Alex Brecher

Yep you read that right. Four protein flavors. Two post-ops. In one hour. (Spoiler: We both survived!) In this episode, we taste test ALL the flavors of BariatricPal's new Protein One, the all-in-one protein/vitamin/fiber supplement. We may have also gotten a little "punch drunk." (protein drunk?) Check it out to see what we thought of the Chocolate Fudge, Creamy French Vanilla, Unflavored Natural and Cinnamon Roll flavors on this episode of Bariatric Foodie Live! And be sure to check out Protein One in the BariatricPal store, https://store.bariatricpal.com

There are some very decent weight loss surgeons in Mexico. I highly suggest finding another surgeon and facility. No need to take a gamble with your life. It's not worth the $ you might be saving.

Thanks everyone for your fantastic suggestions! We went with these Mantras to start: SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD SO SHE DID STRIVE FOR PROGRESS NOT PERFECTION EVERY JOURNEY BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP Inspire Hand Stamped Stackable Bracelets are a personal reminder of the commitment you’ve made to yourself and your weight loss surgery journey. When you glance down and see those meaningful words on your wrist, you’ll be reminding yourself of what you want for yourself and your journey. Feel the empowerment and motivation of the choices you’re making for your life, inspire yourself today and every day! These cuffs are 1/4" wide and 6in. in length. Perfect for most wrist sizes. These stunning bracelets were custom designed and handcrafted for BariatricPal by artist Miranda Semmerling. Proudly made in the USA! Silver Bracelet Details: The Silver Inspire Hand Stamped Stackable Bracelet is crafted from 12 gauge Aluminum, lightweight & sturdy along with a great alternative to silver. We used 1100-0 commercially pure food safe aluminum. This is pure aluminum & is less reactive to one's skin than sterling silver. The aluminum is smooth on the ends so it won't cut your wrists when putting on & each is tumbled for a shiny finish. Hypoallergenic will never tarnish or turn the skin green. Very low maintenance. The supplier we use gets the aluminum from mills ONLY found in the USA and he's a Veteran! Rose Gold and Gold Bracelet Details: Our Rose Gold Inspire Hand Stamped Stackable Bracelet is crafted from Copper. Our Gold Inspire Hand Stamped Stackable Bracelet is crafted from Brass. Copper and Brass are warm metals that will naturally tarnish over time. Individuals can either let the natural patina take over or they can keep it shiny by using any polishing cloth. The Copper and Brass is 16 gauge, very sturdy, rounded smooth ends so it won't cut your wrists & tumbled for a shiny finish. You can purchase these gorgeous hand stamped stackable bracelets in the BariatricPal Store at https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/inspire-hand-stamped-stackable-bracelets . Use the following coupon code at checkout to save $5 off your Inspire Hand Stamped Stackable Bracelet: INSPIRE5OFF (Expires in 30 days!)

