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you defiantly do have a chance of hitting your goal. Just stick to it! Have you talked to a surgeon yet? One surgeon i spoke to would not do gastric sleeve for people over i think it was like 58 BMI. That those with higher BMIs had to loose weight to get below a threashold (for safety issues) But of course every surgeon is different and have their own set of guidlines. I wish you the best of luck!

I had a tendency to stall for long periods then drop a ton quickly…. Then stall for forever and a day again… rinse and repeat. Overall it was agonizingly slow food wise now: Breakfast: a slice of toast with peanut butter or avocado. If peanut butter I will add 1/4 of a banana (sliced) lunch: P3 peanut cluster pack and a chobani yogurt. dinner: chicken/shrimp/ rarely pork or beef (pork for some reason my stomach can’t handle very easily. That was the first food that gave me foamies and it sits like a rock in my stomach 🤷🏼‍♀️) for snacks I tend to have nuts or cheese or yogurt. im boring with food. I tend to do what works and that’s it. I don’t like to think about food and honestly I am never really “hungry”. I think I’ve only been hungry once since surgery and it was one of those things where I was working on a home improvement project and lost track of time/forgot to eat and missed eating for almost the whole day. So I really don’t even classify my hunger as coming back yet since it was only the one time. I just got Invisalign so I am not really wanted to snack much either lol. My calories were in the 1000 range up until a few weeks ago and my nutritionist freaked out because she said I should be 1700. I had a meeting with a different nutritionist and she said I could push myself to 1400-1500. So that’s what I did and I started losing again. Their reasoning was that they didn’t want my metabolism and body to adjust to 1000 calories because that wasn’t sustainable long term. typically people say that you have a bounce back from your lowest weight. My family is a tad concerned I lost “too much”. I do have lots of loose skin 🤷🏼‍♀️ I don’t like it so I tend to hide behind clothes. as far as osteoarthritis… with that amount of weight loss I actually hardly feel any pain and can walk around like it’s nothing. I can’t run (high impact) or jump (also high impact) but easier exercise is fine. I’m currently taking it easy because I played basketball/handball with my students and stressed my knee out by doing all the things I shouldn’t have been doing 😅 I tend to walk A LOT. I have a big campus and I walk back and forth all day, I have a standing desk with no chair so it encourages me to walk/rotate the room. My arthritis was so advanced it looked like an X-ray from someone who is in their late 80’s and they were talking knee replacement surgery. I was in a wheelchair. They wouldn’t do the surgery Because of my weight and my age (too young). By doing the weight loss surgery I have put off that need for a knee replacement indefinitely.

My face definitely looks older. I don’t have a lot of wrinkles or look like a deflated balloon; my face just looks kind of boney. I think the plumpness in the face (chubby cheeks) from being overweight makes one look younger, so losing a lot of weight has the opposite effect. (I feel lucky that my double chin tightened itself up as I lost weight; I wouldn’t have been surprised to end up with a big wattle, but I didn’t.) My hair also looks horrible. It’s normal to lose a lot of hair after surgery (telogen effluvium) but mine never got back to normal. But you know what? People are constantly telling me how great I look (but sometimes they first ask if I’m sick). I think it’s kind of a sad commentary on how the world views weight, but in terms of overall appearance, losing weight will outweigh (ha ha) the negative changes. I’m not aware of any supplements that will help, so your best bet is probably just normal anti-aging skin care products. And maybe Botox.

I’m a slow looser like you and sometimes panic over the stalls. I also panic a bit about not loosing the majority of weight during this golden year-year and a half that our tool gives us. Then I look at the big picture of a 130 lb loss and don’t worry so much. I’m shorter than you and lost the majority of weight before surgery. I’m averaging about 3-4 lbs a month after the 6 month mark. “Keep swimming, keep swimming “, said Dory. I also have osteoarthritis like other posters and found that weight lifting (smartly) , biking, rowing, and gentle yoga like chair or Hatha helps me stay active without pain. My garden gives me a good amount of gentle activity too. Now if I could only loose weight by activity alone, alas it never works!

it depends on how old you are, your genetics, and how much weight you lose. I'm in my 60s and lost over 200 lbs - so yes, I looked older. But on the other hand, when I was super morbidly obese I looked young for my age - people were always surprised when they found out how old I was. But after I lost all that weight, I think I just looked my age. P.S. Supplements won't help with loose skin - on your face or anywhere else, unfortunately. I like the suggestion summerseeker had about looking at before & after pictures. And I agree, most people's faces don't look old and wrinkly. And you can always get a facelift if you don't like the way your face looks afterward - but most people don't because it's not bad. Excess skin is usually worse on the body - where it's easy to hide in clothes.

