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do you think that you may not qualify because you haven’t lost weight? do not worry about that. it’s more of a formality that insurance companies put out there. I guess the thought is that overweight people have never tried to loose weight so they should try once before surgery lol have you consulted with a nutritionalist yet? that can help you prepare for the bariatric journey even if it’s not required. do you have an app or journal where you track off of your food intake? for me, this was important to gauge what i was eating and where i needed to adjust. i currently am doing a pre op keto diet and use “Carb Master” to look at all of my nutritional macros (protein/fat/carbs/calories). it helped me actually shed some weight before going down to keto low carb levels (and been fantastic since hitting that level) i will say that it is important to understand your nutritional habits and change unhealthy ones if possible before surgery to avoid issues. knowledge of self is true power in this situation! have you completed the other insurance requirements or still working on them?
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Today I’m starting my first day of week 3 post op (2nd week of purées). I had hoped by today I would have achieved one of my specific mini goals. I was hoping to end the month under 300 lbs. Seeing that “2” in front of my weight for the first time in nearly 20 yrs. was something have have dreamed about but always fell short of since crossing that 300 point. The closest I got to that on my own was 309. Started out strong loosing about 23 lbs my first week, only to hit a big stall during my second week. I was struggling on purées to hit my water, protein and calorie goals. I won’t lie, I was prepared for a stall week 3 - but not week 2. It was so frustrating hovering right at the mark 300 on the scales, but I refused to let myself get discouraged and focused how far I had come so far!! This morning I hopped on the scales and low and behold I had movement and I’m solidly under 300!!! It may only be just barely, but I’m at 298 and that feels soooooooooo good! There is nothing quite as motivating as hitting goals and making progress… even small goals. June 2021 - my heaviest was 382. I lost 50 pounds leading up to my pre op liquid diet. Another 10 pounds was lost on the liver shrining diet. Today I am 16 pounds away from having lost 100 pounds! I can’t even believe I am saying that!!! That seems attainably close for the first time ever (to loose 100 pounds!). I have a long way to go. My final goal is less of a number and more of a feeling of being healthy - what feels right … but I’m more motivated than ever to tick off these mini goals one at a time and get to maintenance.
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Loosing teeth after gastric bypass and the easy way out?
Erin18 posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hi guys, So lately I've been seeing posts on tik tok and comments on there about people losing their teeth sometime after gastric bypass. That scares me a bit, but not stopping me from getting the tool. They all say they take their vitamins everyday. What could be causing them to lose their teeth? Is there something I can do to help prevent that? The other question is that I know this isn't the easy way out, it's just that everyone else who isn't in our situation always says it is the easy way out and they will argue and argue with you about it saying that it is. It's so annoying, they don't understand that its just like losing weight normally except you just have a tool to help keep you on track and if you mess up, you pay for it. That's like basically the only difference. Why do you think people are so against it? Besides the fact that it's super scary. If people wanted the surgery, it's because they need the help. Plus going in for weigh ins, nutritionist and all that, helps keep you motivated. People are weird. -
August surgery buddies!
LookingForward22 replied to Connie88's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I have some small seromas that are sore on my main incision. I have been using ice and heat on the area (was told they are normal and as long as they aren’t showing signs of infection not to worry). The heat and ice helps a lot. That incisions the one that’s been tender from day one so I’m just rolling with it. Occasionally I take some Tylenol. My binder is getting a bit loose even pulled tight so I’m not wearing it as much but it does tend to feel better when I wear it. It’s just been super hot with it on and the warmer weather. I’d check with your dr to make sure they don’t want to see you and to see what they say. -
I understand. We have all been through it and that is why we are all here, in some form or another. Don't panic, if you have a calorie deficit you WILL loose weight. Stalls and fluctuation are common and going to happen. Just follow your plan and keep chugging along and you will see the change.
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I was in my second week (today is day 1 of week 3) and I’m seemingly in a stall. I had been loosing up to my liquid diet (small amounts). Lost about 10 (despite starting my period the night before surgery) in the pre-op liquid diet. Then I lost 23 pounds my first week. Once I started purées I found it harder to make protein/calorie/water goals and I hit a stall. So I’m hoping that I can get out of that stall soon. I hear the first month is the biggest loss and the first 3 months are when you see your most progress so hopefully I will get back on track soon.
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loosing inches is great!! are you doing strength training to tone up?
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I am pre op but have lost over 60 lbs already. I was expecting to loose some face fat by now but pictures really haven’t shown a difference… however over the last year i have lost about 8” around my midsection and 2” on my chest and about 1/2” each of my thighs… where did you “loose first”? when did you start loosing the face fat/reduced chin and neck??
