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Thank you for the advice Hop_Scotch. I am looking into Dr. McGowan as he seems to do a lot of them. According to this video he created some of the success rate has a lot to do with using full thickness sutures. But also most doctors are like salesmen. One will try to convince you their procedure is better and neglect to emphasize the negative points. I am not saying that he is like that. It is just my general opinion of all doctors. I am afraid of getting too skinny too fast with the regular sleeve and I like the idea of the slow progression with ESG but the odds of losing weight are certainly better with VSG. I realize both will require lots of work on my end. Either way, I need to do something. I have been saying I was going to do something for almost a year now. I have talked so much about weight loss surgery that I somehow convinced a friend to go through with getting the sleeve and I started the process way before her.

Hey everyone I’m new to this site, but have been getting a ton of information from everyone so thank you!! I’m due to be sleeved on 8/10 and have a question. For those of you who have had weight-loss surgery how have you guys managed eating in social settings? Especially for those of you who have not necessarily told the people who would be in those settings that you underwent the surgery. I will be returning to my work and school environment where I’ll be around people for 10+ hours a day (including meal breaks that we do in group settings). I’m wondering how I can eat without looking awkwardly suspicious at the table. With the weight dropping off I don’t want whispers that I have an eating disorder! The best idea that I can think of is to tell everyone I’m on a smoothie kick and do the smoothies in a non-see-through cup, this way I can take fake sips and they won’t be able to see the level of the drink that remains after lunch. Any advice would be great, thanks!!

If you have a history of GERD, I would think the surgeon would suggest the gastric bypass. You might want to ask him about that. I first started thinking about weight loss surgery when my voice doc suggested it after I told him I wanted to get off the proton pump meds he had been prescribing for me for 20 years.

Don't assume rudeness when none was intended. You did say "Surgeons office said 2 weeks liquid" which is easily construed as the surgeon's instructions. It looked like you were trying to avoid the liquid diet. Sorry we misinterpreted your post. Good luck with tour revision. I hope they give you very clear directives going forward. May I recommend a book to you? Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients by Colloon M. Cook.

You might also keep using protein shakes to get your protein requirements, and high protein yogurts. If you don't keep up the protein levels, you will lose muscle, and more hair. Also our bodies use starches first before it burns our body fat, but it is not the same process as when you eat dense protein, your body uses the stored fat for fuel, you become fat adapted instead of running on glucose. And that is what corrects insulin resistance, we correct our metabolisms and hormones.

I can sooo understand and sympathize with you! I have almost exact issue. I’m 54, 5’1”, insulin resistant, was always on restricted calories and barely lost no matter what I did. I started 2 week pre-op liquid diet at 198 lbs. I lost 5 lbs in two weeks of optifast 800 calories only. No cheating. So SW was 193 on 5/27 (Bypass). In this past 2 months I have lost 14 lbs. so now 179. I was having 600 cal of pretty much all protein first month. (70-80) but absolutely no energy! In fact I’d call it fatigue! So no exercise. Nutritionist said for my size I was right on target...nothing wrong. Met w surgeon and he said first month body is whacky and “they don’t actually pay attention to weight loss”. If I I tried upping calories to 700-800 and kept up w that good protein and add some good carbs I should be fine. I have finally gotten some energy back and started walking and bands. But the fact remains...I’ve only lost 14 lbs and trying not to be dejected. I’m soo happy for everyone losing at great rates and having that amazing feeling. I just feel no matter what I do, even having my guts rearranged, I’m doomed. I’ve been scared to get on scale in a week cause it’s so painfully slow and that the surgery may not work on me. This is supposed to be the golden losing period. I worry about after the year is up. Will I be back to same? I keep trying to talk myself off the ledge and just keep chugging and trying my absolute best and think slow and steady wins the race!!! If you’d like to talk more, PM me. Try to be positive and just keep going! Really what choice do we have? Hehe. Thanks for letting me vent.

