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Hello I have been doing a ton of research on Dr IIIan and have view so many glowing reviews of him and Bariatric Pal Mx. I was wondering if anyone could provide me with any links pertaining to his certifications or affiliates? I would really like to use them for my band revision surgery, but I am having trouble finding anything that states his qualifications from a non biased source. I also researched the ASMBS website search for Doctors in his area of Mexico and could not find him? Maybe I am doing the search wrong. Thanks

I am taking Bariatric Advantage. I bought the chewy bites in black cherry. But am now on capsules. I am going to post on my bariatric groups on FB that I have these and find them a new home.

Thanks, mousecat88. And thanks to all who replied! I Do need to remember why I'm doing this. I'm frustrated by folks (psychiatrist and a friend from work) who insist I can just lose the weight through diet and exercise alone, and that I don't need the surgery. Everyone is worried that it's too drastic. I saw the surgeon today and feel a renewed motivation! Let's get rid of those comorbidities!!! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

would something like these work? https://www.amazon.com/BASA-Meal-Prep-Containers-Pack/dp/B07D49SZGQ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538676455&sr=8-2-spons&keywords=bariatric+food+containers&psc=1 or maybe this? https://www.amazon.com/BariWare-Portion8-Starter-Brilliant-Blue/dp/B01ECK2B3M/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1538676455&sr=8-6&keywords=bariatric+food+containers I think if you are searching using the word "Tupperware" you might get limited results given tupperware is a brand name, search instead for "Bariatric food containers" or Bariatric food prep"

I am intolerant to both the concentrate and the isolates. I can't have either. It's the actual protein itself. Nectar, Bariatric Advantage, Pure Protein, Quest, etc, are all isolates and I can't have them. Sometimes I think I want surgery simply because I think it will be a "quick fix" and solve my issues without me having to work at overcoming my mentality. I was 140lbs just 9 years ago. I still haven't even gotten used to the idea of me being fat.. when I think of myself in my head, I still see 140lb me. When I was 140lbs, I had very, very low self-esteem and had MASSIVE liposuction done. I did not have any dietitian, therapy, or trainer support. I became addicted to protein shakes (which, oddly, didn't bother me at all back then) and gained 30lbs within 4 months of surgery. I got really depressed and gained 150lbs over the last decade. At first it was emotional eating... now I eat because I always feel hungry and have severe cravings. The liposuction was the worst mistake I ever made... thinking it would be a quick fix for my self-esteem. I worry I am thinking along the same lines again for this surgery. I sometimes wonder if I could just lose the weight by myself if I just stuck to the diet change. I lost 60lbs by myself within 5 months last year, but got tired of eating healthy and started eating garbage again. If I just kept to my healthy eating, I probably WOULD be down 100lbs by now. I question if I am doing this for the right reasons. I don't have kids, and I just broke up with my bf of 5 years for several reasons... one being that he was insecure about the prospect of me losing weight and assumed I would leave him once I was thin. My mother considers this elective surgery and tells me I am mutilating myself. She recently has stopped berating my choice, but she is not actually supportive. My friends seem indifferent. I am pretty much alone.

I am a RnY, healing slowly post-surgery on September 5th, on Stage 2, 600-800 calories which is truly deficent for proper needs. My bariatric team knows, I see surgeon again on October 9th and am scheduled for an Exploratory EGD on October 12th, I am tolerating soups, broth, liquids but my pouch does not accept purees. Maybe a slight stricture, But that is a bypass problem, not only sleevers regularly encounter. Until you restart solid foods, I doubt you'll reach 1000 calories,but then i, too, am learning as I go. And I do take, viscerally multi-vites, B12 (sublingual) calcium citrate, magnesium and all ordered meds including Zofran. I am losing weight, 22 pounds post-surgery, which is glorious for a 72 year old metabolism, usually the same rate as a sick depressed sea slug, but anxious for more good times to roll.😜🎪📍🚩🎃

