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Hi all, September 3rd date for me. Looking forward to it - feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as it gets closer! Only 10 days until the milk diet begins... good luck to everyone!

Forget eating - If you do not have co-morbidity factors then put fishing weights in your pockets next time that you go the Doctor. They are small and you can gain 10 pounds overnight

I’m a licensed cosmetologist and almost 9 months post op myself. I colored my hair the entire time I was experiencing hair loss. Honestly, go to a salon and have it done so they can use a lower volume developer versus buying a box and doing it yourself. Depending on what you want to do and where your color is now, they should be able to use 10 or 20 volume. All box color is 40 volume, has a higher percentage of peroxide in it, because it’s a “one size fits all” and can be unnecessarily harsh on your hair. Also, invest in an olaplex treatment while you’re at the salon. It helps protect your hair from the damage of coloring it. I went from silver to purple to blonde post op, using Olaplex. My hair feels healthy, just thinner.

So - I'm 57. I was 55 when I had my surgery. I'm in the midst of menopause, I've had two kids both by c-section and was a nationally competitive athlete in my teens. I look amazing clothed. I know I will never see 125 ever again. Just not happening. I also know I'm never going to see 20% body fat (which is what I was at then) because my physiology as a menopausal woman who has birthed two children will not allow that. I know that plastics will tighten and lift the tummy and the girls. My bigger issue is my arms. Have you talked with a plastic surgeon who is familiar with bariatric patients? My guy works with the team at the hospital I had my surgery at - his opinion is that thigh lifts are risky because of wound healing issues. Granted - you've lost only about half of what I have. At my highest (I wouldn't get on the scale) looking at photos now I realize I was over 300 pounds so I'm down about 150 pounds. I'd like to lose another 5-10, but if I don't, I'm ok with that. You really need to talk to a plastic surgeon about what is possible for your body.

I was born weighing 10 and 1/2 lbs and was always big lol. My highest was 280 and lowest 140 which I was happy with. I had my surgery 4 almost 5 years ago and I have not gone back to my prior weight

I only had like 10 pills, so I only took them when I absolutely needed to, which, really was only when I had issues sleeping.

When you say dye - meaning what? Darker, highlights, blonder, what? Darker hair will make your scalp show more if you have a fair complexion? Highlights - 2 colors might hide scalp peek-through better. While dye won't necessarily ruin your stressed locks, don't do drastic changes more than 2 shades difference - more than that takes stronger peroxide that will dry it out and make it prone to breakage. I would cut it shorter, not a pixie or anything, just shorter, maybe layers to plump up volume. I did a body wave, and highlights - not at the same time - it helps hide peek-through. It is growing in, fine baby hairs at hairline now at 10 months out the loss has stopped.

The OP's surgeon is incredibly ill informed. First "bulking" in the bodybuilding context is more about eating lots than it is a specific weight training regime. Obviously after WLS "bulking" is just not going to be possible. Second, everyone (other than steroid users) loses muscle mass when they loose a significant amount of weight -- its just reality. Third, weight training (especially with weights as heavy as possible) is the best way to minimize loss of muscle mass. Despite fairly intense weight training I've lost at least twenty pounds of lean body mass since my surgery. This isn't a bad thing since I've lost far more fat. More importantly I would have lost significantly more muscle if I hadn't been lifting. Bottom line is that after WLS no one is going to be gaining muscle. This is true for guys and even more true for women. The best case scenario is that after a person's weight has stabilized they may, with a lot of hard work over a long period of time, manage to regain some muscle mass. However, without steroids (or Testosterone Replacement Therapy for guys AKA legal steroids), these gains are unlikely to exceed 5 to 10 pounds for women and 10 to 20 pounds for men. But that's enough to make a huge difference.

With a desk job usually 7-10 days are enough..

