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You can totally DM me on here! Totally am down to help a fellow bariatric pal! I took 2 weeks off, just for my mental health too. I needed to get into the game with the foods and the meal prepping. I definitely had to work my way up, Lots of tears and sweat. Even still ! LOL I did greive clothes, I still have 3x tops and dresses in my closet that I have not been able to get rid of. I wear them tthe tops to bed now..For the most part I had to buy all new clothes. Still working on building it up. I went from an 18/20 to a size 4. 2/3x to a Small top. No you do not need to add the quote lol

I had a ton of scar tissue from a butcher surgeon 40 years before my sleeve surgery. The bariatric surgeon noted it and allowed a little more theatre time for me. My surgeon said it was very stuck inside but he did it all keyhole. It just took him longer. This week I was due to have my ovaries and a huge ovarian cyst removed by key hole surgery. I was informed that I may have to be opened up if it became a problem. It was and I was. This is day 6 and I am feeling more like myself and the pain is manageable today without meds. So what are the differences, More pain, your muscles are cut. A big scar and drain holes. And a 12 week ban on house work and lifting, more of a bonus that one really. I hope it goes well for you. It will be worth it even if its not keyhole. Trust me

the two they usually measure for are ALT and AST. But not all clinics test for those, so not everyone knows their values (actually, my bariatric clinic doesn't test for them, either - I'd gone to my primary care provider for some reason or another (it's been eight or nine years, so I don't remember why) and she did some panel that included liver values. She freaked about it, but my bariatric clinic knew what was going on - and again, they were back down to normal once I was about a year out).. They go up because rapid weight loss is really hard on the liver.

This is my worry. Got in 2012 also. I only have 3ccs in a 10cc band. But I keep hearing how the band can erode and mess us up internally. There are no bariatric doctors locally and I would have to go out of town too. I don't have any issues per say. How are you doing now?

Who got you approved? Typically you have to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon, their coordinator tells you what Medicaid's requirements are, you spend however much time doing everything Medicaid wants, then it's all submitted to them, then they approve it. How did you get approved for bariatric surgery with no surgeon?

If you are the same in the US as we are in the UK, then Amazon deliver the day after ordering. If thats the case, save your money and buy as you need it. As a example, I bought a blender and did not use it as I barfed every time I thought of pureed foods, still do. I sent for a bariatric cookery book, same outcome. On a whim, I bought a personalised bariatric plate, it is still in its wrapping. My clinic told me to buy suckable vitamins and dissolvable calcium tablets. I used a thermos cup, I was allowed coffee and it takes an age to drink in the early stages, it kept it hot for me. I bought a bed wedge as I had GERD, still do. I never had protein shakes, my surgeon did not believe in them, I just had milk. Everyone who has stock piled a protein shake they love pre surgery, has found it disgusting after surgery. Your tastes flip and you may have a problem with lactose or vegetable protein. Buy one or two of a wide range if you must. I really wished I had a recliner chair, I had to sleep sitting for 3 weeks. As I said before I had problems with Gerd. It took a while to get my meds right. This forum and its wonderful forumites are a asset I used so much. Its all gifted free. Paid forward if you will. They have so much knowledge, they have been and done it before. Some one will have had every eventuality and will help Good luck

Look into Dr Weiners Program. I think it’s pound of cure.com. His book “pound of cure” is pretty good too but he is a bariatric surgeon who has a podcast and his team offers nutritionist appointments online and he is always coming up with more stuff to help the bariatric community. He was the first one I heard mention GLP-1 long before it became widely known. He had lots of videos on YouTube about pre and post surgery as well. It may be cheaper or more in depth. Not certian but I know he is extremely knowledgeable and his nutritionist is on the podcasts with him and she really seems to know her stuff too. correction it’s poundofcureweightloss.com Also, if you don’t already you may want to start using a tracking app. That way you can share the info about your macros for a period of time. I really like Baritastic. You can get reports sent to you email if your macros and your food which you can forward to your nutritionist so they can see exactly what your eating

Hi all. Im 7 weeks post op as of today. I’m curious if anyone has hired an independent bariatric dietician… in other words, someone outside of your surgeon’s office to support you? I am not really satisfied with the level of support that I am getting from my surgeon’s office. I’d like at least a weekly or bi-weekly check in with someone and to discuss goals and things I can work towards. When I asked my surgeon’s office at my last follow up appointment if I was where I should be weight loss wise, I didn’t really get much of an answer. I asked where I should be at my three month follow-up and she couldn’t find her chart. So I never got an answer. I live in an area where I haven’t been able to find any support groups locally. I’ve located someone online with a wealth of experience in working with bariatric patients and is a certified dietitian. She works primarily online with patients. I am hesitant to move forward based on the price. Just curious if anyone has had luck with this or has any thoughts about it? I haven’t decided against it, just hesitant due to cost.

high liver enzyme levels aren't uncommon the first year or so after weight loss surgery. Rapid weight loss is really hard on livers. Mine were high for about the first year, and I've heard this several times from others as well (including people from here on Bariatric Pal). My regular doctor was really alarmed by it, but the people at my bariatric clinic knew what was going on. They went back down to normal and have been normal ever since.

