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I’m sorry you feel this was the worst decision for you & you’re angry. And it doesn’t work for absolutely everyone - sometimes for genetic or physiological reasons, sometimes for psychological reasons. But if you can honestly look in the mirror & say yes I’m making changes to what I eat, I’m choosing low fat, low sugar & low carb foods, I’m eating differently to how I ate before, I’m eating smaller portions, I’m following my surgeon’s plan & my dietician’s recommendations, maybe you are one of the unlucky few for which surgery doesn’t work. The average weight loss after bariatric surgery at about the 5yr point is around 65% of the weight you had to lose to put you in the healthy bmi range. Some lose more. Some lose less. Complacency, lifestyle, health issues, age, gender, genetics, personal choice, etc. all play a part in how much you will lose & then the weight at which you happily maintain. So odds are you won’t lose & keep off all the weight you need (or want) to lose in the long term but odds are you will weigh less than you do when you started. If you buy a gym membership & never go, you won’t get any healthier, or stronger or fitter. Weight loss surgery is the same. If you don’t take advantage of the tool nothing changes. The amount of success you have is directly in proportion to the amount of effort you put in to making the long term changes. Like most (all) of us I’ve lost & regained hundreds of pounds over the years. Tried every diet, & exercise program. This time, I took advantage of the benefits the surgery afforded me in the beginning. I used the tool. I did a lot of research & changed how & what I ate. Put new habits into place. Came to understand why I was eating & worked out how I could manage those drives. I did & continue to do the work. If I didn’t consciously make those changes & continue to work at it every day, I’d be very near my highest weight again. That’s what always happened in the past: I dieted, lost weight, then would return to my old eating habits & food choices & would start to regain within days. I ate little to begin after my surgery: less than 300 calories. I was healing (all those sutures & staples holding my tummy together) plus no appetite & no real interest in food. But my calories increased as did my portion sizes over the weeks & months. I eat about 1300 calories to maintain but I’m shorter than you, likely older than you, not very active, female & have a small frame. But before surgery I could barely maintain my obese weight eating 1300 or fewer calories a day & I regularly skipped meals for decades. My metabolism was shot. I eat regularly now, eat more nutritionally dense food & eat more often then I’ve ever done before. I haven’t been this weight since I was 12 yrs old. I feel great.

I had my RNY bypass at Mexican Bariatric Center in Tijuana and my surgeon was Dr. Rodriguez Lopez. My Nov 18 surgery went well, and I am recovering without issues back at home. Medical tourism is a huge business for Mexico — they said in our patient intro class that it’s about 5% of Mexico’s GDP. A driver met me and other patients/companions at the San Diego airport and transported us to the hotel in Tijuana (a Hyatt Place which was nice with an added plus of making GREAT chicken broth due to the number of bariatric patients who stay there). It took 35 minutes to drive there from San Diego airport, but about 3 hours to return due to the lines at the border. Due to covid protocols, the companions stayed at the hotel and weren’t able to visit anyone at the hospital (for that reason, I did not bring a companion). I was nervous about the flight home by myself (I had a connecting flight and although the surgery went well, it was still abdominal surgery), but I flew United and they were WONDERFUL in terms of arranging for transport and accommodating my situation. I had a hike out to long-term parking once I arrived at my home airport (didn’t think that one through), but simply took my time and rested several times. I had also worked with my PCP leading up to the surgery and have my first follow up visit tomorrow. I would also strongly encourage anyone who pursues WLS in Mexico to prearrange for local medical care. I get tons of information and nutritional advice from MBC, but obviously the support is digital only given the distance. I worked locally and my insurance would have covered it, but the normal wait time plus the covid-related delays and backlog meant I was looking at a one-to-two year delay. I’m 53 and simply decided it was worth the money to accelerate the process, especially after I had a gout flare up early this year. Like Sleeve_Me_Alone, this was the right choice for me and I have no regrets. I wish you well in your decision making!

Learning to feed your body on hunger cues and not your feelings may be something you need to work through in therapy. Most bariatric programs worth their salt will have you do a behavioral evaluation. You'll want to be honest with them about these things and start working on them early so that you can get ahead of yourself. I'm not one of those people who's taste suddenly changed after surgery. Now at 6 months out there's very little I cannot eat if I choose to. It's a matter of making the better choices. I for sure still have food cravings and want to eat things that aren't necessarily going to fuel my body the way they should. I personally try to find balance, if I'm craving something I'll have a small portion because I feel like fighting it leads to binging and I'd much rather have a balanced diet. I will say the surgery helps me with being able to recognize more easily when I'm actually hungry versus just wanting to eat for the sake of it. It's much easier to pause and check in with my body and then shut it down if I'm not actually hungry. With getting full so quickly it's also much easier to stop if you do start to eat something you shouldn't because you'll quickly get full. Everyone here will tell you over and over again the surgery is just a tool you still have to put in the work to keep up with things. And for some of us it's harder work. I would love to be able to agree with all the points Tony presented above but they simply aren't true for me. So instead I make an effort to actively work against my cravings and my smaller stomach absolutely helps with that. (PS not to say Tony isn't working, I just mean it's different for everybody). It's definitely not a quick fix but I think worth it thus far.

