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Hi Im sooo happy found this topic!! I got my surgery 1 month ago, and after been vegetarian for most of my life, wanted to do the leap of faith and compassion and been a vegan... So since my surgery i have only had a vegan diet.... fruits, veggies and grains, legumes etc.. for the first 2 weeks i dropped 15 pounds, then i stall for 10 days and i noticed it was because i introduce more nuts and grains and avocado So for the last 5 days i been eating only vegetables, legumes ( chickpeas, green peas, black Beans etc) and fruits and i started loosing again yay!! 3 pounds less!!! And it makes sense to me now!! im doing a big effort to dropped the fat i have inside so i can not put extra fat in!! Soo only legumes, fruits and veggies has done the trick for me!! I also recommend listening to dr. Garth Davis interviews, or fb, he has been one of my inspirations, because he is a surgeon specialist in bariatric and he recommend a vegan diet from the beginning to his patients and he has tons of great testimonies and when he speaks about it is so informative and facts oriented. For the most part being a vegan in this new stage of my life has been wonderful, no nausea, no reflux or digestion problems AT ALL. everything goes down easily and i can get to enjoy fruits, veggies and legumes . Im learning while i go... but so far so good!! I want to know if there is someone else wanted to share their food blog and progress with me? i log using cronometer cuz allow me to see the nutrients in my food. It will be interesting see what works for other vegan so we can have a little comparison. hugs and lots of good vibes!!

Welcome! You have some very good questions, and the fact that you are thinking about these things is great. Weight loss surgery isn't for everyone, and I think it's really important to make the decision with your eyes wide open and be prepared for the good, the bad, and the ugly. This forum is a great place to read about other people's experiences with WLS so you can know what to expect. Pay particular attention to catwoman7's posts -- she is a great example of a WLS success story, who lost all of her excess weight and has kept it off long-term (and she is a true bariatric guru with lots of excellent advice and insight). Just about all of us have had many failed weight loss attempts in the past. Most insurance companies require evidence of failed weight loss attempts before they'll pay for surgery, because surgery is a pretty drastic solution and few people would want to go through it if they could lose and maintain weight loss without surgery. But many of us who have failed so many times before have been successful with WLS. It is true that some people gain back some or all of the weight (or don't lose as much weight as they need to) after WLS because, as you've figured out, WLS isn't magic. It still takes a lot of work and commitment and (as much as I hate the term) lifestyle changes. I get the impression that in the early years of WLS, the emphasis was on the restriction (and, to some extent, malabsorption) of surgery -- the physical limitations that made it impossible to overeat and/or that made the patient ill from eating too much fat or sugar. Patients mainly relied on eating smaller quantities to lose weight. This works in the short term, but the restriction loosens up over time (so you can eventually eat more in one sitting), and if you continue eating high-calorie foods and/or get in the habit of eating around your surgery by eating smaller portions more frequently, you can easily increase your calorie consumption back to the point of regaining weight. For me (and many others), WLS made the initial weight loss much easier than dieting alone because I had no hunger for several months after surgery, but I do get hungry now and it's a challenge to stick to my plan. I think that these days, most WLS clinics have a more comprehensive approach and provide more guidance on dietary changes. After WLS, you pretty much reboot your eating patterns, almost like a baby. You go back to consuming only liquids, then pureed and mushy foods, and tiny bites of soft foods before you get back to eating like an adult. I think this process is the turning point for your long-term path after WLS. You can either take advantage of this opportunity to get into good habits of eating nutritious food, or you can get back into your old eating habits once you are physically able to eat normal foods again (which can ultimately lead to regain). As far as how WLS affects mental health, that is very dependent on the individual and not necessarily predictable. I think it's safe to say that most people's mental health benefits greatly from weight loss because living with obesity is incredibly difficult, but of course there are instances of unexpected negative results. If you have a history of mental health issues, that's something to discuss with your provider as part of your decision (and most insurance companies and clinics require a psychological consultation to make sure you are mentally/emotionally prepared for surgery). I did my surgery completely alone. I'm 2.5 years post-op and haven't told any family, friends, or coworkers about my surgery. I live alone and had no help after my surgery. I was fortunate to have a pretty easy recovery, so I had no problems taking care of myself (although I later developed bradycardia due to the rapid weight loss and had to get a pacemaker). In a way, I think living alone makes the post-op life easier because I have complete control over the food purchasing and preparation in my house. I simply don't buy foods that don't fit in my plan, so it is easy to avoid temptation. I encourage you to continue to research WLS and read about other people's experiences as you make your decision. Good luck!