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Time flies, and the summer certainly seemed to slip away for us at BariatricPal! Still, our busyness has been fun and productive, and we hope you feel the same way about your summer. Here is a newsletter that we hope will keep you centered and move you forward as we head into fall. You’ll find: • Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere • Fall Flavors, WLS Style • Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Use this newsletter to get a handle on your weight loss surgery goals and strategies, and then launch into action! Get your meals prepped, lace up your walking shoes, and logon to the BariatricPal Forums on your computer or using the Android or iPhone app! Can’t wait to see you there! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Weight Loss Surgery Journey Help Anytime, Anywhere Going through bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off is already a tall order; why would you even think about trying to go it alone? Rather than trying to go through the journey alone, you are probably better off figuring out what help you may need, and where you will find it. That way, the challenges you are sure to come across will be nothing more than little blips that you can overcome more quickly than if you were trying to face them on your own. Your Healthcare Team Obvious though it may seem, sometimes it is easy to forget, that your healthcare team is there…for your health. Your surgeon, primary care doctor, and specialists that you may have, such as an endocrinologist or cardiologist, can answer your health questions, and put you in touch with bariatric specialists, such as nutritionists and psychologists, when you need them. The People Around You People may be more willing and able to help than you realize. Look to family, friends, and even coworkers for help in your WLS journey success. They can help you in a variety of ways, both direct and indirect for your surgery and weight loss. • Your parents and neighbors can take care of the kids or drive them to their activities, especially right after surgery when you need to rest and/or cannot drive. • Coworkers who are trying to lose weight or who work hard to lead healthy lifestyles can be supportive as you work to eat healthy, and could walk with you at lunch. • Friends could agree to socialize while shopping, hiking, or crafting – not eating. BariatricPal Really! Talk about 24/7 support, and BariatricPal should come to mind. The forums are where to go for support from BariatricPal members. You can browse or come to ask specific questions. Find helpful WLS success tips in our WLS Magazine when you read articles on nutrition, exercise, head games, and more written by experts including nutritionists, psychologists, surgeons, and successful WLS patients. Get trusted reviews on surgeons in your area in our Surgeon Directory, and check out The BariatricPal Store for protein bars and shakes, bariatric supplements, great-tasting entrees and snacks, and more products that can make your journey easier. Fall Flavors, WLS Style The bounty of fall is in, with apples, pumpkin, and mushrooms making their presence known. With these and other nutritious choices in season, why did diet disasters such as apple pie, pumpkin pancakes, and mushroom dip become the culinary face of fall? Classic fall foods can put a damper on weight loss, but fall fare does not need to throw you off your diet, though. Here are a few ideas that can get you your fall fix while letting you hit your fall goals. Apples Crisp fall apples are so innocent, until they turn into apple pie a la mode, apple cobbler, and apple butter. You are far better off pairing these fiber-packed fruits with Peanut Butter Powder, which adds some low-fat, reduced-calorie protein. Or, try great-tasting apple-flavored protein punches, without extra sugar in apples or baked goods, in the form of Protein Fruit Drinks, Apple Pie Protein Bars, and Cinnamon Apple Protein Oatmeal. Check out our Apple-Flavored Collection! Cinnamon Nothing screams “autumn!” like cinnamon and spice, but the food industry takes the flavors to dangerous places. Cinnamon turns from a blood sugar-lowering agent into a sweetened flavor that brings too many calories and too much sugar and fat: think cinnamon latte, cinnamon French toast, and cinnamon buns, for example. Get your fix instead from our Cinnamon-Flavored Protein Foods, such as Cinnamon Swirl Protein One Meal Replacement, Cinnamon Vanilla and Cinnamon Crunch Protein Cereal, and Cinnamon Crunch and Oatmeal Cinnamon Raisin Protein Bars. They are low in carbs, and high in protein and flavor. Pumpkin, Chili, and More A piece of pumpkin bread or pumpkin muffin has about twice the sugars you need in a day, and hardly any pumpkin. A bowl of beefy chili can have your daily dose of saturated fat and sodium. Those creamed mushrooms may smell appetizing, but what if their rich sauce sends you to the bathroom with dumping syndrome? Don’t do it! You are better off going with Pumpkin Protein Muffins with 20 grams of protein, low-carb, protein-rich instant entrees such as Vegetable or Turkey Chili, and Creamy Mushroom Protein Soup or Meal Replacement. You will get the fall flavor, without the hit to your waistline. Check The BariatricPal Store for more fall flavors you love, with nutritionals you love, too. We have treats for every phase of the WLS diet, including liquid, pureeds, soft, and solid foods. Looking Backwards and Forwards During Your WLS Journey Bariatric surgery is a process, not an endpoint. Getting bariatric surgery, losing weight, and keeping it off are a lifelong journey. They require commitment and effort, and you might be best able to keep it up if you balance looking back with looking ahead. Backwards: Staying True to Yourself and Celebrating Achievements Your past may be behind you, but it shaped you and still affects you today. Remember who you were and the frustrated or other negative feelings you may have had before surgery or before you started considering surgery, and you may help yourself stay motivated to keep moving forward. You can also honor your past by marking milestones, such as weight loss markers, fitting into smaller clothes or other NSVs, and your surgiversaries. Forwards: Setting New Goals There is always something to achieve, and setting new goals will help you move forward. There are weight loss milestones on the way to goal weight and goal weight. Along the way and beyond, you can always set goals to improve fitness, try new activities, and keep growing as the result of your commitment to yourself and your health. As always, we support whatever commitment you make to yourself and your health, and we are thrilled to be a part of your journey whenever you allow us to be. Good luck this fall in your quest for health, and thanks for being a BariatricPal member! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.

Choosing a Bariatric surgeon is one of the most important parts of weight loss surgery. You want a surgeon who is skilled and who is someone you can trust. How did you find and choose your surgeon when you decided to get weight loss surgery? Mark your answer and let us know in the discussion below how you found your surgeon and why you chose the one you did! This information can help BariatricPal members who are considering surgery to find a great surgeon.

