Search the Community

Welcome all! If you can, please update your profiles to help us know more about you, such as type of surgery, surgery date, starting weight, goal weight, etc. These will help all of us as we support each other through this process.

A couple of additional thoughts on this thread: First, as many have pointed out, averages are just that, averages. Some people will lose more and some less than those numbers. Whether of not you are on the lower side or the higher side depends a lot on you. Work your plan and you too can blow that "average" out of the water. Second:, avoid the temptation to select your target weight from the BMI "ideal weight" range. Some people don't realize this, but on average, 25% of your excess weight is not fat. As you might expect, it's made up of the additional muscle mass needed to carry the extra weight (much of which you'll lose), but it's also extra blood volume, bone mass, organ weight, excess skin, etc. Some of those things will continue to cause you to be "overweight" in terms of BMI, but in actuality, you might be in a very health place in terms of lean to fat mass. Get it checked if in doubt.

I'm 323 as of today. Not sure how I lost 4 pounds in 6 days, but I'll take it lol Actually, I might know. So in therapy, we've been working on healthy balance between eating and working out. I was keeping my calories around 700-800 calories and working out twice per day. I've slooooowly increased my calories to between 1000 - 1100 calories per day and I do one 45 minute work out instead of two 30 minute ones and it seems like once I did that, the weight started really coming off again. Who knew eating MORE calories (along with a reasonable work out plan and not going balls to the wall twice a day every day) would be the most effective way to lose weight? My bariatric team wants me at 700 calories and at least 60 minutes or working out every day. But my body doesn't like that. My likes things the way they are. At least for now. So this is when I really had to lean on my therapist, because she's a bariatric therapist and also specializes in eating disorders, and she kind of gave permission for me to not follow my surgeon's preferences to the letter. I still try to eat what they say and avoid what they say, and I still the kinds of workouts they recommend. I just have to listen to my body when it comes to length and frequency of work outs and amount of calories I take in each day.

Everyone's mileage may vary, but I found this calculator turned out to be pretty accurate for me: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/bariatric-surgery-weight-loss-timeline-calculator/ On the morning of my surgery, I was 460. This calculator put me at 372 at the 3 month mark. I was 381. It had me at 325 at the six month mark. I was 331. It had me at 267 at the year mark. I am at 261.

The Question: “When did you stop buying new clothes?” My Answer: Never! 😂 With that said though, “New Clothes” purchases started its significant rise around 4 months (when i shrunk out of my horde of “skinny clothes” i kept over the years); peaked at about 1 year (omg i was a shopaholic around that time), and levelled off since then (i’ll be 4 yrs post in October). If resources allow, i say there ain’t nothing wrong at all with getting some cute outfits that fit PROPERLY….looking good generally makes you FEEL good, which does wonders for your confidence, which makes all the difference with dealing with life in general (including weight loss/maintenance!) Good Luck! ❤️

The matter that you have a guy metabolism, and have had a relatively easy pre op loss if a good indicator of fairly rapid progress post op, but no guarantees, of course. I was also 335 at the start, lost about 50 fairly easily in the six month insurance diet/exercise effort (and then took a few years off before surgery - but kept the 50 off which led me toward the sleeve rather than something stronger like the DS, but I digress....) I was at 200 at six months post op, starting to ramp up the calories to slow things down toward my moving goal of 190ish (based upon body composition - fat mass, etc. - rather than BMI or scale weight.) Wight loss is usually a stair step affair, in a decaying function (rapid at first and slowing over time). The matter that you have lost "fairly easily" to date is a good sign that your metabolism is still in decent shape - those who struggle at this point seem to be fighting a bigger metabolic problem and tend to be "slow losers" and will often struggle to get to their goal weight, if they get there at all. Slow weight loss pre op would encourage me to look at something metabolically stronger like the DS, which may be overkill for someone with a better metabolism. In addition to general declining loss trends (mostly because it doesn't take as many calories to move around 200 lb as it does 300 lb, etc.) weight loss tends to be front loaded some by virtue that most of our initial loss has a large water weight component in it, and the body initially draws from its glycogen stores - basically stored carbs kept in the liver and muscle tissues, used for quick response energy needs. That needs the water to keep it in solution, and burns more rapidly than fat. Once we get through that - maybe 10-20 lb typically - we start drawing on fat stores, which goes slower. So, don't expect as big of a drop out of surgery as someone who hasn't lost anything pre op.

