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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.

I'm killing it, body fat down below 10 percent, I'm working out at least 4 times a week, am lean and strong. But I've found solace in whiskey. I drink it neat, no mixers. I don't drink during the day, but need to quiet my mind. Good quality whiskey does that, after 35 + years of total sobriety. I'm in Texas, so pot is largely illegal- and the illicit vapes make me paranoid. Crazy thing is I don't wake up with a hang over- I take Pharma sleep meds but am careful about the combo. I did talk to one guy who lost a crazy amount of weight through surgery and told me that heavy alcohol consumption is not uncommon. I was not fixated on food before surgery, but gained a lot during Covid sitting on my ass without serious exercise. I'm now working hard at the gym with a good trainer, and the results have been impressive. But the alcohol is an issue. I don't drive or go out when I drink, I'm home. I'm a high functioning boozer, but still. I hate being dependent on any substance, but I need to turn down the noise in my head. There are some legal CBD outlets in Texas which I can explore. I know the volume of whiskey I'm consuming is not necessary good for long life, but it definitely chills me out. Would love input from others who have had the same experience. Physically I'm in amazing shape, and generally, my mental attitude is quite positive. TIA!

Right. That’s where my biggest dilemma is. I don’t know when I enter it into Baritastic if I should use 3oz for the cooked chicken breast or 4oz for the raw chicken breast The calorie difference isn’t my concern. I would just enter the 4oz and be done but for protein that’s like 8-9g difference. (Really not sure why 1-2 oz is 9g difference but 3-4 ounces is 8g but that’s a whole other issue).

Has anybody else seen weight gain after surgery? I’ve been a little lazy to count my macros or weigh myself daily, but I did today and noticed I’ve gained 3 pounds. It’s so weird.

Hi there! I have had surgery mid September last year and from a prop weight of 213lbs I have become 138lbs (as of this morning). I don't have any restrictions either and my weight loss has plateaued now. I get quite hungry often too and have had multiple stalls. Please trust the process and wait it out. You'll be fine

Good evening guys! It's been a while since I lost posted on here, and I'm really pleased to say that almost 12 months post-op (celebrating next week on the 28th), I am officially 54kg/118lbs lighter. My dietician and surgeon have given me a goal of between 70-80kgs, I'm currently sitting at 81kg and would like to get to 75kg and maintain for another 6 months or so prior to deciding on plastics, however, that is another story for another day. I've come on here today - a primarily US-based forum - to ask my fellow UK/European bariatric patients about where you've been looking for your plastics. I've been having a look on here, speaking to people I know who've had WLS and/or plastics, Youtube videos, surgery websites, searching for surgeons etc based on their speciality, however, it would be great to learn more about other personal insights. I had my WLS done in the UK on the NHS - which I am ever so grateful for - however, I had a really bad experience and was severely ill in hospital for a month after, so I'll be honest, the thought of going under the knife again gives me some of the worst anxiety. I can't even go into a hospital currently without feeling anxious and a bit uneasy. I'd love to know some positive stories of those that were made to feel really comfortable, consultations that were really well in-depth, surgeons and doctors who made you feel like you were making the best decision. I've looked into UK surgeons - to be honest, I totally understand why people opt to go abroad (although Turkey is out of the question for obvious reasons) - I've been hearing great things about NordsEsthetics in Lithuania, with really good views and standards. I've also considered Germany or possibly the Netherlands, again for quality standards of healthcare and successful surgery rates. I have of course looked into UK-based clinics and hospitals, however the majority don't necessarily have any better review than others I've looked into - particularly surgeons who work abroad, but were trained and worked in the UK prior, although I am still contemplating whether I would go anywhere outside the UK, for the sheer reason that if I were to get ill again, what would happen etc. I am looking at a full 360/FDL tummy tuck with breast enhancement, as I've been left with a lot of excess skin on my upper torso that a traditional tummy tuck wouldn't necessarily remove. Anyway, any and all opinions are welcome, TIA x

