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Many physicians recommend what brands they prefer. It's hard to take whole pills right after surgery and chewable bariatric vitamins are encouraged for the first month. Calcium citrate is a separate mineral not to be taken with the multi or iron - take in between those two. I use Rainbow light calcium. I started with Celebrate multi and transitioned to 2 Centrum 50+ for women with an extra B-1. I take B-12, Biotin and Folic Acid extra as well - no special brand.

Although I won't advocate going against your doctor's orders... I remember I went into my pureed stage a day early, and into soft foods 2 days early. For example, the pureed stage I ate soup, which was pretty much the same consistency of the full liquids I had already been eating. The "no-no" is the types of foods that are approved to be pureed. Then I ate an egg going into soft foods. If you must skip ahead, I'd advice to go very very very slow. Like bariatric slow, but slower! And I would avoid anything too fibrous.

I am 2 weeks post op and I can say that it was a breeze. Not to say it will be for everyone but I had a VSG and had very little pain. Did have some nausea post op which I have never experienced post op before but my surgeon had a fix for that and I’m sure every bariatric surgeon does. I was really worried about having to be owned up as my gallbladder was a failed laparoscopic surgery and I had major abdo surgery at 23 yrs old so I know I have adhesions but my surgeon and I had long talk about it and did I want to be opened if he needed to etc although he did say that now a days there are very few that cannot be done laparoscopically. There is some spasm type pain when drinking initially but that eases pretty quickly. Remember there are staples done one side of your sleeve and as peristalsis happens and moves things down they are going to be stimulated until you heal. This is why it is soooo important to adhere to the diet your Dr orders. It is natural to be scared but this tool is exactly what I needed. I’m not terribly hungry and really able to deal with the small amounts without wanting to kill someone. That 2 week pre op diet is a doozy as there is no restriction but stick to it and it will make recovery sooo much better. Don’t be tempted into “the last supper “ as this can be dangerous. It will be a fabulous life changer, hang in there. I have lost 21 pounds since starting liquid pre op diet and am now 2 weeks post op and started purée foods yesterday. Good luck

Oh Sweetheart you done challenged the wrong,person , I have written poetry since I was a plump small spawn of Satan which was what my paternal relative called me. Fire up your beatbox!! I'm 72 and good as I ever was Cleaning living with no trouble with the fuzz If I love someone, I love them hard Able to shoot any critter that comes into my yard I make a better friend than I do a foe if you don't want to like me, then go ahead and go Got enough booty to thrill Sir Mix a Lot But once you meet me you know what you got Help other Bariatric Pals on their way Sure they'll return the favor when it's my day This rhyme is nearly over, isn't that a thrill? But I'll hang with you Texans if you want me still. WORD Never did care much for Daddy's side of the family, they were short, dark haired and medium complexion, imagine how I stood out😦💦

