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Hi i just started my puree diet a few days ago. I have been enjoying black bean or pinto bean puree ( organic beans from sprouts) and I cook them with onions, bell peppers, and a little ground turkey. After it cooks together I throw it in my ninja to get it smooth, and it's so wonderful. I started my vitamins two weeks out and I ordered them from Amazon 1. ProCare Health is the brand- Bariatric Multivitamins with 45 MG of Iron ( 90 pills in the bottle) take 1 per day - $45.99 2. Caltrate is the brand: Calcium supplement with D3 - they are gummie bites 3. Liquid B-12- I got those locally from sprouts 4. Biotin - 10,000 mcg 1 time per day. I take these now to prevent the hair loss that usually occurs 3-6 months after surgery. The brand I ordered from Amazon is made by a company called Sports Research- High potency Biotin made with coconut oil and it's 120 pills in the bottle they were $19.99

@Fatdiva14 @kathy0529 Ah! Less than 48 hours to go! I stocked up on Isopure today, along with crystal light and sugar free Jello mix to use with my Isopure to make Protein jello! I should probably spend part of tomorrow making jello in dixie cups. *snorts* BARIATRIC JELLO SHOTS FOR ALL!

I believe that this policy is set by the medical center where your surgery will be performed, rather than by the insurance company. Because they consider bariatric surgery 'elective', mine required that the deductible and co-pay be paid in full in advance. I'm sure this policy varies from hospital to hospital though. Your surgeon's office should be able to confirm when your share of the payment will be due.

Hi, sorry that you are disappointed. I had a gastric bypass on 3 March 2017 and the surgeon noticed a lot of scar tissue and tissue adhesion during the surgery. The surgery was twice as long as planned. I had to pay for my surgery, (very little is covered by the public health system in New Zealand, and private insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery here), I'm wondering if I hadn't paid, whether the surgery would have been aborted. I have M.E. and Lupus as well. This journey has turned out to be a lot harder than I mentally prepared myself for.

I trust my nutritionist. They are specialized towards bariatric surgery. When you consider that there are two phases to bariatric weight loss surgery - the losing phase and the maintenance phase. I found their advice spot on when it came to the weight loss phase. But after you reach the maintenance phase, I don't observe a well defined plan in place. My body changes as I transition through the process. In the beginning fats and sugars were rejected because that portion of my stomach was cut away. But after about a year, my intestines have evolved to process fats and sugars. Therefore what might be good advise at the beginning is bad advice later on.

If I were wanting to do this more economically I would consider Bariatric Pal MX and. Dr Illian. Although there are doctors in Texas, Louisiana, Michigan and Florida that are more budget-friendly, Alex Brecher will be having his revision to Mini Bypass at Bariatric PalMx, and it isn't because of economic issues because he could afford any US or Canadian surgeon. He knows the staff there and trusts them with his own health. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I've heard nothing but good things about Bariatric Pal MX and. Dr Illian, although he is in Mexico please don't let that discourage you. At least look into it.

I am so disappointed. Let me start from the beginning . . . . . August 2007 I am refered to a bariatric clinic that performs lap banding. After a barrage of appointments and tests I am told that I am a good candidate but unless I have insurance or $12,000 they cannot help me. The Dr. tells me to go back to my GP and have him refer me to a local hospital to get put on their waiting list. December 2007 Through a friend of a friend and an awesome God connection, I was referred to a surgeon who does lap banding on the public health care system. (turns out he also works for that private place I went to in August that specialises in lap banding! Small world!) The office told me that I have to wait three months for my appointment. March 2008 I have my initial appointment and I am belittled and treated like a stupid fat person. I am given a book and told "Go home and read this and come back in 2 months if you still want to procede" May 2008 I have my second appointment and am treated much better. He puts me on a waiting list and tells me that the wait can be up to 4 years for the op. He then tells me to make an appointment for May 2009 to follow up and says "If you haven't already had the operation by then." December 2009 I get some blood work back (from another Dr.) that has some issues with it. I call the surgeon to ask if I can be moved up to more urgent because of it. The surgeon calls me back in January and moves me to a new category for the waiting list. I am told that this new category is an urgent one where it will get done in the next 3 months. I am extremely excited March 5th 2009: I call the hospital to check up on where I am on the waiting list as I am expecting it to get done this month and I have to arrange leave from work etc. They tell me that the surgeon is on long-service-leave and won't be back until the end of April or May. I am so disappointed. That will be over 12 months that I have been waiting to get this done. I want it so bad I can taste it. I have been working so hard to lose weight so that the surgery will be easier on my body. I am excercising, doing optislim and have lost 12.5 kilos (27.5 pounds) in preparation! I know it will be worth that wait though.

