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I am a July 2017 sleever. My goal weight was 140 lbs, and by June I was 144, which sometimes goes up to 145. So I didn’t get down to it. But I eat a nice amount in a day, I’m never hungry (except right before I eat of course), I have my little snacks which I don’t need to feel ashamed of, as their macros and calories fit in with a healthy diet. So my weight loss counselor told me as she graduated me, that I don’t need to worry about the numbers of the scale any more. I still feel I have too much fat and skin in the lower half of the body. I do plan on surgery to help with some of the trouble spots and skin. And I work out now, I FINALLY believe all those thin people who used to say they loved working out. Didn’t you also think they were lying? Lol. Now I am one of them. I still can’t believe it. I don’t overdo it but I like to do some kind of workout or exercise at least once a day, even if it’s just stretching for 20 mins some days. The surgery was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Which I did more for my kids than for me, because my blood pressure was getting so bad and I wanted them to have a mother for a long time. But it ended up giving me a new lease on life. I did not lose 100 lbs in 6 months. It took me a whole year to lose 60 little pounds. But that is pretty much what I needed to lose. I could go down 10 lbs but maybe I will after body shaping, skin removing surgery, and maybe I won’t. My face and arms and chest are pretty small and I am not sure I want them any narrower. At my age it just makes you look old. I thought losing so slowly would mean I wouldn’t lose my hair. I was wrong. I lost about 75% of it by last November and by January I was getting vitamin and mineral IVs and extensions in my meager hair (which looked very post chemo). Still have the extensions and also a ton of 2-3 inch new hair growing back in. Whew. My advice to anyone starting out would be to take full advantage of your surgery recovery period when you cannot est normally, and DROP ALL SWEET FOODS PERIOD. Go very low carb, and make your carbs be fibrous veggies and seeds etc. Avoid sweet tastes. Many Bariatric products are full of sweeteners, keeping your palate and gut bugs preferring sweet tastes. Avoid them. Seek the salty tasty ones. Use unsweetened, unflavored protein powders. My doctor’s Nutritionist told us to avoid fruit for 6 months. I did. Thereafter, only 1/2 c berries or less a day. You don’t ever need fruit while you are losing weight. It’s a great opportunity to reset your diet. The gut bugs who love sugar will die out and they are the ones who give you that craving. Take advantage. Another diet thing I learned from keeping meticulous track of what I ate was that 50% of my diet was fat. Healthy fat. And I continued to slowly lose the weight, almost daily, by eating the meats, eggs, dairy, and butter that I ate. All from healthy, Grass fed, pastured animals. Raw whole milk. A very clean healthy diet with a ton of fat. I just steadily kept losing. I’d heard fat doesn’t make you fat, but now I KNOW it. Good luck to all. One of these days I will post my before and after pics and measurements. Sorry such a novel here,

I use Bariatric Advantage multivitamins and Vit. D with calcium, and I have their chewable Iron/Vit. C. I get sublingual B12 at the grocery store. I like the taste of all of mine.

I was told I had a few choices, an unjury product, a bariatric advantage product, or the celebrate product. I'm taking the watermelon flavored vitamin by celebrate and it tastes bad. Not terrible, but definitely bad. I need to look into those fusions...I think they specified a gastric bypass specific one.

Can anyone recommend a trainer in the NYC area that is experienced with working with very obese bariatric patients? I want someone who is not fat phobic, and is comfortable around me, someone who is not judgemental and understands that I have to take it one step at a time because I am so fat and out of shape. I have an elliptical at home and I can only do 12 minutes on it, and I'm ashamed to say that I had to work up to that. When I started I could only do three minutes. Three. My surgeon wants me to start weight training as soon as I am cleared to do so after surgery but I feel like I need a few sessions with a trainer so I can learn to do it safely. I haven't worked out in twenty years. I'm embarrassed to say that, but it is what it is. Things have changed and I don't even know if I could figure out the newer equipment without guidance. Any advice? Thank you.

