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**I can tuck my shirt in and wear a belt! **I actually look forward to shopping for clothes size medium **I look forward to renewing my drivers license and tell the attendant to change the weight on it **I actually look forward to my nightly bike rides **The plane seat feels comfortable **Can't wait to wear a 2 piece bathing suit this summer

I am going to Cancun May 4th, post opts on the 6th and sleeve surgery on the 7th. I have been researching on line continuously for about 3 months only after doing the same thing 4 years ago but then not being able to go through with the surgery. Over the past 4 years I have attended 3 seminars on bariatric surgeries. Many of you have responded to my questions and I have read many many posts. I think I am well educated and ready to get to the "other side" no matter how scary it is! Thanks to all who have sent emails and posted comments. I look forward to my journey and having a community on line for support, encouragement and information. Any advice or comments will be appreciated. Brenda

Like the above person said they should give you a checklist at your first appt of things that need to have done prior to getting a surgery date. Mine was super long and I just wanted to get them over and done with so I could get the surgery. My first appt was on May 31st and I hustled on getting things checked off and had surgery on Sept 12th, 3 weeks ago today ...... Here is my list, I know it seems long but I feel like I learned a lot about my body and my health. Good luck! sleep study (2 nights) EKG Pap smear Psych eval (3 appts mandatory) Upper GI Support group Lose 10 lbs. Attend 3 Healthy Weight classes Nutritionist Attend 2 bariatric surgery classes and pass the test at the end of classes Blood work Chest X-ray Start a food and exercise journal

Watch out for your stoma narrowing down, this is a stricture or stenosis, and I am a veteran of that war and also have ulcerations in my jejunem- the send third of our small intestine that our pouch now attached to. Mine I believe to happened at 2 weeks but I did not have a confirmatory endoscopy until 6 weeks past my surgery date. And I have been fighting it every since. It really is kind of rare, but you will find there's me, Briswife and Mousecat all active. I believe my Bari- bud is the one closest to having all facets rectified. But I do still vomit frequently, my pouch is tender, sometimes it feels like Precious clenchs herself like an angry little ✊ fist, and I have a lot of right subcostal pain, that means right below the ribs, that is where my ulcers, the great majority, of which are there. Oh my weight loss is wonderful, 150 down from my Highest Weight, and 98 at last weighing since my surgery. But it has been a bumpy journey getting there, at this point. almost 9 months, I had expected " The Good Times To Roll", OH I don't think my Bariatric Clinic is that worried about me, but they are merely watching, I'm having to LIVE IT! They just seem to call it All ---Atypical. Healing Procee. Well Whoopee Ding isn't that just so special!!!🚩🎪🚩

I have only said that I have certain requirements, and made the same comments regarding the sleeve being an outpatient procedure here in the US. You don't see any of the members that had their surgeries on an outpatient basis here in the US, or any other facility coming out and saying that I'm rude, brash based on my opinion that I would not choose to have this surgery done on an outpatient basis. The operative words here are "I", "my standards". I've said my opinion or choice of surgeon was because of my specific needs as a revision patient. I don't think any surgical clinics should be shut down. I've never once mentioned that even about Dr. Almanza. All I've ever stated is that their specific facility didn't meet my needs, and I would not choose them to perform my revision. I can't recall one single time of discarding anyone's great experience with Almanza. As for my gallbladder, obviously a lot of bariatric patients need their gb removed at some point. But, I also know that not every patient has to have it removed. I have more issues eating post GB removal than I did with having VSG. So, while you would like to insult my surgeon's choice to leave my gb, I'll stick with the fact that my surgeon based his decision on years of experience, and training. I didn't ask about my surgeon's ancestral background because it wasn't a concern of mine. I've never once insulted, bashed, or claimed that Almanza is not good, qualified, highly trained surgeon. I've never questioned his licensing, his years of experience, how many surgeries he's performed. I don't know Dr. Almanza so it's not a fact of not liking the man or even questioning his surgical skill. All I've stated, once again, for the upteenth time, that I would not choose him because of the the clinic he operates out of. I choose to stay around because the friends I've made here were my lifeline during my recovery. It's the internet. I'm not going to lose any sleep over your or any other member's attempt to insult my age, my posts, or my opinion. Perception is 9/10th of the law, and if you choose to perceive my opinions as rude, tactless and/or brash, that's your cross to bear not mine. Not everyone is going to get along. Not everyone is going to agree. Not every single member here has to get along. It doesn't happen in real life, and it sure isn't going to happen on an internet message board. Support site or not, everyone has the right to post as they choose.

