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I had surgery 8 weeks ago. Weight loss will vary depending on how much you weighed to start with. I’ve lost 31-33 lbs since surgery day and 39 lbs including pre-op, however I was a lot smaller to start with so % wise I’m right where I need to be. Your body will keep losing until you hit your BMR plus activity calories to maintain your weight. We just have to remember we have the rest of our lives and to enjoy this awesome ride! Congrats on your weight loss so far. I know there’s more to come! 🥳 Queso

Hi everyone! I'm 5'2 236 lbs BMI is 43. I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve on August 9th. After doing some research I'm seeing that many gain back if not, all their weight. I totally understand that this surgery is merely a tool, but up to me, to change my bad eating habits. I'm just wondering if anyone had permanent or serious health changes due to the surgery? Eg; fatigue due to vitamin loss, hormonal changes, permanent hair loss, no weight loss at all, etc. And anything you would share with me! Thank you!

Hi danita75, yes, I am referring to the sleeve. I hope it is the right choice, but I'm tired of the constant loss and gains. I just want to work on becoming a healthier, better me and for once, loving myself

Hi @Rachel_Hannah! I had my surgery the same day as you (April 13th). I had lost some weight pre surgery so went into surgery at 297lbs. and today am weighing in at 253 lbs. So sounds like we have experienced similar weight loss. It’s hard to not get frustrated that more weight hasn’t come off BUT I constantly try to remind myself that close to 50 lbs. in just over two months in pretty amazing 🤩 How is your eating? I basically never want to eat anything as nausea is pretty bad so I know that if I can work to get more protein and water I will probably do even better. Also need to be more consistent with working out. How’s that going for you?

Good afternoon, I'm officially 10 weeks post op after VSG. I've only lost 48 lbs, but I'm feeling SO much better than before. Just curious for anyone who's been out of surgery around the same time (my date was April 13th) and what you've lost during this time. I'm not worried about not losing more because 48lbs in 10 weeks is still a great amount to have lost, but my surgeon said I would've lost between 50-60 lbs by 8 weeks out, on average. Weight loss is consistent now, I didn't lose anything for about 3+ weeks after week 3 while I was healing, but now it's consistently about 3-4 lbs down every week. I've also found it helpful to include at least 2 tbsp a day of some type of grain or starch (nothing processed/white/wheat). When I stay lower in carbs (below 35), I don't lose weight at all for that week.

I totally agree with you. My friend and I have been friends since High School, but when she found out about my weight loss surgery, her demeanor changed. She is way overweight and has been for some time, but since I decided to do something about my weight, her whole personality changed. I called her the other night and she pretended like she didn't recognize my voice. She answered the phone and said, "who is this?" Nevertheless, I cut her off from that moment. I don't need friends who are unable to celebrate my wins but are quick to celebrate my losses. F**k her!!

