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Here I am, celebrated 45 years of marriage to my high school sweetheart on Saturday. Plan to retire December 31. Have fought weight all my life. Lowest weight 106 and highest 254. I am only 5 ft 2 in. Well, I am going to take the leap with Bariatric bypass as I have tried all other plans. I am 67 and looking to start my life over again with a new outlook on life. If I can, we all can. In God all things are possible[emoji33][emoji120]

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I’ve been taking the Bariatric Fusion vitamins , chewable , and include everything that you need . Taste pretty good too

Thanks KarenLR75. They require a BMI of over 40 or 35 with a co-morborbidy. That is the first requirement. If you meet any of those two then you will need: A letter of necessity/recommendation from my PCP with full blood work 4 Nutri. visits that will also include discussion about an exercise program that are consecutive and need to be over at least a 90 day period. I had mine in Oct, Nov, Dec, and Jan. Mental Health Eval (mine was not covered so it was out of pocket) Pulmonary clearance which included a sleep test (out of pocket) Cardiac clearance with an EKG, ECO and stress test (out of pocket) Endoscopy (out of pocket) Ultrasound of the upper stomach to rule out issue with gal badder All of these have to be completed before submission for approval and have to be done 6 months from your first consult with your bariatric surgeon. I started on August 23 and submitted last week, just shy of the 6 month mark. I could have completed it in Jan but since many of the big procedures had to be out of pocket to meet my deductible i moved them to the beginning of the new year to hit my deductible and my out of pocket max so I wouldn't be paying more than I had too.

New Guy introduction; My Name is Johnnie, and I hail from North Alabama. I have just begun research into bariatric surgery, specifically Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy. First off I will say, that I have support from most family members, friends, some co-workers, and of course the the 3 or 4 who have had some form of bariatric surgery. There are a few, my wife included, who really REALLY want me to seek alternatives to surgery, but they expressed they would support my decision either way. Instead of giving a list of what ails me, we'll start with recent events since July 2017; Late in July I was diagnosed with multiple pulmonary emboli (blood clots in the lungs). Save to say, I was staring death in the face (at the time, I weighed 298lbs). As a direct result of the blood clot situation, I made lots of new friends last year; a pulmonologist, and cardiologist, and a hematologist to name a few. All of the Dr's said to lose the weight to help elevate further issues. Nevertheless, I will remain on blood thinners for another year (Xeralto to be exact). In November I was cleared of the blood clots that I was hospitalized for back in July, a CT scan confirmed this. I had also gained 7lbs, now sitting at 305. In January of 2018, I met with my hematologist, and this found me at an astonishing weight of 320!! The hematologist told me that had I gained 10lbs in a year, he would have been concerned, but in fact, I had gained 22lbs in 5 months. He also expressed concerns about the edema in my lower legs (swelling). We talked about how there is this little 165lb man deep inside of me who is screaming to get out, and no one can hear him... His next comment set me back, he said; "maybe you should consider weight loss surgery..." After me telling him I did not want to re-arrange my guts, he recommended the lap band... No thank you, my sister has the lap band, and it has made her dangerously anorexic. So I mull over the idea of some form of weight loss surgery for a couple weeks, including attending a WLS seminar, and talking with friends and co-workers who have had the surgery(s). I decided I would take matters into my own hands, as I decided that surgery was not for me! To start things off on the right foot, I would set up a wellness visit with my family doctor and begin a journey of losing weight the "normal way". Well, this past Monday, Feb 12, 2018 I met with my doctor, but not before I find that I am now tipping the scales at 325lbs!!! I am devastated to say the least, and to add to that, the doctor basically handed me a pamphlet to a weight loss center and said good luck! All this to say, that I have an appointment with Alabama Bariatrics on the 23rd of this month (Feb 2018), to consult with a surgeon. The surgeon who has performed a gastric by-pass procedure on my mother (10-years ago) and lap band surgery on my sister (8-years ago). Incidentally, I come family line of heavy hitters. I am scared to death of the surgery, as it is not reversible, but I am more afraid of dying... And worst of all, just writing this I am mourning foods that I may never ever get to eat again... my brain is my own worst enemy. For what it is worth, I take ownership of everything, there is no one to blame but myself... Here is my intro pic, I am not sleepy or un-happy... I am un-healthy at 325ilbs

