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I am incredibly restless and antsy today. I think its because the sun is shining but its still too cold to hang out outside and I'm ACHING for summer to arrive. That and I have had like ZERO real exercise/activity in the past week cuz of a sore toe. Sooo...decided to GET DRESSED. lol. Put on a pair of jeans (first time in weeks), did my hair and makeup (first time since xmas), even shaved my legs (first time since summer!). Put on a tube top to feel summer-y, but i got too cold soon after this pic and put on socks and a sweatshirt. Sigh. The Kid when she saw me come out of my room in this outfit : "My, you look skanky today. I like it." She cracks me up. ❤️😂 Left pic: one of my stay-at-home-pandemic-uniforms. Right pic: Skankified.

it depends on how heavy you are, how long you've been obese, how much you lose, how old you are, etc. If you're talking 100 or more lbs, then you'll almost certainly have excess skin regardless of other factors. Your skin gets stretched out and damaged to the point that it just doesn't bounce back. I would say most people DON'T have plastic surgery because it's pretty pricey and most insurance policies won't cover it unless there's a medical reason to do it (e.g., if you have chronic rashes because of it that don't respond to conventional treatments). Fortunately, most of us are able to hide it pretty well in clothes. Here I am after a 200+ lb loss, before I had plastic surgery And I had a TON of loose skin - esp on my abdomen. I also want to say that it seems like most pre-ops and early post-ops worry incessantly about loose skin (and I was one of them....), but I think I can speak on behalf for most of us "vets" that in the grand scheme of things, it's kind of a minor thing. Most of us would take our loose skin any day of the week over being morbidly obese again. ANY DAY!

Iron deficiency can cause hair loss and dry brittle hair. Sometimes it will NOT show up as anemia. It is VERY common in bariatric surgery patients, particularly women who menstruate. (or are vegetarian, or give blood regularly) Make SURE your doctor is testing your Ferritin level and not just your hemoglobin. You can be incredibly low on available iron and not be anemic. Non-anemic iron deficiency could explain your hair loss. And make sure you're taking your iron supplements separate from your calcium. Also, taking it with vitamin C helps.

This is such an interesting discussion, and we don't talk about this. My first goal was to just be under 200, too. That seemed like enough. Just to be pretty regular sized and not need special accomidation...not have to worry about weight limits, fit in normal auditorium seats.....and maybe get some good health benefits. I reached 200 and thought I could do a little more. I remembered feeling and looking my best at 170 in my youth...back when I could run five miles and work all day and not get too tired. So I thought...ok, I'll try for 170. I'm a muscular person. My feet are size 11 and my shoulders are broader and stouter than many men's. My body style isn't willowy. So I worked hard for 170....got there and felt incredible. Then, I went on a really rugged cross country camping/hiking trip and without realizing it got down to 160 and weirdly....just didn't like how I looked as much. I looked older, my wrinkles were more prominent, I prefer more curve and less prominent muscle on myself. I like eating a few more calories. I like getting 10,000 steps a day...and doing active things that I enjoy....but I don't enjoy constant training schedules and work outs. In the end, it's all a balance. Figuring out your best you...is a balance. Catwoman, I'm glad to hear that your team, like my team....had realistic information available for you and encourage realistic goals for their clients. My team was all about long term results, long term habits, therapy to figure out the bad choices, little changes that add up. Sometimes I feel like the teams that do super restricted calories for super rapid weight loss....are treating their patients more like walking advertisements for their "miracle fix" than patients whose futures they're invested in. I see my bariatric team once a year now. How long will I do this? Forever. They want to see me once a year. If my nutrient levels are stable...this can extend to once every few years...but they want a long term relationship to track my progress for research. I think this is so important.

