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I wasn't out long enough to take FMLA (a lot of us are back to work in about two weeks, and I had a lot of unused PTO so I just used that), but I would guess you'd be granted it if you apply since it's a medical issue.

I had my surgery January 18 this year and everything went great up until about the end of March where I just stopped losing. Like anything at all! My heaviest weight was 240 lbs before surgery, 229 lbs day of surgery. My weight at the end of March-beginning of April was 189lbs. Sounds great right? That was 51 lbs down total, 40 since surgery! The inches that I lost were even more impressive and both my surgeon and dietitian were happy about my progress. But here we are in September already, I’m almost 8 months post-op and guess what? My weight is 190 lbs average since then! It varies between 185-193 lbs and hasn’t shown any sign of changing. I’ve had several ‘extra’ appointments with both surgeon and dietitian and have followed ALL recommendations given with no changes. I’m SO frustrated and not sure what else to do. I mean…this can’t be it, can it? I didn’t have major surgery to just be where I’m at right now. My surgeon has mentioned that if my stall continues I may be a candidate for medical weight loss options like medications etc. and I’ve also had some recent testing to check things out. I’m now waiting on results from an upper GI series where at that time, the doctor doing the testing said he thinks he saw a hiatal hernia but wanted to look at everything slowed down on his other screens to be sure before doing his report. The thing that doesn’t make sense about that is my surgeon repaired a hiatal hernia I had for YEARS when he did my bypass surgery so I am really not sure what could be happening there! Does anyone have a similar situation and any success knocking your body the heck out of a very long stall? Please, PLEASE tell me all of your secrets! Quote Edit Reply to this topic...

I had my surgery January 18 this year and everything went great up until about the end of March where I just stopped losing. Like anything at all! My heaviest weight was 240 lbs before surgery, 229 lbs day of surgery. My weight at the end of March-beginning of April was 189lbs. Sounds great right? That was 51 lbs down total, 40 since surgery! The inches that I lost were even more impressive and both my surgeon and dietitian were happy about my progress. But here we are in September already, I’m almost 8 months post-op and guess what? My weight is 190 lbs average since then! It varies between 185-193 lbs and hasn’t shown any sign of changing. I’ve had several ‘extra’ appointments with both surgeon and dietitian and have followed ALL recommendations given with no changes. I’m SO frustrated and not sure what else to do. I mean…this can’t be it, can it? I didn’t have major surgery to just be where I’m at right now. My surgeon has mentioned that if my stall continues I may be a candidate for medical weight loss options like medications etc. and I’ve also had some recent testing to check things out. I’m now waiting on results from an upper GI series where at that time, the doctor doing the testing said he thinks he saw a hiatal hernia but wanted to look at everything slowed down on his other screens to be sure before doing his report. The thing that doesn’t make sense about that is my surgeon repaired a hiatal hernia I had for YEARS when he did my bypass surgery so I am really not sure what could be happening there! Does anyone have a similar situation and any success knocking your body the heck out of a very long stall? Please, PLEASE tell me all of your secrets!

Everyone’s rate of weight loss slows but when that begins to occur is another of those individual things. Certainly the closer you are to goal the slower the loss & you’re about 3/4 of the way to your goal now (how fabulous is that). But 2lbs a week isn’t slow just slower than what you first experienced. That rate is generally considered a healthy rate at which to lose in the wider weight loss & health community.

Hi Penny, How's the thyroid doing? I read your post seems you're having issues with getting proper help. The place I got my surgery is pretty much no help at all. I have a monthly appointment and all they seem to want out of me is raving reviews. I'll review once I'm completely done with them. Sure hope you can get the help you need. Crafts - Currently I'm prepping for a craft show end of Nov. I've been making lightbulb ornaments for the $5 gifts and I'm making some really neat clay and decoupage ornaments that will be more expensive. I'll also make the string trees. Haven't finalized my to do list yet. Still struggling to feel good and not sick at my stomach all the time. How many weeks were you when you were able to eat regular food? The thought of anymore pureed is disgusting to me. Hope you get some good results soon. TTYL Peggy

I had to do injections for 2 weeks and bailed after 10 days. I feel sorry for you. For the first week or so my belly was so swollen I couldn't ever feel the shots, but soon after they started burning and ouch.

