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July 2023 Surgery Buddies UPDATES!!!
Amerime replied to Inspectorjh84's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
You both are doing great!!! I was sleeved 7/6/23 as well- the recovery went well. I do not believe my sleeve was too restrictive as I can eat small meals without discomfort. I do limit my caloric intake to under 1000 calories per day (I track) and I do not eat simple carbs. I have been eating some fruits which I am cutting back on. I weighed in 3 days ago at 187 lbs, so I am down 43 lbs post surgery, 80 lbs since my first bariatric appointment. I have been in the middle of stall for the last 2 weeks. Hoping it breaks soon. The weight loss has definitely slowed, but based on reading others' experience, I am not going to worry at this point. I wanted to be at least 167 lbs by the 6 month mark, but I've lost very little in the last 4 weeks- don't think I'll make it. Anyway, the goal is what matters. Good luck to you all! -
Weight gain s/p bypass
Michele 2021 replied to Michele 2021's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Thank you for all the responses! I appreciate everyone’s advice. It’s amazing how quickly the weight can start creeping up on you. I have been watching my daily calories but have been drinking half the water i used to and decreased my exercise to only 2 days a week vs 5 I’ve also noticed that I’m feeling hungrier in the evenings and will often have late night snacks, so hopefully taking this drug and trying to follow my old post bariatric diet will help make the difference here. I was surprised that my doctor only wanted to prescribe the Topiramate since there are so many other options out there! -
I never knew the reason for the BMI of 40 or over until reading this, but it makes sense. Back in the 1990s, gastric bypass was an open surgery with a whole lot of risk. You just wouldn't do that unless you were in dire health or the future risk of dying prematurely was great. It's such a different surgery, or surgeries, now, yet the guidelines remain the same. Sometimes I wonder if more people would get bariatric surgery if those who had it talked more openly about it. Not to blame anyone who chooses not to, because people can be awful. But I wonder how many people in part believe they or others can diet and exercise their way thin if they really try because that guy they work with did it...except he actually had surgery and just doesn't say it. Only 2% of people who qualify getting the surgery is so sad. It kind of makes me mad that I would have qualified a while ago but no one told me until I hit that magic 40 BMI on the doctor's scale, even though I have other conditions that meant I would have met the requirements probably 10 years ago. Instead, I was put on Saxenda and Wegovy at different points, and neither one was a real miracle drug for me. Plus, my insurance only covered them for about 6 months, so nowhere near lifetime like you need. I think there's a lot of education that needs to happen out there on every level.
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Getting your hair professionally colored?
MarTheTeacher replied to jacquelynn22's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I colored my hair a week out of surgery. Due for another color tomorrow. No one told me you cant color but as for hair falling out, It's perfectly normal. I'm going to add a YouTube video of an awesome bariatric doctor explaining why it happens. It has nothing to do with coloring. -
December Surgery Buddies!
NickelChip replied to AshleeHarvey's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
December 27th here! I started back in July when a visit to my doctor on the non-surgical side of the weight loss center yielded the suggestion that I consider surgery. I was all too happy to do so after 6 years of nutrition and then meds never yielded more than fleeting results. I did an immersion day in August where I learned all the rules, and then I needed appointments with psychologist and nutritionist before meeting with surgeon in early October. I was hoping for mid-November, but the earliest they had was end of December so I'm making the best of it. My doctor only requires 2 days of liquid diet, which means I can celebrate Christmas Eve but will be on protein shakes for Christmas, but not longer, which is nice. I'm grateful that the kids will be off school and won't need "Mom's Taxi Service" to get them to all their after school activities that week. In the meantime, I've been working on my nutrition, slowly eliminating processed foods, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, breads, snack foods, etc. I've made a lot of progress ridding the house of unhealthy foods and adding more vegetables into my daily diet. I've also bought several bariatric cookbooks and have been choosing some recipes to try in the next 8 weeks so I have practice with them. I'm hoping a few will be winners with the kids, too. We're all working on getting better with nutrition and I'm glad to have them excited about trying new, healthier options. -
Contemplating Gastric Sleeve Revision
