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Hi Everyone! I am here for some advice, input, personal stories, etc. I am a 46 year old female and started my WLS journey back in March. My surgeon approved me as a candidate for VSG and my insurance required 6 months of nutritional counseling. I have also gone through the psych eval and EGD. I have my final pre-op with the surgeon next week and then she submits everything to my insurance company for authorization. I am starting to have serious doubts about going through surgery. I am terrified of losing my hair. I am perimenopausal and have hypothyroidism so my hair is already thin. I am also just scared in general of the procedure, and any possible side effects. Does anyone regret having surgery? Anyone ever get this close and cancel? I'm just a ball of nerves and honestly don't know if I'm making the right decision.

It’s not uncommon for your tummy to be sensitive & fussy about some foods you consume in the first couple of months. If you eat too quickly or eat too much it may also react. The sensitivity does pass & what upsets you may be different to what upsets another. If something upsets you, leave it for a week or so then try again. We are usually told to avoid pasta, rice & breads especially in the weight loss stage. They swell in your tummy & fill you more quickly so you are unable to eat anything else & can’t get your protein in. They can also sit heavily in your tummy causing discomfort. Also it’s important that we consume nutrient dense foods not foods like bread, pasta, rice & other processed carbs which have empty calories & are poor sources of essential vitamins & minerals we need. If you want a pasta type meal, try fresh zucchini noodles with meat based sauces. Later you may like to try high protein vegetable pastas which some are able to include in their maintenance diets. Personally, I still don’t eat pasta, breads or rice in my third year - they still sit heavily in my tummy & fill me quickly. Are you reaching your protein goal every day? If all you could eat was two tablespoons of pasta in a little tomato sauce you would have ingested little or no protein at all. Every meal should be focussed on protein & be the largest component of whatever you’re eating. So if you are eating 2oz of food, almost all of that 2oz should be a protein rich food. Remember, eat your protein first then whatever vegetables you can manage.

I would be careful about moving your intake up too quickly, simply because it is very difficult to cut back once you get used to a higher intake. I have seen many who have done well in the 6-800 calorie range during their loss phase, so this doesn't seem to be too low metabolically. That said, I settled fairly quickly in the 1100 range, but I am a guy, with a guy's metabolism that remained fairly intact. (as ms.sss noted, this isn't a one size fits all game.) Prior to WLS, my weight was stable in the 26-2700 calorie range, so I had a fair margin to work with. Do you know what your metabolic stability point was before surgery (real world for you, here, not some online calculator that's appropriate for someone else)? Your weight loss rate will trend lower over time, simply because there is less of you to move around 24/7 so, on average, you burn fewer calories per day, so you won't, on average, lose as much per week or month after six months as you did after two, and fewer still after nine or twelve months. It is not unusual for some to go into "early maintenance" because they increased their intake at the same time as their caloric burn decreased. When I finished at goal, I was stable at around 21-2200 calories per day, or about a 1000 calorie deficit that I had to make up from my 1100 per day that I was consuming during the loss phase; most don't have much margin, particularly most smaller (shorter) women. Another reason to be careful about increasing intake too quickly (or at all) On doctors advice on these programs. Some doctors advise their patients that they will typically lose around 60% of their excess weight (an overall average for the industry,) while others will push their patients to lose 100% of their excess. Guess which programs advise increasing calorie levels over time and which advise overall low(ish) stable levels while losing?

You will find a whole slew of caloric recommendations across the board, from you team, from the people in this forum, to the person on some Instagram account doling advice. There IS NOT a one size fits all program that will work for EVERYONE. Find out what works for you. If you cant reach the calories as prescribed, just do the best you can. If you are going over, do the best you can. Try to get your protein and water in. Unless you labs come back indicating so (which i assume you would be getting regularly), you don't need to worry about undernourishment in the few months between labs. I mean, most of us have got ALOT of fat storage to rely on in the first couple months. Exercise is good, but not necessary for weight loss. But of course I would highly recommend exercise for physical and mental health and well-being benefits. P.S. I know there is a few different camps of opinions on this, but I am NOT on team "up your calories to lose more weight". But I know there are many BP members on here that swear by this method, so there you go. I did not purposefully up my calories save for the natural progression of upping calories as time goes on. I did not stall once and I lost more than all my excess weight in 6 months.. P.P.S. I also know that there are different views on this: I also think that losing 30 lbs off of 241lbs in 6 weeks in NOT in any way "slow". But that's just my opinion, which doesn't matter. All that matters is YOURS. Good Luck!❤️

