New&Improved

You look amazing and your story is an inspiration - thanks for sharing!

I feel it's time to tell me story as best I can and hopefully it will give the new comers some hope and take away their worries or anxiety about surgery.
Okay I have a very dysfunctional childhood and I think maybe subconsciously I turned to movies and food as a way to cope until alcohol came along but all those things combined made me gain weight massively in my teen years.
As a child I was tiny but after my father passed and my stepfather came in the picture; he was a tyrant; life changed dramatically.
Anyway fast forward to the end of high school I had reached over 250lbs and by 21 I was 320lbs and my weight fluctuated over the years between 300-320 until I finally found a way to get bariatric surgery..
I always believed surgery was for the rich people and I was never rich... But I found out randomly that health insurance would cover most of surgery and I'd never had health insurance before because here in Australia we have an amazing Medicare system that covers pretty much everything to do with doctors and hospitals except for elective surgery like bariatrics; unless you're like super morbidly obese and even then it can take 3 years and numerous hurdles....
So I researched and researched for months and months and spoke to multiple surgeons offices until I found the perfect surgeon; I needed to get health insurance first then do the waiting period which I used to save up the gap and that gap covered absolutely everything from first meeting until surgery and hospital was covered.
I met the surgeon and his doctor and got information and told them I wanted ROUX EN Y BYPASS; and we all agreed that was the best decision as I had bad type 2 diabetes and it would only get worse.
I weighed in at 322 there and then and I just wished and hoped the surgery would help me to get down to at least 200 maybe 190; I just wanted to be healthy and happy and of course to look better and feel better in myself.
Anyway from first consultation until the surgery day was about 4 months had a few meetings with surgeon and he does a very direct approach no need for all the tests and stuff just my medical history and some blood tests and a big discussion was about it and he was ready to go.
I was advised to do at least 2-3 weeks low carbs/protein shake diet before surgery and to try lose at least 10lbs; but I literally woke up one morning 2 months before surgery and decided there and then to kick start my journey and started on Protein Shakes and I actually found a brand and flavor that I actually loved. It tasted just like chocolate milkshake even though I only used Water to mix it up
i tried a few different brands but they were either too bland or no taste at all I like flavor and I like a little sweetness in my shakes... And I've been using the same shakes in bulk powder form for months without any issues at all...
So I started on shakes and they literally filled me up and I was determined to show the surgeon I meant business.
i was amazed how quickly the weight came off because I was ONLY on shakes Max 600cal preop; I dropped so much water weight it was amazing.
By surgery day I had already dropped from 322 to 257lbs and the surgeon was so proud.
i went into the hospital early without only water that morning so my sugar was actually low so they made me wait a few hours longer and I went in to surgery I think 3pm and next thing I know I was awake in ICU a few hours later and surgery was done but oh boy was it painful for me; I'm not sure why but I was in pain for like 2 days luckily I was given good drugs through the IV and slept most of the 2 days...
By the 3rd day I started drinking a small glass of Protein Shake and was sipping water each day; here in Australia the surgeon is very cautious so I actually spent 6 days in hospital was fine I had my own private room and bathroom and was really well looked after.... By the 3rd day they finally took the drain out and I had a shower for the first time and a BM which was like sticky black green like a baby; oh the shower felt amazing on my poor sore belly; I think I had 5 incisions sites and a very tight bloated belly.
