Alex Brecher

The jury went to work on Premier Protein, and the verdict is in – almost literally. Premier Protein is in trouble for its misleading label claims on its protein shakes. Not only that, but the shakes may not be all they’re cracked up to be when it comes to helping you lose weight. Here is the story. Legal Trouble for Premier Protein Premier Protein sells all kinds of protein shakes. The ones whose labels state that they have 30 grams of protein per serving are the ones in the settlement. Analysis has found that they have 26 to 29 grams. The flavors that are in the settlement are Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberries & Cream, Banana & Cream, Peaches & Cream, Cookies & Cream, Mixed Berry, Organic Chocolate, Organic Vanilla, and Caramel. While the company is not admitting wrongdoing or ceasing the sale of these products, there is a class action settlement. You may be eligible for a cash payout if you purchased any of the misleading shakes in the past 7 years, since 2011. Pre-op or post-op, you need to know how much protein is in your shakes. Not Best for Bariatric Patients Every gram of protein counts, but the deception in amount of protein per serving is not the only problem. Even if you are willing to overlook the shortfall in the amount of protein, Premier Protein has a problem with type of protein. Read the ingredients carefully, and you will see that less than 1% of the product is “whey protein concentrate.” Whey protein is the type of protein that you should be looking for because it absorbs more quickly than casein. Whey protein has been shown to increase weight loss and body fat loss in bariatric surgery patients. Another glance at the list of ingredients of Premier Protein shows that “milk protein concentrate” and “casein” are the major sources of protein. Casein is slow-acting. If you had a bariatric surgery type, such as gastric bypass, that interferes with absorption, you may not get all the benefits from casein. What’s Better? We know that you need a protein supplement, so what can you find that has the amount and type of protein you need and the great taste that will encourage you to take care of your needs? BariatricPal Protein One gets our vote. 27 grams of whey protein. 28 vitamins and minerals. Great-tasting French Vanilla, Cinnamon Swirl, and Double Chocolate Fudge. It has a few more advantages over Premier Protein. Over twice as much dietary fiber for fullness and digestive health. Choose from convenient single-serving packets or multi-serving tubs. Comes in powder so you can add water or your favorite beverage. Has an “unflavored” option so you can add it to anything, from soup to smoothies. When it comes to bariatric products, quality counts. Any purchase you make should be from a trusted source because there are a lot of poor-quality or misleading products out there. The few grams of difference between Premier Protein’s claims and reality may not be a lot, but along with the poor choice of casein instead of whey as the main protein source, you might want to seek another source for your protein. Look for a trusted vendor and name brand as you make your choice. What you put in your body really does matter.

I have recently received alarming reports from patients who have sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to a patient coordinator named Bill Yanez. He is now working once again as a coordinator for Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. Please exercise extreme caution when dealing with Dr. Jalil Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez. They have a history of financial misconduct, having embezzled significant sums of money from me during their tenure as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. Furthermore, I have personally experienced severe surgical complications under the care of Dr. Illan, who botched my surgery not once but twice. There are many reputable and trustworthy options for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Please do not risk your health and finances by entrusting them to a surgeon and coordinators with a track record of dishonesty and malpractice. If these individuals have victimized you, I urge you to report them to your local authorities and the FBI. Their actions are unethical and illegal, and they will face the consequences of their actions in due course. Stay safe, everyone. Let's look out for each other and ensure we all have access to safe, reliable, and ethical medical care.

I just received multiple reports from patients who sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to patient coordinators named Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel. They're currently working as coordinators for Dr. Ramos Kelly and other bariatric surgeons in Tijuana. The patients have all lost their deposits or the amount they paid for their surgeries. Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel have pocketed these funds, have not given them to the surgeons, and are refusing to refund the patients. This is not the first time Bill Yanez and Stacy Eckel have embezzled money. They stole hundreds of thousands from me while working as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. If these two thieves have fleeced you, please report them to your local authorities and the FBI. This will catch up to them one day...

I received this information from a source that works at Hospital BC.

I just got word from a good source that Bill Yanez has been re-hired by Dr. Illan and is back running their scam at Hospital BC. Dr. Illan must be getting desperate if he hired Bill back after claiming that Bill also embezzled his money.

