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I think the school was Smart*** State, she said,If you lost weight It would be like a dimple on a cantaloupe, it would take 100 lbs before anyone noticed. Well baby cakes I'm on my way to,lose weight, when I lose my 100+ We Will see who's laughing! On to Bariatric Victory!!! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

1 vote for the next,president of Bariatric Pal Ms FLUFFY CHIX! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

@LELH she stole the warm and fuzzy feeling right out of me for you! LOL I eat plant based as well. I also love to learn from Dr Michael Greger. (I will always be grateful for @fruitandveggiesfor sending him to me!!! lol ) He's got a non-profit organization, the website is https://nutritionfacts.org/ ,a whole load of information he puts out there for free and why we should eat lots of veggies, fruits, legumes, grains, etc. But not only that, it's the science and explanations for everything, and IT JUST MAKES SENSE!!! Also, Dr Garth Davis, bariatric surgeon, and author of Proteinaholic, had to renounce his previous book that had everything to do with eating high protein, due to his failing health and his quest for a better one. Early on post op, I did focus a bit more on the protein as suggested. I did substitute a lot of it with plant protein though, and tried to finish the Premier protein that was covered by my insurance at that time, but about 3 months post op, I made the switch to not worry about it anymore, that is, I don't count any nutrients. I'm almost 9 mo post now and all is well. Blood work is excellent too; I take my multi (currently it's the Flintstones chewable and my B12). It's totally doable...but the best part is, you will know your insides are healthy!

Like I told you on one of the it her threads, welcome and please ask any questions you need answered, if I don't have an answer somebody else on . Bariatric Pal will. Always,looking for new friends.. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I haven't had done but there is a DS section in the Bariatric Forum. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I had my first appointment with my surgeon, signed up for the nutritional counseling (in office) and set all my appointments for the next 6 months, then called the Insurance company's bariatric services (Optima I guess). I did this at the direction of the surgeon's office. Almost forgot - prior to all this, I called the surgeon's office and they took down my insurance information and determined my coverage, for me, before my first appointment.

Yep, if you have a 40,plus BMI you have met the criteria. Come,on down Daizeoh, you are the next lucky contestant in the Bariatric Bowl a thon. Step,up to the line, lose some weight,and put a pretty smile on your face. And h -e -r -e we go! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank the Lord you made it through cancer and are still here to ask these questions. You have enough bravery for an entire village and I salute you. This surgery I believe will be a stroll in the park for you. My Bariatric Buddy Fluffy Chix is a breast cancer survivor, lives in Houston Texas and will be having weight loss surgery on the 20th. She, like me, can be so funny but has head on straight and few things ruffle her feathers. Look her up, I've learned a few life lessons from her myself. Don't be scared, honey you've been thru the fires, been tested and I believe stronger for it. Cancer does not play fair, you beat that rascal. You'll be fine. Just think,if your surgeon uses your belly skin you could,be ending up,with boob dimples from this surgery. See there's always an upside! Hey if you want to talk I'm almost always here. I'll have a RnY early-mid March at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio,so see I'll be going thru surgery also. I'm 72, I'm not scared, I just want to live longer, live healthier and live thinner. Obesity is a bummer on someone my age, you get sick and tired of being sick and tired. Ah but this spring will be beautiful, probably plant a garden and work in it. This year I won't puke when I bend over from the pressure on my belly. I have reflux and my RnY will help cure that. Your sleeve will help your life better too, I'm excited for you. Let us know when you get a surgery date, we'll all pray for you. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Luella and Lyds. Welcome. It's nice to hear from new members and hear how their Bariatric adventures are going. (I know Bariatric does not need to be capitalized but my keyboard insists. lol) I had gastric sleeve on 12/28/17 and everything went great. I'm here if you need support. [emoji250] @kakatlady612 is an amazing person, very caring and funny.