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Years ago they thought I had an ulcer. Sharp cutting pains that used to run across my lower abdomen. I did the breath test for the helicopter pylori which is the bacteria behind most ulcers & an endoscopy. What they discovered was I over produced acid which also caused a lot of my reflux symptoms. PPIs do reduce acid production & while pre surgery I took one as necessary (about 5 or so times a year) I now take one every day. As the PPI is helping you I’d think it’s more likely to be excess acid too. It’s not uncommon for our acid production to increase after surgery but also because we’re still producing the same amount into a much smaller tummy. Hence why we’re usually prescribed PPIs for a while after surgery until it settles. Yes, the pain is worse when your tummy is empty because there is no food to absorb the acid. Pre surgery, the quickest & easiest way to stop the pain was to eat some carbs. Of course that’s not an option any more but it’s usually pretty much under control now because I eat quite often through out the day. I had a bad experience a couple of weeks ago though. Due to a number of events out of my control which ended in sitting in Emergency with my mother, I had only eaten breakfast & a mid morning snack. By 7pm I was in quite a bit of pain which wasn’t alleviated until almost 10pm when I got home & could eat. The next day my poop was very loose & acidic (burning & smell). Also I don’t have a gall bladder now which used to regulate the acid entering the digestive system so now it just drips in all day long. When your surgeon finally rings you back, ask for a breath test & an endoscopy (or may be your GP can arrange a breath test in the US 🤷🏻♀️) just to be sure you haven’t an ulcer nor any pockets of inflammation from the excess acid. All the best.
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I had my surgery in Janaury 22 and I'm glad I did
omrhsn posted a topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Hi everyone! I've been a silent reader of these forums and have found a lot of answers and inspiration in here that helped me a lot along my weight loss journey. This is my first post and just wanted to first thank you for sharing your experiences and stories and to share mine as well. Hopefully this will inspire someone to take the decision. I had my surgery on 30 January 2022 and I'm glad I did. I'm going to be 40 in September and I've always been overweight. I've tried several diets, lost and gained a lot of weight. The last diet I've tried was Keto diet back in 2019. I was able to lose 25 Kg. Then Covid-19 came, the lockdowns and having to work from home. I gained all the weight back and some more 😥. Fast forward to January 2022. My sister (who is also overweight) was in Egypt on a business trip. She met one of her classmates in there who lost almost half of her weight and looked unrecognizable. My sister's friend recommended that she consult the same surgeon that did her mini gastric bypass surgery. After visiting that surgeon, my sister decided to have the surgery by mid January 2022. We talked about it and I discussed with the surgeon over Skype and made the arrangements to have mine by end of January 22. I had my surgery on 30 January 22 and stayed in the hospital for two days. I then flew back to Malaysia a week after. My starting weight was 149 Kg and my current is 103 Kg. I'm super happy with my decision and consider that to be my 40th birthday gift to myself. I feel and look amazing and I'm able to do a lot of the things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't because of my weight. I even got myself a mountain bike that I ride every night around my house. I hope I will be down to two-digits weight just in time for my 40th birthday! I'm planning to join a gym next month which will hopefully help with loose skin and speed up the weight loss. I've started a list of all of the things that I've always wanted to do but couldn't and I'm really excited to tick as items much as I can. -
Those of you 1+ year post op….
SleeverSk replied to KimA-GA's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My Biggest change: I don't make excuses to avoid going out anymore. Biggest surprise: how hard the first 4 to 6 months were, then how much I can actually eat now. Biggest challenge: not to drink coke and eat all my favourite snacks Biggest personal Victory: to many to list some small like being able to wipe my bum without feeling like I was going to do myself an injury, lol. Here I will add one Biggest disappointment: loosing my hair 😫 and loose skin but the trade off is worth it I think.......I do miss my hair though and the fact my last hairdresser visit was not good is making it worse -
August surgery buddies!
LookingForward22 replied to Connie88's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I think I know what’s going on and I just wanted to check in to see if this sounds like others experience. I lost about 10 pounds pre-op liquid (despite getting my period the day before surgery). I had also been loosing weight prior to starting the liquid diet. The first week after surgery I dropped 23 pounds! I started purées This past Wednesday and I’ve been struggling with my protein goals and my calories are a little low - trying to make sure I stay hydrated has been my priority and I’m having trouble getting it all I haven’t really lost any weight since starting purées, but I’m assuming the big drop initially and not hitting protein and calorie goals - my body is in a stall until I can work that out. Does that sound right? I’m hoping as I go through the next week - I can adjust and see some movement. I’m trying not to stress about it because I know this can happen - I just wasn’t expecting it quite yet. Any advice? -
Congratulations on the weight loss! I have saggy boobs now that most of the weight is off, so I get the rashes too. Like above posters said, figure the root cause, get the particular thing that treats the cause. I have used Triple Cream, from the baby isle, for extreme situations. For basic prevention I have found anti perspirant deodorant (expensive) or cheap drug store/chemist petroleum scented with lavender works well in all the skin on skin situations that cause rash. Both my mother and grandmother were nurses and said during the 1960’s to “never use powders ‘down there’ if you’re female because it causes cancer in people with vaginas.” So use the cream of your choice. Anti fungals for feet are the same as for privates. The private version is 2x stronger and the men’s is the same as the woman’s but cheaper. Also Dollar Tree version works fine too. Sorry for the long message. Unless you have surgery or have great genes or youth, the saggy skin still makes rashes. Don’t use powder near your vajaja, Congratulations on your weight loss! I hope you find relief soon, and you are not alone.
