Jaelzion

Agreed. It took me almost two years to lose 129 pounds. I was never a rapid loser and toward the end it slowed down considerably. But over time, even a slow loss adds up if you stick to it.

I really wanted the bypass but it was medically contraindicated for me. I was super disappointed, but I went ahead with the sleeve. It's worked out well, I lost all the weight I needed to lose and had no major complications. The sleeve turned out to be right for me. So if GERD is an issue for you, the bypass may be the better option. Just do your research so you understand the pros and cons.

It's interesting, I don't remember ever having discussed a nicotine test during my run-up to surgery. Maybe they did test me, but didn't bring it up as a discussion point because I said I had never smoked. I'm curious now.

A couple of times a week, now that I am in maintenance. I just want to be sure I am staying within my acceptable range.

I usually get a sugar-free vanilla latte made with Soy Milk.

Nope, no tummy problems here (unless you count regular constipation). Senna has becomes my best friend, LOL, but other than that I'm fine!

No one can answer that question for you. Only you can decide whether you're up for a permanent change in your relationship with food. But we can share our experiences. Like many people, I had a tough first week after surgery, but by week 3, I was much better. I had no major complications and I lost all my excess weight. I have no regrets or complaints of any kind. There are lots of people on here just like me. The thing is, people are more likely to post about unusual or negative experiences, so you won't see a lot of folks logging on to post "Everything is still fine." So reading the posts can kind of skew your impression of how the surgery goes for most people. Complications happen, but it's more common to come through the surgery just fine, with no major problems. I wish you all the best in making your decision!

My pre-op was a 10 day liquid diet. My surgeon's office did have a suggested brand but it didn't agree with me (made my stomach sick). On my own, I researched and found a vegan protein shake that didn't upset my tummy. The macros were almost the same, so they gave it a thumbs up.

I'm just two years out. I'm still learning to navigate maintenance but I have no regrets or complaints of any kind. When I need to lose a few pounds, I cut out processed foods, lower carbs, and focus on protein. So far it works for me.

Nerves are normal (it's a big step you're taking!) Praying you have a smooth, uncomplicated procedure and a quick recovery. You got this! Hugs. 🤗

It could last longer for you, we're all different. Plus my hunger is greatly weakened in intensity. It's more like a toddler than a demon now, LOL. I can tell it no.

It sounds like it would be worth it to do the psych consult, if only to help you talk through what you're feeling and figure out if this is just "cold feet" or you're really not ready. Best of luck.

I had no hunger for at least six months, like NONE. Then it slowly returned but it's still only 60% of what it was pre-surgery. I get hungry now, but less often and less intensely than before I was sleeved.

Were you actually told to keep your calories that low? 600 was more like my floor than ceiling. I ate between 600-800 calories for the first few months and then a steady progression to 800 where I stayed for some time. 400 just seems really low. Have you talked to your team about this?

I was eating regular food by the start of week 5. My recovery was a little weird. I couldn't eat at all for two weeks (I lived on clear protein drinks during that time). Then I got better in week three and went from clears to full liquids to purees to soft food to regular food pretty quickly. I don't have any major issues at this point. Ground beef doesn't sit well on my tummy to this day, so I just don't eat it. But I can basically eat whatever I want, including occasional treats like a piece of cake or pie. Some things I don't like as much as I did before surgery (barbecue is the best example) and some things I like more now. But at Thanksgiving last year, I had fun tasting all my favorites and then I got right back on plan the day after. So I don't feel restricted or deprived. When I really want something and it's worth it to me, I go ahead and have it, but not huge portions and not often.

