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Changing your thinking isn’t easy unfortunately. Boy how I wished it was. Sometimes though I’d have a sudden realisation which changed how I looked at eating in certain situations. Like realising going out with friends wasn’t about eating but about being with my friends. I started listening more closely to what we were talking about, initiating conversations & more closely considering their reactions. In many ways not focussing on what I was eating has built better relationships with my friends. My eating & drinking less doesn’t stop them eating & drinking either. I developed an aversion to a lot of fatty, overly sweet foods, takeaway, fast foods & snacks. It doesn’t even have to be in front of me. I cringe watching fast food ads on tv, images on social media, etc. Though I throughly enjoy cooking & baking shows but I guess they’re not about excess but moderation. This was very helpful my first year. Others experience this as well. I’m also a do I need it or want it person. Coupled with that is why do I want it. Do I want it out of habit (like when you want chips & slushies when you get fuel)? Because I’m bored? Because I’m sad, angry, happy, frustrated, scared? Etc. And the big one: am I actually hungry? Once you know the why you can work out strategies to manage it. Want a slushie? Get water. Bored? Find an activity to do (read, go for a walk, play a game, craft, …) And so forth. It all takes time. And don’t beat yourself up if you give in. As long as it’s a rare slip it’s okay. Recognise it & move forward.

I can totally relate to a lot of this. I was 48 when I had surgery 2 years ago and did not look my age. I have also lost over 200 pounds. Now I definitely look my age or older and I don't recognize myself sometimes. I did not have wrinkles before and now I do. That bugs me. But I just try to remind myself why I did this, and it was to get my life and health back. I do have energy now, so I'm lucky there. I probably have a more relaxed eating approach than a lot of people. I do not believe in good or bad foods. I have no forbidden foods. I pretty much eat what I want. Luckily, even before I did this, I preferred healthy foods like veggies and did not like things like fast food or fried food. I am proof you can be fat on healthy food. Too much of a good thing is still too much. I have "junk" like ice cream when I want it. Like, I am not a chocolate person except during PMS, and then it's like I NEED it and I have some. I just keep my portions of everything much more reasonable now. I do track food just to make sure I get my protein and keep my carbs reasonable but I'm not completely militant either. It certainly can be exhausting tracking everything, but I can't promise that I track every single taste. I just make sure to track all my meals and snacks. For 2 years, this has worked for me. I have eaten this way the whole time. If something changes, I will adjust, but for now it's working. I just started maintenance so we will see how that goes. I am lucky that I don't work at the moment. I am an RN, but when my son was born I stayed home with him (11.5 years ago! [emoji15]) and I've been planning to go back but something always happened to keep me home. I really do plan to get another job soon. I know what you mean about work t extra hard as a fat person. I always felt like I wanted people to see that I wasn't lazy just because I was fat, because all fat people aren't lazy! It will be nice not having to worry about that when I go back. I became a nurse in 1997, and I was fat the whole time I worked, so that will be a first. I do live in fear every day of gaining all my weight back, but I hope that if I keep eating like I'm eating I will be OK. That is all I can do. When I look at all the loose skin, it can be discouraging sometimes. It's really bad on my arms and legs, but I know how hard I have worked to lose weight and even if I didn't have a weight problem, skin does tend to sag as you get older, and I am going to be 51 in 2 weeks. I would love to have it all removed, but it's just not in the budget right now since I paid out of pocket for my surgery. Maybe it will be when I get a job, but I refuse to be ashamed of my body. I'm proud that it carried me through being so morbidly obese for so long and it's still here carrying me. It has put up with a lot of stress and it has been strong for all of it. I'm definitely weaker than I was but I'm working on strength training now. I know I'm rambling here but I just want to say you're not alone in your feelings. You have accomplished so much. Just try to remember that! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

Fast food was so hard to overcome! I started putting convenience over cost for healthy grab and go foods and it became easier. Also, when I do get something I opt for smaller portions (4 nugget happy meal for example) and simpler options and find that works as well as the big meals used to. keep working and hopefully we will be surgery buddies!

