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I use the Bariatric Pal vitamins. I like them because it is only 1 capsule per day. I also take a B-12 in the morning. In the evening, I take my Calcium citrate capsule (found these at Sprouts) and vitamin D3. That's it. I used Premier protein shakes prior to surgery and they were fine. Then after surgery, they were too sweet. Then a while later they were fine. Then I went to a plant based shake called Orgain which is available at Costco.

the OP might need to ask both. Yes - a psychiatrist is going to know more about psychotropic medicines, but the bariatric surgeon is going to be more familiar with potential malabsorption issues.

First off, congratulations! My clinic gave me a list of approved vitamins (and protein supplements). I'm currently taking the one a day Procare multivitamin with iron in it because I was having trouble with my Celebrate chewable multivitamins. They made me nauseous to the point of nearly becoming non-compliant. Opurity and Bariatric Advantage vitamins were also recommended. I'm currently taking Celebrate calcium citrate chews and they're pretty good. Getting bored with the fruit mix I got, but I have a bag of caramel ones I'll use next. I would mostly focus on samples of powders right now. Not a giant amount, though. I second Syntrax. I prefer the Sweets line (the traditional chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry (plus cookies and cream)). A lot of people like or can only tolerate the Nectar line (which are more fruit juice type). You could also get a sampler at Unjury for $30. It includes two packets of all of their flavors, a thermometer, two premade shakes, and a shaker bottle. Most of my shakes since surgery have been Unjury Chocolate Classic in unsweetened almond milk or Kroger Carbmaster skim milk. (Oh, and while it's not listed, Unjury will also include Opurity vitamin samples in their sampler pack.) Both Unjury and Syntrax are lactose free. In terms of RTD/premade shakes, I like Premier, GNC Total Lean, and Fairlife Core the most. GNC and Fairlife are often sold individually. Fairlife milk (and the shakes) are also lactose free if you find you are or become lactose intolerant. If you find you can't tolerate milky shakes, protein water is a thing. Protein 2O and Premier Protein water are popular. Or you could use unflavored protein in Crystal Light. I use Unjury's unflavored protein and add it to soups and broths for added protein.

Take a look at bariatric foodie and also the one with the ricotta bake lol be right back with the name. world according to eggface has great recipes for every stage

I used premier after my sleeve surgery but find my stomach won’t tolerate them after my recent revision to bypass. I highly recommend trying these samples. https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/syntrax-nectar-protein-powder-trial-sizes-17-flavors-to-choose-from?vec=eyJ2ZVRwIjoiRk9SVU0iLCJ2clRwIjoiTU9TVF9QT1BVTEFSIiwidnJJcCI6IjEifQ%3D%3D my favorite is the chocolate truffle and I tolerate them very well. I would be Leary of a one per day vitamin. Iron and calcium will counteract each other in certain doses. Also check with your team as they may require you to start on chewables. I take the bariatric fusion. Bottle says take 4 per day but my dr assures me that if I take two twice per day I will get the same results. I like that I don’t need any extra d3, iron or calcium with these. good luck!

I didn't use any bariatric-specific sites after I was through the phases - but I would imagine most low carb recipes would work (and of course you'll have to have some kind of protein at every meal, too...)

I just started the process of inquiring into Bariatric Surgery even though I’ve been considering it for years. I’m 43 and have been overweight since I graduated from high school. I’m currently 5’9, 254, and my BMI is 37. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos hypothyroidism 3 years ago. I suffer from GERD and recently found out that I have high cholesterol and Hepatic Steatosis. My endocrinologist just ordered a sleep apnea test for me because she thinks I might also have that. Within the last 6 years I’ve tried every weight loss medication out there and have had some success but have always gained the weight back. Once I found out I had fatty liver disease (I had an MRI for abdominal pain) I decided I really needed to get serious and do something about my weight and my health. I know I have a food addiction and also a crappy metabolism due to my thyroid issues. So the first thing I did was contact my insurance company to see if it was a covered benefit and what the plan rules were. My insurance is BCBC of Michigan (Although I live in Ohio and it’s administered through Medical Mutual), covers bariatric surgery 100% if I have qualifying comorbidities. The insurance requires that I have tried a medically supervised diet for six months within the last 4 years (which I actually did in 2018- I was on Saxenda for 7 months and only lost 20 lbs but gained that back). Once I found out that it might be covered, I contacted 3 hospitals to inquire about bariatric surgery. (I did this in Jan. 5th). All three Hospitals have forms that you fill out on their websites after your watch a mandatory video. I guess now it’s a waiting game for the Hospitals to get back to you? One of my friends had WLS last year and she told me that it could take a few weeks before the hospitals call you back. I am very happy that I have stumbled upon this website! I have already learned so much from all of you sharing your stories.

