cbonet

Put the scale away for now. It's very common to gain weight after surgery as you are swollen and pumped with fluids. Just stick with your plan.

I am a little over a year out and have gained about 7 pounds over the summer months. I have lost the focus I had at the beginning. You have to use your tools and fight old habits every day. September is a good time to re focus and get it back. Using Forums, websites, Facebook has worked well for me to stay thinking about what I need to do and to stay focused. Weight loss is a battle before, during and after surgery but I feel great and I have lost 70 pounds so it is worth the battle.

I started at 415, with an all-time high of 426. I had the surgery last November, a month before my 61st birthday.
Right now I'm at 309. I can't report anything unusual to date; everything has been good with little pain and good progress.
I empathize with all of your frustrations: the chairs in restaurants (especially booths), airplane seats, event seats, etc. Next Monday I'll be on my first airplane flight since taking off over 100 lbs. I'm anxious to see how things go.
Obviously, the health improvements have been great. I can walk now without getting winded; climbing stairs is pain-free and easier; I can sit in a stadium seat with someone next to me, etc., etc. But I still have a ways to go, being slightly less than halfway to my goal. Blood pressure is way down, heart rate is down, all my blood numbers look great. For me, this was the right thing to do.

@@Ignatius I dealt with exactly the sorts of things that you describe, skipping events because of being worried about seating, avoiding flying, etc. The weight was so debilitating. My job is one where I get a lot of opportunity to travel to some pretty interesting places. Because of my weight, I skipped free trips to Turkey, Sweden, and the Republic of Georgia just in the past couple of years.
I had my surgery in November 2015. Due to my high weight, I had to do the pre-op for 4 weeks. That was hard, but I stuck with it and lost 46 lbs during that period. Fast forward to now, almost 5 months post-op, I am down 166 lbs. More importantly, my diabetes in full remission and I am off of all medicine. The arthritis in my knees is substantially better. I do a lot of walking and now can get out and enjoy things with my wife. People don't stare at me anymore when I am out in public. Everything is easier, despite the fact that I still have another 100+ pounds to lose. I have absolutely no regrets.
The surgery was scary, but turned out to be easier than I thought it would be. I recovered quickly enough that I was released same day by my surgeon. I was sore, but the pain was never enough that I felt the need to take pain medication. I knew that surgery at my weight came with a lot of risks, but I figured that staying at 518 lbs was likely to be a lot riskier. The guys on this forum we a real source of inspiration for me when I got cold feet or wondered if this would work for me. Best of luck, just thinking about getting some help is a really big step to take. I wish that I had been smart enough to do it when I was younger.