Happiness1, Do go see the other surgeons! this Doctor is only concerned about his convenience, not you. I had to lose 190 # when I started . The doctor and I preferred the lap band, even when I developed health problems while waiting. Lapband statitistics show Fewer complications, with surgery and long term, than with the bypass. There are some here who had bypass and it was right for them; but if you don't want it, don't do it. BTW, there are surgeons in Omaha and Lincoln Ne who do lapband surgery- if you have to travel. I'll bet there is a Center of Excellence hospital for bariatric surgery in Des Moines, too.

I'm just wondering what everyone is taking for vitamins and supplements or what your doctors are recommending. My surgeon from Mexico recommended Bariatric Advantage Vitamins and protein supplements daily, calcium 1000-1200mg, B-12 sublingual daily or 1000mcg injection monthly, and Iron. Then my aftercare doc recommends VITA4LIFE bariatric vitamin supplement in the pink wrapper, calcium citrate 3500-4500mg, 90-120 protein supplementation. He seemed okay with the orange flavored liquid GNC brand multi-vitamin I've been taking but I recently changed to orange flavored chewable Centrum. I'm not sure how they all compare. I'm 2 months post-op and only doing the multi-vitamin. I've got Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Hypothyroidism, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Sleep Apnea, etc. so I think I should probably be taking the vitamins, minerals and other supplements more seriously and would love imput. I've had my first fill and have pretty good restriction so find myself slipping in and out of soft food syndrome and not putting protein first when it comes to my eating. I'm reading Atkins right now and plan to do my doctors plan that he calls Foxkins and it will up my protein intake greatly and weight loss (he says average of 15lbs a month!) It's like Atkins minus salads. Thanks, April

Has anybody found a great Omega 3 that we can actually swallow ? THANKS ....I have been looking for a while and would appreciate any input ! I also take the Bariatric advantage vitamin pill, sublingual b-12, a Biotin tab plus 2 viactive chews for extra calcium, but I need some more Omega 3 in my diet !

I suggest asking your NUT or bariatric coordinator whether or not this will make a difference in being approved. I imagine there are different insurance company rules on that.

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy... it's the first part of a Duodenal Switch operation. Basically, they shape your stomach around a thin tube, called a bougie. They staple it off into a banana shape... leaving the pyloric sphincter in tact, so no dumping. It's restrictive only... no malapsborption. Has only been done as a stand alone for about 4 years... but results seem to be as good or better than the Band. No fills... no PBing. It's becoming very popular both as a primary operation as well as a revision for Bandsters. You can find a bunch of Bandsters talking about it on the Obesity Help VSG forum... also there's a post by an ex-Bandster in the Band Removed thread. I think his name is Andrew? Laparoscopic Associates - Weight-Loss Surgery San Francisco, Bariatric Surgery is one group of doctors that do a lot of them I really really don't want surgery again... but if I can't get my Band to work, I'll have to. When I first had surgery, I had no kids... was single. Now I have three little people under four that need me. Totally changes the risk profile, KWIM?

This was published the day of my surgery. I found it incredibly accurate and informative. http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/27/health/bariatric-surgery.html?smprod=nytcore-ipad&smid=nytcore-ipad-share Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I get a LOT of recipes from Pinterest. Type in the phase # or name ie:mushy or pureed or even bariatric diet and it will pull up plenty. Just be careful I always seem to fall down wormholes when I visit that site.

