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I am considering the following items: Monthly or quarterly meetings. A fun or educational activity at each meeting. Examples include preparing a weight loss surgery-friendly meal, filling out a customized meal plan, or going for a group-wide nature walk. Presentations by surgeons, nutritionists, other professionals or bariatric product companies at local meetings. Annual national meeting of BariatricPal Local Chapters in a location such as Los Angeles, New York, or Huston. Option to go on an annual cruise What Do You Think about BariatricPal Local Chapters? What I would like to ask you for is what you think about the above suggestions. Also, what are your answers to the following questions?All of the above sound great! Would we be allowed to bring +1 to the cruise? Such as spouse or what if someone has children but no babysitter? Would you be interested in attending regular local chapter meetings in person? Would you be interested in being a leader (or co-leader)? Yes!! Absolutely. Would you like BariatricPal to provide agendas for meetings?This would be ideal and very helpful. What additional support could BariatricPal provide to encourage your participation and/or leadership?BariatricPal is super helpful already. Maybe a yearly conference with all of the local chapter leaders, maybe in person or on GoToMeeting would be good to share ideas/stories/etc. Also, some help with venues would be good. Should there be limits on the minimum and maximum numbers of members that each Local Chapter can have?Yes, I think this should really be a stipulation. The maximum should be around 30. Any more than that and it seems like not everybody gets noticed nor the one on one that someone should get in a live support group setting. What other ideas do you have?Setting up different meetings tailored to individual needs such as pre-op, post-op, over 1 year post-op, longer and perhaps by surgery type though I would not be opposed to running any of the above. Also perhaps special sessions for people who are struggling and need help with getting back on track, weight gain, transfer addictions or other.

Some people have a few pounds weight gain right after surgery, but it starts dropping real fast after a few days. I lost 32 lbs the first month, but it really slows down after that. I've lost 60 lbs in 4 months. Not as much as I would like, but I have only 40 more lbs to Lose, so I'm over halfway there.

I am having some issues with swelling that are causing my nausea when I eat. They are hoping this will give me enough to heal. I just have read it can cause weight gain and since every post bariatric patient is concerned about that I thought I'd ask...did you experience normal weight loss on TPN? Also is everything okay now? No leak? If you don't mind me asking

I am having some issues with swelling that are causing my nausea when I eat. They are hoping this will give me enough to heal. I just have read it can cause weight gain and since every post bariatric patient is concerned about that I thought I'd ask...did you experience normal weight loss on TPN? Also is everything okay now? No leak? If you don't mind me asking

So I have been released from the hospital on my second stay after surgery. On Saturday I was unable to eat or drink due to nausea. I was admitted to the hospital and given fluids then sent home to do at home infusions of "TPN". Has anyone been on a TPN infusion to speed up recovery and did you experience weight gain or a slowed weight loss? I got surgery to lose weight dammit!

I was stuck for 2 straight weeks at the same weight about a month ago. I felt like a complete and total failure and loser. I got so depressed and annoyed that I didn't really know what to do. On the 12th day, I said "screw it... this isn't working, i'm going to binge". I told my wife to get some wings from wing zone with a bunch of sides. I was ready to tear into them and completely give up. I was able to eat one and a half wing pieces and half of a potato wedge. It was the funniest thing ever and completely lifted my spirits. That's when it became clear to me that the sleeve was not the answer to all my weight problems, but was an extremely useful tool to help me lose weight. My binge consisted of about 250 calories...total. lol 3 days later was weigh in day and I was down 3 lbs. I've lost another 15 lbs since. All you can do is make sure you are getting all your Protein, Water, exercise and Vitamins. If you are stuck in a workout routine, change it up. Do squats. Squats are super easy to do and they workout the largest muscle group in your body and you can get away with doing them daily. The more muscle you have, the more calories(fat) can be burned while resting. In any case, don't agonize. Be patient and understand that this is part of the process. Plateaus happen with weight loss, weight gain, muscle gain, etc.

A person who is building muscle will have a different diet plan than one that is wanting to 'cut' and show ripped muscles. Body beast by Beachbody is a program that is strictly designed for weight gains. The food program bulks you up then at end of program you go on a 'cut' diet plan to define the muscles you have been building up. It's a science.

