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We are well within safe ranges on a bariatric diet (exception may be if you already kidney issues) Consult your medical professionals on safe levels to consume. Most dietitians’ plans are 60 to 100grams of protein.. Our diet instructions give the mantra “protein first” in the first stages. It’s because your stomach has limited room. As your diet progresses you will easily hit your protein goal along with other foods to meet your nutritional needs. articles below give examples of safe ranges of protein. 80kg/ 176-pound person – 176 grams protein. 140lb person – 125 grams per day. Athletes – Higher protein intake https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16779921 https://www.health.harvard.edu/diet-and-weight-loss/when-it-comes-to-protein-how-much-is-too-much So, when it comes to protein, how much is too much? It's hard to provide a specific answer since so much is still uncertain and the experts themselves don't agree. However, for the average person (who is not an elite athlete or heavily involved in body building) it's probably best to avoid more than 2 gm/kg; that would be about 125 grams/day for a 140 pound person. New information could change our thinking about the maximum safe amount, but until we know more about the safety, risks and benefits of high protein diets, this seems like a reasonable recommendation. Abstract Considerable debate has taken place over the safety and validity of increased protein intakes for both weight control and muscle synthesis. The advice to consume diets high in protein by some health professionals, media and popular diet books is given despite a lack of scientific data on the safety of increasing protein consumption. The key issues are the rate at which the gastrointestinal tract can absorb amino acids from dietary proteins (1.3 to 10 g/h) and the liver's capacity to deaminate proteins and produce urea for excretion of excess nitrogen. The accepted level of protein requirement of 0.8g x kg(-1) x d(-1) is based on structural requirements and ignores the use of protein for energy metabolism. High protein diets on the other hand advocate excessive levels of protein intake on the order of 200 to 400 g/d, which can equate to levels of approximately 5 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), which may exceed the liver's capacity to convert excess nitrogen to urea. Dangers of excessive protein, defined as when protein constitutes > 35% of total energy intake, include hyperaminoacidemia, hyperammonemia, hyperinsulinemia nausea, diarrhea, and even death (the "rabbit starvation syndrome"). The three different measures of defining protein intake, which should be viewed together are: absolute intake (g/d), intake related to body weight (g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and intake as a fraction of total energy (percent energy). A suggested maximum protein intake based on bodily needs, weight control evidence, and avoiding protein toxicity would be approximately of 25% of energy requirements at approximately 2 to 2.5 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), corresponding to 176 g protein per day for an 80 kg individual on a 12,000kJ/d diet. This is well below the theoretical maximum safe intake range for an 80 kg person (285 to 365 g/d). Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. Phillips SM1, Van Loon LJ. Author information 1 Department of Kinesiology, Exercise Metabolism Research Group, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. phillis@mcmaster.ca Abstract Opinion on the role of protein in promoting athletic performance is divided along the lines of how much aerobic-based versus resistance-based activity the athlete undertakes. Athletes seeking to gain muscle mass and strength are likely to consume higher amounts of dietary protein than their endurance-trained counterparts. The main belief behind the large quantities of dietary protein consumption in resistance-trained athletes is that it is needed to generate more muscle protein. Athletes may require protein for more than just alleviation of the risk for deficiency, inherent in the dietary guidelines, but also to aid in an elevated level of functioning and possibly adaptation to the exercise stimulus. It does appear, however, that there is a good rationale for recommending to athletes protein intakes that are higher than the RDA. Our consensus opinion is that leucine, and possibly the other branched-chain amino acids, occupy a position of prominence in stimulating muscle protein synthesis; that protein intakes in the range of 1.3-1.8 g · kg(-1) · day(-1) consumed as 3-4 isonitrogenous meals will maximize muscle protein synthesis. These recommendations may also be dependent on training status: experienced athletes would require less, while more protein should be consumed during periods of high frequency/intensity training. Elevated protein consumption, as high as 1.8-2.0 g · kg(-1) · day(-1) depending on the caloric deficit, may be advantageous in preventing lean mass losses during periods of energy restriction to promote fat loss

