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Just had sleeve on January 22 and doing well so far. Still learning how to navigate this new way of life. I’ve gained so much from all of your posts and want to thank you. Happy healing as we begin this journey…

I started watching the videos last summer when I first started the path toward surgery. I learned so much, and by now I've watched all the videos at least once. There's one on keeping the weight off for good that I go back to over and over to remind myself of the changes I need to make. I've watched all the podcasts, too. There's so much information and I feel like it's coming from a very trustworthy source. Last August, I read Pound of Cure. I did not start with the two-week metabolic reset diet, but I decided I would eat 16oz of non-starchy vegetables daily, cut back significantly on bread/crackers and cheese, switched my regular wheat pasta to chickpea pasta, and stopped drinking diet soda (my only regular source of artificial sweetener). I didn't count calories, cut back on portions, skip sweets, or do anything else that would have felt like a diet. I just made those relatively easy changes that I thought would address some of my biggest issues, and over about 6 months, I lost 13 lbs. There was never a time before when I lost so much weight by doing so little, so I'm definitely a believer that these changes work. If you're up for the challenge, the 2-week metabolic reset might be a great way to kick-start getting back on track. He explains it in his book, but there's a free PDF you can get from their website with all the pertinent info (scroll way down on the page to find the link): https://www.poundofcureweightloss.com/nutrition/.

My best advice is to be prepared to put yourself first for around a month. It didn’t take that long for the pain to get better but it does take a little while to get your stamina back and get into a groove with all the vitamins, protein and water and then each of the stages are a little adjustment. Take your time and allow your body the rest that it needs and prioritize yourself and your recovery for the time you need. The good news is that you should also see a pretty big drop on the scale as in your measurements. Which leads to my second suggestion which is to take photos and measurements as well as recording your weight beginning preop. They will help keep you motivated later down The road when the scale stalls. The third thing I would suggest is to check out an App that allows you to record your progress. The Baritastic App lets you record everything from food and water to vitamins, exercise, measurements, weight, and even your bowel movements which will become something that you think about more than ever post surgery haha 😆 and it is fairly easy to figure out. I wish I had started before my preop or my surgery. Also, make sure that you have whatever stool softeners, laxatives or soluble fiber your team suggests on hand and begin whatever preventative measures they set for you immediately post op. When you are in the hospital don’t hesitate to tell them if you are in pain. And Walk ALOT. Especially if you are in pain. It doesn’t matter how fast you go, it’s just the movement. I promise you that passing gas is your biggest goal in terms of relieving pain and the walking helps with that.

Makes sense but my doctor told me two years ago that if I lost any more muscle I would be in danger of a heart attack. And I'm 39 and working out has helped me I've gained muscle but I'm just worried I'm not eating enough or slightly under eating because once I'm average once I have a normal muscle ratio I'll be happy to maintain but right now I'm still very close to the danger zone so... 🤔 Well hopefully I'll get more replies because I would like to hear from someone else who's gained muscle.. Like I said I spent a year and a half recovering in bed and lost as lot of muscle. I even have it recorded the drop in muscle so it's very real.. I must make that muscle back I'm just curious if anyone thinks enzymes must help and be the answer maybe I need to gain ten pounds of fat to give by body something to work with... I dunno maybe there's no hope but as at age 50 I can expect to lose muscle I have 9 years to gain like ten pounds of muscle. I must gain muscle... Again thank you for your response

I am not sure, she just told me that "your going to lose more weight so in 8months your going to come back to me and want me to tuck more, because your so fresh I want to see if your WLS surgeon would rather you wait" I took it as coming from a good place without her saying you should wait to get better results? Idk I could be way off though.

