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I haven't told my family about surgery, instead I told them about the post op lifestyle changes like that I stopped eating bread, pasta, grains (true) ,I eat keto style to lose weight (true when it was happening), I exercise and joined a gym (true), I walk everywhere I can (true)

Biggest thing, don't cave in. The ONLY person putting that food in your face is you. You control you. SO... control you! Now, find something that's a healthy option that you can swap with whatever you are craving that will satisfy the craving. There are some amazing foods out there that you can eat that are WAY better for you than most of the junk that's out there. 3 ingredient Keto Cookies using nothing but bananas, cacao powder and raw peanut butter, super amazing fudgey cookies that are decently low in calories, have ZERO added sugars and pack in the protein and nutrients that you just don't get from typical cookies. You can either avoid or confront the foods. I confronted them. I legit stood in front of all the candy in the candy isle and was like... "screw you candy. You made me fat and unhappy and made me feel like crap. Sure you are tasty, but it's all just junk and I don't need you." I used to eat a LOT of ice cream, now I eat a 1/4 or so of Halo Top, way better option. You have to make this work. Do your best and only your best and it gets easier. If you fail or cave... that's fine, but, it's not. Don't beat yourself up... but don't make it "ok". Work with your surgery, not against it! Good Luck!

I hear this. And I want to believe we aren't typical. LOL. But how is it truly that we defy biochemistry just by virtue of an altered anatomy? I "think" I might have some clues--but how does that really figure in for us metabolically? In studies they found even in the absence of weight loss (ie newly post op), that metabolic status improved--less insulin resistance, lower bg's, etc. Some theories are: 1. Surgery alters the transit time from food entering the stomach, to food exiting the stomach is much faster--so it alters the gut hormones which in turn alters the metabolism. 2. We're eating less, so lower glycemic load/glycemic strain placed on the body--therefore less insulin resistance/lower bgs. 3. In the case of RNY or DS, we absorb less so less insulin resistance/lower bgs/altered gut hormones change metabolism. I don't get how these things actually BOOST or maintain our present metabolisms...I think the IF stuff and keto stuff holds some clues as long as we're eating tiny amounts at a time and/or keeping cals super low or carbs super/low. But there are plenty who still lose and manage to take in a metric crapton (by their own admission) of carbs and calories. What then? What are your thoughts on this? @Sosewsue61

Oh bother, it won't let me edit the older post, with the list of surgery buddies. But I'm updating my list and will post it again in a few days! (For those of you who just got here, scroll up, and you can see if you have surgery buddies who share a date with you. Oct 1, 2, and 4 are especially popular days!) My update: in an attempt to maybe make the liquid diet (starts Wednesday) easier on myself, I went ahead and cut out carbs, besides the ones I get from broccoli and cauliflower and the little bit of milk I put in my tea and coffee. If I can get into ketosis before I drastically cut my calories, maybe I won't be so hungry. I'm making sure to get enough salt (mmm, dill pickles, I will soon miss you) and to hydrate really well, to help ease the transition. I've also been taking walks (short ones--my arthritis is not better since I've had to be off my meds and supplements), which is supposed to help with "keto flu," too. Whether that will matter or not remains to be seen, but I feel good about doing something to try and help out future me. We've got this, friends!

Yeah, great stuff! So it's different for some of us...I was in ketosis before surgery and am keto adapted (long term since basically 2000 with a little time off for surgeries and poor behaviors through that time). And you make a great point about the IV fluids having sugar in them. I don't know of too many surgeons who want to risk putting you under while in deep ketosis. Maybe bariatric surgeons are different? Dunno. But my PS who did all of my breast recon work could smell it on my breath and skin and would say, that he would just give me some "juice in my iv" to bring me back into glycolosis before putting me under. He did explain why and said there weren't enough hours in his world for that risk on a daily basis with all his patients. But I do know that I also routinely come out of the hospital 5-15lbs heavier than when I went in and part of it is optimized hydration from the ivs, extra surgical inflammation in the tissues themselves, any extra stuff they put in (like my implants which may be about 1lb each lol). Plus the crap food that seems to have sugar in everything!!! (Even though i never ate anything knowingly that had sugar -- ie reg jello, juice of any kind, reg Gatoraide, high carb protein drinks, mashed taters, VERY little mashed beans, etc.) So I think there may be more to the hospital part than ketosis/glycolosis and water weight. I also know I had the 3 week, 6week, 3 month, and 6 month stalls. GAH!!! So hard and frustrating. LOL. And I was deep into ketosis at those times from each stage. So I just think stalls happen. Weight loss is non-linear. LOL. It just isn't. I lose, get to a new low, then bounce up and around for a few days before resuming going back to a new low...