Here is my rate of loss. We are all different. We all hit stalls at different times. Surgery Date was April 18th. and i take measurements and weight on the 4th of every month. So last measurement was August 4th.

losing more weight pre-op generally means slower loss the first month. It's because a lot of the loss the first month is water weight. If you lost weight pre-op, then you've already lost the water weight. After that water weight drop, the rate of weight loss is about the same regardless if you lost weight pre-op or not.

So, one more question on this. Allowing for the fact that everyone is different, does losing more weight pre-op indicate faster or slower loss post-op?

The others are correct, weight loss, especially after WLS is never linear. If you were to graph it out, it would look more like exponential decay (with lots of fits and starts and even deviations up). At one point. I even tried graphing out my potential loss based on a decay constant but realized it was all based on my previous experience losing weight in the past. The decay constant will undoubtedly be different than my past attempts. If it helps, I saw a couple of references in the scientific literature that suggest the AVERAGE across large population groups shows the weight lost at 2-4 months will be roughly 50% of that lost at 12 months. As an example using totally made up numbers to make the math simple, let's say you lose 50 pounds in 3 months post-op. Then the average above would suggest you'd lose another 50 pounds in the next 9 months. Again, these are averages. Your loss may be higher or lower than that depending on a lot of factors such as amount and type of exercise done, how compliant you are with your plan, total calories consumed, etc.

I had an array of sizes from years of loss and gains. Ranging from 4x-1x and 28-18. I only bought very few things so far. I bought a few shirts just because they were cute and I could. I also bought 1 nice out fit for when I needed to dress up. (Which is now too big so I need another dressier outfit) I am in my smallest jeans that I have on hand now, and still have shirts that will last through a bit more weight loss. I try to only buy a few things because I know they won't fit very long. The problem I have now is that I am going to Florida in October and ALL of my summer clothes (other than some t shirts) are already on the looser side so I know they will be too big by October. I am kind of stressed out about it because things fit me way different now and I HAVE to try things on, so finding summer clothes in Sept./October is going to be impossible in stores. It is going to be a cycle of Amazon order and return, order and return until I find a few things that fit correctly for vacation. Including a bathing suit as my current one is already too big. When I hit my goal I plan on a mega shopping spree. hehe

Most insurance requires at least 3 and often 6 months of monitored weight loss attempt in addition to the psyc eval, nutritionist visit and medical clearances. Once approved, it just depends on how busy your surgeon is. I had to do the six months of weigh ins, labs, psyc eval and nutritionist. My surgery was about a month after I completed all my requirements.

It really depends on your budget whether you should buy clothes. I mean it’s best to love the skin your in and of course that’s easier to do if you at least have clothes that fit you appropriately at every size. You will most likely drop a chunk of weight during pre op and then the first few pounds come of pretty quickly post op so if you buy new clothes you won’t be wearing them long. You may want to consider consignment or thrift stores for a while if you don’t want to invest a ton of money in clothing. But I say that we usually feel better about ourselves when we look our best so if the budget permits then buy a few outfits to carry you through and donate them or give to a friend when you are ready to size down.

If I were you I would start planning that wedding asap. Sounds like you have an amazing partner. Most of us put life on hold far too long because of our weight. You have come so far already and truly deserve to start living your best life again right NOW!! Congratulations on your loss so far and on your engagement.

Agree with others. Everyone is different and your body does not work linearly. I mean, I'm no where near goal and I have slowed to a crawl the past two to three months, without changing my eating (might be all the exercise, but hard to know, I'm just keeping on keeping on). Other people with my same stats could be dropping 2 or 3 times the weight I am - until their bodies decide not to and stop. It's not predictable and I find comparing myself to others does nothing helpful or useful.

Thank you… I’ve struggled during that loss (putting weight back on, resetting - going back to what I know works to get it off again). I’m hopeful that will help me do the same after surgery if I slip up.

I stopped pre-surgery and just put up with my fat clothes getting loose until they were really like wearing a tent. I had smaller clothes in my wardrobe from when I was smaller and/or had previously lost some weight, so I had a range of clothes to "move into" as the weight came off. Once those clothes started turning into tents, I bought second hand jeans and tops off Ebay and at op-shops/goodwill. I'm still doing that, but now that I'm almost at goal, I've bought a few items that should last me to my goal. If they look a little big, they're only one size different so I should get away with keeping them in rotation.