We hope this announcement finds you well. As the world’s largest online community dedicated to the gastric sleeve BariatricPal can provide valuable support and information along your weight loss journey. We’d like to take this opportunity to tell you that BariatricPal.com has another exciting way to help out our members pursue weight loss and health. It’s our very own Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve! The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve! That’s right! BariatricPal.com is not only a social network, but now also the source of the complete book called “The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Know to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy.” Author Alex Brecher is the founder of BariatricPal.com. He is a weight loss surgery patient who has successfully lost and kept off over 100 pounds, and he is committed to helping other weight loss surgery patients experience the same success. Co-author Natalie Stein is a nutritionist and weight loss specialist who provides expertise on the sleeve diet. A Complete Guide to Life after the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy This unique book is one of the very few that are dedicated completely to the gastric sleeve. As the title says, it’s a big book that covers everything about the sleeve! It is a guide that you can use from before surgery to after you have reached your goal weight. These are just a few topics that are covered in the book. How obesity can harm you and millions of others Why it’s so tough to lose weight without surgery The vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure How the gastric sleeve works to help you lose weight Risks and benefits to decide whether the gastric sleeve is for you Choosing a surgeon and preparing for surgery. The postoperative follow-up care program The postoperative diet progression from liquids to solid foods. The vertical sleeve gastrectomy diet: healthy eating and weight control for life Starting and continuing an exercise program. Physical and psychological changes to expect as you lose weight How to build a can’t-fail support system BariatricPal.com and other resources for support and information. How Can You Get Your Copy? The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve: Everything You Need to Know to Lose Weight and Live Well with the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is available direct from BariatricPal.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks and Kobo. You can get a hard copy or download an electronic version for Kindle, Nook, iOS or Kobo. Check it out and spread the word! BariatricPal.com Members Tell Their Stories in the Book! The book doesn’t just have complete, understandable information about the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. It’s also a compilation of real-life member stories told in their own words. The book features BariatricPal.com members who were kind enough to share their stories with us and now with you! These members are some of BariatricPal.com’s most active ones, and you’ll probably meet them on the boards soon if you haven’t already! Do You Want to Be in the Next Book? If you didn’t get involved this time around but you might like to be featured in another book, please contact us. We’d love to hear from you and give you the scoop! We’d love to hear your thoughts about the book! Let us know what you think when you check it out! We’re always delighted to hear from BariatricPal.com members and we want to know what we can do to help you along your journey. Thanks for your support up through now, and enjoy The Big Book on the Gastric Sleeve!

I don’t have any immediate plans to release any updates or new books. The surgery and other information in all the books is pretty much up to date.

I found some good coffee that's acid-free and we started carrying it in the BariatricPal Store. It's called Tyler's acid-free coffee. You can check it out at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/tylers-coffee .

Tespo is reinventing vitamins just as Keurig reinvented coffee. Tespo Bariatric Vitamin Pods are packed with high quality, powder vitamins and the Tespo Vitamin Dispenser turns that powder into a delicious, easy to drink liquid shot and Tespo-Go provides a simple and convenient way for you to bring your Tespo-Pods on the go! Tespo Bariatric Pods contain only the active ingredients and premium nutrients you need. No megadosing, no manufacturing agents used to make pills and none of the artificial ingredients used to make gummies. ASMBS Developed with the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery guidelines. ZERO PILLS | ZERO SUGAR | ZERO GMO | ZERO CALORIES Click here to view the Tespo Vitamin Dispenser & Pods at the BariatricPal Store. Use code 25OFFTESPO to save $25 of your Tespo Vitamin Dispenser!

