Search the Community

General Anxiety is rough, let's demote him to Corporal or kick him out of our army if we can! And I get anxious myself, some things I'm sure others wouldn't find worrisome, but I do! Maybe that person doesn't like me? Maybe that,funny person is trying to follow,me? Oh every person has their bugaboosm maybe ours look bigger but they may also be what makes Us ,Us. And @Oct517, I just had my surgery 3 weeks ago on September 5th, and although,i did end up at,peace about things, there is always teeny reservations. See I am probably the oldest new-surgerized Bariatric Pal you are going to find. On December 26th I will be 73, might as well hang around, you know? Now,my hospital was and is a wonderful place. Ohio State in Columbus Ohio, I recommend them if someone doesn't have one already. The day of surgery was going smoothly, and I'm sure yours will too. We went up in a elevator, to the surgical floor,first gurney I ever ride that was smooth, didn't veer into walls. Knew once I got there my surgeon , Dr Needleman would be there, he promised and he is a man of his word, before everything progressed he brought by a good many of the staff going to be there, a benefit of being the surgery first of day. Even knew my anesthesiologist, Dave, by name and appearance. Did Dr Needleman have to do this? Probably not but it gave me peace, even if they were all suited up in Scrubs in there, I did know who there are. The last thing I thought as we go in through those doors" Hmmn I wonder if I am going to die?" Dave had slipped some Happy Juice in my IV. before I left the prep room. Neat that,he asked first, though. I get in there, Dr Needleman waved at me, yeah sounds silly but I liked it, okay? I was helped onto the table, first,one in all my surgeries I didn't feel like I was going to fall off on the other side and bounce on the floor. I had heard they yank your arms out to the sides and fasten your arms like you are preparing for crucifixion. None of that, room warm , not too bright, ORs usually are. And there was my friend Dave right there by my left shoulder. I recognized him, even suited he has the prettiest set of green eyes. Hey, I noticed 5hese things. He asked Are youcomfortable? I had time to say Yes I think I am and the very thing I remember I was waking up in my room. Missed any memories of Recovery Rooms and things, and I felt GOoD. As pleasant as waking up in my own bed on a warm summer morning. So you see all my worries, fears and qualms were nothing. I was treated with tenderness, kindness and I even felt a little loved. And I know yours will be equally good. My doctor has never lost a,patient, and I was not his first. Your surgeon will be equally good!😛👍😷

Do what you know you can stick to. All diets work, but is it sustainable for you personally to stick to it long term? Keto is similiar to most bariatric plans just a heavy emphasis on fats so adding in fats. But i will say lately i’ve seen lots of keto people on instagram go on “carb feasts” for a few days and then go back to keto again to lose it which to me doesn’t make sense. It’s continuing the yoyo diet. Find whatever balance works for you as long as you’re getting the necessary amounts of protein per day.

well I am out sitting on my side porch. Ordered. some items from Bariatric Pal store Monday. Should have been delivered Wednesday, got a text from them stating it was in my town and the USPS postal person would be bringing it. Oh Goody Goody, I think, then I get a text stating they needed a signature and I wasn't home. WRONG' the front porch, where my mailbox is, right next to my bedroom window, would have heard them, and although I have 2 more porches my house is small enough I can hear knocks there also. So tried to track this thing down, BPS stated We sent it, why didn't You want it? Oh I do want it, please help me find where it is. Called the number off of Google, national number for USPS, says you have reached the Customer Service # no live person , went into 3 minute dissertation about the Carolinas🌲🌴 and how water-logged the Post Offices are there. Hey, I am sorry for them, been praying for them ever since it first happened but hardly responsive to my problem. Never a sign of a live person! So dug around the house and found an old phone book, which I hadn't recycled yet. Glory Be, a local phone number for the postmaster! Started calling, and kept on until I had to go to a doctor's appointment. Have a theory on this one, yes they have a number, either shut it off or leave it off the hook, only use it to call out, don't want incoming. Never got anything but busy signal. So here I sit, on my side step, attractively clad in an Ohio State sweatshirt and a long tie dyed skirt, remember I'm 3 weeks post surgery, Levi 501s and I have not renewed our friendship, zippers on my sore site scars , dont think so. Somewhere between 9AM and 10 AM they should be here. And it's maybe 55 degrees, if I get sick or develop bladder spasms, can I sue the government? No? Well it was a nice thought in passing!💇 FYI the stuff from Bariatric Pal store is very nice, been enjoying the small amounts I ordered before, this is a BIGGER order.My only gripe, it is horrid getting the order placed, maybe because I am older and crabbier than most, but taking a hour to complete it? Somethin' wrong there, Lucy,Ricardo! So if I don't freeze to death maybe the box and I will get together?😦🎁😋

My bariatric surgery people gave me some Premier Protein clear in a fruit punch flavors Gosh it is Trong and sweet, cut it Down to 1/3. 1/3 Minute Maid 15 fruit punch and 1/3 bottled water. Made something good to sip on and still plenty strong.

