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Hi All - My gastric surgery is July 28th and I slowly started eating low carb with a replacement shakes to ease into my actual 2 week pre-op plan. I'm supposed to drink 2 shakes for b/l, eat 2 bars as Snacks and/or a shake or lean protein/non-starch veggie for dinner. Having hashimotos (thyroid) I worked with a non-bariatric focused nutritionist the last several years eliminate foods that are not right for my body. I don't normally eat a lot of soy, whey or milk based products and typically only stevia as alternate sugar. It was interesting talking to several bariatric nutritionists about options and levels of Protein and different perspectives on what I should or should not drink. To whey or not to whey! It seemed like Premier Protein Shakes (liquid or powder) and their bars were highly recommended by doctors and also on here and other outlets. Can't beat 30g of protein in a serving so I figured I would try them out. For convenience, I bought chocolate ready to drink Orgain Grass fed and mixed in some Premier Protein ready made shakes and bars. After one week, my tummy feels a little inflamed - like a gastric ulcer. Today I have switched to a vegan non-dairy shake and going back to my hydrobeef based Protein powder until my surgery next week. Sadly, not many options for Protein Bars (maybe Quest?). I suppose what I'm getting at is no matter the expert, I am still the best advocate on how my body feels and sensitivities. Although whey is a leading protein source for pre-op and bariatric patients, I'm finding it's not quite right for me. Yep. I was really bummed because it did taste good, was filling and economically priced. Moving on and ignoring that my tummy hurts a little and is hungry tonight!! Big Picture!

I just was looking at my calendar and realized that this whole process was painless and quick, and from reading the stories I realized I am lucky! I started my journey on may7, with a visit to my pcp, asking for the referral to the bariatric dr. I then attended the info session, then my apt with the bariatric team, prep group, pcp apt, and then my surgery date was given to me August 27. I opted for a later date in October because we are going to Jamaica! I am praying the rest of my journey is this easy breazy!!!

Hi Mick, I am 18 months out from surgery and have surpassed my surgeons goal. Have lost over 40kgs. And now have a normal BMI and my cholesterol and blood sugar are under control.The early days were a little tough but now I can eat anything I want, but limited quantities. My surgeon was Patrick Moore at Epworth Private and I would highly recommend him. I was out of pocket about $3,500 but I do have private health ins. Though bariatric surgery isn't covered. Good luck. Any more questions don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks Aussielady, a lot of info,to take in Mick

I found weight stalls if I consistently went too high over 50-60 I usually get average 50 grams of protein but some days a little more or less than others. I did some research. I had studied nutrition and holistic health in the past but so much changes. There is new research on protein and how there are many misconceptions about how much we need. assumption that it’s best to consume protein before exercise yet I’ve read that it’s best at rest for muscle recovery. Fat seems to fuel better than protein. It’s my personal opinion that the bariatric protein requirements are very high. Also the type of protein makes a difference. It’s assumed 100% whey protein isolate is best but I find a blend of isolate and casein best. I still feel like I know nothing and when. I hit roadblocks I do my best to find a way past it. For example when I lost weight in the past with strict low carb and calorie counting I wanted to add more vegetables, yet my weight crept up with that simple change.

Since I can only have 5 links in my signature, I'm creating this post to post all the links I find. If you have a link you think is helpful, let me know ! I'll add it List of October Surgeries List of Abbreviations List of shakes List of what you need at the hospital Bariatric Dos and Don'ts List of places to get Free Samples