I took blood thinners for almost a year post heart stents and they never seemed to make me feel cold, I have also been hot natured my entire life. About 10 years ago, I started having MAJOR heat issues. They kept saying it wasn't a thyroid issue bc I was "low normal" not actually low. After years of being miserable and making everyone around me freeze all the time, I finally got a gyn to give me thyroid meds and voila! it helped. It was almost a miracle. I'd been on HRT for a long time, tried every menopause solution I could try from natural crap that did absolutely nothing but make the folks who sell it a bunch of money to prescription hormone pills. Yes, I was menopausal but that wasn't the main issue. It was the thyroid. Now, after this surgery, they said my thyroid was too high and that my hormones would reset themselves. I quit taking the Levothyroxine med, 3 weeks post-op my thyroid had dropped to a below normal low. Started back with meds. I also developed a rash on my throat around my thyroid area, Nephrologist said he didn't know what it is so I'm going to a regular md tomorrow at a walk in type clinic since I don't actually have a regular physician, I've been seeing a NP when I have to be seen for the last several months bc it is really hard to find an actual doctor who has openings! I'm really, really fatigued again and have been back on meds 10+ days I guess it is now. I mean EXHAUSTED. I've actually been getting much more exercise than normal but can barely walk across room smh. Call your surgeons office and ask if they need to check your blood. I called mine about the thyroid issue, they told me to see whomever I see for my thyroid normally. I'm kind of like "Why am I bothering to follow up with surgeon's office if they're going to tell me to go elsewhere when there is a problem?" bc they want me in his office every 3 months and quarterly blood work as well. Seems a waste to pay a specialist co-pay and for additional labs if they don't actually deal with any problems that arise. I know people on here apparently have a ton of variations in the type and amount of care they can expect from their surgical staff, some have WHOLE TEAMS and some of us get the girl who answers the phone who works part time....no consistency in care so you definitely have to be prepared to be your own advocate and researcher and a host of other things. Call Dr, see what they say, if you don't like or aren't satisfied with the response, call your primary care dr if you have one, if not go to the walk in clinic or an ER. Our local ER is just plain scary so if I don't get a satisfactory response on mine tomorrow I'm probably going to drive to an ER in Huntsville, AL, about 45 miles away bc it is just plain scary that we seem to have gotten all the folks who got the D's in coursework. Some may be nice but I am not getting a warm, fuzzy feeling....

I have crazy hormones but did not experience a stall for that long. I dont think it is just hormones. Your thyroid could be a culprit. I would look more into that. My longest stall was 2 weeks. I would talk to a different nutritionist who is also specializing in post weight loss eating. I am almost 5 months post op and only eat about 700 calories a day. I'm not a Dr so i cant give you medical advice, but i can give you support and say what i believe is true, stick with the program, get your thyroid right and im sure you will start losing again. Good luck, i know it is super frustrating but the surgery was not for nothing. Do you log what you eat? I use the Baritastic app and i love it. Are you eating a variety of veggies, fruits etc? Believe it or not but my dietician said i was not eating enough carbs. When i stalled, i cheated eating in a bad way (only for about a week) at the suggestion of someone else on this forum and I think it broke the stall! I also started taking a pre/probiotic by Celebrate brand. It is called Celebrate Balance. It is specially formulated for weight loss. I hope you can figure this out but until then keep your head up and keep fighting. You are bound to start losing weight again.

If you are getting your surgery within the month I would think you had plenty of recovery time before Disney, otherwise, schedule the surgery after the trip. Generally, it is whatever diet plan you have to do pre-surgery (seems to vary based on BMI and surgeon) could be 3 days to 4 weeks of the pre-surgery diet. Then you have surgery, two weeks later they will do a wound check to see how you are healing. After that, you will have monthly check-ins that can be virtual (at least in my case) for the next six months, then you will have yearly check-ins. You may want to find out what kind of timeline the clinic you are going to has to determine if before or after Disney will work for you.

