Ok. Rules are SOMETIMES meant to be broken. So, Here's the deal. I am 2 weeks post op today. I am one of those who had zero issues and had a smooth ride from recovery room to date!! This post is not intended to mean I am sure I will have a long term good go at this! It also doesn't address the future, but really ONLY the many threads that I have read regarding the preo op and post op liquid diets and the Pre and post few weeks Do's and Dont's!

I have read almost every post on here before and after surgery, lol. Here is the point that I will explain. Your/Our obsession over following diet rules is what got us here in the first place.. isn't it?? I mean, it's great to have black and white rules.. Do's and Don's. can and cant's.. That's why we were ALL great on Atkins (remember the carb counting obsession), and South Beach (remember how carefully we chose the meals), weight watchers, low cal, grapefruit, slimfast , yada yada yada......RIGHT?

Sure, it worked. THEN WE WENT OFF THE WAGON and got sick of the rules and restrictions and put weight back on (and then some).... That's because it was a DIET.. Why do so many of you do that on here? I'm not judging, but trying to help! Yes, it's easier for me, since I have had no issues. I come from a strong medical family (i had bio as a minor,4 docs and 2 nurses in immed family) and I always love to understand WHY the rules are in place. If something doesn't make sense, I want to know why and not just follow a rule because it was put out there.

My surgeon told me that "rules" are on here for the lower end of reaction spectrum. meaning, many need not follow them, but since 30%, for ex, will have issues with some things, they want to make a general rule......

As EVERYONE says on here, as well as EVERY doc, ALL OF US ARE DIFFERENT! We heal differently, We tolerate pain differently, foods differently, weight loss differently, etc..... EVERY SINGLE ONE So, the rules need not be applied to the T!

Now, as a caveat and from feedback so far on this post, this is not an excuse to eat junk NOR stay on bad habits. I don't mean to enable anyone. here is what BUTTERTHEBEAN wrote:

"The only reason I say "enabling" is because I think there are some people waiting in the wings to hear someone tell them it's okay to eat whatever they want. They haven't tackled their food addictions and they are hoping for "permission" to go back to their old ways. I know there are some that can learn to eat "all things in moderation." I have no problem with that. For me, I chose to embrace my inner health nut. It's not fear or weakness or lack of self control...it's the desire to live a long, healthy and active life. I'm not depriving myself, or sacrifing. The things I'm doing and the life I'm leading now feel way better than eating pizza and cupcakes ever did (even in moderation). By that I mean that food did not give me pleasure (never did, I just thought it did), so I no longer look to food to satisfy my needs, except nutritionally."

Ok... Back to the post. Specifically, here is what I have had debunked by my brother (Anesthesiologist for bariatric), My mom (nurse and nutritionist), my bro's good friend and bariatric surgeon, and my surgeon..........

* Yes, the liquid PRE OP diet is not to be messed with. It sucked, but we need the liver to be soft and looking like liver in a supermarket. That will happen in most cases with one week.. Many docs do one week only and many do 2 weeks..... So, if you have a 2 week doc, don't worry if you cheat a little and wants some low calorie food.. It's OK!! have the Soup... etc. I didn't cheat as mine was only a week and I did not want to have a lifetime of liver issues if it was frail and broke a bit/injured while being moved for my surgery....

* Most docs on here POST OP put you on liquids for 2 weeks.. Why?? NOTHING medical. Really? Many docs, including mine, put me on Clear Liquids only day 1 in the hospital and then put me instantly on pureed foods (tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad, greek yogurts, ricotta cheese, etc).. Yes. DAY 2! He does this for EVERY patient.. He has had NO MORE COMPLICATIONS than anyone else ever.... It is NOT true that eating this will cause a leak.. It can't get caught in you stitches, lol, as they are on the outside and you can't see them even in your stomach.. The ONLY risk is a)that you eat way too much and thus can cause leaks, so don't do that. and that is WAY too much. Meaning you go out of your way to test the limits. As any surgeon will tell you, stretching the stomach to break the staples is no easy task.... easy enough to follow that rule .. and the risk is that you get nauseated.. Ok.. we are all different. Some take 90 minutes the first time they eat to get down 4 oz of chicken salad.. I didn't . I got it down in 15 min and could have done it in 5..... But the point is, listen to your body. start slowly and if you tolerate it, then screw the rules.....

