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hello I am in Jacksonville, Florida and I actually had the experience of going to memorial hospital a few weeks ago for a nausea issue because it was considered a center of excellence for bariatrics. It was the worst experience of my life and i have since i only go to baptist at the beaches

Hello All, my name is Steve Hudson, I am 43 and pre op gastric sleeve. I weigh about 340, im down from 261 for my pre surgical weight loss. Anyway I write a blog called cutting the fat with a knife. I will post the address at the bottom. What I am trying to do is im going to keep this blog very blunt in cases telling people the things that I feel men need to know. The reason is that I have seen many cases where men avoid the life changing and potentially life saving surgeries because of the stigma that other men have. The macho peer pressure that I am sure many of you have gone through. 1 year post op I will compile this blog into an E-book for men who are thinking about WLS. I even have a few hospitals and weight loss centers that are asking for copies when it is complete. So far almost all the books out there are by women and deal with a lot of womanly issues. I was reading one book and there was two chapters on bras and panties another on pregnancy etc. Not at all a help to me. My surgeon is actually going to appear on the blog as an ask the Bariatric Surgeon byline once a month. OK all this being said, I would like to ask you al some thing now and then to see how your experiences coincide with mine etc. So the first question I would like to ask , I will post it maybe in a top ten type list and give credit to each contributor of course unless you wish me not to, keep it a couple of sentences if you would please. Here's my first question. Was there a final straw, event or moment etc. that made you move from thinking about WLS to actually taking the steps to have it done? If so what was it? Thank you for your help. Even if you do not wish to contribute but wish to check out the blog, I do many video taste tests of various Protein powders, ready made drinks etc, with even more to come. Thank you all for your time. Oh and this book will not cost anything it is not a money issue it will be free to all. I am absorbing any costs myself. http://cuttingthefatwithaknife.blogspot.com

I am six weeks post op and have been living on this stuff. Sugar free, 15 grams of protein, and you mix it with water so you get your water in. Tastes exactly like real hot chocolate and comes in a bunch of different flavors like marshmellow, chocolate raspberry, and cinnamon which are my favs.

Bariatric advantage on line it has everything you need in one chewable tab .

I went through the Kaiser Options program as well. As much as I am not a fan of Kaiser in general, for their bariatric pre-surgery stuff they are awesome. I hope you got to do the classes... I hope all goes well with you. Also, keep in mind that at every stage of this journey we all have something to learn from and to teach others so don't be a hesitant to post. Your voice is valuable now, too. Peace

My surgeon is David Martin at Huntington Hospital Pasadena. There is also California Bariatric Associates at Arcadia Methodist Hospital, Dr Troy LaMar. I like him and his staff but he will not do a LapBand on anyone with BMI over 45.

Before I was banded 4 months ago, I used to have ferocious reflux and heartburn. I was diagnosed with a para-esophogael hiatus hernia, which my surgeon repaired for me laparoscopically at the time of my lap band surgery. WHAT A RELIEF! I mention this as hiatus hernias are very common in obese people. My surgeon said that a high percentage of patients come into bariatric surgery not even aware they have one (but have been living with the reflex for weeks or even years). So my question - did you have reflux before? Each time I get a band adjustment ("fill") I am asked by the nurse whether I have reflux or heartburn. This is, apparently, an indicator that the band may be too tight. (Thankfully my answer is a consistent "no" - I have been feeling terrific since my surgery, lucky me). I tell you this because this is how YOU should be feeling, too!. So perhaps this is what has happened for you - that your band was placed and filled with too much Fluid at the get-go? Here's what I've learned - that when the band is placed, there is only a small amount of fluid put in it. This is so a) Your swollen oesophagus which is traumatized from the surgery can recover, and so you WON'T get reflux. At this stage you are on liquids, which should pass through the band quite easily. If even liquids are causing you to vomit, I think that band is just too tight, you poor thing! On the day of my surgery, my band was filled to 4.1 ccs. I have gradual fills of .3ccs over the past few months that have brought me up to where I am now - 5.2ccs. It might be a good idea to ask your surgeon what your band is filled at currently. I agree with JustWatchMe" - your reflux and vomiting is not normal. I strongly recommend you address this immediately with your surgeon. *Note - I am a newbie here with no medical background, so I'm just speaking from my own experience and what I've learned over the 2 years I spent researching prior to being banded 4 months ago! You have invested this money in yourself, and have gone through so much to get you to the surgery and into the phase you are in. Congratulations! You deserve to ENJOY it, though, not be suffering. Hopefully this is just a hiccup for you, and that with a band adjustment (de-fill) perhaps you will feel relief, and get on the road - the PROPER road, to recovery. Rooting for you and wishing you the best! Do keep us all posted.

