Search the Community

I never really had any pain at all. In fact, I wondered if they'd actually done the surgery! I was groggy that first day, but that's about it. if you do have pain, let them know (some people do, but most of us do not). I had a lot of pain after two of my skin removal surgeries, but they took care of that right away (put something in my IV line). most people experience little to no pain with weight loss surgeries, though.

TL;DR - more cardio, no snacking, eat on schedule 3 times a day. I had to do this, I have not had my surgery, I am just waiting to be scheduled. The surgeon has gone over all my labs and tests and approved me for surgery. I had to lose 5% of my body weight and keep it off while I wait for everything. I struggled like no other to do this, which was wild because in the past, and as recently as the last fall I had dropped at least 30lbs super quick. Basically, I changed my eating, but this time I wanted to learn how to eat food without being on some kind of restriction, like no carbs, or low fat, no sweets ever, cabbage only, two shakes a day, and a sandwich for dinner, type thing. I knew I did not want to live the rest of my life after surgery struggling with continued "diets". I started seeing a nutritionist, who was not much help, but she did get me on scheduled eating, having a meal within one hour of waking and then eating every 4 hours for a total of 3 times a day. I was already drinking 96 oz of water a day, but I bumped it up to 150oz a day. I lost 10lbs in 2 weeks doing that. Then it stopped losing and I still had not met the 5% goal. So I added exercise, I started weightlifting and swimming, 1 hour of weights, 1-hour swim and my weight did not change. However, my clothes started getting loose, but I needed to meet that weight goal. So I stopped swimming and just focused on weights for 45 min and 20 minutes of walking. still my weight stalled, but my clothes got looser. I had a week before my final weigh-in and I stopped exercising, drank less water, took laxatives and water pills, and basically ate air. I made the weight goal. After that I was like okay what is going on? I started back with weights and eating my weight went up 5 lbs. Finally, I learned that I was more than likely gaining muscle ( I was getting stronger) The muscle gain weight-wise was canceling out the fat loss, so my weight remained the same but my clothing was loose. This is great, but not so much when you need to be at a certain number in a certain time frame. I switched things up to 30 minutes of elliptical x mode and 30 minutes of stationary bike, put 30 min. dumbells for arms and my weight started dropping again. I am currently 10lbs below the approval goal I needed to be at and I have kept it off during the 2 months the incompetent office lady lost my paperwork, I would have already had surgery two months ago if it wasn't for her. So I have lost 9% of my starting weight. After surgery, I plan on resuming weightlifting since muscle creates a metabolism change.

I am not sure that this is a victory, but it's something. Half way through my day Sunday, I realized my wedding ring wasn't on my hand... Started panicking because I couldn't find it anywhere. I knew it was getting loose, but it had never just fell off. Turns out it fell off in bed. So my fingers are officially smaller than they have been in like 8 years.

Has anyone else had a rash after surgery. I am about 4 months post-op and no real problems, and suddenly this rash develops ands spreads all over. I looked up online and found something called “keto rash” caused by high protein, low carb diet. I have now seen 3 doctors, including a dermatology consult at university hospital, and they think this is a reaction to taking Prilosec (which my Bariatric doctor prescribed). I won’t know for sure until some skin samples (biopsied) come back. I also have a history of eczema, and think this might just be a bad outbreak (triggered by the “stress” of surgery and lifestyle change). Has anyone else heard of Keto rash or had it?

