Clementine Sky

I used them for a month and didn't have any significantly negative experiences, but decided to switch back to Flintstones. I had a small breakout while using them, and don't know if the patches were the cause or if it was merely coincidental. In the past my dermatologist had told me to be mindful about vitamins with too much vitamin B because they can cause breakouts in women with PCOS. I've broken out with other brands before, but Flintstones hasn't been problematic for me. I had a hard time peeling the patches off my skin, lol. I'd ordered a two month supply and gave the second month to my dad (who has not had WLS). He seems to like them just fine.

Focusing on the percentage of excess weight lost is definitely logical,.................and yet it didn't occur to me to do that instead of fixating on the number on the scale. Thanks for your post. I've lost 79% of my excess weight (as determined by my own original goal weight and BMI) from my highest weight at six months and two weeks out. I've set a new goal weight so I do still have a ways to go, but I'm making better progress than I thought. That's certainly a much more encouraging (and sensible) way to look at it than I had been.

In the six months since surgery I've taken Flintstones with Iron, Vitamin Code Raw One for Woman, and the Dr. Patch multivitamins. I liked Vitamin Code the best, but reverted to taking Flintstones this month primarily for convenience. Even though the Vitamin Code vitamins state that they can be taken with or without food, I always felt very nauseous if I didn't have them with a meal. The same is true with all other brands of multivitamins I've taken in the past (Centrum, Trader Joe's, and various others). I needed an ample amount of water, plus food, and since I try to not eat and drink within the same 30 minute window that was a bit of a challenge. With Flintstones I haven't had that problem because I can just chew them. I have one with breakfast and one with an afternoon snack. It's also less expensive and more readily available. I haven't had any negative effects from the Flintstones. I am incredibly sensitive to B vitamins and will breakout if a multivitamin contains too much of them, and fortunately Flintstones has just the right amount to not be problematic for me. I will say that I despised Flintstones immediately after surgery. For the first few weeks anything too sweet was not palatable to me at all. Then my tastebuds chilled out, and I was fine with them again.

I began adding GENEPRO Protein powder to my diet a few weeks ago, and have been pleased with it. One tablespoon scoop delivers 30 grams of protein, and it dissolves very well into both hot and cold drinks without adding any flavor or aroma. I don't know if it's a matter of causation or just correlation, but I broke my five week stall shortly after adding it to my daily diet. I've read mixed reviews on here with some saying it doesn't deliver on its promises, but the majority of others raving about it. For me, it's been beneficial and I plan on repurchasing. I'll post the link in case it is of interest to you: http://www.amazon.com/Musclegen-Research-Genepro-Medical-Servings/dp/B00K6OSDYA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1457587782&sr=8-1&keywords=genepro+protein

Thanks for sharing the chart. It's reassuring. At six months out (which was two weeks ago) I had lost 52 pounds from my highest weight and 45 pounds from my surgery weight, so I am progressing better than I'd thought. I had a lengthy, discouraging stall but recently began to start losing again.

I was happy to discover a Peanut Butter I'd loved when I lived in New Zealand at a local grocery store. Pic's Peanut Butter. It only has one carb per tablespoon serving, and it's delicious.

At nineteen you are likely fully physically grown, and emotionally ready for the surgery if you and your surgeon believe it is appropriate. I've known 19-year-olds who possess more maturity and a stronger sense of personal responsibility than 50-year-olds, so it's definitely something that is very individual. Everyone contemplating this surgery needs to equip themselves with knowledge about it and give it serious deliberation. You need to consider the reasons you want the surgery, your willingness to comply with the necessary lifestyle adjustments, and your finances. I think there are advantages to having the surgery earlier in your adulthood, especially if you have a long history of struggling with weight. You are more prime to recover quickly and to experience fewer side effects. Many people have said they'd have had the surgery at a much younger age if it had been available to them. I think the VSG as a standalone surgery is relatively new, so many people didn't have the opportunity that you do. Best wishes to you.

