WL WARRIOR

Keddycat75, I was given a run around similar to what you described. The process of getting a surgery date was different than what I was told in the beginning. My insurance approval came the second week of August. The bariatric clinic then had to send the paperwork to the hospital to see how I could fit into their surgery schedule. My particular hospital only did WLS on Tuesday mornings and early afternoon, so I knew it was going to be another long wait. In the meantime, they had me see the bariatric doctor again since so much time had passed while waiting to get a surgery date. While at that appointment (second week of September), the bariatric doctor asked if I wanted to take someone else's date that just cancelled. I said, "Hell yeah" and he put in a request for me to have the date. This was just a request, so I had to wait another week for the request to be accepted. At that time, I got a letter in the mail to complete a four hour hospital/surgery orientation the third week of September. During this orientation, they handed out papers everyone had to sign giving the hospital permission for blood transfusions and to accept the fact that we could die during surgery. Each person had their surgery date written at the top of these papers. Mine was October 6th, which was 11 days away at the time. This meant that I had to start my pre op diet at that very moment. I considered going through a fast food drive through on the way home since I knew I would never get to do it again. I didn't. Therefore, the wait time between insurance approval and getting a surgery date was about 5 weeks. If I didn't get the cancellation, I would have waited a week longer. The whole process from first appointment/consultation until the actual surgery was 9 1/2 months. And yes, it felt like an eternity. My advice would be to take this waiting time as a great opportunity to reduce your weight so that you don't have as much to lose after surgery. If it seems like the clinic is taking forever, just keep calling and nag. They actually forgot to mail off my insurance clearance papers until I called and asked. So, don't feel bad about nagging.

If you don't want to wait to get into another PCP, then you may use this doctors attitude to give you the strength to totally prove him/her wrong. My mother did not support my WLS and thought it was going to be just another failed weight loss attempt. Even the morning of surgery, she made the comment that it was just a waste of time. They always say mother is always right. Well, I did everything in my power to prove her wrong and succeeded. She is now very bothered by my weight loss, but that is a whole other story. You can get a lot of encouragement on this forum if you aren't getting any elsewhere. Some people on here know just as much or more than come bariatric or weight loss physicians.

I'm so sorry. Please find another PCP under your insurance plan. I've actually become really good friends with my PCP of the past eight years. She told me last week that she can tell I'll be one of those bariatric patients that never gains their weight back. I don't know how she can tell the future, but what a self esteem boost! It is nice to have others, especially in the medical field, have such faith in your weight loss success and maintenance. It really makes a difference. The last thing you want is for this to influence some kind of self fulfilling prophecy. Yeah, you could ignore such comments, but they do effect you on some subconscious level. Therefore, get another PCP even if you have to wait a little longer. Good Luck and keep your head up! Remind yourself that you are not like "everyone else' that has weight loss surgery and gains their weight back.

I had my surgery in Columbia at University of Missouri hospital. I had the option of choosing Dr. Scott. or Roger De La Torre. Although Dr. Scott is a reputable bariatric surgeon, I went with Dr. De La Torre because he had more experience with performing sleeve surgeries.

I love my one-a-day Bariatric Vitamin. It comes in capsule and chewable and can be ordered here: www.procarenow.com. You only have to take one everyday, plus a Calcium citrate an hour before/after. I have yet to add the citrate and my calcium levels are fine since I drink/eat enough calcium. I've been taking the Bariatric One-a-Day since two weeks pre-op and my blood levels have been good at three months post op and six months post op. My energy levels are great. The cost is also inexpensive at $12 a month or $33 or three months.

Does it remove residue and buildup in your hair? My hairdresser said I had a build up from using Herbal Essence shampoo. I was looking for some deep cleanse to remove it, but maybe the ACV would to the trick. Do you add it with anything? Do you let it sit awhile before rinsing?

Here's a popular one that many like to use. It was formulated by a doctor and made specifically to reap the most benefits as possible. Its also won many awards by food and health magazines. You can get 15% off on your order when you sign up for an account. http://www.bragg.com/products/bragg-organic-apple-cider-vinegar.html Go here for a free sample if you would like to try before ordering: http://bragg.com/samples/samples_23146.php BRAGG APPLE CIDER VINEGAR BROCHURE: http://bragg.com/products/PDFs/ACV%20_Brochure.pdf

You can get organic, raw, unfiltered, apple cider vinegar in most health food stores. Bragg makes a good apple cider vinegar that many people use for health, weight loss, detox, and skin . Go to www.bragg.com Although I've never taken the pills, many people swear by them. Just check the label to be sure the pills are a close replacement of the real thing.

VSGAnn2014, You are right about it effecting medications. I know grapefruit juice does as well, so it must have something to do with the acidity. I'm always careful to take my medications at least 3-4 hours before eating foods or drinking ACV. As you said, its important to do your own research and seek doctors approval before beginning an ACV regimen.

