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My highest recorded weight was 341 pounds, but I lost about 70 pounds before surgery. I'm almost 3.5 years out and I'm in the mid-130s now. I didn't expect to lose this much; I wasn't really hung up on a specific number, but I think my original goal weight (based on average WLS data) was about 180. It was initially fairly easy to lose weight after surgery (the "honeymoon period" when my restriction was very strong and my hunger was almost nonexistent), but it took a lot of effort to get to where I am and maintain it. I've completely changed my diet and eating habits and I work out a lot (at least 90 minutes every day). A lot of my life revolves around diet and exercise to maintain my weight, but I still enjoy food and eating at least as much as before, and I have discovered a love for a lot of healthy foods. After losing over 200 pounds, I do have excess skin, and I don't currently have any plans to have plastic surgery. I have a flabby belly and sagging thighs. I have a little arm flab but not as bad as I expected. My butt and chest are quite deflated. I'm never going to have a bikini-ready body and I accept that. A shaping cami works wonders to hold in the belly, and flattering clothing can hide the rest well enough that no one would guess that I used to weigh more than twice as much. I care much more about the non-scale victories than the number on the scale, and for someone who started at a super morbidly obese weight, getting to my current size is a whole new world. My health has improved in so many ways -- my blood pressure is normal, lipid panel is good, and my doctor undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. I used to have a hard time finding clothing in my size, as I was too big for even "plus size" clothing at some stores (I used to wear size 26/28), and now I can find my size almost anywhere (I am now size 6/8 or medium/large). I used to struggle to walk short distances or a couple of flights of stairs, and now I can walk miles without breaking a sweat and glide up 10 flights of stairs without stopping. It's amazing how much easier it is to get around when I'm not carrying the weight of a whole extra person. I used to be hyper-aware of people judging me for my weight, and I dreaded meeting people face to face, knowing that they would think less of me when they saw my size. It is hard to describe the emotional burden that has been lifted by not having to worry about people making negative assumptions about me based on my weight. I have not had any direct complications from the surgery, but because of the rapid weight loss, I developed bradycardia (slow heart rate) and had to get a pacemaker. That's been rough, but overall, I am far better off having had the surgery and losing the weight.

The surgery often changes our tastebuds & sense of smell making it difficult to tolerate certain foods, flavours & textures. I found the shakes awful - super sweet & grainy. I’d force myself to have one in the morning which I’d dilute & then had soup for the rest of the day. Bone broth is a better choice but I found them very salty so I ate cream soups. Try a plant based protein powder instead of the whey. If you struggle with whey powder you’ll likely struggle with whey based pre made shakes too. Try making your own yoghurt drink smoothie by blending Greek yoghurt with milk to a thin consistency. Add some unsweetened powdered flavours if you need. Check with your dietician &/or surgeon be sure though.

Try to keep food moist by adding sauces & gravies. In the beginning I ate a lot of mince dishes like savoury mince & bolognese (without the pasta) & some casseroles/stews which are more on the sloppy side & are more easily eaten & digested. In time this won’t be as necessary but dry or coarse food may still cause you some issues at times. In time you will find you can drink with or closer to when you eat. This is an individual thing though - some can, some can’t. But, yes, in the first months while you’re eating so little it is vital you properly digest your foods & get every nutrient. Drinking while eating washes the food through your digestive system more quickly. This video helps explain it: In the beginning I used to sip on my shakes & soups for ages. I’d dilute them to thin them out & because they count as liquids you are helping to ensure you meet your fluid goals too. I didn’t have more serves than I was supposed to & this is an important consideration. There will be times when you have to make the best choice possible from the food you have available. For example you could have eaten the broth & not the martza balls in the deli soup or strained it when you got home. If you’re cooking you choose the ingredients you add so you could just not put potatoes or rice in the chicken soup you made. In the beginning this can be even more difficult because of your limitations but there are ways around it. Taking food with you to eat is often the easiest. Remember too that as well as all the sutures & staples holding your tummy together, a lot of nerves were cut so messages aren’t getting through or aren’t getting through in the same way so you may not know if you are actually doing damage. It takes about 8 weeks to fully heal so it is important to stick to your plan in regards to food choices, portion sizes, etc. It’s there to protect your healing tummy & support your recovery. This may seem a lot & it does take time to work it all out. We all slip or not make the best choice at some time. It’s all part of the learning. You just have to not make it a regular thing. You’ve got this. All the best.

