MSWDiet

I was 47 when I had RNY gastric bypass twelve years ago. There was no "honeymoon" period where the pounds melted away for me. I do not believe this was age related because my surgical peers at the time lost weight at about the same rate as younger women. Nonetheless, I exceeded my surgeons goal and have maintained this with a lot of difficulty. An autoimmune disorder, hypothyroidism and medications are to blame for an average loss of less than half a pound weekly. Watching the scale go down and up then repeat was frustrating but I had a good experienced surgeon who also had the same procedure. The metabolically challenged as he put it need to stay on plan even when it seems there is no progress. Not what I wanted to hear at the time. I was angry and beginning to have regrets but a good support network "talked me off the ledge". After a year of following the rules I made changes to my doctor's plan. Using information from the body building community I Incorporated eating practices used to increase lean muscle mass. None conflict with the needs of gastric bypass patients. I researched options I believed could serve me better. At 17 months post op I made my desired maximum weight. I'm still pushing to get 5lbs lower. I deliberately left out the numbers. Not because it's a secret, I've posted this info in the past. Some individual readers may distinguish between weight/BMI classifications then rate difficulty and speed of weight loss to evaluate "success". That is not the point of my reply. Also, I make no claim to post op diet perfection nor do I blame metabolism for my obesity. No matter where you start at any age you will need to work your plan. You may work hard and see only small results as you watch surgical peers break their surgeons rules and do well. Further, you will likely have to make Healthful adjustments to augment your progress based on your needs. I've met many success stories since I committed to surgical intervention and I'm in good company. Today my weight is 30lbs up because of steroids, hypothyroidism, and binge eating disorder. It was 40lbs up a few weeks ago. Age is not the only issue in my struggle but "I Got This". This is one of a few episodes of rapid fat gain. I'm not talking about pounds and Water weight. You will not hear me say I've gained my weight back. What I've put on is fat but it's not mine and I'm not keeping it. I've learned how to "re lose" body fat and curb weight gain in spite of menopause and other factors. There is no secret to my maintenance. Never buy a larger size, period. Clothing measurement, not size number is my guide. I avoid stretch fabrics when I can without sacrificing style. I also monitor my body fat percentage. Formulas used by the YMCA and the military are easy to find. Ten years plus post op forced me to figure this out. A support network even before your procedure can help you learn what you need for the long term. If you have access to counseling or mental healthcare take advantage of it. Many of us with recently recognized mental health concerns like binge eating disorder and compulsive over eating do not know these illnesses exist. They can even be incorporated into a healthy post op eating plan with your nutritionists blessing. The more you know about why you are obese the easier and more successful your maintenance plan will be. Yes, I said maintenance plan. You asked for post op support but You WILL Succeed. We all find our way here because we want to be well and we all can be. I've included what I wished I knew pre op. This process is emotional as well as physical. Every pound lost is joyful but for some even a week with no change feels devastating. Get ready for the highs and lows knowing will be the Winner. Some famous writer somewhere is quoted as not having had the time to be conscise. For me include spell checking and grammar too. You have my story and I hope it's helpful. All the best!

Thanks for asking [emoji846]Every day I have GRATITUDE for having had weight loss surgery. No surgical complications. No surgery related problems short or long term. I have medical issues unrelated to obesity that frustrated my weight loss. It took a long time but I made it below my surgeons goal to ensure a "normal" BMI. I struggled with the usual ups and downs you can expect over the years. Overall, I'm maintaining. There is no way I will allow myself to go backwards. Pre wls I wore 18/20/2x in most brands. At my personal goal weight I wear 0/2/4 at Gap/ Old Navy. Today I can't wear my size 0 jeans but I'm working my way back into them. My un breakable rule of maintenance is Never, Ever Buy A Larger Size. This keeps re gain in check. I shop with a tape measure to ensure consistency between brands. I consciously work on my disfunctional eating to address what surgery cannot. I hope my story is helpful. MSW

I haven't had a revision but I had no post op pain after RNY. Pain was my only concern but I did not need the hospital's pain med drip or Rx at home. Fingers crossed, you will have little or no pain too. I wish you well. This time around you will reach your most healthy weight. MSW

