BariatricMan

Past the one year mark, and I've lost about 135 pounds (25 before prep and surgery). Holding the current loss is no problem - I even lose a pound every once in a while - but I'm ready to start again on a more calorie restricted diet. It's almost as if I've finally gotten over the joy of losing so much, getting new clothes, etc. and I've realized the importance of the next sixty pounds I need to lose. Any suggestions as I gear up to start? I do a lot of walking (5K-10K steps a day) and rarely eat out. No restrictions except I don't like seafood. Has anyone successfully done a second push and reached their goal? I appreciate the advice.

Today I received the tragic news that my Weight Loss Center manager, and RN, Brian Wallace, died this weekend after emergency surgery. He was only fifty years old and left a wife and two children. Brian was a consumate professional, but through his encouragment and constant assistance and reinforcement he became a friend. He had bariatric surgery himself years ago, and had tremendous understanding and empathy for all of us who struggle with weight issues. In large part because of Brian, I weigh 75 pounds less since my surgery, and I'm enjoying a very different life. I understand you didn't know Brian, but I wanted to share this news with someone who could understand. I also hope all of us will consider the critical importance of these professionals in our lives, and remember they have lives of their own. Brian always showed me pictures of his family when I had my office visits, and told me they were the motivation behind his own weight loss and his career. Now they have lost a husband and father, and I have lost a friend. The weight loss center has said his attitude, smile and encouragment will be irreplaceable. Skills are important, and they will find another competant manager. I just hope they find someone as caring and understanding.

Down over fifty pounds since I went on the liquid pre-op diet in mid-February, with my surgery in mid-March. Like all of you, it has seemed slow to me, but I'm a heavy guy with a lot to lose. Learning to be satisfied with more modest progress. I had RNY gastric bypass.

Live in DC and had surgery at Sibley Hospital March 11. Down fifty pounds so far, but it's not easy! I had gastric bypass surgery. Glad to trade emails and be supportive if I can. Wrote a blog for guys on bariatric surgery on Word Press tha might be helpful to men.

You're asking the right questions! I was raised by parents who demanded perfection and when I couldn't meet their expectations ("failed") I ate. Of course the great irony was that my biggest failure was to weigh what they thought I should, even though both of them were overweight. So the cycle began and continued till I chose to ignore the pressure and make it stop. I've lost more than fifty pounds in two months and my mom is still recommending diet shakes, magic pills and other "weight loss secrets." It's only background noise now. Stay with the program is my new motto, and I just passed through the three-week post surgery plateau.

I'm having the same issue, and we're far from alone. There are a number of posts on here about the stall that often occurs three or four weeks after surgery. I don't pretend to understand it, but I'm enduring it and hoping it ends soon!

Great article, James! Thank you for sharing.

Four weeks past my gastric bypass surgery and losing about .6 pounds a day, or about 4.5 pounds a week. I'm a big guy with more to lose, but I wonder if this is average, less or more than average? I don't really know what to expect. I heard some stories about a pound or two a day, but I don't think I could do that - I'm keeping calories down very low as it is. Any shared experiences would be welcome!

Just wanted to get a bit more of my story out, and hope for some company and support. I'm 58, married, grown kids and a grandson, 375 pounds a year ago at 5'6". Lost 25 before starting to line up gastric bypass surgery. Since February 11 (pre-op stage) I'm down to 314. My surgery was March 11, went well, and I feel well recovered. I'm doing a mile a day on the treadmill and working into soft foods now. No diabetes but issues include blood pressure (of course) and sleep apnea. I started a blog on WordPress.com called BariatricMan to urge men to consider the surgical options. Of course I've done yo-yo dieting for 35 years, so while I'm encouraged I also now it's early days at this, and I feel as though it's my last real chance at losing weight and improving health. Open to talk with anyone to compare notes or provide support.

Just wanted to add another word. I have only lost a pound or so this last week, and today I had my second followup. Today is also the three week anniversary of my surgery. When I complained about my weight loss stalling out the program director (himself a product of bariatric surgery) said, "You should know we have a policy here that when someone comes in complaining about having "only" a 16 pound loss in three weeks we normally kick them in the butt, but since you're still healing, we'll give you a pass this time." It does help put things in perspective. I'm down to 312, and as he asked, "When did you last see 299?"

Well thought out, Wayne. You won't need much. I'm three weeks post surgery and you'll be surprised how quickly you recover.

Any recommendations for bariatric cookbooks (at least till Amy T. has hers published!)? I'm a gastric bypass alum, but I'm sure anything would be helpful. I have the Idiot's Guide and I'm just looking for more. Especially interested in bread substitutes just for sandwiches and toast someday! Thanks for any help!

I appreciate the encouragment, especially on a day when the loss was only .2 pounds! Just a blip, I'm sure as I'm transitioning to semi-solid food. Good to find friends!

My gastric bypass surgery was March 11, 2014. All went well, and no particular problems since. Certainly glad to find this group. I've been writing in a little blog at WordPress.com called BariatricMan about all this from a guy's perspective. Hope it helps someone.

My surgery was March 11, and everything is going well. Losing weight fast and already able to eats some very soft food. Up to a mile a day on the treadmill. I'm a guy, 57, and have a blog at WordPress.com called BariatricMan. Men might be interested in my story - there are a few of us! Glad to share my experiences and the little knowledge I have.

Please see my blog BariatricMan for a man's perspective and journey on Gastric Bypass.