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I had a tummy tuck and thigh lift last week. Recovering now. I’m sore, but doing better than I expected. The worst part was the drains. Thankfully they’re out now. I was hoping to have my eyes done at the same time, but the surgeons decided it would be too much to do at once. It’s hard to take off from work, so it’s disappointing I couldn’t do it all at once. I may combine arms and eyes, but debating if the arm scar is as bad as the bat wings. After weight loss I loved crossing my legs and strolling around effortlessly. I’m really missing that now, but understand it’s temporary. After feeling skinny, I now feel fat. My husband said it’s just all the compression garments and swelling. Can’t wait until I’m healed and can see and feel the results.

no. I used one after my plastic surgery, but not my weight loss surgery. Some people use them, though.

The hair loss is temporary and it will grow back. I have very dark hair and very fair skin, and you could absolutely see patches of my scalp. I ended up having to cut my lower-back-length hair into a very short pixie cut around month 4...It's almost down to my shoulders again. It may just be my hair texture but any kind of dye causes me to have a lot of breakage; maybe it would be best to wait until your hair has regrown and is healthy before adding more chemicals into the mix that could hinder your progress?

I was awake a lot more than I was asleep, so I wish I had brought a book or my laptop. My phone just wasn't enough to keep me occupied for my wakeful recovery. I know a lot of people sleep but you never know if you may be the one who doesn't. With weight restraints, I would have brought a paperback book or kindle. I also would have brought a small bottle of mouthwash. If I think of anything else, I will update. Just got home! Edit to add what I brough and used or didn't: cell phone bank charger (used it) cell phone cable (used it) cell phone stand to read without holding the phone, I had it on my tray. (used this, obv) robe (didn't use) button front pajama shirt and shorts (didn't use) toothbrush, toothpaste, chapstick, face wipes (used all of this) hairbrush (used) kept my hair in braids but it still managed to get very tangled small notebook and pen (used) Like others, I wore the same clothes to and from the hospital. I wore joggers, a tshirt, a zip front hoodie, socks and slip on sneakers.

I just checked MyChart for my liver enzyme levels from a few years ago (I had surgery in 2015) - I had my liver enzymes checked a couple of times until they stabilized. My alkaline Phospate level was normal, but my ALT and AST (also liver enzymes) were way out of range (again, they stabilized at a normal level during year 2, once my rate of weight loss had slowed down to a crawl). But see what your surgeon says. It may be perfectly normal for the alkaline phosphate level to be way out of whack during the weight loss phase, too. I Just know it's pretty common to have crazy high liver enzyme levels that first year out of surgery.

Hello my July Buddies. I am 49 and I had a rue n y on July 13. So far I’ve lost 78 pounds. I lost 115 prior to surgery starting back in 2018 so I’ve lost a total of 192 pounds since June 2018. I was in a car accident in 2018 that started me on this weight loss journey. I weighed 415 pounds before the accident, which left me with a spinal cord injury at T 7/8 incomplete. That makes me a paraplegic restricted to a wheelchair for the rest of my life. I immediately started eating differently and like I said prior, I was able to lose 115 pounds in about 3 1/2 years. Right now I weigh 222 pounds and my goal weight is 180. I have attached a before and after (taken at Thanksgiving). I appreciate all of you sharing your stories, and I sure thought it was time to share mine. Stay strong and diligent my friends. May GOD bless you all.

Thank you for easing my mind. My B12 was 1300. I see my surgeon on Jan. 4th for my 6 month check up. My alkaline phosphate was like 280. Thanks and congrats on your weight loss. Sent from my SM-G990U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a virgin bypass, but I've been eating a normal diet for years. for your questions: 2. Yes, of course! It's not going to be much different than it was with the sleeve, from what I've read. Protein- yes - you need to make sure you're getting enough. For most people it's around 60-80 grams a day (although isn't that true of sleeve, too? My clinic told both types of patients to get that much) My first few weeks post-op I couldn't drink 15 minutes before eating and 30 minutes after, but once I moved to solid food, I was told I could drink up to the time I started eating. Still am supposed to wait 30 minutes after eating to drink, though. Chewing thing - at my clinic, they had both types of patients chewing everything at least 20x before swallowing. I was religious about it the first few weeks, but I don't really do that anymore. I probably should because after surgery (both types) your stomach doesn't churn as much as it did before, so you have to do some of that "churning" before swallowing it, but I don't think I normally chew things 20+ times. from everything I've read/heard, weight loss is slower after revision than it is with a virgin surgery, but I know people who've lost a lot of weight after revising (and others who've just lost 20 lbs or so) I don't think you're going to find it much different than sleeve. One big thing to remember, though, is that you need to keep on top of your protein and supplements. Of course, sleevers should as well, but the consequences are greater if you slack off with a bypass.

it's common for liver enzymes to be high that first year or so out of surgery. Rapid weight loss is really hard on livers. Mine were really high the first year - then they went back down to normal sometime during year 2 (I was still losing weight during year 2 since I had over 200 lbs to lose) how high is your B12? mine is always over 1000. It's met with a shrug at my clinic. Once it got over 2000, and the PA at my surgeon's office just said I should cut back a bit on my supplement. He didn't seem alarmed by it at all. I know several people who say they feel better when their B12 is around 1000 or higher.

