Search the Community

Meal prep for the bf again this weekend, non bariatric portions here! Broccoli Beef with Cauliflower Rice Pork Tenderloin, Sherry Mushrooms, Sweet Potato & Glazed Brussel Sprouts Really loving sous vide for chicken & pork lately!

Starting to get frustrated with the set backs with my hospitals program requirements. I know it is for the best but between having tests and appointments be postponed and getting more required appointments added I just want to get this done. I finished my last dietary appointment today (the dieticians office cancelled on me once which put me off schedule and I had to start over) and I have what will hopefully be my last psych visit next week (the doctor who does the psych evals never gives the green light on the first visit but I didn’t know this going in to it) so I thought I was finally good to go. But then I got further results of my sleep study they required and they changed me from mild sleep apnea to moderate so now I need to get a cpap and have 4 weeks documented use before I can do my first surgical appointment. It’s extremely discouraging that they make you do every last bit before you can even get your first appointment with the surgery team. I just want to get that process started as I was diagnosed with IIH already had to have a stent in, I am still losing my eyesight, and I want to try this before going through with the shunt. I have been working this for over a year and haven’t cancelled one of my own appointments all the set backs have been a perfect storm that the clinics have had to cancel or postpone things. I just want this done before the end of the year when my insurance is going to both renew the deductible and change providers and have new rules to meet. I met my out of pocket maximum this year. I am ready and just needed a place to vent.

I am easing my way in to pureed foods here are a couple links that someone else posted: https://bariatricmealprep.com/bariatric-recipes/ https://www.bariatriceating.com/bariatric-recipes.html https://www.bariatriccookery.com/ https://www.bariatriccookery.com/category/recipes/page/2/ Good luck!

I completely understand. Work can be tough when it comes to time off. I hope you only need 2.5 weeks!! I feel like if you're tough enough to let them chop off skin awake in the office, you'll probably be doing great after 2.5 weeks. I'm only taking a handful of days off for my revision, which should be fine, but I am fully confident if I need more days or end up having plastics, I'll be fired, which could be a blessing after all. Also, sorry to hijack your thread but Dr. Oviedo is going to be my surgeon too! Do you like him? I literally have not met him. Dr. Glembot was going to be my surgeon, but he's booked out into late November and my insurance will no longer cover bariatric surgery come November 1, so they went into scramble mode to get me on the schedule in October. I won't even meet him until the day before surgery, so I'm a bit nervous about that. I'm just going to trust that he is competent and hope our personalities mesh well. 😃 P.S. I don't know if you know who Trogdor is, but if your dragon tattoo ends up just being a head and a tail, you could potentially turn it into Trogdor!

Hey everyone, I went to my PCP on 2/18/19. I weighed 298 lbs at 6 tall. I was huge. Depressed, sleep deprived, eating disordered etc. My Dr. recommended me to the options program at Kaiser. 12 weeks of weekly classes to see if I was ready for the surgery. During those 12 weeks I researched weight loss drugs, and went on Metformin every morning and Bupropion x2 a day. I immediately lost interest in food and over the 12 weeks lost 45 lbs. I'm not diabetic but very hypertensive and sleep apnea severe. They approved me with no out of pocket costs for the surgery tomorrow at 7 am PST. The reason I'm doing the surgery is that I have a 3 year old daughter, and I want to be around for her. I'm late 40's and sick and tired of being sick and tired. My Dr. requires a liquid diet for 2 days before the surgery. I had five fast food dreams last night and dreams about chocolate candy bars and dreams about triscuits and cheese plates, etc. I cant believe I didn't struggle for 12 weeks of losing 45 lbs but 2 days of no solid food and its a huge struggle. Clear liquid protein, broth and lots of caffeine. I got really irritable at dinner time tonight and was frustrated. Even after losing 45 lbs I still ate unhealthy and had trouble controlling my appetite and had serious unhealthy disordered food cravings etc. The frustrating part was after losing 45lbs the teachers in my weight classes and my pcp and my specialists were all like why are you doing this? You are now on the border of obese and look really good. They all tried to talk me out of it! My Bariatric surgeon was very supportive and immediately scheduled my surgery. I'm excited and nervous. The really hard part is that not eating solid food for the last 2 days has been difficult and made me want to regress and go back to junk food! I didnt and I'm ready for the surgery but I hope my taste buds change and I become much healthier and practice mindful present eating habits. I know the Metformin and Bupropion were temporary battles won but not the war - which is why I signed up and I'm ready for surgery. I have my sugar free popsicles, and Premiere protein clear gatorade looking bottles and my vitamins and crystal light sugar free. I'm ready to win the war and this is a battle I knowingly go into with open eyes and a clear heart. I hope the surgery really helps the anger and depression and manipulative hormones that emanate from my stomach when it doesnt get its fast food or junk food fix. I want to enjoy not having an appetite and eating small healthy portions of healthy food. I want to be the 190 lbs guy from my college days. I have broad shoulders and a football players body and played in college but really just get healthy again. Two things I enjoy in moderation is 1 cup of coffee a day and once a month having a drink of alcohol or two socially. I hope I can regain both of those in the year after the surgery. I don't care about the junk food, fast food, and sugary or fried food. I hope I don't ever want those again. (My stomach is talking now) literally 8 hours before the surgery! Mark PS I hope losing weight helps the sleep apnea and lessens it, since the cpap doesnt work very well. I also hope to stop the 4 blood pressure drugs I'm on as well.

