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It happens. I am only a year post op. Didn’t quite get to my goal weight and gained ten pounds back to boot. We are all just human. Try not to beat yourself up.

Hi All! Its been a while since I posted anything or been active. I found out in November that I was pregnant. I was 8 months out of surgery when I got pregnant. My fiance and I had just gotten engaged a few months before and were planning our wedding. So it was definitely a surprise! I was really nervous about proceeding with the pregnancy. I just knew I would be ready in just one more year (I've been saying that for the last 5 years!) BUT I was pregnant now, 33, in a great relationship, with a stable income, healthier then Ive been in a while and all out of excuses not to start my family. So my journey began... I am currently 23 weeks pregnant! This is my first pregnancy so I have nothing to compare it with but this has been my experience in case any of you find yourself in my situation. Its hard to find doctors who understand how VSG affects my pregnancy. They understand that I need to be monitored more but don't really get the nuances. One example; I was given this HUGE jug to collect my urine over 24 hours. When I returned it, I was told that they need AT LEAST 4X more urine than I had collected. They were convinced I didn't collect all my urine. I told them that was everything I had to give! They told me to drink more water. Now this community knows how hard that task is. I still can not eat and drink at the same time. I also cant just drink a gallon of water in one go. It feels like a herculean task. I have tried 3 times and have still not filled this jug! I've learned that drinking tea increases my urine output so I have hope for my next attempt. I was really sick throughout my first and second trimester. I already had bad acid reflux before and after surgery and was taking omeprazole to relieve it. Turns out you can't take anything stronger than Tums while pregnant. So on top of the normal nausea, I felt the need to throw up to relieve my indigestion and heartburn. I started really hating food when everyone else kept trying to feed me more! I've been feeling better now though. I was allowed to take pepcid and it actually helps. Now, I have the desire to eat more but still cant eat more than a few bites of anything in one sitting. My food also takes forever to digest so I have to be really picky about what I eat. Fruits are my best friend! I kept my surgery a secret. My fiance and sister are the only ones I told about my VSG. So no one really gets why Im having a hard time eating more. They also keep wanting to see my belly but Im not sure how to explain my incisions. It feels too late to say anything now... so its awkward and more isolating than it could have been. But my family can be SUPER judgy so I think they would just find a way to make me feel bad about it and I don't need the added stress. I get to do more sonograms than your average mom to be. Because of my VSG and previous hypertension, I'm monitored more and have more doctor visits. I really don't mind! I love getting to see whats going on in there! So far so good... mostly. I keep expecting the docs to say my baby isn't growing or Im malnourished but that doesn't seem to be the case. Everything is progressing normally and baby looks good. They did mention that one of babys kidneys is not eliminating waste as it should. The other kidney is fine but they want to keep an eye on it. Of course we are worried but its actually pretty common and generally resolves itself. If it doesn't, there is a small procedure to fix it after birth (if necessary) so we are trying not to sweat it. I got Covid. I'm a teacher and as soon as the mask mandate was removed, I got COVID. Never mind that Ive been vaccinated, boosted and was still wearing my mask! Im actually recovering now. (SIDE NOTE: We seem to be having a second surge at my school. I wonder if any other teachers (or parents) have noticed that?) I was EXTREMELY sick the first week. I was lightheaded, coughing, full of mucus, achy and just couldn't get out of bed. I also couldn't take any medicines because of the pregnancy. My mom kept sending me home remedies but when I looked them up, there was always a warning for pregnant people. I just had to ride it out. Baby seems ok but I'll know more at my appointment next week. As far as my VSG goals... I was 195-200 lbs when I found out I was pregnant (SW:267) and had been stalled there for almost 2 months. I was getting a bit discouraged because my whole weight loss process had been so slow and felt harder for me than it seemed like it was for some people here. I also had a friend who had her VSG after me and had lost almost twice as much weight as I had so I knew it wasn't in my head. I started drinking again and sneaking in more cheat snacks. When I found out I was pregnant, I cut out all alcohol and was really strict about making sure the little food I ate was good for baby. I dropped 20-25 more pounds. Im currently 175 lbs. I havent really gained any weight. Part of me is happy about that and still trying to get to my goal of 155 while pregnant. But I know I have to put on weight for baby. It's really a mind f**k. Doctors say the baby is growing normally so there isn't much to worry about... yet. Technically I'm still overweight and they don't recommend as much weight gain for overweight moms. Im entering my third trimester now and am supposed to put on 1-2 lbs a week. We'll see how that goes. Im still trending downwards... If you made it to the end, thanks for reading through this entire post. I hope it helps. I hope to update you with only good news in the weeks to come! Last note, I'm having a girl! So exciting!!! My VSG has definitely complicated things but I think we made the right decision and I am really excited about entering this next chapter of my life healthier than I have been in years!

