So I'm a year out from my surgery, and last night I was thinking about the things no one told me I would experience post op.

Here's my list:

• Sensitive tummy! I used to have a cast Iron stomach preop. I could eat ANYTHING and not get sick. I'm talking about food left out for a day or two, weird combinations of food, anything. NOW - my stomach is very sensitive and temperamental. I can eat something one day and be fine, and eat it the next day and it will send me straight to the bathroom.
• Tummy issues 2 - Before surgery, I used to be able to "hold" my poo (sorry if TMI) if I was in an inconvenient place (like work or the mall) until I got home. Not anymore. When I gotta go, I gotta go! And I cramp when I have to go.
• Drinking Water is a CHORE. I didn't realize how much of a chore drinking water would be - especially with the "no eating and drinking at the same time" rule. Presurgery I could drink 64 oz of water a day easily. Now, not so much.
• Deep down I thought being "skinny" would fix a majority of my issues. NOPE!
• My butt hurts constantly from sitting on things! I guess since some of the padding is gone, LOL.
• My refrigerator is a constant churn of leftovers. I am having trouble making peace with throwing away leftovers but I have to constantly.
• I don't get nervous about having physicals at the doctor anymore.
• If I eat the wrong thing late at night (there's one Protein bar in particular) it gives me indigestion really bad.

What are some of the things that no one told you that you're experiencing post op?

3. I get frustrated because I have to eat so slow and my food gets cold...then it tastes nasty and I don't want to eat it.

s.

one thing I have invested in is some small ramekins - about the size around of a coffee cup and then if I am having something warm I put it on a cup warmer so that it warms up the ramekin and keeps my food the right temperature. has saved a few dishes for me.

Awesome tip, thank you.

Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

7. Never eat kid's meals! I used to think that was the way to go because the portion size was smaller but kid's meals are crappy food with little Protein and lots of fried things. Now, I just order one meal (and maybe an appetizer) and split it with my husband.

THIS ONE. I have a bariatric card from my surgeon requesting that I be able to order half portions. I wasn't using it at first, but I've started using it a lot in the last few months. Kids meals = hot dogs, mac and cheese, chicken nuggets. No thanks!

The whole sore back side thing, I had heard other people say it would happen but oh my gosh, my tailbone kills me most of the time!!

I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE!!! i've lost almost 90 lbs and my husband lost 70 lbs and we both talk about how our tailbone hurts while sitting a long time or driving long distances. That is crazy! I wonder if there is a good way to help with this.

But none the less...I'm glad to know other people have this same issue!

You have to learn to sit differently... My chiropractor and PT advised we need to learn to reclaim the natural lumbar arch. We've become used to sitting in a way that accommodates our fat. Sit backwards more on the back of your thighs (your sitz bones as my yoga teacher calls them) and yes arch your back. That is good posture and will relieve the pressure on your bones.

I'm still a relative newbie at 4.5 months out but in that short amount of time, I've learned a lot. (And will learn a ton more in the future.)

Here is what I have learned:

1. I can only drink Water if it is ice cold! My Yeti and Thermos bottles have saved my water intake!

2. Some days, my tummy is just not "happy" and I have to go back to liquids.

3. I get frustrated because I have to eat so slow and my food gets cold...then it tastes nasty and I don't want to eat it.

4. Heartburn has been my nemesis. (It is this strange burning sensation in my tummy and chest.) I have found that if it gets bad, if I drink 1/4 of a cup of half and half and it helps it tremendously.

5. One of my biggest issues was pychological. One night a few months post-op, I had a really rough day and I just wanted a "comforting meal" and I realized for the first time...I couldn't eat it even if I wanted to. I had a small panic attack! But since then, I'm learning how to use healthy coping mechanisms for stress instead of eating.

6. Surgery doesn't mean you can eat anything you want! I still watch my carbs and make sure I eat healthy (and clean).

7. Never eat kid's meals! I used to think that was the way to go because the portion size was smaller but kid's meals are crappy food with little Protein and lots of fried things. Now, I just order one meal (and maybe an appetizer) and split it with my husband.

8. Losing weight has given me my LIFE back! I actually want to go out and do things now. It truly gives me FREEDOM!

9. My tailbone is sooooo sore! I never would have guessed losing some of my "padding" would affect me this way.

10. I actually enjoy working out!! WHAT?! lol

That's all I can think of for now. And I love these forums! They have helped me so much the last 4 months.

See post above re tailbone issues