I only put it on fresh vegetables. I'm sure you could put it on cooked vegetables, but I just don't eat much cooked veggies in the summer. I've never cooked anything with vinegar. I'm sure that messes with the effectiveness in some way.

I love the Walden Farms Calorie Free salad dressings available at Wal-Mart. It is unbelievable how they can be so tasty and yet be sugar free, fat free, gluten free, and calorie free. It is seriously so good that I practically put the dressings on ALL my food now. There is a collection of 20 Walden Farms Calorie Free Salad Dressings that are made with delicious ingredients and natural flavors such as organic soy sauce, ginger, mild Chipotle, lemon juice, cracked black pepper & white pepper, crushed garlic, minced onion, natural blue cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire Sauce, dozens of freshly ground herbs and spices, the finest imported and domestic aged vinegars and more... They also make a variety of sauces, spreads, and syrups that are all calorie free. I'm not sure how much of it is carried in major grocery stores. You can check out their calorie free specialties at www.waldenfarms.com

I underwent my bariatric surgery through the University of Missouri Bariatric Center in Columbia, Missouri last October. Of the 17 patients that had bariatric surgery in October, there were only 2 (one of those being me) that chose the sleeve. The rest chose gastric bypass. We were given the choice of band, bypass, or sleeve, but the Bariatrcian was most accustomed to working with bypass patients. So, during the first consultation, all his information and facts about past patient success centered around the gastric bypass procedure. Hence, that is why most patients made it their surgery of choice. The same goes for me, but I changed my mind two weeks before surgery because I was paranoid about my medications not absorbing correctly now or when I'm 70. Once I changed my mind to VSG, many of the other pre op bypass patients asked why I didn't want to lose a lot of weight. It still seems like most (including those in the medical field) in my area believe that bypass is the way to go if you want to lose the most weight. According to the data presented by the OP, that notion may be changing. It's also interesting to note here that, as a sleeve patient, I lost 140 pounds and got to goal in 8 months. I lost faster and more overall weight than the bypass patients that attend our post op bariatric meetings. In time, newer research will probably show that sleeve patients can lose just as much or more than bypass patients.

I agree with what Djmohr posted. During the first three months (especially first month) post op, you don't have much desire for food at all. I went through the Christmas holiday without one craving for sugar, starch, or carbs. Around six months post op, it changes drastically. Your appetite increases and so does your craving for savory foods. Shows like "Chopped" or "Iron Chef" can be triggers. The worst for me was "Good Eats". He makes every dish so appetizing and easy to make. Before surgery, I would have made many of the dishes on the show. Now, I have to be very careful. There is an entire episode of "Good Eats" that teaches you how to make your own Protein bars. I'm pretty sure its on Netflix, so check it out. The best and worst shows to watch if you want to steer clear from cravings are both on the Travel Channel. "Man vs. Food" is the ABSOLUTE WORST if you are trying to NOT induce food cravings. I love the show's host, but every episode has him completing food challenges by pigging out on mouth watering dishes. He also has a way of making foods more appetizing through language and just the look on his face. The BEST food show to NOT INDUCE FOOD CRAVINGS is BIZARRE FOODS with Andrew Zimmem. It actually helped me drink my nasty Protein drinks and a few other foods that were not appetizing to me, but I ate/drink anyway for the protein or nourishment. Plus, the show covers a lot of creative way to get your protein. I am seriously thinking about crickets. Well, not eating them whole. I wouldn't be able to stand getting the legs stuck between my teeth. However, the blended up cricket powder is suppose to be LOADED with protein. I also heard that they taste good dry roasted. You can buy the powder or dry roasted version on the internet. I'm thinking about putting the cricket powder in my morning Protein Drink. As for other kinds of bugs, I'm not quite sure yet. The show encourages eating a variety. My mom always use to say that you have to suffer to be beautiful. The same goes for weight loss, you have to be willing to go through discomfort and frustration in order to be skinny. It must be somewhat true since I've lost 140 pounds since surgery 9 months ago.

I haven't eaten crackers, bread, rice, or Pasta since September. My Bariatric Eating plan is to stay away from starches, like crackers, until I reach maintenance. Even though I am in maintenance now, I still won't eat such foods in fear of gaining weight. Jenn1, do you still eat the same portion sizes now that you are in maintenance? My portion sizes are almost double the ones depicted on the plate graphic. I don't have as much restriction as most, so I just make smart food choices. Instead of adding a starch to my meal, I just double my vegetable or fruit serving. I'm not sure if this is recommended, but what is the big deal if it doesn't cause me to gain weight?

I was sleeved October 6th. As of last week, I've lost 140 pounds since the day of surgery. I've taken this whole process terribly seriously and now I can finally relax a little now that I am in maintenance. Of course, I know I still have to put the work in to keep the weight off, but at least I can start eating a little more. My weight loss is surprising to me since my restriction isn't as great as others. I can easily eat a cup of anything. It's more about making smart choices and only eating during planned times. I would love to hear how others are doing.

