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So as not to hijack an existing thread, I thought I'd start a new one. Since I began looking into bariatric surgery in 2019, I've done much research and reading. On the internet, I limited myself to sites that I knew were reputable and were evidence-based (i.e., Mayo Clinic) rather than sites that were trying to sell surgery. Once I was accepted into my program, I watched videos suggested by the program (i.e., Dr. Matthew Weiner) and took to heart the information I was given from my program. I came into the program with a lot of pre-existing knowledge on nutrition and diet having grown up with a Type 1 diabetic father and myself a Type 2. Despite that knowledge base, I obviously wasn't applying it or I would not have been to the point where I was considering surgery. One of the hardest things I had to do throughout my surgery preparation appointments and meetings was to go in and actually listen. I accepted that my way wasn't working and if I was going to proceed with a body and life-altering surgery, I needed to adopt what I was being taught. As you can see in my stats, it's worked. But I know I'm not done learning, maintaining and working on making good decisions and healthy choices for the long-term. In my classes, the dietician warned about social-media, weight-loss surgery groups. I admit that I move in and out of some groups. The overall lack of information and sharing of misinformation boggles my mind. It certainly proved that there are programs and doctors simply out to make money and there are patients willing to believe anything they are told without doing their own research or taking accountability for their own actions. I was grateful to find this site and have a source of information rather than opinion. I was happy to hear from WLS veterans who have gone through the process and how they are successfully maintaining. I wanted to hear what those experiences were so that I can learn from them. I did not want them to sugar-coat the truth and I did not expect unmitigated "support." If my understanding or behavior was counterproductive, I wanted to hear that. I needed to hear that. I still do. There seems to be a misconception that in order to be supportive, someone needs to say your choices are ok. Being truthful with someone, does not always mean saying what and how you are doing things is ok.

You are not going to have a problem living with high protein low carb. I was a huge lover of bread and other carbs...huge. After I went on the diet and got the surgery, the weight falling off literally changed my whole perspective in a couple ways: 1. I physically cannot eat carbs and bread like before because it fills me up too fast and makes me feel ill. I am just not interested in carbs and fatty foods any more. 2. Once you see the weight coming off, you will be motivated to keep it going off. 3. You learn to eat your protein first and veggies next. After that, there is no room for carbs. I really don't miss the carbs at all. 4. You will be satisfied by the food you eat so it is not like before...nothing like before so you have to forget now and realize your body is changed and you are NOT PHYSCIALLY ABLE TO EAT LIKE THAT ANY MORE.

I agree. WLS is not for everyone, perhaps not even for most. I further agree that with or without surgery, losing weight is a matter of calories in vs. calories out. WLS is not magic. It requires us to follow a well defined plan for the rest of our lives, lest we not lose enough or even gain the weight back. It requires commitment. It's not sold as easy, at least not to me. How did you imagine all this would play out for you? Literally, what did you expect you needed to do and what the surgery would do? Tek

Do you mean liposuction? I had it years ago when i was “just overweight” and little bit again 2 years ago when I had plastics after reaching WLS goal. Here is an explanation of the process Mayo Clinic will have a better explanation than I ever would: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586 From a practical perspective, the procedure is more for pockets of fat, vs. overall weight loss. It removes fat, but does not firm up skin. If you gain weight, the remaining fat cells in your body will just get bigger, so its not a permanent solution in that sense. Case in point: i still managed to make myself morbidly obese years after i had the procedure. And yep the areas i had it done still got huge. But if you have stubborn pockets of fat that don’t reduce despite weight loss in other parts of your body, its quite effective. Its usually employed during plastics procedures to get that sculpted look. Good Luck! ❤️

I am so pleased for you. I hope you have a good recovery now

Everyone has covered the mental aspects, so I won't repeat. But I'm curious... 1. Do you feel restriction when you eat? At six weeks out, it should be very apparent. What happens if you overeat? 2. What kind of food are you eating? Are you following an eating plan? Or just eating whatever? 3. Do you eat meals? Graze? Both? What is your style of eating? 4. Are you hungry all the time? Or do you eat out of boredom, as a coping mechanism, etc? The folks on this site are super-knowlegeable and might be able to help you figure out what's going on if you provide more information.

hope you get everything sorted today. When we are vulnerable its tough to have something else to worry about . Big hugs

There is a Baritastic app that is very easy to use to track your calories. You can scan items or manually add them. Super quick super easy just go to your App Store and search Baritastic you will find it. I’ve watched my 600 pound life and it seems that they do not loose weight or start to regain when they eat to high of calories or wrong food. Like mashed potatoes and gravy etc. remember high Protein low carb. (Maybe try watching a few episodes you glean a lot of insight and information from it) I would try to get in with your nutritionist after you have logged your food for a week if you still are not loosing. Remember the surgery is just a tool not a miracle! Good luck!

Wouldn’t be an issue to start early. You could always start out slowly - swap out one meal for a couple of days, then a second meal, then the third meal. Might even make transition to just the shakes easier & the withdrawal (from sugar, caffeine, etc.) side effects less harsh to cope with. Good luck with your surgery.

I'm kind of in the same boat. My marriage feels over I've tried a million things for it to work but I'm the only one trying. He was with me at the hospital for about 30 mins the day of my surgery and that's it. My daughter had to care for me. I wish I could find someone who truly appreciated me and truly cared and showed it! I guess people just change.... Sent from my SM-G981U using BariatricPal mobile app