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I still drink a protein shake every day at five years out because we discovered early on that I malabsorb protein. I also did (and still do) a lot of experimenting with shakes to keep them interesting...same kind of stuff you did - and more! if you want a bunch more ideas, check the blog http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ She's a long-term WLS vet and loves cooking - she has lots of recipes on her site for all phases - including protein shake recipes. There are also a bunch of protein shake recipes on pinterest, however, the ones on pinterest aren't all necessarily appropriate for bariatric patients (although at minimum, you may get some ideas from them)

BariatricPal has launched a podcast! Hosted by Janine Winfree, our podcast will cover topics about obesity, pre-weight loss surgery, post-weight loss surgery, food addiction, emotional eating, myths about weight loss surgery, and more. Each episode will feature an expert in the field of weight loss and bariatric surgery who can provide a deeper insight into these topics. Episode 1 | Connie Stapleton: The Psychology of Obesity - Issues of the Mind Affecting the Body For our first interview episode, bariatric surgery patient Janine speaks with psychologist Dr. Connie Stapleton about the importance of therapy for weight loss surgery patients. Here's a brief overview of the topics we discuss on this episode: Food Addiction and Emotional Eating Advice for new patients The psychological evaluation Coping post-surgery Transfer addiction Self-defeating mindsets Overcoming fear of failure Dr. Stapleton's "Four ACES Approach" Identifying bad habits post-op Myths regarding bariatric surgery How WLS patients fail Connie's services You can find Dr. Connie Stapleton on her website, ConnieStapletonPHD.com. Her books, including the "Eat it Up" workbook, can be found there. Learn more about the Fair and Firm Therapy Retreats for Women at FairAndFirmRetreats.com. LISTEN NOW Available on The Following Platforms:

Revision won’t change your eating habits. Maybe look into joining Overeaters Anonymous or go to a Bariatric Surgery Support Group. You’ve had heartburn and other symptoms SINCE the surgery and you are wanting revision 4 years later? That doesn’t sound right. If something was wrong with the surgery you should have gone back to your doctor immediately. You need to face the true issues behind your weight. Even with bypass, you will continue to have problems unless you address them head on.

I'm 32 and had the sleeve 1/7/20. Down 77 pounds. My first two days were very difficult, but mainly in the sense that I could not get my water down, and I was so nauseous that I was even throwing up my anti-nausea meds. I had a few hiccups, including 5 weeks post op, landing back in the hospital for dehydration but that had nothing to do with the surgery (although I am sure it was exacerbated by my recovery), and everything to do with the stomach bug my family was passing around. I got a couple bags of fluid, and was let go the same day. So far I really don't have too much excess skin, but it is early. Ideally I would like to lose another 50-60 pounds. Not sure how my skin will be then. Socially, my situation is probably a bit different than most. I work at a hospital, and my best friends all work with me. They knew about the surgery and have been 100% supportive since day one. They are used to patients of all kinds, so my being a bariatric patient was no big deal. They do razz me occasionally about how little I eat before I get full...but it is kind of comical at times, and its all in good humor. This was by FAR the best choice I have ever made. No regrets at all, never have had any.

Has anyone had their gastric sleeve surgery done by Dr. Jesse at Suncoast Bariatrics in S. Pasedena Florida? Would love to hear from you. Thank you

I’m actually headed to Blossom next Wednesday. Apparently, they can use certain benefits from your policy even if it explicitly excludes Bariatric Surgery. As it was explained to me,with my specific policy, they are able to use an out-of-network general surgery benefit to assist with costs. I wound up only paying $6k out of pocket. Blossom is literally the only way this would’ve happened for me, because I was hard and fast on not paying anymore than $7k for it.  I think it’s utterly ridiculous that most insurance plans these days won’t cover it, yet they’ll pay for you to get your foot cut off from diabetes complications or other ailments that could probably have been FIXED with bariatric treatment. It’s maddening!

@Tiff71This was actually happening to me and I thought I was crazy!! Starting in early March, I would just be sitting down and feel my skin starting to swell. The final straw was going for a walk/jog and when I stopped, I had a major flare up on my thighs and arms! I had a virtual appointment and was prescribed generic Zyrtec. I have been taking it for about 2 weeks now and have not had a flare up again. Have you changed anything recently (vitamins, food)? For me, I think it was a new sugar free drink or these new bariatric vitamins that I tried. I stopped both until I can get to allergist for them to do some testing. But it is frustrating, especially when you can't figure out what the heck is going on.

