Alex Brecher

We sell the single 5-pack packets at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/celebrate-meal-replacement-available-in-6-flavors . We carry MANY other Tomato Soups as well at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/all/flavor_tomato+product-type_soups .

Happy New Year everyone! We've reached a new and very exciting milestone: The BariatricPal Community reached 4,500,000 Member Posts Today! Yes, that's right, I said MILLION! We wouldn't be what we are today if it wasn't for our dedicated and caring members. Thank you! 2017 was a great year for our community and weight loss surgery in general. 2018 is going to be an amazing year! We have some very exciting announcements coming shortly. Stay tuned......

Our warehouse has been closed for New Years. All orders should be shipping out tomorrow. It's insanely cold over here in NY. Wish I was in Florida at the moment. Happy New Year!

I don't read every topic but this one caught my attention! You're very very welcome! We wouldn't be BariatricPal without active, supportive and friendly members like yourself. I'm going to get the LIKES issue fixed asap. I was starting to not feel loved. Thanks!! Happy new year to you as well.

Life Is Great Actually, life is what you make of it, so you might as well make it great. If you expect it to be great, it probably will be. Some lucky people have a naturally positive outlook; if you do not, you can practice. Get in the habit of finding the positive side of situations, and make a conscious effort to be happy in the moment – right here, right now – instead of wishing you were elsewhere. If a negative thought pops into your head, acknowledge it, then figure out how you can make your perception happier. People Are There for You Something that can make the world friendlier and seemingly easier to navigate is feeling as though everyone is on your side. The truth is that many of them are. You can find out how willing people are to help by…asking for help! Many people are thrilled to help you out, especially if you help them in return. For example, you both win when: You find a weight loss or workout buddy. Be a good listener to someone who needs help with weight loss, quitting smoking, or even a tough divorce, and you may find a sympathetic ear to help you through your tougher days. You carpool or watch each other’s children to free up some time. Some Things Matter Focus on what matters, and you will get better results. These are a few things worth putting energy into. The size of that spoonful. Or bowl, plate, or slice. Measure your food every single time you serve yourself, and you are far more likely to lose weight than if you just guess. The rest of the day. If you made a poor decision, such as skipping your workout or ordering a stack of pancakes, earlier in the day, you can turn it around now because the rest of the day does, in fact, count. Attending your support group meetings. They help you yourself accountable, give you ideas and leads for bariatric foods and products, and keep you connected to the inspiration you had early on in your journey. Lacing up your shoes. You may feel too tired to go for a walk on some days, but trying will at least keep you in the habit, and you may end up having a nicer walk than you expected. Some Things Do Not Matter At the same time, you need to let go of the things that are not important, so you can focus on what is. You may find this concept familiar if you ever had children – the second a baby enters your life, so many other things become unworthy of your time and worry. With weight loss surgery, your focus turns to diet, support, and meal planning. The list of things that do not matter grows. One bad day or meal. Acknowledge your mistake, figure out why it happened, and move on. Dwelling on it or trying to punish yourself will lead to more mistakes. People. At least, people who try to make you go off your meal plan, who tell you that you are failing, and who diminish your hard work. You do not have the energy to spend on these people. It Is My Choice Things somehow seem easier when you know that you have chosen them. Moreover, you can be more dedicated when you know there is no turning back. You chose WLS, and there is no going back after the operation, so…embrace it! Welcome every challenge and triumph, every setback and leap forward. You will find that the steps forward add up more quickly when you take ownership of the journey.