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69 yrs old and unsure..
summerseeker replied to Young 69 yrs's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I had my sleeve done nine months ago, aged 62. I walked with a stick, had severe shortage of breath, high blood pressure and was told 11 months before surgery that I was diabetic. I am a carer for my husband and there were times when he was having to care for me. Things had to change. I never realised that loosing weight would have made such a huge difference. I gallop through chores, walk miles and have endless energy. The diabetes and blood pressure went within a few months. The only pills I take now are for Fibromyalgia. The only downside to being overweight and being my age is the loose skin. I will need more surgery . -
Is it loose skin or fat?
Arabesque replied to maintenanceman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@SpartanMaker is correct. There will always be a layer of fat under your skin. It’s something we need. So even under the loose skin there will be some fat which is why it is hard to tell. How thick (dense) the skin is if you pinch it may give you a bit of an idea of how much fat is left in that area. And pinch different areas around your body to compare as we carry our larger deposits of fat in different areas of our body. Have a chat with your surgeon or get a referral to a plastic surgeon & ask their opinion. If you are thinking about having the loose skin removed, they’ll likely advise to wait until your weight has been stable for a while. If you are just curious as to how much fat you have left, yes a body fat or dexa scan is your best bet. -
Is it loose skin or fat?
SpartanMaker replied to maintenanceman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
So re-reading my post above, I think my tone came across as a bit harsh. That was not my intention, so I apologize if that's how it's interpreted. What I was trying to convey is that you can drive yourself crazy worrying about stuff like this. What really matters is (aside from your abdominal panniculus), are you are happy with your health and body composition right now? if so, then whether it's fat or skin is meaningless, just like a number on a scale is meaningless. On the other hand, if you're not happy with where you're at right now, then put together a plan to address it. For example, are you good with your overall amount of body fat, your muscle mass, your athletic ability, etc.? In short, focus on the things you can change. -
Is it loose skin or fat?
SpartanMaker replied to maintenanceman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Does it matter? The truth is, it's likely both. Fat doesn't float around in our bodies (if it did, it would all eventually end up in our feet!), instead, it's attached to other things. As the largest organ in our bodies, skin is a great attachment point for fat, especially in the belly region. Here are two other hard truths: One, a certain amount of body fat is healthy. In fact, without essential levels of fat, you would likely die when certain cellular functions stopped. Two, contrary to what some people think, it's impossible to target fat loss in specific areas. Where you store body fat is mostly genetic. My point in all that is to explain that you really don't have much control over whether or not that "saggy tummy" is fat and skin, or just skin. If you're otherwise healthy and happy with your both composition, you can think about plastic surgery to address the issue. -
Is it loose skin or fat?
kcuster83 replied to maintenanceman's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The only real way is to have a body fat scan. My first go round at loosing weight with diet and exercise I lost 140 lbs and rushed into skin removal. I had a TON, it hung so low. If I laid it flat it was almost 11 inches! Long story short, it was only 7 lbs when it was removed..bummer. -
This might be a silly question, but how can I tell if my saggy tummy is loose skin or fat? I'm 20 lbs away from my Ideal Body Weight (lost 73% of EBW), and I'm trying to figure out how much of that is loose skin vs. fat. When I pinch my saggy tummy, I don't feel a lot of subcutaneous fat. I'm a 50 year old man.
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How painful is gastric sleeve post-op?
