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No, I did not have any food funerals prior to WLS. Instead, months before surgery I started implementing lifestyle changes of a successful bariatric patient. Enough was enough. I had treated/rewarded/comforted myself for too long (decades) with food. There wasn't anything that I hadn't consumed plenty of already. Plus, the idea that there is food you can NEVER have again is false. Once one is in maintenance there may be food that can be reintroduced (in limited amounts) if it doesn't trigger binge eating. Commit to developing a healthy relationship with food and good habits before testing your limits and going back to your old ways.

I don't advocate NOT exercising, but I haven't lost a pound due to becoming an exercise guru. I made lifestyle changes that I KNOW I can do/live with, forever. Remember, there is NO end date, we've made a lifetime commitment. At least that is how we should have entered into this journey. I do move, I park far out in parking lots, I made extra trips up and down our stairs, but I haven't been to a 'gym' in ten years and will never join another one. What do I do almost four years after surgery is this: I weigh every single morning I weigh and/or measure my food when I am home I log it all on my fitness pal I attend support groups ** I call this my dashboard ** I know me, I have the attention span of a four year old. I didn't want to lose any weight because of exercise, six months down the road, I KNOW, I'd lose interest and re-gain!!! What I do now, is as natural to me as breathing. Boredom, old age nor a twisted ankle will keep me from logging my food, weighing and measuring what I eat, weighing myself daily and none of that will keep me from attending a support group. (I'm a support group junkie!) Sooooo, although I'd never suggest not exercising, this is what works for me. I've never bought into the "up your calories" to lose weight or kick start weight loss again. Common sense tells me that prior to surgery, upping my calories resulted in gaining weight and after 30 years, landed me in a bariatric surgeon's office. If I up my calories now, (and I've been in maintenance for over three years) by just 100 calories per day....if I do that for a few days, my weight goes up. It is pretty much a no brainer to me!! Anyway, this is what I do and I easily stay between 143 - 146. If I hit 147, then I lower my calories by 100 - 150 per day and within two or three days, it's gone.

I read that book its an excellent book..the best is how it describes your rebirth...think of all this like ur being reborn as a newborn you fussy, learning your body, discovering yourself...its not gonna be the same when ur a 2 yr old toddler u know what u can so and cant and u have the energy etc... My bariatric center has a library we can borrow books from and i borrowed it there...it has real life scenarios and stories which .ake it great.

The reason why I would never consider it, you have no legal recourse if things go bad. However, many do based on price. Dr Alveraz seems to have a huge following and many You Tube success stories. I also feel sucess is increased with a great post op support group. I'm not talking about an on line group. I am still pre-op but attend the monthly support group where my proceedure will be done. I have learned so much and have had all my questions answered face to face with those that have been there and done that. At yesterdays support group we had a very good trainer that works with bariatric patients come in and talk about exercise for one hour. Than a group session for 1 hour. Great information. This support is available for life and its convient for me.

@@ssflbelle asked: This is also fantastic info. However may I ask at each of these stages what were your carbs. I had split pea soup last night (I am allowed based on my Doctor's plan) however I was surprised to see the carb count was so high. I am 4 weeks out today and yesterday's Protein was 63 and carb count was 58. Is that too high of a carb for only 4 weeks out? Interestingly, neither my surgeon, my nutritionists nor my bariatric P.A. (who is just amazingly well educated on all things bariatric) ever gave me a carb limit. And, happily for me, I don't seem to be one of those folks who is heavily affected by carbs -- at least not "good" carbs. They all were clear that simple carbs and all "slider foods" -- google that term if you don't know what it means -- were off the menu for the weight losing phases. So I followed that rule very well. But here's the deal (although I assume you already know this): One gram of protein is 4 calories. So 100 grams of protein = 400 calories. One gram of carbohydrate is also 4 calories. But 1 gram of fat = 9 calories. So if you're eating a lot of protein (which also comes with some degree of fat) and some healthy fats (like olive oil), you're not going to have a lot of calories left for carbs. I will say this again: Some people are very sensitive to carbs and have to go very low carb to lose weight. Luckily, my body tolerates all colored, high-Fiber veggies (think green Beans, broccoli, red peppers, sweet potatoes, squashes, carrots, etc.) just fine. I just didn't eat white potatoes, sugar, white bread, white rice or white Pasta while I was losing weight. And I still don't eat them very often now. My final advice is that WLS is a big chance to reset your menus / diet / nutrition / eating patterns. Please learn everything you possibly can about nutrition and change your lifestyle now while you have this opportunity to do so. Habits are powerful things -- both good ones and bad ones.