Kick back and relax Darlin. Tomorrow is your big big day. Go to the hospital with peace in your [emoji173]. Climb upon that cart, lay back and relax. Anesthesia isn't that bad, it's so good anymore it's like a smooth nap. I've lived long enough I could tell you about the bad old drugs. Ether made you nauseated going to sleep. you usually woke up puking and felt like you'd had bad food poisoning and a headache too. Let your doctor do the magic, Bariatric surgeons do it often, they do it well and it's not their first rodeo. They want a successful outcome just as much as you do. When you wake up you may feel a little sore, but on the other hand you may not. One of my own friends told me it wasn't even as bad as the time her 5 year old head-butted her in the belly. Get up and walk as soon as you're able, you'll hurt less and it will,be rid of the gas in your belly sooner. Try to get fluids in, take small slow sips. Be good to yourself and you'll end up just fine. I'll be praying for you tomorrow. Let us know how things are going, you are important to us. God Bless. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Luella Jean, welcome and thrilled to me you. A few nibby questions: have you decided on a procedure? I would guess you might be from the South, double barreled names are more common there. Of course I'm in Ohio and family members still call me mine. If you are from south of the Mason-Dixon line that makes you a GRIT, girl raised. In the South, a cool thing to be. My late father called me by my intials but then some people called him by his. I was an only child, I am 5ft8in, 323 down from a high of 355, strawberry blonde hair, hazel eyes and 72 years old. That kinda makes me the grandma of Bariatric Pal. I will have a RnY early-mid March myself at Mount Carmel in Columbus. I'm in it to win it like everybody else. Ask me if you have any questions, although I'm not a veteran yet I do know quite a bit about a lot of things. And at Bariatric Pal you're among friends that will help in any way we can. So just ask okay? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

TooManyTacos, Everything I am sharing I learned from attending several bariatric seminars when I was researching which group I wanted to use. The photos I share are from my binder, info given to me by my surgeon and/or nutritionist (who I continue to see monthly) The statistics on average monthly weight loss are readily available from many sources online. (and were also provided by my group) Ultimately, I went with a surgeon in the Michigan Bariatric Surgery Collaborative...which is a group of 38 hospitals in Michigan that are resource and data sharing to study and improve bariatric surgery outcomes. I am participating in their study. The dietary protocol was developed by University of Michigan, a leading global medical research University in Ann Arbor. (Trivia Bonus....my kid studies Microbiology there) http://michiganbsc.org/program-leads/ Here are some bios on the people who run the collaborative. Some really sharp medical research cookies. What's unique and cool about the collaborative...is that they are also working with insurance companies to optimize outcomes, and provide statistical data that helps the insurance company to better understand what they gain by allowing patients to utilize WLS. it's a win-win for everyone. Patients get better care. Doctors can learn from each other. New empirical data can be analyzed so protocol can be improved. And people like me....get followed for ten years to study longterm outcomes.

Have you heard back from your surgery case manager? Did you talk about bariatric surgery with your PCP? Roux 12.18.17 SW 312 CW 245 GW 170

