Starting the process- Does it become "normal"?

[EsoKev 94]

Newbie here and into the process. Just wondering if some of you who have been through surgery can weigh in on what the recovery was like. I've had several of my consults already and just have the psych eval, 2 more nutritionist appointments, EGD, and final surgeon consult to go. We're aiming for a late June surgery. Right now I'm leaning more towards the bypass than sleeve, because I've got bad GERD. My surgeon says we can make the final decision after the EGD.

I'm practicing my eating now (70+ grams of Protein and low carb) and increased Water intake. But there's so much to take in... 20-30 chews for each bit of food, and how on earth do you get in your water if you sip all day? Remembering not to drink at all between meals. Crushing pills. I'm not worried about desire or willpower, but more so about how exhausting the recovery and new lifestyle is going to be and my ability to keep track of it all. Does it ever become the "new" normal? Right now it feels miles away and its very anxiety provoking. How did you learn everything?

[JoJoWazoo 5]

58 minutes ago, EsoKev said:

Newbie here and into the process. Just wondering if some of you who have been through surgery can weigh in on what the recovery was like. I've had several of my consults already and just have the psych eval, 2 more nutritionist appointments, EGD, and final surgeon consult to go. We're aiming for a late June surgery. Right now I'm leaning more towards the bypass than sleeve, because I've got bad GERD. My surgeon says we can make the final decision after the EGD.

I'm practicing my eating now (70+ grams of Protein and low carb) and increased Water intake. But there's so much to take in... 20-30 chews for each bit of food, and how on earth do you get in your Water if you sip all day? Remembering not to drink at all between meals. Crushing pills. I'm not worried about desire or willpower, but more so about how exhausting the recovery and new lifestyle is going to be and my ability to keep track of it all. Does it ever become the "new" normal? Right now it feels miles away and its very anxiety provoking. How did you learn everything?

Hi EsoKev! I started this journey a year ago in late May. I felt overwhelmed to say the least. I know it seems daunting, but with time it will become second nature. As for chewing all those times, it's nearly impossible for me to chew that many times. I think the aim here is to eat slllloooowwwwwly. I had my surgery March 30 and am in the puree stage. What is there to chew, right? I think the whole objective is to eat slowly, put your fork down in between bites, enjoythe flavors. Just take your time. I've learned the faster I eat, I get this full feeling which is really uncomfortable. If I slow down it feels normal. The water thing is still the hardest for me. 64oz seems like a lot, but it isn't to me. I've always been a water drinker. My problem it picking the glass up and taking a big gulp or two. What I did was I got a little 1 oz plastic cup. (I got several from my dietitian) I dipped an oz of water and sipped it. After a few days, I got the water thing down. I don't understand you not drinking between meals. You should be sipping water all throughout the day. I've even read some people have to set an alarm to remind them. I miss my straw though! As for crushing pills, see if they have your particular meds in liquid form. I crush my pills and mix them with some sugar free pudding (except for time release pills, they should never be crushed) After a while it does become your new normal, second nature. Browse this forum. The answers to almost anything are here. My dietitian suggested "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies." They have it on Amazon. 's pretty good and even has recipes for later. The most important thing is to get in your required Protein and water. I had a few days last week where I felt super hungry. They say it's in your head but I felt actual hunger. I started making my Jello with a little less water so I can cut it. I ate more jello to satisfy my hunger and it worked for me. I think boredom makes the initial time worse. I got to where I take the dogs for a long walk, every coupleof days we go walk on the beach. It makes me feel better. Go 'window' shopping, just not at the grocery or candy/ice cream stores. 😁 Hang tight. The recovery is not too bad. The best thing you could do is walk that forst day. Walk as much as you can without over doing it. You've got this. Don't give up. I'm almost 4 weeks out. I weighed 339 at my first consult. I weighed 314 on the day of surg. And I weighed in at 289 yesterday. It works. Don't give up. You'll lose weight just being on the practice diet. I hope this helps a little. I wish you all the best. Joann

16 hours ago, newmebithebypass said:

I was putting away dishes at 5 dusting the wood surfaces with pledge at that age too by the time I was 7 I had dish days at 10 I was doing my own laundry. I road 5 miles to the library on my own at that age too. Lol but I don't think I'd trust my nieces and nephews to do the same

Sent from my SM-T380 using BariatricPal mobile app

[Mattymatt 491]

For me, recovery was smooth from a physical standpoint. However, I struggled mightily (and still struggle on occasion) with the mental game. I became really depressed post-op. I recommend to everyone beginning this journey to seek out a therapist and begin counseling. Despite being in counseling, my depression still got worse. I can only imagine what might have happened had I not had access to a therapist.

Edited April 25, 2018 by Mattymatt

[Creekimp13 5,841]

It sounds complicated, but by the time you get there, it's all second nature.

For a while it seems like they keep adding a million new items on the list of hoops you have to jump through....but I promise it's not that bad. Once you're about a month or two on the other side of surgery, things start getting back to normal. And the new normal is great.

Most of the little things...if you screw up and forget....won't be world ending. It's a process. You get there.

I think for a lot of people, the real hurdle is the idea of giving up control.

