Search the Community

Well I'm still pending results but they think that the immunotherapy is causing colitis and if so and we can’t control it that I may have to stop the med. This med of course is the most effective treatment along with the chemo for my type of cancer so it’s not good. Well I talked to the oncology dietician and she gave me a low fiber diet to start with. If that doesn’t work there is an even more strict one for me to try but it’s basically everything complete opposite of what we have been doing with the bariatric diet and I am so worried it’s going to make me gain all my weight back. I mean I have no choice but to do it but this just sucks. I have worked so hard. I am supposed to eat like saltines, white rice, white bread, white pasta, etc. Basically carbs and fat with some protein options. Hardly any fruits or veggies. I can have lean meats but without anything with them they are hard to get down right now. I gotta do this though. The doctor mentioned an even stronger steroid to reverse it or having to stop it alltogether and I just can’t let that happen. Part of me is tempted to just not eat a lot but I know I gotta keep my strength up to keep doing these treatments. I’m having a bit of a pity party this morning since I stepped on the scale and of course I have gained. 😢 I know that I know how to lose it now though so I’m just hoping that once I get through this I can. Maybe I can get the GLP-1 if not to help with the appetite suppression to get me started. It’s another year at least so hopefully they will be cheaper and more accessible by then.

Hi Meg! I had a lapband for 14 years and successfully kept off 100 pounds. I was never hungry with it. Sadly, it died in 2023 and had to be removed. The first weeks without it were glorious-- I was able to eat things I missed--- salads, brocolli, bagels. I told myself I would stil eat smaller meals but it was impossible without my tool. I started eating bagels weekly, would have a second slice of pizza, etc. I tired to keep my calories to 1500 but even then I was still eating more. than the 800 cal a day with the band. The weight packed on quickly. I gained 30 pounds in 4 months. And all 100 pounds within 10 months. I totallty failed. With the added. weight, came all of the medical problems again. My blood pressure went up, I had the rashes and skin rub, my plantar facuitis made it impossible to walk far.I hated myself again. I was finaly approved for a revision and converted to RNYGB a week ago. I am taking my life back and only wish I had pushed for a revision at the get go.

Oh wow that is madness!! It is so strange and quite shocking what excess weight can hide that we don't even think of! Really glad that they got it out for you! I am glad you are feeling it a little bit more with the tree up - something this year does feel a little lackluster doesn't it? I hope your Christmas turns out to be proper bonny though Oooo they sound lovely! I may need to check them out! I got some sugar free vanilla wafers and some sugar free digestives & oatmeal biscuits from Sainsbury's today!

I had my surgery on 11/13/24 I am 5’1 my Sw:211 pre op: 196 Current:171 Goal: 140 I’ve been having a few issues eating most days, I am at a stall right now from not eating or drinking much for like 2 weeks. Im back on track and I get full full for the day after one meal so been doing more drinks. I wasn’t using straws until a few days ago, only way I can get enough daily fluids in me. I am a Cali girl, I do use THC to help me eat these days, otherwise I’m not hungry. I’m trying to force myself to do more weight lifts for my muscles which I’m loosing fast, but I do walk 1-2 hours a day. I also don't like the calcium chews, gonna see about switching to pills on my next visit. Anyone in SW Houston that work out or belong to a gym?

Sending you good wishes for your Brest check and that they find nothing untowards. Hoping it just is finding out more about your breasts since they’re likely smaller and you can feel things more easily now. I remember finding a hard lump as I was doing a self check of my deflated breasts only to realise it was a rib bone as I felt around more. Congratulations on your continued weight loss and getting into the next stone bracket. Yay! And yes, I’m for a little Christmas treat too. Enjoy your dark chocolate and have a most wonderful Christmas. PS. You’re not alone in feeling a bit flat about Christmas @NickelChip. A few friends and I are feeling the same. Can’t be bothered putting up a tree, hanging a wreath on a door, …Can’t blame it on the cold, or the heat in my case. Just a bit bah humbug. Though we had an early Christmas dinner with my younger brother’s family last night and watching his children (7-14yr) be so excited about opening their presents did boost my spirits. Oh & we did a little drive around to see the local Christmas lights. Hope wrapping your gifts will brighten your Christmas too.

Fingers crossed the lump turns out not to be a concern. I had to have a biopsy earlier in the year for a suspicious finding on my mammogram but so far so good, they just plan to monitor it. Best to get everything checked, but I do wonder if weight loss can lead to some of these irregular findings. I'm a little stressed with Christmas just around the corner. Not quite ready for it and it's gotten so cold I don't want to do anything for the next few days except sit under an electric blanket! Got to get the motivation up for wrapping gifts tomorrow.

