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It depends on WHY you have lower back pain. If the weight is exacerbating it, then losing will help. However I'd think you STILL will have to walk and exercise to strengthen it. If you are having the surgery ONLY for that, then discuss it at some length with your surgeon. No bariatric surgery will "cure" back pain...it treats obesity which can (or may not be) causing your issues. Good luck!

While I was going through the prep, I only told two people. When I was approved and a surgery date scheduled, I told a few more people, figuring the gossip line would let everyone else know. Not until about 50 loss, did anyone comment. I readily told them I had bariatric surgery. Their first response generally was "I know someone else who had that surgery and they had _____ complications." Now after five months and 80 pounds, I want to discuss my surgery with anyone who has an interest. I want to be an advocate for WLS. People are going to ask how you are losing so quickly. And as in my case, those who didn't ask, assumed I had cancer or some other bad thing wrong with me. Don't fool yourself by thinking no one is going to notice or ask. I think the biggest struggle with telling or not telling is the fear of what feedback you are going to get. Most of it will be positive. But then there are uneducated (uneducated in bariatric surgery) people who will say something stupid or hurtful. When this happens, you have one of two choices. You can either allow that stupid/hurtful comment to chip away at your self-esteem or you choose to realize that this person has no clue as to what they are saying. Trying to educate them more than likely will be useless, because they know everything about everything. But you can try. Don't give these negative people the power to make you feel bad about yourself. The most hurtful thing someone can say to me is that I took the easy way to weight loss. This has only happened once. My response was "I respect your opinion, but you have no idea what you are talking about." And I left it at that. I did not give that person the power to make me feel bad. I put a lot of hard work into my weight loss. My surgery is only a tool. Generally, when someone belittles you, they are trying to make themselves feel better and more superior to you. They themselves suffer from low self-esteem and the only way they can feel better about themselves is to belittle someone else. This is not your issue, but theirs. Don't allow this to be your issue. I was married to a bully for 17 years who made me feel I was lower than the grunge build up at the base of the toilet. It took a divorce and five years of counseling before I finally realized that there was nothing wrong with me - it was him all along! Just don't give away your power to anyone who doesn't deserve it.

It isn't an essential part of the process, but more of a preference on the part of your surgeon. The extensive pre-op diets that some docs impose doesn't really shrink the liver, but is said to help reduce the fatty/slimy coating that is often present on us fatty liver/obese patients. My doc doesn't do the major pre-op diet program, just the day before clear liquids bit, but then he also does liver transplants aside from his bariatric practice, so I guess he is used to dealing with livers in crappy condition. He said my liver was in good shape when he was in there (and I gained a little in the weeks leading up to surgery, for what that's worth!)

I'm just starting the 6 month program required by my insurance (BCBS NC). I am currently working in PA but I live in NC. I'll be in PA through the end of this year and into 2015. Because of work and the travel I have to do, this is the best opportunity for me to have surgery because this is the longest I'll be in one place. My surgeon's office is aware of the fact that I will not be here long post op and I will be transferring my post op follow up care back to NC for long term. Has anyone else had a situation similar to this? There is a very, very slight possibility work could require me back in NC before my surgery. Has anyone else had their 6 month program in one place and surgery in another? I'm going to talk more about this with my surgeon but I'd like to hear from actual patients as well. The PA hospital I am planning to have my surgery at is a Blue Distinction center for bariatrics and there is one in my home town as well so insurance covers both locations.

I know everyone's surgeon/nutritionist's post op/lifetime eating plans are different. I see most folks are told to eat 3 meals plus snacks in between and second most popular seems to be ~6 small meals a day. My plan is 3 meals a day no snacks and to only supplement protein with protein shakes if need be, not on the regular. I admittedly have been having snacks in between meals like a cheese stick or something strictly high protein, everything I consume has protein, no empty calories. I cannot fathom how to get the required protein in only three post-op sleeve size meals a day. The only way I can imagine is if you eat something every meal that you add protein powder to. My manual even states that at the point I am now I should be able to get in all the required protein through food alone. I say BS if you aren't allowed a snack in between. I was curious if anyone else has this type of plan and what you think, even more curious if you follow it and how you do it? I am still losing and just had my first stall the past two weeks which broke this week, even during my LB stall I was still losing circumference so I know I'm doing OK I guess I want reinforcement. My surgeon's office also said they expect their patients to eat 600-800 (which is where I'm at) calories a day and after everything I've been reading and from this forum I think that is wrong. It seems the most successful of the bunch are into the 1000 cal/100gms protein range. My surgeon and his handiwork are excellent and I'm very pleased, but the nutritionist and bariatric nurse I feel are not progressive sticking with older ideals. I didn't go through this and pay all this money to have a couple of thin years then not be able to keep it off because I can't stick to starving myself! Just a little frustrated!! =/

But all of that being said in my previous comment, I think they tell people that to get their asses into gear. I think what they are trying to do is create a sort of "now or never" mentality in hopes that it will shock people into action. Because I do think that if you cannot make some significant headway while the surgery is still fresh and new, the thinking is that you never will. If your stalling at 4 months out, throwing the rules to the wind and frequenting the local fast food joints and have not made any significant headway or have completely hit the brakes on weight loss, chances are you probably will never get with the program again. Its a sad but true assessment of bariatric patients. Of course that does not apply to everyone and its obviously a generalizations but where there is smoke there is fire and there is a reason why its a general assumption.... GENERALLY it's true.

