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Since I don't know and am not sure, I'd ask that you speak to your dr., nutritionist, bariatric consultant or someone in the medical field to be certain on those guidelines and when you can go beyond 4 oz.s. There are guidelines to follow to help you make a lifestyle change. And you can stretch your sleeve out. I'm not sure how leaks happen, what all causes each of them, but I had one and believe me ---- I'd rather make an extra call to pester my dr. or his office or a medical professional than wish a leak or it's effects on anyone else.

My insurance covers wls however I'm going to Mexico. We don't have any in network providers here and I'm in Alaska so the option to travel to another city or state isn't available to me... my insurance will only cover 70% for out of network providers and the maximum out of pocket does not apply to bariatric surgery so I felt that ultimately it would be cheaper and faster for me to to go to Mexico Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have Carefirst Blue Choice (Maryland) and they required 6 month (or 2 3-month) documented weight loss attempts. I met with the bariatric dietician and we discussed food choices, she weighed me, and then from that point all I had to do was email her my weight every other week, being careful not to miss a weigh-in (they could make you start over). At the end she wrote a letter and sent me two copies of the letter and the documented weights. I had one for my records and one I had to take to my PCP to have her sign off, and then send it back to the bariatric office. The surgeon asked for a stress test, and my PCP sent me for that plus an echocardiogram (I work for cardiologists so I had them done at work and they write off whatever the insurance doesn't cover as an employee benefit). My paperwork was submitted 1/28 and now I am just waiting for approval. I was hoping it wouldn't take this long, but whatever, as long as they say ok and pay for it.

first of all, not all of us dump - I've read about 30% do. I've never seen an actual percentage in peer-reviewed literature, but just based on anecdotal evidence (I've been hanging out on bariatric forums for 5 or 6 years), that 30% sounds about right. I can handle sugar - but high-fat meals I can't. I don't dump, but it just makes me feel like crap. "good" fats are things like nuts and nut products, avocados, olive oil "bad" fats are saturated fats and transfats. Saturated fats are mostly animal fats (although palm and coconut oils are also saturated, but evidently not as bad as the animal fats). The saturated fat issue is a bit controversial. They used to say to really limit them, but now some doctors and dietitians are saying they're not as bad as we once thought. I usually go for lean stuff when I'm eating animal products (like chicken, turkey, and fish), though, just in case.

I was given a manual created by the team at my Bariatric Care Center in our local hospital that spells it all out... Every stage of eating. There is a RD as part of this team and I take her advice over the office nurses, who don't have degrees in nutrition and give conflicting advice. For instance, Nurse said I could take all 4 Vitamins at once. Nutritionist said to take 2 in am and 2 in pm to get full absorption. See what I mean? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I am 7 days post op today and my diet consists of Water Protein drinks Protein soup sugar free Jello Sugar free pudding Sugar free Popsicles broth Bariatric chewable Vitamins I have to do this diet for another week and then I graduate to soft foods if tolerable. My main focus right now is getting in 60 grams of protein and 64 oz of Fluid. It's a struggle to get those amounts in but I keep trying. Good luck to you!

I'd like to respectfully disagree. I wrote an article on this exact topic a little while ago... Flintstones Multivitamins: Tasty and Inadequate for Bariatric Surgery Patients “Complete” But Lacking Essential Nutrients What does a “complete” multivitamin contain? It could provide anything from all the essential nutrients to just a few. There is no legal definition for “complete.” In the case of Flintstones “Complete” multivitamin chewables, “complete” apparently means that it has all 13 vitamins, but only 6 of the more than 15 essential minerals that you need. Quantity Is Critical For bariatric surgery patients, it is not only important to get each of the necessary vitamins and minerals, but also to have the right amounts. You need high amounts of some of the vitamins and minerals, and Flintstones chewables simply do not deliver. For example, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) suggests at least 12 mg thiamin (vitamin B1) per day, while a chewable has 1.5 mg. You will also be short on: Vitamin A Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin B12 Iron Calcium And more. “Doubling Up” Does Not Work If one tablet is not enough, can’t you just take two? Well, not really. First, getting twice as much as certain nutrients may still leave you short. For example, 2 Flintstones chewables provide 1,200 IU of vitamin D, while recommendations for post-op gastric bypass patients are to get 3,000 IU per day. And no matter how many chewables you take, you will never get enough of essential minerals such as selenium and chromium, since the chewables have none. Multivitamin: What Is in a Name? We usually refer to them as “multivitamins,” but most often, we really mean, “multivitamin and mineral supplements.” Sometimes, a “multivitamin” that you buy off the shelf really is literally a bunch of vitamins with few or no minerals. Do not get confused by the name when purchasing your supplement. Read the supplement facts label to see which nutrients are in the supplement, and how much there is. Safe Choices, Your Way To be sure that you are getting the right supplement for bariatric surgery post-op needs, you are best off choosing a bariatric supplement. It may be a tad more expensive, but it could prevent deficiency diseases such as anemia or peripheral neuropathy. Choosing a bariatric surgery-targeted multivitamin instead of a kids’ supplement does not mean you have to choke down capsules if you cannot stand them. You can always opt for another form, such as Powder or a Soft Chew. For help figuring out which vitamin and mineral supplement may be right for you, you can look at the attached ASMBS guidelines or check out our Bariatric Vitamin Guide, which breaks down recommendations for each surgery type. Also, be sure to talk to your doctor about your individual needs before trying a supplement. ASMBS-Nutritional-Guidelines-2016-Update.pdf