I have just arrived home from our 14 day holiday. We had it booked pre- covid and the company allowed us to continue postponing the booking until we could go. It was a All inclusive type holiday where you stay in a big resort and everything is at hand which suits us when travelling, my husband needs a wheelchair. We were a little nervous of the airports and flying as it is such a hassle with a wheelchair. It all went quite smoothly except for the times I was stranded with a hubby, wheelchair, two suitcases and two bags and a large handbag. At times it felt like I was the puzzle where you have a river to cross with a bag of grain, a hen and a fox. I wore the bags like a bandolero, pulled the suitcase and pushed the wheelchair with my stomach. Oh the joys of checking in at airports. I ate what I wanted, which being me, was always the best fish, seafood, cheeses and a vast amount of serrano/ parma ham. They made their own cookies and bread so these never got bypassed but in small amounts. I even had butter and ice cream. I drank strong coffee with liqueurs and some long cocktails. Usually one or two a day. A few times I felt really drunk when the bar tenders had made the cocktails stronger than the last. It was not a good feeling but I found something to eat and then the alcohol was absorbed quickly. I was a little worried to get on the scales this morning. Pre surgery, I could put almost a stone on in the two weeks [14lbs] a lot of it was water weight around my swollen ankles. I weighed in at exactly the same and TMI moment, had 8 days of poop inside me. So may even loose weight when the medicine kicks in [ or is it out ? ] So te he he another win win for my bariatric surgery

Yesterday was my one year roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery anniversary and as of today I am officially in onederland! 199.8 lbs! highest: 410 lbs | surgery: 355 lbs | current: 199.8 lbs (1 year post-op) | goal: 185 lbs I had my one-year appointment with my surgeon today. We discussed my progress, and how my restriction is doing. I have some recurring nausea and vomiting that happens about every other week or so. My surgery a year ago had a rare-ish complication (occurs in less than 0.9% of rny patients). My roux limb, the piece of small intestine that now connects to my stomach pouch, became severely constricted by scar tissue, and I had a second laparoscopic surgery to fix that. I've since had three upper endoscopies to widen my stomach pouch because I still have semi-regular bouts of vomiting. My stomach pouch also has an ulcer which may be a cause for the vomiting. I have another endoscopy scheduled for next week, and my surgeon and I discussed my options: treat the ulcer with strong bouts of Prilosec, or if that doesn't work have another laparoscopic surgery to cut out the ulcer and reconnect the roux limb to the now even smaller stomach pouch My surgeon also put in a referral to a plastic surgeon so I can start seeing my skin removal surgery options. I doubt I will ever be able to afford the surgery in the U.S., but I would certainly feel better having surgery here than in Mexico or Thailand. My current stats are: Exercise: 20-30 mins cardio and 45 mins strength training each day, 6 days per week Hydration: 80-100 ounces of water/iced tea per day (my fave drink is Starbucks peach green iced tea) Food: 80-100 ounces of protein; 1000-1200 calories per day (I don't track my calories closely) I love strength training! I'm starting to see a ton of muscle definition in my legs, shoulders, back, and arms. I also recently attended a convention and walked more than 15,000 steps each day and it was TONS easier to walk around downtown Seattle than it's ever been in my life. I'm so excited to be below 200 pounds - I haven't been below 200 pounds since I was in middle school! I hope you all are doing well! Keep up all your hard work!

@Jonathan Carlson she said i am doing fine with my caloric intake. she did recommend more carbs as it will regulate the protein (she says) not sure what my muscle mass is to be honest. Dont have a baseline nor know how to measure. but will an increase in muscle mass cause the body to not loose weight for that lengthy period of time ? dont get me wrong i am all for very toned no loose skin body and if that is the case yippiiee!! (lol)

As far as chicken goes, dark meat is much moister than white meat. Pieces that have the bone in and skin on tend to be more moist, especially if you bake them. You can take the skin off afterward if you want.

As far as chicken goes, dark meat is much moister than white meat. Pieces that have the bone in and skin on tend to be more moist, especially if you bake them. You can take the skin off afterward if you want.

I was is SO MUCH PAIN every day. It hurt to walk, climb stairs, carry groceries in, sit. I was always out of breath and had zero stamina. I was uncomfortable in my skin and the negativity that was running through my mind. I absolutely hated for my husband to see me naked, and pictures were very cringy to look at. I also dealt with mental health, and the medication I was on contributed to my weight gain (I gained 60 lbs in less than a year). I was just tired of being fat, unwell, and unhappy. I struggled to lose weight and needed help. I also had sleep apnea and high cholesterol. In the long term, I wanted to be well for my family and, eventually, my grandkids. I wanted to enjoy the second half of my life (I just turned 41). I didn't see that future at 262 lbs and the physical and mental condition I was in. Now, 71 lbs lighter, I have minimal pain (arthritis is still an issue), I'm growing stronger every day, and my stamina is higher. I strut around naked in front of my hubby and am confident in my own skin. I'm off all mental health medication, and my cholesterol is normal. I'm still having some sleep apnea issues, but I'm hopeful those will resolve by the time I get to my goal weight (30 lbs to go). And I feel hopeful for my future. I'm so incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have this surgery.