We figured out it was actually my vitamins! I was taking bariatric fusion chewable 4x per day and I had recently started an additional D3 and iron supplement. Posting so if anyone searches for something similar they can see this.

I live in the metro Atlanta area and I went with Wellstar Kennestone Bariatrics. The surgeon there is Doctor Fritz Jean-Pierre. I've felt very supportive by his team and him. He has a very calming demeanor the few times I've seen him (including the day after surgery), and a good sense of humor.

The Swedish Metabolic and Bariatric Center has a support group that gets together a few times a month that might make a great starting off point for you to meet people. I'll be heading to a meeting in the near future (just had surgery this week).

Thanks for sharing. I'm going to check out the collagen peptides. I already take B12, so I plan to keep taking it after surgery, along with Biotin. I am old, 57, and I ordered bariatric multi vitamins. Like you, I am scared about hair loss. My hair is my best feature!

Bariatric wise, I am allowed 1-2 glasses of caffeinated coffee in the AM, and tea is also permitted throughout the day, but they prefer herbal/non-caffeinated teas. Cardiac wise... I have given up caffeine altogether. Just as well, my biggest source of caffeine was colas which of course are NOT good for a bariatric patient!

I have feeling of accomplishment and relief. I completed the Medicare criteria for my revision surgery this week. It has been a journey, stressful at times. In 2005, when I was preparing for my Lap Band surgery, I worked through all the pre- op requirements at the Bariatric Dept. Back then it was my PCP who gave me the biggest grief, as he was not a proponent of weight loss surgery of any kind. This time it was much different. The psychiatric evaluation and initial nutritional assessment I had done at the surgeon's hospital. But, since I live about 2 hours including a ferry ride from the hospital, I decided to do the Medically Managed Weight Loss Program with my local PCP. In hindsight, I think I should have done it with the nutritionist at the surgeon's hospital. My PCP and his PA have been wonderful, but they have limited understanding of bariatric surgery and Medicare requirements. In the end, I think we helped each other through the process, but it took a lot of explaining and back-tracking each visit. The good news is they are both very supportive. Looking forward my revision on February 27.

kc892020, Thank you for the information, it looks like we are having our surgeries a day apart, mine is the 14th. My bariatric team is also the ones treating my PCOS so I am lucky in that respect. I will be happy to get rid of the metformin, I have not seen any real difference with the spironolactone and I do not take progesterone. I was taking Victoza but ins quit paying for it. I also saw that you are from Ohio, I am originally from Ohio too. I hope you have great success, please let me know how it goes and if your PCOS symptoms subside.

According to ASMBS guidelines, "Q: Do I need to avoid caffeine after bariatric surgery? A: Caffeine fluids have been shown to be as good as any others for keeping you hydrated. Still, it is a good idea to avoid caffeine for at least the first thirty days after surgery while your stomach is extra sensitive. After that point, you can ask your surgeon or dietitian about resuming caffeine. Remember that caffeine often comes paired with sugary, high-calorie drinks, so be sure you’re making wise beverage choices." The BariatricPal Store carries a large selection of bariatric friendly coffee options at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/coffee .

I stocked up too. I wanted to be prepared, especially since I knew I shouldn't be lifting big cases of vitamin water or protein shakes and things of that nature post op. Overall, I was glad I was prepared. BUT... The only caution I will give to others pre-op who are reading this thread... be careful not to stock up too much! There were several things I had and liked pre-op that did NOT sit well with me post-op. For example: Chocolate Premier Protein Shakes and Premier Protein Water. I liked and drank them pre-op. I hated them post-op. I forced myself to finish the chocolate shakes, but I gave the protein water away. And that stuff is expensive! I also didn't like the bariatric soup mixes I bought and some of the goat cheese crackers Still have them, but they aren't getting used up. The protein oatmeals are way too much for me to eat, so I don't eat those. Luckily my daughter likes some of them. I bought WAY too much jello and Popsicles. Still have the jello, but the popsicles were taking up valuable freezer space so I threw them out. Oh... and I have an abundance of tuna/chicken packets which I will use, but I was using them much more in pre-op diet mode and I am sick of them now.

