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Here is my story. I spent years stuck at 210 (I am 5’2) and thousands of dollars on personal trainers, nutritionists etc. watched and recorded everything I ate to no avail and of coarse the only scale movement would be I ate a cookie and gained two pounds. Meanwhile I began collecting every co morbidity - sleep apnea, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes , sever scaring on my liver. After two seperate per ate unsuccessful medically supervised diets I was advised gastric bypass was my best bet. I lot 10 lbs in the lead up (5 days a week of boot camp and strength training and keto diet). I lost another 20 lbs on the per-op liquid diet. Had surgery on March 29th. Lost 5 lbs in the first two days and have had no movement since. Walking 3 times a day at 30 minutes each. Drinking 70 oz of water and at least 90 g of protein plus all of the supplements. I know there is a three week stall but I am on a 3 day stall (at the time when weight loss is suppose to be the easiest). This was my last hope and I am starting to feel hopeless.

Hello, all. I have been happily using soft-chew multi-vitamins from Bariatric Pal for the last four years. I live in Australia and shipping has always been expensive but manageable. I just placed an order for more vitamins and three types of protein snacks, and the cheapest shipping option was US$ 225! That is way more than usual--and more than I'm willing to pay. Can anyone recommend a comparable product that is available on Amazon? Thanks!

Im two weeks post op. Started thinking about surgery a few years ago, but actually acted on it in late January if this year. Wrapped up my pre-reqs in a single week and cleared with insurance in one day. After that, had a week of food funerals (fun times eating things I wouldn’t be able to for a while), then started my two week high protein low carb diet. It was tough, not gonna lie. I weaned myself off caffeine during the same two week period and BAM it was suddenly time for surgery. By this point, I’d lost about 6 or 7 lbs. Rolled into surgery at 6am on 3/13, started on time at 8am, only discomfort afterward was nausea from anesthesia. No vomiting; they took great care to relieve the nausea immediately and sent me home with medicine to help. First few days, I felt hungry. Dreamt of food. Realized it was just gas in my tummy causing a “hunger” feeling. The gas went away within a week and so did the faux hunger. I tried to go off pain meds too soon, and that sucked. When they do the surgery, they will go through the abdominal wall with the scopes. I had pretty strong abs (yay…) and the scope caused a bleed that healed very slowly. Caused me some pretty serious discomfort especially without the pain meds. Went back on the meds and rested for several days, all the while working to get all my protein and fluids in. Lost 9lbs the first week and then stalled three days into week two. The stall just broke today, one week after it began. Total of 16lbs lost since the start of the pre-op diet. I’m three days into week 3 and just started soft foods. If I had to choose one hard thing, it would be the emotional response I had post surgery. I realized “omg, I cannot eat those things…” the choice was no longer mine. I was scared at first, almost grieving. And then I felt light because the pressure of making the “right” decision was out of my hands. Yes, I could still make a bad choice… and when I made brownies for my daughter the other day I was tempted, but I don’t want to hurt my body or deal with the backlash from eating so much sugar after barely having any for the last month. I can just imagine the sugar rush and terrible feeling I would get… it would suck. Not to mention, with VSG (my procedure), the first six months are critical. You’ll lose the most weight if you can just get through with as much discipline as possible. I’m thankful for my family and therapist; they’ve all helped me find my way in the dark. I’m so glad I did this. Even as I just ate my first egg in weeks, I still wouldn’t change a thing. It’s like experiencing food again for the first time but with a coach in my body helping out 👌😊 Good luck to you with whatever you choose!

Just got word. I'm having my lap band removed April 10. Then the plan is to do a gastric sleeve in three months. Just no success with band after 9 years. Plus my esphagus is in a snake figure and they had to remove most of the fluid from the balloon and Ive gained back 20+ pounds in a year.

I have been using this hack - after I eat I go for a 30 minute walk then come back and start sipping again - takes care of the 30 minutes and gives me three walks too

Three weeks past surgery date— I was able to put a ring on that I haven’t been able to wear in 5 years. The inflammation in my joints is finally calming down! YAY!

I tried something like 15 different brands of protein shakes and my top three are Fairlife Chocolate or Strawberry Banana, Ensure Max Nutrition in Vanilla and Premier Protein Chocolate blended with 1oz banana and a scoop of PBFit. I really loved the Fairlife Vanilla (has the taste of melted DQ), but my taste buds shifted after surgery and now I have a hard time with it. *shrug* this process is pure sorcery. 🪄

Keep things simple to begin. The old meat & three veg works well & is easy to prep. Focus on eating your correct portion of protein first & then a few well cooked vegetables as @Spinoza suggested but would add only then eat any allowed carbs if you are able. There were often times I’d only eat the protein content of a meal in the beginning. You may find some meats too heavy to begin. Some struggle with chicken breast or steak. Keep meats moist with sauces & gravies or cooking styles (like grilling can make meat too dry). Once you feel more comfortable & your tummy is happier you can be more adventurous with your cooking. Matt Weiner is great (check out his videos too) but he does focus on a more vegetable heavy low animal protein diet. It just depends on your eating preferences. I love eating vegetables & add legumes to some meals but I also am a carnivore. Hope you find a good local dietician/nutritionalist soon.

