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I liked how he explains : A calorie is not a calorie. 300 calories of protein will give you better results than 300 calories of carbohydrates. Calories do three things: immediately burn for fuel store as fat create heat ( calorie deficit - the reason bariatric patients are always cold ) Wondering if anyone on baraitricpal has a copy of the back on track program.

Thank you. My energy and ability to live life to the fullest is so different now. I am consistently visioning new ideas to help others life their magnificent life. My hashtag #ificandoityoucandoit is posted on many videos. Check them out. You can also check my website at www.caroladkisson.com and recoveringmylife.net. I also have a Facebook Group Emotional/Mental Support for the Bariatric Patient. Feel free to join.

I know this is an older post, but I think it deserves to be revived for others with the same question. There are definitely times when a "higher than normal BMI" can have plastic surgery for loose skin. In my case, My high weight was 385lbs. I'm 5' 7". When I had Tummy Tuck and brachioplasty a few months ago, I weighed about 220lbs (35 BMI)...still firmly in the "obese" category. They removed almost 9 lbs of skin during surgery. The way I was told how it works with massive weight loss is that they want your weight stable...ideally for a year. Ideally you should also be as close to goal as possible for the best results. Although I was still 40 lbs from my goal weight, I went ahead with the procedure. I don't regret it. Since recovering, I have found it easier to lose weight and feel great with my new silhouette. Ask your bariatric doctor for a referral to a plastic surgeon who can handle "body reconstruction". If you have lost a massive amount of weight, it's not gonna be a simple "nip tuck". A reconstructive surgery is very different than the average plastic surgery.

Vitamins are so very important after surgery. Your body needs the vitamins to sustain. I'd recommend finding some vitamins that you can take, I'm currently taking the Bariatric Choice all in one chewable (4x day), along with B1 every morning, and B12 every 5 days. Maybe discuss with your surgeon for some recommendations. Have you looked at the Tespo system? I'm just really worried about the long term affects of not taking your vitamins.

So I had completed my bariatric seminar 2weeks ago, that is required prior to meeting surgeon that is more like an informational session. Had my first appointment with nutritionist and surgeon today! Had the run down of the entire process. Have my appointment for endoscope for April 13th. Walk in clinics for my labs, ekg and chest xray. Have my psych eval scheduled in April and my fist "medical supervised weight loss appointment" thisFriday. I'm so excited. Feels kind of surreal. I made a few changes in my life recently knowing this is all for a healthier me. I've started drinking ONLY water, at least 64oz a day. I've also quit smoking/consuming alcohol. Origionally I was stressed over the 6months thing but honestly I'm kind of happy I have that time to mentally prepare and make changes. Hoping for Sept surgical date! I also can't wait to havr new comparison photos to show progress! Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

Bariatrics is a lifelong change. Water/fluid intake gets easier and becomes habit. The way you eat, drink and exercise becomes normal over time. Hang in there.

The honeymoon period is the period of time that weight loss and maintenance is the easiest. It will be unique to the individual and how well they follow a typical bariatric friendly diet. For me, it lasted from Feb 2015 until June 2016. That is when I surpassed goal and then bounced back up a little bit. I have maintained a stable weight since, but I am probably more strict with my diet and physically active than most. You'll know when you are in the honeymoon phase when your calorie intake week over week is lower than what is needed to maintain your body weight. Once you start consistently hitting a calorie goal that is equal to your BMR (basal metabolic rate) your weightloss will stop. If you start exceeding that rate, you will slowly start gaining until the calories and established weight reach equilibrium. If you are eating more than your BMR plus active metabolic needs, you start gaining weight. This is why tracking food is important for some (like me).

