dena a

Foamies are different from vomiting in that you don't lose the content of your stomach. They're usually caused by eating too much, too fast and, in my experience, it seems like they can go on forever. Rather than throw up your stomach's contents, you spit up a phlegm like substance that looks "foamy". Hope that helps. They're a little hard to describe.

I'm almost 3 months out and I spent yesterday from noon until 9:30 in the evening with "the foamies" and throwing up. It was actually a little scary, although I didn't have pain. I didn't eat anything new - vegetarian chili and a little bit of chicken breast. I drank from a straw in the morning, but I've used straws since surgery. I have no idea what caused this episode, but I still have them quite often. It seems like one day I'm fine eating something and the next time I have it, I get sick. I'm glad I read the previous post about making today a liquid/soft day. I never want a repeat of yesterday!

Hi All, I'm 61 and pre-surgery. I've chosen the bypass for now, although I guess that could change as I learn more about each surgery. I have 1 more month of a 6 month doctor supervised diet to go (I've only lost 15 pounds). Tomorrow I have an orientation seminar and in the next week or so, I'll see the Surgeon's Nurse Practitioner; followed by a nutritionist, behavioralist and physical therapist and need an EKG; plus my PCP wants me to have a sleep study done. THEN I finally see the surgeon and set the surgery date. I'm thinking March or April - my PCP thinks sooner?! I was up for surgery in July 2012 and earlier in 2010, but my insurance changed both times and it wasn't covered. I have my fingers crossed nothing changes this time. Does anyone else have AARP Medicare Complete through United Healthcare? They told me the surgery is covered, but I'm wondering what they'll cover when it comes to the other specialists. When I was first approved in 2010, I have to admit that looking better in clothes was my main objective. Last year I developed diabetes and high cholesterol, on top of hypertension which I've had since I was 34. My objectives have completely changed! I want to be free of diabetes and high cholesterol. I want a longer life expectancy! Although I fully plan to shop in the junior department after the surgery - lol. In prior years, I wasn't at all concerned about the surgery itself. I've aged since then and I must say I'm a little concerned about the safety of the surgery and that my weight loss will be slower. Guess I'll find out! What kind of exercise do you all do and how often? I always fall short on exercise, but I'm going to have to kick it up. Thanks! Dena

I think the surgeon I'll be having has stopped asking for the liquid diet the week before surgery. I'll know more later.

I've been on the road to bypass surgery twice, beginning in 2008. The first time, my insurance stopped covering it and the second time I changed jobs and lost my coverage. When I was younger, one of my main motivators was appearance. Now I'm heavier (223) and I've been diagnosed with diabetes 2, hypertension and high cholesterol. I want the surgery just to prolong my life!! I have Medicare now and from what I've heard they cover the surgery and the required specialists, although I read that MediCare requires 6 months of a medically supervised diet. My physician has already referred me to a bariatric surgeon at a Center of Excellence in St. Louis, MO. So I guess my question is, Is there anyone here close to my age who's had the surgery? What was your experience with the surgery itself? I'm thinking recovery and complications are bound to be affected by age. If any of you are on Medicare, what was your experience with them? Thanks!

Hi, Just today I received a letter from the surgeon's office stating that I was a candidate for lap band surgery. I'm not sure about my insurance company -- they will pay under certain circumstances, such as co-existing illness and I think I will qualify... I have hypertension, COPD and had gestational diabetes. I have so many questions - like, on an average, how long does it take between the time you're approved until the actual surgery takes place. What kind of recovery time have others experienced? I'd like to take only a few days off without telling anyone about the surgery. And my main concern is hair loss - I've read that's a possibility, has anyone experienced it?? Anyway, if anyone can offer any information to a newcomer, I would really appreciate it!!