I had the similar worries because I need a cocktail of daily meds including psych drugs. Over a decade later I'm proof that this can be done successfully immediately post bypass surgery and long term. My surgeon believed bypass was necessary although I sought him out for his experience with the sleeve. Twelve hours post op a nurse sat with me and showed me how to take 21 tablets & capsules, not including supplements. I did then and still do this 7 times daily. Among my meds are a few commonly used psych drugs. Both short and long acting drugs were in the mix from the start. My doctor did not allow me to crush pills because medical conditions unrelated to obesity required meds that could not be crushed or broken. He insisted I learn to continue my regular medications beginning on the day of surgery. None were changed to crushable forms. It took 20 minutes. I went home the day after surgery and swallowed my 3 dozen meds and supplements including psych drugs 7 times a day. Zero complications since 09'. Every single medication worked as it did before surgery. Best wishes for your success! MSW

Hi there, February 09 surgery and maintaining. My binge eating exploded a few years post op. Our need for short and long term mental health support following weight loss surgery is under valued. We need available support for our head issues even if we've not needed mental health support in the past. Almost every day is a battle but I'm managing. Hopefully I'll find answers to my dysfunctional eating patterns. I look forward to the day when my relationship to food becomes "normal". This is my elusive goal. Achieving a normal and rational perspective on food and body image. High five to both of us for losing weight. High hopes that each of us will find what's needed to move from a daily struggle to normal maintenance. MSW

YES YES YES! After a lifetime of obesity I feel fat with a closet full of jeans sized 0/2/4. At size 18/20/2x I didn't feel fat at all. You are not alone. It will get better. MSW

I can identify with how you perceive your body. Vanity has kept me gorgeous from size 18/20 to size 2/4. However, post op I began experience insane body dysmorphia. I felt obese a few pounds above my ideal weight after a lifetime of not feeling fat despite my obesity. Weight loss can alter one's self image and spark un anticipated behavioral changes. Therapy was not in my post op budget so I'm continuously working on my self image. Reality vs my perception is a long term struggle. You are not the first to experience this particular flavor of crazy . For some of us it's a normal part of adjusting to our new reality. Therapist define these experiences as "Adjustment Disorders". Step one to resolving your issues is awareness. You've begun the introspective work. That's a good start for reconciling your perceptions with reality. Best wishes! MSW

While I know nothing about the skin issues I can comment be on the hair loss. Biotin 5000 daily is still my hair best friend a dozen years post op. Hair loss is common within the first six months post op as others have already explained. For me the hair loss slowed but never completely stopped. I take my vitamins religiously and have no nutritional deficiencies. Nonetheless, biotin is a must or the hair loss starts again. MSW

I also struggled with sleeve vs bypass. The best thing you can do for yourself is research the reasons you doctor discussed with you. Then research any other pros and cons from a strictly medical perspective. I suggest you ignore opinions and preferences of other patients until after you've evaluated the objective medical facts. Patients may have strong feelings about certain procedures. I've seen "surgery wars" on many message boards. The surgeon I selected because of his sleeve experience recommended I have a bypass be it roux-en-y or duodenal switch. Like you, I believed the sleeve would be less complicated over time. However, after research I could not deny the reasoning behind this recommendation was sound. With my underlying medical conditions the sleeve would most likely have required a revision within ten years. I only wanted to do this once. Two days before surgery I agreed to a roux-en-y gastric bypass. I should have agreed to the more drastic duodenal switch. Despite knowing the surgeon was on point, I could not bring myself to go there. NO Regrets! I'm glad I studied all angles even though I went middle of the road instead of with what MAY have been best. My decision suits my comfort level. That was in 2009. Today I still struggle with ups and downs but overall I'm maintaining. Back then Gap & Old Navy had nothing for me. Now I float between the vanity sized 0/2/4 made for us amplely proprtioned American women . No revision needed but I will always struggle. Best wishes for every you decide. [emoji106] MSW

