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yes - definitely don't stress about it. There are so many things that affect your rate of weight loss that you have little to no control over - age, gender, starting BMI, metabolic rate, etc. The only two things you do have a lot of control over is how closely you stick to your program and your activity level. Do well with those and the weight will come off, either fast or slow. I was a slow loser from the get-go, and I lost over 200 lbs. So it can be done..

That's AWESOME! I'll be happy when I'm under 300. It's my goal to reach 250-ish by the end of the year, so we will see how that works out. I'll be happy if I get close! I'm sorry to hear about your protein/water intake problem. Yes, dehydration will cause your body to reject other things until it's properly hydrated. Have you asked about the possibility of using something like IV Hydrates in your water? After passing out in Legoland, my husband would put that in my water and I didn't have much of an issue with dehydration after that. I usually have Weigh-In Wednesdays, but some Sundays I sneak a peak, especially if I feel bloated or haven't had a proper BM, but that's happening less and less now, especially since I don't want to get discouraged and weight fluctuates throughout the week. I can't imagine living with fibromyalgia. I'm glad this gives you some relief from the exhaustion and brain fog, I'm relieved to experience the same.

I was on metformin at one time, but it made me violently sick and passed out several times while on it, so I'll never agree to be put on it again. It also caused an issue with my pancreas (already had an issue, but it enflamed it?) I can't do keto/low carb because I literally stop losing weight, but my diet is mostly protein/veg with a little bit of sweet potato or a couple of tbsp of quinoa or brown jasmine rice, depends on the meal. I've noticed the 2 weeks I was below 35g carbs after surgery I not only had issues with low blood sugar, but I also didn't lose any weight during that time. I was low carb for years and never lost weight, no one can really explain why since my blood work does show insulin resistance. I don't take any medicine for hashimotos. Many people with hashimotos thyroiditis get put on thyroid medicine. I was on Leothyronine (NP thyroid did not work for me, caused major weight gain), but since surgery we've done the labs 3xs and my provider said not to take it and we will re-test in 90 days unless my weight loss stops completely. Hopefully that means I won't need it at all in the future. I'm still AIP-ish in eating, which is what helps the most with hashis symptoms. Luckily, eggs don't cause a flareup and most fermented dairy doesn't either. However, milk-based products and casein does.

Hi Rachel and Jen!! My mini gastric bypass was 4/14. I have lost less than you both. I have not been able to get anywhere near my protein and water intake, I have a HUGE aversion to protein since week 6. I did my surgery in Mexico so I don't have any local support at this point but my surgeon advises he thinks I'm very dehydrated causing my inability to handle eating. I went and got a Myers IV bag last week and i feel like it has helped a bit, My starting weight was 242 and hit onederland Monday!!! I only weigh once a week and was at 199.8 this past Monday. You both are doing so amazing!!! I have fibromyalgia and this has helped with my brain fog and exhaustion for sure. I am not working out yet at direction from my surgeon until my fluids and protein are under control. I still get very light headed and dizzy everyday.

Do you take anything for your PCOS? The reason many health care professionals say women with PCOS lose weight slower is because the condition is associated with insulin resistance. Metformin helps, as does Spironolactone for the PCOS-associated skin issues. Lower carbs and more protein helps with the insulin swings. If you’re eating the right amount of calories then it won’t affect your weight loss rate, but your hunger can increase from the low blood sugar that happens after eating in patients with insulin resistance. I’m presuming you’re on medicine for Hashimoto’s… Your Dr. is right that there’s nothing to worry about though. Cheers! Source: I work in healthcare and have PCOS as well.

This is what I find wrong with going by BMI. A person, just on the cusp, should not need to gain weight to "prove" that they need this surgery to help them. I feel that if you are in the overweight category, have tried everything and have still not succeeded, that you can take this option. My dr. refused to let me get the weight loss injection as well because my BMI was too low. I was told I needed to gain weight so that I could essentially lose then..... That makes absolutely no sense to me. I am coming to get help before it becomes too much.