You may be one of the unlucky ones whose hunger doesn't go away with surgery. And I will say that your surgeon's idea that you must stay on 800 cal a day to lose weight flies in the face of scienc. Stand back, I'm going to use MATH! If you were maintaining your (heavy) weight by eating, say, 3500 calories a day, then that's your maintenance for that weight. So now, if you are eating 800 calories, you are in a deficit of 2700 calories a day, which means you'd lose three quarters of a pound per day on average. If you're eating 1200 calories, you're in a deficit of 2300 calories a day, which means you'd lose two thirds of a pound per day on average. Yes, different macros (protein, carbs, fat, alcohol) do work differently in your body, but ultimately your body is bound, like everyone's, to the calories in-calories out equation. I suspect what happened to you is twofold: 1. You're in a lengthy stall (search up "three-week stall", it happens to almost all of us, it's incredibly frustrating, it's not always at 3 weeks, and it can last a month for some people). It's because your body has depleted its glycogen and is probably somewhat dehydrated (it's hard to drink enough right after surgery), and your fluid balance is adjusting itself. 2. You're frustrated and not tracking what you eat. Unfortunately, this is something that has to be done. You can't fix your diet if you don't know what your diet is. And that means, at least for me, pre-prepping meals and weighing things out. I just pop a tray in the microwave a few times a day and have it all specced out. I use MyMacros+ for tracking. One of the big culprits is cooking oil/fat. How many people measure the oil they put in a pan to cook their, say, chicken breast? Nobody except bariatric patients—everyone else just sploops some oil in a pan until it looks right. I actually have a bar jigger on the counter so I can measure in 1/2 ounces and full ounces. Track your food. Literally track your food. If you find you're not losing weight on 800 cal a day, spend a week eating 1000 cal a day to see if it'll shock your system. I am at about 1400-1500 cal a day a little short of three months post-op, because I work physical work and am very active (gym, running, hiking, etc.) and need the calories to be able to function. But I still track each and every day. The surgery isn't bullshit. If it were possible to just severely restrict calories without it, nobody would get the surgery. But there are thousands of people here, myself included, who found success with the surgery that wouldn't have been possible without it.

On Black Friday, I bought a Ninja Creami for my family. The Creami allows you to make your own ice cream pints. You make your liquid mix, place in it one of their plastic pints and freeze it for at least 24 hours. You put the pint in the machine, spin it for a few cycles and you get ice cream. Here is why it is great for bariatric patients: you can make delicious, high protein, low sugar ice cream. Not an exaggeration. For my first ice cream, I mixed a 16 oz Premier Protein 30g chocolate shake, a packet of Chocolate Toffee keto chow, 1 tsp of MCT oil and 4 tbs of 2% milk. I had to put that mixture into a blender to get it all mixed because it was pretty thick. But then I poured it into a plastic pint and froze it. When it was done, it tasted just like a creamy chocolate ice cream and had the following nutritional profile (per MyFitnessPal) 356 calories 9.2g of fat 5.5g of net carbs 4.4g of sugar 57.7g of protein 109% of my calcium 34% of my iron 2,135mg of potassium 27.5% of Vitamin A 26% of Vitamin C (By way of comparison, a pint of Blue Bell vanilla has 640 calories, 32g of fat, 68g of sugar and 16g of protein). The Creami is not cheap (Normally $170, bought it for $125 on Black Friday). But if you can afford it and you like ice cream, I highly recommend it. You can use protein shakes, protein powders, Greek yogurt and a ton of other bariatric-friendly ingredients to make something that tastes like ice cream that you can eat guilt free.

