dal101

Hope things get better for you

When I was post op, I remember having head hunger all the time. But after a while it definately gets better, just hold on.
I hated pureed foods too so I went back to Soups.

3 weeks post OP and having a hard time with life. I was never a binge eater but I miss eating without pain. I am hungry all the time and this pureed mush isnt doing anything for me. I detest about 90 percent of the foods I'm allowed. It still hurts to eat them and I just dont eat to avoid the pain and discomfort. I didn't know it was going to be this psychologically draining. I was so not prepared for how to handle this part. I'm whining and ranting maybe I should have posted this there. I would go for walks when everyone else was having dinner. The smell of food drives me crazy. I'm so hungry and so tired. Havent been able to take Vitamins. Water is hard to get down. I have a video appointment today. I just feel like giving up. I hear it will get better but right now I'm in a dark place. Sorry for ranting. I don't really have anyone to talk to about this stuff.
Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Count the days until soft food. You will feel human again!

about to get it done!

What does a spoiled girl do while her wonderful husband scrubs the floors...... Have a cocktail.... Basil Lemon Drop....

If it wasn't for your glasses I wouldn't have recognized you! In all seriousness, you look great!

Good morning everyone. About to head to the hospital for my pre-admin testing. Just want it to be done and over with I hate getting my blood drawn ugh! Wish me luck!

Surgery: 08/31/2018
HW: 346 lbs
SW: 330 lbs
CW: 172 lbs

I had my Gastric Bypass surgery in August 2019, surgery was a breeze but have suffered with sickness and nausea for the last year but due to Covid haven’t been able to see my surgeon. Was prescribed Odensetron which helps somewhat. But regardless of the sickness and not being able to keep foods down I do not regret having it done at all. Have lost over 140lbs . Before and after pics attached

Heavy Weightlifting completely changes your body!!! I’m 8 years post-op and I incorporate 5-6 days of weightlifting into my routine. I ONLY do about 10 minutes of cardio (10 minute run) each workout day, which in actuality is my warmup before I stretch and lift. I also incorporate hypertrophy (higher rep, lower weight) training into my workouts to help with muscle growth, but the most empowering part is getting strong and hitting new PR’s (personal records).

When I first started lifting, I could not lift too much weight. The lower weight WAS my heavy weight. I would find a weight that I could rep 8-10 times before failure. My squats literally started with the bar (a standard Olympic bar weighs 45 lbs). Now, after 6.5 years of consistent training, I can squat 245 lbs, deadlift 320 lbs, bench 185 lbs, curl the 40 lbs dumbbells. I really wanted to fill up my arms & legs with muscle to lessen that loose skin (which I still have, but not so noticeable), so I worked hard. I researched, read, incorporated. I was—and still am—constantly learning, correcting, and incorporating. I learned how to diet for optimal muscle growth, which optimally includes 1 gram of Protein per body weight and complex carbs, and good healthy fats. At first I didn’t know what complex carbs were, so I looked it up😂, picked out foods I liked, and incorporated them into my diet. I’m not going to lie, complex carbs are the hardest to consume because of their density (and my sleeve still works when I’m eating the right foods—freak’n sliders!), but I make it work by eating small frequent meals throughout the day (I eat about 6-8 different times, including shakes). I also discovered a supplement drink in powder form called Karbolyn (by EFX Sports) that would help me hit my complex carb macro goal.

Anyway, long story short, when I first lost all my weight, I got down to 140 lbs, and a size 4-6. Now, I weigh between 155-160, and still wear a 6 (the 4’s are too small for my arms because they’ve grown with muscle mass 💪🏼😆💪🏼). I’ve literally shred the fat and have added muscle mass. And since 1 lbs of fat takes up way more space than 1 lbs of muscle, I’ve been able to pack on more muscle in the same amount of space. Weightlifting is where it’s at. Man or woman. I’m just trying to inspire women because women tend to fear lifting heavy and fear that they will look manly. I assure you, I do not look like a man. 😂🤣

Heavy weights! Meaning, you’re failing by the 8th-10th rep. I complete 3-4 sets of every exercise. Weightlifting completely helped me with body recomposition. I eat lots of Protein & complex carbs to build muscle, because that “toned” look is added muscle & you have to lift heavy in order to break down muscle tissue & allow to repair & grow. Good luck to you!!!