KyahRose replied to KyahRose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks for the response. I've pretty much determined that RNY is off the table. I'm currently at a toss up between traditional DS and Sadi....each one has it's own pros and cons that push me to the other, so I'm really not sure which one I will choose in the end. I plan on talking with the surgeon as best as I can during my consultation and try to get a better sense of what would be the best option for me. I'm currently a sucker for chocolate; and I love carbs like rice (sushi / japanese cuisine is my favorite)....So, looking at this fact is pushing me more towards the traditional DS. I'm a bit nervous of the malnutrition potential; but I'm also more nervous that I won't lose as much with the SADI as I may lose with traditional DS. I am lucky enough to not have any major co-morbidities....so I'm hoping my BMI alone will be enough to allow for the conversion surgery. My mom had Gastric Bypass herself, and has pretty much also regained her weight; I can see her point, but I'm wanting a more drastic reduction, so I am really leaning on the DS surgery and the more youtube videos I watch, the more I'm learning and looking to start the journey again. I have already begun working towards making changes to prepare. I'm working on drinking more water and limiting or eliminating other drinks. I'm also working on changing eating habits, and foods. I'm referring to this as going back to Bariatric 101....and working to re-learn the rules of the tool, etc and implementing those changes. So far, I'm really not seeing much difference in weight. I'm with you on wanting to be able to be active and live a more active lifestyle. I have no energy most days, even though I want to exercise, etc I'm constantly just tired. At this point, if weight is what kills me, I'd rather die too skinny rather than be killed because I'm fat. My lowest weight was somewhere between 185 - 188 lbs at 5'3.....There are things that I noticed at that weight that I miss. The energy to go being one. You mention Bone Broth.....I absolutely love Dr. Kelly Ann's Bone Broth! As for protein drinks / shakes....Premier Protein is pretty much my go to. I've tried others in the past.....and they either have a bad after taste, or they just straight up taste like you're drinking chalk (I'm looking at you, Isopure!). As for vitamins.....I have never been consistent with taking vitamins; but, if it means I can drop 80-90% of my excess weight, I will put in the effort to take them. -
October 2023 surgery buddies
kendajones replied to Shotputqueen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
4 days post-op and feeling good. Walked a MILE today! Stopped to sit down very briefly halfway through and paused to stretch a couple of times. It took me almost 24 minutes, but I did it! My doctor allows sugar-free low carb Greek yogurt and sugar free nonfat pudding during this initial liquid diet stage. Today, I put sugar-free PBFit powder in vanilla Oikos Greek yogurt and it was amazing. I could not eat the whole container, but it's a 5.3 ounce container, so that makes sense! I am also enjoying the bariatric chicken soups for a little variety away from all the sweet flavors. -
I don't know if normal pre-surgery jitters or true second thoughts
Arabesque replied to kbeana's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I too lost & gained for years. I think most of us did. Like deaths & taxes I could guarantee if I lost weight I would gain it all over again & it would start within weeks. I have never been able to maintain a low weight for as long as I have since my surgery & certainly not a weight this low. Yes, my new set point, faster metabolism & smaller tummy helps but the time the surgery gave me while I was losing was the greatest benefit. It was during this time that I changed my relationship with food & changed the how, what & why I ate. I had never done this before with all the diets I’d been on.(I was almost 54 when I had my surgery so I’d been on a lot of diets.) Not being interested in eating or hungry meant I wasn’t constantly thinking about eating & what I was missing out on while dieting. I used felt any diet i was on was a punishment for having gained weight again. Now, while there are some foods I don’t eat anymore or rarely do it’s not a punishment or I’m missing out. It’s not a diet just how/what I eat & I’m healthier & happier for it. Yes, you’ll often find stories of people struggling or having issues on forums, social media, etc, As @summerseeker said they often come to such sites looking for support or advice. Complications can occur with any surgery but they are very low with bariatric surgery & much lower than with other very commonly performed surgeries (appendectomies are higher than sleeve). The complications & risks of developing co morbidities are much, much greater & debilitating. Yes there are chances of post surgical issues like dumping, foamies, strictures, etc. but they aren’t really that common & are pretty simple to manage or remedy. Like strictures are rare & can be easily repaired with a simple surgery. Dumping & foamies can be managed with dietary choices. I have some issues with the foamies but I just consider them a quirk of my tummy & I had a pretty quirky tummy before surgery so this isn’t even a minor deal. I’d rather have a quirky tummy than be obese, constantly battling my weight & beating myself up about it. Have a chat with your surgeon & ask them for the stats about the surgery itself, any long or short term issues & what can be done to manage or remedy them & their experiences. Ask as many questions as you need. You won’t be the first to come to them with concerns or trepidations. The ultimate decision can only be yours & I wish you the best of luck what ever you choose to do. -
Constipation and gas
