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Hi everybody, A little background info: Had vsg in Fall 2012, lost 120 lbs, felt amazing! I got married, had a baby in Fall 2014, gained weight. Had another baby in Summer 2016, gained even more weight. I sought the advice of my bariatric surgeon, he recommended full bypass, and gave me a goal to lose 15 lbs, before he would schedule. Well, I've lost 40 lbs. I feel like I should be able to get back to my goal weight (165lbs) without having a bypass...but the task of losing another 80 pounds seems almost impossible. Has anyone on here, lost that much weight, without additional surgery? Thanks for reading.

Mine worked with my dad for over a year to try and save his leg before they ultimately amputated. I’m thoroughly convinced he saved my dad’s life. I actually met him at one of my dad’s post op appointments 2 years before I needed him. Fast forward to April 2019 and I need an appendectomy and he’s the surgeon I chose for that. At my post op he invited me to a bariatric seminar and he did my sleeve in December 2019. He’s also my surgeon for my RNY revision this coming Tuesday. I don’t think I could trust another surgeon with what he does.

I picked my sleeve surgeon because he was the president of the Mexican Bariatric Association and had done more than 3000 sleeves. I loved my sleeve and didn't want to revise to RNY, which is what the first surgeon I consulted said was the only choice to treat my GERD. My gastroenterologist referred me to my eventual surgeon, who had a lot of ideas about how he could address the GERD and still preserve my sleeve. As I was going through testing, though, we found some other conditions. I ultimately had RNY but at least I knew we had explored lots of other options. As for you, what surgery are you having? A sleeve is less technically demanding than RNY, but still you want somebody experienced operating on you. I'd go ahead and ask how many bariatric surgeries and what kinds they have done. Surgeons are used to people asking that question.

I went to 3 different local hospitals information programs. My surgeon does nothing but bariatric surgeries. The thing that really clinched it for me was his overall attitude. He's so sweet, understanding and takes into account my eating disorder (binge eating disorder) when talking to me. He made me less terrified of the surgery and his staff has the same friendly and supportive demeanor. The whole team communicates brilliantly. I wish they could be my primary care lol. Here's to successful surgeries and improved quality of life!! Sent from my motorola one hyper using BariatricPal mobile app

I just want to say that I think it was deeply irresponsible of your surgeon to put THEIR expectations onto you, especially when every single bariatric patient is unique and loses weight at different rates pre and post op. For every 5 people who manage to lose 100 pounds in 6 months time, you'll find 5 people who'll lose 50 or less pounds in that same span of time. Your surgeon should have allowed YOU to set your own goals for where you hoped to be by Thanksgiving and then helped you to get there.

Hi, just wondered where else can I buy the Vitamin patches? I've ordered through Bariatric pal on my last 2 orders, I usually get the Sleeve Vitamin Patch Pack 3 by PatchAid, but now they have been out of stock and don't know when they will be in. Even though I was set up on a automatic delivery. Crazy to me. So hoping I could find a back up brand. Thanks

Right now i am scheduled for august 28. August 13 is my preop class for post op nutrition. The 14 is my preop clearance with a walk in clinic because my pcp dipped back to another state to be near family during quarantine. The 24 is the preop with my surgeon. My egd is giving me some trouble (it said mild chronic gastritis inactive and there was still food in belly even though i didnt eat within the 6 hours) so i was sent for a gastric emptying study which was normal but i was told the surgeon requests pics from the study and also wanted a second preauth for the sleeve even though i have a preauth for bypass already. I was also called by pcp office staff and they told me the state was going to do a second round of covid shutdowns just isnt announced yet. I think, though its good for doctors to know things before surgery, its entirely been a pain in the ass with all the testing and i read in the patient packet they (the bariatric place) are wanting a chest xray and ekg (going to a walk in clinic mind you lol) as well as a physical for the preop clearance the 14. I think this would be far less complex if the bariatric place had all of this inhouse. I doubt it will all get done before surgery. Also another covid test on the 26th (had to have one for the egd).

Anyone had surgery there (Mexico bariatric center)? Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

Is he part of Mexico bariatric center? Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

30 lbs in one month is actually a lot. We see that mostly in people who start out with a super high BMI (although there are some exceptions to that). I've been hanging out on various bariatric surgery boards for six or seven years, and just based on my random observations, I'd say most people are more in the 15-25 lb range, with some exceptions, of course. I lost 16 lbs the first month and felt like a failure, but my dietitian said that wasn't unusual. I went on to lose 100% of my excess weight. So don't be discouraged.

