tamm2x

I had surgery 14 months ago and I do forget about the actual surgery part but not about the fact that I am watching my weight still. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget that because if I do I will gain. If the two of those things are intertwined for you you may not ever really forget all about it either.

You should take all your measurements and find some online size charts. Then look up what body parts you want to emphasize (small waist) and what you want to hide. See what styles work with that criteria. Sounds like a lot of work but for so many years I spent hiding away because of my weight. You might find that shopping is a bit more fun now. More than once as I was trying on clothes long since hidden in my closet, I heard my husband (who I thought was asleep, ask, “Are you done playing dress-up yet?” Lol

Words are powerful, if you tell yourself its going to be a hell week, it's very likely to be exactly that.
Change your words, change your thinking and things may turn out a lot better than you think.

Educate yourself...talk to the Doctor, don't take everything on here as gospel. People have personal stories to tell that you may not know the entire picture of their situation which may explain some of the issues that they have and you may or may not have.

I had RNY surgery in 2005. Once I was able to eat soft foods, I threw up a few times. 1st was getting used to eating eggs. The next few times was my brain, mouth and stomach not adhering to the fact that my stomach was small (eating too much) and eating too fast. Once I retrained my brain, it has been fine. I might get the dumps every once in awhile but that's because I ate some ice cream or something very sweet. Don't take too much heed on people who have the horror stories. They are usually the ones not following the rules and have not accepted the reason they gained weight in the 1st place. You will do great, make the right food choices and decide how to proceed with your weight loss journey.

The fear is theirs to deal with, not yours. However, people with huge fear issues can be very hard to live with. My husband also yelled lots about how I was taking the easy way out, etc. etc. all of my kids had to do a couple of conference calls with him to calm him down, express their support for my decision, etc. I’ve since lost 85 lbs, am off cholesterol meds, no more insulin nor high blood pressure meds. I feel so much better. Let their fears be their issues and not yours. We have enough of our own problems to deal with!

The fear is theirs to deal with, not yours. However, people with huge fear issues can be very hard to live with. My husband also yelled lots about how I was taking the easy way out, etc. etc. all of my kids had to do a couple of conference calls with him to calm him down, express their support for my decision, etc. I’ve since lost 85 lbs, am off cholesterol meds, no more insulin nor high blood pressure meds. I feel so much better. Let their fears be their issues and not yours. We have enough of our own problems to deal with!

I am three months out from gastric bypass (April 14). I had no problems drinking Water right afterwards, nor was there any throwing up. The hospital supplies the meals so no broth is necessary to bring there. I was able to walk and use the bathroom within the day. I stayed one night.
The first week at home is a little rough as you simply don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles for just sitting up or down. I slept a lot the first few days. I tried my best to not use very much of the pain meds as sadly, addiction can occur even with less strong ones. I didn't pick up any grandchildren for about two-three weeks. But overall, I feel really good. I began exercising where I could (beginning in May) so for the first month and a half I just made it a point to walk for 15 minutes every day. The next month (June) I upped it to one mile. I used the 99 Walks app which for some reason I find quite motivating. For July I went for a mile and a half and I hit my goal a few days ago. For August I'm planning to walk 1 1/2 miles every day for a total of 46.5 miles. Then in September I'm going for 2 miles per day. In addition to the walking, I;m going to a YMCA class two days a week. It has been so very long since I worked out at all that my muscles are very weak so as I stated, I started where I could and be successful.
I have learned that this surgery is truly not a sprint but a marathon. It comes with a steep learning curve. But I'm very grateful that now I don't just tell my body I'm going on a diet (and quit a few weeks or days in). With the surgery, now my body tells me "You've eaten enough now" or "Want to find out who is boss now? Swallow something high sugar and I'll quickly let you know exactly how I feel about that! Remember your days of 'toilet hugging drunk'? I can show you what 'toilet hugging intestine problems' too!" I'm currently 60 pounds down and I feel so much better! The doctor took me off insulin (think four shots a day) the following morning as well as Atorvastatin. As my weight comes down, I'm planning to get off high blood pressure medications too. It's a little weird, but very worth it all!

