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I am thinking about having a Super Sleeve done in at Star Medica Hospital, 15 mins across the border from El Paso, Texas in Juarez, Mexico by Dr. Jose Rodriguez. The cost is $6200 for everything. Has anyone gotten the super sleeve done or know of anyone that has. OR Has anyone worked with this company or Doctor or even hospital? Can I trust them with my money and more importantly my life? Here is the Info they gave me on the super sleeve: What is super sleeve? Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is not as simple as any other gastrectomy. Gastric tube size influences both the degree of weight loss and weight stability. A large sleeve predisposes to gastric dilatation (stretching) and weight regain. Inexperienced surgeons tend to create large tubes (:thumbup: or to leave back large remnants of the gastric fundus. A standardized technique with a gastric capacity less than 100 ml (A) is mandatory in order to get the patient to achieve a durable weight loss. The sleeve should be super which means a small gastric sleeve diameter and a higher degree of restriction. With the gastric capacity being restricted to 60-80gr and Ghrelin (the appetite hormone) totally suppressed, the resultant weight loss is predictable and comparable to those achieved with gastric by-pass (60-70% EWL), without any serious complication or side effects (e.g. Vitamin mal-absorption). We believe the Super Sleeve to be a very effective and safe bariatric solution even for super-obese patients.

Just another quick note. After many years of dieting, weighing and measuring my food, counting every calorie and carb, eliminating all wheat, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, etc...I am of the firm opinion that what goes in a person's mouth is not the deciding factor in body size or shape. Does it make a difference? Absolutely. Can you look at a larger person and assume larger calorie consumption and a complete lack of self-discipline? Not in my experience. In fact, some very reputable medical research indicates that many people who struggle with obesity eat fewer calories than others. The obese people who get attention on television describing how they eat a dozen eggs, a pound of bacon, and a loaf of bread for Breakfast are not representative of most overweight people--and that kind of sensationalism just pumps up the self-righteous, condemning attitudes toward people who are larger. We are dealing with a medical condition that most often has strong genetic and metabolic roots. When I see a client that comes in to my office weighing 350 pounds, I don't look at that person and ask "Why do you eat so much junk...why did you do this to yourself...why don't you go on a diet?" I feel the same kind of compassion that I would feel for a person struggling with any other health problem. If I'm going to ask anything, it might be, "Does anyone else in your family have a similar problem?" While this doctor may specialize in bariatric surgery, the fact that he is making assumptions about what you are eating based on your body size, suggests that his thinking is in the dark ages. I hope you find someone who will offer you the compassionate care that you deserve.

Dr Felix at Hope bariatrics is who I'm going through. My surgery will be at heritage valley sewickley. It's a center of excellence for bariatrics surgeries!! Sleeve date is December 15th

Has anyone used a flex card for surgery? What company did you go through? I am in the process of choosing between "A Lighter Me" and Bariatric Medical Center for surgery in August...any advice on either one? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi All, I went to my Surgery Introduction Seminar today at Kaiser Santa Clara. My next steps are to have my PCP refer me to the bariatric program, but they gave me 5 hospitals to choose from. After lots of research it seems each hospital's program is slightly different. I can choose between Fresno, Fremont, Richmond, South Sacramento, and South San Francisco. Anybody have any feedback on these? I am unsure which one to choose. Fremont is the closest to me, but my PCP mentioned SSF before i went to the seminar. Maybe someone can describe the program they went through at which hospital? Any help is greatly appreciated!

After researching extensively I decided to go with Dr. Altamirano Cano, most days he does 3 surgeries and max 4 . The hospital he is at has an amazing new wing for bariatric patients, he is real and honest and has an amazing aftercare reputation. The patient whom passed was because he and his mother failed to disclose serious information. He wore a CPAP at home, did not tell Dr A and did not bring it with him. What happened has been ruled not the fault of Dr. A or the hospital and the patients mother has stated this herself. We all take the risk with any surgery any where and it is our responsiblity to be honest with our provider of any current or past health issues so they are aware and prepared. With that, if there are any other serious incidents that have happened at the hands of Dr. Altamirano Cano please share because I have not found any due to negligence on his part.

I would think the amount in the bariatric multivitamin wouldn’t be cause for elevated levels. Unless you have other concerning symptoms or your doctor expresses concern than likely you have nothing to worry about.

I went to Dr. Valencia in Tijuana. I had a great experience and would recommend him to anyone. He operates in Hospital Angeles which was very nice. He is not the cheapest, but is the best in my opinion! He was a professor of bariatric surgery at UCLA. I picked him because he has the best credentials of any surgeon I found in Mexico. I hope this helps. Keep us posted!

