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Ok I know its not the best subject to talk about, but I've had very soft stool to almost diarrhea every day, 4-6 times a day. Now I've got hemorrhoids from it and feel very uncomfortable. I went to my family dr, and he gave me a prescription cream for it which helps some. I had my surgery in Mexico so I don't have a bariatric doctor at home yet. Trying to find one to take me for follow up care is a challenge. Anyway, my family dr suggested increasing my fiber, but not sure if that is safe after having a bypass. Anyone have suggestions?

I posted this on another forum and felt it might be useful for other people to have a read of, if like me, you like your scientific facts. Maybe the below will provide a bit of clarity as to the 'nuts and bolts' of some of the bariatric procedures and their long-term (within the limitations of the data) efficacy. This first academic journal quoted was published in May 2013. So, it doesn't get more 'up to date' with regards to evaluating the comparative effectiveness in the three biggest weight loss procedures. I have only reproduced the abstract and have quoted the source below as the abstract covers the salient information we'd be interested in. The second section is all about the metrics, with a snapshot of all the procedures being evaluated in a tabulated form (the table was removed from the cutting and pasting process, so read left to right) and the risks associated with the operations. The primary and secondary sources are also cited. Better to make decisions based on rigorous scientific research, than hearsay and charasmatic sales pitches, I feel... Hope it helps. Article 1: Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy (SG), laparoscopic gastric bypass (RYGB), and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures. Background: Citing limitations of published studies, payers have been reluctant to provide routine coverage for SG for the treatment of morbid obesity. Methods: Using data from an externally audited, statewide clinical registry, we matched 2949 SG patients with equal numbers of RYGB and LAGB patients on 23 baseline characteristics. Outcomes assessed included complications occurring within 30 days, and weight loss, quality of life, and comorbidity remission at 1, 2, and 3 years after bariatric surgery. Results: Matching resulted in cohorts of SG, RYGB, and LAGB patients that were well balanced on baseline characteristics. Overall complication rates among patients undergoing SG (6.3%) were significantly lower than for RYGB (10.0%, P < 0.0001) but higher than for LAGB (2.4%, P < 0.0001). Serious complication rates were similar for SG (2.4%) and RYGB (2.5%, P = 0.736) but higher than for LAGB (1.0%, P < 0.0001). Excess body weight loss at 1 year was 13% lower for SG (60%) than for RYGB (69%, P < 0.0001), but was 77% higher for SG than for LAGB (34%, P < 0.0001). SG was similarly closer to RYGB than LAGB with regard to remission of obesity-related comorbidities. Conclusions: With better weight loss than LAGB and lower complication rates than RYGB, SG is a reasonable choice for the treatment of morbid obesity and should be covered by both public and private payers. SOURCE: Carlin A, Zeni T, Birkmeyer N, et al. The comparative effectiveness of sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and adjustable gastric banding procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. Annals Of Surgery [serial online]. May 2013;257(5):791-797. Available from: MEDLINE with Full Text, Ipswich, MA. Article 2: September 2012: Morbidity and mortality associated with LRYGB, LSG, and LAGB from the ACS-BSCN dataset LRYGB LSG LAGB 30-d mortality (%) 0.14 0.11 0.05 1-y mortality (%) 0.34 0.21 0.08 30-d morbidity (%) 5.91 5.61 1.44 30-d readmission (%) 6.47 5.40 1.71 30-d reoperation/intervention(%) 5.02 2.97 0.92 SOURCE: Data from Hutter MM, Schirmer BD, Jones DB, et al. First report from the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has morbidity and effectiveness positioned between the band and the bypass. Ann Surg 2011;254(3):410–20 [discussion: 420–2], in: Timothy D. J, Matthew M. H. Morbidity and Effectiveness of Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy, Adjustable Gastric Band, and Gastric Bypass for Morbid Obesity. Advances In Surgery [serial online]. n.d.;46(Advances in Surgery):255-268. Available from: ScienceDirect, Ipswich, MA

I've been using the Bariatric Advantage probiotic since surgery. I'm not sure if I will reorder when I run out as my doc said I could discontinue it at my last check-up.

My pre op diet consisted of Bariatric Advantage. I thought it was the WORST of all the protein powders I've tried. I used PB2 to mix with the vanilla flavored powder. I also only mixed with water. Milk has way too many carbs and the whole point is to send your body into ketosis. I also would eat a small meal in the evenings (days 1-7) consisting of 4 oz of chicken and 4 oz of steamed (low carb) vegetables. The remaining week, I did straight shakes. I lost 27 lbs pre op. But I think at least 10 lbs was water weight.

