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9 months post RNY. Down 135 since surgery. Down 184 from HW. ***I've begun actively selling and getting rid of my old clothes. It's hard. It's a thing. I was attached to that wardrobe and there was a lot of time and money invested in finding clothing that fit, clothing that was for different weight fluctuations (or ever increasing), fit my needs and was as flattering as possible given being morbidly obese. There was clothing for work, special occasions, and travel. I should have gotten rid of items starting long ago. But I notoriously hang onto things "just in case," and then when I finally get rid of them, I want them a week later. And there is the ever present fear of failure of needing big clothes again someday. But, it was time........I'm also being selective where my items go, and I'm lazy. I would like to get some money where possible but will donate to the right cause. Despite hearing over and over that places gladly accept plus-sized clothing, I'm not finding that to be the case. I don't live in a metropolitan area where there are lots of options. The one women's shelter in town was not interested as they have no place to store clothing. Our one consignment store is a bit sketchy. You get the idea. I posted some items on social media (even that is more work than I am really interested in, so Poshmark, Mercari or the like is off the table). Long story short....a lady purchased some of my favorite items. I didn't ask for much money for them. I'm sure I could have gotten more but by this point, once I've made the decision to clean out, I just want them gone. I also let her take a great many items that had been altered but not professionally. Items that I didn't feel that I should charge for. She was so grateful and so excited. I was thrilled to see someone as excited by the nicer items as I once was. Having some of the clothing gone is liberating and I'm glad to be moving forward. I think the clothing was a security blanket of sorts that I just needed to be ready to let go of. ***I had my first appointment with a therapist. So glad I did that. I had some very specific qualifications I was looking for as well as having experience with bariatric patients. She is a perfect fit and was able to help me process some of my feelings and progress. ***As always, am grateful for the level-headed and accurate advice received here.

I’m sorry you are going through this. Have you spoken with a bariatric dietitian? An allergist? I might try an elimination diet to see what’s bothering you. I probably would see a therapist to get some emotional boost because this sounds so discouraging. Gather your emotional supporters to help you remember you are not imagining this. There is an answer for this, and it may take some serious detective work to figure it out. I found out I simply cannot have eggs after surgery and I always was lactose intolerant. Eggs and milk are in almost everything, even deli meats except Boar’s Head.

Hello- Unfortunately-Sadly: Due to Covid19 in my state - They (Insurance/Hospitals) are very very strict on who “needs” surgery the most and so, I haven’t been able to reschedule my surgery. Originally- I was going to have it / around July of 2021 (this year) but I’m just doing my best of remembering to take my prescriptions , multivitamins and have faith. Btw: I will be 33 in December this year & I have other illnesses and disabilities other than Bariatric

I'm taking the Bariatric Pal One multi with iron (https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-day-bariatric-capsule-45mg-iron?channel=buy_button&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bariatricpal.com%2Ftopic%2F437232-what-kind-of-vitamins-should-i-buy%2F&variant=13156335845453&) My surgeon recommended looking for a bariatric specific multivitamin since they have a higher dose of each individual vitamin/mineral than those in the general market for non-bariatric patients. I would have to take 2-3 regular multi pills to fulfill the recommended post surgery daily supplement dose. I'd rather chomp down one pill per day, since I also have to work in 3 500mg calcium chews and they can't be taken together. Some days I toss the chewable multi into a breakfast smoothie. I'm 1-month post op, and I'll revisit the vitamin supplementation scenario at my 3-month followup appointment.

Yes. Lots of regrets but most of it is psychological. I found a bariatric therapist that I'll start seeing next week so I'm hoping to learn better coping mechanisms and a better insight on my weight loss blues. 7 months after surgery about 80 pounds lost and I should be ecstatic. My knees dont hurt anymore I can walk without my feet hurting and stairs are no longer a dreaded force of terror. I should mention that I have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder before surgery and I thought it was under control but faced with not being able to have comfort coping foods old symptoms flared up. Going to get over this Bump in the road though and once I do I'll probably have no regrets. Wish you all the best on your journey. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I agree - I'd call your bariatric clinic and let them know what's going on

If I were you I would call my bariatric office. You body needs water. This sounds very unusual, but something they can take care of, call now and be persistent. I’m not sure of Covid numbers in your area, but I’d probably go to the ER. I wish you well!