Hey all, my wife is looking into the gastric sleeve surgery, of course I am the one with all the questions about it. Hoping maybe someone could help with any anecdotal evidence at least. I'm trying to reduce the "I wish we knew x before doing this" ... Anyway, for obvious reasons we are looking at Mexico. The first one she sent me was Elias Ortiz out of Tijuana. So I looked into him more, and read about some very poor (in my opinion) things about him, I think mostly when he was with ALM (or whatever it's called). Of course the first surgeon we look at giving me the eebie geebies is not a great start. He's not officially out of running, but we have looked into the following now. Odd that there didn't seem to be lists of them. Haven't looking into everything equally, our spoken to the coordinator on prices or anything, but these are probably in order of what we like. Endobariatric in Piedras Negras with Guillermo Alvarez LIMARC in Tijuana with Liza María Pompa González Obesity Control Center in Tijuana with Ariel Ortiz Elias Ortiz & Co in Tijuana VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana with Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz So I guess the questions are the following. If anyone could answer whatever question you may be able to add to, that would be great. Thanks!! 1) After deciding on Mexico, what was the overriding determinant in picking a surgeon, was it only price? 2 Did you get to pick the bougie size? I read a study (odd that I only found one) about bougie sizes - apparently 32 fr and 40 fr are the 2 commonest sizes? Anyway the study said that there was no materially significant weight loss difference between the two sizes, but there were less complications with the 40 fr size. Also in her situation, she's 5'10", and her general body type is such that her most healthy weight is going to be more than others her height, so I fear something too restrictive could come with problems of their own. 3 I've read about issues where people's Drs don't support post op care for out of country surgeries. This was old info though. Have people found this to still be the case? Is it only for the primary doctors, or only bariatric doctors? Or both, or is that not really a thing anymore? 4 What about complications during surgery. I have to imagine they send you to an ER in the states. I understand at that point our insurance will cover the emergency internationally, but not sure the MX hospital would be adequately staffed, and may have to send us to a place in the US. Any issues with transportation delays having to cross border? 5 Complications after you return home... I assume no, but are there any that, if we are about to make it back out, would fix the problem for like no cost or reduced fee? 6 Post op care. Like weeks/months/years... Is there a type of support you wish you had but was not provided? Nutritionist, or type of PT or psychologist/psychotherapist that focuses on mental issues that may arise after the big life change, to avoid body dysmorphia from moving to a different body part... I know the OCC place mentioned 5 years worth of support. Not sure if that is worth it, or if it's just something out there for fluff because it seems like something that would be useful for patients, but actually patients after the fact realize it's not helpful. 7 anything you know now, but would've been really helpful to know beforehand? Whether generally, or issues that would be specific to MX vs going to a place in US? 8 wondering the success of people with situation like her... In my opinion her problem isn't with overeating/the size of her stomach. She doesn't eat because she's hungry, so I'm not sure the impact this has on ghrelin will be a huge help. She invites an environment where she keeps low metabolism, skips meals, snacks on crap, drinks artificial sweeteners, takes medication that has been shown to lower metabolism. I tell her she needs to eat more protein, fiber, and 'eat like a diabetic' and when she works out (which she doesn't even do anymore), it's more of a benefit to go shorter sessions, but with more intensity, as that is best for your metabolism ... She says "Believe it or not, I actually learned this in college (for her nursing degree) and I know what I need to do" but yet does not do at all what she needs to do - and yet also simultaneously complains that she's tried everything to lose weight, even though that's not the case, particularly in last few years when she's out on anywhere from 20-40 pounds (guess). Looking at all the pre and post op diets, it looks like there's a focus on protein (as one would expect). So she's like, addicted to the dopamine I guess that she gets. She eats because she knows it's there. So while I am sure she will lose a bunch of weight offer the first 6-12 months, I tell her I'm more worried about being back where she is now 5 years after the fact, due to her behaviors that have put us in this situation in the beginning. There have been a handful of things that she's done (each successive thing being more expensive), where she's like "if I get x then it will force me to do y" and that's basically her 'argument' here. 9 related to above, how does one stay hydrated while exercising, esp in heat? Or even being sick? Is it recommended to drink warm water, due to the quicker absorption than cold?

Anti depressants are notorious for causing weight gain, often because appetite increases. Your doctor needs to check the anecdotal evidence about Trintellux. Maybe there is another med you could try? Weight gain In clinical studies, people who took Trintellix didn’t have a significant change in their weight. But after this drug was approved, some people taking Trintellix reported weight gain while taking the drug. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trintellix#side-effects My GP increased my HRT 6 months ago & I gained a couple of kgs pretty quickly (& started getting random pimples too - WTF?). I also was increasing my protein intake & I blamed that at first. I cut out some things from I ate, added a little more activity but no change to my weight. Now, I’m putting 90% of the blame on the HRT. But what do you do? Symptoms or some extra kg. Don’t let it demoralise you. You’ve done so well with your weight loss. All the best.

You’ll notice lots of differences in pre surgical & post surgical plans all the time. I know my surgeon puts different patients on different pre surgical diets. He considers many factors like weight loss history, health status, how much weight they have to lose, etc. in his decision. He put my friend on all shakes. He instructed a friend of hers to do two shakes & a meal. Me, he put on keto. You just have to follow your plan. Your surgeon likely recommended it for a reason. You could always ask them why.

So sorry you have been struggling. It will be interesting to see what your PCP says, what tests they order & what treatments they recommend. I wonder if the release of hormones & other things stored in your fat as you’re losing weight has stirred up some of your health issues? This isn’t uncommon. My cholesterol rose while I was losing though my fat intake was very low & my liver function was off. My predisposition to low blood pressure has become a permanent condition. I grew a gall stone & had my gall removed. Plus the surgery & all the changes to your duet & eating puts you under a lot of stress & that can stir up all sorts of health issues. Just a suggestion. I don’t understand nutritionalists who recommend no chicken, beef or pork for months after surgery. What’s their justification? What do they recommend you should eat instead? I presume plant based proteins. Can you eat seafood? The weight loss phase should be the time you learn about how you want & need to eat in the future - learning new eating & cooking habits, new & alternative ingredients. If you were or are intending to follow a meat free diet in the future their plan is fine but if not … Plus you have to get your tummy & digestive system used to a broad range of foods again & see what it does & doesn't tolerate. I was eating meat including seafood from soft food & some in purée. Some didn’t taste as good to begin but I could tolerate them all. Unfortunately constipation in some form is a cross we all have to bear while losing. Soluble fibre, stool softeners, laxatives, etc. become part of your life for a while. It does improve a lot once you are eating more & a more varied diet. Glad you decided to go out & some some fun with a friend though it was unfortunate you injured your hip. Don’t give up though. Just take it more slowly.

