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took me 20 months. I started at over 300 lbs. the key is following the rules and sticking to your program. If you do, you'll get there - whether fast or slow.

@loli_lotus oh my lovely I feel your pain. [emoji3059] I have also battled with depression and my weight for many years and I also had all the doubts and questions that you have. I first considered the surgery 3 years ago, all the doubts and questions made me change my mind and I decided to try dieting again ( because I thought I could do better this time). Fast forward 3 years and no matter how hard I worked at dieting, I struggled to lose weight. I finally had surgery this March! I still had doubts, questions and family trying to dissuade me but I finally realised that I couldn't do it myself I needed a help. I didn't want to spend anymore time sad and obese with no confidence or self esteem. I'll be honest, it hasn't been easy, I've had to deal with emotions that I previously ignored by eating. I now have counselling to help me deal with this. I reacted extremely well to surgery and for 8 weeks the smell of meat repulsed me, this happens when your hormones change after surgery, it doesn't happen to everyone though. I now struggle to eat a great deal and have to eat little and often. Food was my best friend and now I don't enjoy eating. I find it a struggle to eat more than a few mouthfuls, but I keep reminding myself that it won't be like this forever and I need to take advantage of this. I also remind myself that I chose to have the surgery and how much more confident I am already! I have lost 36lb in 10 weeks, dropped two dress sizes and now feel OK looking at myself in the mirror. Everyone reacts to surgery in they're own unique way and it is a personal decision that only you can make. It isn't a quick fix and it is a difficult journey, but you are already putting in the hard work of working on your mental health. For me, the positives far outweigh the negatives. I now look forward to going out and doing things I previously would avoid and I'm continuing with my counselling sessions to make sure that I don't return to emotional eating in the long run. I hope this has helped you, I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you, sending you a huge hug x Sent from my SM-G980F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for indulging my curiosity. To [hopefully] clarify the conversation, black are my original questions, red are your replies, purple my feedback. Just to ensure everyone is on the same page, Dumping Syndrome is typically related to consuming sugars and/or fats, as has been previously mentioned. Dumping on other foods is exceptionally unusual. How often do you dump? If it's responsible for the majority of your weight loss as you claim then you would be dumping pretty frequently. If it is actually dumping you wouldn't likely be dumping enough to impact weight loss. So I never said I was losing weight because of this. I think I lost weight just from keeping on the proper plan initially. I would say I get sick at almost every meal, regardless of the ingredients, but it's severe with anything carb or sugar-related. Sorry about my misunderstanding. I inadvertently connected two unrelated thoughts. I apologize. The fact you get sick at almost every meal would tell me you aren't generally dumping. It's not to say that you are never dumping, just that it is not generally what is going on. What actual foods cause you to dump? Pretty much everything but it's particularly horrible with carbs, sugar, and greasy/deep-fried foods. Again, "Pretty much everything" would indicate that much/most(?) of what you are experiencing is not dumping. Dumping is in response to specific foods rather than most foods. In what quantities? I don't measure anymore but it doesn't take much. A few bites will do it, or even a small square of something sugary. I understand that you don't measure, neither do I. "A few bites" does answer the question, though. A 1.5" x 1.5" square of fudge or comparable sugar dense candy can easily make me dump. How soon after you eat do your symptoms appear? Within 10-15 minutes. What are the symptoms? It feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest, feel dizzy, head pressure, brain-fog, and overall sense of anxiety. I also get reactive-hypoglycemia...but not true hypoglycemia. My body just responds very poorly to blood sugar drops because they happen so fast, but rarely have I been in hypo numbers. These comments add I think what are the more important pieces of information. If this were dumping, you could simply reduce the sugars or fats that might be causing distress. But when it's almost everything, frequently, then it doesn't sound like just or even mostly dumping, if it's dumping at all. If you are, in fact, over consuming sugars and/or fats over frequently then your initial steps would be clear: stop doing that and see if this fixes your issue(s) in short order. If you've tried yet continue over consuming sugars and/or fats frequently and unable to stop yourself then were I in your shoes I'd get myself to a therapist post haste. [ETA: I have not gotten the impression you are out of control in this way. Quite the contrary.] This is not a diet or nutrition issue in my opinion. It's not that you're not working to eat the correct foods, it's that eating any foods too often cause physical distress. Were this me, I would have long ago become a squeaky wheel. I would be camping in my surgeon's or PCP's offices until I got a resolution, or at least significant progress, in fixing whatever is going on. I would not be put off. Bottom line: Get your medical team to work helping you. Be your own advocate. Good luck, Tek

