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I'm starting targeted C02 Cryo therapy next week. A friend runs the business and wants to document my progress for advertising to local bariatric patients so she's offering it free to me. Otherwise, it's pretty pricey. I still have a ways to go with my weight loss, but she wants to treat me as I lose instead of waiting to see how much loose skin I'm left with at goal weight. Despite the cost, people are willing to pay. She can't keep up with demand and recently had to hire a second tech. The before and after pictures that I've seen are amazing. Face , batwings, tummy etc. I'm willing to give it a go. Hopefully with good results.

Oh boy can I relate. I keep saying on these forums that the metal aspect is the most difficult part of the surgery and the one I was least prepared. Bariatric teams can’t prepare you for it because everyone is so different. You are mourning food, specifically being able to eat it, like you did in the quantities, and the timings of the past. This was so hard for me. But it does get easier, just like your body healing physically, it heals mentally. Once you get back on solid food and your body gets used to the portion sizes. During the transition periods, I used that time to really search myself for the hold that food had on me. I spoke to counselors and my dietitians about it as well. Try to use this time to really understand what food meant to you and how it got you to where you were before surgery. Go to the picnic and observe the food and the way people eat it. I had a massive connection between happiness at gatherings and the quantity of food I ate. I came to realize this was an addiction. Once I started losing weight and healed, it was easier for me to see the damage that food had done. From there it became easier to be with others, eating at gatherings, parties, etc.. Hang in there it gets easier as long as you use the time to really, really address the mental issues that go along with the physical. Like wolfgirl states, reach out to your team to get any additional help you may need to get you through the stage.

Hi all, I just had the gastric sleeve done on 6/21, and I am having so many feelings of loneliness and regret. I know this is a normal thing among people who have received bariatric surgeries, but even that thought doesn't bring me comfort. I stayed up all night the past 2 nights feeling like I just made the biggest mistake of my life, wondering why I didn't just exercise and eat healthier and spare my body and mind from this irreversible change. The first 4 days after surgery were the toughest for sure. Physically, that is. The pain was unmanageable even with the pain medications my doctors prescribed. Now the pain is (mostly) gone, and the liquid diet is killing me. I can't even think about FairLife Core Power Elite protein shakes without gagging (I dry heaved just writing the name out). I've tried what feels like every protein powder under the sun, and nothing seems to be enjoyable. Normally if I didn't like something, but needed to get it down for whatever reason, I'd just chug it. And I can't even do that anymore. I've always been an emotional eater, so now that when I'm sad and I can't eat, I get even sadder. Despite all of this, I think what keeps tearing me down is the feeling of loneliness. Now, I'm 19 years old with an awesome support system from my parents, siblings, and awesome friends. And I appreciate the hell out of all of them. But none of them understand. This has been the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my 19 years and I have no one in my circle who can even attempt to relate to these specific feelings. I am staying with my parents right now, which is nice. But, my family is filled with people whose lives revolve around food. Every birthday, every special occasion, and even the rewards when my siblings and I were little were all food-based. That's how my family socializes and bonds with each other. And that's not something I can do (I know just for a little bit but time seems to be going by so slowly). I literally hide in my room from 6pm-10pm because if I were to go downstairs everyone would be out there eating something that looks so delicious and having a great time together. When I explain these things to my mom, she just says "Well just come down and drink a protein shake with us!". It's definitely not the same because of all of the sadness and FOMO I feel when I see them eating things I can't have for at least 5 more months. And with the 4th of July being tomorrow (a holiday that my family spends drinking and eating from morning until night), I feel like I have no choice but to spend the holiday in my room watching the Dodgers game by myself. It just feels like I'm drowning in a swimming pool and no one can get through the gate to save me. I'm sorry this post is such a downer. Maybe I'm just overreacting. I just needed to get this off my chest and I hope at least one person on this site can relate. Thank you for reading.

The majority of bariatric surgery recovery is mental. This was hard for me and something I was not prepared for entirely. Your body goes through so many changes, physically and hormonally. The bright side is that the human body adapts quickly and efficiently. Give it time and hang in there as others have said. Try to concentrate on the positive that you are on a new path to a new life. Your GERD and reflux issues should be gone and you can continue on with life. A few small issues are just bumps in the road to long term success.

