Search the Community

I am 1 week post op today and I can say im down almost 10 pounds. I am drinking the different protein premium drinks, sugar free Gatorade and water. Trust me when I say its a struggle at times getting 64 oz in if I dont start drinking by 6am. But what I hate so far is this nauseous feeling. Also I hate these muxed berry chewable vitamins by bariatric advantage. They are nasty as hell and makes me want to puke. The wild cherry chewable calcium citrate vitamins not too bad. I call myself getting bariatric specific so i want have to take alot of pills. Im thinking now I probably have should went with the flintstone vitamins.

Everyone here is such great support and knowing all of us are going through a version of this this month, I find encouraging. All bariatric surgeries are major surgeries, and remembering that everyone responds differently to it is helpful. My VSG is scheduled for May 12th. I'll pop on here as soon after that I can. I hope to see a post from you sharing your success after your surgery.

I had my gastric sleeve surgery 5 days ago on May 1st & I have to admit, it's been pretty challenging for me. I'm struggling with consuming just an ounce of liquid at a time because instinctively, I want to consume more but I can't without it hurting my stomach. Also, I'm feeling weak & can't exert much energy before I feel completely wiped out! Look, I know I'm in a really weird transition phase right now; basically, I'm trying to learn how to consume liquid & food all over again, after 49 years of doing it a very different way and that causes me to feel overwhelmed (to say the least). I'm sure most post op patients feel like this after having bariatric surgery... and that's why I'm writing this post. I'm hoping, those of us here, can find ways to relate to one another and to encourage each other through all the new transitions we'll be faced with, along the way. So here I am, a few days into my "new norm" and hoping I'll feel better & better, as each new day passes. Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks for your post. I can relate. According to the nutrition plan I received, I get one ounce (mass, not weight) of protein and 1-2 tablespoons of vegetables 3x a day. The surgeon said I can up it to 5x a day. That was fine initially, but 6 weeks out, I’m having more like 1.5-2 ounces of protein (maybe more). A one ounce medicine cup of chicken seems like almost nothing. I also had two turkey sausage links for a meal. Is that more than one ounce? in order to get in my protein and carb goals I have to have a protein shake(s) and I’m supposed to have Gatorade or coconut water for the carbs. I would rather eat than drink my protein/carbs/calories. This week I didn’t get my carb goals. I asked if I could have a few whole grain pretzel goldfish rather than Gatorade or coconut water, but I got a big no, I thought it may be ok since it is very similar in calories and carbs to the drinks. What does everyone else do for carbs? Is anyone else allowed fruit or grains six weeks out? What is your suggested quantity of food? I know my bariatric practice is stricter than most. I considered another plan that was different, but I preferred this surgeon. Meeting with a bariatric dietician from another practice tomorrow to get her advice. I don’t want to stretch my pouch, like you said, but I don’t know that this is sustainable for the long term. Other bariatric plans allow small quantities of fruit/grains after protein and vegetables and the patients are successful, Also, I’m usually ok without liquids when I eat, but when it’s super hot out and I’m walking or at my son’s soccer game, I sometimes find myself counting the minutes until I can rehydrate. Sorry for the long email. Appreciate everyone’s thoughts on this.

Today is day 14 of my pre-op liver shrink diet. Tomorrow is full liquids and Friday is the big day. I’m a ball of nerves. I was allowed 3 protein shakes per day, unlimited no calorie clear liquids, and 4 oz of lean protein and 2 cups of raw or 1 cup of raw veggies per day. I did not cheat. Not one time. I am so proud of myself for making it. It was not easy. Lots of ups and downs emotionally but I survived. I know I can do this now! I’m down 12 pounds since I began the liver shrink diet. That makes my total loss pre surgery at 50 (!) pounds. I am shocked and honestly didn’t think I would lose much during the last 6 months. About 10 years ago I went through the entire bariatric program and backed out at the last minute. The reason was beyond my control but I’m so glad it happened. I am certain I would have not been successful because my heart wasn’t in it back then. My heart is fully engaged in changing my life to a permanent healthy lifestyle. I proved that to myself over these past two weeks. I hope those reading this don’t think I am sharing to brag or to make anyone feel bad about themselves. That is not my intent. I’ve been a lurker for the last 8 months and I found comfort in stories of those who worked really had and had success. While I’m not there yet, I think I’m on the right path. HW 280 ish CW 227 5’8”

I think there are a lot of “old wives tales” when it comes to Bariatric surgery and the recommendations. I’ve taken some sips through an a straw after surgery and it actually felt like I was swallowing less air than sipping through a cup! I also see the majority of successful bari patients I follow elsewhere using straws and they have all lost 100 plus lbs. I don’t use a straw 99% of the time just because my surgeon scared me enough to not warrant using it and I’m used to sipping now. Another thing I see being misinformed is pumping patients full of iron when they don’t need it. Not everyone is anemic and there is a much more complex cycle to iron levels than just taking oral meds with iron formulations. You can actually do more harm than good this. Research is a powerful thing, there are quite a few “firm” stances I’ve seen on programs that I’ve taken the time to look into and they seem to be something from 20 plus years ago that is not up to date medically.

