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Okay so I’m thankful for many things. 1. My new lifestyle. It’s tough at times, but completely worth it. 2. My amazing husband 3. My kids— especially now that they’re all out of the house, yet they each live within 10 minutes. 4. My health and brain 5. Having a roof over my head and a steady (no matter how crazy it can get sometimes) job

Yesterday, 10/7. I tried some soup broth and then a sugar free popsicle. My stomach hurts.

Scheduled for 10/21. Yes, I've had ALL of these feelings and emotions since my final pre-op meeting with my surgeon last week. Mz. Dion--yes! Think about the big picture. We are all worth it! Stay strong everyone.

Yes! I understand....this is a long story--started in April-- but through this process of work-up for VSG, involving--Rheumatologist, Internist and GI, my ferritin came back at 1900 and iron saturation at 68% also elevated LFT for years and not a drinker. Diagnosed with Hereditary Hemochromotosis a month ago! I'm a nurse and was not familiar with it. I hope this helps. PM me if need more info. Finally I have an answer to years of debilating fatigue etc etc. My VSG is scheduled for 10/21! Can't wait!

Going from Sleeve to By Pass due to Acid Reflux. Surgery has been approved and will be on Oct 24th. I've struggled with this decision for almost 3 years and finally got the courage to move forward. No liver shrink required this time, as I'm spot on with my weight (could lost 10 lbs). My doctor wants to keep a close eye on me so I don't lose to much. Also anxious to see if it helps improve my diabetes further than what the sleeve did. I'm not looking forward to the learning curve with eating the doctor says there will be...very afraid of possible dumping..I never had that with the sleeve. Fearful that I will never be able to eat a cupcake for the rest of my life, or have an ice cream cone. Hopefully I can once in a while... The doctors office gave me a "belly binder" I didn't have to wear that with my sleeve but they highly recommended I do this time. And tips or suggestions you have send them my way!

Yes, it will be 2 weeks of mostly liquids, with one small meal each day (consisting of 3 oz meat, 1/2 cup veggies and 1/4 cup starch/carbs). I start the pre-op diet Monday, 10/14. My last appointment with my surgeon is tomorrow and he should now have all of my results. I'm so nervous and, like you, I'm still checking on this site (and others), all throughout the day. I feel prepared and well informed. It's good to know but, sometimes, I have to block out the negative comments so I don't go full-on hypochondriac mode. No one scares me like....me with too much information. You have a good date - Veteran's day and my grandfather's birthday.

I'll be going into surgery 19 days I hope my recovery is as smooth as yours

My surgery is set for 10/16/19. So close. I can’t wait

I am having a revision from band to bypass this month. I started out okay with my band, lost some weight and had to make some big changes about the food I ate (ie. eating what I could eat versus what I was supposed to eat). After about 10 years I started getting some serious nausea and reflux as well as more episodes of getting stuck, so I am revising. My x-rays don't show a slip, but I'd be surprised if there isn't a small slip in there when they go in. I am under a 40 BMI and I qualify for bypass, but I do have significant obstructive sleep apnea, so you would likely need some co-morbidities to qualify if you are under a 40 BMI. I think a lot of it comes down to whether or not eating large portions is your biggest problem, if it is, you'll likely do well with the band. I never ate HUGE portions as it was, so I don't think the band was the best choice from me, I just didn't want to go as far as cutting up my stomach at the time. I think my food choices as well as my PCOS have had a large part in my weight, so now that I have the eating down right and I'm still hovering in the morbidly obese category, my surgeon and I decided the VSG is not right either and the bypass will combat my PCOS the best. Ultimately, you and your surgeon will be able to make the best informed decision for you. Less and less surgeons are performing the band at all, so that may play in your decision as well. In fact, my band is no longer in production, so if it has failed or were to ever fail, I have no choice but to have it removed as replacement parts aren't offered anymore. Good luck with your decision, I applaud you for doing your research before making a final choice!

Dear all, My surgery date is 20/11/2019 and I am very excited about it. I would like to ask you if there ate any essentials items to be bought before surgery. For example I read that a maternity pillow will be great to sleep on... hair loss prevention spray, the small measurement cups/spoons/containers? Any help would be highly appreciated Also, any pre-op tips? In Europe doctors do not prescribe a liquid diet. i was just told to eat healthy and exercise, as any kg lost will ease recovery and facilitate the surgery. Are you aware of any other recommendations in this sense? Thank you and good luck to you all. Ruxa

