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Those of us who had a hiatal hernia repair with our WLS need to start a club, we'd have so many members! And Ooof - how it adds to the post-op pain. It took a good couple of weeks to not hurt when I breathed in deep. Even though things haven't been smooth sailing for me, I regret nothing and couldn't be happier that I've had this done. As frustrating as it felt at the time, the year long wait I had to do for my health cover was actually a boon as it prepped me mentally for it. It doesn't erase the pre-surgery nerves though. It's a BIG change, but once out the other side it's not so scary. This is a tool that helps, even down to changes in taste-buds. What I will plead with folk for is to get bariatric psychologist support if you have emotional eating issues, or binge eating disorder. I'm super fortunate that I've never had those issues and got to where I was purely through gluttony and boredom - but from others' stories on this forum, it can really affect folks post-op and it's heartbreaking.

Memar, there is a phenomenon termed the “three week stall”. It is quite well known, often occurring at 3 weeks post op, but can happen at other times post op. Your body is just catching up and if you stay with the plan your bariatric team has outlined, you’ll see movement on the scale again!

I had a BMI of 35 and don’t even have PCOS and I had the surgery. I tried every diet out there and nothing worked until surgery. I say get a second opinion. Edited to add I just realized you can’t get a second opinion but I’m glad he didn’t turn you down. I agree with others. Just ignore what he says and get the surgery. Chances are post surgery you will See a nurse practitioner anyways so hopefully they will have an entirely different attitude. If not, seek out support elsewhere. Whether it’s support groups, a bariatric therapist, or just hanging out on here A lot there is support elsewhere.

14 days post surgery - got my sleeve at 8:30 am on Oct 20th. I've followed the program perfectly - easy, since I have little interest in food - and been able to get in 60 grams of proteins every day and 64 ounces of water every day, although it was not easy the first week. First week was rough - felt bad physically, pain from surgery and from drinking/eating, fearing loss of food enjoyment as a thing in my life. Days 7-10 I started to gradually feel better. By this last Monday, Day 12, I guess, I felt totally normal, back to myself. Although I don't crave it, I find drinking a tasty broth or eating a sugar free jello or pudding pleasant. So much better. I averaged 300-350 calories the first week and 500-600 calories the second week. Down 12 lbs since surgery date, total of 22 lbs since pre op diet, and 40 pounds since I started the bariatric program in July. Sometimes it feels a little unreal, and I'm startled I undertook something that is going to change my life so profoundly, but I'm looking forward to a future with improved mobility and health (I hope) or at least proud I have done all I can to move towards that goal.

https://procarenow.com/once-daily-bariatric-multivitamin-capsule/?sku=Vit-BariCaps45mg-30ct I will say that the other night for the first time I got really nauseous, but it had been hours since I had eaten anything (like 5-6 hours) so I ended up eating half a protein bar and that fixed it right away. It's because I take them with all my other meds before bed time. I should really take them with dinner. I think they also sell them on BariatricPal.com and I know you can get them from Amazon. Amazon is actually more expensive than buying directly from the company, not sure about BariatricPal.

Well said, Arabesque. If we continue eating the foods and snacks we used to eat or look for Keto snacks (which are heavily processed foods), we are very likely to regain all that has been lost. Even though "bariatric/keto snacks" and "protein bars" are sold on some bariatric sites does not mean that they are appropriate or good for us. Instead, look to whole foods, healthy foods, while avoiding those that lure us into eating more--sugar, flour, rice, pasta, processed foods. Read nutrition and ingredients labels like a boss! Lest you think I'm preaching, I can only tell you that I speak from experience. I've done all these wrong things in the past and paid the price--and I'm still tempted by them.

I use pro care health one a day as well. It’s truly a one a day and it’s cheaper than many other bariatric vitamins. I got my first labs back since I switched to it and they were great. I also take calcium citrate. I just googled that brand vitamin and it says it for b12 deficiency. Do you already have a deficiency or is your doctor anticipating one? Because I don’t think everyone with the sleeve becomes deficient. I am not sure what the levels of b-12 are in the pro care health if they would be comparable or not. That may be best to Ask Your team if that’s what they prescribed for You.

I encourage you to learn how to cook using bariatric recipes and eat according to their food plans. Fries and Sandwiches are not on the plan, although someday you may be able to eat them IN MODERATION. Not now. There are many bariatric cookbooks available on Amazon and else where, including air fryer and instant pot recipes. Here are a few of those I have obtained. There are many more available.

Ignore her and do it for your sake. I know that sounds harsh, but the reality is, most of us can't lose the weight on our own and bariatric surgery is the tool that allows us to be successful long term. If she cannot understand that or, at the very least, respect and support your decision, then you don't need to include her in that decision and should more forward without her. It is certainly NOT the easy way out, but living a shortened life in an obese body isn't easy either. We all have to decide which "hard" we are going to live with. I'm so sorry you don't have the support you desire, but you will certainly get it here. Do what's best for you.

