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I started my pre-surgery diet just over a week ago, planning to be on it for four weeks - my surgery date is April 15th. After loosing a couple of kilos rapidly at the start that I assume were mostly water, I actually haven't lost any weight despite sticking to this pretty restrictive diet. I'm a bit confused about how that is possible, on the one hand, and worried that I won't be ready for surgery at this rate. Did anybody else experience this at the start of their LRD?

Firstly, congratulations on coming through it all and doing so well. I am like you, major complications post op resulting in almost four months of hospitalisation and multiple procedures has left me feeling anxious about any further surgery, even going past the hospital on the bus can make me feel queasy! I had my first consultation about plastics a few weeks ago and the surgeon I picked was based on asking on a local/private Facebook group, doing some internet searches and checking out reviews and medical file searches where possible (to make sure no reports that showed red flags). As I live in Europe I has had to make sure that the surgeon and his staff speak fluent English and the other main thing was I wanted a surgeon working out of a different hospital to the one I had by sleeve done at, I wanted to be sure I had none of the same team involved. I was very happy when I met the surgeon, he was honest with his opinion in that he told me that I did not need a breast lift and implant and he did not think my tummy area was worthy of surgery at this point so at least he is not operating just for the money. He has put me forward for approval for an arm lift and I am waiting for the health service to review my file and send their decision. I am a bit afraid they may say no as I had to submit pictures and only after did I realise that maybe I didn't take 'bad' enough pics. I would have preferred to submit a video of the wobble Anything else I would have to pay for myself so, given the sh*t show of my sleeve, I don't think I will do any other surgeries out of my own pocket. I would love to do something with my calves they are terrible and depress me a bit as I feel they take away the look of all the weight loss but nothing can really be done for them.

While I am a foodie and looove to try new foods, recipes and going out to eat (you would not catch me repeating meals). I have been eating much less the past couple of weeks, I have borderline lost my appetite and eating feels like a chore. I can probably take 3 bites comfortably before I feel my restriction and I hate that pressure feeling, it is so intense and borderline painful, so I just dread eating sometimes.

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

So I'm a little more than 2 years out and for probably the last 6-8 weeks, I've gotten to where I just don't really enjoy eating most things. I'd say 90% of what I'm eating, I eat because I know I need to eat, not because I particularly enjoy it. Most things just taste off somehow to me, including things I used to really enjoy. I'm wondering if any other folks had anything similar happen? I will preface this by saying there's a possibility this is medication related, as I think I made a change to my meds about that same time. I'm investigating that separately.

I live alone too so I had no support in my home. I told a few people, one of which had had the surgery, but apart from phone calls to see how I was I really did it alone. I did get a lot of support and information from this forum and my GP was also supportive and interested in my progress. In saying that, I’m pretty independent and organised & I was very confident and comfortable with my decision to have the surgery. I didn’t have any psychological or emotional issues, was very mobile & didn’t have any co morbidities before my surgery. My recovery was pretty smooth though slow as I had issues with low blood pressure & hypoglycemia. Both of these I had experiences with before but occasionally not regularly and o knew how to manage them. I had no issue getting in or out of bed and my pain was easily managed with the prescribed meds (for about 4 days) and then didn’t need anything. I prepared well with all the over the counter meds my surgeon recommended (not that I needed them all) and had shakes, broths, soups for the first two weeks on hand. So I didn’t have to go anywhere or get anyone to shop for me. I think looking back I probably would have got my groceries for purée and soft food stages delivered simply for the convenience and not having to deal with weight restrictions for carrying things and the lethargy. Grocery shopping can be exhausting, (I did it after my hysterectomy last year & wish I’d done after offer my sleeve and gall removal.) I had a cleaner and a gardener so I agree with @BigSue’s suggestion about that even if it is for just a couple of weeks or so. Not everyone’s recovery is the same. We come in to it at different weights, with different medical histories and different existing medical conditions. There will be similarities but also variations. Do your research. Lots of people have shared their recovery and journey here to give you an idea of what you might experience and give you an idea of what you might experience. All the best.

