Search the Community
Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
-
Believe it or not, low blood glucose can actually be a symptom of prediabetes. Below 70 mg/dL is considered hypoglycemia and needs immediate treatment, so if you see regular readings in the 70s, that might be considered borderline hypoglycemia? There is a condition called hyperinsulinemia that happens because you become insulin resistant. The body tries to compensate for this resistance by creating even more insulin, but this can push blood sugar too low. Again, not trying to diagnose you, just throwing out things for you to consider and discuss with your doctor. I brought it up because low blood sugar (potentially caused by caused by not eating or not eating well), can cause nausea, excessive tiredness, etc. Since these are some of the same symptoms you mentioned and diabetes or prediabetes are common among obese people, I figured it's at least worth checking out. The good news is if you are diabetic or prediabetic, bariatric surgery will often put that into remission (you are never "cured" of diabetes). The bad news is that this does sometimes cause long term hypoglycemia issues and can be challenging to manage when on a severe weight loss diet. Best of luck.
-
Recently sleeved - with leg cramps
Janina__sleevingitallbehind replied to Janina__sleevingitallbehind's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
If you're aware of a bariatric multivitamin with potassium iodide in it - can you point me to that direction? This is the one they started me on and I don't see it anywhere on the nutrition facts or other ingredients: https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-multivitamin-one-day-bariatric-capsule-45mg-iron?variant=13156335845453. I've found similar results with others I've looked into. Prior to surgery I easily drank 150 oz a day. The directions I've received from my surgeon has been at least 64 oz a day which really didn't seem like much. Surprisingly, though I love drinking water, I've had trouble drinking more than 70 oz since surgery. Today I hit 80 and was pleasantly surprised! It's been something to adjust to. My PCP also recommended an electrolyte drink so I started that today and am awaiting the lotion (had to order from Amazon). I found an electrolyte mix that includes magnesium and potassium - so I sent it to my dietitian to see if she's ok with it. Also a few years ago I took magnesium every night for quite awhile - I never knew if it really helps, so we will see what the lotion does. TBH this is something I've dealt with since I was about 15 (I'm 44), but it was pretty mellow in the last year or two - so I was really bummed when it started up again. Thanks for all the info! -
Recently sleeved - with leg cramps
SpartanMaker replied to Janina__sleevingitallbehind's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
So glad to know you did talk to your surgeon! One of the reasons people responded to your post the way we did is because we see way too many people on this board who ask people here for advise when they have a medical issue after surgery. The reality is even if someone here had a similar issue, that does not mean you are having the same issue. While most people here are really grateful they had bariatric surgery, the risks of complications can be high. We're not doctor's here and we just want people to be safe. As to your multivitamin, It's likely there is potassium in it, since almost all of them I've seen have potassium iodide as an ingredient. If yours does not, then it might be a good idea to switch to one that does have that in it. Just because it's combined with iodide, does not mean that the potassium is not bioavailable. Certainly follow your doctor's advice regarding your hydration and magnesium supplementation needs. I did want to point out that 70 oz of water per day sounds a bit low to me, especially since you live at altitude. All patients at my bariatric clinic are told to try to hit 100 oz and we're down on the plains at roughly 1000 ft. I also wanted to mention that magnesium is a common sleep aid, so while the effects of a lotion may be different for you, higher doses of magnesium might make you sleepy, so are typically best taken later in the evening. I agree with @Arabesque that an electrolyte drink might not be a bad idea. I started taking one pretty early after surgery and still use them quite a bit now that my exercise routine is quite strenuous. Just keep in mind, the point in your case is to help you retain water, not really replace lost electrolytes. This means your sodium levels will rise above normal and if you're not used to them, they can cause some weight retention. (It's just water, which is what you want.) If it freaks you out because the scale stops moving for a while, keep this in mind. I should also caution you that if you have edema, upping your sodium intake might not be a good idea, so it would be best to check with your doctor first. Best of luck! I hope you get it figured out. -
Recently sleeved - with leg cramps
Janina__sleevingitallbehind replied to Janina__sleevingitallbehind's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I have spoken with both my surgical team and contacted my PCP. Surgical team referred me to the PCP. This was all before I posted. My PCP responded a couple hours ago and recommended magnesium lotion and electrolyte powders. There is no alarm from either group - potentially because I do have a history of this? I don't struggle with dehydration. Due to the fact that I've had frequent leg cramps for the last decade and a half, I'm very intentional about drinking as much water as I can (without overdoing it). My dad dealt with this too, we also live in high altitude - so water has always been my go-to. I am drinking at least 70 oz of water a day. My mention of dehydration, avocados and Gatorade were all in pursuit of soothing leg cramps since about my 30s - when I started having them more frequently. But obviously not recently. I'm taking the bariatric multivitamin recommended by my surgeon, it has 25% magnesium and zero potassium. I've looked up a few different kinds and find varying amounts of magnesium but haven't seen any with potassium. I haven't found myself sweating a lot either. So I'll give the lotion and electrolytes a try and see what happens. -