I just scheduled my surgery for October 4th! I am also going to get the VSG. I have been working with my surgeon since May. I have a pre op weight loss goal that I’m still working on, and I had already lost some weight before meeting the surgeon. In total they want me to be down 57 pounds from my heaviest weight. I have about 20 pounds to go still. I’m also working on the fast food bit. That’s definitely been a hard one for me. It’s so easy to just want to pick something up after a long day.

The narcolepsy may be worse because lack of calories? Regardless, I would speak with your psychologist ASAP, they may need to change up your medications after surgery. It is my understanding this has happened to other people. (I remember reading about it on here) Of course, I am assuming you take medications for your depression but if not maybe some are needed to help you? A blood sugar of 70 isn't a concerning low but you could let your Doctor know and he may have some insight. My blood sugar is naturally lower than normal. (in the 60-70 range with fasting) I was told 80-100 is normal. Good luck, please reach out to the appropriate doctors for help. I hope you feel relief soon!

The primary functions are 1) to allow time for your surgical wounds to heal (this was MAJOR surgery, you don't want to push it) 2) to slowly integrate foods to prevent sickness/overeating 3) to allow time for you to learn your new body and adjust to your new eating habits. That being said. every surgeon has their own pre- and post- op diet requirements and there is no use comparing one to another. The ASMBS does not have hard and fast recommendations on the food plans, so surgeons are left to devise their own and they can vary wildly. Mine were both extremely restrictive, with the pre-op lasting 2 weeks and post-op being 8 weeks. Regarding the WHY of what you can/can't eat and when, reach out to your nutritionist and see if they can provide some insight on what they recommend what they do. We could all speculate, but ultimately, that guidance is coming from your team an thus the justification should as well.

Calm down, stop freaking out and breathe. I know that is easier said than done but try. I also had Bypass, hiatal hernia, severe GERD and nodules in my esophagus. I was not diagnosed with Barrett's but was told I was well on my way. I originally wanted the sleeve and my main reason was for weight loss and to hopefully not develop a ton of medical issues that hang around my family genes. After speaking with my surgeon at my first appointment, he explained that sleeve would likely worsen my GERD while bypass has a much better chance of resolving it. So, after some reading and further research I went with bypass. I had bypass, my hernia fixed, repairs and "trimming" of my esophagus all at once. Fast forward: I am not 4 months post op and have NO regrets or any issues. I did however experience that "stuck feeling" for about a week. I was told it was because my esophagus was narrow and needed time to heal and "loosen" back up after surgery. It did in fact go away, rather quickly. I also had minor spasms for a few days after surgery which also went away. You had more damage than me, it seems so you have to be paiteint and give your body time to heal. Everyone heals differently and you are still fresh out of surgery. I was on 2 prescriptions and eating tums daily and my GERD was still out of control. The day of surgery they stopped 1 prescription of acid meds and I was only taking prescription grade pepcid( Famotidine ). I was told that was standard for at least 2 months after surgery to give our stomachs time to heal and to help prevent ulcers. I have been off ALL GERD medications including the pepcid now for 2 months and still have no signs of GERD or any other acid issues. The meds are likely temporary to give your body time to heal and to act as preventative medication. The black stools are likely the bleeding and if you were on blood thinners, it would be worse. I assume you did some research before choosing your surgeon and trusted him/her. So, trust them. Give yourself the time to heal. Ulcers in general take a bit of time to heal, then adding the surgery and all the other issues you had before surgery. Give it some time. I hope it works out for you! Take it easy.

For me, it was nausea. I was given some nausea suppositories 😳 and that got old FAST. I was not typical, and my nausea continues today, though not as bad. If the medicine/dosage is not doing the trick, ask the doc/your medical team...

I know lots of people who manage to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight without making it the only thing in their lives, and I envy them deeply! I am afraid that if I take my eye off the prize, it is a terrifyingly fast road back to 300+ pounds. We've all seen people who have gone through this surgery only to gain back all the weight they lost, and I can't even handle the thought of that. There actually are things that I would like to do if I could find the time to do them, but by the time I subtract my job and exercise and meal prep and sleep and the bare minimum housework I need to do out of the number of hours in a week, I never seem to have any time left.

