Search the Community

All - Thanks for the great responses. It gives me faith in this forum that I can ask a question and get real answers, without worrying about the negative crap and the shaming you might get in a Facebook group or other forums I have been in. Today is my last day of my "Week 1 Clear Liquid" stage so I wait till tomorrow to choose a few items from my "Week 2 Full Liquid" stage. I'm still a week away from oatmeal and bananas. The clear liquid week, as sucky as it has been, did allow me to lose 10 lbs so far. So I'll call it a win.

Hi ViaLia! My starting BMI was higher than yours at about 42, and I can only comment as someone 10 months post-surgery, but it's been a fantastic surgery for me. I'm not far off my goal and feeling very good. The restriction is strong, but I've had no issues getting my protein, water and vitamins. No dumping - however I'm still very wary with the foods that can cause it. My weight loss has slowed down a lot now that I'm getting closer to goal, my appetite is easy to manage. It may be possible for some to lose too much weight, but I don't expect that would strictly be the fault of the surgery. I eat about 1000 to 1200 calories a day now. That will go up a little more once I reach my goal and begin maintenance. I would never have gotten to where I am now without the MGB. It stopped the self-sabotage and I couldn't be happier with how it's gone.

As everyone has said it is to support the healing of your tummy & not to stress & strain it. Remember all those sutures & staples holding your tummy together. Think how you would protect a large wound & sutures on your arm or leg & how long that would take to heal. Purées are thicker which is why they are the stage after liquids. They should still be runny but not watery like the liquid stage. With soft foods think slow cooked, fall of the bone tender, minced meats, braised, etc. Foods that needs some chewing but not a lot. Think how much work your tummy has to do to digest thicker & then more solid denser foods. Plans differ but they also have a lot of similarities too. Some surgeons, like mine, tailor the pre & post diets to their patient. Some have specific requirements based upon their experiences. The best advice is always to follow the one you were given. But of course you can ask your surgeon & dietician why your plan is as it is & you may be able to negotiate slight adjustments based upon your recovery & needs. Yes, some plans recommend avoiding certain foods & liquids to not aggravate your healing. After surgery, we tend to produce extra stomach acid, hence why many are prescribed PPIs for a period after surgery. Carbonated drinks, caffeine, etc. can stir up the acid in your tummy causing discomfort & reflux symptoms. We’re told to avoid foods like rice, pasta & bread because they tend to swell in your tummy, filling you quickly. Remember your focus is on getting in your protein & that can be challenging enough in the post surgical stages. These foods also have little nutritional value. Consuming nutritionally dense food is important while you can eat so little to ensure you’re getting in the vitamins, minerals, etc. your body needs. While losing many of us are advised to follow the rule to eat your protein first, then vegetables as you can, then high fibre carbs only if you are able. If you can only eat 1/4 - 1/3 cup of purée & soft food to begin like I was, why eat food that fills you without giving you the nutrients your body needs. It also gets you starting to think about your food choices & the quality of the food you are eating. I still follow a lot of this: protein first, nutritionally dense foods, etc. Foods like peas & potatoes are considered higher in sugar & in starch (which converts more quickly to sugar). They’re not included in keto diets. Not saying you’re on a keto diet but you’ll notice influences from lots of different diets & eating styles on your food recommendations while losing. The reason why we’re advised to avoid dried fruit is you tend to eat more dried fruit than you would eat them as fresh. We can easily eat several pieces of dried fruits but remember 2 dried apricots is 1 apricot, a prune is a plum. Their sweetness is concentrated too in their dried form so you are continuing to feed your desire for sugar. Same with juice. Honey is just another firm of sugar. This is an opportunity to break some of your food dependencies & cravings. For many of us lots of foods become super sweet & quite awful to eat too during these first months when our tastebuds become extra sensitive. Many are able to go back to eating small amounts of restricted foods while losing or in maintenance. Personally I still don’t eat potatoes, rice, bread or pasta. I find them too heavy & I feel blah on the odd occasion I’ve tried them since I lost my weight. But that’s me. The first months are the most challenging because the food you likely depended upon to comfort, soothe & make you happy has been taken away from you. So you think about & crave them more. But food doesn’t actually comfort you or make you happy you just think they do. Realising & understanding this is part of the head work we all have to do. This whole process is about breaking poor eating habits, poor food choices & establishing new habits, introducing new foods, etc. & discovering what works best for you. The most restrictive aspects of the diet are only for a short period of time & are to benefit your immediate health & recovery. The long term changes you will choose to make are to enable you to maintain a lower weight & live a happier, more active & healthier life long term. Sorry for the 10 000 word response.