Each day I would walk the halls of the hospital and say hello to the nurses and other times I would rest and watch TV but by like the 5th day I was feeling really good and was ready to go home but because I lived over 2hrs from the surgeon and hospital they made sure I was 110% fit and healthy; they checked my blood sugar and blood pressure multiple times a day and they said everything was fine, by the time I left the hospital they had taken me off multiple medications and it felt Great.
The ride home in my mates car was a little rough but it felt Great to be home and in my own bed my big bed not the single bed in hospital...
It's hard to remember everything I went through its been over 8 months since I left the hospital but I do know I was still a little sore when bending or carrying shopping bags for the first few weeks I had to be careful.... Showering was amazing my bandages on my incisions came off on their own after like 3 weeks.. I was given a guideline diet but Ive always been a strong independent personality so I just chose to do things my way; of course I was glad for the surgery and the surgeons advice but I felt is my body; my life I need to do it my way so maybe I was lucky but I didn't even think about food for months like literally I lived off shakes and yoghurt for months before I really started actual food and of course the weight kept coming off everyday it was amazing.
For the first 3 months I think I was on maybe 500cal a day with next to no carbs or sugars... I didn't feel hungry at all... Shakes kept me going...
Every couple of months I had to buy new clothes, I couldn't believe how much I changed one month to the next and people who hasn't seen me in a few months were shocked ever time they saw me....
i never kept it secret from anyone; I was proud of my decision to finally change my life and possibly extend my life, I was enjoying the complements and I was lucky I don't think I stalled for more than a week and I never had any complications at all except for diarrhoea BM for a while and sure I threw up a few times when trying different things or eating too quickly...
i started drinking regular coffee by 3 months and my surgeon said it was fine as long as I don't get dehydrated.. I was drinking tea as well and by 6 months I actually decided to treat myself here and there with some sugar free energy drinks and it has not impacted me or my weight loss one bit.
Now I'm over 8 months out I can eat most things just small portions; I've even had bread a few times just have to take it very slowly... I've had Pasta a few times and even had some chocolate over Easter without any issues at all and still continued to lose weight...
i will admit recently I've had some treats here and there but that was once I got in to maintenance mode...
I've pretty much been in maintenance now over 2 months and pretty much sit around 165lbs but just this week I've seen 163lbs on the scales...
i don't log my food much now but I do keep a mental tally of my calories and such and I do still check my weight regularly to make sure I'm doing well..
i had the RNY bypass and it was 120cm and it was amazing; I've had a blast and I've lost pretty much 50% of my original weight.
FROM highest of 322 to the lowest 162.8lbs just the other day....
i felt the need to share my story everything has been positive for me. It has totally changed my life and transformed my life and the way I see myself... I'll be 36 in 3 weeks but I feel better than I have in 20 years...
i want everyone to read my story and see it is possible to have the BYPASS without any issues and also my 3 months blood tests were perfect so no issues with Vitamins either just have to remember to take them everyday..
The one issue I will say was my hair did get thinner and would grow slower but never fell out.... I'm sure in time it will get better
I've gone from being the FAT friend to the SKINNY friend...
i look and feel amazing and my BMI has gone from 43 to 22.
I've dropped 159lbs or 72KGS in 10 months including my preop...
From 146KG to 74KG and below every goal I thought I wanted.
I don't mind because most people will bounce back 10-20lbs anyway plus when I do start to build muscle that will add a little weight because right now I'm kinda skin and bones LOL feels weird saying that about myself but its pretty good...
I'm really hoping I'll meet someone soon and start a family and live a long long life 😁😁😁
So if anybody is curious about RNY BYPASS don't be afraid...
Success is possible!!!!
A few pics before and after

