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I researched a lot before I even went the bariatric route. I knew what I was getting into before I even talked to the doctor. But my acceptance was different because I went through the bariatric clinic on the military base and you don't have to go through all the hoops most insurance companies have you go through. I still had to go to seminars, I did four 2hr long nutrition classes, I had to go to support groups, and the psych evaluation. I still have two more classes I need to do for pre op one is an hr and the other is 2hrs. They expect you to start eating better and exercising, but we didn't have to go on a diet. They said if we went on a binge and gained weight then that would show them you're not ready for the surgery and they wouldn't do it. But for me my weight gain wasn't because I am an over eater, binge eater, ect. I gained weight from PCOS it caused me to have a metabolic disorder. So my body was just making me gain weight because it wasn't processing my insulin correctly. Basically my body is slow to let go of fat, but also holds creates more fat then usual. I would have to work out 3x's harder then the average person to lose pcos weight which is ridiculous and why I havent been able to lose it. It sucks because most of my life I was thin everyone in my family is thin... but lucky me I was the only one to have PCOS. I just keep gaining and gaining and its not from eating poorly and massive amounts of food its from PCOS that's why I always said its the Devil! lol But back to my original question. They never said stop eating everything we wont be able to eat after surgery at a certain time before surgery. I know for sure they expect you to stop on your pre-op diet, but before that all they said is don't gain more. So like you can see some stopped well before and some rode it out until the 2wk pre op diet and still cheated. I just wanted to see what the majority was. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

I used Dr Garcia and he and his staff were really great. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App That's Tijuana bariatrics Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

Don't worry so much about the incisions. They fade away to where you can't even see them. Check here at Bariatric Pal to see if they have a surgeon who performs this.

Well@GwennyPenny my old chop chop is still chugging along the Bariatric TrainLine, certainly not a "Local" maybe mine is Transcontinental? Oh when Oh when will I finally,reach the Station and disembark? 💦😔💦

Dr. alejandro lopez with Alo Bariatrics does single incision sleeve but it's about $1500 more. Had one gal when I went that had it done. Sent from my Moto G (4) using the BariatricPal App

Idk if they're on Bariatric pal, but premier protein shakes are pretty good. They've never had a weird taste to me. (atkins, slimfast some of fairlife's make me pretty sick) Quest protein are also pretty good if you can find them. One that I've found that's also good is Fairlife High Protein shake in Vanilla. It tastes like melted ice cream. I like to pour it over some chilled decaf Chai Tea to make a chai tea latte/type drink. it's nice and sweet without the calories of a reg drink.

JULY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Date: July 19, 2008 Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm Event Details: Meet at Regina Holiday Inn at 1800 Prince of Wales Avenue Room: Hector Room Speaker TBA __________________ “There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.” Denis Waitley

Glad to hear she is doing a little better each day. She is lucky to have your supporting her. Head hunger is a VERY REAL thing and even though most of us lose the actual hunger immediately post surgery the head hunger remains. Usually one can tell the difference because real hunger you want to eat anything (even fruit and veggies sound delicious) while head hunger you crave something specific (usually things you shouldn’t have). If the head hunger remains and is a problematic many of us benefit from talking to a bariatric therapist. I eat when I am board and emotional eat and am trying to find a therapist to help with this. I am still losing weight and working the program but worry if I don’t get the head hunger under control I will gain it back at the first real stressful circumstance. I hope this helps.

Babbs, We always wonder when someone comes on here and says, "Help!" ... what are they doing now that's different than they were doing when they were losing weight? Of course, I don't know what's going on with those folks who are 3-4 years out and now gaining weight, because I don't have specific info about how they're eating / drinking / exercising. However, I don't recall anyone coming on here saying, "I've gained!" and then offering a full list of what they're eating and drinking and exercising. I do see some people say things like, "I know I'm eating more slider foods now than I used to." Or "I'm grazing now and can't seem to quit." Or "I don't exercise like I used to." Or "My life is so much more stressful now, and I can't focus on myself like I used to." I have also seen people (on multiple boards) say they were able to buckle down and lose 20-30 pounds. I've also seen people on this and other boards who are 3, 4, even 5 years out who are still at goal. Not a lot, mind you. But there are some. Remember -- I just asked the bariatric PA what happens in Year Two.

P.P.S. My bariatric PA also said she sees a lot of people during maintenance who start to drink a lot more of their daily calories -- specifically in the form of alcohol. She didn't reference this as a "transfer addiction" issue, but as an "empty calories" issue.

