Looking for Inspiring Stories - Gastric Bypass Journeys!

[Justarwaxx 204]

Hi everyone,

I’m 3.5 months post-op from gastric bypass surgery (done on 14th August 2024), and I’ve lost 20 kg so far. Honestly, it still feels surreal to me – like I can’t believe this is actually happening! Sometimes, I doubt it’s even possible to lose more and maintain it long-term.

That’s why I’m here, looking for your stories – both the successes and the challenges.

• How much weight did you lose after gastric bypass, and over what period of time?
• Have you managed to maintain your weight loss, and for how long?
• What were the biggest lessons or hurdles you faced during your journey?

I want to hear it all – the good, the bad, and everything in between. Your experiences mean so much to me and to others who might feel like the road ahead is uncertain.

Let’s Celebrate the wins and learn from the challenges together! ❤️

Looking forward to reading your stories.

[Bypass2Freedom 751]

Congratulations on your success so far! I completely empathise with the surreal feeling - it is almost like a weird out-of-body experience!

I can answer a couple of your questions, obviously not the one about maintenance as I am only like 7-odd months post bypass now I think!

I believe I have lost almost 100lbs now (45kg, 7 stone), and in the initial first 5 months I was really struggling to go to the gym so I wasn't very active. I have started going to the gym now and I am really enjoying it, not seeing as fast-paced weight loss currently, but that could be because of muscle gaining at the gym and normal stalling!

I think my biggest challenge/lesson has been listening to my new stomach now. Understanding when it is full, and also looking at food differently - I just see it as fuel now, rather than thinking about it 24/7 which has been hard. It has also been a challenge to actually accept that I am smaller now - I still instinctively reach for my old clothing size in shops (UK 22-24), and am genuinely shocked when it is too big, or when something I see as "tiny" fits me. The changing the mind is a long haul lesson I believe!

All the best for you on this journey x

[AmberFL 797]

Congrats on how well you have been doing!! I had the gastric sleeve and would love to share my story

The good: I had my surgery on January 24, 2024, and I am now almost one year post-op. I reached my goal weight about seven months after the surgery and have been maintaining it within a +/- 3-pound range. Once I started weightlifting, I noticed a significant transformation in my body, which has kept me motivated because I am starting to love what I see in the mirror. I have gone from a size 2/3X top to an XS/S top, and from size 18 pants to size 4. I never imagined my body could look and feel this good. My health has vastly improved, and I have so much energy. I am happier, and that positivity radiates from me.

The bad/challenges: I still experience episodes of binge eating, although it is not as severe as it was before. However, when I'm not being mindful, I tend to grab chips and eat too many, or take mini candies and other Snacks that I shouldn't have. I am aware of my actions, but for some reason, I don't seem to care in the moment. It has happened maybe two to three times, and each time, I feel really angry with myself. I recognize that this is something I need to work on, and I'm conscious of it. I understand that this will be a lifelong challenge for me, but I am actively working on it and taking it one day at a time. I tend to be hard on myself because I am so afraid of going back to my old habits. This is a second chance at life and I want to make the most of this!

Everyone has their own journey. We will all face challenges and struggles, but for the most part, this is an amazing tool! Make the most of it in the first 12 to 18 months. Take advantage of the rapid weight loss, work out, and engage in activities that intimidated you when you weighed more. Take risks, because I promise you will be so happy that you did!

[The Greater Fool 2,034]

Congratulations on your surgery and success.

To answer your questions first:

How much weight did you lose after gastric bypass, and over what period of time? I lost 500+ pounds over a period of 2 years.

Have you managed to maintain your weight loss, and for how long? I have managed my weight at just about a Normal BMI for just shy of 20 years.

What were the biggest lessons or hurdles you faced during your journey? The biggest hurdle I had was the actual surgery. It was an open surgery where they cut from stem to sturn so they can reach in and manage the surgery then staple things back up. The staples at drain were extraordinarily painful with the slightest movement for the month until they took them out. Another couple weeks after that I was as good as gold.

Next was learning how to eat, chewing, swallowing, learning when I was full, learning that I dumped on fats, then learning I dumped on sugars. Listening to my stomach on what I would be able to tolerate, then how much. Learning not to take that one more bite.

My highest point was running 5 marathons, the third of which was across the Golden Gate Bridge (twice). Never even a hint of a possibility before my surgery.

