Search the Community

Also, always a good idea in my opinion to check in with your surgeon/nutritionist when concerned about weight loss. They know your history hopefully extremely well and any challenges you are facing (i.e. illnesses, diabetes, PCOS, menopause (peri, during or post), injuries etc. that prevent regular exercise)....they should not be just a team that does the surgery and goes away. My surgeon, nutritionist and I already kind of knew ahead of time that I was likely to be a slow loser and I had been an extremely slow loser in any method I chose after years upon years of yo yo dieting. So we knew I was going to likely fall somewhere in the middle range at best but we all hoped for more. They have termed me a low average to slow loser and that is fine as I know it just means I need to be more diligent on the things within my control that will take me from slow to 'no loser'. We made adjustments and tweaks along the way working our ways through stalls, through possible other issues. Like I mentioned before, I had been given, when 2 months out, my target calories and I had to push a bit to get my target macros as I favor a low carb/low fat diet. After 4 weeks, even being under 20-30 grams of carbs, things just seemed to flatten. Then they switched my macros around and increased my carbs which had me tripping out but the weight started coming off again. Sure we can come here and vent and hopefully what this leads to is productive behavior which means continuing to stick out the journey, to step away from the scale when the frustrations threaten your journey, to look at other NSV's, to check and see are their basics we are letting slip (i.e. I stopped logging food in my fitness pal for 3 days so I had no hard data when something changed)...are we choosing a 'good/valid' entry in our trackers...do we have firm understanding of some of the things we are concerned about. If ppl ask you to post your food, don't think it is that they don't believe you...there could be something you are missing or it validates what you are saying, you get others who have been down this road...their very valuable input...and then ppl can help tackle troubleshooting other things. What I hope we get the MOST from threads like this is when we are open, and...maybe a bit more careful with tone (not saying things should not be challenged or debated that are actually wrong...I just don't want to alienate someone who doesn't understand how we got to xyz reply and frustrated tone..to not post what they are doing because they are afraid. In the end we want to all help each other REMAIN on our journey whether losing 20 lbs, 10 lbs 5 lbs a month..or sometimes even 0...yes, that can happen...because we know in the end, patience and persistence will win out.

We are bookends, your surgery is on Monday/27th and my surgery is on Friday/31st. Costco has Premier protein on sale (2 cases max) for 19.00 each until 01/26 I believe. Wal-Mart grocery store is good for our Jello and Sugar free Popsicles, Trader Joe's has plenty of broth varieties. I've been shopping as I go, building my supplies and getting ready for the transition to bariatric surgery. I also live alone and don't want to be without my needs during recovery time. My focus is going to be on rest, hydration and walking in the proper time intervals.

The problem is, I don't feel "full" I just feel like I can't eat anymore. Does that make sense? Like I want more, and I wish I could eat more, but the band stops me from eating. That would actually be fabulous, if the feeling stayed for more than 10 minutes... however, a good hearty burp clears it out straight away and then I'm able to eat more. The result is I take a bit longer to eat a regular meal but I can eat as much as I want. Having the top portion of my stomach full is great but the bottom portion definitely calls out to be filled up too. The result is, once I burp and the small pouch empties, I want more. If the duration between the full-feeling stayed much longer I think the band would work just fine for me. Did that happen to you when you had your band? Would you mind sharing the difference you feel between the sleeve and the band, if anything? If it's an identical experience I don't want to stress my body from another surgery... but I do want something that works. I didn't expect the band to do all the work for me, but it never worked to begin with even when I followed the rules (because of the pouch emptying so fast). I talked to my doctor about that so he added a small amount of fluid to the band but when I went to take a drink of water I was completely stopped up, so he had to take it back out right away. He said I was at the max tightness for my tolerance. It's so strange.

Thanks for your support, truly. I've actually asked more than one poster to put their diet on a variety of threads. I even put my own typical diet on here as an example. I talked about burn rates, CICO, etc. What however happens is the people who have a "problem" always seem to disappear when someone tries to actually get to the root of the problem. This then leaves other people not knowing what is really happening, and as such puts doubts in their minds about what they can expect. Interesting enough, where you do see people "fess up" is on posts where individuals say "I've lost control" or "how do I get back". that's the reality of this entire situation. Many people are actually in the process of "losing control" or on their way "up in weight" but they mistakenly cloud it in "it's not my fault". They don't get the help they need, and 10 other people feel like their chances are futile. Part of the problem is also what really constitutes a "slow loser". I would think it would be anyone who loses less than 3-4 lbs per week. I.e. if you are losing 3-4 lbs per week, than don't worry, its all good. If on the other hand you are not losing that much, then lets all talk intelligently and cordially about what may be going on, so we may help.

