GreenEyedGal

I had GS surgery done in MX in Feb 2017. I've lost 55 lbs and have plateaued/stalled for the last 4 months and I still have lots of fat inches left to lose. I have a lot of food allergies (confirmed by blood work) and the "nutritionist" the Dr connected me with has no idea how to help me and I've been going it alone. I read the posts here about what someone eats on a daily basis and I can't eat over 3/4 of it. Add to my allergies is the complication that the surgery didn't remove my hunger like 99.5 % of patients. I've been hungry since day one. In fact my stomach growls so loud that co-workers can hear it. I'd like someone to brainstorm with, to talk menu plans with, to talk portion sizes with, strategy with, etc. So who do you recommend that I can do an online, remote appointment with? Who are your rock star nutritionists?

I'm not going to be much help as I am not at goal weight yet. But I have similar stats to yours. I am 7 months post sleeve. I am 45, 5'7" tall, was a 34 BMI, and was an apple shape. I have lost 50 lbs. Been stuck at a plateau for 6 weeks. I do not have loose hanging skin at this point. My arms and belly are soft and kind of crepey but no obvious skin folds, flaps. I think because I am losing it so slowly the skin is shrinking along with my fat.

I used Dr Ilian with Bariatric Pal. I've been quite happy. They send you home with a big book on VSG, a 10 week menu plan to follow, and have a gal you can ask unlimited questions of via email. I chose to have a video made of my surgery. (The concierge went to Walmart for me to get me a flash drive since I didn't know about this option before I arrived). They also sent me home with my blood test results (albeit in Spanish) and a disc of x-rays and my leak test. I drink a liquid vitamin from Costco (didn't take vitamins before surgery). I don't​ have much follow up care of my own choosing. I feel good, have energy, and I'm losing weight. I suppose if this were not the case I'd seek local medical support. I'm 3 months post op.

My father just passed away from liver and kidney failure (non-alcoholic). Congratulations on making life changes. He felt he was too old and set in his ways to make significant changes. His passing away was my a-ha since we share the same rare blood type.

I had surgery in February and I only told my husband and 1 friend (who was supposed to go with me). Other than that, no one. I've lost almost 30 lbs and people are noticing I'm losing weight and I just say thank you. Sent from my QTAIR7 using BariatricPal mobile app

While I am not vegan, i do have crazy food allergies that has made it difficult post op. (I was sleeved on 2/8/17) I am highly allergic to cow's milk, whey, yeast, and a few others. These allergies have made it difficult because I can't eat cottage cheese, cheeses, puddings, traditional yogurts, hummus, etc. So while I am not officially vegan, I am eating like one due to allergies and where i am at in my healing. And frankly, I am struggling a bit to get in my Protein. I drink Vega shakes twice a day. (40 grams there) I eat eggs, and have eaten Almond Milk yogurts (tough because there is only max 5g protein in a 6 oz cup). I've even mixed some Protein powder into my tomato basil Soup. (which was a bit weird because of the vanilla taste) While I enjoy my Vega, Orgain, and PlantFusion Vegan shakes, I don't necessarily want to drink one every day for the rest of my life. However, it may be a reality because I can't eat/drink all the protein waters, bars, wafers, Snacks, etc that are out there for quick protein. My one word of advice, is plan the foods you can/will eat at each stage of recovery (Clear liquids, full liquids, puree, etc). I didn't. I thought it would be pretty easy to incorporate what I'm already doing. But it's really not.

Congratulations! I just made it there too. What a great feeling Sent from my QTAIR7 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had surgery with Dr Illan on 2/8 and so far everything is going well. I traveled to MX alone and felt comfortable and well taken care of. They checked on me every hour or two, seeing how I was, checking vitals, etc. The only negative was I asked the staff to call my husband when I was out of surgery. No one called him. I had talked to my husband right before I went in and he knew he should be getting a call in about 60-90 minutes. 4 hours later when I checked my phone I had missed calls from my husband and some frantic texts. I have 4 incisions, normal pain and discomfort, and looking forward to the rest of my life and shedding a few comorbidities along with my weight. Sent from my QTAIR7 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had the Aria and I just upgraded to the Blaze. Fitbit's are pretty great little gadgets!

I wish you had a section in your store for vegan Protein. I am highly allergic to why and I literally have spent hours reading every one of your labels and so far I haven't found any protein product I can use/eat/ingest. I asked the live chat gal, Monica, for links to products without whey and she couldn't help me.

I have a surgery date of Feb 8th and I'd like to connect with others with similar dates. Can someone please direct me to the right place? I can't seem to find any chatter about getting sleeved in February. Thank you so much, in advance!

Does anyone know who created the FB page? I see it's a closed group. But I can still see who is a member so it's not private. I'd just like clarification since I am keeping my surgery a secret. Thank you.

I've never made the PB. Just dumped it in the blender with the Protein powder. Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I spend the 8th and 9th at the hospital and then two nights in a hotel. I am using Dr. Illan. Who is everyone else using?

I can't find if someone answered if the FB group is private? As in no one except members can see posts and members? Can someone let me know? Thank you!

I have Dr. Illan too. Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

Me too! Who's your surgeon? Maybe we'll see each other.???? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

Who is your Dr? Where are you going? Going alone? Or with a friend? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I'm the 8 the too. ???? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

Feb. 8th also!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I537 using the BariatricPal App Im Feb 8th also Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I use Vega One as well. Your food allergies are crazy. Wow! Thankfully there are options and a plant based one at that. You haven't had your surgery yet either? When is yours or about what month? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Feb 8th. When's yours? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

Yes. Excited and a little nervous. How about you? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I have crazy food allergies (allergic to cow's milk, whey, yeast, wheat, soy, and the kidney bean family) so my post op diet is going to be plant based Protein in addition to some lean meats. No cheese, cottage cheese, yoguts, etc. Plant based protein powders that I use now and really like are Orgain and Vega One. I get them at costco or Amazon. Good luck on your journey. Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I'm scheduled for 2/8/17 too! You're the first person I've seen with the same date as me. ???? Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App

I did go with OCC. There were a couple of major factors in my decision. First was Dr. Ortiz' reputation. He is internationally respected, so that boded well. I also preferred to have my surgery in a surgical center versus a hospital. Some people prefer hospitals because they have emergency services on site, but I prefer surgical centers because of the lower risk of infection. If you do go with a hospital in TJ, make sure it is a real hospital with a real ICU. Many "hospitals" there are little more than surgical centers themselves. Another big factor for me was the follow-up support OCC provides. They have a nutritionist available to answer any and all questions, day or night, as well as several doctors on staff who can answer questions about medications, complications, and address any other medical concerns. Plus they continue to follow-up with me via email almost 2 years post-op now! Finally, I had read many many personal accounts from past patients and that made me feel very confident in my decision. Newbie here, what is OCC? Thank you! Sent from my QTAIR7 using the BariatricPal App