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Prior to RNY Bariatric Surgery, I would recommend 2 goals. 1) Walk 30 minutes each day. It will help the recovery process go smoother. 2) If you haven't cut out caffeine from your diet, do so now. I went cold turkey on my 5 diet coke a day habit when I began the 6 month supervised weight loss and exercise program. I suffered from breaking the caffeine habit with severe headaches and body aches that lasted a week. This is something you want to do early. You do not want to compound the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of the surgery. As far as cheating by eating a piece of pizza, forgive yourself, move on and avoid doing it again.

No need to worry, just pulling myself out of the fog..... My surgery was Monday, 10/3 with Dr. Aceves. Since my surgery was the 2nd of the day, I was given a sedative to relax. The rest of the day is a blur. I remember people coming in to get me....blur........I remember looking up at the ceiling as I was being wheeled to surgery......blur.........I remember someone telling me to turn on my side and bend my knees for the spinal block....blur.....and OUT. I don't remember recovery at all. The next thing I remember is being back in my room, thinking it must be over and then falling back asleep again. I was in and out of sleep for the rest of the night, knowing that nurses came in and out, taking my temp and blood pressure, but not really ever becoming fully alert. Sometime early Tuesday morning, I told one of the nurses I needed to use the bathroom. Although I stumbled a bit, I made the trip successfully and immediately fell back asleep. Later that morning, they brought me those infamous 4 little cups of blue "apple juice." They weren't good, but they were tolerable. I sipped and slept, sipped and slept, sipped and slept for hours. Several times that day, Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos and the nurses came in and told me to try to get up and walk. I'd answer "Sure, ok." with every good intention of doing it, but I'd always fall back asleep. I really had a tough time coming out of all that med-induced sleepiness. By late afternoon Tuesday, I finally got up and walked the halls. I was completely pain-free (yes, really.....it must have been the spinal block), but I felt unsteady on my feet and climbed back into bed about 5 minutes later. Tuesday night was pretty much the same as Monday night, but I woke up Wednesday morning feeling alert and energetic. I took a shower and even put on a little make-up! Wednesday, I walked several times, visited my neighbors, sipped tea and finally got a bowl of that wonderful chicken broth everybody raves about. Yes, it IS that good. By the time I left on Thursday morning, I felt pretty good - minimal pain and absolutely no nausea. It may have been this sense of well-being that caused me to completely overdo it on Friday. BIG Mistake! I met up with a friend Friday afternoon to do a "little" shopping that turned into a 5-hour shopping spree. I thought I was listening to my body.......I sipped Isopure all day........I took sitting breaks pretty often, but by the time I got home, I felt awful. My abdomen was completely swollen with Fluid and gas. I looked 9 months pregnant and felt equally uncomfortable. That was the first time all week I broke down emotionally. I remembered reading somewhere that Day 4 after surgery was the worst..........and that was definitely true for me! So, I sobbed myself to sleep Friday night and woke up Saturday with renewed energy and renewed resolve. I really took it easy that day. I stayed in all morning, sipping Protein and napping. By 3:00 pm, I felt good enough to take my son to a birthday party. It was a huge event, and EVERY single person there must have told me to eat......twice! But I politely told them I had eaten before I came and continued to sip on my bottled Water. The party lasted about two hours and I was definitely ready to come home by then. I went to bed about 7:30 pm, slept pretty soundly, and here I am at 5:00 am on Sunday, finally getting on the Internet for the first time since surgery. To sum up, I've really had a fairly easy recovery. Considering the mess my Band had made of my stomach and liver (Dr. Aceves told me it was NOT and easy revision) I've had very little pain except for the incision sights. I've experienced none of the shoulder "gas" pain I had with the Band surgery. I've had no nausea or stomach pain......just a lot of gas and gurgling. No doubt about it, those first four days kicked my butt, however, I think I'm over the "hump" now. I have one more week of recovery before I have to go back to work and I'm sooooo glad I didn't try to rush it and go back any sooner. I hope all my fellow October sleevers are well, whether you are just home from surgery or about to have it. Take it easy and follow the rules........you'll do great!

