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I had my sleeve procedure on Jan. 21st, I feel as if I have conquered some areas - cruising along through gas pain, learning how to eat/drink, and my vitamins!!! BUT I notice I have high anxiety regarding my protein intake, my exercise, food variety and my weight loss and feeling hungry an hour or so after meals as well as some constipation/diarrhea. I stress about not getting enough protein when it seems like I am getting enough in protein shakes (at least 2 shakes w/ 25 or 30 grams) and food (20g w/ yogurt), right now I'm only walking but very slow paced with upper body, and now on phase 3 that's leaving me clueless on getting again enough protein and variety where I should be avoiding high fats, sugars, carbs, high cal....I know the stress will surely limit my weight loss... I'm down 24lbs, I feel like I'm sabotaging myself with worrying - any advice/suggestions!

I believe it’s only supposed to maybe beneficial to your immune system (bovine colostrum for adults vs how human mother’s colostrum benefits a human baby). Nothing about consuming it for weight loss. Out of curiosity I wonder what the nutritional value is?

@Justarwaxx how did you get the mermaid graphic/weigh loss measurement that shows up under your posts?

Just finished my 4 months app! Doc is pleased with my steady loss 21 kg in 4 months.. and he was encouraging me to basically practice good and healthy habits to sustain it. And hoping I'll be a "normal" human being and live life while my tool is supporting it. I'm excited and proud

Hi everyone. I started my journey to surgery 4 months ago. I am down 30 pounds since I started. I went into it knowing I wanted the RNY. My doctor tends to do a lot of sleeves. He said when you look at the weight loss in a 5 year period, they end up having very similar results. She sleeve is slower, but evens out by 5 years. His reasoning for thinking I should do the sleeve is because I currently use NSAIDS. My hope is that after weight loss, I won't need them any more. He ultimately said the decision is mine and he's ok with either one. He is going to retire before my surgery and I will see his partner on March 3 when I have to make the final decision. His partner also tends to do more sleeves than RNY. I'm looking for people who've had surgery. Which did you pick, why and are you happy with your results? Thanks in advance!

I'm about the same amount of time since my bypass. I don't recall having an intollerance to almost all foods for extended periods. But for a few days or a week, sure. I don't think you should rule out the experience of anyone based on years post-op because there are people here that know more about weight loss surgeries than you and I. Heck, they give many surgeons a run for their money. Some of us research the stuffing out of weight loss surgeries before we even see a surgeon. Could you fill us in on what's going on? How does your intollerance work? Does it prevent you from swallowing, or does your food come back up? How long after eating? Anything else change during this period? Your previous issues could also provide insight into your current issues. Also, what does your medical team say? Tons of knowledge and experience is on the edge of their seats waiting to help. Tek

All reasonable goals. Not unlike my goals all those years ago, just simple health and happiness. Most of what I write is for the wider world of readers. Previous responses covered the the numbers involved in the weight loss phase. I covered the numbers at the beginning and end of the process which are likewise flawed. Good luck always, Tek

He wasn't concerned in that it was just slightly low - so he didn't feel a need to pump me full of more iron with a new level of pills to take. He didn't specifically say that doesn't think the iron is the reason for the hair loss. That is still up in the air and up to the dermatologist. I think when a man tells a doctor they are losing their hair - it is often an assumption of age (I am 53) or male pattern baldness or some more common issue. My blood work has been good overall, so I guess nothing is jumping out at him. I will let you know what happens. Thanks!

A typical pre-op is dependent on your insurance and your surgeon, but most require things like: A series of monthly visits with a dietitian. 3 to 6 monthly visits are fairly common A visit with a psychiatrist or psychologist. Depending on the outcome, you may need to undergo treatment for an undiagnosed eating disorder One or more education sessions typically done over a series of weeks. This is to better prepare you for both the immediate post-op diet, as well as long term expectations. These are sometimes, but not always done together with the dietitian visits. Clearance from your primary care doctor and depending on your health history, clearances from other doctors such as a cardiologist or endocrinologist. Numerous blood tests, both to look for potential problems and to set a baseline. Again depending on your health history and your surgeons preferences, you might need to have things such as an endoscopy and/or a swallow study done. Some people may even need additional imaging done such as CT or MRI scans. As a diabetic, they may require your A1C to be below a prescribed value. This is for your safety. Honestly I'm probably forgetting some stuff. If so, I'm sure others here can chime in. In terms of lifetime changes to your eating patterns, you need to make sure you're prepared to make better food choices for life. It's a sad fact, but a pretty high number of people that have weight loss surgery eventually gain the weight back. This can be avoided by learning how to make better food choices now, so you don't fall back into old habits once the stomach restriction eases off. It's often misunderstood by those not familiar with bariatric surgery that weight loss post surgery is "easy". Yes, the initial loss can be easier that it would have been otherwise, but keeping the weight off is just as hard, if not harder that it would have been had you not had the surgery. This is why learning how to eat better is so important. People that lose weight naturally and keep it off do so through repeatedly making good food choices and strict discipline. That knowledge carries over really well to long term weight maintenance. The people that fail weight loss surgery often found initial weight loss easy, but sometimes really struggle once they get to maintenance since they don't know how to eat like a "normal" person. Add in the fact that a formerly obese person trying to maintain weight typically can't eat as much food as someone that was never overweight even if they are the exact same body size, and you can see why retraining yourself here is critical. Throw in the fact that (at least in my opinion), most obese people either have an eating disorder, or at least suffer from disordered eating, and it's obvious that the surgery is just a small component to overall success. TL;DR: IMO, It's better to take your time and do it right.

