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LJ I'm storing all this wisdom up for when I ( and my Bariatric Friend Forever Fluffy Chix) have surgery. I'm March and shes April unless a miracle happens and they relent and let her be in my month. Maybe I'll invest in a timer and a weight scale along with the Ninja blender I'm planning to get so I can make my own smoothies. I'm proud of all your strides and hope,i'll do,as well. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Can I join in? I'm still at the other end of the spectrum. I'm 325, still pre surgical, down from a high of 355 at 5'9", know I will have to get a pre surge picture taken but I still have a dysmorphic loathing. You girls at 150- 175, you're where i want to be. Yeah my dream is only ,to be a 16. You give,me hope maybe,i will get smaller but I just can't see it at 72. My plus-sized retailer you're wrong, Wal-Mart just sizing 0W which is a 14. Yeah I used to work at WallyWorld, they run 0X(14), 1X(16)2X(18-20)3X(22-24)4X(26-28)and5X(30-32) my store seldom gets in 5X when they do I buy them to have something loose to sleep in. I'm currently in 3x tops and 4x pants, probably could wear 3x,pants but I don't like my ladybits crunched. My surgery should be early-mid March, a RnY, 1 I need it for the weight loss 2 I have pretty bad GERD 3 I am just so grateful I have a surgeon who's still willing to undertake me, a lot of Bariatric Surgeons won't do anyone over 60. I am lucky all I have low cholesterol,, no diabetes, no heart disease, although I have sleep apnea my pulmonologist cleared me and so did the psychological exam. I am in it to win it, I'm sure even when the weight starts coming off I'll still sense I'm a fat girl but all of you give me the hope to persevere. The place I seem to have lost that excess 30 pounds was across my tailbone, it suddenly hurts to sit too long. Curious isn't it. Anyway please keep posting- you are the light at the end of my tunnel. Thank You Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Welcome to Bariatric Pal @jsweet79 and @elizabeth06388, is there any fears I can allay? I'm a future RnYEr,should have my surgery early to Mid - March. According to my avatar and listing on BP i,am a Guru in Training, been on here a few months, a lot of life experiences so hope i can be a resource person for both of you. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I've already been taking chewable B complex. They are strawberry flavored, got them at Wslmart, I just let them dissolve in my mouth. I've been taking Centrum 50+ cause I'm still pre surgery but will have to break down and buy bariatrics pretty soon. Have to find out what kind my surgeon recommends,and if I can get them cheaper there.Still haven't heard a definite date with Dr Miller. Not even sure if i meet with him one more time or just see him surgery morning before I go,to sleep. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Don't be surprised if your tastes changes and your stomach hates these things throughout your post months. I've gone through so many bariatric brands it's ridiculous; waste of money too. Currently, I'm doing the Flintstones (I'm also over 8 months post) and it seems to be fine to a degree. I was taking pills before but those made me sick (some bariatric brand). I hate bariatric vitamins, so I won't be using them anymore. I'm not worried about lack of vitamins either because I eat a variety of plant based foods, so my blood work is always good. Don't forget your sublingual B12 though. if you find yourself fatigued and dropping stuff...get a B complex as well. Hope you all find what works for you!!! I have a whole bottle of bariatric calcium tablets that I won't bother with...FREE to anyone in CC, TX area who wants them.

Warning bells times two. 1. I am fortunate to have a WLS package ... the pre-op supervision, the surgeon, the op itself, the post op supervision by an exercise physiologist AND the post op supervision by an experienced bariatric clinic dietitian. 2. I exercise 29 days per month ... 2.5 to 3.75 hours per day of swimming and pool aerobics. My calorie intake is set at 900 cals daily with 62grams minimum protein and serious advice to keep the protein to carbs ratio in the order of 5:3 or, at worst 5:4. Because of my highly busy exercise regime, I usually need extra calories. I tend to finish each day at 1150 to 1450 calories consumed. I am in week 15 post op and have lost 1.3kg to 1.4kg average per week. (That's 2.8 to 3.1 pounds). If she is not experienced with your post-WLS, I'd counsel you to rethink. If your clinic/surgeon has not provided better info, GO BACK and ask for it. I am only a single voice but I think you need a different strategy ... I am no expert but I am getting post op help from a range of experts who are "tied" to me for 15 months post-op. That $1000 is well worth it.