I read a few of these when I was considering surgery and I promised myself that I would do the same thing once I was post-op so that maybe I could help anyone who may need to know the details (like me), or anyone sitting on the fence at the time (like me), or just looking for signs that this was the right thing to do (me again). I discussed the sleeve surgery with my doctor over 2 years ago after countless weight losses and re-gains. That's basically been the story of my life forever. I was a chubby kid, I've never been thin. I probably starting yo-yo dieting when I was 15 and I had my 1st boyfriend. I've done all the diets. Starvation, jenny craig, weight watchers, nutri-system, herbalife, keto, low carb, optivia, ideal protein, bars and shakes, etc... the list could go on and on. I'd lose the weight (sometimes), I even got down to a size 6 when I was about 38. But eventually, overeating called my name and I'd be back to where I started plus 10. Relatable huh? It's not even that I eat poorly, to be honest. Yes I love bad and delicious food, fast food, desserts, etc... but 80% of the time, I am eating a home-cooked meal with veggies and protein (and likely a starch), I just eat too much. My appetite is monstrous. I'm 4'11 and I can eat the same size plate as my husband who works out every day. I come from the 'clean plate club' and always finish my meal. In discussing the sleeve with my doctor he agreed it was going to be the solution I was looking for. Then I told him I wanted to go to Mexico and he agreed that travel tourism can be wonderful (he sends patients to Brazil for plastics) and that he wanted to be part of the decision making process for the doctor. So I took my list of 25 candidates that Facebook told me were awesome, and I narrowed them down to 3 choices: Dr Alvarez, Dr Elias Ortiz and Dr Illan. I presented them each to my primary care physician in the states with their resumes and credentials, we got on a zoom call to discuss the 3 of them and he told me that Dr Illan was his 1st choice, hands down. He chose Dr Illan because he is a board certified master surgeon, his anesthesiologist is also board certified specifically for bariatric surgery, his hospital is private and has an ICU, his hospital has been given awards of excellence, and he only performs 3 surgeries per day. So I called, paid my $500 deposit to get my date, and promptly pooped my pants from nerves. The 10-day pre-op came quickly and was not that bad. I was too excited to be annoyed by it. I got headaches and was hungry, but all in all it wasn't terrible. Before I knew it, my flight from Florida to San Diego was the next morning - I couldn't believe it! My bestie and I arrived in San Diego the day before my surgery (arrived Friday, surgery was Saturday) and we were met at the airport by Carlos; along with one of my surgery sisters that I had already met on Facebook. Get you a surgery sister (or brother) - find out who's having surgery the same day as you and you will become friends! We hung out a lot post-op and I've made friends for life. The drive to the border was quick and easy, before I knew it we were at the hospital dropping off the other person b/c her surgery was bright and early the next day. Carlos whisked us off to Hotel Real Inn, only about 10-15 minutes from the hospital. Mexico treats covid more seriously than we do in the US; so feet wiping, temp taking and hand sanitizing is a requirement literally every single place you go. Carlos pointed out that to the right of our hotel was a open-air shopping plaza and to the left was a grocery store. So after we got settled in, we went to explore and had such a great afternoon in Tijuana! I bought a size small goal outfit for $7 at one of the little boutiques and little knick nacks to bring home to my family. I love that my friend and I had that time to settle in and do some safe exploring. I didn't feel unsafe even for a second, its a very populated area with lots of folks shopping and walking around. That night I ordered my bariatric meal (best popsicle ever!) and my friend ordered authentic mexican street tacos from Uber for like $7. The next morning, we were picked up at 9am to head over to the hospital and get ready for surgery <insert panic>. When you get there, more sanitizing and temp checking and then you head off to get your blood drawn after filling out paperwork. Next comes, chest x-ray, EKG and just a general check up from a doctor to clear you for surgery. So I'll tell you that this part is likely the part that doesn't leave me with the best feeling. The doctor that looked at my EKG seemed to glance at it for about 2 seconds. The cardiologist is probably an awesome cardiologist, but lacked that bedside manner that we see in doctors in the states too. He cleared me for surgery and I said "so my heart looks good?" and he replied "yeah its ok" and then left the room. My bestie reminded me that that not all doctors gush all over you and that he was probably just one of those. Suddenly, Dr Illan and the anesthesiologist were in my room and it was almost go time. Dr. Illan explained the procedure and had a lovely chat with us, I didn't feel rushed or like I was asking too many questions. He explained the OR and that the surgical team in the OR were all also bariatric surgeons (not general surgeons). He told me that I was important and my safety was his #1 priority. He was so wonderful. Them standing there suddenly made me very nervous and I started to cry because I was scared. Dr Illan came to the side of my bed and rested his hand on my leg to comfort me and promised it was going to be ok, told me not to cry. It seemed to upset him to see me upset! In the meantime the anesthesiologist called for some anti-anxiety meds in my IV and I was calm again. Before I knew it, I was in the OR being asked to scoot onto the table and the nurse was signaling to me that it was time to go to sleep. I think some of the nurses in the OR don't speak English, but I speak Spanish so I told her I was ready and before I knew it - I was awake and in