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Ok, I found a good graphic to base a drinking recommendation on. This chart is for non-bariatric folk, and since we can't handle as much alcohol, we should cut the amounts down. Men: 2/day and 7/week Women: 1/day and 4/ week

There are liquid vitamins too, ask your NUT if she can recommend a brand or ask a pharmacist based on content of a bariatric brand.

Yes! My son was 5.5 months when I had surgery. Bariatric surgeon and nutritionist both said I'd have to ween him since I would not be able to breastfeed after surgery. I've always had a very average milk supply - not low but definitely not plentiful, just enough -- so I was worried. However, my son's pediatrician said even with a very restricted-calorie diet as long as I was drinking enough water the breastfeeding would not be negatively affected. And she was right!! I've been able to continue fully breastfeeding my son who is now 9 months old. Of course at 6 months we started introducing solid foods and his nursing has decreased some as a result. But he's still getting what he needs. To be sure, I rented a hospital grade baby scale before surgery. I measured exactly what my son was eating at each feed. Then a few weeks after surgery I used the scale to check in again. As long as I am hydrated, my supply stays the same. No need for me to eat extra calories, just stay fully hydrated. I also hope the nursing provides a little extra calorie burn each day so I'm reluctant to finally give it up. I cannot speak to the fat composition of the milk as I imagine that has changed now that I eat so differently. But my son is gaining weight normally. I want to share my experience because there is ALOT of misinformation out there. These surgeons are not lactation experts and frankly they're often just wrong about the impact of weight loss surgery on breastfeeding. Oh one more thing!! The anesthesiologist said once you are awake from surgery, the meds are low enough in your system that you don't actually need to pump and dump from that point forward. People still always pump and dump for 24 hours as a precaution, but if you read the studies the evidence for that need just isn't there. That said I felt like such crap in the hospital for the first 24 hours that having my son come to nurse did not seem like a good idea. Pumping wasn't fun either but you do what you must. Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!!

Congratulations on getting a surgery date! What you are feeling sounds pretty normal. The mental part of of weight loss is a big part of bariatric surgery. Mixed emotions will surface as you go through stages of this process. Pre surgery: Is the unknown outcome of how surgery day will be. Some experience excitement, self doubt, buyer's remorse, fear, questioning your decision. It's ok to be nervous. Know that you will have plenty of pain medication. The staff will take great care of you before, during and after your surgery. First stages : The reality will hit after you wake up in the hospital. Concentrate on how much you deserve to get your health back. Know that you will be successful. Let yourself be excited about things to come. Getting sick You will get a new sensation of what full is. Follow your instructions from your surgeon's office. Chew slow, take your time eating, Wait 30 mins before you drink fluids. I have never vomited from overeating. Even though my stomach can tolerate any type of food. I still have to make the correct food choices. Going out for drinks and meals. Drinks..Once in awhile. Sometimes I'm just as happy ordering an iced tea. ( my friends love having a designated driver) Alcohol has high empty calories. I can get tipsy after one glass of wine. (I'm a cheap date) I really feel better without a drink. To each their own... Once you get to real food stage eating in restaurants is still enjoyable. I look up the restaurant menu online. I want to be sure they have Items that fit my program. (Protein and vegetables and I'm good.) You will be amazed that small meals are satisfying. You will need a takeout box for the rest of the meal..lol When wait staff look at you perplexed because you are not diving in and finishing your plate. When They feel the need to refill your glass when you are not drinking with your meal. When they continually ask if the food is ok. Just smile and say everything is great.....Enjoy the fact you feel full. This is how eating at restaurants is going to be. you get used to it.. Side note: It's strange to Look around at restaurants and reflect back at how much I used to eat. You are right, Surgery is only a tool for weight loss. You have to really want this. You have to be willing to fight for this. Without the struggle there is no change or progress in life. Whatever your decision is, I wish you the best. Jenn

I'm not sure but I'd say there's a very small number of people here that could give you real advice or help. This is one that I sincerely hope your personal physician and your bariatric surgeon already know about and have dispensed their best advice to you. If it's not clear to you now, PLEASE PHONE one or both of them and seek help A.S.A.P.