Congrats to you! I'm only 12 years successful but I stay squeezed into my goal weight sized jeans daily. The discomfort serves as a reminder that I will not let myself down. MSW

As I understand it, this may be normal if you have metabolic issues and or use certain medications. This was the case for me. Two to three weeks post op I began gaining after being stalled from the start. My surgeon called me metabolically challenged but insisted I stick with the program. On average I lost less than half a pound weekly. Despite sticking to my program, I repeatedly had weight gain to re loose. After almost a year and a half, I made my personal goal which was about 15lbs below the medical goal. There was no wls "honeymoon" for me. No fast weight loss whatsoever. Hang in there. Try not to be discouraged. It will happen for you too although it may not be as expected.

Your health care professionals work for you. Replacing any doctor is your decision. However, you must be willing to do the work needed to find a replacement in a timely manner; and, to evaluate exactly why you believe this relationship is not in your best interest. Do you have someone reliable who you can talk this through with? Someone who cares enough to tell you if You are the problem? Is there someone willing to accompany you and act as your advocate in dealing with the medical staff? Can someone assist you in communicating your needs and responding to the reply? Should all indications conclude that you are not getting the care you need FIRE YOUR DOCTOR. "This is not done" is no reason to jeopardize you health. Get copies of your medical records from the doctor's office and the hospital. Replacing your follow up care professionals may not be easy but it can be done. Understanding exactly what is wrong with this relationship will help you to find a good fit for the future.

While I have not experienced this (nor do I understand what your other condition is), I'm *Wishing You Well* with this reply. Over the years a number of online friends have had additional surgeries tacked on to their weight loss procedures. Each recovered well and has been successful overall. Good health and success are yours.

I share this issue. The formal diagnosis and treatment for hypothyroidism came over 25 years after a goiter was first noted. Fat people are often un treated or under treated for this condition. You can absolutely have long term success. It will take longer. The myth of rapid weight loss immediately after surgery will be dispelled. However, at an average weight loss of 0.34lbs per week, I reached my goal over 17 frustrating months. You may gain weight while being faithful to your program then start losing weight again. The metabolically challenged (my surgeons term) will be successful over time. With multiple metabolic complications, I've lost the fat and maintained my desired weight. Twelve years post op I've been able to beat down each incidence of re gain. Stay on program and research healthy alternatives to boosting your metabolism. While your doctor's plan is your primary guide, a little tweaking may be needed over time. You Can succeed. You WILL succeed. EDIT: After reading all replies written before mine, I have a suggestion for everyone. -Make a chart of all medications and supplements with their interactions. Apps and web sites with this information are abundant. -Prepare a doseing plan to ensure each item is taken timely and correctly. Include each dose for anything taken multiple times daily. Include the strength and form for every medication be it Rx or OTC. Include the brand and form for all supplements. Include items taken only as needed and those on a schedule other than daily. WHY? -You will maximize the benefits from your thyroid medications and avoid cancelling the effects of your supplements. -You will learn how best to take everything you use. Your goal is to minimize side effects and maximize benefits. -You will have details at your fingertips for your weight loss support team to review if needed. -In case of a medical emergency, you have this vital information on hand. While it seems like a lot to do, you already have the information. It is likely your pharmacy's app can do this for you with its doseing reminder service. (My intention is to be helpful based on the original post. Therefore, I've supplied no backgroud. Castrad01 posted for support not my autobiography.)

@ge0rgette2,Yes RNY is a gastric bypass but there are others. Any WLS that re-routes digestion to bypass part of the digestive tract such as a duodenal switch is in this category. I learned this when my surgeon asked me to state my name, date of birth, and procedure before having me moved from my pre-op room. I replied gastric bypass and he had me specify explaining RNY is not the only one. This was particularly important for me because I decided against a duodenal switch. Just imagine if I awoke to the wrong bypass? It all sounds scary but it seems you have prepped yourself to do the right thing. Stick with your plan. Follow all of the rules. You will likely never dump. As for Hot Flashing... I've also got quarantine brain but someone in this thread asked how it compares to menapause. I've just had one menapausale hot flash and it was like a momentary hit from a blast furnace (or an open door to hell, lol). Dumping was very different. I felt the heat of a full body flush rise and dissipate in waves several times. I did not sweat but others have told me they were sweaty. Some just the face but others from head to toe.

