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I have thought about weight loss surgery for a few years and seriously for a year now. I've been overweight for over 20 years, and in the last nine years I have gained around 44 pounds. Currently I'm around 80 pounds overweight with a BMI of 37. Like so many here, I've tried so many things to lose weight. Meal replacement shakes, weight loss club, exercise, different kinds of low carb eating etc., with diminishing results. The last time I lost any significant amount of weight was almost decade ago, when I was pregnant with my son. I lost about 22 pounds from before I was pregnant, but I gained it back double in the years that followed. I was at my highest weight in 2019, and since then I've managed to lose and gain the same 10-15 pounds several times. Before I was a mom, I used to exercise regularly, but as a new single mom with a full time job, I didn't have the time. I started with a low carb diet four years ago and started exercising in a gym a year after that, but then covid came and all the gyms closed. I started having blood pressure problems at the end of 2019, and it has gotten worse since. I'm now on two different medication for blood pressure, plus Metaformin for blood sugar. I got covid last winter and after that my stamina is a lot worse, so I feel like I'm fighting an uphill battle I keep losing. I have the money to pay for surgery, if I go overseas to have it. I'm in northern Europe and am considering two private hospital in Eastern European countries. I guess I'm afraid of complications, of dying and of not getting the desired results. A part of me feels I should just be able to exercise and do keto to lose the weight, but I've tried it so many times and failed. As I said, I'm a single mom and want to live a long and healthy life for my son, who does not have another active parent in his life. I've only told one friend that I'm considering this surgery, but I hesitate to tell my family. I'm the only overweight person in my family and I'm not sure they'll be supportive. Did anyone else struggle this much with deciding to have surgery or not, and what finally helped you to decide?

As @catwoman7 said it could be related to all the craziness of your weight loss. Hormones & other things being released from your fat as you’re losing throwing your levels out. My cholesterol & liver function rose when I was losing then settled in the healthy range early in my second year. As for the ferritin levels it could just be you & you sit at a little higher level. You wont really be able to tell until your weight & everything else stabilises. If it is still high then, you can give blood. That’s how people with naturally high iron levels (hemochromatosis) manage it. But of course check with your doctors. Do you take an iron supplement? If so maybe chat with your surgeon to see if you can reduce it (like once every two days). Generally if your surgeon isn’t worried, you can breathe easily.

I am only 6 days past surgery and I've only lost 5 lbs. Maybe this is normal, but I expected it to be more I guess. What has your weight loss journey been week? Especially the first month? Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

Yeah pretty much - I have a good routine now but I haven't even added exercise in, hopefully when I do that (hopefully soon) it will help kickstart even more loss.

I just checked - ALK phosphate is also a liver enzyme. I wouldn't worry about that. Liver enzymes are usually high for about a year after bariatric surgery. It's because rapid weight loss is hard on livers. It'll stabilize in about a year when your weight loss slows down.

I tried to smoke a joint in the first week post to deal with surgery pain cuz I didn’t want to take my pain meds. The resulting coughing fit (and stomach pain from the coughing) put an end to that real quick! About a year later i tried again and was fine. Im back to my normal rate of usage (like once every couple months) with no issue. Bonus points: I don’t get the uncontrollable munchies anymore! If i do feel munchy, its easy to ignore 💪🏼 P.S. No, i dont have a medical marijuana card, and Yes, its legal up here now, lol. P.S.S. I also drink/drank regularly (pre and post op), but only started drinking regularly again after weight loss phase. During weight loss phase I probably had about 5 partial drinks in total the entire time. P.P.S. I also smoke (cigarettes), which i am half-heartedly trying to stop. Sigh.

It's ok to go back and forth as much as you need. You are in control of what happens to your body. Until you are 100% sure that surgery is what you want...don't do it. I have thought about bariatric surgery for over 10yrs. Each time I convinced myself I could lose weight without surgical intervention. My last attempt was on a Dr.'s lead weight loss program. I lost 20lbs then went thru a really bad emotional rough patch and gained back the 20lbs and found another 25lbs. The only time you can't change your mind is after the surgery is done. You are doing what is best for you.

I take metoprolol and I will crush it. Hopefully after some weight loss I can ditch it and the lisinopril and both diuretics.

I lost about 50 lbs before surgery and I’m super glad I did. Every pound I lost before was a pound I didn’t have to lose after, and also I feel like it made me healthier for surgery. The awesome thing about it as a lifelong yo-yo dieter is that I lost that weight and then had surgery so I never gained it back. I had a lot of weight to lose as I was starting out at 339 lbs, however. I knew that the weight loss would be easiest right after surgery so I wanted to lose what I could without it and let the surgery take care of the loss I couldn’t do on my own.