“New Year, New You” sounds good, but it does not do you justice. Your history is what makes you, “YOU,” and “YOU” are great. What could change, though, as you carry your great self forward into 2018, is your outlook. A few changes in attitude can lead to big gains in weight loss. Life Is Great Actually, life is what you make of it, so you might as well make it great. If you expect it to be great, it probably will be. Some lucky people have a naturally positive outlook; if you do not, you can practice. Get in the habit of finding the positive side of situations, and make a conscious effort to be happy in the moment – right here, right now – instead of wishing you were elsewhere. If a negative thought pops into your head, acknowledge it, then figure out how you can make your perception happier. People Are There for You Something that can make the world friendlier and seemingly easier to navigate is feeling as though everyone is on your side. The truth is that many of them are. You can find out how willing people are to help by…asking for help! Many people are thrilled to help you out, especially if you help them in return. For example, you both win when: You find a weight loss or workout buddy. Be a good listener to someone who needs help with weight loss, quitting smoking, or even a tough divorce, and you may find a sympathetic ear to help you through your tougher days. You carpool or watch each other’s children to free up some time. Some Things Matter Focus on what matters, and you will get better results. These are a few things worth putting energy into. The size of that spoonful. Or bowl, plate, or slice. Measure your food every single time you serve yourself, and you are far more likely to lose weight than if you just guess. The rest of the day. If you made a poor decision, such as skipping your workout or ordering a stack of pancakes, earlier in the day, you can turn it around now because the rest of the day does, in fact, count. Attending your support group meetings. They help you yourself accountable, give you ideas and leads for bariatric foods and products, and keep you connected to the inspiration you had early on in your journey. Lacing up your shoes. You may feel too tired to go for a walk on some days, but trying will at least keep you in the habit, and you may end up having a nicer walk than you expected. Some Things Do Not Matter At the same time, you need to let go of the things that are not important, so you can focus on what is. You may find this concept familiar if you ever had children – the second a baby enters your life, so many other things become unworthy of your time and worry. With weight loss surgery, your focus turns to diet, support, and meal planning. The list of things that do not matter grows. One bad day or meal. Acknowledge your mistake, figure out why it happened, and move on. Dwelling on it or trying to punish yourself will lead to more mistakes. People. At least, people who try to make you go off your meal plan, who tell you that you are failing, and who diminish your hard work. You do not have the energy to spend on these people. It Is My Choice Things somehow seem easier when you know that you have chosen them. Moreover, you can be more dedicated when you know there is no turning back. You chose WLS, and there is no going back after the operation, so…embrace it! Welcome every challenge and triumph, every setback and leap forward. You will find that the steps forward add up more quickly when you take ownership of the journey.

Happy New Year from BariatricPal! Let it be the healthiest and happiest yet for you and your loved ones. Take a few minutes today, before the world gets back to business, as usual, tomorrow, to appreciate yourself for your good efforts in 2017, and to rev up for a strong 2018. We hope to be your partner in weight loss in 2018, and can’t wait to see you hit your goals. Be sure to tell us about every step in the BariatricPal Forums, and remember to ask other members your questions, too. Here’s to a Happy, Healthy, New Year for all of us! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Small Steps, Big Results The destination can seem awfully far away if you are a pre-op or post-op patient but look on the bright side. First, a year is a long time, and you can be much nearer your weight goals by the end of 2018. Second, small steps can get you a long way towards those goals. Here are some small steps for pre-op and post-op patients to try. Pre-Op Pre-op patients are getting ready for that life-changing operation, and this is a good time to start working on that healthy lifestyle. Here are a few small changes you can try. Eat 3 to 5 servings of vegetables every day. Cut your usual dessert portions in half. Ask restaurant servers how menu items are prepared, and order the healthier versions. Read labels for calories, protein, and sugar. Log your meals. Post-Op Follow your post-op diet and other instructions, and the pounds should come off regularly, except for the occasionally unavoidable plateau. You can make a few small changes during this time to make your transition to your post-op world easier. Drink an extra 8 ounces of water, ice water, or water with Flavor Enhancer in the afternoon. Count your grams of daily protein. Start a conversation with at least one person at each of your weight loss surgery support group meetings. Solid Foods The lifestyle changes are all-encompassing. If they seem overwhelming, focus on only one or two small changes at a time. Commit to them for two weeks – a more manageable chunk of time than “forever” – and you may find that these changes become a habit. Go lean with protein. Trim fat, choose “lean” or “extra lean,” or select plant-based proteins, such as beans, tofu, and nuts. Pack your lunch the night before. You may need to invest in small containers or a Portion8 Plate. Add an extra serving of vegetable to your day. Count to 30 before you swallow each bite. These small changes can become a habit and lead to bigger gains in weight loss, without much stress. With enough small changes, you can hit your goals in 2018. The Shortcut to Getting Back on Track The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is an almost impossibly unhealthy time for nearly everyone, so do not feel bad if you Instead of spending time and energy regretting December, look forward to 2018. With some serious work, the effects of the holiday season can be a distant memory by the time February hits. Clear Your Kitchen Leftovers and off-limits foods call. The surefire way to resist their temptation is to eliminate them, especially in your kitchen. Get rid of leftovers such as pies, cookies, creamy dips, and frozen appetizers if they are irresistible. Also, target pantry items such as baking mixes and candied nuts that may have come in handy during the holidays. Donate extras or use a trash can, not your body, to get rid of them. Plan Your Menu It is so much easier to follow your meal plan when you have a meal plan. One strategy for getting back on track is going back to the basics of the solid foods stage of your post-op WLS diet; that probably includes plenty of protein, a few veggies, the occasional healthy starch and fat, and tiny portions. You can also check out the Back on Track menus at The BariatricPal Store for effortless high-protein, low-carb plans. Health Is “In:” Take Advantage You are not alone if you struggled with your diet and health over the past several weeks. The good news is that you will not be alone as you return your focus to your healthy diet and workout routine. Be on the lookout for: Sales of health foods in supermarkets. Discounts on gym memberships and fitness classes. End-of-year clearance sales on workout clothes and equipment. Friendly, dedicated people like you who might be willing to be your weight loss or workout buddy. January Flavors for Weight Loss January calls for warm flavors, comforting dishes, and quick meal ideas, since, after all, many of us are back to the real world of work and school after the holiday season magic. At the same time, the food still needs to be weight loss surgery-friendly: high-protein, low in sugar and refined carbs, and nutrient-packed. It’s a tall order, but you can meet it. Here are some ideas. Liquid Diet: Hot Protein Cocoa – Make instant Hot Cocoa for a snack or dessert. Pureed Foods Diet: Nourishing Protein Soup – Prepare Cream of Mushroom Soup for lunch. Add cooked carrots, green beans, or cauliflower, and puree it into a thick soup before serving. Semi-Solid Foods Diet: Turkey Eggplant Meatloaf - Use your regular meatloaf recipe, but add 8 ounces of shredded eggplant (or zucchini) per pound of turkey. Also, swap out the ketchup for 1 cup of stewed tomatoes. Solid Foods Diet: Spaghetti Feta Salad – Mix prepared Protein Pasta or cooked spiralized zucchini (zoodles) with feta, cooked cubed eggplant and bell peppers, and diced onion, fresh thyme, and a dash of olive oil. We sincerely hope that 2018 is the year you achieve your dream of weight loss surgery, you hit goal weight, or you embark on exciting new adventures that make you happy. Whatever it is, BariatricPal supports you and wishes you the best. Thanks for being part of our community, and again, Happy New Year!