Ryan I am SO GLAD you posted this, I am in exactly the same place, my revision from VSG to Bypass surgery is January 9. Im on day 2 of the 14 day pre-op liquid diet. My VSG was 10 years ago and about 9 months ago I started to develop reflux and GERD. Tried the meds, didn't really help. Like you I have been about 50% happy with my weight post op and in truth because of my carefree approach it never got down to my goal and has been creeping up. I was 331 pre-op and got as low as 261. Im now 276 10 years later and on a lot more HBP and Cholesterol meds than I would like to be. So there is reason to do this beyond the GERD but I'm super scared I will lose the little bit of joy I have with food. That I'll screw up the new way I have to eat and make myself sick. The big difference for me this time is that I have a doctor who will stay with me post op. 10 years ago I moved from the US to Canada 6 months after the surgery and had none of the follow up support or checkups that would have allowed me to take full advantage of this tool. Your post really helped and the responses here have helped even more. Im just trying to take comfort in the fact that I did this once before and 10 years later I'm probably alive when I might have been dead. This bypass hopefully will extend my life to something approaching normal and I'll get rid of the GERD and avoid esophageal cancer. What I read here is that its not that different 4-5 months post op, my Doctor tells me the same. If I get a bit more weight loss that will be my reward and I plan to buy a whole new wardrobe, so I at least have that to look forward to. So glad you posted thank you!

I’m having my 2013 sleeve converted to bypass on 1/9/2023 because of GERD. I’m not too happy that I have to go through with this as I never wanted a full bypass and have enjoyed being able to still eat a some what normal diet (albeit with less volume than pre sleeve). I’m down between 60-70 lbs from my top weight pre sleeve. Not as much as I really need to feel good in my body but certainly healthier. a few questions: Anyone done this and can share their experience? Will I ever be able to eat again? I know I will but the sleeve was pretty forgiving, everything I read about bypass with the emphasis on protein, chewing 20x, not drinking 15 min before or after eating, makes me think the little enjoyment I got from a good meal after VSG is over, even that is gone. What was you weight loss when you went from sleeve to bypass? I’ve heard I can expect maybe 10-15%. beyond where I am now Any tips or things to watch out for? I’ll be glad to get rid of the GERD and hopefully avoid all the bad things that can come from that but I’m super worried I won’t be able to follow the bypass regime and have other health problems from not following things as directed.

Reaching your goal in 10 months is very good. I'm not expecting to reach my goal until 18 months after surgery. I've heard that the weight loss slows down after six months or so, Was that your experience too?

Oh best of luck for tomorrow! Looks like you're well prepared. The first few days can be difficult - it's drink, drink, drink. I didn't rely on protein shakes once I went onto purees - I just pureed whole meals (some more successfully than others, LOL). Meat/veg/carbs meals were my favourites - my first pureed Sunday roast dinner felt like the nicest and tastiest thing I had eaten in months. In no time at all you'll be seeing big losses. Good luck on your journey.

You’ve lost the padding on your bones. My wrists, knees, shoulders, ankles, butt all would get sore when I’d put pressure on them. It does improve. The discomfort only wakes me after two or three hours now not every hour like it originally did. Some of the pain can be muscular too as tendons & ligaments etc. realign. Hips, back are the most common areas. They had been working in certain positions to compensate for carrying your weight & now they don’t have to & are moving back into their correct place as your posture improves. As for your sternum, may be check with your doctor to reassure yourself. Our skeletons have little differences in bone formations & some parts protrude more than others like noticeable collarbones, larger chests, wider hips, etc. Congrats on your weight loss.

I’m having my 2013 sleeve converted to bypass on 1/9/2023 because of GERD. I’m not too happy that I have to go through with this as I never wanted a full bypass and have enjoyed being able to still eat a some what normal diet (albeit with less volume than pre sleeve). I’m down between 60-70 lbs from my top weight pre sleeve. Not as much as I really need to feel good in my body but certainly healthier. a few questions: 1. anyone done this and can share their experience? 2. What was you weight loss when you went from sleeve to bypass? I’ve heard I can expect maybe 10-15%. 3. what is DS? I saw it on this forum but don’t know what it is. 4. any tips or things to watch out for? I’ll be glad to get rid of the GERD and hopefully avoid all the bad things that can come from that but I’m super worried I won’t be able to follow the bypass regime and have other health problems from not following things as directed.