New episodes of Bartiatric Strong up on YouTube. This is the only show out there that talks about fitness and nutrition as it pertains to bariatric patients. We discuss nutrient needs, how to fuel your workouts, what different exercises we could be doing. Anything and everything on the topics of how to fuel better performance in our athletic endeavors. Check it out, comment, ask questions, and subscribe if you want to be notified when new episodes are uploaded (im trying to do weekly) Nurse Mike

Ok, I've been using six star unflavored protein powder for the last 3 years. I'm wondering if anyone has a better protein powder out there because Walmart is out of stock and I can't even order it online from them. I found it on Groupon but I'm afraid of hidden fees can anyone tell me about Groupon or where they get their six star because Amazon and Bariatric pal can be very pricey. Sent from my SM-J337P using BariatricPal mobile app

Tastes will change. At first I couldn’t stomach any protein shakes bc they were so over-the-top sweet. So I drank nothing but fairlife milk bc it has so much protein in it. I also use a lot of savory products. Love the bariatric cream of chicken and tomato. Lots of times I’ll add a scoop of beef bone broth powder to miso soup. It’s pretty decent. I’ve also done the bariatric hot chocolate and the oatmeal. Lately though, I tried the premier protein again and I get the caramel and bananas and cream and add to iced coffee over a lot of crushed ice (1:1 ratio) and it’s pretty delicious. In fact, I just ordered their pumpkin spice and I can’t wait to try it out. Don’t be afraid to try new things and even periodically go back to previously tried things. Your tastes will change over time

Looking GREAT! isn’t it funny? Many people seeing us for the first time would never guess that 8 months ago we were scheduled for bariatric surgery. This morning I had an early Pilates class and it was a beginner level class bc that time slot was the only one that worked for me. There were a couple brand new ladies in class— both of them fairly overweight— I’ve done Pilates for 7 months now and know all of the mods to make my workout tougher. One of the newbies said something about it and yet another member said “maybe we can do those things if we can get as skinny as her” Felt surreal to hear that

Did well with my cataract SURGERY- took a lot longer than eye#1, Dr Koehler told TOMKITTEN, my son, it was More Complicated than He Planned, probably needed it last year when. I had my Bariatric, went back Yesterday for my One Day AFTER appointment He told me my eyesight is now 20/20, don't think it was That Good even when I was a Mini-Frustr8, now once the intraocular swellings go down I May Be Able to read my paperback books once again. I have no trouble watching TV at all, now I only have to wear my eyepatch at night, out in public where I could get bumped or when there is dirt or dust blowing in the air. So GOOD PROGRESS there. Right arm is still distended and sore, much to tell at G Surgeon about THERE. And that is my Latest Update. Until my next Posting- Frustr8 Out!