The struggle is real. I remember when I had the WLS thinking, "What dummy would eat crap again and gain weight after this?" Well, I'm that dummy. It happens. We just have to refocus on the basics again.

Been there, done that, still there. I gained 30 pounds back during COVID but the good news is I just recently re-lost them. So there IS hope and the WLS still is a tool to use. Don't feel defeated.

Bariatric surgeon here! Looking to gain insight into patient perspectives on surgery. If you could choose how your bariatric operation was going to be performed, what technique would you request? Please leave any additional comments as well. Thank you for your insights!

The only thing I remember from when my gallbladder was inflammed was pain and nausea. I had mine out three months after my lap band was placed. I'd been having attacks for years prior, but waited on surgery. Turns out it was porcelainized which is precancerous, so I'm grateful it's gone. My surgeon did it robotically and it was easier than weight loss surgery. No pain at all afterward. Recovery was a breeze for me. It was nice being able to eat without having abdominal pain again.

I had VSG in 2019. I went from 230 to 125 and now I am 195. I just feel SUPER defeated and worried I’ll never get the weight back off.

Hey! I'm happy to report that after getting on extra strength stool softeners and extra water, I'm going regular again. I never thought I'd be happy to go to the bathroom yet here I am.. Anyway, I'm terrified of gallbladder attacks and getting my galbladder removed. Supposedly its common after weight loss surgery. I noticed that my stool is very light colored, like yellowish pale which I hear is a sign of bile issues but I also eat a lot of dairy, yogurt for breakfast, cheese for snacks, protein drinks and so on. Is this the first sign of gallbladder issues or just my new weird diet? Anyone have experience with this post op from gastric bypass? Thanks! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I know how you feel @ShoppGirl. I’ve put on a little weight too this year (about 2 kgs) which I can’t lose. I hadn’t updated my weight here either but your post motivated me to do it. I’ve been struggling with the head aspects of the gain & you may think oh it’s only 2kgs but to me it’s 2kg in a giant loud hailer voice in my head & that it may be just the beginning. Logically I know there’s nothing wrong with what I weigh but I’d rather I was 49 again which I’d been stable at for over a year (48.5-49.5 fluctuation). I tell myself it’s just a number but …. Today I bought a new outfit for winter & all the while I’m agonising over the worry that if I continue to gain it may not fit when I want to wear it. Experienced that a lot in the past. Plus I’ve been avoiding the scale. Another old habit to avoid the reality of what I weigh. I know some of the cause has been because I’ve been trying to up my protein a little (I don’t absorb it well) & though I’ve reduced some things it’s obviously not been enough. I’m not very active either (I agree - gyms ugh!) but I have thrown in a couple of extra things to my usual daily running about routines & gentle stretching like standing push ups. May not help with my weight but might tone my arms a little. Gotta find a positive. My surgeon’s colleague was fine with the gain when I saw her 6 weeks ago for my 3 monthly check up. It’s just that I’m not. Sigh!

