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Dr recommended either one of the bariatric blends or Centrum chewables. I take the Centrum & Calcium chewables. I get them from CVS when they have a bogo. I chew them up at the same time and the taste of calcium cut the vitamin taste so not to bad. My Dr said no gummies.

Ricotta Bake (google it - Bariatric ricotta bake) No sugar added applesauce Cottage cheese Scrambled eggs Greek Yogurt Real Fruit and vegetable smoothies Tuna (From a can -- it's typically chopped small enough for puree stage) pureed Veggies (steam them first...then they're easy to puree) Refried Beans oatmeal Sweet Potato (mashed) Mashed Cauliflower There's a lot more but that's off the top of my head remembering what I ate at that stage. You can look on this forum and find many more recipes by stage that will be helpful also. Just make sure you meet your liquid and Protein goals every day!! Best of luck!

Hi all, my name is Lisa. I had the Lap-Band in Monterrey MX in 2003 and had success. I initially lost 100 lbs, but I have gained back 40 of it. I still consider it a success since I have kept 60 pounds off for over 10 years. Last year I started throwing up in the middle of the night, as well as throwing up at every meal. I thought that was just how it was going to be - my insurance didn't cover my surgery and I have tried to get follow up appointments with other doctors in town. Most of them wouldn't touch me without an outrageous "takeover fee." One doc wanted $5K up front before I stepped foot in the office! I finally went to my PCP in April and they set me up with a bariatric doc - since I was having an issue, insurance approved it (I have Sierra Health). Doc said the band was slipped and I also have a hiatial hernia and suggested revision to a gastric sleeve. Well - today my surgery was approved - in 48 hours! Lap band removal, repair of hernia, and revision to sleeve. My surgery date is August 5. FYI - my insurance just changed July 1st. I was told by them that because of Obamacare (PLEASE no political comments!!), that complications because of prior weight loss surgery, whether it was initially covered or performed in the country or not, HAS to be treated as any other illness and all I have to pay is the deductibles as for any other surgery. Yay! So, for those of you who have previously been denied or have not been covered in the past, it might be worth looking into. I was told that the changes went to effect on July 1. Not sure if it effects first time surgery or not, but worth researching!

Start my pre- op diet today... 2 shakes ... Regular dinner... Wish me luck . Two weeks until surgery ! Excited but nervous.... By the way what does everything think about purchasing a bariatric pillow. Worth it? Best thing ever? Regular pillow will work ?

Guess what? You just got a new job! Isn’t that exciting? Except…it’s a tough job: you will now be the CEO of Lifetime Weight Management. But don’t worry. You can do it, and the pay is fabulous. We’ll get to the job news, but first I’m going to tell you a job story of my own. I’m a writer and story-teller: that’s my job. Often my stories are fiction, but every word in this story is true. Many years ago, I attended a business luncheon with a coworker who was naturally slim. The food was delicious: a huge, flaky croissant filled with chicken and grape salad, a mountain of potato chips (I adore potato chips), and strawberry shortcake for dessert. About one-third of the way through her meal, my coworker stopped eating and pushed her plate away. “What’s the matter?” I said. “Don’t you like the food?” “Oh, it’s fine,” she said. “I just can’t eat any more.” She must have seen the baffled look on my face, because she added an explanation. “I eat a certain amount, and then I reach a point where I just can’t eat another bite, so I stop eating. I’ve always been this way.” I wanted to offer to finish her lunch for her, but was too ashamed of my own greed to suggest it, and I was busy digesting what she had just said. I couldn’t remember ever in my life reaching the point where I couldn’t eat another bite of food. And although I had tried more diets and slimming plans than I could name, it had never occurred to me that I might become slim simply by stopping eating when I became full. My coworker was effortlessly slim and I was effortlessly obese. I subsided into silent envy over her natural advantage. I spent the next 20 years suffering from morbid obesity and developing numerous health problems as a result of it. Finally, after much research and thought, I decided that weight loss surgery was my best option. On September 19, 2007, I had adjustable gastric band surgery. Ever since then I have been learning how to eat, and live, like a slim person. During that time, I’ve accumulated a lot of information, and have cultivated a lot of opinions that may not agree with yours, but of everything I’ve learned during my weight loss journey, there’s one truth you need to heed. Like it or not, no bariatric surgery of any description is magic. The WLS patients I know have all worked hard for their success. Adjustable gastric band. Roux-en-Y. Vertical sleeve gastrectomy. Sleeve plication. Duodenal switch. The surgical procedure happens only once (good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise), but one thing, common to us all, happens every day for the rest of our lives. Weight loss and weight loss maintenance require attention, commitment and action every day for the rest of our lives. It’s a job – a career – we must do or die. A smart, mature, diligent acquaintance who did her research before she took the weight loss surgery plunge said to me once, “I had no idea how much work this was going to be.” The work is not just in the weight loss but in lifestyle changes. The work doesn’t end once you reach your goal weight, but believe me: it is so very, very worth it. I love this new job of mine. I love the improved health and high energy and increased self-esteem and size 4 clothing, and I hope I never grow tired of it or take it all for granted. A lifetime of work ahead of you can seem overwhelming. Think of it as a lifetime of learning. Learning is a good thing. If you stop learning, you stop growing. And if you stop growing, you die. My mother, who struggled with obesity most of her life, used to say that there was a tall, thin brunette inside her just waiting to get out. I will always have a short, fat blonde girl inside me just waiting to get out. But having weight loss surgery has given me some wonderful tools for lifetime weight management, and I hope that proves to be the same for you.