I am more than a dozen years out from my VSG. I started at 5'3" and 320 pounds. I had surgery in my mid 50's ! I am now 66 years old. I won't ever be thin. I have not had and will not have plastic surgery to remove the saggy baggy parts. My insurance and my general health are not going to work for that. But my doctor's consider me to be in great health, and are more than pleased where I am at right now. I did gain back weight over about 8 years. My lowest weight was about 165 - at two years post VSG. I gained 220 - some was health related, most of it was life.... and not self regulating. About three years ago I decided to lose 10 pounds in a year. But I realized losing weight was not the biggest problem, but learning how to maintain what I lost was the issue for me. So after losing 10 pounds I PURPOSELY stopped losing weight, and maintained the 10 pound loss for 3 months. I learned what I could eat, and how to eat to maintain my weight. Then I decided to lose some more. Three years later I am close to that lowest weight I had been ( and what I weighed when I was in my 20's ) I actually stopped losing weight and maintained at 173 to 175 for about a year. A few months ago I decided to try to lose a bit more. I have no "goal" right now, except that I just bought size 14 petite jeans - and haven't worn that size for 10 years and would like to try for that 165 and stay there. My PCP let me know two important things.... once you hit about 63 or so one should use "Smart BMI" as we age, we are graciously given a few extra pounds ... so my smart BMI is actually under the one here. and we also shrink in height. I keep simple protein as the focus of what I eat. I raise my own backyard hens that produce incredible eggs for breakfast - or I eat oatmeal and fruit. Lunches and Dinners are proteins and fresh veggies and fruit. I eat some carbs - maybe a low carb spinach wrap or thin slice bread. Snacks are healthful, and I insist on a treat every day. Sometimes just one small dove candy.... maybe a cookie or small serving of something sweet. For me, it is balance and yes, I weigh myself a few times a week - just to make sure I am on track.

Circling back to this question I asked in September. I did, in fact, lose that additional 20 lbs. I wanted to, and I got to a "healthy" BMI. 96% EWL. I'm putting this here so that others who wonder "is my body done" might see that a stall doesn't mean an end to weight loss!

Are you meeting your protein and fluid goals? And getting your vitamins? If so I would just go with it. I was never told to hit any particular calorie goal, and what I learned about protein I learned here, LOL. If you're meeting your other goals then you should be OK. If you really want to hit all the goals set for you (and looking at your amazing loss so far I can see the incentive to do that!!!) then I would echo adding healthy fats. I used to eat nut butter from the jar for supper sometimes if I had had a non-hungry day. Best of luck, you're doing brilliantly!

1 year 4 months after revision to rny for gerd but before that, I maintained over 120 lb weight loss since 2008. So I'm a noobie with the rny but not weight loss surgery. The only consistent thing I've done is I track everything I eat, every meal, every day. I weigh myself almost daily and I follow the basic rules, like no drinking liquids until 30 minutes after a meal. I think it is about consistency and what works for your lifestyle.

You are so close. I'm having a bypass the day after you. While the pre-op diet has been hard I understand why it's necessary. I try to remember why I decided to do WLS in the first place. If it helps, look back at the checklist and all the things you've done to make it this far! Those are huge milestones in and of itself. Rather than concentrate on all of the posts in the forum that make you question your decision, look at the thousands of positive posts where people have truly been able to change their lifestyle and regain their health. We are in this together! Stay strong. I know it's really difficult to maintain pre-op guidelines when there is sugary food everywhere, but we're doing this for ourselves. Just imagine where we will be in our journeys next December! Tell me, what is one of the milestones you are most looking forward to with weight loss? I want to be able to walk down the stairs in my house without my knees hurting and to be able to wear pants without elastic waists, again. Sent from my Pixel 5 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am sorry to hear about your grandpa. May they rest in peace. I am an emotional eater and so it is hard to go through things like this without having the comfort of food. But sticking to a plan has helped. Congrats on the weight loss. To everyone on this group, thank you for being a support through this process. No one else truly understands that this isn’t the “easy” way. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and I cannot wait to see all of the positive that 2023 will bring for all of us as we transform and become a healthier you. ❤️❤️

What to do when you don't want to eat? Honestly, i Just won't. During weight loss phase, if i didn't want to eat, i didn't (still employ this tactic today at 4 yrs out). And yes, i was way under calorie goals too. I had labs done at least 4 times the first 6 months post and there was zero concern from the team (or from myself) about the state of my health. What does YOUR team say?

