LAJ23

Hello all,
I had GS in Aug. 2020. I lost just over 100lbs, but never made it to my goal weight of 125lb. I got down to 138lb, which actually almost seemed a little too thin, and people thought I was starting to look sickly. That was at the end of October 2022. Since about December, I have gained 20lb, and I have NO idea why. It's so incredibly disheartening. I'm 50 years old, so I think menopause could be a real issue, as nothing else has changed with my eating/drinking/exercise habits in that time. I don't know if I should reach out to my surgeon, my OBGYN or my regular PCP. I'm also under an INSANE amount of stress, so I'm guessing cortisol is a contributing factor as well. Has anyone else been down this road? What's the best way to address it? Soooooooooo depressed!!!!

Hello all,
I had GS in Aug. 2020. I lost just over 100lbs, but never made it to my goal weight of 125lb. I got down to 138lb, which actually almost seemed a little too thin, and people thought I was starting to look sickly. That was at the end of October 2022. Since about December, I have gained 20lb, and I have NO idea why. It's so incredibly disheartening. I'm 50 years old, so I think menopause could be a real issue, as nothing else has changed with my eating/drinking/exercise habits in that time. I don't know if I should reach out to my surgeon, my OBGYN or my regular PCP. I'm also under an INSANE amount of stress, so I'm guessing cortisol is a contributing factor as well. Has anyone else been down this road? What's the best way to address it? Soooooooooo depressed!!!!

a 10- to 20-lb weight gain after you hit your lowest weight is very common - usually in year 2 or 3.
bruising - I don't think I've ever heard this and I've been hanging out here for seven years, so it may be unrelated to your surgery. I'd check with your PCP
P.S. you can always lose weight by cutting calories, but if your body is most comfortable at 155, it'll be a challenge to lose weight and keep it off. It can be done, it'll just be a challenge if you have to fight your body to do it.
also - brain fog and fatigue - I haven't heard that either, but I suppose it could be related to a deficiency. Hopefully they'll do bloodwork while you're there so they can see if your deficient in anything, Deficiencies are pretty rare if you keep on top of your supplements, though - and you're a sleeve patient, so they're rarer still. Hopefully your physical exam will uncover whatever it is that's going on.

Well, as the title says I'm about 21 months out and now starting to gain. I got down to 143 (my goal was 130, but I was comfortable in the 140s). I'm now back up to 155. Over the past year, I've also developed a bruising issue and have multiple bruises on my arms and legs, mostly on the left side; random but moderate/severe aches & pains; brain fog; severe fatigue, and other idiopathic symptoms. I have a physical scheduled for mid-June, but I'm wondering if any of these things are common after surgery. As for my weight gain, nothing has really changed. I still eat very clean, limit myself to two low-sugar/low-calorie alcoholic beverages a week, and really try to take care of myself. With the aches, pains & fatigue, I'm finding it difficult to keep up with working out, but to be honest, I probably wasn't working out as much as I should be anyway. Mostly walking & biking. I'm also at the age where hormones are likely changing (I'll be 50 in two months). Any idea what might be going on or how to restart the weight loss? Thanks.

I'm almost one year out and down 89#, which is 28# short of my goal weight. That said, I already look "thin", to the point that family & friends - and now me - are questioning why I'm trying to lose the additional weight. I'm 5'6" & 158#. I'm wearing a size small/medium and a size 6 in pants. I'm also planning to have skin removal surgery in the next year or so. While I'm still going to stick to my post-op diet, I no longer feel the need to continue losing. Is this a common thing?

I'm almost one year out and down 89#, which is 28# short of my goal weight. That said, I already look "thin", to the point that family & friends - and now me - are questioning why I'm trying to lose the additional weight. I'm 5'6" & 158#. I'm wearing a size small/medium and a size 6 in pants. I'm also planning to have skin removal surgery in the next year or so. While I'm still going to stick to my post-op diet, I no longer feel the need to continue losing. Is this a common thing?

1) I know some surgeons use weight loss meds like phentermine after surgery. Topamax is another option (I take it for Migraine prevention but I have been taking it for 20+ years so I have no idea if it has helped me lose weight). Whether this is the right answer for you is a conversation with your PCP and surgeon.
2) Have you tried Protein Water? How short are you on protein? Are you tracking your calories/macros/water intake? Can you snack on things that are high protein but lower in fat than cheese, like tuna, egg whites, deli meat?

Good luck!

I had gastric sleeve last summer (August 2020). I felt miserable for the first two weeks, then it was like almost overnight, I felt much better. I wasn't instantly pain-free, but there was a noticeable, huge improvement. I have to admit, I've been lax about hardcore workouts, but I started exercising (biking around the neighborhood, walking on the beach with my dogs, etc.) about 3 weeks post-op. I just had to take it easy. I'd say about 2 months post-op I felt 90% back to normal and probably could've done just about anything at that point. I'm now 6 months out and feel pretty great!

