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I struggle with this too and you guys give some fantastic advice! Is just like to add a website that’s been very helpful for me: modelmydiet.com You can adjust an ‘avatar’ to kind of look like you at all sorts of weights and imho, it’s pretty accurate!! I like to return to that every now and then to get some perspective 😁

I really don’t mind at all, I’m the cook at home and I’ve adapted my recipes! He just gets a big bowl and I get a small one 😁 I don’t avoid pasta, rice or potatoes, but watch the fat and sugar content very closely. (Right now I’m 1.5 kg away of having lost 100% of my excess weight btw) Thankfully he doesn’t bring home or order take out/fast food, that’s a mutual decision that is working out well for both of us 😁 Re: supermarkets, I have only set foot in one twice since my surgery end of august 2021! I get my groceries delivered once a week and I absolutely love it. For me the service is money well spent, not only is food shopping a complete waste of time (imo) it is way too busy and frustrating to try to do your shopping outside of work, and everything inside the store is geared towards getting you to buy unnecessary things. It’s also really helped me disconnect from food in a way, by engaging with it less overall.

Hi Parisshel, it was very painful, scary and I'm just happy it's over and the band is gone and I'm still alive. The way he explained it is that when the lapband first came out, they made two different versions of it. One was made with hooks, where you can turn it easily to put it in and the theory was, if it had not slipped nor eroded, it would be just as easy to take it out. He said I did have the one with these "hooks" -- and I'm not quoting him on WHY it wound up having to be dug out - but I'm assuming because of the slippage that happened. Also, another possible contribution to this issue could be that I was not having it filled consistently because I felt it was already too restrictive and people were commenting on that I was losing too much weight. (I think some might have even questioned if I was "sick" with something). I filled it a few time in the 10 years I had it and towards the end had it loosened/filling taken out and then eventually, unfilled completely in Nov 2021--- and maybe that's when it really started to slip and all that happened to wind me up having it completely removed. My suggestion to anyone that has one -- is, even if you are not going in to get a fill - at least still visit with your doctor and drink the barium so they can check in on the band - ask about slippage, erosion, etc. At the beginning of the big "lap band surge" before they knew a lot of long term reactions --- the doctors and surgeons would say it is "VERY RARE" that it will slip or erode. Now, they are finding out -- it is MORE common than NOT for it to erode and/or slip. So, have it checked - mine was supposed to be checked every three months. But, because I wasn't interested in having it filled, I would not follow those standards. I had a very very reputable doctor too, so, it really was my fault for not having him check in on it time to time, regardless of fills. To address your last part, I am feeling a lot better, thank you! it has been two weeks and 2 days since the removal. I would say I was only "ok" after about a full week. I still have incision tape that needs to fall off, but all in all, worth it knowing now that it's out! I have to say, I have not gained any weight since the removal and do not see myself eating any more than I did with it in (but again, remember I wasn't filling it, and he it completely unfilled last November). Looking back, I think the one benefit I did gain from it - it gave a "kick start" on my weight loss but also forced me to realize and change my eating habits. !! Good luck with everything!

Yeah, I love popcorn too. I had some at a baseball game. It put me in a major stall because then I wanted some at home every night. At one month I wouldn’t try it because it’s so rough. Just remember it’s a carb, try it later after you’ve been given the all clear. Then test it for yourself and see how you do both digestively and weight wise.

I had some work things come up early on, when I definitely was not eating regular stuff. In one case, a work lunch was organized at a place that literally had nothing I could eat. That was an extreme situation, to be sure, but I found an appetizer that would probably work, in case I couldn't gracefully bow out. No one knew of my surgery, just that I had a surgery, and I explained to my boss that I had food restrictions as I recover. He was cool with that and I was excused from the event. My colleagues all asked why I wasn't joining, and the same answer worked well. I didn't have to over explain and everyone was cool with it. Since I have been on regular foods, it really has not been a problem even in some situations I thought people would notice. Most people are not paying attention to how much you eat. Just put stuff on the plate, and if you don't want it or are full, just stop eating. My first event once on real food again was an Indian wedding. The amounts I had on my plate matched what many of the thinner woman at the table were eating. I've become very good leaving food on the plate and not feeling guilty about it. I also had to cook for Thanksgiving which was about 3 months from surgery and it was totally fine. I was surprised at how much I didn't care that I couldn't eat much. I had tastes of my favorites, like stuffing, and even had pumpkin pie. It all worked out nicely AND I lost weight for once over that holiday! My greatest challenge was just recently, at Orthodox Easter. I have a huge Greek family that eats crazy amount of food. I was convinced someone would notice - nope! I put enough on my plate that I could taste everything I wanted to taste, and no one noticed how much I did or did not eat. I do think smaller gatherings like intimate holidays with people who know you will be tougher. I'd just put more food on my plate, move it around, and not eat it. It seems wasteful, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do. I

