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I use Unjury products (Google the name). Their vitamins are specially formulated for bariatric surgery patients. Note that PROTEIN, not vitamins is the key to forstall or stop hair loss!

I use Calorieking.com religiously. Everything I put in my mouth gets logged. Also track exercise. My surgeon (who is not a bariatric patient) uses it as well...which I did not know when I started using it. Love it!

Hello everyone, I am scheduled for surgery on 4/30. This past week I had a spouse of a CRNA express concern about my choice of surgeons. It actually freaked me out a little bit. She suggested I do my 'due dilligence' and look at complication rates etc. I have done all that, in fact did it before I selected Dr. Ray. Now, it is making me a little freakie. I chose him and his office because they were a 'Center of Excellance' as certified by the American Bariatric Center. Anyway, I would be interested in hearing of anyones experiences with Dr. Ray.

At the start of my bariatric journey, I bought, among other things, a vanilla cappuccino mix from my doctor, manufactured by a company called Health Wise. When I used it all up I wanted to buy some more, but when I attempted to call the company, which I located on line, they said that they do not distribute direct to the public....they only wholesale to the doctors. I thought I would have to find another brand, so I started looking and found one offered by Bariatric Choice called Bari-Wise and ordered two boxes. Guess what? The product is exactly the same, same packaging, same nutrients, etc. What kind of game are these folks playing? About a week ago, I ordered a product from a company called Diet Direct. Today, I get two separate e-mails from Diet Direct and Bariatric Choice, offering the same product, listing the same subject matter in the e-mail header, everything. Does this mean the competition among bariatric specific companies is being reduced and they are price fixing? Maybe I'm paranoid, but something doesn't smell right here.... I can understand the same product being offered by two or more separate companies in the distribution chain, but these name games seem to me to be an attempt to fool the public. Does anyone else have any input on this?

Hello "doodlebug81"! I had begun my process back in October of 2012. I knew I had a hiatal hernia to have repaired. Because my BMI was 35 and I had co-morbilities, I was a great canidate for the Bariatric Program. I went to my first meeting in January 2013. They give you a notebook of paperwork that has to be signed. I put mine in a 3 ring binder with tabs. It helped me keep it organized. My dietician appointments were at Ft. Belvoir. I attend the 1st tuesday of each month at Ft. Belvoir (4:30 pm) which last about an hour. I had my Psychology eval at Walter Reed. Physical appt at Walter Reed. I had an Endoscopy in October which revealed the hernia. I had a sleep study done at a civilian location (if you have mild sleep apnea it is good since it gets you one step closer to being approved). You must use your machine at least a month before they schedule surgery. The whole process takes about 3 months. Your dietician appointments are each 4 weeks apart. You have to keep a food log and show you are under the required caloric limitations and you must lose 10 pounds. I didn't think I could do it, but I did! Once you schedule surgery, you have to do a 2 week liquid diet. Walter Reed has a great staff. The day of surgery, I had to report by 5 am. I packed slippers, an old night gown that won't interfere with IV, undies and silky bottoms. You have to walk the hallways alot after surgery and I didn't like the fact that the hospital gowns are open in the back. I packed an extension cord for my phone so it was close to me always. They have a toothbrush/toothpaste and mouthwash for you. I brought deoderant. One thing you need to bring is some gas-x strips....I didn't believe anyone but the gas pain was horrible. They didn't have any at the pharmacy at the hospital. It really does help. Chapstick for my lips, you won't be able to drink anything day after surgery. They give you swaps of Water but also give you a suction cord to make sure you don't drink anything! This is only up till they do they leak test. Surgery was about 3 1/2 hours for me since they repaired the hernia. You go to the recovery room and once you are cleared you are taken to a private room on the 4th floor. I had surgery on thursday and left on a sunday. You don't get much rest so don't plan on bringing any ipads, magazines, movies...etc. I did bring ipod with headphones and was listening to sade as I was being wheeled to my private room...I must have been on some good drugs!! My Dr. was Dr. Worlton. She was great. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me! Best wishes, Lisa

