Search the Community

Hi! I’m 6 weeks post bypass and have lost 19lb since surgery. I’m getting 1.5/2l fluid a day. Hitting my protein targets and getting some exercise in. Why is my weight so slow? If I’d known that it was going to be like this, then I never would have put my body through a major op.

Yeah exactly what I was thinking! I think binge eating and snacking is one of my biggest downfalls, so I want to tackle that head-on. I am 3 days down without eating crisps and masses of chocolate and sweets! I'll definitely let it stabalise - I imagine although I am 27, I will definitely have loose skin. I have always been a bigger girl. Been at my heaviest weight for a year or two now I think, but I have always had a belly so that's gonna be the area for me! I will say though, with all the moisturising I have been doing, especially on my tummy, it has made me not hate it as much, but just to kind of accept it as part of me. I usually don't look at myself in the mirror, I won't even touch my tummy, so to have to be gentle and care for it in a way has been a bit cathartic. So, if anything, that is helping haha. That is amazing you have been so fortunate with your loose skin, I am so happy for you!

So loveies, week 1 post op down 7 lbs went in at 227 started my journey at 247 lbs. I find the post op liquid diet is frustrating just sipping fluids all day until go to sleep. It really does tale all day to get those fluids in. I belch alot not sure why. The past 2 mornings I've woken up extremely nauseous. Anyone else have/ had these issues. On a good note Dietician called scheduled appointment for next week to hopefully upgrade me to puree/ soft diet

So loveies, week 1 post op down 7 lbs went in at 227 started my journey at 247 lbs. I find the post op liquid diet is frustrating just sipping fluids all day until go to sleep. It really does tale all day to get those fluids in. I belch alot not sure why. The past 2 mornings I've woken up extremely nauseous. Anyone else have/ had these issues. On a good note Dietician called scheduled appointment for next week to hopefully upgrade me to puree/ soft diet

Thank you so much for taking the time to tell me all this! How long were you off work right after surgery? I told them 1 to 1.5 weeks is my guess. But one lady here said she was back in a few days. I don't want to push it if I need to heal more though and my clients are all understanding. My dad passed away last year after 25 years of congestive heart failure then also diabetes and lost one leg then the other. It was extremely heartbreaking and don't want my kids to see that happen to me if there is any way at all I can be healthier. So going to do this. Have 12 dietitian appts. Done two. Already had psychological and was cleared. Have endoscopy Oct 11 and last dietitian appt on Oct 30. Surgery after final approval so they estimate Nov. Hopefully early Nov. Doesn't bother me at all about the holidays. One year I lost 5 lbs from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It's all mindset. But it's when I go back to eating like everyone else I always gain! Sucks. Thank you again! I'd love to be able to text with you if you'd consider that! It's ok if you'd rather not though. Lol! I know I'm a stranger. Lol! You look great and I'm so happy for you. And yes when I'm even at 200 I have the energy for the gym and remember only being able to do the stairmaster for seconds and worked my way up to 20 or 30 minutes. I was so much stronger. It was years ago so can't remember but think I got up to 30 mins and now I love esp the machines and esp the leg machines. Leg day is my fave! Can I ask you, did you grieve your clothes? Even though they are big now I like them. I remember when I lost before I grieved them because I'd raised babies with them all and kept some just as memories. Lol! But will just alter what I can and the rest will buy new. Bet no one ever asked you that one! Lol! Unless you've been there and dropped several sizes before you wouldn't understand. 💗 And do we need to add quote when replying because won't these get too long? Lol! Have a great Friday!! ⚘️ Wow! That's awesome. I'd take even half that loss and be happy. But would sure be nice to lose quite a bit so my low back can calm down. Severe osteoarthritis there. About 240 lbs now. 277 was my highest many years back. Lost 100 through diet and exercise and slowly came back. Then end of 2021 was 265. So did it again. Ate less, moved more and lost 64.5 lbs about 2 years ago and got to 200. Felt sooo much better even there but slowly back now to 240! Blah! Surgery most likely early Nov for sleeve. Said bypass will cause ulcers since only ibuprofen helps my back. Can I ask you about exercise you did? Also that you do now? And did you have any skin removal? May need that around my middle later on. Heard someone with our insurance got that covered also. Praying for that but will save up for it if I have to. Thanks for any advice and info! You look great and I know you must FEEL better. That's what I want. I never sought surgery to look better but hopefully will. I just feel terrible and need some relief and want the weight to stay gone. Using this tool to help me remain smaller.