You'll have a burger next year. I had a burger yesterday. No bun, topped with a small piece of cheese, onion, tomato and pickle. It was delicious! The best part? I was too full to eat anything else. You'll get there. I know it doesn't seem like it, but you'll be eating bariatric versions of normal food in no time.

I just found out that my surgeon is no longer performing bariatric surgery and I have to find a new surgeon. I am completely blown, having been going through this process for 4 months now and expecting to have the sleeve done in the next 2 months. Hopefully the clearances and tests I've done already will be accepted by the new doctor, but this news has me so discouraged [emoji20]

Nobody can take what you're learning ahead of time away from you but you might be a better candidate for Mexico. Now I am going to tell you something and I realize I'll get no bonus points from Alex Brecher, don't do this for that. Please pretty please consider BariatricPalMX If you do decide to go to Mexico. If I wasn't 72, didn't receive clearance because of low BMI, and the necessary money I would go there in a heartbeat! Alex Brecher,Bariatric Pal' s founder, who could afford anywhere else if he chose, chose Dr Ilian and Bariatric PalMX. for his own recent surgery I think that speaks for itself. Besides it's located in a beautiful area , not some back-alley clinic. Andvwhenthings are done update us, okay?😝

Hello. I am new to Vertical Sleeve Talk but I am not new to a sleeve. I had my surgery on 4/25/2011. I did really good for the first year but this year has been a bit rough. I have had some health issues (wrist injury) which caused me to be pretty much house bound for 6 weeks but it interfered with my ability to exercise for the past 3 months. Before this issue I had hit a plateau about half way to my goal weight. At this point I have decided that I need to do a system reboot. This system reboot includes: 1. Finding a support community that understands what it is like to live with a VSG 2. Start eating according to plan again 3. Re-read my bariatric support books that helped me learn about life after surgery 4. Start a new exercise program that will accommodate my healing process (post ECU translocation) 5. Find out the true size of my sleeve by doing the Cottage cheese test (it is 6 - 7 ounces) I am hoping that this thread will be beneficial to anyone who is also in need of a "System Reboot" and that together we can make it to our final goal weights together.

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about bariatric surgery in general. I found the idea of the sleeve to be very barbaric when I had my first consult. The permanence of it made it very scary for me as well. Maybe take your mom along for your next appointment? Best of luck to you.

I was cleared for ANY pills, capsules, gel caps etc... one month post surgery. I've been off bariatric Vitamins and back on Silver Centrum since 9/1. I couldn't stand taking the baritrak vits (mixed with 8oz of Water downed in 15 minutes), or the chewable ones, they didn't make me sick, they were just disgusting.

I've always done Centrum (or the generic equivalent) and haven't had any issues. Lots of WLS patients take them. As long as a vitamin meets the ASBMS (American Society of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeons) requirements, it should be fine. for calcium citrate, I have three ways I take it --- Upcal D (a powder which I mix into things like yogurt), generic calcium citrate tablets from Walgreens or CVS, and Bariatric Advantage calcium chews which are great for traveling or for when you're out and about and not near your regular calcium stash (I always keep a few of them in my purse for that reason).