I'm so sorry you had to go through such a harrowing experience with your sister. Experiences like these can shape our decisions, and I can understand your concerns. I personally lived with the lap band for 15 years. Over the years, it slipped twice, eventually eroded, and had to be removed. While it did help me maintain my weight, it was uncomfortable and caused other health issues, and in hindsight, it's not something I would recommend given my experience. That being said, it's clear you're considering the lap band due to your specific circumstances and past experiences. If you're set on going forward with the band, you might want to wait a little longer for a new option on the horizon. ReShape has recently submitted a Premarket Approval (PMA) to the FDA for a next-generation lap band, known as Lap Band 2.0. I saw it firsthand at ASMBS in Las Vegas recently, and it addresses some of the issues associated with the original band. Wishing you all the best in your journey.

Nope! Which one are you using? I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” flavorless capsules from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it’ll cost you only $99 for an entire year's supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE daily, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by the world’s leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with iron absorption. You can view a large selection of bariatric-friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find MANY other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge amount of bariatric friendly Unflavored protein options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/flavor_unflavored Some popular options are: GENEPRO Gen3 Medical Grade Unflavored Protein Powder - 3rd Generation! at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/genepro/products/genepro-medical-grade-unflavored-protein-powder-3rd-generation You can get samples of GENEPRO at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/genepro/products/genepro-gen3-unflavored-protein-powder-single-serving-sample-packs Bariatric Advantage HPMR High Protein Meal Replacement Unflavored at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement?variant=17894360065 Syntrax Nectar 1lb Protein Powder Bottle - Medical Unflavored at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/syntrax-nectar-1lb-protein-powder-bottle-medical-unflavored ProCel Whey Protein at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/procel-whey-protein-flavors

I just got word that Syntrax Roadside Lemonade is BACK IN STOCK!! We will have it available for purchase at The BariatricPal Store within the next week.

They brought manufacturing in-house and it’s been taking them longer to get things going. All flavors will be available within the next few weeks.

I had Lap-Band 20 years ago. I then had the removal of my Lap-Band and revision to Gastric Bypass in March 2018 and Gastric Bypass reversal due to a lower bowel blockage in June 2019. I regret getting the Lap-Band and using a surgeon for my Bypass that wasn't the greatest (to be kind.) Thankfully, I've kept almost all my extra weight off, and my health is great.

