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Are my expectations too high?
catwoman7 replied to jackie1533's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
some people would say that people who are really tied into the bariatric community - like participating on these boards and/or active in support groups - tend to do better than average, so that might be part of it. I'm still active in the community at five years out because it keeps my head in the game and keeps me (mostly) on track, and I'm sure that's the case with a lot of people who are regulars on here. That kind of thing can make a difference. -
Now the Doctor Thinks a Sleeve Would be Better Then a Bypass.
Hope to Resolve posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Below is an edited version from 3 weeks ago when I was conceivably talking about getting a bypass with the medical group. Now the Doctor Thinks a Sleeve Would be Better Then a Bypass. With battling weight most of my life 10 years ago I got a lap band put in. I am now 57 years old, 15 years ago I was diagnosed with type two diabetes At the time my Lap Band was put in my weight was 230 pounds. That might not sound like a lot of weight but for a male 5’8 it was a lot for me. In addition to having type two diabetes I have also had two neck surgeries and three back surgeries over the years. The Lap Band gave me significant weight loss. I got down from 230 to 160-165. I also lowered my Metformin from 1000 mg to 500 mg. I lost approximately 70 pounds of weight and maintained this weight for about nine years. To say that it was an easy road for me would be lying, I was constantly having the band loosened tightened loose and tightened like being on a roller coaster. I had problems with the Lap Band being so tight that I was having major acid reflux problems. In addition to that I had some small ulcers around my esophagus next to my Lap Band. Last year I decided I had enough of this and had a lot of Fluid taken out of my band. The major acid reflex went away immediately however, I still have some ongoing small minor heartburn and a small cough because the Lap Band is still in place but a lot of the fluid has been taken out. Because of that removal of fluid I have gained back for the first time in 10 years 35 pounds. Now I am back up to taking the same amount of diabetic medicine Metformin 1000 mg because of the 35 pound weight gain. The bariatric center in Los Angeles is now recommending that I conceivably switch to a Sleeve. This decision is not completely final yet and the acid reflex problems I’ve had for so many years which only really developed soon after getting the Lap Band 10 years ago. As in all surgeries there are risk concerns for changing the body anatomy, any advice or opinions from anyone that has been down this same kind of road would be much appreciated. Thank you for your time and concern. Hopefully one day I can help someone else. -
Soooo...anyone out there have experience with the Celebrate 4-in-1 powder? My surgeon insists pretty heavily on it, especially immediately post-op because 2 servings (shakes) provides all of the vitamins & minerals that one needs after bariatric surgery, so you don't have to deal with taking a bariatric vitamin to get all of that good stuff. In theory, that's great. In practice...the stuff tastes SO bad. There are two flavors: Vanilla Cake Batter and Chocolate. I tried both flavors in the first 4 weeks post op. The first day I had to drink them, I immediately ran to Amazon and ordered two bottle of Sugar Free Flavored Syrups (raspberry and cherry) because the taste was so bad. I had to give up on the Vanilla Cake Batter because it just tasted "wrong" and was sickeningly sweet. The Chocolate is tolerable, but definitely one of the worst chocolate shakes I've had. So now I am looking for insight or help on how to proceed from here because at my appointment on Monday, my doctor changed my shakes from being made with 1% milk to using almond milk. I have no problems with almond milk and used it to mix my Premier Protein Vanilla powder and it was delicious. Mixed with the Celebrate and it's like drinking 8 ounces of death. I can't even taste the flavored syrup in it. Just to test it out, I picked up some soy milk yesterday to try today and see if it makes the experience more palatable. And it does. It doesn't taste as awful as the almond milk. The only problem is that the shake come out far thicker with the soy milk than I want and it was a bit of a chore to drink it. In the end, I'd probably opt for the soy milk (which throws my calorie count slightly higher, but still lower than the 1% milk), but was curious if anyone had experience with Celebrate and any tips or tricks they learned and could pass along. Given how unpalatable it is, I am expecting that when I hit the 3 month mark, I'll be telling my doctor that I'm going to switch to taking a daily bariatric vitamin and then use Premier Protein powders which I actually do like.
