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I personally did not find that any of the three nutritionists I consulted with offered anything I didn't already know. They were mostly coming at the consultations from a background of consulting with diabetic patients. Although one was more intelligent than the other two, I didn't think they were very well prepared to work with bariatric patients. The best nutritional advice I've received has been from my surgeon's physician's assistant who is extremely well educated about all things bariatric. Her best advice was not to eat so little during the weight-losing phases that I wound up having to eat very little to maintain my weight long-term. She was right -- I now average 1,800 calories/day to maintain my weight of 135 pounds. Ultimately, you have to learn a LOT about nutrition (macronutrients, calories, Vitamins and minerals, trace elements, etc. to learn how to feed yourself. For me, this has been one of the best things I've done to sustain my health long-term.

You're certainly welcome! Folks often become concerned when they read or hear horror stories following surgery. There are risks and there are no guarantees. But I always try to remind everyone that there are approximately 200,000 bariatric surgeries performed every year in the U.S. alone. If you personally heard or read 2,000 horror stories, that would be one percent of the surgeries performed in a single year. The major complication rate (usually defined as requiring re-hospitalization) for gastric bypass is now less than four percent according to a study done by Cleveland Clinic and published day before yesterday. The minor complication rate is less than 15%. And the death rate as the result of surgery is less than one-tenth of one percent. Consider that in conjunction with the other benefits of the surgery outlined in the same study: 40% reduced risk of heart attack over a ten year period 42% reduced risk of stroke over a ten year period 18% drop in the five year risk of death from cardiovascular disease 45% drop in the risk of developing moderate to severe kidney disease over five years 47% drop in the risk of developing circulatory and other complications including diabetic retinopathy (diabetes induced blindness) On average patients lost 60% of their excess weight and had a 61% remission of diabetes The overall risk of developing coronary heart disease, stroke or peripheral vascular disease within the next 10 years dropped 27%. All of this research was presented in Atlanta, GA at the 30th Annual Meeting for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) during Obesity Week 2013. http://www.newswise.com/articles/new-cleveland-clinic-study-shows-risk-of-heart-attack-stroke-among-diabetes-patients-significantly-lower-after-gastric-bypass Bottom line - the odds of having a life-changing, successful surgery are overwhelmingly in your favor. And the weight loss is just one of a very long list of benefits.

Your pre-op preparation will almost certainly include a consultation with the surgeon. It can be in person as part of a pre-op exam or a stand-alone appointment. It could be a video chat if you are planning to travel to Mexico or another country, or even another region, for your surgery, or if you are still interviewing surgeons and have multiple consultations scheduled. Whatever the case, this appointment can give you valuable information that can help you with weight loss surgery success. Get the most out of your time with the surgeon and be sure you are choosing the right one for you by being prepared. Here is a list of questions to bring to your appointment. What are your average results? You want a competent surgeon, and a quick way to evaluate one is on results. Ask what the surgeon’s patients’ average weight loss is after 1 year, 5 years, and even 10 years (if possible) after the procedure, and compare that to national averages. Also ask about complications and feel free to be specific, such asking what the chances of infections or strictures. Make sure you ask how many patients the surgeon is considering in these averages; you want a seasoned surgeon. What kind of surgery do you recommend for me, and why? Ask your surgeon this question whether or not you have a specific type of surgery in mind. If you have one type of surgery in mind and your surgeon recommends a different one, ask why? There may be health benefits, safety risks, or lifestyle factors that you had not considered. However, some surgeons used to doing one particular kind of surgery and recommend it simply because they are more experienced at it. You want to be sure you and your surgeon can come to an agreement on which type of surgery is safest and likely most effective for you. You want to have a surgeon who is experienced with your type of surgery, and who also offers it to you because it is the best one for you. The decision should take into consideration factors such as: Amount of weight to lose. Reason(s) why you have had trouble losing weight in the past. Current health issues and concerns. What does your nutritional support include? The nutritional support that surgeons offer varies greatly. Some surgeons may hand you nothing more than a pre-op meal plan and post-op guidelines, while others may provide comprehensive support for months or over a year post-op. These are some aspects to ask about. Regularly scheduled appointments with a nutritionist or dietitian. Access to a nutritionist or dietitian when you have questions. Food lists and meal plans for each stage of the pre-op and post-op diets. Suggestions for helpful products, such as protein shakes and bariatric vitamins. How your nutrient levels will be monitored to prevent deficiency. You need to know what you are getting into before committing to surgery with that surgeon. Consider your own needs and preferences, too; some patients enjoy the freedom of a minimal meal plan so they can do their own research, while others do better with more support and less wiggle room. Can you describe your aftercare program aside from nutritional support? Research shows that increased support after weight loss surgery leads to better weight loss. Ask your surgeon about factors such as: Assistance starting and maintaining a safe exercise program. Routine psychological help plus what happens if you face common problems such as depression or replacement addictions. Support group meeting opportunities and requirements. What to do if you have a problem – whom to contact. Weight loss surgery is a whole new game. Your post-op success will depend on planning, and you can get started now. Maximize your time with the surgeon and get the answers you need during your consultation.