Thank you. I also had hernia repair & have had zero heartburn so far so that is something I’m very happy about straight away. You’re right, I need to just stay away from the scales for a few weeks maybe. Im reading different things about how long people are swollen for.

Your body is still swollen from the surgery, it is in recovery, be patient. Your weight will come off, you need to let your body heal, it has only been about 1 week, once it heals, it will be easier for your body to adjust if you did not obsess and keep weighing yourself. This surgery is a tool, not an easy way out. Walking is good, keep it up. If you keep going and pushing yourself, you'll go farther. Think about joining a support group like Barination or Unjury, to learn about the new you and what to expect. Don't be so frustrated yet, you will lose eventually. You want to lose weight for good, and healthy lifestyle habits are important to learn if you haven't learned them yet.

The past week have been nightmarish. I have lost 3 something kgs and my BMI has dropped to below 18, which is considered underweight. I am totally okay and feel fine (checked with my team, my surgeon doesn’t seem too concerned) but been trying to eat everything caloric dense and fattening, no luck in gaining any weight so far!!

I had gastric bypass surgery and did everything alone. I live alone, no husband, no kids, no local family, and I didn't tell anyone other than healthcare providers that I was having surgery. I took a taxi to the hospital. Hospital policy does not allow taking taxis/rideshare or public transportation home, so I hired a home healthcare service to pick me up from the hospital (I was in for one night), take me home, and pick up my prescriptions. After that, I had no additional assistance. The most limiting thing after surgery was not lifting more than 20 pounds for (I think) the first 6 weeks, and also not bending over, like when cleaning or doing laundry, so I had to be careful with household chores, but other than that, I didn't have any problems. I went back to work (desk job) after a week and I was fine. I will say I had a very easy recovery with no immediate complications, but you won't know how your recovery will go until you get there. I would recommend to anyone without support to have a backup plan. Is there a friend or family member who could come if needed? Could you hire a home healthcare service if you needed help? Also, if there is any physical labor your normally do, like cleaning or landscaping, consider lining up someone to do that for a while.

I haven't done this for a while, but I thought I'd check in with everyone! Tell me what's going on - the good, the bad, anything! Use this as a space to just chat! I've been regularly attending classes at the gym now, and I also do weight training & some cardio at the gym at work. I have just got a bike too so will start going on bike rides with my dad soon I hope! With that being said, my weight loss has definitely slowed down and I am sitting at 11st 8lbs with little wiggle room, but that is okay! It'll pass I am sure! I am now at that stage where people have gone from saying: "oh wow you look amazing", to: "There is nothing left of you" or "you're skin and bones". I always find that really weird, like why are you commenting so much on my body 🤣 Little do they know I am hoarding ten tonnes of loose skin under my clothes 😭🤣 I cannot wait to get some of that sorted out in the future. TMI here but OH MY GOD my boobs are like scary-looking...I find myself wondering if they will reach new lows 🤣 Has anyone else experienced quite bad eye-bags and blackness under the eye following massive weight loss? I feel that I am sleeping more than enough, but my eyes just look sunken and dark and it is to the point people are commenting on it! Help 🤣 Hope everyone is well ❤️

I'm still evaluating my options (Keep dieting with my RD exericing with my trainer and Zepboundng, Endoscopic Gastroplasty, SG, RNY). I've met with two different medical teams, and my RD. I'm in one surgical in take program. Nevertheless, while I continue to research procedures, I wanted to ask about something that I won't be in any study. Is going through a bariatric procedure something people can do w/o support or consistent support. I have to plan to be on my own. How fragile are people after these procedures? How much help do people typically need? Can these procedures be done completely alone aftercare? Alone as in no one is available to help. Is it safe to be alone days weeks after the procedures?

I heard that reflux could be a side effect of taking GLPs, but I went on a low dosage of Tirzeptitde 6 weeks ago, lost 27 pounds, and am at my goal weight. Before losing weight, I took 40 MG of Omeprazole in the morning and another 40 MG in the evening. Since losing this weight, I've switched to once in the morning and have almost zero reflux! Losing the extra weight did the trick for me. BariatricPal does offer Saxenda (Liraglutide), Contrave (Bupropion/Naltrexone), Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia), and Tirzepatide in lower doses, which are known to cause less or no reflux. If you're interested, you can talk to the doctor, and they will prescribe what makes sense for your situation.

