Alex Brecher

The conference schedule for SouthEast VSG 2018 in Orlando, Florida is out. Please see below: Friday 9-9:30 Welcome and Introduction of Vendors 9:30-10:15 Connie Stapleton, Ph.D-The Psychological Effects of Weight Loss Surgery 10:30-11:15 Laura Preston-Celebrate Vitamins 11:30-12:15 Bill Streetman-Simple But Not Easy 12:15--1:45-Lunch 1:45-2:30 Alejandro Galvez, M.D.-Post Bariatric Body Contouring 2:45-3:45 “Small Bites” Inda Spearman-Lattimore- My Emotional Health Transformation Cathy Yarbrough -A View From the Other Side John Ross -Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Back My Life 4-4:30 For Men Only Saturday Welcome Back 9:00-9:30 Michelle Williams, Zumba Gold Instructor- Fitness is Fun……Try Zumba 9:45-10:30 Guillermo Alvarez, M.D.-Using Your Surgery As a Tool 10:45-11:30 Anisa Grantham, LPC,MAC- The Struggle Is Real - The Pain Of Regain & Getting Back On Track" 11:30-1:00 Lunch 1-1:45 Kristin Lloyd MS. LPC/LMHC- Dating and Sex After Weight Loss Surgery 2-2:45 Patricia Hill-Cooking Demonstration 3-3:45 Laura Van Tuyl- Support Group Not Meeting Your Needs? Start Your Own! 4-4:30 Mike Yarbrough-I Believe The announcement of the 2019 Conference.

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You may be convinced that you need to get enough protein, but what about the other post-op rules? As many as there may be, they are there for a reason. You are almost sure to lose more weight and stay healthier if you follow these WLS rules. 1. Drink fluids. Drink the fluids your surgeon told you to drink. Drink the entire amount your surgeon told you to have. Have that amount – or more – every single day. Anything low-calorie, non-carbonated, and without caffeine counts, including water, water with flavor enhancers, sipping broth, and decaffeinated low-acid coffee or tea. Many WLS patients believe that at least 64 fluid ounces means that you’re doing well if you’re getting almost 64 ounces on some days and a lot less on other days. If you are one of them, you are risking poorer weight loss, and, possibly more common than you might think, a trip to the ER for dehydration. 2. Measure your food. Food scale, measuring cups and spoons, or counting from a package, the only way to know for sure how much you are eating is to measure it. Start guessing instead of weighing, and you will quickly increase your portion sizes without realizing it. It is one of the laws of nature. 3. Get help. There is no doubt that you are a strong person; it takes courage and tenacity to commit to bariatric surgery and beyond. Regardless of how well you can do on your own, you can do better with help. Be self-sufficient and determined, but be wise enough to reach out for help to be your very best. If you cannot even imagine how others might be able to help you, here are some ideas: Your medical team for food rules, post-op recovery help, and emotional stress strategies. Weight loss pals for accountability, and exercise pals to keep you on track. WLS peers for recipe tips, new product sightings reviews, and menu ideas for each stage of the post-op diet. 4. Log your food. You cannot argue with science, and science says that logging your food works better than not logging your food. Logging keeps you honest and keeps you from “forgetting” about the taste here and bite there that add real calories and carbs. Logging takes very little time, especially if you use an app that gets to know your regular foods. If an app is not your cup of tea, a spiral notebook works fine, too. 5. Plan ahead. What do these mistakes have in common? You are starving on your way home and know you’ll be sitting in traffic, so you drive During your snack attack, you grab the first thing you see: a handful of potato chips. You order a veggie burger, thinking it is healthy, and then realize you could have saved 9 grams of sugar and 170 by getting a hamburger instead. You order a chicken salad, then realize later you would have done better with a cheeseburger and fries. Answer: they could have been avoided with better planning. Pack your own meals so you are not stuck going to restaurants. Stash healthy snacks in the car so you can nosh on them instead of whatever the nearest drive-through has. Check the menu nutritionals before ordering or, better yet, before going to the restaurant. Always think ahead so you are not caught off guard.

Please visit https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov and use the term collagen to search. Google collagen study and you’ll see tons of information and studies.

By the way I literally had my lap-band removes yesterday and for a Mini Gastric Bypass.

