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I'm on the first day of my liquid diet.. i started a day early bc my surgeon said no more weight gain, whatsoever.. so im hoping that the diet & walking will get me down enough for her to cont with surgery on the day of. im sooo terrified that she'll cancel the morning of and ill get extra disappointed/depressed & won't wanna do the program anymore.. if anyone has any liquid diet tips, pls let me know!!!

I had my final class today and my pre-op testing. i just have an echo to get done tomorrow (born w/heart valve issue & they want me to be cleared for surgery) and then the covid on sun then my surgery next wed. i've gained some weight since covid (stress/hopelessness/depression) and my doc said no more weight gain from here until my surgery next wednesday or she'll cancel it. i get it, but i plan to start my liquid diet earlier (just bought a bunch of protein drinks/crystal light/jello from walmart to pick up tomorrow) and plan to walk 2x a day w/my dog if i can. a mile each time, more if i can swing it in w/my work schedule and appointments. It's gettin' real real ya'll.. i cant' have anyone w/me because of covid (not in the hospital to stay overnight or to visit..) but its ok bc ive been doing this journey by myself (not married/living alone) so it's only appropriate that i do this final step alone.

Just scheduled my Sleeve for July 4th with Dr Ilian at Hospital BC Yay !!

Im a little confused, is it Bariatric Pal Hospital or Hospital BC? I have heard that it is referenced as both names. If I have acid reflux is it ok to have the Gastric Sleeve or would I need the Gastric Bypass? Thank you Tammy Weller

Today I chose lunch as my meal bc my fiancé wanted to go out for lunch. We went to Red Lobster. I had 2 shrimp skewers and some broccoli with water. He sat there and ate the garlic butter bread right in front of me. My food was so bland but that was the only thing that I found on the menu that I liked and could actually eat. All he did was talk about how great his food was. My meal was $20 and had absolutely not flavor at all I’d been better off eating a salad at home. Sorry just venting since I literally only have 2 more actual meals before I transition to all liquid. I was so disappointed!!

I know how scary that is. When I was a few months out, I passed out walking down my porch steps. When I came to, I went to get into my vehicle and I kept passing out. My husband heard me crying and screaming what is wrong with me. When he helped me stand up again, I passed out as he was helping me in the vehicle. When I went to the ER, I was severely dehydrated and when I would stand up my blood pressure would drop causing me to pass out. You must remember to always drink or carry water or Gatorade or something. That's why doctors stress about getting your fluids in. The downfall from the ER visit was I left there in a boot, bc apparently when I fell down the porch stairs, I broke my foot in 3 places and tore all of my tendons in that foot as well. Now I try to keep water with me at all times, especially during the summer. I hope you feel better soon. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

So, I recently posted how good I feel with the current weight loss! The day after my post, I was at my seamstress, getting some of my favorite clothing taking up and we talked for an hour and all of a sudden I felt light headed and diaphoretic and told her I needed to sit down. My doctor had told me to take a half of my blood pressure medications and I had forgotten and taken the whole pill. I passed out and she gave me some orange juice after I came to and I told her I needed to call my husband because I couldn't drive home due to still feeling bad, my vision was blurry and I felt faint again but was able to contact my husband before passing out again, she spoke with him and told him I had passed out, she said I seizured and when I came to I had fallen into her glass mirror and had glass all over me but only had small cuts to my hand, my head hurt and was pounding and she truly felt I had a diabetic seizure, she said I fell forward out of the chair and hit the bottom of her full glass mirror, I do remember I kept yawning uncontrollable before passing out. With the Covid going on I refused to let my husband take me to the ER and contacted my primary which I had seen the day before. He thinks I over exerted myself by walking a mile and a half that morning and taking a whole blood pressure pill, my blood pressure was 118/72 and I didn't test my blood sugar d/t I have never had any issues prior with my BS. I drank G2 the rest of the day and the doctor told me not to walk and rest he rest of the weekend. Has anyone every experienced this? I am currently 5mths out and other than the scare I STILL FEEL GOOD! I received my blood work back Monday and all my levels are great! I have not walked any more but have been doing my 5lb weights. Any suggestions! I go to my Bariatric appointment the 23rd of this month.

