Search the Community

I really don't consider Coke Zero "cheating" because it has no calories and it's a liquid. I do realize it's a terrible concoction of chemicals, the acid in it is bad for me, the artificial sweeteners can make me crave more carbs and the carbonation fills me up too much, but as far as a bad choice numerically, it's not. The fish sticks. maybe? I bought reduced fat, whole fillet and ate 1/2 a serving size for less than 200 calories. They were actually a good choice as far as protein is concerned and best of all, something different. Not justifying, just clarifying. I do "cheat" occasionally, usually by sneaking a mini kit kat from the kids' bags of deliciousness or a few chips from the bag but overall, I stick to high protein, low carb, and I don't worry too much about fat -- that just sort of follows. I am generally under 800 calories and while I am not quite meeting my protein goals yet, I am getting better. I've been in a stall for almost a month, staying between 192 and 188, so I don't know how good I'm doing as far as weight loss, but that said, I am doing better than I ever have as far as aggravation. My pants are getting looser despite the non-budging number, I am exercising more than ever and I am not freaking out by the scale even though I (bad girl!!!) weigh every day. If I stayed where I am forever, I am in a much happier place in loose size 14s and large tops over where I was in tight 20s and 2x tops. I would like to lose 30-40 more and I know I will get there eventually, but if I don't, I am healthy, I am active and I just did a 5k mud run complete with huge obstacles to haul my chubby ass up and over and never got winded. Oh gosh...you didn't ask for all that, did you? HA! What do I eat? Usually an egg and 2 pieces of bacon or a piece of turkey sausage in the am. $2 worth of salad fixings off the grocery salad bar for lunch (my NUT had the best advice, she said, don't get salad, you will get too full, get the toppings only and you get the tastes you want and some protein, too!), and lean meat for dinner. I snack on beef jerky, OH YEAH bars, and some protein chips I got at bariatric direct. My diet is boring, but good enough for now. If you want $20 off your first order from bariatric direct you can follow this link: https://www.bariatricchoice.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/113387/ I got some awesome stuff in the mail last week. The chips are like pop chips but with lots of protein and they solve my salty/crunchy need.

A few more studies... knowledge is power! http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20622654 http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-loss-surgery/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy/vertical-sleeve-gastrectomy-candidates/print.html As with any bariatric procedure, long-term weight regain can occur and, in the case of SG, this could be managed effectively with re-intervention. Informed consent for SG used as a primary procedure should be consistent with consent provided for other bariatric procedures and should include the risk of long-term weight gain. http://asmbs.org/2012/06/sleeve-gastrectomy-as-a-bariatric-procedure-update/

I get my calcium citrate chews on auto ship from bariatric advantage. I eat 4 of them a day and it costs me 20.00 a month. I love them though. They taste like tootsie rolls and are a real treat. It's well worth the money to me.

You don't sound like a d**k, and I get where you are coming from. Yes, I haven't been out of surgery long, and yes, I am aware of the "honeymoon period." My surgeon and support staff went over all that with me time and again before I made the decision to have the surgery. Nothing is a magical "fix-all" to obesity or weight issues, and yes, it will be constant work. A large part of my weight issue stemmed from a psychiatric medication that I was given, as I mentioned earlier. It is called Zyprexa, and this is a very well-known side effect. It made my appetite go through the roof, and though my psychiatrist stopped it after a meeting with my GP and my appetite went back to "normal," the weight wouldn't come off. I followed a medically supervised diet to the T and went through the whole "yo-yo" effect because yes, the body does get used to having a new "normal" weight when you are obese and as far as I have been told, surgery is the only thing that can actually have a true long-term effect. It has now been written in every medical folder I have, psych and physical, that I cannot be put onto weight positive medication again, so if this fails, it is all on me. I have a will of Iron...always have. It is one of the reasons I was so frustrated on my medically supervised diet where I was focusing on following it to the letter, doing what I was told, and having no success. I'm not saying I am better or worse off at anything than anyone else, but we are all different people with different backstories who have gone through different struggles. Most of the staff at my surgeon's office are bariatric patients themselves, many who have been post-op for a long time, and they have had success by following the plan given to them by their surgeon and using the tool they were given. I think that though it will be a struggle in the long term, and there is always the possibility of regain, it comes down to the individual and how closely they follow the lifestyle change they originally set upon and use the "tool" that is surgery. I'm not trying to start some sort of forum flame war and I appreciate your thoughts and advice. I'm in this for the long haul. I wanted to get back to the healthy and active lifestyle I had before my weight gain, and that is what I have set my mind to ensuring happens. If I regain 5-10-15 pounds in a year or two or three, I will work double time like hell to get back to where I am now. There is absolutely nothing worth eating good enough to give up my health for...NOTHING. I see people on my table every day who die from issues related to obesity, and I've made up my mind that will not be me.

