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Oh I know, so frustrating. For the last month or so I am losing and gaining the same 1.5kg and therefore remain 1kg to 2kg from my goal. I did so much walking in the last few days and will likely again when I go on holiday next week that I am hoping it will help with one final shift. That said the kg may be slow but the cms/inches are still dropping as jeans I put on last week which were nicely fitted are already a bit looser on the backside/thigh area yesterday.

I’m certainly not trying to be argumentative either. The reason that I went out of my way to state that it was from AI to begin with is so that the OP would be aware of that fact and take it as they may. Then I added that I was able to see the original articles and they could too if they did the research themselves and I suggested that they ask their doctor if it applies to them specifically. Also if you’re speaking specifically about the part that was talking about their rule of thumb for number of calories per pound, that was not from AI at all. That was from hss.edu and I referenced that above so that one can find and read the article for themselves and determine if it is applicable. It was all intended as food for thought and something to look into. Not medical advice as I am not a doctor Personally, if I have a question I gather data from a lot of sources to include chats and AI summaries as well as medical journal articles or friends and then I ask a professional to decipher the medical jargon, tell me what out of the chat and less reputable sites or word of mouth is true and what applies to my specific situation. In my opinion though, what it boils down to is that our metabolism while recovering from surgery or something else is going to be different than the same person when they were feeling fine just trying to lose weight and we should at least be aware of that and ask the right people the right questions if we care about weight, muscle loss, recovery time etc. I can only ever speak accurately about my personal opinion or experience and that experience is that the oncology dietitians’ advice worked for me and it was basically if you’re craving a cookie then no, don’t have it but if you’re craving fruit or vegetables or something otherwise nutritious then your body probably needs them and you should listen to that when your recovering from something. Basically don’t just be counting calories and starving yourself during recovery, nourish your healing body. Of course my situation is different so that’s why you should always consult with your doctor.

I am 8 weeks out from the sleeve and I am losing slower than I would like too. I am not drinking (but sometimes I will take a sip to try my husband’s drink- it keeps me from missing it so much). I think sometimes it’s genetics. I’m on average getting about 1000 calories a day and usually hitting the 60-80g of protein every day. I try to make good choices but it’s frustrating not to be where you want to be. One thing my friend tells me is that me losing weight slowly now validates that I needed the surgery, because of how hard it was for me to lose weight without it and that I never would have been successful without it. I don’t know if that makes sense, but it helps me feel like I made the right choice when I’m struggling with not losing more.

2024 was a great year. I lost a sh*t ton of weight and became HOT and athletic again, landed a dream job, my relationship transformed and its the best its ever been, I am thriving and thankful. 2025: Travel (3 trips booked) Build my booty back Manage my anxiety through guided meditation Read 40 books (read 38 in 2024) Save more (have been so reckless with my spending) Continue eating the way I do, never depriving myself of anything but never going overboard with anything either, taste and put it down if I didn't like it, prioritize protein, nourish my body and continue to be anxiety free regarding food and lifestyle

I just had my sleeve surgery yesterday. It was an outpatient procedure which I was happy about as I’d rather go home than stay in the hospital overnight. All in all it went well as I was up and walking a few hours after I woke up. The only downside to the surgery (if there had to be one) was the gas pain and nausea. Although, I’ve been told not everyone experiences nausea. Just a day after my surgery and I feel fine. Taking my pain meds as needed and I’m able to keep down liquids. I’m excited to see my progress as I lost 43 pounds before my procedure date. I hope to lose another 110 pounds to be at my goal weight. Good luck to everyone getting their surgery in 2025! We can do this! Cheers!!!