Hello, My name is Debra Steimen. It has taken me several months to recover from my mexico bariatric experience to talk on these forums. Now it is time. Please feel free to ask me any questions regarding my experience. If you don't ask you may fall victim to: Mexico Bariatric Center mexicobariatriccenter.com WeightLossMex.com SOURCiS, Inc., doing business as, Mexico Bariatric Center. Address: 705 E. Bidwell Suite 2-111 Folsom, CA Last April my lapband of 5 years slipped and needed removal. I was told that it would cost me $40.000 out of pocket to have it removed because my insurance did not cover the removal. Desperate, I contacted Christy at mexicobariatriccenter. Christy told me that the owner was in business for years leading me to believe that the company was in business for years. Christy was very believable and seemed very concern with my welfare. I trusted her and the company and went ahead to schedule a lapband removal and a gastric sleeve. Christy suggested that I use a specific doctor because of his experience, since she did not think the other doctors had enough experience with revisions. It would only cost me $6,500. My Surgery was scheduled a few weeks later. I arrived in San Diego and was taken to a little hospital. The Mi Hospital. I was being registered by a Mexico bariatric center assistant that seemed very shady. He made me feel uneasy. After being register I was moved to a normal hospital room. I was undressing when a staff member came in and told me I needed to be moved. I was then escorted down to a different floor in a room with no nursing attendant and no other patients. I was a little confused but I was trying to go with the flow until I realized my hand had swollen up three times it size. The needle that was inserted penetrated my vein. I rushed out into the hall asking for help by anyone that I thought could understand english. Finally someone ran upstairs to get a nurse. I was so freaked at this moment. Debra Swiszcz <dswiszcz@gmail.com> 4/9/13 to cindy Hi Christy, I'm pretty nervous right now. They have not been able to get an IV in me. I was put into one room and moved to another room down on the second floor. I don't think there is a-nurses station on this floor. Finally they called a surgery nurse to put the Iv into my hand. She thought she go it in however 20 minutes later I look down and my hand was swollen 4x it's size with fluids. People are all very nice here but I'm still a little confused about my room. It has no call buttons for a nurse. I had to run and find someone to look at the IV in my hand. I'm really getting worried about the safety. Sent from my iPad Debra Swiszcz Things didn't get better during my stay. I was in that room for a day and a half before they moved me into a real room. 4/12/13 to christy Hello Christy, I hope you had a nice day. I was up early and walked a total of 5 miles. I paced myself and did it in intervals. I spoke to Daniel this afternoon around 2pm and he told me doctor Kelly was going to stop by this evening with the return to work certificate. It is now 7:55 and I haven't heard anything from anyone. No note, not what time I should be ready in the morning to leave for the airport. It's a really good thing Im very independent and smart enough to reach out to you early enough so you can help with some answers. With that said. Can you please find out what time Victor will pick me up at the hotel? Victor told me that Daniel should have contacted me with the information. Also is doctor Kelly really coming or do We need to figure out another way for me to get note. I really don't understand why Daniel couldn't run the note over this afternoon to make sure it was in my hands. It's only a five minute drive. I really don't know what his problem is with me. Yesterday he's ask me if I would like him to pick up omeprazol since he was going for other patients. I.asked how much was it and he told me around $15.00. I didn't have change and I gave him a twenty. I told him he owed me five dollars back. Some how I knew he would not give me the money back. If he handed it back to me I probably would have told him to keep it but since he didn't bring it up again. I just though wow he thinks he deserves at 35% tip. He is leaving a bad taste in my mouth and today is just adding to the pot. Ps my phone does not work in Mexico. I'm in room 219 if you want to call me at the hotel. Warm regards, Debra S Desperate to have the revision that I went through hell, something I would never have accepted in the States. In Mexico I guess I just expected this was normal. I'm well traveled so once I was at the hotel I was pretty much on my own. I felt fine after the surgery and could eat just about anything I wanted. I was starving. What was wrong with me? Several months after the surgery I gained 20 lbs. I contacted the doctor and Mexico Bariatrics. No response. I finally got this email telling me to stop eating. "Really" Stressed and my whole self esteem deflated I just felt something was wrong. I contacted MBC and spoke to the owner Ron. I told him of my concerns. I didn't believe the doctor they recommended preform the gastric sleeve. He ask me to get some test done in the states to verify my concerns. Again out of my pocket $3000.00 later I was told by my doctor her in the states the procedure was not done. Mexico Bariatrics washed their hand of me. I was shit out of luck. My story got out to others by an x-employee of Mexico Bariatrics Janice from A LIGHTER ME called me and asked me about what had happened with my surgery. I told her my story and she was dumbfounded. She then confirmed the rumors I heard about Mexico Bariatrics. MBC was only in business for a few months at the time of my surgery. The owner Ron at MBC was the webmaster for a Lighterme and had no experience. Janice reached out to her boss and owner of A Lighter Me, Sandy Johnston. Sandy contact me herself and listened to my story. She was so nice. She offered me to come to Mexico with A lighter Me at cost to find out what exactly was performed on my stomach that cost me $6500. On February 2014 I had a surgery performed by Dr. Ortiz from A Lighter Me On his report ( I have copies ) It states that no gastric sleeve was performed. He himself performed the gastric sleeve. It is now two months later and I have lost about 10 pounds. I hear from Ronda the dietitian once every two weeks to make sure i stay on track Sandy the owner has called me as well as Dr. Ortiz himself. The care and concern from the staff at A lighter me has been wonderful. A difference of Night and Day from MBC. The moral of the story. Research carefully what you are about to do with your body in Mexico. The Dr. that performed my surgery was DR. RAMOS KELLY ( I am not the first patient that he has done this too.) Please if you have questions contact me. I would love to help anyone about to undergo a bariatric surgery in Mexico.