Take a deep breath, let it out, relax , smile, be your best "you"-99 and 99/100ths bariatric surgeons are wonderfully kind compassionate individuals. If you want carry a note pad & take notes. You,will get oodles of information at this appointment but it's to make your future surgery smooth, uneventful and to insure the best outcome possible. After you talk, he or she may make a suggestion what kind of surgical procedure will be best for you. Ultimately,it is your decision but take their advice also, they are truly professionals and know their business inside out. As an example, I first considered a certain surgery but after my chat I realized the benefits of the other, and that will be the one I soon will have.. But I send good wishes and if there's anything we can do to help you along the way,just ask, okay?😛

Just an FYI it's 4 times a day. That is what I was shipped from Insurenutrition.com they also provided Protein shakes, and scar cream. All covered by my health insurance. And they are a sponsor here on bariatric pal.

Hi all. I just wanted to share a great, new cookbook that I found. It's called: Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook by Sarah Kent. It is for all surgery types and has recipes for all diet stages. Recipes look simple and include Breakfast, dips and sides, dinners, drinks and Desserts, and dressings, sauces and seasonings. I purchased it at Barnes and Noble for $15.99 and it is on Amazon for the same price. Enjoy! Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook: Healthy Recipes to Enjoy Favorite Foods After Weight-Loss Surgery https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623157730/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ieHJyb7BP4DBM

When I think the weight may start to slow down, I go back to the basics, maybe have liquids or soft foods and drop a few calories. If I can walk, I’ll do something to burn off the fat. I eat so much less fat,and I’m burning my own body fat. I’m not able to hit the gym for a full throttle workout, so I make sure I get the proteins, vitamins, supplements in, and go a little lower in the calories. This is my second time around, but the pouch wasn’t reduced...too much scar tissue. I have to do this with my own self, and I do document what I consume within a 24 hour period, and eat or drink according to my schedule. I’m up all hours, but I’m older, and this is supposed to make me lose less. Not true for me. I lost 20 lbs in 4 weeks. I never look at the scale, but document so that I don’t go overboard. I’ll eat diet gum...more than a few pieces, because it satisfies my need to chew, plus it’s sweet. But, this is just what I do. When I plateau, I’ll switch some foods to keep the body changing. I can’t afford expensive Bariatric foods, but I do the best I can. I used to be a slave to the scale. Now; I’m dedicated to the process. It’s label reading, serving sizes, and, my dr wants me to eat a certain amount of calories. Although the revision failed due to scar tissue, I realized that my stomach won’t be the help I need. I’m the help I need. Anyhow, I hope this was somewhat useful.

Thanks folks... the sleeve isn't an easy road to travel, but it is bringing results that I think are worth it. I appreciate the tips and the support that are given here at bariatric pal, so thank you :-)

I incorrectly thought it was the only way. food addiction is mental. You will regain after bariatric surgery if you don't work in it. You can lose weight without bariatric surgery if you work on the addiction. I would recommend seeking counselling for the food addiction before even considering this drastic surgery

Palms of Pasadena - with Dr Robyn Ache from SunCoast Bariatrics... Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Tapatalk

Wow! Congrats!! And a scary and awesome problem to have all at the same time! Hey so describe your food routine like how many times a day do you eat? How big are your servings? Do you eat meat/veg/fruit/grain together in 1 meal? Do you eat compound meals that are comforty/casserole/stewy stuff or do you concentrate on eating protein (lean grilled) + everything is separate? If it were me, I'd maybe look at getting a functional RD or trainer who understands bariatrics. I'd want to make darn sure that the weight I put back on was muscle which means strength building. I've no idea how to do that! But we have some fitness gurus who do!!! @Healthy_life and @BigViffer among others who might be able to shed some light. Sounds like you're a lucky one who gets to have more calories than you're taking in right now!!! Wooohoooo!