It is so hard to give advice when every surgeon has a different plan! 1200 calories a day so soon out from surgery seems high. I think they want you getting your protein to mitigate side effects (hair falling out, no energy, not looking "good"). My surgeon's office had me on pureeds til I was 9 weeks out, and emphasized just doing shakes if meals were too much. Last week, I had my 2 month appointment and was told I should be getting 80g of protein through protein shakes alone, (and the protein HAS to be Bariatric Advantage or Unjury - yuck, no Isopure which I can actually tolerate), and 120g of total protein daily. Well, I frickin hate the protein shakes, and I was doing really good getting in 80g from real food, (and the office was quite pleased with the weight I've lost so far). My nutritionist said 500 to 700 calories a day was good, not to focus on macros, just to focus on getting my protein. Because those shakes are so high in calories and carbs, if I drink protein shakes, my calories are closer to 900 per day and my carbs are close to 100g (which seems very high). So I'm just going back to what I was doing. Sent from my SM-N976V using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my surgery at HopsitalBC in Tijuana, Mx. by Dr. Illan. I did about 200 hours of research before my surgery and based on that research, finances, and other personal considerations, decided to go the medical tourism route and have been very happy with that decision. These hospitals ONLY do bariatric surgeries and are geared towards medical tourists. They run a VERY well oiled machine from intake to discharge. The process was so smooth, I was completely confident going alone. The surgeon I chose is highly accredited, has done thousands of WLS procedures, has relationships and mentorships with some of the most well known US bariatric surgeons for continuing ed, is board certified, etc. He is just as qualified, if not more so, than many of the bariatric surgeons in my area. Regarding complications, I met with my PCP beforehand and she was 100% supportive. I knew that if I had any issues post-op she would be my advocate. Additionally, US hospitals CANNOT legally refuse to treat you if you present to an ER, regardless of what caused the complications. Now, would a US bariatric surgeon agree to take you on for follow up once you've been stabilized? Maybe not. But that's why you should establish post-op care BEFORE you have surgery. Additionally the complication rate with bariatric surgeries is VERY low in general; these are long established surgeries with very good post-op outcomes. My PCP is also doing all of my labs, meds, etc. For travel, my surgeon recommends blood thinners for 7 days post-op. I also wore compression socks and a compression shirt for my flight home. I started walking as soon as I could post-op, which also helps. Blood clots are a risk with this surgery, whether stateside or abroad, and the travel aspect can increase that. So take your blood thinners and walk as much as you can. Money wasn't a huge factor, though it was a factor. I have very good insurance but after all the pre-op appointments, tests, scans, and everything else, we estimated our out of pocket would be in the $7,500 range. Out of pocket including spending money, an extra night in the hotel, and flights, I paid about $5,500 for surgery in Mx. It was also SIGNIFICANTLY faster. With the 6 month diet program and required insurance approvals, it would be about 9 months from first appt to surgery vs. less than 3 months from intake to surgery in Mx. The reality is, there are amazing surgeons in the US and just as many in Mexico and other places. Conversely, there are terrible surgeons here and everywhere else. There are pros and cons to each, and every person has different needs. Ultimately it boils down to doing your research, finding a surgeon you trust, and a program that fits your needs. For me personally, medical tourism was the right choice and I'm extremely happy with my decision. Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions!

Hi guys, I’m 9 days post op and doing great. I keep down most things. I’m struggling with eggs and getting fluids in. I’m wondering if I will ever be able to eat fries again? I’m a sandwich lover too so what about bread? Is there Bariatric friendly bread? also, I’ve gone from 117kg to 101kg in a month but how do I actually lose weight after the bypass? I’m still struggling to walk long distances without feeling dizzy and exhausted

I suggest you check out "My Level 10 Weight Loss" videos on YouTube by Erin Branscom. She had surgery in Mexico and has a FB group (private, $10 a month, but I think it's worth it!) where many people talk about this. However, this is not really "research". I think you would have to see if there are any clinical studies on patients who had their surgery in Mexico and compare them to patients who had their surgery in the US, but then I'm not sure if you'd find those studies. You could contact ASBMS (American Society for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery), to see what data they have, but I suspect they are biased in favor of people doing it in the US. I wouldn't have done it Mexico. Sure it's cheaper, and most people come out fine, but what if you have a complication? Some doctors in the US won't treat you if you had your surgery elsewhere - at least based on some posts I've seen. And you may have to take a flight home. It's risky to fly right after any surgery due to the increased risk of blood clots, which are also increased if you are obese.

Hi there! I just had a VSG done on 10/27. I have PCOS also. It’s too early for me to tell how the surgery has affected the syndrome but the nurse practitioner stressed the need to get on some sort of birth control post op because fertility does usually increase after bariatric surgery. I’m interested to see what others say. Hope all goes well with you.

