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@Lily66 and @Arabesque, I find this strange myself. I suffer from really low blood pressure most of the time (for at least 20 years), pretty low albumin (iron) levels (but not enough to be prescribed iron supplements), and don't do well with pain most of the time. It's just as strange to me that I barely suffered any distress post-op, that pain has been negligible (except for 2 lactose intolerant episodes and a few days of terrible constipation), that I haven't had any real issues with food (except for the lactose intolerance episodes), and that my energy levels are as good as they were pre-op. However, I do notice myself getting off-balance more than once on a daily basis, and that never happened before. And, as mentioned above, I have really dark circles under my eyes - today was the worst yet and if I didn't know better I would think that I was suffering from some kind of wasting disease. Anyway, I think the dark circles indicate low iron and/or B12 levels, even though I've been keeping up with my supplements every day. Of course I can't go to the hospital now to get bloodwork done, so I'm going to see if I can find some additional supplements to make up for what I'm not getting from the bariatric multivitamin, and see if that helps.

I was unable to access the full article for the first link you sent. This is a quote from the second link you sent "Surgery. Depending on the type of procedure, length of stay in hospital, medications, and overall nutritional status." Thus, not EVERY surgery causes hair loss and it cannot be said that anesthesia is the cause of hair loss. The third link doesn't give much detail, it just simply states that surgery can be a cause of hair loss, which every bariatric patient knows is true. However, this does not lead to the conclusion that EVERY surgery will result in hair loss. It depends on the type of surgery.

you're right in that it's the surgery itself and not the particular type of surgery. You can experience hair loss after ANY surgery because it's due to the anesthesia and the trauma to the body, as I understand it. I think they tend see it more often after bariatric surgery, though, because we're taking in so few calories those first few months.

I've never heard of weight loss surgery doing that. I think it's just coincidental. Sorry you're going through this. Edited to add that I just read some articles about mental health issues after bypass. Evidently it's been known to happen, but it's usually stuff like depression or addiction. I read about one person who had some psychotic symptoms, but the researcher said the patient been doing a lot of vomiting, and once they got control of that, the psychotic symptoms stopped. Your husband's case sounds really extreme, though - I didn't come across anything like that in the articles I read. There may be some underlying thing going on there, that maybe the surgery just happened to trigger? I don't know. I"ve never heard of anything like that, and I've been hanging around bariatric forums for several years.

I'd explain that to them - that you need it done prior to a 4/13 surgery. They were trying to do that with my sleep study (although this was five years ago - not during a pandemic), and I told them I had to have it done before my bariatric surgery, so they backed off and kept the date. I don't know if they will in your case, but it's worth a try.

Hi all. I just got my lap band abt 3 weeks ago and I'm still learning all that my new stomach has to say. I've created a support group for orthodox jews on facebook and hope that everyone will join. It's called BSOJ-Bariatric Support for Orthodox Jews.

Well upon the advice of my bariatric team, I bought some new protein powder today. SIX YEARS post op. Yup, it still works though! My surgeon wants me to work on a specific health thing and feels like doing a 'pre op' style diet for a few weeks will trigger my body to do what he needs it to. Since I've developed a serious lactose intolerance post op, I'll be using some unsweetened almond milk as a sub. I'm actually looking forward to getting this level of focus back in my life. With all the chaos going on in the world around me, it will be good to let me focus on something else....

