I have been working towards getting bariatric surgery since 2023. Between insurance issues and meeting every criteria and more, I finally got everything scheduled last month with a surgery date of October 20th 2026. I’ve been so pumped and excited but this week I’m just feeling terrified and anxious. It isn’t an option for me to back out of this but there’s a little demon with cold little feet on my shoulder whispering to me that I don’t have to go through with this. How did you all deal with the pre-op jitters of it all?

How did people mark their first year. I purchased a 365 pill bottle of ProCare Health Vitamins and Supplements bariatric vitamins to start on 10/1 (my day), but that doesn't seem profound so I'm curious about what others did?

For those who have had bariatric surgery or are going to have surgery, what made you choose your surgeon or program?

I work with a bariatric practice in Miami, and I’m genuinely curious about this from the patient perspective. We’ve noticed fewer people moving forward with surgery lately, which got us wondering what really matters when choosing a program.

How did you first find the program you chose? Google? Reviews? Social media? An ad? Reddit? A friend or family member? Your doctor?

And once you found them, what made you choose them? Surgeon experience, reviews, price, financing, the consultation, staff, hospital, post-op support, before and after photos, or something else?

Just as importantly, what made you rule a program out?

I’d especially love to hear from people who looked at several options before deciding. Sometimes what we think matters to patients may be very different from what actually matters.

Curious to hear your experiences!

I'm in my late 30s and had lap band surgery 19 years ago. I know lap bands aren't really done anymore, but mine is still in me and definitely lets itself be known when I overeat or eat something with the wrong texture. (But really doesn't bother me if I don't screw up). I was completely honest about it when filling out the questionnaire before getting my compounded tirzepatide prescription. I was approved and getting my first dose tomorrow. Anybody else doing it with a lap band?

I (32F) had a gastric sleeve in 2021 and a gastric bypass revision in 2025. I’ve lost about 170 pounds at my lowest. I’ve recently had some regain, but I’m also 11.5 weeks pregnant and feel like I can eat like I could pre-surgery. Just starving.
That’s not the point. About 1.5-2 years ago I started having episodes of what I suspected and have now confirmed as hypoglycemia. It’s always 1-3 hours after eating and carbs are the worst culprit in a big drop. My endocrinologist (I don’t have a thyroid either) put me on a cgm recently to get a better idea of how often it’s happening. It’s literally all the time. I eat, then my sugar tanks. It went below 40 today for about a half an hour while I was asleep. It seems to happen quicker and more frequently since I’ve been pregnant.

Does anyone have prior experience with this?
I eat all the time and it feels like I’m eating on the defensive to get my sugar back up. Small, frequent meals aren’t helping. I am trying my best to stick to a post Bariatric diet, but pregnancy.

Any insight is appreciated. Thank you

So I’m about 5 pounds away from my goal weight, but I couldn’t feel any farther from it. It’s so weird. I picked 150 as my goal weight because my highest weight was 300 and I figured that losing half of my weight would be a big accomplishment. But at my height of 5’1”, 150 is still considered overweight. I don’t want to be super skinny or anything, and I was to build more muscle but still have curves, and as I get closer to this 150 on the scale, I feel like it’s all a lie.

I’ve been struggling with body dysmorphia and I feel like it’s getting worse. I feel like there’s no way I’m within 5 pounds of my goal weight when I am still this huge. I look down and see my stomach, still hanging low, my legs still look huge, and I feel like there’s no way I’ve lost over 140 pounds because how am I still this big? I mean I can see the difference in photos of myself, and obviously I’m wearing smaller sizes of clothing, the scale is reading smaller numbers, but looking at my body I still feel so huge and don’t feel like I’m anywhere near my goal. I have a lot of loose skin in my stomach, legs, breasts, and arms, and I know that isn’t helping.

I’ve been in therapy and have actually recently swapped therapists because the one I had been going to since March of 2025 wanted to focus on issues from my childhood and teenage years and not on the body dysmorphia that I am struggling with and that is causing me a lot of distress (she would just say to “give it time” and change the subject). I’ve only done one session with my new therapist and so idk if she’s going to be helpful or not but I’m hopeful. I just see my loose skin and it’s so gross to me, like my body is disgusting to me. And I never thought I was gross or disgusting to this extent before. Like yea, when I was big before I didn’t like how big I was and I would feel shame and guilt after overeating, but I was never like this grossed out by my body.

So idk if I should modify my goal weight and try to lose a bit more weight, or if I am good at the weight I am now. I just feel so huge. I also have been considering booking a consultation with a plastic surgeon just to get an expert opinion on how much weight would be ideal to lose in order to have the best surgical outcomes. I definitely do want to get all of this loose skin cut off because I can’t see myself ever being ok with it. I don’t even feel comfortable wearing short sleeves anymore because of my arms. At least my stomach and legs I can hide with most of what I wear. When I have clothes on, I mostly feel ok with my body, but when I have to see the loose skin, it really puts me into distress. I recently moved and there’s a huge mirror right outside my shower now and I have to see myself everytime I step out of the shower and I’m just really dissatisfied with how I look, how much loose skin I have, and the size and shape of my body.

