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Hi everyone and congrats to everyone enduring this process!! We are all brave and strong! I am feeling some anxiety surrounding the Insurance process. I know it will all work out as I am confident in my Bariatric program and their efforts. I am looking forward to having much more confidence during the holiday 2020 season! I loooove Christmas I also want to be able to fit into my old clothes which I never tossed away. Most of all, I want to get back into running which helps so much with my anxiety.

Hi JRT Mom, my first set of ulcers were related to H Pylori. This time around they tested for H Pylori but it was negative. I don’t use a lot of NSAIDS so I’m not really sure what the culprit is. I had my gallbladder removed shortly after I was told I had Ulcers in 2011 (sludge). The MRICP revealed no pancreatic or duct complications but it did reveal I have Hepatic Steatosis (non alcoholic fatty liver disease). In 43 and so finding this out was a shock & that is why I have really decided I need to do something about my weight. I’ve already been told my cholesterol was high and was diagnosed with Hashimotos Hypothyroid about 2 years ago. I will definitely make an appointment with my gastroenterologist to discuss bariatric surgery and to get his input.

Congrats on the weight loss! You are what..roughly a 6 days past your 1 month 'surgery anniversary' date? 1 lb a day is still much faster than what I was losing in my first month and my first week my calories didn't even hit 300. My 2nd week I hit 400. I didn't reach 700-800 calories until I was 2 months out - everyone is different and my doctor has some very very strict food phases and lengths. I actually lost more in my pre-op phase than in my 1st month post op but I lost weight and was glad. I have surgery siblings who were roughly close to my age (those who were in their 20's and 30's lost vastly more which was no surprise to me) and starting weight that lost double what I did. 1 person I knew was busting out the exercise so I knew or felt that this helped her dramatically as she was, like myself, a relentless food/intake and water intake tracker. I have torn the meniscus on both sides of my right knee so when I took up hiking I found that once I hit 2 miles my knee balloons up and I struggle to walk for 2 days. Working with my orthos on alternatives. I was swimming before it got cold here. They are waiting for my BMI to be under 40 for a full knee replacement but I'm trying to do whatever I can to postpone that type of surgery if possible. After seeing the scans of the bone spurs and arthritis in my knee, I'm not sure how long postponing it will work in the long run. I think it is in one of either Dr. Weiner's videos or the other guy that ppl watch on this forum (I know, so helpful with that description) who instead of looking at the initial rates of weight loss in the first 6 months and even overall in a year...and then they look @ the 2 year+ outcomes and for those that stick with their plans and work it...and exercise...the outcomes start to be very very similar. Am trying to remember though if they were talking about results from VSG vs. bypass or results from people who lose more slowly, etc. I was purposefully seeking more bariatric surgeon input on metabolic resistance and set points so I'm hoping I'm recalling the fact that their 'overall outcome' charts were addressing this. I don't believe that for the most part that all or at least the majority on this thread think that if we dropped our calories down to let's say...300 calories a day and did NOTHING else except achieve the estimated calorie deficit that just getting up and going about your daily tasks can burn....I've read ranges from 300 to 500 or more?? (I'm NOT talking about lying in bed day and night and not moving)....that we would NOT lose weight. We know that, yes, at some point our bodies despite any metabolic issues, health issues, medication issues, setpoints, etc. WILL continue to lose weight with a large net calorie deprivation/deficit for sure. I don't know about anyone else but when my calories drop consistently below 500, I am always very dizzy. My first 2 months were spent feeling very dizzy.

Hello, I am so glad to hear April is you month. May date is the 7th of April 4 days after my 56th birthday. Happy Birthday to me...This is my gift to myself. I can not wait. I am in Michigan started the journey in May of 2019. Due to my insurance I had to go 6 months in a row with missing any appointments. on my last appointment I gained some weight so they gave me another month, to make sure I was living the bariatric life style...so I did good in November lost 11 lbs. my next goal was to stop smoking which I did (happy dance) and now I have to be 3 months smoke free, hence my date in April. I am very excited to do this I am dragging along so uncomfortably right now... let's do this!!!!!

I did Saxenda for 6 months in 2018. Only lost 20lbs and that was in the first two months then I hit a plateau. I have since gained that weight back and more. I saw my endocrinologist yesterday and am trying Qysmia. I’ve also started looking into bariatric surgery.

So, update.... I gave all of my bread and crackers to my stepdad. Just better NOT to have it in my house. I will still allow it if I am out at a restaurant... but it doesn't need to be in my home where I can just eat it every meal. Already dropped 2lbs by reverting back to my strict bariatric-friendly diet. I plan on having some falafel on a pita for lunch today - my "bready" treat for the week - going to lunch with a coworker.

