Search the Community

Need the opinion of those who are planning or have planned to start a family with a bariatric procedure.. my spouse currently has RNY that was done in 2015 but she has regained about 100 plus pounds out of the 155 pounds she dropped after getting RNY. Now she wants to start a family but i don’t know of it is safe or unsafe to plan for pregnancy now that she has regained all the weight. Would it be better for her to get a revision done to correct the weight and then plan pregnancy or should we have a baby and then do a revision? My overall concern is my spouse’s well being and i know how obesity plays a major role in pregnancies and the high risk it carries which can be very harmful for a unborn baby. Any advise would be appreciated as i am at a crossroads but don’t know what to do.

My bariatric center doesn't give any narcotics to control pain immediate postop. They use combination of acetaminophen and Celebrex. I can't take Celebrex because previous reaction with sky high blood pressure (220/120). So not sure what they will provide for immediate postop pain. Hoping I will have a chance to talk with surgeon before surgery. Don't think acetaminophen will be enough after having 75% of stomach removed. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

So frustrated. Right before everything went to Corona Hell, I was supposed to get a psych eval. I had been asking about it for months prior to thiat, and the place where I regularly see a doctor kept putting it off and putting it off, citing the fact that I "didn't want to get it too soon". Initially, I was scheduled for April 8th, and my psych eval was scheduled for March 25th. A week before that appt. I get the call from my surgeon's office that everything is on hold until June 10th. Okay, acceptable, considering. Frustrating af, but I completely understood. I got a call a few weeks ago from the surgeon's office asking if I was still interested. I said yes, and they reminded me that they still need my psych eval if I wanted to do it by June, otherwise they'd have to push me back to August. I had a telemed appt with my psych coming up, so I said I'd ask then. Of course, since elective surgery hadn't had a restart date as of then for my state (New Jersey), she balked and basically said "Ain't nobody got time for that." Last week the governor announced that elective surgeries in NJ are scheduled to begin on the 26th of this month. So, naturally, I call to ask about the psych eval, and am again denied--and by the temporary receptionist, no less, who didn't seem to be listening when I told her I wasn't a new patient ("They're not accepting new patients right now"). She checked and said my psych isn't doing any evals by telemed or otherwise. I'm done, yawl. I think what's exacerbating my frustration is the fact that I also recently had a conversation with my PCP and learned that I am pre-diabetic. Lovely. So I'm feeling a bit put out and dismissed by my psych people. I was hoping to avoid something like this; this was the point of going through this process to begin with. I feel alone. I get the sense that they're taking this attitude of it's not important due to it being elective, never mind that it's extremely life-altering and could possibly help me save my health. I think there's this stigma attached to it as if bariatric surgeries are considered frivolous; for instance, the reaction to people who opt for cosmetic surgeries. It's not the same thing. So here I am searching online for someone who might be able to help, perhaps another mental health provider in my area who does these by telemed. Sorry for bxtching. I...I just dunno what to do at this point.

Have you looked into high-protein, sugar-free sweets? There are quite a few of them right here in the Bariatric Pal store. I'm also really fond of Jello sugar-free chocolate pudding. I've also found that having a cup of coffee with skim milk and artificial sweetener in the afternoon keeps me from snacking when I'm tempted. You don't have to eat "prohibited" foods to satisfy your sweet tooth!

I don't - but I've read about several WLS patients on this and other bariatric forums who do. Sometimes they have to adjust the dosage, but people DO take them after surgery.

Is it possible that my body isn't keeping electrolytes?? I feel sick daily and my surgeons office can't figure it out ... Is it possible to become dehydrated quickly after bariatric surgery ? Sent from my moto g(7) supra using BariatricPal mobile app

I too took a very strict approach, especially going up against metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. I note daily my weight, food intake, protein and calories. As a general rule I get minimum 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight. I started very low calorie and low carb never more than 5 grams of sugar as per my nutritionist. I was very slow to enter purée phase. I had protein shakes. it took me a while to find one I could tolerate. For me I used PEScience Select protein powder and 6 ounces of Ripple milk (pea protein milk plain unsweetened which added protein for practically no carbs) which was 160 calories, 30 grams protein and no more than 3-4 carbs. They did a lot of work to get the healthiest protein blend and best taste. I now mix it with Greek yogurt either plain nonfat Fage or TwoGood yogurt and half a scoop (I measure everything on a scale though) and it mixes to a frosting like texture. link for PEScience http://rwrd.io/c6uus2e I couldn’t do bariatric vitamins. I needed ones without added iodine. But I personally recommend Whole Foods based vitamins. It’s tough to budget in but I preferred Garden of life Whole Foods multivitamins (prenatal) my nutritionist approved of them and any sugar (below 5 grams) came from natural foods ingredients. I take a separate calcium with vit d, hair skin and nails formula, omegas, and some people take b12 and vitamin k. Your doctor should do bloodwork to check vitamin levels to recommend any extra supplements. I know the hardest part is getting your head in the right place and working on food addiction. I had fought this years before having gastric bypass surgery. My lifelong chronic illness fought me in other ways. The biggest battle I think is the sugar addiction. Once you realize there are healthy versions of sweet things and that small portions of protein can satisfy you and that we eat to live rather than live to eat, it’s one step ahead on the journey. Like Superman84 said. It’s time to get strict with yourself. Cut out sugar, carbs and soda. It’s a hard addiction to kick. But if I did it, anyone can. You can too. Remove temptations from your reach as well. And ... just keep taking it one step at a time.

Thanks for sharing as I am now awaiting insurance approval for the Bypass. I’m a fellow sleever too; I know the sleeve works but had I really understood the chances of getting acid reflux the first time I think I probably would have just got the bypass. I have regained about 55 lbs but life ya know. I finally made an appointment to see a Bariatric Dr in March who told me my options for getting rid of the reflux. Water is a trigger for me at this point...yeah I’m ready to try something else now.

I am just about 6 years post VSG! I told my immediate family- spouse, kids, parents. I told my immediate co-workers because my job is such that nobody could cover me and there were many inquiries about why I was taking 5 weeks off. I didn't tell anyone else. Not siblings, close cousins. Nobody. No old friends, nobody. I still don't freely share the info unless I'm asked by somebody who heard it elsewhere. I have an extended family that is VERY judgmental, who live through the eyes of female value is ranked by looks, hair, clothes, car, etc. Never mind that I have 2 master's degrees, and half way done with a doctorate and am a practicing Nurse Practitioner. Didn't matter. So even now, it is still an identity that I have- a bariatric patient- but not something I yell from the rafters.

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.