buffalogal

I’m 9 years out from my sleeve, and did pretty well for the first few years. But, I am now exactly where I started and dealing with absolute misery with a hernia and other stomach issues. My doctor wants to do a revision to a bypass. If you’ve been through the same thing, did things go better with the bypass? If you had stomach problems, did that get better? Thanks.

Hi there! I feel your frustration. According to my new bariatric dr, this is all very common with a sleeve. Having had GERD issues my whole life, I was shocked they even recommended a sleeve to begin with. I have a stricture, as well, no idea what that is. I have my final consult today, and will keep you posted.

I am about to have my third anniversary. I lost about 80 lbs, but have never gotten back to a normal BMI. I definitely have not behaved the way I need to, and eat most of everything. I have gained 10 lbs, but held steady there. I just can't seem to keep my head in the game. Where do I start to get a handle on things?

I'm two years out, and have held steady, but gained 10 pounds these last few months. I would be happy to lose some more, or just stay were I am. I don't eat exactly the way my surgeon originally told me to, lots of Protein. I feel like I'm sort of confused on what I should be doing at this point. Is there anyone out there who has done Weight Watchers after a sleeve? What are people doing that is working for them? I know exercise is the one thing I need to get going on.

Surgery is a trauma to your body, but we all heal differently. You need to take it easy, make sure sutures are healing well. If you can coach and just sit around for an hour or so, maybe, but I highly recommend you find someone to help or cancel.

Keep doing your best to get it all in, it gets easier and easier. It's great you are walking, keep it going. Be patient with yourself, and give it a few weeks, you'll get in the groove and be amazed at all the wonderful changes you will go through. Congrats!

It's the best thing you could ever do for yourself. You will be amazed at what an incredible journey it is. Congrats and sending wishes for a speedy recovery. Get up and walk as much as you can this afternoon and follow dr.'s orders. I'm excited for you!

I was told I could never have caffeine again. I do occasionally drink coffee, though it really doesn't sit right, and it does dehydrate. I do drink a lot of tea, hot and cold. But, again, I was told no. I would not drink coffee so soon, just because you have a hard enough time to get all the nutrition that you need at this point. I did start drinking iced coffee protein shakes, like Chike and Big Train. That way I was able to get the flavor, caffeine fix and lots of protein. My dr. said yes to salads and veggies after about 6-8 weeks, but here's the catch: you need the protein first. I love veggies and as my WL slowed around 9 mos. out, at the same time I was really into veggies and got away from the protein. I just had my 1st year check up and the nut reminded me of the importance of always eating protein first. 5 days back on the protein focus, and I'm dropping weight again. So, my advice is to continue to think protein first (though I love my veggies). It definitely keeps you fulling longer and promotes healthy loss. Congrats on your surgery! It is a wonderful experience.

Thanks folks. It took me a while to get back to check, and I really appreciate the input. I did finally go down a couple pounds, and that was after a week of eating a little extra, and not getting a lot of exercise, thus the "break it up" theory. And, the pattern I'm seeing is stall for a few weeks, drop. I'm still down 82lbs, and with this last drop I realized I am completely committed, and it will still take time, but I'm very close to my goal. Thing is I love my new life and am having fun with it. It will all be good. Thanks and love to all.

I am 7 months out, and have done pretty well, 79.5lbs so far. I have been stuck between 169 and 172 for several weeks now. I can't figure out what to do differently. I never eat more than 1000 calories, wear my fitbit and walk 20-30,000 steps a day. I wonder if we stall because 1,000 is too many, or actually too few calories. I'm also thinking that I need to do something different other than walking all day. Thoughts and suggestions are very much appreciated.

I do use fitness pal. It has been one of the best tools I use, that and fitbit.

