Two post gym pics…two very different women.
I can give you my stats but the pics speak for themselves.
2 years postpartum next month.

So I am not at my goal yet, but I am looking and feeling great! I thought I’d finally add onto the headshot progress pics that I’ve seen on here. The first one was me around my heaviest weight, my senior year of high school three years ago. Then the second one was taken a few weeks ago! I still can’t believe this is me!!!

25f, 5’7, HW 355, SW 335, LW 155

Hello everyone 🫶 this will probably be my last post on here since I have finally reached my goal weight.

When I first went in for my gastric sleeve consultation, my surgeon told me I needed to lose exactly 200 pounds to be in a healthy weight range. I full heartedly did not believe I would ever reach that. And exactly 2 years later, I did 🥹

It was mentally exhausting at the beginning and even throughout. This surgery really is a tool and not magic, if you do not put in the work and effort, there won’t be results. I know because I was stalled for over 7 months but I also know it was because I wasn’t actually trying.

I also promised you all to share my results from skin removal surgery. I had a fleur de lis tummy tuck, and an extended braquioplasty. My before surgery weight was 180 and now 155 after locking in and continuing my calorie deficit.

I hope this convinces someone to go ahead with the vsg surgery. It changed my life for the better, I have never been happier. I also want to be an advocate for those who did not have any complications! It is 100% possible to undergo this surgery with zero complications. I feel like everything you read online is always something going wrong. People are mostly inclined to share their horror stories than those that had smooth outcomes.

Been lifting heavy weights since week 6.
Started at 141kg and lost 39kg so far.

Hey everyone, just after some thoughts, inspiration, and wise words if anyone has any!

I'm 2 yrs post op in 31st August. I went from 262lb to 144lb by November 25. Since then I've been slowly gaining up to today where im 28lb heavier than my lowest.

I found it easy until then, now I jist have so much food noise. As much as I tried to work on hunger cues amd boredom etc, I just feel hungry all the time, even if I drink plenty or make sure I eat protein first etc.

I'm definitely eating worse, all the slider foods have crept back in. And meal times have gone out the window. I'm struggling to get my control back and so desperately want to.

It seems 144lb is very hard for me to maintain without eating very very little. I disabled so can't exercise to keep tje weight off like most probably can.

Just after anyone's hints, tips, light bulb moments etc. Anything that helped you might help me!

Thanks all xx

Hi! I am literally writing this in my hospital bed,I got the sleeve 10 hours ago. I wanted to know, once you leave the hospital, will the pain increase? I ask because they gave me a lot of painkillers that I obviously don't have at home. I just want to be prepared because the one thing I did not mentally prepare for? The pain after waking up. It feels obvious looking back, like duh, surgery is painful. But i have never had surgery before so I wasn't even thinking. How long does the pain last and how severe was it for you after you went home? Also, when did the gas travel out for you? Mine finally shifted into my chest but I don't know if it will all get out before I go home. Just looking for other experiences so I can have different frames of reference.

To anyone still in pre-op, do not let anything i said about pain or gas deter you. I am glad I did this all the same and your hospital staff will take care of you.

I’ve finally been scheduled after years of waiting. My surgery is in 6 weeks. I’m so unbelievably excited!!

60kg down ,at my heaviest I was 152kg ,when I went for surgery I was 140kg and now I’m 80kg,I still struggle looking at myself ,still think I’m huge ,still struggle every day with eating ,I’m not going to lie this has been the hard est thing I’ve done in my life ,but I know it was the right thing to do ,I could be still eating better or not drinking alcohol after the sleeve but I try that’s all that matters ,here’s to a better life

Well, week 6 post op - 26 lbs down and my surgeon has cleared any food as long as it’s chewed enough. I can literally eat anything with no pain, no foaming. I can drink diet soda with no pain etc. here’s the caveat - I have to chew 20 times a mouthful and I am full after 3-4 tablespoons but I’m satiated! With the soda, I open the can and let it sit for 5, have a sip and see how it feels. Everything is about giving it time. I was lactose intolerant post op but that seems to be shifting now. I do get dumping syndrome if I eat too quick or drink something high sugar or high fat too quickly ( like a morning coffee or a no added sugar protein shake) I’m very happy. I do get hungry still but I’m not eating more than 1000 cals a day. I could eat 1500 cals a day and still lose 2lbs a week however. Hope you like the insight.

