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I love this website, it's my go to for my Protein shakes, Snacks, meals and Vitamins. I've even gotten my protein shaker there. Just sharing because if you haven't heard about it, you can check it out they have a referral program that gives you $20 off towards your purchase of $40. Check it out if you're looking for a place to get your prison No obligation, just sharing. You can use the link. http://www.bariatricchoice.com/get-started-referred-bc.html

I do have to chew romaine a LOT to feel comfortable with swallowing it. My bariatric nutritionist said that after 3 mons we shouldnt have problems with letttuce, as it "slides" thru the band. I also like butter lettuce, its easier to chew as well.

I live in Iowa so I get treated at the one in Rochester MN they have great doctors. I have been going for 3 years now I have a team of 2 neurologist and 3 neurosurgeons, so the bariatric team works close with them.

I asked this question and the bariatric nurse talked about a CPA who drank icecream milkshakes while working and regained weight.

I am going Wednesday to my last visit before surgery on Dec. 2nd. The surgeon's office gives you a 10% discount on day of consent signing (part of Wednesday's visit) and requires if you don't buy there to bring in your supplies so they know you have the right protein and vitamins ready for when you go home...if not, they will not do surgery! I'm buying my supplies there...I've been using the Nectar products and LOVE the chocolate truffle and PB2 mixed together. For 8 ounces of milk and powders it is the pure protein at 36 grams. I love it and actually drink one every morning now. I also will buy all of my bariatric vitamins from them - it is easier. They have all of them needed in chewables and they are bariatric specific so at least the first 3 months worth I'm buying there. I also will buy the chicken broth and flavored protein liquid for water both at 15 grams per serving. He requires 3 whole weeks on post surgery on nothing but liquids...it is going to be tough! Every surgeon seems to have their own ideas/program...at the 3 week post surgery mark you go in and get a check up and a nutritional consult to move to the next eating stage - I thought this was just to charge us more money, but they don't charge for the visit at all at 3 weeks, so...guess they are just conservative! he has a GREAT results record and is an Excellence in Bariatrics surgeon. They are suppose to tell me more of things to get that will help at the hospital and after surgery on Wednesday so I'll share more then!

