Beckyyb93

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear this but you are SO brave...I would be scared to death to be so honest with people but as I'm sure you know that's the first step in healing. Also, after all that you have been through you come to post to help other people..sounds like you are a pretty selfless guy. I wish things were different for you but it sounds like you are trying to move forward which is the only option since you can't go back and change anything. I hope you continue to stay so strong and beat this weight and this depression, it will take a lot of time but it is possible and I know you will feel so good once you accomplish getting healthy in all ways. I wish you tons of luck and hope you get a good medication regimen down and keep trudging along the long hard path of life, I feel pretty confident in saying it can only get better from here (knock on wood of course) but you've got this! Stick around and we will support you here

Congrats! Also, I want to thank you not only for this wonderful community but also for your books! I'm almost done with your book on the bypass and I feel ten times more ready

Wow, you should also keep in mind the sheer volume you will have to take in. Your tummy will be smaller and might not like having to eat 9 chews a day so you may want to find something with the 500mg in each bite. I hope you find something that works for you and most importantly tastes good!

No problem Also, the other flavors of Celebrate chews aren't nasty so if you like sweets I'd give it a try...I just like fruity Vitamins lol. I think the reason they are so much cheaper is because you can buy them in bulk. Celebrate Calcet Creamy Bites have 500mg of Calcium and are: $23.90 for 60 Celebrate chews have 250mg of Calcium and are: $11.75 for 60 Bariatric Advantage chews have 250mg of Calcium and are: $12.65 for 60 So, I guess they aren't significantly different..weird. I wonder if my surgeon raises the price for the BA chews in his office..

I do it because I already order all of my other Vitamins from Celebrate and I love their lemon chews but I like the variety of the Bariatric Advantage. Celebrate is way cheaper too, it's super easy for me though because my surgeon's office carries the Bariatric Advantage so I just buy the raspberry from there and get the lemon chews every 90 days with the rest of my vitamins from Celebrate. I just don't like the sweeter calcium for some weird reason which are the only other flavors that Celebrate offers besides the lemon. I just like to save money and think the lemon chews from Celebrate are just as good as the Bariatric Advantage chews...hopefully they will come out with more flavors soon so I can stop spending the extra on the BA calcium.

Did you check out Vitalady? I think I posted a link in your other thread but she has samples of like 40 different Protein powders for $2,99 each with $5 shipping so you can try everything before you buy it..way cheaper than buying a bunch of tubs and sending them back. I do really well with the Syntrax nectar for sweet shakes and Isopure unflavored to put in other foods, not as bad of an aftertaste as unjury. Good luck, you'll find something you like if you keep trying!! Here's the link again to the samples: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending Also, here's a link to a post that rates Protein powder, VitaLady carries samples of lots of protein on the excellent list so that's a great place to start http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/181262-rating-protein-powders/ BTW: I don't work for her or get anything out of recommending her products, I've just never found such a large variety of samples from one place which is more efficient so I try to share it with others who are having trouble finding protein they can tolerate!

I took the chews right after surgery, the surgeon's office carried them and they were great. My two favorites were raspberry and lemon but IMO they are kind of expensive. Celebrate vitamins has soft chews and the lemon flavor is amazing and they are cheaper so I use Celebrate lemon chews in the am and Bariatric Advantage raspberry chews at night...works great for me.

I know it's hard to tell that irritating little voice to go take a hike but that's exactly what you need to tell it! It helped me pre-op to do lots of research, the more success stories I read the better I felt. There are books that you can purchase, one of the best books was written by Alex who is the founder of BariatricPal. It's called "The Big Book on the Gastric Bypass" just read and read until you feel more confident, this is still a tool...you have to know how to use it for it to be successful! You will get there though and you aren't likely to be the 1 in 500,000 that the bypass doesn't work for..just remember you control how well your new tummy works for you! Also, figure out what you want to do for exercise after the bypass...just immerse yourself in tools on how to be successful and eventually that stupid nagging voice will simmer down, you will have surgery and kick butt then you can tell off all the people including that voice that you beat them and you are on a way to a healthier you!! You'll look back in a year and find yourself giving someone else the same advice I'm giving you now so take it from people who have the experience...you got this girl!!

