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I don't know your stats but 800 calories a day doesn't seem too high to me. Unless you're really tiny and inactive, you should be able to lose on that amount. I mostly eat mini-meals throughout the day. I start eating at about 6 AM when I have coffee before work and I eat every 2-3 hours or so until about 6-7 PM (like maybe 6 AM, 8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 5 PM and 6-7 PM). I'm naturally more hungry in the daytime and not so much at night, so I don't usually need to eat at night. It looks something like this: 1. 6 AM: Morning latte (made with Kitu Super coffee, 10g or Protein and no sugar) 2. 8 AM: 1 scrambled egg 3. 10 AM: Yogurt 4. 12 PM: 1 chicken thigh 5. 2 PM: sugar-free pudding 6. 4 PM: Lunch meat wrap made with Mission Carb Balance tortilla 8. 6-7 PM (Nighttime snack): cheese stick When I was still losing, I restricted carbs but not calories, so if I had a hungry day I might eat a little more or conversely I might have a low appetite day and eat less. I ate around 800 calories a day from 6 months through about 18 months, so I guess that's why it doesn't seem excessive to me. I did not have weekend treats while I was losing (although I did have special-occasion treats, like Christmas and my birthday). The more often you eat on-plan, the faster your weight loss, but you get to decide the balance between losing weight and enjoying life. Just be alert to how things affect you, so you can adjust if there is a problem.

WLS first crossed my mind in 2002 when I saw a nighttime special on it. I was a senior in high school then. I wanted to join the military but when I talked to a recruiter both my weight and the prospect of WLS both disqualified me. I had thought about it off and on and been discouraged by others (including my ex-husband) with fear mongering and promises I could do it on my own. That was until I had an appendectomy in April 2019. At my post-op appointment my surgeon said, “I know we’ve talked about it before but have you considered WLS?” I said, “ya know what, let’s do this!” And that led to my journey to WLS. Those 7 months flew by and I had VSG in December 2019. I’ve had a revision since then due to a hiatal hernia causing GERD but if I could do it all over again knowing what I know now and what I’ve been through since, I totally would! It’s saved my life in more ways than one. Without the pre-cert process I’d never have known I have 2 congenital heart defects and now regularly see a cardiologist.

Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch is the original. SIPS/SADI-S/Loop DS is the new version. The new version was created to mitigate some of the issues with the original i.e the diarrhea issue as well as lessen the malnutrition issue (still higher risk compared to Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, etc, but better statistics than original DS). However, the downside is you have slightly less calorie and fat malabsorption, statistically slightly less weight loss, and there isn't enough long term data to tell how patients are doing 10-20 years post-op, but that data is available for the original DS. However, statistically SIPS still has a higher weight loss percentage then Gastric Bypass even if it doesn't beat out the original DS. In the end it comes down to 1. if your surgeon even performs the SIPS version of the surgery (which is actually easier for them to perform then the original) 2. if your insurance even covers the SIPS surgery because some insurances consider it 'experimental' due to the lack of long term data and 3. which surgery you actually want. I chose the SIPS/SADI-S/Loop Duodenal Switch for myself because I didn't fancy having to deal with diarrhea all the time. Didn't expect that I'd have to deal with constipation issues at times and my system trying to empty itself at others (at least twice a week my stomach is like "ohhh you're going to be in the bathroom for a WHILE" and I literally empty everything out. Diarrhea still happens on those days. TMI, sorry, but I thought you'd want to know all the nitty gritty stuff to help make your choice). Also, there is something like a 3% you will develop either Celiac Disease or a Wheat allergy. That's for any malabsorbative surgery (DS, SIPS, or Gastric Bypass) and they don't TELL you that. I developed a wheat allergy. I was tested for it after I had classic symptoms of dumping syndrome after I was TOLD that wasn't possible. I tested positive for a wheat allergy. Anyway, it's unlikely it'll happen to you, but I tell people because a 3% chance means 3 out of every 100 people so it's worth mentioning and I'm irritated that they DIDN'T mention it! I still would have had the surgery, but I would have like to KNOW! Also, they didn't tell me that it's possible to vomit old blood after the surgery. Again, doesn't happen to everyone, but it happened to me and scared the SH*T out of me! I was still in the hospital and panicked and the nurse came in took one look at the blood in the bag and was like "It's old blood. You're fine." and then walked out. Like WTF?! Anyway, I'm almost 16 months post-op with the SIPS so if you do decide to go that route feel free to ask me any questions about my own experience and I'll do my best to answer. Hope things go well for you at your appointment!

