ResaRoo

I’m from BC but got it done in Toronto in February. (Self pay. I thought I had been on the wait list here for nearly 2 years. The surgeons offices ask you not to call, and that they will call you when your closer down the wait list. Turns out my dr. missed sending something, they sent a fax to let him know something they needed was missing, my dr. office apparently never got this fax. And I didn’t find out until I had my doctor look into it late last fall because I was worried about how long the wait was. So rather than start the possible 3-5 year wait all over again, I opted to use my line of credit to pay for the surgery. Very expensive, but better than slowly dying...)

I find I’m cold most of the time now, too. Especially just after eating.

Gosh, I forgot about this site! So nice to go back and follow everyone. As per the beginning of my journey, things continue to not go very well and I am fighting to stop losing weight. I have had my MiniMizer removed as it had slipped and also my gall bladder removed. My surgery anniversary will be on the 18th, so nearly a year out 158 pounds down. I really struggle with digestion issues including constant diarrhoea and really poor absorption. Good news is that food aversion (taste and small) has pretty much gone. But now I eat, it overstimulates my intestines causing the above, which means continued weight loss. I have been on a feeding tube for a while and am currently talking to surgeons about reversal. Congrats to all of you with your upcoming ‘surgiversaries’!
Much Love,
Laura

So it’s been a year (or close to it) guys! And what a year it has been! Who would have thought so shortly after our surgeries COVID would explode and effect all of our lives!
I am so very grateful I was able to get this surgery before everything got shut down though in some ways it was hard to get support that I probably could have used. I also think I might have lost more weight if Covid didn’t happen, as I have been stuck home with a baby, toddler and young child with not much to do in the cold rainy months we experience here in Vancouver Canada. I am afraid if I hadn’t had the surgery though my weight may have gotten worst due to stress and boredom eating.
I have lost 80lbs but I’m still 25 away from my goal. (I was 270lbs before surgery and now I’m 190lbs I’m 5’8 and would like to weigh 165lbs) I’m really hoping I continue to lose but weight is very slow to come off now. I’m trying to up my exercise to hopefully help keep the pounds coming off. I struggle with Water intake which is another area of improvement.
I love not having intense cravings anymore and to be able to stop after just a taste of chocolate or a sweet. I love that I can run and chase after my kids and take them sledding in the snow. I love that I can sit down on the floor and get back up no problem. I am sleeping better now and I feel a million times better about myself.
My only lingering side effect is Hair loss. My hair is constantly falling out and it’s super annoying. It’s regrowing but still a constant shed.
anyway, where are my feb people at?! I’d love to read some updates to see how everyone is doing.
☺️

See that’s where it gets confusing- My NUT now has me eating 1500-1600 calories because the scale wouldn’t budge for a couple months. She said because I work out (spinning and strength training) so much that I should increase my calories in order to given my body fuel. She’d recommended I get an InBody scan and I found out I have a higher amount of muscle then average for my height/weight so she based it off that. It’s weird but the thing is IT WORKED. The scale is going down again (well at first it still wasn’t moving). It’s slow movement but it’s consistent again. I’m also mixing up my strength training by seeing a personal trainer once a week which I just started Saturday so I hope that helps too. The calorie count makes me happy because it’s nice to know I don’t have to eat so few calories at least. Anyhoo, good luck - do what works (and is healthy and sustainable) because it gets so tricky now!! For reference I’m 5’6” and now 155lbs.

I’ve also been stuck in a stall. Only down 3 lbs since the beginning of November, and they were hard to lose. I’m eating around 1000 cals a day now, but also exercising every day. Some days Hiit, some days strength training. So I assume I’m gaining muscle and that’s why the scale hasn’t gone down. I’ve lost almost 110 now, but still have 50 to go to reach my first goal (175). I’d like to get down to 145ish, but I haven’t been that weight since I was 14/15, so I’m not sure how realistic that goal is. Glad to hear everyone is still doing well!