The most negative statistical outcomes has been directly attributed to "The band" . most insurance companies don't even cover it anymore, and most surgeons will not perform the surgery. I believe one of the easiest ways to counter the negative vibes that you may encounter when talking to someone who "knows someone" that has significantly failed is to merely ask the question: "do you know what type of WLS they had". In my experience pre and post op, virtually everyone says the same thing: "they had the band". If so, then just take a few minutes to talk about your surgery, and let them know that there is a significantly higher chance of success with the Sleeve or bypass. In fact if you look up the history of the sleeve, it was originally developed to be a "first step" in the bypass process, as an attempt to have severely obese people drop initial weight to a level which made the actual bypass easier and safer to accomplish. What they however found in the majority of cases, was that patients didn't even need the bypass after the sleeve, which is why it is now so popular. The sleeve, and associated nutritional education are on the cutting edge (no pun intended) as a cure of the blight on our populace by the proliferation of cheap easily available questionable food choices. Corporate marketing of non-complex high carbs and calorie laden meals are literally tapping into the same brain chemistry as heroin dealers. The food industry makes in money in carbohydrates, not protein. Protein is expensive. Carbs are cheap. When you go out for your "reasonably priced" pasta meal, consider that 85% of what is on your plate, cost them 10% of what you are paying. The protein then eats up 75+% of their costs. Unfortunately they are typically covered in sauces to make you think they are all the same thing. Not! The cheap carbs are what cause the problem and they are the majority of most meals. As a side note to all of your "banders" who have succeeded. Bravo! I know it cant be easy.

So, sadly, this is a reality. The ASMBS places much higher success rates on surgery. But that is because their definition of success is "people who maintain a 50% EBWL over a 5 year period" post surgically. That mean that people regain 10-20% based on their original average expectations of weight loss. I think it's how we choose to perceive and frame these comments. I hear that a lot. And it makes me: 1. Continually aware of the existence of this being a possibility. (AKA Scared Straight! Cuz I think of this potential any time I face a choice to eat calorie dense, emotionally vacant meals--oh I'm talking bout you French Fries & Pizza. It helps reinforce my behavior to eat mindfully with healthy choices. It's not 100% but it's at minimum 80-90% and works for me.) 2. It makes me exercise every day to keep my metabolism up and to not rescind into old slothful habits. 3. It keeps me connected to my support system (support group in real life and online, and to BP forum) + doc + RD + psych 4. It keeps me focused on building new health living skills and having a barihealthylife! 5. It makes me determined to not be a statistic anyone will be able to say about me. I will do anything necessary to be successful by my definition. So you see? Don't waste energy on anger. Turn it to your advantage! Congrats on all your hard work!!!!

I was still supplementing with shakes through month 5 (not every day), but definitely while still in first 2 months to hit my protein goals. You need the protein to heal from the surgery. From what I have read and encountered here, losing 10 lbs in your first two weeks is awesome. Several of us had swelling, water gain from the surgery/IV fluids, etc. and our overall first month weight loss ranged from 7 lbs to 15. 10 is great for an entire month! I take it your surgeon is aware of your AS, what limitations does it give you when it flares up? I know that some people will just walk throughout their house and I've seen them hitting amazing #'s doing this...to get things moving not only physically but to help with the gas pains from surgery and to get things literally moving everywhere. Are you able to do this?