http://www.bcbsm.com/mprApp/mpr.do Here is a link to the BCBS-Michigan medical policy. Looks like the do cover it for weight loss of over 100 pounds provided you meet the other criteria. Relevant text pasted below. This procedure is considered reconstructive and not cosmetic if either Criteria A or Criteria B are met. Criteria A: Must meet all of the following requirements: The patient has had a documented massive weight loss of at least 100 pounds or whose panniculus hangs below the level of the pubis as a result of bariatric surgery or dieting; and The panniculus is so large that it causes uncontrolled intertrigo (which is unresponsive to conservative therapy including topical drying agents, corticosteroids and appropriate antibiotics), skin ulceration, skin necrosis or chronic intractable low back pain; and Sufficient time has elapsed (a minimum of six months) so as to ensure maximum weight loss and weight stability. OR Criteria B: The surgery is performed on an abnormal structure of the body, caused by a congenital defect, developmental abnormality, trauma, infection or tumor and is accompanied by a functional impairment. Exclusions: Surgical repair of diastasis recti, a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, is not a condition for which abdominoplasty would be indicated. ___________________________________________________________________________

I used Baritastic App on my phone to track my progress and keep a food log and journal. This is going to be an amazing journey, but it's not going to be easy. But, I am almost six months out and it was the best decision I have ever made. I also got the Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Cookbook by Sarah Kent. It was eventually extremely helpful when I was able to eat more varieties of food. Congratulations and best of luck. You are going to do great!

My tip is if your bariatric team offers any sort of support group, check it out. Besides that, stick to your eating plan and exercise/move daily.

Thank you so much one and all! Your comments brought me back to when I was sitting in one of those seats about a year ago as a prospective bariatric patient and listening to every word the "success story" person was saying. I don't remember anything she said now- I only remember I could identify with almost everything she was saying, and how good she looked. She was such a big motivator for me. So as suggested here, I will tell my story chronologically- why I did it, how it went, and the many ways it has positively changed my life. Will let you know how it goes, and what most people responded to- for when YOU get to tell your story! Thanks again! I will rest easier tonight!

Hey Thin! Thanks for the advice. I just called my dietitian because after googling the Bariatric Advantage iron supplements, I saw that they come in three different flavors, each is a different amount/dosage, so I wasn't sure which one they suggest. But they said they sell the lemon lime flavor which is apparently 60mg in each chewable. I am going to get some on Monday & am so excited! She said that people who do the chewables usually have less constipation too, sorry TMI. :blushing: Wow, I'm really excited about the whole not-having-nausea thing. And I like that the supplements include Vitamin C so I don't have to worry so much about eating them with the vitamin C foods. Thank you again! :crying:

I haven't had that issue but taking bariatric advantage's Iron chewable makes me sick. I've even tried just swallowing it, buy after a while it still comes back up Sent from my iPhone using VST

Hey Midwest, I take a chewable iron and they are really yum. . . they are bariatric advantage iron Passion Fruit. . .I really like them, my doctor sells them, I think Tiff actually posted a website for ordering BA vitamins. . . I also take 2 chewable vitabands, 2 calcium citrate, B12 sublingual, and of course the iron. . . no problems with nausea here. . . good luck, hope you find the chewables. . .

Hmmm. Well Maybe I can help you. I am 1 week out. Have you all considered maybe changing up your Protein or adding things to it for an extra Oomph? This morning I am having Syntrax's nectar Protein powder in vanilla Bean Torte (1 scoop-23gm), 2 oz of blueberry kefir and 4 oz of milk (9gm protein). It will take me about 30 minutes to drink all 6 oz since it is thicker than Water. Do you all think the problem is taste? or capacity? If it is capacity and you all are far enough out try this test to see exactly how much you can handle. Don't worry it is considered a legitimate bariatric test...http://www.bsciresourcecenter.com/proddetail.php?prod=A4

