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I was in group session at my bariatric surgeons office and one of the fellow rny bypassers stated she can feel her remnant stomach...can even burp it. I've never even thought about my other stomach thats floating around still. It kinda blew my mind. So i was wondering if anyone else feels it.

I am writing this to help others plan for their surgery. It's August 12 and I started on my journey in mid-May. I am a self pay patient. I have chosen Puget Sound Bariatric Center. The clinic is over an hour away from my house, but has an excellent reputation. I was worried about commute times, but thought I would only have a few pre-op appointments at the clinic per my discussions on the phone with their rep. I have to plan that every appointment will include 3 hours of drive time round trip. When I first called them, I was told if I completed my tests soon, I would be scheduled for surgery within a month. The initial representative misspoke. Therefore, I wasn't fully prepared for the amount of time it would take to qualify for surgery even though I was self-paying. It takes several months. Unfortunately, I canceled all of my summer plans and now regret that. I wish that clinics would be more accurate in setting expectations. In June, I met with a Dr. and got my lab orders. The first meeting lasts a few hours because you meet the rest of the team, fill out paperwork, etc. Next, got all of my labs done and returned to office. Then spent nearly a day at the office meeting with all of the specialists. I had a lab request for a sleep study, ultimately, this required 5 trips to the pulmonologist and an overnight stay. My advice to people who are self-paying is to plan for this to take 4 months and estimate about 18-24 hours of appointments (including the sleep study). You will also need to chase everything down. People don't follow up like they are supposed to, results don't get faxed to the right place, you think things are being processed but they are languishing in someone's in box. I still don't have a surgery date. Maybe some time in September? In the end, my hope is that it is all worth it. But had I known how much time this process would take, I would have taken a 2 week summer vacation to relax. This is all very stressful. I still feel good about the Dr. and clinic, but they are not nearly as organized as they believe. I've communicated my concerns to them and they are working hard to correct things. Some of this is out of their control due to errors made by a sleep center. I hope this information is useful to others.

Has anyone had insurance deny your consultation appt with a surgeon?? My bmi is about 48 I'm 270 and only 5'1. Comorbidities had high cholesterol and I'm in last stages of finishing my sleep study with a diagnosis of sleep apnea. My insurance will cover any bariatric surgery... I'm calling the insurance rep tomorrow but very bummed ....

I love Premier Protein, however, my doctor/NUT doesn't want me drinking it the first 6 months... they want me drinking protein with whey Protein isolate instead of a mixture like Premier has in it. (I believe it has Milk protein first) Now that being said, lots of doctor's approve Premier. I'm just telling it as my NUT tells me... that we can't absorb as easily. I drink Bariatric Advantage, New Direction, and Chike. There are other's out there, and I'm going to be on the search once these are gone because I'm getting tired of them LOL

I asked the dietician that in the hospital because I thought it sounded odd too. In fact, the nutritional booklet that they gave all the bariatric patients had meal plans for both 3 and 6 meals a day. Here was her logic, and after she explained it to me it made sense: since you have to stop drinking 30 minutes before and after each meal and since it should take about 30 minutes to eat a meal, that means you have 90 minutes x number of meals every day that you can't be drinking fluids. For 3 meals a day that's 4 hours off, for 6 meals that's 9. Considering a lot of us have trouble staying hydrated in the beginning I think it's a reasonable concern. One of the things they pushed hard on during our healthy eating class was breaking the "snack mentality", and there is concern about eating small amounts multiple times a day leading to all-day grazing and never really feeling full. That being said, the dietician did mention that some of her patients come back after a month or so and complain that they feel hungry all the time, in which case she suggests they add in an additional fourth meal, but just keep track of everything. I don't know much about the research relating to metabolism -- I know mine is low due to a lifetime of no exercise -- but I've heard that muscle building can help raise it as well, since it takes more calories to maintain a pound of muscle than a pound of adipose tissue. Until I get my asthma under control enough to do cardio I plan to do some light weightlifting to help with muscle toning.

You might be correct, but I would hope that an organization of almost 4000 members of the bariatric profession would publish the up to date medical information. Unless the source of the food is extremely dense with protein, a post WLS person won't be able to eat much more than 30g at a time.

This is a link to the ASMBS's page on FAQs post WLS. https://asmbs.org/patients/life-after-bariatric-surgery Many of the same questions are asked over and over, here's a one-stop source to some of them.

The amount, and speed, of weight loss in the first six months after bariatric surgery is mainly determined by genes, so one person's results are in no way predictive of anyone else's. There are gender-specific differences in weight loss that you'll also likely benefit from. Genetic expression, however, is dependent upon environment, so we can all help our DNA along after surgery -- and for the rest of our lives -- by following key evidence-based bariatric rules such as no liquids 30 mins before or after meals, staying hydrated, practicing portion control, mindful eating, protein first veggies second, chewing food extremely well before swallowing, not slipping back into old eating behaviours and food habits, reading labels if you eat packaged foodstuffs, getting in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity per week, getting enough sleep, and taking all of the required vitamin and mineral supplements. Wishing you well with your surgery!