Agreed. The message has been communicated and the facts that we can and should derive from it are tipping from helpful into hurtful. The message is being lost in the way it is being harped on. We get it... You may notice that about 90 to 95% of the posters in this thread are women and yes, it has been proven that men TYPICALLY lose faster than women. Please give us credit for some intelligence and the ability to read and take what we know to be true and/or our questions back to our professionals and find ways to work with/deal with and continue on our WL journey whether we are losing 10 lbs a month, 5 lbs or have stalled. Fluffly's definition of what her team determines to be a stall was helpful. I think much good can come from this thread. The majority, to me at least, seem to be interested in getting clarification, are acknowledging things they are facing they can't do anything about - menopause, etc. while also admitting things they need to do something about. I personally know that I will not consider the month of December in my weight loss average as I went on a cruise, admitted to gaining 1 lb and I know that will skew my results. We also have been around long enough to help newbies, as i was shocked that my first month loss was so low but my preop had been SO LONG (switched dr's - long story) and the way the surgery impacted me...my weight didn't really start moving until weeks 3 and 4. It was good to hear that this happens for others. In fact my surgery sibling group had me back away from the scale. NONE of us were, at that point..or almost none of us..eating more than 400 calories so we knew even w/o exercise that the scale would INDEED MOVE.

I'm 44... will turn 45 in a few months. I had surgery on July 23rd. My starting weight was 234. Current weight is 164, so I've lost 70 lbs. which is hard for me to wrap my mind around. I'm in a size 10! I never thought I'd see that size again!!!

I had my rny surgery on 12/9/19 and my 2week post op I lost 10 pounds but since then nothing. I have a hard time with the shakes so I know I am not getting my protein in. It’s also hard for me to be active do to my AS flaring up. Do you guys have any help or advice for me? I just feel alone and lost

Yesterday, Wednesday, Jan. 8 Maintenance : 5'2" / 1yr PO Sleeve / 116.5 lbs ---------------------------------------- Am having a low-key pity party for myself this AM. First, I found the the 6-ish lbs I lost after surgery, ... and I think I have these effing sugar-free chocolates to thank. What was once what I thought a cool treat and thanked Mr for, I now think is my kryptonite and curse the day Mr. brought them home! Though I don't think its actually possible for me to put on 6 lbs of actual fat weight on in a week (just like it was unlikely that I could lose 6 lbs of actual weight in 2 weeks, given my current size) , it still sorta messes with my mind. I counted just now and I have 6 Russel Stovers and 8 Reese's left. I am having internal arguments with myself to just chuck em. Part of me says just get rid of them cuz if they are around I'll just keep eating them, but another part of me says its a waste. The really stupid thing is there is a whole bunch of regular, NON-sugar free chocolate in the pantry (as there always is as the Kid and Mr love REAL chocolate) but I don't seem to go to town on those! WTF. So far, the non-waster in me is winning, but we'll see... Second, I haven't pooped since the unfortunate dumping episode on Sunday, so there's that. And finally, my boob hurts, but I'll write about that in the PS thread... ---------------------------------------- 8:00am - coffee-cayenne w/ stevia 2:00pm - salad w/ vinaigrette + cucumber + 3 naked chicken wings + 1 tbsp blue cheese dip (seriously this one order of chicken wings supplied me for 4 meals!) 7:00pm - salad w/ vinaigrette + cucumber + 5 naked chicken wings + 1 tbsp blue cheese dip + 2.5 oz grilled chicken 10:30pm - 5 Keto Bagel Chips + 1/4 cup coconut curry sauce + 3 sugar-free Russel Stover chocolates + 1 sugar-free Reese's mini Peanut Butter cup + 3oz baked ham + 1 tsp horseradish mustard ---------------------------------------- Totals: 1312 cals - 117g Protein - 30g NET carbs - 80g fat

How is team April 2019 doing? Down 106 still would like to get down 30 more before vacation the last week of April.