The article was on sage bariatric which is a weight loss center in Texas. They have a lot of good information but this the first time I have read anything specific to women. Most of my weight loss happened in the first 6 to 8 weeks so far 30 lbs. But for the past 6 weeks since I have been eating solid food I have not lost weight. My nutritionist suggested eating more calories since I was having difficulty in the beginning eating anything over a 1/2 cup. But I am pass that now and I have to make myself stop at a cup so that I don’t overeat and/or reach my restriction.

I recently came across an article that stated that a small percentage of women ‘miss the hormone’ mark in that they only lose 30-40 lbs total. This seems to only affect female sleevers. Has anyone heard of this phenomenon. I have been in a weight stall for almost 6 weeks and I have been researching articles to help explain what is happening when I came across this article. now on top of everything else I am questioning my decision not to have bypass over sleeve. I was terrified of bariatric surgery and thought that the sleeve was less invasive even with the lack of long term data on its effectiveness. To say the least I am totally demoralized at the moment and feel that I made the wrong decision. I am three months out which I know is early still but I am scared that the more I heal and the more food I can eat this will lead to eventual weight regain instead of just a stall

sleeve doesn't usually cause malabsorption issues, so not sure what this is. I've been hanging out on this and other bariatric sites for about seven years, but I think this is the first time I've heard about low magnesium issues. To answer your question above, PPI is protein pump inhibitor - drugs such as Prilosec (omeprazole), etc - that some people take for acid reflux. EDIT: I just googled it and I read that it CAN be caused by G/I issues (among other possible causes), so maybe?? But again, malabsorption issues with sleeve would be pretty rare. I hope they can figure it out - that sounds dreadful!

I use Bariatric fusion for multivitamin Sent from my U307AS using BariatricPal mobile app

I take Bariatric Pal One-a-Day, which is the most complete and economical brand: a year for $99. It's a fast-dissolving capsule.

Get a couple of Bariatric cook book, which contain lots of suggestions for the various stages. I like these three of all I have purchased online:

I recently vomited up my vitamin for the first time in my life. Have been taking chewable bariatric vitamins for six months, but these particular ones that are capsules for about a month already (with no issues). It was definitely the vitamin though. It was the same yellow color and gave me a taste aversion for the vitamin. Anyways, I always drink a shake in the morning too and I now have been waiting till after I got the whole thing down and it seems to coat the stomach enough that it hasn’t happened again.

My practice does 10 days Lovenox post discharge for lower BMI patients, and 14 days post discharge for higher BMI patients like me. I really dreaded each and every one of those injections and celebrated when that last syringe was used. I think the protocol used to be different, pre-COVID, but they mentioned that they'd seen an increase in unusual post-surgery clots during COVID (I'm not sure if this was just with bariatric surgeries - I assume it was just across the board for surgeries) and so they adjusted on the side of caution.

My surgeon uses a robot to perform the surgery. It is totally manipulated by the surgeon but is supposed to be more precise and recovery is faster. Sent from my SM-N975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi how are you feeling? I had my surgery on the seventh as well. I’m doing pretty good I did read on here that a lot of people were doing proteins shakes and I implement one a day and it messed me up I’m still trying to recover from that.I had my surgery in San Antonio Texas at the Sage bariatric Institute.

Post-op blood thinners are extremely common. Just like most things bariatric related, the duration varies from surgeon to surgeon. I'm scheduled for VSG next week and I believe my surgeon does 10 days. I would say if you have confirmed with your surgeon and have nothing indicating blood thinners would be unsafe (clotting disorder, etc.) the stay the course!

I'm sorry to hear this. Bariatric surgery is so life-changing that it can uncover relationship issues that were previously unrecognized. Would he be willing to do a counseling session to explore why he feels the way he does? Talking it through might help.