Had my surgeons appointment this afternoon and all went well. I’d dropped another kilo since my dietitians’ appointment a couple of weeks ago - yay! The surgeon was lovely and very approachable. The surgeon asked if I’d chosen a particular surgery and asked my reasons for it. I told him “Bypass please” and explained my thinking. He was happy and didn’t see any reason why I couldn’t have the Bypass. He then explained absolutely everything to me as we went through the consent form plus drew a couple of diagrams for me so he was extremely thorough! I felt very at ease and confident in what he was explaining. Obviously it helped that I had guidance from this forum plus had done wider reading too so nothing was a surprise even when he was explaining things that could go wrong and what steps they take to rectify any problems. It was comforting to know that they seem extremely pro-active in sorting things out and they don’t leave their patients to flounder on their own should they need help. So, next steps…the MDT meets weekly, generally on a Friday, so my case should be heard next week. He said that none of my tests have flagged anything up, the dietitian was happy with me plus I was taking some proactive steps myself so there shouldn’t be any issues and I should progress through to surgery. I asked how long the wait was without getting a cancellation and he said 20 weeks from now so that will mean mid to end of January next year. I did stress that I would be more than happy to take a cancellation which he noted. The only problem, he said, was making sure that I still had 3 weeks to complete the LRD as sometimes the cancellations are too close to the actual day of surgery. I’m feeling happy generally with everything. I’ve done all my stuff so now it’s down to the hospital. I have my granddaughters birthday party tomorrow, our anniversary dinner on the 15th and then I’m free and clear really. I feel I can relax a bit now. I’m as prepared as I possibly can be short of actually having the surgery! So exciting isn’t it??

As much as it would be great if we could reset our tummy to the loss of hunger phase after surgery we can’t. You can reset your thinking and your head though it’s not easy. Start by going back to tracking everything you eat and drink & maybe keep a second record of what you were feeling at the time you ate or drink to see if there are any specific emotions (boredom, frustration, anger, sadness, happiness, stress, etc.) driving you to eat or any events that occured or situations you were in (Friday morning tea at work, socialising, at the movies, a sporting game, holidays). Identify things you ma have let slide: portion sizes, protein intake, food choices, fluid intake, snaking, etc. check your activity levels. Then make a change. Drop a snack or work on reducing your portion size. After a couple of weeks make another change or two like increase your activity, or increase your fluid intake or swap out some food choices to better ore nutrient dense lower calorie options. And so on. Gradual changes are much easier to adapt to and adopt and always seem more achieveable. Become more mindful about your eating. Are you eating because you need to eat (real hunger) or just want to eat (head hunger - associated with emotions, situations or events). Eat slowly to allow time for your full/had enough message to register (takes at least 20 minutes). Slowly work your way back to how you were eating when you were first maintaining. You’ll get there. All the best.

I am doing well, it was a bit touch and go the first 3 days with pain and constant nausea but I've hit day 6 and I feel like i have hit a new stride. I feel good. Hope those who have had surgery are doing well! ♥

i dont have a set recipe, i always just kinda wing it/taste test it...but basically: - 1:3 ratio of grated fresh ginger with chopped green onion/scallions in a bowl - corn oil - sesame oil - salt/pepper to taste - dried chili flakes (optional) - Heat up the corn oil on high heat until its shimmering, enough to be able to coat all the ginger and green onion you have - add grated ginger, cook for 15-20 or so seconds - add green onion, cook for another 20-30 or so seconds (you can add chili flakes here if you want) - transfer to a bowl - add sesame oil to the bowl (about 1 tbsp give or take), add salt pepper to taste. Taste and add what you need based on your preference. - move it all to a resealable jar and add more corn oil until it covers it all. - keep in fridge after it reaches room temperature. Its supposed to be able to last a week in the fridge, but honestly my fam finishes it like 2 days so I can’t confirm that timeline lol. ** I’ve added a bit of sugar to the recipe sometimes depending of what I plan to serve it with…the sugar version works well with duck or lamb and other gamey-er proteins ** ** also use this condiment to fry rice or noodles, YUM **

I will say your doing amazing, the surgery doesn't change our cravings, our habits, our mental triggers it only changes how much we can fill ourselves up without being in pain. We have all been there, this surgery does not guarantee a downhill trend, we will always have our ups and downs! I have been there, I have binged ate, to the point where I threw up, I have ate crap that I shouldn't and not just a small portion. Your deserve this active life, you deserve to feel healthy, be healthy and live life again. Do not talk yourself down to why you think you should punish yourself. Dig deep and remember your "WHY". Why did you do this surgery? Keep reminding yourself of all the positives. One day or even week does not define how your journey will go. Leave it in the past and start again. 1 day, 1 hour and 1 minute at a time. ❤️

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

I am just over 3 months post op and I am struggling with feeling sick all day long. I’ve lost 95lbs already. My dr has done different tests and everything comes back normal. I struggle to eat when I feel so sick. Try to get protein in but struggle to get anywhere close to what it needs to be. Has anyone else experienced this.

