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It does definitely all revolve around food unfortunately! Very interesting that is how your stepmum acted considering everything! But, either way as you say, would help to have someone around that has also had weight loss surgery! A stern no thank you is always a good one haha

I agree with the others, you need to put yourself first. It’s your health and your life. If you get a surgery date, grab it with both hands. All because you can’t eat them doesn’t mean you can’t make them. While I was losing, I had 40th, 60th & 21st birthdays. Went out to dinner and socialised. I just chose not to have any dessert or birthday cake. Actually there were lots of things I couldn’t eat during that time. Didn’t stop me attending nor stop anyone else eating those things. I make the desserts at Christmas - always have so I understand traditions. I was fortunate that I had reached goal by my first Christmas & I had a little taste of some of the things I made but not everything. For example, my family loves pavlova. All because I wasn’t going to eat it didn’t mean I wouldn’t make it for them. It is the season of love & giving after all. I rarely eat desserts or sweet things. My choice. I make exceptions at Christmas, weddings, and the odd other special event but that usually means only a couple of times a year & I’m very cautious of portions when I do. There are lots of us who make foods for others or bring foods to share they don’t eat themselves & not just at Christmas or other seasonal celebrations. If you do experience dumping, & not everyone does, you’ll work out if you can eat any of the foods that set you off in the future. Many find they can have a small taste or find alternatives. Not eating cake or having dessert is a very small negative if you dump on sugar. The benefits of the surgery & your weight loss far, far, far outweigh that negative.

Hello everyone!! I know I did a bit of a vanishing act, but I have things to report in. First of all - I hit a really frustrating plateau that lasted about 3.5 weeks from around weeks 7-10. That had me feeling pretty bummed, as it was post-two month check in and I had been feeling great about my progress before switching from purees to solids. I had last posted about hearing somewhat contradicting information from the nurse and Nutritionist. I had been told that I didn't need to really worry about staying on keto because I wasn't eating much as long as I hit my protein goal and by the nurse to try to stay Keto because eventually I'd get this great burst of energy from going into ketosis. WELL -- After doing some research I found out that the thing your brain tells you would be the worst thing to do - EAT MORE - was actually the solution. I started bringing in more vegetables and an occasional grains while sticking to mostly lean meats, plus using a protein shake for breakfast to keep me on track with my protein goals. I was already using Genepro; and I since picked up one of the Whey protein powders in a chocolate plus some of the PB2. That did the trick! I have started allowing myself an occasional 'cheat' type meal on days that I'm locked in on my protein, and find myself often meeting my protein goal and then some - more like 70g of protein per day rather than the minimum of 60g/day. The result of spreading my meals out - breakfast, three hours later lunch, three hours later 'dinner' and three hours later 'protein snack' if I'm still hungry - DID IT. My energy is up now that I've been walking more and giving my body more fuel. I am seeing the weight loss finally, and even when the scale doesn't show it right away I'm seeing my measurements shift and the way my clothing fits feeling different. I had purchased a cute pair of jeans about a week before my surgery and a button down short sleeve gingham shirt. At the time I couldn't get the jeans all the way up over my thigh; and now they fit loosely. My bras don't fit properly and I already had to buy one in a smaller size. I'm turning down plus sizes clothes I like that I find at the thrift store for pretty much the first time because - they're too big. I'm borrowing shirts from my Mom that I handed down to her previously and other friends handed down to her rather than me because she was a 2x/3x for a long time (mostly due to her chest) and I was a 4x+. I can feel where my arms have gotten smaller in the way shirts don't feel snug in the arms, shoulder, and chest area. I've gone down 2.5 ring sizes! All in all, I've found that portion control is still a big deal, but so is listening to your body and remembering that if it sends you a message about hunger, there is a reason. I DO have to focus on making sure I drink enough water, but the Baritastic app has helped me keep my sugar low. Even if I do hit over 30g of carbs in a day it's rare and because of something like beans, rice, or vegetables. I'm feeling more comfortable loosening the reins a bit on how strictly I adhere to my diet - although I still don't do anything carbonated, do minimal caffeine, and keep sugar very low. The idea to bring your own tupperware to restaurants along with a cooler is really smart. I'm not in an organized group exercise of any kind yet but I do have personal goals like trying to get in over 10k steps three times per week. I'm working my way up and have gotten to an average of around 5k steps each day, which I'm very proud of. My calorie deficit is usually 800+ calories less taken in than what I'm burning via exercise per day, and this week I have lost almost 6 lbs due to exercise and losing the bloat from my first period post surgery. I wanted to mention that - I did miss my first month's period and my second month's was late. As to exercise - I feel the activity in my back and as a low ache across my lower abdomen mainly, which I think is a result of using those core muscles and the way my figure is redistributing the weight on my joints. I'm shopping Marketplace to add weights to my exercise and still use my exercise bike when the weather isn't nice enough to walk. OH! And Old Navy has an amazing 50% off sale on their website right now and I just finally ordered myself some pants in two sizes below my pre-surgery size! I'm so excited for them to get here. Best wishes all, keep up the amazing work and be kind to yourselves!

