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I have recently received alarming reports from patients who have sent deposits or paid in full for surgeries in Tijuana to a patient coordinator named Bill Yanez. He is now working once again as a coordinator for Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. Please exercise extreme caution when dealing with Dr. Jalil Illan at BC Hospital and coordinators Bill Yanez. They have a history of financial misconduct, having embezzled significant sums of money from me during their tenure as coordinators at BariatricPal Hospital/BC Hospital. Furthermore, I have personally experienced severe surgical complications under the care of Dr. Illan, who botched my surgery not once but twice. There are many reputable and trustworthy options for bariatric surgery in Mexico. Please do not risk your health and finances by entrusting them to a surgeon and coordinators with a track record of dishonesty and malpractice. If these individuals have victimized you, I urge you to report them to your local authorities and the FBI. Their actions are unethical and illegal, and they will face the consequences of their actions in due course. Stay safe, everyone. Let's look out for each other and ensure we all have access to safe, reliable, and ethical medical care.

Try something like Powerade/Gatorade/Vitamin Water (sugar free versions) or a water additive like zip fizz to help with electrolytes. A low sodium bone broth might be a good choice, too, if you prefer savory. I use Just Better Fiber for the digestive part, and it has been tremendously helpful. Its definitely a balance keeping hydrated, keeping electrolytes up, getting protein in.... blah blah blah. The plight of all bariatric patients!

I chose the sleeve due to the recovery and complication rate being lower, and having more options for revisions, if needed, later down the road. I knew I would probably take longer to hit my goal weight, but I was ok with that.

Apologies in advance for the long post!! Hello everyone! I had my surgery July 12th! I am a little over a week post op! Here’s a little bit of insight for those interested! Before surgery I was given a whole bunch of stuff as well as some antibiotics in which I had an allergic reaction to and made me break out in hives. It was super uncomfortable considering I was then wheeled to the operating room shortly after. I couldn’t do anything about the itching as I had to lay in a particular way and kept thinking “I hope they put me to sleep under soon” because it was soooo uncomfortable. After waking up I could barely open my eyes, and at some point I stopped trying but I was still aware of my surroundings for a bit. I just remember shivering and feeling extremely cold. My entire body was aching and I kept getting these chills of pain run through my body. I was in and out so I didn’t even remember leaving the operating room and into the post op room. If I am being completely honest the pain was at its highest the day of the surgery and thankfully the medications they gave me were strong or else I didn’t think I would be able to bear it. I pushed myself to walk about 3-4 hours after surgery even though I wasn’t pushed to, I felt like I needed to?? (Idk my brain was all over the place). I just couldn’t stand laying down for all this hours so if it meant walking to use the bathroom to get out of bed then so be it. I kept trying to push through it and walk walk walk. They were not kidding about the walking and how it helps with gas pains. The gas pains were so bad for me, it felt like bloating(?) just everywhere..the gas pains wow.. My entire stay everyone was super nice and attentive! My surgeon was also kind enough to fulfill my request in taking a picture of my stomach after he took it out! (I personally found it very fascinating!!) I was finally discharged the next day after being able to handle water and soup about 4oz for 5 hours consecutively. And I was very homesick and really missed my bed (and pets). By day 5 though I felt pretty good and a bit back to my normal self for the most part. Until day 5 I could NOT stomach regular water. For some reason I could not stand the taste of it?? It tasted disgusting and I had to keep drinking Gatorade or mixing my water with daily hydration flavored packets. After day 5, I was able to stomach protein shakes (mixed with collagen) and was super happy about the progress. There hasn’t been any complications and for that I am thankful, I didn’t check in sooner as I was busy trying to consume fluids every 15 minutes (I got tired of the timers soooo quick). An app that has been a staple for me personally is Baritastic, love the easy platform and the visualization of the water goal for the day as well as being able to log in my weight. It breaks down my goal into little milestones and basically an all in one app as I can also log in food and tracks weightloss from before and after surgery as well! I also lets me keep count of the days after surgery and my BMI! Highly recommend this app, especially because it’s free Apologies for the long post! I wanted to be thorough and detailed especially for those that are still waiting to have surgery! I cannot think about anything else to write but if anyone has any questions, please let me know! I’ll be happy to respond and as open as possible! I cannot wait to start puréed food though!! 😩

