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No, I just notice that there is a "status updates" section that people seem to be able to post to that aren't topic thread-worthy. But I can't find anywhere that lets me post a status update. I emailed bariatricpal using their "contact us" link but no one has gotten back to me and it's been about 5 days now. I was able to figure out how to update my weight and stuff yesterday! I only weigh on Sunday mornings so seeing that I lost 5 pounds this week made me want to explore the website more and see if I could post on the status updates like I'm seeing others do.

Are you trying to update your "progress" i.e. your weight and stuff? That would be to go to the top of the screen where your user name is, then the arrow next to it, then click on "my surgery" then "progress". (progress is to the left on the "my surgery" screen)/

Yes! Same! I gained 10lbs from the gas/fluids, etc. What was nuts is that it literally all came off overnight between days 3 and 4 and now 7 days out I'm down 8lbs from my initial surgery weight. My body feels like some weird science experiment! How was your shift from liquid to puree/soft foods? I was also struck even a few days out that I desperately wanted some of the foods I shouldn't have. Around days 4/5 I was having some serious mental challenges with wanting to eat chips, pizza, cookies, etc. (of course I stuck to my good ole protein shakes!). I thought at least this early I would be somewhat disgusted by food given the state of my insides. Oddly, what has given me some reprieve is planning how amazing of a chef I am going to be once I can cook again by researching healthy recipes and watching videos on healthy cooking techniques, etc. I like feeling prepared for things, so maybe this is helping me mentally combat knowing what I no longer want to put in my body with feeling prepared to create dishes that will enable me to reach my goals. I don't know, but it's keeping me entertained at least! As for your sweet cravings, I've read that a lot of post-WLS folks like Torani or Skinny SF syrups and use them to spice up protein shakes, yogurt, etc. Perhaps if you went on a mission to find 3-5 recipes for the healthiest sweet recipes you can find it may help you face this head-on? Best wishes to you and congrats on your weight loss so far!

3 days away from 4-weeks post-op and I feel like I'm doing pretty good. Did anyone else gain like 10 pounds the 1st/2nd day after surgery? My dad thought it was probably the gas they fill your insides with for laparoscopy, plus the swelling, but I thought that was just nuts! It went away after about 4-5 days and I was back down to surgery day weight but I was like, "Oh, come on, really!?!" Right now I'm on soft/blended foods like scrambled eggs, and well, a lot of scrambled eggs. The last 3 weeks I haven't really had an appetite, and that excited me. Sweet things like protein shakes were too sweet, and that excited me, b/c without a taste for them, it makes it even easier to see a future where I don't eat things that aren't healthy for me. Over the weekend, however, I found that I started to enjoy the tastes of the overly sweet tasting protein shakes again, and even have started to have some "cravings" for food that I kind of thought I wouldn't have for awhile more (cheese is a big one as I'm able to have those Laughing Cow Light wedges.) With my shift to "normal" (as tolerated) coming up this Thursday, I'm wondering to myself if I will continue to feel "cravings" increase. Has this happened to any of you this early after surgery? Having that old hunger come back in what seems like such a short period of time? Also wanted to say congrats to all the other August peeps and anyone else with an upcoming surgery date.

I also have Medicare (meaning plain old Medicare with a type F Medicare supplement, as opposed to a Medicare Advantage plan). For me the approval was almost automatic, and I didn't have to wait 6 months and lose weight. I was approved in a couple days. I had to do a 2-week pre-surgery diet, but that was after the surgery was approved. The surgeon indicated that I needed the surgery even though I wasn't as heavy as many patients because I had some comorbidities. If you also have plain old Medicare and you're similarly situated, I suspect your approval would be the same.

After a while (usually 6-18 months), the honeymoon period ends and you can eat more AND YOU CAN RETURN TO YOUR OLD BAD EATING HABITS. You need to be prepared for this. During your pre-op and post-op honeymoon you MUST learn a new way of eating. For a sugar addict, that means abstention. If you return to your own eating habits you can and will regain weight. Addiction cravings must be conquered with abstention. It gets easier with each passing day. Yes, we all slip from time to time, but you must start over each time. Go back and read my first post again. Be strong! Good luck!