David, I had lapband in 2005. My story is very similar to yours in terms of weight loss. I lost about 20 pre-op and 85 or so post op. My success came with a catch, I had terrible reflux. My life was miserable with the band. I couldn't tolerate fills and I had to sleep sitting up. My doctor recommended removal of the band and conversion to sleeve in 2009. I didn't know enough about long term effects of the sleeve and didn't want my anatomy permanently altered, so I just had the band out. When he took it out, he said that my band had slipped but wasn't showing it on all testing. So, I had probably been living with a slip since my gallbladder decided to act up at 6 months out. I did well maintaining until 2014. I had some major life stresses that led to some comfort and probably binge eating. by 2016, I was exactly where I started. I was still against the permanent alteration of my anatomy, so I tried all the diets and pills/supplements again. Nothing made a significant impact. A friend who had both lap band (with reflux so bad that she had developed Barrett's esophagus) and converted to the sleeve. She encouraged me to reconsider. So, in 2017 I started making earnest inquiries with doctors and started all the preliminary stuff. I had the sleeve 4/10/2018. My recovery from the sleeve was a little harder. #1-I was 13 years older and #2-my surgeon said that the band left a mess of scar tissue around my stomach that had to be detangled/cleared away to do the sleeve. So, my surgery took longer and I honestly felt like I'd been hit by a Mack Truck! That being said, the transitions from liquids to regular food was the same and was so familiar from before that I really didn't feel like I suffered much. Minor caution about GERD and reflux: My friend, who clearly had it with the band, has had none of it with the sleeve. Me, I have a little nighttime reflux and am again sleeping on a wedge. It's well managed and nothing compared to the misery with the band. I see countless posts on here about sleeved patients suffering with GERD. It seems hit or miss on this and if you have any concerns, discuss with your doctor. Lastly, most revision surgeries produce a slower weight loss the 2nd time around. I think I read somewhere that it's because your metabolism took that major hit once before. Me, I'm OK with the slow weight loss and I don't fret about stalls. It's coming off. 1 pound at a time, but it's coming off and that's what matters. Hope my story helps.

My Surgery was yesterday 10/7 with Hernia repair. I was miserable when i first got to my hotel but after a few hours things were all under control, walk walk walk, sip sip sip, have caught myself a couple of times with a mouth full of water (like ummmmm NOPE). Clear liquids continue for today then transition to full. Anyhow doing well, and I broke the surgery center record for stomach size, when i get that pic i might share, cause it was impressive. Now to continue to work on my head, make sure i get full benefits all around, Good luck all, stay the course, do what your supposed to prep wise, and post.

Same! I started my application process in March 2018 and had my surgery in April 2019. I was probably their most annoying patient lol! I did everything they said right away and when it was their turn to process things they would take FOREVER so I would keep calling to ask if there were any updates and they wouldn't say anything but I knew they were extremely annoyed. Anyway, I was beginning to lose hope when all of a sudden they were like okay everything looks good and we'll call you to schedule a date! It happened all of a sudden so stay hopeful! It'll happen eventually! Good luck! ❤️

My op is today, I need to be at the hospital at 11. I'm feeling very nervous and tense. I can't help but have doubts the surgery will even work for me, after decades of failed diets it seems to good to be true. But I've seen it work for friends and family, so I'm hopeful. I know exactly how you feel Daisyjayne. My surgery is Friday (10-11-19) It’s going to be outpatient surgery. I’m a self paying patient and I’m soooooooo nervous. No one in my family knows. They think it’s outpatient gallbladder surgery. I’m so afraid it’s not going to work and I’ll be the 1% that gains weight or only loses 3lbs. My BMI is 31 and I need to lose at least 60lbs. I’m hoping to lose a total of 80lbs. I’ll be thinking of you and wishing you nothing but good vibes for your journey ahead

10/23 yeahhhh Sent from my LGMP260 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi guys! I had been feeling pretty good the last few days and all of a sudden today I went to Trader Joe’s with my husband and have been beat down since. My bowels hate me and have been cramping, tarry poops, gassy, it makes me fe like I am going to pass out when the cramping starts. I only had a half a Protein shake and a couple tablespoons of yogurt today so I do not know what could have triggered this. Afraid to try and eat anything else now today but hungry... I stoped taking Narco pain meds yesterday - could this be withdrawal symptoms or did I just overdo it today? One of my incisions is super bruised and has an ugly green hue too. On a positive note: I weighed in at 336.6 this morning. 10 lbs down since surgery last Tuesday (6days ago).

Lol, well the “how” is my sleeve. The first 10 pounds actually came off in the 10 day pre-surgery liquid diet, the other 90 since surgery.

That is so awesome!!! 5'4" Starting weight 297 VSG on 7/31/19 Surgery wt: 266 CW 228 GW 135 Sent from my [samsung Galaxy] using BariatricPal mobile app

Welcome!! Great job!!! I have days that I have to make myself eat too. Yet on some days I do get hunger pains. However I can eat a few small bites be fine for a few hours [emoji4] 5'4" Starting weight 297 VSG on 7/31/19 Surgery wt: 266 CW 228 GW 135 Sent from my [samsung Galaxy] using BariatricPal mobile app

37/NJ here, sleeved 7/2/19...any ladies care to chat? :-)

Just a little bit of advice as a veteran. You can take it or leave it..... I wouldn't stress about losing too much. Most people, at least 95%, have a certain amount of "bounce" weight that starts to happen at years 2-5 post op as our metabolisms start to regulate and other reasons. It's usually around 5-10%. I was at the high end of a normal BMI when I met goal, and when it happened to me, I wished I was at the lower end because my 10 pounds put me squarely back into the overweight category of BMI, which really irked me. I know it's definitely startling to see it, though. Just keep that bounce regain in the back of your mind when you're struggling to slow it down or gain a little back. It will happen naturally after a while 😘