Okay. I thought I was going crazy, because I barley eat now. So why no weight loss? Also, do you feel like food is stuck on your throat and won't go down and you can't bring it up?

Hello everyone! I'm new to the forum, and I am two weeks post-op. After surgery, I feel like my surgeon lacks the support I need. So, if I have a question I kind of refrain from asking him. So I thought I would ask on here. Q: I am almost 3 weeks post op, and I stop losing weight. The day of surgery my weight was 251 and a week later I was 240. Now, my weight is just sitting at 241 no movement. I drink water and broth mostly. I do protein shakes as well. Anyone else experience this?

In short, yes! I follow the guidelines I was given. Very strictly at first. Now at nearly two years out and at goal not as strictly, but still within my maintenance calories. That doesn’t mean I didn’t ever “slip” but it was rare during weight loss phase. I figured I did something drastic, went through a major surgery and I wasn’t going to mess it up. I’d suggest tracking what you eat vigilantly, making an appointment to see your nutritionist to review your plan and come up with options that work for you, and consider therapy. Come here often for support! Best of luck to you ❤️

Like the others, it was a lap-band failure for me. Ironically, I had it for twelve years before having it removed. I had horrible acid reflux and never got the adjustments just right. After a while, I stopped going for fills/adjustments and regained the weight. Having said that, I have been successful with my revision. However, I am all in with exercise and eating better. No matter which surgery you have, the honeymoon period will wear off and when it does, you better be in position with good habits formed or you will see the weight creep back. I’ve maintained over 110+ lb weight loss for over three years, however, it’s no longer the surgery at work, but me as I can now eat about 90% of what I use to be able to eat. So maintenance has definitely been the “natural” way.

Scrapbooking of your weight loss journey, research and document your family history (or history if your town), learn a new language and plan vacation to the country where it is spoken, learn a new skill (playing virtual piano for example), write a novel/poetry/music.

First, congrats on reaching your goal. Woo hoo! Your sugar craving will be head hunger. Unfortunately, cravings, eating from habit, emotional eating, etc. will always be with us. We just have to learn to manage those yearnings & reduce some of their power & that isn’t easy. It’s why many seek the help of therapy. You reached your goal quite quickly after your surgery & may be this has contributed to falling back into old habits. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I mean it’s likely your past habit was lose weight & then revert to your previous eating habits & gain again - mine was - & that habit is trying to return. The changes you made to what you ate, how you ate & why you ate during the weight loss period have to become what, how & why you eat forever if you want to be successful. It’s challenging but so worth the effort. Get the temptations out of your house. Instead have healthier treats that are low sugar, low fat, low carb, high protein in your cupboards. I found doing this very helpful. I have things like freeze dried fruit (naturally occurring sugar & a little crunchy) & nuts (dry roasted & salted) for the odd days I want something a little sweet or little salty. Portion size is very important when I do indulge & I can go for weeks without needing to have any. I hope you can find ways to manage your cravings & don’t be afraid to seek help from a therapist.

Hi everyone! Surgery Status: 5 days post-op VSG (7/19 surgery date) Phase: full liquids- mostly just protein waters though Highest known weight: 274 Surgery weight: 264 Current Weight: 254.6 Inch loss: I’m only five days out so I haven’t measured myself yet. I have SO much abdominal swelling from the surgery, that even though I’m losing pounds my belly is bigger than it was before surgery 😞  NSV: not really anything yet- I think I feel happier though 

Lysine is in Nutrafol hair supplements and Viviscal if I’m not mistaken.

I developed severe GERD and esophagitis due to the sleeve. Weight loss was good, no stretching of the sleeve either in 6-7 years.

I think you are onto something with low iron. My ferritin is 57 (this level is despite that I take iron on a regular basis) and although the range starts at 12, I do have a lot of symptoms of low iron (hair loss, breathlessness, fatigue, dizziness, etc.) I also don't eat red meat. Thanks for sharing all of these resources. I'll look at them more closely, especially Lysine, as I don't know much about it.