"can already eat more than most people with a sleeve". Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. I'm never full on the quantity recommended by my bariatric clinics size/portion guidelines, but I still serve exactly what's on the plan. Could I technically eat more? Yes, but I need/want to lose the weight. There is nothing stating in science research people should eat until full. I prepare and eat 3/4 cup and walk away from eating more. Is part of your clinics program talking with dieticians and a psychologist to help with full vs. actual body nutritional need etc? Your impending sleeve will be the same. You can push the limits and be right back where you are. Start working now on sticking to measured/weighed portion control or you might find yourself right back at eating more than you should. Bariatric portion control is not a suggestion, but a requirement. If you want to become healthy and at your goal weight while maintaining it, its a lifetime of measuring what you eat and pushing away from the table - not eating until full. You will always have the ability to push the boundaries - take control of it now! 😁 Its a tough call and its great seeing you doing your due diligence researching and asking questions. Good luck on either your revision or your bypass! I'm sure you'll make the right decision for yourself.

Best decision right! Wish I would've made it earlier. Never would have thought I was capable of everything that I have been doing. Weight lifting, what?! running 2.5miles with my pup, who me?! Still having the energy to play with my kids and spend time with my husband without falling asleep. Wow! This is truly a second chance at life so lets take full advantage!! Happy to have you on this crazy and fun ride!

Thanks, all! I certainly count every ounce of the weight I've lost for my own purposes, but I guess I always assumed medicine was a science-y, formula kind of a thing. But every source seems to say something different!

Hi 👋 currently at the pre op anesthesia appointment with a mild cold and scared my surgery would be postponed (even tho it's for my safety) but I think I am already mentally ready for it so I just want to get it over with. From where j am, there is no pre op diet. I just get into it so I've been having mini food funerals .. I am ready to do it and I'll need ur support because my negative mind gets the best of me. (What if I don't lose weight? What if I regain it all? What if .....) My operation is confirmed for 15th Aug (if I pass the anesthesia today) Wish me luck

So here's my concern. I am able to drink and have Jello and popsicles just fine. I'm taking it easy because I don't want to overdo it, but shouldn't I be having a harder time getting it down? I bet all of you have the same history as me, diet after diet that didn't work or only worked for a while until eventually the weight came back and brought all its friends so I weighed even more. So I'm feeling concerned that maybe the surgery didn't work. I know that's not true, but... Is anyone else not having a problem getting liquids down? I guess I need y'all to talk me off the ledge a little here.

50% of bypass patients reach at least 166 lbs 18 months after surgery. Based on my starting weight of 271. I'm coming up on my 12 month surgery anniversary (Aug 21st) and I'm already below this statistic as of today! I even did a happy dance (my pups thought I was nuts). 😆 I'm hoping with 6 months until 18 months that I'll be in this category: 20% of patients reach 149 lbs 18 months after surgery. If the above isn't enough, I met up with another friend I haven't seen in 6 months for breakfast this morning, she walked right past me twice looking for me!

I had bypass surgery April 4. I've been getting my recommended water and was put on a clear diet when I was discharged from the hospital. This means I can be drinking clear protein shakes, broth, etc. I haven't eaten anything or drank anything containing calories since leaving the hospital. I'm afraid to eat. Not because I think I'll get sick but because I went through with this surgery to lose weight and I'm afraid any food will prevent weight loss. I didn't have this feeling before surgery. Is this normal?

I was almost scared to open this this morning as I’m headed to hosptal on 25’ minutes. 😆 That is the absolute worst. I had one near what going on down there so my primary sent me to gyno. He said that wasn’t necessary but it was more comfortable knowing he looks at that All day long. Mine had to be landed and then packed with something soaked in antibiotic several times while it healed it was really bad. He said it just happens in a perfect storm of unlucky events that can bappen ti anyone. This was long before any weight loss surgery. Anyways, I hope it heals real quick and your back on to living your best life real soon.

Hi. I am using the Baritastic app which seems to set realistic goals for me to meet and they seem to be like 10-20 pound increments. I have spent the better part of 20 years above 280 pounds. My heighest weight was 412 in January of 2017. I was able to lose 100 pounds on my own over a 2 year span but I would yo-yo that 100 pounds for the past 5ish years. So my recent high weight was 393 in august of 2023, and first surgeon visit was 373, november 28th, and my surgery date of may 9th I was 334. So I do see the light but I think you are right on setting realistic goals. I think I need to make me a reward system for sticking to the plan, new clothes, new hair, new tattoo, etc. As I progress further on this journey.