This is the best thing you will ever do for yourself, and you won't regret it. Do everything your dr. tells you to, and take advantage of the opportunity to truly change your way of life. Don't go back to old habits of eating unhealthy food. You will lose hair, but it passes and you won't be bald, though it will feel like you are losing an insane amount of hair. You won't ever feel hungry the same way again, and there is no reason to be an alcoholic. Start working on those triggers that make you turn to food now, and find new ways to cope. Some people will comment on your loss, and some won't. I just told people I changed the priorities in my life, limit my food portions and exercise more: all true. I occasionally tell people I had surgery, especially if they are struggling with weight, just because I don't want to lead them on, but it really isn't an issue. My health is improved beyond expectations, I have a ton of energy, shopping is a delight, and although my husband has always been a true friend and partner, our relationship is like new after 25 years of marriage. You are doing a good thing for yourself, this is exciting! Good luck.

Life as you know will never be the same. You may feel something like hunger sometimes, but it isn't the same, and you can easily forget you need to eat. It will never be so hard as it is right now. I am so glad I did this. I feel like i've been given a second chance at life. Good luck! You are almost there!

It is VERY normal. You will reach a point when you slow down, and it will freak you out. But, you are going to keep losing, just much more slowly than what you've been doing. Keep doing all the healthy things you know you should, and keep that exercise steady and constant. You are still on the right path.

I go through the same thing, but when I look at the big picture, I am eating the way I was told to, I eat healthy, I exercise, and do everything as I was told. If you think about it, our bodies can't keep losing like we did at first. We need fuel. I am still losing, but it goes slowly, and I freak myself out sometimes if I think I ate too much. But, I look around me, and watch what other people are eating, and how much, and it keeps everything in perspective. I would say it takes me about 4-6 weeks to drop 10lbs now. But, I'm still dropping, I am 100% healthier than I was before, and 100% happier. If I stayed where I am, it would be okay, but I am starting to trust the process, trust myself, and know I will make it. You will too!

12,000+ steps every day, running (C25K), dance, bike, elliptical, horseback riding.

Probably not. First of all, I feel like it depends a lot on what I eat. I can eat a bunch of one thing, and hardly any of another. I haven't really figured out what the difference is. Do you write everything down and count calories? I still stay under 1,000 a day, even though sometimes it feels like I'm eating a lot. Remember, it is quality and not quantity, and also, we need to be making good choices for the rest of our lives. I definitely eat more now than I did those first few weeks. I am losing slowly, but still losing, but I also have to exercise.

I had surgery in July and have lost 75 lbs so far. I'm doing well with exercise, but I'm still pretty baggy, it is okay. But, my arms are atrocious! I can't wear a lot of shirts, just because my arms are still large and baggy. I am willing to do whatever it takes to fix this. I've been inconsistently doing weights. Has anyone had luck with their arms? What should I be doing?

And my insurance will cover surgery only if I am having any kind of physical problem with my arms, but I don't see how this will be an issue, just a bother. What would be a problem? Rashes?

I swear it is the only thing that has snapped right back to normal. Lets just say with the fat gone, there is a lot more sensation and fit? One of the best surprises of the whole process.

It is still A LOT of work. I'd politely set her straight and take advantage of the moment to set her straight.

I took my time telling people and getting comfortable with the experience. Before surgery, just my husband and children. After, my besties. Now, I don't tell people who aren't close to me or are judgmental. I do tell other people who are struggling with their weight if I am asked. I do not feel it is fair to know how much they are going through in life and allow them to think I lost weight so easily. And, I want people to know that it has not been easy either. I don't want to lie to people, so when asked, if I don't want to supply details, I simply say that I changed my priorities. And that is the truth.

Hi all, I got sleeved in July, so I'm about 4 months out. I eat a lot of protein, rarely short on that, take biotin, but my hair is coming out in bigger and bigger clumps. I'm getting pretty freaked out. I'd love to hear from those of you with more time under their belts. Will it stop? Is there anything else I can do? Help!!!

And, it is everywhere! All over my clothes. I'm thinking about going short for awhile, just because I'm tired of picking hairs off my clothes all day. I just need to know it will stop. Thanks folks, it is good to commiserate.

We are here to celebrate success, not embrace bad choices.