Dang, but that makes sense. I just recall seeing a post about it in an old thread here so I hadn't really considered it but I did go ahead and emailed my dietician while making this post too. Just sent it after hours so she won't be able to get back to me until tomorrow at the earliest. And I'm totally fine with them not being ok, I'm fine with soup, yogurt, cottage cheese, and mashed potatoes just anything other than the protein shakes & gatorade I've been stuck with for these two weeks in post-op for my liquid phase lol. I've been slowly going mad with just that. lol

1200 calories a day for someone your height & activity level seems very low when you’re maintaining @ErinBrooke1982. Check out a BMR calculator for an idea of the calories you need. You’ll soon work out if that’s too few or too many calories to support your maintenance. Actually calories weren’t a consideration with my surgeon or dietician. They were more focussed on portion size & even that was more of a guideline & not rules. They did encourage me to eat more when I first stabilised but then took into consideration I’m more finely built so decided my weight was quite okay. I’m a three meals a day plus snacks person. It’s the only way I get all my calories in. My snacks are all pretty nutrient dense & offer protein & other nutrients I need. If just three meals a day is difficult for you (you can only eat what you can eat at a meal time) try reducing the meal sizes & add snacks. The snacks can be portions of your meals (leftovers) to begin or you could try 4 meals a day. You just have to find what best works for you & it may not be what your team suggests. PS - I checked a BMR calculator out of interest earlier this year & it advised I needed to consume about 1500 calories to maintain my weight, at my age, height & activity level which was about what I was consuming. I’ve been pretty stable with my weight.

My date is Aug 3. On my liquid diet and doing well. I’m having a Nissen redu at the same time, so really glad to be getting it done. My concern is getting enough protein in….

My moment was being diagnosed with a rare ish condition that was mainly caused by obesity. After a week of painful tests, I began to research and came up with the list of options for my condition (I still have the digital sticky note). Bariactric surgery was the most unexpected and appealing option. It honestly wasn’t even on my radar. I think I really decided the moment I wrote it down but I went to the consultations with the other specialist to confirm what I really wanted.

My moment was when it clicked that I could afford it; I always struggled with my weight fluctuating but I was getting to the point where I was just getting bigger despite all my efforts in exercising (and I always liked going to the gym, would even go for 2hrs), but I was simply eating more than I was putting out, on top of which I never felt full awhen eating + my insatiable hunger when my depression would hit, so I needed a physical stop. I opt'd for the sleeve as it would still allow me to eat what I like, but rather smaller portions. And with positive attestations from family members and friends I went ahead with it. I'm nearing two weeks post-op and don't regret it so far, I am just begging for the liquid diet to end just so I can have diversity in what I eat lol; currently getting burned out on just having protein shakes and gatorade.

When I had my sleeve, I started SERIOUSLY shedding at around 3 months post op. It didn't stop until 9 months post op. So not looking forward to it again. What I noticed helped was taking collagen, biotin, extra protein, and using a shampoo and conditioner with collagen and biotin in it and doing a hair mask twice a week. Biotin and collagen don't stop hair from falling out, or really have anything to do with regrowth. But what they DO do is they help with actual hair texture, shine, split ends, and dryness. The protein is what's actually needed for hair regrowth since your hair needs it but can't produce it on its own. Everything you're experiencing is very normal. It's gonna get worse before it gets better, but it WILL eventually get better.

Hey spoke with the doc, I was told that this stage is normal, even though it's not showing up on the scale but its showing on the body in inches. Plus he also said that the body is still trying to figure out what is going on. Continue to drink liquids and eating that protein I'm good and to stop worrying

I started losing my hair at 2 months post-op and it stopped after my dietician recommended that I drink an ounce or 2 of keifer per day which was at 4 months post-op. I did it for a month because she didn't tell me how long I needed to until the next month when I went back for my visit and I was only supposed to do it for a week. However, it seemed to reset my gut microbes and helped with a the constant nausea I was having. I feel as though I can relate to what you've been going through. I've been losing slowly myself and they have me tracking all of my foods so that I am noticing how many carbs I am eating. My program suggests limiting carbs to 30 grams per day. I find this extremely difficult especially after the surgery because I get really tired after eating a higher protein meal. I do meal prep. I take a cup of chicken and marinate it in different marinades, cook it and I freeze it in small containers so that I have snacks or ready cooked protein for meals. I keep cottage cheese, boiled eggs, and string cheese or cubed cheese handy in the fridge. I have tried to change all my high carb foods like potato chips, ice cream, and milk to the high protein versions. I get the quest high protein chips, fairlife milk, and if I want any ice cream I get the yasso greek yogurt frozen bars. My biggest problem is the vending machine at work. Cheez-its are my kryptonite and I'm just really lucky that the past 3 weeks they haven't restocked the machine with Cheez-its 🤣. I have a hard time with drinking the no sugar drinks like diet coke or coke zero. Too many of any diet drink and my stomach is upset. Also, I'm having a hard time with drinking plain water because I don't like the taste. When I saw the dietician this month she suggested that I get an infuser water bottle and it's helping. She told me that I needed to make sure that I was drinking enough water, reaching my protein goals, and try to keep my carbs as close to 30 as I can. She also suggested that I start doing some cardio every day 15-30 minutes. I have lost a total of 60 pounds including 15 before the surgery. I still want to lose another 30-40 pounds and I'm 7months post-op. I've only been losing about 5 lbs each month since about 2 months post-op. I'm hoping to see more weight loss with the changes that I keep implementing. I was very discouraged when I started noticing everything that I was doing but my doctor and dietician were so supportive. They were very encouraging and told me that the surgery is my tool but that I would have to make some long-term lifestyle changes and the fact that I'm noticing what I'm doing and trying to make corrections that I was still on the right path. I'm sure that you will also reach your goals and the hair loss will stop eventually. Once the hair loss stops you'll have a bunch of baby hairs growing in 😁.

