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I guess everyone has their opinion on this but I think everyone can agree that being hydrated is good for the body and good for weight loss. I drink around 90-100 ounces of water a day and I credit my water intake for the weight loss I have seen. If I drink a lot of water I rarely if ever get hungry between meals. Remember that water also: 1. helps keep the skin hydrated which will help the skin contract so you do not have a lot of loose skin after the weight loss. I lost over 100 pounds and my skin is nearly back to where it was 30 years ago on my stomach. 2. Reduces water retention which helps keep weight off. 3. Dehydration slows down metabolism....scientific fact....so if you are trying to lose weight, that is something you do not want to happen. 4. If you are diabetic, plenty of water helps flush out waste and keep your numbers under control. 5. More hydration keeps the joints lubricated reducing inflammation and making it easier to walk and move which will improve weight loss. My advice to anyone that has WLS is to continue to force fluids until it becomes second nature to you. I do not think 64 ounces is enough, but that is my personal opinion on my experience. Most people are up 16-18 hours per day, so based on 64 hours, all you have to do is drink 4 ounces an hour....4 ounces....to get 64 ounces in a day. Challenge yourself and go to 6 ounces and you get up to 76 ounces of water. Anyone can force down 4-6 ounces of water in an hour...that is a one ounce shot every 10 minutes to get to 6 ounces. Force yourself to get this done and you will be glad you did.

1) A couple of weeks after surgery the scales began to move. There's a lot of water retention post-surgery, which throws a lot of people off. Best advice is to just ignore the scale while you're still healing from the procedure. The weight is definitely coming off, but there's some adjusting your body needs to do. It's been through a lot! 2) I had no appetite right after surgery and was on liquids, so I really can't recall anything that I honestly loved. I couldn't tolerate sweet things, so any liquid savoury soup (like a simple miso) was appreciated. Unsweetened matcha lattes made on protein fortified soy milk also kept me happy. 3) It took a good month for me to recover (I had a hernia repair with my bypass). Once the pain had finally gone and things settled in, I began to feel better pretty quickly. The first big improvement honestly came from having quit sugar from the pre-op diet onwards. By about week 3, my skin was clear and I really noticed how much better I was feeling. No more headaches. 4)The trick with exercise is to pick something you enjoy. There's no point joining a gym if you don't enjoy gym fitness. The best exercise is the one you'll actually do. I personally love the gym, it's my happy place so I don't need to motivate myself to go because I look forward to it. Find what gives you pleasure. It might be swimming, riding a bike, or just walking (great time to pop on headphones and listen to a podcast or audio book). There's honestly a fitness activity out there for everyone. Set aside the time for yourself and enjoy it.

Oh I am so sorry you are going through this. I did liquid for a month before surgery it isnt easy but it was so worth it. Remember you are going through withdrawals from sugars etc so its going to make you emotional and yes angry. Also you are loosing your coping mechanism. The diarrhea is probably good for you because your body is detoxing from years of crap - this can also cause headaches so drink lots if water it should help Just know that it is also a good time to start learning self discipline- i know for me my husband enjoyed taking me to dinner and ive inly been out with him 2 times since my surgery in December 1021. Wven though I make the healthiest choice on the menu and only eat a small portion- i usually have enough for 2-3 more meals - i always up gaining or not loosing for a week - probably due to salt. Im going to give some advice I wish I had on the liquid stage - get Nutrition 310 Protein Powder mix it with unsweeted plant milk - I like Silk Almond milk - it comes in so many flavors that it helps with the cravings and it is so so good. I love the peppermint swirl. But they have a vanilla birthday cake thats so yummy as well. I seriously can live in just this stuff now and when you crave that treat youve got a healthy alternative- its full of Vitamins and I feel so good post op since I found it. Like I said, I wish I had found it during my month long liquid hell phase and the 2-3 weeks liquid post op. AMAZING!!!

