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At Renew Bariatrics they do bypass and gastric and some ball one...🤔 and the band. Most ppl get gastric (they even have mini gastric) or sleeve. Renew is right across the boarder too. Literally a 7 min drive once through the boarder. I was anti Mexico but omg these guys are AMAZING! Can't express that enough. Best decision ever. Anyway. Gotta go weigh myself 🥳🙏

I went to Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana Mexico. AMAZINGGGG! Dr Perez is the best! Double board certified in the US and Mexico. $4,600 total. Includes pick up from San Diego airport, surgery, 2 nights hospital stay, 1 night hotel stay (optional, I opted out to get home:) and transportation back to San Diego airport. Absolute AMAZING experience. I can't express that enough. I'm down 22 lbs in 16 days and started with a low BMI, 31. No pain after surgery whatsoever. Swear I was questioning the doc like, did you even do anything lol Best experience ever. The worst part was the 2nd night at the hospital bc I felt so normal I just wanted to go hommmmme lol Feel free to email me. I'll send pics n all. They have a FB group that can be joined where thousands of ppl share their experiences. Here's my email to reach out directly. Totally forgot I even joined this forum until I got a random notification today lol Cjones61985 @yahoo.com

I just went to Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana Mexico on 6/4. YOU WILL NOT FIND BETTER DOCS! Look em up on Google. They are double board certified in the US and Mexico. They all speak English. It was $4600 and that includes transportation from hotel or San Diego airport to the facility and then back to either one after 2 nights in hospital. One night hotel stay included but I opted out. I wanted to get home to my baby's and felt no pain after surgery whatsoever. Dr Perez was AMAZING!! He only did 2 incisions bc my liver was so small 😍🙌 They have a Facebook group and all where THOUSANDS of ppl have gotten the surgery. Before and after pics. All diff questions answered. It's so awesome! I'm 16 days post op and down almost 22 lbs. Feel free to email me personally, I'll send pics n all. Totally forgot I even joined this group until I got a notification today. Would love to help all men and women go to Renew Bariatrics! Seriously you won't regret it 🙃 cjones61985 @yahoo.com

So I ended up going to Renew Bariatrics in Tijuana Mexico. Dr Perez. 6/4. Omg BEST EXPERIENCE EVERRRRRR!!! No pain waking up. Seriously felt like they didn't even do anything lol $4,600 in total. Doc only did 2 incisions bc he said my liver was so small. I'm down 21.5 lbs in 16 days. Seriously the best decision ever. Email if yall want any info *see below. Look em up on Google. Fabulousssss reviews. Pics n all. They pick you up from airport. Take you across boarder. 2 nights in hospital then to a hotel (which I opted out of) then back to the San Diego airport. Super smooth process!🥳👏👏👏 Cjones61985 @yahoo.com

Hi Dolly - I'd love to share my experience. I did the travel program through Alabama Bariatrics. My surgery was scheduled on a Tuesday. I had to be in Alabama for an in person consult and final labs on Monday, surgery on Tuesday then I stayed overnight at the hospital until Weds. I was discharged to a hotel and had to stay local that night then I was able to drive home on Thursday. All of the pre-surgery labs were done through my primary care physician. My initial contact with Alabama Bariatrics was at the end of November 2021 and my surgery ended up being March 2022. It could have been much sooner but I didn't have a primary care physician so I had to wait almost 2 months for a new patient appointment which delayed things. Also, I could have gotten surgery in mid-February but I chose to wait until March so I could have it done the week my kids were on spring break so my parents (babysitters) didn't have to worry about taking them back and forth to school. Here's their website: https://alabariatrics.com/ feel free to ask me anything! I would highly recommend them, the entire process was super easy.

