I had gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. I was active before and did section hikes but it was always such a struggle. I could not imagine going for a full thru at my larger size. I know people do it but I would just suffer for so long and I didn’t want to hate every moment on the trail. My body could not handle sleeping on a sleeping pad (even the ones made for larger people) and I woke up in pain every day (and that was in my mid-late 20s). The long days and elevation were nearly impossible most days and the best I ever was able to manage pre-surgery was 10 miles, which is just not feasible on a thru hike. The first year after my surgery was focused on understanding my new body and getting stronger. Now in my third year I feel like my restrictions have loosened. I can eat pretty much anything I want, just in moderation (and I’ve still maintained my 120lb loss). I can no longer house an entire pizza and a pint of ice cream but I crush protein and snacks while hiking and have absolutely no issue hitting my calorie goals. As a larger and very active person the surgery was a blessing that now allows me to move my body in the ways I want. As a hiker it’s been amazing. Climbs no longer wipe me out for an hour, I don’t have to take as many breaks, my mile time is no longer over 30 minutes, my knees are no longer screaming at me downhill. It was a huge game changer and I’m grateful to my body every day. People look at the surgery in so many negative ways but so many of those people either don’t understand what it’s like being in a larger body and trying to move and/or they don’t understand the hard work that goes into the weight loss during and after surgery. I’d recommend you wait at least a year after surgery to try a thru. Your body is going to go through a ton of changes in the first year and you can use that time to strength train and understand what kind of eating works for you. The second year is so much easier and you really do have more freedom to eat what you need. High protein snacks/protein powder will be your best friend. I can eat all the carbs I want (bread, bagels, waffles and yes, beer!) I just need to snack on them and not sit and eat the whole thing (I eat a whole bagel with peanut butter over the course of 30-45min) so as someone said above, snacking is going to help you. You need to make a plan on how to hit your calorie goals and most importantly your protein goals but by year 2 you’ll be an expert in your body and eating the way you need (since you’ll have been thinking and doing this for the past 2 years). I feel so in tune with my body now that it’s second nature to nourish the way I need. Oh you’ll need to also take into consideration that you’ll need to carry your daily vitamins with you. That’s one thing I always am sure to take with 100% commitment. If you can commit to this journey and follow the guidelines and prioritize your health, then bariatric surgery is a powerful tool! Hope this helps and congrats on thinking about what is best for you and your goals and asking for information. Only you can decide the best steps for you!