Midwest Grateful

Hi everyone. I'm still looking for new vitamins, especially chewable (no soft gel). Is it me, or are these bariatric vitamin brands super weak? Fusion, ProCare, etc. have low amounts of vitamin B's, etc. I've always invested in high quality vitamins (Brain MD, others). The vitamins recommended by Cleveland Clinic even recommend a good amount of vitamin nutrients, but I don't find them in these bariatric brands. I realize I'd need to take numerous amounts of vitamins/day, but I'd have to take more than 10 multivitamins in these brands. Thoughts?

It must be nice to have the surgery (and that pre-op diet!) behind you. How are you feeling, ErinMonica?

I appreciate the update. So glad you're doing well! Really funny about the egg rolls. That's pretty specific. I wonder if someone was talking about them during your surgery. LOL. Hope you're continuing to do well!

Just days away. Good for you! Hang in there!

You got this. All the best!

I'm actually in Indiana. But I love TN! Counting the few days left before the liquid fast.

My surgeon just changed my surgery date to July 25th (from the 27th). Anyone else scheduled for the 25th? Hope all the July buddies are off to a great start! ?

Welcome! My surgery is the 25th. I'm a bit anxious as well. Are you getting surgery in TN or OH area?

Thanks for the tip! How are you doing, @chefDea ?

I am so sorry, @Layla1222. That's so hard. I don't know if this is an option, but I'm in the program at Cleveland Clinic's Bariatric & Metabolic Center. My surgeon is well known and respected. If you're looking for another opinion, I would highly recommend. I have some serious health issues, which is why I chose this program. My surgery is in a few weeks, but so far I'm incredibly impressed with the specialists. I wish you all the best, and I'm praying for you now... Don't hesitate to reach out. ?

It's a serious decision, for sure. My plan was to try the meds first. While waiting for insurance to approve, I continued to further my research. I realized there really aren't solid empirical/blind studies that show potential risks with long term use. Some of these meds are new, and others still don't have reliable studies long term. I realize the meds work for many, but once discontinued the weight returns. I know a few people who had to stop the meds; one in particular was on Wegovy for several months and couldn't stop vomiting. In the 1990's, I used phen-phen for weight loss. Later, studies revealed that drug was linked to serious heart issues. So I've learned to be pretty careful about weight loss meds. Everyone can choose their line in the sand. For me, this surgery is solely to stop my complex health issues from progressing by addressing persistent inflammation (the weight loss will be an added plus!). We're all different, and I respect everyone's decision for their journey. For me, this decision has been a 7-month process, and I needed every bit of it to research and feel comfortable with it all. I'm hopeful for the future, but I also know that the surgery doesn't end my obesity. It's just the beginning of a lifelong journey for however long I have left on this planet. I wish you all the best! ?

My surgery is the day after yours, the 27th. It'll be here before we know it. I totally get the apprehension...and fear and excitement.

I appreciate hearing the update. It sounds like you're doing well, and are on top of it. Way to be self-aware! Glad the pain was low level...or not an issue. Which surgery did you have, @Colin Bennett?

I wish you well! I'm having surgery at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio on July 27th. Anyone else been at their Bariatric & Metabolic Center?

Way to choose your battles. You got this!! ❤️

@boat 4 fun, I've had the same thoughts about following the diet/lifestyle. That just speaks more to the fact that I've got to change my thinking and take action on a new way of life. It's definitely a challenge. I know I need a long term commitment with renewing my mind as needed. This is about moving forward with healthier choices, right? I appreciate everyone here sharing their experiences and especially when facts and studies are shared, which helps me learn and grow. Hang in there! We can do hard things. Also, I'm getting my surgery from Cleveland Clinic. I was reminded recently not to use patches for some reason. Let us know how that works for you. I have a hard time taking pills so I'm trying chewables now, as much as I can. I'm sure you'll find what works best for you. All the best!

Hi @jstec2. First, congratulations on getting married! That's wonderful news. I can only imagine the pressure of wanting to get closer to your "goal" for your wedding day. I want to encourage you to pause for a moment. Look at your achievements, and celebrate them! Seriously, another ten pounds isn't worth this kind of mental health and physical crisis. Don't do this to yourself. You are beautiful. This should be a wonderful time in your life. I encourage you to talk to your doctor and ask about bringing the dose of your medication back to where you felt better, or taper off. Are you connected with your program (if your surgeon offers a program post-op)? Getting married and moving is emotional and exhausting enough without this additional pressure. You've done a great job, and it sounds like you're committed to continuing to do so. Keep focused on the big picture. And start enjoying your wedding planning and journey. All the best! ?

That is fortunate. I'm a two-week liquid diet before and after surgery. But I'll do it, I'm just glad to finally get this going. Origami Paddlers sound wonderful! Going to the ocean... I can't imagine how encouraging that must be. And fun! Enjoy the journey!

Thanks for the feedback, @catwoman7. I wondered if once a portion of the stomach is removed if it helps with hyper-focusing on food or emotional eating. I've been reading different takes on this. So when someone asked me, I thought I'd seek some feedback here from you pros. ?

Great question, @River315. I've been looking into this as well, especially a qualified therapist, not a coach.

Hi everyone. Is there much evidence of specific surgeries - specifically gastric bypass vs sleeve - working best for patients struggling with food addiction or eating disorders? Or did that weigh into your decision in choosing the surgery best for you? Thanks in advance!

Thanks, @LindsayT. I'm glad you're doing well. I am def struggling with this decision for some reason. I probably just don't want the more invasive surgery. But I'm still on the fence. Way to go on rocking your weight loss!

@MelvaJ, I am 62. I'm scheduled for the sleeve next month, and you bring up something I've been considering. I'm going to create a new post on this, but I have resisted having the bypass. I'm second-guessing my choice. I appreciate your input. Thanks for sharing. I wish you all the best with your revision. ?

I'm sorry, @StJules. I haven't had my surgery yet (coming in July), but I've read plenty of posts here that are encouraging re slower starts to weight loss. I'm 62 and wondered if it is slower in the beginning because of age, but that doesn't always seem to be the case. And really, I think there are a few people who lose a LOT in the beginning, but that's not as common. I think they just stand out to us more and we become hopeful...or at least I do. Hang in there. Hopefully we'll all be able to report significant weight loss soon...and more importantly, better health! This is a good forum. I encourage you to keep reading posts that address your concerns. Lots of helpful people here! Welcome! ?

Nice! ? I grew up on the southwest side until I was twelve. Then my family moved to the suburbs. I got married and six years later we moved to Northern Indiana. Been living in IN for 30+ years.