The thing is that 2 weeks after surgery, I kept having dreams in which i mistakenly advanced my meal plan. Then I developed ridiculous cravings and all. I am quite glad I didn't ask a single question about them. Lest I face a barrage of eye rolling and cynical insults disguised as advice. Perhaps the person is not familiar with "head hunger" . Funny enough I checked my plan and saw Breyers bariatric ice-cream in it.. What if the person was asking about said ice cream? What if it is even. A troll post by someone trying to start something? My point is that the post is too short to come to definite conclusions about. Perhaps we pry the OP for more responses before we arrive at better conclusions? Just to add, I am a fan!! Your weightloss inspires me!! Sent from my SM-N900P using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a similar issue and had since a few months post-op. My surgeon kept blowing me off, too, until I was still complaining about pain at my one year visit, and hadn't had much of a weight loss in months (3 pounds in 6 months). He sent me for an upper GI, which revealed nothing, and an endoscopy, which revealed I had retained find us at the top of my sleeve. It would pouch out with the camera inside, and the GI could turn the camera completely around in the stretchy bit. My surgeon promised to repair it, but since I'd had an insurance change and bariatrics was an exclusion on the new policy, reports from the GI doc were "unreadable," and peer-to-peer conversations between docs resulted in a change in the way the GI described the pouching he described to me in the recovery room following the endoscopy. (I have a feeling my surgeon possibly threatened to reduce the number of patients his office referred to the GI practice.) After several more months of pain, I was finally able to get through the gatekeeper at another Bariatric practice where the surgeon himself does the endoscopy in the case of possible complications, rather than relying on an external GI. He too determined I have retained fundus at the top of my sleeve that, by now, two plus years post-op has stretched out markedly. I've regained 25 pounds from my very lowest weight, and 10 pounds from my longest stable weight. I've always had a greater capacity than other sleeve patients, and have dealt with pain after every meal of solid food since about month four post-op (pain that is now constant, whether eating or not). In my case, the pain is to the left side, and radiates across my lower left rib cage (pain to the right might not be the same. Liver issues, maybe?). I am currently working with this new surgeon's office to be "resleeved" to remove the retained fundus, and hopefully resolve my pain issues. I'm in the appeals process with insurance now since I'm dealing with medical issues and not having a repeat Bariatric surgery (though the process is identical). I would suggest you seek medical attention with a GP or new Bariatric surgeon, and if you can, have all the necessary tests to determine what you're actually dealing with, rather than just having your pain issue dismissed (as I've found many doctors prone to do).

I HIGHLY recommend Bariatric Pal MX and Dr. Illan. Had a mini bypass with them two months ago. Awesome facilities, medical care, and customer service! A++ from this teacher from Utah!!

I don't if you have heard , there's a few support groups on Facebook. You should be able to get some help with your diet and sergon in Mexico. I myself thinking about paying for my VGS.. I want a sergon here in US. Dr Umbach in Las Vegas charges $10,400 Dr Pleatmen in Michigan charges 11,400 Facebook WLS page Bariatric Eating support Bariatric Weight Warriors Bariatric sleeve rebels Best of luck finding someone. Take care Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

thank you for the website for the vitamins!!!! i have been using Bariatric fusion but they are 4 chewables a day and they taste like chalk.. and remembering to take them all day long has been anything but easy. I never remember them all... this is going to change EVERYTHING! thank you again!!!!!

Yes, I forgot about calcium citrate. It is not included because it interferes with the Iron in the bariatric one-a-day. You are suppose to take your calcium citrate a few hours before or after the one-a-day bariatric Vitamin. My recent blood work showed that my calcium levels were above normal range, so I haven't actually started taking calcium citrate supplements yet. My bariatric doctor recommended adding it eventually to be on the safe side. Calcium supplementation is recommended for everyone, even if you never had surgery. So, I know it is important. I am having trouble finding the high dose calcium citrate for under $10. Like most people, I'm on a budget and I already spend more than enough on Protein powder.

