Search the Community

Welcome!! I was banded back on April 5, 2011. So far I am down 50lbs. And I have to say this was the best decision I have ever made in my life. I have no regrets, so far. I chose the band verses any other bariatric surgery because it is one with the least complications and it is removable! Plus you lose the weight at a more healthy pace than lets say gastric bypass. I also have 3 children and they are my world. My mother died at 48 from complications from obesity. When I hit 30 I realized I was very close to ending up like my mother. I was pre diabetic and hypertensive. I refuse to die at a young age. I did not want to leave my family that young. My mothers death tore apart our family. I am now at a healthy blood sugar level and have good blood pressure again. I am now 31 and have a better prospect for my life than I did a year ago. I still have about 120lbs to go before I hit my goal weight but I have no doubt I will make it. Good luck on your research! This is a fantastic forum to get any info you need. I have been addicted since I first found it. Great support system here! Karrie

helpmomofteenagers and smilinginside, I tossed my card a long time ago, so I don't remember exactly what it says. But it, for me, was a credit card sized laminated card that was written by my WLS Clinic that said that I had had bariatric surgery and that the restaurant "should" be willing to let you order off the childrens menu, or the lunch menu. It gave the name and address of my Clinic.

Bariatric advantage has a new chewable for both. It looks and tastes like a starburst. The hard chalk like chewables didn't sit well.

Hi there! My husband just recently retired from the Navy... So now my life has some kind of stability... So that being said, I finally had the courage to ask my pcm that I was interested in bariatric surgery. I have asked 3 pcms prior to my current pcm at Kimbrough for a referral to General Surgery and with them being Army docs and nurses, they ALL said to diet and exercise, like "they" do. I was afraid to ask AGAIN after failed attempts to go to the gym (you think I would have the courage to go to the gym after the feds eliminated my position in April!) and eating right portions,but my PCM noticed that I gained 50 lbs within a 2 year period and steadily climbing up. Yes, did all the testing, thyroid, diabetes, but I just have PCOS and HBP (being managed by meds) and being fat just runs in my genetics. Overall, per my pcm (though she didn't say fat, lol), I'm "healthy" but fat. Diabetes and thyroid issues run in my family though and she wants to prevent that from happening. I'm about to call the Bariatric Dept to see what my next steps are... But I was wondering if anyone out there who has gone through any weight loss procedure with Walter Reed/Bethesda? Or any MTF? I have gone through their website but still have many thoughts, questions... Overall, MTF care is way, way different than civillian care and have had nothing but excellent care done with military treatment facilities. Sometimes you hear horror stories about MTF surgeries but I have faith in our military system. I really, really would like to hear from you if you had the surgery in an MTF or also thinking about it too!

I’m sorry it has been rescheduled. I guess that’s another reason to go to Mexico. I am an RN and work for a major hospital group…in home health. If I worked for the hospital, they would cover 100%. Since I do home health….they have no bariatric rider so I have to pay cash. I never thought that I would get this far with it. I realize I’ve been on my high protein low carb diet just 24 hours, but not once did I stop and get a Pepsi or food. I took PB and celery, ate tuna and yogurt throughout the day. The hardest part will be spaghetti and potatoes. I love my pasta but that’s what has me at 254 pounds. We can all do this. Best of luck to you and keep me updated!

My bariatric doctor sugests his patients to switch because they will deny surgery...

yes they can remove it at the same time. 25% of people will need gallbladder surgery after bariatric surgery so some surgeons routinely remove the gallbladder during bariatric surgery and some don't. if you already having problems then it's a good idea to have it remove at the same time. the recovery time is longer though.

