Search the Community

I am on my 2 week liquid diet, 12 days to go before surgery. I’ve been doing good so far! I’ve been smoking weed for years, as it helps me sleep and calms my anxiety. I prefer it over any pharmaceutical. I quit blunt wraps for the surgery because I am not addicted to tobacco thankfully. Because I’ve been smoking for years, I no longer have munchies. That was one of the effects as a newbie smoker, but now I don’t have them or I alternate to healthy snacks. Smoking has been helping me get through the pre op diet. As long as I have the “munchies” under control, should I be safe to smoke after the surgery? Any other bariatric stoners out there?

in principle, the main points have already been described to you. so maybe I'll repeat myself a little. also faced such a situation, now I study all sorts of "hot" creams for wrapping. write that they increase blood circulation in the dermis, which in turn triggers the processes of renewal and saturation of the upper layers of the skin with oxygen. I think to try one of these creams for my belly and thighs. I don’t know for the face ... everyone talks about the need for cоllagen and retinоl, that they are excellent helpers in the fight against wrinkles, and they also talk about necessarily sunscreen (which I successfully forget😓), so I don’t use retinol creams or serums yet because i read tha it's bad combination retinol+sun. But my must have is orаl cоllagen pіlls I use an alginate mask all the time (I buy a large can at once on Amаzon and use it for 1-1.5 years, it is very profitable), it moisturizes the skin very well, I advise you reaed more about it futures and use it at least once a week

You should NOT swim until your wounds are entirely healed. Any decent lifeguard would prevent you from entering a pool. (I'm a former lifeguard, too.) If you are uncertain about your surgeon's judgment, it couldn't hurt to have your primary care physician follow you through recovery. I recommend you do some more reading about bariatric surgery so you aren't dependent upon just what your surgeon has told you. For example, these two books are good, although there are others.

I reached out to my bariatric care team, who was made aware of my visit to the ER last Tuesday and said the normal oral tablet medication would be fine. Here is my communication to them today, and their reply. Me: So, the response was lacking, since a number of my concerns (medication absorption, weight stall, not being able to hit my nutrient goals) were not addressed. I will assume positive intent and say they have probably dealt with dozens upon dozens of people with concerns/fears/complaints post-op that do not amount to anything, so perhaps I've been lumped in that category. We'll see what the doctor says today (he's a rheumatologist) although he may just refer me back to my PCP or the ER (in which case you all have permission to say "I told you so!") I'm going to ask for blood work too just to ensure I'm not septic, and to see where my WBC is.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Calcium at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. Check out the newly released BariatricPal Sugar-Free Calcium Citrate Soft Chews 500mg with Probiotics at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/brand_bariatricpal+vitamin-form_soft-chews . They come in 6 AMAZING flavors: French Vanilla Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Belgian Chocolate Caramel, Orange Creamsicle, Strawberry Watermelon Twist and Wild Grape. You can get Calcium in many different forms: Soft Chews: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_soft-chews Chewable: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_chewable Powder: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_powder Liquid: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_liquid Tablets: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_tablets