Many think Bio oil is great. However, I have found that Palmers oil works better and penetrates instead of laying on the skin.

I was going to respond, but you really don't have a post. I'm just going to put it out there that major weight loss really messes up your period. I haven't had a period in 5 months and my doctor said it was normal because I lost weight so quickly. Sometimes it does feel like my hormones are completely wacked. I've been in maintenance for a month, so hopefully it will return.

My body is finally shifting back in place. I looked horrible after losing the first hundred pounds after 5 months post op. I hated the deflated look of my belly most of all. Now at 8 months post op and losing an additional 45 pounds, my stomach looks tighter and the skin doesn't droop as bad. So, it is true that if you give it time, your body will improve. Of course, nothing gets rid of the sagginess completely besides plastic surgery. I'm no longer considering surgery because I'm content enough with how my skin looks now that I've been in maintenance.

I love Isopure Zero Carb and would still drink it everyday if it was cheaper. The powder is the only kind I ever tried, however. I lost 100 pounds after the first 5 months after surgery. The Isopure helped me achieve this goal. Two 12 ounce servings a day will give you 100 grams of Protein. Like others have said, everyone is different. My opinion is that you get use to the taste of it if you stick with it for a few weeks. The benefits of the protein/vitamin/minerals outweigh the smell.

Bariatric Buddies cookbook: http://www.chicoweig...ookJuly2014.pdf Original Bari-Buddies cookbook http://www.mybaribud...46/cookbook.pdf

Type in "Recipe Frenzy" in the search bar. Bobbyswife put together a great list of online bariatric cookbooks and recipes. The best one is the bariatric buddies cookbook. I recommend going to Kinko's to print and bind it because it is over 100 pages. There are recipes for every stage of the Bariatric Diet.

Yes, I love food Network and the food related shows on Travel Channel. Although I get food cravings watching these shows, they have helped me make my fish (salmon, tilapia, cod) more appetizing. I absolutely love fish now and easily get most of my Protein requirement from it.

I read somewhere that most post-op patients are able to get down to the same weight they were at 18 years old. When my doctor confirmed this, it became my goal weight. I'm curious if this holds true for everyone else. It wasn't easy to get to my goal weight, but it wasn't as difficult as the original poster describes. Am I the only person out there that never had the opportunity to speak with their surgeon? I only remember seeing a blurry image of him standing over me angrily because I kept trying to pull the oxygen out of my nose. Give me a break, I was just out of surgery and completely confused. He said a few words (that I don't recall) and walked away. He did go to my mom and quickly say, "Everything went great!" in the doorway of the waiting room. There wasn't an opportunity to ask questions. However, there were other medical professionals (bariatrician, PCP) that did a good job answering questions, so I'm not going to complain.

Julez, I hear ya loud and clear. I have been weaning off of a medication (buprenorphine) that was suppose to help me with withdrawals from painkillers. The withdrawals from this medicine is actually WORSE than the original withdrawals from the painkillers. It's been a terrible battle that has caused much anxiety and depression in my life. I struggle with PTSD and always feel the need to medicate myself (food, substances, shopping, etc) when triggers or flashbacks occur. It's much easier to grab pills, a cigarette, or a bowl of ice cream during these instances and I have to constantly remind myself of the repercussions down the road. It seems like other people have it a lot easier. I'm sure that's not true, but sometimes it seems like an everyday battle. Great job on your weight loss and remember that you are not alone.

RealMel is absolutely correct on this one. I put off WLS because I was discouraged by three coworkers that gained some or all of their weight back. Their food choices were poor, but they still had restriction. I observed them drinking regular cola and eating foods with high fructose corn syrup quite often. They advised me against WLS because, according to them, it wasn't worth all the trouble. One day, it occurred to me that it would be worth all that trouble just to have some restriction to help keep the weight off. I was quite good at losing weight, but not good at maintaining it very well. I became a little discouraged after surgery because I had no trouble getting in all my fluids and Protein beginning from day 1. I never had that full feeling after a few bites like I've heard that other post ops experience. Instead of griping, I decide to eat like a skinny person and stick to the Bariatric Eating plan no matter what. It's surprising to note that I have lost much more weight than the other post ops in my bariatric clinic group (that experience extreme restriction) that had surgery last October. It's all about choices. You have to learn how to make healthy substitutions. If you are craving sugar, eat some strawberries. In my case, I can eat a cup of strawberries with no problems. It is much better than taking 1 or 2 bites of a chocolate bar. You hear a lot of others on here mentioning "the slippery slope." Once you start making bad food choices or getting back into old habits, you have to react and quickly get back into smart eating and exercise. There really is no "taking a break" from weight loss or maintenance.