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I use GENEPRO powder in soup and no curdling or clumping and I heat it up! But I want to try a sample pack of different cocoa and coffee from bariatric pantry because I'd pay more to have it premixed if it tasted awesome! You could check some of theirs out? I'm ready to try decaf coffee with Protein... Maybe today.

9 months post op, RNY. Was on an insulin pump for 5 years taking over 100 units of insulin daily, type 2 diabetic. Now I take nothing for diabetes. Following the Bariatric diet is controlling my sugar levels . Hopefully by maintaining the Bariatric lifestyle I will remain in remission. Good luck with your diabetes and your Bariatric journey.

To be honest i would talk to your Surgeon about the financial burden that you feel under in relation to the 'extra' costs of things like protien shakes, why do they insist on you having to buy Bariatric Advantage Protein from them.. ? Stress can be a real problem when trying to lose weight, even if you dont eat when stressed it can mess up your metabolism whereby you dont lose anything. It sounds like you are worried over a lot of things at the moment and maybe you need to consider postponing for a while or looking into getting another doctor. Having success with a band is not just about food, its about being in the right frame of mind to dedicate time and effort into getting results. Might be an idea to ask family friends for christmas presents of protien shakes. I really hope things go ok for you.

I wasn't brought up with healthy habits, and even kept a lot of my bad habits up due to time constraints, so even though I am on "Normal" foods I wanted my changes to be forever so I have learned to read nutritional values, memorize carb and protein amounts in foods, and even taught myself to use a Wok to stir fry, and grill indoors, a change recipes and alter them to fit my diet and I stay away from fast food, I learn a lot on Google about cooking, and and even found some websites that give bariatric friendly restaurants, and I do give myself 1 cheat day per month

I'm so conflicted about this. Sleeve or Bypass. I'm so glad Dr. Illan from Bariatric Team Mexico is calling me when I get home from visiting family back home. I was certain about the sleeve but also have had Gerd for years. I also have Barrett's esophagus from reflux I've had for years. I've been wondering what to do. If I can get the reflux finally solved. Have been on Prevacid and Pantoprazole for 30 years. I'm scared of the bypass because of side effects? Is it always hard to drink or eat from the bypass? I'm so grateful for this forum.

My Nut is making me do the "preparing for bariatric surgery diet. Which I basically following the guidelines for how to eat after surgery. The taking 30 min to eat anything and no drinking while eating and eating the recommended portions sizes and I just feel so hungry throughout the day. I know it's only to help me prepare but it's making me want to ready everything I see. Itv take alot of my will power not to stuff my face and that's really hard. Just want to know if I'm alone in this or are some of you guys hungry to?

You won't be "full" anymore as you know it. Try and focus on being "satisfied". To do this you need the highest amount of protein for your buck. My bariatric center which is in our hospital sold me New Directions Protein Shakes but I think the Atkins Advantage brand at your local grocery store are a close alternative. Also, LOTS of water, tea, or other calorie free non-carbonated drinks in between keep you from feeling too hungry. I do still drink coffee also even though I have been recommended to be on a caffeine free diet as well, but that's my choice, not my advice!