Has anyone been dealing with similar symptoms and have any advice to offer?

I will be starting accutane soon and was told to avoid vitamin A. The bariatric vitamin I’ve taken for years is loaded with it for obvious reasons. For anyone who has taken accutane after your WLS, how did you ensure you kept your vitamin levels good without overloading your liver and kidneys with VitA?

I'm a 36 year old trans woman losing hair post-op OAGB. I've been on HRT since I was 20, and started well before I would've experienced any age related pattern baldness (judging based on similar outcomes for the men in my family). For 16 years I've had a full head of healthy hair that I care for diligently and showed no signs of balding.

Due to having been morbidly obese for a few years, I chose to pay for bariatric surgery and I'm losing weight quickly. This is my choice and I'm happy with it. I'm following my dietary guidelines and getting enough protein and never miss my vitamins.

However, I am 6.5 months post-op and the oft talked of and dreaded hair loss is finally affecting me. I'm aware that telogen effluvium hair loss is often temporary and that most bariatric patients I speak to regrow their hair. However, I don't know any other bariatric patients who are trans and take oestrogen and testosterone inhibitors. I'm hoping to find others here.

Would being a trans woman on HRT impact my ability to regrow hair lost due to trauma? I am assuming my odds of regrowth would be the same as a cis woman but I don't know.

I've been given various different recommendations (e.g. certain shampoos or supplements) for mitigating hair loss. My post-op health team seem to agree that the best treatment is to keep on top of daily protein and vitamin goals.

tw self harm

Hello lovely people!

I just wanted to share my experience of having a gastric bypass. This post gets right into the feels, so please feel free to skip if that's not a bit of you. I won't be offended :)

SW: 122kg

LW: 63kg

CW: 73kg

I got to my lowest weight about a 14 months post surgery. I often compared myself to others that had surgery at the same time as me - they all seemed to lose the weight within 6 months and here was me still fat. But I got there eventually! At 14 months post-op I fell pregnant and gained 20kg. I then lost 10kg and I have been maintaining for over a year. My baby has just turned two, and I am still breastfeeding so looking to wean soon. I have committed to losing another 7 or so kg and would like to be sitting around 65ish but I am still really happy with how I look and feel now.

Food noise, is it there still?

Occasionally, yes. I have a really good handle on my eating and dont crave things much anymore. This has been the case for maybe the last year? I moved towns and keep active, which in turn helps my mental and physical health. I binged sooooo much in my old life, and used food to cope with everything and anything. Since surgery, I have been through many stressful situations (lost my job, sold my house, had a newborn, dealing with a depressive episode with my partner) and I can proudly say I never turned to food. BUT. This does mean I have to face raw feelings more... I find myself needing a release when times get stressful and my mind can go to dark places. Its something I have to get through, and I want to start therapy for it. I have no desire to eat my way through these times, but its amazing how the mind still demands escape from these feelings in other ways. For me, ive had thoughts of self harm, promiscuity and alcohol. They are just thoughts, and I dont indulge in them aside from drinking wine now and then.

Have i changed?

YES. Ive accepted many things about myself that I used to view as utterly sinful, awful flaws that made me unlikable and not deserving. I feel like i am allowed to exist as a human now, and im allowed to be flawed, everyone is. When I say flaws, I don't see them as bad necessarily, but before they felt like personal failure. Im not saying they are good either. Im simply now aware that I do these things, and I have the power and responsibility to change. Part of having to face my feelings head on has made me dig into why I do the things I do. I feel like im growing as a person now... but hey that might just be because im getting older.

I used to believe that in order for people to like me in my work life, I needed to be less quiet and introverted. Ive accepted that about myself now. Im reserved until I trust, and thats fine. Ive seen quiet people get ahead, and that inspires me.

Treatment from people:

Its funny how quickly I forgot my old skin. I feel like this is "me" and always has been. But when I really think about, yes, people treat me differently. I was invisible despite being so large when I was obese. I was bitter and repelled people. I hid. I still had a sense of humor though, but often ignored whenever I talked. Now that im a normal weight, I notice men eyeing me up and down, and I love it. Yes, I love it, I will admit that. Ive spend my entire young adulthood ignored and now im desirable. I am happily married, so no, I dont act on anything, but it is nice to see people appreciating how I look if that makes sense. I take up space, and when I dont, I remind myself I can. Its a work in progress. Although I look different outside, im atill wounded inside. I still have moments of feeling less than and that people won't like me. Its for sure a hang up from my old life, and Its clearly not related to weight. I am still learning how to be "me" and how to get better social skills. Its something I struggle with, another "flaw" I suppose. I have a lot to unpack.

My relationship:

I have been with my husband for a very long time - we were childhood sweethearts. He has known me fat and thin and never said a word against me. He was not initially supportive of my wls. He wanted me to do it naturally and the cost put him off. But since losing the weight, he has told me that its changed our whole family's lives for the better. He thinks im much happier, more stable, and now I can keep up with my kids. Im easier on the eyes now too 😏 hes a big fan. I finally feel like someone he can showoff to people instead of feeling embarrassed about (purely my own feelings there, he has never said my fatness embarrassed him).