Update i 7/19/22 im able to eat thin crust pizza i buy frozen then come home cook it n pat it down with a paper towel to get the extra greasy off then i can eat one piece sometime alot of time i only eat half a slice

My surgery is this Friday and I have only my husband and close family that know about it. At the moment I have no desire to tell anyone. Most of my close friends have seen my weight fluctuate drastically. On another note, throughout this process (specifically endoscopy) I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and my friends know about that diagnosis. My plan is to say that I am working with a dietician and really watching my food intake...which is true. I feel I have no need to expand after that. I did tell my family not to tell anyone. Once I have the surgery, I may feel more relaxed and tell people but right now it is a definite NO. I told them that I am telling them for their support and not to have secrets. However, this is only my story to tell when and if I choose to reveal it. Side note: it took me almost 10 years to get the Celiac diagnosis. Whenever I tried to explain my symptoms, my doctor would always say I have IBS and gastric issues because I am fat. I switched to a new doctor and I couldn't believe my ears when she said that my gastric issues were making me fat! I finally feel like I am on the right path!

This surgery was the best thing ever for my low back pain. It would hurt just standing washing dishes. My pain was gone when I dropped around the first 10 pounds.

I am 10 months out. For me, it started at 3 months and has only just recently slowed down. It happens to everyone to varying degrees, it is temporary, with WILL stop and the hair WILL grow back. There really isn't anything you can do to stop the loss, you just have to wait it out (its called telogen effluvium). Make sure you are getting your protein and get your labs done to ensure nutritional deficiencies don't make it worse. Collagen and Biotin can help with regrowth, but won't do much during the loss.

I’m having a hard time making a final decision on the surgery. About a year ago I weighed 350. In the last few months I really decided to step up my weight loss game. I’ve now lost 80 lbs and am 270. Obviously I still qualify for the surgery, but I’m having a hard time deciding on moving forward. I’m still losing about 10 lbs a month, but I know weight regain is a huge issue for people who don’t have the surgery. Any advice or suggestions?

most of us experience our first major stall within the first month or so after surgery. We call it the "three week stall" since it's often the third week post-op, but not always. Mine was weeks 2 and 3. And no, your body isn't done. I'd lost about 10 lbs by the time I hit my first stall, and I ended up 20 months later down over 200 lbs. if you stick to your plan, the stall will break and you'll be on your way again. If it's getting to your head too much, then stay off the scale for a few days. The stall typically lasts 1-3 weeks.

I’m interested to see who is eating salad. I really want to eat salad. I miss it! I’m thinking of chopped steamed spinach in the meantime. My stall was at 4 weeks and lasted 3 days. I immediately went back on liquids with 1 tablespoon of puréed food/once a day, and the numbers are going down again. My water is always first and always at least 64 ounces. No artificial sweeteners or flavors in it. Crystal lite, etc make me stall. It’s not my imagination. As a former runner, I am very aware of what I should and should not consume. I don’t eat cheese…I do eat cottage cheese. No more potatoes since I’m off purée basically. I think I’ve had total 4 tablespoons of mashed potatoes during purée stage. I love chocolate hummus, bone broth, smoked salmon, a one-egg white omelette… and food was not important to me for most of my life so I’m thrilled to be back ‘there’ again. I am so happy and relieved to finally after 10 years of trying to lose weight that there is not anything I feel the need to eat. I’m 100% committed to maintaining at least my mind set that social encounters and occasions do not have to include food. And, if they do, I can be present with a glass of ice water. I’m so thankful that I’ve had this procedure (RNY), I no longer have acid reflux (typically 10-12 Pepcid a day if not more), I am not short of breath (type IV hiatal hernia)…I am incredibly blessed. This is the best thing I have ever done for me!

