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How's everyone doing now that we July Siblings are past the 6 month mark? Anyone at goal yet? I just passed the mark my surgeon set for me (to get under the 30 BMI/obesity level) and that felt pretty good. I'm about 15-20 lbs from where I think I'd like to be going into maintenance, but I'll probably make that call closer to the mark. How did you all set your final goals? I am trying to thread the needle between being slender and maintaining some of my curves/not being too saggy. I haven't noticed any major slowing of my typical 1.5-3 lb a week and 8-10 lb a month rate of loss YET, but I'm bracing myself for it as I understand the last 15 lbs are quite hard.

If/when the chest fullness goes away depends on what I'm eating. If I eat the denser stuff (proteins) it takes longer, maybe10-20 mins (sometimes much longer, if at all). I can eat lots of salad if that is all I eat. Salad fullness (or other slider-ish things) goes away in like 5-10 mins IF there is no other stuff like carrots/nuts/cheese etc.. That wooden bowl is pretty big. I just measured, its 9" in diameter & 3.5 inches deep. So like 15 cups, give or take a few cups if filled to brim?

I moved to purees week 2, soft foods week 3 and could add in other foods at week 4. By week 6 I was cleared to eat anything I wanted. It's weird how every doctor is different. I am 10 weeks out and eat all sorts of things. I haven't had steak or pork chops or anything that seems tough. I have had some lettuce, but not a full salad. It's all been fine. Eggs are a go to for me. I even do boiled eggs for breakfast. Or let me say ONE boiled egg LOL. If I can even get the whole thing down before I'm full 😂

Welcome Nette200486 to the 3/9 group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303 March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77 March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated, Nette200486 March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 17 Mello1 March 19 medicpup2 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006 March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb March 30 Stanlak, Starla K March 31 KhoricRitten

I’ve lost 50lbs since 12/18/19.... not one person has said anything! Nothing! Haha Saturday I did back to back spin and ran into a woman who I hadn’t seen since November and she didn’t say a word. BUT! She tells this other girl setting up next to us she looks like she is losing weight. She lost 5lbs! 5 freaking lbs (good for her - not hating on her) and I’ve lost 50 and nothing hahaha Haha I’m about to make a shirt that says “ask me if I lost weight” or something lmfao desperate times and such

Yesterday Tuesday, Feb 25 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.33 yrs PO Sleeve / 113.9 lbs ---------------------------------------- Dinner and drinks out with Mr & pals...I didn't order anything for myself (other than drinks)...and just had bites of everyone's food. After tasting menus, this is my preferred way of eating out (especially when my meal companions let me have input on what they order! LOL) P.S. Didn't have to resist the lemon curd tart because SOMEONE ate it all 😡, but I got Mr. to order a lemon cheesecake at dinner, so it's all good ---------------------------------------- 10:00pm - coffee w/ cream! 2:00pm - Salad greens w/ vinaigrette + carrots + pickled beets + 3 oz roast pork + 1 tbsp crunchy garlic chili oil + the insides of the Kid's half eaten curry chicken wrap (1.5 oz grilled chicken, mayo, celery, spices, cheddar cheese) 7:00pm to 11:30pm - 2 tbsp salmon ceviche 1 grilled shrimp + 1/2 a paris toast cracker w/ spicy butter sauce 1/4 cup spring mix salad w/ olive oil 1 oz skirt steak w/ chimmichurri sauce 1 oz lobster tail w/ butter 1/4 fingerling potato 2 tbsp roasted veggie & romano flatbread 2 fl oz tangy lemon cheesecake w/ 2 tbsp whipped cream + 2 blueberries + 1 raspberry 1 vodka caesar w/ pickled green bean 1.5 glasses red wine 1 americano (black) --------------------------------------- Totals: 1335 cals - 73g Protein - 85g NET carbs - 56g fat ---------------------------------------

I have three kids under 10, I didn't tell them. I travel a lot for work so just told them I was on a trip when I was in hospital. I've told a few people now, at 5 months out, but still haven't told my kids. They know something is up as people keep commenting on my weight loss (turns out 32kg is pretty noticeable) but they don't need to know I had WLS. I'm focusing on eating heathy and exercising to try and be a good role model, so hopefully they won't end up on the weight rollercoaster like their Mum.

