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Wow, Superman--136 pounds in 5.5 months is an astounding result! Congratulation! All of your surgeon's recommendations and your own ideas seem right on the money to me. It really is fun to see the reactions from people who haven't seen you since surgery. I was surprised at how many people didn't even recognize me. I particularly agree with the building muscle, which I think it particularly important for men after such a dramatic weight loss. That's my next goal as well, although I've been saying that for months now. I also think that adding variety to your diet and not obsessing so much over numbers is a great strategy--it has served me well since I started maintenance. Keep checking in with us as you continue your journey!

Hi,@Lily66. I need to update my stats on the computer because I can't do it on the phone app! It's like 85 pounds since surgery, and 102 since my highest weight!! Yes. My knee pain is 90 percent better with the weight loss. Now my issue is my neck!! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I too have horrible arthritis in my knees. The only think that can be used is a topical ointment. I have to think on the name. i think it is called voltaren. Do yourself a favor and try some turmeric! It must contain at least 10 mg of bioperine and 95% curcuminoids. You will be amazed at how well a simple spice works for inflammation. I literally went from not being able to walk without severe pain to no pain at all. My sister had surgery for torn miniscus and it works well for her too.

What I wish I knew before I had surgery five years ago. When vets told me you will be able to eat more as you progress was so true. Working on the mental battles of weight loss was not easy. Overcoming my behaviors was one of the best gifts out of surgery. They are not 100% gone. I manage them much better. I'm older 45 day of surgery - 51 now. All the stress over vanity was a bit ridiculous for me. Honestly, I look better not obese. My loose skin is livable and I have gained muscle weight lifting. It has filled out the skin a bit. I looked into plastics twice. I backed out both times. I am happy with my body and rock my old fart self. Transitioning to maintenance was not what I had expected.

I had zero health issues from my weight, so my motivation was 90% vanity. I certainly don't think I am a horrible person.

Talk to your dietitian. You may need to start eating a bit more calorie-wise to maintain rather than lose.

I found that study. And I noticed that every other article that mentions the 85% divorce rate quotes that one study. There was another study done in Sweden (which has a 47% overall divorce rate - about the same as in the U.S.) said that 9% of couples get divorced after bariatric surgery. That sounds a lot more believable to me, just based on anecdotal evidence I pick up from the various WLS boards I've been on the last five years. I wonder if the person who did that first study meant an 85% LIFETIME divorce rate? (divorce rate for everyone - WLS or not - is about 48% in the US). Even an 85% lifetime divorce rate for WLS patients seems a bit high - but 85% in the two years after WLS seems really farfetched. I wouldn't be surprised if that study is flawed. Unless people who join internet forums are overwhelmingly in strong, happy marriages - but that seems implausible as well. I don't doubt the divorce rate increases after WLS. People gain confidence after losing weight, and many aren't as likely to put up with crap anymore - and they probably aren't as afraid of leaving someone for fear of never finding another mate because of their weight. But I think we'd hear about divorce A LOT more on these forums if it was happening to 85% of us.

85% divorce rate sounds really high. Yes - it happens to some couples - but I don't believe that statistic. Plenty of us have stayed married. I agree that a lot of it depends on how your marriage was BEFORE surgery. I think if anything, my marriage has gotten stronger. My husband never had a weight problem and is really active. At almost 400 lbs, I couldn't keep up with him. Now I can - and we do a lot more things together than we ever did before I had surgery.

I think its because generally, the weight loss sort of triggers a confidence thing in you and you begin to realize your worth, which in turn makes you more likely to reject those who don't.

I agree. 99% of people do NOT lose 20 lbs in two weeks. Most of us lose that in the entire first MONTH, if even that much. Either you heard him wrong, or he has no idea what he's talking about.