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Now that I've had my surgery, I can comment on the other side of things. I will be honest, the pcos makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off. But if you stick RELIGIOUSLY to your diet, work out (even if it's a little everyday, nothing crazy), you WILL see results. I've lost 69 pounds in 3 1/2 months. And it's staying off. Will stalls happen? YES. Do they royally suck and mess with your head? HELL YES. But they are normal, they will happen, and as long as you pay attention to your non scale victories (getting off meds, clothes and rings too big, fitting in a booth better, comfortably fitting in a "regular" stall and not the bigger handicapped one, etc) you'll see progress even when the scale isn't moving. I've been off my blood pressure and diabetes meds for months. It's AMAZING. The pcos will make it harder, and will test you, but you can do this. You're stronger and better than the stupid pcos. Once you believe that, the rest is easier.

Prior to deciding on surgery how much weight loss has been common for everyone? Last fall I was at least 260 pounds. Decided to join the local YMCA and swim with a great friend. Gained another to swim with us. Last fall was swimming at least 3 times a week. This spring and summer has been crazy only about 2 times a week. Now at stalling out on the weight loss.

Well, now that I've had my surgery, I can comment again on this from the other side. I will be honest, the pcos makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off. But if you stick RELIGIOUSLY to your diet, work out (even if it's a little everyday, nothing crazy), you WILL see results. I've lost 69 pounds in 3 1/2 months. And it's staying off. Will stalls happen? YES. Do they royally suck and mess with your head? HELL YES. But they are normal, they will happen, and as long as you pay attention to your non scale victories (getting off meds, clothes and rings too big, fitting in a booth better, comfortably fitting in a "regular" stall and not the bigger handicapped one, etc) you'll see progress even when the scale isn't moving. I've been off my blood pressure and diabetes meds for months. It's AMAZING. The pcos will make it harder, and will test you, but you can do this. You're stronger and better than the stupid pcos. Once you believe that, the rest is easier.

I will be honest, the pcos makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off. But if you stick RELIGIOUSLY to your diet, work out (even if it's a little everyday, nothing crazy), you WILL see results. I've lost 69 pounds in 3 1/2 months. And it's staying off. Will stalls happen? YES. Do they royally suck and mess with your head? HELL YES. But they are normal, they will happen, and as long as you pay attention to your non scale victories (getting off meds, clothes and rings too big, fitting in a booth better, comfortably fitting in a "regular" stall and not the bigger handicapped one, etc) you'll see progress even when the scale isn't moving. I've been off my blood pressure and diabetes meds for months. It's AMAZING. The pcos will make it harder, and will test you, but you can do this. You're stronger and better than the stupid pcos. Once you believe that, the rest is easier.

I was much larger than you and I have PCOS and I had insulin resistance that turned into type 2 diabetes. I will be honest, the pcos makes it harder to lose weight and keep it off. But if you stick RELIGIOUSLY to your diet, work out (even if it's a little everyday, nothing crazy), you WILL see results. I've lost 69 pounds in 3 1/2 months. And it's staying off. Will stalls happen? YES. Do they royally suck and mess with your head? HELL YES. But they are normal, they will happen, and as long as you pay attention to your non scale victories (getting off meds, clothes and rings too big, fitting in a booth better, comfortably fitting in a "regular" stall and not the bigger handicapped one, etc) you'll see progress even when the scale isn't moving. I've been off my blood pressure and diabetes meds for months. It's AMAZING. The pcos will make it harder, and will test you, but you can do this. You're stronger and better than the stupid pcos. Once you believe that, the rest is easier.

