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Oh wow - I also cannot go to bed hungry. I thought I was alone in this (seems so weird but I just cannot sleep if I am). I would rather be hungry all day than risk not being full at bedtime. So - as soon as I could eat solid food after my sleeve I purposely hoarded calories to eat at bedtime. Probably 20% plus of my daily allowance. And ideally carby - so, porridge with fruit, or toast, etc. I kind of relate this to my night owl metabolism generally. I know that morning people (larks) mightn't understand that but as a fellow night owl I totally totally do. Chronotypes are real and they have an impact on weight loss.

Hey there! I started with a lower BMI and had lots of success! I am 5’ 5”, started at 209. Within 6mo I was WNL and a year later I was about 145lbs & am happily staying there. I have actually heard that lower BMI (30-35) has more long term success with the sleeve, in part because folks at that level tend to not have as many food addiction or unhealthy habits. There are some studies going on to demonstrate the success of lower BMI folks, with the hope that eventually insurance will cover lower BMIs more often. (I just eeked in at BMI of 35 at my highest- may have purposefully gained a few to do it.) IMHO the trick is to track what you eat and have a balanced diet (not another low carb, highly processed fad nonsense diet that’s just going to fail long term.) So, yes! Lower BMI patients absolutely have a ton of success. And potentially have greater long term success. So go for it! You will do great.

It actually is quite common & for most it’s temporary. I’ve never had an issue with my blood pressure, 120/80, regardless what I weighed. Though I did always have a tendency towards a low BP - a family thing - where it would drop & I’d get light headed, loss of vision at odd times. Now my BP is low all the time & I experience orthostatic hypotension (postural pressure drops) daily. (And a lower heart rate too.) The vision loss, slight throb in my head, is just part of my life when getting up (from sitting, lying & crouching/kneeling), doing too much, etc. I think carrying weight kept my BP at a healthy level & the low BP is actually normal for me. My GP isn’t too concerned. I guess because I manage it. Keep your fluids up, add a little salt too your diet. Take your time getting up giving your heart a chance to get the blood back up to your head.

As a retired nurse ,I think as long as you arent having any symptoms I wouldnt worry about it. Thats not really all that low. Make sure you are getting enough fluids.

What is everyone's goals after weight loss? Mine are; To be able to keep up with my son. To have more energy. To be healthier. My weight actually embarrasses me and I do worry if people are making rude comments about it. So to be able to be confident. To not have to worry if a piece of clothing is going to be in my size. To finally work in a salon. (I swell up if I stand too long) To not swell up if I stand for a long time. If I go to a theme park, it's my goal to be able to fit in the rides without embarrassment. To take photos with my son again. Those are to name a few, what are yours?

There seems to be some confusion in this thread. As @Arabesque mentioned, when we talk about "gas pain" immediately post surgery, this is not from gas in your intestines, which is what most people think of when we talk about gas pain. "Gas pain" post abdominal surgery is literally from the gas the surgeon used to expand your abdomen. They do this to be able to see and have room to work. Carbon Dioxide is the most commonly used gas for this, but I have heard of other gases like nitrous oxide also being used. This gas is eventually absorbed into your tissues and carried away by your bloodstream. It does NOT end up in your intestines. This gas causes pain primarily by pressing on your diaphragm. This is one of the reasons it can be a bit painful to breathe, along with residual effects of the anesthesia. By pressing on your diaphragm, it irritates the phrenic nerve. This sometimes causes "referred pain" in your shoulder. It's not that the gas has escaped and settled in your shoulder region, it's just due to the nerve irritation. The phrenic nerve runs from your diaphragm, up into your shoulder region, and up your neck to your brain.

My results with the sleeve are completely different. I DO get sick eating sugar, rich foods, etc. It has been 8 years since my surgery and I have kept the weight off (100+ lb. weight loss).

I had a moment as the swelling went down where I was annoyed because I still had two bumps on my sides. Upon further examination I realized this wasn’t fat or skin rolls, it was actually my hip bones sticking out. I had never seen that before and wasn’t aware of the possibility 😅. Post bariatric and/or plastic surgery body changes are weird, y’all.

You have done so well. Thank you for the encouragement. Please may I ask whether you are still losing weight a year out or whether you're done now? Did you decide what your final goal was or did your sleeve decide for you??

1. You can get a sleeve if you want to, but it's not necessary. I've had my left arm amputated twice before and have been able to live a normal life without any problems. I don't think it's necessary to have a sleeve. If you do choose to have a sleeve, make sure you're getting one that fits properly. There are some sleeves out there that are way too big and cause a lot of pain. Also, make sure you're having it done by someone who knows what they're doing. 2. You'll need to learn how to use prosthetics. You'll need to learn how your prosthetic works and how to care for it. Make sure you know how to clean it, oil it, and adjust it. You'll also need to learn how to put it on and take it off. 3. You'll need to find a good prosthetist. Make sure you find a good prosthetists who specializes in amputees. Most people who have a limb removed end up going to a doctor who does general orthopedics. These doctors aren't trained to work with prosthetics. A good prosthetist should be able to help you figure out what size socket you need and where to place it. 4. You'll need to buy new clothes. If you decide to go ahead with a sleeve, you'll probably need to buy new clothes since you won't be able to wear your old ones anymore. 5. You'll need to get fitted for a new prosthesis. This means finding a prosthetist who specializes in amputee prosthetics. Once you find him/her, make sure you tell them about your situation and ask them questions about your options. 6. You'll need to start taking medication again. When you have a sleeve, you'll need to start taking medications again. Your doctor may prescribe you different types of drugs depending on what kind of amputation you had. 7. You'll need to deal with depression. Depression is something that many people struggle with after losing a limb. Make sure you talk to your doctor about ways to combat this problem.