That makes me so happy to hear, I too was afraid to tell my surgeon, but he called once he found out just to assure me everything would be fine. He said even though it isn’t ideal because they wanted the weight to be off first, all the other patients that have gone through this had healthy babies. Congratulations on the birth and weight loss, thanks for responding

Hi shanfries, you look amazing and sound like you’re so much happier, congratulations on a huge achievement!! Your story is very similar to mine, in that I’ve always been on the bigger side and while I have no regrets about having the surgery, I am currently losing a lot of hair. I still have a way to go so it’s very inspirational to hear about your journey and how much happier you are now, thank you for sharing!!

I don't post here much, though I do check in quite a bit to see what others are and have experienced during their journey. Lately I have seen a number of people "on the fence" about whether or not to go through with WLS, so I thought I would share my story in hopes it will help make the decision easier and / or more informed. This is a personal decision and the journey is different for everyone. I am a 5'4" 43 year old female and underwent the Gastric Sleeve surgery back in January 2021. I have struggled with my weight all if my life. I was always the "curvy" girl throughout my adolescent years. After having 2 kids, I weighed around 200 pounds. I went on every yo-yo diet you could think up. I had some successes, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the past 20 years. Each time I gained it back, I weighed more than when I started. Eventually I kind of gave up and "accepted" that I was never going to be at a healthy weight. I was tired, and sick and tired of the constant battle. I started having numerous health condition and was put on multiple medications. About a year and a half ago, I weighed around 240 pounds and was climbing. My doctors told me I needed to do something. In addition to the health issues, I was so depressed, that I was missing out on everything in life. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, partially because I physically felt awful, partially because I didn't want anyone to see me.. Finally someone recommended WLS. I was shocked. I didn't even know it was an option for me. After doing a lot of homework, and meeting with several doctors I decided to do it. It was time to take my life back. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered my insurance would not cover it. Long story short, I was able to work it out so that I could still do the surgery as a "self pay". I knew it would be a small price to pay for a better quality of life. Because I wasn't going through insurance I didn't have all of the hoops to jump through. So I was scheduled fairly quickly. And due to Covid I was cancelled. And then cancelled again. Finally in January I had the procedure done. Other than having to have a hernia repaired, I had zero complications. Six months later I am down to a much healthier 140 pounds. I have never been happier and healthier. Yes, it has been a rough road. This is not an easy or "magic" fix. The recovery was painful. I dont eat sugar, or bread or pasta or a number of other foods I love. I can't "chug" water like I used to. My portion sizes are quite small. I am very uncomfortable if I "over eat" or drink. I had multiple stalls and got discouraged. I don't go out to restaurant's much. My hair fell out for about 3 months. I have to take vitamins every day. I had several "what have I done" moments along the way. But I know now that it was the best decision I have ever made. I don't have to take ANY medications anymore. I have so much energy, and I live a full and happy life. Oh and I got to buy an amazing new size 6 wardrobe! My husband tells me I am a completely different person, physically, and emotionally. My only regret is not doing this years ago. Someone asked me the other day "how long do you have to do this for?" and my answer was "forever". This is not something I am "doing", this is a life long commitment. I am never going back to where I was. If you go into it with a mindset that this is temporary then not only are you going to be disappointed, but you will likely be one of those people that gains it all back in a few years. I am posting a couple of pictures as inspiration of what is possible. I know I scoured the internet for before and after shots every time I felt discouraged or needed some extra motivation. If anyone has questions they want to ask feel free to message me! I don't know it all or have all the answers I can only tell you about my personal experiences. Sent from my SM-N976U using BariatricPal mobile app

a lot of us "gain" weight while in the hospital from all the IV fluids - some people "gain" as much as 10 lbs while there (I say "gain" because it's just water, not real weight). It takes a few days for it to work its way out of your system. So for many of us, there's not a huge loss that week or so. Since you're following your plan to a "T", you'll definitely lose weight. Just keep doing that and weigh less frequently if daily weighing is playing with your head too much.