Are you getting all you can from weight loss surgery? Or is something holding you back? The first article in this series talked about what Weight Loss Surgery can help you gain. This next article is going to help you gain what you are entitled to with your hard work and weight loss. Make a List How can you chase what you want if you have not identified it? How will you know you have found what you are looking for if you did not know you were looking for it? You may have thought about making a list of motivators for weight loss surgery and weight loss. Have you considered making a list of what you want to get from your efforts? Making a list of what you want can help you figure out how to get it. The first article in this series might help you put together a list. It could include some of the following, and any of your own items. More confidence in social settings. Saying “yes” to anything – movies, restaurants, and airplane trips – without thinking about whether you fit in the seat. Staying away from the doctor’s office. More time with family because now you have the energy. Attitude: Gains over Losses It’s all about the attitude. You do lose a lot – besides weight – when you commit to Weight Loss Surgery and the Weight Loss Surgery diet, but you will not be doing yourself any favors if you focus on the losses. It is easy to feel discouraged and feel sorry for yourself if you focus on some of your losses: no more soda, no more free-for-alls at the all-you-can-eat buffets, no more eating whatever, whenever – because you literally cannot stomach it anymore. Cliché as it may sound, you are more likely to succeed when you put a positive spin on it. Also cliché but true: practice makes perfect. You can train yourself to think positively just by practicing. Don’t think about losing dessert at the restaurant; think about gaining the ability to enjoy friends and family without focusing on sugar. Don’t think about giving up your mornings sleeping in because you have to exercise; think about gaining better nights of sleep because you no longer need a CPAP machine and gaining clear-headedness that will carry you through the day. Celebrate! It is human nature to respond to successes. When you are doing well at something, you are likely to continue to do it. In the same way, you are more likely to stick to your Weight Loss Surgery meal plan and exercise program when you realize how well you are doing. Recognize each victory with a celebration. Some of your celebrations could be a tangible reward, such as a massage for hitting a weight goal or a new workout outfit when you meet your goal of hitting the gym 20 times in a month. For other victories, you might be able to give yourself the positive reinforcement you need with a simple sign of recognition, such as placing a gold star on the calendar to mark your difficult but healthy choice to pass up the bread basket in favor of a side salad. Eventually, even giving yourself a physical or mental pat on the back might be enough to remind yourself how good it feels to be moving in the right direction. Put Yourself Out There The gains are yours for the taking, but sometimes, you may have to make an extra effort to take some them. This is especially true with some of the gains having to do with people. Put yourself out there at work or in social settings, and you may get some of the most rewarding gains of weight loss surgery journey. When you show off your new confidence, people will respond to you. Add to that some clothes that you are proud to wear, and you are more likely to get the job and land the business deal. You will find it easier to enjoy the moments with old friends and to make new ones. The weight loss surgery journey has so much to offer, so do not let yourself miss out! Know what you stand to gain and keep your eyes open for opportunities to make those gains, and your weight loss will be only one benefit of the entire journey.

Make a List How can you chase what you want if you have not identified it? How will you know you have found what you are looking for if you did not know you were looking for it? You may have thought about making a list of motivators for weight loss surgery and weight loss. Have you considered making a list of what you want to get from your efforts? Making a list of what you want can help you figure out how to get it. The first article in this series might help you put together a list. It could include some of the following, and any of your own items. More confidence in social settings. Saying “yes” to anything – movies, restaurants, and airplane trips – without thinking about whether you fit in the seat. Staying away from the doctor’s office. More time with family because now you have the energy. Attitude: Gains over Losses It’s all about the attitude. You do lose a lot – besides weight – when you commit to Weight Loss Surgery and the Weight Loss Surgery diet, but you will not be doing yourself any favors if you focus on the losses. It is easy to feel discouraged and feel sorry for yourself if you focus on some of your losses: no more soda, no more free-for-alls at the all-you-can-eat buffets, no more eating whatever, whenever – because you literally cannot stomach it anymore. Cliché as it may sound, you are more likely to succeed when you put a positive spin on it. Also cliché but true: practice makes perfect. You can train yourself to think positively just by practicing. Don’t think about losing dessert at the restaurant; think about gaining the ability to enjoy friends and family without focusing on sugar. Don’t think about giving up your mornings sleeping in because you have to exercise; think about gaining better nights of sleep because you no longer need a CPAP machine and gaining clear-headedness that will carry you through the day. Celebrate! It is human nature to respond to successes. When you are doing well at something, you are likely to continue to do it. In the same way, you are more likely to stick to your Weight Loss Surgery meal plan and exercise program when you realize how well you are doing. Recognize each victory with a celebration. Some of your celebrations could be a tangible reward, such as a massage for hitting a weight goal or a new workout outfit when you meet your goal of hitting the gym 20 times in a month. For other victories, you might be able to give yourself the positive reinforcement you need with a simple sign of recognition, such as placing a gold star on the calendar to mark your difficult but healthy choice to pass up the bread basket in favor of a side salad. Eventually, even giving yourself a physical or mental pat on the back might be enough to remind yourself how good it feels to be moving in the right direction. Put Yourself Out There The gains are yours for the taking, but sometimes, you may have to make an extra effort to take some them. This is especially true with some of the gains having to do with people. Put yourself out there at work or in social settings, and you may get some of the most rewarding gains of weight loss surgery journey. When you show off your new confidence, people will respond to you. Add to that some clothes that you are proud to wear, and you are more likely to get the job and land the business deal. You will find it easier to enjoy the moments with old friends and to make new ones. The weight loss surgery journey has so much to offer, so do not let yourself miss out! Know what you stand to gain and keep your eyes open for opportunities to make those gains, and your weight loss will be only one benefit of the entire journey.

