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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!

I don’t know why all bariatric surgeons don’t recommend ab binders after surgery. I was absolutely miserable the first three days until I remembered I had to wear one after the tummy tuck so why not after gastric sleeve. I immediately felt better after putting on the ab binder and within two days all of the bloating and swelling was gone. I did read on here that a few people woke up from surgery with ab binders already on them so there are a few surgeons who know how important they are for recovery. When I sneezed without the ab binder, day 3 post-op, it felt like the inside of my tummy ripped apart!! Good luck!!

Keep in mind I'm 2.5 years out and have been in maintenance for 1 year. I drink with meals. I don't follow the 30-minute rule. I've never consumed the recommended 64 ounces of water a day. On most days I'm lucky to down one 16-ounce bottle of water. Too much water sends me to the toilet every 15 minutes. I'm a snacker. My favorite snacks are peanuts, string cheese, turkey sausage, and fruit. Snacking is discouraged in the realm of bariatric surgery. I don't chew my food 20 times before swallowing.

Do you puree your eggs? I'm hitting four weeks out and heading into soft foods. I'm a bit iffy on leaving the food processor behind. I really struggled with the water and protein, still do a bit. But I was so nauseous I couldn't force anything in, my daughter had to help me out of the shower one day, I was about to faint. My BP was skyrocketing, barely going potty. Finally my PCP stepped in and put their foot down with the bariatric group and ordered them to put me on a fluid IV because I was so dehydrated. It made a huge difference!

I started the Bariatric Advantage Multivitamin Chewy - I feel nauseous right after taking one.... anyone else the same? Do you get use to it? Or is it better to switch vitamins?

I have just arrived home from our 14 day holiday. We had it booked pre- covid and the company allowed us to continue postponing the booking until we could go. It was a All inclusive type holiday where you stay in a big resort and everything is at hand which suits us when travelling, my husband needs a wheelchair. We were a little nervous of the airports and flying as it is such a hassle with a wheelchair. It all went quite smoothly except for the times I was stranded with a hubby, wheelchair, two suitcases and two bags and a large handbag. At times it felt like I was the puzzle where you have a river to cross with a bag of grain, a hen and a fox. I wore the bags like a bandolero, pulled the suitcase and pushed the wheelchair with my stomach. Oh the joys of checking in at airports. I ate what I wanted, which being me, was always the best fish, seafood, cheeses and a vast amount of serrano/ parma ham. They made their own cookies and bread so these never got bypassed but in small amounts. I even had butter and ice cream. I drank strong coffee with liqueurs and some long cocktails. Usually one or two a day. A few times I felt really drunk when the bar tenders had made the cocktails stronger than the last. It was not a good feeling but I found something to eat and then the alcohol was absorbed quickly. I was a little worried to get on the scales this morning. Pre surgery, I could put almost a stone on in the two weeks [14lbs] a lot of it was water weight around my swollen ankles. I weighed in at exactly the same and TMI moment, had 8 days of poop inside me. So may even loose weight when the medicine kicks in [ or is it out ? ] So te he he another win win for my bariatric surgery

Hi all! Very new to Bariatric Pal. Surgery date 8/9! I'm worried that I'm not nervous! lol. I'm very excited, though!! Best of luck to all here!! XOXO