I feel it's time to tell me story as best I can and hopefully it will give the new comers some hope and take away their worries or anxiety about surgery.
Okay I have a very dysfunctional childhood and I think maybe subconsciously I turned to movies and food as a way to cope until alcohol came along but all those things combined made me gain weight massively in my teen years.
As a child I was tiny but after my father passed and my stepfather came in the picture; he was a tyrant; life changed dramatically.
Anyway fast forward to the end of high school I had reached over 250lbs and by 21 I was 320lbs and my weight fluctuated over the years between 300-320 until I finally found a way to get bariatric surgery..
I always believed surgery was for the rich people and I was never rich... But I found out randomly that health insurance would cover most of surgery and I'd never had health insurance before because here in Australia we have an amazing Medicare system that covers pretty much everything to do with doctors and hospitals except for elective surgery like bariatrics; unless you're like super morbidly obese and even then it can take 3 years and numerous hurdles....
So I researched and researched for months and months and spoke to multiple surgeons offices until I found the perfect surgeon; I needed to get health insurance first then do the waiting period which I used to save up the gap and that gap covered absolutely everything from first meeting until surgery and hospital was covered.
I met the surgeon and his doctor and got information and told them I wanted ROUX EN Y BYPASS; and we all agreed that was the best decision as I had bad type 2 diabetes and it would only get worse.
I weighed in at 322 there and then and I just wished and hoped the surgery would help me to get down to at least 200 maybe 190; I just wanted to be healthy and happy and of course to look better and feel better in myself.
Anyway from first consultation until the surgery day was about 4 months had a few meetings with surgeon and he does a very direct approach no need for all the tests and stuff just my medical history and some blood tests and a big discussion was about it and he was ready to go.
I was advised to do at least 2-3 weeks low carbs/protein shake diet before surgery and to try lose at least 10lbs; but I literally woke up one morning 2 months before surgery and decided there and then to kick start my journey and started on Protein Shakes and I actually found a brand and flavor that I actually loved. It tasted just like chocolate milkshake even though I only used Water to mix it up
i tried a few different brands but they were either too bland or no taste at all I like flavor and I like a little sweetness in my shakes... And I've been using the same shakes in bulk powder form for months without any issues at all...
So I started on shakes and they literally filled me up and I was determined to show the surgeon I meant business.
i was amazed how quickly the weight came off because I was ONLY on shakes Max 600cal preop; I dropped so much water weight it was amazing.
By surgery day I had already dropped from 322 to 257lbs and the surgeon was so proud.
i went into the hospital early without only water that morning so my sugar was actually low so they made me wait a few hours longer and I went in to surgery I think 3pm and next thing I know I was awake in ICU a few hours later and surgery was done but oh boy was it painful for me; I'm not sure why but I was in pain for like 2 days luckily I was given good drugs through the IV and slept most of the 2 days...
By the 3rd day I started drinking a small glass of Protein Shake and was sipping water each day; here in Australia the surgeon is very cautious so I actually spent 6 days in hospital was fine I had my own private room and bathroom and was really well looked after.... By the 3rd day they finally took the drain out and I had a shower for the first time and a BM which was like sticky black green like a baby; oh the shower felt amazing on my poor sore belly; I think I had 5 incisions sites and a very tight bloated belly.
Each day I would walk the halls of the hospital and say hello to the nurses and other times I would rest and watch TV but by like the 5th day I was feeling really good and was ready to go home but because I lived over 2hrs from the surgeon and hospital they made sure I was 110% fit and healthy; they checked my blood sugar and blood pressure multiple times a day and they said everything was fine, by the time I left the hospital they had taken me off multiple medications and it felt Great.
The ride home in my mates car was a little rough but it felt Great to be home and in my own bed my big bed not the single bed in hospital...
It's hard to remember everything I went through its been over 8 months since I left the hospital but I do know I was still a little sore when bending or carrying shopping bags for the first few weeks I had to be careful.... Showering was amazing my bandages on my incisions came off on their own after like 3 weeks.. I was given a guideline diet but Ive always been a strong independent personality so I just chose to do things my way; of course I was glad for the surgery and the surgeons advice but I felt is my body; my life I need to do it my way so maybe I was lucky but I didn't even think about food for months like literally I lived off shakes and yoghurt for months before I really started actual food and of course the weight kept coming off everyday it was amazing.
For the first 3 months I think I was on maybe 500cal a day with next to no carbs or sugars... I didn't feel hungry at all... Shakes kept me going...
Every couple of months I had to buy new clothes, I couldn't believe how much I changed one month to the next and people who hasn't seen me in a few months were shocked ever time they saw me....
i never kept it secret from anyone; I was proud of my decision to finally change my life and possibly extend my life, I was enjoying the complements and I was lucky I don't think I stalled for more than a week and I never had any complications at all except for diarrhoea BM for a while and sure I threw up a few times when trying different things or eating too quickly...
i started drinking regular coffee by 3 months and my surgeon said it was fine as long as I don't get dehydrated.. I was drinking tea as well and by 6 months I actually decided to treat myself here and there with some sugar free energy drinks and it has not impacted me or my weight loss one bit.
Now I'm over 8 months out I can eat most things just small portions; I've even had bread a few times just have to take it very slowly... I've had Pasta a few times and even had some chocolate over Easter without any issues at all and still continued to lose weight...
i will admit recently I've had some treats here and there but that was once I got in to maintenance mode...
I've pretty much been in maintenance now over 2 months and pretty much sit around 165lbs but just this week I've seen 163lbs on the scales...
i don't log my food much now but I do keep a mental tally of my calories and such and I do still check my weight regularly to make sure I'm doing well..
i had the RNY bypass and it was 120cm and it was amazing; I've had a blast and I've lost pretty much 50% of my original weight.
FROM highest of 322 to the lowest 162.8lbs just the other day....
i felt the need to share my story everything has been positive for me. It has totally changed my life and transformed my life and the way I see myself... I'll be 36 in 3 weeks but I feel better than I have in 20 years...
i want everyone to read my story and see it is possible to have the BYPASS without any issues and also my 3 months blood tests were perfect so no issues with Vitamins either just have to remember to take them everyday..
The one issue I will say was my hair did get thinner and would grow slower but never fell out.... I'm sure in time it will get better
I've gone from being the FAT friend to the SKINNY friend...
i look and feel amazing and my BMI has gone from 43 to 22.
I've dropped 159lbs or 72KGS in 10 months including my preop...
From 146KG to 74KG and below every goal I thought I wanted.
I don't mind because most people will bounce back 10-20lbs anyway plus when I do start to build muscle that will add a little weight because right now I'm kinda skin and bones LOL feels weird saying that about myself but its pretty good...
I'm really hoping I'll meet someone soon and start a family and live a long long life 😁😁😁
So if anybody is curious about RNY BYPASS don't be afraid...
Success is possible!!!!
A few pics before and after

