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What do you wish you would have known more about before WLS?
Bee kami posted a topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
If you had it to do all over again what would you say was missing in your weight loss surgery experience thus far? Length experience doesn’t matter. -
The Struggle is real but with the proper tools and determination the job can get done! I’ve struggled with being overweight the majority of my life. Growing up the fat kid at school and in the family was not easy. I always had the love and support of my family but sometimes people were really mean and made assumptions about fat people that weren’t necessarily true. I don’t remember a time growing up when I was not on some sort of a diet. 20 years ago I made arguably the best decision I’ve ever made regarding my weight. I underwent Bariatric Surgery! It was the tool I used to maximize weight loss ,change bad eating habits and understand portion control. Over the course of those years I’ve lost 170 Ibs. I’m a tiny girl at only 4’11. My highest weight was 296 Ibs, lowest weight 126 Ibs and current weight 145 Ibs. For years it’s been difficult for me to discuss this journey because of past trauma. I decided recently that it is more important to share my story because someone might benefit from it. Someone might need help, or information. Why not help people? It’s time out for being embarrassed of photos when I was really obese. It’s time to celebrate and be proud of my success. My story is one of Success by God’s Grace. Having Bariatric surgery in 2002, at young age, was good for me. It’s been a Positive weight loss journey through dedication, discipline, and accountability. Ultimately, I Desire to function as a weight loss surgery guide. I’ve contemplated writing this post for a few weeks now. I hope this post inspires someone in a positive way.
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Having GERD. Will insurance cover revision if BMI IS 31?
Tomo replied to NewlySleeved12282020's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Having gerd was enough for me to get the revision covered. When I first went in to speak to my current surgeon, I had a bmi of 28. He advised to get the revision ASAP. Unfortunately, I didn't. I was so scared to get the bypass. Also, I was content with my weight loss (bmi 60+ to 28, steady for many years) and thought I could control the gerd with PPIs. I couldn't. I suffered terribly for years after that. Looking at it in retrospect, I was silly. Best thing I ever did. -
Having GERD. Will insurance cover revision if BMI IS 31?
MaryRN66 replied to NewlySleeved12282020's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Not to be sneaky or anything, but weight belts under large sweatshirts can work wonders in getting your BMI up to Insurance-approving levels. Just saying... -
3 months post op Gastric sleeve
catwoman7 replied to skinny44's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
most people do lose their hunger for a few months after bariatric surgery. Mine came roaring back at five months out. Enjoy it while it lasts....I wish mine had never come back. It is SO much easier to lose weight when you're never hungry and don't give a flip about food! Things get a lot harder once your hunger comes back. Again, there are days I wish mine had never come back - I found it very liberating, on top of making it easy to lose weight (I'm 7.5 years out now) I wouldn't worry about getting too skinny. For one thing, only about 10-15% of patients make it to a normal BMI, let alone get too skinny. There are a lot more people who never make it all the way to their goal than there are people who get too thin. Plus if you DO get too thin, you can always increase your calories to either stabilize your weight - or gain some back. I wouldn't let that worry me AT ALL. -
3 months post op Gastric sleeve
SmolGojira replied to skinny44's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It might not be an issue, but then again it might be. It really depends on if you're getting enough nutrients and the only way you'll be able to tell is if you bring this up with your Bariatric team. Bariatric surgery makes it very hard for us to get the nutrients we need for our bodies to function, things like serious deficiencies might happen which can lead to a whole bunch of health issues which can be very hard to fix, once they take hold. Getting back on track is A LOT harder than if you hadn't had the surgery, which is why we're given vitamins for the rest of our lives and we have blood tests to keep this all in check, so please chat with your provider ASAP! I have a work friend who is a little over 6 months ahead of me and she wanted to lose weight as fast as possible and she didn't take the proteins goals seriously, cut corners and a lot of her hair has fallen out to the point she's just decided to shave it all off... And that's not the worst thing that can happen from deficiencies. She's really not healthy and she hasn't sped up her loss progress that much, she's just given herself a bunch of medical issues. Being "Skinny" shouldn't really be a concern 3 months in, unless you're finding that your losses are too drastic and you're near goal, in that case, yet again, talk to your provider. Losing weight is one of the goals but you want to really do this correctly, learning why we eat, when we should eat and how much of each thing we need to eat and