Hello all! I'm new on here, and wanted to introduce myself. I'm in North Carolina, and just like most of you'll on here, I've been battling with my weight for years. I'm ready to beat this battle, and I'm hoping the sleeve will be that tool to help me succeed. I officially will be on my husband's insurance January 1, 2016. He has Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and his policy does cover bariatric surgery. This is when I will be able to began my process. I've already attended many seminars this year. My family and friends are supportive, and so is my primary care physician. While I patiently wait (not.. lol) I like reading and putting in my research.. regarding bariatric surgery. I also really enjoy listening to other peoples experiences, as well. Is anyone else beginning their journey? I wish everyone the best of luck, and I look forward to hearing your journey. Addendum on 11/18/15 Height: 5'9 HW: 296 Current Weight as of 11/10/15: 270.5 Lbs (weighed at doctors office) Health issue: Currently taking medicine for Hypertension.

got this today from health care the answer to my doctors letter You have recently written requesting approval fro bariatric lap band surgery to treat morbid obesity in the above noted patient. Your letter also indicates that this type of bariatric surgery which in your view might be one of the preferred types, is not covered by private or public health care in Canada and has an approximate cost of $16,000. I have taken the opportunity to review this matter with Yukon;s medical advisor Dr Tom orr who in turn has consulted with his provincial Canadian colleagues. Alberta is insuring both the surgery and the band which is provided by the health authorities. Quebec is insuring the service however it is less certain whether the provincial facilities approve the device British Columbia does not insure this procedure, in part as hospitals are not providing the adjustable band. In short the Canadian approach to this procedure is varied at the moment. Dr Orr has also noted that he is unaware of any large studies wherein bariatric lap band surgery has been compared with other bariatric surgery. There are publicly funded alternatives available for the treatment of morbid obesity in Canada Dr. orr has recommended should you still feel surgery is recommended for this patient that conventional surgery at a publicly funded facility be examined. Your request to cover bariatric lap band surgery for this patient has respectfully been declined.

The following bariatric surgical procedures are considered medically necessary for Members who meet the associated criteria: Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y; gastrojejunal anastomosis) Vertical banded gastroplasty (gastric banding; gastric stapling) Biliopancreatic bypass (Scopinaro procedure) Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch Gastric sleeve procedure (also known as laparoscopic vertical gastrectomy or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy) when done alone and not a part of the full operation to complete a biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPDDS or DS) Medical Necessity Criteria The Member must meet the criteria of either A or B: Class II obesity (BMI 35-39.9 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation, in the presence of one or more of the following comorbidities: Type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular disease (e.g., stroke, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina pectoris or coronary artery bypass) Life-threatening cardiopulmonary problems (e.g., severe sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, obesity-related cardiomyopathy) [*]Class III obesity (BMI equal to or greater than 40 kg/m2) in a person who has attained an adult level of physical development and maturation. New CPT CODE: 43775 - Laparoscopy, surgical, gastric restrictive procedure; longitudinal gastrectomy (ie, sleeve gastrectomy)

Do you maybe mean that you are limiting carbs, not Protein? If not---I'd really try to bump up the protein quite a bit. It's not unusual to feel weak and cruddy for a couple of weeks after surgery, but you want to be sure to do everything you can do to promote good healing and recovery. That would include getting plenty of Fluid, getting adequate protein (at least 65 g/day), taking a good bariatric Vitamin (I like Bariatric Advantage chewables), and advancing your diet as advised by your doctor. My doc had me on purees pretty much from the outset---but nixed things like creamed Soups, cream of wheat, and so on. Instead, the focus was on protein purees--and I felt great. Cream of wheat can fill a belly--but it doesn't really offer much nutritionally, and has the downside of being carby enough that a blood sugar spike can be followed by a plummet (and weakness). Another poster suggested you post what you eat in a day. That would be helpful, for feedback. But really, if you're concerned about your weakness, a phone call to your doctor would be a good idea, too. (I wish you'd been given more guidance, preop, about nutrition and vitamins--I hate to see you feeling awful now because you haven't been given enough information.)