My period started immediately after surgery, about three days earlier than expected, and the cramps were intense. I don't know if it was merely coincidental or if was due to my period, but on the second one post-surgery I developed unpleasant stomach problems that persisted for a couple of weeks. Fortunately, after that it all improved significantly. I'd been taking a high dose of spironaldactone for PCOS since college, and very gradually went off before the surgery because it was causing my blood pressure to be too low. I was also experiencing other side effects and in general wanted to get off it (as did my endocrinologist). I thought that it might wreak havoc on my cycles, but they're actually more regular than during the years I was taking it. It comes every 26 days now like clockwork. I use the iPeriod app to track it. I do have more pain on the first day than in the past, but then it eases up.

Dr. Garcia performed my surgery on August 18, and I had a very positive experience. I felt very well taken care of the entire time, and had less pain and discomfort than expected. The room I had was more spacious and comfortable than Cedars Sinai in Beverly Hills, and the staff was more attentive. Dr. Vazquez didn't perform my surgery but did check in on me often. He was very kind, as was Dr. Garcia. I couldn't find much information about Dr. Garcia, either. I did find recent reviews on RealSelf and some other forums, and I contacted a few of his patients. They were all very pleased. Here's a few of the links I'd bookmarked over the summer: https://www.realself.com/review/tijuana-mx-sleeve-gastrectomy-37yo-gastric-sleeve-lost-60lbs-in-1-2-months# https://www.realself.com/review/tijuana-mexico-sleeve-gastrectomy-gastric-sleeve-dr-garcia-sooner http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/221157-calling-all-dr-garcia-patients/ http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/mexico/5309892/Who-did-the-VSG-with-Dr-Fernando-Garcia-in-Tijuana-Could/ https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153015677842099&set=pb.516067098.-2207520000.1439278844.&type=3&theater I've lost about 50 pounds since the surgery six months ago, which for me is a substantial amount because my BMI was lower. I'd consulted with several local surgeons (who quoted me $29,000 to $35,000 which I would have paid for out of pocket since my BMI wasn't high enough for insurance to pick up any of the costs vs. $4200 for the surgery and hotel stay) and they told me the ideal would be for me to lose around 50 pounds by this point, so my results would have been the same. My only regret was in not getting the single incision surgery because my scars are more noticeable on my fair skin. They did heal quickly but they are still bright red. I hoped they would fade much more than they have. The reason I didn't go for it was because I thought the single incision was more experimental, when in actuality it is fairly established. For $1000 more it would have been worth not having the scars. This is a minor problem in the grand scheme of things, though.

I recently began using GENEPRO after watching a "grocery haul" video on YouTube that another woman who'd had the VSG made, and I really like it thus far. If I had known about it when I was on clear I would have given it a shot. I'd used Isopure then but wasn't a fan. A tablespoon-sized serving of Genepro has 30 grams of Protein. It dissolves very well in cold liquids, and decently in warm and hot as well but you have to do a bit more stirring (with a fork, rather than a spoon, as per the instructions.) Once you're past the clear stage you can add it to yogurt, smoothies, and the like. http://www.amazon.com/Musclegen-Research-Genepro-Medical-Servings/dp/B00K6OSDYA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1455085549&sr=8-1&keywords=genepro

I also recommend yogurt as a Protein source. Fage's plain yogurt has under 10 grams of carbs, and more than 20 grams of protein. The actual amounts vary a little depending on whether you're having the fat-free, low-fat, or regular yogurt. Fairlife milk is also high in protein. I get the 2% smaller single serving bottles to bring with me to work sometimes. They have 19 grams of protein. Some kefir is higher in protein, but you have to check the label because some have a lot of sugar. I use all three as bases for smoothies. Raspberries are my favorite because they are lower in carbs. I've seen recipes for healthier egg custards on Pinterest, but haven't actually made one. I've been planning to, and one of these days I actually will. You can find a lot of recipes on Pinterest for post-VSG eating.

