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First appointment was December 9th, 2019 and my surgery is scheduled for April 27th, 2020.

DO NOT BUY A TIME SHARE!!!!! You'll never get rid of it. The financial advisor we went to for dinner was already my own advisor. He just invited us to the dinner since we had not been yet. Anyway, my protein is very adequate and comes in small packages throughout the day. Here is one day's worth of food and where I get the protein. I think it adds up to about 75 gm of protein. 19 - cooked whole grain cereal with 1/2 c pea protein milk and a small banana. (Cereal made from steel cut oats, millet, buckwheat, amaranth, teff, quinoa, slivered almonds, raisins, unsweetened cranberries, cinnamon.) 6 - homemade soup with beans, legumes, lentils, quinoa 7 - millet/chick pea casserole 1.6 - apple and orange 7.6 - 2 mini fritattas made with potato, mushrooms, brocolli, chick pea flour, pea milk, nutritional yeast 4 - 4 veggie sushi rolls 2 - 1/2 c sweet potato 1 - 2 cups of fresh greens, steamed .8 - 1 c cooked radishes 1 - 1/2 c cooked mushrooms .7 - 1 brazil nut 7 - 1/4 c nuts/seeds 9 - 1/2 c plant based yogurt .5 - 1/2 c fresh berries 4.3 - 1/4 c. homemade granola (various whole grains, almond flour, almonds, seeds) .6 - veggie snack bag (1.5 c of raw celery, cuke, peppers, radishes, carrot, purple cabbage) 4 - 1/2 c Golden Milk (plant milk with chai spices)

My insurance is requiring 6 months of nutrition appointments prior to approval. My Doctor gave me a referral and I’m waiting to hear from them. Their office said 7-10 businesses days at least to hear back.. my question is did anyone use Weight Watchers instead? Or use another way of showing 6 months of nutrition/weigh ins? I’m a big planner type person and just seeing if I should have a plan B 😆. Thanks!

Thanks very much, I told my Dr yesterday 2/19 and he said it is probably fluid it my stomach and that is normal. I will let him know your suggestion.

I was pretty work casual today. I put on one pair of chinos, and they were too big, then this pair, which are also too big 😂 I did go jeans and pants shopping today. I’m in mostly 10s now?! Which is really messing with my head. This is probably my last time wearing these chinos.

Had my EGD today. One of the nurses taking care of me said she had gastric bypass 10 years ago. She looked awesome. It was great to see someone with long-term success. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Banded in 2008, removed in September 2019. Bypass done January 8. 2020. Highest weight 260 (pre band), Lowest weight 190, weight at removal 225, weight at start of bypass procedure 228, current weight 202. It is slow, but it is moving!! Sent from my SM-G930R4 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey Newbie I'm 9 weeks out from VSG. I eat about a 1/2 cup and usually feel full. Occasionally I may still feel hunger and will add a veggie to my protein. That usually does it for me. I tend to feel more satisfied if I eat chicken vs yogurt, cottage cheese or other soft foods. I think the heavy protein helps me. Always be sure to get your protein in and drink 64 oz. Your pouch actually can hold about 10 oz when fully healed, not that you need to fill it, but it can hold a bit more. Good luck!

It's been 10 days since surgery and the past several days I feel like I have bad breath. Has anybody else had this and if so WHAT do you do???

My first appointment was October 31st, 2019. My surgery is February 25th. Everyone's insurance and doctor's office is different and require different things. Many require at least 3 months of a program, and some require 6. There are also some places that require weight loss before you are scheduled for surgery. Luckily for me it was about 4 months. I had to do orientation, 2 nutritionist appts, 3 Dr appts, 2 surgical appts and various support groups and exercise classes.