Hi Tamwell, Here is some information about Dr. Illan: Dr. Selim Jalil Illan has been designated as a Master Surgeon in Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, by the Surgical Review Corporation, Dr. Illan is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Dr. Selim Jalil Illan is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), The International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO), Member, Latin American Association of Endoscopic Surgery along with Mexican College for the Surgery of Obesity, Mexican Association of Endoscopic Surgery, Mexican Association of General Surgery, International Society of Surgery. Dr. Selim Jalil Illan held the position of Director of Emergency Trauma Surgery for nine years at IMSS Hospital #1. Bariactric Pal Mx, now Hospital BC, is specifically designed for bariatric patients, with equipment and facilities designed for bariatric patients, and a healthcare team full of experienced experts and successful bariatric surgery patients. Contact me if you want more information.

I know that insurance might cover for some people but I asked my surgeon about it and they insisted that in Florida they cover it and referred me to plastics in Cleveland Clinic and yet I was told they accepted no insurance. I get bloody rashes especially on my thighs. I just can’t deal with fighting with insurance on the matter. And I’ve seen others post about insurance offering only partial coverage. I will say you can try just to see what happens. For me I ended up going with the plastic surgeon though BariatricPal at Hospital BC. They have excellent reputation and success. And are a Center of Excellence. They are the only American owned hospital in Tijuana Mexico.

To be honest most of it has nothing to do with the plastic surgery. It was put of for several months because of Covid-19 and I didn’t think it wise to wait until afterward. Some I wasn’t keen on putting it to words until I had it done. I did see my primary care physician for some CBC for the surgery, the other tests they do at hospital BC where I’m having surgery in Mexico. I had to see an ENT because of persistent nosebleeds. And will have to follow up Two days before I leave. I had to see my endocrinologist to get reauthorization for a test that was supposed to have been scheduled months ago and wasn’t. A Thyroid biopsy with an interventional radiologist at the hospital. I’m having that June 4th. Then June 10th a double balloon enteroscopy I’ve been waiting months for that, my bariatric surgeon wanted due to history of ulcers in the remnant portion of stomach and blind portion of small intestine as well as my persistent symptoms. I’m not worried about any of it should I be, it doesn’t matter whatever it is, it is. I’ll deal with it in that moment. I’m not going to let it stop me from going ahead with my plans. And I should be good to go for surgery. I have gotten through enough other surgeries despite everything my body goes through every day with lifelong chronic illness. I will do my best to do this as exhausting as it is. It’s just hard to plan to pack and to think. like what position is best to sleep in post surgery. I got a list of things to bring from the hospital but is there any special tips to keep the stitches from stretching. They recommended a boppy pillow. I got some cheap old navy jersey knit swing dresses, a robe ... a sling backpack. For all I know I’ll want to stay in a hospital gown the whole time 🤣 even in the hotel ... I’ve been there done that with surgeries. I had open hysterectomy so it will be similar except all the way around so that’s different. I’ve had long incisions in my calves but not thighs. I watched a belt lipectomy on YouTube. It’s a crazy surgery. It doesn’t scare me. Now crazy ants set off ptsd but something like that doesn’t scare me go figure ... I will have to manage my chronic pain as best I can. The hardest part is It’s ultimate impact on my medical condition M.E. But it’s something I have to deal with every day of my life. So just finding the new normal. to answer the last question. I have to get test for Covid-19 before I have the double balloon enteroscopy. But it wasn’t a requirement before the plastic surgery.

Addiction isn't a concern of mine. I was a consistent weed smoker/user for years. I stopped for surgery for the last 5 months (my first scheduled procedure got postponed bc of COVID) and I had no problem stopping. This may not be the case for everyone, but it was for me. And Ive taken breaks in the past as well. Im two weeks post op and spoke to my surgeon. Not all are agree and that's mostly because there isn't a lot of research done about using weed post op. Since post op smoking cigarettes can cause ulcers some people are told all types of smoking (weed) does the same. But there are actually many studies proving that smoking and vaping weed reduce the amount of stomach acid in the stomach. Anyway, my surgeon told me from a surgical/sleeve perspective smoking, vaping, tinctures, sublingual tabs are safe after 3 months. But obviously watch out for the munchies, luckily that hasn't been a big issue for me ever. I definitely trust my surgeon he's done thousands of these procedures and there are no studies that prove smoking weed can cause ulcers. Obviously there are side effects of smoking and vaping, which you take on regardless of this surgery.

