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Omg the past 2 pages of this thread have me cracking up! Okay so we need desperately to duplicate exactly the workout regimen of the chick in the photos. I think I look leaner than 162 bc of the Pilates I do, but dayum... that chick is smoking hot and I’d love to shrink many more inches off of my waistline and not have to lose a whole lot more poundage.

Daily Water intake = B+ : I get water from many sources and feel confident in my levels Daily Protein intake = B- : I don't focus *heavily* on protein and likely never will Food choice = A+ : I love making substitutes for things that are commonly off the list Flexibility = A++ : I don't need to be perfect, just consistent and sustainable. I value my happiness apart and in addition to my weight. Sometimes i NEED a cheat day (chocolate) Portion Control = B+ : I believe I eat what is a proper amount for *me* not necessarily what is expected. Mindful eating = B+ : I really do try to think about my choices in the moment and the big picture. Exercise = D : I am also at the same level of. exercise/gyming I did at my highest weight - almost none but I love at home mild exercises & walking has increased substantially and my team counts it as exercise 😍 Vitamins = A++ : I have fun (gummy) and business vitamins (pills) to break up the monotony. This makes it easier for me to stick to the regime Self image = B : Dysmorphia is a *****. I still sometimes see myself as heavier than I am, especially if bloated. Luckily cameras, clothing and other people talk me off the ledge. My confidence oddly enough was never a factor at any weight 😳 Mental Health = B+ : I don't think im struggling with anything i havent addressed already/in progress of fixing 😍 Relationships = C : Generally they are fine but my tolerance for BS is way down and i don't let people get away with **** anymore, like no one - not even strangers. *I could use more patience instead of viewing the world from such a critical/cynical eye.* Working on it ! Self care = C : I need to really work on this in during the remainder of this year and slip into 2020 with a better regime. Great post ! Thanks for creating it 💗

Wow am I glad I found this thread. ATM, I’m still in weight loss mode, but I’m within 7 pounds of goal weight and within 17 pounds of my stretch goal weight. It’s so hard to explain to people who haven’t gone through this process exactly why I have these 2 weights in my head and how important it is to stay within the goalposts on them. Like @Cheeseburgh, I’m an incredibly slow loser, but it seems like in the last couple of months the weight is falling off faster than it did when I was 3-4 months PO. After looking at my numbers, I realize I’m losing exactly the same, but that the loss is so much more dramatic bc I’m smaller. Seeing the changes in my body over the last 6-8 weeks has really driven home that I need to have a maintenance plan because as UN-freaking-believable as it is, I’m almost at goal. Right now I’m sitting at 5’7” and 162 with a BMI of 25.4%. Now I had a really really bad weekend (as in 3 margaritas, 2 glasses of wine, and 1 old fashioned just on Friday) kind of weekend, so I’m doing some IF to get back on track, but I feel so unprepared and honestly don’t want to lose under my stretch goal of 145.

See this is what’s so weird about WLS. So far I haven’t come across a cheese that I can’t tolerate. In fact, cheese is one of my greatest loves now PO because it’s so flexible and yummy and a great protein bomb and it gives me such a feeling of satiety. Soft cheeses are my faves bc they go down easier

The hospital sponsoring the Bariatric Support Group I attend, not my Surgical one, it has ONLY evening meetings, seems to Recommend Celebrate items. But it (KCH here in Mount Vernon) and mine ( OSU- WEXNER Medical Center in Columbus) seem to be getting into the Shake/Bariatric Shake business, must be a Coming Thing. But a semi- humorous FYI, when I was rehospitalized November- December 2018 they fed me Liquicell, did They Change Their Mind or is it a case of " Do As I Say, not As I Do" Leads a curious PERSON as I Am to wonder just why?