Definitely understand why you want to wait. I also don't feel like myself yet. It's kind of weird being like hey I'm going to lose a lot more weight heads up haha. I went on another date last night with a new person and we talked about weight loss because he was very health conscious. I told him that I recently lost over 80lbs and have issues absorbing vitamins so I take special tablets and get bloodwork every 3 months. I wonder if he put two and two together. I still don't think I'd tell a date until I reach my goal weight. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Building on my comments above, if you got along well with your band - it seems like you did - but just had mechanical problems with it, then the sleeve is a good replacement as its' character is similar, being strictly restrictive, but without the foreign object problem potential of the bands. The bypass is a good procedure that has been done for over forty years as a WLS, based upon procedures that are about 140 years old developed for gastric cancer, so it is a well established and understood procedure, both the good and bad. There has been a continuing effort in the industry to develop better procedures (as there should be) and a number have come along, with some remaining and becoming established as viable alternatives (such as the BPD/DS and VSG) and others falling by the wayside, never getting traction (such as the mini-bypass,) and others where the jury is still out (the SIPS/SADI/Loop DS.) The BPD/DS generally works better, being stronger metabolically, but is also technically more challenging to perform, so few surgeons have adopted it; the VSG came out of the DS (the DS is based upon the sleeve, and adds malabsorption) and has established itself as being comparable to the bypass in average performance - overall weight loss and regain resistance - in a more straightforward procedure that has fewer long term compromises for the patient. GERD is the main potential bugaboo with the sleeve, which compares with the bypass's predisposition toward marginal ulcers, dumping and reactive hypoglycemia. The ulcer potential is what presents restrictions on some medications with the bypass, the biggest group being NSAIDs, but there may be others that one encounters in life that will also be off the table, or severely restricted, with a bypass. There is also the blind stomach and upper GI loop with the bypass, which makes those areas more difficult to monitor and evaluate through life (can't just stick an endoscope down there to take a look,) and there are an increasing number of endoscopic treatments for a variety of maladies available these days that would also be off the table. If one needs periodic monitoring in that region, for instance for a history of stomach polyps or family history of some cancers, the bypass becomes much less interesting. Another factor to consider is what I call the "Plan B" case - what to do if things don't work out as expected and things need to be revised? While the bypass is technically reversible, that is rarely done as that in itself is another fairly complicated procedure. The bypass, overall, is something of a dead end procedure in that it is difficult to revise into something else is need be. As weight regain is similarly possible with either the sleeve or the bypass, there isn't much to be done to correct that with the bypass - installing a band over the pouch or tightening up the stoma are the most common revisions, and neither has a very good track record for resolving regain problems. The VSG, on the other hand, can be revised (some would say "completed" into a DS fairly easily as it is the first step in a DS, or it can be revised into an RNY if GERD problems can't be resolved with meds (the RNY is usually reversed if an ulcer problem can't be resolved with meds. So, more options are available with the sleeve should a "plan B' be necessary. These are the reasons why the sleeve is building in popularity; there are good reasons to choose either, but one needs to take a close look at one's circumstances going into it to determine what is the best trade off for one's needs.

Hi all. To address this collectively: I have been to *tons* of doctors over the last four years trying to figure this out, as it started even before my weight loss surgery. The short version is that they haven't found anything. At some point, you have to live your life instead of living in a doctor's office. I get my labs taken every few months: my vitamin levels are perfect, blood count is great, etc. I know this is an unpopular opinion in the chronic illness/grey area community, but I truly think the majority of my issues are coming from anxiety. It's created an intense hypersensitivity/vagal response for everything I do, so what I'm trying to do is control the things I can through diet and common sense. So here I am trying to get macros and lifestyle advice two years later. Time to give it a whirl.

How's the scar for neck lift? I took some pictures and I think I see some difference with some face yoga or may be just little more weight loss. Sagging looks little better. So I suppose, I'll just to wait and watch how it looks towards the end of my weight loss and what procedures I may or may not need.

they didn't have Webinars back when I had mine seven years ago, but I had to go to an informational session (they had them scheduled once a month) where one of the surgeons from the practice spoke. They mostly just went over the different surgeries, talked about the benefits of weight loss surgery, and entertained questions. But yes - it was required. I'm glad I went because that's what convinced me I needed to have this done.