@@jane13, there are 6 hospitals in my area and only one surgeon that is in bariatrics. The one that doesn't allow outsiders. I'm good though. Thank you again for the help.

I figure you meant,you started this fateful journey in October 2018 and in less than a week your Day of Days will occur, right? First, Relax a little, many,have had this surgery, myself and Briswife included. You have come a long way in 8 months, now your preparations are going to pay off. Approach this with a smile on your face, peace in your ❤ heart and a firm belief in what will occur. You will be in the right place, at the right time, having the right surgery, the chosen one, you have selected the right surgeon to perform it, he or she has to be the best or you would not have chosen them. First of all, I found, it is not as painful as I was led to believe. Tooth extractions and root canals are much worse. Instead of true abdominal pain my sensations were that my muscles felt very tired like someone had forced me to do repeatedly sit-ups at gunpoint. And I am old, tend to be crabby, if it was terrible I would be only too eager to tell you so! Like many 70+ year olds, I am only too happy to share my wisdom with anyone within earshot, whether they asked for it or not! When you leave that operating room, you will never be the same, but that's not a BAD thing, you will have been remodeled , renovated and realigned internally. Now your G.I. system will work for you instead of the treacherous way it allowed you to gain weight before. And it may take a while for you to learn the new mechanism involved. Briswife and I had some rarities happen in our recovery, but as for ME and I am much farther from surgery than she, I would never go back to where I was before last September. I am now smaller by over 100 pounds, maybe about the size I was when my later hubby and I were married , in December 1967, a good difference , now I appreciate it for I truly know what I went through to get back down here. I started at a 28-30W, just ready to topple from a 20 into an 18, yeah I know many ladies start at the size I am now, well Baby I Ain't Done Yet! Ready to enter Onederland after starting in the mid-to'upper 300s, I NEVER thought I would have a chance to write "1" in front of my weight. 1/4 Surgical skill, I had the chief of Bariatric Surgery and Metabolic Weight Loss at the Ohio State University, super skilled-super nice guy, at least 1/2 the Grace of God, I will always give Him credit where credit is due, and the remaining 1/4? Red-headed stubborness, a commited personality, I knew this was my One and Best chance to live instead of dying, and at 72, now 73 ,your Primary Care Physician does make such noises. Everything down to an infected hangnail, " THIS could KILL you!" And I was and am commited to see this through to the end. I've survived a lot but I'll keep coming back for more, my scars are battle ribbons in the War of Life, they say"I took what YOU threw at me- and I AM STILL HERE!" Well I am sorry to have kept going on and on, but I am a Grandmother, should be a Grwzt-grannie but my 2 Grandville haven't Got their acts together, older one is divorced, younger one a Senior at OSU, double major- Forensics and Psychology- Meemaw is a TAD proud of Amy! Remember you can and will be a success at this, hardest yet most satisfying job you may HAVE. And the benefits will be ALL for YOU!❤ Love from me, Frustr8, your friend in Central Ohio!👈😝👉