Hello everyone, I'm new to this website and just in the investigation stage -- Thank you for your positive thoughts and advice. I am 60 years old and have battled with my weight all my life. I have contacted my insurance (and they do cover lap band surgery) and have contacted the local bariatric surgical clinic (which has mandatory meetings with other surgery patients, psycologist, nutritionist, etc.). I looked into this surgery about 2 years ago but "chickened" out and said I could lose weight by myself -- NOT!! I recently became a grandma and have a reason to make myself healthier. I am now ready to make the commitment and take care of myself

Jcollins You will be fine. Remember to read and refer often to your bariatric manual and follow your physicians specific instructions. We have to study now while we can eat very little so we will have it all down pat when we can eat. We need to eat slowly over 30 min. Then we will feel the compression of the sleeve. Sip sip sip all day to get your fluids and protein in. They will help you feel good by keeping you hydrated, helping you heal, and prevent you from having a large though temporary hair loss.

I can't believe I'm even writing this. I had heard great things about Dr. Arif Ahmad and Long Island Laparoscopic but after my various interactions with the office, medical staff and the group meeting, I'm seriously considering looking elsewhere. My initial consultation went wonderfully, I felt comfortable and excited for the next step. Then...the other shoe dropped. I scheduled my first battery of tests (blood work, pulmonary, ultrasound, nutrition and psych evaluation) and off the bat something was wrong. I'd speak to one receptionist/scheduler who would tell me my insurance won't allow me to do everything on the same day so she schedules the tests on various days - then I got a call from someone else who asked why I did it this way and when I said someone in the office had told me to do it that way she said "oh, don't listen to her...she doesn't know anything". I scheduled everything for 10:45am (I had planned other things later in the day), I got a call 3 days prior and was asked to come in at 12:15pm as they had a scheduling issue (I rescheduled the rest of my day). I then show up at 12:15pm and was told everyone had been waiting on me! They rush me into the room for blood work, then into another room for the ultrasound then a 3rd room for a pulmonary test. I'm then told due to a scheduling error (again) I have an hour and a half until my next appointment. The nutritionist, bless her, was a fresh faced college grad who clearly had never struggled with food or weight and spent 20 minutes telling me about sugar free Jell-O. I was then rushed into a meeting with the psychologist (who is not a psychologist but a licensed master social worker - not the same). She spent, at max, 30 minutes with me (10 of which were telling me it's her birthday and then she was fielding calls from her mother) asking if I've ever been suicidal, what diets have I tried and have I decided who is going to drive me home from surgery. I was disheartened and confused -- I have friends who had the surgery with other doctors and who had wonderful pre surgical experiences, that's what I was hoping for. But, I thought "hey, you've already spent the $250 program fee and you have the group meeting tomorrow...it could turn around!". I just left the "support group" and I'm completely disappointed. The "meeting" started with a 30 minute sales pitch from a Bariatric Advantage salesman. We were then "discussed" surgery...by discussed I mean we sat around in a circle, introduced ourselves and talked about how we can't drink after surgery. WHAT? I didn't come here for AA, I came to ask questions and be informed. The "group meeting" was again run by stick thin dietitians, not people who have gone through surgery and could give first hand experiences. Bottom line...I don't feel comfortable. I don't think this is a competent group of people and I don't want to put my life and future into the hands of a bunch of halfwits. I run a business and had been conducting my meetings/schedules (I perform wedding ceremonies) based on the idea that I'd be having surgery in the middle of July, now I have no idea if that's possible and I could have potentially lost hundreds of dollars from clients. Has anyone switched surgeons? Is anyone familiar with Dr. Arif Ahmad? I'm thinking of using Dr. Brathwaite at Winthrop - any tips?