I'm so sorry that you are feeling this way. Our minds, combined with society's expectations, can really play some tricks on us when it comes to thinking, "Yes, I know I'm thinner but not enough." Its never enough. Its never what others are doing. Its never what we expected. It really is so tragic.
I don't have much that I can offer for advice, but I am sorry that this is affecting you. As someone who is pre-op and a few weeks out, I am bursting at the seams for the day that I have lost 75 pounds. So maybe try thinking back to, and connect with, pre-op you and having a mental conversation about how far you come, and how its not all up to measurements or how you look. You should be proud!

I'm currently down about 74lb. (give or take, it tends to fluctuate) but in the last week or two, when I look in the mirror, I think I look "fat". I've never had an issue with body dysmorphia, but I almost feel like I'm developing it. My logical brain tells me not to be silly and it's obvious I'm smaller than I was (and I'm only about 35# from my goal weight), but I can't help but think I don't look as "thin" as I should, or even as thin as I did two-three weeks ago. Is it common to develop these perceptions? I keep getting stuck at plateaus all the time too, which doesn't help. Thanks for any feedback.

I had gastric sleeve last summer (August 2020). I felt miserable for the first two weeks, then it was like almost overnight, I felt much better. I wasn't instantly pain-free, but there was a noticeable, huge improvement. I have to admit, I've been lax about hardcore workouts, but I started exercising (biking around the neighborhood, walking on the beach with my dogs, etc.) about 3 weeks post-op. I just had to take it easy. I'd say about 2 months post-op I felt 90% back to normal and probably could've done just about anything at that point. I'm now 6 months out and feel pretty great!

I had gastric sleeve last summer (August 2020). I felt miserable for the first two weeks, then it was like almost overnight, I felt much better. I wasn't instantly pain-free, but there was a noticeable, huge improvement. I have to admit, I've been lax about hardcore workouts, but I started exercising (biking around the neighborhood, walking on the beach with my dogs, etc.) about 3 weeks post-op. I just had to take it easy. I'd say about 2 months post-op I felt 90% back to normal and probably could've done just about anything at that point. I'm now 6 months out and feel pretty great!

So awesome to hear! I am ready to get this jouney started and have new life soon. Surgery in 8 days. Start liquid diet in the am.

It's crazy expensive "per area" and requires multiple treatments "per area." I'm skeptical that something could be that easy or else everybody would be doing it. But that's just no two cents worth of opinion.

Not sure if it would help, but perhaps one of those gel cushions that go between your legs so that your spine is in better alignment while you sleep on your side? I got mine from Amazon and it’s been a life saver for my knees.

Thank you. I can't help but be depressed. There are other things going on in my life (work & family) that are contributing factors, so this mess with my stall & my hair doesn't help. I feel like if I had a full head of hair (which was thin & fine, to begin with!) and was continuing to lose weight, it might help and feel like progress. I'm trying to stick to things as best as I can, but when the surgical staff says "stop snacking, only eat meals", it's hard! I just can't do it. I get stomachaches easily and do better with frequent Snacks. I'm pretty much on a keto diet as it is. I just hope this stall breaks quickly... I have 50lb to go to get to my goal. Even if I don't fully reach it, I want to get close.

Hi ,
I am a newbie still but I 'll share my input.
Dont be depressed, you ve made alot of progress from what I can see in ur stats.
My hair is thinning too at the middle parting and more hair falls out when I wash out. I am expecting it to get worse at some point so. I dont think we can do much but let it run its course .
I havent stalled yet but my weight loss is a bit slow. So I am taking a more Keto approach, having Protein Shakes and salads more. Keto might help you but general advice is to stick to your plan until the stall breaks.

Wow! That really is a mystery! How crazy! Thankfully, the estrogen has kicked in and seems to be working for me, but I worried that once I'm off it, it'll come back. I hope you find some resolution soon as well.

You betcha. I'm 56 and get this, I had a partial hysterectomy 10 years ago! But about 6 months post-bariatric surgery, I started having a "pseudo-period" - cramps and spotting on the same cycle my period would have been. No one can figure out what's going on, not my bariatric team, not my GYN and not my primary doctor. I don't even have the anatomy anymore for a true period, but my body is obviously trying to do *something* period-like. I think this is an effect of drastic weight loss that hasn't been studied and isn't well-understood. Fortunately, it's just light spotting, so it's not a huge issue (even if it is a huge mystery).

Thanks so much for the info! I've never heard of Built Bars, but will look into them. I have a bunch of Premier Protein shakes onhand, but was told they're off-limits as they're not on the "recommended" list for my specific bariatric program. Sucks because they are 30g of protein and I figure it's better than nothing. I follow the protein first rule as well, but as I mentioned, I can only eat so much of it before I'm full/very uncomfortable. BTW....glad I'm not the only one who can't stand Unjury! LOL! I keep getting told by my dietician and doctor that it's not that bad...YES, it is! LOL!!!

