Recidivist

I think it depends on your age and how long you have been obese. I am 60 and have been obese for over 30 years, and I have loose skin everywhere--neck, upper arms, stomach (the worst area), butt and thighs. I'm going to start weight training in the near future, as I've been told that can help. If not, I'd much prefer sagging skin than go back to my old body!

Count me in as well! I'm now very conscious of morbidly obese people and want to share my story in hopes of inspiring them--but of course I never do. However, my sister and one friend are so impressed with my results that they are considering the surgery as well.

I have that feeling every day when I put on my pants, and I'm always a bit surprised when they actually fit. I never thought I would fit into a size 30 waist again! I also discovered that I had (unknowingly) bought a few pairs of boy's pants that fit me!

I grew up there and went to high school and college in Denver! (Lakewood, actually.)

Looking very glam, Emzbee. Congratulations! Recidivist is still in Washington DC. I leave for Denver on Tuesday for a week, then to Stockholm for a week, and finally to Madrid for a week before heading down under. (I'm taking the scenic route.) I arrive in Canberra on September 25. And don't worry, I've never been a big TimTam fan!

I am six months after RnY surgery and everything is going well. I'm happy with my weight loss and feel great. One continuing issue, however, is that my voice has become weak. All of my friends and family have told me that I speak much more softly since the surgery, and there are days when my voice is so shot by the end of the day that I can barely speak. Has anyone else encountered this?

So, I saw my surgeon and nutritionist today. Here are the highlights: - My surgeon thinks my weight has stabilized (147 today) and that I should now start maintenance. She said I should increase my calories to 1200 per day to start with and see how things go. I can tweak it as I go along to find the sweet spot where I'm no longer losing nor gaining. She did say I can expect a gain of 5-10 pounds once I'm on maintenance. - Both of them told me it's very natural to be able to eat more at this point. They said that eating more is fine as long as you continue good habits and know when to stop. - My surgeon was actually happy that I'm able to drink so much water and said it was not an issue. (I'm getting 90-120 oz per day.) - They both said I should not be counting calories nor grams of protein if I have a good sense of what works for me--and I do. They said the strict calorie counting and measuring was more of a learning tool during the first few months and was not intended to be a life-long habit. - They said I should eat more fruits and vegetables, even if it means getting a bit less protein. That made me very happy! Otherwise, they were very pleased with where I am. The surgeon said my saggy skin was not that bad compared to other patients, which made me feel better!

I also think it's wonderful that you two are communicating about this and that she is not lying to you. Try to keep that up!

Everything, your daughter saw you overweight for much of her life and then saw you go through the surgery because there were no other options. I think the last line of your post suggests a good approach. Have you shared with your daughter that you don't want her to go through what you did? If not, why not give it a try? It is genuine and caring.

I'm so glad to hear that, Sheri. I can now drink water almost normally, and I drink a LOT! I was concerned that my restriction was loosening. I'm going to ask my doctor about this next week. (I an also eat more food, BTW.)

Sorry, FrouFrou--I was mistaken. I bought most of them on Bariatric Pal, not Bariatric Advantage, which doesn't have many snacky things. However, I got my favorites on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079YZ2KVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZLLNG7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KFP95CG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I've got a good stock of protein snacks (crackers and crisps) from Bariatric Advantage. They come in single-serving packs and are ideal when you want to nosh on something in the evening.

Gotta and Sheri, I have my 6-month follow-up next Wednesday! I've noticed that my weight loss has slowed dramatically, and I'm wondering whether I'm ready for maintenance. I can definitely eat more now and also tolerate more kinds of food. I've already gone off my BP medication, and I'm hoping I can go off the cholesterol meds as well based on my blood tests next week. I'll let you know my results as well. It has been so helpful to share our ups and downs over the last six months. Thanks to all of you for your support!

I successfully ate a small portion of fat-free, sugar-free fro yo, but not until about four months out. At four weeks, I would stick to the diet plan provided by your surgeon and nutritionist.

Regarding saggy skin: I have it everywhere. I have the neck wattle and jowls, which make me look older than I did before. I've also got loose skin on my upper arms, thighs and butt--and of course around the waist. I look pretty good in clothes, but I'm still a bit shocked when I see my body in the mirror. Maybe I'll post some close-up pictures one of these days. Regarding caloric intake: I'm not counting as scrupulously as I used to, because I haven't had any issues with re-gaining weight (so far). I was doing 500-600 in the first few months, and I'm guessing that I'm up to about 800-1,000 now. I'm seeing my surgeon again in two weeks and will be eager to hear what she has to say.

SheriBear, I believe you when you say you have more weight to lose. We all know our own bodies better than anyone else (which is why they should all just shut up). However, from an outsider's perspective, you look like you are there! You look fantastic! I have never minded having to get new clothes when I lose weight, but it's a bit depressing to need new clothes because everything you have is too tight. I'm sure we've all been there!

I'll chime in on the food intake topic. It seemed like all of a sudden a few weeks ago I was able to eat quite a bit more and a wider variety of things without any ill effects. It's so tempting to eat as much I can tolerate (but still good high-protein low-carb stuff), and I've given in a few times. I definitely need to get back to better portion control. However, I'm still prioritizing protein, I avoid fat (although I'm a little bit more flexible there) and I have not (knowingly) had any sugar since surgery. I've been without a scale for a couple of weeks now, but I don't think I'm gaining weight. We'll see once I can weigh in!

Emzbee, congratulations--you look fantastic. However, I know that you've had quite a few challenges along the way. How are you feeling these days? Are you still having any issues?

Yes, she knew I had surgery, and had originally thought it was a very good idea. I don't know where things changed, but I'm staying away from her.

I just stayed with very good friends for ten days (because we have already sold our house in preparation for our move to Australia). The wife basically harangued me non-stop for the entire ten days about the fact that I'm getting way too thin and am endangering my health, that I'm on a starvation diet and not eating enough to "sustain life" (her words), that I'm too weak to be able to live a normal life (completely untrue--I'm more active than ever), etc. She started monitoring my food intake and brought me food throughout the day that I didn't want or need. It got so bad that I left their home and moved into a hotel. Nobody has attacked me like this since my surgery. I'm in shock and suspect the friendship can't be repaired. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

I love the caramel ones. It's the only flavor I order now!

Thank you so much for posting this! There aren't many posts from people who are more than a year out, and it's extremely valuable to hear how people have done in the longer term.

All of you seem to have been so much better prepared for this than I was. I did attend all the required pre-surgery classes, which helped me a lot. My only other source of information was this board, which was a godsend! I learned so many things that my surgeon had not told me.

Hi, Brent. I remember feeling exactly the way you do. I was never hungry, and at about three months eating actually became a chore. I'm now at five months and that has all passed. I feel basically normal, except that I still eat really small portions.

I reached 150 this morning, which was my original goal weight. Before surgery I thought 150 was unrealistic and that I would be satisfied with 170. Now I've adjusted my goal weight down to 140 and am quite confident of reaching it. (I weighted 127 when I went into the Army!) In reference to the body dysmorphia comment, I still think of myself as fat, and I'm shocked every time I see myself in a mirror or a shop window. I wonder whether that ever goes away.