Today was the 3 month anniversary of my bypass/hiatal hernia repair. I've done ok on the calorie restricted diet--still can't eat certain meats (I've stayed away from steak which I love, haven't eaten lamb and even a moist pork chop is a little tough for me- instead, I'm eating. lot of fish). My portions are small-- -protein say three tablespoons, veggies, two tablespoons, mashed or sweet potato- 1/2 a small sized one. Today I weighed myself- I went from over 271 to 221 which is kind of crazy! (I am around 6 feet, used to be taller but I'm a geezer so I'm shrinking). Hooked up at a new gym that I can walk to from my house, so I will go more frequently and won't need to spend money on ride shares (I prefer not driving in town). I was shocked at how weak I was--It is going to take some time to strengthen and I'm being very cautious about torquing my gut given the surgery (even though the surgeon cleared me for weight lifting). I'm doing my supplements. I guess this is a good news/bad news thing- not that I live by the scale but I was amazed at how much I've lost so quickly. And a little disappointed in how weak I am. My wife said, "dude, you went through major surgery, take your time." She's probably right. There is no question that the surgery + pretty strict adherence to the post-op diet does work. Now I just have to rebuild my strength over time.

Glad to know I’m not alone in this feeling. I am 3 weeks post-op tomorrow and honestly wish I would have taken more time off from work. I don’t like the sick, foamy, feeling while trying to work. I don’t tolerate chicken breast very well. Eggs are usually ok but I can only eat one. Currently, deli sliced lunch meat is the best I can do for food. My doctor sent the portion of stomach that was removed off to pathology, and it turns out I have H. Pylori. On top of all the foamies, I have to take two nasty antibiotics, pepto, and omeprazole for two weeks which further adds to the foamies. I do not enjoy eating either at this point. I’m sure that will change with time. I’m down 18 lbs. in three weeks so that is a plus.

Oh I had a PARADE of foods...Everynight for the the week leading up to surgery I cooked my heavy dishes that I know I won't be able to eat after surgery and went to all our favorite restaurants. My final meal was a burrito bowl from Hot Head Burrito and it was amazing. This liquid diet is not so amazing. So nervous!!! So excited!!!!

I did stall often in the beginning though. About every other week. A good loss one week and stall the next.

How soon after surgery did the weight loss start slowing down? I'm 4 months post-op, and things are slowing quite a bit. For the last 3 weeks, I'm at roughly 2 lbs lost per week. I just feel at 4 months it's too soon. I still have about 30lbs left to goal and I'm getting antsy to get there. Though, I'm down 71 lbs since the start of the preop diet and am very happy with the way things are going. I'm just curious if the slow down at this point in normal.

Check your constipation. I found that being backed up often accompanied a stall. You’re in the 3rd week, which means you’ve been consuming only liquids. You don’t have the fiber intake you used to.

