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I had a hysterectomy at 44 due to enlarged uterus and fibroids. I would suggest having it removed soon. You will have a lot -of swelling in our lower stomach, you will gain some weight back due to the swelling and being inactive. It will take a good 6 to 8 weeks before you fell like you can even start exercising. It took me a full 6- 8 months to fully recover and get my stamina back I would do it all over again, it wonderful to not be bleeding to death from clots (sorry guys) and pain free . You can always have the tummy tuck later on.. just my 2 cents good luck!

Seriously listen to me. You can do this. What you tell friends is that you are dieting. Truth. You are changing your life. Truth. You have a diet plan of no soda, carbs, sugar, alcohol. Truth. My husband and I did this. I too felt I was not being truthful but I know in my heart my husband was right in making me promise this was our business and no one elses. People love to talk and they would be talking about us if they knew. I have lived my life too much like an open book so this was hard for me. My husband has a 30 year old son who has not said a word about his dad losing 60 lbs. Hang in there, you can do this. Hey, you are getting healthy while you recover from that hernia (like we both had) surgery and losing weight. Best of luck!

I'll go and see!! And congrats on your weight loss and determination

There's another poster on here (@Jamielogical) who refers to her surgery as weight MAINTENANCE surgery. I have lost 50-100lbs several times over the course of my life. I hit a low and immediately rebound with a few extra lbs to show for it. This time I lost 136lbs and have maintained for almost two years. Could I lose without the surgery? Sure. Could not keep it off. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It's so frustrating. Some of it, I feel, is based on the fact that they love and care for us. I think that's the first part, that you can do it yourself without surgery. I'm not sure what the second part is about. So far though, I have learned that it is crucial that we work on the emotional part of our journey, otherwise this "tool" that surgery gives us will be wasted. Maybe they don't want us going through surgery if they think we can't follow a diet plan...and believe me, part of me believes it to...part of me worries that the surgery will help me lose the weight, then I'll gain it again. It really is a mind game though, so if you're ready to make it happen, find a good therapist and/or support group and start your journey! We are here to help you and I'm glad to hear that your husband will be supportive of you and your choice. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone! Been awhile since I have posted on here since they revamped the website. Here's the backstory on myself. I had Lap Band surgery on May 21st 2013. My highest recorded weight was 344lbs and after 9 months post op, I'm currently at 243.6 and down 100.6lbs!!! In the last 9 months I have been documenting my journey on YouTube! See my transformation over the last 9 months!! www.youtube.com/aminethemachine - Amine

Thanks to everyone here who encouraged me and answered my many, many questions both before and after surgery. Because of you I knew what to expect and was prepared for things not covered in my workshops and nurse education class (like the 11 pounds gained from IV fluids!). You shared recipes for different stages (like ricotta bake and chili) and made product recommendations (like cherry chocolate Greek yogurt and Protein granola). You shared advice on everything - constipation, foamies, rashes, gas, dry skin, social issues, vomiting, and on and on. You shared funny stories that made me laugh (the thread about gas was one). You offered sympathy and encouragement when I was struggling. You celebrated every NSV with me and cheered me on. We all help each other. That's what makes this group so special! Thank you!!! :-)

congrats on your weight loss. where in brooklyn are you from? i am in queens but on the border of brooklyn.

