Cognorati001

I'm 2 years out -- I can be of service if you need help or advice. These first stages are extremely taxing and disorienting because it's dramatically different than the way we used to live. I can also offer suggestions for additional support.

I can relate to everything you said.

I had surgery 2 years ago and have had way more success than I thought I would have. My eating habits are dramatically different and I even exercise which is a first for me (I was made fun of, as a kid).

But between 6 months to 1 year out, I was in the same place as you. I had completely stalled and I was eating the worst food for those of us who've had the surgery (ice cream, simple carbs, fast food). I had self-paid and I was having to pay back my loan while I was not losing anymore weight. I was completely despondent.

What has worked for me is OA-- it really is a 12 step program for people who have no control over their eating and food behaviors. My experience was that I was in a dire position: I had taken the most drastic measure possible and still had the same problem as before the surgery.

Please message or PM me if you want help!! Helping other has helped me to live a sane life at peace.

Other resources include:

Overeaters Anonymous: OA's website that has meeting lists, literature, and other information

OA Hour of Power: A fellowship within OA that relies on the spiritual solution found in the 12 steps (any religion, belief system, or denominations are welcome.

This is one of those weird an completely unanticipated effects, but yes, people's treatment of you may be extremely different. The place I've experienced this the most is actually in professional settings. Surprisingly, female coworkers are the WORST. It took me a long time to realize that what I've experienced is actually harassment; I cant express how unsolicited it is and relentless. I think it's a kind of affront or humiliating to see someone lose a lot of weight and have their health restored if you've failed at the same, and persistently.

So, I reached one-derland weeks ago and I've been hitting every milestone that I thought was impossible. Now, I'm panicking: I have not been thin in a couple of decades and the thought of it is terrifying. I'm now a size 12 (from a size 22/24 in June), but I cannot fathom being smaller than this. I feel as though I'm not ready and/or I cannot cope with this. It's shocking to say this, but I'm not sure I want to be thin (which is what I was desperately trying to achieve). The attention is starting to make me afraid and uncomfortable, especially around men, and the new, form-fitting clothes are making me scared and self conscious (I actually find myself wanting to put on my old, plus-size clothes that obviously do not fit).

Has anyone else gone through this? What should I do?

I've been going through the same thing as you -- I have been snacking on things that are basically the only things I can eat in normal portions (ice cream; pound cake). The thing is, I only had one stall and I've consistently lost 1.5-2lbs every single weak since my surgery in July (I've gone from a size 22/24 to a size 12). I've also had extreme fatigue when I get in less than 800 calories -- to the extent that I cannot get out of bed.

I don't want to complacent because I know this will catch up to me, but I don't want to lie to myself and say that I'm going to do something completely untenable like go on a liquid fast...

My plan is to let myself run out of the Snacks and to let go and not buy them again. I also want to plan meals around Protein from fish and vegetarian (soy) options.

I was sleeved on 7/15. SW was 238. Today I am 181.6. I have had one longish stall and seem to be in a stall right now. I feel really good and am running the Couch to 5K program. Completed 1 5K and will do another in December. I have lost so much muscle, even though I'm doing squats and lunges, push-ups and planks.

I wish I could exercise but have had some complications with asthma and anemia and my doctor won't let me. I feel guilty sometimes, because I know I would have lost more, but I mostly accept it and realize I've lost a shocking amount of weight in a short period of time. I seen to be on the mend, and I think I'll be exercising soon. I can't believe im looking forward to it.

I was sleeved on July 17. I started at about 250 and I'm down to 193 (lost 57 pounds) I haven't been under 200 pounds in about 10 years. I'm down to a 12 or 14 from a size 22. I can't wrap my mind around the fact that I only have 38 pounds to go.

I started with a low BMI, but I'm down 50 pounds. I'm under 200 pounds for the first time in a decade...

I've lost 40 pounds (sleeved on 07/17). People are REALLY starting to notice a difference and have been commenting...

It's frustrating, but I am trying to let it go. In the future, I'd like to read success stories, but I think I need to keep away from that for a while. I stayed off them for a couple of weeks and it was less distressing.

I'm reading about how much people have lost and feel jealous. My BMI on my day of surgery was only 40. I weighed 236 (I'm 5'4). I say "only" because so many posters have so much more to lose than I. I've lost 24 pounds since my surgery on July 17, but feel envious of people who lost more, and then I get paranoid that I may not be doing enough, even though I've only had the stall at week 3 and I actually lost 5 pounds last week. Anyone else start with a "low" BMI?