Surgery was 19 June. I have lost 20kg in just over a year. I now weigh 93.9 kgs. Weight loss has stalled over the past month. Good thing, I haven’t put on. Although I have been off diabetic meds since preparation for surgery, my body needs a kick start as it hasn’t quite caught up with the change. I am now on one injection once a week and my weight has started to move again. My thyroid has now come to show an alert from recent blood testing. Just had a ct scan and won’t find out results until I next see specialist in Sept unless he contacts me. Prior to op they found I had gall stones and when they become uncomfortable will need surgery as there are many and they are big. i work on a School crossing and with the strong winds today I was blown about and found it to be quite the workout, lol.

Hello all, This will be a lengthy post! 10 years ago I was sure getting this surgery was the quick fix to weight loss I was searching for. I thought I would get the surgery, no pain, no problems. I would self-pay and all my problems would be solved. I didn't think about the depression I was dealing with, the addiction to food that needed to be addressed or the I don't care attitude. I feel that at the age of 20 I was naive and nowhere near ready for this challenge. 21-28 I challenged myself so much. I stop eating beef and pork for8 years. I started working out every week then a couple days then more and more. I started meditating to cleanse my desire for food. I tried lifestyle changes instead of quick fixes. 10 years later! I had time to deal with my depression, I'm wiser and have done years of research on the gastric sleeve. I educated myself year after year on something different about dieting, exercising, being mentally stable, loving me even when I felt I couldn't & understanding that being happy was to be found first, then I could see if this surgery was right for me. While I am truly happy with my life I haven't been happy with my weight in a long time. I wanted surgery to be happy with the person I looked at in the mirror, to be able to enjoy this wonderful life God blessed me with and to get back to a real happiness. I’m 30 years old, married with 4 wonderful children (13,11,10&2), all natural births, very little pain after. I was sleeved 8/6/2018. I went through the doubts and nervousness a week before and a couple of days before the surgery. On the day of surgery, I told myself that whatever happens when I wake up I will deal with it with little complaints. I sighed up for this surgery and felt that I had properly prepared myself for what was to come. I knew the pain would be bad didn't know how bad but I knew the challenge would be great! I knew I would no longer be able to eat what I wanted any longer. A little over 3 days in and I'm happy, figuring out what works on this 2-week liquid diet and I WILL NOT GIVE UP! I WILL FALL BUT NEVER STAY DOWN! I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WHY I CHOSE THIS NEW LIFE AND TRY MY BEST AT ALL TIMES! Follow my sleeve Instagram: followmysleeve

