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All great advice and much appreciated! Thank you all. @SpartanMaker thanks for the number crunching! I am definitely trying to cut portion size. We got rid of all the sugary stuff in the house and things like my tortillas. I've started walking (I have been completely sedentary for years- I work a very stressful, 40 hour week desk job from home.) I can't walk for 30 minutes straight. My low back and knees are trash. I carry most of my weight in my belly. I joke to my husband that I need a rolling cart to set my belly on so my back won't hurt so much. I walk as long as I can & fast enough to get my heart rate up and be breathless to the point that I cannot carry on a conversation. I'm looking for a treadmill so I can walk inside. I tend to turn my ankle & fall if I'm not super careful while walking on the gravel road. Thinking about pulling up some of those old Sweating to the Oldies videos by Richard Simmons LOL That might be a good way to do some cardio. I've failed at losing weight for so long. Today I'm feeling kind of emotional just thinking about what I'm facing. I said in an earlier post that keto & low carb didn't work for me.... fact is, they do work... as long as I stick to them. The minute I stop, I regain the weight I lost. sigh. Seems like I gain weight if I breathe in the aroma of baked goods.
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January 2025 Surgery Buddies!
Naenae67 replied to Melissa💖💜💙's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Yes my weight has affected me the majority of my adult life as well. I’m looking forward to living again! Being able to join my sisters on long weekends and my friends too! I have missed out on a lot! -
Had my consult 01/14/25
SpartanMaker replied to Alisa_S's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Congrats on taking the first step! As @FifiLux pointed out, the keys are really going to be reducing portion sizes and making good food choices. These will be really important after surgery, so getting started on them sooner rather than later is the right approach. By the way, fad diets like Low Carb and Keto may work for some people, but as you said, they don't work for you so there's no point going there. It's also really critical you don't try to make drastic changes all at once. What you need to focus on is one sustainable positive change at a time until it becomes the new norm for you. People almost inevitably fail when they make wholesale changes to their diet and activity level simultaneously. Also, If after implementing a particular change it still feels like a challenge to you, then keep at it until that one is just part of what you do. Once you get to that point, only then is it time to try to make another change. My suggestion is to pick no more than 2-3 things per month you want to change about your diet and activity level and start with the ones you think will be easiest first. Changing subjects a bit, let's do some math here. To lose 6 pounds a month, you'd need to reduce your energy balance by -750 calories a day. This can be made up of lower intake, greater activity, or most likely both. At your current weight, walking ~3 miles an hour would burn ~200 calories per mile. Thus a 30 minute walk would burn ~300 calories and an hour walk would burn ~600. Add in smaller portions of the same things you're eating now and 6 pounds a month will be easily attainable. Keep us updated as you progress and the smart folks here will be glad to help. -
Had my consult 01/14/25
NickelChip replied to Alisa_S's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
My advice is to make changes to your diet and exercise in the next few months that you feel you can maintain for the rest of your life, as opposed to trying a fad diet (Keto, paleo, etc.) that is likely to be too extreme. Focus on basics like reducing your simple carbs and sugars, increasing your lean protein and veggies. Start measuring your portions to make sure you are not eating more than you think. Start getting your 64oz or more of water every day and cut out any sugar-sweetened drinks that you might drink (and also alcohol) because it's just empty calories. Walking and light weights are really great, but remember that about 80% of your weight loss comes from your diet, and only 20% from exercise, so don't feel like you have to go crazy with joining a gym and working out, especially if you're starting from sedentary. Regular walking every day does amazing things. At this stage, small changes can make a big difference. One thing I did right away was go through my cupboards and get rid of temptations. I stopped buying crackers, pretzels, cookies, and sweets. I would still have a treat when I was out, but I would try not to bring it home. Since I work from home, not having things in the cupboards to tempt me was a huge help. I was not required to lose weight before my surgery, but by making these little changes, plus the strict 2-week liquid diet, I ended up going from 251 lbs to 225 lbs in about 6 months. You can do it! -
January 2025 Surgery Buddies!