I just was sleeved on 8/16. I have been over 300 pounds for YEARS… but as long as I was able to do what I wanted and needed to - I didn’t see the need. Last year I hit my heaviest weight ever at 382… and I was like NOPE this isn’t happening. I worked my butt off to loose weight and had a good start. Then I got sick and we found out my liver was enlarged (like 3x the size it should be) and my fatty liver was progressing to NASH and my liver function tests were concerning my drs. Finally I was ready to consider surgery. I lost about 55 pounds from my heaviest leading up to my pre surgery diet (over about 9 months). I had a few set backs with having covid during that time. My endocrinologist was pleased with my liver reduction (through palpitations) and knowing I was scared about surgery told me if I kept making progress I could hold off on surgery if I wanted. But I was to worried that there would always be another “set back” and my liver wasn’t anything I wanted to mess with. I lost another 12 pounds on my pre op diet. I asked my surgeon how my liver looked after surgery (there was a chance I was also going to end up with a liver biopsy in addition to a hernia repair) and she told me my liver looked fantastic and to keep doing what I was doing - no need for the biopsy. There’s no guarantees that weight loss would reverse my liver condition - but it was my best shot. However I was told if I did nothing it certainly would continue to deteriorate. I’m not quite a week out. I’m sore - occasional movements hurt, at times a bit nauseous (not horrible) and I’m sick of the liquid diet … but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. I have confirmation I’m on the right track and that means the world to me. I’m not looking to be a particular size or weight, I’m working towards being healthy and that includes my liver, joints and over all well being. My husband was supportive right from the beginning to do whatever I wanted to do. At times I wavered because I was scared - but he was my rock and honestly I think not doing something scared him more that the surgery (he was scared too). He sat in my drs appointment when the dr explained what the progression of my liver from NAFLD to NASH meant and what to expect if I didn’t make some real changes. My only advice is find a bariatric program you are comfortable with. It took me two tries. Have your boyfriend come along if he’s able and if not take someone you trust to be objective and SUPPORTIVE. Having that support helps. Also if you have a therapist talk to them about it - your concerns, fears, hopes for the outcome. And if you don’t have one, consider finding someone who deals with bariatric health. I see mine every two weeks and we always touch on where I’m at in the process - it has helped. No one can tell you what the right decision is for you, but I do hope you have support whatever you choose to do. Best of luck and please update how you are doing no matter what you decide.

Feeling discouraged. Sleeve surgery 7/20 and lost 30lbs by 8/3. Started having chest pains and neck pains- turns out to be pancreatitis. Admitted to the hospital 8/7 and got out on 8/13. While in the hospital, I gained 24lbs back in fluid weight because I was NPO for a week so that’s all I could have. I lost 4lbs the first day I came home then about 10 more in the last couple of days and now I’ve gained 6lbs. I haven’t changed anything except added more protein and eating more soft foods instead of liquids, so why am I gaining weight now? I was so excited to see the weight loss but now I’m discouraged because I saw a BIG gain in a weeks time. I spoke with my PA and Dr and both agreed to let me start taking Lasix again but a smaller dose to see if it helps get more weight off because I’m swelling something terrible in my feet and legs. I try to keep my sugar below 10g a day because I think sugar is the culprit but I haven’t had much and the only other thing I can think of is my sodium intake. Any suggestions? Any pieces of advice to keep my head up? It’s so hard because I saw such a quick drop in weight and now I’ve gained 6lbs quickly 🙁

I was very close to your size when I had my surgery. My surgery was covered completely by my insurance because I had very difficult to control type 2 diabetes in addition to HTN, and dyslipidemia. For diabetes prior to surgery, I was taking metformin, Bydureon, 80 units of Levemir insulin twice daily and 20 units of Novolog with each meal & snack. If you are familiar with insulin, you know these are really high doses so we are talking extreme insulin resistance. After the surgery, I was immediately off of insulin and rapidly lost weight for the first 3-4 months and then stalled out after losing 50lbs. I stayed stuck between 160-170 for about 3 years and then when the Covid pandemic started, my husband was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. My stress levels went through the roof (I work in a hospital and was watching people die left and right thinking that at any time, my husband would be next). Anyway, I wound up regaining back up to 185 and started requiring insulin again at low doses. Then last year, I started on Ozempic and wound up starting to lose weight again and came off of the insulin again. After several months of Ozempic, I am now below my goal weight. I think that you will be pleasantly surprised to find that you will initially lose weight very easily. The weight loss should help reduce but may not resolve your insulin resistance. Keeping the weight off long term may be more difficult but is still quite doable.