What does this mean? It means so what if you doc put you on 2 week post liquid. That is soo hard.. so, do it mostly, but don't obsess about cheating. have a friggin plate of tuna salad.. It will taste yummy.. Add some great yogurt. If you can handle it, you are good to go! I did.. They also want you on this liquid to max your weight loss for motivation up front? do you really need that?? I don't care if it takes me 1 more week than you to hit the same goal? Frankly, I decided to keep my calories around 800ish anyway for my first 2 weeks. It was a little hard, but nothing like your liquid nightmare and i lost as much weight... I'm now on 1200 cal full diet plan (less hard carbs and hard veggies) as of last night.

I've heard people say they are craving one Dorito chip.. Then the advice replies were "lick the cheese off" or "take a bit and spit it out...." LOL. Really? This is your diet/lifestyle for the rest of your life. HAVE A CHIP.. See if you get a lot of gas.. Chew it well.. If not problem, then enjoy the one chip. You got here because you at a half bag . One or three chips won't kill you! You need to find a way to eat what you will do.. The docs want you to build your healthy habits now.

*The first year is where you get your max weight loss- Ok. For sure,, so, as noted, build your healthy habits now.. but make it last. So, if I want a Dorito chip. I have one or two.. On my pureed phase, my kids had pretzels at a game. I took 2 small ones....I had a qtr of his hotdog meat.. The point is, if we can seriously lower the number of calories we eat (which, for me, they figured i was eating between 3500-4000 per day and needed to be at 2400 or so.. Now, with 1200, which believe me, with the sleeve is a mini feast, I will be eating half the amount and will lose a lot of weight. So, yes, build good eating habits and i'm working on good food choices that I can live with! Can I eat white bread. Damn right?should I// nO?? it's a waste of calories and spikes your sugar and appetite. But, I sure will if i want a hamburger or great sandwich. A month ago i would have had 2 cheeseburgers and 2 hotdogs at a bbq. .So, guess what, i'll lose weight. Can't make it a daily thing.. But, again, stop obsessing..

*Eating and drinking slowly eating- well, you don't HAVE to eat slowly, but as we have been told our whole lives, eat slowly so that when you are really full, you know it! Also, you need to see what your bod can tolerate and if you eat too quickly, you may not have realized you were about to puke. If you can tolerate it, you can eat and drink quicker than others, but not a good idea for reasons mentioned. so work on it, but don't obsess.. At the hospital, they told me I had to drink in in little tiny medical cups a few cc evry 20 min. I laughed, as Water went down easily in recovery even. ALL NURSES TOLD ME NO. When I saw my doc, i asked why I can't just drink as I can tolerate it at home and get my 64 oz is. HE said dont' chug, but do whatever you can do without discomfort. So, 8 oz bottle of water went down in 5 minutes... etc....

*Chewing your food- ALL true... We have that banana sized stomach.. So, the doughy breads, and stringy veggies and large pieces of non chewed enough food INDEED often get stuck! Not stuck like a lap band, but rather, they move toward the pyloric valve and are too big to pass through it, since there isn't as much acid, etc in your stomach and, well, the route to the valve is now MUCH shorter.. So, it sits in front of it and as soon as the next item goes there, it waits in line. your body puts out gas and then knows there is a problem, so will signal you to vomit it up. not fun... So, chew! All true! Also makes us take longer to eat and thus enjoy the tastes more than ever and have the full signal sent to our brain while we are still eating or pretty close to that!

*Caffein is bad... Ok. Google whether it's an appetite suppressant or stimulant.. It's hysterical.. You'll get equal replies from GREAT sources that say the opposite. I WANT my one cup a day. I'm not an addict. I asked. I am now sipping on my first REAL one. It is indeed a diuretic for some. So, drink a half cup more water than a day! If you feel it makes you hungry after you have it and you don't want to hold back, then stop the coffee.. It doesn't for me. It does for some... But what will you be doing in a year from now??/ There is NO medical reason why you can't have caffein after a few weeks

*ALCOHOL is a no no for 2 months. NONSENSE.. Again, just there so we don't put empty calories. BUT what if I WANT one drink or two on a date tonight?? I am told, go for it, but just know you will have ingested 400 wasted calories. Ok. I get it, but I WILL drink in my life, although never drank a ton and that was not the cause of most of my weight.. Watch the calories and don't do it twice most weeks.. Or if you will, then cut back a bit on your Snacks, etc. Anyway, looking forward to a martini with my date tomorrow at dinner.. Oh, most people on here for a while, will tell you since there is less food to bind with alcohol, it goes into your intestines/blood stream much quicker and you get a nice buzz faster with less! way cool!