Oh mylanta! I’m so sorry that you had such a rough time over the holidays! But I’m glad you’re back on track! I finished week 4 and FINALLY at the chewing food stage!!! So far I’ve had sautéed shrimp, a half of a piece of turkey bacon, and some ground turkey! Hallelujah! I’m looking forward to having my energy back! The cortisone shots I got in my knees have worn off, so I’m rejoicing with every pound lost that I’m inching closer to being out of pain. So far I’ve lost 30.4 since surgery. Woo-hoo! My daughter had RNY surgery Wednesday. She’s pretty pitiful right now but it’ll be nice to be able to do this journey with her when she’s feeling better. Here’s to a new year full of health and hope!! Blessings, my friends!

@Bluebell_1980 I have been on a liver-shrinking diet since December 19—no sugar or starchy foods, no carbs—fat-free. I'll start a clear liquid diet on January 3 and 4, then have surgery on January 5. I already did my pre-op labs, and the labs look really good—no more fatty liver.

If you eat and drink at the same time then you are washing the food out of your new stomach. You need it to get processed. Try and stick with the drinking rules, its tough when you have always had a drink with food but its so necessary. That grossed out feeling ! yuck ! I had this for the longest time. I think its because our hormones are released in a rush because they are in our fat cells. It felt to me just like being pregnant again. The thought of eating certain foods still gross me out. For some reason these were my fav foods pre surgery too. Your new stomach has a huge scar on it. If you could see it, you would be more careful. You do not want food that it can not process just sitting, stuck in there. Try to do what your team say, they are the experts. Soon enough you will be able to eat these foods. You should never get judgy remarks on here. Just help, we have all been there, done that.

You've got this! You definitely haven't stretched anything out. The first few weeks figuring everything out is tough and it's pretty easy to freak yourself out. I will say that once you start eating real/solid foods, you'll notice that you get full VERY quick. A word of warning - Eat SLOWLY ... as in VERY slowly. Otherwise, you will generally feel absolutely miserable. I'm just over 3 years out and I can pretty easily drink and eat at the same time, so don't worry about that part. In the beginning, it's much harder to do. Only other warning I might give you is to be careful with grazing throughout the day. It can be a slippery slope to take what was (pre-surgery) a normal size meal for you and eat on it all day (been there/done that) thinking that you're only eating a little bit at a time. It can quickly add up in calories and sabatoge you.

Hi everyone! I just found this forum after doing a Google search and very happy I did. This is my first post and just looking for some advice. I had gastric sleeve surgery on Wednesday 12/7. Did 2 weeks liquids and last week started soft foods. Since I started on soft foods last Wednesday, I haven’t been able to eat too much of anything without getting that “stuck” feeling or way too full feeling. Then, everything started grossing me out. Like all foods other than chicken broth. On Christmas I had about 4oz of stuffing and that was it. That went down pretty good but I didn’t eat more than that bc I’m not supposed to. Then yesterday I got a quart (32oz) of Matza ball soup from a diner in the morning and ate off that all day which went down perfectly fine. I didn’t eat it in all one sitting but all throughout the day. Then today I had homemade chicken soup that had soft veggies, potatoes, rice and bits of chicken. I had about 2 cups of that throughout the day. At this time I’m not supposed to be eating carbs but I slipped up w the potatoes, rice, matza and that bit of stuffing on Christmas. I’m feeling so guilty and worried I fucked up already 3 weeks in. I really struggle not to eat and drink at the same time too. I usually have a drink w my food because it makes the food go down better. I don’t chug but take small sips. Do you think I’ve stretched my new stomach out and ruined things? I was doing so amazing since surgery but it’s just been these last few days I been making bad choices and feel like I’m overeating and eating the wrong things. I’m wondering if it’s bc I got mY period 3 days ago which makes me super hungry. Could that be why my carb cravings went up? Anyone else not be perfect in the beginning? Do you think I’m too far gone? Please no mean comments. I’m already beating myself up as it is. 😔 Thank you. ❤️

