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Popcorn is a slider food. It’s easy to eat & you generally end up eating way too much which is why many are advised to avoid it in the weight loss phase. Plus the temptation to eat it with flavourings can be even more dangerous. As to eating at the movies, I don’t but then I haven’t in decades. Initially I stopped because the food is so crappy. Then I realised you’re only there for a couple of hours - less than the amount of time between meals & I often went just after I’d eaten anyway. I usually just take in water or if it’s gold class or equivalent & I’m with friends I might take in a glass of wine (& pray I don’t have to do a bathroom run 😉) .

i brought some beef jerky with me during weight loss phase. nowadays i just eat the popcorn from somebody else's bag, lol...its not worth getting a bag for myself. im 4 years out.

Ooh if it’s in another state they may not know anyone (but still worth a shot). You could also try a local weight loss surgery clinic that is reputable. I’m guessing they would be willing to share a name if you ask nicely. At least then you will have a couple names of people with experience with the surgery you want and then you can do your research from there.

I don’t have any recommendations for a specific doctor but maybe consider narrowing it down by ones that have a lot of experience working with weight loss patients?? Maybe ask them how many times they have performed that surgery on someone like you?

Everyone's diet is different and everyone's body responds to carbs (or any foods) differently. I eat carbs, sometimes 20g and sometimes 150g a day, just depends on the day. I have lost over 150 lbs eating carbs, they do not effect me or my weight loss as they do some people. Everyone needs to find what works for them, with the help of their Dietician.

Hi all, I am writing this for the >1% of gastric bypass patients who have the unusual complications that I had and, like me, couldn't find any information about it online to ease your mind. I had my gastric bypass surgery on September 7, 2022. I chose gastric bypass over the gastric sleeve specifically after months of research because of the higher rate of successful weight loss, particularly in women. My first week post-op went great, but after day 8 or 9 when I tried progressing my food intake from full-liquids to pureed foods I began vomiting and feeling really nauseous at every meal. I let my surgeon and dietitian know immediately and stepped my food intake back down to full-liquids. Pretty soon, I couldn't even take in full-liquids and was limited to hydrating fluids and chicken broth. I could keep down hydrating fluids and broth about 80% of the time, full-liquids 50% of the time, and everything else came back up. My surgeon was very responsive and had me get an endoscopy. Under general anesthesia, the endoscopy explored my new stomach pouch and roux limb connections that make up my new tummy system. Typically, gastric bypasses can result in constriction of the connection between the stomach pouch and roux limb, and my gastroenterologist was prepared to use a balloon to inflate the area to ease that restriction. In my case, however, that area looked fine, but further down the roux limb there was a stricture that was almost impassable for the narrow scope. This is what was causing my problem. I had an external compression on my roux limb that was making it impossible for anything more viscous than water to pass through. My layman's understanding of what had happened is that my surgeon brought my small intestine / roux limb up to meet my new stomach pouch through the transverse mesocolon. This involved cutting a hole through the transverse mesocolon to put the roux limb through and then stitching it up a little on either side to make sure nothing else will slip through the hole and cause a hernia. Apparently, this is typically sufficient and there is space enough in the hole in the mesocolon for scar tissue to form but still allow the roux limb to operate appropriately. Not in my case! xD My body and over-active immune system saw a hole and decided that hole must. be. fixed! The scar tissue that formed to close the hole closed tight enough on the roux limb and it was tight enough that barely anything could get through. I had a second laparoscopic surgery on October 12, 2022 to remove the scar tissue and loosen the compression on the roux limb. My surgeon decided to remove the small stitches on either side of the hole in the transverse mesocolon to reduce the chance that any new scar tissue will close the hole up as completely again. Immediately after this second laparoscopic surgery, I felt tons better! I stayed overnight in the hospital and was put straight on full-liquids, which I was barely tolerating before! The reason I am writing all of this out is because, in the month-long interim between surgeries, I couldn't find anything in my online research to figure out what was wrong, or what I could try, or what the next steps looked like, or how long, or why this was happening. I went for more than a month on little to no substantial nutrition, and I found so little information on what to expect or how long I would have to live like this. I even looked in these forums to see if anyone had asked about symptoms that are similar to mine and I didn't find very much information. So, I'm writing about my experience and using as many of the keywords I can think of that I've been searching for over the past two months! So! If you had gastric bypass and you start experiencing nausea and vomiting after what seems like typical food progression, please speak to your surgeon. It could be an internal stricture of the roux limb or the connecting bits, or in my case an external compression of some sort. From the very few resources I could find online, my type of external compression of transverse mesocolon on the roux limb seemed to occur in 0.9% of gastric bypass patients and it seems to happen within the first month. My surgeon pretty much immediately knew what was wrong, and her PA said she had seen it before, but not often, and it was new for my insurance caseworker. The inability to eat made it very difficult to complete normal daily tasks like my job, housework, walking the dog, etc. I wasn't in pain, I just couldn't get enough energy to do anything! My doctors moved quickly to get me back in for surgery, but it still took 4-5 weeks from starting to vomit at each meal to waking up from my second surgery feeling much better. I am so thankful that my surgeon was able to fix what was wrong with the scar tissue compressing around the roux limb; it made a world of difference! I'm not out of the woods quite yet, however. Six days after the surgery to repair the hole in the transverse mesocolon, I had a bad food day and nothing stayed down. I immediately reached out to my surgeon's office and today went in for an upper GI in which I intake contrast dye while a doctor observes how it flows through my new gastrointestinal system with an X-ray. That doctor said it looks like the connection between my stomach pouch and roux limb looks stenosed now. I am grateful that they found something and that there is an explanation for why everything I put in my mouth makes me nauseous and that there's a reason why I don't want to eat anything. I will be having another endoscopy in the following couple of weeks and, as ever, I am hopeful that this will be the last surgery that I need for my gastric bypass.