I never set a goal weight but my surgeon said he felt 70 to 75 kg (165/155 lbs) would be what he would like to see me reach. Once he said that and I got close I decided I would try to get into the 'healthy' BMI range which is 65kg / 143lbs. I reached there and a little bit more (or less I guess) so depending on movement (bowel and exercise wise ) and if I have a bit more of a carb focused dish I bounce between 62.5 and 64kg / 137 and 141 lbs and I find I am happy with that. NEVER would have thought that was possible to achieve a couple of years ago. I think see if you can get to the 'healthy' range if it gives you something to continue working towards and then maintaining BUT do not put pressure on yourself, the BMI is out dated and the most important things are to be physically & mentally healthy and happy in yourself, that can be whatever figure you want it to be on the scale.

once you get that far out, you have to play around with different calorie ranges to figure out about how many calories you need to eat to maintain your weight, and how many to lose. That range really varies for everyone depending on sex, age, activity level, metabolic level, how muscular you are, what weight you'd like to be at, etc (e.g., you can eat more if you're fine with weighing 180 lbs as opposed to 130 lbs). I can maintain my current weight by eating about 1600 calories - although I can eat a bit more if I'm exercising a lot. To lose, I have to go below 1600. And since I'm pretty close to a normal BMI, I'd have to eat quite a bit less than 1600 to lose a somewhat noticeable amount each week (otherwise, I'm losing just a couple of ounces - and it's hard to distinguish that from normal fluctuations). There are some women on here who can eat 2000 calories to maintain, and others who can only eat 1200. It's really sort of trial and error given how far you're out from surgery. Maybe start with a range - like 1300-1500 and do that for a couple of weeks. If your weight isn't budging, drop the range down by 100 calories. Rinse and repeat until you start losing weight again. P.S. if. you're losing inches but gaining weight, it could be that you're putting on muscle. Or if you've recently started doing more and/or heavier lifting, it could be that your muscles are holding on to more water (since they need water to repair themselves). If that's what's going on, once your muscles are used to that level, your weight should start dropping again.

My purpose of doing this surgery so late in life (I'm 46) is to be healthier. I have multiple co-morbidities including hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, sleep apnea, CKD 2, and hyperlipidemia. There is a family history of stroke and cancer, including colon a stomach cancer. I meet with my surgeon for the second time Tuesday. The staff said the surgeon wanted to meet with me because had questions, but that did't make sense because they've responded to my questions. The only new information was from my EGD pathology report. My EGD found asymptomatic HP negative gastritis. The GI Doc didn't know what may cause it but tossed PPIs at me and I will learned Tuesday if I need another EGD or what. If I have contra-indicators for Sleeve Gastrectomy I'm considering backing out of surgery because that means my only option, anywhere would be RYGB. I'm afraid of having a remnant stomach that could continue down the path of inflammation. Apparently I was on the path to stomach ulcers. Maybe I'm being unreasonable, I'm just afraid of my remnant stomach being a time bomb. I'm also concerned about dumping, not being able to take NSAIDs, and perhaps having to change my other medications. I've committed to having a procedure including buying vitamins, typing protein shakes, losing weight in advance, learning more and more about the procedures, my relationship with food, and continuing to exercise with my personal trainer, and attending support groups. But I have this fear of RYGB and maybe it's silly. I know people, good friends, with RYGB. I get the sense they like the results, but not the down sides. One even told me they are surprised hospitals still perform RYGB because of the issues they had. I don't really know what I'm walking into on Tuesday and I am nervous. I've been taking 80 mg or pantoprazole daily. I learned my insurance company will only pay for 90 pills, so my refill was tricky. I don't know how longer I will have to take it or what that all means, and i don't know what impact all this will have on the surgery (if any). I'm terrified of having come this far, made peace with the decision to have surgery, over come the shame, had to deal with the doubts and fears of other people including my own spouse to find myself with the possibility that it's all a no-go. I won't have surgery until the fall, and normally the second appointment with the surgeon is closer to the the surgery point. Even the program staff weren't sure why it was being scheduled. My RD follow up, last week as also much sooner than it should have been, and after the meeting the RD said it wasn't the actual required follow up. I'm left scratching my head, being coming anxious, and I feel some slight indigestion which is wild since I've been on the PPI since early last month. I doubt my experience is unique so I open to learning from others. I'm currently on Zepbound and losing weight, but it's expensive with insurance and the insurance could decide to not cover even with the insurance and a coupon it's about the amount of a car note every month. So that's not sustainable for the rest of my life. Ia also need to lose more than the 20% max it would get me to. So if surgery is a bust, I I don't know. The gastritis is a contra-indicator for Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty and it's not covered by insurance anyway. Thinking about all of this makes me kinda nauseated.