Hello! My name is Gina. I am doctoral student in Clinical Psychology at Long Island University Post in New York. I am looking for participants for a new research study I am conducting in fulfillment of my doctoral degree dissertation. I am looking to learn more about adult women who have undergone bariatric surgery and the psychological experience that arises, particularly as time passes. Participation in the study will require a one-time commitment of approximately one hour for an individual interview with me via an encrypted video messaging software (Zoom). These sessions will be audio taped for me to transcribe your experiences as accurately as possible. Every effort will be made to ensure that confidentiality and anonymity will be maintained. To be eligible for this study, you must meet the following criteria: 1. Aged 18 or older. 2. Identify as a woman. 3. Had any bariatric procedure at least TWO YEARS PRIOR to interview. This study has received IRB approval from Long Island University. If you might be interested in sharing your experiences with me, or if you have any questions at all about this study, please contact me at gina.depalo@liu.edu. Thank you! Sincerely, Gina M. DePalo

Per my plan, I'm allowed cooked vegetables (not cruciferous vegetables) at week 5-6 (next Tuesday). Talk about excited and happy to have fresh foods again, even if I have to cook the vegetables softer than I prefer. I like a nice steamed vegetable, not boiled or mushy. My Bariatric Nutritionist recommended mushy / soft vegetables to start. I can also incorporate canned peaches in water next week as well, I'm dancing in my head. Oatmeal is also making s comeback, yes!!! Soups haven't been in rotation, but I'm going to add it back...Ground Turkey is on the list and I want it with the smooth refried beans and a little guacamole. I have menu ideas, but I don't know how to navigate this new stomach yet.

So I started reading your post, and this was the first thing I noticed. I had to stop and start responding right away. This is a RED FLAG. This decision was not about him, it was for you. A lot of people who are uninformed about the surgery say this. Every person that has ever had bariatric surgery knows that it isn't true. I am very sorry to hear that he does not support you with your decision. I hope you remember that this decision wasn't about him. The fact that he continues to demand an explanation of how this will benefit him is a bad sign. I am very proud of you for doing what is best for you. I hope you continue with doing so because your life isn't about anyone but you and thus you should try your best to make decisions that result in your own happiness even if it means leaving people behind. ❤️

You are kidding right? Cocaine is highly addictive, and just because someone doesn't become addicted on first or second use doesn't mean they won't become addicted the the more they use it, typically they need to use more to get the high that it gives. Secondly addiction transfer in the bariatric community is high, no longer able to salve or get highs from food some people turn to acohol and drugs.

About 1200 a day. I was only getting around 800-900 before but someone in my bariatric group suggested I increase my daily calorie intake

Yes, I wait 30 minutes before and after eating. I drink two bariatric advantage shakes a day. I walk 3.5 miles every morning. I’ve had 5 whole wheat ritz, a scrambled egg, 1/4 cup of edamame, and two tablespoons of ranch style beans. Not all at once!! some days I can’t get my stomach to stop rumbling with hunger and some days I can go all day without eating. so frustrating!

I’m new to the bypass but not to Bariatric surgery as I had a sleeve in 2013. I would like to reiterate. You are not really hungry. Neither am I and I have to keep reminding myself of that 2 weeks out. It’s head hunger. You’re used to it and there is food everywhere on TV. Try to do something else. TV is the worst. Literally everything is about food. Go for a walk or get on the treadmill or the elliptical or just something. I’ve been coloring in my swirlie coloring book. It keeps me occupied. Just do something else. It’s a really hard habit to break because most of us have eaten for boredom or comfort our whole lives but that time is done now. You’ve got this! Just do something else to get your mind off of it.

Please see https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/breakfast/product-type_pancake-mix for a nice selection of bariatric friendly pancake mixes.

temporary hair loss is extremely common with bariatric surgery. But....it'll grow back. I lost hair (but not a lot...) from about month 6 to month 9. For most of us, you're the only one who'll notice it.

I have not been given a new date and bariatric office is not even seeing patients right now. So indefinite wait until coronavirus pitters out. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

most surgeons will recommend bypass if you've had issues with GERD. It will get worse with the sleeve about 30% of the time - so whether or not it will for you is kind of a crap shoot. I had GERD and was warned - so I went with bypass. I did not want to risk it getting any worse. your surgeon will advise you on which way he/she thinks you should go based on your specific health conditions, but I don't think most would refuse to do surgery A or surgery B if you were insisting on it. But I would be careful with the GERD factor. I've been on this and other bariatric forums for several years and have seen a lot of people have to revise due to GERD. It may not happen to you - but there's no way to know that ahead of time. also, malabsorption typically isn't a problem if you stay on top of your supplements. You'll have to take supplements with the sleeve as well.