Introduction Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related health conditions, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension [1]. With this transformative procedure comes a new way of life that often requires significant adjustments to dietary habits. One essential aspect of post-bariatric surgery care is ensuring patients receive adequate vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. This article will discuss the importance of using a one-per-day multivitamin capsule for bariatric surgery patients, address the misconception that these patients have difficulties swallowing capsules, and review relevant medical studies. The Importance of Multivitamin Capsules for Bariatric Surgery Patients Essential nutrient absorption: Bariatric surgery can lead to reduced absorption of essential nutrients due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract [2]. A one-per-day multivitamin capsule ensures that patients receive the vitamins and minerals they need in a single, convenient dose. A study published in the journal Obesity Surgery found that multivitamin supplementation significantly improved nutrient deficiencies in post-bariatric surgery patients [3]. Compliance and ease of use: A one-per-day multivitamin capsule is easier for patients to incorporate into their daily routine compared to multiple doses. This can lead to improved compliance and better long-term health outcomes. Research conducted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) supports the use of single daily doses to promote adherence to supplementation protocols [4]. Reduced risk of deficiencies: Post-bariatric surgery patients are at an increased risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly in iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins [5]. A one-per-day multivitamin capsule helps to prevent these deficiencies and supports overall well-being. A systematic review published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that multivitamin supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of micronutrient deficiencies following bariatric surgery [6]. Debunking the Myth: Bariatric Surgery Patients and Capsule Swallowing There is a misconception that bariatric surgery patients have difficulties swallowing capsules. However, no medical evidence supports this belief. Capsules are designed to dissolve as soon as they get wet, making them an ideal choice for bariatric surgery patients. Rapid dissolution: Capsules dissolve quickly in the presence of moisture, ensuring that they do not cause any issues with swallowing or digestion for bariatric surgery patients. A study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that capsules typically disintegrate within a few minutes of coming into contact with moisture [7]. Easier on the stomach: Capsules tend to be gentler on the stomach compared to tablets, as they do not contain binders or fillers that can irritate the stomach lining. This is particularly beneficial for bariatric surgery patients, who may experience increased sensitivity in their gastrointestinal tract. Enhanced absorption: Some vitamins and minerals are better absorbed in a liquid or capsule form rather than a tablet, ensuring bariatric surgery patients receive the maximum benefit from their supplementation. Research published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements has shown that certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, have improved bioavailability in capsule form [8]. Conclusion For bariatric surgery patients, a one-per-day multivitamin capsule offers numerous benefits, including convenience, compliance, and reduced risk of nutrient deficiencies. Contrary to popular belief, there is no medical evidence to suggest that bariatric surgery patients have difficulties swallowing capsules. In fact, capsules dissolve quickly and are easier on the stomach, making them an ideal choice for post-bariatric surgery care. Encouraging patients to adopt a one-per-day multivitamin capsule regimen can support their long-term health and well-being after undergoing bariatric surgery. Medical studies have demonstrated the benefits of multivitamin supplementation in preventing nutrient deficiencies, promoting adherence to supplementation protocols, and enhancing the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Bariatric surgery patients can feel confident in their choice of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule to support their journey toward improved health and quality of life. Empower Yourself: A Personal Testimony As a bariatric surgery patient and a knowledgeable expert in the field, I have personally experienced the transformative effects of incorporating a one-per-day multivitamin capsule into my daily routine. Throughout my journey, I have learned that self-care and attentiveness to my nutritional needs are vital for long-term success and well-being. The adoption of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule has provided me with the assurance that I am receiving the essential nutrients required to thrive in my post-bariatric surgery life. The Power of Community It's important to remember that we are not alone on this journey. As bariatric surgery patients, we are part of a supportive community united by a common goal: to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By sharing our experiences, challenges, and successes, we can inspire and empower each other to make informed choices about our nutritional health. I encourage you to connect with others who have undergone bariatric surgery, exchange stories, and discuss the benefits of incorporating a one-per-day multivitamin capsule into your daily routine. By learning from each other and sharing our knowledge, we can collectively overcome the challenges of post-surgery life and experience the unparalleled benefits of one per day multivitamin capsules. Stay Informed, Stay Healthy The world of bariatric surgery and nutrition is constantly evolving. To ensure that you are equipped with the latest information and best practices, it's crucial to stay informed and up-to-date with recent scientific studies, guidelines, and recommendations. Continually educate yourself on the benefits and best practices surrounding one-per-day multivitamin capsules and other nutritional supplements. By staying informed, you can make the best decisions for your health and well-being, ensuring that you are providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. References: [1] Mingrone, G., Panunzi, S., De Gaetano, A., et al. (2012). Bariatric Surgery versus Conventional Medical Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(17), 1577-1585. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1200111 [2] Mechanick, J. I., Youdim, A., Jones, D. B., et al. (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient—2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Obesity, 21(S1), S1-S27. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20461 [3] Aills, L., Blankenship, J., Buffington, C., Furtado, M., & Parrott, J. (2008). ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient. Obesity Surgery, 18(10), 1140-1142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9631-1 [4] Mechanick, J. I., Youdim, A., Jones, D. B., et al. (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient —2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Obesity, 21(S1), S1-S27. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20461 [5] Parrott, J., Frank, L., Rabena, R., Craggs-Dino, L., Isom, K. A., & Greiman, L. (2017). American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Integrated Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient 2016 Update: Micronutrients. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 13(5), 727-741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2016.12.018 [6] Ernst, B., Thurnheer, M., & Schmid, S. M. (2013). Evidence for the Necessity to Systematically Assess Micronutrient Status Prior to Bariatric Surgery. Clinical Nutrition, 32(1), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2012.07.012 [7] Podczeck, F., & Jones, B. E. (2004). The In Vitro Disintegration of Hard Gelatin Capsules Exposed to Different Conditions of Temperature and Relative Humidity. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 280(1-2), 197-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2004.04.018 [8] Traub, M. L., Finnell, J. S., Bhandiwad, A., Ochoa, G., Sasson, N., & Kotsopoulos, J. (2014). Impact of Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(3), 324-334. https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2014.921849 By continuing to learn from one another, staying informed about the latest research, and making informed decisions about our health, we can support each other in our shared goal of a healthier, happier life after bariatric surgery. The use of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule plays a critical role in this journey, providing essential nutrients, promoting adherence to supplementation protocols, and minimizing the risk of deficiencies. Embrace the power of community and knowledge as you embark on your new life and make the most of the benefits that a one-per-day multivitamin capsule can offer.

If you've experienced hair loss, bad skin, and brittle nails after weight loss surgery, these bariatric supplements from the BariatricPal Store may help you get back to being you https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/hair-skin-nails

FYI the BariatricPal Calcium chews are made in the same facility that makes the Bariatric Advantage calcium chews. The BariatricPal chews cost a lot less + they have added probiotics.

