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I hit a couple of major NSVs today. I’ve lost 100 lbs (or near enough to count), and finally dipped down into the 100’s. I am pretty pleased with myself, and I am so glad that I had the surgery. HW = 299 CW = 199.4 SW = 280.0 Surgery Date = 07/23/2020 I follow my program of eating healthy extremely well. Cravings are at a minimum, but the weight loss isn’t a complete breeze. I feel like I need to make a conscious effort to stick to the plan. I’m a slow and steady loser, and weirdly each pound lost always feels like it’s going to be the last. Not sure why, because I am not a pessimist by nature. The body dysmorphia is strong, and I have absolutely no sense of how big or small I am now. I feel much better than before, and my clothes are getting looser, but I don’t *feel* like I’ve lost much weight. How very weird! It’s not disheartening - just kind of a clinical observation that my brain can’t quite figure out what’s going on. My initial goal weight was 165 lbs. I picked that weight because it was a goal just beyond what the average weight loss for my height was. I honestly didn’t think it was attainable. But now I do. I’d like to shoot for maybe 140 now. I initially didn’t think I was going to be interested in plastic surgery. However loose skin, age and gravity are not a winning combination. It’s on the table now! I’m glad I don’t have to think about it anytime soon, though. Other observations: * I log my food meticulously. I focus on high protein and low carbs, and feel like it’s a good day when my protein intake is > carb intake. I pretty much ignore the fat intake, but I am eating healthy so it’s just not a concern. * I’ve averaged about 1100 calories/day since the new year. * I don’t think I would have been this successful if i hadn’t been teleworking since the pandemic started. I live alone so I cleared out my kitchen of all temptations. * I walk 3.5 miles a day and I’ve grown to really enjoy it. I rarely miss - only if there are monsoon-like rains will I stay in. * I wear a Fitbit, and I think the most important and useful feature is the reminder to walk throughout the day. I typically average about 15K steps/day. * I have started jogging a little bit, and have been ASTOUNDED that I can do it. I’m super slow, but I can do it. This morning I jogged over 3 miles without dying a single time. 😂 * I do not like jogging. * I was going to the the gym, but stopped because of the crowd of ‘New Years resolution’ people who didn’t seem to be very good with the mask-wearing. I’ll pick back up with that once I get the vaccine. * I have become more limber, and a lot of my aches and pains have receded or disappeared. I love that I can cross my legs now. * My hair fell out. A lot. Started at about 3 months and it was just shocking. It was particularly bad around my temples, and around the crown of my head. It is growing back as seen by the scraggly hair sticking out in all directions. I am so pretty. 😱 It seemed to stop falling out pretty abruptly about 2 weeks ago. * Eating breakfast is still a struggle. I’ve always hated it and I still do. I almost always rely on the Fairlife shakes for breakfast. * I eat a lot of chicken, shrimp, salad, and Morningstar frozen vegan options. I am not a good cook, and as much as I think about food I guess I am just not willing to spend much time preparing it. I like the salad kits that most grocery stores have now. * I take a tremendous amount of joy in cleaning out my closet of clothes I can no longer wear. My closet is so empty! It is seriously so awesome! I’m not ready to do much shopping yet, though. I don’t need clothes for work (yet), and I’m hoping to still lose more weight. * I weigh myself every morning, and I think I’m always going to have to do this. It’s an accountability thing for me.

Oh nooooo! I was hoping to be the exclusion to the hair loss rule myself. My youngest is a year and my hair is already ridiculous. The “baby” hair. 😭 I’m so nervous it’s going to get so much worse. Are you using biotin? I am using a biotin plus (basically hair skin nails) vitamin patch.

As I understand it, this may be normal if you have metabolic issues and or use certain medications. This was the case for me. Two to three weeks post op I began gaining after being stalled from the start. My surgeon called me metabolically challenged but insisted I stick with the program. On average I lost less than half a pound weekly. Despite sticking to my program, I repeatedly had weight gain to re loose. After almost a year and a half, I made my personal goal which was about 15lbs below the medical goal. There was no wls "honeymoon" for me. No fast weight loss whatsoever. Hang in there. Try not to be discouraged. It will happen for you too although it may not be as expected.

While I have not experienced this (nor do I understand what your other condition is), I'm *Wishing You Well* with this reply. Over the years a number of online friends have had additional surgeries tacked on to their weight loss procedures. Each recovered well and has been successful overall. Good health and success are yours.