I am a RnY, healing slowly post-surgery on September 5th, on Stage 2, 600-800 calories which is truly deficent for proper needs. My bariatric team knows, I see surgeon again on October 9th and am scheduled for an Exploratory EGD on October 12th, I am tolerating soups, broth, liquids but my pouch does not accept purees. Maybe a slight stricture, But that is a bypass problem, not only sleevers regularly encounter. Until you restart solid foods, I doubt you'll reach 1000 calories,but then i, too, am learning as I go. And I do take, viscerally multi-vites, B12 (sublingual) calcium citrate, magnesium and all ordered meds including Zofran. I am losing weight, 22 pounds post-surgery, which is glorious for a 72 year old metabolism, usually the same rate as a sick depressed sea slug, but anxious for more good times to roll.😜🎪📍🚩🎃

I am a RnY, healing slowly post-surgery on September 5th, on Stage 2, 600-800 calories which is truly deficent for proper needs. My bariatric team knows, I see surgeon again on October 9th and am scheduled for an Exploratory EGD on October 12th, I am tolerating soups, broth, liquids but my pouch does not accept purees. Maybe a slight stricture, But that is a bypass problem, not only sleevers regularly encounter. Until you restart solid foods, I doubt you'll reach 1000 calories,but then i, too, am learning as I go.

A four-fold posting? Something has gone screwy since they tried revamping Bariatric Pal. Best Wishes tomorrow with your surgery. October 5th will become a bright day in your life!😛

Knowing how insurances rationalize things, it is not,impossible. You see, under 50 they may think you are,now a desperate case, not saying that's right, what does your Bariatric Team say?

@FluffyChix keep posting, please. I am just super busy and suffering mega anxiety lately. And super low energy. <begin rant> Also eating like crap, so I can't contribute anything but cheerleading right now. Not gaining just not losing, and said f*#k it once again. I have to have laser eye surgery the 12th for a vitreous hemorrage again....(the relative is still doing coke and behaving so badly it is making me batchit crazy.) We are demo-ing a house for my son, adding 2nd story addition, yada yada yada....this is not everyday stress, but extreme stress reacting. I would get therapy but my insurance sucks, my bariatric doc is not 'in plan' on this insurance, so I have to pay all that out of pocket plus high deductible, high copay for everything regardless - the baaastads get over a thou a month in premiums and it's just for one person. I know I sound like a whiney lil ******!!! <end rant>

It requires a conscious effort for you to drink your fluids. Staying hydrated will not happen on it's own. There are bariatric apps that can remind you to drink water, water drinking apps to remind you. The effort comes from you, if you do not have a medical reason for not getting your fluids, then you need to make a conscious one

Meal prepping after bariatric surgery is one of the best decisions you can make to help support your new lifestyle. It saves money, time and best of all you always have healthy options on hand. Here are five strategies to get started. Start Small The thought of meal prepping seven days a week for three meals a day can seem like a daunting task, and frankly, unrealistic. If this is your first attempt at meal prepping start small. What meals are the most challenging for you to eat healthy (or eat at all?) Start there. If you are going out to lunch frequently then start with bringing a packed lunch like these Low Carb Shepherds Pie Bowls. You can prepare them ahead of time and eat them throughout the week. Set a goal of bringing a packed lunch three days a week. Use an Electric Pressure Cooker If you are just getting started with meal prepping, one of the easiest places to start is to use an electric pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot). On the weekend, place all the ingredients in a gallon size ziplock bag and store in the fridge. Then on the day you want to eat that meal, pour the contents of the ziplock bag into the pressure cooker and turn it on. Voila! If you need ideas for a recipe try this Weeknight Pasta Fagioli. Prepare Marinades and Sauces Preparing marinades and sauces ahead of time saves time during the week. Mix up your marinades or sauces on the weekend and store them in the fridge. This process only takes a few minutes but it really can help in the middle of the week. You could easily make the sauce for these Baja Fish Tacos ahead of time. Cut up Veggies Cutting up your vegetables on the weekends can save you loads of time and dishes during the week. Plus, you are more likely to eat the veggies if they’re already prepared. Once you cut and dice your veggies place them in a storage container and store in the fridge. You could also season them with olive oil and spices to save you one more step. Make a Batch of Soup Now that we're getting into the cooler seasons, soup can be an easy meal to prepare ahead time. You can reheat the soup in the microwave for a couple minutes if you are short on time during the week. You can also double the batch and store some in the freezer. This way you will always have something healthy on hand. This Easy Taco Soup is perfect for the whole family and stores well in the freezer. Now that you have some ideas on how to start meal prepping, which one do you want to start with? Let me know in the comments below