@JohnnyCakes - Seems like an very cruel thing to say to a fellow Bariatric Pal a few hours after her surgery, don't you think? Looks like you had major success with losing weight...how about lifting up your fellow forum members when they need it the most instead of trying to shame them for being brave enough to share at a tough time to help others who are right behind her? I think she is frickin' awesome for taking the time to post on the day of surgery with helpful hints and encouraging words.

Thanks FluffyChix.... I have a new nephrologist and asked him at my visit a few weeks ago. He said that though the bypass can be good, in my case, he's against it. Even though my kidneys are functioning perfectly, given that the bypass changes absorption and anatomy, he doesn't recommend it. The hepatic cysts are really just an extension of the PKD; pretty much a non issue. When I mentioned this to my bariatric surgeon, he doesn't see any issues with the bypass and PKD. He also said that the bypass can be reversed....if down the road it became an issue. I trust him 100%, but I would not go into a bypass revision with the mindset that I can have it reversed. It's too much of an ordeal, and I don't want to put my body through so much surgical upset. I lost almost all my weight with the band, but gained half of it back over the past few years. Like the rest of us here, my biggest concern is continuing to slowly gain; ending up where I was when I started this journey close to 5 years ago. I just wish I'd had the bypass to begin with, but I chickened out and went with the band/plication instead. At 62 with about 40 pounds to lose, I'm not sure I want to do anything further. For now, I will have the band removed next week, then work with the nutritionist at my surgeons office. At least I still have the plication, which should help limit the amount I eat in a sitting. The reality is, with ALL of these surgeries, after the honeymoon period is over, WE need to do the work. I was stellar with the band for the first 16 months, then I learned how to eat past the signal. I know a few people who gained a substantial amount of weight a few years after their bypass, and I know some who have stayed thin for many years after the procedure. In the end, we have to make lifestyle changes for continued success. Not always so easy....

I love Premier Protein, however, my doctor/NUT doesn't want me drinking it the first 6 months... they want me drinking protein with whey Protein isolate instead of a mixture like Premier has in it. (I believe it has Milk protein first) Now that being said, lots of doctor's approve Premier. I'm just telling it as my NUT tells me... that we can't absorb as easily. I drink Bariatric Advantage, New Direction, and Chike. There are other's out there, and I'm going to be on the search once these are gone because I'm getting tired of them LOL

Hi there. Does anyone know which Dept of Veterans Affairs hospitals do the sleeve? The system is divided by regions, and the VA does not put out a lot of info about the bariatric programs. I have Tricare Prime too, but they do not cover the sleeve. BUMMER... I am a service-disabled vet too and am able to use all services at VA hospitals too. Thanks for any info you can provide. Shan

I started on the Bariatric Advantage multi chewables. They have a terrible taste and consistency!!!. I am expecting a delivery of a new product by Celebrate. It's a chewable multi like toffee. My nutritionist aid that because we are not eating our full requirements of vitamins and minerals taking a supplement is essential. They also have biotin which helps with hair loss. I also take calcium citrate chewys, sublingual b12 and chewable iron ( all by Bariatric Advantage ). I can only go by what I have been told. heck on the website of ant Bariatric center of excellence and see what the recommendations are. such as The Mayo Clinic, Loma Linda University Medical Center. Google Bariatric Centers of Excellence. doing your research is the best thing you can do. also, find a new PCP immediately so tey can check your blood levels if your surgeon will not.

Breakfast: Centrum Kids and Superior Source B complex Snack: Bariatric Support Calcium wafers 1/2 tablet Lunch: Centrum Kids Vitamin Dinner: Bariatric Support Calcium Wafers 1/2 tablet Snack: Bariatric Support Calcium Wafter 1/2 tablet I have to use a huge 4 pill/7 day a week pill box holder to keep it straight.

Nothing wrong with asking here, but the subject is definitely one to discuss with your obstetrician. He/she may want to consult with your bariatric surgery practice (the RD, perhaps), in which case get them connected. As an innocent ignorant bystander, I'd say that proper nutrition for your baby comes first and weight-loss is secondary for the time being. Thanks for sharing your happy-lovely news. All the best to you.

