Alex Brecher

Can you please send me a screenshot of the error message you're getting, please? I just tried logging in with FaceBook and didn't have an issue.

Celebrate the dreams that become reality through weight loss surgery on a National scale! Testimonials, success stories, a world-famous DJ, giveaways including a Peloton®, and the top Bariatric surgeons in the country...you don't want to miss out on the fun!

According to ASMBS guidelines, “Q: Do I need to avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery? A: 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. After that point, you can ask your surgeon or dietitian about resuming caffeine. Remember that caffeine often comes paired with sugary, high-calorie drinks, so be sure you’re making wise beverage choices.” The BariatricPal Store carries a large selection of bariatric friendly coffee options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/coffee .

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

The holiday season always comes up faster than expected. That is even true this year when so many other things have been different. It is time to start thinking about gifts for the people you love. If they include bariatric surgery patients who are pre or post-op, we have the perfect gifts for you. First up are something your loved one is sure to love: favorite desserts. If they are missing creamy, starchy, sugary foods, you can be the one to give them their faves without guilt. Here are just a few favorite desserts you can gift this year! Gingerbread Cake Mix Nothing says, “Happy Holidays!” like gingerbread, but can your bariatric surgery friend really afford to be eating gingerbread this year? Yes, she certainly can if you give her a high-protein, low-carb version such as BariatricPal Gingerbread Mug Cake Mix. It has 130 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 1 gram of sugar. Even better than giving ready-made gingerbread cake or cookies, giving Gingerbread Cake Mix lets the recipient make it herself, which means the delicious smell of cinnamon and ginger can waft through the house. It is easy to make just by mixing a packet with water and microwaving it. Each box contains 7 packets. Creamy Cheesecake Cheesecake is not the standard choice for a smart dieter, but BariatricPal High Protein Creamy Cheesecake is no standard cheesecake. It has about half the calories, saturated fat, and sugar as the same size serving of regular cheesecake, along with 12 grams of protein to make it more filling. If cheesecake isn’t cheesecake without the graham cracker crust, you can easily make your own without adding the 20 grams of carbs per serving that a traditional one has. Just crush sugar-free Catalina Crunch Keto Cereal - Honey Graham instead of graham crackers to use in the crust. Each serving has 10 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. You can make an entire cheesecake using 7 servings of Creamy Cheesecake mix, or make your cheesecake in muffin cups for single servings. Each box has 7 servings. Pumpkin Spice Blondie A bariatric surgery patient could feel a little down after an entire autumn of passing up pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin lattes, and pumpkin muffins. How about giving a gift of a pumpkin dessert that comes without guilt? Eat Me Guilt Free Pumpkin Spice Blondie knocks the socks off the competition in taste and nutrition. The entire blondie has only 170 calories and 4 grams of sugar, or 90% less sugar than a slice of pumpkin bread from a bakery-cafe. With 22 grams of protein, it has as much protein as chicken and can be eaten for a meal, snack, or dessert. They come in single and 3, 6, and 12-packs. There is no shortage of desserts that are suitable gifts for bariatric patients and anyone else who is on a weight loss journey. By the way, remember that your favorite bariatric surgery patient can be...yourself! Go right ahead and give yourself the gift of weight loss and pleasure all in one with your favorite low-carb desserts!

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of bariatric friendly protein bars at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-bars ! Here are some of the brands they carry: BariatricPal Built Bar Convenient Nutrition Detour Dive Bar Nutrition Epic HealthSmart Foods Keto Wise Kirkland Muscle Cheff One Brands Power Crunch Proti Diet Quest Nutrition

