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Bariatric advantage is literally the best protein I have ever had. It has no bad after taste and mixes amazing with everything. I’ve only had the chocolate and iced latte but they were so great I ordered a few more flavors to try! It’s a little spends but totally worth it!

FluffyChix, I haven't had any other blood work besides the usual ones. I can list them and maybe you can tell who knows. LOL This is what my Bariatric Dr ordered: HEMOGRAM, CMP, B-12, VIT D(Hydroxy) THIAMINB1 (whole) FERRITIN LEVEL PTH, FOLATE. All my tests have come back great, in fact, my VIT B I had to cut back on because it was high. LOL , In fact, I just went to the Dr today and she was pretty impressed. All except my liver enzymes. She said I have the non-acholic fatty liver disease. Which strikes me as kind of funny because even my Bariatric Dr never mentioned it before. Maybe it's my nuts. LOL I wonder how hard it would be to get my DR to do some more tests? BTW Miz Fluffy I don't think it is KETO breath because I don't do the diet. I tried to do it and the lady that set us up said the recipes were included and if we did all of our prep for the week it would really help. Well, she set up my Micros etc but you see I am at my goal weight and wanted to help my hubby, I do not like many leftovers per say and the stuff she gave us recipes for I couldn't even stand the smell of them. Hubby did give it a try but the food wasn't to his liking either. Wham to our checkbook AGAIN. LOL

Hey there I’m new too but wanting to make friends through this with... if u want Go to face book , find me Trina Carrie Robinson Stuart and then bariatric buddies i made it a closed group today so friend request me just Incase I have to add you😉☺️ I’m so excited please let me know when u do on here in case I can’t find you😍

I am just starting on this journey and have an insurance verification questionnaire from the surgeon with whom I have a consultation next week. One of the questions is " Is a Bariatric Center of Excellence required"? I have Cigna Open Access Plus, and when I spoke to a Cigna rep earlier she couldn't tell if a COE is required or not as it didn't say. Does anyone have any recent experience with this Cigna plan and know if a COE is required?

Myfitnesspal. I'm old school. It tracks food. Graph shows your progress. Helps meet and see if you hit your calorie and macronutrient goals (protien etc) Tracks your exercise including syncing fitbit, map my run or map my walk...I'm sure their are more, It will graph for the week or month of meeting your calories and macros. You can leave your food log open for others to see, Or keep it private ( I keep mine open.) At the end of the day you submit and it tells you if everyday was like today you would weigh (calculates what you would weigh based on your food and exercise) gives me motivation to stay on track. It also has a forum for many categories bariatrics, vegan, keto, fitness weightlifting etc. you can friend and message.....They are amazing people that are motivated inspiring, and positive.

I was banded in October or November 2010, and lost about 80 pounds. By 2012 I'd had all the fluid removed due to regurg, pain, etc., even with minimal fills. Even with the band unfilled, foods still got stuck and some things were completely off limits. I just dealt with it for a few years, ignoring the problem. Earlier this year, I finally decided to do something about it and saw a bariatric surgeon here in Minneapolis (my band was placed in Omaha). In June of this year, I had a barium swallow xray done, and I was diagnosed with esophageal dismotility, a complication of the band. So, the band needed to come out. (For anyone reading this curious about the insurance approval process, I have Blue Cross Blue Shield and it was pretty straightforward, I just had to show proof of getting fills done (got my records from my old surgeon's office) and proof of a complication (the barium swallow showing dismotility).) I had the band out in August, and will be sleeved on December 7, in just 2 days. My surgeon does the revision in two different procedures because she feels there are fewer complications this way. Though there are other surgeons in the same group who do the revision in the same procedure. Waiting in between is not exactly easy on the pocket book (though I would have hit my out of pocket max either way), and my sick time at work has really taken a hit, but I understand the reasoning. Looking back on it, I'm really glad I've had the time between getting the band out and getting sleeved. I've had time to unlearn all the unhealthy habits I developed while dealing with my failed band. (And yes, I realize the failure was likely partly my responsibility, too, for anyone looking to jump all over me for that one.) I had to sip with my meals to get food past the band, and I definitely wasn't getting enough protein because that was likely to stick, too. Basically, I've had time to practice the "way of the sleeve" to replace the "way of the failed band". Between the band and the sleeve, I also have been hungry. My stomach hasn't rumbled this hard in years! (Maybe because it couldn't physically do so?) Protein shakes have helped, and paying attention to whether or not I'm actually hungry (or have any right to be based on what I've already eaten) or if it's just mental "hunger" have kept me from gaining weight. I've actually lost about 20 pounds now, and not just from the liquid diet I'm on before surgery. While it's frustrating to have to do two procedures, I hope you find the time in between helpful. Good luck! Wishing you the best.

Follow-up with the psychiatrist you saw before surgery or join a group therapy group. Also there is something called bariatric meditation on YouTube great way to start your day off

Hello! So I'm on day 1 of my liquid preop diet. It's been rough but I'm getting through it.. My question was for any suggestions on non sweet protein ideas. I'm not allowed to have any solids and only 1 yogurt every other day. Broths are approved and that's mainly what I've been drinking but it lacks in protein. I hate the artificial sweetner taste of protein shakes including premier. I ordered some protein soups and unflavored protein powder from bariatric pal but it won't be here for 2 days. Any suggestions or tips are welcone!!