Thank you very much! 😀

The BariatricPal Store supports your weight loss and health goals, and we have a fun new way to do that! We're about to launch the BariatricPal Box of the Month Club! Before we launch, we would love your input, please! The majority of box of the month clubs are packaged in cute branded boxes and delivered each month. The big question is, should we use Discreet or Branded packaging on Bariatric Box of the Month Club? Please vote and explain your answers below! Here's a little more information about the BariatricPal Box of the Month Club: Each month, you will receive a box of goodies. The BariatricPal Box is different each month, but could contain: Protein foods, such as bars, soups, meals, snacks, and shakes. Bariatric vitamins. Bariatric dinnerware, portion control aids, books, or protein shaker bottles. The chance to try over 1,500 BariatricPal store products without buying the whole package. Information on each gift in your box, plus a menu that uses them. Monthly entry into an exclusive drawing for a $100 store gift card for 1 lucky winner! You will be able to get the BariatricPal Box delivered to your doorstep for $39.99 each month. You’ll love discovering and trying your surprises! Your subscription continues until you cancel it, so you will never miss a month. We will also offer an annual subscription to the BariatricPal Box. You get the same box, plus: A reduced cost of $34.99 per month, for a savings of 13%. A FREE Yunmai Wireless Bluetooth Smart Scale with Body Fat and Protein Monitor ($59.99 value!)

Hey BariatricPal Members, I have a question for you: What characteristics does the perfect bariatric product have? I’m guessing there are some that we all agree on: Taste for protein powders, protein bars, and bariatric snacks. Easy to mix for protein powders. Easy to swallow for bariatric vitamins. But what else? If you are rating a product that you bought, what are you likely to think about as you leave comments and decide how many stars to give? Please let me know. Thanks!

Hi! This is one of the more common weight loss surgery revisions performed, in the US and Mexico. We charge $5100, everything included. Check out https://bariatricpalhospitalmx.com/weight-loss-surgeries/revision-surgery/ for more info.

