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My biggest suggestion is to just be patient and supportive over the first few weeks...all those bodily changes can have some really, um...interesting effect on the mood! My mom got me a bunch of gift cards for clothes after my surgery and I appreciated it so much...after being overweight for years it was actually fun to go try and figure out what my personal style was when I wasn't as hamstrung by having to find the few items in the store that fit me. (19 months later I'm still trying to figure that out, but I'm learning!) Another suggestion for gifts might be a nice bariatric-friendly lunchbox or meal prep stuff for when he returns to work and starts eating a wider variety of foods. Having ways to transport your meals is important!

Congratulations to you. That has to be very exciting to have an actual surgery date. I will be having my surgery as well in San Diego through Pacific Bariatric. They conduct their surgery at Scripss Mercy Hospital. I haven't actually got my surgery date yet, but it will be sometime in September. Good Luck to you.... and Keep us posted on your progress.!!!!!

Thrilled, thrilled, thrilled. Saw the post-op bariatrics team last Wednesday. Kaiser defines a sucessful bariatrics patient as one who has lost 50% of the excess weight within one year following surgery. I have lost 81% in 7 months. This forum is a wonderful resource, with many people who are very successful with the sleeve in the long-run. I want to add my experiences to the pool of information. I plan on being one of the long-runs. To keep losing weight, I have to eat fewer than 50 grams of carb a day, and stay under 1200 calories. No, I usually don't get all my Water in. I also drink coffee, with 2% milk. This is the source of most of my carb. Eating too much is as bad as eating too little. Doing either one can make my weight loss stall. I can't snack anymore. The surgeon told me that, after 6 months, it's three meals a day, period. He's right. I still use baby bowls, a baby spoon, and 5-inch plates. I plan to use the small plates forever. I like my baby spoons, and the bowls are still portion-perfect. Too much Protein triggers insulin, and I gain weight. At my weight, 166.6, I only need 65 grams of protein a day, according to my NUT. If I don't eat enough fat, my weight stalls. Fruit = stall. I cannot lose without low-intensity exercise. 3 - 5 sessions a week, 30 minutes, on a treadmill that keeps me at a pulse rate of 107 (based on age) is the key. I also lift heavy weights twice a week. Throwing a 20-pound weight around does nothing for me. I use as much weight as I can lift for 5 slow reps. I am almost to the point of being able to do a real pull-up. I have loose skin. I am a shar-pei. But I am a proud, getting-healthy shar-pei. It doesn't bother my Best Half. Why should I care? I wore a bathing suit in Hawaii, and no one reported me to the Skin Police. Yes, I lost hair, starting at 3 months and it has slowed almost to normal. I ate my protein, took my Vitamins, and I still lost hair. It's based on hormonal changes, just like after childbirth. I still look like a girl. If you are scared to have a sleeve because of the potential hair loss, you aren't a good candidate for the surgery. You don't want to lose weight badly enough to be successful. I did not have a "food funeral" before my surgery, and I followed my surgeon's pre-op diet to the letter. I've spent years eating crap. Two weeks crap-less wasn't going to kill me. I don't miss any foodstuff. I don't cry over crap not eaten. I pull my vintage sized 14 Liz Claiborne clothes out of the closet and rejoice that I no longer wear a size 26, like I did back in 2000. If I really, really want it, I eat one small bite. Most sweets that I used to crave now taste terrible. One sweet potato fry satisfies as well as a bag of gingersnaps used to. Soda tastes like chemical-salts-bilge water. Yuk. I goof. I screw up. I eat too much. I still emotionally eat. That doesn't make me a bad person. There's always the next opportunity to make a much better choice. Veterans, please feel free to add on. I'd love to know what is down the sleeved road!

It seems that every bariatric Dr. has their own variation of a post op diet. Some are definitely more lenient than others. I must be blessed because I have had the easiest and most pain free experience. Only one day of moderate discomfort after surgery - and by the second day I was walking laps around the nurses station. By day 3, I could have easily gone back to work. By day 4, I did go back to work and no one can tell I've had anything done. I have literally barely a bruise. The rash I got from latex bandages is way worse than any bruises I have. I'm down 6 pounds in 6 days and my energy level is super high. I feel WAY better than before surgery. I should probably add this: i see a lot of different variations of even a clear liquid diet out there. My Dr's told me to keep the carbs down. So no fruit juices or sugar anything for me. I am in moderate ketosis at all times. This MAY (I am not a Dr) account for varying degrees of weight loss. If one chose to drink apple juice all day, they could certainly consume a LOT of calories and sugar. I have gone the clear Protein drink direction. My only regret is not doing this years ago!