I've been stalking your thread because I'm getting the bypass on August 1st but I'm a revision from a sleeve..lot of complications and a very long story. I thought I'd jump in here and back you, I hated everything from Unjury..don't know why but I sent all of it back. I'm doing much better with other brands like nectar for sweet shakes and Isopure for unflavored protein, it doesn't have that weird after taste that Unjury did. I hate the IsoPure pre-made protein Fruit drinks though..you just have to try a bunch of stuff and see what works for you. I found Vitalady recently and she does samples of like 40 different protein powders for $2.99 each with $5 shipping so it's a great way to try before you buy to see what you can tolerate then buy the tubs of what you like. It's way cheaper then buying and sending back a bunch of protein powders! Here's the link: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending Good luck and I'll keep watching to see how you guys are feeling!

I'm not sure how I missed this thread! I'm revising from a sleeve to a bypass on August 1st. I had a stricture from the moment I woke up from my VSG in 2012 and ever since then the acid has been eroding my esophagus at the stricture and my surgeon said if we didn't revise I'd be looking at esophageal cancer...at 21!! I had bad reflux before and can't help but wonder why he didn't advise me to do the bypass but I'm hopeful that the revision will fix me. I'm also having such bad reflux that it's causing spasms and I'm on a ton of medication to help with those. I've been on and off Lortab this whole time and haven't had any solid food since surgery in 2012. I was relatively healthy besides some comorbitities and the weight and now my life is a mess. I'm a nursing student and I've barely stayed afloat between all the hospital visits, procedures, Vitamin and Protein deficiencies causing no energy and dehydration to the point of getting constant kidney infections. I'm so ready to feel better, I'd love to hear more about your experiences with surgery and how bad your reflux was before you had the revision.

Your welcome! I forgot to give you guys this link.. http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending Vitalady sells Protein powder and Vitamins aimed at bariatric patients and on that link she sells samples of TONS of awesome protein for $2.99 each with $5 shipping. If you aren't sure what to try, I'd pick a few flavors and try them AFTER you have surgery, it's way cheaper and easier than ordering a whole bunch of stuff then not liking it and sending it back. I have 8 new samples to try out after surgery and I'm excited to have some variety. Also, if you are having trouble deciding what on the list you want to try, you can go to this link and some people have rated protein powders..just remember that's their opinion and you may not love everything on the list. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/181262-rating-protein-powders/

First off, you aren't completely alone...you have us now! Second, I think everyone with weight problems suffers from at least a little bit of depression if not a lot of depression. I second the other posters, you need to get professional help first. I know it can be really hard to admit you have a problem that needs help but it's the first step to becoming healthy. There are also tons of support groups for WLS and you will be surprised to find that there are lots of people in your boat. It helps so much to find people you can count on to support you because you are not in this alone, we have all struggled. It might take some time to get to the right medication that will help you and it's very important to find a good therapist that you can really open up and talk to. The sleeve is a tool in your weight loss journey but you have to be mentally and physically prepared because this is not an easy road. You will have cravings and the hunger in your head is much worse than the hunger you feel in your tummy, it's worth all of the hard work in the end though I promise! Once you feel that you are ready to stand up to your weight and kick it's butt then we will be here supporting you the whole way whether you need Protein suggestions or a shoulder to cry on or hopefully people to tell you how awesome you look when you start losing! You definitely came to the right place, we are all a big WLS family and we will back you the whole way! My suggestion is to get the depression to the point where you feel it's managed enough to take this on, it's not a race and you have plenty of time. You have to be confident in yourself which can take time, it took me a whole year after I started therapy to get to the place that I'm at now. These are all steps in the long process to get you healthy again! If you have any specific questions feel free to ask any of us and remember; you got this girl!

Yay!! I'm excited for you too This is the first step to becoming a healthier you! Do you have any specific questions or any specific topic you would like more information about? There are so many things to discuss when preparing for your surgery!! I'd suggest you look around and read lots and lots then come back with questions and ask for suggestions on things like Protein, Vitamins, etc. We all have lots of experience, are very supportive and love to help out new people on their journey!

My doc wants: Week 1: Clear liquids Week 2: Full liquids Week 3 & 4: Soft/pureed food Week 5: Semi solid food such as lunch meats, tofu, etc. Week 6: Slowly add in more solid food such as lettuce, toasted bread, brown rice, etc. Beyond week 5 & 6 they want me to add in new foods slowly but start getting back to a healthy eating style which is low on carbs and high on Protein. It will take time to see what you can tolerate, lots of trial and error. Good luck!