FORGIVE THE LENGTHY MESSAGE. NEED TO GIVE CONTEXT I am wondering if any one experienced this my starting weight was 139kg before surgery on the 15th of January 2023 on day of surgery it was 131kg 2 weeks post-op i was stalled for 8weeks which was not a bother to me at the time i healed quite quickly with no complications and was moved to solids within 3 weeks by the dietitian too. between January and April i lost some weight down to 111kg Since april i have not lost anything. I have gained and lost 3-4 kg since April till date which is September 6th 2023 I do everything many people say on every platform which had never been a challenge namely Monitor what i eat: I eat between 88 - 1200 calories I have more protein than anything eggs, lean meat, chicken, fish, shrimps carbs are mostly bulgur wheat. which i have sparingly 2ce a month. Plantain i have daily to balance my protein intake but not as much as protein. I prob have more grams of protein a day and that includes protein water. I work out 4-5 days a week for up to 1:30 - 2:00 hours each day In April i worked out more 4 days a week 2ce a day 2day time cardio 1:30 hours night time strength training. no weights heavier than 25kg i take my vitamins biotin and all recommended as well as powdered collagen Recent bloods shows everything within normal range. I am going into my 5th month and i am still 111kg Since April. My dietitian is numb on what is going on, the nurse recommended liquid collagen ( which makes no sense) and have said hormones.... but hormones cannot affect this 5months straight. I did bloods to check my thyroids and it showed elevated parathyroid (no idea what that means)..... not gotten an explanation as my vitamin levels and calcium levels are normal my nails are very soft and brittle and my hair falls like the weather ( only blessed to have a full head of hair but cant say it is helpful soon) No ...... the clothes i wore in April are still the same September. measurements are the same..... the only win i am getting from this is that my knee and ankle dont hurt as much when i workout. i dont burn out as i used to and i work out more than i used to before which was walking up to 50k-70ksteps a day. I have never been one who drank alcohol and havent started post surgery. I have never been one who ate junk food like crisps, tacos, burgers. I have not been diagnosed diabetic nor with PCOS i noticed when i had no carbs in my diet i lost fast but when i introduced carbs as suggested by the dietitian everything came on hold I NEED SOME SIGN THAT I AM NOT IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE OR A LONG DREAM!!! Cos it feels pointless having done the surgery not to be an effective tool Anyone in a similar predicament before

FORGIVE THE LENGTHY MESSAGE. NEED TO GIVE CONTEXT I am wondering if any one experienceD this my starting weight was 139kg before surgery on the 15th of January 2023 on day of surgery it was 131kg 2 weeks post-op i was stalled for 8weeks which was not a bother to me at the time i healed quite quickly with no complications and was moved to solids within 3 weeks by the dietitian too. between January and April i lost some weight down to 111kg Since april i have not lost anything. I have gained and lost 3-4 kg since April till date which is September 6th 2023 I do everything many people say on every platform which had never been a challenge namely Monitor what i eat: I eat between 88 - 1200 calories I have more protein than anything eggs, lean meat, chicken, fish, shrimps carbs are mostly bulgur wheat. which i have sparingly 2ce a month. Plantain i have daily to balance my protein intake but not as much as protein. I prob have more grams of protein a day and that includes protein water. I work out 4-5 days a week for up to 1:30 - 2:00 hours each day In April i worked out more 4 days a week 2ce a day 2day time cardio 1:30 hours night time strength training. no weights heavier than 25kg I take 2-3 liters of water throughout the day no compared to 3 months ago. Up to 1liter during my work out and the rest throughout the day. mostly sips. I do get hungry but try to drink water to quench or use the plantain (carb for the day) to satisfy myself i take my vitamins biotin and all recommended as well as powdered collagen Recent bloods shows everything within normal range. I am going into my 5th month and i am still 111kg Since April. My dietitian is numb on what is going on, the nurse recommended liquid collagen ( which makes no sense) and have said hormones.... but hormones cannot affect this 5months straight. I did bloods to check my thyroids and it showed elevated parathyroid (no idea what that means)..... not gotten an explanation as my vitamin levels and calcium levels are normal my nails are very soft and brittle and my hair falls like the weather ( only blessed to have a full head of hair but cant say it is helpful soon) No ...... the clothes i wore in April are still the same September. measurements are the same..... the only win i am getting from this is that my knee and ankle dont hurt as much when i workout. i dont burn out as i used to and i work out more than i used to before which was walking up to 50k-70ksteps a day. I have never been one who drank alcohol and haven't started post surgery. I have never been one who ate junk food like crisps, tacos, burgers. I have not been diagnosed diabetic nor with PCOS i noticed when i had no carbs in my diet i lost fast but when i introduced carbs as suggested by the dietitian everything came on hold I NEED SOME SIGN THAT I AM NOT IN AN ALTERNATE UNIVERSE OR A LONG DREAM!!! Cos it feels pointless having done the surgery not to be an effective tool Anyone in a similar predicament before

Can we have Campbell’s broccoli cheddar soup? what about shredded cheese?? i am at a plateau on week 3 and I’m just trying to experiment on what works and what doesn’t.