We’re putting all our resources into launching new and useful mobile apps. I’ll definitely look at private chat once that’s rolled out.

Thanks for the suggestion! We offered chat rooms for years. They were barely used and we decided to focus on other features that actually get used.

This topic has now been locked.

Hey there! Boy, do we have something special in store for you. For today only, any and all rewards you earn will be doubled! That’s right, whether it’s referring a friend, or earning points through purchases in the store, all of that is doubled. Hurry up and use this opportunity to stack up as many points as you can! Visit http://Store.BariatricPal.com to get started!

Why are you on your weight loss surgery journey? Why are you considering Weight Loss Surgery, or why did you get it? You want to lose weight, of course. Go a step further: why do you want to lose weight, and what else can you get from your Weight Loss Surgery? There are all kinds of gains you can make in your new healthy lifestyle. These are a few. Freedom from Medical Chains Medical benefits are probably most closely related to weight loss, but they are still worth noting as a “side” benefit of Weight Loss Surgery. As you lose weight, you may have improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. You may have less joint and back pain. You may have fewer trips to the doctor, and be able to take fewer medications. Better Sleep Never underestimate the power of sleep! Losing weight can help you sleep more deeply so you feel better all day, every day. Your sleep can improve as you feel more comfortable in bed, and if you had sleep apnea that goes away or diminishes with weight loss. Just think how good life could be if you did not have to did not have to use a CPAP machine! New Food Finds Strange but true…there is a whole food world aside from burgers, burritos, fries, and bagels. Who knew that you might end up loving to start your day with oatmeal cottage cheese protein pancakes? Your favorite snack could turn out to be kale chips with parmesan. Dinner might be roasted cauliflower with grilled salmon – something you might never have considered when your go-to was mac and cheese from a box. Sure, you might miss a few foods, but you might notice that you are loving all kinds of new health foods, and the way they make you feel. On top of it, eating slowly can help you savor each bite and enjoy the textures and flavors more. Saving Money Saving money probably was not your main reason for considering weight loss surgery, especially if your insurance is not footing the bill. Still, Weight Loss Surgery could be a financial gain in the long run as you consider some potential savings. Lower medical bills for doctors’ visits, prescription medications, and complications such as complications of diabetes. Fewer sick days taken from work. Lower food bills as you eat less and potentially eat more homemade food. Fewer “extras,” such as higher prices of plus-sized clothing or needing to reserve two seats on a plane. More Meaningful Relationships Were your relationships built around food before Weight Loss Surgery? Did you consider your friends your best eating buddies, with each of your meetings at a restaurant or each other’s houses for a (unhealthy) meal? Weight loss surgery frees you up to explore other interests. Deepen your relationships with your friends as you walk together or meet at museums or other sights instead of depending on food to bring you together. And, if you do meet for a meal or snack, feel good knowing you can focus on the conversation as you eat slowly. Confidence Ultimately, weight loss surgery is for you, and you can benefit inside as you look better on the outside. You can gain confidence from your new looks, maybe as you fit into clothes you love, or you see a few muscles popping out. Confidence also comes from your achievements. If you can do something as hard as going through Weight Loss Surgery and sticking to all those healthy lifestyle changes, you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. Energy Energy is a wonderful thing, but it may be in short supply when you are carrying around extra pounds. Lose a few, and you might feel your endurance explode. You can keep up with your kids, enjoy a day at the mall or beach, and go on vacations. Getting through the work day can be easier. Life is better all around when you have energy. Bariatric surgery is a weight loss tool, and it is so much more. Use it properly, and you can make great gains in many areas of your life. Part 2 of the series – to be published soon – will discuss ways to get what you deserve – maximum gains from Weight Loss Surgery!