So loveies, week 1 post op down 7 lbs went in at 227 started my journey at 247 lbs. I find the post op liquid diet is frustrating just sipping fluids all day until go to sleep. It really does tale all day to get those fluids in. I belch alot not sure why. The past 2 mornings I've woken up extremely nauseous. Anyone else have/ had these issues. On a good note Dietician called scheduled appointment for next week to hopefully upgrade me to puree/ soft diet

So loveies, week 1 post op down 7 lbs went in at 227 started my journey at 247 lbs. I find the post op liquid diet is frustrating just sipping fluids all day until go to sleep. It really does tale all day to get those fluids in. I belch alot not sure why. The past 2 mornings I've woken up extremely nauseous. Anyone else have/ had these issues. On a good note Dietician called scheduled appointment for next week to hopefully upgrade me to puree/ soft diet

I spoke with the nurse last night and tomorrow I get to begin the soft proteins phase, which will be one week post-op. I'm going to the grocery store tonight. I will have to start separating food and liquids, waiting 30 minutes after drinking to eat and then 30-60 minutes after eating to drink. This is going to be a challenge because it takes me forever to drink anything. Part of the problem is I am developing an aversion to my protein shakes and anything sweet or artificially flavored. I think it's time to start making use of my unflavored protein and Greek yogurt to make my own shakes because the commercial stuff is just tasting terrible. Soft proteins include cottage cheese, string cheese, ricotta, flaky white fish, ground poultry, refried beans, tuna salad, eggs, yogurt, and tofu. My eating schedule when I begin soft proteins will be: Breakfast soft protein 16-20oz fluid plus a protein shake between breakfast and lunch Lunch soft protein 16-20 oz fluid plus a protein shake between lunch and dinner Dinner soft protein 16-20 oz fluid plus a protein shake after dinner/before bed

Im posting this here in case it helps someone else. These are the workout video creators I follow on YouTube. I am three months(ish) out from gastric sleeve surgery so I like to switch it up. Leslie Sansone-Walk Away the Pounds. She is the OG of walking videos. Her walks range from ten minutes to 45 minutes. The majority require no equipment and the ones that do have it as optional. I started with her immediately after surgery. Now to challenge myself, I do them in my pool for more resistance. The downside is she is EXTREMELY OVER THE TOP PEPPY so sometimes I've muted her and have followed along to my own music. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVl6ZdslZz2Zj-34bMJFPbg Burpee Girl-I just found her and I do at least two of her workouts a week. She can be modified for all levels. She has videos that are walking to Pilates to dumbbell work. Her music she uses is extremely upbeat and engaging. She also has active break segments in her videos so you get a chance to cool down in between rounds. She doesnt talk or explain the moves but there is a ten second preview of each exercise before you do it. Highly recommended if you're wanting to challenge yourself a bit more. I put her at an intermediate level. When I outgrew Leslie Sansone, I found Burpee Girl and love her content. https://www.youtube.com/c/BurpeeGirlLiss Billy Blanks-Tae Bo. AS a 90's girl, I remember doing this in gym class and sweating to death. He has his own YouTube channel with really good workouts. A lot of focus on kicking and punching, great for when I need to expend a lot of negative energy. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGIp3jifsoufZv_y8_c1Qg Yoga with Kassandra- She is so soothing. I love her videos and do them on my off days to stretch. She's very calm and it makes you feel like you're in a yoga class. If you cant do a move, she recommends ways to do it so you can modify your practice. I am not a yoga person but the stretches help and she doesnt make it new agey.https://www.youtube.com/c/yogawithkassandra

