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30 is also rare among those of us "normal" bariatric patients. It happens, but it's the exception rather than the rule. You see that more among the "600 lb Life" crowd, since they're starting at a much higher BMI than most of us are. You are doing fine!!

I am still pre-op but I have also looked into loose skin. Loose skin after weight loss surgery is common because your skin does not have the time to adjust to the rapid weight loss. Although everyone is different, you will MOST LIKELY have loose skin and the only true way to completely resolve that issue is through plastic surgery. Based on some Youtubers that are bariatric patients, compression clothing can really help with minimizing the visibility of loose skin. I do recall a Youtuber suggesting that you buy quality compression clothing because it can make all the difference. I am sorry this isn't coming from personal experience but this is the best I know of it so far. You can look on Youtube for first hand experiences from real patients.

That’s really interesting. I never had metabolic syndrome, even when I was 300lbs. My blood sugar levels were always fine. I did have cravings for sweets, etc. And I overate in general. Now I can eat in moderation. I can have a bit of carbs without it turning into a need for more. Yesterday I had a few bites of pasta. It was no big deal, and I’ve not felt the desire or need to have anything carby today. That’s been my experience post-surgery, My dietician is fine with it, she is interested in patterns and trends. In fact, some of the work I’ve done with her and with the bariatric psych was to accept moderation, and not panic every time I eat part of a cookie. I think it’s really neat how different everyone is.

Congrats on your surgery and your smooth recovery. It seems like you are doing well. This website has menus/food/recipes in the Food and Nutrition section of the forums. Also, these websites are helpful with menus/recipes labeled by the stage of food that you're eating: https://www.bariatriccookery.com/ https://www.bariatriceating.com/bariatric-recipes.html And an important tip: Not only do you not have to live on grilled chicken and broccoli forever, but grilled chicken will probably be one of the last proteins that you can comfortably eat! For many of us, it was many, many months before we could handle grilled chicken! Hope this helps and good luck on your journey!

Ok, so now I'm approaching the chaffel bandwagon. I love them made with egg whites rather than whole egg. No eggy aftertaste to contend with. I also used Daisy 2% cottage cheese as part of the cheese and added a spoon of protein powder to up the protein even more and add to the crispness. Even though I overcooked these (should have been closer to 4 mins rather than 5), the turkey club sandwich was the closest I've come to an honest to God sandwich since a year before surgery! AND, go run and immediately buy these Twin Peaks Protein Puffs from Alex in the Bariatric Pal Store. Cuz I kid you not...the ingredients aren't crazy bad AND they taste and feel so much like miniature "cheesy poofs" aka UTZ cheeseballs that I feel like I should confess being bad. But the whole meal was less than 300cals and less than 8g net carbs, and had 37g of protein. Lemme repeat that in case you missed it...37g of protein. I feel like I'm yelling. Am I yelling? I ate the whole damn thing. It wasn't really a trigger meal. But I absently continued to eat cuz it tasted so great and was so exciting to eat as a sandwich with cheesy poofs. Can I just say, I heart the crap outta maintenance? Here's the MFP info. The order of the macros is: cals; protein; fat; carb (whole); fiber; sugar And here are the Twin Peaks Protein Puffs I ordered from Bariatric Pal Store. I'm so STOKED about these. TOTES worth the $25. Seriously. A serving size is 1 cup and there are 10 servings. But I only served 6g of protein puffs with my meal and it was PLENTY! These are not very sliderish cuz of the protein content. So I felt replete from them. So I should get about 50 servings per container. Bargain! (I love these enough, that I'm racing to leave a review and I rarely review things!) I can't wait to order the other flavors!

Hey guys, new video up on Bariatric Strong, the show all about bariatric fitness and nutrition. Today we discuss the wonderful world of Chipotle (can be a really good choice for macros and performance). Just click here --> Bariatric Strong Channel to be taken to the channel!

So I had my first consultation this week, the system is very different in Australia to what I have read about the surgery elsewhere. Things went very well, loved the team I spoke to, the Dr I saw was not the surgeon, but a very good bariatric physician, and after our consultation it would appear that I have the choice of; Signing up for top Health insurance, paying premiums for a year and then getting the surgery. Approx $5-7k AUD out of pocket and $5-8k in premiums for the 12 months Going through a semi subsidised model which would be in about 6 months Approx $10k AUD Paying for the surgery myself which would be in a matter of weeks. Appox $22k AUD Good news is I can do any of the above, am healthy and a good candidate, there is little requirements to do a lot of the pre-surgery requirements that other country/systems have, so I guess I now just have to decide.