Remember your pen name-you are now ready for the new me! You won't need to write out your will, people don't and won't die from such a surgery,these days. Darlin' I'm 72 if anyone is going to have a chance of dying,it would be me not you! I'm not scared so you surely should NOT be. Surgery now, unlike the "Bad Old Days" which I am old enough to remember is like a stroll in the park. I have had multiple surgeries, since 2014 I have had 5 and my bariatric one still to go. So if anyone can give you testimony c'est moi! Okay since you're still scared s***less, let's just relax a little. Now you've met your surgeon, I am going to assume a good he or she doctor. Surgeons, although they can act certainmy a little pushy at times, are very very smart doctors. Their pushiness is nothing more than educated bravery, you have to be brave to cut people open and sew them up again. Let's hope you've developed a level of friendship and trust. Okay this friend will,do their level best to be make sure you have a smooth safe surgery. You want it, they want it so you know it's going to happen just that way. Okay, the night before you may not sleep well, perfectly normal, your mind will be working overtime, happens to all of us.You are going to be NPO from midnight on, no drinkee, no eatee. What I have done and I bet you will too- I go around and kiss everyone while they sleep. Yes you are doing this surgery for YOU but also so you can be still here for them. You're a mom.,this is what you do. Get some rest, in the morning go to the hospital or clinic, put a smile on your face and tuck hope into your heart. You will meet a,lot of nurses and techs, everyone of them kind c and nice people. Change into a gown, go tinkle one more time, I always need to every time, curl up. on your bed, relax, keep that darn smile on your face. I worked in and on the edges of nursing for 25 years, yes they will still take care of you but a pleasant acting patient gets all the perks, those nurses appreciate it. They will come start an IV, they are super good at what they do, but if you have what I have, veins that "roll" gently warm them Once they had to use an " airplane" needle to keep mine secure. These are used normally in pediatrics for scalp veins on small kids, they have a little plate so they lay flat. But I'm diverting from my subject, aren't I? You may start to get sleepy now,but maybe you're still alert. Pretty soon you'll be rolling down the hall and off to your Date with Destiny. Now Operating Theatre are as a rule cold-ish. I accused my ortho one time of doing it deliberately. You may see your surgeon before you go to sleep, you may not. I've had it both ways. You may remember sliding over into the table, you may not. One of mine, I had a broken limb being surgically reduced, they told me to pull myself over, I responded that if I could do that, I wouldn't be there. Last thing I remember was them. stretching my arms to the side and securing them. I mention this because they may do that for you. Sometimes the anesthesiologist asks you to count backwards, often you're already going to sleep. Didn't mind my arms being secured, made me feel they were keeping,me safe. And then you go smoothly to sleep, the next thing you remember is waking up,in recovery. Remember to ask for an anti nausea patch behind your ear, it does help. Your tummy may feel tender, but it may not. Everybody has a different story at this point. There will be a lot of techs and nurses scurrying around but right now you are the star and they'll take super good care of you. When you are recovered and stable enough you'll go back to your room, you may have an cathetet, you may not. If not get up, move around, go to the bathroom, you'll start on your walkies, sippies and still smile,as much,as possible. You've made it through and everything will get better day by day. And that my,love, is just how it's going to be! Feel a little less nervous? Goody! Now remember to post as soon as you feel like it, we love to be updated and we all will celebrate with you. And when my Bariatric Day comes as it will in a month or so you'll be able to nod your head and say "I remember That!" Hugs and a kiss on the cheek for the future. your friend Frust8

When you can swallow pills, I've started taking a new bariatric vitamin recently. It's got a fair amount of Iron in it at 45 mg

Ok so everyone has different thoughts of idiotic questions when I hear people talking about hair loss or saggy skin I think that’s idiotic but I stay hushed cause it’s like duh. You could a said hell no to the bullet proof coffee and said yeah to black coffee or give me options for hot drinks. I’ve see protein powder in coffee and stuff like that. Kfc on the way home from bariatric surgery equals Keto coffee. Riiiiiight.

Hey Bariatric peeps of a Certain Age- things turning,sunny for me after a dark dismal patch of time. OSU not only wants me, their staff psychologist Dr Kramer says they will be thrilled to have me, I not only,passed but we had a nice chat. He pointed out things in my emotional past I thought might be failings and/or detriments, those are strengths I can fall back on and utilize for my success in this endeavor. He said, with my permisson, he'd like to follow my,on-going story into the future. He believes I will be a success, I believe I will be a success and now it is full speed ahead to the finish! World🌏 just watch me fly straight and true now!

Hi! I got my LB in 2007 n just got it removed 3 days ago due to complications arising from a tummy tuck in May 2017. The LB is a good weight loss resource tool but it won’t work alone if it doesn’t first click in the mind. I ended up developing GERD n ANEMIA from it but nothing serious. For now I’m going to give my body a break from all these surgeries b4 I consider any more revision to my body. Good luck to a u new with Bariatric surgery

