Alex Brecher

Our members now have two great options for financing their weight loss surgery! We've partnered with the top three lenders to offer our members flexible Payment Plans to finance their weight loss surgery! They're able to cater towards members with great or not such great credit scores. They've approved multiple BariatricPal members, just this week alone. Interest-Free up to 15 Months Multiple Loan Options No Pre-Payment Penalty 0% Initial Interest Rate Options Lowest Interest Rates Available Secured and Unsecured Options Terms up to 60 Months Contact us for more info!

We just added a second funding option. I've updated the initial post with this new info.

This issue is resolved, thanks!

Thanks for reporting this issue! We should have this issue resolved shortly.

White page ? I tested the link via a desktop and smartphone. What exactly are you using to access this page please? yup! This is a US based financing company that specializes in weight loss surgery.

I had some major plans for WLSFA but I put them all on the backburner for my kiddos. Next year I'm going to dedicate 2X my time and energy and pray we'll be able to participate in a very meaningful way.

IMHO, Rosie is all about the $. I hope she gets her head out of her rear and starts caring about others and not just herself. If you don't save up enough please let me know and I'll see if we can start a fundraiser to get you there next year I was really upset that I couldn't partake this year. My kiddos are my priority, but I'm going to make sure I'll be able to partake next year.

We absolutely inspect every facility we use prior to sending our members there. Dr. Almanza and his staff made promises to make some major but very necessary changes and he didn't keep up to his end of the bargain. If we can't trust a surgeon to keep their word, we most definitely can't trust him with our members lives!

Our members now have great options for financing their weight loss surgery! We've partnered with the top lenders to offer our members flexible Payment Plans to finance their weight loss surgery! They're able to cater towards members with great or not such great credit scores. They've approved multiple BariatricPal members, just this week alone. Interest-Free up to 15 Months Multiple Loan Options No Pre-Payment Penalty 0% Initial Interest Rate Options Lowest Interest Rates Available Secured and Unsecured Options Terms up to 60 Months Contact us for more info!

Sure, I wish I could have lost weight without the lap-band. I also wish I could have gone through life without gaining an extra 100 pounds in the first place. I also wish I had a million dollars and a private jet. Everyone has their own circumstances to deal with in life. For those of us who are WLS patients, we just couldn’t manage our weight without WLS. It’s okay. Ideally, yes, I definitely agree with you that it would be nice to be able to be healthy and lose weight without WLS. In my real life? I needed help, and WLS gave it to me. By the way…you’re not taking the easy way out. You’ll unfortunately learn that as soon as you start to have struggles. We all do.

10 pounds in two weeks is a disappointment? What were you expecting/hoping to lose? I hope you can start to realize what an accomplishment this is and what a great pace you are on. Most people are thrilled to average 2 pounds a week during their first year – that’s 100 pounds down. If you AVERAGE 2 pounds a week, you’re going to have some weeks that are less than 2 pounds…so mentally prepare yourself! You’re doing great, and you will continue to do great as long as you continue to follow the diet. And following the diet will be easier if you feel positive about it…so recognize what you are doing, and be realistic…so you can be THRILLED with 10 pounds in two weeks and excited to continue!

(Disclaimer: I’m not a sleeve patient). I understand your fear, but like the others have said, you just have to stick to your diet. If you eat right, you’ll lose weight. Maybe the sleeve will feel like it stretches as it calms down after surgery, and maybe it’ll stretch a little over time, but you can lose weight if you stick to the diet. There may be some times when you’re hungry and it’s not time to eat yet. You just have to wait a little (or eat a little bit of your next meal now and save the rest for later). That’s normal, even if your sleeve hasn’t stretched. You can definitely “outeat” your sleeve if you try. Maybe it’s because you stretch it, or maybe it’s because you eat around it. If you eat too often, choose high-calorie foods, drink drinks with calories, drink when you eat…break the rules of your diet, you’ll out-eat your sleeve. Maybe it’s because you’ve eaten around it, or maybe it’s because you’ve stretched it. Whatever it is, it’s because of going off the diet. As for eating slowly…it takes practice. Think of it as a challenge, and as an opportunity. Taste your food. Feel free to play games with it. Good luck!

Like the others said…you just have to try them. They have some nice nutritional stats, but their taste isn’t for everyone.

It's something we're actively working on. It's tough to find quality plastic surgeons in MX. We're working on it and we'll make an announcement once something is in place.