Welcome, @Colin from California! Thanks for sharing! I'm glad you've found supportive people, that really sets you up for success. I have felt very informed by https://www.oursleevedlifepodcast.com/. The two hosts have had VSG and they interview others who have had it as well as experts in the bariatric field like dieticians, surgeons, trainers, protein product creators. In their episodes in the 50s they interview the brother of one of the hosts, so you might find that helpful. By what are the things you could be doing now do you mean like in terms of food or exercise or habit changes?

If you're not familiar with the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collective, you should definitely check it out. They have an extensive database of bariatric surgery patients, and there's a calculator that shows average outcomes based on the data. https://mbsc.arbormetrix.com/Registry/public/calculator/uiCalculator/7?menuId=1013 My info: 1. Basics: GENDER, AGE, HEIGHT - female, 39 (at time of surgery), 5'3" 2. Total Weight lost in the 6 months BEFORE surgery (if any) - 64 pounds 3. Weight on DAY OF SURGERY. - 277 pounds 4. Weight at 1 MONTH POST surgery - 256 pounds 5. Weight at 3 MONTHs POST surgery - 225 pounds 6. Weight at 6 MONTHs POST surgery - 181 pounds 7. Weight at 12 MONTHs POST surgery - 144 pounds

Not sure what is going on but please check in with your Surgon/bariatric team & your primary.

No, I didn't think it was a magic solution and I entirely know it is a tool, but at the same time - bariatric surgery has been criticized by many for the supposed rapid weight that occurs that isn't normal, which is one of the reasons why people have a whole set of new problems with hanging skin. The body can't bounce back that fast. I think there has been some "marketing" in this industry that have contributed to the expectations that some may have too - especially with before and after photos of people who may be the exception to the rule. Like I said, I don't regret the surgery at all and I am never going back, but I expected more of a woosh of weight loss at least initially.

I love Bariatric Pal but i do disagree that everything on there is healthy. You still have to read the labels. I have wanted to order some of their products until i looked at the label, then decided not to. They are great for some items, but then again since having the surgery i am very picky about what i eat based on nutrition labels.

I am so sorry, @Layla1222. That's so hard. I don't know if this is an option, but I'm in the program at Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric & Metabolic Center. My surgeon is well known and respected. If you're looking for another opinion, I would highly recommend. I have some serious health issues, which is why I chose this program. My surgery is in a few weeks, but so far I'm incredibly impressed with the specialists. I wish you all the best, and I'm praying for you now... Don't hesitate to reach out. 💟

A quick internet search showed a lot of issues with this doctor and that you are not the only one. I asked friends of mine to warn about Mario Almanza, and they are planning on adding it to the websites they already created to warn about Mexico Bariatric Center (not Mexicali). I'm sorry about your experience, and I thank you for the heads up!

Most bariatric patients should avoid sugar six months to one year after weight loss surgery. Many stick to this plan because they have experienced the impending sensation of doom. (aka dumping syndrome) Depends on which procedure you have done and even then, some don't even experience it. Also, there are a lot of sugar free ice cream options out there too, but I prefer to add those type of things after reaching my weight loss goal and during maintenance. I do allow myself the SF popsicles for now when I feel a need for a sweet treat.

I am finally considering weight loss surgery. I just had a wonderful small ice cream cone out on my deck on a perfect summer evening. It was really delicious and I wondered if I’d be able to have such a treat after surgery. Without any judgement regarding equating food with happiness etc, can any experienced bariatric patients tell me if I’ll be able to enjoy a small cone post surgery? It’s probably not a deal-breaker, just trying to wrap my head around expectations.