Well I’m assuming that you’re referring to healthy low-carb, high Protein food because otherwise why would a person even consider WLS if they don’t plan to radically change their diet, right? That being said, I’ve tried a few things in my 7 months that aren’t truly on the “approved” list. Mostly alcohol. Anytime I have alcohol it goes and stays down just fine, but the price I pay is slowed weight loss for a few days so I truly pick and choose those times carefully. Went to a wedding July 4th and had 3 glasses wine, some bbq brisket, smoked chicken , Mac and cheese, cole slaw and a couple bites of a piece of bread, and half a slice of wedding cake. Quite honestly everything except the brisket and smoked chicken (that I ate without the sauce) were the worst things I ate. All the carb-ey stuff tasted kinda weird and gross. The cake was just “okay” and people everywhere were raving about how delicious it was. *shrug* The wine was simply awesome and I’m kind of sad in a way that I haven’t lost my complete and utter love for wine. OTOH, at least I still do have this every now and again indulgence I can turn to. Okay, so let’s talk “healthier” options. One food I used to LOVE was eggs. Any kind cooked any way. I loved me some eggs. Now I can’t really even tolerate part of a boiled egg on salad bc eggs give me horrible cramping. Also mayo. Cannot have even a smidge of mayo or insta-cramps. Some would think maybe my gall bladder is acting up, but so far that’s been ruled out. I used to be (and still am) a complete salad mix freak. Thank goodness I can still put away a cup or more of leafy greens without difficulty. Some people can’t so I’m thankful. In fact, I’d be willing to bet over half my carbs daily (which isn’t much) comes from different salad greens.

Nothing I would call “bad” I have days where I intentionally stray off program, but I ALWAYS go the extra mile before AND after to make up for it. I now practice IF (intermittent fasting) all of the time. What varies is the length of time I fast daily. Most days I practice 16:8 or 18:6, but when I restrict further (either 20 or 24 hours between meals) it takes me a day or two before I can hold my usual amount of food and I supplement with protein shakes. One thing I consistently practice is what I call bari-Keto, and I’m convinced that’s why (along with the IF) that I have so few problems. It’s like regular Keto, but without many of the fats bc those hurt. I very rarely have >25gm carbs on any given day and any carbs I do have are veggie related so it’s offset by a ton of fiber which helps slow the absorption and thus reduces the chance of getting sick from it. Check over your food logs and I bet you find the days where you’re experiencing “bad” are days when either the carb or fat load is higher than normal. Twice I’ve tried to eat salmon with my signature mayo-dill topping and both times it made me very ill. Once I ditched the mayo and subbed in wasabi mustard, I had no problems at all. Which was fabulous news to me as I use tuna/salmon at least 1-2 times weekly to try to keep on top of healthy fats.

I don't have that that exact insurance, but part of the BC family. For my surgery proof of past weight loss attempts included the following: Nutritionist Notes Some sort of weight loss program/Calorie counting (I captured all my food intake with LoseIt for 6 months. I was able to make a PDF of the food diary I kept for that time.) I think they also accept weight watchers. Medical documentation of weight at that time and activities of attempts to lose weight. I requested medical records from the doctors offices that showed my weight and what I talked to the Doctor about me losing weight. Also you should ask your surgeon as to what they look for as they deal with the Ins all the time and should know what they require. Hope this helps. Good Luck!

I should also mention I’m only 15 mos out. I have noticed being hungry more often. I tho k I need to up my water in take but sometimes that’s hard bc of planning around eating and taking small sips

Crazy? *scratches head* Celebrate Multi Capsules serving size is 3 capsules Celebrate Calcium Citrate serving size is 6-7 tablets to give 1200-1500mg cal cit per day Bifera Iron is for 8-18mg per day by my doc and ASMBS dependent on menopause status B Complex 50 is because I'm low in B1 and B6 without it (very common in RNY pts) B12 per my doc and ASMBS is 500mcg every day Vitamin D3 2000iu per my doc cuz I'm low in D and have had BC and thyroid disease Magnesium Citrate 400mg is so I can poop post RNY Vitamin K2 is cuz I want my calcium to go to my bones not my arteries or vessels. You can do what you want with your health. LOL. But I've been around here and other places long enough to witness the carnage that comes from people being blase about their vitamin and mineral routine. Ultimately I am a super-follower of my doc's orders and plans for me that are based on solid lab testing every 6 months.