I am less than 10lbs from goal. But i have surpassed my first goal my surgeon set for me months ago by 30lbs so i changed my goal to 210ish. I actually had my first weight gain of 3+ LBS. No biggie I mean im lifting more weights and trying to tone now. Also I feel less restriction. I can eat more. Are both of these issues normal? I guess they are not issues but is what I am experiencing normal? A small weight gain as well as ability to eat more? Thank you Christian

I remember your insanity posts. It was perplexing why the program caused weight gain for you; however, I can see why it causes injury. Lots of people have commented on insanity leading to injury based on Amazon reviews. I have spent the time reading through 100s of these reviews, to try and really educate myself on the finer details that can only be revealed by empirical evidence. Even though p90x biggest flaw is the time commitment, it is not that far off from the time I have spend in my box over the last 6 months (average 90 minutes). I think p90x is going to be the winner for now, but I like the idea of going p90x/insanity hybrid in the future. I want to focus on building up more strength and I think, for me, p90x is going to help with that. I also want the beach body. I do not need to lose any weight and have a very good cardio response (from cross fit metabolic conditioning), so that is not going to be my focus for fitness improvement at this time.

Mine hurt very bad going in, I had cramping pretty bad for about 24 hours after. I however went to work that night. I jay took ibuprofen. I loved having no period. I however Hated the weight gain.

4x 3 x shrine to 1x and large ( want go any smaller then that bc of my breast but I can not fit in all my shirts I wore before my weight gain) Pants I went from a 24/26 to a 16/18 now All mine before ranged from 11-14 50 lbs more to lose , march 9 th ill be 5 months post op

They say that the alcohol is empty calories, it can stall weight loss and promote weight gain. I am not a drinker anyway, so I will not miss that one bit, lol.

My surgeon required pulmonary and that doctor required the sleep study. They are looking for sleep apnea or other sleeping issues. Interestingly enough, lack of sleep is a huge contributor to excess weight gain. The body doesn't get enough rest so it hordes fat because it wants to conserve energy stores. Anyhow, some require it and some don't. I will say though that the sleep study was probably one of the worst nights sleep I had. The place I had to go to was soooo noisy. I could hear people snoring, the staff using a microwave, toilets flushing. I went home and took a 4 hour nap.

I have had about a cup full. (also a slider for me. ) I was nearly 9 weeks out when I had it, and it felt fine. BUT the carbs are high, and the amount I want is HIGHER. And since it offers me no nutrition and possible weight gain, I will try to stay away.

So, you feel that people with a BMI under 40 shouldn't get the surgery!?! I disagree with you as one of those people. I am 34 yo, I had my surgery on 12/17/13 weighting 267lbs, at 5'10 with a BMI 37. I have been overweight since birth and have lost the same 80lbs at least 5x's in my adult and not including all the diets I have been on since childhood. So, I am sorry but everyone who decides to have the surgery low or high BMI has had their own struggle with their weight. I choose to have the sleeve bc I'm tired of losing the weight, gaining the weight and ultimately bc I know I was eventually going to become a higher BMI, so why should I went tell then to do something abt my weight at my age. I'm still young and want to be comfortable on my own skin and live life without in extra weight to hold me down. Your entitled to your own opinion but as a low BMI who has several health issues I had to say something.

I need help. I'm 5 months out and have been doing ok. I have lost 62 lbs. I started going to the gym about three weeks ago and have been burning about 400 - 600 calories per day. I use the treadclimber and do the circuit and abs. I have GAINED 3 lbs. this is so dishearting. I know it is not suppose to be about the scales, but when you have been overweight all your life and feel you are finally doing everything right ......

I can't wait till I weigh less than my husband but I'm about 60 pounds away from and even when I do weigh less than him my BMI will still be higher than his but that's because I'm short. I met my husband 15 years ago when I was 15 years old, back then I only weighed 115 lbs. I guess you can say I got a little too comfortable, plus I had a medical condition go undiagnosed for a decade that is known to cause weight gain. So that is why I never told him my weight. He clearly knows I've gained a ton but he has no idea how much exactly. Fortunately he has always stood by my side but I always felt like crap when he introduced me to one of his work buddies. I would wonder what they were thinking, like wtf is he doing with her. When clearly he can be with someone more attractive.

I can say that I highly doubt that this will happen. I understand being denied for smoking or drinking but weight gain, come on? We are encouraged to lose weight before surgery. We are motivated by these certain "beliefs." But I would say that it is extremely rare for that to occur. If it did, I'm sure it would be for a HUGE amount of weight. I actually gained a ton before my final surgery consult. The surgeon said nothing. If you follow your fast (if you have one) as close as possible, you will be fine. The fast is for your benefit and it will allow the surgeon to maneuver easily around your liver. Also, if you are a female you may gain weight because of your cycle. It is not totally out of the realm. This happens to many people. It is mostly anxiety. I was worried about literally EVERYTHING and none of it happened. You will be just fine. Worry is normal. This is a big deal! You can do this. Stay as focused as possible. Good luck!