Lots of nerves are cut during the surgery so messages either don’t get through or feel different until you’re fully healed (about 8 weeks). It’s why it’s important to stick to our plans, portion size recommendations, to eat/drink slowly & listen to our bodies carefully. When they do return you’ll be more conscious of them & may find they are different to what you knew. For example, you’ll discover your signals for real hunger vs head hunger are different (no cravings for a specific food, flavour or texture, & I feel restless) with real hunger). Some people sneeze or their nose runs when they’re close to feeling full or had enough. The tightness across your upper chest (makes me want to thump my chest to alleviate it - it doesn’t) is your restriction. This usually doesn’t kick in until you’re on solid food & your nerves are more fully healed. Yours may have started early. It’s usually your signal you’ve eaten too much &/or too quickly. Remember your tummy is quite small now, it doesn’t extend as low down in your abdomen & it doesn’t take much to fill it. Sometimes certain foods can set it off too if they sit more heavily in your tummy. It’s considered a benefit of the surgery. It can fade in intensity over time (years) & we also get better at understanding how much we can eat & so don’t feel it as often which really is the goal. All the best.

Thank you for your advice. I had originally gone in to repair the hernia. But some of my stomach was damaged and he had suggested as I was over weight to do the sleeve. I said to do what they needed to do. After he was unable to fix the ongoing issues I was referred to another surgeon who did all the repairs and moved away some more stomach. I had bulging pockets. It was an extensive surgery(3hrs) I don’t have sugar or sugary foods. And as for carbs. I haven’t had them since surgery #1 and this surgeon has told me not to have them at this stage.

I so agree with the above comment especially the “recovering Type 2 diabetic “ part. Anyone of us past 2 years out is there with you, I know I am. I definitely partook of the holiday cheer this year and I’m so “puffy” right now. I’m concentrating on wellness for the new year. I do look for inflammatory foods that trip me up and eliminate them from my orbit for a while to get back to evenness. (Don’t know what else to call it?) Aside from food and movement changes, I struggle with stress. I noticed if I journal, walk, talk to a friend, goof off on a guitar, extra water weight just falls off. Sometimes I need an extra mineral or vitamin (Magnesium and vitamin D I’m looking at you.) I don’t know if any of this helps, but keep trying. There even could be a metabolic reason behind the weight creep. It doesn’t hurt to ask a trusted medical professional. You are not alone in this.

Congrats on the 16 years of success! As we get older, our metabolism likes to mess with us, haha, but this is common. My surgeon told me that after a while, some weight regain will occur, but the best way to restart things is to redo your pre-op diet for 2 weeks, just to jumpstart things. His plan is at least try to get 64oz of water a day, start with 2 protein shakes for the two meals a day where you typically eat less. On the "big meal" each day, try to get in 6 oz of meat/protein of your choice along with as much leafy greens/broccoli, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers as you can. Cut out breads, starchy veggies (potatoes, carrots, etc) for the 2 week duration. Target 60g-80g of protein, and under 50g of carbs per day (not quite keto levels, just reduced). Calorie target was around 600-1000 per day, but it is meant to be temporary and not long term, just a jump start. From my personal experience, sugar/starchy carbs tend to send my cravings off the deep end for up to 3 days after eating them. I'm having to avoid bread, cookies, cake, candy, tortillas, wraps, potatoes, carrots, rice, and oatmeal whenever I start to regain. Some artificial sweeteners seems to set me off too, but I am a recovering Type 2 diabetic. I haven't isolated which ones affect me yet, but I can drink Fairlife protein shakes without having that sugar craving, and it has Monk Fruit, Stevia, and Sucralose. First day is absolute hell, but after 3 days it eases up considerably. Give that a try for 2-3 weeks and see if that helps with the weight loss. After that time, start working in your normal foods again, but give them a few days to see if any are triggering the new weight gain to happen again to see what's worth keeping. Slowly increase your calories to find the amount that works best for you long term. You want the range that lets you have the energy you need without weight gain. Some people may be only 1000 calories, others 1200, and others may be closer to 1800, so there's no exact number that works for every single person. Good luck, and I wish you well on your journey!

This is coming from a guy, so take it with a grain of salt. I had to go to an event requiring a jacket and tie last week, which was 6 weeks after the pre-op diet (4 weeks post op) weight loss began. When I put on my suit I wore previously in September, I looked like a little kid trying on his dad's clothes. I needed a shirt 3 sizes smaller than my previous, but only 1 size smaller pants. I would suggest waiting to shop until about 2 weeks prior to the event because its hard to predict where you'll be at that point. As far as the foods go, after having the sleeve done, I'm ok with some foods that I probably shouldn't be ready for yet (ground beef, salmon, high fiber/low carb bread which I have since cut back out since its not diet friendly), but others that I should be ok with are making me feel sick (leafy greens, broccoli, canned tuna). Again, I would just assess where you are a week or two out from the wedding, maybe ask them what is on the menu, but maybe plan to pack a diet-friendly snack in your bag just in case. Congrats again on your surgery!

