Search the Community

I'm a year out now, and I can't tell you I always lose better when I'm very careful to get in my 90-160 grams of protein a day. I had the Loop DS so I'm supposed to get a lot. I always lose the best when I do, so I don't think you're jinxing yourself! Congratulations on your fantastic loss! Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Mostly my age. I'm almost 40 and weight loss doesn't get any easier the older you get. After 20 years of yo-yo dieting and doing literally every single diet, workout, fad, supplement under the sun, my metabolism is completely shot. I've lost and regained the same 10-20 pounds for over a decade now. It's time to make a serious change. All my older family members are overweight/obese and sickly, and if I don't get it together now, I will be in the same boat 10-20 years from now (if I live that long).

I do not have BPD or an ED, but I do have severe depression and GAD which have played a HUGE role in my weight issues. Personally, I did 18 months of therapy (and meds) before I considered WLS. I have been 10)% honest with my PCP, therapist, the surgeon, and my husband so that I have the support and accountability I need. I knew I needed to get my head right and deal with some of the things that caused me to have such a disordered view of food and my body, before I could do anything else. I think there are a couple of things at play here: 1) the Dr. wants to make sure you are stable and responding well to your new treatment because WLS is a major life changing event. If your mental health is not at its best, you risk some serious issues. Its so, so important that your heart and mind be ready for surgery or it could very negatively impact your mental health long term. 2) I would guess that he's wondering if having your BPD treated might change the outcome of your weight loss efforts. You've never tried to lose weight with controlled BPD before now; it was undiagnosed and therefore no telling how it impacted your weight loss. As you said, you've had success before regain, but it sounds like some of the patterns you experienced may have resulted from the untreated BPD. You might find that with your new treatment regimen, its easier to lose weight at a healthy, manageable pace and that WLS is no longer needed. Or conversely, you may find that it makes no difference and confirms that WLS is the right next step. And 3) I'm sure he wants to make sure that there is no unaddressed underlying ED at play. Many folks who seek WLS do have EDs or have had them in the past; you're absolutely right that its not uncommon, although not always the case. That being said, someone in the throws of an ACTIVE ED who is not receiving treatment and in recovery, should not be considered for WLS. This goes back to #1 - your head has to be in the right place before going through with such a major event. I know it may feel like he was targeting or stereotyping based on your BPD, but I think he just wants to make sure you are set up for success. WLS is a big deal and it wouldn't be healthy for your body or mind to do it without informed consent and the pre-work needed to get you truly ready. If you feel like this is what you want and is the right step, then stay the course. Do the diet stuff, keep taking your meds, go to therapy, and it will happen in due time. You've got this!

I have had both Gastric sleeve 10/25/2018 and then later converted to a Roux-en-Y-Gastric Bypass with a hiatal hernia repair on 10/07/2020 per acid reflux issues so bad that it was damaging my throat My highest weight was 270 and with the sleeve I only managed to get down to 170. With the bypass I am currently at 150lbs. I feel so much better! The bypass took care of all the reflux issues and I have no issues with eating anything. I have less issues with food now then I did with the sleeve and I feel so much healthier. I have no dumping issues and can drink with no problems. I felt more restrictions honestly with the sleeve as everything hurt more. The extra weight loss is just a bonus!