Had my one month post op appointment today and I showed her my food tracking summary of all my macros and told her what I’ve been doing on my fitness and she was very please. Said my weight loss is excellent and my food choices are perfect. She wants me to increase a little bit to add a little more protein and carbs because I’m so active now but other than that everything is fine. I cannot believe how amazing I feel you guys. I have not had this level of energy since I was a teenager and I’m not just eating but ENJOYING foods that I never liked before!! The fresh ingredients is seriously the trick. It’s more work but it makes things taste so much better.

@gracesmommy2 I'm so sorry about the insurance issues. What a nightmare! Praying it is resolved soon. As for the goal weight, I used the weight loss calculator on the Pound of Cure website and took the lowest weight in the range, which also happened to get me to a "normal" BMI. So, it's pretty arbitrary but it sounded good. I based it on the weight I had reached before starting my pre-op diet, which was after dropping about 12 lbs from my highest point. My own doctor didn't discuss goals or percentages with me, although I don't know if that's standard practice for him or not. My experience has been odd. First, I was with a different weight management center for years, first managing through diet and meds and then switching to the surgical route, but it closed very suddenly. I had my December surgery canceled 3 weeks prior to my date and had to rebook for February with a surgeon at a sister hospital. So I came in very last minute and only met the surgeon and nutritionist at the new place twice so they could sign off on me as quickly as possible. And right after I had my surgery, my surgeon had a nasty ski injury and was out for several weeks, so I did one follow up with his colleague and one with him via video. I'm glad I was able to get the surgery in a timely fashion and they did a good job, but I sometimes wonder how my experience differs from if I had started off in their program. A nice NSV today. I had a dress I wore on my birthday back in March that fit me but with no room to spare. This was a victory in March because I had purchased it for a trip out of town the year before for my birthday but the dress didn't come close to fitting me back then. Well, today I needed something nice to wear to my daughter's dance competition only it was cold and rainy so my summery stuff wasn't going to work. I remembered the birthday dress, which is long sleeved and has a sweater. I put it on and it was so roomy! I'm actually glad I got a second wearing out of it because I'm hopeful it will be much too big when the fall rolls around and I need cool weather clothing again. In fact, my summery dresses that were skin tight two summers ago are already very loose, too. It's the little things that keep you going when the scale decides to stall, right?

Yes to both things you posted! I'm excited to try branching in to more variety of foods, especially things that I can make and share with my family. Both my Mom and fella are somewhat open minded about the recipes and definitely on board for eating healthier. Seeing the weight loss is encouraging but I'm eager to be healed enough to start some kind of exercises. I know that walking and gentle stretching after my meals definitely helps my food digest and alleviates feelings of fullness. I ordered my Magnesium just a bit ago to be delivered from Walmart. I did just double check the dose though and realize I ordered 100mg ones. Oops! Going to have to fix that! 🤦🏻