Been pretty quiet here. Y'all doing OK? How did you do over the holidays? Am I the only one who had a mild pity party when I had to watch my family devour all the fun holiday food/snacks/goodies while I was eating my itty bitty ricotta bake? LOL!

I had my last pre-op appointment with my dietician and I asked if there was a pre-op liquid diet I needed to do? She said no I can have solid foods up till the day before surgery. She said because I have lost 30lbs, and done what I am supposed to that I am good shape. So yay! My hubbies bday is a couple of weekends before my surgery and for Christmas we were gifted a certificate to a really nice steakhouse so we were planning to do. The food I am not worried about but how bad would it be if I had one cocktail? Then stick with water? TIA!

I had my last pre-op appointment with my dietician and I asked if there was a pre-op liquid diet I needed to do? She said no I can have solid foods up till the day before surgery. She said because I have lost 30lbs, and done what I am supposed to that I am good shape. So yay! My hubbies bday is a couple of weekends before my surgery and for Christmas we were gifted a certificate to a really nice steakhouse so we were planning to do. The food I am not worried about but how bad would it be if I had one cocktail? Then stick with water? TIA!

I, too, was mostly eating things like soup and yogurt then...and other soft-ish things. I was "allowed" to eat most solid foods by then (except for raw vegetables - that took a few more months), but I still found some solid things difficult to eat. I also wasn't eating very much by then - maybe 600-800 kcal/day. I ate mostly protein and (cooked or soft) produce. I didn't eat breads, rice, pasta, or treats like cake until I was over a year out. I probably COULD have, but I didn't - some of it just bothered me. Others I just didn't want to eat at the time because I didn't want to go down that road that early.

As @summerseeker was told, 65% or so weight loss is about the average excess weight loss for Roux-en-Y (RNY). Personally, I find such averages to be next to useless. I'm not average. Heck, it's axiomatic that the average person is not average. At any rate, what to expect. My plan is forever. From day 1 post-op I was intent that I would never be on a weight loss diet ever again. My plan is foods I enjoy that fit my life goals. No crash diets. No counting calories, carbs, or whatever. No weighing myself at home. Working out is one of those things everyone agrees needs to be done which I didn't do. Ever. There is nothing like exercising for it's own sake. No thanks. I did do a lot of walking, what my spouse and I call 'people watching.' When I got down to about 100 pounds overweight I challenged myself to run 5K. I did a plan similar to "Couch to 5K" (C25K). When I got to 5k I realized I enjoyed it, so I kept doing it. I started binge running. Running was a time just for me, that I could contemplate the coming day and listen to audiobooks. A great start or end to a day. Long story short, I ended up running 5 marathons. That is something I never thought I'd do. I got to run across the Golden Gate Bridge. Extra skin for me was inevitable. My deflated stomach hung way down. To a lesser extent all the places one would expect extra skin I had it. I started with an Abdominoplasty, after which a bleeding disorder almost killed me. No more elective surgeries for me. So I've had to get used to things as they are. Not the end of the world. What life is like now. I've been my current weight for about 17 years which is a weight loss of a bit over 500 pounds. I am still happily eating to plan. Some of the things I wanted to do after I lost weight I didn't end up doing. Other things I never thought about I thoroughly enjoy. Mostly, things just got easier. Good luck, Tek

I dont know what weight you are so its really guess work. I did a 3 week pre op diet and with 2 months post surgery weight loss, I dropped 40 pounds. If you do the same and bought your outfit, maybe your clothes would not fit. I really had a struggle with food after surgery. At 2 months I was just about getting the hang of it. I would not have eaten regular food. Soup, milk, yogurts and cheese were my staples at that time. If I had to go to a function I would pack myself a emergency pack, just in case. I had massive drops in energy and needed lots of little meals to pick me up. I still carry protein bars and a drink.