Thanks for the response. I've pretty much determined that RNY is off the table. I'm currently at a toss up between traditional DS and Sadi....each one has it's own pros and cons that push me to the other, so I'm really not sure which one I will choose in the end. I plan on talking with the surgeon as best as I can during my consultation and try to get a better sense of what would be the best option for me. I'm currently a sucker for chocolate; and I love carbs like rice (sushi / japanese cuisine is my favorite)....So, looking at this fact is pushing me more towards the traditional DS. I'm a bit nervous of the malnutrition potential; but I'm also more nervous that I won't lose as much with the SADI as I may lose with traditional DS. I am lucky enough to not have any major co-morbidities....so I'm hoping my BMI alone will be enough to allow for the conversion surgery. My mom had Gastric Bypass herself, and has pretty much also regained her weight; I can see her point, but I'm wanting a more drastic reduction, so I am really leaning on the DS surgery and the more youtube videos I watch, the more I'm learning and looking to start the journey again. I have already begun working towards making changes to prepare. I'm working on drinking more water and limiting or eliminating other drinks. I'm also working on changing eating habits, and foods. I'm referring to this as going back to Bariatric 101....and working to re-learn the rules of the tool, etc and implementing those changes. So far, I'm really not seeing much difference in weight. I'm with you on wanting to be able to be active and live a more active lifestyle. I have no energy most days, even though I want to exercise, etc I'm constantly just tired. At this point, if weight is what kills me, I'd rather die too skinny rather than be killed because I'm fat. My lowest weight was somewhere between 185 - 188 lbs at 5'3.....There are things that I noticed at that weight that I miss. The energy to go being one. You mention Bone Broth.....I absolutely love Dr. Kelly Ann's Bone Broth! As for protein drinks / shakes....Premier Protein is pretty much my go to. I've tried others in the past.....and they either have a bad after taste, or they just straight up taste like you're drinking chalk (I'm looking at you, Isopure!). As for vitamins.....I have never been consistent with taking vitamins; but, if it means I can drop 80-90% of my excess weight, I will put in the effort to take them.

Okay, that makes sense to me! Thank you for that information! Would you say the same goes for finding PCP who have a reputation for handling patients who have bariatric or obesity focused needs? I haven't particularly searched to see if there are any, but it was in the back of my mind. The PCP I'm looking at now just has a reputation for being progressive in treatment and actually listening to what patients need. That sounds favorable to me, but thought I may be able to shoot for the stars lol

I agree with both @Creekimp13 and @Apple203. I'd go to the bariatric center, sign a release form and stand there until you get your records. Then go to your new center, and sign a form releasing your medical records. You have a right to look that the psych report and to find out why she said one thing and did another. I'm so so sorry this is so hard!! ((hugs))

I am about 6 weeks post op. I've already called my bariatric office and left a message. About 10 days ago my husband had a stomach bug that we thought was food poisoning from him getting Chinese take out. It lasted three days. This morning, I woke up and felt "not right." Then I started to get nauseous. I took a zofran and drank half a protien shake with some decaf. Four hours later, I popped another Zofran because the nausea came back. I went to the bathroom and had diahreah, but once the zofran kicked in again I felt better. Now, I'm having this strange gurgle pains going through my intestines. (I think it's my intestines at least.) I ate a sf Popsicle and I felt it travel all the way through. I haven't thrown up at all but I thank the zofran for that because I truly think I would be otherwise. I've had no complications at all, I think everything is healing okay inside. I haven't had any pain anywhere. Yesterday I was packing some boxes and now I feel a little like I did some ab work from bending and moving around. Usually, I would take pepto or Imodium and go from there--but I've had issues being "backed up" two times in the recent past and I don't wanna constipate myself. Is the gurgling all the way down thing normal? Should I take some pepto and tough it out later? Should I try saltines? I've been the anti carb since I started.

Is there a way to set my fitness pal For bariatric use?

