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I've lost much more than expected, but it has not been fast weight loss. A couple pounds a month for the past 6 months (more in the beginning months after surgery). My surgeon was very please with my overall weight loss when I saw him at 8 months post-op. The revision has been very, very different from sleeve surgery. I'm hoping that the slower weight loss will result in long term success.

Well done. You look wonderful, but you know what is best of all, is that smile in your after photo. It's great to see the weight loss/body changes but it's the smile/change in attitude that I love to see in the after photos. Congratulations!

Hey there I'm 7 months post op and I can see you have genuine concerns but sometimes these forums can be overwhelming and everyone's journey an be different. I'm 5ft 1 and at my heaviest was 15 stone. I am now 9 and a half stone . Month 3 post op is when I noticed my hair falling out but rest assured it will stop and slow down, I do recommened a skin hair and nail supplement I found this helped and your body is fantastic at adapting and returning to your new normal. Yes I often forget to take my supplements yes probably not recommended but I struggled with them for the first while as they upset my stomach a small bit but all my bloods came back fine. You will be surprised post op at how much you can eat it's not gonna be these tiny portions forever so you can get your nutrition in your food and there's so many options out there. Over time you will find what works for your body and listen to it. Best decision I've ever made . Best of luck Sent from my SM-G781B using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone, I'm Emma and I have been waiting for bariatric surgery for a long time now. I was discharged in 2019 because I was at another hospital appointment and told I would have to wait 6 months before my dr could re refer me back to Homerton hospital, I would have to start again from the beginning and then covid happened. I eventually received my new appointment for May 19th which was cancelled due to too many people in the clinic. It was rearranged for 28th May. Only to be cancelled on the day, I get refered back to gp because they asked for my weight and BP. I then had to re refer myself back to Homerton hospital, my appointment was for August so I called up for cancellations regularly and finally I had 1 for July. I still had to wait weeks but finally that day is here 12 July my appointment is today and because its a telephone appointment I really do not know what to expect. I realised both the appointment in May and this appointment mentioned different departments. May appointment said Pre-Operative surgery appointment, where this July one just says telephone appointment outpatients 2. I have now also received another appointment letter to attend the hospital in September which I find a bit strange as I have not had the 1st appointment yet. I have been trying to have this surgery for the last five years and everytime I feel like I'm close to having it, it seems to not happen. I am so mentally prepared and focused to what I need to do to make this a success. I need this surgery for a better quality of life, thats all I'm trying to do. Gain a healthy lifestyle and hopefully extend my life and avoid extra health problems. I need this surgery so I can have a operation on my leg, I have mobility issues which makes it hard with weight loss, I have missed out on so much being pretty much home bound and all I want is this tool to help aid me in my journey as I have tried so much over the years. I just wished they wouldn't make me have to start all again, because what about all the hard effort I have already put in? Giving fact I was at a hospital appointment at the time and how badly I need this surgery, I feel it was really unfair to refer me back to my gp since I was at another hospital appointment. I'm just over ready to get this journey started, I feel like how long will the wait be this time? I really told myself not to feel like that, but i guess as the appointment approaches, I just really wish I could show them how dedicated,focused and determined i am for this. In my mind I'm ready to start my liver shrinking diet and head for surgery but in reality I now have to wait for the 1st appointment where you do there (probably Septembers appointment) then its what tests and checks they will want me have from then. Its just a shame its taking me this long to start my journey. Sent from my SM-N770F using BariatricPal mobile app

Very sorry for your loss. Prayers!

This sounds very strange. I know requirements are different in the US from Australia but I did think, based upon other forum member stories, that if you met the bmi &/or comorbidity requirements at the start of the approval process you were fine. Almost all of us have to undergo a pre surgical weight loss regime. If we became ineligible for surgery because we lost enough weight on this diet to drop us below the bmi minimum, a hell of a lot of us wouldn’t have had our surgery. I would certainly be asking further questions of your surgeon & your insurance company. If your bmi is 41 I wouldn’t have expected you would have needed any associated comorbidities to be eligible for surgery. Good luck.

I am 3 + years post op and have maintained my 90lb weight loss since then. I could really stand to lose 10 more lbs but have never been able to get it off. My current diet consists of 70 grams of protein, 3 cups of veggies, 2 protein shakes and sometimes a vodka soda water. Up my protein? I don’t eat carbs…maybe 20grams tops per day.