We’re all different but I was barely eating 200-300 calories for the first weeks (I wasn’t given caloric goals). I only got to about 900 at 6 months. You’ve only just had your surgery so take the time you need to reach your goals. My surgeon was happy if I was getting closer & making an effort. If you’re close to getting your fluids in you really shouldn’t be experiencing dehydration but it’s still important to watch out for. Don’t worry if you miss your goal/s one day, as long as that’s an odd occurrence & not a regular one you’ll be ok. Headaches & nausea aren’t that uncommon this soon after surgery. The stress & anxiety of the surgery & then worrying if you are doing the right thing contribute plus you may be experiencing some withdrawal type symptoms too because of the restricted diet. If it persists, & reduces your ability to get your protein & fluids in, contact your surgeon. Many of us experience changes in our sense of smell & taste over the first weeks. Many find the shake they enjoyed before surgery is suddenly disgusting. It can affect your reaction to any food. Some can become excessively sweet or salty. Then there will be days when your tummy says nope don’t like to something you regularly ate/drank. If that happens, avoid it for a few days even a week or so & try it again. Your tummy is just sensitive & fussy while it is healing - I described mine as being like a petulant, temper throwing 2 yr old. Artificial sweeteners are awful. I try to avoid them where I can but they seem to be in almost everything. I loved when foods became crazy sweet & used the time to eradicate any craving for sugar/sweet. I only have a small amount of sugar (<10g added sugar) or sweetened food in my diet (yoghurt & protein bar only). Instead of yoghurt, what about make your own smoothie from protein powders & milk? You can better control the ingredients that way. These things all pass. Just give yourself time to heal from the surgery & feel more comfortable & confident with the changes & how you’re managing them.

Honestly I am enjoying like a last 2 weeks of meals lol… not all big things but just eating things I like.

I'm 3 weeks out and still have that. I talked to my Dr and he said that it was very normal to have a ton of energy 1 day and then none the next. He said it's because the body is healing.

Yes pureed for 4 to 6 weeks after the liquid, then soft foods for 4 to 6 more weeks, then I can eat regular food.

Yes, I hate all the fake, sweet stuff and I hardly have it anymore. I had broth in the beginning of the liquid diet, and tomato soup, mushroom soup and very thin oatmeal in the second week.

I’m 4 days out from gastric sleeve and hiatal hernia repair as of today. Woke up a little dehydrated this morning and not feeling great. Yesterday was the first day I missed my water goal. (yes I had other things that contribute to my water, but I’ve been pretty good about getting 64 oz plus those other liquids) I have had super low energy today - sleeping way more than normal. I’m working hard to get my water in but no matter how much I drink my mouth seems dry - and this stubborn headache won’t go away. Today has thrown me for quite a loop because I expected to feel better day 4 than I did day 2 and that is not the case. The day after surgery I was walking around the ward and feeling relatively good - considering the surgery. I was up and around and went for a short walk on day 2. Day 3 I didn’t do as much but I did get time in on the recumbent bike - energy level was low, so I thought I could take it easier on the bike and still hit my movement goal. I have been getting my water in ok today - despite the nausea when I got up earlier, had a frozen juice popsicle and that went down ok. Had some protein soup (broth only with protein powder) - powder was not the best with that broth, but I got it down. I’m struggling with the shakes today (which I usually have no issues with - but today they aren’t appealing). I struggle with artificial sweeteners - they upset my stomach and can trigger headaches, so I’m limited in some of the options I have during my liquid phase. The yogurts suggested are of course the ones with artificial sweetener which makes them not ideal on a day I’m already not feeling well. Which eliminates yogurt based smoothies that are suggested in place of a store bought shake. Can anyone tell me if you experienced anything like this your first week? I’m still on full liquids, transition to purées Wednesday. Maybe it’s the low calories kicking my butt energy wise? I’m struggling to even hit 800 calories, my goals are 800-1200 … I’m getting about 770-780 most days. I don’t think it’s a Keto flue because I’m allowed fruit juice and I use that for popsicles. I haven’t had caffeine in months so I don’t think it’s withdraw from that either. I’ll call my nutritionist Monday if I’m still not feeling well, but since it’s the weekend I thought I would ask if others experienced anything similar and how you got through. Any suggestions or advice appreciate. Thanks in advance.