One individual in our Bariatric Support Group Meeting had a band to RNY gastric bypass surgery revision because his band was wearing away into his stomach and the condition became life threatening.

There is a type of low blood sugar problem that can occur after gastric bypass surgery. It is called reactive hypoglycemia. Here is a link to the condition. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass Generally this problem begins to occur several months after surgery. Since you are only a week after surgery, I suspect this is not the cause. These are the symptoms of hypoglycemia: An irregular heart rhythm * Fatigue * Pale skin * Shakiness * Anxiety * Sweating * Hunger * Irritability * Tingling sensation around the mouth * Crying out during sleep As hypoglycemia worsens, signs and symptoms may include: * Confusion, abnormal behavior or both, such as the inability to complete routine tasks * Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision * Seizures * Loss of consciousness If you were diabetic and taking medication for the condition, the medication might be driving your body into hypoglycemia. If so this is a sign that you need to cut back on the diabetic medicine. But if you were diabetic then you probably have a glucose meter and could test to see if your hypothesis (low blood sugar) is a correct one.

You might have to be crafty to find the Protein sources that will work for you. I noticed amazon does feature lactose-free products, and I'm sure your local Vitamin Shoppe or GNC or Bariatric pantry have products that will do the job. http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Fusion-Supplement-Chocolate-Pound/dp/B0021FAITU/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1367872766&sr=1-3&keywords=lactose+free+protein+powder I was looking at plant fusion and it has good reviews. I used to make Protein shakes with lactaid to eliminate some of the lactose, but I am not really intolerant, but our nutritionist said that many people for some reason become lactose intolerant after surgery. Other than that, if you can tolerate soft food, perhaps look into Quinoa as a protein source. Do some research, it looks pretty good, and of course there is soy. Sorry to hear you are having trouble eating. Keep working at it, little by little you will hopefully make progress. As tough as it is, this period is where you will lose most of your weight and as it gets easier to eat, the loss will slow down, so it actually works in your favor. Look at this as a positive if you can. Good luck on your journey!!

Hello. It's going to be a month since I had the surgery. I'm 29 years old and having this surgery was about the idea of wow, being able to lose weight, not be controlled by appetite. If you follow the 4 rules of my surgeon then I'll get my weight loss down without being hungry!! It seemed like a dream. Well it has been hard. I did practice eating without drinking before surgery and it was difficult at first, I didn't notice how much I would drink to get what I was eating down. Well this past week I started solids. It has not been fun. I notice that even tho I chew my solids, I am still doing something wrong because I throw up after. I have not had dumping. I eat what is on my sheet. I concentrate and eat, but I guess my bites are still bigger than they should be. They told me a chick pea size bite (check), chew it 30 times, (well I honestly can't chew it 30 times) stay the table for 25 min. (I get full before the 25min.) Eat sitting down (this is kinda new to me too) Drink 64oz of Water (this is also hard, because you can't just chug water you have to be consistent and remember to drink) I have also been good at drinking water, and crystal light, and if I feel like I don't have energy because I couldn't keep up with my meal I drink gatorade. Anyways this is where I am, everyone around me says I look great, That I look younger. I went down 2 sizes for my top, being a 3x and now 1x, and 1 size from my jeans and sometimes 2 depending on the brand. I was so happy. This is hard tho. It wasn't as easy as I thought. Sometimes when I have been throwing up this week I asked myself. Was this worth it? I was clearly upset because every meal I was throwing up, trying different foods and having the same outcome. I have narrowed it down and I have to be believe that I am not chewing enough, that has to be it!! I know my surgery was worth it. I can climb the stairs without shortness of breath, I can clean my bathroom without taking breaks, I took my 7 year old son out because I haven't been tired. I got on a Ferris wheel (I could always go on a Ferris wheel, but I was always worried with my weight) and loved it. I speak without hard breathing anymore. For the last 3 weeks I felt great. Even tho I couldn't eat certain things, I wasn't hungry. I'm not going to lie tho, at night I thought about food. It doesn't mean I was hungry because I was not. I would be watching my hour of t.v. after I put my son to sleep and the commercials, and my imagination. It seems funny now, but I realized I have more of a problem than I had realized. I wasn't going to eat because again I wasn't hungry, but being in bed thinking about food, made me realize I have a problem with food. Before surgery I was a person who ate 2 huge meals a day. They were usually store bought too. I also drank a lot of coke. Like a lot maybe 4 coke cans a day. When I went to discuss this surgery with my surgeon he told me, if I gained 1 pound, I would be exempt and wouldn't be able to have this surgery. I cut my coke to 2 a day, but continued to eat the same about but I would kind of say healthier, as in no longer burgers and pizza, but more Proteins to see if I could eat chicken, fish every day. It turned out I could, I also gave up eating potato bread, well all bread but that was my favorite. Anyways of course everyone one here knows that changes have to be made. I made mine. I wish that before I had surgery I would have read someone else's take. I think besides wanting to write it all like a journal right? Anyways it has not been easy and this week with solids, has been hard and draining. I have to continue to move forward and if it means to just eat completely alone with a sign in front of me to chew or else I will throw up, I will have to do just that. I can't wait to see what a couple of months has in store for me. To have more energy, to change my life from sitting to actually getting up and having energy to go out and do something. To be able to go to the zoo with my son without having to take breaks. To be able to go to Lego land next year and be able to get on the rides with my son, and not having him go with another family member. To go bike riding. Damn so many things I will be able to do, just now to clean my bathroom without having to stop to have some rest is awesome. I have read some people say they see someone to talk about their ideas of foods, and I think that is a great idea. I think I will look for someone who helps people after bariatric surgery. I just wish to meet people who have had surgery around the same time I have and I can have a buddy. I think it's easier when you have someone to talk about it with!!

