Alex Brecher

Any “successful” Weight Loss Surgery patient will tell you that weight loss is only one measure of success. There are many other ways to win, so keep your eyes out. Recognizing your non-scale victories (NSVs) will keep you motivated and let you get the most you can out of WLS. Here are just a few ways you know you are winning. 1. Your clothes fit (or don’t fit). You fit into clothes you “outgrew” on the way up, and your pre-WLS clothes are so big they are falling off. Better yet may be the feeling you have when your wedding ring fits again or you can slip into your high school prom dress again. 2. You are happy to go to the doctor. After years of bad news about your health, ranging from vague warnings (“You can get heart disease because of your weight.”) to scares (“You will be lucky if you live to see your children graduate from high school.”), things are different. You may get good news, such as being able to reduce your medications and seeing your numbers improve. 3. You like other activities besides eating. You will know success when you treasure your morning walk more than doughnuts, you want to focus on the movie without a tub of popcorn, and you are happy to talk to your friends instead of eating fast enough to serve yourself second helpings at dinner. It is a good feeling when you realize that the thing you will enjoy most about your granddaughter's birthday party is seeing her open her presents, not tasting her birthday cake. 4. Shopping is fun. You can go to regular stores, see a nice selection of fashionable clothes, and try them on without cringing when you look in the mirror. Plus, you have the energy to enjoy the experience. 5. It’s fun to focus on yourself. For some, getting a massage or going to the hairdresser can be a reminder of how unhappy you are in your body. You know WLS is working if you find yourself enjoying these activities again instead of avoiding them because of poor body image. Going to the doctor can also be embarrassing when you are overweight if you know that your health concerns are caused by your extra weight. 6. You do what you want to do. You make your plans based on your schedule and desire rather than which venue has the biggest seats and bathroom stalls. The size of booths at restaurants, the width of airplane seats, and weight limits at amusement parks become less important than the menu choices, the cost of the airfare, and who your favorite cartoon characters are. 7. You are bigger. You may be shrinking physically, but your personality is bigger. You no longer try to hide. You are confident in stating your opinions and being yourself, even if that means standing out a bit from the rest of the group. You have a voice, and you are prepared to use it.

Are you using a shaker bottle with a shaker ball to mix it?

Dr. Boyce is a fantastic surgeon! He owns BariLife. Of course, he wants you to use it! You really don't have to. Use any vitamins that meet ASMBS guidelines. There are tons of other options. I tasted the new lemonade powder and thought it actually tasted pretty decent.

A "guy" founded this community We are a rare breed on here. Over 85% of our active participants are female.

The entire Zeroodle product line now available at the BariatricPal Store! The Zeroodle product line is a delicious, satisfying, and healthy alternative to traditional pasta or rice. Packed with protein and fiber, this pasta is versatile enough to use in all of your favorite recipes, with a flavor the whole family can enjoy. Check it out at the BariatricPal Store!

Join BariatricPal in Spartanburg, South Carolina on March 3rd at the USC Upstate Readiness Center for another weekend designed to Educate, Motivate, Inspire and Celebrate you, during your Weight Loss Journey. Dr. Younan Nowzaradan from TLC's hit television show My 600 LB Life & Author of Last Chance to Live will be the keynote speaker. Visit www.beyondthetool.com for more information. See you there!!

Doesn't look like BariatricPal will be joining this year. Delta just canceled our flight tomorrow morning due to weather conditions. I'm so disappointed!! We're trying to find other flights but it doesn't look promising

Here's a 50% off code 98NM19986AZE if you purchase it from us here . The coupon code will work for the next 5 people that place Tespo orders. Enjoy!

Hey Ilene! I'm sorry you're also having complications. It's been a great journey so far. No regrets! Good to hear from you and please keep us updated on your progress and future plans.

Unblocked

I'm sorry but this isn't possible. You can apologize to anyone you may have offended. People are very understanding about having a bad day.

