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My weight loss surgery story actually started back in early 2019, but I chickened out before my first appointment because I was worried that I would have postop complications and the cost would go beyond the base rate. I gave up on the idea of weight loss surgery at that time, and decided that I would do it on my own. I think everybody here knows how well that went. At the end of the year I found out my husband‘s job would be ending, and we took that as an opportunity to try to find a job where he would have insurance that I could go on that would cover weight loss surgery. He got a job that covered it, and I joined his insurance plan, and within the month I was set up with my first appointment. my first appointment ended up being converted to telemedicine because of Covid, but that actually worked out great for me because my doctors office is two hours away. We had a six month waiting period, and for the first two months I will be honest I was working from home in quarantine, and I made absolutely no effort to lose weight and I did not make any progress. My third appointment was going to an in person appointment and the Bariatric class, and I was terrified that I would be up in weight and be disqualified. So for 2 weeks prior to that I went on a low carb low calorie diet. And I don’t know if it was me telling myself it was temporary or the realization that the surgery was coming helped, but I just kept extending and extending the date on my low carb diet. I ended up losing 48 lbs before the liquid diet which was greatly needed because I started at 339, and my surgery weight was 282. I’m 5’10 and my goal weight is 165. The liquid diet was no big deal, maybe because my diet was already very low calorie. I think I ended up losing about 8 pounds or so on it. It was a full liquid diet, and I did not vary from the diet at all. I want this to be the part of my life where I’m not constantly having a “little extra” or “just this bite” and I figured it would be a good test of willpower. surgery was a bit rough. I was in a fair amount of pain when I woke up, and I felt very nauseous. I could definitely feel my stomach, and it did not feel good. I wasn’t able to keep any water down, and the pain meds made me very sick. I ended up throwing up the small amount of water I’d drank snd the pain meds up all over myself the first night. But the next day was a tiny bit better, and it got better every day until day 4 I felt great. I ended up being able to drink water totally fine, no problem with protein or anything. I think my surgeon is a bit old school because I have a 4 week post op liquid diet too. No mush or purée stage here. I’m currently finishing up week 2 of the post op liquid diet, and like the preop diet I’m not going to cheat or go off plan. It was a long road to get here and I am going to do everything in my power to make this work. So far I am down about 10 lbs post surgery, so I don’t think I’m going to get the dramatic 30 lbs weight loss in the first month or anything but that’s fine. I’m down close to 70 lbs from my high weight, and it feels great. I’ll try to follow up every month or so with progress. HW:339 SW: 282 CW:271 GW: 165

Started my "all shakes" diet today. Piece of cake. Sure the temptation is there to eat a spoon full of ground turkey my kids cooked up but im quickly learning to direct my attention to something else....like a shake. Was surprised to hear from the bariatric nurse today that ill be in the hospital for only one night....which made my day. For some reason i had it in my mind id be in for 3 nights.

Medic5301 - Hope it helps! I also bought Bariatric Choice water enhancers and the blue raspberry was just ok.. the berry was really good. 15 grams of protein

Our President is doing an awesome job of keeping his promises which is why he got elected! That has nothing to do with bariatric surgery but anyone knows the post op diet and if that person ate cinnabons right out of surgery shame on them and the people that brought them. This procedure doesn't work if you can't even close your pie hole out of surgery. I really feel sorry for this person because they lack total intelligence or total will power and they will surely fail because this is a life changing surgery. But, you have to be willing to do without some of your favorite things and make healthier things your new favorites. Don't go through all of this in vain and not learn anything! This is your chance to get it right! Don't squander your second chance! Sent from my N9560 using BariatricPal mobile app