Yep. You can contact your insurance company and they should be able to tell you the requirements for the surgery. My husband had RNY in December 2020, and he was recommended this surgeon by the insurance company. I'm using the same surgeon, but having the sleeve. For my insurance (BCBS) I have to: - Attend a WLS informational seminar before I could schedule an appointment with the surgeon. This was put on by the surgeon via Zoom. They scheduled this for me when I called to start the process. I think they do these once a month at her office. -Meet with the surgeon, (I ate a huge lunch before I went in hopes of ensuring my BMI was high enough to qualify, lol. It worked). -Attend a diet and nutrition class led by the surgeon, (this was 1 hour by Zoom). She explained the post op diets and what was allowed/not allowed after surgery. She mostly does not require the pre-op liquid diet...only for those with tight abdomens who need to shrink their liver so she can more easily access the stomach. -Attend 1x per month for 3 months meeting with a nutritionist where I show *some* weight loss at each meeting. I didn't ask what happens if I gain. My husband did this during 2020 and said it was all via Zoom - they just asked him what his weight was, and he told them he lost a pound or two. He didn't get on a scale, but he ultimately lost weight between his 1st appointment and surgery date. -Psychological evaluation, (my surgeon's office uses a service where you can schedule this via telehealth for anytime of day). -Lab work -Chest xray They scheduled me for all these appointments in my first meeting with the surgeon. So far, my pre-op appointment is scheduled for 9/29, so hopefully my surgery will be sometime in October. I can only know what my surgeon told me, which specifically was not to lose too much weight, (even 10 lbs) or I could disqualify myself for surgery. I'm just going to be as healthy as possible and if I lose too much weight and get disqualified, I'll self pay. I hope this is more informational than my last response. Good luck to you! Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

timmytommy, ColieCallwell, I'm surprised you wouldn't be approved if you lost too much weight durring the process. I thought insurance used your starting weight for approval. This just proves how everyone's path to surgery and requirements are different. timmytommy, what you'll need to accomplish during your six-month pre-op depends on what your insurance requires and what your doctor/ surgeon wants/needs to prove that you're physically and mentally ready for surgery. You may be required to do the following: Begin a medical weight loss program Lose weight Have psychological evaluation See a registered dietician (RD) See an exercise therapist or get on an exercise plan Attend a support group for bariatric patients Reduce soda/ alcohol Stop smoking/ using tobacco products Make dietary changes Increase protein Start a vitamin/ Supplement routine Sleep studies/ Maintain CPAP/BiPAP compliance Labs/ Tests: blood panel for CBC, thyroid function, B12, HgbA1--for prediabetes/diabetes, other vitamins EKG/ cardiac stress test EDG (esophagogastroduodenoscopy) Good luck!

Cook with fat- coconut oil, avocado oil. Try adding fatter meat choices, starchy vegetables like parsnips, winter squash, potatoes, etc. Can you tolerate nuts - cashews will help with constipation and are high in fat. Full fat mayo. I agree that your NUT is not listening. I also agree to get her advice in an email, just email her and ask for clarification because she told you so much and you can't recall all of her recommendations regarding the dairy since you are lactose intolerant and need to know how to end the weight loss phase Then reiterate this to the office manger. Also do not be too concerned about going below goal because there can be a 10-15 pound bounce especially in year three.

I’m not quite 6 weeks out and have lost a little over 20 since surgery day (about 27 total), so I still think you’re right on track! I’ve found this the easiest weight loss in my lifetime of dieting. I know it will slow way down soon, but I’m happy to have my new tool!

1) Hair loss: my hair stated growing back around 6-7 months (which was co-incidentally at around the end of my weight loss phase...not sure if this was related). I'm 2.5+ years out now, and its all back and the pretty much the same length as all my regular-shoulder length hair. I also like to think it's actually thicker, fuller than pre-op, but that may just be wishful thinking. I did not take/do anything out of the ordinary to address it (other than chop it all off to a pixie cut around 3 months post-op 2) Vitamin Continuation: I stopped taking my vitamins around the 1 year mark. I've had 3 labs done since then and they have all come back satisfactorily (p.s. I'm was sleeved) 3) Vitamin Regimen: When I was taking them, I was doing: Wake up: Pre-natal multi + calcium + Vit D Mid afternoon: calcium + Vit D Late evening: calcium + Vit D I was on B12 just for the 1st month post op, but was taken off it because apparently I overproduce it already. 4) Meal Spacing of same size: In the first year, I didn't really have regular "meals" I just ate snack-sized "meals" a few times a day...probably 3-4 hours in between at minimum...and not really at any set time. Now I can eat alot more at one sitting (maybe 1 to 1.5 cups in volume in one sitting) and depending on what it is, this will keep me satisfied for 3-4 hours again....depending on what it is. Dense protein keeps me fuller longer vs salads. Good Luck! ❤️ p.s. im female, 49yrs, 5’2”, 115lbs

It is annoying but, It does end eventually. Once everyone is used to your new normal it's just no big deal anymore. During weight loss phase and the months immediately afterwards, I got into the routine of saying thanks, or "that's a good point, I'll have to think about it" and then quickly pivoting the conversation about them. People generally love to talk about themselves...give them a nudge and they will quickly lose interest in your affairs.

I had arm lift, breast lift and tummy tuck. I could go to the bathroom no prob from day 1. Re: arm lift specifically: anything that required me to lift my arms UP was a bit of an issue in the days immediately afterwards (i.e., reaching up in the kitchen cupboards, taking a t-shirt on/off, washing my hair, etc...)