Propel water and broth are not going to satisfy you when you are having hunger! If you are not using a good quality protein supplement made for bariatric patients (not athetes!), then you are going to have a hard time. Drinking them warm is very soothing to the pouch and very calming. Drinking them blended with ice and water and maybe a little FF CoolWhip will take the place of sweets and desserts. They'll also keep your muscles and your hair healthy. Find some you love!!

- The kids all had a great holiday…they are enjoying their favorite gifts; DD- all the new clothes, shoes, and beauty items; DS1- his new (used) desk and new comfy office chair (which he vows to somehow fit into the minivan to go back to school with him); and DS2- his new acoustic (w/electric) guitar. Mostly, they’ve enjoyed spending quality time together. - I wish I could say there was no holiday drama, but it always finds a way in. This time it was a boyfriend/break-up right before Christmas (poor timing). I’ll just say that DD is doing alright and was out with friends a lot over the holidays. She got inspired to clean out her bedroom (most of her stuff from college was jammed into her room on a shelving unit and in boxes, and under her on-lifts bed)…so we all pitched in and helped her take everything she doesn’t need out to the ‘clubhouse’ in the back yard for storage. She took off the bed lifts, bought some shoe storage boxes for under the bed and she’s almost done cleaning up. A ’fresh start’ is a good thing sometimes. - On a lighter note, DS1 has a new girl he met at college (not sure if she's an official 'GF' or not) …they have been back and forth the hour drive several times already and he’s off to see her again today. - Mom’s birthday was yesterday…I miss her, but am thankful Mom and Dad were able to visit us just before Christmas. - DH and I, although we missed seeing both our extended families, enjoyed our first holiday season without any travel. It was much more relaxing/non-stressful and provided many quality moments with the family. The kids have really appreciated it as they’ve been able to see/spend time with their friends as well (I can’t tell you how many times I was giving thanks, w/all the boyfriend/girlfriend issues that we were home). DS1 was also able to work (restaurant) over the holidays for some extra cash for school. - We took the kids last night to see Avatar and then out to dinner to celebrate our ‘last moment of the holiday’. I had a wonderful ‘moment’ watching them ‘plan’ on what order they were going to sit together at the theater (it’s nice to see that even as they get older they enjoy each other’s company). Great 3-D movie BTW…and for those of you that get sick watching IMAX or 3-D movies (I can’t even watch the ones at Epcot without feeling sick) I had no problems at all. It's a stunningly beautiful must-see movie. - Everyone (except DS1, who has another week home from college) is now back to work/school…depressing……..for them - Most of the holiday decorations are already down (I hate that job) and I’ve got a dining room table full of ornaments to finish packing up today…depressing………for me * Oh, and Kay...I'm sorry I forgot to post the kitchen tool tree pic, but I remembered yesterday when I was packing it up. Attached are a few pics of the little tree and a pic of my red handled kitchen tools (now you all know I'm clinically insane...my family calls this part of my 'rust' collection). - From 12/18 until today (the past 2.5 weeks), I’ve lost 3 pounds…it still continues to amaze me (losing weight over the holidays). I’m at 170.5, so (as Xavier would say) I’m headed back to the 60’s (yes, I remember the 60’s…I was a child, but I remember LOL). - I bought a size 12 pair of pants this weekend…yes, I can barely button them, but the 14’s were a little too roomy. I’ve got them hanging up in my closet ‘front and center‘ (in front of my shelves) as my next goal (size 24 to a 12!). I also bought a piece of ‘shape wear’ for the first time, but more about that later. 　 Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season full of time with your families! As I sit here and listen to the ‘Today Show’ with segment after segment about weight loss (ahh…January), I’m headed into this New Year with renewed hope that as much as last year was all about my weight, sometime this year…it won’t be.

as you said, others must be in the same boat. I'm in Elkhart, IN -- I know there are bariatric places within an hour drive -South Bend - but it seemed like a lot of time and $ to go to someone new, hassle with all the records transfer, and the various indigities of medical prodding and disrobing for someone who has no issues for the past two years. Still, the "just in case" idea seems logical. But I'll call the office --perhaps they are referring everyone to the same place --won't know unless I call --on the other hand I did receive a letter about the new doctor and how he won't be doing any weight related surgery . . .