Are you also going to be a bypss or a sleeved. I am about the same size as you starting out. maybe we'll be drag racing thru Weight loss? I'm 323 down from 355 on a tired & arthritic 5ft8in frame. Some days I feel as old as dirt but I'm,only 72. I'm kinda special ,well I guess we all are. I'm in a select group. There are War Babies born during WWII. Baby Boomers born 1946 until 1960s. Gen X Gen Y. Millenials.I am an Occupation Baby, we were born August 6th until December 31st 1945. We usually hang with the Baby Boomers because they're closest,in age to us.we've shared a lot of the same things. lastly because we're very nice people. I will have a RnY early-mid March myself at Mount Carmel in Columbus. I live 14 miles from the geographic center of Ohio and love all the new friends I've made on Bariatric Pal. Lets be friends okay? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Are you suffering from caffeine withdrawal after surgery? Are you wondering whether a sip of coffee would make all your efforts go to waste? For some, the threat of giving up caffeine can be enough to cause hesitation about weight loss surgery, or even decide against it. Is that necessary? There is great news: probably not! Your surgeon and nutritionist should have the last words, of course, but some experts and many weight loss surgery patients agree that caffeine is okay, with caution. Arguments against Caffeine First of all, why wouldn’t caffeine be okay after weight loss surgery? There are a few concerns. Caffeine is a known trigger for heartburn and acid reflux, which is already a concern for bariatric patients. Caffeine interacts with nutrients and can reduce your body’s absorption of calcium and iron – two nutrients that you are already at risk for deficiency. Caffeine may increase your risk for ulcers and/or delay their healing if you get one. Official Guidelines The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is a leading organization for weight loss surgery. It suggests avoiding caffeine for the first 30 days after weight loss surgery because your stomach or surgery area is still sensitive. After that, be mindful of getting enough fluids and be sure to avoid high-calorie, sugary sources of caffeine. Benefits of Caffeine and Coffee Caffeine does not just energize you and wake you up. It improves mental focus and increases metabolism to burn more calories. It might also improve insulin sensitivity to help lower blood sugar. Long-term, caffeine consumption is linked to: Lower risk for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Lower risk for strokes. Lower risk of heart disease. Coffee itself appears to have additional health benefits, beyond those of caffeine. The Risk of Acid The main trouble with caffeine is its acidity. The acid can irritate your stomach, particularly at your surgery site when it is trying to heal in the early post-op weeks. The trouble is not just caffeine; coffee itself, as well as cola, is acidic. You can go risk-free with a decaffeinated version of Acid-Free Coffee so you never have to miss your favorite morning brew. Myth: Caffeinated Beverages Are Dehydrating The word on the street is that caffeine dehydrates you. Even health professionals often believe this and tell their patients this. The fact is that it simply is not true, at least, not at normal levels of caffeine consumption, such as 250 to 300 mg at a time, or 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Yes, you will lose a little extra water shortly after drinking your caffeine (who isn’t familiar with the extra trip to the bathroom after a cup of coffee?), but your body will compensate by conserving more over the next several hours. Dehydration is a strong threat to bariatric patients. In fact, ASMBS says it is the most common reason for post-op patients to be readmitted to the hospital. People who mistakenly think caffeine is dehydrating might avoid caffeinated beverages, and make the serious mistake of forgetting to make up for the missed fluid. Don’t make this mistake! Non-caffeinated may be best for hydration, but caffeinated is a close second, and it is a far better choice than hospitalization! Warning Signs If your surgeon and nutritionist agree that caffeine is okay, and you do choose to indulge, keep an eye out for some warning signs that you are taking more than is safe. Anxiety, restlessness, or jitters. Trouble sleeping. Headaches. Upset stomach. Rapid heartbeat. Heartburn. Also, ask your doctor about caffeine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Watch the Sugar! Sugar does not always come to mind when thinking about caffeine, but it is something to be careful of. There is no sugar in coffee, and no sugar in tea. There is even no sugar in unsweetened chocolate, such as 100% dark chocolate or baking cocoa. However, there is absolutely a lot of sugar in many foods and beverages with caffeine, as you can see from the following list (keep in mind that the general goal for sugar is to stay under 25 grams a day, and WLS patients may be aiming for less): 26-66 grams: Caramel Mocha 9-22 grams: Caffe latte 20-50 grams: Hot chocolate 22 grams: Iced tea 10 grams: 65% dark chocolate 27 grams: energy drink Smart Caffeine Consumption If you do choose to drink coffee or take caffeine in other forms, such as through tea or energy drinks, you can take steps to stay safe with it. Limit caffeine consumption to 250-300 milligrams per day, or the amount in about 3 cups of coffee or 6 cups of tea. Do not take caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed. Take your calcium, iron, and supplements containing calcium or iron separately from when you consume caffeine. Do not use caffeine as a substitute for sleeping enough. Sleep will help you lose more weight not only by promoting energy naturally but also by normalizing hormone levels to reduce hunger and cravings. Other Cautions with Caffeine If you depend on caffeine from soft drinks, you might need to find another source. It is not just a question of switching from regular to diet soda to avoid sugar. Carbonated beverages can make you overfull. Taking them regularly can make you less able to feel the effects of your surgery, and you could begin to overeat. If you are a regular caffeine drinker, do be aware that you will need to at least take a break for about 30 days after surgery. You can wait until your surgery date to give up caffeine, but there’s a caveat. If you are dependent on caffeine, you can suffer withdrawal headaches for a few days when you stop taking caffeine. You might want to quit caffeine before your surgery, instead of waiting until afterward, so you can get over your headaches. That way, you will not have to deal with headaches while dealing with any post-op pain.