My Surgeon said I can go ahead and start taking my calcium citrate supplement. 1000 mg a day split it to twice a day. What do you guys recommend? Sent from my SM-N970U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I've looked through some other past posts, mostly 3-5+ years ago, and Googled to my fingers were numb, so I'm going to post this here and see if anyone has thoughts/suggestions. I'm just about 6-weeks post op, great weight loss, and was cruising right along until last Tuesday 9/7/21. I ended up in the ER for what I thought was a blood clot in my right leg. After a sonar, they assured me I had no clot, but I did have moderate cellulitis. The doctor put me on generic Bactrim 800 2x/day, and Cefalexin 500 x4/day, for 7 days. I have had cellulitis once before pre-op, in the opposite leg, and was on a much smaller treatment of antibiotics (just the Bactrim), and within 3 days (out of the 7 day treatment) it was practically gone! So, when this past Friday rolls around and my right leg isn't better at all I start to freak out b/c it's been 4 days of double the amount of antibiotics I've had for the same issue in the past, and when I put my sock on it still cause me to "yelp" in pain, not to mention the entire shin/left calf in hot and swollen. I call my PCP and he graciously humors me and puts me on the Oral Liquid version of Bactrim, for 10 days b/c I think the tablets aren't being absorbed. So, I've now had 6 doses of the Bactrim Liquid antibiotic, and I'm on my last day of Cefalexin, but really only feel like the leg is maybe, 10-15% better than it was a week ago? I will say that I do not have a fever, so I don't think I'm septic or anything, but it's getting in the way of my exercise and weight loss during the peak period of time when I should be working towards losing as much as possible. Should it still be this bad? Has anyone else had this issue? Any suggestions or things I should talk to my PCP or bariatric surgeon about? Do you think it will just take longer and I should hold my horses and take a chill pill? 😅 Thanks for your time and thoughts everyone. -Josh

In the early days of surgery you will not be able to eat much at one time. Take it slow. If you are having pain, vomiting or any other concerns you are best to talk to your bariatric team. Complications can occur and you want to rule them out. Just be patient and do not stress yourself out over it. Try to sip water through the day, and focus on getting in your protein, even if it just a few sips of a protein drink. You will make it. It will get easier.

it's not uncommon for WLS patients who've lost a lot of weight to have skin rashes from the excess skin (although this would be under the skin "folds", not everywhere..), but I haven't read about this on this or other bariatric boards about skin issues from vitamin deficiencies. Although I just quickly googled it, and rashes and other skin issues CAN be a symptom of various vitamin deficiences. Here's one of the articles I found (below). It looks like it can be caused by any number of vitamin deficiencies, so it's hard to tell which one it is in your case. Did they test all levels? It also says they can happen to people who have malabsorption issues or have had G/I surgeries. Again, I haven't read about this on bariatric boards (and I've been hanging around on these for about seven years), so it's evidently not a common issue, but it's certainly possible that could be what's going on in your case. https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/10/731

not everyone is well-versed on food issues or bariatric surgeries. If you want to switch therapists, your bariatric clinic may be able to recommend someone - or they may even have someone on staff.

I am one week after lapband removal after 19 years. I had to have an iron infusion as my iron was extremely low. Apparently iron deficiency and in many cases nutritional deficiency is a consequence of bariatric surgery (good to be aware of) as no one tells you this. I had very little weight loss on lapband surgery. I am so glad to be rid of it. Very sick of the intermittent choking and vomiting. Very annoying. I wish everyone all the very best on their decisions - I think I would rethink lapband surgery (unless it has changed dramatically in the last 19 years). Good luck.

So one thing I’ve learned is that the dont’s vary WIDELY between each Bariatric doctor/clinic. The do’s are pretty much the same; mainly, focus on protein and water consumption. The dont’s and other instructions after surgery for me (per my doctor) includes NO ALCOHOL; no drinking from straws; no chewing gum; no carbonated drinks; no caffeine; no beef/red meat for the first year; deconstruct every meal; every meal to be low cal; no drinking liquids for 15 mins before and 30 mins after a meal; chew your food for 30 seconds before swallowing; eat your meal within 30 minutes; exercise/weights at least 3x a week. TAKE THE PRESCRIBED VITAMINS EVERY DAY WITHOUT FAIL - especially thiamin. Soooo - I’ve lost 140lbs - sleeved December 2019. ONE OF THE TOP BEST DECISIONS OF MY LIFE. Wish I did it sooner. I struggle now with the type of foods I put into my body - I have a hankering for chocolate and cookies. 😩 BUT! 99% of the time it’s because I’m bored and will mindless eat. I have to reel it back in. It will always be a recurring process for me.

See if your bariatric group has a therapist they recommend who works on food addiction issues with folks who have had weight loss surgery. Get someone on the job who is better aligned and more knowledgable about your needs.