Arabesque replied to PudgeBeGone's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wouldn’t think it is your bypass either unless, as the others have suggested, it’s the effect of the hormone on your digestive system. Check the side effects of the drug, interactions, etc. & it would be worth a conversation with your prescribing doctor & even your bariatric surgeon. I just checked the drug information & it does say nausea is a side effect. Try to keep on top of any constipation so it doesn’t become painful when you finally go. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/liothyronine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20069093?p=1 -
Feeling discouraged
New To This23 replied to hkujak04's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Just to clarify the Bariatric program at the hospital you are going to does not require a sleep apnea screening? But your insurance wants you to have a sleep apnea/sleep study done? I can tell you a lot of insurance's require a sleep apnea check and if you meet the requirements the sleep study as well. I myself had to do a sleep study as part of an insurance requirement, and I scored a 10 (I was told this was the lowest score) however this meant my insurance now wanted me to be CPAP compliant in order to pay for my bariatric surgery. I know that having deeper better sleep will aid in the healing process, so that is a positive. For me, I feel no different wearing the CPAP versus not wearing it. But a good friend of mine was also diagnosed with sleep apnea around the same time as me, and he told me it is a night and day difference for him and that he feels so much better now. In the end, if your insurance wants something done and you want them to cover the cost of your surgery, then you are just going to have to do it. You might find out everything your insurance is going to require and go ahead and get appointments scheduled before they ask you to do it. You can always cancel those appointments if you do not need to do them. Pre-scheduling what you can will guarantee you are in line and not waiting longer. -
Anyone find a good complete multivitamin
BeanitoDiego replied to tynisha's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I take a one-a-day Bariatric Advantage with iron before bedtime. It is a fairly large green capsule. I know that they also come in a chewable, but I've no experience with them. https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/ultra-solo -
Anyone find a good complete multivitamin
NCL04321 replied to tynisha's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
nothing fancy for me. My nutritionist suggested Shiny Leaf Bariatric multivitamin with 45mg iron. They are not as expensive as some of the others. i like them. Normal capsule size, not huge, easy to swallow and dissolve quickly after you swallow them. My numbers at my Dr visits have all been in the normal range. -
Help a design student: WLS app feedback!
adrienne0906 posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hello Bariatric Pals! I'm a design student that is working on my Senior Capstone project. I'm designing an app + device for Bariatric Surgery patients to give support and help them be a success in their weight loss journey. Since I'm designing an app + device, my concepts thus far are about how that system could help support someone, both immediately after the surgery, and many years afterwards. I broke my concepts into 4 areas: Motivation/Inspiration, Accountability, Connection to other people who have had surgery, and Strengthening a network of family and friends. I picked this areas to emphasize because I see them as very important to a person's success or failure--if my design could address all of these areas, that would be ideal! For your reference, I'm attaching a presentation I made in class with some illustrations of my concepts. You can answer without looking at it, and it would still be super helpful! : ) My initial questions are: Which of these areas do you think is the most important? Do you think that there is an area you could have done without and still been successful? In relation to the device: What role do you think a device should play in your weight loss journey--should it be a wearable product that you can take with you anywhere? Would it feel more appropriate or interesting if it was something you would use only in your home? Thank you so much in advance for your feedback. In future posts, I'll include a link to my blog, where I'll be documenting my entire process, and you guys can see what I am designing. If there are any other things that occur to you, such as features for an app or device you think would be super helpful and make you feel supported in your journey...let me know!! Sincerely, Adrienne adrienne_pearson_concept_phase.pdf -
October 2023 surgery buddies
Wildflower Bohême replied to Shotputqueen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thanks everybody!! It feels so good to know that other people are in the same boat and understand. I'm cheering you all on! The next day after I wrote that post, I started to feel better. I think I just needed to get it out, you know? I'm focusing on the day by day. I saw that Halloween comes directly after my graduation from puree to soft foods, so I looked up Autumn/Halloween-y bariatric recipes for both of those stages. It gave me something concrete to look forward to (apart from the scale going down lol). ☺️🍂 -
Anyone gone to Blossom Bariatric (self-pay) in Las Vegas?