There is a Davinci thread somewhere in the last few days here on Bariatric Pal. I do know your incisions will be smaller and heal quicker than average. And the one person I knew personally said she had a lot less pain than average. Barring a failure of the East Coast power grid the lights won't go out. I drempt one night my surgeon got hiccups, not your worry, robots don't get hiccups. The last person I heard of waking up during surgery was in Readers Digest, ain't gonna happen. You'll go into a nice peaceful sleep, when you wake up you'll have nurses and surgical techs watching over you in recovery. My friend Tammy said her post surgery was less than the day her 5 year old head-butted her in the belly. Thought he was a goat, if he had been mine I would have cut his little horns off before they got bigger. Probably a good thing God didn't send him to me! Hon, you're going to be just fine, I'm certain of it. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Well the sleep apnea might be a yellow flag but not a show stopper.They might put you in the. ICU or a PCAU after your surgery to,monitor your breathing.Do you have a folder or notebook from,your bariatric program? If so,read it and see if you see anything that doesn't seem covered. I would want to know if he requires a liquid diet presurgery, some doctors do to sirink the size and fatness of your liver, makes it easier to,move out of the way. My own doctor doesn't require it, just a balanced low fat for,the 2 b weeks before. Some doctors move you thru the postsurgical diets fast, some Make you stay on each 2-3 weeks. You probably,already know the sequence, clear liquid[ full liquids/url], soft puree, puree and soft regular. Then after all that at a appropriate time you are on your new regular diet. Ask him if he has weight restrictions, usually 5 to 10 pounds until healed. Are you allowed to bend over? I mentioned that because one of the girls was told she couldn't for 2or 3 weeks. Just play it by ear and I'm sure you'll be fine. You could ask about exercise, but since they get you up soon after surgery walking is encouraged. I know of one person who went to the mall on her way home and walked for 2 hours. I'm surely not that gung go.I'll probably do what I can until I have to sit down and rest but that's just me. Hey update me on anything that happens okay? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I was just there Friday morning to see Suzanne. I felt the same as you did about Dr Fitzer...I liked him and understood that I may not see him often. I have two more visits with Suzanne...it seems like a long year but the last few months have went by pretty quick. I was told to contact insurance as well. They just sent me a copy of their Bariatric policy. They haven’t been very good to deal with...they have a lot of requirements. Heather is very quick to respond if you email her with questions. I email her a lot, at least at the beginning with what to do next. I’m assuming as I am getting to the end I will have more to do...hoping that will make time go quicker... I am 44 and have two kids. A 20 year old son that is at school in North Carolina and a almost 7 year old daughter. I hope you don’t have long to wait for surgery! I’m hoping for April!!

Don't beat yourself up. Obesity is a multi factorial disease. It is caused by many things. Eating habits, activity level, genetics, gut microbes, hormones and who knows what else. The medical community can't even tell us exactly why weight loss surgery works. We just know that it is the most effective treatment that we have at the moment. Everyone is different. Don't compare yourself with anyone else. I also believe that stress is a big contributor as it affects our hormones and our genes. I still see my bariatric nutritionist at 20 months out and have no plans to stop because we have to be diligent and do everything we can to fight this disease. If you have access to one, I would highly recommend doing that because you are right, there is so much misinformation and information that does not pertain to us out there. Time and time again I have found her information to be spot on. She reels me in back to nutrition and away from the confusion. Also, I have said it before and I still believe that if we get to a point where we feel like we are loosing control, reaching out for psychological help is a good thing. It can't hurt and I've seen many people who said they were so glad they did. You can do this.