Bariatric Advantage has a chewable multivitamin that reminds me of a starburst. This one didn't upset my stomach. https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/multivitamin_chewy_bite

I'm told that my port is attached on an "inferior" muscle and it "shifts" when the doctor attempts to put the needle in. Does anyone have this issue and what is done to make it easier to get fills? Do you know of Doctors with fluoroscopes in their office so I don't have to pay to go to a hospital? I live in the Houston area. My insurance will NOT pay for bariatric anything.

I also take a capsule for B complex and Centrum chewable multiple. Love the Bariatric Advantage lemon chewable calcium!

Dr recommended either one of the bariatric blends or Centrum chewables. I take the Centrum & Calcium chewables. I get them from CVS when they have a bogo. I chew them up at the same time and the taste of calcium cut the vitamin taste so not to bad. My Dr said no gummies.

I just had a fantastic experience at Mexicali Bariatric Centre at the Hospital Almater. I posted about it in the Mexico forum. I can re-post it below. I certainly have no issues with my experience there at all

You need to see a doctor; one that has some kind of experience with bariatric surgery. It's impossible for anyone here to tell you what's wrong, but clearly something is wrong.

Will the Davis Clinic see you? They do bariatrics exclusively. If they won't, ask if there is someone they could refer you to.

My best friend is an ER nurse and works in a hospital where the main doctor is a bariatric surgeon, so she sees the complications that can happen. When I was researching WLS initially, I kept everything on the down low because I had similar feelings to the OP. Then I had some major health complications, including pneumonia and pulmonary embolisms that put me in the hospital three times in two months. My regular doctors told me that if I didn't lose at least 100 pounds in a hurry, I wouldn't live another year. I didn't like the WLS doctors I was researching and finally asked my RN friend about whether she though WLS was right for me, and she immediately recommend the doctor that she worked with, Dr Domkowski. I was sold from the first seminar I attended with him. For me, WLS was the right choice. I had all the same doubts and fears that it wouldn't work for me, or that WLS was somehow cheating. But, 19 months later, 120 pounds lighter, I DON'T CARE if WLS is cheating. I just care that I have a new, improved life and my health prognosis is once again normal. I still have more weight to lose, but I'm not in the red flag danger zone I was living in before. Thank God, Dr. Domkowski and whomever invented WLS! Your family needs to be supportive, or at least keep their mouths shut. Would they rather you wait until you're in the position I was in pre-sleeve? I applaud you for making a life-changing decision for yourself and for your ability to be resolute in the face of their disapproval. But, when it comes down to it, YOU are the person in charge of making decisions for your life. Their opinion is just that, their opinion. You are the person who has to live with the consequences and you are the one who gets to make the choices based on your own research. Oh, and as for having children, Tiffykins has two of the most adorable littles you'll ever see. Both were conceived and born after her sleeve...and she's been able to get back down to her goal weight fairly quickly, even after having two babies in quick succession. It is possible to have healthy children without sacrificing your own health after the sleeve. BTW, I apologize that I cannot seem to make paragraph breaks in my posts here lately.

I am on day 8 pre op diet . I am having 3 protein drinks, using a lemonade flavor I bought at bariatric choice.com. I also can have 1 lean cuisine a day until days 12 &13 then just liquids. I have lost 8 pounds so far, hoping for at least 12. My surgery has been moved up a day due to having to change hospital because of insurance coverage! UGH! No problems with stools yet, hope it stays like that! Good luck to you!

Hello everyone and Happy New Year. I have the NewYears Blahs! Trying to get over them. I have been eating poorly which is really what I think is making my mood bad. I did get on the bike and rode 6 miles this morning! Have a good day. And Welcome New comers. Troy if you don't want to go out of the US click onto the NewHope Bariatrics banner and see if one of there locations is possible.