Yes, you should learn to cook for yourself. There are many bariatric cookbooks with simple recipes. Start with soups. Vegetable soups are so easy. I'll give you a recipe in a moment. My 70 year old brother has been learning how to cook and BAKE!. Amazing! I never thought he could do it. He's been doing a great job searching the internet for recipes and exchanging recipes with friends. You can do it too. Now, here is the Weight Loss Magic Soup recipe, only 57 cal per cup. It's filling and delicious. 32 oz chicken stock 3 cups V-8 juice (you can use low-sodium V8 or even Tomato juice, homemade or store bought) 2 cans Italian diced tomatoes 1 small onion 2 cloves minced garlic 1 package sliced mushrooms 3 carrots, peeled and sliced 1 zucchini, diced 1 yellow squash, diced 2 cups fresh or frozen green beans 1 can kidney Beans, drained and rinsed 3-4 cups shredded cabbage 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Salt and Pepper, to taste In a large frying pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes. In a large crockpot, combine sautéed garlic and vegetables with the remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until vegetables are cooked. (I have made this in a large stock pot on the stove instead of in a crock pot, simmering on medium heat.) This makes a large batch of Soup. If you would like to freeze portions of it to use later, undercook the vegetables just a little. Pour the soup into freezer Ziplock bags and let as much air out as you can. Lay the bags flat on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once the soup is frozen flat, it is easy to layer in your freezer and won't take up much room. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge for 24 hours and then reheat. https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/weight-loss-magic-soup/

I have yet to go to the doctor, but his "people" have told me I am approved through Medicare PROVIDED I go through a 6 month diet plan. Since it is 2 weeks until my very first visit, I wonder why and what are they requiring? Weight Watchers? Jenny Craig? What? Also, am I going to be required to lose weight that way? What's the point?

Hi I am 69 turning 70 in December. I just had sleeve done 2 weeks ago. First 5 days were challenging but not bad. 2 weeks post op today. Have lost 17 lbs since surgery starting weight day of surgery 288. This morning 271. Best decision I ever made. Barely taking any diabetes meds. B/p meds cut in half. Good luck to you! Your not to old to live a longer life with quality of life🤗

This is exactly how I felt also! I'm finally adjusting now and will actually pose for pictures and post them. It has taken a while for me to realize that I am pretty darn small now. As I was losing weight, I also couldn't really see a difference until about 60 lbs. One time I was in TJ Maxx and caught my reflection sideways as I walked past. I stopped and looked again because I couldn't believe that small person was really me! It took a while for me to stop looking at clothing and wondering if it would make me look fat. I finally had to start telling myself, 'This is a size whatever (6, then 4 then 2) I couldn't possibly look fat in a size 2!" Body dysmorphia is real! Congratulations on your success!

My brother (and sister) hates fat people and told me he hates that I took the easy way out with having surgery instead of "putting the work into it and just stop eating so much". Mind you, this is coming from a controlling a-hole who has a huge stomach as well AND wants to me talk to his own daughter and 10 year old granddaughter about them gaining too much weight. Like they don't know! Like they should do it because of the way he feels! His own granddaughter is afraid to eat in front of him! He makes comments to her. How can you do that to a young child you're supposed to care about? He cuts his own wife down as well. But doesn't look in his own mirror!! There's been a lot more and I've since disowned him. Sometimes you have to stay away from negative people for your own mental health. But you do you. Not telling you what you do, just saying I understand. Best of luck. Stay positive. Sent from my SM-G781U using BariatricPal mobile app

i dunno why your brother would say that. And thats not right, my brother told my mom (not to my face) thats WLS is a waste that will regain the weight. Hes told her twice and his wife once! That made me mad because what does he care and cant wonder if its envy? My date is Sep 20 tentatively, if hospital allows it, due to delta. Sent from my SM-G973U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank-you for that. I was not so depressed, just regular amount depression, still mostly functional. When the "nail in the coffin" pounds came on I became more and more depressed. That coupled with attempts to lose weight and fit friends made me despondent. I think this will help, but I still reach out to food to soothe. Any thoughts on the abusing sugar piece?

Hi there, Chantrella. I haven't lost enough weight yet to see much change yet, but I experienced this after the last diet I went on 5 years ago (gained it all back, plus some). I had lost 92 lbs, and obviously should have seen a change, but couldn't. I would look in the mirror and see myself just as big as before. My therapist said it's called Body Dysmorphia. It's basically when the brain sees our body looking different than what it is. She told me it's common after major weight loss because our brains get so used to seeing our bodies as it has for so long. Then, suddenly we drop and shrink, but our brains haven't caught up to our success yet. Eventually, I started to see my weight loss with her help. Some people experience it as a lifelong struggle she said, but working through it with my therapist helped me to finally see it. After regaining it all, I saw some pictures taken after that weight loss, and I couldn't understand how I never saw how "small" (for me) I had gotten. It frustrated me, but I'm trying to remember that for this time around.