Hello! I am sleeved as well, and I also believe I can answer, keep in mind that each person is different but I hope that all the answers that you get will help you make your decision and give you some much needed information! 1. I do believe that you will be able to get lower than that easily, especially if you stick to the program and add the appropriate amount, as well as the appropriate exercise depending on the phase you are on. Yes I am a male but the weight that I lost was absolutely insane and happened much faster than I thought it would. I have not been at my current weight in YEARS, almost so long that I feel like I came out of the womb at this weight! 2. I do feel as if last winter was the worst of my lifetime, I was sitting in the house in a knit cap, scarf, gloves and a jacket while the kids were walking around in pajamas.... recently took a cruise to Alaska and it was 50-60's and I felt fine. I usually am a polar bear and enjoy weather in the 30's and 40's. Normally I am able to go outside in just a light jacket, pants and sweater and I am very comfortable. Lets just say that I am curious to see if my cold tolerance has changed over the course of this year and since my weight loss has stabilized I will be able to tolerate it better. 3. I would say that depends on you, I can tell you that my relationship with food has changed, while I can say that working around food may be a trigger, it can also work in your favor if you let it. I do not work around food but I do work for a fire department and people are dropping off good snacks and food all the time. Prior to surgery I could not say no whatsoever (unless it looked unappetizing) now I am able to walk by and just look. 4. As long as you stick to protein you will be fine, you will find that protein is your best friend, and when you eat it, you will not be hungry whatsoever. Had to take a 10 hour trip up to PA to pick up my puppy, I was able to eat breakfast around 9 and make it home and only had a banana and a couple of protein shakes. I got home about 9pm and did not feel hungry the entire ride, before I would have stopped and McDonalds and Chick Fil A several times before I got home. 5. As long as you follow the plan you should be fine, I can tell you that there were days that I did not follow the plan because I was not hungry but I was not malnourished. There are still days at almost a year out that I do not really eat much, I have my normal handful of vitamins and several protein shakes and I am good. I am pretty healthy and definitely malnourished whatsoever! 6. As long as your Dr knows what meds you take you should be absolutely fine, not to mention that you taking off the excess weight will help your joints because they are not carrying all the weight that they are used to carrying. Ask me how I know....... Not sure of what surgery you are having but my Dr says that with the VSG NSAIDS are ok. Just as long as I follow the label so they are not an issue for me. 7. Have not had any depression at all, I will say that I was a little moody for a bit because there are times that you realize that you counted on food to cope with certain issues. You have to relearn how to cope and not use food, as well as saying goodbye to old lifelong habits. 8. I am not on Paleo and I do not make about half of my food, I love Chick Fil A and will always love it, I still eat it, but I watch what I eat! Grilled sandwich (only able to eat half) and a small superfood side salad are my typical meal there. Its about you finding the healthier choice and picking it most of the time. I am a cook and enjoy cooking so its pretty easy to fix a protein and low carb veg for me and add in a carbohydrate for the rest of the family. Its all about choices. When I am at the fire station there are times that I just eat a Healthy Choice meal for lunch and call it a day! 9. If you are as active as you say you are, then you should be fine! Hate to bring it up but I can tell you that I have been on several cruises (average weight gain during a 7 day cruise is anywhere between 5-10 pounds) I have been on several and actually lost weight! I watched what I ate and didn't get stupid, and took the stairs almost EVERYWHERE we went on the ship. If you are willing to workout 30-40 minutes several times a week you will be fine!!! Past month has been absolutely insane here and I have not been working out as I should have, but I have still managed to keep my weight the same. 10. I have not had dumping whatsoever (once again I had the VSG) only side affect that I have had is GERD, which I am currently trying to get under control. I have had anything and everything else on your list and more without one issue whatsoever! Only thing is that I notice that I do not tolerate spicy that well, not because it causes serious issues it just makes my stomach more acidic so I have to take some Tums or something. 11. I can tell you from my experience that guzzling will not be an option. Water does not compress, it will change shape but it does not compress. When you swallow a large amount of water and it is too much to easily go through the small pipes that you have it is going to HURT, I can tell you that you will be able to drink normally after awhile (not at first!!!!) but you have to take it easy. One year out I still have to watch how fast I drink! Hope this helps and good luck !!!

Mine is working the day of my surgery and coming after he gets off. I know he would make me nuts and more nervous beforehand, so it's for the best. He can't stand 10 mins in a waiting room let alone hours.