Depends on what insurance you have and which type of bariatric surgery you choose. I have friend where the only thing he had to do was lose some weight in 3 months, no other visits with specialist. Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

Good morning from Anchorage Alaska! Congratulations on your surgery! You are on a life long journey for a healthier you. Bypass is a tool that I believe God has given us to use. What a blessing! I had Gastric Bypass 16 months ago on the 16th of this month. I have lost more weight than my surgeon told that I would and have had to revise my weight loss goal! He told me I would loose 75 pounds, I have lost 100 pounds and feel great! Well, with following orders and exercising, Protein and Water I have exceeded his prediction. When I went for my last doctor visit my blood work showed that my body was absorbing nutrients very well, so well that my doctor asked what kind of Vitamins I was taking and I told him the bariatric vitamins and some of my own that I had previously taken. He asked me not to take vitamins everyday for the next 6 months but only once per week. I was 61 when I had my bypass and am now 62 and glad that I did it. My family was afraid for me at first. But I did my research before the surgery and was able to put their mind at ease. I exercise and get in at least 60 grams of protein each day with sips of water every 10 to 15 minutes. I have had no physical or medical complications from the surgery. I now realize how much time and energy I have spent in the past relating to food. I no longer do that! That's freedom! I have cravings sometimes but I look at where I was and compare it to where I am and decide if I am really hungry or if I'm experiencing head hunger. Usually real hunger is for natural foods not carbs or sugary foods. When you follow the protocols for this surgery it works and you develop new habits that can carry you through the rest of your life. Scripture and Prayer has helped me. Scriptures like Galatians 5:1 and Philippians 4:13. I plan to live this way for the rest of my life. How about you? Again Congratulations to you. Love to hear from you! Vickiebc

Yes and I just asked my surgeon about this yesterday at my 10 day post op. He said you can order a stuff called dexcom from bariatric advantage. And yes it's ketosis from your body consuming more protein then anything else. I am in the same boat with you all on this. But I've been cleared to go to puree and it gets better.

I am in the Liver Reduction portion of the plan, so I'm drinking 5 Protein shakes a day. What I do is buy Jello sugar free / Fat Free pudding mix flavors to mix it up some. I have Vanilla Bariatric Advantage shake mix, Water, then add a couple of ice cubes, then a teaspoon of the Jello mix (they have chocolate, lemon, butterscotch, cheesecake, white chocolate, etc). That little teaspoon really changes the flavor of the shake and keeps it from being so boring.....works for me at least!! Just be sure to buy the sugar free/ fat free version!

I had been Struggling at over 300 Pounds since I quit smoking back in 2008. When I quit I was @ 275 and ballooned to over 300 in months. I looked at bariatric Surgery in 2010 and actually took my insurance required classes and decided not to because of the restrictions of certain foods and told myself I could drop from the 315 i weighed at that time. In 2016 I had got to my heaviest at 366 pounds. 2017 was the year I said i was making changes and dropped to 333 I also started looking at bariatric surgery to help me, then i started taking the weight loss surgery classes again from Kaiser. After the 12 weeks of classes I had dropped to 310, and by March 2018 I was 306 on surgery day. Now I do say why didn't I do it sooner, we all end up saying that after, but I do recognize that mentally I was not ready 9 years ago. I did meet one guy who decided not to have surgery and has lost 60lbs on his own, to date and I commend him on his hard work and changes. I know that the surgery was the tool to help me make the correct choices to keep myself at a healthy weight. Good luck with your decision. 👍

Ok, I've been using six star unflavored protein powder for the last 3 years. I'm wondering if anyone has a better protein powder out there because Walmart is out of stock and I can't even order it online from them. I found it on Groupon but I'm afraid of hidden fees can anyone tell me about Groupon or where they get their six star because Amazon and Bariatric pal can be very pricey. Sent from my SM-J337P using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks a lot for the advise, I will keep that in mind. I took the Bariatric Advantage Protein shake, it actually tastes pretty good and I was not hungry at all.

My goal is to lose 38% of my total starting body weight. I state it that way because people (those who I've confided in) tell me "you don't need that surgery." Even my bariatric surgeon (who I think is great) looked at me as they were prepping me for surgery and said "no one would believe you are a bariatric patient." These statements bother me because this is not an easy decision for anyone who makes it. I am 4' 11". I have never been 5' and will never be. My BMI is 35.3. I am 57 yrs old. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, have joint pains... I can go on. At my highest I weighed 175 lbs. My body knows I'm obese. I have lost a lot of weight, several times and in-between I was either losing or gaining. I always gained more back. My sister (5' 4") and I lost a lot together a few years and then we both gained it all back and then some. Last year my sister confided in me that she was 4 weeks post surgery for the sleeve. I was shocked. I wasn't in the mindset to start another diet again yet but surgery seemed extreme. I read her brochures and listened to her process and still doubted. I saw her again this last summer (lives a couple of states away) and after 8 months, she lost 65 lbs and looks great! I watched her and she behaved "normally". She didn't dwell on food and she didn't require a special diet. She was enjoying her new life with her new body. I was tired of failed diets. I went to the next information session on bariatric surgery. Three months later I had sleeve surgery. I don't want to review my status right now because I know I am healing and changing and any issues are temporary. I can tell you that I am down 15 lbs (10 day pre-surgery diet and first days of clear liquids). Kudos to my sister who is my support group.

