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Agree with going back to the basics. Protein first then vegetables. Get rid of the bread & a lot of the grains during the weight loss stage (you can slowly add whole or multi grains once you’re in maintenance). Watch your portion sizes. Reduce your snacking to once a day - cheese, high protein yoghurt, chunks of cucumber, small serves of fruit. Remember why you decided to have your surgery. You can get back on track.

K...I'm 2+ years out so alot of my surprises are long behind me. But here are some observations from the past year and a bit: I am no longer freezing. Yeah, i still wear socks year round and generally wear a sweater when others around me are not, but my temp regulation is waaaaay better. For instance, my thermostat reads 25C at the moment and I'm wearing a tank top...this would have been unheard of my first winter. All the hair that fell out is back and just as long as the hair around it (I've got almost-shoulder hair) My skin & lips are no longer as dry as the were pre-wls Its been over 2 years since I last broke out (i had a bad case about 2-3 months post op, none since then) My pits don't stink! I can get away without wearing deodorant (when I'm not running). My pee goes straight into the toilet...it barely touches any part of my body/skin that needs lots of tissue nor multiple wipes. Restricting carbs seems to actually have zero value-added effect in terms of losing actual lbs from the scale...but they do have an effect on my looks (they make me look puffier) My body strictly follows CICO. No secret tips or tricks. If I slack off on tracking my food or weighing regularly (i.e, every day), my weight WILL creep up. There is no glaring difference with how people treated me when I was fatter vs. now (well, at least not to my face, LOL) People no longer care how much weight I lost or what I eat.

I’ve had puppies before and while I’ve heard people say that, I’ve never known it to be nearly as much work as a newborn. I also plan to get an older puppy (like a year or so old) so I don’t have to worry about house breaking them or anything. Gardening is a great idea! I used to do that a lot when I was younger but haven’t in a while. I planned to do a weight loss blog to keep me accountable but it wouldn’t really distract me from my journey because it would be about my journey if that makes sense. Thanks for your advice 😊

I feel like I need to share my experience with others, as I wish someone would have shared the same with me years ago. My weight loss started over 20 years ago, never stopped since, culminating with a gastric sleeve in 2017 (SW 360, CW 250, GW<200). After the WLS I've lost about 70 lbs and hit the plateau which lasted a few months. I tried breaking it with intensive gym, calories counting, but no real impact. As a result, I've lost motivation, and over the next 2 years gained about 30 lb back (late night snacks, sugary treats), which was a huge frustration. Having a sleeve - the best WL tool one may ever have - I felt like being a "regain" statistics, not an individual with life and willpower. I still had my "pouch" restriction, but after 30-40 minutes after having a meal I was ready to eat again. It lasted till last November, when I hit 290 lbs. The frustration turned into anger. I spent days to research diets and practices. As a result, I'm back on track, losing rapidly about 3-4 lbs a week, full of energy. Here are my 3 key pillars, which brought me back: 1. Low carb diet. After researching multiple trendy diets, KETO seemed to be the most promising one. But I didn't like the idea to consume lots of fats, and avoid vegetables. I'm an old-fashioned guy. So I adjusted the KETO idea by adding a decent daily portion of green veggies (zucchinis, asparagus, green pepper, kale - those which have nearly no sugars, but lots of fibers), and limited my fats to avocados, brazil nuts, eggs and fatty fish (salmon) - no huge amounts of bacon, butter, cheese and oils. For protein those above also provided enough, plus I have some lean pork, beef or chicken. That type of diet keeps my in permanent ketosis, while I still have a decent amount of fibers and healthy protein. My nutrients are around 50-60% of fats, 25-30% of proteins and 10-15% of carbs. 2. Intermittent fasting (IF), 18:6. It means my eating "window" is 1pm - 7pm, during which I have 3 meals. Personally I believe that low carbs diet and IF are made for each other. Being in ketosis I feel no hunger at all, as my insulin is very low. That makes IF a simple task. Also once a week I do a 42 hours fast by skipping meals on Sundays - right before my weight check on Monday morning! ). IF is also a solution to plateaus. I adjust the fasting time to 12:12 for a few days and do a long fast after (48+ hours) to reset. 3. CICO (calories in, calories out) is the 3rd pillar. Keeping everything written down is not just a good habit, but also makes me feel I control the process better. My daily intake is around 1,100-1,300 calories, which creates a huge weekly calories deficit for weight loss. One may consider it's a bit too low, and I would rather agree. I'll certainly increase my calories after hitting my goal. A few more tips from my experience: - After 40+ gym can't be the only solution. Keeping yourself active (especially with this pandemic) is important for general health, but unless I'm a professional athlete, 1-1.5 hour walk every day (outside or a treadmill) is good enough. - Staying hydrated is a must, healthy weight loss won't work without it. Tracking water was always a pain for me, I was forgetting to do that. Now I have 6 magnets next to my water cooler. Each time I refill my bottle, I move one magnet to the other side, which helps me to see how many refills left. No fuss with writing down, takes a fraction of a second to move the magnet - while keeps me fully informed. Helps a lot! - Supplements!!! Lots of them! Since I'm restricted and have rather a distorted diet, I need to fill the gap of minerals and nutrients. Multivitamins, husk fiber, omega-3, collagen, cumin, ox bile, Vitamin D, electrolytes etc. It's 18 pills per day, in 2 batches! My latest blood work returned perfect results - no deficiencies, and the lowest sugar level I ever had in my life. As a conclusion - no hunger, no frustration, no cravings, energetic, clear mind, active, positive - and still losing weight! I even think that it would be very doable without my WLS, but in fact a restricted stomach makes everything much easier. So much easier, then it feels sometimes I'm actually cheating in this weight-loss game! I do hope someone will find it helpful. I wish I knew that years ago, but better late than never.