Oh and also, for what it’s worth I went in early because I was concerned that my weight loss had slowed a bit and she said that is perfectly normal. You’re able to eat more than 2 ounces so of course it will slow.

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.

As one of the group "men" I feel the need to defend them. But I won't because relationships have come up and I want to talk about them. Them and being invisible, I want to talk about that also. By the time this is over you will be wishing I defended men. #NotAllMen Invisibility first: When I was 500+ pounds overweight I was a weird sort of invisible. The sort of invisible that people running into posts, missing stair steps, and other slapstick comedy were common around me. The sort of invisible that when I was in crouds, I had a 3 foot buffer of empty space around me. I didn't realize what I had until I lost it. As I was losing weight my invisiblity failed me completely. As I went about my business around my neighborhood, complete strangers would engage with me like long lost friends. I lived next to a police academy. We each ignored each other, or so I thought. When I was at a point I started walking then running, a police officer congratulated me on my weight loss, told me he started way back when I started. Over his car's megaphone. At 4:00am. Then the police cadets file out for their morning run, and he had each of them shake my hand. I almost became a recluse then and there. My invisibilty returned when I lost the excess weight and moved to a new city. It was lilke being showered with happiness. In crowds it wasn't pretend, people really didn't see me. I lost my 3 foot buffer but it was almost worth it. I was just another random person. I am the definition of average looking not worthy of a second glance. Or even a first. It's like a warm blanket on a cold night. Relationships: "WLS makes bad relationships worse and good ones better." If you are losing a signficant amount of weight you are making a big change in the status quo, the balance, of a lot of relationships. In this very thread we've read how relationships change with spouses, friends, enemies, and other strangers. Even yourself. On the "how relationships change for the worst." That lifetime friend that changes because you are now the pretty one. That significant other that liked you the way you were, such as becoming noticable to other men, or because you are more confident, or don't need your significant other as much.You and that unwanted attention. Oddly, "how relationships change for the better" is much the same list. As is often the case, it's all about our perception, our baggage, and what we want from life. If we want to help a relationship make it through this transformation, consistent and repetitive communication is necessary. Keeping and building relationships is only half up to you. Some relationships may not continue because the person on the other side can't cope with your changes. WLS will change your life in more ways than just losing weight. Good luck, Tek

for me: (1) continuing to track my food intake (via MFP) and weighing myself daily...and making adjustments when a moving weight trend shows up in either direction i dont really want. also, (2) regular exercise (which morphed into a love for exercise) and (3) striving to maintain an angst-free existence: understanding that i am not perfect, that nothing is forever, that i believe i can and will adapt, accept OR change, whatever the circumstances. i am 6 years post op next week and have maintained below goal weight this entire time, following my own advice above. i know that my M.O. is not for everyone...but i also know that each one of us can figure out what works for us (and what doesn't) and act accordingly, if we choose to.

I gained and lost the same 2-3 pounds over a three month stall. 😡 So, yeah it happens.

I think you're looking very healthy! Glad your numbers are looking good and I hope your energy will start to improve as your body adjusts to maintenance. Also, I think it's funny how different we all are in size vs weight. I'm an inch taller and 10 lbs lower than you and I am still mostly in a size 14!