I think what happened is that I burned the lower part of my esophagus via acid reflux, and it seems to be on its way to healing. (My bariatric team had me start taking two acid reducers)...it's the weirdest thing though, I never had acid reflux before the surgery, and I know there were at least a few times things were coming up my throat in my sleep. Over the last week I've been able to eat 2-3 small "meals" each day (my dinner was two rice crackers with thai chili tuna on them, for instance), which isn't where I should be, but it's a damn sight better than being able to only get water, protein shakes, and juice down.

Have a look at Dr Matthew Weiner’s Pound of Cure. He’s a bariatric surgeon & his book & You Tube videos are great: straight talking & helpful. https://m.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner

Hello there, my daughter is hard pressed on having the procedure in Tiajuana. I am looking into having it myself and was thinking of staying in the states. However, if my daughter is going to do it, I will not stand by and let her go at it alone. I am a true hard pressed researcher. I have read and read online, but would like to hear from many people what procedure they had there, any complications and what doctor they used and the name of the clinic. I think replies to this post will help many people find the right place to go in Mexico and avoid the dangerous places. Please post a response if you have had bariatric surgery in Mexico. These details will help keep Americans who are hard pressed on doing the procedure in Mexico safer. Lets all help each other and keep one another finding the safe clinics and doctors overseas if that is the hard pressed plan you have. thank you so much.

AnnieDebbie I would like to know how your surgery went as I was approved by MBC to have GB surgery with Dr Christian Rodriguez Lopez. I have yet to schedule as I am just doing a bit more research to be sure I am choosing the safest doctor. Any other feedback from anyone who has had surgery in Mexico. I am a true hard pressed researcher. I have read and read online, but would like to hear from many people what procedure they had there, any complications and what doctor they used and the name of the clinic. I think replies to this post will help many people find the right place to go in Mexico and avoid the dangerous places. Please post a response if you have had bariatric surgery in Mexico. These details will help keep Americans who are hard pressed on doing the procedure in Mexico safer. Lets all help each other and keep one another finding the safe clinics and doctors overseas if that is the hard pressed plan you have. thank you so much.

Good luck to you! COVID has been really hard on everyone. I gained 30lbs during COVID, and actually, that's what pushed me over the edge to finally decide on WLS. I was getting bad asthma and just feeling like crap. You have worked SOOOO hard, and you have been so successful! It's a slip, but you know you have the strength in you do the work! From what I've seen from other people on here, I would strongly consider working with a bariatric trained therapist to deal with your addiction to food.

It's really frustrating! It happens to a lot of people; it took me 7.5 months to have the surgery, but your delay sounds really unfortunate. As @ShoppGirl said, you will be there before you know it. Work on the depression the best you can with therapy and medication if needed (If you start medication for depression, make sure the doctor tries a medication that is less likely to cause weight gain). I found that once I was set to have surgery, I tried to live a more "bariatric" life, by eating more protein and fewer carbs and exercising more. It's so hard to do any of this when you're depressed, but at least try upping your protein. It will help you feel less hungry, or at least it did for me. If you can take a walk in the fresh air, it might make you feel better for a bit. (Of course, that depends on your weather... I live in Boston where we have crap weather a lot, so I often walk in the mall!) Stay strong!

I use pro-care health one a day with 45mg iron. It's ONE PILL A DAY. I wasn't going to be messing around with ten different pills on top of all the other pills I take. It's specially formulated for bariatric use, so it already has the B12 and everything else. I am supposed to take calcium too, but usually I get enough calcium from the protein drink, cheese, and yogurt. I haven't had labs done yet, so I can't say for sure if my levels are good, but my clinic recommended this brand and so do other bariatric nutritionists.

That is awfully pricey. I take the ProCare one a day capsule with 18mg iron, and their calcium chews. They are much more budget friendly, and there are other bariatric brands that are even cheaper. I would say shop around and see what you can find. Any vitamin that meets the ASMBS recommendations will do.

They aren't requiring that specific one that is just the one they run insurance through. I am currently looking at Bariatric choice for my multivitamin with iron. Then Citrical Maximum for my Calcium unless my insurance approves the other. Now to find a good b12!

Wow, that's high! Is your clinic requiring you to take it as a sleeve patient? I've been fine taking a regular sublingual B-12 supplement. Most of the bariatric multivitamins have a lot of extra B vitamins. I use a multi plus the additional sublingual B-12.

When I had my first Bariatric doctor visit and decided to do this, I told myself I was not going to say anything about it to my friends. Not close friends but groups of people we hang out with at times. Well, I've been telling a lot of people and I kick myself every time. I just can't shut up about it. Most people look at me like I have 2 heads and go on about how it's extreme and scary and oh "you better be aware that it will change your life a lot". I want to snap back and say, don't you think I know that and don't you think I've done a lot of research on this before I going in to it? Most don't have any clue about it. My fat friends look and feel guilty when I start talking about it, like I'm going to try and talk them in to it. I guess, I'm just excited and I want to talk about it. Then I get disappointed when I get weird, uneducated, ignorant responses. That's why I love to get on this site. It brings me back to why I'm doing it and how great my life will be and that I'm not alone.