I had the lap band before and it didn't work. It didn't do anything to stop my hunger, it didn't change my metabolism, it didn't stop me from absorbing everything I ate... all it did was put a little speed bump from my esophagus to my stomach. Sometimes that speed bump would get stopped up and cause me crazy pain, sliming, and barfing. Usually healthy foods did that to me (chicken breast, broccoli, carrots, celery, lean steak, etc.). Unhealthy foods went down like a breeze so I could eat greasy cheeseburgers, cakes, cookies, milkshakes, cheese fries, etc. without a problem. The lap band, essentially, trained me to eat junk food and avoid healthy food. Then I got it revised to RNY and it has been a TOTAL game changer. There are a number of reasons it's working way better for me. 1) My physical appetite is gone. And I mean, GONE. Even if I swim (I'm always starving after I swim) or walk all day or do heavy manual labor... I just never want to eat. 2) Sugar is repulsive now. I don't want anything to do with ice cream, cakes, or cookies. Those used to be my favorite. I tried to take a sip of regular orange juice (because I remember how refreshing I used to find it) and gagged because it was just way, way too sweet. 3) I crave nutritious foods, mostly seafood and vegetables. Which is weird because I was never much of a veggie lover before. I only ate them because I felt like I had to. 4) I only absorb 75% of the food I eat, and I don't eat much to begin with so I've been dropping weight like crazy. 5) I get full, quickly. 6) If I try to eat something I shouldn't (like something high in fat) I'm immediately punished with a wave of nausea and I won't try it again. All this factored together has made RNY a very powerful weight loss tool. If you are an emotional eater or food addict RNY would be torture. The head hunger definitely doesn't go away. While physically I don't want to eat, mentally I wish I still could. It's not because I eat to cope but because I just always loved food. I'm a foodie and I love cooking, baking, restaurants, trying new foods, etc. I can't have it anymore and it makes me a little sad but I've been killing myself from my "hobby" so it's time to let it go. But if you're someone who is determined to eat because you feel like you HAVE to (like an emotional or addictive issue) you'll want to get therapy before having surgery. For me, that pain from over-eating is NOT worth it at all. It's very unpleasant and I eat very slowly to avoid it. But for some folks, the pain is worth it to eat what they want, and that's where re-gain/failure comes in. That and mindless snacking on simple carbs. You've gotta say no to the chips, crackers, and popcorn.

I think you need to reset your expectations. You've done MUCH better than most of us. It sounds like you're very successful! stalls are a common "feature" of weight loss. When you hit one, just stay the course and stay off the scale for a few days. As long as you're following your program, they'll eventually break and you'll be on your way again. We've all been there....

that rate of weight loss is very normal, unless you're the size of someone on "My 600 lb Life". Most of us "normal" WLS patients lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the first month, and then about 8-12 lbs a month for the next six or so months after that (and then it drops down even more). So you're fine. as for 1000 kcal/day at this point, a lot of us are eating somewhere in the 600-800 range for the first several months post-op, but I've heard of more clinics lately that are recommending more like 1000 kcal/day...so yours isn't the only one. They'd know more than I would, and as long as the patients are continuing to lose weight.....