Freedom from Medical Chains Medical benefits are probably most closely related to weight loss, but they are still worth noting as a “side” benefit of Weight Loss Surgery. As you lose weight, you may have improvements in blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. You may have less joint and back pain. You may have fewer trips to the doctor, and be able to take fewer medications. Better Sleep Never underestimate the power of sleep! Losing weight can help you sleep more deeply so you feel better all day, every day. Your sleep can improve as you feel more comfortable in bed, and if you had sleep apnea that goes away or diminishes with weight loss. Just think how good life could be if you did not have to did not have to use a CPAP machine! New Food Finds Strange but true…there is a whole food world aside from burgers, burritos, fries, and bagels. Who knew that you might end up loving to start your day with oatmeal cottage cheese protein pancakes? Your favorite snack could turn out to be kale chips with parmesan. Dinner might be roasted cauliflower with grilled salmon – something you might never have considered when your go-to was mac and cheese from a box. Sure, you might miss a few foods, but you might notice that you are loving all kinds of new health foods, and the way they make you feel. On top of it, eating slowly can help you savor each bite and enjoy the textures and flavors more. Saving Money Saving money probably was not your main reason for considering weight loss surgery, especially if your insurance is not footing the bill. Still, Weight Loss Surgery could be a financial gain in the long run as you consider some potential savings. Lower medical bills for doctors’ visits, prescription medications, and complications such as complications of diabetes. Fewer sick days taken from work. Lower food bills as you eat less and potentially eat more homemade food. Fewer “extras,” such as higher prices of plus-sized clothing or needing to reserve two seats on a plane. More Meaningful Relationships Were your relationships built around food before Weight Loss Surgery? Did you consider your friends your best eating buddies, with each of your meetings at a restaurant or each other’s houses for a (unhealthy) meal? Weight loss surgery frees you up to explore other interests. Deepen your relationships with your friends as you walk together or meet at museums or other sights instead of depending on food to bring you together. And, if you do meet for a meal or snack, feel good knowing you can focus on the conversation as you eat slowly. Confidence Ultimately, weight loss surgery is for you, and you can benefit inside as you look better on the outside. You can gain confidence from your new looks, maybe as you fit into clothes you love, or you see a few muscles popping out. Confidence also comes from your achievements. If you can do something as hard as going through Weight Loss Surgery and sticking to all those healthy lifestyle changes, you can do pretty much anything you set your mind to. Energy Energy is a wonderful thing, but it may be in short supply when you are carrying around extra pounds. Lose a few, and you might feel your endurance explode. You can keep up with your kids, enjoy a day at the mall or beach, and go on vacations. Getting through the work day can be easier. Life is better all around when you have energy. Bariatric surgery is a weight loss tool, and it is so much more. Use it properly, and you can make great gains in many areas of your life. Part 2 of the series – to be published soon – will discuss ways to get what you deserve – maximum gains from Weight Loss Surgery!

Thanks for the BA info! I always wondered how they tracked territory sales. The punch card is a genius idea. That's so odd that you didn't receive a notification prior to your BP Store renewal! I double and triple checked and we absolutely do send out notifications 3 days prior to orders renewing. I hope it didn't end up in your spam folder.

I couldn't agree with you more. This is already in the works! Thanks for your input and suggestions. Keep them coming, please! Do you really get a better deal by buying from BA directly? What type of discount are they offering you?

Your pre-op preparation will almost certainly include a consultation with the surgeon. It can be in person as part of a pre-op exam or a stand-alone appointment. It could be a video chat if you are planning to travel to Mexico or another country, or even another region, for your surgery, or if you are still interviewing surgeons and have multiple consultations scheduled. Whatever the case, this appointment can give you valuable information that can help you with weight loss surgery success. Get the most out of your time with the surgeon and be sure you are choosing the right one for you by being prepared. Here is a list of questions to bring to your appointment. What are your average results? You want a competent surgeon, and a quick way to evaluate one is on results. Ask what the surgeon’s patients’ average weight loss is after 1 year, 5 years, and even 10 years (if possible) after the procedure, and compare that to national averages. Also ask about complications and feel free to be specific, such asking what the chances of infections or strictures. Make sure you ask how many patients the surgeon is considering in these averages; you want a seasoned surgeon. What kind of surgery do you recommend for me, and why? Ask your surgeon this question whether or not you have a specific type of surgery in mind. If you have one type of surgery in mind and your surgeon recommends a different one, ask why? There may be health benefits, safety risks, or lifestyle factors that you had not considered. However, some surgeons used to doing one particular kind of surgery and recommend it simply because they are more experienced at it. You want to be sure you and your surgeon can come to an agreement on which type of surgery is safest and likely most effective for you. You want to have a surgeon who is experienced with your type of surgery, and who also offers it to you because it is the best one for you. The decision should take into consideration factors such as: Amount of weight to lose. Reason(s) why you have had trouble losing weight in the past. Current health issues and concerns. What does your nutritional support include? The nutritional support that surgeons offer varies greatly. Some surgeons may hand you nothing more than a pre-op meal plan and post-op guidelines, while others may provide comprehensive support for months or over a year post-op. These are some aspects to ask about. Regularly scheduled appointments with a nutritionist or dietitian. Access to a nutritionist or dietitian when you have questions. Food lists and meal plans for each stage of the pre-op and post-op diets. Suggestions for helpful products, such as protein shakes and bariatric vitamins. How your nutrient levels will be monitored to prevent deficiency. You need to know what you are getting into before committing to surgery with that surgeon. Consider your own needs and preferences, too; some patients enjoy the freedom of a minimal meal plan so they can do their own research, while others do better with more support and less wiggle room. Can you describe your aftercare program aside from nutritional support? Research shows that increased support after weight loss surgery leads to better weight loss. Ask your surgeon about factors such as: Assistance starting and maintaining a safe exercise program. Routine psychological help plus what happens if you face common problems such as depression or replacement addictions. Support group meeting opportunities and requirements. What to do if you have a problem – whom to contact. Weight loss surgery is a whole new game. Your post-op success will depend on planning, and you can get started now. Maximize your time with the surgeon and get the answers you need during your consultation.