It really depends how much you like what your current therapist is doing outside of the weight topic. If you feel like you want her to be in your life, then just don't talk to her about weight loss and use bariatric support groups for that. If she's turning into one of these preachy, teetering-on-the-edge-of-anti-science types, maybe now's a good time to thank her for what she's done for you and find someone who aligns better with your goals. It is YOUR life and not open to anyone's—not even your therapist's—judgment.

I've maintained almost 4 years at goal by eating a TON of carbs. So...there are a lot of ways up this mountain dietarily. I eat high fiber, keep my calories under 1600 a day, and eat very little refined sugar or white flour. (I keep my refined treats under 200 calories once or twice a week) Stuff I eat a TON of: Oats, Fruit, Veggies, Beans, Chickpeas, Lowfat/Nonfat Diary, Potatoes, VERY lean meats, whole grain breads. Lots and lots of fruit and veggies. (and it shows...my cholesterol and all labs are excellent...and this matters as we get older) Stuff I don't eat: Anything with animal fat. Fried stuff. (I do stir fry with a little olive oil) I don't eat Refined sugar. I don't eat White flour. Substitutions I make a lot: Plant protein instead of animal. Olive Oil instead of butter. High fiber...I try to get 25g a day or more. Oatmeal in food processor in place of white flour in recipes. Best advice I can give.....three of them actually: 1. See a bariatric therapist. The causes behind disordered eating are not addressed by your surgery. 2. Get active! Increasing your activity, even if it's just adding a couple hundred more steps to your routine every day...it will keep your metabolism singing. 3. Count calories. It sucks, but it's necessary. Wishing you the very best!

I'm in the beginning process of my bariatric journey, had my information session a few weeks ago and my big appointment with the surgeon, nurse, nutritionist, etc. is coming up in 3 weeks. So excited! I've been thinking about this health and wellness renewal with bariatric surgery for several years now. I've also been on a journey with my mental health (anxiety & depression) for about 4 years and have made some wonderful progress. I have a good support system of doctors but lately my therapist is making me scratch my head. For those of you on your journey - or that have experience - tell me about your journey with your mental health along with the bariatric surgery process. What I mean by my therapist is making me scratch my head.....so, for the past several years, my therapist has helped me get to a place where I can work on myself and my relationship with my parents (suffered mental/emotional as well as some physical abuse from parents). I made so much progress in 2 years with this...true healing, feeling so much more confident and content with myself. This progress finally led me to go forward with realizing that I was ready to commit to wanting to help myself and begin my bariatric weight loss journey. So, when I brought this up to my therapist, her reaction was not exactly what I expected. (I've read about people's different reactions so I'm of course trying not to let this bother me and feel like I probably need to either move on or realize that's her opinion, not mine). Anyway, when I try to discuss my wants/needs regarding my request for help when it comes to emotional eating/overeating/breaking that psychological connection, she's not really wanting to go there with me. She gives me very little help and keeps saying, "maybe you just won't have this surgery"...and suggests calling local weight loss places that focus on holistic methods of weight loss, etc. that cost $$$. She keeps telling me I need to read all of these books on "miracle weight loss", "medicine is bad", etc. ...ok, so....I know if someone is offering you some "magic unrealistic" guarantee if you "buy their program" they will promise you guaranteed weight loss for life....Ok, that's not for me. I've been there, done that, time and time again. You know the story...the diets we've all tried, the books we've all read, the shakes, you name it. I'm pushing 50 years old...been around the block with weight loss, like all of us here and I'm just not buying it. But, I did try to hear her out. What I'm disappointed in is that I feel that this relationship with this therapist is not helpful. I think I probably need to find another avenue of therapy. I know my hospital offers some group therapy, which I plan on doing. I'm grateful for this website and forum for help and support. If anyone has any advice - therapy suggestions, books/podcasts, etc. to work on my mental health with the emotional eating connection - I would be so grateful. I am working hard already at trying to change these things for myself now so I can be successful. Thank you again for your help!!

