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Did you ever get a quote from Blossom Bariatrics? I didn’t see a price listed on the website. Saw a surgeon in my area, Dr Patel in SATX, and he quoted me 9k or 5k if I have a hernia. I’m nervous that 9k will double somehow.

I had this as well when my reflux meds ran out at about 6 weeks and I didn't renew the script. It wasn't until I told the nurse that I would get really hungry every 3 hours that she told me I shouldn't be so soon after the sleeve. Back on meds and it is much better but not completely gone I have been wondering if I should top up with chewable when I get the feeling or increase the nexium.

I feel your pain. I had to cook Thanksgiving dinner for family while on my pre-surgical liquid diet. I was starving, grumpy, my head felt like I was trying to think through cotton...and my husband, mom and daughter all said I wasn't myself. That I seemed vague and miserable and just washed out. I felt washed out! Bigtime. I had a pretty miserable time with my liquid diet if I'm honest. But surgery went really really well....I recovered really rapidly. You are halfway there. You can do this. Surgery will be a tough day or two...but then, it's just a matter of doing your checklist diligently, and you'll be on the mend in no time. Sip, walk, suck (on the lung clearing thingy). Just keep sipping and walking. At least after surgery, you have a clear objective and no turning back. Before hand...I understand how maddening it is. Those two weeks were one of the hardest things I've ever done. Particularly, Thanksgiving. But think of this....How tough and resolved do you have to be to get through this? You're a bariatric rock star. Facing Christmas and sticking to your diet....proves you've got serious moxie and that nothing is gonna derail you. I know it's hard as hell. But you've got this. You really do. Take it an hour at a time when you have to....but you'll make it.

So I had the Lap Band surgery in 2009 (actually called the Realize Band) I went from 235 to 174 and stayed that size for several years but gradually started gaining the weight back. In 2011 my insurance plans changed and the new plan didn’t cover weight loss visits so I couldn’t afford to go as often as I would have liked. Fast forward 2017 I weight 235 all over again and feel like a complete failure. No restriction no nothing can eat the same or more as anyone else. I’m disgusted with myself. So I finally made up my mind to go see a bariatric doctor (my original doctor has since retired) my new doctor wants an endo and barium swallow test. She said they do not preform lap band surgeries BC they don’t work long term and cause issues and typically need removal. So she recommends having it removed and the sleeve preform (she says sleeve is safer option) my insurance still doesn’t cover this so the removal and sleeve will cost close to 12,500-13,000 I’m seriously thinking of having it done but terrified that after spending this money it will be a fail too. I’m so scared to fail again I can’t just throw 13k out the window. I read were some people don’t lose that much etc.

Call the doctors office you are using they usually have something like Care Credit Also I had LAp band back in 2009 and went from 235 to 174 kept the weight off for several years but gradually over time I’ve gained it all back my port has moved some and I’m having horrible acid reflux. My current insurance will not cover any type of Bariatric surgery not even the removal of my lap band. I finally went and spoke with bariatric doc who said the lap band downs work like they thought it would and they don’t even offer it anymore. She wants to do a endo and barium swallow test to see what all is going on with it. After this I will be going hopefully before end of Jan 2018 and having this awful lapband removed and having the sleeve. The band removal and sleeve surgery and 1 year of visits is 11,500 the sleeve surgery is just 9k but the removal is extra. I’m very scared tho as I want the tool to help me and I can’t afford to spend all that money and it not help me

There's a lot of different information being given on caloric intake....and it's absolutely best to follow the advice of the professionals you're working with. That said, bariatrics is an emerging science and ideas about metabolic reset are changing in the bariatric medical community. My understanding is that the newest approach based on studies of five year outcomes... is to get people eating closer to their eventual calorie goal sooner, to get a better metabolic reset that serves them well for a lifetime. This approach is supposed to be associated with less regain past year three. We all take our best shot at this and follow the advice that makes the most sense to us....I get that. I don't mean to be critical of anyone's approach. What I've been reading, and the seminar my group gave about recent research developments in bariatric outcomes...was pretty fascinating stuff.

Newer studies have brought a lot of light to this, too. Doctors used to advise people to eat less at first. Bariatrics is an emerging science.