Melissa💖💜💙 replied to Melissa💖💜💙's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet. My surgery date is the 30th. Three protein shakes a day, and I can blend fruit (apple and/or berries) with some protein powder for a smoothie and also non-starch veggies for pureed soup. No sugar, no carbs, no dairy. Thank goodness for my Magic Bullet and immersion blender! It's going okay so far. My cravings are all head hunger because the liquid diet is keeping me full. I'm also having doubts every day. I know I need to do this because whatever I lose, I will just gain back and then some. I've lost 60 lbs. over and over again for the last 15 years. I can never keep it off. So, this surgery isn't necessarily to help me lose as I know I can do that on my own, but to help me maintain loss and keep it off for good. There are so many things I love that I am looking forward to doing, things my weight has been preventing for most of my adult life. Shopping "normal" sizes, traveling, socializing, horseback riding. I just need to focus on my long-term goals. -
I appreciate your input I have to loose the 34 lbs prior to surgery due to my fatty liver. I feel very confident that I can lose the 34 lbs. I just thought is was crappy that the first person to comment was someone trying to rain on my parade. As for a tracker, I am using Baritastic app. The weight loss clinic gave me a code to put in that pulls up their program and their staff can check on my stats right on the app and recommend changes, etc. thru it also. Plus I can log all my food & water, activity, & vitamins. I am definitely starting an exercise regimen now. Walking and some light weights. Also trying to train myself to drink water... I've never been one to drink much, so this part is tough LOL
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Had my consult 01/14/25
summerseeker replied to Alisa_S's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
A few of us have only told our most supportive friends and family before we had the surgery. I personally didn't need any of the negativity that comes from worried others, people who think they know about the surgery or the one person that I know who failed with a sleeve. I find that people will post things on facebook that they might not say to your face. If they did, you would get a chance to ask why they felt you may be the same as them. It is a brutal test to see if you can loose this big amount of weight pre surgery but plenty people have managed it. I had a 3 week liver shrink diet. I cursed that surgeon every day of it. AND I was paying for the privilege. I very badly wanted the surgery, my life depended on it. Thats what got me through. You will have to find the disipline from somewhere and start as soon as you can. Start moving more, walking was my go to. Started small and ended up finding the world. Find a tracker you can use every day. Set yourself a reasonable calorie limit. Log everything you eat and drink. Good or bad. I still do it, I use Fat Secret. There are lots of other free sites. Eat fresh food, home cooked. You know the calories then. Plan your food and buy it in. That way you will never be tempted to get a take out Its a test but you can get there. Keep on this site, keep talking to us. -
I know it is hard but try not to let her (and anyone else with a negative attitude) get to you. You have taken a big step and congratulations on starting the journey to a new you. Did the medical team say they wouldn't operate if you didn't reach the 34lb loss? I am sure they don't stop everything if you are just a few pounds short so don't stress if you can help it. You say it is a supervised plan so I presume they are used to helping patients follow it and adapt it to an individuals needs so that should be a help for you. You are so motivated (studying, saving etc) that you will do your best and any loss pre-surgery is a win. I had sleeve surgery and in the months before I tried my best to eat smaller portions so I switched to an appetiser sized bowl and plate for most of my meals. I knew I would be using them after the surgery so figured may as well ease myself into it. I also tried to start eating slower - I am still not great at that but better than before. Food wise don't go so extreme that you then self sabotage at some point out of desperation for a food you love. We all have different reasons for getting to the size we do that needs surgical intervention, for me it was partly not knowing when to stop eating, too much carbs and alcohol and not exercising at all. I didn't have to go on a diet pre-op or do the liver reduction thing a lot of patients have to do but in the weeks before my surgery I went on holiday and ate everything I wanted so actually went up in weight so then when I returned I just cut down on things but still allowed myself an occasional treat, so instead of pastries for breakfast I had Greek or skyr yogurts, shop bought sandwiches etc for lunch were swapped for homemade veg soup, for dinners instead of pizza's, burgers and pasta dishes I tried to have more chicken & veg based meals, cutting back on a lot of carbs. I swapped out rice and pasta for cauliflower rice or lentil pasta. These small changes helped me get back on track before my surgery but as I didn't have to follow a pre-surgery diet plan it was more for me, so as to get into good habits. I am sure there will be plenty of advice and support here for you 💪
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Had my consult at Banner University Medical center in Tucson. The team seems really nice and eager for you to succeed. My first appt with the dietician is Jan 29th and is supposed to be about 90 minutes. Lots of tests I need to have completed asap; sleep study, cardiology clearance, endoscopy, barium swallow, psych eval, chest X-ray, and a ton of labs. Gotta complete the 6 month supervised diet and lose 10% of my weight throughout the 6 months. They want to see a little each month and not a lot at real quick. I weighed 344 yesterday and they want me at 310 before surgery. I shared this in a Facebook forum and the 1st comment was, "Really, how do they figure you can lose that much in 6 mos? Wow. Good luck with that!" (Nothing like a little encouragement right off the bat! 😬 ) I replied that it's only 34 lbs & I need to lose 6 lbs a month. She said if she could lose 6 lbs a month she wouldn't need surgical help! I looked at her profile & it turns out she's a failed ESG from September because 'she likes food too much'. BUT now it's in my head that maybe I can't lose the 34 lbs in time. I'm definitely ready to get this going! I have studied this for so many years! I'm super excited to have finally taken this step & have saved money for the last several months to cover my deductible & most of my Out of Pocket max. The fat girl in me decided I needed a food funeral, so I had my last ever buffet yesterday. I hope this 6 months goes by quickly! I'm ready to feel better & move better. My knees & back need a break LOL! If y'all have any tips for losing the 34 lbs in 6 months, please share them. I know low carb/sugar free & keto..... but I've obviously never been successful with them or I wouldn't be this big.