I had surgery June 7th and I know that "stuck" feeling. I find that tapping(and sometimes pounding) on my chest helps. It causes me to burp and allows room for the food. It's definitely a miserable feeling. Usually when I get the stuck feeling I wasn't paying attention to what I was eating and ate too fast or didn't chew it enough or took too big a bite. It seldom happens at home but has happened a few times since I returned to work. I get caught up talking to my co-workers and stop paying attention to what and how I'm eating. I stop eating when that happens. It's just not worth risking more getting jammed. Sent from my SM-F926U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am curious how long it took your doctor to complete your surgery? My surgery took about 2.5hours I think. I had thr SADI-S and I was one of my surgeon's first patients for that procedure. How long was your hospital stay? I stayed 4 nights. I had pretty bad nausea and some vomiting. My husband just had the same surgery with my surgeon and they are better at managing the nausea now since they've done this surgery a lot more since I had mine 2 years ago. He only stayed 2 nights. How was your doctor's bedside manner? My doctor has a fantastic bedside manner. He is very down to earth a personable. What can I expect when I get to the hospital before surgery? They will check you in, then you will go to a room and have you change into a gown and then the nurse will come in and start your IV. The surgeon will come in and discuss the procedure and also anesthesia. What was your biggest struggle at the hospital and at home? I had a lot of nausea in the hospital. I never had a lot of pain. Once I was home, my biggest struggle was drinking the protein shakes because my taste changed and they were so gross. When did you go back to work? I was not working at the time of my surgery. If there was one thing that you could have changed, what would it be? I would have done it a LONG LONG time ago! What did you pack to take to the hospital? I packed a change of clothes, a book, my phone and charger, my own pillow, and Aquaphor for my lips. Good luck on your surgery! It will go by fast! Sent from my Pixel 5a using BariatricPal mobile app

How long it took your doctor to complete your surgery? About 2 hours. I had a routine RNY. How long was your hospital stay? I stayed for 3 days. How was your doctor's bedside manner? My doctor and his PA were great. They answered all my questions. What can I expect when I get to the hospital before surgery? I arrive at 7:15am for a 9:30am surgery. Get there when your surgeon says NOT when the hospital tells you. If I had listened to the hospital I would've missed my surgery completely! The put 2 iv's in me, 1 in each hand, different sizes. Just in case one blew out. I saw my surgeon, anesthesiologist, and the nurse that would be in the operating room. Once I was taken back to pre-op it all happened very quickly. What was your biggest struggle at the hospital and at home? Realizing my limits. This is MAJOR SURGERY! Give your body grace and allow it time to heal. When did you go back to work? A little over 4 weeks post-op If there was one thing that you could have changed, what would it be? Nothing. I'm content with how things have gone so far. What did you pack to take to the hospital? I packed an extra long phone charging cord, toiletries, book, some crosswords, I downloaded some movies to my phone in case the wifi wasn't dependable. I wore loose clothing and crocs to the hospital, wore the hospital gown at the hospital(in case i bled or got sick- better their gown then my clothes), and wore the same clothes to come home. I found that between sleeping, walking(they were pretty clear they wanted me up as fast and as often as I felt capable) and drinking slowly the TV in the room was extra enough. Oh and chapstick! That will really help with any dry mouth! Eye drops will help if your eyes get irritated easily. I think that's everything. Sent from my SM-F926U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi ladies! So here’s my situation, I had RNY surgery July 6th and everything has gone as expected and what was explained to me. Smooth sailing until yesterday and today. I’ve been expecting aunt flow and she’s coming slowly but surely. I woke up yesterday feeling great. I had a protein shake and went for a short walk. Shortly after returning I started to feel so sick. Like what dumping syndrome feels like. All the symptoms to a “T”. I couldn’t understand why and thought that maybe I drank my shake too fast? There was literally no explanation. I laid down and laid low for the rest of the day. My stomach was angry so I just had popsicles, broth, water and 2 bites of plain Greek yogurt at the end of the day because “live and active cultures”. Most of it felt ok going down but not for HOURS after the possible dumping episode. Skip to today, I woke up feeling ok. My stomach mostly just felt a little tender but I decided to try and power through a protein water at least. It took me 3hrs to finish it and now I feel just awful again. Not as bad as yesterday’s episode but generally not well. My first thoughts were maybe it’s the whey or lactose. Yesterday’s shake was a fairlife which has no lactose but I believe does contain whey. Today’s protein water (Protein2o) contained whey isolate. But then I started thinking maybe it’s my PMS symptoms just wreaking havoc on my insides and because I’m still healing maybe it feels more severe? I purchased some vegan protein to try tomorrow. But does anyone have any input? Should I call my doctor? Let me know if I’m missing any information that might help this all make more sense. Ugh just feel terrible and need relief.