I FOUND IT!!!!!!!!! Why? Here's an explanation I copied from another WLS support site. It's really good info: Vagus Nerve: The Vagus nerve is the longest of the nerves. Its name is derived from the same root word as "Vagrant," and "Vagabond." (A wanderer; a rover. - Wandering from place to place and lacking any means of support.) From the Middle English vagraunt, probably alteration of Old French wacrant, present participle of wacrer, to wander, of Germanic origin. This "Vagabond" originates in the Cranium but wanders from the brain stem through organs in the neck, thorax and abdomen, all the way to the first third of the colon. It has motor functions in the larynx (voice box), diaphragm, stomach, and heart, and sensory functions in the ears and tongue. It has both motor and sensory functions in the pharynx (sinuses) and esophagus. Stimulation of the vagus nerve is thought to affect some of its connections to areas in the brain that are prone to seizure activity. It is a "Hot Topic" for research in areas of Depression, Obesity, Epilepsy, and is responsible for some phenomenal sensory and motor responses even without WLS. Emotions running high? Feeling a lump at the back of your throat that you didn’t put there? That’s the Vagus Nerve at work. Can’t tickle yourself, except the roof of your mouth? (try it) Because when you try to tickle your armpit-The same nerves that perceive the tickle also "know that it’s coming," and thus the "surprise" aspect that allows "tickling" to occur have been preempted. But- Roof of the mouth? Different selective dumping of info prior to reaching the brain. That’s the Vagus nerve "sharing" some info with sensory and motor controls while "not telling others." The Vagus nerve is known as a "mixed nerve" meaning it both receives input from the body and sends signals to various muscles and organs of the body. It is the primary nerve of the Parasympathetic Nervous System. It isn’t an even mix, though, about 80% of the axons inside the vagus nerve are sending signals from the body to the brain. The Vagus nerve consists of Five Components with distinct functions: --Brancial motor: (special visceral efferent) Supplies the voluntary muscles of the pharynx and most of the larynx, as well as one extrinsic muscle of the tongue. --Visceral motor: (general visceral efferent) Parasympathetic innervation of the smooth muscle and glands of the pharynx, larynx, and viscera of the thorax and abdomen. --Visceral sensory: (general visceral afferent) Provides visceral sensory information from the larynx, esophagus, trachea, and abdominal and thoracic viscera, as well as the stretch receptors of the aortic arch and chemoreceptors of the aortic bodies . --General sensory: (general somatic afferent) Provides general sensory information from the skin of the back of the ear and external auditory meatus, parts of the external surface of the tympanic membrane, and the pharynx. --Special sensory: (special afferent) A very minor component. Provides taste sensation from the epiglottis region. A simplified explanation to describe "how it works"- Rather than sending signals out from brain, or bringing sensory info back to the brain, it does both, and it allows "pieces parts" or "stations" along the way to communicate with each other without directly routing through the brain. It controls much of the movement of the mouth and let’s the esophagus "synch up" with back of tongue motions in order to make swallowing possible. And signals the lower organs of the digestive tract to adjust activity when "food is on the way!" The Vagus nerve also sends signals to and for those "unconscious" or reflex reactions- such as swallowing when not thinking about it consciously. Often the example given is- "swallowing while sleeping so you don’t drown in saliva." It is associated with Nausea governing factors, Relaxation, (particularly pulse rate) digestion synchronization, etc.. It’s "Fence-sitting" behavior as both Voluntary and Involuntary signal provider, makes it a key factor in most Bio-Feedback processes for reducing stress levels. How does this effect or associate with Bariatric Post-Op patients? Signals from the Stomach are "distorted somewhat" and often Disrupted or damaged by the Gastric Bypass. The signals from the pouch often trigger the Vagus nerve to "fire" unique reflex responses. The Vagus nerve transmits the signal to the brain when we are full. It seems to "drop off" some info to other stations on the way to the brain. It is responsible for Diaphragmatic "Dry Heaves" that some experience in the early days following Bariatric Procedures, and longer term is often associated with rapid gastric emptying. Many Post-ops claim to have their nose start running when they take "that last bite" just before feeling too full. Some experience sneezing or hiccups if they eat a bite too much. Both are actions inextricably bound to Vagus nerve signals. Many claim to get a "runny nose" with one bite too much food for their pouch, and hiccups from eating too fast. Many Gastric Bypass Post-ops have similar odd signals associated with the connections that the Vagus nerve makes along it’s wandering path. Complements of DxE...he originally posted this on March 5th, 2007 & I found this very helpful. He is a wealth of information.

Ok sorry that I'm bombarding this forum with my posts but it seems I have so many questions. I was wondering if after getting the bypass surgery (either RNY or mini gastric bypass) are will still able to digest and absorb Vitamin pills (and not capsules) like prenatal Vitamins for example? Also I came across a Bariatric once a day capsule under the brand name ProCare Health . Was wondering if any of you have used it before? Is it advisable to use a once a day pill? I have read somewhere that chewables are the best for RNY patients and it has to be taken 2-4 times for best absorption.. Is this true? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I found the Bariatric Advantage shakes too milky tasting (I detest milk). My husband preferred them. Thank goodness there are lots of options.

I found Amazon to be very helpful when searching for protein shakes and vitamins. I love bariatric advantage. It's a little pricey but really tasty and formulated specifically for bariatric patients. Bariatric Advantage also carries calcium chews in a variety of flavors (lemon is best!) and vitamins. Their ultra vitamin has everything we need in three pills per day!

I’m in Australia and my clinic had a post op support group and I’ve never actually been. It’s hard enough to catch up with my bariatric doctor, nutritionist and psychologist every few months. I rely heavily on this site so I don’t feel alone in this WLS business!

about 2 months out and my stomach/tastes are pretty unadventourous. Turkey jerky, cheese stick, fish, sf popsicles and chrystal light. That's my go to's when I 'have to' eat. As long as i take my bariatric specific supplements, is this ok? Seems like there needs to be some veggies mixed in to be a 'healthy' mix, but there's just no room. Thankful for this second chance at life. just want to make it a healthy round;)

My BMI and blood work still comes back okay, for now. I'm losing about 2-5 pounds per week. I can only lose another 15 pounds max before I am going to look skeletal. I do take some Vitamins which is helping but most of them I can't take because they make me sick with no food in my stomach. It is so difficult for me to eat!!! I'm heading to an appointment with a new bariatric surgeon today because the one that did my surgeries is a dick.