I am only a bit over 9 months out, hit my goal weight in June, and in mid-July hit 135 lbs. Since then, my weight has fluctuated between 134 lbs - 136 lbs depending on the time of the month for me and if I've been overdoing the sodium. One of the things that has really helped me maintain my weight is following the eating guidelines given to me by my NUT and bariatric team. I've also become very active and am now part of a women's rugby league again, which is fantastic because rugby was something I had to give up when I became obese since I couldn't do it physically any longer. As a mortician (funeral director), my job does entail lifting quite a bit (caskets and human bodies can be quite heavy!), so that also helps me keep in shape and active, as morbid as it sounds. Overall, I think the combination of following the dietary guidelines I was given and being very physically active has really helped me maintain my weight loss. I don't plan on changing my eating or activity habits, so hopefully, I'll be stable where I am now for the foreseeable future. I am VERY happy here, as this is the weight I was before I gained over 100 pounds due to psychiatric medication, which is what started me on this path (I have severe schizoaffective disorder and was given Zyprexa, which pretty much made me gain 5 pounds the moment I filled the script, no joke). I'm now on a combination of weight-neutral medication that works for me with notes in both my physical and mental health files that I can no longer be put on any medications classified as weight-positive (THANK HEAVENS!). It's been a long, long journey so far...but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

@@M. Julia ... I asked my shrink that about a year ago and posted about it. Here's a copy of that post: My shrink works with a number of bariatric patients and has seen many people go through this process. Toward the end of yesterday's session, I asked: "What issues do you see patients struggling with who regain weight? And by that I don't mean that they're eating too much. I'm really asking what's going on inside them that leads them to regain?" After thinking a moment, he said: "What I mostly see is that they're struggling to find new reasons and new motivations to focus on their weight and fitness. "After they hit their goal weights, many of the rewards they got while losing weight go away. They're no longer motivated by seeing the scale move down. After a while, their family and friends get used to what they look like and stop commenting on their weight loss or weight. Even people who were their strongest supporters during the weight loss phase no longer offer supportive comments. And when this positive reinforcement disappears, that has a negative effect on the patients. "So then they must find new goals and new motivations to maintain their weight and to be fit. And for some folks that's not easy." So that's one shrink's brief observations about the cause of WLS patients' weight regain. However, I'm sure that's not the end of our conversation.

Sorry I can't think of anything. Perhaps if her college is not too far away, you might invite her to attend a Bariatric Surgery Support Group Meeting. Drag her along. It might give her a window into your world and someday in the future she might climb through the same window on her own.

My surgery date is July 14 and I'm super excited for this change in my life. I'm a self-pay so I didn't have to jump through insurance hoops. I have pre-op on July 10, and my 2-week diet consists of 2 Protein shakes/day and then 1 sensible (protein like chicken or fish, veggies) meal per day. The day before surgery is Clear Liquids only. I really only have one worry. I'm not worried about the 2-week pre-op diet. It won't be easy, but it's easier than many who have to do solely liquids. I'm not worried about the pain…it's temporary and I can get through it. My biggest concern is possible complications, since I am self-pay. I know that complications are relatively rare with the sleeve, and my doctor has an amazing track record, but if I were to be in the unlucky few with complications, I don't know how I'll afford it. I really don't know what will happen. It's nice to talk to other July sleevers. I need to do a better job of checking this forum. I'm in a few Facebook groups for bariatric surgery and tend to spend my time there. I need to remember to keep coming here! July is coming up SOON!