It's so hard isn't it! I'm glad you found a therapist, because it is absolutely a control issue. I would also suggest a different lunch. You could mix the hummus with greek yogurt for example, it would up the protein and volume and actual work on the hunger part. Your daily intake definitely doesn't look like enough for 2 workouts a day! I've printed out lists of protein snacks so that I can choose a higher protein=y option. If you will focus on anything, focus on your water and protein numbers to start. Another thought - are you taking anti-acids or ppis? If I don't take mine, I feel like I'm ravenous all day. I've read that the acidity causes our brain's response to make us feel like we are hungry. Finally, my loss is exactly like yours. down a bit... waits a bit... down a bit... waits a bit. I feel like I only "lose" every 10 days or so. It's bizarre! oh, and finally for sure On FB there's a group called Bariatric Beast. It's tough love but I've found the most direct and straightforward support there. No waffling hehehehe. Might be worth a look. Girl - YOU GOT THIS!

I buy when things are on sale and if I have a coupon that’s even better! But, I shop for a household of 5 (mostly children) so stocking up on things like Mac and cheese, pasta, and crackers is a must. I will admit though that I have an obscene amount of peanut/nut butter (at least 10 jars) and I just cleared out my energy drink stash and took it to work. I might just see how long I can go without going to the store.

Yeah, I have regained 10-15 pounds from my lowest, and it scares the crap out of me. But I have to admit my face looks a little less ghoulish. I am probably pretty lucky in that I don't have a wattle from losing my double chin (I'm also pleasantly surprised by how decent my arms look; I'm not wearing tank tops in public or anything, but I'm also not needing an arm lift). We've all seen people who have gone through this surgery and gained back most or all of the weight, and I'm terrified that if I take my eye off the prize, that will be me. I don't know if my rebound is from the malabsorption wearing off or because I've relaxed too much about food, but I don't like where I'm headed and I feel like I need to be more vigilant than ever. I've tried two therapists and they were no help at all... Unfortunately, it is really hard to find therapists who understand the struggles of bariatric patients.

I've been on the full liquid diet like I should, but my daughters made a batch of tater tot coins in the air fryer and I took one. Just one. I feel guilty because I know it's not the best for my healing stomach. However, I can say that at least it was only one coin (not even a full size tot). There is only so much sweets one can handle (liquid diets are like 90% sweet and 10% broth). I don't plan on doing it again anytime soon, but wanted to know if anyone else has slipped? I have asked nicely that they don't make those foods in front of me while I'm recovering, and they agree. I clearly have more issues with food addiction than originally thought. I will continue working on that too. Sent from my SM-S908U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Was given the all clear to try regular coffee if desired. Yesterday was my birthday and I chickened out of getting a birthday skinny mocha. Today I did end up trying a small one and my god. This is probably hour 2 of dumping. Anxiety? Check Heart palpitations? Check Nausea? Check General uneasy feeling? Check 0/10 do not recommend!

a lot of people (most, actually) have a 10-20 lb rebound gain during year 2 or 3 - so if you haven't had that yet, it may help with the drawn look. Also, things sort of shift around after your body settles in at your new weight, so that also helps. Although I also lost over 200 lbs and looked older (well, probably more my age, since I looked younger than I was when I was fat). But I ended up having a face/neck lift, esp since I didn't like my turkey neck. it sounds like you're overly obsessed with your weight and eating. I've been accused of that as well, and I've backed off a bit - although since doing that, it's been harder to keep my weight in check. It's gone up a bit more, but it's still acceptable (well, at least to my PCP and my surgeon - personally, I'd rather be 10 lbs lighter than I am now). But I think I'm in a better place stress-wise since I'm not so obsessed with my weight and eating. I agree with some of the posters above that maybe it would help to work with a dietitian and therapist...

