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After losing this much weight, I sure do want one lol

It is also important to remember that weight loss surgery is not a quick fix and requires significant lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise, to achieve and maintain weight loss. Your healthcare provider can help you develop a comprehensive plan for long-term success after surgery. In general, prior to surgery, your healthcare provider may recommend a low-calorie, high-protein diet to help prepare your body for the surgery and promote healing afterward. This may include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and tofu, cucumber sandwich recipe as well as vegetables and fruits. It is important to avoid high-fat and high-sugar foods, as well as foods that are difficult to digest, such as fried or greasy foods, tough meats, and raw vegetables. Additionally, you may be asked to avoid caffeine and alcohol in the days leading up to surgery. Make sure to follow your healthcare provider's instructions closely and notify them of any changes in your health or diet prior to surgery.

The long term success of either surgery depends upon you. Many of the initial benefits of bariatric surgery fade over time. Your hunger comes back, your restriction can soften, it is possible to eat around your smaller tummy & your body’s new set point, etc. What the surgery does do is give you time. Time to make changes to your relationship with food: the why you eat, what you eat, when you eat, how you eat. Time to understand your cravings & develop strategies to better manage them. Time to establish new habits about eating & exercise. Time to work out how you want to eat in the future & what works for you & your body. Regain occurs for many reasons: psychological, physiological, behavioural. Bounce back regain (usually 20%+/- of the weight lost) around the third year is common. It can be because your body settles into the weight it is happiest at (your set point). Medication changes. The crap life can throw at you (employment, relationships, health, pandemics). Complacency. A too restrictive way of eating or too demanding exercise regime. Not dealing with your relationship with food. And for some it can be a deliberate choice as they themselves feel happier at a higher weight or they make adjustments to their food choices to better suit their life. Not failure of the surgery but the impact of outside factors. The average weight loss for both sleeve or bypass at the three year mark is about 65% of the weight to be lost. Of course as with all statistics there are some who lose more & some who lose less. If you are considering revision surgery of sleeve to bypass as a sign of the failure of the sleeve, remember many who have revision surgery do so because they developed GERD not necessarily weight gain. I have a sleeve & lost more than my goal and have pretty much maintained though at only almost 4 years post surgery I’m still somewhat of a bariatric baby. I settled at 49kg (48.5-49.5). I unexpectedly gained about 2kgs about 18months ago (50.5-51) but recently we discovered I wasn’t absorbing my HRT meds. Changed to a patch & my weight is slowly decreasing (49.2-50). Small numbers I know. Has it been difficult? No, not really. It was very obvious what I had been doing wasn’t working for me & I needed to make changes. I put myself & my health first. I changed my relationship with food. Made a decision to change what, when & how I ate. It became a new mindset. The changes have been sustainable & haven’t restricted my life. I still enjoy food & eating but my desire is for healthier, more nutritious foods. And no I’m not running marathons or spending hours in the gym just some at home stretching & resistance bands. Sorry long post.

do they have to be in person? Unjury (the protein company) offers weekly virtual support groups and they do send receipts to you if you attend. They have one group for people pre-op to one year post-op, and another group for people over a year out (although people sometimes attend the "wrong" group - the leaders don't really care...). You can check to see if your insurance company or surgeon (whoever is requiring support group attendance) will accept that. I would imagine some do since they send people who attend a receipt afterward. Here's the info: https://unjury.com/resources/weight-loss-surgery-unjury-cares/

P.S. I don't think gaining all your weight back is that common, but it DOES happen if people aren't careful. A majority of us do have that 10-20 lb rebound in year 2 or 3, though. And I've known a few people who've gained 40, 50, or 60 lbs (due to old habits). It's easy to do if you don't watch it.

you can gain weight with any and all types of weight loss surgeries if you let old bad habits creep back in. Weight loss surgeries are just a tool, and you have to keep up with your part of it for it to work. And they work extremely well as long as you follow the rules. a rebound weight gain of 10-20 lbs during year 2 or 3 is VERY common. That's more your body settling in to a weight it's comfortable at. If you're diligent, you'll stabilize there - or you may even lose some or all of the rebound if you work at it. But when old habits start up again, you can definitely gain weight again - sometimes a lot of it. And sometimes all of it. what WLS mainly does is control how much you can eat AT ONE SITTING. This is an example I've used a lot: Before I had surgery, when my husband and I ordered a pizza (always a large...), we'd each eat half of it. I can't do that anymore. I can eat 1-2 pieces. It's physically painful for me if I try to eat more than that. But it would be very easy to eat 1-2 pieces at 5:00 pm, and another 1-2 pieces at 8:00 pm, and yet another 1-2 pieces before bed. So....half a large pizza. THAT is the kind of stuff you have to watch out for - that, and mindless snacking (planned snacks are fine - but mindless snacking has consequences...). so to respond to your question about whether or not maintaining after two years is difficult, yes, it is. I constantly watch what I eat. If I notice the number on the scale starting to head north - esp if it gets above my "oh crap" number (the number I do NOT want to ever go over again), it's all hands on deck until it's back under control. So yes. Obesity is a very complex, chronic condition, and we do have to keep working at it to keep the weight from coming back. But the surgery DOES make that easier. There is no way I could have ever lost over 200 lbs and maintained that loss for several years (well, mostly - I did have a rebound) without this surgery.

