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Hello. 48 year old married female mother of three here. I've been reading these boards for a while as I make this life changing decision. I have my first pre-op appointment tomorrow with my bariatric surgeon and can't wait. I've been spending the past several weeks working on my list of questions and trying to change my habits. Last fall I put a sticky note on my monitor with a symbol representing the need for change, and that if I did not succeed on my own I would start researching other options. Long story short, the day for other options is here as I weigh about 20 pounds more than I did last year. Like many here I know I can lose the weight. However, the day always comes when I can't white knuckle it anymore and then comes the regain and then some. Dieting interspersed with hectic lifestyle choices has resulted in my weighing 100 pounds more than I did 2 decades ago. I consider myself lucky that I have relatively few health problems, however I also feel my body is a ticking time bomb. I have fears, but for me I have decided that the potential benefits far outweigh the risks. I can't wait to work in the garden without my joints hurting, go ice skating again and have the ENERGY I once did for traveling, physical activity, just cleaning up the house. I can't wait to travel without being so self conscious. I once got off of a plane in Ireland (as a size 18) and a woman came up to me and said "are you American?" I have no idea why she asked, but she marked my response down on her clipboard and started looking for other people to talk to. It was nothing to do with customs/etc. I was horrified and walked away quickly, jumping to the conclusion she was looking for overweight people to poll for some sort of research project. Weird I know, but I've thought about it ever since (she didn't bother to ask my naturally skinny husband of course). Now I hope to return to Ireland one day and actually do those things I chickened out of like climbing Skellig Michael (all 618 steps). One of my biggest fears oddly enough is the inevitable well meaning comments/complements. I really struggle to tolerate unsolicited comments about weight loss and find them to be a terrible invasion of privacy. What's even worse are those comments along the lines of "you've lost enough, don't lose too much" when you're still 50 pounds overweight (which I've experienced SO many times). I'm already working on my polite replies to this which will hopefully put an end to that subject while also educating the person about healthy weight AND boundaries :). I am a very private person, with posts such as this being a first for me. I've really enjoyed reading all your posts and feel well prepared for my appointment tomorrow. Thank you.

What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before you had surgery? -ultimately it doesn't matter your weight or bmi so long as you qualify. It mostly matters where your heads at, how important weight loss is to you, and how ready you feel for the drastic measure. -I also wish my team made it clear that the first few weeks are depressing, no sugar coating it. You feel bad and unhappy. -I also wish my team was clear about how long it takes to feel like yourself again. I'm 1 month post op and am just starting to feel a little bit normal but the exhaustion and fatigue is real . I feel the most out of shape in my life. Pre op I was training for a half marathon able to take 2 hours to walk 11 miles. Now i feel winded and dizzy after 1 mile. I've lost 47 lbs total now and don't feel physically good most days. I don't like when people ask me how happy I must be. I won't be truly happy until I feel healthy but I know it happens. I just wish my team was more honest about how difficult the first couple of months can be post op. But ultimately, I decided to do it because I'm losing my 20s to obesity. I'm sick of battling against myself to do the right thing. I was tired of always feeling hungry. My knees are messed up from my weight and I lost and gained in huge amounts for years. So yes, to me, it's worth it but IT'S NOT EASY. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for this perspective! It’s so helpful. I think the tool part is exactly the same for me. I need this in conjunction with better eating. I used to try WW over and over and could only lose about 15 lbs over months and months. I only lost weight when I used Phentermine. I am fine with losing slowly l, but seeing just -1.5 lb in a week made me have buyer’s remorse at first. I need to lose about 80-90 lbs total. Thanks for helping me off the ledge 🙃

I know the struggle... trust me. I almost went to the ER because the amount of blood but turns out it was from the hard stool. So long as the blood is fresh - it's likely just from the straining/hardness. This is def TMI but I reached the point of slapping on a pair of gloves and taking it out myself. Sadly this intense constipation is common after weight loss surgery. You'll need to find a supplement and or medication routine that helps you pass things better. Try asking your care team for advice. I have in my arsenal right now senna (smooth move) tea, milk of magnesia, psyllium husk and prune juice. I also try to each some veggies with my protein, whatever I can stand. Make sure to drink a lot of water and try switching up your protein shakes. My ensures were causing a lot of the constipation initially. Good luck. I really know the pain. It will get better eventually. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey July 2021 Surgery People! It has been a while since we've had any updates on everyone's progress. I reached a BIG milestone today & am excited to say that I am 100 pounds down. Overall, things have been going well. Have I been perfect? No. Could I possibly have lost faster? Probably. Some of the things that I have struggled with are getting enough protein & water/fluids in. I also recently noticed some grazing was returning when I would prepare my kids' snack. I also feel that I need to exercise more. When I started I was so strict about following the plan as best I could. I know I don't need to be perfectly following everything to a T, but know I don't want to let old habits return or lose out on this weight loss window. I started trying to focus & proteins & fluids again. I want to start habit tracking again to try my best to follow my food & activity plans. I also want to increase fruits & veggies. (I recently read 2 of Dr. Matthew Weiner's books and realize I need to try to incorporate those foods more) Some of my "go-to" foods and drinks currently are: yogurt (light & fit greek), nuts, cheese, fruits, craisins/raisins, salads, chicken, shrimp, crackers, unsweetened iced tea, hot coffee, & iced coffee. I sometimes add unflavored protein powder to yogurt & coffee. I still have at least 20 pounds that I want to lose. I am also realizing that maintaining the loss will probably be hard work, as that is obviously something that I was never able to do before. When I get to where I want to be, I know this is when I will need the most support. So, I'm just wondering how everyone else is doing? How much have you lost? Are you at goal? How much to go? What are you struggling with? What works for you? What are your go-to's? Favorite exercises or activities? Products, advice or tips to share? Fears? Wishing everyone well, hoping you are feeling good, & are at or closer to where you want to be.😁🍀👍