Three years ago I had set my mind into having bariatric surgery. I searched information on the internet and came across lapbandtalk. Through this website I found the information I needed to make a decision and a commitment to have lap band surgery. I lost about 50 pounds before I was banded in Sept 2011. I lost another 60 pounds by Feb 2012. I felt like the model lap bander. I loved working out. I loved Protein shakes. Everything was easy peasy. I had a really bad break up from my boyfriend on Valentines day, 2012. After that day, I just didn't care anymore what happened to me. I gave up. I ate with reckless abandon. Fast forward to now. I have gained ALL but 24 pounds of my weight back. I finally went back to my surgeon a few weeks ago after my gastrointestial system began rebelling and causing great discomfort. He removed all the Fluid in my band and sent me for an upper GI series. Thank goodness everything was ok with my band. I just got home from seeing the surgeon. He and I had a very long discussion about the band, my weight gain, and where to go from here. We discussed having gastric bypass. I am cautiously considering this as an option. In the mean time, I have to give my band another try. The surgeon gave me a 3cc fill. He is sending me back to the nutritionist and the psychologist. I know I have it in me to get it back on track, but I need some help. So I am reaching out to the good people at the place where I began this journey. I would love to find a texting buddy or email buddy that will hold me accountable and encourage me to make positive choices.

Hi, Weight gain / weight loss is such a psychological roller-coaster. It's easy to eat the wrong things. I think we're testing our limits as far as what we can eat & still lose weight with so we grab the quickest thing, which is typically not the healthiest option. As for staying motivated overall, you need to remember why you did this surgery in the first place. Why did you want to have it? What was the final straw that made you say, that's it, I need WLS. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. Contact your NUT for advice, or find a bariatric dietician that can help you re-focus your energy on eating the right things. I don't think doing something drastic, like going back to week 1, is the best idea, because you'll feel like you're depriving yourself. Call the Dr/ the NUT, and get advice on how to proceed. You need help, and seeing this now, before things gets worse is the best thing you can do. It's not even so much gaining weight back, or not losing any more, but making sure you eat healthy & get the needed nutrition you're body needs. The last thing you want is to suffer for weight related health issues. Good luck sweetie!

I have and I will the odd time if I fancy one or I am out boozing, which isn’t often lol I was a massive cherry coke junkie but because I was terrified of getting diabetes I would drink a lot of zero I drank at least 2liters of coke a day pre op we also didn’t have zero cherry then either. My taste for it has changed I find it sweet, I never liked diet coke because it was so sweet to me now zero is the same fake super sweet so not as ahhh that’s the stuff like it was before. I was told by one of my doctors seriously to stretch my sleeve by drinking carbonated drinks all day every day day after day for months and I would stretch it out. Long story short I have a small sleeve it was his way of telling me how I can make it bigger and have more room. 1 soda wont stretch you out 1 a week wont even do it you have to keep on doing it constantly over a period of time to have the gas stretch you out. They just dont want us to for that reason AND soda is a major cause of weight gain even diet when people just cut soda out of there diet and nothing else they drop a lot of weight its crazy. I think I first tired a cherry coke about 2 months out didn’t have more than about 4 mouthfuls in total before I was over it but yeah off and on since no addiction to it for me, had it in a mixer on 27th of dec and didn’t drink much of it none in jan not even half a glass at a baby shower 2nd of feb, had a full can of zero cherry coke today so you can see for me I do but not much.

When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do. That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was. Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know. 1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go! 2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... Food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery. 3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery. 4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose. 5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself. 6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week. 7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys. Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression: 1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal. 2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process. 3. Vitamins. It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits. 4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression! 5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase. 6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do. 7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it! 8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

