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Hello! Thank you all for allowing me in the group🥰 I just had a consultation and I barely qualify for the sleeve but I do! Yay! I'm 5'6 194 lbs. A few questions: I heard going out of the country is cheaper - anyone go out of the country for the surgery? Like, Mexico. I'm in Florida. How did it turn it? I was not comfortable going out of the country, but my insurance covered it, so that was even cheaper than going to Mexico. I know many people who have been happy with their results in Mexico, but I know one person who felt that she needed more care than she got, plus I know that some people go there when they are not approved in the US, and they may not be as careful about turning people down in Mexico. What's the pros and cons I should be aware of? Pros: you will most likely lose a good amount of weight. You MAY see improvement in certain health conditions. You will be able to fit in smaller clothes. You MAY be able to me more active. If you lose weight, people will be nicer to you (sick, but true!) Cons: This is major surgery, and while the chance of a bad outcome is VERY SMALL, there is still some risk. Losing weight will not make you a completely different person - most of your problems will be the same, but you won't be able to use food to cope with them anymore. You will need to take a multi-vitamin every day for the rest of your life, and if you're like me, the multi-vitamin may make you throw up. You may lose some of your hair for a few months I've heard so many horror stories ie people throwing up, not being able to ever eat "normal" again, higher risk for cancer, etc etc etc. I've been doing research but id love to hear yalls thoughts since i know you're live ppl I can actually communicate with😊 I threw up once because the food was too dry (3 weeks after surgery). About once every two weeks I throw up from my multi-vitamin. I've tried three different brands, but it sucks. The only way you could be at a higher risk for cancer I can think of is if you have really bad GERD after sleeve, develop Barrett's esophagus, and this becomes cancer. However, if you get really bad GERD after sleeve, you could have a revision to bypass. Many forms of cancer have higher rates in people who are obese, so it's likely your risk of cancer will go down if you have surgery and lose weight. I eat more "normally" now than before surgery. Before surgery my portions were WAY TOO BIG and I was eating unhealthy food too often. Now I eat a more normal sized portion and less junk food. The only things I can't really eat easily are lettuce and rice, and those are getting easier. Thanks a bunch!

Hi I am 7 weeks in after gastric sleeve- Till the week I started eating solid food at 5 weeks I was losing between 0.5 to 1 pound a day Then it started getting lower till it stalled 10 days ago and I actually gained 2 pounds over the last 10 days - I had taken water pills a couple of times as I noticed swelling around my ankles so I am not sure if the gain back is a result of that My calories intake are between 900 and 1100- Carbs are low- I do more proteins as needed- drink water sometimes 64 ounce sometimes 60 ounces- I workout 3 times/ week now I walk every day I also do intermittent fast 13/11 everyday I am getting very frustrated almost regretting the decision of the surgery as I historically lost more weight on diets the problem was that I always regained the weight I lost 35 pounds since I started and 28 pounds since the day of the surgery Any thoughts? Thank you

Having bariatric surgery is not "the easy way out"... it's really the only proven treatment for obesity. One surgeon told me that if you have more than 100 lbs to lose, the odd of losing it and keeping it off are 1 in 2000! I had lost 50, 80, 100 lbs various times and always gained it back. Yes, I might gain my weight back this time, but the odds are much better since I had surgery. You can try to lose that 85 lbs but even if you do, you will almost certainly gain it back, and based on your history, you will end up heavier than ever. However, in order to keep the weight off after surgery, you will have to make permanent changes to your eating habits. For example, I'm 8 months out and I can eat anything I want... which means it's up to me to choose the best options. Right now, I'm limited in how much I can eat as long as I eat protein rich foods, but if I'm eating cookies, I can eat too much too easily. I had sleeve, not bypass, but the outcome/recovery is basically the same. You just have to be more careful with vitamins after bypass. I don't feel that I'm "missing" 90% of my stomach, but eating definitely feels different, and that can be frustrating sometimes. However, I am happy I did the surgery.

Thanks! You are just about right there with me in weight loss. Can't wait to hear you are JUST Obese as well!