I am going to try it bc I'm bored with everything I drink. Would you compare it to Crystal Light? Thanks so much for the heads up!

Omg yes!! I am back in my wedding ring and it actually spins around it’s so loose! Such a great feeling bc I have t been able to wear it in years!! I am 15 mos out

Slightly outside my comfort zone bc both pants and top are tight. Size 10 pants, medium top. Last day of the 6am hell shifts.

I will be having my gastric sleeve converted to the RNY hopefully, in December. I was told by my provider that they never had to get the authorization up front with Medicare. She said they submitted the letter of medical necessity with the claim when they filed and they never had any problems. I believe that Medicare has guidelines you must follow in order for them to cover my procedure. The problem is I'm not overweight, but I'm being revised due to spontaneous reflux. Everything I eat the majority of it comes back up. I definitely have the medical necessity. In my doctor's notes he states that I am malnourished and not receiving the nutrients I need to sustain life. So, basically if I don't have the procedure I'm not going to live a lot longer. My BC/BS of AL will not cover it because I had the original procedure out of the country and didn't follow insurance guidelines that are typical for WLS. I had other insurance at the time I had the surgery. The surgery was done probably 10 years before I became effective with BC/BS of AL. I've contacted Medicare to see if they would cover and was told yes if medically necessary. Since the self pay is a lot, I want to feel warm and cozy on the idea of the surgery being covered by Medicare. Has anyone had the revision due to complications only and Medicare cover? Thanks!

So amazing @Rainbow_Warrior! Thank you! So at this point of our post-op journey, as long as we don’t go over 1300 calories we’re safe? I too have been going from 800-1000 this past week. The biggest no no I never truly adhered to was not drinking with my food. I’m learning so much. I don’t take vitamins or other supplements, I see everyone is on them. I honestly don’t know why we have to. I’m forever cold. I have definitely asked my primary doctor why am I ravenous all day, he thinks it’s bc of the GERD, or that I might be anxious.

Thank you @FluffyChix 😊 It is the hardest part to reset. I am ravenous all day! I can’t drink water by itself unless it’s icy cold and I add some cranberry juice to it, not for flavor but for color 🤦🏻‍♀️, I know, I know 🤯 The reason I have gone back on this app is bc my surgeon relocated last year and her partner, I just could not get on with him. I don’t have my post-op instructional binder (long story) I did get the instructions from obesityaction.org, but there’s nothing there for someone who’s 3 years out. So I can’t wait to hear what the veterans have been upto 🤓

I had my gastric sleeve done in October ‘16. On the day of my surgery I was 207 lbs and by July ‘17 I was 144. I loved that weight. Initially after surgery I had no hunger. I could barely consume 200 calories a day for the first 4 months. For a long time after that, I struggled to get to 800 calories. My surgeon wanted me to increase my caloric intake bc I wasn’t eating enough. And honestly I really didn’t want to eat solids. Fast forward to Spring ‘18. I was ravenous. Still am. I’m hungry all the time. I’ve had some regain. Currently I’m 160, and I’m 5’1”. Not exactly obese but not as lean as I used to be. Based on my physiological composition 135 is ideal. This took a long time for me to accept as according to the BMI chart for someone my height, my weight should be between 97- 132 lbs. 133 lbs was my goal, but I would be happy to be back at 144lbs. Any advice? What can I do to stop the hunger pangs? I’ve begun keto, but have found the dairy keeps me looking and feeling bloated. Atkins? And can we eat as much as we want until we feel full? Or do we still have to adhere to small servings like during post-op stage 4? Also, I feel so guilty I can now eat a lot more than during my first year post-op, I feel like I don’t have the restriction, and I’m scared to come to terms with this. I definitely don’t serve myself the way I did pre-op, but I’m guessing that’s just bc I’m in fear of gaining more weight. Could I have stretched out my sleeve? Any feedback from this amazing community would be so useful! Thanks everybody :)