05/20 as well I use the Bariatric Advantage brand (strawberry or chocolate) I blend it with low fat milk and a banana and its very good

No need to worry, just pulling myself out of the fog..... My surgery was Monday, 10/3 with Dr. Aceves. Since my surgery was the 2nd of the day, I was given a sedative to relax. The rest of the day is a blur. I remember people coming in to get me....blur........I remember looking up at the ceiling as I was being wheeled to surgery......blur.........I remember someone telling me to turn on my side and bend my knees for the spinal block....blur.....and OUT. I don't remember recovery at all. The next thing I remember is being back in my room, thinking it must be over and then falling back asleep again. I was in and out of sleep for the rest of the night, knowing that nurses came in and out, taking my temp and blood pressure, but not really ever becoming fully alert. Sometime early Tuesday morning, I told one of the nurses I needed to use the bathroom. Although I stumbled a bit, I made the trip successfully and immediately fell back asleep. Later that morning, they brought me those infamous 4 little cups of blue "apple juice." They weren't good, but they were tolerable. I sipped and slept, sipped and slept, sipped and slept for hours. Several times that day, Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos and the nurses came in and told me to try to get up and walk. I'd answer "Sure, ok." with every good intention of doing it, but I'd always fall back asleep. I really had a tough time coming out of all that med-induced sleepiness. By late afternoon Tuesday, I finally got up and walked the halls. I was completely pain-free (yes, really.....it must have been the spinal block), but I felt unsteady on my feet and climbed back into bed about 5 minutes later. Tuesday night was pretty much the same as Monday night, but I woke up Wednesday morning feeling alert and energetic. I took a shower and even put on a little make-up! Wednesday, I walked several times, visited my neighbors, sipped tea and finally got a bowl of that wonderful chicken broth everybody raves about. Yes, it IS that good. By the time I left on Thursday morning, I felt pretty good - minimal pain and absolutely no nausea. It may have been this sense of well-being that caused me to completely overdo it on Friday. BIG Mistake! I met up with a friend Friday afternoon to do a "little" shopping that turned into a 5-hour shopping spree. I thought I was listening to my body.......I sipped Isopure all day........I took sitting breaks pretty often, but by the time I got home, I felt awful. My abdomen was completely swollen with Fluid and gas. I looked 9 months pregnant and felt equally uncomfortable. That was the first time all week I broke down emotionally. I remembered reading somewhere that Day 4 after surgery was the worst..........and that was definitely true for me! So, I sobbed myself to sleep Friday night and woke up Saturday with renewed energy and renewed resolve. I really took it easy that day. I stayed in all morning, sipping Protein and napping. By 3:00 pm, I felt good enough to take my son to a birthday party. It was a huge event, and EVERY single person there must have told me to eat......twice! But I politely told them I had eaten before I came and continued to sip on my bottled Water. The party lasted about two hours and I was definitely ready to come home by then. I went to bed about 7:30 pm, slept pretty soundly, and here I am at 5:00 am on Sunday, finally getting on the Internet for the first time since surgery. To sum up, I've really had a fairly easy recovery. Considering the mess my Band had made of my stomach and liver (Dr. Aceves told me it was NOT and easy revision) I've had very little pain except for the incision sights. I've experienced none of the shoulder "gas" pain I had with the Band surgery. I've had no nausea or stomach pain......just a lot of gas and gurgling. No doubt about it, those first four days kicked my butt, however, I think I'm over the "hump" now. I have one more week of recovery before I have to go back to work and I'm sooooo glad I didn't try to rush it and go back any sooner. I hope all my fellow October sleevers are well, whether you are just home from surgery or about to have it. Take it easy and follow the rules........you'll do great!

I take two Flintstones Complete a day (chewable) and one Nature Made Biotin just because my hair is shedding big time and whatever may help..yay! I also take 3 500mg. calcium citrate chews and a B-12 sublingual a day that I purchase from Bariatric Advantage. I'm willing to pay a little more for the Bariatric Advantage calcium because the calcium chews are like candy and fill that void. The sublingual B-12 is minty and easy so I stick with that too.

you're right, probably not bariatric patients - but for normal people, 2000 calories a day is pretty standard. So is 225 carbs. Unfortunately, it seems like few of us bariatric types can eat like that and maintain our weight. Not fair, but, it is what it is...

Ok thanks sooooo much. It's weird that I just haven't been able to find much info on him but I guess it's really actually not given the amount of TJ bariatric surgeons not all get press on the web and add to that the many popular Ortiz, Kelly reviews and it gets anything on Dr.M tucked away.

I read an article that suggests 0.8-1.8 grams per kg of weight. Calculations depend on activity level 0.8g for sedentary 1.8g for very active and then somewhere in the middle if your somewhat active like 1.2g. so for a 140 lb sedentary woman which = 63.5 kg x 0.8 averages out to be about 50 g Protein a day. The higher the weight, the higher the protein requirements. THIS is just for an average person. Weight loss patients I would imagine need more to maintain muscle mass especially during rapid weight loss. So to answer your question NO I personally do not think 100 grams is too much especially for bariatric patients during weight loss mode. I also believe once you reach goal weight or achieve a steady weight during maintenance those program requirements may need to be recalibrated.

I’m having a revision from sleeve to bypass on July 5th. I had a hard time with protein shakes when I had the sleeve, they tasted so chalky. Can anyone recommend protein shakes from Bariatric Pal that are good and not chalky tasting?

