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My doctor wanted 10% weight loss through medically supervised diet before he'd approve you. For me that was 27 pounds. My insurance wanted 5 months of medically supervised weight loss....so that's what I did, and lost 40 pounds by cutting back calories, learning about better nutrition, making better choices. After surgery, my doctor wanted us eating 1200 calories a day by the 3-4th week. We avoid refined carbs, but eat LOTS of whole carbs....potatoes, whole grains, etc. (no refined sugar or white flour products) We ate 1200 calories a day like that until goal....then gradually upped calories to maintenance. I maintain well at 1600 calories a day. I eat pretty much everything, but am careful with refined foods.

I was 234 at heaviest 118 at lightest and am now (4 and a quarter years post op) 149. Yes - lockdown but more than that it’s sugar addiction. At 114 I had no bum or tits or shape and people said I looked gaunt and old but I LOVED being skinny. I’m now a size 8-10 uk - up from a low 6 and definitely not fat or even really overweight. My bmi is maybe a tad over but I’ve always been solid - short legs long back- great build for a hod carrier an ex once told me!!! so I need to deal but it’s sugar I need to deal with. I go in and off IF and Keto but constantly relapse with sugar. I’m weaning off just now and am going to aim for IF on work days (my tummy is v hair trigger so that helps avoid leaving a classroom mid lesson. the struggle is real. I’m a recovering alcoholic and sugar hits the same button. I’m depressed, sedentary, lonely but I’m not giving up. It’s great to hear from people who’ve kept weight off and I’d like too to hear how you get it off again befor it’s all back... on a positive note I have boobs and a bum again!

@MarissaD : Yes, your haircut is lovely,...but your EYEBROWS! 😍 (In BOTH your Before AND your After pics) Congrats on your weight losses!

I can think of a few "negative" side-effects from results of the WLS (i.e., weight loss), but really, none that would not be considered as mere skinny-girl problems by my old bigger self. But...I do have one negative that came about due to the WLS itself, that needs legitimate addressing (probably for life): Nighttime Relfux. I never had it before, but since surgery, I need to make sure that I go to bed on an empty stomach, and that I have my head/upper body elevated when I'm asleep. If I don't, I will wake up with some stomach contents in my mouth sometime in the middle of the night which is wildly unpleasant. I'm all good when I'm awake, and I know how to manage it with my sleeping arrangements, so its not that bad, but it is annoying.

actually, a 10-20 lb gain after hitting your lowest weight is VERY common, especially in year 2 or 3 - so you were lucky you held out for so long. Your gain is pretty minimal for being 10 years out - a lot of people fail to get a handle on that 10-20 lb bounce back and it starts to get really out of control. Losing 10-20 lbs is tough but do-able - way easier than the 50+ that some people gain (and unfortunately, some people end up gaining most (or all) of their weight back if they're not careful). I gained 10 lbs in year 3 and have gained another 10 this year (thanks to COVID). I don't want to get back down to my lowest weight as it was too low for me, but I'd love to get rid of the 10 pounds I put on this year. Although it's been tough. It doesn't seem to want to budge much. Although for normal weight or slightly overweight people, losing weight is really hard, even for those who've never been obese. I remember being at Weight Watchers meetings years ago and rolling my eyes at these slightly overweight women who'd groan and complain about how hard it was to lose 10 lbs. Yea right (I'd think...) - try lose 100+ lbs! But now I totally get it!! all you can really do is either cut calories or bump up your exercise - or both - and know that it's going to be tough slog since you're at a normal (or maybe slightly above?) a normal BMI. But....some people do manage to do it! Congrats on your loss and on your ability to keep it off for so long. And be grateful that you've only put on 20 lbs in 10 years. That'd still be considered a very successful result - and it's manageable - with some hard work, you should be able to get rid of that (that is, if you want to!)

well glad to hear.. that was exactly my thought about the starting weight and expectations on loss.. i was too the point of wanting to pass out at any given point in the day - so i couldnt imagine what my body would go through if i lost at the rate the doc suggested.

given your starting weight, 30 lbs a month is unrealistic. Most of us lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range the first month (of course there are exceptions to that, but...they're exceptions), and with your low starting weight, I'd expect you to be on the lower end of that. Plus that's just the first month. After the first month, rate of weight loss drops quite a bit. Most of us have a big drop the first month (or maybe two months for some of us), and after that it's around 10 lbs a month. So you're fine. And your surgeon is being very unrealistic. Maybe he's used to patients who start out much heavier than you? I'm not sure, but his expectations are way off. I'm glad they'll be starting you on prilosec. Actually, many surgeons prescribe it for the first 3-6 months after surgery (mine prescribed it for the first year, but that was a few years ago before all the potential side effects of PPIs were known - I wouldn't be surprised if he's reduced it to 3-6 months at this point). At any rate, that might help. And if not, yes - gall bladder could be the culprit. keep us posted...

