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Congratulations on your loss. I was a savory girl Lee bariatric world and post sleeve I became a sweet girl too. Then post SAFI that went away but has started to come back. I think MAYBE it’s just our bodies wanting carbs and sweet food is usually the absolute highest in carbs so the quickest way to get them. I did not have the bypass but I don’t think your friend is correct about eating whatever you want. I know that was for sure not true for the me with the sleeve. I started at 235, lost down to 168 then gained it all back plus some to 258 and was still gaining when I started the preop diet for my revision. I have also heard plenty of regain stories on here about the bypass. Now, does it malabsorb some of your food, absolutely. So if you were like 900 pounds before it’s possible you would stay a bit smaller just because you pretty much already ate all you wanted volume and calories wise before and the malabsorption would in theory make you weight a bit less if you ate the same exact food, but it would only be a bit less anyways and who of us wants that. . As far as a more common starting weight I really don’t think so because even at our high weights we still weren’t eating absolutely all we would have liked to or we could have and if we ate any and everything we wanted, even with some calories not absorbing that’s still probably giving our bodies more than we were eating before. I do know from experience that what fuel I put into my body changed how I feel, though, so even if I could get away with eating anything I wanted cosmetically, I know that I wouldn’t feel as good as I do when I eat a balanced diet and keep up my activity. That processed junk that most of us used to eat all the time is not good for us and it doesn’t give your bodies what it needs to run efficiently. Another thing to keep in mind is that we are still pretty early out to be relaxing too much. Most people have a 10–15 pound bounce back even if they keep working at it. I don’t know about you but I’ve still got more that I want to lost. I definitely don’t want to be bouncing back!! for the sweet cravings try the sugar free popsicles again. They can trick my brain sometimes and others i Have fruit. I figure calorie wise they may be more calories but at least it’s not added sugar. I try to avoid that as much as possible because that makes me have more cravings the next day and for like a week.

The simple answer is yes. Just getting a small stomach does not cure your brain. It is hard wired to feast whenever there is a glut of food and unfortunately that is what is all around us these days. I waited 30 years for this surgery so this is me - I allow myself 1500 calories a day. I religiously track them I could easily eat around my sleeve, I love chocolate and dont have any will power. If I open a bar then I eat it. So I buy the packs of tiny 25gram bars. I have increased my activity. I walk everywhere. I shop better for quality protein rich foods and menu plan, You may find when your new stomach has healed, about 6 - 12 weeks out, you will hopefully feel your restriction kick in. You should feel the full signals. Certain foods fill me longer than other. I physically can not eat or drink for two hours after eating meat. Mince it and I can go again after an hour. Its a massive learning curve.

Hi guys I didn't realise how obsessed with food I was until now! Head hunger is the worst for me and I am very always having to push it away! I eat 3 small half cup meals a day, I get in at least 70g of protein and at least 2 litres of fluid. A lot of it is due to my old bad habits like sitting in front of the TV, looking in shops for nice food, going out for the day. It was all focussed on what I would eat! Does it get any better? What was it like for you? Are you still going through this? Thank you!

Thank you so much for your replies, my tummy has calmed right down now and I am managing to get in at least 70g of protein a day. I am also getting in at least 2 litres of fluid daily too. I am having 3 small meals a day - half a cup each time. I am trying to space them out as well. The head hunger is worse for me, I didn't realise how obsessed I was with food until now! Every time I pass a shop, go out for the day and loads of others scenarios! Any tips for that guys? x

That's very different from my pre-op. I was on three Optifast products a day plus pretty much unlimited non-starchy veg, and about 100g lean protein. I didn't get dizziness. Do you have a dietician as part of your surgery that you can talk to?

I also used a 60ml (2 oz) glass and kept the protein shake cold in a Thermos. Same with broth, kept it warm in one, set 15min timer, and just every 15mins sipped on the "meal" or plain water between. It was a bit tedious, but got the job done! 😊

My doctor has set a goal for me to have 60g of protein a day (two protein shakes) and 50oz of liquids. Today is my first full day at home, and I'm doing kinda okay so far. A tip I got from some YouTube videos was to buy 2oz cups with lids and portion out my protein shakes into 2oz servings. I drink one cup slowly, and then 15-30 minutes later I drink another. I was able to finish one protein shake this morning over the course of a couple hours.

Hi, I Had VSG surgery on Tuesday, I'm doing pretty good so far, with gas and pain, just trying and failing to meet my protein and liquid goals so far. Do you have any tips?

