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Even before WLS I was always cold thanks to hypothyroidism. I’m even colder now since losing weight. I wear a long sleeve shirt under my uniforms and a jacket to work most of the time and bundle up at home. I already miss summer. 😩

I remember that horrid taste. I just couldn't clean my teeth enough in a day. The taste in my mouth really gave me an aversion to eating some foods. When I could eat a better range of foods it got better. Are you on nausea meds? they really make my life better. I take them twice a day. I was miserable till I got the dose right. I also had to drop the iron from my multivitamin to stop nausea If you are struggling to eat, go back to your team and ask if you can maybe have 5 or 6 tiny meals instead or 3 bigger ones. You will be loads better real soon. People who say this is an easy option to weight loss just do not have a clue how hard we work to get healthy

I had considered wls for about 20 years, but when in was a new RN in the late 90s, it had a pretty high mortality rate. I didn't have any comorbidities then, at 207 pounds, so it just wasn't for me. Fast forward 20 something years later and I was 393 pounds with a bmi of 69.9 (I'm 5'3") and had also recently developed high BP. I had also been diagnosed with severe asthma that was hard to get under control, not to mention how uncomfortable I was and unable to do so many things because of my weight, although I did a surprising amount for someone as big as I was. Anyway, in January 2020 my liver enzymes were the highest they had been after being high for several years and I got an appt. With a liver specialist. Before that I had my gallbladder removed and mentioned that to the surgeon who said he'd biopsy my liver. At my follow up appt., he said my liver looked really bad and that he didn't think I'd make it to 60 years old if I didn't lose weight. I was 48 at the time. He recommended wls. And for the first time, I had a doctor speak to me with compassion, without blaming ME for my weight and he told me how much safee wls is these days and that it would reset my metabolism. It was because of him that I decided that day that I would do it and I ended up having my SADI-S in July of 2020. 200 pounds later I am feeling amazing and like I can do anything. My asthma is so much better that I don't need to see my pulmonologist anymore, I don't have high BP, no longer pre-diabetic, and my liver enzymes are normal. I could go on for days about all the benefits. It was by far the best thing I ever did! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you so much, this is exactly the advice I was looking for! Someone that’s gone through the feelings and had a solid suggestion. I will most definitely look into a therapist that specializes in Bariatric weight loss. Hopefully my insurance covers it! I’ll also try to up my calories. Part of my problem, aside from the guilt, is trying to fit all that food in while also getting my fluids in. It seems impossible. My plan says eat or drink every hour you’re awake. That seems like so much but I know they say this for a reason. I guess I just need to try harder to do this and remember that it’s the right thing instead of feeling shame for eating so often. Thank you again!

Ok, I can speak on this since I literally went through this exact thing. First of all, you are in a stall. The first one usually hits around 3 weeks, but it can be a little earlier (like it was for me) or a little later. Keep eating what's in the plan, no more and no less, and get your walking in (maybe look into getting some ankle and wrist weights). That leads me to my 2nd point. Look for non scale victories. Anytime I hit a stall, I started trying on clothes and rings and looking at my neck and face and chin. The scale may not be moving, but that doesn't mean things aren't happening. The first time I was able to sit in a booth and there was space between my stomach and the table, I was elated. When my clothes were literally falling off me and my ring came off twice, I was ecstatic. Just because the scale is being stubborn doesn't mean progress isn't being made. Third, you have to eat. This will sound crazy, but if you restrict too much, your body will think it's starving and it will hold on to every little bit of weight it can. My dietician wanted me to stay at 700-800 calories per day, 50 or less carbs, 50 or less fats, and 60-80g protein. My body didn't like that at all. Not one bit. I hit stall after stall, would drop maybe 1 or 2 pounds, then nothing. I started experimenting and found that between 1050 - 1200 calories per day, 25-35 carbs per day, 70-90 fats per day, and 90-95g protein per day was where my body was happiest. I work out for 45 min - 1 hour 5 days per week. And then I started seeing MUCH better results, both on and off the scale. Now, I'm not saying that works for everyone, and those amounts are specific to MY body, and my body alone. But at about 3 1/2 months post op, I knew I had to do something. You body NEEDS food. It's like depriving your car of gas and then being surprised it won't go. Same thing. Lastly, I was in such a disordered way of thinking and behaving that I HAD to go to therapy. I'm still in it, actually. I had myself working out 2 hours per day every single day, living on flavored water, 300-400 calories per day, 10-15 carbs per day, almost no fats at all, and 40 or so grams of protein. And the less weight I lost, the harder I pushed my body and restricted what I gave it. I was so afraid of eating because I was convinced every bite would put all the weight back on. I was, at one point, eating 1 meal per day that I would make stretch all day and loading up on flavored water to curb the hunger pains. It's scary to think about what I was doing to myself. Find a therapist that specializes in bariatric surgery, and if you can find one that also works with people with eating disorders, that's even better. That's what I did. I still struggle sometimes, but I remember how far I've come and how much healthier and stronger my body is, and it helps me push past the feelings of wanting to cut my food and load up on water again. But a therapist is really important right now. I waited until I was in the thick of it before I even posted about it here, and I was encouraged to find a therapist, which was the best thing I could have done. I swapped one disordered way of thinking for another. I'm making my way back from it, but I'm still a work in progress. You can do this. I wish you all the luck