My surgery was scheduled for 8:00A.M., but I had to be at the hospital at 5. Since I live an hour away, that made for an early morning! I got up at 3:30 and took my shower. There was no need for extra time since I couldn’t do make up, fix my hair, or lotion up. We left the house at 4 and arrived about 5 minutes early. They had a problem with the machine that prints the arm bands, so it took a little while to get mine. They were actually ready for me before I got it! They weighed me (hadn’t lost as much as I’d hoped on pre-op diet), and I went into a little room where I had to disrobe, and I got my gown. I have never felt so small in my life. That gown was HUGE! I’m sure it was designed that way especially for bariatric patients, but it sure felt nice. Then, they took my BP and temp. I had already forgotten about this wonderful service my hospital offers, but within just a few minutes, the hospital’s WLS surgery coordinator, Pat (I think that’s her title) came in to talk to me and my husband. She is a lady who had RNY about 8 years ago. She (and a girl I work with actually) started a local support group (local to the hospital, that is) anywhere that would let them meet (local churches, etc.) because there was nothing like that around here. Well, their group grew and grew, and the hospital got wind of it. They created a position for this lady, and now she conducts the pre and post op seminars/support groups for the local hospitals, and she comes to sit with all bariatric patients at the hospital on the day of their surgery. (I’m sure there is more to her job since it’s a full time position, but I don’t really know.) So when Pat arrived I was happy to see her. She came in and talked to me and my husband about what all to expect that day and for the next couple of weeks, and even vaguely forever. I knew most of the stuff already (thanks to LBT and my own research), but it was great for my husband. She probably talked to us for an hour, and then my transporter, Herby, came to take me to holding. My hubby got to go so far, and then I had to kiss him good-bye. Pat stayed with me in holding, where I was very comfortable. I LOVED the nice warm blanket, but I didn’t love so much the pulsing booties. The holding nurse started my IV and introduced me to my anesthesiologist. Then I met my CRNA, and it was time to go to the OR. Pat stayed with me until I entered the OR! Once in the OR, they put something in my IV that they warned would burn, and, MAN, it did! After that, the Dr. told me what I was breathing was just oxygen, but she lied! It was lights out! The next thing I knew, I was in my room. I don’t even remember being in recovery! My nephew was in PICU (only 6 weeks old…sick little baby…long story) , and the first thing I said when I woke up was, “How’s Eli?” He was having tests and ended up having his third surgery the day after mine. (Three surgeries in six weeks!) After getting an update on him, I felt better and began to wake. Shortly after that Pat was there again to check on me. It took a while for transport to come and get me to take me for my swallow test. They finally did, though, and everything went fine. I was happy to get to see the x-rays of my band and port. It was really cool! After I returned back to my room, it was time for me to eat, err drink. I was the first patient to be sent back down to Same Day Surgery before going home (instead of where, I don’t know) so the nurses there weren’t really trained about what/how I was supposed to eat. My nurse had a “cheat sheet” that she was using and brought me a cup of apple juice. I had to call my MIL who went to the nutrition class with me to tell me (and the nurse) how much I was supposed to have how fast. By the time I got off the phone, though, my nurse had found the answer. She measured my one ounce for 15 minutes, and as soon as I got that down, I was ready to go home. (She did call and order me another binder though so that I would have one to wear and one to wash, so we did wait on that to come.) The ride home wasn’t bad at all. I put a pillow between my abdomen and my seat belt, and I was totally fine. I came home and went straight to bed, but I didn’t stay there too long. I found myself to be much more comfy in the recliner in our theater room. Needless to say, that is where I’ve been spending most of my time since. The morning after surgery, I had a real scare! I got nauseas and actually ended up heaving three good times. Nearly nothing came out because there wasn’t much there, but I did puke some clear liquid and scare myself to death that I had hurt my band! I talked to the surgeon’s office though, and I think I’m fine. The only other real issue I had the night of surgery and the next day was getting pain meds. The doctor originally prescribed me something (Loratab) to which I am allergic. By the time my husband got it to the pharmacy and called the surgeon, there was nothing he could do for the night. I had to call the next day and get the script changed. When that was done, UHC (my insurance) was having computer problems, so it was hours before my scripts could be filled. I went over 24 hours with nothing. Since then, though I’ve only had to have two doses of pain meds and one does of liquid Tylenol. That’s not too bad in my book. The only other two issues I’ve had are getting in enough fluids and the gas pain in my shoulder and neck! I am afraid I will drink too much too quickly, and I really have no appetite or thirst at all. Yesterday (Friday the 10th) I took my first shower, which I’m sure my family appreciated! I replaced my bandages, fixed my hair, and even put on makeup. My MIL and I went to a neighboring town about 30 miles away, and I got a stylish lunchbox in which to keep my liquid food cold, made copies for my graduate presentation (see next paragraph) and bought some stretchy clothes that won’t hurt my belly button incision for the next week or two. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit, but that was enough for me. When we got home, I crashed! I had to go to class today (Saturday the 11th) because I’m in graduate school, and I had a presentation due. (My classmate drove me.) My presentation was early, and things went pretty well. I was allowed to sit during it, and I know that helped. However, I had to leave about 1:00 (class doesn’t end until 3:00) because I was just feeling really fatigued and a little nauseas. I will be docked a half a letter grade in my afternoon class for missing even part of one class. (I have a morning class and and afternoon class.) However, I’m okay with that. Getting an A- is so worth it. I’ll still have a 4.0, and I’ll still get the same degree! I am just thankful that my classmate felt the same way because, unfortunately, she will be docked too. She knew I didn’t feel well, and she really pushed me to leave, so I don’t feel too guilty, but I still feel a little bad. Oh, well, I guess that goes to show she’s a good friend! (I already knew that though!) When I came home, I crashed for about two hours. When I woke up, I had my first BM since Tuesday, and now I feel much better! I just can’t wait for this healing process to be over. I’m ready to get up and get on with my new life! Overall, I feel great, and I have already lost three pounds since surgery. (Can’t get my ticker to update though…click on it and nothing happens) If I had to decided again whether or not to do this, I would absolutely do it again in a minute. The discomfort will be nothing when I am on my feet again and losing weight! I wish everyone reading this as smooth a journey as I have had so far! Best of luck to all! P.S. If my computer will operate, I will post surgery day pics and pics of my incisions.