I share this issue. The formal diagnosis and treatment for hypothyroidism came over 25 years after a goiter was first noted. Fat people are often un treated or under treated for this condition. You can absolutely have long term success. It will take longer. The myth of rapid weight loss immediately after surgery will be dispelled. However, at an average weight loss of 0.34lbs per week, I reached my goal over 17 frustrating months. You may gain weight while being faithful to your program then start losing weight again. The metabolically challenged (my surgeons term) will be successful over time. With multiple metabolic complications, I've lost the fat and maintained my desired weight. Twelve years post op I've been able to beat down each incidence of re gain. Stay on program and research healthy alternatives to boosting your metabolism. While your doctor's plan is your primary guide, a little tweaking may be needed over time. You Can succeed. You WILL succeed. EDIT: After reading all replies written before mine, I have a suggestion for everyone. -Make a chart of all medications and supplements with their interactions. Apps and web sites with this information are abundant. -Prepare a doseing plan to ensure each item is taken timely and correctly. Include each dose for anything taken multiple times daily. Include the strength and form for every medication be it Rx or OTC. Include the brand and form for all supplements. Include items taken only as needed and those on a schedule other than daily. WHY? -You will maximize the benefits from your thyroid medications and avoid cancelling the effects of your supplements. -You will learn how best to take everything you use. Your goal is to minimize side effects and maximize benefits. -You will have details at your fingertips for your weight loss support team to review if needed. -In case of a medical emergency, you have this vital information on hand. While it seems like a lot to do, you already have the information. It is likely your pharmacy's app can do this for you with its doseing reminder service. (My intention is to be helpful based on the original post. Therefore, I've supplied no backgroud. Castrad01 posted for support not my autobiography.)

Hi All, I am new to this thread and was glad to read everyone’s stories and victories. Congrats All. As for me, I got my bypass done on 12/23/20. It was a revision from sleeve which was done in 2017. Had to get bypass surgery for gerd as well as weight loss. In past 8 weeks now, my gerd is improved, but I have lost only 14lbs of weight. I wanted to ask if this is normal. Is there anything that I should be doing to increase my weight loss. Please advice. I am really disheartened at this stage.

You may want to consider different surgery and even a different center. I had my lap band put in at NYU Langone and it was a drive through process (same for husband, sister in law and brother in law). They didn't really care - they just needed to check the boxes. When my band slipped, the Dr that did my surgery couldn't have cared less. She just left me in the hospital not being able to even swallow water. I went ot a different surgeon for removal. Good luck but please do your homework first. I should add that the loose skin is from weight loss and not a particular surgery. You are young and that is on your side with the elasticity of your skin

Filled out first paperwork in June of 2017, surgery in December of 2017. No insurance issues, but surgeon had a LOT of hoops to jump through including significant weight loss with dietician, correcting vitamin D level, psychiatric appts, endoscopy, fitness and healthy cooking class, other tests, etc.

I would also call your insurance company to find out what they cover and what their requirements are. Some insurance companies require documentation from your doctor that you tried other weight loss techniques. I would think your primary care doctor would be supportive but even if he or she isn't, you will want the records of the history of your weight. Good luck!

My dietician told me being cold is permanent in 80% of her weight loss surgery clients. I wasn't happy to hear that.

I know being cold is very common in bariatric patients, but I don't know about Raynaud's being common in us - I think this is the first time I've seen anything about that. I just googled it. Most of the hits were the same article, which was published in different databases. But there were a few mentions of it in different places...although again, most were of that one article/study. Another article said being cold after WLS could also be due to rapid weight loss and the slowed metabolism that often comes with that. I suspect that's probably what causes the coldness for most of us - but I don't know. Interesting. I'll keep my eyes/ears open for this from now on.

I had this on my feet (omg, the itch). I can't remember when it went away, but it did. Though I wasn't sure if it was related to weight loss at the time.

Its pretty much guaranteed, I think. I have yet to read a report of someone who didn't feel cold after going through rapid weight loss. I am 2+ years out and I notice I still run much colder than people around me (even the never-fat people). It's not as bad as the first year, but am still pretty cold.

Hi! I am very new to this community and to the idea of WLS in general. I have tried (and failed) for years to lose weight, so I am finally reaching out for help! I am 24 years old, 5'5", and currently weigh 310lbs, putting my BMI at 52. My question is... where do I even begin? I just made an appointment with my PCP for next week and said the reason for the appointment was to discuss my weight. I started weight loss management with her back in August 2020 (~6 months ago), so I do have some documented proof of trying to lose weight through diet change and exercise. But... it hasn't worked. I only lost about 15 pounds and have since plateaued. I am now interested in my WLS options. How do I even breach this subject with my doctor? Do I just outright say I am interested in bariatric surgery? My health insurance (Harvard Pilgrim) requires a referral, so I know this is the first step to take, but I am not sure how to get the ball rolling or what to expect. What can I expect out of this initial conversation? What was your experience like? Has anyone been denied a referral from their doctor? Any advice or info would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance 🙂

I haven't experienced any hair loss...yet. I'm 2+ months post surgery and the weight continues to fall off, but the hair is holding tight. Good luck to you, hopefully it's a short and mild set-back.

