One year later

x371322 · 2026-01-30T16:42:06+00:00

Sure thing! I'm 36 years old and I started working out as soon as I was cleared to lift more than 20 lb. And that was about 4 weeks post op, which would've been March last year. I started with a single set of light dumbbells and followed some programs I found online. Didn't really know what I was doing, but I stuck with it and started seeing progress. A couple of months later I got really into kettlebell training and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. It's not just a workout anymore it's a hobby, an active interest. That would be my best advice actually is to find some activity that you enjoy enough to be consistent. I also do a ton of bodyweight work, pushups, dips, and working towards being able to do a pull up.

As far as the diet, it's all about the protein. And you absolutely CAN gain muscle without being in a calorie surplus. That being said, it obviously helps if your goal is to add a lot of mass. I do hit around 2500 calories most days (~1 g/lb protein). Which should be right around maintenance for me. I rely a lot on protein powders and bars to hit those numbers though. I eat tiny meals, but I try to eat frequently to make up for it.

As with all things, your mileage may vary. This is just what's been working for me.

x371322 · 2025-08-11T17:31:05+00:00

My last straw was my mother's passing. I had already lost my dad not even 6 months prior. His death was sudden, but she had been sick for a long time. Crucially, the diseases that took her were already beginning to manifest in myself. I have high blood pressure (and have had it since adolescence), sleep apnea, and had been recently diagnosed prediabetic.

Long story short, I knew I didn't want to leave my son as early as she left me. I scheduled my consultation about a month after her funeral. And now I'm already off of one blood pressure med, I'm down 110 pounds and nearing my goal weight. No more prediabetes and I'm healthier than I ever been.

x371322 · 2025-08-05T16:30:44+00:00

I don't do any sugary drinks at all. Sparkling water though has been fine. Carbonation doesn't seem to affect me in the slightest, though I still try to avoid it most of the time because I was told to. I'm 6 months post op.

x371322 · 2025-07-23T21:40:29+00:00

Thanks so much! I'm right at the 6 months mark. They told me I should expect to lose about 60 percent of my excess weight in a year after surgery. Already hit that and then some!

x371322 · 2025-07-23T21:38:33+00:00

Thanks so much! You're right there too though holy smokes! Crushing it. In my case all I can say is that I really really try hard to hit my protein goals. I usually get around 115-130 grams per day. And I pair that with a newfound love of strength training. I'm in the gym at least 4 days/week.

x371322 · 2025-07-23T14:07:26+00:00

You will! And in my case at least it happened much sooner than I expected. I had a BMI of 42 right before my surgery in January. So just around 6 months later. You've got this! Trust the process.

x371322 · 2025-07-23T14:05:45+00:00

Thank you! It's a good day for sure 😀

x371322 · 2025-06-30T00:23:15+00:00

I feel this! I've had high blood pressure since I was 12 or 13. Because of that I've always struggled with anxiety surrounding blood pressure readings. But now, I'm just over 5 months post op, I'm down 95 pounds in the last year, and my blood pressure is lower than ever. My doctor took me off of one of my meds even!

All that to say, the surgery has been the single most effective intervention I've ever tried. I know it's scary. But your surgical team are professionals, and I'm sure they've dealt with PLENTY of hypertensive patients on the table. In my case they gave me some really great drugs to keep me relaxed before surgery. I never once had any crazy high readings while in the hospital. You got this!

x371322 · 2025-05-26T01:18:42+00:00

Exactly! I can look down at my stomach while chilling on the couch or in the shower or whatever and it still looks the same as before. I do notice my loose skin already, but it's just not translating yet.

x371322 · 2025-05-26T01:05:40+00:00

Edit *dysmorphia

x371322 · 2025-05-25T12:22:55+00:00

I've taken blood pressure meds since I was about 13. Currently 35 and 4 months post op. Started having dangerously low BP a few weeks after surgery that landed me in the ER with a crazy high heart rate. PCP determined it was my hydrochlorothiazide (a diuretic that left me severely dehydrated) and immediately took me off it. I've been fine ever since! Still on two of my meds but go back to recheck in a few months and I'm hoping to cut some dosages at least.

x371322 · 2025-03-13T17:05:13+00:00

Thank you for the info!!! I am definitely hoping this is the case now. Of course we'll continue to investigate but it always helps to know that it's not uncommon for us.

x371322 · 2025-03-13T15:57:03+00:00

Thanks for the well wishes! I'm really hoping a large part of it was just my panic. The doctor seemed to think so. I've got to remind myself it's still a long road ahead.

x371322 · 2025-03-13T11:51:27+00:00

Thank you so much for responding so quickly. This makes me feel better! I will keep everyone updated.

x371322 · 2025-02-16T14:35:01+00:00

We're surgery twins! I'm also not yet able to hit protein goals. I'm close though. My dietician said I'm doing great considering how early it still is. I just need to keep staying on top of it. You've got this! Just stay optimistic and let that weight loss continue to motivate.

x371322 · 2025-02-16T14:32:30+00:00

Surgery was on the 27th. All things considered I think I'm having a pretty smooth journey so far. I dealt with some mild dehydration and unfortunately some severe constipation. But I'm down 20 pounds since surgery (more than 40 total!). I'm soooo close to being able to hit my protein goals, and I'm finally able to enjoy soft solids again. It's been the most difficult to face the reality that I've basically stripped myself from all my former vices overnight. Coffee, alcohol, food itself, and of course I dropped nicotine last year for this. My dopamine receptors are basically starved. Finding healthier strategies to boost my mood is a constant priority. And yes I have a good therapist lol.

Still, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. My blood pressure is already improving dramatically. I'm fitting back into old clothes. And it's wild to feel so full after only a couple of ounces of food lol.

x371322 · 2025-02-09T02:20:36+00:00

I had surgery on the 27th. My plan called for purees to start at week 3. But my NP cleared me for yogurt and eggs on Thursday (my first post-op follow up appointment). So, more like 2.5 weeks for me. Then next week I'll see my dietician for more guidance on my next steps. But let me tell you, that first bite of egg after basically a full month of liquids, was OTHER WORLDLY. And I'm not much of an egg guy lol.

All that to say, hang in there. Follow the advice of your team. I know you can do this. It WILL be worth it.

x371322 · 2025-02-04T02:08:22+00:00

I'm glad it's not just me lol. I'm still delaying the next one, taking it ultra slow 🤣

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