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I was told to start my vitamins 2 weeks after surgery and not before. I bought the citracal petites and they are still big horse pills. Two of them at once hurts my stomach. So I take 1, then 2 hours later I take the other one and so on. I bought chewable multivits and they are by far the easiest to take. They are ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamins with 45 mg iron and you only take 1 a day.

I still use chewables. I use a bariatric melt for calcium.

I would say you're starting down the weight loss pathway, and maybe the doctor you're going to meet will be just as good if not better. Sometimes some offices do better jumping through the Medicaid hoops and others. Meet your new surgeon and see if you don't like him also. My bariatric surgeon is 50 miles away from where I live, my local hospital couldn't offer what I really needed, their bariatric programs are just starting and they couldn't compete with the care I got in Columbus, Best of everything for you from me in Central Ohio.

#27 I am going to loosen and untie all the knits from my Life Rope, The could- nots, will- nots, should- not, can-not and most of the great big Am- not. You see, I really am committed enough, willing enough, deserving enough to achieve what Bariatric Goals set forward, I have the strength enough yo keep on when others say I can give up, relax, and save myself from sorrow. I have too far to go anyway but forward. Can't read what it says at the finish line(blasted bifocals) but I can see a shiny light and as I get closer the words will become clearer, but I will gain nothing by standing still, so I'll continue forward as long as I live.😝🚕😝

Well, next short stop along Frustr8 Fantastic Freeway, Monday March 11th I finally get my first Fe( iron) INFUSION. I was caught for a period of time as the prize in a turf war. I was notified by Phone call from Valerie, Dr Needleman's top Nurse- Practitioner on February 26 it was felt my prenatal vitamin, and even my Ferrocite which they had prescribed were not getting assimilated. Normally iron digestion is in the duodenum, well we , as bypassers, don't have any digestion happening there, oh yeah it still is there and passes on the enzymes and other goodie into the mix but of course much farther downstream. So flooding my body with p.o. iron didn't work, would I be okay if I could flood myself with beef and organ meats, especially liver? Who is certain? But I am just heading into Stage3 after a long delay because of my slow healing style, ulcers and the stoma stricture, it was easier to keep me going also on TPN, hoping I have healed inside. I would have thought they not would be discontinued after my next endoscopy, an EGJ on April 12th, but they have formulated a care plan I am not totally understanding. So they wanted me to come to Columbus, scary in that the cancer division, the James , does it. Well my PCP said he didn't want me making the 100 mile round trip just recovering from pneumonia, then he proceeded to not schedule locally as he had promised. Called Thursday to check up why it has not been scheduled, one of the LPNs returned my call, basically told me. I was delusional and if I needed it , it already would have been done. Meanwhile every time I visit my local yokel community hospital, they mention with every blood draw that my iron levels are low. I know ,I know it, but this is not something you can walk in off the street and request it. So I Called my bariatric office, asked a nurse to return my call, first thing Lana said, Was I don't find a record of your levels after infusion, Well, if course not, when my PICC line was removed I no longer got my weekly blood draw, so I am hung out" on. the clothesline blowing in the breeze." so to speak. The last few weeks have not been Giggles and Laughs, PICC line removed because they thought it might be a focus for infection & it tested clear, pneumonia, had fluid drained out of my right shoulder, both tested clear, but blood cultures had been positive. Part of my meds were temporarily stopped because of interaction, now since the anti- fungals and antibiotics have run their course, I am restarted back on them. Oh I am going to be. a fine fine specimen if I can keep from being sent into insanity or senility in the meantime. Sure isn't a test book recovery I am having, but I guess it is my Journey to travel. And what is your March bringing you? I also seemed to. have developed renal cyst and an nodule on my thyroid, Gosh every test I get these days seems to have an extra bonus. Nothing yet fatal but certainly " pains in the Wahoo" substances. Your Frustr8 is just a treasure trove for the Medical community at this point!👉😣👈

Had surgery 2/14 , trying to find some friends that I can share things in common I guess 🤷 Sent from my LM-V405 using BariatricPal mobile app