I am three months out from gastric bypass (April 14). I had no problems drinking Water right afterwards, nor was there any throwing up. The hospital supplies the meals so no broth is necessary to bring there. I was able to walk and use the bathroom within the day. I stayed one night.
The first week at home is a little rough as you simply don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles for just sitting up or down. I slept a lot the first few days. I tried my best to not use very much of the pain meds as sadly, addiction can occur even with less strong ones. I didn't pick up any grandchildren for about two-three weeks. But overall, I feel really good. I began exercising where I could (beginning in May) so for the first month and a half I just made it a point to walk for 15 minutes every day. The next month (June) I upped it to one mile. I used the 99 Walks app which for some reason I find quite motivating. For July I went for a mile and a half and I hit my goal a few days ago. For August I'm planning to walk 1 1/2 miles every day for a total of 46.5 miles. Then in September I'm going for 2 miles per day. In addition to the walking, I;m going to a YMCA class two days a week. It has been so very long since I worked out at all that my muscles are very weak so as I stated, I started where I could and be successful.
I have learned that this surgery is truly not a sprint but a marathon. It comes with a steep learning curve. But I'm very grateful that now I don't just tell my body I'm going on a diet (and quit a few weeks or days in). With the surgery, now my body tells me "You've eaten enough now" or "Want to find out who is boss now? Swallow something high sugar and I'll quickly let you know exactly how I feel about that! Remember your days of 'toilet hugging drunk'? I can show you what 'toilet hugging intestine problems' too!" I'm currently 60 pounds down and I feel so much better! The doctor took me off insulin (think four shots a day) the following morning as well as Atorvastatin. As my weight comes down, I'm planning to get off high blood pressure medications too. It's a little weird, but very worth it all!

I am three months out from gastric bypass (April 14). I had no problems drinking Water right afterwards, nor was there any throwing up. The hospital supplies the meals so no broth is necessary to bring there. I was able to walk and use the bathroom within the day. I stayed one night.
The first week at home is a little rough as you simply don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles for just sitting up or down. I slept a lot the first few days. I tried my best to not use very much of the pain meds as sadly, addiction can occur even with less strong ones. I didn't pick up any grandchildren for about two-three weeks. But overall, I feel really good. I began exercising where I could (beginning in May) so for the first month and a half I just made it a point to walk for 15 minutes every day. The next month (June) I upped it to one mile. I used the 99 Walks app which for some reason I find quite motivating. For July I went for a mile and a half and I hit my goal a few days ago. For August I'm planning to walk 1 1/2 miles every day for a total of 46.5 miles. Then in September I'm going for 2 miles per day. In addition to the walking, I;m going to a YMCA class two days a week. It has been so very long since I worked out at all that my muscles are very weak so as I stated, I started where I could and be successful.
I have learned that this surgery is truly not a sprint but a marathon. It comes with a steep learning curve. But I'm very grateful that now I don't just tell my body I'm going on a diet (and quit a few weeks or days in). With the surgery, now my body tells me "You've eaten enough now" or "Want to find out who is boss now? Swallow something high sugar and I'll quickly let you know exactly how I feel about that! Remember your days of 'toilet hugging drunk'? I can show you what 'toilet hugging intestine problems' too!" I'm currently 60 pounds down and I feel so much better! The doctor took me off insulin (think four shots a day) the following morning as well as Atorvastatin. As my weight comes down, I'm planning to get off high blood pressure medications too. It's a little weird, but very worth it all!

Well aren't you the sexy one?!!

I'd lost way less than 116 lbs at eight months out, so you're much further ahead than I was at that point.
My stalls became more frequent and lasted longer the further out I went - and my weight loss slowed to a crawl. But I kept at it regardless, and I ended up losing all of my excess weight, over 200 lbs. It took 20 months in total.
in short, don't give up yet!

116 lbs. ago you were probably desperate to be where you are now. Don't lose sight of what you have accomplished.