I guess those seeds are small enough that they won't bother? Guess it's the same thing as some being able to eat mushy foods right out of surgery and others (me included) having to wait until week 3 post to start. You can find plenty of Ricotta Bake recipes on Pinterest along with tons or other post bariatric recipes. Just type it in search and it will pull up plenty. You'll spend hours there though so be careful.

Hey guys i am so excited, i just completed my 1st 5k race!!! It was a obesity and fitness walk/run that was sponserd my my hospital ans my bariatric clinic. It was a great turnout. I walked my 5k in 1hr and even managed to burn over 500 calories!!! Gosh that felt so good. Maybe the next time i will be able to run the 3miles, we'll see. I will post Pictures to my profile. I hope everyone is well!!!!!

7.31.12-txjina1 8.1.12-slenderella-Dr. Scott Stowers icle1234-Dr barker dallas tx MsDallasSleever Dr Wade Barker ugot2laff Dr Myur Srikanth WA EcuaTrucho dr richard Nguyen BarbH Dr. Medvetz Middletown PA Nina88-Dr Casillas west LA 8.2.12-allnewme-Dr Alvarez MX mamamelly dr matthew Bettendorf MN carlab51 dr mccarty dallas tx 8.3.12-Made2beme- Dr Garcia MX 8.4.12-Icandothis Dr Alveraz mx 8.6.12-Aug62012-Dr Brengman Richmond VA Arukind-Dr. Ross Seattle WA Stormwarning-Dr Alvarez Mx Pdog Dr. Halmi in Fairfax,Va. Tabbymonroe sleevealicious dr nain woodbridge va bug-indiana dreamnslim2012 Dr david Kim tx thickiest2thick dr david suh ReeTee Dr S. Killeen TX aznurse4u Dr Monash Tucson AZ 8.7.12-cegull dr david kim Dallas tx zack515 dr aceves in mexicali 8.8.12-Futureskinnypants - Dr morris washington Sc sv2- Dr suh murrieta ca Forensikchic (*1 YEAR SURGIVERSARY!!!!) 8.9.12 shaniceh01 Sabrena Noria New orleans louisiana 8.10.12-thetruedream- Dr Almanza MX findingme2012dr kelly Tijuana Jaoleen Dr verboonen MX charmichelle NC bethL dr richardson New orleans. 8.11.12- lolo11 dr kelly mx 8.13.12-harleymb-Dr Spaw Sabstar22-Dr. Almanza Mx Southern Oregon-Dr Ortiz Mickey- Dr Arnold- Dallas TX txjina1- dr kim-Tx july 31st melissa kirk- dr mcmahon seattle wa mom_24 dr alvarez mx peacelove&tash dr douglas olsen TN half~of~bri dr roc bauman 8.14.12- strawberrysoul-Dr. Almanza MX laurenss-Dr Gregory walton jorsea- dr degara canada bound4bway mczoo33 dr alverez atelux17 Dr Kim TX 8.16.12- MichT Kaiser West LA 8.17.12- Beanieandrosiesmom- Dr. Rodriquez MX Lisa1977 8.18.12- dooter55 dr alvarez piedro negres mx 8.20.12- Audrey523- Dr. Yatco NYC Shoe_vixen- Dr rosen Chicago Skye-Dr. Joyce lifesaver-dr george merriman-LA 8.21.12-lucysmama215 Sleeveme81Tx nurse05 Dr Garcia MX 8.22.12-minniemouse dr wayne weiss 8.23.12 MGM-Dr. Kelly MX beanzilla Dr Garcia MX mschina415- dr arron hoffman NY msleo64- (*1 year surgiversary!!!) irishgirl78 dr liao (23rd or 30th) Onlyone Dr Garcia MX 8.24.12 Weight_no_longer tammy ansley topeka kansas 8.27.12 washffpm dr mcmahon KRBullardRN Dr. Babineau, Tyler TX leprechaunmomma Dr lopez/Dr. Osuana TJ MX krbullardrn dr babineau tyler tx bluelemons, Dr Alvarez MX 8.28.12 vixkey dr krahn cali JLOR Dr David Kim, Dallas TX Red597 Dr Eric Mallico 8.29.12 cantw8t2bme dr esteban varela Dolly 8.30.12 Runner nawlinzlady gigimamma dr kelly mx kimmyiet Dr R marvin houston TX Irishgirl78 8.31.12 ATLSara dr kelly mx Holy Moly , we now have 84 surgeries scheduled for august (and i think i counted txjina1 too, shes july!) What a successful thread if i do say so myself!! QOTD-How/When did you decide you wanted to have bariatric surgery? Why did you choose the sleeve? I was driving my mom to the airport one day in february and I was complaining that I was starting to gain back some of the weight I had lost on weight watchers. She said, Why don't you start looking into the lapband, you've struggled with your weight for so long, its time to just take care of it once and for all. SO, I did....but as i was researching the lapband I found the sleeve. I decided that the lapband wasn't for me. What if i had lost my insurance? Would I have to keep that thing in me forever? If i take it out would I gain back all the weight I had lost???? I need something that doesnt require maintence like that. So, Here I am! I found the sleeve and after doing my research I really love the idea of the sleeve!

