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My name is Kris and my surgery is scheduled for November 15th. I'm on my 9th day of the bariatric diet. I'm 54, live in Northern Virginia, have a husband of 20 years, a 16 year old son and 15 year old daughter. Surgery will be at a military facility. I started my bariatric journey on May 22 at 204 pounds (high of 212) and have lost 23 pounds so far. I had planned all along for the Gastric Band, but during the past month or so after meetings with my surgeon and support group, have switched to the gastric sleeve. I'm nervous and concerned more about my family and Thanksgiving than about me. I need to keep my anxietly level under control so have planned a bunch of events and deadlines to keep me occupied for the next week. That's my nutshell story. I wish us all success!

My surgeon recommended hpnr bariatric advantage

Finally got home from Tijuana today.... surgery was Monday 7.26.2021 with dr. verboonen at V Bariatrics (Obesity Goodbye Center). Ever since I got to the hotel yesterday. I've been sipping Powerade, Gatorade, Water, broth, SF popsicles nonstop. Is that okay? Or am I supposed to only consume during set times throughout the day? Also how did you get comfortable? Best thing to make scars dissapear ? Trying to plan ahead I am on full liquid diet right now, but go to purée on Monday/Tuesday next week.... what are your favorite recipes? When did you notice that initial bloat go away from surgery? I'm 2 lbs down from surgery date but my stomach is stuck protruding out bc of being so sore.

I have researched so many surgeons in Mexico...have spoken to former patients,,,spoken to journalists who have written about poor outcomes from bariatric surgeries done in Mexico,and decided that I would not go to Mexico for the gastric sleeve procedure due to my due diligence....I do understand that there are people on this website that have had good experiences and I wish them well with good health....those others who tragically did not have a good experience....either by infections, leaks and even death...will not discuss or unable to voice their opinion...what about those former patients who now have no recourse with a surgeon from Mexico( if something went terribly wrong?) The medical mal practice claims go no where....since it is a foreign country...? It is tragic ...there are surgeons in Mexico who make sure to cover their mistakes and their medical training clearly is not the same as in the USA. One of the surgeons that I have looked at states in his resume that he has had post graduate training and a fellowship....NOT True.....all he has are CME(continuing medical education) seminars taken at lovely vacation spots around the world for several days...and then after paying the fee for the meeting....receives a certificate of completion....and posts it on his resume and website....those prospective patients reading his resume would believe that he had years of postgraduate training.....not so....only weekend seminars..... in the USA...a surgeon who does has postgrad work....is in a certified 2 to 3 year Fellowship program at a hospital and then receives the proper training and becomes credentialed... ..clearly, different then several weekend seminars.....after all....there is Truth in advertising....don't ya think ?

My surgeon has all his patients start taking bariatric level of vitamins 2 weeks before surgery to build up stores of them, because it's often hard for people to get in all the vitamins they need immediately after surgery.

I found the Bariatric Advantage flavors (orange cream, chocolate, vanilla) to be good, but they are expensive. I use Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard whey protein when at home. If I'm on the go, I use the individual Premier Protein (strawberry and chocolate) since I can get them at Costco for a good price.

Hi I'm about 20-30 min from Stockton. I have Blue Shield of CA and I switched from Sutter medical group to Mercy medical group so that I could go to Sacramento Bariatric with Dr. Marchado. I'm headed to my orientation on January 7th!