Happy Labor Day from BariatricPal! #outlook a {padding:0;} body{width:100% !important; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; margin:0; padding:0;} .ExternalClass {width:100%;} .ExternalClass, .ExternalClass p, .ExternalClass span, .ExternalClass font, .ExternalClass td, .ExternalClass div {line-height: 100%;} #backgroundTable {margin:0; padding:0; width:100% !important; line-height: 100% !important;} img {outline:none; text-decoration:none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;} a img {border:none;} .image_fix {display:block;} p {margin: 1em 0;} h1 { color: white !important; } h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {color: #333333 !important;} h1 a:active, h2 a:active, h3 a:active, h4 a:active, h5 a:active, h6 a:active { color: red !important; } h1 a:visited, h2 a:visited, h3 a:visited, h4 a:visited, h5 a:visited, h6 a:visited { color: purple !important; } table td {border-collapse: collapse;} table { border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } a {color: #4a8aca;} /* Unhides cells that we set to hide in the HTML in case the client doesn't support style properly */ *[class~=hidePhone] { display : block !important; width : auto !important; max-height: inherit !important; overflow : visible !important; float : none !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="30"] { width: 30px !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="40"] { width: 40px !important; } td[class~=hidePhone] { display: table-cell !important; } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } #userPhoto, .hidePhone, *[class~=hidePhone], td[class~=hidePhone] { display: none !important; } .responsive_table > tr > td, .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, .responsive_table > tr, .responsive_table > tbody > tr { display: block; text-align: left; } html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr { text-align: right; } .responsive_row { margin-bottom: 10px; } .responsive_fullwidth { width: 100% !important; } } @media only screen and (min-device-width: 768px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } Store Forums Magazine Activity Hey BariatricPal Members! Happy Labor Day! Since 1894, Labor Day has been the federal holiday celebrating the American labor movement and contributions to the development of the U.S. It may be anything from a deeply personal holiday to nothing more than a three-day weekend for you. You can still use it for inspiration, just like we’re doing in this newsletter! You’ll find… • Heroes Everywhere You Turn • Your Labor Day Last Hurrah Menu • Letting Go While Remembering Your Past Enjoy the newsletter, and enjoy any extra time off you have. At some point, we hope to see you on the BariatricPal forums! Take advantage of the great people on there to share your journey and give you support. Speaking of support, thanks for all of yours! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Heroes Everywhere You Turn Labor Day honors the heroes who made their voices hurt and struggled for fair labor practices in this country. The workers throughout the years who have worked for better lives for their families and for all of us are true heroes and a source of inspiration. That makes us think about other types of heroes that help make our lives better during the weight loss surgery journey. If you are looking for a hero or some inspiration, we have some ideas. BariatricPal See what’s possible on the Success Stories forum in the Gastric Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and Lap-Band sections of BariatricPal. Find out for yourself that it’s not only you who experiences Stalls or struggles with Regain and Getting Back on Track. Look through member Before and After photos for something truly worth celebrating. Careful – you might be overwhelmed at the heroism on BariatricPal! The Street You can see everyday heroes everywhere you turn, once you start looking. These are just a few examples of people who are working to make life better for themselves, for others, and maybe even for you. • The doctor who told you that you can find healthy weight. • The supermarket cashier who always tells you you’re looking good, even when sometimes…you’re just not. • The restaurant server who always lets you order off the kids’ menu, no questions asked. You can also take inspiration from people who are just like you: working hard for themselves and their family. It could be other weight loss surgery patients, but it could be someone working full-time while attending night school to get a better career, or someone who hits the gym every morning for weight or other health reasons, while juggling caregiving and a job. The Mirror You are a hero. You wake up every day, striving to make your life better