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Give yourself some credit and pat yourself on the back for making the decision to get healthier. I think that it would be good to give your self grace. Be kind. Your body is not just going through a shock it's an entire way of life that you are changing. So make an effort to stay positive and optimism is key. Food intake should follow the dieticians recommended foods. You will loose weight. And to keep it off follow the plan like your life depends on it. Hang in there. And perhaps Journal your feelings and track your food. All the best,

You're doing fine. I lost 15 pounds my first MONTH after surgery. Then 10 the next month and 10 per month for the next year. Stalling early on is very common, just stick with the program and the weight will start coming off again.

At the end of my first day on the pre op liquid diet and sheesh, i was ok until after work. I’m doing my protein shakes and broth and had tomato soup for dinner but dammnit I’m just hungry. So of course I’m going through the “did I make a mistake?” am I just hangry?” How did you get through it? I know I just need to keep my head down and focus, but tonight was hard, really hard.

I didn't start eating oatmeal until I was a few months out. You'd probably have to puree it pretty well if you were going to eat it at this point. I know we were allowed Cream of Wheat pretty early on, but that's ground pretty finely right out of the box. I'd ask your clinic - but I stuck to whatever kinds of things they told me I could have at certain stages.

Every surgeons plan is different. I didn't add oatmeal into my diet until 6 months out, but it was allowed at 3 months out. Personally, I wouldn't eat oatmeal at puree stage. Unless you put it through a blender.

Very true. As my weight came down I eventually had to add exercise in order to keep losing. Over time, it may become necessary to change things up.

I'd respectfully disagree with Grady here. Advice varies in the medical world & each body/stomach is unique. You may require the odd nutritious snack, especially if its high protein. I'm exercising at a level that requires more protein than many at my stage (I'm pretty new to this too!) My nutritionist wants me to have protein yogurts or bars post work out to prevent muscle loss. I know someone who has a long thin stomach & can't fit enough in at normal meal times so must supplement by snacking.

I thought I wanted the sleeve, as well, but ended up with bypass due to my GERD. I do not regret it at all. My GERD is gone, including the Barrett's esophagitis that had progressed to the point of a precancerous polyp. Malabsorption has not been a nutritional issue. All my vitamin and mineral labs are fine. Malabsorption actually starts to resolve after a couple of years, as the jejunum starts to take over the absorption role that the duodenum used to perform. Bypass surgery has been around for a long time. The procedure is just as safe as a sleeve and it works. I'm glad I had it. I lost weight quickly and have maintained easily.

Hmmmm, the changes we don't talk about. I also lived in a fools paradise unaware of how very large I really was. And, so disrespectful of my tiny frame - the fat literally had no where else to store. Because I exercised regularly, and ate healthier BUT in huge portions plus, too many sweet treats on the weekends - I'd tell myself and others... I'm a fit overweight! I find layers of myself becoming more honest. The rose colored glasses have been taken off now, and I really like that. Things I tolerated before like a lack of opportunity or a reciprocal community no longer appeal to me. I do find myself especially at this stage in life, wanting a brand new life. A fresh start in a totally new place, new environment and new lifestyle where no one knew me as morbidly obese. My massive weight loss in many ways has put closure to my old life here. We are taking investigative steps to research and explore new states and communities. A possible closure here with adventures elsewhere have rendered a hope and sparkle within me. Becoming slim after 22+ years has meant everything. I do not wish to squandered any more time. I am truly humbled and touched by everyone's transparency shown here. We each will gain victory over those things that hold us back from becoming our best selves. Here's to positive change wherever it's needed. Even if our road is a little bumpy, becomes complicated or uncomfortable getting there. I celebrate all our achievements and aspirations! Personally, I think pulling out a few of our before pictures maybe the most empowering gestures of all, despite our current challenges. It puts things back into complete perspective for me.

Some of my unexpected changes: 1. I'm cold all the time. 2. I feel disoriented in my new body (almost like my old brain was transplanted into someone else's body). 3. I do think shopping has replaced eating as my go-to self-soother. It's a habit I need to break. 4. It's amazing how much more respectful and kind health care professionals are to me now that I am normal weight. It's like all of a sudden, I am a regular person who deserves medical care. Crazy. 5. I get catcalls and random men hit on me from time to time. Rather than making me feel pretty, it makes me uncomfortable. I think that's it!