Your feelings are normal. I'm 5 months out and was 65 when I had the surgery with gall bladder removal and hiatal hernia repair!! Believe me, it is not easy but... The rules/ guidelines are for your safety!!! Every stage my daughter, a doctor, who had the sleeve also kept saying" you only have to do this once. I'm the lowest I've been in over 20 years, and now training with the Bariatric group for a 5 k walk/run! You can do this and use the tool. One day at a time!!! Hour if you need to. Enjoy the journey and we all are with you! Carol

It started about 6 years ago when my doctor told me that bariatric surgery would add 10 years to my life. I did a ton of research, but my insurance at the time wouldn't cover the surgery. I moved and got a new job a year and a half ago. My new doctor also told me bariatric surgery would add 10 years to my life, so I decided I had to do it. My current insurance covered the surgery with minimal Co-pay, I'm very lucky! I already knew the surgeon I wanted. We have a Bariatric Center of Excellence, and everything just kind of fell into place. I have zero regrets. Add me to your friends list if you like, I'd like to keep up on your journey! Diann

Thank you all for the support. I think talking with a bariatric therapist is probably a good idea. I'm just not sure how to find one. I am planning to attend a support group (hosted by my nutritionist) later this month. I will ask her if she can recommend anyone. It's good to know I'm not alone. I still feel a little crazy though.