Hi there, thanks for responding. Here are answers: How often do you dump? If it's responsible for the majority of your weight loss as you claim then you would be dumping pretty frequently. If it is actually dumping you wouldn't likely be dumping enough to impact weight loss. So I never said I was losing weight because of this. I think I lost weight just from keeping on the proper plan initially. I would say I get sick at almost every meal, regardless of the ingredients, but it's severe with anything carb or sugar-related. What actual foods cause you to dump? Pretty much everything but it's particularly horrible with carbs, sugar, and greasy/deep-fried foods. In what quantities? I don't measure anymore but it doesn't take much. A few bites will do it, or even a small square of something sugary. How soon after you eat do your symptoms appear? Within 10-15 minutes. What are the symptoms? It feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest, feel dizzy, head pressure, brain-fog, and overall sense of anxiety. I also get reactive-hypoglycemia...but not true hypoglycemia. My body just responds very poorly to blood sugar drops because they happen so fast, but rarely have I been in hypo numbers.

Hi there. I guess I always assumed it was dumping syndrome, considering what happens, but I could be wrong. Essentially what happens is I feel really wired after eating, my heart race increases to an uncomfortable level, and I feel super dizzy and faint. I actually have never thrown up from this. It just feels like whatever is in my body is "too much for it". I've also developed an intolerance for my blood sugar dropping, which is difficult because it's like my blood sugar spikes within 15 minutes, then crashes super fast, and I get similar feelings of agitation, brain fog, feeling light-headed.

Good morning everyone; praying all is well with you. I wanted to share something with all of you; Yesterday, my wife and I took our grandson out to lunch. I ordered a burger (not fast-food) and shake.... after eating the food that I shared with everyone, I only had half; I began to have that "dumping feeling". i had the sweats and headache. So yes, after 13 years since the surgery, I still have to watch what I eat. This new life is lifetime.

I have not lost anything in a full 3 weeks!! Im so aggravated beyond measure! I lost I think 22 lbs fast before surgery. after surgery (May 3rd) by day 9 I was down another 14 lbs. Nothing since not a single pound. In fact I go back and forth with gain a pound then lose the pound. It is very frustrating to say the least. My team tells me I hit an early plateau after 9 days.. because I lost 36 lbs quickly. But dang lol 3 weeks out and still nothing. Now all that being said I cannot exercise much because I am pending a knee replacement as far as walking goes. I used to tell myself it was because of that but the 22 lbs I lost pre surgery I did not exercise either. So unfortunately for me I have to suck it up and trust the process and hope for the best at this point. I am very discouraged tho to say the least. It wears on me pretty heavily. I do notice clothes fitting loose and my boobs have took a big hit to my husbands dismay lol. Thighs and hips also are seeing inches coming off but that darn scale doesnt move lol

I had SAME thoughts! But you know what? Once you start dropping the pounds fast, it changes your mindset, and its EASY to eat what your dietician recommends. Its easier to eat healthy, and choose better options. Because you will "see" that you do not want to go back to before surgery. And yes, i cheat, had a slice of pizza, these heavy foods, give you stomach pain because of the high carbs/fats and you learn to not crave them and eat much less of junk. I had my RNY on Nov 2021, down 107lbs, and you will love it! Keep us updated! You got this! Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my surgery on May 25. I am learning how do this each day. I will talk with Nutritionist this coming week. I am still learning how not to eat so fast.

A couple years ago I was having cosmetic surgery…an eyelid lift. My pre-op instructions were to start drinking Frog Fuel protein shots 2 weeks before surgery. I have to say, I healed so fast, it was unbelievable! I have absolutely no scarring and 3 days later the swelling was down, and I could go out in public without looking like I had been in a fight. I have pix, but honestly, immediately post-op, they are frightening. But, I’m going to order some and start taking it now.

This is weird but I've been celebrating some nvs's lately. I've been traveling a lot. So first now that I am looking less large, I feel like I can be more incognito at the airport/not take up a bunch of room/not be hot and sweaty/and just slip by the way I wanted to when I was 340 lbs. Also I fit on the planes better. Still not perfect but there's always room in the buckle and I can cross my legs allowing more space. Another thing that I was pleasantly surprised by, I was hanging out with some friends. A new couple I had never met before came in while I was out of the room. I went in to introduce myself while my other friend left the room..I waved hi to them and they kind of ignored me..I thought hmmm that was awkward and a bit rude but maybe I didn't say hi loud enough. Fast forward and the couple stands up and I walk towards them and say, HI BTW My name is #####. And they both look at me and go OOOO SORRY I THOUGHT YOU WERE THE GIRL IN HERE BEFORE (the one that already introduced herself to them). This is weird but it was nice to hear because I've never been mistaken for her although people always think were related because were the same ethnicity but she's a lot smaller than me. In fact the last time her and I went on a trip ,some random passerby yelled out to us "look at the twins, one little, one big" which was embarrassing for me but I laughed it off..it's funny to go from that to people mistaking us for the same person. Relinquishes some of my dysmorphia. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