Had my 1st post-op visit today...my scale says I've lost 13 lbs...Dr scale says I've lost 7...6 lb difference!!! WTF!!! Dr says I should only be weighing myself once a week and that I'm doing fine. But I thought for sure the weight would come off a little faster. Sticking with soft foods until next appointment on July 20th. Hopefully I'll see a better loss then. My husband goes in on Monday for his surgery so at least we will both be on the same diet. Sent from my SM-G981V using BariatricPal mobile app

I too waited and almost deliberately put on weight to get me over the set BMI that would get the surgery done. If I knew I could have got it done with a lower bmi I certainly would have and I would have had less weight to loose, probably would have less loose skin issues etc etc. Good for you hope all goes well. I was 90kg when I decided I wanted something surgical done about my weight but was told I would have to be over 100kg to qualify as it was at 105 kg my bmi was 38 and only just qualified because I had sleep apnoea and high cholesterol.

That's great! I bet you feel great! I know the smaller you are the less you'll lose initially, but I was 381. I'm glad for the weight I have lost and I'm planning on savoring every stage I come to/through. My dr said it should've been 50-60 lbs but patients with PCOS often lose at slower rates even with the surgery, so I'm still on course and not to worry about it as much if I'm still losing consistently month after month

That's exactly what I have been told as well. I should not have to wait until I am morbidly obese to take my weight into my hands. I agree with you about owning shares too haha I've literally tried tons of diet plans, bought the food, the pills, the books, the videos, I am over it all. I need a tool that will assist and keep assisting once I've lost the weight. I am mainly keeping this decision to myself, as I do not feel I will get the support I need.

Great choice , everyone always told me I was not fat enough for WLS ! I did it 6 months ago I’ve lost 70 lbs and have 30 more to go, I just had someone ask me that only need to loose 40 lbs. or so she is waiting for approval! I’ve had so much invested in weight loss programs O should own stock in them! Lol best choice aI ever made was getting the sleeve done!

I had surgery 8 weeks ago. Weight loss will vary depending on how much you weighed to start with. I’ve lost 31-33 lbs since surgery day and 39 lbs including pre-op, however I was a lot smaller to start with so % wise I’m right where I need to be. Your body will keep losing until you hit your BMR plus activity calories to maintain your weight. We just have to remember we have the rest of our lives and to enjoy this awesome ride! Congrats on your weight loss so far. I know there’s more to come! 🥳 Queso

Hi everyone! I'm 5'2 236 lbs BMI is 43. I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve on August 9th. After doing some research I'm seeing that many gain back if not, all their weight. I totally understand that this surgery is merely a tool, but up to me, to change my bad eating habits. I'm just wondering if anyone had permanent or serious health changes due to the surgery? Eg; fatigue due to vitamin loss, hormonal changes, permanent hair loss, no weight loss at all, etc. And anything you would share with me! Thank you!

Hi danita75, yes, I am referring to the sleeve. I hope it is the right choice, but I'm tired of the constant loss and gains. I just want to work on becoming a healthier, better me and for once, loving myself

Same! It's OK, even though I'm not where I thought I'd be, I'm happy to be losing consistently and not gaining it! I'm sorry you're experiencing so much nausea, I usually don't get nauseated unless I'm really about to vomit. Have you spoken with your doctor about trying Zofran to help with the nausea? My eating is OK. I struggle a lot, it seems many things make me vomit or can't be tolerated. I make sure to chew very, very well and to make sure not to overeat ever. Usually eat a 4-6 oz meal over an hour or 90 minutes to make sure I don't overdo it. If using portion cups, I have between 1/2c and 3/4c of food, depending on what I'm eating. When it's 000 Vanilla yogurt + blueberries I do the 1/2c yogurt and 1/4c blueberries, but normal meals with protein/veg are just 1/2c (4oz). I can finally get all of my protein and most of the water in everyday. I'm not quite to 64oz, but most days I'm really close. It's difficult to drink that much fluid throughout the day because I'm on the phone all day at work, so the time I have to down water is limited to before taking calls, on breaks, and after work (7pm at night). I walk, I swim, or I jump on the elliptical for a few minutes if it's raining and I can't walk. I've tried working out with resistance bands, but just a few sets into a workout, I feel like I'm going to pass out. I'm having about 750 calories a day most days, sometimes less if I ate something that made me vomit that day because for the rest of the day I can only have liquid because my stomach is unforgiving. I actually did pass out a couple weeks ago, apparently. We took our daughter to Legoland and I thought I had been drinking enough and forgot to eat (breakfast at 9am, but should've had protein or snack by 12pm and didn't). I don't remember what happened, but I woke up in the medical facility being cared for, they said I passed out and needed to be hydrated ASAP. They gave me 2 gatorade popsicles and made me drink my protein shake (premier protein carton my husband gave to them) and eventually I was feeling better and caught up with the family to continue our vacation. Truth is, I have hashimotos and because of the restrictions in eating, I feel 1000xs better. Free from the fatigue and the brain fog, I can finally reach my toes again, and I'm all around feeling better than I did at 421lbs (or the 381 I was at on the day of surgery). I really hope that you find it easier to be consistent. Sometimes setting hard boundaries are needed when you have a set day/time/times that you decide to walk/exercise. My daughter is 12 and a good helper, she reminds me every morning about our walks together OR getting on the elliptical and we go swimming every Saturday, sometimes Thursday or Sunday too, depending on how I feel. I don't stress the exercise as much right now because I'm consistent enough that when I take a day to rest, I'm not upsetting anything. My doctor asked me to start working up to eating 1000 calories a day by my 3 month post op, but I don't think that's going to happen. At 750 I feel full all day long and can hardly eat more and I don't eat fats in my food unless I have olives or avocado because I can't process it very well. But alas, we are all different. I've seen many stating how they feel great and can eat pretty much anything with no issues and I'm happy that they can. I'm hoping to grow up and be like them someday, LOL. Unfortunately, that's not my story for now.

