Crystalmoon

I've experienced almost the exact same thing. I sleep through the night now and I can actually pee before we leave the house and not have to go again when we arrive at our destination.
I was not diabetic, but I was right at the beginning of being borderline, and your husband could be right in his theory!

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I don't post here much, though I do check in quite a bit to see what others are and have experienced during their journey. Lately I have seen a number of people "on the fence" about whether or not to go through with WLS, so I thought I would share my story in hopes it will help make the decision easier and / or more informed. This is a personal decision and the journey is different for everyone.
I am a 5'4" 43 year old female and underwent the Gastric Sleeve surgery back in January 2021. I have struggled with my weight all if my life. I was always the "curvy" girl throughout my adolescent years. After having 2 kids, I weighed around 200 pounds. I went on every yo-yo diet you could think up. I had some successes, and lost and gained hundreds of pounds over the past 20 years. Each time I gained it back, I weighed more than when I started. Eventually I kind of gave up and "accepted" that I was never going to be at a healthy weight. I was tired, and sick and tired of the constant battle. I started having numerous health condition and was put on multiple medications. About a year and a half ago, I weighed around 240 pounds and was climbing. My doctors told me I needed to do something. In addition to the health issues, I was so depressed, that I was missing out on everything in life. I didn't want to go anywhere or do anything, partially because I physically felt awful, partially because I didn't want anyone to see me.. Finally someone recommended WLS. I was shocked. I didn't even know it was an option for me. After doing a lot of homework, and meeting with several doctors I decided to do it. It was time to take my life back. Imagine my disappointment when I discovered my insurance would not cover it. Long story short, I was able to work it out so that I could still do the surgery as a "self pay". I knew it would be a small price to pay for a better quality of life. Because I wasn't going through insurance I didn't have all of the hoops to jump through. So I was scheduled fairly quickly. And due to Covid I was cancelled. And then cancelled again. Finally in January I had the procedure done. Other than having to have a hernia repaired, I had zero complications. Six months later I am down to a much healthier 140 pounds. I have never been happier and healthier.
Yes, it has been a rough road. This is not an easy or "magic" fix. The recovery was painful. I dont eat sugar, or bread or Pasta or a number of other foods I love. I can't "chug" Water like I used to. My portion sizes are quite small. I am very uncomfortable if I "over eat" or drink. I had multiple stalls and got discouraged. I don't go out to restaurant's much. My hair fell out for about 3 months. I have to take Vitamins every day. I had several "what have I done" moments along the way.
But I know now that it was the best decision I have ever made. I don't have to take ANY medications anymore. I have so much energy, and I live a full and happy life. Oh and I got to buy an amazing new size 6 wardrobe! My husband tells me I am a completely different person, physically, and emotionally. My only regret is not doing this years ago. Someone asked me the other day "how long do you have to do this for?" and my answer was "forever". This is not something I am "doing", this is a life long commitment. I am never going back to where I was. If you go into it with a mindset that this is temporary then not only are you going to be disappointed, but you will likely be one of those people that gains it all back in a few years.
I am posting a couple of pictures as inspiration of what is possible. I know I scoured the internet for before and after shots every time I felt discouraged or needed some extra motivation. If anyone has questions they want to ask feel free to message me! I don't know it all or have all the answers I can only tell you about my personal experiences.    
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Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m a little over 3 months post op. I’ve had a good and smooth experience so far. Except until recently.
In the last few days I’ve started to experience pressure in the upper stomach area, just below the bra line area. At first, I thought it was caused by something I ate that didn’t agree with me or digest well such as raw vegetables, which seem to be a bit a problem for me still. But 3 days later I’m still feeling the pressure. I wouldn’t say I feel a lot of pain or nausea . It’s mostly pressure and discomfort that I feel that comes and goes in that area and not necessarily after I eat. I just feel uncomfortable. I’m a side sleeper and even that position is uncomfortable. Even though I’ve been on solid food for awhile now, I’ve reverted to soft foods and Soups since I’ve experienced these symptoms because I don’t want to aggravate my symptoms.
But it hasn’t gotten any better. Do you think this is a stricture? What symptoms did you experience before they discovered the stricture? Should I be worried? Should I reach out to my health care team?
Thank you!