Had my 3 week post op follow up with my surgeon tonite. Before he came by to check me out, one of his PA's took all my steri-stips off, and I finally got a good look at all my incisions. I was glad to see that they are pretty flat, considering. About 80% of them have some sort of scab in varying states (newish, crusty, peeling, etc.. or whatever). When Doc came by to check me out, he said he was happy with the way I was healing, among other things: NOT cleared for regular exercise. He said I could walk as much as I want and can do lower body (i.e., leg) work, but that's it. NOT allowed to submerge my body in water yet (i.e., no swimming, baths, hot tubs, etc.) NOT allowed to expose my healing incisions to the sun (which I can't do anyway since I'm to keep my garments on...see below) I am cleared for sex. LOLOLOLzzz...I didn't even know I wasn't allowed. Ooopsies. With the steri-stips now off, I am to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Am to keep the compression garments on at all times (save showering) until I see him again in another 3 weeks. I asked about the silicone tape (for scar maintenance) and he said ideally they should be used at least 6 weeks after surgery. Apparently the body is supposed to do some healing first. I will be given a supply at my next follow appt. He gave me my "before" pictures he took of me back in June 2018 and holy moly, I look different! Here is a bit more detail organized by each procedure site: ARM LIFT: The arm incisions seems to be the scabbiest of all the areas. It is also the "raise-iest" incision, specifically in the armpit. Doc said I am still pretty swollen there, which is a little surprising, because I thought it was normal sized. So I asked does this mean my arm will get even smaller, and he said I could probably expect to see a bit more shrinkage, but that I can also expect the skin to loosen a bit as well, so net result may be zero from this point. I'm pretty happy with the size right now...so I do NOT want it to get smaller...thought I wouldn't mind a bit more definition (can't wait to be cleared to work em out!) I can wear deodorant if I want to. He asked me to make an effort to lift my hands up as far as comfortable every day until I get full upward extension, but to be careful as the armpit incision is statistically the most likely to separate and become a wider scar. BREAST LIFT w/ SIDE BOOB EXCISION: As the title says, I ❤️ my boobs! The whole lifting aspect of this was supposed to be secondary, but OMG, I love my boobs! They are a lot smaller than pre-op WLS, but may actually be bigger than I was pre-op PS (I think I'm a 30C now) but, they are so perky and stand-at-attention-y, LOL. They have fullness at the upper part now, I won't need a push up at all anymore. Actually, I probably don't even need a bra, they handle gravity all by themselves. And my nipples! After my breast lift correction: reduction many years ago, my nipples looked stretched out and flat. Now they are perky too and pop out a bit in a nice way even when I'm in a "non-aroused" state...or maybe I'm now perpetually aroused, LOL. .I told Doc that I feel there is still a liiiiiitttlbe bit too much skin left in my left upper side boob for my liking. He said if after 3 months, it doesn't work itself out, OR I am still displeased, he will do some maintenance in that area under local anesthetic. Bonus. I can wear regular bras now if I want, but if I want to wear an underwire, to make sure there is some foam or padding around the wire. TUMMY TUCK First thing Doc said when he walked into the room was "Look at your waist!" (I was naked save my panties on the exam table/recliner). That made me feel good despite the fact that my waist is actually bigger now than it was was pre-op, as is my lower abdomen. But it is super smooth and tight now When I told him about the size increase, he and the PA said that I can expect there to be swelling for up to a YEAR. Wtf?! This is the first I've heard this. Granted my stomach is not so very big in the grand scheme of things, but it IS much bigger than it was before. Le Sigh. I told him that I am generally standing upright, except for the little while after I get up after sitting down for a while. He said what I figured he would: get up more often. I don't have to get up for long, just lots. "Its better to go for 10 minute walk every hour than a 60 minute walk every 5 hours" That's all for now. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow now that my steri-strips are off...

Hello all, im so anxious My surgery date Is 01/28 and its approaching pretty fast but im So Ready that i keep coming on here reading people experiences, screenshotting any helpful info, and reading almost all the forums. My Surgeon has suggested a 1 week liver shrinking low cal, low carb diet but im going to do 2 weeks being that yes I cheated and ate things that i know i will not eat ever again after surgery and had a couple last meals. So over the last month and a half I’ve gained 10lbs back so i have to work those lbs back off before surgery. Im very determined in fact from September 26th-dec 2nd I lost 37lbs So im not worrying about losing the 10lbs Before Surgery. JUST HAVE TO KEEP MY EYES ON THE PRIZE.