My local place has broccoli crust pizza I get on occasion (the one I like is pretty pricey) . I ate some Dominos flatbread pizza for the first time a few days ago. It was good, but I realized it was pointless and I don't *need* it. Since I realized I could eat bread again, I went a little crazy for a few weeks, but I have restarted my strict bariatric-friendly diet and I am already back down 2lbs (I had gained 4lbs). I gave all my breads and crackers to my stepdad and leftover pizza to my friend.

Here's something I threw together that was approved for my weeks 4-6 after surgery that was pretty delish. I'm calling it "Bariatric Lasagna". 1/2 cup soft cooked macaroni 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1/4 no sugar added spaghetti sauce Mix all ingredients. top with some mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Microwave until warm and cheese is melted. Makes about 4 half cup servings. I guess if you aren't vegetarian you could add some hamburger if you are allowed it.

I went through the 6-month medically supervised weight loss program at George Washington that was required before my insurance would approve the surgery. (I do recommend their weight loss clinic.) However, when the time came for my surgery I went with Dr. Katherine Lemond at Sibley Memorial Hospital in DC (affiliated with Johns Hopkins). I cannot recommend Dr. Lemond and the entire bariatric surgery team at Sibley highly enough. I'd recommend that you have a look at them before you make a final decision.

I think that’s the root of the problem here, I am a little shocked that your surgeon didn’t have a nutritionist as part of a team and a nutritional manual to help guide you through each phase of the bariatric surgery process including the fact that this is a lifelong tool that you use to make permanent lifestyle changes to your way of eating and perceptions of food. Perhaps gastric bypass surgery might have been more appropriate for you long term. If you can speak to a surgeon, do so. But a nutritionist and nutritional guidelines based on your personal needs and doing the head work of seeing this as a tool for life change in you way of eating and perceptions of food are very important. My story is long and boring. But I’ve fought my weight a long long time. But with this tool I hope to Finally reach goal and maintain the weight. I’m always afraid to lose that control. I track daily weight calories and protein as well as what foods I’ve eaten. Extreme maybe but takes a few seconds to do. In general it’s good to always keep to set rules for yourself. Some people find low carb helpful, combining intermittent fasting helpful as well. I need to be very strict with my calories due to metabolic disorders and inability to exercise. first step is to remember why you had the surgery. All the best to you in whatever you decide to do.

I’ve been there. I had gained back 75 pounds after 6 years. I had enough. I still had the tool, and started making drastic changes. I went back to basics. I started my all liquid diet again and went from there. I started logging all my food again and drinking only water. Also weighing myself daily. To me when the food is logged I cannot run from it. I started getting conscious of my snacks. I know at work there is always temptation and at home as well. I got back in touch with my surgeon and got the kick in the bud I needed. I was re-educated on my daily needs, as well as getting back on a good bariatric multivitamin. It can be done, the tool never go away. In June 2019 I was at 168 after losing 20 pounds gradually over 2 years. I saw a picture of myself and knew I wasn’t happy with myself. I went though surgery hell with all my complications and was so mad at myself. In June I decided to start, like I said, with the basics. I have now lost 40 pounds in 7 months. To say my tool is still there is an understatement. I also started on my head work, and realized I had to grow there too. You can do this. You are here and that’s the first step. Come here for support. My real life people don’t understand my food issues. Here there is always someone with good support and advice. Good luck in your new journey.

So I’m on day 15 post op and still doing liquids. Mostly water, ice chips, popsicles, and protein shakes. I don’t have any hunger and no desire to try to swallow anything tougher than a frozen popsicle. However, I’ve discovered this weird fascination with food tasting videos on YouTube. I don’t want the food, but for some reason it satisfies a part of my brain. I’ve been in bed rest and these short vids are just the trick. Trigger Warning: totally non appropriate food for bariatric patients. 🤓 Here are some fun ones: https://youtu.be/d9A0i5gpMAQ https://youtu.be/UC5KKlj7TAo https://youtu.be/seCkuD77dnY https://youtu.be/SHCeP5ozZi4 Anyone else watch these?

I did - although only because I did my required six-month supervised diet BEFORE I was accepted into the bariatric program (my insurance company required a supervised diet sometime within the previous two years, so they accepted the one I had).

I don't think most surgeons use drains for bariatric surgery. Some do, but many of us never had them.

I am so sorry for the loss of your mother and the other things you are going through. I had my revision in Sept my weight at surgery time was 213. I also had severe GERD and a fistula,which is why my BMI didn't really matter. You and I are the same height so you may not have any issues getting a revision at your current weight. As far as the Alcoholism goes have you tried talking to your regular DR? Most bariatric surgeons also have you see someone, and they may be able to help. I also agree with the diversion therapy that AJ talks about. I wish you all the best!