Dr. Ortiz is also a very well respected and experienced surgeon. His prices don’t make sense today. He operates out of a nice clinic too, not a full hospital. He quoted you for a revision when your surgery is definitely not considered one. If you do use Dr. Pompa, send her my best. I like her.

That’s not too bad. We charge $4600 at a hospital at http://BariatricPalHospitalMX.com

Dr. Pompa is a great surgeon and has earned her good reputation. I know her for a long time. How much are you being charged?

Thank you for your comments, you are correct that the term Clinical Strength is a marketing term. While New Whey has been a leader in liquid protein since 2009, they have worked with consumers and medical experts to formulate an updated version specific to the needs of people on medical weight loss programs. Not only has their complete protein matrix been updated with a blend of collagen, whey, and casein proteins, but they have also added nutrients that are commonly deficient on medical/bariatric weight loss protocols (B12, Folic Acid, Calcium & Iron). As it relates to Collagen, although it is only part of their protein blend, it is a critical part. There exists an extensive and rapidly growing body of scientific research showing collagen to be beneficial relative to: Enhancement of body composition in combination with diet and exercise Increase in muscle mass as part of a structured strength training program Increase in fat loss in combination with diet and exercise Recovery of joint cartilage Strengthening of ligaments and tendons Helping to increase/augment skin elasticity Strengthening and growth of nails Helping to reduce wrinkles and fine lines Enhancement of wound healing Reduction of cellulite Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is rapidly absorbed, presenting in the bloodstream within 15 minutes of consumption, which makes it an excellent complement to the whey and casein proteins also in our protein matrix. Finally, we agree that protein powder is another good source of supplemental protein. Their focus, however, has always been to provide an incredibly convenient, concentrated liquid protein that users can transport easily, consume quickly with no mixing or no mess. There are many good ways to add protein to the diet.

This is what my LapBand looked like after being removed after 15 years. It’s in phenomenal condition. I had the original first 4cc version but added a low profile port to it a few years later.

The BariatricPal Store is now the exclusive distributor of the newly released NeoPro 35g Clinical Strength Liquid Protein by New Whey in Fruit Punch flavor! NeoPro 35g Liquid Clinical Strength Protein by New Whey (Fruit Punch) is the most convenient, best-tasting way to give your body the protein it needs. With 35g of complete protein and vital nutrients in just 3.8oz, Clinical Strength NeoPro Liquid Protein is a perfect component of a medical nutrition plan and supports your body's muscle maintenance. Product Highlights: Clinical Strength Liquid Protein is the most convenient, best-tasting way to give your body the protein it needs. Delicious Fruit Punch Flavor A perfect component of a medical nutrition plan providing 35g of Clinical Protein Matrix and key support nutrients (Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid & B12) Fast acting, bioavailable protein tubes are free of Caffeine, Sugar, Gluten, Fat & Lactose with only 140 calories No Mixing - No Mess - No Refrigeration needed - Perfect on the go protein Virtually indestructible, pocket-friendly packing is resealable and can be taken anywhere The NeoPro Clinical Protein Matrix is specifically formulated for the delivery of protein, amino acids and essential nutrients that may be deficient in a weight loss or medical nutrition plan. This proprietary, medical strength matrix of Collagen, Whey and Casein isolates is optimized for rapid absorption and high bioavailability of all essential amino acids, while also providing essential nutrients commonly found deficient in followers of calorie restricted and/or medical weight loss programs. NeoPro Clinical Strength Liquid Protein is sugar-free, gluten-free, fat-free and provides 35 grams of our Clinical Protein Matrix with just 140 calories per ampoule. NEOPRO CLINICAL STRENGTH LIQUID PROTEIN TASTES GREAT AND IS READY TO DRINK AS IS OR CAN ALSO BE MIXED WITH SMOOTHIES, JUICES, AND WATER. NeoPro Clinical Strength Liquid Protein is the most convenient, best-tasting way to give your body the protein it needs. This is a perfect component of a medical nutrition plan providing 35g of Clinical Protein Matrix and key support nutrients (Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid & B12) Directions: Consult your physician before taking this or any dietary supplement. Drink up to three vials daily with meals, as a snack, or mixed with your favorite beverage.

