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I don't know where you live, but where I am, CBD is a big thing. It's supposed to be wonderful for anxiety and more natural than xanax, etc. (though I take the xanax myself). I'm considering looking into CBD for my anxiety. I'm awaiting my surgery (I don't even have a date yet), so I can't relate to the head hunger just yet. I have been going to bariatric support groups, and they suggest keeping your hands busy, walking and all of that. Or a rewards system that doesn't include food (i.e., you didn't snack, give your self a marble and once the jar is full, you can buy the shoes you've been eyeing).

I had my band for almost 8 years. (just 2 months shy) and I did the yo-yo weight loss all 8 years. I never lost more than 50% of my excess weight, and it always came right back on, no matter what I did. I started having issues keeping anything down last Feb (2013) and by the end of March, I had been in the ER 4 times with uncontrolled vomiting. (still didn't lose any weight) I had an endoscope, and a stomach emptying test, nothing abnormal other than reflux in either test. I was also checked for spasms in my esophagus, all normal. I had my band placed in Chicago, and had moved to Florida in the mean time, so I didn't have a band doctor. I knew someone that had just been sleeved, and she LOVED her bariatric surgeon, so I set up a consult with him on the suggesting of my GI doc. Because I was having issues, they waived their program fee and agreed to see me, knowing my band would most likely have to be removed. He did a barium swallow, and saw instantly that my stomach had prolapsed into my band, and the band would have to be removed. This was already the last part of April. The surgeon submitted to my Insurance and they were fine with the sleeve surgery, but didn't want to cover the band removal. How stupid is that???? He called them when they received the reply from the insurance, and told them if they didn't approve the band removal, he would keep me in the hospital on IV fluids and bed rest until they got their head out of their asses and approved me. I was approved within 48 hours, and had my band removed, and the sleeve done on May 8th last year. I was at goal before Thanksgiving. I'm now 115 pounds, and a size 4/6. I have managed to actually get under my original goal. When I get the sleeve I said I would like to be in single digit sizes, for the first time since highschool, I surpassed that goal, and then I wanted to be 135 pounds (that would put me in the middle of the "healthy" bmi scale) now I am borderline underweight. I don't regret the revision for one single moment, and I made him swear to me that he would do my sleeve if at all possible at the same time, and if not in the same surgery then as soon as I was healed I would be sleeved, the surgeon agreed, and the rest as they say is history. I can't tell you how very happy I am.

Thank you, I'll need to try to stick to stricter guidelines. I wish there was a bariatric bible all doctors had to follow so everyone was on the same page...lol

Thank you for this information. I'm 2 weeks out and just saw my surgeon yesterday. They said they don't want me to start vitamins (except B12 - I got a shot) until my next visit in 2 weeks. Still, I looked at some of the "bariatric" vitamins and they do seem pricey. Do you take a sublingual B12? If so, may I ask which one?

I've taken Trader Joe's High Potency chewable multi's and Wellesse liquid calcium since surgery. My labs have always been great and I don't miss paying tons of extra money for special "bariatric" vitamins. One thing, if you are looking at Calcet or Caltrate make sure you are getting calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate. That is something that sleevers need to be very aware of! Calcium carbonate doesn't work well for us.