Okay I had a sleeve 3/9/2021 and lose a pretty good chunk of weight but since I have gained it all back. My doctors have tested me for many things hoping to find answers to why I am so hungry and I am still waiting on a couple more results but it is looking more and more like I just failed. I am meeting with the bariatric doctor again tomorrow to see if they think revision is an option for me (assuming the rest of those tests come back fine as well). My question is, for those of you who revised because of weigh gain, did it work the second time around and if so what changed? What did you do different?!

Welcome to the forums, Tina. You won't find "normal" diet protocols in relation to WLS, so most things aren't considered nor counted, if at all, until much later in the process when eating begins to approximate anything close to normal. The chorus is "Protein first," which we all learn early on. As one approaches a normal weight and "maintenance" mode more normal macros come into play, though not always. It's a different ride than the ones you've been on before. Enjoy! Good luck, Tek

Hello fellow shorty! I'm an inch shorter than you and my starting numbers are very similar to yours! I had my surgery in September 2021, I reached my goal weight of 110 in October 2022. Overall, this surgery has been life-changing and I am so glad I was brave enough to go through the process. I had some issues in the beginning, but once I started to recover it went fast. Right now if I'm being completely honest the biggest problem I have is trying to keep what weight I have left ON so I can still shop in the adults' section and not have to buy everything in kids' sizes. You're going to stall here and there, some will be short and sometimes it will feel like you haven't lost an ounce in a month; stay the course, trust the process, and know that a lot of the time stalls are giving your skin and muscles a chance to catch up and adjust.

I don't think this is true across the board; I am 18 mos out and while my weight loss has slowed considerably, it's because I am trying to maintain and still losing. I was ready to stop losing 8 pounds ago. My hunger has not returned, if anything I am completely disinterested in eating at all and have lapsed back into forcing myself to eat shakes and bars just to keep myself nourished.

Hi friends! This is my introductory post. Wondering if anyone else has a similar surgery date, low starting weight, and low goal weight. I’d love to hear how others with similar stats are doing!!! I’m so afraid I’m gonna stop losing! 56 4’11” HW 230 SW 209 CW 167 GW 115 RNY 11/8/22

I am seeking support groups or meetings of some sort that keep receipts for my records. Does anyone know what I am talking about? Sent from my SM-A125U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello @pintsizedmallrat I had my sleeve surgery in December of 2021. Hence, I am about 14 months postop. To date, I have lost 153lbs. from my highest pre-surgery weight. Interestingly enough, you had your surgery at the same location where I had my surgery...that is if there is only one Dr. Trace Curry who does bariatric surgeries. I did not have any complications from my surgery that were any different than situations that have been described on this site. As a male, I haven't experienced anything different than what others, male or female, have described. I will try to highlight some of the things I have experienced. I only used the pain medication for the first day. The gas from the surgery was the worst part for me. Once the gas went away, everything else was pretty smooth. I stayed at a hotel near the surgery center the first night. The next morning, I went home with someone else driving. I followed the doctor's instructions very closely when it came to food, vitamins and movement. I count every calorie for which I eat and/or drink. I was very cold for the first few months. Approximately 30 days after surgery, I was permitted to begin exercising. (walking) Once permitted, I began other forms of cardio like biking, jogging and the elliptical machine. Once permitted, I began to lift weights. I have continued the exercise regimen every week since. I weigh myself every week in order to track my progress. I don't know if any of this will be helpful to you. I hope your husband has a great experience. Best wishes to you and your family!

It appears that VSG is quite successful, with weight loss well over 100+ pounds common in the first year. But I've also read that maintaining that loss after the 2 year mark is difficult, and gaining weight back is common. This doesn't appear to be the case with the bypass so what causes this? I know it's a TOOL, but why is the tool so successful for 1-2 years and then not? What changes and why and what can be done to prevent it? Obviously maintaining healthy habits and continuing to work at it, but what physically or mentally causes this shift? I've heard the stomach stretches out so there isn't as much restriction, but then I read where that is not possible? Having experienced regain after countless diets I want to set myself up for success.