I am scheduled Febuary 6th and I am self pay. I am to do a pre op diet of 70-80 gramsn of Protein and 30 grams of carbs starting today. This is to consist mainley of Protein drinks and one small low carb meal. I have a low BMI and am generally a healthy person ( no diabetes, no high blood pressure,etc) . I was required to the following testing which I have completed prior to sugery 1.Informational Seminar 2. Pre Op Support Group 3. Inital Visit 4. Blood Work within 30 days of surgery 5. Chest XRay 6. Abdominal Ultrasound 7. Echocardiagram 8. CArdiac Clearance 9. EGD Endoscopy 10. sleep Study ( I was waived as I am low BMI and have no snoring issues) 11. Pulmonary Clearance 12. Pre- Op Bariatric Class 13. Mental Health Evaluation 14. Exercise Program ( must complete 2 prior to surgery 10 are included ) at Adventist Cardiac Care 15. Nutritional Consult 16. Diet History for 1 week 17. Personal Letter This sounds like a lot but it was worth all the effort to know I am riding myself from the chains of obesity. I am currently 207 and am looking to lose 67 punds from surgery. The tough part about being self pay is that you mentally tend to get off the wagon on what changes need to be made. That is where I am 14 days out from surgery and am a little uneasy about how I will do once surgery day arrives. I am also having my gall bladder removed as they found polyps during my ultrasound as well as a umbilical hernia repair. I will keep you all posted on my progress as we move towards surgery day ... it is coming up soon. Attending the support group tomorrow and altough i carry my weight well the bottom line is I am still 207 ( 5'5) and need to come to a grip with the fact no matter how hard I work out I am fat. My surgeon is Dr. Barry Greene of Advanced Weight Loss Surgery http://www.myawls.com . They are considered a CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE and I am glad I am in Dr. Greene's care as he is a leading doctor in the field of bariatrics and has over 15+ years doing this type of surgery. I know many of you have traveled to Mexico to do this surgery but this just wan not an option for me as I preferred to stay in the states and in the care of US doctors. If anything were to happen ( GOD forbid) I would want my family to be close and to be able to be there with me. Dr Greene and his Assistant Linda have been fantastic throught this whole process. I feel safe and in good care but still have a bit of anxiety as I am afraid of failure. Keep your fingers crossed for me and a few prayers wouldnt hurt either. No matter what the case I support ALL sleevers as I know what it is like to be obese and feel miserable 90% of the time. I am looking forward to my new found freedom from this miserable and dibilitating ( whether mental or physical) disease! Thanks and best to all my current and future sleevers! Kerry

This topic is merely being presented as an educational topic with hopes that there has been experiences in the use of Marijuana after bariatric surgery. I smoke marijuana maybe once a week like having a glass of red sangria to relax after a long hard week. Although I'm not a frequent user, I am wondering if I will be able to use it after surgery. Fact for me is that it does induce hunger and I am sure this would not be condusive to being successful after the sleeve, but let's be real, there may be users out there who give it try. Unfortunately, there are not any concrete studies on this either like there is for tobacco and alcohol users. So feel free to enlighten and share your thoughts. Thanks!

Here's an excellent article for us all from Obesity Help newsletter. Just what we have been talking about. We're okay! We CAN do this!!! http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/bariatric-regain/

Does your Bariatric Center offer a non surgical weight loss program? That could be a great place to start, and when you lose the 90 lbs, you can see the Bariatric Dr. There are people who lose without exercise, but you should still do as much as you can. I know it feels like you might starve on weight watchers, but you won't. Have you tried a counselor? Lots of people have said it really helped change their mindset about food. You can do this! If it seems overwhelming, make a small change, then another, then another. Take one day at a time and convince yourself you can do this. Wishing you the best. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Which surgeon did you use in Denton? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I am using Dr. Le at Kim Bariatric in Frisco. I don't have my surgery date yet. Just waiting for insurance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Is this the same dr lee that's in Denton? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App I don't think she has another practice she works with. I could be completely wrong though. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I think she works out of Kim Bariatric too, as she did my endoscopy recently, and I'm with Dr. Holden. Dr. Hien Le? That's the group I am with. When is your surgery or have you already had it? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Sept. 2, 2016 , I'm post op day 34. I feel great btw. Checked in at 5 am, out by 4 pm. Out of it for Day 1 and 2 (sleeping), and from day 3 on, it's been an easy recovery. Knock on balsa wood haha.

