Search the Community

In short, yes! I follow the guidelines I was given. Very strictly at first. Now at nearly two years out and at goal not as strictly, but still within my maintenance calories. That doesn’t mean I didn’t ever “slip” but it was rare during weight loss phase. I figured I did something drastic, went through a major surgery and I wasn’t going to mess it up. I’d suggest tracking what you eat vigilantly, making an appointment to see your nutritionist to review your plan and come up with options that work for you, and consider therapy. Come here often for support! Best of luck to you ❤️

Hello all. I was sleeved on March 31, 2015, so I'm a little over 6 months out. I have received conflicting information from my weight management team and my surgeon team on how much we should eat at one meal. How much are you currently eating during a meal? Ounces of Protein, veggies, etc. I just want to make sure that I am NOT overeating....don't want to go down that road when it was a difficult one to get here. Thanks!

I absolutely LOVE your personality. You just may be my new BFF in my head. Lol. I will definitely check out your older posts and subscribe to your future posts. Congrats on your weight loss success and for quitting smoking. What an amazing double accomplishment! Sent from my iPad using VST

Hello, sorry this is going to be long. I hope someone will have advice. I had Rny in July of 2014. Since surgery I have been extremely exhausted. I have had my blood work done. Many times. My hands and feet go numb. I have a vibration in my left foot that feels like I am stepping on a cell phone on vibrate. Sometimes I get dizzy even when sitting. And my feet will sometimes just not work. It's all mostly in my left foot. Sometimes I have a hard time lifting it and it feels like it's not there. I also get body tremors. Mostly my hands. Sometimes my whole body. They have tested my bloodwork, did a CT scan looking for ms or brain cancer. They have done an emg. I have seen a neurologist whom looks at me like I'm insane. I am about 10 pounds under my goal weight. And I either keep losing or stay where I am at. My bariatric program has high turnover for all their staff from Dr's to secretaries so I have been doing all my follow up with my primary Dr. I take a multi Vitamin, Calcium with Vitamin D, Biotin, fish oil, b12, and Iron ( iron every other day so I don't get constipated) potassium and magnesium. I was doing them all twice a day but my neurologist took me off of them all to see if I was having a reaction. I added them back in once a day myself because i started getting horrible migranes. I juse added b complex and a vitimin d pill to see of that would help. So far it helped with body tremors but my hands still shake and I still have all other symptoms. I'm tired of seeing Dr's. I just want to feel half way normal. Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry it's so long.

I am so sorry to hear of all that you are going through. First off, I need you to do the most important thing, forgive yourself and move on. If you feel like you are a failure you will be more likely to wallow and graze more. You have to just stand up, accept the bad eating and grazing of the past, dust yourself off and start again. I have had to do this many times. I was sleeved on 5/29/16 and am down 260 since surgery and 291 overall. I just had a bout of a few weeks after having my panniculectomy surgery and some stressful times where I was eating really bad. I was giving in to my cravings and not counting my calories. Maybe not everyone will slip but many people do. I feel the difference between those who regain their focus and those who don't is forgiving themselves. I came to the realization that I was self sabotaging myself, and even though I gained less than a pound I was on the path of regain. I just had to sit down with myself and say, I am not going back. I have come too far to ruin this now. I will never be that person again. Then I did some meal planning. I started weighing everything again and have tracked everything that goes in my mouth. I am keeping to a 1,200 calorie a day limit because that is what my surgeon recommends. I know this is hard, and you have had a lot of stressors in your life that would test even the strongest will power. You can come back from this, just take it one day at a time. If that's too much just one meal at a time. You can't change the past but you control the future. We are all here if you need us to vent to people who would understand or if you are looking for suggestions!

I had my sleeve done on 11/7/16 pre op weight 344 ish cw 305, since the surgery I have had major major health issues. Malignant melanoma, anaphylaxis, heart attack, now diagnosed with stage 3-4 cirrhosis. I have not lost any weight for past 4 months. My anxiety is getting the best of me with each crisis. I am grazing I need to stop!! I am just overwhelmed. I never drank, I feel like I am a failure with the weightloss. I need to cope better! Any suggestions?

Me too! I am down 30 pounds and take in about 800 calories a day and have been very carfefuk not to eat carbs and my weightloss has stalled Up a pound down a pound, I have 56 pounds to go. Help! Am I doing something wrong. I find it hard to believe that 800 calories is enough to sustain my weight. My clothes fit well but I am dying to get to my 150 goal. Any advice?

