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Well I commend you for your fortitude liveaboard but no way could I wait a month or even a fortnight between weigh ins! OP it is totally normal to see no loss in a 4 day or even a 2 or 3 week spell. These are stalls. We all experience them on our weight loss journeys. I hope you start to lose again soon - I suspect you will *really* soon!

LOL yea I can see it bothering people not knowing. But i like doing it this way that way i see huge changes instead of weighing myself everyday and seeing a pound gone here and a pound gain there. I weigh and take body measurements on the 4th of every month. Once in a while i may weigh myself half way to see how i am doing

I had a revision in March From sleeve to rny due to GERD. I dont suffer from heartburn anymore which is great however I feel a lot less restriction with food and I find i am able to eat more than I was before and have actually gained 15lbs since my lowest weight after my sleeve in 2018. I’m feeling scared that I will continue to gain and feel like I shouldn’t have gotten the revision :(. Anyone else go through this?

It's normal. If you didn't lose weight for another couple weeks it would still be normal. Get off the scale, it doesn't make you lose weight faster. See? I didn't do the "scales lie" routine. I can change! Good luck, Tek

I am 6 weeks post op from gastric bypass and have not lost weight in 4 days . Is this normal ?

Hi there! It's nice that you have so many people wanting to do such nice things for you! Maybe try and distract them- I don't need food, I'm on a particular post op diet, but you could pick me up the new book by whoever/or the new movie/or stop by and take a little recovery walk with me? Congrats on being on this side of the surgery! That first holiday can be a little rough, but knowing it will be different helps you plan for that. My Mom literally sent us a 7 lb. cinnamon roll cake for the first holidays after my surgery. No joke. I was really firm in explaining that I wasn't going to accept these type of gifts from her going forward and we were able to get rid of it. Even knowing that I had the surgery, she still sent this(?!) it helped when my nutritionist pointed out that this kind of thing says more about the gifter than the recipient (truth!) Half the holiday will be putting food on your plate and moving it around. That's part of the social aspect of the holidays + food. Don't worry about everyone and what they're thinking- just take the food and toss it (or give it to someone else as you can) Put things in your napkin. The good news is that at holiday gatherings, we tend to move around a lot to socialize, so you're not usually at one table with one person, so they don't get the opportunity to super judge your plate. Most people won't notice or care, but you'll wind up with one person who just wants to be extra special about it all. Bring some snacks and things you CAN eat easily for yourself or to share with everyone else if it's a potluck. People didn't really notice the weight loss on me until I got to the 40+ lbs. mark. Then the comments started (but so did the compliments!) As I got further along, I felt braver (I originally planned to tell no one except immediate in my home family) and was able to tell extended family, a few friends (lost a few, but whatever- again, it's a reflection of THEM) and a few strangers like neighbors who got really needle-y about what was wrong with me/how I was doing it. The first time I was in a restaurant and said "xyz.......because I'm a bariatric patient." I thought my poor hubby was going to fall over! Let me know if you need anything!

5lbs in 7 days is great! Keep in mind the pre-op diet is to help you shrink your liver not necessarily lose weight.

I’m brand new to my sleeve but already I’m feeling what you are saying. Most people know I had a hiatal hernia repair, only very limited few know I had a sleeve done at the same time. Most people also know that I have been working with a nutritionist to try to reverse my fatty liver and that I have been eating differently even before the surgery. Since coming home from the hospital - I keep getting calls like “how are you feeling? When you’re up to I’ll stop by with a jello cake or cheese cake”. Or some other comfort food I couldn’t have had even if I had not been sleeved. Or even offering to bring me a meal. Which is very sweet … but then I need to explain that I’m on a limited diet for a few weeks while I heal and they understand - but they don’t get. I’m nervous about going forward. I’ll be back to a normal diet with smaller portions around the holidays… and I’m scared silly how to navigate those gatherings. That aunt that always comments about your eating (too much or not enough). Hopefully I will have lost a noticeable amount of weight by then - to which that same aunt will be over the top about noticing. I may still be too new to have the “what have I done moment”… I certainly wish I had done it sooner. I’m not sure how I can help - but I’m here if you need moral support! Best of luck. I have no doubt that we’ve got this!

