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Hello, I had bypass a little over 7 months ago. I still drink a protein shake everyday. Otherwise, I have to eat NON stop ALL day to hit my protein goal. I am not a breakfast person, so I actually don't mind just grabbing it for breakfast to give my protein a boost right out of the gate. You can stop drinking them whenever you want, you just need to maintain your protein goals. Vitamins depends solely on the vitamins and your blood work. I take a "1 a day" bariatric multi vitamin and calcium each day. Vitamin at breakfast and calcium at lunch. So far so good with blood work but I am early out so we will see how it worked out in a few months at my 1 year blood work.

Hello everyone! Its been quite a long time since I've utilized this site, but I'm itching to get people's opinions on something. Lately, I've been stewing on becoming plant-based, or at least, mostly plant-based. Can this be done as someone who's had WLS? Would it be difficult to meet protein goals? Has anyone on here tried it, or does it? There's a good possibility this question has already been asked on here before, and I just can't find it. But I am curious. Any thoughts on this are appreciated! Thank you.

WOW that wait is as long as my pre-op entire bariatric journey was! Shame smaller areas have less access to care. But I do like the fact that you're using this wait to lose more weight! that's a positive way of looking at it

Sorry ahead of time, this is going to be a long post! Let's talk a bit about what causes stalls/plateaus: The most common reason for any stall (including the dreaded 3-week stall), is simply that you are retaining more water. There are a few reasons this happens, from hormonal shifts, tissue repair, illness, or changes due to glycogen vs. ketone metabolism. This post would be even longer if I spent too much time here, but suffice it to say that for many people (especially early in the process), they are just retaining water and not actually failing to lose fat. As you lose more weight, your overall metabolic rate will slow down. People sometimes think fat is not metabolically active, but that's not true. Losing fat means your metabolism slows down, even if you retain the same amount of muscle mass (which most people don't). This means that as you lose weight, it takes less effort to move or even just live, so the amount of calories you burn both during exercise and just living also drops quite a bit. On the intake side as you progress after bariatric surgery, you'll be able to eat more. This isn't a bad thing and is by design, but obviously you should be able to see the problem here. Your metabolism has slowed down and now you can eat more. This can lead to you basically eating as much as you're burning. When that happens, weight loss stops. Especially if you're not tracking intake closely by weighing and measuring your food, you can easily be eating a lot more than you think. Some studies have shown people underestimate caloric consumption by several hundred calories on average. This is more than enough to cause a stall. This one may be TMI for some, but you may simply be retaining more stool. Feeling constipated? That will definitely impact your weight. This is going to be hard for some people to hear, but I can tell you one thing it's not, and that's hormones. Yes, various hormonal processes negatively impact weight loss in a myriad of ways, but they don't overcome the basic fact that if you eat fewer calories than you are burning, you'll lose weight. What these hormones can do if they're out of whack, is bad things like slowing your metabolism even more, increasing your hunger, screwing with water weight, or even fooling you into thinking you're eating less than you are. So, that's all great, but what do we actually do if we're in a stall? Well, I think it depends on when it happens and how long it lasts: If it's early (a.k.a. the 3-week stall), just keep doing what you're doing and you should be fine. I know people don't like that advice, but as I said it's just water, so don't worry about it. Later on, especially if the stall is lasting longer than 2-3 weeks. that's when I think it's important that you look closely at what you are actually burning, as well as really tracking what you are eating. If you don't know your RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate), you should. The closer you are to goal, the harder it is to get the balance right between intake and output to make sure you're not eating too much, so fixing this starts with knowing your RMR and accurate food logging. There's a lot of anecdotal advice thrown around about "ways to break a stall", but there seems to be little scientific evidence for any of it. It certainly won't hurt to try things like breaking up your routine in terms of diet or exercise, but just understand that this change may or may not have any impact. If it makes you feel better to be proactive, go for it. Longer term, there is one piece of solid advice that's backed up by lots of research: Even if you don't really like working out, do it anyway. Those WLS patients that make a regular habit of exercising for 45 minutes to an hour most days a week are significantly more likely to reach their goal and maintain the weight loss. (One caveat here: significantly changing your exercise routine can make you retain water and possibly even add muscle, so don't freak out if you see a stall or even a gain.) I'll take that exercise advice one step further and say you really should be doing some form of strength training. This is also backed up by lots of studies, but the great thing about strength training is that it makes your burn more calories even at rest (in other words, it increases your metabolic rate). There are lots of other benefits, but the metabolic benefit is the most germaine to the stall question. Those that do strength training are less likely to stall during weight loss and are more likely to reach and then maintain their goal weight long term.

I was revised in KCMO self pay at KC Bariatrics. I felt the price was reasonable and they offer finance options.

For what it's worth, I self administer testosterone IM every other week. My bariatric team had a blanket statement that patients should not get any shots 2 weeks before or after surgery. I assume this is due to the increased risk of blood clots. I specifically asked about the T shot and they told me it was fine to continue. I agree you should ask your team though, because every doctor is different. It would suck to be told you have to reschedule the surgery because of something dumb like this.