Just curious, have any of you done a thru-hike or pilgrimage after bariatric surgery? In particular, has anyone done the Camino de Santiago after bariatric surgery? How was it? How did you handle eating? Did you gain/lose/maintain weight? Insights you can share? I had surgery Sept 4th. I am losing weight at a nice pace. I have just reached a BMI under 30. I am walking 6 miles a day now (still easy walking, but at a brisk pace). I am just beginning to do Yoga/Pilates again (when I can get my daughter to dance in time for me to get to class). And I have just booked a flight to Paris/back from Barcelona... but in between I am planning on doing the Camino de Santiago (French Way) from St Jean Pied de Port! I am super excited. I am planning to up my fitness routine steadily until I leave. I am already buying any gear I don't have and trying to figure out how to keep weight down in my backpack. Buying smaller clothes will sure help that! Hopefully I am a Medium by then if not smaller. Anyhow, any tips on what you did to get you through a thru-hike? This is my first thru-hike. I have always wanted to do one, but I am using this as more motivation to keep going on my weight loss and getting fit. I selected this one because I don't have to carry my tent and all my food for many days at a time, and I SHOULD have an actual bed to sleep in every night. Anyhow, excitied, nervous, and really not sure how I will be handling food by then. I am doing better with hydrating now. I am eating small meals without problems. I have never gotten sick from anything I ate or overeating.

Missing vital nutrients can lead to critical long term complications. It's not only important to take a bariatric supplement in the beginning, you really need them for life. This is a small sacrifice to make for your health

yes, there is a no-no list and I didn't find out about that until the day of surgery... how did I miss that in my research?? Here is a link. Its not a page Im familiar with, but its basically what my doc told me too: http://www.drchampion.com/latest-news/medications-after-bariatric-surgery/

My first post here 🙂 I had my bypass on January 29th and it was fine ever since, no discomfort in relation to eating or daily movement including mild exercise. But I'm experiencing new pain underneath two of my surgical scars by each side of my rib cage. I spoke to my doctor but he is not too concerned. It hurts a lot just to get out of bed. feels like the fat beneath the scars is being torn when I move. Anyone is experiencing similar pain? How do you deal with it? I hurt my ankle three days ago while exercising so right now have just been resting at home. This pain around my surgical scar is not making things easy. Is this normal? Please share your thoughts and tips. I'm from Hong Kong by the way, it's incredibly lonely to be an Asia bariatric patient in Hong Kong. I have zero bariatric buddy here, needs support.

I had a letter after four business days. I didn't even have to call. But I knew I had bariatrics covered on my plan. My surgeon and I scheduled my surgery date and everything prior to approval.

My surgery date is November 19, so I totally understand where you're coming from. I am a nurse and don't usually get to spend Thanksgiving with my family, so I'm actually really excited to be guaranteed to spend this holiday with them (even if I am just relaxing in my PJs). Next Thanksgiving, life will be completely different for us, I can hardly wait to see where I am a year from now. My family is extremely supportative of my decision and they made a vow to stop making every holiday so much about eating. We are going to incorporate a fun physical activity into every holiday from here on out! Although my closest family members (Mom, boyfriend and siblings) don't struggle with their weight, my cousin and Aunt both just had bariatric surgery. I am very fortunate to have them as a support system! good luck <3

I use Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate lozenges in the cinnamon flavor. They're chewable and taste great!! I've been fortunate to be able to take regular multi-Vitamins that I swallow, but I know Bariatric Advantage makes them also in a chewable form. As for the stretch marks, I can't help there. I just try to ignore mine...ha! Knock wood - they haven't been too bad so far.

I asked similar questions of the surgeon and bariatric internist I saw. They both told me that at one year, RNY has slightly higher weight loss, but that long term they are equal. I also asked both if they thought I'd be more suited to one or the other. They both really like the sleeve. The internist told me that if she needed WLS, that she would pick the sleeve for herself. She also said that if I really liked sweets she would recommend RNY over the sleeve because dumping syndrome would be helpful to keep that in check. Also that they might recommend it over the sleeve if I were diabetic, because they said people often go into remission with diabites within days with RNY. Although that wasn't a reason to exclude the sleeve, as it also goes away, but may take a little longer.