I wanted to share my experience of what happened 3 months post op with everyone so that they're aware as well! I had Gastric Bypass on October 15th and everything went amazingly well. Flew thru post-op without a hitch- diet was on track with where it needed to be, and I had even started back at the gym (all with the Dr.'s approval!) I had passed every post operative appointment up to that point. On December 12th (almost 3 months exactly after surgery) I was in the office eating lunch with my co-workers and after just a couple bites of food I felt what seemed to be dumping syndrome coming on but coming on a lotttttt quicker than it had ever before. As I got up from the table to head to the bathroom, the world started spinning and I had to grab onto the wall before I could finish my mad dash to the bathroom. Once I got in there, I never even managed to flip the lights on before I passed out on the floor. From what my coworkers said I was in there for about 30 minutes was their best guess. I don't remember much just that I woke up to find myself throwing up. Once I turned the lights on all I could see was bright red blood all over the floor. I managed to get up and open the door and flag a co-worker down before passing out again. Long story short- my body was going into hemorrhagic shock from an ulcer that had formed on one of the surgical connections which ate through the incision and finally broke through an artery. I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, and you know something is realllllly wrong when they get you right into the ER and within 20 minutes you've seen a doctor, surgeon, they have a game plan and you're being wheeled into an emergency endoscopy. During the endoscopy they found the ulcerated site and cauterized the bleeding artery and placed 4 to 5 stitures to help close the hole. This whole ordeal landed me in the ICU for several days... not the type of vacation I wanted 2 weeks before the Christmas holiday but alas... I was stuck. I've been placed on 80mg of anti-acids as well as another stomach-coating medication with endoscopies scheduled for 6 months post fix and then yearly from there on out. Looking back there were signs... I should have clued in on. But most importantly listen to your body- if something isn't sitting right go to your doctor. I will forever remember waking up in recovery with the surgeon coming in and looking me dead in the eye and telling me I was one lucky lady to be alive... If I had gone another 30 minutes or so in the condition I was- I wouldn't be here today.

Yes, that’s a normal rate of weight loss. As everyone else says, don’t compare your progress with others’. I had the same experience after my surgery where it seemed like everyone else who had it the same month as I did was getting these amazing results and I wasn’t losing weight any faster than before surgery (I lost 70 pounds in the 5 months before surgery). It was hard to see other people hit their goal weight in, like, a month when I still had over 100 pounds to go. You go through so much just to get the surgery, not to mention the grueling pre- and post-op diet, so it feels like you should be seeing major changes by now, but it’s not a race. As long as the number on the scale keeps going down, you’re doing something right. And many people experience a stall in the first month before continuing to lose. There are all these rules of thumb for how much you “should” lose in the first 3 months, 6 months, etc., but everyone is different, and you’ll get there when you get there. The first couple of months post-op are the worst because you’re recovering for a major surgery, adjusting to huge life changes, restricted to a limited diet, but still overweight. In the moment, it seems interminable, but a year or two from now, you will barely remember this rough period of time. Just have faith and stick with the program.

Hi I’m 4 weeks post op and have been experiencing a lot of stomach cramps nausea and going to the toilet it’s been going on for 3 days now anyone have any advice?

@FifiLux is right. Never compare yourself with others. It will only mess with your head. I can guarantee the one thing you can depend upon is that you will do this in your way & is best for you & your body. Whether it be how much you lose, the rate at which you lose, how long it takes, when you experience stalls & how long they last, when you can tolerate certain foods and what foods you can’t tolerate, etc. and there’s nothing wrong with any of that. There’ll be similarities with other & differences & averages which give you an idea of what you might experience that’s all. You’ve lost 13lbs. That’s amazing, Stick to your plan & remember to celebrate every pound you lose.

I had the exact same thing, it was seriously doing my head in! But.. it's quite normal, you might be eating at such a deficit that your body is literally slowing your metabolism right down, or you're retaining fluid. My Dietician last week told me on avg people lose between 4-7 kg (roughly double for lbs) between the first and 2nd months... I was despairing as I had only lost 5.1 kg... turns out, right in the middle!! Try not to worry, it is happening! I found upping my cals to 900 really helped!