I work in one of the higher volume surgical practices for bariatrics in NY and I dont think ive ever seen a band over a sleeve. Even band over bypasses which are possible, are quite rare (ive done maybe 4 or 5 in 5 years) As someone who works in bariatric surgery and is a patient, I would never in a million years want a band over a sleeve. One is its not very effective, and two is theres so many problems with the band that its just an absolutely horrible idea. A band over a bypass is at least something I would consider a feasible option. But the data is pretty strong that unless a procedure was done wrong (which usually isnt the case) or you are having real problems from a surgery (ie horrible GERD after a sleeve) then the odds are a second surgery isnt going to make a huge difference. That said if I had a VSG (which I do) and I needed to do something else. Converting to a bypass is the only option I would even consider. Yes the bypass is scary which is why your first option should be consulting a nutritionist and therapist, possibly even frequently. But if revisional surgery is the way things need to go, then converting to bypass is really the only option. Also converting a VSG to a bypass is actually easier than going from nothing to a bypass for most surgeons. And I guess having a VSG first will make the transition and experience a little easier.

I got a devastating phone call today. I had my first consult scheduled for 4/30 and a nurse was reviewing my file. She saw that I had United Healthcare Oxford, and I was told that the hospital doesn’t accept my insurance. My heart immediately sank. I called my insurance 2 weeks ago to be sure that everything was in check, and they verified that they did cover bariatric surgeries as long as it was done in a Bariatric Center of Excellence, and this hospital is. So I’m a little confused and heartbroken that this is happening. I really don’t know where to go from here. I have heard so many stories about how insurance has denied surgery, but never a hospital denying insurance. It’s bad enough that I have **** insurance to begin with. I’m just truly devastated...

Welcome Dippedinchocolate, pull up a chair, make yourself comfotable and tell us more about your sweet self. All,we know so far is you have a planned surgery date of May 8th and from your picture we can tell you are a very pretty young lady. So what variety of surgery are you planning? Where do you live? Where are you having your surgery performed. Are you married or single? If you aren't married there is singles forum on Bariatric Pal. Are there any questions you might have about the whole process? Are you nervous and need reassurance before surgery? We are all here for you, we are worldwide, many ages present but we are united in caring aboutbyouband for you. Give us a try , we're nice people b here.😝

@leea to answer your question from another post- ing @ magpie26 lives in Cabot, she is also sad she hasn't found another Vermonter, I'm sure there are more on Bariatric Pal, I just don't know about them.👍😝Good luck finding each other!

Welcome to Kangaroo-land where everyone has or will have pouches. I am the self appointed Welcome Wagon here in this corral. I am a perpetual pre-surgery hoping to change my status SOON. I started out seeking Bariatric Surgery in August 2015. My journey has had more ups,more downs, more hairpin twists and turns than a Coney Island Roller Coaster. But soon I'm going to be all better and I'll get the surgery I have threatened to do myself with a box cutter, fishing line, some hair clips and a Swingline stapler. The lucky hospital that will be receiving my business is Ohio State University-Wexner Medical Center,in Columbus Ohio. There are 2 main bariatric surgeon's there, Dr Needleman(male) and Dr Noria(female). not sure which one will be mine. Maybe they'll have a dart game and the winner(or loser?) gets me. I suspect it will be Dr Needleman, he is the senior partner and, As a rule,does the older patients. But I am not always right and if,Dr Noria is the winner I will be happy to work with her. I so want this long journey to be completed, but in the meantime I hang around being friends with one and all. Do you have any questions you need answered? I've had a long wait so have studied up on a lot of facets to things. Also I am old enough to,be everyone's mother, grandmother or even great grandmother so I have a bunch of life experiences to fall back on. There are people on here from 18 up to and including my age,*72*. And we all love to help each other if we can. So please hang around and get to know us all🌹😝🌹

I was sleeved 4/13 and had my post op appointment today. I lost 10 pounds on pre op liquids and 10 pounds on liquids post op. Starting purée/ soft diet for next 2 weeks. Have bought some of the bariatric pastas and add salmon or tuna for extra protein. Had some pretty wicked spasms initially when I drank too fast but they seem to have abated. Still a little swollen in my upper mid section as well but as this is where the incisions are I think it’s normal.