As everyone said, there are as many different eating plans as there are surgeons. My doctor's plan was lowish-carb (not keto low, but controlled). It emphasized protein first, then veggies and not pushing my restriction. He said if I did that calories would take care of themselves and it did work out that way. I tracked (and still do) everything I eat so that I am aware of how many calories I am taking in and what the macros are. I actually also eat about 6 mini-meals per day rather than 3 "big" meals. But if eating that way isn't working for you, try the more traditional 3 meals per day approach. Low-fat has never worked for me as it leaves me hungry, but your body might react well to it. Different bodies thrive on different approaches. At 6 weeks out, you are still very early in the process. Ask your bariatric program what they recommend and then adjust as needed to accommodate your body's needs.

@Dianne Wow, May 24. How long does the procedure take and did you come home the same day? @JaGo I definitely plan to be around through this whoe process. It was only a week and a half ago I made the decision to pursue bariatric surgery. I finally got up the nerve to call on Thursday. I am very excited about the thought of getting my life back. I'm tired of going down steps one at a time when I used run up them two at a time and not having the energy to do the things I used to do. Thank you ladies both for all your kind words and support.

Hi everyone. My name is Verna and I am tired of being fat. I have high blood pressure and pain in my knees. I have an appointment with a bariatric surgeon in July and I cannot wait to begin the process. I joined this forum to get knowledge and to meet new people who are going through what I'm going through.

well.. on reflection i think i went in not knowing the full extent of the change that was coming... but, hey, what did i think it was going to be?? im not sorry at all but its been a very deeply stirring experience for me, mostly emotionally i think. Not an easy time at all. IN all of this im finding that some of my old habits and mind sets are still rearing their ugly head. I know its goign to take time for all this to dispel . It has been one of the hardest things Ive had to deal with. Mostly because when i am having a bad day i cant just ''get off the train ''.lol. Discipline has not been one of my strongest points for many years now. Im 66, learning that i have to be renewed in my mind regarding food. Also, im finding that whats equally as important is that i have to change how i feel about myself. I know it will all come together.. its going to take some time though. Meantime the results have been just staggering as far as my health is concerned. More than id ever expected, especially so quickly after surgery. This has been an awesome boost for me. i think that was meant to be to encourage me. All in all?? yes, i would have it done again... a thousand times over. Nothing else was going to force me to confront my ''demons'' thats for sure.

Hi, well I was sleeved in Tijuana, Mexico in late August, 2015 by Dr. Maytorena. I was picked up from my San Diego Hotel and was able to meet everyone being sleeved that day. There was 3 of us and I think it was great as we each had something to offer the other in way on info, support, etc. 2 of us traveled on our own and the third person had a relative that had the surgery less than 10 months prior and was down 200 pounds! All of our surgery's went fine. We went to a recovery house that was nice and we each had our own room with personal A/C control by remote. I just wanted to write this quick note as I think it is helpful to others. I don't plan to update as I'm not a computer person. I'm six weeks out and down about 32 pounds. my BMI was 40 at time of surgery and I'm very happy with results. I have taken it easy and followed the diet that most sleeve doctors recommend. I have also attended two bariatric group meetings that I found hosted by hosptials in my town. My surgery took place at a surgery center. I was the first to have my surgery that day and liked that as I'm in the medical field. All in all just wanted to put this info out there for anyone looking at Dr. Maytorena. I didn't want to put anything online till I spoke with the other 2 people and things are going will for them. Wishing everyone a great success with what ever than plan in life. Dr. Maytorena's August 2015 patient.

Hey guys for those of you in AZ PHx area there is a Facebook support group page called Phx Area Bariatric Support Group, you can search for it on Facebook and request to join, it's a great group with lots of tips, support and we ha e monthly walks etc , Hope to see you all soon

I've never joined a closed group so I thought it would show up on my profile - I don't mind joining if that's the case then. Though, I can't find a group titled 'Bariatric Surgeries 2016' on there, lol. Do you have to do a liquid diet before surgery? I just had a healthy Protein diet for two weeks pre-op so I wasn't very inconvenienced - it was afterwards that was a bugger, but I mostly stayed at home for those two weeks! You'll want to make sure it's a "secret" group, not just "closed". See screenshot As for your flight, looks like you've gotten some great advice. Have an awesome trip!

I first checked my healthy insurance plan to see who was In-Network. Once I found out which facility/which groups of doctors were, I actually went out on the internet and bought the background documents about the different doctors I was considering to know where they graduated, where they interned, any issues reported to the board etc. Then I checked who was a member of the American Bariatric Surgeons Then I checked with others on this website who had surgery by the same doctors. All combined, I felt I had alot of information to make my decision.

Hi Onnie67. I, too, am scheduled on Friday, 6/27! I would LOVE to have some online buddies to go through this process together! I'm nervous about it but just went through a 5 hour education class through the Bariatric Center and it put a lot of my fears at ease. Still anxious about it though. I've never had any type of surgery before! TTYS!

