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I was so scared- I had a whole list of stuff that scared me. I tend to overthink things and come up with worst case scenarios. Honestly I just tried to focus on things step by step to avoid freaking out. I am a total scaredy cat who had never had a surgery like this before. I spent plenty of time thinking what the heck am I even doing? But it was 100% worth it. I am shocked literally every day at how much life is better with my sleeve. Even outside of the weight loss, feeling like I don’t have this insane hunger all the time, or feeling like I am always on the verge of slipping up and eating a whole pizza to myself. 😂. I feel like I enjoy food more now than before because I’m able to get food I actually want, knowing my portion sizes will be smaller. I will say I had HUGE problems with swelling at my heaviest. My ankles were literally swollen for years. I had to be checked for all sorts of things, and in the end it went away after I lost the weight. I had ankle bones under there, who knew!

Keto is no better or worse than any of the other fad diets out there - it's just the one that's currently "in". As with the others, maybe 5% of people on it can lose, and most importantly, keep, a substantial amount of weight off. If it floats your boat and you can keep with it as a "lifestyle" (think vegetarian or vegan) over the long term - even after your loss has stalled and stopped - go for it. But, do realize that Keto in and of itself is not a weight loss/maintenance diet - you have to learn how to do that within the restrictions of the diet, just like any other lifestyle choice. Good luck

Thank you for those fantastic ideas, I'm definitely going to try them.[emoji16] I spoke with my dietitian yesterday and he wants me to stop focusing on protein and to eat more carbs! He said that I need to listen to my body and that it clearly can't tolerate protein at the moment. He also said that it's not a lack of protein that will cause me to lose some hair, it's the weightloss that triggers it! He has patients that have excellent nutrition and protein consumption and they lose some hair! Everything online says the opposite though [emoji85]. Wishing you all the luck in the world for your surgery [emoji3059]. When you feel well enough, let me know how you are, sending you a huggle x Sent from my SM-G980F using BariatricPal mobile app

@Nikki@50 - so sorry to hear that you've had a tough few weeks, but well done for staying positive, and also congratulations on a 34lb loss, that's phenomenal!! One of the things I worked on with my psychologist was keeping a food diary, but as well as noting down what I ate (or what I thought about eating but didn't) I had to note where I was physically (turns out I do a lot of my emotional eating standing up in the kitchen!) and how I was feeling at the time. By doing this we managed to identify some of my triggers and, as well as coming up with other things I could do until the emotions passed, it's also helped me to get ahead of the emotions a bit when I can see them coming, This article describes it better than I have! https://www.helpguide.org/articles/diets/emotional-eating.htm I appreciate it'll be trickier to do the food diary stuff following surgery, but maybe tracking emotions and thoughts when you do have those impulses might help? Thanks for the offer of support - I'm sure I'll have loads of questions over the next few weeks. Surgery is tomorrow and I'm a mixture of excitement and anxiety with full on butterflies in my stomach! Trying to keep myself occupied with working today, but clearly that's not working as I'm on this forum ;-) Keep finding the positives (34lb!!!!!!!) and hope that you can get the water and protein consumption up a little bit this week. One step at a time xxx

3+ years. Wow! I've never achieved the weight-loss my doctor predicted I would lose. I'm disappointed in myself because I've cheated and not stuck to the plan. I admit I am a foodaholic. I still have a lot of restriction, but have taken to drinking sugary drinks. I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow to discuss if I should have a revision. I'm 255 and my lowest was 240. My surgeon thought I would get to 180. I'm embarrassed to see him tomorrow. Has anyone else done a revision? My dr originally wanted me to do the DS and I said no, so I just have the sleeve. I'm probably looking at the same process to get surgery. About 6 months. I'm 57 and feel if I do this surgery it might give me extended life. Hope all of you are doing well in your new life-styles. I'm happy that I've still kept 85 pounds off. 😊

Flabby skin does not necessarily sag, it is dry and rough to the touch. First of all, the loss of elasticity is noticeable on the inner surface of the thigh and shoulder. As a rule, after 35-40 years, folds appear under the armpits, above the bra. At the same time, a woman's abs and triceps can be pumped up. Yes, the muscles act as a framework and set the relief, but the skin itself loses elasticity due to a decrease in the synthesis of estrogen hormones. When the loss of turgor is caused by a metabolic disorder (for example, poor absorption of iron or loss of protein due to an unbalanced diet), patients complain of dryness and peeling of the shins, elbows and the outer surface of the shoulder. By the way, excessively dry elbows are a sign of endocrinological vomiting. I use the help of specialists https://www.nwcollege.edu/programs/advanced-aesthetics.