Motherland of Carbs ... I know that place ... I love that place 😍 I took a trip to the Motherland when I was 8 months post op. I had every intention of fully enjoying the food, and not trying to follow a bariatric diet in any way shape or form. I had pasta, pizza, gelato, pastries, wine, beer every day, sometimes all in one day. I enjoyed every minute of it, no regrets. I was still in WL phase and I lost over a lb that week, and didn't bounce back up. (26 BMI at the time) Couple of things: Since your sleeve seems to be sensitive at times, I would definitely do a test run of foods you anticipate eating while on the trip. You will do lots and lots of walking, so that will offset some of the calorie intake You seem to have a pretty high and flexible BMR, and don't appear to be carb sensitive, from what I've seen you post I can't speak to your fear of carbs, because I don't share it, but the trip doesn't need to be a carbfest, if you don't want it to be. Carbs and proteins and nicely separated out into different courses. You can simply order a secondi & not a primi. I mean, that's insane, but an option 😂. Also lots of options for charcuterie meals, where the main carbs would be wine. To answer you questions: Question #1: How much carbs do you eat in Maintenance? What kind of carbs? Did you even track carbs??? I'm most likely a special case, but I eat lots of carbs, like lots and lots. I eat mostly refined carbs. I track carbs because I track everything. Question #2: Do you plan for indulgences? I am thinking of going back on my weight-loss diet for the next 5 days to offset the inevitable gains during our trip. Thoughts? IMO, this sounds like anxiety talking. I don't think a gain is inevitable. No matter how far off the rails you have gone, diet wise, you have continued to lose/maintain. And if you do have gains, you know what, bfd! You know how to get the couple of lbs off again. But on the other hand, I don't see any harm is eating clean, low cal, for the next 5 days. We all have high and low days. So that would just be a few low days followed by a few high days, nbd. Have fun! I'm envious! 🍝 🍷

Was wandering if anyone goes to Dr Brown. I have my EDG set up Oct 3rd and the surgery for Oct 9th. I still have to set up the blood tests and Bariatric class but was told the hospital calls and sets it up. Anyone know when they call? I have 3 weeks til surgery. Wandering if they tack it on to the day I get the EDG done or do it a different day.

Bariatric Strong

I honestly can’t remember the last time I posted to this board, but I wanted to share my story. I was banded 9/7/11. It worked great for me for the first few years. I lost a total of 120 pounds. Then it stopped working so great. I couldn’t keep things down and so we took all the fluid out with the assumption that we would try to slowly fill it back up. Unfortunately, my port flipped and was only attached by one prong. Even though I didn’t have any fluid in my band, it was a gamble if I could keep down meaningful protein. I resorted to things that would go down easily and as a result, gained back 95 pounds. My instance at the time would not pay for any bariatric procedures and so removal was not an options. I have since changed jobs but I am so busy I just went on with life. Fast forward to about 8 weeks ago and things suddenly felt “different “. I had acid reflux for the first time ever, sometimes I couldn’t keep water down and I just had this heavy feeling where my band was. I went to a surgeon who said it needed to come out and he scheduled me very quickly. I had it removed yesterday and the scariest part about the whole thing is that the tubing had become attached to my liver. He had to cut it off and cauterize it. He said it looks good considering, but it has me freaked out. I am in so much pain today but so happy it is gone. I ate some lunch meat with cheese and a touch of honey mustard today and did not have any issues for the first time in years.

I am thrilled and looking forward to having my VSG surgery on January 6, 2020 with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana! After a lot of research and deliberation, I'm am incredibly on board with this decision and now I'm spending my time preparing my mind and body. I'm continuing with Weight Watchers, developing a walking routine, listening to podcasts, reading, and learning as much as I can about life before, during and after bariatric surgery. I'm also reflecting on my past weight loss attempts to dissect lessons learned. 2020 will be a turning point for me!

Anyone have their sleeve surgery scheduled for next month? I will be traveling from the MidWest to have mine at Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas on 10/9 😤 Also will be my first time in Vegas! Starting the pre-op diet next Thursday and I have to admit...I'm just feeling like having a food funeral for all of my favorite meals. Scared I will develop complications and be super far away from my surgeon/medical team. At the same time, I am SO excited to have this tool to get ahold of my life! I would love to keep in contact with some fellow October newbies.....

Hi, I recently relocated to Southern California (Laguna Niguel area) from Dallas TX. Dr Ayoola was my surgeon in Texas. I have been looking for a support group in the Laguna Niguel area. Does anyone know of any Bariatric support groups in the area? I had the DS, but support group doesn’t need to be surgery specific.