Ok. This is just my observations based on MY experience. It may apply to you, it may not, the only real way to find it what works for YOU is to try different approaches. But the main thing to keep in mind, is to give it some time to see if it works. I read alot of people lament a strategy isn't working (or is working) after only a week or so. Change over time is the determining factor in a successful or not strategy. Results after a couple of days is not indicative of the effectiveness of a change. With that said: KETO: At first, I tried to do KETO, but I just couldn't keep up with the fat requirement percentages while aiming for 60g protein, along with my inability to take in volume of food and staying below a certain calorie level. Eventually my diet morphed into protein-forward, ultra-low carb one (max 20g NET carbs, min 60g protein, and let the fat fall where it may, staying under a certain calorie level for my current phase). INTERMITTENT FASTING: I didn't know it until I read up about it, but I was actually doing IF. I didn't/don't eat until after noon (which was normal for me even pre-op), and I didn't eat beyond 7pm..this because I had a horrible experience waking up in the middle of the night spitting up food after surgery and it was enough for me to ensure that I went to bed every night on an empty stomach. I am not yet convinced (though I'm sure others have differing opinions) that IF actually makes you burn more fat, but I do recognize that keeping eating to a limited window does make you eat less calories over all vs. eating all day, so yeah, this would accelerate weight loss. I am now 2+ years post op, and for ME I have learned that it doesn't matter at all what my macros or eating times are, all that matters is total calories, in short CICO. I stopped being ultra-low carb after weight loss phase, and have even re-introduced bread (only my homemade ones, cuz they are delicious, lol) into my diet, and it makes zero difference on my weight (all other things being equal). There was a almost a week after Xmas where my diet consisted almost solely of just desserts. No diff to my weight. I guess because my total average calories per day was still 1800. Of course, health-wise, this wasn't the best idea, but we are just talking weight here. Because of this observation, and my super-anal disposition, I am a big proponent of tracking what you eat with the conscious intention to stay within your maintenance calories the majority of the time. As well as daily weighing, if you can stand it (some cannot, and that's cool...they just have to find another way that works for them). Also, i accept that maintenance is a never-ending series of adjustments. What works for me today may not work for me tomorrow. And what weight/size I consider acceptable today may be 10 lbs heavier further down the line. In short decide what you want today, and determine if you are willing to do what it takes to get it. If you aren't, change what you want. Sorry this was so long. Good Luck! P.S. after re-reading my post, I realize I sort of went off topic, but whateves, it's still what I wanted to say! LOL. Sorry! P.P.S. Also wanted to add the while I think going low or ultra-low carb makes little difference to my weight, it does make a difference to how I look. Lower carb intake levels make me look LESS puffier/fuller, which is good for my bod, but bad for face.

I am 6 months out. My hair loss is devastating! My nutritionist told me that nothing over the counter will work. She suggested I start taking Flaxseed Oil pills every day. I started taking them in the end of my 4th month. My hair has not started growing back yet, but it has def slowed down the amount I was losing. I noticed a big difference this month. Not sure if the Flaxseed Oil is responsible, but I am relived a little bit.

@Moon2408 It’s called Ketoconazole 2% shampoo. Directions: apply externally 2times a week. I honestly don’t know if it was the thing that led to hair re-growth or not, but I figured why not give it a try? My insurance paid for it, which I was a bit surprised about.

I have this too. I've been diligent about my vitamins and religious about getting my protein but I've still lost most of my hair. I'm quite a bit older than you, so I've been assuming that the surgery accelerated age-related hair loss I would have had anyway. But at 23, that doesn't seem likely for you. What does the doctor say?

Hi, I'm starting to extremely worry about my hair. I've read a few posts regarding thin hair/hair loss post operation and most of them have said they have gotten their hair back to normal 6-10 months post operation. It's been almost 2 years since my operation and past month or two my hair has been shredding quite heavily, just by sweeping my hands through my hair, I would get around 10-20 pieces of hair on my palm. Unfortunately, I've been stupid and neglected my required vitamins in the early stages after my operation until recent, where I've been required to take; B12 injection every 3 months, Fultium-D3 20000U capsules once a week and Calcichew-D3 500 MG chewable tablets twice a day. I'm currently also not meeting my required daily protein intake, will using protein shakes/bars on top of food that contains protein help with my hair loss? My worry is, am I losing hair or is my hair just thinning? Is it too late to save it now? Will it ever go back to how it used to be? I'm only 23 years of age and it just looks horrendous when my hair is in that state... Please see attached images of my hair.