So... what to write here.... Well, been a large guy all of my life. I am blessed to be pretty extroverted, and can laugh at myself. After becoming a Dad and realizing how my weight was impacting enjoying life with them, I tried different diets and what not. Was really excited to join one of these weight loss places in town that advertises great results only to see how cost prohibitive it was and felt more like a scam. Decided to pursue bariatric surgery. Given little to no other health issues (HBP only) my surgeon and I decided on the Sleeve. In the middle of the pre-op diet (so much fun). Surgery is set for the end of September.

Hello! I started in May 2021 with my PCP doing the medically supervised diet. Next month will be my 6th and final month and I have lost 10 lbs. I need to lose another 6 lbs to meet the 5% weight loss requirement. I’m in San Diego and my hospital is UCSD La Jolla through Healthnet Medi-Cal. In these past months, I have done a chest xray, esophagus xray, esophageal impedance test, blood work, EKG, met with surgeon, met with hospital bariatric doctor and I just had my psych evaluation. The last thing I need to do is a sleep apnea test. I called to make an appointment for a consultation and the next appointment isn’t until March 2022!! I am so frustrated since I’m almost done with all the requirements and I was hoping to have the surgery in the next few months. I spoke with my coordinator and bariatric doctor. They said I can be put on a waitlist if there are any cancellations for an earlier date. They also suggested I call my PCP to see if she can get me a referral to a sleep clinic outside of UCSD. Waiting to hear back from insurance for approval. If they say no, I am changing insurances. I asked my coordinator if the sleep apnea test was a requirement from my insurance and she said no! The bariatric doctor at UCSD requested I have one done. Not sure why though? I don’t snore or have issues sleeping. Ugh Does anyone know if I do end up switching insurances, do I have to start over or will everything be transferred over? I do not want to wait until March 2022 :(

One of the things that contributed to my stress about this surgery was not knowing what was going to happen. (What can I say, I'm a control freak.) So here is the play-by-play as it pertains to me of my surgery. Your mileage may vary! I'll try to come back and update it. Hopefully it'll be of use to someone—"and knowing is half the battle." Day before surgery Liquid-only diet; two bowls of phở broth, some Protein2O, apple juice, and sugar-free lemon jello. Got about 830 calories in. Had to take a shower with a special CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate) anti-septic body wash. It made my skin a bit "slippery". Packed my bag with my CPAP hose, a book, a spare shirt, some chanclas for walking, my cell phone charger, and my reading glasses. Put out the two pills I was supposed to take (no losartan because it interferes with anesthesia). Day of surgery Took another shower with CHG as required. Reported to the hospital at 0630 as requested. Was checked in and taken to pre-surgery holding. My fiancé was allowed to go with me as an exception, because I'm hard of hearing and rely on lip-reading which is impossible with so many masks and partitions in the way. A surgical RN came and told me to wipe my abdomen with CHG wipes, then put on my surgical gown (which was HUGE on me—I understand I'm a bariatric patient but I literally couldn't keep it on my shoulders). Then he put an IV in the back of my hand, took my vitals (I lost 10 lbs in the two weeks between my surgeon's consultation and surgery day), went through all my medications, put an anti-nausea patch behind my ear, and gave me a blood thinner in my IV. My surgeon came in and asked if I was ready, went over a few things, then went to scrub up. My anesthesiologist came in and asked if I had had anesthesia before (yes), and if I had any questions. I asked him to give me a TAP block at the end of surgery, which is a localized nerve block, like an epidural for your abdomen. It lasts 12-18 hours. I was whisked away and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room, where I was given cognitive tests (what is your name, what hospital are you at, who's the president, etc.) and given ice chips. Once that all proved satisfactory, I was wheeled to my room. I don't remember it, because I fell asleep. Once in the room they put leg compression stockings on me and gave me water, Crystal Light made way too sweet, chicken broth that tasted like a salt lick, and a thicker vegetable purée soup. I couldn't get the vegetable soup down. I forced the chicken broth, Crystal Light, and water. I felt very, very hungry and it was frustrating not to be able to just eat something. I took 3 or 4 laps of the surgical unit floor in my fetching anti-slip socks, and kept falling asleep. The pain from the gas was pretty bad and I spent a good 30 minutes just burping, much to the chagrin of the man in the other bed in the room (though he was moaning so he doesn't get to say anything). Around 1730 the nurse came in, saw that I had drunk what I could and had peed sufficiently (you pee into a graduated container), and that I could walk. She asked my surgeon's permission to discharge me, and I was in the wheelchair going out the door at 1830, exactly 12 hours after I arrived. When we got home, I pretty much washed my hands and face and went straight to bed. I got up probably every 2 hours or so, would have a couple of sips of protein shake or water, along with Gas-X (simethicone) or, as needed, Tylenol. I did get about 7 hours of sleep, in various chunks. I was able to lie, carefully, on my side, which is how I prefer to sleep. My CPAP did increase the gas pressure inside a bit but it was tolerable. Day 1 post-op My first bout of the 'foamies'. I tried to drink a CorePower protein milk way too fast and spent an hour and a half wandering around whimpering. It was actively painful and it felt enough like I needed to vomit that I had a lined bucket at the ready. Eventually, though, it subsided. Gas pain is still here and very real, but better. We went for a walk which absolutely tired me out—and it was barely 500 meters! Right now I am using the timer on my cell phone to remind me to drink 1/3 oz. of fluid every 5 minutes, and I feel full but it's manageable. I am alternating full ounces of regular water and protein water. I also made some Jell-O with extra protein powder but the thought of eating it leaves me cold. If I can get these bottles down plus the shake I had earlier, I'll be pretty close to 48 oz. of fluid which is my surgeon's requirement for the first week (bumps up to 64 oz. after that) and 41 g of protein which will have to do for the first day unless I manage to get some of the Jell-O down me. I have been taking Tylenol, Gas-X, and my ondansetron—the nausea is there but it's in the background, like when you step off a ship onto land at the end of a cruise. I haven't had enough pain to necessitate anything stronger than Extra Strength Tylenol. My incisions are clean (I took a shower).