How is everyone doing?! Almost at Christmas now! This is my first Christmas post-surgery, and I am actually feeling alright about it! I know that I won't eat anything at all like I did last year, and I will feel a little strange when everyone else around me is eating normally 😂 But other than this I am feeling kinda prepared! I am going to buy some Lindt 90% dark chocolate so I can have a little "sweet" treat if I feel like it and bring that with me to my parents! I am also so happy that I am close-ish to my 1st goal of 12 stone - even if it does feel like miles off still - but I am celebrating the fact I got into a new stone bracket this morning ❤️ On a more serious note, I do have a check-up in the new year for suspected breast cancer as I have found a little lump - but I am not sure if it is just because I have lost so much weight that my breasts feel different, or if there is actually something there - either way! Best to get it checked, especially as I have a strong family history of breast cancer. Kind of just putting it out of my mind until I need to worry about it! Hope everyone is feeling good, and looking forward to the holidays ❤️

I wonder if your "weight gain" is actually just edema? Fluid retention, especially around the feet and ankles is a common side effect of many PPI meds. have you noticed anything like that?

I'm 60, but I think you may be asking the wrong question? Although safety is a potential concern at any age, this is something only your surgeon can properly determine. I can say plenty of people in their 70's have had bariatric surgery. I think the real question should be: what are you expecting to be different this time if you have a revision? Would it still be worth it to you if you once again gained all the weight back? In my opinion, the fact that you've gone back up you your pre-surgery weight means that there are other things going on here that you need to address first. If I had to guess, I'd think there are 2 things you need to address before considering revision surgery, GLP-1 meds, or even fat loss diets: Your mental health. My personal opinion is that the virtually all obese or formerly obese people suffer from an eating disorder, or at least disordered eating of some sort. If you don't address this first, you're really likely to out eat any revision surgery you may have. Your activity level. The fact is that most people that are able to successfully lose weight and keep the weight off (surgical or not), are really active. In fact, some studies show that formerly obese people have to be even more active than someone that was never heavy to maintain the same bodyweight. The reasons for that are complex, but if you don't address this, the likelihood of at least regaining a significant amount of weight are pretty high. Best of luck whatever you decide.

Thanks for sharing your story, im truly happy for you! I was reading a forum on reddit and someone was saying revision procedures hardly produce any weight loss. That doesn't seem to be the case on these forums though. Keeping my fingers crossed was second chance is the winner!

I know you asked someone else but I had a revision to SADI and I’m doing great in terms of fitness, nutrition and weight loss. I am a 4.5 months out and I’ve lost 75 pounds. The metabolic changes gave me more energy than I ever had and by taking advantage of that and exercising I have increased that energy even further. The sleeve didn’t have those changes for me at all. Its true that it’s just not the right fit for everyone. Good luck with your surgery.

Omg. I have a short little clawfoot tub in my bathroom. It’s a tiny bathroom and was just a builder grade tub/shower and I wanted to update it and it was cute at the time. Well I am tall so I already am too tall for it really, but I could use it whenever we put it in. At my high weight I couldn’t even get the water all around my body, though. There were parts of my body that never even got wet if I got in and then ran the water after. Now I can fit again. I still forget I have that option most times but it is nice to have a choice.

I don't know if I'm a good example, but I'll share my experience anyway. I reached goal at 3 months, but continued to lose until about 9.5 months, stabilized for nearly 3 months before losing a bit of weight again now (12 months postop exactly). I lost most of my weight in the first 4 months, then a total of 10 kgs in the next 5. If we look strictly at my journey then my weight loss and stabilization happened early on, however, if we look at how much (context) then it makes sense. I lost around 38 kilos starting at a BMI of 33. Will I lose more weight? Maybe, Maybe not. Now, everything about my journey has been fast, the weight loss has been intense and rapid, my restriction was(is) the bane of my existence, and during the first 4 months I barely ate to survive. I learned that that is not the case with everyone, I have seen people who were able to eat much more than I did and lose a ton of weight, some people ate little and lost weight very slowly, I heard stories where people continued losing for 24 months post op. Your diet is the most important factor and exactly how much you eat, your activity and your new metabolism will determine when you stop losing and what weight you stabilize at. As long as you are conscious about what your intake is and maintaining some level of activity (that is sustainable for you in the long run), I don't see why you won't reach your goal, but when depends of the former factors. Another thing is, what gets measured gets managed. While I'm not a fan of obsessive tracking, keeping an eye on your weight and caloric intake can really help you stay accountable and understand what needs to be tweaked, added or omitted. I say, don't sweat it and don't compare yourself or your progress to anyone. Also, life is too short to live in anxiety and fear, if you lost weight then that is already a win, I feel we get so hung up on a certain number or BMI or percentage or size forgetting that living in fear and anxiety is the worst way to exist, no matter what our body fat percentage is. And, Well done on your success so far!