I am pretty much in the same boat as you. So, no help here but commiseration. I find it very difficult to break 600 calories and I am three months out. Met with my nutritionist last week and the only advice she really had was "you have to eat more protein". I don't know if anyone other than wls patients understand how hard that can be.

Aah the joy of constipation. Add a soluble, non swelling, fibre to your shakes to help & try to keep on top of it. You’re not eating much so not going everyday is to be expected. I used to take a stool softener if I got to the third (sometimes 4th) day with out any movement. Any longer & it became more difficult to break, more uncomfortable & then painful when you do go. I diluted my hideous shakes as well to dilute the flavour & graininess & got bonus fluids. Didn’t care if it took me two hours to drink it. Just sipped until I was done. It can be hard at first to meet your protein & fluid goals. As long as you’re making an effort & slowly getting closer. It does get easier. Avoid social media. I think it’s the worst when it comes to promoting unhealthy eating behaviours, food choices & excessive portion sizes. I developed an aversion to those types of images. I would start to feel ill looking at them. I also avoided live tv & would record any programs so I could fast forward the food ads. Thank goodness for ad free steaming services. What was odd was that I could watch baking & cooking shows. British Bake-off, British MasterChef (all three), Great British Menu & Top Chef were my favourites & they didn’t make me hungry. Don’t have any suggestions for coping with your house mates’ eating habits. I live alone. You can’t force them to eat as you do but maybe you could let them know it does make it difficult for you & you may have to leave the room they’re eating in. It is something you will always have to face. I rarely eat sweet foods but in time I reached a point where it didn’t bother me if people around me eat cake, deserts, etc. My niece had a box of cakes, brownies, cake pops, whoopi pies, cheese cakes, cup cakes, etc. samples for her 13th birthday last week. Everyone was filling their plates with a variety of things & I was fine - I ate a strawberry. As I said before - it does get easier over time. Just got to work out how you can manage it now - what works for you.

Portion size is & always will be a consideration but more so in the beginning because of the many nerves cut during your surgery I mentioned in my previous post. It can be easier to eat more than we actually should. I was advised 1/4 - 1/3 cup of food from puree slowly increasing until I was eating about a cup around 6 months. Check with your dietician about portion size (& calorie goals) as plans do differ. I certainly couldn’t eat more than what I was advised & took ages to eat it. I sipped on my diluted soups & shakes for a couple of hours. During the liquid stage I are two ‘meals’ a day. Not hungry or interested in any more. From purée I ate three meals & no snacks. One or two snacks (fruit or soft cheese or yoghurt) were added later around third month a think. Ten popsicles seem a lot. Are you eating them for their fluid content or because you’re looking them as food & maintaining old snacking/eating habits?? While they contain no added sugar they do contain sweeteners - artificial or sugar alternatives like monk fruit. Therefore they are still feeding your desire for sweet foods. Some develop a sensitivity to sugar alcohols (the artificial sweeteners ending in ‘ol’) & experience bloating, diarrhoea, etc. I couldn’t have potatoes either but could have rolled oats from purée (instant to begin so easier on the tummy & very thin & milky). Took me three days to eat a serve & it was the only carb I ate (except the bite or two of vegetables I had). We all need a small amount of carbs & oats are considered a better carb. I’ll say it again plans are different.

I had my first follow up with my surgeon last night as this week makes it 6 weeks. I told him all my concerns that I shared in this thread and he basically told me to stop comparing myself to everyone else, as people lose weight at different speeds. He also told me that I don't need to be juggling down the 50g protein shakes I have been doing as it's all liquid calories, and that now I can eat solid foods again, to concentrate more on food protein than liquid protein. He said he's very happy with my progress, although I don't know if I believe him? I've stalled for the last three weeks and put on a pound this week, but he seems to be happy that I've lost a stone since 31st January. Personally, I think it's very slow. But I guess that's part of the comparison stuff isn't it? I'm moving house so I've packed my scales away and am going to try and weigh myself once every two weeks.