I'd suggest taking a look at The National Weight Control Registry at http://www.nwcr.ws/. This is a long term list of over 10,000 successful "losers" that have lost weight and kept the weight off for long periods of time. If we dig into the data a bit, a few things seem to come to light as keys to successfully maintaining weight loss: 78% eat breakfast every day. 75% weigh themselves at least once a week. 62% watch less than 10 hours of TV per week. 90% exercise, on average, about 1 hour per day Of course, another thing you'll see in the data is that there really is no one size fits all model for success. While the trends above are helpful for most people, there are people that are successful that don't exercise, that never weigh themselves, and don't eat breakfast. The point is that ultimately you have to find out what works for you.

It's a common trait that many of us put ourselves second to our spouses, signficant others, and children. Often we are guilted when we try to put ourselves first. This for many of us is something that must change in order to succeed at surgery and weight loss. Evaluate your situation. Perhaps this is when you should start taking care of yourself first. Good luck, Tek

As we all know loosing the weight after bariatric surgery can be quick and easy, but I have noticed throughout various bariatric groups, That maintenance seems to be the hardest. What were some of your Keys to success that helped you maintain your goal weight over the years? What was steadfast and True?

I just watched a video on the procare website that you might enjoy. I get my Bariatric vitamins from procare and they always have very informative doctors etc come on. A few key points made 1. everybody loses weight after bariatric surgery. 2. not everybody maintains weight loss. 3. after gastric sleeve 7 to 50% will gain weight after the seventh year Mark . he goes on to state that success is not about fault, but about physiology he goes onto state that surgery does not change your genetics. he goes on to state that those of us who gain weight have a calorie balance issue our body is not balancing it like it should. versus a person who does not gain weight. he goes on to state that movement at least five times a week is very important and that determining physical hunger versus emotional hunger is very important. Etc give it a look

it's very unusual for "normal" weight loss patients (that is, those of us who aren't the size of the folks on "My 600 lb Life") to lose that much weight (the 30 or 40 lbs you mentioned) the first month. I have been involved nationally - both on forums and at conferences - with WLS for years, and I've never known anyone to lose that kind of weight (maybe 30 lbs - but even those folks are outliers. Forty pounds? Never). Most of us lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range that first month, so you are right where you need to be. I lost 17 lbs my first month, and I started out at well over 300 lbs. I went on to lose 235 lbs (have gained some of it back, as most people do, but I'm still over 200 lbs lighter at nine years post surgery). Your loss is absolutely normal.