Start Small The thought of meal prepping seven days a week for three meals a day can seem like a daunting task, and frankly, unrealistic. If this is your first attempt at meal prepping start small. What meals are the most challenging for you to eat healthy (or eat at all?) Start there. If you are going out to lunch frequently then start with bringing a packed lunch like these Low Carb Shepherds Pie Bowls. You can prepare them ahead of time and eat them throughout the week. Set a goal of bringing a packed lunch three days a week. Use an Electric Pressure Cooker If you are just getting started with meal prepping, one of the easiest places to start is to use an electric pressure cooker (aka Instant Pot). On the weekend, place all the ingredients in a gallon size ziplock bag and store in the fridge. Then on the day you want to eat that meal, pour the contents of the ziplock bag into the pressure cooker and turn it on. Voila! If you need ideas for a recipe try this Weeknight Pasta Fagioli. Prepare Marinades and Sauces Preparing marinades and sauces ahead of time saves time during the week. Mix up your marinades or sauces on the weekend and store them in the fridge. This process only takes a few minutes but it really can help in the middle of the week. You could easily make the sauce for these Baja Fish Tacos ahead of time. Cut up Veggies Cutting up your vegetables on the weekends can save you loads of time and dishes during the week. Plus, you are more likely to eat the veggies if they’re already prepared. Once you cut and dice your veggies place them in a storage container and store in the fridge. You could also season them with olive oil and spices to save you one more step. Make a Batch of Soup Now that we're getting into the cooler seasons, soup can be an easy meal to prepare ahead time. You can reheat the soup in the microwave for a couple minutes if you are short on time during the week. You can also double the batch and store some in the freezer. This way you will always have something healthy on hand. This Easy Taco Soup is perfect for the whole family and stores well in the freezer. Now that you have some ideas on how to start meal prepping, which one do you want to start with? Let me know in the comments below

Let me tell you what happened yesterday. A little background...I work for a hospital. I’m also a very new employee here and recently read my summary of benefits and already had an idea of what my expected payment would be. One of the features of my insurance is that if I have surgery (or anything) at my facility with a staff doctor then there is no deductible and my copay is 15% for surgery and $35 for specialist office visit. I made my first surgeon consult appt for Thursday. I get a call yesterday from their insurance specialist about my benefits/expected payment. She said my insurance has a special $2000 deductible for bariatric surgery that applies to the surgery and all office visits related to the surgery. My consult will be $226 and I will have to pay full amount for everything until the deductible is met then my 15% copay of the surgery. I was shocked. I went home and pulled up my summary of benefits and reread it. This morning I spent an hour on the phone w Cigna. They initially told me the exact same info the insurance specialist had been told. I explained what I found in my summary of benefits. She was able to see my summary of benefits herself and said my actual policy did not match it. She ended up calling the person at Cigna who is the main rep for my hospital system. Turns out, someone had chosen the wrong selection when putting the package together in their system. My information was correct. No deductible required. They will correct it issue in a few days. I work for a very large hospital system. I asked the Cigna rep what about people who already had their surgery this year and paid the deductible? She said she didn’t know what would happen. I then called the insurance specialist at my surgeon’s office and told her the story. She said they see a lot of people from the hospital. She also doubts the hospital will refund any money to them. So, know your benefits. Do your own research. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It may save you a lot of money. It could also be the difference between having the procedure or not.

Thanks Matt. I didn't use the term since most people who don't working in healthcare or insurance don't know the term. Heck, some people who do work in these don't know what it means. UHC is making some changes to their policy effective 11/1 but their website isn't yet showing what those changes are. The link in the provider newsletter didn't work either. I'm hoping that for 2019 policies they remove the exclusion clauses so more UHC patients are covered for bariatric surgery.

Well yesterday (1 Oct 2018) was my first day back to work. I was very tired last night when I got home and a little sore. I am supposed to take it easy at work for the next 4 weeks and I know that I over did it yesterday. Overall I am doing great (still don't have a huge appetite) and I go back for my 2 year post bariatric surgery check up on the 24th. I am still grateful to my surgeon for giving me this tool to help me lose the weight. The only regret I have is that I didn't do it sooner.

Surgery is scheduled for 10/29. I call my insurance daily. I'm thankful bariatric surgery is in my plan. The requirements are still daunting. What requirements did people find helpful and/or unnecessary?

