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i know i keep saying this but all of these comments and support really help!! i did great yesterday with all of the recommendations and i can't thank you all enough! my family is so supportive but sometimes you just have to hear the support and advice from people who can relate. i got in 40 g of Protein yesterday and stuck to my new way of life because i realized i am NOT a failure and yes this is a new way of life and not a diet. i need to change my relationship with food and thats something i need to work on. it doesn't mean i can't love it still, i just need to change the way i look at it. i got on pinterest and started looking at bariatric recipes, because i love to cook. I'm excited to continue on this journey knowing i can come here and get great advice and wonderful support by people that are real and have been through or are going through this journey. i found a couple protein shakes i like at GNC called lean shake that have 25g protein and only 2 sugars. banana,strawberry, vanilla, and a chocolate. i picked up some nectar brand unflavored powder as well. I'm going to get on my new elliptical and start a new exercise program today as well. guys THANK YOU so much and please keep the recommendations coming and the stories how we're all human and people veer off track but the important thing is to pick yourself up right away, figure out what caused it, and move on.

To me, it'd be worth paying out $300 to another surgeon in the hope that I'd end up in a bariatric clinic that doesn't resemble a cattle yard. I guess I'd favor a clinic with more than one surgeon, in case the one I interview doesn't click with me.

What kind of doctor recommends alcohol and soda to a post bariatric surgery patient?! I would seriously have concerns. I was warned that it is possible to lose too must weight. Of course, some people never lose as much as they would have liked so it is not across the board. I did have a friend who has Gastric Bypass who lost more than she wanted to and she consistently upped her calorie intake until she got back to where she wanted to be, but she didn't eat crap food. Keep in mind, that it is normal for people to gain 10-15 pounds within five years. My doctor said not to worry if I felt like I got a little too skinny because my sleeve would stretch a little over time and I would gain some weight.

Dense is important. I coincidentally read two different things yesterday posted by bariatric authorities who discussed the importance of re-introducing solid foods to your new anatomy. Not only does it help with satiety but it's kinda like...if you don't use it, you lose it. And you need to have the solid food to maintain a well-working digestive system. So get those solids in. It's all about choices. Choose your hard, dear.

Not according to my dietician. This has everything. They don’t taste as good as the bariatric ones from vitamin shoppe but the fewer pills the better!

I got a call from the bariatric nurse today. “We can schedule your surgery for October 2nd.” That’s two weeks away! And granted, that’s pending insurance approval, but holy cow! I’ve been in the program since March and everything has taken so long due to COVID. I just had my EGD last week, I guess I was just expecting a lot more waiting before getting a surgery date. I’m excited, but at the same time, I kind of wanted to have one last food (and drink) hurrah with friends before surgery. But not going to complain... the wait is almost over!

Hello everyone! I have been lurking about and researching for about a month now but things just got real. I scheduled my surgery and sent the check off in the mail today!! I tried to schedule with a local surgeon but my insurance does not cover any weight loss surgery and it was going to cost $15,000 so I started researching surgery in Mexico and decided on Dr. alejandro lopez with Specialized Bariatrics. My surgery date is November 3, 2014 in Tijuana at Mi Doctor Hospital. Thankfully my husband is an English/Spanish interpreter and I've been to Guatemala before and I love Hispanic culture so I don't think I will feel uncomfortable in Tijuana. Also, my husband's parents live in Los Angeles so I'll be able to recover there for two weeks before I fly back to Florida. My husband has been very supportive and I am very grateful for that. My mom is freaking out a bit and I have yet to hear Dad's opinion but I know this is what I need to do and I made the right decision. Here's some info about me: My name is Kristen. I'm almost 29 years old (my birthday is a week after my surgery!) I am 5'7" and 260 lbs but I have a very muscular/thick frame with well-proportioned fat so I "hide" my size well (or so I've been told every time I tell someone how much I really weigh) Current BMI is 40.7 My highest weight ever was 290 My lowest weight in my adult life was 217 but I gained most of it back after a two year stall discouraged me from continuing to track calories. I have PCOS, pre-diabetes and high blood pressure without medication. I am an expert on diets! (Haha, aren't we all??) I love to exercise but I also have a lot of back/muscle issues that flare up and I get discouraged easily. I have a very "all or nothing" "perfectionist" kind of attitude so if I can't do something perfectly I don't feel like it is worth trying at all. This is why I fail with diets and exercise. I'll be 100% committed but if I don't see results from my hard work, eventually I give up. (In all fairness, a two year stall...I have the patience of a saint!) I have started a running program on 3 separate occasions and every time my back gets messed up and sets me back a few weeks I give up and never return to maybe try walking. Because I want to run! I'm still working on refining my brain. I obviously have a negative relationship with food because now that I know I'm having the surgery I feel like I should eat as much of my favorite things as possible. How horrible is that?? At least I can see that this is not normal behavior... I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know some of you! I would appreciate if you drop me a line with some advice, words of wisdom or encouragement :-) Kristen