It's tough to let your dietitian dictate your eating habits and make all these new rules for you.... when eating is your comfort habit. It's kinda like someone yanking a security blanket out of a kid's hands. It can make you feel kinda vulnerable.

I'm coming up on 5 months out....and I feel terrific. My new habits don't bother me in the slightest. I feel at peace with food for the first time in my life. It's a good feeling.

Edited April 25, 2018 by Creekimp13

[Apple203 1,314]

Some tips:

1. Chewing: I used an app called "Slow Mow Eating Time" to practice. Its an easy habit to pick up! And after surgery, you will naturally be cautious.
2. Water: I eat 4 meals a day -- my surgeon had us start this early in the process. In between meals, and after your last meal, focus on drinking 16 oz. of Water. You will have 2.5 hours, so easy-peasy!
3. 30 Minute Windows: I set my smart watch to alert me 30 minutes before each meal, and at each meal. I use a the stopwatch feature to time the 30 minutes after eating. The alerts just buzz my wrist, so nobody else is disturbed. For the most part, I can control my environment and stick to my schedule.
4. Vitamins: I take everything at once first thing in the morning. I use a line called NutraMetrix at the advice of my surgeon.
5. I never crushed my other meds, I just swallow them.

I am only 6 weeks in, and it has all become very routine. Good luck!!

[EsoKev 94]

22 hours ago, JoJoWazoo said:

Hi EsoKev! I started this journey a year ago in late May. I felt overwhelmed to say the least. I know it seems daunting, but with time it will become second nature. As for chewing all those times, it's nearly impossible for me to chew that many times. I think the aim here is to eat slllloooowwwwwly. I had my surgery March 30 and am in the puree stage. What is there to chew, right? I think the whole objective is to eat slowly, put your fork down in between bites, enjoythe flavors. Just take your time. I've learned the faster I eat, I get this full feeling which is really uncomfortable. If I slow down it feels normal. The Water thing is still the hardest for me. 64oz seems like a lot, but it isn't to me. I've always been a water drinker. My problem it picking the glass up and taking a big gulp or two. What I did was I got a little 1 oz plastic cup. (I got several from my dietitian) I dipped an oz of water and sipped it. After a few days, I got the water thing down. I don't understand you not drinking between meals. You should be sipping water all throughout the day. I've even read some people have to set an alarm to remind them. I miss my straw though! As for crushing pills, see if they have your particular meds in liquid form. I crush my pills and mix them with some sugar free pudding (except for time release pills, they should never be crushed) After a while it does become your new normal, second nature. Browse this forum. The answers to almost anything are here. My dietitian suggested "Weightloss Surgery for Dummies." They have it on Amazon. 's pretty good and even has recipes for later. The most important thing is to get in your required Protein and water. I had a few days last week where I felt super hungry. They say it's in your head but I felt actual hunger. I started making my Jello with a little less water so I can cut it. I ate more Jello to satisfy my hunger and it worked for me. I think boredom makes the initial time worse. I got to where I take the dogs for a long walk, every coupleof days we go walk on the beach. It makes me feel better. Go 'window' shopping, just not at the grocery or candy/ice cream stores. 😁 Hang tight. The recovery is not too bad. The best thing you could do is walk that forst day. Walk as much as you can without over doing it. You've got this. Don't give up. I'm almost 4 weeks out. I weighed 339 at my first consult. I weighed 314 on the day of surg. And I weighed in at 289 yesterday. It works. Don't give up. You'll lose weight just being on the practice diet. I hope this helps a little. I wish you all the best. Joann

Thanks! What I actually meant was drinking lots of water BETWEEN meals!!! Trying to get all your water in without drinking at meals was making me nervous!

[EsoKev 94]

22 hours ago, Apple203 said:

Some tips:

1. Chewing: I used an app called "Slow Mow Eating Time" to practice. Its an easy habit to pick up! And after surgery, you will naturally be cautious.
2. Water: I eat 4 meals a day -- my surgeon had us start this early in the process. In between meals, and after your last meal, focus on drinking 16 oz. of Water. You will have 2.5 hours, so easy-peasy!
3. 30 Minute Windows: I set my smart watch to alert me 30 minutes before each meal, and at each meal. I use a the stopwatch feature to time the 30 minutes after eating. The alerts just buzz my wrist, so nobody else is disturbed. For the most part, I can control my environment and stick to my schedule.
4. Vitamins: I take everything at once first thing in the morning. I use a line called NutraMetrix at the advice of my surgeon.
5. I never crushed my other meds, I just swallow them.

I am only 6 weeks in, and it has all become very routine. Good luck!!

I just downloaded the app last night, and I think it's going to be VERY helpful! Whar brand of Smartwatch do you use? I don't get if I can get myself to spend $250 on the Apple Watch :-)

[Apple203 1,314]

3 hours ago, EsoKev said:

I just downloaded the app last night, and I think it's going to be VERY helpful! Whar brand of Smartwatch do you use? I don't get if I can get myself to spend $250 on the Apple Watch :-)

I just got the new Fitbit Versa, which I LOVE!! Before that, I relied on my phone for alarms. Watch is much better!