So they are really on par with each other, since second one doesn’t include a breast lift. Btw this doesn’t include implants, I’m not interested in that and the surgeon actually said she recommends against it in cases like mine because they tend to shift, etc. Both recommended the same procedures. Both also said recovery would be a bit rough, but could return to a desk job in 2 weeks. Both also said I don’t have really any more fat to lose. Second surgeon showed me how he measured the arm skin and said it was basically just skin on skin at this point. Feels weird to have doctors saying that I’m done with weight loss, but I have to trust they know what they are saying. I’m still 165 and 23 bmi. So might have a reasonable amount of skin at the end of the day…. At this point leaning toward Dr Streu. She has a lot of experience and could do an additional procedure. I was fine not addressing a breast lift until I knew it was a possibility. She’s booking out until fall so would be a ways off but I’m strongly thinking about booking!

Ok! I’m back and I have costs for anyone interested! Dr. Streu, Portland. Super nice, took her time. I liked her and she says she has a lot of experience with things like this (175 plus weight loss). Recommended a fleurdelis, I have a lot of upper stomach skin. Can combine an arm lift, breast lift, and fdl tuck in one procedure. Would do a 23 hr stay at the surgery center. Drains are a must. Boo. Fdl cost: 11,179 Breast lift: 6270 Arms: 3987 Facility fees and anesthesia 2600 and 1541, plus 725 for overnight stay Some discounts for multiple procedures Total cost 24,470

This is normal. Google the science behind the 3 week stall. It’s the same concept. You had your 2 week diet before surgery (usually) and then you lost a LOT of weight that first week. Your body is balancing out fluids and it will kick back into gear after however many days it takes. Stick to the plan. Don’t cheat. You’re going to see it drop soon. Promise

I am 2 weeks post op. I lost 12 lbs the first week and only 1 pound the second week. Is this normal? Should I be losing more weight? I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you everyone for your honesty. I’m at a year and petrified of gaining back what I lost. Maintenance has always been harder for me than weight loss.

I'm more than a year out and have regained that 15 pounds too. I know its common but after so many years spent watching the scale go up and up - I cant help but worry that 15 pounds will turn into 20 then 25 then next thing I know I'm back to my surgery weight! psst... my ticker is also a lie! It says I'm at 130 but I'm really at 143. But its been a while since I've messed with it and cant remember how to change it. Not that I'm trying too hard 😳 So what I decided to do was track my food again. And join a gym. I figure if I'm going to spend the time and money to work out I dont want it to go to waste by over eating or eating unhealthy.

a 10-20 lb gain after you hit your lowest weight is unfortunately very common. I think it's just your body settling in to where it wants to be. However, that doesn't mean you can't lose it - it'll just be a challenge - and will also be a challenge to keep it there. Dealing with the same thing myself...

I am currently just over a year out from sleeve surgery. My goal was 160 but the lowest I got was 169. I was beginning to accept that weight but now it has been creeping up ever since and this morning I was 179. I have still been eating good, but more. Around 1200-1400 calories a day. I thought that would be okay… that would at least maintain the 169 but I’m starting to realize that I need to keep the calories even lower. Probably because I am not very active. Idk what I am looking for in terms of a response. I think I am just putting this out there to hold myself accountable. I hadn’t even updated my profile to reflect the gain because I am so ashamed. I have got to stop snacking between meals I know it but it’s so hard with the hunger back. Did anyone else start gaining back this early out. Could it be because I was lower BMI to start and 169 really was my set point and this is the 10 pound bounce back? I guess I could be happy at this weight, but not any heavier, i am just really hoping that I don’t gain anymore.

Hello! Congratulations on your fat loss. I'm 9 weeks out and a little hungry right now. That's ok. Nothing to worry about. If you're eating fewer calories than you're burning, which is almost certainly the cash, you're losing fat every second of the day. Don't worry about the scale - you want to lose fat, not weight, and the scale doesn't measure that.

Not everyone loses their hunger. Most of us do, at least temporarily, but not everyone. I was always able to drink and eat without issue. At first I thought they really didn't do the surgery! if your diet & exercise has stayed the same, then that gain is likely due to water retention or full intestines. Give it a couple of days.