I stated my journey in May 2019 and my surgery is March 3, 2020

that's a pretty normal starting weight for a female WLS patient - and your 11 lb weight loss is probably pretty average for someone of your size. You'll be fine. I lost 16 lbs the first MONTH, and I started off at over 300 lbs - so theoretically, I should have lost a lot faster than you did the first couple of weeks. But...I didn't. I lost maybe 10 lbs the first couple of weeks (I only recorded my monthly weigh-ins on my spreadsheet, so not sure where I was two weeks out). But suffice it to say, your weight loss is pretty normal.

Soooo....went to my 2 month follow up yesterday and Doc scheduled me for some steroid shots next month...I guess he is not happy with my my scar healing (I was fine with it, but I guess he knows better ) He also asked me again to not wear my tape as much as I have been. I wear them basically 23 hours a day and he wants me to halve that, if not more (he asked me to do this last time, but I didn't listen...but since he asked AGAIN, I guess I should pay attention). I have been tape-less since about 6pm yesterday, and it feels odd. Almost as if the incisions are getting sore again? Only on my arms though...my boobs and tum feel the same. *shrugs* I do notice this morning that a lot of dried skin was flaking off the (healed) incision lines...not sure what the impact of this is *shrugs again*. I slathered some bio oil on them (he did tell me to moisturize). Wound update: I was down to 3 open wounds yesterday! BUT...this morning a new one opened on my left underboob due to another suture expelling, so my number stays at 4. Le sigh. Btw, Doc says that part of the reason why I'm expelling so many sutures is because I am "so skinny". Something about no where for the sutures to be absorbed into. On another note: Speaking of being "so skinny", when I asked Doc about what we can do about my saggy butt, he said that I am not a good candidate for a BBL in my current state, unless I want to gain at least 10 lbs OF FAT. Um, no thanks. He also does not support nor perform implants, which left his option recommendations to: Traditional Butt Lift Some machine treatment (I forget the name), which is basically a device that simulates 100's of mini squats per session (think Dr. Ho's) Actual Squats I'm gonna go with the Actual Squats

I had a sleeve on 01/15/20. Breath and tongue... yep. Brush 4 times a day and have mouth wash too.... Enjoying sending clothes to the homeless shelter and charity shops. Here are my stats / terms - Surgery Date: 01/15/2020 Height: 6 feet 2 inches Starting Weight: 427.7 lbs Weight Lost: 58.7 lbs Current Weight: 369 lbs Goal Weight: 252 lbs BMI: 47

I had RNY in November 2019. Overall I have lost 40lbs since the surgery, but I have not lost anything in the last month. I had a routine doctor appt with my GP a month ago, and I was 276, and I still am. it has fluctuated a little, ranging between 278 and 273. I'm taking my vitamins, getting my protein, eating about 1000 calories a day and logging my food. I am exercising. I know I could do more exercise, but my schedule is a little crazy right now (I do taxes for a living so real busy time of year plus a couple kids). I just really wish I could figure out what is going on. Does this happen to other people? I have read about stalls but usually what people describe is a week or two, not a whole month. My sex drive is non existent as well, and I don't know if that is a symptom of why I am not losing, or a result of being depressed over not losing. I have a follow up with my surgeon in 2 weeks, and unfortunately I can't really move that up at all, because of my schedule and he is an hour away. I've been slow to lose the whole time since surgery, but the nurtritionist and the surgeon weren't worried last time I saw them. I know that even just the 40lbs is great, better than I could do before the surgery, but it is just really hard to be doing everything and not seeing results now. This is what I always encountered before and why I ended up with surgery, so if this doesn't work, I have no more options.

My surgery date is March 19th and I got my insurance approval yesterday Feb 19, 6 working days after submission of all my paperwork!!!! Aetna HCA.