How many calories (approximately) are you eating every day? Make sure you are getting enough (I know it can be difficult). I am also on the mushie/blended stage, but my doctor has me eating 5-6 meals a day (2 of mine are Protein shakes, and rest are about 1/4 c protein and 1/4 c fruit or veggie each). Maybe post a typical daily menu and we can offer some tips? As far as Vitamins... I just ordered some chewables from bariatriceating.com-- I haven't gotten them yet, so we'll see how they are! (Right now I'm taking a liquid that I got from some bariatric website, but I can't remember which one! It's pretty gross.)

My surgery is approved and I am scheduled for November 22nd! I couldn't be happier! I thought I would share the news and my steps that it took to get here. While I only signed up on Bariatric Pal recently, I have read along to many of your stories since May. It's nice to hear the steps to the process and I know it helped me so here goes my process so far . My journey started on May 25th, my file was submitted to insurance on October 31st, I was approved by Cigna on November 4th, and my surgery is now scheduled for November 22nd. May 25th=Attended seminar, heard from the surgeon, and learned about the different types of bariatric surgery. June=Had my first appointment with the surgeon where we discussed my background, family history, and what type of surgery I was interested in. August 3rd=Psychologist visit where we discussed what type of support I have for the surgery, my background, and my feelings towards the surgery. August 3rd, September 2nd, & October 7th=Monthly dietitian visits. We would go over my food log for the month, any questions that I might have had, and discuss my progress. July, August, September, October=Monthly appointments with my primary doctor where we discussed what I am doing to lose weight. November 11th=Pre-surgery testing including an upper GI test, chest x-rays, EKG, and blood work. November 11th=Pre-surgery dietitian visit where we discussed what I will be eating post-surgery.

My Dr also forbids gummy vitamins of any kind for life. I take the bariatric advantage multi vitamin and it has biotin in it. 5 months out now and no hair loss so far. Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way.

I have struggled with all chewable vitamins. i do take the gummies although its not recommended by my dr. I have found that with the chewables (calcium to) i just cant stomach the taste and texture, I tried the ones from bariatric advantage that are "like a starburst" and they were horrible. I would much rather take a regular pill but i dont know if we are allowed to do that?

Whether or not you have excess skin relies on lots of things---but rate of loss is not one of them. (People who have gastric bypass may seem to more dramatically develop the issue, but that is simply because their loss is more rapid. The rapid loss does not CAUSE the problem; the loss causes the problem--which means that yes, it can indeed occur after banding.) The things that influence the degree to which you are affected include age, genetics, smoking history, sun exposure history, how much excess weight you carried, how long you were overweight, how many pregnancies you have had, how many times you had large fluctuations in weight, and so on. Losing fast, losing slow---it doesn't really matter. Think of a balloon. If you blow it up to capacity, then let the air out, it looks pretty much the same. If you do this many times, it starts to change. It gets less elastic, striations appear in the latex. Your skin is pretty similar. If it's stretched and stretched, then the tension is released (again, fast or slow, doesn't matter), then elasticity is lost, especially if there is yo-yoing. There isn't much one can do about this other than hope for good luck and good genetics. Meeting your nutritional needs can give skin what it needs, too---that for sure is important. (Get enough Protein and Fluid, get adequate heart-healthy fat, take a good-quality bariatric Multivitamin.) Exercise to build a good "scaffold" for your skin to drape on. Know that exercise will not tighten skin, but will improve your health and appearance anyway. I'm almost 49, am almost 90 down from banding almost 10 months ago (and over 100 down from my highest), and have been very, very pleased with how many of my body parts have rebounded. OTOH, I have had 3 pregnancies, breastfed, and am no spring chicken; I have a plastic surgery consult scheduled for May, when I'll be in the surgeon's city for my daughter's graduation. I am nearing goal. I look pretty darn good in clothes. I look a HELL of a lot better naked than I did before losing weight. If I decide to proceed with surgery, it will really just be icing on the cake, something to do for MYSELF, to complete the journey. But the laxity of the skin is not something that torments me----really, it is weirdly symbolic of the positive changes I've made. ETA: To answer your other questions: I am aiming for the lower end of the normal BMI scale because my frame is small. Since yours is large, I'd go for a bit higher on the BMI scale. "Normal" BMI is defined as 18.9-24.9. At your height, you'd hit the high end at 159 pounds. I've had great success! I'm 0.4 pounds away from 90 pounds down, and have not yet hit the 10-month mark. The band has really addressed my particular weight issues, and I've found it quite easy to work with. I was taken aback by the hair loss that occurred beginning around 4 months postop. This is a result of an interruption in the hair growth cycle caused by the trauma of surgery and anesthesia. While it's important to make sure you get the right nutrients (protein, fluid, Biotin, zinc), and it can be helpful to use growth-promoting shampoos/conditioners such as Nioxin, really---it's just a matter of time. Just when I thought it would really become noticeable to others, my normal hair growth resumed---no harm, no foul. Otherwise, it's been pretty smooth sailing for me. I accepted the lifestyle changes (permanent eating changes, a lifelong need for daily exercise) pretty happily---so I have no real complaints.