Hi everyone! I would really appreciate some help. I am 6 weeks past my sleeve surgery. I'm am very discouraged and disappointed. I lost about 20 lbs in the beginning, only because of the pre op diet where I barely ate anything and the 2 weeks after the surgery but it has been downhill from there. I know the sleeve is "not a magic solution, its a tool" and so on! I've heard it all too many times. But I would assume that if I eat like ten percent of what I used to eat I would lose weight, but I haven't. I do eat starches and foods that I may not supposed to, but much less than before. I am really struggling with dieting. If I didn't struggle with dieting, I wouldn't get to the point that I need surgery! I find it hard to believe that all people who are over weight to the point that they need surgery, all of a sudden magically changed their mindset after surgery and started to be able to eat the right foods. I don't know how to do it. I may not eat the "right" foods, but I don't eat terrible foods. I don't eat more than I can tolerate, I don't eat ice cream or milkshakes or things like that. I do eat my sweet cereal, my avocado, my rice, grits etc. I find it nearly impossible to eat all this protein. I hate all fishes. I'm Jewish and Kosher so cant eat seafood. I don't like chicken salad. Very limited in the proteins that I can eat. How much cottage cheese and yogurt can a person eat a day? I am so frustrated and don't know what to do, I am very curious to know if all these people who lose so much weight after surgery is because they actually followed the guidelines, and if so, how all of a sudden they were able to change after all these years of not succeeding to eat the right foods. What discourages me the most, is that it seems that it is all about will power, with or without surgery. If dieting and controlling what eat is the only way to lose weight with or without it, what is the surgery good for? I am so discouraged. Please help! Thanks so much for your time!

Ok. Finally someone else has the same issues as I have, not that that is a good thing! I regularly see a chiropractor, who helps put things back where they SHOULD be. But it doesn't last very long, as I haven't yet built up those muscles to keep the joints in place. That's the thing. My nurse has told me our bodies WILL change in stride, gait...as we lose weight. THUS it will require us to change, as well. Things will need to figure out where they are going to be, in the body, and it may take a while to sort itself out. My Chiro-guy was shocked to see how much things have altered in my body due to the weight loss, so he's having a field day (!!!) messing with my body (while I am in excruciating pain, I might add!). This is going to take time, but may I suggest seeing a GOOD, REPUTABLE chiropractor to help you with this? Research the Chiro's, people, and try to find a REALLY good one. This is the voice of experience speaking here!!!!

@@Nikki Monroe Hi Nikki, First I will say, always listen to your surgeon and their team as they know what's best for you. But since you asked, this is how I did it: Going to my WLS meetings prior to surgery, they emphasized getting into some kind of exercise routine. One of the requirements from my surgeon's office was meeting with a physical therapist to evaluate your physical capabilities as to what exercise you "could" handle. The therapist was awesome, pointing out a few limitations that I had, but more importantly, showing me what I was really capable of doing, but I had never really tried. She went over many forms of exercise and programs that were out there for me to engage in and her point finally penetrated when I heard, your surgery will be easier on you if you work on your core, as any exercise is better than nothing. In my community I had a few options, one being a gym that I was just too self conscious to even walk through the door. And the other being Jazzercise. I joined Jazzercise 3 months prior to surgery and started going twice a week. Because of my weight and weight related physical limitations I found it hard to keep up at first, but I kept showing up, even if I just marched my way through the class, doing what I could. After about a month I noticed that I felt stronger, I started going 3 - 4 times a week. As I learned the moves I could do them better, therefore getting more out of the workout, and as crazy as it sounds I was enjoying it. By the time it was 2 weeks prior to my surgery, exercising 3 - 4 times a week, I still had not lost one pound. But I could feel my core was getting stronger. I started my pre-op UGH diet and ramped up to 5 times a week. Yes, I had to make myself go because I was very tired, but I felt better afterward. (LOL, I didn't want to admit it, but I did feel better) Fast forward to the day of surgery I had lost 16 lbs, my core was as strong as heck and I was so ready for this life altering event. I was up walking the evening after my surgery. By day two, I walked 2.5 miles around the surgical unit and got 50 ounces of Fluid in. Day 3 I walked even farther, drank even more and was sent home, I think they were getting dizzy from all my laps. At my age and weight, I felt I was running out of options to a healthier me. I went to all my surgeons seminars and meetings, read everything they gave me, followed their orders. I researched and read everything I could get my hands on and I simply did the best I could. I hope this helps.

Background: I'm having a DS 7 years post VSG. The VSG worked really well for a few years, but I slowing gained most of my weight back. I'm seeing the same surgeon for "part ll" which is the DS. She's very supportive. I had my second meeting with my surgeon and nutritionist today. The nutritionist essentially forbade everything but animal protein, non-starchy vegetables, 2 fruits per day max. Why this extreme diet prior to surgery? If we could lose weight on our own, read: eating the way mentioned above, we wouldn't need surgery!