Today is my 2-year surgiversary. I've lost 200 pounds from my highest weight -- a staggering amount when you think about it. I'm literally (less than) half the person I used to be. I should be on top of the world, right?! I don't want to dismiss the many scale and non-scale victories I've had, but it's not all rainbows and butterflies. When I catch a glimpse of myself in a mirror, I'm taken aback by two things: how small I am, and how freaking ugly. I was certainly never beautiful -- not even "pretty for a fat chick" or "would be cute if I lost some weight" -- but now, I look downright scary. I probably look 10 years older than when I was fat. My hair was already fine and flat before surgery, and now I've lost a lot of it and it hasn't grown back and it's a mess no matter what I do. Ironically, people often tell me I look great, which is obviously code for "not fat anymore." Sometimes, before saying I look great, they ask me if I'm sick or if I lost weight on purpose. I don't know what the point of that is; if I said I lost weight because I'm sick, would they instead say, "You look like $h!t"? When I imagined my life after surgery, I thought I would be the same person, but smaller. The same person, but able to wear non-plus sized clothes, fit into an airplane seat without a seatbelt extender, not have to check the weight limit on furniture and ladders. The same person, but without hypertension and diabetes. I guess, deep down, I knew that wouldn't be the case, because that's a big part of what held me back from having the surgery for so many years. I didn't want my life to revolve around my pouch. I didn't want to give up my favorite foods and think so hard about everything I eat. I definitely didn't want to turn into one of those boring a-holes who never shut up about their diet and exercise regimen. But here I am, and I feel like weight loss has taken over my life. I spend so much time and energy preparing and eating healthy foods, working out, keeping up with my supplements, that I don't have room for anything else. There was a period of time after my surgery when I felt great and full of energy, but now I'm tired all the time, and despite being in the best shape of my life, I feel weak because I no longer have 300+ pounds to throw around. People used to be surprised by my strength, but now I struggle to open pickle jars and heavy doors. (Yes, I've had my bloodwork checked and everything is great; the working theory is that the bradycardia due to rapid, massive weight loss is what's causing these problems.) I used to be incredibly devoted to my job, and most people would describe me as the hardest worker they knew (maybe a workaholic), and now I just don't have the same drive that I used to because I'm so focused on my weight. I feel like I'm letting everyone down because I'm no longer up for spending all my free time working. I think I was a better human being when I was fat. If I -- with the benefit of the hindsight I have now -- could go back in time to two years ago, when my morbidly obese self arrived at the hospital, and still had time to change my mind, would I still go through with having the surgery? 100% yes, without hesitation.

Hi Bebaeg, Thank you so much for asking. I had my revision on May 9. I’ve lost 33-ish pounds. I get stuck in the middle of the next 10 pounds, so right now I’m fluctuating between 264 and 266. When I first stalled, I realized that I was severely constipated. I’m finding that that happens a lot. Unfortunately, the solution leads to the opposite problem of diarrhea. 🙄 I’m grateful for what I’ve lost, but it’s still frustrating.

Hi Kevin, I’m so happy things are going well for you. I think I’m starting to turn a corner. My surgery was 7/12. I also had a hiatal hernia repair. I agree the hiatal hernia repair is where most of the pain is coming from, my doc said that he kinda tightened up the opening of the esophagus to match the size of the new tummy so that is also why it’s probably a little harder to drink/eat too much. I ended up having to go in and get IV Fluids yesterday because I was unable to take in more that 10 Oz a day. I discovered today (like you) that if I took my pain meds regularly, I had less problems. I already took in 8 Oz of water in my first half hour of being awake. The IV gave me energy so I think I’ll bet back to walking outside. I’m so hopeful that things are on the mend. Now to figure out how to get at least 60 grams of protein in.

