Alex Brecher

I wrote a little article on this topic 7-8 years ago at

I wrote a little article on this topic 7-8 years ago at

Wow. I ventured into what I thought was another support group on Facebook for bariatric patients and was really offended by the snarky admins there. Makes me glad I found this group. It is good to hear direct comments, but no need to be so rude in delivery.

Spaghetti squash with Italian sausage, onion and garlic Tomato sauce and topped with fresh grated Parmesan. Not a kid complained! Bonus points for having enough squash (a whole half!!) to have it again tomorrow and even my pickiest eater agreed!
My plate was 1/2 cup squash, 1/2 cup sauce and 2tbsp grated parm

Turkey sausage to serve with scrambled eggs.

Just crack an egg. I could prepare the ingredients myself but this is great for when I’m lazy. I use an egg white instead of a whole egg.

I haven't had surgery yet, but I had the same choice to make so figured I'd share my experience. Keep in mind everyone is different and my choice is just mine. I'm not suggesting that you should make the same decision or anything.
So I have had issues with heartburn and I went into my surgery consult set on Gastric Bypass because of that. However, the surgeon recommended, due to my weight, Sleeve because it's less risk of complications. At my weight, the amount of actual loss would be about the same. My nurse then stepped in on my behalf and got an endoscopy to check out my heartburn issues. This was because I am self pay, and I can't really afford to do a sleeve, only to have to get a revision later, so she wanted to see if we could find a root cause of the heartburn/GERD.
Endoscopy revealed I had a medium sized Type III hiatal hernia. While the hernia could be repaired during surgery, it also meant I had a good chance of needing a revision in the future if I went with Sleeve. Not guaranteed, but still a high probability. Since I'm self-pay and I definitely don't want to find myself in a position where my heartburn/GERD have gotten worse and I can't pay for a revision, we decided it would be best for me to go with Gastric Bypass.
Gastic Bypass is a mal-absorption procedure in addition to just restrictive, so I will have to be extra sure my Vitamins are okay, and it is more at risk of complications during surgery/recovery due to multiple incision sites. That being said, overall risk is still really low, it's just higher when compared to sleeve.
Definitely weigh out the options, talk honestly and openly with your medical team about risks and complications. Hopefully you can come to a decision that works for you Best of luck!

LOL - thanks! I've been hanging out on bariatric boards for a few years - plus I used to work with the pre-op groups at my clinic (well until COVID hit, anyway - so for three or four years). You hear and learn a lot of stuff that way!

there are statistically more complications with bypass, but complications with either surgery are really pretty low. The rule of thumb lately seems to be if you have GERD issues, go with bypass, otherwise, it comes down to personal preference. They're both good surgeries, and you'll find people on this site who've been very successful with both.
you will have to take Vitamins for life with both surgeries, but there are more consequences if you slack off on vitamin-taking with bypass because of the malabsorption. But if you're diligent about taking your vitamins, then Vitamin deficiency is rare.
about 30% of sleeve patients develop GERD (or if they have it prior to surgery, it can get worse), and about the same percentage of bypass patients (about 30%) experience dumping syndrome, and in both cases that's kind of a crap shoot. You can't really predict ahead of time if you'll get those or not (although if you already have GERD, it's very likely not to improve and there's a decent chance it'll get worse with the sleeve. On the other hand, bypass usually improves if not outright cures GERD). If you have bypass and are one of the 30% who dump, it can be controlled by not eating a lot of sugar (or fat - some people dump on fat) at one sitting.
Hair loss is very common with both surgeries. Actually, it's a potential side effect of any major surgery (and childbirth, too), due to stress on the body. I think we see it more after bariatric surgeries than other surgeries, though, because in addition to the trauma from the surgery, we're also taking in very few calories the first few weeks/months. The good news is, it's temporary - the hair will grow back - and in most cases, you're the only one who'll notice it. A few people don't lose any hair at all, a few lose noticeable clumps of it, but most of us are somewhere in the middle. It's more like "shedding", and it's not enough for others to notice. I didn't lose much at all. It lasted maybe three months and then started growing back. But anyway, don't make your decision based on hair loss, because that's very common regardless of surgery.
I don't think you can really make a wrong decision either way. I'd take into account what your doctors say, and also consider your personal preference. Some people are more comfortable with one or the other. As I mentioned, they're both good surgeries and you can get good results with either one.