I am taking bariatric fusion chewables. They are mixed berry flavor. I haven’t had chewable vitamins since I was a kid but I don’t think they are too bad. I take 4 a day though.

Celebrate bariatric makes a chewable. Got them on Amazon Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I like the Bariatric Advantage chewables. I bought the calcium and vitamins, they are like Starburst chews and taste great!

1. Remember that Bariatric Pal is a business. If you appreciate the boards, throw Alex a bone and actually BUY something to support his business. It's a pain in the arse to run a board like this. Open your wallet once in a while...the products are awesome and it's the least you can do. 2. Don't stay too long. One day you're gonna come to this place and it's gonna be more negative than positive for you. In the beginning, it's a lifeline. By the time you've read the board for a year and seen the full cycle of repetition and mental health issues here.....it's not a lifeline anymore. It can become a kinda toxic habit. Part of recovery is leaving the hospital. Know when it's time to pack your bag and go! 3. Remember that intimacy moves at light speed on the internet....but real trust is nearly impossible until you take your relationship real world. Message board friendships are real friendships...but they're different. Don't expect more than what's realistic, and be careful out there! 4. Everyone is going to have their own recipe for and perception of success. Lotta ways up this mountain. Live and let live....you'll live longer. 5. No person on here is an expert in how to do this...for anyone but themselves. No one can save anyone else...and they shouldn't try. 6. If you're happy with your results, you're doing it right for you. 7. Never lose your sense of humor. If you can't laugh at this board...even when some dork is heckling you....you're taking it way to seriously. 8. "but the vets needs to staaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy!" No, they don't. Really...they don't. They have lives (we can hope!) and mentoring others is an unpaid job. And again, even your most successful vet....who is an expert at making this whole thing work for themselves.....does not know what is best for you. They don't. You do. Vets are people, too....some are awesome, some are toxic. Trust yourself. You can do this. 9. But there's so much contradictory information...what's the best way to go? That's up to you. And will be different for each of us. Keep trying. if something doesn't work, try something else. Just don't give up! 10. Wishing you all the very best. Adios!

Mine was 8899 and that includes everything except the psych evaluation which was $150. It even includes the hernia repair if needed. It’s with Bariatrix Florida and they are a center of excellence for Bariatric surgery.

I have my appointment with my bariatric team tomorrow (Monday, July 30). I'm planning to take along all of my vitamins, any recent lab reports (even though they probably have access to my labwork since they belong to the same health system as my hospital). I understand how to take my iron and calcium, but thank you for pointing that out. Thank you for the article. I see several flags for me in there. My diet is lacking in many respects. I am woefully dehydrated. Water is worse than liquid protein. Some days, I probably get fewer than 250 calories. It's embarrassing because I know better. I plan to be brutally honest with my doctor tomorrow.

And @ Missouri-Lee's Summit we all do have,our personal demons. I have,been on Bariatric Pal. since last winter, I sure have shared some of my demons and failings, but there are more, deeply submerged ones only my psychiatrists and psychologists might might be able to reach, and some no one will ever know! Like an onion I have many layers and only a few have been peeled off.

A somewhat related pet peeve of yours truly. If ONE MORE doctor's office asks me if I have had a hysterectomy, I WILL SCREAM! Bariatric Surgeon- okay Urologist/Nephrologist maybe okay Even PCP that I can condone But an Orthopaedic surgeon or an Otolaryntologist WTF do THEY have in mind? Maybe I had better not Hang Around and Find Out?😥💦😪

Dr Trace Curry' s Place! I've seen a lot of his Ads. Helping A Lot of Us Bari-Pals down there! Think he may now have a Branch in Columbus. I'm having mine September 5th 7AM at OSU with Dr Bradley J Needleman-- head honcho of Bariatric Medicine and Metabolic Weight Loss Management. Ms Frustr8 went for the GOLD!