Miss MEOW, this is my 3rd and last post. I do not mean to hijack your thread. I'm just long winded and this really takes me back. All this enthusiasm warms my heart and brings back memories. Pre or post, you ALL inspire me to maintain. I don't think I've input my stats but RNY is the best thing I've ever done for myself. After bouncing between 235lbs & 285lbs for years my regular weight is below 140lbs. It's still a struggle. My weight still fluctuates. However, I've never bought a larger size since getting below 140lbs. I'm 5'4" and 58 years old with chronic health issues unrelated to weight. However, I'm in the best health I could hope for given my auto immune disorders. WLS gets a lot of the credit. Keep sharing and inspiring each other. Support is proven to increase success rates. Congratulations to everyone!

@Lilly66 I must agree that WALKING, as much as you can and as soon as you can aids recovery! Within a couple hours of waking up in my room I was doing laps around the bariatric center. (In my pre-op room I greeted my surgeon then awoke in my room post-op. In between remains a blank.) When seated I "wrote" the alphabet with my feet every half hour as instructed. Then I walked some more. Twice I hit the narcotics button in fear of pain that never came. I had showered and dressed on my own when the surgeon came to see me. State law made me wait five hours to be released the day after my RNY (vs 3-5 nights expected). I walked every hour until I was released. Walking not only gets that gas moving. It prevents blood clots in ways medications can't match. This is true for almost any surgical procedure.

I rarely check in but I wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS! I also kept this to myself. There are too many negative uninformed opinions you have no reason to listen to. Embrace this and allow yourself to feel whatever you feel including mourning foods you are giving up. As long as food funerals do not turn into binge eating to say goodbye, it's all okay. I'm a long term veteran with the usual struggles for maintenance. Nothing special here. What I wish I knew twelve years ago is quite a list but these are near the top. *First, everyone does not lose weight quickly or even steadily. Hormones and metabolism may fight your surgery BUT you will still have long term success. *Second, your mind will screw with you in many ways depending on why you are obese and how you see yourself and your body. Anything from body dismorphia, to binge eating disorder, to obsessive compulsive behaviors may emerge. Get your head straight and understand YOUR obesity. Surround yourself with support just as you are doing online and with in person support. Be open to including therapy if you repeatedly fall off your plan. Shut down negative people. Not the supporters who try and keep you on your plan. I'm taking about the fat people haters and the anti surgery crowd. Your feelings are as expected a few days pre-op. I made a desperate post about intense hunger at the start of my pre-op diet. Smaller meals, protein shakes, plenty of hydration and only half a day of no food. LOL! Enjoy the build up to your big day. Take a few before pics and get your home and kitchen set up for recovery. Stick to your plan and remember this is for life. When you've maintain for a decade you'll think back to now with gratitude for having wls. Wishing you the best health and a long and happy life!

Dumping is a syndrome that may occur following gastric bypass surgery. Often it is discussed in relation to RNY but it can occur with other bypass surgeries. Not everyone dumps. When part of the intestine is bypassed, sugar and fat are digested differently. The digestive tract can handle small amounts but if you over load your digestive tract dumping may result. Dumping may include any or all of the following in no particular order: dizziness, weakness, nausea, headache, sleepiness, foaming, vomiting, sweating, hot flashes, headache. I dumped once after sipping water immediately following a few strips of bacon. Half an hour later, the world was spinning and I was hot flashing. After forty-five minutes sitting with my head between my knees it began to pass. This was about two months post op RNY. I now place my liquids out of reach until 30 minutes after eating. I never want to experience this again.

