Alex Brecher

Welcome to the VIP Member Lounge! I want to personally thank you for becoming a BariatricPal VIP member. Your membership helps keep BariatricPal running so it can be here for everyone who needs help in their weight loss surgery journeys. This forum is your place to fly under the radar. Non-Premium BariatricPal members can’t access this forum, and search engines don’t see this forum. It’s your private place to hang out. Talk about weight loss surgery or just relax with the other VIP members. I want you to think of this forum as your private lounge. Of course, your membership also gives you a few more benefits. Ad-free experience on iOS and Android apps and fewer ads on the website. Unlimited private messages and the ability customize your user title (and we’ve seen some great ones…). Help reaching your goals with our daily tips and discounts off our weight loss surgery softcover books and eBooks. Everyone on this forum is a die-hard BariatricPal fan, so you’re in good company. We want you to feel comfortable posting whatever’s on your mind and getting into some good discussions here. This is your place! Thanks for supporting BariatricPal. Your VIP membership lets BariatricPal stay strong and look to the future. Enjoy the VIP Forums, and please feel free to contact me anytime!

Report and then delete em please. Also, @alex doesn't work. It's @Alex Brecher

Please post url's for any duplicate posts or topics you come across to this topic or send me a PM. This will assist us greatly.

I've had *MANY* members PM me that they've had very good results using InsureNutrition. The key is to have patience and definitely stay on top of them and your doc.

Thanks to everyone for reporting these issues. I've noticed the issue over the last few weeks as well. We're actively pursuing a permanent fix and I'll update this topic once it's in place. In the interim, please us the REPORT button to report any duplicate topics or posts. There's nothing we can do about cross-posts, except delete them. @@CowgirlJane I've changed settings for all moderators. You can now manage topics and posts across all forums. Thank you very much for your ongoing assistance! Also, I wish I was able but I don't read every topic posted. Please tag me in your post next time so I'm made aware of any site issues or you can post to the forum which discusses site issues and problems. I follow that forum and receive an instant notice for any topics posted.

Awwwww Start saving for next years event!

Great News: Use Coupon Code "BariatricPal" during checkout for an additional 10% off to the WLSFA event!

Welcome to the BariatricPal singles Forum! I started this forum because of the huge changes you experience when you are on your weight loss surgery journey. Your lifestyle, your appearance, and the way you see yourself and the world can change. There’s a good chance your relationships will change, too – and maybe you’ll start some new ones. In fact, it may be time to date again! You can come here to the BariatricPal singles forum to mingle with other singles who have or are thinking about bariatric surgery. It can be a lot easier to start a relationship when you know the other person has the same health values as you, and understands what you’re going through. I also would like to remind members that you are in control of which information you choose to share with other BariatricPal members. Use your good judgment if you choose to share personal information. Think twice before you decide to share personal information, such as your real name, your address, or contact information such as your email address or telephone number. Share personal information only with members whom you feel you can trust, if anyone at all. If you do choose to share personal information, share it only with a specific member using the private messaging system. Do not post personal information on this public forum. The regular Forum Rules (including courtesy and respect!) apply to this forum. Of course, you don’t need to be looking for an online date to use this forum. You can also stop by for a little dating advice about your offline fling. Who better than other WLS singles to give you the scoop on dating post-surgery? So grab a cup of ice Water and join the singles party! Everyone deserves love, and you may find it here.

Thanks. I'm going to look at ordering that Wok, looks great! I left out a really awesome kitchen tool knows as the Anova Sous Vide Immersion Circulator. I find Sous Vide cooking to be perfect for Bariatric patients since it softens the food and keeps it very moist and tasty.