I would check with your Bariatric team, but, I've been eating Kimichi since my 6 week's mark. I like mine with rice but passed on that and went to some really good kimichi soup with veggies. Suggest trying a little at first to see if your new stomach agrees with your taste bud's desire.

IU Bariatric

Hi! I'm from New Haven IN - am having surgery July 30th in Mexicali, Mexico. Does anyone from Fort Wayne know if Lutheran Hospital has a Bariatric Support group. Being self-pay I don't have to go through all the pre-surgery hoops. It would be nice to have a group locally.

I saw this and thought it might be helpful for those trying to choose which ones to buy. Numerous companies market Vitamins to gastric bypass patients, including chewable Multivitamins. Not all of these vitamins are created equal, though, and some are not really suitable for gastric bypass patients at all. But how can you tell the difference? Well, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) has issued specific guidelines for bariatric surgery patients when it comes to vitamins. Let's see how some popular brands measure up. Celebrate Vitamins Celebrate Vitamins markets a fairly comprehensive line of vitamins to bariatric surgery patients. The label on the multivitamins advises patients to take two per day, which gives them 200 percent of the RDA of most nutrients as recommended by the ASMBS. You can select one with Iron or one without iron, whichever you prefer or meets your needs best. One negative about Celebrate chewable multivitamins is that while they have 200 percent of the RDA of Vitamin A, half of that comes from beta carotene, which is not absorbed well in gastric bypass patients due to decreased production of stomach acid. There are also a couple things missing from Celebrate chewable multivitamins, including potassium and phosphorus. Bariatric Advantage Bariatric Advantage also markets a fairly comprehensive line of vitamins to bariatric surgery patients. The label on the multivitamins advises patients to take two per day, which gives them 200 percent of the RDA of most nutrients as recommended by the ASMBS. However, two chewable tablets contain only 150 percent of the RDA of Vitamin A and these vitamins are missing a few key nutrients, including vitamin K and potassium. Opurity Opurity multivitamins are unique among multivitamins marketed to gastric bypass patients because the label states that patients need take only one chewable tablet a day. Gastric bypass patients generally take so many nutritional supplements daily that the idea of only needing one Multivitamin daily is met with enthusiasm. However, it's only possible to absorb certain amounts of some vitamins at a time, which is why patients are typically advised to take two multivitamins daily, at different times. In addition, Opurity is missing several important nutrients including vitamin K, phosphorus, potassium, iodine and molybdenum. Opurity is also low on vitamin A and half its vitamin A comes from beta carotene, which is not absorbed well in gastric bypass patients. Opurity does not stack up well next to brands like Celebrate and Bariatric Advantage. Optisource The manufacture of Optisource claims that gastric bypass patients only need to take four chewable tablets of this vitamin each day to meet all of their nutritional supplement needs. However, patients need to take eight tablets a day in order to get the 200 percent of the RDA of most nutrients as recommended by the ASMBS. Optisource also contains a form of Calcium, calcium carbonate, which gastric bypass patients cannot absorb due to decreased stomach acid. Furthermore, gastric bypass patients have little intrinsic factor in their pouches so they need a sublingual B12 supplement, not a chewable supplement like Optisource. The bottom line is, Optisource does not come close to meeting the needs of gastric bypass patients. Bariatric fusion As with Optisource, the manufacturer of Bariatric Fusion claims that gastric bypass patients only need to take four chewable tablets each day. However, patients need to take eight tablets a day in order to get the 200 percent of the RDA of nutrients as recommended by the ASMBS. Bariatric Fusion does contain some calcium citrate, which gastric bypass patients can absorb, but not enough to meet their daily needs. Bariatric Fusion also contains some calcium carbonate, which will not be absorbed. Bariatric Fusion, when taken as directed on the label, doesn't come close to meeting the needs of gastric bypass patients.