Wow this thread is a real gem! I’ve laughed for the last 10 minutes. 🤣🤣🤣 I really don’t have much drama, unless you want to call throwing all of your loving family members out of the hospital room about 5 minutes after I got there post-op drama. You see, the surgery schedule got delayed 4 hours due to computer issues and an emergency surgery and then the bariatric floor was full and I didn’t get to my room til 6pm (my surgery had been originally scheduled for 10am that day). I was so freaking pissed when I discovered that they had held all 3 of us in the recovery room, keeping us drugged up for several extra hours and still expected us to have our 64 ounces Water drank by morning rounds at 7am. When I realized what the time on the clock in my room said, I kicked EVERYONE out and was so angry I actually got dressed by myself and started walking and drinking water ASAP Lol, I vaguely remember telling hubs and mom that “they would only be a distraction” and that because of the hospital disorganization I was behind schedule and needed to catch up! I set the timer on my phone to go off every 45 minutes and I would drink,pee, walk, walk, walk some more,drink, and lie back down. Didn’t sleep a wink the entire night and at one time one of the nurses aides had to follow me around (not difficult as I was moving slow.... but moving) to get me in one place so they could check my blood sugar. Every time my nurse came in to measure my intake and output, I would ask if I was ahead of or behind the other 2 surgery people from that day and would crack him up when I fist-pumped upon learning I was progressing the fastest. Oh and because I’m a pharmacist I had down pat the timing of all nausea meds. I was making the poor man rotate through meds every 2 hours so I could walk walk walk and drink drink drink. I managed to get released by 11am, and yes....... I was first out !

I'm three years out and prior to surgery, I had a BMI of 50. My surgeon recommended the sleeve because I was still young-ish then, e.g. early 30s and nutrient absorption is pretty important. My surgeon felt that the calcium/vitamin D malabsorption may lead to bone density issues later on in life (and after obesity, people generally don't have great bone density and are prone to fractures). Most of bariatric surgery is relatively new, so there aren't a ton of long term studies, so my surgeon is just guessing. And most people on the bypass seem to be pretty good about taking their vitamins (which is something you should do with the sleeve anyway). A couple of months after my sleeve I was diagnosed with a range of painful, chronic autoimmune diseases and I'm very thankful that I went with the sleeve because of the issues with drug absorption with the bypass (I have to take a ton of oral medications). Of course, I did not deal with GERD, which means that the bypass is right for many people. With the sleeve, I was able to take my BMI from 50 to 25. Due to aforementioned illnesses and medications, I did deal with some regain, which I am slowly working on. At the moment, my BMI is about 29. I have never felt like the sleeve wouldn't be enough to help me achieve success. All that to say, you can definitely have success with the sleeve or the bypass. As commented by others, a lot of it is going to come down to what your level of commitment, and your ability to change your lifestyle and deal with psychological issues. And you have to educate yourself. You can't drink a diet of only protein shakes forever. At some point, you have to learn how to eat real food in the real world, go to work, socialise and interact with food, people and life. If you haven't dealt with your "issues", you will have regain with either surgery. It can be a tough decision, but I honestly feel that you can find success with either surgery.

I'm so, so sorry you're struggling. Please know we are rooting for you and want to see you healthy and well. I think first and foremost, you should stick to what you know you tolerate well and do not feel aversions to. Eat as much and as often as you can to help stabilize your caloric intake. Try focusing on what you CAN eat and try to enjoy it as much as possible. Secondly, I would definitely suggest getting in to see a therapist who specializes in disordered eating. Yes, VSG changed your anatomy, your bodily needs, and maybe even your tastes, but this is not normative and getting support will likely be a game changer for you. The sadness, depression, and frustration are all completely valid given what you're going through, but you don't have to stay in this place and there can be improvement. Lastly, I'd say you might want to get in to see a GI or bariatric surgeon to discuss. I also had surgery in Mx and had a wonderful experience and have a very supportive PCP at home, but something this severe might warrant a face to face visit with a specialist. If there are any physical factors they should be addressed along with the mental/emotional pieces. Wish you the very best of luck!