Congratulations on the 2 kiddo's. That is awesome for you!!! You lost quite a bit of weight! You sound like me. I had put on a lot though....about 100 lbs. In January, I drank Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacements 3 times daily the entire month. It worked. My restriction is back and I am full with about 3 oz. protein. Get back on the train and get a hold of the regain. You need to lose about 40 lbs. it looks like. YOU"VE GOT THIS!!! Please do it now so your 40 doesn't become 100. Joy

I use Centrum chewables twice a day. Also use the Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate chews. But I let them dissolve. After surgery, before I left hospital, my surgeon gave me prescriptions for Iron, B-12, B-1, Vitamin C and calcium citrate with D. I didn't start the calcium chews til I ran out of the prescription calcium citrate. They also gave me a sample schedule to use which was very helpful. The hospital gave me a pill crusher. My surgeon's office said not to worry about starting Vitamins for 14 days. They wanted me to just focus on drinking my fluids and Protein. I found it was easier for me to fill ice cube trays with broth and sugar free Jello. Two cubes was two ounces. I would have two ounces of broth or jello three times a day and didn't drink liquids a half hour before or after my meals. I found this stage easy because I got into the routine. Every surgeon is different but I found a lot do recommend the two ounces three times a day. Oh. And sugar free Popsicles were great to break up monotony. They count as a liquid. Also really liked lemonade flavor of vitamin Water zero for when you get tired of plain water. It's made with stevia and works better for me as I am sensitive to Aspertame. It gives me headache. I wish you the best of luck !!! It has been a whole new learning experience and I am so happy I did it. I am 6 months out and 82 lbs down.

Hi Eunice, I would suggest you contact some of the Bariatric Centers of Excellence and talk to their directors and/or on-staff psychologists. They might be able to give you an idea of what kinds of needs aren't being addressed by existing programs.

Dr.Fox has retired and I'm now looking for a new surgeon for follow up appointments, may I ask who you used and if you liked the progress w/ that Dr.? My records were transferred to Dallas Bariatric Center, but if I have to pick a new Dr., I'd prefer they be closer to Arlington.

Thanks Renewed!! I have been following the other thread and you ladies are amazing!! You have really inspired me!! Fantastic time on your run!!!!!!!!! I bought a treadmill on the rent to own program and it gets delivered tomorrow!!! Now I don't have to wait or drag myself out on a cold rainy night, or wait in line to use the treadmill and have people keeping track of my time on it...I am a happy camper! The 3 minute runs are getting a little easier. I did it again last night and it was day 4 of week 3. I think I will do it another 2 times and then move on to week 4. I still haven't figured out what the best thing to eat is before a run. I usually have supper and then run 1-2 hours later. I eat mostly fish and veg or chicken and veg including sweet potato. Can you suggest what is best to eat prior to a program... Thanks and keep up the amazing work!!!! :girl_hug: Barb

I found a website that sells samples of protein at a decent price. I hate that protein taste, but at least this way I can try a bunch of flavors without wasting a lot of money and product. It's called my Bariatric pantry. They have lots of other protein supplements as well. Just an option :-)