I have PCOS and have struggled with acne breakouts on my chin since college. I was prescribed Spironolactone when I was nineteen, and had taken it perpetually up until my surgery in August. It had initially given me flawless skin with invisible pores and a glow, so I was enamored by it. Even when it no longer was effective at preventing cystic acne, and contributed to my skin becoming parched and numerous health problems (including significant weight gain), I was terrified that if I stopped taking it I'd have an acne apocalypse. Still, I slowly eased off it prior to the surgery because I have very low blood pressure (unusual for being overweight) and was worried that taking it while I was consuming far fewer calories during the month of recovery would be problematic. I'm very happy to report that for the most part my skin has improved since surgery, and I never resumed taking the medicine. Spironolactone had been drying my skin out, causing the appearance of fine lines. My skin completely smoothed out and cleared up post surgery. My periods are also completely regular now. I think the weight loss has helped to alleviate PCOS, which in turn has helped with my acne. Stopping the medicine helped to prevent it from becoming so dry and irritated. My diet is also a significant factor because I'm not consuming nearly as many carbs or sugar as I was previously. The last awful breakout I had prior to surgery was following my birthday when I'd had cake and other sweets. For me, sugar is a definite culprit for my breakouts. For others it might not make a difference. Be very careful with taking B12 and other B Vitamins if you're acne prone. It's a bit paradoxical because they can actually help to heal and prevent acne for some people, but cause or exacerbate acne in others. The amount you're taking is also very critical. I had a horrific breakout right before Christmas that I am certain was caused by the B12 I'd added to my supplementation. It was a war zone of cysts and other funk all over my chin, and it took a month to heal. My dermatologist had given me B12, and I'd been taking it along with my Multivitamin (which has B12, but in a smaller quantity than what was recommended for VSG patients) without any problems. When I ran out of it I simply bought more B12 from Trader Joe's. I later realized that the problem was it was twice the amount of B12 as what my dermatologist had given me. I'd also begun taking Probiotics from Trader Joe's and believe they were fuel to the acne fire. Again it's something that for some people can be helpful for acne, and worsen it for others. I'd been taking it because of a Stanford medical study about how probiotics had helped VSG patients to lose more weight and prevent B12 deficiencies. Since I've stopped taking the B12 supplement and probiotics my skin has healed dramatically. I'm just taking the multivitamin and trying to be mindful about eating nutritiously.

You have my sympathies. My period began two hours after surgery, and the cramps were exacerbated by it. Fortunately, though, other than severe cramps my recovery wasn't that intense. My first regular period post-surgery was much like what the OP described. I felt very nauseous, had debilitating fatigue, and my back throbbed. It was far more intense than normal. It coincided with the first week I could eat soft foods after nearly a month of liquids, and I think that was a factor. I also started having stomach issues, and ahem, had to rush to the bathroom far too often. It made me feel a bit like a hermit for a while because I was reluctant to be out of the house for any longer than necessary. I have PCOS, and I do think hormonal changes contributed to the problems. I would take very long baths because the heat helped to soothe my stomach and my back. I actually got a little easel that I put my iPad on and set it up on the counter so I could watch Netflix while in the tub. I normally wouldn't waste Water, but it truly was so helpful. When I was out of the tub, heating pads were godsends. During that time simply staying hydrated was my main concern. I never drink Gatorade when well, but it was beneficial then because I needed fluids and calories and many other drinks were causing my stomach to be more upset. I stopped using Protein powders then because I read that whey protein can contribute to stomach issues in some people, and instead would make smoothies with Fage yogurt or plain kefir, and berries. Peppermint tea helped me, too. Eventually I was able to begin eating more without there being any stomach issues. I'm five months out now, and my other periods have not been dramatic. They've also been very regular. I track them with an app, and they've come right on time. The only problem I've experienced with them was an unusual acne breakout one month. I think that was due in part to my period but also because I'd added a B-12 supplement. I've since read articles about how excess B-12 can cause adult acne. Once I stopped taking it my skin cleared up and has not broken out again since. Hopefully you'll start to feel better soon, Kelly, and your future periods won't be as brutal.