@@Ignatius
Apologies for the delay in replying...
Apologies for the possible length of this post...
Once I get on a roll, who knows where I could end up...
Anyway, here goes...
Firstly, a little about me...
I was sleeved on Feb 25, 2015.
I was 45 yrs old.
At my heaviest, I weighed 255kg..
That's 562 pounds.. (We use kg in Australia but as the majority here use pounds, I usually do the math to make it easier)
I was one of the lucky ones...
Despite my weight, I had NO co-morbidities...
No diabetes, no cholesterol, not even high blood pressure...
In the lead up to my surgery, my surgeon pulled no punches..
He made me fully aware that there were no guarantees he'd go thru with the surgery until he'd opened me up..
He was concerned about the fat around my lived and his ability (or inability) to get into where he needed to...
To give me the best chance, he put me on a 'liquids only' diet for 4 weeks prior to the operation...
I can tell you now, that was the hardest 4 weeks of my life...
What made it worse was knowing that it could all be for nothing...
Anyway, I stuck with it for the four weeks (had a couple of hiccups along the way, but nothing I hid from the surgeon) and surgery day came...
Long story short(ish), the surgery was a success...
I did three nights in hospital...
Again, I must be one of the lucky ones...
I had no complications...
No pain...
Nothing...
The nurses kept insisting that I use the 'pain pump', so I did...
But I didn't really think I needed to..
The worst part of the whole thing was, for the first eight hours or so, I was unable to even get out of the recovery chair...
This wasn't so bad for me because I slept for most of it...
But the poor nurse who had to hold the jug for me every time I had to pee - I reckon it might have been a different story for her...
Poor woman...
Anyway, three nights in hospital...
I was hooked up to a machine for my sleep apnea and that SUCKED BALLS!!!
The day after the op, I was up and about, walking the ward and peeing by myself whenever I wanted to (woooohoooo!!)
The doc was really pleased as he thought I'd struggle because of my weight, but I didn't... (Again, lucky?)
By day three, I was itching to get out, and out I got!!
Self administered injection for (blood clotting) for ten days and the all was good...
The progression of diet from liquids to solids was difficult, but nothing compared to the 4 weeks prior...
Once I got home, I struggled a bit with energy/tiredness..
Lugging 560 pounds around on no food and just after surgery was always gonna be tricky but I got there...
Once I started losing weight, I kinda looked at it as a percentage of what I wanted to lose rather than the actual poundage..
While the big numbers are great (really, who LOSES 230 pounds??) it's more realistic to look at it and be aware that I'm 70% of my way to target..
It's a much better way when you compare yourself to others (and you will, despite how bad an idea it is) and give you an idea of where you're really at...
I really like your question re 'losing motivation when you get to a stage where you can lead a fairly normal life".
It's not something I've ever thought about...
But I guess the answer is "YES", it's certainly a possibility...
I'm at the stage now where I'm finding myself able to exist quite comfortable, especially compared to where I was at...
And I guess that is very possibly a contributing factor to my recent 'funk'...
In short, this honestly the best thing I've ever done...
Like many people, my biggest (only) regret is that I didn't do it years ago...
Mate, I'm not sure what else you want to know or even if this has been any help to you...
I've not read it back so it may not even make any sense..
If there's ANYTHING you think I might be able to help with, please don't hesitate to contact me, either here or via private message..
Take care...
Jason

Started at 420+, but had been as high as 460# in the past. Lost about 130, gotten under 300# when my maintenance kicked in at 9 months out (I had gastric bypass), which meant the rapid weight loss period was over and loss became much slower but still is steady, slow and steady. It is great you are thinking of this now. I did not do this until 63 years old and wish I had done it at your age. I had led a full active life, even flying 30 times a year with a seat belt extension, but at 60 years old my normally healthy bod finally did what the docs had always said it would do -- sleep apnea, diabetes, edema, heart problems, bad cholesterol readings, etc. I also was at risk of losing mobility -- walking and running my small farm were huge barriers. I missed alot with my kids because of the weight and it certainly effected my relationship, even though we are going on 40 years together.
So, now, 11 months out, diabetes 90% better; edema gone; heart strong; blood readings perfect. The apnea goes away for some, but mine is likely genetic as a slim dad and a slim brother both had severe apnea. I will have a sleep study when I am at goal weight but likely will still use the CPAP.... not problem. My mobility is so much better. I can ride a bike again, swimming is much easier. Today, spent the entire day maintaining irrigation ditches and working my greenhouse, no problem at all. Walking my dog three times a day, no problem.
BTW, my results are fairly typical. Negatives -- the first week was a bit painful, but could get out within 10 days The first month post surgery was challenging, mainly learning to eat so differently, quantity so much less, etc. but now am used to it without any real challenges. I do eat too many carbs, but not to much excess really, am working on that, guess what I am saying that food challenges don't stop. I found that the rapid weight loss was very debilitating -- did not have much energy even though almost always ate healthy according to instructions and took my Vitamins etc. I was actually glad when the loss slowed, as I needed the energy in my work. It is tempting to declare victory and say that with these great results, that is enough. However, I have been fat since I was 3 years old, and I want to experience not being overweight! I did not have any unusual prep instructions, pretty routine.
You really deserve to have this monkey off your back. I encourage you to reclaim your life!