I can totally relate to you. I too will have my surgery in tijuana on oct. 13th 5 days after my 38th bday with dr. Valenzuela at hospital mi doctor through mexico bariatric. Have had 3 failed ivf's and my main reason for getting sleeved is to hopefully get rid of my pcos and get pregnant naturally. I was banded in 2007 lost 60lbs and it stopped working for me. So now im at 175'ish and 5'2 with super low self esteem. I want to feel good too. Im tired of shopping and finding nothing to wear everyday because it all doesnt look good. Im excited and scared as all of us are but my best friend will come with me to take care of me and help me through it. Im most scared of the preop, leak test and drain removal more than surgery itself. Good luck to us. We can do this!

I use Ortho Biotics, I purchased on amazon. It is a powder and you can add it to anything. It does have a "taste" and it is gritty so it best to add it to something that can mask it, like a shake. It was recommended by Blossom Bariatrics. https://youtu.be/zmP59h0CTXs?t=40m18s

I have a high BMI. My BMI is 71! With my insurance I don't need to have any co morbidities due to it being over 40, however I have plenty co morbidities It really depends on your insurance, but when doing my research on weight loss surgery on a lot of bariatric websites I have seen what most have said here, BMI of 40 without co morbidities and between 35-39 with 1-2 co morbidities Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There is a group that I am heavily involved in on Facebook called All Things Bariatric. It is a closed group, so tell the administrator that Ashley Cuff Osgood sent you. Everyone there is so amazing, supportive and gives the kick in the butt needed. If you are having struggles both pre and post weight loss surgery, this is THE place to be!!!

Good morning my Bronx friends. Just a check in to say hello to you and wish you a nice day. Thank you so much for sharing your stories. Another thing that I forgot to mention is that I eat fast when I'm on the go or basically everyday which I know is not allowed. That's something that I am not willing to give up. I am alone a lot also and its so true that we want to eat everything. I get so depressed and am so scared that if I start eating, I could become very sick. I don't want to live like that. I can't live like this for sure but I just can't get over the malabsorption and the dumping. I don't qualify for any of the other surgeries because I've had previous bariatric surgeries and screwed everything up.

I had my band on July 14th. And I've already failed with what my nutritionist told me. She was a brand new nutritionist (to this hospital) and I met the girl who was having the band a couple of days after me and we were told completely different things as she had the old nutritionist. I went onto solid but very soft foods in week two as I just knew in myself I'd be fine! And I have been I've got stuck once but that was my own fault and forgot and shoved in another mouthful when I was already full. Before I met the nutritionist the main bariatric nurse said they like people to move onto solids at the rate that the person feels comfortable with whether that's fast or flow! And the nutritionist said 4-5 weeks, stuff that!!!! I also find it so hard to stop at this 'comfortably satisfied point' and instead I end up so full I'm uncomfortable. It's hard to get my head around being full after eating so little and I guess that comes in time! But I'm definitely able to be probably a cup and a half-2 which annoys me. I haven't had a fill and I've only lost 6.5lbs since surgery as I gained a pound and a half at one point but I lost it again. I'm just so frustrated and feel like I'm failing and my band is failing. I had and still do have such high hopes for it. I know people lose weight at different rates but I can't help thinking I'm just not doing as well as I should be!! Although I do compare myself to the people who had similar surgery dates to me and who followed their nutritionists plan and are still on Mushies. Sorry for the rant but if anyone has any advice I'd be so great full!!! X