BariatricPal is pleased to announce BariatricPal Deals! This exclusive new program offers unbelievable deals for weight loss surgery with the top weight loss surgeons and best service in Tijuana, Mexico. All-inclusive packages start at only $3899! We cut out the middleman and pass the savings on to you! We guarantee our prices and are willing to beat ANY advertised prices for Dr. jaime Ponce de leon, Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez, Dr. Juan Francisco Zavalza, Dr. Carlos Altamirano and Dr. Juan A. Lopez Corvala. financing Options are available to help patients pay for the program. All applications and questionnaires are reviewed by our Internal Medicine Doctor on staff. Following the review of your questionnaire you will be entitled to a free surgeon consultation via phone or Skype (Exclusive to BariatricPal Deals Applicants). Want to discuss BariatricPal Deals or find out more detailed information about the surgeons and services we offer? Head on over to the BariatricPal Deals Forum. We now offer FREE Skype Consultations with our weight loss surgeons! Please complete this form and mention in the comments that you'd like to schedule your free Skype consultation. These are the weight loss surgeries and surgeons that are offered: You will receive additional information about the program, including a 24-hour phone number and direct contact information for your patient liaison after you complete the short form. Completing the form does not commit you to anything! You can also call us toll-free at (844) WLS-DEAL Dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon Chief Bariatric Surgeon at INT Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico Dr. Jaime Ponce de Leon has the official endorsement of the Baja California Board of Tourism. The board recommended his services after a thorough review of his credentials and reputation. Dr. de Leon has 19 years of experience as a surgeon, including extensive experience as a laparoscopic surgeon, and is recognized as a top bariatric surgeon in Mexico. He received his M.D. as a general surgeon from Saint Nicholas University in Hidalgo, Mexico, and completed his residency in Tijuana’s. Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico $4999 Gastric Plication Surgery in Mexico $4999 Gastric Sleeve Revision in Mexico $5799 Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5799 Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5799 Gastric Bypass Revision in Mexico $6799 Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez Dominguez A Certified Bariatric Surgeon with over a decade of experience. Dr. Lopez has 10 years of surgical experience and is bilingual. Dr. Jesus Martin Lopez is one of the leading medical practitioners in Tijuana dedicated to change lives for people with weight-related problems. Special: Dr. Lopez will offer FREE Hernia repair with all procedures! Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico $4199 Gastric Plication Surgery in Mexico $4199 Gastric Sleeve Revision in Mexico $5199 Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5199 Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5499 Gastric Bypass Revision in Mexico $5499 Dr. Juan Francisco Zavalza Trusted bariatric surgeon & backed up by thousands of successfully performed weight loss surgeries. Dr. Zavalza has 5 years of surgical experience, is bilingual and was proctored by Dr. Jaime Ponce De Leon. Dr. Francisco Zavalza has performed and assisted more than 3000 bariatric surgeries. Dr. Zavalza continues communicating with his patients years after surgery, providing extensive follow-up care, to insure long term and successful outcomes. Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico $4250 Gastric Sleeve Revision in Mexico $5299 Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5299 Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5599 Gastric Bypass Revision in Mexico $5599 Dr. Carlos Altamirano Is an expert in General Surgery and Advanced Laparoscopic Weight Loss Surgery. Special: Dr. Altamirano will offer FREE Hernia repair with all procedures! Dr. Altamirano completed his formation as a surgeon in Dr. Valentín Gómez Farías Hospital (one of the most renowned hospitals in Mexico). He trained in basic and advanced laparoscopic procedures like cholecystectomy, inguinal and post incisional hernia repair, Laparoscopic Nissen Fundoplication and bariatric procedures like Gastric Sleeve and bypass. He also has experience in the management of emergency and critically ill patients, is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS certification of the American College of Surgeons) and Advanced Cardiovascular life Support (ACLS certification of the American Heart Association). He was a Red Cross volunteer for a year and has worked for multiple Non-Profit organizations. Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico $4199 Gastric Sleeve Revision in Mexico $5199 Mini-Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5199 Gastric Bypass Surgery in Mexico $5499 Dr. Juan A. Lopez Corvala Certified Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Juan Antonio Lopez Corvala MD FACS has over 30 years of experience, more than 10,000 laparoscopic surgeries, and more than 6,000 bariatric surgeries. Dr. Juan A. Lopez Corvala is one of the 10 most renowned bariatric surgeons worldwide, a true expert, member of C.A.B. (Council of Advance Bariatrics). Gastric Sleeve Surgery in Mexico $5999 Don’t forget that you must complete the form on this page to qualify for the great BariatricPal Deals prices. You will receive additional information about the program, including a 24-hour phone number and contact information for your patient liason, after you complete the form. Completing the form does not commit you to anything. How Can BariatricPal Deals Really Be Possible? How can we offer such good deals on weight loss surgery in Mexico while being so confident in the quality of the care you receive? This is one of the most commonly asked questions when interested members like yourself come across these fantastic deals. The truth is, it's quite simple! With such a large number of potential weight loss surgery patients, we were able to negotiate the best deals possible on your behalf. Take a look at some of the steps we took to make this happen. 1) We cut out the middle-man BariatricPal works directly with each participating surgeon instead of paying a third party to act as a go-between. Without paying a middle man, each surgery instantly costs $1,000 to $3,000 less, and we pass the savings to BP Deal members. 2) We receive the wholesale rate BariatricPal has so many potential weight loss surgery patients that surgeons are able to provide deep discounts in the BP Deals program compared to the prices they need to charge for individuals who walk in off the street. 3) We only invite selected surgeons to participate We approach only those surgeons whom we are confident provide a safe and positive experience in a caring environment. Some of the ways to do this include knowing the surgeons personally, inspecting their facilities, looking at their patient outcomes, or checking their bariatric surgery credentials and licensure. Top Bariatric Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico You will have your weight loss surgery performed at the only hospital with an official Medical Tourism certificate issued by the state of Baja California, Mexico. The hospital is among the top weight loss surgery centers in the world, having performed over 20,000 procedures. The hospital's credentials and experience can give you peace of mind as you get ready for weight loss surgery in Mexico. The price you get through BariatricPal Deals is all-inclusive. It covers the following: Ground transportation · Blood work, EKG, and x-rays Cardiologist, anesthesiologist, and nurses Weight loss surgery and hospital stay 24-hour care · Recovery stay with 24-hour care · Medications Nutritional plan When you arrive, the hospital staff provides the best service and is the friendliest you'll ever meet. They will put you at ease during your entire stay. The hospital also provides the following services for your convenience and comfort: Bilingual staff Transportation to and from the U.S. Direct phone calls to and from the U.S. Wireless internet Cable television in English and Spanish Personal nursing staff 24-hour security and video surveillance Fill out this form to get more information or reserve your weight loss surgery date Call us Toll-free at (844) WLS-DEAL

