Bypass2Freedom

@BigSue oh wow! That is something I'd never even considered - I hope you are doing okay!
thankfully my resting HR doesn't often drop into the 40s very often! It may get into the 50s sometimes but that is it!

You are where I was earlier this year. I’d put on weight for the first time too - close to 10lbs. It really messed with me so I get exactly how you feel. I knew the cause was not being able to access my HRT as a transdermal patch. The alternative gel & tablet did not work for me. I actually did a post about how my body hated me. Picked myself up & made some small changes to what I was eating. Reduced my HRT (was still having hot flushes so what was a few more & it was winter - ha!). I lost about half of the weight though crazy slowly. Then after 10 months my transdermal patch became available again (my pharmacist was so excited for me & he’s male!) & almost all the rest came off comparatively more quickly. I have about a pound to go but I’ll be okay if it stays.
Also the bony butt does improve. As a fellow sufferer I thought I’d have the pain forever & never be able to sit for more than a short time again but slowly it improved. I could sit for longer & longer before the pain would start shooting up my spine. I’d probably say it was only this year (so 6 years post surgery) that I found I could sit through a movie without any real discomfort. So you may have a couple more years to go.

it's been a while, but i think my butt started hurting around month 3-4 and it was no longer an issue by 1.5-ish years post op
what i understand NOW, its a result of a couple factors...
tldr; its your posture; try sitting up straighter.
when we were larger our front heavy stomachs naturally make our lower back arch (== bad posture)
also when we were obese, our hip flexors were working overtime to support our larger frame, so they are TIGHT. after we lose the weight, this tightness still remains, but with nothing to actually hold up anymore, so we feel it more and componsate by rounding our back (== bad posture)
fast forward to being smaller in such a small amount of time our bodies didn't have the opportunity to adjust as fast as our weight loss, and basically we have the posture bone structure/infrastructre of a much bigger person....we end up being really slouchy.
the pain you are feeling is you sitting on your tail bone/coccyx from being slouchy. and you shouldn't be sitting on your tailbone...you should be sitting on your sit (sitz) bones.
soooooo...try sitting up straighter. point your pelvis downward, not forward (so your weight is on your stiz not coccyx) stack your shoulders over your hips. keep both feet flat on the floor, with knees slightly higher than hips (use a stool if necessary) its not easy, it takes effort and will probably hurt your lower back more than your tailbone in the short term (if so, use a lumbar pillow until you build the strength). but its just for a little while until it becomes muscle memory.
to help this along, stretch out your hip flexors regulary, and do some exercises to strengthen your lower back.
good luck!

Welcome to the bony butt club. LOL! I remember someone saying the pain will go when we develop calluses on these now exposed bones. Well it took a few years for my callus to grow but I now can sit for a couple of hours before the pain begins. I had issues with all my joints: wrists, elbows, shoulders, ankles, knees, hips. I’m a side sleeper & I still have to turn over every couple of hours otherwise my shoulders hurt. I have to ensure I’m not lying with my knees or ankles against each other otherwise bone on bone pain.
The old donut cushion may be your best bet to reduce the pain when sitting.

Morning of op & 6 days post op

All has gone well thanks.
No real pain, just a bit of tightness or itchiness at times, usually when I've moved a bit or it is coming round to the time to take my paracetamol. I can see better shape in the upper arms but the elbows arts quite swollen, I'm guessing from liposuction and drains.
Have my post op check up in a couple of days so hoping to get a good report.

So as the title says.... tomorrow is my arm lift day 😀
I am trying to keep calm and positive by being as organised as possible. I had my pre-surgery appointment last week with the nurse and anesthesiologist and they were horrified when they heard what I went through with my sleeve surgery and both were very reassuring (as was the plastic surgeon when I had my pre-op with him two weeks ago). I still have ongoing complications from the sleeve surgery, still have a drain inserted at my stomach until January and most days have bad abdominal pain (my gymo and GP both think it is adhesions following all the trauma my body went through) but nothing that will impact the arm surgery.
Taxi booked for the early morning to get me to the hospital for 7am, scheduled for mark ups on each arm at approx 9am and then to surgery. I will stay overnight (though can stay longer if I, or they, feel it is needed), have a friend bring me home Wednesday and I plan to sit in my recliner chair or lie in bed for a few days until my post-op appointment next week.
🤞 🍀 🤞

I contributed in the more "negative" thread, so I will comment in the positive one too!
I personally love how much my body is capable of now - I can exercise and enjoy it and really push myself to do things I never believed I'd be able to do.
I can run and play with my nephew and not second guess if I am going to look out of place.
I can wear most things that I want - I feel good in them and I have found that I am more confident day-to-day.
I feel less seen - in some ways. If that makes sense. I don't feel that people are staring at me anymore for looking bigger. I feel like I can just fade into the background, and that makes me feel calmer.