I’m a week out from surgery and yes I’m hungry. I had the lapband for 10 years and never once felt hungry. I am still weak feeling. I’m now eating protein shakes, broths, jello, Greek yogurt and I added a scrambled egg. The egg did help. I did read that when you don’t get enough protein you will be hungry. I can’t eat more than I am.

It cost me £150 to see the surgeon for initial chat Then £150 for dietician and bariatric nurse chat Then £150 for psych evaluation rip off Then another £150 to see surgeon to set date Then it cost £10, 999 for operation package which includes 2 years follow up with dietician. I had to stay in 5 extra days at no extra cost

I told my boss as soon as I decided, BUT never told her it was WLS. I was also have esophagus repairs done, and a hernia fixed. So I told her that part, my appointments didn't make me miss work because they had early and later appointments. I only missed work for a few hours on 2 different occasions up till my surgery. I had lost a large amount of weight many times before so it is not that surprising for me to be loosing weight so I knew people who knew me long term wouldn't think much of it other than me just loosing weight AGAIN! Very few people in my life know, maybe 10? I don't honestly know if I am ashamed of it or just prefer privacy. I have lost 100+ lbs 4 other times in my life so I guess if people knew I had surgery they would be judgy and I don't need all that! Everyone I did tell was very supportive. Logical comments, like what about the risks? How does it effect you long term? Fair questions, nothing like "why would you do that" " just go on a diet".. etc. You have to do what you feel comfortable with; tell, don't tell. Whatever makes you happy!

My sister who got the sleeve 2 years ago gave me this advice and it's rang true for me: every day you'll be able to drink a little more water than the next. Dont worry about the 64 oz just yet, it's impossible. They day I came home I couldnt drink 20oz even, I just did enough to stay hydrated. Today is day 10 post for me and I only reached the goal yesterday. At my week post op visit, they said I should be around 50oz right now. Sow but steady!

I have been wanting to create a topic on my weight loss journey after having reached BMI of under 30 and not being obese anymore but thought to wait it out so I can cross off other aspects from the checklist. This morning I weighted - 133.2 Lbs. Height is 4' 10.2" (148cm). BMI 27.6. Heightest weight was 234 lbs, of which I lost 15lbs pre-Op and another 10 lbs during the pre-Op diet. I was at 210 lbs on the day of the surgery. So officially I have lost 100+ lbs of my highest weight ever 🥳 This is the lowest I have ever been ever since I remember. Last lowest I remember was 137lbs, more than a decade ago, post Dr. Bernstein's weight loss program. But that weight loss program kick started the vicious cycle of yo yo dieting and wrecked metabolism, which I hopefully isn't the case anymore with much more controlled healthy eating habits. I just wanted to thank so many of the folks out here who have been extremely supportive not only on the open forum but also in DMs. During the ever so confusing beginning months, this forum came to help time and again. If not for this one, I wouldn't have known about the 3 weeks stalls. Clinic never covered this aspect of the weight loss and I definitely would have freaked if not for the knowledge I consumed out here. So thank you everyone for making this community friendly, supportive and helpful. I still have a bit more to go to achieve my goal and get under 25 and hopefully maintain around 22 or 23ish of BMI, but I'll cross the bridge when and if happens. For now, just enjoying the joy of my current physical and mental state of mind. This surgery truly has blown a new life within after wanting to give up on it time and again in the past. Truly grateful for taking in the dive. 🥰

You look great! I had mine Feb 8 and am now down 90lbs 10 more to go for my big 100 lol but the loose skin is killing me I feel like nothing is tightening and it has me very self conscious. I got loose skin on my legs belly arms I hate it. I haven’t had any hair loss yet thankfully but the loose skin is killing me. I keep wanting to find a good wrap or something to hold my belly in because I just hate how it hangs. Anyone using some type of tummy shape wear and if so want to drop names or where u got them?!?!?!?