I understand your concerns of failure going into this. When you have tried to lose weight over and over only to regain or not lose much at all, it is hard to believe anything will ever work. Yes, people have had WLS and regained or didn't lose much. I, like you, questioned my will power to remain on track, and still do. I have been on diet after diet, and tried many programs over the years, never reaching my goal (close a few times) and never getting to maintenance. I can say that post-op, I am surprised how much the restriction does help in keeping me from "going off" the plan. It is early on, so things may get harder, but at about a month out, a craving might "pop" in my head for a second, but it goes away quickly. I get full (satisfied) pretty quickly, and am not really tempted to snack. I think after putting myself through this extreme weight loss procedure & knowing that it is important to stick to the plan help me not want to do anything to jeopardize my success. I do enjoy cooking, but because I had to cook for my family also, I have been taking more short cuts then I did prior to surgery. During the soft food phase, I often ate Oikos Triple Zero Yogurt or scrambled eggs for breakfast, & canned chicken or tuna for lunch & dinner. Now that I am on the modified regular diet, I am trying to cook meals that my family & I can all eat. My sides might be different (quinoa instead of rice, etc.) I try to make double for my family & freeze a second meal when I can. For the foods that are just for me, I also try to make extra for another day or the freezer. The airfryer, crock pot & instant pot are great tools to make easy meals. Right now, as I am getting in new eating habits, I buy foods that are easy to prepare. You can do this.🤗👍 Find ways to take short cuts (in food preparation), find a few bariatric recipes that sound good & focus on those. I wish you luck with your surgery and progress. It is totally understandable to have these fears going into this, but don't let them get in your way of taking this step towards a healthier you. 🍀😊

That's awesome that you could get it done so soon if you want to! I am usually an upbeat person, but over the past few years I was feeling depressed about my weight, too. Having the surgery helped SOO much. I finally felt like I was doing something productive about it. I hope it helps you, too.

I had surgery March 3, 2021. I was 268 at the beginning of my journey and 262 at the time of surgery. I am 173 as of today. I know I have lost weight but when I look into the mirror I see the same size pre surgery.

Most people have to go through a psyc evaluation to determine if they are “fit” for surgery. If you do not have to you may consider seeing a therapist anyways and working on your depression first. This tool is like a one shot deal. You want to go in with your mind in the right place so you are the most successful. That’s not to say that if your depression is entirely because of your weight that you aren’t ready. A doctor will be able to help you determine that though.

When I had my psych consult (pre-op), the therapist said I hadn’t failed those scores of diets over the years; the diets had failed me. Having had the bariatric surgery, I have to say this: No, it has not been easy, but I feel like my body is my friend now, and I’m not always fighting it to get my weight down.

Wow. Thanks, Sunnyway! I appreciate the comprehensive list of books. I’ve got “Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Treat Food Addiction” in my Amazon cart. I will check out “The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients”. I am really hoping it won’t say cooking for myself. I’m single and live alone. It looks like there are some bariatric food delivery services. Thank-you again.

You know what’s even better then losing weight? The amazing amount of confidence you gain after! In no time negative comments won’t even phase you. I think we can all lose weight but doing it in a fealty way and keeping it off this time is what will make all the difference of having the surgery vs diets etc. good luck to you!

I've come to realize that I am also a sugar/food addict. I've read a ton of books, some of which I will share with you. OA, a 12-step program, is an excellent support group. I haven't joined OA but I know its out there and available to me. I had WLS in 1990, received no nutrition guidance, and was pretty much left to my own devices. I lost weight during the post-op honeymoon, but as time passed I could eat more...and I did! I regained every pound I had lost and returned to my original set point, where it stayed for the next 25 years despite a variety of weight loss program. I could never keep lost weight off. I only recently learned that my RNY can be revised. I wasted a lot of time, but I'm going to give it another shot. This time I have lots more information at my fingertips. Pre-operatively I have sworn off sugar, flour, wheat, rice, starchy vegetables, and processed foods. The first couple of weeks were hard but now I rarely get cravings or head hunger. I've lost 43 lbs. since the first of April. I know that abstention is the only way to prevail over addiction. I intend to continue with this post-operatively also. Since you already know you are a food addict, I recommend the following: Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction, by Vera Talman Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Treat Food Addiction, by Connie Stapleton Why Diets Fail (because youʼre addicted to sugar), by Nicole Avena & John Talbott Baratric Surgery & Food Addiction, by Philip Werdell (written for the clinician, but I found it valuable} You might find Kay Sheppard's books relevant, since she advocates 12-step programs: Food Addiction: The Body Knows and From The First Bite: A Complete Guide to Recovery One more book that I highly recommend is The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients, by Colleen Cook. I've also discovered that there a plethora of Bariatric Cookbooks now. My favorite is The Bariatric Guide and Cookbook, by Matthew Weiner.

