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I have my last appointment that was scheduled at the beginning of this journey on Monday and was looking to see if any one would be able to tell me what the next steps were going to look like.

I take back bariatric melts(vitamins and calcium citrate). I eat seafood, ground turkey, vegetables and occasionally beef. I eat most of my food at room temperature or cold, because my stomach doesn't seem to like hot food anymore. I eat about 6 - 7 times a day (very small meals) and I have about 3 snacks (usually nuts, raw veggies or a protein bar). I drink fluids from the time I wake up until I go to bed, as well as throughout the night. I am still unable to eat 1/2 cup of food. I can barely take in 1/4 cup. I think my not being able to increase the amount that I can eat, is the biggest contributing factor. I try to eat a little more, but my pouch just won't let me and I end up throwing up all my food if I try to overeat. I don't eat any bread, rice, pasta or sweets of any kind, no caffeine and no carbonated drinks. I stay away from sugars and I limit the amount of fried foods that I eat

I just started my bariatric process and I'm looking for a buddy maybe someone will be interested so we can show one another support. If interested leave your name Sent from my LGLS775 using BariatricPal mobile app

Writing prompts (been a busy week so I'm not getting to these every day) 7. My funny little fam! Pottering around in the garden when the weather is nice. That moment deep in prayer when I'm totally grateful for all the myriad blessings in my life. 8. On the bariatric journey there are a few peeps. Bandedwendy from YouTube is amazeballs as is@GreenTealael (I'm such a fanboi) and @Matt_Z whenever he appears. Also from YouTube SmilinsShrinking is awesome sauce. 9. See pic Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you for your reply! Luckily I'm in Canada and covered by my Inuit status as well as MCP, the only thing I'll need to cover is my flights to and from the city in our province with the bariatric team. I had a referral sent in for the VSG procedure but hopefully this education process now will tell me if that's my best option. All my research says yes but the doctor's may give me other info. Yes! I'd like to start getting into the right diet so that it's sustainable!

Congratulations on your decision to start this journey. Have you checked with your health insurance carrier to determine which bariatric benefits are available? Many require 6 months of medically supervised weight loss prior to surgery. Also, have you decided which surgery you're going to have? I have the sleeve 8 weeks ago and it's FANTASTIC! I had no pain, no problems, no complications and am slowly but surely losing weight and feeling better already. The sooner you can start eating like a post-op person like you'll be eating after the surgery for the rest of your life, the better. You can practice it now. Good luck!

Of the bariatric surgeons that have active YouTube channels, Dr. V was/is my least favorite. He's no Dr. Matthew Weiner, that's for sure! A good deal of his advice seemed to be intentionally contrarian to the established advice offered by the vast majority of the surgical community. It seemed as if he was intentionally trying to differentiate himself as a surgeon and personality by being controversial. Nevertheless, at least it seemed like actual advice from a bariatric surgeon that just had a very different view for his practice. This new stuff with him acting promoting the sale HGH as if he was some snake oil sales rep is beyond the pale though. HGH is seriously dangerous stuff and should only be used for people that actually have deficient HGH levels. For people with normal HGH levels, the most recent studies show minimal benefits (some modest improvement in body composition. However, HGH is known to be jet fuel for cancer cells . I can't imagine any reputable doctor actively pushing HGH as some kind of miracle drug for weight loss in people that are not HGH deficient (relative to other people of their age and gender) until there is a crap ton more research. Next, he'll be recommending anabolic steroids to address weight regain.

I wondered about this, but I see the results of going back to basics. Getting rid of breads and crackers and popcorn completely, and some restriction is back. Getting rid of seltzer has helped too. It's not perfect, but once I cut it out cold turkey, I craved carbs less with every passing day. If I drink enough, 2 oz. of chicken and a cup of broccoli is enough for lunch. Some days, it's just cottage cheese. Maybe you could visit your bariatric center and get some dietician support and see if it helps. Seeing some positive results and having someone to talk to may be enough. If not, s/he could support you through revision. Good luck!

Really good article on mindset. These days my mind has shifted a bit from "Must! Lose! Weight" to "Must! Have a Plan! To NOT! Regain!!! It takes me a while to implement a plan so that it's working well--so I figured I better start now! What do y'all think? https://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/avoid-weight-regain-after-bariatric-surgery-with-this-technique?fbclid=IwAR1MtG4qkXyN749BsC8teIIhF3F9xIRatPqzAiNlB0z8HYLH7conM-zLaQw