Super excited - had my surgery 12/22/2021 I am hanging around 180 BUT I have been working out so i see the loss just gaining muscle AND I actually went running for the first time in 15 years yesterday!!! I was in track in Jr High and High School and kept up through the years until about 15 years ago I had my ACL replaced in 2011 and had cracked my femor so that started my no running gaining weight journey. It felt amazing. At first I felt my lungs after about 5 minutes and I thought hmm maybe I should stop but then I remembered that feeling from running track and racing it turned from this hurts to oh hell yes I loved that feeling because I knew I was running strong and hard in the day. I ran a mile - many leas than the old me could have - but I was proud of that one mile. And I dont feel bad today - my left hip is a bit sore but its full of arthritis so Im not surprised by that. I will rest today and run tomorrow Im building it back up slowly. I can say Ive lost enough I dont have the fat hitting so it was comfortable to run physically other than im super out of shape. I do have a lot of stomach skin - the Apron - it still carries weight as do my hips and thighs. Im where I want to be with the rest of my body - my husband said he can see my ribs and spine pretty dominant I just cant seem to move the hip, lower tummy and thigh fat. Thats where the last 40-50 pounds are that I need to loose. Im hoping squats and running with get it moving. Thanks for listening let me know if anyone here is starting to run! Sw 227 4/16/2022 180 TWL 47 pounds

Hello. During my preop insurance approval phase I ate whatever I wanted but I did count calories. I stayed under the allowed calories given to me by the nutritionist. I lost 25 lbs. Then I stuck with the preop diet and did it for an extra 4 days. 4 weeks postop now, sticking to the plan 99.99999%. My only "cheat" was that I ate 1 reese piece! That 1 reese piece cured all my urges to have a treat that I know I shouldn't have. Eat what you want, but don't go over board because sometimes gaining weight will have your surgery cancelled. My team, at the final weight check you could not have gained any weight. Didn't have to loose but gaining delayed your surgery date.

You're def right! I try not to check my weight every day anymore. Usually every 3 days. I should go less because some days it makes me so frustrated. I also bought a smaller pair of pants that are soooo tight so when I can fit in them or they're loose, I'll know regardless of the number that my weight has gone down.

I think more than anything, my worry comes from the possibility of a negative health outcome. I worry about the hernia and gerd. But I'm tired of being uncomfortable in my own skin.

As it gets warmer, I’ve been dropping my winter clothes and coats into a bag and putting them into a donation bin. I’ve bought a few new items from target. Target is pretty affordable for casual clothes. My t shirts from last summer are loose, but I can still wear them.

I have just had candy cane revision. When did you have the original surgery? Have you had a gastroscopy? They can't just guess this! Mine was in 2000, and I had alot of vomiting post op for years. I have had some regain in the last five years and what I thought was reflux. Turns out after a gastroscopy they found candy cane which explained the years of vomiting! Anyhoooo, decided to have the RNY revision and when he got in there found I had a fisutla around 10mm which was allowing food into the remnant stomach and some of the limb lengths were incorrect. I ended up having to have it fully open as there was alot of scar tissue and when he got in there found that large parts of my intestines were twisted! So not the keyhole surgery I had expected, and a longer recovery but all is good now. I had the operation o the 10th February 2022, and I am almost 10 weeks post op I have lost 35lbs which I am very happy with. I dont have as much to loose as the first operation, but it feels just like it did all those years ago, and the hunger is gone.

Thanks for the good vibes! My surgery was the 5th. I also managed well with a cpl Tylenol. Amazing! I am on the last hours of my 2 Wk post op liquids diet. My lap sites are healing well, my procedure was a revision of a RNY. I am holding out to get on the scale until I get ready to see my doc on Tue. My favorite knock around jeans are really loose, the will be listed on Posh to sale pretty soon. I went for a great walk today at a nearby park with a jogging trail. I will make that a daily activity! So much better than my backyard laps. Be Well! Tina

Will Stop thinking about food - that’s what will happen. You will think of clothes and the gym etc., after get past the recovery stage. I think with gastric is best not to buy too much clothes as you will keep loosing for awhile. Go through your list of foods after surgery make sure you have what you need. I live alone, so will have to prepare all before. I won’t have surgery until late June if I get a miracle or early July. Things moving fast. Good luck. 🍀

I’m 17 months out my starting weight was 245 and now I’m at 155 and this past week I lost 5 pounds I’m drinking water now a lot . I’m a caregiver and I sit with people in there home . So I do take tuna for lunch with ritz crackers any suggestions I need then I do take a small orange and I do drink 2 shake a day to get my protein in . I’m planning to get skin surgery in 6 months

I am 3 days post-op and experiencing the green, sticky, loose stools. I don't have any severe abdominal pain, fatigue or problems breathing. I hoping the color change happen soon. I having difficulty with coughs and sneezes. This makes my abdomen feel like my stitches are going to bust.