I am currently finishing my Master’s in Psychology and I happen to have a focus on Addiction Counseling, I hope to easy your stresses by elaborating a bit about the metabolic relationship of nicotine within the blood. Once imbibed nicotine metabolizes to cotinine which is generally what is tested for in most lab tests. And I am sure you are aware the different tests of urine, blood, swab, and hair follicle. The body can detox from nicotine technically in 5 days with heavy fluid flush and I high intake of Vitamin C. However, what is left is the mental/emotional attachment. The same receptors in the brain that function towards the reward center are now totally confused and are also depleting. The brain is now off balance and throwing dopamine at various levels causing emotional responses such as aggression or sadness. And some have even experienced flu like symptoms. A heavy smoker or a person that has smoked for a longer period of time will have more reward receptors to nicotine and therefore take a bit longer to adjust. But there is a bright ray of sunshine heading your way. You’re at day 13, and that my lady is a fantastic goal…one I am currently trying to reach myself (I smoke too). You should start to notice soon your taste buds will become more sensitive, your breathing has increased greatly, and your sense of smell is getting more sensitive by the minute. The average withdrawal symptom a person receives lasts technically 4 to 5 minutes and no longer, however with that information just know the more recent the quitting withdraw attacks can occur back to back. During this time I would suggest chewing peppermint gum or spearmint .Peppermint reacts to the same receptors in the brain as nicotine and the same flushes of withdrawal that occur in the tongue are masked by the peppermint gum. Not to mention this gives something for your mouth to do, creating a new habit. As with any addiction the emotional attachment should be addressed and this would be the time to ask yourself why you are attracted to cigarettes? what do they provide? My self personally, they have always been there like an old friend. Through even stressful or happy event they were there. But they are also the ones that have brought a lot of stress to my life when I ran out..lol I can tell you, you are the only one that can set the goal to truly quit. Your surgeon or family can tell you, you must quit getting the surgery. But if you are not the one to say enough is enough, then you will be right back to smoking soon after surgery. I know you most likely know all the benefits and risks there is to this type of surgery and smoking. If you are a smoker, you have a 75% increased risk of blot clots, stroke, or cardiovascular troubles. This too is a life changing event and one that anyone who is a smoker and seeking bariatric surgery must come to grips with. You’re not alone, just reach out. If you feel like you are going to cheat, or the stress is getting too much hop on her and I will gladly help talk you down. Heck, you got a 13 day head start on me but I’ll be your quit buddy! I wish you all the best of luck and I know you have it in your to quit and have a successful surgery.

I think some of the insurance companies ares tarting to realize it is cheaper to pay for bariatric surgery than it is to deal with the health issues of the obese.

I have attended his information Seminar and really liked him! I am not sure what insurance you have, but Blue Cross Blue Shield has awarded their facility the Bariatric Aware of Excellence!

I like Bariatric Advantage...I have Vanilla and Strawberry...those are the only ones I have tried...they do get a little bit foamy when I shake them so will see how we can tolerate them after I have my surgery on the 17th...

I did not mourn food. The closest I got to that was during all liquids when I got to the point where I just wanted to chew. I like to cook and I'm okay with trying recipes that have the same flavors but are more nutritious and have fewer calories. I wonder if it's because of where I was at in my journey to health when I got sleeved. I had already changed a lot about my diet by the time I decided on WLS. Having food allergies that land you in the ER or in a medical coma changes how you view food. I'm okay with eating the smaller portions on a bariatric diet. Even better now that I am sleeved I can actually have 1 cookie and be okay.

I was approved today for Jan 9th... What are bariatric body bags anyway? Does anyone know? I'm very excited and a little nervous but at 52 yrs old I have decided I don't want to live like this. It is worth the fear and if I don't make it I just don't but I have a chance at a life I could never achieve. I can walk, run whatever after the surgery and I am so miserable now that I am excited for a new life.