There is great news: probably not! Your surgeon and nutritionist should have the last words, of course, but some experts and many weight loss surgery patients agree that caffeine is okay, with caution. Arguments against Caffeine First of all, why wouldn’t caffeine be okay after weight loss surgery? There are a few concerns. Caffeine is a known trigger for heartburn and acid reflux, which is already a concern for bariatric patients. Caffeine interacts with nutrients and can reduce your body’s absorption of calcium and iron – two nutrients that you are already at risk for deficiency. Caffeine may increase your risk for ulcers and/or delay their healing if you get one. Official Guidelines The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) is a leading organization for weight loss surgery. It suggests avoiding caffeine for the first 30 days after weight loss surgery because your stomach or surgery area is still sensitive. After that, be mindful of getting enough fluids and be sure to avoid high-calorie, sugary sources of caffeine. Benefits of Caffeine and Coffee Caffeine does not just energize you and wake you up. It improves mental focus and increases metabolism to burn more calories. It might also improve insulin sensitivity to help lower blood sugar. Long-term, caffeine consumption is linked to: Lower risk for Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and cognitive decline. Lower risk for strokes. Lower risk of heart disease. Coffee itself appears to have additional health benefits, beyond those of caffeine. The Risk of Acid The main trouble with caffeine is its acidity. The acid can irritate your stomach, particularly at your surgery site when it is trying to heal in the early post-op weeks. The trouble is not just caffeine; coffee itself, as well as cola, is acidic. You can go risk-free with a decaffeinated version of Acid-Free Coffee so you never have to miss your favorite morning brew. Myth: Caffeinated Beverages Are Dehydrating The word on the street is that caffeine dehydrates you. Even health professionals often believe this and tell their patients this. The fact is that it simply is not true, at least, not at normal levels of caffeine consumption, such as 250 to 300 mg at a time, or 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Yes, you will lose a little extra water shortly after drinking your caffeine (who isn’t familiar with the extra trip to the bathroom after a cup of coffee?), but your body will compensate by conserving more over the next several hours. Dehydration is a strong threat to bariatric patients. In fact, ASMBS says it is the most common reason for post-op patients to be readmitted to the hospital. People who mistakenly think caffeine is dehydrating might avoid caffeinated beverages, and make the serious mistake of forgetting to make up for the missed fluid. Don’t make this mistake! Non-caffeinated may be best for hydration, but caffeinated is a close second, and it is a far better choice than hospitalization! Warning Signs If your surgeon and nutritionist agree that caffeine is okay, and you do choose to indulge, keep an eye out for some warning signs that you are taking more than is safe. Anxiety, restlessness, or jitters. Trouble sleeping. Headaches. Upset stomach. Rapid heartbeat. Heartburn. Also, ask your doctor about caffeine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Watch the Sugar! Sugar does not always come to mind when thinking about caffeine, but it is something to be careful of. There is no sugar in coffee, and no sugar in tea. There is even no sugar in unsweetened chocolate, such as 100% dark chocolate or baking cocoa. However, there is absolutely a lot of sugar in many foods and beverages with caffeine, as you can see from the following list (keep in mind that the general goal for sugar is to stay under 25 grams a day, and WLS patients may be aiming for less): 26-66 grams: Caramel Mocha 9-22 grams: Caffe latte 20-50 grams: Hot chocolate 22 grams: Iced tea 10 grams: 65% dark chocolate 27 grams: energy drink Smart Caffeine Consumption If you do choose to drink coffee or take caffeine in other forms, such as through tea or energy drinks, you can take steps to stay safe with it. Limit caffeine consumption to 250-300 milligrams per day, or the amount in about 3 cups of coffee or 6 cups of tea. Do not take caffeine within 6 hours of going to bed. Take your calcium, iron, and supplements containing calcium or iron separately from when you consume caffeine. Do not use caffeine as a substitute for sleeping enough. Sleep will help you lose more weight not only by promoting energy naturally but also by normalizing hormone levels to reduce hunger and cravings. Other Cautions with Caffeine If you depend on caffeine from soft drinks, you might need to find another source. It is not just a question of switching from regular to diet soda to avoid sugar. Carbonated beverages can make you overfull. Taking them regularly can make you less able to feel the effects of your surgery, and you could begin to overeat. If you are a regular caffeine drinker, do be aware that you will need to at least take a break for about 30 days after surgery. You can wait until your surgery date to give up caffeine, but there’s a caveat. If you are dependent on caffeine, you can suffer withdrawal headaches for a few days when you stop taking caffeine. You might want to quit caffeine before your surgery, instead of waiting until afterward, so you can get over your headaches. That way, you will not have to deal with headaches while dealing with any post-op pain.