Do you have any non number victories? e.g can walk around places no longer getting winded, able to sit in a chair you werent able to before? you need to focus on those just as much if not more than the actual numbers. im only a month post op, for the first 3 weeks i lost nothing and then the 4th week i lost 6pounds, weight loss is not linear, keep doing what you are doing and sooner or later you will start losing weight again. in saying that congratz on losing 116! that is amazing in just 8 months!!!

I am three months out from gastric bypass (April 14). I had no problems drinking Water right afterwards, nor was there any throwing up. The hospital supplies the meals so no broth is necessary to bring there. I was able to walk and use the bathroom within the day. I stayed one night.
The first week at home is a little rough as you simply don't realize how much you use your abdominal muscles for just sitting up or down. I slept a lot the first few days. I tried my best to not use very much of the pain meds as sadly, addiction can occur even with less strong ones. I didn't pick up any grandchildren for about two-three weeks. But overall, I feel really good. I began exercising where I could (beginning in May) so for the first month and a half I just made it a point to walk for 15 minutes every day. The next month (June) I upped it to one mile. I used the 99 Walks app which for some reason I find quite motivating. For July I went for a mile and a half and I hit my goal a few days ago. For August I'm planning to walk 1 1/2 miles every day for a total of 46.5 miles. Then in September I'm going for 2 miles per day. In addition to the walking, I;m going to a YMCA class two days a week. It has been so very long since I worked out at all that my muscles are very weak so as I stated, I started where I could and be successful.
I have learned that this surgery is truly not a sprint but a marathon. It comes with a steep learning curve. But I'm very grateful that now I don't just tell my body I'm going on a diet (and quit a few weeks or days in). With the surgery, now my body tells me "You've eaten enough now" or "Want to find out who is boss now? Swallow something high sugar and I'll quickly let you know exactly how I feel about that! Remember your days of 'toilet hugging drunk'? I can show you what 'toilet hugging intestine problems' too!" I'm currently 60 pounds down and I feel so much better! The doctor took me off insulin (think four shots a day) the following morning as well as Atorvastatin. As my weight comes down, I'm planning to get off high blood pressure medications too. It's a little weird, but very worth it all!

Hi all! All of your fears and questions are completely expected, but instead of what if I can’t, start asking yourself what if I can! You can do it all and really what choice do you have? I told me self I can save my life now or fight for it later!
I had my sleeve done 6/5. The hardest part is choosing to put yourself first and just do what you gotta do each day!
My husband took me to surgery and was not allowed to come back until pick up the following day due to covid rules. I was just fine in my own. Since I didn’t have anyone to sit and chat with I walked a lot and just focused on learning all I needed. It’s really alot to think about and learn but it just all sort of falls into place.
You all got this and will soon be into new adventures!

Part of the reason that I tell everyone that I am having surgery is to lessen the stigma, but it's mostly because I'm an open book. However, not everyone has supportive people in their lives and they should not have to take the abuse that may be hurled their way just so the stigma may be lessened. It's just too hard on a journey that is already hard.
I think it's great for those of us who feel we can be open about it, but it's not always easy, and we should be aware that it's not always going to be an option for everyone for a variety of reasons. And honestly, are you really going to run up to random people on the street and tell them? Every time you meet someone who met you when you were heavier you'll have to make a decision as to what to tell them. I the people I chat with who work in the airport club that I was planning to have surgery - after one of the women said I looked like I had lost weight, and I said I was preparing for surgery, and another one started asking questions. It was a nice conversation, but it was a little unnecessary.

I was 262 at surgery so about the same ( although I'm a little taller sa bmi slightly less)
I'm not a speedy looser !
2.5 weeks is still early enough to be holding in some of those iv fluids they pump into you in the hospital. Plenty of people In these forums actually have recorded a TEMPORARY GAIN in weight post op. Also at 2.5 weeks your stomach tissues etc may still be swollen
Swollen tissues hang onto fluids
So effectively what you're looking is probably cancelled out (TEMPORARILY!) by the fluids you are retaining
IM SURE THIS WILL CHANGE SOON!
In the meantime I suggest/recommend you take baseline measurements NOW!
ALSO
if you have any clothes that were snug/tight before surgery ...try them on now!!!
Hopefully they will already fit better
Good luck ...

