LaLaDee

It's really difficult to predict how anyone's body will respond and heal. My surgeon told me about a patient of his who went back to work the day after his surgery (I took 2 weeks off - I had a terrible reaction to the anaesthesia and my blood pressure went crazy). You should probably be feeling OK a month after surgery. For me, it was longer. I wouldn't say that I felt "weak", the problem I was having was the weird stomach sensation/kinda like heartburn. I used to get dizzy if I stood up too quickly, but it passed very fast. My periods got weird, I did end up triggering a huge autoimmune condition and was very, very ill (I don't know of anyone who went through this, I'm not trying to freak you out). Even with all that, I managed to survive a demanding job. You find that you will just do what you have to. Honestly, you never know what you are capable of. Just keep going! I would be vigilant about hitting your protein targets to keep your energy levels up. Also stick with the water and the vitamins. In terms of clothing, that's also very difficult to predict. If you start at a very, very high weight then it actually takes a little while to get down to the next size but once your weight is lower, then you might be changing sizes every month. It also depends on your body type, where you hold the weight and how you lose the weight. Weight loss is not linear (there will be stalls), so you may be stuck on one dress size for four months and then race through 2 dress sizes in a month. For that reason, I would avoid "stocking up". You may have kept a special pair of skinny jeans or aspirational dress for years, but find out that by the time you try it on, it won't fit. Or it only fits for a week. It doesn't take long to order a few things online every month if you have the budget. Otherwise, check out discount and second hand stores. Clothes are so cheap these days. You will be fine! If I were you, I would focus on the positives. Get excited, you're about to change your life! If you go in with a positive mindset, the journey is a lot easier! It's very normal to feel anxious, but these forums don't always reflect how awesome things will be!

I am an old veteran... but I'm actually fighting back from some regain at the moment. These are my must haves: MyFitnessPal app (know your calorie and protein targets and stick to them) Spotify - to listen to music and true crime murder podcasts while I walk/work out meal prep containers NutriBullet Spiralizer (I gave up pasta and do the zucchini noodle thing) hand held blender for making soups (also helpful during the nightmare post-op puree phase) In the pantry: plain whey protein powder, vanilla protein powder, cacao powder, natural peanut butter, protein balls/bliss balls (preferably homemade), nuts (almond, peanut, cashew, pecan) In the freezer: ground beef/minced meats, chicken breasts, bananas (cut into halves), berries, stir fry veggies, pre-made soups, chilli, meat sauces bariatric vitamins yoga mat (fight the stress and anxiety in a healthy way instead of binge eating) proper exercise leggings/tights that suck me in so I don't feel my stomach or skin flapping around when I walk or exercise, also a good sports bra comfortable sneakers/walking shoes jackets/sweaters (I swear I was never cold before surgery but spent the first year freezing) volumising hair spray, hair gel, hair paste, volumising shampoo, dry shampoo, epic hairdryer (to hide hair loss) Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum for weight loss wrinkles on face Bio Oil Epsom salts eBay account to sell clothes and shoes that no longer fit

So inspirational! Let us know how you are progressing!

I shared and was definitely the Helga the She-Devil of our room. I had a pretty difficult surgery and I had a bad reaction to the anaesthesia and threw up for hours. I couldn't sleep and was moving around my room. I was in so much pain I couldn't read, watch TV or relax. I also cried out from a pain most of the night because I didn't want to take the morphine because it was giving me a rash and hurting my stomach. A couple of times my roommate called a nurse for me. The next morning, my surgeon came in and without warning showed me a photograph of the missing bit of my stomach, so I threw up. Anyway, later on I was out doing my laps - walking around the ward, my roommate was moved into another room (she left without even saying goodbye!). According to a nurse, she requested to swap rooms so she could get some sleep. So yeah... I had a private room my final night.

When did your regrowth begin? From memory I lost hair from about 3-6 months post op. Then I noticed regrowth about 8 months post op. It does come back!