Good luck,

Tek

[Justarwaxx 204]

On 12/5/2024 at 12:10 PM, Bypass2Freedom said:

Congratulations on your success so far! I completely empathise with the surreal feeling - it is almost like a weird out-of-body experience!

I can answer a couple of your questions, obviously not the one about maintenance as I am only like 7-odd months post bypass now I think!

I believe I have lost almost 100lbs now (45kg, 7 stone), and in the initial first 5 months I was really struggling to go to the gym so I wasn't very active. I have started going to the gym now and I am really enjoying it, not seeing as fast-paced weight loss currently, but that could be because of muscle gaining at the gym and normal stalling!

I think my biggest challenge/lesson has been listening to my new stomach now. Understanding when it is full, and also looking at food differently - I just see it as fuel now, rather than thinking about it 24/7 which has been hard. It has also been a challenge to actually accept that I am smaller now - I still instinctively reach for my old clothing size in shops (UK 22-24), and am genuinely shocked when it is too big, or when something I see as "tiny" fits me. The changing the mind is a long haul lesson I believe!

All the best for you on this journey x 

I completely understand what you mean about the surreal feeling and the challenges of adapting mentally to the changes in our bodies. It's so interesting (and inspiring) to hear about your experience of seeing food as fuel and learning to listen to your new stomach – that’s something I’m working on too. It’s definitely a process to shift those old habits and ways of thinking about food!

I also resonate with the struggle of recognizing our new size. It’s such a strange feeling to realize that clothes we never thought would fit actually do now. It’s a learning curve both physically and mentally, but it sounds like you’re handling it with such grace and determination.

Wishing you all the best with your gym journey – muscle gain definitely changes the scale numbers, but it’s amazing to see your strength and confidence grow! Thank you again for sharing your story – it’s so motivating for me. 💕

[Justarwaxx 204]

On 12/5/2024 at 9:10 PM, AmberFL said:

Congrats on how well you have been doing!! I had the gastric sleeve and would love to share my story

The good: I had my surgery on January 24, 2024, and I am now almost one year post-op. I reached my goal weight about seven months after the surgery and have been maintaining it within a +/- 3-pound range. Once I started weightlifting, I noticed a significant transformation in my body, which has kept me motivated because I am starting to love what I see in the mirror. I have gone from a size 2/3X top to an XS/S top, and from size 18 pants to size 4. I never imagined my body could look and feel this good. My health has vastly improved, and I have so much energy. I am happier, and that positivity radiates from me.

The bad/challenges: I still experience episodes of binge eating, although it is not as severe as it was before. However, when I'm not being mindful, I tend to grab chips and eat too many, or take mini candies and other Snacks that I shouldn't have. I am aware of my actions, but for some reason, I don't seem to care in the moment. It has happened maybe two to three times, and each time, I feel really angry with myself. I recognize that this is something I need to work on, and I'm conscious of it. I understand that this will be a lifelong challenge for me, but I am actively working on it and taking it one day at a time. I tend to be hard on myself because I am so afraid of going back to my old habits. This is a second chance at life and I want to make the most of this!

Everyone has their own journey. We will all face challenges and struggles, but for the most part, this is an amazing tool! Make the most of it in the first 12 to 18 months. Take advantage of the rapid weight loss, work out, and engage in activities that intimidated you when you weighed more. Take risks, because I promise you will be so happy that you did! 

One of the biggest changes for me has been learning to trust the process and not overthink every fluctuation or slight change in how I feel after eating. It’s definitely a mental shift!

I also resonate with the fear of falling back into old habits. While I haven’t struggled with binge eating, I do find myself constantly aware of my choices and trying to avoid the patterns that got me here in the first place. It's a delicate balance between being mindful and not overly critical of myself.

Your advice about making the most of the first 12–18 months really hit home. I’ve been working on becoming more active, and I’ve set a goal to run a 5K by February 2024. It feels so empowering to set fitness goals that once seemed impossible!

It’s so encouraging to hear how much your health, energy, and confidence have improved. Thank you for the reminder to take risks and enjoy this journey – I needed that boost! Sending you lots of positivity as you continue to work on yourself and maintain all your incredible progress! 💕

[Justarwaxx 204]

8 hours ago, The Greater Fool said:

Congratulations on your surgery and success.

To answer your questions first:

How much weight did you lose after gastric bypass, and over what period of time? I lost 500+ pounds over a period of 2 years. 

