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It took a long time because of delays in appointments with the nutritionist and because it took a while before I was psychologically cleared. My med manager is against anyone having bariatric surgery, and her bias was a disservice to me. By the time the surgery happens, it will be over 15 months.

I am starting the soft food stage now, I love your ideas, I will use them just need something different, thank you...I probably should get a bariatric cookbook.

I'm sure I've accidentally swallowed a big seed sometime in the eight years since my bypass. If it's too big too pass through, it'll either sit there until your stomach acid dissolves some or all of it, or your stomach will toss it back up. I've been on bariatric forums for about nine years, and I've never heard/read about issues with cantaloupe seeds mucking things up, so I'm guessing you'll be fine.

This may help answer questions. I also suggest a dietitian who is knowledgeable with WLS https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/metabolic-and-bariatric-surgery-blog/2018/march/make-protein-a-priority-after-weight-loss-surgery

I hope you're doing well on your journey to managing diabetic neuropathy pain. It's not uncommon for individuals who have undergone bariatric surgery to experience changes in how their bodies process substances, including medications and treatments like medical marijuana. It's a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your observations about the differing effectiveness of tinctures and edibles. They can provide insights tailored to your specific medical history and current situation. If you're seeking more information on CBD stuff, check out https://releaf.co.uk. They can provide insights on the topic and help you choose what you really need.

I am so sorry you are hurting so much. I too, had a very rough time of the pain. Like you, I've got major back issues (herniated discs neck, mid and low back) and have had several surgeries in the past and this lapband removal/bypass replacement hurt like hell. I wasn't trying to scare anyone off, I even said I would do it again but just really didn't realize how much it would hurt because compared to the prior LapBand, it was 10x worse in pain. I take Norco (hydrocodone & acet) and Lyrica and that Dilautin (sp?) was awful, it only worked for an hour at most but once I was able to get back on my Norco, it was bearable. And I'm not a medical professional, but I am a bit of an observer of human behaviors and the human condition and at my age, I've seen a lot of things and have learned that it is best to try to prepare yourself for whatever life may want to throw at you because bad stuff never seems to happen at a good time :). Thus, I made sure I had my own pain meds because just when a bitchy old hag of a nurse wants to threaten to hold them over your head, you don't have to put up with crap, Or more likely, when staff is short and you are forgotten by the folks who are supposed to be caring for you in the middle of the night, etc. I'm not saying you need to ignore dr orders, I merely said it never hurts to be prepared for people to not do what they're supposed to do for you! Be prepared to take care of yourself. I remembered my husband having spinal fusion surgery 10+ years ago, malfunction at hospital pharmacy so he was hours without meds. I watched that man screaming in pain and literally could do nothing to help him! The nurses had the audacity to try to come close his door (so they didn't have to hear him in agony) which made my head explode, I pretty much told them that IF I HAD TO HEAR HIM, THEY HAD TO HEAR HIM TOO AND IF THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HEAR HIM TO GET HIM THE HELLO OUT OF PAIN! Going through these life experiences changes your perception, tends to make you learn what you don't want to go through again. SoutheastP-Again, not trying to scare you. You may not have the same pain level or tolerance level, I'm just saying for me, IT HURT. That damned drain "football" suction port thing is what literally felt like they were suctioning my insides out! IF you have one, make them empty it (or have family do it) within 2 hours, do not let it get too full or have too much suction on it because I thought I was going to die from the pain. And you don't have to take anything with you, I merely said that you might wish you had it. It is hard enough to be recovering from surgery, but if you are a chronic pain patient like I am, those pain meds help make life bearable most days for me, to be hurting from fresh incisions and still have my back & neck pain & hips hurting is a lot to bear. Many of the bariatric patients I speak to have spinal issues which is why so many of them are overweight to begin with as they cannot get much exercise due to pain issues or mobility issues. And I also said, I'd do it again, but just like to be prepared for whatever you are going to encounter. I also had a LapBand REMOVED and then replaced with a new Gastric Bypass so a 2-in-1 surgery which may have made mine more painful than what you're getting. In any event, see you on the other side of it and wishing you a lot of success! peace