Great response

Just took this after PS in a swimsuit photo this afternoon. As you can see both upper and lower belly bulges are gone :)

You can get a full year supply of Multivitamins for only $99 with free shipping at https://Store.BariatricPal.com/99

I just got a package delivered with a bunch of chips, jerkey and gummies from you. The quality of items you sell are so much better than any I have tried before. You have my business!

I just ordered some Soups. Kinda spendy, let's see if its worth it when they arrive.

Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Less than $40 for a 3 month supply of Bariatric Vitamins at ProCare Health that’s shipping too!! 1 pill a day and then I take my Calcium

The BariatricPal Store carries a huge selection of Bariatric friendly Protein Drinks at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders.
Here are some popular options:
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Syntrax nectar Protein powder Sampler Variety Bag - All 17 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/syntrax-nectar-protein-powder-sampler-variety-bag-all-17-flavors
GENEPRO Medical Grade Unflavored 30g Protein Powder - 2nd Generation! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/genepro-medical-grade-unflavored-30g-protein-powder-2nd-generation
Bariatric Advantage HPMR High Protein Meal Replacement - Available in 8 Flavors! from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powders/products/bariatric-advantage-high-protein-meal-replacement
Protein tubs from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/protein-powder-tubs
Protein Smoothies from https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/smoothies
Hot Protein drinks & Soups are great alternatives to protein shakes:
Hot Protein Drinks: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/hot-protein-drinks
Hot Protein Soups: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/soups-bouillons-broths

The BariatricPal Store carries a HUGE selection of Bariatric friendly Calcium at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium.
Check out the newly released BariatricPal sugar-free calcium citrate Soft Chews 500mg with Probiotics at https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/brand_bariatricpal+vitamin-form_soft-chews . They come in 4 AMAZING flavors: French vanilla Caramel, Belgian chocolate Caramel, strawberry Watermelon Twist, and Wild Grape.
You can get Calcium in many different forms:
Soft Chews: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_soft-chews
Chewable: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_chewable
Powder: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_powder
Liquid: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_liquid
Tablets: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/calcium/vitamin-form_tablets

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Ok, I haven't been on here in a long time, but I am seriously over my Calcium supplement, What is your favorite? What do you hate? I'm sick of fruity flavors so if you really like one of the alternatives post it here!

I just ordered a 15 count trial sample kit of Syntrax Nectar Protein Powder so I can try most of the flavors before commiting to a large tub. My favorite so far is the fuzzy navel flavor. The chocolate tort was good too but I couldn't get past the texture (I used water.) The shop will definitely be my go to when I need bariatric related items.

Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Since you first started looking into weight loss surgery, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about the importance of Protein. You need at least 60 to 80 grams a day for the following reasons:
It’s a filling nutrient that helps you lose weight by decreasing hunger. It’s an essential nutrient for healthy skin, hair, nails, hormones, and enzymes. It helps stop you from losing too much muscle while you lose body fat.