I had my surgery in Towson, Maryland at GBMC with Dr. Babak Moeinolmolki. He is wonderful. You can google GBMC bariatrics and their website will come up.

This is what I love about Bariatric Pal--- when you have a problem they gather around and wrap you in a warm quilt of advice and concern. Thank you for all you've helped me with!!! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Did your NUT give you a list of foods/shakes that are approved? Are you still on Clear liquids? Full liquids? I am not familiar with Herballife shakes specifically so you will need to read the labels and check with your NUT to make sure they have the right Protein to carb ratio. Many Protein Shakes aren't bariatric friendly because they have too many carbs.

Hello! I have my coverage book right here and all it says it "Bariatric surgery is covered at no more than $7,500 at an approved facility and $1,500 at a non approved facility." So I do understand what is covered, but I'm posting trying to find ideas on contracted surgeon, and find out the approval process. There are SO many different kinds of insurances with this company, it's crazy! lol

Monmouth County.....I use Central Jersey Bariatrics at Centre State Hospital in Freehold....they also have a office near Bayshore Hospital in Keyport..... Is you Horizon NJ Health your Medicaid ***? In other words you are 100% Medicaid with no other primary....I would definitely give them a call...

Ok I have Sleep apnea, and am a respiratory therapist. The issues with sleep apnea and any Bariatric Surgery is bigger than it will go away after we lose weight. Yes most people's sleep apnea is atributed to weight but a great deal of people who are thin have it too. When you are sedated and have pain medications this also induces sleep which can be hazardous to your post op recovery if your sleep apnea is not treated. It can cause increased abdominal pressure and put you at greater risk for leaks. Sleep apnea often causes your oxygen levels to decrease to dangerous levels, this prevents your tissues from getting the much needed oxygen to heal. Yes, many people go through surgery without a CPAP and do fine, but many do not. I know I am not willing to risk it. My machine will go with me to the hospital and I will gladly wear it until the weight comes off. I sleep great with or without the machine, never had a complaint about being tired all day or stopping breathing or anything else. Mine was found accidentaly 3 years ago when we where testing new equipment at work and I was 60 lbs less then than I am now. Not meaning to scare or preach, just wanted you to know it's more important than people often realize. Good luck on your journey and much success. Tracey

Hi Mandy, welcome! 1. Is this surgery risky in any way? Every surgery has risks. Not sure what bariatric surgery you are contemplating (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass etc.) , but bariatric surgery in general is very safe and you will be put through a battery of tests to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. You have to also weigh the risks of surgery with all the health risks that come with morbid obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, etc, etc.). It was an easy decision for me. 2. How do you guys feel about the recovery and success rates? Recovery was easy, for me, everyone is different, but generally you feel pretty crappy at first but then there is marked improvement each day and people are often back at work in 2-3 weeks. Success can vary, the surgery is a tool to help you shed the weight, you have to put in the work to help create healthier habits for long term success. Often this requires work with a mental health professional to help uncover why we are abusing food. 3. If i already have some mental health and self esteem issues is this a good idea? Only a mental health professional can tell you for sure and you will have to be cleared by one to proceed to surgery. Many obese people suffer from low self esteem and depression, there isn't much joy in being overweight. 4. My doctor told me my stomach is the last to go when loosing weight. How do i go about looosing all the access fat is my stomach area? Everyone loses weight differently, that's really impossible to say. 5. How long does this process usually take? Im trying to go from 316 to 125. I don't want to kill your joy, but it's important to have realistic expectations, depending on the surgery the average bariatric patient loses between 60-70% of excess body weight. You have roughly 175 lb of excess body weight ( given a normal BMI of a 5'5" woman is ~150lb)... the average patient your size would lose 122 lb..that would put you around 200lb. This is the AVERAGE, so many people exceed this and many don't even lose this much... I have seen several people on this site shed 100lb in year.. the weight comes off faster at first and then slows down considerably. As others have said this is a big decision and not a magic bullet, you will have to be mentally prepared to make some life changes. There is a lot of great information on this site, i spent hours and hours reading through posts prior to my surgery. Make a list of questions to ask your dr and surgeon. Overall, you will find very few people here who regret having their surgery. Good luck to you!

I've been really stressing out the last few weeks. I am on medicaid due to medical necessity (switched from a health and wellness plan). I am up for renewal/recertification this month, and if it wasn't approved, I would lose my insurance as of March 1. I do work part time, and my income is borderline. Long story short, I called them this am to find out I was approved for next month. Now I will be able to keep my 6th nutrition and weigh in appts. It's a relief to know that the last 6 months of work have not been in vain, and I can continue on in my journey.