How do you like your band? Tight? Tighter? Tightest? MORE, MORE, MORE Americans love MORE: more of anything and everything. More food, more fun, and (for some of us) more fill in our bands. But striving for maximum fill in the effort to achieve maximum weight loss can be a terrible mistake. Fat folks become obese enough to qualify for bariatric surgery because we’ve been eating more, more, more, so it’s not surprising that bandsters long for more, more, more fill. The tighter the band, the better, right? Wrong. Here’s why: tighter doesn’t automatically yield more weight loss. It can cause eating problems, side effects and complications that none of us want. It can compromise our quality of life. It can make us miserable when all we hope for from bariatric surgery is a better life. You’re not impressed by all that? You’re willing to risk everything in the pursuit of skinny? Then try this on for size. A tight band doesn’t guarantee weight loss. Just the opposite: it can stall your weight loss or even make you gain weight. Do I have your full attention now? Good. Listen up and I’ll explain why tighter isn’t always better. THE RESTRICTION FALLACY Traditionally, the adjustable gastric band has been considered a “restrictive” weight loss surgery. Bandsters were taught to look for signs of restriction: the proofs that their bands were working. Instead of paying attention to her own eating behavior and lifestyle, the bandster waited impatiently for the flashing signs, ringing bells and slamming doors that would stop her from overeating. The idea was that the small upper stomach pouch would “restrict” food intake and result in weight loss. Sound familiar? That was well-intentioned thinking, but it was wrong. In the past 5 or so years, band manufacturers and bariatric surgeons have come to believe that it’s a mistake to eat and eat until you set off your band’s emergency warning system, for the reasons mentioned above. Unfortunately, the re-education process is slow going, and in the meantime, the restriction fallacy lives on. Even now, approximately every third word out of a bandster’s mouth is “restriction”. It’s a catch-all term for the feelings that limit how much a bandster eats. Post-op band life tends to become a quest for enough fills to reach the Holy Land of Restriction. Next stop: Skinnyland. Or not. HAZARD AHEAD! THE DANGERS OF SOFT CALORIE SYNDROME Soft Calorie Syndrome is one of the least publicized dangers of a band that’s too tight. Psychologists would call it a maladaptive behavior, that is: a nonproductive behavior that prevents you from adapting to situations, or changes in yourself or your environment, in a healthy way. It can begin as an attempt to deal with or avoid an unpleasant experience but it does not solve the original problem and eventually becomes dysfunctional. You can read more about maladaptive eating behaviors by clicking here: http://www.bariatricpal.com/page/articles.html/_/healthy-living/is-your-eating-maladaptive-r50 A bandster experiencing Soft Calorie Syndrome is responding to the unpleasant experience of eating with a band that’s too tight by eating the soft and liquid calories that slide most easily past their gatekeeper band. Instead of eating the healthy and solid foods (like dense animal protein, veggies, fruits) that provide the most satiety (both early and prolonged), that person favors easy-to-eat food that’s often junky and high in calories (for example: potato chips, ice cream, milkshakes). Even healthy foods( like yogurt, cottage cheese and, fat-free/sugar-free pudding) can fall into the soft calorie category, and they don’t provide any better satiety than the junky stuff. The net result is that you end up consuming more calories than you need because the soft stuff doesn’t provide enough early and prolonged satiety. And the result of that is a weight loss plateau, or even weight gain. I discovered the perils of Soft Calorie Syndrome for myself when I traveled to New York City to attend a trade show when I was about 8 months post-op. I had gotten a fill the day before I left, and by the time I got to New York I had realized that my band was too tight for me to tolerate. I couldn’t eat any solid food, so I spent the next 3 days eating soft, high-calorie, low-satiety foods like creamy soups, milkshakes, and ice cream. I was just trying to survive long enough to go home and get an unfill. My maladaptive eating behavior achieved a temporary goal (comfortable survival) while sabotaging my long term goal of losing weight. In fact, I gained weight during that trip and ended up feeling disappointed in myself. I promised myself no more fills on Fridays and no more fills the day before a business trip. I called my surgeon’s every time I suspected my band was too tight and found that even tiny unfills could make all the difference in my quality of life as well as my weight loss. I know I’m not the only person who’s discovered the perils of Soft Calorie Syndrome. I also know that you’re not alone in believing that more fill is better and that unfills will slow or stall your weight loss. A few months ago I talked about this with a smart and successful bandster named Denise. When her surgeon reacted to her too-tight band by suggesting an unfill of .5 cc, her dazed and frightened face made him reassure her that she could start being re-filled in a month. The month ahead scared her, but she agreed to the unfill, and discovered that rather than returning her to Bandster Hell, it had restored sanity to her eating life. She said, “I was able to eat again. Solids went down easily. Bread was on my menu. Meals lasted me several hours. I didn’t snack because I was able to eat enough to keep me satisfied.” When Denise went back to her surgeon a month later, he was delighted her hear her say that she didn’t even need a re-fill. She told him, “I can eat anything, but I’m not eating everything.” And that, my friends, is what healthy eating is all about.