Nobody ever told you that you can't post or have an opinion when you're only a month out. You need to read the rules you agreed to upon sign up https://www.bariatricpal.com/guidelines/ Specifically: Disrespectful and Hurtful Posts are Forbidden All posts must fit within BariatricPal’s guidelines for acceptable posts. Posts must be consistent with BariatricPal’s core beliefs. Weight loss surgery can be an effective tool to fight obesity. Our common goal is to fight obesity through a unified voice. No weight loss surgery is inherently better or worse than any other. Each has advantages, and each has disadvantages. Some individuals are good candidates for one kind of surgery, and other individuals are better candidates for another kind of surgery. No individual is more or less deserving of weight loss and health because of a decision to get or not get weight loss surgery, or because of which type of weight loss surgery he or she chooses. BariatricPal serves as a place where anyone can ask questions about weight loss surgery without fear of ridicule. BariatricPal serves as a forum for open discussion and polite disagreement so that everyone can benefit. Weight loss surgery “bashing” is absolutely prohibited. This include, but is not limited to, statements that a specific type of weight loss surgery is: Bad or wrong Easier than another type of weight loss surgery or “cheating” when someone is trying to lose weight Out of date or obsolete Doomed to failure In addition, “bashing” of individuals is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, statements that a person is: Lazy for choosing one type of weight loss surgery over another Unprepared for or undeserving of weight loss surgery because of Deserving of complications or disappointing weight loss because of their choice of weight loss surgery Violations of these rules and consequences will be determined at the sole discretion of BariatricPal and based on individual situations. They may include, but are not limited to, the following: Editing or removal of the offensive post(s) Warning from BariatricPal staff or Forum Hosts to avoid such posts in the future Temporary suspension of membership Permanent removal of the member’s account These guidelines do NOT forbid disagreement and candid discussions on BariatricPal. Members may discuss and defend their points of view in respectful manners. Please feel free to contact BariatricPal with any questions about these guidelines. Remember that written communication is different from face-to-face communication. When you post a message on the discussion forum, send someone a text message, email, or private message, or meet in a chat room, a lot of the message is lost. When you are face-to-face with someone, you can use tone of voice, gestures, and expressions to help get your point across. These aids are lost when you communicate online. Your message can accidentally come across as harsh or rude. A good way to reduce accidental misunderstandings is to read your own message before posting it to see if there is any way that a reader could mistake its meaning in a negative way. Additional BariatricPal Posting Guidelines Be polite. Rudeness is not tolerated and can lead to post removal or account suspension. All members have the right to express their opinions and are encouraged to do so while maintaining a courteous tone. Posts that are forbidden include, but are not limited to, the following: Rude posts Obscenity, pornography and profanity. The following are examples of unacceptable content in photos: nudity underwear, thongs, g-strings, or banana hammocks excessive cleavage close-up shots of cleavage, butt, breasts or crotch in any state of dress hateful or violent imagery images containing profanity. Any abuse towards our staff and/or management in any form Posts that contain derogatory references to sex, gender, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation, or endorsement of violence against any person or group, even if couched in humor. Don’t break the law Don’t use others’ experiences as medical advice. Do not use the forums to share private contact information, such as telephone numbers, email addresses, mailing address, instant messenger IDs, etc.

Enough! Stop acting so childish. You're going to be permanently banned if this behavior continues.

It's quite possible that your hospital is using Unjury products to make a little money. It seems a little unethical to push a specific brand when it's really unnecessary. I hear where you're coming from.

You can use any whey protein isolate. I might be slightly biased but Premier Protein shakes are not great for most bariatric patients. They have less than 1% whey protein! Check the nutrition facts. I was shocked too when I read them. With the poor choice of casein instead of whey as the main protein source, you might want to seek another source for your protein. Here’s a little article on this topic at https://store.bariatricpal.com/blogs/news/premier-protein-not-premier-for-bariatric-patients

Have you tried protein soups? The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein Soups and Broths at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/soups-bouillons-broths.

BariatricPal Store NEW PRODUCT ALERT: 1) Youtopia Snacks in 3 great flavors: Youtopia Snacks are delicious 130-calorie healthy snack packs that are high-protein, low-sugar, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Perfect for offices, travel, & weight loss! Available at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/youtopia-snacks 2) Sweet Logic Baking Mixes, Mug Cake Mixes, and Pancake or Waffle Mixes: Sweet Logic takes a logical approach to health, nutrition, and fitness. Because the ketogenic lifestyle shouldn’t be complicated. Fuel Your Best. Keto-Friendly. Low-Carb Friendly. Available at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/sweet-logic 3) ParmCrisps Keto-Friendly Protein Snack Mix available in 3 great Flavors: A snack mix of the premium parmcrisps and premium dry roasted nuts! Unlike the majority of nut manufacturers, ParmCrisps Snack Mix sources nuts from farms with the highest ethical standards, free of labor abuse, toxins ("blood cashews"), and pesticides. Available at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/kitchen-table-bakers Visit https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/new-products to view all the NEW products that have recently been added to the BariatricPal Store.

