Sleeve_Me_Alone

Yes, stalls are completely normal, even this early. As @summerseeker said above, the "3 week stall" is notorious. It often happens between week 3-6 post-op and can last 3-6 weeks. The reality is, you just had MAJOR surgery. Your body is healing and trying to sort itself out, in addition to massive dietary changes. You need to give yourself lots of grace and just be patient - trust the process. Hit your protein & fluids, eat according to your plan, move your body in ways that feel good and don't cause pain or exhaustion. The scale will move again but it can't be your sole, or even primary, focus. If you have any major concerns, definitely reach out to your surgery team, but for now, your job is to heal and follow your plan!

Protein2o - you can get them at Costco or Amazon. I've used the bottled drinks and the single serve packets. Both are great!

Talk to your doctor about using a PPI (Nexium/Prilosec) for a while. Most surgeons recommend a 2-6 month course immediately post-op to allow for healing.

It is massively variable from person to person. My hair started thinning right at the 3 month post-op mark. I'm almost 6 months out now and it has slowed down some, but definitely has not stopped. I don't have any bald spots, but the thinning is VERY noticeable to me, but my family says its not visible to them. You can't control it, you can only do your very best to take care of yourself, heal well, and make sure you get adequate nutrition to prevent nutritional hair loss on top of the telogen effluvium.

VSG was on 9/21/21. I'm right there with all of you, in that the loss has slowed down just a bit. But, I completely agree with @LizzieD, sticking to the basics and really focusing on incremental improvements has kept me on track. I'm really pleased with where I am, though I still have probably 40lbs to go before I'd be really content. Every day I just remind myself that I can only take it one day at a time!

Congratulations! ❤️

I have PCOS and have been on Depo (the shot) for 5 years. I had VSG 9/2021. I can't speak to the fertility piece, as I am not trying to get pregnant. But I have not noticed any return in my PCOS symptoms, PMDD, or any other fertility related issues. The shot continues to work well to keep my symptoms at bay and I am losing weight steadily as hoped.

Not sure I understand what differentiates them from regular chips? The nutrition facts are nearly identical. In fact, Doritos have slightly less carbs, for those that watch that. A better option might be something like Quest chips, as they have significantly more protein:

I had VSG in Tijuana, Mx. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs.

ProCare Health. I take the daily multi capsule and their calcium chews & chocolates. They meet all ASMBS guidelines, are affordable, have a subscribe & save option, and you can order a sample pack for free to try before you buy.

Cooking meat in a crockpot is a great way to get moist, soft meats without too much "junk" added. Chicken breast, pot roast, pork roast, all cook down and shred very well. Things like gravy or broth based sauces can help, but I avoided anything super spicy (salsa, hot sauce, spicy BBQ sauce, etc.) for a while. I would also use rotisserie chicken and mix it with hummus, enchilada sauce, and even Boursin cheese to "thin" it out and give it some moisture.

Agree with others that labs should drive supplements. Have either done blood work recently? If not, start there. If you aren't supplementing now, and levels are normal, likely no need to start. If you are under, then that should drive how much/how often. My most recent labs show B12 slightly elevated and I have never supplemented so I certainly wouldn't want or need to start.

Any WLS will work if you learn to use it properly. Obviously, the lap-band had some inherent issues, so I'm NOT AT ALL blaming you for the regain there. But as far as surgical WLS options go, they are guaranteed to create a calorie deficit to induce weight loss. BUT - and its a big but - you have to be ready and willing to commit to the life long changes necessary to be truly successful. I am almost 5 months post-op and have lost nearly 70lbs. I'm VERY happy with my progress so far, but its not easy. Every single day I have to hit my protein, drink my fluids, take my vitamins, move my body and make a million other decisions to prioritize my health and stay on track. That being said, I would do it again in a heartbeat. My only regret is not having done it sooner. I also went the self-pay route via Mexico and was 100% satisfied with the experience. Ultimately, only YOU can decide what's right for YOU. Do your homework, really dig in to learn what it would entail for you, and then decide.

First of all, no you cannot have your sleeve reversed or stretched surgically. This is a permanent, irreversible surgery. So you need to come to terms with that because there is no "out" at this point. Holding out for your "old" life is going to cause some serious trauma, so take a moment and let yourself begin processing the fact that this is your life now. Second of all, if the attraction to food is stronger than your desire to live a long, healthy life, then its probably time to have a conversation with a therapist. You can and will one day eat relatively normally again, though maybe not the portions you had before surgery, so you need to give it time. And the period of restriction is minimal compared to the rest of your life. But it sounds like there is some underlying mental/emotional things that need to be dealt with. If you truly feel that being able to eat "normally" right NOW is worth more to you than your life, or that the strain of post-op life is more than you can handle, please consider getting some qualified support. You CAN do this and it IS worth it. We want to see you succeed and be healthy and well, but you're going to need to get some help.