So, I had a screening phone call from the nurse and surgeon weeks ago and got the go-ahead for sleeve surgery on sept 12th. I had my in-person pre-op appointments yesterday. I am self-paid, mind you (18 000$), and already gave my 3000$ deposit. So, I meet with this nice dietician that starts asking questions about my past, about how I got to the weight I am now, etc. So, being an honest and open person (and also being already very nervous about the surgery, so, yes, I'm crying profusely during this appointment, which makes me look even worst), I explain that I have been suffering from Binge Eating disorder for the past 25 years and that, yes, it's still an active issue. But I also mention that I have started therapy with a therapist specialized in eating disorders. That I understand that this is a tool, that it involves a lot of work, etc. She gives the ok, they take my 15 000$ check, give me the powders for the liquid diet and send me on my way. 2 hours after, the clinic calls me to say that the dietician spoke with the surgeon and that BED being a new info for him, he is requesting a clearance from my psychologist to go ahead. I've seen this psy only 3 times so far.... So, basically, he is waiting for a note from a therapist that has seen me 3 times to decide if he's doing the surgery or cancelling, or postponing. I'm very upset. I am very anxious about the surgery (being put under, the breathing tube) and have been trying to get mentally ready for the surgery for the past 2 months and now it's all up in the air. After taking my deposit. After having phone calls with me and giving the go-ahead (and never asking about any disordered eating history!). So I will know next week what is decided. I am not mad at the dietician, she's doing her job. I am not mad at the surgeon, he's being careful . But I am mad at myself for opening up, being honest when I'm sure a lot of bariatric patients would have said nothing for the same exact reason (fear of being refused). I should have known better............ I should have just shut my mouth!

It's absolutely your choice. But for me, it was a no brainer. I tried everything there was to try, more than once. My health was terrible. I knew I couldn't do it myself, and I knew I wouldn't be here for my kids and granddaughter if I kept going the way I was going. And even though I had some complications with my initial surgery and had to have a revision, I still feel having bariatric surgery was the best decision I have ever made. My only regret is not doing it sooner.

I never even had a puree phase. I went from full liquids to soft foods at 2 weeks. You should be safe but most here will tell you to follow your bariatric teams' recommendations.

I just had the second procedure in my bariatric revision. The procedure is called Endoscopy with Argon Plasma Coagulation. Basically they go down my esophagus to the top opening of the pouch and zap it. It causes scar tissue, which makes the opening smaller, which means my stomach can’t accept as much food. I lost 40 pounds with the first procedure, which my surgeon said was great. I think I’m going to try some of the clear liquid protein that BP sells. I also use Atkins Shakes, especially the chocolates and the mocha latte.

Bariatric Advantage High ADEK Chewable Multivitamin - High Potency Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K Supplement for Bariatric Surgery Patients

For the first few months, I was using the Bariatric Pal one-a-day chewable vitamins. Once I felt that I could swallow a pill that large, I started taking the Bariatric Pal one-a-day vitamins.

at over eight years out, no one would be able to tell I had bypass surgery by looking at what I ate. At most they'd think I'm a "light eater". I'll usually order a salad - or an appetizer - or else an entree and have them box up half of it to take home. Same as most of my female friends who've never had a weight issue. I do, however, order "bariatric friendly" meals - entrees with protein and vegetables. I very rarely order things like pasta or dishes that feature heavy cheese or cream sauces (well, pretty much never). Although again, that's what my non-obese friends typically order, too. Like summerseeker, I check out online menus (most places have them) and decide what I'll order before I go. the first few weeks you'll be eating microscopic amounts, but that doesn't last forever.

I started day 2 post op- first full day home after the overnight hospital stay. I was advised to do chewable for at least the first 30 days. I started with Celebrate chewable one a day and the calcium chews 3xs a day. I was to not introduce iron until after the first 30 days. I got so sick of the giant chewable vitamin so I now take the Bariatric Pal one a day capsule w 45 iron and still do 3 calcium chews. I considered calcium pills but they are like 6 giant pills a day to equal the 3 tasty chews. I have since added an additional biotin pill, though the multi provides a fair amount as is. Between the multi and chews I am good on Vitamin D, but have contemplated adding a B complex. So far my first run of labs since surgery looks good. Please keep posted on the liquid form once you get them.

Yeah, right now you still have swelling in your sleeve. Then you have to account for scar tissue forming. I waited 3 months to swallow capsules. Most likely, you won't have to take them so often. For example, the Bariatric Fusion is 4 tablets a day for bypasses, but for sleeves it's only twice a day. Definitely consult your team, or ask for blood work to see what, if any, modifications you have to make to your vitamin routine.

What type of surgery did you have? I got sleeved 14 years ago, and was revised to a bypass 56 days ago. You're best bet immediately after surgery is chewable vitamins. They have everything chewable now (no gummies for me, because they don't get as well absorbed with a bypass). I take Bariatric Fusion multivitamin 3 times a day because the bypass is a malabsorptive surgery. I take a calcium chew once a day, and an Iron once a day. The Iron I take isn't chewable, but I'm 3 months out now so, I'm feel ok when I take it. It really all depends on your surgery and how far out you are from it.

Kaiser in SoCal does their Bariatrics in house, I have never had a referral where I had to fill anything out, the Dr does it electronically through the Chart Software they use. I am hoping someone knows how to get around it, seems at Kaiser the PCP does everything and they are the ones who determine what referrals you get, and what you don't get.