I had a gastric bypass about 7 weeks ago and while I am down 43 pounds so far I am a bit concerned. I have had a hunger feeling since the day after surgery, I was able to drink without issue post surgery. As my diet progressed I found I was able to tolerate all foods fine and eat and drink as I did prior to surgery without any of the signs and signals others had warned me about such as the foamies, the urge to vomit, nausea, clear full feeling etc. I force myself to stop eating at around 6 ounces of food but I do not feel satisfied after. Also I have found that I am craving sweets which I never really ate pre surgery. And as of this last week the scale stopped going down and I gained back 2.5 pounds while my diet and exercise have remained the same. I am feeling a bit discouraged that something is wrong with me or my surgery.

After losing nearly 100 pounds and slowing down the weight loss I felt it was time to purchase a suit just in case the need arises where I need one. The Salesperson took me over to the "modern fit" area and tried on a jacket. He then took that off and brought me over to the "slim fit" area and tried on jackets there. The slim fit fit me perfectly. I went from a 52 Regular, Executive Fit to a 42 short, Slim fit. And the pants went from a 50 waist to a 36 waist. When I was checking out he saw I had purchased a suit about 18 months ago and asked who I bought those suits for since they were so large...it felt really good to answer him that I lost the weight but even better feeling to be in a slim fitting suit.

They are averages and unfortunately like the rny, band, vsg... Etc. stalls are common for all of us. It depends on so many factors, like some people are not committed and will live on slider foods and their are others who follow their plan, and some in between who are able to find a good balance. From my understanding, it is your starting weight from your most recent surgery that you go by for calculations (not your sleeve surgery). For me, since my revision to RNY (for gerd) in 8/21, it's been faster weight loss. I weigh less than at my lowest with the sleeve and am still losing despite hitting initial goal awhile ago. I find logging my calories, carbs and protein extremely helpful to look for patterns to adjust, to help awareness, especially during emotionally difficult times.

Hello everyone! I am new here and just wanted to say hello. I decided I wanted to get bariatric surgery done last year but I wanted to wait till January to start, that way everything went to my deductible for my insurance. My husband I am are both going to get the bypass done. I first saw the doctor January 24th and my husband saw her Feb 4th. We both have different insurances, my insurance only required one nutritionist appointment and the psych evaluation. My husband has to have 2 nutritionist appointments and the psych evaluation. I am completely done with everything and he has one more nutritionist appointment. We would like to have surgery the same day or around the same time. My starting weight was about 260, I do not have a goal weight. My goal is just to get healthy and be more active. Has anyone done this with a spouse? How did it go, did you have it done at the same time or different times?

I had a VSG in September. I was permitted to have raw vegetables at three months, along with carbs. I haven’t had any issues with veggies but it does seem like the few times I’ve had “conventional carbs” like a piece of bread or a little pasta it hasn’t agreed with me so I avoid them (I make “sandwiches” with low carb or cauliflower tortillas, or on lettuce, when I want something like that.) Alcohol they told me to wait at least six months, preferably a year…I’ve had alcohol twice, and while I havent gotten ill or anything it is a lot of empty calories and I can’t have club soda, tonic water, diet soda as mixers or something like beer or White Claw because of the bubbles. Be warned; the first time you drink after that long and after losing six months worth of weight, it’s going to hit you much harder. Be careful.

Hello All, There are certainly many posts about non scale victories. Like many of you, I have clothes of various sizes in my closet. There is no need to purchase anything new yet, so I have not experienced the joy of shopping for smaller clothes. However, I was forced to purchase a couple SMALLER belts to use with the aforementioned clothes. Is there any better feeling than losing weight? I must say I truly felt joy disposing of the old, larger belts. I heard Oprah say this once, "..losing weight feels better than any food tastes." I agree. Please share any recent non scale victory you may have had. I like to read them. Best, AnotherGuy