Today was my first appt with bariatric surgeon. Ready for my 6 months of prep for the sleeve! If all goes well, I'll have my surgery in May! My start weight is 189 lbs. Wish me luck! Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I'm new here. I'm sticking a toe in the Water of lap band surgery for all the reasons that have been said on these boards a billion times before. Anyway, Bryn Mawr Hospital is reasonably close to me, and they've had a bariatric surgery unit since 2009. Has anyone gone there? What was your experience like? Any feedback, both positive and negative, is welcome. Thanks.

I'm not even sure who to contact, but I was thinking...wouldn't it be a great idea to have bariatric size meals ready to go for people. When I went to the grocery store, even a lean cuisine or atkins meal is just too much to eat. Who would want to venture into a business doing frozen and fresh meals and Snacks for wls patients? Does anyone know how to go about this and who to contact? It would be great to have small portion sizes or even 2-3 portions in a box that are separated. It would have to be great tasting food and many varieties! I for one don't eat red meat or pork so using ground turkey and chicken would be ideal for me. I know others eat meat so having thinks like a regular chili and a turkey chili and a vegetarian option would be awesome. Anyways this is an idea that I'm floating around because regular food is just too much.

Don't let your doctor talk you out of it if you know that weight loss surgery is right for you. Once you talk to the bariatric surgeon, you should be able to get your questions answered about how long it might take and they would be better able to tell you if you are a good candidate. I also have Aetna and they were able to do a 3 month plan. I don't see why it would take a year to get approved even if you did the 6 month. You will do your other requirements for insurance and for your surgeon while you are doing your medical weight management plan (which is the supervised diet). When I called Aetna when I was first thinking about lap band, they told me to go on their website and do a search for obesity surgery. It gives you their requirements for coverage, but you will still want to check with your plan to see if it covers WLS. Message me if you have any other questions. Good luck!

I'm nine days post-op and I've not reached the point where I'd say "oh yes, I'd do it all over again for sure!" But that makes complete sense to me. Right after surgery you're the most miserable and have the least amount of reward. Down the road, you feel much better physically and experience much greater reward (weight loss). I'd never had any kind of surgery or been in the hospital for any reason. This may sound overly dramatic to some, but I feel like I went through hell and back in the hospital. Lots of pain and I had a reaction to something that made me itch so badly all over my body I wanted to just skin myself. It's been so much better since then, but I've still had some rough moments. I know one day it will be worth it, when I'm fully healed, the weight is off and I'm living life with renewed vigor.

Thank you so much for the many constructive and helpful responses. To clarify my worries, here it is distilling them to two points of greatest concern: Ability to incorporate good fats into a post-gastric-sleeve diet The foundation of my current diet (that I would be happy to keep for the rest of my life) consists of lots of vegetables, moderate amounts of high-quality protein, and the inclusion of a good amount of healthy fats (avocado, EVOO, butter, animal fats from pastured, organically raised animals). This is supposed to help the body adapt to regularly burning fat (whether from the diet or from our own fat stores), and to much more easily reach satiety and control hunger, in addition to the various documented nutritional benefits of these fats. I read over and over again about directives to keep post-bariatric diets very low fat for the rest of the life of the patient. Also various posts from patients about not being able to tolerate fats and struggling with digestive issues. How much of a problem is this universally (realizing and respecting that everyone's body, digestive system, and hormonal balance are different)? Ability to do fasting and support periodic zero-protein day(s) I have started to incorporate time-restricted eating (16/8) with great success and starting on my first 36-hour fast over the weekend. I have not only had great results on the scale, but starting to see amazing physiologic benefits outside of simply lowering my body weight. I definitely would want to have the ability to have a longer (3 day?) fast once in a while to trigger autophagy and reap some of the other benefits related to insulin and metabolic issues. I realize that for a period following surgery I would have to be adhering to the physician-prescribed diet aimed to maximize healing and avoid complications. But what is the situation six months or a year down the line? Can I incorporate fasting then, or am I eternally tethered to a 70g-minimum-per-day protein intake that I cannot violate without risking my health? Your help and insight are appreciated!

I'm only 5 weeks out from surgery, and I am already wishing I had done this sooner. Obviously will have to reassess this in the future as time progresses. I think many of us on this board are very experienced at losing weight - sometimes massive amounts. The issue is we are also pros at gaining it back, usually with extra lbs tacked on top of what we originally lost. The long term success rates for people losing large amounts of weight and keeping it off without surgery are low - I can't recall the percentage but I think less than 5%. Biologically, there are a lot of factors that make it extremely difficult (but not impossible) to be have long term success the "normal" way of losing. Surgery isn't guaranteed to keep it off, but it is a tool that helps make it more likely - both in terms of the way it changes your eating but also the changes it can cause biologically that we have no control over. This isn't to say you should get the surgery, but more to suggest perhaps discussing these issues with the bariatric PA and doing you own research to arm you with all the data around what might get you were you want to be permanently. It's a very personal decision and you have to be ready to do it or else it won't be successful.