Hi folks! I had surgery on Feb 27. Stayed at hospital overnight to verify I passed the swallow leak test. They also wanted to make sure I could drink. Now I’m home. Everything feels 10x better, but I’m still getting spasms in my stomach (nearly) every time I swallow something. It has prevented me from much intake since it is so exhausting. I’m never hungry though now so I just give up eating. My lack of interest in food is a bit scary. I feel like I’m flipping from an over-eater to anorexic. My doctor required a two week full liquid pre-diet and a 24 hr clear liquid only pre-diet. I lost 15 lbs pre-op. I’m 5’3” and started at 210. Since surgery, I’m down another 9 lbs. I’ve been averaging about 1.5 lbs down per day. Yesterday was the first day I was able to finish 2 protein shakes (finally)! I know this rate of decline won’t continue indefinitely, but I’ll be at my target by summer the way things are progressing. I feel like this is a roller coaster and I’m just barreling down a high peak. It is exciting and scary all at the same time.

So after my revelation yesterday, I had my weekly therapy session. I have been going to therapy for almost a year now, mainly to help with my PTSD, and now moreso to address some of my trauma when it comes to my weight, and how that effects my emotional eating. I brought up my thoughts to my therapist, and she agreed that it is self-perception, not how my loved ones are seeing me. I'll be the first to admit, that I don't particularly like being emotional in front of other people, and in the entire year I have been attending therapy, I have only cried in front of my therapist 2-3 times. I found it quite hard to hold back the tears during this session (though that didn't stop me) - I realised that I have only really scratched the surface of the trauma I have from past relationships, and how that has completely tattered my self-image. More than anything, I realise that now more than ever, I need to address this as I approach the beginning of my weight loss journey. It is becoming more and more apparent, as everyone says, that surgery really is just a tool. It will give me that initial kick to lose weight so that I see the physical benefits: I will be in less pain, more able to get up and move about, more energy. I will *hopefully* feel more positive in myself and more confident. But the rest of the work, well, surgery can't do that for me. I am responsible for changing my behaviour & attitude, and I think for me at least that starts with being kinder to myself. I can't remember a time where I have been kind to my body, in how I treat it, and how I think about it. I realise that if I want to be successful on this journey, I need to work on me as a whole, body and mind, or else success isn't something I'll be able to achieve. Old habits would creep in, and my expectations would be too high. I am now attempting to drop the mindset of: "when I am skinny everyone will love me, and they will all treat me better and I will be an amazing person" - because truly, that has been my internal narrative, and I didn't see it as a negative until the other day. I need to rework it into: "I am me now, and I will be the same person on the inside even when I have lost weight. Those who I care about already love me and treat me with respect and care, and anyone who doesn't, isn't deserving of knowing me. Regardless of if I am 20 stone, or 11 stone. I am worthy of love". So, time to put my words into action 🤞🌸

This situation is a catch 22 because no one knows exactly what the insurance requirements are and no one will tell us. The dieticians job is to help you lose weight, period. Whether that’s in your best interest or not is where it gets tricky. On one hand If you are in a supervised weight loss program (the six month requirement by a lot of insurances) they are trying to see if you can lose the weight on your own before they approve it. So in theory if you lose too much they could deem you not a good candidate for surgery. On the other hand, every pound you lose the heathy way should make you that much more fit for the operation (not if you malnourished though). Plus, if you really can lose it without surgery obviously not putting your body through surgery would be ideal. if the dieticians way is something you have never tried before and when you try it you feel like you can do it, losing weight without surgery is obviously preferred. BUT, just because the insurance company sees progress and decides that you should be able to lose it based on the trend doesn’t mean they are right (they are not doctors and should not be making these decisions IMO). I know myself I have probably lost 1000 pounds in my life but that’s because I have always lost a few and gained them back but never got near a healthy weight. Whether you have tried everything, including the dieticians way, only you know. I had sleeve three years ago and my high weight was 235 and I’m taller than you. So I was lower BMI as well. On surgery day I was 220ish and I was fine but I did not start losing until my pre op diet began. During my 6 month supervised diet I did follow the diet they set out for me to the best of my ability BUT the cheat days basically offset my progress so I didn’t really lose anything. Now I am considering revision and there is not any weight requirements as far as I know but I started at like 245 this time anyways so I’m not as afraid to lose a little. I asked him what I should do and he said to keep my Carbs below 40 for now (I am most likely having the SADI so carbs are gonna be most important post surgery). Well I am losing but less than a pound a week so no one is raising any eyebrows at my loss. Anyways If I was in your position I would reduce my calories by like 100 at a time and see how I felt after a week adjusting to that. (Mayne you can get to 1200 with the dieticians help and maybe you decide that you want to try it once the dieticians way before you decide). On days like you four hour swim I would ask the doctor their opinion because 1200 calories does not seem enough for that level of activity. I think if it was me, I would stick to eating healthy choices for now. Try out new, healthy recipes and get used to the food you will need to eat post surgery. I would try to get to the 1200 because they are the dietician but portion wise I would cut my calories slowly to get there and see how my body reacted at each stage. (Just be honest with yourself about whether you really need or just want the calories) if I was really losing more than ever before and it seemed like something I could sustain, I would then re-evaluate whether I should be jumping into major surgery just yet. But if I decided that i couldn’t do it on my own and for sure wanted surgery i would talk to my doctor about how much they would like to see me lose to be fit for surgery.