Your weight loss in the months to come will be unique to you. We are more than the statistics. 40 to 60% are the stats for weight loss. Nothing has to be set in stone as a goal weight right now. As you get closer to your surgeons goal weight. You can decided if you want to press on to your ultimate goal. "So for any of you that have reached your ultimate goal weight, or you went above and beyond the 60%, please share your stories, tips/advice, input, exercise/diet regimens? I want to fully prepare for this mentally before diving in physically. I don't want to feel discouraged before even having my surgery" You may have times when you feel discouraged after surgery. Stalls and mental battles Etc. Keep connected with support form bariatric patients. We are here for you. I am four years out. 5'5" 254 high weight - 234 day of surgery. six months 140 - I went on to 130's My motivation and perspective came from my mother. I watched her battle cancer. She knew she had months to live. I thought of her each time things got hard. She would have gladly traded places with me for my weight loss struggles. I was driven to make the most out of my surgery and life. Surgery is work. None of this happens over night. You earn each pound. The sum of small things repeated day in and day out will get you where you want to be. Nothing magic - I followed my eating plan and guidelines. Learned to log my food. I stayed consistent. I discovered a passion read all things bariatric, nutrition and fitness. It was eye opening. I learned food is fuel and not for comforting stress/emotions Exercise was a necessary evil. It developed over time into something I enjoy Exercise: Let no one interrupt your gym/exercise. It's time you carve out for yourself. Use it to process life's issues and overcome the mental battles that may surface with WLS. My first year: I dedicated an hour five /six days a week. I started with walking. Then the elliptical and a bit of weight lifting. I increased the resistance and weight as I got stronger. Over time my workouts evolved Into biking, distance running and lifting. Food: Log you food. Make sure you hit your calories, protein and carbohydrates for the day without going over. Get temptations out of the house, Grocery shop and cook your own food. Congrats on your upcoming surgery, Jenn

I had my Bariatric History Appointment today and was told I am an excellent candidate for the RNY Surgery. I have to see a nutritionist, and phycologist. I also have to have an EGD and do a sleep study. The Dr. says we can most likely pick the surgery date on April 16th at my next appointment with him. SUPER EXCITED to start my lifestyle change. 😍

As a paramedic, you don't have anything to worry about with your current weight! I've had all ranges of ages and weights. Average weight of the patients I transport is about 250lbs. Our standard stretcher is rated to 750lbs and our bariatric stretcher is rated to 1600lbs. We can, and will, lift you!

I've gone through several "phases" of vitamin use in the 2+ years since sleeved. In my first few months, many vitamins gave me really severe nausea after taking it. I didn't vomit, thank goodness but I sure felt like crap. At various points, I've taken the bariatric versions but find I feel and do fine with the regular ones. I've also taken the expensive "organic" and "all-natural" ones. I really don't notice a big difference other than the hole in my wallet. My "go-to" is Women's One-A-Day. I get the giant one from Costco and it lasts me quite a while. As I approach menopause, I will probably change over to a 50+ or silver version, but other than that, I have no plans to change. *I also take calcium citrate +3, a hair/skin/nails formula. No issues.

You add something to your diary in order to get over 1k calories (the minimum) and finish your log, then go in and edit it to remove the calories so you get an accurate count. Not completing the diary doesn't affect your streak of logging or anything though. I did 1 year 3 months straight last time and I'm on 117 days since I entered the bariatric program and started logging again, and I've only completed it a few times. I always forget by the end of the day.

I'm only 9 day post op, but I prep new foods with hesitation. I was provided a very inclusive binder for weight loss surgery. It includes macros, examples of receipes to use at each stage, and examples of a daily menu to mimick at home to meet nutritional needs. I use it as a guide,to say oh...I can have this and that, eventhough I have no appetite. I downloaded a bariatric cookbook yesterday, it includes options for each stage. Most is for the pureed and general diets, but I picked it because it tells which recipe is okay for which stage. And reviews say that people have been using it years after their procedures to stay on track. There are some a few taboo things in their bypass people can't eat, but sleeve or band people can so you have to know your personal dog's and don'ts. It's called "fresh start bariatric cookbook by sarah kent if you want to check it out. The reviews were mixed, I checked b&n and amazon. I figured it was worth a peek. That's if you are into receipes. I'm usually not, but I knew I would need a little help with this nutrition stuff.

My program only requires "soft foods" two days before, and clear liquids the day before, but I have been doing 2 protein shakes a day and one meal on my own. I have my pre-op appointment on Monday! It's crazy how fast it is all going now. I have figured out my vitamin regimen (2 Bariatric Advantage Chewable Advanved Multi EA and 3 Bariatric Adv Calcium Chews), and finally found a plant based protein I don't hate (purely inspired Organic Protein). I am intolerant to whey, so the majority of the regular ones are out for me. And there are soooooo many disgusting plant based ones. I have also checked in with all of my favorite coaches with at my gym to make sure they are cool with me not following the daily format so I am good to go there too! I don't want to lose my gym habits. It's too easy to fall back into not going, lol. I am an OrangeTheory addict.