I went into my surgeons office expecting her to want me to choose bypass because of my hi bmi and the fact I’m already taking Pepcid for reflux. She reviewed my medical history and asked me what I wanted. My reply to her was “after reviewing my medical history and your vast experience, what would you recommend for the most successful outcome for me”. She smiled and said I’m so glad you asked me that. Given my high BMI, if my goal was weight-loss alone she would have recommended Duodenal Switch. Then she went over the reasons why she doesn’t recommend that at this time. She then explained why she wouldn’t recommend a bypass for me. And then explained why she would actually recommend the sleeve for me. I was actually relieved because I really preferred the sleeve because of the lower risk and complications out of the three. She told me if I wanted to convert to the DS later we could. But if I put the work in and used my new tool to it’s fullest advantage - I might find that to not be necessary. My husband and I were both on board with what she was saying so that’s the direction we went in. She did a hiatal hernia repair at the same time as my sleeve so the hope is I will be able to transition off of the meds for reflux at some point, but if I can’t so be it. And down the road if I feel like we need to go with another option that’s open to me as well. I’m not really looking forward to another surgery - so I’m hoping this is it. Only time will tell. You have time to decide. No two people have the exact same outcome - so the best anyone can tell you is look at all the information and make the best choice for you. Best of luck.

i am going to be getting the sleeve in late sept or early october. i decided against bypass because of outcomes of people i know. 2 people i know had sleeves with no big complications (very minor issues like nausea directly after surgery) and two more that had the equivalent of a sleeve for ulcers with the same positive experiences … all four of them kept the weight off but i also know 3 people who got bypass (different places/surgeons) and all three have had complications that keep sending them back to the hospital and have developed major nutritional problems and health issues from those too and, honestly, all three of them ate their way back to 3/4 of their original weight… (they are all from different areas of the country too!) reading medical literature i know the sleeve is better for me because i feel it’s safer, less drastic and has less inherent problems… but only you know what is right for you! there are successes and “failures” on both sides… educate yourself and make the best decision for you

The stalls are the WORST! Congrats on your weight loss though!

You will do great! This bypass is the best thing I've done for myself and I am already at a lower weight (by over 10 lbs) than I achieved with the band many years before over a much longer period of time. One thing I learned is you have to get the right multi-vitamin. I originally bought a MVM from this site and though it was touted to be the bomb, my labs came back veeeeerrrrry low on iron. The MVM I bought originally did not have near what my dietician said we need. She recommended Celebrate One 45 multi and I started taking and my followup blood labs are stop on! My body is transforming into a body I haven't had most of my adult life and thanks to light workouts each day (15 -20 minutes) I am not getting the "melted wax" look that so many of us significantly overweight women get after bypass and weight loss. My doctor said it's due to sticking with good hydration in addition to working out so my skin stays healthy by being hydrated and can suck in as I slowly lose the weight. I am very excited for you. Please check in from time to time. Blessings, Mary

I went from a 3X shirt to a medium slim fit and I still feel like I am a fat guy. I have lost 110 pounds and am my lightest weight since high school (179). I am getting a little less paranoid about my weight and when people tell me I lost half of me, it helps me realize that I am not longer that guy. It gets better.

Good luck. You will not regret it as long as you do what you are told to do and MOVE as much as possible. Walk as much as you can and you will see the pounds fall off. Surgery alone can make you lose weight but you have to develop a lifelong commitment of exercise and eating right while you have the surgery tool to get you rolling in the right direction.

Thank you so much for this. I KNOW I'm losing weight, but at the same time, I guess I don't believe it. I always thought body dysmorphia was for people who are transgender, or people addicted to plastic surgery. I never thought about it for those of us who have been fat at least half our lives (or in my case, 24 out of the last 44 years). I so badly wanted to look in the mirror and love what I see as I drop sizes, but instead I still see "fat" me, "morbidly obese" me, "nothing is ever gonna change no matter what I do so why bother" me. I think I'll start with the old, ratty size 28 clothes. I can just get rid of them. They were my cleaning and working out clothes. Then I'll separate the size 26 and 28 clothes into donate and give away piles and bag em up. I think that'll be good enough for a while. Same with my size 10 rings. I'm hoping once I hit size 18/20 I'll be ready to get rid of the size 26/28 stuff because it'll be time to start the process over with my size 22/24 stuff lol