Yesterday Wednesday, Feb 19 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1.33 yrs PO Sleeve / 115.1 lbs ---------------------------------------- Didn't get a chance to go grocery shopping yesterday... You know how we say sugar begets sugar, and when you eat more, it becomes easier to eat more? It works the other way too. When I eat less, it becomes easier to continue to eat less. Its been like a day and my late night sugar cravings were nowhere to be found last night. However. Sub-1000 cals is NOT a level I want to be at for long, so I reeeeeeally need to go grocery shopping today. ---------------------------------------- 9:00am - black coffee w/ stevia 2:00pm - skinny tea latte 4:30pm - Soup (1 cup dashi broth, carrots, 1/3 cup Chinese broccoli, 1/2 package shiratake noodles, 3 shrimp balls + 2 oz boiled shrimp) 8:30pm - Soup (1 cup dashi broth, carrots, 1/2 cup Chinese broccoli, 1/4 package shiratake noodles, 4 shrimp balls) + 4 oz roast chicken + 2 tbsp tzatziki 10:00pm - 1/2 cup cottage cheese + 1 scoop Isopure Protein powder + 1 tbsp almond butter + 1 fl oz pumpkin seeds + 1 oz blueberries --------------------------------------- Totals: 875 cals - 98g Protein 23g NET carbs - 32g fat

Perhaps my expectations are low, but I think 11 pounds in 2 weeks is quite a lot! Plus you came back from surgery full of fluid, so you had to get back to the starting point. I was sleeved on 2/10 and I have lost only 6 and a half pounds since my surgery weight, and that seems ok to me.