OMG... I just realized... I am officially in MAINTENANCE! Didn't even occur to me when I hit my weight goal. I will finally see my nutritionist again at my next 3 month appointment in mid-May. Curious as to whether or not she will tell me to do anything different. I feel like I am already eating in Maintenance Mode. I don't measure everything, but I do watch what I eat. I occasionally eat a LITTLE junk, but mostly healthy. I am walking a ton. Today I did an UPHILL hike which for me is very hard because of my tachycardia. My HR gets over 145 going uphill and then I get VERY short of breath so I usually end up stopping every 40 feet or so to catch my breath. You know what? Today I hiked uphill like a NORMAL person! I was excited. Back to food... I know I can eat more than most bariatric folks in a sitting, so I have to watch that. But what is funny is I can still eat faster, but can still only take 5-6 sips at a time lol. Anyhow... I feel I am still on the right track and don't deviate too much.

I appears that my body has found the weight it is happy at. I have been maintaining within 4 lbs for 4 months now (13.5 months post op). Recently my weight range has been even narrower, within 2 lbs. I wish I could say that this was all purposeful, but it just kinda happened, once I stopped "bariatric eating"

Michkey thank you for your point of view; it is so nice to hear from someone who understands where I am coming from. As you already know this is hard enough without co-workers, friends and family always asking questions. We just need to be left alone and be around folks who are very supportive, that is way I love this website. I am happy to hear you are doing so well. Your friend is not going to be successful unless she gets the support that she needs. I have been told that people who have this surgery and join a support group on line or a local support group in your area will lose the weight and keep it off. Support is very important in recover and becoming the new person we want to be. I hope your friend gets a hold of herself and really deals with her eating issues. Maybe she should contact her local hospital to see if there is a local bariatric support group. Like someone somewhere said to me this surgery can fix your stomach but it does not fix your head and what caused our overeating problems. I am like you, I am waiting another 8 weeks so I get more weight off of me and then I am going to look for a job where no one knows about my surgery and make a fresh start. I want co workers to see the new me not the old me. I am just a little discouraged right now since I am at my 1st stall but not enough to go out and eat a donut/donuts. I have come too far and I think you feel the same way. Keep in touch, Cheryl

I got to be real honest. If my Libido gets higher after a 100 pounds weight loss....I may look for a younger Woman to have me some kids--besides me having two that I am raising now. Being a Single Dad does have it's advantages. On the other hand about percentages--I see that the same thing is going on in the "St Francis Bariatric Center of Memphis, TN"--70% Women and 30% Men are getting all three types of surgical weight loss done. It's a shame that Men lose their lives from something that can now be fixed. "Oh--I was serious about having maybe 2 more kids". I have been friends to a few Filipino Girls who is looking to start a family. I smile at the idea. Who knows--maybe I can be a great Father--even though I am going to be 50 in June. My Libido is kind of low now, but every now and then--I have some rough days and nights--so I know it's there-I have to be thankful a cold shower works 80% of the time-My Body just waiting for me step out of this old one into the new Me :clap2: in 08....

Dear BariatricPal Members, We have an exciting announcement to make! We are delighted to tell you that we have published The Big Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery! This book is packed with suggestions on how you can lose more weight and love your life after weight loss surgery. This friendly and indispensable guide includes the following. Sample menus for all stages of the weight loss surgery diet. Simple and fun high-Protein, low-calorie recipes to liven up your meal plan. Strategies for getting enough protein, Fluid, and Vitamins and minerals. Staying motivated and getting over plateaus. How you can lose weight at restaurants, parties, and on vacation. And much more! We are super proud of our new book, and we can't wait to find out what you think about it! The book is available in hard copy and as an electronic download. You can get your copy of The Big Book on Bariatric Surgery exclusively via Amazon.com or via your Kindle. In 90 days the title will also be available directly from BariatricPal, iBooks, Barnes and Nobles and Kobo. Remember to take a look at out our earlier books if you have not already read them! They give you the information you need as you decide whether to have weight loss surgery, prepare for and recover from the surgery, and lay a solid foundation for your weight loss journey. The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy The BIG Book on the Gastric Bypass: Everything You Need to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery The BIG Book on the Lap-Band: Everything You Need To Know To Lose Weight and Live Well with the Adjustable Gastric Band