Finally after months of tests, medical appointments, paperwork and hours of explaining to my good friends why I have finally come to this place in my life, my surgery is tomorrow. Check in for 5.30am and surgery at 7.30am. After fighting cancer 14 years ago, complications of the surgery, chemo and radiation caused significant side effects and damage that left me with health effects and took away ability to exercise and my love of trail running. My weight increased significantly. Failed diets made my weight yo-yo upwards. I started to withdraw, didn't want to go out socially. I've struggled to keep up a professional career, fit in plane seats, turned down job opportunities and put up with derogatory comments from business colleagues. I have everything planned, Protein drinks, non caffeine tea (this will he hard), vitamins/calcium supplements and chicken broth..... I have lists of the to-do's and not-to do's from the folks in my Bariatric support group..... Today this has been the first time I have nerves and second thoughts. I so want this to be successful, I am tired of being overweight for so many years, of it ruining my life and my health. I want to throw my BiPAP in the trashcan! My journey starts now - I am scared but oddly excited. Have others felt the same way?

Hi! I just had a successful meeting with my Doctor and was given a referral to the Bariatric program in my area. Even though I have a PPO insurance, I still needed this step. I am going to do 6 months of nutrition appointments required by my insurance and I call tomorrow to set it up. I also started blood pressure medication today. My BMI is right at 40 so I am nervous about being disqualified but hoping the BP meds help my case. Wishing everyone a successful day on their journey and wanted to share. Got the ball rolling and feeling good!

Check out the following website. It will give you a list of Medicare approved bariatric facilities. Bariatric Surgery

the bariatric program I use says NO NSAIDS forever, for both sleeve and bypass. but my surgeon told me explicitly that they are fine for me. I also have other health care conditions to manage, and the longer I can get by with occasional Advil, the longer I can avoid stronger harsher medications.

Hi and congrats on taking the steps to a healthier and better you. The sleeve is a wonderful and I absolutely love life post-op. As for your questions, I'll answer honestly and openly as I can. 1) I am a smoker. Smoking inhibits healing, and can cause ulcers. Not only that, it increases your risk of a leak due to hindering healing of the staple line. My surgeon knew my smoking status, but I didn't quit pre-op. Could it have contributed to the fact that I did have a leak, yes, but the biggest issue in my recovery and leak issues was because I had a band first that destroyed my stomach tissue. Smoking also complicates anesthesia recovery. Your abdomen is sore, causes more coughing and I had to use a spirometer to help prevent pneumonia. That really sucked because coughing caused major discomfort. I have quit twice since surgery, and am now trying to quit again. I actually went on Wellbutrin to help with the withdraws of nicotine as the patch, gum and cold turkey make life with me pure hell. 2) I had a huge panel of labs, a chest xray, psych eval, and consult with a nutritionist. Some surgeons require an upper gi and sleep study. 3) I didn't have a drain initially. A lot of surgeons use drains to make sure there is no leak, and some pull it before discharge, some require it stay in for about a week. I only had drains due to the leak repair surgery, and they stayed in for over 2 weeks. 4) I was not catheterized for my revision. I urinated before surgery, and was dry when I came out. 5) hair loss can happen to anyone that goes through surgery. It's a pretty normal occurrence. There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. It's a combination of anesthesia, surgical stress, and rapid weight loss. I lost hair for about 3 months, and I lost half of my hair. Luckily, I had super thick, coarse hair and no one that didn't know me before never guessed that I had lost all of my hair. The only thing you can do pre-op and during your recovery is to take hair/nail/skin supplements to help with regrowth. Biotin is usually the one most people choose. I didn't do anything to help with regrowth until I started losing. I used Folicure extra care shampoo. I started having new growth pop in while I was still losing. Currently, I look like a chia pet, and have chopped my hair off, layered it and bleached the top to help hide some of the new growth. I kept the back and underneath dark to help give the illusion of depth and volume. Unfortunately, hair loss seems pretty inevitable. There's several patients on this board that got in there Protein and extra protein, and they lost more hair and lost it for a longer period of time than I did, and I didn't get in my protein until I was on soft solids when I could eat chicken and other meat. My main advice is make sure you can handle the mental and emotional aspect of this surgery. It's a huge change, and no matter how much you read or talk to people will you really grasp it all until you go through it. I truly believe going in positive, and upbeat helps. Find strength within yourself, and know that you are doing something absolutely fabulous for yourself and your family. Know that recovery can be difficult, you'll be tested, you'll be exhausted, you might be mad at yourself especially during the post-op diet, but all of that is just temporary. Questions to ask your surgeon: What size bougie do you use to make the sleeve? What are your leak/complication stats? What are your expectations of my weight loss? Do you provide follow up care, labs, access to a nutritionist and psych if needed post-op (especially since you'll be self-pay find out what all is included in that cost)? Do you prescribe an acid reducer such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium to protect the sleeve, how long should I be on it? Post-op diet instructions? Pre-op diet instructions? How many sleeves have you performed? How many bariatric procedures have you performed? How long is the hospital stay? Leak tests, how many and when are they performed? That's all I can think of right now. Best wishes on your consult, and if you need anything ask away. We'll all be here for you through this journey.