Wow, have you gone meatless too?? I am a Sleeve to RNY revision. I've always LOVED meat and milk products and eggs and butter etc etc. All 40 years of my life I have never gone without it! And I ate it with my band, and with my Sleeve. So here's how the Vegan happened. My doc had me on clear liquids for 3 weeks with no diary...then told me to add back in eggs, and grounded meat. And I LOVE yogurt, milk, cream, Cheese OMG, on my last trip from France I had a WHOLE suitecase Packed with cheese from Hard to downright Stinky! I'm a certified Cheesaholic! But, I survived the 3 weeks without it, and without much veggies, fruits etc. But I was tired, and felt malnutritioned and unhealthy and constipated etc. Which is kinda to be expected. But seeing as this is not my first rodeo, I wanted to listen to my body more and not repeat the same mistakes. So...I started to educate myslef of nutrition nightly to see how best I can support my body through the healing process and nourish it while loosing weight. One profound influence was watching the documentary "What the Health" on Netflix (I so recommend you watch that!). So I replaced my morning Egg (s) with my Green Smoothie (which seamlessly incorporates my 1 a day Bariatric Vitamin chew from ProCar Bariatric health and the rest was history. Like right now, post my dinner, I'm not just feeling full, I'm feeling Satisfied and harmonious. Hard to explain but there is a difference. Like I said, I know it's not for everyone, but I'm super excited about the results, not just in the scales, so if anyone is cooking a vegetable or even a meat, I would love to be inspired. Because that said, it's not like I'll never touch another chicken or egg again, just for now, I'm doing so well without, trying not to tinker with the formula. Veggie or not, we need to learn how to cook again and enjoy a positive relationship with food again, but with Bariatric friendly healthy food, so we don't feel deprived and one fine day when we can eat more, start slipping into old habits. So were you Veterinarian before or thinking of becoming? Would love to hear more about your veggie meals. I try to post mine

I'm about 1 1/2 years out from surgery. I feel that I was well prepared about the actual surgery and eating during each stage for the most part. I always planned on changing my lifestyle to include exercise but it never dawned on me I would become the girl lifting weights, building strength and looking for muscles under my droopy skin. The last 10 lbs have not come off easily even with vigorous exercise, strength training and conditioning. I know I am stronger, leaner and have good cardio stamina for someone my age. I know I have more muscle than when I started but I have no idea what I should be eating to maintain or lose that last 10 lbs of fat while building MORE muscle. In short, I'd love to see nutrition programs specifically for bariatric patients and our inability to ingest large meals at one sitting that allow for muscle building along with the typical maintenance programs. I hope that makes some sense! I wish you much success with your studies! Keep us posted on what area you decide to focus on.

So as I was going through my process pre-surgery almost 3 years ago, I struggled and learned a lot through my own research and understanding. I made sure I was prepared for surgery and am pretty much on top of tracking food, water, vitamins, and calorie intake (meeting my macros every day). I had a good experience because I wanted to get the most from this bariatric process. However, it was a struggle and I feel like everyone struggles through this are very unique. I've known more than a handful of people that passed in the almost 3 years I've been going through this and I have really wanted to find a way to help other bariatric patients on an individual (and community) level. So I have been working in and on education in Nutrition. I am going to grad school currently and will be an RDN/Nutritionist once completed. My overall goal is to work with and for people going through the various processes of bariatric surgery as well as provide more in-depth long term support. SO, long story short, I need help narrowing my focus for an intervention with and for bariatric patients in my small forest town and I thought I would reach out here to see if anyone is willing to help! I am interested in knowing what people at any level of the bariatric process think may have helped them, had this help been available or accessible? Is there any program, care, or process that you feel would be or have been helpful on an individual level? And/or are there things you think could have been improved upon that were provided from the program, doctor, or insurance company that approved or provided your surgery? I want to help bariatric patients and provide substantial support and nutrition assistance. In reality I wish I could do this for everyone, but realistically I have to implement something smaller for my graduate project and I am just trying to collect information from other bariatric patients that will help me narrow my scope of focus to a more useful and specific intervention that will help me to meet my professional goal and genuinely help people at all stages of this weight loss journey. Any help or ideas would be great, but I do have to provide the disclaimer that I am not a doctor and do not want personal health information, I am only looking for insight into anything that might have helped from a provider in making the process easier as it is a struggle and I don't feel that there is enough medical, nutritional, or individualized support for bariatric patients on a long-term basis. Thank you!