Stick in there it will come. How much exercise are you doing? I was in a 2 month rut where I lost only 4 lbs and I was 8 months out. I kicked up my exercise and cut my carbs to 50g a day and it started to move again. Remember it’s not a race it’s a marathon. Keep your head ⬆️

I had my surgery Monday. Tuesday while in hospital I found out my son died in a car accident. I’m grieving so bad and reaching out to you all for prayers

For many people, a runny nose or hiccups is a sign that you have already eaten too much. I also get a gurgle in my stomach.
I went through a stage similar to what you are describing. I THOUGHT I was eating slowly enough and chewing thoroughly enough. When I examined closely what I was actually doing, it turns out I was chewing very well but I was still eating too fast and therefore, eating too much before I realized it. I had to make a very conscious effort to pay attention while I was eating and eat less than I thought I wanted or needed. chicken was involved more than once even though I had successfully eaten it often before. Another mistake I was making was not waiting long enough to drink after I ate. Drinking before meal time does not seem to have an effect for me. But drinking too soon afterwards seemed to contribute to my problem. And my immediate reaction when I start to feel uncomfortable, was to drink something to "wash it down." Big mistake, that only makes it worse.

Too lazy to get my a$$ off the couch so Uber Eats it is!
A Wendy’s Apple Pecan chicken salad w/ half a packet of the dressing: 470 calories.
Am starving (though don’t know why, I’ve basically sat still for the past 4 hours!), so I anticipate eating most of this…

Seven years ago today I got a second chance at life. I had multiple comorbidities and 2 organs were quite literally failing. I would have died within a couple years for sure. Surgery saved my life. Literally.
I've had a great post op course. I had some regain, one of my health issues returned, I focused and got even more serious and have been on track since.
What an incredible seven years I've had. Without VSG I may have very well not seen my child graduate high school this year. Or been here to support my mom when my dad died very quickly from cancer. Finished Nurse Practitioner school. Helped my husband through a complete 180 in his career. Or a million other things.
What a massive gratitude I have for this surgery. I will always identify as a WLS patient. I'll never take it for granted. Yes, I'll always have to work at it (I'm unfortunately not a patient who reached goal easily and moved on) but it's worth it.
My life is worth it.

Hi all! I am new to this forum and looking for some support. I’m having my sleeve surgery on July 26. I am hosting a bbq pool party for family (first time we’re seeing each other post COVID) but I will still be in phase 3. What are some good food choices that don’t scream “I just had bariatric surgery”? I was thinking deviled eggs with light mayo would work…. Any other thoughts? Thanks!

Hi Mom of 3:
im a mom of 3 and 5’ 2” so can sort of understand your frustrations. However I’m only about two weeks out from surgery. You have lost 40 to 45 pounds — that is amazing. I hope to lose that much in the next year as well. Others on this forum can probably give you some tips, I know there are bariatric coaches who will be able to help and give you ideas.

who gives a d*** what your supposed “normal weight” is supposed to be. You are brave to have taken this step and with your experience you can probably help a lot of newbies like me.

this is a great place to share your thoughts because everyone is so encouraging.

hang in there - you’ve got this!

I understand your pain. I had the surgery over 10 years ago and had similar reactions. To this day if I eat or drink just a very little bit too much I get sick. This was one of the worst decisions I have ever made. I would recommend to everyone not to have this operation. Want to lose weight? Eat less and exercise.


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Actually, for skin/hair/nail/joint support, the studies are pretty encouraging and the emerging science wholly supports collagen as a viable supplement. There is less data around collagen for muscle building/repair, but that's not my goal in taking it, so not a concern. I understand it's not a complete protein and therefore not a suitable sole source. Just wondering if, generally speaking, it should count towards overall protein goal. I don't want to short change myself, but also don't want to constantly be striving to hit a goal that I might already be achieving.

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I always feel awkward when answering these. Most of the time I type all this out then don’t send it. But I’m having one of those days where I don’t care about giving perfect advice or worry about upsetting someone so here it is.
Simple and best answer: follow your plan. Realistic talking to a human answer: yeah you should be fine to have a little nibble. One word of caution, be self aware. That means know yourself enough to know if this little cheat will lead to another. Some people can handle it, some can’t. If you don’t know where you fall on that spectrum I would be very cautious. None of us are perfect but that doesn’t mean don’t try to be perfect with the plan.
Me? I didn’t like my plan so I found one that fit what I wanted to eat. I’m not assuming my doctor is the be-all-end-all best doctor in the world and all the other doctors who have different post op plans are idiots. I found one that listed cottage cheese early and said “hell yah I like cottage cheese” and switched. I didn’t die, I was very successful with my weight loss. At four weeks I was told to try anything I wanted and if it didn’t agree with me I’d know it. Keep the portion sizes in check though. I believe that is the most important advice I can give. Love the restriction, don’t abuse it.

Prepackaged meals help me out so much 😩. Rotisserie chicken and salad is prepare from grocery store. I added ground beef to the baked Beans. 10 min dinner, ate it all.

