Search the Community

Yep, its been just 2 weeks today, that I had my surgery with the most AWESOME dr, Dr Illan Fraijo, and I am doing fabulous! I have however discovered that I am allergic to whey Protein and am switching to liquid egg whites that I ordered from a company called Egg Whites International. 25 grams of protein per scoop and you can mix it with anything. I am so excited about my new sleeved tummy, I am feeling great and when I got on the scales today, I am down 15 pounds since my surgery. YES, THAT'S 15 POUNDS IN 2 WEEKS! WHOOP! WHOOP! Thank you soooo much Dr Illan, Omar Acosta and the entire team at Baja Bariatrics! LOVE YOU GUYS!

I am in the Chicagoland area also and I'm still in the pre-op stage. Mainly I made my decision based on where my PCP said my insurance (BCBS) would send me. I had the option of Loyola or UIC hospitals because the hospital my PCP works through does not have a bariatric program. I tried to research as much as I could between the two and just trusted my gut (no pun intended!) Then I attended the doctor's seminar I felt most comfortable with and I came away feeling that he would be a good surgeon for me. I am going through Loyola's Metabolic Surgery and Bariatric Program and using Dr. Bipan Chand. I like the fact that they have a whole medical and surgical approach to weight loss and would tell you if you were better suited for one over the other without automatically operating on you. I trust my decision that the sleeve is right for me, but if for some reason a medical professional felt otherwise, I would want to know beforehand. Bottom line, you have to go with who you feel most comfortable with. Good luck!

I'm 12/18 with Dr. Hamilton at KC Bariatric Center.

Does your surgeon know the budget you have to work with?? My bariatric center stressed the cost of what I would need to make sure I was prepared for the expense this journey would be. It is not possible to get your Protein and Vitamin needs met on a Ramen noodle budget. Even though my food intake has went down tremendously my grocery bill has still went up significantly! Unfortunately it is expensive to eat healthy. And quality shakes and Vitamins are costly. I hope you are prepared for this! Sent from my SM-G930R4 using the BariatricPal App

I have allergies my whole life, I’m allergic to everything that grows. I have never coughed or gagged because of them just a whole lot of sneezing! I think it’s something else. Was it your PCP or you bariatric doc you talked to?

Definitely stay hydrated, that can help. But you can also use miralax and just mix it in with your Water. It's pretty gentle. From time to time - because if you stick to the bariatric diet you don't really get a lot of Fiber - I have to use some milk of magnesia to get things moving. It always does the trick.

I use this app. I like it because it reminds you exactly where to measure to take consistent measurements. Baritastic - Bariatric Surgery Tracker by NBL Media LLC https://appsto.re/us/vB6L1.i Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I recently looked into this and am at the stage of deciding which surgery I want: Re-Sleeve or Bypass. I'll preface the following by stating you can research many articles on "pubmed.com" to read published papers by physicians. There is a re-sleeve procedure and it's either done by plication or utilizing Overstitch; key difference is that part of your stomach is NOT cut and removed, as is done in the initial sleeve. The stomach is made smaller by suturing to make it smaller. In my case, revision, even if it is to a re-sleeve, would be covered by my insurance. Re-sleeves can be done endoscopically (through the throat, no incisions on the abdomen); this is the approach I am being offered. Bypass would require abdominal incisions as it is performed laparoscopically. Bypass would yield a greater overall weight loss, initially. There's a study that indicated the long term weight loss between those re-sleeved vs. conversion to bypass levels out and is similar. Articles: Re-sleeve Gastrectomy - An Efficient Revisional Bariatric Procedure - 3 Years Results Re-Sleeve Gastrectomy for Failed Primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Short-term outcomes of revisional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative analysis of re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch (Roux en-Y and single-anastomosis) Laparoscopic re-sleeve gastrectomy as a treatment of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy Weight Regain After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Look at the Benefits of Re-sleeve Reverse: Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass As to which procedure has higher risk, in general, risk increases with every subsequent surgery. In this case, it would depend on the approach your physician would take to re-sleeve; endoscopic or laparoscopic. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-matched study If both options would be performed laparoscopically, then it would be a matter of you deciding which procedure you feel the most comfortable with to achieve the long-term results you are looking for. Endoscopic surgery is performed using a scope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside and perform procedures without making major incisions, allowing for easier recovery time and less pain and discomfort. Laparoscopic is performed by making several small incisions in the abdomen, which increases risk when compared to the SAME PROCEDURE performed endoscopically (no incisions). The approach with the highest risk is open. Bigger incision. Bigger incision, bigger risk. One type of surgery that has taken off in the last few years is minimally invasive spine surgery. Many spine surgeries can be done laparoscopically versus open -- even fusions. The difference? Patients that have it done laparoscopically can have it done in an ASC (ambulatory surgical center), meaning they leave the same day, no hospital stay or large incisions in the back. And...always remember, whichever surgery you have, it's a TOOL, not a magic pill (those don't exist either). Hope this helps!