I take a regular multivitamin. I also take biotin, calcium citrate, omega 3 and b-12. None of them are bariatric and all ok with my surgeon.

My Surgeon explained that gummy vitamins have a higher risk of getting stuck when you're healing, and that's the last thing you want. Other than that, get the right amounts, and you're in good shape. Both the nutritionist and the Dr. agreed that the only true advantage of the bariatric vitamins is convenience.

I just ordered all of my vitamins from Bariatric Advantage. My Dr.recommended them!

I know it’s so, so common, especially for Bariatric patients and alcohol. I drink a glass or two of wine a night most nights but that was normal for me before and I don’t think it’s excessive. I definitely don’t drink to get drunk and rarely even get tipsy. But I used to be only a social smoker and I am now up to a pack a week 😕 I think it’s called addiction transferance? I want to cut back.

The Ketovangelist way of keto doesn't have you mind your calories in that way. Check this link out https://www.ketovangelist.com/the-calorie-hypothesis/ Calories are more of a guide to make sure you don't drop below your TDEE (Total Daily Energy Expenditure). Most folks do well taking an average of their BMR and maintenance calories and using that number as a guide to create their macros. Here's an excellent TDEE calculator https://tdeecalculator.net/ (just don't let it make your macros - it's WAY off) Constantly eating below your BMR causes stalls and gains so that happy medium between your BMR and maintenance seems to prevent that and keep you burning fat and sparing muscle. Have you found an FB group for bariatric folks doing keto? There has to be one. I'm not sure how pre-op keto will translate to post-op since most post-op folks are eating low fat. I'm sure I'll eventually be seeking out a group. Let me know if you find one you like.

The first thing you need to do is call your insurance company and determine your bariatric benefits and ask for them to be sent to you in writing. At the same time, ask for their policy paper on bariatric surgery. Most insurance companies have the requirements written in detail. Ask for them to be sent to you in writing as well. This policy paper should detail the requirements to be met for a revision. As far as the SADI-S, it is what my doctor recommended. Like you describe what “should” happen, my doctor listened to all of my issues, and explained all the procedures and recommended the SADI. Going in, I was thinking just a sleeve, but with my various metabolic issues the SADI made more sense. If you stay with your current doctor, demand that he review the pros and cons of each revision as it relates to your specific issues. You will also find a lot of information here in this forum from others who have gone through each procedure. Read, read, read! Good luck to you! Keep us posted on your progress.