I think I'd really struggle on full liquids only diet for weeks of pre op. I'm lucky my surgeon found that too many people fail an all liquid diet and the stuff they fall back on is generally worse than including just a meat and veggies real dinner during pre op. Only my final day before surgery is all liquids. I didn't really get to have any food funerals. The bariatric physician wanted me on a pre op diet for 4 weeks ahead of surgery, but when I saw the surgeon a few days later there was a theatre opening only 3 weeks later that he was happy to book me in, so my pre op began immediately lol. I'm still not tolerating a meal replacement shake in the morning, as it makes me feel queasy for at least an hour. Most days I've been having a single scrambled egg and a coffee with 200ml 1% milk as my breakfast (is less calories than the VLCD shake, and once my protein water powder arrives I can include an extra 15g protein in my coffee so will be about equivalent protein). After that I can bring myself to spoon-eat/drink a protein shake make with lots of ice for lunch and don't get queasy. If I get hungry mid afternoon I have some homemade veggie& chicken stock soup while I look forward to a relatively normal meat and steamed veggies dinner. I've been dropping a half kilo a day on this so I figure it's working ok.

Wanted to update everyone. I finally met with the Bariatric Dr, so my test results show, Dr language in parentheses (partial gastric outlet obstruction) proximal dilation of stomach with extream narrow area and tortous twisting body of stomach with reflux, Twisted Stomach the fix(gastrectomy with gastrojejunostomy). By-pass, (approval from insurance on an urgent basis), will need surgery asap,

As a relative newbie I am wondering @ how much people are actually consuming who are more advanced than the first few weeks. There seems to be a real disconnect between my mouth and my stomach. I feel something in my stomach and cannot identify it as "full" but just let's say 'xxx' and yet, my mouth will want to have more and more shoveled in. I had the grocer cut up prepared grilled salmon into 2 oz chunks. I ate one yesterday (even tho I wasn't supposed to start til today) and then followed that with almost 3/4 can artichoke hearts (canned veggies permitted) and an ice pop. I couldn't finish the pop. It started coming back on me. But my mouth wanted more. I kept thinking I will feel better if I swallow this or that. As it turnedout, I couldn't even take my meds last nite...no room. I am still looking for a shrink for support and still breaking off with the old one who is ill and still astounded that I could go thru all the abuse of surgery and not be able to disciplin myself better. I'm not even sure what I feel.... Do wish there was a databank of shrinks who specalize in bariatrics...

Kindle, the psychiatric and bariatric medical communities reinforce thise societal perceptions of us as lazy, fat, unmotivated and all the other unpleasant adjectives. I KNOW i am trying my hardest and have not returned to junk food or carbs but the damned binge eating has me snarfing baby carrots! And cucumbers and red and yellow peppers and thats why, I think my gains have been kinda mellow. Im just saying i also reject those negative appelations hate being told i haave the wrong attitude or eat the wrong food. I KNOW i dont. So i find so ething that reinforces my perception and then one of our own tribe tells me im mentally ill and etc. Bah. Humbug.

In reality MANY people regain a significant amount of the weight they lost after having bariatric surgery. Research at one north Carolina clinic found that 30% regain all the weight in 2-3 years.http://www.nawls.com/public/102.cfmhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24463895 Estimates run between 30- 60. And almost everyone weight fluctuates 3-5 throughout out the day, every day. Thanks for sharing. I think it's important for people to see these stats, but more importantly the data behind the stats....... " weight regain happens when patients eat high-calorie soft foods that easily pass through the opening to the stomach. Others gain weight because they do not change their eating habits and do not lose much weight to begin with. Successful results depend on the patients willingness to adopt a long-term plan of healthy eating and regular physical activity." Knowing this puts each of us in control of which side of the stats you end up on. Just like surgery is not the magic bullet for weightloss, statistics are not the magic formula for ultimate regain.