learning to eat for health. That's the main goal of all of this, so that once we reach 12months, 18months post op, we don't develop unrealistic diets or want to go back to our old ways and gain it all back. We want to maintain our weight losses with the new knowledge we have learnt from doing this with the help of our providers. Chat with your surgeon, chat with a dietician, if you're getting your nutrients, it's probably not going to be an issue, but the only way to really know is by reaching out and chatting to them. Usually they will do blood tests to make sure everything is okay, but if you're worried that you're not eating enough or that you're losing too fast, you really need to chat to them All the best, take each day as it comes, and don't be afraid to talk to your healthcare team, they will be able to help you with any issues you're concerned about. it's what they're there for, to make sure you reach all of your goals, safely and realistically -
Hey all I'm struggling to eat 3 meals a day most days I have 2 as I am simply not Hungary , I can eat 2 meals and don't get sick but I am still worried about turning to skinny , how does your weight pan out after GS and what happens if you turn skinny from GS Sent from my LE2123 using BariatricPal mobile app
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I have not been in your position with the pain but I have been depressed in the past and I can feel your struggle in your words. I would for sure get a new therapist if they are not listening to you and realizing that you need help and not telling you to just deal with things. As far as the weight gain, the lack of exercise usually isn't the biggest cause. Some people can lose without any exercise at all. I totally understand your frustration to have your options so limited but you can only control so much. You are doing the best you can. I would look at your calories and you'll probably have to lower them to get the weight to come back off again. Alcohol is usually pretty high in calories, so it might be the main culprit. So for motivations sake, quitting the alcohol might make the weight gain stop and then when you feel better in control of your life you can make more diet changes and then lose the weight too. Sometimes just having something that you can control when everything else feels so out of control helps ground you and give you the mental stability to deal with things. So controlling your diet and calories could be a good start. I wish you the very best though and take care!
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Tldr: fat guy got thin, chronic pain derailed him, now drinks and can’t move much, doc and therapist say suck it up. Feels lost and confused and has developed a slight booze issue, that thankfully is not a full blown problem, yet. Not asking for sympathy or prayers, just want to know if anyone is going through something similar and how do you deal with it. Hey everyone, I’m in a downward spiral here. The background is that I got my sleeve in 2018, lost about 100 lbs, got a new job with more more money, and I actually liked it, I felt awesome and was looking great. Fast forward to present day. I’m currently living with chronic back pain, the result of injuries about 20-30 years ago. Coupled with arthritis in my spine and neck, late developmentof scoliosis. Daily pain is a 6-7 on the pain scale and 1-2 times a week it can get to 9-10 on the scale. I still work for the same company but now work 100% from home, that part I love, but I no longer move as much and i can't travel like did. Honestly I can’t really, some days just showering and dressing is a challenge. I used to play pickleball, take light hikes etc. All gone. I’ve been told I’m too young, 52, and my condition is not severe enough for surgery yet. I do stretching and some pain management drugs if I get to a point I can’t cope with the pain that day but mostly I suck it up and deal with it. I have turned to liquor as a crutch and ashamedly can be a nightly thing. I’ve gained about 30 pounds back, I feel like a total failure and have lost my direction. I’ve talked with therapist, and doctors but kept being told, in short, “when live hands you lemons…” Honestly, I feel like life has kicked me in the balls and told me to piss off. I started this journey to improve and heal my life. And now I feel that my opportunity is being taken away. The daily pain and slow stripping of my thinner life has been a real mind f**k. I’ve been trying hard to get back on track and have had limited success but I try. But I’m tired, so tired of the struggle, it’s been nothing but since I was a kid. Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app
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Hair loss definitely affects all of us who experience it. I was on the very cusp of covering my thinning hair up when leaving the house, but managed to make it work with a bleached pixie. Like Tomo, I feel you - I had to really work to keep my sense of humour up during my hair loss phase. Have you looked into head coverings like turbans and head scarves? When looking for alternatives to hats, I found a number of websites that make lovely scarves and turbans for chemo patients and folks with alopecia. It's an alternative to wigs while your hair grows back. Your weight loss so far is fantastic, though! Keep that in the front of your mind and remember that as depressing as it is when in the the midst of it, it's not forever.