Don't be a hero. If you have pain, speak up. Typically, pain meds for mild pain help most people. If your pain medication makes you feel unusually nauseous or "out-of-it", it's probably not the right med for you. Some pain meds are notorious for creating an upset stomach. Those containing codeine are often the culprits. Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed for needing pain medication. You won't become an "addict" for short-term use. For those of us, like me, who require heavy-duty narcotic pain meds every day for chronic pain (unrelated to my bariatric surgery), we understand how pain can affect our lives. Don't let pain ruin your recovery. This should be a time of healing and celebration. Being in pain or trying to convince yourself or others that you don't need a little something to get through this temporary time, is just deceiving yourself. Don't lie to yourself. You'll know when you know longer need help with the pain. Do a little research on pain meds. Talk to a pharmacist about pain medication options (over-the-counter and prescription-only). Talking to a pharmacist is a way to get solid information BEFORE talking to your doctor. I can't emphasize enough the differences between what pharmacists know and understand about medication vs. doctors. Talking to a pharmacist is free, they are non-judgmental, and are required to keep your conversations private.

I found a few links to help you get started. I would recommend searching under "strength training" / "weight training" / "resistance training" AND "bariatric surgery" on Google or another search engine. https://www.livestrong.com/article/373100-how-to-build-muscle-after-gastric-bypass/ https://renewbariatrics.com/weight-loss/exercise/strength-training/ A past discussion on this forum: It shouldn't matter that this is about a woman's journey. It's all good. https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/lyss-remaly-from-bariatric-surgery-to-bodybuilding.html

I have cardiac disease strongly in my family, before I got my cardiac clearance I had testing over a 3 week period. Like my BariBud BeeCat above I had all those, stress test , Holter Monitor etc. Did find a teensy anomoly, did not bar me from surgery but I will be on a every year check to make sure of no progression. And I gleaned a wonderful young female cardiologist in the deal. So it worked for the best. if I need more medication in the future, if I later require cardiac surgery, maybe 5-10% chance, she can and will take excellent care of me. Now I am 72 years old, yeah I know , not an usual age for major surgery let alone Bariatric surgery. But I am special, I am as healthy as a 45 year old, just trapped in a fat 72 year old shell. Peeves my PCP I have better test readings than he does and he isn't 50 yet. I told my Dr Needleman I would prefer an open rather than ending up as you did. These days 99,9% are laprascopic , so open is pretty rare. He leaned back in his rolling office chair, grinned and Said " Do you really want an 8-10 inch abdominal incision to have to heal?" I flipped up my 👕, and smiled back , I have an 6 inch right paramedian scar from 34 years ago when I lost my appendix and gall bladder. It lies just to the right of my navel, 3 inches above, 3 inches below. I smiled sweetly when I did it and he said " Okay, Okay, point taken. I'll keep that in mind!" His nurse told me later I had won THAT challenge. And Cardiology was only one of many. Began to think I should have had my good friend who will be my tattooist, put a representation of a legal tablet on the other side of my belly from the scar, that way each speciality could put their initials and date. And on September 5th At 7 AM EDT, Yes the first of that day, so if it takes more than 1.5 hours he will be in no rush, My REBIRTHDAY will come, my Wonder Wednesday when I become a " kangaroo" because like them I will have a little pouch. Scared, heck no! I drowned my fears in my tears long ago, now I yearn to start on my new improved life , use my surgical reconstruction for my benefit and live, baby, live!😝👍😷👍🌈

Yep! That is what I love most about them. They also came highly recommended by my bariatric team/nutritionist. I am required to use chewable for life since they are the most easily absorbed.