Hello my lovely bariatric family! I'm now in Onederland and I'm happy! I'm down to 198 which puts me down 38 lbs since surgery (which im kind of disappointed with tbh) but I'm down 95 lbs total. I'm falling off the wagon a little this last week by drinking flat diet dr pepper and eating a few things that aren't the best for me. In going to try to get myself in check. How is everyone?!

Hey @JerseyNJ im the 11th im getting excited now . Im taking off 2 weeks and I haven't told anyone the type of surgery im having I just told HR I would be having surgery nov 11th they sent me forms for me and my surgeon and he did not go into what type of surgery (HIPPA) laws prevent that . If they want to be nosey they could google his name and find out he a bariatric surgeon but I don't care.This is about me not other's opinions . I am in Jersey too . Where are you? nice to have a almost surgery twin!!!

It’s like a corset you wear around your waist. It’s not tight tight like to shape your waist, but firm like those belts guys use for heavy lifting. It supports your tummy and keeps it from jiggling around which causes pain. It’s very comfortable and reduces pain significantly. I got mine from amazon a couple of days after surgery and it’s helped a lot. Here is a link: https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Medical-Abdominal-Binder-Surgery/dp/B07G4N752D I highly recommend. I got the suggestion from someone else here on Bariatric Pal.

So 4-1/2 years ago, I had the sleeve. Within 3 months, I dropped 60 of the 100 pounds I wanted to lose. I was off all blood pressure meds (and still am). Within the year following my sleeve, I developed abdominal hernias that my bariatric surgeon repaired. At that point, my weight loss stopped and I never reached "goal". Also at the time, I was working a 12 hour, physically demanding (not with heavy lifting but with a lot of walking), night shift 7p-730a which was one of my first saboteurs to my weight loss success -- I wasn't getting enough sleep. I also didn't exercise at all because of my physically demanding job. I decided to leave my night shift job, which I loved very much, for a "day job" but there was a 1 hour commute each way to this job. Exercising was now an even bigger challenge, but I got a gym membership near my home and I would drive my hour commute to the gym, work out and by the time I got home it was 8 p.m. 3 nights a week. Then I was eating dinner late. Enter REFLUX. I started with 20 mg of omeprazole, which didn't quite do the trick with my symptoms. Moving on to 40 mg was better but as time went on even the 40 mg of omeprazole wasn't cutting it so I supplemented with OTC omeprazole 20 mg for a total of 60 mg a day. That's where I am now. A recent EGD revealed I have yet another hernia. Lessons Learned: 1) Lifestyle matters. Prepare a lifestyle to accommodate your surgery so that you can take care of you. I didn't do this. I tried to be superwoman. I am humbled. 2) Follow up with your doctor's office more frequently than your program requires. Accountability is everything. Don't wander off and think you don't need follow up because you most certainly do. 3) Bloodwork. I can't emphasize this enough. I always keep my bloodwork in check -- I didn't want to lose my hair -- and I didn't. 4) Get plenty of sleep. Sleep needs to be as necessary as water to your well being. With these lessons learned, I will be getting the Roux-en-Y revision surgery to end my GERD and hopefully put me back on track with the 70 pounds I want to lose. I have created a lifestyle now that allows me to take care of me. I have a gym membership that includes a pool. I work a day job that allows me to work at home one day a week. I finally realized that being good to me is not a selfish thing, but a necessary thing.

Hey all, was hoping for some help as my bariatric team hasn’t been much help. I’m 5 weeks PO and have constant nausea, vomiting, dizziness, cramping in my belly. I’m getting in about 10oz of fluids and about 2oz of soft foods a day. I’m constantly sick to my stomach regardless of what I put in it. I take Prilosec 40mg in the morning and Pepcid 40mg at night with nausea medicine throughout the day. I’m not able to take any vitamins as I get super sick and I’m feeling run down, weak, fatigue and starting to get cramps, numbness and tingling in my arms and legs. I don't have any leaks, I had a KUB study that said it’s from acid reflux which must surgeon says is normal and to just keep trying to intake more. Mind you I have, I’ve been trying to get them to help me with no luck, I’ve had to go to ER twice for fluids and I’m just in need of advice, opinions or even ideas on how to fight this feeling. Any and all advice is appreciated.

I think the important thing here to ask is how many calories people are taking in during their eating window. As a Bariatric Power Lifter, I am taking in about 3400 calories on heavy lifting days. With my restriction, it would be near impossible to get that in during an 8 hour window. In order to eat for athletic performance, IF does not work for me. If you eat less calories, I can see the appeal.