I'm October 1st as well. I will be having my surgery at the Bariatric Pal Hosp in Mexico. We can all be buddies! I agree, the holidays will be interesting this year! I'm trying to line up my stuff to pack as I fly down on 9/30. Can we say EXCITED?

Before my surgery, I studied the insurance coverage for bariatric procedures, and downloaded all the forms so I could study them so more. I have BCBS TN and revision is absolutely covered, Just be sure to look at everything real carefully so both you and your surgeon know what the requirements are.

Way to go! You are getting your head back in the game. Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. I never use the bariatric store. When you deprive cravings, you want them more. Are there better options that you can buy for sweet and salty cravings? Hope others can jump in here and help with healthy sweet and salty snacks that are more cost effective. make sure food advice fits your food plan.. Sweet: Plain fruit, fruit dipped in sugar free cholate syrup Salad greens, chicken, strawberries, blue cheese and pecans Skinny girl raspberry vinaigrette. Dannon lite n fit Greek yogurt sugar free popsicles Roasted pumpkin and apple drizzled with sugar free maple syrup. sprinkle with cinnamon, (small amount with your protein goes a long way) Salty: Veggies dipped in hummus (cut calories by mixing plain yogurt in hummus) Chicken fajitas or taco salad (no tortilla) Parmesan cheese crisps Cup of chicken broth.

I had the sleeve March 2014 & was good for a couple years, but in 2016 was hospitalized with severe inflammation in my stomach, a large hiatal hernia and GERD. I previously had no history of this prior to surgery. I was prescribed 80mg of omerzapole, carafate and zofran. Been suffering with horrible reflux ever since. In February my pcp added 300mg of zantac. Still no relief and the Bariatric surgeon is now recommending revision to the bypass. Has anyone experienced this? Did the insurance approve the revision for medical reasons? I have BCBS Massachusetts. Thanks in advance

Thank you so much everyone , I dont know why I'm particularly finding it hard right now. I was part of another group at the beginning but felt I needed a change . I've had a look at the bariatric pal snacks etc and they look great however they are really expensive with me being in the UK. Snacking is my biggest enemy and binge eating chocolate and biscuits. As you all know it's still possible after the surgery . I have a family so cant stop the sugary snacks in the house although everytime I crave those kind of foods I'm trying to remind myself of that anxious /scared feeling of when I get on the scales and my weight has gone up. It's crazy that my brain still behaves some of the time like it did when I was really fat. Today I have tracked my food so far although I'm struggling to track my evening meal . I used to fail at dieting because I hated tracking . I know if I tracked before I started to concentrate on my eating again then I would have been eating near on 2000 calories some days. I'm trying to stick at between 1200 and 1300 calories owr day this week and going to see how I get on. Going to pilates tomorrow which will be good. I also have an obsession with the scales and part of my challenge is keeping off them then getting down when they dont say what I want. I'm saving most of my calories for the evening as that's when its the hardest time for sure . Thank you again xx Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

Here’s a link to my surgeon being interviewed on the WLS podcast https://www.weightlosssurgerypodcast.com/is-loop-duodenal-switch-the-future-of-bariatric-surgery/

One of my daughter's friends claimed to have THAT but she ( RD) ALWAYS had weird strange friends. Suspect that might only happen in Romance novels as a marketing tool. Those only seem a ploy, currently have been reading Recency Romances from Stephanie Lauren, instead of "Bra Burner" heroines , she has "Bodice Rippers", interesting to see how many different words used to same gendre of Action. But they are interesting, entertaining, sometimes I say " Hmm, maybe IT COULD happen THAT way" but I doubt F.E. exists! Of course I ALSO said Bariatric Surgery wasn't going to help, IT never was going to work for ME- and my Surgeon was more right than my pre- conceived notions. It WOULD be done because it CAN be done, pretty good results from a class of people whose T- Shirts READ-----OPERATIONS ARE GOOD FOR PEOPLE, isn't it?