I have to admit this subject has been a big deal for me. Despite the financial challenges of it. I had my gastric bypass surgery April 29th 2019 and I reached goal earlier than I thought I would. To be honest I reached a goal I never thought I could. My excess skin is more problematic and unsightly probably due to my inability to exercise. Especially my thighs and butt. My core can use the strengthening it would help with along with the skin removal. Some areas I feel like a Shar Pei ... I get bloody rashes on my thighs especially trying to shave but it’s catch 22 I have to shave otherwise I get rashes from irritating hair ... due to pcos. Anyway. I’d hoped that insurance might offer some help. I asked my surgeon they were like yes Florida does pay for certain reasons. They said make an appointment with the plastic surgeon. But when we called they said they didn’t accept insurance. I figured if Cleveland Clinic didn’t no one else would. Honestly I watch that show my 600lb life and how people get free skin removal ... it’s not fair. sorry I rambled. Just when I didn’t know what to do, I found that BariatricPal actually has their own Hospital and researched them and they are awesome. It’s located in Mexico and is a short ride from San Diego airport. It’s called Hospital BC. I’ve been emailing them for some time now and they have been patiently helping me with deciding on choosing their Hospital and then planning this. I am scheduled for surgery June 15th. I’m trying to prepare myself for it! I leave June 14th from Palm beach airport. I return on June 21st and technically get home June 22nd. I will be having belt lipectomy with butterfly lift, tightening of the stomach muscles. And to be honest I will be asking them to not relocate my bellybutton. I will also be having thigh lift. And breast augmentation. I had to have CBC bloodwork at my doctors appointment prior. But otherwise they do everything there. It’s all inclusive. They provide transportation to and from the airport. I stay in hospital one night and in their special hotel the rest but with 24 hour nurse/doctor and concierge. Meals and other things are included that I can’t think of at the moment. They give Faja and even lymphatic massage if it’s needed. im hoping my numerous previous surgeries will have me prepared for how to manage the post op incision care. I’ve never traveled so far and will likely go home with drains in place. My primary care physician wasn’t too pleased with the idea ... but at this point she was smart and didn’t try and argue with me 🤣 Honestly you can be in the states and get really terrible surgeons ... and I found this place looks excellent. this is the website: https://hospitalbc.com

My surgeon was very similar he was straight to the point no BS pretty easy process event with insurance I had to pay a gap and did it online like @elsie77 but that's not my surgeons fault that's the insurance will only pay so much... But everything was covered with that had my own private room and bathroom 24/7 on call nurses free TV etc

His professional set up is just that, professional, but with the addition of zero bs and jumping through hoops, that’s why I give glowing recommendations. Yes, I can see why the cash thing would put you off in fairness but it’s not the only way to pay. I paid by bank transfer. It needs to be received 10 days in advance.

I have told only a few family members and one friend. I’m two years out, lost 123 pounds and no one has raised an eyebrow bc it is such a gradual process. You don’t need to tell anyone you don’t want to know. I’m glad I didn’t tell anyone else. It adds pressure and judgement. 

Hi - wonder if you are having it at the same place I did in Vegas. I had surgery on Monday, flew home on Wednesday. Mine was a short flight. But I felt fine, didn't even use the wheelchair option bc I wanted to walk as much as possible. You will want to be sure to wear the compression stockings you are given. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

I had forgotten about this thread. Thanks for commenting!! Here was my predicted numbers: 80% of patients reach at least 212 lbs 18 months after surgery. 50% of patients reach at least 193 lbs 18 months after surgery. 20% of patients reach 174 lbs 18 months after surgery. Im almost 6 months out and 185 lbs (-120lb total). So I guess you can beat the calculator. I’ve been fairly strict on food choices, not that strict on water (I know...shame), and have gotten a lot more active. It’s a little off because I used pre liquid diet weight bc it wouldn’t let me do it after with the BMI rules. (Too low and it says you shouldn’t have surgery)

15 years for me as of 4/11/2020. Everything going pretty well. Kept weight the same for the last 13-14 years. Haven't updated my pics for this year bc I haven't really been in jeans. Will do so when the lockdown is over.