And I stand by my post. 22 years old is old enough to make an informed choice. 16 years old is old enough to have valid experience. Lap bands and gastric sleeves and other forms of bariatric surgery have valid complications; in erieli's case they could last a lifetime. On the other hand, if she works it right, she could be one of the marvelous success stories here. Reassurance will have nothing to do with either result.

Some people just don't take to change well. They like it the way it's aways been and when that dynamic is threatened they rebel and repel. Those who are large, seem to be definitely envious, especially those whose insurance won't cover the surgery. They want soooo much to be in your shoes, or for you guys to buddy in the weight loss... but change is happening. It's very difficult for some to be happy for others when the change is that dramatic. Like in divorce... those who used to be friends with the married couple are not split over whom to associate with... no matter how long the friendship. In weight change friendships... many people feel powerful when they believe they one-up someone else by their looks. As if suddenly, that power will either evaporate, or change, or even be transferred. That powerful one, if he/she doesn't know how to deal with that change, will live a life of resentment and that friendship may be doomed. I lost several what I thought were close friends when I started gaining weight. I lost a friend (she and I were pregnant together) and she lost her child. Though we remained somewhat friends during her next pregnancy, she ended up saying something about mine that cut through me like a knife... I asked her to clarify what she meant and she meant what she said and the friendship was over. So, I decided not to tell any of my friends. I'll just say I'm on Atkins or something and that will be that. If for any reason surgery pops-up, I can confidently say, "Of course I didn't have Gastric Bypass Surgery, that's wayyyy too radical for me." No one things of banding first! I could even say that I decided to go to a Nutritionist who put me on a diet, and I joined a gym. I'm not in the mood to be teased or to test their friendships. Maybe I'll come clean in 2 to 3 years, maybe I won't. As for banding surgery being "cheating to lose weight", HA, they don't know. They don't have a clue. Heck, I didn't have a clue and I thought I researched it thoroughly. Good luck everyone and I hope your friendships survive and become renewed. If you need a friend in Pennsylvania, I'm in South Central. Would love to hear from anyone in Maryland, too. Maybe we can be new buddies?

Since being banded back in December, about 80 percent of my weight loss thus far has been without real restriction. It makes it that much more important to make smart food choices and increase activity levels until you find good restriction. I've copied the link to a nice website that offers great meal ideas for various post-op stages. BariatricEating.com Health & Nutrition - Bariatric recipes But now that you are so newly banded, take it easy and focus on healing. The battle for restriction takes many different forms w/everyone. I had a fill on Thursday and asked for a little extra juice and now I regret it. As frustrating as it is to be too loose, too tight can be down right painful. Best, Lauren

It's funny how I used to avoid the weight scale at all costs, now I can't stay off it. Sleeved April 8 2013, down 53 lbs. A fellow bariatric surgery friend bought me a pair of size 10 jeans for my birthday and they bloody well fit me. What a fantastic birthday gift!

I can totally relate to being a college student! I had my surgery right after I began college for the first time at age 59 and achieved double degrees in Gerontology and Nutrition in 2013! We all have to examine how badly we really want to change our eating habits so that we can enjoy good health and the best quality of life for the rest of our lives. "Life" and its many stressors are always going to be getting in the way--we each have to find our new coping skills. Sure, it's a lot of work and a whole lot of planning. On days when I had a 7am class and knew I also had a 7pm class and wasn't going to be home at any time at all in between, it took a lot of planning to make all of my meals and Snacks for the day to carry with me, but it was important for me that I remain true to my bariatric program. That is a decision only YOU can make. There is always a way if you choose to find one. An old work colleague of mine very early on in my career who became a very respected mentor of mine once said, "People always MAKE TIME for the things they really want to do." I think of that so often when I find myself telling me it's hard, or I can't, or I don't want to do something. For the other posters asking which particular month you start getting more of an appetite back--it doesn't really matter whether it's right after surgery, or month 1, or 4, or 5, or 6, or ?, or never. There is no magic month. What matters is that at every step of your new eating lifestyle, from the day you leave the hospital, you are feeding your body the nutrition it needs. That means when you start eating regular food, it's lean Protein and fresh fruits & veggies, and not the packaged, processed stuff. It's all so overwhelming at the beginning (and for me, frankly, it continued to be for more than a year). The rewards far outweigh the challenges. Most of us have lived lifetimes of crazy unhealthy eating habits that don't just "go away" over night. It takes work and determination, but we have a great tool in the sleeve that we have never had before. We just really have to grasp that IT doesn't do the WORK--WE DO!!! Keep up the good work everyone!