10/24/17 9PM Woke up in bearable pain. Feels like I overdid it on sit ups..and that is not bad. Not having any trouble getting the water down. (Sip sip sip!) Just went for my first walk around the Bariatric Ward and so far so good. Staff here at Bon Secors in Port Jervis, NY is amazing. No wonder they won an award!

10/17/2017 was surgery date. In 2003 had original Rouen-y. Kept it off year last incisional hernia due to open procedure. About 2 years ago someone who meant the world to me died out of the. I went into deep depression. Stopped exercising (I did 5 miles a day 6 days a week). I had control of protein and diet. So I gained all weight loss plus an additional 30 pounds. Three months ago started having extreme nausea and vomiting. GI doctor found a large hiatal hernia. Called my old surgeon since in different state and was advised to have hernia repaired by a bariatric surgeon. Found wonderful doctor who said he’d fix the hernia but that my pouch had spread to almost 3 times it should be. So with a great deal of hesitation I had both procedures on same day. I’m was sent home on day 2. Am in pain and exhausted constantly I can’t seem to keep broth down but fine with shakes and water. I was unable to crush my meds because they were so vile I threw them up every time I tried. So I slowly swallow a pill st a time. I guess the gist of this since it’s been 12 years are these symptom and experiences common after bypass. Must note my doctor told me this surgery was one of his most difficult ever because he had to cut out massive amounts of scar tissue and cut up some of the mesh that was placed during incional hernia repair

#1 For goodness sakes go to a heart doctor and have a stress test ASAP...They might not even operate on you with those issues. #2 switch doctors and go see Dr. Bertha from NJ Bariatrics, he did my surgery and he doesnt require that 6 month failure program others do. and only 1 day liquid diet leading into surgery. #3 never drink soda again, ever..Worst beverage period. Then check out my Youtube page, my very 1st video will sound all too familiar.

If you are concerned about your energy level call your surgeon's office. Your body is still adjusting two months out. Give yourself time. Don't worry too much about your sex drive...It comes back for most of us as you get further out from surgery. Some questions for you... Are you logging your food to know if you are hitting your calorie and protein goals? If you are instructed to take bariatric vitamins are you taking the correct amount? How much are you exercising?

I'm so sad They are pushing my surgery back until Dec 4th because their office is so disorganized. I switched insurance Sept 1 and notified the office. The insurance company rep even called the office and got everything straight for me. I verified that my surgeon was in network and vsg was covered etc. I've had 3 appointments since then and even verified with the bariatric coordinator that I had switched insurances and what the insurance rep had told me at my pre op appointment. She scheduled me for Nov 14th and I was so excited. She called me yesterday to tell me that my (old) insurance wouldn't allow me to have surgery in my state. So she bumped me off the schedule. I am so mad at the office. Firstly, why did they let me spend nearly a year doing their program when my (old) insurance would have been denied. I'm confused on that a little since I has previously called old insurance at the start of the program and they said they covered what I was wanting to do. Anyway,When she called me yesterday, I again told her that I have a new insurance as of Sept 1 and told her the front office had my info and that I had already personally talked to her about it. I am just very sad my surgery is delayed. The surgeon needs to get his office together. It is like an assembly line in there and obviously they don't communicate very well.

Many favorites..lol White chicken chili 1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 pound Italian seasoned turkey sausage (casings removed) Alfresco brand 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped yellow bell pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 3 cups chicken broth (I use Better Than Bouillon chicken base) 1 cup green taco sauce ( I used La Victoria) 1 pound diced or shredded deli rotisserie chicken from the grocery store omit skin 2 (14-ounce) cans reduced-sodium white beans, drained and rinsed 2 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp dried oregano leaves 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese or light sour cream 1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro Diced avocado for topping Heat olive oil in a large pot placed over medium heat. Add sausage and brown, stirring occasionally to break into smaller pieces, about 5-7 minutes. Add onion and bell pepper and cook until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute or two. Add broth, taco sauce, chicken, beans, cumin, chili powder and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until heated through and to allow flavors to blend. Remove from heat and add cream cheese or sour cream and cilantro; stir to blend. Top with diced avocado and sprigs of fresh cilantro. This is my dieticians website: Note when she has omit rice/pasta http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/