Hi Chrissy800, Have you considered Dr. Selim Jalil Illan Fraijo, MD, FACS, FASMBS at Hospital BC. He is a Master Surgeon and studied under Dr. Corvala. Check him out at https://hospitalbc.com/

I’m having so many mixed thoughts swirling around my head. I hesitate to post this today. I am grateful for having gastric bypass to have the tool to combat metabolic disorders and inability to exercise due to disability (post exertional malaise) and I was at the point it was all or nothing. All my fight was getting me nowhere fast. I know I’ve come a long way, I’ve also paid a hefty price physically and am still dealing with many health challenges. But I also know my body could not carry the burden of all that weight. And I will do everything in my power to maintain the weight loss. i reached goal Sometime last month. I overshot it a little. Although based on my height of 5’ I’m within my goal range. I haven’t been actively trying to lose for a few weeks. I raised my calories somewhat but not drastically. I started out at 208lbs with a BMI of 40.6 and today am 102.4 and a BMI of 20. its Funny though, I write my weight on a calendar daily, and write Daily log of my weight, meals, calories and protein to Track and plan what I will eat the best I can based on what’s available in the fridge, freezer, pantry. I haven’t given solid thought to my progress, I’ve just taken it one moment at a time. My weight fluctuates slightly and that’s ok. Other things weigh on my mind though. I hesitate to call it a celebration when even my birthday this month went unmentioned and Covid-19 will be around for the foreseeable future. It’s not impacted my odd daily routines of living with lifelong chronic illness and disability. I’m homebound much of the time as is. It’s risky going to get groceries but a necessity. But It’s had more of an impact on healthcare. i Had an early one year follow up with my surgeon February 11 and discussed continuing severe pain and spasms in left side under ribs along with other symptoms along with my history of ulcers in the remnant stomach and small intestine, they said I needed a double balloon enteroscopy. But I had to see a different doctor for the test. I couldn’t get an appointment until March 12 to see that doctor, I asked if they could schedule the test since it takes a while but no I had to wait to see the doctor first, who of course ordered the test. Which was then scheduled for April 27. And what happened, of course no one called until the last minute and it was then canceled indefinitely. And I’m left in pain, I sent them a message and they tell me I could go to the ER to be evaluated. First of all how is that a good idea? And evaluated for what? That’s why I saw the doctor and he ordered the test (actually both doctors did) I’m at a loss as to what to do and meanwhile I’m just trying to move ahead. i don’t even want to discuss this. I’ve other health issues that I’ve been waiting months to deal with. My doctor gives me attitude. Even things are obviously a problem. I saw my general doctor February after waiting a few weeks. I had sudden severe pain just lightly touching the front of my throat. I had a thyroid ultrasound. I also saw an endocrinologist. I was supposed to go to the hospital for further tests. But this was cancelled indefinitely. I’ve also been having nosebleeds and I don’t know why ... but it’s all been put on hold and none of the doctors care to follow up. I have been making plans about having skin removal surgery. Since it’s the only thing I can manage to do right now. The excess sagging skin is very problematic especially my thighs. A thigh lift, and Having a Belt lipectomy/Butterfly lift to remove excess skin might also help benefit strengthening my core which I can’t do with exercise. I’ve been working on this with Hospital BC that is part of BariatricPal and they are so helpful in the process. I’m trying to think of it as a vacation in Mexico with benefits. I’ll need financing of course. I’m far away from rich. It’s a goal to have a body I haven’t as long as I can remember. I haven’t been this weight as long as I can remember either. I could never reach this goal on my own before even as hard as I tried with strict low carb and calorie counting. I only managed 124lbs and it didn’t stay there long. So taking that last step of getting rid of ugly sagging, rashy problematic skin feels like part of the journey to finish. A crazy thing in times like these. I’ll be pinching pennies as hard as I can. But part of me is determined. And also ... trying to ignore the rest. I had wanted to deal with the other health issues first but looks like that won’t happen so I’m going to try to roll with it and see what happens. maybe it’s dumb for me to write this. I don’t know anymore. I’m exhausted. But I think that I want others to know that if I can do this with my chronic illness and disability And despite how hard it has been for me ... that others can succeed and reach their weight loss goal.