Hello, my name is Ethel. I have been reading everyones blogs on this site for a while and have learned a great deal. I have been approved by my insurance company for bariatric surgery. I have attended a six hour class about the surgery. I had made up my mind to do the lap band, but the surgeons I am working with say that because I am diabetic with high blood pressure, I would be much better off to have the gastric bypass. This is something I will have to give some thought to. If any of you have some insight as to why gastric bypass would be better, I would love to hear from you. My surgery is supposed to take place in May 2009. In the meantime I have been instructed to lose as much weight as I can. I am nervous about alot of things but am willing to take things one day at a time. I am nervous that I will get very thirsty and will only be able to drink ONE OUNCE of fluid! Somebody, please tell me that this is not a big deal. I have decided that I will have to do whatever it takes, this is too important, but I still have the questions and these things do come to mind. I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you. :thumbup:

I got better advice from my Surgeon and Bariatric NUT than I did in the 5 months I went to see my dietician. She knew absolutely nothing! She was young and had a few years experience but didn't help me lose ANY WEIGHT AT ALL! It was a waste of time but my insurance insisted on it.

Hey guys, just a little something to keep you encouraged. For me, the pre-op phase was the hardest part of my journey. I am currently 9 mos. P.o. from gastric bypass. I love my tool and wish I had went forward 3 years Ago when I first started this journey. I had lots of questions, but I wanted to know what life was like after the procedure. I wanted to hear from people who were experiencing it. So, this is my info..sw 264 lbs. , cw 186 lbs. Medical issues before surgery...hypertension, diabetes, pcos, infertility, lupus, heart murmur. I currently only take a low dose hypertension pill ,but they will evaluate that at my next post-op appointment. Life is good and I have had zero complications, zero visits to the hospital after surgery. Im grateful for that! I started a YT channel ( under my name Bariatric Blondeshell) that addresses the pre op phase and what life is like for us after surgery. I hope if you check it out you will be encouraged afterwards! Keep pressing on everyone, you deserve this!

I'm taking the chewable Centrum - got them at Walmart. Quick dissolve B-12 and Biotin I found at Walgreens (they often have buy 1 get 1 free sales on vitamins and that's when I stock up). I tried the liquid calcium from Wellesse, but it made me a bit queasy. The calcium chews from Bariatric Advantage are pretty good, but a little pricey. I finally found some lemon flavored chews that another user recommended and ordered them from Amazon - Calcet is the brand name. Those are my favorite - it's like a little lemon dessert after dinner!

@vsgann and @@feedyoureye you are both right, as i asked on another thread topic what was the tracking app that people most used and, you guessed it, My Fitness Pal was the resounding reply! I downloaded it yesterday and love it! It also synchs with my Apple Watch, so i am beyond happy. As an aside i have lost 3 pounds in as many days since re-dedicating myself to going back to basics, and will keep doing so until i hit goal, and will no longer check in daily to this thread. Thanks to everyone here, what an amazing community of people here at Bariatric Pal. Xo Wynnie

I went on an alcohol and eating feast the first two weeks after learning that I was going to have lap-band. It was just to clean out the frig and wet bar -- great that this happen at St. Patrick's Day. Since March 18th, I've been sticking to Protein drinks and one balanced dinner. No alcohol, no sodas, no red meat, almost no bread -- the killer was no ice cream. AND I still have to get down to a BMI of 40 or 327 lbs before Memorial Bariatric Center will perform the lap-band surgery. Stay focused on the goal.

@@Notinks Hi there! Just noticed you had your surgery the day before I did. How are you doing? My doctor wanted me to drink three Protein shakes, along with other fluids....impossible. I can manage two which gives me my 60 grams of protein. Forget getting in 64 ounces of Water....ain't happening. Have you tried making shakes with whey Protein powder? Each scoop is 30 grams of protein. I make it with unsweetened Almond milk, ice cubes, and some sugar free Jello or pudding powder added for flavor.....delicious. Are you taking chewable Vitamins? I take Bariatric Choice...four a day. You don't need added Calcium with these. Let me know how you're doing. Hugs