Hey there. I wanted to just see what other people's experiences were with their consultation, especially those with either eating disorders or other mental health diagnoses. I was recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder and have been on meds for about 2.5 months. My mental state has improved a lot and I have more cognitive ability to make good choices for myself. When I went in for my consultation for gastric bypass, I was incredibly candid with my doctor. I told him about how I've lost 70 lbs in the past by fasting and extreme workouts but sadly I gained it all back plus some because of the binge restricr cycle. I went on to talk about my rocky relationship with food and he stopped me short and asked me "has anyone ever told you that you have an eating disorder?" He then said that people with eating disorders can't have weight loss surgery and that I'd need to work out my problems before getting surgery. He's giving me 14 weeks to get my sh*t together so to speak but ultimately said it's up to me to get to a place where I've mended this relationship with food. I'll be on their diet plan during this period (have already started making conscious efforts and studying BED recovery on my own). So my question is this: when I told him about my struggles with my mental health and eating patterns he seemed to make it a point that if you have those issues, you don't qualify. While I understand that having untreated symptoms means you can't get surgery, I can't understand what being in control means if you have to still meet the BMI requirements? Besides wanting him to truly understand my history with food, don't most people going for weight loss surgery have moderate to severe disordered eating or mental health problems? Is he just testing me to see if I can show him I've worked on my problems? Or is it really that weird and rare that someone with mental health problems and a history with binge and restrict is going for a weight loss consultation? I thought thats what it's about? I know you stay on their diet plan and get used to that as kind of your new life but I can't understand what's "in control" enough to show the doctor I'm ready but still obese? If anyone wants to give me some advice and share their experiences telling their doc about their eating behavior and mental health struggles , I'm all ears. I can't stop thinking about it. I'm really working on self compassion and not trying to beat myself up. He made me feel that I'm not mentally healthy enough to even get help when I have been feeling stronger than ever with my new medication. Any insight and experience appreciated! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Dr. Cardenas is an excellent plastic surgeon and is quite well known in the bariatric community. Lots of bariatric patients have had her do their plastic surgery. That price for the two body surgeries is much lower than what I paid in Chicago. The facelift piece isn't any cheaper than what you'd pay stateside, though (although maybe less than California prices - I'm not sure). I actually went to a someone who specializes in facial plastic surgery for my face, though (for the body ones I went to someone who specializes in body contouring for massive weight loss patients) Dr. Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey also specializes in massive weight loss patients and a lot of us have used him. I don't know how his pricing is now - when I got an email quote from him, it was very reasonable (I think $16K for all the body stuff (I didn't ask about a facelift)) - but that was four or five years ago)

I can’t speak for any surgeons outside the country but the one I used is Dr Kerr in Round Rock. I was very happy and I know he has exp w Bariatric weight loss patients.

Hello and welcome. The thread you have found is quite old, more than 10 years old, it is unlikely that any of those who posted in the thread are still around. Is lap band still popular in Italy? It's popularity has substantially reduced in some countries due to various medical issues some people have experienced with bands. Peope are having the bands removed and are having gastric bypasses or sleeves. Not everyone has issues, but it is something you may want to consider and you may want to ask the doctor how many of his patients have had the band removed in recent years and/or patients success rate in achieving weight loss long term. I don't know your current BMI, but have you considered a surgical option instead of a band?

Hi everyone, I’m in need of a lower body lift with bbl, breast lift with implants, back lift, and eventually a lower face lift. I’m so overwhelmed trying to find a surgeon or narrow my choices. I have had a consultation with Dra. Cardenas in TJ but I was a little surprised by the pricing. I was quoted 13,500 for lower, 13,000 for upper, and 12,500 for lower face lift. I live in CA, I’m not opposed to travel but I would like a few more quotes before I make my choice. Can anyone recommend a surgeon that specializes in after weight loss lower body lifts? Any feedback regarding Dra Cardenas?

Fluctuations are quite normal & not a signal you’re doing something wrong. They can be from constipation, fluid retention, slight change in diet or activity level,… The other night I was peeing every 30 minutes for hours & in the morning I was 2lbs lighter. It happens. Even though I weighed myself every day when I was losing, the downward trend on my weight loss graph over each week, then each month was more important.

It has been a long time since I posted on this forum. I was sleeved in October 2018 and immediately began suffering from reflux/GERD (which I did not have prior to sleeve). Fast-forward 2 1/2 years later, loads of PPI's, EGD's, barium swallows, scans, scopes and referrals, I was finally advised by a surgeon that my best option is to have revision of the sleeve to the bypass. I have a mid grade hiatal hernia and severe GERD. It's gratifying to finally get some answers and while I am looking forward to some relief, I am a bit anxious about the surgery. I relocated from Houston to Dallas, TX in May. I consulted with a new bariatric surgeon on May 26th. Once the ball got rolling, everything went pretty quickly. After thoroughly reviewing my previous surgery and medical records along with additional testing, she determined that in addition to the hernia and GERD, my original pouch from the VSG wasn't as small as it should have been! That explains why I had such slow and minimal weight loss. I lost about 40lbs total, and have regained 20lbs back since COVID. Has anyone had revision from VSG to RNY with hiatal hernia repair due to GERD? If so, has your GERD improved and how has the weight loss been?