I had surgery with my Mom thru MBC and I am a BSN, I am posting on her account .So I researched the company and facility thoroughly, I am very satisfied with all of the services I received from MBC, all of the doctors and coordinators far exceeded my expectations and went out of their way to make sure we were well taken care of while we were in Mexico, I always felt that we had a safety net around us!! I am not a coordinator or an employee of MBC, I just want people to know the truth , that they can get a great, safe surgery in a good and clean environment and I highly recommend MBC to any one thinking about bariatric surgery,. I have sent 4 of my friends from the hospital I work at and they have all had very great experiences also with MBC and Dr. Valenzuela!! Thank you, Katie BSN

You are right education is a good thing so maybe you should research a little bit more. With the sleeve the cut into and shrink your stomach, but with the lapband the just simply put the band around it. The lapband is the safest and most effective bariatric surgery on the market today. If you RESEARCH all of the surgeries you will see that. Also you will see that NONE of the surgeries are guarnteed. At the end of the day it is up to whom ever gets the which ever surgery to lose the weight and keep it off themselves. Bottomline the with any of the surgeries you can gain your weight back or not lose what you wanted to at all, so if i were to choose i would go with the lapband because atleast you can reverse that one and not have as many complcations with it.( oh oops i did go with the lapband lol)

Please take the following post in the friendliest of contexts, please... I left for a couple days and then returned cooled down and re-read much of the thread. I then realized why I was so put off by one or more of the posters. Despite using a good measure of reason and facts they found it difficult at times to bring any people to their way of thinking that did not already agree with them. Here is some good friendly advise I thought I would share so as to assist certain posters with their interpersonal skills... First, as Dale Carnegie once asserted something like: if you want to win someone over to your way of thinking avoid criticizing, don't be condescending, and compliment sincerely when you can. Much of the wordy posts were well constructed. However, there are several kinds of rhetoric you might want to stay away from... For example, one of you claimed that... However, sprinkled in with your facts, figures, and stats, I found, lo and behold things other than just facts and figures. Here are some recent examples from their posts... You might not have realized that this was condescending if the person was a noob, but if they were not then even more so. The most charitable thing a person can say about this is that it is "flippant" and, again, condescending. Psychologists, Psychs, along with their "peer reviewed" studies indicates this type of comment makes your interlocutor entrench in their own position under these circumstances and will not be brought to your way of thinking. Avoid this kind of remark. Presumptuous, unless you are in the mind of the poster you cannot know if they are being honest or not. Presumptuous and condescending, my father's a doctor, my brother's a doctor, my sister is an RN and a head nurse, my niece is an PA, and have 2 best friends that are doctors. I'm a businessman. I know that, while doctors tend to make lousy businessmen, they know how to make money whatever procedure they perform. Moreover, I have a 146 IQ and am no idiot myself and RNs, PAs, and MDs are not mystifying to me and I don't consider them high priests but rather highly skilled professionals. I've known some health care professionals that are opposed to ANY kind of bariatric surgery. Should we take away their license? Your health care title can only take you so far. By the way, some nurses around here seem to have an unhealthy opinion of most doctors. I guess that's normal, though. Now maybe this poster is an English major too and was simply applying more "facts and figures", but I'd rather think they were just making a good old fashioned "dig" at the other person. It might be a "fact" but it is not a fact related to bariatric surgery as far as I know. Well, isn't this ironic. The poster of the highest statistical and "stick to facts and figures" order (and I mean that) has just made a statement based entirely on personal anecdotal experience and not backed up by "peer reviewed" studies. (chuckle) These all seem more like "flaming" than "facts and figures". It might have felt good to make these statements, but they don't convince people. The bottom line point to all this is if someone does not like you, they will always be inclined to disagree with you no matter how much "sense" you believe you make. It's simple human nature. I consider myself open minded, but I am not a masochist. I hope everyone out there with the "love-sleeve" considers some of my points. Best wishes to all...