I'm 6 months post op and have been dealing with a really annoying stall forever. I'm not complaining because at least it's not moving up but I've been working out almost every day and eating pretty well—I average ~1,000 calories and ~100g of protein/day following a mostly keto diet, though if I wanted to I could certainly eat more. I feel satisfied but not restricted and I tolerate literally EVERYTHING. Anyway, I just hired an INCREDIBLE trainer that Im really excited about! She is a world champion athlete, has a SOLID reputation, and a background in nutrition. She was honest with me that she isn't super versed in bariatric patients. My Dr.'s staff hasn't given me great info regarding nutrition either so I'm kind of on my own there. I will be doing intense physical activity 5 days a week and my trainer wants me to try to eat 1,600 calories/day. How in the world I'm going to fit all that in? I don't know! She told me to try having more frequent meals, like 8 per day. She's also changing up my macros drastically, at least for the first 2 weeks, by reducing fat intake and upping my complex carbs: 1,600 calories, 140g protein, 180 carbs, 36g of fat. Has anyone started a rigorous workout regime a few months out from surgery? Were you able to eat enough calories to sustain it? And most importantly, should I even be eating more carbs than protein? I'm like, scared to mess around with that stuff now! lol Thanks for any advice you can offer!

I am going through the park Nicollet bariatric program. And then surgery is at Methodist. It has been amazing so far. Sent from my SM-J727T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you! You literally do know exactly how I'm feeling. I'm over here laughing hysterically now because you explained things so well that I definitely know you can relate to how I'm feeling. You have renewed my faith that it will get better!! I just have to finish strong through this stage. Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you! You literally do know exactly how I'm feeling. I'm over here laughing hysterically now because you explained things so well that I definitely know you can relate to how I'm feeling. You have renewed my faith that it will get better!! I just have to finish strong through this stage. Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you! You literally do know exactly how I'm feeling. I'm over here laughing hysterically now because you explained things so well that I definitely know you can relate to how I'm feeling. You have renewed my faith that it will get better!! I just have to finish strong through this stage. Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

I haven’t seen any positive reviews on the Bariatric Choice vitamins. We carry many affordable Bariatric chewable complete multivitamins. Bariatric Fusion all in one chewable are very popular. We have many other options . Make sure your vitamins meet ASMBS guideline. Most over the counter vitamins do not.

Has anybody tried the Bariatric Vitamins Walgreens advertise? Are they comparable to Bariatric Choice in price? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Nicotine is a harsh mistress. I love it, but won't touch it now. Active and historical tobacco use has been shown to increase risk of mortality, 30-day morbidity, venous thromboembolism (VTE), respiratory and pulmonary complications, marginal ulcers, and slowed wound healing among others after bariatric surgery. People who smoke have a complication rate of over 27% and over 5% greater chance of failure to wean off the ventilator over 48 hours after surgery. Pneumonia rates are much higher, too. Nicotine coats the inside of your mouth and throat. You will swallow it constantly, it will coat your internal wounds..and it can cause your incisions to leak and fail because it's extremely toxic and impedes healing. Why we have such well developed nicotine reception...is anyone's guess...but it's a bad joke of evolution, because as wonderful as it makes us feel....the schit is deadly. I, personally, would NEVER have bariatric surgery if I could not give up nicotine use completely. Too dangerous. My two cents. Take what you like and pitch the rest. No judgement meant.

Gotcha, makes sense. Hopefully you'll locate one closer. My dietician told me any location that has a bariatrics dept may or should do spt groups, if that helps any.

Where do you shop for bariatric approved foods? What brands do you buy?