Yes to your first question. I only lost like 60 to 70 lbs. My surgeon staff only wants me on a 800 calorie diet loss weight. Except low cLorie sweet tea I don't eat much food let alone it's hard to eat anything when most foods have above 200 hundred calories.

A new week beckons… Laid in bed this morning, just taking stock of how I’m feeling and I actually feel happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that happy feeling for no apparent reason. The first part of my WLS journey is completed and now out of my hands for now so I’ve mentally put that to one side. I’ve started back at the gym and I’M LOVING IT!! I know the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I truly enjoy it. I found something that works for me and can sustain it, which is really important for anyone trying to improve their fitness. I’ve been 3 times this past week and I’m not pushing it as yet, no matter how much the little devil on my shoulder is telling me to 😈 I’m aiming to go every 3rd day at the moment but will re-visit that in a few weeks time. Granddaughters party went as well as could be expected with other little kids there! I didn’t go mad food-wise - a burger, handful of mini sausage rolls, 1 Jammie Dodger, a cupcake and a small piece of cake. I actually threw a piece of quiche away which is a first for me and left the crisps, coleslaw etc alone! I know it may seem a lot but compared to what I would shovel away previously, it’s actually quite restrained! My body shape is changing, even if the scales aren’t particularly moving right now. I went through my gym stuff and tried on a pair of leggings that are size 18/20 and they fit! That was a bit of a surprise, especially as I couldn’t get them up my thighs previously 😮 Various other items are now ether too big or now fitting whereas before they were too tight. The jeans that were fine a few weeks ago? Can now get them off without unfastening them! I actually had to buy some smaller things this week. I’m not a fan of bras, they dig in and I find them uncomfortable. So I prefer the crop-top bralette type things (I’m a C cup at most) I’d noticed that I wasn’t feeling as ‘secure’ as I had before so decided it was time to update. I got a couple of vest tops with built-in support and a 3 pack of bralettes from M&S, all in smaller sizes and all fit - yay! It’s the simple things really that can give such a boost 🙂 Hairdressers tomorrow. I’m having a bit of a crisis with my hair at the moment. When I was accepted on to the Bariatric Pathway, I decided to grow my hair (all part of the ‘New Me’ vibe) Previously I had pixi-type cut and now it’s a short bob, just about at the bottom of my ears. However it’s lacking any body and looks really thin. I know my meds can play havoc, especially as I started a new injection back on November which can cause hair thinning after a few months. My hair hasn’t come out in clumps or anything, I’m just finding lots of stray hairs on things. I know that WLS also causes Hair loss, so I’m now floundering a little. I’m going to have a chat with my hairdresser and see what she comes up with but I’m really erring on the side of ‘chop it off’…sigh…it’s not easy being a woman at times is it?? I plan to tackle more of my wardrobe this week and get that thinned out. Has anyone else gone through their clothes and thought to themselves “what were you thinking?” Yeah, I’m having a bit of that. However it’s more of a case of I’ve bought something previously and it has remained unworn. This is what happens when you’re the size of a a house - you buy something because it fits, not because you actually like it. I definitely will be a damn sight more discerning moving forward. Have a fabulously productive week everyone 😉 Onwards and Downwards!

I'm a 40 y/o mom of 3. HW 265, GW 150, CW 142. Sleeved January 2023. I loss my first 90 lbs within 6 months of being sleeved and maintained for another 6 months (without quite getting to goal). Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2024 I had some health issues (unrelated to the sleeve) and had to have a total hysterectomy. I turned to my old comfort of eating and gained 20 lbs in 2 months. My appetite came back with a vengeance and my head hunger was getting the best of me. In a moment of panic, I seen my Dr and she prescribed Zepbound. OMG, where has this drug been my whole life?! I loss the 20 lbs. I gained plus the rest of the weight I needed to lose to get to goal weight within 5 months. Unlike the sleeve, Zepbound also helps with the head hunger which is an issue for A LOT of us. It's truly a miracle drug! I was on Ozempic pre-surgery for diabetes and it did NOTHING for weight loss so I didn't expect much from Zep but turned out pleasantly surprised. Despite severe constipation in the beginning, my side effects are minimal and manageable. I feel like Zepbound + my gastric sleeve was a match made in heaven. My health is the best it's been in 20+ years. Diabetes gone, fatty liver gone, triglycerides were high and are now in a normal range. My life no longer revolves around food and for once I feel "normal." I maintain with 10mg every 10 days and it's been working perfectly.