We will - eventually - be able to eat just as much as we could eat before surgery, if we don't watch ourselves. This is why we're not supposed to eat until we're full. We're supposed to stop eating before we feel full, so we don't stretch our pouches. I think the recommendation is that we eat 8 ounces of food per meal - forever (once we can eat that much). That's why it's so important to get our eating habits under control while we have the restriction - because it won't always be there. At some point, we will be relying on our routines and habits, to keep us in check. And if we go back to eating the way we ate before surgery, then this will all be for naught and we'll regain all our weight.

People do loose muscle mass after surgery. Especially with the rapid weight loss. Do you exercise? That could help? Even just some mild resistance bands? Talk to your doctor? I am sure they can help!

Well, I went to Florida this past week. Did 4 days at Disney/Universal parks. Walked 7 or MORE miles EVERY DAY! What??? 7 MILES A DAY!! I would have had to stop and take breaks, maybe quit half way through the day previously! My feet hurt, but everyone's did. So I don't take that as a weight issue at this point, just A LOT OF WALKING!

That's awesome, thats how I think to ... everything in moderation, I was off burgers and greasy foods as well as little to no salt because 1 trying to loose weight before surgery, and 2 my mom has a bad stomach, as well as healthy conditions and can't eat alot of stuff and we usually eat together several times a week.... I think my biggest thing was it was real food, that I enjoyed (and was still pretty healthy) but I haven't had a bite of real food in 5 weeks between pre op diet and post op diet [emoji28] I am hoping I get a salad soon, I need to look up how long after surgery they say before I should be able to eat raw vegetables again... My dad has suggested since it's something I'm craving now. To Pick a goal, weather it be a scale number, a time frame, a outfit to fit into.... and make that as my reward lol but I'm trying to make it to where food is no longer a reward, and more of just fuel Sent from my SM-G996U using BariatricPal mobile app

Shouldn’t be too difficult. A dairy or lactose allergy is quite common & there are so many plant based dairy substitutes for cheese, milk, yoghurt, butter, etc. & plant based protein shakes available these days (thank you vegans) it should be easy. (Watch the coconut ones though as those I’ve seen often have a higher fat content.) The protein content may be something to be conscious of too but as your doctor said, your dietician should help you out with that. As for the sunflower seed products, which is more uncommon, you’ll probably just continue being vigilant with ingredient labels. Actually some people develop a temporary lactose intolerance in the beginning & simply swap to plant based dairy products & shakes without compromising their weight loss.