Dozy: You didn't deserve to have this happen. My heart go's out to you and your family. And for a speedy recovery. We will listen if you have more to share. Renewed hope: Congrats on the "twins". God has blessed you. PM me for tips on raising 2 babies -- hugs. Snappy: I wasn't on the computer for a few days. Glad you did so well on surgery, proud of you. Your kids & mine are very close, how cool. Sorry everyone on not logging on. I've been stuggling with single-parenthood and an exhusband who is denying support for the boys. My challenge of late has been paying bills and asking for donated food to make ends meet. Also, my youngest needed his flu shot for his heart condition and we waited all morning and my baby just melted down when the moment arrived :sick I spent the rest of the day easing his broken heart and mine as well. On Saturday my rent was raised $75. and it has taken a few days to rally this newest situation. God is in the plan.... always. Anywhoo, I wanted to tell you all my trip to meet Kaliah Ali and the Moment of Truth tour was WONDERFUL. Those attending the seminar received a free book and autograph and I got to speak just a few words to this gal who lost over 100lbs with the same surgery that I had. I think I'm gonna make it and it was the boost that I needed. I am almost finished reading Kaliah's book and I do recommend it. She honestly tells about growing up without her dad and being a single parent also. I could relate to being the fat kid in class and thanked her for sharing. So, go get the book and give it to yourself for Christmas! Hugs, gotta go pick up kids -- bye!

Thanks for the advice Kim! Did you know tha in states such as California and Colorado doctors actually prescribe medical marijuana after bariatric surgery? Don't worry, all my decisions are informed. My doctor told me its nothing like cigarettes, nicotine is the real enemy!

Greetings, Well today was only day 6 for me, but I still had my post op appt today. Evidently there's a big conference next week in Washington DC on bariatric surgery and my dr. and his office are going so they wanted to see us that were banded last week early rather than later. I've lost 9 lbs in 6 days! Add that to the loss from the time I had my consult appt. and it's 19 and then add the 10 I lost while researching lap band and I am down almost 30 already!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited. I also went to the bariatric nutrition classes my dr. offices and got more info on what to eat and when etc. I had a couple ounces of refried beans tonight and they never tasted so good. I was a little concerned as I was getting so light headed and faint. The nurse thought I was dehydrated (wasn't peeing) and gave me 12 hours to go. I've been drinking as much as I can tolerate and things seem to be correcting in that dept. BeckyO - sure the bypass folks do lose more at first, but after 2 to 3 yrs the losses are pretty equal with band vs bypass. I feel very confident this was the procedure for me. Good luck!

I was told my insurance company had up to 30 days to respond once the bariatric surgery group approved and sent it in. I heard back within a week. But it took another month to before my surgery date because of busy schedule. At the time it seemed like forever. Now, I can't believe it's been almost 3 months!

We do practice calorie control. From week three until goal...my calorie goal was 1000-1200 calories per day. We are encouraged to move liberally. Lots of daily walking and 30 minutes of cardio or resistance training 3 times a week. My particular diet allowes 75 calories of "treats" per day that can be banked for special occasions. I do eat meat. When I do, it's mostly chicken and fish. I very occasionally eat fresh red meat. I get more than half of my daily require protein from plant/carb bases sources. I eat 60g of protein per day. Because research strongly links cancer to dairy and processed meats, I avoid any form of deli/luncheon meat, whey shakes, whey protein bars, yogurt, cheese, milk. I occasionally eat these things in small quantities. I know bariatric patients who are getting 30%+ of their calories from these sources...and it's worth reviewing the research for your own safety.