I would check with a doctor, but Bypass2freedom may be on to something. It could be Orthostatic hypotension. That can cause both temporary blurry vision and dizziness. It's due to low blood pressure and usually occurs when you stand up quickly. It's very common in the early months after weight loss surgery (used to happen to me, too). If you stand up slowly you can usually prevent it. But check with a physician regardless to be on the safe side (this might have been what was going on the other day when you mentioned you were dizzy, too)

Ask him about the statistics of long-term success with the sleeve. The sleeve is great for many people don’t get me wrong, but I believe it was 26% of sleeves that need to be revised. If I’m not mistaken, this included because of Gerd as well, but also inadequate weight loss to begin with or weight regain, which was more common with sleeve than with the other surgeries. When I talk to my surgeon about revision, I wanted assurances that I wasn’t just wasting my time going to lose all of my weight. Only to turn around and gain it back and he said the sleeve does not have the same metabolic changes that the SADI or Bypass offer. While the. Sleeve is enough of a change for many people it’s just not enough for some. In my case when I lost my weight, I was basically on a diet with the sleeve which was a little bit easier because I wasn’t hungry, but once the hunger came back, so did the weight for me so this may be different for you because you did keep it off for a while, but I would ask what the statistics are in terms of people who gain it back down the road with sleeve is that more common than with the other surgeries? I guess one kind of pro for doing the sleeve would be that if you did regain the option for a revision would probably be a lot easier. Not trying to say that you want to think of that before you even start but it is a possibility for all of us I guess. It’s a lot of questions and a lot of information when you start weighing more than two options especially but just be thorough and ask all your questions you will know which option is best for you once you feel educated about them all. Best of Luck.

Plus it will give you options. Sometimes it’s good to switch it up just because of boredom but it also uses different muscles and all of that. Not to mention little things like a blister or a strained muscle or whatever may slow you down if you only have one option, but sometimes another option will do. That’s what I have found anyways. Congratulations on your loss and feeling the energy to get back to your activity.

I was finally able to get in over 10k steps yesterday. I'm still two weeks post op so no strenuous activity or lifting so I have to walk to work instead of cycling. At first I was annoyed because I love cycling, but I think having to walk will kick-start the weight loss. I've lost 8.5kg (18.7lbs) in the two weeks since surgery and walking helps.

I had sleeve revision to SADI (just the bypass portion) and I am really happy with my decision. My surgery was August 7th so I am about 2.5 months out and including my preop loss I have lost 55 pounds. I am over halfway to my goal. I have been eating 100% on plan though and exercising a pretty great amount (2.5-3 hours a day). The revision surgery gave me the metabolic Hca Hes tk actually do Al of that though. I never exercised or prepared fresh homemade food with my sleeve. Didn’t have the motivation. It made a pretty huge difference for me. Did your Dr do a endoscopy, barium swallow and gastric emptying study? Mine did those tree before deciding I was a candidate for SADI or Bypass. If the sleeve didn’t work for you long term then I would probably lean away from a ReSleeve. Just thinking why repeat history. Try something different but that’s just me. The research does say that the loss is more durable witb the SADI revision than the Bypass. Not certain about the ReSleeve but my guess is that too since the Virgin Sleeve doesn’t have the best statistics for durability. Also, resleeve is kinda risky. My Dr said he wouldn’t touch the sleeve with the SADI not because of my BMI but just because he doesn’t think it gives that much more benefit to justify the risks so that’s something to look into as well. Ooh and if you do have coverage for the GLP-1 and you can tolerate them, they do work. They don’t have to be long term for everyone either. If you take the time on then ti make real lifestyle changes you may be able to go off of them and maintain. Ibvuously If you just eat a few French fries for your meal you will lose, but will obviously eat more when you don’t have the meds but if you genuinely change your habits then people do maintain the loss. I have a friend that is almost to goal and she has been asking me for advice of what foods to choose to be sure to get her protein in. Kinda odd because she is smaller than me but I have heard a couple success stories with them. My friend has to force herself to eat. It’s a chore. If you do go that route, talk to your doctor about staying on the lowest dose that works for you. That’s the thing that many bariatric doctors usually recommend and it makes sense to try to avoid the side effects. . And some people go onto a maintenance dose after they reach their goal if they need it. Also, see about a three month supply when you do get to the dose that works because for my friend it’s cheaper that way. I strongly considered them but I didn’t have adequate coverage. I even considered postponing to see if things would change but my family Dr advised against waiting since these things can take a long time. There are pros and cons of each option but do your research. This is a good start but make anothet appointment with you surgeon if you have more questions. I did several before I decided. You probably only have this one more shot at this. Not a lot of surgeons will do a second revision ooh and that is one thing to consider if you do go with SADI, it’s newer so ask your surgeon if you had a complication god forbid what you would do. Mine actually brought it up that he would send me to another hospital to someone with more experience with the surgery. I mean obviously he would stabilize me but if I needed a revision because of malnourishment or something he would send me elsewhere. I kinda respected the fact that he would admit what his limits were and appreciated it but maybe you feel differently about that. Or maybe your surgeon is fine with revising if necessary but I would for sure ask.

