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Between 10-18 weeks, I started having severe pain, vomiting everything up, and stopped being able to eat entirely. They suspected a stricture, but they also felt like I had such deep anxiety and food issues that I was psyching myself out and vomiting as a reaction to severe stress. I couldn't keep anything down, and protein drinks were useless. I ended up hospitalized and they couldn't release me until I could eat. So, they gave me peanut butter (the regular sugary kind) and crackers, because it was a snack I loved as a child, and they hoped the familiar/nostalgic taste would trigger good feelings and prevent me from throwing up and relearn how to eat without panicking. For awhile, I was told to eat ANYTHING so long as I could keep it down. Priorities at that point became survival, not weight loss. Also switched to fat free fairlife milk with sugar free strawberry syrup or heated up with diet cocoa mix. That was how I got my protein for a long, long time until I was able to start eating regularly again. But my nutritional path was different from others, and that's okay. Just do you, follow your docs, listen to your body, and take a deep breath. Your journey is your own individual thing and that's okay, the destination is still the same as the rest of us. You'll get thee.

Hey everyone! I cant believe a year has flown by so fast. I know when I was pre-op I used to seek out these threads to read other's experiences, so I wanted to share mine too. My start weight was 277 the day I scheduled the consult for bariatric surgery, and I was 255 the day of surgery. The first 3 months were a bit of a whirlwind. I dropped 20 pounds in the first month, and I thought it would stay that fast, boy was that some realistic thinking on my part. As real food was reintroduced during my second month I learned what the foamies were...oh my goodness, so not fun. I lost 10 pounds during month two and I remember feeling discouraged and having to reassess my motivation for this surgery. Having to remind myself that this was a change for the rest of my life and that it was okay if the weight didn't just fly off, because if I kept working with my body, then my body would have no choice but to become healthy. The next month I lost 9 pounds and learned that if I didn't chew my food really, really well, that it could get stuck and hurt like hell until it made me vomit. This was not a fun time, but alas I learned, and learned relatively;y quickly. Month 4 came and two things of note happened. I lost 5 pounds and felt confused and a little lost as to what was happening with my body. Also, my hair started falling out like there was no tomorrow! That became my new normal for awhile. 5 pounds a month, hair falling out. Somewhere around 8 months out my hair loss stabilized, but by then I had lost about 2/3rds of the volume I had. Biotin never helped, but I took it from the day I was cleared to begin vitamins post op. Around March I was 6 months post op and I had my first month with no loss, where I actually gained. I was aghast. I had this weird feeling like I wasn't going to get where I needed to be unless I started working harder. So that was the point where I finally changed. I started counting every macro, and working out 3 days a week in April. Initially walking and increasing in length/intensity. That was the beginning of my adventure into exercise. I currently run/walk in intervals a 5k a minimum of 4 times a week. I have never felt stronger or more alive. I was the girl who only ran when chased, I had no idea that underneath all that weight was a body that felt happy when it ran. A brain that felt at peace when it focused on my breathing. I'm still losing at the rate of 5 pounds a month, total weight loss since March of 2016 is 110 pounds. Biggest change has been my brain. I stopped worrying about the scale. It goes down because I'm living the way I am supposed to be. It doesn't have to be big numbers, because this is the way I live my life now. I don't know if that makes sense anywhere except inside my head, but I hope you get it. I only this week made it into the "overweight" bmi category and I have 27 more pounds to go before I am considered to be of a healthy weight. Loose skin? Yep! I'm not even mad about it. To be honest I didn't expect as much on my thighs and thought most of it would be around my midsection, but it's everywhere. I don't think it will ever bother me enough to have it removed, but only the future knows for sure. Dumping. Now to be fair I had my gallbladder removed a few years prior to gastric bypass surgery, so I already had issues with dumping. Bile buildup has a laxative effect on me. If I go more than 12 hours without eating, then just a sip of water can send me running to the bathroom. Fats don't typically bother me and I avoid sugar because I don't like the way it feels when my insulin spikes and then drops. It's scary and not fun. I get fuzzy and light headed, my stomach feels blah and my heart races. I'm human though and I challenge my biology on occasion. Ice cream doesn't love me anymore. It melts in my pouch and foams back up and just feels like it's sitting at the top of my esophagus and making me burp little foamy ice cream burps...I think the only reason I am okay with halo top is because the sugar alcohols scare me enough that I only ever eat a tiny bit because I don't want to live in my bathroom lol. Support systems! These are so important. My spouse is amazing. He's my biggest cheerleader and my companion in all things, including exercise! Make sure the people in your life only want what's best for you. Current diet is low carb (under 20 grams a day) moderate protein (60-80 grams) and moderate fat. This will likely be how I eat the rest of my life and I am okay with that. When I do consume more sugar, my brain starts to crave sweets and I feel like I have to fight with myself. For me personally it's not worth it anymore. That last sentence is a huge nsv for me. It's so weird and amazing/awesome to be nearing 40 and finally feeling like I'm not powerless to food anymore.