Recently sleeved - with leg cramps
SpartanMaker replied to Janina__sleevingitallbehind's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
Agreed. It's always best to talk to a health professional whenever your health is involved. It's never a good idea to self-diagnose issues, even if it's something you've had going on before. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is potentially life threatening, so not worth taking a risk. While the risk for DVT is highest in the first few days after surgery, it can happen even weeks or months later. If it's not DVT, I do find it odd that you seem to struggle so much with dehydration and think you really need to double-down on drinking more water and not so much on supplements. Hopefully you're taking a bariatric multivitamin as recommended by your doctor? These typically already have potassium and magnesium, so it seems unlikely to me that you'd need additional supplementation of these particular electrolytes. (I assume that was the rationale for eating bananas and avocados). Sometimes people that sweat a lot exercising can actually lose too much sodium and cause an electrolyte imbalance since sodium is the primary electrolyte in your sweat. I suspect if you're only 3 weeks out, this is also unlikely. -
Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win??🥇
Mspretty86 replied to Mspretty86's topic in Rants & Raves
@SpartanMaker thanks for sharing I enjoyed this read and I'm glad you viewed happenings with a Renewed mindset. @Janina__sleevingitallbehind alright now 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽. You go major win! -
Report Your WINS ..What is your today's win??🥇
Mspretty86 replied to Mspretty86's topic in Rants & Raves
I don't know if this is a win, but there is a podcast called "isnt the stall the point" ... to me at some point weight stalls should be the point. I've noticed in the bariatric community that some are never satisfied and steady strive for more. I certainly won't be living my life like that. So my win is I stalled for six months, which I was fine with but at my breast augmentation appointment my weight had finally broke the STALL. I am finally 7 pounds from my goal weight in which the STALL and living my Life in Maintenance will be the point. 💪🏽 -
I had VSG in 2013. Lost 110 lbs. felt great! I was able to do things I hadn’t been able to do in years. I maintained my new weight for about 5 years. Then gradually started slipping back into old habits. Now here I am, 12 years later and I regained about 80 lbs. I feel so defeated. But your post and the progress you’re making gives me some hope and inspiration. I started doing the “pouch reset” and I’m going to try and immerse myself in the Bariatric community, like I did when I first had the surgery. The support is what helped me maintain my weight as long as I did. But I’m back now and ready to put the past behind me. Thank you for helping me to feel less alone in my struggle.
-
Bone Broth Powder Protein vs. Whey Isolates
genelia replied to KimBaxleyWilson's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
For bariatric patients, whey isolate is often better due to faster absorption and higher protein purity, but bone broth protein is gentler on digestion and collagen-rich. -
Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket. I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
-
I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗
-
Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜
-
-
What's okay to make once you graduate to mush
FifiLux replied to Misa_Misa_9392's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Wow so restrictive on the veg, did the doctor tell you why? I have never heard of that before, I was made have veg from day one on liquids by way of soup. If your bariatric team are not going to allow you veg (fruit I can understand being a no) then surely they should provide you with a bit of a menu guide, my team gave me recopies and food lists for each stage, and veg and even fruit were allowed throughout by way of a slow reintroduction. In the puree stage I had a homemade bolognese (though it had tomatoes and bit of carrot) and chili con carne (again has tomatoes but pureed right down so might be ok for you depending on why you are so restricted) and the kidney beans are a good protein, dhal. What about some hummus, can get different flavoured ones to kick up the flavour a bit? Omelets that you can then add seasoning/spices to? -
For me, it may have been 5 or 6 days, but like you said, everyone is different. Also, in terms of the gas bubble feeling you have mentioned a few times, that IS NOT surgical gas. The gas used during surgery is not inside your digestive system. It's in what's called the peritoneal space. This is used to allow the doctor to help visualize all your organs. My point is that's not what's causing your gas bubble feeling. I can't say I actually experienced that feeling, but it makes be wonder, are you drinking with a straw? Typically using a straw is a no-no right after bariatric surgery because it can cause you to swallow air. Since you have such a limited amount of space right now in your stomach, We don't want any air in there.