After going thru the entire program in 2015-16 ,being never told I had completed and was approved, my job was terminated and lost insurance coverage. I thought I had only completed 5 of the 6 required dietary consults. I had not persued it at that time, I'm told recently former insurance only required 5 sessions. They were only waiting on a new # from new insurance carrier, they could have told me then but failed to. Hokay,I then[emoji7] started the process over last fall, did all my different requirements all over,had all done by the end of 2017. Have been waiting with somewhat baited breath for a surgery date, had 1 person call from surgeon's office and gave me February 15, turns out she was a minor peon and spoke out of turn. Official person called last Friday, said---'" oh by the way psychologist wouldn't clear you for surgery. "This person when I saw her face-to-face told me I had passed all requirements and she would be telling them that. 1st time thru I had talked to a full psychiatrist and things were fine, well I'm the same old me as I was then, Now I am told their commitee-' I call them the Bariatric Court of Appeals ---will be meeting February 20 to review my case. Do they over-ride the faulty assesment, does my surgeon have the necessary man bits, (I'd use the proper Spanish term but I don't want Alex to ban me,) to go forth with this surgery as I think he should? All the sudden I feel like like I've fallen into a beauty pageant and I'm being voted whether I'm Miss Congeniality. Does desire ,weight loss & commitment count for anything? I've cut my weight down 32 lbs ---and at my age and activity level it ain't easy! My Bariatric Facilitator Amber says to relax,and everthing will be All right, if everything is so okay then this isn't a game that should have been played. My past approval should count for something.I need this surgery, it is my last best hope for better health and a longer lifespan. If I wasn't depressed before, I am now. It is difficult to accept I am unfit and unworthy, I've fought that battle --'hearing that from family and so called friends.[emoji25][emoji25][emoji8] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

anyone had the Bariatric Sleeve at ALO Bariatric?