I had gastric bypass on 5/7/2021. I began my weight loss journey in August 2020 when I attended my hospital’s bariatric seminar. My insurance required 6 months of diet before surgery approval. My fist dietitian appoint was mid-October 2020. Prior to this appointment I had very little motivation to lose weight. I was 280+ pounds (5’ 7.5”) and depressed. My ankles swelled every day, I had trouble moving, none of my clothes fit well and my wedding rings didn’t fit at all. I had gone off the rails. Between October and March 21’ I managed to lose 45 pounds. I attribute my success to my husband also taking charge of his health and being a great partner. My packet was submitted in March and approved 1 week later. My surgery was scheduled 7 weeks form the approval to my disappointment. It was a long 7 weeks! I didn’t gain or lose weight during my wait. I was officially 237 at my pre-op appointment. I managed to lose 10 pounds prior to surgery on the liver shrink diet. I was 227 the morning of surgery The surgery went fine. I had some nausea and dry heaving the first few hours. I was able to get water down but not much else. The drain really caused me trouble so it was removed 12 hours later. I ended up only staying 1 night in the hospital because I was determined to get released early. I walked all the time and really kept my RN on his toes. Thankfully the doctor agreed with me that I would recover better at home. The next evening I was discharged and could sleep in my own bed. I followed the diet exactly for nearly 8 weeks. I went on a cruise with my family and 95% ate to plan. I would have a taste of dessert but let me tell you I sure paid for it. Dumping is real and it affects me. I seem to dump if I eat too fast, too much, or an item too high in sugar (hello chai tea!). I learned many lessons that week I’m thankful for. The surgery did exactly what I needed it to do- deter me. I have had trouble with constipation. I am taking 3 colace per day and benefiber each morning. Seems to help but my body likes to hold onto waste. I might go back to miralax to help move things along. I’ve always had trouble in this area but now it’s more consistent. On Saturday I hit “onederland” and weighed 199. I never thought I would get here. I weigh myself each day and I am fluctuating between 198 and 199 this week. I have a heck of a lot more energy than I did a month ago. I am moving my body every day and using my elliptical at least 3 times a week. I have changed sizes! Last summer I wore a 20 and now I need a 12. It blows my mind. It’s hard to describe how I feel. I can see the change but I don’t believe it’s me. People I haven’t seen in a year take a look at me and their mouth drops and tell me they didn’t recognize me or make a comment like “omg you have lost so much weight!” In a way it feels good to be validated but at the same time I hate the attention. Honestly if I didn’t lose another pound I would be happy. I am under 200 and I feel/look great! I can move without pain and I have energy. Heck I mowed the yard today! I’ve had some negative comments too- mostly from my parents- “you’re starving yourself, don’t loose too much weight, and I think you’ve lost enough” It’s painful so I don’t speak with them much. I feel my weight loss has been slow but I remind myself how far I’ve come. 80+ pound weight loss is nothing to bat at! I’m doing a great job! I hope to be better and update this thread monthly! Thanks for reading.

10 pounds is actually really good so try not to get down on yourself. I've had near constant stalls along my journey while I've seen many people breeze their way to their goal with maybe 2 stalls. It gets frustrating and disheartening, so I fully understand how upsetting it is when you compare yourself to others. You're doing great and 10 pounds a month is nothing to be upset about. The first three months I lost in the double digits and then it was single digits for two months and then 10 pounds and then single digits through the rest of my journey. I recently got out of a 47 day stall (I lost 2 pounds on May 5th and then didn't lose anything until June 22nd where I lost two pounds, then lost another pound on July 6th and today July 13th I lost another 2 pounds) in which I was convinced the entire time that I'd hit maintenance and I was extremely sad that I hadn't met my goal weight, but my weight loss HAS still continued even if it moves at a crawl sometimes. Also, I don't exercise much at all due to my arthritis and two back injuries that make it next to impossible and yet, I'm only 1 pound from my goal weight! If I can get there, then I know you can to! So just try not to be so hard on yourself. You'll get there!

What are your thoughts about using a prescription strength appetite suppressant after weight loss surgery? I had my surgery in May of this year and I absolutely do not want to gain any weight back now or after reaching my goal. But…I love food, love to eat and still graze with now smaller, healthier portions. Please let me know what do you think? Or can anyone relate?

Hi I'm in AZ too and am looking for more people local on social media (IG happilylacey) I'm in pre-op too, have finished all my pre-op hoops except two more appts and insurance clearance. I am going through the Dignity Health Weight Loss Center in Gilbert. So far so good, they had a roadmap for me to follow and have made it pretty easy so far.