We carry an amazing all in one bariatric multivitamin that's guaranteed to be free of any ingredients sourced from China. Check out DEKAs Bariatric Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement with Enhanced Absorption Technology.

Enjoy the creamy texture of ProCare Health's NEW Sea Salted Caramel chew while getting your calcium, vitamin D and a dose of probiotics! ProCare Health's Caramel Calcium Chew is specially formulated for bariatric patients and delivers calcium in a non-gritty way. Each chew provides 500 mg TruCal® calcium, 500 IU of vitamin D3 to support calcium absorption, and also contains 500 million CFU’s of probiotics to help with digestion. All that is packed in a delicious caramel soft chew that you will love to take! Sweetened with tapioca syrup and raw cane sugar there are no artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols, so you can feel confident you are maintaining your optimum calcium levels to support your healthy, active lifestyle. If you find taking calcium tablets difficult, individually-wrapped soft chews make a great alternative that makes it easy to nourish your bones anytime, anywhere and with or without food. Highlights: Naturally Flavored Calcium Chew Creamy, non-gritty texture 500mg Calcium, 500 IU Vitamin D3, 500 million CFU’s probiotics per chew No Artificial Sweeteners No Sugar Alcohols Gluten Free Kosher Non-GMO DIRECTIONS: Take one chew up to three times daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Take at least 2 hours apart from iron to maximize absorption of both supplements. Trucal® is an all natural, lactose free calcium with higher absorption than that of calcium carbonate, and equal too or greater than calcium citrate. Unlike other calcium forms, Trucal® offers a balanced profile of essential minerals and antioxidants. (All the healthy parts of milk with very low lactose) Thus, making Trucal® the superior choice for achieving your optimal bone health.

Who cares what obesity is? You might wonder whether it matters whether obesity is a “disease” or not, especially if doctors have not managed to help you lose weight, except, possibly, your bariatric surgeon. But, the name actually does make a difference. It gives obesity and obesity treatment more attention. It can help remove the stigma surrounding obesity. It gives doctors a mandate to treat you. It could lead to increased medical insurance coverage for obesity treatment, from diet programs to bariatric surgery. Here is why obesity is a “disease.” Obesity meets a definition of disease comprising three criteria: "an impairment of the normal functioning of some aspect of the body;" (changes in organ function, for example) "characteristic signs and symptoms" (excess body weight, for example) "harm or morbidity” (obesity-related complications, such as diabetes and arthritis, for example) The American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and The Obesity Society are among the respected organizations who agree that obesity is a disease. Obesity is not only a disease but an epidemic based on the number of people it affects. It affects 35% of American adults, not including the other 30% who are overweight and at risk for obesity. Nearly one out of five children are obese. Healthcare providers can take charge. One point of calling obesity a disease is to allow and even require, healthcare providers to treat it. No longer should they simply tell you to lose weight, or, worse, ignore the “condition” in the first place. Instead, they should provide care for obesity, including developing treatment plans and following up with you to discuss progress. Now there is a roadmap. Now that obesity treatment is in the realm of medical professionals, there needs to be a standard approach to treating it. The American Heart Association, along with the American College of Cardiology and The Obesity Society, have published clear guidelines for treating obesity. Identify at-risk patients and patients with obesity using BMI, and monitor them at each appointment. Enroll patients with BMI of 30 or over in a medically-supervised weight loss program (note: this is not the same as your doctor telling you to eat less and lose weight on your own!) Keep weight loss surgery in mind for patients with extreme obesity and an obesity-related condition). Weight loss surgery is a recognized treatment for obesity. The third prong of the roadmap is especially important if you are considering weight loss surgery. The recommendation to consider it when treating high-risk patients has a few effects. It reduces stigma, from primary care physicians and your other regular doctors, surrounding WLS. It increases the number of patients who may have WLS covered by insurance. It encourages patients and professionals alike to learn about WLS. No longer is weight loss surgery considered to be an extreme or fringe approach. The ASMBS states that experts who agree that bariatric surgery has a role in obesity treatment also include the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Further progress is needed. There is still much to be done in the medical arena. Healthcare professionals aside from bariatric specialists are often still in the dark about recognizing obesity and treating it. Worse, many still have stigma or bias against overweight patients, and still, engage in patient-blaming. Obesity almost certainly has genetic components along with lifestyle factors. While it may be a disease, it is also a disease that you can work to treat. Now that it has officially been recognized as a disease, let us hope that patients and healthcare professionals can work hand-in-hand, each doing their part to fight obesity.