The decision whether to get weight loss surgery is one of the most important ones you will ever make. If it is right for you, bariatric surgery can give you a new lease on life as you lose weight and feel great. If you are not ready, weight loss surgery can be a painful experience that does not solve your weight problems. If you are on the fence about it, take your time coming to a decision. Even if you are theoretically eligible for it, you might have a funny feeling about it still. Here are five signs that might be saying that you are not yet ready for WLS. 1. You want to know how soon you can have … Whatever “…” may be, if you are counting down the days until you can have it after your surgery, you might be missing the point. This is a lifetime commitment. It is not a 30-day period of abstinence from alcohol or from pizza. If your mindset is that this is a short-term race to goal weight, bariatric surgery might land you where other diets have: at goal weight and then back to starting weight, plus a few pounds. 2. You’re looking for any excuse to be found ineligible. You may technically qualify for weight loss surgery based on your BMI and any obesity-related health conditions you may have, but are you ready? You might not be if you are grasping at straws to come with reasons you that you “should not” have surgery. For example, you practically ask a doctor to disqualify you because your great-grandfather (who was a smoker) died of a heart attack at age 92 and therefore you worry your heart is not strong enough to withstand surgery. (Note: it is absolutely the right thing to do to explore all of your health history to be sure that the surgery is a relatively safe option for you. Just distinguish between real and imaginary reasons). 3. You are seeking fourth, fifth, and sixth-second opinions. Let’s say your primary care doctor recommends that you have the surgery, and you found a surgeon who gave you the go-ahead. It’s one thing to ask another expert for a second opinion, just to be sure that you are making the right choice. It is quite another to ask several more experts for their opinions, hoping that one of them will advise against surgery. If that is the case, it might be a sign that you are not ready to commit to weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes that are part of that commitment. 4. You are not sure how it would be different than dieting. Bariatric surgery is worlds away from dieting. If you are thinking of bariatric surgery as a new diet that you will follow until you reach goal weight, you probably will not be prepared to sustain your new eating habits for life, and the weight will come back, just like it may have after countless diets. If you cannot explain to yourself why this is different than previous diet attempts, you might end up with the same results. 5. Your SO is doing more research than you. It seems like every day, your significant other or your mom or your sister is telling you factoids about surgery that they discovered while researching online or talking to people. In the meantime, you have not seemed to be able to find the time to look things up. The fact may be that you are just not that engaged, which may be a sign that, deep down, you are not ready to take the plunge.

Members can edit topics or posts up to 2 hours after they're posted.

It's a huge change and I'm definitely a little nervous but also very excited. I have a 2 days liquid diet as well.

I have my MGB scheduled for March 19th!

We're excited to announce two awesome new flavors to our BariatricPal Square Protein Wafer line: Lemon Raspberry Get your protein and stay motivated to stick to your diet with BariatricPal Protein Wafers. BariatricPal Square Protein Wafers make a filling snack or dessert, and the 15 grams of protein can keep you full for hours. You will get less than 10% of the amount of sugar in a bakery-sized lemon bar while you satisfy your sweet tooth. Each box contains 5 individually-packaged servings of 2 wafers each. Highlights: 15 grams protein 200 calories 20% of the daily value for calcium Suitable for the Solid Foods, Maintenance, and Back on Track diets Suitable for gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch and gastric band patients Suitable for anyone watching their weight Enjoy as an on-the-go snack, gourmet dessert, or meal replacement Aspartame free 5 x BariatricPal Square Protein Wafer Packets Per Box, 2 wafers per packet BariatricPal Square Protein Wafers are also available in these delicious flavors: Chocolate Mocha Vanilla