A well-stocked kitchen doesn’t just have food. It has all kinds of utensils and pots so you can cook and other aids. Beyond the knives, pans, and measuring cups that you’ll fine in any kitchen, some extra gadgets and gizmos can help you cook for one and stay on your weight loss diet. Here are a few of our top picks. Kitchen Scale This is a must-have for any bariatric surgery patient. If you do not have one, go get one. A kitchen scale is even more important when you are cooking for one. Your kitchen scale can be especially helpful for measuring out smaller portions of larger recipes or of store-bought, prepackaged food. If you know the nutritional information of the entire recipe and know what portion you want for a single serving, start by weighing the entire recipe. Then remove it from the scale and weigh out the portion you need. For example, if your recipe weighs 1,000 grams and has 2,000 calories, and you know you need 200 calories, you know you need 1/10 of the recipe. So, you can measure out 100 grams (1/10 of the recipe) on your scale. Containers with Lids Having enough containers can make all the difference. It’s easy to get motivated to make multi-serving healthy recipes when you know where you’re going to store what you do not eat immediately. Divide your weekend recipes into portions of 2 to 3 servings and store each portion in a container in the freezer. Then you can defrost what you need for a meal, plus have another serving or two to eat the next day. Have ample sets of small containers on hand so you can take your food with you. You can take salads in the larger containers. The bulk of your containers can be medium-sized and just right for cut fruit, raw veggies, deli slices, cooked chicken, and leftovers. Use tiny containers for condiments like peanut butter, hummus and light salad dressing. Make sure the lids are tight-fitting so you can take your food with you without spilling. Additional Help for Carrying Food You may need to transport your food frequently and weight loss surgery. You’ll probably be taking your own lunch to work instead of going out to eat, and you should always have enough healthy snacks on hand to prevent yourself from grabbing junk food out of desperation. An insulated lunch bag is one convenience. It is also helpful to have foil, plastic wrap, and sandwich baggies on hand so you can always pack up what you need at the last minute. They are not as environmentally friendly as reusable containers, but they can save your diet. A Vacuum Sealer You’ve probably seen television infomercials talking about the benefits of vacuum sealers. Sellers promise all sorts of benefits, and many weight loss surgery patients find that these are more than empty promises. Save money by buying in bulk or in family packs, or by purchasing extra amounts of fresh foods while they are on sale, and storing them until you use them. Prevent waste. Vacuum sealers claim to keep food fresher for several times longer in the freezer than using a container or plastic bag to store food. They also prevent freezer burn. Eat healthier. You know that if something healthy is available, you’ll eat it. If not, you won’t. Sealing your food up in vacuum packages helps you make sure a healthy foundation for a meal is always available. You can vacuum seal almost anything, from fish, meats, and poultry to fruits and vegetables to cheese and baked goods, like muffins and pancakes. You can reheat your food in the microwave or simmering water. Make sure you have always have plastic bags on hand to seal your food. Pots and Pans If time is one of your biggest limitations, a slow cooker can help you out. You can make all kinds of chili, stews, casseroles, and other main courses that are high-protein and rich in vegetables. Because you can often use bouillon or broth to keep the dish moist, slow cooking can also be low-fat. When you get home to the hot meal, serve yourself what you want to eat and freeze the rest. A muffin tin may become a surprising new essential. A six-muffin tin can fit into most toaster ovens, making them nice and convenient, while a 12-muffin tin can get you more muffins and let you make bigger recipes. Another likely necessity is a frying pan for making omelets and scrambled eggs. You can buy a small one to make portion control easier. Blender This is especially critical when you are in the pureed foods stage after weight loss surgery. A blender can come in handy at other times, too, especially if you depend on shakes to meet your protein requirements or get in a quick meal with fresh fruits and vegetables. Choose a blender that is easy to use and clean. If you have a huge food blender that you dread using because it involves lifting the heavy thing down from a shelf and endless washing up afterwards, you might want to invest in another blender. A hand blender is one option. You can also look at shake-making blenders like a Nutri-Bullet. You’re on Your Way! Don’t let your efforts to go waste as you read up on cooking for your weight loss surgery diet and discover new tips and recipes. Gather resources to help you. Collect your favorite links from the BariatricPal forums and from blogs and other helpful weight loss surgery sites so you can easily go back to them when you want to. Bookmark or print when you run across new recipes, and take careful notes when you make one you like. Don’t forget to read the earlier parts of this series on cooking for one. Also, check out the BariatricPal conversation on cooking for one! Get a few tried-and-true tips, and share your own discoveries. There are some pretty great ideas floating around!

I don't think that's possible but you never know! I'd reach out to the WLSFA and ask.

A lot of weight loss surgery patients are a bit streaky. We have good periods where we eat well and exercise right. That suddenly give way to a bad spell. Sometimes, just a simple trigger can get us off track and cause far more harm than we expect. Which of the following is most likely to derail your efforts? Temptation. If I have access to any of my favorites like chocolate cake or macaroni and cheese at a meal, or candy between meals, I’m done being good and it’s really tough to get back on track. Stress. When I’m stressed out or too busy, I can’t gather my thoughts and willpower, and I don’t eat and exercise right. Guilt. I fall apart when someone says I’m working out too long and should be spending the time with my family instead, or they tell me I should eat their chocolate chip cookies to show I love them. Nasty comments, like “You can’t do this,” or “The surgery is cheating” or “Obviously it’s not working; what’s the point?” Other. Read my answer below! Mark your answer, then explain it in the conversation. Taking a few seconds to think about what gets you off track can help you be on the lookout so you don’t get derailed.Plus, letting others know what gets you off track can help them figure out what to watch for in their own weight loss journeys!