If it's' a requirement form insurance company, there is no way to make it shorter. Know this is to prove to your insurance company you can change and do this. Some suggestions: (1) Ask your surgeon's office if the dietician can give you a pre op diet consult. Ask if they have a local bariatric support group. (2) Download myfitnesspal to learn how to log your food now. You will be logging your food after surgery this makes it so much easier than writing it down. You can access it from your computer https://www.myfitnesspal.com/account/logout or cell phone http://www.myfitnesspal.com/mobile/android tutorial videos on how to use the app https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=myfitnesspal+tutorial (3) Be open to try new things to be active Like said above it's about moving more. If you have been sedentary, it will take time to get stronger. Start slow. Walk for 15 mins and build up to a longer period of time. Upper body work - Resistance bands, Small weights increase tham as you go. Small weight can be two water bottles. Chair HIIT cardio. Seated weight training (try it) (google more)

Thank you @Amburmist for bringing this up. I did a bit of digging, and essentially it boils down to this. During the first year postop, the entire body is working hard to lose weight. The liver has often been stressed prior to surgery because of fatty liver. It continues being stressed during the weight loss period (and maybe longer if it had significant damage). Alcohol doesn't appear to be more dangerous to the liver postop than it would be in another person whose liver is in the same condition. What does happen is the alcohol is metabolized differently... we get drunk sooner and stay that way longer. We may be at risk of drinking excessively due to addiction transfer... and excessive alcohol is a problem for anyone. Our blood alcohol level goes up more on a given quantity of alcohol than that of a non-patient. More alcohol in the blood means more work for the liver. So, my recommendation is that we shouldn't drink for 6 months postop AT ALL. From 6 months until maintenance, limit alcohol to maybe once a month, and only 1 serving. During maintenance, 1 serving 2-3 times a week at most. And of course, this is assuming the doc has said its ok for the individual. Tylenol affects the liver and should be carefully controlled as well. Smoking is strongly associated with ulcers. Smoking and drinking and NSAIDS, combined, are worse for ulcers. I didn't see where alcohol by itself causes ulcers. Just as our meals need to shrink, the size of our alcohol servings should too. In the study, participants drank 5oz of wine. The non-bariatric patients had a blood alcohol level of .02. The patients' was .05-.08! Do NOT drink a 5oz glass of wine or a 12oz can of beer and think you can drive less than 2 hours later. And when I was recommending servings... you might want to consider a serving to be 1/2 of a normal one. 6oz beer or 2.5oz table wine... especially if you want to indulge more than once a week.

I am browsing the Bariatric Pal store looking through some of their recipes and wondered...has anyone ever tried these? Are they good? Do you have your own favorite recipe that isn't on this site? I am realizing now that my portion sizes will change so my cooking will probably have to change, too.

Hello everyone. I am new to this and any bariatric forum. I am seriously considering having an ESG but have some reservations. The closest surgeon to me that performs this procedure is Dr. Sadek in central/northern New Jersey. Has anyone had this procedure done with him? Can anyone recommend him? I went to see him about a year and a half ago when I was considering the gastric balloon and I was not comfortable with his consultation and decided against it. However, ESG seems like a more successful procedure with better outcomes but I'm not sure I want this surgeon and at the same time I don't want to travel hours away. I also don't want anyone to know which is why it also needs to be done close to home. Any advice and/or help would be much appreciated. My BMI now is 32 and I am 43 years old. Thanks in advance for your help!

Love my Tespo. So easy to use, the taste of the vitamins are like the old school Tang and once it mixes up the vitamins with water you are left with about 1 oz of fluid to drink so it is perfect for bariatric patients! They even have vitamin pods designed specifically for bariatric men and women. Well worth the small investment!

Congrats! Sleeved 9/6/16. HW 267/ CW 149. There are great soft food options and recipes on Pinterest. Search Bariatric soft food options Retired beans/ plain yogurt are great.