I don't have any experience with this insurance provider, hopefully someone else has. Have you called your insurance to ask what specific forms need to be submitted for the referral? Sometimes doctors think a blanket referral will cover things when it won't. Someone at the insurance company should be able to give you the specific info needed to get the ball rolling. Then you can take the form in to your doctor or send it on your portal and get things handled properly. It is so frustrating, navigating the various insurers. Each one is different, even between regions in the same state! And they ALL make it SO hard to get the proper care. I wish you lots of luck in figuring this out. I'm really thankful my GP was happy to refer me, she has a sister who had bariatric surgery and did well so she's a huge fan!

I like the protein shots from the Bariatric Pal store. It has been the only protein supplement I can tolerate. And if you do get them, mix with 4 oz of water and ice. They do tend to be a bit tart.

I like the protein shots from the Bariatric Pal store. It has been the only protein supplement I can tolerate.

I have been trying to get a referral for a few years at Kaiser. My first PCP said the surgery doesn't work, switched PCP's, he refused to consider any weight loss options. I have a new PCP, he referred me to the Options Program, which gave the infamous Nestle Shakes, shots, prepared meals, and pills as ways to loose weight, but not any surgical options. When I asked about surgical options, the Options Staff told me I needed a Bariatric Referral through Options. I asked my newest PCP, he said he gave me the referral. I called back to the Bariatrics section, they told me he had not. Anyone experience this? What did you do to fix it? I have tried all the Options presented, not interested in yo-yo dieting again. Thank you.

It’s the right choice, especially if you have come this far. I have two co-workers who have had bariatric surgery, one lost 200 lbs the other 140. A week or so after surgery, things really start to improve. I have heard there are some tough times the first few days after surgery, but those moments are fleeting. Just stay busy, and keep telling yourself pain is momentary, victory is forever!

So, I’ve posted in this group before about being uncertain about Bariatric surgery but knowing it’s a tool to literally save my life. I had an initial appointment booked with surgeon Dr. David Brandon Williams at Vanderbilt (where all my specialists are), but canceled it again (5th cancellation). Well I’m back in the medical hospital again with erratic blood pressure, severe headaches due to my IIH, and off and on chest pain and today the internal medicine doctor seeing me point blank said “you’ve got to get this weight off you or you may not survive the full life you want to live. This weight is killing you”. So I’ve rebooked the appointment and it’s on 9/18. I’ve got to do it, no matter what. I’m almost 33, 5’1” 271 pounds, BMI of 51.2, (I’ve gained about 5 pounds in 2 weeks). My current co morbid conditions are Right Heart Strain/Heart Failure (just diagnosed), labile hypertension, severely high cholesterol and triglycerides, fatty liver disease, Type II Diabetes that is not well controlled, past history of PE, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, widespread arthritis, frequent shortness of breath, Sleep Apnea, PCOS. My mom died at 50 of a massive heart attack and lung failure, maternal grandfather passed at 76 of a massive heart attack. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension run rampant in my family. I don’t want to be next in the line of deaths in my family due to weight related conditions. So I’m finally ready to start this.

So, I’ve posted in this group before about being uncertain about Bariatric surgery but knowing it’s a tool to literally save my life. I had an initial appointment booked with surgeon Dr. David Brandon Williams at Vanderbilt (where all my specialists are), but canceled it again (5th cancellation). Well I’m back in the medical hospital again with erratic blood pressure, severe headaches due to my IIH, and off and on chest pain and today the internal medicine doctor seeing me point blank said “you’ve got to get this weight off you or you may not survive the full life you want to live. This weight is killing you”. So I’ve rebooked the appointment and it’s on 9/18. I’ve got to do it, no matter what. I’m almost 33, 5’1” 271 pounds, BMI of 51.2, (I’ve gained about 5 pounds in 2 weeks). My current co morbid conditions are Right Heart Strain/Heart Failure (just diagnosed), labile hypertension, severely high cholesterol and triglycerides, fatty liver disease, Type II Diabetes that is not well controlled, past history of PE, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, widespread arthritis, frequent shortness of breath, Sleep Apnea, PCOS. My mom died at 50 of a massive heart attack and lung failure, maternal grandfather passed at 76 of a massive heart attack. Obesity, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension run rampant in my family. I don’t want to be next in the line of deaths in my family due to weight related conditions. So I’m finally ready to start this.

Yes, as catwoman says, it is common for them to have you on a PPI, or increase the dosage of the PPI after any of out bariatric procedures; I've been put on pantoprozole (Protonix generic) after other minor procedures unrelated to the GI tract because the body often reacts to the stress of surgery by increasing acid production. Talk to your surgeon's team to get it resolved.