I agree, you are a good hubby! You didn't say much about Protein shakes and she needs to find some she likes because you live off of those for a while. I would suggest getting some samples, whether you get them online or go to GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, etc. she needs to try them first and then you need to buy her what she likes and can tolerate which can be tough because those shakes get really old really fast. She will need variety! Here is a link to a site that has tons and tons of protein samples for $2.99 each, I'd just run off some of the flavors to her and pick a few to try out, shipping is only $5 and you can purchase what she likes from there or from any other place that carries them. http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending Good luck, I'm sure you will do great!!

Thank you girls for all the support and kind words! I am really young and that's why I'm going to fight this until I get some relief! I am worried about you Roostertail2 I just hope like heck he can do the bypass because my story is scary and I'm praying that by telling my story I will be able to help somebody else. My surgeon didn't even mention reflux problems before the sleeve and he was treating me for GERD. My soon to be mother in law is a case manager and wants me to sue him for not telling me the risks of the reflux after surgery but I don't want money, I just want to be fixed! His partner is the one doing the revision so I'm crossing my fingers that this is going to work out for me. Are you guys doing good preparing for surgery? Have you picked out a few Protein shakes or gotten any samples to try post-op? I'm sure you guys have heard that your taste buds change so I don't suggest loading up on protein until you know what you can handle; though having some staples like chocolate and vanilla is a good idea. I also used GasX strips after surgery and they helped so much with the horrible gas pains that we will all have when we wake up. I also used Biotene mouth spray because the first night your mouth will be so dry and you can't have any liquids until the next morning. I used the mouth spray liberally and it helped me stay satisfied. Your throat is already going to hurt from the anesthesia and it just feels nice to have some moisture in there. Obviously you guys have to do what works for you, those are just some tips that helped me last time

You know the strange part is I never even realized I had reflux so badly. I mean there have been a few nasty belches (sorry for detail) but other than that...had no symptoms. I should've listened to my body more maybe? I don't know. Hmm, I don't know. I feel my reflux all the time and I have the spasms which generally happen when I'm swallowing food and when it hits that stricture it just comes straight back up into my throat..yuck if I miss even one dose of Nexium I don't eat at all, same goes for my Calcium channel blocker for the spasms. I barely scrape by with them and can't function at all without them.

Go here: http://www.vitalady.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&keywords=protsamp&SortKey=sku&SortOrder=ascending It has samples for $2.99 each of most of the major favorites like nectar 100%, BSN Desserts, etc. and just pick some flavors you think you will like, pay $5 for shipping and you can figure out which ones work for you. BUT, don't try them until after surgery, we aren't kidding when we say your taste buds will change! I didn't like anything from unjury..ick! I use IsoPure unflavored when I need to and in tomato Soup it was pretty good. I prefer actual shakes though. You can also try the IsoPure pre-mixed bottles at GNC or The Vitamin Shoppe but those never worked for me. They are fruity and very thin so I can see why some people like them. I usually added greek yogurt, sometimes frozen fruit, PB2, etc. to my shakes to change them up. Good luck!

I have a trick to get in fluids and Protein when you don't feel like it. It worked for me so maybe it will help someone else! I have a timer that I purchased on Amazon that clips on to my bra and every 30 minutes it vibrates. I have a thermos with a Protein shake in it and a thermos/water bottle with Water or tea or flavored water, etc. in it and I switch between them every 30 minutes. Each time I take a drink I'm getting roughly one ounce of liquid and if you stick to it you will get your daily needs met. It usually feels natural to me instead of how I feel when I look at a ginormous protein shake and try to drink it all at once..daunting! Then when it's time to add in other foods, I just skip two buzzes which would be an hour, eat a few ounces, skip two more buzzes which is another hour and then go back to switching back and forth. Good luck!

