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50 y/o. VGS 3/5/21 down 64 since surgery and 94 since the first of the year. If you stick to your plan and exercise ( I walk and have a rower) You will lose weight! Best decision I have ever made.

I'm not sure about what insurance you have or if it matters but I only had to state what I've tried in the past to lose weight I didn't have to provide anything physical. Hope this helps. Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi! I would love some help from everyone I am 10 weeks post op and 1 day. I am only down 22 lbs from surgery and 31 lbs down in all. I see other people story and they are losing way more than that. Here is my breakdown I eat shrimp, chicken and lots of veggies my snack (if I can eat one) is a the skinny pop one bag I do weight lifting at the gym 5 times a week not a lot of cardio I am 5’4 and I’m 25 so I’m not understanding why my weight loss is so slow. Sometimes I even gain back a lb or 2 and then it goes away I’m stuck someone please help!!!

Thank you Matt for updating the post with a picture to bring this fantastic post up on my radar. Great details and I really appreciate graphs. I am one of those on the fence. I am 5 10, my high weight was 319. I have been around 315 for the last 7 years. I am 49 years old and pretty healthy. No comorbidities. Cholesterol, blood pressure, blood tests are all normal. I take no pills. But I am sick of wearing size 44 pants and 3x shirts. And I think once I turn 50, it is inevitable that I will start to get other health issues. I saw a surgent on July 23rd. I have a surgery date of Nov 12th. I have been eating very clean since that day and have lost 17 pounds in 2 weeks. My wife thinks the surgery is too risky and I could do it on my own. But she is very supportive either way. I have the option of having the GSV or RNY. My surgent's recommendation is GSV as A+ and RNY as A- for me. My insurance will cover both procedures. I am not afraid of the procedure. I am super worried about "the future", How much will my life change. Will I still be able to go to the shore and sit at one of the restaurants on the water and enjoy some blue crabs and a drink? Will I be able to invite friends over for BBQ? Will we be able to go out to dinner with another couple? For example, I am just about to go to Boston for sightseeing and to eat lobstah rolls and clam chowdah. Will I ever be able to do this after the operation? I guess I am mostly worried about the social interactions with friends. I am sure food at work and at home will not be an issue.

I'm 48 and in the beginning phases (dietician visits and tests) of bariatric surgery. I am probably getting the RNY. A lot of posts that I see are from younger women (which is great!), but I'm concerned that the weight will come off slower now that I'm older. Especially since menopause is probably around the corner. Could you share your stories (successes or challenges), so I could get an idea of what things look like for women close to their 50's. Thanks!

My first stall was week one I was still on clear liquid only!!! and the scale didn’t move for 4 days!! and I lose weight FAST at the beginning no matter what I try. I was like, what the heck? That scale is such a jerk!

I've been in this WLS world for close to twenty years, since the initial work up to my wife's DS and then my VSG some years later, and from what I have seen from many in our support groups, most everyone can lose up to around 30lb of regain - it takes some effort and a few months, but it comes off more or less like a "normal" person. 50lb or regain is more a a 50-50 proposition - some can lose it on their own, and some need a revision to help it along. My general feeling is that the revision should be your last step rather than your first. Go back to some basics and try to understand where your regain happened, as if it happened, once, it can happen again after a revision., so you need to get your head around the root of the problem. Is it a head problem, meaning that maybe some therapy is in order, or not really understanding the nutritional side of things and how to eat and live to maintain a healthy weight - an RD can be helpful for this. Or, maybe a bit of both. Unfortunately, our WLS, and by extension a revision for regain (rather than for complications) is really more of a "do over" rather than a cure for the problem Very commonly, before we had WLS, the most frequent reason for failure in dieting is that the diet will yield some weight loss, maybe even to normalish weight, but then the person declares success and goes back to their old habits, and diet, that helped to promote the weight gain in the first place - they never really learned how to live, and eat, to maintain that healthy weight. This is why we frequently see people regaining fairly rapidly after notionally successful dieting. The same basic profile often happens after WLS, only it takes a while longer to happen owing to the lower volume that we can eat, but that tendency is still there. Another consideration is that every time we go inside to do surgery, we back ourselves further into a corner, limiting our options for future treatment should that be necessary, whether for regain revision or for something completely unrelated; you have limited any future surgeon's options in what they can do to help you with some future problem. This is why I am very shy about "wasting" a surgery if I can possibly treat the problem some other way. Again, let it be your last choice, rather than your first.