Found this little space to start posting random thoughts, feelings and experiences to document this journey Surgery Type = Gastric bypass Age = 48 Highest weight = 307 1st date with surgeon 05-09-2019 Weight - 302 June, July, August, Sept - went through pre-op stuff diet and insurance hell Surgery Date 10-01-2019 Weight 284 10-02-2019 - Weight going home was 294 Hospital care impressive, bariatric program impressive. I was sent home with all the knowledge and material I need. Nurse called me on 10/03. I had red tinged phlegm coughing and she said that was normal. Today, 10/05/2019 I'm home and still sore. I don't think I was given enough pain meds so trying to use them sparingly. Lots of vitamins and meds to take it takes me about 30 minutes to take them (morning and evening) due to the stomach making me full. My main goal is to get 60-80 grams of protein and 60 oz of liquid. I've almost made it each day going to try today. I'm still happy I made this decision. Trying to walk at least every hour around the house and will i'm sitting I do ankle twists. I've take some short walks outside with the dogs. Things that are bugging me - I have 6 incisions and 4 are horizontal along my fat roll that 'bends" when I sit making it uncomfortable. Dr. filled out form for me to go back to work on Oct 17 I think i will need longer, will address at first preop meeting on the 16th Lower left abdomen hurts internally, is that where one of the stomas are? I know I'm still pumped with fluids, not weighing myself yet but I must be losing weight. entering everything in my fitness pal...always under 400 calories. Ordered a cheap fitness tracker on e-mail since my fancy one broke. I'm sick of store bought bone broth...will try to get some yummy from a local asian restaurant. ... 10/05 - had my first Bee Em sans miralax This is all more expensive than I thought it would be.

I"m not speaking from experience since I haven't had a revision, but I've been hanging out on various bariatric boards for the last five years or so. From what I've read, most people don't lose all that much weight after a revision - maybe 20 lbs or so. But I suppose it depends on your starting BMI and how well you stick to your eating plan. Most people get revisions due to reflux.

I went to my first Obesity Conference today (10/4/19). I was sponsored and was able to attend at no cost to myself (blessings), I only attended today and opted out of tomorrow. One of the sessions I attended addressed various attachment issues and styles, this correlated to our relationship with food and how we feel about ourselves. We started with a brief exercise to bring you present and a few cleansing breaths. My other favorite part was all of the goodies in my swag bag, I'm ready for surgery now (the free samples saved me some money). I have so many protein samples, vitamin samples and etc. Just a few of the vendors included, Bariatric Advantage, Premier, Unjury, Celebrate, Fusion, Barimelts, LaBrada and etc. I also went to the free clothing exchange store, got a few items for after surgery and one really cute Michael Kors blouse for maybe one or two months post op. I meet some amazing people who have inspired me to keep going and believe that this wls is truly life altering if you allow it to be. My words for the remainder of the year are: inspired, rejuvenated, focused and grateful. I also shared how great my support group is on bariatric pal.

OK kids, here's my Sleeve story - I flew down 9/29 to Hospital BC (Bariatric Pal) in Mexico. I spent the night and had my procedure the next morning. All went well! I came through like a champ. Recovery was goofy as always with general anesthetic. However, by about 6 pm I was ready to roll. The only pain I had was muscle spasms from the gas. I didn't ask for pain meds. When I left, the hospital supplied me with all the meds i needed and 1 prescription for blood thinners. The valet took us directly to a pharmacy where they give a nice discount for your purchase. So I was set to go home. If you are considering WLS in Mexico, please go to Hospital BC! Dr. Illan is a marvelous surgeon with tons of accreditations (plus he is just a wonderful fun person). Every Valet I saw and or met was super attentive and the nurses and other doctors were fabulous as well. BTW, the hotel you go to...The Real, just let me say I think it's a 5 star. The rooms are spacious, modern, have all the amenities you would look for when vacationing +. The tour through Tijuana? That was out standing as well. Our guide Juan is knowledgable and also seemed to know the conversion rates darn well. Cesar's where we had lunch was outstanding! A bit of old Hollywood glamor (dating myself a little) style yet modernized. We watched as they hand tossed salads at "other" tables, and feasted on a sumptuous Onion soup. After a hard day of shopping and sight seeing we went back to the hotel. WOW! Was it hard to fly home today. I'm just saying, please oh pleas, consider BC Hospital. Of course you can find wls surgery for less, but why when you can go be treated like royalty by Dr. Illan and his Team?