I have developed a technique for dealing with people I don't want to tell about bariatric surgery and it works so well. Here's how it goes... There is a particular pattern to most conversations about weight loss that goes like this. Observer: Wow! You've really lost a ton of weight. Person who lost weight: THANKS! [explains how they lost weight, how much they lost] All I do is when people I don't know/like enough ask me about my weight loss, I just politely say "Thanks." That's it. I don't give details on how much I lost, how I lost it... nothing. I then either smile and move on to something/someone else or I flat out change the subject. You would be amazed how well this works. People don't know what to do when you won't play the game. When they give you the opening to tell them about your weight loss and you don't take it, they just freeze. It works like a charm.

Sleeved in April-2012 I confess that despite being 5.5 years post-op, I still expect others to see me as the fat and/or unattractive girl. I also confess that I have a greater need for approval/validation and attention than I "should" at my age (41). I confess that I STILL don't know what the capacity of my stomach is (it's small!) - my family jokes about whether it's a "3 or 4 bite meal". It's amazing to me that when my body needs food, my brain has an image of how much food I should want/need. It's never what I can actually consume... unless it's ice cream! I confess that I feel as though I hold greater worth as a fit person; but it makes me sad to think that less body fat on my frame makes me feel as though I can command "a place at the table". That's not where worth comes from. It comes from character and values. I confess that I am relieved that I can finally eat in public and not worry whether people are judging me for what (or how much) I'm eating. I confess that after all these years, I don't take the time to stop and reflect and be grateful for my weight loss like I used to, and that I wish I could/would give back to the Bariatric community - the newbies could probably use a little support and guidance. I confess that getting sleeved saved my life - maybe not in a literal sense, but it freed me to truly be me.

Hi , I now have Meritain health on the Aetna network. Does anyone know what the requirements are ? I'm well into the phase of all the specialist appts, etc. I hope the requirements will be the same or better than my previous insurance! I am waiting for my bariatric coordinator to get back to me with info, but I want to hear what everyone here says! Thank you Sent from my SM-G955U1 using BariatricPal mobile app

I had surgery at a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. These Centers of Excellence are available in many states. The Centers of Excellence provide a complete support for the surgery. There are many components that require a range of specialist beyond just a surgeon who specializes in Bariatric Surgery. They include nutritionist, psychologists, a hospital that specializes in bariatric surgery, staff that work insurance issues, pre-op testing, weight loss and exercise programs, bariatric surgery support group meetings, five years of post-op follow-ups. It is like a "full meal deal", no pun intended.

Hi all! I am self-pay and am scheduled to be sleeved soon by Dr.Wizman and wanted to hear other's experiences in regards to the hospital stay. 1. Which hospital did you have surgery at? Coral Springs or Aventura. 2. Private-room or shared? 3. Is there a specific Bariatric floor/wing of the hospital? 4. How long were you in the hospital for? A family member will be staying with me and is not wanting to stay at a near-by hotel as they are concerned with this being my first surgical procedure ever and I am trying to figure out the logistics of everything. Thanks!

Going to my nutritional classes tomorrow. One individual and one that is a "bariatric class". This will be the last of my requirements. I got my pulmonary clearance last week. Pre-op testing scheduled for Dec 30th. I hope nothing comes back bad and delays surgery. I'm so ready to get it done!

I am following the doctor's plan. Liquids for three days post op and then puree and soft foods for 3-4 weeks. Each doctor has different rules. I had surgery in Mexico but am following the nutritional plan of a local bariatric doctor where I live as he will be doing my follow up care. No need to be rude. LOL Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Although I agree insurance companies try to save money, I completely and respectfully disagree with this statement. Some people have physical and mental issues which prevent them from ever being good candidates for bariatric surgery. The process is in place to make sure the right people are chosen, and to provide those people with the tools necessary to be successful long term.

Hi, Im a new poster, new member to this group. I have been bulimic most of my life , so throwing up takes zero effort. I had gastric sleeve surgery and a hiatal hernia repaired at the same time (11/15/2017) I am unable to eat jello, yogurt , broth, lets just say the only thing I can keep down without it sitting in my throat is sugar-free powerade drink. I had a large hiatal hernia but it was repaired , I had my follow up with my bariatric surgeon/ doctor 2 weeks post surgery and asked him if its possible that the hernia surgery was repaired too tight? He said no. He had no explanation on why I cant actually swallow these things and my reflux is worse . I guess those who develop reflux post surgery include those who already have it so its horrible. I take 40mg omeprazole as needed .... not as prescribed (1 pill a day). ALSO, to make matters worse, it seems like I developed a full body yeast infection? (except its not where they usually are thank god). I have red welts, my wounds itch beyond words, then it spread to my lower stomach , then under my breasts, now its on my neck. I suppose if it travels down below then i will be furious. Ive tried otc calamine lotion, fungal itch creams nothing is even helping with the itch. ONE LAST THING I was doing ok as far as pain but the other night after I walked into a grocery store, I almost collapsed. I had what felt like a hot knife stabbing me in the large wound above my belly button. I was kind of stuck, not being able to walk in or out just stuck. I realized the pain was more of a ripping of my insides so I struggled and tried my hardest to hold up the bottom of my stomach so it wasnt putting pressure on that wound area. I can only assume its an adhesion . Now what? anyone experience these things? My surgeon wasnt concerned about me spewing throw up from most anything i try to swallow, wasnt concerned that my whole body is a huge rash and welts that itch beyond control. I havent even had a chance to tell him about the adhesion ... fearing his "thats what you signed up for" attitude. He is a great surgeon, I have no doubt and he has the best personality dont get me wrong. But dont know what to do about all of this . thanks for any advice