First off, I just want to say this very important thing, if you take nothing else away from this article, let it be this- People’s reactions to you are based on their relationship with themselves, not you. Always. Someone who is living at peace with themselves will have no need to harshly criticize, no desire to humiliate, and no feelings of unresolved jealousy. Sadly, once you understand this, you also realize how many people in your life are unhappy with themselves on some level. It makes it a little easier not to take things personally, but I would be lying if I said those things don’t hurt anymore. So how do you deal with friends and family members who are not living at peace with themselves? What practical steps can you take to be at peace with yourself so that you are able to reject those statements and hurtful judgments instead of internalizing them? Here’s the bottom line- You will always have people in your life who do not wish you well, who want to see you fail. If you do not learn to look past them and stay focused on you and your progress, and live at peace with yourself- you will experience re-gain. I love the words from Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” 1) Start with yourself- You need to be at peace with yourself. Who you are, what you weigh, your progress level, etc. Easier said than done, I know. But working towards that will allow you to bypass other’s opinions of you because you know who you are and where you’re going. A simple way to begin embracing yourself is positive self-talk. Start by looking into the mirror as often as you can, and saying things to yourself like, “I am a beautiful, peacefully person and I love me.” Say hello to yourself. “Hi Ash, you are a wonderful, beautiful person and I am SO proud of you.” It’s going to feel super painful and may trigger some emotions. Process those as they come, don’t shy away from the feelings that embracing yourself brings. If you need to cry, do so. If you smile, embrace it. Enjoy yourself. Changing that negative narrative in your head that so many of us carry around, is step one. 2) Be honest- When someone says something that’s offensive, it usually comes from one of 2 places: a poor relationship with themselves, or a lack of education. Use your best judgment to determine which it is. Keep in mind, there are a LOT of myths and misinformation surrounding bariatric surgery. Don’t assume people know more than they do. Think back to before you became an expert on Bariatric Surgery. How many questions you had, how many myths you thought were accurate. Seek to educate. But be honest, if someone makes a hurtful comment, let them know. Keep it simple, “Hey, that was uncalled for.” or “Please don’t say things like that to me.” Try to stay calm and in control. 3) Take a break- If you need a break, take one! Go for a walk, get out of the house, go listen to music alone. Don’t feel bad for needing a break. Family time can be stressful, don’t allow others to jeopardize your progress. When you’re stressed and anxious, you’re more prone to overeating which puts you back on that harmful cycle you’re working so hard to stay off of. Give yourself permission to stay home sometimes too, you don’t need to be at every single family gathering. It’s okay to opt out. People may get offended, they may try to make you feel guilty, but remember- it’s not about you. It’s all about how they feel about themselves. Those who are at peace with themselves will support you and do their best to understand where you’re coming from. 4) Stay focused- This is a tough one. Holidays pull our focus in so many directions, it’s easy for us to lose focus on our goals. Be proactive about making plans for yourself for food and exercising during the holidays. Being ahead of the game and staying on top of your plans will make you feel peaceful and accomplished. When you feel this way, your confidence is harder to shake and you will feel more secure. When you’re focused on a goal, it consumes your focus and the other things that pop up to derail you just fade into the background. Stick to your routine, take your supplements, and stay on track. You can do this! 5) Stay connected- Join a support group in-person or online, find an accountability buddy, hire a coach, or grab a friend who will keep you focused without judgment. Someone you can call, text or write to keep them updated so they can provide you with the encouragement you may not be getting from others this season. Having connection fills an emotional need that many try to fill with food. If you’re getting that need met, you won’t be as tempted to eat for comfort. Connection is something we all need, so make it a priority to have someone in your corner this holiday season. Remember, at the end of the day- this season is temporary. All the food, all the family, all the hustle and bustle. The things that can make or break this season. It’s all temporary. You are what you carry into the New Year. Your health journey is what lasts. Keep your sights on the long term. You can do this, I believe in you!

I've been reading several posts and decided to post my story to see if anyone has similar experiences. I received my band in July of 2008. I went for fills about every 2 weeks. I never felt restriction for longer than 2 weeks. It took a year and me switching docs to find the port leak. After years of arguing with original surgeon, my port was replaced. I assumed the whole system would be checked, but I guess not. I've switched docs and been receiving fills monthly. Again, no restriction. When they check fluid, it's not there. I was suppose to have 12. I had 4. Was suppose to have 6 now I have 2. They looked at it during barium swallow. No noticeable leak, but the NP who is training says" it looks poofie there. I was told I may have a pin size leak in the band. So here I am after thousands spent and 5 years with a band, with a possible leak. I've only felt 2 weeks Max of some restriction after fills then it disappears. I have a 15cc band and of course my new insurance has bariatric exclusions. My surgeon wants me to convert to sleeve. I'm not comfortable with the sleeve nor do I have the funds. Has anyone heard of a pin size leak from day one? The lap band company is trying to sell it off so I was told they're not reimbursing for damaged bands. Since my band I've been diagnosed with a wheat allergy. So I'm gluten free. I followed the lap band diet, quit drinking sodas, etc...What's very ironic is since the testing on my band last Thursday and being deflated to 1cc b/c of irritation, I have more restriction now than I ever have! They even gave me an injection to reduce the irritation. I'm at a lost and puzzled. Ideas?