I am sleeved, so can only answer for that 2) I have heard stories of people who lose a lot of weight and they are tired and cold all the time from low matabolism... I heard weight loss surgery prevents this... Does it? Being cold is sometimes a side effect. I have not experienced it. But I'm not yet at goal 3) I work around food and hear that is a risk factor for WLS failure. Yes it is. Definitely able to eat around my sleeve if I wanted to. You have to make the mental commitment not to do so 4) I worry I will be full after 5 bites but hungry again in an hour... That isn't gonna help me lose weight unless I am full between meals. I hate being hungry- its painful to me. I just can't white knuckle through if I am hungry between meals. I am full after 5 bites and then nearly always full and satisfied until next snack or meal time. I am sometimes hungry, either physical or head hunger. At those times I will have a healthy snack 6) I worry about mal-nutrition, some studies have shown even with vitimins and good nutrition people become malnourished. Not generally an issue w the sleeve 7) I have bad knees and take Ibuprofen and naproxin, I worry about the surgery making pain meds dangerous Some Dr's allow NASIDS, with limits and precautions 9) I feel pretty good on Paleo but I fall off the band wagon partly cuz it is so much work to make everything from scratch. Do you have to make all your food from scratch? No tv dinners and canned Soup (as a single mom I sometimes go the easy route which is my downfall often) No need to make everything from scratch. I eat a lot of prepared or semi prepared food from Trader Joe's for example. 10) How active do I have to be? I consider myself moderately active. I enjoy hiking, swimming, soft ball, yoga, and stuff on weekends... But I don't have time for 2 hours a day (which is something people who lose 100lbs naturally have to do for life- and it just doesn't seem possible while working full time and being a single mom). 30 min a day, and a few hours on weekend (especially in summer) I could do. But I do have other time obligations I'm terrible, I'm not very active. I do a moderate amount of walking. 11) does fruit cause dumping? Can you hage coffee with milk? Can you have nuts? Can you have treats on special occasions? Whatever about cough Syrup? What about sandwiches (common hiking fair) Fruit can cause dumping but YMMV. Generally, yes you can have coffee w milk (or a protein shake as creamer). Nuts, yes, but watch out they are often a high calorie slider. I can't imagine why you wouldn't be able to have cough syrup. I eat sandwiches, no issues. 12) I worry about getting enough hydration. Sometimes I realized I haven't drunk all day and I guzzle Water (which I don't think would be an option any more) You can guzzle after a few weeks or so post op This is all assuming all goes well... So, honestly, I'm not sure if you are ready. It's cliche, but this surgery is only a tool. You have to be in the right mental space, and be ready to do your part to be successful. I mean, if you had to give up fruit or nuts, but got your health in return, isn't that worth it. But instead you seem hung up on the small things, like you are looking for excuses. You have to really, really want this, in order to succeed long term.

I just googled Fairlife, and that might be an option for me. I'll look at soy milk and rice milk, too, but iirc they're a little too high in carbs for me right now. (I've voluntarily started a low-fat ketogenic diet, so that I can reach my doctor's 10% weight loss goal for before my surgery. After the procedure I plan to be a bit more moderate in my approach to things. The irony that I'm more restricted now than I will be a month after surgery has ... not escaped my notice.) They make peanut milk, now, too, which I know literally nothing about, except that it exists. I'll also have a look at that. I vaguely recall coconut milk won't work, but I might be mixing up keto and WeightWatchers in my head? I'll look. I'm only really invested in using up the Quest powders because I have them in my house right now, you know? When I replace them I'll try something else. People seem super into the Syntrax Nectar, so that's a possibility. And I liked Muscle Milk OK in the past. (I liked Premier Protein, too, but my team won't allow it because the first ingredient isn't protein isolate. Other kinds of protein are, in their minds, inferior. Since there are so many options out there, I'm not going to fight with them about this.) Anyway, thanks for the suggestions! And also, I'm with you on avoiding Amazon!