Hello, I am so glad I found this forum. I am looking into being banded October 27, 2008. I have been in contact with Patti Lissberger of The Bariatric Group in Dallas Texas, can any of you tell me any concerns or great success you had with this group?

I was wondering well I be able to get bariatric surgery pain on the low dose of methadone would that be a problem

Try this, @kharvard15 ... Complete Five-Day Bariatric Reset Diet The Five-Day Pouch Reset is a "reset" diet for people who have had gastric bypass surgery and might be starting to regain weight. Step 1 Drink only liquids for the first two days of the five-day diet. You'll need to drink at least two litres of water in addition to low-carb protein shakes. You can drink as many shakes as you want; the point of the first 48 hours is to take a break from your eating habits. By getting all of the nutritional needs from liquids, you'll be forced to pay attention to how often you were eating, snacking or simply grazing. Remember: The goal during this phase isn't weight loss, but mentally re-setting your habits. You can't make your pouch smaller through changes in diet, but you can learn portion control. Step 2 Eat only protein the next three days. On day three, you'll eat "soft protein" such as eggs and cottage cheese. On day four, you'll eat "ground meats" -- such as meatloaf and hamburger. On day five, you'll eat "solid proteins" such as chicken breast or a piece of fish. Limit condiments, such as salsa or mayonnaise. Foods should be as dry as possible -- which will help you gauge how full you are. You're allowed to eat as much as you'd like and as often as you like, but you must stop eating 15 minutes after you start. Do not sit and eat for longer than 15 minutes at any point during the final stage of the diet. Step 3 Do not drink any liquids 30 minutes before eating or with your meals. Liquids can help push foods more quickly through your pouch, allowing you to eat more than you should. Many facets of the five-day bariatric pouch reset diet are similar to the post-op diet followed right after surgery. Tips Plan ahead because the diet restricts the types of food you can eat. Make sure you have the foods you need on hand. The goal of this diet is to make you conscious of your food choices and stop mindless eating. Warnings According to the National Institutes of Health, "bypass surgery alone is not a solution to losing weight. It can train you to eat less, but you still have to do much of the work. You will need to follow the exercise and eating guidelines that your doctor and dietitian gave you."

i weighed 280lbs at my highest. when i started the bariatric program, i knew they would make me lose weight, so i started losing. i was at 262 when i had my first surgeon consult and he told me i had to lose 20 lbs. I knew i could do it, but i never dreamed I would lose 60!! The pre-op diet is low carb, low fat, high Protein. It is not that bad becuase it is very well balanced. I like it. It is something that makes it easy to stay on. Now, I have strayed a time or two, but mostly, I stay on track! Thanks for the well wishes.!! When I do have my surgery, I will have a very short goal of 55 to 60 lbs. That will make me VERY HAPPY!! Best of luck! Kelly

Hello everyone, I've been on Protein shakes 2 days now, three shakes a day, along with other fluids, broth, sugarfree Jello or sugarfree pudding & popsicles. I take a Bariatric Multivitamin(chewable) or Gummy Multivitamin, Calcium(chewable) & B12 sublingual daily. Actually, all the chewable Vitamins are not bad the taste is ok.

I don't think your Bariatric Program would approve of the nutrient/carb/sugar values in Shakeology. How are you doing with it during pre-surgery diet, are you losing weight with it?

I didnt have any set number of visits. Went to the info seminar, consult with surgeon, bariatric nurse, nutritionist, 2 3 hour classes, upper GI, phsyc consult and now that insurance is approved just need a date, some pre-OP tests and meet the surgeon again. All told, 2-3 months assuming I get a June date. Started process in March. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

I just did a search on this site for you. There are literally 17,501 posts on this early stall. Pretty much everyone has it. I really think bariatric clinics ought to warn people about this because it happens to almost everyone, and people really freak out about it. Just stick to your plan and your weight loss will start up again. Stay off the scale if you have to. It usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Here are all the posts on it. Really - over 17,000 of them. https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=three-week stall