If you are on the fence about it, take your time coming to a decision. Even if you are theoretically eligible for it, you might have a funny feeling about it still. Here are five signs that might be saying that you are not yet ready for WLS. 1. You want to know how soon you can have … Whatever “…” may be, if you are counting down the days until you can have it after your surgery, you might be missing the point. This is a lifetime commitment. It is not a 30-day period of abstinence from alcohol or from pizza. If your mindset is that this is a short-term race to goal weight, bariatric surgery might land you where other diets have: at goal weight and then back to starting weight, plus a few pounds. 2. You’re looking for any excuse to be found ineligible. You may technically qualify for weight loss surgery based on your BMI and any obesity-related health conditions you may have, but are you ready? You might not be if you are grasping at straws to come with reasons you that you “should not” have surgery. For example, you practically ask a doctor to disqualify you because your great-grandfather (who was a smoker) died of a heart attack at age 92 and therefore you worry your heart is not strong enough to withstand surgery. (Note: it is absolutely the right thing to do to explore all of your health history to be sure that the surgery is a relatively safe option for you. Just distinguish between real and imaginary reasons). 3. You are seeking fourth, fifth, and sixth-second opinions. Let’s say your primary care doctor recommends that you have the surgery, and you found a surgeon who gave you the go-ahead. It’s one thing to ask another expert for a second opinion, just to be sure that you are making the right choice. It is quite another to ask several more experts for their opinions, hoping that one of them will advise against surgery. If that is the case, it might be a sign that you are not ready to commit to weight loss surgery and the lifestyle changes that are part of that commitment. 4. You are not sure how it would be different than dieting. Bariatric surgery is worlds away from dieting. If you are thinking of bariatric surgery as a new diet that you will follow until you reach goal weight, you probably will not be prepared to sustain your new eating habits for life, and the weight will come back, just like it may have after countless diets. If you cannot explain to yourself why this is different than previous diet attempts, you might end up with the same results. 5. Your SO is doing more research than you. It seems like every day, your significant other or your mom or your sister is telling you factoids about surgery that they discovered while researching online or talking to people. In the meantime, you have not seemed to be able to find the time to look things up. The fact may be that you are just not that engaged, which may be a sign that, deep down, you are not ready to take the plunge.

The WLSFA is searching for the Bariatric Group of the Year. Please take 10 seconds and vote for BariatricPal here!

Welcome back! Chat rooms were removed a long time ago.

No need to start something new! We're here for you You can always post a topic to our FaceBook group if you're looking to connect with others on there.

Tough Love We tend to be toughest on the ones we love the most because we hold them to such a high standard. Put yourself in the elite category of people you love, and give yourself some tough love with the goal of making yourself better. You could buy an accurate digital scale so you cannot use inaccuracies or forgetfulness as an excuse for not losing weight. You could get rid of anything in your kitchen that is not going to help your weight loss goals. You could force yourself to log your food accurately even if it is not pretty because ultimately, it is in your best interest. Supportive Love You can show yourself love by supporting yourself in your weight loss journey the way you would support any of your loved ones in their own endeavors. What about…? Going on a shopping spree in the produce section of your local supermarket. Placing an online order for bariatric vitamins and protein bars. Making a few appointments with yourself to walk or do other exercises. Indulgent Love Spend a little one-on-one time with yourself to rediscover yourself, because sometimes in the hustle and bustle of daily living, we forget that we are people who need TLC. Give yourself a spa day or get a massage, watch a movie (no popcorn!), or buy yourself a present, such as flowers to brighten up your home. Social Love Spend a day with some friends. Go to the beach, a museum, or the mall, volunteer somewhere or make crafts at one of your homes. Your day together not only serves to give you a fun and uplifting day of relaxation. It also lets you see some role models. Your friends will be showing you that they appreciate and care about you, and that is a lesson you should take note of. Communicative Love When was the last time you told yourself you love yourself? How often do you remind yourself of your wonderful qualities? Do you regularly praise yourself for your accomplishments and efforts? Guess what: today is the day! Take pen and paper (or your smartphone’s note-taking app) and write down some positive words about yourself. Let yourself know if you admire… Your hard work in your weight loss surgery journey. The good job you do at work. The way you keep your household running. How well you take care of your family. Any of your qualities such as patience, generosity, intelligence, or kindness. Read this often! Selfish Love Show yourself some love by putting yourself first. This could be as difficult, but simple, as saying, “No” to someone else in favor of something you want to do for yourself. You can put yourself first by: Vetoing a night out at your family’s favorite restaurant that you cannot find anything WLS-friendly to eat in favor of your family’s second-favorite restaurant if it has something you can eat. Saying, “No, thanks,” when someone asks you to taste her freshly baked cookies because skipping them is more important for your diet. Telling your boss you need to go home on time to be with your family instead of staying late at work. Remember, if you ever are tempted to feel guilty for putting yourself first, that you need to put yourself first. You need to be healthy, happy, and strong to give your very best to others. From now on, work on your relationship with yourself every day. You may thank yourself!