P.S. wanted to add that after the first month, this IS a lot like Weight Watchers. Unless you're the size of someone on "My 600 lb Life", you're not going to drop 30 or 40 lbs a month (or whatever). People typically have a big drop the first month, because that's mostly water weight - and then you'll settle in to about 10 lbs a month, give or take, for several months - and then, as you approach your goal, it will really slow down. the difference this time is that you have a tool that makes your efforts pay off. It actually works as long as you stick to your plan. The most I could ever lose before surgery was about 50 lbs - and then it would gradually come back on. No way I could have EVER lost the 200+ lbs I did - and keep most of it off (I did have a 20 lb rebound after hitting bottom - which is very common). The surgery was the only thing that made that possible.

New milestone!!!😁 Officially 100 pounds down!! It feels so good to have reached this weight, a year ago I couldn't have even imagined being here again. I still want to lose at least 20 pounds, and see that the weight loss is definitely slowing down now that I am further out from surgery & getting closer to my goal. It is time for me to make sure I am staying on track with the positive changes and habits & not losing focus. Wishing everyone well on reaching their own milestones & goals. 🤗🍀

Many people have GERD or will develop GERD with or without the surgery. People that are obese have a good chance of developing GERD as they age. My question would be would you rather be obese or of healthy weight and have GERD? I would rather be healthy weight and have a treatable GERD problem over obesity and all the many health issues that come with that that I no longer have like Type 2 diabetes, High blood pressure, high cholesterol etc

So glad to hear you are recovering relatively well. That’s great that you have a scale that measures the small losses (less than a pound). Mine is supposed to and it gives me random weights with ounces but I don’t think it’s accurate down to the ounce or I would have seen losses more like yours.

You are doing great. Not everyone looses a ton of weight quickly. Some are slower than others, some are faster. and remember you will hit stalls along the way where you wont loose much or any weight at all for a couple weeks or so. Just stick to the program and you will do great. This is a long process.

Ugh. Today marks two weeks since my RNY. First week I lost 10 lbs. This past week I lost 1.5 lbs. I don’t understand how this is even mathematically possible when I’m eating no more than 600 cal/day on average (no issues getting fluids in, no constipation, eating mushy foods now and getting most of my protein in). The logical side of my brain knows this is a process, but the emotional part that misses McDonald’s fries is feeling like this tastes a lot like Weight Watchers 🙄

We all have our natural fluctuations. Fluid, hormones, constipation, etc. Mine is a kilogram (2.2lbs). Never really noticed it before because I rarely weighed myself. You may have been the same. Now because we weigh ourselves more regularly & record our weight, the fluctuations are more noticeable. As long as your weight loss trend across is going downwards, all is good. Doesn’t matter if there’s little hitches. Stalls happen. The first usually occurs around week 3 & can last 1-3 weeks. Frustrating & stressful when you see no weight loss, but a very common part of the weight loss journey. They do end & your weight will start to drop again.

I didn’t realize how many of my family members don’t want me to do this. This weekend I went to my brothers to give him his bday present. He thinks it’s an overreaction to my weight . I was watching my 600 lb life sfter work today and my support person who is coming with me told me that she doesn’t want me to have the surgery. In her defense, the imagery in that show is pretty graphic. Then this evening , I confirmed with my sister that she will check on my kiddos while I’m gone and she said she had her doubts too! Dang! I was counting on family to help my anxieties. I have needle issues and always have the vasovagal response. I am fearing that, more than the recovery! Anyway. I’m glad I found this forum. I love the positivity

I use the paid version of MyFitnessPal. Though I could probably be just fine with the free version. I got the subscription cuz the macros info not provided in the free version was useful during weight loss phase (i am only concerned with total calories now). i may cancel someday if i ever get around to it, lol 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m thankful I found this thread from a few years ago. I’m two weeks post op today and have been having a little weight fluctuation since starting on puréed foods last Thursday. I lost 18 pounds in my first week after surgery, but then put 3 back on, 4 back off, and 3 back on. I know I shouldn’t be weighing myself daily but I haven’t been able to stop doing so. Hoping this is normal and overall I’ll drop a ton moving forward!