If you're only eating 950 calories but you're lifting weights and doing treadmill, it's likely you need to eat more. Or, make sure the food you are eating during the day is high quality and likely to keep you full - protein, fiber, and fat. As long as you're in a calorie deficit, you will lose weight, though the rate varies and there are always stalls, no matter how few calories you eat... and if you eat too few calories, you may slow down your weight loss. The other thing to consider is drinking things like coffee/tea that have caffeine which can reduce hunger. Or milk, which can help you feel full. Raw non-starchy veggies could be a good option when you just want to munch on something.

Hi, I've started weight training (I'm not doing cardio other than normal daily activities). I find that my hunger in the evenings after working out is more than on nights I don't workout but not too much so. I have been drinking a protein shake on my way home from the gym or right when I get home. I then try to eat something light but filling - like veggies or a salad or even a cup or 2 of jello. The real secret is that I keep drinking my crystal light over ice until I go to bed as a way to keep my tummy full but my calories now. I'm also taking rest days about every other day or so - a few times I worked out multiple days in a row and I have found that just wipes me out.

Hi. I had surgery on 21-March. I was on my treadmill 3 days later, walking slowly but am back up to jogging or walking fast depending on daily motivation. I was cleared on Monday to start lifting weights (light <25lbs for the next two weeks and then I can increase) again, which I started, also on Monday. I feel great, but oh boy am I hungry - which I was expecting. I'm eating about 950 calories a day, but I'd be lying if I said my stomach isn't growling at days end and when I wake up. I eat 6 small meals a day, protein is around 80g/day and I drink about 100-110 oz of water daily. I am seriously scared to bump my calories to support the weight training. Has anyone begun weight training early on with their cardio? If so, how did you combat the hunger? My nutritionist said to increase my calories by 200 and I want to but I'm seriously so nervous I'm going to stall. I'm down 30ish pounds and have another 50 to go...

That is so great. I remember a few months ago when I celebrated being OVERWEIGHT. It sounds a little insane for the normal person but we know what that all means. I am striving to become normal weight but the last 20 pounds are going to be a struggle. I imagine the last 20 will be harder than the first 100. Keep it up.

I am getting resleeve due to not loosing enough and gaining 30lb back. I lost 65lbs. My doctor would not do it he automatically said gastic without doing test ect. I had it in Mexico. I research it an found a hospital that does it only 3 hrs from my home. I live in AZ now. Going to Mexicali mx . I went there last week had a barium swallow before they would commit to a sleeve. I had my old xrays from right after surgery. Thank God I did. He said the technique they use left the top part really large from surgery. He told me it was not my fault. He said I needed a better tool to work with. So if your thinking re sleeve it depends on the issue. I go may 13 for surgery. Looking forward to the new me. I understand a lot more this time round.

I agree…this experience and others in the past when I’ve done MediFast, day 3 seems easier than the first 2 days. I think that is partly because carbohydrates make one want MORE carbohydrates. Eliminate the carbs, and I find that much if not all of my hunger goes away. Today is day 3 for me. 2 shakes and a small leafy green salad with some protein. A Greek yogurt if I need a snack. I’m way under 1000 calories. And I’m fine. I’ve dropped 1/2 lb…I know I am a slow loser. But my students today were telling me that I look like I am losing weight. 🤷🏻‍♀️ what can I say?

Congratulations, surgical twin! My weight is coming off slower than yours, but I'll get there eventually -- and meanwhile I'm thrilled for you.

My current surgeon actually told me that my weight loss probably was more to do with my behavior changes, etc than the actual Lap Band. Lap Band has is well known as an epic failure, doing more harm than good for the majority. So now I'm looking forward to an actual weight loss surgery that is more powerful and one that can get me to the finish line (goal weight). So I guess it all depends on which surgery we choose. I know the DS is a very powerful weight loss surgery. If you compare Lap Band to DS, one is not very powerful and the other is the most powerful, and all other weight loss surgeries fall between those two as far as how powerful they tend to be.

I agree with using all the other tools that helo those of us with weight loss surgery to include a nutritionist and a bariatric therapist. Sometimes I wonder how much of it is that and how much is the actual surgery since most of us do not do those two options until we are forced to in order to get the surgery. They are both VERY big components that contribute to success and they could help you without surgery as well.

