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Hi! Congratulations on the weight loss 👍🏻 I had my surgery on 7/28 and had lost 13lbs by 3 weeks then nothing for 10 days. Now at 4 weeks I’m at 18lbs. Every bit of advice I’ve gotten or seen from people ahead of me on this thread or others has helped so much. I don’t weigh myself every day now and I’ve taken the phrase “ be compassionate with myself “ to heart. Just last week I was on here wondering if my surgery was successful and now I’m feeling much better about it. Hang in there, from what I’m reading these stalls happen to all of us.

Oh gosh! I'm so, so glad you're healing and taking it easy. What a scare. And yay for the NSV of walking up the stairs! I'm only 7 days post op and only 4 pounds under my pre-surgery weight (because I had lots of water retention last week), but my victory is getting around easier, and (it might be my imagination) pants a bit less snug. [eta: come to think of it, even though I only lost 4 lbs since surgery, I've lost 19 overall in the past 2.5 weeks, so that's significant enough to feel a difference]

Hello, I had the sleeve in 2019 - I weighed 255 day of surgery and got down to 195....after several months below 200 lbs I slowly regained until I had got back to my original weight prior to surgery, which was less than two years time. I am scheduled for gastric bypass in late September due to acid reflux, but also to revive my weight loss again. I am over fifty so I realize I will most likely to hit a stall or two....does anyone keep the weight off when they do a revision? Especially if they didnt have a lot to lose (ie less than one hundred pounds)? I am excited but also keeping cautious optimism for a long term success

Hi everyone! I've been a silent reader of these forums and have found a lot of answers and inspiration in here that helped me a lot along my weight loss journey. This is my first post and just wanted to first thank you for sharing your experiences and stories and to share mine as well. Hopefully this will inspire someone to take the decision. I had my surgery on 30 January 2022 and I'm glad I did. I'm going to be 40 in September and I've always been overweight. I've tried several diets, lost and gained a lot of weight. The last diet I've tried was Keto diet back in 2019. I was able to lose 25 Kg. Then Covid-19 came, the lockdowns and having to work from home. I gained all the weight back and some more 😥. Fast forward to January 2022. My sister (who is also overweight) was in Egypt on a business trip. She met one of her classmates in there who lost almost half of her weight and looked unrecognizable. My sister's friend recommended that she consult the same surgeon that did her mini gastric bypass surgery. After visiting that surgeon, my sister decided to have the surgery by mid January 2022. We talked about it and I discussed with the surgeon over Skype and made the arrangements to have mine by end of January 22. I had my surgery on 30 January 22 and stayed in the hospital for two days. I then flew back to Malaysia a week after. My starting weight was 149 Kg and my current is 103 Kg. I'm super happy with my decision and consider that to be my 40th birthday gift to myself. I feel and look amazing and I'm able to do a lot of the things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't because of my weight. I even got myself a mountain bike that I ride every night around my house. I hope I will be down to two-digits weight just in time for my 40th birthday! I'm planning to join a gym next month which will hopefully help with loose skin and speed up the weight loss. I've started a list of all of the things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't and I'm really excited to tick as items much as I can.

Something they didn't tell me (but they said they did tell me): about 10-14 days post-op you might feel intense pain on your left side. Like a pulling, twinging, sharp pain that gets worse when you bend over or try to sit or even move the wrong way. Totally different pain that the post-op pain. Apparently this is caused because all the swelling is gone and your stomach/intestines are no longer "cushioned" within that swelling so they move around a bit more and the internal stitches/incisions are moving around. Nothing to be worried about and completely normal (according to my office). But holy cats was it scary!!!! I thought FOR SURE something was wrong.