Hey all, my wife is looking into the gastric sleeve surgery, of course I am the one with all the questions about it. Hoping maybe someone could help with any anecdotal evidence at least. I'm trying to reduce the "I wish we knew x before doing this" ... Anyway, for obvious reasons we are looking at Mexico. The first one she sent me was Elias Ortiz out of Tijuana. So I looked into him more, and read about some very poor (in my opinion) things about him, I think mostly when he was with ALM (or whatever it's called). Of course the first surgeon we look at giving me the eebie geebies is not a great start. He's not officially out of running, but we have looked into the following now. Odd that there didn't seem to be lists of them. Haven't looking into everything equally, our spoken to the coordinator on prices or anything, but these are probably in order of what we like. Endobariatric in Piedras Negras with Guillermo Alvarez LIMARC in Tijuana with Liza María Pompa González Obesity Control Center in Tijuana with Ariel Ortiz Elias Ortiz & Co in Tijuana VIDA Bariatrics in Tijuana with Gabriela Rodriguez Ruiz So I guess the questions are the following. If anyone could answer whatever question you may be able to add to, that would be great. Thanks!! 1) After deciding on Mexico, what was the overriding determinant in picking a surgeon, was it only price? 2 Did you get to pick the bougie size? I read a study (odd that I only found one) about bougie sizes - apparently 32 fr and 40 fr are the 2 commonest sizes? Anyway the study said that there was no materially significant weight loss difference between the two sizes, but there were less complications with the 40 fr size. Also in her situation, she's 5'10", and her general body type is such that her most healthy weight is going to be more than others her height, so I fear something too restrictive could come with problems of their own. 3 I've read about issues where people's Drs don't support post op care for out of country surgeries. This was old info though. Have people found this to still be the case? Is it only for the primary doctors, or only bariatric doctors? Or both, or is that not really a thing anymore? 4 What about complications during surgery. I have to imagine they send you to an ER in the states. I understand at that point our insurance will cover the emergency internationally, but not sure the MX hospital would be adequately staffed, and may have to send us to a place in the US. Any issues with transportation delays having to cross border? 5 Complications after you return home... I assume no, but are there any that, if we are about to make it back out, would fix the problem for like no cost or reduced fee? 6 Post op care. Like weeks/months/years... Is there a type of support you wish you had but was not provided? Nutritionist, or type of PT or psychologist/psychotherapist that focuses on mental issues that may arise after the big life change, to avoid body dysmorphia from moving to a different body part... I know the OCC place mentioned 5 years worth of support. Not sure if that is worth it, or if it's just something out there for fluff because it seems like something that would be useful for patients, but actually patients after the fact realize it's not helpful. 7 anything you know now, but would've been really helpful to know beforehand? Whether generally, or issues that would be specific to MX vs going to a place in US? 8 wondering the success of people with situation like her... In my opinion her problem isn't with overeating/the size of her stomach. She doesn't eat because she's hungry, so I'm not sure the impact this has on ghrelin will be a huge help. She invites an environment where she keeps low metabolism, skips meals, snacks on crap, drinks artificial sweeteners, takes medication that has been shown to lower metabolism. I tell her she needs to eat more protein, fiber, and 'eat like a diabetic' and when she works out (which she doesn't even do anymore), it's more of a benefit to go shorter sessions, but with more intensity, as that is best for your metabolism ... She says "Believe it or not, I actually learned this in college (for her nursing degree) and I know what I need to do" but yet does not do at all what she needs to do - and yet also simultaneously complains that she's tried everything to lose weight, even though that's not the case, particularly in last few years when she's out on anywhere from 20-40 pounds (guess). Looking at all the pre and post op diets, it looks like there's a focus on protein (as one would expect). So she's like, addicted to the dopamine I guess that she gets. She eats because she knows it's there. So while I am sure she will lose a bunch of weight offer the first 6-12 months, I tell her I'm more worried about being back where she is now 5 years after the fact, due to her behaviors that have put us in this situation in the beginning. There have been a handful of things that she's done (each successive thing being more expensive), where she's like "if I get x then it will force me to do y" and that's basically her 'argument' here. 9 related to above, how does one stay hydrated while exercising, esp in heat? Or even being sick? Is it recommended to drink warm water, due to the quicker absorption than cold?

Dolly cakes I am going to WakeMed Bariatrics in Cary NC. They are great. There is also a place in Greenville NC near the hospital there that does the sleeve only that has a self pay program.

My experience has been completely different from the ones I read above. I’m in Wake County NC, and if coming here for surgery is an option, I would suggest exploring that option. I began the process in January with research and my surgery was June 8, 2022. My initial ZOOM consult with the Patient Administrator and the surgeon lasted 2 hours: 30 minutes with PA and 90 minutes with the surgeon. I went through EXTENSIVE pre-procedure testing: physically and psychologically. A massive hiatal hernia was diagnosed, and I was screened by a cardiologist (also extensive) before everything was sent to my insurance company. I also had a sleep study and a CPAP machine was prescribed. I went to a nutrition introduction and the nutritionist has been there since February to answer every question. I had a nutrition meeting 1 week prior to surgery, and the nutritionist conducted another class while I was in the hospital and came to see me 2 mornings in the hospital and I have another class in a week. The hospital and practice I used are CIGNA Bariatric Centers For Excellence. They practice ERAS- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery. I was never given narcotics…only a nerve block and two mild pain meds prior to surgery. I did not need any pain medication either post op or when I came home. The care I received was absolutely top notch from beginning to end. The hospital staff was superb. If this is an option for anyone, I recommend it without hesitation. I am 67 years old and I intend to lose 100 lbs. i underwent a hernia repair for a massive hiatal hernia, my gallbladder was removed and I had gastric bypass. Hope this helps someone.

Why can’t I have caffeine after bariatric bypass? And if I can drink it again, when can I start drinking it?

I thought I saw some where that UCLA is a level 1 center of excellence for bariatric surgery. Could you go there?

The awful smell from the capsules could be because your sense of smell can become more sensitive after surgery. It is only temporary. If they still smell awful to you this far out it could just be something in the Bariatric Advantage thats more specific to you. Like the smell of ramen noodle places & Red Door perfume makes me cringe.