At BariatricPal, we are committed that our patients receive the most comprehensive and complete care for Pre-op and Post-Op follow-Up care. All of our Bariatric surgeon partners have to follow BariatricPal's strict patient care and follow-up guidelines. We have these guidelines in place to ensure your safe and professional medical care. It is our guarantee that you will receive personal care from your surgeon as well as all medical protocols required to assure your weight loss surgery and recovery before you return to the US or Canada. Upon reinspection of the facilities and medical protocols with Dr. Mario Almanza and Hospital de La Mujer y el Nino we are not able to continue our Relationship with Dr Mario Almanza.

Check your credit card statement next month. Thank you for supporting such a worthy cause! JK! I provided VIP membership to members that have contributed to BP over the last year or so. It's the least I can do for all of you. If anyone wants a digital copy (Kindle, Nook or PDF) of any of my books, please just PM me and I'll be happy to provide them free of charge.

We've been working on a new BP app which has better functionality and features (Tracking, video exercises, etc) It's coming along ok but taking a lot longer than I had hoped.

Yup!

Didn't mind the narrators on either: "The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery" or "The BIG Book on the Gastric Sleeve" Thanks for the feedback!!

ASL!! 37/M/NY .... Reminds me of my college years on AOL chat! That's also where I met my (ex) wife!!! I'm happily divorced with three kiddos. Two boys 12 and 10 and my little princess who's 7.

