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Wow. Thanks, Sunnyway! I appreciate the comprehensive list of books. I’ve got “Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Treat Food Addiction” in my Amazon cart. I will check out “The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients”. I am really hoping it won’t say cooking for myself. I’m single and live alone. It looks like there are some bariatric food delivery services. Thank-you again.

I've come to realize that I am also a sugar/food addict. I've read a ton of books, some of which I will share with you. OA, a 12-step program, is an excellent support group. I haven't joined OA but I know its out there and available to me. I had WLS in 1990, received no nutrition guidance, and was pretty much left to my own devices. I lost weight during the post-op honeymoon, but as time passed I could eat more...and I did! I regained every pound I had lost and returned to my original set point, where it stayed for the next 25 years despite a variety of weight loss program. I could never keep lost weight off. I only recently learned that my RNY can be revised. I wasted a lot of time, but I'm going to give it another shot. This time I have lots more information at my fingertips. Pre-operatively I have sworn off sugar, flour, wheat, rice, starchy vegetables, and processed foods. The first couple of weeks were hard but now I rarely get cravings or head hunger. I've lost 43 lbs. since the first of April. I know that abstention is the only way to prevail over addiction. I intend to continue with this post-operatively also. Since you already know you are a food addict, I recommend the following: Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction, by Vera Talman Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Treat Food Addiction, by Connie Stapleton Why Diets Fail (because youʼre addicted to sugar), by Nicole Avena & John Talbott Baratric Surgery & Food Addiction, by Philip Werdell (written for the clinician, but I found it valuable} You might find Kay Sheppard's books relevant, since she advocates 12-step programs: Food Addiction: The Body Knows and From The First Bite: A Complete Guide to Recovery One more book that I highly recommend is The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients, by Colleen Cook. I've also discovered that there a plethora of Bariatric Cookbooks now. My favorite is The Bariatric Guide and Cookbook, by Matthew Weiner.

Forget snacks entirely unless they are protein or vegetable. They grease the slippery slope to regaining what you have lost. I speak from experience. I am approaching RNY revision and I will not make the same mistakes again. The pre-op food plan and the (clear/full liquid/puree) stages post op while we are not getting hungry give us the opportunity to establish a new way of eating. If we seek sugar-free or keto snacks we are merely making some substitutes for the OLD way of eating. It's too easy to find ourselves eating sugared and carbohydrate snacks and food when we don't happen to have the "-free" type. Just because substitute snack foods are sold on bariatric sites does not mean they are good for us. If we are wise we will ignore those products. Eat whole foods, fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits, quality poultry and meat products. Avoid sugar, sugar substitutes, wheat/flour products, and processed foods. We can get plenty of tasty food to eat with these choices. I encourage you to obtain and read these two books by Dr. Matthew Weiner: A Pound of Cure and The Bariatric Guide and Cookbook. There are lots of other bariatric cookbooks available, too, including some for Air Fryers, InstaPots, and CrockPots. These will help you learn your new way of eating.

There are a ton of bariatric cookbooks on Amazon including those for Air Fryer, Instant Pot, and Crock Pots. I particularly recommend The Bariatric Diet Guide and Cookbook, "Easy Recipes for Eating Well after Weight Loss Surgery" by Matthew Weiner. I also like The High Protein Bariatric Cookbook, by Stacy Gulbin and Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook (for Dummies) which is a companion to Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies which every WLS patient should keep handy. I would encourage everyone to read The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients by Colleen Cook, available on Kindle. Hard copy can be found on used book sites like Abe.com It is not a cookbook, but address long term success post surgery.

I was always able to drink more than I supposedly should have been. The PA at my bariatric clinic said my stomach would let me know if I was drinking too quickly.

hair loss can be a side effect of any major surgery - and childbirth, for that matter. It can also be a side effect of rapid weight loss. So we've got the double whammy - triple, really, because in addition, we're also taking in very few calories those first few months. So I think we see the hair loss side effect more often with bariatric surgery than we do from other types of surgeries. mine lasted about three months - and that's fairly common. Not much you can do about other than keep on top of your supplements and make sure you're meeting your protein requirements, since that can keep it from getting any worse than it would otherwise. And know that it'll eventually stop and the hair will grow back again...