To follow up, I did start HRT this summer and instead of gaining, I actually lost 7 lbs and my worse symptoms of menopause subsided but I quickly realized that any further weight loss was going to be really hard. My doctor prescribed Moujaro and is a big fan of it (who knew?). I started it right after I posted this thread and I'm already down 20 lbs. Holy smokes! The appetite suppression and restriction (yes, I do feel it much more now) is crazy. I relate it to the feeling I had about 90 days out from surgery. I can eat what I want but just not very much of it and I'm rarely hungry. I didn't expect to lose so much weight so fast and I really only want to lose another 10 lbs so I doubt I will hit the max Mounjaro dose. I'm currently on 5 mg with no side effects beyond nausea the day after my shot. If this medication had been around when I had surgery, I don't know if I would have needed to have WLS but I am thankful it's here for me now. My doctor loves it to prevent recision surgery and regain in patients who are 36 months or longer out from their past surgery.

Yes. 3 protein shakes and a 4 oz protein meal (steak,chicken, etc) plus veggies. And of course the suger-free jello and popsicles, and a lot of water. Finished Day 4 today with no problems except the first day kind of felt dizzy/tired. To me it is very similiar to the many diets that I have experienced before so it is not that big of a deal for me. I also got pretty good in the past with intermittent fasting so I am holding off on my 1st shake until around noon. As with many of us, we are experts in losing weight but terrible at maintaining that loss. I am more concerned about the initial post-op phase diet so focusing on preparing mentally as well as getting my supplies. I am going into this with optimism. I greatly benefited being prepared and looking forward to the positive results last year when I had my Knee replaced. I am taking that same approach to this surgery. Hoping all have a successful journey!

1. I’ve confirmed with my team that taking laxatives long term is not an issue. 2. Absolutely! I have a “normal” appetite. I can get really hungry but also I can wait to eat better than before surgery so this is a huge improvement. Also there are exciting new medicines on the market (and in trials for weight loss) that targets appetite suppression (wegovy, ozempic and mounjaro) so there’s more hope. 3. Yes. A million times yes. It was hard for me to see the finished product of what I worked for until I had plastic surgery. That route is not *necessary* or even desirable for everyone, but it is a solution for those who want to explore it. Good luck and never give up ❤️

I had my surgery on 16 of September and have loss 23 pd and in the same situation your in. I am getting worried to. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Sleeve me alone covered a lot. Gave some really Great advice. I just want to add congratulations on your loss!! It sounds like you are keeping it off too in spite of your hunger coming back. I am a year and a half out and struggling a bit with regain so I know that is not an easy task. Also, 113 pounds is a pretty significant loss, if the extra skin is bad (as in causing you medical issues) your insurance may cover some plastic surgery as medically necessary. I’m not certain because you have to meet certain criteria based on your insurance but if you didn’t know it’s possible it could be covered in some instances. If you are interested in that option you may want to ask your team if you would qualify. From what I understand for some insurance you have to document it rubbing and rashes and stuff but with others it just has to hang down a certain amount to qualify as medically necessary.