I am incredibly sorry for your devastating losses. Grief can have a profound impact on your body, and can definitely contribute to weight loss. In the grief support group I attended at my church there was a woman who lost a significant amount of weight without wanting to following the loss of her sons. She was also making an effort to eat, but despite that it was a struggle for her to not lose weight. This is a brief article that gives an explanation of what can happen during bereavement or stress, and why it can cause weight loss: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Dr.-Wendie-Trubow/grieving-and-health_b_3177737.html

I didn't face this problem but my parents who were accompanying me did because their passports had recently expired. They paid the extra fees to have the processing of their new passports expedited, and thankfully they came in on time. The coordinator for my surgeon had assured me they'd be fine if the passports didn't come through before my surgery, and that other patients had made it through with just a valid driver's license. She said they received a little talking-to, and that was it. Other people on here disputed that, though, and cautioned against us going to Mexico without all of us having valid passports. We did all have to show our passports when we left Tijuana, but not upon entering. I don't know if more grace would have been extended because we were going through the medical lane, but I think it's risky. I've gone to Tecate several times to volunteer, and I know with that border they definitely checked the passports thoroughly. One agent sort of pranked my fiancee's sister by telling her that her passport wasn't valid in a very stern voice, and then smiling and handing her a pen so she could sign it, thus validating it. My coordinator had said that I could reschedule the surgery without any penalty, and that's what I was going to do if my parents hadn't gotten their passports in time. It just felt like too much of a gamble to me. In Los Angeles there are some passport agencies that can get you a new passport in under a week's time. Maybe there's a place near where you live that could do the same. You'll pay more for it, but personally I think it will be worthwhile to have the peace of mind.

Have you had any blood work to check your thyroid levels? Since your surgeon isn't being as proactive perhaps seeing a reputable endocrinologist would be beneficial. It's possible that your weight loss could have thrown your system off balance, and you might have developed some endocrine issues that could be treated.

I had a surprisingly lovely experience in Tijuana when I had my surgery with Dr. Garcia in August. My parents came with me, and they were very well taken care and enjoyed their stay. I live in LA and had been to Tijuana a couple of times, but we only just crossed over the border and never went beyond the gaudy tourist strip. It was a pleasant surprise that there are some very pretty areas. We felt completely safe. We stayed at the Marriott which was a bit dated, but very comfortable and had a staff willing to take good care of us. They provided complimentary transportation for my parents from the hotel to the hospital every day, which I appreciated. There is a small but nice shopping center not far from the hotel with a Walmart, Applebees, and other shops and restaurants, and they also were taken there whenever they wished. At the hospital I had the EKG and blood work and met with the staff, who were all pleasant. The surgery itself went smoothly, and I really didn't experience as much pain or discomfort as feared. I started my period immediately after the surgery, and the cramping far was more intense than usual. I dry heaved a bit the first few hours, and then felt fine. I brought Gas-X strips and a heating pad with me, and I recommend that others do the same. I was able to walk quickly on, and was told to slow things down because I was going too fast. Some of the nursing staff did not speak English but they were attentive and friendly. The hospital was very nice, though it is under construction and extremely noisy. I brought my laptop and an HDMI cable with me to hook up to the TV, and my parents spent most of their time in the room with me watching movies I'd loaded on before I left home. I slept a lot. After leaving the hospital I didn't really have that much pain, either. We'd driven to the border since it's just two hours from my house, and had parked at the border crossing lot. That's where we were picked up and dropped off. I'd felt energetic enough to go shopping at the outlet mall near the parking lot, and to stop at a few fun places on the way back to LA. I was given medication and a folder with instructions on follow-up care. I don't feel like not having a local surgeon has been a detriment. Reputable bariatric centers like the Mayo Clinic provide information about what to eat and how to care for yourself online, so that education is accessible by anyone. I also have gotten good feedback from here and another forum when I've had questions. I have excellent doctors in LA, and am having my annual next month. I'll get blood work then. It's been five months since I had the surgery and I've lost 50 pounds. This isn't a phenomenal loss in comparison to others, but I'm pleased with it. I've gone from a size 14 to a size 8. My periods are regular every month now. Before they were very erratic. My BMI was low for the surgery, which is one of the reasons I went to Mexico. Since it was under 35 I would have had to gain weight for my insurance to even consider covering the cost. And even then it would have been an uphill battle because they do not consider my PCOS to be a comorbidity. My fertility endocrinologist was the one who had suggested the surgery to me because other patients my age and size with PCOS have been helped with it, but that still wouldn't have sufficed in regards to insurance contributing. I went for consultations at a few surgeons, and the least expensive one was going to charge $29,000. If my insurance had covered anything, my responsibility still would have come to around $5000. With the surgery in Mexico the total cost was right around that, and that included the hotel stay not just for me but the additional room my parents had. The hospital in Mexico was actually much nicer than the ones in Los Angeles, and I feel like my surgeon did a good job. I don't regret going to Mexico at all.