I meant to post back in March but been busy with life. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe. For those who got sick with the virus or lost loved ones, I offer my deepest thoughts and sympathies. I was part of the group who got the by-pass done just before everything went on lockdown last year. It's been quite the journey. I've been fortunate to have been able to work from home all of this time, although I do expect to return to the office sometime later this year. To date, I have lost 92 lbs. since the start of my bariatric journey and 104 lbs. from my highest weight. I had the surgery at 62 years of age and I was pre-diabetic, with high blood pressure and a BMI of over 44 and Stage 2 kidney disease. My highest dress size was 24 and I had severe acid reflux, back, knee and feet problems. At present, I can likely get into a size 18 and my bust size has gone from DDD to DD. I absolutely have no regrets getting the surgery -- it likely saved my life in many ways. Pre surgery I did a lot of reading on here as I wanted to know as much as I could about what to expect and I appreciated those who were 6-12 months out from surgery coming back to talk about their experiences, so I wanted to pay it forward. I will begin by breaking this into 4 sections: How I feel, What I think about myself, What I appreciate about myself now, and My work in progress. How I Feel: Physically I feel great and I consider that a blessing. I still have problems with my feet but that is mainly due my falling arches more than anything (although I did strain my ankle a few weeks ago attempting to do HIIT exercises -- don't ask). I've been most frustrated not being able to go to the gym to workout so my main exercise is walking long distances and doing online sculpturing classes. I do plan to return to the gym soon to step up the weight training. Walking up a flight of stairs without gasping for air is just simply divine! Having blood pressure that avg. 117/75? Lovely! I do still have to sleep somewhat elevated as I do have occasional bouts of reflux but nothing like before the surgery and I can't sleep on my right side for too long. But I can now sleep on my back without having severe back pain (the draw back is that my mouth is always open when I do). My blood work for the most part shows most areas in the normal ranges and my kidneys are functioning well. What I think about myself: When I was still in my 20s, I managed to lose 80 pounds and I gained it all back and then some. What is different about me now vs. then is that I still saw myself as fat, even though at that time, I was 16 pounds away from my goal weight. When I look at the pictures of me then, I couldn't see what I see of myself now. Even if I never lose another pound, I am so very cool with me being at this size right now. We are all different, especially us women, but yet we compare our bodies to an image that is not necessarily natural or realistic for most of us. Now I look in the mirror and I 'see' skinny and that's only because I'm tall and can carry more weight without 'looking' fat. That's also why the bottom line for me will always be the numbers on the scale, the volume of food I eat and the calories I ingest because the numbers don't lie. But poor body imagery can screw your mind up every time. What I appreciate about myself now: I think that it's so important to note the things that most folk who are thinner often take for granted. I try to keep a mental list of the things I can do now vs. before: Crossing my legs! I so love doing this! I can cross my legs without needing to hold my leg in place with my hand. I can keep my legs crossed for long periods of time without leg cramps; I can get a 4.5 mile walk in within 1 hr, 15 min vs. the 1 hr. 45 mins. in the past. I was able to work up to 10 miles in one session last year; Love having a resting heart rate in the 50s-60s; I can actually go to Costcos and buy some clothes! I haven't yet done so, but I will be able to start shopping for clothes in the non plus size section (that will still feel weird though); I like the fact that it can take me 2-3 days to finish a meal that I would normally eat in one meal. Volume control is a major game changer for me. I can't believe that I don't miss ice cream! My Work in Progress: The weight loss is slooooooooooooooooooooow now. I'm so close to that major milestone of onederland that I can taste it! Drinking enough water is still a struggle; Yes, sometimes I do overeat (and yeah, I pay for that!) Some foods that I like I can't really eat that much of anymore. I have to remind myself to make sure I get in enough protein. The protein drinks really helps even now. I still feel somewhat guilty when I have to throw food away because I'm full. I still snack a lot and I will on occasion, have that one sweet item that I want. I don't crave sweets and I'm so very grateful about that. Interesting that I want more savory things now. Being consistent is what I have to constantly work on. So ask me anything and I will check in from time to time to answer your questions. I would love to hear from others who had the surgery just prior to the great shutdown of 2020. Whatever you do, stay true and focus on your journey. It doesn't matter when you get there, only that you do in your time.

I went to a bariatric center and they had a nutritionist on staff that I talked to.

Thanks Infinity! My fears are probably typical. But wanting to avoid such a drastic and damaging surgery, is at the top. I worry that within my lifetime a better medical/genetic approach will become as common as bariatric surgery. But on the other hand, after RNY all my parts will still be with me, not like vertical sleeve. I look forward to feeling full on a lot less, a lot sooner. My surgeon refers to our normal stomachs as grocery bags. I guess they are in that it takes a lot to fill them. My prep for surgery is mostly trying to maintain that 5% weight loss, while trying to implement the behavior changes like slowing down my eating, reducing portions, regular meals, and fluid restrictions around meals. Also getting my head around this being medically essential for me. Believe me, if there was another, less drastic way, I'd do it instead. How about you?

If you don't get any more clear instructions on the pre-op liquids, here is the break-down of what is required from Loyola University Medical Center: 1) 4 1/2 cans of "High Protein" Slim Fast daily OR 2) 5 1/2 packets of "No Sugar Added " Carnation Instant Breakfast Drink with fat free or 1% milk daily. OR 3) 5 individual cartons of Atkins Advantage daily OR 4) 4 1/2 bottles of "Glucose Controlled" Boost daily. Notes: a) Each selection is approximately 800 calories and 60 grams of Protein. These instructions also allow Crystal Light, Water, decaf tea, sugar free gelatin and sugar free popsicles. c) Paragraph about diabetes: **If you have diabetes and are taking oral medications and/or insulin, you will want to discuss this with the doctor who manages your diabetes. You may also choose to use products that are NOT "low carbohydrate" versions. Make sure to monitor your blood sugars more closely as this is a very drastic change in your diet. Call your doctor if you experiencing high or low blood sugars. Caveat: My bariatric team is not your bariatric team, but you asked, so I put this out there as an example. It worked well for me, but your mileage may vary. Good luck with your surgery.