Congratulations!! I had my surgery August 11. I’m on puréed foods. Invest in a Bariatric Cookbook (recommended by my Nutritionist). It has been so helpful. Has recipes for all stages . The hardest part is the fluids. But it’s a process so take it day by day.

six years out and I don't think my stomach has ever growled. Most (but not all) people lose their hunger after surgery, but for most of us, it comes back sometime during the first year. I wish I was one of those lucky few whose hunger never comes back, but mine did come back at around five months out. there are no food restrictions once you get a few months out, but that's not to say that some of us don't have food intolerances, even if we're technically "allowed" to eat any food. Some people can eat pasta, some can't. I can eat a little of it. It kind of sits like a brick in my stomach, though, so I don't eat it very often and when I do, it's just a little. Plus it's not terribly nutritious. I really try to focus on very nutrient-dense foods because my stomach is so small now. P.S. re: carbs - yes, bariatric patients eat carbs. Early out, some clinics recommend very low carb diets, some don't (mine was more of a balanced plan). But once you're a ways out, carbs are fine - as long as they're mostly the "good" kind. For many of us, our main focus is in protein, though.

the sleeve is an easier, less complicated surgery and some surgeons are more comfortable doing that one. If you want bypass and she won't do it, you can always go to another surgeon. Yes - there's a greater risk of complications with a bypass, but the risk of major complications with either surgery is pretty low. I've been hanging around on bariatric surgery sites for around seven years, and yes - although some bypass patients need iron infusions because they don't absorb enough iron from oral tablets, I would say that's definitely not the majority. I went with bypass because it has a longer history and I had GERD. I've had no issues with it and have been very happy with my decision.

I’m having it done here in Atlanta by a highly experienced and respected bariatric surgeon. He has done many of them and likes them because with only the one hook up, there is less chance of future issues or leaking. Does the same as regular bypass…

Generally, the sleeve will be less fussy than the malabsorbing procedures when it comes to supplement requirements, however, they will all have some initial requirements for the first few weeks or months as you need some additional nutrition since you won't be eating much for a while. Shakes are a part of it, for a variable amount of time, as that's the only way other than real food to get our needed protein. Over time, there will be little that you can't eat with a sleeve -which is good and bad. Good in that you can, in principle, be able to get all of your nutrition from food if you are so inclined (most aren't, which is why they still need to supplement some.) Bad in that you can still eat junk that goes against your weight maintenance goals. Some people need supplements, even with no WLS at all, simply because that is how their body works. Some programs impose the same supplement regimen on their sleeve patients as they do for their bypass patients, not out of necessity for the sleeve but for their own (the practice's) convenience. Periodic lab checks will tell you what you personally need to stay healthy. Are you having your WLS done here in the States, or in MX? The mini bypass is rarely done here in the US and is rarely covered by insurance and AFAIK has not been endorsed by the ASMBS as an approved, mainstream procedure. I would do some further research as to why this is before proceeding. The mini is done in MX, primarily as a cheaper alternative to the RNY, and is also more commonly done in some other countries. Here in the States, I would shy away from it for the same reason that I wouldn't own a French car (irrespective whatever merits they may have) as they haven't been sold here for decades and finding parts and service is a PITA. Likewise, should you have problems with a mini sometime down the road, finding someone who knows how to treat it can be a problem; if you have a sleeve or RNY, any bariatric practice at any hospital will know what you have and how to treat it.