I am starving my freaking tookus off. I guess that’s the point of all of this, in a way—minus the starving part. That part is actually kind of the opposite of what this is about, in the long run anyhow. But tonight I am definitely starving. Tomorrow is my surgery which means I was relegated to clear liquids all day. That means all I was allowed to consume were Italian ices, sugar free jello, broth, juice (of the white grape and apple varieties) and water. I’m here to tell you that while I love Italian ices, if I have to eat another one, I will hurl. Or more likely, I will dry heave, since real vomiting requires there to actually be something of substance in my stomach. And what’s worse is that after midnight I can’t have anything at all—not even water. This wouldn’t be so bad if I had to be at the hospital at 7am, but noooooooo. Of course since I’m young and relatively healthy, I get the last surgery of the day which means I don’t even have to be at the hospital until 2pm. On the bright side, that means less time overall in the hospital. I’ll be drowsy for the rest of the day after I wake up and then go to sleep, and before I know it, it will hopefully be morning and I can do my post surgical tests and go home. And even better is that I will likely be in the hospital for less than 24 hours which saves me $225 in copay. But that also means that I won’t stop starving anytime soon. I suppose I shouldn’t focus on that. I have to focus on the positive—remember what I’m doing this for. I’m doing it to take control of my life. And until today it hasn’t been too bad. The worst part of the liquid diet leading up to today was the lack of variety. Everything tasted sweet except the soups. I have a major sweet tooth and all, but this was a bit much, even for me. As the days went by I actually wound up eating less and less. I think day 4 was the hardest; I was still hungry, but didn’t want to eat any more of the foods I was allowed, which meant I didn’t eat as much as I needed and felt crappy. By days 5 and 6 I really didn’t feel much hunger and wasn’t even consuming a full 6 meals anymore, but I still felt good. Of course I was still consuming some meals, which is more than I can say for my broth sipping, ice-pop sucking day today. Man, I’m really starving. Where was I again? Oh yeah, it’s not so bad… Anyhow, it’s almost over. Or perhaps I should say it’s almost starting. That’s what the lap-band really is—a start. But what I meant was the nerve racking, surgery part is almost over. I’ve kept my nerves pretty well in check, actually. I mean, this is a small hospital with a big bariatric department. They do this all the time so I’m fairly confident that I’ll wake up from anesthesia plus one lap band and not minus one leg or with a bald head and my cranium held together by circlage wire or something. And the anesthesia’s not too scary to me either. I don’t know if that’s because in my job we do anesthesia and surgery every day with 1/10th the resources and the patients do just fine so I’m not that nervous, or because I just don’t let myself experience the nerves because I don’t like to deal with my feelings. I would however love to deal with the feelings of hunger I’m currently experiencing. Gah, I need to stop thinking about food. What wouldn’t I do for some of that pot roast my mother made for her and my Dad last night? Especially with a nice buttered piece of challah. God, that sounds good. But I won’t be eating that anytime soon. Hopefully one day I will once again be able to enjoy such a treat—in my new lap-band aided policy of moderation, of course. That’s about it for tonight. I’ll be back on Tuesday with the skinny from the big day. Toodles.