For me, my family was part of the reason I was obese. So I found it quite empowering to make the decision by myself to go for bariatric surgery. That being said, I wouldn't be where I am today without the support I have from people around me. However ultimately it's me that has to deal with the pains from overeating. Me that has to deal with the dumping and hypos. But it's also me who can say how incredibly proud I am to have achieved what I have to date (-150lbs). You are never alone, even with yourself Sent from my GT-I9505 using BariatricPal mobile app

Now that I've had my initial consultation with Dr. Fitzer, I'd like to share some feedback on him for the benefit of others. He smiled, he was personable, and he was not aloof. Apparently some other patients had a different experience in this regard. Maybe my expectations were low in this area, so it didn't take much to exceed them. In any case, I found nothing of concern in his demeanor, and I felt comfortable talking with him about my case and my concerns. He exhibited a lot of self-confidence. While I appreciate humility more than pride, I have no problem with the self-confidence as long as it's not unfounded. He solicited my questions, and answered them thoroughly. So thoroughly in fact, that I didn't get to ask all of them before I had been there for an hour, and he said that he we needed to wrap up the visit. I wished that he had more time, but I respect that there was another patient waiting, and that my $30 co-pay didn't entitle me to all of the doctor's afternoon. And he *more* than made it up to me by telling me that I could find a card with his e-mail address in the folder I was given, and that he would answer any additional questions I send him via e-mail. Not too many doctors offer that sort of communication with their patients - you usually need to schedule another appointment to get that kind of interaction! Another concern that others have mentioned is that you will "never see him again" after the surgery, even in the hospital on the day of surgery. So I asked him about follow-up, and he was frank with me about the other providers I would need to see after surgery. I'm ok with that. He's the surgeon, so I don't really need to see him except for the consult and for the surgery. He did say that I was welcome to make a follow-up appointment with him if I ever wanted to see him or just come visit. I have a $30 co-pay for specialists and no coverage for nutritionist visits, so how can I complain about that? Maybe I'll see his PA or NP for my 3-week follow-up, but I can also see him anytime I want. What more could I expect? Another concern was that he is a solo practice, so if he moves away or gets hit by the proverbial bus, his bariatric practice will not be there to support me after he's gone. He assured me that he is not going to move in the next five years, told me that he couldn't promise me that he wouldn't drop dead, but that he would definitely communicate with his patients about continuity of care if/when he were planning to move away. Again, I couldn't expect any more than that. I was asked to call GEHA (insurance) myself to verify benefits, even though the doctor's office was also in touch with them. I'm not quite sure what to ask, but I guess I'll ask about the "supervised diet," as Dr. Fitzer's staff didn't know my insurance company's requirement in that regard, even though I gave them all of my insurance info a couple of weeks ago. I did complete a year-long hospital-based medical weight loss program a year ago, so I hope that is recent enough to count toward the requirement. I want to get this done NOW! Overall, the initial consult went better than expected, even though I still have a lot of uncertainty and confusion about next steps, exactly what I need to do to prep, etc. I do have a follow-up scheduled with his nutritionist, so I expect to learn more during that visit and during subsequent visits to his office.

Welcome barbieater- if my conversion kg/lb is correct you and I have about the same goal but I'm starting,out taller and heavier. Maybe 146 kg, it doesn't sound too much better in kg and 172 cm. I am 72 years old, yes above traditional age, I will have a RnY early-mid March at Mount Carmel Hospital in Columbus Ohio. I'm in it to win it, want to spend my remaining years thinner and healthier, Scared, no not a bit, more worried since I've left it so late in my life, will I heal as well? Ah but I'm still committed to making it a success. Watching the Olympics out of the corner of my eye, Chinese ski jumper just did a somersault. Instead of landing upright. Seems not to be hurt. At any rate update us on your weight loss journey as it happens. Your American bariatric friend. ME Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

First person I've heard of going to Sweden. Belgium, Switzerland, the Middle East, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, we truly are World-wide. Oh I almost forgot Bariatric Pal MX and the other Mexico locations, Canada and my friend LillyBilly who lives on one of the ABC Islands in the Caribbean,( Aruba-Bonaire-Curacao), who's going to Columbia for her surgery. And each of them are precious and have a story to tell on Bariatric Pal. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