So welcome also @pugmom234. I know you said you're about the same age as Inc above here. @ J San may have seniority when it comes to surgery status but I guarantee there is NO ONE older than me active on BP, that's why I have appointed myself the Bariatric God/Grandmother. That said I must have been a case of arrested development because it took YEARS to decide to seek weight loss surgery. And now I am bravely marching forward toward an RnY bypass on September 5th. It will be 3 years in August since I started on this trek and my journey was not one you would wish to emulate. Many twists, many turns, roadblocks, quicksand of doubt, but Yippee Skippy it will be over very soon. With a pen name like yours you have got to be an animal lover, well I am owned by 2 female kittycats who allow me to live with them as long I provide enough food and adore them 23 hours of every day. I am allowed 1 hour a day total to go to the human litter box. And as you have noticed with your dogs each one has their own personality. Squeaky if she were human would be a cheerleader, bouncy, self-confident, she feels the whole world🌎loves and adores her, some days I think she needs kitty Ritalin. If you try reprimanding her, she looks over her shoulder like "Whatever" and resumes what you interupted. Now her sister Cassie, she would be class Secretary or a library aide. Much more subdued but extremely loyal, and when Squeaky isn't there to overshadow her, there is no one more loving. And the 2 of them complement different facets of my personality. Can you tell I am pussycat- whipped? Oh I admit it! If either of you have any questions please ask! I pride myself at being a pretty fair resource person but if I don't have an answer someone else on Bariatric Pal will. So Welcome again, please stay a long while, like mold we kinda grow on you!😝🌈😝❤

My surgery is on Wednesday, so I haven't experience this myself yet. But the other day at our bariatric support group there were a number of folks who were post-op who were describing how the weight is coming off somewhat unevenly. They were saying that they felt like melting snowmen, lol! As though the sun was only hitting the one side of them or something! There were many other folks who were post op who said that it usually evens out and is only noticeable to yourself probably. Best wishes to you! I am so excited for my surgery and will accept even lopsided weight loss.

I started my journey the last week in may/2018 saw the surgeon & bariatric coordinator June 1st at that time I gave them a date of 8/6. Friday I was placed on the surgery schedule. I am having the sleeve done and I am overly excited!

George, Good for you, but I will tell you that even with your positive attitude it will still be the most stress you have ever had, but there is life after divorce. Be strong, keep your good attitude, and take care of your son as she will not make it easy once she sees you are willing to leave her! Take it slow on the dating scene and do not rush into a relationship just because someone is attracted to you. I did that because my first wife had me so insecure about myself. You are correct in your summary that your wife does not like the new more confident you! When my marriage fell apart I was on a very high note with my career and she tried to tear me down at every opportunity. I also was losing weight with the success of my career and the renewed confidence and those things combined gave her insecurity and I saw real hatred directed at me. I also could not believe that someone I loved with all my heart could try to destroy me. In the end I had to find leave the relationship for my own good and you know that once I was free of her it felt like chains were taken off of me! Good luck and remember there is someone out there for everyone, just proceed slowly.

Thank you! I did forgot to mention that I was found to be pre-diabetic. My family has a history of diabetes too. Also, I am 20 I am also under my parents insurance in Puerto Rico. I did go to a bariatric surgeon over there but he said he wanted more documentation coming from a nutritionist (not 6 month, 1 year instead due to my age). Didn’t continue the process since I live in the U.S.

@courtb86 reach out to your Dr.s (bariatric surgeon and nutritionist) because they can give you tips and get you on a diet regiment specifically for you and baby as a bariatric patient. Along with food, drink and vitamin supplements, you should be fine. There are other moms out there that are in the same boat as you!

There's a reason they tell you to wait 18 months after surgery to get pregnant. Pregnancies before a year post op are high risk pregnancy and you should consult your team immediately. Also, pregnancy too soon after surgery carries extra risks for the baby...neural tube defects are more common in pregnancies of women who get pregnant too soon after bariatric surgery. It is possible to carry a healthy pregnancy to term, but the deck will be stacked against you and you need to consult your team for help. Good luck and best wishes.

My last two check ups were perfect. No cavities. Healthy teeth:) This is super important to me because I have a long history of dental problems. Soft teeth...lots of crown and even one dental implant due to some bad falls off horses in my youth. I value my teeth and was concerned, too. But so far, so good. My dentist says everything looks perfect. It's extremely important to go in for your routine dental exams while going through the process to get on top of any problems before they get too severe. There are folks who have dental issues that are made worse by the process. My dentist and surgeon strongly recommended resolving any and all dental issues before bariatric surgery. If you start with a healthy mouth...chances are good it will stay that way with routine preventative care:)