Ask your local Rabbi. You might be able to get a "heter" Most of my Jewish friends who've had WLS have no problem fasting whatsoever. As a matter of fact, most find it a lot easier after WLS.

This issue has been resolved. Thanks to everyone for their valuable input and feedback. Please do let me know if you find any other issues!!

Researching the issue, thanks!

Please provide us with more details about your issue. Not sure what you're referring to?

Fantastic video, Tim! I'm definitely going to share. I also embedded it directly into your post for easier viewing.

You can see some of them at http://www.today.com/id/40423712/ns/today-today_entertainment/t/biggest-loser-where-are-they-now/#.VOTeiy60XC4 .

I'm going to take the blame for the photo! Pandora sent me another photo but I couldn't get it to load and used another random one I found online. I've updated the pic and hope it's the perfect squat stance :-)

The pic was sideways before you uploaded it. I downloaded it to my computer and flipped it and uploaded the flipped image for you.

I was 24 at the time of my procedure. I'm 37 today. Time flies when you're having fun!!

Please see http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1048-food-and-nutrition/ .

"Does it really matter what a reality television show says in passing about weight loss surgery? I believe it does. For one thing, the country already has a culture that largely views bariatric surgery negatively. We don’t need to increase the negative feelings with these vague statements proclaiming that the show helps contestants lose weight the “right” way, and other methods of weight loss are “wrong.” Second, the show has millions of loyal viewers, including many who may be eligible for weight loss surgery. In my opinion, the show is doing them a disservice by stating unequivocally that bariatric surgery is a bad option. For some of these viewers, bariatric surgery may be the only option that would allow them to lose the weight that has plagued them their entire lives." PS: I wear boxer briefs