I am BRAND NEW so please bear with me! I am 61 years old and 65 lbs overweight -- I have a BMI of 37 (not diabetic but have GERD, high BP and cholesterol, both controlled by meds). I have been overweight ALL of my adult life minus 3 years when I successfully lost 55 lbs on WW -- I kept most of it off for about 2 years. Since then I have gained that plus 10 lbs. I like WW -- I like recording what I eat and enjoy the meetings, but have not been successful since that one time in spite of re-joining eleventy-million times.... (I never got to "lifetime" when I lost the 55 lbs -- I just stopped going after the majority of the weight was gone. So in fairness to WW, I never followed through on their entire program.) I have a hiatal hernia that now must be fixed by surgery -- I had an internal bleed that made me severely anemic and in the hospital for 5 days. While there I met with a Thoracic surgeon who confirmed I would need surgery -- and she asked me if I would consider Bariatric Surgery at the same time. What? YES! Of course! Let's DO it! And then... I found out about dumping. I have a SEVERE fear of vomiting -- I literally have thrown up less than 10 times in my 61 years (many times I should have but I fight it -- which just makes me more miserable). I would almost rather die than barf. I have read everything I can about "dumping" and I find myself asking: why would I do ANYTHING that might increase the risk that I will vomit? Granted, WW is slow and tedious, but I can do so without fear of dumping. Also, the thing that keeps coming through when I read about bariatric surgery is that it is not the SURGERY that makes you lose weight, it is the nutritional program and long term lifestyle changes that make you lose weight. Anyway, I'm just super scared about dumping and also question having two pretty intense stomach surgeries at the same time. (Heck, I will lose weight from the hernia surgery alone -- maybe use that as a jumping board to really get back into WW?) Any advice would be greatly appreciated -- and sorry to go on so about WW -- I know this is not a forum about other weight loss programs. Cheers and thanks, Peanut120

I've been obese for most of my adult life and morbidly/super morbidly obese after age 35 or so. I'd tried a million diets. On my more successful attempts, I'd lose 50 or 60 lbs, hit a brick wall, and then gradually put it all back on. Most of my attempts wouldn't even get me that far - maybe 10 or 20 lbs tops. I had over 200 lbs to lose, so I knew I was never going to get there if I couldn't even keep 50 lbs off. I'd considered WLS for at least 10 years before I actually had it, but I was afraid of it and also, I'd have to change to a much more expensive insurance policy to get it covered. I thought I'd just wait until I turned 65 since Medicare covers it. But then I'd lie awake at night worried that I was going to have a heart attack, and I'd be in the ER and they wouldn't be able to do anything for me because of my weight. And at one point it occurred to me that waiting for Medicare to cover it was a bad idea, because at the rate I was going, I might not have even lived to see 60, let alone 65. How many super morbidly obese seniors do you see running around? Very few. I can't remember what the last straw was (I had the surgery six years ago and started the process seven years ago), but it was probably the thought that I wouldn't live to see my 60th birthday if I didn't do something about my weight. And since I was 55 at the time, that day was coming up fast... so- I did it. I have never been so grateful for a decision in my life. I should have done this YEARS ago. My life is a million times better now - and of course, my 60th birthday came and went without incident. Now I think I may be able to make it to 80+ !

yes. I gained 20 lbs after hitting bottom, and it's almost impossible to get it off. I think when you're at a normal BMI or only slightly over it, it's really tough to lose weight. And it's not just us WLS folks. I remember going to Weight Watchers meetings years ago and rolling my eyes at these normal weight or slightly overweight women b*tching and screaming at how hard it was to lose 10 lbs. Yea right, I'd think - try losing over 100! But now I totally get it. I did lose 5 lbs last summer due to the fact (I think...) that I was biking 1-2 hours at least five days a week, but it came right back on when biking season ended. I honestly don't want to go back down to my lowest weight - I was too thin - but I'd love to lose 10 lbs. I'm starting to feel like one of those women I rolled my eyes at at Weight Watchers...