I surely didn't, I thought I had crossed every T, dotted every I, followed their handbook they had given to me. Yeah usually get,like Eeyore the Donkey in Winnie the Poo , standing in swamp up to my fetlocks, all depressed. But no THIS TIMEI actually thought things were going my way. But Surprise Surprise here I sit, a little after 8 am my time , 23 weeks from surgery with a double lumen 48 cm tube running in my basilic vein and up through the gradually widening Venous tree,until it is lying 5 cm from my Right Atrium in the Superior Ven Cava. Did I forecast THIS, no way Jose! Been in since 29th November, a possibility of 2 more months. And a battery operated pump is pumping a Total Paraenteral Nutrition solution in and will for 2 more hours, then I will flush my lines with 2 saline syringes, cap both lumen off with sterile plastic caps, I will be free for in theory for 12 hours, although I hope to start my 12 hour feeding a little earlier this evening. Had 2 medical type appointments yesterday, 11 am for my weekly blood draw, my lines were not being cooperative, had to de-clot them, this time took multiple hours, I can infuse with great impunity but the blood wasn't drawing out. They put a declotting drug called Altaplase in there, they say there are no side reactioons, I beg to differ, it makes my heart fibrailate a little.I know that's a misspelling but I don't have my other phone here to go to my search engine for spell check.Wednesday I had to go to the East Side of Columbus for a MRI, my Cardiologist is in a different hospital group than my Bariatric Surgeon, actually I have been to 3 different hospitals this week alone. My Thoracic Aorta Aneurysm is stable at this point, I have a check list of things to look for, going to have to ask Primary Care if I should be on a blood pressure med to protect it? Anyway that part was okay but I have a Renal Cyst, they tend to be benign but still called my Urologist office to bring them into the loop. Then after all that , I had a DEXA scan to assess the status of my skeleton. Do I need to start on an Osteoporosis med? SO My Life has got complicated, still I am more healthy and in basic better shape than before my surgery. I am down over a 100 pounds since my highest weight in October 2017. I have lost 60 of that in the last 5 months, although my weight descent slowed when I was put on TPN I'm still losing 3-6 pounds a month at this point. Before I had the PICC catheter put in I had become malnourished and very deficient in Protein, I have ulcerations in my jejunem, the second part of my small intestine, and my pouch opening has strictured down until only liquids can get through. I have been non a liquids diet since August 1st when I went on a liver-shrinking one. That makes a little over 6 months, rather cruel isn't it? But in the Final Days I will get as good as everyone else, at least that's the Promise I was given.

I’m new here. Is there a way to respond to individual comments/replies? I had food allergy testing, changed all my vitamins to the best quality I could find, even stopped them altogether. For about six months, I wasn’t even taking any meds. Even went gluten free for awhile I haven’t had metal allergy testing yet because it’s not covered by insurance and even if I test positive, I don’t think the staples can be removed. Yesterday I made an appointment to see a new bariatric surgeon to see what his thoughts are.

I’m also struggling with the “ball” sensation. Not quite 2’ days out and while I managed to drink my mandatory 2 liters within 24 hours, every single sip hurt. So since today was my first day back home, I’m finding it impossible to get all of my water in and also protein. I managed to eat 5 spoonfuls of the bariatric oatmeal (in 2 separate sittings) This worries me as I’m supposed to have 3 proteins day. Right now though I’m focusing more on water than anything else

I just met with the surgeon today to discuss the reflux. I was sleeved in 2015 and did great initially. 5 months out and the reflux and pain started. Gall bladder removed, no help. Was unable to keep with the bariatric diet due to reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Have gained back most of the weight lost. It seems simple carbs, and never letting my stomach get empty is the way I have been surviving. Surgeon is pretty certain that revision will solve my problems. And he said this is a medical necessity and will happen sooner rather than later. They will be calling tomorrow to schedule. I'm anxious but excited. My life and health have revolved around this for so long. Keeping fingers and toes crossed.

Urgh, yes I totally feel your pain on cooking. No way am I cooking if I can't eat it. Lol! Yes, even if you're not on the actual "keto" diet, if you're doing low to no carbs, your body will likely be going into ketosis (burning fat rather than carbs). If you look up "keto flu" you'll likely see your symptoms are completely normal [emoji4] Look up "The Big Ward" if you want some inspo on Netflix! I loved the second season... it's a shoe about bariatric patients on the public NZ system [emoji4] Sent from my CPH1719 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have chewable bariatric advantage multi and chewable calcium. My iron isn’t chewable and my b12 is a liquid. No one said I had to crush my pills. They aren’t huge but there are 5 of them. I should get to come off of some in the next couple months

payments are what your copay is. For example I had to pay for specialist office visits each time I saw the bariatric team. Options class had no copay. For the surgery I only paid the overnight hospital stay copay. Surgery is not approved until the surgeon clears you after completing the program. My time line was as follows: Cleared by PCP for Options Bariatric program (Socal is 12 weeks) 9-1-17 Orientation for Options program 9-6-17 Start Options 9-14-17 get tests and visits with Bariatric doctors, EKG, Psych eval if needed during Options Completed Options on12/7/17 Cleared to meet with Surgeon by Options Doctor on 12/13/17 Met Surgeon on 1/8/19 scheduled surgery with surgeon staff after meeting weight loss goal from surgeon (besides the Options weight loss) Pre Op visit with surgeon 2/23/18 Surgery with overnight hospital stay 3/7/19 Followup surgery visit 3/16/19 cleared by surgeon to return to work 3/20/18 Hope that helps

You can follow your meal plan and get your exercise in, but you are selling yourself short if you are trying to lose weight without taking your vitamins! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE Iron Free capsules can help prevent the nutrient deficiencies that are all too common after bariatric surgery. With just one convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE capsule each day, you can get the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! The vitamins and minerals in BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE may help: Maintain normal metabolism and energy. Promote healthy bones, joints, blood, and heart. Support normal mood. Support healthy wound healing and immunity. Maintain cellular integrity and antioxidant functions. Promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world's leading Bariatric medical professionals. The fas129.99t-dissolving small veggie capsules are very easy to swallow and use. You only need one a day to meet recommendations for bariatric patients. BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE is based on the latest post-op guidelines from the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) to provide over 20 vitamins and minerals. BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE is especially high in nutrients such as vitamins B12 and D, folic acid, and biotin, that are known to be at risk for bariatric surgery patients. BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE Highlights: 100% of the daily value for 20 essential vitamins and minerals. Formulated based on the latest ASMBS guidelines. One small convenient capsule daily. Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Soy-Free. Fast-dissolving veggie capsules. Made in the USA. Easy to swallow. Affordable. BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE "1 per Day!" Bariatric Multivitamin Capsule is also available with 45mg of Iron here. Designed for patients that have undergone weight loss surgery such as RNY Gastric Bypass, Gastric Sleeve, Duodenal Switch, and other malabsorptive weight loss surgery procedures. Available in 30-count or 90-count bottles here.

I also take Bariatric Fusion which is one of only a few complete vitamins following Bariatric Surgery. They are priced at $24.99 for a one month supply and you take them four times a day. They are complete at 200% of the daily value plus they have the required iron and calcium included in each chewable tablet. Great lab results do far at 8 months post surgery.

I have Kaiser and am very happy with the Bariatric program. I know each regional Kaiser is a bit different. I did like and think that the Options program is great before the surgery. Even though it is a long process (rumor is they are shortening it), it is very helpful and prepares you for what is to come. The best part has been the after surgery support group which consists of weekly meetings with a behaviorist and dietitian alternating weeks. I go weekly as it has helped me after surgery and be successful but I do see people drop in and out as they please. A great change is they have now made it free. I like the groups because there are people in it that are almost 8 years out and attend regularly so they have great advice on life after surgery. I had surgery 11 months ago today, and am very happy with Kaiser and their program. Please feel free to ask questions or message me.

@Cynisca - I appreciate your reply. Again, it sounds like you worked hard to "peel the onion" to get to the core issue(s) for you, and well worth the effort. The program I'm working with has a Social Worker as part of the team and we can book appts as we feel the need. I had never heard of a food psychologist, and am wondering what the differences might be pertaining to bariatric clients. I associate psychologists with testing. I associate psychiatrists with their M.D. ability to prescribe meds. I associate social workers with holistic/whole person in their environment. Did you go through a battery of testing? The social worker I have access to feels ho-hum in my experience of three sessions. Our support groups are facilitated on a rotational basis by the SW, an RN, and NUT, so I see the SW in action with others as well. I'll delve into some research on this!

And frustr8... So sorry to hear about your terrible journey... Many similarities with mine when I tried to explain to et doctors that I had a Petersen's hernia because x-rays, which don't show it, strangely didn't show it! I was also in the middle of beef betweymy private surgeon who'd just retired as NHS bariatric consultant, and his replacement. The response to surgeons request that I have emergency diagnostic laparoscopy was she's not in pain anymore - no food or drink for 48 hours by then! And I needed to be referred in the correct way, through gp. The junior doc told me my surgeon was a millionaire he should treat me for free (I was past the year by then!) By the time mine was diagnosed and fixed it was huge! So gastro problems make me anxious too! Anyway, I hope you get some help with yours. On balance I have a BMI of 20 2 1/2 years post op, am generally fit and have faith that's what's wrong is fixable. It can only get better - fewer chins to keep up!