It sounds like your bariatric team let you down by not informing you better about your options and consequences. Well, you can't undo your sleeve, so you may as well hop on for the ride. The first month is tough. Not only are you healing, but your body which has been used to indulging itself, is now being told "no" or "let's find an option for that". Hopefully your surgeon gave you a meal plan to follow that will graduate you from liquids, to purees, to soft mushies, to regular cooked food. For many of us that takes four to six weeks. You will feel so much better when you start soft mushies and may start to get some energy back. The foods that you have to leave behind are the ones that really weren't food at all. Instead of nutrition for your mechanical human body that your soul lives in, you were probably eating mostly factory edibles made from highly processed ingredients. Now you can focus on what it takes to keep a human being alive. You will find that the human body does not need nearly as much food as we thought it did to thrive from day to day. As the pounds drop off, you will feel more encouraged that maybe you did do the right thing and will have a better quality of life because of it. Worry is a waste of time. Poo poo happens in this life, whether it is spraining an ankle or getting reflux, or something more tragic and heart-breaking. Hang in there kiddo. You have already made it through two weeks and lived to tell about. Keep coming here for encouragement. I wish you good luck and good health.

Sorry I missed this initial question Mikeyy! I had a first appointment at Ashford with the bariatric physician in late March talking about my weight and health history, explaining the sleeve procedure (which was what I went in wanting), the pro-op diet etc. Had second appointment with the surgeon himself, Dr Michael France, only a week or so later, and was able to book in for my sleeve surgery 3 weeks after that on 2nd May. I think the out of pocket costs were about $150 for each of the visits? (may be over-estimating). With PHI the $3500 gap fee for the surgery includes all follow up appointments which so far were at (I think) 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and soon 1 year. Anaesthetist gap was I think $400, and my health insurance excess on admission was $250. Very happy with my surgeon and outcomes. As per our recent private messages, Dr Michael France primarily does gastric sleeve surgery (and I think is the most experience with sleeve in Adelaide) but there are many others who do bypass if that is your preferred surgery.

How are we all doing May sleevers? I have had a bit of a stall the last two weeks but got on the scales today and have lost almost 2lbs so breathing a bit easier today! I was a bit scared because I read a post on here about a lady that got to 6 months and then her weight just stopped dead and she lost nothing more, even though she was over a year out, scary! I have been slacking a little bit with my drinking and getting protein in, I really need to keep my focus as although I feel fabulous losing 74lbs so far, its not where I want to be. Onwards and upwards with renewed determination!

I am doing Bariatrics advantage 27g, premier Protein 30g, designer whey 18g I switch them up. But at my stage 1-2 shakes per day and the rest of the protein should come from food. Yogurt I do cheese meatballs turkey eggs. I also walk about 6k steps a day.

Unjury makes a bariatric protein powder in unflavored and chicken soup. I have also been adding non fat milk and unflavored protein to 1 of those super sweet protein drinks - measuring so it's 70 grams of protein (what my doctor says to have daily) and finding it easier to handle. Good luck!!

Thanks for the link to the Bariatric Pal store website . I didn't notice it and it looks like it has lots of useful items. Has anyone tried vitamin patches?

Lol bully them? ... I’m scared with some people on this site. I’ve been seen conv that I just [emoji102] and than [emoji1436]‍♀️. I’ll try I’ll try ... on and my YouTube history is all about Bariatric info lol. What protein drink are you doing ? “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” —Michael Phelps

I am so jealous of you vegas people. J sorry about the job sucking. I feel your pain. I work with a bunch of lazy bitchy 50 somethings who feel entitlement because they have worked longer than me. Too bad I can run circles around them and have learned more in a year and a half than they have in 20. The only saving grace is the work i get to do in the bariatric center. I heart my nurse coordinator.

I am with Cigna too and am hoping to get approved soon too. The requirements for them are only as follows, right? 1) 3 months of doctor visits 2) Bariatric surgeon clearance 3) PCP clearance and letter of medical necessity 4) Meet once with a nutrionist 5) Clearance from a pyschiatrist 6) Meet BMI requirement Anything else I should be aware of?