It’s not normal. If you are having more than 3-4 loose or waterey stools and you are unable to keep fluids down please call your doctor. I would stick with sips of plain water or coconut water. The sugar free stuff might contribute to the issue right now. Any abdominal tenderness outside of surgical sites and gas pains, elevated temperature, chills or sweating should also be reported to your doctor. Generally after surgery we are kinda well hydrated by the IV fluids so we don’t get in trouble with dehydration to fast. There are different meds to slow things down depending on what the doctor feels the issue is. Be Well, Tina

Need to loos weight What helped me loose weight is eating more protein and adding a protein shake to my routine. Which I turn helped me get thru the liquid stage easier

If your hair is that long it might be a good idea to get at least some length cut off before surgery. It will be easier on your drains at least if you loose some hairs in the months after.

V, Regarding the digestive issues; try to drink more plain water. The sugar free stuff might be the culprit . If you don’t like plain water you can make an infusion using any nbr fruits like lemons, limes, mint, cucumber for a lil flavor. If you are have on going loose stools talk to your doctor about Imodium to slow things down. Try eliminating one or two SF choices. If that doesn’t slow things down then read the label on your protein drinks. See if there is anything that could upset your gut.The pre op is meant to clear us out, shrink the liver, and reduce inflammation. Be Well, Tina 2.0 (RN BSN)

Yea what i am saying is if you do the revision, They can repair it then. But loosing weight is eating right and exercising. Find something that you like. I started going for a walk for about an hour a day at night (Its too hot here in Florida for the day lol) if you have a gym in your area they probably have classes for water aerobics and other ones. my mom goes to those types of classes a couple times a week.

Love it! Your skin is glowing.

Same dang thing happened to me at a size xl. Had to wait to waste money to restart the loss. I am scheduled for skin removal surgery now- I have a full, expensive closet at my current size. Im thinking I will likely not change much size after the surgery, but it would be on brand for me to have to buy my entire wardrobe yet again. Luckily I feel like with a tummy tuck that would most likely influence pants sizes and I don’t really wear pants so fingers crossed.

I have a closet full of nearly brand new clothes i have had for years and years that i havent been able to wear for about 6 years now. I am excited to be able to wear them once i loose the weight.

Awesome. glad to see a actual guy on here and their results. But yea everyone goes into a stall. But keep working on it and you will continue to loose some weight.

Before surgery, I was put on clear liquids for one day, and NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight the day of surgery. I was also given a bottle of CHG (chlorhexidine gluconate, a strongly antiseptic wash) and told to wash twice with a washcloth and plenty of it. It made my skin feel "slippery". The night before surgery, a nurse called to go over things with me and ask questions about allergies, etc. She also answered questions I had (and I had a lot). The day of surgery, I reported to the hospital. I'd done all my check-in paperwork before so just had a few minutes at reception/intake. Then I was sent to a waiting room, given a brain-swab Covid test, and called when my slot in the OR was ready. I changed into that super sexy gown, was washed again, and my stomach was shaved (I'm a dude). They gave me some pills, including an anti-nausea medication and some Tylenol. They also put a seasickness patch behind my ear. I met the surgeon, who asked a bunch of questions, then the priest (just pro forma), then the anesthesiologist, with more questions. They started an IV in me. My fiancé was allowed to stay with me as my "interpreter" since I am hard of hearing and have trouble communicating with masks. I was rolled out and in the operating theatre there were the anesthesiologist, his resident, the surgeon, his resident, two nurses. I had given permission for my operation to be broadcast to medical students (how will we get new doctors unless we let new doctoral candidates see what they need to know?) so there was a camera. The anesthesia was started and the next thing I knew I was in my recovery room with my fiancé by my side. I was EXTREMELY sleepy and kept nodding off. There was food brought but I only managed a few sips and actually fell asleep with my spoon in the broth. I was discharged twelve hours after I arrived and went home and slept.