People talk about how they gain weight immediately after surgery (not everyone, but some folks). People talk about how, when they switch from liquids to purees they gain weight (again, not everyone, and I doubt many people fall into both groups). And everyone just nods their heads and says "yes, that does happen, don't freak out, stalls are normal at this point." I think some folks even have said "that's water weight, chill." (Usually more nicely.) I think the difference has to do with whether or not your body enters ketosis before surgery -- those of us on protein drinks and no juice or anything else with sugar will almost certainly be there after a week or more of that diet* -- and when you leave it. Switching from glycolysis to ketosis comes with a steep drop in water weight. (It takes more stored water for the body to perform glycolysis.) Don't get me wrong: you also lose fat, but not all of the miraculously fast loss you see is fat; anywhere from 3-8 pounds is water. Those pounds will come back as soon as you leave ketosis. Sorry. I know that's a bummer. The upshot is, if your IV bags have any kinds of sugars in them, or if the nurses give you juice in the hospital, you'll see that regain immediately after surgery, even if you were fully hydrated beforehand. (Maybe you would, a little, anyway, as your body does what it needs to do to heal from surgery.) If that doesn't happen, but you get home and start drinking juice or normal Gatorade or something, 1) that's probably not the best possible habit for the long term, and 2) you'll get that water weight back then. Or, box number three: if you are only drinking broths and protein shakes and not getting any carbs to speak of, it'll happen when you transition to purees -- refried beans, apple sauce, yogurts, etc. will have more carbohydrates in them, and you'll get your water weight back then. In my experience with coming out of ketosis (pre-WLS), my body only actually gains a tiny bit, but it "stalls" for 2-3 weeks before it goes back to losing normally. So, I think that's at least part of what is happening with the weird post-surgical gains. Before I stop writing this already very long post, I want to point out that ketosis is NOT the same thing as ketoacidosis, and you are not in danger if you go into ketosis. The transition is unpleasant (though making sure you're extremely well hydrated and you've got enough electrolytes, including especially sodium, when you cut out the carbs will help ease it somewhat), but once you make it, you should find you aren't as hungry anymore. I don't know whether there's any special benefit to staying in ketosis for the week(s) after surgery, before transitioning to purees, but speaking only for myself, I'm inclined to try, in the hopes that I don't end up super hungry while I'm only taking in liquids. (I don't get much say about what goes in my IV bags or what the hospital tells me to eat, so it may not be up to me. We'll see.) Public Service Announcement: Please do not buy ketone measuring strips unless you need them for your diabetes. They are getting harder for diabetics to find, because keto nuts are using them up. You don't need to measure the ketones in your pee if you're dieting. It is unnecessary. (Is your breath disgusting? Great, you're in ketosis.) Spread the word to your keto friends, please. *I only say "almost," because there are apparently a lot of people who get their broth by straining chicken noodle soup and not eating the noodles or the chicken. I don't know how many starches end up in a broth that had noodles cooked in it. Also, strained cream soups are allowed on my pre-op diet, and those will have a higher carb content than your average protein shake. We're allowed to use milk in our protein shakes, too, which could be enough to stave off ketosis. Also, I think the nutritionist allows G2, and that has some sugar. So it's not definite? But it's likely.

Yes! There are definitely plenty of good choice that can be made at airports. The whole keto trend is good for us bariatric folks, with cheese, jerky, nuts being readily available. But as we know, having good choice available doesn't always lead us to make those good choices

I’m scheduled first week nov in Juarez at hospital angeles with dr Rodriguez using beliteweight . they have answered questions thoroughly but would like to know if anyone will be there then? also I’m overall scared. I have a friend who did this in the states and regrets it? It had made her mental health issues (ocd, depression, anxiety) worse. my husband isn’t completely on board but is going anyways because he knows I’ll get a plane ticket and go alone. We’re going to make the 18 hour drive to El Paso, which I’m terrified of the traffic as much as the surgery. also the pre diet is solid foods like a keto diet? I thought it’s usually a liquid or protein shake diet?