hiya! and congrats on the weight loss and 18 year maintenance! thats awesome to your questions: (1) can't really comment for U.S. surgeon recommendations as i'm up in Canada and had mine done up here. though sometimes when i read U.S. prices posted on here, it seems like prices up here are cheaper than the U.S., and its in Canadian dollars so thats like monopoly money for you guys. 🤷🏻‍♀️ (2) I had a breast lift in 2019 no implant nor fat transfer (a had an arm lift and tummy tuck as well...all 3 in one shot) and i actually stayed the same bra size before and after surgery...the bras just fit differently on my lifted boobs. I technically should be wearing a 28D (my torso circumference is on the small side of normal), but since 28D is like finding a unicorn in the stores, i mostly have 30Cs in my closet. so while the bra size remained the same, i fill them out better now....i used to just stuff all my boob material in the cup of a full coverage bra. Now, i can wear those demi-cup style bras without looking like im carrying two bowls of jiggly pudding on my chest ahhahahha. And i can wear those triangle bikini tops and NOT look like i'm spilling out the sides NOR do i have the separated-elongated cleavage look anymore, if that description makes sense. AND i can go commando and not wear a bra at all and still remain relatively perky. good luck! ❤️ p.s. i'm curious as to the reasons why you are not pleased with your thigh lift?

as long as you're sticking to your plan, then it's likely fluid retention (have you been eating more salty things lately?) - or hormonal stuff - or full intestines. A 5.5 lb true gain would mean you've eaten 19,200 extra calories this past week above and beyond what your body needs. So that means an extra 2700-ish calories a day - on top of whatever calories your body needs. If your normal intake is about 1200 kcal, that would mean you're averaging 3900 kcal/day. I'm betting not. I'd say it's likely fluid - or poop.

HI All! I'm on day 3 of liquid diet and surgery is set for 11/30/23. I'll be taking off all of December from work as that is what doctor suggested for recovery time. My job is physically and mentally demanding. So, where did you/everyone get their bariatric Vitamins and calcium chews? My doctor recommended chewables for first 3 months, and honestly, I'm not a pill person anyway, if I can avoid it. Trying to watch my pennies, aren't we all, so thought I'd ask and hope for some good recommendations. The Kaiser Program I am going through recommends a couple different Vitamin brands to choose from: Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. Still, would like to hear the vitamins you are using even if not the brands I mentioned. Thanks for your feedback in advance.

That's interesting... I had revision surgery the day before you, so we should be on the same stage, but even over a week after you posted this, I'm only allowed 3oz protein and 1oz veg, fruit, OR starch. 4 oz. total, with no indication that these amounts will ever change moving forward. And I'm being told that I should not be using protein shakes anymore if at all possible. I'm struggling with how to consistently get 20g of protein per meal when I can only have 3oz. at a time. If I could just eat plain chicken breast for every meal, sure. But I'm not cleared for unrestricted textures yet, and canned chicken breast is only 15g protein for 3oz. The dietician also REFUSES to give me any guidance on how many calories I should be aiming for per day and says that I shouldn't be "restricting," because I'm in my "maintenance phase" now. Which I am extremely confused by, because according to their plan, I'm still on "soft foods" until Monday, 2/25. And I have 25-50lbs to lose, still at the high end of the "overweight" BMI range.