The OP included the brand (Enlightened) in the topic's title. I eat Enlightened Ice Cream bars as a treat, every once in a while. They're extremely addicting!!!

Many customers have requested that we carry LiquaCel, ProCel & UpcalD nutritional supplements at the BariatricPal Store. We're happy to announce that they're now in stock and ready to ship! Happy New Year!

We carry *MANY* chewy protein bars at the BariatricPal Store. Order a variety pack to get an idea of how some of our best sellers taste. Here's a list of a few popular chewy bars that come to mind: BariatricPal High Protein Bars - Caramel Crunch BariatricPal High Protein Bars - Peanut Butter BariatricPal High Protein Bars - Caramel Nut BariatricPal 14g Protein Bars - Rockie Road BariatricPal High Protein Bars - Strawberry Cheesecake BariatricPal 14g Protein Bars - Chocolate Mint BariatricPal Protein Bars - Peanut Butter and Jelly BariatricPal Protein Bars - Oatmeal with Vanilla Yogurt Drizzle BariatricPal Protein Bars - Fluffy Caramel Nut All Quest Protein Bars

We're releasing a regular forum app update in January. The tracking app is scheduled to be released in the first or second quarter of 2018.

I merged both holiday challenge topics together and posted the spreadsheet in your initial post.

The Perfect Plate idea helps you make diet-friendly meals with a minimum of fuss. Just put the right amount of each food group on the plate, and you can be confident that you will be on your way to a balanced meal. The Perfect Plate was not designed specifically for bariatric surgery patients, but you can use it for losing weight. Just make modifications as needed! The Basic Perfect Plate The classic perfect plate is designed for a full solid foods diet., but you can use it for losing weight if you are eating solid foods, you can tolerate vegetables, and you are not having trouble hitting your protein goals. Here it is: Fill half your plate with vegetables or fruit. Divide the rest of your plate in half. Fill one section with lean protein, such as chicken, egg whites, tuna, cottage cheese, or tofu. Fill the rest of your plate (1/4) with a nutritious starch, such as whole-grain pasta or cereal, brown rice, sweet potato, corn, or oatmeal. Add the occasional healthy fat, such as olive oil for cooking, salad dressing, or a slice of avocado. Examples include chicken breast with broccoli and brown rice; hash with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, sweet potato, and lean turkey sausage; yogurt parfait with toasted oats and berries; and a Greek whole-wheat pita half with sprouts, lettuce, and tomatoes, and falafel. WLS Modifications Now, that classic Perfect Plate may not work perfectly for you. You can still use the concept, but may need to modify it slightly to meet your dietary goals. Compared to someone who has not had WLS, you might notice these differences. You get full more quickly. You might need to skip the starch and/or take a smaller helping of vegetables. You need more protein. You can increase the protein and decrease the vegetables You cannot tolerate vegetables as well. You can take fewer vegetables, and/or cook them very well. Fruit does not fit. It might give you dumping syndrome or have more sugar than you want to have. You can focus on vegetables for that half of your plate. You are eating low-carb. You do not need to have a starch at every meal. You can skip it entirely at some meals, or replace it with an extra vegetable or protein. Pureed and Semi-Solid Foods Stages You will move through the pureed foods (“mushies”) and semi-solid foods stages before you get to the solid foods stage. While protein is your main focus soon after weight loss surgery, you can start to think about laying the foundation for a healthy, balanced diet. Protein comes first. Your first job is to eat 65 or more grams of protein per day. This may mean you do not have space for vegetables and starch. Extras do not fit. Your sleeve or pouch is small. You probably will not have space for non-essential foods, such as refined starches. Creamy, not crunchy. Cooked carrots, pureed green beans, and steamed zucchini are in; lettuce, broccoli, and apples are out. Perfect Plate Helpers Bariatric Dinnerware can make it even easier to make your Perfect Plate every time. Bariatric Dish Sets and Place Settings have stylish designs for your table, with easy-to-see markings for serving yourself. Bariware Portion8 sets are portable containers that you divide using movable rings so each section is as big or small as you need. The Perfect Plate can help you put together a nutritious meal without doing any measuring. Adapt it to your needs, and it can be another weapon in your weight loss arsenal.