I am not sure when my revision will be done (November or December). I saw my former doctor 1x after surgery. He really disappointed me! Today, I plan to attend all after care appointments. I plan to remain in counseling for the next year. I am ready for individual responsees after my weight-loss. Its a real time of mental growth. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

People at your weight don't lose a ton of weight per month - it's only people the size of those on my 600 lb life who are losing a ton of weight each month. Also, you lost a fair bit before surgery, and that can mean you lose a bit more slowly after surgery. Additionally, given your other medical issues limiting exercise, give yourself some grace AND patience! Weight loss is mostly from food intake, but it can be a bit slower without exercise. You've accomplished a lot already! Just follow your plan the best you can and take care of yourself physically and emotionally. You got this!

Well done on your weight loss so far. At the weight you are now you are unlikely to be losing more than 10lb a month. I think you are doing great, be kind to yourself. They do say that comparison is the thief of joy, and comparing your weight loss rate to others is doing you no favours at all. Chat to your doctor and/or dietician and agree on some realistic goals for weight loss based on for your current personal circumstances.

I'm on here in my head. Lol I started my journey at 281 and when I had surgery I weighed 258. In May I had to have surgery, a permanknee fusion on my left leg. Rod runs from my hip to my ankle. So needless to say exercise is still hard rt now. I have to use a cane to walk. So I'm down to 216 but thats only like 10lbs a month. I've lost down and alot of inches but I feel depressed. I see so many that was at my weight at surgery and are finally below 200.. This journey is more than a food tool. Its emotional. I try not to judge my weight loss by others weight loss but its so hard. Sent from my SM-N960U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Congrats on your weight loss so far. It’s likely you’ve been experiencing a stall. They’re extremely common at the 3 week+/- mark & can last 1 - 3 weeks. It’s just your body taking a breath after all the changes. You may experience a couple of stalls as you’re losing. You’ll start to lose again. Stick to your plan & you’ll be fine. Good luck.

My doctors have always had me remove my shoes, belts, jackets & even my skirt at weigh-ins to get the most accurate reading without me stripping down to my underwear. If I had tried to increase my weight through trickery, I would have been caught. If you do & you’re discovered it could affect your approval process. Best advice is to be honest about all aspects of your weight loss journey.

Yes, you can take capsules after your sleeve surgery though you may have trouble swallowing them for a couple of day because of internal post surgical swelling. Generally we’re told we can’t take nsaids again after surgery. However, my surgeon allows me to take them because I rarely do - one less than once a month. Prolonged use of nsaids can cause inflammation of the stomach lining with side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, stomach ulcers & internal bleeding. Because we have a much smaller tummy the risk of side effects are increased which is why we’re told to avoid them. If your inflammation is aggravated by your weight, your weight loss may reduce your need for the anti inflammatories - fingers crossed. The other issue to consider is that some meds are absorbed in your tummy. Because we have a smaller tummy, the meds may not be fully absorbed. You will need to go through all your meds with your surgeon & prescribing doctors to see what meds you will still be able to take & to find alternatives for those you can’t. There are lots of people on this forum who take meds for similar reasons as you. They may be able to suggest some alternatives that are working for them you could discuss with your doctors.

Hi, I recently discovered some tips on weight loss and you may wish to have a look at it. https://shrinke.me/N6NUU

The first few weeks can be such a challenge and you've received many great ideas from comments here. I found that I worked through the stages of grief during my immediate post-op surgery experience. A loss of my "normal" life and a loss of the food that I thought that I needed. Working with yourself either with a bariatric therapist would be very helpful as someone previously suggested. I didn't have one when I first received my surgery, but my Mom was my rock through those initial processes. Perhaps you also have someone in your support group who can empathize, listen, and assist you during this time. I remember those feelings of longing and the thoughts of "why did I do this??" but it does get better! The cravings have never left me, but I have learned how to enjoy so much more out of my life that while sometimes I may have a bite or more than I initially thought the life that I have after losing the weight is so much better than I could have imagined. You CAN do this! Your body is still healing from surgery so give yourself some grace and kindness as you work through healing, all of your emotions, and dealing with an eating disorder that drove you to your pre-surgery weight. One day at a time and suddenly you will have made it a week, a month, months, and a year. The journey doesn't end...just shifts. Best wishes to you!

First, congratulations on the 25lbs! Great start toward your goal! One thing that has, in the past, always helped me kick start a weight loss is to add in (or increase) resistance training. Whether you are doing body weight exercises, lifting weights, or something else, anything you can do to increase your lean muscle mass will help with losing weight, because muscle burns more calories. You might try changing your cardio too--add intervals of increased speed, jog a little if possible, bike, swim, do an exercise class. Our bodies get used to certain activities and can adapt to the pressures of those activities so it doesn't have to burn as many calories to do them. Change things up a bit and it can start shifting weight too.