Two days before me! My liquid is only three days - two liquid, one clear liquid (day before surgery). They have me on semi-solids for five days before that and a low-cal/carb diet from the 20-25th. I almost wish it was just liquid - it would make me have to think less. I wish I could fast forward to my date so I wouldn't have to do these next two weeks! But, it will all be worthwhile. Are you in the states? Are you staying in the states or going abroad for surgery? Mine is in Tijuana.

Sorry to hear that Gina! I'm doing fairly well, nauseated a few times when I drank too much or too fast. I got some anti nausea medicine, which helps.

I feel like I am watching you all go in for surgery and I am really invested in your well-being! Thinking great thoughts! My surgery is in a week and while I am excited and the Pre-Op Diet is totally manageable, the reality is starting to sink in. I am starting to have a bit of anxiety, like the surgery date is fast approaching. Have I done enough to prepare for the hospital and my return? Will I be able to tolerate the pain? Just keep telling myself to focus on the reward.

Hi Tek, The hike itself was pretty amazing. I did an 8 day Lemosha route - the longer route allowed for greater acclimatization to the altitude which caps out around 19,500 ft on Summit day. Most days we hiked between 5-8 miles with lots of elevation gain --- hike high and sleep low. You pass through 5 different climate zones, from cloud forest to artic, so each day looked a little different. You are camping, so tent sleeping in mummy bags the whole trip which was it's own challenge. Summit day was definitely the hardest. They like to have you hike it at night, so they woke us up at midnight to eat a little something (you are already at 15,500 ft so not much of an appetite) then start hike around 1:30 am. It's cold --- I think when we went it was around 15 F and windy as you get higher. It's only a little over 3 miles, but due to the steep climb and elevation, we didn't reach the summit until around 8 AM and we were a pretty fast group. The sunrise on the mountain was just beautiful (see pic). Once you reach summit you stay just long enough to get pics, then they hurry you as they don't want you at that elevation for too long. The climb down was really hard --- you are already tired and it's steep and hard on the joints even with hiking poles. Once you hit base camp, you rest then hike down further. I think we did another 6 miles and stayed at high camp that day. Last day was about 7 miles down which was again pretty hard on the joints, but at that point you just want a shower and a bed so it's not too hard to push yourself. I was fortunate to be able to stay in Tanzania and do some safari's and go to Zanzibar to relax on the beach for a few days before coming home. Definitely a once in a lifetime trip. In terms of training, I did lots of local hikes, but I'm in Northern California so while I could do distance (10+ miles) elevation was hard. So in addition I joined a gym about 4 months before the hike and started taking weight training type classes and yoga classes to build strength and stamina. Then after the hour class I would do an hour on the treadmill at a 12-15 incline. I feel like I was in pretty solid shape for the hike.

Yes, for me it felt like it was happening fast, but then it felt like I had to wait forever! It took me 7.5 months to have surgery - I had to jump through all the insurance hoops and then my surgery center was backed up from surgeries they had to cancel due to COVID. What I did was work to practice eating like after surgery - counting calories, higher protein, lower carbs, etc. I lost 50 lbs before surgery, which is weight I didn't have to lose after surgery.

Saaameeee. I'm scared of heights and things that go fast. Strangely, I love flying, which is actually what I'm doing right now.

I didn’t experience this so I don’t have first hand advice but one thing you can try to rule out that you aren’t chewing enough is to go back to a purée meal and see if it makes you feel the same way. You could also be eating too fast? Are you waiting plenty of time between bites?

I'm doing ok. Trying to pace myself with liquids. Very thirsty, but have to watch myself not to drink too much too fast. Some pa>n Trying to rest.