I am 6 years out from surgery. I started out at 371. I am now at 234. I’ll answer your questions in the order you asked them: - What foods do you avoid? (Fatty foods? Carbs? Can you tolerate small amounts?) Foods I avoid: Rice! and Carbonated beverages. Both have a very negative effect on my stomach even now. Rice seems to grow once it gets in my stomach causing it to feel overfull. Carbonated beverages are to be avoided anyway but occasionally it’s the only thing around to sip and never has there been a time that I didn’t regret it! - Do you have diarrhea? Occasionally but it’s rare and usually something I know is going to happen. Constipation is a bigger issue and my go to remedy is a slice of plain cheesecake. Seriously. It works better than anything else. To help keep things moving I am sure to add real butter to any carbs I eat. Sometime I use MCT oil to help keep things moving but be careful cause it can cause very loose stool.  - How many Vitamins do you take? Have you experienced Vitamin deficiencies? Have you had to get infusions? I use PERSONA now for vitamins They do an assessment that determines your vitamin needs for me that is one Bariatric Multi, 8 Calcium Citrates spaced out in three doses, Vitamin D, and a Probiotic. I was seriously anemic and had to do iron infusions until I had a hysterectomy July 2019. Now I’m normal and won’t need them again. I take powdered Collagen in my coffee everyday to keep my hair growing, my skin from drying, and my muscle from aching. - Do you struggle to maintain your weight loss? Do you feel like you are constantly on a diet? Weight loss is a constant struggle, you will not lose on a smooth downhill slide. It will fluctuate and drop suddenly then rise and fall like ocean waves. Keeping the weight off is the challenge and with the DS weight gain is less likely it still is very possible if Carbohydrates are your source of comfort in times of struggle and stress. You won’t feel like you are on a diet, you will feel like you are a slave to your stomach. You’ll spend an hour making the most delicious meal and take two bites and be full. You’ll find that foods you once loved now don’t make your new stomach all that happy. But with all that you lose and all that is frustrating comes so much amazing stuff like feeling average sized. Shopping in a average clothing store, sitting in theater seats or airplane seats or really any seats and not worrying about what the person next to you might think. Saving so much money cause you can split meals with friends.  - Anything else you wish you had known before surgery? My words of advice: find a local support group or an online one if you can’t find one in your area and stay faithful to going to meetings and events for at least one full year but two would be better. Your family and friends will have no idea what you are going through and will say things that will be surprisingly hurtful but they won’t mean it that way, like “Wow, you look how small you’ve gotten!” (Internal thought: I must have been huge) You’ll need people who know not to say those things and instead say “You are making great progress! I am so glad to see you again!” Good Luck! It gets better! Walk Sip Walk Sip Never Trust a Fart! 😜

They are once a day multivitamin and they include your iron. I was also advised to take calcium citrate as well. I took the bariatric advantage chews for calcium in the beginning but later switched to an over the counter brand of calcium citrate that is a large pill.

As @ShoppGirl said, if it happens, it's temporary. Even if you do lose some, you'll get past it. As to what, if anything you can do about it, there are some things that may help? Research on this is kind of sparse, but collagen, as well as biotin (a.k.a. vitamin B7), supplementation may help. Collagen is the main protein found in bone broth, so you could get extra protein from the bone broth, and potentially help ease the impact of post surgical hair loss. If you don't like or want to use bone broth, you can also buy collagen powder that you can add to other foods. Some collagen supplements have B7 in them as well. There are a few minerals such as iron & zinc that are also helpful. In addition, vitamins C, B2, B9 & B12 are important to hair growth. In short, make sure you're taking your bariatric multivitamin and it should keep the shedding to a minimum.

No, you haven't lost restriction. Unless your stomach has stretched to the preoperative 40+ ounce capacity and you can easily accommodate 10 bacon/egg sandwiches at one sitting, your restriction is still there. People seem to be under the impression that the immediate post-op phase in which their tight, swollen sleeves allow them to become full off 3 to 5 bites of food lasts forever. Nope...the stomach continually relaxes and accommodates more food over the years. Per bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Weiner's videos, this is a normal phenomenon. By 3 to 5 years out you can expect to accommodate three-fourths to 1 entire plate of food (8 to 12 ounces). But just because you can eat this much doesn't mean you should. Good luck to you.

Wow. Can’t believe how much cheaper than what I am getting now (bariatric advantage chews). I really hope my clinic Okays these.