The BariatricPal Store carries a vast selection of Bariatric friendly Calcium at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. Discover the delicious and convenient way to support your bone health with BariatricPal's Sugar-Free Calcium Citrate Soft Chews 500mg with Probiotics. These chews come in 9 mouth-watering flavors, including French Vanilla Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Belgian Chocolate Caramel, Caramel Apple, Piña Colada, Orange Creamsicle, Strawberry Watermelon Twist, Wild Grape, and Blue Raspberry. Not only do they taste great, but they are also affordable, costing less than comparable chews on the market. Visit https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/brand_bariatricpal+vitamin-form_soft-chews to try them today! You can get Calcium in many different forms, such as: Soft Chews: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_soft-chews Chewable: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_chewable Powder: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_powder Liquid: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_liquid Tablets: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_tablets Patches: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_vitamin-patch

You can DM me privately.

Yup! I had hernia surgery after I had my Bypass and Bypass reversal. It was a standard hernia surgery.

I don't understand why surgeons ask their patients to use chewable vitamins. Flavorless capsules dissolve quickly once they're taken orally, and they don't get stuck. Solid tablets definitely can cause issues. I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” flavorless capsules from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it’ll cost you only $99 for an entire year's supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE daily, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by the world’s leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with iron absorption. You can view a large selection of bariatric-friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find MANY other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.

If you take a real bariatric multivitamin and consume enough protein, you should be covered. There's no need to buy a separate hair vitamin. I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” flavorless capsules from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it’ll cost you only $99 for an entire year's supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE daily, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by the world’s leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with iron absorption. You can view a large selection of bariatric-friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find MANY other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.

If you're looking for a convenient and tasty way to supplement your protein intake, check out the wide selection of bariatric-friendly protein bars available at the BariatricPal Store. While some options are available in single servings, others are sold in bulk. This allows you to easily find the perfect protein bar without the risk of wasting money on a whole box of something you may not like. Here are some of the awesome protein bar brands they carry: - Atkins Nutritionals - BariatricPal - Bhu Foods - BSN - Buff Bake - Built Bar - CanDo - Convenient Nutrition - Dang - Detour - Eat Me Guilt Free - Epic - Evolved - Extend Nutrition - Genius Gourmet - Good To Go - HealthSmart Foods - IQBar - Keto Bars - Keto Wise - Kirkland - Love Good Fats - MET-Rx - Munk Pack - Muscle Foods - NuGo - One Brands - Optimum Nutrition - Organic Food Bar Company - Perfect Keto - Power Crunch - Promax - Proti Diet - Pure Protein - Quest Nutrition - Raw Revolution - Rawmantic Chocolate - Robert Irvine's Fit Crunch - SlimFast - Think! - Universal Nutrition - ZonePerfect

I can tell you who you shouldn't use. Do NOT use Dr. Selim Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez and Stacy Illan. They embezzled a ton of my money, and Dr. Illan BOTCHED up my surgery TWICE!!! There are many great options in Mexico. Don't chance it with a dishonest surgeon.

I resposted your experience in both our FaceBook groups: Gastric Sleeve Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/GastricSleeveSupport/permalink/5377631009006951/ and Bariatric Surgery Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheBariatricSurgerySupportGroup/permalink/2503349566499729 I hope this brings more awareness to your situation and assists other when deciding on a surgeon or facility to use in Mexico.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I will post about this to our FaceBook groups. There are many members over there researching doctors and facilities in Mexico. I’m not surprised or shocked. It’s terrible that this is still going on over there.

Exciting news for all bariatric patients! The BariatricPal Store has added the delicious and nutritious Protein2o Orange Mango Whey Protein Isolate Powder to its product line. This powder is perfect for those looking for a premium whey protein isolate with a burst of tangy orange and juicy mango flavor. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's also lower in calories and contains 0g of sugar, making it a great option for those trying to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. And, with the added electrolytes, it provides the fuel you need to tackle your next adventure. If you're a fan of fruity flavors, this powder is a must-try! Personally, it's one of my favorite protein powders, and I'm sure you'll love it too. So head to the BariatricPal Store and get your hands on this amazing product today!

It's common to feel nervous about stretching your stomach after bariatric surgery, especially in the early stages of recovery. However, it's important to listen to your body and trust the process. Slowing down between bites and being mindful of the foods you're eating can help you better identify feelings of fullness