I bought at home tests for nicotine on my last surgery, and I cleared by day 10. I vape constantly and before that I smoked for years. You can get them on Amazon.

My post surgery may be different from yours since I had the sleeve...but there's an excellent thread called Food Before and After Photos...which has been VERY active, over 6,400 posts. I would start at the beginning (you can just skim it) to see their progress and how they started out. It gave me a LOT of great ideas on what I can eat, also what to eat if I'm flying or in an airport or on vacation or out to dinner...lol! As an example, I'm 10 months out, and this weekend I went to Happy Hour and had two limoncello martinis, a half dozen oysters and two lamb shops...all for about $24. It was the perfect amount of food...and very high in protein. I like to go out to eat too, and I'm in hospitality, so there are many work related "dining out" opportunities. I stick to one to two drinks (I know alcohol is forbidden, but I went rogue on that at about 4 months out!) and high protein. If I go to sushi, I get a sashimi appetizer...at my favorite restaurant, it's probably 3-4 ozs (9 pieces of three different fish) and it's perfect (although I have been known to sneak a piece of my son's eel roll. too!) Mexican, I get shrimp fajitas, no rice and have been know to bring my own low carb tortillas! I haven't really done Italian...but if I did, it would be shrimp scampi or chicken or veal picatta...no pasta! I always study the menu before I go anywhere (the same recommendation every diet I have ever been on has made) and choose what I will be eating before I go. This helps me to not make bad choices, most of the time. I just decided that I was going to LIVE with my tiny belly...and living to me includes dining out!

10 weeks out from RNY on 3/3 and huge success to share!! Went to the endocrinologist today for the first time since surgery. A1C in October was 6.8 making me a diabetic. It's what really sparked my WLS. (6-6.4 is pre-diabetic and anything over 6.5 is diabetic) Today, I'm at 4.6!! I am officially cured of my diabetes!! WOOT!!! Also, in 2019, my cholesterol was 218 - today it's 104!! For the scale victory, I'm down 37.8lbs from surgery and 83.8lbs from October!! 10 weeks out from

10 weeks out from RNY on 3/3 and huge success to share!! Went to the endocrinologist today for the first time since surgery. A1C in October was 6.8 making me a diabetic. It's what really sparked my WLS. (6-6.4 is pre-diabetic and anything over 6.5 is diabetic) Today, I'm at 4.6!! I am officially cured of my diabetes!! WOOT!!! Also, in 2019, my cholesterol was 218 - today it's 104!! For the scale victory, I'm down 37.8lbs from surgery and 83.8lbs from October!!

I have the same feelings. I feel excited about losing weight (after years of struggle), but bad about it as well because I am only about 10 pounds from slipping into a low BMI (<18.5). I want to be healthy, not anorexic. I know most people have weight rebound, so I have been planning for that, but I have a pretty healthy cushion at this point. 🤷‍♀️ Working on changing up my diet and exercise routine right now to try to find maintenance.

I used to use wine & stock but then I discovered milk. Just pop the salmon in a baking dish, barely cover the fish with milk, a good pinch of salt per fillet, whatever herbs you like & bake covered in moderate oven about 10+/- mins. The milk helps absorb some of the oil too which I struggle with especially now.

[emoji38] That is so funny! Just today I was thinking I wish they could take some fat and loose skin off my fingers. My ring size has gone from a 10 to a 7.5, but I've always had this fat pad right below my knuckle, so it's hard to get a ring over that spot, because it's bigger than the spot where my rings sit, if that makes any sense. I need finger loose skin removal! [emoji23] Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

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NONE. ZERO. NADA. NIX. Best think I have ever done!!!! And why the bypass and not the sleeve? I lost 83 lbs on the sleeve (took one year) and it's been fantastic on so many levels. In fact, I am 67 years old (10 years out) and take no medication (I was on cholesterol and blood pressure meds) and I feel great. I wrote a book called Queen of Crop about my first year (one chapter for each week). It was a grand adventure. I am now in the process of writing Queen of Crop - Ten years after. Because I have gained 15 lbs of the 83 I lost. But seriously, I felt so FREE from food and diets for so many years. It's a personal decision of course but I will tell you, for me, best decision of my life!!!!