Hey everyone, I've been hiding here at home cause since Monday I have been hounding the drs office to get my approval. What I found out was that the Primary dr(actually the clerk) says one thing and does something completely different. I was told a week ago that everything was faxed to Ins. So I called Ins and they say they have nothing! Ins calls the Primary and finds out that she was faxing to the wrong number -- *@%$#* Uh, sorry if I don't believe that load of crap but at least 5 other patients with MY insurance have come through Dr. Nuvals office and suddenly she's FAXING to the wrong number? I discovered a few months ago her dislike for patients undergoing bariatric and she has done everything in her power to goof up as many of my steps as she can. Which is why I am sitting here without a date for surgery. Blanca with my insurance company said I would be hearing before the weeks end and she would give me a phone comfirmation & all the numbers. I've been gloomy and sad most the week and even when I get my call I'm not feeling excited because the timing of this is not good. On top of everything, I just found out our friend Robbie (a family from church) is waiting for a heart transplant(his 2nd one) and he's at Loma Linda University hospital. I've been off the computer because I need the phone line to be open but I've read all your encouraging notes and love that you understand my Air Conditioning situation! I've survived 14 years..... another summer won't matter. Heart Hugs all the way around, I hope to hear from Blanca today!

My employer offered the coverage and many ppl took advantage. In one year 11 ppl had VGS. One week before my consult they dropped the bariatric coverage because it became "too costly" So I am stuck obtaining loans and using my meager saving. My surgery is now 10/22/14 Good luck to you, I hope it works out for you

Oh man mama i am so sorry to hear that. It's terrible. Girls, to be honest i am very worried now about this smoking thing. I smoke. A lot. I stopped for 3 months presurgery and started again about one month post op. I know it is bad and i understand it is especially bad after this op and why.but here's the thing. Smoking is all i got. My life is so terribly terribly shit at work that i feel i am at the brink of a disastrous breakdown. I am doing my all to balance my sanity. Ofcourse you all understand about the stressors and anxiety we have about all kinds of things - including: • missing comfort from food • coping without its "help" • will i succeed • getting foodstuffs right and ready • doing research in eating plans and stuff (i am so frustrated cause all the info i get - 65% we dont have in south africa and i just cant seem to manage to get all my protein ;-((( • trying to amp myself to go gymming and doing exercise. I hate exercise! And i am telling myself i like it and want to do it because it is needed and part of this process - but deep down i still hate it and i want to shout it out so that i can come clean to myself • i have a lot of debt because of all the costs involved and i cannot seem te get out of it plus my parents are struggling a lot financially and i am so worried about them, they are also quite sickly and i am so afraid one of them might die, i will totally be f*cked of something happened to either if them and i dont know how to make it all better their whole situation and where their desperation is taking them and it breaks me to see them struggling like this they are the best parents in the world and dont deserve this life • my mental state is up and down a lot and sometimes it gets really bad and i dont know what to do about it - i'm off my meds since surgery and although we have a good bariatric team here i feel the psych part is totally lacking, i saw the psychiatrist but it was a 30 minute or so talk and he was actually yawning (excusing himself for it, but still keeping on) and when i took a huge knock in hospital after my op because the nurses never gave me a substitution for my meds on time (after i had to harass them for it, like it wasnt even important on their notes or whatever) and obviously i was withdrawing he was just never there to check up on me - although his office is around the corner from the hospital - i mean how come?? Shouldnt that be a concern? i mean just one quick check in? especially seeing that i am a "difficult patient" making scenes in the hospital? I was flipping out and telling them something was wrong but noooo. And no use in going to my doctor (the surgeon) as he is just not one of those people that you can go to with your gripes. He is an excellent surgeon and did an excellent job, but there's not that feeling of connectedness to talk about anything that i am feeling, and my fears and problems i am facing, so that is out. There is just no psych professionals here available to deal with bariatric patients and i feel it is so so so important! •bloody hairloss and acne • stressing about my partner and what i am putting him through. He is sticking it out and supports me all the way, but i know he has his own little issues and am i in someway, through all this crap of mine, making him be worse off?? • and the office politics where i am working oh my goodness that is the worst of all of all! I cannot TAKE it anymore, i'm nit even going to begin to talk about it because it upsets me extremely and it is just unbearable and there is actually nowhere to turn • and what if i get a bloody ulcer from all this smoking???? Cause smoking is all i have now. My few minutes to escape at the office, my moments of silence when i drag myself away from the kitchen and bad food, my comfort when the stress just gets too much. It is all i have now to cope - and gasp horror what will happen if i take that away from myself?? So it is not just to quiet for me. What if taking it away is the straw that breaks this camel's back?? I am scared.