On Tuesday I will be 3-weeks Post-Op! I went back to work last week and OMG it was rough. I'm still not eating a lot, so I was EXHAUSTED by mid-day. I've been taking naps when I get home...like "If I don't lay down RIGHT NOW I'd going to fall asleep driving/standing up" kind of naps. Reminds me of the exhaustion during my pregnancy! Something they didn't tell me (but they said they did tell me): about 10-14 days post-op you might feel intense pain on your left side. Like a pulling, twinging, sharp pain that gets worse when you bend over or try to sit or even move the wrong way. Totally different pain that the post-op pain. Apparently this is caused because all the swelling is gone and your stomach/intestines are no longer "cushioned" within that swelling so they move around a bit more and the internal stitches/incisions are moving around. Nothing to be worried about and completely normal (according to my office). But holy cats was it scary!!!! I thought FOR SURE something was wrong. Water goals are FINALLY reached. Protein goals are still not being reached. I can't count protein shakes towards water goals at all, they count as meals. And I cannot drink an entire shake during 1 meal...it's split between 2. Vitamins are going well except the calcium. They have me taking TUMS for the first 3 months and I cannot for the life of me chew them and keep them down. I have to call them tomorrow to see if I can switch to something else because the TUMS make me so ill that I have stopped taking them all together. Had my first little "mini-stall" right on schedule during week 2. Lasted 3 days. I'm moving down again! I'm having a really, really big problem with constipation. I'm taking Miralax in my water every morning & 2 stool softeners daily and I still don't have any poop movement unless I take a mega-dose of additional laxatives. I'll go 3-4 days without pooping, then take the mega-dose of laxatives, have a really bad evening and then start over and do that cycle again. I've talked to my doctor about it and I don't think they are understanding what a big problem this is.

I had my rny and hiatal hernia repair on 8/19. The first couple of days were rough, but now I feel great. slight pain when I turn or move a certain way, but I feel fine. When I left the hospital I was told to hold a pillow or blanket over my belly when I get out of bed etc. At first I forgot, but then when I remembered what a world of difference. I also slept on my side with my belly resting on a pillow. that helped ease the pain tremendously. So remember, pillows are your belly's best friend after surgery!

I think I know what’s going on and I just wanted to check in to see if this sounds like others experience. I lost about 10 pounds pre-op liquid (despite getting my period the day before surgery). I had also been loosing weight prior to starting the liquid diet. The first week after surgery I dropped 23 pounds! I started purées This past Wednesday and I’ve been struggling with my protein goals and my calories are a little low - trying to make sure I stay hydrated has been my priority and I’m having trouble getting it all I haven’t really lost any weight since starting purées, but I’m assuming the big drop initially and not hitting protein and calorie goals - my body is in a stall until I can work that out. Does that sound right? I’m hoping as I go through the next week - I can adjust and see some movement. I’m trying not to stress about it because I know this can happen - I just wasn’t expecting it quite yet. Any advice?

Hi all-had surgery 8/24 and prior was on a 2 week all liquid diet. My last BM was 8/19 and it’s now 8/27. I have taken miralax, dulcolax, magnesium self ate…all of it and nothing. I know I’m not eating food and haven’t, but something should still be coming out-right?? Thanks!!

I agree with the person who mentioned a body scan. if you really want to know, a DEXA scan will give you a lot of info. NOT the kind they do at medical clinics - that will only give you bone density. It's the kind you can get at a sports lab or one of those commercial outfits like DEXAfit. It gives you not only bone density, but also body composition - as in how much of your weight is fat vs muscle vs bone. The commercial places charge around $100-150 for a scan. Sports labs at universities are often cheaper. I had one when I got to 146 lbs and wasn't sure if I should stop or keep going. According to the scan, I had 22% body fat, which is kind of lean for a woman, so the tech (and later, my PCP) said it was time to stop losing...I was at a really good weight (odd since I figured I could have lost another 10-20 lbs!)

so, as of now, i am not taking any vitamin supplements whatsoever, and i'm 10 days post op. my surgeon says that 4 weeks after the surgery, i'll have to do a blood test to see what i'm lacking then to suplement it. i have no issue with that, it's very rational imo, but i've never heard it be done that way in forums or YouTube videos. everyone just talks about how important it is to take the supplements, yet here am i not taking a single pill, and i'm doing well. is anyone experiencing / has experienced this same protocol?

Everyone is different, but this is my experience. I was given meds before surgery to help with after. Immediately after surgery I had gas pain, as expected. It was notable, but manageable and it disappeared quickly. In the hospital they gave me a muscle relaxer (made me sleepy), medicine for nerve pain (had that for three days post release), and Tylenol. I also woke up from surgery with a binder on. I was walking and moving pretty easily that day, I was sore… but honestly once the gas pain dissipated, it was really manageable. I was there over night, and walking pretty normally by discharge. I’d say I mostly had discomfort - certainly pain if I moved around to quickly (bend or reach) but it was not sustained. I also used heat packs in the hospital and shortly after - and ice packs on my incision where my stomach came out and over areas of the nerve pain. Today I’m 10 days out… I still experience some mild nerve pain (but not bad at all). Of my 5 incisions, only the one where the removal was is at all tender around the incisions area - but that’s more of an intense bruise feeling. I still wear my binder as it helps keep the skin pulling but I carry a lot of my weight in my abdomen. I take Tylenol occasionally - but really needed all the time.