If you’re a weight loss surgery patient or patient-to-be, you’d better grow a thick skin if you haven’t already. Your thick skin will help shield you from negative reactions to bariatric surgery. People are not afraid to make personal and hurtful comments about this surgery, even they often have no idea about the facts. One of the barriers to getting weight loss surgery is the fear of telling others about it. People are quick to make you feel ashamed about your choice. They accuse you of cheating or of making a dangerous decision. But it’s not just uninformed people who can make you feel bad. What about the media, which you trust to get its facts straight, and which influences millions of Americans’ beliefs and opinions? Sadly, the media spreads its share of misinformation about weight loss surgery. One striking example occurred on the final episode of this season of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser.” For the record, this was not the first time this show publicly aired negative comments about weight loss surgery. On this occasion, Dr. Robert Huizenga clearly stated that weight loss surgery is an unhealthy choice. The implication was that it is a mistake in all cases, and far inferior to the weight loss methods used by “The Biggest Loser” contestants. There was no mention of the fact that the weight loss methods used by the contestants are the exact same as the most effective weight loss methods used by weight loss surgery patients. That is, both use a low-calorie diet that dramatically reduces junk foods, and both encourage physical activity. The problem with weight loss surgery? Dr. Huizenga did not explain. Viewers can only guess at the horrors he was thinking of. I’m certainly not the only one to notice such snubs on national television. The BariatricPal community had a thing or two to say about this particular episode of “The Biggest Loser,” and I invite you to check out the comments and add to the discussion if you haven’t already. The Biggest Loser Nobody’s dream in life is to get weight loss surgery. Unfortunately, nobody’s dream in life is to struggle with obesity, but many of us do. What options do we have? Those of us who have chosen weight loss surgery chose it because we exhausted our other options. Those options – regular diets – just didn’t work for us. So, what would Dr. Huizenga have recommended in my case? A 16-week stay at the Biggest Loser Ranch, just like the contestants who made it to the season finale? Full dietary, medical, and physical activity support, just like the contestants? Sure, I would have been happy to try that option. Unfortunately, it costs about $3,000 per week to stay at the resort. That’s a value of $48,000, not including the longer-term support contestants receive. Could I have lost the weight without surgery if I had had $48,000 to spend and the promise of lifetime support? I don’t know. What I do know is I did not have the chance to try. I did, however, have the chance to get weight loss surgery, and I made the most of it. Don’t get me wrong. I really respect what I see on television of the Biggest Loser trainers and health staff that I see on television. Dr. Huizenga seems genuinely distressed about contestants’ poor health at the beginning of the show, and just as genuinely satisfied about their improved prognoses by the end. This season, trainer Jen’s tears were representative of the sincere stake the trainers have in the contestants’ lives. And, like many in America, I’d be on the first plane to Los Angeles if Bob or Dolvett offered to train me. But I do wish they did not feel the need to bash weight loss surgery without explanation. The Truth of the Matter Even if you have the choice between losing weight the Biggest Loser way or through weight loss surgery, which is better? There’s no question that you need to decide for yourself, but let’s take a look at each of these weight loss methods. Losing weight Biggest Loser style means spending hours a day in the gym. The show doesn’t air nearly as much material on food as it does on exercise, although terrible eating habits got contestants to where they were, and good nutrition is clearly a part of their new lifestyles. It seems doubtful that Biggest Loser contestants can continue to exercise so many hours per day for the rest of their lives after the show, and I am certain that many other individuals just do not have this kind of time. Weight loss surgery is…well…surgery. It involves going under the knife and changing something about your insides. There are inherent risks that are unavoidable when you undergo weight loss surgery. Aside from that, bariatric surgery requires a controlled, high-protein, nutritious diet, and exercise is recommended. Many patients can average about 100 pounds, or a respectable and reasonable 2 pounds per week, during their first year after surgery. How do the results of losing weight Biggest Loser style versus with bariatric surgery? Initial weight loss seems comparable, according to a study discussed in US News and World Reports. But the study found Biggest Loser contestants ending up with a lower metabolic rate – making them potentially more likely to regain their weight. Granted, this study did not follow participants long-term, so we do not know what will happen in 10 or 20 years. What does seem clear, though, is that it is not yet justifiable for the “Biggest Loser” to state matter-of-factly that all weight loss surgery is bad. Why Does It Matter? Does it really matter what a reality television show says in passing about weight loss surgery? I believe it does. For one thing, the country already has a culture that largely views bariatric surgery negatively. We don’t need to increase the negative feelings with these vague statements proclaiming that the show helps contestants lose weight the “right” way, and other methods of weight loss are “wrong.” Second, the show has millions of loyal viewers, including many who may be eligible for weight loss surgery. In my opinion, the show is doing them a disservice by stating unequivocally that bariatric surgery is a bad option. For some of these viewers, bariatric surgery may be the only option that would allow them to lose the weight that has plagued them their entire lives. I don’t know what the solution is to this problem of negativity towards weight loss surgery and weight loss surgery patients. Education and patience come to mind – spread the word, when you can, about how weight loss surgery works and why some people get it. And, grow a thick skin. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, you’re bound to get some negative comments about your decisions. Just know that you are doing the right thing for yourself.