Hello All, I had sleeve April 15, total down 55 pounds. I was stalling alot it seemed until I started grazing and than it's slow but steady weight loss. The full meal's were not working for me. I am amazed at how food changes constantly. I was loving watermelon and now can't tolerate and eggs. And things I didn't like before surgery I am enjoying now. So strange. Anyway, keep up the good work and I hope we all talk again 5 months out. Peace

Hi! I had my surgery late July (27th) so I'm 10 days post op. This is how things went for me: Day of surgery The surgery took 1.5 hours, and I spent an additional 1 hour in the recovery room. I was only nauseous immediately after waking up but it went away quickly. When I got back to my room, I slept for a while. After about an hour I was able to get up and walk around, use the bathroom, and drink water. This made me a bit dizzy and nauseous and I felt weak. I tried to walk around every hour or so but all I really wanted to do was sleep. Most of the pain was in my back and chest. Pain level was 7/10 so they gave me more painkillers for the night. I slept on and off throughout the night, waking several times to use the bathroom, have a walk around my room and a few sips of water. These were definitely the hardest hours of the entire recovery. It took quite a bit of concentration and strength to get myself out of bed each time. I never experienced any nausea or vomiting, just some dizziness when walking or standing up for more than 5 minutes. 1 day post op The next morning I felt much better, pain level 5/10. Was able to drink a lot more, walk around the entire ward, have a shower and take 2 pills orally (1 for stomach, 1 for pain). Most of the pain was more of an aching in my back and upper chest, and an extremely sore abdomen. My husband said the color in my skin was back to normal and I was generally in good spirits. I was discharged at 11am and when we got home (to our hotel) is when the shoulder pain and gas pain started to kick in. I noticed that it helped a lot to drink hot peppermint tea and broth, as well as to lie down flat on the bed. Once I would get up and walk around some more, though, the shoulder pain would come back. I walked around as much as I could because I had read that, although painful, it's the quickest way to get the gasses out and recover. That afternoon I also had my first meal: about 2 tbsp of babyfood puree. Went down fine. It was also the first time that evening that I noticed my belly rumbling a lot and making noise. Slept through the night without waking up just fine. 2 days post op Pain level was just a 2 or 3 this morning with some gas and shoulder aching. I spent the day taking small walks, napping and alternating ice water with hot broth and tea, and had about 100g of babyfood puree throughout the day. 3 days post op No real pain on this day, just soreness in the abdomen and some dull ache in the shoulder every once in a while. I had some Greek Yoghurt in addition to the babyfood and that went down well. Could feel a lot of rumbling happening in my belly. Also had my first BM! 4-5 days post op This is when I finally started to feel some hunger. But after having just 2 or 3 teaspoons of yogurt or puree, my stomach felt very full and this would last for 3-4 hours during which I could focus on getting my water in. I comfortably traveled home (1.5 hr flight + 1 hr train) on day 5. Present (10 days post op) No pain or discomfort, just some soreness around my incisions that I notice a few times a day. Energy levels are fine unless I try to do something physically demanding - then I get wiped out very quickly and need a nap or a rest. I am continuing to take omeprazole every morning and have 1 more day of blood thinner injections left. Eating around 50g of puree food, 5-6x a day. Highest weight: 241 lbs Surgery date weight: 228 lbs Today's weight: 216 lbs

That is great! I really need to do more exercise. I stay pretty vigilant on my eating. I’ve maintained this weight for many months. I recently bought some exercise bands to start toning more. Got to let the surgery heal then I can get started on that.

Stalls are normal my love. Things that help me with stalls are relaxing and knowing it’s temporary. Also measuring helps. Switch up your workout routine a little too. My friend who had the surgery said she carb loads to break a stall, I personally can’t have carbs because they make me sick. I take care of myself everyday and I love to relax in the tub burn some incense and take time for me. I don’t weigh myself everyday anymore like I was. Our bodies like certain weights and have a hard time coming out of them. But just like the 3-4 week stall we had back a few months ago this one will pass too!

Hi, I'm also 4 mos out with a stall between 192-195. I'm also became caretaker for my elderly Mom so lots of stress going on here. I know how that can impact a person's health but at least I'm not gaining. Still thrilled to be in "onederland" and really enjoying breaks I get from other fam members so I can do my. Reformer Pilates classes where my focus is now cardio/sculpt. I also hop on my treadmill at home buty water intake has really taken a dive. Need to work on that. The great news is that my A1c # for diabetes no longer requires meds. I'm so, so, happy about that🙂. Btw, my highest history of weight gain was 261, pre-op was 245 to 235 from the week fast, and now 192. Goal is 150 since I am 5'6". I had the revision from lap band to gastric sleeve. My niece had the bypass and she said that her stall required her to go back on protein shakes 3x a day un order to trigger more weight loss and so far she has lost 100 pounds. I think I will be trying that, too. Good luck to everyone and I love seeing the pics Mizzkay! You look awesome. Blueslily, thx for keeping this topic alive. I'm right there with you on the stall. We can do this! Sincerely, Trish

I got a breast lift and implants this week! I’m so excited! Before I got fat I had no boobs. I was like a 34A. When I gained weight I carried a lot of fat in my breasts. I went up to a 44G. Losing 110 certainly deflated them. I had no volume on top at all. I got gummy bears. 375ml on left and 275 on the right trying to even them out. So far it looks like they are pretty evenly sized now. I still have a lot of swelling. The incisions are so itchy. Can’t wait to go bra shopping in a few weeks!

