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It is very interesting how different bariatric programs differ in terms of some of the diet recommendations. For me, I am supposed to abstain from meat until 3-6 months from surgery date! At any rate, best of luck and let's keep each other updated since you are my surgery twin 🙂

These questions may help - some are targatted for surgeons, but there are questions in there that are relevant to your dietician https://njbariatricsurgeons.com/10-questions-to-ask-your-bariatric-surgeon/ Some of these may be relevant to you: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000259.htm

Hello, everyone! I had the Loop Duodenal Switch surgery 14 months ago on January 23, 2020. At my heaviest I was 389 pounds, but was 321 on the day of my surgery. I am currently 191 pounds and only 11 pounds away from my personal goal weight. When I was first looking into this surgery (which was the suggested surgery of my surgeon) I was wondering just how many vitamins I was going to have to take every day and just how much this was going to cost me. So I decided that since I just ordered a year's supply of vitamins I may as well share that for those of you who are looking into the surgery and want to know those things. And what exactly a years supply of vitamins looks like lol (though do keep in mind that every person is different. I take less iron then the norm because my iron is naturally high. I take less calcium for the same reason. And not every one will have just a Vitamin A deficiency. Some have B, or D, or K, or all the above) So, for me, personally, I take 2 bariatric multivitamins WITHOUT iron, 1 bariatric multivitamin WITH iron, and 2 Calcium Citrate every day. I also take 5,000IU of Vitamin A every OTHER day. How much does that cost? Well, you will definitely have to shop around and try different vitamins before you find some that you either like or can tolerate. Some people struggle finding vitamins because certain ones make them sick. I never had this problem. However, generally after a month... or three (depending on your surgeon) they tell you that you can go to non-chewable vitamins. I can't. I have something called EoE (Eosinophilic Esophagitis) which is an autoimmune disorder that I was diagnosed with in 2016 that causes narrowing of the esophagus and makes it impossible for me to swallow pills. Thus, chewables are my only option. It's more expensive that way, but nothing I can do about that so telling you how much everything is isn't going to help as you likely won't have a problem with the far cheaper non-chewable option. If you DO have that problem however and NEED chewable vitamins full time like myself, then I spent $565.23 on a years supply of vitamins. That's about $1.55 a day or $10.87 a week or $47.10 a month (it's not as bad as it seems at first glance when put that way, right?). I wanted to make this thread because anyone who has this surgery will have their surgeon's office reminding you repeatedly, so that you understand, that vitamins are something you HAVE to take with this surgery! You cannot just suddenly decide it's too expensive and then land yourself in the hospital or even DIE because you don't want to fork over the money to keep you healthy. If you know the price ahead of time then you can either set money aside such as my own habit of setting $50 aside a month so that I can just order 6 months or a years supply at a time once I have enough to do so (I just wiped out my vitamin savings with this recent order though lol). I wanted to make this thread because when I was going through the process I really would have like to SEE what a years supply of vitamins looks like! Also, if you have any questions about the Loop Duodenal Switch/SIPS/SADI-S and my own experiences with it, feel free to ask! Well, here's what a my own years supply of vitamins looks like:

I had appt at surgeon’s office today. I asked the PA about not feeling the restriction and she said as I increase the density of foods I should feel it more. ( I.e. will feel full earlier with steak than yogurt). She said if I was stopping before I get that feeling and feel I have eaten enough that is fine. The Nut felt 3 oz of chicken at one time is too much for where I am post op even though I feel no restriction, and I should back it down to 2 oz so I can add veggies etc now. I have been progressed to regular bariatric diet after this.

Most surgeons recommend using chewable vitamins for the first several weeks after surgery. I used Barimelts for the first 6 weeks and then I switched to BariatricPal Multivitamin One. I tried the chewables and did not like the taste, but now I take the capsules so that's not an issue. I also tried a sample pack from Bariatric Fusion, but I preferred the taste of Barimelts. Next time I order multivitamins, I am going to start the annual BariatricPal MultivitaminOne subscription because it's a great price. Some people take regular (non-bariatric) drugstore vitamins, but if you do that, you have to take a double dose, so you don't really save any money.

They'll give you a lists of things you'll need to do before they'll approve and schedule you. Each doctor is different, but most will want a history of weight loss effort, a medically supervised diet with visits to dietician and some weight loss, clearance from a bariatric therapist, medical tests...some want support group attendence, fitness classes, etc. Just very much depends on your surgeon's group policies. They will likely discuss benefits and drawbacks of each different surgery. They'll measure you and weigh you and give you a list of things to schedule.

Yes. Seeing the bariatric therapist helped. Best wishes.

Bariatric Advantage does not taste bad they just cost too damn much

Bariatric Advantage chews don't taste that bad but too dang high

Hello there Mando313, I have lipedema and I am in the pre-op phase of WLS. My bariatric surgeon is familiar with lipedema (hooray!!!! such a wonderful surprise). I'm not sure though how many patients he's had with lipedema and how their weight loss looks after WLS. He is reccomending the Loop-DS (aka SIPS aka SADI-s) for me. The Loop-DS is supposed to keep glucose levels more steady which *should* help with more fat loss than a VSG ( i read that insulin fluctates more with a VSG than with a DS.. I can send the link if interested.) Anyhow, glad to find someone out there who's had WLS and has lipedema. Would love to hear how your journey has been since you posted.

I take bariatric advantage multivitamin, probiotic chewable, iron chewable and calcium citrate. But, my surgery was the SADI.

I have tried fusion chewable, can’t stand chewing them make me feel like throwing up. Nutrionist said switch to Flintstones multivitamin, taste is not much better. I just ordered capsules from bariatric fusion.