I'm new to the forums. I'm hoping to have my gastric bypass the week of September 18th. I see my surgeon in 2 days so fingers crossed. I'm going through all the emotions right now. I have a severe hiatal hernia and was only expecting to get that fixed, but after talking with my gastroenterologist and surgeon they both said the Gastric Bypass was the way to go. I hope I'm ready for all this

It's normal for people who were part of your unhealthy habits to not like the new changes in your life. That doesn't make you a bad person. It means you're in a different season of your life now, and honestly, they can get onboard and support you or they can move along. Does that seem harsh to some? Sure. But sometimes relationships that were unhealthy, unsupportive, or even toxic can and will fall by the wayside as you become a healthier, happier version of who you used to be. My entire life has been completely overhauled. I'm really active now. I eat extremely healthy. I workout 4-5x per week. I'm pursuing a career that I thought I would never get to do. I shop differently. I look at food differently. I cut out so so many bad habits and had to work really, really hard to retrain my brain to see food as fuel and not as an addiction or drug (yes, food was almost like a drug to me). Because of these changes, I have no tolerance for anything that can derail me and set me back on the path I was on before. Does that rub people the wrong way? Yep. Do I care? Nope. It's my life and I have to live it the best way I can for me.

Last week, after I spoke to my in-laws, I told a few of my close colleagues at work. I knew they would be supportive, but I didn't expect them all to say they were proud of me and excited for me! Less than a week to go!!!

What exactly are your program guidelines? Do you meet with a dietician as part of your program? Can you reach out for some additional assistance? I know for my program, I am in the range of at least 70-80g of protein and soon enough 80-100g. There is no specific guide to carbs and fats allotment, only that protein is the priority and to limit carbs and fats. More so complex carbs and healthy fats. Sugar free as much as possible. It can feel weird at first, but it gets better with time. I mostly stick to a protein and a veg. I do happen to eat burgers with no bun. I can only really manage a whole chicken patty, but only half a turkey burger or beef burger. If i feel like I want to have more traditional way of eating it, I'll put the half on a Mission Carb Balance Whole Wheat street taco tortilla. I do use sugar free bbq sauce, maybe some pickle slices and tomatoes with a reduced fat slice of cheese. It's all I can manage and I am satisfied. I also make cottage cheese bowls - taco bowls are my fave. About 3oz of ground turkey or chicken taco meat and a couple tablespoons of cottage cheese. Toppings as you like - i can do a couple cherry tomatoes, some shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of light cheese and a little salsa. Sometimes I can eat it all, sometimes I have some left which I may or may not be able to eat a little later. I would also say, instead of thinking of doing all the work for just 3ozs, meal prep. Make several portions to have on hand. Freeze extras if you tire easily. One pound of ground meat can easily last me a week's worth of meals, but I freeze to not waste if i don't realistically think I can eat any one thing. (I'm only cooking for myself a majority of the time). I also follow on IG your.onderland which provides a lot of helpful reminders, tips and recipes for the bariatric journey. Hope this helps.

Not sure what you mean by gross ingredients? I mostly went with broths and some cream soups in the 3rd week of clear liquids, I'd mix one can broth to one can cream soup. My fourth week sent me into soft foods which was mostly eggs, ground sausage or beef and some fish. Week 5 I moved into chicken. Chicken being so very dry it seems harder to digest than anything else, ground beef was so much easier. I can't much do the protein shakes, the only way I've been able to choke them down is to literally put in a blender with some extra protein powder & yogurt and ice and make a smoothie/milkshake thing and top with keto whipped cream. I use it more as a dessert bc I can't drink all that sweet stuff in the early morning. Not much of a breakfast person but since this surgery I wake up famished but I guess 3-4 oz only takes so long to digest and if I eat at 7-9 pm by the time I get up at 9-10 am it has been a long time. I got the Walgreen's extra protein shakes, small town, limited choices around here.