When insurance added coverage…

My husband is very active, and I was previously very active too, but over the years as I gained weight, I could no longer keep up with him. He and a friend went on a week-long mountain biking trip and while he was away I started plotting my plan to be able to do the trip WITH him the following year. I called a surgeon, and was able to get in for my first class within a day or 2 of my call. When I picked my husband up from his trip, I told him all about my appointment and that I was going to have WLS. He was (and still is!) so supportive and so excited for me!
OH yeah...the next year, we went on that mountain biking trip TOGETHER!!! It was during Covid, so we had to modify the route (campgrounds closed), but we did it!!! I looked super cute in my biking outfits too! LOL!!!

I would say that my tipping point was losing about 70 lbs on Keto, and then regaining all (plus more) back and seeing just how much better i felt when i was doing what was right. I know that keto wasnt sustainable and after talking w/my therapist and reading online, i decided to pursue surgery. i know it wouldnt be an easy way out, but it has made me return to how much better i felt and know that i can keep going. i just moved apartments and i managed to pack and move most of my person stuff and i didnt feel like i needed a week to recoup.

and you had mentioned eating out. It's soooo difficult for me bc i enjoy eating out with my friends (esp now that covid restrictions are being lifted and we're all vaccinated) but i still have to be wary. Order apps for Entrees (or find a good friend that would split their entree with you!) and maybe a side of veggies. Order only Water and absolutely STOP when you're full. i get these weird hiccups when i'm full and they're very loud and embarassing so i try to avoid pushing myself.. plus, it can always be lunch the next day!

Wow! I'm so excited to find you all! I've been struggling and yo-yoing for years. Almost every time I meet a new doctor, one of the first things they ask is if I want to consider WLS. I've always said NO. I really thought I could do it on my own, and I have, several times, but always gain it back and more. Now my knees are bone-on-bone and I am in constant pain. My quality of life stinks and I hate not being able to do even the most "normal" things, like clean my apartment, walk up stairs, etc. I now work at a hospital and have good benefits and noticed on our website that they are offering a virtual info session on their weight loss surgery options. So, I signed up! I found this website by searching about alcohol after WLS! lol . I have a goal for 2023, to do a Mediterranean cruise. I went on one in 2016 when I was about 30 pounds lighter. I was able to walk and get around, but I know it would have been so much better if I wasn't so heavy/morbidly obese. I want to go back and see the places we missed (I travel with my daughters) and I know if I don't get this weight off, I won't be able to do it.

I had multiple food allergies as an infant and toddler and became a chubby kid with a mom that restricted my eating. At age 7 my mother committed suicide and I began stealing candy from the local drug store. I hated vegetables, loved carbs, cheese and fried foods. I was alternatively rewarded and cajoled for my eating.
I managed my weight in early adulthood by doing 500 calorie a day diets and staying active. I gained 80lbs with each of my pregnancies, and stopped nursing my second child early so I could do a calorie restrictive diet. I got down to almost normal weight, then started gaining, weighing 280 lbs in my mid thirties. I divorced my husband, lost some weight, started working out. Decided I'd just get comfortable being 50-60lbs overweight and was for fifteen years. By the time I hit my 50's I was steadily gaining, then losing (no carb diets, doctor supervised diets, calorie restricted diets, personal growth programs - because certainly there was something wrong about me that I could fix!) I was depressed, borderline diabetic and took meds for blood pressure, thyroid disease, fibromyalgia, PPI for reflux and used a CPAP.
I gained an additional 40lbs during the pandemic because I literally decided I would eat anything I wanted - and I did. Shortly after the first of this year, I realized I was constantly thinking about dying. The only future I saw was of my continual decline. I could see no way to interrupt the path of my life. Then, I saw a post of an acquaintance on Facebook who had VSG four years ago. She looked fabulous and seemed so happy. I contacted her and we met for lunch. I began to consider surgery and started doing my homework on it. When my insurance turned me down, I again reached out to my friend who had gone to Mexico to have hers. She offered to accompany me if I decided to do it. I discussed it with my kids. I met with my doctors and told them what I was thinking. They all supported the surgery, although one was concerned about me traveling for it. I researched the surgeon, found Bariatricpal.com and read some of your stories. I journaled and wrote about my big why, and I began to have hope for my future. I started to imagine my life without the shame and fear around eating and food. I called everyone I knew who'd had bariatric surgery and asked them about their experiences. Finally, I called my Facebook friend back and told her I was committed. I paid my deposit, scheduled the surgery and I haven't looked back once.

