Smanky

my personal anecdote:
i weigh less today than when i decided to stop losing weight. this decision to stop weight loss was because i thought i was getting too skinny at that time..
however....i look waaaaaaaay healthier (and hotter! lol) now than i did back then. back then i had thin hair, hallowed cheeks and eyes, and generally all around frail looking.
A few months after hitting my lowest weight, i started the to perk up in the looks department.
i think rapid weight loss really does a number to one's appearance...but i also think its only temporary (in my case at least, and quite a few others that i know of).
further, even though i looked pretty gaunt back then, i still think/thought i was all that and a bag of chips.

OMG, three ligaments - argh! Cringing at the very thought of how much pain you were in. Yeah, these sorts of injuries are the long-haul type.
I tore the ACL off the bone in my OTHER knee in a skiing accident way back in 2002, so at least I'm already familiar with the very long process of soft-tissue damage never healing 100%. I did get a ligament reconstruction a year later. It's now going to be my "good knee" 🙃. I swear, it's like I just have it in for knee ligaments. Like they've personally offended me over the years.

That lady is still in a process, and so long as her doctor and team are on-board and guiding her, good for her. Someone else's happiness is no-one else's business.
Consider how many people thought our obese bodies were disgusting and they'd "rather die" than look like us. Thinking the same of a skinny person is the exact same energy. Glad you're finding your happy place weight wise, but no need to be judging others on the way. We've all had our fill of that, surely?

That lady is still in a process, and so long as her doctor and team are on-board and guiding her, good for her. Someone else's happiness is no-one else's business.
Consider how many people thought our obese bodies were disgusting and they'd "rather die" than look like us. Thinking the same of a skinny person is the exact same energy. Glad you're finding your happy place weight wise, but no need to be judging others on the way. We've all had our fill of that, surely?

i dont think it is fair to cast your own opinion or feeling of contentness onto her..
both of you have different outlooks and thats okay - you shouldnt shame her for it.

Before surgery i was at a 4XL Shirt. finding 4XL was nearly impossible as most big box stores only have up to 3XL if that. I was having to stretch out the 3XL shirts. Today i decided to buy some new shirts. XL. and sure enough they fit perfect. Excited because now i can fully shop at almost any store. Especially the branded stores at the mall. As for pants I was at a 54 or 56" i dont remember. and i am at a 38 pants size now Still a bit high on the pants size. many of the stores i use to love carry up to 36. Still some work to do to get down in weight more.

That SO sucks!! I KNOW because I've been there. 2005-ish

Tibeal plateau fracture- fractured down the center of my tibea. ANY weight and it could shatter. No weight bearing for a while. Tore ACL, MCL, PCL. These took upwards of a year of therapy and a cadaver ACL to heal. I still use a brace for stability during certain activities. Soft tissue injuries are FAR worse than bone.

Everyone is different and hopefully you heal quicker and stronger 🤞🏼

So very sorry to hear this, poor you. I hope the worst is behind you now. Seven weeks immobile is awful, I know your pain. Hugs

My partner and I would ride our bikes at dawn around the bay on the days I wasn't doing my second job and loving it until I fell off said bike seven weeks ago and broke my tibial plateau (along with tearing my ACL, PCL and meniscus). I've had to stay immobile for the first seven weeks because of the nature of the break (multiple pieces), and the surgeons wanting to try to heal the bone without surgery. I have a long road of physio to get back ON my bike, but get back on I will, since I'll likely never run again after this injury. ACL reconstruction surgery is still on the table, depending on how things go.
I will, however, be joining my local gym once I get the medical all clear because I enjoy weight training and will need to get strength back into my poor wasted leg. It's amazing how terrified I was of injuring myself when I was morbidly obese, and yet slim me managed to do this! Oops. This was a motorbike-level injury, achieved on a pushbike going at maybe 10km max, coming to slow turn. This seems to be my unwanted super-power - hurting myself badly doing the bare minimum. I don't even get a good story out of it! It's a skill!
I only managed to do this because I stupidly took my hand off the handlebar to indicate a right turn, knowing full well I don't have good one-handed balance. So lesson here is learned. I have NEVER felt pain like I did with this injury. Knocked the gallstone attack pain right off the top of the ladder, and I thought that was bad (not even close!). 0/10, don't recommend!

My partner and I would ride our bikes at dawn around the bay on the days I wasn't doing my second job and loving it until I fell off said bike seven weeks ago and broke my tibial plateau (along with tearing my ACL, PCL and meniscus). I've had to stay immobile for the first seven weeks because of the nature of the break (multiple pieces), and the surgeons wanting to try to heal the bone without surgery. I have a long road of physio to get back ON my bike, but get back on I will, since I'll likely never run again after this injury. ACL reconstruction surgery is still on the table, depending on how things go.
I will, however, be joining my local gym once I get the medical all clear because I enjoy weight training and will need to get strength back into my poor wasted leg. It's amazing how terrified I was of injuring myself when I was morbidly obese, and yet slim me managed to do this! Oops. This was a motorbike-level injury, achieved on a pushbike going at maybe 10km max, coming to slow turn. This seems to be my unwanted super-power - hurting myself badly doing the bare minimum. I don't even get a good story out of it! It's a skill!
I only managed to do this because I stupidly took my hand off the handlebar to indicate a right turn, knowing full well I don't have good one-handed balance. So lesson here is learned. I have NEVER felt pain like I did with this injury. Knocked the gallstone attack pain right off the top of the ladder, and I thought that was bad (not even close!). 0/10, don't recommend!