Welcome richiewho to the March 26th group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303 March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77 March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 17 Mello1 March 19 medicpup2 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006 March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn, richiewho March 27 Ayemeeb March 30 Stanlak, Starla K March 31 KhoricRitten

Welcome StarlaK and Ebbii0927 to the March 30th group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303 March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77 March 9 Angie526, AuntCyn, highlyundermedicated March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 17 Mello1 March 19 medicpup2 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006 March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn March 27 Ayemeeb March 30 Stanlak, Starla K, Ebbii0927 March 31 KhoricRitten

Howdy everyone! I have lurked in the shadows for a while now and finally feel like I am at a point in my life where I can come out into the light and say, I have started this journey -for real- now! loss surgery has been on my radar for years thanks to my dad-I've been obese if not morbidly obese since 4th grade (I am 30 now). I have started the process of getting sleeved twice before this year. First time I only got past the initial consult with the surgeon and maybe one weigh in for the supervised diet but then we ended up moving and I let it fall by the wayside and the second time I actually moved in with my dad and started the process (I was still on his insurance) as Duke has a good program and my step mom has achieved success after having the gastric bypass so the hope was to use her as a resource as I plugged away at the insurance requirements. I even had a good therapist to work with. Alas though, it was not meant to be as my mental health staying with my dad was no bueno. Fast forward to last October, my birthday. I've turned 30. I am now a good 10 pounds heavier than my heaviest. Finally at a point where I was ready to really pursue this, during open enrollment with my work provided insurance I opted to pay more each paycheck but have a 10% reduction in my co-insurance, as well as lower deductible and out of pocket max. Even if it was just for a year, I was going to do this. Found myself a PCP I really like, and made the consult appointment with the surgeon-Dr. David Provost with Baylor Scott and White in Temple(who I REALLY liked). The appointment went really well, I have 7 months of supervised diet, which is just fine with me, I have a lot of head work and habits to work on. I also have to do a psych test and sleep study, go to a lifestyle class and at least one support group meeting(I am stoked about maybe meeting people!). Best part so far of working with Baylor Scott and White? I have a WHOLE BOOKLET of information ranging from what to do several weeks pre-op to months post-op, they also made every appointment I will need (with the exception of I think the psych-they will call me to set it up) so I can see how my next few months will progress. My last weigh in with my PCP is September 28th, my birthday is October 29th....maybe, just maybe I will get to be sleeved as a birthday present(crossing my fingers)? I have no co-morbidities----not sure how I lucked out on that one. I love hiking and my most recent accomplishment was a 7ish mile hike on Christmas Eve. I don't know what has clicked that wasn't there before but y'all....I am READY! I have enjoyed reading your triumphs, set backs and learning along with you and am finally ready for this!

Congratulations on your success! Thanks for sharing the insight from your surgeon about gaining back 10% of the weight in year 2 and ensuring that you stay vigilant. I received no such guidance but it makes perfect sense. I also drank lots of Diet Coke pre-surgery and quit cold turkey two weeks prior. Like you, I drank only water and protein water for about seven months, then introduced coffee into my life (with skim milk and Splenda) and have really enjoyed it. I've had no issues so far.

I have been following my surgeons fairly restrictive low carb eating plan for a month. No more than 10 carbs per meal. This past weekend I smelled some delicious pizza and almost cheated, but held strong and had my wife make me keto pizza. No problem. This morning however my Filipina wife made her fried bread she eats with her coffee and I cheated and had a small piece. Now you might be thinking this topic is going to be me crying over cheating. Its not. I don't regret it because after having it I realized it wasn't that great. I mean it tasted good but so does many of the low carb things I eat. That is me working through food addiction one step at a time. Thanks to wealth of information on here, I am progressing. Thanks to all of the posters on this forum.

I'm new here, I had my initial appointment with the surgeon last Thursday and told him I was unsure which procedure I wanted. He said I was a good candidate for surgery and that with my BMI either surgery was a good choice. He pretty much said to keep doing more research and go with what my gut told me. While I appreciate the trust he has in me deciding, I'm of course worried I'll choose wrong. He did say that he currently does about 10 Sleeves for every Bypass. Currently leaning heavily towards the sleeve, but I'm a bit worried about GERD. It hasn't been a major problem for me, but I know it's a risk that it can get worse. Also sounds like slightly less weight loss, but probably not enough to worry about in the grand scheme of things. What was it for you that helped you decide on the sleeve?