On the day of my surgery, January 14th, 2013, I was morbidly obese with a BMI over 50. I was suffering from horrific knee pain and was seriously looking at spending my life in a wheelchair. I couldn’t walk more than a block without having to sit and rest. I couldn’t do the simplest of things like put on socks, or pick up my legs to shave them in the shower. I knew I was probably done traveling. I had just been on a cruise where I couldn’t get off the ship because of the pain I was in. I was wearing 4X tops and 26/28 slacks. I knew I was going to have to buy clothes online soon because I was growing out of these sizes and even places like Avenue didn’t carry sizes much bigger. The larger I got, the more invisible I felt. I worried about being able to move in spaces that were no longer big enough for me. I made sure to get to the conference room at work before anyone else so I didn’t have to bring unwarranted attention to myself by forcing my colleagues to squeeze in just so I could pass them if I couldn’t get a seat near the door. I worried about restaurants with tight seating…airplanes with narrow seats and the looks from whoever was stuck sitting next to me. Oh God…just thinking about this even now makes me so very sad and hurt because the list of painful and embarrasing situations is a long one. That, however, was before my surgery. Today is my two year bandiversary and during those two years, I have lost around 150 lbs. That’s an amazing amount of excess weight to carry around on a very small frame. No wonder I was so uncomfortable. Today, I feel light as a feather. I can move normally again. As many of you know, I needed my hips replaced even before dealing with my knees. Turns out that my knees are fairly stable now as there is no excess weight to put unnecessary pressure on the joints. I can do all those things healthy people take for granted. I can walk anywhere and everywhere, I can cross my legs like a woman should be able to do, I can go up and down stairs…..hell, I can open my legs again and feel that marvelous weight of a man on top of me (sorry if that’s TMI but we're all adults here and sex is an important part of life that I thought was also in my past) Most of all…I fit in the world again and because I fit, the world has opened back up to me. After 20+ years, I'm wearing petites again. I'm in small sized tops and size 6 slacks. My legs aren't tree trunks anymore and I'm wearing dresses. And just an FYI for you ladies…If you want to attract a man, wear a dress. Works like a charm.. I love to clothes shop again. In these small sizes, the clothes are cute and pretty and I don't buy anything anymore just because it fits. I wear makeup again. My hair is styled attractively. I match the jewelry/bag/shoes to the outfits. Like I said above, I am very much aware now that people notice me. What an amazing transformation that is. To know that people see you again is such a powerful feeling….especially when you've felt invisible for so long. I’m traveling again. In fact, I’m planning a trip to China or now possibly a Nordic cruise to Finland and Norway sometime later this year. I hope to go on one big trip every year. There are so many places I didn't think I'd ever get to and now I need to make up for lost time and go wherever my heart desires. My grandson is due in April. I’ll be able to play with this one. My granddaughter missed out on a lot because I couldn’t keep up with her. She and I did a lot of arts and crafts, and reading books together or watching TV. I’m sure she didn’t feel like she missed anything but I know she did and this time around, Grandma is planning on climbing the monkey bars with this little guy when he gets old enough. One last thing I wanted to put out there. I must thank Alex for creating this site. It has been my salvation. The people here were and are, instrumental in my success. I have said things in my posts that no one outside of this place can truly understand and for that I am so very grateful. I am also blessed to call many of the folks on this site good friends of mine and I can’t wait to meet some of you face to face so I can give you a big hug. Here’s how I feel today..and most days in fact….I’m a person with two birthdays now. One in August of 1958 when I was born, and one in January of 2013 when I was re-born. For anyone reading this post, congrats if you have also found success in your weight loss journey and to those struggling, or who are pre-op and full of doubts and worries, know that a new life is possible for each and every one of you. I'm not special so if I could do this, so can you...no matter what your co-morbidities, starting BMI, or any other challenges you are facing. Here's a couple of before/after pics so you can see what 150 lbs. gone looks like. The ticker is just data but a picture is worth a thousand words as they say.

Congrats! You need to be able to eat and gain a healthy amt of weight for the baby. Enjoy this time you got what u wanted enjoy every minute!

I am 12 weeks and have an unfilled band.. I have gained 1 pound is all. Just make sure you eat small meal or snacks that are healthy and make water your main drink and you will be just fine. My doc told me because of my band I may need a c section. Not really sure what's up with that.

I am planning on taking a week of vacation time. That way I don't have to answer to anybody. No questions, no answers, no white lies. Since I am on month 2 of my 3 month diet I have already started to lose weight. I had a couple of people notice and asked about it and I told them I am dieting. I don't plan on telling any co-workers. I am not close enough with them to tell them my personal business. Remember, who you tell is up to you.

Back in the day, I used to use ankle weights with some of my Firm videos. But only on lying leg work. Never during cardio. From what I can tell the only thing that is going to prevent saggy skin is good genetics.