I’m 3 days post op and their goals for me are 64 oz of water/ fluids (shakes count) and 60 to 80g of protein. I’m getting closer on protein than water. My friend used to work as a nut in bariatric dept I was sleeved and she said it’s normal not to reach these goals in the first week and not to be too worried about dehydration bc it would be for those woh can’t keep anything down and at that point would recommend Gatorade. I’m in the 50s for protein and 26 for water.

I'm very confused by both your post. They seem either irrelevent or that you have confused what the op is saying. This individual is not keto. He is a new bariatric paitent so what has that got to do with anything? Your point is don't be afraid of fat ? Why make that point that poster did not tell anyone to be afraid of fat. All she said to the guy is follow your plan as if we are meant to have protein first how is 60% of a meal being fat following the plan. She didn't say not to have healthy fat with healthy protein. But you definitely agree with the poster so what is your point then ? I am so confused your responses are like your responding to a post I can't see. Sent from my Vivo 5R using BariatricPal mobile app

Here are a few potential causes. 1. If you were diabetic prior to surgery and on meds, you may have to reduce your meds at this point. 2. You may be experiencing reactive hypoglycemia. Here are a few links that might help. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass/ http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/060415p48tip.shtml https://www.healthline.com/health/hypoglycemia-without-diabetes 3. Dehydration can also cause dizziness and lightheadedness. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/dehydration_in_adults/page3_em.htm

I'm beginning to research and plan my transition to (somewhat) regular foods in the upcoming weeks. Where would you categorize stuff like almond and coconut flour? I mean they're literally ground almond/coconut respectively. Do I treat coconut as a fruit and almond meal as a nut? I know you're allowed stuff like pb2 way before real peanut butter so it's confusing. I would love to use this stuff in simple recipes especially with chicken and fish, but I'm not sure how long to wait (I'm almost 4 weeks postoperative). Coconut flour I'm very weary of because it's extremely high in fiber so that could be a problem for gas and bloating among other things. But what about almond flour? I know you're supposed to wait several weeks before introducing nuts, but if it's ground to a flour and combined with chicken I don't know if that's the same thing. Is there anything anybody could recommend more bariatric friendly than these two that would suit the same purpose ? (no parmesian, as I can't do dairy) Obviously I'm going to ask my nutritionist at my next appointment in a few weeks, but considering I'm bored out of my mind still home from work figuring out what the hell I'm going to eat soon is the most productive use of my time.

I don't think fats bad at all, I think fat is good healthy and delicious for you. What I don't think is that 60% of your calories should be coming from fat. Fat is the most calorically dense macro nutrient, and EXCESSIVE fat leads to excessive calories. I'm being extremely presumptuous, but I imagine every bariatric nutrition program has a rule along the line of protein first. If 60% of your calories are coming from fat, then protein isn't first

Good luck to all of the December sleevers. Make sure you’re not wearing nail polish and all of that when you go in. Pack a loose tracksuit, and make sure you’ve got all of your shopping done for when you get home. Be prepared for the discomfort for a few days after - the X-ray fluid made me vomit, which is common, but I am day 3 now and feeling so much better. No regrets - this is fabulous! I hope it goes well for all of you too. In my hospital we were all in there for Bariatric procedures, so you may even make some buddies. I think it’s easy to bond because most of us have struggled with weight for our entire lives, we understand each other and how difficult things can be. I woke up from anaesthetic feeling like I couldn’t breath, which was scary, but now I feel like I was born again. This literally is the first day of the rest of our lives. We get a second chance at life, to actually enjoy it and feel sexy, healthy and beautiful. I was crushed after my divorce and piled on 40kgs, and I’m only 35. I want to feel like my life isn’t over and that my ex didn’t break me, and this surgery is helping me take back control of my life. I so hope it gives all of you the hope and joy that it has me. I am ready to start living again. And yes, I’d be lying if I said I can’t wait for my ex to see my knockout revenge body and see me with my head high again... maybe I’ll even find a new love that respects me and cares about my children too? I feel like anything is possible now. Much love and blessings to you all! Xxx Sleeved: 2/11/2017 SW: 209lbs/95kgs

Thanks for sharing and inspiring others. Woohoo! I'm another bariatric running fanatic. Many of us around. I wish we could get a sponsored running team for obesity and bariatric awareness. @Alex Brecher Want to find us some sponsors? Wink WInk.