Were you down to 160 at the time of your revision surgery? My surgeon was originally recommending conversion to bypass. He decided that bypass might have too many side effects since I have already lost a significant amount of weight. He opted to repair my hernia and place a mesh to see if that gets rid of the GERD. He said we still have bypass as a backup option. I’m almost 4 weeks post op and it’s been a tough recovery. I haven’t had any reflux or had to take meds since surgery. Hoping this works!

I'm going to call on Monday and see if I can get in to see my surgeon or the NP. The burning in my throat is constant now and I have zero desire to eat because everything either makes me really nauseous or triggers a BRUTAL reaction (pain, intense burning in my stomach, chest, and throat, nausea, shortness of breath, PAIN). I had my gallbladder out in 97 so I know it's not that. I'm going to try OTC Nexium (comes in 20mg but I'm going to buy extras and take 40mg) for about a week to see if it helps at all. The 40mg of Omeprazole isn't helping. I thought about taking it in the morning and at night, but I want to run that by my doctor first. If the Nexium doesn't help, and if taking one of them 2x a day doesn't help, I will absolutely do a revision to bypass. I'll figure it out with the pills, but I'm on day 3 of this and I can't do it. It's horrible. It's like everything and nothing triggers it. I don't know how people live like this.

My surgery is in 6 days. I'm going to be following Dr. Weiner's diet after surgery. Because of some other health issues, I have to avoid certain foods and his philosophy most closely matches how I need to be eating, so it was a good fit for me. I have questions for others who are also following his diet. I bought three of his books, including the recipe book, but I would love to find more recipes and/or tips on how to follow this plan successfully. Were you able to avoid fake sugars in the first stage after surgery? How did you manage your protein intake if you were trying to cut back on/avoid dairy? Also, are there other websites, support groups, forums, etc. where his diet is specifically discussed? I'm obviously discussing it here, but I want to expand my support network. That is all. 😊

I'm sorry you're dealing with GERD already! Been there, done that. It's a MISERABLE way to live. And I lived that way for several years. It gets to a point that the best prescription GERD meds can't touch it. Google foods to avoid when you have GERD, there's several: fatty foods, dairy, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus, alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages, mint, etc. You may try sleeping propped up or in a recliner, that's what I had to do. I'd say reach out to your surgeon and get prescription reflux meds and see what the surgeon says about how to treat it going forth. Are you okay with revising to bypass? GERD is common after lap band and sleeve since your tummy is operating under a high pressure system. And I know tons of sleeve/band patients have told their stories on here, just as I have. I told my story hoping to help prevent another person from choosing a high pressure weight loss procedure and make a better choice. The lap band permanently altered my esophagus, and I have dysmotility and nerve damage. It caused me to develop GERD along with bile reflux. If I stayed that course I was destined for Barrett's esophagus and possibly esophageal cancer. I hope this reaches at least one person considering the sleeve. I know GERD doesn't happen to everyone who gets a sleeve, but if GERD and revision and another 2 week pre-op diet doesn't sound like something you'd be keen to experience, please reconsider getting a sleeve. It's not the only weight loss surgery option out there. @SleeveDiva2022 I wish you the best and hope you feel better soon!

I did keto a while back and had the keto flu for about a week. The bariatric diet and keto are actually the same except bariatric diet wants your fats 50 or less per day and keto wants HEALTHY fats higher. I did the bariatric diet for 2 1/2 months and my body hated it. I would stall over and over. I decided to switch to keto again and I haven't had a stall in the month I've been doing it and have steadily lost. No keto flu this time, tho. But it's normal and goes away. I keep my calories between 1000-1150 per day (I work out and need the extras so my body doesn't think it's starving and hold on to everything). I keep my carbs between 25-35 per day. My protein stays around 75-85 per day. My fats are usually around 70-80. And I'm completely sugarfree or very low sugar (such as certain fruits or veggies). I work out for 45 minutes per day, and I generally take in around 75-90oz of fluids (depending on the type of workout I did that day).