I am getting sleeved this Friday (May 20th). I have been battling a prolonged serious gout attack since the 2nd week in January of which I have been pain free for maybe 2-3 weeks since the start of the attack. At the beginning of April I went to see my Doctor because I was finally tired of fighting a losing battle with the Gout using home remedies, nothing was working and I was desperate. A person can only drink so much Apple cider vinegar and eat so many cherries. At the time I weighed in at 250 pounds (I am 5'8") with a blood pressure of 175/95. This is the time I committed to finally getting sleeved. Once I had the surgery arranged, I received my pre-op diet plan and I decided that instead of waiting to begin the diet, I would start immediately and continue until my surgery date. Instead of 2 weeks, I will have completed 7 weeks by my surgery date. Of course we have moments of weakness and I am no exception. Only twice have I given in, first to an amazing chicken biscuit from Chickfila, and second to an amazing pulled pork BBQ sandwich. Both of which were large contributors in me getting to 250 pounds in the first place! Since that warm, early April day I have been Gout free... That is until yesterday. I promised myself that when the excruciating pain returned I wouldn't wait to see the Doctor and would be treated right away. My daughter and I went to the Doctor this morning, she had a low grade fever overnight and what we believed to be an ear infection. The nurse took our vitals, and was confused when she took my weight. In fact we were all confused, she even had my try 2 different scales to verify. I didn't think about it much at the time because I was more concerned with my little angel not feeling well. The Doctor came in immediately and asked me what I had changed since the last visit. I explained that my wife and I had decided that I was going on a liquid Protein diet. I didn't share the fact that I would be having my surgery very soon. You see the there is one thing that I am scared of in this world. I am not afraid to die, I was in the army until 2010 and have experienced my fill of hairy/gorey/nasty situations. I rarely experience PTSD and what flashbacks I do experience quickly melt away by finding activities that keep my mind occupied. The only thing in life that scares me is leaving my son & daughter alone by dying to young because I was to stubborn, ignorant, or stupid to take control of my health problems. Now I don't know about you, but I have never had a Doctor that has ever said they were proud of me. I guess there is a first time for everytmyselfI have never experienced any Doctor go from 0-100 in an animated, positive setting in my life. I asked him what the fuss was and his response was "in 6 weeks you have dropped from 250 to 218, and your blood pressure is 148/90!" He went on to explain how he hears sob stories left and right, how people say they are "trying" but never see any results. As he poked his monitor (a little bit too hard because I thought it might detach from the wall) he said "this proves to me that it CAN be done, I see it with my own two eyes, and I am so proud of you!" I pride myself, like any other guy, in perfecting my ability to control my emotions. The military taught me how crying is for wimps, wussies, and weaklings. A million thoughts rushed into my mind all at once, my eyes began to fail me, And I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. My daughter who was in the room was, was scared at first, began crying also. She tends to do that when she sees other people cry, even when she has no idea what they are crying for. She asked me if I was sick and going to die, but before I could collect myself and properly respond the Doctor answered for me, " no sweetheart, your daddy is on his way to living a very long time, he wants to see your children grow up!" That briefly made it worse because for some unknown reason she is scared of having kids, but that is a different story for a different time. Just before he left he put his hand on my shoulder and told me "don't give up, this little girl needs you for as long as possible." We gathered our composure and left the doctors office with our head held high. On the way to the car I decided that I wanted to share my story with you. This isn't my story alone, this is OUR story. I don't want, need, or expect congratulations. Each and every one of us share the same experiences with variations throughout our journey at some point or another, think of it as a sort of BariatricPal MadLibs. Define your goal, plan how to get there, expect moments of weakness, and resolve yourself to achieving your goals at all costs. Contrary to popular military belief, weakness DOES NOT equal failure. You are here for a reason, a very important reason. We deserve to have you here and we need you here. Likewise you deserve to be here with us, we are a shoulder to lean on and an ear to listen, collectively that is. Do not second guess yourself or your decision to be a healthier you. Hold on to the positive experiences while on your journey, deflect and discard those that don't get you closer to your goals. I can't speak for everyone here, but if you need words of encouragement or a discreet someone to talk to then drop me a line. Many of us (including me) have decided not to share our WLS with our families and friends out of fear or ridicule. Surround yourself with the people who share the same goals as you. Use us, if you don't it's your own damn fault. My positive experience today has re-invigorated my commitment to my own goals, and I am here to pass that fantastic feeling a long to you, pay it forward I think it is. I plan on putting a few bucks into some sort of fund (if one exists) to help those that need a little push in the right direction. If anyone has any suggestions I am all ears. I am the president of a non-profit organization right now so if I need to then I will setup my own if anyone else is interested. Good luck on your journey, don't give in and don't give up as to why you are doing it and who you are doing it for. Remember, what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Love you guys! Jeremy Pic of my daughter and I: Sent from my Nexus 6P using the BariatricPal App

At my first appointment I was at 332 and was asked to lose 10 percent body weight. Do to other medical issues I had to delay my surgery for 7 month and ended up losing 50 pounds. I highly recommend watching real surgeries on YouTube. Because of the tools they use there is no blood so it's not gross at all. I really think it brings home to you why the doctor needs the liver to be flexible. The first surgery I watched I wondered what on earth they flipped right out of the way using this spatula type tool. That's right it would be the liver. I didn't know the liver could move like that!

