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Hmm that's a really good idea. Thanks so much!! I'll check my local GNC to see if they carry anything of the sort. I'm not one to normally say I'm starving bc I'm very fortunate and never have been, but this liquid diet has been tough, tough. My surgeon and the bariatric nurses I had to meet with post op yesterday assured me I wouldn't be hungry in a few days. I just would anything for a taco salad from my local Mexican restaurant! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Look at this... https://pin.it/pdzhkayj5ofuzr Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Well thank you for sharing yourself with us. I know I just share what my bariatric team tells me and it seems to work for me. No, I'm not at goal yet, but sticking to my Drs orders, I plan to be. Everyone has a different story. All our journey's are our journey's and I appreciate everyone's story, no matter where they are in that journey. Matter of fact, I learned so much starting out from others in the middle of their journey. The likes of Missy, Sojo, CG,AJ, Dee,Chez, Floridays & Jean, just to name a few. Not to mention all the books I've read. I figure most of us have educated ourselves before WLS, to know rhetoric from fact. So we take things with a grain of salt. Thank you for sharing your journey. You have done amazing. May the rest of your journey be like wise!

I have an expiring upgrade (by Feb. 28) on American Airlines that I thought would be nice to give a fellow bariatric patient who might be flying a distance and would appreciate the extra room (obviously you won't be able to enjoy the food or drink). You need to already have your ticket purchased. Upgrades aren't always available and I'll want to make sure it clears immediately when requested. Let me know if you are interested.

For several years prior to surgery, I would snore so loud that it would keep my wife awake at night. When I went through my second round of pre-op testing, they scheduled me to see a doctor that specializes in sleep apnea. After examining me, he believed that I did have this condition and wished for me to undergo sleep testing. I declined. I reasoned with him that since I am about to undergo bariatric surgery and since surgery can correct this problem, I thought is was not money well spent. He signed off on my surgery. About 2 weeks after surgery, my snoring went away. I sleep so quietly at night that it frightens my wife. She wakes up in the middle of the night and can't hear me breathing and thinks I am dead. I am 11 months post-op now and this snoring problem has been in remission during this whole time.

I remember liking the Bariatric Advantage Calcium chews, but I remember that I wasn't terribly fond of their regular Multivitamin chewables. That was 4 years ago, though, so they may have changed their formulation. Does anyone have any recommendations for chewable Multivitamins?

I drink up until my first bite as well and typically wait at least 45 minutes before drinking anything more then a sip to rinse my mouth. Immediately post op for the first month I used the Bariatric Advantage Protein powder, but have after I got on soft foods, I switched to a single ready to go Protein shake (Premier Protein from Costco) which I drink halfway between Breakfast and lunch. I didn't puree anything either (puree actually wasn't on my plan) - for me it was 3 days of Clear liquids, then 2 weeks of full liquids, then 2 weeks of soft foods, then back to regular food as tolerable. As far as Snacks, at this stage I find I do need to snack a bit between meals in order to get in my recommended protein. A snack for me is usually something like a cheese stick or a Danon Light and Fit yogurt (12g protein,80 cal!) My surgery team didn't outlaw caffeine out right, just to cut back. Immediately after surgery I didn't have any caffeine until I was on regular foods. At this point I usually have one Americano every other day or so. I use Crystal light powder or other flavor liquids in my Water.. post op I find I can't drink water as well when it is plain. For movies, I only get a water, and maybe take in a Protein Bar and eat half of it. I'm staying away from popcorn until I get to my goal.

I was starving after surgery also. Moving towards real food helped - particularly the step from full liquids to purees. This is where I started to be able to eat some normal protein containing foods, like eggs and cottage cheese. (I really, really hated protein drinks until I discovered my protein powder latte.) After 1-1.5 months, when the amount I could eat also increased somewhat as the swelling went down, I went from starving to really full. Now I'm 18 months out and I still feel much reduced hunger. Personally, I think when people feel starving right after surgery, it is often because they aren't getting enough protein and their body has started to eat its muscles. I was reading a study the other day that says out of all the muscle mass you'll lose in the year after bariatric surgery (about 10-15 lbs on average), you lose half of that muscle mass in your first two months. That's almost certainly because people aren't getting enough protein at the very beginning because of the liquid diet/small amounts you can eat. Sure, it may be head hunger. But either way, I'd try increasing your protein first. Any time you feel hungry, start with whatever you can tolerate/is currently on your diet plan that contains protein.

