Alex Brecher

SUH-WEET! There's still time to save 10% on registration for the annual Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America's (WLSFA) Making A Difference event in Nashville! If you haven't registered yet, what are you waiting for? This offer ends on Valentine's Day, so don't wait! ENTER CODE FEB14 AT CHECKOUT -- http://wlsfa.org/meetgreet Make a Difference Your presence in Nashville with us May 13-15, 2016, helps the WLSFA fund a life-saving surgery grant in 2016. Save 10% & get 14 Free RaffleTickets That really IS a Sweet Deal! Will we see you there? For more information and to register go to: http://wlsfa.org/meetgreet

@@Jenkins, You’re at the same point most patients are when they feel at their lowest. You just had surgery, you’re stuck eating nothing but Protein shakes, you haven’t had time to lose a ton of weight yet, and you’re still craving the old foods. It looks bleak! But this is about as bad as it gets. Yes, forever is a long time, but you don’t have to attack forever all at once. Just think about getting through the liquid phase now, and it sounds like you’re doing great on it. Think about purees when you’re there, and then soft foods. Don’t worry about further down the line. You haven’t even had a chance yet for the cravings for old foods to go away because you haven’t been able to use new, healthy foods to replace them. By the time you get to a month or two post-op and you’re eating a ton of delicious healthy foods, you may find your cravings go down.

@@Afrikanaaa, Great question! I am really surprised your surgeon didn’t seem to know why or was surprised, though! I believe the alcoholism he’s talking about is a type of replacement addiction – it’s an addiction to replace the addiction to food. The new addiction could be alcohol, drugs, or smoking. Or it could be something less obvious and possibly a lot healthier, like an addiction to exercise. Another thing to be aware of with alcohol is that you’re far more sensitive to it with the sleeve. A little goes a long way, and fast. Drink less than you used to, and never on an empty stomach. Good luck!

@@Kindle, So sorry! You have my complete sympathy. Traveling is so hard, and it often does seem like it’s not worth it. I hope when you get there it’ll be worth it. By the way, complain to the airline later. You just may get a few thousand bonus miles (seriously).

@@Lindsey Skinner Abbott, @@Inner Surfer Girl does make a good point…we’re each an experiment of one, and it would be rather difficult (that is, impossible!) to know what surgery would have been like if we’d exercised more or less than we did. However, yes, exercising before surgery is probably a good idea. First, it makes you healthier, which probably makes surgery easier and recovery faster and easier. Second, when you’re used to being active before surgery, it’ll be easier to move around after surgery. That can help because a lot of patients use walking as a pain management technique after surgery. That said, listen to your doctor’s advice! Good luck.

@@Elode, Congratulations on yet another NSV! You have so many of them, and I am thrilled that you are able to recognize and appreciate them, and that you share them with us! How uplifting and hopeful! Congrats.

@@Pedro Valle-Inclan, I think my decision would depend on why you’re not supposed to bring your phone. If it’s against hospital policy because it could be distracting to the medical professionals and it could interfere with medical care, I wouldn’t bring it. However, the nurse told you it’s for your own good, so that it doesn’t get stolen. If you’re willing to accept that and take the risk, I think you’re perfectly entitled to. Like the others said, you can give it to someone for safekeeping or try to hide it during surgery. Hopefully there aren’t too many thieves sneaking around the hospital!

Good point!!! We are going to work on this first thing monday am.

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Judgment, shame, and blame targeted towards people affected by obesity are neither appropriate nor helpful. Delivered as a public service announcement, this video seeks to address this problem head-on. It is stated by twenty-two representatives of people affected by obesity and is intended to be both educational and empowering. As a nurse practitioner and independent podcaster of the Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, Reeger Cortell regularly bears witness to the pain caused by judgment, shame, and blame targeted towards people affected by obesity. “I Have a Disease; It’s Called Obesity” was written in their defense, as an unapologetic statement of facts. To bring the script to life, Reeger invited the individuals featured in the film. Despite the fact that they are all at different points in treating their obesity, they continue to share in common the scars of harsh criticism and the desire to help make a positive difference moving forward. This video took first place in the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery video contest titled, "It Starts Now." If you haven't watched it already, I suggest you watch it asap!