I always have some Bariatric Advantage calcium chews around - they're great for traveling or carrying in my purse so I can pop some calcium when I'm away from home (although I suppose I could just lug some calcium tablets around, too...). Anyway, they're pretty good! here are the ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgeons) supplement guidelines (you have to scroll way down to Table 6). As long as your supplement meets (or exceeds) the guidelines, you're good: https://asmbs.org/app/uploads/2017/06/ASMBS-Nutritional-Guidelines-2016-Update.pdf

hi - my nutritionist emailed me a new revised, pre and post bariatric plan... was unsure if it was different from my previous surgery. She has, per day - Vitamin - Bariatric Advantage with or without Iron, Celebrate Mutli with Iron - 18mg, 35, 45, and 60mg too - Bariatric Fusion - all one per day. Calcium Citrate and Vitamin D - Bariatric Advantage, Celebrate, Bariatric Fusion or ReViva Calcium Calcium is 1200-1500mg and vitamin D - 400-800IU unless deficient 2000IU Iron with Vitamin C - 250mg vitamin B12 - 350-500mg I'm going to make a list and order it so I have it when I return home from surgery. Has anyone had the above mentioned brands - I was thinking it doesn't really matter as long as the dosages are the same - etc... Like someone said, Walgreens or CVS generics are just fine. I'll compare everything before I order

May I ask you how long have been on this bariatric multivitamin and if your vitamin D levels have spiked? I ask because this tablet is the only bariatric multivitamin in my country but it seems to have a pretty high dose of vitamin D (3000IU).

I actually found the six-month period very helpful. For one, it gave me a lot more time to research the procedure, post-op life, etc. I read several books and spent lots and lots of time on bariatric internet forums. I felt really well-prepared before I went in for surgery - moreso than I would have been had I just attended the pre-op classes that my clinic mandates. also, the two dietitians I had during that period helped me to gradually change my eating habits so that the post-op plan wouldn't seem so radical. For example, they had me gradually increase my protein, gradually decrease my carbs and calories, slowly wean myself off caffeine and carbonated beverages, start an exercise program and work up slowly, etc. Nothing ever seemed too drastic - and like I said, once I got on the post-op eating plan (after the first few weeks of liquids/purees, that is), it didn't seem so radically different than what I was doing before. so my intention here is even if you have to do the six-month thing, embrace it. At first I was not happy about having to go through it and just wanted the darn surgery, but I did find this period really helpful.

You can take iron with calcium as long as calcium is 300mg or less. Once a day bariatric vitamins have a common flaw. Your body can't absorb more than 500 mg of calcium at a time. Calcium should be taken in 3 or 4 times throughout the day. I am presurgery so taking Citracal Slo Release (1200 mg Calcium & 1000 IU D3). But after surgery cannot take Slo Release so exploring calcium options. Chewables very chalky. I like Bariatric FUSION which you take 4 times a day with both iron and 300 mg calcium. One big problem with FUSION is it is missing Vitamin K. I could buy K2 drops from Amazon to add it to FUSION. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, I’ve decided to start the process for bariatric surgery. I’m considering vsg. My insurance requires 6 months of weigh ins/dr visits. Although, if BMI is over 50, the six month waiting period is waived. My BMI is 48.5. If I gain 10 pounds, I will hit 50 BMI. The weight management bariatric clinic I was referred to is closed due to COVID 19. I can’t get an anyone to answer the phone. I have no dates set up yet for anything. I’m miserable due to recent and rapid weight gain. I would like to have the surgery done this year. I have already met my out of pocket spending with my insurance due to other issues, so the bariatric surgery will be covered if I have it this year. I’m well aware that I can put rocks in my pocket or ankle weights on my ankles to add more pounds to the scale. However, I am also aware that this is fraud. Should I focus on gaining the ten pounds and feeling worse? Or, should I focus on attempting to lose weight and doing six month weigh ins? Thus, putting me at surgery next year. Also, I had my thyroid removed last year and it’s almost impossible to lose weight. Either way, I’m in a no win situation. Looking for advice. Thank you!!

I’m scheduled for June 25th through Blossom Bariatrics.

Thumbs up!!! Yes, I need take separate iron, due to being anemic... I assume I need to stop taking it prior to surgery, unless things have changed, I'll find out tomorrow when I have my tele conference with my surgeon. I need small vitamins, are they tiny? These iron chews from Bariatric fusion are horrendous tasting too .... maybe my tastes have changed, unsure. The calcium chews, Vita something, caramel, are okay - but rather have calcium in a pill form. I have to get to Walgreens or CVS and see what they offer. Yes, Calcium I thought helped Iron absorption? maybe I'm thinking of something else. How does vitamins absorb without having s stomach to sit in hehe, dumb question it sounds.. but I'm serious LOL : )

You don't sound dumb at all. Pre surgery, I don't think I had a signal for being full. I was starving on previous diet's, It was hard for me to imagine that I could be satisfied on small amounts after bariatric surgery. (It caused some anxiety) I lost and gained weight many times.This has been different than all my past attempt's. It's a game changer. Post surgery, My hunger is manageable and my relationship with food has changed. Dealing with what got me to the point of obesity was key. You deserve having your health back.

