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I've found the popular strength programs to be very helpful - many have apps and you just plug in the numbers and do what the app says. It will systematically increase weight over time until you plateau - they even know how to deload when you hit plateaus. On Monday for deadlifts I'll pull 330lbs for 8+ reps which puts my 1RM around 400lbs. I started at 180lbs after surgery and followed Strong Lifts 5x5, 3x5, 3x3, then Madcow 5x5 and now Wendler 531. My goal was a base level of strength with 1RMs of bench 315lbs, Squat 350lbs, overhead press 200lbs and deadlift 400lbs. Now I'm moving to adding more size. Most of this I did with a caloric intake of 2500-3000 calories and 180-230g of protein per day. I've found with this intake getting the lifts done is not the issue but recovery the next day is the issue. I'm still working through this stuff myself. I'm sure non-bariatric surgery lifters doing my programs and weights are probably up around 4000+ calories.... Keep up the great work!

it varies tremendously from person to person. I lost 16 lbs the first month. I would say most people lose somewhere in the 15-25 lb range. Of course there are those who lose less or more than that, but I would say (just from observation from hanging out on bariatric boards for the last five years), that that's about the average range. I learned really quickly NOT to compare myself to others. After losing 16 lbs the first month and being a slow loser the whole time, I would have been very disappointed had I done that. Just stick to your plan and the weight WILL come off, whether fast or slow. I was very committed to my program and ended up losing all of my excess weight.

Is anyone else autistic and having or have had WLS? Or knew an autistic that has had surgery? I have Aspergers and am currently pursuing VSG. I'm down to my three final clearances but struggling with getting psychological clearance due to my disorder plus depression and anxiety. I've been in therapy and doing extensive journals for months. It feels like I'll never get approved. My psychologist appears more concerned about me dealing with life after surgery because of my autism than my depression (which I'm getting treatment for). As in, she's specifically mentioned that because I am autistic that she feels that I'll struggle horribly with post op. Did anyone else experience this roadblock?

I've tried a sample of the Celebrate multi chewable in Forest Berry and it was actually pretty good! It looks so ugly in the package that I worried I'd just taste medicine and grit but didn't get any of that. A pleasant surprise. I've also had luck with Bariatric Fusion multi with iron chewables (I believe I've had the orange flavor). I prefer capsules but have to do chewables the first couple months. I also got a sample of the vitamin powder drink mix (can't remember the flavor) but I'm curious at the citrus since you mentioned Tang haha

I was aproved for my bariatric gastric sleeve i just finished my pre op class today yayyy ..gl to everyone Sent from my LM-Q720 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am only 4 days post op and 5 weeks till I can be back in the gym (boot camp style) but I’m starting to look into stuff for when I can get back to the gym. What is a Bariatric patient friendly BCAA and L-Carnitine supplement that isn’t too sweet? The one my gym sells is really sweet but I have to dilute it a lot (I finish it) but now that i won’t be gulping down i feel like I’ll need to find one i don’t have to dilute as much and not need much water so it doesn’t go to waste. I normally mix the both together.

I’m going through University Hospital, I have Cigna, and I want the sleeve. I’m hoping all goes fast with the paperwork once it gets here & I send it back to be processed, so I can have my first consultation appointment. The dr that did the surgery when I had my gall bladder removed is through UH for the bariatric program and surgical procedures. She’s highly recommended through my insurance. I loved her during my gall bladder surgery, she was amazing, so my fingers are crossed this all works out. 🤞🏼

I m looking into bariatric vitamin options, has anyone tried barimelts multivitamins? Are they gross? Do they melt fast? Your opinions plz? Ty

I just received the call today that the bariatric team has formally reviewed my insurance information and I’m approved for the bariatric program! I don’t know what this really even means in terms of what to expect from this point forward, but the biggest thing (besides my butt) is that I’m moving forward!!! They said they’re mailing me all the enrollment paperwork for the program today. I’m so happy and excited to start this new journey. I’ve been walking a mile each day and watching my meals. I want to be in a good mind set to put my all into making this a lifestyle change that lasts. I wish the paperwork was here now, I am ready to roll, but I’ll bide my time, and keep on trying to change what I can here. I have to start combing this site for good pre-op info now. Yay!!!

