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First of all, I'm so sorry you are struggling. Know that you are not alone and that many folks experience some wonderful things after WLS as well as some more difficult things. That is just part of the process; its definitely not always sunshine and roses. 1- Constipation is VERY common. Are you taking an iron supplement? They are notorious for exacerbating constipation. If you're taking any additional iron, it may be worth getting your labs checked - if they are normal, maybe you can drop that? Another option would be to add a prebiotic fiber supplement. I take about 15g of Just Better Fiber daily and it is a HUGE help. Make sure you are well hydrated, especially when taking laxatives, stool softeners, etc. Lastly, are you getting in any fiber in your food? This goes with #2.... 2- The return of hunger is normal and expected. Your body is doing EXACTLY what its supposed to do. It may be helpful to start introducing more fruits & veggies, which will help you feel fuller longer and help with constipation. Also, are you hitting your protein goals? If not, definitely focus on getting that protein in. If you're hitting your goals, adding in nutrient rich fruits & veggies, and STILL feeling uncontrollably hungry, then it may be time to consult with a bariatric dietitian. Hunger is normal, feeling miserable is not. 3- I think a LOT of us struggle with body image before and after surgery. There is a trade off that happens - we lose the weight and are healthy, but it can make the physical effects of a lifetime obesity more obvious to us. Therapy therapy therapy. I can't encourage it strongly enough. Learning to cope with those feelings, learning to be kind to our new bodies, learning to love ourselves well, THAT is the hard work of weight loss and it is truly a lifelong process. Get help, and keep getting help. Outside of that - buy clothes that make you feel good, as much as you can focus on what you LIKE about your body instead of what you don't, if its practical for you, you can always look into plastic surgery, and of course, you could just refrain from looking in the mirror naked. I know, easier said than done, but if its causing your harm emotionally, then maybe hold off for now. You aren't alone and you aren't crazy. WLS is hard work and there is a lot that comes with it that doesn't get talked about much. We are rooting for you.

I am right behind you, scheduled for November 28, 2022.

That's an excellent idea. I just ran a search and there are a lot of surgeons it appears in the area--I will make some phone calls. Thanks!!

Hi all! Very new to this site and about to have gastric sleeve surgery on 10/31. I started the process back in July and it’s all felt pretty quick. I knew I wanted to go through with it after talking to the surgeon and team. They have been absolutely wonderful. I’m currently on the two week pre-op liquid diet (only broth/sugar free jello & popsicles/protein shakes/clear liquids). I think I didn’t fully prepare myself for how difficult it would be to go without solid food. I’ve struggled most of my life with being overweight and overeating and I got tired of it. But I think my attachment to food is still extremely strong. I’m working with a therapist to overcome it and change habits. However, the liquid diet is driving me crazy and making me think this wasn’t the right way to go. I’m afraid I don’t have the strength to go through with it and be successful afterwards. I haven’t cheated on the diet over the past 7 days but I constantly think about it. And I thought it would get easier but it hasn’t. Did anyone else experience this pre-op? Did your feelings change after surgery? It’s just tough to not rely on something that made me so happy before (food). Any advice is much appreciated. 🙂

This was so good, I made it two days in a row!! Beef smoked sausage, green pepper, onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and creole. Topped with a little Italian cheese blend. [emoji39] Sent from my SM-S426DL using BariatricPal mobile app

congratulations and keep us posted

Ooh if it’s in another state they may not know anyone (but still worth a shot). You could also try a local weight loss surgery clinic that is reputable. I’m guessing they would be willing to share a name if you ask nicely. At least then you will have a couple names of people with experience with the surgery you want and then you can do your research from there.

I agree 100% with everything Sleeve_Me_Alone said. All of those issues are very common.

Are you sure you are chewing well enough and not eating too fast. They can occur more often because of those things. For some people that is actually their full cue.

Hormones are the worst. My weight issues began with puberty. I bounced between 60 & 75kgs most of my adult life. When I began peri menopause, I gained weight & hit 75 more quickly then ever before When I began menopause I put on another 16kg even more quickly - felt like overnight - & suddenly I weighed 91kg. Couldn’t shift a gram of it. It’s why I turned to surgery. Interestingly, the 49kg I settled at for a good year after surgery was about what I weighed when I was 12 & puberty hit. Then, in late November last year, my GP upped my HRT dose & yep, weight gain: 2kgs in that first month. I modified my diet as soon as I realised & while I I haven’t gained any more, I haven’t been able to lose those kgs either. I wonder if starting with your hormones & maybe trying to sort those out maybe a better place to start.