I just wanted to share the wonderful experience I had going through bajabariatrics.com for my vertical sleeve 2 weeks ago - Dr. Jalil Illan is top notch and the care and treatment I received, both before and after surgery, was more than I expected. I truly feel a greater connection to Dr. Illan and his team then I do with my PCP here in the States - and I love my doctor here - but the care and time was incomparable - the hospital was clean and private (with a great view), the doctor was thorough, knowledgable and friendly (much more approachable than many doctors I have seen in the US), and his coordinator, Omar, is someone I now truly consider a friend - he was with me every step of the way and was much needed support and source of comfort! I work in a hospital in the US and STRONGLY recommend that if you are traveling south for your procedure---choose no one but Dr. Illan and Baja Bariatrics - there is no one better and you will not be disappointed.... Please feel free to message me or ask anything I may have left out that you are interested in by the way, I am 15 pounds closer to a healthier me and couldn't feel better!

In a bunch of products for post-op? Everything is sealed and within date. I have calcium chews and multivitamin chews in sealed canisters/bags, high protein shakes, gelatin, soups, oatmeal... ALL bariatric brands. Please contact me directly for more info. I bought a lot post-surgery during my recovery and then moved shortly after and I didn't even realize how much I had until now (a year post-op)... I was unable to get through it all and would love to see it go to a good home. Ideally I'd like to just have it as one big package and we can negotiate out the price. You will NOT find these products online for a quarter of the price. Email: brookebonic@gmail.com Will ship via USPS. Serious inquiries only. I'll list out the inventory for anyone interested and send photos to anyone interested once I'm able to. Payment via Venmo or PayPal only and you must pay for shipping prior to shipment as well.

Okay, so even though my scale at home needs a new battery, I know for a fact I've gained 5 lbs. I'm supposed to lose 5-10 lbs before surgery and I felt so pressured last week. I decided to give in and call my bariatric doctor's office on Friday for a prescription of Phentermine. After all, he did say at the support group he would prescribe it if needed. Well, I need it! I haven't been eating right. Having last meals, and I know that's not good. I should be eating more vegetables and having salads with my meals. I had a cold last week and it lasted way too long. I feel like in a way I'm still battling it, and now I have to battle this weight loss before surgery. Not sure if it's going to happen but today I started the Phentermine and already I feel jittery. I have taken diet aids in the past (duh, I've tried lots of things to lose weight) and I am hopeful that it will work. I just hate having this feeling of the jitters at work! Being at work sucks these days. It gets so busy, and then there's down time. I just want this surgey to happen ASAP. So I decided in order to track my results for weight loss. I am going to take pictures the night before my surgery, and have my mom take my measurements. I think it's a good idea. Anyone else do that? P.S. I'm buying a new battery for that scale!

Hello! Recently I have seen a lot of people saying chia seeds are a good way to get some Protein and a ton of Fiber in. I'm curious to try them, but I hesitate because chia seeds absorb Water, and become a gelatinous substance That intrigues me, but makes me nervous because I don't know if that would be bad for a bariatric patient. the nutrition info is " One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus Vitamins and minerals." Is that too many carbs/calories? I feel like it might be fine if you presoak them? rather then eat them dry? Does anyone know?

I'm thrilled that you had such a wonderful experience. There are MANY competent and caring doctors, top notch coordinators, and clean facilities in Mexico but we don't hear a lot about Dr. Illan or Baja Bariatrics so thanks for the review.

HI All! I'm on day 3 of liquid diet and surgery is set for 11/30/23. I'll be taking off all of December from work as that is what doctor suggested for recovery time. My job is physically and mentally demanding. So, where did you/everyone get their bariatric Vitamins and calcium chews? My doctor recommended chewables for first 3 months, and honestly, I'm not a pill person anyway, if I can avoid it. Trying to watch my pennies, aren't we all, so thought I'd ask and hope for some good recommendations. The Kaiser Program I am going through recommends a couple different Vitamin brands to choose from: Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. Still, would like to hear the vitamins you are using even if not the brands I mentioned. Thanks for your feedback in advance.

I am a little over two months out until I have my revision with Dr. Aceves. Are there any books you would recommend and why? I have bought one for my Kindle already called "The Emotional First-Aid Kit: a practical guide to life after bariatric surgery". I have also been checking out "The Gastric Sleeve" by Dr. Garcia (I believe). Any recommendations would be highly appreciated.