Thats great Bariatric boy. Ive gone back to gym for last 1 week and getting stronger each week starting to feel normal most days.

I thought about it and went back and forth for over ten years before I did it. Those are ten years I can't get back. I could not be happier with my results. I'm not an overly skinny perfect person. I'm pretty average normal now. I eat about 1600 calories a day and walk quite a bit, but don't go to the gym or anything special. I eat a MUCH better diet now and still have the occasional treat (I can tolerate anything so I have to be kinda careful, but it's not as hard as it used to be) Best advice I can give a newbie....make sure you have access to a bariatric therapist. Dealing with the whys behind disordered eating has been critical for me. The stomach surgery is a fantastic tool, but you can eat yourself fat again if you don't address the reasons behind the behavior. Wishing you the best. I have absolutely no regrets.

It's individual and everyone's nutritionist will say something different. At your stage I ate 100-200 calorie "meals", but I ate them about 6 times a day spaced apart. A lot of people eat less early on. If you have questions about nutrition, the best place to take them is probably your bariatric group. They'll steer you in a good direction. Many will have sample menus available for each eating stage to use as a guide. Best wishes!

I am hoping the collective wisdom of the folks on here can help me out! A year and a half post surgery, I developed an ulcer. I have been on medication for a couple of months and doing fine. However, my bariatric vitamins are a trigger for severe back and stomach pain, which lasts up to an hour and a half and at times makes work impossible until it passes. I have tried opening the capsules, taking them with food, taking them with yoghurt, taking them later in the day, drinking water before I take them. Nothing works. I need to have a multi-vitamin with iron, so I know some discomfort is probable, but for the first year and a half I was fine! Hoping someone had a similar experience, or knows of a good multi-vitamin that is less harsh on my poor stomach.

Hello everyone, So I'm getting nervous now! I have Ahcccs w/ AZ Complete Health Plan) & I have been doing all the requirements from my Bariatric Surgeon. 6 months supervised diet w/ chart all chart notes & visit summary (lost 6 lbs, never gained), endoscopy, cardiac clearance (pet scan, echo & EKG), pulmonary clearance (chest x-ray), sleep study, psych eval & clearance, nutritionist, & letter of recommendation from Primary Care doc. I made sure to get copies of everything & sent them to my surgery coordinator in the doctor's portal. FINALLY FINISHED! My surgeon's office is submitting everything next week & I'm nervous! I'm worried if I will be approved or not. Has anyone been in same situation? I am hoping to get VGS. 5'3" 229.5 (1st weigh in) 225lb. (current weight) obstructive sleep apnea hypothyroidism high cholesterol type 2 diabetic ( I was type 2 diabetic, but last blood test reads lower levels to pre-diabetic. I am still on Metformin)

I was miserable the first two days. Then I used spanx to keep the loose stuff inside still so I wouldn’t feel pulling. I’m four weeks out and still sleep with spanx. I avoided the couch because it was too low and couldn’t get up without pain. I also bought a raised toilet seat to be independent. It was $20 on Carewell.com . Do whatever you need to do to get through it, no shame. You will get through! Talk with your bariatric professionals. They know what’s normal.

Read a book or two about bariatric surgery. I recommend Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies and How Weight Loss Surgery Really Works by Matthew Weiner, MD.

I am new to the bariatric program and i have always had an issue to lose weight are there any suggestions how to proceed futher? Sent from my SM-G950U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was told no gummies as well. Your clinic may have samples. Bariatric advantage had sample packs I received one at the nutritionist appointment but the clinic recommended them as well. Now that I think of it I believe the sample was a chewable that contained iron though. It was the calcium citrate chew, the multivitamin chewable and something else (it may have been the one without iron I can’t recall). But most importantly, double check that you didn’t misunderstand the gummies suggestion.