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Losing hair is traumatic even if one prepares for it and that we know it'll come back. For many of us, it is the one thing that despite the weight, it was something we could be proud of. I lost hair too, and finally after many months, it has recently started growing back. Mine was more in the front, and a receding hairline just made me look older. I started wearing hair clip ons (they work pretty good and it's not noticable and they stayed in). I also used scarves, wide headbands... Etc. Many people here have good suggestions on how to deal with Hair loss. I am just responding to tell you that I feel you.
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So sorry you’ve had such a dramatic reaction to the stress of the surgery & weight loss. It’s seems so unfair that some experience more severe reactions than others. Our bodies can react so differently & unexpectedly. But I’m very glad the loss is slowing for you now. Losing your hair can be very demoralising. Would a hair piece or wig help until your new growth catches up for when you want to look & feel more confident? It looks like you have a little peach fuzz happening which is your new hair growth - yay! (Remember you’re still growing new hair while your losing hair at an accelerated rate.) PS - Congratulations on your weight loss so far. That’s certainly something worth celebrating.
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What am I doing wrong?
catwoman7 replied to heatherdbby's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I lost 16 lbs the first month, so I was probably about where you are at six weeks out. I was really worried about being a "slow loser", but I went on to lose all of my excess weight, over 200 lbs. So don't worry - if you stick to your plan, the weight will come off, either fast or slow. -
I found THE BEST appetite suppressant
SleeveToBypass2023 posted a topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
As many of you know, I never lost my hunger. From day 1 I still had it. And it's made this journey harder than it needed to be. I tried a few different appetite suppressants and they did nothing at all for me. 2 weeks ago, I found one called PhenQ. I read the reviews and the ingredients and really liked how it sounded, so I bought it. I got it a week ago and have been using it everyday, and FINALLY I can say I have absolutely NO hunger!!! I set alarms to remind me to eat, and it's amazing. It speeds up my metabolism, burns fat, and REALLY kills my appetite. I have zero cravings, zero hunger. There's a day and a night version, and I bought both. So here's how it works: I take one pill in the morning with breakfast (about 7:30am). I totally skip the first snack of the day because I have no hunger at all. About 4 1/2 hours after breakfast, I take the 2nd daytime pill with lunch (around noon). I skip my 2nd snack because again, no hunger at all. Then I have dinner around 5 or 5:30pm. Normally around 8:30pm or so I'm getting a bit hungry, but I take the 2 pills at night around 8pm and I'm not hungry at all for the rest of the night. I honestly don't even think about food, and I would forget to eat if I didn't have the alarms set. And that's what I wanted. I take in about 1300 - 1350 calories per day and I work out 6 days per week for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours each day. On the day I don't work out, I take in around 1000-1100 calories. 4 days per week I do cardio and 2 days per week I do weight training. I have never felt better or been happier, and I'm now about 1-2 weeks away from moving into size 18/20 clothes!!!! If I decide one day that I want a snack, I will have it. But having it be a choice versus always feeling hungry is what I always wanted. And now I finally have it. I was also doing strict keto, but decided to move to low carb versus keto. I have a carb blocker I take with my meal that is the most carb heavy (either breakfast or dinner, depending on what I have). It's called Carb Catcher by 310 Nutrition. Those, my multi-vitamin, my biotin, my collagen powder, my soluble fiber powder, my digestive enzyme with pre and pro-biotics pill, and my MS meds are all I take now. I drink my greens everyday and I eat well. And I have to say, I feel "normal" for the first time is decades. Healthy, active, and normal. -
Girl same here! I just started doing a little weight training, i kept fighting PT cause they just wanted me walking and I was finally like well I'm doing it so you can either help me or Idk what to tell you.