Drinking water all the time is fine, but sometimes I miss other drinks. I especially miss soda and juices. I remember some people in one of the forums (maybe this one?) mentioning Crystal light. I looked into it, and Crystal Light is sold in one store here that I know of, in another town 10-15 minutes away. Is it really good? Good enough to make a special trip for? According to their website, this store has Pink grapefruit, OTG lemonade, strawberry, raspberry lemonade, lemon ice tea, peach tea and raspberry ice. Any of these any good? This is a store that sells exclusively American brands. Are there any other American foodstuffs that you can think of that might be helpful as a part of a post surgery diet?

Hi I had my VSG on 7/19/22. I did not experience the hunger because I was not able to keep down water for 2 days. The worst! However, it got much better on the 3rd day. I weigh myself every Monday as a gauge to stay on track. I also measure myself for non-scale victories (NSV) as this helps me to not just focus on the scale. I did hit the 3 week stall but pushed through by walking/drinking more.

Hey love, Hang in there, I know it's totally normal for anyone to get a little depressed. Just think about the future you and envision what you want from all of this. I am taking it a step at a time. This adjustment is definitely testing how strong I am. Even if you feel tired and sore, walk atleast 10 min. [emoji179][emoji179][emoji179] Sent from my SM-A326U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ignore the number on the scale. What's important is how you feel about where you are. If you absolutely must lose those 10 pounds, and keep those 10 pounds off, get comfortable with dieting for the rest of your life. Sounds horrible to me, but lucky for you, you're not me. If you find you are happy and comfortable where you are, welcome to your new goal. Congratulations. You still need to eat and drink mindfully but it doesn't need to rule your life the way weight loss diets do. Go off and enjoy your life. Those numbers we have in our heads are crazy makers. Yes, you were at your best when you weighed that wonderful weight when you were younger. That's the weight you want. But your body has changed. You now have a larger frame which dieting won't change. That larger frame requires more muscle to move around that dieting wont change. If you get to that perfect number you will not look or feel like you think you will. Whatever path you choose, make sure it's what you-now want, not what you-then wanted. You-then was young and stupid. You-now are experienced and wiser. Good luck, Tek

Hello everyone! I am 20 months post VSG and for the most part I would say its been successful! I was able to donate a kidney to my daughter in January and she is doing GREAT! My hubby is 3 months post VSG and absolutely killing it! I am very happy for the most part. I have changed my goal weight a couple times and really wanted to get at a 125 or 130 but my body is just holding on to the last 10 pounds! I have tried all the tricks to get things rolling, upping my calories a tad, more exercise, less exercise and even did a three day protein shake restriction just to see if that would bump me out of this. I have a tummy tuck with muscle repair scheduled in November. My team told me this is just where my body is comfortable, he called it my new set point. Has anyone been able to knock off that last few pounds without a super crazy calorie deficit. Now that I only have the one kidney I am very aware of what goes in and out of my body and I don't want to do it any harm. I am keeping my protein at 100 grams per the nephrologist and nutritionists request and my calories run about 1300 a day. The math tells me I should still be in loss mode, but clearly I am not. I also keep telling myself that I am no longer overweight and I do not need to hyper focus on that damn scale!!!! BUT watching my hubby drop so many pounds makes me really really want that end goal! Anyway they set me up for my tummy tuck (flur de les with muscle repair) for November and I am excited for that :)

Hi, I am from Olathe KS. My surgery date is 9/19.

I asked my surgeon what they recommended based on my medical history - and why. I really thought she was going to say bypass because of my high BMI and reflux, but she suggested sleeve. I mentioned I was taking Pepcid for reflux - but she pointed out that was only since January and mostly from my hiatal hernia… so fixing that should resolve my reflux. (Only a week out too soon to tell). When I asked about my high BMI she told me that she had some high BMI patients do very well with sleeve - but that she normally recommends a duodenal switch for high bmi and being a 10 hour surgery (with my hernia repair) she likes to do those in two stages… which this allows us that option. Honestly I’m hoping to loose enough that I don’t need to convert. I’m not working towards a specific number - I wanted my liver to improve (it already is showing improvement) and to get healthier. When I hit the number / goal where I feel good then I’ll settle in there. Hopefully I can do that with just the sleeve.