One year ago today I was laying on the operating room table having 85% of my stomach removed. As scared as I was, I was more scared to stay heavy and unhealthy. I was only 42 and more unhealthy than some 60 year olds I knew. I started at 242. On my 5'4 frame, that was a lot. The list of ailments I had at age 42 was sad. I felt sorry for myself and didnt like the person I had let myself become. The only thing I could be happy for myself about was that I married my dream man 3 years prior. It was with his support and love that I came to the decision to be sleeved. It all started with being diagnosed with sleep apnea. My husband was very scared that he would come home one day and find me dead in bed. So I began researching sleep apnea treatements besides cpap. I looked into a surgery that was not covered by insurance and didnt actually have a very good success rate. As I kept researching, I started reading literature about bariatric surgery. Not as a cure for sleep apnea but in my case, with my apnea, my metabolism had pretty much stopped because I wasnt getting a recurperative sleep, I would injure myself exercising, my body was in pain from carrying around all the extra, etc. Therefore all the damage I had done to my body with the unhealthy eating I would most likely have to live with and life wasnt getting any better. Much to the contrary, it was continually getting worse. A year ago I had the following: SEVERE sleep apnea, back problems, planters faciitis, migraines, allergies (even to make-up), short of breath, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues (pre-dia betic), high cholesterol, anxiety attacks, night sweats, eczema, aches and pains, skin tags and depression. Im sure there are more to list but you get the point, very unhealthy for a anyone much less a 42 year old woman. A year later I DO NOT have the following: SEVERE sleep apnea, back problems, planters faciitis, migraines, allergies (even to make-up), short of breath, high blood pressure, blood sugar issues (pre-diabetic), high cholesterol, anxiety attacks, night sweats, eczema, aches and pains, skin tags and depression. I have discovered an intense love of hot yoga which is my main source of exercise, I eat healthier than Ive ever eaten in my life, Im happier than Ive ever been in my life, Im healthier than Ive ever been, my blood work comes back great, I take no medication except for a Calcium supplement and nexium, I am able to do all kinds of physical things I only dreamed I could do, Im not obsessed with food any more, I have so much energy, I cant sleep past 8am now (I used to sleep until 1 or 2 on the weekends), I dont need to take naps anymore, I can curl up in ball in the movie theatre seat lol, my clothes are so tiny now that they all fit in my drawers lol, I get to shop in the juniors section, I take pride in my appearance, our food bill is cut more than in half, I can wear makeup again, I went from a screaming size 18/20 pants - 2xl tops to a comfy size 8 pants and a medium top, so many positive things. When I see my surgeon I hug him because bottom line is, he saved my life and what a great life it is! Happy Surgiversary to me!

I read this and thought... This is MY life. I was angry last week ago when I noticed that there was a notation of non-specified eating disorder in my record, but now I GET IT. I never did the full-on binge thing, but I definitely was an extremist when it came to dieting and then falling off the wagon HARDCORE. I haven't dieted for about 1 1/2 years, but I would rather address this now than have issues surface when I'm pursuing the surgery. I'm relieved. I've scheduled a counseling appointment with an eating disorders specialist at the bariatric clinic and put everything else on hold. Perhaps I won't be able to be sleeved at all, because of my history. You know what, that's okay. I choose health first. Wish me luck all!!!

The awful smell from the capsules could be because your sense of smell can become more sensitive after surgery. It is only temporary. If they still smell awful to you this far out it could just be something in the Bariatric Advantage thats more specific to you. Like the smell of ramen noodle places & Red Door perfume makes me cringe.

My nutritionist did go over a vitamin regimen with me. They recommended the Bariatric Advantage Ultra Solo w/ Iron. They also recommended that I take a calcium citrate supplement either 1x or 2x daily. She said that it depends on if I supplement with a protein shake, whether or not I need to take 1 or 2 of those.

Bariatric Advantage is not open to new patients. When I tried to log on for my surgery 4/30 it would not let me

Powder? Never knew they came in powder! Most people on here use Bariatric Advantage or Celebrate chewable Vitamins. Although, the sweetness can become a bit much after a few weeks. But not unbearable to use until you can switch to more of a solid at 6-8 weeks. They come in different flavors and are like Sweet Tarts. If you look on those sites, I think they send out sample kits. Centrum also make a chewable, though it can be hard to find in some stores (was for me).