Hi All! I’m scheduled for a VSG to Loop DS revision next Thursday 9/26/19 with Dr. Walter Medlin In UT. I had VSG in SD with Dr. Takata In 2013, insurance covered it. It was successful and without complications. Pre VSG I was 297+... at my lowest I was at 180, With time and two pregnancies I lost restriction and gained. I was able to lose weight after both pregnancies but was not able to maintain it, or return to the post VSG pre pregnancy low. Despite maintaining a medium level of activity (depending on the week spin class/ triathlons/ 5ks/ 18-30 mi relaxed bike rides on the weekends/ lots of walking), I hovered around 235, now with low activity I’m at 250. I’m in my 2 week preop diet for the revision which is just as tough as I remember it the first time, maybe more. Little nervous for this surgery-more than I remember being for the VSG. This time I’m going in self pay. Confident in my decision but nervous about the immediate aftermath, toilette issues/ rate of loss/ nutrient deficiencies- the usual. Dr doesn’t plan to touch the sleeve, unless any problems are seen in the EDG. I’m loading up on vitamins and supplements now To get ahead of any deficiencies caused by malabsorption in the long run. Dr will determine Common Channel length at time of surgery at the moment it looks like it will be ~300 cm. Has anyone else had Dr. Medlin for their revision? Any tips for immediately after surgery? I’ll be flying back to SD the following Saturday-Anyone have to fly 2 days after surgery? Tips on flying post op, any general post op tips for this specific Bariatric surgery would be appreciated. I plan on updating this thread as I go along, and hope others might find it helpful in their research too. Thanks!

Hi! I just discovered this forum & I'm so glad I did! I have a ton of questions and don’t know anyone that has gotten bariatric surgery so I’m hoping this site helps.. I was sleeved on 9/12/19 and had incredibly bad gas pains which I am still going through along with difficulties burping at times (I feel it in my throat but it doesn’t want to exit). It got to the point of uncomfortableness & chest pressure, that I visited the ER at midnight last night, to make sure it was a clot or heart/lung issue.. & I was told it is all just gas. I am walking around as required but just can’t figure this out. How long did it take anyone on here to clear the gas? Did anyone else have difficulty burping? Also, I feel as if I’m always hungry because my stomach is constantly growling or at least I think it is.. Did anyone else feel the same after such a short amount of time after surgery? Please & Thank you!!

Welcome to the forum, You have done great. 9 pounds is easier to lose than 50, 60, 100+lbs. You are not alone; I had a gain my third year and worked it down. Many of us go back to bariatric real food stage diet. (log food, hydrate, and exercise/activity) Some things to try: Choose a food plan that works for you. Bariatric diet, keto, paleo, low carb, whole 30, vegan, intermittent fasting. whatever you choose, log your food in Myfitnesspal or baritastic . Weight loss calories are not a one size fits all. Once you know your current calories by using myfitnespal, You can lower the calories (or raise them) to see where your body loses weight. Get temptations out of the house I’m a sleeve. Years out, my surgery restriction is less. I can consume more food volume. I found ways to fill the extra space without going over my calories Sugars and extra carbs cause craving and hunger. Detox off them Keep healthy options for sweet and salty cravings on hand. Join the Sept weight loss challenge for motivation. https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/427650-💜-sep-2019-challenge-💜/?tab=comments#comment-4808981

I was schedule to have surgery in April but got sick and my team rescheduled me, at that time my iron levels were normal only viramin D levels were low. I recently did labs again & the only reason I found out my iron is low is because i e-mail my Nut about the prohealth bariatric multivitamins thats when she inform me that my iron is low. Sent from my SM-G925T using BariatricPal mobile app

22 lbs in the first month is pretty normal. I haven't done or seen any scientific research on this, but just from hanging out on this and other bariatric boards for the last five years or so, it seems most people lose in the 15-25 lb range the first month. So if anything, you're on the higher end of that. Congrats!!

I've seen a "pouch reset" diet that I'm looking to follow. The info is available on the Bariatric Pal store site. https://store.bariatricpal.com/pages/pouch-reset-plan Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am 4.5 months out and down 95lbs and I have been thinking a lot lately about my progress. I started to think about how I would assess myself over the various key areas that will result in successful weight loss post surgery. Feel free to add your own major categories. Daily water intake B. Still room for improvement but on target atleast 5 days a week Daily protein intake A. Consistent here with very few slip ups Food choice C. I still have too many sugars, starches, and processed foods Portion control A+. I could not be happier with this respect Mindful eating C. I eat slower but my meals do not take 20 minutes. I dont focus on eating extra well because I have not had issues with digestion Exercise F. I still maintain the same level of activity I did at my highest weight Vitamins D. I always seem to forget these on the weekends