Hello All, I am not a frequent poster on this forum. To make a long story short, I have had my band for 10 years. Up until 4 months ago, I was what I considered to be a successful bandster. Had lost about 95 pounds (41 years old male, highest 270, lowest 175 lb). Maintained a 90 pound loss but was having serious issues with my lap band: 1) acid reflux, 2) gas bloating and abdominal pain, 3) port pain, 4) no follow-up doctor as my out of province surgeon had retired years ago, etc... I am in a difference place now. I FINALLY found a GREAT weight loss surgeon locally who agreed to take me on as his patient and have been following up with him since then (he does the fills himself which is also great). He did xrays on me. Band appears to be good. He removed 2cc as I had been experiencing excruciating gas bloating and abdominal pain attacks that were becoming more and more frequent and then filled me slowly over 4 months to a more comfortable level. I am now at a lower level (0.3 cc lower) where I am no longer experiencing acid reflux, gas bloating, abdominal pain or port pain which is a HUGE relief. The only symptom I still have is random low-grade nerve pain (left shoulder, head, leg) that is gas related but I can happily live with that if I do not gain further. Funny enough, even that pain disappeared when he removed the 2cc so I know it's band related. Unfortunately, I am gaining weight FAST! In those 4 months, I have gained 25 pounds and am unable to stop it. I really don't know what to do. Last week, I decided to really go back to basics. Eat very very slowly, tiny amounts, No sugar ...basically dieted...and all I lost in that week was 0.3 lb!!! I don't know how long I can keep that for. I really feel that years of banding wrecks havoc on our metabolism so that if you lose it, or just go to a lower fill, you just end up gaining weight very fast. I am not sure where to go from here? I do not want more fill and I am not mentally ready for a revision. Worried about side effects of these surgeries (in particular bloating, abdominal pain. NEVER want to go back to this) and the fact that they're not reversible. I am also in Canada so if I do revise using public insurance, it would be years assuming I get approved (which I very well may not considering I am not high BMI at this point yet). And not sure I can self-pay at this point. Even if I did, I would have to go out of province for this as my surgeon only works under the public system. I don't want to be in the same position again of not having a doctor to follow-up with where I live. I know that's a discussion I need to have with my surgeon but I am not even sure I am ready for it yet. I just want things to work with my band as I am so relieved to be finally following-up with a doctor locally and to not be experiencing terrible pain with it. Any words of wisdom or advice would be most appreciated as I contemplate my next move.

Okay, jumping into this thread a bit late, but I lost pretty slowly and still got to (and now 14 pounds under) goal weight. The main point is to trust the process and keep working your plan. I see where many of you guys have identified places that might be causing the slower loss, so as long as those issues are addressed and corrected, the process should start to roll easier. I’m almost certain that 18:6 IF is what finally got me past a couple of “sticking points” and to goal. I’ve lost 106 pounds since surgery on 2-6-19, which isn’t even 10 pounds/month. The key was that I did manage to lose consistently 6-7 pounds monthly after the initial massive loss. It doesn’t take dramatic numbers, it just takes consistency and willingness to work the program every single day.

Ok so it’s not just me too. I lost 10 pounds during the fasting prior to my sleeve surgery. I am only 3 weeks after surgery but I only lost 4 pounds. I mean I have also only just been able to start working out. I guess slow and steady 🤦‍♀️.

I am happy to pitch in on this thread. I had VSG 10 years ago next month and have regained all my weight after successfully losing it but I do know why- First mistake was to do it prior to my pregnancies, both my pregnancies had medication associated which also increased weight and after the two kids I had gained back 40% of my weight loss. The second mistake was just not sticking with the lifestyle changes needed to maintain. I kinda bottomed out today so joined back on (I was a member in 2009!!!) to meet others who are struggling with this- my advice is not to be too harsh on them, they are probably hard enough on themselves.

I had surgery Nov 1, 2019 and was hungry for food when I woke up is this normal.

Okay, but I’m 5’7”, so I think that’s the difference. Okay, so now I’m going to sound like @Recidivist After losing my thanksgiving/vacay regain, I decided to not weigh myself for a month. My last recorded weight was 146.6 on 12-14-19 I practice 16:8 IF, but I also had many days in there where I ate and drank like a hedonist. I still take selfies and it dawned on me that I was looking noticeably “skinnier” so I decided to weigh a week early to see if I was just imagining it. Nope! I’m now 140.8. 😱😱😱😱😱 How???. I’m all the way up to 1000-1100 cals daily and that was on the days I didn’t overindulge. On those days I bet I DRANK 1000 cals day. Here is a pic from 2 days ago: I’m now wearing size 6 skinny jeans and the top is a freaking SMALL. I guess my body was in a month-long stall and I thought it was maintenance. Now I’m losing again. 🤣🤣🤣