I would ask you bariatric team if you could have an ablation of your uterus. You'll no longer have a period and you will still have your ovaries to continue producing hormones. That is, of course, if you plan on not ever having children. Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using the BariatricPal App

Oh so much to talk about with this..... Sorry, but I'm going to ramble a bit. First off, there are risks and benefits to each of the three surgeries (as background I had a lap-band, miserable with it, prolapsed, lead to emergency removal, and now have a gastric bypass. I'm also a family practice physician assistant. I'm not a bariatric expert, but I've been around this a bit). On average, lap-band patients do not lose as much as the other 2 surgeries. That is why surgeons typically don't recommend lap-band above a certain weight. That said, I know people that have lost 200+ pounds with the lap-band. Average weight loss is just that, an average. For everyone that loses 10%, there's someone that loses 80% of their excess weight. It's impossible to predict where you'll fall in that spectrum. Some of it is how good your surgeon is, some of it is how dedicated you are to lifestyle change, some of it is sheer luck. As far as the band, I won't say don't do it. I will say research your butt off. Again, weight loss tends to not be as much as compared to the other 2 surgeries. I would like to add that, while the band is known for it's reversibility, that is not entirely an accurate statement. My personal story was that my band prolapsed, stomach herniated (and before i get jumped for being a bad band patient, I wasn't a bad band patient....sometime crap just happens). I had an emergency removal and was supposed to revise to gastric bypass, however, once the surgeon got in to remove the band I had so much swelling and inflammation that he was not able to do the revision. They removed my band, sewed me up, sent me home to heal for 6 months, then I had my revision. I know of at least 2 individuals in my area that had band removal and had so much damage that they could not revise to another surgery....while the band is removable, I don't really feel the term reversible is 100% accurate. Another point I'd like to share is 'invasive' truth be told, you're having major surgery. All 3 surgeries are invasive. The sleeve does not have the malabsorption issues or dumping associated with the RNY. However, they are essentially cutting off a large section of your stomach. The RNY does have malabsorption and possibly dumping (most people don't dump, I happen to be in the minority that dump easily, it's really not a huge deal if I watch what I eat). Yes they are making a small pouch in your stomach and bypassing and small portion of your intestine, you are getting some replumbing done with the RNY. That said, RNY is reversible (again, subject to scar tissue and such associated with previous surgeries) IF you need reversal. The vast majority of us will never consider reversal because we need this surgery to maintain a healthy weight.....(reversibility was not a factor in my choosing RNY). I know people that have been hugely successful with all 3 surgeries. I know people that have lost almost nothing with all 3 surgeries. I know people that have had bad complications, hospitalizations, ICU admissions with all 3 surgeries. None of them are magic. None of them work without a commitment from the patient. It is not something to step into lightly..... My advice, research, research, research. Find a surgeon that you trust and listen to what they say and what they suggest. Ultimately you have to make a decision that you are comfortable with and that you can commit to. But know that every day you spend morbidly obese is taking a toll on your body and your health. Most of us just cannot lose an maintain a healthy weight without surgery. Most of us have lost and gained a thousand times. There are some that regret the surgery but the vast majority of us wish we'd done it sooner. The RNY is right for me, I wish i'd done it in the first place. But I'm not you. I wish you the best of luck with the decision and applaud your choice to start considering surgery. If you ever have questions I'm happy to try to help. Best of luck with this decision and congrats on trying I take control of your health. It's a tough choice but at least you're considering it. That's a step in the right direction.

I am not aware of any free samples but did buy samples of Unjury from their website (they were $1.99 each plus shipping). Also purchased a 10 pack sample of Syntrax Nectar from my bariatric pantry online. You can make a note in their comment section about what favors you want. I loved this as I knew I wouldn't be stuck with flavors I definately wouldn't like.

Didn't hurt at all. Though I did make the mistake of shaving myself the night before surgery. I was only warned about the shaving the day of surgery.That gave me a case of itchy folliculitis after surgery. I have a bottle of pain meds I didn't have to use. It must be different for everyone cause all the ladies have told me they were miserable. Followed the nurses instructions to the letter and walked off the CO2 gas they inflate your belly with. So I didn't have the fake heart attack or chest pains people so often get after bariatric surgery. The two people my surgeon operated on before me didn't seem to want to get out of bed and kept buzzing the poor nurses. I only got pain meds twice because the nurses noticed that they had skipped my Heparin blood thinner shots. So if you behave yourself and follow the nurses instructions, they will let you out within 24 hours for good behavior. Otherwise you will have to stay an extra day listening to IV alarms and people whining. The doctors who popped their heads in to say hello told me the surgery went perfectly...I am now waiting to see their drive-by bills.