My program doesn't want me to use straws. But I love straws and I think I can manage my sips better with straws! But then some videos by bariatric surgeons on YT and feedbacks by WLS candidates mention "they use straws just fine" - So I am kinda confused why such drastic take on straws?! Has anyone of you guys used straws throughout their journey? Any issue while using straws? I am really looking for some feedback here. I rather continue using straws, it simply makes it a better tool for sipping at least for me!

here are the requirements. Do you meet all of these? If so, did they give you or your PCP a reason for denying you? https://www.molinacenter.com/-/media/Molina/PublicWebsite/PDF/Providers/wa/Medicaid/1023-2009_23924_CM-Provider-Bariatric-Program-Flyer-Update_nob_FNL_508c.pdf

is bariatric surgery covered in your particular policy? Policies can vary among employers, even if they use the same insurance companies. Some employers choose not to include a bariatric surgery rider, even if the insurance company offers one. if your employer's policy DOES cover bariatric surgery, do you meet all the requirements?

Hi everyone!! I’m inspired by you all, good luck thru your journeys, it feels great to be a part of a bariatric familia 😬💪🏼💪🏼

I had to do 3 weeks of Optifast (liquid diet) prior to surgery. What helped me is that my bariatric team said this liquid diet was to shrink my liver. They have to hold the liver up and out of the way when doing surgery. Apparently liquid diets really help to make surgeries more successful. I just kept telling myself that I wanted the best possible outcome for myself and that it was really important and it was only three weeks! Out of a lifetime of being obese three weeks was nothing! I knew this was my last chance to change my life and get healthy. Plus a note on the fridge listing "why* I was doing this was helpful too. Hang in there! It does get better.

My GP happily wrote me a letter of reference that documented my own personal weight loss attempts and struggles with my weight over the years (I’d never been under a medical weight loss program before going to the Bariatric surgeon). Has your weight been a concern that was brought up to your GP before or possibly Gyno? Most are pro Bariatric and can help with this letter of reference.

I am nearly prepared for surgery. Just have to get a few last minute supplies & it’s “t-time!”. Then one-two nights in hospital, depending on how I do. Now that I have lost 15 pounds the first 13 days on the pre-op diet, I KNOW I can follow the post-op diet, AND I know I can change my eating habits for life. I’ve done a LOT of difficult things in my life; this is just another one! The pre-op diet has given me renewed confidence, so my anxiety over failure is waning. OTHERS DiD THiS, I CAN DO THIS & SO CAN YOU!!! Thank you to the many BP members who have helped SO much to make my WL journey easier!!

I just take my vitamins in the evening- bariatric multivitamin capsule with iron, b vitamin comped, vitamin d. I throw back the handful of 3 pills and I’m good. My labs have been awesome so far and my doctor is happy with this. I have the sleeve however, and I get a ton of milk products plus I eat fruit and vegetables daily so your mileage may vary.

I never crushed pills. I was told I could take anything the size of a pencil eraser (or smaller) the regular way. That covered all my pills except for two - my calcium tablets and some other pill that I can't remember at the moment. So I bought chewable calcium to get around the first issue. For the second, the PA in my bariatric clinic said I could either crush them, or just not take them for about two weeks (which he said should be OK), and then give it a try to see if I could swallow them whole. I went with option 2 and WAS able to swallow them whole at two weeks out.

I, too am in my 60's and periods are a thing of the past. I suspect though that surgical teams deal with that all the time, and you will be up and down to the bathroom a lot after surgery, so it won't be as much of an issue as you may think. Today is day 7 of my pre-op and I'm doing great. I have fleeting thoughts of foods that aren't allowed, but honestly if I drink a protein shake every few hours, with lots of water/tea/broth in between, I'm golden. I gardened yesterday and noticed I don't have as much stamina, and I attribute that to the low calorie diet. I'm also not yet taking the bariatric vitamins I ordered, and probably should be as they contain more iron and folic acid and such than what I usually take. Surgery is a week from tomorrow! It is so great having all of you May surgery folks to chat with. Keep the faith all. It is so worth it!

I haven't done weight watchers in a long time, but have you considered a habit tracker? You can do these on paper or as an app. It didn't work for me but I am in a bariatric support group on Facebook and many people there swear by them as a way to stick to habits. You could give it a shot. You might also try "rewards" for getting your water or exercise in for two weeks in a row, like a manicure or a piece of jewelry, or a movie night (without snacks!).

The surgery itself takes only about 20 minutes for VSG, from what I heard from an interview with a bariatric surgeon.

