waterwoman

I am 3 years out from surgery and 2 years since my weight stabilized. I am now 67 and my skin has improved significantly - especially the neck, arms and face. My stomach is OK, my butt is awful and the girls are dragging - but Spanx takes care of all of those.

High uric acid can also be caused by eating too much protein. I've been struggling with that and will be cutting back on the premier protein shakes.

I was one of the people who did not get more energy. It took me a full year to really recover. I still don't have a lot of energy, but my stamina has increased.

16 months out - I've lost a 2-month-old horse. I used to jump horses! Can't believe it.

I just had my one year checkup after my conversion from band to Bypass. I've lost 98 pounds and have a BMI of 22. My surgeon asked me not to lose any more weight.. Words I never expected to hear from a Doctor's mouth. My story started in 2009 with a lap band. I lost about 60 pounds while throwing up almost daily. Even with repeated fills and unfills, there was no "sweet spot." I either could only have liquids, or experienced no restriction at all. After 3 years, I asked that it be emptied. I ate whatever I wanted and began living on milkshakes and M&M's, My sugar addiction was in full swing. I was drinking 2 liter of Diet Coke daily and felt terrible. At this point I was 64 and my Dr. gave me a harsh wakeup call, I was 100 pounds overweight and heading for a crash. I talked to a surgeon who was pessimistic about my success with the band because of my habits. My family shared his doubts. I shared his doubts. I prevailed. My insurance paid for the revision. I had to take the nutrition classes and I spent a lot of time on this website. The time on Bariatric Pal was the most valuable preparation I had going in to the RNY. I learned from the rest of you how awesome and how difficult my life was going to be. I ate my last big meal and then it was time for surgery. I had no pain with the lap band insertion or removal and I had none with RNY. The biggest adjustment was that I no longer wanted to eat. I followed the rules - got in my protien, water and supplements. The weight came off - quickly at first, then slowing. I developed new eating habits. I haven't had sugar or diet soda or alcohol since surgery. I don't crave them. I've gone to the movies without popcorn. I've colored my hair, purchased a beautiful wardrobe and look 10 years younger. I accepted a new position at work. I'm off all my Rx with the exception of the 2 for depression and cholesterol - both genetic conditions. I've saved a lot of money. I didn't exercise. I keep thinking about it, but haven't gotten out of my chair, yet. Thank you all for the information and encouragement I've received on this amazing journey and for letting me share my story with you.

When in doubt, talk to the Doc!

Being loved shows! Congratulations!

Even though many people use and are happy with them, my nut advised against because the quality varies so greatly.

I am 8 months out and still prefer shakes to bars. However, the bars are easier when I travel. I use Quest and get them delivered from Amazon. My only advice is to do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself.

Why do your parents feel so strongly that you should do the sleeve?

HW = 240 SW = 240 CW = 161 Total lost in 8 months = 79 pounds

Rather than wearing stretchy waist pants, I wore a long, flowing moo moo in to the hospital so that I could wear it home after surgery. My suggestion would be to remember a pillow to put between you and your seat belt for the ride home. The only thing I used in the hospital that they didn't provide was reading material. I brought magazines, based on another BP user's recommendation and was glad I did. Couldn't focus well enough to read a book.

Like James, I experienced almost no pain after surgery - not even gas pains.

Congratulations @@shedo82773 on losing and maintaining! So sorry to hear about your husband's struggles. Best wishes to you both.

Celebrating my 75 pound loss over the last 7 months and only 25 to go. The lap band didn't work for me - it was one of the worst decisions of my life. I had it removed in March and in June I had the Gastric Bypass. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I can eat anything healthy. Tried a protein bar that was a little high in sugar and got sick - so I assume I'm a dumper, which is a good thing. I'm in my mid-60's. My surgeon expected me to lose about 40 pounds - so reality was a pleasant surprise. Bypass is not for everyone - but it is definitely awesome for me.

Best thing for me was B12.

You look great - what a difference 6 months makes! The thing I feel most guilty about is not exercising enough. The thing I feel most proud about is making good nutrition a priority - 71 pounds in 6 months!

Pre-surgery I used to experience "drunk on sugar."

I'm 5 1/2 months out and haven't found anything I can't eat.

I am taking care of myself this holidays - not participating in the family Thanksgiving drama. Instead, going on a short trip with a good friend. For Christmas, I will again excuse myself from most of the family drama, and instead be grateful for the many blessings in my life.

Congratulations! Getting the Gastric Bypass was one of the best decisions of my life.

I would like to know more about the amino acid and other tests performed. Did they do a paper or have a way to share that information?

My energy didn't start coming back until I took B12

I'm 3 months out and down 49 pounds from 240 to 191. I'm 5'8" and my goal is 140. My surgeon didn't require the liver shrink diet - so all the weight was lost after surgery.

Congratulations on all your good work and getting kudos from the Doc!