Hi I’m scheduled to have the Sleeve operation on the 10th of May , obviously I am just a tad apprehensive about it but need a monumental life change after years of yo yo diets etc . My plan is to loose weight to my desired / ideal weight and keep it under control . Did loose over 3 stone about 7 years ago by using a Personal Trainer etc but that’s not on my radar anymore

They've said they have it loose to avoid complications. I had mine tight for 13 years and it didn't help me lose a single lb. In my opinion they're nonsense things. And to answer the OPs query, biased as I am, I'd do what I did a couple months ago: whip it out and revise to a bypass which has the added benefit of actually working.

I also went through Kaiser and I have almost the same stats as you. i started at 330 pounds. i had surgery around 297 pounds. (I’m 6 2” for reference) i am 39 years old with severe osteoarthritis in my knees and ankles. I weighed in this morning at 169 pounds (I am on my period though and I tend to retain water so I am probably closer to 165) . I get about 1400 to 1500 calories a day in now. My one year surgiversary was on March 24th. So I am just over a year out, but my numbers looked very similar to yours. they are happy with my loss, I am now in a BMI range of 21 or so… i was at 185 for a LONG TIME then just recently started loosing again because they upped my calories. So now I am down to my lowest I have been since junior high. It’s really trippy when I look back on photos of me as a child and see that I weigh more then. Or the fact that I can wear my sons T shirts (he’s 11). I only weigh 65 more pounds than he does 😱

Hi, official card carrying member of the SLC here! You're losing at about 1.2kg a week, which is around what my average weekly loss has been. First up, that is good weight loss! It's nothing to be discouraged about, that is a healthy, good rate. It's easy to buy into the rapid-loss dream, and I absolutely don't begrudge folks who have had their "honeymoon period" and had weight "melt off" - genuinely thrilled for you! But I think it's vital to go into WLS managing your expectations (with rate of loss, loose skin and hair loss). I went into it pretty zen, though I have had my perfectly human moments of wishing I was losing faster. BUT, I'm losing well, about 7 months out and have lost over half my excess body weight and have dropped 4 sizes. Results aren't always on the scale - it's important to remember that! I'm not just a slow loser, but I'm also a serial staller. I have lost count of how many stalls I've had - stalls and I are on a first-name basis. In the first four months I was stalling every second week, for at least a week at a time. I feel like I earned a damned trophy for my stalling expertise. But they always break (even if they go on for weeks), and that's what you need to keep in mind. Stay off the scale when it happens, focus on the good things like feeling better, clearer skin, the clothes that are starting to fall off you. And ultimately? You're not alone. Your experience isn't weird, or wrong, or abnormal. Don't compare yourself to others, manage your expectations, slow down and breathe. Enjoy all the small victories the journey brings.

I haven't lost any more hair or thinned hair more than it already was due to thyroid issues. I didn't have dry skin either post -WLS. I've tried everything: biotin pills, Rogaine, Nioxin . . . none if it helped.

I'm 3 1/2 weeks away from my surgery and I'm SO EXCITED!!!!! I'm not nervous at all. Is that weird? I was a little worried about the gas pain afterwards but I had my gallbladder removed in 97 and they had to inflate my stomach with gas then, too, and I didn't have any gas pain (it was mostly discomfort from the 4 lap scars). Not super excited about the large possibility of major hair shedding, but that didn't happen with any of the other surgeries I had in the past. I also have PCOS, so I'm used to my hair shedding. I have thick hair, so nobody ever notices. And I'm making sure I have plenty of moisturizer for my skin because I've been hearing the surgery can make your skin drier and itchy, and I already deal with that. I don't want it to get worse. But even with that stuff, I'm not nervous or scared. I'm excited and READY!!!!!

