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Re: does it really matter I mean, yes. There are other possible bad outcomes besides literally dying. If the effectiveness of bariatric surgery comes down in large part to microbiomic changes, for example, suggesting that I remove all fiber from my diet until over 6 months post surgery and introducing large amounts of artificial sweeteners into my diet could in fact work against positive changes to the gut microbiome. If my ability to lose weight pre-surgery comes down to emphasising foods that extend satiety (fiber, protein, fat), dramatically reducing my fat and fiber intake before surgery could cause me to overeat or binge eat and my weight loss to stall or reverse. If long term success comes from following one's hunger cues, teaching myself to eat according to the clock they've set, whether I'm hungry or not, in order to meet arbitrary goals could limit my weight loss long term or trigger binge eating again. They're not suggesting I take a spoonful of arsenic at bedtime, but that doesn't mean that their suggestions are neutral. They have no systematic evidence that their program creates success for the average patient or not. (The great part of this sort of program, from the practitioner perspective, is that you can almost always blame poor outcomes on non-compliance.) Some of the program requirements for the pre-surgery diet are literally impossible to follow at the same time. I can't take one or two bean-sized bites per minute, finish meals in less than 30 minutes, and eat 2200+ calories per day without a significant portion of those bites being high fat meats, full fat dairy, or, I dunno, peanut butter straight out of the jar, all of which are verboten. So regardless of what I'm doing now, I'm not compliant. It's not possible to comply fully. (The handwavy answer was "healthy fats". I have no idea how much avocado my dietitian expects me to be able to eat. I suppose technically if I ate just chicken breasts with avocado and nothing else...) I'm also not the average patient anyway (it's probably pretty clear at this point that I'm not neurotypical, for example, I understand that people with regular would either comply or lie without much difficulty either way), so even if their arbitrary program did create success for the average patient for whatever reason that means very little for whether it would work for me. The arbitrariness and the ultimatum annoy me. The fact that I'm being asked to disregard everything I know about how I personally deal with change to adopt a post-surgical style diet (low-fat, regimented, and frequent) half a year before any potential surgery date with an intact GI system, that I'm expected to throw away everything I know about what I need to lose weight, stop binge eating, and have the energy to do intense exercise frightens me. I'm terrified that I'm going to gain weight or relapse into binge eating (thus getting denied for surgery) and I feel like they're pushing me into that direction. All because Typical Tammy deals best with gradually introduced changes over a long time period and simple, unambiguous, authoritative instructions from medical professionals she sees as trustworthy experts? Nah. I mean, I'm sure there are, but this is the only one I have access to. And, ultimately, it doesn't really matter, as long as I can jump through their stupid little hoops, I can get what I need from them. It's just.... a long and irritating process of circus training. I'm not really looking for advice or anything, I understand the options and am resigned to them, this is a rant and rave.

Thank you! I talked to my surgeon and he said as long as I didn't gain any weight from my original consult I didn't need any pre op diet. Just not to eat the night before. I'm getting scared the closer to the date. I just had a covid test I guess several are needed prior to the surgery date. I have my preop doctor's appointment on 10.6 then surgery 10.11. How are you feeling? Scared but excited.

Oh gosh I think it's human nature to compare ourselves to others in a similar boat! I do all the time, for good or bad. OP - 4.5 months after surgery I had lost 43lbs. I've gone on to lose 115 at just over 10 months so I think you're bang on target to reach goal. I wish you all the best on your journey. I have also noticed that weight loss and changes in clothing size are absolutely not linear - there are times when I have lost lots and not gone down a size like *forever*, and vice versa.

Please don't take this the wrong way, but if there's one thing you'll here on this site perhaps more than any other it's this: don't compare yourself to others. There's nothing good that can come of it. Even if you found someone that was your exact same starting weight, height, and even had surgery the same day, there are still way too many other variables that could impact your progression. Just some examples: age, physical fitness, %body fat, basal metabolism, diet, bougie size, surgical complications, etc. Honestly, it sounds like you're doing fine. If you're not happy with your loss so far, talk with your bariatric team. They may have suggestions for you such as increasing the amount and type of exercise and/or changes to your diet. Best of luck!

