Search the Community

Can you please let me know where can I get the pretty chart with weight loss information under your message? I saw it around this forum and would like to create one for myself. Thank you!

If you are concerned about loose skin, don't get the surgery. If the possibility of loose skin outweighs the health problems you want to resolve or prevent by getting weight loss surgery, you are not ready to get surgery.

Totally the same experience as Catwoman7. I am approaching 18 months post sleeve and still losing a very tiny amount - way less than half a pound a week. Took me more than 5 months to lose half my excess weight. But we are all different. I wish you all the best with your loss. Stick to the plan and you'll get there xxx

I lost no where NEAR 50% of my excess weight in three months. That is bizarre - I imagine very few of us have lost that quickly. I'm not sure I understand your chart, but most of us lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the first month, then 10 lbs (give or take) for a few months, and then it drops...and drops...and drops. By the end (I finally stopped losing weight in month 20), I was losing like 2 lbs a month. EDIT - never mind - I get it now. So you've lost about 30 lbs in two months? That's absolutely normal. I started out heavier than you, and I'd lost 29 lbs by then. Just stick to your plan and the weight will come off. I ended up losing over 200 lbs.

I would say that these are very valid concerns, and one of the things that i struggled with in the past with weight loss, and it caused a lot of self sabotage— im working on it now with my therapist, and its a struggle. I don’t want to be noticed- and im my case, noticed for my body- and there are underlying factors that im working to uncover. My body is not something anyone should be commenting on- good or bad, imo. I would rather be noticed for something that is not fading, like a nice personality or a kind heart. Perhaps finding a counselor that has experience in body/weight loss issues would be beneficial. And you are safe here too- Im like you- I was self pay and having to come home to find resources like a counselor, dietician etc on my own. Build your team to support you, you deserve it. The hair loss was expected, as I had that when doing keto— it does turn around though, so keep up the faith there.

How quickly do you get full after eating? You can stretch your sleeve out if you drink carbonated drinks, that's what my Dr. told me. I know how you feel, I've been there and struggle with being really hungry at time and other times not wanting to eat at all. I would say try to focus on something else, keep busy don't let the weight loss worry consume you. Keep busy.. Stop thinking and over thinking or getting bored, that can lead to being hungry as well.

I say give it time and stop focusing on how much you have lost each day. After I stopped weighing myself and stopped being hyper focused on how much I lost daily things changed. A week or more then I waited longer to weigh myself. I think I didn't attempt to weight myself for a couple of months and the weight loss was much more dramatic when on the scale. For me focusing daily on the loss of weight didn't help me to, that's me personally. You can focus on your weight, just don't let it consume you. Also, don't get sad if it's not coming off as quickly as you thought it would. Give it time, find something else to focus on and just continue moving around and eating healthier than you had in the past. This is my take on the situation, I don't know if my advice is the best as I have shifted from weight loss worry to other concerns. It's hard to stay positive at times, but for me it helped to try and distract myself and keep busy. I would also say, start to plan on your clothing choices and what you would like to wear. That was the most exciting time for me. I could finally dress more like a girl and not stuck in the clothes that were only in my size.

You are loosing a lot, I never heard that 50% of your weight is lost in 3 months, but I know the first 3 months are the fastest. Slow and steady is best, your body has to adjust. You will definitely lose if you stay on track, you just might have to adjust your expectation of how fast.