May be it’s the type of carbs? From purée stage I was allowed carbs: rolled oats & vegetables (not potatoes), then fruit later on. So instead of saying ditch the carbs I should have said reduce the carbs & look for more nutritious complex carbs like in multi & whole grains (low processed), seeds & vegetables. If you’re able to eat bread & pasta on your plan look for the low carb, high protein & multi grain versions. And of course leave them to last when eating: protein first then vegetables & then carbs if you can. But maybe it’s a case of discovering what works for you and it may be reduced carbs or only complex high fibre carbs. Ketosis didn’t last for my whole weight loss phase, just in the beginning. (Thank goodness - those bad body odour, bad breath, keto flu, etc. side effects are awful.) You don’t have to be in ketosis to lose weight. That’s just one way. Continuing to be calorie deficient will enable you to lose weight. I haven’t eaten pasta, rice or bread since before my surgery three years ago. I go out often including to Italian & Japanese restaurants & haven't felt like I’m missing out yet by not eating rice or pasta. Plenty of other options on the menu. As for bread - I have 7 specialty bakeries & patisseries within a 2 km strolling radius of my home. Don’t feel I’m missing out with them either. It’s just how you look at it. But that’s me. You have to discover what works for you.

Hi! I'm also scheduled for gastric sleeve in August on the 8th. I'm nervous also but really excited for the weight-loss. I would like lose over 100 pounds. I'm 6'2" and my CW is 277. I'm sad I'm missing out on all of these cute dresses this season, but I just keep reminding myself that I can go crazy shopping for a new wardrobe next summer. Sent from my SM-N986U using BariatricPal mobile app

Carbs are, at least for me, the VERY worst thing I can eat if I want to lose weight. But it's not really possible to eat a balanced diet and cut out ALL carbs. My dietician said to consume 60-80g of protein per day, less than 50g of carbs per day, and less than 50g of fats per day. She said food should be half a cup or less per meal, and for those meals that I can't measure in a measuring cup, I bought a food scale and make sure not to go over 4oz per meal (I typically stay around the 3oz mark, just o be safe). When I had my stall, it happened at 2 1/2 weeks and lasted a full 2 weeks. I actually gained 5 pounds during it and then just got stuck. Now I'm 7 weeks post op today and I'm losing between 5-7 pounds per week (before my stall I literally lost 30 pounds in 2 1/2 weeks, it was crazy!!!) so while the weight loss has slowed a lot from pre stall, I like the pace I'm at. It's easier to manage and even with the dietary restrictions, I still get to order yummy stuff and not feel left out (and I end up with at least 1 or 2 more meals with my leftovers LOL. My husband calls me a cheap date).

For me it was my shorts. I put on my shorts with a belt and cinched em up. Walked outside with the wifey to take a walk and my shorts fell down to my ankles in front of the neighbors. LOL We are good friends so they knew I was on the weight loss journey and the neighbors wifey gave me a whistle with a chuckle LOL

Pretty regularly during weight loss phase, actually. I weighed every day (still do) and took measurements every week (no longer do). There would be weeks where i lost 4 lbs but basically no inches (or fractions thereof), and then there would be weeks where i lost like 0.2 of a pound, but then lost 1/4 an inch of EACH of my thigh, upper arm and breast measurements. Interestingly enough, on those weeks when I didn’t lose much weight but just inches, my waist measurements did not move…which led me to believe i was retaining water - or just bloated - which would account for the weight number not moving much. Either way, losing pounds or inches, both are WINS.

I'm nearly 3 months post op and I eat between 1100 and 1300 calories a day. I've never stalled in my post op weight loss and my surgeon, dietician and I believe it's because I eat this level of calories.

I’m 45 and healthy (just overweight - 40 BMI) until I had a stroke on 6/8 2 caused by tiny hole in my heart that never closed after birth. I’m doing well and expect to be cleared by by the neurologist and cardiologist in July. My surgeon understandably cancelled my 6/29 gastric bypass. However, he says I have to wait 6 months to reschedule due to safety concerns. With such, I’ll have to redo some of the process and may not get the surgery this year. I’ve already met my insurance deductible and out of pocket maximum - making surgery free if done by 12/31. Has anyone been in this or similar situation? Thanks!