style="margin:0;padding:0;background-color:#d8dde8;color:#5a5a5a;font:normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif;position:relative;"> Dear BariatricPal Members, Happy Valentine’s Day! February 14 is your chance to focus on your heart, whatever that means for you. It may mean celebrating your relationship, or it could mean treating yourself to a decadent but healthy day. Before you move on to your Valentine’s Day events, take a few minutes to read through the BariatricPal newsletter and get some ideas and inspiration. Here is what you’ll find in this newsletter. For Just the Two of You: Valentine’s dinner Remade All Alone? Give Yourself a Little Love, No Calories Necessary How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Back My Valentine’s Day – Member Stories! Whatever this special day means to you, we hope you include BariatricPal in your plans. See you on the boards! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal For Just the Two of You: Valentine’s Dinner Remade Remember that traditional Valentine’s Day dinner? Maybe it started with some blue cheese dip with crackers, moved on to shrimp scampi or fettucini alfredo with breadsticks, and finished with some chocolate cake. Add a few glasses of wine and the odd chocolate throughout the evening, and you could have been at thousands of calories. A dinner like that doesn’t leave you feeling very sexy. It leaves you feeling bloated. Instead of focusing on your SO, you might be focusing on feeling disappointed in yourself. And, after weight loss surgery, you’d just get sick. For a more romantic evening, why not start with a lighter dinner. It can still show your love just as strongly, but keep the romantic mood going late into the evening. Here’s a sample menu that you can both enjoy. To start: tomato, fresh basil, and non-fat mozzarella salad drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar. Main course: low-calorie shrimp (or chicken) Alfredo with sliced mushrooms, shirataki noodles or spaghetti squash instead of Pasta, and a sauce made with fat-free cream cheese or Laughing Cow cheese wedges, fat-free sour cream, and low-fat parmesan. Served with: pureed cauliflower with garlic, black pepper, and green onion. To finish: berry parfaits. Mix together fat-free cream cheese with sugar-free vanilla pudding mix, and alternate layers of that with raspberries. Top with fat-free whipped topping and some sugar-free chocolate sauce. Don’t forget…when it comes to dessert, splitting is much more romantic. All Alone? Give Yourself a Little Love, No Calories Necessary It’s a beautiful holiday if you have a significant other to share it with. If not, Valentine’s Day can make you feel a little alone – but only if you let it. You’re certainly not the only single person out there; in fact, 25 to 30 percent of all American households are run by a single head of the household. A better idea than feeling sorry for yourself is to celebrate. Whether it’s with yourself or your friends, you can celebrate what you do have: yourself, your life, and your weight loss journey. And it doesn’t have to involve a single calorie. These are a few ways to show yourself a little love. Start your weekend off with a hike followed by a high-Protein, home-cooked Breakfast – or brunch at a restaurant that will make you an egg white omelet. Buy yourself a bouquet of flowers to brighten up your dining room or living room. If you have friends, you can buy each other plants or flowers in pots that will last longer. Enjoy a massage, get a mani/pedi, or go whole hog and book a day at the spa. Pick out something that will help you in your weight loss journey. Maybe you’ve been eyeing a particularly cute bowl and spoon to help you eat smaller portions, or you’ve been thinking that having a FitBit will motivate you to exercise more. Are you a shop-a-holic? Celebrate your weight loss surgery journey by picking out a piece of clothing or an outfit that shows off your shrinking body. If you haven’t gotten weight loss surgery yet, you might pick something out that will fit in a few months, after surgery. You don’t have to have any calories while celebrating Valentine’s Day, but if you have a few to spare…there are some delicious ways to enjoy them. Chocolate-covered strawberries, anyone? Mix cocoa, your choice of low-calorie sweetener, and a small amount of milk or almond milk, dip strawberries or strawberry halves or slices, and refrigerate or freeze them. Big fan of Valentine’s Day or not, you can make Saturday a special day that you enjoy and that doesn’t stall your weight loss. Plan it, stick to the plan, and, most important, enjoy it. That warm, satisfied feeling will help you stay motivated as you keep losing weight and getting healthy for yourself and for the special people in your life. How Weight Loss Surgery Gave Me Back My Valentine’s Day – Member Stories! Weight loss surgery changes your whole life – and that can include your relationships. In honor of Valentine’s Day, asked members how their weight loss surgery has affected their romantic relationships. You can read members’ answers on BariatricPal and share how your own weight loss surgery has affected your dating life or relationship. We read some touching stories, and wanted to share a couple of them here, in our members’ own words. From ProjectMe, who got gastric sleeve surgery in December and is within 30 pounds of goal weight: I began the process of getting WLS surgery back in June. I would share all the information I was learning with my husband. He totally embraced our new lifestyle and began working out with me and making better food choices. He has lost over 40 pounds and I am at 80 pounds down. More important that the weight loss, was the fact that we began spending more time together. Through our many walks, we had conversations like we were getting to know each other again. It is so nice to be able to feel like a couple again and not just like "mom" & "dad". I'd have to say that our level of intimacy has increased greatly through this process. And not just physically but mentally and emotionally. My husband is definitely my best friend and this WLS experience truly solidified our bond. And, from chants67,stories, who is celebrating her 2-year surgiversary and a loss of over 100 pounds: It has been 2 years since having RNY and let me tell you, my relationship with my husband has improved like I never would have imagined!!! We have always had a great relationship, but since having surgery he cannot get enough of me!!! He always reaches out to touch or hug me. I am so much happier now. I have so much self confidence and energy and it shows in all aspects of my life. I am now able to get on the back of his motorcycle and we go on dates all the time. We even have a special Valentine's motorcycle date planned. Having surgery was the best decision I ever made. My husband is my number one supporter. We are inseparable! Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread! You can still share your story on BariatricPal. Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Remember, whether you are single, dating, or set for life, love yourself first to be able to truly love life and the people in your life.