We are proud to sponsor the 2016 Bariatric Foodie Pledge, a four-week goal setting & accountability challenge that starts January 31st! Don't miss the chance to conquer your goals and win great prizes! To learn more visit www.bariatricfoodie.com/pledge

REMINDERS: Support call tonight & Pledge Standings List How's your goal going so far this week? I hope you are CRUSHING it! From the sounds of things in the Private Facebook Group (by the way click on those words if you need to join!) things are going pretty well! Two orders of business today: #1 - Tonight's Support Call This is just a quick reminder about the support call tonight at 8:30 p.m. EST (5:30 p.m. PST). Here's the information to join the call: Dial-in number: (712) 770-4010 Access code: 250-969 Remember, this is YOUR call. Stay for the whole thing or just drop-in. Participate, or just listen in. Your choice! If you have a question you want me to address tonight, get it to me soon! You can email me at nikki@bariatricfoodie.com. #2 - The Bariatric Foodie Pledge Standings List I also wanted to give you the link to the Bariatric Foodie Pledge Standings List. This is just a list we keep of who pledges and checks in each week. You are welcome to check the standings list at any time. Please email us if you feel we missed something! It's important to us to give you credit for all that you are doing this month! Hit the link below to go to the most recently updated version of the Standings List. Take me to the Standings List!

Ha!!! I hear ya. We will pass your feedback on to unjury. Thanks!

We are an ad supported site. You suggested something which we highly discourage. Thank you for understanding ????????

That was very helpful! I spoke to soon....we still have this feature enabled. We are planning on replacing with our own ads asap!

How do I re subscribe to emails.... I am trying to reset my password but am unable to. Thanks in advance for your help. ****************@yahoo.com successfully removed from the blacklist

Those are called interstitial ads and they're in our app. There was a glitch yesterday and this morning where outside advertisers were being shown but from now on you should only be seeing ads that are appropriate to our community.

You shouldn't be seeing ads from outside advertisers, especially the likes of McDonalds!! Help me out so we can figure out why and where this is occurring, please. Are you using the app or website? Are you on a desktop computer or using a mobile device? Where are these banners appearing on our page?

This issue has been resolved.

We sell the entire Quest product line in the BariatricPal store. We received many complaints after they reformulated their bars a few months ago. I believe flatulence was the #1 issue. Personally, I don't eat them but I'd love to hear more feedback from members that have eaten and tested the new formulations.

style="margin:0;padding:0;background-color:#d8dde8;color:#5a5a5a;font:normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif;position:relative;"> Hey BariatricPal Members! I hope this newsletter finds you well, and getting a good start in 2016! Now that the holidays are a distant memory and life’s back to normal, it’s time to focus on weight loss surgery and health. This newsletter can help you get motivated and work hard to reach this year’s goals. Here’s what you’ll find in this month’s newsletter. News from BariatricPal: Forums and Beyond Member Spotlight: Meet cervidae! Getting Started on a Workout Program – Some Basics So enjoy the newsletter, and then get thinking about how what you do today can make your dreams come true in 2016. BariatricPal is waiting to cheer you on! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal News from BariatricPal: Forums and Beyond We always have plenty of plans up our sleeves to help support you even further in your weight loss surgery journey. This year promises to be no exception. We’re working hard to make improvements and roll out some exciting new developments. In the meantime, here are a few things to think about! The BariatricPal Store: Get Your Healthy food and Bariatric Supplements! Weight loss is easier.when you have help. The BariatrricPal Store gives you access to the high-Protein, low-calorie foods and supplements you need, along with the bariatric Vitamins that will keep you nourished as you lose weight. Stop by for bars, shakes, breakfasts, Entrees, and Snacks like chips and pretzels. There are tons of gems like protein oatmeal raisin Cookies and low carb Fettuccini Pasta. You’ll love the delicious choices plus the nutritionals. In case you need a little guidance, we have suggested meal plans that you can use. Check out the plans for the Full liquid, pureed and Mushies, and Solid Foods diets. We also have plans for Maintenance, as well as a little help getting over a hump with the Back on Track diet. Around the Boards Social support is absolutely crucial for success after weight loss surgery, and BariatricPal has you covered! Head on over to the forums if you have questions, need advice or encouragement, or just want to see what’s happening. You can chat about meal plans and salmon recipes, list the pros and cons of weight loss, talk about special concerns like night eating syndrome, and find a surgeon in our surgeon directory. Member Spotlight: Meet Cervidae We are delighted to start the year off by featuring cervidae from Rochester, New York. This young lady has PCOS and was working with a nutritionist and specialist with no results. After months of hard work, experimentation with medications, and working out hard, she considered weight loss surgery. Early last year, she went to a seminar and felt much more hopeful. She saw others who had the same trouble she did and got over it with WLS. She also liked listening to the surgeon’s talk. Cervidae stopped being defensive and realized she needed to do something. She chose the RNY gastric bypass because of her high starting BMI of 67. She also wanted the extra accountability that comes with fear of dumping syndrome. Cervidae saw surgery as a chance to reclaim control of her body, and she took that chance. She got surgery in August of 2015 at the age of 22. So far, she has lost over 120 pounds. She’s at 292 lbs. now and is working towards her goal weight of 170 pounds. Her life has changed dramatically since losing some weight. She’s gone from not being able to hold a job because her body couldn’t last through a work day, to making a living as a freelance artist and photographer. Her “little” victories include losing 8 pants sizes, fitting into chairs, walking upstairs comfortably, and seeing her health numbers get into normal ranges. Best of all, she sees that she HAS a future, and it is a happy one. The forums have helped cervidae with her anxiety because she now know there are people who care and understand. It makes a difference in her everyday life, and she is grateful for the support. She says they have been as instrumental as her surgeon! Cervidae has an important tip for members and for everyone else: you are worth it. The journey isn’t easy, from admitting you need help to going through a permanent change, but the effort is worth it because you are worth it. She says believing that lets you see this as “an amazing journey instead of a forced migration.” Cervidae really credits her surgery not only with giving her her life back, but giving her the will to live. She was ready to give up before, and is now looking forward to a joyful future. She says THANK YOU to everyone – from her friends and family to her healthcare team to BariatricPal members – who has helped her. Thank YOU, cervidae, for being in our member spotlight and sharing your journey with us. We are so proud of you and thrilled that you have such a bright future! If you want to be in the newsletter or there’s a BariatricPal member you’d like to learn more about, let us know in the Member Spotlight Forum! You can nominate yourself or someone else. Getting Started on a Workout Program – Some Basics The majority of your weight loss comes from your healthy WLS diet. Cut the calories, choose healthy foods, and you’ll lose weight. So why bother working out? It’s not just about burning a few extra calories, although that sure helps with weight loss! It’s about having more energy in daily life, being able to do more things, improving your physical health, and becoming a happier, less stressed person. You might even say that if weight loss surgery and the WLS diet can get you your life back, exercise can make it worth living! But how do you even start if you’re not used to being active? It can be scary, but it’s probably a LOT easier than you think. Here are a few do’s and don’ts for beginners. Do get your doctor’s approval first before you start any exercise program. Don’t worry about anyone else. Nobody in the gym is judging you; there’s a good chance nobody even notices you. Just worry about your workout. Do get the proper workout clothes and footwear. Don’t rush it. The last thing you need is an injury. Start with just a few minutes at a super light intensity, and work up from there when your body is ready. Do schedule in some rest days. Your muscles need them for recovery, and your mind needs them for sanity. Don’t give up. It is tough at first, but it gets easier. Do find something you like. It may be walking, cycling, swimming, group fitness classes, window shopping in the mall, or chasing fly balls at your daughter’s softball practice. There is at least one activity you can love. Don’t overeat to compensate for the calories you burn in exercise. You probably don’t need as many extra calories as you think. Do drink extra water! So there’s a little help with healthy recipes and beginning exercise, with some extreme inspiration sandwiched in between. Hope you’re ready to get your own healthy act going now…just as soon as you check into the forums!