Oh sure. I am practicaly dying all weekend - so I am all excited about the doctors visit - but this morning as I stood in line at the UPS Store to ship my packages, I started sweating like the Wicked Witch of the West in a Rain Storm. Those poor people in line must have thought I was an addict in withdrawal or something. Anyway, now my fever seems to be gone. Never fails. I guess I should schedule the doc's appointment on day 2 of any illness to scare the sick away. Don't fret, y'all. I am still going - at four. Just to be SURE that the witch is really dead. Besides - I want to see what the scale says. :] Eileenie - Hugs!! I miss you! We are going to have to get together again, soon. I will see what I can do for January. xo Cindy - I love a parade, too. Besides, I am SO not a morning person. Afternoon on New Years Day works for me. Jules? Betty? I can drive to Denton if you can.... Where is a good place? Is there someplace where we can drink like 2000 cups of coffee and spend 4 hours sitting around? Betty - I surely hope your hand feels better! I suppose you have some big block party on New Years Day? Could you make it up to Denton to visit? Or do we need to change locations? Could you come, if we did? I am getting all excited.... Chris - YAHOOOOOOO!!! Congrats on passing your test. Now all you have to do is get away from Psycho Boy downstairs and all will be well. You hang up those clogging shoes, now. :] Sherry - Geez - I guess we will have to call you Sherry aka Betty Crocker... Sounds like you could open a sweet shop at your place this week. Mmmmm. You seriously plan OFFICE activities for the week of Christmas? What are we going to do with you? Kat - my fever has ranged from normal to 102 and hit ever mark in between. I really thought I was over it last week. Shows how much I know. I hope your husband responds well to the renewal of treating him like the tough guy he still wants to be. Hugs! Darcy - was your girl ill in front of her friends? That might be mortifying for a teenager. Hope she is feeling better. **And yes - I am so long winded that you posted before me. :] Mandy - so cute! Love the Hens. Well - there is no more news yet on my Dad. They still didn't even have the "Official" word on the tumor yet - the Tech who took the picture told them that info. They have yet to meet with the Cardiologist and whoever else has to review that stuff. I appreciate all your well wishes and prayers. I will keep you posted. I will also let you know if the doc has anything interesting to say when I see him later on. Hugs and Love. Irene

Tree still not decorated....no presents wrapped....yeap I'm fallin behind...ho ho ho hee hee. I'll catch up..taking next Wed-Friday off. Got to see the Bariatric Surgeon next Wed. Don't think I'll be doing a fill this time around...been having a problem the past couple of days with Protein and PBing...errr plus. Yet at the same time I can sometimes feel a bite of food move from my pouch into the lower stomach like kerplop. Go figure. I'm still losing weight....not suffering as much as when I first got the fill...I really feel like I need to train myself now to not overeat and not count so much on the fill...if that makes sense. I don't want to go another 4 months without seeing the doc though so if he won't agree to see me in 2 then I may just get a slight fill like .25. We'll play this by ear and see what happens next week. work was ok today...still busy but, the replacement supervisors met with the staff while I was out yesterday and basically told them all questions are to go to them first. So they've taken that step to let the staff know they are now the bosses. It helped quite a bit today. Now I need to train them on some of the processes we have to do but, as usual some of those processes changed last month so I'm still learning them myself. Oh forgot to tell ya....went to a Christmas Tree display thing in Providence RI. It was kind alike a craft fair/auction. There were crafters to buy things from but, also you could bid on the fully decorated trees as part of charity. If you won they came to set the tree up in your house. Hmmm should of bid on one maybe my tree would be done hahahaha. Have a great night everyone...sweet dreams and hope you have a wonderful Thursday.

Everything is ready! Insurance ect. I had a little set back two things that couldn't be helped. First I had a week stay in the hospital (everything was okay) I did have my Gall Bladder removed. The second thing is that the Bariatric program is moving to another hospital. That was the best news because it so happens the hospital is a lot closer. So I'm waiting for my next appointment and then the two week liquid diet. Oh, the surgeon for the gall bladder is the same one doing the lap-band. Hummmm!!!!! May will be the month for sure!!!

Gosh my doctor has done hundreds of lap bands and hundreds of sleeves and over 200 band to sleeve conversions. The only complication he has ever had, in all that time, was when one patient took a handful of vitamins (several months after surgery) and aspirated them. It became a very life-threatening situation and he had to be opened up to get the vitamins out. I have no data from a hospital or clinic where hundreds of bariatric surgeries are done each week, but I'd be willing to bet that they do not have a large number of incidents of wound infections. Perhaps it would be smart if someone who has a vested interest could do some research and see how many complications are considered "acceptable" and how many are condsidered "excessive." I do not even know how many actual posts there were of patients who had contracted infections or who had a leak who posted here. Perhaps Can. can tell us. If the doctor is doing a lot of surgeries per day, then Sandy might be right when she says that the clinic has not experienced an excessive number of problems.