You're in Utah...so am I. Best way to find the information you need is to check in with two groups that are the best at Duodenal Switch in Utah. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians holds regular bariatric seminars at St. Marks Hospital. The one I went to was conducted by Dr. Rodrick McKinlay. I have other co-morbidity issues (not CHF). Much of the session is open question and answer with an actual bariatric surgeon. The other group that seems to have some really good information is BMI Institute of Utah (Dr. Cottam). What I appreciate about this group is that they can send you a "self-pay" price list for Duodenal Switch. The average cost of a DS in Utah is between $22K to $25K. BMI has a partial outpatient DS that runs around $16K (if you have health insurance that won't pay for bariatric surgery). I was sad to learn that SelectHealth doesn't often cover these surgeries. I would highly recommend that you talk to both Dr. McKinlay and Dr. Cottam to get some advice on how they would handle working with someone who has CHF. All the best,

So, the VA referred me to plastic surgery to have a cyst removed from my knee. The surgeon said I qualified for skin removal because of the amount of my weight loss. I had no idea they would cover this, because they don’t cover Bariatric surgery unless you are on tri-care. The nurse practitioner said he is a good surgeon and that she would let him do work on her. I requested the referral and my Dr. put it in. We met and he said he could do the tummy tuck with liposuction and even make fake abs if I want them. He said the skin on my thighs isn’t as bad but that he could liposuction my inner thighs during the same operation. He also said the fat could be injected into my breast. I already met my deductible because of my gallbladder surgery, so I scheduled for December. I can do all of this or nothing. Still not sure what I want to do with my belly button either. I always had an outie, but when they did my gallbladder surgery they “repaired my hernia” which means they chopped off my belly button. 😂 I like to make phantom belly button pain jokes. the ladies at the gym say I should get the abs. I have been flat chested my whole life. I bought bra’s in the kids section and couldn’t get a nursing bra in my size when I breast fed. This should be interesting. I am 49 now do I really need to do this? Probably not, but I think I am going to because if I am getting one thing done might as well go for it and do all the pain at once. Hubby is worried about another major surgery but is supportive of what ever I decide. has anyone had all three of these procedures done? The tummy tuck would involve muscle reconstruction and liposuction on sides. What should I do with my belly button? I feel like it is already missing. 😂

This article discusses a very rare and extreme example of liver disease post-op (this patient died of a hospital infection, and not from anything related to her liver disease, btw). This may not be relevant to your daughter's case, but I'm sharing it in case you want to bring it to the doctors' attention. It's also a wake-up call for me because one of the reason's I'm getting VSG is to be an eligible liver or kidney donor for my sister. It's a reminder to us all that we must be diligent about taking vitamins. http://article.scholarena.co/Liver-Failure-after-Bariatric-Surgery-Clinical-Case-and-Literature-Review.pdf

This is a myth. Dietary ketosis is COMPLETELY different than metabolic acidosis. The body is a very resilient organism. It will maintain (in the absence of acute and overwhelming diseases or difficiences) a pH balance in blood and tissues within a VERY narrow margin. That is part of why they test CO2 and O2 and K (electrolytes) and Ca, balance in the blood. It shows what state your blood pH is in (in an average). And it regulates the pH balance primarily through the kidneys and lungs--keeping your blood from going into metabolic acidosis or even respiratory acidosis. Both of these states are an extremely critical emergency situation--like you are dying. Osteopenia can be caused from many different things. We as bariatric pts take a crap ton of calcium. But taking calcium out of balance (which we do) CAN contribute to osteopenia--as can quick weight loss. ADEK and K2 (metabolites) are necessary to build bones by sending the calcium to the bones rather than the soft tissues or pulling minerals from the bone. I've been low carb (in and out of ketosis) for the better part of 20 years. I do not have osteopenia. I also am on Femara which can also cause osteopenia/porosis. So...I would tend to really look at the studies that are "proving" acidity because of ketosis. Just my 2cents. Sorry you are dealing with osteopenia girl!!!

Dont get me wrong i will grab a shrimp - or small bite of some sort of soft salad but my main focus is on keeping the vitamins and nutrients balanced. Trust me i would take down a whole pizza or pound of carbs at any moment - We a group who did this together found it way easy to "Screw Food" once you get everything balanced. I have talked to a few people who say they have no pain eating also, See i thing the bariatric Gods know if i have no pain i will begin to eat wrong again. Who knows its a life journey but sure glad it did it

I'm still figuring it out.. like the wonderslim ones...basically a cheaper version of medifast. bariatric pal has them too. They get branded several ways and are all made by the Rolbard corporation If you find a box that comes with 7 shake packets and it's a pudding and/or a shake you know you have the right ones. Love them. you can spend anywhere between $11 for the box I've seen it for $18. for just 7 shakes but they are good and can be mixed with water. Add a scoop of unflavored GenePro powder then well on the way to hitting 60 gram protein goal.