I’m 12-13 months out and I’ve regained about 2kg (5lbs) in the last 2 weeks. It’s seriously not that hard. I’m terrified! I’ve mostly stuck to healthy food I’ve previously eaten but in larger quantities. I’ve been snacking all day (lots of peanut butter and bananas which is only good in moderation), halo top and tons of dark chocolate (OK, not so healthy). My sleeve is not restrictive on halo top and chocolate. I need to refocus but it’s very difficult at the moment. I’m seriously struggling. I’ve had plateaus before but not gains. I’m devastated. I keep dreaming of hitting that elusive “healthy” BMI but it seems impossible. Is this self sabotage? My steroid medication? My weight doesn’t want to be this low? I have no idea! But yeah, not to alarm anyone but weight gain is not impossible. It’s not even that difficult!

Proud Dog mom, Aussie, single. I’m boring but I want to be more adventurous!

Congratulations!!! I can only dream of hitting a normal BMI! I still have 4-6 kg (10ish pounds) to go! That is such an amazing milestone! You must celebrate!!!

I don’t think the texture of my hair has changed. And it was previously graying anyway. But it came back in little spikes and tufts all over my scalp. It is a lot of work trying to make my hair look normal now. The regrowth pushes the hair on the top of my scalp up, giving it a weird volume and texture. It’s like out of control bangs cut all over your head but half my hair is still shoulder length. I need to straighten all and de-puff the hair close to my scalp but the ends lack volume and look scraggly. I can’t remember what a good hair day feels like. Unfortunately, I do not have the Michelle Williams type face to pull off a pixie cut!

Good luck today!!! Thinking of you guys!! Can’t wait for you to join us!

Having WLS and losing the first 70kg (150 lbs or so) was definitely about my health. However, now that everyone is telling me that I better be “done” losing. I’ve realized I want to lose a little more for vanity. I always said I’d be happy at Australian size 14 (US 10) but why not see if my body can go any lower? I’m not hurting anyone. I still have a few kg/9 lbs till I hit a healthy BMI so why not? It amuses me to no end that a couple of people have commented that I’m becoming “anorexic”. I mean, seriously!!

I dealt with a lot of hair loss. To be honest, no one else seemed to notice but I sure did! I went from having lots and lots of hair (once overheard hairdresser complain about much hair I have) to very thin hair. I avoid ponytails, I didn’t like the tiny little thing poking out of my head. I bought volumiser shampoos and mousses and I blow dry my hair. Messy Buns work pretty well. I also got those grey covering sprays and would spray them over any spots in my scalp that looked sparse. I don’t need to do that anymore because I have regrowth now. I also watch my hair parting carefully. It can reveal balder spots depending on how you comb your hair. I actually struggle more now with dealing with regrowth and having half my hair shoulder length and half my hair about 2-3inches. It is super, super annoying dealing with tufts flicking up everywhere. It’s growing back pretty fast but I just wish it would be faster. I’m not willing to get a short cut. That’s just not me. So I have bobby pins in awkward spots and lots of hair wax. I have also played around with curling my hair too for added texture too. There are lots of things you can try. At one point, I thought I needed hair extensions but I am glad I resisted. Honestly, I want my hair and scalp as healthy as possible to assist regrowth. just remember that even though it’s super obvious to you, most people are pretty oblivious. I do sometimes look at my before photos and gasp at my lucious hair. But I would trade my VSG for anything.

Anyone tried this? The before and after shots of coolsculpting/body contouring look amazing. I don’t deal well with anathesia and surgery and I’m wondering if this could be a good option? I was thinking of just trying it on my arms to see if it helped. I suspect my stomach needs a tummy tuck.

Wow! You have such a tiny waist! Those are amazing results!

Congratulations on advocating for yourself! I’m Australian and didn’t have to do any pre surgery program or diet. Just a two week optifast liver shrinking diet. While I went on a bit naive about how my life would change, I don’t think it’s hurt me ability to use the tool effectively. You sound super motivated so I’m expecting great success from you!!

Are you serious? I thought you were in your thirties!! Whoa!

I’m in australia so I don’t know how helpful the pricing is. I didn’t really get a chance to discuss it anyway because I’m such a poor candidate. So it’s either plastics or learning to live with my skin!