If you’re lucky, health insurance coverage is fairly straightforward. You know what’s covered, how to get through to an approved specialist, and whom to contact if you have questions. In many cases, though, health insurance is a big mystery. It’s not always easy to find out what’s covered, what your co-pay is, whether you’re at your deductible, and how to get through to a specialist. Often, people don’t even know where to start to find the information. It can take hours on hold and making multiple phone calls to ask a simple question. Then, when they get an answer, it may be wrong. Your weight loss surgery may be one of the first times you look deeply into your healthcare coverage policy. What did you discover? Were you able to find out yourself whether it was covered? Did you know where to go for help if you needed it? Did you know which surgeons were part of your network or HMO, and which WLS types were covered? Please describe your experience dealing with healthcare coverage and share any advice you have for any WLS candidates who may not even know where to start! If you chose to go self-pay even though you might have been covered, what made you decide to do so? Thanks for helping out some potential WLS patients who may be pretty lost right now!

deally, you cook your own meals from scratch every night. You know what goes in them, how much you can have, and what the exact nutritional stats are. In reality? Not a chance! There has to be the occasional or even frequent day or evening when you eat out. It may be because you run out of time to cook at home, you have plans to go out with friends or family, or you have a work function. You can’t let these restaurant trips destroy your diet, so what do you do? Do you order from the menu and just eat the parts of the meal that are on your diet? Do you ask the server for a staple like chicken breast and a salad? Do you bring your own food? Do you just sip on ice Water or tea while everyone else eats? Share your restaurant strategies!

@@gigglesforyou369, Unfortunately, it happens! There’s not always much you can do to stop it. There are supplements like Biotin. Also, getting in your Protein and fluids helps. Other than that and reducing stress, you can’t do a whole lot besides wait it out and enjoy the weight loss at least.

Kaila312, I’m sorry to hear the worrying news. Keep us posted on how it progresses. In the meantime, it sounds like you are back on track. Since you have gotten back on track and lost a few pounds, I hope you can still stay focused and continue to lose the weight again, whether or not your sleeve is stretched. You were losing weight before you found out about the stretch, so hopefully you can continue to do so. Stretched sleeve or not, you have the power to make the healthy choices and stick to the smaller portions, even though it isn't easy. Good luck!