I had19 teeth extracted 2 bone graphs and a bone removed from my pallet. last year (2022) on April 25th and was fitted dentures. The bottom plate has never allowed me to eat with them, and it took 9 months for my gums to heal before I could eat (chew- or gum) again .I lived for 9 months on Ramen noodles, rice and multi vitamins. So when it came time for my pre-Bariatric surgery "diet" it wasn't a big deal. Because I had just lived through a 9 month what I called "Denture Diet" My peak weight was 245, In Nov 2021 I was referred for Bariatric surgery. Due to the fact that I suffered from Insufficient veins in my calves, causing edema in my legs and feet. Spondylosis in my L 3-4-5, Osteoarthritis in my SI joint where the sacrum and sacroiliac meet at the pelvis and the anterior cart edge in my left knew was gone. I was fit for compression socks, heavy duty knee brace and at times I had to use a cane to get up and down and to catch myself if my knee buckled.( I fell getting out of bed, 3x in 6months) I developed hyperlipidemia, and was Pre-Diabetic. I couldn't stand for more than 10 mins , squat, bend, lift, ( making the bed, sweeping or vacuuming was torture.) or walk more than a block or shop for more than 30 mins. Because of Covid everything was severely backed up, once all of my pre-surgery testing and procedures were completed, it was Feb of this year( 2023 ) . I was cleared as a perfect candidate, but again -back log. At the time they said it may be June to sometime in August before the surgeon would available , and maybe longer to find a clear OR. It took so long to get scheduled there were a couple of procedures and test I had to repeat. On April 20 (23) they called me, there a was last minute cancellation for May 22, 2023, was that doable ? Oh heck yeah ! So on the 25th they had me starting my Pre-diet, All liquids except for Cottage cheese, At almost 3 weeks in, they were concerned my weight wasn't dropping as it should be ,and asked if was following the liquid diet, I was like what ?. NO .I wasn't told to. She said yeah on the 25th. Ok well this may mean we have to re-schedule. I was so upset. She said she was going to get ahold of my Case nurse to see what to do. A couple of hours later, I was like wait a minute. I called her and said I think there was a mis-communication. I have a copy of the diet, it didn't say Liquid . Just that I was suppose to start this diet on the 25th, and on the 20th right after she called I went and stocked up on EVERYTHING, and had the receipt to prove it. I asked when you said liquid did it include Cottage cheese. She said yes, Thank goodness. Yes I HAVE been on that diet since the 25th. I am very fortunate, I am a crazy fast healer,. I had all of this trepidation about healing right, and being able to get around ASAP. I am almost 60 and everything had been falling apart. My roommate is a very empathetic, compassionate , and a generous person, but what she is not, is a caregiver. So I was concerned about that. So I had my surgery on May 22, at 9 am. Woke up later in a hospital room, I had a horrible pain in my shoulder and it felt like someone kicked me in the gut. Tuesday morning I woke, still a little sore in the tummy ( like a pulled muscle) but other than that I was fine. At 3pm she came into discharge me, and told me to call my ride ( roommate) I ended up having to walk down to the nurse's station, because she said she would be right back to get my IV out ,but she didn't return, so I hunted her down. After I got it removed , she said she was going to go get a wheelchair. So I got out of bed, got dressed, gathered my things and sat on the bed and waited, and waited, my roommate called , I am here what's going on. I said she had to get a wheel chair. So I waited some more ,after like 30-45 minutes . Once again I walked down to the Nurse's Station hunting for her and pulled a "Karen", some guy showed up with my wheelchair, quickly. My roommate had been waiting in the Patient Pick-up zone for almost an hour and a half, she was fuming. I get home, go to bed, my roommate goes and picks up my pain meds it was liquid Tylenol and Liquid Gabapentin and Celebrex. When I took the liquids I almost threw up...WTH ? Out of curiosity, I looked up the ingredients. Freaking FAKE sweetener. I cannot tell you how many times I informed them I could NOT use any fake sweeter, because it gave me severe cramping stomach aches, vomiting, or IBS. Just two days before the surgery they tried to give me three Ensure to drink ,which I already knew had the fake sweetener, and said no can do, Keep them. And now my pain killers had them. I was like do you feel actual pain? Not really, just some tenderness. So I threw them out. The rest of the day I was up and around, doing things. And the next day it was like I never had the surgery. I live at a Studio Apartment complex with 16 units. My roommate is the on-site manager. So as I went back to my normal on the 4th day, ( with the weight lift, carry, push-pull restrictions), and the tenants were all like " I thought you were having surgery this week ?" I said " I did. On Monday." None of them could believe it. So that is my story. I am disappointed with my weight loss so far, ( it's been a month) as I have only lose 17lbs since the surgery. But I also considered, due to my 9 month "Denture Diet"( I lost 25 lbs,but once I was able to eat again I got back up, so, it may have changed the immediate weight loss factor. I have lost 45 lbs. So maybe that is why. So below is my pre-food, my favorite a plate FULL of (Foie de Veau Lyonnaise) Calf liver in onions. and my new diet. 4oz ( with a total of 2oz of food) containers with liver, mashed potatoes and broccoli.

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Regrets? What you are feeling is not unique so you are in good company. The first few weeks can be difficult but WLS veterans almost unanimously say their only regret is not doing this years ago. WLS is a lifestyle change that takes discipline and dedication but it gets easier, especially when you start seeing and FEELING the results of your efforts. You got this and your Bariatric Pals are here to support and cheering you on!

I wish you well! I'm having surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on July 27th. Anyone else been at their Bariatric & Metabolic Center?