What follows is a narrative of my personal experience with the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and my subsequent weight loss. It is specifically written for both preoperative and recent postoperative patients. This is my way of thanking Bariatric Pal for the wealth of valuable information I gleaned before undergoing the surgery. I need to underscore that my story is not intended to provide weight loss advice or suggest that the way I did it is the only or even best way to lose and maintain weight loss. I have broken and continue to break most of the postoperative rules I was given by my surgeon and, yet, I’ve been able to maintain a weight loss of 88 pounds over four years (my weight fluctuates within a five-pound range). There are too many self-proclaimed experts on this forum: I am not seeking feedback or a critique about the particular path my journey has taken. There are a few things I would do differently in retrospect. Perhaps others will benefit from my story. Back Story Obesity runs in my family. My parents were chronically 30 to 60 pounds overweight throughout my entire life. My father died at 62 from arteriosclerosis (years of cholesterol plaques broke free and clogged his valves: he suffocated to death). My mother died at age 61 from a massive stroke. Three of my four grandparents died in their late 50’s and early 60’s. I am 63-years-old and thank God every morning for giving me another day. I was a skinny kid but my mother forced me to finish a large glass of eggnog every day even though I would spend over an hour trying to get it down. Her plan worked: At age twelve, I weighed around 30lbs more than I should have. The year was 1967 and Weight Watchers had just opened a branch in my hometown. My mother joined and I decided to follow her program (there were no teen programs at that time. Back in those days, one weekly serving of liver and three daily doses of that foul-tasting Malba powered fat-free milk were mandatory). I lost the excess weight in a relatively short period of time because I was consuming far fewer calories than a growing boy needed and I was active with sports throughout high school. I kept the weight off until after I was married. Throughout my young and middle adulthood, I would continuously lose 30 pounds over a period of a few months and then slowly but surely regain the weight over a two-year period. However, the total amount of each weight gain increased with age and losing the weight became increasingly difficult. At 57 years of age, at a height of just under 5’7”, I weighed in at 244lbs reaching a BMI of 38.8. Bariatric Consultations My initial plan was to obtain a gastric balloon (I wasn’t quite ready to accept that I needed a permanent solution). I consulted with three bariatric surgeons who each told me that a gastric balloon was not the answer as, first, I had too much weight to lose and, second, each physician anticipated that I would regain the weight as soon as the balloon was removed (in six months’ time). Two surgeons recommended the vertical sleeve; one was in favor of the gastric bypass. I eventually decided on the VSG as I didn’t want to have to worry about nutrient absorption (although, as it turned out, I still have to take daily supplements as I just can’t hold enough food in my stomach to receive the minimum daily requirements of vitamins and minerals). My decision to undergo the surgery was not based on vanity. I would have continued to let my pants out if that had been an option as I loved to eat. The surgery was a medical necessity: I had developed obesity-related diabetes (type II) and was taking 1500mg of Glucophage daily and it was only marginally successful. I was functionally crippled: I could not walk more than 100 yards without feeling as if the soles of my feet were on fire. I would need to stop and sit down to give my feet a chance to recover. I was miserable. I could do nothing but lie in bed, watch TV, and eat. In addition, as my weight increased, my blood pressure continued to spike. I was taking five different antihypertensive medications daily and my pressure was still in the high-normal range (155/90). My wife lost her partner in that I was physically unable to do the things with her that we used to do together. She often referred to herself (with me only) as a widow. I hit rock bottom emotionally during the summer of 2012 while visiting Disney World because I needed to rent a scooter (I could not keep up with the others and would hold them up while I rested for a few minutes). I was deeply humiliated although my companions were thrilled that we were able to skip the long lines and enter the rides through the handicap entrance. I scheduled the surgery well in advance for the winter break of 2012 as soon as we returned home (I’m an academician and a university student counselor). My eventual choice in a surgeon was based on a recommendation from my stepson, an emergency room physician, who heavily researched various doctors for me. This particular surgeon was the first to ever perform bariatric surgery in our state and, most impressively, has a “leak rate” of zero percent (even to this day after five years). The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly The operation went smoothly although I awakened to four incisions instead of the expected three because the surgeon could not see his way around my fatty liver without that additional entry point. My mild to moderate pain was sufficiently managed with a pushed IV dose of morphine and tramadol followed by regular intervals of more tramadol. I was very comfortable during my two-night hospital stay. I was sent home with only liquid Panadol and it worked. What pain I had was negligible by the fourth day, when I was able to get out of bed without help. I attribute this outcome to my surgeon’s skill. What I did not anticipate, from having read these forums, was just how damn thirsty I would be before I was cleared for liquid intake. My mouth and throat were so dry that the Barium liquid they gave me to drink for the leak test was literally a welcomed respite from my thirst. I was one of the unfortunates to suffer chronic diarrhea for three-and-a-half-months. This condition is not uncommon after vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I went to work every morning wearing a diaper. I also did not anticipate how weak and dehydrated I would be. I was readmitted to the hospital after two days of dehydration and syncope, a condition that persisted for weeks. I lost my balance a couple of times while at work, which led to speculation among my colleagues that I had either contracted alcoholism or cancer (the latter guess was reinforced by my rapid weight loss). I chose not to broadcast my surgery to anyone other than a few close relatives. My healthcare issues are no one’s business but my own. I also don’t discuss my hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and reoccurring planters wart with relative strangers such as waitresses and coworkers. (There is a great deal of debate on this forum about the merits of telling the world about one’s bariatric surgery. I do not necessarily believe that one approach is better than another. I only know what was and is best for me). I lost weight too quickly because I didn’t prepare sufficiently for the postoperative 14-day liquid diet. I couldn’t stand the taste of the liquid protein drink I purchased and there is only so much clear broth one can tolerate without feeling as if you’re drowning. By the ninth day, I broke my first postoperative rule and had my wife make me a simple poached egg without seasoning. To this day, that single poached egg was the most delicious meal of my life. I was starving. I believe I lost 30 pounds within the first five to six weeks, followed less dramatically by another 40 over the course of the next six months. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of that weight loss was muscle. Consequently, by the time I reached my initial target goal, I was disheartened by the fact that I looked nothing like I did the last time I had weighed 170lbs. My pants size never changed as my weight decreased from 185lbs down to goal weight, owing to this apron of loose skin in my lower abdomen: I have had to wear 36-inch waist pants regardless of weight. That has been an enormous disappointment. The last time I weighed 170lbs (back in 1997), I wore a 33-inch waist. Over the course of the five years that followed, I gradually lost another 15lbs while not particularly trying to. I have a hunch that my surgeon removed more stomach than he let on, although a gastroenterologist told me that I had about 50 percent of a normal stomach after she performed an endoscopy to rule out stomach cancer. I developed a terrible case of acid reflex and must take antacids every day. During the summer of 2012, my wife and I went on a five-week culinary retreat, including a 10-day cruise. I returned home to discover that my weight had climbed to 180lbs from the 168lbs I had started my vacation with. It was a harsh wake-up call that I could not eat with total impunity. The fear of regaining my weight gripped the pit of my stomach like a heavy duty Craftsman’s vise. I made a decision and commitment to myself that exact moment to never allow myself to gain this kind of weight again. I made a concerted effort to reduce my daily intake of food until my weight fell back down to goal weight. My weight has remained fairly constant from the beginning of 2013 to present day, fluctuating from 155 to 160 pounds. When my weight hits 160, I make a decision to become acutely mindful of what I eat until I see 150-something on the scale. As for the apron, I will go in for liposuction this summer. I gave serious thought to an abdominoplasty but the surgeon talked me out of it, claiming that I would require a four to five week recovery period. In addition, he felt that the loose skin would eventually retract after the underlying fat was removed. In fact, my apron has slightly decreased in size over the past year, an effect of regular activity I think. The Aftermath I am convinced that my metabolism has increased as a result of having been able to maintain my lower body weight over several years. It seems to me that I can eat more now than I could one year after the surgery without gaining weight (my wife, on the other hand, thinks that this isn’t necessarily true, i.e., that I am not really eating more than I had). I am amazed by all the energy I have today: my wonderful and beautiful wife is no longer a widow of obesity and diabetes. Today, I seize every opportunity I can to accompany her to the malls and stores. Today I can walk for hours without pain or fatigue: my diabetes went into permanent remission after a weight loss of 30 to 35 pounds. My BMI varies from 24.6 (normal) to 25.4 (slightly overweight) depending on where I am in my five-pound weight range. My blood pressure is currently maintained in the low-normal range (i.e., 120/70) on just one-fourth the medication I used to take when I was fat. I am on the scale every single morning. I do not like surprises. I want to know immediately when my weight starts to creep upward so I can nip it in the bud. I know myself: I would not be able to rationalize that personal failure away. I am a big fan of the reality TV show “My 600lb Life” on TLC. According to bariatric surgeon Dr. Nowzaradan, less than five percent of his patients enjoy long-term success. Based on the scientific literature I have read, patients with a starting BMI of less than 40 have the highest long-term success rates. Those who were morbidly and super obese (BMIs of 40 to over 50) at the start of surgery have a tough nut to crack. In most cases, they will need to consult with a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of obesity to change their emotional relationship with food. Aside from eating solid food after just nine days, I started drinking carbonated beverages at six months after the surgery, e.g., diet cokes and vodka tonics. I am not aware of any change in my stomach’s capacity and I’ve been drinking carbonated beverages every day for almost five years. (Please note: In no way am I encouraging anyone to do the same. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines. I do not want to read any criticisms or dire admonishments from this forum’s formidable food police about how I am inadvertently sabotaging other people's weight loss program). I am simply sharing what has worked for me for the last five years. Many forum members claim that their taste for certain foods changed after the surgery (and, quite fortuitously and even miraculously, it’s always foods high in carbs and fat that members seem to lose their taste for). I cannot claim such good fortune. All foods taste the same to me as my surgeon refused to remove even one of my 10,000+ taste buds: What has changed, however, is my appetite for certain foods. Prior to the surgery, I used to put away four to five 16oz Angus ribeye steaks every week. Today, I don’t find red meat as appetizing as I used to because of its density. I prefer fish because I can digest it easily and without suffering from an agonizing attack of acid reflux. Chicken is also good. Sometimes I do feel frustrated that I can’t eat more than three to four ounces (including fluids) at a time. The good news is that my surgery paid for itself in about 18 months owing to dramatically reduced grocery bills (my insurance did not cover the surgery). I was thrilled when—by fasting all morning long from food and liquids—I was able to finish an entire half of a Second Avenue Deli pastrami sandwich while visiting New York City (and a few sips of their beef barley mushroom soup as well). I have not restricted or eliminated any foods from my life. As a behavioral therapist with over 37 years of clinical experience, I don’t believe in abstinence from food or alcohol as a lifelong strategy. Abstinence is not an effective alternative for moderation. My diet is predominantly the same now as it had been before the surgery. I still eat candy, cake, and pizza, for example… just a lot less than I used to. The only genuine difference in my diet, as stated before, is a decrease in the amount of red meat I consume because it’s harder for me to keep down than fish and chicken. My stomach is very sensitive to overeating: the difference between digesting my food in peace and having to run to the bathroom to cough up a silky combination of excess mucous and gastric acid is literally one bite or a single sip of beverage. Would I have the surgery again given what I know now? Absolutely and in a New York minute. The only regret I have is that I didn’t commit to the surgery sooner. What I learned from my experience I urge anyone planning on having a sleeve gastrectomy to invest the time and money to experiment with different brands and flavors of protein drinks before the surgery. You need to have a reliable source of protein and sufficient calories or you will lose muscle along with fat as I did. The only regret I have is that I lost the weight too quickly, leaving me with an annoying apron and lots of loose skin on my arms, stomach, and hips. There is an implied assumption on this forum that all bariatric surgeons and results are the same, i.e., if one patient supposedly sprung a leak by eating solid food on day 13 (instead of day 15) or allegedly gained back half the weight by allowing him or herself to eat M&M’s again, then everyone should expect the same results. This is simply not true. No two surgeons are the same and no two patients of the same surgeon will have identical results. One size does not fit all when it comes to bariatric surgery. I suggest to friends contemplating the surgery that they find the best surgeon they can regardless of cost even if it means traveling. You don’t shop for bargain basement prices when you’re about to have more than half your stomach removed. The risk is too great. My stepson, the emergency room physician, after looking into the first surgeon I had selected advised, “I wouldn’t let him operate on our dog.” The “less than one percent leak rate” is not an immutable or predetermined statistic: There are bariatric surgeons who boast a zero percent leak rate. Find one of those. I hope my story has been informative and helpful.