At 10+ years post op I'm also battling ups and downs. My story is different from yours but the bottom line is getting rid of the excess weight. Have you considered options besides revision surgery? I'm likely covered for revision despite relatively low regain due to other health issues. You may improve your chances of approval by focusing on co morbidities caused by regain. A revision would be successful, but until I live differently I may face the same situation in another 10 years. My BEHAVIOR caused my weight gain. INTERMITTENT FASTING is helping me control this need to be full. I'm training my body and brain to understand that feeling hunger is not the same as starvation. It is helping me to drop the pounds and revise my attitude towards food. Jason Fung (search YouTube and online) and others have been my guides. My desire to be full is my eating disorder. Fasting helps me to focus on nutrition and understand when I need to eat vs when I want to eat. As an advocate of health at any size, my diet for life keeps me in good health. Periodically I tweak my program because of metabolism issues. When I stay with my program I maintainin. When I slip from my program the need to get full emerges. Diets to reset my pouch as someone already suggested work well for me. However, eventually I want to feel fullness again and I'm attempting to reset more and more often. This is why I'm working to become content with an empty belly and a well nourished body. I wish you successful weight loss and good health however you decide to accomplish your goals.

I'm really really late for this party Don't Do It! Reason? ULCERS Ibuprofen & naproxen are like magic for me but I used them only when absolutely necessary according to me. I never had any discomfort what so ever. After a routine colonoscopy I was given a surprise endoscopy. ULCERS! Minor enough to be treated with otc meds but who knows what could have happened. The Dr checked only because she knew I had wls. As I said before, I had no clue anything was wrong. Long term ulcers can lead to cancers. Talk to your doctor about alternatives. Please do not take Ibuprofen without medical advice and monitoring.

[mention=349400]JessLess[/mention]Thanks so much! You really made my day. I'm naturally muscular with small bone structure. Even when morbidly obese I looked smaller than my weight would suggest. Now as I struggle to maintain a "normal" weight, others are surprised at how heavy I am.

Congrats to you! The key to managing weight gain is staying alert to it and having a workable plan. Seems like you have this in hand. I'm also 10+ years out and living through the ups and downs. My salvation has been shopping with a tape measure to ensure I never buy a larger size. Vanity also helps. I prefer the best quality I can afford over quantity. When the pounds pile on I cringe in the mirror and deal with it. Looking like all hell is breaking loose and having limited use of my wardrobe is motivating.

Hi there, I rarely open this app but I share this experience. Perhaps after so long I was called online by your post? Lol The short answer is yes you can lose weight and stay on your meds. Your personal experience may differ from that of others but you can still be successful. Now the long answer: I'm over ten years post op and I have used a variety of what I call "My personal crazy pills" long before having gastric bypass surgery. I still take a combination of meds today. Please note that I am not applying my description of my drugs to you. I use this catch all phrase "tongue in cheek" rather go through the list of med cocktails I've had over time. My weight loss was painfully slow. Everyone does not have that quick pounds off honeymoon period we hear about. This was disheartening because I had no warning. FOLLOW YOUR PLAN TO THE LETTER! Many meds interfere with weight loss even immediately after surgery. I experienced rapid weight gain within the first two weeks. Fortunately, I had a great surgeon who understood this. I started as a size 2x in LizClaiborne/ EvanPicone clothing and I've maintained a 2/4 in BananaRepublic/ AnneTaylor sizes. It took me over a year and a half to get there while others lost the same amount of weight in under half that time. Despite weight changes I have never bought a larger size and I shop with a tape measure to be certain of this. Like most, I have had some regain and re loss but overall I'm keeping the weight off. I'm a long time user of a variety of meds that could negatively effect anyone's weight loss. Steroids plus a few other daily meds top up "My personal crazy pills". You can do just fine with what my doctor called metabolic challenges. Keep in mind slow weight loss does not mean you won't have long term success. Permanent weight loss is more important than fast weight loss. Follow your health plan and build physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Avoid comparing yourself to others. You don't know how another's story truly compares to your own. With commitment you'll be sharing your positive experience with someone else a decade from now. YOU CAN DO THIS!

@ Niki15 It's frustrating but don't fret too much over slow weight loss. I lost slowly with episodes of weight gain in between. My routine included daily exercise & following my low carb diet rules to the letter. It felt like a living nightmare. I lost the weight after 17 months but nothing I did would speed things up. Keep at it. You may not have a quick start but eventually it will happen.