Convenience is also a thing to consider. For example, Jello makes ready-made sugar free Jello cups and sugar free chocolate pudding cups. I always have these on hand for my chocolate craving that pops up every now and then. I also always keep Sarrgento low fat mozzarella string cheese and lower fat Babybels on hand. I always have Chobani zero sugar Greek yogurt on hand as well. I know you said it makes you gag right now and I went through something similar because i honestly dislike Greek yogurt but I have learned to eat it. I buy multiple flavors to keep it "fresh". I can finally eat fresh fruit and vegetables so I buy a bag of frozen blueberries to add to my yogurt cup. That really helps the yogurt go down smoothly. I also still drink a Premier protein Chocolate Peanut butter ready-made shake every day. That is the only one I can get down without difficulty although the cookies and creme does taste just like Oreos! Maybe try a different brand/flavor of protein shake. I'm 3.5 months post sleeve and just met with my nutritionist. They love protein shakes for us and told me to continue to drink them. I have not had bread, pasta or rice since my surgery 3.5 months ago. That was something I prepared myself for prior to surgery. I will make enough dinner to have it as a leftover for lunch at work the next day. There are so many lower fat/ no sugar options. Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Add salsa to it and you have Spanish rice! Use zoodles or spaghetti squash for pasta substitute. Use a lettuce leaf instead of bread for burgers. Use plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Dip veggies in hummus or ranch dip made with greek yogurt for more protein. I think if you make changes as everyone has suggested you will be successful on your journey. Don't get discouraged because you've already realized you need to change how you eat. That is already a win for you! Good luck, I know you will be ok! We are always here for support!

Yep,I was never over weight til menopause happened. Been in it for 8 years. Hormones all over the place. Messing up my thyroid and lots of other stuff. I have always been a busy girl. I swim 9 hours a week. Eating nothing except what my doctor ordered which is 6 tablespoons on protein, 2 tablespoons on veggies per meal and 63 ounces of water a day. My weight is coming off very very slow. I am just happy it is coming off. I have always eaten extremely healthy. Fresh veggie, fruits, nuts, limited carbs. No junk food at all. If it wasn't for this surgery, this weightloss never would have been possible

I'm so glad I found this thread! I am 11-months post-gastric bypass, have lost 135 lbs., and have reached my goal weight. Now, I'm terrified of gaining the weight back! My surgeon and weight management team have constantly pushed 3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day. Period. I've noticed that my body feels better if I eat small meals throughout the day and 1300-1500 calories. I'm still making healthy food choices, meeting my protein and water goals, and happily working out for 1-hour per day. I initially reached out to my healthcare team because I was concerned about eating too much and stretching my pouch, but I keep getting the same (frustrating) response from them (3-meals of 3-6 oz. and 1000-1200 calories per day). I honestly felt like, "am I the only one struggling with this?!?" Which is why I'm so happy I stumbled upon this thread! Did any of you also get the push-back from your medical team regarding calories, etc.?

This happens to me, starting at about 5 months post op I mentioned it to the nutritionist and the doctor. I have found if I "snack or graze" all day and don't actually eat a meal, I'm ok for the most part. However, once I eat dinner I'm done for. The problem is that it feels more like a pass-out kinda moment compared to a "lull" in energy. It usually happens with a higher protein meal about 15-20 grams. I've been hoping to find some kind of remedy to it, because my husband nor my work are understanding when this happens to me. My husband isn't too terrible but my work would absolutely fire me if I fell asleep at my desk.

