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I had an MGB in Tijuana with low BMI and am now below goal weight. Yeah! But I recently developed bile reflux, which is quite serious, so I will be revising to an RNY next month. If I had to do it all over again, I would go to Dr. Esquerra at Mexicali Bariatric Center for an RNY. I encourage you to contact him for a consult to hear what he recommends for you post-ESG. Even if you chose another MX surgeon, it is helpful to talk to 2-3 to ensure you make the right choice of procedure for you and your situation. Please remember that WLS is just a tool. It is a great way to reset your metabolic rate but all of the surgeries can be eaten around, leading to regain. You need to get your head on straight for long term success; you may find therapy a useful tool to help you address your emotional eating tendencies. Good luck.

Dr. Esquerra at Mexicali Bariatric Center

I'm gonna be a Mom here and post this..... please don't think I'm criticizing anyone's choices....just putting information out there. TOBACCO AND WEIGHT LOSS Tobacco use is actually more prevalent among obese people than it is across the general population, with up to 38 percent of obese individuals being regular users of tobacco products. When you are making the choice to undergo weight loss surgery, it is time to put the tobacco products away for good. Aside from the standard health issues that smoking causes, from increasing risk of heart and lung disease to damaging the skin and posing an increased risk of cancer, smoking is a surgical risk factor. Bariatric surgery has a rather low risk factor, with under a one percent mortality risk. Among smokers, however, that risk doubles. This means that you are twice as likely to experience serious surgical complications leading to death if you are a smoker. Smokers are 1.5 times more likely to experience non-fatal surgical risks, too. This is just part of the reason why so many weight loss surgeons mandate that smoking cessation happens at least one year prior to surgery. Smoking increases your risk of experiencing the following surgical complications: Blood clots Pneumonia Marginal ulcers Surgical wound infection Smokers have almost a 30 percent complication rate after weight loss surgery, which is astoundingly higher than the surgical complication rate for non-smokers.

1. No regrets at all. 2. My vitamins aren't from Costo, but I think they are relatively cheap compared to most bariatric vitamins. Also, only 1 pill a day. These are swallow pills, in case you are still chewing. The pic below is a 90 day supply, so its $15 a month.

These are the vitamins I buy from Costco: 1. One A Day Women’s 50+ Healthy Advantage multi vitamin - I buy this one because it does not contain iron, which is important because most/all multis contain calcium. TIP: if you take iron and calcium together you will NOT absorb much of or any of either mineral; therefore, it is best to take them separately for proper supplementation. I take 2 pills a day - 1 at lunch and 1 at dinner. 2. Citracal Maximum Calcium Supplement - contains calcium citrate, which is THE recommended calcium to take post-WLS, and D3. 3. Kirkland C Chewable 4. Kirkland B12 sublingual - this is the preferred way to take B12 after gastric bypass as pill form will not be absorbed adequately. I also take Proferrin heme iron, which I buy from www.proferrin.com. Heme iron has the least side effects and absorbs better than other types of iron, which is worth the extra cost imo. Make sure you’re getting complete labs/blood tests at least once a year to monitor vitamin deficiencies and to see if you need to make any changes to your current vitamins & doses. Also track trends from year to year, so if values start going down you can make changes before getting too low. It is harder to build up from abnormal levels than to tweak small downward changes. This is one of the most important things to do post-op, for a LIFETIME, as bariatric surgery changes your plumbing so increases nutritional risks, which could lead to serious health problems if not addressed in a timely manner. Lastly, one size does not fit all. Our vitamin requirements are not all the same. The only way to determine/confirm your regimen is through labwork and medical guidance.

Attached is the ASMBS Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Numbers Estimation for 2017. No surprises here but definitely very interesting numbers.

An interesting read on why hair loss happens: https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/

I’m not sure where your from but I didn’t have to get a referral from my primary care, I had to go to a Bariatric seminar and while I was at the seminar I had to fill out paperwork with my insurance information on it and the surgeon’s office handled getting all the approvals I needed. I had to go through a 6 month weight loss period with my primary care before I had the surgery. I just didn’t really give my PC much choice on my first presurgery appointment I was like this is what I’m doing and this is what I need you to do.

Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook by Sarah Kent!

Nobody can take what you're learning ahead of time away from you but you might be a better candidate for Mexico. Now I am going to tell you something and I realize I'll get no bonus points from Alex Brecher, don't do this for that. Please pretty please consider BariatricPalMX If you do decide to go to Mexico. If I wasn't 72, didn't receive clearance because of low BMI, and the necessary money I would go there in a heartbeat! Alex Brecher,Bariatric Pal' s founder, who could afford anywhere else if he chose, chose Dr Ilian and Bariatric PalMX. for his own recent surgery I think that speaks for itself. Besides it's located in a beautiful area , not some back-alley clinic. Andvwhenthings are done update us, okay?😝

Sorry you’ve experienced dumping, especially right after surgery. Were you educated (pre-op) on dumping, which impacts 30% of RNY patients? You may need to stay away from sugar for a longtime, more than 1-2 years, if not forever. Does your surgeon’s post-op plan allow milkshakes 2 weeks after gastric bypass or did you just give into temptation? If the latter, you need to set yourself up for success by staying away from fast food places and removing trigger foods from your pantry and fridge. And if you didn’t receive clear nutritional guidance then you should contact your bariatric center for specifics on what you can eat when, post-RNY. Good luck! I was off work (desk job) for 2 weeks after Mini Gastric Bypass. I will be having revision surgery soon (RNY) and my surgeon said I should expect to be off work for 2-3 weeks. How long were you told?

Many people have had successful bariatric surgery in Mexico. I believe this site has their own forum for it as well. One of my co workers went to Mexico for a sleeve. She had no complications. It’s a valid option if you do your research.

Hi all, I've completed 4 of my required 6 visits with the PCP. Completed all the bloodwork, cardiology assessment, psychological assessment, chest xray and breathing test results to be forwarded to the pulmonary Dr. for assessment. Scheduled next week for the UGI and the first nutritional consult. I am concerned that I've only lost 7 lbs since starting. I'm trying to be careful but but want to lose more before I see the bariatric surgeon again in August. Probably won't be able to have surgery until October or November. That would be okay tho as my sister will be here for the winter and helping me. She is an RN.....

Almost forgot my EGD because my gastroenterologist did it instead of my surgeon. I have gastritis which I am on a higher dose than average PPI, most,people are on Zantac, Peocid , Prilosec, I am on Dexilant, my gastro called it the Ferrari of tummy medicine, it would be over $350 at WalMart, the cheapest pharmacy in town, God only knows what Rite-Aid and CVS would charge, thankfully I only have a $3.70 co pay on it. Anyhow I'm cleared for that also. Forgot to say welcome- always happy to meet new Bariatric friends. Any questions otherwise, please ask. We'll do our best to give you a good answer.!😛

I was checked pre-op for gallstones and I didn’t have any. My Bariatric surgeon is doing my gallbladder surgery too and he said that a lot of bariatric patients develop gallbladder issues and have to have them removed due to a lot of factors like rapid weight loss and acid reflux. Just glad to finally know what was wrong and now we can fix that!

cb 1986 tis me, your friendly old as the hills poster. Anesthesia and sedation is pretty cool these days. Not at all like the bad old days when you puked until you swore your toenails were going be next thing coming out. A sisterly FYI, ask for the antinauesea patch, goes behind your ear, works as smooth as A hot knife through butter. You might get a little blurry vision afterwards, most people don't, but you weren't going to perform brain surgery for a few days anyway. Oh I'm not going to say there is no chance for nausea, but 8 to 5 you won't and those are ok odds at the track. Dread is usually worse than the actual thing, and bariatric surgery is one,of the v smoother ones around. You want it to go nice and easy, well surprise they,do too and the whole staff is devoted to making that happen . Do you think they want you telling your friends Dr Whopplemeir and Blessed Confusion Hospital. are a,bunch of total idiots. Nope, they care about you but they also care a lot for their reputation and budget, every goes good, you praise them and the money keeps coming in. Something,goes bad and you tell people, the revenues fall off. Well that's how things go in the world these days. If surgery was such a fearsome thing I wouldn't be a candidate myself. Yep you heard right, I'm having surgery also. At the great or bad age of 72, depending on your viewpoint I will be receiving a RnY bypass at OSU in Columbus Ohio. And I sincerely believe it will make a wonderful change in my,life, I am being given a good chance of living long enough to be a nuisance to my family and the Western World. I came into third world screaming and with red hair, hair is still red and I'm not leaving without a fight. I still can influence the world🌏if I'm given a chance! Hang around, the best is yet to be, come watch with me!👍😛