Hi @Rachel_Hannah! I had my surgery the same day as you (April 13th). I had lost some weight pre surgery so went into surgery at 297lbs. and today am weighing in at 253 lbs. So sounds like we have experienced similar weight loss. It’s hard to not get frustrated that more weight hasn’t come off BUT I constantly try to remind myself that close to 50 lbs. in just over two months in pretty amazing 🤩 How is your eating? I basically never want to eat anything as nausea is pretty bad so I know that if I can work to get more protein and water I will probably do even better. Also need to be more consistent with working out. How’s that going for you?

Good afternoon, I'm officially 10 weeks post op after VSG. I've only lost 48 lbs, but I'm feeling SO much better than before. Just curious for anyone who's been out of surgery around the same time (my date was April 13th) and what you've lost during this time. I'm not worried about not losing more because 48lbs in 10 weeks is still a great amount to have lost, but my surgeon said I would've lost between 50-60 lbs by 8 weeks out, on average. Weight loss is consistent now, I didn't lose anything for about 3+ weeks after week 3 while I was healing, but now it's consistently about 3-4 lbs down every week. I've also found it helpful to include at least 2 tbsp a day of some type of grain or starch (nothing processed/white/wheat). When I stay lower in carbs (below 35), I don't lose weight at all for that week.

I had my one week consult. Everything is going well. No problem working out but they want me to make sure I listen to my body. I’m moving my liquids to 100oz and protein to 100gr. I know it all water weight but down 13 lbs.

I had VSG in Tijuana, Mx. at HospitalBC with Dr. Illan, so I can only speak to my own personal experience. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the Medical Tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. Regarding your questions above: 1 - No, it was a combination of finances, timeline, convenience, and other factors. 2 - No, I did not get an option. My surgeon uses a 32 as his standard and will only deviate when appropriate for the patient. 3 - I met with my PCP before I went and she was extremely supportive. She does all my post-op labs, checked my incisions, offered dietary support, etc. She now recommends my surgeon to other patients who are interested in going out of country for the procedure. 4 - The hospital I chose was staffed with additional medical personnel in case of emergencies, but that really wasn't a consideration for me. The instance/risk of major complications DURING surgery is essentially nil. 5 - Complications aren't usually the result of a surgical mistake, so there is generally nothing for the surgeon to "fix" they typically are just the result of a person's own body's healing. For instance, a stricture is one of the most common (though still extremely rare) post-op complications, and they are almost never a direct result of surgical error. They just happen. 6 - My hospital offers lifetime nutritional support, which is great. That being said, I HIGHLY recommend some serious counseling before & after to deal with the emotional/mental work that has to be done. I was really well informed pre-op but still felt like the extra support would be critical, and it was. I would also suggest ongoing community support - either here, or something like BariNation (which I LOVE), or a local support group. I am a card carrying, people hating, highly independent introvert and have still found community support to be vital to my success. 7 - I wish I had known how ridiculously kind and accommodating the staff would be. I went alone and really kept to myself, but the one time I needed the staff they were incredibly responsive and very kind. In hindsight, I wish I had been more engaged. *going out of order* 9 - It takes time. Most people will NOT be able to hit their protein and water goals right away. It took me probably 3 months before I was able to get there consistently. It just takes a crap ton of work. I keep water handy at ALL times, and drink, drink, drink like its my job. I was never advised to drink warm water or to adjust my intake in any way. Just drink, all the time. 8 - I am going to say this as gently and with as much love as I possibly can - This is not your journey and you would serve your wife best by keeping your opinions to yourself. Unless you have lived in her brain and her body, you cannot understand what she is going through, what is driving her behaviors, or what toll it is taking on her mental health. I can guarantee you, she feels plenty of shame already and doesn't need you second guessing her ability to be successful. The best thing you can do is research, report back, support her, and shut up. My husband is thin and has the metabolism of a hummingbird. He has never struggled with his weight and as such has no frame of reference and no ability to understand. He recognized this early on, and has thus deferred to me on every diet, every fast, every medication, and ultimately my decision to have surgery. His unconditional support, free of opinions and judgment, was the kindest gift he ever gave to me. I know you love her, and you clearly want her to succeed. But the baggage you are forcing her to drag around is entirely unhelpful. A much more valuable way to help would be to help her find a therapist so she can do the work that would set her up for success long term.