Hey world- so this is a silly question- was anyone concerned bc they felt too good? I feel like a did the day before surgery, just normal- Drink my clear liquids (Diet) a bit slower, sure but nothing like misery I see people post about? Weight loss hasn’t been crazy for this week... maybe 5#s?

Why would you want to go back to a deprivation-diet that will most likely induce bingeing in the near future? It's good and normal that you have that mental block when thinking about deprivation diets. Most likely it won't work so you're right to be afraid of the plan of going back to shakes and "the basics". It's a deprivation diet that will cause reaction-bingeing now that your body is capable of it so you have to be way smarter in your choices. Cutting out too many foods you like won't work in the long run for most of us. Unfortunately many, if not all of us, were fed the mantra "moderation won't work" a bit too often. Back in the days of "protein shakes and basics" we were all newly out of surgery which meant that appetite was reduced in many of us because of having been cut into out intestines and because of general anesthesia. Many foods we couldn't tolerate anyways, let alone big portions of it. But these immediate post-op day are simply gone. The situation has change and you have to take that into consideration when planning dietary changes. Also keep in mind that you were not able to stick to your former post-WLS diet so it makes more sense to try a different approach this time than to repeat what didn't work for you in the first run.

Hi My mother nearly died because of botched surgery at Erdem hospital in Turkey so I want to try & help as many people as I can to NOT go here. On 26th January my mum went for gastric sleeve surgery, gallstone removel & oesophagus repair which was performed by doctor Ali Solmaz. She returned home 1 week later & within 10 days was admitted to a special care unit in hospital unable to keep fluid, food & her own saliva down she was tube feed until the doctors found out what happened. After investigating they discovered all surgeries were botched. After 3 months of being fed via a tube she received corrective surgery last week. I contacted Erdem to inform them & they offered free surgery to fix their mistake but mum was on her death bed and unable to travel. We are from Northern Ireland & mum was in an intensive care unit so travel was out of the question. I asked them for a refund as now mum has been out of work and it has put financial pressure on all the family & they said no and said she signed a form & it’s not their problem anymore. I told them I intend to inform anyone wanting surgery of what has happened & they said “do what you want” their words. I have messages of all correspondence with Erdem which clearly displays their lack of customer service and empathy for how they left my mother. They monitor their Facebook pages & will not let any negative comments be posted so that me or anyone else cannot make anyone aware of how horrific they have treated us. My mum thought she would be fine, she wasn’t. It could happen you. Please please take my advice. Go somewhere else, not Erdem hospital in a Turkey.

So last March I fell skiing and got a nasty concussion. Finally after one year I am able to function again. After hospital stays and med adjustments I gained 40 ibs. I am finally back on track. I am back to walking 2-3 miles on days that it’s not raining and I don’t have a nasty migraine. I cut out all the junk food and finally eating right. I usually eat 3 to 4 ounces of food and am full. I am 3 yrs out. I have a follow up with my dr via phone appointment tomorrow. Has anyone tried and succeeded on weight loss pills? I am thinking about mentioning it I just have no idea how to ask to try them. I am hoping it is going to curb the fake hunger. It’s all in my head bc if I try to eat more I get sick. I am hoping he will go for it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thank you guys for the support and encouragement! It literally bought tears to my eyes. I’m so happy to have found this site because WLS is not for the faint of heart. I will endeavor to cut out the drinking bc I don’t want to trade one health issue for another. Lily66 I wrote an affirmation on an index card the other day that said “I will be gentle with myself and others” - so your encouragement was the reminder I needed. Unfortunately I tend to be very hard on myself and stress out if I don’t do things perfectly. But perfection is overrated Thanks again guys!