Eugh…I have to have 3-monthly blood tests as I have Methotrexate injections for Rheumatoid Arthritis. I’ve been on Methotrexate for 12 years now. Occasionally there’s a blip in my liver function test but this is generally when I’ve been unwell as the slightest thing can change my results. Anyway, I made a cock-up on my test 2 weeks ago. It was Bank Holiday Weekend and I had a couple of drinks on the Saturday and then more on the Sunday. I can count on one hand how many times we’ve been out this year and I don’t drink at home unless it’s a glass of champagne before we go out to dinner for example. Anyway, I wasn’t thinking and did my jab as normal on the Monday and then my bloods on the Tuesday. This resulted in a phone-call from a Rheumatology Nurse on Wednesday saying my liver function test levels were way, way up, what had I been doing? I was honest and said I’d been out at the weekend and had my jab when I should have left it a week and then had my bloods after. So, I had to miss the next two weeks jabs and have my bloods again which was yesterday. Phone-call today - levels have dropped some but still high. It was then a mass of questions - had I been drinking? No. Any infections? Not that I know of. Any ‘herbal’ ingestion (er…what???) No. Any NSAIDS? No. The list was endless and she sounded completely disbelieving of me, which has pissed me off no end. Could I miss my jab this week and have my bloods again on Monday? No. We’re out for our anniversary dinner on Sunday and there will be alcohol so it would be pointless. I did offer to have them on Friday but she said it wouldn’t be enough time for things to reduce. Now I have to have my bloods again in 2 weeks. It turns out that my levels have been creeping up for the past few months but no one had told me. She did tell me that the other things I’m tested for are all good (4 things in total so only be of them is bolloxed) I’m not happy, especially as I’ve been managing my condition and medication for 12 years. I drank more often earlier in my treatment and never had any issues. My worry is that this could affect my WLS journey. I know I may be worrying over nothing but the worry is still there. It may be that my liver has just had enough of the Methotrexate (as it’s a poison - lovely) and it’s time to stop it. Anyway, I’m not asking for advice, more a rant ☹️ I will now do some research on how to deal with toxins in the liver and how to reduce them. Sigh…

I love what mom said that is so true we can be hard on ourselves....in other bariatric groups I belong too, I noticed a mindset amongst many that they were never satisfied. I will not be adopting that mindset and was glad I could listen in on groups early post op...I feel it's so unhealthy to never be satisfied with weight loss. Once I obtain my goal weight f**k it I am then in "maintenance" mode and I will allow myself 10 pound fluctuation. I'm not interested in loosing more after the goal weight. *it's unreal how much poop in the colon weighs..3,5, 10 pounds lighter