for most, it doesn't have to be this way...i am 6 yrs out and i still go out yo eat and go to dinner parties and have coffee and dessert. if anything, i probably go even more than pre-wls cuz i live to get dressed up and go out and socialize more now. and yes, its almost always centred by food and eating and drinking. i think the further out u get it gets a little less angsty cuz u have learned to trust yourself around food and know your limits in autopilot. i order whatever i feel for and generally just have a taste of it and the rest is generally eaten by my meal companions or becomes a take out box. or compost if it wasn't very good. i particularly like to go out with lots of people cuz then i get to taste all their stuff too. and yeah, we will rate the food in order of preference, critique them and discuss what could be better or left out, take pics for our IG, etc lol. i gave a bucket list of restaurants i am going trough locally and abroad. in fact i am on vacay right now and we came with a list of restaurants and bars and cafes and snack joints to try and have gone through almost all of them plus a few extra we thought would be interesting. i'd estimate we've visited (and ate at!) 40+ restaurants and bars in the last 9 days. and this doesn't even include the multiple food stalls we sampled at the 3 food festivals/night markets we went to. and for those that may be wondering, no, i did not regain all my weight back (i've stayed below goal weight since achieving it at 7 months post op, im 6 yrs out next month). aside: also may be worth noting that my travel companions are all normal sized and never had weight problems in thier lives (except maybe one of our group who is diabetic). i guess what im trying to say is that food and food-centred social situations and vacations can still be enjoyed (im probably an extreme proof of this) and we dont need to miss out and feel deprived if we dont want to. you can eat that burger (just maybe not the whole thing and definitely not 3 of them). and the beauty of eating less is you can have a taste of your friend's fries, a peice of your partner's steak, a sushi off ur kid's plate, a forkful of pie from the stranger at the other table...lol anyway, thats just my very looooooong speech on foodie-ism and food enjoyment years on the other side.

if you increased your weight training, it could be water retention. Muscles hold on to water. Calories sound OK at this point in your journey with the added weight training, so I wouldn't drop those until you rule everything else out. AND three-week (or longer) stalls aren't uncommon when you get that far out. I remember times around the year mark (and after) thinking "OK - so this must be it.", and then I'd end up dropping 2 or 3 lbs. So it's not over 'til it's over.. EDITED to add that I just checked your stats. You're very close to goal. The closer you get, the slower the weight comes off. Those last 20 lbs were a BEAR for me to lose - but I just stuck with it and finally managed to make it

Stalls tend to last 1-3 weeks and you’ll likely experience a few of them while you’re losing. They’re actually an important part of your weight loss. It’s the time when your body shuts down to reassess your new needs based on your weight loss. Your body works out what it needs now in regards to digestive hormones, metabolism, etc. When it’s done this & it’s ready to move forward again, your stall will break. Stick to your plan. Don’t make any additional changes other than what your plan requires - don’t stress your body more.

hi all, I posted this in the pre op forum for June buddies, but thought I'd also post it here in case it helps anyone. Here's my experience so far after getting the Gastric Sleeve procedure on 13th June 2024... Immediately after surgery It was pretty rough for me, I woke up in a lot of pain, so much so that the nurses had to give me 30mg morphine for the pain. I was in a recovery room for the first 24 hours (standard procedure for the private hospital in the UK i went through) After the initial 24hrs I was moved back to my room where I felt a lot better. Even able to eat an ice pop and a small cup of Tomato Soup (sipping of course) and sipping Water every 5-10 mins. Week 1-2 I quickly moved onto the liquids phase, in which I must have taken in around 2-300 cals per day through Protein Shakes and watery Soups. I must admin this phase was the hardest for me, managing the pain meds as well as trying to drink as much liquids as I could in a day. It just so happened there was an international football (soccer) tournament on in Europe in my first 2 weeks' recovery so was engrossed in that! I also started walking 1 mile per day and upping that to almost 2 miles by the end of it. My weight loss was drastic in this phase but my word I was lethargic/got tired v easily and not up for doing much. Week 3-4 Puree stage - finally I felt I was able to get some proper food in me, and a few days after starting this phase, my weight slowed right down - the dreaded (but expected) 3 week plateau kicked in. I went around a week and a bit without any weight loss, despite me sticking to the recommended diet. I am not going to sugar coat this, it was a bit disappointing standing on those scales after a week, but I knew this would happen so meh I guess. Still walking 2 miles per day during this phase and now feeling I have a lot more energy. Week 5-6 Week 5 started with me starting to lose a pound every 2 days or so, so my body seems like it has adjusted to the inro of more foods for the 'soft foods' stage. I also started back at the gym doing some cardio work on top of my walks, and oh boy I have so much more energy for it! I am now around half way through week 6 and had my first appointment with my nutritionist and he is blown away by the progress I have made/am making. He gave me further chewing tips to make sure I am not overeating as I have been sick a couple of times when I've eaten too quickly and not realised I'm full/satisfied. He is now happy for me to start introducing more fibred meats and more complex foods, like a little Pasta and a little bit of rice, to test the waters. Struggles so far: Reminding myself I have a new stomach not eating what family members are eating e.g. Sunday dinner Eating too fast resulting in vomiting Extra attention from people who have noticed a loss in weight (47lbs and counting since pre-op liver diet). Since I've been overweight most of my adult life, I carried a lot of shame internally, so its in my nature not to talk about myself/get photos taken etc Wins so far Losing a lot of weight and all the benefits that go with it. Being more present with my family. Having the energy to do everything they want to do (I have a wife and 2 kids, girl 11, boy 7) Clothes! I have dropped from XXXL to XL already. Which was a surprise when I packed to go to a 5 day getaway with my fam in week 5 Mental health - the mental benefits come as such a relief. I no longer feel down about my weight (although I know I still have a ways to go) Confidence - generally just feel I can be more myself - hopefully some here will resonate with this. Would be great to hear of your experiences so far, especially if you had your procedure in April/May/June/July!