I ordered some Genpro from Bariatric Pal store, to add extra to things. Bari- bud has used it, so. I ordered on her recommendation. Had also considered Body Fortress from Wal-Mart, one of the Guy Bari- buds liked it a lot.😋

Most of us have had weight gain after goal. Getting back on track can be done. Believe in yourself. Time to clean out the house of crap food choices. Go grocery shopping for your weight loss phase food plan. For some, a reset gets them back into the weight loss mindset. For others it's too restrictive to go back to liquid soft food stage. You will get the same results going back to bariatric basic food stage. Whole foods that are more satisfying. Log and weigh your food. Hydrate Activity You have done this before you can do it again. It's finding the old discipline you had at the beginning of your surgery. The food holidays are here. Make a goal to get past them and ring in the new year at a lower weight. It's not easy to detox and get back to healthy habits. Its work. You will feel crappy for a few weeks. If you are consistent you will see results.

Put everything you think is causing the gain straight in the trash and search for bariatric alternatives. There are so many ways to substitute what you want for what you can have. Especially here in the BariatricPal store. A cleaner diet will help the most, but keep I'm mind there is a regain factor that is nearly unavoidable, you do however get a say in how much that is based on what you do next. Safe journey!

Alright ya'll. My new ones are.... I'm 2 weeks pre op and offer incorrect or ridiculous advice.... Also, My program gives the only information or the only way that is correct to lose weight with bariatric sugery.

Hey bariatric babes! I bet you're all doing fab! Weightloss has slowed for sure but look how far we've all come! This time last year I was 300lbs. Today I'm 150. I'm 10lbs from goal and hoping to be there for Xmas. I never thought this was possible. Yes, there's been bumps in the road, I've fucked up a few times but this has been an exciting journey so far! No regrets xx

Sorry for the delay in response, I used to be able to hit quote on cell phone and just respond and now I can't and I must log in each time then thread through the messages, ugh...anywho, back to your question... So it's MUCH easier than I thought! 1 Scoop Gen Pro in Green Smoothie or Coffee = 30g protein! If you use Soy Milk in your smoothie that's an EXTRA 7g protein so 37g just in the morning. Then I like me a solid protien suppliment. So like a PureProtein Silky chocolate Bar (which totally feels like a desert treat to me) is another 21g Protein so that right there is 58g protein. I usually keep it in my purse when going out or shopping and in stressful situations (such as the British festival in Central Market yesterday where they had my favorite Chocolate covered Shortbread cookies available to SAMPLE!!!), I take a bite to take the edge of.f Add a NeuroProtein Water for 10 more G and you are at 68 g for the day! Now if you do even 1 shake like Premier, you are at 98g protein!!! but I don't always go that route. I will do humus or a Crunchy Protein Chip snack for extra 10 - 15 g protein Sometimes for snack I'll have 5 Whole Wheat Crackers and 5 Cashews = A couple more protein grams here and there. Then there are protein substitutes, like Meatless Meatballs, Meatless Crabcake balls, etc that are packed with protein and are a quick cook! So most days I wind up with well over 80g protein! Like they other day I had 106 protein, 58 Net Carbs and 820calories, with 23 sugars (but all the good kind). The fiber in the fruits and veggies helps drive down my Net Carbs, cuz you can subtract those back out. But the most important part of this is that I feel like I'm nourishing my body. I mean yeah the docs would like you to be All Protein, NO Sugar etc etc, but is that sustainable? Is that good for you? And also, Megan, you are loosing weight wonderfully!!! OMG you are doing great, so I would not stress about the exact mix. For me, it's less about loosing weight and more about GAINING health and vitality, and loving and respecting my body enough to nourish and take care of it. The weight loss is a natural byproduct of that. Since yesterday another pound rolled off, but not through food punishment and starvation and a negative relationship with food that has plagued me all my life, but a vibrant positive attitude towards eating coupled with enjoying every morsel of what I eat. I am using Baritastic to track stuff...I don't particularly like tracking. You're a slave to the scale, a slave to the app (I know it's good for accountability etc), but once I am cleared for all foods...which, at this point, I'm at 5 weeks and like I said, I've kinda been doing my own research and carving out a healthy plan I can adhere to, the idea will be to ditch the incessant tracking, weighing, stressing and obsessing, and learn to listen to my body with love and compassion. I know it sounds corny, BUT...this being my 3rd rodeo and all, I know that at first, you are all into the numbers, the digits, the macro nutrients etc etc, and you can really burn yourself out on that and become sick of it, which can derail you and lead to weight gain in the end. No Bueno! A good plan is one you can stick to long term. I also know I don't want to wind up deficient and sick. Like after my Sleeve, I wounded up so Anemic and raggedy and tired, I was going in every 3 weeks for Iron infusions. Sitting there with my Elective mess along with other patients who where there for bonafide serious stuff like Chemo. I was feeling, unhealthy and demoralized. Like I had gotten the whole food thing wrong. A horrible place to be mentally and physically. Anywho, hope this helps. It's just my advice, and of course I'm not a doctor or anything. BUT I also know that I cannot fully trust a doctor or surgeon etc with MY health. The medical system is too disjointed! I cannot trust my OB completely, to them I'm just a Uterus, I cannot trust my Bariatric Surgeon competly, to him my success lies in the Scale numbrer and my health is so much more than a number etc. So all this to say I am a firm believer in you being an informed patient that listens not only to others but to what your body is trying to tell you as well