Nutritional deficiencies are a major concern after weight loss surgery. You eat less food, so you eat fewer nutrients. Sleeve and bypass patients absorb fewer nutrients. You eat less fat, which makes it harder to absorb fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A. Some bariatric surgery patients take one or two multivitamins, plus an entire barrage of high-dose vitamin and mineral supplements. Others barely take any supplements. Which should you be taking? How do you even know whether you need a supplement? Can you prevent deficiencies just by eating a better diet? VITAMIN A – Vision, immunity, and healthy red blood cells Risk for Deficiency Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS Very low-fat diet Food Sources Orange fruits (mango, cantaloupe) Orange vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, Green vegetables (kale, spinach) Liver Deficiency Information Blood test: serum retinol (vitamin A) Consequences of deficiency: impaired vision; changes in iron metabolism Supplement Notes High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them. VITAMIN D – Calcium metabolism and bone health, affects immune function and heart health Risk for Deficiency Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS Very low-fat diet Little skin exposure to sun, live in northern climate, or older age Food Sources Fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel) Fortified milk Egg yolks (if you are a bariatric surgery patient, you might mostly be eating egg whites) Some fortified cereals Deficiency Information Blood test: 25-hydroxyvitamin D Consequences of deficiency: osteoporosis (low bone mineral density and higher risk for fractures); possible higher risk for heart disease Supplement Notes High doses can be toxic – take only if your doctor prescribes them. Need for supplementation is very common. VITAMIN B12 – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health) Risk for Deficiency WLS that reduces nutrient absorption: gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS. Plant-based diet. Heavy bleeding: e.g., complication after WLS) Older age Food Sources Animal-based foods: meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, eggs Some fortified cereals Deficiency Information Blood test: vitamin B12 Blood test: CBC (complete blood count) Consequences of deficiency: risk of heart disease; megaloblastic anemia; permanent neurological damage; osteoporosis; depression Supplement Notes High doses not likely to be toxic. Supplements may be necessary if you are on antacids such as proton pump inhibitors FOLIC ACID – Healthy red blood cells, homocysteine metabolism (important in heart health), prevention of neural tube defects (for pregnant women) Risk for Deficiency Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, BPD-DS Low dietary intake – especially when grain intake is low after weight loss surgery Food Sources Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal Lentils Asparagus Orange juice Spinach Lima beans Deficiency Information Blood test: serum folate Blood test: homocysteine Consequences of deficiency: cognitive dysfunction; neural tube defects; megaloblastic anemia Supplement Notes High doses can hide vitamin B12 deficiencies. CALCIUM – Bone health, muscle function Risk for Deficiency Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS Diet low in dairy products – either because of lactose intolerance or other reasons (such as avoiding milk because of the calories). Food Sources Dairy products: milk, cheese, yogurt (choose fat-free) Fortified milk substitutes (almond milk, soy milk) Fortified orange juice Canned bony fish (salmon, sardines) Green leafy vegetables (absorption is poor) Some fortified cereals Tofu Deficiency Information Blood test: calcium levels – note: this is not a good test for adequate calcium! You can have normal test results and still not have enough calcium in your diet! Dietary intake analysis: see if you get at least 1,200 to 1,500 milligrams per day from your diet. Rough estimate of dietary intake: at least 4 servings of high-calcium foods each day Consequences of deficiency: decreased bone mineral density (osteoporosis and higher risk for bone fractures) Supplement Notes Taking too much calcium can cause kidney stones and be bad for the heart. Ask your doctor how much calcium you should take in a multivitamin and as a calcium (or calcium and vitamin D or calcium and magnesium) supplement. Don’t take your calcium supplement at the same time as iron because you will interfere with absorption IRON – Healthy red blood cells, energy and other metabolism Risk for Deficiency Nutrient malabsorption procedures: Roux-en-Y, gastric bypass, BPD-DS Vegetarian or vegan (plant-based) diet Adolescents and women of child-bearing age. Individuals with excessive bleeding (such as with a post-op complication) Food Sources Fortified grains (most grains in the U.S.): including spaghetti, bread, cereal Meat, seafood, and poultry (animal-based sources have a more absorbable form of iron) Beans and lentils Green vegetables, such as spinach, kale, broccoli Potatoes Raisins Deficiency Information Blood test: serum iron/Fe Blood test: ferritin Blood test: total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (high value means low iron status) Blood test: hemoglobin and hematocrit Supplement Notes Iron supplements can be toxic even if your dose is not that high. Don’t take them unless your doctor prescribes them. That includes iron in multivitamins. Don’t take iron supplements at the together with calcium supplements. Try to take supplements with vitamin C (in food or as a supplement) to increase absorption. THE OTHERS The above deficiencies are most common among weight loss surgery patients, but other deficiencies are possible. You are at risk because of your low food intake as you restrict calories. Malabsorptive procedures, such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve, also put you at risk. Ask your doctor if you are concerned about any of the following vitamins and minerals. Often, a simple blood test or even a run-through of your daily diet can help you figure out if you need an additional supplement over your daily multivitamin and mineral supplement. B vitamins: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) Vitamin C Vitamin K Magnesium Zinc The Bottom Line Nutritional deficiencies are a big risk after weight loss surgery, but they depend on a few different factors. Type of weight loss surgery – sleeve and bypass patients are more prone to nutrient deficiencies than lap-band patients. Your diet – eat protein first and choose nutritious foods to lower your risk of deficiencies. Genetics and other uncontrollable factors – women are more likely to need iron supplements, for example, than men. Megadoses of vitamin and minerals can be toxic, so don’t prescribe them for yourself. Instead, contact your surgeon or regular doctor. Simple tests can often let you know your nutrient status so you can know which nutrients to supplement.