I dont know if you have the answer to thos question but i thought of it after reading your response--why can you eat so little post op? After the first 2 weeks of course while its healing up, shouldnt you be able to eat normal bariatric sized portions? Or are you still healing for much longer after that? You said you can only have a few tablespoons per meal, does the stomach stretch a little bit as time goes by and you can increase meal sizes? Sent from my SM-G920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Just because the surgeon is in network does not automatically imply that your new coverage will include bariatric surgery. I strongly suggest that you consult your HR/benefits team to ensure that bariatric surgery and weight loss services are not excluded in the new policy. On the right side, there are times when one company will continue to cover you for a procedure like this that is already underway so that you do not experience an interruption in treatment. This may not qualify because those arrangements are usually reserved for treatment of severe injuries or pregnancy, but it never hurts to ask.

Hello. I would like to share the beginning of my journey and would like to find VSG surgery pals who are going through this process this summer so we can keep in touch and support each other. I am 55 years young and have struggled with my weight on and off throughout my life. The last time I was at my goal weight was in my late 30's after having two kids. When my marriage starting falling apart and then divorced about 15 years ago, the weight piled on. Since then I have made many attempts at weight loss and none have worked. It's that constant cycle of gaining and losing a few pounds and feeling guilty, frustrated and inadequate. The weight limits me in many ways. I feel constantly exhausted and depressed and often have turned to food for solace. My mother retired and moved back to Medellin, Colombia where she is from a few years ago and I go frequently there to visit. On my last visit in April I went to see a plastic surgeon to inquire about getting lipo and having a breast reduction. The PS was extremely honest with me and told me based on my BMI, I should consider bariatric surgery instead, something I had never considered. He said he could do the lipo and breast reduction, but that it would be a band aid approach to a more serious issue which was my weight. He was very direct with me and told me, I could lipo my love handles (which I hate the most!), but my appearance would essentially remain the same. He also pointed out the many health issues I would continue to be at risk for while remaining obese and approaching my senior years. A that moment a huge light bulb went off in my brain and an amazing AHA moment happened to me and I felt that the PS had given me the best, most honest feedback I had ever gotten regarding my weight. I am forever grateful to him. From there I went to see a Bariatric surgeon who reinforced everything the PS had told me and I felt even more encouraged to begin planning the VSG which was what was recommended. Fortunately, I work for the school system and have time off in the summer which made my decision even easier. In addition, because I am self paying (cost much more reasonable in Colombia than in the U.S.) I did not have to go through the hoops to schedule surgery. Now as I await my June 27th date (I will travel there on June 18th for preop), I am feeling very excited but also anxious and nervous about what is to come. I am trying to prepare myself with a great deal of research and reading as well as meditating . I am most scared of missing food and being hungry and of learning to cope with life's problems without turning to food for comfort. I am currently trying to stick to a high protein, low carb, no sweets diet and as I do it, I get so scared about what it will be like post surgery. I am extremely nervous about the pre op and post op diet. Any advice or suggestions are very appreciated! I am grateful to have found this forum for its support and information. I have decided to share my upcoming surgery with only very close family and friends as I don't want a lot of negative feedback and horror stories to get me off track. I look forward to being a member of this community!

Looking for local folks who'd like to get together to discuss their own bariatric journey. Whatever kind of surgery you are planning to get or already have gotten is cool for get-togethers. I'm in the downtown Los Angeles area most days of the work week, and usually hang out at a local Starbucks, where I drink plenty of coffee (with a protein shake added as "legal" creamer), working on any of a number of new stories, and/or playing computer games (World of Warcraft and Diablo 3, generally). I'd love the chance to meet up with others who are on this particular journey. I look forward to hearing from you.