I understand the fear. I was exploring Bariatric surgery at the suggestion of my electrophysiologist (who I love and trust — I have persistent AFIB). I met with an obesity specialist (not a surgeon) and decided I wanted to work with him during the surgery exploration/approval process to try and lose some weight beforehand. I learned from him that obesity is a disease (often inherited, up to 70%), and that it’s not our fault; it’s our biology. Learning this blew my mind. My Dr suggested I try Ozempic. I was reluctant at first bc I’m not a fan of taking medications in general unless absolutely necessarily. Ozempic was life-changing. It turned off the 24/7 hunger switch in my brain. For the first time in my life I have control over food. I feel “normal” and free. I’ve lost 75 lbs since Jan 1, 2021 (without suffering). I have another 75 lbs to lose. I’m confident I’ll lose it. I’m also working with my obesity Dr and a dietitian to learn how to permanently lead a healthier life. I love and trust my obesity Dr — I feel like he is literally saving my life. The medication is a tool just like surgery is a tool. For me, I no longer think I need the surgery. Some people need both the surgery and medication; everyone’s biology is different. But it’s good to know there are other options besides surgery for treating obesity’s dysregulated biology. I’d highly recommend seeing an obesity specialist and exploring medication options. I should add that I’m now taking Wegovy (1.7 mg) which is a higher dose version of Ozempic that was recently approved by the FDA specifically for treating obesity. I wish you all the best. 🤍

I do know it makes you become higher risk as a bariatric patient bc I was told 2 years. I would say talk to you obgyn, Nutritionist and surgeon bc the hardest thing to do is have the baby get their nutrients. Good Luck!

Don't know how your plan works, but "bariatric therapy" here runs $1700/hour.

Bari surgery purveyors do oversell these procedures: medicine is a business, and bariatric surgery has its own marketing plans and strategies. If someone has said you must eat 800 cal/day forever, this is an eating disorder/anorexia. That limit should only be in place during the pre- & immediate post-surg diet. It's true the surgery is sold as a "cure," albeit the medical world also couches this procedure as a "tool" for a cure. It's also true that most patients never get to their ideal weight, much less keep off the weight they lose initially. It's also true that stomach amputation and the year prior to the surgery which requires generally unnecessary appointments, procedures, tests, labs, etc., is obscenely profitable for the hospitals and the only reason they offer it. Those of us who choose this outrageous procedure are desperate and hopeless. The medical world knows this. They choose to underreport outcomes such as Goodmanje's, who has a right to voice frustrations, concerns, and warnings. We're all hoping to be one of the "lucky" ones. And we're all willing to be permanently altered with no guarantees. Perhaps, instead, as with any business, we should demand there be guarantee of a reasonable outcome.

I had a surgery several years ago (unrelated to bariatric) and was unable to urinate afterwards. Had to be catheterized a few days after surgery. Apparently it’s not uncommon. They removed the catheter a few days later and the plumbing worked fine.

It sure doesn't sound like you had realistic expectations of WLS, and I'm wondering how you were approved for it. Instead of cursing your surgery, though, how about investing in some bariatric therapy to help you develop some new attitudes and strategies that will make you happier as you do the hard work we all need to do to lose weight?

I have PCOS and had bariatric surgery 2nd september, from 125kg im now 98 and have just found out im pregnant! Any ladies on here experienced the same thing? ive had alot of sickness since my op and i think this has counteracted my contraception pill with everything else going on i didnt even think about that til i missed my period. Anyone got any good advice or stories? Im so terrified that its too soon. I lost a baby in 2019 but i was at my highest weight and unhealthy, surely the loss of 4 stone is a more positive situation to be in? Thanks Guys i dont know where else to turn 😭

Thank you. I do think that's what I need, for sure. Too much must have been weighing on my mind that I didn't come to peace with. This is a great point. I can't help but be a bit sad as the days go by and think about how far out I'd be in recovery (and how long it will take for me to get to that actual point, now). But I try not to stay there too long. I do believe in timing, and maybe it just wasn't the right time. This is funny not funny! I did the same thing. I tried to go in and get mine removed while I was awake and he got 2 shots in my mouth and I was like, uh NO. BYE! I did finally get them pulled but honestly in retrospect, I don't think I actually needed to. Ha. I definitely am keeping with my psych, and she's been helpful talking about things. I wish I could keep with the in house bariatric psych, too, but that's for patients in the program, and right now I'm not in it. I'm going to step back for a little bit and just work with my regular psych, live life and see where I stand in the new year. Kinda sucks to think about going through that whole program again AND wasting the max out on insurance, but I really want to be in the right place if I move forward, and I guess I wasn't.

Your surgery did work. By your own description, you are not working. You must weigh, measure, and log your intake and follow your nutritionist's and doctor's direction. The surgery does not work on its own, it takes the patient's efforts to make it work. I recommend that you read some books about WLS and get some bariatric cookbooks and meal-planning books..or you can do your own thing and continue to complain that the surgery is not working. Suggested books:

Hi all! I’m new! My surgery is tomorrow (11/29/21) and I’m scared out of my mind. I’m having DS. Wanted to do Bariatric surgery for about 17 + years, and earlier this year, I found out that our insurance FINALLY covers it. I was (and am!) so thankful for that! I can’t help but feel immensely trepidatious about tomorrow. I think, perhaps, it’s the buildup of 17 years of wanting something, to then suddenly have it become reality, you know? I’m scared of the pain, scared of the first few weeks post-op, scared of screwing up and the dumping, scared I’ll never eat fun foods again, scared at how completely and drastically this will change my life (for the better). I sort of feel the same way I felt the few days before I had my first baby. This seems silly, I know. I’m equally excited. Finding it difficult to get past the anxiety tonight. Any advice? Those of you recently post-op; How’s everything going? -Z

I am 4 days post op and I literally sip Water ALL DAY LONG. I recommend getting different flavors of shakes. The only shakes I drink are bariatric fusion brand and premier protein. Having a variety of flavors helps me not to get bored. My hardest shake to drink is my dinner. Today and yesterday I used the chicken noodle Soup Protein power. I add 6oz of water and 2 oz chicken brother with a teaspoon of stained cream of chicken soup. When I make make shakes I add 8oz of lactaid and 2 oz of water. Takes a little longer to drink, but I end of getting more fluids. It helps to have something warm and savory. Plus it will add yo your fluids. Just sip sip sip all day long. I also drink 0 sugar protein Gatorade. It helps you get in your fluids and protein without drinking a shake. I also mix the unflavored protein in my jello and pudding. Just keep sipping.

YOU GOT THIS!!!! I have several favors of Bariatric Fusion shakes and they are very tasty. The chicken noodle Soup is my go to dinner shake. Nice to have something warm and savory after sweet shakes throughout the day. Today I mixed it with some chicken broth and a spoon full of strained fat free cream of chicken soup and it was just heavenly. All of my other shakes flavors I mix with lactaid Protein. I’m 4 days post op, but so far so good.

I’m 5 months out and recently had the same issue if just feeling drained. My blood work showed my iron being a little low so I added in a chewable Bariatric fusion iron every other day and noticed improvement. I guess after surgery we can be at risk of anemia so it made sense. Hopefully you can get it figured out ASAP!

As of 11/30 I’ll be 4 weeks post op. I’m still currently on the soft food/puréed phase. So this question definitely wouldn’t pertain to right now. But I’m just curious if anyone has attempted vegan/plant based foods as an alternative to regular food. I’ve done lots and lots of research over the last several months on vegan/plant based eating. But I’d like to know if any other Bariatric patients have considered this.

I just had blood tests done while on B12, biotin, calcium, D3+K2, folate, and a bariatric multivitamin with iron. 2.5 months post-op, my B12 and folate are on the high end of normal (so am expecting to be told to drop those). My calcium is okay, my D3 is okay, and my iron is fine but my iron binding capacity is low.

My nutritionist has me starting eating things like scrambled eggs, canned chicken or tuna with very little light mayo to moisten it so it won’t get stuck going down while swallowing. I can eat lean ground beef, thin sliced deli roast beef and turkey, shrimp, cottage cheese, yogurt some cooked vegetables. I still need at least one protein drink included in my day. My nutritionist stated I have to introduce these foods slowly to determine if my new stomach can digest these food. She some patients find out that the foods they ate before surgery find out they are unable to eat afterwards. I am so excited to start transitioning to textured foods but nervous at the same time that my new stomach will handle it now. Wishing all my fellow November Surgery Buddies who are transitioning to the next phase of your diet plan. What do you all think of changing our group name from “November Surgery Buddies” to “2021 November Surgery Warriors” I believe this group we are all warriors from our decision making, preparing or already has their gastric bariatric surgery as well as joining BariatricPal for support. I will understand if no one wants to change the groups name. I just wanted to bring it up as a suggestion. Reading these posts and seeing how much all of support each other made me look at how much we have a lot of strength and are uplifting thoughts for each other. It reminds me that we are warriors of battling our challenges together.

I would try a three pronged approach. Obviously start with your surgeon. Ask for a referral to a bariatric therapist for some back up. I would also meet more regularly with the bariatric dietitian for hands on real tactics to feeling full. I would be tempted to go back to WW as well for group chat and accountability. I had to get a new hobby of crochet to keep my hands busy and give warm clothing to the homeless shelter to “feel full.” You will find your fullness and feel comfortable in your body too.

Hello everyone. I am new here. December 14th I am going to have GSV in Mexico at ALO Bariatrics with Dr. Ramirez. I start my pre-op diet on Monday and my clear liquid the week after. They have been wonderful. I am so excited.

I can't find the "VSG Gastric Sleeve..." facebook group--the link takes me directly to the giant bariatric pal facebook group/page-?

Hi everyone, I am new to Bariatric Pal. I just got my surgery date for December 8th. My last meal was Thanksgiving and I lost a pound even though I ate. Today is day one of my pre-op liquid diet. I am so ready for the surgery. I am having the Ruen-Y. The count down is on.