Thanks for your response and the links. I am about 5 weeks out. I am typically a fast eater but I use a bariatric app now to time my eating. (Which felt so silly until I realized I needed to take more time) I track everything less for the calories and more to make sure I hit that protein goal so I know I am usually hitting the 60g or slightly surpassing it for 3 weeks straight now. Fluids was a struggle and hitting 60oz is hard for me. I get into that range most days like it might come out 50ish oz a day on average for the past two weeks so maybe that is the problem (I did admit this to my doctor as well) I don't drink at all after eating I figured out quickly that was a ticket to barftown. Meats are just not my friend. Chicken specifically my stomach just automatically rejects it in any form including pureed. Fish will stay down but I'm only gonna get a couple of bites from that. Most my protein is coming from eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and protein shakes. So I think when I said that to my surgeon that was her red flag for gallbladder but I guess I'll find that out in April. I am not on the strict only three meals a day routine they set for me and my surgeon is okay with that because I'm only getting a few bites for meal times unless it straight up broth then I can do 4oz. I kind of just eat every 4 hours and use a food scale to figure out how much I ate each time. However reading your post I think maybe I'll stay away from the scale until I can hit the water goal more consistently. My next appointment is 6 weeks out (I don't think I can wait until then to see where I am because if I step on that scale six weeks later and I'm still 199 my heart will just shatter) and because I go through the VA I think that might be my last or I have to pay out of pocket so I am panicking more that I'm not on track. Like if I was progressing better I would feel more confident without that support and I know when I only have the VA to lean on then I am pretty much on my own no one is going to help me trouble shoot there. Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

I wanted to list my experiences to see if others have the same and what they have done I have not experienced dumping yet. I often forget to not drink and eat at the same time. I was surprised I am ok. I am hungry often. Getting protein is a nonstop struggle.. I found out split pea soup has a lot of protein so I put it in a blender and eat it. Muscle milk, and protein shakes with fresh fruit. Protein shakes, if they are to thick, hurt me. I have ate vegan for three years. I am not super excited about not eating vegan. But, I feel in the first few weeks it is easier and I am ok with that. BUT I took a bite of scrambled eggs and it HURT. I am scared to try dairy because I have not had these things in over 3 years. Before surgery if I accidentally ate dairy, meat, etc it hurt my stomach. Has anyone had experiences with trying it after being vegan for awhile? I am moving to soft foods and I would like some ideas. I saw people eat oatmeal and potates and both are on my list of foods to avoid. Ideas? Please share your experiences with me.

you really need to fluids and possibly electrolytes. I am hoping they are monitoring you properly. As a nurse that is the one thing that many mess up on. keep in mind the signs and symptoms of dehydration-sorry i am a nurse and its habit dizzy or light headedness headache tiredness dry mouth, lips and eyes and passing small amounts of urine less than three to four times per day. if you go 8 hours w/out urinating you need to call your doc. you may need IV infusion. Find sugarfree pedialyte try that small sips (30 mL-use one of the med cups that come with liquid meds thats 30 mL) every 15 min. TRY to get some protein in you. doesnt need to be a shake. Sugar free popsicles and jello are good alternatives.

Hello everyone, I wanted to share my weight loss journey and seek some support and advice from fellow members who might have faced similar challenges. Three years ago, I underwent gastric sleeve surgery and successfully lost a significant amount of weight, dropping from 150 kg to 64 kg. However, over the past year, I've gained back 30 kg and now weigh 94 kg. To be honest, I didn't really like how I looked when I lost so much weight, but now I'm struggling with cravings and finding it difficult to control my eating habits. I'm not sure how to strike a balance between my weight and my appearance, and I feel like I need some guidance on how to manage my current situation. Has anyone else experienced weight regain after gastric sleeve surgery or struggled with body image after significant weight loss? How did you cope with these challenges? I would appreciate any tips, advice, or personal stories that could help me navigate this difficult time. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and learning from your experiences.

Hi all, new here. Well, of course I've lurked here at times over the years but ran away every time.. A little bit about me, been heavy most of my adult life, managed to live fine keeping most side effects at bay. Sleep apnea, use a machine, HBP under control with meds. No diabetes or other issues. Three years ago I hit my highest at 450 and as covid got rolling I started to exercise a bit more and watch diet a bit better. Then all the wheels started to fall off lol. Knees giving me some problems which then led me to find out I was bone on bone for both knees. So I continued to get better on the diet and switched to biking and rowing. Phentermine/Topiromate helped along the way and ultimately lost about a hundred pounds. Had to stop those though when I had an Afib incident. Kept myself in the 350 range but man has this plateau been tough. Doc has me on ozempic, A1C was also starting to creep up, to see if that will help but it really hasn't done much. I'm ok with diet but still not where i need to be to lose another 75 pounds, which is my target to get knee surgery. I truly believe that once I get my knees fixed I can be active enough to aid the weight loss. It's tough now with the knee. So why am I here.... well my Primary and my cardiologist have both said it's time to really think about surgery. They both feel there are too many metabolic/hormonal challenges to continue my same approach. I met with the surgeon yesterday and he's recommended a sleeve. I'm at my whits end and feel like I have no other choice, but at the same time I read these stories about GERD, constipation and all these other side effects I turn around and say eff it, it's just not worth it. At least I'll die happy... I know, not exactly healthy, but I'm being honest... I've started the process, have a meeting with Nutritionist next week and psych and Endoscopy are after that. Likely can't get this done until August so I have some time to reconcile in my head the future, but right now I'm a bit overwhelmed and a little defeated. I'm going to poke around here some more, thanks for reading. Mark

