sbacoleman

Had my one year post op appointment today. Been using PatchMD for 7 months. All labs within normal range - 3rd round of perfect labs.

I have been using the patches for 8 months now - multi-vitamin and in the last 2 months vitamin D also. I had blood work a couple weeks ago and every level except D was perfect. I also started really low on my D level and it has risen but is still not where it needs to be. I tell everyone how much I love the patches. I have never been able to keep vitamins down and these are so easy! And 3 rounds of perfect blood work doesn't lie!

Love them! Just got labs back, B1 was at the low cutoff for normal but everything else was great. My bariatric NP was extremely skeptical and the practice nutritionist was downright negative - the numbers don't lie though! I tried 6 brands of vitamins before these and couldn't keep any down. The patch is awesome! Hope BariatricPal helps this product become mainstream and help those who struggle with supplements.

I am so glad I read on Bariatric Pal to try PatchMD. I couldn't keep any vitamins down and wasted a ton of money. I am feeling so much better after just a week on the patch. Can't wait to see my blood work in 2 weeks!

I am 4 weeks post-op and was told only chewable or liquid vitamins. I did try breaking the Bariatric Advantage ones in half and still was running to get it back up. I will try grinding into yogurt or something while I wait for liquid to come from Amazon. None of the doc's recommendations have helped so I thankful to have another place to ask questions. Many thanks.

I have tried 5 different brands of chewable vitamins and I can't keep any of them down. No issues with vomiting up anything but vitamins. It is getting expensive trying brand after brand! Costco gummies are the only vitamins my whole life I have not puked up but I am told they are not allowed. Has anyone had success with liquid vitamins and can you recommend a brand? TIA

. Thanks I will try that.

How long do you feel like crap? I believe new tummy doesn't like the onion I put into a little guacamole like puree I made because all I can taste is onion in my mouth still hours later. Feel just gross, not in pain or nauseous, just uncomfortably full and heavy feeling. Is there anything I can do to make it move on? Really need some sleep. . I am sorry new tummy!!

Missylady what vitamins did you find? I keep vomiting up every brand I try. I am also starting my third week post-op.

I appreciate your comments and understand why there are variations, I just wanted to know if there is any scientific research on the variations. Is one course of action actually more successful than another? There are so many opinions, I would think the bariatric community would want to know if there is consistency in aftercare programs when comparing success/fail rates.

Came home weighing 10 pounds more but by 1 week followup had lost that plus 5.

There is such a huge spectrum of guidelines given to patients after surgery, I wondered if anyone knows of a study that addresses this. I have spent hours reading forums and websites and YouTube videos and my program is way on the paranoid rigid end. I am following what they've directed me to do but goodness sakes, I've been on liquids for almost 4 weeks now, am 1 1/2 weeks post op with 3 more weeks of liquids to go. I am starting to go nuts but don't want to disobey orders. TIA

Honestly I am surprised how much better I feel after every nap! I am 1 week post-op and today is the first day without a nap. I was not prepared for my first night at home - I wish I would have slept in a recliner or on the couch. Getting into and out of bed without rails to pull myself up was super painful. Let yourself sleep and walk when you are awake, my carpet has a worn trail in a loop around my house, lol. Too hot in the desert to be walking outside. . Best of luck, it is amazing to not be hungry!

You are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing, these kind of posts get me through these rough early days. ????

Thamks for sharing! Your pics are inspirational!

I am 3 days post op and 10 pounds heavier than when I went in. I know it is swelling and air, but just wonder how long until I depuff. I am walking a lot and doing well with my fluids. I don't normally carry a lot of weight around my rib cage so this bloat is even more uncomfortable on the incisions. Despite that, it is incredible to not be hungry and be gaining more energy after every nap!

Wondering if you saw the same PCP I saw the first time I started this process 2 years ago. I wasn't able to go through with surgery back then because of finances. Honestly I don't think I would have been comfortable or successful proceeding had I stayed with that judgmental, cold doctor. I am now scheduled for July 21. Having a PCP who is supportive and actively tells me she believes in me makes all the difference. She is one of my biggest cheerleaders!

Thanks so much for the advice! I got the magical call today -- July 21st is my date! Amazing how writing it on the calendar worked like a Valium, LOL. Now I can obsessively begin to clean, pack and prepare.

Thanks for the advice. Candidate you are 100% correct! lol

I completed all of my pre-op requirements and insurance approved in 24 hours! Cigna rocks! That was June 24. Today is July 6 and I have diligently followed my pre-op diet and have 2 pounds to go on my pre-op weight loss. The problem is I don't have a surgery date. The anxiety of not having a date is driving me crazy. Not to mention I have diligently followed the pre-op diet and am now only 12 pounds away from not qualifying. I am so scared full liquids for 2 weeks is going to take me too low (OMG, can't lose weight on my own and now am in danger of not getting help because I lost too much, this is a fat girl's hell!). Any advice? My surgeon's office is a 2 1/2 hr drive away otherwise I would be parked in their office until I got some answers. They aren't returning my calls, apparently scheduling is short staffed. And in case you were wondering, all of my messages have been upbeat and very friendly. Love reading all the posts on here, it makes this journey feel possible. Can't really vent my frustration to my family and friends, they aren't in a similar place and don't understand...so thanks for letting me air my ire here.