Hello, My starting weight was 250 and current weight is 124. I'm new to the forum. I want to remain anonymous at this point and I didn't want to post in facebook. I had my gastric sleeve done in May of 2022, I've lost a total of 125 pounds. The thing I didn't think about was how my self esteem has not changed. I was thinner in my late teens and 20's, but gained weight after having 5 children. I am now in my late 40's, I don't really regret the choice I made about the surgery. The thing I didn't prepare myself for mentally is the depression factor, I had depression prior to surgery and had been on med's. After my surgery I am still on meds, but I feel like things have started to get worse over the last 4-5 months with more weight loss. I find it very uncomfortable to get attention that I didn't before from males. It get's very uncomfortable to the point where I try to avoid places that have large groups of people. I'm married to a wonderful man for over 20 years, he is so supportive and loving. Once I lost the weight it has turned into more of a focus on my body and how great he tells me I look. Strangers like males coming up to me and asking me for my number, or flirting with me to excess. I don't like it, it makes me beyond anxious and has lead I think to me becoming more depressed. I just want to blend in and not be noticed like I used to be. I know how crazy this sounds but it's difficult for me because I'm very shy especially and I've never liked attention. Sorry this post may sound stupid or pointless but to me I didn't realize I would become more depressed and anxious after I lost weight. I thought weight loss was going to be an amazing thing, I paid out of pocket for the surgery myself. There is a downside to the weight loss that also no one talks about and it's the hair loss. Your hair get's very thin if you are not maintaining your vitamins. It still becomes thin and falls out due to the stress of the surgery. I'm okay with my hair but the hair loss was unexpected as well. I wanted somewhere I could vent about all this. I feel like the focus is more now on my body and how it looks, especially with my husband. Sometimes it's great but at other times it becomes overwhelming. I feel like something is wrong with me, I should be happy? I don't crave attention and wanted the surgery to feel healthy and for me. I fear the warm months coming, the summer I hated the most when I was overweight. Now that I've lost the weight I'm also just wanting to go back into that shell and become invisible again, especially around the opposite sex. This is not the part I expected to have to deal with, I forgot how to deal with this type of attention. Maybe this is something that others would love to have, but it can also become overwhelming, very overwhelming. Sorry I'm rambling, just didn't know where else to post this in case my complaining is unjustified and stupid?

Hello everyone I had my gastric bypass on 22nd February 2023 and although I am super thankful that I have lost weight, I am constantly worried I will not lose enough. One of the reasons I opted for the bypass (although there are other reasons) is because I do not have any children and I have unfortunately been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure and told that the only way I will possibly conceive is IVF, but I cannot get IVF on the NHS unless my weight is below 30 BMI. Some clinics do offer slightly higher BMIs (around 35) but they are all private and unfortunately I cannot afford to pay privately. For reference I am 5ft 5inches. I feel my weight loss has been quite slow for my starting weight and I read elsewhere that you usually lose 50% of your weight within the first 3 months, which has me worried as I think I am unlikely to hit 50% by 22nd May. I would be really grateful for anyone’s comments/experiences and have pasted below my weigh ins. PRE-OP DIET STARTS 7th February 2023 - 22st 5lbs 14th February 2023 - 21st 11lbs 17th February 2023 - 21st 10lbs 18th February 2023 - 21st 8lbs SURGERY DAY 22nd February 2023 - 21st 6lbs 26th February 2023 - 21st 3lbs 27th February 2023 - 21st 1lb 1st March 2023 - 20st 12lbs 2nd March 2023 - 20st 11lbs 4th March 2023 - 20st 10lbs 11th March 2023 - 20st 9lbs 12th March 2023 - 20st 7lbs 20th March 2023 - 20st 6lbs 24th March 2023 - 20st 5lbs 25th March 2023 - 20st 4lbs 30th March 2023 - 20st 2lbs 1st April 2023 - 20st 1lb 6th April 2023 - 19st 13lbs 7th April 2023 - 19st 11lbs 8th April 2023 - 19st 10lbs 15th April 2023 - 19st 9lbs 19th April 2023 - 19st 8lbs 21st April 2023 - 19st 7lbs My minimum goal weight for IVF is 13 stone.

My excess weight distribution is mainly on my trunk from the neck down and only radiating down a few inches on my upper arms and legs. My shoulders had become heavily padded including the dreaded "buffalo hump". Although I only lost 6.5# during the one week pre-op and an additional 18# since surgery on 3/3/23, I have noticed substantial changes. I have lost (don't want to find it) the buffalo hump and my neck has gotten longer (optically). I have started losing the "football pads" off my shoulders, revealing the promise of regaining my former graceful neck which has been encased in shoulder fat for 10 years.