I chose the sleeve because able I needed to be able to take NSAIDS, I didn't want the malabsorption, and I didn't want dumping. I wasn't diabetic and didn't comorbidities. I knew that statistically I would lose more with the bypass, but at the time I was over 300 pounds and it ALL seemed too good to be true. I figured 60% EWL would be good enough. So, fast forward 2 1/2 years, and I am happy with my decision. I lost about 90% of my excess weight, though it could be 100% if I changed my goal . My labs are normal and I don't need an excess of Vitamins to keep them there. I have never dumped or thrown up, and now I eat small normal size portions. (I do take vitamins, and I do follow the Bariatric Eating plan). I will admit there are times I wonder if I could have lost that last 5-10 pounds with the bypass, but it's a fleeting thought.

Hi everyone! So I am just in the begining stages of my journey towards a healthier me but I have a few questions. Now I understand that even though others may have BCBS of MI, plans and requirements along with coverage can differ. With that being said I am just checking to see if any of you fellow BCBS of MI members have ever went through a similar situation. I am 24 years old with a BMI of 52 along with hypothyroidism, pre diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and PCOS. I have already spoke with the insurance company and verified my coverage, and the sleeve along with RNY and lap band are covered if deemed medically necessary. Which with my comorbities I meet that. Also, I was sent a paper from BCBS stating that a 6mo. medically monitored weight loss is required UNLESS your BMI is documented to be over 50. So there we go, I meet that requirement. I have my inital appointment with the bariatric program on the 29th of august along with my psych eval......just wondering if any of you have been through anything similar and if so how long did you have to wait after your inital appointment to have surgery.....I understand that after the 29th they will review my medical information along with the psych eval and determine if there are any further tests I need done prior to submitting to insurance. then after approved I will go for a preop appointment.......I have no problem doing a special eating program for awhile if my suregon requires it but I have tried 8 different diets in the last 10 years..... all of which I have lost weight and been unable to keep it off......sooooo ready to get this tool to assist me in my weight loss journey! I know it will be hard work and a lifetime of change but I am definitely ready for a healthier happier me!

I am going to OSU Bariatrics. Not for sure which surgeon either Needleman or Mikami.

Hi! I'm a little over 5 weeks. What I was told was to keep protein to 70-90gm, increase complex carbohydrates, and try to get in 1000 calories a day minimum in the 1st trimester (it goes up each trimester). I never jumped on the deli meat band wagon, and honestly most meat makes me sick now. So, what I've been doing is yogurt every morning (I switched to full fat greek), 1 cup a day of beans (Navy, Great Nothern, or Black Beans), a package of the the Green Giant microwave steamers veggies, a piece of fruit (cuties, berries), cheese snack, and then dinner at the moment is up in the air depending on how I feel (my nausea is worst at night) but I try to eat fish like tilapia or salmon and then if possible some sweet potato and maybe salad. I split a lot of those up into smaller portions and am eating about every 2hrs just to keep the nausea at bay. Other good foods to add would be hard boiled eggs, spinach, avocado (I had a friend who would literally have half an avocado for lunch every day), banana and high fiber foods. If you are ok with straight dairy add a glass of milk. If grains are your thing feel free to add them but you don't need them with the beans as long as you are still eating animal products. Oh, and chocolate. I have one piece of good dark chocolate every day. And, as a side note, I have some days where nothing sounds good at all and I just have a protein shake (the orgain organic pre-made ones). Oh, one last thing, I don't know which app you are using to track you food, but I really like cronometer as you can track possible micronutrient deficiencies, and you can change the setting for how much of each nutrient you are shooting for (makes it very bariatric and pregnancy friendly). I've found that most vitamins don't cover your full need for Choline, Potassium, and Iodine so you may need to add more foods that supply those nutrients. Hope that helps!

Even still at the 6 month point, we need to make the most important things getting in the Protein (60-90gm or whatever your surgeon recommends), and at least 64 oz of water/liquid every day. This makes a big difference in our weight loss. And I agree with other posters--starchy carbs this soon after surgery can really mess with our weight loss. The more fresh (or frozen) veggies and (limited) fruits you can get in, the happier your body will be to let go of those pounds. Sorry you're dealing with stressful stuff at work. It's one of the biggest life stressors that drives us to making unhealthy eating choices. The stress isn't likely to go away, but WE can learn ways to COPE with the stress so we don't end up sabotaging ourselves by choosing our old reliable, comforting food, like we always have before our surgery. It takes work, but there are a lot of self-help resources out there to begin taking charge. We owe it to ourselves. Celebrate the 40 pounds that you HAVE lost, and if there are some things that you need to do to get back to your original Bariatric Eating plan, it sounds like you are ready and committed to moving forward. That's the key--move forward from here--don't look back!