My surgerversary was on Feb 13 and I just had my 1-year checkup with my nutritionist and surgeon. I'm at 150lbs and have been for about 3 months so I'd definitely say I'm at my maintenance weight. They asked if I was OK where I was at and I said YES! My surgeon said that the next year is crucial for ensuring the weight doesn't creep back on. He told me that many gastric bypass patients will gain back about 10% of the amount they lost. I thoughts those stats were pretty good and manageable but I'm wondering what the rest of your doctors and/or nutritionalists are telling you at the 1-year point. Are they sharing the same information? Are they cautioning you on other things in terms of diet and exercise? My nutritionist asked about what i have been drinking and it's only been Vitamin Zero and water. Pre-surgery I drank a lot of Diet Coke (for the caffeine) and seltzer water and I have been craving them. I never drank coffee. She said that many people do no tolerate the carbonation well. Are any of you drinking seltzer water and what has been your experience? Overall I'm feeling well but I'm not sleeping well. I can fall asleep but I often wake up during the night. I take my iron and vitamins at night so they don't counteract with my Synthroid I take in the morning. I'm wondering if the vitamins are preventing me from sleeping well. My labs yesterday showed that my vitamin B12 levels are high. My nutrionist has not heard a correlation between high B12 vitamins and sleeplessness but my sister claims B12 causes her not to sleep well. I'm taking OPurity multivitamins by Bariatic Advantage...only two capsules (taken together) per day so it's very easy to get in the recommended doses. Anyone else take those and have any issues with sleeplessness? It's been great hearing all your successes, team! Keep on sharing!

Welcome Katheryn0303 to the March 3rd Group! Welcome Jay2016 to the March 12th Group! Welcome Sozamy to the March 25th Group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315, Katheryn0303 March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77 March 9 Angie526, auntCyn, highlyundermedicated March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379, Jay2016 March 13 Q75j25 March 17 Mello1 March 19 medicpup2 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006 March 25 Sozamy March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn March 27 Ayemeeb March 30 Stanlak March 31 KhoricRitten

I’ve ALREADY had the D-Switch surgery(12/3/19). I was just posting to see if there were others that had experienced the same thing

Hello all! I had Gastric Sleeve surgery on 4/9/19. I am coming up on my 1 year anniversary but I am still 20lbs or so away from losing 100lbs. At month 6 I experienced a 3 month stall that I just recently broke after trying intermittent fasting. I'm kinda bummed that I probably won't meet the "100lbs down in a year" goal. Did anyone else NOT lose 100lbs in their 1st year? If you didn't, were you upset or discouraged about it?

Well I got my initial consultation with the surgeon set up but it isn't until April 2nd!!!! Has anyone else had to wait that long? In addition, my insurance requires 6 weight check visits with my primary doc 1 nutritional consultation Psychological evaluation At least my primary doc knows the process and said my visit on 2/19 will count as the 1st weigh in. Based on what I have seen, this is pretty standard. My letter from the surgeon (and my calculations) put the surgery cost at $520, so I guess I can't complain about the length of time. So it is looking like I will have surgery sometime in August or September. Just in time to not be able to enjoy my husband's favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.

Yesterday Monday, Feb 24 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.33 yrs PO Sleeve / 113.5 lbs ---------------------------------------- My mom brought over a fave dessert of the Kid's yesterday afternoon (which happens to also be one of my pre-op faves). Tried to resist, but I succumbed by dinnertime. Sooooo worth it. There is still about 1/3 of it left in the fridge and I can hear it calling my name...it's likely to end up im my stomach by 3pm...5pm tops. Also had a killer headache yesterday. I didn't have a single cup of coffee. Coincidence? ---------------------------------------- 10:00pm - 1/4 cup cashew milk w/ hot water 1:30pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + 3 oz avocado + 1/2 cup canned corn + 3 oz roast pork 4:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + 3 oz avocado + 2oz cashews + 1 slice bacon + 2.4 oz grilled chicken 8:00pm - salad greens w/ vinaigrette + carrots + cucumber + 1 fl oz pumpkin seeds + 3 oz pan fried salmon + 1/2 tbsp olive oil 9:00pm - 3oz lemon curd tart + 1 fl oz honey roasted peanuts --------------------------------------- Totals: 1808 cals - 104g Protein - 89g NET carbs - 112g fat --------------------------------------- The fave dessert in question: Lemon Curd Tart w/ a shortbread crust..thats 1 fl oz of honey roasted peanuts beside it...

Morgan, 10 days! Well done. I cant imagine making it through that. Wishing you all the best.