Agreed! I bought unjury chicken broth and bariatric pudding and jello that have protein in them. I found this small cup called

Florida Pete is right; Let me play the "devil's advocate" here. I've been going to a psychologist/therapist since puberty. I have bipolar disease with some lovely childhood trauma thrown in, suicidal tendencies, body dysmorphic disorder, agoraphobia because of humiliation of my weight. Based on this assortment of "stuff" - I am NOT a candidate for bariatric surgery. Reason is that the weight loss is not going to make it all go away and quite probably based on my behavioral history - the potential failure of weight loss will likely put me over just one more edge. However - I'm BLESSED with Diabetes II, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, fatty liver, peripheral neuropathy, arthritic knees and some other delightful gifts from my severe obesity. Based on HEALTH issues first and foremost - I'm a wonderful candidate - now. So I can understand the theory behind weight loss surgery as a treatment for depression is NOT a good recommendation by a good psychiatrist - a focus on the health issues should be the legitimate "arguing point" And further counselling is an important step to achieve both mental and physical health. Good luck- My own psych evaluation is Sept 11.

I think it is just lack of knowledge for those who don't know about Lapbands. Since the band is relatively new when people think of bariatric surgery they think of a bypass. Not to put down people who have bypasses but it is easier for them to lose weight. They can't eat the sugar without becoming violently ill. They do not absorb the calories we do because they have less intestine for their food to go through. People who have bypasses usally lose their weight very, very quickly and the effort they have to put in come 18 months down the road when they begin to be able to strech their pouches and test their dumping. With a band it is a constant battle. The only thing it does is restrict our consumption of solid food. It helps us to stop. But only if we work with it and eat the right foods. People are not educated enough to know that we could eat milkshakes all day and not loose. Or eat chips and crackers and gain. I think too many people put too much confidence in their band doing it all for them and then get pissed when they don't lose. Okay I don't know why I am ranting now lol but I will step off my soapbox.

For the record, I'm careful with EVERYTHING I read on the internet! :-) What I liked about the video is that he reinforces what actually is VERY common science/research -- weight loss is achieved through diet, not exercise, and therefore you have to get your head and your diet straight as your top priorities during the early stages after bariatric surgery. And then when you do start exercising, most obese people are de-conditioned and are gonna need the help of trained professionals to guide you in the early stages. Those are the messages he promotes in this video, and they make perfect sense to me. Have you actually watched the video? I watched another of his videos this morning out of curiosity (and will watch more) and he had the highly UN-debunkable position that your success or failure largely lies with the choices you make.

Good morning everyone!!! Glad your ride was good J!! I am also glad you got your pedals figures out....since I am the queen of falling over with mine!!! We went out yesterday to the mountains to see if the mud was dried up enough to ride some new trails and ended up doing quite a good hike. I was running the trails in some parts. I just love the renewed energy and life that I have now....I was thinking that a little over a year ago, I would of missed all of the beautiful scenery and lovely green grasses and trees and sat in the car while hubby and DD went out to look at the trail....but then again, we prolly would not of been looking at a mountain biking trail either. Maybe we would of been at the store buying big bags of candy!!!! I go tomorrow to get some more fill put back in. She told me she would put in another 2 so I will be back at 7cc. I think I will stay there through the summer. I want to be able to eat good food while strenously exercising. Hope you all had a great three dayer!!

Have you seen this website: Bariatric Surgery

Honestly, this thought scared me too. At 28, there is nothing in my life that is PERMANENT. It's hard to think about 60 years down the road. However, WLS supposedly began as a treatment for stomach cancer so we aren't the only ones who have been down this road. But, because of this, I was leaning towards the band for a while. I'm indecisive and I like reversible. Then when someone described the band as having a foreign object in my body, possibly forever, that changed my mind. Plus, two different bariatric surgeons recommended sleeve over the band. It's scary, I know. That's why I'm so glad I found this place!