Are you in Lubbock? Charlotte Hodges with Barker Bariatrics did mine. I had my month checkup yesterday and I have lost 30lbs....so right now I average a pound a day. I have not started eating a lot. I am still mostly on blended food. They really worked with my insurance. I work for the State and we have horrible insurance. The legislator sets our insurance. It took forever to get bariatrics in our insurance plan. All my insurance will pay is a flat rate of $13,000. The only problem I am having is I cannot take any arthritis medicine. I am so stiff and my knees hurt so bad that I cannot not get in any walking or exercising.

Very dramatic story, very detailed, NICE TRY to dupe people. So many details piled up together (grenade-looking drain, colostomy bag, stomach stent, many bags taken out of the taxi on return from hospital - like returning from Caribbean vacation etc etc). BTW there is NO Dr.Kantner as bariatric specialist anywhere in Virginia...hehe...and another 20 or so discrepancies i found in this story.

I went ultra-low carb (20g net carbs a day), but I’m not vegetarian so it would’ve been easier for me. This was not my prescribed program, i chose to do this on my own (and fully disclosed it to my NUT). I didn’t eat any fruit during weight loss phase save for the occasional berry (least amount of sugar in the fruit family). But i do now at 3+ years post op. You can try google-ing Vegetarian Keto for some food/recipe ideas, but i think that so soon after surgery you may not reach your bariatric protein requirements and stay below your maintenance calories to be true Keto. So maybe a modified version of it?

It really depends on your state. You need to check your state health insurance marketplace to see if there are plans that cover weight loss surgery. Certain states offer them and certain states offer them at a premium. Twenty-two states chose benchmark plans that cover bariatric surgery: Arizona, California, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming Five states chose benchmark plans that cover weight loss programs: California, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico Twenty-eight states chose benchmark plans that cover neither bariatric surgery nor weight loss programs: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin One state covers weight loss programs but not bariatric surgery: District of Columbia

I wish you all the best of luck. As someone who has suffered complications (from the lack of absorption of nutrients-) I call tell you this: take those supplements religiously and eat as well as you can. Even though I did this, I have several serious complications, but you can minimize your chances of this happening. And exercise! Im out 11 years but the complications started showing up at about 5 years. Get your blood work done every 6 monthes,no matter what your doctor says. And, by the way, always check with the Bariatric Community about what your doctor says, because they sometimes are not up to date. As an RN of 32 years I can tell you for certain that most doctors simply don't have time to read all the journals to keep fully up to date, But the Bariatric Community DOES.

Pre surgery here but I just bought the Bariatric Advantage Multi Vitamin with Iron and a bag of their calcium chewy bites. Hoping to find good alternatives after this first batch.

I've only taken Bariatric Advantage CHEWY multivitamin, calcium, & iron vitamins since my surgery 12/1/16. Do you know of any equivalents that are not as expensive? I don't mind making a switch as long as the quality is there AND they MUST taste good (don't want to feel like I'm eating chalk) Please offer any advice you have. Thank you!

Thank you SusieQ2019, I hope my experience gors as smoothly as yours. Also, thank you for the pad reminders! Best of luck on your bariatric journey! 😁

OMG!!!!!! I LOVE all these incredible pics of everyone’s hiking expeditions! Bariatric Pal & all of you are my new best friends! I love how you have all changed your lives and living life to the fullest. I’m aching for that. I can taste it. I so want to be living life in with both feet. This weight has sucked the living s#%^ out of me & kept me stuck. You have all given me so much strength & inspiration. TY so much for opening yourselves up & sharing your journey! I live on Long Island in NY . For me personally it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world & I’m looking forward to sharing it all with all of you in the near future. RNY in 7 days 8/19/19