I first looked into this about 4 years ago and chickened out. Then I got laid off my job of 23 years. I found out how tough that job market is, especially when you are 100 lbs overweight and your self-confidence is in the toilet. After panicking and feeling really sorry for myself, I thought about this again and went to a seminar. That was all it took. Now I am so excited and can't wait! It's going to be awesome! We're going to feel great, have energy, renewed confidence, and we're going to knock 'em dead! So glad to hear you are doing this for yourself, too! God bless!

Dear Anita, Boy that is bad luck. I must say having seen thousands of people with the band, this level of complication I have not seen. The weight gain you have experienced may be due to the frustration and feeling let down by the whole process. I would hope that your Dr is giving some extra TLC. Keep at it and be extra patient until the process gets started. IN the mean time gain some control back in your life by focusing on what you can have control over. I think being active does wonders for your mind set, that includes fresh air. Good luck Bariatric Dietitian Helen Bauzon Welcome to globalgastricbandsolutions.com.au

Good Morning. I am Randi, almost 36, mom of 2. I am starting to research LapBanding. I'm scared to tell anyone I am doing this because I am afraid I will hear the same crap.. "Diet and exercise". I have been "dieting and exercising" for 20 years. How much longer to people want to see me fail? I want to play with my kids. I want to be able to go to Six Flags and ride the rides with my kids and not be told im too big to ride. :think I was too scared to consider bariatric surgery. This seems less invasive. I know 3 people who has Gastric Bypass. All 3 look wonderful. I am jealous.:cry Anyhow, I just wanted to introduce myself. Whether I go forward or nor, I need a place to start! Sincerely Randi Lake County Area, Illinois:)

Alex, FINALLY completing the course today! lol. Only taken me a year! Thanks again for the hookup! Also, where is the thread giving list of moderators etc and the threads addressed to them? I can't seem to locate on new version ????

Well I have finally joined the bandsters. I am surprised how well I feel today. I had my procedure on 3/24 and yesterday (3/25) I felt less than perfect. But today (3/26) I am feeling great. A little sore but good. I was so impressed with the after care at the hospital. They talked to me quite a bit about the band and were so positive about the choice I made to have it done. The second day I had a nutritionist visit me and explained all about the diet, and then they had the bariatric counselor come talk to me to answer any questions I might have and let me know about the support groups they have available. It was great, I felt very cared for. Hooray, I'm on my way:banana

Here are the ones I use, from the Bariatric Pal store itself: https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/soft-chew-bariatric-vitamins/products/bariatric-advantage-multivitamin-chewy-bites-flavors I like the strawberry/watermelon flavor.

You are doing a great job Zinhaa!! Don't let the silly hunk of metal aka the scale rock your world, like so many things in life it is unreliable LOL!! I see you are from LI, NY, I am from Queens but my doc is on LI. I used NY Bariatric Dr. Holover, who did you use?

Thank you so much one and all! Your comments brought me back to when I was sitting in one of those seats about a year ago as a prospective bariatric patient and listening to every word the "success story" person was saying. I don't remember anything she said now- I only remember I could identify with almost everything she was saying, and how good she looked. She was such a big motivator for me. So as suggested here, I will tell my story chronologically- why I did it, how it went, and the many ways it has positively changed my life. Will let you know how it goes, and what most people responded to- for when YOU get to tell your story! Thanks again! I will rest easier tonight!

http://www.bariatricchoice.com/bari-wise-bariatric-health-fruit-drinks.html I am drinking lemonade right now and it is good. I didn't like the grapefruit that much, but the lemonade is really good. 15 grams of protien. I am having one in the AM and one in PM. The lemonade is really good. Add ICE and it really is so good!!!!!