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD NEW JERSEY PRE-APPROVAL REQUIREMENTS Weight loss surgery for treating morbid obesity is considered medically necessary if the patient fulfills the following criteria: The patient should be at least 18 years of age AND/OR the patient’s skeletal growth is complete. Weight loss surgery for patients under 17 years of age is not considered medically necessary unless full skeletal growth has been reached and the patient suffers from a co-morbid condition, such as sleep apnea or hypertension. The patient is morbidly obese (i.e. has a BMI of over 40 OR has a BMI of over 35) with a life-threatening co-morbid disease such as: Congestive Heart Failure Metabolic Syndrome Coronary Artery Disease Hypertension Cardiomyopathy caused by obesity The patient, in the 12 months prior to the surgery, has to have: Completed a weight loss program for at least six consecutive months Participated in a surgery preparation program to enhance results and lower risk of complications after the procedure. Your surgeon will typically have these available. Undergone pre-operative psychological evaluation and understands the impacts of weight loss surgery The patient should have a letter of recommendation from his/her primary doctor. The bariatric surgeon should submit the proper paperwork for approval. The patient has to fulfill all of the criteria listed above to be approved for bariatric surgery. TYPES OF WEIGHT LOSS SURGERIES COVERED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey covers the following weight loss surgeries: Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding Gastric Bypass with Short-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Gastric Bypass with Long-Limb Roux en Y anastamosis Vertical Banded Gastroplasty Sleeve Gastrectomy These procedures are considered medically necessary for treating morbid obesity. PROCEDURES EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE Mini-gastric bypass, gastric plication and other surgeries not listed above are considered experimental and not covered.

Did you know it is illegal in 5 U.S. states? Not dicouranged, just flat out illegal for ingestion. I would say that is a slippery slope to be snow- boarding on! But your money,your life, it is just if anything happens your family will mourn you and we all will miss you on Bariatric Pal 💊

And please Dear Lord, convince one of the companies not every post- bariatric patient can, want or desires peanut butter or chocolate in or slathered on top, I cannot tolerate on and badly allergic to the other, unless I go to Luna or even Fiber One , low calorie but also low protein , in the regular WL aisles I get a fuzzy lollipop out of the deal, both of these are denture tolerant just not the best choices. And so infrequently if at all. And protein shakes, been on them since last August, most have lost their charm but my ulcers and stomal structure preclude solid proteins pretty much. Promises are made within 6 weeks or so things will be back at everyone else's start of progression stages. We Shall See, won't we?

I haven't tried this but I have tried the Medix that was referred by another bariatric patient. Not sure if it's really working but it's a pretty decent lotion. Let me know if yours works. I bought mine off of Amazon. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

In 2008 I went down to 180lbs, from a supervised weight diet. In 2010 I give birth and went up to around 250lb. The lowest I've been since was 222. At 260lb I went to a bariatric session in October last year. I am really looking forward to this surgery

I use a delicious one from vitamin shoppe. Bariatric something. Tastes like flintstones. You can also try patches. I might just because after my conversion I’ll need iron and calcium. I’m bad at taking pills several times a day. Once is all I can manage.

ALM.com https://www.ALM.com/how-to-avoid-weight-loss-plateau-after-bariatric-surgery/

I don't think the OP is trying to skip supplements, but rather asking if a once-a-day multi (specifically made for Bariatric patients) is sufficient as opposed to three or four times a day supplements. I have seen those and wondered that myself, but I think that is a question for your doctor/bariatric team. They might be intended for maintenance use once weight loss goals are met?

No. According to the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, revisions made up 14% of the total number of bariatric surgeries in 2017. You have to figure that yes, some of them were revisions from sleeve to bypass, but its much more likely that a majority of those were revisions of lapbands to either sleeve or bypass since band failure is the issue we see more often. In 2011 bands made up 35% of weight loss surgeries so theres a lot out there probably getting revised. If you are curious here is the website: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers

Your body is saying " Bad Anna, we know you can do better but we'll hurt for a while just to remind you!" It it had been major, it would have done what Precious Pouch does to me, slimey, puky misery that gone on for a while, I have had times I ended up dry heaving toward the end. A lot of us have had episodes where our minds write checks, and our new streaml8ne guys refuse loudly to cash. After this misery you'll engage Your Good Sense before the hand extends toward the plate. You're human, 1 flub- up can be expected! A fellow traveler on the path to Bariatric Nirvana****Frustr8

And my notorious Pouch🍚 is named Precious, because I fought for over 3 years to obtain her. There are days when i wish I had a zipper, so I could pull her out, spank her for all the ornery.digestive tricks she wants to pull but i realize we are now life- companions, trying very hard to make my peace. 6 months and she still hopes I'll surrender and let her always have HER Way. But life, especially bariatric life, is a constant learning experience so best to go with the flow as time goes by!

MAL - my surgeon gave me a list. The best on so far that I like is Ensure Max Protein. That’s the only Ensure on this list because the others have a lot of sugar. Max is 1 gram of sugar and 30 grams of protein. I am 4 days post op and the Max is going down pretty good. As for vitamins I splurged on the Bariatric advantage. They don’t taste as bad as some and I really want to avoid vomiting where I can. Downside: you have to take 2 a day and they are expensive. I wish you all the best for a comfortable recovery.