Not sure if you're in the US but in Australia, our insurance is different. Top level insurance covers all weight loss surgeries, but i only have mid-level so have to pay myself

@Justarwaxx how did you get the mermaid graphic/weigh loss measurement that shows up under your posts?

Now is the time to raise these concerns and questions with your surgeon and come up with a plan moving forward. Ask for average loss expectancy in their practice, if you’re on target and what is their plan for patients with below average loss. Don’t let them tell you to just wait and see how it turns out. Ask for a plan with amendments such as medications. Good luck

It is funny how we just need to hear things from someone else sometimes (things that we already know). $78 USD is steep Counseling sessions here are pricey too without insurance. With insurance they can vary drastically in price. A friend told me that she gets like 12 sessions a year with a counselor for free as part of her benefits which is pretty great. I’m not sure if that’s through her insurance or something separate her employer just pays for, but most people pay a copay for Mental Health. They also have self help type workbooks that you can do that may help. Someone on here recommended a couple for food addiction a while ago. I wish I could remember what they were. I wonder if you do a thread asking for suggestions for self help ideas if anyone has any ideas. If not, maybe ask your team for suggestions. That or just go for the first appointment and see if they can give you suggestions or just give you lots or homework so you can do sessions less often. Or maybe you could even do some online support groups. That Dr Matthew Weiner has nutritional support on his website pound of cure weight loss .com i think it is. He may have other support groups meetings. Maybe tell your team you would be interested in in person support group meetings or see if they know any other patients that may want to be introduced so you can support one another. Can’t hurt to ask.

There was this older lady in my craft group, and I told them that I had surgery because I figured it was more people to make me feel accountable. This is a revision surgery for me and the last time I didn’t tell people like that and it didn’t work out so well so I’m trying a different approach. Anyways, she is about 80 years old and she said to me she just wanted to tell me how happy she is for me because since my surgery, I have really blossomed. She said that I i have a healthy glow about me and I’ve really come out of my shell in terms of confidence and it shows. I think that was probably the nicest compliment I’ve ever had in terms of my weight loss. I just appreciated that it wasn’t about superficial things. Maybe there’s hope for all these superficial people that when they get a little older, they will view things in terms of stuff that actually matters.

Hi guys, my name is Anna and I'm really glad I found this site. I received approval from my insurance earlier this week, there's just one x-ray needed and then I will be scheduled. My mom had the same procedure over 2 years ago, but she's more of a cautionary tale of what not to do. I have friends who have had it done as well. The hardest part of this process for me has been giving up cigarettes, and trying to lose weight on my own. I started my umpteenth weight loss journey November of 2022, and finally went back to see my moms doctor in January of this year, after chickening out a couple times before. No matter what I've done I have no been able to get below 300 since 2016. My highest weight was 374. The smallest I've been is 230 in my 20s after losing 70 lbs and keeping it off 2 years. Right now I'm chilling at around 340, have been for almost 2 years. I love the gym, I love swimming, I love being active. But I have a lot of chronic pain from back and neck issues, as well as arthritis and between that and depression, it can be hard to get out of bed some days. Last time this year I had just finished a 16 week fitness challenge at a local CrossFit center, where I learned to do a real push up, deadlifts and other strength and endurance building exercises. It was great, and I got down to 315. Then the program ended and about 25 lbs reappeared out of thin air (psych, I know lol). I am hoping that this tool is the missing puzzle piece I've needed. I know how to track, how to measure, how to diet basically. And I know how to exercise. What I've struggled with more than anything is portion and hunger. It's hard to stay in a deficit when your stomach feels like it's gonna eat itself if you don't put enough food in it- That being said I do know I want to focus on protein and fiber for fullness, and I'm working on eating smaller and more frequent throughout the day which is helping some. I guess I'm as ready as I will ever be. Am I the only one who has struggled with being a bit depressed about it all? Like I am mourning the loss of so much, including my stomach and the ability to indulge in a meal. I understand I still can, but it's not gonna be the same having a jr popcorn at the movies, when i had a good portion of a large gone before credits were over- ya know? Like people who don't struggle with their weight take a lot for granted. My whole life I've been big, and it has always felt like a punishment I didn't do anything to bring about. And society punishes you for being overweight/obese/plus size. Part of me feels like cutting out a part of my organs is another punishment I must endure because I am fat. I hope this makes sense, and these are just fleeting thoughts and feelings, mind you. I have a wonderful counselor I see weekly, and we have talked about this, among other things. But I wanted to bring it up here because I am wondering if anyone has struggled with this line of thinking? And if so what are some good things about the process to focus on? I know the outcome of the weight being gone and my appetite under control, and I want those things very much. But it's the actual surgery and the discomfort I know is coming after that trips me up. Thank you all for taking the time to read this, and I wish you all well ❤️