-It is not an unreasonable position for her to keep, as the bypass does indeed provide very similar weightloss and regain results to the sleeve but at a somewhat higher cost in potential problems, limitations in future medical care and increased fussiness on supplements. The bypass is overall a very good procedure that is mature technology - it has been around as a WLS for some 40+ years, and its basis dates back some 140 years, so it is a well known quantity, both good and bad. Her concern about ulcers is well founded, and that is something that one lives with, or at least the threat of them, with the bypass as it is intrinsic to it. One may never experience one, and most don't, but everyone is living to avoid them - it is the basis of the "no NSAID" policy that is common in the bariatric world as one needs to avoid any medications that promote stomach irritation and NSAIDs are the most common class of drugs that we encounter (but there are others that one may encounter through life.) Occasionally someone will come through with an ulcer problem that defies resolution, and their main course of action it to reverse the bypass. This is rare, but it happens. Marginal ulcers are to the bypass what GERD is to the sleeve - you can't fool mother nature and there will always be potential consequences to fooling around with her. One needs to balance what one gets from a treatment against what might possibly occur on downside. Iron infusions are also a fairly common need after bypass, as it malabsorbs minerals in particular, and while some can get away with simple oral iron supplements, many can't and need periodic infusions. This is rare with a sleeve as there is no particular malabsorption. Another factor that weighs on some is the "plan B" factor - what does one do if things don't work as expected - complications, inadequate weight loss or regain? While we don't like to think in terms of getting revisions, they are sometimes necessary, and the bypass is difficult to revise if it doesn't work right; as noted above in the case of intransigent ulcers, the usual is to reverse the bypass and put you back where you started from, and likely still needing help in weight control. The sleeve, on the other hand, can readily be revised to the bypass if needed - typically for intransigent GERD problems - or to a duodenal switch for continuing weight problems. Again, not something we like to think about, but the options are there. The bypass also presents some additional limitations in future medical treatment, as it leave one with a blind remnant stomach and upper intestine, which can't easily be scoped endoscopically as with the natural GI system or with a sleeve. Again, something that may never come up, but likely will sometime in your future life. A further note, your surgeon is in good company, as my doc rarely does bypasses as well, though his preference leans toward the duodenal switch as his primary, with VSG as a second choice. He does, however, do a fair amount of business revising problematic bypasses to the duodenal switch, and will do the odd bypass when it is specifically indicated for a patient, but that is fairly rare.

You do have to take vitamins, supplements, and a B complex for the rest of your life on the sleeve, too, and you start with liquids (surgeons vary, some require clear liquids before you get thicker liquids), then on to purées and soft foods, and my surgeon recommends avoiding things like cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts...) until you are fully healed and know your own reactions. I don't think there's any such thing as a bariatric procedure with a simple post-op.

That's the weird thing, She has 23 years experience and is a surgeon of excellence in a MBSAQIP bariatric center. I don't want GERD and I don't want to have another surgery down the road. It annoys me a bit that the surgeons are like if this doesn't work out we'll change to a bypass later. Not everyone has the funds to keep getting surgeries.

Hi, Lesley! Nice to see someone else from Canberra! I did move there in 2019 and am seeing a GP to check blood levels. Everything is good, so I haven't needed to see a bariatric surgeon since I've been there. I left Australia for work in April 2021, theoretically for three months. Now I'm one of the thousands of people stuck outside the country because there are no flights, and I have no idea when I will be able to return. I'm very sorry you all are locked down. It must be a particularly difficult time to have surgery there!

Thanks everyone. Your comments have helped. I'm going to ask more questions and maybe contact the previous bariatric center I was working with before. I was really curious to see if anyone else had received the same feedback from their surgeon, like, perhaps opinions on the bypass were changing among the bariatric community. thanks again and have a great weekend everyone!

My wife had her RNY in 2019, I remember her pain was so intense that even clearing her throat would hurt her abdomen. Doing my research on how to minimize this type of discomfort beside taking your pain meds post surgery one can also have some relief by using a pillow or a brace to help you support the abdomen. Has anyone had experience with this and did it work for you? Any suggestion on a particular brand? And thank you in advance for all the replies this is a wonderful online community I am grateful for this forum it has really giving me hope and help me manage my questions and navigate thru my anxiety.