I keep thinking about this topic and where to discuss it even though it’s not directly related to bariatric surgery at the same time it is in a way connected. I always waffle between trying to think about something and just not being able to think about it until it happens, I guess I’m just a cat ... you know how for cats it’s whatever is in that moment is everything and they don’t really perceive tomorrow. I don’t think I am even worried about it, I won’t know until the day arrives how I will feel. But I do need to at least confront the issue. Right? I guess a brief backstory is in 2010 (age 35) I had a hysterectomy, they took everything except my ovaries. I had fast growing fibroids everywhere including cervix. My uterus was retroflexed (is that the word?) toward my spine and I had a large pedunculated fibroid connected there pressing against my colon and spine area. Also a lot of fibroids, nodules and cysts in the walls of my uterus and cervix. They also removed a fibroid from my left ovary. A few years before this whole situation, a doctor told me I likely had endometriosis, bowel bladder etc. but the only way to diagnose was medical menopause but I refused and that was that. I also have Pcos. My doctor at the time said the only way to not repeatedly have the painful cysts was to have my ovaries removed but she didn’t want to do it so soon. Fast forward to last year I saw a uro/gyn due to issues related to my hysterectomy. I had a mass on my left ovary as well. I had pelvic floor repair procedures and he removed my left ovary since it was covered in endometriosis. But left my right ovary even though there was also endometriosis. He said he didn’t want to put me in menopause. i know menopause doesn’t cure endometriosis. But after my gastric bypass surgery and gallbladder surgery and I ended up in the ER with pneumonia and other problems. They incidentally found a mass on or near my right ovary. I have a lot of pain in that area. Some time later I had a MRI that showed hemorrhagic cysts. I saw my Uro/gyn and we decided it’s time to just do a oophorectomy and remove my last ovary and also check for any visible endometriosis. The problem with endometriosis is that it can be in places they won’t be able to find it. Even lungs and brain. I am hoping he will also revise one of the other procedures giving me trouble. this is hard since this is a very personal issue. But I will be facing menopause now. I’ve had hot flashes and night sweats for years likely due to my body’s inability to regulate temperature. And I know about natural supplements for menopause. But what worries me is it’s impact on my weight loss journey. Especially since hormone replacement therapy doesn’t seem like a good idea since that triggers the endometriosis. I haven’t quite thought about it, except my metabolism is already basically nonexistent. I already have weird body issues both due to how the hysterectomy changed my body shape along with degenerative scoliosis, and body dysmorphia. I know it’s a long message for a simple question that probably doesn’t really have an answer since each persons menopause experience can vary greatly. Im already in a longer than usual stall and my weight backslid after I had a colonoscopy/endoscopy. It just won’t budge. The only thing different is my dr gave me prescription famotidine since the omeprozole contradicts a medication I’m on. And I’m thinking it’s that. I added extra vitamin c since there’s some possibility it can help with constipation. But I’m switching back to a natural heartburn remedy for now too.

Lol! thanks. That was completely unintentional. Okay so I promise I do have big thighs in relation to the rest of me, but those control top tights are a bariatric patients best friend 😂😂

I love all of this advice! I'm about 20months out and I can assure you that even without crappy life situations, I can gain weight with a blink of an eye. Maintenance for me is more of a dance around losing the same 5 lbs over and over and over again each week. LOL. The scale determines how abstemious I am for the day. If I'm at the low end of my weight zone, then I will have protein first, then al dente veggies + a tiny bit of healthy fat + some fruit or an after dinner snack of <100cals and very low carb super healthy or healthy-ish. If I'm at the high end of my 5lb zone, then it's back to my forever bariatric diet: protein first, al dente veg + a tiny bit of healthy fat. I keep things KISS for about 90% of my meals. That means, no fancy indulgent cooking. It's lean dense protein. It's steamed or roasted veg. It's a tiny bit of avocado and tomato with the meal. I aim for 1 cup of food by volume. I weigh my food into the cup. So for me that is 3oz of lean dense protein by weight + 1-2oz of steamed veg + 1tsp of healthy fat or 1oz of avocado (slider) + 1oz of grape tomatoes (slider). I will eat up to 1 1/2 cups of raw salad at a sitting. Made up on leafy greens + cucs + red bell pepper + purple onion + radish + a zero calorie dressing + 2 oz meat + 1 oz cheese or hb egg + 6g seeds or nuts (and that's 1 1/2cups total volume for the meal including salad). It shouldn't be more than 200cals in that salad. So don't slam with croutons and crap that tastes great but makes it as caloric as a full casserole meal. Only eat at organized times: 3 meals or 3meals + 1-2 small healthy snacks of 1oz protein. You can lose the regain. You need to work on your head. I'd seek a counselor who can help you with the self-hatred and depression you are fighting. Clean your kitchen out and rid it of ALL junk. Plan your meals. Log everything! Weigh and measure everything!!!! Don't exceed 1 cup of food at any meal. Drink your water! 100oz per day. For me to lose weight, I have to be at the 650-750 calorie level and <30g net carbs per day. The end. Otherwise it's just magical thinking for me. I have to FOCUS to lose. If I can do it. You can do it. I'm in maintenance at 900-1000 cals/day.