So, I haven't really told many people about my surgery. A few close friends know, my mom, and my sister. I tell my mom everything so she knows, but out of my few close friends, only one was really supportive--everyone else was a bit hesitant. They all struggle with their weight, including my sister. So I don't like sharing my victories as they all start feeling bad about themselves. But today was huge and I want to share with someone other than my amazing and supportive mom. I laid down today to do sit-ups and I could actually see and feel my ribs starting to show through. I thought it was too good to be true so I videoed myself and lo and behold, I could see them quite prominently. I haven't seen them since 2015/2016. I am so excited! I can't see them standing up, obviously, but man was it a surprise laying down. Just really happy! I also tried on a shirt that was too tight before and now it is baggy.
Anyway, that was my NSV. Thanks for listening!

Don't play with me..... cause a bitxh is in a size 10 jeans........ ( insert happy dance)
Sent from my SM-G970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I feel like I need to share my experience with others, as I wish someone would have shared the same with me years ago.
My weight loss started over 20 years ago, never stopped since, culminating with a gastric sleeve in 2017 (SW 360, CW 250, GW<200). After the WLS I've lost about 70 lbs and hit the plateau which lasted a few months. I tried breaking it with intensive gym, calories counting, but no real impact. As a result, I've lost motivation, and over the next 2 years gained about 30 lb back (late night Snacks, sugary treats), which was a huge frustration. Having a sleeve - the best WL tool one may ever have - I felt like being a "regain" statistics, not an individual with life and willpower. I still had my "pouch" restriction, but after 30-40 minutes after having a meal I was ready to eat again.
It lasted till last November, when I hit 290 lbs. The frustration turned into anger. I spent days to research diets and practices. As a result, I'm back on track, losing rapidly about 3-4 lbs a week, full of energy. Here are my 3 key pillars, which brought me back:
1. Low carb diet. After researching multiple trendy diets, Keto seemed to be the most promising one. But I didn't like the idea to consume lots of fats, and avoid vegetables. I'm an old-fashioned guy. So I adjusted the KETO idea by adding a decent daily portion of green veggies (zucchinis, asparagus, green pepper, kale - those which have nearly no sugars, but lots of fibers), and limited my fats to avocados, brazil nuts, eggs and fatty fish (salmon) - no huge amounts of bacon, butter, cheese and oils. For Protein those above also provided enough, plus I have some lean pork, beef or chicken. That type of diet keeps my in permanent ketosis, while I still have a decent amount of fibers and healthy protein. My nutrients are around 50-60% of fats, 25-30% of Proteins and 10-15% of carbs.
2. Intermittent fasting (IF), 18:6. It means my eating "window" is 1pm - 7pm, during which I have 3 meals. Personally I believe that low carbs diet and IF are made for each other. Being in ketosis I feel no hunger at all, as my insulin is very low. That makes IF a simple task. Also once a week I do a 42 hours fast by skipping meals on Sundays - right before my weight check on Monday morning! ). IF is also a solution to plateaus. I adjust the fasting time to 12:12 for a few days and do a long fast after (48+ hours) to reset.
3. CICO (calories in, calories out) is the 3rd pillar. Keeping everything written down is not just a good habit, but also makes me feel I control the process better. My daily intake is around 1,100-1,300 calories, which creates a huge weekly calories deficit for weight loss. One may consider it's a bit too low, and I would rather agree. I'll certainly increase my calories after hitting my goal.
A few more tips from my experience:
- After 40+ gym can't be the only solution. Keeping yourself active (especially with this pandemic) is important for general health, but unless I'm a professional athlete, 1-1.5 hour walk every day (outside or a treadmill) is good enough.
- Staying hydrated is a must, healthy weight loss won't work without it. Tracking Water was always a pain for me, I was forgetting to do that. Now I have 6 magnets next to my water cooler. Each time I refill my bottle, I move one magnet to the other side, which helps me to see how many refills left. No fuss with writing down, takes a fraction of a second to move the magnet - while keeps me fully informed. Helps a lot!
- Supplements!!! Lots of them! Since I'm restricted and have rather a distorted diet, I need to fill the gap of minerals and nutrients. Multivitamins, husk Fiber, omega-3, collagen, cumin, ox bile, Vitamin D, electrolytes etc. It's 18 pills per day, in 2 batches! My latest blood work returned perfect results - no deficiencies, and the lowest sugar level I ever had in my life.
As a conclusion - no hunger, no frustration, no cravings, energetic, clear mind, active, positive - and still losing weight! I even think that it would be very doable without my WLS, but in fact a restricted stomach makes everything much easier. So much easier, then it feels sometimes I'm actually cheating in this weight-loss game!
I do hope someone will find it helpful. I wish I knew that years ago, but better late than never.