I had my surgery May 29th and I'm down 60lbs. It's hard work, but it gets easier as you go! I had RNYGB and I regret nothing! For the first time in years I'm under 300lbs! I don't see the change yet, but the moment I noticed I'd lost inches was when I got in my car and had to scoot my seat forward cuz my belly wasn't in my way as much! I've hit a stall, but I'm gonna keep working! I love hearing all the success stories people share cuz it keeps me going!

Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

That's great. To be able to eat regularly and even have a treat now and then and continue to maintain and even lose... that is everyone's goal. Congrats!

It's amazing that's why I say get the bypass

I hear you @MIKEYY84. I’ve lost 45% of my body weight. I never would have believed it. Having a fast metabolism for the first time in my adult life is amazing. It’s a wonderful time.
I do understand how challenging it can be to maintain while we’re in this sweet spot. I lost 10kg more than I had planned & took months to find the balance. Now, I feel like I eat all day & don’t exercise at all - can’t afford to burn the calories. I do still avoid sweet things, bread, Pasta, rice, etc.
I know this will change though. My metabolism will slow & I’ll have to drop some of my Snacks & start exercising again to maintain the weight I am now. I weigh myself almost everyday to monitor any changes so I can modify my diet & activity when needed.
Congrats on what you’ve achieved. Amazing!

Again, this is a dream. I'm 32 days post op and stalled at a 17 pound weight loss. Been 200 pounds for 10 days. My surgeon did a "short bypass". Only 100 cm. Because I only had 65 pounds to lose and I didn't want to dump or malabsorb. I hope I will still lose the 65 pounds. I'd love to be saying what you two are in a year. Wishing you continued success!

Congratulations guys keep up the work. It will pay off in the long run. I'm new to the group my surgery is July 21st.

Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I've lost 159lbs and very little skin issues but I do drink a ton of Water everyday

Mate the malabsorption is the whole reason for the bypass. I've lost weight so QUICKLY and still losing weight in maintenance mode without even trying and that is only because of the bypass...

First two weeks I lost 20lbs
But I did my own preop of 9 weeks and lost 65lbs before surgery and I've lost 77lbs since then

Hello there guys.
Hope all is well.
Well most of you know my story.
Started my weight loss journey 10.5 months ago. Had surgery 8.5 months ago. Been in maintenance now 2.5 months.
My high weight when I met the surgeon was recorded at 322LBS and I have lost weight really well and consistently the whole time, averaging about 20lbs a month 😁
i got down to 165lbs and have been stable and maintaining that weight for the past 2.5 months, I still check my weight often to make sure I'm not going up and this morning my weight has gone down again....
i don't understand. Like I'm not even trying to lose anymore weight I'm already below goal weight and feeling amazing.
In maintenance I've been eating more calories and adding in different foods and some carbs and to be honest I've had a few treats here and there; I honestly believe the bypass has completely changed my metabolism and how my body processes calories 😁
I'm not counting calories as much and enjoying my new life.
I'm just wanting people to see it is possible to be successful.
Today weigh in - 162.8.
that's 159.2lbs lost and that is amazing literally HALF MY BODY WEIGHT GONE......