I also had a full liquid pre-op, so not sure I'm a ton of help. But how about some pureed soups with vegan protein powder added, or maybe some falafel, hummus, or other bean-heavy meals like chili?

I was sleeved 9/21/21 and ended up getting COVID a couple of weeks ago. I was fully vaccinated and boosted, and had already lost nearly 70lbs from my highest weight, which I absolutely credit with my mild case and speedy recovery. While sick I had almost no appetite and lived off of protein shakes and soup. I tried to get my fluids in but did not track food or protein or steps or anything else. I rested and medicated. Since then I've bounced back just about 95%. I still have a small cough, but that could also be attributed to cold weather and asthma. It might be helpful to check in with your surgeon/dietician for some guidance if you are struggling with food tolerance/intake.

Y'all! I finally cracked the 100s!!! Barely, but I did it!!! I might have been aided by a cold, and general winter malaise, but I did it!!! It might not have been as quickly as I'd hoped, but I DID IT!! I have not been this weight since 16 or 17 years old!? Just feeling super grateful for this tool and the progress is has helped me achieve. [emoji3590] Sent from my motorola one 5G ace using BariatricPal mobile app

I've never heard that before, and it frankly doesn't sound like great advice. But I certainly am not a doctor and would not tell you to disregard your surgeon's advice. Personally, I'd try taking it at different times of day, maybe evening vs. morning, etc. Also trying taking it after your meal, maybe 30 minutes when you can drink again, instead of WITH the meal? Also might need to try a new vitamin brand. Some folks just don't tolerate some varieties for whatever reason.

ProCare Health one a day capsules w 18mg of Iron, and their calcium chews and dark chocolate bars. I absolutely could not stomach the chalky, chewable vitamins post-op, so I stitched to the capsules and haven't had any trouble with them. I don't take any additional B vitamins or other supplements, and all of my labs have been perfect so far. I generally take my multi in the morning after breakfast, and calciums after lunch & dinner.

I am right there with you. I have been at a steady 2lb loss a week, and just in the last 2 weeks its come to a screeching halt. Still getting my protein, fluids, and movement everyday, so I just have to chalk it up to part of the process. From what I've read, stalls can last a few weeks to a few months, just depending on the person. I'm trying really hard to not focus on the scale and just appreciate how far I've come and how much better I feel now vs. 5 months ago.

I did the exact same thing! Tried 3 times with insurance and always got so discouraged with all the hoop-jumping that I bailed. I finally went the self-pay route and am SO happy I did! Truly life changing!

Congrats and welcome! Great job on the loss so far. Its hard work, but its worth it!

Agree with the others, that is a very significant ask. It might be possible with an extremely low carb diet (think, very strict keto), but that's quite a commitment. I would have a follow up conversation with the surgeon to get clarification on why, how, etc. And, as others have said, if it does result in a delay of surgery that isn't the end of the world, despite the frustration and disappointment. Its just a step in the process and you will get there!

Completely agree with @Splenda. Tastes may change and you may get burned out on certain things very quickly, so don't stock up too much as you may end up with stuff you can't use. That being said, I really enjoyed premier protein premade shakes in the beginning. When I got sick of those, I switched to Protein2o waters and have used those ever since. I used Isopure unflavored in the early days to add to soups/purees, but I don't use it for anything now. I love Built Bars for on the go meals, and I always keep a couple in my purse for emergencies. I'm only 4 months out, so I haven't ventured into snack territory yet, as I'm barely getting in 3ish meals a day, but I've heard great things about Quest and Quevos chips.

You are never too far gone. ❤️ There is a lot going on in your world and several factors at play. First of all, remember that some amount of regain is pretty normal. Most WLS patients do not stay at their lowest weight for long, so that may just be where your body has settled. Have you had labs done recently? Burning Mouth Syndrome is sometimes linked with nutritional deficiencies, which WLS patients are at increased risk for, so there may be some overlap there. Stick to the foods you can comfortably and safely eat, while focusing on protein and fluids as much as possible. Try and work in some movement when you can. Recruit help if you can. And prioritize your own health & wellness. You are the only YOU your family has and you deserve health & happiness.