Sounds like you had a very positive appointment all round @MrsFitz & you have a supportive team around you too. Yay! Don’t worry about the difference in your weight doctor to doctor or clinic to clinic. It happens all the time. Remember too you’re likely naked, haven’t eaten or drunk and peed & pooped when you weigh yourself at home. You go to the doctor’s & you’ve had breakfast maybe lunch too, drunk some fluids, are dressed so no wonder you weigh more. I looked at it as they have their records & I have mine. If I lose 5 kgs it shows on my scales as a 5kg loss & it will show on theirs as a 5kg loss too. Winning either way!

That is a good point that I didn't consider in my earlier response. I think you would need to check with a nutritionist or trainer to figure out what your target should be. With more intense workouts, you'll definitely burn more, so its easier for your body to be in too big of a deficit, and think you're in starvation mode. In that case, its possible for some people to burn muscle and preserve fat since your body is in a defensive state. There will be a range where you're getting enough calories and protein to build muscle, but still let the body know its safe to burn off the excess fat, but that's unique to everyone and would need a professional to help narrow down what that is for you. But again, based on the numbers on your profile here, you're roughly half way through the excess weight loss target weight you had. The scale plays a part in the journey, but its not the only indicator of success, especially in the second half. Recognize the gains you're getting with the increased weights you can lift, increased reps/sets, more endurance, and energy. The scale can remain the same or even gain a few pounds, but that's due to the muscle weighing more than the fat it replaced, and during that time you may have lost a shirt or pants size and gotten stronger! Obsessing on the scale number alone leads to stress, which leads to increased cortisol (stress hormone) production, which in itself tells the body to store all the fat it can because it falsely things there's a survival emergency. I know its impossible to avoid all stress, and its needed for us in short bursts, but learning to escape from chronic ongoing stress and worry will also help your body burn off the remaining fat.

I am in the same boat with not having had surgery since I was younger so I really can't remember what it was like to go under! I am really glad to hear that you don't remember anything and it wasn't a scary experience! Also congratulations on your weight loss so far!

Hello everyone, I know that you've all seen a post like mine before. I'm exactly 9 days away from getting gastric bypass surgery. I've tried so many other things and have failed over the long term to keep off my weight. I'm at 436 (was 445), but the diet they put me on helped me lose a few pounds. I'm very, very anxious about the surgery. My mom had the surgery years and years ago when it wasn't as perfected and it didn't go well for her. She lost weight but had a ton of complications. My fear isn't really surrounding post op activities, but rather going through the surgery itself. I hope none of you think less of me, but I'm terrified. I'm even having nightmares about it. My wife got the sleeve a year ago and she didn't have outrageous pain or anything. She was quite doped up lol. I'm scared of going to sleep and waking up in immense pain. I guess that's the jist of it.