I’m not from the UK but in the US we have Wegovy as well. Maybe you will have better luck with that one. I think it’s pretty much the same drug but here mounjoro is primarily prescribed for diabetes and wegovy for weight loss. Not sure if your do as well, but there are also some compounding pharmacies that can make a similar drug here. I’ve been told to just be careful with those because they aren’t regulated. Some are safe though, my doctors office actually has one they give to their patients now that is compounded it’s almost $200 US but since not all insurance companies cover it that’s quite reasonable compared to the full Price of the brand. I hope this helps

Congee would be too thick (dense) & textured to be considered suitable for the fluid stage. It will be fine for the purée stage though. Liquids have to pour like water. No lumps, chunks or fibrous bits even tiny soft ones like in congee. Water can feel almost heavy to some plus because your taste buds may be temporarily ‘off’ it can taste odd. Have you tried adding a little lemon or lime to your water? I was allowed green or herbal teas which were a bid send to break the water. Don’t forget your shakes & the consommés, broths you are allowed in the liquid stage count towards your fluid intake for the day. I often added additional water to my soups to thin them out more and to the shakes to dilute the taste which was awful to me after surgery. A lot of people also drink protein water and crystal light too as a break from plain water. Congrats on your surgery & your weight loss so far.

I am so sorry to hear you had to go through that. But your right, it was a perfect example of something life changing that you got through and you got through it sober. That’s amazing!! I am just hoping to get through this and figure out a way to help make some changes to the process. Dealing with all these insurance hurdles and the administrative red tape with all of these doctors offices is just way harder than it needs to be. I struggle with anxiety and I told a lady today that I am more anxious about getting the appointments scheduled and getting the staff to do my insurance authorizations or fax my records to other places than I am that I have cancer. I said I don’t know but that seems pretty backwards to me, doesn’t it you? I think I got her attention with that statement. But, I have been able to manage my anxiety pretty well without much medication which is a huge win for me. My exercise helps a great deal with my anxiety day to day. It doesn’t take it away entirely but it brings it to a more manageable level. Yoga is really good for it too so I got started with that new habit just in time. Have you tried the tropical variety of the sugar free popsicles? I absolutely love the pineapple ones. They are so much better to me than the old school flavors. I actually forgot that I have them in the freezer. I need to get back to eating them when the sweet tooth hits. I have a non scale victory. Well I guess it is a scale victory but it’s about more than just the scale. The support group that I belong to for cancer had a therapy program where you get to work with horses and they have a weight limit. It’s technically 180 but I told them I was a tad over and they said I should still be okay to do it. They make us do a whole medical packet and get it signed by our doctor so I won’t know for sure for a while but at least it wasn’t an automatic no like it would have been four months ago i hope you have a fabulous holiday and enjoy your trip. I bet that seat will be extra spacious for you. I haven’t flown since my loss but my best friend travels a lot for work and she has recently lost a bunch of weight and she mentioned how it keeps getting easier and easier for her. Not just to fit in the seat but the trip itself takes less out of her than it used to.