Hey Karen, I know EXACTLY what u are going thru. It's been happening to me about once a month for the past year. It doesn't happen everytime I have a BM which is why I waited so long to talk to my surgeon. I'm 2 yrs out from bypass surgery btw. The pain is incredibly intense and i can feel the poop moving extremely slowly thru the lower intestines as the pain is happening. The poop will move, intense unbelievable pain happens, poop stops moving, pain eases. Rinse and repeat. I'd be drenched in sweat by the time the cycle stops and sometimes the poop would come out, othertimes not. As much as I want to curl up into a ball, it hurts more when i do that. Once I started stretching my stomach out, like arching my back/leaning back type of position so my guts were as stretched as can be, I found the pain would last for shorter bursts. Still painful but less so. Also, this is going to sound silly but also putting pressure on my lower belly where the pain is and rubbing around in circles or jiggling that area also seems to help the bouts of pain go by quicker. My surgeon immediately told me not to worry, this can unfortunately be a common ailment with bariatric patients, worse in summertime due to dehydration, and it's constipation and/or harder poops. The poop (probably harder, less water in it) is trying to move thru the intestine which is what is causing the pain. I, too, was terribly concerned that it was a twisted intestine or choked bowel or some horrible thing and he assured me it wasn't that. For a couple of reasons: 1. I can have a BM without pain. The excruciating pain doesn't happen every time/day. 2. If it was one of those very rare horrible ailments I was so afraid of, he said it would be OBVIOUS. My other symptoms would be things like uncontrollable vomiting, fever, pain doesn't stop, no bowel movements at all, can't keep food or drink down, etc. Stuff like that. So, he said I needed to incorporate Miralax (polyethylene glycol) daily into my routine immediately, keep trying to drink lots and lots of water, and get more fiber (green veggies and other fibrous foods or fiber supplement). That convo was last week so I'm just starting the new regimine and can't tell u how successful it's been yet, but I'm hopeful. Many other people on this board are also taking daily constipation prevention OTC solutions for the same reasons, so we are not alone. Some folks use Milk of Magnesia once a week and/or daily colace and/or daily magnesium citrate...along with lots of water and fiber of course. Just another thing we need to keep up on in our new "rearranged guts" lives! [emoji6] All that said, I am not a nurse or doctor and above all, if u feel concerned and that u should see a medical professional about your pain, u do it immediately! Don't let anyone stop u or talk u out of it!! Good luck sweety! [emoji106] Sent from my LG-H932 using BariatricPal mobile app

I too am in the same boat. [emoji20] I'm 2 yrs PO and for the past year, I've been experiencing unbelievable pain in my lower intestine during a BM, tho not every time. I can feel the hard poop slowwwly going thru the lower intestine and just causing the worst pain ever! [emoji31] It's horrible and terrifying. I drip with sweat by the time it finally comes out. However, since it didn't happen with every BM, I wasn't sure WHAT was going on. I thought the worst, of course (twisted intestine, impacted bowel, choked off intestine, etc) and finally called my surgeon. He said not to worry, it's none of those things, it's constipation and it's an unfortunate commonality with bariatric surgeries. He said that the Benefiber I'd been taking isn't really what I want and to start daily Miralax regimine: a capful at first and adjust as necessary. So last week I started the Miralax regimine. I don't really feel like it's working yet tho. I've always been a once a week pooper and even with the Miralax, it's still taking that long for a BM and the stool is still pretty hard. What do u guys think? Does that mean I should increase my daily Miralax dose? Should I put the Benefiber back in? I have to admit, I struggle every day with getting in the minimum 64oz liquid reqmt and I eat very little quantity and variety so I'm sure that's not helping. Also, can one take Benefiber AND Miralax daily? Any and all feedback is welcomed!! Sent from my LG-H932 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have Tricare, but my situation was a little different because the Army Base here in San Antonio, Tx has a bariatric clinic. So I wasn't required to do any dieting for any amount of months. I started my journey as in dietitian classes, blood work ups, upper gi, psychiatric evaluation, sleep apnea evaluation in April and had my surgery in July. I got it so quickly because the military clinic's don't have to jump through as many hoops as if you go through a civilian provider. But being at a 40 BMI you don't need any comorbidities. I was a 40 BMI and my comorbidities were PCOS and sleep apnea. I'm sure you'll get approved just because of your BMI. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app