Hi there, good luck with your consultation. I had a lap band in 2011 and lost 90lbs, however after complications I managed to gain all but 5 lbs. back. I just had my band removed and revised to a gastric sleeve 8/25/17 and so far have lost 23 lbs. Weight loss is slower with a secondary procedure (I'm a bariatric program coordinator, too :)) and I really hope that I can get a good amount of weight off.

I am wondering if anyone has any sites that they look to for new bariatric friendly recipes? I already use World a According to EggFace but looking for additional suggestions.

I have tried: Bariatric Advantage Protein Powder: Orange Cream, banana, Iced Latte They were ok tasting, overpriced. Premier Protein: Strawberries and Cream, vanilla Best bang for the buck if you can get them at costco or Sams. Taste is good Isopure whey Protein Powder: Alpine Punch I like this one. Its not as thick as other shakes. Wanted something Fruity. WheyTech BodyTech Pro 24: chocolate Mint, Banana Cream Hands down my favorite Protein shake. I was always a Vanilla guy, but this Chocolate Mint shake is amazing. And you don't have to buy a huge tub of it either. The Vitamin Shoppe sells single serve packets of it. Pure Protein Premade Shakes (Pop Can size): Banan Cream I liked these a lot too. Best Banana flavor I have tried. nectar Protein: Sample Pack. You can get 13 individual packs for $15.00. One time only. Its really worth it. They have some good flavors but buying a large canister for 28+ is a gamble. http://www.si03.com/EMAIL/nectar_gng_sampler/nectarsampler.html Isopure Protein Zero Carb DRINK: Alpine Punch, Apple Melon, Orange-Pineapple-Banana I like these drinks. I got sick of the shake thickness after the 3rd week post op. I also did them for 2 weeks pre op so by then I had enough. The drinks are not for everyone. Its like gatorade but with a weird aftertaste. I suggest trying one to see if you like it. It might not be for you. Vitamins: I started with Centrum Complete Chewables but after the first bottle, switched to Kroger Childrens Complete Chewable Multi Vitamins. Better price. I got B Complex Chewable wafers from The Vitamin Shoppe but didn't care for the after taste of the Kiwi strawberry flavor so I went back and got Strawberry flavored Gummies from The Vitamin Shoppe. Calcium Citrate I bought through the Pharmacy at my local hospital but you can get them online. Bariatric Advantage Cal Citrate 500mg Chews, Orange flavor. My Surgeon told me to wait till I was a month Post Op to take these. D3: I just got the cheapest bottle from the local Meijer or Kroger. 2000iu, once a day. If you go to The Vitamin Shoppe, sign up for their rewards program. After the 3rd week after you sign up, they will send you a 20% off coupon in the mail. Try a few things from there at first and once you get that coupon, make a list of things you want to buy large amounts of, that 20% off is for the total of one shopping trip. I saved like 50 by buying a bunch at once. Good luck!

I have used the BariMelts Multivitamin (chewables) as well as the Bariatric Advantage Multivitamin (chewables). The BariMelts melt in your mouth, flavor is pretty decent with only a hint of a vitamin'y taste. But the Bariatric Advantage is like eating Starburst candies

you're what we call a "lightweight", so you're not going to lose nearly as fast as someone who starts out at over 300 lbs. You are doing just fine - at least in the weight loss dept. you're NOT doing fine in the drinking dept - and I"m glad you said you're going to try to cut it out. Like someone else said, my surgeon didn't allow drinking for the first year after surgery - and even now, we're only supposed to drink occasionally - and maybe just a glass of wine or two (or the equivalent) the few times when we DO drink. Alcoholism isn't uncommon among bariatric patients because of transfer addiction, so watch it...

As far as not seeing the dr before the approval - that's common, or at least that's what they do at Scottsdale Bariatrics in Arizona. Now she did give the info presentation but I haven't seen her since then. And like many others I didn't want my insides scrambled, either. Good luck!