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Alex Brecher

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Everything posted by Alex Brecher

  1. Alex Brecher

    Vitamins

    I hear ya! Buy one month supply. If you don't like it, I will make sure that you're credited 100%.
  2. Alex Brecher

    Vitamins

    Check out BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a secret offer just for this group where it'll cost you only $99 for an entire year supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-1-per-day-bariatric-multivitamin-capsules-yearly-subscription With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world's leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium.
  3. Every day offers a good chance to think about your relationships. You may think of your significant other first, and then consider other relationships such as those with friends and other family members. Unfortunately, that leaves out the most important relationship you can develop: the relationship you have with yourself. It takes a lot of work for you prepare for and recover from weight loss surgery, and to continue to lose weight and get healthy. With all that focus on yourself, it sounds strange that you could be neglecting yourself, but it often happens. If you do not work on strengthening your self-respect, self-confidence, and self-love, you may not be as successful in your weight loss surgery journey. Here are some easy tips for building a little rapport with the most important person in your life: you. Recognize Your Greatness You would do everything you could to recognize the good things about someone else if you were building a relationship with them, and you can do the same for yourself to build your relationship with yourself. It can take some practice to get into the habit of recognizing your good qualities and your good choices, so get started! Don’t forget to appreciate: Every milestone, whether a weight loss milestone or a non-scale victory. Each good decision you make, such as packing a lunch instead of leaving it to chance. How energized and proud you feel after eating right and exercising. Your new inner strength for recognizing what’s important – your health – and setting aside what’s not – a few moments of short-lived gratification when you visit the drive-through. Your efforts and resolution – because what you are doing is not easy! Reward yourself when you deserve it Little gifts can make your appreciation seem sincerer, and motivate you to keep up the good work. Give yourself treats regularly to reward yourself for any progress you made, or “just because.” A night curled up with a box of pizza is no longer an option, but there are plenty of far better ways to show yourself “I love me!” A massage or spa treatment. New workout clothes or other new clothes. A new app or fitness monitor to motivate you and show your progress. A morning sleeping in. Getting your house cleaned. A makeover or parts of one, such as a new haircut or different color nail polish. Be Your Biggest Supporter Consider what a supporter does, and figure out how you can be your own biggest one. It can take some effort, such as planning ahead to pave the way for healthier choices, such as packing breakfast the night before so you do not go through the drive-through, keeping a pair of walking shoes in the car so you can grab a walk anywhere whenever you have time, and putting each of your surgeon appointments and support group meetings on your calendar so you cannot forget. A supporter is also your biggest advocate. Speak up for yourself when needed, whether it is to tell the server at the restaurant that you need smaller portions and you would like the sauce on the side, or whether it is to tell your mother that you are doing this surgery for yourself because you need to. Your advocacy may include being firm with the surgeon about your preference for the surgery type you want. Don’t Deprive Yourself Telling yourself “no” constantly is no way to build a loving relationship! Grow the love by giving yourself treats. Just make sure they are on your diet. You might end the day with some Protein Cocoa or Chocolate Caramel Crispy Bites, sneak in some BBQ Zippers for an afternoon crunch, or greet the weekend with Protein Pancakes and a Protein Omelet. There are plenty of recipes online for healthy alternatives to favorite comfort foods from pizza and fried chicken to ice cream and brownies. Balance Tough Love with Forgiveness Honesty is the foundation for any strong relationship, including this one. Call yourself out when you make a decision you’re not proud of or you find yourself slipping into a slump where the scale starts creeping up or sweets start sneaking their way into your diet. At the same time, realize that you will not be perfect, and accept that fact. Develop a plan for when you catch yourself off track. Your plan will probably include recognizing your mistakes, forgiving yourself forb them, considering what led you to make them, and resolving to fix them. Build a stronger relationship with yourself, and you are setting yourself up for better success in the short and long terms. It takes some practice, but the results are well worth it.
  4. Alex Brecher

    Binders

    Some do and some don't. I'd ask your surgeon prior to surgery.
  5. Alex Brecher

    Binders

    The BariatricPal Store carries the Premium Abdominal Binder for Bariatric and Plastic Surgery by DeRoyal at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/premium-abdominal-binder-for-bariatric-and-plastic-surgery-by-deroyal. I personally didn't use one after either of my weight loss surgeries but patients tell me that it makes a HUGE difference. I used one after RNY reversal since that was an open procedure and I don't think I could have managed without it.
  6. Alex Brecher