recovery. Coming out of being under is funny, as I'm sure many of you know. You're there, but you can't quite open your eyes. I was listening for alarm beeps of monitors or conversations on Spanish that something was wrong, but I was ok. I also had no gas pain. Everyone warns you about that gas pain and I had zero. I was in the recovery room for maybe an hour? My BP was a little high so they gave me something sublingually to lower it, but I don't remember much else. Wheeled back to my room, I spent the rest of the day hearing movies played in the background by my friend and dozing in and out of sleep. I don't actually think I slept much though. I was so groggy I could hardly stand. The nurses came to check on me often, they were giving me lots of drugs in the IV (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, etc) and a chewable gas pill. Here's something no one told me - you do not get to drink anything until the day AFTER your surgery and you've had your leak test. All you can have is an ice cube to put in your mouth and you have to spit it back out. That's it. I had a sore throat from being intubated and I badly wanted a drink of water - but I didn't get one until the next morning. I really only got up to pee once and felt woozy. I didn't do all the walking they said you're supposed to, I definitely physically couldn't have! I was groggy to the extreme. Getting up to pee was hard enough. I didn't have any gas pain though, thank god for small miracles. My hospital stay was uneventful medically. I had low pulse ox, so had some oxygen for awhile (over 24 hours) and my BP went up a little sometimes but was controlled by the meds they gave me. The 2nd day I had my leak test in the AM and was cleared to have some fluid and had the best tasting water of my life! I sipped slowly and that 1st liquid to hit my new belly felt weird. Our instinct is to chug and you definitely can't do that. I did have some internal soreness and they gave me toradol for that and I felt fine afterwards. Sunday morning I was out in the loser's bench area with my surgery sisters hanging out. That day, we had a valet named Julio. He was AMAZING. It was my bestie's birthday and he helped me order a delicious cake to be delivered from Uber and even went to find a sign for it. We gathered our new friends and Julio gathered some staff and we all surprised her by singing happy birthday and another yummy mexican meal. It was awesome! We hung out with my surgery sisters (we met a 3rd) and their companions in the hallway and all got to know each other, it was great. Monday morning came quickly and then we met Bill and Stacy. Dr Illan came back to my room to check on me and we had another lovely chat. He told me that my stomach was big! lol I knew it was. He got a picture of it for me, which of course blew my mind. He had us take a picture together and he wished me all the luck and told me he couldn't wait to hear about my success story. We left the hospital, hit up a pharmacy, and then Miguel drove us back to the Hotel Real Inn around 10am and then we had a whole other day in Tijuana! I felt perfect so we ventured out again, hit a few shops, and went to the grocery store to bring home Mexican goodies for my family. (I had to go and buy a duffel bag for all the fun stuff I got). I ordered my bariatric meal again and took a nice shower and went to bed, ready to travel back to Florida on Tuesday. Julian picked us up at 7:45 for our 12:15pm flight (you never know what can delay you at the border) and we had an awesome drive with him. Some roads were blocked, so we were delayed but still had gobs of time. Julian lived in NYC for a long time, so he's pretty American - we loved him. We laughed and joked around the entire ride and he told us about life living in Mexico. We got on a jet plane and we came home! I've been home 3 days now and I continue to feel awesome. I'm sore and my belly is bruised (where they took my huge stomach out), but I work from home - so rest is all it I need. I haven't been nauseous once or vomited. Day 5 post op and I'm down 13.6 lbs already - since pre-op. So this sounds like a dream huh? Because it was. It was like going on vacation where I also happened to have an organ removed lol. I will tell you that I would give one piece of feedback for the ultimate experience, the only thing I thought was lacking or could've been done differently. I wish I could've met Dr Illan before I got to Mexico. It's pretty standard to have a conversation with a doctor prior to surgery and you don't get that until you're there. I wish he had emailed me personally, or had a phone call or a video chat. He could've even made me a personal 1-minute video and emailed it to me - just so I knew that he knew I existed and was going to be a patient. That would've calmed me even before I got there. I realize that a lot of people consider surgery and probably don't go through with it, so it could be a waste of time - but that's the cost of doing business. I am a business owner and have consultations with people that never hire me either. It's built into my business model and daily schedule. Not meeting Dr Illan ahead of time obviously didn't stop me from choosing him, but it almost did. The other doctors I considered contacted me directly (one with a personal video and one with a whatsapp video call). If you are thinking about doing this surgery, let my testimony help you decide that it is going to be ok. That chances are, it will go amazingly, There is this new life waiting for us that maybe we don't believe is real or we don't believe we deserve. But it is real and we do deserve it! Give yourself the gift of this weightloss to take your life back. I'm so glad I did and I can't wait to see this weight melt off me and stay off me. Having my surgery with Dr Illan was the best medical experience of my life. I felt cared for, safe, attended to, and healthy the whole time I was there. The hospital is like a resort, very modern and very clean. The nurses and valets were insanely attentive. Now go leave your stomach in Mexico!