Body dysmorphia is real. Don’t be surprised if it takes a long time for your head to catch up with the physical reality. Three years on I still sometimes stare in mirrors surprised by how I look & can find it difficult to accept when people comment on my size. It is much better than it was though I sometimes wonder if my thinking is because I’m afraid to jinx the loss if I recognise my size now. You have to remind yourself that your clothes don’t lie. Smaller sizes, clothes that are too big, rings slipping off your fingers, etc. are all factual evidence you can’t ignore that you are losing weight. As to cleaning out your wardrobe, you’ll find a time you’re ready to do that. It’s sort of the reverse of when we kept smaller sized clothes for when we lost weight & didn’t. Maybe start with just the older clothes that are too big & you likely wouldn’t wear again anyway. Even if the first step is to remove them from your wardrobe & bag them up. You can donate them or whatever when you’re ready. You’ll get there in your time.

I’d think you’d still have plenty of time. While you may lose more quickly at the beginning after a bypass, it slows just like with a sleeve. The stats around average weight loss at about three years for sleeve & bypass are both about 65% of the weight they had to lose. (You’re really just talking about a few pounds of difference.) Just like there are people who don’t meet their goals with a sleeve there are people who don’t with bypass. Same with meeting their goals or exceeding. The amount of weight you lose is highly dependent upon where your basal metabolic rate resets as a result of the surgery. This is the weight your body is happy & settles at. Before surgery I could diet to 60kg but every time I would bounce back to 75kg & would sit there - that was where my base rate sat (until menopause began & it became 91kg). Then there are factors like age, gender, general health, medications, lifestyle, & the effort & breadth of changes you are willing to make & maintain to how & what you eat & activity you do. Probably best to sit down with your surgeon & have a conversation as to what they advise based on their experiences & those of their patients & your needs & situation. All the best which ever surgery you chose.

Hello Arizona_Guy! Saw your post and have been meaning to reply. I’m in Phoenix and after going back and forth on options available to me to assist in managing my weight, I decided on the ESG (I used Plication here because ESG isn’t offered in the surgery drop down!) procedure. I learned that Dr Rahul Pannala / Mayo Clinic is a leading Gastroenterologist with many subspecialities who has also been working in the bariatric field. I met with him and his team and felt very comfortable and at ease with them. From my first consultation thru my procedure I heard from someone on the team: the dr, nutritionist, nurse for my procedure prep etc. weekly. They answered all my questions and Dr Pannala patiently talked thru some last minute anxiety issues I was experiencing 2 days before my date! I was extremely fortunate in that when I first had my consultation on June 21, I was advised that my procedure date would likely be in August, possibly even September. I lucked out because Dr Pannala had a surgical cancelation so I was able to get my July 29 date! I know, suhweet! The pre-procedure protocol isn’t too bad, apply anti-nausea patch night before, clear liquids 1 day before (I did 2) and that was it. I weighed in at 195.4 the morning of the procedure, 202.8 when I returned home some 6 hours later, lol. Since home I was on clear liquids for the first two days and have been on protein shakes and taking Liquid IV thru last Sunday. Sunday afternoon I made my tasty chicken veggie soup and have been having that puréed for one of my meals each day this week, the rest protein shakes. I typically have one premade and one homemade, gotta switch it up! So, that’s where I am now. I am feeling very good about it all and believe I made the right decision for myself. If you have any questions, Arizona_Guy, ask away!

I have a surgery date October 4th this year.. I'm getting gastric sleeve but lately I have been feeling like I should get the bypass. Im Affraid I won't loose enough weight with the sleeve. I have been talking to a few friends and I have gotten different opinions.Has anyone ever changed there mind this late. What are your thoughts on bypass instead of sleeve? Sent from my SM-A125U using BariatricPal mobile app

Body weight is the way to go. I like anything that pushes or pulls - and all the isolating and non isolating weight machines. No cardio for me. I get my heart rate up with push-ups and just being bouncy in my movements overall. My joints can’t handle the shake. I have Ehlers Danlos. 

