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Congratulations. I'm hoping that your surgeon will be professional and understanding. My surgeon doesn't e even do bands anymore bc they said there are too many complications and not as successful weight loss. I wish you success.

I recently switched to the patch md. I'm not going to tell my nutritionist bc she told me not to use the patch. But I had so much nausea in the mornings when I would take my vitamins and they told me before surgery to take with food that's why. But it only got worse after surgery so I couldn't even take them. I wad told chewable for 3 mos then can take regular vitamins. Is that what everyone else understands? I had the sleeve.

The following abbreviations are commonly used on this website: ACL = Anterior cruciate ligament AGB = Adjustable gastric banding AMRAP = As Many Rounds As Possible (crossfit) BB = belly button bc = because BCBS = Blue Cross/Blue Shield BED = Binge Eating Disorder bf = best friend BM = bowel movement BMI = Body Mass Index bp = blood pressure BPD = Borderline Personality Disorder or Biliary Pancreatic Diversion bs = blood sugar btw = by the way C25K = Couch Potato to Running 5K CBT = cognitive-behavioral therapy CC = common channel c diff = clostridium difficile cos or cuz = because CPAP = continuous positive airway pressure CRNP = certified registered nurse practitioners cw = current weight CXR = Chest X-Ray DDD = degenerative disc disease Dr. = doctor DS = Dumping Syndrome or Duodenal Switch EGD = Esophagogastroduodenoscopy EKG = Electrocardiography ff = fat free GERD = gastroesophageal reflux disease GI = gastrointestinal GNC = General Nutrition Corporation store GP = general practitioner or family doctor HBP = high blood pressure hr = heart rate hw = highest weight ICU = Intensive Care Unit Idk = I don’t know IMHO = in my humble (honest) opinion IMO = in my opinion IUI = Intrauterine insemination LAP Band = Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band LES = lower esophageal sphincter lol = laughing out loud LSG = Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy med = medicine MFP = my fitness pal msg = message NASH = Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis nf = non fat NG = Nasogastric NP = nurse practitioner NSAIDS = Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSV = non-Scale victory (“scale” means “weight scale”) NUT = nutritionist OA = Overeaters Anonymous omw = on my way Onederland = a magical place or destination for those trying to lose weight. It might correspond to attaining a weight in the hundreds or losing a hundred pounds. op = operation OSA = Obstructive Sleep Apnea Oz = Australia PB = Productive Burps PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCP = Primary Care Physician PICC= Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter PM = private message (email) PMS = premenstrual syndrome POSE = Primary Obesity Surgery Endolumenal postop or post–op = post-operation or post-surgery PPI = Proton Pump Inhibitors ppl = people preop or pre-op = pre-operation or pre-surgery PTSD = Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder PVC = Premature ventricular contractions RA = Rheumatoid arthritis RH = reactive hypoglycemia RN = registered nurse RNY = Roux-en-Y RTD = ready to drink RYGB = Roux-en-Y gastric bypass SADI-S = single anastomosis duodeno–ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy s/f or sf = sugar free SG = Sleeve gastrectomy SIPS = stomach intestinal pylorus-sparing surgery smh = shaking my head, scratching my head SO = significant other SOB = shortness of breath sw = weight at surgery tmi = too much information TPN = total parenteral nutrition TT = tummy tuck TTC = trying to conceive Ty = Thank you. [but according to the urban dictionary “Ty” is also an abbreviation for “a total stud with a massive carrot”.] u = You UGI = Upper Gastrointestinal VSG = Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vit = vitamin wks = weeks WLS = Weight Loss Surgery WOD = Workout of the Day w/o = without wt = weight

Thank you all so much. I knew you all would understand. I tried explaining to no WLS people,and they did that fake happy bc they truly don't understand. Sent from my VS995 using BariatricPal mobile app

I stuck to the plan 100%. I kept carbs under 50g and ate mainly protein and veggies. Stayed away from drinks with any calories and sugar is and was a big no no. On holidays, I allowed myself to eat and enjoy the day. I didn't however allow myself sugar bc I didnt want to crave sugar and that is the hardest thing to kick when reintroduced from what I hear. I am ashamed to say that I have not exercised. I have a very hectic schedule. I have a desk job so I rarely get any exercise. Perhaps if I introduced exercise I could have lost a bit more. Thanks for all the compliments! They help with the confidence level.