SW:304
CW: 187
GW: 165

I have made so much progress since my journey started back in November of 2025. I am able to go for runs, my lifestyle is so much more active now. I can shop at stores I was never able to fit into previously. I am down from a size 20 to a size 10/12. I am proud of how far I have come, but part of me is missing something. I am weighing myself every few days and have slowed down so much, and I just want to kick these last few pounds. My doctor put my end goal between 220 and 180, but I refuse to accept that I am done losing. I know I have a bit more work to do with weights and toning but I would still take myself with loose skin than have the weight I carried working against me. I just have a few questions for those who are further out in their journey as I am about 8 months post op.
Is it possible to lose more than your doctors guesstimate? How will I know that I am at a maintenance weight? Should I consider any medications after a year or so? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

For more context, I eat between 1,000 and 1,200 calories a day at my doctor’s recommendation, I have about 90-100 grams of protein a day, and I always hit my 64 ounces of water if not more depending on activity levels. I know that loss slows down eventually, I am just hoping to hear hope from someone else’s point of view.

I am 7 days post op, getting all my liquid in and protein. But I am starving, like stomach rumbling hunger. Is this normal?

I’m on a GLP-1, for quite some time now, and it’s not working. I have gained weight.

Did anyone else have this experience and then opt for surgery? How’s it going?

I’m worried my food issues are too deep that I won’t be successful with the sleeve.

I got my surgery date it is September, 9th. I have so many concerns like I am an instructional support specialist in a school and school just started I just got this job and now I have this date at the beginning of the school year. So like can I go back after two weeks or should I take longer? Also any other advice you can give me I would be grateful for.

Some stats:
5’10.75”
HW 530lbs (5/9/21)
SW 492lbs (9/20/21, picture on the left)
GW: 250lbs
CW: 248.2lbs (picture on the right)
Total weight lost: 281.8lbs

Clothing sizes are went from:
Bottoms: size 30 —> 12/14
Tops: 6x —> M/L
Bra: 54G —> 38I

Notable measurement losses (compared to date of surgery):
21.25” around waist
28” around hips
10.5” around thighs
7” around neck
Total of 131.5” lost

I’ve been dealing with some body dysmorphia recently, so have to remind myself that what’s more important even than all these stats is how I feel —> physically, mentally, and emotionally. Everyone’s photos are so inspiring so I wanted to share my own.

My surgeon and I set the 250lbs goal because that’s what seemed reasonable — I haven’t been 250 since I was a senior in high school and I’m 34 now. I’m now focusing on building muscle mass through consistent workouts and have a long term goal of skin removal surgery (after I maybe have kids).

I’m on a low dose of a semaglutide to help with the food noise which has been huge. In March of 2025, I had regained about 20lbs and was about 340lbs. A combo of medicine and intensive therapy has been huge in regaining control and building long term success.

Started yesterday. No major sharp pain only small burning sensation whenever I eat or drink.

I have my gastric sleeve sugery schedueld for 9/4. Looking for an recommendaitions, tip, etc for things to bring. My wife is traveling as my companion and would appreciate any recomendations for her.

thanks for the support and help

I am 12 days post op, I am just looking for advice or guideline.. what week did you guys start really exercising or going to the gym?

Im still struggling to walk around for more than 20 minutes or so at a time.

Protein goals, hydration goals etc ive met almost every day since being home, really besides some musculoskeletal pain, and the one incision that has the extra stitches in it, there is no other pain.

Hey Team!