Hey Guys! I'm at the mid point in my weight loss journey. My starting weight was 241 and now I'm 181 (4.5 months out). I went from a size 22/24 to size 18. My old size 18 pants are slightly lose but nowhere near enough to go down a size. I figured at 65 lbs. down I'd be a smaller size. I've kept up on my protein but really skimmed on exercise, so maybe I should have lost more body fat by now. Can anyone with similar specs share about where they were halfway through the journey? Current Measurements: 5'2" As of 9/14 Waist 38.5 in Thighs 23 in Hips 46.25 in Arms 16 in Neck 15.75 in Size: XL; 18

I went to my final pre-op appointment yesterday. Was nervous about being delayed bc the weight was up a few pounds but I was approved at all stops (surgeon, labs, anesthesiologist) to move forward! I’ll be the first case of the day on my surgery date too which is nice, the only procedure that’ll be done on time that day as they said lol. Been on my liquid diet for a few days and I’ve been doing all right with it, hope to get in every last bit of weight loss I can.

Hi, Had my surgery on 5/18/2020. I've been able to maintain between 188-191. However, I started adding the THRIVE packet to my my protein shake in the morning. And have lost 6 pounds this week. My question is, is this program ok for us 2 years post op? The monthly consists of a patch, a pill for energy and the vitamin packets. I am 5'3 my starting weight was 310 my current weight is 184. Thanks

So excited[emoji16] about finally getting my surgery date today!! I'm scheduled to have the Gastric Sleeve Surgery on 11/28/22 . I'm so ready to start losing weight and enjoying my journey while doing so. The Scale only goes down [emoji116] from here !!! 250 here I come !! Sent from my SM-S134DL using BariatricPal mobile app

Unfortunately, I live in a rural area outside of any major metropolitan areas. This practice is my only real option without restarting the process and driving several hours each way for appointments. And it's really not this practice that's the problem; I had the same problem with the previous practice I tried with. (That one allowed fiber during the pre-op but absolutely forbad cooking your vegetables, because everyone knows that if you steam the broccoli you eat, your surgery will fail and you won't lose weight as well as the people who are chowing down on raw florets pre-op.) I just have a fundamental problem complying with arbitrary and unjustified rules. I definitely don't trust my team, because I don't want to be denied again, so I'm not about to negotiate with them. (The surgeon in particular seems extremely rigid and unwilling to listen or negotiate.) I feel like the questions I've asked have already put me in serious jeopardy of being denied on the grounds that I won't comply. I plan on being a more forthright with the team after surgery, because what can they do then if I ask questions, hit me over the head and put my GI tract back together? But I'm never going to be able to trust a dietitian or anyone else that can't back up what they demand I do.

Valid, very valid! My entire family is obese, immediate and extended. Literally every single person... I have fault it my entire life and never remember seeing the "100's" on the scale. I am 6ft tall so I don't know if I ever will but I would like to see 199 just once so I can say I officially weighed under 200 lbs. I just posted about this earlier today. haha Obviously I didn't go from toddler weight to over 200 lbs but I guess I was over 200 once I was at the age to weigh myself and remember. Regardless, I have struggled with loosing and gaining over 100 lbs multiple times through my life. That is what brought me to surgery. I hope it helps me maintain my weight loss this time.

Just keep drinking! Also there’s a short weight loss stall near you. Not to worry about, ignore the scale when it happens. Look up 3 week stall on here to see more. You’ve got this!

I eat pasta but not often and it is plant based made from vegis, lentils or chickpeas. That way it is healthy. Starting weight 227 Current weight 166 Surgery date 12-22-2021

I was sleeved 12-22-2021 I am down 61 pounds and only 6 pounds from my goal weight set by my surgeon. I would like to loose another 30-40 pounds to get back to my high school weight. My reward is I got to go back raw vegan again and I have energy like I am a teenager- I am 53. When I get to where I feel good in a swimsuit - I still have fat on my thighs and hips - My hubby and I will be going on vacation somewhere there is a beach. Id like to go to Hawaii. Starting weight 227 Current weight 166 Surgery date 12-22-2021

Looks like my last post was on July 27. Things have slowed down quite a bit. Still doing well though. I finally cracked into the two-sixties with a weigh in last Saturday of 269. That would be -134 overall. In the last 2 weeks, I've increased my walking and hitting the gym. Body comp definitely changing so I'm less concerned about the scale at the moment. I still see losses in my face and the way my clothes fit even if its a bit less off the scale. My goal is to crack the two-fifties before Nov 15... my 1 year anniversary. The last time I was that weight was high school... 30 years ago. Feeling good. Arrhythmia gone for a few months now. Getting stronger.