A new week beckons… Laid in bed this morning, just taking stock of how I’m feeling and I actually feel happy. It’s been a long time since I’ve had that happy feeling for no apparent reason. The first part of my WLS journey is completed and now out of my hands for now so I’ve mentally put that to one side. I’ve started back at the gym and I’M LOVING IT!! I know the gym isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but I truly enjoy it. I found something that works for me and can sustain it, which is really important for anyone trying to improve their fitness. I’ve been 3 times this past week and I’m not pushing it as yet, no matter how much the little devil on my shoulder is telling me to 😈 I’m aiming to go every 3rd day at the moment but will re-visit that in a few weeks time. Granddaughters party went as well as could be expected with other little kids there! I didn’t go mad food-wise - a burger, handful of mini sausage rolls, 1 Jammie Dodger, a cupcake and a small piece of cake. I actually threw a piece of quiche away which is a first for me and left the crisps, coleslaw etc alone! I know it may seem a lot but compared to what I would shovel away previously, it’s actually quite restrained! My body shape is changing, even if the scales aren’t particularly moving right now. I went through my gym stuff and tried on a pair of leggings that are size 18/20 and they fit! That was a bit of a surprise, especially as I couldn’t get them up my thighs previously 😮 Various other items are now ether too big or now fitting whereas before they were too tight. The jeans that were fine a few weeks ago? Can now get them off without unfastening them! I actually had to buy some smaller things this week. I’m not a fan of bras, they dig in and I find them uncomfortable. So I prefer the crop-top bralette type things (I’m a C cup at most) I’d noticed that I wasn’t feeling as ‘secure’ as I had before so decided it was time to update. I got a couple of vest tops with built-in support and a 3 pack of bralettes from M&S, all in smaller sizes and all fit - yay! It’s the simple things really that can give such a boost 🙂 Hairdressers tomorrow. I’m having a bit of a crisis with my hair at the moment. When I was accepted on to the Bariatric Pathway, I decided to grow my hair (all part of the ‘New Me’ vibe) Previously I had pixi-type cut and now it’s a short bob, just about at the bottom of my ears. However it’s lacking any body and looks really thin. I know my meds can play havoc, especially as I started a new injection back on November which can cause hair thinning after a few months. My hair hasn’t come out in clumps or anything, I’m just finding lots of stray hairs on things. I know that WLS also causes Hair loss, so I’m now floundering a little. I’m going to have a chat with my hairdresser and see what she comes up with but I’m really erring on the side of ‘chop it off’…sigh…it’s not easy being a woman at times is it?? I plan to tackle more of my wardrobe this week and get that thinned out. Has anyone else gone through their clothes and thought to themselves “what were you thinking?” Yeah, I’m having a bit of that. However it’s more of a case of I’ve bought something previously and it has remained unworn. This is what happens when you’re the size of a a house - you buy something because it fits, not because you actually like it. I definitely will be a damn sight more discerning moving forward. Have a fabulously productive week everyone 😉 Onwards and Downwards!

It seems to be pretty standard to require a multi vitamin and the calcium citrate that you mentioned. Most programs require labs around 3 months and will add things like magnesium or B12 or ADEK supplements as needed. All of the bariatric vitamins are pretty close with the exception of the amount of iron and the ones for SADI/DS which are higher ADEK and higher iron. Of course they are not exact. My suggestion is to bring the bottle with you of whichever one you do settle on to your post op appointment and just make sure they are okay with it and to bring it with you to your follow up from your labs so they can see if your vitamin does contain whatever you may be low in.

Thank you so much I tried not to let her effect me because she clearly had no experience at all! Tomorrow I also have a call from the nurse incharge for all bariatric patients so I'll have a good chat with her and yes the dietician is experienced with WLS patients. I don't know why it shows bypass balloon! I had the gastric bypass. I think I picked the wrong one by mistake teehee. I'll edit it later! I'll keep a mental note to myself always to never ever compare 😫

You poor thing doing this without much guidance from your team. First of all, DO NOT let anyone give you advise who is not a medical professional or someone who had your surgery. Who knows what they are comparing it to. For one thing most people thing all the surgeries are a Bypass and they are all the same, and second who knows how far out this person was. On top of that, liquids pretty much go right through once the swelling goes down. One month post sleeve i Was practical bacK to drinking my normal one gallon of fluids which is twice what they recommend as a goal!! This time it’s really not a good comparison since they didn’t operate on my stomach but I am up to 3/4 cup of food per meal. My book says 1/2-3/4 cup. All I know is that I feel fantastic. I am losing at a steady pace and exercising too which I never did before. I know it’s hard not to compare but honestly we should take everyone’s advice with a grain of salt because your doctor is the only one who knows all about you and your circumstances as well as your surgery. Make sure that your nutritionist has worked with bariatric patients before or you will most likely be wasting your time though. Did you call and ask your team if they can get you in sooner?? Corrected to add actually I just realized you did not have a sleeve or bypass either. Honestly you need to get advise from someone who had your surgery. We can cheer you on and relate to many parts of all of this but I know I for one am not very familiar with your surgery at all.

My bariatric nutritionist suggested vodka and SF cranberry juice. It's been my go to when I want a drink. I stay away from sugary or carbonated drinks now. I used to love a frozen Strawberry Margarita and occasionally miss them. But I know there are SF mixers out there. I Just haven't tried one yet. And like everyone else said, it doesn't take much to get buzzed unless you nurse a glass for a loooong time. Have fun on holiday!!

Some of the companies offer samples too. I know bariatric advantage offered samples if their multivitamin and the calcium chews back when I got my sleeve and bariatric pal sells a sample pack of their chews on this site.

There are many ways to tell one's story. I found a website that allows you to write your own lyrics, pick the kind of music you want and... create a song. Try it! I've already found other bariatric patients who have composed their own music there. Suno.com After you create your own song, post it here!

Glad the cause has been found and you are on the road to recovery. I have pernicious anemia and for that reason at the first surgical consultation the surgeon said she thought sleeve would be the better option for me due to later complications with anemia and bypass. I was also told that unlike most sleeve patients who can stop the recommended bariatric vitamin regime after the first year that I was consider continuing on them for the rest of my life, I don't have an issue with that as no harm in taking them.