You could mix unflavored or vanilla protein with some juice like tang or crystal light, make it thin so it goes down easier. Also I had good luck with sugar free pudding mixed with unflavored protein powder. Go online, there are a multitude of sites that offer mixes, you're bound to find one or more that are helpful. like Bariatric Choice.com, Diet Direct.com or nausha nutrition to name a few. just type Bariatric foods in the search engine. Good luck, this too will pass.

If anyone is looking for a doctor in NJ I highly recommend Dr. Ajay Goyal, Dr. Angela Jack and Dr. Stephen Forrester at the NJ Bariatric Center. I was sleeved on 1/31/11 and I received top-notch care from day one. Everything including the educational seminars, websites, insurance authorization process, and most of all, the care pre and post op was excellent! Their team made this process easy for me! P.S. I'm doing well! I've lost 55 lbs. and feeling great!!!

every insurance company AND surgeon are different, and each may require certain pre-op things including: -apt with family doctor and written letter from them In full support of surgery -supervised nutritionist classes and on-on-one nutritional counseling that requires you to keep food logs, count calories, Protein, fat, etc. plus Fluid intake, Vitamins, supplements... - psych consult (my surgeon required more than one apt) and sometimes ongoing psych appts for counseling - multiple appts with the surgeon themselves -cardiac clearance, usually including a stress test - Upper endoscopy or EGD or barium swallow - Pulmonary Function testing and apt with Pulmonologist - MAJOR amounts of bloodwork including thyroid, liver, kidney function, lipids (cholesterol), diabetes screen including fasting blood sugar, A1C, blood insulin levels, various hormone levels, complete metabolic panel, CBC, pregnancy test, and more... - sleep Study and if positive, a 30 day compliance with CPAP machine (the machines have an SD card that stores the data of compliance and it is downloaded)... - Some require proof of ongoing weight loss efforts either through gym, trainer, formal programs like Weight Watchers, etc, and I have seen some require that proof for a 6-12 month timeframe - Required attendance to a bariatric support group for a period of time At the time of surgery, the hospital may also require a chest x-ray, urinalysis and pre-op blood work and EKG and more. These were my requirements. Luckily, I breezed through most of this within a couple of months and just wrapping up my nutrition appts! Like I said, they are all different. Then, there are also some insurance companies that barely require anything at all other than a BMI of 40!

OMG I am so sorry for you. I was sleeved on the 3rd of December and slipped into atrial fibrillation as well. Totally feel your frustration at being a bariatric patient with cardiac complications (my heart rate pegged at 200 every time I got out of bed). 4 days after starting afib I converted back to normal rhythm. Hang in there....I can't answer the vomiting question as I only did it a couple of times...although one was after the swallow test.

Hello, all! texasmelody here, about 16 days after getting my sleeve here in Dallas. Dr. Castro was my surgeon, and I had the sleeve at Baylor. I began my pre-op diet exactly a month ago, and in the month before and after the sleeve I'm down 43.1 pounds -- so, only about another 260 pounds to go. Sheesh! Everything seems to be going well so far. I've had the usual intestinal distress, but that seems to be calming down. I've had a couple of occasions where stuff seems to sit in my chest. Distressing, but do-able. I've had some early-run dizziness that turned out to be the fact that my blood-pressure dosage was suddenly too high -- so that's now been cut in half. Woot! So...now, just experimenting with Protein powders and flavors. I love the Isopure Zero Carb bottles, but hate the cost. The Bariatric Advantage stuff turned out to make me VERY sick. Not sure why. So....I would love it if you guys would weigh in with your protein recommendations -- or, ideally, the best place to pick up the Isopure Zero Carb Grape Frost stuff. Look forward to interacting with you all! Big group hug, texasmelody

I ordered some fruit protein drink powder from American Bariatrics - it is a little like Crystal Light. It comes in several flavors. I couldn't do the shakes, but I really enjoy these fruit drinks. They are 90 calories and have 15 grams of protein! Mix it with 8 or 10 ounces of water, and you are getting in liquids, calories, AND protein! They have really helped me to meet my minimums. And yes - take those supplements. I have known others who have not and have landed back in the hospital with complications.