8 months- checking in today at 192.8 lbs, for total weight lost of 146.2 lbs. I have 27.8 lbs left to go to get to goal. My weight loss is slowing down but it’s still going. I know that as I get closer to a regular body weight the weight loss is going to get slower and more difficult but I do miss the days of regular 3-5 lb drops every week. July 5 represented one year of concerted weight loss effort for me. On that day in 2020 I started a low carb low calorie diet that was supposed to last for two weeks- I needed to drop weight for my first in person weigh in at the Bariatric clinic and I was terrified I was going to be disqualified due to gaining weight during my 6 month program. I squeaked under the line, and when I got home I just decided to keep it up a little longer to help with weight loss prior to surgery. I ended up keeping it up a whole year! So I have two anniversaries in my head, July 5 and November 10, diet date and surgery date. I’ve been doing good on exercise, and I’m trying to focus better on making sure I keep my diet in check. I’ve gotten lackadaisical about tracking food and I need to work on that because I can’t rely on portion control forever. I also need to focus more on getting sleep- I know that impacts weight loss and I’m terrible about staying up late after the kids are asleep to read books. I remember some celebrity had a big awards show and said something like “I want to thank myself, for all the hard work I put in, for the sacrifices I made, etc” and everyone laughing. But you know what, I would like to thank myself. For starting a diet 12 months ago and sticking with it though the hard parts. For getting a surgery that terrified me but still jumping through all the hoops and getting it done. For drinking tomato soup for thanksgiving and giving up the candy and snack food that got me to 339 lbs. 😀 If anyone is reading this and has 150+ lbs to lose, it’s possible. It’s possible with a sleeve, or a bypass, or whatever surgery you get. Surgery doesn’t do the work for you, but it helps so much. Next month I will be in the 180s and getting closer to a normal BMI. I’m committing this month to tracking each day, exercising 3-5 times a week, and going to bed earlier. August here we come!

Hi! I'm enjoying reading where everyone is so I will check in too -- I had surgery on 5/20 so I'm about 7.5 weeks out. The worst part about this for me has been no caffeine. I'm really looking forward to being cleared for step 4 which includes caffeine allowed at my appointment in about a week. I'm also really missing wine but I think I need to stay away from alcohol for as long as possible. I'm 50 lbs down overall (355 to 305ish -- I lost a LOT during the 3 week liver-shrink) and about 25 of that is post-surgery. I'm definitely noticing that it's easier to move around and my clothes are looking different on me, which has been great. In terms of taste, shredded cheese tastes a little weird to me, milk is disgusting, and butter tastes a little... off. I'm really interested to know if I'll dump/if I can ever have sugar again, but I'm not going to mess with trying something until I hit the step 4 diet. I'm REALLY stressed out about the hair loss that people say starts at around 4 months. But the only way out is through..... and it'll be worth it. I'm just worried I'll have bald spots!!!!! 😧

I’m so sorry for your loss! I lost my son at 17 in an accident 12 years ago. I understand the heartache. You need to take care of yourself through this trying time. I had surgery 3 weeks ago so make sure your following your diet. You need your nourishment to heal. Please reach out to me if you need anything. Sending prayers and healing thoughts. ❤️

I am so very sorry for your loss! I pray the Lord’s comfort is with you and your family .

I would like to say hello to everyone. I had my weight loss surgery on May 15, 2018, and 3 years out. So I was looking to find some WLS vets to talk to for inspiration

This is SO true. I had my 1 year follow up with my surgeon the other day and he was saying I've done a great job, and I said it's because now when I make an effort to lose weight I feel like my body isn't fighting against me. It's amazing! My weight loss has slowed down quite a bit, but it's still going down. As long as you keep following the plan you will keep losing so don't worry! Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Any tips to speed up this weight loss March Sleeve losers??? I know my doctor says to be patient and I'm doing great, but still....

Congratulations! Wishing you well with your upcoming surgery & weight loss. I am still pre-op, so there are others that can be more helpful, but reading the posts from people who have gone through surgery has been helpful for me. This site is a great resource, people on here are very helpful with sharing their experiences. I also like watching YouTube videos from people who have had the surgery (search VSG). There are many of them with all different topics (what they ate, what they brought to hospital, etc.) Here are a few different examples of YouTube posts. Each of them has multiple videos on various topics. There are lots of other personalities out there that you may find helpful.

She is young and just had a baby. Her skin would probably go back to normal without any treatment. Not the case with weight loss patients! As others said-the only option for us is plastic surgery. Don't waste your money on all that other stuff, save it for plastics! Just remember-"if it sounds too good to be true...!"

I haven't had revision, but yes, I've heard/read that the weight loss is slower with revisions than it is original surgery.

same here I would gain 20 every year! and i was also 300 when I decided that was the tipping point. like wow whats next 320 and I was 317 when I was put on my pre weight loss surgery. I got to 303. april 1st 2021 surgery now 245.