So... I am considering weight loss surgery. I wanna talk to you guys before I talk to my doctor (who usually prefers conservative treatment and would be a hard sell?) I was on here about a year ago but then I lost my insurance so I gave up on the idea... Tho now I have insurance again... (And close to 5k savings...) Here are my concerns 1) I have been obese since early childhood. I currently weigh 320. I have done weight watchers and Paleo and can't get below 275 (which is what I weighed in early highschool). Usually at some point I fall lff the band wagon (as you all know it is a tremendous amount of work, Zumba every day, and counting points, making everything from scratch...) I fear I would be a failure because my body just flatly refuses to get lower then my highschool weight. Unlike others who can get down to 198 but then balloon back up... I haven't been under 200 since I was about 11. 2) I have heard stories of people who lose a lot of weight and they are tired and cold all the time from low matabolism... I heard weight loss surgery prevents this... Does it? 3) I work around food and hear that is a risk factor for WLS failure. 4) I worry I will be full after 5 bites but hungry again in an hour... That isn't gonna help me lose weight unless I am full between meals. I hate being hungry- its painful to me. I just can't white knuckle through if I am hungry between meals. 6) I worry about mal-nutrition, some studies have shown even with vitimins and good nutrition people become malnourished. 7) I have bad knees and take Ibuprofen and naproxin, I worry about the surgery making pain meds dangerous 8) I worry about getting depressed which I hear is a side effect 9) I feel pretty good on Paleo but I fall off the band wagon partly cuz it is so much work to make everything from scratch. Do you have to make all your food from scratch? No tv dinners and canned soup (as a single mom I sometimes go the easy route which is my downfall often) 10) How active do I have to be? I consider myself moderately active. I enjoy hiking, swimming, soft ball, yoga, and stuff on weekends... But I don't have time for 2 hours a day (which is something people who lose 100lbs naturally have to do for life- and it just doesn't seem possible while working full time and being a single mom). 30 min a day, and a few hours on weekend (especially in summer) I could do. But I do have other time obligations 11) does fruit cause dumping? Can you hage coffee with milk? Can you have nuts? Can you have treats on special occasions? Whatever about cough syrup? What about sandwiches (common hiking fair) 12) I worry about getting enough hydration. Sometimes I realized I haven't drunk all day and I guzzle water (which I don't think would be an option any more) This is all assuming all goes well...

I did not start near that weight, and if I was I would not have needed the VSG I am 5' 10" and was 338 at the start of my journey. Ok now that has been said and please don't think that I am being condescending because that is the farthest thing from my intention, I just wanted to let you know where I started! It is completely understandable that you are scared but trust me you will be fine in the end. You need to fasten your seatbelt my dear because this is going to be one heck of a ride! I am almost a year out and you can check my profile for the amount of weight that I have lost. I feel absolutely AMAZING and wish that I would have done this MUCH SOONER, if I did then there are several health issues that I would not have had to deal with! What I did to prepare myself is exactly what you are doing, searching boards, looking at Youtube videos and doing serious research online. Just know that there are things that you are going to have to give up like soda, but in the long run it will be more than worth the small and temporary discomfort that you will go through. Another way that I prepared myself was starting on a high protein and low carb diet. That will be essential to long term results, it will lead to long term results. Please do not sweat the procedure the worst time that I have had with it was the one week following surgery, after that it was smooth sailing! This is a process, and even though it is moving pretty fast you come out on the other side half the woman you are now and have a smile on your face that very few things will turn into a frown! Your confidence will increase, as your waistline decreases! Good luck and please report back with your progress!

My doc is very experienced (one of the first two to have performed the gastric sleeve operation) and insists on a one-week liquid diet before surgery. He also makes his patients lose 10% of their body weight before the surgery. (And, I mean, he's popular--booked out for months in advance--so I guess he can afford to cherry-pick patients so that his stats stay good, too.) I have read some of the studies about this, and there is a noticeable change in the size of the liver when patients are put on a very low calorie or ketogenic diet before the surgery takes place. It isn't total bunk.

Well I doubt I will ever become,a total gym rat, my 72byear muscles might rip if I lifted real weights, but,you,know I can improvise. I can go from soup,cans to V8 cans to a 5 pound bag of something in each hand, then a 10 pound and then, just then, I can go to 25 pounds? The sky,might,be the limit even for a near-geriatric broad. And I can cheer you real weightlifters, the bench pressers, I may be minor league in comparison but each clean and jerk I'm your God mother rooting at the edge of the gym.!😛👍😛