Hmm I like it, guru in training! Get I don't know, never saw it. No at the top of my phone screen it has Trending-Subscribed-Timeline-forum-Participated, usually the ones I've answered are there for the day or so depending on how many I've answered. Today it's just blank most of the time. The only way I can find most of the input is to go to Subscribed and scroll down. Some of the stuff is there, it is right,i am pre surg, near as I can tell my RnYonly will be early-mid March. The +136 I have no clue what it means my real stats HW355 CW325 Goal weight 170,or size 16, height 5'9" and age 72. But by now i might have 250 posts in the months of December and January, that I concede. I love learning on Bariatric Pal- we have very nice people here. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey, guys, my name is Brittany and I've chosen to have VSG surgery. I'm 33, 5'7 and weigh 235lbs. I've had two appointments with my surgent Dr.Madan and absolutely love him and his staff! Basically, I'm starting this chat because I NEED guidance on almost every aspect of VSG surgery!! I'm a huge list maker, I live my life by them! In between my visits to my doctor and dietitian, I write down random questions to ask the next time I see them; I will post my list of questions at the end of this message. After reading all the question that I have already asked IF you can think of any other good questions I can ask either my doctor or dietitian PLEASE let me know. So... here are a few topics I'd love to get some advice on 1) Mental Heath after surgery, what kind of ups and downs did you face and how did you deal with them? 2) How soon should I start buying all my new foods (i.e. vitamins, protein shakes)? 3)Do you have suggestions on any bariatric food items that worked for you? I don't mind spending money if it's a product that really helps but I don't want to just throw my money because the product is bariatric specific. 4) Did anyone have troubles with intimacy after surgery I was told to ask about that? 5) Did any women see a change in their menstrual cycle? 6) when is safe to start drinking a glass of wine at dinner or special occasions? 7) any good books on VSG?? I can go on but I think you have an idea of where my mindset is at this point in my journey. I ultimately want to be as prepared as possible so any advice that you can give me will be great! My (ever growing) List of Questions: Test Done Before Surgery: Can we test for Hypoglycemia? Is there a test we can do that can check the size and health of my liver? I am very concerned with Fatty Liver disease the larger the liver the more difficult it is to gain access to the stomach, some sergeants have even had to close up the patient and not perform the surgery because the liver was too enraged. Pre-Op Questions: How can I emotionally and physically prepare myself for surgery? What type of feelings can I expect to have directly after surgery? Do you offer or suggest any support groups for gastric sleeve patients? Are there any negative long-term effects of receiving a sleeve? Day of Surgery: What supplies should I bring to the hospital? What hospital will I be going to for my surgery? What are common emotions you see out of patients the day of surgery? I have really bad anxiety should I take a Xanax the night before surgery? If I’m spending the night at the hospital, will there be a bed for my husband to sleep in?During Surgery: How long will the surgery last? What will I feel waking up from surgery, queasy, panic, pain level? Will I be catheterized? Will I be intubated? When performing a sleeve, once a patient is opened up what are some complications you can discover? example: enlarged liver? Post-Op Questions When will my first follow up appointment be? How often will I need to see my doctor during the first year after surgery? How many leak test will you be performing the day after surgery? Are there any negative LONG- TERM effects of surgery such as poor nutritional health? How long do you think it takes for the body to longer be in shock? when will my body regulate itself? How often after surgery will we check the placement of the staples that are lining my stomach? Will we ever be doing a visual examination of the stomach to check the health of the surrounding stomach tissue? Physical Side Effects: ~ What are the odds that I will lose my hair? Will it grow back after my body regulates its self? ~ Based on my size do you think it's likely that I will have loose skin? ~After surgery I read bowl movements will be difficult/ painful why is that and is there anything I can do to prevent it? 7. What kind supplies will I need once I get home? special pillows, loose pajamas, anti-nausea, medications etc… Questions for Dr. Madan How the hell do I pronounce your name? lol How common is it for your patients to have complications? What is the most common side effect? How many surgeries do you do a year? Based on your practice how common is it for patients to regain their weight? Do you notice that there are difficult periods within the first year that patients experience? I’m sure most patients are excited the first month but have you noticed common difficult points in patients journey adjusting to their new lifestyle? Can we go over complication rates of gastric surgery again? Are your survival rates similar to the national statistics? Have you ever had any leak complications with any sleeves you’ve done? what were the circumstances surrounding the leaks? Have any resulted in death? Drugs, Vitamins, and Food Do you suggest probiotics? If yes how soon after the surgery should I start taking them? do you recommend a specific brand? Will I be taking vitamins if so what do you suggest I take? What kind of pain pills will I be taking and for how long? What type of anesthesia will be used during my surgery? Are there choices to consider? Are there any specific foods that I won't be able to eat post surgery? I know that soda is one thing I won't be able to have once I have my surgery are there any other foods or liquids that could hurt my gastric sleeve? Drinking water after my surgery, I know I won't be able to take big gulps of water but how small of drinks will I be able to take comfortably. Activity and Diet: What will my workout schedule look like? do you a mock outline of a workout schedule for someone who just had the sleeve done? When will I be able to workout? Is it possible to get a mock diet outline after surgery? what will my 2-week pre-op diet look like? Logistics: When does my 90 days start? When will I be given my official surgery date? When should I schedule my sleep apnea study? Can I get a copy of my surgery on DVD? Are there any other prerequisites I need to get done before my insurance will allow me to have my surgery?

Hi Ya Cindy, It is great to chat with you. I use to be on Facebook alot!! I mean alot. But...I don't go on as much. It would be great to have you as a pen friend on Facebook. If you would send me a request (I am not great with stuff like that) I will gladly accept you!! There are a few Bariatric support groups that I follow, I will give you my email. scharbroughsherrie@gmail.com. Thank you again

They don't have enough of the supplements we need post op to suffice (so says my surgeon). I did get confirmation that the Bariatric Choice all in one multi-vitamins would be ok to take. I will need to take the multi vitamin, B1, and B12 in the morning, then 3 more of the multi throughout the remainder of the day. That is 4 chewables (multi vitamin) and two pills to swallow daily. My current is a multi vitamin, B1, B12, D3, 2x Calcium in the morning, 2x Calcium at lunch, multi vitamin and 2x calcium at dinner, then vitamin C and iron before bed. The Citracal calcium pills are like horse pills. I'll give the Bariatric Choice a try.