Hi! I don't have an answer, but I'm following in case someone else does too! My surgery is in 2 and a half weeks and I'm starting to get scared about this issue too.

2kg according to google is 4.7 pounds. That’s a lot for a week for most people at this point. Unless they have a higher starting weight. I mean of course some people do lose that fast but I don’t think it’s the norm just like some people lose it really slow. We will all get there though. As much as our bodies want to fight to hang onto it, it really just can’t with how little/healthy we are eating. Congrats on your loss. It feels amazing, doesn’t it.

Hi y'all, I am new to this forum and just want to first acknowledge and commend the courage and strength y'all have in utilizing this fortunate tool in your journey to a healthier life. I am at a crossroads. I am a 6'2", 275lb, 39-year-old man with VSG scheduled for Jan. 16, 2025, and I am having serious doubts--some caused by my health practitioners (chiropractor and non-WSL-related psychiatrist). I am on five different maintenance pills for blood pressure and cholesterol. My highest weight was 330lb. I lost 50 lbs in 2022 for a wedding, gained 30 in 2023 and lost 25 lbs from October 31st, 2024 until now (extreme crash diet). The total down is 55. My ideal weight is 210-225, provided that weight encompasses an active lifestyle and dedicated weight training. Here is the rub: I am scared of the surgery, and that fear has really kicked my butt to get healthy. My liver no longer shows NAFLD or alcohol damage with enzymes in the normal range. That is surprising because I was (honestly) an incredible "alcoholic" from 2013-2023. It may be hubris, but I am in no way concerned about addiction transfer as I have fully recovered from alcoholism following a wegovy and booze and supplement mix that caused acute pancreatitis. Blood pressure and cholesterol are under control. Sleep apnea sucks. Mental health is good to great. Banned currently from GLP-1 ( aforementioned acute pancreatitis). I have kicked all the typical vices. Despite all that, I am cleared for surgery, and the surgeon thinks I am an ideal candidate because of the lower risk of chronic pancreatitis following the knife. My surgeon is located in America, and my insurance is on board. Meanwhile, I have had little trouble maintaining a 1600- to 1000-calorie fat-burning diet, especially since a surgery date made it a very, very real concept. My primary motivation for pursuing VSG was for my family and my 2-year-old daughter, coupled with a debilitating (but now manageable) back injury that left me sedentary for nearly 2 years, and, of course, to address my comorbidities. Now that my back is "okay," I can exercise 3 to 5 times weekly. But if I don't lose weight, spinal degradation and likely further stenosis around the sciatic nerve will continue. I was supposed to have surgery earlier in the Spring of 2024 but bailed because of a month-long family holiday to Asia and then a summer of the in-laws staying with us. Also, we are trying to get pregnant again, but my wife's self-imposed window is closing as she soon turns 40. So, what do I do? Given that my ideal weight is approximately 65 lbs away, would you pursue VSG? Would you delay it while trying to conceive (this is a big one)? Am I getting stuck on too many variables? Would VSG make global travel a different experience? Or do I buckle up and charge ahead? Should I try giving the "natural" way a shot for one more year? I have unflinching support from my family and parents to go for it, and I have little doubt that I would excel in a post-op life. But I am worried about travel, a change in taste, and, generally, pain. Pain makes me an unpleasant person at times. But I dread ballooning up to qualify for insurance if the "natural" way fails my goals. None of this was a concern until a surgery date made it real. I appreciate you reading this and thank you in advance for any comments, long or short. A simple "Go" or "No Go" would be appreciated. I am actively planning for the surgery and, regardless, look forward to the two-week pre-op diet challenge. However, I could see myself bailing like two days before. Digital prayers for all! Is anybody ever too young for a midlife crisis?