Have you managed to maintain your weight loss, and for how long? I have managed my weight at just about a Normal BMI for just shy of 20 years.

What were the biggest lessons or hurdles you faced during your journey? The biggest hurdle I had was the actual surgery. It was an open surgery where they cut from stem to sturn so they can reach in and manage the surgery then staple things back up. The staples at drain were extraordinarily painful with the slightest movement for the month until they took them out. Another couple weeks after that I was as good as gold.

Next was learning how to eat, chewing, swallowing, learning when I was full, learning that I dumped on fats, then learning I dumped on sugars. Listening to my stomach on what I would be able to tolerate, then how much. Learning not to take that one more bite.

My highest point was running 5 marathons, the third of which was across the Golden Gate Bridge (twice). Never even a hint of a possibility before my surgery.

Good luck, 

Tek

Wow, thank you for sharing your story—it’s incredible what you’ve achieved! Losing over 500 pounds and maintaining it for 20 years is beyond inspiring. Your perseverance and the way you’ve pushed through every hurdle is truly admirable.

Your marathon achievements are so inspiring! I’ve set a goal to run my first 5K by February 2024, and knowing you’ve run five marathons makes me feel like that dream is absolutely possible. It’s such a motivator to think about how far we can push ourselves once we’re healthier.

Thank you for your kind words and encouragement—it means a lot to hear from someone who’s been through this journey so successfully. Wishing you continued health and happiness as you maintain your incredible progress! 💕

[ChubRub 1,705]

Congrats on your success thus far!!!

My stats are in my signature, but I had WLS in December 2019, which seems like a lifetime ago, although it's only been 5 years! I maintained at 112-118 for the first 4 years, and then last year I regained about 20lbs. I decided to try Mounjaro and quickly lost the 20lbs, and am back to maintaining, and this morning weighed in at 116 (daily weighing is a must for me! LOL!).

I didn't really have an hurdles or obstacles, and I confess that I sometimes feel a little guilty that's in been so easy!

I'm turned 50 this year, but I feel better than I felt when I was 30 (and look way better too! LOL!!)

I also have had a few plastic surgeries along the way, which I also highly recommend if you can afford it. I'm a brand new me!! 🙂

Best of luck to you in your journey to a new YOU!!!

[learn2cook 578]

Congratulations on your new you! My RNY surgery was August 12, 2021.

My biggest fear before WLS was maintenance. I kept loosing until 2yrs, 3mo. There were a number of stalls, a couple of gains, but maintenance isn’t that bad. The stats are in the file on here, but I lost 75lbs before surgery, and 75lbs after. My tops are the same size as when I was 5’7” and 140lbs at age 20 so I think I’m there (I’ve aged and shrunk, and acquired a load of skin since then. It all hangs around my belly apron and above my knees.) I’m 56yrs old and love being active and staying active is my passion. The trick is to find activities you love, then let yourself obsess over them!

The secret to my maintenance is smell. I have wicked allergies and noticed I loose weight easily when I can’t smell anything. So, I “forget” to take my nasal spray, or wear a mask with peppermint scent in it. Viola, 5-10 lbs falls off in a week. Thankfully, I also dump on sugar so I don’t need to do the smell trick often :)

[Christina B1128 22]

Congrats! Welcome to the post-op club!

I will be 2 years post-op next month. I can't believe how fast the time has flown! I am now at 132 pounds and feeling the best I have in years. To be honest, I have not had many issues so far, the most difficult one being my hemoglobin and ferritin levels were down to 8 and 5 respectively back in February. So my nutritionist said I needed to start Iron (nature's way ultimate iron) that and along with iron infusions for 5 weeks brought me up to hemoglobin 13 and ferritin 22. To be fair, I've been anemic most of my life, but a gastric bypass makes iron harder to absorb as it is.

I have a membership to the YMCA. I dance and I love Zumba and Pilates. I've also started Vinyasa Yoga. My biggest chunk of weight came off last March after a 3-week stall. I don't have dumping syndrome as much. I like to stay active and now that I have way more energy it is doable. It's been a year since I'm off of CPAP. Prediabetes gone, A1C at 5.5. Inflammation is nonexistent in my lab draws. I love buying smaller clothes and I love this new me.

Maintenance has been fairly easy, I keep in mind that I never want to be obese again.