I’m almost 3 & a half years & I still feel my restriction at times. Though it’s usually not related to how much I ate but what I ate. I felt it Saturday night because of some coarse vegetables I ate. Got a slight case of the foamies too. ☹️ However the goal really is not to feel the restriction just like it shouldn’t be to feel full as an indicator to moderate how much you eat. Once you feel full or the restriction you’ve already eaten too much. I ask myself do I need the next bite or do I just want it. And I only serve myself an appropriate portion. As @summerseeker said we’re all different. While there may be similarities you really can’t compare yourself directly to another. You’ll work out the portion size, the foods you need to eat & the calories you need to consume to lose & maintain your weight & for your body to function effectively & healthily. If you’re determined to do it you can eat around your sleeve but do you want to? To go back to eating how you did will only lead you back to each to where you were before surgery - with a weight problem. I eat smaller portions than I did. I eat more regularly now (was a meal skipper). There are a lot of foods I don’t eat any more or eat very little of or rarely but that’s my choice though there are some that don’t sit as well (bread, pasta, rice, potatoes) I don’t eat. I eat a lot more protein because of an absorption issue. I don’t eat a lot of carbs & very little sugar (real artificial or alternatives) & I feel better for it. But again that is me. You’ll work these things out for yourself too. Remember, no one diet/way of eating works for everyone. All the best.

I stopped smoking cigarettes ( 30 plus years smoking). I actually never really liked pot. I found it made me feel stupid but I smoked hashish instead. Different high it could function on it. In highschool I would get high listen to Rush and do homework all throughout grade 11& 12. Those were my two years of my best marks( not a joke but 80s& 90s were constantly my marks then... I stopped cigarettes (2006)and also unconsciously stopped smoking hash also. Don't miss it and feel great. Definitely clearer thoughts and my lung function has vastly improved. Here in Canada a smoker would not qualify for bypass surgery so if you wanted in to the Program you have to stop. I am very glad I did. Bypass surgery has given me an opportunity to reset myself. I have Improved my eating habits, health, and overall well being. Sometimes you just have to make changes and stick to them. They are not easy choices and successes big or small will help character development. I recommend you should do the things that best help you succeed in your weight loss journey, smoking and drinking are things that will lower your opportunities at truly being your best. My struggle right now is I like to eat late. I have been doing it all my life and that is my next hurdle to overcome. I read some tips and many words of encouragement here. I hope that you can find some inspiration from everyone here. We all struggle and need help sometimes. I wish you good health and best of fortunes in your weight loss journey.

you will be fine but stop with the bad food. if you cant control it during pre op. Post op is going to be very challenging then because at that point it can be dangerous to slip up like that during recovery. Most people slip up during their pre op diet but the point is to get back on track and loose that weight to have that surgery. A couple people have posted on here that they got to the operating table, opened up and their liver was still big and they closed them up and sent them home. you dont want that to happen. So get back on track and follow your doctors pre op diet guidelines.

I wanted them to repair my hernia when they did my sleeve but they told me to wait till after I lose some weight then he will go back in and fix the hernia

Nearly 1mth update. Still eating correct foods and feeling better every day. Sept 11th I weighed in at 229. Today I weigh 217. I sure dont miss the bigger me. Most folks looked at me before and thought, " He could move a refrigerator!". Now they look and wonder if I hurt myself opening the door to one. lol. I get asked about any flab from fast weight loss since i was so close to 300lbs. Well I walk alot and do daily stretches. I am actually more tone than i have ever been. I was concerned with it myself at first but the dr assured me skin can still recover with elasticity. But you have to do the work. I'd gladly help anyone with the prediet I did before the surgery . I managed to lose before I even under went the knife. I have the info scanned and will share with anyone.

Where are you on your journey OP?? I'm almost 11 months post sleeve. If I stick to protein first, veg second then I can eat three kind of half sized meals a day - 2-3 of oz of meat/fish and a few oz of veg - and two or three snacks. I reserve my carbs for bedtime so generally have porridge (oatmeal) made with milk then cos that helps me sleep (I am such a baby). I make a point of having one or two servings of fruit a day and at least three proper portions of veg for my general health - I know lots of people have lots more than that this far out from surgery. If I wanted to eat carbs all day then I probably could and would probably gain weight but I've gone to some trouble and expense to get a tool that I can use to lose weight and then also keep me at a lower weight so I intend to use it!! Stick to the program and you'll be fine, that is the absolutely most important thing. Best of luck. When is your surgery??

Um...what??? I don't think you and the OP are talking about the same thing. The sleeve being discussed is a weight loss surgery where 70-80% of the stomach is removed. Has nothing to do with amputation.