I'm new here and new to the wls world lol. I have wanted bariatric surgery for as long as I can remember but was never a possibility because of the cost. Earlier this year I found out that it's covered by my health insurance so I decided to research it and have made the decision to start the process! This coming Thursday (the 26th) I'm going to the weight loss seminar that's mandatory for the program and am so excited! They gave me a huge packet of paperwork to turn in at the seminar. My question to any of you that have gone to a similar seminar is about how long after the seminar did the ball actually start rolling for the process? I have heard that we have to do an 8 week weight management class as part of the insurance requirement. Any advice or suggestions you can offer would be sooo helpful!!! Thanks in advance! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with breast cancer; I wish you good health. It's good to hear you can be successful with this vegan whole food plant based diet. My primary care provider has told me that they are starting to recommend this way of eating to patients, but that for me, for now, only six months out of surgery, I need to follow the high protein, low carb bariatric diet. But once in maintenance, she wants me to explore the vegan plant diet with my nutritionist. Thanks for sharing.

I am only two months Post surgery and Since I paid cash did not have to deal with any of the Bullshit you guys did with insurance. I also have a brother 3 months ahead of me so between the two of us we got experience. To put this in perspective I got as confused and buffeted as you guys are on this site. My doctor had support groups and books and flyers and found it all to be one big jumble of a mess that was not easy to understand and Since I am a typical Male - Give me a damn list and i will follow it. So I went a different route and hired a Nutritionist in my area, one that specializes in Medical diets like for cancer! Here is the program that we got calibrated in under two weeks. Not going to give you the fluff just the program - 1. Forget Food - Food is a luxury and to painful to eat and to think you have to eat enough to meet your requirements - My view Screw food - 2. Get a Blood work up from a local lab - Full work up will tell you all your vitamin levels as you currently are - you have a baseline to work off 3. First few weeks are recovery - My view Survive, It sucks! 4. Now its time to set the Nutrition plan - 15 days after surgery 5. Protein shakes from Sams are key, Be careful some shakes are loaded with Carbs and sugar, Sams has the cheapest and the best for you. - FYI I hate protien shakes but trust me this will make your life a lot easier. - Here is my recipe but you need to set your own levels ------3/4 Protein shake, w/ 1 scoop of whey protein, Ice, GNC 50 plus vitamin Powder, Nutricost Pure D-Ribose Powder (250 Grams) , frozen fruit, 2 tablespoons yogurt, and two sugars. i drink a 8oz every morning by 10 am - You will be full of energy - 1/2 Nutrition vit and min. and No way you are hungry. ----- Twice a day i take the following pills - GNC multi vitamin and Cardio vit and Bariatric Vitamin. Around 1:00 and 3:00 - ---- Twice a day i Take a vegetable blend drink with Kale and other nutrients and mixes - I buy the pre made from Sams. That is pretty much it for me every day for the last few months - I don't need any food because i have exceeded my vit and nutrients for the day and the protein. Eating is to much of a pain in the ass to me, Hurts, and Just not worth it, I was going every week for a blood work up - after 5 days of above my levels were perfect, You will feel the difference and energy level will sky rocket! Most of the issues are mental, and i fully understand - But once you plow thru the head games and get calibrated - life is way better! Best decision i ever did

Are you pre or post op? If you are post op, What are your dieticians’ instructions? Are you losing weight consuming 3000+ calories? If you are pre op or researching surgery Your stomach space will be limited after surgery. Your calories will be low. Follow your dietitians instructions. Not all protein shakes are created equal. Many brands have high sugar, calories, and carbs. Your dietician will give you bariatric approved protein shake advice. They also make vegan protien powders. A few links that may help if you are in research phase. We have a vegan bariatric forum on this site https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1101-vegetarian-or-vegan-eating/ https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/402037-bariatric-vegetarian-life/ Many people that lift after surgery. They have been successful building muscle and strength. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/418762-is-it-possible-to-build-muscle-after-the-sleeve-im-about-to-find-out/?tab=comments#comment-4684423 https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/425762-power-lifters-bodybuilders-strength-trainers-ocr-runners/?page=2&tab=comments#comment-4792696 Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I am getting a Mini Gastric Bypass with Dr. Jalil Illan Fraijo at Bariatric Pal MX On October 1st

All major NHS hospitals have an on call bariatric surgeon on call so they would ring and ask them for their advice x