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I'm only 7 months out, but I've stalled a few times. My dietitian actually gave me a plan for what to do if I stall out for two weeks or longer, and that's change things up. Intermittent fasting, changing up your exercise routine, adjusting your calories throughout the week (doing 500, then 1000, then 1200, and then back to 1000, 500 and repeat). Stalls are there because your body got used to what it was doing (most of the time, there are other medical reasons for stalls as well, like constipation and gas and such). If you are only doing the elliptical, maybe try lifting weights or doing a rowing machine? Change it up. Your protein goals sound fabulous, but maybe add a few carbs in there here and there. It's a lot of trial and error trying to figure out what works, which you obviously know. I think your weight is great, and you have done amazingly. Just hang in there, okay? ❤️

I’ve got to be honest, there is no exercise for loose skin. If someone has lost a little bit of weight and has no muscle tone, they could gain a little muscle to push out the skin. But for significant weight loss, skin and exercise are completely separate issues. Unless someone is quite young or won the DNA lottery of skin, there will be loose skin. I’m not trying to be Debbie downer, but those are scientific facts and I hate for people to spend a lot of time and money on things that won’t work (and there are people who will lie for their own reasons, including the beauty industry trying to make money). I wish that weren’t so (but I spent $20,000 on surgery because it is). But there is still looseness on my lower legs and arms that surgery can’t fix. It is just part of the journey. I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to attach a before and after picture of my arm surgery (after my 100 lb loss 7 years ago). There is nothing that would’ve fixed that skin but surgery. 🙇🏼‍♀️

Your BMI is 25.5 - why are you scared that "this is it"? You're at a normal weight already.

Oh, one thing I want to add. I'm 5'3", and at my high weight of 393 I was probably as big around as I was tall, and my stomach touched the steering wheel in my car. It was very uncomfortable. I am 343 now and my stomach no longer touches the steering wheel and I sure won't miss that! Sent from my moto g(6) using BariatricPal mobile app

Glad to hear your surgery went well. Thanks for providing updates as to what to expect.

Hello all - I just started the process for Gastric Sleeve surgery after doing a lot of research on my own. My insurance requires 6 month on a nutrition program, which thankfully I am already in Month 5. The part that has me nervous is the referral requirement. I really have not had a steady primary care physician for the past 6 years - mostly due to the fact that I’ve been so ashamed of my weight. So I really don’t know if I can just walk into a Dr’s office as a new patient and ask for a referral. Can I ask my OBGYN? Not sure if she would be open, but I can try. I have a BMI of 43 along with high blood pressure and sleep apnea so from that sense I don’t believe qualification is an issue. I have completed the initial application for the bariatric surgery clinic and am waiting for them to contact me for next steps. I am concerned about the referral becoming a blocker. I would appreciate it if anyone who has gone through a similar situation can share their experience or advice. Thank you!

^^^ that was my reaction, too. You've done much better than the vast majority of WLS patients, and you're at a normal BMI to boot. What were you expecting?

I just turned 56 in April and had mine. It was the best thing I ever did. So glad I did it. So will you!!!

That is really unkind. you've lost weight and gotten healthier. I'm sorry they aren't being more supportive, you have so much to be proud of! be kind to yourself.

Hey all! So I’m POD #7 & I’m starting to get hungry. Not the pains or anything, but I just feel the need to “crunch & munch” on something! I’ve tried ice cubes, but eh. Any suggestions?