Join BariatricPal at a 2-day LIFE BEYOND THE SLEEVE VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE taking place on September 18-19th, from the comfort of your home. Featuring your favorite sleeved influencers and their allies. Register today at https://lifebeyondthesleeve.com/

We didn’t plan anything. BariatricPal is just a sponsor 🤷‍♂️

Done

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

I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” Bariatric Multivitamins 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 supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 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. You can also find many other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.

That would be super helpful, thank you! I sent you a PM.

You can use eBay.

We do have a system in place to block them. I’m going to try to fine tune it. Thanks for reporting.

ASMBS Guidelines/Statements Safer through surgery: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery statement regarding metabolic and bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic Executive Council of ASMBS Published: June 05, 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2020.06.003 The surgical treatment of obesity and its complications has been postponed in many parts of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the postponements for nonurgent surgical treatment of many other human conditions and disease processes. Many have characterized bariatric and metabolic surgery along with cosmetic plastic surgery as clear-cut examples of elective procedures that must be postponed during COVID-19. Some U.S. states have included these types of procedures in their state-wide order as examples of “elective” surgical procedures that should be the last to be restarted. For those who define “elective” surgery as not necessary or optional, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) asserts that metabolic and bariatric surgery is NOT elective. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is medically necessary and the best treatment for those with the life-threatening and life-limiting disease of severe obesity. The definition of elective in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “relating to, being, or involving a non-emergency medical procedure and especially surgery that is planned in advance and is not essential to the survival of the patient.” Metabolic and bariatric surgery is life-saving surgery, with multiple studies confirming the survival benefit for patients treated by surgery over those treated without surgery [1]. Metabolic and bariatric surgery creates long-term changes in metabolism and reduces or eliminates multiple serious obesity-related diseases improving long-term health and quality of life as well as survival. The ASMBS supports the use of the term “medically necessary time-sensitive surgery,” as proposed by Prachand et al. [2], or “medically necessary nonemergent surgery,” as far superior to the term “elective” surgery and what it connotes. Metabolic and bariatric surgery should be restarted when it is safe to do so. The ASMBS disagrees with the concept that bariatric surgery should be postponed until the pandemic is declared over. The global nature of the pandemic, the potential for a second wave or persistent ongoing infection in some parts of the world, along with more traditional risks, such as annual influenza outbreaks, make postponement potentially indefinite. There is clear evidence bariatric surgery improves survival [1] and significantly improves the disease of obesity and several critical obesity-related conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular events). Obesity and obesity-related diseases have been identified as independent risk factors for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 infection [3], including need for intubation, ventilatory support, intensive care unit care, and mortality. From a patient-centered and public health standpoint, it is critical to resume metabolic and bariatric surgery. We also understand that obesity and related diseases are the same risk factors that must be taken into consideration for temporarily postponing bariatric surgery in certain higher-risk subsets of patients. The risks and benefits at that particular time for that specific patient need to be carefully considered. Factors to consider in making that decision also include the local prevalence of COVID-19, the availability of testing, the available resources, including hospital beds, ventilators, and personal protection equipment, as well as strategies to protect healthcare workers and patients. However, delay in the life-saving surgical treatment of obesity and its complications for many months or years is not in the best interest of our patients. The ASMBS has advocated for many years that patients suffering from the disease of obesity and its many serious associated diseases should strongly consider metabolic and bariatric surgery as a life-changing intervention that improves health, quality of life, and long-term survival. COVID-19 is the most recent of many diseases in which underlying obesity worsens the prognosis. Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were “safer through surgery.” In the era of COVID-19, “safer through surgery” for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before. PIIS155072892030318X.pdf