There are a ton of bariatric cookbooks on Amazon including those for Air Fryer, Instant Pot, and Crock Pots. I particularly recommend The Bariatric Diet Guide and Cookbook, "Easy Recipes for Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery" by Matthew Weiner. I also like The High Protein Bariatric Cookbook, by Stacy Gulbin and Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook (for Dummies) which is a companion to Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies which every WLS patient should keep handy. I would encourage everyone to read The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients by Colleen Cook, available on Kindle. Hard copy can be found on used book sites like Abe.com It is not a cookbook, but address long term success post surgery.

the difference this time is that it will actually "work" as long as you put in the effort. On previous diets, I'd lose 50 lbs (that is, on my more successful tries), hit a brick wall, and then the weight would eventually come back. You are constantly fighting biology. This time, you won't be fighting biology. That has all been reset. a 10-20 lb regain, usually in year 2 or 3 (after you hit your lowest weight), is very common - I knew that going into it and purposely lost a little more than I wanted to, knowing it was quite likely I'd end up where I wanted to be in the first place. But gains beyond that are due to bad habits creeping back in. You do have to be diligent. I still closely monitor myself, and I'm over six years out.

You are not alone & you’re not a F-up. We all likely have experienced various degrees of success losing weight in the past but I’m 100% positive we all failed at keeping it off. If we had been successfully at keeping the weight we’d lost off we wouldn’t have been obese & lined up for the surgery. And I’m pretty sure at some point & in varying degrees we all worried that the surgery wouldn’t work for us either. I’ve never ever been able to maintain a low weight for longer than a month or two. I’d get complacent, think oh eating this won’t hurt. But it did. And very quickly I’d have gained a lot back & I’d be lying in bed at night saying tomorrow I’ll eat better just as @Officially Not Fatty Matty said. What’s made this time different for me is that I realised that I had to really look at what I had been eating, my eating habits & why I would want to eat. I also had to come to accept that this wasn’t a short term diet restricting what I ate for a few weeks or months but a complete forever change of what I ate. I realised if I went back to the way I used to eat, I’d fail again & end up exactly where I had been - obese. If I hadn’t had these ‘come to Jesus’ type realisations I know I would not have lost all my weight & actually be maintaining it. Yes, the surgery helped by reducing my hunger & reducing how much food I can physically eat. But most importantly it gave me the time to reflect on the what, how & why I ate & start to put in place the changes I wanted & needed to make to be truely successful this time. The change of mind set was vital. I was able to do this myself but others seek the support of a therapist. Don’t be reluctant to seek help if you need. There are lots of people on this forum who have had lots of success doing so. It can be very scary to try to imagine & understand how & what you will eat in the future & how you will cope without your old emotional crutch foods. Food grief is real. A therapist can help. The cravings, our emotional drives to eat & our own proclivities never go away, we just learn to better recognise them & develop strategies to manage them. Any one can learn to cook (my sister-in-law’s 74 yr old father just learnt cause his wife died) & this is a great time to experiment. You don’t have to get good enough to enter MasterChef. Simple basic home cooking is all you need but if you enjoy it … I always cooked but have to admit I cook pretty simply now. Food has a different purpose. I look at food more as a source of energy & not as a way to satisfy some craving, an emotional support or social activity. It still has to be yummy but the nutritional content is equally or more important. Sure I have cut a lot of things out of my diet but I still enjoy everything that goes into my mouth. Honestly, when I look at fast food ads, social media pxts of overly sweet foods, massive portions, etc. I’m revolted now. My stomach actually turns over. This is my story & what has been working for me so far. Reality is I’m still pretty much a newbie & am still learning. Like @Jaelzion, I don’t know what the future will bring. Life can throw a lot of crap at you at times. I’m in the dangerous third year when the possibility of the 10lb+/- bounce back regain is high. But damn I’m gonna work hard at continuing to watch my calorie intake & being careful about my food choices. All the best.