I bought mine from this site the Bariatric Pal version. My program requires I take a multi with 45 grams of iron and this site had exactly what I needed, I did not know before I bought them how long I was required to crush my pills or use a chewable, so I bought the 3 months supply. After surgery, I found out I only needed to crush or use chewable for one month. That is okay though because I do not mind the chewable. Now to save a few dollars I bought the pill form of calcium citrate from Walmart and honestly I was so sick of crushing that horse pill and having it ruin my food over the course of 2 weeks AND after my first post-op appointment, I was told when I am done with the month of crushing, I would need to cut the horse pill, of calcium citrate in half to take it. This prompted me to just spend the money and buy the chewable from this site as well, and I am so glad I did. Both the multi and the calcium citrate are the bariatric pal brand. On my first day of taking the chewable multi, I did think it was gross, but on the second day, it tasted good. (this was right after surgery of course). I will be buying the year's supply of multi pills for $99 when I finish the ones I already bought, because that is the best deal since I did buy 3 months worth, and that will get me through to my first blood test and I will know if I should keep the same iron level or change it before I buy a years worth. As for the calcium citrate, I can't promise I will be the model patient, regarding taking it (and no, for anyone wanting to course correct me, I do not want a list of reasons why I should thank you ). But will likely keep with the chewable because I do not want to put the effort in of having to keep a pill cutter on me and make a production of cutting my pills around people. I can just throw some chewables in a bag and call it a day.

I get in 64ounces of Fluid everyday , some days maybe a little more . As for Protein , I was just last week told to decrease from 80-100 to 60-80 by nut and bariatric nurse . So I am also getting that in no problem . I am on MFP and track religiously , I go to the gym 3/4 days a week and use the treadmill and am spinning , both for 40 min each . That's all I am allowed to do for now , until I am 6 weeks out . I just feel the worst about the regaining I guess and I don't understand it . Have any of you had the problem that you became more hungry once you started eating purée ? I read one person said it was because of the introduction of carbs ? Hmm I don't know because I am really not eating that much at night just chicken or turkey and green Beans or broccoli . I don't care for the refried beans . And I agree that it is hard for others that haven't had weight loss surgery to understand what we are going through and for the sake of my marriage I'm so grateful for places like this !!

I am going to see the nutrionist in two weeks and avoid another fill until October. I have to learn how to change my behavior around food. I just started seeing a bariatric psychologist and she is good. I have my third session this Saturday. She suggested I start exercising..........I will go tonight to the gym. I just hope I can start losing 1-2 pounds a week and get out of this plateau.......journaling and exercise will help!!!!

I am in Burlington. I have had my first appointment with Dr. Bruce from Carolina Bariatric Specialists. I am very excited to get this show on the road. Have all of my external pre-op appointments scheduled but the sleep study. Can I ask why you chose the sleeve?

I got my surgery there two years ago. Dr. Hahn. When I had my surgery you had to have a BMI of 40 or higher to get referred to the program. They have their booklet online: http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/ncal/facilities/region/gsaa/area_master/departments/Bariatrics/binder.jsp Lynda

Posts like this will always get a polarized response. The best I can suggest is to follow your plan and don't get so independant. The stages are established through observations on tens of thousands of bariatric patients and what actions cause horrid complications that could have been avoided. Eating food too soon is one of them. Your tummy has been brutalized. Your brain did not get the memo. That is common. Head hunger is a crazy-maker. Please take care of yourself.

I'm 6 weeks post op and have tried so many different vitamins. The chewable a from celebrate and bariatric advantage make me vomit. I've tried orange, berry something and vanilla. My doctor moved me to capsules at 2 weeks because of the vomiting and still the same thing! I'm taking celebrate Multi capsules and each time I swallow one I know to grAb my pink puke tray. It's to the point where I skip them most times because I don't want to throw up. My NUT suggested I open and mix them with food, but any way I put them into my body, they come back up. It's so frustrating!!!

i have card regarding bariatrics

Wouldn't hurt. I called before I even went to first visit. I was wondering what my co-pay was. My doctor has one person that handles all bariatric insurance claims. They will work very hard for you to get approved. Humana was very helpful with all my questions.

I have a broken foot and sometimes I'm in a lot of pain at night. I was prescribed 5-325 Vicodin to take as needed. My bariatric doctor said it was no problem for me to take it.

Everyone on here talks about Premier Protein and I finally gave in and tried it. It is pretty tasty, much nicer than muscle milk, and has I think 30g of Protein in one RTD serving. They sell it at costco and Sam's Club and online. For me though, earlier at least, I stuck to unjury and nectar. You can buy a nectar sample pack at Bariatric Advantage -- online -- for like 13 bucks.