I would talk to a bariatric surgeon and have them see how serious your reflux is and if it they believe it warrants a revision, they will tell you. As far as the poor choices and no weight loss, it could be due to having gerd. I didn't get reflux from my sleeve till years later, long after I had lost most of my weight. I saw a few surgeons, and they all said that I have to get a revision to RNY, otherwise I was risking getting esophageal cancer. I also started having difficulties keeping the weight off. I couldn't sleep at all, hence I ate more for energy. Other times, I ate when my stomach hurt just to temporary pacify the gnawing pain... Etc. It's all related.

Hey all, it's been a bit since I was on here last. So, I figured I'd talk about the appointments so far. I'm still pre op and don't have a surgery date yet and I more than likely won't for awhile. Which sucks🤷‍♀️ but oh well, we all know it takes time. I had my first official appointment last month with my first official weigh in! They gave me a weight loss goal to reach which they want me to be in 150 to 155. According to the BMI chart that still makes me overweight, but that gave my that goal so that I dont get discouraged and its more realistic.My ultimate weight loss goal is to get down to 125. I've been overweight/obese my whole life and I just want my weight to be considered a normal weight, you know? Probably not a good mind set right? I already had one of the classes I need to take required by the surgical team. Which was the importance of exercise. Which went great. I also met up with the bariatric psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation. This week I have a huge appointment coming up on Friday. The appointment consists of a bundle of testing. Blood work, EKG, chest xray(I believe). I meet up with the nutritionist, I meet up with the physical therapist too (I think that is what it is) and after all of that I have a regular followup appointment to go over the bundle testing that day. So Friday is going to be a long day haha. The next appointment after that is another follow up and lastly I have a behavior modification class scheduled for October. After those appointments I think all that's left is another appointment with the nutritionist, another class and follow up appointments. What are the appointments you guys have to go through before even getting a surgery date? sorry for all the writing, but this is the only place I can really talk about it since I want to keep this journey to myself. Until I am ready to announce to people. Which that won't be until I lose a significant amount of weight. Thanks for listening!

it's a very individual thing, because it depends on so many factors, such as: gender, age, starting BMI, metabolic rate, whether or not you lost a lot of weight before surgery, activity level, how closely you stick to your clinic's program - etc etc etc for your other question, yes, most people drop the most weight the first month or maybe two, then it slows down. The closer you get to goal, the slower it typically goes

Looks like we are surgery twins… and I’m right there with you on that surgery anxiety. My liver function numbers were not great and my liver was VERY enlarged. That’s what finally made me agree to even look into WLS. I have more to loose than you but knowing the weight loss I have had leading up to this has already made a difference, I know I’m on the right path. I’m scared… anxious and a little overwhelmed right now. The closer it gets the more those feelings flood me. I know that this is the best thing for me (and my family). My pcp sat me down and said - are you committed to going forward? I said, yes - I think it’s the right thing to do (kinda hesitating). He said no… if you are sure this is the right thing and committing to it - then you go into with a positive attitude and go forward with confidence, it will make all the difference in the world. So I’m trying to be confident and positive. I’m scared - and it’s ok to be scared, but we all have more reasons to go forward than not, make the most out our new tools and find success no matter how many or few pounds that is. Together we can get through this! Deep breaths… we got this!! 🥰

Can you update your latest weight? I am not sure if you're at a normal BMI. It took me almost 6 months post-op to get my period naturally and ovulate (also a fellow PCOS-er). So I suppose it's different for different individuals.

I'm so sorry you're having to consider revision so soon after your original surgery. Do you think it might be useful to think about the weight loss you've managed to achieve with your current surgery, and the reflux you've unfortunately experienced separately? I have had reflux symptoms for years. They always improved when I lost weight, so after a long discussion with my surgeon I decided to go for sleeve gastrectomy as opposed to bypass. In my case the gamble (calculated) paid off. I DID in fact improve as soon as I lost a significant amount of weight again. With regards to losing weight after a VSG that is an issue you might want to address completely separately. If you can eat around a sleeve then you may be able to eat around a bypass. Do you have food addiction issues or other psychological issues that might benefit from discussion with a bariatric therapist? Having had my sleeve 9 months ago I can't imagine how I would have approached it other than how I did - as a tool to help me lose weight if I stuck to certain (hard) rules. I wish you all the best in your journey. There are many many roads to successful long-term weight loss. Seems like you've already taken a big step along one of those roads.