True, weight loss surgery isn't for everyone. It's not a one size fits all sort of surgery. But it's better to find out before you have surgery than after. If you're going to give diet and exercise a try again, maybe medical weight loss can be a tool you can use, the same way weight loss surgery is a tool that others use. There's all sorts of newer medical weight loss options now, it's not like the phentermine only options from years ago. There's new drugs like glp 1 agonists (Saxenda, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Wegovy) they're often prescribed to help with appetite suppression. Best wishes!

Hello and welcome in. As @Arabesque says we rarely post when we are having no issues, So plenty of times I have posted when I needed help. I have had a really elongated rough ride. If you look at in context, I never post saying that I have had a good week with lots of weight loss. So its never balanced. Its like taking a grain of rice out of a pan full and saying ' oh its all ruined now, I will have to throw it all away'

We got this! I’m so glad my doc recommended surgery. I didn’t know it was covered by insurance. I haven’t seen 220 in over a decade! My goal is to lose 150 pounds. My highest weight was 285 and now I’m 265. I hope you get the surgery date you want. And survive Teacher Appreciation Week. What happened to being appreciated with some nice apples? 😂

Wondering if anyone else feels like they can eat more than others. I can easily eat 3 oz of chicken and 1 c of salad. Wondering if I stretched my pouch out already. My weight has stalled since mid-April and before that stalled from beginning of April to mid-April. I only lost 4 lbs in April.

Welcome. i’m very glad I had the surgery. I generally eat what I want & it doesn’t restrict me dining out or socialising with friends. There are foods I choose not to eat (sweet things, highly processed foods, etc.) because I want to maintain my weight loss. I know I will always monitor & watch what I eat & how much. Bad eating habits, poor food choices, cravings, etc. will always be there. The surgery doesn’t remove or stop them. It just gives you time to recognise what they are & why you’re experiencing them & find ways to manage them. There are some foods that sit heavily in my tummy & make me feel full sooner like bread, pasta, rice & potato though some eat them without issue. It’s just who we are as individuals. There can be other odd things you may not tolerate temporarily after surgery or less common long term but there are plenty of alternatives for food allergies & intolerances about these days. Personally, I’ve not vomited as such but have regurgitated a couple of times when I ate something too dry or coarse. It passes quickly & I don’t feel sick or have discomfort like after vomiting. I did have nausea from my vitamins & on odd days for no obvious reason except having a sensitive & fussy tummy after surgery & when losing. Don’t have it all now now. The reality is you will be eating a much more nutritious & balanced diet so your health will improve greatly. A gastric sleeve will (Mayo Clinic) reduce your risk of potentially life-threatening weight-related health problems, including: Heart disease High blood pressure High cholesterol Obstructive sleep apnea Type 2 diabetes Stroke Cancer Infertility Sure I have reflux, but I had it before surgery (managed it well with dietary choices). It’s not worse just different now. Had no comorbidities before surgery but they likely were just waiting to start. A lot of my big weight gain in the last few years was tied to being peri menopausal & then menopausal. I’d struggle lose 2 pounds & gain it straight back hard to fight your hormones & your body. You’ll probably find a lot of negative stories here but that’s because they’re likely looking for advice, support, etc. If things are going well, you tend not to post just reply. Having a support system is important whether family &/or friends. As is having a supportive surgeon, GP, dietician & therapist, if you have one. My surgeon, his associates & my GP are great. Still see my surgeon’s associate every three months for follow ups & blood tests. And my GP reviews everything with me whenever I see her. If anything looks unusual, they monitor & investigate further. That would be my only point to consider with seeking out of state or country surgery - the follow ups.

