I had the sleeve 4.5 years ago. Once healed, I was back to eating "normal" food and taking my normal meds. The only real difference post op, again once healed, is the lifetime restriction. I still can't get in more than a cup to 1.5 cups of food depending on what it is. Protein dense food fills me quickly. So really, the only way to overeat and regain is to eat nothing but junk and eat every 2 hours (graze) all day long. As long as I continue to eat high protein, low carb and healthy, I'm good. I've maintained my weight for a year now. Yes I want to lose another 30, get down into Onderland, but really, 230 compared to 386? I'm healthy, listed as overweight rather than obese, off the BP meds and mobile again. Best thing I've ever done, even if I never lose another ounce.

Like Marta, I'm vegetarian/pescetarian and 3 months out. I use protein shakes and nonfat Greek yogurt to get most of my protein. I can only eat a tiny bit of fish. I can eat salad without issue, but it's a small serving. Totally happy I did it. Only thing that's difficult for me are social meals and cocktail hours (I'm an attorney and have a lot of smooze events). Eating a tiny amount when everyone else is eating several courses takes some dancing around, and drinking plain water with lime at cocktails isn't very fun, but it's a trade off that's worth it. I didn't have any additional health issues, but dieting would only work for awhile for me, then I would gain it all back plus more.

I regret not having this surgery when I was a lot younger but other then that no regrets. I am 9 months out from vsg and down 66lbs from surgery and 80lbs from my highest recorded.

I am able to eat pretty normal now except for my potion sizes are still small when I eat correctly (protein first, etc). I didn't get dumping syndrome but can make myself feel pretty terrible if I eat too much high sugar stuff by itself, but I think that comes from no longer being used to it. I think the hardest part for me was the first month or two, getting used to my new way of eating, going through the stages of shakes, mashed food, etc.

I just came back from Disneyland. I was 384 at my highest weight, and now I fit comfortably on all the rides, I was able to walk all day, and even perched on my boyfriend's knee for a while to rest my feet without killing his leg.

I struggle a lot with cravings (I was an emotional eater), and I've gone through a hellish year with a lot of personal upheavals and challenges.

I cannot recommend the surgery enough. It saved my quality of life. (I had the sleeve at the beginning of March, this year. I've lost 110 lbs.)

I'm a year post op from RNYGB. Absolutely no regrets. HW 350, CW 185. I eat mostly produce and protein, not too much, and I'm satisfied. No restrictions, no long term life changing issues other than that I feel great, I look great, I'm off all meds, and I'm excercising like I was a high school football player again (I'm 55...). Major issues? At nine months post op I had a bowel obstruction that resulted in a trip to the ER and laparoscopic surgery to correct...but I had been counseled that a very small percent of patients have a complication like that, my surgeon was able to correct it, and I recovered VERY quickly from that second surgery (essentially just the incisions, nothing major done inside). I'll still gladly accept that risk. Again, absolutely no regrets!

martabeerich wrote: »

I had the sleeve surgery 3 months ago. I have very little limitations at this point. In very happy. BUT: I have a unique bariatric clinic, with a unique philosophy. I don't think I could be successful on the program most of the others here describe. My clinic's philosophy is plant based and vegetarian or pescatarian diets are encouraged. Many are vegan. My doctor is vegan. Most of the staff is either vegetable or pescatarian. This is my preference, too. I couldn't handle a low carb/meat heavy diet.

Could you tell us more about your plan? I'm thinking of moving towards a vegan diet...

I had VSG a bit over 2 years ago and have lost over 200 lbs. I have absolutely zero regrets. I know a lot of people struggle post surgery, but I have to say, my recovery was very smooth. I attribute that partly to the fact that I started exercising and losing 9 months before I ever had the surgery. I had no complications, no foods have really bothered me except when I eat too much sugar or something with too many carbs, it just doesn't agree with me. That's ok, because I should be careful with those things anyway. I can eat most normal foods, just smaller portions like others have said. I am still able to eat red meat and really spicy foods, so I am super happy about that. I feel like my life has done a complete 180. I am healthy and I have energy and I am able to do pretty much anything I want to do. I am SO glad I gave myself this gift that has given me a happy, healthy life.