someone on another forum I'm on really liked John LoMonaco in Houston. I know he's sometimes featured on that show "Skin Tight". Most of the other really well-known surgeons (who specialize in WLS patients) that I've read a lot about are on the coasts, although I'm sure there are good surgeons in a lot of places - they just aren't as well-known among bariatric patients. Fisher is definitely well-known, though.

Nutricia creates advanced medical nutrition for consumers, patients and those who care for them. Nutricia's Pro-Stat and Fiber-Stat products have been trusted by physicians, nutritionists, dieticians and post-bariatric surgery patients for over 30 years. Pro-Stat hydrolyzed pure liquid proteins are designed for quicker absorption and more complete assimilation to speed post-surgical recovery. Used as a protein supplement or food fortifier, Pro-Stat is clinically proven to promote positive nitrogen balance and increase Net Protein Utilization.

I know about that one. I am talking about having speakers (bariatric surgeons, plastic surgeons, etc.) and clothing exchanges... Perhaps a biggest loser contest, before and after boards, etc. All sorts of fun stuff. I have the means to secure speakers, and sponsors, and a place for fills. Just need to get a general idea of who would be interested.

most companies use your starting BMI - but I don't want to say yours will in case they're one of the minority that doesn't. You could always call them and ask. Or your bariatric clinic might know if they've dealt with that company before.

3 days of a diet and you want to quit....THAT IS EXACTLY Why I needed this surgery.... ANY DIET and after a few days I wanted to quit also...there were a few diets where I went a few months, lost a lot of weight, felt good about myself, only to gain it all back, feel like a miserable failure.... I could not, and cannot diet...I do not have what some people have as far as following a calorie counting, portion weighing, regime for any period of time. My PCP realized this, and refereed me to a Bariatric Surgeon.... Coming up on 4 years and things could not be any better....this surgery has done everything for me that I could never do myself..... My portion sizes are limited, I have no cravings or hunger....and since I eat so little, I make the best of what I do eat so counting calories does not matter in my case.... All I need to do is be sure I get my daily Water and Protein requirements...and I have found that exercising is essential to burn fat away....(not to mention the other health benefits) Now there are many different people on this forum with many different experiences....and I don't expect people to be like me, and people should not expect others to be like them....but the point is, THIS THING DOES WORK!!! You can continue to do it on your own and face the risks of Obese related illnesses and even premature death, or you can have surgical intervention and face the risks of surgery........

I haven't had revision, but I've been hanging out on bariatric sites for the last 5-7 years. It does seem to work for most people, but of course you'll find outliers. Sorry to hear about the above responder's complications, although fortunately, as with virgin surgeries, those seem to be pretty rare.

