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Prices are expensive here though my brother said the prices they’re getting for produce are basically the same as what they got 10 years ago. Yet wages are much higher, as is the price of fuel, electricity, water, fertiliser, equipment, seedlings, transportation, taxes, etc. They are literally losing money every day. Some body (read the supermarkets) is getting the money but it’s not the farmers here. I still pay about $10 for blueberries. They’ve been huge lately like marbles. The cheaper supermarket ones are always overripe & squishy so I throw most out. Cigarettes attract a much higher tax here (think it’s more than 70% now) for many reasons including an attempt to reduce smoking (doesn’t seem to really work though cause they switch to vaping) & contribute to the funding of our medical system. They’re also jumping down on vaping here too.

Do you know what a 10" south shore bar pizza is? They are served bars south of Boston for the most part and are delicious. Today, the Cape Cod Cafe (not on Cape Cod and not a cafe either) serves $6 cheese pizzas. Absolutely delicious. I bought one figuring that I'd eat half for lunch. I had it in the car and couldn't wait to get home. Started eating , and kept eat slowly over the course of 45 min until it was all gone. Oh no! What have I done?! I'm scaring myself a bit because I'm only 4 months out and don't want a big stomach. How come some foods allow me to eat normal portions or even over-eat, and other foods, like eggs, keep me line?. In addition to pizza, I can eat a lot of salmon too (2 fillets). Anyway, looking for explanations, encouragement and support. Many thanks. I started at 386, and after about 4 months ( in a week) I'm down 72 lbs. That's the good news. But I'm not even half way to my goal, hence the worrying.

digging through the freezer for something to eat and found some chicken pot pies i made a while back and froze for future use. 2 mins in the microwave to defrost, then 10 mins in the toaster oven to crisp up the crust. still as good as the first time, lol. ate 1/2 for approx 322 calories.

That’s the one thing that blew me away when I lived in AU for a bit: the prices of grocery items were crazy! I remember going to a store and being floored at the $14 AU ($9 USD) price tag for 6 oz of blueberries !! ….when they cost $2.50 CAD ($1.80 USD) back home. Granted, that was 10+ years ago, but still. I thought we would go broke…or starve!! AU prices are actually the reason why I quit smoking back then. Cigarettes where almost 4 times the price of what I paid in Toronto….hmmm maybe I should go back so I can quit again! Lol P.S. The cost of a dozen eggs up here is about $5-6 CAD , ($3-4 USD) when not on sale right now…up about $1-2 CAD since pre-pandemic.

A person who uses smokeless tobacco gets 3 to 4 times the amount of nicotine as a smoker. A person who uses 8 to 10 dips or chews a day gets the same amount of nicotine as a heavy smoker who smokes 30 to 40 cigarettes a day. The nicotine in smokeless tobacco is absorbed by the body more slowly than in smoking. But it stays in the body longer. As for hindering healing post-op, seems there haven't been enough studies done to be conclusive for dipping. My unprofessional guess is that whether nicotine is smoked, vaped or dipped, it's still in your system...hindering healing. For those who choose not to quit, I've read to stop 6 weeks before surgery and 6 weeks after. But between the tars and acids you ingest with dipping, it will probably increase your future ulcer risk tenfold. Yikes!!

Hello ! Mines is scheduled for July 10 which is tomorrow 😩 I’m so nervous

I started walking day 1 after surgery to prevent blood clots every few hours for 5-10 minutes. I continued on with that until I was up to a mile once a day. Started inside on my treadmill and walking outside for now until it gets too hot. Today at 10AM it was only 70 degrees with a cool breeze so pushed myself to go round the lake a second time for 2 miles total. 😤 Not bad for someone who was almost completely sedentary pre-op, My bariatric team advises nothing harder than walking until 6 weeks after surgery. Weeks 2-4 light physical activity. Low impact walking and stretching. Weeks 4-8 add cardio activities. Increase walking distance and/or speed. Biking, water aerobics. Easier on joints. 5xs a week for 30 minutes and build from there. Week 6 add strength training twice a week in addition to cardio. I have yet to start the strength training. I had a hiatal hernia repair at the time of my RNY so I'm a bit apprehensive to start. But I do look at the weights as I pass thru the room to go sit in the infrared sauna. LOL Good luck @Nicnak

Hi everyone. I'm still looking for new vitamins, especially chewable (no soft gel). Is it me, or are these bariatric vitamin brands super weak? Fusion, ProCare, etc. have low amounts of vitamin B's, etc. I've always invested in high quality vitamins (Brain MD, others). The vitamins recommended by Cleveland Clinic even recommend a good amount of vitamin nutrients, but I don't find them in these bariatric brands. I realize I'd need to take numerous amounts of vitamins/day, but I'd have to take more than 10 multivitamins in these brands. Thoughts?