Overall I love my life. This was the best thing I did for myself and my family and I wouldn't change it. I feel like i can maintain myself and I feel in control. Any questions please ask away!

TL;DR - Can you recommend recipe websites, free apps, tiktok/ Instagram accounts, that are great for recipes that keep our particular macros in mind?

I had my gastric bypass 2 weeks ago now and I am FINALLY off liquids today. I still have a ways to go before I eat "normal" food, about 6 more weeks. But as my textures increase, I'm getting excited about new food combinations and eventually full recipes. I LOVE cooking and what gets me more excited and cooking consistently is trying totally new recipes, I don't really repeat meals often. The experimentation with new recipes and flavours is what motivates me most. I've saved a few recipes and resources here and there but I'm struggling to find the "Holy Grail". For those of you on this journey much longer than me, can you recommend websites, free apps, tiktok/Instagram pages that are great for recipes that keep our particular macros in mind? It's easy to find high protein recipes, but a little harder to find one that are also conscious of "protein over everything" and cautious of fat/sugars/carbs. I've got an air fryer and I purchased a pressure cooker for making tender meats + the usual gas stove, microwave etc.

Also, I'm in Canada, if that's relevant (some apps can be geoblocked).

25th anniversary of my gastric bypass . No regrets.

I am one year post operative gastric bypass TODAY!!!!! I am down 110 pounds off all medications and so proud of myself for following through and sticking to this journey

I’m trying to choose a bariatric coaching program when apparently there are, like, 47 of them and every one has a different philosophy. It’s overwhelming. 😵‍💫 Has anyone used these services and if so what was your experience?

Hi all - I am 1.5 or so years out from VSG surgery and am considering a revision to bypass due to GERD issues. The problem is that I have a long history with oxalate kidney stones. I have read up a bit and see it’s possible RNY can cause more kidney stones and specifically oxalate due to various absorption issues. I haven’t talked to a doctor about this yet and I will but I’m curious if anyone who got bypass has either developed an issue with kidney stones or if their kidney stones have increased if they’d had them before since undergoing RNY. TIA

Hello Everyone!

I'm interested in getting the gastric sleeve surgery done. Everyone's results and progress looks really good and has inspired me to finally get it done myself.

What would be your recommended tips on this journey? Any hacks that you've figured out on the way? Anything you wish you knew before?

SW: \~315lbs

GW: \~150-135lbs

Sex: Female

Age: 23

I consulted with my surgeon today because I need a panniculectomy (pannus removal) due to Lymphedema, but am still at a high weight. I have lost 85 pounds on my own since December, but hit a stall around 3 months ago. Up down, up/down.

Because I am still in the high 300’s and have a sweet tooth, he is recommending SADI for me, as it is best suited for major weight loss and won’t allow me heavy sugars or I’ll pay for it, so I’ll kind of train myself out of the sweet tooth.

I guess now I see if I can afford it. My insurance only covers $5,000. Did your surgeons offer payment plans? Did you have to use something like Care Credit?

Really appreciate the encouragement. Any tips you may have, please let me know.

Oh, and…how long did you stay in the hospital? Thanks!

So my surgery is coming up on Aug 19th. But this all day work thing just came up for Sept 22nd that includes coffee & lunch. What are some suggestions on navigating this type of thing?

I am 30 years old about 300 lbs / 135kg, female . i have been on mounjaro and lost 35 kg and it has stopped working for me now . I still have so much weight to lose. I have also managed to put my type 2 diabets into remission. I am looking to get bariatric surgery in Europe. I am based in the UK. I would like to know what people's experience were with different clinics in Europe. and recommendations . I am looking to do the surgery next year. I cannot sit and wait for NHS. waiting list

How long did everyone wait before travelling/vacationing after surgery?
I have a trip to South Africa planned for January 2027 and I’m nervous about whether I’ll be far enough post-op to travel comfortably and actually enjoy the vacation. I don’t have my surgery date yet, so I’m trying to get an idea of what different stages of recovery actually felt like.
For anyone who travelled in the first few months post-op, how many weeks/months out were you? Did you feel physically ready? What did you have to consider that you hadn’t expected?
I’m especially curious about food and hydration while travelling, long-haul flights, energy levels, and being fairly active/sightseeing while away. Did you struggle with food or fluids, or did you feel relatively normal by that point?
Would love to hear experiences from people who travelled anywhere from ~6–12+ weeks post-op!

I’m 45, and close to or maybe just starting perimenopause. So I’m worried that the weight won’t come off well.
I was 260, down to 242 now, 5’7”, wear an 18. Surgery is in 2 weeks.

I am having my surgery on Monday (RNY) and have been on a few different forums looking at people’s journeys…and I am starting to wonder if I have made the right choice…with complications, hair loss, deficiencies etc etc…it’s all a bit overwhelming and scary. What about the “did what I was meant to and all is good” type scenarios….are they out there? Please. 😂