Hi Shannon, I live in Pennsylvania, and I am scheduled for surgery Tuesday (16th)… I’m 48 and have similar goals as you. While I’m not a veteran, I have friends who are 7-15 years out and I grilled them about several of these things so I will share my experience this far and some of theirs. Let me just say there are tons of people who will help with their experience also… and one of the things I learned from this board is everyone is different. (I love this app and the people on here - they are so awesome!) 1) I have IBS (largely well managed) and dealt with constipation after my c-sections as well. The high protein pre-op diet made that flair up for me. In addition to water (I struggle with that) and hitting my other liquid goals, I add miralax once or twice a day (depending on my needs) to help keep things moving. Also moving around - walk, walk walk… even puttering around the house. Moving helps keep things moving. At the first sign of things not cooperating I take an approved laxative by my program. That’s my last resort (because that is never fun) but I know my body and I know when it’s necessary - so if I catch things early enough a partial dose (I prefer liquid to pills) is usually enough to keep things productive. 2) I have digestive issues with artificial sweeteners. So I like Sodastreams water enhancers (Bubly) zero calories, zero carbs. But lately I’ve enjoyed my zero water filter enough to not bother with the flavor. I can easily work 3 20 oz bottles of water (some days 4 or 5). Keep in mind I’m pre op… but I’m hoping that post surgery I will be able to get back into that habit after surgery, because I too have kidney stones and am eager to avoid that. Right after surgery they all warned me I won’t make my goals most likely - but to do my best. With time it will come. Broth and bouillon have been helpful in hitting (and exceeding) my goals. So I will use those to work towards my daily goals. 3) Depending on your surgery - will depend on the long term possible side effects, one of the reasons I’m having sleeve (shorter potential list). However my surgeon balanced it by saying the potential side effects of not doing it the surgery or taking other steps to loose weight (prolonged joint deterioration, effects of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiac disease, elevated risk of cancers and although I’m not diabetic - eventually I’m likely to be, liver disease, etc) are equal or greater. On balance the surgery is a toll that helps me improve more than it risks in my case. 4. Hormones can be real - hunger, menstrual, general emotional. I was told that some women who stopped menstruating, would start again… (also warned to watch out for later in life babies), some women who have fertility issues, see a reversal… weight loss - especially large amounts, can result in an estrogen release (hormone swings). There’s no guarantee of if my hunger hormone will be gone - or how long. Everyone is different in that area. My hubby and I had a talk of what to possibly expect after (throw back to postpartum depression). Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. I have Virtual appointment already scheduled with my therapist for the week following surgery and recurring every two weeks after (with the options to call if I need to see sooner and ability to cancel if I need to rest and not up to it as long as I check in). I’ve been seeing him for a while now to adjust to life after a car accident. I also have my pcp follow up scheduled and my endocrinologist scheduled within a few weeks after my surgery so I will have those check-Ins to help with anything non-surgical that might pop up. I have some help lined up (kids, husband and one friend I told what I was doing) just in case I need a little extra help right after. However the rest of my family (siblings, parents, extended family and others) know only that I’m getting a hernia repair and that I started working with a nutritionist pre-op and will continue post op due to some other health issues … which is not untrue, just not the whole truth. I’m taking care of me first for the pre-op and the post-op recovery. I’m hoping by doing that, I can reduce my stress and help manage any of the hormone fluctuations that MIGHT pop up and well as focus on meeting my nutritional and water goals. I hope this helps!

Hi. I've been suffering from pcos since teenage, having all the symptoms like weight gain, facial hair, irregular periods etc.. I have had my gastric sleeve in november 2020 and lost 25 kg in total. I have seen improvement with my pcos symptoms, for example getting a regular period cycle, less facial hair and obviously weight loss. Now, almost after 2 years my period cycle is getting irregular again. Increasing 2-4 days every month. For example, 30 days cycle in June, 34 days in July and 36 days plus (still missing) in August, and I'm definitely bot pregnant. Has anyone else had the same problem? I'm really worried that my Pcos might kick.in again. My weight is on a stall, as I'm not doing much at the moment. Please share your experiences Thank you Sent from my SM-N960F using BariatricPal mobile app