My chips finally came, at least the BBQ ones did. To be honest I don't really like them, certainly not as much as I like the Enlightened fava bean crisps for a snack. Of course, these only have 2g net (4g total) of carbs per bag, and 130 calories, while the Enlightened crisps have a lot more (like 450 cal per bag, which makes it dangerous for me, as it's hard just to eat a few). And I have to admit I do like the 21g of protein they pack. I have a case (8 bags I think) of these, so I will give it a while to see if my taste buds adjust. They don't have a very strong taste at all, they just don't do much for me. They don't taste "bad" but taste more like nothing. This morning after eating a bag for breakfast, I had to fire up some bacon (yay!) to "wake up" my taste buds. Oh well, I guess that's more protein, win/win. I'm waiting for the case of sour cream flavor I ordered to come in, so let's see if I can find a flavor I like. Fellow bariatrics, do any of these other flavors have a stronger flavor, or all they all weak sauce like this?

Go back to basics. Whatever you did that first year after surgery, do it again. I regained 10 pounds in my 4th year from obvious poor food choices. Sure, my restriction is far less than it was the first two years, but it was the type of food I was eating, not the amount, that caused the regain. I had gotten happy and lazy and ignored all the Bariatric "rules" that had helped me lose 100 pounds and maintain for 3 years. Once I realized where I was headed, I went straight back to my proven weight loss high protein/low carb meal plan, added protein shakes back in and greatly increased my water intake. Dropped those 10 pounds in a couple months. good luck! You can do this.

I personally use Tespo. It's easy and convenient. It sits right next to my coffee maker and I remember to use it every morning. I've found that most people that undergo WLS start off with chewable vitamins. Most end up taking pills for the long term. I'm all for using whatever works best for you! People aren't compliant with vitamins if they don't enjoy or tolerate them. The most common long-term issues for WLS patients are caused mostly by vitamin deficiencies. Many deficiencies won't show up initially on bloodwork. They can take a few years to show up. Taking an off the shelf vitamin is definitely better than taking no vitamins at all. The bariatric vitamin companies would shoot me if they heard me saying that I highly suggest going with vitamins that are designed for Bariatric patients if you can afford it and you care about your long-term health. I don't get how people will undergo a life-changing surgery but be too cheap to invest a few well-spent dollars in their health.

To the original poster..This may be a bit off your topic. Just for bariatric motivation...This woman is amazing! not saying anyone should take bariatrics as far she has. Lyss Remaly - Bariatric motivational speaker

If you ask me there are no better Bariatric Vitamins. I have used them for 4 years. Never had anything turn up bad on my Bloodwork!! Super easy due to the capsules!! Have a great day!! And Happy Holidays!!

Going into the New Year, it almost goes without saying that your resolutions include losing weight (or maintaining goal weight) and getting healthier. The only question is, how? The more specifically you can name the steps you will take, the more likely you are to reach your goals. Here are 6 New Year’s Resolutions that can help you look back on 2018 with pride. Eat enough protein. It is Rule #1 of WLS Surgery 101, and for good reason. Hitting your 65 or more grams of protein each day can help you reduce hunger, improve your immune system, and gain strength. Even if your bariatric surgery is long behind you, check weekly, if not daily, to be sure your protein intake is as high as you think it is. Drink more fluids. Lose more weight, stay fuller, and prevention dehydration fatigue and headaches with enough fluids. The goal is to get at least 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day, but a lot of bariatric patients have trouble getting there. You can help yourself out by putting out for 16-ounce water bottles (or a 64-ounce [half-gallon] pitcher) and making sure you finish them by the end of the day. Or, use a high-tech tool such as a Hydration Reminder that synchs to your smartphone and will not let you forget to drink! Water, ice water, water with lemon or mint, decaf tea and coffee, and low-calorie flavored water are all good choices. Find a friend. A weight loss buddy is worth her weight in gold. Paand weight loss If one friend is good, more friends are better – the more, the merrier when it comes to help eating right, exercising, and reducing stress. The Forums can help you connect with other patients looking for a friend. Go to the doctor. It is easy to see why going to a doctor is necessary if you are thinking about surgery or have it scheduled, but it is not only your surgeon whom you should see. Pre-op or post-op, seeing your primary care and any other of your regular doctors can help you stay healthy or get healthy. You can monitor important measures such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and make action plans for any other conditions, such as knee pain or sleep apnea. Take your vitamins. There is no substitute for a healthy diet, but a healthy diet is not always enough, especially for post-op patients. Talk to your surgeon or doctor about any vitamins you should take, and take them as recommended to prevent deficiencies. If your health is not motivation enough to get you to take your vitamins, consider this: staying nourished can also help you lose weight by keeping up your energy levels and metabolism. You can give yourself a hand by using aids such as a Tespo vitamin dispensers or choosing your favorite forms of vitamins, such as Patches, Pills, or Chewables. Smile. Smile when you greet people. Smile when you say goodbye. Smile when you are talking and listening. Smile for no reason. It really works. The very act of smiling can help convince your mind that you are happier. Plus, smiling at other people will make them more likely to be friendly to you – and make you happier. All that extra happiness can make it easier to do your daily duties, such as eating right and working out. These six strategies are simple enough, and they can help the pounds come off in 2018 with less effort. They are worth working on daily if you are going to hit your goals this year. Happy New Year!