I have found in previous diets and lifestyle changes that I do better if I have something else new to focus on as well that’s not stressful for me. For example, I was able to lose 50lbs and do a triathlon a year after I had my son because weight loss wasn’t my primary thought at that time, my new baby was. But things that are too stressful and occupy too much time sabotage me. For example, I gained back the 50lbs and then some after I started back to college full time. So I was thinking of adopting a puppy after my surgery (like 6 weeks after so I’ve healed) to keep me occupied but not stressed out. It’d also give me a reason to be more active. I think it’d also be good for my kids because I know that it can be scary watching a parent go through surgery, especially at a young age, and it’ll help them feel better. Is this a good idea or no? Has anyone else done something like this?

Welcome @Pkump and @BostonRiley!! Congrats on the weight loss so far @Pkump!! Amazing!! I am crossing my fingers I will have similar results! Only a few days to go! I will be crossing all my digits for you! @BostonRiley I think you have the closest date to mine (2/22)!!! Hurry up and wait, right?! When do you start your preop diet? I am going in for my last informational meeting on Wednesday... eeek! I start the diet on 2/8. I am assuming I will get all the details on Wednesday. I am clearly over-preparing (severe fear of the unknown)... my current buys:

Hi 🙋‍♀️, I've been stalling as well since the beginning of January. I've taken the same 1lb off then put it back on again I don't know how many times! I've noticed more hair loss so am making a real effort to eat more protein, as my dietitian says it's the lack of protein that causes this (unfortunately she says it's the lack of protein 3 months before so the extra protein won't work for a bit). My calories are higher than yours - about 1100 per day. They've crept up with the protein I'm adding in. I still can't eat much "real food" at a time so eating little and often and still having 1 high protein shake a day. I still can't tolerate most meat - it just sticks. The dietitian says this might get better, but then again it might not....I'm doing fast walking most days for about 45 minutes and then upper body weights 3 times a week. I just want to get the weight loss going again - don't know how to do this.

check your thyroid. It doesn’t mean you might have any health issues, but rapid weight loss may cause our hormonal levels fluctuate. An endocrinologist should be able to track and adjust that.

Celebrating my 2 month SURGIVERSARY by weighing in at 295 pounds. That is a loss of 59 pounds since I started all the pre-surgery requirements and 37 pounds since surgery on 11/30/2020. I am loving this.

Sorry for your loss. Sending love and strength your way.

you're in a stall. No way you're gaining weight eating 500-800 calories a day. Those slight gains (1-2 lbs) are likely due to water retention. Just stick to your plan and your weight loss should start up again. Stalls happen occasionally throughout your journey and typically last 1-3 weeks. And they eventually break..

This is my third month after gastric sleeve total weight loss till now 40 pounds I started at 248 I’m stuck I don’t lose weight anymore and gaining one pound and losing it the following day this pattern been for two weeks I don’t eat sugar or carbs only focusing on protein I drink my water also some days I feel I can’t eat nothing at all but other days I eat up to 800 calories but most days 500 calories I’m so stressed I wonder if I’m going to lose the rest or what am I doing wrong could you please help me and provide me with what you eat in your day thank you

If you lose a lot weight in the few weeks before weight loss surgery it very likely you won't lose as much as someone who doesn't have a strict pre-op liquid diet. All that fluid retention/bloat etc has already gone before surgery. That said you are doing great, everyone is different, some will have lost less than you in the first month and others will have lost more. As long as you are following your post op guidelines all is good.