That long, large black area is one of your incisions? I am only 24 days post-op, and I have fresh pink skin and two small scabs. I don't think this is normal, and I would definitely be contacting my surgeon for help with this. Let us know what the surgeon says and good luck with healing!

Surgery went well - it took me the rest of the day of surgery to have some conciousness. I do not understand why they begin to attempt to get you out of bed when you are still under the influence of the anesthesia and can barely keep your eyes open. The next day was much better and I was able to walk slow laps around the floor. My surgeon had the staff provide me with a stomach band that wraps around and closes with velcro which helps tremendously hold my abdomen stable when up and walking around. I still have lots of swelling and I am about 7 lbs heavier (per scale) than on surgery day due to the swelling, fluid etc. I hope that within this next week most of that will subside. Weight DOS - 195 Today - 202 I am staying on target with protein/fluid requirements 60g/64 oz - I was given Boost Glucose Control Max in the hospital and decided to get a pack of that as well as a pack of the Premier Protein Shakes both 160 cal/11oz/30g protein. I had an issue of jaundice while in hospital and upon coming home my face and body had a distinct yellow tone. My blood work had elevated as well a low levels due to surgery. I looked up my pain meds which all had an effect on the liver and could cause levels to increase. I made the decision to stop these pain meds. I was also given liquid Oxy which I was able to take a couple half dose to help with the pain. This morning I was able to get away with Tylenol (powdered). My skin looks like it is getting back to narmal as well. I am not saying it was the medicine, it could have been just the trauma of the surgery and or a combo of both, I followed what I thought was best for me. I don't have an appetite which I am not complaining about at all & I am consuming my nutrition one sip at a time. I'm anxious to hear how you guys felt 2-3 weeks after surgery with the swelling , fluid weight etc. ❤️

Your body is your body and you just can’t compare with other people. Thirty two pounds lost is amazing! Did you ever have that kind of success with diets/exercise programs before? There’s no magic time frame. It’s being patient with yourself and continuing your healthy lifestyle that will see results. You WILL get there. None of us got fat overnight, and we didn’t loose it overnight either. Dory from Finding Nemo said, “Keep swimming, keep swimming…”

No acne, but a pimple which is odd at my age (56) and then I broke out in a rash at my thyroid area, asked my nephrologist about it and he said it isn't my thyroid so now I have no idea WTH it is??? I have had my surgeon say and a surgeon I am following on Youtube, Dr. John Pilcher out of San Antonio, Tx, say repeatedly about how the bariatric surgery somehow resets your hormones so I'd say it is probably "normal" to have hormonal changes affecting your body like a teen in puberty. I normally have very clear skin and it is usually in great shape for my age but it has been very dry since surgery (but I had also discontinued my thyroid meds at the time of surgery and have since re-started) and I feel like I look like my skin has aged 5 years since! IF this doesn't improve and the red blotch doesn't go away by next week I'm going to see a regular md and then a dermatologist bc I hate the look of it. Another weird thing to consider: We are all probably eating more fats/meats than before surgery? Broths and cream soups can have high fat contents, eggs, cheeses, etc. especially if it wasn't your "usual" diet. I rarely ate eggs/breakfast foods but have been waking very hungry and it is one of the few soft foods so I've gone through nearly 3 dozen eggs these last 31 days! I don't think I've ever eaten so many eggs. Ditto with Chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. /for the pimple I just wiped it with alcohol, used my metal face pimple clearer thingy to scrape/pop it off and reapplied alcohol and it was dried up and gone the next morn. p

Hey all - my cousin had surgery Nov 1 last year - starting weight 240 now at 105 - where she lives you can’t get skin surgery for 2 years - she found these amazing products at https://www.maelyscosmetics.com and has been using 5 of them - she doesn’t need skin surgery now and she swears by these products. I ordered some last night &thought I’d share.