I’m really torn about whether I need plastics as part of my journey. I can’t look at myself without clothes. It’s miserable. I’m single and can’t even contemplate dating. How would I explain? I look like a monster! My family don’t get it. They think it’s not needed. They say I look great (although I’ve never shown them the loose skin). I also don’t know if I can put myself through the pain of surgery. I think I have a low pain threshold or something. I don’t react well to anathesia. I’m squeamish. Morphine makes me nauseated. Then there’s the cost of plastics. I’m not exactly loaded. I don’t even know where it would end. My stomach, breasts and arms look terrible. That’s a lot of surgery. how did you guys make the decision? Anyone regret their choice? Is there something I’m missing here?

Thanks! That’s really helpful! The loose skin on my arms is so bad that it’s hard for me to wear anything less than a half or 3/4 length sleeve. Although, I might be equally self conscious about a scar. I cant believe how long you had to take off from exercising! That gives me a bit of anxiety. At this point I’m more worried about the recovery time than even figuring out how I would pay for my plastics! 24inch waist! You’re so tiny!! Sounds like you’ve had some amazing results!

@Neversaynever you look fantastic! Also much younger! Congratulations!!

I'm so thankful for support that I've found here. I don't know anyone in "real life" who has had WLS. I don't attend any group meetings. All my pre-op appointments were individual. I was too nervous to even attend a group information session! So I'm hoping that no one minds if I share how I'm feeling on my first surgiversary. One year ago today was the eve of my VSG! A year later and I'm 71kg or 156 pounds lighter. It has been the most insane year of my life. I've learned so much about myself and what I might be capable of. I've pushed myself harder than I ever thought possible. It's been baby steps and huge leaps all at once. A lot has happened this year. I've read a million diet and nutrition articles online. I've obsessed over the numbers on the scale every morning. I have amassed a small mountain sized pile of clothes that I'm too worried to throw out in case I need them again. I cried the first time I tried on something in a "normal" store and it actually fit. I picked out more loose hairs from my shower drain than I ever thought possible. I tried out yoga and pilates. I cooked vegetables that I would have had difficulty identifying a year ago. I worried that I was losing weight too quickly. I worried that I was losing weight too slowly. One of my rings got so big that it flew off my hand and got flushed down the toilet. I spent an obscene amount of money on new clothes. I've eaten too quickly and felt sick. Sometimes I play with my squishy loose skin like it's play doh. Most of my shoes are too loose and don't fit properly. I can now fly without an extra seat belt extender. The first thing I do every morning is immediately feel my stomach and check that the weight hasn't come back over night or that this past year wasn't just some weird dream. Sometimes I look in the mirror and think I might pass for normal. Other times I hate my reflection. It's been harder than I thought it would be and it's been easier than I thought it would be. It's been a strange ride! Anyway, below are some "before" and "after" shots. Hopefully you can identify which is which!

Welcome to the thread!! I started in US 26-28 (had to order clothes online, could not find these sizes in actual stores) and now I’m about a US12, bought some size 10 (32 inch jeans) the other day. I have recent progress shots on the forum somewhere if you’re interested. There are lots of ladies here who are achieving amazing things. I can’t wait to see what we will all accomplish!

Thanks for all the love guys! @Orchids&Dragons Physically I feel totally different. I feel so much lighter, like I’m actually floating sometimes. I’ve had a lot of health issues over the past year and I’m taking lots of medication but I still feel amazing. I haven’t thrown out my back or dealt with sciatica in ages! I have so much more energy. I don’t get hot and sweaty carrying in a bag of groceries. It really is totally different. I need to book in for my 1 year post op and see what my blood tests say. I’m weirdly excited to get the results! @FluffyChix I wish I had your discipline and was more frugal. I get a buzz out of buying clothes from stores that i used to be too embarrassed to even walk inside of pre surgery. I have the credit card debt to prove it! @KimTriesRNY I think hanging on to the old clothes is common. Plus size shopping is hard. It’s expensive and it’s a lot of effort to find decent looking clothes. I’m finding it so hard to let go. I hope you make it to goodwill! Thanks again everyone! I just can’t believe an entire year has passed!

You can do this! Time to focus! Be your own cheerleader! Just think about what you might be able to accomplish in the next year!