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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member NWLISA's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    04/01/2019
    Surgeon
    Dr. Avishi Meier
    Join Date
    May 2019
    Last Activity
    06-13-2020 09:55 PM
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    Northwest
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    Default What is normal????

    I am week 7 post op and TRYING, to integrate food choices into my diet but truly struggling. My capacity is so limited. I know I’m not getting enough fluid daily, even with making protein heavy choices for the little food I can eat, I am not even remotely close to the grams my dr wants. My calories are still hovering between 300-600/day. As you imagine my energy is a battle (energy in = energy out). Textures and flavors have all changed and my tolerance is very clear. My new stomach lets me know with resounding defiance if I have tried something it rejects. So far things on my “nope...not gonna take it list” (even though previously tolerable) includes: cottage cheese, ready to drink protein shakes, yogurt, processed meats, and of course no pasta, bread, rice, etc. Most meals are still liquid, or 2 tablespoons at the most. Soup is one of my few friends. Is this common?


  2. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  3. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member Dutchie's Avatar
    Name
    Simonne
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Pablo Enriquez Valens
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    Dec 2016
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    07-05-2020 12:35 AM
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Sometimes it takes a little longer to get used to certain foods again.
    But don't worry about your calories, you have plenty of fat to feed your body.
    I was at 600 till I was 6 months out.
    And calories in, calories out is not true, it is way more than that.
    So, take it easy.
    Try to find foods that you can eat and stick to that for a while.
    Puree the heck out of everything you eat and if necessary, make it thinner.
    You could try making some chili and puree that with tomato juice, add a few laughing cow cheese triangles.
    Make soups with legumes (beans, lentils) and veggies.

    Don't hurry the foods.
    Take a step back and look what happens.
    You could be going to fast for your stomach.
    Introduce new foods one at a time, so you know exactly what doesn't agree with you.
    Easy does it.
    Good luck!
    English is not my first language anymore, so I may and do make mistakes in my spelling, or say things oddly. Please ask me, if you want any clarifications.



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  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Truss's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Russ
    Surgery date
    03/28/2019
    Surgeon
    Dr. M. Cox
    Join Date
    Dec 2018
    Last Activity
    09-26-2022 02:51 PM
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    Western NC
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Normal ?... if you figure it out let me know. The only difference is everything you mentioned I can eat. I can eat pretty much eat anything just not much !! A couple bites and I’m done. I fill full sometimes. But most of the time I eat about 3-4 bites and say that’s enough. I’ve had that ribcage feeling u described I didn’t like it. I’ve tried something new regularly.. I’m just super tired most of the time.. if I ever get my energy level up I think I’ll be okay. I had so many ideas (wants) before I was released to do whatever. HONESTLY I had been able to .. I walk everyday by going to the gym just ain’t happening yet. I go but don’t last long. It actually takes longer to drive there and back then it is the time I’m working out.. I know we both (newbies). And lord knows I got a lot to learn.. I hope u get to where u can tolerate more foods. I don’t really wanna eat .. I do because I know I have too but I’m not hungry I got tired or start feeling weak and I know it’s time !!..

    Take care .. Press On ..
    Russ


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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    You guys are VERY early on still ... all this will pass VERY soon.

    I know that's not a very encouraging thing to hear. But you should feel encouraged. One month from now things will be considerably different. Six months out ... you'll be swishing your tail around town so fancy everyone else will have to wear shades. And then a year out -- be careful!

    I'm almost five years out, and life so completely and wonderfully rocks.



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member KiwiGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    09/04/2017
    Surgeon
    Stephanie Ulmer
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Last Activity
    05-24-2021 09:49 PM
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Yes as Ann2 says - this will pass.
    7 weeks is very early - it really does get better.

    It's a big learning curve and everyone is different.
    Just keep trying different foods and keep retrying some that didn't agree with you previously.

    I had minute amounts of something new until I figured out it was ok - or not. Actually now it's only fresh salmon (canned is fine - go figure!) and apples that don't like me. Somethings that weren't good early on I can now eat no problem.

    Hydration is really important - keep sipping water all the time. It soon becomes a habit.

    I was lucky to be hitting 400 calories a day at 7 weeks. 20 months out and I average around 900-1000 which suits me just fine.

    Hang in there......it really is worth it!



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  12. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    NWLISA, I thought some more about this. Here are some things that worked for me early on. Not sure they'll hit your sweet spot, but ....

    1. Non-fat Traditional Refried Beans (they come in a can) nuked with full-fat cheddar cheese and a little sour cream (and salsa if you can tolerate that). Gradually, I added chopped up chicken breast to that mix.

    2. I was a big fan of protein drinks (my fave is still GNC Lean Shake 25 Swiss Chocolate, but that's a very personal thing for each of us). A lot of people flee from protein drinks early on. I never did. Five years out, I still like 'em.

    3. I'd say go ahead and enjoy any soups (especially creamy chicken ones) you can tolerate now. Do you think you could tolerate adding ground up chicken to any of those soups?

    4. What about chicken salad -- just plain chicken breast (comes canned, water packed) with mayonnaise and pickle relish, celery, nuts -- whatever your tummy tolerates.

    5. Egg salad?



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  14. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member KiwiGal's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    09/04/2017
    Surgeon
    Stephanie Ulmer
    Join Date
    Feb 2018
    Last Activity
    05-24-2021 09:49 PM
    Location
    Auckland New Zealand
    Posts
    1,417
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    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 750 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: What is normal????

    What about eggs? They were, and still are, a favourite of mine and so versatile. Poached, scrambled, omelets with some cheese and whatever else you like inside? I ate a lot of scrambled early on. Steer away from fried though :-)
    Frittatas are good as you can add all sorts of things into them.
    Fish? White fish poached or baked in tinfoil. I add ginger, soy sauce and garlic (if you like) or lemon slices and dill.
    You mention that ready to drink protein drinks are no good - have you tried making them with a protein powder and your choice of milk? Maybe ask for some sample sizes to try different makes/flavours?
    What about pureed foods? (Not baby food, that's vile!) There is a company in NZ that specialises in pureed food for bariatric patients (and others who are unable to eat solid foods). I had some of their products and they were really tasty - they actually tasted like they were supposed to. There has got to be a similar company in the US.



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  16. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Christie13's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Christie
    Surgery date
    11/03/2016
    Surgeon
    Dr. Wright
    Join Date
    Nov 2016
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Yes it can be. I know for a while post op I did not do well with cold fluids. I also could not stand the sweet taste of shakes. One thing that helped me was the Fairlife fat free milk. It has extra protein so it helped me get more in. I would make large lattes with espresso, fairlife milk, a scoop of collagen protein powder, and Splenda. I would make creamed chicken soup with Fairlife milk versus water. Have you tried Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt? I ate that a lot in the beginning. I also enjoyed berry flavored hot green tea. As long as fluids were room temperature or hotter it settled better in my stomach. It took quite a while before I could eat more than a few bites or drink enough fluids. I kept doing my best every day. That is all you can do. I know people will keep telling you that it is crucial to get your protein and fluids in regularly. It took me months before I was doing both consistently. I had good and bad days. What helped me with energy was dissolvable vitamin B12. As long as I was staying hydrated and making the healthiest choices I could I was not too worried about it.



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  18. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member WANAGL's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Cyndi
    Surgery date
    12/30/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Robert Marema
    Join Date
    Mar 2016
    Last Activity
    01-09-2020 06:15 PM
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    Hampton Beach, FL
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Easy does it NWLISA ;-) This too shall pass.

    I still log everything, including changes. I remember only being able to take two sips at a time. In time that changed. Time takes time. It changed gradually.

    Early on my choices were limited. I had a ton of complications, hospitalized 4.5 months. I lived on a liquid diet for 6 months. I became creative with purées. I used PatchMD vitamin and mineral patches to stay within norms. I still use them today. They work for me;-)

    3+ years out I can take in 1000 calories a day max.



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  20. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member jaimaroo's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Jaime
    Surgery date
    06/25/2015
    Surgeon
    Dr. Ungson
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
    Last Activity
    05-14-2019 04:15 PM
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    Seattle, Washington
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Hi there!
    I remember 7 weeks out and thinking....what did I do? I will never eat or enjoy food ever again. I couldn't eat much at all. I struggled to drink anything too. What helped me was blending things and just making purees of everything....and going very slowly. Speed of eating is hard to learn. I had to take a bite then wait a few minutes before I could take another. It seemed crazy to me, but it helped...a lot.
    You can get create with the blender. I did a lot of white meat chicken in a can blended with ranch seasoning, a touch of mayo, a dash of hot sauce and considered it buffalo chicken!
    You will find your groove. Deviled eggs were good too, but to put it in perspective: it would take me about an hour to eat 1 egg.



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  22. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member kenson's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    01/13/2014
    Surgeon
    Dr. Karl Strom
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Last Activity
    06-29-2023 07:07 PM
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    As everyone has stated, 7 weeks is still really early. This too shall pass! I remember pureeing the heck out of food. Stick with soft meat like fish, tuna that you can really separate and mix up. Soup was definitely my friend, and I'm not much of an egg person, but a scrambled egg is also an option. Try applesauce and stay hydrated!



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  24. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member AnnieG's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Annie
    Surgery date
    10/05/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Ryan Heider
    Join Date
    Oct 2017
    Last Activity
    11-29-2020 11:18 AM
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    NC
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Quote Originally Posted by Truss View Post
    Normal ?... if you figure it out let me know. The only difference is everything you mentioned I can eat. I can eat pretty much eat anything just not much !! A couple bites and I’m done. I fill full sometimes. But most of the time I eat about 3-4 bites and say that’s enough. I’ve had that ribcage feeling u described I didn’t like it. I’ve tried something new regularly.. I’m just super tired most of the time.. if I ever get my energy level up I think I’ll be okay. I had so many ideas (wants) before I was released to do whatever. HONESTLY I had been able to .. I walk everyday by going to the gym just ain’t happening yet. I go but don’t last long. It actually takes longer to drive there and back then it is the time I’m working out.. I know we both (newbies). And lord knows I got a lot to learn.. I hope u get to where u can tolerate more foods. I don’t really wanna eat .. I do because I know I have too but I’m not hungry I got tired or start feeling weak and I know it’s time !!..

    Take care .. Press On ..
    Russ
    Absolutely agree. Normal changed forever (well actually many times in life). But yes, I eat even though I am not hungry, and even at 20 months, about 7 ounces of anything is enough....so its just adjusting. You'll find your way. Its a long journey but wel worth it.
    [I]HW: 240 lbs SW: 199 lbs GW: 140 lbs

    1 MO = 167.0 2 MO = 156.4 3 MO = 148.4 4 MO = 140.6
    5 M) = 136.0 6 MO = 130.0
    1 YR = 122.0 2 YR = 140.00 2.5 YR = 139
    Happy with my weight; happy with my size; over-the-moon with my health!

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  26. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member azladyrider's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Sue Ashe
    Surgery date
    06/28/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr Almanza
    Join Date
    Apr 2012
    Location
    Apache Junction, AZ
    Posts
    998
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Quote Originally Posted by Ann2 View Post
    NWLISA, I thought some more about this. Here are some things that worked for me early on. Not sure they'll hit your sweet spot, but ....

    1. Non-fat Traditional Refried Beans (they come in a can) nuked with full-fat cheddar cheese and a little sour cream (and salsa if you can tolerate that). Gradually, I added chopped up chicken breast to that mix.

    2. I was a big fan of protein drinks (my fave is still GNC Lean Shake 25 Swiss Chocolate, but that's a very personal thing for each of us). A lot of people flee from protein drinks early on. I never did. Five years out, I still like 'em.

    3. I'd say go ahead and enjoy any soups (especially creamy chicken ones) you can tolerate now. Do you think you could tolerate adding ground up chicken to any of those soups?

    4. What about chicken salad -- just plain chicken breast (comes canned, water packed) with mayonnaise and pickle relish, celery, nuts -- whatever your tummy tolerates.

    5. Egg salad?
    I loved refried beans just that way. I was still working on site with a client so I'd take some with a side of salad shrimp for lunch.



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  28. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member Ann2's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Ann2
    Surgery date
    08/18/2014
    Surgeon
    n.a.
    Join Date
    Oct 2013
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    6,630
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    Blog Entries
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    Default Re: What is normal????

    Hey, Sue ... how are you doing?!



    Consult: 235 lbs
    My and doc's preop diet: 216 -19 lbs
    M1 postop 205 -30
    M2 193 -42
    M3 184 -51
    M4 174 -61
    M5 167 -68
    M6 162 -73
    M7 156 -79
    M8 151 -84
    M9 148 -87
    M10 146 -89
    M11 144 -91
    M12 143 -92
    M13 142 -93
    M14 140 -95
    M15 139 -96
    M16 137 -98
    M17 135 -100

    First Surgiversary post

    Second Surgiversary post

    Third Surgiversary post

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  30. #15
    Gastric Sleeve Member Dutchie's Avatar
    Name
    Simonne
    Surgery date
    01/03/2017
    Surgeon
    Dr. Pablo Enriquez Valens
    Join Date
    Dec 2016
    Last Activity
    07-05-2020 12:35 AM
    Posts
    1,494
    Said "Thanks" 1,206 Times
    Was Thanked 1,222 Times in 797 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 365 Times
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default Re: What is normal????

    And remember: "'there is no "normal'.
    There is only what suits YOU and YOUR needs best."
    Yoda, after wsl surgery.
    English is not my first language anymore, so I may and do make mistakes in my spelling, or say things oddly. Please ask me, if you want any clarifications.



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