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Mmmmm well my doctors (both Bariatric surgeon and OB/GYN) said I should be fine trying for pregnancy 3 months post-op provided that I do my labs prior to trying.. They don't usually recommend that for anyone else but I have much less to lose anyways and will probably lose all my excess weight at 4-6 months.. So I guess it's safe to start prenatals now Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had purchased patch vitamins and EZ melt vitamins to meet vitamin requirements. Purchased Propel water at Sam's club, 15g protein, 0 cal, 0 sugar to meet liquid intake to prevent constipation. Purchased from Bariatric pal soups, chocolate drinks, shakes replacements to be sure all protein was met. After surgery on the 28th of August 2020, no pain, some discomfort. Went home the next day after x-ray showing no leakage at Mayo Hospital in Florida. I did walk in place in the hospital to help release excess gas. I did purchase a abdominal binder on Amazon and used it after the surgery. This helped a great deal and Dr said this was a good idea to do this. My goal is BMI 20 or less. Enjoy your healthy journey. Dr. Stephen Bowers did over 1000 gastric bypass surgeries and he was awesome.

I think it's good you are questioning if you are ready for surgery. I say that, because I think some people go into this unprepared. I see it all the time here, head hunger. I can safely assure you even though many don't admit it, if we're to the point of having surgery. We have food addiction issues. I took a year, before surgery and got into intensive therapy. Because I am a food addict. That's how I got to 345lbs. I weighed more than that in my life too. I am just like any other addict. (I am disabled, so I don't drive, and rely on others to take me shopping) I hid my consumption from others, even the food I was buying in my cart. I lied to people about what I was eating. Or that I was making food for others, and it was really all for me. Whole batches of cupcakes and pans of Enchiladas or enough donuts, chips and Snacks to kill an elephant loaded in my cart, was explained away as food for an upcoming party. I started panicking when I was getting low on my favorite foods. I, an out of control diabetic, was eating extremely carb heavy meals, topped off with 3 cupcakes and big glass of milk, and would sit on the sofa....and start nodding out like a heroin addict. I'd sleep for hours, wake, repeat. That was my life. Trust me, I am so aware I could fall off that wagon at any time. Emotional upsets tend to set me off...but, with the help of my therapist who I still see, twice a month, helped me find other things to replace that good feeling I got from nodding out on the sofa. Now, that I am 50 lbs away from my goal...I am so determined, and have said goodbye to not only 145lbs, but all those huge clothes that used to hang in my closet. Along with all those bad eating habits I had. Gone, but not forgotten. I kept the outfit I wore the day of my surgery, as a remembrance of where I came from. My surgeon told me, I shouldn't experience physical hunger, and for the past 10 months he's been right. I have not had physical hunger since my surgery. He did his job. I did my job too, because I have not had head hunger either. That was because I worked through the what's and why's. What happened in my life that made me want to eat my emotions? What was missing in me that made me want to fill it up with food? Why couldn't I stop on my own? I had a LOT to face. More than most of these bariatric programs ever even attempt to cover with their psych evaluations. Sorry, 1 test, and an hour with a Psychologist is NOT enough. So, yes, ask yourself if you are ready, because the head hunger, that's probably not going to go away. In my opinion, you really need to get that in check. I'm not being mean or harsh, just real with you. I wish you luck with everything. If you really want this....it's yours.

I was good up until about 4 months, then started losing a lot. I had Bypass surgery Oct 10. I have steadily taken in a lot of protein with Unjury and Premier Protein, as well as lots of chicken, cheese, eggs, etc. I have lost a lot in two months. I also took Biotin from the beginning and two months ago started on another product that has horsetail product in it, etc. Still lost hair. I believe it is finally quitting and I am at six months from surgery today. My hairdresser said it is coming back in, but it is very thin and I have always had thick hair. From what I read there is not much you can do about it except take some supplements. I am very good at taking my bariatric vitamins and calcium 3x a day as well. I think it is just part of the surgery.