First of all, I'm so sorry you are struggling. Know that you are not alone and that many folks experience some wonderful things after WLS as well as some more difficult things. That is just part of the process; its definitely not always sunshine and roses. 1- Constipation is VERY common. Are you taking an iron supplement? They are notorious for exacerbating constipation. If you're taking any additional iron, it may be worth getting your labs checked - if they are normal, maybe you can drop that? Another option would be to add a prebiotic fiber supplement. I take about 15g of Just Better Fiber daily and it is a HUGE help. Make sure you are well hydrated, especially when taking laxatives, stool softeners, etc. Lastly, are you getting in any fiber in your food? This goes with #2.... 2- The return of hunger is normal and expected. Your body is doing EXACTLY what its supposed to do. It may be helpful to start introducing more fruits & veggies, which will help you feel fuller longer and help with constipation. Also, are you hitting your protein goals? If not, definitely focus on getting that protein in. If you're hitting your goals, adding in nutrient rich fruits & veggies, and STILL feeling uncontrollably hungry, then it may be time to consult with a bariatric dietitian. Hunger is normal, feeling miserable is not. 3- I think a LOT of us struggle with body image before and after surgery. There is a trade off that happens - we lose the weight and are healthy, but it can make the physical effects of a lifetime obesity more obvious to us. Therapy therapy therapy. I can't encourage it strongly enough. Learning to cope with those feelings, learning to be kind to our new bodies, learning to love ourselves well, THAT is the hard work of weight loss and it is truly a lifelong process. Get help, and keep getting help. Outside of that - buy clothes that make you feel good, as much as you can focus on what you LIKE about your body instead of what you don't, if its practical for you, you can always look into plastic surgery, and of course, you could just refrain from looking in the mirror naked. I know, easier said than done, but if its causing your harm emotionally, then maybe hold off for now. You aren't alone and you aren't crazy. WLS is hard work and there is a lot that comes with it that doesn't get talked about much. We are rooting for you.

People have been mostly supportive, but they definitely do treat me differently since the surgery. A lot of stuff gets said behind your back that doesn't match up to the smiles to your face. It is what it is🤷🏾‍♂️. I did this for my health, not other people's approval. I'm happy. The weight loss shrink they make you see was pretty spot on about this. Just as an aside, I think it's totally different for guys vs. girls. If I fire back at shade thrown my way, it's seen a lot differently than if a woman fired back. Stupid societal norms. The way I see it, it's not normal to let some guy a few years out from losing at beer pong in his fraternity, cut me open and redo my stomach. So, if I can break THAT norm, to heck with the rest of them. I'll just enjoy the new lease on life.

Today makes my 1 year surgery anniversary. SW 235. CW 172. I’m having so many mixed emotions. I know having the surgery has been the key in my weight loss. Im stronger than I’ve ever been. I just ran a 5K nonstop for the first time in my life. And yet I feel like I should be further along. I feel like I’m failing, like I went under the knife and have mediocre results. Anyone else have feelings like this? #isitjustme

I didn’t really have any negative experiences when I was overweight at least not ones I was aware of. I agree with @HotWing&APrayer. Often our confidence decreases & anxiety/self consciousness increases with our weight. Then any negative experiences crush us further. I was only at my obese weight for about 5 years so body dysmorphia probably helped me because though I knew I was obese I only saw myself as overweight which was ok in my mind. Though I know I also was more aware of not doing overt things that others may judge as ‘no wonder she‘s fat’. With my weight loss I’m certainly more confident which has made me more chatty with shop assistants, service providers, random strangers, etc. (Yep, I’m the one holding up the line chatting to the check out person or the stranger who starts talking to you the shoes you’re trying on.) It does make most of my experiences more positive. It’s either my weight loss or I’m turning into my mother & grandmother 😱😆. Have noticed more negative experiences for getting older like old person stereotypes & being ignored over younger people which annoys me A LOT. Not afraid to say about it something. The girl who presumed I was a grandmother got an earful!! LOL. I may be 57 but I don’t even look like I’m close to that ( & very grateful for that).

weight loss didn't change my relationship per se, but it did change me, which did affect my relationship (among other things) for the better: i'm more confident, less tired, less annoyed, more patient. sex? also for the better (see reasons above, ha!) but i'll also add: im more limber/bendy lol.