I had surgery on March 23rd and had the SADI. I’m starting puréed foods currently. My weight was 265 surgery day and I’m stuck at 252 for over a week. Did anyone else have this issue?

Hi @DaisyAndSunshine I also have pcos and after continous research i chose gastric bypass. The weight loss is more permanent with the bypass and I dont have to worry about becoming diabetic. But good luck with your decision and just look into stories of females with pcos that had weight loss surgery.

It appears to be resolved! I fought with appeals for 10 months to get approved for my surgery, the big hurdle was weight loss surgery wasn't included in my coverage. I won my final appeal because the surgery was my only viable option to properly repair my hiatal hernia. I called insurance, they told me it was automatically rejected based on my coverage, they will process it again and it should be fine.

Hi there, After having followed the site for some time, I am posting here for the first time to get some advise! Height - 4'11 HW - 222 Current Weight - 215 My surgeon has given me both options - Sleeve OR Bypass! I don't have any GERD issue or anything that may tilt the balance on one or the other. So can I please get some advise so I can make up my mind on what to choose?! I have PCOS and I want to lose about 100 pounds for my PCOS related side effects to come to a good halt. So maximum weight loss or as much as I can is definitely a key for me. Hence I was thinking *Bypass*, but then I have also followed some posters here and they have lost the same amount with Sleeve too! I would preferred Sleeve too because of little less side effects in future. But then I also don't want to get Sleeved and then not lose the desired weight, having to regret the decision not to have picked Bypass. I have also read how average weight loss is more or less similar to both in the 5 yr study, so why do some pick *Bypass* over *Sleeve*?! Any advise would be great so I don't pendulum on the options and pick one of the two!

Hi there, After having followed the site for some time, I am posting here for the first time to get some advise! Height - 4'11 HW - 222 Current Weight - 215 My surgeon has given me both options - Sleeve OR Bypass! I don't have any GERD issue or anything that may tilt the balance on one or the other. So can I please get some advise so I can make up my mind on what to choose?! I have PCOS and I want to lose about 100 pounds for my PCOS related side effects to come to a good halt. So maximum weight loss or as much as I can is definitely a key for me. Hence I was thinking *Bypass*, but then I have also followed some posters here and they have lost the same amount with Sleeve too! I would preferred Sleeve too because of little less side effects in future. But then I also don't want to get Sleeved and then not lose the desired weight, having to regret the decision not to have picked Bypass. I have also read how average weight loss is more or less similar to both in the 5 yr study, so why do some pick *Bypass* over *Sleeve*?! Any advise would be great so I don't pendulum on the options and pick one of the two!

This is a fabulous idea. Such a positive way to start your weight loss. Make it a regular thing. Once a month book in for some beauty treatments. Pampering always makes me feel fantastic. Put yourself first for a change. Good luck.

I’m sorry you are going through this. What is your surgeon telling you as to why this is happening or what you can do to get past this? What are they doing to help you with your fluid & food intake (dehydration must be a real concern) or reducing the nausea? What tests have they done? If they haven’t, start demanding something be done. My multivitamins used to make me nauseous & I often threw up in the morning but after that I’d be fine. But that’s nothing like you’re going through. I’m also surprised by your surgeon saying 10lbs a week is slow. It wouldn’t t even be considered slow if you were in excess of 500lbs. At your starting weight it’s a pretty darn fast rate of loss especially at three months out. I never got that chew, chew, chew thing. Just chew & swallow naturally. At three months you’re fully healed. I hope you can get some answers & a solution soon. All the best.

I agree with @ms.sss, @BayougirlMrsS. The self tanner seems to be a subtle match to your naturally tanned skin & it’s a lovely tone. Those orange ones look so fake. Oh no, @GreenTealael. Why does this sort of thing always happen to your favourite pants, dress, shirt, etc. Sometimes if you spray hair spray on the paint stain it will help it come out in the wash if it’s a water-based paint. If you can’t get it out you can always say you bought them as hand painted leggings. 😁

I am 12 weeks out Post Op for Gastric Sleeve and ready to LOOSE IT! Can't eat squat without getting very nauseous and vomiting up what I ate. I feel nauseous from the moment I wake up... with the feeling of wanting to hurl without even eating a thing yet. I can't drink the stupid protein drinks or water without getting sick.. so I don't. YES... I have had small bites and chewed the hell out of it and yet still... this is like a living hell. I feel thirsty yet cant keep stuff down.. and weak and dizzy. I don't feel right at all and there seems to be no end in sight for this madness. At week 12 my life should be more normal by now. My weight loss is about 10 lbs a week which Doc says is slower than he would like.. So I was wondering am I the only one out here in this boat to hell???

@GreenTealael doesn’t it!! I’m just thinking it doesn’t have to be such a loss and as miserable as it could be!