I'm reminded of something one of my mentors used to say a lot: "Progress, not Perfection". To me it sounds like you're making great progress! I personally think you need to both celebrate your progress, as well as give yourself some grace for not being perfect, since none of us are perfect. Regarding the certifications, is there a way to get the money some other way? is this the sort of training/certification where school grants or loans would be an option? If not, what about a personal loan? I'm guessing you may have already evaluated this avenue, but I thought I'd mention it, just in case.

Hi all, New here names Kat. 46 years old. In 2009 I had a gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia repair in Colombia. In 2020 I had horrible GERD and had another hernia repair as my stomach was in my chest cavity behind my heart at that time. I was doing ok until last week. I work in an animal hospital and I assisted in lifting a 90lb dog that fell off a table during a surgical prep and instantly felt I had injured myself when I lifted this dog. The next day I went to the ER and was told I had a large hiatal hernia which incorporated my entire stomach as well as part of my large intestine and my liver was also coming up through my diaphragm. I consulted with the surgeon that did my repair in 2020 and he is recommending a sleeve to bypass revision as he does not want to risk my sleeve slipping and the hernia recurring because going in for a 4th abdominal surgery isn't ideal and becomes quite difficult as scar tissue accumulates with every repair. Needless to say I am terrified. Having done my original procedure in another country I did not follow America protocol when it came to the appropriate mental health to go along with a bariatric procedure. I have never had a healthy relationship with food and have continued with a poor diet throughout the years. My fears are not so much surrounding the procedure more so the lifestyle change that must be made post surgery. The liquid diet pre and post surgery, the portion control, the protein and water intake that's require the regiment of vitamins and supplements needed to stay alive. Over the years I've never even been good with taking a daily multi vitamin. I'm not really sure what Im looking for by posting this thread as I'm sure I will get plenty of negative comments about just having to do what I'm told but was hoping that someone anyone can relate to the anxiety I am feeling about not being successful in what needs to be done. I know I WANT to do the right thing. I know I want to see my 9 and 12 year old grow up. I know I don't want to leave my husband heartbroken and alone. I know that even if I suck at doing the right thing for myself I need to do the right thing by my family. Im just freaking out a little. I just dropped of the CT scan cd to my surgeon yesterday and am waiting to hear back from him this coming week about talking to a bariatric dietician and discuss a date when this is all going to happen. Looking for any insite and honestly from people with similar fears sticking to post op care and life long lifestyle changes. Thanks in advance and please be kind.

Hi guys, hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. I am on day 2 of my pre surgery diet, and I'll be going under the knife next month on the 14th. I have my Walmart cart locked and loaded, have supplements on the way plus little 2 oz and 4 oz plastic cups to measure out my portions. I know besides following the diet and trying my best to prepare, should be making things easier. And it is taking the stress of the details away. I feel like there's nothing that's ultimately prepare me for waking up without a part of me. I know it's still gonna be there, but altered and my biggest fear is I'm going through all of this for nothing. Like I'm gonna fail in the long run (probably because I have had so much success only to lose it all in the past) But I owe myself the chance to be successful for the long haul, and so I am going to power through. Aside from proportioned containers and the supplements, is there anything you guys might be able to recommend to make things smoother? I have a nice variety of protein shakes, chicken broth, orange jello, oikos triple 0 and cottage cheese, and 0 sugar Gatorade. Any advise, recommendations or general encouragement is for sure appreciated ❤️

I absolutely welcomed the pureed food phase, because by then I had been on liquids only for a month. I cook dinner every day for my family so I just took tiny portions of meat and veg (and teeeeeny tiny - like a teaspoon - portion of the carb) and blitzed that with extra liquid/gravy/whatever to make my little meals at the start. I so loved the taste of that food after so many weeks on non food. I didn't focus on protein then, only on getting in my fluids. My team hadn't stipulated any specific protein goal. I am very lucky in that I haven't experienced any digestive issues at all following my sleeve. I know that many people do develop intolerances, both temporary and permanent. Hope you enjoy your transition to proper food OP.

My tip for hydration is to try different temperatures. I found that hot decaf tea with a splash of milk was much easier for me to drink than cold water. Also, one of my favorite options early on was tomato soup with a scoop of plain protein powder mixed in. I bought the organic brand with as little sugar and added ingredients as possible. The one protein shake I could tolerate longer term was Syntrax Nectar Naturals in orange flavor. It reminded me enough of orange juice that it felt like a treat for breakfast and the tanginess kept it from seeming too sweet.