I’m 95% sure I want to move forward with sleeve surgery but, I’m scared. The bulk of my fear is that I’m going to do irreparable damage to my body... or that I’m going to go through all of this and nothing will change, I’ll fail and still be this heavy (or will lose very little weight). 1. Did you feel the same way? Absolutely. I really didn't have confidence that the surgery would work for me. I wasn't overly afraid of complications, but I did fear that I would have the surgery and lose only a few pounds. 2. Are you glad you did it? I'm super-glad I did it. I had no major complications. I haven't had any real problems adjusting to my new way of eating. Best of all, I lost all my excess weight, reaching a normal BMI for the first time since I was 10 years old. 3. Do you have any regrets? I regret waiting so long. However, for various reasons, I know the time was right when I did it. I might not have been as successful earlier because my circumstances were different. 4. What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you had surgery? "Hey, it's really going to suck for the first week or two after surgery. Don't worry, almost everyone has a tough time at first. But your tummy will heal and before you know it, your new way of eating will be second nature."

Your body stores water along with carbs. So like @catwoman7 said, you're seeing that extra water weight on the scale. I like to keep calories up, but carbs on the lower side, for many reasons, that being one of them.

Having the doctor say "You're overweight" out of habit and being able to say "No I'm not." 😂

Most vets advise that you start slowly with alcohol at first, because it may affect you differently than before surgery. So it might be a good idea to try a glass of wine at home, where it doesn't matter if it ends up hitting you really hard. Then you'll have some idea of how much you can drink while you're out and be okay. Also, be careful that alcohol doesn't become a substitute coping mechanism to replace the food you can't eat anymore. It might sound alarmist but transfer addictions have happened to people (I had to check myself because I found myself shopping to get the emotional soothing I used to get from food). Other than that, factor those calories into your into plan and enjoy!

It's called "Orthostatic Hypotension". Your blood pressure drops when you stand up, making you feel dizzy and light-headed. It's really common in people who have lost a lot of weight quickly. For some people, this goes away in time. I still have it, but then I had it before surgery, so... https://www.dssurgery.com/orthostatic-hypotensionintolerance/#:~:text=One of the possible side,a seated or reclined position. One of the possible side effects of rapid weight loss after undergoing weight loss surgery is orthostatic hypotension or orthostatic intolerance. These terms describe a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing from a seated or reclined position. Treatments may include increasing hydration, protein intake, changing medications and treating anemia. Also, allowing time for the body to adjust to the rapid weight loss if all the underlying issues are within normal limits. If symptoms persist, after all underlying issues are investigated, the patient will need to be diligent with hydration, protein intake, supplements and other treatments. Things that may also help is to slow down in moving from one position to the other, take a moment to adjust to your new position. Compression stocking and increasing salt intake can also help if all other causes are investigated. Post prandial hypotension can be avoided with low carbohydrate and small meals. Also, moderately increasing salt intake can improve symptoms.

Wow, you look wonderful - and you got there so quickly! You're not even a year out!

It was similar for me right after surgery. I was unable to eat or even drink protein shakes for the first couple of weeks. I lived on clear protein drinks during that time and I basically had to sip all day long to stay hydrated. I had to take tiny sips as well because anything more was very painful. You are still VERY early in recovery and that first week after surgery is tough. The good news is that as the swelling goes down and your tummy heals, you will be able to drink and eat (at least purees or shakes). Stay in touch with your surgeon's office and run by them anything that concerns you. But hang in there, it gets better (for me by week 3). Hugs. 🤗

I'm sorry, that's gotta be devastating. A lot of people on here were in the same situation last year. Hang in there, it's a delay, not a denial.

I lost all of mine. When I told my surgeon I wanted to get down to a healthy BMI, he gave me the stats on average loss and how many people lose all their extra weight. And then he added, "But those are averages, some people lose more and some less. There's nothing stopping you from being one of those who loses a lot more than average." And that's how it worked out. So, you can be realistic and optimistic at the same time! Make the most of the surgery and see where you come out. Peterson says my ideal weight is 115, but I'm comfortable and happy at 121. I have occasionally dropped down to 119 and I didn't like how I looked at all.

Morning latte. I use Kitu super coffee which is low sugar and high protein.