American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) calls for safe resumption of bariatric and metabolic surgery before COVID-19 pandemic is declared over Newberry, Fla. — Jun. 23, 2020 — The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), the leading organization of bariatric surgeons and integrated health professionals in the nation, declared metabolic and bariatric surgery "medically necessary and the best treatment for those with the life-threatening and life-limiting disease of severe obesity" and called for the safe and rapid resumption of procedures, which have been largely postponed along with other surgeries deemed elective amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new position statement entitled, "Safer Through Surgery," published online in the journal SOARD, the ASMBS strongly rejects classifying metabolic and bariatric surgery as "elective" and prefers the use of the term "Medically Necessary Time-Sensitive Surgery" or "Medically Necessary Non-Emergent Surgery" to better characterize the effectiveness of the intervention and the progressive nature of the many diseases it treats including obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. "COVID-19 may be a factor for quite some time and the longer the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes and other related diseases are postponed, the greater the chance they will become worse," said Matthew M. Hutter, MD, MPH, president of the ASMBS and professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. "Each state, doctor and patient must make a decision as to when conditions for metabolic and bariatric surgery are right, but the sooner it can be safely performed, the more quickly obesity, type 2 diabetes and other diseases can be reduced or resolved." The ASMBS recommends that the precise timing for surgery be carefully considered based on factors including an individual patient’s health status, local prevalence of COVID-19 and the availability of resources including hospital beds, ventilators and personal protective equipment (PPE). The ASMBS statement concludes, "Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were ‘safer through surgery’. In the era of COVID-19, ‘safer through surgery’ for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before." Obesity has been identified as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes including death among COVID-19 patients. Metabolic/bariatric surgery has been shown to be the most effective and long-lasting treatment for severe obesity. 1 Its safety profile is comparable to some of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. including gallbladder surgery, appendectomy and knee replacement. 2 An estimated 252,000 bariatric surgeries were performed in the United States in 2018, which is approximately less than 1 percent of the population eligible for surgery based on BMI. 3 The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports 42.4 percent of Americans had obesity in 2017-2018. 4 Obesity has been linked to more than 40 diseases including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis and at least 13 different types of cancer. 5,6,7 About the ASMBS The ASMBS is the largest organization for bariatric surgeons in the nation. It is a non-profit organization that works to advance the art and science of bariatric surgery and is committed to educating medical professionals and the lay public about bariatric surgery as an option for the treatment of severe obesity, as well as the associated risks and benefits. It encourages its members to investigate and discover new advances in bariatric surgery, while maintaining a steady exchange of experiences and ideas that may lead to improved surgical outcomes for patients with severe obesity. For more information, visit www.asmbs.org. ### 1 Weiner, R. A., et al. (2010). Indications and principles of metabolic surgery. U.S. National Library of Medicine. 81(4) pp.379-394. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20361370 2 Gastric Bypass is as Safe as Commonly Performed Surgeries. Health Essentials. Cleveland Clinic. Nov. 6, 2014. Accessed October 2017 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2014/11/gastric-bypass-is-as-safe-as-commonly-performed-surgeries/ 3 https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers 4 https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html 5 The Effectiveness and Risks of Bariatric Surgery: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, 2003-2012. Accessed from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/fullarticle/1790378 6 Steele CB, Thomas CC, Henley SJ, et al. Vital Signs: Trends in Incidence of Cancers Associated with Overweight and Obesity — United States, 2005-2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep2017;66:1052-1058. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6639e1 7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015) The Health Effects of Overweight and Obesity. Accessed from: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/effects/index.html

Interesting! We’ve talked to DHL before but never ended up working with them. I’m going to reach out again. Thanks for the idea.

We don’t mark up shipping costs. Unfortunately, it costs a lot to ship outside the US. Where are you located?

You can read over 37,000 REAL LEGIT reviews from BariatricPal Store customers at https://store.bariatricpal.com/pages/these-are-real-bariatricpal-product-reviews-from-people