I've been doing way too much thinking lately. I had a consultation with a bariatric surgeon a couple of weeks ago. I am a 36 bmi so i need to have co-morbidities to be approved. I'm going ahead and beginning my 6 month dietitian visits and having a few tests that the doc ordered (cardiologist), but since the only real co-morbity i have is osteoarthritis in my knee, i'm wondering if i'm wasting my time going thru the motions only to be denied. I also have high triglycerides but have not been put on medications. From speaking with two different bariatric surgery offices, they speak about how strict BCBSTx is about approving anyone and just because i have the knee problems and high triglycerides, they said they will probably only do it if i've been on medication and the meds are proven unaffective. I've had a very successful lap-band that slipped off three years ago and i'm gaining by the minute. Needed to vent. Just wondering if i should give in to the Mexico surgery....

Thank you guys! My company is pretty small, so there isn't an HR department. But I'm thinking I will call my boss next week and tell her over the phone I experienced complications and see what the response is. If she is a good boss, she won't even ask for a doctor's note, right? She will just wish me well! Hahaha I can only hope! 😉😉 My doc office called yesterday after my apt to follow up on something, and I did ask for a generic letter. I said I didn't tell anyone about my surgery and I'd like to keep it private. I told her I knew it was a weird request, but asked for a note without digestive health and bariatric surgery on it. She said they would "look into it" but not sure if they can do that. In my mind, it's such an easy thing to do! Write a new letter. Use the hospital logo, but leave out the department info. Simple. But I guess I just have to wait and see... And thank you for the encouragement! I should be starting mushy phase on Wednesday, but that's probably a no-go with my swallowing issue. Darn it tho! I miss chewing so much!

While it may not have yet been proven that it is a scam, it fits the classic profile of a nutrition supplement scam - it is full of weasel words - just what is "equivalent" protein? - it promises miracles - 30 g of protein in only 15g of product, and with fewer calories than 30 g of protein would have - no one really knows what it is, and they aren't telling. If it really was a breakthrough, they could patent it, licence it to others to produce for a fee, and offer their own as the "original" and a higher price. But since they don't......it's just a matter of faith, and marketing. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck..... The stuff may be benign, and not particularly harmful (except maybe to your wallet) to their normal target demographic of people on a typical American diet (which is already protein rich) who are convinced that they need more protein, but to us bariatric post-ops who are struggling to get in a minimum functional amount of protein, it can be bad news.

In reading a few post... What does the [emoji288] mean? Sent from my LG-LS777 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have Anthem BC/BS in MO and they would not cover any bariatric procedures under my policy.

I hope I have found a renewed faith in myself that I finally will make it through. I have found that I matter to others through Bariatric Pal, I was down on ME and about to give up and die FAT when I tremblingly reached out on here, read read others stories, some had come from much worse places in life than me, they had been a success and I started to think "Frusrt8, old but,imaybe just maybe YOU can do this too. I realized many life could still be lived and lived with more joy than I was having. And even now the stories of others inspires me. And in July 2018 my RuN should occur. Scared? Shoot No,I am looking to the days counting on down. Might not be anyone else's journey but it will be mine, and in long run I still do matter so much!😛🏣👍

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I haven't had surgery yet, but I really feel for you. Maybe you can ask your doctors office for a different note, not on bariatric letterhead? Maybe explain your situation to one of the office girls and they can help you? Keep us updated pls. Prayers....