My suggestion to you is to read and research as much as you can online. Find a bariatric center in your area with a reputable surgeon and speak to them. For me personally, I did my research for about 2 months online before I ever consulted a physician. When I did, I knew what questions I wanted to ask and didn't go in there with the mindset that I would have surgery, I wanted the guided non surgical weight loss, but I did go through the process as if I was going for WLS so that when the time came to make a decision everything would be done no matter what I decided. Ultimately I opted for WLS because the diet and exercise weren't enough and my medical conditions were stacked against me. This is your journey, research and ask questions...Only you can decide if this is the right decision for you

I was told by my surgeon (who trains other surgeons to do bariatric procedures) that one can develop GERD and or acid reflux post-sleeve despite no current history. I have no history of reflux but I was afraid that with a sleeve, I might develop GERD since it's possible. Talk about an unwelcome side benefit! GERD, however, was not my main aversion to the sleeve... but it was certainly near the top of my list. As for having my insides rejiggered, I was more comfortable knowing that nothing would be permanently removed from my body. What if too much of my stomach was removed? I am three-months post-op. I have never experienced what is referred to as "dumping syndrome". I don't struggle with hunger either. The downside for me is that I have no appetite, but I'm hoping that will change. I need the protein and the calories. I'm glad that you feel confident with your decision since you are the one who will be living in your body. No one can or should make this decision for you. Others can give their (often unsolicited ) advice, which in my case and I'm sure in Matt's case, is offered in good faith. The number of people on this board who are happy with their decision to have a sleeve seem to greatly outnumber those who ended up regretting their choice or who upgraded to a bypass. I hope you will be one of the happy majority. I look forward to your post-op visits. But in the meantime, HEY INSURANCE COMPANY! GET ON THE BALL. TEENYSHELL IS WAITING TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!

I don’t want to tell my parents about my surgery. I have battled with my weight since middle school. My parents had me in weight watchers at the age of 12, had me stand on the scale if they thought I was gaining weight, and do, earnestly, worry about my health. The only time I was successful with weight loss was when I was a bulimic, and that’s just sad for me. I have finally found a doctor who felt that I would benefit from bariatric surgery and I’ve already decided, pending all approvals, that I will have the gastric sleeve surgery. I’m going to my 2nd nutritionist appointment in a couple of weeks. My fiancé is accepting of my decision and respects that I don’t want my parents to know. However, with all this said, I feel like I’m hiding or lying to them. I have hypertension and I get very snippy with them when they bring up my health because I KNOW that I’m working towards gaining a strong tool to help me lose weight; but they think I just eat too much or don’t exercise enough. I’m an adult, but I do want my family to know in case something were to happen to me, or if something happens post-op... but I truly, honestly, down to my core don’t feel like they will accept it, try to talk me out of it, harp on it, judge me, be upset with me, feel I didn’t try hard enough (and then point out specifics), and so on. I come from a family of naturally thin people and I’m really the only one with a weight problem... I don’t want to lie to them or avoid them post-op either... so after all this: has anyone had any experience or luck with this type of thing? Any support that has helped you through a situation like this? Sorry for the long post; I think I just needed to get that all off my chest too

Thank you all again for your replies. My initial consult with my surgeon was in May of 2017, so I gave it 15+ months of consideration before making my decision. I have a severe fear of vomiting, so just making the decision to have ANY bariatric surgery was very tough for me to make (otherwise, I would've opted for this surgery years ago). I'm not fond of the idea of bypassing the intestines...I would rather have part of the stomach removed than have it re-sectioned. The risks of vomiting and dumping syndrome are much greater with the RNY, so for me, that is just not even an option. Obviously, I know the probability is still there with the VSG, but it's much less likely. As far as GERD and acid reflux, I do not currently suffer from any such issues. I have also completed the Upper GI and there were no abnormal findings. At the end of the day, this is a very personal decision that should be made by the patient themselves. Given the relationship I have with my surgeon and the level of trust I have in his expertise along with knowing what I'm comfortable with, at the end of the day I am confident in my decision to have Gastric Sleeve.