I love the clothing surprises. I recently found all the clothes that fit me well after my 2016 surgery before I relapsed and put most of the weight back on - now after my revision I'm close to where I was five years ago and all my old clothes are fitting again. I went from XXL shirts (which were starting to get snug), to XL, to L, and now even the L's are getting a little roomy.

I am scheduled for July 5th as well! I am super excited and not nervous at all. I don’t plan on losing any weight but just maintaining where I am at. 😀

Just tell them you are making changes to what & how you eat. Tell them you’re seeing or have seen a dietician & you’re doing this with your doctor’s support. I’d also tell them you hope they will support you too as you try to improve your health. They don’t have to know any more if you don’t want. You’re not lying. Just not telling them everything. I have friends & acquaintances who only know this part of the story & all accepted it. Oh & if they start sharing their weight loss stories & how you should try their diet, remind them you are seeing a dietician & want to stick to that plan as it’s working so far. Have a great time on your holiday.

I am really looking forward to that part. I have goals that I just can't reach at this weight, but give me 6-12 months.

I just started my program, and I’m on a 3 month schedule. The expectation is - if all goes as planned, I will be scheduled in July or early August. I have started working in small changes to hopefully help make the transitions after surgery easier (and to prove to myself that I can do this). The program nutritionist gave me a book to outline changes I should start incorporating and sent me some recipe suggestions to try. I was told that I’m not required to loose any weight but that I absolutely can not gain any. My personal hope is I will loose some. I’ve already lost about 40 lbs on my own trying to get into the right mind set for this journey … and figure anything I can loose between now and surgery date will be a benefit for recovery and help my over all health.

I know this is slightly off topic, but I'm looking for a medication post surgery to switch to for bi-polar. One of my doctors, who is not very familiar with weight loss surgery, is suggesting switching me from Valproic Acid Oral Solution to Lithium. Have you talked to your doctor about this medicine after surgery? Will it still be processed by your gastro system normally? Any expected changes to the meds that keep you normal and baseline? I appreciate you taking the time to read my post and let me know. Thanks and good luck with your journey to the best version of you!

Hey, thank you for the comment and internet hug! We do have psych's on the weight management team, but it's such a large number of specialist and doctors at OhioHealth, I tend to get the "please refer to your existing PCP, or prescribing physician," answer. I did reach out to the psych I met with prior to the surgery but by this time I am already onboarding with another psych. I'm hoping this new one can help some. Things have gotten a little bit better, but I'll have a few good days, then a few very bad days. Mentally I'm preserving through shear grit and determination, b/c I want to enjoy life with now that I've lost all this weight, and I know there has to be a end to this tunnel. The new doctor wants to put me on Lithium. I will have to do some research on how it is processed after RYGB. I would be on Valproic Acid Oral Solution, Geodon, and then the newly added Lithium. Seems like a heck of a lot. I would start to worry about potential renal issues. We'll see what happens. I'll update when I know more.

I used the generic patch to stop smoking 17 years ago. I had been losing weight (diet and exercise) at the time - I lost 180lbs. while simultaneously quitting smoking. I couldn’t breathe to work out like I was at the time. You can do it!! Good luck!

Day 15 post op. I’m stalling at the moment as well. It’s like it’s a calendar event on my phone or something 🤣 as much as I read about it I’m still irritated hah. No gain, but no loss. Just have to ride it out!