Very discouraging! I didn't really even tell my PCP until she received some labwork that was abnormal from my pre-op testing. When she asked me about it, and commented on such a thorough work-up, I explained that I had it done as part of the WLS program and that I was getting the lap band. She was both excited and curious. She's relatively new and wasn't completely "up" on bariatric surgery. I've seen her once since surgery, and I had lost 35 lbs, and she was SO happy. If this doctor is an important part of your care, I would either 1) sit and talk with her, let her know that this was an important choice you made for yourself and would appreciate her support, or 2) give her one last try before switching. I've worked along side doctors for the past 8 years and the one thing that I've learned are doctors are people too. They come in a wide variety, but you should never be afraid to speak up to your physician. You've essentially put them in charge of your care, and your opinion deserves the right to be heard.

I once heard an interview with a couple who decided on bariatric surgery. They were told, "look around for people your size who are 70 ." The sad truth is, people who are morbidly obese will die earlier than those who maintain a healthy lifestyle/weight. I had a host of comorbidities prior to surgery. (I too was 39) It has improved or ended all of the health issues I experienced. (With the possible exception of asthma and a spinal tumor...) It is wonderful that you do 5k's and that you were able to lose some weight on your own. Wouldn't you like your appearance to reflect the amount of effort you put forth? I don't call that vain. I call that human!

My first tip: Do NOT watch videos of this surgery on YouTube. My second tip: While watching videos of this surgery on YouTube, I found one by a doctor in California who was giving a presentation to other docs on this. He said that almost all of his bariatric patients are deficient in certain vitamins/minerals that are essential to healing, and most docs don't think to check for this. I had never heard of the things people were deficient in, so I don't think you'd find them in normal Vitamins. He puts them on a product called Pro Care prior to the surgery to boost their nutritional readiness. I found it online, and there are several products, including one for surgery prep. When I have my knees replaced this summer I plan to go on this for a few weeks prior. Please let us know how your surgery goes!

This whole time I had been so confident about this surgery. I am No. Cal but I have to drive 1.5 hours to Richmond Kaiser because they specialize in Bariatric Surgery. First, I always dislike going to Richmond. The staff their is rude and tacky! I am an educated person, yet they have spoken to me in a derogatory tone. Yesterday, one of the staff spoke to me slowly as if I was dumb! Their Registration person ignored me when I asked her if she was open... Honestly, I am a no nonsense type of person and I felt very vulnerable at that moment. I called my husband to express my feelings and as soon as I heard his voice I started crying!! WTH! In front of everyone! Then I called the staff ghetto and rude, and they heard me :s To be honest, I just wanted to go home! I was hungry and sleepy (office being audited, I have not been sleeping well) and I still had a long drive home + traffic. I don't regret calling them rude and ghetto because they take advantage of our vulnerability. Every time I come to that horrid place, the staff is talking about their personal issues, eating, and ignoring me when I have a question... So, long story short... I am scared and I feel vulnerable! Sorry for the rant! Good luck to all of you! Veronica

I'm 6 weeks pot op. Eating 600-800 cal per day. 60+ Protein and 30-40 carbs. Exercise almost daily - 1 hour walk w good pace and weights after. I had a total of 45 pounds to lose and have lost 23 pre and post op. The. It all came to a screeching haul the and I started gaining a few oz every day for the past 2 weeks and now I'm up 2.5 total. Not a lot but with the way I'm eating and exercising I would expect loss. I'm at about -900 net calories per day. Any ideas? I'm not a believer in "starvation mode" because I've read so much that shows its a myth. Any other ideas???? Thanks everyone. ???? Ps. Carbs come from things like: Bariatric Advantage bars, honey in tea, nuts, fruit, Greek yogurt or a splash of apple juice in Water. No starches or processed sugars at all.

My surgeon is very active in the Bariatric Association. This past March they had their annual conference here in Dallas and he is pretty much up to standard on the lastest guidelines. So I think it is a pretty good starting point. I'll let you know tomorrow how mine goes this afternoon. Myra

Hi, Here is a link for a comparison chart on the Bariatric Advantage website. Bariatric Advantage - Product Comparisons

Weeelll ... ... when you weigh in at the bariatric surgeon's office, you could stick some half-pound weights in your bra, pockets, shoes, underwear to make sure your BMI is at least 35. And if you want to go whole-hog you could wear weight belts layered under your clothes. (Just sayin!) I was covered by Medicare at 39 BMI (without any weight belts ) with 3 comorbidities at age 68. What YOUR insurance company will cover depends solely on your insurance company's guidelines and the terms of YOUR insurance policy. Good luck. P.S. I'm 5'5", started at 235 pounds, have lost 100 pounds, and now weigh 100 pounds. The sleeve was my first WLS. I didn't have fatty liver issues.

I definitely want to be in a Hosptial not a bariatrics clinic.

Are any of the bariatric doctors in Mexico American board certified. How important was this in your decision to go to Mexico?

They're right 16 lbs. is fantastic! You can buy Optifast from Bariatric Advantage.com. They have lots of stuff - vitamins, protein shooters, etc. Check them out.

I get my (vanilla flavored) almond milk from walmart. It's really yummy in my vanilla shakes. I generally Bariatric Advantage Vanilla flavored powder for my shakes.