I never had GERD before surgery. The first 9 months I had issue off and on which could have been prevented if I took my PPI the whole time like I was supposed to. Now the only time it happens it is my fault, eating too much with an underwire bar on. It doesn't happen to everyone or even most people. The percentage of sleevers with GERD is lower than the normal population. It just seems common because it is the one complication that is common, as in there are few complications and this is one. Also it can be self inflicted and a lot of people that are food addicts don't stop after they have surgery. Constantly over eating does not help. Also almost all the information about PPIs is BS. Look at the actual studies. I don't take a PPI regularly now, but if I had to take one for the rest of my life I would have no fear about it. It is better than the alternative.

Thank you! I had a feeling bc I have had trouble getting my protein and regular fluid intake in. I was very weak and nauseous and just felt super bad! I feel a lil better today, my dr also gave me a B12 and B1 shot before I left there and went to hospital!

My surgeon told me that by the end of summer, 9 months after sleeve surgery, I would be done losing weight. I'm just wondering if anyone understands this. Is this bc my metabolism will be used to my low calories? I still have about 40 lbs to lose yikes! Band to sleeve revision surgery 1/16/17 HW: 283 CW: 199 GW: 160

I am 1 week post-op. before the surgery I was pretty nervous about the operation itself. stupid. that is hands down the easiest part. you won't know it happened and it's safe as can be. what i should have been scared of, but wasn't, was the pain the first two days after surgery. i did not expect that. i thought i could tolerate pain but i was mistaken. just keep taking a lot of painkiller drugs! i know it's hard not to be scared, but i wish i could go back in time and tell myself to chill bc it's nothing to be scared of. i can't do that, so i'll tell you instead. i won't say good luck bc you don't need it. so i'll say instead, HAVE FUN!

I had the same thing for a week post op. I used gas ex strips, they dissolve on your tongue. I had to sleep sitting up on the couch bc it was worse to try to lay flat. Walk walk walk. Heating pad. It just has to reason and pass through. Nothing really "got rid" of the pain though. I can promise you though that it will go away and you'll be soooo happy once it does.

Congratulations to you. You will most likely need pulmonary clearance for surgery with your severe asthma. I had to have a sleep study done which was the most time consuming part. I had an EGD which my surgeon did and then found out that I had a small hiatal hernia so they were able to repair that at the same time as doing my sleeve. I had to have cardiology clearance bc of a blood clot in the past. I also had to have a psychological eval. I had a pre op class a week befor surgery that was very informative. The monthly nutriton meetings that I went to were very helpful. The dietician was vey knowledgeable about the whole process, the different insurance companies requirements, and what to expect. That really helped. But by having the sleep study and EGD I actually had 2 more co morbidities prior to submitting to the insurance.

just follow your surgeon's process. there are lots of steps. it takes time and that's good. it gives u time to reflect on what, why and how you're eating. all of which will change. i used the time to try to gain some insights into why i would snack late at night, also used the time to come off caffeine, then off caffeine free diet coke. that was huge, actually easier than i thought. i had the sleeve. can't imagine proceeding with the band. ask your program for pros and cons of sleeve vs bypass. i was bmi between 35 and 40. bc bs approved quickly because we discovered co-morbidities during my bariatric program

The judgment is out there! You're doing this for your health if dieting worked you'd be at your goal so don't let other people's issues get you down. It's a big decision but you'll be fine and it's bs that you won't be able to eat normally with your family when you have kids. I'm 2 years post op and I eat normally. Make sure you take your vitamins and protein shakes! It becomes part of your life. As for the stupid comments I know they are frustrating. I told very few people and still got judged...especially when you lose your excess weight and they are still overweight. You don't owe anyone an explanation for your surgery. If you were getting your gallbladder removed you wouldn't need people's approval. It's no ones business and I'm 2 years post op and I'm starting to find people are forgetting I had the surgery cause I eat healthy but normally and exercise...normal healthy lifestyle.