Hi! Welcome to the forums. You will definitely get alot of info on here. Word to the wise: Everyone is different and will have different experiences and outcomes. Try not to compare yourself to others, but if you must (its hard not to!), try to NOT to let it get to you. There will be a whole range of differing opinions on here...take what you deem useful and leave the rest. ❤️. Now to your questions: What was the pain like those first few days or weeks after surgery? My pain was manageable. I had painkillers at the hospital, but found I didn't need them once discharged the next day. It felt like I did like 500 sit ups. I did get little pangs of pain on the car ride home when we drove over a bump...I had brought a pillow to hug in anticipation of this so that helped. Oh, and coughing, OR SNEEZING! was a bit of an eye opener. Max pain was probably like a 4 for about two days at home. I didn't have any issues with gas pain, so that was good. I was walking the hospital hall regularly soon after I woke up, so that probably helped. How quick was your recovery time ? If I remember correctly, any pain/soreness was completely gone within 2 weeks. Is there anything I should know that you wish someone told you? Do what you can to stay regular. Constipation was an issue for me. Drink lots of water, move around, and add fibre to your diet. What has your post diet been like? During weight loss phase I ate very little. The couple weeks I barely ate anything (less than 300 a WEEK, yikes). By the time I got to goal, I was around 700-800 cals a day. I'm 2+ years out now and eat about 1800 to maintain my weight given my current activity level. My chosen diet during weight loss phase was ultra-low carb...less than 25g NET carbs a day (I don't do this anymore). Good Luck! ❤️

Yes. the homestretch. I can't believe were I am. I haven't been this small since my early teens. Oh yes, because of the quick weight loss and my age, I definitely have loose skin. But I am working out and trying my hardest to fix this. I know it won't completely tighten up but I'm ok with that. I find it has been easy, mind you I also work to lose weight. I don't leave it up to the surgery. I work out 5 times per week, drink lots of water and really watch my intake. If you use the surgery as a helpful tool, you'll be successful. How are you making out? Are you feeling better?

Welcome! Portion control is key. Start logging everything you put in your mouth in an app like Baritastic or MyFitnessPal. Aim to stay below 1,000-1,200 calories a day, making sure you get at least 80-100g of protein a day, and 80-90oz of water (or non-calorie drinks) a day. You'll see the scale move, guaranteed. If you still have a few good months until surgery (6-7 months) and you want to ease into the weight loss, start by measuring a "normal" meals day now, and then reduce 100-150 cal/day, each week, aiming to get below 1,000 cal/day at least 4 weeks before the actual surgery date. Good luck, and come back here for support and advice. You can do it!!!

Low carb would probably bea really good option for you, as it will give you satiety from protein and there's the added benefit of water weight loss getting it all started if you keep your carbs sufficiently low If you can manage the first 2-3 days, I used to find low-carb eating the most 'doable' diet. I did it for my pre-op phase, too (only had to lose a bit, fortunately).

I had surgery 10/5 at 252lbs and am down to 202. I’m also eating around 700 calories a day. Everything has been good for me, but my hair is falling out like crazy. I knew it was to be expected but it’s shocking. Ngl, have cried about it a few times lol

So it's day 13 since my surgery. I have lost 21lbs while on the full liquids. I have now lost 60lbs from my high. Just curious, will my weight loss slow down on soft foods? I started walking each day around the block from my house. .75 miles. Did that for about 4 days, then reversed and did two laps. With the exception of the belly button blowing continually and having to be drained due to the umbilical hernia, the surgery so far has went without any pain except for the gas pain the day of the surgery. I feel good. Tired, but good. Not that I felt bad at my high of 417. Wierd thing is, I haven't eaten anything since 1/28 and I'm not the least bit hungry. Don't get me wrong, I want to eat, but not because i'm hungry, but because I'm sick of these protein shakes. So looking forward to scrambled EGG in the morning tomorrow. OHHHH, and i'm looking forward to tomorrow being the last of my two blood thinner shots!!!! They suck. If in Virgina, and thinking of this surgery, please consider my doc, Dr. Nicholas Dugan, at Novant Health UVA in Haymarket VA. He's a great doc, great HONEST bedside manner. He is very young, but I was one of his first patients using the davinci and could not be more pleased.

Ok, so I see you are at 4 months out? When I was at 4 months out I was just not into sweet stuff so can't help you on ideas there, BUT i was all about salty stuff (probably because I had pretty low blood pressure at the time, and likely not drinking enough water). My go-to salty snack at 4 months PO was beef jerky (even had a ziploc of some I carried around in my purse all the time). Also deli turkey with cheese (but not in my purse, lol). My food diary also shows that anchovies and canned smoked oysters were a regular occurrence (but I realize these may not be everyone's bag, lol) Once in maintenance my fave salty-crunchy snack was chicharron (i.e., pork rinds/cracklins), but I wouldn't recommend this during weight loss phase as its really high in calories (but also high in protein!). Good Luck!