I totally agree with you. My friend and I have been friends since High School, but when she found out about my weight loss surgery, her demeanor changed. She is way overweight and has been for some time, but since I decided to do something about my weight, her whole personality changed. I called her the other night and she pretended like she didn't recognize my voice. She answered the phone and said, "who is this?" Nevertheless, I cut her off from that moment. I don't need friends who are unable to celebrate my wins but are quick to celebrate my losses. F**k her!!

Hey all, my wife is looking into the gastric sleeve surgery, of course I am the one with all the questions about it. Hoping maybe someone could help with any anecdotal evidence at least. I'm trying to reduce the "I wish we knew x before doing this" ... Anyway, for obvious reasons we are looking at Mexico. The first one she sent me was Elias Ortiz out of Tijuana. So I looked into him more, and read about some very poor (in my opinion) things about him, I think mostly when he was with ALM (or whatever it's called). Of course the first surgeon we look at giving me the eebie geebies is not a great start. He's not officially out of running, but we have looked into the following now. Odd that there didn't seem to be lists of them. Haven't looking into everything equally, our spoken to the coordinator on prices or anything, but these are probably in order of what we like. Endobariatric in Piedras Negras with Guillermo Alvarez LIMARC in Tijuana with Liza María Pompa González Obesity Control Center in Tijuana with Ariel Ortiz Elias Ortiz & Co in Tijuana VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana with Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz So I guess the questions are the following. If anyone could answer whatever question you may be able to add to, that would be great. Thanks!! 1) After deciding on Mexico, what was the overriding determinant in picking a surgeon, was it only price? 2 Did you get to pick the bougie size? I read a study (odd that I only found one) about bougie sizes - apparently 32 fr and 40 fr are the 2 commonest sizes? Anyway the study said that there was no materially significant weight loss difference between the two sizes, but there were less complications with the 40 fr size. Also in her situation, she's 5'10", and her general body type is such that her most healthy weight is going to be more than others her height, so I fear something too restrictive could come with problems of their own. 3 I've read about issues where people's Drs don't support post op care for out of country surgeries. This was old info though. Have people found this to still be the case? Is it only for the primary doctors, or only bariatric doctors? Or both, or is that not really a thing anymore? 4 What about complications during surgery. I have to imagine they send you to an ER in the states. I understand at that point our insurance will cover the emergency internationally, but not sure the MX hospital would be adequately staffed, and may have to send us to a place in the US. Any issues with transportation delays having to cross border? 5 Complications after you return home... I assume no, but are there any that, if we are about to make it back out, would fix the problem for like no cost or reduced fee? 6 Post op care. Like weeks/months/years... Is there a type of support you wish you had but was not provided? Nutritionist, or type of PT or psychologist/psychotherapist that focuses on mental issues that may arise after the big life change, to avoid body dysmorphia from moving to a different body part... I know the OCC place mentioned 5 years worth of support. Not sure if that is worth it, or if it's just something out there for fluff because it seems like something that would be useful for patients, but actually patients after the fact realize it's not helpful. 7 anything you know now, but would've been really helpful to know beforehand? Whether generally, or issues that would be specific to MX vs going to a place in US? 8 wondering the success of people with situation like her... In my opinion her problem isn't with overeating/the size of her stomach. She doesn't eat because she's hungry, so I'm not sure the impact this has on ghrelin will be a huge help. She invites an environment where she keeps low metabolism, skips meals, snacks on crap, drinks artificial sweeteners, takes medication that has been shown to lower metabolism. I tell her she needs to eat more protein, fiber, and 'eat like a diabetic' and when she works out (which she doesn't even do anymore), it's more of a benefit to go shorter sessions, but with more intensity, as that is best for your metabolism ... She says "Believe it or not, I actually learned this in college (for her nursing degree) and I know what I need to do" but yet does not do at all what she needs to do - and yet also simultaneously complains that she's tried everything to lose weight, even though that's not the case, particularly in last few years when she's out on anywhere from 20-40 pounds (guess). Looking at all the pre and post op diets, it looks like there's a focus on protein (as one would expect). So she's like, addicted to the dopamine I guess that she gets. She eats because she knows it's there. So while I am sure she will lose a bunch of weight offer the first 6-12 months, I tell her I'm more worried about being back where she is now 5 years after the fact, due to her behaviors that have put us in this situation in the beginning. There have been a handful of things that she's done (each successive thing being more expensive), where she's like "if I get x then it will force me to do y" and that's basically her 'argument' here. 9 related to above, how does one stay hydrated while exercising, esp in heat? Or even being sick? Is it recommended to drink warm water, due to the quicker absorption than cold?