I agree with @catwoman7. It could be low blood pressure (postural hypotension if it occurs after you stand up or get out of bed). This isn’t uncommon but more the minority & even fewer reach the full out faint but it’s a temporary side effect. Think it may be just yiur body sitting itself out & getting used to the weight loss & changed diet. Stand slowly & wait before moving. Some suggest marching on the spot for 30 seconds or wriggling your feet before rising - doesn’t work for me. If I feel an episode coming on I stop moving & hold into something solid - table, chair, wall, person - or sit down again. I’d certainly get your sugar checked too especially if it was accompanied by cold sweats as it could be hypoglycaemia (drops us sugar levels) I have hypoglycaemic episodes & have low BP all the time. I had them occasionally whenever I was at a low weight before my surgery. Now I’m at a much lower weight I have them more often. So really pre existing for me.

I was eating a meal anyone could eat from soft food. Sure they were way smaller portions & sometimes without certain sides. I made things like chicken stew spaghetti bolognese (without pasta) in my first week of soft foods. Some recipes I tweaked to make them healthier & to meet my plan but there wasn’t anything anyone couldn’t eat. I regularly had breakfast with girlfriends from solid foods. I’d order a single egg scrambled no toast. I was allowed green tea from the beginning which I drank anyway so no change in my routines. Dining out was pretty easy too. Just careful & considered food choices & small portions. I usually order entrees (US appetiser) & I don’t worry if I can’t eat everything if I have to get a main meal portion. If I’m able I’ll take home the leftovers. Of course a lot of this depends upon the type of food your family eats & what they still want to eat. I live alone so it is easier for me, but I often spend weekends with my mother, eat with my siblings & their families, dine out for lunch & dinner, have friends & family over for meals. No problems. My sleeve really doesn’t stop me eating anything (except bread, pasta, rice, potatoes that sit heavily in my tummy) & I have to avoid dry, coarse foods (but a good sauce & eating carefully helps). What stops me eating certain foods is me & the eating plan I’ve devised to help me maintain my weight & be healthy. At 6 months I could eat almost 3ozs protein & maybe 1/2 cup vegetables but sometimes less. It took me into my second year before I could eat about a regular portion size - e.g. 3 - 4 ozs protein & a cup of vegetables. But that was me & we all take our own time.

I got sleeved 4/10. I'm not able to answer your question precisely but I'm kind of in the same boat. Currently I don't eat with my family, but I do eat with my friends. I simply check if the menu offers soup or ask if they can accommodate me. If all else fails, I order herbal tea with artificial sweetener. I've only went out with my best friend, who knows I had the surgery. It's definitely not recommended to do so now but I just had my graduation ceremony. My aunt did the gastric sleeve years before I did. I don't think she began to eat "normally" until after a year. She never fully finishes a meal but will want a small snack afterwards (yogurt). She can't handle spicy food for anything, even now. She doesn't follow the rule of 30 anymore. Almost every time she eats out, she gets heartburn, indigestion, etc. When she finishes eating, it's not because she's happily satisfied but because she's uncomfortable. That's not to say that she doesn't enjoy her food. Obviously, this is when we would go out for rich, once-in-a-while type food. She doesn't really experience this with home cooked foods. Bear in mind, she also fell into some of her old habits. Thankfully, she didn't have too much weight gain. I've also noticed she's a lot pickier now, taste wise. Downright acts like a food critic. Overall, she definitely eats enough that it isn't obvious she had WLS. She just appears to be finnicky with a sensitive stomach. Her initial recovery was a month long so that spared her from dealing with people who didn't know she did the procedure. When she went back to work, her coworkers were all up in her business demanding to know why she was eating so little (and not out of concern). They would bring her sweets even though they were fully aware she was dropping weight. It was clear they were trying to sabotage her. Outside of work, the only people she's had to deal with were family and her husband's friends. So, she only had serious social gatherings around the holidays, and she was sleeved in the Spring. WLS is obviously not ideal if you have a robust social life. For me, even when I get to my soft food stage, I'll still order soup at restaurants because I'm not going to ask them to make my food nursing-home soft in front of who I'm having dinner with. If anybody has an issue, I'll say I ate earlier. Can't drink after WLS. I'll say I've gone sober. Drinking ages you, anyway.