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Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
AmberFL replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
When I was at my Heaviest I was at 44DD lost all the weight and was wearing a 36A. Now I have boobies via plastic surgery and I believe I will settle at 36DD once everything is dropped and fluffed. I am also tall and just bigger framed so they dont look super duper fake. I have to say that was the look I was going for. bwhen I walk in a room folks look and say "Wow shes blessed" not "wow those are some fake boobies" LOL We are about the same height, I am wearing a XS/S and size 4/6 pants now too. I got 495cc Gummy Bear Implants with high profile just for reference. Also to add, my doc told me I am all implant, I had almost no breast tissue so I needed an internal bra, and lift to go along with the augmentation. I was not willing to have a smaller implant so I paid extra to have all the things -
Wegovy not working
ShoppGirl replied to wendywitch7's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Great idea to speak with your bariatric doctor but discuss the Wegovy with them as well. I have not discussed Wegovy with the bariatric surgeon post surgery but I mentioned it to the PA as a possibility if I am to gain during my cancer treatment over this year if that would be an option and he say it may. I mean he could have assumed that I just meant any GLP-1 and assumed either would do but he didn’t say that Wegovy was not okay for me and I had sleeve prior to my revision to SADI and my surgeon leaves the sleeve as is and does the bypass portion to make up the modified duodenal switch surgery (SADI). Also, post sleeve but pre SADI, I discussed GLP-1 as an option for regain and he said it was a serious contender in terms of what he thought would work for me but the insurance coverage was the issue. I went with the revision and it’s been night and day In terms of the surgery being a better fit for me so I’m not trying to deter you, but maybe the redo was all I needed because I wasn’t mentally ready with the sleeve. I guess I honestly can’t say 100% for certain. Either way, don’t give up. The bariatric doctors won’t give up on you either, together you will find what works for you. Consider what your coverage is and what the cost will be long term though and whether your team will keep prescribing it as a maintenance thing or what happens when you get to goal too because there are pros and cons with both. I mean Wegovy is not surgery and that’s a pro anytime you can avoid surgery but the cost, long term side effects of the shot and regain stats are all things that I would be asking about. -
Wegovy not working
audaciousmarie replied to wendywitch7's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
This is my current situation except I’ve been on Wegovy for only 3 months. I haven’t lost any weight. The food noise is there and I don’t feel I’m eating less. I tried to get Zepbound (my insurance will cover it) but I haven’t been able to find a doctor who will prescribe it (because of my previous VSG surgery). I’m planning to meet with a Bariatric surgeon this week to discuss a possible revision surgery. -
January 2025 Surgery Buddies!