Everyone above is right, lot's of reasons your weight might fluctuate. There's one reason I can guarantee you it's NOT. That you gained fat. While this is a bit of an oversimplification, you would have needed to eat 3500 calories more that you burned in the last week to gain just 1 pound of fat. Since at 3 weeks, you're probably not even eating 3500 calories in a week, I's a safe bet that whatever else is causing your overall weight to fluctuate, it's not that you added fat.

Good question! I don't have any answers but I think about this too. I picked a "goal" weight based on how I felt/looked after a large weight loss years ago. I got down to about 255 lbs and looked shockingly small in pictures. I felt great so I kind of picked 225 lbs as my goal weight to get just past that. My surgeon agreed with it as a healthy manageable goal weight. Really, I would like to see 199 on the scale ONE time but then bounce back to around 225. i only want to see 199 so I can say I did. haha. I literally NEVER remember a time I saw a "1" in the front of my weight. i think by the time I got to the age of caring or even knowing to weigh myself I was already over 200 lbs. I don't want to stay there because I am 6ft tall, and my personal preference is not to be "skinny" but to be healthy and comfortable. Honestly though, I am taking it day by day. If I get to 250 lbs and I am good with it then lucky me. If not, I will keep pushing until I am satisfied. I am already off all medications and healthy so I have already won in my book.

I don't have an answer for you but I can vouch for how much extra weight effects your ability to move with MS. Good for you for trying to make positive changes for the things you have control of!

Yay! I was avoiding the scale over the past few days and only checked this morning to find myself below 100 kg! I can't remember the last time I was at this weight but I'd say at least 20 years ago. What a pleasant and timely surprise. I turned 40 yesterday. So excited for my next birthday already 😀.

Starting 2nd week after surgery. I am off my metformin and blood sugar levels are excellent. I do feel a bit week and had only one slight dizzy spell. Wounds are healing quite well. Tiny bit of bruising. Vitamins and Proteins are easy to consume and tracking everything with 'my fitness' app. I did find it not too much fun at the supermarket today. My old brain wanted buy things I know I will most likely never eat again. But I'm ok with that . I have found that Ido have a tendency to swallow air when I drink fluids and I'm working on slowing right down to a crawl with it. I tilt my head back a bit and swallow. Seems a bit weird but it works for me. I've had the gastric bypass Sept 19 . I started at 265.5 lbs 2 weeks before surgery and on the day of my surgery I was 250 lbs. I started to track my weight from then and have slowly lost 5.5 lbs in my first week. I do seem to have not lost anything for three days but I do see and feel my body structure changing. I have been mobile more the last few days and I am starting to track that also. Today I walked about 1km and will be adding more distance daily. Maybe will incorporate the treadmill in my buildings exercise room. I'm glad I found this group and look forward to reading and responding to people questions. I'm sure I will have some and I am happy to answer any I can for others. Thanks. Cheers from Toronto Canada. !!

I'm not to far off from your situation. Starting 2nd week after surgery. I am off my metformin and blood sugar levels are excellent. I do feel a bit week and had only one slight dizzy spell. Wounds are healing quite well. Tiny bit of bruising. Vitamins and proteins are easy to consume and tracking everything with 'my fitness' app. I did find it not too much fun at the supermarket today. My old brain wanted buy things I know I will most likely never eat again. But I'm ok with that . I have found that Ido have a tendency to swallow air when I drink fluids and I'm working on slowing right down to a crawl with it. I tilt my head back a bit and swallow. Seems a bit weird but it works for me. I've had the gastric bypass Sept 19 . I started at 265.5 lbs 2 weeks before surgery and on the day of my surgery I was 250 lbs. I started to track my weight from then and have slowly lost 5.5 lbs in my first week. I do seem to have not lost anything for three days but I do see and feel my body structure changing. I have been mobile more the last few days and I am starting to track that also. Today I walked about 1km and will be adding more distance daily. Maybe will incorporate the treadmill in my buildings exercise room. I'm glad I found this group and look forward to reading and responding to people questions. I'm sure I will have some and I am happy to answer any I can for others. Thanks. Cheers from Toronto Canada. !!

