RNYer with two friends getting the Sleeve

1. What was your post-op eating plan like? (I know it varies by doctor but perspective will be helpful)

My doc's plan was for liquids/mushies/purees and soft proteins including seafood, cheese, etc. from the hospital on out thru the first month with firmer proteins and most everything else added in the second month on. I was told to start adding veg at day ten since my protein consumption was great at that point.

2. Did your taste preferences change post op?

Mine didn't seem to, but others do see some changes. This seems to be less common with the VSG as it is with the DS or RNY.

3. How do you supplement (vitamins) after the Sleeve? Do you take b-12?

B12 and calcium citrate (typically 1000-1500mg per day) are pretty universal with multivitamins taking care of the rest; vitamin D is also fairly common and sometimes thiamine for those who are low carbing.

4. Did you find there were things you were unable to tolerate after surgery? If so, what?

I haven't found anything yet, but some do; YMMV.

5. Any quirky things that just sorta happen? (For example, many RNYers find themselves unable to drink plain water post-op)

Misc GI issues are common, particularly constipation, though diarrhea and gas issues arise. This seems to be primarily an issue with adjusting to dietary changes more than anything inherent to the VSG,

6. Do you tend to get vomiting with the sleeve?

I haven't had any, but it can happen, particularly from eating too fast or too much, or the occasional tolerance issue.

7. What are some situations you'd advise someone to avoid? (For example, RNYers of course warn heavily about sugar and fats because of dumping and chewing food as it can get stuck in the stoma and of eating/drinking at the same time)

Eating/drinking at the same time is generally avoided for the same reason as with the RNY, to avoid washing things thru the stomach too quickly. Dumping can happen with the VSG, though it is less common than with the RNY. Sugar and other simple carbs are generally to be avoided or minimized during the weight loss period from the simple empty calorie perspective, and likewise fats tend to get minimized during weight loss due to their high caloric cost more than any particular physical effects.

8. Which reminds me, can you eat/drink at the same time with the Sleeve?

One can eat and drink at the same time but that's generally avoided to keep the stomach filled as long as possible and minimize intake during weight loss, but it's something that can be done depending upon ones needs - consider it an advanced tool for maintenance and beyond.

9. Any other thing that I might need to know to support them better on their journeys?

As others have noted, have them look thru this board and others on the web relating to the VSG. Also, there is a talk given my Dr. Roslin in New York (both in transcript and audio/video form) that delves into the questions of trying to match the right WLS to the patient where he outlines the strengths and weaknesses of the various WLS procedures. I don't have the link but it has been posted here and is floating around the site for some time - it's well worth the effort to find.