Okay.... dr. visit... first radiology.. esophogram, I think they call it. Barium swallow, basically. Swallowing was okay except for slight "sliding" hiatal hernia. Then they gave me that pill to swallow... took two glasses of Water before it went down. They said my esophagus looked better but still somewhat dilated. So, she didn't want to put any Fluid back in until she consulted with the doctor... they work as a pair..she's a physicians' assistant, and she's the one I usually see. So... she has me get dressed and go back to the clinic. I go through the intake... weigh, etc. I gained 4.5 lb according to their scale... in 2 weeks. BUT... that was after a glass of barium and 2 full glasses of water and I finished my whole 16 oz jug of Crystal lite just before all of that! AND.... I didn't dress to weigh, I dressed for the stinkin' weather... cords and a long sleeve turtle neck! So... I'm stickin' to my story... 2 lb. gain. So.. after all that... long, repetitious interview that we just did 2 weeks ago... how much are you eating, how long are you taking to eat, what meds, etc., etc., etc., intake girl says... okay, you can go back to radiology. So I said... "OH... we're going to put fluid back in!" PA wanted to wait 2 more weeks, but Dr. said it was okay to put back half of what i had. So... back to radiology where everything went fine. We did have a discussion as to what I could do to get my weight loss going again. She said my one glass of wine a day and my SF, FF latte was fine. She gave her blessing on that. She wants me to do a food journal! UGH! And cut down my carbs. And then we talked about how to increase my exercise. That's when I told her I was thinking about getting a dog. She got so excited when I said that! Said very first bariatric conference she went to one of the experts was lecturing and said that if you have a patient who is having trouble getting in enough exercise, tell them to GET A DOG!! HAHAHA! And if that doesn't work, tell them to get ANOTHER DOG!! I should've taken that opportunity to ask her to put it on an Rx!!! So I could give it to Earl. Can't work because his wrist is broken??? HUH???? And underwater welding!?? That IS an interesting occupation for Montana! IF I get a dog, Earl will warm up to it. BUT, he will continue to harp on the expense of having a dog, we can't travel anymore, etc., etc., etc.! Yeah.... hope everything goes well, Candice. Thought about doing that years ago... Chris and I joked about doing it together, but that was before his eye cancer. He is flying his plane back down to CA today, BTW, and we're concerned because he's going to have low clouds well into OR! He is going to follow I-5 south, but he'll have to stay below the clouds and that will be bumpy! Earl is very concerned! We'll breathe easier when we know he's safely home. His plan was to stop in Medford tonight and meet up with Kellie and the girls... they're driving home in their van. Just talked to my Mom a little while ago.... her 88th birthday today. I slept hard last night, too... but only because I took 3 Ibuprofen again because my shoulder was hurting again! Put in a call to the dog lady to see if she still has the Shih Tzu. Waiting for her to call me back. Want to go look today. Was wondering what I could give her for "collateral" so I could bring the dog home for a few hours and see how Candy reacts! I "talked" to her about it last night! (LOL) So this morning when I went to pet her head as I walked by she swatted me!!! What's that about!! HAHA! So... Earl knows I want to go see the dog today, so now he wants to go to a movie! UH... I don't think we've gone to a movie since the last windy day in the desert!! I was thinking of going to the gym!

My doctor sells them (bariatric vitamins) on his website: Dr. Ernest Rehnke , but I think the texture is too sandy and I take chewable Centrum Silver, too. They are much better in taste and texture (for my tastes, at least). Nancy

Praise the Lord for all he has done! I was just banded on January 7th and I am really happy about my decision. I prayed the Lord night and day for a safe surgery and renewed health. I am also happy to see this board. I have a confession to make, one that I have never told anyone and recently admitted to myself but I have been a glutton for most of my life. The Bible ascribes a great deal of destructive power to gluttony. When we use food or drink in a way that injures our health or impairs our mind, we are guilty of the sin of gluttony. King Solomon, a man familiar with feasting and abundance, advises, "Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your princes feast at the proper time—for strength and not for drunkenness!" I realized that this was having a serious effect on my relationship with God. I was searching to be closer to Him but my gluttonous eating habits were preventing me. I thank the Lord for allowing me to see my problem and for providing me with forgiveness. Thank you for letting me share this and I am really happy to be getting closer to him. Thanks for listening!