-
11 years later, major issues
FifiLux replied to Healingenergy987's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Sorry you are in so much pain. I have a B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) and a some of your symptoms are what I suffered from before my diagnosis and now when my level starts to drop, though I was diagnosed about 12 years ago so way before my WLS. My anaemia cannot be managed through oral supplements or food (as my body does not break down the B12 sufficiently) but the bariatric multivitamin I take daily and dairy products do help maintain my levels in addition to regular B12 injections (every four to six weeks). I think getting a B12 supplement and multivitamins should be top of your list, if you don't already take them but obviously that is not going to solve all the issues you are having with hernia and such. Make sure you get an appointment with the bariatric team to discuss everything with them and request full bloodwork and then also keep the appointment for the ultrasound etc. Hopefully you will get some answers soon that result in a course of action that will treat the cause and end the pain. -
11 years later, major issues
SpartanMaker replied to Healingenergy987's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Oh wow, yes a serious B12 deficiency is a big deal, but I'm a little surprised for it to show up 11 years later? Also, did your other doctors not do any blood tests? A typical blood test called a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), is really common and should have shown a B12 deficiency if you have one. A B12 deficiency is fairly rare in most developed countries because B12 is found in high quantities in meat and dairy. For obvious reasons, it's more common in vegans, though most vegans know to consume foods high in B12 or to take a supplement. Speaking of supplements, are you not taking a multivitamin? Really everyone should take one since there's very little downside compared to the risks involved in vitamin & mineral deficiencies. Bariatric surgery patients especially should do so for a lot of reasons. If you really think this might be your issue, go pick up a multivitamin from the store and start taking it ASAP. You could just get a B12 supplement, but it's potentially possible it's something else, so a multivitamin should cover more potential deficiencies. -
11 years later, major issues
Healingenergy987 replied to Healingenergy987's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I called a bariatric place to try to get in with them. I think I might have a B12 deficiency. I have all the symptoms including pins and needles in my hands and feet. I read that its common with WLS to have that. I just didn't know it could cause so many issues. -
11 years later, major issues
SpartanMaker replied to Healingenergy987's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Sorry you're having such a hard time. If you do have a hiatal hernia, that could account for the pain you're having? I think the critical thing is how quickly you can get in to see someone because if you have a hiatal hernia and it's causing you this much pain, it's probably going to require surgery to address it. That said, it's important to go through the process of differential diagnosis to rule out other causes. Gastroenterologist are well positioned to help you through the process regardless of what the issue is. On the other hand, a bariatric surgeon may also be able to accurately diagnose the issue and potentially even do the surgery, whereas a gastro will typically refer you out to a general or thoracic surgeon. It's a tough call, honestly. I think your instinct to seek out a bariatric center is a good one and the best course of action is to go down both paths for now until you know for sure what's going on and have a treatment plan in place. -
I haven't had any issues with my sleeve. Out of the blue about a month ago I had what I thought was the flu, didn't throw up but had bad nausea and intestinal pain. Then I went to urgent care and they said I was dehydrated and gave me Zofran. I thought I was doing better. I was at work and had excruciating pain in the top right of my abdomen. And then it stopped. The next day I was so tired. Had brain fog. Could only eat soft bland food, lots of intestinal pain. I went to the ER 8 days ago and they said that I had a hiatal hernia and gave me more Zofran and bentl. And they just said to follow up with the gastroenterology department. They did a CT and found a teratoma on my ovary and my main dr said that that is what is making me so sick. I went to the gyn yesterday and he said no way this thing is making you so sick and said I should get a vaginal ultrasound which I can't get for three weeks. I had to apply for short term disability which isn't going to pay the bills. My main dr said to get in with the GI department and they sent in a referral. I don't live in the same city where I had my surgery. I'm wondering if anyone has had symptoms like this so far after surgery? If I eat or drink anything that is spicy or acidic or has a lot of fat or fiber it hurts so bad. My whole abdomen feels swollen. Even when I eat soft foods it hurts my whole abdomen. I'm fatigued, I have brain fog, I have a headache every day, it hurts to bend over to pick something up. I cry almost every day because I can't do anything and there are no answers. Maybe I should try to get into a bariatric practice here?