This is why I love Bariatric Pal! I hoped I could express my honest feelings here and find others who could understand but also help me see to the other side. And, here you all are! My favorite thread has been "what I won't miss about being fat" or something to that effect. I was making my own list and got lazy. Need to keep focusing on that. Can't imagine the freedom to go and do what I want without fear. Of being able to walk and move freely without my knees hurting all the time! Of Not living in fear of getting diabetes, heart disease. It's so easy for me to dwell in the land of "what ifs" and to think of the negative possibilities instead of all the exciting possibilities! A trip to Disneyworld unencumbered. A hiking and camping trip with friends! Swimming! White water rafting! Walking up the steps to the Lincoln Memorial! A donkey ride in the Grand Canyon! I can create a whole new bucket list. Like you have all said, I need to take it one day at a time. I've lived with disability and daily pain for the last seven years. If I had known it was coming, I wouldn't have thought I'd be able to deal with it, but I have. So whatever comes, I'll deal with it as it comes. Not saying I won't still have to come back here for cheerleading and support, but thank you for helping me to start making mental shifts. Hugs to all!

I use OptiSource Post-Bariatric Surgery cheweables. They taste great and are generally gentle on the stomach. Take 4 per day.

If you don't want to go all the way out to Oregon, there is a doctor is St Louis that specializes in higher BMI patients. His name is Dr. Van Wagner and he works through a great program in St. Louis called St. Alexius New Start. Here is his web site: Heart of America Bariatrics, LLC While he is not the person doing my surgery -- I have heard great things about him. Hope you find someone.

Good for you! I'm so happy that you're able to do that. You know, only 5% of people are able to lose weight - and keep it off - with diet and exercise alone. Only 5%, isn't that crazy?!? Praise the Lord there are alternatives (like medications, or bariatric surgery) for the other 95% of us.

Hi everyone! For those of you (like me) who can't wait to get our own manuals/plans from our surgeons or for those who have gone to Mexico and/or otherwise feel they did not get enough information for aftercare, I found an online PDF to a patient care manual from Peachtree Bariatrics here in GA. Several people on this board have used this doctor, Dr. Titus Duncan. Although I will certainly follow MY surgeon's plan, it is nice to see a complete example of what to expect. It has useful info for before and after surgery. It gives food plans for the different stages. It also lists different medications that are okay or not okay. It is in PDF form. Hope others find this as helpful as I do! http://www.peachtree...ient-Manual.pdf

Best wishes for your surgery. This requires far more fortitude than bariatric surgery, and your story should be an inspiration to everyone who reads this forum. I know your mother is looking down on you and guiding you and giving you strength. You have obviously made her proud. Blessings!

Your right, you should discuss this with your bariatric staff. Does Stevia affect you, since its a natural sweetener?

I just placed an order at 866-333-7403 and got the 15pk for $15 and $1.99 s/h also Christine I am super excited to finally try other flavors & another brand because I've been buying Inspire brand from Bariatric Eating for over $32 and only 20 servings in a ziplock bag. So, I go thru about 3 bags a month ughhh! Pricey! I haven't tried many of the other brands except long ago I used Designer whey but that was nearly 15 years ago! Things in the Protein world have changed especially now since I've decided to have Roux En-Y next month the surgeon insists I only have whey protein isolate NOT whey protein concentrate since it doesn't absorb well!! I want to find where to talk about the supplements we need to be getting also! Have a great day everyone!

Protein? What’s that??? Lol i don’t focus on any macro or micro nutrients, just good wholesome foods. I’ve also read the book by bariatric surgeon Dr Garth Davis, called Proteinaholic. He’s got loads of sources and science behind the western diet craze of protein, specifically animal proteins. It’s a great read if you’re interested.

We all recover at different rates, maybe you were built a Speed Buggy instead of a sluggish jalopy like me. I would follow my surgeon's rules, he knows your case, your body strengths much better than I can out in Virtual-Land on Bariatric Pal. Congratulations on all you have achieved so far, excellent start, now keep it up to Goal!

Yes and I just asked my surgeon about this yesterday at my 10 day post op. He said you can order a stuff called dexcom from bariatric advantage. And yes it's ketosis from your body consuming more protein then anything else. I am in the same boat with you all on this. But I've been cleared to go to puree and it gets better.