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I'm a firm believer in celebrate yourself on this journey. You should take the word only out of your mind unless it's I only weigh this much. I feel like people on a weight loss journey "only" is just another four letter cuss word. I had issues with food and water also. The puree time sucked for me mostly because I found out that texture maters to me it felt like I was on the liquid diet forever. As with the water I had issues with making me nauseous also. I did some research and found that putting some flavoring in it could help but since I couldn't stand them anymore I tried every bottle water until I found one that didn't sit heavy on my stomach and didn't make me nauseous. Smart water was the one for me. It does get better. I'm almost 6 months out from bypass surgery and although I can still only drink smart water eating is better. Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

your nerves are still healing, that's why it is important to stick to the post op diet until you are fully healed because the nerves may not give you the signals to stop because they haven't healed yet. you are only 19 days out you really shouldn't be eating chicken as yet. Try drinking more I found when I wasn't drinking enough I would be hungry and had this empty pit feeling even after I ate. Drinking more did help with this. also i wouldn't be to concerned with exercising just yet I did Zero exercise and it didn't effect my weight loss. weight loss is more about what you put in your mouth, in fact exercising could be what is making you hungrier.

Just curious, is there a reason you have landed on the sleeve vs bypass? Bypass does tend to lead to higher weight loss in more obese folks if folks follow their diet plans. I’ve had both now (sleeve to bypass) and wish I would have just done the bypass. But that’s just me! When I did the sleeve I was 225lbs so sleeve made sense, wish I would have given bypass another research though anyway. I ended up in the smaller percent of folks that get GERD and regain after sleeve. So bypass I went.

I’m a little further down the path than you but I haven’t had my surgery yet, but I did want to share one thing I learned so far. Listen to your instincts and find a program that you feel comfortable with. Don’t be afraid to stop the process at any point if that is what your instincts are telling you. Back at the end of 2021 I went with a local surgical program I’m familiar with and I had good recommendations for. My husband went to the initial appointment with the dr and we asked our questions. We left not feeling confident about the surgeon or the program but I chalked it up to nerves. Along the way I had more appointments - some went great … some made me feel uneasy with the program, like they were just pushing me through and not addressing my concerns. I met all my requirements, went through the required steps and I had surgery scheduled for early Feb. I was just two weeks from my surgical date and I canceled. Before I canceled I talked my concerns through with my husband, PCP, endocrinologist and the facilities practice manager. It just wasn’t the right fit for me. Since then I looked into other area programs, debating if I really should go forward with surgery. This month I found another I think will be a better fit for me. I just started the process but if all goes well I expect to be scheduled this summer - hopefully July or early August. It’s a little frustrating to be starting over again, but I’m much more at ease knowing this program is a better fit and I have been reassured that if I’m not ready at three months (my expected approval plan) they will work with me to make sure that I feel comfortable and confident with the process to have the very best out come for me. If I decide to not have surgery they will refer me to the medically supervised weight loss program as a plan B, if I decide surgery isn’t the right choice at any point. Although the idea of surgery still scares me somewhat, I feel much more comfortable this time around knowing I have support both outside the program and within - which is more likely to help me be successful. Best of luck in your journey, no matter what you decide to do.

I lost 16 lbs the first month, and I started out at almost 400 lbs. unless you're the size of someone on "My 600 lb Life", you're not going to see enormous drops. Most of us "normal" WLS patients lose about 15-25 lbs the first month, and then maybe 10 lbs give or take a month for a few months after that (and it slows down more than further out you get). your weight loss is completely normal - you're doing fine! as for no desire to eat, also normal. It's very common to lose one's hunger and appetite for several months after surgery. Mine came back after five months, and honestly, I wish it never had. It was SO MUCH EASIER to lose weight when I was never hunger and didn't give a flip about food! P.S. of course, you will always find some "normal" WLS patients who lose more than 25 lbs the first month - but they're the exception. On top of that, you're starting out at a much lower weight than many of us. Starting BMI is one of the major factors in your rate of weight loss. The higher it is, the faster you're likely to lose. So don't worry - you are doing absolutely fine!

I know other people who can't handle food in the morning (actually, even some people who HAVEN'T had weight loss surgery can't handle food in the morning!). My dietitian tells them it's fine to have a protein shake for breakfast.