When I was suffering from a rotator cuff injury, a couple of months ago, I was miserable. Tylenol wasn't doing a thing for my pain. I reached out to my surgeon's office and begged to be able to just take one dose of ibuprofen. They approved it, but told me to take omeprazole with it. NSAIDS increase your risk for ulcers. So does bariatric surgery. Combine the two and you're almost asking for a problem. The restriction on NSAIDS is forever, but it's probably not going to kill you to take them once in a while. You'll want to get approval from your team. I had already been several months post op, before trying to take it.

Well, today is the day. SURGERY DAY. It's more complicated than when I had the gastric sleeve because not only are they doing a revision from sleeve to bypass, they are removing my entire lower and mid stomach (the part that is bypassed) because that's where all my polyps develop. It's a 2 hour surgery, and I was told I'll be in recovery for about an hour after. It's like having 2 bariatric surgeries in 1, so the recovery/healing/down time will be worse than my original surgery. I'll be in the hospital for 2 nights, so I'll be home sometime on Friday the 30th. That sucks, and is really annoying (I hate hospitals) but I know it's necessary and will be worth it. I can't wait to get my life back. Working out, feeling good, no more in and out of the hospital, being ME again. This has been a looooong road, but I'm finally almost at the finish line. It's gonna be awesome when I hit my weight loss goal (I'm 70 pounds away and speaking it into existence now that THIS TIME NEXT YEAR I will be at my goal weight). So wish me luck, and I'll see ya'll on the flip side

Well, today is the day. SURGERY DAY. It's more complicated than when I had the gastric sleeve because not only are they doing a revision from sleeve to bypass, they are removing my entire lower and mid stomach (the part that is bypassed) because that's where all my polyps develop. It's a 2 hour surgery, and I was told I'll be in recovery for about an hour after. It's like having 2 bariatric surgeries in 1, so the recovery/healing/down time will be worse than my original surgery. I'll be in the hospital for 2 nights, so I'll be home sometime on Friday the 30th. That sucks, and is really annoying (I hate hospitals) but I know it's necessary and will be worth it. I can't wait to get my life back. Working out, feeling good, no more in and out of the hospital, being ME again. This has been a looooong road, but I'm finally almost at the finish line. It's gonna be awesome when I hit my weight loss goal (I'm 70 pounds away and speaking it into existence now that THIS TIME NEXT YEAR I will be at my goal weight). So wish me luck, and I'll see ya'll on the flip side

@boat 4 fun, I've had the same thoughts about following the diet/lifestyle. That just speaks more to the fact that I've got to change my thinking and take action on a new way of life. It's definitely a challenge. I know I need a long term commitment with renewing my mind as needed. This is about moving forward with healthier choices, right? I appreciate everyone here sharing their experiences and especially when facts and studies are shared, which helps me learn and grow. Hang in there! We can do hard things. Also, I'm getting my surgery from Cleveland Clinic. I was reminded recently not to use patches for some reason. Let us know how that works for you. I have a hard time taking pills so I'm trying chewables now, as much as I can. I'm sure you'll find what works best for you. All the best!

I see my dietician in August along with my surgeon and I also will be getting bloodwork done. Thank you for the tips/suggestions. The 1200 calories was a day that I had. The example wasn't the 1200 calorie day. I'm gonna take out bread or if I want bread/bread type products, just have half. I don't eat bread related foods every day. I try to stay away from junkfood. Alot of the times it's always in my face and I live with family, I've mentioned before to put it in a place where it's not in my face. It's always usually on the counter. Right now, yogurt is still turning my stomach just of the thought about it, but hopefully I can add it back in my diet. I love cheesesticks, protein drinks with 20g of protein, jello I need to make some, been loving cherries lately and apples. Have to pick up some strawberries. Does anyone eat and then at the 15 minute mark they get sick of what they're eating? So you stop? I have some recipes for bariatric meals, I need to whip that back out and make a grocery list. Plus I also follow a lot of people on tik tok and youtube. I also need to get back to eating egg, tuna or chicken salad again. What do you eat it with? Vegetables?

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This is similar to Ozempic and Wegovy, right? I have to ask, why are you taking that if you had surgery? And you will have to stay on it because once you stop, all the weight that came off will come right back on. BUT...having said that... it sounds like your body liked the previous dose you were on and worked well. If you were losing weight, why increase it? I would definitely lower the dose back to where it was before, and then maybe look at doing a pouch reset and starting your bariatric diet over to get the results you want from the sleeve.