Me too want, have a 10/22/13 date with Mexico Bariatric Center, Dr. Valenzuela... Anyone with experience please?!?!?

I am really started to get excited about this process now! I passed my psych eval a couple of weeks ago and now have a nutrition seminar to attend the week after Thanksgiving. I start back at the gym soon, I have an appointment next week in order to help get me back on track. Its a small, personalized gym, so accountability will be a big issue......something that I completely need! And I feel really lucky b/c I just found out today that the insurance coverage that I will have next year is one that will cover the procedure. I called the Bariatric center to make sure that it is not one of the "problematic" insurance companies. Things are slowly falling into place. I love reading these message boards, the questions, advice and encouragement are so wonderful!

@@Stevehud Wow, 10-15g of carbs a day is extraordinarily low. The bariatric paper referenced above indicates (CHO = Carbohydrates): "Clinically, it has been proven that a low intake of carbohydrates may cause some damage to the human body. A severe restriction of CHO (in diets of about 15g of CHO per day) may lead to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), following the increased consumption of foods rich in fat and low in nutritional value, thus raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, diets rich in fatty foods can induce a state of insulin resistance. Over time, these diets may cause acute ketonemia, which can lead to metabolic acidity. Additionally, the specific recommendation of a high-Protein intake and totally eliminating CHO from the diet has serious consequences to patients’ health, such as Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and ketosis, which can lead to cognitive alteration and an increased glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, long-term effects can include nephrolithiasis and osteoporosis." I would be very cautious about such incredibly low carb diets for any extended length of time.

I found this at Walgreen's accidentally. It's the "Post bariatric surgery formula" chewable vitamin/mineral supplement you take 4 times a day. It is citrus flavor and I like it. It makes me feel like I am eating/chewing. I know if it were a big ole horse pill, I wouldn't take it. Maybe later, I will switch up. And, I take Trill Oil, omega-3, just one small capsule per day.

I found this information and I thought it was good to post it's something that some of the long term sleevers have concerns about even some of the newbies have concerns about what if: Weight regain after bariatric surgery can be an uncomfortable subject and one that both surgeons and patients want to avoid talking about, but can’t. To be sure, weight regain happens – the real question revolves around the cause. We understand that the choice to have weight loss surgery was a big one and the return of weight (in any amount) is disappointing. But understanding the way our bodies work and what may be behind the weight regain can help us address the issue more effectively. First and foremost, don’t get down on yourself. In all likelihood, your surgery did work and you are doing the right things, but our bodies change. As our bodies change, so too do our needs. Natural Regain: Some weight regain after bariatric surgery and especially gastric bypass is normal. If you regain 5-10% of your excess body weight after a few years of losing consistently, don’t fret. Speak to your surgeon, but it is likely no problem at all. Diet modification: Many of us tend to overdo it in our diets. It is tempting to over-diet, but the results can be counterproductive. Crash diets can even cause us to retain more fat than a diet of moderation. Be sure that you follow your diet plan closely and work with your dietician to ensure the very best results. Exercise habits: As with diets above, there is a fine line between good and bad exercise. Understanding the exercises to which your body responds and working with an exercise physiologist can help ensure that your exercises are doing good and not harm. Pouch or stoma enlargement: The stomach pouch and/or stoma (the opening into the stomach) can in fact stretch over time. This can cause mild or significant weight regain and can be corrected with one of several simple outpatient procedures. Revision Surgery can be effective, but ONLY as a last resort. Simple outpatient procedures and even major surgery can be used to revise an unsuccessful primary procedure. While revisions are generally effective, they do carry a higher risk of complications and all other solutions to the weight regain should be implemented before considering a revision procedure.

I made the decsion As I had serious health issues and I am wheelchair dependant. Being morbidly obese with a BMI of over 60, my independance was at imminent risk, for me that was a bigger issue than early death. may seem strange, but I think that I got desensitized to the message that fat would kill me, sure something will kill me! so for me, forced dependancy was far worse. Quality of life stuff. I knew that WLS was my only real option and dd not like the thought of the more invasve procedure like RNY gastric bypass. I knew someone who had gastric bypass- she lsot the weight and kept most off but has had to deal with severe nutritional imbalances and anaemia since then and probably for the rest of her lfe. She s happy wth the decision but I guess I liked the idea that as the band is adjustable it could be fine tuned over my life- even removed if needed and the underlying anatomy basically is back to square one. None of us know what the future hold so I did not want to burn any bridges with permanent anatomy changes if I could achieve what I needed with less invasve surgery. my surgeon is one of the australian pioneers, he has been doing band surgery since the early 90's and has been doing wls in generla for longer. He is Professor of bariatric surgey. He has not done anything but the band for over 6 yrs as he said the long term stats show better success rates for the band and far less complications, the rsk of death from the procedure is as high as 1 in 200 for the other surgeries and less than 1 in 2000 for the band. One of the biggest units doing this surgery in Australia for the longest time has said that they have not had a single death from the band that was attributed directly to the band surgery. thevery small number of deaths that have occured have been related to the co morbs or completely unrelated stuff. same long term results with far less rsk was the final piece of the puzzle