I love the light hearted idea of the thread, and think it encapsulates some of the interesting experiences we share going through this process…. my good problems- Ive been able to dress myself with all the clothes i grew out of on the way up, with a few budget items added in— until about now. If I lose this final 10-15 lbs I will officially have nothing on reserve. On one hand I love this problem- I get to SHOP! But on the other, I HAVE to shop. For everything- underwear, pajamas, and even to outerwear. It is going to be expensive! But also, it’s scary because Ive never been this size, and what If I can’t maintain it? Yikes, it does a number on your brain. Am I really this size? Will I be able to keep it? Lots of catching up to do on what i think I look like and what I do look like.

Good afternoon, everyone. I'm new here. I was looking for some kind of forum where I could interact with others like me. I think I may have found it. I live in South Texas, and I had a sleeve gastrectomy in Mexico in 2009 when I was 35. I initially weighed 340 lbs and lost 149 lbs. and went from a size 32 to a size 14. My goal was a 12, but I was really happy. I was exercising 5x a week on the elliptical for a whole hour nonstop! I kept the weight off for approximately 6 years. Unfortunately, all kinds of tragic events started changing my life. In 2014 my father passed away, and I took it really, really hard. I ended up on Xanax and Ambien. In 2015, I got divorced. In 2016, my mother passed away. In 2017, I was transferred from a job I really enjoyed to a brand new location with all different people to work with. Then the COVID Pandemic kept me teaching from home for a year and a half. It was literally one heartbreak after another. Rather than looking for actual help, I helped myself... to pills, alcohol, and crap food. Over the past 9 years, I regained all my weight. Even though I still felt restriction in eating (i.e. only half a burger or 1.5 slices of pizza, with no sides or drinks and I was done). I was 10 lbs away from my original weight before my sleeve. Last year, though, my school district sent out an email stating that WLS was now covered by our insurance. I was so excited! I looked into it, made many calls, and thought coverage was out of the question because I had already had a surgery. Our insurance covers "one surgery per life." However, since my first surgery was private pay, they went ahead and accepted covering my revision to a bypass. Today is my 18th day post op. I've lost 42 lbs altogether since May 11, but only 10 of those lbs since the surgery. I feel a little blue because I was hoping for more than a 10lb loss in 3 weeks. I lost more weight at the beginning when I started a semi-liquid diet to prepare for surgery. I was doing 3 shakes and one solid, no-carb meal. I know that revisions are slower than virgin surgeries. I am doing as much reading and research as I can. I just can't help it, I guess. After my sleeve, the weight loss was phenomenal. Right now I am consuming 450 cals, 60 g protein, and keeping my carbs under 40g. I am walking around my house (not outside because South Texas) 4x a day and was told I could start on the treadmill this coming Monday. Maybe I'm doing something wrong? I'm also trying to find ways to consume fiber without a lot of carbs. I've eaten 1/2 cup of pinto beans twice but, man, that's a lot of carbs. I wanted to try raspberries, but I'm afraid of the little seeds getting stuck in my sutures. Any advice, thoughts, suggestions?

Got my surgery date for August 15th! 10 day all liquid diet starts on the 5th and I am nervous about it, but mostly excited because it means surgery is right around the corner. Any other August people in here? How are you? What are you doing to prepare for the big day? Look forward to hearing everyone's story

There was definitely a moment or 2 where I second guessed my decision, but now that I'm on regular food and healed, absolutely no regrets. Those first few weeks are challenging. And be prepared for the mental aspect of all this. For me, that's been the hardest part; even at 10 weeks out. The cravings, food addiction, and stalls all have taken their turn. Therapy is so helpful for this. I was nervous before surgery more for the unknows and how my life was going to change, but I was not scared. I think that part is pretty individual based on many individual factors.

I recently had the surgery on May 25th of this year. So far I have lost 30-40 pounds. However yesterday I weighed and have gained 5 pounds. I have only been eating baked chicken and fish and maybe some steamed or boiled shrimp. The surgeon/Dr. desk lady thinks it may be fluid based off she said it seems like I follow most of the diet plan. I make sure I consume no more than 400 calories a day and that whatever juice I drink is only 10-20 grams of carbs. But I don't think my surgery is successful.