Whew. This has probably been the busiest month I've had in years. But I wanted to take some time to reflect on my year since my band repair and Celebrate a small joy. It's been one crazy year - almost to the day - since my 2005 surgery. This time last year, I had my band access port replaced to a lower profile port, the access area moved to a different part of my body - and my tubing repaired due to a leak. (And I just found out from reading my medical records, I had some never-before-mentioned-to-me minor surgical things tweaked during the '05 procedure.) In other words I was practically rebanded a year ago.(I was banded 5 years ago originally, but after major league complications, I struggled mightily to achieve and maintain any real loss with my band. But almost one year ago to the day, I began a sort of "second chance" with the band.) Since my doctor insisted I treat this as a new band as if I was "brand new," that's what I did. I tried life almost as a "new" Banded patient again. One year later, the experiment didn't quite work as we thought. But I am grateful for some of this past year's progress. No, I'm not considered much of a success after only losing 51# -52# of my 70# goal in all these years but although I may have to now consider other non-band & surgical options to get the weight off, I am trying to reflect on some of the positive things that have happened at least in this past year. One difference - with the newer band I once again felt, at least for a time, some real restriction which was really good. It's helped me to have some renewed success and to help deal with the Monster of "Head Hunger" vs "Real Hunger". That's a good thing as a popular domestic diva might say. But now I'm overdue for a fill. Once I get some things settled and situate myself with a new fill doctor I'll be on my way again. Stay tuned. The positive stuff? Well after a busy 2-week period including an out-of-state trip and then some parties and events, I had a small Non scale Victory (or "NSV"). Well, non-scale victories are the only ones I have since I haven't had a "SV" since I got my weight into OneDerLand. But hey, a girl has to take her joys where she can find them. Here's what happened: I had to go shopping to find things to wear (most of my clothes seem curiously big, and although the scale isn't moving much I think my tummy tuck is finally starting to 'kick in'). As a shopped I saw a Clearance Rack for regular (non plus sizes). I rarely can find anything good on the sales rack in larger sizes (A silent curse for the tiny size 4's who can always find something good on sale or clearance :phanvan ) Well, as I browsed, I saw a great dress and grabbed my normal size 16 and put it over my arm. When I peered at it later, I realized that size 16 might be too big after all. This is a major relevation. Some of the thinner among you can't possibly fathom this - but eyeballing a size 16 and having it possibly be too big? Omigawd, that's a big deal for someone like me. I had to make myself hold the dress up and keep looking, because in my head, I didn't believe it, although my eyes were clearly telling me the dress was just too large. On a good day I'm a 16 in jeans, especially with slimmer-fitting brands. [ Background: Now keep in mind I'm a Professional Fat Person - I sometimes feel like being fat, or fighting fat is what I seem to concentrate so much of my energy on. I mean, I'm the girl who can't get her BMI under 30 after having had WLS 5 years ago :rolleyes so my weight is a constant struggle. So after dieting, exercise, LapBand surgery and then a "Well, Dang, I had LapBand 4.5 years ago, why am I waiting? Tummy Tuck" operation- I am usually a size 14 / 14W or so. Sad but true - after all this money, time and effort - honestly I'm grateful just to be able to get to the "regular bigger sizes." Habit still makes me head for the Plus Sizes & Womens Sizes clothes rack. My larger frame means they usually fit a bit better. And really, I'm a Size Tall so there are no regular sizes in Jeans/pants for me, but hey, that's life, eh? But being taller makes my rather uneviable heavier weight a bit more tolerable as I have a larger frame to space my fat out on.] So I'm in the store, right? After arguing with myself for the longest, I drag myself back to the dress rack so I can pick up the same dress in a size 14. I avoided dresses for the longest due to the hanging pouch of skin at my belly. Now that's been minimized quite a bit. So this is the first dress I've bought since my Band Repair and my Tummy Tuck. And although I didn't lose a pound (actually like most TT patients, I initially gained weight due to swelling & Fluid retention) I think my abdomen is finally starting to look trimmer. I have to convince myself to pick up the size 14 but since it's the only one left in that size, I do get it. I really had to quiet my self doubt just to grab the Size 14. Later in the dressing room, I go to pull it over my head and wiggle into it, only to realize it's too tight. I'm crushed - literally. Then I realize two important things: #1. It has a hidden inner zipper which I never bothered to undo - once I unzip it, the dress slides down and fits. #2. Although it was on the Size 14 section of the rack, the dress is tagged as Size 12. Yep, me, NewSho - Professional Fat Person managed to get into a Size 12 slinky silk spaghetti strap dress. I couldn't believe my eyes. I had it on, and it wasn't ripping or splitting. When I saw myself in it, I almost cried. The lady in the next fitting room probably thought I was having a Nervous Breakdown but I was so full of emotion. I never thought I'd see a size 12 again - and although this wasn't my real size, it felt great. I just twirled and twirled and twirled around in the fitting room - I couldn't believe it! Now reality is - I'm not delusional - I can't wear size 12 jeans or shorts. But this dress actually got on my body. Honestly, I need a Boob Lift but until then I have to solve any breast-related issues with well-engineered bras. So this dress does call for a bulletproof strapless bra. Plus my butt really is a size 14 - that should have been the size I should have bought but since the Size 12 actually got on, looked OK and since it was on clearance - that baby came right home with me. A beautiful little silk slip dress in size 12 - and I actually got in it. It was worth its weight in gold. Me? In a 12? Even for just one night, it was so exciting.:confused: I wore the dress to the party that night. There was lots of media & TV coverage of the event, but I felt confident. It did the job, but after losing some weight (and after treating "The Twins" to a much-needed Boob Lift) I would look GREAT in it. But for right now, just getting in it was the victory. I'm still fighting the war but it's nice to win a battle now and then. Thanks for letting me share this. It ain't all gloom and doom over here, all the time. And though I'm always fighting the Battle of The Bulge, at least I got one good shot in this war. :clap2: Happy Band Journeys To All, New Sho (a.k.a. "I ain't a size 12 but I got to play one on TV, just for one night :kiss2: ")

Hummus, ricotta cheese can be dressed up savory or sweet. liquid Protein can be mixed in with herbal teas. I like cottage cheese with fruit. You can blend them if the curds are too large for you. There are puddings and Gelatin you can buy online from places like Amazon or Bariatric Choice. Can you have eggs? Soft scrambled eggs are good. I mix a tsp of greek yogurt and a bit of shredded cheese and keep stirring until they are done.