Bariatric Fusion Mixed Berry Complete Chewable Bariatric Multivitamin

Haven't had surgery yet but how about those sites that send you clothes? Not sure if they are worth it, or if it works like I'm thinking but, maybe that would be a good way to try new clothes as you lose? Here is a site that has some tips: https://www.bariatricbody.co/post/12-step-guide-for-shopping-buying-and-making-your-clothing-wardrobe-work-after-bariatric-surgery

Hi all - I have my sleeve surgery in about an hour. Have read up on this forum for weeks now, and it has been extremely informative and supportive. I’m 6’ tall and my max weight was 360, right around the start of my preop diet 2-weeks ago. I’m now at 345 going into surgery. I’m having my surgery done by New York Bariatric Group. Hope all goes well. I have a mix of nervousness and excitement. Will update the forum on how things went.

Haven't had surgery yet but how about those sites that send you clothes? Not sure if they are worth it, or if it works like I'm thinking but, maybe that would be a good way to try new clothes as you lose? Here is a site that has some tips: https://www.bariatricbody.co/post/12-step-guide-for-shopping-buying-and-making-your-clothing-wardrobe-work-after-bariatric-surgery

Just finished final pre op appointment. Tomorrow is pre op labs then Wednesday is full liquids until midnight then clear liquids until arrival to hospital Thursday 7am for surgery at 9am. I have been looking for a thread from pre op to post op instead of having to jump around. So I am going to track my journey on this post and hopefully make it easier for the next person. I have stocked my frig and my pantry with clear liquids ready for week one. I am more excited than nervous. I have already purchased and received all of my vitamins which are a combination and are as follows based on content and what I personally need: BariMelts Calcium Citrate, Jarrow B12 sublingal 500mcg, Bariatric Complete by Pro Health. I took everyone's advice and have a freezer full of SF popsicles, Gas X, and Biotene dry mouth spray for post op. I bought Premier Clear Protein from Costco but they also have it on Amazon. I bought bone broth that has more protein then plan broth so I feel ready. I am open to more suggestions to make this experience as good as I can! I am so thankful for this forum because it has provided support and answered to a lot of my questions! Stayed tune for updates on my adventure

I am finally home! I got surgery April 1st thursday, they kept me in hospital till April 4th! Easter morning I was released! crazy thing is that I had more nausea than pain! I couldn't tell since I was so sleepy, tired what was really bothering me but it was nausea. I couldnt tolerate anything liquids but then by saturday night sunday morning I was drinking normal no nausea. the nausea felt like when you go on a spinning ride, for me it was hard because I avoid those rides for that reason I am far too sensitive. I am home though I did it! I am happy although it might not show because I am ssssssssssssssso tired sleepy. after 10 years of trying to get this surgery, I tried with Kaiser, I thought maybe if I have to go to six month 3 hour dietitian course with other bariatric pals, I will do it (but no) I chickened out. Then I tried with another surgery doctor in Arcadia , I thought maybe if I pay for my monthly dietitian I will go through with it( but no) I chickened out. so finally finally my mind, heart and soul aligned to go threw with it. It wasnt until then that I went all the way. you have to be in it. you have to believe, you have to think of yourself the positive leave the negative behind. you have to be at peace with the outcome. the fact my surgery was on EASter week this made it special to me like God was with me no matter what.

Do you have a required psych evaluation? Many people do. I don't know what the requirements might be with someone 5 years into substance recovery....but I know that crossover addictions are a huge concern with bariatric surgery. If you have not talked about this issue with your doc, it would be a really good idea to broach the topic. Also to ask if your healing stomach will be able to handle methadone, or if your blood serum concentration would have to be carefully monitored to adjust dose....I suspect it would be. Best wishes.

Good questions for a bariatric surgeon. Have you had surgery yet, or are you researching it?

I was one of these, LOL. I had regular coffee with my breakfast in the hospital. My bariatric team didn't have a rule about coffee but they did say not everyone tolerates it well right after surgery. I had no problems and never stopped drinking my one cup a day.

Bariatric Breakfast—Protein Pancakes Bariatric vanilla protein low carbohydrate pancakes recipe Ingredients Yields: Four 4 pancakes Serving size: 2 pancakes 2 scoops BariNutrics™ Vanilla Protein 1 tsp. baking powder 1 pinch salt 2 Tbsp. unsweetened almond milk, milk, or water 2 large eggs, beaten Directions Prep Time: 5 minutes In a medium-sized bowl, combine first three ingredients. In a small bowl, beat eggs and add milk. Add eggs and milk mixture to dry ingredients and mix until completely combined. Heat skillet or electric fry pan to medium. Once hot, add ¼ cup of pancake mix. Cook on first side for 3 minutes. Flip and cook 1 additional minute.

I was allowed caffeine 2 weeks post-op. However, for every 8 ounces of coffee I have, I need to drink 8 ounces of more water a day. The fear of caffeine stems from getting dehydrated with is the number one concern after surgery. You need to be careful to drink enough clear liquids, hopefully water. As for caffeine tablets or other sources other than coffee... I'm unsure. Best practice is to call your surgeon's clinic and talk to a bariatric dietician for guidelines.

Your tastes may have changed. Keep notes on what you eat, and what you like, and don’t like. Try bariatric recipes, I have found some yummy ones. A lot of are nervous when we start out. You will do great!

I was sleeved on March 26th the first two days were the most discomfort due to gas and for the pain meds I was given Motrin and Tylenol and it has worked just fine My dr was the Lead of bariatric Every practitioner does things differently I’m sure they wouldn’t Prescribe any thing that would compromise your health 9 days post up I’m 20lbs down but I’m sick n tired of liquid diet I was told by my nurse Cream of wheat Cottage cheese and apple sauce can be added praying for Puréed after apt on April 6th