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Hello from Houston! I am new to this website so trying to figure it all out. I was sleeved 3 days ago on the 9-17-12. Still having a good deal of pain, but no nausea which is completely out of the ordinary for me post-op. VERY thankful for this as just hiccups and coughing hurt like heck. I still have a lot of swelling in my belly-not able to burp normally anymore and not passing much gas. I called my doc today and they said to be patient-usually around day 4 or 5 things will start functioning more normally. Still taking pain meds but only 1/2 dose at 4pm today and will take full dose before bed. Going on very short walks to try to get this air outta me. But walking makes my Big Daddy incision hurt super bad. This is the incision in the middle for me. The one on the left is also sore but the others are not bothering me. Anyway, speaking of bariatric foods...today I received in the mail a catalog from Bariatric Choice. There are many products in there and I am just wondering if anyone has tried any of them. Some of the brands are: Wonderslim, BariWise,ProtiDiet. It sort of concerns me that just about every item in here shows a 5 star rating. Uh, doubt THAT is true. Any feedback will be much appreciated as I am so ready to be off clear liquids. 4 more days to go on that one and then on to soft foods.

Anybody on here willing to tell me about what life's like after the sleeve? I know side effects with this procedure are significantly less then with other bariatric surgeries. But, I'm wondering, am I going to be nausiated all the time? What about diahrrea? Is there sanity after a food addiction?? I know these are (kind've gross) and personal questions...but really...what is life like after the sleeve?

Hi Benny and all the others on this thread. I commend each of you for your courage and for setting boundaries that feel right and comfortable for YOU. These boundary lines may or may not be the same for everyone. While others are not entitled to know such personal information I find it can be more uncomfortable to carry around secrets and tend to "over-share" as a result. So, when it came to this very personal journey I've made a conscious decision to exercise a greater level of discretion than I might otherwise have done had this been another type of surgery. I stumbled upon Bariatric Pal just in the nick of time and have been searching for this particular topic for a few days. My Feb. 3 surgery date creeps ever closer and I'm struggling with whom to tell and NOT to tell about my news. It took over a year to make my ultimate decision to move forward with my VSG and I've done tons of research as it's my nature to do so. I've also watched many YouTube videos of other sleevers. They've each made my decision SO much easier. I work in close quarters in an office setting with only about 9 administrative staff at my location. One of these co-workers had a Gastric Bypass many years ago. So far, I've told my husband, two teenage children, my mother, two sisters, my boss and one co-worker who also needs to know. These seven people have ALL been at least neutral if not outright supportive. They have expressed concern, a healthy dose of skepticism, and caution; but ultimately have been supportive - even those naturally slim ones who've not walked in my shoes along the arduous path of being overweight for years. Today, after more careful thought, I decided to open up to the co-worker who had Gastric Bypass. She smiled and hugged me. In her embrace I felt an immediate sense of camaraderie and acceptance. She told me how happy she was for me. I knew I had made the right decision. I'm sure she was also delighted to have a new "bariatric buddy" to commiserate with now! Unlike my family and co-workers, my husband's family is large (in number), rather opinionated and controlling. Once I broached the subject of weight loss surgery with one of them and she immediately responded, "NO! YOU'RE NOT DOING THAT!" I just brushed her comment aside and said I was just taking the 12-week preparation class to educate myself about the options 'out there.' Despite the controlling nature of that side of our family, we are close and they are loving and supportive of our family in many ways. I know they will feel truly hurt if I wait until after surgery to spring the news on them. I believe they will eventually come around once the realization sets in that this was my decision to make, not theirs. The partial explanation approach: "I'm just eating a healthier diet and exercising more." will never fly with this group. They all know I've tried EVERYthing to lose weight and they'd never buy it. They're far too astute. I suppose time will tell. I'm leaning toward spilling the Beans about a week before surgery so they have time to process the concept; but I'm still not 100% sure when the "right" opportunity will present itself. I'll suppose I'll just have to follow my heart and trust my own instincts ... Like most others, my decision was based primarily on the priority of extending my life and to ensuring my children and husband will have a mom/wife around for a long time; one who will soon be physically able to keep up and participate fully in our lives together. Blessings to all of you and my gratitude to those of you patient enough to read my posting. It's much longer than I expected it would be!

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

Dr. Jin Yoo at Duke Oh wow! I thought about him, but I decided on Dr. Tyner at Bariatric Specialist. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J120AZ using the BariatricPal App

I use OptiSource Post-Bariatric Surgery cheweables. They taste great and are generally gentle on the stomach. Take 4 per day.

