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Taking pills after surgery?
J San replied to mousecat88's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
You should check with your PCP to make sure the absorption rate will not be affected by the size of your stomach. At the beginning I took mine two at a time with sips of water. After about a month I was able to take them all at once again. I was also told no pill bigger that the bed of your pinkie nail but fortunately the only one that was, was my multi which I switched to a bariatric brand and they are much smaller. I felt full but it lasted a short time. You should be fine, especially doing it right before bed. -
going to the bathroom after surgery
InfiniteButterfly replied to roosmommy's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Definitely a conflict. I know my bariatric office is going to start selling, but as of now, they don't require that you use the products they carry, it's more a convenience thing for people that don't like shopping online or have trouble finding the right stuff in stores. I would definitely have a problem if I were forced to take a certain brand, because post-surgery, I couldn't tolerate most of the things I enjoyed pre-surgery...most of the shakes were far too sweet. -
feeling of food in esophagus and heartburn?
MarinaGirl replied to ForLfKlovr's topic in WLS Veteran's Forum
Doubtful that it is a stricture this far out from WLS. You need to see an experienced gastroenterologist to get a proper diagnosis. They may perform a variety of tests, such as EGD endoscopy, upper GI, Bravo pH, manometry, etc. GERD/heartburn/reflux is a known risk of VSG and it can occur even in people who didn’t have it pre-op. This is one of the main reasons people have revision surgery from VSG to RNY, to resolve or improve GERD/heartburn/reflux. VSG is contraindicated in people with pre-existing GERD. Because of my history of GERD prior to bariatric surgery, my surgeon would only perform gastric bypass on me, not sleeve gastrectomy. -
Heather's Journey
losingtheselumps replied to losingtheselumps's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Ok, 1 month post-op update. I consider myself one of the lucky ones who have been able to eat everything (on plan and healthy) with no issues. No nausea, no trouble getting stuff down, etc. Nothing has changed for me taste wise, everything tastes the same as it did before surgery. I have had no heartburn issues, although I do take prilosec every night, also before surgery. The bariatric Vitamins are disgusting (I got the capsules) so I will be trying to find new ones. I can't gag those down everyday for the rest of my life lol. So, time for stats. June 1st- Start of pre-op diet- 290 June 7th-Day of surgery- 276 July 7th- Current weight-253 I did hit the dreaded stall for a week and a half, but started slowly going down again (which I'm ok with). My only real struggle is trying to get my 64 ounces of Water in. I knew it would be a struggle since I am never thirsty, and was like that before surgery. I usually hit my goal or pretty close, but it is a chore. How is everyone else doing? -
Decision Made where do I start?
BetterNai88 replied to BetterNai88's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
But as of now I have BCBSNC should I look into getting a PCP or go through the Bariatric office. I have already completed the wls seminar and am just waiting on my insurance card to fax in my new patient packet and schedule my consultation. -
I am using Bariatric Advantage. The vanilla flavor has 27 grams Protein, 7 grams carbs, 1.5 grams fat and 150 calories per 8 oz serving. I actually do not find the taste offensive as I do other high protein Meal Replacements. I buy on Amazon for $63 for 35 servings. I have the chocolate flavor as well and that is also good. I was told that after surgery I could add powdered milk to up the protein. Not sure how that would taste!
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I received a fill at one of the national fill centers in January 2010. My band tightened up overnight to the point where I could not swallow my own saliva. Of course it was the weekend, so after several hours of vomiting, I went to a local hospital emergency room for treatment. When I explained to the ER physician that I had my lap band placed in Mexico, he called the ER physician that was on call for bariatrics. The ER physician returned to my room and stated that the physician on call said to tell me that, since I had the band put on in Mexico - to take my little "problem" to Mexico. I was released from the ER without being treated. Has anyone experienced this? If so, how did you handle it?