Hi BigSue, Thanks for responding. I actually started out at a different hospital and they seemed more likely to do both surgeries, the issue with them was that it took a long time to get them to give me their costs for the surgery and even with my insurance it was out of my price range. So I switched to another bariatric center that I could afford. the surgeon and the center have multiple awards for surgeries and she was voted best surgeon in my region, so I'm wondering is she just more experienced and knows its not worth the risks or too conservative? In any case, at this point I feel tied to this center since I've already spent a lot of time/money and am reluctant to start again. I really wish everyone would just list the costs up front.

Hello, I've just joined and I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I am in a program for bariatric surgery to be scheduled later this year. I just met with the surgeon and was told she will only perform a sleeve, I would like a bypass. She says that she constantly has patients coming back from bypass needing iron infusions or having issues with ulcers and she thinks the sleeve gives the same benefit without the risks. Basically, she only does bypass on rare occasions, like with people who have acid reflux. Has anyone encountered this before? I thought I would be able to choose my surgery and after much debate I opted for the bypass. I'm 53, post menopause, 5-4, and 260. I would like this to be a one time surgery and not have to go back for additional one if needed. I'm also a sugar junkie and like that bypass would eliminate or limit that consumption for me. Thanks in advance for you responses.

the people above are correct. Most insurance companies cover it, but the employer can pick and choose which services it wants put in the policies it offers its employees. Some employers don't want to include bariatric surgery included in their policies because of the cost.

Thank you so much for this. I’ve been planning to try alternatives like cauliflower pizza and vegan burgers because I’ve ate it before and loved it. I just never knew anybody else whose had a sleeve or any bariatric surgery and I know the nurse they sent to my home does not know what she is talking about. I was never big on rice or pasta unless it was gnocchi. I reallly appreciate this

I have CIGNA, but they are just the coordinator (my employer self insures). The requirements they had were ridiculously easy: Letter from my PCP recommending me for surgery. New Patient Orientation / Post-Op Nutrition Education (combined into one) Surgeon Presentation ("This is what gastric bypass is... this is what sleeve gastrectomy is...") Psychological Clearance Attendance at one bariatric support group meeting About 20 pages of forms, quizzes, etc. I had to send in. That was it.

I haven’t done much research on this because I like whey protein anyways but the bariatric advantage rep was on Facebook live with the nurse practitioner from my office during the online support group meeting and she said that whey is the most easily absorbed and mentioned collagen as one that is less absorbable. When they checked my vitamins they also checked protein so I assume they will for you as well but if your protein is lower than expected the type of protein may be an issue. Just a heads up.

Though I have been following everyone's posts for the last 6 months, I did not want to subscribe until I finally got my surgery date! I got my surgery date! September 24th is the big day! The one thing I had not thought about purchasing until today was a new bariatric food journal that would specifically have a place to track my proteins, and waters. I have been keeping a basic food diary but I feel a new journal for post-surgery would be a great way to kick this off. I have been looking at different ones on Amazon but they don't give you a picture of what's inside the covers. Does anyone have a favorite food diary or food journal that's easy to use and they've found helpful? Sent from my moto g power using BariatricPal mobile app

Unbelievable. Cigna cannot determine whether weight loss surgery is covered or not under my insurance policy. On the phone, I have been told yes, it is covered only be told later that there is a a specific exclusion in my policy for weight loss surgery. I was ready to self pay. I saw the surgeon this week for an initial consult and tentatively scheduled surgery for the first week in November. BUT the bariatric coordinator just called - Cigna called her and said they thought WLS is covered under my policy. The bariatric coordinator let them know that Cigna said it is not covered when she verified my benefits. So the Cigna rep is "double checking" and will get back to her. I can't believe this! How difficult is it to determine whether I'm covered or not. Has anyone experienced this type of thing before? Also, if a miracle happens and I am covered, what kind of hoops will I have to jump through with Cigna? Any experiences with Cigna in this regard would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!