I was sleeved on July 17. At first, I was constantly hungry, and it wasn't head hunger or heartburn. Suddenly, last week, I noticed that I'm not hungry at all, ever -- I only realized, yesterday, that I haven't managed to eat lunch the whole week because I felt full.. It's also difficult for me to eat when I''m not hungry, because it makes me nauseous. Today was the most extreme: I had some Peanut Butter and whole grain bread and soy milk, and that was it-- and after I drank the soymilk, I got the nausea.

I'm glad I'm not hungry all the time, but I'm extremely concerned about being malnourished, and I don't want to lose my hair or have complications...

Has anyone else had this happen?

New development: I don't get the sweats anymore, but I have the heartburn so many people talk about. The wet towel will have to be replaced by antacids...

I just couldn't purée there meat either. You can do tuna, crab, or artificial crab.

My surgery was exactly a month ago. Each time I eat, I begin sweating profusely and have to turn on a fan and sit down --I'm actually keeping a wet towel near me after I eat. Granted, I live in Florida with EXTREME heat and humidity, and I'm noticing that I get the sweats while walking, as well. Anyone else have this?

This is the only symptom I have: I've had an ideal outcome (no nausea, zero pain, no problems with bowel movements, very little fatigue)...

I've lost exactly one pound as well.

Glad to hear this. I'm at the stall as well, ANDI was given a steroid shot for bronchitis. I don't expect to lose any thing this week, but I'm still religious about the post op diet...

Can I ask what is the advantage to going to Mexico? I'm in the beginning stage of fulfilling my insurance needs. Meeting with the NUT for 6 mos and doing the shrink eval..etc.

I went to Mexico because bariatric surgery is simply not covered under my school districts policy (I'm a teacher). It didn't matter if it was deemed medically necessary and there are no appeals, etc. I have a lot of problems related to my obesity, and I lost it before through diet and exercise. For me to do it that way, it required all my energy every single day, and I just have too many obligations.

Also, for Canadians, their weight list in Canada can be years long. If they don't want to wait in Canada, they have to pay $14,000. If they self pay here in Mexico, they get reimbursed, and it's only a fraction of the cost.

I'm starting to consider Mexico for the sleeve. Would you guys mind sharing who your Dr. was and your experience (Dr, facilities, etc) PM me.

I had mine with Dr.Ariel Ortiz yesterday (I'm still in Tijuana). The facilities are top notch and everything is taken care. In my research it was more important that I couldn't find any deaths or complaints...

Strange, but doesn't even feel like I had surgery. I'm finding myself wanting to check for wounds. No gas soreness, just thing ... Iveb had goal surger and gyno sugery. Gett sleeved wasn't anything like those.

Just had surgery feeling pretty good thanks to all who wished me well

Mine was yesterday as well. Feeling just fine.

I'm July 17th and getting very nervous. Starting to second guess this decision. Anyone able to offer some reassurance. Pros and cons Not getting a lot of support at home. Really feeling unsure.

I'm July 17th also. I was extremely concerned as well, to the extent that I contacted the NUT and told her I was having second thoughts. But I had a break through while watching the TV show "Smile" (it's a show that gives people with atrocious teeth free, dramatic dental rehab). It hit me all the negative consequences I've suffered because of obesity: I can't really date, I'm not perceived as attractive, I can't dress the way I'd like, my physical pain is the worst it's ever been, people make extremely hurtful, humiliating comments... Obesity has so many consequences for that I have to find a method to improve my quality of life, and diets have not been able to do that for me. This is my best shot, IMHO, even I fail I'll know I've exhausted all options...

July 17 with Ariel Ortz.

Thank you for the encouragement. Headache is gone, but I feel weak (I can deal with that perfectly fine). I'm worried that I don't have any weight loss to report to my nutritionist, but I have my period and always gain that Water weight...

I'm also in Orlando. July 17 and terrified

Oh wow, are you with Dr. Jawad as well, or did you go with Florida Hospital?

I'm actually a selfpay and will be going to Mexico. I've wanted this surgery for years and when I finally got a job with good insurance, I was told it isn't covered by my policy, even if medically necessary.