@@raquel_c He said that technically, the sleeve and/or gastric bypass should have nothing to do with delivering a child - he said it might be a little more touchy if you get pregnant right away and have to deliver before your stomach has completely healed, but if you wait the recommended year, your stomach literally grows back together and around the staples - making them part of your body, basically. So he said natural birth shouldn't be a problem and never has been for any of his patients. He DID say though that after you have bariatric surgery, a lot of other doctors/surgeons are a little freaked out by you (go figure - I guess because not all doctors know everything that bariatric doctors do about the surgery?) and that could lead a doctor to want you to have a C section just to avoid "possible complications." Of course every doctor out there now days prefers C sections anyway because they can schedule them and it's "less of a hassle" or whatever ????

Not on dialysis SandiJ but I just wanted to say hello, and wish you the best. Hope that you find the answers you need! My sleeve was done outpatient in a great hospital, and I was home in 8 hours. I think you need to consult with the finest Bariatric surgeon you can find.

Thanks everyone!! Still working on this, waiting for the doctors office to see if they can get any sort of documentation that shows the hospital has acquired the COE and just waiting for their ID number. I'm giving it till the end of the day, but in the mean time I have made an appt in Baltimore. I will have to go to one of their seminars before they will schedule and appt with the surgeon and I've also contacted Christiana Bariatric, so either way I'm confident I will succeed in getting a new surgery date!!! I went to church yesterday and the pastor said that he had to go to Baltimore today to see a 26 yo girl that needed a double lung transplant, my wanting to have an elective surgery is nothing compared to what some are going through!! I prayed all day for that young lady and hope God will touch her with his healing hands!!

There are many causes of diabeties, and that can determine, to an extent, your success with either controlling it better or even seeing remission. http://asmbs.org/benefits-of-bariatric-surgery/ The above is an older article, but the site it is in, ASMBS is an outstanding resource but it is not geared to quick plunk-down points or facts. I suggest taking some time and really looking through the site. You might find this important also: http://asmbs.org/mbs-aqip/ Talk to your Diabetes Specialist, and seek out a doctor to assist you that is up do date on information related to type 2 diabeties. http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ProfessionalResources/accred/ Everyone has different issues and no matter what surgery you have there are no guarantees. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabeties going into emergency surgery after a hit-and-run (texting and driving and hit me on a bicycle). They think I had been diabetic, given the issues I had and when I began to develop them, for probably 5 years or so before that, but I had been going to lukewarm doctors, and they did only the basic tests. I was an 'atypical' diabetic and the other doctors did not catch the patterns and investigate further. I spent years with compromised quality of life risking infections, heart damage, kidney failure and more due to this. Once diagnosed I went from a +8 A1C to a -6 A1C in less than 9 months, and maintained a a1c of 6 or less until my VSG. The last time I took medication for my diabeties was the week prior to surgery. By then I had began to experience lows so frequently I was already off all but 1 medication. That was late December 2011. My surgery date was 1-4-2012. I went into full remission in Feb/march of 2012, although the true test of that would come in the following months as my a-c stayed in the 4's. I am not diet controlled or medication controlled. My pancreas functions fully, my liver is working and my kidneys are healthy. My immunity has regulated itself and I maintain regular levels of gut bacteria which I also accredit to a almost fully raw lifestyle (Gut bacteria is HIGHLY underrated for mental stability and health, our gut is our 'second brain'). The consensus seems to be my aggressive control of my condition led to my body being in a position to heal faster. http://lubbockonline.com/health/2013-09-06/right-bacteria-may-help-fight-obesity This is a good starter article, you can decide how to proceed if you want to look into it further from there. Unfortunately a majority of the original papers and research are available in limited forms, either in memberships to accredited and certified organizations, or by purchase. I have spent 6 years in active advocacy for diabetics, and I would be glad to assist in helping you find any answers you need.

I asked my surgeon abt the clear liquid rule the day I went in for surgery because I tried the clear Isopure ready made drinks and thought I was gonna die. He said as long as I'm mixing y protein with water it was absolutely fine. I trust my surgeon a tremendous amount. He is the director of the bariatric unit at the hospital and I have not had a single complication. I couldn't imagine not having him to turn to.

I'm a newbie .My wieight has been a struggle for years.Up and down.Start a diet stop a diet .I had to come to terms with my self about my health and well being.i decided i was ready to take charge and to something about it.I just went to a seminar on 9/21 completed my insurance information and just waiting for the bariatric department to contact me.The ball is rolling I'm excited and a little afraid at the same time . I am open to any and all advice, suggestion, web info etc..

I used pure protein plus from Sam's Club before preop diet. On my preop diet I used bariatric advantage orange creme and banana flavors, they were pretty good. Now I am back on the pure protein plus. The nutritionist has us mix them with milk instead of water. It's more feeling and tastes better.