Spinoza

Thank you for sharing this with us. I hope you're well through the operation and out the other end now. I wish you a speedy recovery and a great result. You've done such a good thing for yourself. ?

I think you might just have been lucky! Having read a lot here before my surgery I wouldn't have risked it. Good luck with the other stages of your post-op diet. ?

Fantastic post, fantastic journey, fantastic outlook and a fantastic future ahead of you. Completely inspirational - thank you for sharing Kim.

I pureed all my family dinners at my puree stage (and loved them, LOL) but I was out of that onto soft food in time for the holidays. You'll be fine and back on solids in no time. Good luck!

I eat fruit every day - mainly berries but also occasional apples and pears and melon. I don't have any problem processing them (I have been so lucky when I see what some people here have gone through). Loads of veg too including carby veg like root veg. Portions are small and I separate the fruit out from my main protein meals but I like to eat it every day, and I think I always will.

I had a BMI of 31 at 44 years of age - also BMIs from 23 - 35 in the years around 44. I also lost lots of weight 'successfully' but was completely unable to maintain it *ever*. I just put it all back on and more besides, until my BMI finally went over 40 and I knew I couldn't live that life any more. I wish I had been able to have my surgery when I was younger (and yes, if possible when I wasn't as obese) because it would have been a lower risk procedure for me. Absolutely nothing wrong with doing your research and meeting a surgeon to see what information they can give you. There are risks, but there are also risks if you stay overweight (or get more overweight) over the next few years. You need to get as much information as possible so you can work out what's right for you. Best of luck.

Absolutely amazing - took surgery for me to do that, you did it all on your own! That's 100lbs you won't have to lose at the end of your journey. Huge congratulations!!!!!

Another stomach sleeper here. I slept in my own bed from day 1, I did have an extra pillow and sometimes one under my belly too, when I slept on my side. Either side was sore at the start, changing position was sore and getting into and out of bed was sore but once I got in a reasonably comfy position I could sleep. I didn't take pain relief other than a little paracetamol either. The pain lasted a couple of weeks, mostly in my left side, and then I was still aware of discomfort in certain positions for another couple of week. From about 6 weeks on I was back on my stomach and I have remained there ever since.

If so I suspect that refocussing on protein first, veg second, fruit third and carbs last might be a good place to start. You should still be able to use your restriction to your advantage or at the very least fill up on protein and veg to kick start another loss. I really hope you can get back on top of this. ?

Also, I'm really sorry but you don't seem to have filled in your stats so forgive me if I'm misunderstanding. Are you saying you had gastric sleeve and lost 40lbs in total because that was what you needed to lose and that you've regained *that* ??

You might find this helpful. Someone posted it earlier. Really chimed with me.

Oh I like your system of rewards! Hope you enjoy every minute of your appointment and your new hair (before and after photos please)??

Ditching sugar. That's what made me obese. Surgery fixed that by limiting the volume I could eat and making me make healthy choices. I did used to eat a square of 90% or 100% cocoa chocolate for a few months after surgery when I had cravings but I haven't done that for many months now. I do occasionally eat sugar when I can't avoid it, but it doesn't control my life any more.

Brilliant. Hitting those big goals is what keeps us going. You have done so well. Enjoy all the movies to come in those big old recliners.

I think that is such a sensible and pragmatic solution. You will enjoy their company so much more when you've had the chance to settle into your new life. ?

That is EXACTLY where my head is at the minute D&S! Happy (SO happy!) with where I am now, but if I lose a little more it'll be a cushion against any bounce back. Travelling makes everything just that little bit harder - I hope you can lose a bit more if that gets you to your happy place ?Looking forward to the big anniversary next month

Oh interesting topic! I have no issues with spices or heat at all - thankfully, also a heat lover here! For some reason I really expected to though.

I really want to hear from you - you KNOW I'll be checking in next month again so I hope you're reporting good progress by then ?

This is SO a thing. I am 11 months post surgery and I have absolutely no idea when eyeing up a space whether I could fit through it or not. I haven't banged feet though - poor you - painful!! Also - no idea when picking up clothing and checking the size (not by the label - just by its appearance) whether or not it will fit me. None at all - I'm usually several inches out. I think/hope that might come with time. Hopefully yours does too.

I totally get your worries too - I have also been eating noticeably more in the last few weeks because I am hungrier, and I am fearful that it will just keep increasing and increasing until I'm back to eating too much of the wrong foods again and regaining everything. That's my big fear. And it does happen to some people who did really well post op. I think all we can do is keep tracking, keep observing the effects of a higher calorie intake on our bodies and try and get help early if eating does actually get out of hand again. There's lots of help here, and you should be able to ask your surgeon/dietician too. I really hope that you lose those final 20lbs, you have done so well it would be lovely to get where you really want to be. But even if you don't I hope you're fine in the long term and happy with all you've achieved - it's amazing.

Hi all, Just a shout out to the November 2021 guys - how is everyone doing now? I'm exactly 11 months post op now, 5lbs below my original goal of 160. I lost 10lbs last month after losing only 3 the previous month so stalls are clearly still a thing - I thought that was me done but apparently not! My ideal weight (what even is that???) is 147lbs apparently, which is now 8lbs away, so the closer I can get to that the happier I will be, but I'm not setting an official new goal of anything, seems clear the loss will just stop when it stops. Then starts the *really* hard work. I hope everyone is happy with how they are doing. Please check in and let me know - seems like yesterday we were just starting this journey together. ?

My surgeon and dietician didn't stipulate any particular post-op diet, the only advice was to drink "plenty" (honestly). I got my general advice about fluid and protein goals on this forum. I do eat small amounts of all kinds of carbs but am still losing weight. I do think when I eat bread in particular that I want to snack more afterwards, even if it's wholegrain bread, so it's something I will be careful about and think I'll always have to be careful about. I don't want anything to be off limits completely though - that way obsession lies (for me anyway).

It's great that you've pulled yourself up on this so early. My advice would be to prioritise your water and protein goals. Every meal starts with protein, then veg, don't worry about carbs (they cause me to get food cravings too). Even snacks should be protein based if possible - I keep deli meat and small cubes of cheese in containers in the fridge so there is always something decent that's grabbable. I also keep carrot and celery sticks sometimes (I'm lucky, I can process raw veg) for crunch. You can do this - you've had a successful six months, you don't want to scupper that and that's why you retorted in here. Most of us relax on holidays, that's what they're for, but now it's back on the horse! Best of luck.

Thank you for this OP! I used to play competitive sport and stopping that but continuing to eat as I had before definitely contributed to my weight gain, as did so many lifestyle changes. So glad to hear your story and I only hope I can get there some day too. ?