    Premier protein shakes

    Premier Protein has less than 1% Whey Protein Isolate according to the ingredients on the side of their box. Whey Protein Isolate is definitely the best source of protein for weight loss surgery patients, especially if you have a malabsorptive procedure. The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein drinks at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders. Here are some popular options: BariatricPal Protein ONE: MultiVitamin, Calcium, Iron, Fiber & Meal Replacement Single Serving Packet - 9 Flavor Variety Pack from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatricpal-protein-one-multivitamin-calcium-iron-fiber-meal-replacement-single-serving-packet-9-flavor-variety-pack Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder Sampler Variety Bag - All 17 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/syntrax-nectar-protein-powder-sampler-variety-bag-all-17-flavors Bariatric Advantage HPMR High Protein Meal Replacement - Available in 8 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement Single-Serving Protein Powder Packets - Super Jumbo "60 Flavor" Sampler Pack from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/single-serving-protein-powder-packets-super-jumbo-60-flavor-sampler-pack
  7. You may need to eat out after WLS, because Americans eat out a lot. Some estimates put one-quarter of Americans eating fast food on a given day, before counting food from casual and upscale restaurants. A total of about 1 in 3 calories come from foods that are eaten away from home, such as prepared foods and restaurant foods. With restaurants, fast food, and other prepared foods being such a big part of our culture, you may not be able to, or even want to, stop eating out. That is okay, even after WLS. You will just need to be a savvy customer to be sure that wherever you are, you get a meal that fits into your meal plan. Take heart: it is almost always possible. The Trouble with Eating Out Research has been clear on the differences between eating out and preparing food at home. Restaurant meals tend to be bigger and higher in calories. Beyond that, they are higher in sodium and saturated fat, and lower in fiber. That does not bode well for weight loss, but you are not doomed. Most restaurants are willing and able to accommodate you. You may be pleasantly surprised at the choices. Do Your Homework (Or Procrastinate) Most restaurants have their menus posted online. Many have their nutritional facts online. Check before you go to the restaurant, and decide on your meal before you get there. When it comes time to order, you need not browse the menu for temptations. Or Procrastinate It is not always possible to check beforehand, and that is okay. Just keep your goal in mind: Some lean protein, such as eggs, chicken, or fish. A vegetable. A small amount of a healthy starch and/or healthy fat. Build that meal from the items you see on the menu. The Customer Is Always Right If you need another expression to drive home the point, what about, “He who pays the piper calls the tune?” You are perfectly entitled to ask for no sauce, dressing on the side, or no bun. A surprising number of joints allow substitutions or modifications for no extra cost, although some may charge. The cost is usually minimal, and worth it. Examples include getting grilled instead of fried chicken or fish, or swapping a side salad or steamed vegetables for a side of rice, pasta, or potatoes. Best Bets for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner You can go to a restaurant with some ideas of what they might have for each meal, and search for those. Breakfast Eggs: in an omelet or scrambled. Look for egg whites if you can, and choose vegetable toppings. Cheese and turkey can also be good additions. Skip bacon and other fatty meats in your eggs. Oatmeal: plain, regular or steel-cut, without add-ons such as dried fruit or brown sugar. Nuts are okay. Steer clear of granola. Breakfast sandwich: English muffin (you can eat half) with egg and/or cheese and/or ham – no bacon, sausage, croissant, or biscuit. Create a meal from sides or add-ons, such as cottage cheese, an egg, fresh fruit, or turkey sausage. Lunch Green salad with any of grilled chicken, cheese, nuts, vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbers, and light dressing. Skip regular dressing (or order it on the side), croutons and chow mein noodles, and dried fruit. Chicken, fish, turkey breast, a veggie burger patty, a hamburger patty, or taco beef. Skip the bread, tortilla, bun, or taco shell, and steer away from breaded and fried. Side salad, carrot sticks, yogurt, or sliced apples. Dinner Shrimp cocktail or broth-based soup for starters. Avoid dips, chips, bread and breadsticks, and fried starters. Grilled, baked, or roasted plain chicken or fish. Avoid fried choices, fatty meats, and creamy or buttery sauces. Steamed vegetables or a side salad. Avoid fries, pasta, rice, and mashed potatoes. The Final Filter: You No matter what lands on your plate or your to-go box, the ultimate decision about what goes into your mouth is made by…you. You can turn a potentially disastrous order into a not-so-bad or even good meal with some smart choices. Decide how much you will eat and pack away the rest before you take your first bite. Scoop out the filling from sandwiches and burritos, while leaving the bread and tortillas. Eat the proteins and vegetables from your plate, while leaving the fries and fatty sauces. Scrape off any breading and eat only the chicken or fish inside. Weight loss surgery is to help you lose weight, but it is also to help you live a better life. If the good life for you includes eating out, you can do it. Just be careful. Keep your weight loss surgery diet plan in mind as you order and eat, and you can lose weight as you live your normal life.
  8. Alex Brecher