I was sleeved 06/13. I had my 1 week post op yesterday... For the stats fans: 5'3" SW: 234 CW: 222 GW: 135 This last week has been utter hell! I have been in a severe amount of pain. I'm so jealous of the people who feel nothing afterward! My left incision is TIGHT and I have a huge bulge because it's so tight. It's swollen and hurts like a SOB. Especially when I go from sitting to standing. YOWZA! But the worst part is the pain with swallowing. Ever since my first baby sip of water on surgery day, I've had pain when I swallow. It is so much pressure and feels like a weight is sitting on my chest. Because of that, I'm not meeting my fluid or protein goals. The most fluid I have had in a day was 46 oz and protein was 32... And that was on my best day. My surgeon said she wasn't surprised I'm having issues because she thought the opening between my stomach & esophagus looked tighter/smaller than it should have been while she was in there. So that pain is because things are getting stuck. The plan is to go back in and have my esophagus dilated, but she wants to wait 4 weeks to give me time to heal. 4 weeks of this pain and exhaustion! Meanwhile, I have a standing order for IV fluids at my local hospital for any day I don't reach my fluid goals and anytime I'm feeling exhausted or just not feeling great. Which is all the time since I'm dehydrated and not getting enough protein! They also said I should wait to go back to work until at least a month or until after this issue has been fixed! I don't know what to tell my boss because I am not telling anyone about my surgery. Even worse... It's a brand new job! My first one after 6 years as a SAHM! I told them during my interview that I was having surgery (not what kind) and that I would need at least 2 or 3 weeks off. They said for the right person, they would make anything work and offered me the job on the spot. They said it was their first time ever hiring someone immediately, but they knew I was perfect for the job and team. That made me feel amazing! But fast forward a month into the job when it was surgery time, they only gave me 12 days off and put me back on the schedule. I told them I wasn't sure if I could come back that early, but that I would keep them posted. They sort of agreed to that... But a month? Now I don't know what to say! My doc provided me a note, but it says 'bariatric surgery' in the company letterhead. I can't use it... I only told 2 people about this surgery... My husband and my mom. And I am not comfortable telling anyone else. I'm sad it didn't go as planned... frustrated that my doc didn't fix it during surgery when she clearly saw it wasn't right, exhausted, and real tired of being in pain! Is anyone else going through this? I feel so alone! Please do NOT comment just to say "I never had any pain or issues!" Or "I'm going back to work 5 days post-op!" Yeah... Congrats. 😏😜😂 I can't tell you how disheartening it is to read all the stories like that. I'm glad for you, truly, but super jealous it didn't go like that for me! So, please don't be salty! Lol!

Can my body go to reform school with call of yours. I enrolled in my new program March 9th, saw the staff psychologist April 25th, he handed me a prediet plan that I start on 3 meals 3 snacks daily along with upping fluid consumption to 64 oz and start small-sipping, yes, rather like going into training, when I met dietician, exercise person, nurse practioner on May 24th my rotten body had rewarded me with a 1.5 pound loss. Okay I have really tried to "rock the plan", upped my walking and other mild exercises, I'm 72, my days of hanging from trapezes or swinging from mo,key bars are pretty over. How has my Chunky Mama Monkey 🐵 body rewarded me? 4.5 pounds in almost 2 months, should it have been better? I gave up spaghetti and Garlic Bread for this? Sat in eating places and around watching Tomkitten chow down pizza, hamburgers et all with my self-righteous salad with a lemon juice and olive oil dressing on the side. When we went to Wendy's he got a. chocolate frosty, I popped a vanilla Equate protein shake and pretended it was exactly my dream liquid. Oh when I got my vitamins for,my deficiencies, my pre surgery labs showed a few. I've been very compliant. I should be in a stage of happy before surgery happiness, right? Why do I want to pick up my "Life After Bariatric Surgery" booklet and heave it against the wall? Is it my redhead temper coming out or am I really not cut out for this? Am I just having a PLOM moment, short for Poor Little Ole Me( thanks Mrs Gamgee)? Does everybody get these moments? Don't help when I read " I was down 25 pounds after my 2 week liquid diet, Doctor was so proud!" I sit here thinking Duhh, I must be totally screwing this up. Help, my veteran friends, perk me up!