Search the Community

My moment was when it clicked that I could afford it; I always struggled with my weight fluctuating but I was getting to the point where I was just getting bigger despite all my efforts in exercising (and I always liked going to the gym, would even go for 2hrs), but I was simply eating more than I was putting out, on top of which I never felt full awhen eating + my insatiable hunger when my depression would hit, so I needed a physical stop. I opt'd for the sleeve as it would still allow me to eat what I like, but rather smaller portions. And with positive attestations from family members and friends I went ahead with it. I'm nearing two weeks post-op and don't regret it so far, I am just begging for the liquid diet to end just so I can have diversity in what I eat lol; currently getting burned out on just having protein shakes and gatorade.

Mine was when I hit 421 pounds, I was on 3 diabetes meds, a blood pressure med, and my joints were constantly hurting. When I was diagnosed with MS, I was already having mobility issues. The extra weight was making me need a walker. I just couldn't do it anymore. I hated everything about myself, my life, my body, my health. I avoided mirrors, despised trying to find clothes that fit, and the looks I would get when we went anywhere. I was always out of breath, always in pain, health getting worse.... I couldn't take it anymore.

When I had my sleeve, I started SERIOUSLY shedding at around 3 months post op. It didn't stop until 9 months post op. So not looking forward to it again. What I noticed helped was taking collagen, biotin, extra protein, and using a shampoo and conditioner with collagen and biotin in it and doing a hair mask twice a week. Biotin and collagen don't stop hair from falling out, or really have anything to do with regrowth. But what they DO do is they help with actual hair texture, shine, split ends, and dryness. The protein is what's actually needed for hair regrowth since your hair needs it but can't produce it on its own. Everything you're experiencing is very normal. It's gonna get worse before it gets better, but it WILL eventually get better.

So you’ve lost 12 stone in a year? That’s outstanding! Are you still losing but not at such a high rate? I started at 22 stone and lost about 1 to 2 pounds a week and nearly 10 stone down after two years. It’s a long haul.

I’m officially 4 weeks post-op tomorrow, starting my 5th week diet plan and it says I can incorporate turkey or roast beef deli meat… I tried a piece of roast beef sliced paper thin and it’s definitely not agreeing with me right now.. 😬 I’ve been mixing peas with mashed potatoes lately though and it’s been really great. The booklet says that I can start having baked fish and ground beef/turkey, but I think I’m going to leave it alone for another week or three..

Hi Carmen, That is exactly how I feel, just heart broken and sad. What is happening with your skin? I am sorry that you are feeling the same way as I am, but it does make me feel better and a little more normal to hear that I am not alone. When I asked my doc about it she said she has seen "some" patients with this issue, but it didnt sound like too many. She did ask about the vitamin D but my pre-op blood work said it was too high and they told me to stop. I do have a script to get the 3 month blood panel done. You did make me laugh with the baking bread in their mailboxes lol Good luck to you and thank you for sharing your experiences

Hi everyone! It has been a while since I logged in to this forum. My journey started about three years ago. It has many ups and downs. Started at 284 and I got as low as 183. Over the past two years, I got lazy and stopped following my program which ballooned up to 230. So it's time to get serious and get back to what I'm supposed to do. I really don't want to lose all the progress I made. Some of the bad habits I need to kick- eating junk food, especially late at night. Also eating too many "slider" foods that are easy to go down, which happen to be ice cream, chips, crackers... all the stuff that I don't need. I still walk 4-5 miles a day but have skipped a few more days than I should. I decided to log back in here for accountability and to remind myself how far I have come. Last week, I started counting the calories of everything I'm eating and trying to keep it under 1300 calories a day. I have gone from 230 to 218 in a week. My goal was always 200 lbs, so that's where I want to get to. I have my 3-year checkup with my bariatric surgeon on 9/21, and I hope to get to my goal by then. I appreciate any advice or encouragement here. And I will try to go back and catch up on all of the wonderful stories I have missed over the past year.

Thankyou all so much! Still patiently waiting for aunt flo to show, (1 day late currently) also my husband and I were already super fertile, it's like he looked at me 3 times and we got pregnant. Praying she comes today!