Today I had my NUT and Psych appointments and all went well. Just a few things I am confused about. (granted I still have more research to do and my eating classes) 1. I hear all the time Protein, protein, protein, She was all about vegetables and fruits. For example said she doesn't like the bariatric portion plates as it is 1/2 protein and 1/4 starch, 1/4 vegs. She said go 1/2 vegs, 1/4 starch, 1/4 protein 2. She says only 1 shake per day and doc likes us on real food after 1 month of soft food 3. I only have a 24 hr liquid diet pre surgery - I see others have more As far as shakes go what does everyone suggest? I will be reading up. Also what other things did you buy to make it easier that you feel were good? (i.e. portion plates, certain type of blender?) Lastly a good friend of mine is a beachbody coach and promotes shakeology. NUT said it is ok but I reached out to friend and had such negative feedback about surgery (i.e. easy way out, loose skin (mind you a friend lost 200 lbs on his own still has skin issues!) . It is an old friend who we aren't as close - guess I reached out to try and get the bond back but it is what it is.... Don't care much for the shakes but thought it was an olive branch I guess - Just venting here!

I am very excited! Surgery date is February 12th. Anyone else use the same company?

I am also on bariatric advantage it's a multi with iron, but I also take 3 calcium chews, a probiotic and a vitamin d. Along with that I take its ursodiol for gall bladder prevention, nexium and my thyroid meds. I take pills all day!

Hello, My name is Reason to Believe and I am currently in the fact finding stage of weight loss surgery. I am aiming at having surgery next summer when I can take some time off work. I just attended a bariatric surgery seminar last week. I have been overweight most of my life. I lost weight going into college and then started gaining back and more. I am considered super morbidly obese and that scares me. I also have a lot of joint pain, sleep apnea, recently diagnosed diabetes and depression. All of which are good reasons to do have surgery. I am a recovering binge eater and have recently given up diet soda. (six weeks ago!). I am working on small changes to prove to myself that I can make big lifestyle changes because my biggest fear is that I will have surgery and still fail. I love reading and music. I am an obsessed Bruce Springsteen fan and I look forward to the day that I can like no one is watching at a Bruce concert. I have started reading all your stories and am so grateful to you for sharing them.

I agree. Sounds like head hunger. Try brushing your teeth or going for a walk. Or, work with a therapist to see if there are other issues that need to be resolved. But make sure it's a bariatric trained therapist, or they won't have a clue how to help you. Good luck!

I'm in the same boat. I have tried several different vitamins since surgery all of which make me sick to my stomach, including the expensive bariatric advantage ones. Has anyone tried the vitamin patch?

I'm in the presurgery phase (as a disclaimer), Bryn Mawr is also close to me. I looked into them as an option but was concerned about the number of bariatric surgeries their surgeon has performed. It was far less compared to what other surgeons in this are state on websites. That seemed odd to me. Ultimately, I chose Phoenixville and I am very happy with my surgeon and his team. I also considered UPenn, but I did not want to travel into the city for all my visits. I've heard they have a fantastic program. Good luck to you!

I am using Dr. Strain at Englewood Hospital in Englewood, NJ. He is at a Bariatric Center of Excellence. He works with two other surgeons, Dr. Ibrahim and Dr. Morales. Dr. Morales just took out my Lap Band yesterday. She was great and Dr. Strain will be doing my Revision in September, he is great too. They also have a nutritionist right in the office (which is located on Engle St.) Their website is www.bergenlap.com

I cant seem to figure out where I can update my surgery stats, any help would be appreciated.

I wasa just banded yesterday in Bon Secours by Dr. Weiss of Tri State Bariatrics and anyone looking for ANYTHING to do with the bad needs to do them selves a favor and either attend teir support groups or use them for your surgery needs. I cannot express how happy I am with everyone on their staff. I am in Dutchess County and use their fishkill office for routine visits and middletown for my pre surgery appt. Their support groups are great and offer you all the hlep you could need. Sorry for the poor spelling and grammar i took my pain med a lil while ago Be happy to chat with anyone thats wants/needs a bandster friend

I would start calling bariatric doctors in your new location and ask the questions. Different doctors have different requirements. For me, my doctor saw me at 3 wk, 6wk, and will again at 6 months and at a year, as well as and every year after. I am also required 6 month labs, year labs, and labs every year after.

