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You look amazing, well done and good luck with the surgery. I look forward to hearing about your plastics journey in the coming weeks and months.

Post op day 3. Feeling 300% better than yesterday! Still sore but I danced in the kitchen this morning and went for several short walks. I even read for about an hour in the sun. The weather down here is phenomenal!! Still trying to find a good position for sleeping. Being on my back sucks. I think the worst part is that I have to get these compression socks back on. Ughhhhhh

Surgery completed 1/8/25! Currently day 3 post op Nd feeling pretty good! Stitches are a little sore, but manageable with my tylenol and gabapentin! Meeting my water goals and feeling pretty positive about this

Well, it's highly dependent on where I'm at in a training cycle, but it might look a little like this: Monday: Rest Day. Tuesday: This is my speedwork day when I do intervals. What that specifically looks like is different depending on my current goals. For example, If I'm training for a shorter race like a 5k, I'll probably do more intervals at a faster pace, but the intervals will be shorter in duration. For example, I might do 8 total intervals at RPE 9 for ~2 minutes. In between each interval, I'll rest for 2 minutes. On either side of the interval work, I'll do a 10 minute warm up and a 10 minute cool down. Thus the entire run takes roughly 52 minutes. If I'm training more for a half marathon, I'll do more like 3-4 intervals but they may each be as long as 6 or 8 minutes. Rest periods will probably be ~2-3 minutes. Note that these are done at a slower pace, so more like an RPE of 7-8. Regardless of what the intervals look like, I always warm up and cool down for at least 10 minutes each. Wednesday: This is typically a strength training day for me. Sometimes I may run 2-3 miles afterward, though more often than not, I cross train on the bike, or sometimes do some rowing. Thursday: This is what I call my "Distance Run" day. It's typically going to be between 50% and 80% of my long run mileage, so if I'm doing 30 miles a week, it might be somewhere around 5 to 8 Miles. This is almost always done at an easy pace, but I do tend to add in strides toward the end. (Strides, for those that don't know are short 20 to 30 second accelerations followed by a minute or so rest. Because they are so short, they don't tend to add a lot of extra systemic or muscle fatigue or increase injury risk like you'd have for normal speed training.) Friday: This is when I do Race Specific Pace Runs, Hill Running, Tempo Runs or Threshold Runs. Again, this is highly dependent on where I'm at in a training cycle, but an example leading up to a half marathon might be a 10 minute warm up followed by 40 minutes at my half marathon goal pace, followed by a 10 minute cool down. Saturday: This is my other strength training day. Here, since I've accumulated a lot of weekly fatigue by this point, I'm a lot less likely to run afterward, meaning if I do anything after the strength session, it's going to be on the bike or rowing (or nothing at all if I'm wiped 😄). Sunday: This is my long run day. As a general rule, I don't want this to be more than about 30-33% of my overall weekly mileage. Thus if I'm at ~30 miles for the week, my long run won't be more than 10 or at most 11 miles. Most of my long runs are done at an easy pace, but I do sometimes add in some faster pace work toward the middle or end. It's all dependent on my goals. Overall, 30 miles per week is really not that hard for me at this point. Keep in mind, I'm retired now and my kids are grown so I don't have to worry about fitting this in around work or my kids needs. Now as I increase my mileage working up to 50-60 in prep for my fall marathon, I'm expecting that will be a lot more challenging. Physically I think it will be fine, I'm more worried about my ability to dial in my nutrition. It will be a lot of extra calories burned in a week and my fueling strategy has to be really dialed in for the 18 or 20 mile long runs I'll be doing toward the end. I have a tendency toward hypoglycemia if i don't get my fueling perfect. It would not be good to pass out when running!

Honestly these are questions best answered by your surgical team and dietitian. The presurgical diets vary widely from surgical team to surgical team, so they're in the best position to advise you on when to start it and what to eat. While as you said, it may not hurt to start early, it also may not really do much either. Keep in mind that the main goal of a liver reduction diet for most patients is to reduce stores of glycogen and water in your liver. 2 weeks is plenty of time to accomplish that. For larger patients, or patients with a fatty liver, they sometimes have to have an extended pre-surgical diet of 4 weeks plus to try to also reduce the excess fat that has been deposited there. This is really a patient by patient thing based on the surgeon's preferences. I for example, had a 21 day liquid only pre-surgical diet.

I had to do the liver shrinking diet pre-op for 2 weeks. 2 shakes a day then I ate a bag of frozen stir fry vegetables with 3 ounces of lean chicken or beef season fried in soy sauce for my evening meal. It was delish. I lost weight. High volume, low calorie. I'd enjoy the food while you can. JS

I had a very similar experience about a week to 10 days post sleeve surgery! It was awful, never had anything like it previously in my life! I had some San Pellegrino laxative very effective, it took a few hours, but worked very well! Sweet relief!!