I know this may be out of your way a bit by an hour or so, but I definitely recommend Dr. Peter Leport's bariatric team located in Fountain Valley, CA. I can't say enough wonderful things about this place. They help you from "hello" to the moment you are ready to get banded. Insurance is a pain in the rear anywhere you go, but with a staff that's personal and helps you stay on track and get everything done to get approved.

I'm actually watching a number of items on Ebay right now (I make sure they're inexpensive: pantsuit for $9.99, etc)! My cousin gave me a $50 gift certificate for Christmas at Boscov's and I'm going shopping Good Friday with a (fashion knowledgeable and thin) girlfriend. I know I'll be buying knit elastic-waist pants because they always seem to expand and contract with your bod! :thumbup: I have some of those now that the waist fits me fine but the pants themselves are baggy as all get out! My boss's daughter had bypass and he said she went to the Salvation Army and Good Will for "interim clothes", and my Bariatric Center does have a clothing exchange where you can take your old clothes and pick out others for no $...:cursing: Regardless of anything else, it's a great quandary to be in!!!

Hi everyone, my name is Alicia. I am 37 years old and have about 230lbs to lose to meet my goal weight. I have 2 boys, 6 yr old and a 10 month old. I have been wanting a Bariatric surgery for a long time but insurance always denies it. The company I work for has decided to help me out with the financial part of it. I was told the best surgery form me would be the gastric bypass but that is COMPLETELY out of the question because of the cost. I am so afraid I will get the lapband and won't lose very much. I have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, hypothyroidism, you name it. I hope I will hear back from people that will make me feel like this is still a good decision and not a waste of 14k.

I'm so exited y'all wrote me back I didn't think there was anyone else around my BMI wanting to get this done. Are any of y'all trying to go through insurance? I heard you had to at least have a BMI of 35. I went to a seminar and I have a phone consultation tues. I'm so excited but so nervous I have been doing research for the past four days and praying a lot about it. I'm glad they changed the BMI to 30, if the world considers anything 30 and above obese than we should be able to have bariatrics done too. Wish y'all luck and good luck to the one who is having surgery you will do great and you will be on your way to being healthier and feeling great about yourself-Jamee

I always feel that I need to start by suggesting that you call your bariatric team and let them guide you. They are familiar with your specific plan as well as you personally. Soooo, the pureed stage can be the most creative level of WLS menus. Anything you can cook in a crock pot and then blend in a blender is a "go". Step out of the box---like chicken cooked in diet root beer in a crock pot sounds whacky, but is really yummy. Pureed foods have to be smooth--not tasteless, so don't forget your seasoning. Cottage cheese just needs to be blended down until smooth. I hope I have helped a wee bit. Be creative and have fun with the pureed stage. Prayers going up for you and your imagination! PS: The soup question? yes, you can. Better yet, make your own bone soup, add some nutritional Protein (for added protein and flavoring) and dig in!

Ask your bariatric program is they offers an information seminar. They will talk about all the different types of surgeries and discuss success rates, expected weight loss, complications, pros/cons and take peoples questions. Your Surgeon will have your medical history at your pre op appointment. He/she will suggest a surgery that may work best for you. Many surgeons don't do the band anymore. Check your office. Four years out from surgery. I had great results with the sleeve. It was less invasive for me. ( my intestines are not altered) My height weight 254. I weighed 234 the day of surgery 2014. Hit my goal of 140 in six months. I now maintain in the 130's. Even if the weight loss was slower I would have been happy. We all lose at different rates. Things to know about the sleeve: After my sixth month, I can tolerate any food with no dumping syndrome. It's important to eat healthy and stay within my calories and macros. Going back to old behaviors I would gain weight back. You have your best surgery restriction in the first few months. Months to a year out you will notice you can consume more food. The restriction is less (your stomach has not grown back to full size)It will be important for behavior change and not going over you calories and macros for weight loss and maintaining. Most sleevers can tolerate sugar. Less change of dumping syndrome. If sugar is an issue, other types of surgery may be worth looking into. I wish you the best, Jenn