Congratulations on your surgery and success. To answer your questions first: How much weight did you lose after gastric bypass, and over what period of time? I lost 500+ pounds over a period of 2 years. Have you managed to maintain your weight loss, and for how long? I have managed my weight at just about a Normal BMI for just shy of 20 years. What were the biggest lessons or hurdles you faced during your journey? The biggest hurdle I had was the actual surgery. It was an open surgery where they cut from stem to sturn so they can reach in and manage the surgery then staple things back up. The staples at drain were extraordinarily painful with the slightest movement for the month until they took them out. Another couple weeks after that I was as good as gold. Next was learning how to eat, chewing, swallowing, learning when I was full, learning that I dumped on fats, then learning I dumped on sugars. Listening to my stomach on what I would be able to tolerate, then how much. Learning not to take that one more bite. My highest point was running 5 marathons, the third of which was across the Golden Gate Bridge (twice). Never even a hint of a possibility before my surgery. Good luck, Tek

Sleevetobypass2023- Yes they did the sleeve at a surgical center (very common in Florida) they have private staff to keep you over night but at 10:15pm when it was time for me to walk again I was dizzy and my BP was low so they called my husband and told to drive me to the hospital that my surgeon text him the info for. By the time I arrived at the hospital I had already loss 2000cc of blood and looked 9 months pregnant. As far as the surgeon he said he is sorry, these things happen and there is nothing he can do. He won’t even help have the hospital correct the billing codes. BCBS told me they don’t cover any WLS or complications from it but they paid to remove my lap and 3 years ago.

I am so glad you had a lovely week! What did you have for your anniversary dinner? 😍 The weather at the moment is awful isn't it 🤣 Literally we are just predicted heavy rain & thunderstorms in the South East! Not particularly keen given that I have 0 clothes that fit so I am severely underprepared 😂 I am so happy to hear about your clothes fitting & how happy that made you - genuinely put a smile on my face! You are doing so well ❤️ I still haven't been to the gym but my excuse this time is that my boyfriend is having to use my car for work and therefore I can't get there in the mornings until I get it back tomorrow haha. But, hopefully, I'll have someone coming with me so we shall see! Have a good rest of the week ❤️

Wanted to share my experience and echo the other commenters here. I am 9 weeks out of my gastric bypass and I am right where you are almost exactly weight loss wise- Pre surgery and liquid diet I was 260lb (117kg) After liquid diet in surgery day I was 244lb (110kg) Now after 9 weeks I am 99kg. I haven’t weighed in a few days so I may be a pound or two more but I’m trying to limit myself to only weighing every few days so I don’t hyperfixate. I definitely feel like I’m losing slow- but last week in my bariatric programs’ support group on zoom, almost EVERY patient had that same feeling. It was very validating and most of us were feeling disappointed and impatient. After hearing that it made me feel a lot better. I keep reminding myself that I haven’t even been this weight in a long time and that it’s going to keep going down on its own schedule, when it’s right for my body. Keep fighting the good fight and showing love and kindness to your body and we will all get there.

Hello! I’m just reaching out to ask if anyone had worsening of their AHI after gastric sleeve. Mine has gone up at least 3 points since surgery and I’m 10 weeks out. My throat is a little soar all the time now too. Has anyone found a good thing to help this? Thank you!

Sleeve done Sept 5th, sipping everything no problem. Feel no restriction thus far on clears. Monday I start full liquids. I do feel a slight fullness with 3 oz of water lower down I guess in my new pouch.

Several years ago, I was going to a gym 4-5 days a week. Not ONCE did I get that euphoria. I'm glad you do. If I did, it might make it easier to get started.

Can’t help with the decaf matcha (find matcha can be grainy and dusty & the caffeine knocks me) but what about trying green tea? It’s the same just milder in flavour and because it’s not as concentrated it has less caffeine (about 1/4 of coffee & I think about 1/3 of matcha). I’ve been drinking green tea for 20+ years. My surgeon allowed herbal or green tea after surgery thank goodness. I think I started drinking it again a few days after. I found the warmth more soothing & easier to sip than water. If it got too cool, I just reheated it in a microwave but some people swear by those little hot plates to keep your mug warm. Check with your team if you can try green tea as an alternative to your matcha.

One cracker won't make any difference. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean to have 1, then maybe 2, then ok 3 is still ok, so 4 is then fine....no. Think about why you cheated, remember why you're doing the surgery, give yourself some grace in this, and just keep doing what you're suppose to do. One cracker isn't the end of the world, I promise