Hey guys and gals! Hope everyone is doing wonderful. I haven’t posted in forever. Overall I lost 110 pounds from 268 to 155. I could stand to lose 20 more but not concerned about it. I got a breast lift and implants this week. The girls were so sad after that much weight loss. Just deflated and had no volume. Boy are they voluminous now! I have an apron of lose skin but doubt I will get a tummy tuck. Dating again. Very much like the guy I’m seeing. Been a very long time since a man was so nice to me. He is a sweetie. I truly hope life is treating everyone well!

You can talk to the surgery center. Usually the person who manages insurance submissions is really familiar with these details and can answer that. I know many plans use the weight from the visit before the pre-op diet, but it's hard to know. I haven't had any in-person visits due to COVID, so they've just been asking me to tell them my weight. I've actually been trying not to lose weight now because they won't weigh me in person until I check in for surgery and my BMI had gotten down to 41.6, so I know I will lose weight on the "shrink the liver diet". You don't want to not lose weight on the two week "shrink the liver diet" because that is important to put you in a good place for the surgeons to have an easier time to move your liver out of the way for surgery, so you have a lower chance of complications. While the goal of the diet immediately before surgery isn't to lose weight, most people do lose weight, especially if it is a liquid diet.

For anyone who has had their gallbladder removed after their weight loss surgery, could you please let me know of your experience post op removal? I’m having my gallbladder removed next week (I’m around 8 months post op bypass) and really haven’t been given much info on what to expect pain wise, post op diet etc. just looking to hear about some personal experiences :) thanks

The first picture os the yesr before my surgery the second pink in back 2011 before i moved to Texas the thrid was 4 mths after surgery next one was June 12 when i went to WA to marry my daughter the next was a few weeks ago i gained weighted some weight Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

Yep, very common. You’ve had pretty major life changing surgery, you’re healing & consuming very little. It’s not unusual to be feeling week & generally blah. Plus as you lose weight, the oestrogen which is stored in your fat is released into your blood stream throwing off your cycle & screwing up your emotions. It will get better just give it time. We all recover differently. Try adding some electrolytes to your water to give you a boost to your energy. Good luck.

2 years ago almost i found myself in a dv relationship in a new city with no friends i just moved there 3 weeks prior ive had weight/gain weight loss alot of bloating and alot of gas ive since a gastrointestinal doctor who wants to do the camera your stomach im sure weve all have had but i have no to drive me and covid had made it difficult on top of the huge co pay ugh so this doctor set me for this test where i drink some frizzy like alka and it made me burp uncontrollably when thw test came back i have small rolling hernia which confuses me still because 2013 i had thst was tied down during my bypass. Has anyone experienced this ir any idea Sent from my SM-G991U using BariatricPal mobile app

I know all insurances are different but wondering if anyone has guidance. I’m in Florida but have BCBS Texas. I have a BMI of 40.6. I can’t seem to get an answer to whether or not I lose procedure coverage if I lose weight on the preop diet and my bmi drops before 40. I’ve called my insurance twice, and reviewed the plan documents. Incidentally the plan documents do not require a diet at all preop. The insurers I’ve spoken to just recommend reviewing the documents but say they can provide no more guidance at this time. What should my next step be? If I don’t lose any weight on the preop diet is that an issue?

The chewing & spitting of food is a slippery slope. I know people say they do it but it doesn’t make it the best choice. The liquid diet is only two weeks before surgery. Besides helping you lose weight & shrink your liver to help during your surgery, it helps to start breaking your cravings/dependency on caffeine, sugar, carbs, etc. It helps you start to think about why you eat & why you make certain food choices. It’s not easy, but you have months of weight loss ahead of you which will throw many eating & food related challenges at you. You can do it. The post surgery staged diet is needed because you’ve just had surgery to alter your digestive system. Your poor tummy is being held together by a lot stitches & staples. It’s there so you don’t strain or stress your tummy or pop stitches. You may not have felt nausea or vomited @edwardstylez but you could have been just lucky. We all heal at different rates & your tummy may have been able to cope but others may not. Please be careful. Good luck.

