I was meticulous tracking during the weight loss phase and for some time after reaching goal. Now, years out, I track when I start gaining a few pounds or have a spike in crap eating. Mostly I stick to what I ate in the weight loss phase, but still need to every so often weigh and measure otherwise my portion size creeps up.

Work cannot ask you what type of procedure per regulations. Just have it written up as a medical leave. When dealing with coworkers keep in mind they will see you lose weight- a lot of it. Overall not usually at a faster rate than someone who is simply dieting, but our cumulative totals really add up. You will need to be prepared for that and the constant inquiries about the weight loss, so as you consider what to say at work keep that in mind. Gallbladder surgery normally only is a 2 week recovery, which is about the same time. Problem is- later on if your gallbladder needs to be removed then what might you say then? (Mine did a few years after surgery.) Hernia repair also would be a 2 week recovery- and it is possible those come back so even if in a few years you do need a hernia repair it would not be an issue work wise.

Start thinking now about what you will say and come up with a canned response to those questions. Like Hala mentioned, it is not uncommon for a follow-up question, but by the third it is just getting rude. If I hit a third question I would simply make eye contact and tell them I don't want to talk about it (my medical situation). You could always soften it a bit by saying you are not comfortable discussing weight loss or other private medical matters publically. If they ask something different, respond with the exact same phrase. Keep repeating it as the answer and I guarantee that will work. For weight loss when asked what I did I would say diet, exercise and medical intervention or surgery with each of those having a different impact at different times depending on what I was going through/working on.

Just throwing in something that may or may not be a strategy that might help you. I have had gastro issues off and on over the last 2 years that result in me having to go on a liquid diet for anywhere from 3-9 days for each bout. One thing that is painfully obvious from this is that once I am ready to reintroduce solid food the stomach restriction is kicking in full force. I notice a significant improvement after just 3 days- and insane amounts after a longer period. Calories are not particularly low during these, as I tend to average around 1200 calories (not looking to lose in other words). Protein is high since I revert back to protein shakes as well. I would imagine it would be harder to try and jumpstart cleaning the system out of all the glycogyn and such from carbs this way, but it is highly effective. Of course, it is a bit easier for me due to stomach pain reinforcing that I need to stick to it, hence not sure if it would be a strategy that might help you. Good luck in getting back on track!

Hi Grim,

I have not been on the boards nearly as much lately. Is your comment regarding VSG's being revised to Rny more frequently now anectdotal observation from the boards or support groups, or is this a ASMB type research-based finding? Please know that it is not my intent to sound snarky, quite the opposite. I just realized it is quite possible I am no longer up-to-date with Vsg outcomes and that there would certainly be more patients and resulting research now compared to when I had it done.

Thank you for your comment- I will look into the thistle and other items you mentioned. I don't tolerate tumeric supplements very well, but maybe the others could work. Didn't realize that lettuce could trigger so I will pay attention more to all foods and not just the fat-inducing ones.

Didn't realize the liver throwing a hissy fit resulted in nausea, will have to pay closer attention to symptoms and triggers for sure. I was eating sugar and some simple carb, but dropped it this week after the appointment Monday. Strange how it hasn't bothered me to drop it- normally I have to ease into the reduction, but the idea of avoiding whatever the hell it was from either happening again to that extent or not making just general digestive issues worth is pretty motivating at the moment.

I did liquids only Monday afternoon through Wednesday night. Had a small portion of chili (turkey, beans) and woke up with a stomach ache this morning. Not the same kind, but my system is just not enjoying solid food at the moment.

Didn't realize a drug allergy could cause it- I have a slew of allergies. Hmmm. I wish I could remember what I ate that night and any medicine I may have taken now. I only know that whatever I ate was not anything that might get "stuck" like tough meat or something. (Had that happen a few times and ugh.)

That can't be a coincidence I suspect- I have noticed more problems with some fats over others. Olive oil is my go-to (allergic to avocado). Higher fat dairy is an issue too for me.

Has a pretty awful night maybe 6-8 weeks back where I had severe severe abdominal pain, throwing up, rapid heart rate, sweating... the worst of it was over in 2 hours, but did a liquid diet for a few days due to residual pain and trying to rest the digestive system. Flash forward to the dr. appointment that was scheduled as a result and one of the things that came up was pancreatitis. I was surprised, but did have my gallbladder out a while back and apparently there is a connection there. Anyway, waiting on getting an EGD done in December to try and see what is what, but until then was wondering what folks new here and any tips. We didn't go into much detail about since I have test results pending and the future Egd. So, some questions

• if I drop down to very low fat, would it help? I had steered clear of fat for quite a while post gallbladder removal, but over the summer up until now started putting it back in and using more of Questran to deal with the lack of digesting fat. Not sure if that is a coincidence, but for sure started having more digestive trouble. On a side note, I added fat in because some nutrients need fat to absorb.
• I rarely drink alcohol, but is that a thing for pancreatitis? It wouldn't be a big deal at all to forgo the occasional half of hard cider or what have you, but not sure if it is even a thing?
• Any tips on reducing issues?

I went in thinking the hiatel hernia is back (again) due to the big spike in acid and belching. He is checking on that as well, but some of the symptoms may overlap?

Rinse and rinse and rinse and rinse some more. Pat dry. Follow Skinny girls Girlfredo recipe. Passable-

Joule has a free app that I highly recommend. It does more than just control the Joule. You select a recipe, it asks a series of questions to help you determine the best time and temp to cook. It also walks you through the recipe step by step. I always go with what their recommended doneness is and everything turns out amazing.

I no longer go to the local group, but did for maybe 2 years or so. Nobody complained of that with any regularity- hiccups, runny nose yes. Not months of vomiting. Is this caused by a mishapen sleeve or pehaps too small?

I did not reveal the surgery, but not due to embarrassment. I have a serious workplace discrimination situation. If you choose to go this route, just be very prepared with what your response will be- people will ask relentlessly. I had a standard reply of something like "surgery, diet, exercise, and recovery from various surgeries with different factors contributing at different times". In my case though it was known that I was dealing with cancer throughout this period (especially a few months post op) so folks attributed loss to that as much as anything.

Most of us don't lose a tremendous amount in 2 months. Rather a good start and then steady loss. The difference is we mantain that cumulative loss of 10-15 pounds a months for 6 months or longer depending on needs. If you look at my signature, there really wasn't any period of dramatic unexplained loss that could not be accounted for by diligent dieting and exercise. But people gossip. If it is just embarrassment you may find that once you get going at it talking about it will be less daunting. I wouldn't lie though, just not reveal your medical status.

For the asshats that wouldn't back off I would be direct and tell them that I didn't want to discuss my medical situation with them.