Hi there:) Could you tell me the name of the Rx shampoo that your PCP prescribed to you?? I already have fairly thin hair and would love to bring this up to my PCP so that I may be able to help prevent too much loss. I am actually going for an appt this coming Monday to see him. Thanks!!

So I'm at a loss, the smell of food now makes me sick to my stomach especially when my family eats fast food. I struggled with eating because everything would come up, found out I had a small stricture. Had the procedure last week and have been trying to eat but nothing. Everything I've tried has come back up again and it tastes disgusting I mean just vile. The only thing that stayed down was refried beans from a local Mexican restaurant and when I eat Greek yogurt but I'm getting tired of it. I cant even drink my protein drinks they make me throw up mucus. I know this won't last for ever but I have no clue what to do and I'm hungry. Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice? Sent from my SM-G981U using BariatricPal mobile app

It’s probably time to visit your primary care physician and discuss your new reality. Are you on blood pressure meds? Other meds? Those might need adjusting. I went through the lightheadedness and my PCP reduced my blood pressure meds, with the goal of stopping them in another month or so. I think you get a different perspective and information from your PCP. The first time I saw her my hair had started falling out and she gave me a prescription for a shampoo. Didn’t know that was available (all I had gotten from the Bariatric center has the advice to take biotin). I’m not sure if the shampoo helped, or if it was the biotin, or just time, or all three but my hair is now growing back like mad. As an added benefit, I love seeing my PCP because she raves about how much healthier I am becoming.

Hi, 5 months and I have had my gallbladder removed and have been in pain for so long. I have also lost half my weight and hair! It was not explained to me and the protein is terrible to get in. I am so sorry to hear about all your issues to. How long ago did you have it done? I hope you are ok

I am searching for advice. About 1 month ago I started feeling light headed every time I stand. After about 2 to 3 weeks I started to feel nausea as well. My team says it is part of my body adjustments but I am nervous. Currently I have lost more tha half my volume of hair, everytime I stand I feel like I will pass out and my skin tears so easily that it is scary. I am wondering if anyone has any input to share. Thank you

I'm 6 weeks out as well. I've Only lost 16 pounds so far. I've definitely stalled this week but I'm also not meeting my protein goals or calories this week. Never meet my fluid goals although I try. I'm just feeling so blah and frustrated and probably shouldn't look at the scale anymore because I'm not tracking macros or anything else. I started at a lower BMI but I guess I still expected more than just muscle loss and fatigue. So basically it's my fault. Also I got the Covid vaccine on Monday and feel weirdly depressed since. Not sure if it's related, or just my high stress job. Hopefully I can get back on track and the numbers start moving again. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Between the weight loss, the mask, and the new haircut I’m officially unrecognizable. It is very interesting.

The fundoplication is used in the case of a hiatal hernia (where part of the stomach is pulled up through the opening in the abdominal wall, through which the esophagus passes) which can be the cause of acid reflux, and you are right in that in may or may not be appropriate depending upon whether there is enough fundus left to plicate. If your problem is more with the LES than with a hernia, there are other things that are sometimes done for that - there are implantable devices that replicate the function of the LES (LINX is one of them, there are probably others as well) and likely some purely surgical approaches to it (I am far from any expert on this!). Bile reflux is rarely a problem these days with the RNY, mostly because the surgeons have learned how to set up the limb lengths to avoid it in the most part; it is not uncommon in non-WLS versions of the procedure, such as the total or partial gastrectomies for cancer and the like, where they shorten the limbs to minimize malabsorption and weight loss in patients who can't afford to lose more weight. What can be done if bile is your problem is to move the pouch farther downstream on the intestine to move it farther away from the bile ducts. Revision to the Duodenal Switch WLS is the best response to it as it is virtually impossible for the bile to work its way back to the stomach and esophagus, but thats a very complex procedure that few surgeons in the world can do. The distal (or long limb) RNY is next best, but has similar nutritional consequences as the DS and by your figures, it doesn't look like you need to lose more weight. But there can be in between compromises on limb lengths that can do the job, if that indeed is your problem.

