Beachsprite

For a multitude of reasons, the weight loss surgery journey—mentally and physically-- is easier for some than others.
The first month or so can be understandably challenging.
I have treated hundreds of weight loss surgery patients here in New Jersey and can assure you of one fact:

It’s probably not going to be smooth sailing from day one—



like real life, there are going to be some obstacles thrown in your path.




I’d like to help you overcome some post-op issues that may come up:
Recover From Your Operation First, Then Focus on Weight Reduction
You’ve prepared for weight loss surgery for a long time and you’re eager to start shedding those pounds--right now. But first, it’s far more important to heal properly after your operation. As a result, you'll very likely lose weight faster and avoid complications which could potentially set you back.
“I’m Not Losing Enough Weight!”
That’s a common concern and one that is certainly justified! Often patients think they will never be able to overcome obesity and metabolic disease since WLS was a last-ditch effort after years of dieting didn’t work.
Keep your nutrition diary updated. Keep moving. Drink all that water every day. If you didn’t see the scale move this week, you’ll be happier next week. If not, call your bariatric doctor to take a closer look to determine what is causing this temporary setback.
Doubting Your Decision
I view the first few weeks or even months after weight loss surgery as a perfect storm for generating self-doubts about your choice to have the sleeve, gastric bypass or the lap band.
You now realize that subscribing to a lifetime commitment of changing your eating habits and lifestyle is a pretty big deal.
Additionally, you have not eaten solid foods for weeks, which can also be unnerving to some people.
These feelings are completely normal—and temporary.
You’ve undergone a big life change that’s going to take some time to get used to.
Just make a little note to carry with you that says:
1) You are fighting back against obesity-related diseases.
2) You are lengthening your lifespan.
3) You are going to enjoy a significantly improved quality of life.
4) You will look better and feel great every day.
Comparing Your Weight Loss to Others
Everyone fighting obesity is completely unique. While Bob may lose 28 pounds in the first month, Linda may lose only 15. Months down the line, the weight loss figures even out, more often than not.
Think about it. A general round number for great first-year weight loss after bariatric surgery is 100 pounds. That’s an average of 2 pounds a week, or 8 pounds a month.
If you lost 20 pounds in your first month, you’re doing fantastic! To hit 100 pounds in your first year, you won’t even lose a pound every three days.
Don’t worry if the scale doesn’t go down every single day. If you’re eating right, you’ll lose weight.
Better yet, only weigh yourself about once a week.
Take Weight Loss Surgery One Day at a Time
No matter how frustrated you may feel at times, stay positive and focus on following your bariatric team’s instructions to the letter. Continue to eat a liquid diet and then pureed foods. Use this recovery time to plan a day-to-day system to help achieve your long-term success. Learn to measure your food. Schedule specific days/times for food prep, sleep and exercise.
Should you have any pain or discomfort of any kind, call your doctor sooner rather than later. (Yes, it’s often gas, but it’s better to be safe than sorry!)
We want to hear how you’re doing, I assure you.
Weight loss surgery is a lifetime adventure. Your world is changing for the better. When you are temporarily frustrated or disappointed, move forward, look ahead. Because your future is going to be very bright (and healthy!) indeed.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy Witthaya Phonsawat via freedigitalphotos.net)

I've reached the 120 lbs. lossed mark right at 4 months since my prediet. I feel great and so blessed. I'm down from taking 19 necessary medicines with a diagnosis of congestive heart failure to taking 2 necessary MEDS with one soon to not be needed. I am pain free, happy, and walk and move around more than I have in 25 years. I used to weigh 447 and today I was 227. I am so blessed. I hope you see what I see. I had a super hard first 3 months post surgery. I am 56 and live in Florida. Love my family, exercise when I can and getting ready to starting lifting lightly again soon. God is good.... All the time!.... Just me.... Jim

Thank you so much!

According to my surgeon and the research I've done on the gastric sleeve procedure, ghrelin levels are only reduced temporarily. The body is always striving for what it considers homeostasis and eventually begins to compensate for ghrelin reduction. It may take a good while for this to occur but it appears to be the rule for most, rather than the exception.

Eight weeks out from my surgery. This is a picture of the last awards ceremony I went to for work in March and the one I went to today. That's down from a size 26 to an 18

2 years gone by, 140 lbs off, best decision ever. First photo is with my aunt at me wedding 3 years ago, second is current. Good job to everyone in maintenance mode, and best of luck to those just beginning! Trust me, it's worth it.

here are my 2 most recent. The first is a face comparison just because I think it's pretty crazy. And the other is from yesterday when I went out in the FRONT yard with my kiddos to soak up some vitimin D in my bikini top and my running skirt. I wasn't brave enough to go full bikini, but hey! It's still progress!!

Yes Greta, I informed my doctor right away..he had no clue what was causing it and still doesn't..
Good Luck with your post-op care.
JoAnn

Hi I don't have my first surgeon appointment until next week (June 17th) but after speaking with his assistant she said he will if he approves me for surgery he will set a date there and then and given his current seclude will be August or September.
I then have to wait after I see the surgeon to see if my insurance company will pay out as they have to have a letter of recommendation from him to assess 10 working days and they will only pay about 35-40% of the overall cost - but still i need that or the whole thing is a no go! I really hope I can join you either in this group or August, I guess I will know more in the coming weeks - but the waiting is absolute torture!