I have everything done to get approved by insurance. Did my EGD, nutritionist app, stress test and psych now just waiting for insurance to approve and get the call so I can start my 2 week liquid diet.

Stalls happen. Frustrating & demoralising at times but part of the process. But you also know you have been going off plan which is hindering your weight loss too. You know what you have to do to get back on track. Remember the benefits of the surgery don’t last forever. Take advantage of them now. Take your lovely puppy for walks. Ditch the carbs. Stick to your plan. Ensure you’re meeting your fluid & protein goals. Check if you’re really hungry or just head hungry. Are you hungry for a specific food or food type? Does it pass if you distract yourself or have something to drink? Real hunger feels different to head hunger. For me I get restless & feel like something is wrong. It doesn’t pass & I don’t crave anything specific. You can do this.

So alot of you are aware I have been in a full on stall for 5 weeks now..ugh.....anyway today or I should say within the last few days I have broke the stall and lost 4.6 lbs FINALLY!!! How many have noticed the inches coming off even tho no weight loss occurred? I have lost alot in my chest area, my bra band was a 46/48 circumference. I am now in a 42. I have noticed the way clothes fit looser and especially my shirts in the bust and some off my belly. I am pleased and thankful for the non scale victories I am starting to see.

Thanks again for all the insights. Spoke to the nutritionist, I have no exercise restrictions so I’m good there. She said I just need to listen to my body when it says to stop since I am on such a low calorie diet. Weight lifting and high impact activity is aok. She was surprised my calories were as high as they have been. She said I’ve been making all the right choices and I have been averaging more protein than many of her patients. She also thinks the weight loss is appropriate so not to worry about it too much. She said she’d be surprised if I average higher than that over the next two weeks on the soft food diet. So onward and upward (or downward as we’d all like!)

Collagen peptide is considered an incomplete protein & won’t count towards your protein goals. It lacks many of the essential amino acids. Whether it helps with hair, skin, etc. is another question. I added collagen (& silica) to my yoghurt for about 5 months I think. Don’t think it really did anything though. Certainly didn’t change the texture of my new hair growth. (It won’t stop the post surgery hair loss as that hair is already dead & meant to fall out it just falls out faster for a couple of months.). My nails weren’t stronger. I upped my facials & did some other treatments to stimulate collagen production as well but I can’t say any of it really did anything except a temporary short term glow & plumpness. You might have a totally different reaction. It’s not uncommon for you to look drawn & notice additional wrinkles & facial creases while you are losing. But once your weight has stabilised, you’re eating more & a broader diet & your body seems to redistribute your weight you will look a lot better. I went from being told I looked like death while I was losing in my first year when taking the collagen to looking beautiful in my second year when I wasn’t taking it (according to my outspoken uncle 🙄).

Surgery is June 23. Gastric bypass. Highest weight, 270 July 2021. Current weight 188 with 4 more days to go on my liquid diet. Height 5'6" BMI 30 (barely). Age 65. Why am I going through with surgery after losing 82 lbs pre-op? Statistics show that I will have a much better chance at keeping my weight off vs a 2-5% chance without the surgery . I'm tired of fighting obesity! I went on a weight loss mission, pre-op, to reduce my risk of post op complications and to train myself for life with my new anatomy. I'm ready!

Hello all! I was wondering what insurance in Arkansas covers weight loss surgery? I do have Arkansas Works through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is funded by Arkansas Medicaid. I’ve been told by different hospitals that it doesn’t cover weight loss surgery. But I also chose this plan because I was told over the phone it paid for the vertical sleeve. I’ve researched a million different types of insurance, and been told a million different things. I fit all the criteria, and have the weight loss attempts documented. I’ve seen a therapist, nutritionist, and have a letter from a surgeon saying I could benefit from the surgery, which is all the conditions of BCBS. I’ve damn near had a surgery date set a handful of times, waiting on insurance approval but every time they say it’s excluded in my plan, and it’s upsetting because I begin the process being told it does cover. Pay out of pocket for other stuff, and get excited thinking it’ll be different this time. For the last 3 years, I’ve chosen insurance based on the coverage for bariatric surgery, then once I’m locked in to a plan and they tell me to go ahead and jump through all these hoops to make sure I fit the criteria while I wait for approval, I’m told differently and I’m disappointed. I’m getting a little upset!

I had my sleeve done eight years ago and since I had that surgery, I did well in the beginning, and it seems like after that year was gone! All hell broke loose; I was in and out of the hospital for not being able to keep food down and pain all the time and when I eat, as I swallow my food, I begin to choke and start back vomiting and weight loss is uncontrollable. So, has anyone ever experienced any problems since having the weight loss surgery?