I’m 5 months and 17 days from my gastric bypass surgery and I had my 6 month appointment. I am down 82 lbs!!!! I am now under 200lbs! I started at a size 22/2xl or 3xl; I can fit into a size 16 pants and a large shirt now! the last time I was under 200lbs, I felt like I was starving myself and it made me miserable. The last time I lost this much weight was when I had an eating disorder. This surgery is One of the greatest things to happen to me! For folks feeling discouraged or worried, these things pass. My 8yr old son is roughly 70 lbs and I cannot believe I was carrying that around on my bones, joints, feet, etc.,! I’m so grateful that my body is forgiving me for all the food abuse. Here are some thing you may be asking (o just things I felt may be helpful/encouraging): Do I go out to eat? Yes. Sometimes I have just a few bites and take the rest home. My leftover meals can last me 3 days sometimes. I plan ahead too; it’s trickier to spontaneously go out for a meal. I also try not to waste money. I know what I can or can’t eat and how much. I now find myself eying a plate of food I made and putting some back because I KNOW I can’t eat that much. I eat at home more, which is saving $ *yay* Do I go to social events? Yes. I make sure I have water in my hand at all times and chew, anything that I do eat, thoroughly! Do I feel out of place when I’m out with people who are eating and I say “no, thank you”? Nope. My friends and family know I’m trying to lose weight for my health. They don’t know that I had this surgery. My father, who has type 1 diabetes, has actually started to lose weight too (I’m not going to burst his bubble by telling him I have a tool to help me!). I have never had someone get upset or make me feel guilty about not participating in food. I think if I did, I would be more inclined to DEcline even harder because, no one is going to mess up my progress, no one! Do I feel guilty when people don’t know I had surgery and gush about my weight loss? Yeah, I do. I don’t like my weight being a focus, it doesn’t define me. People ask me “what have you been doing?!” But, I’m honest about what I’m doing. Protein, vitamins, water, low carbs, no sugars. I think I feel guilty because I see others struggle with weight and I know their pain, and I have a tool that has helped me tremendously. I have told some people who are in a similar situation that I was in, they can decide what to do with the information, just like I did. Buffets? Yup. I don’t get my $ worth, but I’m not going to have my life choices change my social habits. I exert self control, which is incredibly empowering now that I actually HAVE self control! clothing? I actually never threw out my “skinny” clothes because I wanted them to fit again. I’m almost there and filling in the gap with leggings. My bras don’t fit and are mostly air (my boobs are just nonexistent lol!) so I do need to get some new ones. I wasn’t large chested to start, so I have my down moments about that loss do you miss the foods you can’t eat? No, not really. I thought I would, but if it gave me dumping syndrome, I don’t desire it. My favorite snack was from Target; caramel cashew trail mix! Oh man! I went to target and got them, and felt so sick After eating them. My fiancé called me to say he picked some up (trying to be sweet) and I genuinely said “ya know? That’s ok, it’s better if it’s not in the house”. I don’t want to have a moment of weakness and feel sick, which is empowering the best part is that I know I am the one doing this. No one but me is exercising, no one but me is making me eat healthier, no one but me is track my food intake, no one but me is making sure I’m taking my vitamins. It was such a great feeling to see my doctors so happy with my successes so far. My PCP was thrilled (he is the one who helped me start this journey after my previous PCPs wouldn’t even discuss weight loss surgery) and my bariatric doctor asked me to share what I’ve been doing so others can follow or be encouraged. Share your successes! What are some of the things you do with success that someone may be struggling with? What keeps you on track? Where did you struggle, and how did you handle it?

I don't think it's an age thing. There are plenty of us "seniors" on here that are losing weight. Make sure you are fowling the guidelines your bariatric team gave you and track everything you eat or drink. I use My Fitness Pal but there are others out there to use. Good luck!

Sorry, FrouFrou--I was mistaken. I bought most of them on Bariatric Pal, not Bariatric Advantage, which doesn't have many snacky things. However, I got my favorites on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079YZ2KVB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZLLNG7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KFP95CG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Which ones are they? Can you link to them? I just did an order from Bariatric Pal... most of the things I got were good, but the calorie free caramel dip was not good. yuck! lol.

I've got a good stock of protein snacks (crackers and crisps) from Bariatric Advantage. They come in single-serving packs and are ideal when you want to nosh on something in the evening.

Talk to your doc and RD. See if they can help you with things. Maybe look at asking to have a bariatric counselor on your team. I will tell you that any work you do NOW before surgery, to wean off of the C.R.A.P. will help you with recovery and minimizes how hard the recovery phase could potentially be. My recovery was nearly non-existent--a cake walk, so easy peasy with very very tiny issues so that they were non-issues in the big scheme of things. Because I was able to get off the caffeine, sugar, chips/crap/snacks and really focused on eating clean and nutritious food. My doc told me that it's not that I would NEVER eat those foods again, it's just that rather, I wouldn't plan to eat them again and yet they will still "happen" in our lives/and in our meals. You plan for success, and to stay on your optimal food, and know that part of life is being human and eating that slice of pizza, or burger and fries now and then. There isn't one thing I can't eat now, that I ate pre-op. The difference is thanks to the surgery and to the success of weight loss and knowing HOW FUC*ING AMAZING SKINNY FEELS, I just end up dileberating and choosing to eat "on plan" foods probably 90-98% of the time. Cuz I don't want to feel the bloat and weighted down carb coma that comes with eating pizza or Mexican food or Chinese... It's hard to conceive that a change like that is possible. So don't beat yourself up...but try to clean up your pre-op habits now if you can. The more you do now, the easier it will be in the pre-op liquid phase and after surgery.