I meant to post back in March but been busy with life. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe. For those who got sick with the virus or lost loved ones, I offer my deepest thoughts and sympathies. I was part of the group who got the by-pass done just before everything went on lockdown last year. It's been quite the journey. I've been fortunate to have been able to work from home all of this time, although I do expect to return to the office sometime later this year. To date, I have lost 92 lbs. since the start of my bariatric journey and 104 lbs. from my highest weight. I had the surgery at 62 years of age and I was pre-diabetic, with high blood pressure and a BMI of over 44 and Stage 2 kidney disease. My highest dress size was 24 and I had severe acid reflux, back, knee and feet problems. At present, I can likely get into a size 18 and my bust size has gone from DDD to DD. I absolutely have no regrets getting the surgery -- it likely saved my life in many ways. Pre surgery I did a lot of reading on here as I wanted to know as much as I could about what to expect and I appreciated those who were 6-12 months out from surgery coming back to talk about their experiences, so I wanted to pay it forward. I will begin by breaking this into 4 sections: How I feel, What I think about myself, What I appreciate about myself now, and My work in progress. How I Feel: Physically I feel great and I consider that a blessing. I still have problems with my feet but that is mainly due my falling arches more than anything (although I did strain my ankle a few weeks ago attempting to do HIIT exercises -- don't ask). I've been most frustrated not being able to go to the gym to workout so my main exercise is walking long distances and doing online sculpturing classes. I do plan to return to the gym soon to step up the weight training. Walking up a flight of stairs without gasping for air is just simply divine! Having blood pressure that avg. 117/75? Lovely! I do still have to sleep somewhat elevated as I do have occasional bouts of reflux but nothing like before the surgery and I can't sleep on my right side for too long. But I can now sleep on my back without having severe back pain (the draw back is that my mouth is always open when I do). My blood work for the most part shows most areas in the normal ranges and my kidneys are functioning well. What I think about myself: When I was still in my 20s, I managed to lose 80 pounds and I gained it all back and then some. What is different about me now vs. then is that I still saw myself as fat, even though at that time, I was 16 pounds away from my goal weight. When I look at the pictures of me then, I couldn't see what I see of myself now. Even if I never lose another pound, I am so very cool with me being at this size right now. We are all different, especially us women, but yet we compare our bodies to an image that is not necessarily natural or realistic for most of us. Now I look in the mirror and I 'see' skinny and that's only because I'm tall and can carry more weight without 'looking' fat. That's also why the bottom line for me will always be the numbers on the scale, the volume of food I eat and the calories I ingest because the numbers don't lie. But poor body imagery can screw your mind up every time. What I appreciate about myself now: I think that it's so important to note the things that most folk who are thinner often take for granted. I try to keep a mental list of the things I can do now vs. before: Crossing my legs! I so love doing this! I can cross my legs without needing to hold my leg in place with my hand. I can keep my legs crossed for long periods of time without leg cramps; I can get a 4.5 mile walk in within 1 hr, 15 min vs. the 1 hr. 45 mins. in the past. I was able to work up to 10 miles in one session last year; Love having a resting heart rate in the 50s-60s; I can actually go to Costcos and buy some clothes! I haven't yet done so, but I will be able to start shopping for clothes in the non plus size section (that will still feel weird though); I like the fact that it can take me 2-3 days to finish a meal that I would normally eat in one meal. Volume control is a major game changer for me. I can't believe that I don't miss ice cream! My Work in Progress: The weight loss is slooooooooooooooooooooow now. I'm so close to that major milestone of onederland that I can taste it! Drinking enough water is still a struggle; Yes, sometimes I do overeat (and yeah, I pay for that!) Some foods that I like I can't really eat that much of anymore. I have to remind myself to make sure I get in enough protein. The protein drinks really helps even now. I still feel somewhat guilty when I have to throw food away because I'm full. I still snack a lot and I will on occasion, have that one sweet item that I want. I don't crave sweets and I'm so very grateful about that. Interesting that I want more savory things now. Being consistent is what I have to constantly work on. So ask me anything and I will check in from time to time to answer your questions. I would love to hear from others who had the surgery just prior to the great shutdown of 2020. Whatever you do, stay true and focus on your journey. It doesn't matter when you get there, only that you do in your time.