Love it, hate it or ignore it completely, the “Biggest Loser” on NBC is one of America’s favorite shows. Millions of viewers tune in each week to watch contestants weigh in as they shed pounds during this inspirational weight loss competition. If you are a bariatric surgery patient or candidate, however, this inspirational show can be bittersweet. You root for each contestant because you understand their fight against obesity. But if you have been a long-time viewer, you may also cringe regularly. That’s because of the show’s history of devaluing weight loss surgery as a legitimate weight loss aid. More than once, Biggest Loser trainers and the head doctor, Dr. Robert Huizenga, have stated Biggest Loser methods is a better way to lose weight than surgery, which they imply is dangerous and an inappropriate solution in all cases. New Study: Biggest Loser versus Bariatric Surgery Are these obesity experts right to discourage weight loss surgery in the national spotlight? Or should they acknowledge bariatric surgery as a possibly beneficial weight loss approach? A lot of us would love to know more about the weight loss program on the Biggest Loser competition and how its results are compared to weight loss surgery. Now, we can. Dr. Huizenga has published a study comparing Biggest Loser to weight loss surgery – in particular, gastric bypass. It answers a lot of questions…and raises a lot, too! Here are the basics of the study. The Study Groups The study compared 13 contestants on the Biggest Loser to 13 roux-en-Y gastric bypass patients. The weight loss surgery patients followed their surgeon’s standard program, including the weight loss surgery diet and any required post-surgery follow-up care and support. Biggest Loser contestants were on the Biggest Loser Ranch until week 13 or until they got voted off and were at home until the finale. While on the ranch, they exercised for 90 minutes 6 days a week under supervision and were encouraged to exercise up to three additional hours each day on their own. Their diet included lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, and limited sugars, fats, and processed grains. The Results By seven months, or the time between the start of the Biggest Loser season and the show’s finale, Biggest Loser contestants were ahead of bariatric surgery patients. The average Biggest Loser weight loss was 108 pounds while weight loss surgery patients averaged a loss of 78 pounds. By the end of the year, weight loss surgery patients got to an average loss of 89 pounds. In addition, Biggest Loser contestants lost less muscle and more body fat. However, they also had a lower resting metabolism – that is, they burned fewer calories per day than the weight loss surgery patients. That means they are more likely to put the weight back on. These are the key findings. Biggest Loser contestants lost more weight at 7 months, but the gap narrowed by 12 months. Biggest Loser contestants lost more body fat. Weight loss surgery patients had a higher metabolism. Weight loss surgery patients had lower levels of leptin, a hormone related to hunger. Dr. Huizenga’s Conclusions…Leading to More Unanswered Questions? Dr. Huizenga believes this study is a compelling argument against bariatric surgery. He refers to the risk of death (1 in 1,000) from bariatric surgery, as well as the high cost of surgery. He acknowledges the high injury rates of contestants but believes these can be treated with orthopedic techniques and surgery. Hopefully, you know a good orthopedic surgeon and have good medical insurance! Do You Watch TV for Four to Six Hours a Day? The Biggest Loser includes 90 minutes per day of exercise under the watch of Biggest Loser trainers, plus contestants are encouraged to exercise up to another three hours a day on their own. Do you have a spare four and a half hours each day? Dr. Huizenga has a solution. He says most people spend 4 to 6 hours per day watching television. He suggests you could spend that time exercising instead. Indeed, a Nielsen survey backs him up. However, while the numbers may sound reasonable, can that be true in real life? Do you really watch TV for that many hours each day? When you “watch” TV, are you just watching TV (and are, therefore, available to do exercise instead), or are you already doing something else, like folding laundry or cooking dinner? Are you willing to exercise that long each day? Are you physically able to exercise that long each day? To sum it up, this is an interesting study. Certainly nobody actually wants bariatric surgery – but is there an alternative? Can you follow a Biggest Loser lifestyle and get the results you want? Dr. Huizenga thinks so, but we have our doubts. Coming up, we’ll have an easy-to-read comparison of Biggest Loser and bariatric surgery. Then, we have a few final questions to raise about the study. Stay tuned! If you’re interested in reading the original research article by Dr. Huizenga and his colleagues at the National Institutes of Health, Vanderbilt University, and Pennington Biomedical Research Center, you can go here.

Did you enjoy the Narrator's voice ?