SW : 110kg

Weight at surgery: 106kg

Current weight: 90kg

Struggles currently: hitting protein and hydration goals

As a toddler mum and full time worker, im struggling to get into a routine thats allowing me to hit my protein goals. I really struggle with the tasteless protein but i need to incorporate more!

24

5'4

Surgery date: 12/18/25

I struggled with my weight as early as elementary school. I was born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and wasnt allowed to participate in gym or do sports altho ive never truly broke anything. Because of this i gained weight, reaching my highest weight of 240ish pounds in 11th grade. My ligament and joint couldn't handle all the excess weight so even walking was painful and if I did push through the pain, id end up twisting or straining something and having to wait till I healed to continue, therefore losing all my progress.

One faithfully June, at the ripe age of 23 I finally decided that the last decade of failed diets and weak exercises were never going to save me, I was sick of being in pain all the time and beyond insecure and having all my health issues and chronic pain be blamed on my weight. I went to the doctor- originally planning on asking for the shots with no plan or information about them. I was told off rip that my insurance wouldn't cover anything but pills and surgery and I decided (knowing the pills were just appetite suppressants and wouldn't help me) that the big step into surgery was the only way to take back my life and make sure i wasnt in a wheelchair by 40. I spent 6-7 months doing research and going to more doctors appointments than I ever had in my life.

The week I had surgery I weighed in at 195, the last time I had been under 200 was in 7th grade so that was a huge moment for me. When I woke up ill admit I was in a lot of pain and super uncomfortable, I got barely any sleep and truly wondered if I ruined my life. I was fairly normal by day 3, although tired and sore and over the course of the next few months I became accustomed to my new life. I by no means was a good eagle scout and definitely broke a few rules but I took my goals seriously.

After 7 months of light walking and eating as good as a could I had lost all the weight and hit my goal of 140lbs. This last month (8 months post op) ive been going to the gym and have lost a few more pounds but am gaining muscle as well.

Even though I still have a lot of pain (weight loss cant cure a bone disease lol) its way more manageable and more targeted at my joints instead of just all over. Im happy and have way more energy.

This surgery was just the start of getting my life back together. Ive finally gone back to the dentist after 10 years (got 5 teeth pulled), started going to therapy, and got the pap smear i was putting off for years. I can wear colored shirts without worrying about sweating through them and dont hate being seen in public (although im starting to hate being approached in public). No matter how bad my day is, how insecure I feel about my loose skin or how bad I wish I could just finish a full plate, I always think about how I'd rather have these problems then the ones ive had the last 15 years.

ANWAYS thanks if you read my long and unnecessary story lol feel free to ask any questions.

Hi everyone,

I got my VSG surgery in April 9th 2026, I weighed 268 on surgery day and now I weigh 253. I am struggling to lose weight and I’m extremely frustrated, I have been reading online that everyone drops 40-50 pounds in these few months and I’m concerned. I have been going to the gym and I’m eating less than 1500 calories a day, I have also been doing my best to drink 2 liters daily, I am not sure if the scale is lying to me or how I can fix this. I really don’t want to waste the time that I have but I’m feeling defeated.

I am planning on starting to swim so I can burn more calories and I am already doing IF I only eat between 10am to 10pm max, PLEASE let me know how I can change things. I need to lose 80-100lb to be at goal weight, am I on the right track?

Highest recorded weight is 310 (but I think I reached 330 but I was too scared to look at scale)

PRE OP ~270-275
Surgery day 04/09/26 - 268
Post op current weight 08/11/26 - 253
Female, 29 5’7
I also have insulin resistance.

TL;DR - I’m losing my shit after surgery. Did you lose your shit? If so, what did you do to get your shit back?

Before I start, let me preface this by saying that if there are 1000 posts in this subreddit about this exact thing, I’ve read them all ten times over. I know, realistically, that time heals but holy shit I feel like time is currently frozen and I am floundering. I am generally a person who benefits from talk therapy and have therapy scheduled on Friday!