Drinkwine28 replied to kmn1109's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Mine was 100% private pay. My insurance would not cover it all. totally an exclusion. Blossom is available after surgery but only if you need them and reach out. I never really reached out or had any complications. I follow them on social media and read lots of people having questions, etc. I have to say, I think he follow-up could be better. My GP was very hesitant to just "take over" when I got back. Doctors don't want to be responsible for someone else's surgery. Makes sense. I also knew it would be discouraged from going out of state so I never disclosed or told GP office what I was doing. My point is when she would ask me questions about aftercare I would be like "uh I don't know" she would ask what about follow-up? I was like hmm, I guess there really isn't any. No binder, no regular calls or direct contact. Luckily, I didn't need it though. My GP said my case made her more interested in it and learn about the follow up and tests needed, etc. Also makes sense, if insurance covered it, I would likely have a bariatric team and all my tests and follow up would be with them. The actual recovery was really good and seamless for me. I followed all the directions in Vegas. I was prepared for the worse. I walked and woke up every few hours with my daughter's help. I never had to horrible gas pain people talk about. Plane ride was super awkward with the fancy leg pumps. 😜🤣 Once home, FLUIDS! Alex explained, you can live 10 days without food but not water/fluids. I was tired the first week. I just listened to my body. I moved around as much as possible, but didn't push myself either. I will be blunt about MY ONLY complication. CONSTIPATION is real! And it's awful! Never had this in my life. Quite the opposite. So my advice, always keep track so it does not get away from you. Use the stool softeners and fiber. After two years, I still have moments but I have a good routine to treat it. On the other hand, I have read people have the opposite, so listen to your body! I'm so excited for you and can't wait to hear how you do. What is your date again? -
Revision Denied by BCBS of North Carolina
Ambular replied to Liv_94's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
BTW this is what BSBCNC said to me. They just seem like they auto deny and don't even check records as we have been so compliant and have plenty of evidence. It sucks because I don't even live in NC - I only have this because I work remoltely for a company in NC and live in CA.. We are gearing up for the peer 2 peer now but here is what was said: Revision of a primary bariatric surgery to a gastric bypass is covered when you meet one of the following scenarios: (1) You have regained weight after your original surgery. In this case, you must continue to meet basic criteria for weight loss surgery, including nutritional and psychological assessments, and you must have documentation of compliance visits (including compliance with nutrition and exercise recommendations) after your previous weight loss surgery (2) You have severe reflux disease that has not been responsive to optimal medical management (maximum medication therapy, diet alteration with the assistance with a nutritionist, and change in activity and positioning). Failure of medical management must be documented, and studies to support persistent untreatable reflux must be submitted. Review of your provided records reveals that you have regained weight after your previous surgery; however, we have not been provided with compliance records from your prior post-surgical visits. Additionally, it does not appear you have undergone optimal medical management for your reflux or that studies show severe signs of reflux. -
October 2023 surgery buddies
Krazy Sue replied to Shotputqueen's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I am scheduled to have the bariatric sleeve surgery on 10/23. I will start my PreOp diet of only protein drinks and clear liquid on 10/9. Good luck to you all! -
Anyone find a good complete multivitamin
Jeanniebug replied to tynisha's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Welcome! I use the Bariatric Pal one-a-day vitamins, with 45mg of iron. It's not the smallest pill I take, but I have no problems swallowing it. I've been using them since I was about 3 months post op. -
While I agree that selecting the right tool is important (right for your needs, health & medical considerations, lifestyle etc.) getting your head right is equally as if not a more important part. Not everyone loses their appetite after surgery & if you do it’s temporary. We all say, the surgery changes your body but it doesn’t change your thinking. It doesn’t stop your cravings, emotions, habits. They’ll still be there when your appetite returns. You have to do the head work as well. It is possible to eat around your tool, to make poor food choices & then not lose or regain your weight. Changing your relationship with food, understanding why you eat (habit, emotional support, craving, boredom, etc.) are essential. It’s like getting a gym membership or buying a treadmill, how successful you are depends upon you changing your behaviours & actually using the treadmill or going to the gym. Many people find working with a therapist extremely helpful in understanding & developing strategies to manage what motivates or drives our eating & the food choices we make. Unfortunately, life does tend to throw crap at us at times, & knowing how to manage the emotional turmoils that usually come with it & not fall back on old eating behaviours will help you continue your weight loss & maintain in the future. As @NickelChip said, Dr Weiner & Dr Pitcher have amazing resources but I do encourage you to consider seeking counselling. Your doctor, surgeon & team should be able to recommend someone with experience in disordered eating & bariatric patients. (Many insurances require at least one visit as part of your approval anyway.) All the best.