LookingForward22 replied to LaLaLand's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Everyone is different, but this is my experience. I was given meds before surgery to help with after. Immediately after surgery I had gas pain, as expected. It was notable, but manageable and it disappeared quickly. In the hospital they gave me a muscle relaxer (made me sleepy), medicine for nerve pain (had that for three days post release), and Tylenol. I also woke up from surgery with a binder on. I was walking and moving pretty easily that day, I was sore… but honestly once the gas pain dissipated, it was really manageable. I was there over night, and walking pretty normally by discharge. I’d say I mostly had discomfort - certainly pain if I moved around to quickly (bend or reach) but it was not sustained. I also used heat packs in the hospital and shortly after - and ice packs on my incision where my stomach came out and over areas of the nerve pain. Today I’m 10 days out… I still experience some mild nerve pain (but not bad at all). Of my 5 incisions, only the one where the removal was is at all tender around the incisions area - but that’s more of an intense bruise feeling. I still wear my binder as it helps keep the skin pulling but I carry a lot of my weight in my abdomen. I take Tylenol occasionally - but really needed all the time. -
Under Boob rash
The Greater Fool replied to sagitluvu69's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Anytime you have skin rubbing against skin a rash is possible. Once irritated, fungus, yeast, and/or bacteria can add additional rash fodder rather quickly as such things love open irritations or sores. Things to do: Keep the area clean: Wash the area with soap and water frequently; Keep the area dry: After washing dry the area thoroughly, Powder the area: Baby powder, something like Gold Bond or Gold Bond Medicated, or anti-fungal powder (see next item); Address a possible fungus: Apply anti-fungal cream or powder. Athletes foot products will work if you can't find anything clearly labelled 'anti-fungal', as it is the same fungus; Hydrocortisone can help but it won't fix fungus; Make sure any creams, ointments, or lotions you use absorb to dry quickly, or it just becomes another irritant; If all else fails, you may need a prescription anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, or anti-whatever that you Doc can address better than us strangers on the internet; Good luck, Tek -
It still hurts to eat and drink
NittanyLion replied to Only Me's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Congratulations on your surgery! You are now one of use (those wearing a sleeve no matter what)! I had a sleeve done in 2014. Unfortunately, I gained all my weight back and added to it! I’m not sharing that to discourage you or something I am proud of. But, I too have been results oriented my entire life. I have been an expert at loosing weight fast! If I could make one suggestion it would be to follow the prescribed food plan and focus on your journey! Losing the weight will happen naturally and you will have developed the tools and habits for the weight to be gone forever! I am beginning the next step of my journey: a SADI-S procedure. I am 61 and I will never give-up trying! -
20 moths out and I think Im in maintenance ?
Arabesque replied to Betty1971's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Agree totally with @The Greater Fool. The number on the scale is less than important than how you feel. Happy & healthy should be the real goal. Can you drop below your set point & lose more? Sure. But it will require you to reduce your calories & up your activity. And when you get to that lower weight you will have to continue to consume fewer calories than you do now & do more physically.. It will be a constant battle because your body is most happy at its set point & will do all it can to keep you at that weight. Only you know if that battle is sustainable. Don’t forget, if you are going to have skin removal surgery, you will lose another couple of pounds so you may be closer to the lower weight you want to be at than you think anyway. Maybe the question is why you’ve selected that weight as your goal? An arbitrary number? A number chosen for an emotional reason? Because someone said it was the right number for you? Even science gives you ranges in all things which indicate how healthy you are (body fat, cholesterol, BMI - agree with it or not -, sugar, blood pressure, etc.). How wonderful you were able to donate your kidney to your daughter. Just think this wouldn’t have been a possibility before your surgery. And it’s fantastic your daughter is doing so well now. Hope your husband continues to be successful with his weight loss too. Congratulations on the weight you have lost. -
I understand where you are coming from and see issues like that for me coming up…. Unfortunately he isn’t changing but I am. I have been married for 22 years so it’s not a relationship i want to flush down the drain, but I have to start to prioritize myself over everyone else. He too likes the way things are and is trying hard to avoid change. it has been too much hard work to change myself for the better and loose the weight i have to go back to the destructive patterns of the last 21 years….. I am giving him a little more time to adjust but also letting him know that I need emotional support and help around the house too and if he is not willing to change for me, I wish him well on his solitary path. It’s hard when partners are out of sync; even worse when one refuses to adjust for the other … I hope he can change for you.
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Help! VSG or Bypass
LookingForward22 replied to RaisnHL's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I asked my surgeon what they recommended based on my medical history - and why. I really thought she was going to say bypass because of my high BMI and reflux, but she suggested sleeve. I mentioned I was taking Pepcid for reflux - but she pointed out that was only since January and mostly from my hiatal hernia… so fixing that should resolve my reflux. (Only a week out too soon to tell). When I asked about my high BMI she told me that she had some high BMI patients do very well with sleeve - but that she normally recommends a duodenal switch for high bmi and being a 10 hour surgery (with my hernia repair) she likes to do those in two stages… which this allows us that option. Honestly I’m hoping to loose enough that I don’t need to convert. I’m not working towards a specific number - I wanted my liver to improve (it already is showing improvement) and to get healthier. When I hit the number / goal where I feel good then I’ll settle in there. Hopefully I can do that with just the sleeve.