Thats the PONT! If WLS is for life Why would you want it reversed? It only needs revisonal surgery if its going wrong and the complications again are rare and if like happen very early days. Unlike the band most people experience probs around 18 months to 2 years. It can be devastateing if the band has been great then suddenly slippes and needs removing. Not every one is likely to keep the weight off! You ONLY usually have the band removed when there is complications and the long term chance of complications are way higher with a band than any other method of WLS. A Doc will endourse the band if thats all there doing and most general practioners dont know enough about anything so have a say eather way. (in a specialist manner) A Specialsit bariatric surgeon should be skilled in all the surgeries and should have enough experience to assess a patient and there suitablility for what ever procedure. The patient should of course consult with the surgeon and heed the surgeons advice. This less invasive and reverasble thing is sooo repetative it seems like the laimest excusess for a band i have ever heard. It says you expect it to fail and when it does its easy to fix. Whats the point in entering into a lifetime commitment to change with the expoectation its likely to fail. All surgeries to some extent are reversable. The band completely reversabe and usually with that there is a very high chance the weight will regain. Thats prob one of the sole reasons why lots of insurance companies in the US dont fund banding and lots of people have to fight for it. Surly that tellls you something! i seriously cannot see why you would ever want it reversed if things are going well. And in most bypass cases things go well like the stats say there is higher complications probs with a band than any other method of WLS so again if this are going great why would you consider revision?

Are you hitting your numbers in regards to nutrition using just the Tespo Bariatric Plus formula?

I never even thought of the VA paying for an outside facility. I looked into the VA paying for it (it's 5 hrs to the VA facility that actually does bariatric surgeries) and the requirements are that I be in the MOVE program for at least 6 mths (a diet and exercise program thru the VA) and that I have a BMI of >40 (or >35 with 1 comorbidity). My BMI is 28 right now. I'm going to call them today and see if they can work with the requirements a little, seeing as it's a complication from a previous surgery. Medicare wouldn't pay for it either, but since it's a complication, they will. Thanks for the idea!

If anyone is in the NW or Atlanta area, you should give great consideration to Dr. Ryland Scott at the Harbin Bariatric Clinic in Rome, GA. He is an amazing surgeon and the insurance approval process was very minimal. No pre-op dieting and has a fantastic bed-side manner...not to mention HE'S GORGEOUS! Check it out: Harbin Clinic Bariatric Center

Hey there. I am new here and not sure about posting but I feel like I am all alone. I had surgery 10 years ago, I didn’t ever lose that much weight with it and ended up getting sick and not being able to keep up with my running which I miss more than anything. Anyway, I am 20 lbs over the weight I was before my surgery. I am always so tired and I could sleep anywhere at anytime, although the test said I didn’t have sleep apnea. My BMI is a shameful 45. I wasn’t sure who to contact so I contacted my Bariatric Doctor’s office. I am unable to go to the one that originally did my surgery. I’ve been dealing with a NP (which I really adore) that told me no to a revision, but she’s put me on phentramine and they don’t even give me energy and I never had a problem with over eating I have a problem with forgetting to eat 🙄 All of my pills I have to take now makes me sick, I feel nauseous all of the time, zero energy. I have been checked for depression (of course vitamin levels) I take those even though they make me nauseous. This dr is 3 hours a way we’ve only been able to do telemed visits. I would like another opinion but I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes and get in trouble with dr shopping or have anyone mad. I wasn’t sure if people start out with their PCP or surgeon. sorry I rambled I’m nervous and so confused! Idk where in the world to go from here. Lol thanks for listening to me.

I live near by and had my surgery at fair oaks hospital in Virginia. My question for you is wether the hospital is designated a center of excellence for bariatric surgery? That's very important since it means the hospital is set up for the bariatric patient.