I am 5 days post-op sleeve. I was originally approved 1 year ago and cancelled surgery about 3xs for various reasons (fear, wanting lose weight on my own, timing at work, etc). Hwevr, I attended many free support group meetings facilitated by the program RD offered by my hospital so that I could get first hand knowledge and learn tips and strategies. This helped sooo much! The 1st couple of days in the hospital post-op was a little rough, but nothing unbearable. I also had a haitial hernia that I was unaware of that my surgeon repaired during the surgery, which Ive learned is very common for wls patients. Since coming home, I have had a lot of diarrhea, but Ive learned that many sugar-free things, including a couple of the bariatric vitamins have sugar alcohols (sorbital, sucralose, etc) that does not agree with my system. Im in the full-liquid stage til next week and today was the first day w/out diarrhea bec my RD said to start full-liquids and include hot cereals and yogurt (cream of wheat, grits, etc), which stopped it completely. I know im a post-op newbie but I have no regrets at all so far. Physically, my knees no longer hurt and I already have a diff kind of energy than before surgery that is a great feeling. I have no desire for sweets or fried foods or anything unhealthy. It may be bec im still sore and jst trying to get all of my basic proteins and fluids in, but I feel much better knowing that im finally on the other side of my wl journey [emoji4]

Did you have a question about sodas or just needed to get this off your chest?? I think there’s a rant and rave section for that. Ive seen other Bariatric forums where people gang up on others. I have not seen that happen at all in this site. I’ve only been provided with amazing support here. I’m 16 days post-op and will not be trying carbonation of any kind as my surgeon has warned me it is not good for my new tummy. I wish you best of luck on your journey.

I hope you can find help OP. I think (know!) the surgical restriction helps a lot but we also need to address our underlying issues with food while we have that restriction in order to keep our weight off in the longer term. If you can connect with a bariatric therapist asap to check what you're doing that you shouldn't be that might be a good first step. I wish you ALL the luck xxx We're here to help if we can.

Wow, it's been three whole months, since January 7th, since I checked in with any update! So, the thyroid issue I wrote about in post #8 - during the biopsy appointment I learned that it was a growth covering the entire right nodule of my thyroid. Very scary. The lab work came back okay, non-cancerous. Doctors want me to just let it be and they'll check it for any changes down the road. I'm now 3+ months into my Paleo way of eating and still going STRONG! One of the brightest moments these past few months is that my most recent bloodwork showed that I have REVERSED my borderline diabetes! Thrilled beyond words. My chronic head-to-toe pain is greatly diminished. My gastric issues are at least 75% improved. I don't have a scale and only weigh at the doctor, but I've lost probably about 20 lbs now. I've dropped about 2 sizes and I'm getting back into some of my old smaller clothes. It hasn't been rapid weight loss, just steady. I'm very happy. I keep checking in at my monthly required NUT visits, and they are very happy with what I'm doing. I was anxious at first and deliberately tried to lose weight a bit slowly because I was afraid that I might disqualify myself for surgery. They keep reassuring me that the weight and BMI that I started with is what they will submit to insurance. I still have co-morbidities that I'm taking meds for, and apparently that will get me in, for sure. Tomorrow morning is my #6 of 6 nutritional visit, the LAST requirement to get approved for insurance. After 7 months of working this bariatric pre-op process, I'm super excited at the prospect that I might soon have a surgery date and soon be getting ready to change my life!

Hey y'all!!! 3 days of preop diet. Not too bad. I'm suppose to have 3 shakes and a dry salad/day. So far been squeezing in 2 shakes and salad/day. I try to space them out so I can have a shake at least every 4-6 hrs while awake, but never get 3rd one in. Will try harder to get all 3 in. I bought the vanilla bariatric advantage shakes and just got some cinnamon extract to change up the flavor a little... 3 days down and 18 more to go!!!