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I am open to joining an accountability group. It's cold and I don't even want to go for walks. I think it would be helpful to motivate each other. I would like to start some weight training because I've heard it can help some with loose skin. My batwings are getting really bad and now other parts are getting super jiggly. At least when I was heavier the jiggle was firmer. Now it is just all loose like jello that hasn't set properly. Don't even get my started on my boobs...
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Losing too much weight before surgery
ChubRub replied to Crystal-clear's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Like others have said, you will be good to go! I was just at 40 when I was approved, and the nurse told me that I was okay to lose weight b/c insurance goes by your starting weight, and that's the only weight that's submitted. I was under 40 by the time I had surgery (although I didn't lose as much as you have...congratulations!!!) -
Losing too much weight before surgery
catwoman7 replied to Crystal-clear's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
it depends on the insurance - but most of the time they seem to go by your original weight. And the others are right - I would think once they approve it, it's a done deal. -
Looking for information on GOLO release use after sleeve
Arabesque replied to lark60's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I’ve never heard of it so did a quick read about it. It sounds like a way to sell their supplement (yeah, I can be a bit cynical) & those with certain medical conditions should not follow it. Sure people can lose weight on any diet but keeping it off is the problem as we know. (How many diets have you tried over the years?) Diets are designed to be short term & restrictive. Finding a sustainable way of eating that doesn’t restrict you living your life & provides your body (not your head) with what it needs is the way. It may include aspects of certain eating styles but the way of eating you find that works for you will be personal to you. It won’t be exactly the same as how & what I eat or someone else eats. Go back to the basics of your initial post maintenance eating as a start. Meet your protein & fluid goals. Eat lots of vegetables, some fruit, some low processed whole/multi grains & some good fats & oils. Avoid high processed, high fat, high sugar foods. Reestablish the good post surgery habits of smaller portions, eating slowly, measuring & tracking your food intake, etc. And then modify your eating as you need. Get in touch with your dietician for some guidance & support. Life just gets in the way sometimes (health, family, friends, jobs, etc.) & old habits sometimes regain their old power & override our good intentions. Many turn to food for comfort in times of stress. (So sorry about your mother’s diagnosis @mgt3boys.) Maybe visit a therapist to discuss ways of managing stress & anxiety without turning to food & ways to break those old habits. Because you’re newly post surgery, it’s best you follow the diet you’ve been given & the advice your dietician & surgeon give you @Merri Beth. Because our portions are so small after surgery what we eat is extremely important to ensure our body gets the nutrients it needs. And they have access to your medical records & blood work to ensure you are getting what you need. As you get closer to your goal, start exploring how & what you want to eat for the long term & what your body need to eat to benefits your health. -
What am I doing wrong?
Arabesque replied to heatherdbby's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Our weight loss journeys will have similarities but lots of differences too. Yours just may lose at slower rate & that’s okay. I don’t think you’re being dramatic as your dietician suggested. This is a big emotional, mental physical (& financial) investment in your life so there’s nothing wrong or ‘dramatic’ about wanting to be sure you’re doing the right thing. Oh & don’t worry too much about not exercising & that affecting your weight loss. I didn’t do any & I lost all my weight & more. I just increased my normal day to day activity - used stairs not escalators/lifts, parked further away, did multiple trips up & down my stairs (why do one trip to bring up the groceries when I could do two or three). All I do now are some stretches to support my back & some resistance exercises with bands. As @catwoman7 said, exercising only accounts for 20% of your weight loss (though I read it was only 10% for most people). Of course there are many health benefits to exercising. Just find something you enjoy when you’re ready. -
Not hungry, at gain of 20lbs, HELP!!!!