Okay so I’ve FINALLY got some time off and I just HAD TO respond to this: 1. I’ve accidentally lost another 6 pounds (finally weighed yesterday for the first time since 12-14 and I’m down to 140.6-eek) 2. These last 10-15 pounds gone off of my body have REALLY exaggerated the loose skin and are making it much more difficult to find clothes with a good fit. I can now totally relate to the big legs, tight-across-the-hip fit. Making my argument for plastics all the more real

@Serengirl - by the way, CONGRATS on this!!! I went on a Christmas cruise....and on some days I stuck to my plan and on a few, I did not..just being honest. I was terrified when I got back that the scale would show at least a minimum 5 lb gain but more likely 10 lbs...my ankles and calves were so swollen, I think there must have been way too much sodium in the foods I was eating. What I didn't factor in though is the WALKING! ALL OF THE WALKING! Whether down the long boat ramp, back and forth across the ship (on purpose and sometimes on accident when I got lost..lol)...getting to excursions, going on mainly snorkeling excursions and I am a very very active swimmer despite my weight so I was not slowly snorkeling along...I was on hyperspeed!. Ended up walking almost 4 miles each day at least....only reason my knee held up when it cannot hold up past 2.3 to 2.5 miles when hiking is because the walking was divided out across the entire day AND night (yes, we stayed up late..lol). I came back to a total of a 1 pound gain and within 2 days, that was gone. This has been so unlike my annual holiday gain of at least 10 lbs EVERY SINGLE year for the past decade or more (Thanksgiving, Xmas and New Year's). If I had not been on the cruise or RATHER, if I had stuck just even a tiny bit more to my plan (not like there is not enough variety on the ship to be able to do so), I would have come back to a loss but I'm not getting to fret over it. I'm taking the 'win' of just the change of being ABLE to do all of the activity I did! I would NOT have been able to do it without the weight I lost before and after surgery. Even if I go down to only losing 5 lbs a month...I would NOT trade what I've done for anything...and as I find new ways to be active that don't blow up my knee, I plan on aiming for 7-8 lbs a month...but doing what others have said and watching for the non scale victories.

Hi! I am in the Seattle area, and would love to start a support group for people either considering surgery, revision surgery or is post-op. I believe there are not enough of us to support each other through this time. Unless you have been in the situation, it is hard to understand. It is so hard in the Seattle area to create friendships, I thought that this would be a great way to begin. It is about common ground, support and trust. I am 10 years, post op sleeve surgery. I have been recently approved for revision surgery, however, the surgery would be a sleeve to bypass. Completely different. I would love to hear from you all and hear your stories. Maybe we can get a little group together once a week and share over coffee? Yes, I am an addict, a slave to the coffee bean. Jolynn

Hi! I am 10 years post sleeve surgery. I had my sleeve back in 2010, when the procedure what relatively new. I had the procedure done as an outpatient. I was cash pay and had no follow-up. Everything seemed to go well. I started at over 350lbs, and made it to 219lbs. I was ecstatic! I was no longer a diabetic, I no longer had high blood pressure. I no longer had an appetite. Being a cash pay, I was unable to afford a plastic surgeon, so I carried and still carry a bit of skin. So, here I am, 10 years after. My weight today is 251lbs. I still believe I have been successful. I can still shop at Macy's and not have to order everything online. I gained weight, yes, but I have also gained confidence. After so long, my struggle with food is slowly returning. I am so afraid, that I started the process of looking into revision surgery. The surgeon that I have, at the hospital that I work at, will not revise a sleeve, but will revise a sleeve with bypass surgery. She states that there is a 100% complication rate, from things as small as a UTI to death. I would love to know more about this. Insurance has approved the revision. I have already had the medical testing, upper GI, and will be meeting with the psychiatrist and dietician next week. I would love to chat and hear stories from anyone who is considering revision surgery. I want to hear all of the good, bad and ugly. Please feel free to reach out at any time. I am new to this forum and would love gain support, information and be of support to others going through the same battles. Thanks! Jolynn Let me know if you would like to chat further, I can be reached by email also. If anyone is in the Seattle area, let's start a group!

I am 10 years post op and still gurgle. It is something I have just gotten used to. It makes my husband laugh. I worried about this in the beginning, but the doctor reinforced that this is okay. I gurgle at random times, not just while eating or drinking. :)