Hi Parisshel, it was very painful, scary and I'm just happy it's over and the band is gone and I'm still alive. The way he explained it is that when the lapband first came out, they made two different versions of it. One was made with hooks, where you can turn it easily to put it in and the theory was, if it had not slipped nor eroded, it would be just as easy to take it out. He said I did have the one with these "hooks" -- and I'm not quoting him on WHY it wound up having to be dug out - but I'm assuming because of the slippage that happened. Also, another possible contribution to this issue could be that I was not having it filled consistently because I felt it was already too restrictive and people were commenting on that I was losing too much weight. (I think some might have even questioned if I was "sick" with something). I filled it a few time in the 10 years I had it and towards the end had it loosened/filling taken out and then eventually, unfilled completely in Nov 2021--- and maybe that's when it really started to slip and all that happened to wind me up having it completely removed. My suggestion to anyone that has one -- is, even if you are not going in to get a fill - at least still visit with your doctor and drink the barium so they can check in on the band - ask about slippage, erosion, etc. At the beginning of the big "lap band surge" before they knew a lot of long term reactions --- the doctors and surgeons would say it is "VERY RARE" that it will slip or erode. Now, they are finding out -- it is MORE common than NOT for it to erode and/or slip. So, have it checked - mine was supposed to be checked every three months. But, because I wasn't interested in having it filled, I would not follow those standards. I had a very very reputable doctor too, so, it really was my fault for not having him check in on it time to time, regardless of fills. To address your last part, I am feeling a lot better, thank you! it has been two weeks and 2 days since the removal. I would say I was only "ok" after about a full week. I still have incision tape that needs to fall off, but all in all, worth it knowing now that it's out! I have to say, I have not gained any weight since the removal and do not see myself eating any more than I did with it in (but again, remember I wasn't filling it, and he it completely unfilled last November). Looking back, I think the one benefit I did gain from it - it gave a "kick start" on my weight loss but also forced me to realize and change my eating habits. !! Good luck with everything!

Just tell them you are making changes to what & how you eat. Tell them you’re seeing or have seen a dietician & you’re doing this with your doctor’s support. I’d also tell them you hope they will support you too as you try to improve your health. They don’t have to know any more if you don’t want. You’re not lying. Just not telling them everything. I have friends & acquaintances who only know this part of the story & all accepted it. Oh & if they start sharing their weight loss stories & how you should try their diet, remind them you are seeing a dietician & want to stick to that plan as it’s working so far. Have a great time on your holiday.

I know this is slightly off topic, but I'm looking for a medication post surgery to switch to for bi-polar. One of my doctors, who is not very familiar with weight loss surgery, is suggesting switching me from Valproic Acid Oral Solution to Lithium. Have you talked to your doctor about this medicine after surgery? Will it still be processed by your gastro system normally? Any expected changes to the meds that keep you normal and baseline? I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and let me know. Thanks and good luck with your journey to the best version of you!

Hair loss is a natural process, but if the hair falls out more than it should, you should consult a trichologist. No wonder your hair falls out after surgery, which is a common consequence. I believe that you need to stop doing perming, at least for a while. Now you need to restore and nourish your hair with a good shampoo. The nioxin ingredients contain natural herbs and vitamins, so they are harmless to you.

Day 15 post op. I’m stalling at the moment as well. It’s like it’s a calendar event on my phone or something 🤣 as much as I read about it I’m still irritated hah. No gain, but no loss. Just have to ride it out!

I agree with @catwoman7. It could be low blood pressure (postural hypotension if it occurs after you stand up or get out of bed). This isn’t uncommon but more the minority & even fewer reach the full out faint but it’s a temporary side effect. Think it may be just yiur body sitting itself out & getting used to the weight loss & changed diet. Stand slowly & wait before moving. Some suggest marching on the spot for 30 seconds or wriggling your feet before rising - doesn’t work for me. If I feel an episode coming on I stop moving & hold into something solid - table, chair, wall, person - or sit down again. I’d certainly get your sugar checked too especially if it was accompanied by cold sweats as it could be hypoglycaemia (drops us sugar levels) I have hypoglycaemic episodes & have low BP all the time. I had them occasionally whenever I was at a low weight before my surgery. Now I’m at a much lower weight I have them more often. So really pre existing for me.

I'm several years out, but starting at probably a year out, or maybe just a few months, I could eat enough that no one could tell I'd had weight loss surgery. Even now, at a restaurant I'll typically eat an appetizer - or else order an entree and eat about half of it, and take the other half home. Honestly, that's pretty much how several of my never-been-obese women friends eat. I'd probably be considered a "light eater", but again, it's not obvious at all that I've had surgery. and yes - I eat what my family eats, just smaller portions, and I focus on protein.

Oh well done - that's an amazing loss over 2 weeks. I just came to see how everyone was getting along - we're all at the 6 month stage more or less - can you believe it?! I hit 6 months on Tuesday with a BMI of just under 28, weighing 13st 7lbs, and with 29lbs to go to my goal. I'm still eating around 1000 calories a day during the week and about 1200 at weekends. Walking (really fast walking) for exercise. I'm still losing about 2lbs at week at this point and so happy with that. I'm living in fear of my hunger returning in full force now. My stomach can hold noticeably more food than even a couple of months ago, although I don't push it at all. Still eating 3 small meals a day with a couple of snacks in between, and a couple of glasses of wine on Friday and/or Saturday night. I hope everyone else is doing well too.