Hi! This is my first time ever doing this so bare with me! I started my process with trying to get bariatric surgery officially April 2021! My first meeting with the doctor is on May 7th 2021. I’ve done all of my pre op tests that are required for me to meet the doctor and I’ve done my nutritionist appointment ( I have independence blue cross ppo, not too many requirements with this insurance). I am very nervous because one of the requirements I have to provide for weight loss surgery is medically supervised documented weight loss attempts. I’m only 21 years old and tbh the job I’ve had now is my first full time job and before that I didn’t have insurance. I have done weight loss attempts but they weren’t medically supervised at all because I didn’t have insurance or a pcp since 2016. I’ve done multiple attempts of weight loss supplements, dr fisher pills, planet fitness, intermediate fasting, I even did Herbalife for a year. Has anybody else had a issue with the documented weight loss? does anybody else have independence blue cross ppo and can give me some pointers? I meet all of the other requirements for surgery. A very high BMI and high blood pressure but idk I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m scared that insurance will reject my attempt

How do the chips taste? I have a hard time thinking they’ll be appetizing not being “real” chips. I take the procare bariatric multi vitamin and it can’t be cut in half.

I really love Procare bariatric vitamins with Iron. They have everything I need on 1 capsule, besides the calcium of course, and I do take some extra Vitamin K because I had a Loop DS. They are also fairly reasonably priced. Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first post! (READ ON TO LEARN A BIT ABOUT ME OR SKIP TO LAST PARAGRAPH IF THIS IS TOO LONG, which admittedly, it probably is lol. 🙂 ) I've been a reader for about a year now, and now that I'm seeing a light at the end of the bariatric tunnel, I decided to join the forum. I've been wanting to do surgery for a long long time, over a decade at this point. In my early twenties my parents even considered sending me to the Dominican Republic (my birth place) to be with family and get the surgery there with a known doctor. Ultimately the cost was prohibitive for a young girl in college and I was still attempting to lose weight on my own. Now, my new job has (thankfully) doubled my previous salary AND has a great insurance that actually provides WLS to qualifying patients. I have Cigna and I know their requirements have recently changed, around summer 2020. I'm no longer required to partake in a 6-month monitored weightless plan. All I need are the following: - Psych eval (took April 27th and was recommended for surgery) - Blood work (took April 28th, everything came back normal, which always shocks doctors since I'm 300 lbs. creeping toward pre-diabetes but not there yet. - EKG (came back normal, also taken April 27th, no issues there) - Gallbladder ultrasound (recommended by my surgeon, taken same day, they said possible sludge but no stones. Kidney and liver looked normal, no lesions.) - Nutrition consultation (just one, already had it April 28th) - Letter of necessity from another physician. Herein lies my biggest issue. My consult was April 21st and all of my appointments were done a week later. Everything is working out so smoothly that it's scary. BUT my PCP recently switched offices so I don't really have one, and with COVID, I saw specialists if I had an issue or a yearly exam and not a general MD. I have sleep apnea and see a neurologist who treats me for it. My surgeon's office said that since I have PPO insurance, the letter can come from my specialist, doesn't have to be a PCP or general practitioner. I called her office to see if she' be willing to hear me out or if I'd have to go in for an appointment. She wants to see me and I understand she wants to be paid for her time. But when I asked the receptionist how she took it, when I asked if she'd be willing to write me my letter of necessity, the receptionist said "do you want the truth?" (of course I do, or I wouldn't have asked.) "she seems... iffy... but... but... just, just come in and we'll see." I'm seeing her on Monday. I'm so nervous that she will say no. My cousin's a doctor and she gave me some great tips on how to ask (which I'll gladly share if you want me to) but I'm so concerned that she'll require a monitored diet plan or she will straight up refuse to write the letter. Has anyone gone through this? What are some ways you spoke to your doctor, and did you get any push-back? I feel like doctors insist on weight loss but look down on WLS. Such a stigma. Any tips are appreciated!

My story started in 2018 after becoming my father's legal Guardian due to him having a stroke followed by a heart attack. That woke me up, and I began to take my morbid obesity and skeletal issue more seriously. But in reality, I should have said yes the first time. My VA doctor suggested Gastric Bypass Surgery in 2013 while discussing my morbid obesity, skeletal issue, and being borderline diabetic. Now let's jump to September 2020 While visiting my PC VA doctor, I decided to get enrolled in the Bariatric program. 26Apr2021, I finished my last phase 1 checklist step, and on 29Apr2021, I received My Bariatric Bypass Surgery Date of 14 June 2021. During this time, my starting weight was 306lbs; to date, my weight is 289lbs. What did I do? Drank more water half bodyweight in OZ Cut out All Fast foods for Lunch Cut out all processed foods Cut as many GMO's as possible Cut soda's Switched to a 75/25% Plant-Based Diet (Mosaic Foods Subscription for all Lunches) Substitute more Alkaline foods in my diet Switched to Non-Dairy Milk's (Allergic to Cow Milk) Plant-Based Shakes for Breakfast (Truvani & Garden of Life Raw Organic Fit Protein High Protein for Weight Loss) I did a lot of research on here and other places. Thank all of you for your knowledge and support.

Btw, when my insurance packet was submitted by my bariatric surgeon, I called the insurance company to see how things were coming along. The lady asked me if I wanted them to put a rush on it? I didn’t even know that was an option. She said that then I would have an answer in 48 hours. So I did and now I’m two weeks post-op!

this is the first time I've ever heard of this (and I've been active on this site as well as other bariatric sites for 6+ years). I'm not sure it's related to your surgery - I'd check with your PCP.