Hey Y’all! I am so worried about my husband! He had Rue & Y Gastric Bypass April 6th 2021 so he’s 1 year and 3 months post op and it’s been a NIGHTMARE!!! He has literally lost 200 pounds. He has always been a 220 pound man. He was diagnosed with COPD in 2017 and he was given massive amounts of steroids for all his lung trouble, which caused him to gain weight. At his heaviest he weighed 394lbs. He now weighs about 190lbs. We are both extremely proud of his Weightloss but y’all he literally CANNOT EAT ANYTHING! He THROWS EVERYTHING UP, even liquids. He constantly has abdominal pain. His Surgeon, his GI Doctor, and his GP family doctor are all stumped and none can figure out why. We found out the day of his Gastric Bypass that his stomach had twisted and flopped upwards and they thought that this was the reason for the abdominal pain and vomiting he was having before the surgery, but he’s still having severe pain and problems. Technically he didn’t have the surgery for Weightloss, he had the surgery because he was told by 2 different bariatric doctors that this was the answer to fixing his pain and nausea but they didn’t even know what the problem was and they still don’t. His Surgeon now believes that he could have a nerve problem or nerve damage and believes that is what is causing his pain and nausea. Have any of you had nerve damage that has caused you abdominal Pain, Nausea, and vomiting after your surgeries? If so, What was done for you and has it helped? Also, have any of you tried otc nausea patches from this website or any other and if so, do they work? He takes prescription nausea medicine but they do not work! I am very scared and very worried for him. He is 47 years old, his lung issues are under control but I fear for him nutritionally. He takes his supplements and he is getting IV FLUIDS (Banana Bag) every Friday but all this is really taking a toll on him physically and mentally. He is having another EGD scope to look in his stomach at the end of this month but they have done all this already and they never find anything. He does everything he’s supposed to do from having this surgery but he’s not getting any relief or any answers..

I have noticed, this, too. I once had a physician ask me if I was having any intestinal difficulty after my bariatric surgery, I looked at her funny and said no, She said, "Well, I asked because it's very common with surgery." I said, I have a sleeve gastrectomy, not a bypass. She had never heard of it. And VSG patients have stomachs, not pouches! Bothers the heck out of me, too when folks get it wrong.

HOWDY - Internet Pals, My name is Sherry and I have decided to blog my Journey with Weight Loss Surgery. I’m not the greatest at wording stuff, but will do my bestest *wink* Here is a recap up to now. My actual weight history started 21 years ago with the birth of my first daughter. I gained quite a bit and just never lost it. It crept up over the next 21 years. I did have two more children but they were both boys and well I was sick the whole time and actually lost weight with them. J I do have multiple issues including – Fibromyalgia – DJD – Diverticulosis – Borderline hypertension – Borderline Diabetic – Hypothyroidism and chronic anal fissures. I was constantly on the work out roller coaster. I’d work out and then the next day I would hurt so bad I’d miss a few days. So walking was about it for now for exercise. Till the weight gets down. Many of these will be much better if not cured by weight loss. I’m looking forward to less pain. Oh man am I. Any hoo - I was introduced to bariatric surgery about 5 years ago and was like, “No Way. I can do this on my own.” So I did try. Of course right after that, I was inspired, and I did lose 45 lbs. with Somersizing, but only to gain it all back. Plus some of course. I have tried so many diets. Atkins, Somersizing (which was my most successful), Juicing, Vegan, Vegetarian, and so many more. All leading to a small amount of loss just to gain it all back, with its little side package. Always a side package. (that would be lovely extra you always gain back with what you lost) - So I’ve slowly over the last 5 years hit my max weight of 315. I was shocked and just gave up. But then stuff started getting pretty bad. My low back pain was getting worse, plus now I had numbness going down my right leg. Couldn’t sleep due to hip, shoulder and back pain. Shoulders were horrible and my anal fissure went on high alert and has been for about 2 years now. I had to do something so I started going to docs to get myself taken care of. I had a new sleep study to make sure my pressure was good – it was upped from 10 to 16. Colonoscopy to make sure all was okay there. Just the anal fissure and internal hemorrhoids, no cancer or anything like that. Yay! Then I had my low back evaluated. Bad Bad. Denerative Disk disease in lower back…and pretty badly. This was the doc who referred me to the Weight Loss Center at Centennial here in Nashville. And so the journey began. I called the Center and a week later they called and got my information. They returned my call a few days later saying my insurance required a couple of things before approving. A pre-op Nutritional eval and a Psych eval. These were taken care of within the next two weeks. Then they sent my information off to the insurance. Within the week I was approved. Then we scheduled my first consult with the doc. Went well. Then I received my surgery date. Boom Bam Boom. So now I’m three weeks pre-op and today I started my liquid diet. I have started this three weeks pre-op due to I have a very fatty liver and edema. I’m required to do two weeks but added another week to make sure things are good and down. We want no problems – nope nope. I attached the liquid diet the doc gave me below, in case you wanted to check it out. The crossed out stuff is stuff I don’t like or wont use. Not big on flavored water. But who knows after this that might change. Heard taste and stuff change after WLS. Well I'm off for now. Thanks for coming along on my journey and I’ll post often to let you know how all is doing. Blessing to you all on your own journeys and would love to hear from you. GrInS Sherry