While most of us knew all about the physical side of Weight Loss Surgery, many people have no idea about the emotional ride they're about to face. This article discusses all aspects of the "emotional roller coaster" from the moment you first decide on having bariatric surgery all the way up to the maintenance phase of your weight loss. It's a wild ride baby! When was the last time you were on a roller coaster? If you’re like me, it’s been a while. In fact, the last time I was on a roller coaster I was 310 lbs and could barely fit into the seat. The restraint almost didn't go around my tummy. I was squeezed in like Cinderella’s step-sister’s foot must have tried to squeeze into that tiny shoe. Yep. I was Drizella’s foot and the coaster seat was the glass slipper. I’m sure it was a comical, if not sad and pathetic site, for those around me. It was embarrassing to me, to say the very least. But I laughed it off and went on, as I tended to do. That roller coaster was a wild ride. It had huge climbs, steep drops, loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and at one point it feels like you’re lying on your side. Honestly, it’s a wonder I stayed in the coaster even with the restraint!! The end of the ride was abrupt - it felt like my insides were coming out of my mouth when it stopped short back at the beginning of the track. When it was over, I felt accomplished, in a way. I’d survived that coaster ride, wild and uncomfortable as it was. Many people don’t realize that life before, during, and after weight loss surgery becomes a roller-coaster ride of it’s own. It has the huge climbs of elation and joy and excitement, the steep drops into anxiety and depression, and the loop-de-loops, sharp turns, and lying on your side moments of uncertainty, worry, and fear. Here are some of the emotional dealings that will occur before, during, and after surgery that you might not know. 1. Pre-Surgery Elation. This happens when you are finally approved for surgery. It’s going to be a reality! You are going to get a brand new lease on life! The period of life where you are having to go through diet after diet is finally coming to an end! You might tell everyone you know or you might decide to keep your secret to yourself. Regardless, you are excited and ready to go! 2. Pre-Surgery Blues. This is when you realize that you are going to have to say good-bye to one of your best friends ... Food. You come to the realization that there are some favorites that you are just not going to be able to eat anymore. Depression sets in slightly, and you might even go on a food bender - similar to what an addict might do. At this point you might even question your decision to go through surgery. 3. Day of Surgery. You’re going to be going through a myriad of emotions during this time. You’ll feel excitement, anxiety, apprehension, and impatience all at the same time. You’ll be worried because, after all, it is a major surgery you’re about to go through. But at the same time, you’ll be excited at what’s about to happen. When you wake up from anesthesia, you might be scared, especially if you’re having a rough transition out of anesthesia. You might be a little confused, wondering where you are. When your body settles down a bit and you remember where you are and what just happened, you might feel a little concerned. "Did everything go okay?" "Is this going to work?" "Did I just make the biggest mistake in my life?" On the other hand, you might wake up beautifully, singing the praises of your surgeon and his/her team, excited to begin your new life. These feelings and emotions will likely cycle throughout the day as you’re getting used to the idea of what just happened and your body relaxes and comes out of shock from surgery. 4. Going Home. When you’re finally released to go home, you’ll either be excited or scared. Thoughts might rush your brain like “will I be able to do this on my own?” and anxiety might set in again. You might, again, question your decision to undergo surgery, especially once the monotony of the liquid diet phases set in. The first few days might be easy, and the next might be excruciating. You’ll be in some discomfort because of incisions and if the surgeon inflated your abdomen with gas prior to surgery (commonly done in laparoscopic surgeries), and this might heighten your doubts and anxieties. You might begin to worry about issues such as leaks, slippage, or staples coming loose. 5.The first few months. You will be going through a mourning period at some point, and for some that occurs during the first few months after surgery. You no longer are able to lean on food for emotional support, so you might feel sad. You might even go through a type of “withdraw” from food, similar to what an addict might be going through their first few days in rehab. You’ll be able to eat more some days than others, and that will lead you to worry if your surgery is working or if there’s something wrong. Some days you’ll be jealous of watching everyone around you eat foods that you once loved. Others, you’ll be glad you can’t/don’t eat those things anymore. By the time you've finished all of your phases and are on to real food, you’ll be relieved and excited, and likely worried and anxious as well. Whereas before, you were relying on liquids for sustenance, now you’re on your own and have to rely on figuring your food choices out for yourself. 6. The losing phase. From the moment you leave the hospital until you reach your goal you are considered to be in the losing phase of surgery. For the purposes of this article, we’re going to call the losing phase the time period from month 3 (about the time you transition into full solids) to the point where you reach your goal. There will be many frustrations, joys, and concerns in the months ahead. Some days you’ll forget everything you were taught about nutrition and make yourself sick on something you shouldn't have eaten. Other days you’ll be 100% on track. You’ll have moments of pride and joy, and moments of shame and weakness. You’ll revel in finding out you can eat something as simple as asparagus and despair over not being able to eat rice pilaf. You’ll finally reach your “groove” point sometime during month four or five, and things begin to go well. You’ll reach a stall or two (or five ...) and wonder if you’re doing something wrong or if you've messed up your new tummy. You’ll marvel over losing 10 lbs in one week. You’ll wonder why you only lost 2 lbs the next week. When your loss starts to slow down, you’ll worry that you’re not exercising enough, that you’re eating too much or too little, or worry that your surgery is beginning to fail. You’ll relax more when you are consistently losing, even if it has gone down to 1-2 lbs a week. 7. The maintenance phase. When you reach your goal weight, you will have reached what is called “maintenance”. This is the final stage that you will likely be in for the rest of your life. Here, you will change your diet slightly in order to not lose or gain any more weight. You will get frustrated a time or two - especially the first time you gain a few pounds. You will marvel at what you've lost, but are concerned with the way your body looks now. You will have loose skin, which may cause body image issues. If you’re single, you might notice more possible suitors paying more attention to you. You might fall from one addiction (food) into another (sex). You might also be tempted into other addictive substances or habits such as alcohol, cigarettes, shopping, or pornography. Alternatively, you may look back at your loss, as meaningful and inspirational. You might revel in the way your life has changed and be happier than you have ever been and be ready to branch out and help others succeed in their bariatric surgery journeys. Tips on Riding the Roller Coaster Knowing that these emotions are possible doesn't mean they will happen for everyone, and doesn't mean you can’t get through them. The following tips will help you stay on the road to success and prevent you from falling off the wagon and into an abyss of self-doubt and depression: 1. Support. This is the number one most important thing for WLS patients. Even more important than food is support. Support can be found at home, through friends and family, in a hospital or surgery center support group, or even online forums such as Bariatric Pal. 2. Stick to the plan. As tempting as it might be to veer off and eat something you’re not supposed to, stick with your doctor or nutritionist’s eating plan as closely as possible. This will ensure that you continue to lose steadily, decrease the length and amount of stalls you’ll experience, and will speed up the healing process. 3. Vitamins. It sounds very cliche, but remember to take your vitamins! Focus on Iron and B Complex vitamins especially.A vitamin deficiency can result in depression, physical weakness, and poor sleep habits. 4. Speaking of sleep ... Make sure you’re getting plenty of it! At least 8 hours a day for an adult! Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and (you guessed it!) depression! 5. Remember that “this too shall pass” ... These stages of emotional turmoil certainly won’t last forever. You’ll get over them as quickly as they overcame you. And keep in mind that each stage after surgery only lasts a short time in the grand scheme of things. Most eating phases last, at most, a month. After which you’re on to the next phase. 6. Keep a plan handy. Know that you will likely feel some unpleasant emotions or feelings and plan for them. Know what you’re going to do when you get upset, depressed, feel head hunger, or even feel physical pain from surgery. Have a list of friends to call at the drop of a hat, have a bottle of water ready to sip on at all times, or have your doctor’s phone number on speed dial. Know that these feelings will likely happen at some point in time, and be ready to deal with them when they do. 7. Remember that everything you’re going through is completely normal and OKAY. It’s important and helpful to know that everyone goes through a stall at some point. Everyone has pain during the first couple of weeks after surgery. Everyone eats something they shouldn't at some point. Whatever it is you’re going through - someone else has likely gone through it! 8. Finally, DON’T GIVE UP! Remember that this is a journey. As the old saying goes, “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” There will be ups and downs on this wild roller-coaster ride. There will be twists and turns and loop-de-loops and there will be many moments when you feel like you’re laying over on your side. But, in the end, it will all be worth it. Your health, your life, and YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