This. I was delivering flowers for a friends business and got into her ford escape and the stearing wheel was IN my gut. I could not buckle my seatbelt at the max length. I also was working with a client in home health and could not buckle my seat belt and the client kept asking what the alarm was. 😔 That was a HUGE wake up call. The BREAKING POINT/TIPPING POINT was when I saw a photo of myself from the side. Massive arms, huge stomach, and 3 chins.

See photo of before and after. My tipping point photo is on the left.

I had originally gone to my surgeon to repair a symptomatic ventral hernia. I had not even considered surgery for weight loss before I spoke to him. I just did not realize it was an option for me.
Over the last year I had a number of things go wrong, aside from losing my job due to covid, my husband died of alcoholism. He was a cruel drunk and I spent the last two years with him wearing a headset to block out his raging and hiding in video games from his cruelty. I gained a lot of weight quickly. My labs were growing increasingly bad, my liver enzymes elevated, and then I was diagnosed with parathyroid disorder and prediabetic.
Finally it dawned on me after I was given the option for weight loss surgery, it was time to reclaim my life and move forward and find my happiness. I was told the surgery would likely correct the things that had been popping up as long as I follow the program and lose the weight.
That is what I am doing and my life is slowly being reshaped as I take each step towards a healthier lifestyle.

P.S. as far as eating, you'll be pretty restricted the first few months - esp the first few weeks. But at some point, you'll be able to enjoy most or all of your favorite foods again, just in smaller portions. No one would ever be able to tell I had gastric bypass surgery at this point. I don't eat a lot - but I really don't eat any differently than my never-been-obese friends who are always watching their weight. At restaurants I'll order an appetizer and eat that. Or else I'll order an entree and take half of it home. Pretty much what many of my female friends do...

I've been obese for most of my adult life and morbidly/super morbidly obese after age 35 or so. I'd tried a million diets. On my more successful attempts, I'd lose 50 or 60 lbs, hit a brick wall, and then gradually put it all back on. Most of my attempts wouldn't even get me that far - maybe 10 or 20 lbs tops. I had over 200 lbs to lose, so I knew I was never going to get there if I couldn't even keep 50 lbs off.
I'd considered WLS for at least 10 years before I actually had it, but I was afraid of it and also, I'd have to change to a much more expensive insurance policy to get it covered. I thought I'd just wait until I turned 65 since Medicare covers it. But then I'd lie awake at night worried that I was going to have a heart attack, and I'd be in the ER and they wouldn't be able to do anything for me because of my weight. And at one point it occurred to me that waiting for Medicare to cover it was a bad idea, because at the rate I was going, I might not have even lived to see 60, let alone 65. How many super morbidly obese seniors do you see running around? Very few.
I can't remember what the last straw was (I had the surgery six years ago and started the process seven years ago), but it was probably the thought that I wouldn't live to see my 60th birthday if I didn't do something about my weight. And since I was 55 at the time, that day was coming up fast...
so- I did it. I have never been so grateful for a decision in my life. I should have done this YEARS ago. My life is a million times better now - and of course, my 60th birthday came and went without incident. Now I think I may be able to make it to 80+ !

My post surgery may be different from yours since I had the sleeve...but there's an excellent thread called food Before and After Photos...which has been VERY active, over 6,400 posts. I would start at the beginning (you can just skim it) to see their progress and how they started out. It gave me a LOT of great ideas on what I can eat, also what to eat if I'm flying or in an airport or on vacation or out to dinner...lol!
As an example, I'm 10 months out, and this weekend I went to Happy Hour and had two limoncello martinis, a half dozen oysters and two lamb shops...all for about $24. It was the perfect amount of food...and very high in Protein. I like to go out to eat too, and I'm in hospitality, so there are many work related "dining out" opportunities. I stick to one to two drinks (I know alcohol is forbidden, but I went rogue on that at about 4 months out!) and high protein. If I go to sushi, I get a sashimi appetizer...at my favorite restaurant, it's probably 3-4 ozs (9 pieces of three different fish) and it's perfect (although I have been known to sneak a piece of my son's eel roll. too!) Mexican, I get shrimp fajitas, no rice and have been know to bring my own low carb tortillas! I haven't really done Italian...but if I did, it would be shrimp scampi or chicken or veal picatta...no pasta!
I always study the menu before I go anywhere (the same recommendation every diet I have ever been on has made) and choose what I will be eating before I go. This helps me to not make bad choices, most of the time. I just decided that I was going to LIVE with my tiny belly...and living to me includes dining out!

Had surgery 25th january weight was 15 stone 5 pounds and today i’m down to 11 stone 10 pounds, over the moon. Another 24 pounds to go and il be where i want to be.