A couple of questions about recovery before a family wedding. I am scheduled for VSG on March 6. Yes, far out due to work commitments. I have a big family wedding two months later and am wondering (overthinking) how this will all work? 1) I am not in the wedding party but do have a role and need to get a new dress. At this point, I am planning to get a dress that fits me now and assume it may be a bit roomy two months following my surgery, but will still work. Does that seem reasonable, in others experience? 2) Is it likely I’ll be able to eat any of the wedding food two months out? I absolutely realize my experience may be different from others, just wondering what events have been like at two months for others going through the surgery. I also understand my options will be limited (plain protein?) but wondering if I’ll have to pack food/snacks. I’ve read all kinds recovery eating schedules but don’t have the proscribed one for my program yet. Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences and advice!

Has anything changed? New medication? Lifestyle change? Has a little complacency slipped in? Not as active? You’ve been through Thanksgiving & Christmas recently could they have contributed? Go back to tracking your food & fluids to check you’re meeting goals. Go back to how you were eating before you reached your lowest weight in regards to portion sizes, calories, macros, etc. Protein first, then vegetables & finally only if you’re able any carbs you’re allowed. Check in with your dietician to ensure you’re not missing something. Remember not everyone reaches their goal. The average weightloss at the three year mark is 65% of the weight you would need to lose to put you in a healthier range. You’ve got this.

Surgon told me to do a liquid diet for a week & then make sure I measure my food. I’m 5 years out & still measure my food to not go over 3.5 oz. It took me 2 years to meet my goal, then I put back on 15lbs but this is where my body seems happy at. I got down to my goal weight with The Fast Metabolism Diet. Check it out.

Well done. Sounds like you’ve got it cracked. I’d have had the same reaction to a Dorito chomping husband. My work is full of food. And I mean FULL. New Year will be even worse, and I’m on duty 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I will have the resolve to resist as it’s a long game but I shall be glad when it’s over.

Where are you on your plan? Are you still doing the protein first thing. What does your eating look like? For you, what is dumping? What specific symptoms? What foods cause it? Are you able to connect your other symptoms (nausea, dehydration, diarrhea) with specific foods, drinks or other activities? On the dehydration, is this in spite of getting appropriate levels of fluids? What levels are those for you? Have your doctors done blood work? Was there anything of note? I've had on and off anemia and nausea that I can connect to specific mental issues and resultant behaviors which even though I am aware of the causes they still sometimes get away from me. For me, I Just have to push to do what I need to regardless of how much I don't want to when I'm going through a funk. I'm a big 'ol dumper on sugars and fats but fortunately I don't have much issue keeping those in check. I know for some people fats and sugars are go-to comfort foods that are tough to get control over, though not so much for me. I've reached out to therapy on a couple of occasions when I simply could not figure out the funk, which helped dramatically. Then the advice and coping skills I learned are always within reach. Keep focusing on the important stuff and let the nonsense look after itself. Good luck, Tek

I actually had made a pumpkin soup when I was wrong about being able to eat soft foods lol I thought on day 7 I can eat soft foods but it was really week 2, meaning 2 weeks post op lol 😂 but it was fine I took it down when I did eat. Yesterday I decided to get fancy and try and buy a smoothie that had protein I thought I read the ingredients right and girl I literally had what I think is dumping syndrome lol it was the worst within ten minutes of drinking literally like less than five sips I was just not feeling well. I read some people don’t get it from sugary things so I’m glad I do bc it will help later I’m an emotional reck too not being able to eat anything and wanting to sucks but it’s what I signed up for lol. I just got new protein powder to make a shake at home so I’ll be fine I’m basically supposed to be on a liquid diet til Monday but since I’m a little slow lol and read my diet wrong I’m going stick on it for a few extra days. I was backed up (sorry tmi) for a good week had to take miralax but I’m noticing now that I’m not my weight is going down and I can see my stomach going down. I’m not gonna weight myself til my next visit. im just sick of the same “food” also I was doing premier caramel but the smell of it disgust me now 😩 I’m definitely emotional but feeling my belly go down and my hips feeling a bit less wide and my thighs are feeling a little more thin makes it a bit better also binge watching tv 🫠hang in there girlie we got this! As for the yogurt I love the toasted coconut ones I forget the brand. also yesterday I went out and wore jeans high rises and my stomach did not like that 🤔I was in pain from driving w them bc they had dug into my belly. I had a hiatal hernia also so dunno if I am just feeling bad still from both surgeries but I’m certain that next month I am looking forward to that. To feeling some sort of normalcy. Also did anyone else get a cute little bear! It’s a cough buddy he literally has been everywhere w me lol