Reporting my win for the week: Since surgery on 4/11/24 i have remained with steady weight loss about 2 to 2.5 pounds per week. I do not own a scale and went to my parents to visit this weekend and stepped on their scale im down another 13 pounds from last month. I think my walking about 5 miles daily also helps if not helping with weight management definitely helps with my mental health. I feel so good after working out! 🏋️‍♀️. Let's us all win for the future weeks ahead!

Ooh I'm so thrilled for you. The single anastomosis (one connection instead of two) also makes your surgery considerably safer since there is only one place for a leak instead of two. That is the reason the SADI is safer than the Duodenal Switch and since the weight loss is considered comparable they are doing it more often. My guess is that’s the same thing with the mini gastric bypass. Keep on doing what you’re doing. You are doing so great.

I can't afford plastic surgery so have had to make do without. My skin laxity has definitely improved in the almost 3 years since my surgery. I was also certain in the first blush of weight loss in the first year that never would I ever regain even a single ounce, but I did regain quite a lot despite my resolution not to. Haha that's all I have to say! My arms are still the most visible saggy skin I have and they look way better 3 years on. I would rather times a million have this 'problem' than my previous morbid obesity. No brainer. Stomach and bum and legs nobody gets to see and have saggy skin - but also seem better as time progresses. Breasts were the least unforgiving luckily, appearance wise. I know we're all different and we want different things as we progress. Hoping you all get to where you want to be soon. 💚

Hi Karla, I'm 9 days post op. I had all the same worries. But the whole point of the pre-op diet is to lose weight quickly. As long as you stick to it, it's almost impossible that you won't lose anything. I know about cravings. Before surgery, I would have killed for a big mac. I was on a prolonged weight loss and lover shrink diet so it was 12 WEEKS (yes 12 weeks) of liquids. Once the first week passed, I got kind of used to it. Post Op, I just want anything solid becaue I'm so sick of soups. It does get better. You're on the right track and you can do this. We believe in you!

Yeah. I'm big boned anyway so I'm supposed to be a little overweight. I'd rather set a realistic goal and succeed than try to get down to the weight I'm "supposed" to be and fail and get discouraged. Besides a weight loss of nearly 150 pounds is still a pretty significant weight loss it's losing an entire person worth of body weight.

That sounds like a very good mindset to go into this with. It is about feeling better about yourself, improving your health and extending your time with loved ones. Unrealistic goals just work for a short time and then in most cases people go back to where they were before or even worse. Setting realistic goals will get you a long way, slow and steady really does win the race. I couldn't do much exercise before my op as my knees would get so sore but now they are so much better with so much of the weight off them. I walk with a spring in my step, I do pilates and I have now joined the gym - none of these things would have been possible for me in recent years. I have lost more weight than the goal my surgeon set but over the last month it seems to have steadied now to up and down the same 1kg so I think my loss is stopping and now I am trying to focus of turning fat into muscle, knowing that that will result in another kg or two on the scale but it will be a healthier body,