My bariatric surgeon said that the patches are completely ineffective and to never use them - that the vitamins aren't absorbed properly (at insufficient levels, like this states). Maybe a large warning and link to the study?

A new study was recently released on the hot topic of vitamin patches. Transdermal Multivitamin Patch Effective in Gastric Bypass Patients? Conclusion: Multivitamin patch users are more likely to have vitamin D deficiency and lower serum concentration of various vitamins and minerals. Future large studies are needed on the efficacy of multivitamin patches before they can be recommended to bariatric patient population. You can view the details on this study here. What are your thoughts on this topic? Should the BariatricPal Store stop carrying vitamin patches or should we inform consumers about the study and let them make their own educated decision? In the interim, we've updated each store listing to include this warning: Please Note: Nutritional patches are a new technology. As with any nutritional supplements, consumers should use nutrition patches according to their healthcare providers' recommendations and regularly monitor nutrient levels through lab work as they would when taking any dietary supplements. According to a recent study, large studies are needed on the efficacy of multivitamin patches before they can be recommended to the bariatric patient population.

The Bariatric Advantage chewable are pretty darn good. Similar to starbursts. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m new to this thread. July 2011 had the sleeve, August 2011 had peg tube inserted, same month had a PE, December 2011had RNY, February 2012 had bowel rupture with complications. January 2018 had an iron infusion. I started at 5’7” 260 pounds. I was down to way under weight at 130 by June 2012. A year later I tried to start gaining weight. Needless to say I was super depressed after all my complications. I had gotten up to 190, overeating on carbs, not getting my Protein. I didn’t try to completely loose weight with a good bariatric diet, but got down to 168 just not overeating any more. Then a few months ago I was ready to get back on track. I started logging my food intake, and started back at all the beginning bariatric diet. I was super strict on carbs and protein and around 600 calories a day with skipping breakfast. I went to see my surgeon again after a six year break. That was 2 weeks ago. I weighed in at 146.6, he said a perfect weight for me. I’m still trying for 140, but have changed my diet again to protein only, and psyllium fiber, surgeon orders. I asked about all the other nutrition. He said because of all my surgeries my body is unlike any others. So a normal bariatric diet is not ok. He put me back on the correct multivitamins, and other supplements. So I’ve been following his guidelines. I am now lactose intolerant, any sugars or fats make me sick. So now I am eating only protein, drinking a gallon of water a day. Still only able to eat about 800 to 1000 calories a day. In the last 2 weeks I’ve gained 3 pounds, don’t know how. I am glad to see this thread. Long time vets to get tips and tricks from.

Sheribear--it would be great to get a comparison! I was also told I could switch to any iron supplement and start taking capsule vitamins (versus the softchews) as long as the multivitamins are bariatric-specific vitamins. I don't mind the softchews, but they are expensive. Anyone have a good multivitamin capsule to recommend?

Hello to all my fellow sleevers. I just had surgery on 08/01/2019. a little about myself i'm 51, single and live in anahieim california. I'm a RN on a surgical floor and have been around bariatric patients for about 14 years. the surgeon was finally glad to get his hands and scalpel on me. today is the last day of liquids.....finally. I love the support and the advice these forums provide.

Check out BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamins from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a secret offer just for this group where it'll cost you only $99 for an entire year supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-1-per-day-bariatric-multivitamin-capsules-yearly-subscription With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world's leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium.

Okay so I’ve got my 6 month follow up next Thursday and I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can lose another 3 pounds by then so I can have a 80 pound loss from surgery day. I just took notes on a couple of your points and I’ll ask some of the same questions. It will be interesting to hear what they tell me as you and I are almost at the same BMI. I’m 5’7” and as of today I weigh 169. Since we both are carrying almost identical BMI, and had surgery the same month it will be a good comparison on what different doctors/nutritionists/bariatric clinics say.

I finally tried the chewable vitamins for Bariatric patients and hate them. Is there some vitamin I can take once a day instead of 4 times a day? Tiny swallowable is my preference. Do I really have to take those big nasty pills?

Oh I know why and which is the use of central line.. I know it is usually placed in to jugular vein or subclavial vein I was just worried about potential infections and I haven't seen a lot of bariatric patients having it ... Thanks for sharing I know obese people have that issue with veins - hard to reach or they pull back or simply having thin veins Hoping for the best and of course I'll let you guys know what happened [emoji854] Sent from my SM-J500FN using BariatricPal mobile app