I am having my sleeve surgery on weds Jan 4th and I am so excited! I have struggles with my weight my entire adult life and aim tired of the fight. I have been on every diet under the sun as well as every weight loss medication on the market. Besides fen-fen, which is not off the market, nothing has worked. I live in Scottsdale and am having my surgery done at Scottsdale Bariatrics, Dr. Blackstone was supposed to be my surgeon but scheduling was better for me to go with her associate Dr. Reynoso. I have been attending the support groups and have heard great things about him so I'm sure it will be just fine! I think what I'm struggling with most is the thought that I will no longer be hungry. That is an unfathomable thought! I am going into this process with an open mind, a willingness to follow all directions and patience. I am excited and ready to begin this new and healthy phase of my life! Will keep you all posted as I continue kn this journey.

Have you tried the Bariatric Advantage sugar free chewy bites? They are nothing like the big chewable chalk tablets the other brands have.

At my next post up support group we are having a cook off. We have to make a bariatric soft high protein holiday dessert. Any ideas?

For some reason it hasn't posted. I am going to try again. Am-I-Hungry-Bariatric-Surgery-Workbook-Key-Concepts.pdf

Personally, I prefer to suffer in solitude when I have to go to the hospital, but I certainly did see others with family members around them 24/7. Different hospitals have different visitation policies, even different wards inside a hospital can vary. Check with your doctor, and if possible, you might want to find out which floors the post-op bariatric patients are admitted to. You could call and speak with the nursing supervisor and ask their policy ahead of time and make any special arrangements they might require. In my experience, it's the nurses who call most of the shots on the floor, not the doctors, when it comes to visitation. Good luck.

Hi, hopefully soon. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I just wrote one that you might find interesting about the things we have to do to get ready. Where are you in the process. Bariatric Fusion is a name I don't recall hearing yet. Where do you buy it? I ordered some super whey protein from walmart and some Unjury and a bunch of samples from other companies. I hope I like the stuff from Walmart as I have a total of 6 pounds of it and I am only supposed to take 1 scoop as opposed to 2 scoops on the pre-op diet. So it should last a long time. I am going to try and make smoothies out of them in the blender and hope they will be palatable to me. I can't afford to waste money. However, I have done liquid diets in the past and I didn't mind too much. But this is going to be for 21 days and I'm not really looking forward to that. Thank God we can have some fish and chicken everyday along with yogurt and oatmeal and some veggies. Hopefully, it won't be too bad. Oh and jello and sugar free popsicles. Talk with you again soon. K

Hello, I was sleeved June 25th but am dying for some Bariatric friends in Shanghai! Are there anyone living shanghai aswell? Saf

Here is a list of common used abbreviations on this board #/#/# in signatures: weight pre-surgery/current weight/goal weigh AF: "Aunt Flo" -- menstrual period BC: Birth control (or BCP: birth-control pills) BIA: Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis. BMI: Body Mass Index BMR: Basal Metabolic Rate. This is the minimum number of calories you need to sustain your current weight. This includes resting and sleeping. BP: Blood pressure DS: Duodenal switch (another type of bariatric surgery) EPGSHFLYADV: Excruciatingly Painful Gagging Sliming Heaving Feels Like You're About to Die Vomitation FAT MASS: This is how many pounds of your body is fat. FAT%: The percentage of your body that is fat. FFM: Fat Free Mass. This is how many pounds of your body is not fat. GBP: Gastric bypass surgery GERD: Gastro-esophageal reflux disease GP: General practitioner LPD: Liquid Protein Diet MO: Morbid Obesity (or morbidly obese) NP: Nurse practitioner NSAIDS: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (a class of painkillers--which includes ibuprofen--bandsters should try to avoid because they can add to ulcer risk). NSV: Non-scale victory -- a weight-loss achievement that has little to do with numbers OTC: Over the counter (i.e., non-prescription medications) PA: Physician's assistant PB: Productive Burp -- what happens when something eaten can't go down due to restriction has to come back up PCP: Primary care physician RNY: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (the most popular type of bariatric surgery) TBW: Total Body Water. This may be expressed in pounds or as a percentage. The average % for a healthy adult male is 50-65% and for female 45-60%. WLS: Weight-loss surgery