I just had my first appointment with my surgeon, and then my nutritionist. I like my doc pretty well and I feel confident having him as my surgeon. After the visit with the doc I met w/ the nut.. Per my ins. I have to have a 3 month supervised diet and as part of that she told me that we would start with replacing 2 meals a week with meal replacement shake and work our way up. Then she goes on to hard sell me this stuff that's $60! "Specially formulated for bariatric patients." Whatever! She told me I would have to be on this for the REST OF MY LIFE if I had the surgery. I told her I thought that you worked towards getting what you need from actual food and she said that's not what she recommends..... WHAT???!?! so after a little back and forth she pulls a magic list of other options that can be purchased from gnc or whatever. It really pissed me off that she was hard core hard selling that crap! I bought it because I will not let this disagreement delay anything, but after surgery I will find a different nutritionist and do what I feel is best for me. I want to experiment and find a brand that I like and am willing to work with I don't want her shoving one or two options down my throat and saying that's my only option, because I know that's not true. There are tons of meal replacements out there to choose from!

Hi I was approved for my band and due to have surgery on Sept. 10 My insurance company lists that my Dr. is on their in plan and his name is even in my health plan manual along with a lisiting of all the other bariatric surgeons/general surgeons in thier group for they fall under the same address at least. Well anyway yesterday I got in the mail a letter from the Bariatric Group telling me that I need to sign the enclosed document in order for them to submit the claim to my provider which is no problem however as I am reading this over and over again not to miss anything I read the partWaco Bariatric Surgeons and physicans are non-participating providers with insurance companies for bariatric services and in order for me to have the surgery I need to pay up front 3500.00 for the surgeon and his assistant surgeon and it includes two pot op visits. But according to my provider yes they are covered under my plan and I have a letter stating just that and a fax from them too! Ok now here is the real kicker at the seminar I attended in March, we were all told that the fees paid will cover 1 year free fills, and that all the visits were included this was discussed several times by other people at the seminar. Wow now what do I do I don't have the money and cannot afford another bill coming in and I am just so confused and thinking of not having the surgery even ifg the insurance does cover it all due to the stress and the un known after surgery as to the costs. I just need to vent here but i still don't feel better. I will call my insurance company on Monday and tell them of this and see what they ahve to say and I am contacting the bariatric center as well. Seems really odd that no one mentions certain things at the seminar but now after insurance approval comes through tehre is a whole list of thigs I have to do and buy before surgery. Wow. Well thanks for listening. Sharon

I am in the process of getting approved for bariatric surgery. Woo Hoo! Of course, my Dr wants me to lose 31 pounds before the surgery, so I am on a high Protein, low carb diet. I am surprised that I am keeping to it very well. But I really could use some suggestions for Breakfast other than eggs. I like eggs, but really I need some kind of variety. (I usually have a Protein shake for lunch, but I don't think I can handle two a day) Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you!!!!

I got my surgery yesterday - and just wanted to send thanks for all of your support! If anyone out there knows if there is a liquid version of the calcium citrate though, I would love to find out! Hate the lozenges by Bariatric Advantage:( Thanks! Amy:thumbup: