2002 VBG having gastric issues.

Hi all. I was 304 at my top weight and lost over half of that in the next 18 months post op. Zhen over the years I've gained and lost repeatedly. Jan/15 I was 220 but I went on a strict low carb diet and lost 60 lbs. over 7 months (I know it was stupid but I just couldn't stand the weight anymore). Since then I've lost more slowly and have been maintaining at 150 for 5 months. But I'm having a problem with dumping which I shouldn't be having with VBG. Actually I quit gluten to see if that would help, it has not helped with the gastric issues but my food cravings have gone away and my brain fog has cleared up. Anyone with any advice about the diarrhea, gas and bloating? I also I real problem with vomiting if I eat too much, or too fast, or the wrong food. =( Thanks, micro

Hi Micromina,

I'm still pre-op so can only suggest one thing, have you tried removing lactose from your diet? I had those same symptoms for years and assumed I had IBS or similar, finally went to the doctor who sent me for a range of tests and it turns out I'm highly lactose intolerant now.

Just something to maybe try.

Yes, first I quit gluten and then dairy. I'm seeing my doc on August 8th. I've lost 9 lbs. In the last 3 weeks without trying, just from this problem. YIKES!

Pond Jumper, did you have your surgery? How are you doing?

Yes I did, I struck lucky and was given a cancellation slot. I was sleeved on July 10, so just about to go into week 4 post op. Things are going well but I've hit the dreaded week 3 stall, I'm getting my fluids in and as much protein as I can, but I don't seem to be able to get more than 640 calories in per day. I feel fine on this amount but I've heard that low calorie can be what keeps the stall going.

I'm so happy for you that you got in on a cancellation. That's how I got in for my surgery so quickly way back in 2002. I don't know anything about the sleeve procedure but I do know that really low calories causes the body to go into starvation mode and it hoards fat. I also don't know anything about what kind of food you're supposed to be eating at this point; are you allowed to eat foods with fat? It's calorie dense and keeps you satisfied. Personally, I don't believe in the low fat bs, I've been eating about 40% fat, 30% carbs and 30% protein and it really works for me. My carbs come from produce, nuts and seeds and legumes, not anything made out of grain or added sugar. I track my food on fitday.com. I don't worry about calories at all. But that's just my experience and like I said, I have no idea what the correct diet for your procedure is. I would say don't worry about a stall. It will break soon enough and you'll be on your way. It's a long process. In fact, the slower you lose weight, the less loose skin you will have. Sip sip sip, chew chew chew, walk walk walk! I'm sure that's still the same. =)

Hi Micromina,

Did you by chance have your surgery in Southern Alberta? I did around the same time and I'm struggling to get my weight down. At my lowest I was around 160 but I am at 223 right now. I need to get my weight down, but need to find a plan that works for me. I'd love to find a program that would work. I think the problem is that I forget that I don't have to focus on it, but I really do have to. I'd love to get down to 150 :).