I am 6 weeks post-op and I've had dietary struggles. It's hard to admit old eating habits are returning. Depression and unworthiness feelings are getting stronger. I start over in my mind saying that it's OK just keep trying. I fear being chastised by my doctor, I still battle with the familiar plus-size me and the new body I'm trying to get to. I need an accountability partner who is understanding and supportive but who can be a mentor. Sometimes I want to fade into the background of mediocrity, then there are other times I want to live my best life. I'm going nowhere fast in the tug of war I'm in with myself. Can someone relate and help me?

Have any of you recently started your journey? My consultation was the middle of last month and my next appointment is Monday (July 18th). I've already did my first set of bloodwork (I'm assuming there will be more), EKG and Xray. My physc eval is also next week. Did anyone feel like everything happened so fast in the beginning? Sent from my SM-G986U using BariatricPal mobile app

6/22/22 - I received a call from the surgeon’s office that they got the go ahead from the insurance. I was instructed that I would need to complete some on-line courses, sign some paperwork and pay the $400 co-pay, prior to scheduling the surgery. I was able to print, sign and scan the paperwork and send back via e-mail. I took the online courses, which rehashed almost everything I’ve been told to date. My patient navigator says she had everything and will be moving my chart to the scheduling office and that scheduling will reach out to me within a few days. More waiting... 6/23/22 - Thankfully the scheduling office called back this afternoon and finally, we can schedule surgery. July 14th is the day I get my sleeve. I do not have a pre-op diet plan, although the day before surgery is to be clear liquid only. 7/11/22 - I went to the surgical center for my pre-op appointment. They did an EKG, Chest x-ray and took a few tubes of blood. No one told me to fast and no one asked me if I fasted, so hopefully they won’t have issues with my blood samples, since I had a few beers on Sunday. My weight is up from the weekend, but I am planning to be good for the next three days. Now that I'm caught up, I guess my next post will be on my surgery day.

It was two years after the pandemic started that I made this decision. In early 2020, I was at my heaviest and the COVID-19 pandemic forced me to work from home. By December I hit 300 pounds for the first time. Fast forward to March 2022 I was at my highest weight of 317. It's been two years of wearing gym shorts and t-shirts, working in the spare bedroom, and now we are starting to work a bit more in the office. My clothes do not fit me—my belt is too low, my gut hangs over and it’s difficult to keep my pants up and my shirt tucked in. It looks like I’m carrying a huge sack of something under my shirt. I don’t want to be in the office with co-workers seeing me like this. This was my “Oh Hell no!” moment. Hindsight being 20-20, I should have decided to do this a year or so ago. My friend was trying to sell me on the surgery, but I wasn't buying it at the time. I wanted to lose weight the healthy way and be a role model for my 20-something son. As it turns out, he's happy with my decision. And being (morbidly?) obese is not being a role model. Here are some issue I'm having. I'm sure most can relate to one or two of these: I can’t breathe when I bend forward. It’s really difficult putting socks/shoes on. I almost suffocate when I try to cut my toenails. I have to rock back and forth to get out of my recliner (or the toilet). My lower back hurts. Some is because I have had back problems, but I’m sure my weight doesn’t help. My knees hurt. Again some of it is chronic issues, but I am certain that I will get some relief by losing weight. My ankles are almost always swollen and sometimes my hips hurt if I walk any distance. My doctor’s office had to send me to another lab to get an X-ray because I was too heavy for the X-ray table in their office (WTH?) I’m wearing 3X T-shirts and they've started to get tight. My gut hangs out under the shirt if I wear anything smaller. I’m embarrassed to take my shirt off in front of anyone. I won’t go swimming. Even with my closest friends. As mentioned above. I look like hell wearing khakis and a polo shirt to work I am only on cholesterol medication at this point. No hypertension. No diabetes. I'd like to keep it that way. Off the top of my head, I know of at least seven friends/family that have had weight loss surgeries. I think all would or have endorsed getting the surgery. On the other hand, I’ve spoken to a few friends/co-workers that had never had the surgery and got mixed responses. I guess that’s how it’s going to be. Those that have not had the surgery are probably thinking that surgery is the lazy way to do this. I get it. I probably felt that way too. But I really don’t care at this point. So the journey begins,