Hello everyone! Well it has been since April 1st I had my bariatric sleeve surgery. I am 36 years young and hoping to continue feeling better. I went back in the gym, training for two and half months now. I still have a some tenderness and discomfort that likes to pop up every now n then if I go to heavy with weights or eat a little more then I should BUT I manage it by toning it down. I am getting strong again and close to being where I was 7 years ago fit, but not quit near 230 lbs being my normal weight throughout my years. Before the surgery I was weighing in at 430lbs, 4 months later I am weighing in at 325lbs 6ft tall. It feels good bringing out my old close from a few years ago lol. I am thankful things are moving along and hope they continue this way as I stay dedicated to my clean eating and working out healthy living old lifestyle again.............. But My main question is, I was told by another Dr who I randomly ran into on my vacation to San Diego through a friend who is a surgeon, stated that having bariatric sleeve surgery is a dangerousness procedure because the stomach never fully heals and can cause a lifetime possible bacteria infections. Has anyone heard of this??

The iron in multivitamins is what always made me nauseous. I haven't had the problem with the chewable multivitamins after surgery. I also take the bariatric advantage iron with no problems.

Try couponsuzy.com. It allows you to select from several coupons and then print them out.....It has more food items than protein shake which I still use but not as much now that I am eating more regular food. Also I belong to a support group in the area for those who have had bariatric surgery and the MAX MUSCLE gives you a discount on protein that you purchase through them since you go to this group. They have even come to some of the meetings when they have new products come out and give free samples. They are always willing to give free samples in store on anything that you are looking at possibly buying. The stuff is not cheap and I know I want to make sure that it is good before I take home a huge bottle.

I had my surgery in Oct 2013 at a place where Kaiser Permanente sent me because at the time, they didn't have bariatric surgeons on staff. I followed up with the surgeon for 6 visits. I have 6.50cc in the band (or so I thought). Kaiser is now sending me to their own bariatric surgeon now that they have one. My first visit with him was today. I've been vomiting, so I know I needed to have some Fluid removed. At the original surgeon's office, I had 6.25cc in June and he added .25 so we thought I had 6.50cc in there. Well today, the new Dr removed all of the fluid just to make sure that I did have 6.50cc. He was going to remove some so I'd be somewhere in between 6.25 and 6.50. As it turned out, I had 7.3cc in the band. We know I just needed a little removed so he took me down to 7.1cc. So, we'll see how it goes now. But, has that happened to any of you where what you thought you had in there (and so did my original surgeon) was not correct?

I could be wrong, but isn't there a forum here on Bariatric Pal that is for family issues like this? Look around; maybe you can find some help/ideas there too. It sure sounds like you are ready to make this change in your life, and of course you want to respect your daughter's feelings and concerns. I attend a lot of support groups where the subject often comes up where a spouse or other family member is opposed to the surgery. What most often happens is that post-surgery, when they see how much the quality of life of their loved one has improved, that pre-op opposition/apprehension is resolved. My wish for you and your daughter is that you both can arrive at a peace together with this, pre-surgery, so that you both feel comfortable and look forward to the joy that WLS will bring into your life.

Pianoguy, I would really recommend St Lukes..I am a week away from surgery and the support system and entire program have been a great asset. I attended a preop class which let me know what to expect- ive attended support groups-ive met with a very helpful nutritionist who as part of my surgery cost I get to see 3 more times after surgery. The insurance specialist for the bariatric surgeons really goes above and beyond to help you through that process. Its also considered a center of excellence which some insurance companies require. Good luck!

Best wishes for safe surgery @Gnat ! Start of your renewal :-)

You got your sleeve on my Birthday, honor our special. day by getting your act back together. I believe you can do it, you were given a renewed lease on life with,your surgery, and instead of ignoring it I believe you are going to have a renewed sense of working with it for YOU. And each thing that turned around you are going to say I AM TIFFANY TERRIFIC AND I can & will do this ALL. And I think you Can!

Hey there!! I just scheduled my surgery today with Dr. Steven Clark with Southwest Bariatrics. I will be having my surgery on the 31st!!! Woo! Hoo!! I am so excited!! I have been on my pre-op diet since this past Wednesday (16th) and so far, I have lost 12 lbs (I accredit that to cutting out sodas). If you need a snack, grab some peanuts! It will all be worth it in the end!! If you have a sweet tooth, I found something really great at the grocery store yesterday! Breyers ice cream has some Carb Smart chocolate bars!! They are delicious!!!! 9 grams of carbs!!! They taste like chocolate soft serve on a stick!! Yummy!!