Do you have a good Keto bar recipe? Also just wondering if bars are ok at 3-4weeks. I mean consistency is like my calcium soft chews!? Dense chewy and no crumbles or buts of any sort

I used to love Robert Irvine’s fit crunch bars. They do have 27 grams of carbs in them but only 6 grams of sugar and 30 grams of protien. And they taste great!! But you can make Keto protien bars too so there’s that option.

I tell everyone Keto and I eat keto around them to prove it lol

Yeh all normal, will settle down. Have a look at keto diet when your ready, really helped me. Good luck. Your doing good

Yes; I say Keto and exercise 😉

I’m at a new job so no one knew me before surgery. But ppl who did know me before I say I’m doing keto, which I really am

@Biddy zz thks. Those r great suggestions. I just need to get it together n regroup. I need to do more meal planning. Yes that “Real Good Pizza co.” is a once n awhile thing but it’s basically no carbs which is why so many people r eating it especially those on Keto diets but yes I’m sure plenty of additives. Definitely no clean eating.

I don't think there's any real need to pay for a bariatric keto program unless you specifically need the hand holding. Low carb keto principles are all over the web. But for most of us, the higher fat levels don't work either keeping us from losing fully or making us nauseated. I just keep my macros very simple. Let's say for instance, that most people who are consistently losing are keeping calories in the 800-1000cal range. So the macros for 1000cals on a female of normal construction (ie not a body lifter, not large framed 6foot. I'm talking average 5'4" female): 30% Protein (75g protein); 60% Fat (67g fat); 10% Carbs (25g carbs--from low glycemic veggies, nuts, seeds, dairy, and low glycemic berries in small amounts). There are NO required carbs. None. Cuz the liver can make every spec of glucose needed for those few cells that require glucose and that can't run on ketones. Otherwise, fat from your body (and a tiny bit from your diet) supplies the ketones needed for fuel for your body. (For me, I have to keep fats lower cuz it makes me nauseated. So my most recent macros are more like: 30% Protein (75g prot); 50% Fat (56g); 20% Carbs (50g carbs)--My carbs usually around 30-40g whole per day and once you subtract out fiber, they are closer to 25-30g. I am def. in ketosis. But honestly most days I don't make 1000 cals either. I do get my protein range from my RD of 60-75g protein though. It's pretty simple. Lean meats/proteins, limit cheese and processed meats a "tiny" bit. Lots of leafy greens and low glycemic veg and a tiny bit of low carb berries if desired. Nuts/seeds/avocado/healthy fats. Healthy dairy if carbs and cals allow. And stay away from legumes, grains, sugar and as much sugar alcohols as possible. Eat cleanly and shop from the outer isles. Drink 100oz of water a day or a little more. Exercise (walk at the very least).

I have been researching Bariatric Keto, and there is a specific reset. It differs from regular keto in that it is protein, moderate fat, low carb. It seems to be very successful. I suggest looking it up.

If you’re having any major immediate health issues that would pose a need for WLS, I’d try lifestyle changes first, because this is permanent. I did well on keto during my supervised well loss period pre-op and might have opted to just continue that and see how far I got, but fibrosis of the liver spurred me to do the surgery. You can always start the process with a surgeon and decide for certain as it gets closer. Most drs & insurance require a period of supervised weigh loss first, psych evaluation and nutritionist mtg(s). These might give you the boost you need to do it on your own. And if not, than you’re already working on completing all the requirements.

I’m looking at dulcolax since it’s 1/2 the price. Gonna hop back on my probiotics. I need to get into a better habit with my pills.... I’m not great at remembering to take them. Alarms don’t help. Oh my favorite cooking blog (40 aprons) has a sushi recipe 😍😍😍 🍣🥢🍣🥢 it’s Whole 30/Paleo/Keto!! Yay!! Can’t wait to try this!! And it’s got 8 grams of protien :) https://40aprons.com/whole30-sushi-low-carb-paleo/#wprm-recipe-container-16015