I'm an RNY patient, but most things are the same. I wasn't required to get a colonoscopy. I don't think most people are. And what kind of scan are you referring to? I don't remember getting any kind of scan - but it's been awhile, so maybe I'm forgetting all the tests I had. I had a sleep study, and EKG, a cardiac stress test (because I was over 50 years old when I had surgery), various labs - I don't remember a scan, though. coffee - or any beverage - goes right through you, so you're not going to feel full from it. No one will be able to tell you had surgery if you're just drinking something when you're with them. Eating is a different story. Although no one would be able to tell I've had weight loss surgery based on what I eat NOW, they'd definitely be able to tell something was up the first few weeks after surgery. I rarely met people for anything that involved eating those first couple of months unless I was prepared to tell them I'd had surgery, because most people would notice that something was up (although not everyone notices or asks...but be prepared if they do...) many people tire easily the first two months or so after surgery, but that said, I took three weeks off of work but probably could have gone back after two. I felt OK - just tired.

I should preface this by saying I haven't had a revision - just a "virgin" RNY - so this may or may not apply to your situation. But here goes: if your profile is up to date, you're very close to a normal BMI. It's REALLY tough to lose weight when you get down to that point. That last 10-20 lbs was a bear for me to lose - I really worked at it yet still lost about two lbs a month. But...I eventually got there. You may be in a stall, in which case, I'd give it another week or two (my stalls got longer the further out I got - and there were many times when I thought "this is it...", but then my weight loss would start up again). But if it doesn't eventually start up again, then you're probably in maintenance. If so, and if you want to lose more weight, you'll have to either increase your activity or decrease your calories (or both). also, from everything I've read, most people don't lose that much weight after a revision. Twenty to thirty pounds is pretty common. Granted, there are people who lose more than that, but 20-30 lbs is a pretty common loss after revision. You've already gone above and beyond that...

Hi Team Sleeve I had my sleeve operation on July 5th. It went well, I did have serious nausea and stayed longer in hospital so I could be given fluid via a drip. I lost 5kg with four days. I'm now down 9kgs - coming up three weeks. I've been slowly introducing puree food - I wasn't ready until the last few days. According to my dietitian everyone's different. I feel really buoyed by my weight loss todate. How are others tracking from early July? X Sent from my SM-N986B using BariatricPal mobile app

13 weeks post sleeve to bypass and have been stalled with weight loss...haven't lost for three weeks. I can't find anything that addresses this type of stall, so here I am! I've lost 35 since revision and was hoping to lose a little more. Having my three-month check up on Tuesday...thanks!

Hello everyone my name is Luna and this is my first time ever on this forum and website. I'll start by saying hello, and I hope all is well with everyone during these difficult times. I am a night shift nurse tech in a hospital. Almost 5 years ago I was 450 pounds. I had gastric bypass and I got down to 170 pounds, which was 20 pounds from my goal weight of 150. Three years post op I began working night shift and I have steadily, over the last three years, gained weight back until i was my highest weight since, of 244 pounds (Two weeks ago) I have since then begun eating better and drinking water and am now down to 234-235ish(it changes from day to day) but I am having such a hard time staying motivated and keeping myself from slipping back into the emotional and stress eating that working night shift and my job brings. I have a short term weight loss goal of 10 more pounds which I have decided I am going to reward myself with a new piercing, and I would like to lose twenty more pounds total before my trip in October, and just be more fit in general, so that my back, feet and ankles dont hurt when i walk around disney as bad this year. Long story short, im pretty depressed about my situation which really causes me to, ya know, stress/emotionally eat things i know I shouldnt, and begin to slip back into my bad ways. Looking for penpals, real life pals, online people I can become friends with to keep me motivated, as my support group is small right now due to the amount of hours i work. Feel free to reach out if this hits home. Maybe we can help each other!