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 minor constant 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 recommending that I conceivably switch to a Bypass Surgery and not a Sleeve. This decision is not completely final yet, and the decision towards leaning towards a Bypass Surgery rather than a Sleeve because of the acid reflex problems I’ve had for so many years which only really developed soon after getting the Lap Band 10 years ago. My next surgery would be involved removing the Lap Band and switching to a Bypass Surgery all at the same time in one surgery. As in all surgeries there are risk concerns for changing the body anatomy, however regarding the Bypass Surgery my new understanding is the body does not absorb as many vitamins and nutrients as it would from a Sleeve Surgery and there is a potential for hair loss and dumping and other potential complications? 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.

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 2 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 2 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 minor constant 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 recommending that I conceivably switch to a Bypass Surgery and not a Sleeve. This decision is not completely final yet, and the decision towards leaning towards a Bypass Surgery rather than a Sleeve because of the acid reflex problems I’ve had for so many years which only really developed soon after getting the Lap Band 10 years ago. My next surgery would be involved removing the Lap Band and switching to a Bypass Surgery all at the same time in one surgery. As in all surgeries there are risk concerns for changing the body anatomy, however regarding the Bypass Surgery my new understanding is the body does not absorb as many vitamins and nutrients as it would from a Sleeve Surgery and there is a potential for hair loss and dumping and other potential complications? 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.

I just did a search on this site for you. There are literally 17,501 posts on this early stall. Pretty much everyone has it. I really think bariatric clinics ought to warn people about this because it happens to almost everyone, and people really freak out about it. Just stick to your plan and your weight loss will start up again. Stay off the scale if you have to. It usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Here are all the posts on it. Really - over 17,000 of them. https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=three-week stall

I'm interested in this too...although I have been on this phase for 5 days! LOL I have been scouring Pinterest for ideas and here are some: https://sleevers.wordpress.com/2014/03/29/high-protein-jello-mousse-full-liquids-stage/amp/ https://www.bariatricfoodie.com/how-to-make-protein-oatmea/ https://www.bariatricfoodcoach.com/liquid-recipes-protein-shakes-after-bariatric-surgery/ https://www.theinspirationedit.com/31-soup-recipes-for-gastric-bypass-patients/ Mostly, I have been making Campbell's Healthy Request Cream of "Whatever" soup, thinned with additional 1% milk and strained to remove any non-liquid bits for my one savory meal per day. I also eat one greek yogurt per day and a couple of protein shakes. Everything I make, I add a scoop of Genepro protein powder to up my protein intake...I even made protein jello shots!

Folks, sorry that I have not been responding to posts. I'm having surgery in the morning, but not bariatric. I plan to recover and have my sleeve surgery in Nov. I hate that it had to be moved but I'll get through this. I wish you all the best.

I was a patient of Dr. Curry when I had my lap band several years ago. When he removed my lap band, he offered to convert me to a gastric sleeve, but I declined at that time. I chose Dr. Curry after I lost faith in my original surgeon. (The original surgeon misdiagnosed gall bladder problems as anxiety, causing me to suffer for nearly 6 months.) Dr. Curry had an excellent reputation and I drove almost 4 hours to see him because I trusted him to help me. I also liked that he was easily accessible. Back then, he was very active on another obesity/bariatric social forum like Bariatricpal and I really appreciated what he was doing for the obese community. Dr. Curry was easy to talk to and I felt he took his time with his patients to explain things. He always made me feel comfortable and confident about everything we did/did not do. If I hadn't moved to Texas, I might have gone back to him when I reached the point where I was ready for the sleeve. One minor complaint and it's not Dr. Curry's fault. When he took out my lap band, his office "forgot" to get insurance approval before doing it. I had a lot of after the fact fighting with the insurance company to get it covered and avoid being taken to collections.