OMG you are so lucky !! 😪 I am about 5 1/2 weeks and can't eat anything. I have been trying different foods chicken hurts, ground beef is ok, fruits hurt everything doesn't feel good. I basically just have yogurt and crackers plus I can only take tiny bites and then my stomach starts making these weird noises and it feels uncomfortable. I cant wait to have fast food lol or just eat like a normal person again

I had my surgery 1 month ago today. I almost canceled. I was self pay and it was a lot of money that I didn't want to spend. When I went to my preop my sugar was 250. My body let me know it was tired and that It needed the surgery. I've only lost 16lbs but my sugar is slowly going down and my blood pressure is normal. My BMI is on the lower end 35 before surgery. So I won't lose a whole lot fast. For me I was in a lot of pain after surgery. And I usually have a high tolerance for pain. I couldn't get comfortable to rest. Getting up and down out of the hospital bed was awful. But once I got home, I could rest in my recliner and that's where I slept for a few days. Some don't have pain after surgery but some do. They say it's from gas pain. But my surgeon thinks mine was from my hernia repair. Everyone is different and everyones victories will be different. But most of us only have one regret. We wish we had done it earlier!

I'm obsessed with the egg white and roasted red pepper bites from Starbucks as my fast food fix. My husband is in love with the Spinach and Feta wrap they have there. I really wish other fast food places would get on board with making a meal with eggs as the protein vs. chicken or beef. Last night, I went to a Mexican joint with my husband and I am happy to report that the scale still went down this morning. I only ate a total of about 10 chips, some guac, salsa, and 3 nachos (marinated chicken with cheese on top of 3 tortilla chips). I was satisfied and not overstuffed. I'm really enjoying this process! And as busy people, fast food is sometimes inevitable - it's nice that there ARE options!

I just realized reading this thread that I have still not had fast food since my surgery. I just do not have a craving for it and everything I eat, I eat for a purpose. For example, if it gives me protein, it is needed. But...low or no fat. If it gives me vitamins like vegetables, I eat it. I rarely eat anything sweet and never candy. The closest I get to junk food is a 130 calorie Built Bar which is 20g of protein if I am out through lunch, it holds me off and gives me protein. That said, I miss chick fil a now that it came up in conversation

Dont worry its nothing bad LOL. almost 6 weeks post op Chick Fil A 8 piece grilled nuggets 130 calories, 3g of fat, 1g of carbs and 25g of protein Chick Fil A Diet lemonade 50 calories, 0 fat, 14g carbs (A bit high but i only drank half) Gotta say it was delicious. Not as good as fried but still nice. I could not eat all pieces in one sitting so save the leftovers for later or tomorrow. So far i have had 0 issues with any foods i have eaten which is nice. been almost 2 weeks since my last weigh in. Waiting for June 4th which is my monthly date i take measurements of my body and weight to see monthly differences.

No I have no issues with it or even cooking for them. I was very healthy and a vegan when I met my meat eating husband 21 years ago. Our first date was to a steak house. I was a vegan from age 5 to 33 by choice (was raised on a cattle ranch and when my pet steer was butchered I refused to eat meat not wanting to wanting him - long story) My husband loves food and bad food. I realize now out marriage was centered around eating. I love the fact now I can say hey I cant eat this or that or out because of my surgery. When Id do that all these years he would get mad at me and upset. Addicts like to have others indulge with them. I went from 125 to 240 in 21 years of marriage. Today I am 176 I had the sleeve on Dec 22, 2021 at 227.9. So I feel better than ever and I am starting to feel like me again. I cant wait to be able to eat full vegan again Now I can go back to the lifestyle I love without being guilted into eating unhealthy. Ive noticed more energy my skin looks amazing Im back at the gym running 3 miles a day until yesterday when I broke a bunch of bones in my foot. So think of it like this - eating is just fuel for this amazing body you have. Like your car - you put good gas in it youd never give it sugar water right because that would ruin the engine. Your body is the same way - enjoy the beautiful healthy foods and feed your body and cells the right fuel. I have teenagers that work they stop at fast food nearly daily It is nice to say Ill wait to eat when we get home. I never leave without a protein shake and the money I save now on food is crazy! Even my husband comments on that. So my protein shakes from 310 Nutrition may be expensive but cheap compared to the before me. I spend $3-5 a day for me on food. My husband eats fast food daily and spend nearly $10 on a meal that is literally killing him. Thats how I see it and it makes me skip and smile. Self love - just rewire your thinking habits and seriously it wont be hard 99% of the time.

