Sleeved on Saturday and feel completely alone

[Loz90333 3]

Hey Guys,

Wondered if I could trouble you for some advice. I had my gastric sleeve op on Saturday morning, the surgeon/ hospital were fantastic, but the aftercare has been awful.

I got myself into this mess because I am so uneducated about food, I've been effectively given no guidance, except half an A4 page, everyone else seems to have such detailed post op diet plans.

I have no idea what I should/ shouldn't be doing, getting told mix messages - its liquid only, no its only pureed food. There has been no guidance on how much Water I should be drinking and no idea how much Protein I should be intaking.

I've reached out to the weight loss company I arranged my surgery through, but they don't have any further info about the post op diet, that half a A4 page is it! I'm so disappointed, the care up the surgery has been fantastic, but seems after they got the money they aren't bothered.

If you've had surgery in the UK, please would you be able to share your Stage 1/ Stage 2 plans? I'd be really grateful.

Thank you :)

[Hop_Scotch 1,627]

It is disappointing that your clinic can't be more helpful.

I am in Australia, but i have sometimes looked at this plan for guidance....it may or may not suit you, but it is detailed and has some FAQ. Some of the info may be different than other plans eg refried Beans on this plan are a week 4 post op food...but on other plans may be a week 2 or 3...but I guess it depends on how long the food stages are for various plans. Sometimes the food phases can be quite short eg one week for each phase, whereas others may be two or three weeks for each phase.

https://drjalil.com/post-op-diets/Post op diet_HospitalBC.pdf?_t=1620078809

[Hop_Scotch 1,627]

On a daily basis strive for at least 60gms and for Water you need to be working up towards about 64oz...(it will take a while before you can probably achieve these targets, don't force yourself, but do make sure you do your best as Protein will help keep you satisfied and maintain muscle mass, and you certainly don't want be so dehydrated that you end up in hospital).

The good news is there seems to be a few more UK members about, so hopefully they can provide some guidance from a UK perspective.

PS I was born in Mancester but family migrated to Australia a long time ago.

[Creekimp13 5,838]

This isn't my clinc's plan, but it's solid advice from a solid authority. mayo Clinic is one of the best hospitals in the US. This is just an overview, but it's got some of the specifics you're looking for. (I know it's for bypass, not sleeve....but right after surgery, the advice is virtually identical)

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/gastric-bypass-surgery/in-depth/gastric-bypass-diet/art-20048472

Edited June 30, 2021 by Creekimp13

[SummerTimeGirl 580]

That really sucks. Can't understand how they can send someone on their way with no further info. For what it's worth my program outlined the following:

FOR LIFE: 64 ounces of Water a day
FOR LIFE: 60-70 grams of Protein a day
FOR LIFE: All required Vitamins (multi Vitamin, B12, B1, Calcium)
30-30-30 Rule

And since you most likely won't be able to eat everything as suggested, you should eat protein first, then veggies, then starch, etc.

AFTER SURGERY:

FULL LIQUIDS for TWO WEEKS
PUREE STAGE for ONE WEEK
SOFT food STAGE for TWO WEEKS (suggested 5 servings protein, 2 fruits/veggies, 1 starch, 1 healthy fat)
REGULAR FOOD for LIFE (suggested 7 servings protein, 1 dairy, 3 starch, 2 fruit, 2 veggies,, 2 healthy fat)

I was not given calorie goals for any stage. Just the REGULAR FOOD stage at which point I am to stay UNDER 1000 as long as I'm still losing/trying to reach my goal weight. There is so much more info I have and it's more detailed but that's the basics.

[Candace76 211]

So sorry that you have not received the guidance & support needed for this surgery. Luckily, you have found a community that can help give you the tips & support you need.

There are great YouTube videos of people who have gone through weight loss surgery, and I think there was at least 1 that I saw from the UK 🇬🇧 . The talk about meal ideas, tips, tricks, etc. (Search: VSG UK)

Wishing you lots of luck!

[kellym1220 472]

Here was my guidance! Good luck!

Post Op Diet Boot Camp.pdf

[Loz90333 3]

Thank you all so so much for your words and sharing your plans, really really appreciate it

So glad I joined this forum!!!

Edited June 30, 2021 by Loz90333

[Luna Girl 307]

All of the above is great advice...+ listen to your body! Every person is different. I stayed on the liquid phase an extra week because my stomach was not ready for puree foods. Then I stayed on puree foods an extra week due to my stomach not ready for solids. As long as you are getting your Water in + Protein, you will be fine. Don't force yourself to advance to the next stage until your body is ready! Good Luck!

[Anj0399 61]

Here are pictures of my post-op book that details Water, Protein, Vitamins, etc. Hope this helps!

[Loz90333 3]

Thank you very much for sharing your Anj

[Tripletsmom1971 46]

You are not alone, there are soooo many of us out here, looking for advice, support or just someone to listen, that understands what we have gone/are going thru. My bariatric team seems to ‘be done’ with me since the surgery. I’ll ask a question, and they will return the message with ‘you may need to see your PCP’. I feel abandoned by them. My insurance company even placed a call to them to return my call, and they still have not. I’m 10 days out, still bloated, minor pain, but I’m probably ok. 😊

[Iluvbats 51]

@Anj0399 @Loz90333

You poor thing! Did you get it on the NHS? I'm an ex-pat living in US originally from Northamptonshire. Still have family there and come back regular when we're not in the middle of a plague. The info Anj sent you is exactly the same as my Dr gave me here in Tucson, AZ. It's totally on the money! There is a lady on YouTube who has some videos on her experience, her name is iamkahlaarmani

Im not tech savvy so I don't know how to send you the link but if you put that name in YouTube you will see her video on the first few days post op through other stages. It really helped me alot because I couldn't find a local support group other than on Facebook and I don't do Facebook. I just don't like it.

As she says in the video, just follow the directions for the 2 week liquid diet. It's tough, I'm not going to lie, but your new tummy needs time to heal. You are fortunate to have some great walking areas in UK so take advantage of the parks and canal walks etc. I envy you because it is 37C here in Tucson! I have to get up at 5:00 am to go walk, but it HAS TO BE DONE! Hang in there, and feel free to contact me. I think my info is on the profile page if not let me know and I'll give you my email. This forum is a lifesaver. So many kind, generous people willing to help each other out. So look forward to hearing from you soon xx

[Iluvbats 51]

@Loz90333

I think there's probably some colourful language but you'll get the idea...