Hello. I've posted once before and since then, I've started my journey with the bariatric surgeon and all courses/time/insurance met-I'll be getting gastric bypass in a few months. (Or whenever COVId decide I can.) At first I was super pumped-I did a ton of research, watched youtube videos, made pros and cons list, researched surgeons and selected the best and most reputable one out of the 3 I visited (although I researched more), have accepted the reality of the situation and that I'll be needing to put more work into this after than I did before...all of which I'm comfortable and excited about. I feel like now is the time to do it. I can keep fooling myself that "someday I'll lose the weight" but I know it's not going to happen without a push, for both psychological and physical factors that are holding me back. Still-I feel very scared. It's as if now that I know that I *can* have it, I'm apprehensive and it's making me anxious. Any thoughts on the following subjects would be appreciated: 1. I'm sick of everyone giving their unsolicited opinion and telling me how "dangerous" and "negative" this is. I feel outnumbered. I keep hearing about how "so and so I know had it and it failed" and even a doctor I saw told me he "has had patients who got nerve damage from the surgery " and "if I just eat better I can lose any weight I need to". It's a serious buzzkill and frankly, none of their business. Any suggestions on how to handle this or some reassurance that these negative experiences aren't as common as these people are making it seem? Or does it happen that often and I'm pulling the wool over my own eyes? 2. I'm scared to death of...death. It's not so much the surgery itself, which I'm not oblivious to but it's more logical, but I have some other health issues like a lot of neck pain, facial pain, tingling, etc. I've had a billion imaging tests and they can't find anything so I'm trying to move on and be a healthier person, but have this tiny part of me that is scared of some, IDK, "rare unlying issue" that if I got gastric bypass, would somehow end up worse or kill me. Is GB ok to have with comorbidities? Would it still be safe to have if I say, had neck instability or something weird like that? I also read that the morbidity rate is super low, but it's "within the first year". Does that mean I could be seemingly ok and then someone happens with my body I'm not aware of or something on a cellular level would end my life? Any help on these slightly anxiety-induced questions would be appreciated. Thanks for letting me ramble.

I haven’t thought of that before; would it be appropriate to get a dietitian second opinion or a bariatric surgical 2nd opinion?

