Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Will I ever have my favorites again ??



Recommended Posts

Hi there had my surgery on 4/25/2022 kind of regretting it. I wanted to ask the post OP people when were you able to realistically eat food without calculating how many cups and oz's ? Also when did you or were you able to have beer or coffee? I know they say no caffeine but that's definitely not going to happen. I just want to get a realistic stand point and when I try to research it I just see "I am not supposed to eat that".. duh I know but idc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had surgery on April 18th. I have had caffeine without issue. Tho they do say give it a few weeks. The reason is caffine causes dehydration. But yea you need to heal up. Trust me i had regrets too after surgery. Missing all my favorite foods. Realizing that food was a great joy in my life, Going out with friends, Going to get the newest thing to arrive at Taco Bell or pizza hut lol. Eventually i hope to be able to eat some of the stuff again. Like say mcdonalds.. No i wont be able to eat a double quarter pounder anymore. But i hope a happy meal lol. Just have to learn to eat very slow. 30 minutes per meal minimum, wait to drink Water a half hour after eating. As for beer. I would be waiting a while before that. but you can have alcohol again but it will be very different. You will end up getting drunk off of just a couple drinks. So you may not be able to enjoy a long night of drinking.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hi PM2022,

What kind of surgery did you have? I had a sleeve 10 years ago. Yes, with a sleeve I am able to physically drink coffee. I love my coffee, but it sometimes make my GERD worse.

And , yes, I can drink beer too, but the carbonation is irritating to the stomach many times.

But here's the deal. I can eat and drink anything I want (smaller portions)... I have also proven to myself that I can regain 30 pounds indulging on calorie-rich food and alcohol. (That doesn't feel good, trust me.)

I would encourage you to hang tough :) Enjoy your new tummy and the restriction (even though it may be temperamental for awhile), follow the diet, log your foods , and enjoy the weight loss. "Nothing tastes as good as feeling thin feels." It will be worth the effort. Hang tough!

Image result for do it for the holy shit you got hot

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was offered coffee at the hospital right after my surgery. My surgeon has no caffeine restriction neither did my previous surgeon. I have had coffee every day since with some unsweetened cashew, almond or oat milk splashed in it.

Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Regrets are common with specially in the first few weeks when you’re on the restricted staged eating plan & so limited in what yo can eat & drink & when. In time you will be able to eat & drink a lot of your old favourites but likely not as frequently and not in the same portion sizes. Or you may eat healthier versions of them. You’ll also discover new favourites too. But that will be your choice & how it fits in with you being able to maintain your weight.

Caffeine is harsh especially on your healing tummy to begin which is why we’re advised to avoid it. After it just depends on if you can tolerate it or not.

I sipped a gin & tonic a couple of months after surgery. I went from drinking a very large glass of wine or two every night to only having a single drink may be once a month. Initially my taste buds changed & I didn’t like the taste. Now, it ‘s my choice but I don’t look for it & don’t miss it. The only thing with beer may be the carbonation - some struggle with bubbles in any drink.

Almost three years out & I still consider portion sizes & calories. I don’t measure & weigh every day. I do random checks of things I eat regularly but check every new food or recipe I eat. I’ve worked out cheat checks of portion sizes fir when I’m eating out - compare to my palm, a fist, finger length etc. I check portion size recommendations & read nutrition panels. I make most of my own food so I know exactly what I’m eating. It’s easy to get complacent & over estimate hence my checks. I know if I let this slide I’ll end up making bad food choices, eating more than I need & be back where I started.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My plan permitted caffeine from day 1 and I would have really struggled without it, but they're all so different! It's not caused any issues for me. I had my first alcohol almost 6 weeks post op because it was xmas and I would have felt SO deprived without a glass of fizz - but I cleared that with my dietician first. I'm 5.5 months out now and have some alcohol every weekend but I know it's totally empty calories and must be slowing my weight loss to some extent - that's a hit I am willing to take. With regard to your favourites, they honestly mightn't be your favourites any more! I was a complete chocoholic before I had my sleeve, but honestly (really honestly) I would really rather have a chicken salad these days. How times change, and long may it last. But yes, as everyone else says, within a short time most people can eat most things again, just in smaller quantities. In the meantime, sit back, get your Protein in, and enjoy watching that weight fall off. It's absolutely magical. :)

Edited by Spinoza
typo

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

as far as food, once you get a few months out, there are no restrictions. Obviously, you have to eat less than what you were eating before surgery or you'll gain the weight back, but as far as not being able to eat certain types of food, no - no restrictions there. At seven years out, I still have to track my intake and measure/weigh some things, though. Otherwise, my weight starts heading north again pretty quickly.

beer - we were allowed to drink alcohol at one year out, but like someone else said, some people's stomachs can't handle anything carbonated (mine can't).

caffeine - there seems to be no consistency among surgeons on this. Some say you can never have it again for the rest of your life, some allow patients to have it while they're still in the hospital. I would say the majority are OK with it after a certain time period (for example - a month or three months or six months). Our clinic allowed Decaf pretty early on (maybe 3 or 4 weeks out?), and caffeinated coffee at six months out.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, PM2022 said:

Hi there had my surgery on 4/25/2022 kind of regretting it. I wanted to ask the post OP people when were you able to realistically eat food without calculating how many cups and oz's ? Also when did you or were you able to have beer or coffee? I know they say no caffeine but that's definitely not going to happen. I just want to get a realistic stand point and when I try to research it I just see "I am not supposed to eat that".. duh I know but idc.