NoSnowHere replied to Melissa💖💜💙's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi All! I'm new here, and I have a date too --January 30 gastric bypass. Took me awhile to reach this decision, but weight control has been a life long challenge -- so I'm totally at peace with this now. Took awhile to "jump all the hoops" but we're there now as insurance just approved. Bring it on! -
Updated before & after...105 lbs down ✨
Bypass2Freedom replied to Bypass2Freedom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Definitely take a picture every month or so, just so you can look back and compare! Honestly it has really helped me currently where my weight loss has slowed down and I am in a bit of a stall! Congratulations on your journey so far - you have already smashed it out of the park! I was in so much pain daily pre-WLS, lacking energy and hip pain as you say! Honestly both of those things went for me around the 2-3 month mark, so I hope that you soon feel that too! Thank you ❤️ -
Wegovy not working
Crisscat replied to wendywitch7's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
I had zero luck with Saxenda and Ozempic which is odd I think. I tried Wegovy when Zepbound was at the height of running out. I actually thought Wegovy helped me better but when Zepbound was more available I just went back to that. I have CVS insurance and they are making ppl speak with a dietitian every single month in order to get the script paid for. Personally I think they are holding the script hostage to make sure you participate in their weight loss program. Its ridiculous if you ask me as I am not fond of dieticians lol. However, that being said a prior coworker lost 118 lbs or more on Wegovy and he has been in maintenance mode for several months. He seems to be doing well but like another poster stated, I think the weight came off too fast for him as well on Wegovy. -
Tips on LBL/ Butt lift Recovery
Crisscat replied to Kingb40's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
I remember you!!!! We had gastric sleeve the same day lol. You've done very well with your progress. I see you had to go to a bypass after the sleeve. I got really discouraged because with my sleeve I lost 52 lbs and that was it. I couldnt budge off that. I didnt want to have the bypass done as well so I just bummed around and got discouraged. Gained like 12 lbs and by January 2024 I was seeing another Dr to see if Zepbound would be beneficial for me or not. I started Zepbound by the end of Jan 2024 and so far I have lost an additional 72 lbs so its working better than the sleeve did. So much so I have all this loose skin now to deal with lol. Good to see your posts again! -
Zepbound working but at what costs
Crisscat replied to Crisscat's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Im not interested in hair medicines just yet. I know the rapid weight loss can contribute to this hair loss. So far its just worrying to see how thin its getting but Im not in panic mode yet lol. Im hoping it slows a bit but if not I guess Ill have to deal with it until the journey is over. Thanks for your input very informational -
Zepbound working but at what costs
Crisscat replied to Crisscat's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Thank you. I had hair loss with my gastric sleeve back in May 2022. I did not lose as much weight with the sleeve as I would have hoped. I guess it just didnt work for me as well as it seems to do for others. I started losing my hair during that period. I cant say that I noticed it ever slowing down either. My hair has gotten really long but its thin all over because Ive always had thin fine hair. The top at the crown is where I see the most gone. I decided to start Zepbound because I saw a few of my coworkers having such good success with it. So I gave it a shot myself, yes it has helped me alot more with the weight loss and I still steadily lose each month but that pesky hair loss kicked back into gear so thats a bit disappointing. Not alot I can do about it I suppose because I am still on the shots and have at least 60 more pounds to go to reach my goal. I havent attempted any hair loss meds I figured Id just ride the wave Im on a bit longer lol -
gallbladder and sleeve gastrectomy
Arabesque replied to KChoudhry's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
@SpartanMaker is pretty much on point as usual. 😁 If you decide to go down the weight loss surgery path, I’d still probably look at doing the gall as soon as possible. I had mine removed 2 years after my sleeve. My surgeon (who did my sleeve too) said once you start experiencing gall pain it will only get worse & you ‘ll experience it more and more often. I had one stack & it was horrendous - was rolling on the bed writhing in pain fir about 40 minutes until it passed & I have a pretty high pain threshold. My surgeon removed my gall about 2 weeks later. The alleve may have worked but it was more likely to have been the just wave of the pain passing. The cider vinegar wouldn’t have done anything - just a co incidence. A dose of cider vinegar isn’t going to dissolve the stones to stop the pain or get rid of them (like some old wives tales advise and influencers selling cider vinegar promote). Checkout the you tube channels of Dr John Pilcher and Dr Matthew Weiner (under pound of cure as is website). They are excellent resources for anyone considering weight loss surgery or who’ve had surgery. They have a lot of videos so you may have to scroll through a lot. Dr Weiner also has podcasts. -
Zepbound working but at what costs
Arabesque replied to Crisscat's topic in GLP-1 & Other Weight Loss Medications (NEW!)