Why on earth would you want to start smoking again? I thought patients had to quit smoking forever when they had bariatric surgery because it adversely affects your stomach lining. You were able to go 7 months without smoking, that should have ingrained the new habit for you. Please don't smoke again, it's so bad for you.

Hello peeps, I had my revision from Lap-Band to Mini-Gastric Bypass on Dec 29th in Mexico at Mexico Bariatric Center. Today I'm 9 days Post-op and I feel pretty good. Still on the Full liquid phase which is fine for me because I have zero hunger and have no desire to eat anything. Yesterday was the first day I actually had some dizziness and nausea after I showered but I think it's my body adjusting to my vitamins. I'm using Patch vitamins from PatchMD. I went back to work yesterday (desk job) but only worked until noon due to the nausea. Took a zofran, slept all afternoon and when I woke up the nausea was gone. Today I feel much better.

I was doing great with the sleeve. Then my husband started beating me, my autistic son became a "teenager".... insert dramatic scary music here.... and my mom died on Dec 21. Oh, and I have an amazing 4 yr old girl. I have been hitting the bottle. A lot. In the last 6mo I have regained 15lbs. I'm currently waiting for insurance to approve a revision surgery for my sleeve. I went from 287 lbs to 215 and now 228. My restriction is still pretty good, but I am so stressed out that I have to believe my excess calorie intake is my alcohol intake. I'm not sure what I am even asking, but does anyone know a good way to battle alcoholism and a good type of doctor that is knowledgeable about bariatric issues as well as alcohol issues? Not specifically looking for a particular doctor, but any ideas would be great. Sent from my moto e5 supra using BariatricPal mobile app

EDG scheduled for1/15/2020 at the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. Then I will be scheduled for a date. Insurance has already approved me. I am worried about the Liquid diet. I don't like anything sweet and I see most of the protein drinks are fruit flavor..Icky

Not that people on here view themselves as experts, its just real life experiences that the Dr. & Bariatric team can't prepare you for. This information is best from real life bariatric patients, because if it weren't for this forum I wouldn't be having this procedure either truthfully. Today, I have battled myself and I don't know why, I contribute it to nerves. Then I look at your stories and many ppl on here & I know that I have got this. So, go buy those new clothes in due time and happy reading.

Betty knows that I love coconut custard pie. She can take it or leave it. I saw the recipe and then I Told her I love her as she is eating her air fried lemon pepper chicken breast and roasted vegetables. Man that smell is to die for. I may make a smoothie with some left over roasted vegetables and a scoop of whey protein Isolate unflavored in it tomorrow. well she said she will make some egg custard next Tuesday the 14th for me. She is a good woman!

@sillykitty ...but they can be MAINTENANCE Bariatric portions! .... how big are those containers?

Back to meal prep for the bf for the first time in forever All non bariatric portions Sundried Tomato & Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast with Grape Tomato Sauce over Protein Pasta with Broccoli & Italian Green Beans (Can't see the protein pasta, but I thought of you @rs, it does look like worms 😂) Salsa Verde Braised Pork with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice & Mexican Squash Cobb Salad

https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions Misconception: Most people who have metabolic and bariatric surgery regain their weight. Truth: As many as 50 percent of patients may regain a small amount of weight (approximately 5 percent) two years or more following their surgery. However, longitudinal studies find that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful weight-loss long-term. ‘Successful’ weight-loss is arbitrarily defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight. Often, successful results are determined by the patient, by their perceived improvement in quality of life. In such cases, the total retained weight-loss may be more, or less, than this arbitrary definition. Such massive and sustained weight reduction with surgery is in sharp contrast to the experience most patients have previously had with non-surgical therapies.

Calories for the First Six Months Immediately after surgery, your doctor will place you on a liquid meal plan, which helps your stomach heal from surgery. You gradually progress to pureed and soft foods before eating solid foods and establishing a normal bariatric meal plan. Once you're able to eat solid foods, the typical gastric bypass meal plan for the first six months consists of three small meals and two snacks for a total of between 1,000 and 1,300 calories per day. Calorie Breakdown The goal of your post-surgery meal plan is to get enough nutrients while adjusting to the smaller size of your stomach. Aim to balance each meal with protein and vegetables or fruit and get at about 50 grams of protein daily. If you're following a 1,000- to 1,300-calorie post-surgery meal plan a good goal is to have two snacks contain 100 to 150 calories each. Based on the calorie range of this plan, your three main meals contain roughly 250 to 350 calories each.