Hi everyone, I had my Lap-Band placed in 1999 in Monterrey, Mexico by Dr. Roberto Rombaut, and I’ve had it ever since — over 25 years now. I was a longtime patient of Dr. Brinkley in Maryland, who recently retired. She always performed blind fills for me, and that approach worked perfectly — I’ve maintained success with my band for decades. I typically only need a fill about once every 3 years, so I’m not seeking ongoing adjustments — just an occasional, simple fill when things begin to loosen. I’m aware that my pouch may be slightly distended over time, but I have no interest in surgery or revision. I just want to continue with what has been working. If anyone knows of a caring, experienced provider in the Fairfax, VA or Washington, D.C. area who still performs blind fills, I’d be so grateful for any recommendations. Thank you so much! Beth

Oh the disposable knickers may be useful at least for a couple of days. Friend was advised by her surgeon to wear disposable knickers for the first week. Sudden and unexpected diarrhoea is a possibility and you shouldn’t trust a fart for the first week or so. Wish my surgeon suggested the paper knockers. My real knickers ended up in the bin at the hospital. Got up to pee, took three steps and oh my God!! Away it came. Of course it doesn’t happen to everyone but it’s not worth the risk. Glad things are going well so far.

i wouldn't worry too much about a 3 lb gain over 10 days, especially if you haven't drastically changed your eating habits and/or activity level. maybe if those 3 lbs are still there a month from now, you can do some re-evaluating, but until then, TRY not to stress (yeah, i know easier said....) case in point: 3 nights ago, i weighed myself and i was up 5.2 lbs. now i don't usually weigh at night, and i hadn't pooped in a few days, AND i JUST had dinner, AND i had a super extra-salty vodka caesar. then yesterday morning, i was a little over 1lb less than my "normal"...(i pooped! lol, and it was morning, my usual weigh in time). i didn't eat less nor more, i didn't exercise less nor more either. long story short, our weight will fluctuate (sometimes by alot) day to day. what matters is your average weight over time (and not over 10 days, but over months) good luck! you are doing great ❤️

Interesting that it's called barley in the UK! We have a different grain we call barley, but the word "farro" is really odd here in that technically there are 3 different varieties of wheat berries we call farro: emmer, spelt & einkorn. These are all really ancient wheat grains that predate modern wheat. The word "farro" is obviously a loan word from Italian and we can thank the large Italian immigrant contingent here for it (and for bringing over some tasty ways to prepare it). Regardless, I agree that it's such a wonderful grain and sadly underutilized here in the states. I think our traditional barley is mostly used in soups and stews here, but farro is more common in salads like I made, or sometimes as a side dish similar to how you might make a risotto (another wonderful Italian dish). Sorry for going off on a tangent a bit, but I'm a huge food history geek and find it fascinating how what we eat has evolved and changed over time!

I don’t have an idea yet how long. Need to lose 13 pounds and then see the nutritionist, psych etc. The pre-surgery diet I was given is a 1200 calorie. 60-80 grams PRO 130 grams Carbohydrates 30-45 grams Fat Breakfast 3 PRO Servings OR 2 PRO plus 1 Yogurt 1 Starch, 1 Fruit, and 1 Fat Lunch Same as above PLUS 2 non-starchy vegetables Dinner 3 PRO 2 Non-Starchy Vegetables 1 Starch, 1 Fruit, and 1 Fat MAX of 2 Yogurts per day

Hi! I am 51 years old, turning 52 in April. I had the duodenal switch loop surgery on 10/31/23 when I was 50.5 years old. Like many people, I regret having the WLS sooner. Even with the complications that happened post op. I am excited also because I am scheduled for excess skin removal in 3/17/25!

Hi lovelies, I hope you’re all doing well? You were all so supportive with the question I asked a few weeks ago that I thought I would come here and see if you have any advice for me now! As of tomorrow I am eight weeks out from the gastric bypass procedure. I have lost quite a bit of weight (2 stone) which I’m absolutely delighted about (and people are starting to notice which has been a really good feeling). However, I must have THE most stubborn self sabotaging streak because I have started to drink alcohol again (and not just on special occasions) as well as not following the food rules and not exercising. I can’t understand why I’m being like this because my family are so happy that I’ve done this and have been so supportive, and my friends (even though they don’t know about the operation are really starting to notice) so WHY am I doing this to myself? I just wondered if you guys knew of a reason I may have hit the wall so early (I really do not want to fail) and especially if you have any advice, book recommendations apps or anything that I might be able to do to help me get back on track and find my way again. Really appreciated as always thank you xx

Hi, new here... I am in the final evaluations pre gastric sleeve... I have a paid journey to Disney June 1- june 6... 4-5 weeks post op is too soon for that? I'm 39, no diabetes or HTN... I'm traveling with my 5 yr old son, so I don't think I will use any big or dangerous roller coaster... I am from Puerto Rico

Have my two week follow up tomorrow and start purées!

You are hot! rock on with your bad self! My style has changed for sure, I would wear only bootcut jeans, loose tops, never tank tops, never shorts, wore a ton of makeup. I am 36 and a mom of 3 younger children, so my everyday I am more simple, mom jeans and a crop top with my vans/converse, or I will wear skinny jeans and a tank top. I will wear shorts and crop top/ tank/fited top, summer dresses. Minimal makeup, just my lash extensions and eyebrows (unless I'm going out or having a date night then I will glam up!) I am back to brown hair which I feel suits me more. Also with my new enhancement I feel sexier when I wear tops. Going swimming I will wear a bikini (GASP!) I feel like dressing up everyday for work and to actually try!