BariatricPal is excited to announce our exclusive partnership with DEKAs Bariatric Multivitamins . DEKAs Bariatric Multivitamin has been created by the same developers that created the wildly popular Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin ! It uses the same delivery technology as Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin. Read more below about why DEKAs Bariatric Chewable Tablets are the most potent and technologically advanced Bariatric vitamin in the world! DEKAs Bariatric Chewable Tablets are a multivitamin and mineral supplement for the dietary management of bariatric surgery patients. DEKAs Bariatric Chewable Tablets are the next generation of multivitamin and mineral dietary supplements for enhanced absorption utilizing a delivery technology that helps bariatric patients overcome micronutrient malabsorption and lead healthier lives. DEKAs Bariatric is pleasant tasting chewable tablets with an orange-peach flavor that is easy to take on a regular basis. How does DEKAs Bariatric Chewable Tablets compare to Bariatric Advantage's Advanced EA Multivitamin? Same developers of Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin Same delivery technology as Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin More vitamin D (patients have been shown to need more) than Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin. More Thiamin than Bariatric Advantage Advanced EA Multivitamin (consistent with the new ASMBS guidelines that say “At least12mg/d” – “Prevalence of TD post-WLS ranges from 1% to 49% and varies by type of WLS and post-WLS time frame.” Free of artificial flavors But most importantly it tastes better!! Why Choose DEKAs Bariatric Chewable Tablets? They utilize a clinically tested delivery technology to enhance absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and nutrients. They are a comprehensive multivitamin & mineral supplement tailored for the nutritional needs of bariatric patients. They meet ASMBS Integrated Health Nutritional Guidelines for the Surgical Weight Loss Patient, 2016 update. They are pleasant tasting. DEKAs Bariatric’s Fat-Soluble Vitamin Delivery Technology It’s True, oil and water do not mix! Certain nutrients, such as vitamins D, E K and A are oils as found in nature and are often referred to as the oil-soluble or fat-soluble nutrients. In order for fat-soluble nutrients to be absorbed and used by the body, they must be made to mix (emulsify) into the water in the digestive system. Ordinarily, the digestive system accomplishes this emulsification with enzymes from the pancreas and bile salts from the liver. When there is a problem with the digestive system so that the enzymes or bile salts necessary to emulsify these nutrients are not available, a condition called malabsorption is the result. Malabsorption occurs when these nutrients are not absorbed and this often leads to a deficiency of these nutrients which can ultimately result in serious adverse health outcomes. DEKAs Bariatric’s Delivery Technology DEKAs Bariatric is formulated with a delivery technology that overcomes the lack of bile salts and pancreatic enzymes so that these fat-soluble nutrients can be absorbed. This clinically proven technology helps to emulsify the fat-soluble nutrients and deliver them to the gut so that they can be absorbed. Recommended Dosage: 2 tablets daily or as directed by a physician. 60ct bottle Usual Dosages: Gastric Bypass – 1 per day Gastric Sleeve – 1 or 2 per day RYGB/DS – 2 per day Click here for more info and to purchase DEKAs Bariatric Multivitamins.

We have a HUGE selection of protein powders at different price points. Bariatric Advantage and Bariatric Fusion both are very popular. We also have a multivitamin and protein powder in one here.