I wouldn't worry much about it. With only a seven day diet like you describe, it doesn't seem that your program is all that concerned with the "liver shrinking" aspect of it as some programs are, that do longer and more intense diets (some surgeons are seriously intimidated by that issue while others don't care in the least.)It sounds like they are mostly working to transition you to their early post op diet. While they probably don't want fruit in there owing to sugar content, raspberries are on the benign end of the scale there (which is why you may see them on a "keto approved" list somewhere. Which is another lesson here - just because something may be "keto" doesn't mean that it is right or good for your needs. Keto is not necessarily healthy or weight loss oriented (but it can be, if done right - as with many popular diets.) There is plenty of junk food out there that is "keto approved". Most here who want to do keto do something called bariatric keto, which is basically old school Atkins because the macro ratios typically seen in most keto references don't make sense with the small amount that we are eating during our loss phase (generally too low in protein.) Not to mention the dubious nature of being in ketosis - K specifically avoided that owing to its side effects and was still working to slow my weight loss after six months, so it really isn't necessary for successful weight loss, and generally a bad habit to get into for long term health and weight maintenance.

I haven't booked yet but I know my mom would kick and scream and guilt me till I got on the plane and then send me texts. On the other hand My mom In law has had been through bariatric surgery and 100% me and why I don't wanna tell my mom. My husband supports me in this, he just wants me to be happy and I appreciate that. A good friend of mine from high school is maybe 100 lbs soaking wet. She told me her secret was green tea. Yup! That's the secret for it. She has 3 kids and still her thigh is the size of my wrist.. Irritating. My mom and aunt are such weight watchers freaks it's more like a brain washing cult. I'm ready.

While I agree that selecting the right tool is important (right for your needs, health & medical considerations, lifestyle etc.) getting your head right is equally as if not a more important part. Not everyone loses their appetite after surgery & if you do it’s temporary. We all say, the surgery changes your body but it doesn’t change your thinking. It doesn’t stop your cravings, emotions, habits. They’ll still be there when your appetite returns. You have to do the head work as well. It is possible to eat around your tool, to make poor food choices & then not lose or regain your weight. Changing your relationship with food, understanding why you eat (habit, emotional support, craving, boredom, etc.) are essential. It’s like getting a gym membership or buying a treadmill, how successful you are depends upon you changing your behaviours & actually using the treadmill or going to the gym. Many people find working with a therapist extremely helpful in understanding & developing strategies to manage what motivates or drives our eating & the food choices we make. Unfortunately, life does tend to throw crap at us at times, & knowing how to manage the emotional turmoils that usually come with it & not fall back on old eating behaviours will help you continue your weight loss & maintain in the future. As @NickelChip said, Dr Weiner & Dr Pitcher have amazing resources but I do encourage you to consider seeking counselling. Your doctor, surgeon & team should be able to recommend someone with experience in disordered eating & bariatric patients. (Many insurances require at least one visit as part of your approval anyway.) All the best.

I am located in Charlotte NC and I am thinking of starting a meetup group for anyone who has either had or is planning to have Bariatric surgery. I would like to do weekly or bi-weekly meetups, something simple like a park walk, meetup for coffee or tea etc..... Would anyone be interested in this? If so comment below and I will update you

The way my process worked: You submitted a form/questionnaire to the center and if you met all of the requirements they sent you a "online seminar" link to take. On the form one of the questions or requirements was to call your insurance provider and make sure they covered bariatric surgeries and if the hospital was in your network for coverage. Once you completed the online seminar they sent you a "process approval" and gave you the information to call and schedule your first appointment. The first appointment was with the surgeon who went over the types of surgeries and risks and helped you make a decision as to if you wanted to proceed and with which surgery. If you wanted to proceed the bariatric coordinator came in and went over all the specific requirements based on which insurance provider I had. In addition to what the actual center required also. It was my understanding they did it this way so you weren't surprised to find out you weren't covered for whatever reason. I guess there is no reason for denial if you have met all of your insurance requirements. If you meet the requirements of your insurance, what reason would they have at that point to deny you the coverage? Insurance sucks though, so I guess you never know. I would think it is safe to say if you met their requirements you would be approved.