You're going to pay whether you have the surgery or not... If you don't have bariatric surgery, you'll probably accrue $100,000+ in medical bills with a future heart attack, stroke, knee replacement, or plenty of dialysis chair time. If you have bariatric surgery, you'll pay for the surgery itself or the insurance co-pay, but you'll probably avoid a $100,000 stay in the hospital intensive care unit.

Never even hinted that anyone here was hiding it because of the stigma. I just am very aware that there is one, and know that with the rapid weight loss people will think that there are other things causing the weight loss. I'd rather be honest than get caught up later. Also, there should be no stigma. Bariatric surgery is just a tool... not a fix all and certainly not an easy way out. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I simply said I will be out for medical reasons but my job is really big on bringing documentation. Unfortunately the letterhead says bariatric surgery on the top so they know but are prohibited from asking questions. Sent from my SM-G920T using BariatricPal mobile app

I have the prescription but have been really bad about taking it. I was actually thinking about this today. Some studies have shown gallbladder issues in 30-50 percent of bariatric patients (according to a pharmacy student that looked it up for me). So, yeah, with those odds I think I'll be better about taking mine. I'll see if I can turn up anything else.

Hi I previously posted, but have not gotten any responses yet. As I posted YEAH[emoji3][emoji16][emoji2] surgery date Nov 08,2017 [emoji106][emoji122]in FL for a gastric by-pass. Anyone else scheduled for that date? All those going through this journey I send thoughts and blessings to you. I'm one happy woman this is finally here after 6mo of jumping through hoops for insurance. I feel like I've in bariatric college [emoji68]‍[emoji310]my brain is on overload!

Tespo is reinventing vitamins just as Keurig reinvented coffee. Tespo Bariatric Vitamin Pods are packed with high quality, powder vitamins and the Tespo Vitamin Dispenser turns that powder into a delicious, easy to drink liquid shot and Tespo-Go provides a simple and convenient way for you to bring your Tespo-Pods on the go! Tespo Bariatric Pods contain only the active ingredients and premium nutrients you need. No megadosing, no manufacturing agents used to make pills and none of the artificial ingredients used to make gummies. ASMBS Developed with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery guidelines. ZERO PILLS | ZERO SUGAR | ZERO GMO | ZERO CALORIES Use code TESPO50 to save $50 of your Tespo Vitamin Dispenser! Click here to view the Tespo Vitamin Dispenser & Pods at the BariatricPal Store.

Bariatric surgery patients might as well go to school to get a college degree. At least, that is what it may feel like, with all you learn about digestive physiology, health insurance and the healthcare system, nutrition, and exercise along your journey. Another of the “courses” you will take in your School of Bariatric Surgery career is one in patience. With patience, you can tolerate setbacks and persevere towards scale and non-scale goals. Not to be confused with laziness or procrastination, patience can keep you from getting discouraged or frustrated. These are some of the areas in which being patient can help in your quest for health. An Unpredictable Scale You are in the small and lucky minority if you lose weight as quickly as you hoped and as regularly as you expect. Everyone else should be prepared for many, many weeks when weight loss comes slowly or not at all. Lose patience, and you might give up on your Weight Loss Surgery journey. Stay patient, and things will eventually turn out right. Focus on the process, such as healthy choices each day, rather than the outcome, such as the scale number or your pants size. You can control your choices, and if you are making the right ones, the outcomes will come. They may just not come when you expect them. A Frustrating Healthcare System One of the biggest tests of anyone’s patience is navigating the system. In this case, you might be trying to figure out your health insurance system and get the reimbursement letter you deserve. Or, you might have more trouble than you had hoped when trying to contact your surgeon. Don’t let these nuisances throw you off. Your perseverance may save your life. Incomprehensible Relationships Anyone who has Weight Loss Surgery is almost certain to have changes in their relationships. When your lifestyle changes, so too may the way you interact with family members and friends. You are working hard to stay on your healthy plan, but they may be working hard to support you and/or understand you. Be patient while there is friction, as it can often turn out okay. You had better be prepared to return the patience if you want to keep your relationships. While you should not feel obligated to tolerate rudeness or anyone who undercuts you, you may need to get ready to have some tolerance for ignorance or friction due to changes in your lifestyle and attitude. Be ready to clearly explain your surgery to the important people in your life, and how it might affect them. Try to keep in mind that a sudden fit of anger from your SO might be a display of a moment of weakness while supporting you, for example, by keeping favorite foods out of the house. Not Knowing the Answer You might ask 25 people the same question and get 25 different answers. Your surgeon may recommend something different than your friend’s surgeon. You may get opposite advice from patients who each swear that their own experience was the “right” one. This gets frustrating! The truth is that, in many cases, there is no single correct answer. The best you can do is to be patient as you dig to find the best answer for your individual case. Understand that you are receiving everyone’s best guess, and the answer – for you – is something that can be determined only after gathering input from those you trust, and mixing their advice with your own intuition. Carry the patience one step further, since you may find out by trial-and-error that your first guess was wrong! Diet You have no doubt studied the Weight Loss Surgery diet and seen warnings about feeling too full, dumping syndrome, and developing intolerances for former favorite foods. Reading about these and experiencing them are two different stories, though! Since they are out of your control, your best bet is to accept and deal with them, not to fight them. Being patient can help you succeed in your weight loss surgery journey. It can keep your weight in check long term, and also keep you mentally fit for minimizing the stresses linked Weight Loss Surgery. Keep practicing it, and your efforts will be worthwhile.