What was in the bariatric test Sent from my moto e5 play using BariatricPal mobile app

Great question! I'm about 2hours+ away from a metropolitan area. So when I researched Food Psychologists I looked for 3 things. 1. Do they do video sessions 2. Are they a fit for my personality 3. Do they specialize in Bariatric patients . Your doctors who performed surgery should absolutely provide you with a great list. When you have the right psychologist they will guide you in exercises to find out the reason why you eat so much (in my case it was opposite than why I thought I ate all the time). It took us 1.5 months to nail down the exact reason. When you find that out, it becomes so much easier to manage cravings and choices. The process of finding out was really hard and frustrating and I spent many days feeling hopeless about a long term solution cause you realize surgery is only a temporary fix to a much bigger problem. Now, like an addiction, I know what my triggers are and I have coping mechanisms put in place so I don't fall into using food to work through them.

I believe all psych Evals are different depending on the place you go. At mine they had me doing random stuff like repeating a set of numbers, remembering 4 object till I was asked what they were in order, addition like 2+2 up to 198+198, a depression test, talked about why I chose the surgery I did, talked about what I’ve learned about the surgery. They just to make sure that I’m aware of all things about the surgery. And finally a 200 question bariatric test where at least my psychiatrist sent to Indianapolis to receive the results. All this took 2hrs so prepare to stay that long at most. Hope this helps 

Well I have had as far, as I lnow, still have a stomal stricture and ulcerations in my jejunem, the portion of the small intestine the pouch is connected to. Officially diagnosed October 12, 5 weeks post- surgery but I believe it started 2-3 weeks in, they kept saying I was merely swollen, I kept saying No Something is wrong! to shut me up , we'll by golly I was right. They might have the fancy,degrees, I have lived in this body for many many years, I had inate wisdom,on the subject. Why did it happen? They told me it was an unexpected occurance, no o e I KNEW IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN. You see my gastroenterologist had discovered gastritis and a small stomach ulcer I had named Hector while on Omeprazole therapy, he switched me to Dexilent and Hector went peacefully to sleep. Flash forward to September 5th 2018 when 8 had my RnY surgery, what did they started me on guess what, yep Omeprazole. I told them then We gonna have problems, it may be a lovely medication but it Is Not Gastroprotective for me. Nurse Practitioner stated the medical equivalent of Shut up and let me do what I do bestm So I was a good little patient, took what they gave me , and looky what happened! I have had 6 endoscopies, twice they have attempted to stretch out that opening, first time in late October it snapped right back shut, next endoscopy it was like Dr Noria had done nothing, okay last one I had January Senior Bariatric resident Dr Noah Switzer did it, he stated I dialated you part way but enough you can eat soft solids, ha ha diddly ha , both times I have had emesis , the first time I kept it down 15 minutes after still cheing it down to the smooth applesauce pulp consistency. And yesterday was the second attempt and it went worse than the first. I was so protein anemic and malnourished I had dropped 25 pounds in 3 weeks, and had my miserable self hospitalized at OSU for 6 days to try to build me back up, yeah at high 200s it wasn't GOING to be apparent to others but I was literally starving, they were afraid my body was going to start breaking down muscle to keep me akive, and guess what muscle they were most concerned about yeah , my ❤. The second day they put a PICC line in my arm and it remains there still. NPO, everything through the feeding catheter, immediately regained 13 pounds, but I was back on my road to healthy again. Lost 3 pounds mid December to Mid January, then dropped another 6 pounds in 2 weeks, on doctors scales, don't currently own a home one. I was to be rewarded with 1 token meal a day, odd days a Protein shake, do you realize I have been at liquid diet level since August 1st when I went on my liver shrinking diet? That is a LONG LONG time. Then even days homemade soup with extra protein powder, and if there are veggies line carrots I don't have to strain, just puree it in. But the vast majority of my nutrition is via TPN, 12 hours on,12 hours off. And every day or 2 I have a smallish greenish black sticky BM due to the extra iron supplement I routinely take plus I'm still on prenatal vitamins and there is iron in there too. Before all this I was fighting constipation, the one tiny blessing of all this, no more. And foods in the past came up so often I am not hungry anymore. I only ate yesterday because I was supposed to, not from any need. Have they checked you for C Diff? That's something your symptoms call to mind , my daughter has it and has been on Flagyl for flares. Is she on it? Can't say for sure, her code name in our family is RD for Rotten Daughter, she usually calls me when she wants something otherwise she doesn't talk, she will text her little brother when she's in the mood. WHEN I told her I was having major surgery, she said "whatever" and flat out did not care. Sure I still love her, she was my first child, but I don't much like her any more, she has hurt her little brother emotionally more than a few times, and that's hard to forgive. Eat as bland an diet as possible, and I hope you get some real answers soon, don't want you in the hospital like I was, it may be a good place for somethings but it is not HOME! Let me know what happens next, I do care.