I started losing my hair at 2 months post-op and it stopped after my dietician recommended that I drink an ounce or 2 of keifer per day which was at 4 months post-op. I did it for a month because she didn't tell me how long I needed to until the next month when I went back for my visit and I was only supposed to do it for a week. However, it seemed to reset my gut microbes and helped with a the constant nausea I was having. I feel as though I can relate to what you've been going through. I've been losing slowly myself and they have me tracking all of my foods so that I am noticing how many carbs I am eating. My program suggests limiting carbs to 30 grams per day. I find this extremely difficult especially after the surgery because I get really tired after eating a higher protein meal. I do meal prep. I take a cup of chicken and marinate it in different marinades, cook it and I freeze it in small containers so that I have snacks or ready cooked protein for meals. I keep cottage cheese, boiled eggs, and string cheese or cubed cheese handy in the fridge. I have tried to change all my high carb foods like potato chips, ice cream, and milk to the high protein versions. I get the quest high protein chips, fairlife milk, and if I want any ice cream I get the yasso greek yogurt frozen bars. My biggest problem is the vending machine at work. Cheez-its are my kryptonite and I'm just really lucky that the past 3 weeks they haven't restocked the machine with Cheez-its 🤣. I have a hard time with drinking the no sugar drinks like diet coke or coke zero. Too many of any diet drink and my stomach is upset. Also, I'm having a hard time with drinking plain water because I don't like the taste. When I saw the dietician this month she suggested that I get an infuser water bottle and it's helping. She told me that I needed to make sure that I was drinking enough water, reaching my protein goals, and try to keep my carbs as close to 30 as I can. She also suggested that I start doing some cardio every day 15-30 minutes. I have lost a total of 60 pounds including 15 before the surgery. I still want to lose another 30-40 pounds and I'm 7months post-op. I've only been losing about 5 lbs each month since about 2 months post-op. I'm hoping to see more weight loss with the changes that I keep implementing. I was very discouraged when I started noticing everything that I was doing but my doctor and dietician were so supportive. They were very encouraging and told me that the surgery is my tool but that I would have to make some long-term lifestyle changes and the fact that I'm noticing what I'm doing and trying to make corrections that I was still on the right path. I'm sure that you will also reach your goals and the hair loss will stop eventually. Once the hair loss stops you'll have a bunch of baby hairs growing in 😁.

It has started. My hair is falling out in tub clogging, brush filling, handfuls. I knew it was coming, but nothing prepares you for it. I've noticed the touch of my hair has changed. I mean, it's dry. I just got a haircut a few weeks ago, I use good quality moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and a leave in conditioner. Is it normal for it to be dry too?

a lot of women have hormone-related issues the first weeks or months after surgery. This includes screwed up menstrual cycles and...moodiness! Estrogen is stored in fat cells and supposedly some of it is released during rapid weight loss - so you get a huge surge of it. I'm guessing that might be what's going on. It'll eventually stabilize.

I'm sorry you're feeling this way. My surgery was 6/19/23, and I'm in the same boat with my moods and feelings. I've been at a stall since July 3rd. Today, I weighed myself (even though I swore I'd wait til Sunday) and I've only lost 2 lbs since July 3rd. Two pounds in almost 3 weeks. That's it. I'm also a revision from sleeve to bypass. I knew it would be slower than virgin surgeries, but not THIS slow. It's breaking my heart, honestly. I'm following the whole nutrition/vitamin routine, but nothing is changing. Now, I'm having trouble with my skin. I feel very let down. I totally feel you on the jealousy/insecurity stuff. I'm that way. But I've ALWAYS been that way. Also, probably due to my weight. Can't blame my surgery though. I'm going to research that Probiotics Mood stuff you mentioned. I'll mention it to my doc's office. We have to be our own biggest advocates because we're the only ones who know how we feel now as compared to how we normally feel. They don't really know us from any other patient they see. I'm going to request a blood work order. They haven't asked for any. One of the girls at the office said they don't usually until the 3-month mark. I don't want to wait 3 months. Maybe going outside and getting some Vitamin D would help? I'd hang out outside if I didn't live in South Texas where people are baking bread in their mailboxes and baking cookies in their cars. Hope you feel better, ma. 💛

I recently had the sleeve revision to gastric bypass and I have been going through so many emotions. First, I was really beating myself up about not losing what I thought I "should" be losing. Then I all of a sudden started to feel like my husbands extremely petite new assistant has the hots for him. I read texts... She was just too chummy for my liking but didnt even say anything that bad. Just a lot of LOL's after things that werent funny and asking for favors to fix her boat while she is a cheerleader. He doesnt respond at all the same way and is very short with his answers and they are all professional. And, he is not a cheat. I know that in my heart, but these emotions that I have are making feel worse about myself than ever before. I cry out of nowhere and have fabricated this potentional office romance and can't stop checking the call logs or texts. The one line stands out when he asked her what her jacket size was and her response was "well I am small all the way around but I guess I can take a medium for a jacket". Like just say medium!! I know the way that I am feeling has a lot to do with how I feel about myself and my own insecurities, but I dont know how to stop. Google also doesnt help. I went for my follow-up today, I am 5 weeks out, and she said I was doing great. I asked her if it is common to have these waves of depression and anxiety hit out of nowhere. She said she has seem some patients with the issue and told me to try Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ Acidophilus Probiotic Supplement. She said sometimes with the bypass we are not getting enough serotonin in our systems and this could probably lift my mood. Just wondering if anyone else had any issues like this or if they are taking a supplement with serotonin? I also had a talk about what my expectations were for the surgery and how that could be affecting things. I am beating myself up because I am not seeing things drop as quickly as I thought they would and I am terrified this will be another bariatric sugery failure for me. I didnt realize that the weight loss wouldnt be as quick with a regular bypass before I had it. All of my other health issues seem to be getting better though, except my mental health haha.