Just a thought here, you've recently had several surgeries, along with a large blood loss. Significant weight loss, and new job. Now working overnights a few days a week. I'm thinking you may be feeling the effects of the combination of all those things, and it will take you and your body longer to adjust than someone who hasn't been through all of that? I remember you saying you have to eat very low carb due to sensitivity, and maybe your body is not liking that considering the increased demand on energy. Is there anything you could pair some carbs with that wouldn't make you feel awful? Like crackers with butter and cheese? That would provide fats, protein and carbs all together?

Yes! He was very reasonable and educated haha! I am VERY PROUD! I am liking this steady clean loss. I look healthy and feel it too! So this means before our summer holiday to Vietnam in July.. I'll be at my perfect weight and I can actually wear skinny Asian sized clothes haha

Everyone seems to agree with them lol I remember why I started straightening it, tho. It's a pain to maintain. But I'll do it until I want to chop it all off lol Then I'll see how it goes. I'm not one to mess with my hair much, and I don't do much in the way of make up. Haven't since high school. So having to put the leave in conditioner in my hair and the curl cream is super annoying. If I don't, it's all kinds of floofy and frizzy. So it keeps my hair nice and tame. So we'll see how long it lasts. For now, I really like it. And thank you for the compliment Very sweet of you.

Your curls are Hair Goals -- I agree with your kids lol! Seriously though, you're looking amaaaazing ❤️

It sounds frustrating, but weight loss plateaus are common. A review of portion sizes, nutrient balance, and possibly adding strength training might help kickstart progress again.

oh the hair loss blues. if its gonna happen its gonna happen. mine started dropping out at 3 months, i had CARPETS of hair all over the house. bit the bullet and cut it to a pixie cut cuz i got tired of vaccuming and snaking the shower drain of all that effing hair. at around 6-7 months post op i noticed little chicken hairs sticking straight up all over my head. by 2 years, all those little chicken hairs were the same length as the rest of my shoulder length hair. by 4 years, my hair was just as long as it was pre-wls AND it was thicker AND curlier (bonus!). i aslo had regular haircuts throughout all this, so i'm sure it would have been longer if i didn't...but it probably wouldn't have looked as healthy.... i'll be 6 years post op in October and my hair is still long and lovely. here's a collage i made when i was 4 years post op to show the hair state progression. the last pic is of me 2 years ago, i'll see if i can post one of my hair today after i shower, if i don't get to lazy.

Hey thanks, yeah I am trying very hard to stick with it by making semi normal food at night. This is how I will eat going forward, maybe not as big a portion, but right now getting about 8-900 cals per day, figure that will be good for weight loss going forward. Your Pickle salad sounds interesting 😁 Funny how we obsess about one thing!!

I agree with others that it’s normal and it will slow down and stop eventually. I remember that phase all too well. I couldn’t really see the loss in the mirror but I hurt my back pretty bad and was down for a while. Before I vacuumed I noticed the hair collecting near all the baseboards and.i was horrified. I never lost enough for anyone else to notice either. It just seemed like I was going to. Just keep getting that protein in and you will be fine.

I wish you a happy healthy journey on your surgery and weight loss. I saw April Laren on YouTube had the DS and was very honest about her first few weeks. She might be worth a look.

This is probably the weirdest one yet. But I'm certain it's because of my weight loss. In my dreams, I've never been able to run. I always go faster by doing like a wheelbarrow type walk on my hands. But yesterday, I was dreaming and I was full on running. I think it's a mental thing to show I'm finally free of the weight and the expectations. But in actual physical milestones, I'm on the 5th hole in my watchband instead of the third when I had the surgery, and the 4th about 2 months ago.

Check out Dr Matthew Weiner Pound of Cure website, you tube channel & podcasts. Practical and informative advice. Five years out & I still listen to his podcasts. A recent podcast he did with his in-house nutritionalist touches on weight loss eating plans as well as maintenance. I believe you can join their nutritional workshops and clinics for a small fee if you’re interested too. I know someone on this forum has and found it helpful (can’t recall who at the moment). https://poundofcureweightloss.com/bariatric-secrets-what-really-influences-weight-loss-after-surgery/?utm_source=ZohoCampaigns&utm_campaign=What+Really+Influences+Weight+Loss+After+Surgery&utm_medium=email

So I'm finding doing this EXTREMELY difficult. I don't think I will EVER be able to take small enough bites and will EVER be able to make my meals small enough so i have decided against the surgery and have decided to try losing weight on my own. I have lost almost 20 pounds so far in the 3 months since I've started so I think I can lose the 150 pounds I want to lose eventually I've been losing about 1/4 pound every 3 weeks about lately but hey any weight loss is weight loss and I technically have all the time in the world the lose the 150 pounds I want to lose.