Hello all! I was wondering what insurance in Arkansas covers weight loss surgery? I do have Arkansas Works through Blue Cross Blue Shield, which is funded by Arkansas Medicaid. I’ve been told by different hospitals that it doesn’t cover weight loss surgery. But I also chose this plan because I was told over the phone it paid for the vertical sleeve. I’ve researched a million different types of insurance, and been told a million different things. I fit all the criteria, and have the weight loss attempts documented. I’ve seen a therapist, nutritionist, and have a letter from a surgeon saying I could benefit from the surgery, which is all the conditions of BCBS. I’ve damn near had a surgery date set a handful of times, waiting on insurance approval but every time they say it’s excluded in my plan, and it’s upsetting because I begin the process being told it does cover. Pay out of pocket for other stuff, and get excited thinking it’ll be different this time. For the last 3 years, I’ve chosen insurance based on the coverage for bariatric surgery, then once I’m locked in to a plan and they tell me to go ahead and jump through all these hoops to make sure I fit the criteria while I wait for approval, I’m told differently and I’m disappointed. I’m getting a little upset!

I have tried the Bariatric advantage chewable and capsule. The chewable is disgusting, the capsule smells awful and makes me cringe to take it. The bariatric pal capsule is great for me. Same stats and the BA without the vile smell and taste.

I take this one: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-day-bariatric-capsule-18mg-iron?variant=32469011169357 and an extra 5000mcg of biotin. And I haven't had any issues with it at all. Really like it.

Hey, I am 8 days post op today and I definitely recommend the multivitamin patch as well. My Doc doesn't have me starting the bariatric B vitamin complex till I see him at my 10 day post opp on Monday. The first 7 days post opp I had my 1 oz medicine cups and I was advised to shoot for 4 cups in an hour-so I would give myself 15 mins to finish 1oz. I kept a timer on my phone and it helps alot. I am now on thin liquids and still using the same method. Protein is key so I drank Premier clear Protein during my clears week which helped. I have not felt hunger but I noted feeling weak/fatigued, which clues me in that I am not getting enough calories in.

Yeah, I think to be honest they may get a kickback from Bariatric Advantage (which is fine). Luckily, I’ve been on a decent supplemental regimen, so this shouldn’t be too much of an inconvenience.

Good morning, I am Natisha Johnson and my PCP told me about a website for only bariatric patients. www.bariatricpal.com

With a sleeve, you really don't need anything overly special, as we don't have the malabsorption of certain nutrients that you get with the malabsorbing procedures like the RNY or DS; we mostly have to make up for the poor diet that we have during weight loss when we are concentrating on protein at the expense of the fruits, veggies, grains and legumes that typically flesh out our nutritional profile, so a good quality general multi if usually fine. To that we add some calcium and iron as needed (since they need to be take apart from each other) and whatever else we individually may need. With a sleeve, we generally don't need extra B12 (that's more of an RNY thing) but some programs specify it out of convenience, as many just use the same recommendations for their sleeve patients as tehy use for their RNY patients, and then make adjustments later on as labs indicate. Personally, I just use a generic Centrum from Costco, add one or two doses of Calcium citrate depending upon my other intake (I shoot for 1500-2000mg per day from diet and supplement) plus vit D3, K2 and magnesium citrate (al part of the osteo complex) as I have some history with osteopenia. Overall, the bariatric vits (or double multi vit as some programs recommend instead) are largely overkill for us, but it's generally better to start high and then whittle things down as labs indicate and diet stabilizes.

It varies greatly from surgeon to surgeon. It’s really a guessing game what you need before you get your labs. Once you get those they will adjust if necessary. Best thing to do is reach out to your team since they have your medical information and will have the best guess what you will need. My team also recommended bariatric advantage. I shopped around though and found pro care health multi with iron because it was cheaper and they were okay with me taking that too.

Thanks for the heads up and advice. I think I'm going to try both Bariatric Advantage and the Bariatric Pal multivitamins and then see what works and what doesn't.

My Dr's ofc carries a wide range of products everyone from unjury to bariatric advantage and gives out sample bags of everything they stock. I went thru them. However the unjury website has where you can get samples not too costly.

Just curious about what experiences you all have had with the bariatric multivitamins? Do you all have any recommendations for or against any particular ones? The nutritionist I met with recommended the Bariatric Advantage Chewable Ultra Solo with Iron.

My plan allows ANYTHING in moderation. Always, getting protein in first. I am a few days shy of 3 months post op. I have had pizza, ordered but just a bite of crust and then ate the topping. I have also bought store crust and made homemade pizza, but still could only eat half of my serving when eating the crust. I also had a couple bites of cake at my God daughters birthday party. My bariatric nutritionist is all about a well balanced diet and treats in moderation. We have to realistic, no one is going to go their entire life without having a treat once in a while. He also has reviewed my diet at both of my follow ups and says I am right on. I have lost 63 LBS since surgery so those 2 bites of cake didn't hurt anything! But I eat all healthy low fat meals 99.5% of the time.

Hello Jelani, I primarily had bypass for weight loss but I am so excited to no longer have to take my acid reflux medication. Even if your surgery was primarily for acid reflux you still need some guidance on how to transition as your new pouch matures. I recommend seeking out a Bariatric Nutritionist to start and consider a therapist as well to support you.

P.S. is this your PCP or your bariatric surgeon telling you this? If the latter, I'd be very surprised. I guess I wouldn't be as shocked at a PCP saying that, since they're not specialists in bariatric surgery.