Eat enough protein. It is Rule #1 of WLS Surgery 101, and for good reason. Hitting your 65 or more grams of protein each day can help you reduce hunger, improve your immune system, and gain strength. Even if your bariatric surgery is long behind you, check weekly, if not daily, to be sure your protein intake is as high as you think it is. Drink more fluids. Lose more weight, stay fuller, and prevention dehydration fatigue and headaches with enough fluids. The goal is to get at least 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day, but a lot of bariatric patients have trouble getting there. You can help yourself out by putting out for 16-ounce water bottles (or a 64-ounce [half-gallon] pitcher) and making sure you finish them by the end of the day. Or, use a high-tech tool such as a Hydration Reminder that synchs to your smartphone and will not let you forget to drink! Water, ice water, water with lemon or mint, decaf tea and coffee, and low-calorie flavored water are all good choices. Find a friend. A weight loss buddy is worth her weight in gold. Paand weight loss If one friend is good, more friends are better – the more, the merrier when it comes to help eating right, exercising, and reducing stress. The Forums can help you connect with other patients looking for a friend. Go to the doctor. It is easy to see why going to a doctor is necessary if you are thinking about surgery or have it scheduled, but it is not only your surgeon whom you should see. Pre-op or post-op, seeing your primary care and any other of your regular doctors can help you stay healthy or get healthy. You can monitor important measures such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and make action plans for any other conditions, such as knee pain or sleep apnea. Take your vitamins. There is no substitute for a healthy diet, but a healthy diet is not always enough, especially for post-op patients. Talk to your surgeon or doctor about any vitamins you should take, and take them as recommended to prevent deficiencies. If your health is not motivation enough to get you to take your vitamins, consider this: staying nourished can also help you lose weight by keeping up your energy levels and metabolism. You can give yourself a hand by using aids such as a Tespo vitamin dispensers or choosing your favorite forms of vitamins, such as Patches, Pills, or Chewables. Smile. Smile when you greet people. Smile when you say goodbye. Smile when you are talking and listening. Smile for no reason. It really works. The very act of smiling can help convince your mind that you are happier. Plus, smiling at other people will make them more likely to be friendly to you – and make you happier. All that extra happiness can make it easier to do your daily duties, such as eating right and working out. These six strategies are simple enough, and they can help the pounds come off in 2018 with less effort. They are worth working on daily if you are going to hit your goals this year. Happy New Year!

no to almanza the butcher. there is a fb page called something like Mexican Weight Loss Surgeons or Weight Loss surgeons in Mexico Thie is a page that does NOT allow anyone to join that is involved with the surgeons, as in, works for thesurgeons in any way. It is a place where people who have had bad experiences can feel free to write about their experiences without hassle. Just google almanza and see what has happened. go with bariatric pal. I hope you are getting the MGB, i've researched it a very long time and it has amazing results, its a short operation and it is reversible and revisable. You get to keep your stomach. good luck.

