Complications after Gastric Sleeve Surgery

I was not allowed pureed foods until the third week after surgery, clear liquids and popsicles, then full liquids, then pureed, then solid. Each progression was for 10 days. Try some wonton soup broth, it's very flavorful and satisfying. Maybe it was just too soon for heavier things. I also had lots of sugar free fruit bars from Edys. I hope you feel better soon!

step back to liquids only for a while.  I was on liquids for 2 weeks and still took some time to move up to pureed foods

My doctor prescribed me Prilosec for the very same thing.....and I buy the generic (walmart brand) and it works WONDERS.  I have a feeling I will probably be on it for a long time....but I don't mind.  Try that and see if it helps!!! 

I lived on pumpkin custards with a little whipped cream on top for my soft food phase. Here's a recipe that I used. http://whatscookingamerica.net/PumpkinCustard.htm  I did try mixing in protein powder but didn't like the texture as much.
Anyway, I'm 5 months out and down 74 pounds. I'm one pound away from a weight that starts with a 1. :) I'm 9 pounds away from oly being overweight instead of obese or morbidly obese. I feel really good.  

You aren't really having "complications" at all. You're having some discomfort which is typical after surgery...yes, gas and constipation and indigestion can crop up with anyone but these are typical symptoms of having a major surgery such as a VSG.

You really REALLY need to stick to liquids for another week then the mushies...you'll be fine just getting in your required liquid protein and that will take some doing. OF COURSE your stomach is swollen! How can it not be????? So stay away from the pureed food for now, just be kind to your new tummy. Don't pu**** I know you're bored with just soup but get a grip, it's not forever. I can't imagine doing eggs or mashed potatoes at 8 days out!! You might have issues after a month with either of those. And you won't shrivel away, don't worry about it. It's not forever!!

You're having head hunger and you need to find other things to occupy yourself rather than thinking you have to eat. I know it's hard to wrap your brain around the fact that you think you need to eat and how could you get through this time without eating blah blah blah..we all have, we all did, and you will too. Just concentrate on the liquids, get as much as you can, add protein in liquid form as well and slowly but surely you'll discover time has passed, you'll start to feel better before you know it.

I know that for me, and probably for anyone else on here, waiting for that surgery was HARD and now we expect it to just start falling off, and it WILL but give it some time...your weight will fluctuate for several months, mostly going down but you will experience weeks when you only lose 1 or 2 lbs or 10 or 12 and there's NO TELLING when it happens or how long you experience it.

You probably DID do a lot of research and again, there's no telling who will experience more gas and more indigestion compared to another patient, so just BE patient, tell your doc and you'll be fine.

Are you on an anti acid medication?  Most experienced surgeons put their patients on a medication to control acid production (called proton pump inhibitors or PPI's).  This is a problem for many sleeve patients.

Prilosec and similar medications are called for in order to control this.  I would contact your surgeon immediately, and ask for a prescription (or pick it up at a pharmacy) and see if that does not help.

I loved ricotta cheese with some Ragu Traditional mixed in. I warmed it in the microwave. It was yummy.

Although I never had to do this, my doctor warned me that I may get to one stage but would not be ready for it, and may have to go back one or even two stages. I can't imagine eating eggs or mashed potatoes at that stage (could only eat mashed potatoes at 4 weeks, and have only been able to tolerate eggs this past week).  I know every doctor is different in their instructions, but if what he tells you isn't working for you, then you have to go back a stage and do what you know is right for you.  Everyone is different and can tolerate different things at different stages.

Remember that your stomach is now very tiny and on top of that is still quite swollen from the surgery. It may even be the food you're eating that's causing the gas. Try to stick with small amounts of liquids every 15 mins - broth, water, Gatorade, decaffeineited, sugar-free tea, etc. My doctor prescribed Nexium for stomach acid and it works wonders for me, although I wasn't allowed to swallow pills for 21 days after surgery, but Nexium is dissolvable.

Just be patient and take your time. You will get there, and it will all be worth it. Believe us!

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the responses.  However, I just want to clarify that the my doctor is the one who told me to eat pureed food.  I guess every doctor is different.  I actually couldn't leave the hospital until I was able to tolerate pureed food.  I just wanted to clarify this because I didn't want anyone to think I was trying to rush through the stages.  I thought it was a bit odd too, but my doctor and nutrionist was clear that I needed to be on pureed food the first month.   A little update:  I still have indigestion...I purchased chewable pepcid ac and mylanta.  It helps but I have some discomfort.  Some good news...the constipation stopped...but now I have a bit of diaherra...who knows.  I am about two weeks out and down about 7lbs.   I know everyone's body is different and so I guess I will just have to wait and see what happens.  Anyway...thanks again for all the responses.

Hi, all..   Rebel , I hope this helps I'm new to the sleeve myself as of March 20th 2013 i had my sleeve done i started my journey on 2008 due to my  insurance we need not get into that ,lol I'm now 13 days post op and was told that i had to wait until April 4 to see the dietitian before starting any kind of pureed foods..... I take a vitamin d and a  delayed release acid reducer 20 mg every morning and "sip", not gulp not chug  water  every chance i can. I carry a water bottle like its my best friend my liquid diet consist of carnation instant breakfast with fat free milk again small sips, chicken broth, SF jello  and water +water +water I found out when i get gassy or bloated walking helps no need to enter a walk a thon just get up and a move around the house kinda thing works for me very tuff diet but pre op 290 lb  post op 265 lb i hope you find what your looking for ,keep up the good fight ask if you don't know and good luck my friend.......