The Perfect Plate idea helps you make diet-friendly meals with a minimum of fuss. Just put the right amount of each food group on the plate, and you can be confident that you will be on your way to a balanced meal. The Perfect Plate was not designed specifically for bariatric surgery patients, but you can use it for losing weight. Just make modifications as needed! The Basic Perfect Plate The classic perfect plate is designed for a full solid foods diet., but you can use it for losing weight if you are eating solid foods, you can tolerate vegetables, and you are not having trouble hitting your protein goals. Here it is: Fill half your plate with vegetables or fruit. Divide the rest of your plate in half. Fill one section with lean protein, such as chicken, egg whites, tuna, cottage cheese, or tofu. Fill the rest of your plate (1/4) with a nutritious starch, such as whole-grain pasta or cereal, brown rice, sweet potato, corn, or oatmeal. Add the occasional healthy fat, such as olive oil for cooking, salad dressing, or a slice of avocado. Examples include chicken breast with broccoli and brown rice; hash with bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions, sweet potato, and lean turkey sausage; yogurt parfait with toasted oats and berries; and a Greek whole-wheat pita half with sprouts, lettuce, and tomatoes, and falafel. WLS Modifications Now, that classic Perfect Plate may not work perfectly for you. You can still use the concept, but may need to modify it slightly to meet your dietary goals. Compared to someone who has not had WLS, you might notice these differences. You get full more quickly. You might need to skip the starch and/or take a smaller helping of vegetables. You need more protein. You can increase the protein and decrease the vegetables You cannot tolerate vegetables as well. You can take fewer vegetables, and/or cook them very well. Fruit does not fit. It might give you dumping syndrome or have more sugar than you want to have. You can focus on vegetables for that half of your plate. You are eating low-carb. You do not need to have a starch at every meal. You can skip it entirely at some meals, or replace it with an extra vegetable or protein. Pureed and Semi-Solid Foods Stages You will move through the pureed foods (“mushies”) and semi-solid foods stages before you get to the solid foods stage. While protein is your main focus soon after weight loss surgery, you can start to think about laying the foundation for a healthy, balanced diet. Protein comes first. Your first job is to eat 65 or more grams of protein per day. This may mean you do not have space for vegetables and starch. Extras do not fit. Your sleeve or pouch is small. You probably will not have space for non-essential foods, such as refined starches. Creamy, not crunchy. Cooked carrots, pureed green beans, and steamed zucchini are in; lettuce, broccoli, and apples are out. Perfect Plate Helpers Bariatric Dinnerware can make it even easier to make your Perfect Plate every time. Bariatric Dish Sets and Place Settings have stylish designs for your table, with easy-to-see markings for serving yourself. Bariware Portion8 sets are portable containers that you divide using movable rings so each section is as big or small as you need. The Perfect Plate can help you put together a nutritious meal without doing any measuring. Adapt it to your needs, and it can be another weapon in your weight loss arsenal.

Called my insurance and was told my employer specifically excluded bariatric surgeries from policy. So, my route is self pay..unless someone can tell me otherwise. Since I am going this route, I assume I can get in faster and am planning for Feb 17 Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

So, I have pretty much decided on going to Mexico for surgery. I just wanted to see if I can get some input/advice from people who have gone to Mexico. I am scared and nervous and thinking about everything that could go wrong. I know a lot of people do it but it's so scary to think of having something like this done so far away from home. Is there anything you guys can tell me to help me make my decision? I haven't found anything negative about Tijuana Bariatrics but I just want to make sure I make the right decision.

I used Dr Ilian with Bariatric Pal. I've been quite happy. They send you home with a big book on VSG, a 10 week menu plan to follow, and have a gal you can ask unlimited questions of via email. I chose to have a video made of my surgery. (The concierge went to Walmart for me to get me a flash drive since I didn't know about this option before I arrived). They also sent me home with my blood test results (albeit in Spanish) and a disc of x-rays and my leak test. I drink a liquid vitamin from Costco (didn't take vitamins before surgery). I don't​ have much follow up care of my own choosing. I feel good, have energy, and I'm losing weight. I suppose if this were not the case I'd seek local medical support. I'm 3 months post op.

Here are some of my questions. I will see him next and will post the answers to these as well as any other questions I think of between now and then. Bariatric Advantage Vitamins (1 pill,4x a day) When should I start birth control How long before I can work out? Weight training? Kick boxing or Strength Training? Can I do Rugged Maniac in May or November? Is the Keto diet a good plan to follow after surgery ( High protein, High fat) or should I stick to high,lean protein and good fats only in moderation? Can we have lemon/lime juice (Fresh)and when? *For teas and to flavor water* Can I use Proteu water (Lift) instead of propel? Is it possible to have a Binder for recovery?

I'm not in the "pre-op" phase yet (I have two more medical weight loss classes to endure), but I have heard that the surgeons at Northern Colorado Surgical Associates won't perform surgery if you've gained weight during the pre-op process. Beyond that, they have a pre-op diet that seems to be simply "use your best judgment" and I haven't found anything to contradict that in the Bariatric Centre of the Rockies handbook. ... Though, I'm so hoping I'm wrong because that just doesn't seem wise.

So, I did quite a bit of work today to help make the process go a little faster once I finish my last medical weight loss class: both my psychological clearance and my final appointment with my GP have been scheduled on the same day. So, I clarified with the bariatric coordinator from Northern Colorado Surgical Associates that once she phones me the following Tuesday, I can get my consultation that week or possibly the following week, which will allow me to have surgery 4-6 weeks after that point. So, based on these timelines, the earliest possible date for my surgery is the 16th of August and the latest possible date for my surgery is the 8th of September. So now, I have an idea of when about I'll be getting my surgery.