I am sure it wont last much longer than a week or so , you will be fine, don't forget hormones play a big part in weight loss too, Pre-op I always seemed to gain a kilo or 2 before a period then drop it when period had finished and I am noticing something similar post op too but now I am in peri-menopause its a bit harder to gauge. Oh I am a guilty over weigher too most days I weigh in twice a day 😔. although now my weight loss has slowed dramatically I try to only weigh in first thing in the morning.

Yeah, everyone defines a stall differently. Personally I use at least “1 week of consecutive days of non-weight-nor-inches loss” as a definition. I mean, I could drop a good 2 lbs with a nice poop (i pooped every 3-4 days - sometimes even longer than that - back in weight loss phase, so that made sense) …and yes, I used to weigh myself before and after poops cuz it was fun for me 😂) What some people consider stalls, others call daily fluctuations. But however you define it, just keep on trucking, and aim to keep the anxiety at bay. Remember: stress (i.e., cortisol) has a positive correlation to weight gain (i.e., increased hunger and over-eating) Good Luck! ❤️

as long as you're following the plan, I wouldn't worry about it. There could be a number of factors affecting your weight loss (hormones? Constipation? Water retention?). The goal of this pre-op diet is to shrink your liver, so you're good..

I had RNY to RNY revision surgery on 12/21/21. I thought I was fine, slowly recovering, until 10 days later when I started coughing up blood. I was airlifted back to the surgical hospital with a perforated jejunum at the anastomosis and SEPSIS. I had emergency surgery and was close to death for several days. I was in the hospital for 7 weeks and in a rehab facility for 3 weeks. I was discharged with a 15 cm long open surgical wound which is still not entirely healed 3 months later (but getting close). I resumed normal activities after returning home and have no pain from the open surgical wound. I have volunteer nurses who come to my home to do dressing changes, now every other day. Because of three necessary endoscopic procedures looking for leaks or abscesses my anastomosis is stretched and I have no more restriction than I had before the revision surgery. I had lost 70 lbs prior to surgery by cutting out all sugar, flour, rice, white potatoes, processed food. I've lost 25 more since the revision. I've been told to get 90 mg protein daily and to limit my calories to 800--which is VERY difficult. To add insult to injury I'm starting to lose my hair, too. I'm really struggling with cravings in the afternoon and night. We are now considering a prescription for CONTRAVE. Do I have regrets for having the revision surgery? Of course! I wish I had left it alone. I wish my surgeon had aborted the revision when he found I had dense adhesions. However, I'm well now and am approaching a 100 lb weight loss.

I totally misread this as you were denied. Oops. But for those with employer sponsored health insurance: Read the denial letter. It will give you information on why you were denied and next steps. Common reasons for denial: 1. Missing criteria 2. Not a covered service under the plan (employers can exclude bariatric coverage from their plans or it’s not offered at certain market sizes such as under 100/small group plans) 3. Alternative treatment/step therapy required such as nutritional counseling, medically supervised weight loss 4. Procedure not covered; alternative procedure covered Example: duodenal switch isn’t covered but the sleeve is 5. Age -either too young or too old All denial letters will give you next steps to take action and appeal the decision. I suggest work with your provider to file the appeal. I’ve been in health insurance for nearly a decade and i have seen these denials before.

Your hormones are out of whack post surgery. Things should begin to feel more normal again soon. If the depression is too much to deal with, you may consider reaching out to your teams therapist. 17 pounds in 6 weeks is a pretty good loss. That’s almost 3 pounds a week.

Your BMI is up there at 47ish. I would think you would be on a 1 week liquid diet but your surgeon knows best. I sure dont lol. But just because your surgeon said 1 day. Does not mean you cant do a week if you want and get a jump start on your weight loss... I have seen some on here start their pre op diet a whole month in advance. (which is not easy)

I am so sorry for your loss.. Your dad sounds like such a wonderful man and I had tears in my eyes reading this. As a nurse, I learned early on to never judge someone based on their looks and to listen to my patients. Obviously, none of these people did that in your dad's case and if they had they could have saved his life. I am so sorry you and your family had to experience this. Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Your rate of loss always slows as you get closer to your goal weight. You can always depend on that. The heady high rates of loss you experience at the beginning don’t last. You can also stall any number of times along the way. The small weight gain you are seeing at the moment could be related to your health issues or it could be your natural weight fluctuation becoming more noticeable as you get closer to your goal. It could also be your body resettling after your holiday loss & getting you back to where you would have been without the holiday. I’d go for option D - stop panicking & let your body catch up & I’d also add wait for your health to improve. Doesn’t hurt to do a check of your food choices, portion sizes, calories, protein & fluid intake, etc. Though you may be currently struggling with food, there may be something you are missing or could tweak to keep you closer to your plan. All the best

So I am guessing your main concern is the slowing down of your weight loss? At this point I am going to say its very normal for weight loss to slow down at the 6 month mark ( depending on your start weight of course) so dont worry about that. You do however need to sort your nutrition and gastric problem out. Sort that out then once you are all good there then concentrate on loosing more weight if you need too.

Yeah it does thank you. And congratulations on the weight loss that's awesome. Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app