A couple of questions for VSGers

1) For me "yes".  Miralax easily solves the problem and is very manageable.  Have been trying to shift off it, now that I'm comfortably in the maintenance range, but it's hard to get the right amount of dietary fiber in.  I've been experimenting, but haven't gotten it right yet.

2) I think this is kind of a misnomer.  If you don't eat, you'll get hungry,eventually.  However, you can eat, and drink, in a manner that shuts down hunger.  I'm 10 months out and can still keep it at bay fairly easily.  Exercise just makes it even easier.  I assume endorphins play a roll there.

3) Never any problem with fats, but I only eat "good" fats now.  There are no fats from chips, hamburgers, fries or whatever.  My fats are from things like salmon which is high in good fat.  It's not the kind of fat that causes any problem.  In fact, I never worried about my fat grams during any of the loss phase and I did not follow the "low fat diet" options, I used the low carb high protein option.

1) do many VSGers have issues with chronic constipation? 

Personally, I do, however I don't believe it is strictly because of the VSG.  Miralax mostly takes care of it.

 

2) how long does the period of lack of hunger last after a VSG? (I realize there is probably LOTS of individual variation (there is with RNY), but I am wondering if it is generally longer than a couple of months as it is with a RNY.)

I'm over 3 yrs out and most days I really don't experience hunger the way that I did pre-op (head hunger is a completely different story).  For me exercise definitely decreases it further.

 

3) is there any negative physical response to eating a meal with too much fat?

No gall balder, so I have to watch rich or fatty foods or stay REALLY close to a bathroom 

 Edited because my iPad is possessed!

1. constipation: none I eat my fiber.

2. hunger: no real hunger only head hunger.

3. fat: not an issue for me.  Spicy foods gives me reflux though.

I have had vsg for 3 years.  I think the problems you are asking are more related to the person's diet not the sleeve.

 

Hi

 

1) no issue with constipation 

2) I am two years out from surgery and my hunger level is significantly decreased.  Not as much as right after surgery.  But if I am busy on my feet running around work I can go all day without eating (not planned but has happened) and am fine with it.  

3) I don't eat meals that are crazy high in fat but I do eat full fat products and have no issue with them.

i really have no digestive issues with the sleeve but for occasional heartburn that is goes away with Tums.

No problems with bowel movements in any area. Regular, consistent and easy movements. Don't take anything to aid with bowel movements.

No hunger at 9 months out. I don't even experience head hunger. Food doesn't taste the same.

No issues with high fats. I tend to not eat high fat anyway.

Hi Lora,

no constipation here and no, I don't take anything to help in that area either. 

I am 18 months post op and have the occasional twinge that reminds me what hunger felt like pre op but no I can't say I feel any significant physical hunger. Before surgery the doc and I discussed hunger and he said not everyone loses the feeling. I woke up from surgery and the first thing he asked me was, "are you hungry?" and when I said no, not at all, he said, "ok you are a lucky one". But lack of hunger definitely does not stop me from eating!

i eat full fat everything, milk, yogurt, butter, etc and I don't cut all the fat off my meat and I love me some pork crackling now and then or bone marrow, so I have had really high fat meals and no problem whatsoever with my stomach.

Good luck to your VSG patients!

Julia

1.  Constipation: did have it early on, used a combination of miralax and benefiber. Over time it went away.

2.  about 6 months.

3.  I haven't experienced a problem with eating too much fat.  I eat a fair amount. 

I find it very interesting to read all the responses. I never could do low fat or fat free versions of stuff so I'm glad to see other people having been successful, so far, eating real food. The reduced fat and fat free versions are more processed and have crap in them to make up for the fat. I'm starting to believe the crap they put in is worse than the stuff they take out.

I know the changes I'm making now may not work for me post op, but I know my old way of eating absolutely will not work. Now to find ways to get in enough fiber and not get a ton of the simple carbs. This will be a good question to add to my list for the nutritionist. I may end up on a regular low dose of Miralax anyhow since I'm taking a med that can be constipating at times. I suppose more physical activity would help with that too.

I would like to comment in regards to the fat question.  I think you are asking this question as you stated you have DS clients.  My sister is a DS person so I understand the question while some with just a VSG might not realize what the problem really is.

We can eat fat, at least the ones I know in RL and those posting here, with out the DS issue.  There response to fat is caused by the switch and is the main reason I wouldn't get the DS unless things really didn't work out with the sleeve.  We don't get the runs/smell from fat like they do.  We also don't need to eat as much fat as the do.  I too eat a regular fat diet rather than the low/no fat diet.  I do try to stick to the "good"/real fats though.

Hi,

I have chronic constipation.  I take 1/2 dose of miralax every day, and that manages it.

I am one year out, and have little hunger.  As long as I stay away from carbs, my hunger is minimal.

I haven't had any adverse reactions to fats - but I haven't pushed the limit by eating high-fat foods, either.

best wishes

Carol