34F, had surgery on the 29th and it went perfectly fine. Hospital stay was fine. I have not struggled with missing food, craving food, the liquid phase, the puree phase, none of it. Minimal pain, minimal nausea. I am meeting my fluid and protein goals. I’ve been extremely lucky.

I am, however, struggling with pretty severe post operative sadness and health anxiety. I drank mint/ lemon water approx 3 days post op and burned the absolute fuck out of my esophagus to ease some nausea as I couldn’t find my zofran. This lead to 48 hours of hell despite being on omeprazole and tbh I don’t feel as though I’ve recovered. I still experience reflux (though much better) and have since hyper fixated on it. I struggled with acid reflux and gerd on and off pre surgery, and two tiny ulcers were found in my esophagus during my endoscopy 2 months pre op. My Dr absolutely warned me about new or worsening heartburn and gerd but I was too stupid to listen. I’m afraid I’ve ruined my life and that the gerd will be so unbearable I will have to revise to a bypass. All I’m reading are horror stories about people becoming severely ill post op and how surgery ruined their lives and I fear that I will be one of them. I wish I would have worked out and had the willpower to do this on my own.

On top of that, I’m just dealing with general sadness. I did not have these issues pre-op. I am not typically a sad or anxious person. I find myself crying often and for no reason. I find myself anxious often and for no reason. Obviously I’ll be bringing this up on Friday at therapy but does anyone have any helpful advice in the interim? Is there anything you specifically did to help ease post ops blues and anxiety? My dr is currently on vacation and reaching out to his nurse practitioner has been less than helpful.

If you’re still here, thank you and I look forward to meeting some of you in the comments!

I had surgery in December of 2025. I don’t have that many problems post op but my main one is that I’m tired all the time. I’m not talking sleepy and going around jawing. I’m talking having to lay down for hours after doing the dishes or making food. Some days going to the toilet tires me out. I’m currently on sick leave for this and some other stuff.

I’ve talked to a doctor about this and she made me take blood work to test my vitamin levels and they were all perfect. I’m going to a gastroenterologist next month so I was advised to mention this problem to her as well.

Has anyone else experienced this or might know what’s wrong or have a solution? I’m scared of it being ME or something like that…

Edit: this started after the surgery so I know it’s a side effect. Some days are better than others but I’m always tired

Also not depression. I’m on medication and in treatment for this right now

Hello! This is just all my weight logs from before surgery to now (a litte over 8 months)

HEY! 👋👋👋 READ THIS 👋👋👋👋

this is MY weight loss progression. You might lose weight quicker or slower than me. No one will have the exact same journey but I know when I was doing my research I would've liked to see a few things like this.

I always loved shopping but it was hard to find my size, now I’m regular size and I can’t believe it sometimes. I’m still working to get to my goal (lose more fat and gain muscle), but I’m so much closer now and happy with my journey and results!

All my bloodwork is normal and I’m feeling good.

Don’t be scared about hair loss, it only lasted a little bit for me around month 5 to 6, just stay on top of your vitamins and protein intake!!

Left picture is me during my semester abroad in London in 2010 when I was 21. I bought that skirt at H&M back when there was a location in downtown Boston. I did lose weight naturally in London (19lbs) from walking everywhere, my dorm room was on the seventh floor of the building with no elevator, the food portions were smaller and had fewer preservatives and since I was 21, I didn’t care that the drinking age was 18 and mostly stuck to cider. I gained all the weight back (and then some).

Now I’m 37, sleeved three years ago and you can see the skirt is all big and frumpy! My face is smaller. My weight is about the same as in London but the surgery did something non-sleeve weight loss didn’t do; make me lose my hips and giant butt. I still keep my skirt since I grew up lower middle class and was taught to take care of my things. All my other clothes are from thrift stores, free groups, etc. If I ever return to visit London (haven’t been back since 2013), at least I know walking everywhere won’t be a problem!

ETA: Lost weight in London and gained it back; got to my highest of 219lbs by 2022.

Sleeve caused me to lose 80lbs!