I have heard many similar stories, but the hair loss was due to people taking powerful drugs affecting their new hair. You need to take a vitamin complex to strengthen your hair. I also recommend using olaplex 0 and 3 as these shampoos work well and have been proven to work many times. In addition, you need to start eating right and get rid of bad habits, such as smoking and alcohol. By doing all this, you will definitely be able to stop hair loss.

I have taken melatonin from the week of my surgery with no issues. The tablets are so small and dissolve quickly so I see no reason why you wouldn't be able to take them. I have also been taking vitamin capsules and my normal meds (up until I no longer needed them after the weight loss). My doctor told me if I could get them down comfortably they are fine to take.

It's pretty much a case of "your mileage may vary". I was told of all kinds of things that could happen - feeling overly nauseous, hair falling out in clumps, things like that - but I never ran into any of that. And when it comes time to eat food, I generally do not have an issue. That being said, I confess to being a little surprised that six weeks out, you were able to take in that much. Most of what I've been getting from the surgeon or the nutritionist is "take it slow". I'm just over nine weeks post-op myself and still testing the waters (I had potatoes - shredded "hash brown" types - for the first time since the surgery this past weekend, and I managed okay), but what I would suggest would be to dial it back if you're not 100% sure you should be going at the rate you are, regardless of whether or not you can. "One day at a time" and "it's not a sprint, it's a marathon", and all the other one-liners my surgeon's office has given me, heh heh.

I can't speak to the MCAS, but I can on a few other things. The pills: I had to crush mine (except for 2 capsules that can't be crushed or broken - I have MS and those are MS specific meds) for about 12 days. On day 13 I could take them without being crushed at all, although I still can't take all my pills at once like I used to. Exercise: There needs to be some kind of exercise. Walking is the #1 to prevent blood clots and work out the gas pain (break it up and help it go away). It also helps with the weight loss. The other things you can do are total bonuses that will also be great. Never try to do more than you safely and comfortably can, but do try to do as much as you can. Diet: Can you have cottage cheese (since you can have dairy)? Have you tried avocado spread, non fat refried beans, mashed potatoes, plain hummus? There's also protein pudding, protein oatmeal (I just bought them on the BariatricPal website here), and of course protein shakes, protein smoothies, and protein flavored water. Also, try bone broth (variety of flavors). That also has protein in it. And of course eggs are great, too. There's lots of ways to get your protein in. You may not be able to get off the protein drinks like the rest of us can as we move into solid foods and get our protein from there, but you CAN still get your required protein in other ways.

From what I understand, my weight loss surgeon wants to see me once a year for the rest of my life. I'm going to the 1-year post-op visit today. So I'll always have a doc to call if I need one.

That’s awesome! Us thyroid warriors have to stick together😊. Don’t worry the scale will move again. I had a stall at 3 weeks and I think I have stalled 3 more times since then. My latest labs show that my tsh has dropped with weight loss so I have been cutting back on my meds. My endo says it’s a good thing because it means my thyroid is doing more of the work on its own and doesn’t need as much help.

I was an almost 10 lb baby….I was literally born fat. 😂. I was a fat kid, a fat adult, I was able to achieve most any goal I set out to do but I could never overcome obesity. I finally had to just tell myself if I could have, I would have. It wasn’t a lack of willpower, or knowledge, or anything. I simply could not maintain a weight loss on my own. Losing weight didn’t magically make everything in my life perfect, but it sure fixed the weight related problems…and I had plenty.