The Basic Perfect Plate The classic perfect plate is designed for a full solid foods diet., but you can use it for losing weight if you are eating solid foods, you can tolerate vegetables, and you are not having trouble hitting your protein goals. Here it is: Fill half your plate with vegetables or fruit. Divide the rest of your plate in half. Fill one section with lean protein, such as chicken, egg whites, tuna, cottage cheese, or tofu. Fill the rest of your plate (1/4) with a nutritious starch, such as whole-grain pasta or cereal, brown rice, sweet potato, corn, or oatmeal. Add the occasional healthy fat, such as olive oil for cooking, salad dressing, or a slice of avocado. Examples include chicken breast with broccoli and brown rice; hash with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, sweet potato, and lean turkey sausage; yogurt parfait with toasted oats and berries; and a Greek whole-wheat pita half with sprouts, lettuce, and tomatoes, and falafel. WLS Modifications Now, that classic Perfect Plate may not work perfectly for you. You can still use the concept, but may need to modify it slightly to meet your dietary goals. Compared to someone who has not had WLS, you might notice these differences. You get full more quickly. You might need to skip the starch and/or take a smaller helping of vegetables. You need more protein. You can increase the protein and decrease the vegetables You cannot tolerate vegetables as well. You can take fewer vegetables, and/or cook them very well. Fruit does not fit. It might give you dumping syndrome or have more sugar than you want to have. You can focus on vegetables for that half of your plate. You are eating low-carb. You do not need to have a starch at every meal. You can skip it entirely at some meals, or replace it with an extra vegetable or protein. Pureed and Semi-Solid Foods Stages You will move through the pureed foods (“mushies”) and semi-solid foods stages before you get to the solid foods stage. While protein is your main focus soon after weight loss surgery, you can start to think about laying the foundation for a healthy, balanced diet. Protein comes first. Your first job is to eat 65 or more grams of protein per day. This may mean you do not have space for vegetables and starch. Extras do not fit. Your sleeve or pouch is small. You probably will not have space for non-essential foods, such as refined starches. Creamy, not crunchy. Cooked carrots, pureed green beans, and steamed zucchini are in; lettuce, broccoli, and apples are out. Perfect Plate Helpers Bariatric Dinnerware can make it even easier to make your Perfect Plate every time. Bariatric Dish Sets and Place Settings have stylish designs for your table, with easy-to-see markings for serving yourself. Bariware Portion8 sets are portable containers that you divide using movable rings so each section is as big or small as you need. The Perfect Plate can help you put together a nutritious meal without doing any measuring. Adapt it to your needs, and it can be another weapon in your weight loss arsenal.

I've found that Barrett's is extremely common in Lap-Band patients! I'm personally very worried about it myself. I've had a few esophagrams over the years and some have shown very low dysplasia. It concerns me greatly! I used to have major acid reflux and had to remove a lot of fluid from my band until I figured out my sweet spot. Everything has been really good for the last year or so. I went off all my reflux meds. In the future, if I have further complications with my Lap-band, I think I'm going to revise to a Mini Gastric Bypass. My suggestion is to definitely follow your gastro's advice. I would highly consider revising to another procedure if you're worried about your weight regain.

BariatricPal Hospital recently opened our plastic surgery division. Check us out at https://bariatricpalhospitalmx.com/plastic-surgeries/overview/

Good news! I researched a little and earplugs (even with residual ear wax) have zero calories! I don't think you have anything to worry about. Merry Christmas and a very happy new year!

Your comment and tone are disrespectful. Please read the rules you agreed to abide by before posting.

All plastic surgery patients are required to use compression garments after surgery. Which brand did you use? We're looking at carrying compression garments from Marena in the BariatricPal Store. I was wondering if there were any alternative or better options.

I personally use Tespo. It's easy and convenient. It sits right next to my coffee maker and I remember to use it every morning. I've found that most people that undergo WLS start off with chewable vitamins. Most end up taking pills for the long term. I'm all for using whatever works best for you! People aren't compliant with vitamins if they don't enjoy or tolerate them. The most common long-term issues for WLS patients are caused mostly by vitamin deficiencies. Many deficiencies won't show up initially on bloodwork. They can take a few years to show up. Taking an off the shelf vitamin is definitely better than taking no vitamins at all. The bariatric vitamin companies would shoot me if they heard me saying that I highly suggest going with vitamins that are designed for Bariatric patients if you can afford it and you care about your long-term health. I don't get how people will undergo a life-changing surgery but be too cheap to invest a few well-spent dollars in their health.