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I've been reading on this website (as well as others), stories of people who have had various kinds of bariatric surgeries that have failed. Granted, I'm guessing some may have failed due to lack of commitment, exercise, etc., but what about the folks who have followed their post-op diets/instructions to a "T" and either lose significantly less than expected or permanently stall after a short time? I tend to be a person who loses weight more easily when I eat normal, healthy, balanced meals, as opposed to "starving" on super low cal, low carb, diets. Right now I'm six days into my pre-op diet and I'm only down 3lbs. According to my dietician, I should be down at least double that. I've only been eating raw mini cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers along with five Ensure HP shakes and 64oz. water every day - that's all I'm allowed and all I've been having. I've also been walking 30 mins./day. Since Monday, I've had a nonstop headache, lightheadedness, fatigue, GI issues, and joint pain. I mentioned this to my dietician as well, but she didn't really address it. I'm worried that since I'm not losing quickly enough now, and I seem to be having these "side effects" that this might be indicative of how things will go post-op. Thoughts?
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Are my expectations too high?
BigSue replied to jackie1533's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collective has a database of WLS outcomes, and they created a calculator that takes into account your height, weight, age, and gender to estimate your weight loss for each type of WLS. Of course, this is only an average and any individual's results can vary, but it should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. https://mbsc.arbormetrix.com/Registry/public/calculator/uiCalculator/7?menuId=1013 -
What if 6 month waiting period puts me under 40 BMI
JoggingJolene posted a topic in Insurance & Financing
My BMI is just barely 40. It's like 40.3 or something like that. However, my BMI has been between 35 and 40 for at least 10 years, regardless of what I have tried and I've tried just about everything that seemed reasonable. I weighed at my PCP 2 weeks ago at 40.3. She referred me to bariatric surgeon and also gave me phentermine. I met with him by video conference today. I called my insurance today. They said BMI of 40 qualifies even with no comorbidities. I don't have any comorbidities. The phentermine works - I have a greatly reduced appetite. I've used it before and it works until I stop taking it. I know I have been eating less, so I'm worried my weight will drop and my BMI will be below 40 before the surgeon weighs me, but certainly it will be below 40 if I really diet for 6 months. I just know it will all come back unless I do something different. At what point does my BMI "count" for insurance? -
Am I drinking too much
abiebaby replied to ebbii0927's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had a similar problem post surgery. After the first day or so, had no problem drinking over 64 Oz a day. My bariatric team told me not to worry about it. The only restriction I feel with liquid now (7 weeks post op) is after I eat (even though I wait an hour after eating for drinking, it still feels like the food is still there, blocking the liquid for a bit). Sent from my SM-G986U using BariatricPal mobile app -
I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” Bariatric Multivitamins from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it’ll cost you only $99 for an entire year supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world’s leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find many other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins.
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I was sleeved 7/14 and I did the same thing, worried about my calories bc I wondered how was I surviving lol but honestly you don’t need any. Just focus on your protein shakes and water and take your vitamins:.. you will be great!!!! Soon you’ll be able to eat soup I did Bariatric soup low calorie and high protein... best of luck
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I get all mine at Walgreens or CVS (I don't get bariatric-specific ones), so they're not too bad price-wise. A lot of us start with chewable versions of our multivitamins and then switch to tablets later. As far as capsules vs chewables, I don't think one is necessarily better than the other.
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How did you pick your doctor?
KrissyNY replied to imlosingit2020's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Call me too Crazy but ever since I knew I wanted my surgery and great weight loss and guidance , I literally researched every bariatric surgeon in New York City. I rounded my favorites to 4 and picked the best one and I am glad to say Dr. Mitchell Roslin of NYC Lenox Hill has truly been my lifesaver. But do your research!! Even if it takes a year !! Or months !! Research!! -
Insurance & Revision. Hope someone can help!