I had surgery a couple weeks after you, and I noticed this week my hair loss has really sped up. I know its normal, but my hair was thin to begin with. I've been stuggling a lot with it. I dont want to try rogaine or nioxin because they are all dependent upon your continual use of them. However, I am making sure to really stay on top of my vitamins. I also added a sublingual folic acid. I'm also using the Vital Proteins Collegen Peptide powder that you can get at costco. My wife puts it in her coffee every morning. I usually just add it to a protein shake. It came at the recommendation of many friends, two of which also had the sleeve surgery. It helped them with the hair loss. One of them swears by taking the bariatric multivitamin one day and then a prenatal the next day. Dont forget to stay on top of your protein. If you dont, it will make your hair loss worse.

Hey Everyone, I hope you're doing well. Here's a bit of background on me before I get into my current dilemma, if you don't care about that, skip to the TLDR at the end. I'm a 27 year old man and I got my surgery last year. I've always been heavy (the last time I was less than 300 lbs was in elementary school) and I wanted to live a longer, happier life. I talked with my doctor and she said that Bariatric surgery was the best option for me. I went to one Bariatric clinic and was basically treated as a number, so after six months of prep and almost $1k, I left them and went to a Bariatric clinic that a family friend had had good luck with. I had better luck with them and was able to get my surgery ~ 4 months after my first visit with them(vs almost a year with the first one). My finance(then GF) and I actually got COVID three months before my surgery, though it was not horrible for us. My hospital stay was fine and my recovery went pretty well. I had issues with the liquid diet following the surgery, but after that I was fine until now. Read after the TL;DR for my current dilemma. TL;DR: I'm 10 months post-op and my weight loss has stagnated. I'm prepping ~10 oz per meal, though I usually don't finish it, and have been doing that for about a month. I do about 20-30 minutes on a peddle bike (under my desk) per day. My doctor recommended Keto for me (which I tried pre-op and lost 90+lbs, though it was terrible for me psychologically) and I started it today. I was wondering if anyone had any tips to push past the wall I'm stuck on. Thanks for any advice. Paul

pretty much all clinics require a few months of classes and clearance testing. The insurance company should know this since they've covered bariatric patients in the past.