Today I craved sweets SOOO bad and boy is it frustrating! My vitamins have been a struggle because I keep forgetting to take the 2nd dose. I got the bariatric chewables and boy are they nasty. I've got to push through these and get the pills or another brand. I keep reminding myself that if I take them twice a day like I should they'll run out much quicker. I won't allow myself to order more until these are mostly gone.

Hair loss scares me also, mine is already fine & thin I can't afford to lose even more! I started taking biotin chewables last month and bought some thickening shampoo. I have read that there's really nothing you can do about it and it's just part of the process, but I'm still going to try!! Dehydration is scary and seems to be pretty common. I noticed that "IV drips" are a new trend in the fitness community, there are spa type places where an RN will give you an IV full of fluids and various vitamins depending on your needs. It seems like a dream come true for bariatric patients, I'm going to ask my doctor what he thinks. If I feel like I'm slacking in the hydration department I may check into the IV drip! The vitamins are a bonus. It seems expensive, but it's still less than my ER co-pay! #planB... Lol

Hi All- I didn't realize that I wouldn't need to be on chewables for life, so I ordered a bunch. I am going to be moving over to a standard multi-vitamin, which leaves me with a sealed 30 days supply of Bariatric Advantage. If anybody wants it or needs it, please send me a private message.

I'm a 66 year old male. I used to be very sporty and rode my bicycle daily with friends in competition races on occasion. My wife died in 2011 and it was about then that I started eating. I went from 165lbs to 290lbs by the start of 2018. This was heavy as I am only 5' 4" tall. I had been trying all sorts of diets and methods, and exercise. I took al lot of weight off with Atkins but it all came back. My doctor was not a fan of bariatric surgery so I got things moving myself. I signed up with a hospital in Iowa and three weeks later they told me I was not a candidate because I was older than 65 years. In February'18, I found my way to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and their Digestive Disease Department. It took till March to get an appointment. At this first appointment I met with various health professionals, the Bariatric program Director, the surgeon, a Dietitian, among others who spent much time taking vitals and blood samples, and family history. Apparently my general health was good but the surgeon wanted my blood pressure down a little. Over the next three months I was on a healthy diet of green leafy vegetables and and other non carb, non fat foods Dietary wise it was the worst three months of my dieting life. However the surgeon expected me to lose about 20lbs. There were three meeting with the dietitian during those months and I was ably to produce a record fo food intake, of a sorts, and answer questions such as are you drinking the water company dry everyday, are you walking a hundred miles before breakfast each day, have you curtailed your visits to the drive-thru, and have you stopped drinking pepsi and beer. After the three months I was down to 275lbs and I thought that was pretty good. I then met with the surgeon and was told that I was fit to be a candidate for the program and that they would now submit all the paperwork to Medicare for approval. This process took another month or so, and then a month or six-weeks later I was scheduled for surgery. The whole process took over six-months. Ten days before the surgery I was put on a liquid diet of 1000 calories one day and 850 calories the next. This was a difficult diet to maintain for the time. However, by the time the surgery date came around I had lost the first 32lbs. The thy of the surgery was a little intimidating. I had had laparoscopic surgery a few years earlier for prostate cancer. That time I remember I had both my daughters with me in the ready room and at post-op. This time I was on my own as I had not told anyone of my surgery. My closest friend, my financial guy, was the only one who knew of my bariatric surgery. Everyone else thought I was going in for a hiatus hernia op. which the doc said he was going to fix on the way through. After the surgery I spent about 24 hours in a room in the surgical ward. Within three hours I was walking the hallway. I had blood tests, an urine samples taken. I have never seen an IV drip stand festooned with so many little plastic packages. By morning I had slept a few hours and got up went for a walk and stayed up either walking or sitting in a chair. The surgeon came in to visit twice and his assistant was in several times. In the mid afternoon, the whole surgical team arrived To check on everything before letting me go. The staff at the hospital were outstanding I could not fault a single person. I have been home for three weeks now and am preparing to return tomorrow to my part-time job at Lowes. I have been on pureed food for a week and ready to go to soft, Since the surgery I have lost 19 lbs. My weight today is 239.5lbs. Philip