As you transition and get closer to your target weight, you may want to use bra pads with your older bras. It may save you some money. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bra+pads+inserts+push+up+thick&crid=LJOB4B1HG1QW&sprefix=bra+pads%2Caps%2C143&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_8_8 Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Anti depressants are notorious for causing weight gain, often because appetite increases. Your doctor needs to check the anecdotal evidence about Trintellux. Maybe there is another med you could try? Weight gain In clinical studies, people who took Trintellix didn’t have a significant change in their weight. But after this drug was approved, some people taking Trintellix reported weight gain while taking the drug. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/trintellix#side-effects My GP increased my HRT 6 months ago & I gained a couple of kgs pretty quickly (& started getting random pimples too - WTF?). I also was increasing my protein intake & I blamed that at first. I cut out some things from I ate, added a little more activity but no change to my weight. Now, I’m putting 90% of the blame on the HRT. But what do you do? Symptoms or some extra kg. Don’t let it demoralise you. You’ve done so well with your weight loss. All the best.

You’ll notice lots of differences in pre surgical & post surgical plans all the time. I know my surgeon puts different patients on different pre surgical diets. He considers many factors like weight loss history, health status, how much weight they have to lose, etc. in his decision. He put my friend on all shakes. He instructed a friend of hers to do two shakes & a meal. Me, he put on keto. You just have to follow your plan. Your surgeon likely recommended it for a reason. You could always ask them why.

So sorry you have been struggling. It will be interesting to see what your PCP says, what tests they order & what treatments they recommend. I wonder if the release of hormones & other things stored in your fat as you’re losing weight has stirred up some of your health issues? This isn’t uncommon. My cholesterol rose while I was losing though my fat intake was very low & my liver function was off. My predisposition to low blood pressure has become a permanent condition. I grew a gall stone & had my gall removed. Plus the surgery & all the changes to your duet & eating puts you under a lot of stress & that can stir up all sorts of health issues. Just a suggestion. I don’t understand nutritionalists who recommend no chicken, beef or pork for months after surgery. What’s their justification? What do they recommend you should eat instead? I presume plant based proteins. Can you eat seafood? The weight loss phase should be the time you learn about how you want & need to eat in the future - learning new eating & cooking habits, new & alternative ingredients. If you were or are intending to follow a meat free diet in the future their plan is fine but if not … Plus you have to get your tummy & digestive system used to a broad range of foods again & see what it does & doesn't tolerate. I was eating meat including seafood from soft food & some in purée. Some didn’t taste as good to begin but I could tolerate them all. Unfortunately constipation in some form is a cross we all have to bear while losing. Soluble fibre, stool softeners, laxatives, etc. become part of your life for a while. It does improve a lot once you are eating more & a more varied diet. Glad you decided to go out & some some fun with a friend though it was unfortunate you injured your hip. Don’t give up though. Just take it more slowly.