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So I am preparing for my appt with my bariatric surgeon Jan 8th and trying to get all my records together to shorten the approval process for my ins. I am only 28 years old so the extent of my medical visits for the last 8 years have been ob/gyn visits for my 3 kids. Last year I did go to a "wellness" clinic for fatigue, exhaustion and just general well being, thinking that if I was not so tired all the time I might have energy to excercise, cook healthier meals, etc. I thought I might try a different approach since the dieting I have done since 1990 (10 years old) has not worked so far. I have been seeing this wellness doctor for 10 months about every 2-3 months and she has found a thyroid problem and been treating me for that as well as my fatigue, stress, etc. Bottom line... she won't write my a letter stating that I have seen her for " weight related issues".......WHAT!!! And no where in her notes does it say anything about our discussion regarding my claoric intake, daily excercise, weight history, etc!!! And we discussed that at EVERY visit!!!! HELLO..... IT IS A WELLNESS CLINIC, me walking in at 230 lbs, you would think she would have noted somewhere that she asked about my weight problem...how else would I have gotten to 230 lbs. I am a nurse and I know that docs don't have time to note EVERY word, but is she not treating my "wellness" which to me includes my nutritional state. As we all know the "damper" obesity is on "wellness" What a joke, I am so irritated. Anyone have a similar situation? Thanks for reading, I am not one for long posts. :rain::clap2:my sone wanted to put the smiley in.
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Hi there, Bloodhound. I started taking my supplements (chewables) the day I got home from the hospital. Unfortunately, I don't have any good recommendations as I have struggled to find some that don't make me nauseous. So, for now I've been taking Flintstones Complete. My nut says these aren't ideal and the goal is to get me onto standard bariatric supplements. She's ok with them for now though, and says they are a "band-aid fix", until we can find some that my body tolerates. I also add in 45mg of Iron, calcium, and also Folic Acid vitamins (per doctor's orders) too. Hopefully, I will find some standard bariatric ones soon.
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Looking for someone to kick my ass into gear!
Ima Fox replied to She's_Sleeved's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I agree with what the ladies above wrote. Let me also say that you can probably find a lot of information on the internet and youtube videos. I will be in the same boat you're in because I'm having my surgery done in Mexico. I will have folllow up check ups done by a general practitioner rather than a bariatric Dr. Send good vibes. I hope my diabetes goes away. -
Please help us fight Obesity!
Sai replied to Alex Brecher's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
1. What are/were your biggest challenges during the weight loss process? (insurance, medication, surgery, maintenance etc): Insurance, especially when they stopped covering lap band adjustments That was one of the main reasons I went ahead with the band to sleeve revision. I just couldn't afford $300 per 0.2cc adjustment, sometimes 2 in one week. It was just too expensive for me. 2. What would you like to have different to solve the problems that you need to face? And why? (new weight loss medication, new surgery approaches, more support groups, new insurance plan etc.): Better insurance plans for WLS patients. Although I know they are aware of how detrimental being overweight is, and I am grateful they cover WLS more now... I still feel that they don't cover enough of the additional things (i.e. fills/adjustments, removing extra skin, therapy, post-op shakes for just the liquid phase of healing) that one needs to further maintain their health. It's like helping an addict for one hospital stay and then putting them out on the street with no further help. Some may make it, and others will slide again. If the insurance companies can keep the WLS patients healthy, they would further save on all the future medical problems of those patients. 3. How much money do you spend for weight loss every year? (food, exercise, support groups, medications etc): Over $2K per year but now that I got the revision to sleeve, it'll be less money spent since I don't have to do lapband adjustments but just routine check ups (doctor check ups, Vitamins and other supplements, meds like PPI, Protein powders). 4. How did you learn about the surgery/medications that you had/used/are using? My bariatric center gave me lots of handouts and a book on everything that I need for the revision surgery (band to sleeve). We also had a nutrition class. I also read a lot on the forums (mainly experiences that others feel that are not usually in a book), and read many scientific and clinical studies. -
Newbie! Went to my first appointment today
Jellybean8 replied to JuniperBug's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That's pretty cool that we're similar. I also have a lot more appointments to go to. I have to do their 6 month weight loss course before i qualify for insurance. So I'm thinking august 2017. A long way out. Ugh, I hope I don't gain even more weight by then. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Here in Ontario it's covered by our government insurance plan but we have to go thru a bariatric program that consists of meetings and classes with nutritionist, social workers, psychiatrists, doctors and nurses before even meeting with the surgeon to get the final ok. Could take up to a year So I'm looking at early October at the latest...and I know exactly where you're coming from...really hoping I don't gain more between now and then. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App Yeah Taiwans a little backwards. My surgeon was basically like, yep let's go. But you need to do this rigamorole if you wan insurance to pay and oh I do. I also have a chance to get a few grand knocked off the price if I agree to help advertise a specific brand of surgical equipment. I think it's just letting them use my photos. I'm a little torn. Privacy is important to me to an extent but so is affordability. I'm also worried about gaining more weight before now and then. Maybe we can be surgery buddies if we have similar dates. Sounds good would be nice to have somebody to talk to going thru the same things..... Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App -
Can low protein cause me to always feel hungry?