I’ve also been stuck in a stall. Only down 3 lbs since the beginning of November, and they were hard to lose. I’m eating around 1000 cals a day now, but also exercising every day. Some days Hiit, some days strength training. So I assume I’m gaining muscle and that’s why the scale hasn’t gone down. I’ve lost almost 110 now, but still have 50 to go to reach my first goal (175). I’d like to get down to 145ish, but I haven’t been that weight since I was 14/15, so I’m not sure how realistic that goal is. Glad to hear everyone is still doing well!

I agree with @It's time. -- we all have good and bad days. 100 lbs isn't anything to balk at. 1 year ago, you might have been stoked to lose 100 lbs. It's so much harder to look at where you want to be, in comparison to where you were. I see myself as losing almost 50lbs since surgery.. and i think "holy crap, I still have 100 more lbs to go!" but honestly, being down 50 lbs in 2 months is huge.
Do you talk to a therapist or anyone about how you feel? Maybe someone outside of your situation can give you some perspective. I vouch for therapy for everyone.. it has saved my life.

Congratulations on 100 lbs. down!!! Woo-Hoo! Celebrate that every single moment! YOU ARE DOING AMAZING! I can understand your feelings, and it could be partly what you mention, hormones, stress, etc. BUT, it remains, you’ve worked very hard and are being VERY SUCCESSFUL!
You’re not alone in feeling down some days...add in Covid restrictions and concerns along with everything else and it feels normal that we have a bit of that. What isn’t okay, is that last week I was feeling down and ate 5 of hubby’s Hershey nuggets when not even hungry😳! Old behavior that reared it’s ugly head and I caved. I made a list of healthier options for those moments...brush my teeth to change the taste, walk around, wait at least 20 minutes to decide if it’s worth it, put on a fave TV program or music, reach out to a friend, log into Baripal, ANYTHING except cave. The key for us is to FOCUS ON OUR SUCCESS and not the down moments. WHERE THOUGHTS GO, ENERGY FLOWS.
I asked my surgeon why I have not lost more “visible” weight, as you describe. I sure don’t look like I’ve lost 55 lbs., some friends don’t even notice. He explained that we lose from the inside of our bodies out. So the weight you have lost is the most dangerous to your health—- the fat we have wrapped around our internal organs, the deep more lethal fat. In my case, it was the deep belly fat. This is exactly what we want to lose first, in getting to a healthier place. I am only now beginning to see the more surface changes. Keep on keepin’ on and don’t lose the faith. IT IS HAPPENING FOR YOU!!!
Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!🏆👑💖

I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. I’m almost 8 months post op and so close to 100 lbs down. This past week I gained 4 lbs and it’s really getting to me. Despite losing so much, I still have 100 to go, and I don’t really see where the 100 lbs has come from. I feel so much better physically, but I feel like I look so weird. I’ve gone down only 3 pant sizes and only lost 1 inch around my calves, which seems crazy for a 100 (almost) lb loss. And I have huge calves to start with. (24 inches!!) I don’t know if it’s hormones, stress from work, or if this is a typical feeling at this point in the journey. Any advice or suggestions?

I’ve been feeling a bit down lately. I’m almost 8 months post op and so close to 100 lbs down. This past week I gained 4 lbs and it’s really getting to me. Despite losing so much, I still have 100 to go, and I don’t really see where the 100 lbs has come from. I feel so much better physically, but I feel like I look so weird. I’ve gone down only 3 pant sizes and only lost 1 inch around my calves, which seems crazy for a 100 (almost) lb loss. And I have huge calves to start with. (24 inches!!) I don’t know if it’s hormones, stress from work, or if this is a typical feeling at this point in the journey. Any advice or suggestions?

Glad I popped in to catch up on everyone’s progress! I’m officially 6 months out and 65lbs down. My starting weight was 270 (now I’m 205lbs) I feel so much better in every way. I have had a super fun summer Camping lots with my 3 kids and was able to enjoy the waterpark for once!
I know I have lots of room for improvement, I have only been walking and lifting light weights for the last few months. It’s been tough with having the kids home 24/7. I have had pizza and ice cream but rarely. I know I will be able to workout more once school starts in a few days and my other two are able to go to daycare. Working from home, while having the kids home was challenging indeed but I stayed active by taking my kids for walks and playing with them. Definitely ordered out more then once lol but luckily my kids love sushi so that is my go to take out place.
I hope my weight loss doesn’t slow too much as I still have a long way to go to reach my GW!