Hi JUNE friends! I get notifications when there are posts and how emotional I was to see all the NEW 2022 Junies posting! Made me reflect on everything that has happened to me in the last year. Recorded my highest weight in NOV 2019 at 305 at 5ft1in at the doctor's office. Cried and talked with her about surgery. She was all for it. Let that sit and fester for another year, what was the rush? I have only been thinking about this for the last TEN years. Finally, Nov 2020, my levels were prediabetic. I was on two high BP meds. I knew I needed to stop this. My insurance sucked and conventional route was not going to happen. MANY MANY insurance companies DO NOT cover bariatric surgeries any more. WHICH is ridiculous since it is the only elective surgery that reverses or ends so many mortal diseases. Why wouldn't they pay? Between HBP and soon to be diabetes, probably need knee replacements, and on and on!! I had to find self pay. I was too nervous to look at Mexico, and found Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas. I started my Pre-Op diet May 25th, 2021. Surgery was June 15th, 2021. Best DECISION I EVER MADE! We have all been there. Should have done it sooner, hmmm-ed and hawed for months and months once my doctor and I talked about it. Then there was covid. The delays never ended. But to all the new people.....TRUST THE PROCESS, LISTEN to your body. It will know what to do. If you do the work, it will follow. I consider myself a SLOW loser. I was not, will not, and won't ever be an exercise lover. I couldn't fathom doing any exercise when I was 305lbs. It was a terrible cycle. I can't walk and move my body because my knees hurt, my back hurt. I didn't walk much when I started this journey but then, after the tiredness subsides, you think wow, my knees don't hurt. I can go for a walk with the dog. Then, I WANT to walk the dog. For me, everything was baby steps. BUT, suddenly the pants are looser. You start to see your face change. Then, those close to you start to notice. Slowly, but SURELY, it comes off. The ONLY WAY to lose this weight is by calorie deficit. It is the ONLY WAY we can all do this. It is NOT EASY. Having surgery is NOT easy. We still have to change the way we eat. We are still have to fight those old habits and desires. I read everything I could, joined this group, and a couple on FB. I read all the advice. I am here to tell you a few of mine. I HATED pictures of any kind. I didn't take many before or after surgery. DO TAKE PICTURES!!! I love seeing people's before and afters and transformations and I just can't go back. and POOP. No one talks about the POOP or lack of it. It was my biggest side effect and still an issue. HAIR LOSS, it happens, just start those biotin pills NOW! SO, sorry for this long post, it was kind of emotional and I needed to just write it all out. You took the first steps. You got this! I still feel like I just did and am in the stages you are. But, as I close in on my first anniversary, I am overwhelmed. I hit the 100 pound lost mark. Then, this week, I hit ONEDERLAND. Lots of milestones all at once. I am anxious to see what my pounds lost will be on June 15th! Trust yourself and the process. There are NO steadfast rules. I hate when I see posts and people are so adamant and actually rude about stuff. In the end, you make the rules. I'm an open book and will answer any questions. You can message me or post. Literally remind yourself, it's ONE day at a time. Best wishes Junies!!

This thread was a wild ride. I also don't believe OP was trolling, but I think there are more issues going on here than just dealing with the weight loss stuff. If you're still reading this OP, I sincerely recommend you try to speak with a therapist about the issues you've been discussing. If you can find a bariatric therapist, great. Otherwise, any certified therapist should be able to help provide you with a caring ear. You seem to be carrying a lot more weight than just the physical pounds, if you get what I'm saying, and speaking to someone can help lighten the load. Regarding the specific things you've been discussing, a few thoughts. First, as others have mentioned, the procedure you chose is a tool like the other procedures, but it's a tool that statistically results in the least weight lost of the rest. That doesn't mean you can't be extremely successful, just that it might be tougher. You say you don't want to be one of those people weighing every gram of your food on a postage scale. Well, I'm one of those people and I've been lucky enough to have a lot of success so far. That said, I don't necessarily watch every gram, if I'm a little over it's not the end of the world. But most people have absolutely no idea what a portion of food actually weights until they actually weigh it. When I started out I was shocked on how small my 4 oz potions of food were, if I had been eyeballing them I would have had twice as much as I should have. So I would get a cheap scale (you can get them for $10 or less) and start weighing EVERYTHING. You say you don't have time, but it takes practically no time at all. Weighing all my ingredients takes at MOST 3-4 minutes per DAY. You just put stuff on your plate like normal, but first put the plate on the scale. I had some cantaloupe for a snack earlier, and I just put the bowl on the scale and watched the numbers as I filled it and stopped when I hit my limit. It took pretty much the same amount of time that it would have taken to put the cantaloupe in the bowl without using the scale anyway. You also mentioned you weren't interested in a sleeve because you believe the recovery time would be a month. I can only speak for myself but four days after my sleeve I drove 30 miles to visit with family, and I was fine. I took about a week or so off of work and went back with no problems. Everyone is different but from what I've seen posted by others, that's generally the experience most folks have. I'm not saying you need a revision, but don't let the potential recovery time deter you from a procedure if you and your doctor feel it would be appropriate. Best of luck.