Okay I am as tight as Scrouge McDuck today. I have had a TERRIBLE time with TERRIBLE pain everytime I eat. I called the doc today to reschedule my fill (they wanted me to come in on Jan 21- uhhh NO!) and talked to the nurse about how tight I am. Her suggestion is that I should come in. Again I am 5-6 hours away with a terrible snowstorm blowing in to the mountain passes as we speak. However there is a bariatric surgeon in the neighboring town so I may call them tomorrow and see how much it would cost for a tiny unfill. If it is cheaper than flying over, I may do it. After eating my egg this morning I thought I was going to die. I just got through with dinner and it wasn't much better. I was doing fine for the last few days, but today this band just tightened up like there was no tomorrow. I usually am not hungry but today I actually got hungry (growling tummy and everything) because I just couldn't get food down. It is funny, I don't normally feel hunger in my stomach, but I can tell when I need food because it feels like my eyes are starting to sink in to the back of my head. I know, BIZARRE! Hey but I am an odd duck anyways! I was at 348 calories before I got some chicken pureed in alfredo sauce down. Normally I wouldn't eat as much alfredo sauce, but I wanted some calories! I am going to go to mushies for a few days and see if I can get that to work. If I have to go to liquids at any point I am going in to get an unfill. I really don't see how people would want to be this tight. I guess to each their own. Pizzicato - So I think you got my opinion on being too tight. I just can't do this way tight thing. I think you are doing MARVELOUS! We are always going to have mental lapses and times when you are feeling down. I had that feeling just this weekend. Today I feel much better...well except the fact that I can't eat anything. GRRRRR Well I am going to sit and watch tv. I am taking a night off from exercising. I just don't have any energy after the first day back at school!

My PreOp was food - high protein low carbs. I wouldn’t worry as the whole process is to shrink and soften your liver. Mention to your doctor or say nothing. A friend who did Bariatric said she didn’t stick to hers and it still happened. I had a chicken burger and french fries with a soft drink a couple of days before my surgery and my liver had shrunk and there were no complications and my dr said they didn’t need the tool to lift they could use a stitch xx hope this helps

I feel pretty great! Today is the first day I can actually eat food that doesn't have to be mashed with a fork, so I tried a little soft cheese and low fat ham roll-up. So far so good. They still don't want me eating bread or pasta, but I can have 3 saltine crackers a day (my nutritionist is very specific!). My bariatric vitamin contains calcium, but not enough vitamin D, and apparently I was really low on Vitamin D according to my pre-op labs. I started on OTC Vitamin D supplement about a week and a half ago and I do think it helped my energy level. I've been very fortunate to not have much pain. How are you doing?

I had trouble with getting my liquids in until I tried warm/hot herb tea. It seemed to help going down into my stomach, and I did not experience that knot of pain in my sternum that I sometimes get drinking cool water. Now I don't have any trouble getting my liquids in. The protein, however, is still a struggle. Starting full liquids tomorrow, so I can finally have my low fat creamed soups, V-8 and my full strength Premier Protein (instead of the yucky clear stuff). That will definitely help with the protein. Also, Bariatric Boy, I feel your misery with the drained feeling. I was fine for a couple of days but today, I could barely walk across the floor this morning, let alone walking 30 minutes a day! I don't know how people do it!