It's a good question. In my neck of the woods (Abu Dhabi, UAE), there is virtually no pre- or post-op support. One week before surgery, you show up at the hospital for blood work, a chest X-ray, and an echocardiogram. They want to make sure you're strong enough to survive the surgery. That's it. I researched this surgery for a solid year-and-a-half before undergoing it. I consulted with three different surgeons, interviewed a half-dozen patients about their personal experiences, and read as many journal articles on the procedure and early recovery process that I could find. I was well-prepared mentally for the surgery but, as others have already written, no amount of mental understanding can prepare you experientially for what you will encounter. The specific phenomenology of this surgery varies considerably by patient given each person's history, overall physical and mental status, particular issues with food, and—no less so—personality organization. Writing entirely for myself, I was so fixated on the mechanics of the surgery (particularly how much pain there would be and whether I'd be able to return to work in three weeks) that I really didn't focus on what it would be like, for example, to consume nothing but fluids for two weeks. I mean, by day nine, I felt like I was drowning! From what I've read on these forums, I do believe a lot of people unfortunately delude themselves into viewing the surgery as a cure for their obesity and, of course, it is not. Now that my staple line is completely healed and all the swelling has subsided, I see how easy it would be to start eating excess calories if I wanted and I'm only 32 days out. My wife is a Filipino and, just the other night, she made a big pot of a tomato-based dish consisting of ground pork called Giniling (better known by its Spanish name Picadillo in the States). I happen to really like this dish. According to the food database on MyFitnessPal.com, Giniling has 554 calories per cup and, "of course," you can't eat this dish without rice. At that point, as I'm on a 1290 calorie per day program and only had just over 300 calories left, I watched my wife and brother-in-law enjoy big scoops of Giniling poured over large mounds of long-grain rice while I ate my two ounces of deli-sliced turkey breast and one ounce of cheese. (I can cry now just thinking about it!) I can easily understand how pissed-off patients become when they realize (some much later than others) that the sleeve is not going to do all the work for them. If they don't make the effort to track their food intake on a daily basis and exercise at least three times a week, it's very unlikely that they will reach goal and they should plan on regaining at least some of the weight back. The bariatric surgeons here don't emphasize the persistence of food cravings, the pesky phenomenon of "head hunger," the fact that they don't remove your taste buds along with your stomach, or that you can still easily go way over your BMR caloric requirements for the day even after having had 75 to 80 percent of your stomach removed! It's simply not in their best interest to stress these facts of life for the typical VSG patient. Sure, it is truly a lot easier to do the right thing after getting sleeved, but it's certainly not a walk in the park by any means.

Now I completed the Options program which is a prerequisite for Kaiser Habor City Bariatrics.....also your required to lose 10% of your body wt by time you meet the surgeon...Have I lost 10% not even close maybe 4%....but I'm just curious about what happens...Has anyone had this experience? I'm not worried because it is what it ...but looking for some feedback?

My Dr has been doing bariatric procedures for over 10 years. When I asked him before surgery how many laps he had to convert to open, he said he had done his first one three weeks earlier. That seemed like a good success rate to me! Good luck

You should see dr Wiljon Beltre in Orlando. I had my surgery May 12th 2021, now it’s two weeks later and I’m down 17 lbs & I’m in my 50’s. He’s great and has done thousands of bariatric surgeries over the last 20 years. He’s very confident and I was out of the hospital after only one day. His prices were the most reasonable of all. Good luck