Hiya. Loads of us struggle with foods and hydration. Even now My stomach will say a resounding NO to something it was pleased to see the day before. I had terrible trouble with smells, my wild hormones made my brain think my body was pregnant. I called on my team such a lot through these stages. They were very understanding and helpful. They told me not to worry about what I couldn't do. TBH I struggled for months but once I could get my hydration right, I felt so much better. My surgeon was against protein shakes and had me on skimmed milk. It has great protein and you can add protein powder or my fav was peanut butter and banana. I was allowed coffee so had lattes. Some have dairy aversions so its not for everyone. I couldn't do pureed meat, it revolted me just looking at it. I made soups with lentils and beans in and added cheese. I blitzed these and ate it thick. I tried to eat 6 tiny meals a day. I ate a lot of low cal ice lollies, still do, addicted. Just do your best, its a tough time

I had roux en y bypass on the 22nd. My pre-op diet was: Cream of Wheat and a protein shake for breakfast, snack a sugar free jello or pudding, lunch was broth and a low-fat Greek yogurt and dinner was low-fat cream of Chx or tomato soup with cottage cheese. I had one to two more shakes as snacks or more jello or sugar free popsicles. Also at least 64oz of water!

Hi guys I was sleeved 2 weeks ago and am due to go onto pureed foods tomorrow. MY main concern is how I am going to get the protein in as I know I will only be able to manage a few mouthfuls at first. Do you have any tips? I have ordered some protein flavoured water power and I am fed up with protein shakes now! I have to be careful what I have because I have suffered with digestive issues and have had to drink more to keep hydrated! Did you have problems with your digestion after surgery, not constipation though Any help would be gratefully received. Thank you!

How is everyone doing?? I am 22 days post op VSG and feeling great at the moment. 25# and several inches, tolerating all my liquids and hitting my protein goals. Currently on puree diet and excited to be moving to soft diet next week 😍

Great ideas above but if that doesn’t work for you or for others reading this later, What if you were to just divide your alloyed macros or calories into meals/snacks. Like if you were allowed 1200 a day you do meals around 300 calories and 3 100 calorie snacks. For macros just don’t routinely eat any food over X grams of fat or added sugar. You can break it up differently. I did a protein shake for breakfast so I could have what felt like a little more substantial lunch and dinner. It should’ve be as hard forever. Once you figure out a handful meals that are within this plan you most likely will just sorta remember what meals work. I know I did and I live my life by alarms and reminders. Sometimes I joke that if my alarm didn’t tell me to wake up one day I just may not…ever. That’s how reliant I am on them. Anyways, I have a handful of my common meals that I know will work if I don’t have time to think about things. And if I’m having a less ideal lunch then I already know it’s chicken breast of fish for dinner with a veggie. Every meal for me has protein unless it’s a real odd day out and then I do my best to make up for it with a Greek yogurt or shake for snack. Another option would be to do the guess work the night before and pre plan what you eat the next day. You can play around with options and log it all into Baritastic or another calorie tracker app and know if it fits you plan and then just eat what’s on your list the next day. That may actually take a little stress out of it as well just having the decisions already made the day before. The meal prep mentioned before seems like a great way to achieve this as well. I know that I have single serve meals like that in the freezer. My regular and chicken chili are really great because they can even be defrosted in the microwave so they are good for days with zero planning or time.

I admittedly switched to protein water! I find that the shakes are just odd tasting 🤣🤣 As others have said, they aren't really necessary unless you are struggling to hit your protein goals (which happens!). I mostly only drink my protein water when I am working out, or if I have forgotten breakfast (which unfortunately happens more than I care to admit).

I agree with the previous poster also keep in mind that it may be an option to just get IV fluids outpatient. I didn’t need them after my safety because they didn’t operate on my stomach. I was a revision but after my sleeve I did and it was just like an office co-pay basically for me to get my fluids. It was that in the hospital, but in the different part of the hospital and you just sit in a recliner and get your bag of fluid and then leave.