I had started this post and abandoned it out of, I don’t know, fear? Of putting it out there? Or maybe just knowing it is too long and wordy. And I thought should I try again? I came back to try again and to my surprise it was still there. So I will bore anyone whom decides to read it to tears. And add in some new information. My surgery was April 29th 2019, I also had my gallbladder removed due to chronic inflammation. I guess nothing was quite normal due to lifelong chronic illness. I had two other pelvic surgeries before and after my RNY. It’s likely my surgery and subsequent pneumonia shortly after ended up revealing a existing condition that was slowly but steadily getting worse. My chronic conditions muddies the waters when it comes to any possible issues with my RNY. I had an early one year follow up at Cleveland Clinic, at nine months. There are four follow up appointments but they got smashed closer together due to some issues along the way. It’s confusing sometimes and exhausting. I’m working hard at it, I am grateful for the tool this offered me that I would not have had otherwise to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. Even though recovery was complicated and revealed a lot of issues and some things have gotten worse along the way. On my second follow up the doctor wanted a Upper GI fluoroscopy and endoscopy for stricture, it was severe stricture so I doubt one dilation was enough. And didn’t abate the symptoms. By the third follow up I was needing to deal with my gastroenterologist wanting to do a colonoscopy that was postponed from before my surgery. It had been scheduled but then my gastric bypass surgery ended up scheduled first. My bariatric surgeon said that my gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since I was having the colonoscopy. I won’t repeat the story. But I was pissed since it was never discussed that he would do a dilation. Only check the status of the stricture and ulcers. If possible dilation were on the table it should have been discussed. I followed up with the gastroenterologist physician assistant. She glazed over all the problems with the procedure. Downplayed my symptoms like dark sticky stool (sorry tmi) which indicates blood. And other issues. And continued pain. I brought up sharp stabbing pain and spasms in my chest on the left side under my rib area, and some crushing pain, was suggested to see a cardiologist even though she didn’t think it was anything to worry about (still waiting to get an appointment) I do need to do this no matter what due to other issues anyway. she stopped the proton pump inhibitor medication since according to the dr. there were no ulcers and it contradicts my medication for muscle spasms (makes it not work) and I need that. Just carafate as needed. at this early one year appointment he called me a star patient (no one has ever said that about me before) and was surprised at how much weight I’d lost in nine months. He asked if I was still losing and how fast. I still need to lose a few lbs for my height he seemed to imply I should stop. (Was he concerned? I couldn’t tell, I can’t read people) But yet I never got to see my nutritionist even though I was supposed to. The appointment was muddled and confused even though I gave him my written notes with questions he didn’t answer some of them. And I was too exhausted from the long wait (my surgeon wasn’t available to see me personally) I brought up the endoscopy, the pain. That I cannot take proton pump inhibitors. Discussed concerns about the remnant stomach. My history of ulcers in that portion of stomach and small intestine. He referred me to see another gastroenterologist in the hospital and then have a different kind of test/ procedure called a double balloon enteroscopy. Has anyone here had a procedure like this? I’m a little upset that they expect me to see the new doctor first before they will schedule the enteroscopy leaving me in pain. And it’s very difficult to travel to the clinic . i wanted to discuss another issue and get referral for a neurologist in Cleveland clinic but he didn’t acknowledge that at all. i asked the nurse and asked him about referral for plastic surgery for skin removal and any possible coverage if there are skin issues involved. They implied that my insurance would cover it in Florida due to skin issues. well I did find out that A. I’d have to go through the process of seeing another gastroenterologist prior to having this double balloon enteroscopy. It’s hard traveling to Cleveland Clinic. And B. They lied about the plastic surgeon at Cleveland Clinic. They accept no insurance at all. My thighs are so bad that just trying to shave my legs and I have to catch 22 if I don’t it’s irritates my skin. But I shaved my legs and my thighs especially the one leg was downright bloody. The skin is just so horrendous. has anyone used BariatricPal MX Hospital and used their financing? I am getting close to goal (the doctor thinks I’m at goal probably) and want to start looking into the possibility of thigh skin removal, tummy tuck at the least ... I’m grateful to finally have lost weight but being bony as heck in some areas and all the loose skin and chub in some areas especially where my skin is bloody raw just doesn’t feel good at all. And I wonder if the tummy tuck would help my core strength whereas I cannot strengthen it through exercise? (Due to my chronic illness) on a side note. Someone important to my mother went to see my surgeon regarding gastric bypass surgery. My surgeon is such a great guy. So I referred her boyfriend to him he needs to lose weight for knee replacement surgery and his health. I just worry her boyfriend will not be serious about it. It upsets me when people have the opportunity and choice to get healthy and they make the choice not to do it. He has diabetes, high blood pressure and needs knee replacement surgery. He could be healthy if he made the choice to do it. I have never had the choice. Even surgery can’t fix me. It helped give me a tool to fight my weight but can’t cure lifelong chronic illness and disability. He tends to question and judge what I eat or don’t eat or what I do. But my situation is very different than the norm. I want to be supportive but I see him making terrible food choices and not being willing to change even small habits. Like eating a lot of bad carbs. I’ve been there myself in the past. So,I, not judgmental. A sugar carb addict will find lots of reasons to justify what they eat. But also needs to admit the addiction and break free of it. I just wonder, Do I try to help, or do I step aside and not get involved? I just went to my pcp for throat pain and need thyroid ultrasound and tests. And at some point need to address some issues. Like inability to drink without dysphasia of liquids. I know it’s neurological but have no diagnosis. My pcp thinks even with a diagnosis nothing can be done. But as it gets worse I can barely drink enough water ... ive rambled enough and I’m hoping my long message is not a mistake. If you have read this far. Thank you. Any opinion/advice on the skin removal surgery is appreciated (Mexico) as well as the double balloon enteroscopy.