Thank you for his and your services. As a support person to him you fulfill a very valuable service also I for one am proud to know you, I'd like to say I'd shake his hand but I'd probably hug you both instead. I am excited you are starting on your weight journey. Which surgery are you planning? I will be a RnY but I'm friends with all the sleevers on here. I liken these surgeries to rifles and shotguns, different but they both shoot well and they get the job done. To be honest your,timeline looks a lot more efficient than average. Many out here have 5-7 months of prerequirements before our surgeon's office set a date. If we can we will help you with any questions you have. I'm pre surgical myself but have been on Bariatric Pal several months, there are a lot of veteran WLS patients still active they mentor us along the way. I've learned a lot from them. If you like I'll tell you more of my,personal story but right now I hope to make you feel welcome. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I know that BARIATRIC PAL is a good source of info but I know for a fact you can do this without buying their products. You can make your own Bone Broth. Make pretty much all you will need. On another note I have also heard that the RE-SET doesn't work. Years ago when my friend had her RNY (it was called Gastric Bypass then) Her Dr. had he do a test with measured out cottage cheese. She was told to get a cup of CC and eat until she was full but not over stuffed. You might want to try something like that. Also, I don't know if you have heard but our bodies can only use 30 grams of protein at a time. Anything more than that is just lost when we go Pee Pee. Sorry for that I don't want to offend anyone.