That sounds delicious. Bananas are higher in carbs but when I want to indulge they satisfy my sweet tooth in a healthier way. If you're a fan of bananas you might enjoy this one ingredient ice cream recipe. : ) http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-creamy-ice-cream-with-just-one-ingredient-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-93414

As of this week it's been five months since my surgery, and I've lost just under 50 pounds. I've gone from squeezing into a size 14 to comfortably wearing an 8 or a 10, so I am pleased though I'd definitely still like to lose some more. My weight loss has been comparatively slow and not very steady. I was twice sick for around three weeks, and believe that contributed to my weight loss halting for those time periods. As many on here have written, the seeming paradox of not eating enough calories leading to a stall or slower weight loss has been very true for me. I lost no weight when I was sick, despite only being able to take in under 600 calories or thereabouts. Even when I was feeling healthy, MyFitnessPal informed me every day that I wasn't consuming enough calories for healthy weight loss. By the holidays my appetite had become more robust, though still unquestionably restricted, and I also wasn't being as diligent about what I was eating. I actually lost five pounds, even with daily frozen yogurt treats I enjoyed with visiting relatives (always a small size, but nevertheless), and other little indulges. I haven't gained those pounds back. This month I've tried to be more mindful about getting in more calories, but healthier ones, because I see more progress on the scale when I've gotten at least 1000. My weight has fluctuated, with a couple more pounds being lost and then being gained again. I have PCOS and this has been the pattern for me for years, though it was far more dramatic than just a couple of pounds. I haven't exercised as much as I'd resolved to yet, so that's something I'm definitely going to try to work on.

You look fantastic! You're glowing with happiness in your picture. Congratulations! That's very impressive. I wish I had already lost that much! I also had the VSG in August but haven't yet hit the 50 pound weight loss mark. I am feeling much better, though.

I am sorry if this question has been asked here before, but am hopeful people will still respond. I was given instructions on what to consume post surgery during each stage, but there aren't specifics about calories. I've been using My Fitness Pal to track what I consume. I've only been eating around 420-480 calories since returning home from having the surgery on Friday. I have been able to get 50 grams of Protein or more by making most meals Protein shakes. It seems like an inadequate number of calories and fat to me.