Unfortunately, hair loss can be upsetting and frustrating but it is a perfectly normal side effect of weight loss as the others have said. It’s also common after many bigger surgeries, pregnancy, etc. It is temporary and most find it slows after about 3 or 4 months which is when you’re probably eating a little more & a more balanced diet as you’re better understanding your nutritional needs even on a GLP-1. The thing to remember is the hair you’re losing is hair you were gong to lose anyway. It’s just your normal hair loss cycle has been accelerated. Your new growth is still occurring but just at its usual rate. In a couple of months you’ll notice the fluffy new growth bits starting to show through & in an other 12 months or so your hair will be much the same (depending on its length) as it was before weight loss. Many of us cut our hair if it was long (I went to just above my shoulders) as shorter hair looks thicker and tends to be bouncier. Plus it takes less time for your new growth to reach the length of the rest of your hair. As for minoxidil, I’d probably leave it for a few months to see whether the hair loss is related to your weight loss or age. Had you lost any prior to your weight loss like with the onset of menopause? Menopause is when I lost some and developed a thin spot above my right temple. I use minoxidil for that spot (and my eyebrows). If you go down that path, it is for life. Stop using it and you’ll lose the hair again. Also look for 5% (2% isn’t enough) and look for the men’s minoxidil. The pink tax is still alive and well with price discrepancies. Congratulations with your weight loss so far. -
Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
Arabesque replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
I went from an 18E at about 200lbs to a 10E at 108lbs. I remember I was a 12F/G at 132lbs. (Bought a few new bras as I thought yay goal. I didn’t even get to wear all of them before they were too big. Sigh!). I wish they were a little smaller in the cup as I still have trouble getting fitted tops and dress to go around them at times. You know buttons gaping and trouble doing up side zips the last 2 or 3 inches. Yes, your frame will influence what size looks better on your body. Friend had a reduction to a 14C 2 yrs ago. She has a large frame and was about a size 18/20 Aust dress size & 18E bra. I felt they looked too small on her broader frame and size. Now she’s on Wegovy and losing weight so her smaller boobs should start to be more balanced I think. But I do agree with the suggestion to err on the side of going a littler smaller. Padded and push up bras can make a noticeable difference if needed. And it’s easier to find a wider range of prettier bra styles & options. Plus if you’re active, it’s easier to find more comfortable sports bras if you’re a smaller cup size than those large cup overs that feel like you’re all bound up & restricted. -
Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
ShoppGirl replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Yea it sounds like you are bigger boned. That’s something I liked to say when I was heavier because it sounded better but I’m really don’t think that I am supposed to carry a lot of weight. My frame is tiny. -
Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
ShoppGirl replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
OMG, see that size looks amazing on you and I really think that eventually it would on me but I know my brain just takes a while to get used to things and unfortunately I don’t have the time I would prefer. I think you guys have talked me into going for the smaller size though. I really do enjoy my yoga and I have wanted a reduction for years because of them just being in the way during activities, difficulty finding an adequately supportive sports bra as @SpartanMaker mentioned, back and neck pain and ill fitting clothing at any size because my breast are the last place that I lose weight so they stick with me. Volume wise I have only lost one cup size so far and I have lost 80 pounds!! I mean that doesn’t matter now because it’s gonna be all implant anyways in a few months but I’m just saying that I am over the big breast thing. At the same time when you’re used to looking at a pretty large chest for a decade I can imagine that a C cup is gonna look pretty tiny at first. My estimation is I will have like two weeks to get used to it before I start radiation and I’m pretty much locked in to that size. Then again, I will get used to it for six weeks I suppose because I will be flat to begin with. The radiation oncologist did say that it may be possible for me to go with like expanders for one cup size larger and then decide to put in the smaller implant so I intend to ask the surgeon about that at my preop appointment. Maybe I will actually be able to find a really good fitting sports bra and try jogging for the first time since my 20s!! -
Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
ShoppGirl replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Awesome I am putting this terminology in my notes to ask about. Thanks. I am hoping that if I have someone who’s really trained that I can return to my exercise routine faster than they typically recommend because they’re monitoring me specifically instead of the cookie cutter let’s just be safe and say eight weeks or whatever. Also, I really do think with the lymph nodes being removed that I’ll have to be pretty careful with weights and I’d rather have someone who knows what my limit should be. -
Help! I need to decide on a breast size before I’m done losing
GreenTealael replied to ShoppGirl's topic in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
Big decisions ahead! I think the size you choose should be according to lifestyle and personal style. Do you feel more comfortable with a larger cup size? Are you going for any particular silhouette?Since this is reconstructive will the implants be over or under the muscle? I wish you had more time to think but since you do not, try looking at models with a similar frame as you. As @ms.sss pointed out, cup sizes and band sizes look different than what we think especially when implants are thrown into the mix. Here are pics of me with a wide frame and small bust. The range is 38B and 36B (maybe A) , I had a breast lift without implants (surgeon wanted to place implants in a separate stage, maybe one day but I like being smaller now because my largest pre WLS size was 44G) It’s possible that you may go back to a 32 band size at your lowest weight, 34/36 was my lowest band size ever. Good Luck!