Yeah I have read some horror stories with cosmetic surgery in Mexico, but I haven't heard anything bad about WLS.I have insurance but they have excluded any weight loss coverage including bariatric surgery. Of course I can't give you any recommendations on that. But I can't suggest doing as much internet searches you can find people who have done it get their opinion. Contact NIH. Who knows they may have a study and can help you out. Well worth investigating. And if I can help in any way please don't hesitate to ask. Sent from my LGUS991 using the BariatricPal App

It's a common misconception that there is a long list of things you'll never be able to eat again following bariatric surgery. That simply is not true. With a short list of exceptions, I eat anything I want to eat. Once you graduate to a regular diet, it's not about what you "can't" eat, it's about what you "choose" to eat. Or not eat. That's where the all important lifestyle changes come into play. It's all about control, not denial. The miracle of weight loss surgery is that it puts you in control. You're gonna love the new you!!

I used Dr. Trivedi, a link to more info about him is on my profile. I'm like the 7th person in my family to have this done and most of those 7 relatives used Trivedi, but Trivedi is part of a practice that features all bariatric surgeons. I think he's a very good doctor, but his front desk staff is extremely rude and incapable of getting anything done, you have to be very proactive and extremely on top of them. There's only a handful of nice people working in that office.

What does your primary care doc think? Have you checked in with your bariatric group lately? Maybe a visit with the dietician would be a good place to start. Sorry this is happening to you.

Oh, just remembered. was told by experienced bariatric surgeon that did my revision to keep my protein uptake at 60 grams daily, low sugar to prevent dumping. I tolerate sugar fine, only one episode years ago, ate way too much at Christmas. I'm drinking Premier Protein Shakes, can get them down and they taste okay to me. Wonder if I should add a glass of full fat milk daily, I might could get it down, if I split it up. I try to eat a few bites of full fat cottage cheese. I can't even get down a small frozen meal, such as Atkins, etc. Tried this morning, ate about 4 bites and spit it out. I know I need therapy, my husband died in 2014 from cancer, then my only son who was heroin addict in 2015, committed suicide 2015. I am overwhelmed with unresolved grief...but that can take years to solve I need help with getting the best nutrition to be focused enough and well enough to even drive to therapy. Get my drift? I need a registered dietician in bypass patients who are experiencing my specific condition, and take my health issues/age, and the fact I live alone, and find it even hard to get to store, etc. I'm overwhelmed to say the least. Just wanting first step. Getting medical care, but she really doesn't know best core diet to recover from this.

me too! it will start again no worries:-) HW 250/1st Lapband 198/2nd Lapband 232/Pre conversion 2/6/13 to bypass 232. Currently 206 Bariatric GW 134, Realistic GW 150

Tomorrow (June 21) is my first visit for the 6 month diet. I have bcbs in California. My ins requires 6 mo class, nutritionist visit, psych visit, upper gi, and a barium x-ray ( can't recall the name for that). I am right at 40 bmi and I am worried about falling below that during the 6 mo and then not qualifying. Not happy that I have to wait so long but after reading other's experiences, it appears to go fast. I am thankful that I have a supportive husband but I have chosen to not share this journey with family and friends. I am realize that I am one of those people who has lived in denial about my weight my entire adult life so it has been difficult to come to terms with myself. I am thankful for these forums and reading your stories and experiences. I will have my surgery by Dr. Boone in Fresno, Ca and they have a great program with ALSA. My insurance only covers 5k for bariatric so I am looking at 11k out of pocket. Not sure where exactly that will materialize from but I have faith.

I've been scared at times too, but sometimes you just have to figure out your basic plan, then just start doing rather than thinking. Believe me, getting stuck in your own head doesn't help any more than the fear does. Mistakes will probably happen along the way, all you can do is get up the next morning with a renewed goal to keep moving forward.

I searched online and found this under FAQ: Lap Band Surgery, Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgery to Lose Weight, Obesity Management Asia What I don't understand is they say the band can be tighter in the morning,(changes in Water retention) but the band can't be tighter during flying. so I'm guessing that some people that have problems with tightness might be flying in the morning or since the morning tightness is associated with water retention, perhaps some people eat something before the flight that makes them retain water, they get tight and blame it on fyling instead of the food they ate??? Maybe they ate salty airport food? I am flying soon, I think I will make sure not to eat something salty and I will stay well hydrated. There are also old threads about this, that you can do an "advanced search" to find.

Hi there @@kmt1973 -- there is a group of very successful banders who post on a thread called Banders #7. With so many different surgeries represented here on Bariatric Pal, Banders are somewhat of a minority so I always look there first. And I try to avoid the negative band talk from those who have had revisions. I'm sorry you had to go through all of that and hope that you're on track now -- sounds like the unfill and now refill process is going well. I think some doctors are annoyed at all the followup that a band requires. Most surgeons would rather be in the OR than discussing the finer points of appetite. There are a couple of links in my signature below which really helped me a lot -- the O'Brien Eight Golden Rules of Lapband on videos and the Dr. Simpson link. Best wishes to you!