pminshew replied to Aginn10's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Yes, not enough protein (60-80mg was what I was recommended) will make you hungry. I’m almost a year out and have gone back to some bad habits (sweets, very little protein) so I saw my Bariatric nutritionist and she was adamant about getting my protein in and not worry too much about carbs and calories. I’m still in my losing phase, but I swear when I get in a ton of protein I not only feel better, but I go right back to eating super small portions. -
Taking vitamins makes me nauseous!
kidchick replied to EmmyJ's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I feel like an advertisement with as often as I mention this but....have you checked into Tespo? There is a link on the home page. I love mine. It's like a Keurig for Vitamins. It's a little machine that you put a pod pack in (they come in bariatrics for women and men plus others - one for sleep is nice). You push a little button and it dispenses a small amount of water - like an ounce - into a cup after popping one of the pod capsules and then goes about mixing the two together for you. I'm not a fan of vitamins either. They make me feel yucky BUT this works for me. The vitamins taste kind of like old school Tang and it's only an ounce. I also take them at night on my way to bed - that helps a lot also. -
Even searching through posts/threads to see if anyone is from Pennsylvania or using Dr. Aerrola or even Dr.Ali from Hamot Bariatrics in Erie, PA?
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Military life after wls?
HappygoSusan replied to italianhoney87's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had my surgery at a military treatment facility. Part of the pre op information we were given was that post bariatric surgery, a person is no longer qualified for military service. I don't know if it's the change in your anatomy or the restriction of your diet, but it is not compatible with military service. Susan -
lap band or bypass?
TracyinKS replied to hope2bhealthy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm torn on what to say to you, because afterall its YOUR journey to take. I will tell you this. With the band and proper restriction you will be full faster... so maybe a small candy bar would satisfy your sweet tooth rather than a whole bowl of halloween treats. One of my dear RL friends who had the RNY.... (she has gained back about 70% of the 120lbs she lost) She told me that she still ate things that made her feel like crap, but that sometimes it was worth it...... she didn't keep up with her bariatric Vitamins, she gained, she went into a depression, she has tried to commit suicide, she has been hospitalized twice,and now she is not returning calls.... She had talked about getting banded over her stretched out pouch but now she says she is done with losing weight....... I'm not saying this to scare you, but I wanted you to know the other side of what has happened to effect me and my decision to get banded.... and also.. her journey is different than yours... but I truly think the long term effects of the malabsorbtion factor have really yet to be determined. I love this woman as a sister and I have watched her change into a shell. -
Reasons for diet stages?
ttdish replied to helladoll's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon's plan allows for soft Proteins starting on day three (cottage cheese, ground meat, Beans, etc- very small portions, of course). He said he stays up to date with all of the latest recommendations in the bariatric community, and has been doing it this way for years with no problems. I never had a miserable week of clears or liquids, and no eating mush for weeks on end. I've tolerated everything I've eaten, and am now 7 weeks out, and basically eating like a normal person (only real restriction is that I'm eating low carb), just smaller portions. It has made this processes so much easier than I ever expected, and I'm down 45 pounds in 9 weeks (that includes 2 week pre-op diet). I am a big proponent for following YOUR surgeons recommendations, but just wanted to throw this out there to show how much the post-op diets can vary between surgeons. ~*~ Find me on YouTube: Trisha's Sleeve Story ~*~ -
I have an addiction to food. HELP!