The maintenance doses of Semaglutide for chronic weight management are 1.7mg and 2.4 mg. If you haven’t reached those doses yet, then that’s the goal before you can determine if it’s not working as expected (which for some people it may not work). What is your current dose? https://www.wegovy.com/taking-wegovy/dosing-schedule.html?showisi=true&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=wegovy&utm_campaign=1_All_Shared_BR_Wegovy_Core&mkwid=s-dm_pcrid_645689011667_pkw_wegovy_pmt_p_slid__product_&pgrid=148965952281&ptaid=kwd-1296426939242&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAABWNcsk_Vrk4rb9ObcxDKFUu6OZHy&gclid=Cj0KCQiA4L67BhDUARIsADWrl7HM5Z15-B65VZSJkFvcsdpvjEpsfTBEfdP0BJGzjFepWdgBossbMHgaAnCxEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Today is my 7 year surgiversary 🎉 I can’t believe it’s been that long but my lifestyle does have a lived in feel to it. My weight is stable-ish with a current BMI of ~25. I have no problem finding safe things to eat while out but this year I cooked the major of my meals. That means I accidentally began meal prepping because of cooking foods only I seem to want to eat twice in a row. I’m ok with this as I actually like eating the same things, ad nauseum 🤣. I drink hot tea every morning and most nights. I have fully returned to carbonated water, kombucha and pre/probiotic drinks. Some highlights of this year includes sending my last child off to college, my first colonoscopy, started reading spicy books (thanks ACOTAR) and a few bucket list trips (The Space Coast to visit Kennedy Space center, Grand Canyon and the New Mexico hot air balloon festival). I’m still very satisfied with the outcome of WLS and all of the new advancements in obesity medicine.

I'm huge on measuring everything, I make my family crazy. lol, but it is really necessary especially post weight loss surgery. I'm hoping the more progress I make, it will change my sibling's outlook on food being healthy, and eating clean. But right now I'm going to focus on myself and hopefully, they both follow suit. Best of luck to you on your continued journey, Again thanks so much!

So update-spoke with a surgeon today who recommended what I have been thinking--hernia repair and do the bypass. I had worries about lack of iron absorption with the bypass but I found out today because I am having to use so much famotidine I basically have very little to zero acid which is necessary for absorption so famotidine is REALLY unsustainable. Also found out on fluoroscopy, my sleeve is not dilated, but I have a kink at the top, which he said is not helping the reflux on top of the hernia. So now I need all the prayers, warm vibes and well wishes that my insurance can do the right thing and not make this a huge pain in the ass to the point I give up and go to Mexico. Also-just to get my ducks in a row--anyone SUCCESSFULLY fight and get a revision covered for use of medical need not weight loss where it normally wouldn't be covered? I'm not gonna lie, I'm not hopeful. Also, does anyone have experience with and can recommend the best Mexico center for sleeve to bypass with hernia repair? Just so I have plan B. Thanks for any insight or help anyone can give!! Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

It's not that we're trying to pick on you or force you to justify yourself. But honestly, what you're saying doesn't make sense. How is it your insurance covered your surgery and a panni but won't cover you for organ failure? How are you not in the hospital now? If your organs are shutting down, no way would they have just sent you home. I work in healthcare, and we've sent people to the hospital for way less than that. I would suggest eating carb and calorie dense slider foods. Mashed potatoes are great for that. Add sour cream and butter. There's a lot of stuff you can have that will add weight. I've been struggling to get my weight up, but adding protein shakes, avocado on nearly everything I can, slider foods, etc... And eat every 2-3 hours during the day and the evening before you go to bed. You shouldn't have to get up through the night to eat.