* Most other rules and comments on here are just not universal and again, if you feel the NEED to cheat, then well, cheat! How can it be cheating if this will be your new life! WOrk hard at right food choices and don't make this soooo hard. The harder you make it, the more YOU WILL revolt and end up going off the wagon like the good old days... Since I have had no pain, etc and pretty much eat what I wanted (and cheated on my puree period even), I feel this is just toooo easy. I hear so many of you struggling (not because you have pain, but because you want to break a rul) and so many of you "supporting them" to stay strong, that I just wanted to add this post! Also, again, much of the medical advice that our well meaning friends on here provide, just isn't true. Sorry, but it isnt.

I hope this helps some of you enjoy your Pre and Post diets much more than you may be now!

Best, my friends!

I am there with you! This Christmas I gained about 5 lbs all because of crappy eating! I got home (I was at families for almost a week!), started eating clean again, and lost it within about 3 weeks.

I love to hear when other people feel like they eat normally, although normal now is not the same as normal before (I eat about the same amount of ice cream as you!).

I know that you are very diligent about tracking, me, not so much. But that doesn't mean I do not watch everything I eat. I have young children (3 and 6), but they are used to what is allowed in the house. They have some snacks, but it is all stuff that I do not even like, so I don't touch it. Other than that, they eat similar to me, so they are learning good eating habits too! Even my husband lost weight (really didn't need too) after I had surgery because I just said it is not allowed in the house! Might sound mean, but no one benefits from junk in the house.

I weigh daily to. It keeps me accountable. It fluctuates a bit from day to day, especially depending on hormones (things I would have never paid attention to before, hell, I would never even step on the scale before!). For me, it is just a new way of life, one that I can live with for the rest of my life and be happy!

It's our new normal, that's what I call it. It is a way of life that I can live with and be happy. You're right about the daily weigh in....keeps me on top of things and accountable. I don't like the UNKNOWN, I don't like surprises. Going up and down one, two, three lbs....that is what I do. Anything above 3 lbs that stays around for a couple of days, I address it and make adjustments for a couple of days. It's not a big deal. I love my sleeve, I love shopping and I don't even mind having my picture taken, even if I'm in the front row!! LoL

Love this !

Wow at 2 weeks all that I'm 3weeks out & my doc said I can start eating masts now just chew chew chew & I kinda scared with that yeah I eat a couple sunflower seeds now & then but I take my time maybe when I get further out I will try other things like chips but not now

Wow at 2 weeks all that I'm 3weeks out & my doc said I can start eating masts now just chew chew chew & I kinda scared with that yeah I eat a couple sunflower seeds now & then but I take my time maybe when I get further out I will try other things like chips but not now

Yeah, I'm almost 4 weeks. There is no space for snacks while we're trying to meet our requirements. A change in my thought process and eliminating "can'ts" helps SO much.....even though, at this point I really DON'T, it helps to know I CAN!

Just a follow up, as I was challenged to post my results when I wasn't a newbie anymore. All rocking!!!!

Just a follow up, as I was challenged to post my results when I wasn't a newbie anymore. All rocking!!!!

So glad to hear it - and thanks for the update!

@@NJSleeveboy - Ha, is that your way of saying "I told you so!"? Kidding. It made for very interesting reading, thanks for bringing it back up to the top.

NJSleeveboy, I like your style. I can relate 100%. I do not obsess over anything, I am having that glass of wine. I am loving life. Wooooohoooooooooooooo!

I am glad that this thread was revived. I have long believed that my past diet failures happened because I did not view the diet as a new way of life, but rather, as a temporary remedy. This led me to really question my nutritionist's and surgeon's post op diet advice. It seemed too much like my former diets. In the past I could do diets, I just couldn't do maintenance. But even though I was unsure if this would really work, I am following their program as best I can. I figured, they must know something I don't.

But in the back of my mind, I still believe that changing your eating patterns has to be done in a sustainable manner. And I often question if a 1000 to 1200 cal diet is actually healthy for the long term. I know it wouldn't be if we were not taking vitamin supplements. Reading the debate contained in this thread has given me much to think about. I really want to be successful for the long term, so reading what works for others is very instructive.