Introduction Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for obesity and obesity-related health conditions, including diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension [1]. With this transformative procedure comes a new way of life that often requires significant adjustments to dietary habits. One essential aspect of post-bariatric surgery care is ensuring patients receive adequate vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. This article will discuss the importance of using a one-per-day multivitamin capsule for bariatric surgery patients, address the misconception that these patients have difficulties swallowing capsules, and review relevant medical studies. The Importance of Multivitamin Capsules for Bariatric Surgery Patients Essential nutrient absorption: Bariatric surgery can lead to reduced absorption of essential nutrients due to changes in the gastrointestinal tract [2]. A one-per-day multivitamin capsule ensures that patients receive the vitamins and minerals they need in a single, convenient dose. A study published in the journal Obesity Surgery found that multivitamin supplementation significantly improved nutrient deficiencies in post-bariatric surgery patients [3]. Compliance and ease of use: A one-per-day multivitamin capsule is easier for patients to incorporate into their daily routine compared to multiple doses. This can lead to improved compliance and better long-term health outcomes. Research conducted by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) supports the use of single daily doses to promote adherence to supplementation protocols [4]. Reduced risk of deficiencies: Post-bariatric surgery patients are at an increased risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly in iron, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins [5]. A one-per-day multivitamin capsule helps to prevent these deficiencies and supports overall well-being. A systematic review published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that multivitamin supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of micronutrient deficiencies following bariatric surgery [6]. Debunking the Myth: Bariatric Surgery Patients and Capsule Swallowing There is a misconception that bariatric surgery patients have difficulties swallowing capsules. However, no medical evidence supports this belief. Capsules are designed to dissolve as soon as they get wet, making them an ideal choice for bariatric surgery patients. Rapid dissolution: Capsules dissolve quickly in the presence of moisture, ensuring that they do not cause any issues with swallowing or digestion for bariatric surgery patients. A study published in the International Journal of Pharmaceutics found that capsules typically disintegrate within a few minutes of coming into contact with moisture [7]. Easier on the stomach: Capsules tend to be gentler on the stomach compared to tablets, as they do not contain binders or fillers that can irritate the stomach lining. This is particularly beneficial for bariatric surgery patients, who may experience increased sensitivity in their gastrointestinal tract. Enhanced absorption: Some vitamins and minerals are better absorbed in a liquid or capsule form rather than a tablet, ensuring bariatric surgery patients receive the maximum benefit from their supplementation. Research published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements has shown that certain nutrients, such as vitamin D, have improved bioavailability in capsule form [8]. Conclusion For bariatric surgery patients, a one-per-day multivitamin capsule offers numerous benefits, including convenience, compliance, and reduced risk of nutrient deficiencies. Contrary to popular belief, there is no medical evidence to suggest that bariatric surgery patients have difficulties swallowing capsules. In fact, capsules dissolve quickly and are easier on the stomach, making them an ideal choice for post-bariatric surgery care. Encouraging patients to adopt a one-per-day multivitamin capsule regimen can support their long-term health and well-being after undergoing bariatric surgery. Medical studies have demonstrated the benefits of multivitamin supplementation in preventing nutrient deficiencies, promoting adherence to supplementation protocols, and enhancing the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Bariatric surgery patients can feel confident in their choice of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule to support their journey toward improved health and quality of life. Empower Yourself: A Personal Testimony As a bariatric surgery patient and a knowledgeable expert in the field, I have personally experienced the transformative effects of incorporating a one-per-day multivitamin capsule into my daily routine. Throughout my journey, I have learned that self-care and attentiveness to my nutritional needs are vital for long-term success and well-being. The adoption of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule has provided me with the assurance that I am receiving the essential nutrients required to thrive in my post-bariatric surgery life. The Power of Community It's important to remember that we are not alone on this journey. As bariatric surgery patients, we are part of a supportive community united by a common goal: to achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle. By sharing our experiences, challenges, and successes, we can inspire and empower each other to make informed choices about our nutritional health. I encourage you to connect with others who have undergone bariatric surgery, exchange stories, and discuss the benefits of incorporating a one-per-day multivitamin capsule into your daily routine. By learning from each other and sharing our knowledge, we can collectively overcome the challenges of post-surgery life and experience the unparalleled benefits of one per day multivitamin capsules. Stay Informed, Stay Healthy The world of bariatric surgery and nutrition is constantly evolving. To ensure that you are equipped with the latest information and best practices, it's crucial to stay informed and up-to-date with recent scientific studies, guidelines, and recommendations. Continually educate yourself on the benefits and best practices surrounding one-per-day multivitamin capsules and other nutritional supplements. By staying informed, you can make the best decisions for your health and well-being, ensuring that you are providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive. References: [1] Mingrone, G., Panunzi, S., De Gaetano, A., et al. (2012). Bariatric Surgery versus Conventional Medical Therapy for Type 2 Diabetes. New England Journal of Medicine, 366(17), 1577-1585. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1200111 [2] Mechanick, J. I., Youdim, A., Jones, D. B., et al. (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient—2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Obesity, 21(S1), S1-S27. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20461 [3] Aills, L., Blankenship, J., Buffington, C., Furtado, M., & Parrott, J. (2008). ASMBS Allied Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient. Obesity Surgery, 18(10), 1140-1142. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-008-9631-1 [4] Mechanick, J. I., Youdim, A., Jones, D. B., et al. (2013). Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Perioperative Nutritional, Metabolic, and Nonsurgical Support of the Bariatric Surgery Patient —2013 Update: Cosponsored by American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. Obesity, 21(S1), S1-S27. https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.20461 [5] Parrott, J., Frank, L., Rabena, R., Craggs-Dino, L., Isom, K. A., & Greiman, L. (2017). American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Integrated Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient 2016 Update: Micronutrients. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 13(5), 727-741. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2016.12.018 [6] Ernst, B., Thurnheer, M., & Schmid, S. M. (2013). Evidence for the Necessity to Systematically Assess Micronutrient Status Prior to Bariatric Surgery. Clinical Nutrition, 32(1), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2012.07.012 [7] Podczeck, F., & Jones, B. E. (2004). The In Vitro Disintegration of Hard Gelatin Capsules Exposed to Different Conditions of Temperature and Relative Humidity. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 280(1-2), 197-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2004.04.018 [8] Traub, M. L., Finnell, J. S., Bhandiwad, A., Ochoa, G., Sasson, N., & Kotsopoulos, J. (2014). Impact of Vitamin D3 and Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations in a Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11(3), 324-334. https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2014.921849 By continuing to learn from one another, staying informed about the latest research, and making informed decisions about our health, we can support each other in our shared goal of a healthier, happier life after bariatric surgery. The use of a one-per-day multivitamin capsule plays a critical role in this journey, providing essential nutrients, promoting adherence to supplementation protocols, and minimizing the risk of deficiencies. Embrace the power of community and knowledge as you embark on your new life and make the most of the benefits that a one-per-day multivitamin capsule can offer.