Congrats on the weight loss! You have done amazing! I am pre op and just starting to see skin issues due to pre op weight loss, so no in your boat yet. I have used bike shorts or compression shorts for years to help with my tummy during exercises. I have bought through Amazon and woman within. Also going to get some compression sleeves (Amazon has them for about $10) because I have massive arm fat that’s starting to dangle and will probably get in the way soon. There are also some zip front full bras made for exercise that look like it may tame the side breast skin and fat that I have starting to be floppy. Don’t have any specific brands but I try to look through reviews on Amazon before buying.

Day 4 post op. Feeling better every day. Kept my binder off after my morning shower and so far, it doesn't feel too bad. I have my 1st surgeon appointment tomorrow post op. The only thing is that I do have a little swelling in my feet and have gained a few pounds since surgery. I know the weight is fluid but don't know how long this usually last. Has this happened to anyone else?

I don't have any real insight to offer you, but to say if you aren't already, perhaps it would be beneficial for you to see a counsellor or therapist who has had experience with overweight/obese people as well as bariatric/weight loss procedures. A lot of people think that after weight loss surgery they will lose lots of pounds/kilos every week until they goal weight, however, just like weight loss for people who haven't had weight loss surgery, weight loss can be ad hoc, they experience stalls (even in the early stages), there are gains,weight loss slows down, etc. You are likely experiencing a typical weight loss stall,...it can be a week or even more before weight loss kicks back in. Problem is we put so much focus on the goal of scale weight loss that we forget about all the non scale achievements that we experience. Improved fitness, reduced cholesterol, reduced blood pressure, better sleep, better quality time with friends and family, etc etc etc.

I'm actually 5½ weeks post op as well! I think the plateau is what is actually making you feel guilty about eating food. I hit a plateau at my 2nd week and it lasted 2 weeks and I was going crazy because I wasn't eating AND I wasn't losing weight. My doctor told me this is all normal and everyone goes through it. Just be patient, stick to your plan and you will start losing again.

I realized my most recent NSV while out shopping for new pants. To give a little back story, I have always been a 30" length in pants, so in the past as my weight has fluctuated so has my pant sizes from 38x30 to 40x30, then to 42x30. Well I'm happy to report that as of today I am a 30x30 (or so I thought!!). It seems that I have actually grown taller! Well, kinda.... Since I now wear my pants at my waist aka at my bellybutton and not under my belly, I'm really a 32 length!!! It blew my mind to find out I'm taller than what my pants led me to believe 🤣. Seriously though, it's a wonderful feeling to be in clothing sizes I never dreamed I would be able to fit in.

I had high blood pressure before surgery. Typically the high number was in the 140-150's. with a Beats per minute of around 90 just sitting calm. Now post surgery my high blood pressure number is now typically 100 with my beats per minute resting at around 50-55. i was concerned so i asked and they said its fine as long as i am not having any symptoms. that its common for weight loss surgery.

Hey there! I started with a lower BMI and had lots of success! I am 5’ 5”, started at 209. Within 6mo I was WNL and a year later I was about 145lbs & am happily staying there. I have actually heard that lower BMI (30-35) has more long term success with the sleeve, in part because folks at that level tend to not have as many food addiction or unhealthy habits. There are some studies going on to demonstrate the success of lower BMI folks, with the hope that eventually insurance will cover lower BMIs more often. (I just eeked in at BMI of 35 at my highest- may have purposefully gained a few to do it.) IMHO the trick is to track what you eat and have a balanced diet (not another low carb, highly processed fad nonsense diet that’s just going to fail long term.) So, yes! Lower BMI patients absolutely have a ton of success. And potentially have greater long term success. So go for it! You will do great.

I'm scheduled for the 18th! You're half the world away from me, so we very well might be having surgery at the same time. Remember your "why". Why do you want this surgery? The things you're worried about, won't be an issue after you're at your goal weight. Your stomach is going to relax and stretch. And guess what..? It's going to be the size of a "normal" stomach! You'll be able to eat a plate of food. That's why it's so important that we take this time to build healthy habits. Because, eventually, we'll be able to go right back to the way we were before. Dumping is another thing that most people "grow out of". You dump at first, but after a while you won't be dumping as much, if at all. You WILL be able to feel normal again. It might be a couple of years before you get there, but you will. Hang in there. You've got this!