@BlueParis I don't blame you for wanting some sun! We've finally had some nice weather here and it makes such a difference. We're in that little sliver of time where it's nice and not too hot. I know that in another few weeks I'm likely to be desperate for air-conditioning, but today I have the windows open and a light blanket on my lap and it's perfect. I hope you get better weather soon. I had a great opportunity on Wednesday night to join in on a Q&A session with Dr. Matthew Weiner. It was a small group, like four of us, and we just got to ask questions. I filled him in on my weight loss so far, including highest weight, how much I lost with diet changes, how much with the pre-op diet, and then the much slower weight loss since surgery. He told me that even though it seems slower, he thought I was pretty much on track. Apparently when you're calculating weight loss expectations for surgery, it's better to use your highest weight (especially if it's relatively recent, I think) because it's more realistic. So, for example, if I use 251lbs as my start, it suggests a final weight of 166. If I use 238 lbs (the weight I was on day one of the pre-op diet), it suggests 157 lbs, and if I use 223 (the day before surgery weight), it suggests 147 lbs. Dr. Weiner said 147 lbs is most likely not a realistic goal because I wasn't really, metabolically, a 223 lb person when I had surgery. I was a 251 lb person who had lost 28 lbs, and that distinction is important. Honestly, seeing this range of outcomes makes me feel better about where I'm at. I don't have a particular weight I "must" hit as a goal. I'm happy losing weight in a sustainable way and being healthier, whatever that ends up being. I just wanted to have a goal in my mind, and I was starting to worry I was not going to succeed because it's been so slow. But, even though I've barely lost anything since mid-April, I've still lost 50 lbs since last summer, and that should be something to celebrate!

Hey Folks, So I am finishing the pre surgery process here in a couple weeks and it is starting to be real that I’m really going to get the surgery and life as I know it now is going to change. Has anyone dealt with fear of what their new body will look like? I’ve been plus size my entire life. I’m nervous as to what my new body will look like. I worked hard to get to body neutrality and I feel myself starting to fixate on weight I may or may not lose. Has anyone else felt this way?

TW: mental health issues, suicide, infertility I've gotten those comments already (only 3 months in, and nowhere near my goal weight), and in the past during other diet-based weight loss. I used to try to convince myself that these people mean well, that they're trying to show they care, or trying to give backhanded compliments. 2024 me? Nah. They're being petty, they're being bullies, they're jealous, they feel like your success highlights any issues they fault with their own body, etc. The only time I successfully lost weight 'on my own' through diet and exercise, I ended up gaining it all back and more -- and while I logically know it was my own choices that led to it, there was also my 'best friend' telling me that I looked like I was dying, that I looked like a cancer patient, etc, and then inviting me over and peer pressuring me into the most unhealthy foods. I was young and I had always been easily intimated / manipulated by her; I had always had **** self esteem and found my own value only through what others said they valued of me, etc. I know I was in a bad mental place to begin with. But it was absolutely brutal. But nobody, nobody, should be saying these kinds of things to another. Whether you're close to each other or barely know each other. Whether they're 'teasing' or not. It would be absolutely awesome if the world / society could normalize not making un-asked for comments about other people's looks. How about we apply 'consent' when it comes to these sorts of conversations? FFS. I'm sure I'm not the only one whom has had comments made while they were overweight. People, strangers, asking if you're pregnant, if you're female presenting. ((Afterwards, I always wished I could go back in time and cause a scene -- cause no, asshat, I'm actually unable to have children and it ruined several relationships and led to depression and suicidal ideation. But thanks for giving me that extra scoop of pasta sauce since it looks like I'm "eating for two.")) So many people have body issues, weight related or otherwise. Body dysmorphia. Mental health issues. Triggers. And what right does any person have to comment on someone else's appearance? If someone wants to go to the grocery store in their pjs, what's it to you? If someone got a new hair cut and you really don't like it, stfu. If someone lost over half their body weight, why do you feel entitled to question them about it or tell them you liked them better with a little more meat on their bones? (Not... you. You know. Societal 'You'.) There's a big difference between saying "Wow, you're looking good today" or "Is that a new shirt? It looks great on you" and letting the compliment receiver decide if they want to open the conversation up from there, and saying things like "Oh god, you're losing so much you're gonna disappear" or "ugh, you're losing so much weight, enough already." ... anyway. I'll end my venting-vomit with: I'm trying so hard these days to have the confidence in setting my own boundaries and actually enforcing them. I'm starting to figure out lines I can say when people cross them. I'm trying not to let my inner rage at a world full of entitled bullies make me someone who bullies back, but yeah, maybe next time someone seems fit to complain about my looks I'll find something they probably don't want to talk about either. If I'm fair game, so are they. Eat some karma. 😈