I agree. Sounds like head hunger. Try brushing your teeth or going for a walk. Or, work with a therapist to see if there are other issues that need to be resolved. But make sure it's a bariatric trained therapist, or they won't have a clue how to help you. Good luck!

Hi, Dr Kim did my inverted sleeve a little over 3 years ago. 90 lbs down and living life again! He is an excellent doctor with an excellent friendly staff that will walk you through your process. Make sure you fill out your packet before you go in. You will weigh in and get your height, then meet with a PA to ask you a bunch of health and history questions. Then you will meet with Dr Kim or Dr Holden whoever your doctor will be with your program. Then you will meet with a Bariatric Coordinator to go over your program and get you all set up with your classes. You may have a 90 day program but not sure and everyone's deductibles are different so that depends on your insurance plan. I can't answer that one. All I know is I loved my experience with KBI. From the moment I walked through the door to the rest of my life they will be there. They have monthly support groups and free fitness events. The private patient only Facebook support group is amazing!!! You can not join it until you have had surgery. But it will help you through your journey. The group is very encouraging and supportive! We do monthly 5ks/10ks, Breakfast and dinner get togethers, and fun events too. We are about to go on our very first KBI cruise in September! So lots to offer to help you be successful through your journey!

Hi I'm in Dallas Texas ! My first appt is with Dr.Kim. Has anyone had him ? What can I expect in the two hours I'll be in the appt ? I also have Aetna choice Pos I I. They said they cover bariatric surgery and there is a program I must complete. Anyone have this insurance ? How much out of pocket cost was it?

oh, don't rule out other physical reasons. I am an advocate of low/moderate carb, but if you go crazy low you will forget how to tie your shoes. Seriously, the brain needs some carbs to function well. There is a reason that bariatric centers of excellence do follow up blood work. If you are low on key nutrients it can make you mentally off. I am not sure what happens when people go out of country and don't have follow up. My blood work has always been great post op and my brain fog/weird feeling did pass.

I just had my sleeve done on 2/26 by Dr.Cabrara at Mexico Bariatric in Tijuana. I did see Dr.Lopez while I was there. He checked in on me during day 2. I had the same last minute panic attack that it was a scam, etc. I am here to tell you, they are legit. Good people, great service and very compassionate. I received better care and attention in Tijuana than I ever received during my c-section or gallbladder surgery in the states. The facility, Mi Doctor, is not by any stretch what I would consider opulent. It is a basic clinic, no frills but they have defibrillators at each end of the hall and an abundance of support staff including around the clock nurses that are readily available. It's very clean and everyone practices excellent personal and professional hygiene. I do have some advice regarding luggage. KEEP IT SIMPLE! Pack a few pairs of yoga pants, flip flops, roomy t-shirts and of course undergarments. However, the only time I wore a bra and underwear was when I arrived and when I departed. Trust me, it's way more comfortable this way. You'll want to pack trial sizes of conditioner for sure. I relied On The hotel for my soap and shampoo. From past experience, I can tell you DO NOT SHAVE ANY BODY PART OR APPENDAGE 24 hours or less prior to surgery. You increase your odds exponentially of contracting a staph infection through a nick or cut. Trust me. I went back to work this morning without incident. Just be careful about bending and stretching too much. Good and awesome luck to everyone pre and post op! You've made the right decision. Be patient with yourselves. Your world will change overnight however you will take much more time to adapt to your new lifestyle. Much Love! Judy PS: beware of Isopure. Please, I am begging you, buy a bottle BEFORE you buy the case. At first it appears to be a run if the mill sports drink. NOT SO FAST! I've never, ever tasted anything like it. UGH! that being said, it's the easiest and most convenient delivery system for 40 grams of Protein per serving. I'm committed to choking this stuff down because of that reason alone. Oh yeah, no sugar, no aspertame and ZERO carbs. Reason #2 I choke this stuff down. Did I already say ugh? Just brace yourself. 2/26 Pre Op weight 205.00 3/3 post Op weight 197.00 62 Lbs to go!

I have been living on unjury Choclate splendor and Simply Smart milk for the last 5 weeks. You don't need to add anything to it but I do sometimes add a bit of natural Peanut Butter. I also have been living on nectar strawberry Kiwi or Fuzzy Navel with 16oz of Water. (8oz is too sweet). I know everyone's tastes are different for example, I thought Unjury chicken soup was the most vile thing I had tasted is quite some time. I have a variety pack of the torani SF syrups and have only tried the caramel so far in the Bariatric Advantage Vanilla powder. It was ok. I am such a big caramel fan and was a little disappointed. I am sorry you are having trouble Meggie. I hope you find one that works for you.

We plan on launching mid-summer. Really appreciate all the feedback we've received thus far. Please keep them coming. My goal is to offer a wide variety of Bariatric products at rock bottom prices.

I think the amount of Protein shakes impacts the smell regardless of which bariatric surgery. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16