I think it's BS when programs push specific brands of Protein Drinks. Unjury is recommended by a lot of programs, but there are tons of other options for whey protein isolate. Premier Protein ready-to-drink shakes use milk protein concentrate, which is not as easily absorbed as protein isolates, but I would think they're still better than nothing, especially since you are past the liquid stage and you're consuming protein from meat as well.
I've tried a bunch of samples of protein powder and my favorite is IdealLean (I love the birthday cake flavor mixed in my yogurt), but again, it's a matter of personal taste. I found that once I started shopping for protein powders, Facebook started advertising them to me nonstop, and I've discovered different brands that way. Syntrax Nectar is also whey protein isolate, and they have lots of flavors (including a lot of fruit flavors that are more like juice than protein shakes).
Do you drink coffee? A lot of people use Protein Shakes instead of Creamer in their coffee, which is an easy way to add a little protein. I don't drink coffee, but I love protein hot cocoa. I make it with Fairlife milk instead of Water for even more protein.
Unfortunately, you may have to cut back on the veggies for a while to give you more room for protein. I know that seems weird since it's been drilled into us that veggies are good for you, but right now, since you are so limited in the volume you can eat, you have to reserve most of it for protein. You can add a little protein to your meals by incorporating protein Soups, plain Greek yogurt, or cottage cheese into toppings or sauces. You can mix unflavored protein powder into anything liquid or pureed like Soup or refried Beans. I prefer flavored protein powder to mix with sweet foods like yogurt, pudding, and protein oatmeal.
As for the stall, it may or may not have anything to do with what you are or aren't eating. Even if you are following your program perfectly, stalls still happen to everyone. You've done really well with your weight loss, so your weight loss is going to slow down and you might just need to give your body time to adjust. If you're working out, you might be building some muscle as well, which can increase your weight even as you are losing fat.

I second the Built Bars! I've tried a lot of Protein bars, and Built Bars are the best by far! (But taste is a very individual thing, and it seems like most people either love Built Bars or hate them, so I would suggest starting with one box to see if you like them.) Nature Valley protein bars only have 10 grams of protein. There are a lot of bars with higher protein. Built Bars have 17-19 grams. Quest Bars (which are available in most grocery stores) have about 20 grams.
I mix Protein Powder into food to boost my protein intake. My go-to breakfast is half a container of Triple Zero Greek yogurt with half a scoop of protein powder, which is 19 grams of protein. Or protein oatmeal with additional protein powder mixed in. Quest protein chips are also high in protein and I often incorporate them into my meals to add a little protein (for example, crushed as a salad topping, or topped with taco meat for nachos). Can you give some more examples of things you eat and maybe we can suggest ways to add protein?
What are your program's criteria for Protein Shakes? There are A LOT of protein shakes on the market, and if you don't like the brand you have, you can try some others to find something you like better.

check with your doctor about the menstruation. Although it's fairly common to have weird hormone things going on after WLS. Estrogen is stored in fat cells, and some of it is released when you're losing weight rapidly. A lot of women have screwed up cycles for a few months - but then it stabilizes when weight loss slows down. But in your case, given you haven't menstruated in awhile and you're on a med that's supposed to stop it, I'd check in with my doctor just in case.

I have a Protein Shake everyday. I tried the Unjury, and the taste literally makes me gag. Right now, I usually have the Syntrax Nectar Cappuccino flavor (it is caffeine free) every morning for Breakfast. Since my plan allows coffee/caffeine, I mix it with some coffee concentrate, Fairlife 1% milk, and Water. It gives me 30 grams in one go, and tastes good. I also sometimes have all or part of a Built Protein Bar during the day as a snack, or lunch on the go. The whole thing provides another 17-19 grams of Protein. The Built Bars are really good, if you have not tried them. For lunch and dinner, I follow the protein first rule and have no problem getting my >60 grams per day (usually around 80 grams), thanks to the protein shake for breakfast. I was having more Hair loss, but it got better when I started getting adequate protein. It really is that important. Getting the protein might help get your stall to un-stall.

For the period issue, rapid weight loss can really mess with your hormones. Things will probably go back to normal in another few months. Check in with your doctor next time you see them.

Good luck! 😊

So, I recently posted about Hair loss. While I'm not happy that this is a side effect, it's comforting to know that some of you have gone thru this as well, and for most, your hair grew back. I'm taking all kinds of supplements in addition to the "regular" Vitamins required post-op. I've added liquid Iron, prenatal vitamins, Biotin, and collagen.

The first question is about stalling - again. I've been bouncing between 181-184 for over a month now. I'm not eating much due to the discomfort (I posted about this also). I'm desperately trying to get my Protein in, but I simply can't eat enough to do that. I'm also taking the Unjury powder (which I can barely tolerate due to the taste even though I mix it into food/liquid), but still can't get anywhere near what I'm supposed to. I'm supposed to be getting in 60g-86g protein/day. Unjury only accounts for 22g/day. I can only eat enough to get about 40g-50g/day. My doctor is aware. How do I kickstart this weight loss again?

Secondly (sorry to the men in the group), I'm 48 and suddenly started getting my period again. I'm on a medication that is supposed to stop it completely due to a previous medical issue, but obviously, something has changed so much with my body, that the medication, which has been effective for several years, is no longer working. I emailed my dr. and she started me on estrogen for 10 days but isn't sure why the previous medication stopped working. Have any of you ladies had this issue?