Some helpful hints. You will be INCREDIBLY thirsty/ dehydrated post - surgery. Bring Biotene toothpaste and mouth wash. Swish as much Water as you can as soon as you can reach a sink. You may not be able to swallow fluids just yet. And your mouth will THANK you! You can get at Amazon/ Walmart/ Target.

BariWise chicken Bouillon- lifesaver - Amazon. Clear Liquid- it tastes good and has 15g of Protein. Amazon - Amazing.

****PILL GRINDER (not cutter) - looks like pepper grinder to actually GRIND your pills so much easier to swallow! - Amazon.

Ask the hospital for the 30 cc cups - they’re 1 ounces and you can pour your Protein Shake and liquid clears to keep measurements .

**** DO NOT be afraid to ask for pain medication (this was a mistake I made). I acted tough. Ask ask ask for nausea meds - lifesaver. No vomiting.

Women - plan on wearing a sports bra that doesn’t touch your top incision and cotton underwear that does not touch your bottom incision. Wear a loose cotton dress to go home in and for recovery. Amazon has a lot of different ones (with pockets). You can lounge in them. Walk around the neighborhood and go out with nice sandals/slip on shoes or flip flops.

Amazon also has long roomy comfy sleep shirts - great for lounging and letting your incisions breathe.

BariWise hot chocolate- 15grams of protein and considered a clear. Add sugar free Syrup ( can get a bottle at Home goods for under $5) for a treat. Cinnamon sticks and peppermint tea help with nausea.

Throw a cinnamon stick in your Decaf hot tea of choice (or hot chocolate).

Take a small walk when comfortable even if it’s just around the house when you are waiting the 30 minutes before or after your protein.

If you have a gentle dig - take them for a walk (although the first few days I couldn’t because of the bending to pick up poop). My neighbor offered to walk the dog for a few days.

Enlist help - people like to help.

I was sent home with liquid pain med - keep on schedule and Prilosec capsules. I was instructed to open up. Toss the beads back and follow with chaser - amazing - helped with stomach pain.

Also sent home with anti- nausea under tongue melts - AMAZING.

If you have headaches/ menstrual cramps - I recommend Hylands brand / melts under tongue (Amazon).

Hope this helps! Wish me a great recovery!

Best, Christina

Watch Keto during weight loss because of its high fat requirement. My cholesterol levels went up a lot & my liver function went hay wire while I was losing weight even though I was eating low fat. All the bad cholesterol I had stored in my fat was being released into my blood stream as I was losing. Once I stopped losing my cholesterol levels dropped back to normal.

My recommended pre surgery diet was keto (2 1/2 weeks only) but there’s no way I’d use it again because of the high fat - I don’t enjoy fatty foods at all.

Oh fun! I’m one year out as of 2/25/21-
5’6”
SW: 330
W@S: 235
CW: 155
GW: 145

I’m still trying to lose just a tad and continue to tone up

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.

Hello everyone!

So just to give details, I had surgery 5/29/18 and lost 95lbs originally post surgery. However since, I gained back 35lbs and have been depressed about it. I’ve lost the 35lbs then gained it back (and the cycle repeats). I’ve tried Keto, Vegetarian, Whole30, the works! And it seemed as if my stomach stretched out and I was back to eating almost all the way normal.

This time around though, I figured I would go back to what I learned pre-op and make the lifestyle changes I made 2 years ago to lose the weight.

I restarted about two weeks ago, eating my food slowly, listening to when I was actually hungry, taking my supplements, drinking my Water, eating Protein first, getting active each day and eating 3 meals without Snacks.

Two weeks later, I’m already down 6 pounds and now it seems like I’m eating the portions I was eating 2-3 months post-op! Even the dumping sensations I felt when I eat too much came back (something I TRULY didn’t miss lol)

I realized that I was seriously overeating and not utilizing the tool I’ve been given.

All of this to say, if you are someone like me, going through regain loss and have been a ways out from surgery, don’t overcomplicate it. Go back to basics and use your tool.

It hasn’t stopped working. It hasn’t stretched out. It’s just not being utilized. And you can pick it back up again.

We got this! Don’t give up.

I think you will find success this way, you might even want to throw in a quarter of an avocado in there. I’ve mostly been eating eggs, avocado and salad... tuna is a great idea. I am going to try that next week :)

Slightly old picture, and still WIP, but this is about 160 lbs down...

2 weeks pre-op vs. today (2+ years post wls)

I finally started to drop 😊 12 pounds total so that equals about a pound a day. Hoping it continues to drop!