I was sleeved on Oct 15, 2019. I lost 50 lbs in the 6 months leading up to surgery, and weighed 242 on surgery day. This morning I weighed 176 lbs: 115 lbs lighter than I was at this time last year 🤩, and down 66lbs since surgery four months ago 😍. My BMI has gone from 55 to 32, and I'm physically able - and have enough energy - to do everything I want, including being active 7 days a week with hill hiking, race walking, distance cycling, squash, cardio, weights, sea kayaking, downhill skiing, etc. Currently I’m training for a triathlon (5km race walk, 400m swim, 20km cycle) in August, and will be walking the Camino de Santiago, a distance of 800km (500 miles) for 35 days in June. Though the surgeon set a goal for me based on the fact that I always weighed somewhere between 117lbs - 125lbs up until I was in my mid-30's, I don’t have any real expectations about how much I'll lose overall, nor do I have any specific timeframe in mind. I don't compare my loss to anyone else's since everyone's journey is different. Instead, what works best for me is to concentrate on being strong and fit and healthy, enjoying a whole foods plant-based diet, taking good care of my mind as well as my body, keeping a positive attitude, and looking for NSV's for validation and encouragement rather than at numbers on the scale. Happy sleevedom to all!

I wore 3/4 sleeve shirts. Men’s T-shirt’s have longer sleeves so I bought men’s t-shirts for the gym. My arms are really wrinkly. They are bad just hanging at my side and you can see it from 10 feet away. Surgery is pending!!

During my stall I lost 10”!!!! This it totally tru the scale and inches don’t move together as per my PA. I do love my exercise. But I always have and gym memberships here are cheap 9.99. I don’t utilize personal training my husband is very fit so if I have any questions I just ask him and we research together. I was in stall my week 4 and it broke. After 7 days. I’m now losing about 4lbs a week. How is eating going? Can u tolerate more foods?

9 days post op! I start "smooth" foods tomorrow and my vitamins. My hospital divides the 3rd stage in 2; 3A is egg whites, cottage cheese, ricotta, tofu, refried beans for protein, and soft bananas, cream of wheat, canned in own juice peaches or pears, sugar free pudding. I do that for 10 days. Then I add in more foods for 20 days (e.g. whole eggs, soft fish, etc.) I am strangely kind of nervous! I am afraid once I get to eat real food I'll overeat. I am sure this is nonsensical, but it's funny how the mind works. I had a stressful work related call today, and found myself, phone in hand, heading toward my kitchen thinking about crackers. It was one of those "AHA" moments. I have a feeling I have many more coming.... On the upside I feel really good! I got 8000 steps in yesterday, and all in all I'm feeling good. I seem to be able to drink my glass of water more quickly, and it does not feel like a full-time job getting myself hydrated. I have been able to get over 65g of protein; the bone broth really, really helps. So we'll see what tomorrow brings.

9 days post op! I start "smooth" foods tomorrow and my vitamins. My hospital divides the 3rd stage in 2; 3A is egg whites, cottage cheese, ricotta, tofu, refried beans for protein, and soft bananas, cream of wheat, canned in own juice peaches or pears, sugar free pudding. I do that for 10 days. Then I add in more foods for 20 days (e.g. whole eggs, soft fish, etc.) I am strangely kind of nervous! I am afraid once I get to eat real food I'll overeat. I am sure this is nonsensical, but it's funny how the mind works. I had a stressful work related call today, and found myself, phone in hand, heading toward my kitchen thinking about crackers. It was one of those "AHA" moments. I have a feeling I have many more coming.... On the upside I feel really good! I got 8000 steps in yesterday, and all in all I'm feeling good. I seem to be able to drink my glass of water more quickly, and it does not feel like a full-time job getting myself hydrated. I have been able to get over 65g of protein; the bone broth really, really helps. So we'll see what tomorrow brings.

You won't be able to do a bariatric diet as after surgery you can only get about 500 to 600 calories per day which is waaaaay to low with a normal stomach. I just did a reduced calorie diet using MyFitnessPal to track everything I ate. I started out with 2400 calories per day suggested by MFP to lose two pounds per week in July of 2019. After about a month I dropped down to about 2000 calories per day and was able stick to that. By November I was able to go to 1600 to 1800 calories per day. I did have days where I had a ton, I went to Vegas in September and took a break, but I got back after it when I got back home. I also started exercising 4 to 5 days a week. That also helped. Working on good habits prior to surgery will help you after surgery. So do what you can and build off of that.