Well I've made the last step in competing my team for Bariatric Surgery Support and that's reaching out to other people going through same struggle. This is hard for me because I'm so used to doing things on my own. But it's past time to start taking care of me. Just wanted to come in and say 👋 Hello, look around, and get a feel for the forum. I wish all of you the best on your journeys.

I would suggest reading everything you can, so you can make an informed decision. Obesityhelp.com describes all the different procedure, including Lapband, and there is a book called The Lapband Solution, and another called The Lapband Companion. Both books are available on Amazon.com and are full of information. You don't give up real food forever. Check your insurance first and see if it is covered. Some insurances (mine is Blue Choice) require one 6 month or two 3 month documented dietary weight loss attempts before they will approve you. Mine did and I spent the 6 months going to support groups (you meet people at all stages of pre and post op--good place to learn) buying sampler packs of chewable Vitamins and Calcium (both are required after surgery, as well as B12), and reading online. I have been coming here since November. My insurance criteria for surgery is BMI 40 or more (you can calculate this on obesityhelp.com) and 100 pounds overweight, or BMI 35-39 with one or more co-morbidities (diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint arthritis, sleep apnea, reflux). My BMI was 37-38 and I have everything on the list except diabetes. Most Bariatric groups require an informational seminar after which you have no obligation, but if you choose to have surgery the seminar is required as a first step. If you choose to continue, you will have a consultation with the surgeon, a psych evaluation, and once surgery is approved, a dietary consult on pre and post op food restrictions. I used the dietician for my 6 month diet as well. Different doctors do different things with pre-op diets. Some want a few days, some a few weeks, some a specific diet product, they are all different. My surgeon, if he thinks you may have a fatty liver, will put you on a full liquid diet for two weeks prior to surgery to shrink the liver, and somewhat to jump start your weight loss. I was on it for 3 weeks (I caught a cold and my surgery was postponed a week--not enough time to go off and back on, so I stayed an extra week--lost 25 more pounds after losing 10 on my 6 month diet). After surgery most people do liquids for 2 weeks, then "mushies" or pureed foods for 2 weeks, then solid food. My liquid diet included Protein drinks, milk, juice(diluted 50% with water), fat/sugar free Jello, fa/sugar free popsicles, broths, cream Soups, tea, coffee. The pureed stage I had applesauce, refried Beans, instant mashed potatoes, creamy egg or tuna salad, anything the consistency of apple sauce. Solid foods are a bit trial and error. Some foods will agree with you, others may not. For me bread gets too chewy and sits like a lump, but I can eat croutons on a salad. pizza (I love pizza) dough doesn't agree so much, so I invented a crustless pizza (sauce, turkey pepperoni, peppers, onions, fat free Kraft mozarella in a microwavable disk; heat for a couple minutes and you have the toppings without the dough). I did the same with meatballs (turkey meatballs, spaghetti sauce, parmesan cheese,heat in microwave--either meatball sub without the roll or spaghetti without the noodles). They told us not to have rice and Pasta for a while, but I don't think it is forever. I checked with the dietician and then went to a church spaghetti dinner. I cut up my spaghetti and meatballs like you would for a kid, ate the salad, passed on the roll and dessert. And for drinking, you wait about a half hour to eat after drinking, do not drink with meals, and wait 45 minutes to an hour after a meal to drink. So yes, the way you eat will change, and some of the things you eat will change. The amount of whatever you eat will definitely change, but it is worth it. I have lost an additional 35 lbs since surgery and gone down two clothing sizes for work (I wear scrubs--down from 2x to large). I am hoping also to reduce or eliminate some of the meds I am on. Sorry to run on but there is a lot to know. Check your insurance, talk to your PCP, go to the seminar and support groups, and then decide if this is the way you want to go.

Try bariatric foodie, emilybites or the world according to egg face. I can't eat much yet, but they have great ideas!

No, I've lost 43.4lbs in the past 2.5 months (post-op). The other 78.3lbs were lost in the 5 months pre-surgery when I first joined my bariatric program. That total is for the entire journey. Your pace is pretty much perfect!