I’d also pay attention to when you are eating and why. I think your first post said 1 hour after a mushy meal you had the 2 chicken things? My surgeons office/dietician would have my head if I was eating again that fast. I just wonder if some of the hunger you feel is actually “head hunger.” There’s lots of posts on here that reference that as well that could be helpful.

I had the band to sleeve revision at the same time. That is, they removed my band and did the sleeve. While unfilled for a long time (esophagus issues), I had put on some weight. I did lose the weight I gained after I got the sleeve. The restriction (to me) was less than the band so it was hard work. I never reached my goal but was content with losing the weight I had regained. In August, I had the sleeve to rny revision due to severe gerd, and the weight loss was far more significant and faster. I got to goal fast. This is my case, since everybody is different. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

We're close to the end of 7 months out from October. I'm officially 100lbs down from a year ago (80ish PO). There's been a bit of a fast track kick start in my weight loss right now and I'm kind of just riding the wave (my start felt fairly slow, so I'm fine with it). I'm currently in the 220s- which I haven't seen since senior year of high school. I'm less than 50 from the big goal that makes everybody happy (surgeon, PCP, etc)- at 180lbs. This is my freshman year high school weight (how my PCP determined my goal) and the weight at which my surgeon expects I can maintain long-term. My BMI's top range is about 135, but as someone who likes to lift, I'm fine at a weight anywhere between 135-180, to be honest. As I get closer to this reality of meeting or surpassing 180, I may choose to lower my official target (for maintainence mode purposes). It's still a ways away, but just something on my mind lately! Hope all my October 2021 people are doing well in y'all's journies!

Sleeve recovery was easier for me. I was off 3 weeks only because I didn’t have confidence in my ability to meet my Fluid intake goals at a fast paced hospital job until week 4 started. For the bypass, I’m off 3 weeks because it’s needed. I’m still in pain. Bending hurts. Bowels aren’t regular yet. Fluid intake isn’t met yet. It definitely hurts worse and is taking way more of my energy. Weight loss so far is faster with my bypass. But I am currently in the famous week 3 stall. -25 since 5/6 🤷🏼‍♀️ But I did lose -110lbs with my sleeve so it can be done before GERD and regain. Keep up the research, I hope it helps you ❤️

I use to intermittent fast, the first time I lost a significant amount of weight I did OMAD but it lead to binge eating after a while and was hard to maintain. It helps now with the bypass that I don't feel hunger as intensely and can't physically binge anyway. I usually just do a shake and coffee. Sometimes though it's awkward, I've bee invited to brunch/breakfast and can't eat but usually I just get an egg a la carte and push it around to keep up appearances. I've never heard of the fluid thing but it would explain the extreme discomfort in the morning and virtually nothing in the afternoon lol. I will ask my doc. I'm personally not concerned. I don't mind not eating breakfast and have never been a breakfast person. I was just curious if this is a normal part of wls, i.e., restrictions going strong in the morning. Interesting perspectives tho! Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a three week liquid diet that starts 6/1. It is called a liquid diet, but I am able to have no starchy veggies as well. I've talked to friends that have used the same surgeon and had the same diet and they all admit to having lean chicken once or twice a week during pre-op. Unless you are out eating fast, fried foods for cheat meals, you should be fine.

I think we all find the way of eating that works best for us. It sounds like your body is leading you to eat like intermittent fasting (which a lot of people swear by). I eat almost every meal later than I ever did before (not as late as you though 😉) but then before when I ate was dictated by things like work. Now I breakfast around 9 because I’m not really hungry before then. I snack at 12, lunch at around 3:30 (sometimes later) & dinner around 6:30pm. If it works for you & you’re getting in your protein, other nutrients & fluids it shouldn’t be an issue what time you eat.

Thanks! To clarify, I think I meant panniculectomy which (from what I read...could have changed now) can at times be approved due to it causing back pain ext. That's great progress! I am about 10-15lbs heavier than your starting weight. I've been trying to be more active again the last month or two, but after you don't for so long it is hard getting back into walking and not exhausting yourself. Also not confident enough to do gym memberships or more public things short of us walking around where we live. Our insurance changed this year to one that isn't as good, I feel, but am hopeful if I can find an in-network option, I can move forward if decided. I messaged them today to see what info I could get on it. Thankfully, I stopped doing fast food a lot over the last few years...but that doesn't mean I don't pick up things that I binge on or that are quick to eat due to general laziness on my part and because I'm too tired after work to cook. Frozen items like pizza have been our go-to off and on weekly. As a stress eater, snacks are my downfall. Thankfully, never had acid reflux but that's good to know, something I hadn't read or seen!