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One year ago today, at 2:00pm, I had my initial phone interview from my bariatric program. I had enough and took the step. I was always dead-set against surgery and prayed daily for God to help me. I awoke one day at peace on the surgery and made the call. I weighed 329lbs. ONE. YEAR. TO. THE. DAY I wake to this blessing! 199.8 on the scale. God works in mysterious ways but, in this case, no mystery...just Gods Grace! Oct 1 will be 7 months to the day of my surgery
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Does anyone have a good hot Chocolate recipe??
BlondePatriotInCDA replied to Lynda486's topic in Regular foods (stage 4)
I personally would stay away from Bariatric Pal hot cocoa... for some reason they add titanium dioxide to it, A known carcinogen! -
Mexico Bariatric Center Tijuana
Wellington4321 replied to RiaMaleah's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
A number of people from another support site I've been using for years have been patients @ Mexico Bariatric Center in Tijuana. I've heard very positive results. I've traveled overseas for loose skin removal and dental work, and it's work out both times as high quality at substantially lower prices. My strongest recommendation is to know who your doctor will be and confirm their reviews and experience. Also the medical hotels in my experience are a way better option than family care, at least for me. Good luck! -
Going on month 5 now. Takes about 6 months for mine. Started back in June. Found out had iron deficiency anemia. So its been a roller coaster. So my process was get the referral from my primary care provider, then made the consult with my bariatric surgeon. Ran that fine, they drew labs and two days later diagnosed me with iron deficiency anemia. Started my nutrition appts (have to have 3 of them) that week and the psych (have to have 2). My nutritionist jumped the gun at my anemia diagnosis and instead of holding off to see if therapy and a GI look helped, she referred me to a hematologist, GI, and sleep lab. At this point I've had all my nutrition and psych (passed with flying colors) appts, my GI done and cleared (found a sliding hiatal hernia with erosion causing my anemia, which is now resolved thankfully), Hematologist done and needing clearance, sleep study done and cleared by my understanding. Now I just have to wait 30 days min prior to the date I want for Surgery for my primary care clearance. Hoping I can get surgery on December 13th. Best of luck and keep one foot in front of the other. You will do great and definatly think about therapy or a class to go to. Helps tremendously getting your mind in the right space.
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This is the first time I’ve made a post on bariatric palsy. I normally just read things but today is really big day for me. I am six months postop. My highest weight was 250 pounds and I was 242 pounds at the day of surgery, as of this morning I am 198 pounds with a total weight loss of 52lbs and 44lbs surgery. I’ve lost 13 inches off my waist 10 inches off of my apron belly 12 inches off my hips and 7 inches off of my bust. I am currently in a women’s extra large down from a 3X I can fit larges now but they’re still a little too tight for my comfort. I have not been this small since I had my first child at 19 I was 150 pounds before I got pregnant with her. This is the smallest I’ve been in 10 years. It feels amazing but it also doesn’t feel real. I keep getting on the scale to double check if I’m imagining things, but it feels really good to come this far and have all the health changes that I’ve had.
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ANy book recommendations for stage 4 eating plans?
Alfred_Wilkerson replied to Sigh's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Planning ahead and seeking local support as you progress through the stages of your weight loss journey is a great approach. While I can't provide specific book recommendations, I can suggest a few general types of books that might be helpful as you transition to stage 4 and beyond: Bariatric Cookbooks: Look for cookbooks specifically designed for individuals who have undergone weight loss surgery. These often provide recipes and meal plans tailored to each stage of post-surgery recovery. Nutrition Guides: Books that focus on post-bariatric surgery nutrition can be very informative. They can help you understand the nutritional requirements for your specific procedure and guide you in making healthy food choices. Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Books: While not specific to bariatric surgery, these books offer valuable information on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, making smart food choices, and managing your weight in the long term.