For my visit, I talked on the phone to a nurse and after met virtually with the physician's assistant and dietitian. I can post about my dietitian's visit later if anyone is interested. First, I spoke with the nurse over the phone for about 15 minutes. She asked the following questions: What type of surgery or intervention are you interested in? What is your current weight? What is your blood pressure? Tell me about any prior surgeries? Next, I met with the physicians assistant (PA-C), for about 50 minutes. She asked the following questions: What is your weight history? How long have you struggled with weight? What do you think is the cause of weight gain? What are your lifestyle habits? Have you taken weight loss medication? Did the weight loss medication work for you? How much weight have you gained in the last year? What is motivating you to lose weight? What type of exercise are you doing? What's your living situation like? Do you eat out? Who does the cooking in the household? Do you eat three meals a day? Do you snack? What are you snacking on? Do you struggle with emotional eating? Have you been diagnosed with a kidney stone? Do you have an irregular heart rhythm? Have you had an EKG? Any bleeding disorders or blood clots? Have you been diagnosed with an eating disorder? Have you met with a therapist? Do you have heartburn? Do you have a stomach ulcer? Do you use your CPAP? Multiple family planning questions. Next, we discussed my medical history. She gave a general overview of: Obesity Metabolic processes Emotional health Coping skills Lifestyle changes Weight loss medications Expectations The differences in surgery, benefits, and risks associated with the sleeve and RNY were discussed. She made a surgical recommendation. There is a 2-form of contraception requirement. I was given an outline of tasks to complete. Those were: scheduling a blood draw and contacting my sleep center to request my CPAP usage download. A scheduler will call to schedule a psychological assessment, physical therapy, and an appointment with the nurse clinician who'll act as my contact throughout the process. It was also encouraged that I attend the support group for bariatric and weight management patients. Lastly, I was given the clinic's late policy and the reminder that if I gain 10 pounds before surgery, I will be re-evaluated to be sure I'm a good surgical candidate. I had the blood draw and eight tubes were taken. I was tested for vitamin deficiencies including B1, B6, D. Also, calcium, iron, prediabetes, cholesterol, creatinine for kidney function, parathyroid hormone, and others. Hope this helps anyone curious about the first visit.

Love your hair style! ❤️

Losing weight is definitely the positive to having WLS but what are some of the negative sides effects others have experienced after having weight loss surgery that they weren’t anticipating?

I keep hearing about food funerals and I know before I start my 2 week liquid diet I will indulge in at least one of my favorite foods, but I’m thinking about trying a self care binge instead of food! I think I’m going to get my hair colored, toes done, get a little sun, and maybe a massage. Whatever makes me feel good. I have always had food in my life, but not enough focus on me! I think it would be good to start the journey in a positive way rather then think of it as an ending when it comes to the food aspect. Replace food with self care!?!?! Has anyone else done this or had this kind of mind set before getting ready for surgery?

So my marriage is a lot shorter than some here (15 years) but in my experience trying to avoid an argument only works when the thing you are ignoring is kinda petty and you’re overreacting. Like, it vaguely pisses me off that my husband keeps moving the damn bath mat, and that he wears his dirty work shoes on the carpet. But I let it go because at the end of the day, it’s not that big of a deal. If he said something about me in front of someone else that I felt was inappropriate? Oh, he’d be hearing it. But I tend to be a pretty assertive person in general, both before and after weight loss. OP, I applaud you for fighting for your marriage. I recommend however that you fight for a marriage that will make you happy and will work long term. You can’t fight for a marriage that involves you hiding all your feelings and feeling uncomfortable with the person you are sharing your life with. My husband has definitely called me on some shit I’ve said over the years. Did I always agree that he should feel the way he did? No, but it’s not about me agreeing with his feelings, it’s me acknowledging that he does feel that way and me deciding to not do that again because I love him and I don’t want to make him unhappy.

Thank you so much @ruthpets!! It’s just reassuring to hear what other people’s experiences are like. The 30 lbs I’ve lost also includes my pre surgery loss, I’ve lost about 15 since surgery.

Unless testing has confirmed it, don’t assume you’ve stretched your stomach. [B-side rant] My view (although no asked 😂) : If it were any other surgery like knee, hip or even a heart valve replacement no one would bat an eyelash if you needed extra time to adjust or if it needed to be repaired again. There would be no guilt or shame associated because it would be understood that you can’t stop yourself from using it or the wear associated with its use. But when it comes to weight loss surgery it seems like you get one chance to have it go perfect and then everything is your fault if it doesn’t. I have no clue where this ideas come from but I don’t think it helps us at all especially because it doesn’t seem to work like that with almost anything else in life. Please be kind to yourself ❤️

From here: https://www.ecommunity.com/services/community-bariatric-and-medical-weight-loss-services/faq/after-surgery " What happens to the lower part of the stomach that is bypassed? The stomach is left in place with intact blood supply. In some cases it may shrink a bit and its lining (the mucosa) may atrophy, but for the most part it remains unchanged. The lower stomach still contributes to the function of the intestines even though it does not receive or process food—it makes intrinsic factor, which is necessary to absorb vitamin B12, and contributes to hormone balance and motility of the intestines in ways that are not entirely known. "