Thanks for sharing your experience! Glad you are on the mend. I will complete all of my pre op requirements at the end of the month so hope to get surgery in May. I will definitely be sure to be first. Still unsure about which type to get. I don’t have reflux and the sleeve is easier if I ever need a revision, but may loose more weight with bypass. Decisions…

I am 4 weeks today from my breast reduction and panniculectomy surgery after a 105 weight loss and maintenance for more than a year. coming up on 62 y/o. Surgeon removed 6+ lbs. I was a DDD and told my surgeon I wanted to go as small as possible without increasing any risk. He thought a large B or small C. My focus was on my quality of life 5-10-15-20 yrs from now. I could feel the difference in my neck and back within just a few days. I have not shared w many that I was doing this. vast majority don't know what I had to do to manage the excess skin and boobs. don't expect most to really even notice. but if they do, they do. what is important is how I feel and I feel great! I am grateful for each step of this journey and thankful for the improved quality of life it has given me.

Hi dear! I had surgery 1/31 and in the same boat. Lost 31 since surgery, but I’ll go a whole week and not lose. I’ve noticed that when I have my period I don’t lose any weight, so that’s been 2 weeks right there with no movement. im trying to up my water intake, and up my exercise to daily. I got up drinking too much juice for my sweet fix. So I’ve cut that way back again. how many calories are we supposed to be eating each day?

Stalls are normal I had one at 3 weeks post op for about a week. Another lady I know at 4 or 5 weeks had a 3 week stall despite getting in her water,protein and exercising. Don’t get discouraged it is part of the journey. When I would have stalls before the surgery when trying to diet I would change my eating for one day. Example if I was doing no carbs and after 2 weeks stalled then I would increase my carbs just for the day and it seemed to help. Now since I had the surgery when I had the stall I just kept the course and weight started coming back off. I had sleeve feb 7th and I am 37lbs down 10 from pre-op liquid and the rest after surgery a little slow to me but I have had some issues and have been unable to tske in protein up until recently. I am now able to drink protein water so hopefully my energy and activity will begin to increase for increased weight loss.

I also notice this, and it was also last week when I was away from home. I think it's because I wasn't doing protein first. I ate half a tuna melt sandwich all but two bites and panicked that my restriction had disappeared overnight. Of course it hadn't - turns out carbs first is not the right way. Now I'm back at home I'm feeling the restriction again - just the same as before. I will need to plan better next time I'm away from home. I'm almost 5 stones down on my highest weight. I feel amazing. I have always yo-yo'd so I have ALL the sizes of clothing to go back through on the way down. Once I reach a steady weight I'll invest in some new stuff, especially for work. Turns out 10 year old work clothes look like they were in fashion 10 years ago. 🤣

I sorry you have had such a huge setback with your weight loss surgery. I hope you're recovering well post your accident. And I am sure therapist should help bring you back on track in terms of your mental health which may help restart your weight loss journey. Since physically, you'll be extremely inactive, first step should be working through diet regiment. Restart the program and go back to your surgical weight loss diet phase. Of course you'll only be able to do that once eyoi get your eating disorder in somewhat control. Good luck with your journey and wish you all the very best.

I had my surgery 12/20/20. I was doing well until I had a near fatal car accident on 8/9/21. I had a head injury and am still in a wheelchair. I regained all the weight I lost. I really need support. How can I get back on track. My surgeon does not have a support group. I am getting occupational therapy, physical Therapy and speech therapy. But since I cannot walk without support and I still cannot drive. I will begin therapy with a psychologist hopefully she can help me with depression and possibly my eating disorder. What do you recommend I do? Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm so sorry for what you have been dealing with. I recently had surgery, and I 100% regret my decision. I was relativity "healthy" by medical standards, but I was just FAT! I wish I would've just accepted myself and my body the way it was. The complications aren't worth the weight loss in my opinion.

Not everyone loses weight on the pre op diet. It is actually designed to shrink the liver only. Most people also lose weight but not all. The important thing is to stick to the diet so that your liver shrinks And your surgeon can go on with the surgery as planned.

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and maybe a lot of people might not agree with this, but I wonder if during the pre op diet if bariatric surgeons would prescribe GLP-1 agonists to help survive the pre op period, it would help with compliance. I mean the goal is to eat less and healthier and to shrink the liver. It's a tool that could help get a person through the pre op period successfully. It's a tool just like our surgeries are a tool we use to get to a healthy weight.🤷‍♀️