I have finally gotten the weight loss to slow down. I think eating purposefully around the clock helped. I also purposely eat higher calorie carbs that get calories in and don't make me feel as full for as long. The crazy thing is it's the exact opposite of what we should do during the weight loss phase. The carbs I have are 1/3 cup of granola cereal over yogurt or mixed with 1/3 cup milk. It gives me around 150 calories and then I can eat yogurt, an egg or 1-2 oz. of meat 45 minutes later. If i only eat meat and veggies I am too full to get in other foods and only get 1000 calories max. I was loosing on that and wanted to slow it down. Granted I am not eating ice cream and cookies but still high calories and carbs and it does worry me that this could cause issues but mentally i still feel like eating is a chore and if I could I wouldn't eat a fraction of what i am now . I am hoping as I can tolerate more volume i can make healthier choices. I also can eat a 230 calorie packet of Bevita breakfast bars in under 10 minutes and eat again 45 minutes later. I have managed to get in 1400 calories the past 2 weeks. I also drink 2% milk and cook my spinach and egg in olive oil, and eat a Tbs of peanut butter, and have a RX bar during the day just to get extra calories.

HEY guys! Im new here. I see a couple surgery twins! RNY 7/31/19 I just stepped on the scale earlier and it said 229!!!!! I'm below 230's now! WOW! I about cried! So I am never hungry! I have no desire to eat. And i hardly ever have cravings. I literally have to force myself to eat everyday....Is there anyone else going thru that too?

Hey everyone, I went to my PCP on 2/18/19. I weighed 298 lbs at 6 tall. I was huge. Depressed, sleep deprived, eating disordered etc. My Dr. recommended me to the options program at Kaiser. 12 weeks of weekly classes to see if I was ready for the surgery. During those 12 weeks I researched weight loss drugs, and went on Metformin every morning and Bupropion x2 a day. I immediately lost interest in food and over the 12 weeks lost 45 lbs. I'm not diabetic but very hypertensive and sleep apnea severe. They approved me with no out of pocket costs for the surgery tomorrow at 7 am PST. The reason I'm doing the surgery is that I have a 3 year old daughter, and I want to be around for her. I'm late 40's and sick and tired of being sick and tired. My Dr. requires a liquid diet for 2 days before the surgery. I had five fast food dreams last night and dreams about chocolate candy bars and dreams about triscuits and cheese plates, etc. I cant believe I didn't struggle for 12 weeks of losing 45 lbs but 2 days of no solid food and its a huge struggle. Clear liquid protein, broth and lots of caffeine. I got really irritable at dinner time tonight and was frustrated. Even after losing 45 lbs I still ate unhealthy and had trouble controlling my appetite and had serious unhealthy disordered food cravings etc. The frustrating part was after losing 45lbs the teachers in my weight classes and my pcp and my specialists were all like why are you doing this? You are now on the border of obese and look really good. They all tried to talk me out of it! My Bariatric surgeon was very supportive and immediately scheduled my surgery. I'm excited and nervous. The really hard part is that not eating solid food for the last 2 days has been difficult and made me want to regress and go back to junk food! I didnt and I'm ready for the surgery but I hope my taste buds change and I become much healthier and practice mindful present eating habits. I know the Metformin and Bupropion were temporary battles won but not the war - which is why I signed up and I'm ready for surgery. I have my sugar free popsicles, and Premiere protein clear gatorade looking bottles and my vitamins and crystal light sugar free. I'm ready to win the war and this is a battle I knowingly go into with open eyes and a clear heart. I hope the surgery really helps the anger and depression and manipulative hormones that emanate from my stomach when it doesnt get its fast food or junk food fix. I want to enjoy not having an appetite and eating small healthy portions of healthy food. I want to be the 190 lbs guy from my college days. I have broad shoulders and a football players body and played in college but really just get healthy again. Two things I enjoy in moderation is 1 cup of coffee a day and once a month having a drink of alcohol or two socially. I hope I can regain both of those in the year after the surgery. I don't care about the junk food, fast food, and sugary or fried food. I hope I don't ever want those again. (My stomach is talking now) literally 8 hours before the surgery! Mark PS I hope losing weight helps the sleep apnea and lessens it, since the cpap doesnt work very well. I also hope to stop the 4 blood pressure drugs I'm on as well.

63 years old here. RNY Feb 2019. Reached goal between 6-7 months, with loss of 110 lbs. I am 5'6". I exercise a lot - walking/hiking, weights, stairs, legs, biking, swimming. Just completed a triathlon which was an amazing experience and unthinkable 8 months ago. My advice is to get a step tracker and start walking right away, even while in the hospital. I was up to 10,000 steps by day 7, and just kept adding little exercise routines along the way. A step tracker is very motivating and keeps one accountable. I log my exercise along with my food.