Hi,there. Welcome to Bariatric Pal. I make lists also, bet most of us do. Happy you have a firm date, I'll cry when I have mine, I know I'm worth it but there are days when I'm not sure anyone else thinks so. I ran into a snafu in my weight journey and I will know Tuesday if it's ironed out. Send some good thoughts my way, okay? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

You're not alone, you have all of us on Bariatric Pal. Oh, I could give you a list of all the misplaced advice each of us was given, do you want that? Nope , I didn't think so. You are doing this first and foremost for yourself. You have realized the way I'm living isn't working, I can't live like this anymore. Maybe you've tried diet after diet, they didn't work for you. You might have lost some weight but couldn't keep it off. So you've asked for some help from your doctor and by extension- us. First ,surgery is not the easy way out, it is a rough choice to make, takes a firm commitment to see it through, it can be body altering and life changing. Those of us here have seen and understand the struggle and are still going forward. I myself am 72 years old., a lot of my contemporaries would be content to sit on their haunches in a rocking chair, get fatter until they die. Not this lady, I know I'll have an uphill battle but I'm going to do it. I'm in it to win it, even if I have only a few more years, I'm going to live them thinner and healthier. As Reba McEntire says," I'm a Survivor" and survive I shall ! I ask all of you to join me on this journey, won't be quick and easy, and there will be some sacrifice but it will be so so worth it. Come on! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

The pouch reset can be found here at Bariatric Pal at https://store.bariatricpal.com/pages/2-week-pouch-reset-diet. Realistically, It isn't just a juice fast. It starts that way, but you have to continue on with the water as food returns in a stepped way. The juice adds extra calories. Anyone have additional ideas?

First of all, you're doing awesome!! Second, hi to another bariatric pagan!