Thank you so much, ladies! I'm used to shedding since I have PCOS. Nobody has ever noticed because I've always had thick hair. My surgeon said the biotin is optional, so that's why I wanted to ask you all about it. I'm so glad I joined this group. I never had any increased hair loss/shedding when I had my gall bladder out or when I had all 4 wisdom teeth and 1 additional tooth removed (in a surgery center, knocked out, roots were either tangled in nerves or sideways in jaw). Again, thanks so much for your responses. I'm going to stock up on moisturizer since I tend to have drier skin and it can get really itchy.

To those of you who have had your sleeve for a while (i’m 3.5 yrs post op sleeve) how much hair have you lost i lost, i would say, about 30-40% of my hair in total. Started round 3 months postop, hit its peak around 5-6 months postop, and already started noticing little chciken hair regrowth around 7 months postop. My hair went back to pre-op state about a year after that (i.e., all the regrowth got to be the same length as the rest of the hair on my head…but i had shorter hair, like just below jawline) Was it sudden or gradual? Is it in clumps or shedding? pretty sudden…i noticed a relatively large cllump of hair in my hand after conditioning in the shower one day. But in terms of noticeably, it was falling out all over, not in patches. For a couple months after it started i had CARPETS of hair in my bathroom floor that needed vacuuming more often that usual. But no one notices (or at least didn’t say anything to my face) except me and my hairdresser. Did you find Biotinhelped? Nope. Do you have any special shampoos or hair masks or supplements you use to help slow down the Hair loss and/or speed up regrowth? Nope. ALSO, didanyone notice any drying of their skin? If so, what do/did you use to help with that? How long did it last? Is it reallybad, or just mild? i had/have dry skin normally so cant really say, but i did feel dryer than normal in the first couple months, but I attribute that to low water intake in the beginning and the fact that it was dead of winter at the time.

I had lost 100 lbs 8 years ago but had gained 80 of it back in about 5 years and I had developed asthma. I was no longer enjoying the meals I was eating and had even developed GERD. I was baking every day during the pandemic and eating a ton of sweets and even though I didn't have any major health problems, the little health problems were adding up. And I know that my doctor and even my parents were suggesting it years earlier but I wasn't ready to hear it. Not sure what the actual moment was, but I remember being really uncomfortable in my own skin, and I emailed my PCP and asked for a referral, then started reading everything I could find on WLS.

I would imagine you are going to have to maintain this 11lb weight loss until surgery. That will be the hard part. There are lots of different diets to try, finding one that fits you is best. Do you cook or buy in ready made foods ? What foods would you find most difficult to give up ? My biggest downfall would have been my love of noodles and rice dishes so I had to find replacements for them. You will loose weight on the protein shakes but it will be difficult to maintain it unless you continue through to your surgery. What diets have you tried before ?

My skin was so, so itchy early on! It drove me nuts but then it stopped. Re: hair loss, mine was shedding. Massive amounts of shedding. I shed a lot before surgery, but afterwards it was nuts. I really did wonder how I had any hair left on my head. It started in month 2 or 3 and continued through about month 7 (roughly). I have very thick hair, so most people cannot notice but I did, as did my hairstylist! I did not take biotin beyond what is in my bariatric vitamin - I just let it run its course. I have been very good about my vitamins and protein intake. That's not going to stop it from happening, but it is good for the regrowth. At about 7 months out, I cut my hair to my shoulders (it was very long before) and that made it less noticeable (to me). My stylist also said it had started coming in again, because my roots were thicker than the midshaft and ends of my hair. I also have been trying not to wash my hair too much and my stylist and I agreed to avoid anything that strips the hair, though I am still dying the roots, but no balayage for me for a while. Not going to lie, the hair loss stressed me out, but cutting my hair helped lessen the visual impact. And now I can tell the hair shedding has reverted to normal levels and my hair is growing back.

Thank you!! I just want to do the most that I can to keep my skin, hair, and scalp as healthy as I can.