Hi everyone!!! Im almost at the 6.5 month mark & I feel absolutely FANTASTIC. I haven't felt this great since I was a freshman in college. I'm down 79 lbs- everyone is noticing a huge difference which is sometimes a bit awkward because they're like "you look so good" and in my head I'm like "I also looked so good before ...or did I?" Messes with the brain and self esteem in weird ways.. Anywho- I have my days where I look in the mirror and feel like I have a long way to go, but I'm actually 24 lbs away from my surgeons goal of 170lbs. Ive only dumped maybe 3 times "non-traditionally" I get the sweats and have to use the bathroom shortly after. I have had episodes of the foamies 2 times though (dry heaving with only clear slimy stuff coming out?). I haven't been able to pinpoint what triggers it, but I definitely hate it. Surprisingly I am able to tolerate just about anything.. don't judge me or just stop reading now lol.. I've had small portions of: Cake, chips, Fried Foods, Fast Foods, pizza, Ice cream the list of no-no's honestly goes on and on. You name it I've probably at least had a bite to test the waters, but I do eat clean 80% of the time- which is my long-term goal. I have been working out on and off. I completed a full body strength training 28 day challenge and worked my way up to running/walking (2.5 minutes running/ 30 seconds walking) 2.47 miles using the run keeper app. I then took a break to plan and have my micro-wedding which was 7/23/20! I'll attach some photos. The wedding threw me for a loop and I didn't workout for about a month after that, so I'm still getting back into the groove and trying to make it a habit. So far so good, I worked out everyday this week (Monday-Friday) I want to take weekends off. I have some loose skin that I think will need some plastic surgery later on in life, I'm not that worried about it right now. Hope everyone is doing well!

So my doctor said with all the fluids that they put in our body that we absorb eith 80 or 90% and it takes some time for us to lose that Water weight. I actually went home weighing more than when I went in. I was at 256 at time of surgery came home at 258. It just takes some time, don't get discouraged. I had mine three weeks ago and am down to 243, it will happen. Good luck and keep up the good work.

I"m not sure about the restriction part, but I have pretty much zero interest in food in the morning, at from about 4:00 p.m. on, I could be an eating machine if I let myself...

It’s just one day. You can start over tomorrow. It won’t undo your progress. Keep in mind that you might start hitting stalls soon. It happens to virtually everyone and it will break. Definitely give your nutritionist a call and ask for some advice re: overeating concerns. They may have some suggestions more tailored to your needs.

Try drinking some Water (as much as you can handle) every time you feel hungry instead of reaching for a snack, and then go for a short walk or find something to keep yourself busy. It will help keep your mind off of it. I feel the same way sometimes, and it typically isn’t real hunger but head hunger.

I had my 6 month surgery mark on Sunday, and my tele-doc visit with the PA and the Nutritionist yesterday. Everything is on track, which is good to hear; my blood work is all good as far as Vitamins, macronutrients, Protein, etc. Because I use Myfitnesspal to track food, the nutritionist was able to review my diet with quite a bit of detail, and thinks my carbs are a bit low; sometimes my carbs are as low as 20-25 (but sometimes they are 85!); she suggested I monitor to see if I am tired on the days my carbs are below 40, and adjust.
I can't believe it has only been 6 months...February seems a lifetime ago, given all the ways our world has changed since then.
Thought I'd share a before and after (during? Because I hope I'm not "done"): Before is from a wedding in 2019; After is from a hike/walk on Sunday.

I had an MGB (mini gastric bypass). My surgeon recommended it because i had a high BMI (close to 60), though no real comorbidities. In his practice it had a higher long term success rate than sleeve patients. Much harder to stretch out the stomach, and some malabsorption of calories (and nutrients, hence the need for Vitamins every day). I’d recommend talking it over with your surgeon and asking his recommendation for you personally.

However, I know someone who was told to the sleeve would be better for her and it turned out not to have been the case. Apparently her insurance wouldn’t cover the bypass, only the sleeve (cheaper), but her dr didn’t tell her this until after the surgery when she started having problems. Had she known, she would have fought for the bypass and even asked to pay the difference if it came down to that.