I'm in my mid-50s, so I suppose I should comment here. <grin> I had RnY on October 27, 2016, and in that time have gone from 283 pounds to my current 158 pounds. My highest weight was 300 pounds. My goal is 125, and I'm continuing to work hard at getting there, even though at 18 months out, the honeymoon period is over. My most recent blood tests came back showing that I am no longer pre-diabetic, which has me elated and completely over the moon. The entire battery of tests were pretty much the polar opposite of my pre-surgery tests, and that is so completely heartening, it's amazing. My migraines and fibromyalgia are still here, but not having to haul around more than another person's "healthy" weight in addition to all that has done wonders for my back, hips, knees and feet. This last year, I was able to actually walk the San Diego ComicCon floor over the course of four long days without having to stop to rest all the time. Keep in mind that the previous two years, I'd had to use a scooter, as the walk was debilitating as hell. Anyhow, I currently live in Pomona, CA, but I'd like to find other bariatric patients to chat with in the real world during the week in the downtown Los Angeles area. Probably a longer post than anyone expected, but I'm a writer, and the Muse must have awakened while I was responding to this post.

Congratulations on the first step towards the new you, Cara! All of your feelings are perfectly normal and just about everyone experiences these at some point along their journeys. I am a Type 2 Diabetic, and in just two days post-op, I was completely off all blood sugar control medicines. Gastric Bypass is the gold standard for Bariatric Surgery as it has the most research data and still has the best success rate. Basically your stomach is reduced by about 75% and you have a malabsorbtive component which helps you lose weight. It's probably one of the most "major" routine surgeries performed. My surgery was completely performed laprascopically and my surgeon told me that basically robotics do the majority of the work. A robot is going to be far more precise than the human hand at incisions. The end result is that the incisions healed up very quickly. The one recommendation I make to everyone starting out is to seek out counseling, because some people may experience worsening depression post-surgery. I experienced this, and consequently, I had a much harder time with the mental game. I had very few, if any, physical complications at all. They say anesthesia and the hormonal changes can effect each person quite a bit differently. I am still learning to eat slowly and more mindfully. If I don't do this, I end up praying to the porcelain god. I also don't like sugar anymore. If I accidently have too much, then I get an uncomfortable feeling of shakiness and rapid heart beat. I hope this helps you out some! Good luck and I think you'll find some really receptive folks on here.

My bariatric physician wanted me to do four weeks of pre op VLCD because my BMI was almost 50. However when I saw the surgeon a few days later he was happy to schedule me in for a surgery date 3 weeks later, 2nd May. I'm on the home stretch now with only 6 more days to go, but was lucky that mine isn't full liquids. I was assigned a shake for breakfast and lunch and regular meat and veggies for dinner. I found a shake in the morning upsets my tummy, so stuck with a scrambled egg and coffee using 250ml 1% milk instead. Though I had lost a few kilos earlier this year, just avoiding most carbs, I've now lost 7 more kilos (about 15lb) on my pre op diet these past 2 weeks.

So I just got back from my Options orientation at Kaiser and will be starting 5/7, which puts my finish date at 7/30! We just filled out a questionnaire on our health, mental health etc and a brief history. Then one of the bariatric surgeons, Dr. Zane, gave a short presentation and q&a session. He is SO nice! Everyone is right about him. Then at the end we had a choice of three tracks to join. Hope this helps!

Not everyone goes crazy after. Some started that way. In all seriousness though transfer addiction is a known issue after bariatric surgery. Some people have addictive personalities and it is easy to trade that food addiction for an addiction to drugs, alcohol, sex, gambling, etc. Some of us have emotional issues along with the obesity like PTSD, depression, or anxiety. It is not uncommon for people that have mental health disorders to medicate themselves with substances and if you take food away it can create a situation where the person does turn towards a different substance. It is never a bad idea for any bariatric patient with or without a diagnosed disorder to seek therapy throughout the journey to help cope with the changes we must deal with.

Dayum, you done trumped me when I had something to share Drea. I passed my revaluation this AM and the Bariatric Choo Choo is back on track and chugging forward. Doesn't look like May since I won't be going to meet case manager, dietician and nurse practioner until May 24th, so maybe June? I will keep you all updated, gosh I feel so much better😝, not only that things are moving but also about myself. Try as you may, you can't escape blaming yourself. It's bad enough when the world screws you over,but to fear it's something you yourself did? Bad Sad Scene😖. But life is cool, I'm no fool 😍and I'll no longer let anyone treat me cruel😈