Dairymary replied to startingyoung's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Of course professional psychiatric therapy would be my first suggestion. You may check with your insurance to see if it is covered. If not, there are self help books out there, free support groups through local bariatric programs, etc. Look for books or programs that deal with addiction and cognitive behavior therapy. Do whatever you have to to find the help you need. You need to uncover the reasons you turn to food and work to develop new outlets for your emotions. Another addiction recovery program mentioned in my support group was Smart Recovery. It appealed to people who weren't comfortable with the 12 step process of OA. They offer online, personal and group support. Food addiction is hard. I know I would not have been successful postop without the psychological support. 1/2 dozen books, 3+ years of personal therapy (which was more valuable than surgery itself), 5+ years of group therapy (free) and now free online forum support. -
Big trouble 3 years out. Please help
GreenTealael replied to Mario1970's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
It sounds like it could WLS related but only one way know for sure so please contact your original Bariatric Surgeon if you can (or a new one) for diagnostic testing and guidance. -
My Dr told me I could take ANY kind of multi vitamin, that it didn’t have to be bariatric specific. Does that sound right to anyone else? Also, I use a B12 nasal spray (prescription) once a week. It’s awesome, no injection and no sublingual.
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Pre op weight loss confusion
over65 replied to avillemure93's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That is the lunacy of 6-month waiting to lose weight. Most people will see worsening of co-morbidities. You are one of the small percentage who loses weight enough that comorbidity actually improves. You could raise your A1C in 3 months by eating high carb diet but not soo high to gain a lot of weight. Ironically, Medicare requires you TO FAIL a 3-month weight loss diet but my surgeon wants me to to lose as much weight as possible. I don't know how Medicare defines "failure" to lose weight but my bariatric center said to not worry about that. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app -
Forced to pay for $300 "package" from Silver Cross in Joliet?
BDS_Geologist replied to trinidad83's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I have a $3,000 program fee, of which my insurance company picked up $1,500. It covers having a year's worth of diet consultation, 24-hour bariatric nurse support, 12 months of personal training by an exercise physiologist, and my first band fill. I feel like I'm being overcharged for this, but I had to pay it to get into the program. Professional support is absolutely necessary, but this seems pretty much like piracy to me. I think that a reasonable cost for this service would be $700-$1,000. -
Tricare Insurance?
wintobethin replied to karenandrews's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am also Tricare Prime East (OHIO) and it took forever for me too. I am using the base as they have a surgeon who is a Bariatric Surgeon, as a matter of fact they have two now. I had the referral from my PCM, then I had to attend a Lap Band class, then on to nutrition, psyc appt which took a couple of weeks to get in, then appt with surgeon to talk over my questions and see which surgery I wanted, gastric or band. I have another appt on Jan 12 for pre-admission, labs, nutrition class, and surgeon again to make sure nothing has changed with me. My surgery is scheduled from Jan. 16 and I will be on a pre surgery diet of 1 week of liquids plus a frozen diet meal for dinner, then post op is one week of liquids, 2 weeks of mushy foods, then soft foods. He does not do a fill during surgery as he said that is what causes band slippage. CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Jan -
Freaking out - help please
cattoy71 replied to wvgal33's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I can totally relate...my consult with the bariatric doctor was on 9/16 and my surgery is already scheduled for this monday, 10/13. My insurance doesn't cover any of the surgery so I think that may have expedited the surgery date. The first thing I did was purchase the pre and post op bariatric advantage lapband protein and vitamin supplements as well as some of the profect protein "shots". They are really weird looking and the fruit punch one I have tried tastes like really bad cough medicine :tt1:. If you feel that it's too rushed, then talk to the surgery team about pushing it back a few weeks if you have to....remember that this is YOUR journey and don't feel forced into a date just because they can schedule you. There's a lot to do before the surgery (getting clearance from your primary care doctor, lots of blood work, your psych clearance, ekg, etc.) and it can be really hard to manage it all if you are working. I don't know about others, but you may want to consider taking a few 1/2 days off of work before the surgery to get it all done. Hang in there and I wish you the best:thumbup:
