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Just a quick update, possibly to give hope for healing- Had my repeat EGD on 11/16, 5 months after my marginal ulcer was found so that I had to take that yucky compounded immediate-release omeprazole w/ sodium bicarbonate & Pepcid & Carafate. I still have gastritis (stomach pouch irritation) but my ulcer has healed! I was really afraid I would need a revision or worse, a reversal. I am able to eat now without pain-yea! I have stopped losing weight which has been a huge concern for my family & friends; my mother says I look "gaunt." I am so glad I did all the online research I did on marginal ulcer healing; Bariatric Times is a great resource, geared to the medical profession so the terminology might be a bit difficult. Keep the faith, everyone. You could be as fortunate as I have been. Good luck to all.

I love the Bariatric Fusion meal replacement shakes. They have some great flavors to choose from and they dont leave a funky after taste when you're done. My other favorite is the Nectar drinks, especially the Caribbean Cooler (tastes like a Pina Colada) and my favorite, Fuzzy Navel! They also have a BariatricPal Hot Chocolate protein drink with mini marshmallows that is the BOMB!!

I feel ya, friend. My highest weight was 463. I have to get a physical once a year for my insurance at work, and when I went in to get weighed, they had to try 3 different scales before they found one that would weigh me. It ended up being a blessing, really, as I made up my mind right then that I had to do something. There was a Bariatric info session the next day, and I signed up and went to it. I haven't looked back since, and I'm 178 pounds lighter now.

By any chance are you in Virginia? I know it's unlikely, but we have a St. Francis bariatric hospital here.

Look up Dr. Duc Vuong on YouTube. He is a world renowned bariatric surgeon who puts out tons of helpful videos. He is my mentor. Check out the Dr. V diet!

I'm not post-op but I dont tolerate most protein shakes or waters due to the taste and after taste. I have found a few things with protein that I do like from Bariatricpal.com Try the Nectar fruity drinks like the Caribbean Cooler, Fuzzy Navel, the Bariatric Fusion meal replacements like the Red velvet, Orange Cream, Chocolate Peanut Butter. I also ordered the hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. It's a protein drink but it tastes just like real hot cocoa. Good luck!

I think doctors and nutritionists should be really clear what they mean because when you've just had surgery and are trying to read your handouts and figure out what to eat, it's not a good time to deal with a lot of ambiguity. I also think if their directives don't make sense for you you should feel free to challenge them on it, and ask fo a plan that works for YOU. Remember you or your insurance company paid for this. It is VERY reasonable to expect a plan that makes sense and is reasonable for a bariatric patient.