Hello, Friends I'm a caregiver to my dad, a mother, and a wife of a disabled spouse, meanwhile working as a Social Worker. I am not complaining at all I love my family and job. I want to start a group for caregivers that are going or have already gone through weight loss surgery. I've read a lot about the RNY surgery, and there have been a lot of books about what to do before, during, and after the surgery. I have not read anything that is specific to people who are caregivers. Being a caregiver itself takes a toll on you physically mentally and emotionally. Whether you have one person to take care for or five people to take care of. Whether you are stopping by or calling your parents on a daily basis to make sure they're OK. You may be like I am and one of your parents lives with you. Let us not forget how hard it is to raise children today and then make time for your spouse also. I chose to have the RNY surgery and I chose to be successful with the surgery. With that being said I wanted to know if there are any caregivers out there that is going to have surgery or already had a weight loss surgery. They might like to share their story.?

For me... I'm going to start the exercise more for endurance/strength than weight loss. But I'll take any extra weight loss above what the surgery provides. I'm tired of sitting on the sidelines. ATM I have no appetite so hoping adding the exercise doesn't change that. If so, I may need to rethink it. So do I. It's the "honeymoon phase" so want to do all I can to take advantage of this time before effects of surgery starts to wane. I don't want to reach that time and regret not doing more, reaching my goals etc. Because maintenance will probably be the toughest, I think concentrating on increasing muscle mass now will benefit more in the long run compared to hours of cardio. High intensity interval training for shorter periods of time yields better results when doing cardio and for me will be more sustainable over time. YMMV.. but kudos on being able to get all those miles in. I'll be happy when I can achieve walking without back pain or gasping for air. Baby steps...

I agree with the others - exercise only accounts for about 10% of weight loss (although it's great for your health!). It seems to be more effective once you hit maintenance (research shows this - I'm currently taking a graduate level nutrition class on obesity and weight loss). most people are encouraged to get at least 150 minutes a week of exercise for health - more for weight loss/maintenance (up to 300-ish hours). Strength training 2x a week, cardio three or more times a week, so you're doing great there. But you also need to have a routine that you like and are likely to continue long term. Your routine sounds fine - but are you OK with it? You don't need to add to it unless you really want to - unless you want to add some variety to keep it interesting. For my cardio, I rotate walking, swimming, water aerobics, biking (when the weather cooperates), and cardio dancing (such as Zumba). I also do walking videos (youtube) a lot in the winter (like "Walk Away the Pounds"). I need the variety since I'm susceptible to "fitness burnout"...

How long you carried your weight, how much you lose, age, genetics, etc., also influence how much lose skin you’ll have. I don’t have a lot of loose skin & what I have is not restrictive or limiting in any way. I can even wear body conscious clothing without need of any support undergarments. Genetics in my favour I think because as a menopausal woman in her mid 50s I certainly was more likely to have a decent amount. Like @learn2cook I look at it as something I earned. It reminds me every day of how far I’ve come & a great motivator to stay there. But for some it can be very limiting & then plastic surgery is the only solution. Your BMI is comparatively low so you won’t have as much weight to lose which may mean less loose skin. Wait until your weight has stabilised & allow for some resettling of your remaining fat in the months after. Oh, and don’t believe any of those creams, supplements & such that say they help with sagging skin. They don’t. Our skin has been over stretched for too long like a well used old elastic band.

Whether or not you get loose skin and how much is such a crap shoot. I started with a low BMI and lost about 80 lbs... a relatively small amount for WLS patients... but I ended up with so much loose skin. I'm at my Ideal Body Weight with 18.2% body fat, and I still look like I have a tummy because it's all loose skin. Even after losing all the weight, I'm still not comfortable going without a shirt. I look terrific in clothes, but naked... oh my. I might get surgery. I don't know. It's expensive, painful, and carries risk. And for me, the only reason would be cosmetic. The loose skin doesn't affect me in any other way. Still... I will take loose skin over being fat all day every day!