I don't really post on social media or talk about my surgery and weight loss. To be honest very few people know how well I have done these last 11 months. In the UK we tend not to poke our noses into others business. It's seen to be quite rude. I went out with my husband to the local service men's club. Everyone in there knew the fat me but failed to figure out who the thinner person was with my husband. All evening I felt like I was in the Exorcist movie. Heads were definitely turning in my direction, seriously, their necks must have been aching. I don't know if it was because they realised who I was or thought my 70-year-old hubby was flaunting a mistress. It did make me chuckle, it's a long time since I was the subject of local gossip. On the bus and trains, people sit next to me now and I don't know if that's a bonus or a pain. I do like to travel alone. On an aeroplane this summer, I never had the 'oh no look' when I approached the empty seat next to them.

Yes, I do. And no, it will not. We didn't become obese by eating fruit and it absolutely will not prevent weight loss. Learning to break these types of "diet mentality" habits and thoughts is really critical to long term success. Its really important to not approach WLS as just another "diet" where you have to determine good/bad foods, foods that are safe vs off limits, etc. But rather learning to eat WELL to nourish your body for long term health & wellness, which includes ALL foods (assuming you can tolerate them, of course).

i am pre op and if you had asked me two months ago, i would have told you that there was only a little chance my relationship would survive post op… but my husband finally is making some changes to himself to “come along” on my journey (mostly in how we interact to honor the changes I have made) .. and now i have hope I won’t be single sometime next year! i guess relationships and weight loss have one big thing in common; it takes a lot of hard work that can often emotionally hurt to get through to the good

You know what’s happening. You said it yourself - eating more junk food & old habits sneaking back. It’s the battle we all face & always will to some extent. The surgery only changes our body not our brain sadly. All because you can tolerate those foods doesn’t mean you should eat them. But you have to make the decision as to whether you’ll eat them, how often you’ll eat them & how much of them you’ll eat. Finding a balance of our eating & weight & being able to live the life we want is something we have to discover for ourselves. It’s why many accept being a little heavier than they originally wanted as it’s less restrictive, more sustainable & allows them more flexibility to enjoy their life with family & friends. And that’s okay. Unfortunately, yes, exercising will increase your appetite as your body seeks to replace the calories you’ve burnt being active. If you’re more active you can eat more calories but less than you burn if you want to keep losing. Also exercising only contributes to around 10% of the weight you want to lose. So if you want to lose 20lbs, exercise will contribute to the loss of about 2 of those pounds. Of course, lots of other benefits to being active. I think you know what you need to do if you want to lose more weight. Start by making one change today. Then in a week or so make another. It’s easier to manage & accept going one step at a time. All the best.

That great to read. We are all here to support eachother. Continue on your journey to being a healthy you. The weight loss is a bonus!!

I think the things you read may be referring to type 1 diabetes? For type 1, your body produces little to no insulin instead of too much. Because there's no insulin there to signal your body to take up the sugar, your body instead starts to breaks down muscle and fat for energy, which would lead to sudden, unexplained weight loss. While type 1 is a remote possibility, it's a lot more likely your doctor is concerned about type 2. Type 1 used to be called juvenile onset diabetes because that's normally when it's discovered. It can also start in adults, but not very often. Type 2 used to be called adult onset, because that was historically when it would be seen. Now with obesity at epidemic proportions, even children sometimes get type 2.

Hummmm. I gotta do more research. I swear I just read that it causes weight LOSS which didn’t make sense at all since so many people have WLS because of diabetes and he was ordering the test for ME.

Glad you both found something that's working for you! The data is pretty clear that WLS patients that partake in at least 200 minutes a week of moderate to strenuous physical activity are significantly more likely to maintain their weight loss. Not everyone will be able to tolerate running for one reason or another due to impact on joints, but there are lots of other activities that will work as well.

Congratulations on your loss so far. Just talk to your team and get to the root of the hungry feelings. Most people really do lose their hunger immediately post surgery so it most likely is something else.