Welcome NikkiOwl to the March 2nd buddy group! March 2 Skywolfe, Earthquake88, AnnieK1073, Rearguard, Slimmy-Mommeee, NikkiOwl March 3 Glannin, BigInJapan, Byrd0315 March 4 lucia.vsg March 5 KSMermaid, gucci2018, ERYNN123 March 6 Pansypicker, Amber77 March 9 Angie526, auntCyn, highlyundermedicated March 10 Confidently_Me, Nermada, Wellness Warrior, NewEnglanderGal, Amy Franks, finding.me March 11 MaineDoc, 3charrm, lily66, asnirak March 12 ronjsteele1, anyu3379 March 13 Q75j25 March 17 Mello1 March 19 medicpup2 March 20 JessicaMNCat, fiddlinjellybean March 23 KingTeresa 2006 March 24 heavenlyscrts, jDubs, AngienHarry, SleeveCanadian, Learning2LoveTina March 26 Cia2020, OnMyWay1956, Marthalynn March 27 Ayemeeb March 30 Stanlak March 31 KhoricRitten

So tomorrow is the big day. Bright and early. The pre-surgery drinks are likely more terrible than the surgery itself. Just a hunch. I just had to swallow two of them within 10 minutes. 🤢 I also spent 10 minutes taking before photos because I couldn't decide if I should pose without clothing (yes, seriously). I have literally gone between nervous and excited like 25307372 times. Pumped. Ready. LETS DO THIS. 💪

You're looking great!! I've been in a stall as well for the last couple of weeks. Hoping it passes soon!! Sending positive vibes your way!! 5'4" Starting weight 297 VSG on 7/31/19 Surgery wt: 266 CW 201 GW 135 Sent from my [samsung Galaxy] using BariatricPal mobile app 3rd

Does anyone experience SEVERE pain before and after vomiting? I would like to know if this happens to anyone else that is more than 4 weeks post-op. The first time this happened at 10 weeks post-op, I thought I had a leak or a rupture. I had VSG and I do not experience dumping syndrome. I was eating peanuts and then choked. I then starting experiencing EXTREME pain. I didn't know what was happening and I was in so much pain, I went to the ER and then vomit while I was there. I again experienced the horrible pain and vomiting today (11 weeks post-op) Unfortunately, I have PCS'ed (military move) away from my surgeon and I don't see my new surgeon until Wednesday. I will definitely be telling them about this but I am looking for some insight.

I got a band in 2009 for much the same reasons as you are contemplating it. It was reversible, I wasn’t fat enough for serious surgery etc. It helped me achieve my goal weight and maintain it for about 6 years and then I started regaining . There are a lot of things they don’t tell you preband , the reality of living with it is very different to the marketing. You get told if you overeat it will make you sick, you don’t get told that you may get sick on your first mouthful of healthy food because for some reason it didn’t go down right today. You may have taken a small bite, chewed it well and it could be something you have eaten multiple times before but for some reason today it’s not going to work. You wish that being sick actually meant vomiting because that would be over quickly and a lot less painful than being stuck. Being stuck causes pain in the chest, you think you are having a heart attack, you can’t swallow anything, not water and not your own saliva. In extreme cases you end up going to emergency to get an unfill and put on a drip to rehydrate you. They don’t tell you that healthy food is really hard to eat yet high calorie unhealthy food will go down really easily. Be prepared to say goodbye to steak, chops, chicken, corn, lettuce, raw carrot etc all whilst cursing candy, cookies ,ice cream etc. You will never feel full or satisfied like a “ normal” person again. Instead you will feel a horrible pressure in your throat and or chest. You hear about this magical sweet spot. Well that can be as elusive as the holy grail. Not enough fill and you are still really hungry, too much and you can’t swallow your spit. The difference between the 2 can be O.01 ml and for some reason you still can’t get that sweet spot. Be prepared to spend lots of time in restaurant loos instead of chatting with your friends ( see my comment above about getting stuck) Then there is the reflux. Waking up in the middle of the night choking on acid is no fun. In spite of all this I loved my band as it helped me keep the weight off ( until it didn’t). I was horrified when my surgeon told me they have a limited lifespan and that it was unlikely to do what it was designed to do any longer. He suggested a revision to RNY and I was horrified. That seemed way too extreme. I went home and did lots of research. Came back into these boards and other facebook groups and asked lots of questions. I decided to go ahead and my revision to RNY in Jan 2019. What can I say, the difference is like day and night. My RNY does what the band was supposed to do. I can eat small portions of healthy food and feel satisfied. Hello steak, chops, salad etc. When I’m full I feel it like a normal person would, no more horrible pressure in my chest. I can still eat cake, cookies etc but in much smaller quantities as too much sugar makes me feel gross( which is a good thing). I can go out to eat and spend the time chatting to my friends, food doesn’t get stuck and I haven’t vomited since my revision. So with the benefit of hindsight if I had my time over I I would not have a band I would go straight to bypass. If you still feel the band is for you, good luck, do lots of research, be very aware of what you are signing up for. Also start saving so you can fund your revision surgery at some point within the next 15 years.