Embrace those changes to your tastebuds that make everything taste sweet or overly salty. You can break a lot of any desire for sweet & salty in the future. Though as you are drinking soda you would be still feeding your sweet craving with artificial sweeteners. The changed tastebuds are also an opportunity to try different foods/flavours. If you can’t eat all of your meal, pop it in the fridge to have later in the day or tomorrow. I’d scramble two eggs & eat them over three days. A serve of rolled oats took two days. Cover with cling wrap & microwave the next day. Or freeze the leftovers. My freezer is full of leftovers I defrost & reheat. Handy for those days you don’t feel like cooking or have been busy. I sometimes think of it as takeaway food - take it out of the freezer & you have a healthy meal in a very short time. As time passes you will be able to eat more & more but you have to ensure you don’t exceed appropriate recommended serving sizes. Eyeballing or using body parts (palm size, fist size, length of a finger etc.) to judge portion sizes can be helpful especially when eating out, but it may be best to rely more on scales when home. It can be very easily to slip into overestimating, or misjudging the weight of denser foods. You’ll also learn to stop eating before it hurts. It may be little signs & reactions like a sneeze, a slight heaviness, runny nose, etc. Listen to your body. It can be very surprising what you learn about yourself & your body’s needs after surgery. Like I’ve realised if I eat breakfast too early I feel sluggish & generally feel blah. I believe the learning to listen to your body’s cues, being aware of your physical, emotional & mental reactions & understanding your thinking about & relationship with food & eating is one of the most important factor in your success. Oh & having drop in energy again at about this point isn’t that uncommon. I remember feeling so tired one afternoon, I thought I was going to fall off my treadmill (that’s when I briefly played with exercising 😉). Keep an electrolyte drink with you, especially if you know you’re going to have an active day. Don’t be afraid to stop & rest if you need. I often would stop for a quiet cup of tea if out & about or would just go home - can always finish those jobs tomorrow. Keep up your great progress.

That sounds like a sensible approach. My drs program allows me to count half of the liquid in protein drinks as water, but since I can't really get them down, it makes little difference. What kind of food are you eating during the puree stage? I'm supposed to start the puree stage next week, and not really sure what to do. I'm not meeting anyone at the clinic before the puree stage starts and the written program is a bit vague about this stage.

yep - definitely! I had my husband take pictures of me from all four sides every month on my surgery date until I hit maintenance. I couldn't always tell the difference from one month to the next, but when I compared one month's pictures with pictures taken three or four months earlier - yep---big difference! And now I have this wonderful photo documentation of my journey, too!

It's irritation of the phrenic nerve because of the carbon dioxide gas we pump in to expand the abdomen so as to visualise the stomach while operating. The gas gets trapped against the diaphragm and causes pain in the shoulder tip. Most cases resolve within a couple of days, but I suffered with it for 3 weeks. But it does get better as the gas is gradually absorbed, simple analgesia is best.

Maybe not a weird victory, but today I bought a coat in size 44 (same as UK 16 and US 12 or 14) for the first time in years. I asked to try 46 or 48, but the 46 was too big for me. So that was nice. I've also noticed that my eye bags, which have bothered me for years, are slightly better. And I had surgery less than two weeks ago and have only lost 15 pounds, so I'm excited about what the future will bring.

I was sleeved on the 16th with a hernia repair. I’m definitely not at my best right now, I’m tired and deep breaths still catch me like a short shot in the ribs sometimes. This first week is bound to be the hardest on us but it’s going to get better in soooo many ways. Try to focus on that when things are feeling bleak. I’m so sorry your team was not more on top of your medications and having you address what you could and couldn’t take or finding alternatives by working with your prescribing dr. Maybe reaching out to your prescribing dr now to ask what you can do to make sure that you stay on top of your meds could offer any help. Maybe even a temporary change of some meds that can be cut or crushed while you heal is possible? The low energy thing - I’m right there with you. So far I have been ok with my protein & water goals but not my calories - so I’m sure that is part of why I’m dragging. The discomfort doesn’t help either. I’m hoping if I can get through this week - the pulling at my sutures when I move certain ways will be less, the purées will mean more calories and having a little more energy. And I’m expecting each week will get a little better. Hang in there, you aren’t alone and we can do this. Updates on how you’re doing would be great when you are filling up to it.