@momotrips3 My band experience is similar to yours! I never found my sweet spot so it never worked for me I went to the doctor complaining that I could clear my pouch with a burp (unintentional) and I'd be hungry again so he tightened me just a little bit but then I couldn't get water down so he had to take it out. Told me I was at my highest tolerance for tightness so it didn't do much to help me... I'd get stuck on healthy foods (any fibrous fruits/veggies and lean proteins) and I never felt good with it. After seeing all these GERD stories I'm heavily leaning toward RNY. At first it sounded scary but it's been done for many years now and is apparently the gold standard for bariatric surgery... I'm gonna schedule a consult soon after I research doctors in my state. I had twins last year in April and ever since my body is just a mess. I walk like I'm 80 even though I'm 37, and I went to the trampoline park with my oldest kid last weekend and I couldn't jump with him because it was too hard 😭 I'm too damn young to not be able to be active and play with my kids! That's when I decided I need to do some research and figure this out. I don't want my kids to look at me and think old fat mom can't bike with us, jump with us, go down slides and play with us because she's too out of shape.

I will post my prescribed 6week to 3month Bariatric diet on a new thread

sounds like constipation - sometimes a lot of gas gets trapped behind it which can cause a lot of pain and bloating. chronic constipation is actually pretty common in bariatric patients, both sleeve and bypass. A lot of us take a capful of Miralax every day to help with it. Others take things like stool softeners, Smooth Move tea, etc. Just experiment with what works for you and keep on top of it. I wouldn't mess with harsher laxatives except for during the times you really need them (like when you've been blocked up for three or four days). Those aren't made for daily use. But stool softeners and things like Miralax can be used regularly. even with the daily Miralax, I still get backed up once or twice a month. When it happens, taking Milk of Magnesia for a night or two usually does the trick.

I’m so sorry ur experiencing this with the LB n it’s unfortunately cuz u’ll continue with all those symptoms until u make the right choice in removing it n instead settling for a revision. I can fully relate to ur experience/symptoms cuz I too had the LB for 11 yrs n all my symptoms started a few months after getting it. So, I just put up with all the symptoms n tolerated the band cuz it was a nice little tool that DID the JOB in helping me loose weight by not OVER EAT or able to eat anything at all. I was 210 lbs when I got it. I went down to 135/40 lbs n loving/liking the way I LOOKED even though the symptoms SUCKED. I became ANEMIC n at one time got an AWFUL BACTERIAL infection that I DON’T wish on anyone. Believe me it was a SACRIFICE having the band. But unfortunately n cuz I had no other choice; in 2018 I had the band removed due to LOTS of problems with the port after getting a tummy tuck n too was tired of all the TERRIBLE/AWFUL symptoms that came with it. If I would’ve FULLY RESEARCHED n known of all the LB symptoms; I would’ve instead OPTED for a bypass. Unfortunately I did gain ALL my weight back but that was only due to lots of medical issues once I entered MENOPAUSE n being put on medication. So now, due to all my weight gain I REFUSE to let myself go n NOT EXHAUST all options for OVERALL BETTER HEALTH. Therefore, I’m currently being monitored by a nutritionist n dietician along with my bariatric doctor for a possible GASTRIC BYPASS that was recommended by my doctor. Hope my sharing helped n u make the right choice for ur OVERALL HEALTH. May God illuminate/bless you in DOING THE RIGHT THING.🙏🏽

Keep a daily log of weight, food I eat, calories and protein to constantly remind myself of why I started this journey. And if I forget slap myself, take mental note of it and remind myself it’s not worth it. But also remind myself letting loose a little once in a while is ok as long as it’s within certain rules I set (getting my daily protein, vitamins and not breaking my maximum calories) I know it’s hard. To add to the book suggestion. Look for the book on audible audio book and listen to it while you take a walk. Also if you can try to just go on a quiet walk somewhere to clear your head and think about why you had bariatric surgery and how to get back into the groove again ... And thankfully you have a lot of support here too.