so you can be better spouse, “child”, parent, sibling, friend, or colleague. You juggle family responsibilities with weight loss surgery instructions. You work to be healthier every day. You overcome many of the obstacles you face. Sometimes you fall short, but you pick yourself up each time because there’s no other choice. Be proud of yourself, and recognize your heroism. Your Labor Day Last Hurrah Menu Labor Day is bittersweet. Everyone loves a holiday, but Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Traditionally, it is a time for picnics and grilling, but the fare is not typically worthy of your weight loss surgery diet. Ribs, burgers, potato salad, and ice cream are just not on the menu if you are planning to keep losing weight this weekend. So, what is on the menu? Here are some ideas. Salmon – You Pick the Flavor Grill salmon with miso or teriyaki sauce, lemon and fresh dill, chili and lime, or salsa. Salmon is a little higher in calories than most other fish because of its high amount heart-healthy omega-3 fats. shrimp or tilapia can sub for salmon if you are looking to cut calories, and extra-firm, pressed tofu is another option. Serve your salmon on its own or in a lettuce leaf – not a big white bun! Option 2 – Grilled “Flatbread” Grilled flatbread or pizza is a popular trend and a bit more of an upscale choice than burgers and hot dogs, but it will not be so popular with your waistline. Instead of pizza crust or naan, try putting your toppings on a portabello mushroom or cauliflower pizza crust made with egg and cheese (hint: some online stores stock ready-made cauliflower crust!). Top it with low-fat cheese, veggies, and (optional) diced chicken breast, and enjoy! Grilled Romaine Another trendy item? Grilled romaine lettuce, and you can jump right into this trend! Skip sides such as coleslaw and broccoli bacon salad, and load up on grilled romaine made with a little olive oil and lemon juice. Try it alone, or have a little bit of light vinaigrette with it. Ice Cream – No Joke! You deserve to live a little on your weight loss surgery journey, so go for the ice cream! Just choose the type carefully. You can make a low-carb ice cream by blending and freezing a serving of Protein Powder, ¼ cup water, and 4 ice cubes. If ice cream isn’t your thing, try a Protein Brownie, or opt for a classic campfire flavor with a S’mores Protein Bar. Letting Go While Remembering Your Past So much of the WLS is a balancing act. You need to balance family time with workout time; healthy eating with tasty temptations; getting enough protein with keeping calories down; and current motivation with long-term sustainable weight loss. Something else to balance is how you think about your past. On the one hand, you need to put your former self in your past. If you have had WLS and are losing weight or already hit goal weight, you might think of your former self as someone in another lifetime, and someone you do not want to think much about. You might want to just focus on where you are and where you are going. Still, it is worthwhile to remember where you came from. Remembering the struggles with weight and the feelings of frustration that may have been part of your everyday life can help you stay motivated to keep up the new lifestyle so you never go back. Remembering the fight can also inspire you to help others who are where you used to be. You can lend an understanding ear or some words of advice to those who might be feeling lost. Thanks for being part of the BariatricPal community. You are inspirational and are what keep the community going. Happy Labor Day! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.

I say do whatever your surgeon tells you to do. Plus, you should take your bloodwork on a regular basis. If your labs look good, just keep doing whatever you're doing. There are some vitamin and mineral deficiencies that won't show up right away and will take possibly years to show in labs. We sell almost every brand of Bariatric vitamin in our BariatricPal Store: Celebrate Vitamins Bariatric Advantage PatchMD You can use code this code for 10% off your order: BARIATRIC10 We also offer % off on a regular basis if you subscribe to any item.

Great suggestion! We will be releasing a new forum app within the next week or two. Once that app is released, we plan on a big upgrade a few months down the road which will include fitness and food tracking with compatibility for many popular wearable devices.

Pictures speak louder than words. Here's both. This is a message I received via FaceBook a few days ago.

You definitely shouldn't be having these issues! We are releasing a brand new and totally redesigned BariatricPal app within the next week or two. We'd love to have you as a beta tester!