Well the nurse said I might go and see the appointments clerk to see if they can reschedule in the next two weeks that way you won't ruin your fluid diet and just do another two weeks and she comes back to say there are no appointments for the next 2 weeks so just continue eating normal. I'm just now waiting to hear from them I'm losing my motivation to be honest. I've lost a month of income in the process jeopardising my position in my job, and who's to pay for all the losses and damage in the process? all they do is send you a message apologising! it's just not good enough.

I still weigh myself most days. I'm almost exactly 6 months post sleeve. I expect when the weight loss slows down and I can finally trust I'm not going to suddenly put it all back on again I'll do it less often!

I went with the exact remedy you're describing and it somewhat helped. The only difference was I sent with tart cherry pills then moved to the liquid extract as I felt it would absorb faster. I'm not sure if it worked but it did provide relief. Fast forward to now and I am only taking Allopurinol daily(when I remember). Weight loss has slowed so flare ups have subsided and I feel alot better. I did alot of research and spoke to my doctors and found that the flare ups are directly tied high uric acid caused by excessive weight loss. Hence my comment about weight loss slowing and flare-ups calming down.

I am about 7 weeks out from bypass. I eat about 4oz at a time, but it really depends what i am eating. Something things sit heavy and fill me up faster than others. Of those 4-5 oz, 2-2.5 are a protein. I am now off restrictions and can eat whatever my stomach will tolerate. I have tried tons of stuff, no steak and no lettuce yet as they tend to be harder to tolerate. But I have all kinda of other fresh veggies and lettuce is next because I miss salad. haha So far the only thing I had a problem with was a bite of pit beef meat, but that was a few weeks ago and I haven't tried since. I was so miserable and sick, I don't plan on trying again for a while (or ever). haha I am not a big pit beef person anyway so it isn't a big loss for me. Good luck on your journey!

71 lbs is my total loss since my process started! 36lbs since surgery! Awesome job and congrats on your loss!

once you're a few months out, there aren't any food restrictions and although you can't eat large portions of food at one sitting, you'll be able to eat enough that people won't guess you've had weight loss surgery. I'm seven years out, and I eat around 1700-1800 calories a day (but that'll vary for everyone since it depends on several factors, including how active you are and what weight you're trying to maintain - someone maintaining at 160 or 170 lbs can eat more than someone trying to maintain at 120). as an example, when I go out to eat, I'll usually order an appetizer or else order an entree and eat half of it (and take the other half home). Honestly, that's pretty much what many of my never-been-obese women friends eat. No one ever questions it or asks if I've had surgery. They just assume I'm a "light eater".

I have worried about this myself. Its like I dont have alot of restriction, I even said that to my Dr because things seem to be moving along good. I have not tried eggs yet but I may try that tomorrow. Tonight I had mash potatoes about a tablespoon and a tablespoon of carrots. I mashed the carrots to baby food consistency and the mash was runnier than what we usually have. I was unable to eat the mash potatoes, I maybe had 6 small bites. My stomach was gurgling and grumbling so I stopped eating altogether. It felt like I took a fist to the gut every time I tried to eat the potatoes. I dont feel hunger I dont believe but my stomach does do alot of growling and grumbling which is weird. It will do that while Im eating. Are you experiencing that maybe and thinking its hunger pains? Hard to say but I have seem some posts from ppl saying they were hungry after surgery. Maybe they will reply to your post hopefully. I havent lost any weight in 3 days after my last weigh in so thats making me nervous about what I have been eating or the amount. Surely its not a stall already after a 14 lbs loss in 9 days??

I had an RNY a week ago. At this point I am scared to weigh myself for fear of retaining fluid. Not sure when to weigh myself. Every month, week or day? In previous attempts with weight loss programs I found the weekly weigh in daunting due to the fact that I was a slow lose most people weigh themselves. How often do you weigh in?

Not sure how far along you so it’s helpful to complete your stats in your profile as @SleeveDiva2022 suggested. There are certain things you can depend upon though. The closer you are to goal the slower your rate of loss. The heady days of larger rates of loss don’t last. Your real hunger returns. Everybody’s weight fluctuates & it doesn’t mean you’ve gained. My last kilos were a b*tch to lose. Felt like forever. I just stayed my course & they went (plus more). My hunger started to return in my second year but hunger returning from around 6 months is not common. I have a natural weight fluctuation of about a kg - 2.2lbs. Could be water, constipation, life in general.