Using that to compare sleeve to RNY ... I don’t think sleeve was intended as a first step surgery but as a stand-alone procedure while RNY is gold standard. Duodenal switch is very rarely done but uses a sleeve type method with gallbladder removal and intestinal rerouting. I was interested in DS because I needed cholecystectomy due to chronic inflammation but sleeve isn’t good for GERd. I agree @FluffyChix as well as it seems many people who get sleeved end up getting RNY due to developing acid reflux (GERd) I’m still perplexed by some things about the procedures, like how they can go from sleeve to RNY. I do agree that a lot of problems arise from gastric banding. But sleeves also can stretch and people can ignore the restrictions and rules of the tool they were given with whichever surgery they chose. So you have skepticism when mentioning any type of bariatric surgery. But modern day surgery, with the right surgical team, along with a good nutrition plan and mindfulness can change the outcome a great deal. As usual fluffychix is right. We also need to sometimes let others weight comments roll off our backs, and walk away. this kind of thing is hard for me, I’m can’t read people. But I notice when I was gaining no one says anything not even my doctor when I’m pleading for help. I don’t get out often but now people see me and I get the occasional comment on how Skinny I’m getting or I’m disappearing. Which ... well is a double edge sword since I’ve spent my life invisible. I’m losing weight for me not for commentary. Although yes we don’t want to look at our reflection and dislike what we see and other people tend to act as mirrors. And their comments as well. ultimately the journey is never linear no matter how we want it to be but in the moment someone asks you just say exactly as it is, you had bariatric surgery, your goal is to be successful no matter what happened to whomever else had surgery. And maybe, they are a bit jealous that you are succeeding. It’s sad that people need to be that way. it does scare me that despite all my fight I won’t hang on to the weight loss because I can’t exercise and my health gets worse. I’m using my tool though and following rules. Even when the people around me don’t understand them. Or why in the rare times I go out to eat I’m so restricted. sorry. Not only did I answer backwards but went off on a tangent. But the op question is on a lot of minds I’m sure for those unlike me with actual lives around actual humans. But those humans can be rather harsh when it comes to things like food and weight. I will never understand it.

Potatoe potato . While true true, the first was in reference to DS, thereafter original proving ground test subjects were RYGB. Regardless is was conceived as a "first step" for the morbidly obese to allow for easier follow up Bariatric surgery, with less complications. i believe the sleeve alone has the highest 5 year rate, for those with a starting BMI of under 40.

Honey, this is exactly what the band is SUPPOSED to do. You WANT to eat, but the band stops you. The "wishing you could eat more" is a whole other subject. The area of the stomach that is responsible for satiety is in the top portion of your stomach. The bottom portion isn't calling out to you. This is your head thinking you didn't eat enough, aka "head hunger." When I was banded, I could eat small amounts (usually about 1/2-1cup) of food. The amount of time before I felt hungry again depended on what I ate. If I ate a cookie or cupcake, I was hungry again in about 15 minutes. If I ate solid meat and vegetables, I wasn't hungry for hours. With the lapband, if I ate too quickly or didn't chew my food well enough, it felt like razors trying to pass through that stoma. It hurt so bad and I didn't want to have to experience THAT again, so I'd go back to my chewing/eating slowly/etc. Then I'd forget and the RAZORS would quickly remind me. I never had the "burp" and I'm cleared thing other than once when I had something stuck in the stoma (I hadn't chewed a piece of meat well enough). When my gallbladder went crazy, I had a lot of violent vomiting and my band slipped. I didn't have it out because it failed me. I had it out because it slipped and was giving me reflux for years before the doctors found the slip. With the sleeve, it is much the same. I eat small amounts, about the same as the band. The amount of time before I feel hungry again is exactly the same as the band. If I eat junk food or high-carb food, it doesn't satisfy me and I'm hungry again very quickly. If I eat a meal with substance, I could go 3 or 4 hours without being hungry. EX: for lunch today I had a small salad and some tomato soup. I ate it about an hour ago and I'm still as full right now as I was when I stopped eating. This will probably last me at least another hour or 2. I still have the razor feeling if I eat too fast or don't chew well enough. I get a "hard stop" if I've reached my max capacity, which I try not to do. It's painful and I can get thick saliva that foams. In comparison between band and sleeve, I'd say they were very similar. I have a firmer "hard stop" with the sleeve, but that's OK. Otherwise, the satiety and consequences of not chewing well enough are the same. I'm still of the opinion your problem may be related to what and how you're eating. I wasn't able to tolerate fills at all in my band, so I never got the full benefits of having the adjustable restriction, but I never felt like I was starving. Go back to the basics of your bariatric diet. Chew well and eat s-l-o-w. Log everything you eat, so you know how many calories you're getting. If necessary, contact a nutritionist for a diet plan. If you're still struggling after all that, maybe a counselor? disclaimer: My comments are not intended as medical advice. When in doubt, always contact your doctor.

We are bookends, your surgery is on Monday/27th and my surgery is on Friday/31st. Costco has Premier protein on sale (2 cases max) for 19.00 each until 01/26 I believe. Wal-Mart grocery store is good for our Jello and Sugar free Popsicles, Trader Joe's has plenty of broth varieties. I've been shopping as I go, building my supplies and getting ready for the transition to bariatric surgery. I also live alone and don't want to be without my needs during recovery time. My focus is going to be on rest, hydration and walking in the proper time intervals.