My partner and I would ride our bikes at dawn around the bay on the days I wasn't doing my second job and loving it until I fell off said bike seven weeks ago and broke my tibial plateau (along with tearing my ACL, PCL and meniscus). I've had to stay immobile for the first seven weeks because of the nature of the break (multiple pieces), and the surgeons wanting to try to heal the bone without surgery. I have a long road of physio to get back ON my bike, but get back on I will, since I'll likely never run again after this injury. ACL reconstruction surgery is still on the table, depending on how things go.
I will, however, be joining my local gym once I get the medical all clear because I enjoy weight training and will need to get strength back into my poor wasted leg. It's amazing how terrified I was of injuring myself when I was morbidly obese, and yet slim me managed to do this! Oops. This was a motorbike-level injury, achieved on a pushbike going at maybe 10km max, coming to slow turn. This seems to be my unwanted super-power - hurting myself badly doing the bare minimum. I don't even get a good story out of it! It's a skill!
I only managed to do this because I stupidly took my hand off the handlebar to indicate a right turn, knowing full well I don't have good one-handed balance. So lesson here is learned. I have NEVER felt pain like I did with this injury. Knocked the gallstone attack pain right off the top of the ladder, and I thought that was bad (not even close!). 0/10, don't recommend!

My partner and I would ride our bikes at dawn around the bay on the days I wasn't doing my second job and loving it until I fell off said bike seven weeks ago and broke my tibial plateau (along with tearing my ACL, PCL and meniscus). I've had to stay immobile for the first seven weeks because of the nature of the break (multiple pieces), and the surgeons wanting to try to heal the bone without surgery. I have a long road of physio to get back ON my bike, but get back on I will, since I'll likely never run again after this injury. ACL reconstruction surgery is still on the table, depending on how things go.
I will, however, be joining my local gym once I get the medical all clear because I enjoy weight training and will need to get strength back into my poor wasted leg. It's amazing how terrified I was of injuring myself when I was morbidly obese, and yet slim me managed to do this! Oops. This was a motorbike-level injury, achieved on a pushbike going at maybe 10km max, coming to slow turn. This seems to be my unwanted super-power - hurting myself badly doing the bare minimum. I don't even get a good story out of it! It's a skill!
I only managed to do this because I stupidly took my hand off the handlebar to indicate a right turn, knowing full well I don't have good one-handed balance. So lesson here is learned. I have NEVER felt pain like I did with this injury. Knocked the gallstone attack pain right off the top of the ladder, and I thought that was bad (not even close!). 0/10, don't recommend!

My partner and I would ride our bikes at dawn around the bay on the days I wasn't doing my second job and loving it until I fell off said bike seven weeks ago and broke my tibial plateau (along with tearing my ACL, PCL and meniscus). I've had to stay immobile for the first seven weeks because of the nature of the break (multiple pieces), and the surgeons wanting to try to heal the bone without surgery. I have a long road of physio to get back ON my bike, but get back on I will, since I'll likely never run again after this injury. ACL reconstruction surgery is still on the table, depending on how things go.
I will, however, be joining my local gym once I get the medical all clear because I enjoy weight training and will need to get strength back into my poor wasted leg. It's amazing how terrified I was of injuring myself when I was morbidly obese, and yet slim me managed to do this! Oops. This was a motorbike-level injury, achieved on a pushbike going at maybe 10km max, coming to slow turn. This seems to be my unwanted super-power - hurting myself badly doing the bare minimum. I don't even get a good story out of it! It's a skill!
I only managed to do this because I stupidly took my hand off the handlebar to indicate a right turn, knowing full well I don't have good one-handed balance. So lesson here is learned. I have NEVER felt pain like I did with this injury. Knocked the gallstone attack pain right off the top of the ladder, and I thought that was bad (not even close!). 0/10, don't recommend!

Hi ViaLia! My starting BMI was higher than yours at about 42, and I can only comment as someone 10 months post-surgery, but it's been a fantastic surgery for me. I'm not far off my goal and feeling very good. The restriction is strong, but I've had no issues getting my Protein, Water and Vitamins. No dumping - however I'm still very wary with the foods that can cause it. My weight loss has slowed down a lot now that I'm getting closer to goal, my appetite is easy to manage. It may be possible for some to lose too much weight, but I don't expect that would strictly be the fault of the surgery. I eat about 1000 to 1200 calories a day now. That will go up a little more once I reach my goal and begin maintenance.
I would never have gotten to where I am now without the MGB. It stopped the self-sabotage and I couldn't be happier with how it's gone.

That is excellent, I wish we had that service down here. One less tablet to swallow daily would be very welcome!
Also: you really are rocking that pixie cut Summerseeker!