Well it took a week, but I shifted 1 kg (2lbs) to now be below 100kg!! 99.9 lol I am taking it!!

I'm glad you don't have the 12 week milk diet. It was difficult and I slipped up occasionally, but it was helpful for losing weight and shrinking the liver. Because of the 12 week diet, I lost 12.9 kg (28lbs) in those three months. My NHS trust just flat out said "no ozempic" At the time, it was because it hadn't quite been approved for the NHS But I wouldn't have wanted that anyway as it would mean injections for the rest of my life and a lot of people have endless diarhoea on those meds. I had one session with an NHS psychologist and one group session. I don't really know about what tiers I had. I asked for a referral for the weight loss team, then I had an information session which was via zoom where each the nurse, dietician and psychologist gave some advice about the programme. Then I had an individual session with each one. Once I was approved, I had fortnightly appointments with the medical team to check how my weight loss was going with the milk diet, pre surgery vitals and then the surgery itself. I had a one month and 6 month follow up with the surgical nurse. Next month, I have a phone call with the psychologist. It sounds to me like you are getting a lot more psychological support than I did, which I think is great. It really makes a big difference.

Well, I finally decided to join the fun here in this thread: I pretty typical breakfast for me: This is ~3/4 cups of 2% Greek Yogurt, some thawed frozen cherries and some protein boosted granola. I don't really log my food, so I'm just guessing as to nutrition, but I'd think this is ~250 cals and ~22 grams of protein. Why 2% Greek Yogurt? Because that's what my wife prefers, so that's what we buy. I don't have a strong preference, but personally would probably buy full fat if I were buying it just for me. Note that I often change out the fruit based on what we have and what's fresh in the store.

I never did puree because the idea of eating blended food was just BLECH. I went from liquids to soft, mushed foods. So I did liquids for 2 weeks, then I did soft, mushy foods for 3 weeks. I ate things like creamy soup, refried beans, mashed potatoes, avocado spread, hummus, yogurt, mashed black beans, and then the 3rd week I ate tuna, cottage cheese, SUPER steamed veggies, etc... But I only ate about 2 to 2 1/2 oz each time because there was NO WAY I could eat more.

I've been craving catfish lately. Workweek was freakin' nuts......came home from 16hr day yesterday and collapsed on the bed...grateful it was the last day...woke up this morning with the sunlight beaming down through the window. I'm always up well before dawn.....not today. A pot of coffee.....over midmorning news.....superhot shower and went out to get the makings for my only meal today. Keto catfish. Ran the fillets through and egg bath and then rolled them around in almond flour. Fried in avocado oil. Just prior to picking up a fork I dosed them with hot sauce. Not bad. Did not toss into the trash, lol. Took 30 mins but I knocked off 2/3 of the fish and 1/2 the steamed vegetables. Tonight's lunch/dinner was fried catfish.....keto friendly version. Egg wash then a roll in some seasoned almond flour. Fried in avocado oil.

How is everyone going who's on Pre Op? I am a week out from surgery (16th) as of today, 😬 have lost 3.2kg (7 pounds) since starting pre op on the 1st Jan, 5kg (11 ponds) since first consult in Sept. I am nervous it's getting close now, and I have to travel for work next week, can only have shakes and veggies next week it is going to be tricky getting healthy veg when not at home!

@Mspretty86 I'm certain I am a rare case, I got a lift, large implant and internal bra- everywhere I read was rest for 7days, then light walking afterwards, weights after 6 weeks. I was unable to ANYTHING working out or getting my heart elevated for 7 weeks! His explanation was that he didn't want my elevated heart rate to cause swelling in the capsule that he made for the implant then the implant settle in my armpit because my swelling stretched out the internal capsule. I spent A LOT of money for these girls and he kept telling me not to mess up my investment. LOL After 7 weeks I got the okay to start walking, and lower body. I go back on Friday the 14th and I am hoping he releases me to do upper body so I can get back into the full swing of things. I am 11 weeks, and they are settled pretty well, but they have very minimal bounce LOL! When I do work out I wear two sports bras just to keep them in place, because I have big implants. I want to keep them perky as long as possible. I can push them together in bralettes and lingerie for sexy time. They stay up and look so effing good ha! I am still in a post op bra, really hoping on Friday he tells me I can start wearing regular bras at least for events for a couple of hours or so.

We all felt that anxiety and worry about how things will change, as humans we don't like change much. But for most it's a good change aand whilst it's definitely not easy, it does get easier day by day, week by week from that surgery day! Eating clean whilst on the road is not easy, but also not too hard. You can always take protein shakes/bars etc with you for your small meals. It's also easy to find rotisserie chicken, or to ask for a burger without the bun etc. Remembering you CAN'T eat much, and have to prioritise protein first, so it is possible, just make better choices. The surgery doesn't mean you have to find organic salad all the time, you will be able to cope fine 😊