-
What to do, am in a very difficult situation with my weight and options
Angieee replied to Angieee's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Not from the U.S. I'm from Canada. I might meet the criteria given my co-morbid factors but here they generally do it on a BMI greater than 35. I am currently trying to get a referral to a bariatric center. -
What to do, am in a very difficult situation with my weight and options
WendyJane replied to Angieee's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I differ from what SpartanMaker says, I wouldn't try any more of the options that are out there. Obviously you first need to recognize that obesity is a disease and it never goes away. You tried to starve yourself to death and the body will automatically save every morsel you put into your body and store it as fat, especially on a 300 calorie diet. Increasing the calories is not necessarily the fix either, you need to look at the foods you are eating. Is it protein heavy or are you still eating salads, which are carbs by the way? Are you thinking that a baked potato is a veggie, it is not it is a carbohydrate, then add all the stuff you put on the potato. Diet wise, you may be choosing the wrong foods. And certainly the amount. You passed out probably because your glucose levels went into the basement with such a low calorie intake. I agree with SpartanMaker, and seek out a Bariatric center that has a whole host of options. Surgery is a tool that the obese person uses and it is a life long commitment to make lifestyle changes. You may need to see a therapist and nutrition expert both to help you, and maybe they have other options other than going straight to surgery, but for certain I feel you need better education on what is an appropriate "diet", and not all "diets" are really diets but ways to spend more money that is just wasted. You obviously have the willpower and stamina to take hold of a new life, it won't hurt to inquire. I would also urge you to watch some of the YouTube videos from BariNation, they have Podcasts with bariatric physicians and other healthcare providers every week and most recently there was discussion about Obesity being a disease and using something other than weight or BMI (Body Mass Index) to determine if someone is obese. My plan has always been to go the cautious or conservative route first. In my case I jumped right in and happy for it. I had an excellent surgeon and team that all worked together to ensure I had a good experience and did. Never had any pain with my surgery, and have had good results so far and today is Post op week 3, day 1. I wish you the best in your journey to seek out further information and a good bariatric group!! -
What to do, am in a very difficult situation with my weight and options
SpartanMaker replied to Angieee's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
At the end of the day, no one here can tell you if it's right for you. Keep in mind that obesity is a disease and it definitely needs a treatment plan, just like your other conditions. The right treatment for any given person varies based on a lot of factors, so don't automatically decide yourself what the right treatment should be. The best thing for you to do is seek out a GOOD bariatric center that has lots of options available to you and not just surgery. Personally, my gut tells me that it's too soon to go this route since obesity is such a recent issue for you. I'm not a doctor, and certainly not a bariatric surgeon, but just thinking through how recent this obesity disease is for you, I personally would want to try some more conservative treatments first? -
I'm team both? My diet mantra is 80/20. What I mean is: I try to focus on getting ~80% of my calories from minimally processed foods. (AKA, I try to eat clean.) I don't really track this, I just focus on making good food choices when I can. I try to eat a wide variety of foods, so nothing's off limits. To me, there are no bad foods, there are just some that provide more nutritional value than others. Plus, the more variety i have in my diet, the better overall nutritional profile I'll have. I try to shoot for 80% of what I eat being things that have a bit more nutritional value. For example, most of the time, I might pick spinach or kale over lettuce. I eat carb centered. It's not quite 80%, so my mantra may be a bit off? I suppose between carbs and protein, it probably is 80%, so I'll settle for that. I know this one will be controversial here since the bariatric dietitians push protein so heavily (and don't misunderstand me, protein is critically important), but as endurance athlete at maintenance and 2.5 years out from surgery, I need more carbs than I did during the weight loss phase. Critical to the above is that I don't obsess over any of it. I guess my point in the above is that if you're trying to determine the "best" protein source, maybe the real right answer is there is no best. Once your body starts breaking down the protein you consume into the component amino acids, your body doesn't know where those amino acids came from. The advantage of not focusing on just one source of protein is that there are vastly different micronutrient profiles across foods. The more variety you eat, the better off you are nutritionally.