Hey all! I had to figure out what my password was to get back on here!!! My update: I’m over 2 years out from surgery. I can eat whatever I want in moderation. I definitely can overeat the wrong foods now. I try to eat mostly keto (high fat, low carb, no sugar). I weighed 132lbs this morning. My lowest I believe was 121lbs. I have to diet to weight under 128. My body’s happy weight is 130. I still want to binge occasionally. And occasionally I do. But bingeing post surgery is very different than presurgery. It’s 2 slices (maybe) of pizza and a dessert 2 hours later. Sugar still hits my stomach like a ton of bricks. Carbs fill me up like a balloon was inflated in my stomach. When I eat healthy, I feel amazing. I can eat just about the same amount of food as my friends when we go out to dinner. I’ll skip the bread, have a few bites of salad, then be able to eat almost all the protein on the plate, a few bites of the veggie side and then I’m done. I don’t get dessert. I’ll tell you what I don’t like. I can’t drink like I used to. I thought I’d eventually be able to have 4 glasses of wine and be okay, but I’m now. After #2 I’m drunk, and I’m blacked out if I drink more than 3. My friends are heavy drinkers and this has been a bit of a problem. I have to tell them I can only have 2. That’s really the only thing that’s affected my life negatively. Here’s my most recent after. It’s from 2 weeks ago. Please let me know if you have any other questions this surgery is still the best thing I ever did!!!!

@DixieD oh geez! I didn't even pay attention to your type of surgery, that's one i don't know enough about. I had the sleeve, pretty basic, right? But I feel hungry all the time, someone suggested tums (maybe it was that chick up there lol!) those sort of help. I don't do shakes and I try to stay away from bars like fluffy said. I eat basic too and I'm not afraid of fat, I don't follow keto or Paleo but do my own thing. I eat a lot of yogurt, cheeses, nuts and I'll indulge and have REAL bacon with my one egg. I know you have absorption issues with your surgery but my nut said and I've seen some articles that say over 100 grams of protein is pointless because we pee it all out, the extra i mean. I don't know, I feel the being hungry thing, and I am not supposed to be hungry according to what everything said about the sleeve. I just drink water, or Crystal light or decaf tea and I have struggles with fluid off and on too. It seriously feels like it's a job to.drink water, I loved it before, now it's a chore. My doctor also upped my PPI dose too. I'm going to.educate myself on your surgery though because i.Don't know enough about it and I feel like i.should know what my WLS brothers and sisters go through

@FluffyChix, @sillykitty, @GreenTealael, May I ask how often do you weigh yourselves now versus when you first had WLS? And at what point did you decide IF was the way to go or try? I'm impressed, but also wondering why so soon post surgery did you decide to try IF? BTW, you ladies and Matt are doing great! Super impressed. I tried IF with Keto and it worked but I think I had other obstacles that were in my way (hence the wls). Thanks in advance?

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Programs vary all over the map in many areas, though the common elements are: Protein - consistent with need, but generally 60-80 g for women (though shorter than average women can do fine in the 50's) and 80-100 g for men. Protein need is most closely associated with lean body mass, hence the difference between men's and women's needs. Eat protein first, then veggies, fruits and starches Eat slowly, chew well Don't drink calories (protein drinks excepted, though you won't need to do them at this point) Avoid drinking with meals and for 30 minutes after meals. Drink a minimum of 64 oz, though the need is often higher depending upon activity and weather. Those are the things that are common to most plans. Minimizing sugar intake is often sited and sometimes a number is put on it; likewise, carb numbers are occasionally specified, though those can be deceiving and best not dwelt on. Calories are sometimes specified in programs and sometimes not. Those that work best seem to cluster in the 6-800 calorie range, but that is hard to maintain in a regain recovery program. It is best to work with your individual metabolic need, which again can be quite variable; Try for 1000-1200 and see how that goes; 12-1500 is often a maintenance level for many women. Keto and vegan/vegetarian are largely irrelevant - they are more lifestyle type diets that don't have any inherent weigtloss properties, though they can be used if one keeps the calories low enough. The key factor is what kind of diet will help you stay away from the high calorie/low nutrition junk that promotes weight gain. Good luck in your endeavor....

Read the ingredients, I've found that some of those cauliflower crusts have rice flour, or other alternative flours which have equally as much if not more carbs. Check out Pinterest for keto pizza crusts which use some great alternatives and truly low carb pizza crusts