first of all, yes, you're not as big as a lot of bariatric patients, but I've been working with patient groups for the last three years, and they come in all sizes. There are always some in your BMI range (or at least who appear to me to be in your BMI range), so you won't feel like the lone ranger. as for food volume, a lot of us (not all - but most) lose their sense of hunger for several months, and many don't have much interest in food for awhile. It was a magical time...at least for me it was. No interest in food? Ha! I wish it had lasted forever! So you may not miss the volume as much as you think you will. Plus you'll fill up pretty fast on not much food. I had RNY rather than VSG, but it's similar - I used to be able to eat half a large pizza at one sitting, and it would be physically painful for me to do that now (even though I can eat much more than I did during those first few months post-op). So unless something is REALLY great and I want to eat it with abandon, it doesn't bother me that I can't stuff my face anymore. Plus I'm very used to eating around 1500-1700 calories a day now (but I'm in maintenance - I didn't eat that much during my weight loss phase). If I eat much more than that, I feel horrible - like a stuffed goose. So anyway, it's not very often anymore that I wish I could eat like I used to. a lot of bariatric patients who have serious food addictions work with a therapist - so you may find that helpful if you're still having issues with that after surgery. It seems like many bariatric clinics have a therapist on staff....and if not, they can refer you to one who's familiar with food issues. EDITED to add that I agree 100% with the poster above - if you can't get a handle on the addiction, you're not going to be successful with this, so definitely seek counseling if you're still having problems with it after surgery.

I think this must be very common...same happened to me, nothing with the suppository. Surgeon had prepared me this may happen, and if so, try Fleet enema. If we overdo our electrolytes get off whack, though. I’ve been struggling with constipation too. Have tried about everything, Miralax daily, stool softener every other day, Milk of Mag, etc. Bariatric nurse practitioner suggested I try Metamucil, Sugar Free. The psyllium husk adds fiber, which my body was always used to and not getting in these early restricted limited eating days. She said first month post surgery no one should use Metamucil/psyllium because it can gum things up, but 4-6 weeks out it’s fine and likely what I need to get over the rock hard stool that won’t move.😓 Bought Metamucil Orange Sugar Free and past 2 days I’ve had very good luck! It’s also quite palatable. Ordered it on Amazon, but everywhere carries it. I do drink about 80oz of water, Propel, etc. Good luck!💖

Hi All. I just found this site and am looking forward to reading everything! I'm hoping to be scheduled for late June. I'm working quickly through my requirements. I've started changing my eating habits to prepare for post bariatric life.

Which Vitamins do you use for bypass (revision)!? I bought some on amazon 4m ago as I thought I was having the revision in March But COVID has other plans for me :-(  So I bought Bariatric Fusion - vitamins: chewable and Iron chewable soft chews. Omg. horrendous tasting.  What do you like?  I was thinking of doing Flinstones again like I did with my sleeve. Maybe some gummies. 

This Bariatric Multivitamin 45 on Amazon has everything but calcium and only costs $19.99 per month. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

Bariatric FUSION is missing two important vitamins. Folate and Vit K. Amazon has Folate 800 IU which is amount recommended. But cannot buy Vitamin K by itself. They are all D3 with K2. None of the Bariatric brands CHEWABLE vitamins (for first 3 months) are complete with all recommended at proper dosages. WTF. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

I would go directly to the bariatric surgeon. They will take care of the insurance and then all you have to do is go to your PCP for a clearance. At least that's what I've known people to do. Good luck! It's MY time!

Hmm. I don't think I got that... my doctor referred me to the bariatric clinic and that was that. I did six months of weigh ins and nutrition and got cleared for surgery. But it took them a month to approve the surgery and they had to schedule me another month out because they had too many in December. But then again, I was 385 pounds so... it was kind of obvious that it was medically necessary when my BMI back then was 62... I hope everything works out for you!

Depending upon what surgery you're having that may work for you, but probably only if you're having the sleeve. I WAS taking 3 Bariatric Complete Multivitamins and 3 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate, but due to certain... circumstances (overabundant iron and raised calcium) I now only take 2 Bariatric Complete Multivitamins, 1 Celebrate Multivitamin WITHOUT Iron, and 2 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate a day. The Bariatric Complete is $20 and with 60 pills only taking two a day means it lasts for a month. Celebrate is $22 for 60 pills and since I only take 1 a day that's a 2 month supply. The Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate is $25 for 90, but since I only take 2 a day that's a 45 day supply. So roughly that'd be $472 a year which is about $1.29 a day. It's really not that bad...