I would re-open discussion with your medical team. There are lists of medications flying around the internet that claim to be medications Weight Loss patients can't or shouldn't take. "Everyone" knows you should not take NSAIDs. Nonsense. Only your medical team has a say in what you may or may not take, and even that should be based on your personal situation. I am able to take NSAIDs as long as I treat them like every other medication I take: Know the negative side effects and monitor carefully. As with every other medication, there are ways of mitigating negative effects, which I also do. On the flip side, Tylenol (generally declared safe) is one of the few meds I was warned to be very careful of because of liver issues. I still have leave to take it occasionally. Often it's better a risky medication that helps than no medication that doesn't, especially with pain inducing situations. Good luck, Tek

Please don’t do a pouch reset. I’ve seen at least half a dozen bariatric dietitians explain why it’s so bad for you. You are only on fluids when you come home from surgery to help your pouch heal, not to lose weight. You’ll just be starving yourself and when you go back to solids you’ll gain. Just start tracking and make sure you’re hitting your macros and water goals.

Congratulations on your successful surgery and progress so far! Regarding your questions, it is common for patients to struggle with certain foods and fluids after bariatric surgery, especially during the early stages of recovery. It's important to follow your surgeon's post-operative guidelines regarding food and fluid intake, as well as to consult with a registered dietitian who specializes in bariatric nutrition to ensure that you are meeting your nutritional needs while promoting weight loss and healing. As for your specific questions: Fries: It's possible that you may be able to eat fries again, but it will depend on your individual tolerance and the type of fries you consume. Fries are typically high in fat and carbohydrates, which can be difficult for some patients to digest. It's important to start with small portions and pay attention to how your body responds. You may also want to consider air-frying or baking fries to make them a bit lighter and more bariatric-friendly. Bread: There are many bariatric-friendly bread options available on the market today, such as high-protein or low-carb breads. However, it's important to keep in mind that bread can be difficult to digest for some patients, and you may need to start with small portions and chew thoroughly to avoid discomfort. To promote continued weight loss after bariatric surgery, it's important to focus on making healthy food choices, portion control, and regular physical activity. Again, consulting with a registered dietitian can help you develop a personalized nutrition and exercise plan that works for your individual needs and goals. Regarding your dizziness and exhaustion, it's important to talk to your surgeon or primary care physician to rule out any medical complications. Walking is a great way to increase physical activity after surgery, but it's important to start slowly and gradually increase your activity level over time. Remember to listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Congratulations on your progress! I just wanted to say thank you for your thoughts on “ideal” weight. Letting my body choose sounds like the most natural way forward, provided I hit all of my nutrition goals daily. I want to be healthy first. 😊

I lost over 200 lbs but I had bypass. But I just wanted to say that it took almost two years for me to lose all that. My weight loss REALLY slowed down after I hit the year mark (near the end, it was like 2 lbs a month!), but it all came off. I was stalling a lot more frequently that second year, too. So many times I thought "well, this is it...", and then I'd drop a couple more pounds. Just stick with it! Your body might not be done losing yet.

that rapid weight loss seems to affect people's inner thermostats. Sometimes it's temporary, sometimes it's not. Mine was temporary - I think it just lasted a few months. But I know some people who are years out who are still freezing all the time.

How do you all stay warm while losing all this weight. I have lost 21 pounds and am freezing all the time!!!! 🥶🥶 I haven’t even had my surgery yet but I’m pretty certain I’m going to get frost bite. It was 77 degrees yesterday and despite my winter clothes I couldn’t get warm. Supposed to be in the 80’s today so I am hoping to break the chill! What I wouldn’t give for a hot flash!! 🥴

I’m a little over 2 years post surgery and have gained 20 pounds back. I just logged my calorie intake the other day to see how much I was consuming. Over 2500!!! And I also drink while I eat too. I’ll be starting the pouch reset to get my mind back to what it was after surgery. Hopefully that will help me get back on track. Hang in there. We are all human

Yes I will go today. Yeah i'm thinking it could be from my hormones from having surgery and the weight coming off or I had an allergic reaction to something used for the surgery. (meds tape glue etc) I feel like the reglan did the number on my face. I stopped taking it but my face remained attacked 🫤. Thank you for always offering sweet comforting advice.

we started out at about the same weight, and I didn't even lose that much in a MONTH (I lost 16 lbs the first month). So you are doing fantastic, actually. Most of us seem to lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the first month, so you're way ahead of pack... and yes, as summerseeker said, weight loss slows way down after that first month. The big initial drop is mostly water.

Dealing with health issues is definitely NOT a love affair with food. I deal with depression, and while I never emotionally ate, the medications I was on to treat it contributed to me gaining almost 80 lbs in roughly 18 months. People struggle with their weight for more reasons than overeating.