Hi, everyone! It's been 4 months since I last posted, but just wanted to update the folks that took the time to respond. Also, in case any other fellow vets might find something useful to take from this. I was devastated. And it's taken me this long to openly discuss it, but here it goes: Well, that "meeting" was exactly what I feared it to be...no, actually it was worse. Firstly, I went in and audio recorded the entire interaction from when they went to get me in the waiting area, until I passed the threshold of the doors, exiting the hospital. The psychologist started off with saying that I had gone against protocol and sought a second opinion from someone who did not have extensive access to my records as VA psychologists do, and therefore, the external psychologist was not able to consider pertinent information in the evaluation. I retorted: Actually, the external psychologist WAS provided my records from the VA, AND she had been the chief evaluating psychologist for bariatric surgeries at the biggest military hospital in my city. She then said that the issue was that the psychologist had never consulted with the bariatric team and because "standard procedure" is for them to do so, they couldn't consider her recommendation for surgery as valid. The VA psychologist then went on to say that because I didn't address my concerns about utilizing the psychologist she recommended, with her directly...that that indicated my lack of coping skills and possibly paranoia of personal vendettas. In a completely calm and objective tone and manner, I told her that I disagreed with that statement as well, and that I sought a second opinion from someone other than who she suggested because after listening to her unprofessional comments and anecdotal reasons for why she "didn't think" I was a good candidate for surgery, I didn't trust her professional opinion in any regard, to include her suggestion from whom I'd receive a second opinion. Her face turned red and when she began to speak, she was visibly upset. Her face started to twitch and she began stammering. The social worker sitting in saw it. The weight management doctor saw it. They looked at each other nervously, but didn't want to focus too much attention on it, so the weight management doctor tried to chime in, saying, "What I think Dr. Nutcase*(VA psychologist) is trying to say is..." Then the VA psychologist halfway stood up and put her hand in the weight management doctor's face, motioning for her to stop talking. Still stammering and with her hands starting to tremble beyond her control, she says, " I can see you're very angry and enraged. And you don't have any faith in my professional abilities, but I stand by my findings. You have proven to me, especially now, that instead of dealing with issues, you become paranoid and you run away from them. I do not think that someone in your mental state is ready for everything that comes with bariatric surgery. You've already proven you can lose weight on your own, by evidence of meeting the requirement for bariatric surgery. I suggest continuing what modifications you made to obtain that goal. But, no, I do not think you are mentally fit for this type of surgery. And I stand by that. I retorted: (Again, calmly, objectively, and with tact) Dr., if you suspected that I was so mentally unwell that I should be barred from bariatric surgery, but still managed to inform me of your decision over the phone(where as a supremely concerned psychologist you could not monitor my response) and I after I clearly told you I was driving...does that not doubly contradict what you're claiming? If I am so "mentally unfit" and your biggest cited reason is for purported fear that I'll commit suicide, why, as a professional, ethical, and morally responsible psychologist, would you risk putting me in harm's way? I mean, if what you say is true, and you're truly just concerned for my mental health and that I am alive for my daughter...why would you inform me of my denial, after 15 months of work that I put in meeting requirements...and you suspect me to be suicidal and mentally unwell, while I am operating a motor vehicle. Why would you do that? It's a rhetorical question, Dr. I merely want to show you yet another instance where you have contradicted yourself. Her hands were still trembling and she was still stammering. " I didn't realize you said you were driving. I'm sorry for that. I was wrong. I believe you that you told me you were driving. I'm not saying you're lying. I was wrong. I'm sorry." She then went on to say, " I can see how upset and angry you are. I am sorry for making you feel that way. I can see how distressed that situation made you feel. I'm going to let you have a moment with these other ladies because it seems as though you no longer are open to hearing my professional opinion, but I stand by it. I understand if you don't want to work with me, but always know that my door is always open." She nervously got up and with her back to the door, stepped out. In other words, she acted as though she was in fear. You guys...I couldn't believe my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening. It was so crazy of a display, that I just sat there stunned, waiting to see how the social worker and weight management doctor would respond. After a bunch of bullshit "you should be proud of all that you have accomplished in these 15 months. You lost the 5% requirement. Just keep going", the weight management doctor said, "Unfortunately, she is my colleague and I have to support her recommendation of not allowing you to move forward with surgery." I kept my composure until I left the hospital, but as soon as I got into my car, I collapsed in tears. I felt so...failed. It didn't end there. Oh, no. The VA psychologist was apparently in a hurry to leave the meeting to rush back to her office to input her medical notes in my record. She stated that I was aggressive and verbally attacked and debased her constantly throughout the meeting. That I was unwilling to use proper coping skills. AND, that I was "mentally unstable to the degree" of not trusting my own ability to safely operate a vehicle when faced with a distressful situation. She closed with, "It is because of these observations and my concern for her mental health that I recommend the patient not be considered for bariatric surgery." This is a part of my medical record now...that all other medical professionals will see and take as truth just because it's endorsed by someone with a Phd. It's been really hard, everyone. Because what disheartened me the most was realizing that if she did that with me just because I challenged her, what else has she done? What other veterans has she screwed over with her "professional findings", which was really just an ego trip and abuse of authority. And, honestly, after seeing that awful display, I'm convinced she is probably no stranger to mental illnesses, in more ways than one. On the bright side, I'm still here...I haven't gained any of my weight back that I lost while meeting my requirements, I'm kicking butt being a great mama to my little girl, and my mom just had her bariatric surgery(the sleeve) done yesterday. I'll be taking care of her(she's 56), just making sure she doesn't have any issues for the first two weeks post-op. In solidarity, my daughter and I made a commitment to my mom that we would join her in completely changing our lifestyle to support her as a family. Thank you all for sharing your insights and for just caring. You all remain in my prayers and well wishes. <3

Yes Gastric Bypass is reversible, a lot harder operation than the original one. The only person I know of on Bariatric pal, her pen name is @ Ronnysgal, she went through a bypass revision .

Thank you all for your advice and experience! I visited with my PCP yesterday and she sent the referral off to the bariatric surgeon and it was approved by Tricare today! I did the online seminar for the surgeon today and I'm currently waiting for them to contact me back after they review insurance information! I'm really hoping everything comes through!

I haven't like very many of the kinds that I had tried. Most of them have that nasty "whey" taste to them and leave a really bad after taste. I love the Bariatric fusion ones and the Hot chocolate with mini marshmallows. They dont have that icky, chalky taste and the hot chocolate tastes like real hot cocoa!

Hi, I got a call that the bariatric office has received my approval from insurance. How long did it take ya'll to get a call from the scheduler to choose a date?

@TomCruzMomShoes, Yes, great minds think alike. Amazon is currently working on sending me the Fusion bariatric unflavored protein powder. If I remember correctly theirs was 27g per scoop so in 2-3 business days, I will be on that gravy train with you. Is it truly unflavored or do you get a little after taste? I wanted to add it to some of the food too like refried beans or hummus. They were recommended to me but have very little protein in them so I was going to give them a boost. I start the puree stage on Monday and I am ready but also nervous bc I REALLY don't want to fall back into any bad habits. But I am trying to stay positive and keep working at it. I am 25 days post op but my Doctor had me on 2 weeks of liquid then 2 weeks of full liquid (protein shakes/powder) so I am beyond ready for texture back into my life! Thanks for the tip! I really appreciate the advise.