How much is it going up? The reality is weight loss is never a straight downward line. It zigs & zags & goes up & down. A gain could be fluid retention (as you said you have), constipation, hormonal fluctuations, your usual weight fluctuation, etc. as long as your general trend is downwards your doing fine. Do you weigh less today then you did three weeks ago? And yes stalls happen. The first often around week three ( yes, I did say first) & they can last 1-3 weeks. They are just your body shutting down (needing a break) in response to the stress of all the changes (to your diet, reduced calories, surgery, weight loss, etc.). They always break & you’ll start losing again when your body is ready.

I am one to say follow your program because there are differences as well as similarities. Though I often also say, if the program isn’t working for you, speak to your surgeon or dietician. I recognise there are weaknesses in the American health system & the ridiculous power of insurance companies: If you don’t do what they say & get all the right boxes ticked you can’t have your surgery power. Through reading posts here, there also seems to be many medical practitioners who do not look at each individual case & don’t make adjustments to their program to suit the individual patient’s needs. And dieticians often seem to promote their own ideologies & current fads. I saw a documentary a few years ago that spoke about the influence of large food production corporations on the curriculum in schools & in medical courses at colleges/universities - scary stuff. Things aren’t perfect in Australia, & I’m sad to say, we’re slowly going down the US path, but my experience was much different. I’m sorry yours has been so negative. My surgeon & dietician did consider me, my needs & circumstances. For example, my surgeon puts different patients on different pre surgical diets. A friend was on all shakes while I was put keto. He said I didn’t need to see a therapist (he gave me the name of one if I wanted or needed) but he sent her for several appointments before her surgery. My dietician, though not perfect, was at least open to my preferences & needs. She advised the keto diet only for the two weeks pre surgery saying it should only be followed for the short term to kick start weight loss (something I already believed). She didn’t give me specific macros to reach (apart from protein) but only recommended low fat, low carb (multi or whole grain low processed only), low sugar. I did a lot of my own reading & discussed my thoughts & what I wanted to do. I eventually devised my own way of eating & what foods I wanted (& needed) to eat, avoid, restrict or reduce. She’d make suggestions about alternatives & things I could add to make sure I was getting in my nutrients (she always checked my blood tests). I guess the big difference was my surgeon & dietician wanted to support me & help me achieve my goals. If yours aren’t supportive, don’t listen to your needs & are simply following a genetic ‘one program suits all’, find a new team (if you can). And especially in your case, if they don’t recognise you are an intelligent, well educated & are highly knowledgeable in the medical field, give them the boot. All the best.

I reached my goal & was happy, so I started to increase my intake to find my maintenance point. But I kept losing. More & more slowly of course. By the time I did stabilise I was a good 11kg less than my goal. I was eating three meals a day & 4-5 snacks. I settled around that quite happily for about a year. But with a medication & a dietary change I gained 2kgs & have been there for 9 months. I eat around 1300-1400 calories a day. Still have to snack a few times a day to reach those calories (& get in the extra protein I need) but not as many as initially. I think this is about the weight my body is happy at too - my body’s set point. Maintaining at that lower weight wasn’t/isn’t an issue. How I eat doesn’t impact how I want to live & enjoy my life & doesn't require me to run miles or spend hours in the gym (a big positive to me - LOL!). And I guess they’re the real factors to consider. Are you happy at the weight you reach & does maintaining it allow you to live & enjoy your life as you want without feeling you are missing out or making sacrifices? And is it sustainable? I say this a lot but it is what is working for me.

Yes! I feel the same like surprised at how so many things heal after the weight loss. Now I feel it's all momentum that since I lost 💯 how much more better would I feel if I lost say 50 more! It is great to hear that you have victory over your asthma!

Hormones are the worst. My weight issues began with puberty. I bounced between 60 & 75kgs most of my adult life. When I began peri menopause, I gained weight & hit 75 more quickly then ever before When I began menopause I put on another 16kg even more quickly - felt like overnight - & suddenly I weighed 91kg. Couldn’t shift a gram of it. It’s why I turned to surgery. Interestingly, the 49kg I settled at for a good year after surgery was about what I weighed when I was 12 & puberty hit. Then, in late November last year, my GP upped my HRT dose & yep, weight gain: 2kgs in that first month. I modified my diet as soon as I realised & while I I haven’t gained any more, I haven’t been able to lose those kgs either. I wonder if starting with your hormones & maybe trying to sort those out maybe a better place to start.