I have never heard of the golden time being only 3 months. I lost a great deal up till 14 months or so. I am still in a calorie deficit, I eat about 1200 cals a day and on a hungry day maybe 1500 cals. My loses are tiny now but still going down. I am 21 months out, ancient and the only exercise I get is walking and housework. We are so used to having failed diets in the past that it's hard to break the diet mentality. Your body will loose what it needs to. Eat good calories, stick to your teams diet and sit back and watch yourself shrink. In 12 months you will not believe who is staring back at you in the mirror. Have patience. Sent from my Lenovo TB-J606F using BariatricPal mobile app

I have never heard of the golden time being only 3 months. I lost a great deal up till 14 months or so. I am still in a calorie deficit, I eat about 1200 cals a day and on a hungry day maybe 1500 cals. My loses are tiny now but still going down. I am 21 months out, ancient and the only exercise I get is walking and housework. We are so used to having failed diets in the past that it's hard to break the diet mentality. Your body will loose what it needs to. Eat good calories, stick to your teams diet and sit back and watch yourself shrink. In 12 months you will not believe who is staring back at you in the mirror. Have patience. Sent from my Lenovo TB-J606F using BariatricPal mobile app

Post surgical acne anyone? GB on 8/16 Acne making its appearance on my jaw line and more oily skin

I only have about 80# I want to loose but I've been overweight for over 50 years and have yo-yo'd since 1971. I have enjoyed bicycling but that extra 80# is like riding with a bag of cement. I would also like to ditch my medications. Scheduled for 9/19.

I lost over 200 lbs and had a ton of it. It was very easy to hide in clothes, so no one knew it was there except of me (well, other than my husband and doctor). I eventually had it removed, but even if I hadn't, I would have taken thet saggy skin any day of the week over weighing almost 400 lbs again. ANY DAY! Here's a picture of me BEFORE I had my skin removed. See all that saggy skin? I didn't think so. Honestly, being severely obese vs having some saggy skin that no one can see? It was a no brainer for me.

It’s something we all have to face. Some have a little, some have a lot. All depends on factors like age, gender, starting weight, how long you’ve been at your higher weight, how much you lose, genetics, etc. Can’t stop it as your skin has already been stretched out. You won’t know how much you’ll have until your weight stabilises. If it does bother you, you’re self conscious /effects your confidence, it causes health issues like rashes,etc. or limits your ability to be active, there’s always surgery to remove it which many do. Personally I haven’t gone down the surgery path. I don’t have a lot of loose skin and I can cover it easily with my clothes & don’t need compression underwear to hide or control it. In some ways I feel I earned it - not as a punishment for being obese but because of my successful weight loss. Rather the loose skin than the fat.

I'm pretty concerned about saggy skin. I've lost 55 lbs and my arms and breast have become deflated. Not a pretty sight. I have a lot of weight to lose still. I figured I better join a gym once healed and at least I'm older and nobody is trying to date me these days...thankfully. If I stay on course and lose all the weight I intend to I think I'll have to get the skin reduction surgery. I'd rather not but lets face it, at my age nothing goes back. My face has slowly been sliding down for the past 10 years. I often wonder if it ever stops. LOL All kidding aside - at least we'll look great in clothes.

To be honest, saggy skin was an issue I would love to deal with. Much better than all that saggy skin being filled with fat. Good luck, Tek

Very concerned abut saggy skin has anyone else have concerns about this

@Shaqsback! Hi! By now you would have had your surgery. How are you doing thus far? My doctor informed me that weight loss is possible and that I will have to work at it. I would say we have 6 weeks of liquid to pureed to soft foods on LCD so we should take advantage! I don't need more sagging skin so hopefully I can walk on the treadmill and when I can do some light weight training to avoid this. My surgery is in 2 days! Monday 8/28 Give updates when you can. My sleeve was in 2017