I wear ankle weights to work. I wear MBT shoes and do lots of walking. Between the shoes and the weights, it's a good way to just burn extra calories. The only thing that can help your skin be in the best shape possible is to do a lot of cardio and weight training. Lots of squats and lunges with heavy weights. Keep your Protein intake up, stay hydrated with Water, take your Vitamins, and keep your skin mouisturized. Builiding lots of lean muscle will help saggy skin look better. Also, losing weight slower gives your skin a chance to rebound better. As much as we want massive weight loss and we want it to happen quick, that drastic kind of change usually equates to hanging skin.

Hello. I actually have not had surgery just yet, it's around the corner, but I have lost almost 100 pounds from my highest weight before surgery. First off, people can be so rude in how they say things to you. You have NOTHING to be ashamed of. I love seeing my before pictures, however the mind works in mysterious ways because I don't look too much different to myself right now. Maybe after surgery. But when you're big your mind tells you you're smaller. When you're smaller your mind tells you you're bigger. But not once have I felt ashamed, because big or small, depressed or content, you are you and you only get to be you in the course of life and you is a great thing. Life consists of growing, ups and downs, and evolving, and that Is just a piece of your beautiful life story. Don't be afraid to look at the old you and don't be afraid to correct rude people family or not. Self esteem and worth are inside of you at all times, it's just hidden deep down. When they talk about and make comments about the bigger you, guess what, they are still talking about you now because you're the same person, just your appearance changed . Defend yourself, don't let them get under your skin, cause they feel bold enough to make these comments now, but were they telling you this when you were bigger? Probably not so what's the motive and point of telling you now? Not saying curse anybody out lol, everything can be done politely and in love, all I'm saying is don't feed into the negativity of what other people say. That woman in the pictures who was bigger has just as much right to respect as the thinner person you are now.

Yes, I'm working with a counselor on this stuff..lol My family is in town visiting. My husband brought out old photos. The idea was to give his daughter copies. Its been two years since surgery. I have felt no need to look back. I had forgotten these photos existed. There I was, Staring myself at my highest weight. I had a moment of clarity of how much denial I was in about my appearance. I twisted my mind to believe I looked better than I did. It was easier not to look at myself and pretend all was ok. I was so unhappy. Family comments......."oh god you look so much better!" - "I would want you to tell me if I ever got that big" I'm questioning all the work I have put into getting my mind right.. I am seeing myself correctly? My insecurities are in overdrive. I am so sad for where I was in life. I'm horrified thinking family is going to post the photo's. I want to rise above and move on...I hate reminders of my past.

I posted in the Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Health and Wellness The reason I posted here is because this is about who I was on the inside at that time. How broken and fragile I felt.. The appearance/photos just reminded me of how messed up I was mentally. I have conquered and overcome. @OKCPirate Correct me if I'm wrong...Have any of the guys experienced traumatic events before surgery? Have any overcome depression or any other struggles while working on themselves in the process of weight loss? For me the change on the inside was the best gift I got out of my surgery. ***Laughing at myself***....Now I'm questioning if I'm the only one having this experience.

My time period was 8 months. I had to pay deductibles over two years because there are costs spread out over the two years. The initial cost were primarily for meeting the 6 month medically supervised weight loss program where I met with a physician every month for 6 months. There was also the cost of the psychologist visit, which was not covered by the insurance. The later costs which included an extensive array of pre-op tests, a second round of pre-op tests with specialist in their fields, hospital and surgeon costs, post-op medicine were the greatest.

I hadn't even thought about any discount for life insurance now based on a lower weight. Interesting.

Hi largeininc! I'm right outside of Raleigh, had surgery with Duke metabolic weight loss center (durham) Monday 12/01/14. I started all my pre-op stuff at Bariatric Specialists of NC in Cary, NC But had to switch to duke due to insurance requirement. Loving my sleeve and progress so far. I started in May, I had a 6 month program for insurance so March will come quick!

I am down 50lbs since surgery 3 months ago. I am very proud of myself, but I have been here before... twice. I just hope this times it stays off 😭😭😭 I can never ever ever keep the weight off! My patterns: 2010 I was 200lb 2011 I was 145lb 2012 I was 200lb 2016 I was my lowest of 139lb 2018 I was my heaviest of 245lb Now 185lb ugh the struggle is so annoying!!!

If you stick to the plan for food and don't over stretch your new tummy, this time should be better. I've done the same yo-yo trip up and down in a 70lb range. I don't see how I could possibly gain it all back if I'm eating the right portions and having mostly low carbs. You can do it. And you look awesome [emoji6] Sent from my Pixel 3 using BariatricPal mobile app