Weight loss check in. Surgery 10/14. Starting weight 222 current 182. I feel like it is really slow moving. How many calories is everyone taking in? I am at about 700. How are you all coming along? Sent from my SM-N981U using BariatricPal mobile app

In the first pic, I’m the one on the right side of the photo. I was already a mother of 4 wonderful kids, but I was miserable & very unhappy with my weight. I was insecure and embarrassed at how far I had let myself go. So, I started doing 5k runs to help myself lose weight. Being active was never a problem. I was disciplined enough to get out on a track, do step aerobics, or walk/run some bleachers. However, it was my relationship with food that was the problem. When I started my journey to get the sleeve, my surgeon said something that stayed with me: “The sleeve will guarantee weight loss in your first year out, but YOU have to utilize that time to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE in order to maintain that weight loss.” Folks...that is EXACTLY what I did. I changed my eating habits. The sleeve forced my hand with QUANTITY, but I learned about QUALITY nutrition for my body. I completely changed my dietary habits! I got rid of all my trigger foods (and believe me that most of them were/are sliders!) and filled my fridge & pantry with lean meats, veggies, fresh fruits, complex carbs. And as the weight came off, I started lifting weights (heavy weights) to totally recomp my figure. And as the years went by and my stomach stretched and the quantity of food I was able to consume increased, I learned to time my meals and seek out fulfilling recipes that were also satisfying. Foods like: Greek yogurt (with a scoop of protein), topped with fresh fruits; zucchini noodles with chicken & Alfredo sauce; eggs, egg whites topped with fresh veggies like mushrooms, onion, spinach, cheese, with an added side of turkey bacon; zucchini noodles with spaghetti sauce & turkey meat; turkey patties topped with gravy & mushrooms and a side of green beans; turkey chili topped with cheese and a small bag of Fritos; pancakes/waffles made from oats, banana, eggs, olive oil, cinnamon (I add Protein powder as an option, and a sugar free seasoning call Honey Butter & Cinnamon by Icon), and topped with whipped cream, fresh fruits, and sugar free syrups (like Walden Farms); I’ll cook with low calorie marinades (like G. Hughes) and seasonings that are low in sodium and/or sugar free (like Icon) to add flavor and diversity with out tons of calories.  Folks! Life changing!!! I CHOOSE to eat well. I CHOOSE to exercise 5-6 days a week. I CHOOSE my lifestyle. I still eat foods that are not “health” conscious, but I’m in control now. I can eat them without over indulging or losing control. I even drink beer a few nights out of the month. My lifestyle choices have led me down a path in which I’m so much happier! I feel strong, confident, and in control! I’m in a better place mentally, and because of that, I’m a much better parent to my kids! Change is possible, folks. The sleeve is a tool, but you’re the one in control. 

In the first pic, I’m the one on the right side of the photo. I was already a mother of 4 wonderful kids, but I was miserable & very unhappy with my weight. I was insecure and embarrassed at how far I had met myself go. So, I started doing 5k runs to help myself lose weight. Being active was never a problem. I was disciplined enough to get out on a track, do step aerobics, or walk/run some bleachers. However, it was my relationship with food that was the problem. When I started my journey to get the sleeve, my surgeon said something that stayed with me: “The sleeve will guarantee weight loss in your first year out, but YOU have to utilize that time to CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE in order to maintain that weight loss.” Folks...that is EXACTLY what I did. I changed my eating habits. The sleeve forced my hand with QUANTITY, but I learned about QUALITY nutrition for my body. I completely changed my dietary habits! I got rid of all my trigger foods (and believe me that most of them are sliders!) and filled my fridge & pantry with lean meats, veggies, fresh fruits, complex carbs. And as the weight came off, I started lifting weights (heavy weights) to totally recomp my figure. And as the years went by and my stomach stretched and the quantity of food I was able to consume increased, I learned to time my meals and seek out fulfilling recipes that were also satisfying. Foods like: zucchini noodles with chicken & Alfredo sauce; zucchini noodles with spaghetti sauce & turkey meat; turkey patties topped with gravy & mushrooms and a side of green beans; turkey chili topped with cheese and a small bag of Fritos; pancakes/waffles made from oats, banana, eggs, olive oil, cinnamon(add I add protein powder as an option, and a sugar free seasoning call Honey Butter & Cinnamon by Icon); I use sugar free syrups (like Walden Farms) and marinades (like G. Hughes); seasonings that are low in sodium & sugar free (Icon). Folks! Life changing!!! I’m so much happier! I feel strong, confident, and in control! I’m in a better place mentally, and because of that, I’m a much better parent to my kids!