You’ve lost almost 100lbs in 6 months @Chantrella. This is really great. Congratulations! (I’m 5’3” & lost about 70lbs in 6 months. My surgeon, dietician, GP & I were ecstatic.) If you were expecting more, I think your expectations were too high. (Weight loss programs, weight loss miracle cure advertisements, social media, etc. give us false & unrealistic expectations. I saw an ad yesterday that said you could lose something like 30lbs in a week taking some tablet - what a load of $*#@$&#&.) We don’t continue to lose at the same rate as those first heady & exciting weeks of the pre & post surgical diets. Our weight loss slows as we progress. Even those on My 600lb Life see a reduction in the amount they lose as they progress. Sure they lose 50+lbs a month to begin, but they slow down to 25lbs a month, then 15lbs, etc. And they only started out losing at that high rate because they were 600+lbs. As we are able to eat more the calories we’re consuming increase & we get closer to the point where the calories we consume equal the calories our body needs to burn to function & when weight loss dies not occur (maintenance). I’d say everyone experiences at least one stall in some form. I had two but some have more than that. It just depends on how your body manages the weight loss changes. Celebrate you pound your lose. You’re doing great.

Where are you in the process? Is the calorie amount and you’re working out too helping with your losses? Thanks!

Wow - you’ve done well! I was 200# at surgery (VSG). I’m 5’4”. Surgery was on July 9, 2020. At 6 months I was 162# (38# loss). Today I am almost 14 mos. post-op and I am 149#. In recent months, I maybe lose 1# a month, and at this rate, it could take another year for me to get to goal, but I am of good cheer and stick to my new eating habits. Hang in there!

Just had a 6 week follow up with my surgeon. He advised to eat about 1,000 calories a day at this point as to not slow down weight loss. I’ve been averaging between 600-700. Since July 15 I’ve lost 30 pounds. Pre-2 week surgery diet I was 250. Surgery day weight was 241, now I’m 220 even. Seems slow. He told me that weight loss isn’t like a straight drop. And two weeks ago, I stalled for about 3 weeks. He advised to only weigh once a week. How is everyone else doing on calories and weight loss at about 6/7 weeks out? Just want to see how I’m doing. One thing I haven’t been doing is rigorous exercise…he said that would help too. Any advice is appreciated.

I totally feel you. Once the surgery subject comes up, your weight, your weight loss (or not), how good/healthy (or bad/unhealthy) you look and the story of every person everyone has ever known to have surgery (especially failure stories) become the main topic of conversation. I watched it happen to my brother and my niece and I opted out of that nonsense. Good luck with your surgery!

I started drinking carbonated water (with lemon or lime) around 1 month post op. Haven’t stopped since. Am almost 3 years out now and these days I probably drink about 4-5 litres a week. On very, very rare occasions, i may have some Coke Zero if im somewhere that has no better option. Drinking it didn’t seem to any real effect on my weight loss. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Mine was just under 3 months. I was already on biotin before but I’ve heard from RDs that it doesn’t really help. So I just made sure to get enough protein, take my vitamins and wait it out. The loss part has pretty much gone back to my normal loss level but haven’t started seeing the little fuzzy new growth yet.

Hey guys I had surgery March 3rd 2021. I am literally 2 days shy of 6 months and I am livid. I eat healthy, drink water all day, exercise everyday one hour and I didn’t hit my second weight loss goal and I doubt I will by my 6 month mark. I am 5’4 my pre surgery weight was 268 and I’m now 173. My overall goal is 145. I have hit several stalls month 4 and 5 not sure why. What are your stats and have you hit any stalls? When did your weightloss slow down what did you do to get the pounds back to dropping. My dr is happy with my weightloss but I am devastated by the slow process.

I went to a BBQ in the 2nd week after my surgery. I wasn't hungry at all, but people were needling me to eat. So I got a small plate, put 2 chicken wings on it and walked around with it in my hand all afternoon. Any time anyone would comment I would say "Oh, these wings are delicious, have you tried them?" and walk away. Did the same thing at a cocktail party last weekend, got a glass of wine and a small plate with a couple of appetizers (ones I don't like) and walked around with it the whole time. Nobody noticed I wasn't eating or drinking anything (except my husband). I've chosen to only share my surgery with a few close, non-judgmental, friends and family members. I consider it a personal journey and I don't like the fact that after you tell people, your weight loss suddenly becomes their business and the main topic of conversation whenever you see them.