I had my surgery Dec. 22, 2021. I eat and drink anything I want and I love it. I just eat and drink small amounts. I've always been, (for the most part) a healthy eater. I don't eat a lot of junk food or sodas. I do drink coffee and wine but a lot less than I used to. I'm so happy I got this surgery. I just wish I would have done it a long time ago. Good luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I haven't had to restrict my coffee intake in fact its recommended that I make it with skimmed milk instead of Water . [ I haven't had to do Protein shakes] If your team think it causes dehydration see if you can get caffeine free. The first thing they brought me in hospital was a milky coffee. Try it, if it doesn't agree with you, you will know. I am not a big drinker these days but my family and friends are so socially I have a drink or two. I have changed my tipple to something lower alcohol. I like vermouth and soda or a small measure of vodka in a long Bloody Mary. I am now 5 months out and can eat all Proteins and a few tiny vegetables. I have no room for carbs yet. I am learning [ and its a hard learning curve for me ] to get bigger protein hits in my yogurts and other foods, then maybe I can fill my requirement sooner in the day and have room for a few noodles or rice.

I had massive buyers remorse in my first month, It cost me £12,000. I was very nauseous but with time it all settles down and weight comes off. Now I would have the surgery repeated again tomorrow. I am so happy, I no longer feel so disabled and dependant on others. Hang in there. You will get better

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You can have coffee. You can have any food you want eventually after a while, only in smaller portions, but the whole purpose of the WLS was to use it as a tool to change your eating habits permanently. It's not the solution, it's a tool.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Beer may cause some issues because of the carbonation early out. Many doctors say no carbonation forever. But coffee I was asked if I wanted the the next morning in the hospital. Some doctors say no caffeine for a while because it can dehydrate you but if you are like me and are able to get all your fluids relatively quick it seems like your doctor will give you the okay for caffeine. As far as foods you love I am able to eat anything I did pre op without issues. Some people do have issues with certain things where they sit heavy and they just no longer crave them because of that but that seems to be breads, Pasta and rice. Some people also develop allergies to things like Daisy but again that’s not everyone. I am fine with Daisy and carbs. I guess the short answer is that there may be a couple things that you no longer eat post surgery but i have yet to hear anyone say they regret the surgery because they can no longer eat something. I guess because if something causes you issues you develop a taste aversion of sorts so it’s not like your sitting there craving it and can’t have it. You really just don’t want it. That’s my understanding of it anyways.

Edited by ShoppGirl

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, PM2022 said:

Hi there had my surgery on 4/25/2022 kind of regretting it. I wanted to ask the post OP people when were you able to realistically eat food without calculating how many cups and oz's ? Also when did you or were you able to have beer or coffee? I know they say no caffeine but that's definitely not going to happen. I just want to get a realistic stand point and when I try to research it I just see "I am not supposed to eat that".. duh I know but idc.

I feel like doctors are really failing their patients by not having these conversations prior to surgery. Every bariatric surgery patient should have a good idea of what the progression of healing will look like before they ever sign the consent forms.

That being said, I'm 3 years out from surgery and I don't have to weigh or measure quantities at all if I choose not to. I can eat a small, but regular-sized meal without worrying about my restriction. There are only two things I used to eat that I don't now - ground beef and barbecue. Ground beef upsets my tummy and barbecue doesn't taste good to me anymore. I don't drink beer, but I was served coffee in the hospital the day after surgery (thank goodness, because I'm a total coffee addict 😁). So with possibly a few exceptions, you should be able to eat whatever you want eventually. And as your restriction eases, you won't have to measure your intake precisely (although you will always want to be aware of portion sizes). I hope that helps!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You may find you dont really want things you had before. I am about to have surgery next week Tues and just being on the pre op diet I have found I dont really miss my 2 nemesis, Dt Coke and Warburton bread (English bread) lol. I actually thought those would just kill me to not have but I am making good strides without them and Im not even post op yet. So I am happy about that. I read/hear frequently that your tastes may change post op so you may find some of the things you liked before you may not like post op. As others mentioned above, you can try different things and find what you do like. Im not opposed to trying new things and I look forward to smaller quantities and weight loss. For me, that in itself outweighs anything. But we'll see how I do 1st week post op lol Hang in there, hopefully each week will get better for you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had my surgery in 4/26. I don't regret it. Even through all the pain lol. I do however really miss eating. Being on Clear Liquids is so hard. Next week I get to add Protein Shakes. I'm counting down the days 😊.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, Jaelzion said:

I feel like doctors are really failing their patients by not having these conversations prior to surgery. Every bariatric surgery patient should have a good idea of what the progression of healing will look like before they ever sign the consent forms.

I agree 100% @Jaelzion. Besides clearer advice about portion sizes, food choices, food sensitivities or intolerances that may occur, etc., I’d also add discussions about things like stalls, Hair loss, constipation... These issues can cause a lot of unnecessary anxiety. There’s enough to work through enough with the surgery, changes to our diet & lifestyle without these worries as well.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×