I am starving my freaking tookus off. I guess that’s the point of all of this, in a way—minus the starving part. That part is actually kind of the opposite of what this is about, in the long run anyhow. But tonight I am definitely starving. Tomorrow is my surgery which means I was relegated to clear liquids all day. That means all I was allowed to consume were Italian ices, sugar free jello, broth, juice (of the white grape and apple varieties) and water. I’m here to tell you that while I love Italian ices, if I have to eat another one, I will hurl. Or more likely, I will dry heave, since real vomiting requires there to actually be something of substance in my stomach. And what’s worse is that after midnight I can’t have anything at all—not even water. This wouldn’t be so bad if I had to be at the hospital at 7am, but noooooooo. Of course since I’m young and relatively healthy, I get the last surgery of the day which means I don’t even have to be at the hospital until 2pm. On the bright side, that means less time overall in the hospital. I’ll be drowsy for the rest of the day after I wake up and then go to sleep, and before I know it, it will hopefully be morning and I can do my post surgical tests and go home. And even better is that I will likely be in the hospital for less than 24 hours which saves me $225 in copay. But that also means that I won’t stop starving anytime soon. I suppose I shouldn’t focus on that. I have to focus on the positive—remember what I’m doing this for. I’m doing it to take control of my life. And until today it hasn’t been too bad. The worst part of the liquid diet leading up to today was the lack of variety. Everything tasted sweet except the soups. I have a major sweet tooth and all, but this was a bit much, even for me. As the days went by I actually wound up eating less and less. I think day 4 was the hardest; I was still hungry, but didn’t want to eat any more of the foods I was allowed, which meant I didn’t eat as much as I needed and felt crappy. By days 5 and 6 I really didn’t feel much hunger and wasn’t even consuming a full 6 meals anymore, but I still felt good. Of course I was still consuming some meals, which is more than I can say for my broth sipping, ice-pop sucking day today. Man, I’m really starving. Where was I again? Oh yeah, it’s not so bad… Anyhow, it’s almost over. Or perhaps I should say it’s almost starting. That’s what the lap-band really is—a start. But what I meant was the nerve racking, surgery part is almost over. I’ve kept my nerves pretty well in check, actually. I mean, this is a small hospital with a big bariatric department. They do this all the time so I’m fairly confident that I’ll wake up from anesthesia plus one lap band and not minus one leg or with a bald head and my cranium held together by circlage wire or something. And the anesthesia’s not too scary to me either. I don’t know if that’s because in my job we do anesthesia and surgery every day with 1/10th the resources and the patients do just fine so I’m not that nervous, or because I just don’t let myself experience the nerves because I don’t like to deal with my feelings. I would however love to deal with the feelings of hunger I’m currently experiencing. Gah, I need to stop thinking about food. What wouldn’t I do for some of that pot roast my mother made for her and my Dad last night? Especially with a nice buttered piece of challah. God, that sounds good. But I won’t be eating that anytime soon. Hopefully one day I will once again be able to enjoy such a treat—in my new lap-band aided policy of moderation, of course. That’s about it for tonight. I’ll be back on Tuesday with the skinny from the big day. Toodles.

That is absolutely my fear! I go tomorrow for Pre-op, so I will be sure to ask. The hospital here has a Bariatric Center, so I would guess as a whole, they could at least help me in the case of an emergency...

Thanks Cowgirl. Just beginning to see a change in my thinking about food and that one meal a day is not a great idea. I am still taking a PPI and only notice that ucky feeling when I don't eat properly. I had my sleeve in Mexico so no NUT but there many bariatric programs in my area so I think I should invest in a NUT consult. Kinda enjoying the self discovery this process has started. Would have probably not asked for help before---dang stubbornness!

My bariatric doctor shared it is easy for people post bariatric surgery to trade a food addiction for another unhealthy addiction such as too much alcohol, smoking, overdoing exercise, etc. I suggest you ask yourself why you are smoking and what benefit are you getting and why smoking versus other productive activities. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

We share a surgery date!! Welcome! Right now, I'm missing the activity of "chewing" ...lol. I would give my right arm if I could find something to CHEW! I tried a sugar-free popsicle today and it helped for about 2 seconds. It's not that I'm hungry per se, just missing being able to "eat" instead of drinking ALL THE TIME. That being said, I realize that this is all part of the deal, I'm following my surgeon's rules to a "T" and I have lost 16 lbs since Wed. Oct. 20th. That seems incredible to me, and gives me reason to keep staying the course, knowing that I'm doing everything right and making this new sleeve work. My abdomen is still sore, my drain wound is still a leaking ugly mess, my throat still hurts from the tube during surgery, so I guess I have the good, the bad and the in-between moments. This is definitely a huge part of my support group, just being able to come here and communicate with others, some who have been there, and some who are waiting for their surgery. I'm so happy that I found this forum because sleeves are new to my dr. (although he is an excellent bariatric surgeon who has TONS of experience) so they haven't really set up a strictly sleeve support group yet. I have relied on this site to help me with all the questions, frustrations, and just everything. Keep coming and talking and I'm sure you will find it helpful. Vent away, I'm guessing that what you are feeling is completely normal.