I had a really easy surgery. Everything went much better expected...with the exception of one little hiccup:) I had just gotten to my room, was talking to my husband, feeling really good.....when this extremely worried looking hospital administrator came in and asked me if I was feeling up to talking for a minute. I felt great...so I was like...Of course.. And she asks me..."Are you in the process of having your surgery financed?" And I go...."Uh, no. I have insurance." And she goes...."I was just on the phone with your insurance company and apparently there's been some mistake. Your rider doesn't cover bariatric surgery." I can't overemphasize how grim this woman looks. She knows she's giving me horrible news, and it's her job to protect the hospital financially....she looks like she feels terrible for me. She's trying to be really gentle and says "We could do an 18 month financing plan. We don't usually do this and we're really not sure how this happened. Usually financing is in place." And I go..."Um, can I show you something?" I had my husband get my folder of stuff that I had sense enough to bring to the hospital with me. In it...was a copy of my approval letter from my insurance company. So I give her the copy of the letter....and she looks baffled. I go..."Will that help you?" And she goes..."It just might. Please give me ten minutes. I'll be right back." She comes back in ten minutes...all smiles. "I'm so sorry. You have the same name and birth date as another patient in the system and we were trying to bill the wrong person. You're all set. I really appreciate you bringing this letter with you, it helped immensely. I'm really sorry about worrying you when you're already stressed." And I'm like..."I feel so shockingly good, I'm just grateful the surgical team is top notch. No one's perfect. If mistakes are gonna happen, I'd rather they happen in billing, you know?" She smiled, apologized again, and excused herself. Later that day I got flowers from the hospital with a note from her thanking me for being understanding about the mix up. Moral of the story: Bring a copy of your approval letter to the hospital with you. Other Moral of the story: Give your kid a somewhat unique name. Mine is as generic as John Smith... and this has caused me issues a couple of times.

My cousin who is 6 years out said that most vitamins would give me nausea, so to make sure that I eat something before taking it. I still have chewable Celebrate Bariatric vitamins, and I eat something before taking one, still my stomach does not feel great but it has helps a little. I can tell you from experience to not stop trying to find what works for you as far as vitamins. I went through a rough time with becoming dehydrated because I became super sensitive to tastes and smells. After a hospital visit and two nausea meds, I found that I NEEDED the multivitamin because though I was drinking water, my body was not absorbing electrolytes, mainly mag. Once I started working on taking the vitamins, the massive headache I had since week two post surgery, went away! And drinking water became somewhat easier.

Um... those purple labeled Optimum Nutrition powders are Weight Gainers for people who are trying to maintain a calorie surplus. People who lift heavy and lift often will use them. Bariatric patients should assiduously avoid them. In the beginning, everything will taste so funky. If you have a Vitamin Shoppe store near you, they have a wonderful policy of letting you bring back any powder/supplement that you do not like for a full in store credit. I had a woman at that store that I talked to frequently and I was upfront about being recently sleeved. She was familiar with the taste buds profile changing, thus never even batted an eye when I returned several things. I ended up with UMP protein in the beginning. After things became more normal, Optimum Nutrition Whey concentrate is my favorite. The best protein in regards to bio-availability is whey. Isolate or concentrate doesn't really matter. If you are vegetarian, soy is the best you can do. But it is a distant 2nd to whey. Collagen is worthless for soft tissue repair (muscle, skin, etc...) but may be helpful for hair, nails, and joints. Typical sources for collagen protein are your bone broths and some protein "shots" in funky fruit flavors, and pork rinds. The best protein however, is the one that you can and will use.

Luckily my license expired 7 months after my surgery so it was perfect timing. I'm concerned about my passport though. I dont think it looks like me at all anymore. I had just renewed so I''m dreading paying for another one. I've lost 85 pounds and oddly my wedding ring still fits just fine. I always had slim finger so I guess I really didn't lose any weight there. Same shoe size also, but my feet don't hurt anymore!

This is more of a rant than a question but I'm feeling so frustrated with getting my surgery date. I found out I was approved on 12/27 but I needed to get a test done to check for a certain type of bacteria. I waited and waited for them to call and schedule it but they never did so I finally got ahold of the right department and had the test today. I called the bariatric office today to see what the timeline would look like once the surgeon receives the results and, unfortunately, spoke to my least favorite coordinator, who is very rude. He basically gave a non-answer and said that once the surgeon gets the results they will "eventually" call me. I wouldn't be so worried about the date except we were trying to get it done in time for my husband to be off work to be with me. He's been on disability for almost two years after a severe accident and we're trying to balance getting him back with my surgery. The deadline for him to return is 2/20. I'm so afraid he will have to go back to work and won't be able to take time off and won't be able to even see me since my surgery is 1.5 hours away from home. I'm so frustrated!!!!!!! I see so many people say, "I found out I was approved! My date is X!" And here I am a month after approval with no idea of my date.