I have issues (digestive) when it comes to artificial sweeteners. I don’t particularly love the taste of most either. I knew going in I would have issues with the artificial sweetener in the pre-op liquid and post liquid stage when options are limited. Most times my sweet tooth is satisfied by fruits - but sometimes I want something more and try to use moderation. I have found built bars (especially the puffs), which do contain erythritol and were recommended by my nutritionist, more than satisfied my sweet tooth (and offer a nice protein boost) when I was eating solids. (That was pre-op… right now I’m a week out from being sleeved). Those were an occasional thing to tide me over on the go and keep me from getting to hungry and over eating. The Fairlife shakes, in moderation didn’t bother me, but when they were my primary source of nutrition - I struggled. I also have a milk allergy so I need to watch how much dairy I consume. I’m ok with a little - but too much and I get stomach cramps and digestive distress. When I called my nutritionist Monday because of the artificial sweetener causing some digestive irritation - she suggested moderation. One of the yogurts she suggested I try had cane sugar & fruit pectin. It was lower in sugar than regular, and had a bump of protein. I had two days to get through until purees, where I could add in real food and transition away from the shakes… so it was getting through. I try to make healthy choices, fresh fruit or no sugar added in general. Occasionally I have some things with artificial sweetener, but keep it limited because past experience has proven it will irritate and inflame my digestive system. I am working towards a balanced approach. My PCP (whose been my Dr for about 44 yrs now) has always told me he’d much rather I have less sugar in moderation than artificial sweetener as a rule. So I am trying to stay within my program guidelines and follow a balanced approach. It takes some creativity, but so far I am making it work. I have more to loose than you do, but I’m pleased with the progress I have made so far. Since I started my weight-loss journey I have lost about 75 pounds so far (50 leading up to my pre-op, 10 in the pre-op liquid phase & 15 since being sleeved last week). I might have had even better progress had I gone strictly sugar free … but I’m striving for maintainable, steady progress - something I can do forever not just a short term “diet”. Moderation seems to be working for me, but I will keep reassessing and working with my team and make adjustments as I go.

Thats awesome. You have knocked 10 points off your BMI already. You are doing so well.

I would buy as little as possible pre-surgery. Like others have said, recommend clearance or thrift store. I am 1.5 years post surgery. I bought clothes at every size. I found a store that sells Department store (Macys) close outs and sells them for $10. I was there constantly buying things as I lost weight. Became really friendly with the store clerk! My weight has been constant for months now, but I have so much fun trying and buying clothes, I still get things, but only if I love them and they’re a good price. I went from a size 18 to now holding steady for over eight months as a size four. I’m hoping to have plastic surgery to remove my extra skin by the end of the year, so I treated myself to two pairs of post-surgery pants I hope to fit in later. I also bought a dress my husband thinks I’m too old for, just because I can! Save your money now and enjoy the journey!

Hi I am 10 weeks out of ESG. I used and highly recommend Dr McGowan out of Raleigh NC. I met virtually with him and his team plus reviewed all his YouTube videos. My starting weight 336, surgery weight 331, current weight 298. I’m also 6’6 The majority came off the first 7 weeks. It’s been slow since I introduced solid foods. You have to be very conscious, or at least I do, as I can eat anything I did before but less. My pre op diet was clear liquids the day before. From the time I left my hotel to procedure, I was back in 3 hours. I never had any issues with getting liquids.

Ouch, I hope not! Ten years ago, the accepted opinion was the whey protein was superior for supporting weight loss and preventing muscle catabolism. More recent research supports that a combination of both whey and casein is superior. I specifically picked the 2 brands I did (Premier Protein and Fairlife), because they were both milk protein instead of just whey. I don't know if this will work, but I'm going to try and post some links to research that supports this view: https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.94.26.14930 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1743-7075-10-46 https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/FO/D0FO01960G https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00106.2012 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-hydrolysed-casein-intact-casein-and-intact-whey-protein-on-energy-expenditure-and-appetite-regulation-a-randomised-controlled-crossover-study/C90335661B4E43ACA05E7C80032D951F

Hi, I am a newbie my surgery date is 9/19/2022. I got the news this morning after the surgeon had peer to peer with insurance provider. They denied me a week ago saying it was not medical necessary. I am really excited about my new journey!