I think JessLess is on to something here. I think you need to work on your feelings of self-rejection. So, you fell off the wagon. Sounds like you had some significant life issues that may have contributed. Examine what you did to get there, reorganize, and move on. Get back to basics and consider seeking counseling. As for a "maintenance" diet. I have always maintained the basic rules of my bariatric diet for long term. And to quote a regular BariatricPal contributor (sorry, fluffy. I stole this from you):

So I met with my nutritionist RN today and she was not helpful AT ALL. I am 4 weeks post op and she said I should be at 1300 calories a day!!!!!!! I looked at her like she had three heads. 1) who can eat that much 4 weeks post op?!!!! 2) the pamphlet my Dr gave me after surgery said i should be between 400-600 so I have no idea WTF she was talking about. I was like, that's super high my Dr said 600 ( and btw the RN is in the bariatric department!). I would gain weight if i ate that much, not that I can at this point. Anyway, rant over but then Drs wonder why we go to the internet for answers ( this is exhibit A your honor) . So anywhoo I find better information from others actually going through this process. I was doing IF and OMAD before Surgery.... what has your experience been of doing that post surgery? do you feel it works well for you or on such low calories, do you feel woozy? What is your eating window and do you ever fast for a full day?

congrats this is so exciting. The one thing i do know is you should make sure your OBGYN has experience with bariatric patients and pregnancy bec you do have very special needs as does your baby. So get a DR who understands the special needs of being pregnant after surgery. I am so happy for you.

Dr. Keyur Chavda is an excellent Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeon. He is skilled in Robotic and Laparoscopic surgery. He is very compassionate and caring and his stats speak for themselves. He is very skilled and takes his time. He has been in practice for 23 years and has been at Brandon Regional Hospital for 12 years, he holds the Master Surgeon Certification with SRC and is a Comprehensive Verified Surgeon with MBSAQIP. Always ask specific and stats when researching your surgeons. Cases performed, death rate, leak rate, all the quality indicators is essential when researching Surgeons

I'm thinking maybe my kitchen has too many gadgets. Here's a run down of different gadgets: Food processor: It really blends and chops well. I've used it to puree vegetables and meat for recipes and it would do very well with puree stage, but unless you are blending/chopping in bulk or get a small capacity food processor, this is probably not the best choice. Besides, it's big and bulky and I hate cleaning all the different parts in the lid. Magic Bullet: It does well with protein shakes and anything with liquid. I think I have even used it to grind spices to a fine powder. It blends to puree consistency well and mine had 2 sizes of cups (4oz and 8 oz) that are easily portable. It's compact and easy to clean. I had some trouble with the silicone gasket coming off during blending. It would wind around the blade and/or get chopped up a bit. I eventually solved this, but not before I lost several to the blade and had to order spares. It's easy to clean, but all those darn cups were a pain to store. I suppose that if someone didn't have other options (like the others mentioned) and was making a new purchase for their bariatric diet transitions, I would recommend purchasing The Magic Bullet or something similar like the Nutribullet or Ninja bullet. Stick blender: It does well with protein shakes and puddings, etc (even if you put ice cubes in it). It CAN puree, but it takes a little longer than some of the others. I primarily used this during my transitions after having the sleeve because of the convenience. It's easy to store, use, and clean. Vitamix: to me, this is the KING of blenders. I bought it when I was on a smoothie kick and boy does it do well with frozen fruits and vegetables. It turned everything I threw in there into a smooth, delicious concoction. They say that if you leave it run long enough it will warm your food into soup, although I never tried it. Cons: it is heavy and bulky. It's not HARD to clean per se, but those blades are sharp and I have to be careful when wiping it out to avoid the blade. The blending container is also big, probably not best for someone making small portions. Besides, it's rather expensive. There are other, similar blenders that would do just as well at a lower cost.