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.

I'm scheduled for April 14.


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I had bypass on April 14. There is indeed a steep learning curve as to what foods your new stomach can handle, but that is to be expected. However, my surgeon said some people never experience dumping at all. Personally, I have been very careful about what I’m eating and so far, so good!

If you are concerned about eating habits and behaviors it might benefit you to be evaluated. An eating disorder diagnosis is best made by a mental health professional. Your Primary can provide you with a referral to a licensed psychologist (PhD / PsyD) who specializes in eating disorders, or a bariatric psychologist.
Can a therapist help with what you described? Yes. Be honest about what is going on and find someone you feel like you can connect with. This is so crucial because if you can't be open about what's going on they may be less able to help you.
I was in therapy for a long time with a therapist who specialized in eating disorders. The main focus was dealing with the stressors that led me to overeat. Whenever stress increased, so did my eating. I was the peacekeeping type who struggled to say when my feelings were hurt or when I felt bulldozed. I was walking on eggshells in my relationships to keep the peace.
The process can be emotionally draining. It forces you to deeply evaluate your behavior and there can be some uncomfortable truths. There were times I would dread going because I knew it would be a lot of work. At the time I thought, "This is hard but I'm trying to get myself better." With hindsight, I can see why my therapist pushed me, asked the tough questions, and made me accountable to my goals. I'm so much better now and I don't regret going.
These are some of the things we worked on:
Improving mood Self-care Cognitive restructuring/ CBT--changes the way you cope and react to stress Mindful eating- eating at the dinner table, 30-45 minutes, smell food first, one small bite at a time, eat slowly, identify flavors and textures Identified vulnerabilities Identified triggers--that negatively impact mental health Negative self-talk--challenge the truth behind the talk Identified emotions Behavior patterns Full/ not full/ beyond full Beliefs surrounding weightloss Urge control--resist the urge to eat by distracting yourself for 1, 5, 10 mins I kept a food and mood log. For a few weeks, I wrote down everything I ate for Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I would rate my stress and hunger level from 1-10 and emotions/feelings--happy, stressed, sad, tired at each mealtime. If important, I would document a bit about my day like had a fun time with friends or had a fight with my husband. Like I said, every time I had a rough day, I skipped meals or overate. Not only did therapy give me clarity about what I was doing, but it also gave me tools to deal with it and improve. I'm not cured, but the pull to eat, eat, eat is quieter and the behavior/thoughts are less constant. Another benefit is my therapist had my back even when friends and family didn't. She could point out some of their crazy-making behavior and confirm it wasn't always me which made me feel better.
Good luck, I hope you get some peace. ❤️

I had my surgery on Nov. 2, 2020 at 67 years old. I also think it was the best decision I have made. When I started the process last May I weighed 291 lbs and every day I felt the burden of that weight, not only physically, but also mentally. How was I going to lose that weight? What would life be like if I decided to just give up and stay obese? It was at the back of my mind all of the time, although I just didn’t realize how much it was weighing on me until I had the surgery. Post op, I knew that if I followed the diet and stayed active, I could and would lose the weight and it was so liberating! I have stopped my type 2 diabetic meds, cut my antidepressant dose in half, and will stop my blood pressure medication soon. I wish I had known about the gastric sleeve earlier, but I’m glad I finally did it, knowing there is a healthier, happier life for me now.

I haven't told anyone about my VSG, though one person did know about my ESG (I am assuming my trust wasn't misplaced and she hasn't told anyone).
I certainly don't feel guilty about not sharing with all and sundry.
There will be some who should say why hide it, be an advocate for weight loss surgery etc but at the end of the day, you have to do what is best for you and your own well being/mental health.

I weaned myself gradually off it. 1/4 Decaf, 3/4 caffeinated for a week or two, then 1/2 decaf, 1/2 caffeinated for another week or two, and so on until I was just drinking decaf.