I contributed in the more "negative" thread, so I will comment in the positive one too!
I personally love how much my body is capable of now - I can exercise and enjoy it and really push myself to do things I never believed I'd be able to do.
I can run and play with my nephew and not second guess if I am going to look out of place.
I can wear most things that I want - I feel good in them and I have found that I am more confident day-to-day.
I feel less seen - in some ways. If that makes sense. I don't feel that people are staring at me anymore for looking bigger. I feel like I can just fade into the background, and that makes me feel calmer.

Hmm... a few things, really:
Obsessions with numbers on a scale: reaaaaaaaaaally struggling with this one as of late. Had my first substantial weight gain since starting this journey - around 6lbs, I haven't updated my metrics yet - and it completely threw me. I have been going to the gym 4-5 times a week, weights & cardio etc, and I know weight fluctuates, and I am still in a healthy weight range, but that weight gain and the number on the scale has absolutely fucked with my head! My partner has had to hide the scales for me, and we've made a deal that I will only weigh myself once a month. I just am feeling like a failure right now, which I know is completely illogical and untrue. But my brain is my enemy at times!
Hair loss: I have recently just chopped my hair jaw-length after my hair just decided to give up the ghost and it was becoming very fine and thin, and there just wasn't much volume at all! Still chasing the dream of one day having long lovely hair.
My bones: Honestly wtf! 🤣 My coccyx bone is one of THE most painful things in this whole world when I am sitting down! Give me peace please 🤣

I contributed in the more "negative" thread, so I will comment in the positive one too!
I personally love how much my body is capable of now - I can exercise and enjoy it and really push myself to do things I never believed I'd be able to do.
I can run and play with my nephew and not second guess if I am going to look out of place.
I can wear most things that I want - I feel good in them and I have found that I am more confident day-to-day.
I feel less seen - in some ways. If that makes sense. I don't feel that people are staring at me anymore for looking bigger. I feel like I can just fade into the background, and that makes me feel calmer.

I contributed in the more "negative" thread, so I will comment in the positive one too!
I personally love how much my body is capable of now - I can exercise and enjoy it and really push myself to do things I never believed I'd be able to do.
I can run and play with my nephew and not second guess if I am going to look out of place.
I can wear most things that I want - I feel good in them and I have found that I am more confident day-to-day.
I feel less seen - in some ways. If that makes sense. I don't feel that people are staring at me anymore for looking bigger. I feel like I can just fade into the background, and that makes me feel calmer.

Ummmmm yea all I can say on this thread is that I'm fine as hell. That's it that's all. I was always beautiful, but the obesity held me back from being my complete true authentic naked stripper self.
I will have to say that the beauty is breathtaking

gonna contribute to my own thread, lol.
I feel like the list is long for all the awesome things that WLS has set into motion, but if i had to choose the one single thing that epitomizes all that WLS has led me to achieve, it would be: unadulterated confidence.
shedding the weight with the help of WLS allowed me to let go of my insecurities regarding my appearance so that could be all that i could be.
i am no longer afraid nor shy nor wary nor hesitant to do anything and everything. i am basically how i was before i became obese times 100.
this confidence in myself inadvertently improved my relationships with others. i am more patient, forgiving and fun. because i've let go of expectations from those around me as i honestly believe i can handle anything that comes my way.
i am willing to try anything and everything and am having the time of my life exploring and discovering new things, places, people.
and of course, im effing HAWT. It's weird because i was pretty HAWT back in the day before obesity, but for some reason i still remember feeling insecure and wanting back then. but not now. i'm HAWT and i know it, and i love it.
I'm in my fifties and i am in the best shape of my life. I actually enjoy exercise and activity and seek it out. my weight loss allowed me to do a 180 away from diabetes and heart disease (i was per-diabetic and on medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure 7 years ago but not anymore). my skin is fabulous (haven't had a pimple in 7 years!); my hair is thick and curly; i look amazing in anything, even a paper bag; mr. is more than satisfied with sexy times. i have energy for days. my stress levels are the lowest in recent memory if not ever in my adult life. live is good. scratch that, life is GREAT.
how's that for bragging.
**mic drop/**

Happy to participate!!! In a few days I will hit my 8yr anniversary of my original WLS (VSG). My journey had been excellent in my opinion even with minor inconveniences.
I realized today that I don’t really think about my weight anymore. It’s on the periphery of thoughts but it is not a focal point. That feels pretty awesome
Also I’m a new gardener and a long time plant parent so here’s one of my babies 🤣

What a great idea!
I'm nearing my 2nd WLS anniversary, and my journey has been a 10/10.
Things have been GREAT. Not good, not okay, GREAT! in all in the glory.
I can't believe I look the way I do, feel the way I do and get to live life like this again. I'm so so grateful, happy, confident, loving life....etc.