One thing we don't talk about here....because it's negative and not motivational....is that for lots of people, this surgery DOESN'T work. Not because it doesn't do precisely what it's said to do....but because people who have it are sometimes not yet ready to change their habits and address the causes of their poor choices and what drives them. The surgeries are a tool. They absolutely help. But they are not the cure. They fix your stomach, not your head. If you don't fix your head and your habits, the weight loss won't last. The surgeries will NOT prevent you from regaining weight. It's not even that hard to regain. Go to the veterans page...notice that not a lot of people hang out there....and that most of the posts are about...OMG, i'm regaining everything! Most folks don't reach goal. Most folks lose about 50% of their excess weight. This is STILL a really good thing, and WORTH having the surgery. Tons of health benefits in that 50%....and that 50% gets you that much closer to your goal weight when your head is ready to do the work and get disciplined enough to get there. https://www.mdedge.com/diabeteshub/article/150969/obesity/weight-recidivism-after-bariatric-surgery-what-constitutes?sso=true

As everyone else is telling you, you're not doing anything wrong, and there are a lot of factors that will affect your rate of weight loss. I know it's hard to be patient, but you have to be. One of the biggest factors in your rate of weight loss is your starting weight, and you haven't filled out your profile, so I can't tell what that was. If you started at 200 pounds, you're not going to lose weight as quickly as someone who started at 350 pounds.

I was about where you are at seven weeks out. People lose at all different rates due to several different factors, but as long as the general trend is down, you're good. Your loss is actually pretty average. I also wasn't a very speedy loser, but I ended up losing all of my excess weight. It's your level of commitment that makes the difference - not your rate of weight loss.

Stalls are an unfortunate part of the process... at least in my experience. Everyone's journey is different, though. In my case, I have hypothyroidism so I stall more than the average person. And I've had some looooooong stalls. Several 3 weeks stalls, a 23 days stall, a 26 day stall, and even a 27 day stall. My most recent stall was in January. I had only lost 2 pounds in January and I lost those two pounds on January 18th, and then didn't lose ANYTHING until February 14th (I count this as a 26 day stall because there is 26 days between the two losses). But, February has been a good month. I've lost 5 pounds in total in the 12 days since I started losing again. I just re-evaluated what I was eating, and I thought maybe if I cut my sodium down a little it would help with some water weight and maybe I'd start losing weight again since I was also dealing with inflammation from physical therapy and was probably part of the reason I wasn't losing weight. I'm 13 months post op and even with my massive amount of stalls I've still lost 125 pounds since surgery. Stalls are annoying and disheartening, but if you either ride them out or adjust what you're eating a little, they do eventually pass.

Hi. I’m literally 9 days Post-Op.. (Feb 17) You are not alone. My food urges are insane but there’s no way in H**L I would risk any health issues just for a small bite.. YOU CAN RESIST!! please try to make a list of great healthy meals you WILL be able to purée 😃. That gets me through. I have until next Wednesday March 3rd & then I’m moving onto “Phase Two”☺️✨.. the thought of things getting better & tasty solid foods are on the way is my acheievement.! The fact I loss 14 lbs in these 9 days is my motivation to stay on my restricted liquid diet. Try to switch up your options. I love SUGAR FREE popscicles & Fudge bars, sugar free puddings & just ANY LIQUID ANYTHING😄.. it’s all in your mind... Keep pushing. This is very serious but it doesn’t have to be hard, make it fun. Stay off the internet for a while. Read, make those lists of recipes, do some new wardrobe shopping (for ideas).. sip sip sip..

That sucks! lol. I hope mine is closer to 1 week. 😁 But thanks for the encouragement. I will stick to it! I think I was just worried that maybe my surgeon wasn't aggressive enough or something... which I know is ridiculous. I'm just so pessimistic about weight loss. I can't wait to be 3 months in...

it's the infamous three-week stall. Happens to almost all of us. If you do a search on this site for it, you'll find literally thousands of posts on it. Lasts 1-3 weeks. Just stick to your program and stay off the scale. Your weight loss WILL start up again.