Thank you for the reassurance. I wasn't basing my expectations on 600lb life, but on info from this site and others like it. I am eating, and generally making my protein goals etc. I just so often feel kinda pukey when I eat, drink, or take my meds that I struggle with making myself do it. I'm still learning to sip and space out my meals adequately. These technical details are a lot harder than I was expecting- I was not a big bite person anyway, but I could sit and eat a meal without it getting cold by the time I was done. Just more learning curve. https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/weight-loss-surgery/after-weight-loss-surgery-the-first-30-days#:~:text=But it tends to be,20% loss of excess weight.

Hi Suzy, I agree with what others have said. Also, I noticed you said you hardly eat anything. Make sure you know from your nutritionist how many calories and protein you should consume daily. Not enough can slow or stall weight loss.

A few things I wasn't expecting 5 months out from surgery. 6. I would have to get smaller shoes. I was a size ten 1/2 in shoes and now 8.5. 5. Also always being cold, I wear thermals almost every day to work , but I live in a cold environment. I always wear a scarf. 4. Loosing hair was a bit traumatic for me, but it has stabilized 3. the amount of time I think of food has been transferred into new coping skills, like crafts with yarn and having fun science experiments with my kids. 2. the need for silence to be alone with my thoughts. 1. how anxious I get when buying new clothes. what are some surprise that you had?

Weight loss varies for everyone, but I have seen/read from 10 to 12 is average . 15 lbs. is great! Remember your body is going thru a lot of adjustments. Be patient and follow the plan. You are doing GREAT! 😃

I lost 15 pounds on my two week pre-op diet. I lost 15 pounds my first month post-op. Then another 15 the second month. And another 15 each, months 3 & 4. Slowed down to around 10 after that. I was also disappointed with my weight loss that first month, but boy did it add up quick. I am a bit shy of 7 months post-op and a bit shy of my first goal weight. Just stick with the plan, and be kind to yourself! 💕

Thank you for caring. in my country they do weight loss surgeries starting from 12 years old.

Hi Everyone! I'm New on here! I have struggled with my weight for years. I had my first baby in May of 2020. I lost 20lbs before having him and gained it all back and then some after giving up Breastfeeding. I am at my highest weight I've ever been at, I've been on WW for 3 years now and it hasn't helped.. I am considering weight loss surgery. I've been through some of the threads and so many people say they don't regret anything, It's nice to see for sure, i want to be healthy for my son, being able to do my hobbies again and overall be healthier. but I am concerned about the excess skin.. Right now I weigh 240lbs my goal weight is 130ish. I am 26 yrs old. Has anyone lost 110lbs and not had that much excess skin? Does anyone have before and after photos (before or without skin removal surgery). How long did it take you to recover after surgery? What were your restrictions (food, exercise?) One piece of advice I should have? Lot's of questions! Thank you in advance!!

Oh my gosh! I am in the exact same boat as you. I have been in and out of a stall all month. I have only had 4 days of losses and have gained on quite a few days. Evens out to be a stall. My hair is bonkers!!! I am losing massive amounts and you can see my scalp in the front and sides. I bought Nioxin shampoo, added collagen and biotin. It is a big confidence killer. I feel super hormonal - had a bad period reminiscent of my teenage years early in the month and even got an acne cyst on my chin, which hasn’t happened in 6 years. My clothing size has gone down by one this month though, and people are really starting to notice my weight loss, so trying to stay positive!

How’s everyone doing? My weight is been pretty much the same since December going up and down super weird. I was at 189 for like 3 weeks then started dropping down to 185 went back up to 188 and today I was at 185.6 don’t know what to do with it. Pretty much it’s been like this for 2 whole months. My water I sake I would say it’s around 50-64oz and food I can’t seem to eat more than 4-5oz at once that includes veggies and protein. Calories between 600-700 this is having 2 protein shake. I’m exercising with no weight lifting just resistance I wonder if this is why? Also my hair started falling :(((

how long has it been since the weight loss stopped? You may just be in a stall. It's common to hit one occasionally while on a weight loss journey. They typically last 1-3 weeks. And they are frustrating!

It's actually a good thing! Means you're not completely dehydrated One of these days, you'll see a great loss. It may be a few days, though. Just go with the flow

I am confused on what you are asking. Are you trying to ask where to go for classes? If so: all classes are online right now due to covid. Kaiser patients have to go through a “weight loss boot camp” that includes ten weeks of classes on how to eat, what the procedures look like, etc. it also depends on region. Some Kaiser members don’t have to do classes at all, others go for shorter time periods, some longer... it really depends on the region you are in.