I am here to add my vote for meal planning. I also have ADHD tendencies and I LOATHE food tracking. In the early days after surgery when I absolutely had to make sure I got in my protein and water, I managed to track by keeping a physical tracking notebook next to me at all times. I had to see the book to remember to do it. I stopped tracking around 5 months when I was consistently hitting my goals. Now that I am almost a year out, my weight loss has slowed (as expected) and I am finding it too easy to make poor choices if I don't plan ahead. I forced myself to actually track for a couple days and was shocked by how many calories I could eat and what I was choosing even when I "thought" I had been pretty reasonable. So, instead of tracking, which I am still terrible at, I've started meal planning and prepping ahead. For breakfast and lunch, I came up with a selection of maybe three or four choices I liked that have around 20g protein and entered them into my meal tracking app. For example, a spinach frittata for breakfast that I can slice into several servings, fruit cups that I make ahead for the week, single-serve packets of protein oatmeal or a protein bar for those days when I have to grab and go. For lunch, I make homemade chicken veg soup and also salad jars. I also like to make a batch of turkey chili to have on hand, which I store in single-serve containers. I also came up with a few snacks I like such as Greek yogurt with blueberries, or an apple with cheese. I also entered in my typical favorite 6 or 7 homemade dinners as recipes or meals in the app so I could easily add them to my day with one click. Before my shopping day, I try to plan my meals for the coming week. If I see my calories going too high or my protein not being enough, or whatever, on any given day, I can adjust accordingly. On a day that I eat oatmeal, I make sure my other choices are less carb heavy. If I have eggs for breakfast, I might plan to have a carb at dinner. I have the tab easy to get to on my computer, but printing it out each day would also work, as would entering each meal as a reminder in your phone's task list or calendar app. It is so much easier for me to look at my menu and follow it than it is for me to decide what to eat every day in the moment. It also means that if I can eat what I plan most of the time, I can have a restaurant meal or a dessert a few times a month without worrying about it or trying to track it. And since I tend to package up most of my make-ahead meals in single-serve containers, it's pretty easy to grab something to take along if I'm going to be out and don't want to have to hunt for food on the go and risk being off plan. The worst days for me are when everything in the house is an ingredient instead of a meal. That's exhausting and inevitably leads to snacking or poor choices. I find I need to set a regular day of the week for shopping when I can also have time to prep some items right away, before the food even goes in the fridge. I have the most success for the week when all my produce enters the fridge already washed, sliced, and portioned into fruit cups and salad jars, and when I can kick off a batch of chili in the slow cooker, a frittata in the oven, and a batch of taco meat to store for later in the week all at once. Freezing complete single-serve meals is another great strategy for those busy days when you might otherwise get off track. Like any habit, it takes a while to establish and may not be 100% perfect all the time, but I definitely find this helping me.

^^yes!!!! Meal Prepping is really the key to success!!! It doesn't have to be a huge meal prep. I only meal prep my bfast and lunches. Then my snacks are super duper simple. Cheese and jerky, or a yogurt and berries, Even a protein shake with a cold brew. The simpler the better for me otherwise when I over complicate things I get annoyed and don't do it.

Don’t be discouraged at the stall. I had surgery on 12/18/23 at 219. A year and 1 month later I am at 180 and have been here for 6 months. Sometimes I dip into the 170’s but I bounce back to my current set point of 180… Currently… I am ok with that because I can see the changes in how I look and how my clothes fit. I have struggled with eating the proper amounts of protein since having a set back in March 2024. I am struggling really hard with acid reflux and getting enough sleep. It is getting better and I am willing to put my weight loss on hold while I try to get this under control and avoid a corrective surgery. Give yourself some grace. This is hard to do. 💖 Just try to stay positive, be focused and talk to your care provider. Ask lots of questions, don’t leave until you feel like you truly understand which direction to go next when they help you lay out a new plan. … and take notes because it’s hard to remember everything they say during the appointment.

It was not remotely possible for me right after surgery until two months after. Water right after surgery tasted like metal. I was surprised I wasn't hospitalized. If you feel woozy, call your doctor or try to get an IV. Seriously, it is hard, and it gets easier as it goes on, but if you feel off, get an IV. What ended up helping was powders and adding that to my water that are move hydration focused like gatorade. Thankfully supermarkets (at least in Vegas, AZ and Illinois) are stocked full of options.

I still drink them at 17 months post-op - 1 a day. That being said you can give them up at anytime as long as you can get your protein in other ways. I personally find it easier to assure I'm getting my daily protein in by including Fairlife, but I'm still only eating 800 calories a day which makes it difficult getting 80grams of protein so they help. Yes, they're a pain to get and $$. I finally just decided Amazon auto ship subscription works best for me. You can just add protein powder to every thing you eat if you want.. 😁