MeliE82 replied to BrooklynMomma's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
There has to be an issue as to why it would warrant a revision , as my insurance coordinator explained to me they won’t approve it unless there is a medical reason for it , I had tried to get a revision from lapband to sleeve last year but I didn’t have enough documentation for medical necessity so i got declined . This year a lot happened and I was diagnosed with Sleep Apnea , GERD, Esophagitis so it made me eligible , but because of my GERD and Esophagitis I will be getting RNY instead due to reflux issues with Sleeve . As far as switching insurance companies just because you didn’t get something with one company would it void the ability to get a revision with a different company , it’s all about the companies Bariatric guidelines and how they measure medical necessity . -
Bariatric Weight Loss Major Turning Point Decision
catwoman7 replied to Hope to Resolve's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
both can cause it - which is probably why it's seen more after bariatric surgery than it is after other major surgeries (because it can be a side effect of any major surgery). If you google telogen effluvium, you'll find lots of info about it and what things can cause it. Here's one article focused mainly on it as a result of surgery: https://drnichter.com/hair-loss-after-surgery-explained/ -
gastric sleeve vs. Gastric bypass
LaLaDee replied to new_lease_on_life's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I'm three years out and prior to surgery, I had a BMI of 50. My surgeon recommended the sleeve because I was still young-ish then, e.g. early 30s and nutrient absorption is pretty important. My surgeon felt that the calcium/vitamin D malabsorption may lead to bone density issues later on in life (and after obesity, people generally don't have great bone density and are prone to fractures). Most of bariatric surgery is relatively new, so there aren't a ton of long term studies, so my surgeon is just guessing. And most people on the bypass seem to be pretty good about taking their vitamins (which is something you should do with the sleeve anyway). A couple of months after my sleeve I was diagnosed with a range of painful, chronic autoimmune diseases and I'm very thankful that I went with the sleeve because of the issues with drug absorption with the bypass (I have to take a ton of oral medications). Of course, I did not deal with GERD, which means that the bypass is right for many people. With the sleeve, I was able to take my BMI from 50 to 25. Due to aforementioned illnesses and medications, I did deal with some regain, which I am slowly working on. At the moment, my BMI is about 29. I have never felt like the sleeve wouldn't be enough to help me achieve success. All that to say, you can definitely have success with the sleeve or the bypass. As commented by others, a lot of it is going to come down to what your level of commitment, and your ability to change your lifestyle and deal with psychological issues. And you have to educate yourself. You can't drink a diet of only protein shakes forever. At some point, you have to learn how to eat real food in the real world, go to work, socialise and interact with food, people and life. If you haven't dealt with your "issues", you will have regain with either surgery. It can be a tough decision, but I honestly feel that you can find success with either surgery. -
I currently take 300mg of Fluvoxamine (Luvox) at night. For those who are unfamiliar, it's an SSRI usually used for individuals with OCD. Any who, since my roux en y, I have been having just a heck of a time taking these. Initially, the general bariatric doctor cut me down to 200mg, which was way too fast of a "wean" and I had severe withdrawal symptoms, so back to 300mg for now.* Despite cutting them up, taking them hours apart, etc., I am always sick when I take these now. I have pain, immediate gas, sweats, and then it settles down after 30 minutes or so. I'm currently looking into getting them compounded because I vomit when they are smashed to a raw powder. I also try to take them with food, which only helps a tad. Anyone have similar experiences with medications or tips on how to settle the roaring gut? *If you are trying to get off an SSRI, Benzo, etc., do NOT ever stop taking them or make drastic cuts. You need to wean off these!
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6 yrs post op - weight gain - seeking support
mi75 replied to Domika03's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I am also a 2014 vet. I too had some regain. Here's the story for me...about 18 months after my op I left a long term career position, took a night, started grad school, switched to a leadership job, lost a parent unexpectedly, graduated grad school, went back for PhD, and more. When I had surgery, one of the main issues was a health problem that was considered reversible. In 2017 after some regain, my GI doc gave me some sobering news that it was returning. I had a serious 'come to Jesus' talk with myself. I went online looking for solutions. I sought my team. I went to some support group meetings (even online). I met with my nut. I met with a surgeon. After being given the option of a RNY revision, I realized that I KNEW WHAT TO DO, AND I HAD THE TOOL...I went full on Keto and never looked back. I am now at my lowest ever. I lost all the regain and then some. I realized through the process that FOR ME, I must always identify as a bariatric patient. I will NEVER be able to eat 'everything in small amounts'. I will always struggle. Surgery saved my life, yes, but it didn't fix my weight permanently- it did part of it but the major work was up to me. I would suggest seeking out support from your surgical team, support group, nut, psych, etc. ANYONE who is part of a bariatric practice. And start from scratch. Dense protein. Water. Shakes if necessary. Skip the 'reset' and all those things. Obviously regain comes from EATING so you have to relearn how to eat as a bariatric patient. It is absolutely possible but there are many of us here on the same timeline as you who have already been through this and are willing to help! -
How did you pick your doctor?