Ok! Thank you. So glad it's normal. I usually only hear it several minutes after I've eaten. Like I guess the food is settling in or something? Lol! Yes. I had trouble getting in water at first. Doing much better now. Feel better and not as hungry also because of that so it's very true, I feel hungry when I'm just thirsty. And I think I'll start cooking my veggies. Except cucumbers have been fine and I love them. Grapefruit is good and works well for me too. I need to get yogurt again. Soft foods help. Thank you for sharing. My weight is going down again finally and determined to pay close attention ans keep good habits and continue all the way to my goal. And beyond. I want to build muscle as much as I can so doing tension bands and kettle bells. Just want to be healthier all around by the end of this year. Just will do what I can. No one is perfect. ☺️💗

Welcome too. Not as short as you either (5’3”) but after I lost my weight I discovered I actually had a small frame so in a way I look tinier than I am. My biggest challenge has been feeling overwhelmed in certain styles of clothing. (Bet you thought I was going to say it was something about my weight loss experience.) When I was larger I had this big body that carried/filled a lot of clothing styles. Not any more. I look like I’m drowning or am a lifetime girl wearing my mummy’s clothes. And certain proportions can be way off now too. Like tops are too long & make me look weird & unbalanced. (Trousers have always been too long.) Being shorter than average with a smaller frame didn’t affect my weight loss at all. My experiences were the same as most others here. Just need fewer calories than many of my taller friends to maintain my lower weight. I remember once my surgeon’s colleague, who did my follow ups, weighed me and started to say I had lost too much weight. She paused and looked me up & down & said you really are quite tiny aren’t you. My weight wasn’t an issue after that. (Except every now & again they’ll say I should try to put on a couple of kilos but that’s because of my age, 59, and not anything else.) Keep us updated on your progress. Don’t hesitate to ask questions here either. Everyone is happy to help, share what they’ve learnt and offer support. Though having the surgery can be a bit scary, it also is the beginning of very exciting and rewarding future. All the best.

Thank you so much for your response. It’s perfect timing that I saw this as I just left the Bariatric surgeon’s office. My experience with GLP-1s was quite discouraging. I was just about ready to give up trying to lose the weight I regained. However, my appointment with the Bariatric surgeon was quite encouraging. He agrees that I qualify for a revision surgery. He laid out the revision surgery options: Bypass, SADI-S or SIPS. Apparently the final revision surgery method will be determined during the surgery when he is able to assess my intestine length for the bypass/malabsorption effect. So for now, I’m going to focus on completing the program steps (Barium swallow, Psych appointment, Nutrition appt, support group, etc) so they can submit the PA for revision surgery. So I’m going to focus on completing the insurance requirements

Yes I think it's because my starting weight isn't that "high" I am very happy! But just can't wait to sit with my bariatric team on the 15th ... I just want reassurance 😪 and ASAP before I go mad!

You discussed loads of other things there @catwoman7 in your ‘model patient’ session, which, IMHO was missing from last nights session. It’s just that everything was glossed over and it really didn’t get to the bones of things I guess. And you definitely hit the nail on the head about people not knowing what questions to ask, so not asking them. I think things like taking measurements and photos for example, would be useful, what to take to hospital, explaining changes in tastebuds, foods to eat for those first couple of stages, etc. I know, I know, I AM being so very picky, I know it. I guess I was just disappointed and left feeling a bit sad for those who are just relying solely on the hospital sessions because I don’t think it was a proper representation. We all hope that surgery goes well and that we have no complications or issues or need additional help. I also think hospitals have to be honest with the things that can go wrong because it’s generally the negative things in life that impacts our weight and generally leads to weight gain. But, it’s done now so 🤷‍♀️

Congratulations, well done you I didn't set any specific goal but aimed for being in the 'healthy' bmi range but didn't worry if I didn't make it as I knew I would already be so much healthier than I was pre-surgery. I went a couple of kg lighter than now but felt it didn't suit my face, looked very tired and older, so I am trying to stick to the 64/65kg but tone up more. Your body will find its eventual weight and don't put pressure on yourself to achieve something that you may not be able to maintain as I think that is where a lot of us have failed in past diets etc., we set targets and don't meet them so get stressed and self sabotage or the other side, which used to be my big problem is that I would reach a goal and then think it had been easy to get there so no problem to eat or drink more as I could just get back to a diet again. Don't think of this as a diet but a lifestyle tool that you now use, keep up with your protein requirements and exercise and your body will do its best for you.