I am so frustrated! I'm four & half weeks out and have felt pretty miserable for as many weeks. I developed reflux and had to tame that. I am still pretty nauseous all the time. I have had bronchitis since having the surgery. Coughing is the most miserable thing right after surgery—and I've been doing it for 4 weeks! I finally saw my PCP and got a round of antibiotics (liquid-yuck!) but not sure they actually worked as the cough and yuckiness that comes up with it are still there.

The liquid and puréed phases were truly difficult especially since the smell of whey protein powders made me sick. Nevertheless, I've still been able to get in most of my proteins on most days. Now, I've started some soft solids, but I think I really miss just normal food. And coffee. Oh, how I miss coffee! My frustration is compounded by the fact that I haven't lost any weight in two weeks. I am aware of the dreaded "3 week stall," but part of me feels like I have stopped losing weight and feeling like this whole thing was a big mistake. Sorry this was such a negative rant, but I'm just feeling a little blue about it all (and honestly, that's not like me at all). I guess I just need a little encouragement from folks who've been there and gone on to brighter days.

If you are 4 + weeks out why can't you drink coffee?

I am with rizzle -- I am 2 1/2 weeks out, on soft foods. I do love coffee. The coffee goes down just fine, does not upset my stomach but as others pointed out, it has the potential for making other nutrients hard to absorb, so no coffee for me until 6 months post surgery.

Edited May 9, 201511 yr by John VDB

I am 5 months post op & have lost 100lbs. Surgery is the best thing I've ever done. Hardest thing I've ever done too. Try Premier Protein Shakes. Chocolate is pretty good. 30 grams of protein. If you're able to exercise start. It will help. I walk 2 miles a day & workout at the gym. I just started drinking coffee after 5 months. They told me decaf only for 1 year. Stay the course. It will turn around. Hope it gets better

The main reason for no coffee is your stomach is very small. It doesn't absorb nutrients like it used to. That's why you have to take supplements. Caffeine deters nutrient absorption. I would stick to decaf tea & coffee for 4 to 5 months. It's tough to give up but I did it. No carbonated drinks either. Do what they tell you to do & you'll be successful. Caffeine also stimulates appetite

Thank you all for your feedback. I really did need to vent. Thanks, Kempermorris for suggesting the Premier shakes. I actually have tried them (both chocolate and vanilla) and they are so far the only protein shakes I can handle.

Coffee is a no-no on my doc's plan due to its interference with nutrient absorption, as Kempermorris mentioned. I was also told decaf was an irritant as well. Too acid for the newly-sleeved, if I'm recalling correctly. I also had a hiatal hernia repair, so that might be why my surgeon is being a bit more strict with what I should and should not have. I think I will give it another month or two, just to be on the safe side.

At any rate, today is a much better day. Thanks again. It is a nice to have the support of others who are or have been in the same boat.

@@Countessjessless a particularly nasty cough can still continue after the infection had cleared with antibiotics. It's called a post infection cough. They can last about a month. Not fun. If you find that your short of breath, wheezing or its getting worse try going back to your pcp for a different antibiotic. Sometimes the bug doesn't respond to one kind. Hope you feel better soon. It will all be worth it when your buying those new cute clothes