I am 7 1/2 years into my band and it is being removed and revised to the sleeve in about 2 weeks. It was great the first 2 years, then GERD and vomiting, then issues with dilation of the upper pouch (which I of course am likely responsible for, too), which causes food waste to be trapped in the upper pouch, and then recently a gastric bleed from the band slipping down and causing a blood vessel to pop, which caused me to lose half my blood and spend a week in the hospital. My gastroenterologist said he wanted it out of me asap due to the risk of another bleeding episode. I have been advised by doctors involved that it just seems like everyone who has the band will need to have it out at some point. My insurance will not cover bariatric so I am off to Mexico. $18,000 here to remove band. $4500 in Mexico to remove and revise to sleeve.

I have a few Protein bars on hand, but they are not a daily staple in my plan. Usually I will take one with me for the return trip home from 2 distant specialists that see on a regular basis. My favorites (Rocky Road and Lemon Merange protein bars) come from Bariatric Choice's website. They have many flavors. BariatricChoice.com From that same website, I also bought high protein chips and pretzles. My favorite chips are the pizza and BBQ flavors. They shipped quickly. But like I said I don't eat one every day. Hope this helps in some way.

Hi I've just been searching for this topic as I've recently realised I have just started showing symptoms of Reactive Hyplogylcemia. I'm exactly one year post-op sleeve surgery and I had no idea us sleevers could suffer these symptoms. I'm a vegetarian so trying to cut out carbs has been a huge challenge for me and must admit that recently they have come back into my diet and my weightloss has also stalled. I now find that if I try and exercise in the mornings I have a massive hypo attack, the shakes, sweating, low blood sugar, feel like I'm going to faint, need to sit down and then an urgency to eat something. I then continue to feel terrible for the rest of the day like I'm all washed out and very tired even though I've done almost nothing. This is a very worrying new complication of the sleeve surgery that I did not sign up for and I'm trying to find out as much as possible about the condition so I can learn how to manage it. I'm confused as to whether I need to cut the carbs or increase them? I've been eating about 1,000 calories a day but burning around 2,700 cals per day (I wear a BodyMedia monitor so I know exactly what I'm using). I'm now really worried about this new development.. I'm seeing my surgeon next week for my one year review, I will be asking about this as from what I've researched, it seems as though there are a lot of people post bariatric surgery complaining of the problem and not much can be done from what I know??. Mine so far has been manageable but I am very worried it might get worse and I've read some people having their Pancreases removed which seems very extreme!. Any help or advice would be gratefully received. Prior to surgery I had PCOS, under-active thyroid and had been told years ago that I was insulin resistent but I never had diabetes. I must say, had I known about this complication it would have made me consider very carefully whether I should do this? Please has anyone any advice as it is worrying me a lot??

@@RNYGal I am sitting here in shock after reading your post. How is that even legal? How does someone not "believe" in helping his patients pain level? What happened to do no harm? You body needs to heal, and part of that is staying on top of that pain so your body can rest and relax. I am so sorry and send such positive healing thoughts your way. How brave you are. I don't know if it's feasible but is it too late to visit another Bariatric center? Did you know this going in? Is it written down somewhere, that he doesn't "believe" in using narcotics? I just feel so terrible, that you have had to go through this.

I tried Celebrate sample packs. The chewable vitamins tasted horrible. I did get 2 packets of 4 in 1 but the vitamins tasted so bad, I threw the packets out. I suspect the 4 in 1 just has their vitamins in powder added to protein shake pack. Find a brand of Bariatric chewable vitamin you like and switch. BARIATRIC FUSION chewable are the cheapest and complete, including calcium. Different fruit flavors but avoid the ORANGE as it is really overwhelmingly strong flavor. For protein shakes, I have been drinking pre-made FAIRLIFE Nutrition Chocolate. I really like it and only 150 cal with 30g protein, 2 carbs in 11 oz serving. Stats: 5'1", age 67, female. Highest weight: 245. BMI 41. Surgery Date: May 28, 2020. Weight at surgery: 211. VSG.

Calcium carbonate (the type found in Tums, the chocolate chewables Viactiv) is not fully absorbed without an acidic environment, and since I take Prilosec (keeps my stomach from producing acid), the calcium would not be absorbed, and is not going to protect my bones. Plus, calcium carbonate can cause some rebound reflux so I avoid it. Calcicum citrate does not have to be taken with food, and has high absorption rates without needing an acidic environment so it's the recommended calcium for bariatric patients.

this is my hospital's diet plan. its very specific and will tell you exactly what you need to know. it is a center of excellence. somewhere there is a thread with lots of links to post op diets. but i dont know where. http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/departments-centers/bariatrics/bariatric-diets.aspx if you follow this, you should be good!

