Most frequently asked VSG questions – Part 2!

Every day I get questions, and it seems like lots of you have the same ones. So… I thought I’d collate these in the one place to make it easier for you! This is part two, so if you haven’t seen part 1 yet, head here to do so.

If you’re more into video, you can watch the following two videos in which I explain the answers to each of the questions below in more detail:

• Part 1: https://youtu.be/T0vATU7mw2Y
• Part 2: https://youtu.be/Nq9Dwaidhog 

In addition, I’ve also put a whole bunch of links in to other posts or resources I’ve written that will help to explain the answers in more detail so you can delve deeper into the questions that apply to you!

So let’s get to it! First things first….

Why am I still hungry all the time? 

It’s common to still have some appetite after a sleeve, although feeling hungry all the time is not as common.

First things first is to ask yourself “Am I physically hungry?”

If it has been less than 3 hours since your last meal, possibly what you ate wasn’t filling enough, you ate too quickly or it wasn’t a great choice and it didn’t stay with you for long. OR you’re not physically hungry and may be eating for another reason like boredom, habit, stress or thirst.

If it has been more than 3 hours, you may well be hungry and it’s okay to eat. A good app to help you figure out which type of hunger you’re experiencing is the “Am I Hungry” App. More info in the post below too

Why do I still throw up? 

It’s really common to feel uncomfortable after eating, or have lots of burping, or “foamies” after a meal until you get used to your sleeve. Usually this settles down within the first couple of months, but some people are still getting these symptoms years after their surgery. Nine times out of 10, the cause is either that your mouthfuls are too big, they’re too fast or you have one or two too many. 

A little while ago I recorded a short video (complete with artwork!) that helps to explain this phenomenon and how your new sleeve works:

Can I drink alcohol after WLS?

Alcohol doesn’t always have a bad effect on people with a sleeve, however it is best to avoid excessive amounts of alcohol post op for a few reasons:

1. Alcohol is really just empty calories which puts you at higher risk of slowing weight loss or regaining weight.
2. The way our body absorbs alcohol changes after a sleeve – meaning one drink can hit you hard.
3. We also don’t want alcohol to be replacing food in terms of using it as a new coping mechanism.

Bottom line? One or two drinks on occasion is fine, just don’t make it a habit. And if you’re struggling with alcohol, please seek help asap.

What vitamins do I need to have and do I still need them? 

You do need supplements after surgery even if your bloods are fine. The ASMBS guidelines recommend that every weight loss surgery patient uses supplements. This is because the volume of food you can have is small post op, making it hard to meet vitamin and mineral recommendations for good health. In addition the absorption of certain nutrients changes over time making it even trickier.

A once or twice- daily bariatric multivitamin, calcium & Vit D, iron and fibre supplements are recommended – think of them as private health insurance to help prevent issues long term. The post below shows you exactly what you need and when so you don’t need to think!