This is an amazing loss. Congratulations. 😄

Wise words from @GreenTealael & @catwoman7. Yes, it is your body not theirs & yes only you know what goes on in your head & your body. We are all so different physiologically & psychologically there is no one size fits all. If there was no one would ever have a weight issue & there would be only one diet that works for everyone. The surgery offers you the opportunity to really learn about what drives you to eat, why you made certain food choices, etc. You’ll also start to work out what your eating routine & food choices needs to be (notice I didn’t say diet). That is what your body needs to function effectively (physical health) & what you need to include to still enjoy & live your life as you want (contributing to your mental health). How I eat now will be different to how you will eat in the future. There will be similarities of course. but it won’t be exactly the same because what my body needs to be healthy & what I need for my mental health won’t be the same as yours. The surgery provides the opportunity for you to do the work into understanding your eating habits & your emotional drives to eat, to reflect on your food choices, etc. A lot of the success of the surgery does depend on you being able to do this work. As part of the surgical process you will be given access to dieticians & therapists to support you to identify the causes & strategies to manage or deal with them. The surgery also temporarily changes your taste buds, your tummy can be sensitive to certain flavours or foods & there is a restricted diet to begin which can be used to break addictions to certain foods or tastes. The physical restriction limits how much you can eat too. I know people say surgery is the easy way out. Believe me it isn’t. Appetite suppressant medications take away or mute your real hunger. Your head hunger, the psychological drives to eat (cravings, boredom, emotional traumas, addictions, etc.) are still there shouting at you to eat. Your gain, lose & gain cycle likely occurred because when your ended the diet, you went back to eating the same way you did before. The issues behind your weight problems were still there. You still didn’t know how to recognise or manage them. Exercise is great & has lots of benefits. But the truth is exercising alone accounts for only 10-20% of any weight loss. You have to diet too and … well … I tried medications, a myriad of diets & tried all sorts of exercise programs. Sure I’d lose weight but I always put weight back on. For exactly the reasons I gave above. After the surgery, I look at food totally differently. I still have cravings but I recognise & understand them better & they don’t have same power over me. Ultimately, it’s your decision. All the best whichever path you chose. PS - I’m a rambler too - can’t you tell 😁. Just embrace it - I do!

I have a saggy neck too. Right under my chin, ugh. I had sculptra on my face and that helps a lot with the gaunt look after weight loss but not sure what to do with my neck yet. lol

Anything that gets your heart pumping is good. I was planning on buying clothes from Shein when the weight loss starts. They're not high quality like American eagle, but the clothes are cute. They're hit or miss, but maybe purchase a few pieces of clothing?

I've never heard of that. I have always had asthma but it has improved after the weight loss.

Changing macros is always interesting and usually pays off. Some say cut the carbs, others say up them. For example, I upped my carbs to over 100g and dropped another 5 lbs. I have been below my weight loss goal but was stalled for a few weeks. I have been working up to consume the 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, as per my surgeon's diet plan. It's similar to the Longevity diet based on a 30 year recent study.