I live in Los Angeles and consulted with several local surgeons before deciding to simply make the short trip down to Tijuana because of the astronomical cost differences for the VSG. I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of California, but my BMI is also too low to be eligible for any coverage. The most affordable surgeon I found locally was Dr. Waldrep, but it would have been for a procedure he calls "the WRAP" rather than VSG. It was going to be approximately $15,000. For the VSG the expenses ranged from $28,000 to $35,000. We're trying to buy our first house, and I couldn't justify taking that much money from our savings for the downpayment for the surgery. I was incredibly reluctant to go to Tijuana for surgery, but reading through this forum and others and directly contacting several people who were former patients of the surgeons I was researching and getting positive feedback from them really gave me a peace of mind. I had the VSG with Dr. Fernando Garcia in August, and have been very pleased both with the experience and the results. The total cost was $4200, which included two nights stay at the Marriott and ground transportation. I was actually more impressed with the medical facilities in Tijuana than with some of the local ones. The staff was also more caring and attentive for me. It's a pleasant drive to Tijuana from LA. We made a few stops along the way at pretty and interesting places and still made it there without any rush. There are several surgeons there that people have recommended.

I think it's important to have blood work done before and after a weight loss surgery to know whether you have any Vitamin deficiencies, and then tailor your vitamin intake accordingly. I talked with my endocrinologist last month because I was going through stomach issues and couldn't take any Vitamins. (I had the VSG in Mexico so I saw my local long-term doctor instead). I was also having signficant problems with a lot of the food I was eating. She told me to not take any vitamins during that time period, not even the Vitamin patch, because they were all causing more distress. Taking a vitamin and then vomiting it up was beyond counterproductive. During that time period the main focus was simply getting enough liquids and food in my system so I wouldn't become dehydrated. I didn't consume nearly enough Protein then, either. My mentality then was - don't rock the boat. Fortunately my stomach issues did eventually abate and I'm back to faithfully taking my vitamins and eating normally. I've had blood work and the three weeks of not taking any vitamins didn't make a substantial impact. I do think you should take your vitamins, but if there's a legitimate reason for why you cannot take them then don't mentally abuse yourself over it. Talk with your doctor and have your blood work evaluated. A few years ago my doctor told me I'd been taking too many vitamins and some of my levels were elevated. Taking too much of a vitamin can be as damaging as taking too little sometimes. In my experience that's been especially true with B vitamins. As for Multivitamin recommendations the one my body seems to like the best is Garden of Life Vitamin Code for Women.

Thanks for sharing the recipe! Your happiness about it shines from your post. I will definitely try it.

I unfortunately expereinced that for about three and a half weeks. I have PCOS and I think mine was due to hormonal flucuation issues. The problems began on day 1 of my first TOM post surgery and persisted up until the second TOM. I tried variations in my diet and nothing really alleviated the problem. I didn't come close to meeting my Protein and Water goals during that time and could not tolerate any Vitamins, but the priority really shifted to just finding foods I could eat without causing huge stomach upset. Anything with too much liquid caused a problem. I'd wake up three to four times a night to go to the bathroom, and during the day had to run there after I ate or drank anything. I was really worried about becoming severely dehydrated. I began drinking Pedialyte (which tastes vile) during the week when it was the worst. I sipped Gatorade, too. It's not a very healthy drink if you're not a serious athlete completing a workout, but at the time it was what my body was receptive to having and it helped me to get some calories and electrolytes in. For me eating fruit with a higher water content, like watermelon, was a way of getting some hydration in along with actual food. I stopped with the Protein shakes and started having more soft solids like mashed potatoes mixed with green Beans. I wasn't getting in that many calories or fat a day and my weight loss definitely stalled, but that was a secondary issue. My stomach problems were dominating my life for a while, but I felt confident they would eventually subside and they did. I can eat normally now. Hallelujah! I don't have ready to drink protein shakes anymore, but I make smoothies using plain Greek or Bulgarian yogurt, a scoop of Protein powder, a bit of berries, and some kale every morning for Breakfast to get me started. I think the Probiotics from the yogurt and from the supplement I take helps soothe my stomach.