I get pushback on my medical team for almost everything. And your team seems to be in the odd group here.. most teams push for 4-6 small meals a day...? Its really hard to only eat 3-6 ounces, only 3 times, and be at 1200 calories? I eat 5ish times a day, each meal being 150-300 calories, and a half cup per meal.

Yep,I was never over weight til menopause happened. Been in it for 8 years. Hormones all over the place. Messing up my thyroid and lots of other stuff. I have always been a busy girl. I swim 9 hours a week. Eating nothing except what my doctor ordered which is 6 tablespoons on protein, 2 tablespoons on veggies per meal and 63 ounces of water a day. My weight is coming off very very slow. I am just happy it is coming off. I have always eaten extremely healthy. Fresh veggie, fruits, nuts, limited carbs. No junk food at all. If it wasn't for this surgery, this weightloss never would have been possible

I recently had the sleeve revision to gastric bypass and I have been going through so many emotions. First, I was really beating myself up about not losing what I thought I "should" be losing. Then I all of a sudden started to feel like my husbands extremely petite new assistant has the hots for him. I read texts... She was just too chummy for my liking but didnt even say anything that bad. Just a lot of LOL's after things that werent funny and asking for favors to fix her boat while she is a cheerleader. He doesnt respond at all the same way and is very short with his answers and they are all professional. And, he is not a cheat. I know that in my heart, but these emotions that I have are making feel worse about myself than ever before. I cry out of nowhere and have fabricated this potentional office romance and can't stop checking the call logs or texts. The one line stands out when he asked her what her jacket size was and her response was "well I am small all the way around but I guess I can take a medium for a jacket". Like just say medium!! I know the way that I am feeling has a lot to do with how I feel about myself and my own insecurities, but I dont know how to stop. Google also doesnt help. I went for my follow-up today, I am 5 weeks out, and she said I was doing great. I asked her if it is common to have these waves of depression and anxiety hit out of nowhere. She said she has seem some patients with the issue and told me to try Garden of Life Dr. Formulated Probiotics Mood+ Acidophilus Probiotic Supplement. She said sometimes with the bypass we are not getting enough serotonin in our systems and this could probably lift my mood. Just wondering if anyone else had any issues like this or if they are taking a supplement with serotonin? I also had a talk about what my expectations were for the surgery and how that could be affecting things. I am beating myself up because I am not seeing things drop as quickly as I thought they would and I am terrified this will be another bariatric sugery failure for me. I didnt realize that the weight loss wouldnt be as quick with a regular bypass before I had it. All of my other health issues seem to be getting better though, except my mental health haha.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I am 11-months post-gastric bypass, have lost 135 lbs., and have reached my goal weight. Now, I'm terrified of gaining the weight back! My surgeon and weight management team have constantly pushed 3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day. Period. I've noticed that my body feels better if I eat small meals throughout the day and 1300-1500 calories. I'm still making healthy food choices, meeting my protein and water goals, and happily working out for 1-hour per day. I initially reached out to my healthcare team because I was concerned about eating too much and stretching my pouch, but I keep getting the same (frustrating) response from them (3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day). I honestly felt like, "am I the only one struggling with this?!?" Which is why I'm so happy I stumbled upon this thread! Did any of you also get the push-back from your medical team regarding calories, etc.?

I don’t think you’ll need an electric chair at three weeks but you should be able to sit down and rest when you need to. I found that when I hit a wall it came on pretty quick, and I needed to stop and rest. So if you go into it, knowing you need to pace yourself and rest often, you may be OK. Listen to your body in the two weeks after surgery and you should be able to evaluate what you think you can do at that third week with your family.

Thank you for responses. 3 weeks out would I be able to walk maybe 2 or 3 miles over an 5 hours span. Reason I ask my surgery on Aug 16th, and I got some disney oggie boogie tickets for my niece and nephew on Sept 7th. Wondering if I should skip event or rent a electric chair.