You don't need to weigh everyday, you will be discouraged, I weigh every two weeks. Also just bc you had this surgery doesn't mean your going to lose 10 pounds in a week every week. You didn't gain all your weight over night, your not going to lose it over night. Sw 256 Cw 185 Surgery 3/17/17

Hi! I am 3 weeks post op today. I am on BC that I only get my period every three months. I've had 2 bad ones since the surgery. It's weird but I hope it doesn't become the normal.

I went through the entire 6 months like this, and only half-assedly did the diet. Once I was approved I got much more serious about it tbh. The person who runs my program deals with BC/BS every day and did not think there was any reason why I wouldn't be approved, and she was right there was no issue/approved first time submitted.

I'm a fed with GEHA. They require six months of supervised weigh ins. My bmi and comorbodities checked all the boxes. I still got a denial letter first. Got the approval letter a week letter. My doctors office took care of it all. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

@Alexis99 and@MsMiamiMami: The hair loss was not dramatic, but it was enough to be more than annoying. I had hair that came down just below my bra strap, so I got a shoulder length cut and layered so when my hair does shed, it's less noticeable. And it's summer - it's hot and shorter hair feels great! As for the weight loss key after the slowed metabolism, I still get updated eating plans from my nutritionist. We kept in touch every two weeks up until the six month mark and now asks that I send her updates on my measurements every month. My weight loss is now between 8-10 lbs a month the last two months. As I can try to include more foods and slightly bigger portions, i do sometimes try foods that are probably like playing with fire for me. For example, i can have coffee, but I get either coffee with milk (skim) or for a treat almond milk, cafe au lait or a latte. A small will last all day, a regular two days. If I have carbs, it should be my own like a silver dollar size protein pancake or waffle with peanut or almond butter. But the other day I ordered a mini scone. I ate over about two hours but I should have eaten less than half and saved the other portion or not eaten it at all. It made me feel uncomfortably full and I got sick. With pizza, I was craving some, but there is nowhere that I could get a think slice, so I bought a frozen, organic, ultra thin crust pizza and I could pick at the toppings, but even a super thin crust just felt too bready and it just didn't feel worth it. I sometimes do have a piece of chocolate, but I try to think ahead in my day with what snack it makes sense. I keep chocolate Maria or chocolate graham crackers. If I don't have a Hershey's kiss or m&ms, I'll have 4-5 maria crackers or 1 sheet or graham cracker. I have three small meals and two snacks a day. The proteins I have the easiest time eating is chicken either shredded or carved from a roast chicken and I weigh the protein. Its been suggested that I have rice or beans up to 1/4 cup cooked no more than 2x a week. During summer, im really enjoying shrimp tostadas, shrimp cocktail or shrimp salad with mango chunks and cucumber slices. The hardest part for me is getting more exercise in. It's easier, but what I did t realize is that exercising a lot is just plain hard even for fit people. By virtue of being less heavy, it doesn't make it easier to work out longer. It's just an annoying virtue of keeping it going. Ha ha! So, yeah, that is my biggest struggle, overcoming the desire to quick as soon as I'm tired. I hope all of my December Bypass Buddies are hanging in there. Whatever your weight loss is so far, remember where you were six, eight, 12 or 24 months ago. I ran out of breath walking up a flight of stairs, had painful migraines 2x a month, became hypertensive, diabetic and was so overwhelmed that I struggled with anxiety and depression. There is no comparison amongst your weight loss peers that assigns winners and losers. And if your weight loss so far hasn't helped you deal with food issues in a healthier way, like secret eating or overeating, reach out to professional support services. My doctor (she's also my family) was adamant that my weight loss experience would be better if I went to therapy before surgery to help me work out my destructive habits so that wasn't an unresolved issue after my weight loss. One thing that I began to do that is seemingly unrelated to weight loss but is such a. If part of it for me is that I think about three things that I am grateful for. And I recognize and give recognition to that. For example, I feel grateful that i no longer need medication to treat my blood pressure, diabetes, depression or migraines. I am thankful to not need to spend a day shrouded in quiet darkness because light made me so nauseous I'd throw up. I appreciate that I can bend down to tie my shoelaces without losing my breath. I appreciate not having to lie down to put on my underwear bc I couldn't stand and bend to do it six months ago! I appreciate and feel grateful that this community shares their journey. It gives me support and inspires me on my own journey to not feel alone! This is a now and before...