An Unpredictable Scale You are in the small and lucky minority if you lose weight as quickly as you hoped and as regularly as you expect. Everyone else should be prepared for many, many weeks when weight loss comes slowly or not at all. Lose patience, and you might give up on your Weight Loss Surgery journey. Stay patient, and things will eventually turn out right. Focus on the process, such as healthy choices each day, rather than the outcome, such as the scale number or your pants size. You can control your choices, and if you are making the right ones, the outcomes will come. They may just not come when you expect them. A Frustrating Healthcare System One of the biggest tests of anyone’s patience is navigating the system. In this case, you might be trying to figure out your health insurance system and get the reimbursement letter you deserve. Or, you might have more trouble than you had hoped when trying to contact your surgeon. Don’t let these nuisances throw you off. Your perseverance may save your life. Incomprehensible Relationships Anyone who has Weight Loss Surgery is almost certain to have changes in their relationships. When your lifestyle changes, so too may the way you interact with family members and friends. You are working hard to stay on your healthy plan, but they may be working hard to support you and/or understand you. Be patient while there is friction, as it can often turn out okay. You had better be prepared to return the patience if you want to keep your relationships. While you should not feel obligated to tolerate rudeness or anyone who undercuts you, you may need to get ready to have some tolerance for ignorance or friction due to changes in your lifestyle and attitude. Be ready to clearly explain your surgery to the important people in your life, and how it might affect them. Try to keep in mind that a sudden fit of anger from your SO might be a display of a moment of weakness while supporting you, for example, by keeping favorite foods out of the house. Not Knowing the Answer You might ask 25 people the same question and get 25 different answers. Your surgeon may recommend something different than your friend’s surgeon. You may get opposite advice from patients who each swear that their own experience was the “right” one. This gets frustrating! The truth is that, in many cases, there is no single correct answer. The best you can do is to be patient as you dig to find the best answer for your individual case. Understand that you are receiving everyone’s best guess, and the answer – for you – is something that can be determined only after gathering input from those you trust, and mixing their advice with your own intuition. Carry the patience one step further, since you may find out by trial-and-error that your first guess was wrong! Diet You have no doubt studied the Weight Loss Surgery diet and seen warnings about feeling too full, dumping syndrome, and developing intolerances for former favorite foods. Reading about these and experiencing them are two different stories, though! Since they are out of your control, your best bet is to accept and deal with them, not to fight them. Being patient can help you succeed in your weight loss surgery journey. It can keep your weight in check long term, and also keep you mentally fit for minimizing the stresses linked Weight Loss Surgery. Keep practicing it, and your efforts will be worthwhile.