I also had a gain in my 3rd year. Here are some things to try. (just suggestions) Where to start? Start now or on Jan 1st 2018 for new years! You can get the weight back down to maintain. Weight loss is slower as you get further out from surgery. Weight loss takes work. We have two choices. Go through the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. Get back to the rules (bariatric basics) log food hit calorie ,protein goals and low carb (whatever your surgeons plan is) drink lots of water exercise If basics are not working this is something to try: Goto the TDEE calculator below https://tdeecalculator.net/ It will calculate your calories, protein and carbs based on your sex, height, weight, and activity level. (don't enter body fat) click [CALCULATE] This will give you your maintenance calories on the top right. Scroll down to macro nutrients You will see three tabs [maintaining] [cutting] bulking] Click [CUTTING] It will show your cutting/weight loss calories Below you will see three macorutien boxes with three carbohydrate ratios Start with the low carb macros. Set these new macros into your food log app (myfitnesspal) it will take dialing in your macros to see what point your body starts to lose weight. (I had to set my exercise level on step below my real activity level to get macros for my body to lose weight loss) Merry christmas!

Fantastic and welcome to the group. The bariatric weight loss on Facebook are also very supportive.

My revision surgery did take about an hour longer than usual due to the scar tissue left behind by the band. In general, the band to sleevers have a higher risk of having a leak -- my surgeon said our risk doubles from a 1% leak rate to a 2% leak rate. I'd ask your surgical practice if they have ever had any leaks -- mine (@ UCLA Bariatrics) had never had a leak. They were super cautious with me and kept me on liquids double the amount of time of their virgin sleevers. I think it's smart to plan for the worst case scenario. I'd recommend asking your surgeon Their leak rate Are there any special post-op dietary considerations for a revision patient How do they alter the surgery for revision patients -- for example, most band to sleevers end up having a slightly larger stomach due to the damage/scarring left by the band (this is also why we end up losing a little less weight than virgin sleevers) Revising is scary, but it's also the best thing I've ever done. Life with a sleeve is so much better than with a band.

i would HIGHLY recommend watching every video on youtube from this bariatric surgeon, Dr. Matthew Weiner. he also has a book called "Pound of Cure" which applies to bariatric patients as well.

Hi all, I am trying to stock up on a few drink choices to have in the house to try right after surgery besides or in addition to water. I am getting sugar free ice pops and high protein both and was looking for some kind of what enhancer, but what? What else should I try? Also planning on trying warm tea. I am only buying a small amount of each so I can find something I like and then buy more. I am also going to try this: Bariatric Choice Low-Carb Liquid Protein Fruit Drink Concentrate - Green Tea & Cranberry Drink Mix To Enhance Water. What else? Thanks!

I'm still pre-op but have been using the Tespo liquid vitamin system for a month now and have been happy with it. I am taking the Men's Bariatric Complete. I'll be curious to see how my lab work comes back after surgery.

When I had my RNY they had me start with CENTRUM CHEWABLE VITAMINS. But finally I just went to a Bariatric Vitamins they are in capsules and I was told that you can open them up and sprinkle on applesauce. I have heard others say they used FLINTSTONE chewable's!! YUKKY I couldn't do them at all. I also would say if your DR has you taking Calcium make sure it is CALCIUM CITRATE in PETITES. Welcome to the OTHER side. LOL Hang on you will be on the BEST JOURNEY of your life!! Happy Holidays. And KEEP ON KEEPING ON!!

@Stella S Seriously -! I know there's a lot to keep up with for FPs, but bariatric surgery is really having a moment and its borderline malpractice to not put forth some effort to learn the latest.

Clusie is my favorite. She’s hilarious and honest about Bariatric surgery

Horror stories???? Losing weight by eating slowly and having portion control for life scares you? Glad you are doing your research. What type of surgery are you considering? Once you alter your stomach with surgery you can't get it back. You will not be able to eat large amounts of food, binge, or eat fast. Changing these behaviors is going to make your weightloss successful long term. The first few months your stomach is healing..You will only get in small amounts of food. You will progress in stages of food. (google bariatric food stages) You will be able to eat more food volume and calories as you get further out from surgery. But, nothing like pre surgery. I'm three years out..My day of food can look like this. Breakfast :Half an omelette. Filled with tomato mushrooms and one piece bacon Lunch: 4 to 5oz smoked salmon cup of dole bag salad Snack: Quest protein BBQ chips. 2(oz) mozzarella cheese 3 oz salsa Dinner 4 oz chicken. 1 cup stir fry vegetables. Teriyaki sauce. Two pieces BBQ pork with hot asian mustard. Snacks 6 Strawberries dipped in hershey's sugar free chocolate syrup. If I still feel hungry before bed I might eat raw veggies and dip..or cottage cheese.