Had gastric bypass last month and I've been doing really well recovery wise. Warning - there is some TMI in this post, but I really need help... Background info: My BMs since surgery have been regular but...flaky? Not liquid diarrhea, but just - kinda powdery. Didn't think much of it since I figured well, I've been eating so much less and, blah blah. But then, the past couple of days I could "feel" the constipation was oncoming (I've had it my whole life, I know the feeling). I took some stool softeners, no bueno. Fast forward to last night - I was on the toilet all night off and on, crying out in pain, almost passing out and nauseated and feeling like I was gonna puke. I could "feel" this rock hard huge BM was right there at the edge, and even having to urinate was hell bc it would put pressure on it and I could feel it trying to come out but, it was NOT gonna come out. By 4am, I was close to having husband take me to urgent care bc I knew it was "impacted" in there. I tried a couple of enemas, as hellish as that was - absolutely no help. Finally later this morning I managed to pass the monster-brick-hard BM (TMI - this involved my awkward digital breakup attempts, also hell) that has probably been in there this whole time I thought the "flaky" BM's were "normal." 😨 And I felt relief, but then next time I tried to go to the bathroom, a couple of hours ago, I can tell there's more, and it hurts. 😰 Oh and I did call the doctor (first thing this morning) and he said to take Milk of Magnesia and drink lots of water. Done. But research on this wonderful site has given me all other kinds of good advice regarding routines and products, etc. etc. - . I will be using it. Where I need guidance/advice: So, I'm in the "soft/mushy" foods phase of the post-op regimen. I've been continuing with at least 1 Premier Protein shake a day, sometimes two - to help get in enough protein (it's so hard to reach my daily goal!). Then for dinner I've been having one of the following: Mushed up lowfat cottage cheese - OR - hard boiled egg blended up in my mini-blender with a tiny dollop of lite mayo and mustard - OR - also using my mini-blender, ground up moistened chicken breast with a tiny bit of lite mayo and celery salt (my version of "chicken salad" lol) - OR - watered down and mushed up refried beans with a bit of green salsa. I'm also meeting/ exceeding my 64oz fluid requirement daily (mostly water, some herbal teas) - and in fact usually surpass that. Are there any soft foods phase "meals" y'all can recommend that can - along with the other stuff like MOM, Colace, etc. - help prevent constipation or at least not actively contribute to it? Are my foods listed above not "ideal"? I'm going by doctor's list of recommendations - but admittedly only sticking to a very few of the choices. I try to keep things simple basically. I've had constipation issues my whole life, even as a young child - and nothing is more terrifying to me honestly - I even had to have a hemorrhoidectomy last year it got so bad - and if this crap continues (ha ha, get it) I know I'll be headed down that road again, which is a nightmare I never wish to repeat. 😩 ANY advice on what other soft foods that could help with avoiding constipation I should start including in my diet would be really helpful, thanks so much in advance!

My highest ever known weight was 325lbs. Over the past 20 years, I lost from 325 down to 218lbs during breast cancers treatment and post bc. But i started regaining at an alarming rate and my onc was very concerned the cancer would return. It took 2 years to convince me of the medical need for this surgical intervention. I'd regained back up to 287lbs. I could always lose weight (although slowly), but keeping it off has been a clear challenge. So I lost from 287lbs down to 222 morning of surgery. Today I'm maintaining at 135lbs. I made goal in 9 months (150lbs). It is very very possible to do this thing. It may not be the "average". I won't lie. I'm an outlier and extremely focused. I've gone hungry a lot -- and still go hungry. But that's ok. I refuse to let food/hunger dictate when or how much I eat or how well-behaved I am with food. This body feels fabulous and I intend to take care of it! I know you can do this too. I'm nothin' unusual--just focused on treating my head while maximizing the mileage I get from my tool.