    Vitamins!!

    Calcium Citrate isn't cheap. You can read customer reviews on many options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium .
  9. Alex Brecher

    Protein Powder question

    I toyed around with releasing a Soy shake. I could never get them to taste good!
  10. Alex Brecher

    "New injection mimics gastric bypass"???

    So much better! I'm pretty much back to normal. Thanks for asking!! ☺️
  11. Alex Brecher

    Protein Powder question

    The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein drinks at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders. Here are some popular options: BariatricPal Protein ONE: MultiVitamin, Calcium, Iron, Fiber & Meal Replacement Single Serving Packet - 9 Flavor Variety Pack from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatricpal-protein-one-multivitamin-calcium-iron-fiber-meal-replacement-single-serving-packet-9-flavor-variety-pack Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder Sampler Variety Bag - All 17 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/syntrax-nectar-protein-powder-sampler-variety-bag-all-17-flavors GENEPRO Medical Grade Unflavored 30g Protein Powder - 2nd Generation! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/genepro-medical-grade-unflavored-30g-protein-powder-2nd-generation Bariatric Advantage HPMR High Protein Meal Replacement - Available in 8 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement Single-Serving Protein Powder Packets - Super Jumbo "60 Flavor" Sampler Pack from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/single-serving-protein-powder-packets-super-jumbo-60-flavor-sampler-pack
  12. Alex Brecher

    "New injection mimics gastric bypass"???

    I've been reading articles like these since I started my weight loss surgery journey in 2003. Scientist or group discover a pill or injectable that would mimic weight loss surgery. I hope it comes to fruition in my lifetime but I am extremely doubtful that it will happen.
  13. Just in time for summer! BariatricPal Protein ONE Iced Coffee is the newest addition to our popular all in one drink. What has more caffeine than a cup of coffee, the sweet and creamy taste of your favorite iced coffee drink, and only 3 grams of sugar? BariatricPal Iced Coffee Protein One delivers all that, and more, such as protein, fiber, and caffeine. You will be able to see the ground coffee beans in the protein blend and taste their smooth and mild roast! BariatricPal Iced Coffee Protein One takes that first cup of coffee in the morning to a new level. Skip the local coffee shop in favor of an instantly-ready coffee-flavored shake that you can make at home or at work. Each serving includes 150 mg of caffeine or the amount in 1 to 2 cups of coffee. The caffeine boosts metabolism to burn more calories and get you going, while the protein and fiber let you use it as an entire meal. You can also use BariatricPal Iced Coffee Protein One for lunch or as an afternoon snack to get nutrients and stay awake. Try it in milk or water or make yourself a refreshing and energizing iced coffee drink with BariatricPal Iced Coffee Protein One and ice, vanilla, sugar-free caramel or chocolate syrup, and almond milk. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get your Protein, Multivitamin, Calcium, Iron, and Fiber in one easy shake – and lose weight at the same time? That’s why we made BariatricPal Protein One MultiVitamin, Calcium, Iron, Fiber, Caffeine & Meal Replacement. BariatricPal Protein One can help you lose weight, fight hunger, and stay nourished as you enjoy the delicious formula. The great-tasting shake can help you cut calories and carbs and lose more weight. The unique blend provides 25 grams of high-quality medical-grade whey protein, 28 essential vitamins and minerals, calcium, iron, caffeine and 4 grams of fiber. It is quick and convenient, so you can get your nutrients and a delicious treat anywhere! Plus, you can feel good knowing that these premium coffee beans are responsibly sourced. For best results, use one to two servings each day as a meal replacement or before or after a workout. Just stir or shake it into 8 oz. of water or your favorite beverage, or add it to yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or other nutritious foods. 150 mg of caffeine 150 calories 25 grams of high-quality medical grade whey protein 28 essential vitamins and minerals Low-carb, low-sugar formula 4 grams of dietary fiber Suitable for the Pre-op and Post-op Liquid Diets, Solid Foods, Maintenance, and Back-on-Track diets Suitable for Gastric Band, Gastric Sleeve, and Gastric Bypass patients Support energy, metabolism, weight loss, bone health, and immunity Great taste and easy to use Gluten-free Aspartame-free FDA substance compliant Easy to mix and has a perfect consistency Directions: Add 1 scoop of BariatricPal Protein One to 8 oz. of water, non-fat milk, juice, or your favorite beverage once or twice daily as a great-tasting meal replacement or before or after a workout. Shake/stir well until dissolved. Use less liquid for a thicker shake. BariatricPal Protein One also makes a delicious and nourishing addition to many foods such as yogurt, oatmeal, and smoothies. Do I need to avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery? According to ASMBS guidelines, Caffeine fluids have been shown to be as good as any others for keeping you hydrated. Still, it is a good idea to avoid caffeine for at least the first thirty days after surgery while your stomach is extra sensitive. Available at the BariatricPal Store at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/new-products/products/bariatricpal-protein-one-multivitamin-calcium-iron-fiber-meal-replacement-iced-coffee
  14. Alex Brecher