STLoser replied to imlosingit2020's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had my gallbladder out in January and the surgeon said my liver looked really bad and recommended wls. He referred me to a surgeon, who I saw in March. Then COVID happened. I had my EGD with that surgeon in May, and right after that the hospital cut a lot of staff, including my bariatric surgeon. My cousin had RNY 10 years ago and I ended going to the place she went. I saw my surgeon June 15th and just had Loop DS surgery July 24th. I'm very happy with the surgeon I ended up going with! Sent from my moto g(6) using BariatricPal mobile app -
The bariatric surgeon ordered the scope but a gastroenterologist did it. I was under sedation when they did it so all I remember was having a slightly sore throat when I woke up. I do not believe I had xrays with contrast at the time of this complaint but truthfully with the complications I had going on some of the procedures and tests timeframes get a little blurred. I can only speak for myself and my experience and it took almost a year for me to get back to feeling like myself and I will be honest I wasn’t the best about making sure I reported all my symptoms and following up with my team where I probably should have. I attribute that to me being so used to health issues being blamed on my weight that I just figured it would eventually get better. I was speaking with someone the other day and was asked if I would recommend wls to others and I honestly answered yes but with the caveat that they were warned to report anything that doesn’t feel right to them to the team. After my revision that’s what my surgeon advised my husband and myself They were like don’t feel like you are being a bother please if something doesn’t feel right or is bothering you call the office it’s easier to document and correct when we know as soon as possible.
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Thank you so much for your reply. I’ve been feeling helpless and regretting my decision having this surgery. I’m going to call my doctors office in the morning. Did they do an X-ray with contrast die on you? What was the scope procedure like? Was it your bariatric surgeon that did the scope procedure or a gastroenterologist?
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Is anyone else as disappointed...
ldawn replied to Luv2cruz's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I was a slow loser. I had surgery Feb 5, 2019 and I really wanted to be down to 200 pounds by my vacation in early June. Well I had only lost 40 pounds by then. I was disappointed. I only had 2 months of 10+ pounds weight loss. Every month was more like 8 pounds. In October I complained to my surgeon and he added up the numbers and the time frame. And I had lost 86 pounds in 9 months. By the 1 year mark I had lost 101 pounds. I’m happy. Weight comes off slower now but I feel great. What helped me more than anything was my measurement log. I measured every other week. I also had to leave Bariatric pal for a while. I am in a group with others who had surgery the same month as me. One of the ladies started doing the whole “omg I can’t stop losing weight I’m so skinny now” Crap at 4 months out. It really messed with my head. Walking away from the group for a few months really helped. -
Lap band vs sleeve...help
catwoman7 replied to Blyss's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Yes... those cases are almost certainly the exception. I've been active on various bariatric boards for the last six or seven years, and we just don't see many posts about major complications. Maybe a handful a year. Most people seem to sail through with no or very minor issues -
❤My Revision Story❤
GreenTealael replied to GreenTealael's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Thanks ♥️ I just received my lab work and the only concern was that my iron (& ferritin) is low but I'm anemic and that's the usual for me. I am not in the healthcare field so it takes me a little while to sort through the meaning of the figures but everything seems to be fine. I will update this thread once it's clearer I used a variety of brands to try and find the "one" but I mostly just use whatever types I have on hand. Lately it's Deva vegan multivitamins and Procare bariatric chewables . I have not taken them consistently for about 2 months now because of plastics (some vitamins can make bleeding heavier) so honestly I now take either one when I remember -
3.5 weeks out and still can’t sleep from pain
kossde replied to kossde's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I actually did call my doctor. I was told it was from the ‘anchor stitch’ during surgery. I was also told it should go away in another week or two... and that it’s their number one complaint from bariatric patients post-surgery. Wish they had told me before now so that I could have expected it -
Add Genepro to Chicken Broth?
tarotcardreader replied to SJR20's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Genepro was actually sued and genepro lost in regards to that high of protein in a little scoop. You can google it if you want to know more. I haven’t tried the powder i just read about the lawsuit. Just know you are probably only getting half of the 30. However, some people swear by it. I also have the containers for meal prep. I will be using a mandatory post op bariatric advantage shake kit at first though. After that premier protein probably -
August 2020 Surgery
tarotcardreader replied to Bjc1227's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am scheduled for 8/28/20. So far i like premier proteins caramel and their chocolate. However post op i use a kit from bariatric advantage that is mandatory part of the program.