Almost everyone needs protein supplements right after weight loss surgery. Protein Shakes and powders give you the protein you need when you’re not allowed to eat solid foods. But which types should you choose? And should you keep using them when you’re eating solid foods and surgery is long behind you?
Protein for the liquid Phase of the Post Weight Loss Surgery Diet Progression
After a day or two of sticking to Clear Liquids, you progress to a full liquid diet. You can be on this diet for a few days, if you’re a lap-band patient, or a couple of weeks, if you have the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Protein sources include the following. Non-fat milk, with 90 calories and 8 grams of protein per 8 ounces. Non-fat milk powder, with 100 calories and 10 grams of protein per ounce. Low-sugar Protein Powder, with 110 calories and 25 grams of protein per ounce. Low-sugar protein shakes, with 100 or more calories and 15 or more grams of protein per 8 ounces. Without supplementing your diet with protein shakes and powders, you’re not going to be able to hit your 60 to 80 grams of protein.
Protein Powders and Shakes in the pureed Foods Phase
This phase is really a transition phase. You’re adding foods back into your diet, but aren’t yet ready to eat chewy, sticky, crunchy, or other solid foods. Protein foods include the following.
Non-fat cottage cheese, with 12 grams of protein per half-cup. Non-fat ricotta cheese, with 5 grams of protein per half-cup. Egg whites, with 4 grams of protein per extra-large white. Non-fat Greek or regular yogurt, with 8 to 14 grams of protein per container. During this phase, your surgeon will probably have you start to decrease your use of protein shakes and powders, but will probably recommend keeping them in your diet to help you get to 60 to 80 grams of protein per day. You might need one or two shakes a day, plus powder in foods such as oatmeal, yogurt, or pureed potatoes.
Be Wary of Protein Supplements in the Long-Term
Protein shakes and powders can be convenient, but they’re not your best bet for long-term weight loss. As you progress from pureed foods to semi-solid and then solid foods, your surgeon will probably recommend that you stop drinking shakes and focus instead on solid sources of protein.
They’re more substantial and satisfying than liquid shakes. They take longer to eat than drinking shakes. They’re easier to fit into a real-life eating plan. You won’t be “drinking your calories.” They have more natural nutrients than processed shakes and powders. Most weight loss surgery patients can get enough protein just by choosing one or two high-protein foods for each meal. You’ll get 60 to 80 grams with the following foods.
Breakfast: 2 scrambled egg whites with ½ light English muffin and some fruit. Lunch: ½ cup fat-free cottage cheese and a green salad with 3 ounces of canned light tuna. Dinner: 3 ounces of chicken breast and steamed spinach. snack 1: 1 low-fat cheese stick. Snack 2: 1 6-ounce container of plain low-fat yogurt and ½ cup carrot sticks. When Protein Supplements Are Okay
Still, some weight loss surgery patients may still need protein shakes and powders in the long term. That’s often the case for vertical sleeve patients if your sleeve fills up too quickly to allow you to eat enough solid protein throughout the day. Talk to your surgeon to find out whether you should still use shakes and powders. Your surgeon might suggest that you include one or two protein shakes a day as Snacks or mix protein powder into your yogurt, cereal or other foods.
Protein supplements can still come in handy even if you’re able to meet your protein requirements on your daily weight loss surgery diet. If your routine gets interrupted, you might come up short. Consider the protein you can miss if you need to change your regular plans for a meal or snack.
10 grams of protein if you run out the door without grabbing your yogurt in the morning. 22 grams of protein if you forget to pack your tuna for lunch. 26 grams of protein if you’re stuck in a meeting instead of cooking your chicken dinner at home. When you’re stuck in the car or too busy to plan ahead, protein shakes can be lifesavers. On vacation, you can take protein powder with you so you’re always sure to have a source when you need it. You could also try Unjury Protein’d Cheese Sauce on steamed vegetables for an extra 21 grams of protein.
Read the Nutrition Facts Panel to Find Protein Content
The food and Drug Administration lets food manufacturers call a food “a good source of” protein if it has at least 5 grams of protein. If a serving has at least 10 grams of protein, a food can be labeled “high,” “rich in,” or “an excellent source of” protein. That doesn’t do you much good if you’re trying to find a shake or powder with at least 15 to 20 grams of protein per serving.
Don’t rely on a claim on the front of the label when you’re looking for a protein supplement. You could end up with a “high-protein” shake with only 10 grams of protein! Instead, check the nutrition facts panel to see how many grams of protein the food or shake has per serving.
Check the Label for Calories and Sugar
Protein shakes and powders can be high in calories and sugar. A bottle of Special K Protein has only 10 grams of protein, but 190 calories and 18 grams of sugar. A Pure Protein Frosty chocolate Shake has 15 grams of protein, but 190 calories and 25 grams of sugar. A can of Boost High Protein Drink has 15 grams of protein, 240 calories and 27 grams of sugars.
No matter which stage of your weight loss surgery diet you’re on, you can’t afford to eat too many calories or too much sugar. The only way to protect yourself is to read the labels.
Protein supplements can be great choices for boosting your intake to 60 to 80 grams a day. Shakes and powders can get you through the liquid and pureed foods stages of the post-surgery diet progression, and they can have a place in your diet even when you reach your long-term weight loss surgery diet plan. Just make sure not to overuse them if your surgeon is concerned, and to choose low-sugar options.

You can get a full year supply of Multivitamins for only $99 with free shipping at https://Store.BariatricPal.com/99

Absolutely surreal to be posting this as I have read so many of these threads! I didn’t think the day would ever come! Excited and petrified. My date is 2/22/21!!
Any February 2021 bypassers out there? I would love to connect and share prep plans and how things go after surgery.

Here’s a Vitamin guide based on the procedure you had https://store.bariatricpal.com/pages/vitamins

Most Multivitamin capsules don't have Malitol. Almost all multivitamin and Calcium soft chews have Malitol. The base of the chew is Malitol so it would be difficult or actually impossible to make a soft chew without it.