Surgery was on 12/15. It went smoothly. I came home the next day in a lot of pain. I ran out of meds. I have a large bruise on my stomach with a knot on it. It concerned me enough to go see my surgeon. He assured me it was normal and re-uped my pain meds. He's apparently proud of my progress in meeting my Fluid and Protein goals. I also got a little card that lets me eat off the children's menu. I'm a card carrying bariatric now! So, overall, I'm good. But it's a little bumpy.

that averages out to 4 lbs a week - so yes, that's normal. You normally see the biggest drop the first month (maybe two), after that, 2 or 3 lbs a week is pretty average. I'd also lost 39 lbs when I was where you're at, and I started out much heavier than you. I think a lot of people's expectations are shaped by shows like "My 600 lb Life", but you have to keep in mind that people on that show start out A LOT heavier than your average bariatric patient - so you can't compare yourself to them. If you're sticking to your plan, staying active, and your overall weight trend is done, you're good.

I am looking to purchase a scale that would be just as good as the bariatric scales used at the center where I had my surgery just at a economical price . Any suggestions? Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone, I am Shari and i'm new here i live in Roseville Ca, i went to the orientation back in april 2009 and i just wasn't ready to do it. I am now, i just called the Bariatric center in Richmond and they are re activating me, so to expect a call from Robin in the next week or so. I am so excited and so nervous, they want me to go to my Dr's off and get my weight recorded, i guess that is their way of telling me to start losing? LOL.. I am looking for some postive feedback on the band, the last time i had my heart set on gastric bypass but after reading about it, i just feel the band is a better choice. So i would love to hear from you all about your experiences and would you do it again?? Thank you so much.....

Hi all; I had my band out last wednesday. Before the band removal, my doc said that in 1-2 months after the band removal that we could do the sleeve revision. I went back in for a post-op check up today, and now he is talking 2 months! He didnt give any emperical evidence about why we need to wait 2 months, he just said that this was just a post-op visit, and that we needed to start the bariatric surgery back from the beginning about getting me qualified, etc. I brought out the big guns and told him my company was talking about layoffs(what else is new, right?, but they really ar), the time frame is may-june, and that since I know I have coverage with my current insurance, I wanted to make sure it was done before that happened. He didnt appear particularly moved with my argument. I am BUMMED. I was hoping to come away with a date today since we both went in knowing I was getting the revision and not just the band removed. Sigh.... Another trip back to him on Monday with the packet for the bariatric work up. I was hoping to finish the summer with most of my weight gone, not sure where it stands now. blech Lisa

All of the bariatrics surgeons in Colorado have less than 10 vsg surgeries under their belt according to obesityhelp. This doc is the only one in his practice. Soo...I *will* become a pain in the arse..I *will* stand up for my rights!! lol Thanks for understanding you guys! Lisa

I would encourage you to continue the battle with your insurance company if they have not listed bariatric surgery as an exception. But, to answer your question, I am going to Dr. Kelly in Tijuana on Monday and I am using a passport card. A portion of the monies paid for the surgery also goes toward ground transportation from San Diego to Tijuana. It took two and a half weeks for me to get a card (I paid for it to be expedited).

Deedee, sorry that your are struggling. I personally don't care for Protein drinks and never really relied on them for my source of protein. I would agree with most other posters here that your surgeons diet is very unrealistic. The goal of the sleeve is to help incorporate healthy long term eating habits. I don't feel drinking meal substitution twice a day is in any way healthy. Ultimately it is your body and you know what is best for you. There are ways to get high protein and low carbs for Breakfast with out drinking Protein Drinks. For example I eat 2 boiled egg whites and a turkey sausage for breakfast. It fills me up and I get over 20g of protein. There are so many doctors who are relatively new to the bariatric surgery field and I have found that their policies evolve over time, as they see trends in what works and what doesn't. I say this out of experience as I was previously a bariatric coordinator. I would make better decisions in your food choices and document your food and when you go see your nut/surgeon show them that you are capable of making good food choices. They may actually be giving patients such a restricted diet because they feel patients are not capable of making smart decisions. Best of luck, and trust your gut, if you feel their diet is not working for you don hesitate to modify it to your needs. Please keep updated.