How long is a piece of string? Only you know if it is too much & is restricting/limiting you in any way (health, lifestyle, etc.) or if the amount you’re doing is sustainable. Exercise only accounts for about 10% of any weight you’re to lose. Want to lose 50lbs - exercise will contribute to the loss of approx 5 of those pounds. Of course there are many other benefits to exercising: fitness, muscle strength, toning, flexibility, general well being (mental & physical), etc. So how much would benefit you best depends upon what you want to achieve. I’m a non exerciser & I lost all my weight & more. About a year ago I began doing some stretches, resistance bands & some sit-ups. I do them over 4 short sessions during the day for a total of 20-25minutes duration (exercise snacking). I do it more to support my back, flexibility & a little toning of my arms & legs. I’d only burn about 30 calories. Lol!

I heard back from my dr today that they are going to look at bg levels after 30 and 90 days before they make any adjustments. Mainly bc with the weight change will come more blood glucose changes as well. Hope you are doing well after your surgery 😊

Hi @John40! The skin issue is very varied. Elasticity can relate to age and weight and gender and general health and genetics. So, some of us have lots of leftover skin, and some barely any at all. As a post menopausal pasty face lady I have lots of extra skin that I find annoying but not a hindrance or life threatening. I’ve decided to treat it like a war scar to remind me of what I have overcome. I wear what I want and toning up my muscles has made me look firm and stand up tall and straight. Some here have gotten skin surgery, and they look great too. It’s very personal to you how much extra skin you have. It’s also very personal to each how the extra skin allows them to move or fit in their clothing. You might not know until you get there. Most insurance does not cover skin removal. Document your sores and limited mobility from extra skin to try and get insurance coverage if you think this will be a real issue! I have friends where mobility and sores were still very impacted by the extra skin. Document it early and throughout with doctors, nurses, bills, pictures with everything dated. I don’t know where you’re at with your journey but best of luck!

Congratulations on your weight loss. How did you deal with loose skin ?

I believe they will use your “initial” weight when you went in for your consultation?

Hi, friend. I had bypass on the 11th and I'm definitely still struggling with some fatigue and light-headedness, although starting on soft foods has definitely helped. Are you meeting your protein goals? I don't think I would be close to mine without my one protein shake that I throw in some decaf iced coffee in the morning. Did they have you stop your Trulicity after surgery? That would definitely account for your numbers going up. I stalled weight loss wise for a few days too and then saw a big drop yesterday. I hope sincerely that your lightheadedness goes away and your energy comes back very soon. ❤️ Edit: "I stalled" not "installed"

I feel the exact same. I was on a 30 day pre-op diet and lost 18lbs. I was sleeved on 03/20 and have only lost 10lbs since surgery. I was cleared for exercise last week so i have been doing growwithjo youtube videos. I was stalled from 1 week post op until last week with no weight loss at all. I am also at stage 3 so i can eat soft foods, during the pureed stage which started 2 days post op i just ate canned food mashed with a fork because pureed texture disgust me. Let's all hope we reach our goals sending you all lots of love ❤️

Worried I am doing something wrong and looking for some insights. Had gastric bypass on 4/12 and over all feeling better each day. I am noticing my morning fasting blood glucose levels starting to climb. Was in the 90s in the hospital and now this morning at 124. Pre op was on trulicity 1.5 1x a week for type 2 diabetes. I still get very tired easy and am lightheaded most of the day. Have had some vision changes since surgery as well. Starting weight 231 - 4/20 today 224 which has not changed for 3 days post op weight 239 went up day after surgery and is now at 224 Started foods on Sunday with dr recommended : 3oz protein and half cup veggie2x a day or fruit 1x a day - every meal is measured and strict to guidelines. My surgeon does not allow any protein shakes or any processed food of any kind. drinking minimum 64oz water up to walking 1.5-2 miles per day