It’s common to work on and celebrate friend and family relationships, but never forget the most important person in your life: you. Here are some ways you can show yourself that you care. Tough Love We tend to be toughest on the ones we love the most because we hold them to such a high standard. Put yourself in the elite category of people you love, and give yourself some tough love with the goal of making yourself better. You could buy an accurate digital scale so you cannot use inaccuracies or forgetfulness as an excuse for not losing weight. You could get rid of anything in your kitchen that is not going to help your weight loss goals. You could force yourself to log your food accurately even if it is not pretty because ultimately, it is in your best interest. Supportive Love You can show yourself love by supporting yourself in your weight loss journey the way you would support any of your loved ones in their own endeavors. What about…? Going on a shopping spree in the produce section of your local supermarket. Placing an online order for bariatric vitamins and protein bars. Making a few appointments with yourself to walk or do other exercises. Indulgent Love Spend a little one-on-one time with yourself to rediscover yourself, because sometimes in the hustle and bustle of daily living, we forget that we are people who need TLC. Give yourself a spa day or get a massage, watch a movie (no popcorn!), or buy yourself a present, such as flowers to brighten up your home. Social Love Spend a day with some friends. Go to the beach, a museum, or the mall, volunteer somewhere or make crafts at one of your homes. Your day together not only serves to give you a fun and uplifting day of relaxation. It also lets you see some role models. Your friends will be showing you that they appreciate and care about you, and that is a lesson you should take note of. Communicative Love When was the last time you told yourself you love yourself? How often do you remind yourself of your wonderful qualities? Do you regularly praise yourself for your accomplishments and efforts? Guess what: today is the day! Take pen and paper (or your smartphone’s note-taking app) and write down some positive words about yourself. Let yourself know if you admire… Your hard work in your weight loss surgery journey. The good job you do at work. The way you keep your household running. How well you take care of your family. Any of your qualities such as patience, generosity, intelligence, or kindness. Read this often! Selfish Love Show yourself some love by putting yourself first. This could be as difficult, but simple, as saying, “No” to someone else in favor of something you want to do for yourself. You can put yourself first by: Vetoing a night out at your family’s favorite restaurant that you cannot find anything WLS-friendly to eat in favor of your family’s second-favorite restaurant if it has something you can eat. Saying, “No, thanks,” when someone asks you to taste her freshly baked cookies because skipping them is more important for your diet. Telling your boss you need to go home on time to be with your family instead of staying late at work. Remember, if you ever are tempted to feel guilty for putting yourself first, that you need to put yourself first. You need to be healthy, happy, and strong to give your very best to others. From now on, work on your relationship with yourself every day. You may thank yourself!

We launched it as a secret group but FaceBook puts too many limitations on secret groups and we changed to a closed group format.

Yes, because nobody would be able to find it if it was secret plus a slew of many other reasons. I totally understand where you're coming from but we've decided it to keep it closed. We changed the group name to BariatricPal Community for this reason.

I am excited to announce the new BariatricPal Facebook group! We are an exclusive group that is open by invitation only – and you’re invited! You can get the support you depend on from BariatricPal over on Facebook, too. We’re here for advice, encouragement, and companionship as you make your way through the WLS journey. To join the group, just click or tap this link. Then click or tap “Join Group.” And hurry! If you join within the next 15 days, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a 1-year subscription to the BariatricPal Box of the Month Club – a $300 value! See you on Facebook!