I might be able to bring stuff in I'd have to ask but I know I couldn't cook there even if I wanted to (I'm an occasional cook there and they season the grills with bacon.I honestly don't think its a safe bet for me after weight loss surgery.I mean basically anything healthy has some form of grease attached from other items being cooked

Hi everyone I had a roux-en-y gastric bypass with fobi pouch 5 years ago (well, 5 years and 11 days to be precise). In the year or two after surgery I was a regular poster here and got immense support from people going through the process at the same time as me, as well as from those who were living with the changes, so I though I’d come back and share for a bit. I have the same story as many of you I am sure - a lifetime of weight loss, weight gain. I had a bit of a distaste for serious exercise but I’d walk happily. I know I ate (well, still do a bit) to deal with feelings - especially loneliness. Stressful jobs over the years, I am 5 foot 7in tall and my weight seesawed until at 100kg (220 lbs) i got a gastric band. That was good, helped me loose maybe 25lbs, but eventually the refill port broke and it had some other issues where it broke, so I made the decision to get a bypass. Because I was back up to 120kg (165lbs) ’My’ bypass has a fobi pouch - so instead of having a small rounded stomach, I have a longer thinner one with a permanent band (made from a baby’s catheter with permanent suture through to make a tied-off loop) in place around it, so it will never stretch. Anyway, it has been a resounding success. I initially dropped to under 60kg (130lbs). I remember worrying ‘how do I make this STOP! Then settled at about 62-64kg. My partner was concerned I looked a bit skeletal, and I run (sometimes) and cycle (a lot) now, so encouraged me to consider putting on a bit of weight for my own health, and I did and feel better for it - so now I sit happily at about 66-67kg - just under 150lbs. There were times when it was tough work. There still are - I occasionally still get sick with that horrid ‘dumping’ if I make an unwise choice, but the benefits outweigh that so much! I want to thank users of this board - the best bit was each problem I encountered, I found someone else had encountered it and overcome it. And it helped me hang in, see it through.

Okay so I have been following but not posting much for a little while. I have been frustrated, feeling like I don’t have much advice to offer others because I have been searching for my own answers and very embarrassed about my weigh gain. Anyways, for those of you who don’t know me, I had my surgery March 9, 2021 at 235 (5’8”). I lost pretty steadily down to 169 but then stalled for months on end until my appetite came back and I started gaining and continue to gain. I have been struggling uphill while searching for answers ever since. The bariatric team blames my psyc meds but the prescribing dr claims they are weight neutral meds. My family dr agrees and showed me an article about the cravings they cause but he ordered thyroid and diabetes tests too which came back fine but I continue to gain so I made an appointment with an endocrine doctor thanks to a few people on here who suggested it. I finally just seen the endo doc and My cortisol was elevated on the suppression test so I just completed the two day saliva test which hopefully will bring some more answers but what they have said so far is that it’s probably sub clinical cushings which takes a while to confirm. I thought about waiting until I had more info but they said it will be another two or three weeks for these results and I may need more tests after that. I guess MY diagnosis is not really the point anyways. My point is I have recently learned of three things that could be the culprit of my weight that were never tested before surgery and I wonder why they don’t mention these tests pre surgery. I mean They are simple blood tests. I even googled to see why the cushings thing isn’t investigated since it doesn’t resolve with bariatric surgery and all I could find was one article that said it is of course suggested if you present with any of the classic symptoms but in terms of a blanket requirement for people considering bariatric surgery this person felt it unnecessary because it’s not extremely common. I guess maybe that’s the view of my doctor too but I sure wish I was presented with the option at least. I am just curious whether these are things that are tested or even brought up by other people doctors prior to surgery or what others think about whether they should be. And perhaps to give some people things they can investigate first if they are on the fence about surgery. I just feel like the surgery was never going to work for me because it seems likely that the root of my issue is still there. I am maintaining SOME of the loss but according to what I understand about what I have read so far, left untreated I will steadily continue to gain. I know this is still up in the air and not a super common thing regardless but I can’t be the only one struggling with this pre or post surgery and I hope my experience can help someone else struggle just a little less cause watching everyone around me try to be polite as I slowly put the weight back on has felt even worse than being obese was to begin with. I am trying to hang In there for answers and give myself grace but it’s hard to not feel like a failure as I continue to gain and everyone now knows I had surgery and of course I have to wonder if I blew my one shot at surgery because I am doing these tests after instead of before surgery. Regardless, if you are someone who doesn’t really make a ton of poor food choices but just eats more than “normal” because you always feel hungry, consider a cortisol test before surgery. I wish I had.