I'd love to be honest about it. The weight loss is nice...but I still have to be VERY DISCICPLINED in what I eat or I REGAIN weight. Also, I woke up from surgery with horrid GERD that has not gone away and HUNGRY. I still get hungry (famished) just like before the surgery. Long term GERD and PPI use have significant health issues associated with them. I have moderate anemia now (10 years post op), and can't seem to absorb enough through food. I may have to have Iron infusions. I have to have an endoscopy to check on things next month. I may have to have a revision to bypass. I hope it's not more serious than needing a revision (Please God, no Barrett's esophagus, or {gulp} cancer). Most times, I am OK and have come to acceptance for the most part...but other times I seriously regret having 85% of my stomach removed (I really didn't have any co-morbidities) and I get a little freaked out about what I have done to myself and what might happen as a result of this serious surgery (no going back). I was so desperate I was to lose weight. I gotta tell you... the biggest problem was a selfish, unloving, critical, abusive husband and my own lack of self-esteem. I was glad to get rid of all 180 pounds of HIM! Now that was the best and healthiest weight loss of all. I wish I had gotten rid of him first, because after he was gone, I started working out, lifting weights and got in shape. That was a game changer. I would encourage everyone to do their own research. Look up the rate of weight regain after the sleeve. Look up the risk of GERD associated with the sleeve. Look up the rate of hunger after surgery. Weigh the pros and cons. This is not a benign surgery. At least that is how I feel about it today

You should take all your measurements and find some online size charts. Then look up what body parts you want to emphasize (small waist) and what you want to hide. See what styles work with that criteria. Sounds like a lot of work but for so many years I spent hiding away because of my weight. You might find that shopping is a bit more fun now. More than once as I was trying on clothes long since hidden in my closet, I heard my husband (who I thought was asleep, ask, “Are you done playing dress-up yet?” Lol

I had my first case of dumping recently and it was from a cough drop that was sugar free ! I had diarrhea for a day and a half and couldn’t eat anything ! I’ve been straight liquids since the episode and am losing a lot of weight .

Hey everyone! I haven't been on here I'm quite some time. Because of that, no one knows that I used to have the lapband. Which when I had to get the revision surgery, they poked a hole in my stomach which cause me to get an abscess. 2 days after that surgery, I had to get my lapband removed. That was 9 years ago. I gained back everything I lost and right now, I'm 45 pounds over that starting weight. After that scary day, it struggled losing the weight. 2015 I tried weight watchers and joined a gym. I was 10 pounds more than i was when I got the lapband. I lost 42 pounds. My membership ended and I lost my motivation and gained it back! 2018 I tried keto. It works, but it was definitely too restrictive for me and the recipes weren't that get! Last year I was at my highest weight ever (I was 4 pounds above that this year) I tried eating the way we are supposed to be eating. I lost almost 25 pounds with portion control. I slowly lost focus, determination and I was becoming depressed because of someone I really liked. He was just crushing me. I of course gained it all back and like I said, and extra 4 pounds. It sucks! I remember coming on here saying I want to get the surgery, but everyone I told was telling me not to do it and telling me I don't need surgery to just eat healthier. I was told that everyone is scared that they will lose me and if they lose me then they'll probably lose my son. It's definitely a scary thing to think about, but you can lose me with the way I'm going now. SO, I think I said everything I wanted to say before I write what I've about to write and that is, I want to try to lose the weight before going through with surgery. If I can't lose about 85 pounds by this time next year then I will start up the process again. I know some people will tell me "surgery is the easy way out" and I know it's not any easier than losing it on your own. Now, I have a few questions. How much is everyone able to eat at each meal? What are foods you need to avoid? I'm planning on RNY, do you notice your insides being rearranged? How was your recovery?

Hi All. May 24th will be one year since I had my sleeve surgery. And June 28th, 2022 will be my revision to bypass surgery. I have lost around 25 pounds since May 24, 2021. At one point it was about 33 pounds. But Its been the same weight since August/Sept 2021. And now I have GERD really bad as well. So back to surgery I go. I am happy to read your progress and see you all are doing well. Continued Best Wishes!

Almost one full year later and I’ve maintained my weight loss from my sleeve. At one point, I was down 116 pounds, but that was too much. I gained 14 of those back and I’m in a good place. Unfortunately, back in January, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and had to have it removed along with some cancerous lymph nodes. I’m sure that will have some affect on my weight in the future as people who are hypothyroid tend to gain a bit of weight. I’m in a hyperthyroid state right now so my appetite is rather large. I’m still able to maintain though so I’m happy with that.

Which weight loss surgery are you having?