-
Sticking to post-op plan working 80 hour weeks?
WendyJane replied to Chrys Kiy's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
I got several boxes that are for Bariatric patients that have 3 compartments, one for the big protein and then the other two for veggies/fruits and carbs. I go to work with one for each meal every day I go to work and I have what I am allowed to eat and that's it. When it is gone, it is gone. If I get hungry later, I may have a snack and that snack is a Protein shake. I like Premier Protein, and through Amazon you can get the variety pack and they have "sweet" ones that curb the urge to go to any vending machine or reaching for the chocolate on your bosses desk. Or mine. I prep for the whole week on Saturday and Sundays. I will bake chicken and then weigh out the appropriate amount of chicken and put it in the box, then the veggies and then the carb. I have them stacked in the fridge so when I pack my lunch, I just grab one or two and 2 Protein Shakes and I'm set for my long day. Hope that helps! -
Sticking to post-op plan working 80 hour weeks?
Chrys Kiy replied to Chrys Kiy's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Yes, I already have my food plan for my 2 week post-op period as well as the 6 week period after. My bigger worry is the full Bariatric diet while I go back to work and making sure I can stick to something tenable. -
NHS Tier 4 Pre-Op Question
Bari_Hopeful replied to Bari_Hopeful's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Did you have any psychological input during your Tier 3? (I don’t know if you had to go through Tier 3?) I had about 4 sessions with an NHS bariatric psychologist, but I believe I’ll still be having a Tier 4 psychological consultation to sign me off 🤞 for the MDT. Also, two weeks post-approval for the LRD! That is AWESOME! I think my trust tends to do the two-week milk diet. Even though I currently eat fairly low calorie keto, I think the milk diet would help lose a bit of pre-surgery weight at least. 💗 -
NHS Tier 4 Pre-Op Question
Bari_Hopeful replied to Bari_Hopeful's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Hello, Wendyjane! The NHS is the National Health Service - socialised tax-funded medical care provided in the United Kingdom. The tier system is basically various levels of care for varying conditions. For those seeking weight management help through the NHS. Google AI summarised it really well for me: Hospitals are grouped into governing bodies (trusts), and each trust, I believe, decides how to invest in the tiers, which in turn impacts just how much and what kind of support is given. For example, when I went through Tier 3 in my trust, I was given 1:1 virtual support (zoom meetings) once a month for a year with a nutritionist to help me implement healthier lifestyle changes, and during that time, I also met with an NhS psychologist for 3-4 months to work through any issues I may have regarding food and mental health. I really enjoyed the support I received from my Tier 3 programme (“Weigh Ahead”). I was also held accountable for my weight, blood pressure, and body measurements. Tier 3 aims to help you lose 5-10% of your total body weight in order to be referred to Tier 4. The current Tier 3 service in my trust now allows patients to receive prescriptions for Ozempic and Mounjaro to help with weight loss. (I’m sure you can imagine I was sorely sad to find out I missed that opportunity! Whereas I think the injectables will be available to me only in Tier 4 and from the bariatric surgeon?) Also, in Tier 4, if you so desire to go forward with bariatric surgery, then you have multiple appointments with various consultants: the bariatric dietitian, bariatric nurse, bariatric psychologist, the anaesthetist, and finally the surgeon. Once your appointments with each of these completes, then they meet together as a “Multi-Disciplinary Team” to discuss each case and decide if that patient is a good candidate to go forward with surgery. If yes, you’re then placed in another waiting list. According to my trust, I am not meant to gain any weight from the time of my Tier 3 referral until surgery. This has been really, really challenging… and at times, frankly speaking, exceedingly discouraging. I hope this helps as an explanation. ☺️