I am going to start Wegovy once insurance approves it. I am being monitored by a nurse practitioner through a medical weight loss program -- most of the people in the program are trying to lose weight to become eligible for bariatric surgery. But I am 8.5 years out and definitely struggling to reduce my caloric intake. I have been walking and doing vibration plate sessions multiple times a week. I have been trying to focus on eating high protein.

I couldn't do the chews, I wasted a ton of money on them, but nope... they are so gross. I use the bariatricpal one a day with 45 Iron. The bariatric fusion B-50 & calcium magnesium pill they have.

I use BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE “1 per Day!” flavorless capsules from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one! BariatricPal has a special offer where it’ll cost you only $99 for an entire year's supply! Check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/99 With just ONE convenient & affordable BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE each day, you can get the bariatric vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy! BariatricPal Multivitamin ONE was designed and developed by a team of the world’s leading Bariatric medical professionals. Please take a calcium supplement separately to prevent interference with the absorption of iron. You can view a large selection of bariatric-friendly Calcium supplements at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. You can also find MANY other brands of bariatric multivitamins at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/multivitamins. The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Calcium at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium. Check out the newly released BariatricPal Sugar-Free Calcium Citrate Soft Chews 500mg with Probiotics at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/brand_bariatricpal+vitamin-form_soft-chews . They come in 8 AMAZING flavors: French Vanilla Caramel, Chocolate Mint, Belgian Chocolate Caramel, Orange Creamsicle, Strawberry Watermelon Twist, and Wild Grape. You can get Calcium in many different forms: Soft Chews: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_soft-chews Chewable: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_chewable Powder: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_powder Liquid: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_liquid Tablets: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_tablets Patches: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_vitamin-patch

Does anyone have vitamin suggestions? I am 5 weeks out from surgery. I used bariatric fusion soft chews and the bar is so high now cause it is honestly like candy. I thought of subscribing to it and getting 4 packs at a time but it isn't the best pricing, although if needed I will do it for sure. I initially got them for the first month so I wasn't dealing with massive tablets right away. This week I implemented tablets again and OMG I regret it immediately. I had the WORST nausea since getting this procedure. I was so close to vomiting, my heart was accelerating, and I was shaking. I took it with yogurt in the morning. I haven't had anything happen to me when it comes to my stomach even the first few days after surgery. I am avoiding tablets and capsules for now. My doctor also told me to not use gummies due to the sugar. I am open to gummies if they are sugar free. I would like to eventually buy in bulk but wanted to explore my options before I commit to the soft chews. Does anyone also have suggestions for calcium citrate? Those tablets are even worse! I used caltrate chewables but was reminded it was the wrong one! Let me know what you think folks!

Just trying to help - I am lucky enough to live in Salt Lake City, where there are numerous bariatric surgeons, and for self-pay I recommend Dr. Daniel Cottam or any other doctor at Bariatric Medical Institute in Salt Lake City, because they have their own surgical center, so you end up paying less than if you were going to a hospital. They are across the street from a major hospital in the event of an emergency, but he has done thousands of successful surgeries, myself being one of them. My surgery in August 2021 was $15,000 total for both doctor and surgical center. You could drive to SLC from Oregon (or have someone drive you), so no airfare either. I did not need to be near a bathroom after going home for anything other than what would be considered normal.

I just checked my Bariatric support book & it only mentions the shape & consistency to be what you have to look out for. It seems color varies for everyone! (assuming it's not jet black or bloody)

The current clinical practice guidelines that pretty much all insurance companies use (assuming your insurance even covers bariatric surgery), consist of the following: BMI of 40 or higher, OR a BMI of 35 with at least one of the following comorbidities: Clinically significant cardio-pulmonary disease (e.g sleep apnea or OHS) Coronary artery disease or Cardiomyopathy Coronary hypertension (high blood pressure) Type 2 diabetes Some also consider: hyperlipidemia NALFD or NASH GERD Asthma Venous stasis disease Severe urinary incontinence Debilitating arthritis Your best bet will be to talk to your surgical team as they can help navigate your specific insurance.

Avoid fruit juices. They are practically pure sugar since they contain minimal pulp. Eat whole fruit instead--assuming fruit is allowed on your bariatric plan.

Totally off topic, but you mentioned it. My sister just got back from Mexico. Poor thing had explosive bodily fluids - from both ends - the entire trip on the plane. She ended up getting E. Coli. She's better now, thanks be to God. But, I could really sympathize with her. On topic. I would not want to fly, right after surgery. You are at a greater risk of pulmonary embolism, when you're on a plane. Have you checked out Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas? They're closer - so not as long of a flight.