I see, I didn't know that about the IUD. Also, I apologize, I misunderstood your first post, I thought your flow increased since surgery. I ended up going to see a blood specialist about my iron levels, because my bariatric team wasn't equipped to help me level out my iron. That would be my next suggestion.

I was thinking the same thing, Matt. Not sure what was meant by not being comfortable with what the RNY entails... This morning I literally met a woman in the lobby of the hospital where I had my bypass who was there to meet with a bariatric surgeon to discuss getting a bypass. Apparently, her sleeve turned out to be nothing she had hoped it would be. Reflux, weight gain. She expressed regret (to me) that she didn't get the bypass from the beginning and was upset that her surgeon hadn't steered her in that direction. I know I'll always be grateful to my surgeon for persuading me to get the bypass even though I thought the sleeve was what I needed (based on what I had read at the time). This was before I joined this board. I doubt I would have ever considered the sleeve if I had joined several months prior.

Some family doctors are not supportive of bariatrics. If that is the case you can always find another one who is. Congrats on getting the process started!

Had Chicken Won Ton soup the other evening, of course couldn't eat the Won Ton, but the broth was so rich and tasty! Maybe when I am cleared for Eggs--- Egg Drop soup ? And my current favorite China Buffet soup- Hot Sour Soup. How Bariatric friendly is that? My local place does not use celery in their formulation although some do. A very good BariBud Ellie123 says I would like like Thai Lemongrass, she's been right about many other things. I am getting antsy to get off bone broths although they are good and sort of nice bases.🍝

Hello All, I am checking in to see how everyone is doing. I was sleeved from a band on February 26th, 2018. I am so thrilled with the results. I went through what most people described here as 3 month stalls, 5 month stalls, 6 month stalls, Than I start loosing again. I have to say this tool is now really starting to be powerful. A lot of my old habits are slipping away, especially my compulsiveness with food. Would love to hear about good bad and the ugly. Anyone out there with a lap band still in and struggling with throwing up on a regular basis and minimal weight loss, talk to your Dr. I found a new practice and it was done in one surgery. I regret going on as long as I did with my lap band not working, and so afraid that I would fail again like so many times before. I can honestly say, I am not failing at gastric sleeve bariatric surgery. This is what I had hoped my sleeve would do. anyone out there considering a revision and needs to ask questions please ask. Dawn Marie

Great article, thanks for sharing, its good see a good news story about bariatric options. Well done on the weight loss you are looking wonderful!

Well I just ordered my 2nd order from Bariatric Pal store. First time was 2 days, everything nicely packed, arrived in perfect condition. And I 💓the meltable B12, ordered another months worth. I have a horrid time ordering, I AM NOT A CHILD OF THE ELECTRONIC AGE,i am bicycles and tape recorders and knock knock jokes and almost everybody kept their clothes on. But between Monica, the sales professional at Bariatric Pal Store, my long-suffering Son and myself, we got her done and now I am getting updates on my email. It is working its way out of New York State, maybe Pennsylvania, wide state but I'm betting Wefnesday, Thursday it will be here! LIKE CHRISTMAS AND MY BIRTHDAY IN SEPTEMBER!🍁😝🎉🎊💰

You should just move on from the whole Insurance issue and seek out financing that is specific to plastic surgery. Start looking at options that are offered on this site like bariatric pal mx. It seems like so many people have had WLS and the plastics done in Mexico that it is just as viable an option as getting it done here in the U.S. at a much lower price. Good luck!

Advil is a NSAID, NSAID's increase your risk for gastric ulcers. With your smaller stomach, the NSAID itself stays in the stomach longer and increases that risk. Most bariatric surgeons advise against use of NSAIDs in sleeved and bypass patients. But, every surgeon is different and has different post-operative advice. So, double-check with your surgeon. Other NSAIDs: aspirin, naproxen (Aleve)

Thank you Missourie-Lee's Summit. This is good information and in-line with my personal experience. I have more GERD symptoms after lying down and I have had to change my dietary habits to combat GERD, but it's much more manageable than it was with the lapband. Besides, making dietary changes isn't much of a hardship when you're already making so many to adjust to the bariatric surgery.

* UPDATE! I ended up going with Dr. Jalil Illan Fraijo @ Bariatric Pal MX Best choice I could have ever done! 6 weeks out VSG