Hi and welcome relle2190. I'm the grandma of Bariatric Pal., although in your case I'm old enough to be your great grandmother. A little about my favorite subject:ME. I live in Mount Vernon Ohio a city of a little under 20000 people,don't know how many dogs and cats. My city is 14 miles from Ohio's Geographic Center. I am 5ft8in tall. weight 323 down from a high of 355 and am 72 years old last December 26th. Yeah an untraditional age for bariatric surgery but I'm in it to win it just like everyone else.I will have a RnY at Mount Carmel in Columbus early-mid March. I had 3 children 2 living my son who I call my Tomkitten on here and his older sister R.D. short for Rotten Daughter. She lives 7/8 mile from me. She hadn't spoken directly for 6 months, her choice not mine. Christmas her best friend suddenly died of a heart attack. She started calling and,texting me again. Will it last? Can't really say.,i never stopped loving her but many of her actions I dont like or approve of,. Still she was my baby and an only child and grandchild for her first 7 years, Ah we all have our trials in life. If you have any questions or concerns just ask,i f I don't have an answer somebody on Bariatric Pal will, We are each other's biggest boosters, I have learned so much from the veterans, We all have our own viewpoints and all, but keeps things interesting, We are worldwide, some of my BBFs short for Best Bariatric Friend are in New Zealand, Australia, Scotland and north Houston Texas. My goal is to be 175 and a size 15-16, don't know if I'll ever make it but I'm going to give it my best shot. Care to join me on this journey? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I stopped counting protein about that time. After reading a book by a bariatric surgeon, Dr Garth Davis, called Proteinaholic, it was evident to me that there wasn’t any need to cram so much of it into my diet. If I eat the right nutritious foods, I’d get the requirements needed in. Alas, some folks need to know, and that’s okay too. From what I’ve read (this book has science and sources from all over) we don’t really need as much as the western diet says. I probably eat on average maybe 40 g a day. Eating lots of veggies and grains, and even fruit will get that for ya. Ive had three blood work ups since my surgery and not one of them states I’m at a deficit of anything. 😊

For me, it was a year long process of going back and forth. I had a consultation in January to start the process. Around May, I thought maybe I could do this on my own, so I stopped seriously thinking about surgery. Well, come fall, I jumped on the scale and saw 300 lbs for the first time in my entire life and freaked out. I didn't want to continue down that path, so I knew that bariatric surgery was the route I needed to take. It was the best decision I've ever made, but it did take me a while to come around to it. I'm so glad I did. If not, I'd likely still be 300 lbs and miserable.