Thanks everyone very much for the feedback. The price in Mexico was $4500 and flights are about $1600 return. That includes 2 nights in hospital and 2 nights in a hotel, airport transfers and all the leak tests and pre-op tests. There seems to be many Americans going over the border for that surgery so they do have a lot of experience, however, it is Mexico and doesn't evoke images of surgical cleanliness. I was also looking at Thailand as I know they are very well known for excellent cosmetic surgery but haven't heard too much about bariatrics, and their hospitals are amazing. Stevie07, can you let me know the contact details of where you are going and any internet links/info please. And if anyone else has any info for Thailand that would be greatly appreciated, the more info for an informed choice the better. Sorry but I can't figure out how to reply to individual messages!

I am 6 weeks post op and nauseous all the time. I can't even eat or drink I'm so nauseated. I had to go on TPN infusions every night through a picc line in order to get my fluids and nutrients. My surgeon said it happens to some Bariatric patients and it will go away. In the meantime I'm miserable.

It’s not a stupid question at all and I’m rather shocked your question at the drs office was brushed off. My initial plan told me I’d have to take them twice a days as well but I’m using one specifically formulated for bariatric patients so I only have to take one. As long as one meets the requirements you’ll be fine 😎

I know it's frustrating, but most likely this is just water weight. When you start dieting, the amount of glycogen stored in your muscles and organs drops pretty dramatically since you're not taking in enough carbs to replenish the glycogen. This depletion of glycogen also causes scale weight to drop in the form of water loss. Over time, those glycogen stores are renewed, which also causes you to put the water weight back on. This phenomenon is even worse if you also add in new exercise, as your body needs extra water in your muscles to help repair the micro damage that exercise does to your muscles. If you feel sore muscles, you can know for sure that you're storing extra water. I suspect there's another factor at work here: stress. Elevated stress levels causes you adrenal glands to make and release a hormone known as cortisol into your bloodstream. Among other things, elevated cortisol levels can actually slow down your metabolism, meaning you're burning fewer calories at rest.

I'm a straight-and-narrow bandster. Doing things my way placed me in the position of requiring bariatric surgery. I have no reason to believe it would serve me any better now that the band is in place. I eat the way my doctor recommends. I exercise each and every day---at least once. Whether I want to or not. Motivation and enthusiasm don't even play in. Like any other job I have to do, if I have an off day, I just put one foot in front of the other until I get done what needs to be done. The rewards are FAR greater than most jobs I do--which tends to feed enthusiasm. But really, I generally don't feel in the least bit deprived. I feel incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity to become healthier and happier in my own skin.

I had my sleev done through tri care at Ft Lewis. It took me about 3 months to meet all the requirements and schedule my appt. that being said ft Lewis serves a about of military and the bariatric program actually had a waiting list. Once I got through the waiting list part it took me about 6 weeks to get in all required apps and do a 4 week food journal that I was required to do before hand.

After 6 months out, I really really really struggle with the concept of all ppl are on the same nutritional plan in "XYZ" Bariatric practice. It's not good science. Your food requirements need to be tailored to you. Your metabolic rate. That's obtained through testing. Are you hungry? That would be the first clue you're not eating enough. Feeling sluggish. Second clue. You are putting out high cardio and something has to feed your metabolism. I'm not trying to sound harsh. I feel frustrated when bariatric practices appear to drive ppl through like cattle. I'm not saying that's what's happening to you. But I think something is nudging you to better understand what your metabolic needs are. I'd ask for metabolic testing. I think your instincts are suggesting you are overtraining for the amount of calories you are consuming but you need validation before you increase your calories. I don't think your trying to cheat your sleeve. If you were losing 3 pounds a month I might not respond with all this ranting. But three pounds over three months on those calories with your level of commitment does not add up. People can diddle all they want about the best energy sources (complex carbs, fast carbs, fats...) but for health it's about having enough to burn. Fiddle is right on. You do not want to give up your lean muscle. (For those who don't know, lean muscle is every organ in your body as well as hair as well as what ppl typically think of as muscle. So that's your heart.) Just feel empowered for your health and wellness. Listen to your self.

I just bought the bariatric advantage chews in strawberry watermelon, they're pretty good and the chews are soft and go down easy.

Hi...My name is Cay and my Dr. scheduled my sleeve gastrectomy today for August 22. I am doing OK, but I am here to gain as much "first hand" knowledge I can about the before, during and after surgery stuff. I live in Morgan City, LA (About an hour outside of New Orleans......yes, Swamp People is taped right in my back yard! LOL!) My insurance will not pay a penny for bariatric surgery, so I must pay $12,000.00 for this procedure and I have decided to forget about the money and concentrate on how much I will be able to enjoy life when I am done. I am a recent breast cancer survivor, being diagnosed in January 2009. I received a lumpectomy, port surgery, chemotherapy and radiation and now am gratefully cancer-free so far. It will be two years cancer-free in December. I learned through that journey that whatever time we all have left, we should live it to the fullest! I will pray for all of you to have successful experiences with your surgery. Please pray for me also!