1. Iron Deficiency and Anemia 10 Years After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass for Severe Obesity 2. Iron Deficiency After Gastric Bypass Surgery 3. Risks of Bariatric Surgery: Anemia 4. Anemia After Bariatric Surgery: More than Just Iron Deficiency 5. Hematological Disorders following Gastric Bypass Surgery: Emerging Concepts of the Interplay between Nutritional Deficiency and Inflammation

I had a gastric bypass about 6 years old. Fast forward to today. I was recently hospitalized with severe anemia (hemoglobin 5.2). I had to have emergency blood transfusions. I'm still receiving weekly IV-iron infusions (8 weeks). I am also deficient in several nutrients despite taking my bariatric vitamins. My bariatric surgeon figured out the reason for the anemia. Two ulcers detected by an EGD (upper scope). I was slowly bleeding out. At one point, my family thought I was falling asleep... when I was really passing out. Anemia hurts. Your whole body aches. Recovery is slow... the fatigue is unreal but I'll get there.

Hello there!! I had my SADI on August 5th, I chose to start with the SADI for multiple reasons. You will need to take a couple of vitamins - the Bariatric multi I chose is actually called Barimelts, it dissolves easily and doesn't taste bad at all, just turns to powder in your mouth. I also get my ADEK from Barimelts - both are on Amazon and quite affordable. For Calcium I use the Bariatric Fusion Calcium, it is soft and chews easily, the texture is like a soft caramel (they come in fruity flavors, chocolate, and caramel I believe). Have to take the Calcium at least 3 hrs from the multi with iron though or it can cause stomach upset. My main issues at a month out are fatigue and an icky feeling when a bowel movement is coming on. Not dumping syndrome, just kind of a gassy, mild cramping feeling. I'm on what they call mechanical soft at this point, and have noticed that chicken and fish are definitely the best for getting protein - plus an unflavored protein powder called Genepro my nutritionist suggested. Read the package on it closely, it tells you to consider a scoop like 30g of protein instead of the nutrient fact 11g (or 9g, can't remember). I haven't had any nausea or negative effects from basing my macros off of that, but I also only use it once per day and try to get as much protein from my actual food as I can. I use Baritastic to track all of my food - keeping on top of hydration has been tricky but is working so far for me. I'm eager to get my energy level back up. I do time 30 mins of no drinking before a meal, at least 20-30 minutes for the meal itself, and 30 minutes after before drinking anything! I max out at 1/2-3/4 of a cup per meal, sometimes less. There is the SADI is lonely thread and also a lot of information shared on the August Surgery Buddy thread. I'm overdue to post there, been busy prepping for a friend's wedding I am in on the 8th. @ShoppGirl - I see you!! Will try to update elsewhere soon 👋🏻

Yet another holiday post 😅 My bariatric nurse has given me the go-ahead to try a small amount of alcohol whilst I am on holiday next week - I will be 4 months post-op on the 14th when I fly out! She has suggested trying a white wine as they tend to be dry and therefore low in sugar. Any other recommendations - such as type of alcohol, and how to go about trying it again etc ❤️

It’s never too late to change your mind and choose an alternative surgery. Please, please, please talk to your Bariatric team and tell them your worries and concerns. Being apprehensive is completely normal I would have thought, as this is some major surgery we’re choosing. You have your own fears because of what happened with your mum - again, completely normal. Let the team at the hospital go through it all with you and explain the pros and cons. Whatever decision you make, just make sure it’s an informed decision and that you feel comfortable with the outcome. I bet you’re not the first person the team will deal with who is having doubts, they will be prepared for it so make use of them!

I really feel you on some of the ones I’ve looked at being really, really poor ☹️ I have screenshotted the ones I’ve downloaded to my library. They are all from Kindle Unlimited. I’ve found them useful as they’ve helped give me ideas. I just hope they actually work in practice! Some are linked to a site called ‘Onederland’ which also has a Bariatric Community etc but it’s much, much quieter than this forum so I chose to stick with this one, and I’m glad that I did 😊 @ShoppGirl thank you for the link to the additional recipes 😊 Again, a great source of ideas that I can certainly tweak to UK ingredient availability. And please don’t let thoughts of what others may think of you getting fitter deter you. There will always those who look down on others for a 1001 reasons whether you are fat, thin, tall, short, wearing the latest fashions or dressed like you’ve dipped yourself in syrup and rolled through your wardrobe in the dark! Karma will do its thing eventually 😈