Does anyone from the Boise area have any idea if the St Lukes Bariatric doctors have certain days they do surgeries and certain days they are in clinic? I am wondering if Dr Valentine has a schedule. I will be having surgery the end of May and was hoping that I could have it on a Monday or Tuesday, but someone told me that certain doctors have certain days they schedule surgeries on and that my doctor usually does them on Thursdays and Fridays

Thank you for sharing your story. You've had sadness, sorrow, been tired, be tried, and the ultimate victory is truly yours. I don't know if my own will be that spectacular but I do pledge I will be the best ME I can be at the conclusion of my own Bariatric Journey. Thank you again for sharing yours.[emoji12]HW355CW323 & Surgery Status: waiting for smile from Bariatric Gods-Spring 2018? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

You look so,sad and tired on the left, so vibrant, fit and healthy on. the right. You look like you could be relatives but the same person--WOW. You now validate,all the trials the struggles and the ultimate victory of Barialtric surgery in your life. You inspire me to continue my own journey to a Bariatric Rebirth this Spring. I will commit myself to be the success you have been. Thank you for your own testimony. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Erika, think about this as an investment. It's an investment in your health and well being but also an investment that will cost you some money. Before you invest money in the weight loss operation that might not be effective go to a professional counselor who specializes in eating disorders or bariatric surgery. Work out your trepidations with the counselor. If it helps you to become successful in your weight loss journey it will be money and time well spent. On the other hand you might find that WLS is not the answer for you. When going through insurance we have to get a psyche evaluation. Since you are paying out of pocket you probably didn't get one. Every poster here has given you his or her insight based on their experience. Those experiences might not necessarily be yours. Make the smart investment, confer with a mental health professional. You can always schedule the surgery at another date. You owe it to yourself to be as thorough in the process as possible. Good Luck and I'm sure I speak for the others when I say we are hoping for the best outcome for you.

I found something I like. I will use a Bariatric Complete multivitamin (chewable) I have to take only once a day in the morning and then Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate chewy bites I take 3 times a day for lunch, snack and dinner.

I am wondering if people are leaving here and just posting at Bariatric Pal Facebook Group. I admit that it's easier since I am on facebook every day anyway, but I miss my friends here.

I love Bailey Bariatrics too!!

So, in 600 pound life, they go to see a therapist when weight loss is stalled or going backwards and almost immediately , all issues are solved and they start losing weight again. The wonder of tv. i have limited options as i live in a german speaking country and the one I met, was nice but had no idea of using food to stuff down feelings Maybe my expectations are just too high.. Has anyone else successfully used a therapist or Bariatric coach? any recommendations for people for Skype consultations please? As a remote off chance, I will be in Bloomington MN for an extended period from April; anyone in that area? Thank you for advice

You sound as if you and I may be inhabiting the same things in life. You have reached the point where the thought of surgery frightens less than the thought of existing as you are, large and in pain. I am a skosh further along. I went through a bariatric program completely, I had first contacted these people in August 2015, was doing well in the program, lost insurance in January 2016 due to job termination. Figured that had screwed it for me, although I had Medicare which now moved to primary I wanted a secondary so applied for Medicaid. Tried to lose weight on my own, wasn't getting anywhere so consulted with my PCP, he put me on phentermine, instead of losing I gained 30 pounds in one month.Yeah, that's not how it was supposed to be. I hope you're sitting down relaxing because the story goes on! In November 2017 I re-enrolled with the program, hurried and redid all the prerequirements again. Came to February 20th, they kicked me to the curb, seems the 3 surgeons in the practice had themselves a little meeting and decided they no longer wanted to do my surgery. My PCP when I talked to him, we've known each other for close to 10 years thought because of my age (72) I would be an anaesthesia risk, I was 69 when I had established there, surely they didnt expect to start subtracting years with each birthday? The excuse their mumble-mouthed liason gave me? I am emotionally unstable, mentally incompetent and couldn't make such commitment with any degree of intelligence,! Bovine excretement!, I have a Mensa level IQ, knew what I was doing, the psychologist told me the testing she gave me was perfect, shook my hand, wished me well with my future surgery, gave them a conflicting report saying I was unstable, and I got screwed over, didn't even get a nice steak dinner or a few kisses out of this deal! As a further dig, as if I wasn't upset enough with the proceedings,informed me when I lost my company coverage and had to switch to Medicare, Medicare's requirements were less and I could have had my surgery in Spring 2016. How was I to know?,? they sure didn't tell me that! Hokay, after bawling my fool eyes out for a couple days, I picked myself up, dusted myself off and started searching alternate programs. There was one at OSU with an entrance seminar March 9th, one at Riverside Methodist the next day March 10th. I could arrange transportation for the 9th so that is the one attended. Both of these are in Columbus Ohio 48 miles from where I live. Liked what I heard so signed up for their consideration. After about 5 days they called back with an appointment to meet with their staff psychologist Dr Kramer April 25th 10AM- noon. So there's. how my story goes so far. Previous program offered to fax over their records showing completion of all their program, so I might have surgery May-June if they don't have anything different I have to complete. I'm a little apprehensive about the psychologist, PCP told me just to be myself, shoot it wasn't good enough before for the other people! Now you know how" the mop flops" for your truly. So how is YOUR day? Hope you will want to be friends some days I think my enemies have formed a club with jackets, so I'll take any friends I can find[emoji12] HW355 CW323 and holding! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