Yes. I used to completely avoid PP bc is was so over the top sweet, but adding to iced coffee and milk I can have them. Plus now I’m feeling better about the fact that I’ve got a protein boost from them

It’s heart-breaking, isn’t it? My friend and her sister (who is just as SUPER-MO) live together, work together, and will most likely die together decades before they “should”. Their mother died in her mid-60’s from complications of MO and during this spring when I could get to the CICU, I got to spend time with their father. Poor man. He’s lost his wife to MO, and you can see in his eyes he knows there’s a better than even chance he will lost 1– if not both daughters- to MO. Sadly I think it’s too late for my friend. She’ll more than likely never get that transplant bc she’s too far gone to even be a realistic candidate at this point. As unbelievable as it seems, she’s noticeably put on even more weight since her 2-3 month stint in ICU. It simultaneously makes me so relieved that I was able to find my way out of that horrible labyrinth, but terribly sad that she never made it through. Meanwhile I still have who knows how many more years to watch her slowly kill her self. I hate it

During the first month I rode the electric carts bc I didn't have enough gas to walk the aisles. It was actually fun but now I am back to walking.

Yes I’m finding that I’m either holding onto things still that are waaaay too big, or I’m completely avoiding items that are flowy bc I’ve associated “flowy” with “hiding fat” for too long. I bet eventually I get more comfy with different styles Today I went to clothes mentor and bought several things. I’m running late for Pilates, but here is a quick snapshot of some new jeans and a top I got. The jeans are a size 10 from old navy and I’m floored they fit. I think they’re a bit snug, but that could be DM. The top is from Talbots and it’s a size medium. Also a bit snug, but I’m currently buying for fall and a bit snug is fine since I plan on losing at least 15 more pounds

Yeah it was after cancer scare #2 in early 2018 that I was seeing a new, young, female PCP. I was so horrified bc I was in her office seeing her for the first time and I started crying when I saw my weight. I’d managed to gain over 20 pounds in 2017 and was falling apart bc of it. She wasn’t phased at all by the fact that I’d shown up as a hot mess. In fact, she’s the one who gently asked me if I’d ever heard of/considered WLS. I was stunned bc I honestly thought that WLS was just for the super-MO people (thanks to shows like my 600 pound life) so I didn’t even realize someone like me (bouncing between 36-42% BMI) would be a candidate. If my PCP had not put that idea in my head, I would’ve never come to it on my own due to just assuming I wasn’t “fat” enough. It took me several more months of researching, checking with my insurance, going to a seminar, and—quite honestly— gaining intentionally an extra 15 pounds so I could qualify, but once the idea was there and I learned what I needed to do and determined I was ready it all fell into place. Yeah, the months leading up to surgery after the decision was made was tedious. It took me over 8 months from decision time to surgery day, but now the reward is just simply life-transforming

Side questions: I don’t totally hate exercise. For example my I LOVE Pilates classes, but HATE going to the gym. I have a nice treadmill at home that I bought over 3 years ago when I was struggling yet again to find an exercise groove and I walk/run/incline train on it 1-2 times weekly. I need to get in a better pattern of being consistent with that TM 2. I’ve always been a big water drinker, but I have noticed an improvement in my skin in spite of the fact that my jowels are more pronounced and is obvious I’m going to need some kind of facelift to avoid looking 5-10 years older than I am. I was the lady that would get acne breakouts in her late 40’s and I’ve only had 1-2 breakouts since surgery so there’s a vast improvement there. Of course it could also be bc I’m truly post-menopausal now so who knows if it’s the water or not. 🤷‍♀️