Hello there guys.
Hope all is well.
Well most of you know my story.
Started my weight loss journey 10.5 months ago. Had surgery 8.5 months ago. Been in maintenance now 2.5 months.
My high weight when I met the surgeon was recorded at 322LBS and I have lost weight really well and consistently the whole time, averaging about 20lbs a month 😁
i got down to 165lbs and have been stable and maintaining that weight for the past 2.5 months, I still check my weight often to make sure I'm not going up and this morning my weight has gone down again....
i don't understand. Like I'm not even trying to lose anymore weight I'm already below goal weight and feeling amazing.
In maintenance I've been eating more calories and adding in different foods and some carbs and to be honest I've had a few treats here and there; I honestly believe the bypass has completely changed my metabolism and how my body processes calories 😁
I'm not counting calories as much and enjoying my new life.
I'm just wanting people to see it is possible to be successful.
Today weigh in - 162.8.
that's 159.2lbs lost and that is amazing literally HALF MY BODY WEIGHT GONE......

Hi all—anyone recently approved/rejected by Aetna? just wanna know about any challenges since they changed their requirements in may.
new 2020 aetna reqs

Well I had the RNY bypass as well and I had no choice every time I saw someone I had looked different as I was losing about 20lbs a month and ended up losing a total of 158lbs

Well it depends on their BMI and the surgeon you're dealing with if they will even do a bypass surgery; but from experience I had the RNY bypass and had not one single issue and lost ALL my excess weight..
Your friend needs to research more before deciding if they want to put their body through surgery for only 50lbs?

shakes everyday

Look at everything you're putting in your mouth like be careful of carbs. Sodium. Fats.
I did little exercise but walking and stationery bike and lost over 150lbs..
With RNY BYPASS..

Let go of the guilt. Move forward. I am on my last day of the pre-op diet and it has been hard to stick with. Some days were absolute torture and others were just blah because I am sooo sick of Protein Shakes. I have used these last two weeks to work on getting my head in the game by watching some YouTube videos and reading a book called Intuitive Eating. While some of the ideas in the book are premature for me to practice during pre-op or post-op, I do hope to incorporate the concepts in my life for maintenance. I have also avoided social situations with food during this time, because I don’t want the extra temptation. With that said, I did sit next to my husband last night while he ate a couple of small cheeseburgers and definitely wanted to grab one. Lol. I am not perfect. I did have a light string cheese about a week ago. It wasn’t remotely satisfying and has made it easier to resist the siren call of food. With few exceptions ( @MIKEYY84), none of us are perfect. Be kind to yourself and move on with following you surgeon’s diet. You can do it!

just be sure to get right back on track. And also resolve to get your head in the game from now on and stick to your program. This takes a lot of work and commitment - the surgery just gives you a strong tail wind to get you there more easily than you could without it. There are so many people who never make it to their desired goal - don't be one of them!! This is your big chance to get rid of that excess weight - so take full advantage of this tool!

Perhaps writing down your recent experience, as well as your emotions and feelings afterwards would help? Use it as a tool to prevent you from making the same choice next time. Remember how guilty (out of control???) you felt after eating the BBQ food. Hopefully reflecting back on that will help you make a better choice next time. Visualize going to a party, turning down the food, stepping on the scale the next day and feeling pride, instead of guilt.
Best of luck to you!

Excuse me I was giving honest advice.. it is beneficial to get help if needed.. there's nothing wrong with asking for help....
Most surgeons ask for psychological help to deal with the changes in your life that come with surgery.. nobody is perfect..
And I'm allowed to give advice because I've been through it and have been successful so I'm offering encouragement and inspiration to show it is possible...

I started at BMI 43 and I'm now BMI 22.2 lost all 100 % my excess weight and below goal weight but had the bypass

So sorry to hear you're not feeling well! That bloating, and stuff is just such an awful feeling. I am a VGS person but when that starting happening to me, my dietician told me it might be the effect of a lactose intolerance that bariatric patients sometimes develop after surgery.
Have you had milk products lately, like pudding or ice cream or cheese? I found out that even the Protein Drinks I was having every day are milk-based. Once I cut out the lactose, my symptoms improved immensely!
Anyway, just a thought
Hope you are feeling better soon!