Welcome. This is a great question and you have come to the right place. I was completely against the idea of surgery for a very long time but was at the end of my rope. My PCP encouraged me to consider WLS and suggested I at least learn enough about it to make an informed decision. He referred me to an awesome Bariatric Surgeon. The more I learned and the further along in the process I went, the more I knew this was the right decision for me. I went from 110% against the idea to eagerly ready to do it. I was sleeved April 20, 2015 and couldn't be happier with my surgery, my recovery, and my progress so far. I am healthier and happier than I have been in a very long time. I started at almost 600 pounds, practically immobile, and on disability. I am over halfway to goal, getting my life back, and getting ready to return to the workforce. I swim regularly and am no longer effectively housebound. Best of luck with your decision. The good thing is that you don't have to make any major decisions today. But, I encourage you to take the next step and at least attend a seminar with an open mind. I encourage you to find a good Bariatric Center of Excellence. They should have a good process so that you will be fully informed and educated and have the support and tools to be successful no matter what you decide. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

Ambivalence can be paralyzing or, probably more accurately, is a device some of us use to stay put. The alternative certainly seems making a decision, but there's another route that worked for me. I can't even recall how or why the idea of surgery first occurred, but I was no where near ready to say "Yes, this is for me." In order to begin exploring the possibility I chose to play any head game necessary to take any step at all. All along the way it was "Just do [this] to see what it's like and then you don't have to do anything else." The first move was to attend an info seminar: "Go see what they have to say, what it's like, and then you won't have to do any thing else." Okay, that wasn't so bad. Next was an initial appointment with the bariatric practice -- same thing, "Go to the appointment, see what it's like and then you won't have to..." Each subsequent step followed in the same pattern. Finally, when I made appointments for endoscopy and [gulp] colonoscopy (both required probably because of my age, but I don't remember for sure), I knew I meant it: No one consents to endoscopy or colonoscopy just to see what they're like. My whole deal was walking backward toward the OR. When I actually walked in, the entire crew was robed, gloved and masked. Each person turned toward me with a rousing greeting, making me feel as though I'd arrived at a surprise masquerade party in my honor. My best suggestion to you is just attend the initial info seminar and ask questions. Going to the practice's support group can also be helpful -- hearing others' experiences with the ease of face-to-face communication helps, especially since more questions will occur to you as time goes by. (Certainly bring your questions and concerns here, too.) My other best suggestion is to begin a running, handwritten list of reasons (a nice notebook) beyond the healh concerns you mentioned. Add to the list as new things occur to you. Keep each reason narrow in scope, e.g., "So that my favorite gold chain hangs lower instead of fitting like a choker" instead of "So that necklaces look better on me." Another might be "To wear size 6 knickers" instead of "To wear smaller sizes." No reason is shallow, silly or vain. Certainly include the health considerations and any/everything else that has significance to you. Each reason/goal should be what you want for yourself for a lifetime. (There are those who'll squawk at me, but I think that reasons such as special occasions, e.g., weddings, are solid for the long term. They have expiration dates; the wedding lasts a day and then what?) Then, as you lose weight and achieve the goals, you can check them off in your notebook. When you have clearer clarity (?!) on what you really want and why, you'll know that you can do anything. Even better, you'll have confidence to make the choice.

The Bariatric pal store has some crunchy protein snacks that are pretty good. There's one that's like sour cream and onion O's. Tastes really good and we're kind funyon like....I used to love those back in the day. Scratched that itch nicely.

I had issues drugs stopped working surgeon office sent me to physiatrist that works with Bariatric patients on med issues as all labs were normal. He ran a special genetic test and it showed the ones that my body would not process and that even tho my folic acid was normal my genetic makeup I no longer was using in my brain for the serotonin uptake. Changed my antidepressant added Delpin capsules take together big difference. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was taking three pills a day by a week out. Never had any problems. My bariatric center has an "as tolerated" sort of policy about pills after the first couples of days.

He's speaking of the hiatal hernia. It's a condition in which part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle. I've watched a ton of the actual surgeries on YouTube and the fix usually consists of a couple stitches. I think all bariatric surgeons are taught to look for this as part of the bariatric surgical procedure.