I decided early on that the 1200+ per day wasn't going to work with me and that i wasn't interested in a quick loss that wasn't sustainable. So, that if I was in it and committed for the long run, i was happy to slow down the pace. My nut agreed, although explained that it's best to lose as much as you can because your body does adapt.. But, I wouldn't change a thing. I ear super healthily. watch my Protein. limit just plain bread and opt for other things. Rarely eat Pasta or the foods that just make you hungry 2 hours later. That said, I eat pizza (a slice or two for a meal), a great sandwich now and then and plenty of cottage cheese and greek yogurt and beef Jerky.. chicken, etc. The early instructions helped break the carb habit, although I don't watch my carbs other than being smart. I am now going to be going on year 3 and really feel like i can keep this up for the rest of my life. I just make smarter choices and never ever neglect anything i want. I'll have a full sushi roll with white rice even but then mix in sashimi.. I'll avoid the fried chinese items, but will add a piece or two to my chicken and broccoli. I eat baked chips, but eat some when I crave. I no longer track my calories in an app, but do keep them in my head. If i drink 600 calories in alcohol, i make sure , other than the planned munchies, that I eat mostly protein or less calories that day (or take a long walk after my workout).. I absolutely get full MUCH faster still and that's the key. It's just an amazing tool and so many of the veterans used that word and now I get it.. Nothing comes easy, but this def makes it way easier and cannot be happier.

• @*Lexie* lol. it kind of is, but truly mostly an inspiration and I agree with the dissenters also early on. Everyone needs to know themselves. I was certain that licking a dorrito for me was insane and I could have 6. I KNEW i would do what it took and wanted to be able to do this forever. I had fans and dissenters and all had good points. Those who feel I do and can gain from it and know you will hit your goal, then bravo. Those who want an easy out and not follow the rules because I wrote this, will regret it. We're all different. As an aside, going from XXL to Medium shirts remains surreal!

• @*Lexie* lol. it kind of is, but truly mostly an inspiration and I agree with the dissenters also early on. Everyone needs to know themselves. I was certain that licking a dorrito for me was insane and I could have 6. I KNEW i would do what it took and wanted to be able to do this forever. I had fans and dissenters and all had good points. Those who feel I do and can gain from it and know you will hit your goal, then bravo. Those who want an easy out and not follow the rules because I wrote this, will regret it. We're all different. As an aside, going from XXL to Medium shirts remains surreal!

When I like a post like yours, I know there will be a lot of dissenters, so I have learned to go straight to posting because I want to let you know I totally agree with you. I am happiest to see my 6'2" 320 lb. husband go to 220, from 3X to XL. He loves smoked salmon and beef jerky (jerky was his dinner last night). If we never lose another pound this ride has been incredible.

When I like a post like yours, I know there will be a lot of dissenters, so I have learned to go straight to posting because I want to let you know I totally agree with you. I am happiest to see my 6'2" 320 lb. husband go to 220, from 3X to XL. He loves smoked salmon and beef jerky (jerky was his dinner last night). If we never lose another pound this ride has been incredible.

@LindafromFlorida Wow, so you both did this together?? Not to shabby urself!!! Yes, that's an amazing move.. 220 on his frame is great shape and other than the sodium (but my new very low blood pressure allows me to eat it now), Jerky is an awesome snack or meal replacement!!!!!!!

@LindafromFlorida Wow, so you both did this together?? Not to shabby urself!!! Yes, that's an amazing move.. 220 on his frame is great shape and other than the sodium (but my new very low blood pressure allows me to eat it now), Jerky is an awesome snack or meal replacement!!!!!!!

Yes, the journey for 15 years (WL seminars) was to find help for his lifetime of obesity. Diabetes 30+ years, 3 HBP meds, sleep apnea, toe amputation, heart stent, and calling rescue in the middle of the night was taking its toll. He was so afraid he would die in surgery, or not heal. Once I was diagnosed with asthma, diabetes and was on 2 HBP meds, (and depression med sent my weight from 200 to 230) I knew I had to do something. I led his terrified self into surgery lol! We are now 67 and 68. We have done nothing for 10 years. Since May, we drove to KS to visit my 90 year old Uncle, went to a family reunion in WV, took a 7 day cruise, and walked, 7 days boating and fishing in Pensacola, and "danced" New Orleans for 7 days. This is why I don't want to read the negatives of what people are doing. Do what works for you! Best wishes! Good post!

AMAZING!!!!!!!!