So I’m 5 weeks post op and have only lost 13 lbs. I feel stuck and wondering if that’s normal to lose only that amount in a month? I feel defeated as I only have protein shakes for breakfast and lunch while I’m at work . but dinner is where i incorporate a soup or broth. I just don’t know if I’m doing this right? I’m supposed to be in the pureed stage and then go into soft foods next week.. I need advice on how to help my weight come off faster /better.. this has been a crazy mind game for me ..

We all felt that anxiety and worry about how things will change, as humans we don't like change much. But for most it's a good change aand whilst it's definitely not easy, it does get easier day by day, week by week from that surgery day! Eating clean whilst on the road is not easy, but also not too hard. You can always take protein shakes/bars etc with you for your small meals. It's also easy to find rotisserie chicken, or to ask for a burger without the bun etc. Remembering you CAN'T eat much, and have to prioritise protein first, so it is possible, just make better choices. The surgery doesn't mean you have to find organic salad all the time, you will be able to cope fine 😊

We would come down like a ton of bricks on someone who was mean on here. Its a safe place. People come for advice and reassurance and because I was helped I am paying it forward. I might add that it keeps me on track too so I am not as selfless as I seem. This is wise, I told only my husband and son. It was my decision to do this and like you I didn't want to listen to any negativity. Yes you will, I do. But in the beginning few days its a scary struggle and I did panic at this stage but we all got there. I got to a size and weight where I was happy. You then up your calories, a little each week until you get to the point where you stop loosing weight. Its really simple but takes a little courage to let go a bit.

Thank you all so much for replying and your comforting words. I can’t believe how nice everyone else. I was almost dreading reading replies because I just knew I was going to see a mean reply but everyone has been so nice and supportive about my emotional rant. Lol. I can’t thank you enough. Yesterday I went to a church service and sat on the bench and I just felt so big and uncomfortable and stuffed. I felt bigger than everyone on my row and probably was. Then I got home and ordered food for my kids and I and ate such a big portion and I remembered all over again exactly why I want this surgery and seeing your words confirmed it. Especially when @DaisyChainOz said “Only you can know if it’s worth it to you”. I really needed to hear that and I’m feeling like it’s really worth it at this point. I really can’t keep feeling like this. I guess if food is always going to be a thing, I’d rather it be a thing while I’m thin and more comfortable in my body. It’s also hard bc I’m not telling a lot of people. Not to be secretive, but bc I know many people won’t understand and I really want this to be my choice without the extra noise and opinions from people who don’t know what it’s like to feel trapped by your own body. I pray for no issues & that I end up being like everyone else in a few months asking myself why I didn’t choose to do this years ago. Can I ask a couple more questions though? Will I ever be able to guzzle water again? Lol. I just love ice cold water after a sweat or when I’m thirsty, just the feeling of chugging ice cold water, will I ever be able to chug a cold glass of water or will I need to sip it forever? If so, that’s fine, I just want to prepare my mind for what I’m giving up. Also, I know a couple of you are only a few weeks in, but has anyone lost too much weight? Not medically but lost too much personally? I’m afraid of getting to a size that’s too small. I don’t think I’ve ever desired to actually be skinny, I just want to be normal/average.

If any pain feels unusual or is strong to you, yes contact your team. It may not be anything but it’s always better to be sure. In saying that, certain sutures like ones that act sort of like scaffolding or support can snap as they dissolve and cause some pain so it could just be that. Ensure you’re not lifting, pulling or straining too much while you’re healing too & pulling on your internal organs and sutures, etc. Remember it takes around 6-8 weeks to fully heal so you’ve still got a couple of weeks to go. All the best.

My recovery from the surgery was really easy. I was a Sleep patient for seven years and then I converted to the Sadie. They did repair two hernia while they were in there and those killed me for weeks on end, but the incisions for the conversion in those areas, I had no pain whatsoever. In fact, I didn’t even feel like I had a surgery because being a veteran sleeve patient The amount of food I could eat did not change after the conversion.