I meant to make a post for six months, but then life happened. So here I am exactly seven months out from surgery. Current weight: 268. Down 128 lbs. from my measured high, down 98 lbs. since intake, down 89 lbs. since surgery. 17 pounds to goal. It's gotten a lot slower, and I expected it to. I hit a major stall for more than a month right around the six-month mark. I'd lose a pound, and then I'd retain water or work out hard and cause inflammation, and those gains would be erased. My week-over-week average did drop, but by fractions of a pound. Then this week—whooooooosh, I lost five pounds in two days which just means my body cleared out the water, the 💩, and whatever else might've been hiding in there. The big marker has been my body fat; at intake, my body fat was over 40%. At six months (the last DEXA scan I had done), it was 26.8%, and has dropped since then. Because I have been training like a madman, my muscle mass also went up quite a bit from the initial post-surgical drop. My goal is to be below 20% body fat, whatever that number is, so I recalculated it at six months and my goal weight moved from 240 lbs. to 251 lbs. (I'm a thicc boi, by which I mean "incredibly dense".) Last week I was hospitalized for an infection and spent two days in there. While the infection absolutely sucked, I did notice my vital signs were exactly where they needed to be, without any medication at all. My blood pressure was 111/67, my SpO2 was 100%, and my resting heart rate was 48 bpm. That alone would have made it worth it. Also, the first night, I did not have my APAP machine and managed to sleep without oxygen desaturation happening (to the very great surprise of the nurse). I need to make an appointment for a sleep study to see if I still need the machine, I don't want to just drop it if I'm still having apnea. I am wearing size 34 jeans (down from 52), large t-shirts (down from 4XL or even 5XL), and my shoe size went down again, so I'm in 11.5s now, which are a lot easier to find. I eat 1500-2000 calories a day depending on my planned activity level. On days when I'm going to work out and then coach, I eat closer to 2000 cal; on days where I am more sedentary, I eat closer to 1500 calories. It's about a 40/30/30 split between protein, carbohydrate, and fat calories. If I start feeling the restriction, I just stop, no matter how many calories I'm up to. I find that if I force myself to put the spoon or fork down between bites, sometimes my brain just forgets the food is there, so if I go, "Oh, hey, there's still food in front of me," I know I have had enough. Yesterday's meal plan was this, along with 3 litres of water: 0700: Espresso with 3g brown sugar and 2 Tbsp. milk, 8 oz. tropical chia pudding with a few very small cubes of mango and nata de coco (coconut jelly). It took me about 20 minutes to eat this. 1000: Protein shake (Core Power 26g) 1300: 4 oz. ground turkey breast with 1.5 eggs, some spinach, mushrooms, and roasted yellow bell pepper, with a wedge of Laughing Cow cheese, some salsa, and a high-fiber whole-wheat tortilla-type wrap. This took me an hour to eat. 1800: 6 oz. grilled pork chop with 2 Tbsp. sauerkraut and some cooked apple and caramelized onion, with 4 oz. steamed green beans with a tiny bit of butter. It took me 45 minutes to eat this. 2030: Protein pudding (instant sugar-free pudding with protein powder mixed in, made with milk) and one single Thin Mint crumbled on top Total was 158.3 grams protein, 122.3 g carbohydrate, 58.7 g fat for a total of 1650 calories. Athletically, my mile run has gone from 15 minutes to about 10 minutes (though I don't run as often as I should), my flexibility and mobility are way improved, and my explosiveness has improved—from nearly missing an 18-inch standing box jump to doing a 30-inch with plenty of clearance. I'm juuuuuust about able to do a pull-up (soon!) and can do ring dips and support my own weight on the rings. I can also climb corral fences a lot better now that I don't have to wait at the top to find my center of gravity. There's some loose skin, especially around my belly. There's a little bit of chicken wing in my thighs and a tiny, nearly unnoticeable amount in my arms. The belly one bothers me because I feel like it pooches out, but obviously I will need to be stabilized at a weight for a while before even thinking about plastics.

Actually its been over TWO years since i had my plastics trifecta (time flies!) my arm scars have faded alot, but are still visble (and wide…boo ) they are light pink and white, but flat so this is good, especially cuz these scars see the light of day the most. my tummy tuck scar is thin and med/dark brownish and still a teeny bit raised in some areas, they dont look raised, but it can be felt when i touch it. Some parts of the line have completely healed and look like normal skin. I joke that my tum scar looks like morse code. My belly button is dark and looks dirty, like i dont clean it or something lol. I often put concealer on it if i know its going to be showing. now my breast lift scars have progressed the least…they are dark reddish brown and noticeably raised at the ends and right under the boobs. This area only had 1 round of steroid shots so I guess it makes sense. No one sees the underboob scars except me and Mr. and neither of us really care. But the ends (near the side flanks) annoy me cuz they can be seen when i wear a halter or bikini top….but i plan to get tattoos to camouflage them, just a matter or time. Oh and these scars are STILL effing itchy! Geez. Sorry this was so long.…and not about food. 😂