I'm a slow loser as well. Many of us are excited with first 20-25 lbs gone super-fast and easy, just within days post-op. In fact, that weight is nothing but water. Our body requires more time and efforts to burn fat cells. And even so, it will first try to burn muscles, not fat. That's why it is important to focus on protein and physical ex, specifically weights. I'm 10 months out and now every pound requires more and more efforts. Surgery is not an ultimate solution, but just an instrument which helps you eat less. Also, try not to focus on food so much. Your meals description indicates, that you are too much into food. You should definitely pay attention to calories and fat/carbs/prot levels, but do not stay enslaved by the fridge, as this is exactly what brought all of us to surgery. Food is a fuel, not an excitement. Personally, I'm still on my 4 protein drinks, which gives me around 700 calories and 120 grams of protein per day. The rest 500-600 calories come from fruits and veggies, which give a lot of water, good carbs and fiber. Plus I'm trying to burn about 200-250 calories in the gym every day.

I had heard scary stories before I got my IUD too, but when it actually came time to get it inserted it was a breeze. Maybe like 5-10% more uncomfortable than a Pap smear but insertion lasted like 20 seconds. Removing it is just as quick. I’ve had mine for two years now and it’s been great. I always had trouble taking the pill when I was supposed to, and I had more of the mood effects and still had heavy and very uncomfortable periods while on it. It’s all about researching and exploring what works best for you though! Best of luck!

@Pink nova Such a fun and active age for boys. (I have three; two are medical doctors, the last one is 19 and still trying to find his place in the world. He thinks that's computer engineering.) I feel bad in retrospect that we didn't do a lot of traveling because of me. (Now that my two oldest can do as they please, I hope they travel the world!) boys ages 6 and 8. They are so looking forward to the swim up bar and not having to get out of the pool unless for food lol. And something else, too. Think about it. Think about. Ding! Ding! Ding! You wouldn't want them going in the pool, would you? I'm more convinced than ever by my first impression of you. You're a great mom, and your boys deserve a mom that can keep up with them. I know they say weight-loss surgery has to be for ourselves first, but our kids have to be a big reason, too. I just wish I had done something sooner. That said, bariatric medicine wasn't as advanced back then. And hearing about all those lap-band horror stories (stomachs severed in half, etc), maybe I was better off fat and sassy. In truth, though, I didn't become heavy until after my ankle injury (described on my profile page), so I actually didn't need surgery when they were that young. It's all such a blur sometimes. Hmm. Why didn't we travel more?! Enjoy your nice young family. They grow up too fast.

Im not quite sure which surgery you had. I just had mine 7/26/18 so I took out my book for you and here's what it says for sleevers: 60-80 grams of protein a day/ eat protein at all meals first 64 oz fluid. Decaff, Non Carb, sugar free or less than 10 calories a serving 25 grams of Fiber per day multivitamins etc 30 minutes of exercise a day Ultimately, I recommend seeing a dietician who can help you develop a plan that fits your life and can help you meet your goals! You have already invested in your weight loss, you might as well get a refresher to address the changes in your life! Good Luck!

I fit in to a jacket I could not even wear the day it was given to me 10+ years ago....talk about feeling great. P.S I still think that plate of chicken was too big

GERD is a serious issue so doing what you can to address it is the right decision. Taking PPIs may mask symptoms of reflux BUT acid/bile will still be damaging the cells in your esophagus, which puts you at risk for Barrett’s Esophagus and/or esophageal cancer. I think you should trust your doctor that your body won’t end up malnourished. Even if you get to a low normal or underweight BMI initially, the chance of it lasting long term is low. I speak from experience. I’m “model thin” right now as I’ve been struggling with GERD (for 10+ years), a hiatal hernia and a diagnosis of Barrett’s Esophagus 4 months ago, even post-MGB. But I’ve recently had hernia repair surgery with Nissen Fundoplication so am very optimistic of my long term outcome, as are my physicians. I will not be eating crap or large quantities of food to gain weight as that could lead to poor eating habits and gaining too much weight. I take all of my required vitamins and minerals and everyone should do the same post-gastric bypass; otherwise, you could cause an untold number of health issues.