I'm several years out, but starting at probably a year out, or maybe just a few months, I could eat enough that no one could tell I'd had weight loss surgery. Even now, at a restaurant I'll typically eat an appetizer - or else order an entree and eat about half of it, and take the other half home. Honestly, that's pretty much how several of my never-been-obese women friends eat. I'd probably be considered a "light eater", but again, it's not obvious at all that I've had surgery. and yes - I eat what my family eats, just smaller portions, and I focus on protein.

I found keeping an eating schedule much easier too. I still follow one though with a little flexibility based upon how I’m feeling (hungry/not hungry) & what I’m doing. Generally, at three years, I do breakfast at 8:30, snack at 12, lunch at 3:30, dinner at 6 & snack at 7:30. Sometimes there’s an extra snack before lunch but then lunch & dinner are later. Initially I started because I wasn’t hungry or interested in eating after surgery. Then when I was trying to stabilise my weight, it helped to ensure I got in the calories I needed to stop losing & now it’s to meet my higher protein goals. (It’s why I snack so often too.) Give it a go. You may find it helpful too

I'm feeling it too, but as a result of not seeing the drastic and rapid changes I did in the first few months. I actually GAINED weight for the first time since being sleeved and while it was just 1 lb., it was disheartening. I got used to seeing the number drop by several pounds each week and the gain was sobering. I felt like it was the start of a downward spiral. Anyhow, I'm afraid of not being as pleased with how I look in the mirror, but it is what it is. We've made huge strives and I'm trying to keep that in mind.

I had my lap band removed in 2016 after having it nearly 8 years. I had no fill and could barely eat. It didn't slip but I had to have my esophagus dilated a couple of times. The Dr that removed it wanted to do a conversion to sleeve a few months after but I thought I could keep the weight off. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and another chronic pain illness about the same time so it seriously hampered my ability to be active. I put all my 94 lbs lost back on. I also had a lot of scar tissue from the band which caused narrowing at the GE junction and poor esophageal clearing. My Dr wasn't sure he'd be able to do the bypass so I went into surgery not knowing if I was going to wake up with a new stomach. He did get it done but said it was very challenging. I'm so thankful that he was able to give me the bypass. I'm sorry I waited so many years to do it. I was afraid of the bypass. I'm 11 days PO.

Hi. Newby here. Post surgery (May 4) gastric sleeve. I’m on soft foods this week and the first day eating something I could actually chew was HEAVEN. Well, it was a couple ounces of tuna, but it felt wonderful. Up to a few days ago I was not experiencing complications, but then I started having sharp burning pains near my left incisions. It was only when I stand from sitting or bend. Now it’s more frequent and more intense. It really hurts, but the nurse says it’s a sign of internal healing and should subside in a few weeks. It feels like the opposite. More like the stitches are ripping and the burn is excruciating at times. I’ve tried wearing a binder to hold in my belly thinking the extra weight is pulling the incision, but the touch of the material seems to intensify the burning sensation. Anyone else experiencing/experienced this? Did it eventually go away? Hearing that will give me hope.

I decided to check today just to see if I really am in a stall and yep, sure am. I gained another pound, definitely stopped losing, haven't changed anything in my routine. But thanks to this forum, I'm not letting it get to me. NOW I'm not weighing myself for another week, starting tomorrow (since I weighed myself today). I'll just keep on keepin on and hope it doesn't last more than a week or 2 lol If it lasted a whole month, I would probably have a bit of a freak out.

I know this sounds odd. But at 260 I used the handicapped ladies restroom stall. Because I needed more space. Even though I'm very slow at losing weight. 55 pounds since November. But the happy part is comfortable in a regular bathroom stall. I know it doesn't sound like much but for me it is one more step Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am sure it wont last much longer than a week or so , you will be fine, don't forget hormones play a big part in weight loss too, Pre-op I always seemed to gain a kilo or 2 before a period then drop it when period had finished and I am noticing something similar post op too but now I am in peri-menopause its a bit harder to gauge. Oh I am a guilty over weigher too most days I weigh in twice a day 😔. although now my weight loss has slowed dramatically I try to only weigh in first thing in the morning.