You'll have to call your surgeon's office and ask. Every surgeon is different. Some require fasting the day before, others do clear liquids only, some require you take Miralax the night before, some don't. Mine required a 3 week pre-op diet for me, the last week of which was liquids. And nothing but water after midnight the night before except the pre-op drink, though I stopped drinking shakes at 5 pm since my surgery was scheduled for 7:30 am the next morning and I wanted to be extra safe. I had to stop all fluids one hour before arriving at the hospital, even water. They should go over all this for you at your pre-op appointment!

Thank you so much!!! I actually just bought some a week ago and made a chocolate flourless cake with it- I would have sworn it was real sugar!! So tasty! Incredible product and did not cause any dumping or problems! (I only had a teeny weeny slice). I agree with the whey protein too- I tried some flavored and I just can’t do the artificial sweeteners- even the stevia causes issue! Thank you for taking the time to write- I really appreciate it!

Thank you so much!!! I actually just bought some a week ago and made a chocolate flourless cake with it- I would have sworn it was real sugar!! So tasty! Incredible product and did not cause any dumping or problems! (I only had a teeny weeny slice). I agree with the whey protein too- I tried some flavored and I just can’t do the artificial sweeteners- even the stevia causes issue! Thank you for taking the time to write- I really appreciate it!

I buy 6pk Hanes at Walmart and they are inexpensive. So, outgrowing them is not a problem to replace while I'm dropping sizes. Hanes Women's Cotton Bikini Underwear, 6-Pack - Walmart.com Bras are a bit harder to fit into...literally. I buy at thrift shops and will, until my weight stabilizes. I buy stretchy full cups and use bra extenders when needed. Sometimes the cup is right, but the smaller band sizes don't fit around me. I'm able to wear for longer periods of time using the extenders. I am now wearing a couple bras I bought a couple months ago. No longer spilling out of them and no longer needing the extenders. I'm having a harder time with pant sizes. I tried on jeans today I couldn't fit into a few weeks back. I guess I waited too long because now they are too big to even wear so they went into the donate pile. Makes me super happy :)

I'm a little more than halfway through my preop liquid diet (sleeve scheduled for December 16th!) and I'm concerned that I'm not losing any weight. My surgeon recommended Bariatric Advantage shakes, along with Clear liquids. I do 3 of the shakes a day (his recommendation) along with Water, broth, sugar free Jello, and sugar free power aid. I've only lost 1 pound since starting the preop diet. Is this normal? I'm terrified that my liver will not have shrunk enough and he won't be able to do my surgery. Am I worrying too much? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've never counted carbs - whole or net. My program stressed eating balanced meals (not low-carb, like many of them do), and also, I'm not very carb-sensitive (I know a lot of people ARE). two weeks isn't that long for a stall. They usually last 1-3 weeks, and sometimes they can go ever longer as you get closer to goal. (the last few months I kept thinking, "well, this must be it...", but then I'd drop a couple of pounds). You can't really break a stall - it's part of losing weight. Your body has to stop and recalibrate every once in a while. The best thing to do is make 100% sure you're sticking to your program, and only weigh yourself once a week or so until it breaks. you may be far from over. I kept losing weight until month 20. But those last few pounds were a bear to get off...