I didn't feel any restriction at all during the soft/pureed food stages. As of Friday, though, I am on regular food. Boy can I feel the restriction now! I JUST had only my second experience with vomiting after a meal - I think I just ate my little bowl of food too fast and had a bite or two too much. Also, definitely follow the rules about stopping liquids 30 min before or after meals or you will get that over-full feeling!