I didn’t have hardly any pain to be honest. Just some pain in the solar plexus and really sore abs. 10 years ago I had bilateral breast reduction surgery and I woke up thinking I’d awakened in the depths of Hell because it hurt so bad. I’d rather have bariatric surgery every month than ever experience the kind of pain I had after the breast surgery.

Well it's 12:27 AM and I am officially NPO for a 7:30 AM surgery. I have been a busy little elf or victim, depends on your viewpoint. This will be my Third surgery in a little over a month. August 27th I had an ganglion cyst REMOVED from my left wrist, it was pressing on the nerve underneath, either pain or numbness in my fingersz- THAT ONE wasn't all that bad and besides I do like my "ortho", he's a cutie pie but I didn't tell him THAT, like many surgeons he's a tad conceited already. Then on September 24th I had a Lipoma(fatty tumor ) removed from the outer surface of my upper right arm. Yeah, Dr Pimple Popper does these in her office, not My Surgeon! I'm plunked on my back in an OR with blue sterile cloths blocking my view- at least Ron the Nurse- Anesthesia dude was passable fair, only flipping thing I could look at! And WTF she was doing to ME I am Not Quite Sure, I am bruised from elbow up to my shoulder, I have a big hard hot lump where she removed it, no sutures- just glued/welded shut and UGLY. The old joke was "Beauty is Skin- Deep while Ugly goes through to the Bone" well this is wicked nasty in appearance. Looks almost like hand and fingerprints, did one of the crew steady my arm That Way? Don't you think with as much as insurance pays they could have put it on some sort of support or put sandbags on each side to stabilize IT? Now today, October 3rd, I have my Left cataract REMOVED by my Opthamologist Dr Koehler, which means I have to show up Bright- Eyed and Anticipatory at 6 AM and I am NOT a Cheerful Happy Bluebird when it is still DARK out! My Bariatric Surgeon had THAT SAME WARPED SENSE OF HUMOR- planned it also for 7:30 AM, the only TIME I really relished being ripped from my bed was to produce an new little human being and THAT SADDLE was put away years and years ago! And TRUTH be TOLD I still was crabby then TOO! The same day next week ( October 8th) will be my one week with Dr Koehler and also my two week with Dr Mc Laughlin, the surgeon who wreaked havoc on my unsuspecting Arm. It looks like she got revenge for man- stealing and I never even met the Dude. I have been through a lot in my time and I have never seen Such an Odd lump like this- not infected- No discharge or ANYTHING but it's weird- looks like an misplaced Breast implant- honest IT DOES! She is an General Surgeon, want to bust her down to Private First Class, 3 World Fairs and A Punkin- Chucking contest and THIS IS A NEW ONE For ME. And I had hoped to have my Left💪 Rotator cuff repaired before the End of the Year while my deductibles are met. Dr Doolittle ( my ortho() says it won't be a mere repair after all but a Total Reverse Shoulder Replacement, due to my degree of arthritis envolment. Anybody know if Google Play Store has a Masochistic App, thinking of having One installed because it appears I AM A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT Currently. Well I got some clean loose comfy clothes laid out, refuse to Sleep in THEM- if you have any Spare🙏 Prayers laying idle Send Them My Way, okay? Time to take a Deep Breath and Try to get some Sleep. FRUSTR8 OUT- zzz zzz.

The same thing happened to me. Don't let their ignorance dissuade you from pursuing Mexico. I am fully confident in my surgeon and clinic. I am going to switch docs because I need someone comfortable and compitent caring for a bariatric patient. I'll be getting surgery January 6 at Obesity Control Center in Tijuana. Sent from my Pixel 2 using BariatricPal mobile app