Although I read about other people in our lives not being supportive or downright jealous of us having our surgeries, it sure hurts when it happens to you. I'm especially surprised with how my co-workers are treating me. I'm a happy-go-lucky person who's always willing to lend a hand to people I care about & I am very tenderhearted as well so this is hitting me especially hard.
My co-workers are being rude when asked about covering my shifts while I'm off for surgery. I work at a little library with a small amount of staff and our jobs are really not that stressful so it's not like they are going to have to expend a whole bunch of energy or break a sweat working my shift. A group of co-workers even approached our director expressing "concern" that the surgery is too dangerous and that I shouldn't have it done which really baffled me since no one ever brought that up with me. Now I know that they just don't want to cover for me & are worried I'll be out longer that anticipated. I came in on Monday walking on a cloud because I finally got my surgery date & no one could be bothered to show any enthusiasm at all.
I have a co-worker who I've worked with for 5 years & I considered her to be one of my best friends. I've planned her work bridal shower and baby showers. I went to the hospital to see her first-born. She gripes constantly about her husband & I'm right there supporting her. We've done plenty of stuff together socially as well, so she's not just a work friend. In the past I've asked her for very small favors here & there and she's rarely helped me out but I asked so infrequently that it never really bothered me. I, of course, have helped her happily whenever she needed me. Well, her true colors are shining now that the surgery is approaching. I've been careful not to talk her ear off about the surgery because I can see that being super annoying. Whenever I bring it up now she just grunts in response and goes right back to talking about herself. I've asked her for two small favors in regards to the surgery and she's too inconvenienced to do either one. I am really, really hurt by her actions.
Another friend is acting jealous & responded to the news of my surgery with "I'll be interested to see how it goes for you". I haven't told friends on social media yet and now I'm definitely not going to. This will be a road I walk down with my husband on one side & my mom on the other cheering me on. I'll be just fine and I will succeed in spite of everyone's attitudes towards this huge step in my life. I'm really glad I found this community & I'm really glad you've read this far! Thanks for letting me vent!

I’m from BC but got it done in Toronto in February. (Self pay. I thought I had been on the wait list here for nearly 2 years. The surgeons offices ask you not to call, and that they will call you when your closer down the wait list. Turns out my dr. missed sending something, they sent a fax to let him know something they needed was missing, my dr. office apparently never got this fax. And I didn’t find out until I had my doctor look into it late last fall because I was worried about how long the wait was. So rather than start the possible 3-5 year wait all over again, I opted to use my line of credit to pay for the surgery. Very expensive, but better than slowly dying...)

I’ve got to be honest, there is no exercise for loose skin. If someone has lost a little bit of weight and has no muscle tone, they could gain a little muscle to push out the skin. But for significant weight loss, skin and exercise are completely separate issues. Unless someone is quite young or won the DNA lottery of skin, there will be loose skin.
I’m not trying to be Debbie downer, but those are scientific facts and I hate for people to spend a lot of time and money on things that won’t work (and there are people who will lie for their own reasons, including the beauty industry trying to make money). I wish that weren’t so (but I spent $20,000 on surgery because it is). But there is still looseness on my lower legs and arms that surgery can’t fix. It is just part of the journey.
I don’t normally do this, but I’m going to attach a before and after picture of my arm surgery (after my 100 lb loss 7 years ago). There is nothing that would’ve fixed that skin but surgery. 🙇🏼‍♀️

I’m hoping to kick start some weight loss. I’ve been in a stall for almost 3 weeks. I think I’m a bit worried that my metabolism is out of whack right now, and doing some IF might help it.

I’m hoping to kick start some weight loss. I’ve been in a stall for almost 3 weeks. I think I’m a bit worried that my metabolism is out of whack right now, and doing some IF might help it.

Try drinking some Water (as much as you can handle) every time you feel hungry instead of reaching for a snack, and then go for a short walk or find something to keep yourself busy. It will help keep your mind off of it. I feel the same way sometimes, and it typically isn’t real hunger but head hunger.