Hi LuAnn! I'm in NJ also. I had gastric bypass in 2015, but I can give you a little advice. If you're going to be in the hospital more than one night, bring dry shampoo. I had to stay three nights and couldn't shower, so I wish I had mine! Bring Gas-x strips with you. I never had a problem drinking water before surgery but it was harder after, so I drank vitamin zero. Water just didn't appeal to me. And I haven't tried that brand of vitamins. Over the last year and a half I've tried a variety of multis, all chewable, bariatric geared, in the beginning. Now I'm able to take pills. I prefer the chewy kind. RNY 6/8/15 SW 248 LW 175 CW 197 GW 180 "Eat to be the person you want to be."

I actually have been seeing a pediatric bariatric surgeon already. im three months into the process.. throughout my entire life ive been overweight and ive had a lot of troubles in school and health problems in between. i have a genetic condition that affects my muscles and joints and i feel losing some weight would benefit me . I also am on the road to type 2 diabetes and already have fatty liver. i may just get this done for medical health reasons

Not to be blunt, but I don't know how you can practice this. It's just something you don't do. You have to consciously decide you're not going to drink while you eat. I know what you're thinking because I was someone who'd take a sip or more with/after each bite. When you get bariatric surgery, it's just not something you can do and expect things to work well. Drinking with your food causing it to wash through faster negating the benefit of whatever procedure you're having done. In this video, the demonstration begins around the 2 minute mark. It's really not as hard as you think it is.

Congrats the time will go quick I can't believe it's already been almost 11 weeks for me. I took my classes at the Ming office everyone there in the bariatric department is wonderful

I'm in the very beginning stages. I was referred by my primary physician to the bariatric center for WLS. I'm in Orange County, Calif (Irvine area). I received a call a week ago from the bariatric department stating they approved me and will be mailing me a packet in snail mail. I haven't received anything yet - it's been over 7 days. Is there anyone out there from Orange County Calif that has used Kaiser? I'm curious about their process. I see a lot on here from Kaiser N. Calif and outlying areas but can't find anyone from Orange County. I'd like to hear from other Orange County, Kaiser, Sleevers. .

I'm so confused... the scales at every doctors office I go to are so different that I can't tell if I'm losing, gaining, or staying the same! Family doctor: 216 Week later at bariatric clinic: 206 3 weeks later at Psych doctor: 220 1 week later Pre-op hospital testing: 220 5 days later at bariatric clinic: 209 Seriously?? My bariatric doctor says just go by their scale... but WHY are most places all weighing me so differently? Another thing: Why does my bariatric doctor measure my height at 5' 4" (which I thought I had been since I was 15) but the hospital measures me at 5' 3" and at home I measure 5' 2.5"?? Why do some.plaves measure with shoes on and others with shoes off?? So frustrating! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App

You still have to take supplements with VSG. 90% of gastrectomy patients will develop deficiencies without proper vitamin/mineral supplements. In general, a good Multivitamin, extra Vitamin D, calcium, Iron and sublingual or injectable B12 (we can no longer absorb B12 after VSG). You should be getting bloodwork done at least annually and adjust your vitamin regimen accordingly. The most prevalent vitamin deficiency I've seen in the scientific literature is Vitamin D. Somewhere in the order of 80% of patients are vitamin D deficient following surgery. Vitamin D deficiency is also common in populations who haven't had any kind of bariatric surgery, so it's not totally clear what percentage of deficiency can be attributed directly to the procedure. As far as vitamin B deficiency, in order to absorb vitamin b complex, you must have Intrinsic Factor, which is produced in the stomach. VSG removes some of the ability to produce IF and thus absorb some b vitamin, but not all. RNY bypasses totally the part of the stomach that creates IF, hence the absolute necessity to supplement. Studies show that typically less than 20% of VSG patients will develop vitamin B deficiency. Iron and folate deficiency present in relatively small numbers as well, compared to RNY. Metformin appears to aggravate vitamin B deficiency. The key is getting blood work, as there's no one size fits all solution. I liked my odds better with the VSG, and i already take a pretty broad range of supplements. I am currently taking b12 injections because I'm not able to introduce a wider range of meats back into my diet for a few more weeks.

I work in an OB/Gyn letter and most docs wont write you a letter unless your weight is affecting your treatment with them (e.g. PCOS, infertility, hormone imbalance...). If you've been seeing them for any length of time they can provide a history of high BMI. I would go with a PCP first since they'll hold a little more weight when it comes to bariatric surgery. As far as tour PCP not knowing how to write a letter of medical necessity...WWWHHHAAATTT! It's a basic form letter! In our office, we nurses write the letter and the docs just sign it, lol! I hope you get something soon and can get approved!!!

So you do the bariatric twice a day and the regular women’s multi once a day at the same time at the bariatric? I noticed it has the calcium in it so I’m guessing we can’t use it until a month post op