Hi, I found my skin very dry early on, I just increased my moisturiser use. my hair started to shed heavily about the 4 month mark I think. I don't think there is anything you can do about it. I found after about 6 weeks it slowed down but I have days were more hair sheds and more seems to come out when I shampoo.I have lots of new growth that is about 2 to 3cms long at the moment so that really weird especially in my fringe. I did cut about 6 inches off my length. Overall I have lost more than half the volume of my hair but I had thick hair to start with so only those who know me well, my hairdresser and of course me noticed. I have been taking a liquid collagen supplement and using cel shampoo not sure if they have helped though

To those of you who have had your sleeve for a while, how much hair have you lost? Is it sudden or gradual? Is it in clumps or shedding? Did you find biotin helped? Do you have any special shampoos or hair masks or supplements you use to help slow down the hair loss and/or speed up regrowth? I have PCOS, so I'm used to hair shedding (many women end up with very thin-to-balding hair with it. I have had moderate shedding but my hair is thick enough that you can't really tell). My surgery day is May 3rd and I'm just trying to prepare myself. ALSO, did anyone notice any drying of their skin? If so, what do/did you use to help with that? How long did it last? Is it really bad, or just mild? Thanks in advance!!!

My surgery day is May 3rd, and I have already started taking the Biotin that is recommended. I also take a collagen supplement and I wash my hair, and use a hair mask, with keratin and biotin in it. I'm also upping my protein intake and I make sure to take vitamin E. I also use a scalp massager in the shower when I wash my hair (clears the scalp of dandruff and also stimulates blood flow). For skin, again the collagen and vitamin E are really good. I also use a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip my skin, I use a hydrating toner, a vitamin C serum, a light moisturizing cream. At night I use a pore cleaning cleanser, a hydrating toner, a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum, and a heavier moisturizing cream. I'm doing what I can now to minimize issues with my skin and hair before surgery, and since they are good habits to get into anyway, I want it to become 2nd nature so I can hopefully lessen any issues and continue to take care of myself.

What insurance do you have? I have BCBS of Illinois, and I also have MS. I know once I've reached my goal weight I'm going to have to get the skin removed or else it'll make my back and mobility have issues. It never occurred to me that I could get insurance to cover any of it.

I found that a body shaper helped me hold everything together too. A tight one. It felt like everything was loose before and every move hurt. But with the shaper on, it had the compression which helped with the swelling and the pain.

Hey all, I had my procedure on Dec 11. I’m down 59 lbs. starting weight was 236lbs and I’m 177lbs as of today. The last week has been tough for me. I’m craving chocolate and chips and all the bad stuff that put me at my highest weight. I also struggle to get enough water in and protein. Overall I’m so happy with my decision to have this surgery but I now find myself searching for plastic surgeons for tummy tucks and other skin removal procedures.

My surgery was on 3/3/21 (bypass) I am on regular foods except for tough/stringy meat, raw veggies, breads/rice/pasta, candy and fruits with skins. I am doing ok so far. Protein seems to have a weird/bland-like taste that I am not enjoying so some days I am having a hard time getting my 60+ gms in. Most days I just don't feel like eating...it has become a chore to do so. I have lost a total of 31 lbs (12 with the pre op diet and 19 post op) so I am loving that! Just wish food tasted better! I am happy to report that with the weight loss my feet don't scream at me when I get out of bed in the morning 😁

Hi!!! I had my sleeve 12/22/2021 I am down 43 pounds! Started at 227 today 183! My 3 month post op was last week Dr said I am loosing at a great rate. My waist was 32 inches around. Ive only gone down to a size 16 in pants i havent lost much on my hips and thighs but the top of me looks great. I have not started at the gym yet but walk daily now that is warming up i hope to be able to start working out daily. I added a new food over the weekend and gained 3 pounds i think its Water My diabetes is almost gone no meds fasting sugars 100-115 and during the day they run around 105. I am on no medication I have fibromyalgia and arthritis and my symptoms have improved 80% at least. I havent had a Migraine since about 2 weeks out of surgery. I feel great and people have actually asked me what face work i have done because I look younger! I tell them nothing I just changed what I eat - uhh true!!!! Hope everyone is doing great! Oh! 310 Nutritional Protein shakes with almond milk - silk sugar free - is amazing and so many flavors when i crave something sweet I grab one but its my go to Breakfast - try them out you will love them!!!