Obesity has been officially categorized as a disease for four years now. The categorization of obesity as a disease puts more of the burden on doctors to help you lose weight, but some people are still wary of the title. Who cares what obesity is? You might wonder whether it matters whether obesity is a “disease” or not, especially if doctors have not managed to help you lose weight, except, possibly, your bariatric surgeon. But, the name actually does make a difference. It gives obesity and obesity treatment more attention. It can help remove the stigma surrounding obesity. It gives doctors a mandate to treat you. It could lead to increased medical insurance coverage for obesity treatment, from diet programs to bariatric surgery. Here is why obesity is a “disease.” Obesity meets a definition of disease comprising three criteria: "an impairment of the normal functioning of some aspect of the body;" (changes in organ function, for example) "characteristic signs and symptoms" (excess body weight, for example) "harm or morbidity” (obesity-related complications, such as diabetes and arthritis, for example) The American Medical Association, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and The Obesity Society are among the respected organizations who agree that obesity is a disease. Obesity is not only a disease but an epidemic based on the number of people it affects. It affects 35% of American adults, not including the other 30% who are overweight and at risk for obesity. Nearly one out of five children are obese. Healthcare providers can take charge. One point of calling obesity a disease is to allow and even require, healthcare providers to treat it. No longer should they simply tell you to lose weight, or, worse, ignore the “condition” in the first place. Instead, they should provide care for obesity, including developing treatment plans and following up with you to discuss progress. Now there is a roadmap. Now that obesity treatment is in the realm of medical professionals, there needs to be a standard approach to treating it. The American Heart Association, along with the American College of Cardiology and The Obesity Society, have published clear guidelines for treating obesity. Identify at-risk patients and patients with obesity using BMI, and monitor them at each appointment. Enroll patients with BMI of 30 or over in a medically-supervised weight loss program (note: this is not the same as your doctor telling you to eat less and lose weight on your own!) Keep weight loss surgery in mind for patients with extreme obesity and an obesity-related condition). Weight loss surgery is a recognized treatment for obesity. The third prong of the roadmap is especially important if you are considering weight loss surgery. The recommendation to consider it when treating high-risk patients has a few effects. It reduces stigma, from primary care physicians and your other regular doctors, surrounding WLS. It increases the number of patients who may have WLS covered by insurance. It encourages patients and professionals alike to learn about WLS. No longer is weight loss surgery considered to be an extreme or fringe approach. The ASMBS states that experts who agree that bariatric surgery has a role in obesity treatment also include the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Further progress is needed. There is still much to be done in the medical arena. Healthcare professionals aside from bariatric specialists are often still in the dark about recognizing obesity and treating it. Worse, many still have stigma or bias against overweight patients, and still, engage in patient-blaming. Obesity almost certainly has genetic components along with lifestyle factors. While it may be a disease, it is also a disease that you can work to treat. Now that it has officially been recognized as a disease, let us hope that patients and healthcare professionals can work hand-in-hand, each doing their part to fight obesity.

BariatricPal Lucky Leprechaun Shake Serves: 1 1 package BariatricPal Vanilla Shake Pudding 1 cup cold water 5 ice cubes 1/2 tsp peppermint extract 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 1 drop green food coloring Directions: Mix combined ingredients in a blender and serve. Calories: 83 Fat: 0.5g Carbs: 6g Sugar: 3g Protein: 15g Enjoy! Have a Very Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Celebrate Vitamins are fantastic! We sell them on Amazon as well as our own store. They abide by ASMBS guidelines and are VERY high quality.

We had a mental health (along with many many other subforums) for years. We did away with all of them a few months ago. They were barely used. Go ahead and post mental health topics in the general surgery forum. Many other members have similar issues and will be happy to offer advice and responses.

Mmmmmm....I'd say the best bang for your buck is ProCare Health's 1 a day Bariatric Capsules. You can find them at the BariatricPal Store .

We have TONS of unflavored protein powders at the BariatricPal Store. You can view them here .

Dr. Illan will be performing my own MGB in 7 days!

If you have any co-morbidities (sleep apnea, diabetes, etc) there's a good chance your US surgeon might be able to get your insurance to cover your surgery. You sound like the perfect candidate for a Gastric Sleeve. I'd discuss the surgery types that are good for you with whichever surgeon you select and go with the option that you both agree on. You can view all surgery pricing with Dr. Illan at https://bariatricpalhospitalmx.com/weight-loss-surgeries Gastric Sleeve: $4600 MGB: $5700 Gastric Bypass: $6000 DS: $6400

Interesting! I never had this issue but the truth is I haven't tried Nectar in a few months. I do remember eating "pieces" of Syntrax even after I shook the bottle pretty well. They tasted really good so it didn't bother me. I'm curious if other members have some better ideas.