Hi, everyone, I apologize for being MIA. No excuse except an overwhelming job. I popped in to check on all of you and I am BLOWN AWAY by the weight loss! You guys are doing great, including you @Justarwaxx. If your doctor isn't pleased, maybe you can use it as a "push-against", a thing that you use to motivate you in times when it's hard. Like, "I don't want to exercise, but I'm going to do it because [bleep] you, Dr. Smith." Or maybe that's just me. I think you're doing great. @ShoppGirl, dang, I'm so sorry you're having to deal with a major health issue at the same time as you're working toward beating obesity (and slaying it, girl!)! You are absolutely right; steroids are notorious for making people eat everything in sight and gain a ton. You're not imagining that. When you're fighting that, please know that I'm on your shoulder cheering you on. I could not agree more with @Chatterboxdea - you WILL get through this successfully. 2025 is your year of health! All the good vibes to you. In case it helps, here's a thing that has happened for me. When I was in my first year of law school, my first husband and I broke up, I was working 3 jobs, and I was in my first years of sobriety. I was so poor that one time I had to decide whether I got to eat or my cats got to (they won). I took in two roommates to help me keep my house: it was a race to see if I could graduate and get a job before I was so behind on my mortgage they took my house. I was so overwhelmed that I had to call my sponsor every night and she would tell me, "OK. You are done for today. You can clock out and not worry about anything until tomorrow." That was as rough as it sounds, but it was also a gift, because it taught me that I can get through whatever I have to. And now, I know that. So when tough times come, I compare them to that time, and I remember that I can get through it. This may be that kind of watershed time in your life, @ShoppGirl, and if it is, I hope you come out of it knowing your own strength and with a sense of peace because you will have proven that you can get through whatever you need to. Things that would have seemed like a big deal become "so what?" moments in comparison. Me, I'm doing well. I'm relating to all of your experiences. I definitely have to plan for times when I'm out of the house and I know there will be food decisions to make. I look up restaurant menus online to plan what I'll have, and like @Justarwaxx said, I have a bite of that cake or whatever, to have the taste and not feel left out. I have a refillable bottle of water with me at all times, I take food with me if I am going to need to eat, and I eat on the way to events where I know there will be tempting snacks. I've become addicted to sugar-free popsicles, which help with my water intake (I struggle to get enough in). Lots of victories, both scale and non-scale. I'm looking forward to traveling this holiday because before surgery I dreaded it because walking that much and dragging suitcases, etc. around was just SO MUCH WORK. Now that I've been exercising and losing weight, I think it will be so much easier. Plus, I want to see how well I can fit in an airplane seat now! I wish all of you a joyous holiday season, and I'm sending all the love to everyone who is struggling, whatever your struggle may be right now. I love seeing that you're struggling with the same things I am, and I appreciate your sharing so very much for that reason.

Hi, @CherokeeGirl, I'm 59, so close... I definitely think it's worthwhile to ask a bariatric surgeon about it. Of course, everyone's risk is unique based on your personal health characteristics. But bariatric surgery clients tend to be higher-risk just based on our weight and look how many of us there are! It doesn't hurt to find out what your options are and then whatever decision you make will be informed. Good luck!!

@ShoppGirl They were nice to me but definitely wasn't coming up to ask me "What I thought of the weather" or trying to find something to talk about just to talk to me (I feel so conceited saying *ew*) but you know what I mean! I can say I have always been confident. like a fake it till ya make type, so I think like you said we are exuding the confidence piece and they are attracted to that? I totally bet your neighbors think someone else moved in. 75lbs in a whole freaking kid in weight that you lost! btw you are soooo close to your goal weight!!!

It’s a huge win in my book. A total shame that they treated you differently (and ignored you before). People suck sometimes. Although I still wonder if it is really them or if we are just more approachable because of a new found confidence that comes with losing weight. Then again it seems like they would have approached you before BECAUSE you looked uncomfortable if that was the case. I always try to strike up some sort of conversation with the person who looks awkward in the corner at a party in hopes to make them relax so they can have a good time too. Maybe that’s because I know how it feels to be that person 🤷‍♀️ Regardless, it’s awesome that you’ve lost so much they wondered who you are. I bet my neighbors think something similar about me. Maybe not because I drive the same car but I had my sleeve in 2021 and lost a significant amount then gained it all back and now I’ve lost 75 pounds again. I’m sure they have some theories. 🤣

I too am at the 10 year mark and I've gained it all back!!! I feel horrible, can't breath if I move around too much. I'm 70 years old now and I'm going to talk to my Dr as to what I can do

I am now 70 years old. I had a sleeve done in 2014, I have slowly gained all of my weight back! Do you think it would be safe to have it again at my age? I'm thinking about talking to my Dr about it

Just want to let people know I finally broke this horrible 2-3 months stall. I was so desperate and nutritionist said my weight was stabilizing and ask me to add starch…. It made it worse. So what did was cut going to the gym from 3-4 hours a week to 2 hour a week. Exercise too much also made me hungry all the time. Then I also went back to basic and have only protein and slowly adding vegetables and fruit. I dropped 10 lbs in 2 week. Today I am no longer in the obese category and now have BMI 29.9. I am just so very excited.

I finally broke the 2 month plateau a few days ago and the weight had been dropping tremendously. Today my BMI is 29.9 and I am no longer in the obese category!!!!!!!!

It is still super early on for you, but it seems like you are doing a great job; both with your protein intake and your weight loss. We all lose weight at different speeds, but it's about not adding foods in too fast to let your body heal and making sure you are getting all the protein and vitamins you need to keep your body healthy. Keep making good choices and enjoy the journey!