    Probably a dumb question

    Meal Replacements in Bariatric Protein generally means the protein is fortified with additional vitamins, minerals, fiber, calcium, Iron etc. Meal replacements are great pre or post-op when you're not eating normal meals. Meal replacements like BariatricPal Protein One, actually replace your regular bariatric vitamins and you can use them long term.
  15. We ship internationally but it's honestly bloody expensive!
  16. Alex Brecher

    Multivitamin reaction

    I normally suggest patients that have this issue to take it at the end of their meal, together with food. If you use a capsule, you can also empty it into your food. I'd be willing to offer your money back in full if you try BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE capsules and still have these issues 🙂
  17. On June 30th, I had my Gastric Bypass reversed, due to a hernia and small bowel obstruction 😞 It was a 6 hour open procedure. I was hospitalized for 9 days and it’s going to take a bit until I fully recover. After having some form of weight loss surgery since 2003, my anatomy has been put back to normal. I’m sad that I no longer have a tool to help me with my weight but I’m glad that I’m alive and able to talk about it. Thank you to my friends that prayed and supported me through this difficult time!
  18. Alex Brecher

    Weight-loss doctor molesting patients...

    His name is Arie Oren and this is very old news. It happened back in 2011. The judge sentenced the 66-year-old doctor to 4½ to 9 years behind bars in 2013. He's a sick sick person and I'm glad justice was served. I feel really bad for the 5 women he molested.
  19. Alex Brecher

    I had my Gastric Bypass reversed 😞

    I have to say it's really not half as bad as I thought it would be! I hook up a pressurized ball to the PICC that contains the IV for 30 minutes each morning. I'm pretty much back to my normal routine.
  20. Alex Brecher

    Calcium and Iron

    I personally use Calcium soft chews 3X per day. You can find a nice selection of them at the BariatricPal Store.
  21. I'm not sure what this has to do with the original article? Yes, Premier protein was sued because they lied about how much protein was included in their protein. My article was on the TYPE of protein used. Premier uses less than 1% Whey Protein Isolate. This is a serious issue, especially for weight loss surgery patients with malabsorptive procedures.
  22. The clear premier protein is a great option since it's made from 100% whey protein isolate. It's a bit too sweet for my taste buds and I personally prefer Protein20 (grape is my favorite flavor.)
  23. I'm not telling you to buy BariatricPal products. Although I wouldn't complain if you do 😁! My point is to use products that are 100% Whey Protein Isolate, regardless of the brand.
  24. Alex Brecher

    I had my Gastric Bypass reversed 😞

    I was released from the hospital a few hours ago and I'm doing much much better! Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. It really meant a lot to me. I have a PICC line and giving myself antibiotics by IV once per day for the next few weeks. It feels great to be home again.
  25. Alex Brecher

    Vitamins!!

    I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a secret offer just for this group where it'll cost you only $99 for an entire year supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-1-per-day-bariatric-multivitamin-capsules-yearly-subscription With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world's leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium.

PatchAid Vitamin Patches

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