Just came back from a short trip to Langkawi Island here in Malaysia with my wife and kids. This is my wife and I second visit after going there in 2013 for our honeymoon (time flies!). We all had a great time there specially my kids. The weather was nice and the island was not very crowded. I got to try a lot of things that I've never dared or was able to do before WLS. The trip was full of NSVs so I wanted to share some of those with you guys. 1. I didn't need a seat belt extension this time and had plenty of room in my seat! I was able to use the food tray without it pushing against my belly. 2. I tried parasailing (parachute on a boat), banana boat and even jet skiing for the first time in my life 3. I joined my wife and kids in playing all the rides and games in the water theme park. I was always the guy standing out of the pool cheering while my wife and kids were having fun. Not this time. My son was so happy that daddy was with him on the big water slide. Some of the rides had a weight limit of 80 kg (they even have a scale to weigh people who are close to that weight - I was not asked to hop on the scale haha). Climbing the stairs to the ride starting point would have given me a heart attack before WLS let alone sliding down. 4. We took a speed boat for island hopping which was awesome. In one of the islands we had to climb the stairs up to a beautiful lake (Unlike my first visit I was fine and not out of breath while carrying my bag and my daughter). We rented pedal boats and circled around the lake for 30 mins which was awesome. 5. We took some photos at the resort that we stayed in during our honeymoon 10 years ago. Left photo was taken in August 2013 and right one three days ago. This was also my first time ever wearing shorts in public and being at ease with it. Guess who bought 4 more shorts haha. The cherry on the cake was weighing myself after returning home to find that I've lost half of my weight on surgery day. A total of 74.5 kg lost which is my wife and daughter's weight combined!

Before (2013) and after (two days ago) photos taken at the same spot, 10 years apart. I'm officially half the man I used to be (74.5 kg down from 149 kg on WLS day). I obviously learned how to pose in photos 😂

First thing that caught my attention is your age. Damn, 19 and took the decision for the surgery. I wish I had the balls to do it in my younger days than being caught in the vicious cycle of 2 decades worth of dieting. Just look at this as a blessing that you'll enjoy all your 20s, 30s, peak of your youth without getting conscious of your body every other second. I wish I were in your shoes and my life would have quite different than getting my life back on track in my late thirties. Not trying to undermine your struggle. I know for me the journey wasn't as difficult but I am aware it can be for many out there. So hang in there, even this phase will pass through and next year you'll have so much to look forward to. I am seriously jealous you're getting this done before even hitting your 20s! Good luck and wish you all the best. If things get too out of hands, do consult a therapist or pour your heart away right here!

I'm really sorry to hear that. I'm curious to know if he was part of the 2019 EVALI outbreak? The CDC has since confirmed that the majority of lung injuries and deaths were caused by users vaping illicit THC cartridges that were mixed with Vitamin E oil. I'm assuming there are still black-market cartridges being sold somewhere out there. I just had this conversation with a family member yesterday. Not to buy from an unknown source. Mine was purchased at a licensed dispensary in Denver.

REading your post, I can so relate to rewards/family connection around food- it’s so HARD! Good news is that you can shift that to something new over time— and still enjoy those family bonding moments. But in the beginning with hormones raging- and yes, fat holds estrogen so its flushing out as you loose— it is so emotional. You have not lost that forever, it’s just evolving. Soon it can be more about being together than the eating part. Definitely consider getting a counselor on your team- even if you get one on your own, find one with eating disorder experience, mine has helped more that dietician even. DBT and CBT are great treatment options with therapist, imo. As for the 6-10 pm hide out- is there anything you can do outside your home to keep you engaged in something healthy for you? I started organizing my home, doing small projects, walking or even just going for a car ride to keep my mind occupied. Movement, fresh air and exercise is great for our mood/mental health. Or do you have any hobbies/interests you can engage in to get out of the headspace? Maybe any volunteering? Even just playing with a pet can lift my mood. Medication can also really help. You are incredibly brave and can do this— dont give up and soon you will be on the other side of it with a healthier version of you.

