After my doctor appointment the other day where I chose my date, I met with a rep from Bariatric Advantage. It was good because I got to try everything. However, I almost feel like I might be being taken by a salesman. Of course, his products were the best and no others compared nutritional wise. However, I detested his Meal Replacement Protein powder for the preop diet. When I tried to talk about other options like powders?utm_source=BariatricPal&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CommentLink" target="_ad" data-id="1" >unjury and the likes, he just wasn't having it because they aren't Meal Replacements with all the Vitamins and minerals. After surgery, I could use those but prior to surgery he was insistent I needed meal replacement shakes. Also, his vitamins were specifically made for pre and post Bariatric surgery and, in his opinion, there just wasn't anything else out there comparable. I understands he is a salesman, but geeze, his stuff wasn't cheap. The preop shakes, bars and "chips" is $180.00. The one month postop is $129.00 and the vitamins (multi, Calcium, b-12 , and d) will run me a little over $100.00 every 3 months.

I don't have a problem spending money for my health. I do have issues with spending more than necessary just to have Bariatric specific stuff and for their protein meal replacements I detest just because the salesman's opinion is that his stuff is the best and because he feels I need meal replacements (instead of just protein shakes) during my preop.

I'm not sure exactly what I'm looking for here. Maybe, to know what y'all are using and your thoughts of using bariatric specific products.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and opinions.

~Amy

I've only heard good things about Dr. Nick. and I've been happy so far. Good Luck to you! They took good care of me at Forest Park too

I've only heard good things about Dr. Nick. and I've been happy so far. Good Luck to you! They took good care of me at Forest Park too

Thanks! I've only heard good things too about both Dr. Nick and FP. The only "negative" thing I heard is Dr. Nick doesn't see you after surgery. Was that true with you? How long did you stay in the hospital? Do you go to the monthly support groups at Baylor Plano?

I even found these awesome dark chocolate medallions like a little piece of chocolate but with calcium citrate 500 mg!! they are awesome I take them 3 times a day and it is like a little treat they are low in carbs and sugar and taste fantastic!

Where did you find these chocolate medallions? What are they called? Sounds good!

Dr. Nick saw me once in the 2 days I was there. His PA came by and they had a hospitalist who came in too. I'd like to go to the support meetings but we live 30 min south of Shreveport,LA.

Dr. Nick saw me once in the 2 days I was there. His PA came by and they had a hospitalist who came in too. I'd like to go to the support meetings but we live 30 min south of Shreveport' date='LA.[/quote']

That's a little far to go for the meetings. At least there are forums like this for support.

Yeah and I've emailed the staff at FP who give you their contact #'s while inpatient for questions a couple of times (dietician etc)

Yeah and I've emailed the staff at FP who give you their contact #'s while inpatient for questions a couple of times (dietician etc)

I think Bariatric Advantage is horrible. The only time I have vomited in the last 6 months was the night before being sleeved - 3 times from their product. I felt sick during the 2 week preop diet. When I complained to the surgeon's staff, they all looked at me like I had mentioned the unmentionable! There was no choice but to purchase a month's supply at about $500.00. I took it for 2 weeks, got sleeved and then chose another protein product. I was told that purchasing Bariatric Advantage from the doctor's office was mandatory. I self-paid over $14K and then had to buy the stuff that made me sick. Also, I was not allowed to return any of it, even the items that were unopened. If you ask me, it is a racket that I suspect is a way for doctors to make extra money. My husband filed a complaint through the California State Medical Ethics Board as it seems unethical to sell a product to patients forceably in order for them to get a medical procedure performed.

Dont mind the protein powder and the other vitamins but the BA multivitamin ugh they have a nasty taste pre op it was doable cause I paid for them so I was determined I would finish them but post op forget it as soon as I would take the multivitamin my mouth would start to water and I had to fight to not vomit yuck I finally had to go get some other vitamins yuck making me nauseated just thinking of them !

I also had major shipping issues with Bariatric Advantage. I ordered two different things and it took them 5 weeks to get to me although they charged my credit card the very first week. It also got lost at a facility etc. It was very unprofessional. I will never order from them again, but I really do love the calcium and iron chews. They are like candy. Oh well... looking for a replacement.

I'm glad the OP started this thread. I've been wondering how the cost of food/shakes/supplements post-op compares to what you were spending on food before surgery. I know that you can't put a price on getting healthy (well, you can...) but do you feel that you're spending more now as opposed to your old sinful ways? About how much would you say you spend on the various supplements and supplies a month?

I guess I'm surprised that doctors are pushing/encouraging certain protein shakes and vitamins. My surgeon's office just gave me a list of choices (everything from Muscle Milk to Unjury or anything else). I also received a big bag full of vitamins to sample. So far the Fusion vitamins are ok, the Bariatric Advantage was AWFUL, and the Celebrate were pretty tasty. I haven't tried the Opurity yet, but intend to. You definitely don't want to have to spend so much money on a specific brand of shake or vitamin, especially when you're tastes change so much. Good luck!

Oops! Double post.

I've tried the unjury and it is what I find tolerable and what I planned on using until the BA salesman told me I needed Meal Replacement preop. I'm still not sure why meal replacement is necessary preop but not postop. I got kinda a runaround answer when I questioned that.

Yeah this doesn't make any sense to me either and I had the SAME question when I was reading your original post.

Here's my thinking... I'm already using their Multivitamins which gives me 100% of what I need .

Then they say I HAVE to have a meal replacement as well... but isn't a meal replacement the same thing as a Protein supplement with Vitamins and minerals added?

So if I'm already getting all I need (Vitamin and mineral wise) from my multivitamin, why would I want MORE vitamins and minerals from a meal replacement? Wouldn't I be getting overdosed on vitamins this way? Not to mention throwing away hard earned money? Lord knows I don't go to class and try to get middle school students to enjoy math because it pays well! :-P

I really like the Pro Joe protein coffee drinks!