I originally tried those chews and they made me want to puke. They are so big and you have to use so many. Now I also use the ProCare Health 1 a day w/45 Iron. I also take the Bariatric Fusion B-50, a B-12 Melt from Amazon, and a calcium/magnesium one from ProCare. My doctor gave us a sheet with about 20 combo fo brands and what you need to take to make sure you are complete in your vitamins. This is the best combo for me by far. This is what I Use... My Protein and collagen is from 1st Phorm 1stphorm My B-50 Vitamin and calcium chews are from Bariatric fusion My one a day Multi w/ Iron & Calcium are from ProCare Health And my B-12 is from Amazon

Your. Body will only absorb about 1/2 the protein in that. There is 1 brand of shots that are ok. But I don't remember the brand. They sell them in the gift shop at the bariatric center I use HW: 258 SW:?? CW: 234 SD:4/11/13 Twitter: and Instagram: @skinnyjess2013

OMG, you are my hero! You had surgery the day after I did, and I've only lost 16 lbs. You are definitely doing something right. I can't seem to get all my protein in unless I incorporate at least one protein shake a day. I'm getting sick of them, so today I used only one scoop of bariatric advantage instead of two. Only up to 320 calories today, but I am heading to a party. Hope there is something there I can eat.

1/29/13 - Update/Edit: As several have inquired about the timeline and were confused when i said her surgery was in May but she's been on a feeding tube for two years. The surgery was May of 2010. I was specifying the month only as a point of reference for the point at which the issue became critical (July 2010) and how long she was in the hospital that first time (into October 2010). She was also hospitalized for a few months in January 2011 when the stomache leak/infection spread through the diaphragm and into her lungs, and again the following spring and summer of 2011 for the same issues. Sorry for the confusion. Also - I agree that the bulk of the issues centered around follow up care - which is why I was so specific about where and by whom she was being treated. But I quickly learned that such leaks and subsequent fistulas are NOT uncommon with this type of surgery - I never said they were the majority. Additionally Physicians who are now caring for her have previously cared for individuals who suffered similar, though not quite as critical, issues after having this type of surgery. So that is legitimate. Good point on the Hipaa item - but I'm not sure that applies to family or friends sharing information they are aware of. I have no professional or legal obligation to her or her care and am not a POA or medical care provider. Thanks to all who have read and responded - I'm still reading through them all. **************************************************************** Original post: I have not had gastric sleeve, but my sister has and this is her horror story. In the month after her May surgery, by Dr. Chua of Aurora Sinai in Milwaukee, my sister (Jane) came down with flu like symptoms. Although she contacted her primary physician, who was aware of the recent surgery, and I believe she had an office visit with Dr. Chua, nobody showed any concern about infection. This is despite the fact that EVERYBODY knows that infection mimics flu like symptoms and it was nowhere near flu season. Nobody ever did any scans post surgery to determine of there was any issue with the healing of the internal surgery area - even though I have since learned that other patients had experienced similar issues to what my sister was about to go through. It turned out (after three ER visits in three days, despite the fact that I said I was worried about infection from the very first visit) that a staple hadn't held and that food/fluid had been leaking into her abdomen from the stomach causing a MASSIVE infection. By the time Aurora Lakeland in Elkhorn paid any attention to this she was almost dead. She barely made it through and it was literally touch and go for WEEKS!! AND that hospital wouldn't even treat her because they don't do bariatric surgeries - she had to be airlifted to Milwaukee. What followed were numerous surgeries, months in ICU and then regular hospital (from July 4th weekend into October), an induced coma with her hands strapped to the bed so she wouldn't inadvertantly pull out tubes and wires, being intubated for breathing assistance, additional infections, memory loss of that entire time, and leaving on a feeding tube. She has been on that feeding tube for over two years now. Oh she's thin alright. woohoo. But she gets her food from a bag hanging on an iv rack and has to