Just as something to consider: Dr Matthew Weiner (his you tube videos are great) posted this about lunch meats & other ‘protein’ snacks recently. Maybe try cooking up a little chicken breast or thigh or turkey yourself & freeze small portions to defrost as snacks. You could marinate it, add your own herbs & spices for flavour. I’d sometimes buy a quarter BBQ chicken from the supermarket eat some as a meal & freeze the leftovers in small portions for snacks. I did eat pork sausages when I first got to solid foods. I got them from my butcher who makes his own & not those mass produced highly processed supermarket ones. PS - I did run & check my protein bars for the 10:1 ratio. Mine are little over, oops, but I’m 4 yrs out so not as important.

Just as something to consider: Dr Matthew Weiner (his you tube videos are great) posted this about lunch meats & other ‘protein’ snacks recently. Maybe try cooking up a little chicken breast or thigh or turkey yourself & freeze small portions to defrost as snacks. You could marinate it, add your own herbs & spices for flavour. I’d sometimes buy a quarter BBQ chicken from the supermarket eat some as a meal & freeze the leftovers in small portions for snacks. I did eat pork sausages when I first got to solid foods. I got them from my butcher who makes his own & not those mass produced highly processed supermarket ones. PS - I did run & check my protein bars for the 10:1 ratio. Mine are little over, oops, but I’m 4 yrs out so not as important.

Yeah that's me anything thicker than water makes my stomach gurgle it's so weird I thought because I was eating too fast so I'm trying to introduce small things but I haven't had any beef products yet since that's supposed to be more harder to digest I don't know I'm still at a standstill with the weight and it's irritating me Sounds delicious I'm still with my broccoli cheddar soup I mean the veggies in there are so dang soft you can just smash them with your tongue and it's pretty delicious with the protein I'm still trying to graduate to all of this extra stuff it just feels so weird going down if it's not Blended and I'm a month out already minus a couple days

I’m struggling to but I’m like forget it lol. I would prefer a list of what to eat but they said start adding things. I scan everything I buy to make sure it’s ok. The pork rinds are great for that chip craving but I only eat like 4. Great protein. For me I’m just trying things out and seeing if they work. Still pretty bland but I have had shrimp and ground beef tacos on those keto street tacos. This week flavored drinks are giving me problems so only water right now doesn’t make my stomach gurgling. It’s all new but we getting there.

I make "chicken fingers" .... pure protein and easy . 1 can of chicken 1 cup shredded cheese 1 egg ( I add 1/2 tsp.each onion & garlic powder ) Squeeze all the water out of a can of chicken and shred with a fork. Add shredded cheddar cheese and one egg. Mix and shape into fish stick size pieces. Bake on parchment paper at 400 for 20 minutes. Dip into sugar free ranch dressing. I keep a container in the fridge and eat as I want

I had VSG on July 6. Haven't had any issues getting my water or protein shakes down. My dr has me on a clear liquid and protein shakes until tomorrow and then I can move to the full liquid diet. So ready for a thicker substance. My only issue is that my largest incision hurts when I move certain ways (mostly bending), Is anyone else still having incision pain?

Yeah that's me anything thicker than water makes my stomach gurgle it's so weird I thought because I was eating too fast so I'm trying to introduce small things but I haven't had any beef products yet since that's supposed to be more harder to digest I don't know I'm still at a standstill with the weight and it's irritating me Sounds delicious I'm still with my broccoli cheddar soup I mean the veggies in there are so dang soft you can just smash them with your tongue and it's pretty delicious with the protein I'm still trying to graduate to all of this extra stuff it just feels so weird going down if it's not Blended and I'm a month out already minus a couple days

I still have to have a protein shake every day to make sure I get mine. I do it in the morning because my tummy really doesn't care for solid food in the morning. Keep sliced turkey or chicken in the fridge at all times. Loaded with protein and goes down pretty well. Cottage cheese is also a good high protein quick thing to grab.

If you or someone else in your household cooks meals for everyone then honestly I would advise just swooping some of that into a blender (protein, veg, tiny portion of carbs) with some gravy or other liquid OP. If the texture is acceptable to you then the flavours will be amazing after the all liquid diet. Honestly, I still have fond memories of the tiny lamb dinner I first pureed for myself after cooking it for my family. Even if it's just you at home it would be worth preparing a small normal dinner and then pureeing that and refrigerating/freezing tiny individual portions to get you through this (most tricky!) stage.