I sometimes experience blocked ears - hearing becomes muffled & ears block like when going up or down a mountain range (used to get when flying) except, yawning, swallowing doesn’t ‘pop’ them. For me it’s from low blood pressure (& a little drop in sugar sometimes for me too) - my iron levels are good. The low BP will also cause weakness, lethargy, dizziness, narrowing of vision, mental doughinrss, headaches, etc. too. Do you have your BP tested regularly? Low BP plus low iron levels could be making the situation worse or you. As @catwoman7 said you’ll get more iron from red meat than vegetables. While 100g of fresh spinach will provide about same amount of iron as a 100g of steak, 100g of spinach is a lot of spinach. Personally I was eating vegetables from soft food - carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, … in soups, stews, omelettes, mince dishes, etc. In solid foods I was eating a small floriet of cauliflower, a couple of green beans, or some steamed cabbage at dinner. Not much, but a start. I slowly increased the vegetables as I increased the protein. How much protein do you have to eat each day? My goal was 60g - it took me a while to reach that goal every day but I’d get close. Hope they can sort this out for you soon @SummerTimeGirl. After weight loss surgery, we can’t take nsaids like ibuprofens. Too strong & harsh on our now small tummies & can lead to inflammation, ulcers, etc. Sleevers may be able to have the odd one after a year or so if your surgeon approves. I’m allowed . For e.g. had 2 in the last 3 months - one after my gall surgery & one for my COVID vaccine headache. Many ibuprofens work by constricting blood vessels but they increase your BP as your heart works harder to get your blood around your body hence hearing the whooshing sound of blood being forced through the constricted blood vessels.

Congrats on your upcoming surgery! I had the Loop DS 18 months ago. And in my own experience the bowel prep bit was absolutely miserable. And I felt like I got hit by a truck when I woke up from surgery, but I was up and walking after about three hours. It really helps with getting rid of the gas. Some people (myself included) vomit old blood after the surgery (it was only 4x for me, but super painful) so I'm telling you incase it happens to you because they didn't tell me it was a possibility and I freaked the hell out! I went home after three days in the hospital and I stopped taking pain meds at home after two days (so on day 5 post-op was the last day I took pain meds). The part where they take your stomach out will hurt the most, especially when you get up or sit down and you may need help showering (I did), but I was a lot better by week two. I struggled to get fluids in at the hospital and they almost kept me a fourth day because I was getting all my fluid in via ice chips so they weren't able to count so they gave me a bunch of 1oz cups and told me I had to drink a certain amount for them to release me (I didn't get released until after 6pm, so they seriously almost kept me another night). Broth tasted like heaven lol, but I couldn't eat sugar free jello at all because it made me feel like my stomach was flipping (I'm odd, I guess lol). It's hard to get the protein in (in the beginning) and the powder was wayyy too sweet, I had to drink the pre-made protein drinks instead so I had one in the morning that I nursed for several hours and then one at night, that I again nursed for several hours. Fluids were a struggle for several months for me, but some don't have the same kind of issue that I had. Also, they never told me, but there is something like a 3% chance that you can get either a wheat allergy or Celiac's Disease after surgery (this is for any WLS with malabsorption. So DS/Loop DS/Gastric Bypass). It's only 3% so only 3 out a 100 people so the chances are low, but my luck is terrible and I developed a wheat allergy so if you end up getting what feels very much like dumping syndrome when eating something with wheat in it... you might want to get tested (that's how I found out). My allergy has progressed to where I break out in a rash if I even TOUCH something with wheat in it like dried noodles that aren't even cooked or hand crackers or a cookie to my niece or wipe off bread crumbs while looking after my nieces (I always have benadryl when watching my nieces lol. My 12 year old niece is always asking why I didn't just ask her to clean up so I don't end up breaking out in a rash. I just clean out of habit). Anyway, the recovery in the beginning can be tough and for the first few days I kept asking myself "why in the hell did I do this to myself", but things do get better and I'm sooooo glad that I made this choice for myself. I've reached my own personal goal weight and am hoping I can even lose a couple extra pounds before I hit maintenance! Try and stay positive and stick to nutrition guidelines you're given to the best of your ability and you'll do great, I'm sure! I wish the best in your journey and if you have any questions feel free to ask!

I've been waiting six months to get surgery... just last week I got my surgery date, so it will be 7.5 months from when I called the surgery center to when I get surgery... assuming COVID doesn't cause them to cancel my surgery! I have kept my motivation by continuing to work on losing weight, although at this point I can't lose anymore or I won't qualify for surgery (I've lost 45 lbs). I also have spent a LOT of time on these message boards and on YouTube and I found a good FB support group. Most of them are terrible. Fortunately, work finally got busy so I have been distracted a bit and also I went on vacation and have done more exercise (got back into swimming!).

ice cream turns to liquid pretty quickly in your stomach, so it goes right through you. So I'm not surprised you can eat a cup of it. I agree with the others - why are you eating ice cream now in the first place? If you're serious about losing weight, going about it that way isn't going to work. Get a plan from your surgeon or dietititan if you don't already have one and follow it. That's the only way this is going to work. People who start pushing the envelope right away after surgery usually end up failing.