I drank unsweetened flavored seltzer like crazy pre-surgery, but stopped when I started my 2-week pre-op diet, as recommended by the nutritionist. My doctor also says no carbonated drinks post-surgery because, over time, regular consumption of carbonated beverages can stretch out the stomach pouch. True or untrue, for me personally, it's just not worth it to risk anything impeding my weight loss so I'll continue to avoid them. My opinion may change at some point, but since my carbonated beverage of choice was neither sweetened nor caffeinated, I don't miss it much.

So I am going to be part of the rare % that is going to say that DIET (regular high sugar carbonated have no place in anyone’s diet) have done nothing to impede my weight loss. I’m currently 5 months and down almost 80lbs. My stomach isn’t stretched from drinking these, I drink slowly and it takes at least a full hour to have 1 can. I’ve had very little issues with fluid consumption post surgery so I don’t feel this gets in the way of staying hydrated. If you’re not having pain, bloating, or unusual sides I think this part of the many old wives tales and fallacies with weight loss surgery.

From about the age of 14 I’d routinely skip meals to try to control my weight. I never ate the same volume of food as my friends or my family. All skipping meals did was kill my metabolism & I battled my weight bouncing 60-75kg until I was in my late 40s. That seemed to be my max & min weight range I always gravitated to. When I reached menopause I put on 30kg in about 2 years without changing my diet & couldn't lose an ounce over 4 years. I think I eat more now then I did before surgery. I certainly eat more frequently then I ever did & that’s how I get my calories & protein in. I reach my fluid goal by sipping throughout the day & at night (always have water beside me). By drinking regularly I never seem to reach that oh my god I’m thirsty point anymore. Nor do I reach that I’m starving point either. For me the surgery has been wonderful. It kick started my metabolism again & sorted out my hormones. It also made me truely analyse what, how & why I ate. Even though I ate pretty healthily before, I eat even better now. Dropped some food choices that were bad for me, added some that are better. We are all different. We react differently to the surgery. We have different life experiences. We have different health issues, genetic makeups & physiological & psychological differences. They all influence how we are able to benefit from the surgery. The surgery isn’t a cure. The average weight loss after about 5 years is only 65% of the weight you were to lose (to put you in the healthy BMI range). Some lose more. Some lose less. Some get to a weight higher then goal & are happy. Some get lower than goal. Some experience small amounts of regain while others regain more. Some maintain. Some causes for this are beyond our control. Some causes are in our control. You can’t predict your outcome but just be aware of the variables. Best advice is to grab this opportunity & see how far you can take it.

I never suffered from PCOS but I did have my gall removed. It was only three months ago but my weight is what it was before surgery. I lost a small amount afterwards because for about 3 weeks I wasn’t really hungry or interested in eating but when things got back to normal I settled back at my usual weight. When was yours removed? When did you notice your weight loss slowing? Are you still following your same diet plan & recommendations for portion size & calories? Are you still meeting your protein & water goals? Have any of your meds changed? Have you spoken with your dietician & medical team? Have you had blood work done since your gall removal? Removing the gall can affect absorption of some nutrients. I found out at my 3 month follow-up appointment last week that my protein level has dropped since my gall surgery (was high before my gall was removed but now low yet still meet my daily protein goal). I was prescribed pancreatic enzymes to help with protein absorption.