I would suggest something about the infamous three-week stall. It seems like there's a post almost every day from someone who's about three weeks out, frantic because they haven't lost any weight in several days. I really wish more clinics would tell patients about this early stall, because it happens to the majority of us, and most people don't know about it ahead of time so they freak out when it happens. also, something about how the rate of weight loss is dependent on many factors, some of which you have little to no control over, like genetics, how muscular you are, starting BMI, age, gender. And also not to expect to lose 30+ lbs the first month, because that's not common with people unless they're the size of the people on "My 600 lb Life". Just let them know that if they stick to their clinic's plan, the weight WILL come off. Their ultimate success is dependent on how compliant they are, not their rate of weight loss.

it's good to have it checked out, although this far out from surgery, the usual culprit is low blood sugar. I started having issues with that at about two years out. I went in for a workup and they tested everything - glucose, blood pressure, ears (it can also be due to an imbalance in your inner ear), even urine (not sure what that test would have been looking for with that, but whatever..). Everything came back normal, but I noticed it again about two weeks later. It was a couple of hours after I'd eaten a piece of cake at a retirement party. I usually just eat a couple of forkfuls, but that time I'd eaten the whole piece. So i let my PCP know. She said the problem was probably low blood sugar, then - it's just that my glucose level happened to be normal when I had the workup. She suggested I just eat something about every three hours - either a protein or, if a carb, then pair it with a protein. Seems to have resolved the issue for me.

Hi all, hoping someone can help shed a little more light as I’m at a loss here. Up until the last three months, I have had no issues - but since, any time in a public setting, I will get sick to my stomach, dizzy, hot, and light headed. Yes, I take my vitamins and follow a good diet my surgeon recommends being a year out. I have an appointment set up with my surgeon however they are leaning towards an anxiety issue. My thing is, I don’t feel anxious? And these episodes have happened in familiar places around familiar people. I’m just at a loss and it’s becoming almost crippling. Any thoughts? 😭

Oh no! I hope you feel better soon. I’m about 17 days post op, and full is still a feeling that im learning— dont want to push,and am being careful. I think listening to your body is best and it may be that three tiny bites is all it was ready for that moment— take small bites through the day in the first stages for sure. Jello worked well in the first stage for me because it basically liquifies on the way down. Maybe try that?

I'm 5 days post-op. I caught the stomach flu while at home and had to be readmitted so I'm writing this from my hospital bed. Prior to this morning, I couldn't keep down little tiny sips of water because I would puke it back up. I'm much more stabilized today and they want me to try to get some pudding in to get a little nutrition to help my stomach process all these meds that have been pumped into me. I took three little baby bird bites from the spoon and then had a sensation like there's a frog in my throat. Is that what 'feeling full' feels like or do you think this is still the stomach bug trying to act up?

I've heard something like that, but it didn't apply to me at all. I just checked - I'd lost 40 lbs at three months out and 130 lbs at the year mark. maybe this formula applies to a lot of people, but I really don't like these kinds of things because it just causes worry and anxiety in people if they're not reaching certain "goals" at certain points in their journey. Especially those of us who were slower losers. I was a slow but steady loser and lost all of my excess weight by 20-months out. I would have been really discouraged if I paid attention to these kinds of predictions and took them to heart.

First time I hear about it. Seems to be yet another little tool for inducing even more anxiety in patients when it comes to "reaching their goals". Patients putting themselves under pressure is already really, really common - this will put even more pressure on them when it comes to weight loss within the first three months ("I have about 200 lbs to lose to reach a normal BMI but I've only lost 80 lbs in the first 3 months and studies say..."). Err.

This video by Dr Pilcher mentions it. (It’s a very good video & he has other informative ones too.) But with all statistics & averages, some people don’t meet them & some exceed them. They just give you an idea of what you might expect. I’m almost four years post surgery. Personally, I’d lost 17kg at 3 months (from surgery weight). I reached goal at 6 months having lost 27kgs. At 12 months, I’d lost 36kg so about double as they suggest. But from that 6 month mark I was trying not to lose - my body though was working at getting to my new set point where it was happiest (& I actually am too). Who knows what I might have lost if I was actively still trying to lose during the second half of the first year. 🤷🏻‍♀️ The first three months are often called the honeymoon phase when the benefits of the surgery are at their optimal effectiveness. After that your weight loss rate starts to slow, for many they’re appetite & hunger may start to come back, etc. After that, your success depends more & more on you.