We all have similarities my surgeon also says that the one thing he can guarantee is from the moment I wake up from surgery...the acid will be gone! I also have esophageal spasms that I take a lot of medication for (also happened post-sleeve) so we are hoping the change in anatomy of my stomach plus the acid stopping will let my stricture heal enough to the point that it won't spasm. I'd love to get off all these meds I take for the complications, I signed up to get more healthy not to get more sick but I try not to think of it that way because all that does it make me upset. I'm trying to be all positive and be as excited as I can about a second surgery that I never really wanted because I'm hopeful it will fix my problems and if it does, all of this will be worth it in the end. Reflux sucks!! We will kick it's butt

Oh my! I am so sorry for your experience. What a trooper you are! I'll be following & keeping you in my prayers for a new beginning! , I'm 42 & I have some Barretts if you're familiar...only I'm going straight to bypass...no trying the sleeve here (I dont think my doc would do it anyway because of it). Still very nervous! Yes, Barret's was what would come first then as I'm sure you know esophageal cancer follows. We are revising to the bypass to nip it in the bud and hopefully avoid both! I'm very very glad you are going straight to the bypass because the sleeve is what caused this for me. My esophagus was 100% healthy before getting the sleeve then it just got worse and worse. I don't recommend the sleeve to anyone with severe reflux because it made mine ten times worse. I'm wishing you tons of luck, my surgeon said bypass is a treatment for Barret's and my approval went right through since it was for medical necessity instead of morbid obesity. I'm hoping this will fix both of our problems!!

Well, I originally went with the sleeve because it is less restricting. With the sleeve, you will be able to eat whatever you want (after you heal) just in smaller portions. With the bypass, there is usually food that you won't ever be able to tolerate such as white bread, white rice, and white Pasta. Some people can tolerate whole wheat bred, rice, and pasta but others can't, Most everyone I know who have the sleeve without complications absolutely love it and have lost close to if not all the weight they wanted to lose. I've heard people with the bypass say they lost weight quicker and some think it's better suited to people who have more weight to lose but at the end of it all, it's your decision. The sleeve is also of course less invasive than the bypass. The only downside to the sleeve besides any complications you might have is the same as the upside, you can eat whatever you want. If you eat small portions of ice cream all day long you won't lose any weight, if you eat too much you can stretch your stomach whereas with the bypass it's likely you will just throw it up. You have to be committed 110% to get either surgery because both take a lot of hard work, it'll be worth it to be healthy though! Good luck on your decision!

Uhoh I am scheduled for the sleeve and I have Gerd and take Omeprizole. I don't mean to scare anyone but in my own experience I had bad GERD and took Nexium everyday and once I had surgery the reflux got a lot worse and it got so bad that it's eroding my esophagus and they are revising me to a bypass to avoid esophageal cancer. I'm 21 and I'm probably a rare case but I have seen a lot of reflux complications around here from the sleeve. It's just something I'd talk to your surgeon about, please don't change everything based on one experience..just research it and talk it through with your doc. Mine never brought it up and I wish he had. If you click on me and see the threads I've started you can see my journey from a sleeve in 2012 to a bypass August 1st.

I have lots of experience but first I'm going to ask if you have GERD or any acid reflux? Do you take Nexium or Tums? That will significantly change my answer because those conditions put you at a high risk for complications with the sleeve which is what happened to me.

How old are all you ladies? I'm 21 and am scheduled on August 1st for a revision from a sleeve to a bypass. I had a sleeve in 2012, when I woke up I had a stricture and that began the long journey that has gotten me here. They dilated through endoscopy's a dozen times, I've been hospitalized, on and off Lortab since 2012 and the big kicker..I haven't eaten solid food since going into surgery in 2012! Now, the reflux is so bad that my esophagus is eroding around the stricture and we are talking about the risk of esophageal cancer if I don't get this taken care of. Also, it's getting worse very quickly! So, I'm all set for a revision on the 1st and I'm very hopeful that this will fix my pain, I'm crossing my fingers! I feel like I've already had enough bad luck, maybe it's time for some good luck (knocking on wood). I'm a full time nursing student and have barely stayed afloat in school because of all the hospitalizations, the narcotics, Protein and Vitamin deficiency causing zero energy, and then just the overall pain and how it affects your mind and body. I'm SO ready to start healing! I have a lot of support from my wonderful fiance, my mom who as always been my best friend and biggest cheerleader, and my soon to be mother-in-law plus the many prayers I get from all of you guys. If you have any vitamin or protein questions feel free to let me know, I've been there done that. I have my own thread that posts my long journey from sleeve to bypass but I'll keep you August bypassers updated here too. I'm praying for smooth recovery for all of you and I'm especially praying for a bypass for you @@Roostertail2 because the GERD will get significantly worse if you get a sleeve, I know very well from personal experience. Oh and as far as pre-op diet, my surgeon likes 3 days all Clear liquids so that's what I'll do at the end of July for him.