Mine is also May 19th. I’m having a hard time with this liquid diet. The first 8 days were good but now I want food. I’m in a bad mood, dizzy and I can’t believe I have 10 days of more liquid diet after surgery before I can eat. All I want to do is chew something!

I originally used MFP, but because of their data breaches, I switched to Baritastic, and it's great. I did like that MFP had more foods listed, but it's not that big a deal. I hate tracking my food, it's a chore, but I've done it consistently for 10 months with Baritastic. It's just part of my routine now. Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

I stopped feeling pain around day 9 or 10. 2 weeks out I was fine. Sent from my moto g play (2021) using BariatricPal mobile app

I had the sleeve in 2012. SW 268. I’m 5’2. I got down to 180lbs an kept it there until 2016 when I had a miscarriage, then struggled with infertility. In 2020 I welcomed a baby boy during the pandemic and well all that combined I’ve gained all my weight back 😞 I feel like a failure. My insurance covers revisions but I don’t know the specifics that are required. In 2019 I had my gallbladder removed and I was diagnosed with NASH at that time. Is NASH considered a comorbidity? Or medical complication? I haven’t been diagnosed with GERD but I know I have it (I choke in acid every night), so I am hopeful I can get an official diagnosis for a revision. I’ve tried going back to the basics and restricting calories and all the things but the weight just piled on. Anyone in the same boat?

Some people just have bad luck. My wife is unable to lose any weight. I don’t know her starting weight (7 years together and she’s never told me and I’m not dumb enough to guess). She had her sleeve in July and has lost maybe ten pounds. It’s heartbreaking to watch her (and you) go through it. She’s eating on plan, even less usually. She dieted and had a personal trainer prior to surgery and lost nothing then as well. She’s been to multiple doctors to try and figure out what’s wrong. Other than pretty serious anemia (she’s had maybe 10 iron transfusions so far) they can’t find anything. One doctor told her if there were ever a global famine she would just be one of the people to survive (gee thanks). So I guess what I’m saying is it can happen, even if you do everything you should. As far as not being able to walk, there are things you can do while sitting to get your heart rate up. If there is a public pool near you that would be another option. Check for local YWCA locations or other similar places, they’ll often have low or no cost options as well. Church groups are also a possibility. No matter what though don’t give up, keep trying, keep doing whatever you can. You are losing weight so that’s a great thing, even if it’s not the pace you were hoping for. Every pound down is one less pound your feet have to support and one pound closer to your goal.

I had surgery the same day as you. It's so difficult isn't it? I keep weighing myself every day, even though I know I shouldn't. We want to see those results and know that all of this was worth it. That it's working, and that we did the right thing. I started comparing myself to folks on instagram, seeing them lose 10 or 15 pounds more than me in the same time frame. It's a rabbit hole that I can't afford to go down, mentally and physically. I'm telling myself that I have to just give my body time, to let it do it's thing. All I can do is follow my surgeon's advice and trust that I will get results. You are doing great with your intake, I'm sure that you will get the results you want to see soon!