This is a wonderful forum and it's imperative that we newbies get to hear from those of you post surgery on your knowledge and experience. The commonality is that at one point and more, in our lives we were all consumed with compulsion, justifying our overeating, binge eating, laughing off the 3rd slice of pizza. Please understand that calling people stupid is not helpful. They are in a sad and dangerous place. Ridicule will only stop them for asking for guidance and support. I know it's frustrating but try to remember other people's frustration with us as they watched us "in the food" gaining weight, getting unhealthy, making bad choices. We've all had enough ridicule on our lives. We are at different points on this path, different strengths, different abilities. It's easy to ridicule its hard to understand sometimes.
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Would it help him to have a reality check if he watched the video Of the surgery with you? Visuals can be very impactful especially since on the outside there's only a few incisions. Its recognizing what actually happens internally. If he doesn't get it then, he probably won't. Good luck.
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Take a deep breath and------------------THINK!
You have to be committed enough, strong enough, informed enough and independent enough to travel your WLS journey ALONE to be truly secure in having a successful journey.
When everything and every one around you collapses you only have yourself to rely upon. That/you should be enough to see you through to your new life style and healthier you.
WLS is only part of the solution. The rest is up to your BRAIN. Start wrapping your head around that now. Many times a good bariatric therapist is the answer on just how to do that. You have to get any eating disorders/addictions under control and understood BEFORE surgery.
And, NO, my friend. Food funerals are not bad. They are a meant to be a final farewell acknowledgement of your eating lifestyle that you are knowingly and gleefully leaving behind. FINAL farewell---just before you start your pre-op diet. ONCE done----not an excuse to binge every time you get stressed through out your 6month pre-op experience. You will have to learn different coping skills. Once again, a good bariatric friendly therapist can be a valuable asset for you.
I had a food funeral. I will cherish the memories of that day for the rest of my life. My SO made it a very special event for me ---leaving me feeling much loved and much encouraged as I looked forward to my "new life". Don't let anyone talk you out of that experience. (MHO).
Take time to be kind to yourself. Write down your "pros and cons" list of having WLS. Post the lists where you will see them everyday. Read them out loud to yourself. You will build up your self confidence to the level where no matter what ANYONE says, YOU will know that having WLS is the right move for YOU.
I look forward to following your SUCCESSFUL and JOYFUL WLS.

You indicated in your original post that you were scared that you weren't going to be able to handle post-op and food controlled your life. @@Babbs was explaining (politely) why it is important to get control before surgery as the mental aspects will not be resolved by surgery. If you came for support - you really should listen to what the successful posters have to say - not just look for validation that what you did is no big deal because others cheat as well. If you have been researching this surgery - I assume you've seen the difficulties many have post-op because food still controls them. "Cheating" on post-op could cause sign and life threatening complications. If your pre-op diet was low carb, high Protein - even if you were starving - why didn't you just eat what was allowed on your diet. If it was simply hunger - yogurt would have sufficed. People are only trying to help you by being honest. This process is alot more mental than physical.

You should check in with your doctor
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Would it help him to have a reality check if he watched the video Of the surgery with you? Visuals can be very impactful especially since on the outside there's only a few incisions. Its recognizing what actually happens internally. If he doesn't get it then, he probably won't. Good luck.
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Would it help him to have a reality check if he watched the video Of the surgery with you? Visuals can be very impactful especially since on the outside there's only a few incisions. Its recognizing what actually happens internally. If he doesn't get it then, he probably won't. Good luck.
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For those of you who have negative things to say about "8 inch cleavage" and the like, I feel like this is mean-spirited and sounds a lot like fat shaming. I would think we all have had enough of that and that it wouldn't be tolerated on this site. I don't want to incite more riotous posts (a la tacos and pork chops) but maybe we could all be a little kinder to those who have struggled and are tuning in here for support and advice. *rant over*
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Ok. Seriously. What's with all these ladies with flowers in the top of their head?? On their profile pic? And does it "mean" anything? I don't get it...
And yes @@LipstickLady
I know you have one, as well, so chime in!
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As previous posters have mentioned, don't think of this as a diet. It's a lifestyle change and you are essentially giving your relationship with food and eating a total overhaul!
Following your surgeon's instructions post-op is really exceedingly important, because as people have mentioned, your tummy is still healing. Forcing food into it that it isn't ready for yet can cause staples to pop, tears, blockages, and all sorts of scary, scary things to happen that will make your recovery time longer and more painful.
It is very difficult to deal with lack of variety when it comes to food post-op, so I feel you there! The World According to Eggface and Bariatric Foodie have some great recipes and ideas for noms that are suitable for various stages post-op so that you can whip up something tasty and different!
Here are links to their sites:
http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.co.uk/
http://www.bariatricfoodie.com/
Lots of luck!
Xx,
Polara <3

I have started a list of things I want to do/ will be able to do after losing weight and feeling better...I never thought of carrying it with me for when I need a lift...I will b doing that now. I am still getting my pre reqs done and meet with the surgeon again on OCT 4th.
Thank you for sharing your journey!! Cant wait to see how well this works for you!!!