This is on my reading list, but I haven't got to it yet:- "The Emotional First + Aid Kit, A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, Second Edition, by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD" I picked up up the recommendation from the weight loss surgery podast by Reeger Cortell FNP, which in my view is the best podcast out there on bariatric surgery.

Most common reason for frequent urination (when you're not consuming inordinate amounts of water) is a urinary tract infection/irritation. Very simple to test for. Kidney stones are very common post bariatric surgery...so it's important to follow up.

Hey guys! I have new insurance after having to do 2 years on medi-cal but my bariatric surgeon is not covered under my PPO so I can't go ask him this question, unfortunately. I just ordered the celebrate complete multivitain with iron. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VTD7E8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I just realized from the label that it has 500mg of b-12 in it. Has anyone spoken to their doctor about this supplement and do they still have to take their b-12 on the side? If no one knows, I will go ask my primary but I'd rather check here first. Thanks!

yes I'm proud of myself i doubted in the past I could even make it this far but my bariatric team at hahnemann hospital were great they motivated me and saw my determination and even stopped me from backing out when i was going through personal issues but I'm glad i did go through with the surgery i do have days that I feel tired and weak but it was mainly because i was not intaking enough protein the vanilla cream pure protein was not good and it was hard to drink so i switched to chocolate its much better i see my surgeon this thursday to see if she thinks I'm ready for full liquids but i have been walking and taking my vitamins ect following doctors orders i will start the gym within a month post op Sent from my Chromebook 14 (CB3-431) using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes, it is as common as a full moon. Look up the "three week stall" or "third week stall." This infamous stall happens to many bariatric surgery patients sometime between the second and fourth postoperative weeks. It usually occurs around week 3; hence, it is called the "three week stall."

It was a requirement of the bariatric program at the hospital I used so every patient has to have one regardless of your history. I'm sure there can be a difference with all programs.

So look, I'm not gonna lie to you. I worked my ass off pre-op to lose weight and lost somewhere around 50+ lbs if I remember correctly? But along the way, I also had a few food funerals. But for the most part, my diet was very clean. I did this mainly cuz I was terrified that my liver would be as big as a foie gras goose liver! I wanted to reduce it over those 6 months. I truly was so scared I'd be the girl they'd open and close telling me, "Your liver was so damn big, I've never seen anything like it," and close me up without the surgery. So I had surgery about 5weeks ago. The doc told me my liver was small and pink and did just what it was supposed to do--stayed silent and out of the way during my RNY. So the angst is worth it. It's also worth it to decarb, dealcohol, desmoke, and decaffeinate. It's much easier to go through keto flu without the operation to deal with too. My recovery was obscenely easy. The surgery was obscenely easy. Cuz I prepared like hell up front. IF you are truly having eating issues and it sounds like you are, I'd look up a therapist--someone who specializes in bariatrics. I'd ask your surgeon. I would level with your team about what's going on with you and ask for help. My RD was all I needed, but some need more help. Don't be ashamed to do what you need to start your new life out on the right footing!!!

I realize this is an old topic but it’s came up for me when I was searching for calcium info. I just read that calcium carbonate doesn’t work as well post bariatric surgery because it can block some of the absorption of vitamin b (because of our low stomach acid production). Just wanted to add that for anyone else who comes across this question wanting to know!

I do the bariatric pre assessment on the 4/12/18 a 2 hour appt with labs ultrasound and meet the psychologist. Down 11 pounds since first appt in 1/12/18 have to loose 25 pounds by June before I see surgeon. I use to be able to loose 10-15 pounds a month no problem but now since I’m on Cymbalta for fibromyalgia and have infusions every 28 days ( over a 2 day period) I gain 6-8 pounds then takes me about 10 days to loose it. I’m FRUSTRATED