I agree with @ProjectMe. Pre-op I bought more than one type of protein drink so I could add as much variety in my diet as possible during the all liquid phase. Once I moved to purees and soft foods I just got creative. I think we are only as limited as out imaginations. If you are a recipe type of person then google for bariatric recipes.

[quote name="Lisa ]I drink Premier Protein shakes from costco and pour them over ice to make them really cold. I also really like the Syntrax nectar Cappucinno over ice and' date=' to me, it tastes just like an iced coffee. Most of the Nectar products don't have a protein aftertaste. Also, Power Crunch bars taste just like a cookie....they are wafers so they are light and crispy. You really have to try several different products until you find what you like. Everyone has such different taste preferences so what I think is really good, you may not. A lot of bariatric sites (i.e. Bariatric Pantry) offer sample packs so that you can try various products. I've also learned that I do best when I stick to one particular Protein Drink and bar because then I become used to the taste which helps me stick with it. Good Luck and don't give up on finding something you like!!![/quote'] I agree with you the Protein Shakes from Costco taste really good. I'm still on liquids and super, super soft mushy foods. I will have to check out the Nector products (hope we carry those in my area). Thanks for the info!

I will stay with both, but he will be the go to since quite frankly PCPs do not understand the needs of post bariatric patients as well as the surgeon does.

your doc should have given you a list. I mine was a shake for Breakfast and lunch then a Protein and vegge for dinner. Vegge for snack. I don't know how strict your pre-op diet is.. I see somet that is liquid only, somethat are more atkins style, some don't have them at all.. So, it's pretty all over the place.. I've said it before and I will keep saying it.. The medical association or whoever puts out bariatrics guidelines should have a standardized diet for all doc (or at least the ones in the US) use to make things easier on us in this internet age.

I had surgery at a Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery. These Centers of Excellence are available in many states. The Centers of Excellence provide a complete support for the surgery. There are many components that require a range of specialist beyond just a surgeon who specializes in Bariatric Surgery. They include nutritionist, psychologists, a hospital that specializes in bariatric surgery, staff that work insurance issues, pre-op testing, weight loss and exercise programs, bariatric surgery support group meetings, five years of post-op follow-ups. It is like a "full meal deal", no pun intended.

I have been taking Bariatric Advantage Protein bars and shakes for my pre-op diet and because of all the stomach issues I have been having my NUT recommended a dairy-free version. Does anyone have a soy protein they can recommend??? Thank you!

Puffytwo, Mine were/are sharp pains that last for a second right in the center of my chest and were coming about every 2 minutes when I was in the hospital. I don't feel pressure. It should be ruled out with an upper GI and if not then, then I suppose they might have to do some other test, maybe an endoscopy or something. I've heard who people complain of hiatal hernias feeling like pressure in the chest. Mine were definitely sharp pains that came and went. What did your bariatric surgeon tell you it was? You've ruled out your heart so that's a good thing and hopefully an upper GI will help you figure out what it is. Nancy:smile:

My surgery cost $10,600 in Mexico with Dr. Roberto Rumbaut. That money covers EVERYTHING but airfare and food while you're in Monterrey. It even includes all aftercare including fills and band removal if for some reason you can't tolerate the band. If you're self pay, (even if you're not) I highly recommend him. For more info go to www.gastricband.com Dr. Rumbaut is world renowned with excellent results and statistics so check him out. In the U.S. (I'm in Texas) the best rate I found was around $20,000. Some people have said they refinanced their house and used the equity to pay for their surgery. Some people get bank loans. There are bariatric centers that will do financing as well. Good luck on your weight loss journey. If you want to chat further you can PM me anytime.

Hi I'm also new to WLS and live in Austin, TX. Looking at getting gastric bypass and working on talking to the staff at SW Bariatrics. Anyone have advice or suggestions regarding WLS & this location? Thanks Sent from my LG-H830 using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone! I am new to the group after deciding on the sleeve this morning! Met with the bariatrics coordinator last week for the band and got my date for Nov 12. Was super excited and had my first appointment with my surgeon today. He told me the difference in the sleeve and the band and after a few questions and a few Tourette's-like "oh"s we all agreed that the sleeve is for me!!! I got home and immediately began researching and found before and after pics. WOW!!! After 9 years of having my mind set on the band, I gave officially switched over to the sleeve and I am SO FREAKING excited. I start my preop diet tomorrow and not really looking forward to that. So, just putting my story out there and introducing myself to the group!!! Ready for the count down!!!!! 13 days to go!

I was considering the lap band too and then was introduced to the sleeve. I have officially been sleeved now for 4 weeks and can honestly say it is THE.BEST.THING I have ever done for myself. I am down 23 pounds in 27 days! With the sleeve there is no foreign object in your body like with a band. And no re-routing of intestines with the bypass. In my opinion it is a far more superior procedure than any of the other bariatric surgeries. I was up and walking within 3 hours of my surgery, never any nauseau or vomiting and have always been able to tolerate every food I have reintroduced. I can eat about 4-6 ozs. in a sitting and drink plenty of fluids. Good Luck to each of you! This site is amazing and the support I have received is fabulous!