Arabesque replied to RDC2019's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Stalls are extremely common @rparker3313. Everyone experiences at least one with the first usually occurring at about week 3 & they usually last 1-3 weeks. Some start earlier or later or last longer. But your snacking won’t be helping and, like with @RDC2019, therapy will likely be of help to you to so you can discover why you’re snacking when you’re not hungry. It’s sabotaging your weight loss. Snacks tend to be high calorie foods with poor nutrition & especially when you’re still so early out the nutritional value of what you’re eating is essential for your health & for your body to function effectively. Protein, protein, protein. Eat it first & then when your plan allows eat some vegetables & lastly, if you’re able a little fruit or low processed multi/whole grains in a meal. I remember being able to eat my protein & maybe a green bean or two or a cauliflower floret & that was all for a meal for about three months. -
Losing too much weight before surgery
Crystal-clear posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hello all. I started the process for bariatric surgery in February 2022. I weighed 310 lbs at 5'6, BMI 50. I completed my 6 months of supervised weight loss in August. I received approval for my surgery in September from my insurance company. I am STILL waiting for my surgery to be scheduled. My pre op testing was just completed last week. After the testing they said to allow 2 weeks for it to be processed and then another 4 weeks for them to call with the surgery date. Then I will 2 weeks of pre op diet. So likely it is another 8 weeks until my surgery will happen. My problem is I have been on Ozempic since May and steadily losing. My current weight is 245 which puts me right at the BMI cut off of 40. In 8 weeks I will likely be around 230 which will definitly be below. I guess my question is... my insurance requires a BMI greater then 40 for bariatric surgery, If I show up for surgery with a BMI lower than that will they cancel my surgery? I hate stop all the progress I've made this past year. I'm in a good weight loss groove. But I really never expected it to take 5-6 months AFTER my 6 months of supervised weight loss and insurance approval to actually get in for the procedure. -
October 2022 surgery support
ashleydashley replied to KimA-GA's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I got my surgery on October 6th about 3 weeks in. I had about a three week. Where I wasn't losing weight... I was having 600 to 800 calories a day because that's what my doctor suggested I should be sticking to with the gastric sleeve... I was very strict on amount of protein I was getting. I was getting 60 to 90 g of protein a day. Was also getting my water in everyday. I felt so defeated and overwhelmed like I was doing something wrong. So I even called my doctor's office and they said no. It's totally normal your brain. Your metabolism are trying to catch up with your new stomach... Hang in there. My only suggestion would be to double check with your doctor on what your calorie intake should be this soon after surgery... Let us know if you need any more suggestions. I hope that my story helped you in some way. Hang in there girl -
Hey everyone, here's my update: Surgery was 10/11. I was 259.8 (heaviest weight) right before I started my 1 week preop diet. Down to 248 right before surgery. Current weight is 219. I'm now on a regular diet since week 6 (currently week 7 since Tuesday). I can only tolerate about 3-5 bites before I'm too full. I eat 4-5 times a day to get my protein in and prevent myself from getting sick due to my stomach being "too empty". I'm averaging about 500-700 calories a day most days. I still struggle to slow down when eating, especially if I've waited too long to eat. Work in progress. I have started back the gym this week. I have made a goal of doing a 5k in the spring, and I have gotten a trainer to help me until I get situated and comfortable around the gym. I had the dreaded 3 week stall. It lasted 3 weeks. Broke this week. I think the gym helped. I still struggle to get my fluids in. However, I feel great. I have turned the corner and gained energy. My mood is better as well. I have decided to take a weekend trip somewhere (that part is not decided) as a reward for getting into Onderland when I get there. My reward for going to the gym 4x a week for the next 2 weeks is a new pair of shoes (I really need them because my shoes have gotten too big since the weightloss, its a bonus to use them as a reward though). My NSV: I can put on my shoes without wanting to be taken out by a sniper. My back pain and knee pain are gone (I hadn't had the pain long though, so it went away quickly versus someone who had longer chronic pain). I have energy and smile more!
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What am I doing wrong?
catwoman7 replied to heatherdbby's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
exercise only accounts for about 20% of weight loss - and I've known of several people who've lost a bunch of weight post-op without exercising at all- so it's likely not that. If you're getting 600-900 calories a day, that should be fine. It may just be your body's particular weight loss "pattern". As long as your general trend is downward, you should be good.