I took a break for 1 1/2 years. Best thing I did for myself. I went walking on the beach, I collected shells, I painted, took art classes, quit FB and felt wonderful to leave behind the drama of others' lives, decorated a beach house, and then I decided I needed support to lose the 20 happy pounds I gained back. PEace and happiness to all.

I had mine in the 13th and I asked the Dr at my follow up, he said it's fine. It won't be like that with food though????
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I have lost almost 100 pounds during my six-month pre-op diet. I haven't even had the surgery yet. It is Wednesday. I have certainly not been on any "prisoner of war" diet, but I have been incredibly focused on my journey, re-establishing my relationship with food, and improving my health. I, too, read of these insane posts where people can't even work to improve their situation for a few hours, let alone long term. But it is what it is, so I never comment. This surgery next week is a tool that will help me to continue my journey, but it isn't the whole journey. I am DAMN proud of what I have accomplished, and just because the loss has been swift doesn't mean that it is unhealthy.

So, I've been a "lurker" as someone put it for the past couple of months...going through pre-op approval (psychological testing in a certified mental institution and all), the joys of getting a surgery date, having my surgery moved up more than a month (to the point where I had the choice to start my two week pre-op diet 12 hours later or postpone-I picked the former option ) to the realities of surgery and being in the hospital (first time ever) to the more-painful-than-expected recovery, to the questions and questions and questions. And now, still so new (surgery was 9/7) to all of this, but finally feeling compelled to contribute and not just read along.
I can honestly not even put into words how much gratitude I feel towards everyone on this app. This process is undoubtedly exciting, but it's also full of so so so many unknowns. It's been a comfort to have the ability to come here and see what others are going through, hear from those who have reached their goals, see the pride and support in the progress photos and have my own questions answered instead of needing to call my surgeon every.single.day. for the first week (excessive nausea-normal? My eyesight is strange-is this temporary? I have an indentation in my stomach-is this a sign of something bad? I can't get more than 4 oz of Protein in one sitting-am I going to be ok? My pain is terrible-how long will it last? Etc etc etc)
I've used this site for everything-answers to my questions (thanks so much for the Nioxin recommend ps!), educating myself on what I can expect (stalls, I'm ready for you!), sharing in successes (albeit silently) and also learning what NOT to do. Some of it may seem so obvious (eating macaroni three days out) but some are honest mistakes that help us learn from one another and become our best selves.
Long story short, I appreciate every post on here for helping to make my experience better, and I look forward to eventually becoming one of those before/after success stories.
-Allison
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Reflexology is wonderful, especially if not ready or comfortable with massage.
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This is a wonderful forum and it's imperative that we newbies get to hear from those of you post surgery on your knowledge and experience. The commonality is that at one point and more, in our lives we were all consumed with compulsion, justifying our overeating, binge eating, laughing off the 3rd slice of pizza. Please understand that calling people stupid is not helpful. They are in a sad and dangerous place. Ridicule will only stop them for asking for guidance and support. I know it's frustrating but try to remember other people's frustration with us as they watched us "in the food" gaining weight, getting unhealthy, making bad choices. We've all had enough ridicule on our lives. We are at different points on this path, different strengths, different abilities. It's easy to ridicule its hard to understand sometimes.
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This is a wonderful forum and it's imperative that we newbies get to hear from those of you post surgery on your knowledge and experience. The commonality is that at one point and more, in our lives we were all consumed with compulsion, justifying our overeating, binge eating, laughing off the 3rd slice of pizza. Please understand that calling people stupid is not helpful. They are in a sad and dangerous place. Ridicule will only stop them for asking for guidance and support. I know it's frustrating but try to remember other people's frustration with us as they watched us "in the food" gaining weight, getting unhealthy, making bad choices. We've all had enough ridicule on our lives. We are at different points on this path, different strengths, different abilities. It's easy to ridicule its hard to understand sometimes.
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It's not about a chicken nugget or a pizza it about readiness and emotional wellness. Not everyone is fully prepared before this change. Sad because it's so dangerous.
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