My body must be rebelling.... possibly the MSG in water enhancers are causing water retention. This morning my weight was 254, tonight it’s 259. I just don’t get it. I am consuming 3 Protein Drinks per day, which is only 450 calories. Today I had sugar-free jello, that has 4 calories per serving. I am walking 10 minutes 3 times per day. So as of tonight I have lost only 1 pound in nine days since surgery. I am not cheating. Disappointed but will stick with it.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how it's already been 10 years since I got my sleeve. I've also been thinking about new people just starting on this journey and remembering how I felt about the whole process. I should mention I'm 5ft 2in and weighed 233 lbs and was 56 years old at the time I started my journey. I tried every diet, I mean every diet. Spent too much money on fads and diet supplements. In the beginning I was excited and worried about having the sleeve. You can't grow your stomach back! Not that I had an emotional attachment to my stomach and actually thought my stomach was my enemy. The thought of removing part of a perfectly good organ in my body. Well, that's just crazy - isn't it??? I have to go to this extreme to stop killing myself?? I couldn't eat hardly anything at first. If I ate one bite too many I was in horrible pain and had to lay down. I remember thinking if I just could eat 1/2 of a small hamburger or one little taco I'd be happy. But pretty much 2 bites of anything and I was done. The weight came off fast in the beginning. But my energy was low, I didn't feel good and I had some regrets. Couldn't go out to eat it was a total waste of money. Besides since I could only eat a couple bites the waitress thought there was something wrong with the food. Naw, just wasn't that hungry I'd tell them. I get a doggy bag and attempt to eat the rest later. So yes, the first 8-10 months the weight fell off. I don't remember exactly how long it took me to loose the first time over 90 lbs. Yes, I said the first time. I didn't gain it all back though. I still was not at peace with my sleeve. It was the enemy keeping me from eating as much as I wanted and when I wanted. BTW I still can't eat salad anymore it's just too hard on my stomach. I loved salad but NO sleeve doesn't like it!! So here's the deal...no I couldn't eat a whole hamburger BUT I can eat maybe 1/2 now and then 2 hours later I eat the rest. Same with everything else. HAHA sleeve I win. I really struggled with my love/hate relationship with my sleeve. A couple years go by and I gain back around 50 lbs. HAHA sleeve I win???? Did I already say that learning to live with the sleeve was a real struggle for me? So, it took me along time to be at peace with my sleeve. Well, I am now. It wasn't easy but I did it and it feels good today not to stress out over not being able to eat as much as I want and I stop when my friend the sleeve says "that's enough!" Okay, you win sleeve. I've lost the weight that I had gained back. No, I'm not skinny but I'm at a comfortable weight that looks good on me. The real win is my health. My blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol are good/normal! My sleep apnea is gone! I don't shop in the "big ladies" department and I fit in an airline seat and can put the tray table down! I can walk for miles and I don't break out in a sweat just walking to the mail box. I can play with my Grandkids! If I were to give advise to anyone considering having VSG. Don't expect the sleeve to be the magic bullet. You have to work with it and listen to your sleeve. You might have to go through what I did. I hope if you do eventually you'll start listening. Most, not all of us have a food addiction and most of us don't want to stop eating when we are really full. Food tastes good, we love it. It's social and everything we do socially has food involved. Television ads for fast food, and restaurants at every commercial break! I was so addicted to food. Well, actually. I still am. But.. most of the time now I stop eating when my sleeve tells me to stop. I have a family member who had gastric bypass. She is so frustrated. " Ya can't eat a meal!" " Nope, we can't but we can share a meal and still have leftovers." I believe long term success (not that I'm saying I have that either) will happen when you accept, make peace and listen to your sleeve. It could just save your life like I believe mine has done for me. Good luck to everyone on this journey or getting ready to start it. It was the best decision I've made for my health. No regrets!

I'm an nurse. When I was a new nurse in the late 90s, wls was still fairly new, and I saw people with pretty bad complications and even death. I am also a pretty big worrier and tend to overthink everything. I considered wls for many years but it was never something I thought I would do. I was just too worried about complications. I've never had insurance covered it either and didn't want to pay out of pocket for it. It all changed when I got my gallbladder out in January 2020 and had liver biopsy at the same time. I was diagnosed with NASH and hepatic fibrosis and he recommended wls. He told me it was safer now than having your gallbladder removed, so I researched some more and made the decision to do it. I was still be very scared of complications, but I was also 48 at the time with a 9 year old son I wanted to see grow up. So I had my Loop DS in July 2020 and it was definitely the best decision ever. I knew realistically my chance of complications was low, and I had none. I'm almost 10 months out already and down to 244 from 393 and I am so glad I did it. Any surgery has risks. I had to decide if the benefits of the surgery outweighed the risks for me, and they most certainly did. I knew if I stayed at that weight I didn't have a chance of living much longer anyway so I was willing to take the chance and do it. I feel great! Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app