My apologies for misunderstanding. You mentioned in your earlier post that at thefirst level of contact it was unlikely that the places you contacted would perform your surgery even if it was self-pay. I wrongly assumed you called some Bariatric programs and perhaps saw a doctor(s). You also mentioned that your sleep apnea is not obesity related - that's why I'm unsure if it would actually be a positive factor. You also mentioned that your BMI may be "artificially elevated" due to lifting weights for so long. Everything considered, I gave you my honest point of view. Being on the line between overweight/obesity is extremely frustrating and I know how that feels. I was on that train on my way to being severely morbidly obese. I got here in spite of all of my diets and going to the gym. So, obviously you want to get off the train before it reaches its final destination - severe obesity. You'll find a way. Wishing you well. (Oh, and thanks for clarifying. You are very detailed and write well - I assumed you had contacted a Bariatric center/doctor, Sorry. You know what they say about "

I miss Pizza! But in all seriousness... Having to take vitamins which can be expensive. I was a blood donor before surgery so I take bariatric specific vitamins with iron in hopes to start up again. I used to only spend $15 a month on vitamins. Now it's double that. I'm tired. I used to be up early and to bed late. Although this could be because I'm not getting any younger now that I think about it lol. Gas sucks. I'm thinking the extra room in our natural stomach is for gas. I took two pills plus a vitamin daily before surgery. Now I take 5 pills and 4 vitamins a day. That takes a toll mentally. It's not forever, but hard now. SW: 366 CW: 329 GW1: 200 RNY Dec 18, 2017!

My theory...bariatric surgery works because of changes to the gut microbiota. In particular, it increases bacterial diversity. Fat people have low microbial diversity in their gut. Low gut microbial diversity is associated with all sorts of illnesses. Surgery changes Ph and hormone levels that support more diversity. So does exercise, and a diet higher in soluble and nonsoluble fiber. it is possible that in the future, rather than doing surgery, we'll be able to synthetically alter the gut microbiome and affect some of these changes. Time will tell. Lots of research needs to happen. Changes in gut microbiota, hormones, diet and activity can all affect metabolic changes. I think that restriction plays a big factor, too. When you fall off your diet, you do much less damage when your stomach, at capacity, holds a cup of indiscretions....rather than five cups worth. Say you go to a party and lose your mind...you might end up doing 800 calories worth of damage....rather than 3000 calories. That's a big difference over time.

Don't be anxious. Remember you've come so far, done so well, tomorrow just starts your journey to better health. Now climb on that cart,lay back, and let the surgeon perform the magic. Bariatric surgeons do it often, they do it good, it's not their first rodeo, you are in good hands. As I read the stories on Bariatric Pal most posters say they wake up only minimally uncomfortable. Makes me hunger for my own surgery, should be within the next 6 weeks . Just think, as of tomorrow you'll be a "veteran" to me. Now get some rest tonight, I'll be praying for you. [emoji307] and hugs. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Just a quick comment I would like to make to back up what a lot of people are saying about the success of ANY bariatric surgery depends on the person, not the type of surgery you may or may not have undergone. None of us here (I don't think) are researchers in this area, and all of our comments are, of course, anecdotal. What happens to 1, 10, 100 of us does not mean a whole lot in the broader spectrum of statistical data. That being said, I would like to add my little anecdote. I was banded in Feb. of 2015 and I have lost 80-ish lbs. I could be doing a lot better, but I get lazy and eat a lot of slider foods. I drink liquids with my meals pretty often. I also partake in alcoholic beverages occasionally, and my beverage of choice is beer. Overall, I am very happy with my success. Then there is my sister. She had the gastric sleeve surgery last August or September and has not lost any weight (as far as I know) other than what she lost during the pre-op diet. She has a very stressful job, drinks alcohol almost every night, and gets up in the middle of the night and raids the fridge. Two different people, two different lifestyles, and two different surgeries.

Yes, it's worth it! But if insurance will not pay, shop around if you have to. My local surgeons charge $18500 for self pay. I went to Florida where I paid $8899. There are plenty of surgeons who cater to traveling patients and have great all inclusive self pay packages. Dr Borland in Louisiana, bariatrix Florida, Blossom bariatrics in Vegas, Dr pleatman in Michigan, and plenty to choose from in MX. My insurance has covered all my preop and post op testing, coordinated by my PCP. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app