Wow a mile! That is great. You are so far ahead of where I was at. You are really dedicated. Can't wait to see your weight progress.

I didn't get any help from my doctor, but that is because he is an optima doctor and they don't deal with TC Prime nor do they cover any portion of any gastric operations dealing with weight loss. I am planning on switching primary care physicians and see if I can get my referral that way. I hope it works. I will let you know.

Hey, I was banded on August 24, 2006. I have lost 40 pounds since the liquid diet before surgery. I received my first fill last Wednesday and I can really tell the difference. I go to my family doctor this week so it will be interesting to see how he thinks I am doing, BP, weight, etc., Hey one thing I have noticed since the fill is that I burp more than usual. It is not PB, because it is just a burp. Has anyone else had this happen? If so, is it because I am not chewing my food enough? By the way, great site, I am glad I joined.

I had the surgery 2 months ago. I had my surgery in the morning, got home by 2PM and I was able to get in 2 hrs of walking time on the day of the surgery (Post Op). It depends on your physical also. I would suggest to start walking more, add about 45 mins to an hour to your daily exercise. The more weight you lose prior to the surgery, the faster you will recover. Also, age does play a role. I have read one of the post about the person who is a bit older that had more difficult time recovering, and when I said "a bit older" I meant the person was 55+. My husband took 2 days off work for me (the day of the surgery and one day after). After that I was okay. I didn't start driving until about 4 days out though. I spent a lot of time (and money, hahaha) at the mall, walking, getting my 2 hours a day of exercise. After one week, I was able to go back to work. Just get everything ready before you go in for your surgery. Get your groceries for a week, vacuum, do all the big chores. If your hubby can take 2-3 days off, that should be enough.

I just cleaned out my closet AGAIN! Now I have NOTHING LEFT of my old life... just clothing I have recently purchased... todays weight has put me into a new BMI category.... I am proud to say I am no longer obese...... I am just overweight!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG never in my life did I think I would be proud to be overweight!

The following are some of the abbreviations used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliopancreatic Diversion (Scopinaro procedure) bs = blood sugar btw = by the way CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RTD = ready to drink RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y s/f or sf = sugar free smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck u = You VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = Vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight or :-) = ☺ = smiley face or :-( = ☹ = sad face

I'm 5 months in and down 44lbs. With my port flipping and getting another surgery I feel I'm not doing so good. I go to the gym but I'm still not in my green zone I don't think. With all this crap I've had to go through I hope there is light at the end of the tunnel. I've been stuck at the same weight for awhile. Getting frustrating with all of it! He has had problems finding my port sense day one and it's flipped then more problems finding it. When I had my port flipped he put 4cc in my band and when I had it done under x-Ray after him trying to find it and poking me a half dozen time he put 1cc in so I have 5cc in my band and think I need more. Hopefully he can find it when I makes appointment. Sigh

I congratulate you on your continued success of losing the weight and keeping it off! I'm wearing a size 18/20 and my goal is a size 10. How Lo f did it take you to reach your goal?

8.8 pounds a month is great weight loss....... Don't kid yourself or feel bad about "slow" progress. That's GREAT progress. Like I always say.... I added on an average of 5 to 6 pounds a YEAR for 25 YEARS....... I'm thrilled to lose 5 to 6 pounds a MONTH over 2 to 3 YEARS........ even with an occasional stall!