Thanks Sue. Yes heading back in 3 mos for my check up...I don't trust bariatric dr's that have less experience with this surgery...restriction feels where I would expect it to be. I eat half a ham and cheese wrap from whole foods and I feel extremely full. Still can't get more than 3 -4 max sushi rolls in.

For treating a regain problem, I prefer the DS as it is stronger metabolically than either the VSG or RNY - the RNY is too close to the VSG in strength to reliably offer a significant improvement in weight loss, from what I have seen over the years. Figure maybe 20lb loss on average - about what one would expect from going through all the intense dieting associated with going through surgery again. (There are some who do significantly better, bit it seems to be more a function of their determination to "make this work" or "not screw it up again" than the actual surgery itself. Call it something like a surgical placebo, lol.) By your surgeons not finding the codes for the DS implies that they are talking about the newer SIPS/SADI/"loop DS" which is a single anastomosis adaptation of the traditional BPD/DS (biliopancreatic diversion) which has been routinely covered by US insurance and Medicare for the past 14-15 years, but is a more complex procedure that relatively few bariatric surgeons perform. Some practices that do the SIPS/SADI use the BPD/DS billing codes which is technically insurance fraud, but if they're comfortable doing it, that's their concern. Revising the VSG to a DS, of either flavor, is straightforward as each use the VSG as its basis (some don't even consider it a revision, more a "completion" of the ultimate configuration.) The strong point of the BPD/DS is its regain resistance - regain is possible as it is with any of these procedures, but it is harder. I know many with the DS who are 10-20 years out (my wife included) who are still maintaining a healthy weight; some are up a bit more and working on losing their "Covid 19" - just like "normal" people but major regains are relatively uncommon. The SIPS/SADI type of DS seems to fall somewhere in between the VSG/RNY and the BPD/DS - I have seen a few in the various forums who have had it and seem to be doing well with it, but it doesn't have as long a history. Any of these procedures - the RNY, DS or SIPS - will be somewhat fussier and less care-free than your VSG when it comes to supplements and follow up; the RNY is maybe a bit less so, but one can get into some serious trouble with any of them if one slacks off. If keeping up with supplements and annual labs is not an issue with you, then any of them should be fine.

Trying to get ideas for meals and wondering if purchasing a cookbook specifically to Bariatric Surgery or Post Sleeve is worth it? Also If anyone has bought a cookbook and really loved it “please let me know the title!

Yes I agree you should have had a gastric bypass at your weight. If Dr Ungson is no longer in practise I am sure that whomever he trained is well qualified. I had bariatric surgeries in Mexico by two different doctors and both surgeries were great. Best of luck!! Oh and I hear that yes DS is under 10,000 I had a quote and I beleive it was 9 and change.

be sure to do your research. This has been discussed on another bariatric forum I'm on (not in awhile, though). There was one surgeon named Dr. Ungson who was supposedly really great, but he's no longer in practice. There are another couple of good ones as well - but also some really not-so-good ones. They may have been discussed here as well - check the search feature and see.

Have you gone back to your surgeon and bariatric team to see if they can work with you to see if your sleeve can still work for you? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my RNY out of town. It was 2 1/2 hours from where I live. I fired my surgeon and started going to another Dr. But my PCP always adds what needs to be done on my regular bloodwork order and then faxed to my Bariatric Dr. Now my hubby did go to Mexico for his Sleeve, unfortunately, he didn't use Bariatricpal. We used another service and am not happy with the service at all. But now the same Dr that I use is taking care of him. I also forgot I had Strictures and needed 5 EEndoscopes with 4 Dilation. My Surgeon that did my RNY did 4 of them. But the Bariatric Dr in Portland did my last one in 2015. We both have not had any problems with getting care that we need. Now hubby did go to the ER when he thought his Sleeve opening was infected but if there was any real problem we would take the trip to our Bariatric Dr.

Thanks for answering! I am following the program but I was constipated too and went to the ER and gain some weight without eating anything!,, I think it was something that they put on my IV that has a lot of proteins and vitamins ( they call it the bariatric fluid) . I will be more patient!!! Thanks

I've looked at some bariatric cookbooks and I do not think they are worthwhile. There are tons of free recipes available on the internet. After the first couple of months, you don't really need bariatric-specific recipes (but don't sleep on the ricotta bake -- it is delicious and I made it regularly during my pureed and soft food stages). I have found a lot of wonderful recipes on Pinterest. I've had the best luck searching for "skinny" and "WW" (Weight Watchers). "Healthy," "low-carb," and "keto" also have some good results; you just have to make sure they meet your requirements ("keto" recipes in particular can be a mixed bag, because some of them are very high in fat, which can cause dumping for bariatric patients).