I began my weight loss journey 1 year ago. It started because my amazing sister was preparing for gastric bypass surgery and she inspired me to be healthier as well. She lost over 100 pounds from pre-op to post op. Her surgery was around February of this year. I started with premier protein shakes once a day during my lunch period at work instead of eating. My sister was my biggest inspiration to remain strong. I am a mother and a wife and I have a full time job 40+ hour per week job. For the first 6 months I did one shake a day. For the last 6 months I've done 2 premier protein shakes per day and dinner at night and eating regularly on weekends. My pre op diet has been just shakes and one small meal at night of protein and vegetables every day of the week. I have been doing assisted weight loss for the last 6 months do get the approval through my insurance. Now I am approved and my gastric sleeve scheduled for September 12th. This has been an incredible experience. I always hoped that I'd get to share it with my sister who inspired me to begin this in the first place. She died on May 5th from a heart condition she didn't know she had called cardiomyopathy. They thought her heart had been large before the surgery because she was fat and it was making her heart work harder because of her weight and the surgery would fix the problem. Her weight wasn't the problem, though, and it was too late for them to go back and figure that out because she died at night in her sleep with no warning months later. She was 33. She had worked so hard for her weight loss and was doing amazing and was finally happy. She went on a 10 mile hike the week before. I have so much support at work and at home but it just breaks my heart that she won't see my success as well that was begun because of her. I have overcome so much in these last few months and I have so much strength and determination to succeed and I know I will for myself and for my family. I am proud of myself for coming so far despite the challenges. My surgery is this Wednesday and I have 3 days scheduled off of work to take a rest plus the weekend and I will be going back the following Monday permitted I feel up to it. That being said, has anyone had to deal with a loss like this during this transition and what helped you? Also, for those that have returned to work pretty soon after surgery, what were the things that you would recommend to make life easier? My job is sedentary and I am mainly at a desk all day but I will have the ability to walk freely as needed for the necessary circulation 15 minutes every 2-3 hours. I have prepared for the post op by pre-purchasing a TON of broth and no sugar/low calorie gatorade and drink mixes. I bought a soft no underwire bra and I bought a box of decaf tea bags and I have a large pack of waters and some sugar free jellos and popsicles. I'm mentally prepared and have been following a strict diet for a very long time so I don't believe it will be too hard for me because of my will power. I plan on taking as many hot baths as I can this weekend before I won't be able to for a long time! If anyone has any advice or tips for the beginning post op phase to remember anything will be appreciated. I thought I was going to have her to guide me through this.