Hi all, I've been kind of lurking here for a little while now. My journey began Oct 2012. I did my seminar, and all of my labs, and required nutrition stuff, but my husband would not support my decision. Without his support, this would have been impossible for me because we have two small children. In March of 2013, my PCP put me on blood pressure medication. I again approached my husband about WLS, and he still wasn't supportive. He thought that I should be able to do it the "old fashioned" way, and that I would feel better about myself if I did..... Oh he who has never had to worry about his weight. My husband is one of those people that can loose weight by improving his sleeping habits... to be so lucky. In October of this year, my PCP had to start me on Metformin, I once again approached my husband about WLS. This time he agreed, but asked me to wait until after the holidays. My surgeons office submitted the paperwork to my insurance company, but the surgery was denied. I had to go thru the appeal process, which they also denied. In February of this year, my surgeons office was able to resubmit my pre approval, and I was approved. By this time, my DH thought that I had given up on the idea, and I had to fight with him about it all over again. Well he finally agreed, and my Gastric Bypass is scheduled for April 7th. I am currently on the pre-op liquid diet day 2. Day 1 wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I am coping with Day 2 pretty well so far. I'm so excited to finally be here, I don't care if I had to drink only Water for a week, I would find a way to make it work! Kim

Thanks Coco and soulsista, i learned a valuable lesson! It was breast meat... normally what i would have lots of for weight loss! I will buy those enzymes, but i hope there is no next time! Deep breath... eat slowly and chew chew chew!

I had no pre-op diet, just was told not to gain weight.

My surgeon requires me to me a 2 week liquid diet (His offices uses Optifast, which I actually really like - some of the bars are super tasty). I'm on my second day of full Optifast - 4 shakes and 1 bar a day, plus broth and jello if I want. I was also told I needed to lose about 10% of my body weight before surgery, so while I was doing all my pre-surgical testing, I was doing Optifast 'lite' (2 shakes a day, 1 bar, a meal consisting of 4-6oz of protein and 3 servings of veggies. (But no peas, yams or potatoes) I was also allowed 1 serving of fruit OR yogurt, and all the jello and broth I wanted. So far I lost 14lbs, and I expect to lose another 10 by my surgery date, which is almost the 10% (I started this all at 264lbs) I think that starting the diet before the 2 week liquid was a big help. I've cut back on most of my cravings, and I think its a good way to prepare for learning to eat well after surgery. The two weeks of liquid should shrink the liver and such to make the surgery easier and safer. Lol, I was doing so well on the Opti-lite, but as soon as they said to start on full liquid, I have a massive craving for a chimichanga! But its passing.

What a journey it has been. I am 4 years post VSG. When I decided to have surgery it was out of medical necessity. I was at a point where I was almost non-functional. Although I work in a busy industry, I would spend most of my work days parked behind a desk because I could hardly move or breathe. I had multiple health co-morbidities including PCOS, insulin resistance, weight-induced asthma, heart valve prolapse, GERD, Barrett's, fatty liver, hypertension, and more. I always SWORE I 'wouldn't be that patient that regained'. In fact, I was actually one of my surgeon's most successful patients for some time. I was the prized patient, I followed every rule, instruction and diet point to the T. I lost a lot of my initial weight very quickly. After my initial weight loss I was feeling good, changed careers, moved and set about having a new life. But then I had a devastating loss in my life, and several life changes followed. I had some significant regain and had health problems again start to surface. I spent a lot of time online asking for help and researching all of the ''reset' options. What it took me a while to realize was this: I KNEW what to do. I just had not come to the place where I was 100% committed to doing it. Thankfully, last fall I got some really unfortunate health news. I say thankfully because it was THE thing I needed to kick me in the pants and get me back on track. I have been completely focused since that day and have successfully lost all of my regain and am now within 20 lbs of my ultimate goal. I am looking forward to having my plastics done at that point and will feel like my long 4 year journey has been fulfilled. I will always identify as a WLS patient, that part never goes away. I still have great restriction with my sleeve and since getting back on track, I find that my restriction is improved. I feel great and wanted to offer my story because I know that most of the members on the forum are newer than me, and hopefully my story will inspire you or spark some questions.

Im a physician assistant and I used to work with a plastic surgeon. We operated on a lot of massive weight loss patients and everything works out better and looks better if your weight is stable for at least a year. Your body will keep changing for awhile even after you have lost all of your weight. Good luck!