I should clarify - up until 7 months ago my pouch didn’t empty as fast and didn’t have a desire to eat between meals. I do eat enough protein and drink quite a bit of water each day (at least 100 oz). I reached my goal weight, and have since gained 25lbs. So having the pouch empty so quickly after eating a meal concerns me.

Are you still eating protein first KB? Hitting your fluid targets in between? And getting all your protein every day? If any of those have slipped might it be worth going back to basics to see if you can stay full for longer? Also, when you say you *can* eat again, does that mean you actually feel proper hunger? If not then could this be head hunger/boredom (or curiosity!!) eating? Have you regained any weight? I do hope you can get it sorted quickly, I can see how that would concern you.

Post op diet Do not eat anything not on the list Stage 1 weeks 1and 2 2-3 protein shakes, clear broth 1 SF jello and 1 SF popsicle Stage 2 weeks 3 through 8 2-3 protein shakes, pureed lean protein, eggs, soft cheese, beans, zucchini, cauliflower, carrots, mushrooms. Stage 3 months 2 through 6 same as stage 2 but added in more non-starchy vegetables, cheeses, non-cream soups, limited fruit. Stage 4 Maintenance stage for life. Begins only after weight loss goal is met. Same as stage 3 but added in limited amount of grains and expanded fruit. Lessen the dependence of protein shakes.

Great goals. I'm actually a big fan of bodyweight exercises and bands, but if that's not for you and you want to start with dumbbells, that's great too. Here's the thing, as a beginner, there is no wrong routine for you. Whatever you do will be beneficial. As far as what exercises to do, you can google stuff and find some great ideas there. Some of what you'll find is great, and some is not so good. To sort out the good from the bad, start by making sure it's from a reputable source. Next, look for routines that focus on these three things: Make sure they are working your you upper body, your lower body, and your core. Make sure there are both pushing exercises and pulling exercises for your upper body. For example, a chest press, matched with a bent over row. By making sure they have both, it gives you a better overall workout, helps prevent muscle imbalance, which in turn helps prevent injuries. If you see a routine that does not have both, that's a big red flag. Make sure they explain how to do the exercise and what correct form looks like. Most people that hurt themselves doing strength training, do so from bad form. Now that said, let's talk a bit about sets and reps. A set is when you do all the exercises for that session one time. Many routines have you do more than one set. Three is the most common, but depending on the goal, it could be one to five or even more. A rep is the number of times you do a single exercise before you move to the next exercise. The challenge here is that the ideal way to build muscle strength vs. muscle stamina are a bit different. Typically for strength, you want a really heavy weight and you'll do ~6 reps for 3-5 sets. If you're able to do all the sets at 6 reps, then the weight is too light and you should progress to a higher weight next time. For muscle endurance, you'd ideally use a much lighter weight and do maybe 3-4 sets at 15-20 reps. The same applies here as well, though. If you can do them all, it's time to up the weight, do more reps (maybe up to 25), or add another set. You should feel like you did real work when you are done. There is a sort of compromise that you could take as well (and honestly, this is what most people do), that doesn't strictly focus on strength or endurance per se, but is good for both. That would be to do roughly 3 sets at 6-12 reps. Once again, if you can do an exercise at 12 reps for three sets, it's time to up the weight. Keep in mind also here that what works for a while may stop working at some point. Every now and again, you need to change up the routine you are using and try a completely different program. I'd say probably every 12-18 week at most, move to something else. It could be dropping the dumbbells and moving to bodyweight, bands, kettlebells, barbells, or just varying the routine. For example, instead of 3 days a week, maybe you move to 4 days a week and separate out upper body from lower body work (2 days of each). This type of variation is key to long term success. Enough for now, but I hope this helps. Also, sorry for the novel, but I'm passionate about strength training and guess I got carried away!

This is called "grazing." If we sit and eat a bite of food when room for a bite of food opens up, we can eat quite a bit of food. Change it to include less than appropriate choices (not actually necessary, though) and we can easily get back up to our pre-op weights and more. It is also called "defeating your surgery." Don't do it. Follow the rules, and get up from the table when your rules say to. Don't build on the bad habit. You can do it, you've done it mostly for this long. Good luck, Tek