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The rationale behind the pouch test is not necessarily to jump start the weight loss again. It's not about caloric restriction. As you thought, reverting back to a liquid followed by pureed diet helps to tighten up the stomach a bit again, closer to the size it was immediately post-op. When you eat less (or less bulk) your stomach shrinks. When you eat more, it expands. This is what you want to try to mitigate and manage long term. There have been times in this past year when I started eating more than I should at one time or snacking too often or falling victim to the carb monster, so I started doing the pouch test to boost my restriction. Some people use the 5:2 plan to get back on track, some use the pouch test, some do both or neither. Everyone is different. Whatever plan works for keeping you at goal weight and keeps you accountable in the long run is what you should do.

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume you don't work in the medical field, k? Want to know why it seems like everyone on here has a different plan and experience? Because of two universal truths of medicine: Every. patient. is. different. & Every. physician. is. different. I hope this clears things up. Let common sense be your guide and you will do fine on your WLS journey, whether you reach out for support on this site or not.

Admittedly, as a stats nerd this article and associated study made me snicker. The Lancet is really going downhill in terms of quality publishing. "The study also found that more than 50 per cent of the world's 600 plus million obese people live in only ten countries: the United States, China, Russia, Brazil, Mexico, Egypt, Germany, Pakistan and Indonesia." - which would only make sense given the population of all those countries. Nothing like a big, fat statistical nothingburger.

I never had reflux pre-op. I suffer from it every day post op, and my 1 year surgiversary was two days ago. So for some people it doesn't go away so quickly. Continuing to take a daily PPI is probably in your best interest now. As would be continuing to follow the high protein/low carb/small meals diet strictly. I've just found when I eat less crap my reflux is better. It's probably anecdotal but can't hurt!

YES, LIPSTICK!! YOU GO GIRL!! You look positively SMASHING

I haven't really been interested in finding out exactly what my sugar threshold is but last time I had some frozen yogurt I was running to the bathroom within 20 minutes. Excellent deterrent!

Congrats on your successful journey thus far! Keep up the great work I'd be OK with weighing around 150-155lbs because that's within the healthy BMI range for my height. But I'm shifting focus away from the scale (trying to limit myself to one weigh in a week) and on to building lean muscle and toning up. I work out 5-6 days out of the week and weight train at least 3 of those days. Got to get rid of some of this arm and tummy flab for summer!

I'll add my photos to this thread -100 lbs lost in 11 months! Before: 11 months post op:

I am dating again as well. My rule of thumb has been to not divulge the weight loss, especially early on. This hasn't worked out too well in practice when bouncers or bartenders ask for my ID when I'm out with guys. They give me weird looks and ask me if my license is indeed mine. Makes for an awkward conversation with my date . When it comes to online dating especially courtship is rather long as two people who are complete strangers get to know eachother. My medical history is something I find deeply personal and I always try and make calculated risks when it comes to bearing my soul to someone. That being said, nothing is more attractive than self-confidence. You should be proud of your accomplishments - let that pride shine through in how you act and how you carry yourself.

Iron? Not that I'm aware. Biotin helps some people with hair regrowth. Not much to be done about it falling out though. It's a physiological reaction to things like surgery and diets. I take 2x 2500 mg Biotin a day and far as I can tell it helps a little as long as I consistently take it.

I also had a wonderful experience with Dr. Bessler and his group. Can't recommend them enough!

That is really horrible to hear about your friend. I am sorry for your loss and your friend's family's loss. But, question, she had bypass then the sleeve? Not possible. Perhaps they did a revision or something on her pouch or intestines to correct damage. All surgical interventions carry risks, and revision/corrective surgeries even more so unfortunately. The best way you can honor your friend's memory is by taking care of yourself, physically and emotionally, and making the most out of your weight loss journey and your life in general. Each day is a blessing and an opportunity. Best wishes.

Question - would you have been able to lose 3.8 lbs per week without the surgery? Sounds like you're doing very well so far. Keep up the post-op diet and walking regiment and you'll do great.

LOL - Yay for anatomy & physiology!