I tried Celebrate sample packs. The chewable vitamins tasted horrible. I did get 2 packets of 4 in 1 but the vitamins tasted so bad, I threw the packets out. I suspect the 4 in 1 just has their vitamins in powder added to protein shake pack. Find a brand of Bariatric chewable vitamin you like and switch. BARIATRIC FUSION chewable are the cheapest and complete, including calcium. Different fruit flavors but avoid the ORANGE as it is really overwhelmingly strong flavor. For protein shakes, I have been drinking pre-made FAIRLIFE Nutrition Chocolate. I really like it and only 150 cal with 30g protein, 2 carbs in 11 oz serving. Stats: 5'1", age 67, female. Highest weight: 245. BMI 41. Surgery Date: May 28, 2020. Weight at surgery: 211. VSG.

As you wrote your note, you're actually asking two questions: Does the band work? and Does the band work and remain viable for the long haul. You're going to hear the good, the bad and the neutral in response to both questions. In answer to the first, the band works if the owner works it, as "they" say in the street. It will not work for losing weight f not considered and used as an aid, a partner, so to speak. It usually takes a few adjustments to get it set as an optimal aid. Because it's fickle, adjustments to loosen or tighten may be needed from time to time; there's no way to predict. Then there are the band owners whose bands are just right for them out of the gate. Second question: The band isn't perfect and many have revised to other surgeries. They include those who had legitimate cause and I have no doubt that others just didn't work their bands or abused them. With a band, as with any of the bariatric procedures, regain is always a possibility. Maintenance for the long term is the individual's responsibility and demands vigilance. One downside with the band is that it requires pretty much life-long attention, e.g., annual esophagrams (a.k.a. barium swallows) to be sure it's in place and that liquids and food continue to move from mouth to stomach as they should. Slips are always a possibility; some can be avoided (by not gorging and/or eating too quickly and the like) and some not (perhaps a wrenching movement, which doesn't mean, by the way, giving up ice-climbing or whatever dare-devilry is your passion, which reminds me: No need to give up sex, either). One band star is @@Alex Brecher who founded BP. He had surgery about 14 years ago and has maintained his boyish figure since reaching his goal as far as I know. He's not your deciding factor, of course, but, if he stops in, may be able to give you perspective that I can't. I'm one of those who was doing wonderfully, with goal in sight, but was thrown by a life event and regained most the the weight I'd lost. I'm back on track now. For a while I thought my band might have breathed it's last, but my July esophagram was good and the band is doing its thing. I must take care to pay attention to the signals it sends -- again, that personal responsibility thing. To make a long spiel longer, I'll end by suggesting that you read your replies and compose a list of specific questions to pose to people at the surgery practice you're considering. Also attend its support group to ask and listing to people face to face. This last is not to advise you to abandon BP. All the best.

Wow. I use Bariatric Advantage. strawberry and banana are awesome Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

I've been scared at times too, but sometimes you just have to figure out your basic plan, then just start doing rather than thinking. Believe me, getting stuck in your own head doesn't help any more than the fear does. Mistakes will probably happen along the way, all you can do is get up the next morning with a renewed goal to keep moving forward.

I am forever talking up my favorite product, herbalife Protein drink mix. its like crystal lite consistency (the peach mango is the best) and has 15 gm protein per serving. I drink it all day long. I dont sell or otherwise endorse herbalife, I just happen to really dig this one product. Also, at my bariatric support group last nite some vets were talking about a flavorless Protein powder they sampled that was really flavorless. I think it was called bipro.

Can't answer on the hematoma question, but I will tell you that I had NONE of what you are describing! My surgeon used staples which, although totally uncomfortable, kept me totally together for the first week until he removed them. Yes, I would be freaked too--and I think I would be making a call to the Bariatric Center tomorrow to get the information you're looking for! Good luck to you... :welldoneclap:

If you are paler than before you should ask your PMD to check your hemoglobin and hematocrit along with iron studies (ferritin, etc) to be sure you aren't anemic. Are you taking iron supplements that are easily absorbable after bariatric surgery? Check with you're surgeon or nutritionist to be sure you're taking the right supplements.

No meal/diet plan here. Just got my Protein in first and then added in veggies, fruit and whole grains as I could tolerate. Always just ate whatever looked and tasted good.....chicken, crab, burger, pork loin, steak, ham, sausage, bacon, elk, eggs, fish, cheese, Greek yogurt, spinach, squash, green Beans, beets, avocados, mushrooms, tofu, beans, Peanut Butter, Brussel sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, apples, pineapple, bananas, melons, tomatoes, lentils, Kashi Go Lean, Bob's 10grain hot Cereal,.... Check out the nutrition subforum on here for ideas. World according to eggface and bariatric foodie are both websites with good recipes.