Hi all, I like sharing the story, because I remember having just as many questions when I had this (lapband) done back when my youngest child was 2 (so 8 years ago) I had been at a regular weight (5'5 or so and 130 lbs) - was good for me....until I got preg with my first - and SOMEHOW gained 70 with him (when I was 26) and despite diets, Weight Watchers, boot camps, south beach, no carb, walking, gym memberships - I only lost 30 of it. THEN, 6 years later (at the age of 32, I purposely got pregnant again, gained only 30 this time around, But remember - I was still carrying around the 40 pounds from my first baby(cakes). Anyway, in desperation, I did it. And I felt embarrassed that I had to go that route. But with my new metabolism and having two pregnancies - and after all the regular stuff, gym, walking, boot camp etc. -- it would not leave me and I didn't feel healthy. So, I did get the lapband, and it was a pain in the ass, there were required seminars and prescreening and pretests, liver checks, etc. etc. (but btw, eating healthier, exercise *walking was a huge help*) So, when my daughter was 2-3ish (back then it took forever to get certified, especially if you were too close to the BMI weight, which I was right on the cusp of not being qualified. Back then, it was like you had to gain weight before you qualified for it. When all was said and done, (again about 10 years ago now) I did land at a net weight loss of 70 pounds (from 240ish to 140/150) - but once I stopped having it filled, I did gain about 20. However, it doesn't matter, i'm back to close to pre-pregnancy weight and feel more in control about losing that in a healthy way. I know it's not easy when it's more than 50 pounds to lose. But, I do feel better! I don't really care now the nubmer that I weigh, as long as I feel good and more healthy. I quit getting it filled after after three times- it was very restrictive , even the doctor could see that. So, LONG story short, I was at where I wanted to be and had it completely unfilled, then removed about a month ago - I have not gained any weight!!! That is people's fear, but nope, I am happy to report, I actually lost 7 pounds since it was removed. And I feel much better with it OUT. I, obviously, am not against people who want or need it, but just keep an eye on it. My doctor said (not quoting him direct but in a nutshell he said ----> "10 year shelf life, if that - the statistics are still coming in" - just be careful. One POSITIVE experience from it: because I was restricted from eating for so long (whether band was filled or unfilled), I learned quickly to eat reasonable portions, not binge eat like I did when I was pregnant or whenever (everyone situation is different of to why they over ate)....and with the confidence that came with losing the weight - it did encourage me to PERMANENTLY eat different, healthier, and overall be more conscious of our eating habits and choices. And for those of you with kids, I don't need to repeat that! we want our kids to lead by example. I wish you all the best - I guess I'm leaning any advice for people with hesitations or wondering about self-experiences , and here to say - if you have the band, control the mind set and make it a permanent mindset and keep an eye on it!!! Because eventually you will not need it nor be able to have it. The removal surgery very me sucked badly, it was all wrapped around my intestines. (my doctor quit even doing them 7-8 years ago because of the complications they are seeing now that they have been reported more). But I guess, after everything else I tried and in combination with the rest of effort, it was worth it. if you get into that new "groove" - you won't need it the rest of your life. The important part, I think, is to sustain how your appetite and mind reconfigures itself afterwards. If you have any questions at all - feel free to message me! P.S. - I am not condoning lap band nor against it. I am only sharing my personal experience - just because I know that people need it for whatever reason they choose (health/self-confidence/feel better/not be so hot in the summer/can't lose/new metabolism sucks/never lost that baby weight, , etc., 👨‍⚕️

Start taking biotin and collagen to help with the hair loss. That was one too I got from someone else in the vsg community and it’s been working wonders for me. I’m 3 weeks post op and so far my hair is looking better than pre-op. I started taking biotin and collagen about 5-6 before surgery and make sure I mix it into my drinks daily.

My resting heart rate dropped to under 40 bpm. Every time I went to a doctor, they commented on it (they frequently thought there was something wrong with their instrument and had to check it manually), but nobody was that concerned… Until I started having problems. I was feeling weak and run down all the time, but everything was fine with my bloodwork, and finally my surgeon suggested it may have been related to my low heart rate and referred me to a cardiologist, who diagnosed me with bradycardia. The cardiologist said that it was probably because my heart was used to having to work hard while I was walking around with 200 extra pounds, and once I lost so much weight and got in better shape, my heart was stronger than it needed to be and slowed down to compensate. I ended up having to get a pacemaker. The cardiologist said that bradycardia due to extreme weight loss is rare, and that even when it happens, it’s not a problem unless it causes symptoms.

I am going to give the vitamin patches a 👍. I bought them from the store at this website. I actually wear 2 of each that I bought...double the dose. I do this because my nutritionist told me they were not effective. 🤷‍♀️ Of course when someone tells me something is ineffective, it stands to reason that I buy them and use twice as many as directed. When I upped to two patches/day of each pack that I bought (iron; Omega 3s; B-complex; Biotin for hair, skin and nails; multi-vitamins; and D3 with calcium;), I did feel a difference when I was consistently using them every day for about a month. And, I know that's 12 patches which does take some time in the morning, but I am giving them a thumbs up!

The referral is the start of a process where you have time to figure out if it is the right thing for you. You will have to have a psychological evaluation, medical screenings etc. You will do a lot of soul searching during this time. Your seem convinced that you have done all your can with conventional methods and they have not worked for you. This is the point where most of us have had the same thoughts and have pursued the surgical route. You have to be ready to make sacrifices and to give up some of the habits you have fallen into previously. If you don't make those changes, you will not sustain the weight loss. The surgery gives you a tool in the short term to give you physical restrictions to over eating. During this time where your restriction is working for you, you need to develop good eating habits. If you do this, you will be successful. Some continue to have restrictions to eating others do not get the same restriction which again, the surgery is a tool to get you in the right mindset to make permanent changes to your habits and eating problem.