I chose the sleeve bc it was less invasive than bypass and my surgeon doesn't do the band dt too many complications with them. My surgery was on 5/31. I can finally say I'm feeling pretty good. I didn't have surgical pain, but I had gas pain for a week. I feel pretty good now though. I am kinda getting used to taking a few bites and being full, what I do is chew well and inn both sides of my mouth so that I can savor the few bites I can have. Because I usually want more but can't. I am currently on soft foods. When I go for my 6 wk appt they said they want to try to transition me off of protein shakes but I'm not sure if I'll be ready. I am not able to comfortably eat chicken or meats and I don't eat fish or sea food. I feel like I'm transitioning a little slower than they expected me to but I don't care because I know how my body feels and I'm taking my vitamins and trying to get the protein and fluids in. I'm happy I had the surgery. I feel better each week that goes by now. I'm looking forward to going back to work in a few weeks but do worry about drinking enough while I'm there. I already hinted to my manager that I was planning on carrying a small water bottle in my pocket to sip on while there. Anyway, I get sidetracked easily. I'm off my arthritis medicine. My ortho doc gave me a nerve block in my knee the day before surgery so if be able to walk post op pain free and it was amazing and I'm getting a series of gel injections to that knee here in another week on to of the weight I've lost I'm gonna feel like a new woman. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I can only tell you what I would do, and that is I would discontinue communications with her. It doesn't mean that you have to cut out your nieces, but I would ignore any further communication from your sister, and frankly would delete all voice mails or email you receive from her. You do not need that crap. Some people feel that family is family and you have to accept them, to me that is complete BS. Nobody has the right to make you feel crappy. N-O-B-O-D-Y. Go about your life knowing you did what was best for you and no one can take that away. Congrats on the weight loss, and keep up the good work!!

Ya know, I am rapidly approaching my 6 month post op mark and I have heard about the hormones kicking in, but nope, nothing. They have always been around even when I was large and in charge but the way many write about in this website, its like they got an injection of the horny serum and would screw anything with a pulse. I just don't get it, haven't felt a thing but all my blood and internal tests are within normal parameters. I am almost certain it's probably a psychological thing. I do live in the state that's rated #1 in the US by the CDC in STD transmission so I think that keeps my libido in check and keeps me hidden away from most people. Burning pee and HIV ain't for me. Yes I know, wear a condom...but think of it like this, if you were about to have sex and right before the moment of copulation your condom wearing partner or lady in waiting that you were about to penetrate says "oh by the way I am HIV positive" would you still do it? NO you wouldn't because you would have zero faith in a simple piece of latex altering your life for the worst and maybe killing you. I just assume go to the clinic and get mutually tested before crossing that phase. But I digress... When exactly is this hormone boost supposed to happen? I am calling bs. Not feeling anything in increased drive more than I did before.

Dedicatedlady, what BC pills are you talking about? Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I hate when my husband wants to go out to eat. I'm only 4 weeks out and he'll be like let's go to this Chinese buffet. So then I order a water that I know I won't touch bc well leave before I can even start drinking it. I take 3 bites and I'm full just sitting across from him watching him eat a couple plates and apologize to me. It's not that I want to be eating more its just that it feels awkward. Have you ever gotten the small side at Panda Express LMAO. So he's got this loaded plate and I'm going home with this itty bitty box that fits in my palm that I couldn't finish eating. HW: 280 SW: 231 CW: 203 GW: 140 Sleeved 5/31/17

I think I've cried more in the last 3 weeks (usually at romantic comedies) then I have in the last 3 years combined haha. I wasn't told to stop my BC, however I take get DepoProvera. Have you emailed to see why? Is it specifically because they are pills?

Dr. Illian directed that I stop taking my BC pills 10 days prior to my surgery date. I was just curious if anyone else was asked to do this and if they were given the "why" behind it? A combination of my time of the month quickly approaching and the liquid pre-op diet has got me a little emotional lately.