First of all, I'm so sorry you are struggling. Know that you are not alone and that many folks experience some wonderful things after WLS as well as some more difficult things. That is just part of the process; its definitely not always sunshine and roses.
1- Constipation is VERY common. Are you taking an Iron supplement? They are notorious for exacerbating constipation. If you're taking any additional iron, it may be worth getting your labs checked - if they are normal, maybe you can drop that? Another option would be to add a Prebiotic Fiber supplement. I take about 15g of Just Better Fiber daily and it is a HUGE help. Make sure you are well hydrated, especially when taking laxatives, stool softeners, etc. Lastly, are you getting in any fiber in your food? This goes with #2....
2- The return of hunger is normal and expected. Your body is doing EXACTLY what its supposed to do. It may be helpful to start introducing more fruits & veggies, which will help you feel fuller longer and help with constipation. Also, are you hitting your Protein goals? If not, definitely focus on getting that protein in. If you're hitting your goals, adding in nutrient rich fruits & veggies, and STILL feeling uncontrollably hungry, then it may be time to consult with a bariatric dietitian. Hunger is normal, feeling miserable is not.
3- I think a LOT of us struggle with body image before and after surgery. There is a trade off that happens - we lose the weight and are healthy, but it can make the physical effects of a lifetime obesity more obvious to us. Therapy therapy therapy. I can't encourage it strongly enough. Learning to cope with those feelings, learning to be kind to our new bodies, learning to love ourselves well, THAT is the hard work of weight loss and it is truly a lifelong process. Get help, and keep getting help. Outside of that - buy clothes that make you feel good, as much as you can focus on what you LIKE about your body instead of what you don't, if its practical for you, you can always look into plastic surgery, and of course, you could just refrain from looking in the mirror naked. I know, easier said than done, but if its causing your harm emotionally, then maybe hold off for now.
You aren't alone and you aren't crazy. WLS is hard work and there is a lot that comes with it that doesn't get talked about much. We are rooting for you.

Well I did say I’m a wimp! 😅

I am so jealous. I am over a year and a half out and pretty sure I have lost all I am going to. I sweat. Alot!! and really hoped this would get better as I lost weight but it hasn’t. At first I typed this big long message to tell you guys how much it suck’s to sweat all the time but it felt like it belonged In the rants and raves forum so I deleted it, lol. I guess I really can’t say for sure but I honestly think I would prefer being cold to being hot all the time. Maybe it’s a grass is always greener type thing.

Lols I think your winter might be a UK summer

I’ve always felt the cold when the temperature drops, but yeah - I feel it even more since surgery. We just had our winter down here and I was a wimp! I’m really curious to see how I fare as summer hits without all the body fat I used to have.

I had originally wanted a sleeve but was promptly talked out of it by my surgeon because of my pre-existing GERD. I was daunted for about half a day before contacting my surgeon to tell him I'd take his advice and have the bypass instead. Absolutely zero regrets, this was the right procedure for me.
Don't give in to FOMO. FOMO is silly! There are SO many sleevers on here with fantastic long term results. If it wasn't for my pre-surgery GERD, I might have been one of them and just as happy as I am right now. Both surgeries are super-effective tools.

I’ve always felt the cold when the temperature drops, but yeah - I feel it even more since surgery. We just had our winter down here and I was a wimp! I’m really curious to see how I fare as summer hits without all the body fat I used to have.

Mine started to drop and I was worried it would never slow down. I went from long hair to shoulder length and finally pixie cut which I am rocking if I say so myself. I may never go back. It lasted 4 months and no body but me and my hairdresser noticed anything different

Re: losing teeth and TikTok. It's TikTok. Who's saying this? First hand post WLS patients with first-hand knowledge, or the Body Positivity/Fat Liberation/HAES crowd who have a vested interest in putting others off weightloss? I've never heard of the teeth thing. It sounds very much like scare-mongering BS to me, and that it's coming from TikTok raises one mighty red flag. You'll likely have some temporary Hair loss, but losing teeth? Never heard of such a thing in terms of a WLS side effect.
Re: the easy way out. People again often have an ulterior motive, or are projecting their own issues when they double down on the whole "easy way out" myth. I have never dieted harder and changed my lifestyle more diligently than I have after WLS. WE do the hard work counting calories and watching macros and exercising. The surgery simply makes it next to impossible to fall off the wagon. Do people who insist it's the easy way imagine it's ... what? Like the tooth fairy? Fat is taken away by the blessed pixies every night as we still eat whatever we like? It's ignorance, or in the case of people who want to argue and not accept the truth: willful stupidity. And they're not people worth having around.
Some people also just project their own insecurities and that will manifest as a nasty little emotion called envy. You'll find these people in both the above camps.

It’s a strange one, because I can now fit into some size US8/AU12 clothes which was always my “goal size”, yet I’m still 4kg from my goal weight. I could stop now and do maintenance and be perfectly happy. Weight loss is very slow at this point. But I personally still want to lose this final 4. If I can’t, however, I won’t be disappointed. My results have been better than I could have hoped.