grind her meds and flush them through the feeding tube line, as well as a drain that collects Fluid from her abdomen and open wounds that need daily care. She has NO muscles left. She probably couldn't walk a block if she was allowed to. She came home from that hospital stay with a GIANT open wound the length of her abdomen - I mean it was big enough for me to stick both my hands into - and a wound vac installed in it to constantly vacuum up the fluid and goop that goes along with healing. That fluid drained into a plastic container that hung from tube(s) coming out of her abdomen - which she had to have with her always. It was all very painful and really gross. That was just the first hospitalization. By January she was back in the hospital with another massive infection that had burned through her diaphragm and into her lungs. This time she spent her time in pulmonary ICU. You see they told her to start trying to eat - that they thought the holes in her stomach had closed, but they didn't do regular scans to verify this....again! They were wrong. Again. Only this time her primary physician, Dr. Rosol of Aurora Lake Geneva, had diagnosed her with pneumonia over the phone and had given her a prescription not even strong enough to deal with pneumonia. So when she didn't get better, by the time the Aurora ER took her seriously she was again near death. This time they had to do lung surgery AND abdominal surgery to clear out and treat the raging infection caused by fluid and matter leaking from the stomach into everywhere. So apparently this type of thing isn't that uncommon with this surgery, nor are the "fistulas" that develop as a result of this complication from this type of surgery. If the tissue around this fistula isn't so damaged that it can heal on its own it could take years. If it's damaged - as hers was from all that infection - there is no sewing it closed and it doesn't heal on its own. Imagine being on a feeding tube for the rest of your life - never tasting food, never enjoying a meal or a drink or a dessert or a holiday with your family again. Never a chocolate bar, or a bowl of Cereal, or a salad, or a glass of juice. NOTHING. All because someone convinced you that gastric sleeve surgery was the answer. So if you are considering this surgery, don't. It's just not worth the risk. I know, if my sister could go back, she would choose fat over this lack of a life any day of the week. I grew up thin and am now fat and I would NEVER EVER EVER have a surgery to reduce my weight. Although I haven't been able to be disciplined enough to do it I know the only solution is eat less, move more. Two steps. The only solution.

I just bought the Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook (there is s kindle version on Amazon) and I love it already!

Hi! I just had a successful meeting with my Doctor and was given a referral to the Bariatric program in my area. Even though I have a PPO insurance, I still needed this step. I am going to do 6 months of nutrition appointments required by my insurance and I call tomorrow to set it up. I also started blood pressure medication today. My BMI is right at 40 so I am nervous about being disqualified but hoping the BP meds help my case. Wishing everyone a successful day on their journey and wanted to share. Got the ball rolling and feeling good!

Congratulations!! I had my surgery August 11. I’m on puréed foods. Invest in a Bariatric Cookbook (recommended by my Nutritionist). It has been so helpful. Has recipes for all stages . The hardest part is the fluids. But it’s a process so take it day by day.

I understand that I need to make reasonable goals so I don't feel like I failed and I would honestly be happy at 200lbs. But with that being said I also know if I set my mind to it I could loose enough weight to be at my healthy weight for my height. I just didn't like the way she said it. Working for a bariatric surgeon shouldn't she be more positive?

ON-Q pumps are an old dying thing. They're often filled with Naropin. They work fine, but now there is Exparel. Which basically works the same as an ON-Q pump, but instead of a giant ball hanging out of your abdomen by ON-Q catheters that you have to carry around. They just inject the exparel into you and it works for 48 to 72 hours just like the ON-Q without all the crap sticking out of and attached to you. We used to use on-qs for every bariatric case and many other cases, now they're almost completely extinct from our hospital. And ON-QS have quite a reputation for falling out and getting removed prematurely. They sometimes would even fall out before patients got out of the operating room