Yes, I just found out my insurance covers dermatologists, so I plan to make an appointment. Thank you for your feedback. As for blood work, my next appointment is on the 24th, and I called the dr's office to see if they wanted me to get any blood work done. The young lady said that they usually don't ask for any until the 3-month mark. I was a little surprised. I don't really want to go for 3 whole months not knowing if my vitamin and supplement routine is on target or not, or getting my nutrition all wrong. She said that on the 24th, I could ask for orders for blood work, and then she gave me another appointment on Aug 4th so that they could talk to me about the results. I really want to get all of this resolved (or at least addressed) before I go back to work. Once I'm working, all bets are off for any doc appointments before 4:30 PM.

I decided to hold off on the exercise and just do what others have suggested which is park further and walk farther stuff like that. I'm also laser focused on my diet and am not eating more than 1500 calories and then 12 days ahead not eating more than 1200. I'm doing surprisingly well on my semi liquid diet. I thought i would be so hungry and really I'm not really ever that hungry at all. Today is day 3 and I felt weak and a little out of it and had some headache but it passed. 2 weeks until surgery will be here before you know it!

I'll be 5 months on the 21st! It's flown by.i should probably avoid bread, but no one said I had to. I sometimes can eat a sandwich (just regular sandwich bread) and sometimes I find myself just picking of some of the bread. What would a week of eating look like for you? I need some ideas. I feel like I don't always have restriction anymore. I feel like I can fit in more food now before I start feeling that tight feeling or the hiccups. My weight is still moving down as well and its crazy that I'm so close to my first major weightloss goal!. I'm down about 65 pounds since surgery day. My favorite thing is that I can cross my legs and keep it there for awhile. My back, legs and ankles don't swell up much after standing for a long period of time anymore. I havent started working out yet. I had a gym membership since 2015, but no longer have a car. I feel like it's too much of a hassle to have someone bring me, so until I get another car, I'll need to find something fun to do at home. I'm losing a lot of hair too, I hope it starts to slow down soon. Some people who barely have that are so lucky! 💜💜

I thought hormonal flush too. Personally my skin seemed to get less dry specifically on my arms & legs. It’s funny how we all react differently. Maybe see a dermatologist or just your GP for something you could use on the dry skin patches. It could be possible you are getting in more B12 than you need. Have you had a blood test recently to check your levels to rule that out? Recitalist contains vitamin A (retinol), albeit a rather low level (0.3%, but that can cause dry skin patches too. Are you applying a sunscreen to protect against a sun reaction with the retinol? Damn acne. I’m 58 (tomorrow) & every now & then I still get a pimple. Had a blind one on my chin a couple of weeks ago & then a run of the mill one of my cheek last week. I had terrible cystic acne as a teenager (11+ years of hideous skin) so feel I’ve more than had my share of acne & am soooo over it. When does it ever stop. Waah! PS - I’ve been using the L’Oréal midnight cream & serum (only cones as a night cream). It’s lovely. I’ve been using L’Oréal products for years but this one is the best so far. Even got my 83 yr old mother on it & she’s a convert too.

Hey there. I had surgery in 2022. Here's what I experienced: Brain fog: definitely lasts at first from the anesthesia but tbh you're so exhausted from the surgery and diet that you just sleep it off the first couple nights. Brain fog comes when you're in like the 3d or 4th week post op when you've just been on liquids. I believe it's just from not eating solid foods for so long. It tires you out. I had tachycardia and fatigue all throughout my liquid, puree, and most of my soft food stages but as I started introducing soft foods, the brain fog subsided a little bit. It was more the physical exhaustion of the extreme diet and rapid weight loss that I remember. I also had brain fog from low iron. Walking: I walked a lot, even in the early stages and it was hard because of my tachycardia. It probably took me four months to be able to walk 2 miles. Before surgery I was walking 5-6 miles a day with no issue and would walk 12 miles on the weekend for pre op weight loss. So yeah, it gets the better of you but it doesn't last. I'm now over a year post op and can walk a long time. I do find that I dehydrate much easier so I need to both make sure I'm very hydrated AND bring water with me if I'm going on walks longer than 4 miles. Don't let any of this scare you. It's so worth it. Once you're healed you'll be amazed at what you're capable of. Best of luck and enjoy the journey.

@Carla Ogwin it’s weird everything was fine with the sugar free packets until this week so idk what happened. I’ve had ground beef but it was low fat and I just had alittle in a bean meat and cheese keto street taco. Today I had 2 spoon fulls of refried beans, 2 cut up grilled chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A with alittle cheese and it was so good. I thought I was drinking too soon, or eating too fast as well but I think it’s just the sugar free drinks. I might try them again in a few weeks. There was about 5 days were my weight didn’t change and I was so sad but then it went down but it’s definitely going down closer now than it did which idk if I like that.