I dropped 10 before surgery, nothing for 2 weeks after surgery then like 8lbs overnight this week back to not losing. I have pcos so I know my body is going to fight me on every pound which is why I had bypass done. I know it'll leave it is just going to go kicking and screaming

Hi there Be patient my friend - the “three-week-stall” can happen any time from day 3 to month 3! Three weeks is common, but 10 days is as well. Stick to your programme and suddenly, you’ll see the weight drop away. Even better advice - start measuring.make careful note of WHERE exactly you measure (take photos, side on, of where the tape lies!) - often in a stall, that is when I drop a pants size or shirt size, so being able to measure other than with a scale is useful! X

Hello, I had surgery on 8/21. I lost 10 pounds in the first eight days after surgery -- and nothing since. I've heard about a typical "stall" at week 3, but nothing this early. I transitioned to pureed food yesterday (at 2 weeks, 2 days -- because my surgeon was out of town for the holiday and I needed to wait for him to return). I have followed the diet without cheating. I have started exercising in the last week (just walking). I don't particularly feel hungry and I'm typically at 500 calories or less per day. I should add that I lost 13 pounds in the two weeks that I did the pre-op diet. All in all, 23 pounds down still feels fabulous. I guess I'm just surprised that I can eat 500 calories a day, drink all my water, and for over a week now nothing is happening. I've stopped weighing myself every day as it was driving me crazy. I previously had a Lapland (removed 2 years ago). Even with the band I lost faster than this early on. My starting weight was 259, weight at surgery was 246, weight now is 236. I'm 5'5" -- BMI just dropped below 40 with the weight loss I've seen thus far

That's your body dysmorphia talking! Your measurements are smaller than mine, and 8-10 in dresses is what I'm wearing

So I’m 4 months out (knocking on 90 down) and haven’t told my mother. Yet. She’s a mix of passive aggressive cutting remarks and narcissism that honestly I just didn’t have the bandwidth to deal with her issues & anxiety around my decision/ surgery. You do not have to tell anyone you don’t want too nor do you have to give anyone your reason either. I know way easier said than done. I’m fortunate that I have distance (200 mi) so I was able to not have to deal with her and just sidestepped/flat out didn’t talk and things. I’ll see her this weekend so that’s going to be fun. What I’ve told people is after 20+ years of trying and doing different things I recognized I needed more help. If this was just a will power thing I could do it. I’ve done plenty with just sheer will and determination so something else was needed. This was a decision I made for myself with medical guidance. Most of the time this shuts people up. I do plan on if needed saying “ mom I love you and my weight and the decisions around it are not up for discussion.” Rinse repeat as many times as needed. After the second time I will add “ if you continue bringing this up I am leaving/hanging up” and then will. Setting and sticking to my boundaries with her is so hard but I did some work with a therapist on this 10 plus years that I used and still use.

The bars to fill me up and keep me going for quite a while. Some more than others. Right now with the 8-6 fast I eat between 8am and 6pm. I have "cheated" a bit after 6, but I do my best to avoid it at all costs. Otherwise beforehand on a typical work day I would go to bed between 8-10, so I'd stop sometime before that.

I've used a cpap or bipap for about 10 years now. I've tried the half mask and some other masks and they all left marks and sometimes sores. The nasal pillow is the only one I can use. The fact that a machine blowing air up your nose will give you relief from sleepless nights still amazes me. I wish I had one when I was a teenager.

Hello all. I am on day 10 of clear liquids and only cheated once (took 3 small bites of baked chicken). Surprisingly I am doing good just some body aches and weakness but all is good. For those that are about to start your pre-op after the first 3 days you should be ok. But I know everyone is different. For my fellow sleevers on the 12th we are almost there! Glad to hear others that have been sleeve are doing good. We got this [emoji16][emoji6][emoji171]

I don't see the difference but the scale says it coming off somewhere. Not pre-op but closest I have. 7/22 10 days after surgery and last night 9/6. 342lbs on day of surgery, 345lbs in 1st pic, 299lbs in 2nd pic. 46lbs lost and counting but where? Only thing I've noticed is feet and hands, lol.

Jillian Michaels 10-Minute Body Transformation Second Edition. All the workouts are 10 minutes My kind of work out! And I have the Cize DVDs (Shaun T dance workouts). Those I don't love as much but when I'm tired of Jillian I switch.