Big hugs! I want to say good for you for taking this step at 19! I'm 50 and should have done this in my 30's. A lot of time and opportunities wasted. The week's after surgery are super hard. I promise it gets better, especially as you reintroduce food, even if it is pureed! Please don't stress too much about protein right now. The most important thing it's to stay hydrated. Hitting protein goals is pretty tricky the first 6 weeks imo. It's only in in thr past 2 weeks I'm getting there as my diet becomes more regular and I'm in a routine. I preplan my meals for the week and ensure I have healthy snacks that help me meet my protein goals. I look on Pinterest all the time for inspiration. Use this time to think ahead and get some ideas for the future. You'll get better at being in situations with food. It doesn't bother me. Tonight they got takeaway and I skipped it as I'd preplanned a meal I'm looking forward to. In no time you’ll be able to eat with your family, just smaller portions. It just becomes normal. Hang in there!

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.

I am so Anti-LAP Band. I had a Lap band in 2010. From the beginning, I told my surgeon that I was experiencing pain and it didn't feel right. He always said it was normal and got me out of his office as quickly as possible. A couple of years in, I started looking for another doctor to check it out for me. From what to me appears to be a professional disinterest in the medical community here (at least 10 years ago anyway) in following up behind a fellow doctor and likely finding a problem (can anyone say "I won't give basis for a malpractice suit against you if you do the same for me"?). I was unable to find a single gastro doctor who would see me to investigate a problem or to assure me there was no problem. No one would see me. Then I tried lying and saying I just moved to the area and needed to find a new doctor. That would fall through as soon as I was unable to provide my previous doctor's name so they could get my records. All that aside, in 2015 I was admitted to the local emergency room for extreme gastric distress. Emergency surgery was performed and the lap band was removed. From the inside of my stomach. I ended up with partial gastroparesis (my lower stomach was paralyzed). So, don't do it. Run, don't walk, as far and as fast as you can from any doctor who thinks it's a good idea. I have been told that none of the hospitals in our area will do them any more.

Hi! I had the sleeve at NYU with Dr. Shweck in Aug 2018. I got my gallbladder removed May 2019. As I did regain 80 lbs, I consulted again (as recommended by my vascular doctor). I went to NYU Brooklyn and spoke to Dr. Cheema and he recommended the SADI over Gastric Bypass because I am a smoker and there can be a high rate of ulcers. I am scheduled for 07/26/23 and I am very high risk so being admitted day before. Dr. Cheema and the endoscopy both showed my sleeve was perfect still and there was absolutely no need to redo it. The restriction is still there, just now we are adding the malabsorption which is typically stage 2 anyways. As per Dr. Cheema, the SADI is a safer and newer version of the DS with slightly less intestine bypassed and it connects the sleeve directly. With the DS, there are 2 cuts for connections created to bypass. With the sleeve done already, it is much less of a risk and still goes straight to malabsorption. You will need high A D E K vitamins plus iron and calcium and B12. You will experience different symptoms then just the sleeve such as increased dumping likely for sugar and fat. You will still be restricted to eat small meals and you will still need a ton of protein. Until I get mine, that is the best I can tell you. Look up different articles on DS and SADI and ask your doctor specifically which procedure is being done and what are the cons. Good luck!

Waking up I was in moderate pain, had nausea and needed to burp! Meds helped and I was able to get a burp out. I slept most of surgery day, I was extremely tired. Gas pain was never bad for me. Didn't get it often and when I did it was only fleeting. Pain was never bad, meds manage discomfort well. Drinking didn’t hurt, having to take small sips is annoying but it gets easier quickly. I preferred warm liquids so drank a lot of broth. A body pillow helped me side sleep comfortably at home. I was fatigued in the early does and again around 10 days, I slept a lot. Nausea also returned temporarily. Recovery is a bit rough but not terrible. Just part of the process. Best of luck!

Big hugs to all of you struggling. It is hard definitely challenging inI the early days. I sailed through the first week and then liquid fatigue set in at about Day 10 - I couldn't stand the thought of broth or jelly anymore, nausea returned, I was sleeping a lot, I was crying and definitely feeling sorry for myself. As I entered the third week and I could eat things began to improve. Things are pretty good now as I approach 8 weeks out. I still worry about how I'll go long term, if I'll lose what I want to lose etc. I don't overstressed daily goals, I'm doing my best and that's all I can do at this point. Hang in there and be kind to yourself and know that it'll all be worth it in the end.

WLS in 2015 - I have a 5 lbs window and if above for very long I address by reducing the snacks and carbs I check water and protein. It is lifelong for me. I have regained up to 5 lbs from my window but back to post op life - about 6 months out diet. There is no easy way for me but I live a full life. I have been at my current weight since 2019 Best.