Hi. I have been researching bariatric procedures for weight loss for a few years. I'm 45 year old woman whose weight fluctuates between 170-190 lbs. I have met with a couple of bariatric surgeons to explore the balloon and lap band. I'm not impressed with the balloon, and the complications associated with the lap band scares me. The ESG seems like a good fit for me, however, there are no long term studies to prove it's effectiveness and safety. My body over produces scar tissue, so that is my biggest concern with any surgical procedure. I have been struggling with an autoimmune disease which is exacerbated by my weight and poor food choices. I need to lose weight and I'm unable to do it on my own. In 2005 I was able to get down to 120 lbs and maintain it until 2011 with the help of phentermine. I was buying it online and the formula was very strong. I maintained the weight loss until the online phentermine was discontinued. The phentermine prescription I now receive from my doctor must be formulated differently because it has little effect. I want to lose weight and get off the medication. In 2011 I began suffering from various immune related ailments. The doctor's believe it is Burchett's disease. I'm prone to illness and infection. The foods I eat and extra weight I carry is literally killing me. I'm a single mom of two girls, ages 13 and 16. I need to be the healthiest I can be for them . I'm desperate and scared. I have a consultation next week with Dr. Reem Sharaiha at The Center for Advanced Digestive Care at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. I will continue to post my experience through this journey to help those researching procedures. Thanks for all who share, it has been immensely helpful to read the process others have experienced.

If you are still looking for what doctors say that don't buy into the "carbonation stretches the stomach" here is what my doctor has to say about it (and some other myths): http://drmatthewweiner.com/bariatric-surgery-myths/ That being said, he is VERY anti pop of any sort. As to the comment the poster made above about Protein drinks. He also hates those, but sees them as a necessary evil until you can replace them with good food based protein.

@Fatdiva14 @kathy0529 Ah! Less than 48 hours to go! I stocked up on Isopure today, along with crystal light and sugar free Jello mix to use with my Isopure to make Protein jello! I should probably spend part of tomorrow making jello in dixie cups. *snorts* BARIATRIC JELLO SHOTS FOR ALL!

Way to go! You are getting your head back in the game. Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out. I never use the bariatric store. When you deprive cravings, you want them more. Are there better options that you can buy for sweet and salty cravings? Hope others can jump in here and help with healthy sweet and salty snacks that are more cost effective. make sure food advice fits your food plan.. Sweet: Plain fruit, fruit dipped in sugar free cholate syrup Salad greens, chicken, strawberries, blue cheese and pecans Skinny girl raspberry vinaigrette. Dannon lite n fit Greek yogurt sugar free popsicles Roasted pumpkin and apple drizzled with sugar free maple syrup. sprinkle with cinnamon, (small amount with your protein goes a long way) Salty: Veggies dipped in hummus (cut calories by mixing plain yogurt in hummus) Chicken fajitas or taco salad (no tortilla) Parmesan cheese crisps Cup of chicken broth.

I feel a little sheepish about the response this has gotten. Didn't mean to be an attention wh*re, and I'm afraid that's how it reads. I just wanted to blow steam. I think this board does a better job than most...of extending value and tolerance for each other's perspectives. One bad experience doesn't ruin the whole batch, and I'm sorry if I gave the impression that it's a big problem here.....it's not. You all are terrific. I think most of my post was based on history and a composite of experiences at many bariatric boards.....and one recent trigger here... that, in retrospect, I might have been smarter to let go than talk about....but it irked me and I started typing...and...now I feel sheepish. I think we've all got great stuff to add. I think this is a great group. The folks whose goal is just to achieve better health. The folks who just want to be under 200 pounds. The folks who just want to improve. The folks who are satisfied with an average weight (like me). And the folks who lose like crazy and get super fit and work hard for that low BMI. Everyone has good stuff to offer and I sure didn't mean to imply there are any villians. All perspectives are valuable. One perspective that doesn't fit for one person...might be a perfect fit for another. At the end of the day, we're all figuring this thing out. We're all working hard to understand how to beat an unhealthy relationship with food. Every one of us. I sound fatalistic sometimes and I apologize. You guys really are lovely. And the rare exception....I think i'd be ahead to just ignore.

I am 5-6, 209lbs and on Wednesday, 3/15/23 I had an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty aka ESG. I elected to stay over the first night and came home on Thursday, 3/16. I was in tremendous pain and could not keep water down. On Saturday 3/8, I phoned an IV service to come and hydrate me. They couldn’t find a vein. I knew I was need of emergent medics care so I called an ambulance. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery and put into a coma. What my family learned is that my Bariatric surgeon had left a hole in my stomach and punctured my lung. My thoracic cavity was mixed with various fluids and I was slowly drowning as my lung capacity diminished Days later they found another hole in my stomach and I underwent a third surgery to correct that. Had I not called the ambulance when I did, I would have died Fortunately the hospital kept me fed and hydrated intravenously. Today is my first day home and I’m doing everything I can to sip enough water and protein. I wonder if life will ever be the same for me i have one more follow up procedure which I’m dreading. I deeply regret the decision to do this surgery, it almost cost me my like and the trauma is endless