Great post @ms.sss. Yes, there are ups & downs but the ups are so much greater & better than any downs. Last night I caught a glimpse of my reflection in my kitchen French doors. Look at those skinny legs I thought and smiled to myself. I love that I was exuberantly dancing at my niece’s wedding without a care and not concerned that people might be thinking look at the far girl trying to dance. I love putting on clothes and having them fit. Prior to my surgery I never knew what would fit me that day, or whether something I’d worn last week, month or year would still fit. It was a fear I had to confront every day. Now, what ever I grab, the zips whoosh up, buttons don’t pull or gape, & nothing is tight around my waist. I even find joy in slipping through narrow spaces - yelping can do that now. These might be little and unimportant things to some but to me they’re huge achievements.
And I agree @Spinoza I love the ups enough to keep myself motivated. And even when things get me down, I don’t just give up. I pick myself up again - sometimes it may take a couple of weeks but up I get.

Love this idea! I am one of the people who have dropped off a bit as I have been having a grand ole time.
WLS is a big big rollercoaster and not everyone has the same experience.
BUT:
I am loving how this board educated me and helped me make the most of it. Cannot thank you guys enough.
I smashed my expected loss after gastric sleeve and have managed to keep most of that weight off.
I still cannot believe that I am this much lighter and smaller than I was 5 years ago. I love love love everything about it. It has been really hard. It's hard every day now but I still LOVE it enough to work at it.
Best of luck to everyone starting their journey. There are lots of bumps in the road xxx

For a change of pace from the threads about annoyances, irks, disappointments, fears, etc as a result our WLS, how about we keep a line open to remind ourselves all the AWESOME things that we have experienced, discovered and learned because of our WLS and the aftermath of it??
I have found that a lot of posts are skewed towards the negative 'round these parts, as generally those who are having problems or issues take the time to post, while those who are having a grand ole time don't because they don't seem to need the support and generally just drop off the boards.
So maybe lets have a space here to remind those new to the process or in the throes of it that things CAN actually be really great. That yeah, it can be difficult at times, but it can also be really, really, AWESOME.
No humble bragging, nor saying something is a "good" bad thing to have, just FULL ON, UNAPOLOGETIC BRAGGING and TOTAL CELEBRATION of all things that have enriched your life because of what WLS put into motion.
Tag. You're it.

I'm 8 weeks post op RNY bypass. I'm losing phenomenal weight. I've lost 2 pants sizes, down to a size 16 and they are not tight. My shirts hang. I know I'm smaller, but in the mirror I still see the same person. I feel like I look the same and I know I can't possibly. I don't have hanging skin that's swaying my eyes. I just don't know what up. I'm also disheartened because not one person has said anything and I'm sure that is contributing to my self view. I'm taking progress photos and I'm still just not able to see it in the photos. But I know it's drastic because my clothes hang on me. Is this normal?

Thank you!
I have kept losing weight at the moment - albeit not intentionally! But I am certainly feeling happier!

Honestly I didn't even start exercising until about 4-5 months post-op (bad I know 🤣), but I started with just setting myself the target of going to the gym once a week, just to do 30 mins of cardio or weights.
I found that rather than setting myself massive targets like going 4 times a week when I have started from 0, I was less overwhelmed and more inclined to go. Once I actually built up that routine I managed to go 3-4 times a week and I actually started to look forward to it!
Walking is easily the easiest thing to start incorporating into your day where possible, even if it is just a little bit a day!

Just to add: I only drink sugar free ?

Hey!
Welcome to the forums! I notice from another post you said you had surgery on 28/05/25 which wasn't too long ago!
I personally was advised by my surgical team to stay away from carbonated drinks for the first 6 months post-surgery (I think I waited around 8 months in total), just because it can fill the tummy with air which can be painful & also stretch the stomach.
I am completely fine drinking them now, and I take normal sips! Definitely worth the wait

Sometimes finding an hour or two (with travel) to go to the gym is difficult. Try to find alternatives that you can slot in at random times during your day. Incidental activity can be just as beneficial and you don’t have to do all your exercise in one block of time. Exercise snacking, that is doing short boosts of activity, is like food snacking It all adds up across your day. Any activity is good.
Catch public transport to work? Get off a couple of stops before and walk the rest of the way.
Drive to work? Park further away. Same at shopping centres or going to appointments. - park further away from where you’re going.
Go for a walk in your lunch break. Wear some weights on your ankles &/or wrists or a weighted vest.
Take stairs & not elevators. Walk up escalators or travelators.
Buy some weights & resistance bands to use at home. Finding a block of 10-15 mins in the morning &/or at night is often more manageable. You can even do it watching tv or waiting for dinner to cook.
I’m an exercise snacker. I do 5 sessions of activity across my day. A couple are less than 5 minutes and others are up to 10 minutes so more than 30 mins a day. Plus as an extra, when I do my 30 mins on my acupressure mat, I rock my hips (back & forth, forward & back, round & round) so constantly moving. My aim was to regain my flexibility, develop lean muscle (not bulk) & support my back, and keep up my bone density.