I use to stop at McDonalds 2-3 times a day... just to get a 32 oz. Diet Dr. Pepper. So was probably drinking a liter a day and had been doing so for the last several years. Caffeine withdrawal is not fun... I remember the mental "fog" and nagging headaches. Couldn't live without diet soda until now. I can not imagine trying to digest any type of soda diet or not..and like someone mentioned above its not good for you. I was researching and read somewhere that diet soda can actually cause weight gain and belly fat. I was always bloated and felt stuffed...not to mention the gas ( sorry t.m.i. I know). Disclaimer: (Personal Viewpoint) when I think of all that I have sacrificed ( the financial cost, physical cost, etc.) there is no way I want to chance the possibility of damaging my sleeve with carbonated drinks. There may not be any harm from drinking them...but I don't want to take that chance.

I'm glad I could help, Monique. To clarify, I did ask if I could sign up for any other required classes at the time they called to schedule the orientation. I think most people sign up at the orientation as there were sign up sheets at the orientation prompting attendees to sign up for the nutrition/lifestyle/medical evaluation appointments. I plan my work schedule weeks in advance, so it was helpful for me to be able to schedule everything ahead of time. Keep me posted about your progress. From what I learned from the bariatric staff, you may have a delay with the process if you need further assessment for your sleep apnea and/or require a CPAP machine first. According to the pre-operative criteria sheet in the booklet they gave us at orientation, it states, "a BMI 35-40 with a serious obesitity- related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, or severe sleep apnea (will consider severe HTN, DJD or increased lipids) It's up to the Bariatric staff to determine whether of not you qualify. I will keep my fingers crossed that you do! I know that waiting was the worst! I did some research on my own and hoped having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom would help me qualify due to insuline resistance and weight gain. Turns out it was enough!