While not an out-and-out BAN, a majority of bariatric surgeons swear a jihad on commercial breakfast cereals. They are poor nutrition overall ... ** USUALLY TOO MUCH SUGAR; ** USUALLY LOW OR ULTRA-LOW FIBRE ** USUALLY TOO FEW COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES ** USUALLY TOO HIGH IN GLYCEMIC INDEX They add to the bread and pastry problem for obese/overweight people. - - - EXCEPTIONS: *** Small serves of rolled oats *** Small to medium serves of steel-cut oats. *** A handful of brands of wholegrain breakfast biscuits made without sugar. The liquid in these should be in the preparation ... NOT in the serving. - - - I find the crockpot version of steel-cut oats ideal - high fibre, filling, integral (optional) milk or skim milk. Would you like the recipe? Just don't add sucrose or milk at the table while serving.

Ask any questions you want, we all want to help anyway we can. I'm pre surg myself although I've been a Bariatric Pal for several months. We have a lot of WLS veterans on here, they have or are still fighting pounds on their journeys but still have time to mentor and encourage us all. I'm 72, planning early-mid March RnY at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio. More frightened of not having surgery than the actual surgery. I can do this. I'm in it to win it. Won't be the walk in the park it is for the younger ones but I can still rescue a smaller size and good health from the grasp of chubbyhood. Care to join me on this long fruitful journey? The best is just ahead. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Kristen -welcome. Yes I think we've all had these fears. I am at the opposite end of life , sometimes I call myself,the Bariatric Grandma, although,, in your case even Great grandma. I am 72,climb up on my virtual lap. First,you are doing something,good for your 3year old little angel. She needs her mommy, she needs her healthy and strong. A lot of us set down our bad eating habits at her age, grabbing what would fit in our tiny little hands. In my case it was probably,my mamma's soft applesauce cookies with raisins and caramel frosting on top. If I'd know then, it would have been celery or carrot sticks. Ah, coulda, woulda, shoulda! At any rate- at a lower weight,you'll be able to chase after her, play with her, lay down good memories, I remember walking through my grandparents woods, picking flowers, even fishing. Yeah, both of my parents fished. Growing a garden together, I had my own little flower bed along side, helping pick fresh produce out of the garden, nothing better than fresh little leaves of lettuce in a salad. I remember telling Daddy I helped Mamma with the peas, I picked them me-self. Sure it might have been faster if she'd done it, but i was so proud. The surgery will give you chances to be here with it all, you won't be tired, sick and trapped in a no fun body. You won't be saying "I can't do that,"you'll be turning somersaults and doing handstands. You'll be So proud of how you look that you'll be confident and more sexy, when you feel better about yourself you'll be more fun in and out of bed. Daddy will be happy to have a partner that isn't out of breath, you'll be able to ring his chimes as much as you want. Happy Daddies are no longer Sad Daddies. If you put your mind to it I know you WILL make a success of it. It will,be a slow daily journey through this, you didn't gain the weight in one day, it will take oodles of days to get it off. But it can be done. I'm facing surgery myself, it will be less easy at my age, but I have a strong will (as do you) and I can and shall make thru to health and thin-ness. Your skin will snap back and smooth out at your age, keep up exercising even if its walking more, I've been obese for so many years and mine is so stretched out I'll probably,look like a Shar Pei. But praise God I'll still be alive and kicking and giving my opinions on everything under the sun! Join me on this weight loss journey, the best is yet to come! Never entertain regrets- cause joy and peace are coming yet. Your new (and somewhat older) friend. ME Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

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. https://www.flowersbariatriccenter.com/patient-resources/preparing-for-bariatric-surgery/why-it-matters-to-stop-smoking-after-weight-loss-surgery/

Hi lovefromAZ, I'm your friendly neighborhood bariatric person. I am 72, when my arthritis isn't flaring a friendly pleasant person. I am a future RnYer, hoping for early-mid March at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio. If you're a future sleeved thats fine, I liken it to the difference between rifles and shotguns, they both shoot nicely and they do get the job done. I'm friends with most everybody. In my years of life I've encountered. A lot of things so can talk on any subject, sometimes i don't even need a subject. Ask anything, If I dont have an answer someone on Bariatric Pal will. Welcome again, hope you'll enjoy being here and good,luck for the future. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app