I am Preop with surgery date of 10/4/18. I usually cook a big Thanksgiving dinner, and we have a more low-key dinner at Christmas. I am considering switching that up this year since I will only be about seven weeks post op at Thanksgiving. I plan to make all the things we normally have, but a smaller amount of each. Plenty of places I can leave out butter and/or fats and sugar that no one will ever even notice. I will have a bit of turkey and a bite or 2 of sides. This is my plan as of now. We shall see what changes once I’m post op!

I’m having RNY not the sleeve, but I have surgery date 10/4/2018!

Just tried on a dress that was sized as a med (8/10) and it fit... IDK how but I'll take this win

I never have been able to drink 64 oz of water. It’s been 10 months and I usually struggle to get 40 oz. But the key to a good weight loss is the water!

It may just be a normal plateau, but believe me, I know how frustrating they can be. I was 355.5 on my surgery date, and only lost 10 pounds in several weeks, but thankfully, have noticed that the pounds are starting to come off again, which I hope continues, as I am VERY eager to get under 300! I also don't exercise as much, having severe arthritis in my knees, and degenerative changes in my hips and back, but find the pool helps a lot. Once it closes in 2 weeks however, I will only have the treadmill left, so I would just say if your diet is going well, just continue your walking and you should start losing again. Also, talk to your nutritionist for pointers.

How long before surgery do you start liquid diet? My surgery date is 9/24 but I have my pre-op appointment on 9/19. I have yet to start my liquid diet, they haven't told me to start it. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Assuming insurance approves it, we have a set date of October 10. I'm 29 and a single parent of a 3 year old and I currently weight 252

Can I just tell you all that I didn't get around to breakfast until 12:30pm and when I did, I re-fell in love with it all over again? I haven't made this in a LONG time. I can't have just a bowl of Greek yogurt cuz it pushes my insulin too high. So I make my own "yogurt" out of mixing Greek yogurt with 2% Daisy cottage cheese + 1oz of PP vanilla protein. I will usually add about 4 drops of liquid Stevia to it. This morning (hehe, er noon) I remembered about my old PB & J concoction using Walden Farms Blueberry Syrup and HEB organic frozen blueberries and Vitacost Peanut Butter Slim peanut butter powder. Jasus, Mary, and Joseph! Hold me. It made a 4oz ramekin full and I sucked it down in less than 10 minutes. But it was so dang delicious!! You should all run out and buy the ingredients. It was def a "better living through chemistry" moment I thought I needed to share! *snort*

You guys, I’m currently jumping through all the hoops with my insurance company to get approved. If I get approved, my surgery will be in January- February. Does anyone have any tips on how to stay motivated/ strict in order to reach the pre-op weight loss goal?

I’m just venting so feel free to ignore me. I hate when people assume that because i eat less or watch what i eat, therefore i must not be healthy. First off, why would anyone be that interested in what another person eats anyway? But the reason why it irritates so much isn’t their curiosity or judgement. It’s literally the types of people doing all the judging. It’s never ever my naturally thin friends, oh no they all have lives and things to do, they could care less lol. It’s almost always either the miserable negative nelly morbidly obese person who is also falling part. Or it’s the formerly fat person that lost the weight by doing crazy insane extremely unhealthy measures to lose weight, like carnivoreism or extreme 10 day water fasts. Like no offense- but that’s not healthy either way so excuse me for not wanting to take advice from you, especially if you’re not an MD or dietician. But apparently telling people this to their face is frowned upon 🤷🏽‍♀️. Like maybe it’s just me but i just want to left alone and continue to do what works for me, and avoid the negativity from others.

Your profile page shows that you are female, have a skype account and were sleeved on 3/5/01. How long have you been a member here? Please explain "hierarchy' I don't quite understand. Lastly, Did you experience something here that made you feel this way? BTW, Thank you so much for answering. After the 1st comments I didn't think I would get a response from anyone that did not fill in stats.

I also I'm glad I saw your Photo great job I had my sleeve done August 21st 2018 I am about 3 Weeks out I am down 25 pounds Very excited for the future I am 58 years old and wished I had done this 10 years ago or more Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app