After RNY gastric bypass surgery, you are required to take many vitamins for the rest of your life. This is because you body no longer synthesizes vitamins from food. That part of your stomach has been cut away, so this daily requirement is extremely important. Vitamin chemistry is important for absorption. Calcium supplements should be calcium citrate. There are also different chemistries of B12. I use the sublingual B12 and was told to use methylcobalamin. You cannot use a time-release version of B12. If you are taking iron supplements, it must be ferrous sulfate for the best absorption. Gummy vitamins are not absorbed properly and should be avoided. It is important to put a 2 hour separation between the vitamins that contain iron and those that contain calcium. So in my case I found that what works best for me is to take the iron supplements just before bedtime. I put my vitamins in a weekly pill container. I have one container for the morning and one for the night. And I use a very small glass bowl for my calcium supplements. I put my calciums in the bowl in the morning and take them throughout the day. If I am up and about I put my calciums in a ziplock bag and carry them with me. The directions I received after surgery was: * Three Flintstone complete chewable multivitamins daily. * Additional 65 milligrams elemental iron daily for menstruating women. * 1500 to 1800 milligrams calcium citrate daily [this can be tricky because the dosage rate is per 2 capsules - therefore this can mean around 5-8 capsules per day depending on the size (petite or regular)]. * 500 to 1000 micrograms sublingual B12 daily or 1000 microgram injection once monthly. * 100 milligrams Thiamine (vitamin B1) daily for the first year and then weekly thereafter. But right after surgery, I lost my ability to swallow large pills and I had to crush them. It was like eating chalk. The only way I could down these was by mixing them with crystal light and drinking them down. Because they formed a paste at the bottom of the glass. I had to remix these and chug them down several times. Luckily my inability to swallow lasted only a couple months and then I was back to normal. The following link describes my experience with RNY gastric bypass surgery. How 
I
 Survived 
Bariatric 
Surgery

Agreed. I was actually told this by the bariatric nutritionist. “If they open you up and find your liver is too big because you didn’t follow the diet, they will close you right back up. And good luck getting insurance to pay for a second attempt.”

Hi there! This thread has been helpful as I am also struggling to make sure I get in the protein and vitamins to prevent hair loss. Right now I'm 3 weeks post op and am moving onto thicker liquids like creamy soups and more protein drinks. I've already started taking a chewable biotin and the calcium citrate chews from bariatric advantage (they are delish!), but I haven't been able to stomach the bariatric advantage or Flintstone multi vitamin. I try sucking on them for a few seconds, then throw it out because it makes me nauseous. But seeing as I'm finally getting some protein in, I thought I'd give the chewable multi vitamins another go, but they really upset my stomach and it's the first time something hasn't agreed with me at all. I couldn't keep it down. Now I'm worried I won't be able to get in my vitamins. Any suggestions???

Same thing happened yesterday to me. I got a call after breakfast and the bariatric clinic called and said they were moving my surgery up to Dec 4 from January 14. Day 1.5 of liquid diet. Thanksgiving will be tough but next Thanksgiving will be much better!!! Good luck everyone on your surgery.

Vitamin Shoppe or mybariatricpantry Vitamin shoppe has sample sizes and my bariatric pantry has sampler packs to order. I have only not liked one flavor I tried and it was calypso cooler or something. I mixed it with Water no additional and it was just too weak. Tasted like a pina colaada though so I bet it could be good a little stronger with skin milk and a touch of pineapple juice. I think I mentioned 23 g Protein and 0 fat. I really like making shakes and coming up with new combos

There’s this girl on instagram who does all the time. Autumnnoir she uses unico protein powders and makes all kinds of bariatric friendly desserts like frosting, cookies, whoopie pies. Many of the recipes are also on pinterest. They look super yummy, im just more of a chef personally, not a baker which is why i haven’t actually made them myself yet.