Well for many people on Bariatric Pal it is h. pylori bacterium, course of antibiotics, time and you're all better. Mine- a little more complex. I am mildly COPD, no never smoked, but I have it anyway. Always on verge of bronchitis so PCP had me on long course of demulcents, yeah cleared up my lungs but also destroyed protective gastric mucus layer. Then when I took NSAIDS 4 at a time because I have constant arthritic pain, it chewed right into my gastric lining. Went into Bariatric Surgery with gastritis and Hector, my quietly sleeping gastric ulcer present. I had been on omeprazole (Prilosec) when these were discovered, gastroenterologist had switched me to a stronger PPI Dexilent, which worked well. I couldn't believe it when Bariatric Clinic put me back,of the stinking omeprazole. Told them This is NOT GOING TO WORK, did they listen, of course not. 2 weeks in I said " there is something wrong" and I got poo-pooed. Kept saying,it, finally to shut up my yammering they scheduled an endoscopy and who was right? ME ME ME! And now we are playing catchup, trying belatedly to fix things. They may be the professionals but I have lived in THIS BODY a long time!

Hope everyone survived Thanksgiving, December will be here soon. Here comes potlucks , christmas parties, and people bringing goodies to work. All of you are rocking this challenge. Thanks for the support and keeping me on track. Please share your bariatric friendly holiday recipes. I'm in a food rut. Christmas diet motivation, Hey girl, Your pant's wont get tight if you don't wear any.

OMG I am so sorry. I will tell you it gets bettet, but at 12 weeks I haven't hit my sweet spot. Oh I have lost weight, lost 64+ pounds since July 31st when I started on my Liver-shrinking diet, losing like a seasick anorexic sailor, but something is not quite right with me. Consultation with my surgeon, Dr Needleman, the chief of Bariatric Medicine at Ohio State University Hospital- Wexner Medical Center. A very big title for a very wonderful place, well worth the 48 mile drive from where I live. What will he say? I have been having biweekly stretching of my stomal stricture, as a sleever YOU WILL NOT have THIS, any close problems for you are still different. Niggling in the back of my mind? Possibility of open abdominal surgery? Not as much fun to heal from but I feel, at this point, BROKEN, and I have developed 5 nasty Ill-tempered new ulcers, these are the,kind that could bleed and,perforate. You run more likelihood of Donald J Trump gett8ng on National Tv and apologizing for being an disappointment as a President and promising to do better! But, my friend, you will make it through, so shall I and there are sunny 🌞days ahead for both of us! Our Heaven awaits!

Update, they called from my baraiatric clinic , just before their closing time. My surgeon , Dr Needleman, who is also the chief off Bariatric Medicine wants to see me tomorrow himself in his office at 2, no shunting me off to a N.P. or his partner Dr Noria on Wednesday. He must see something in my chart to concern himself with me at this point. I know I have been concerned but have felt I was the only one. Now to find transportation since I no longer drive or even own a vehicle. Haven't found anyone yet,but I will. Its got to be important, hope he doesn't tell me it's going to require open surgery, niggling in the back,of my mind!

@Mhy12784 Sweet potato seems to work for me. My stomach doesn't tolerate brown rice well. A great person to ask is bariatric veteran male lifting legend! @BigViffer

I'm learning from this board that everyone is told something different from their practitioners. According to my surgeon/hospital, you'd follow the liquid diet week 1, the pureed diet week 2-5, and the soft food diet weeks 6-9. You can find them all here: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/highland/bariatric-surgery-center/life-after-surgery/bariatric-diets.aspx

not too personal! Poop after bariatric surgery is a normal discussion haha i went when i woke up and passed alot of gas... pretty solid then i had another bm that was more liquid. fingers crossed tonight is better!

Don't count on it, I am losing weight like a seasick/anorexic sailor. I have lost 45 since surgery (9/05/2018) 64+ since July 31st. Happy?, No No No! The Bible even has a verse for how I Feel "What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his soul?" While my pouch spasms and,my ulcers throb and have not 1 but 5 of the nasty little critters. Is The trade-off worth it? IDK, I really don't. Called my Bariatric clinic today, they are still thinking I will heal past this, made slight wisecrack about my advanced age slowing down healing. Baby I am pretty miserable and they tell me to take a chill,pill until Wednesday when I have another endoscopy.😥💦😪

yeah still ashamed I still feel ugly, decades of fat-shaming to get past. Sickly joked to myself,nobody wants MINE unless they have rats or bugs to scare away. Tomkitten says I'm it half as ugly as I think I am. That's why I am going to spring for future GlamourShots to help with my self- confidence. Sure I will never look 20 or 30, bariatric surgery only " youthfuls" your appearance so far, but can I look an Happier 72? Its rough, today Precious Pouch is spasming on me, been taking things in slowly and lightly, no urping yet, but it puts worse than a scowl on my face!😥😪💦

Hi guys, I called this morning and made an appointment to speak with my PCP about bariatric surgery. I've done my research, have a list of all of the things I've tried to lose weight in the past, and spoke with my Mom to discuss our family medical history. Is there anything I'm missing? What kind of questions should I ask her? Thanks in advance, Leigh Anne

Grrr it's not available in Ireland. For anyone else outside US, here is the link to the apk https://apkpure.com/baritastic-bariatric-tracker/com.baritastic.view/download-apk-info Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

I have it on my android. Its definitely in the Google play store. Try just searching "bariatric app". Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app