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein Snacks & Desserts at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-high-protein-low-calorie-snacks-and-desserts Here are some other bariatric friendly ideas as well: Chips and Crunchy Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-chips-and-crunchy-protein-snacks Chocolate Bars & Candies: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-friendly-chocolate-bars-chocolate-candies Cakes, Cookies & Wafers: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/cookies-wafers Sugar-Free Candy: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/sugar-free-candy Cheese Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/cheese-snacks Meat & Jerky Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/meat-snacks Fish Snacks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/fish-snacks Protein Bars: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-bars Pretzels: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/pretzels Nuts: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/nut-snacks

I don't this condition but I have something called a torturous colon. I am confused about it though because they say it is congential. They found it on a recent colonoscopy, well I have had those before and was never told I had this torturous colon thing. I did talk to my bariatric surgeon and he did not seem concerned but I can relate to having some weird anatomy thing. I pray you find someone close to your home that can help.

Question........I had surgery the 3rd, 2 days ago and just received my soup mixes and other Bariatric Pal items. The soup can be used during the first 2 week liquid diet correct? Sent from my SM-S515DL using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, I'm a Sept. 12 Sleever The first time I mentioned bariatric surgery everyone nay sayed me... This time I didn't tell anyone but my husband, I told the others about a week prior and they were all actually very supportive this time. I think the adverse effects frightened them the first time, but as I spoke casually with them about the minute severe outcomes and the highly positive ones, I believe it help settle their nerves... Plus, I was absolutely ready this time and nothing was going to stop me, I needed it for my health before all else!!! I have joined multiple sites for bariatric patients on FB for a wide range of support systems.

I do what is considered bariatric keto. Low carbs, high protein, moderate healthy fats (higher amount than carb amount but less than protein amount). My body responded to keto really well before surgery but not well after. My body didn't like the bariatric diet at all. But a happy medium (bariatric keto) seems to be right where my body is happy and responds well. You just have to make sure you do HEALTHY fats, not tons of eggs, bacon, sausage, etc every day. And all the diets require very low to no sugar. I also gave up caffeine, which was the hardest part of all of it.

No. It's by far not the same. Also there is no "bariatric diet". The recommended diet varies from country to country, even from team to team. By far not every dietician recommends this.

There is a thing called "bariatric keto" which is basically Atkins in that it is higher protein than current keto fads call for, but Atkins is "old school" while keto is "in" and what people want to do if they are keeping up with current fads - so they label it appropriately. But, I wouldn't compare a bariatric diet (which is basically maintenance level protein and then whatever else to fill in the minimal caloric requirement one has,) to keto, or Atkins, though one can use them if so inclined, but neither is all that sustainable long term, and that is what you should be striving for. Think in terms of what your diet should be in five or ten years - if that's keto or Atkins for you, great, but there's no compelling reason that it should be either. It can be vegetarian or vegan if that floats your boat, and that will work just as well.

I agree with @GreenTealael 100%. Your bariatric team is in the best position to help. We here on the forums really know nothing about you. To start with, your profile isn't filled out, so we don't even have basic info. Beyond the basics like starting weight, goals weight, current weight, age, gender, and height, I'd ideally need to see your food log, and would have your percentages of body fat and lean mass. Finally, I'd want to understand what you mean by "I work out 6 times a week for over 50 mins". Exercise type and intensity make a ton of difference here. Even those things might not be enough though and that's where your bariatric team can help. There is one universal truth if you're not losing weight: You are eating about the same number of calories as you're burning. Without some potential metabolic and endocrinological testing that your doctor can do, it would be hard to know if this is due to Eating more than you think Burning less that you think in exercise A slow metabolism due to the loss of lean body mass Maybe even a hormone imbalance As pointed out, the simplest place to start is making sure your are logging your food accurately. It's really easy to be off by several hundred calories and this can easily be enough to make a huge difference in how much you lose.

Stalls are common and normal. It takes a while for your body to adjust and your set-point to change. Be diligent in weighing and measuring. Eye-balling quantities just does not work. Weighing, measuring, and recording keeps you honest. If you have not already done so, get some bariatric cookbooks or look up bariatric recipes online so that your meals are not boring and repetitive. You might try cutting out all high carb items such as bread and other things made with flour, white potatoes, rice, processed foods, and anything made with sugar. Avoid protein bars and processed "protein snacks"--they are CANDY to your body and will trigger you to eat more. In the almost two years since I started in the bariatric program I have encountered stalls frequently. The worst one lasted for over three months. My best advice is to stay off the scale, no matter how tempting it is. Check the scale just once a month. Contra-intuitively, sometimes it takes eating MORE for a few days to help reset your set-point. Measure yourself instead: neck, upper arm, bust, chest below bust, waist, hips, thighs. Record the measurements in an app or diary. You'll see losses even if the pounds are sticking. You'll also see your clothes fitting differently or need to replace them with smaller sizes. My second tip is to shop at thrift stores! I've gone down from size 30-32 (4x) to 18-20 (1-2x). Who can afford retail with that many size changes?!

My preop diet is meat and veggies, with clear liquids only the day before surgery. I wonder why I get to eat? I'm having the RNY at St Vincent's Bariatric Hospital. Sent from my SM-A505U using BariatricPal mobile app