Plant protein is just as ‘complete” as animal protein. The idea that plant proteins are “incomplete”, necessitating some sort of “protein combining”, was based on a 1971 fad diet called “Diet for a Small Planet” by Francis Lappe. “Protein combining” was debunked DECADES ago, yet for some people this myth remains pervasive despite 49 years of medical and scientific nutrition evidence to the contrary. All of the essential amino acids humans need are structurally identical regardless of the source, so in terms of getting enough protein, it doesn’t matter if amino acids come from animal or plant protein. But protein isn’t consumed in isolation, since all plant and animal foods contain essential nutrients in addition to protein. And the other nutrients that you’re consuming – or not, depending on whether you eat animal or plant protein – is where the serious health implications lie. Plant protein is packed with fibre, antioxidants, and thousands of protective phytonutrients. Animal protein has absolutely no fibre, antioxidants, or phytonutrients whatsoever. Plant proteins contain no saturated fat and cholesterol. All animal foods (including “lean” meats like chicken, salmon, turkey, etc.) contain saturated fat and cholesterol. We don’t need to consume any saturated fat and cholesterol, since our bodies naturally produce all the cholesterol required for physiologic functions. Eating saturated fat and cholesterol causes atherosclerosis (the accumulation of excess cholesterol in the lining of our vessels) and significantly increases the risk of heart disease, currently the number one cause of death in developed countries. People eating a plant-based diet devoid of animal products have significantly less risk of developing heart disease, and several studies have found that a plant-based diet can even reverse atherosclerosis. Plant protein causes no increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Animal proteins cause our bodies to produce higher levels of the hormone IGF-1, which stimulates cell division and growth in both healthy and cancer cells (higher circulating levels of IGF-1 result in increased cancer risk, proliferation, and malignancy.) Plant protein causes no increase in trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Animal proteins increase circulating levels of TMAO, which injures the lining of blood vessels, creates inflammation, and enables the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels. Plant protein causes no increase in phosphorus or fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Animal proteins contain high levels of phosphorus, and when we consume a lot of phosphorus, the body reacts by producing high levels of the hormone FGF23 to normalize phosphorus levels. FGF23 injures the lining of blood vessels, creates inflammation, and enables the formation of cholesterol plaques in blood vessels, and is directly associated with heart attacks, sudden death, and heart failure. Plant protein causes no increase in bone health problems. Animal proteins have higher concentrations of sulfur-containing amino acids, which can induce a subtle state of acidosis when metabolized, causing our bodies use to compensate by leaching calcium from our bones to help neutralize the increased acidity. Studies have demonstrated that populations with higher dairy consumption, or higher consumption of animal protein in general, have a higher incidence of bone fractures. You probably conducted a lot of research to determine which type of 1 or 2 hour bariatric surgery would allow you a healthier and longer life. Conduct even more research to determine if what you eat every day for the rest of your life after surgery is going to increase your health and longevity, or increase disease and shorten your life. Everything we put in our mouth either increases longevity by decreasing the development of disease and illness, or contributes to premature death by increasing the development of disease and illness. Dozens upon dozens of peer-reviewed studies confirm that people on plant-based whole food diets (meaning whole minimally processed plant-based foods, and no processed foods) are at significantly lower risk of many diseases including cancers, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and obesity. So get your protein from plants whenever possible to maintain your weight loss for life and become as healthy as possible. Eating vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, whole grains, and other plant-based sources of protein is a win for your health and the health of the planet.

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles! But congrats on 130lbs loss!!! That's outstanding. Way to catch it before it becomes a huge problem. You can turn around 18lbs with focus!!! I think, this is a tough time to make those kinds of "purging" sweeping changes (like getting back to the very beginning of your BFD (Bariatric Forever Diet Stage 4). Cuz no one knows about your present access to foods. In our town, we're blessed. No one has chosen the fresh veggies, fruits, and meats! Everyone has totally wiped out any pantry item. So it would be easy to do here, but I know that isn't the case in many places. (And also, our stores are keeping their prices the same and not price gouging. THANK YOU LORD!) If you want/need extra structure you can come join us in my FB group. We have weekly face-to-face peer support group meetings that are well-attended and is password protected and private. If you want to know about them, just pm me! Also, I'd probably start by trying to clear your house of the C.R.A.P. and start logging, weighing, measuring, planning each bite and tracking to see where you are. Then you will know which direction you need to go in.

I was scheduled for April 1st but last week I got a call from my bariatric Center telling me that they’ve moved my date to April 29th it’s pretty bad here in Louisiana so my date most likely will be changed again I’m praying for everyone let’s just keep each other uplifted as we all weather this storm together 💛

I'm surprised someone at your clinic didn't mention this - it happens to almost everyone. It can supposedly happen after any type of surgery because it can be due to the trauma to the body plus the anesthesia, but I'm guessing you see it more in bariatric patients since we're taking in so few calories the first few months. it'll last a few months and then it'll all grow back. For most of us, we're the only ones who notice it. there's really not much you can do about it other than keep on top of your protein and vitamins so it doesn't get any worse than it would otherwise. Some people say biotin and special shampoos work for them, but others say they don't do a thing. You may just have to wait it out.

Should I call the surgeon or the bariatric primary that saw me? Not sure which one would deal with it