Anyone that went to Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas...what did you do for dinner options while there? Where can I get the lean protein and veggies since I’ll be in hotel without a car or kitchen. Appreciate all input.

you're in the infamous three-week stall. It isn't always the third week, but it usually is, hence the name. It can really happen any time during the first month or so after surgery. I had mine weeks 2 and 3. My weight loss started up again during week 4, and I dropped like 6-8 lbs in a couple of days. Just stick to your plan, stay off the scale if you have to, and be confident your weight loss will start up again, because it will. btw - this happens to almost all of us, and bariatric clinics really should warn people about it because people freak out about it when it happens to them. I just did a search for you on this site on the three-week stall. Here are the posts - 17,501 of them (and no, I am NOT kidding! Like I said, it happens to almost everyone): https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=three-week stall

Bariatric pal or bariatric advantage or flinstones vitamins complete with iron is another I see a lot.

My nutritionist had given a few choices of chewable bariatric brands or doubling the adult dose of regular multi vitamins with iron. I tried the bariatric fusion, bariatric pal, centrum adult and finally Flintstones with iron. The fusion were just too often and too big, the bariatric pal had this chalkyness that made me gag, the centrum were ok but still a lot to do two at once so I had to split the dose and the Flintstones were just right. Sent from my SM-G975U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have the Bariatric Advantage now, which is two per day. The Bariatric Fusion tastes much better though. Unfortunately I just could not find the Bariatric Fusion chewable without iron, or I would still be taking them.

As part of my pre-op requirements for my surgery (I’m having the Sleeve in August 27th) my nutritionist requires that I purchase bariatric vitamins (have my vitamins) at least two weeks prior to surgery. I did that and opted for Bariatric Fusion. I just realized that the dosage is one vitamin 4 times a day. Woah. That seems like a lot! I’m going to do my best to remember to take all 4 every day but does anyone know of a chewable that’s only once or twice a day? Thanks!

I just went through this. Because of COVID19, my plans changed very last minute and instead of two nights in a "luxury suite" in the bariatric wing of the hospital, I ended up having out patient surgery and one night with nurses attending at the Hampton Inn and Suites. My daughter, who was my primary care giver, had a doctor's appointment the following day in Orlando (3 hours away) and so left on the day of surgery, knowing I had the nurses to care for me. They left at 7AM and my daughter came back to get me at 3:30PM. I was fine BUT miserable...the pain is real. Then we drove home and I couldn't have done it without her. I also groaned, whined and burped a lot, with my seat fully reclined and a blanket and pillow to be as comfortable as possible. And I made sure to take an Oxycodone right before we left. So, here's the thing...I could NOT have worked after surgery or the next day. I cannot imagine getting on a plane by myself and navigating my luggage, meds, etc. However, I am 57, so I'm sure that I don't spring back as well as I used to!!

Hi there! I ran into an interesting issue today. I have the UHC Choice plan through T-Mobile. They use BRS through Optum, which I'm already registered for. I messaged both my Optum Nurse and UHC to get the guidelines for Bariatric Surgery in order to qualify. I should add in here that I work in Prior Authorizations for an insurance company, so I'm really familiar with the whole process and want to make sure things go smoothly because I know how one missing thing, mischecked box etc can mess things up. While attending the seminar for the office I will be having surgery with, the Director mentioned that a lot of companies were moving away from the six month diet requirement and more towards 3 months, especially with the current state of things/restrictions. Well my Optum nurse messaged me back, and did list a 6 month diet as a requirement. Though what she sent me was just typed out in a message, not an actual document (which is what I was really kind of looking for- a whole clinical guideline). UHC got back to me and provide a guideline which does not list a 6 month diet as a requirement (except in Maryland by law- but I'm in AZ). https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/bariatric-surgery.pdf The office I am going through requires 3 months (which I get and I'm totally fine with), but my husband purposely got us the primo insurance this year for all of my health needs. Plus obviously I would rather have it done sooner rather than later. I also have an entire sheet packed full of past diet attempts (including multiple phentermine attempts, xenical, and metformin), and multiple comorbidities that this could alleviate. I'm just worried with everything going on about it getting pushed back really far. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen these contradict one another? I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with the fact that UHC just changed their guidelines in May?