For many people, a restrictive-only bariatric surgery, which the VSG is, is not enough to achieve optimal health outcomes. Basically, the sleeve is just a diet with a smaller stomach. Therefore, bariatric surgeries that are also malabsorptive, such as RNY, MGB, or DS, typically offer better weight loss results and resolution of diabetes. Another risk with VSG is worsening of or development of GERD, which is one of the main reasons for revision from VSG to RNY. So if a pre-op has pre-existing GERD/reflux, then they should get a gastric bypass as their original bariatric surgery.

I eat the 'One Bar' protein bars - they are a little outside your preferences but they are big, so you could easily eat half. 220 Calories, 20g Protein, 24 carbs, 1 sugar, 6 sugar alcohols, 9 fiber for the Chocolate chip cookie dough. And 210 Calories, and 22 carbs w/ 5 sugar alcohols for the Birthday cake one. You can order them on bariatric pal, but I also have them in my grocery store (I don't care for the lemon one).

You look fabulous! [emoji182][emoji106]And those food porn pics are to die for! I would suggest a change of careers - either supermodel or posh bariatric chef. Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Revisions can happen with any type of surgery for many reasons. Many of us with the sleeve have lost the weight and kept it off with no revision. I'm almost five years out I maintain in the 130's. Understand not many vets stay. Life becomes normal they maintain their weight and have no need for this site. You will meet mostly new people and people that gain. What I wish people knew before choosing the sleeve: If you have issues keeping on a diet plan and changing behaviors, I would look into another type of surgery Sleeves usually can tolerate sugar no dumping syndrome because our intestines are not rerouted. If sugar is an weakness you may want to go for MGB When you get to maintaining phase don’t think the work is over. Not everyone will gain. But if you don’t monitor your weight and diet it can turn into a 20, 60 100 pound gain. This is what I see repeatedly with sleeve patient on this site: Frustrates me that they are not told this pre surgery. Sleeve restriction becomes less as you progress out from surgery (your stomach is not back to full size) Our pouches are banana shape the other surgeries are egg shape. Just because you can consume more food does not mean you need to over eat. You can fill the space without going over your calories and macros Many confuse less restriction with stretching (stretching is rare, have a surgeon diagnose it) Many eat around their surgery (you can eat around/graze any type of surgery ) Grazing is eating many smaller meals, healthy and unhealthy that total over your calories and macros. It’s the sensation of no restriction. It’s as if you never had surgery. You will gain weight. Bariatric surgery is not the easy way out. Its far more than restriction. Its work.

IDK. I think you are a fairly unique lady and VET. Maybe in the top 1-3% of people/"types". You DID learn your lessons while losing. You DID incorporate your doc/RD instructions and adapted them to work for you long term. And when you experience regain for any reason, you've set a protocol that is inspiring and amazing to watch. And it gives me hope for my future--that I'm not doomed to regain it all without being able to maintain. Because you quickly and efficiently go back to your roots and get rid of the regain. I feel like the OP has not done the work. Or maybe the surgery was the wrong surgery for him/her? We are all so unique, one solution won't fit all. They claim the reason for the regain and for not getting lower to their goal was based on undisciplined behavior. But if you lack discipline before, what will change this time? How will you magically change for good? Any of us can do things for short periods of time. But being "habilitated" sometimes, even more than being "RE-habilitated" is important. Not all of us can do that on our own. Not everyone learns things the first time. Maybe some of us DO need the surgeon revision or the RD new plan/accountability that meetings provide? Maybe we DO need bariatric therapy to discover what is driving us to self-harming behaviors? It usually isn't the short game that's the problem for any of us...it's playing for the long game. It is about changing lifelong behaviors for long term success. And that's a TALL order for most of us (the other 97%). Dunno...just spit balling here.

People that gain (me included) already know how to eat and work our plan. No need for me to get back into bariatric instructions all over again, right? With less sleeve restriction I had to find ways to keep hunger at bay and fill the extra stomach space.(many of us can give you tips if you want them)

No judgment, Glad you are asking for help Gains can happen to any of us. (I’ve had one) Weight loss mode and maintaining is work. None of this is easy, right? Reality is its not going to be easy. But you can do some things to turn this around. Therapy and counseling may help you address your relationship with food, why your discipline is lacking and getting back on track. Your surgeon can talk to you about all your options. Doing this on your own or with help is a mental battle. Except that you will feel crappy and have cravings while you detox off the extra calorie’s carbs and sugar. Many go back to bariatric basics, keto paleo vegan. Log your food is the only way you will know if you are eating your weight loss calories and macros. Joining a weight loss challenge can help you stay on track. Keep us updated. Your battle with this is going to help others dealing with the same situation. Many come here looking for solutions and then disappear from the site. I hope you stay around and give people insight from your experience.