Yeah, that's very interesting! I almost wonder if they want you to lose as much as possible before surgery to show their weight loss rates being higher, but I might be a tad too cynical there 😕

I’m 64 now, and had RNY surgery 8 years ago when I was 56. My surgeon told us that you have a window of about 1 year to 18 months to lose the weight you want - thereafter the ghrelin levels in your stomach and gut (which are disrupted by the surgery) increase. Ghrelin is known as the ‘hunger hormone’ because (amongst other things it does) it triggers hunger. Shortly after RNY surgery you may feel hungry, but this soon passes and you have a ‘honeymoon’ period where you don’t, where you need to build up to a health and sustainable diet. The other thing is that your tiny pouch will stretch in time (the stomach acts as a muscle) and if you consistently eat too much you’ll get a bigger appetite back. It is unusual, but not unknown, for someone to put all the weight back on that they lost from RNY surgery. Of course, why do that to yourself? Probably because you have not sorted out an unhealthy relationship with food. Another thing I was told was to exercise, to prevent muscle loss and encourage weight loss. To be honest I didn’t do enough of this. However, from BMI of 35.7 and weight of 190lb (at 5’ 1”) I dropped to my lowest weight of 105lb and BMI of 19.7 at 14 months after surgery. That was nearly half my bodyweight lost. I stayed at 112lbs or under until April 2015, when very, very slowly I put on a bit of weight over each year, I guess as my appetite and tolerance grew. By January 2021 I had been just under 140lb for 3 years, but wished I could be less. Then came cancer treatment and radiotherapy to my entire abdominal area. Left with nausea and no appetite at all, I gradually built back up to eating a healthy diet. I lost 16lb in a few weeks with sepsis in March, but after recovery have lost more through cutting back on carbs and walking every day, to get back to my prime 112lb - and this is where I want to stay! It may be harder to lose weight after the menopause but the equation is still the same - too much food in and not enough energy out = slow inevitable weight gain; keeping to what you need (or slightly less) and more energy expended = slow loss. We have a wonderful tool to help us achieve this - which is very hard for an individual with a normal stomach. Plus we have absorption issues, and potential to suffer if we eat too much fat and sugar (especially at once). We can use this tool to achieve our goal, and use it alongside lifestyle changes to maintain it, whatever our age. 😊

I had my gallbladder removed in 1998 due to gall stones/ gallbladder attacks after losing over 60 pounds. After the gallbladder removal it was a struggle to lose weight & it quickly returned with extra. In 2011 I found out I had hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's) and PCOS. I worked hard to try to lose weight to have children & increase my fertility. I lost 20 pounds, but struggled beyond that. I had VSG last month and the weight is finally coming off. Perhaps it might be slower than some other people, but it is going in the right direction for the first time in about 20 years. I don't know if you had surgery, or are looking into getting it, or are looking for weight loss tips. I was put on metformin for PCOS and told to eat a low carb diet. I didn't lose much, though. Yes, PCOS has been known to affect weight loss. I haven't heard much about the effects of gallbladder removal on weight loss. It is hard to know if it was connected in my case, as I also had undiagnosed PCOS and hypothyroidism for many, many years. I believe WLS may reduce symptoms of PCOS. Wishing you luck with your weight loss goals. 😁🍀

Yes, I regret it 100%. Sleeved 5/28/2021. As of today I am only down 18 pounds since surgery. When I tell people that, I always get a list of how it has to be my fault. Medical intervention that you can't really cheat, but it's my fault? I couldn't "cheat" if I wanted to. I don't think genetics, hormones, and age are talked about enough pre-op. My weight loss slowed way down in the years prior to surgery. I'd cut carbs and work out hard and only lose 5 lbs in a month. I thought this surgery would help, it hasn't. My biggest words of advice, IF YOU ARE NOT A BIG EATER DO NOT GET THIS SURGERY! Consider all factors first. My mother, sisters and aunts have been on "diets" since Tab and Jane Fonda workout were a thing and the smallest any have ever been is the 170's (all 5'3-5'5). We're just heavier and hormonal with slow metabolisms. Not horribly obese, but in the 200's with big arms, stomachs, and backs. Unless they've been hiding it for decades, they don't gorge on food. We typically gain 10lbs a year that we just can't lose. That's how we are and how I'll be. I'm getting ok with it. Primary is asking if I'd consider converting to bypass in the future. No thanks, what would be the point. I just never tell anyone I've done this to myself out of sheer embarrassment. Very expensive mistake.

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