Me too! Sleeved on the 10th as well.. I have thrown up everytime I've taken the Bariatric Advantage chewable. Currently using a multivitamin patch and looking for something else.

I found this at Walgreen's accidentally. It's the "Post bariatric surgery formula" chewable vitamin/mineral supplement you take 4 times a day. It is citrus flavor and I like it. It makes me feel like I am eating/chewing. I know if it were a big ole horse pill, I wouldn't take it. Maybe later, I will switch up. And, I take Trill Oil, omega-3, just one small capsule per day.

Hi, congratulations on making the decision to have WLS. I'm Kaiser Southern CA and the first thing you should know is that the insurance requirements vary greatly, not only from company to company, but area to area with the same insurance. Kaiser is a very good example. So what I'm describing here could be very different for you. I started my journey back in August 2014, which was when I first talked to my PCP about the possibility. He was very supportive and told me that all I needed to do to start the ball rolling was to call the Wellness Center in San Diego. When I placed the call I was told that I would be sent an info packet and after reading, if I decided to proceed, to call back to schedule a date to attend two mandatory seminars. One for weight management and one an intro to the Options program. I attended both seminars on 09/11. There they gave us a 10 page questionnaire to fill out that had to do with medical history, past weight loss attempts (you only have to describe them not provide actual proof), etc. After about a week I received an email telling me to get a few pre program labs, blood draw, EKG, stool sample, fasting glucose, and I think that was it. The faster you comply with their requirements, the faster you move along. A week or so after this I was contacted again to make an appointment for a one on one meeting with the head of the Bariatric Options program. Mine was for 10/06, and it only lasted about 20 minutes. The weight for this appointment is considered your Options starting weight. There I was told that I had been approved to enter the program and I would be contacted with the information on when my Options classes would begin. For my area Kaiser requires 24 weeks of classes (or 6 months), one class a week. But most other areas of Kaiser in CA only require 12 weeks (or 3 months of classes). I was also told that I will be required to lose 10 percent of my weight, which in my case was 24 pounds. My classes started in November and meets each Thursday night. This week will be class #11 and I've been surprised by how fast the time goes by (mine end in mid May). For the most part they're interesting and last 90 minutes. Last week we had a speaker, which was a former student who had the sleeve about 1 1/2 years ago. You can only miss four classes, and have to make up each one you miss. If you miss five you're out, and this has actually happened to a couple of people in mine. You're weighed each time and will be required to keep food and exercise logs. In my area Kaiser contracts out to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego, and the surgery is done at Scripps Mercy, also in SD. We are required to attend one of their seminars. I go next month. From the workbook material I've read that after graduation, if you've lost the 10 percent you then wait to be contacted to take a stress test. If you pass, then your file is forwarded to Pacific Bariatric. You will be asked to get a series of pre surgical labs/tests, not sure which. Then PB will contact you to schedule an all in one appointment for psych eval, surgical consult, and I think a medical internist. And at some point in all this you will get your surgery date. They do the sleeve or bypass. They no longer offer the band. If you don't lose the 10 percent there's an extra step before the stress test where you have to go back and have a consult with the head of the program. We were told in the intro seminar that the process averages about 9 months and it's been on line for that. Good luck with your journey!

Alex if you go to ebay and google things like...divided toddler plate..and other similar things you will find lots of ideas from cheap plastic to melamine to Stangle pottery. Starting there I bet you could find a manufacturer you could buy in bulk from and even have plates customized for Bariatric Pal. Maybe sippy cups too.LOL

Hi, I am looking for a buddy. I have surgery on Friday and even though my husband is great support I want to connect with someone else who can relate better. I have experience taking care of patients post op Bariatric surgery, but I want someone who I can talk to as the patient. Thank you in advance for anyone who is interested. Beverly

I started a FB support group for San Diego Kaiser folks. Please join us!!!! Search FB for "San Diego Kaiser Bariatric WLS Pre and post op support group"