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Well our company is nationwide and a co worker of mine just found out today that Anthem BCBS no longer covers it. I had originally called to inquire about PS. Then the lady said we dont cover that ( the bariatric surgery ) so they wouldnt cover the PS. I told her well I had it a year ago , apparently they changed their rules in January. They no longer cover it. I feel so bad for her, its the only thing she has had to look forward too. So I guess it doesnt matter what the company size. I was lucky I got in before it changed, but for those who are having issues. Many insurance companies have been sucessfully sued for weight discrimination. You might want to research just to have your own ammo. I do know zerox was one that got nailed for it.

I just went to a seminar on calcium and WLS. I don't know what you read, but the studies presented stated significant bone density is lost by bariatric patients post surgery because only 5% continue to take supplements after the first year. I also learned that although we need 1500 mgs a day, our bodies can only absorb 500 at one time, so it should be taken three times a day rather than at one time. Absorption is also affected by PPIs and iron, so we have to be careful of what we take it with. I'm erring on the side of caution and keeping calcium in my life forever.

I first read about this 5 Day Pouch Test here on Bariatric Pal. So glad I saw this. I ordered the book & downloaded it on my Kindle. I have been in a stall for almost 2 months & it has driven me crazy. One of the things this Test will do is break the carb issue. Carbs are a huge issue for me. I've read over half the book & I am starting the Test tomorrow. I saw my surgeon a couple of weeks ago & she suggested I drink nothing but Protein shakes 1 day a week to help with my stall & to break bad habits. It was after that doctor visit that I saw this information about the Test. I wish anyone trying this Test good luck. I hope everyone doing this will post their results. BTW, I got the book off Amazon. Worth every penny. It was written by a woman that had a gastric bypass a few years ago & has struggled with the same issues as the rest of us. This is a lifetime change in eating habits & we all need all of the help we can get.

Unlike other WLS, lapband usually does not mess with absorption of nutrients because you have not had any anatomy removed. Like the above poster stated, most traditional Vitamins are huge, which poses a problem for someone who can only swallow certain sizes. Also, bariatric vitamins do have a lot of extra nutrients compared to traditional vitamins. Some people at restriction cannot eat such a varied diet that is necessary to get all the different nutrients, so Vitamin supplements would be important there as well. My surgeon said I could use Centrum chewables and do a Calcium chew daily.

I have UHC through my employer. My surgeon submitted paperwork to UHC on 11/11, and I received approval on 11/24. Surgery is scheduled for 12/17. But your mileage may vary wildly! :-) I was given my surgery date after someone else cancelled, so I'm not sure if I would have made it in December otherwise. Are you enrolled in the Bariatric Resource Services program through UHC/Optum? My employer required it, and we had last-minute confusion over whether or not I had to submit 5 years of weight history showing BMI >35. It put my approval in jeopardy for a day or so. I met the weight requirement, but producing records was the problem. It turns out that when I started the Bariatric program, the 5-year weight history was not a requirement under my employer's benefits, so I was "grandfathered" in. Anyway, I hope that information helps.

I completely agree with all of the above. Buy only what you think you'll need for the first few weeks. My tastes change almost daily but there are some protein powders that I never could stand. Also, vitamins. Ughh. I can't tolerate any of the bariatric vitamins so far.

Hello, I've finally scheduled my surgery for January 22nd. A large part of my decision to move forward with this has to do with this forum, the comments and discussions have been great in helping me become educated. I am self-pay, my weight hovers just under 40 BMI and fortunately I have no co-morbidity's. I have a family history of Bariatric surgery and want to head off my weight problems before I develop co-morbidity's. I look forward to the good advice and support this forum offers. I'm in the Dallas area by the way and having Dr. Gonzalez perform the procedure. They're offering a great self-pay option right now.

I'm in a bind, and no matter which way I turn, I come out stuck. STUCK. And screwed if I don't hurry up and find a solution. I have a terrible shellfish allergy, and am also sensitive to iodine. Finding a Protein shake that does not contain iodine and that is manufactured and handled in a facility that DOES NOT contain and/or sort shellfish or products containing shellfish seems to be impossible. I have no idea which way to turn. Even the unjury protein powders are handled in a facility that processes shellfish. They claim that they extensively clean the machinery that handles the Protein powder, but I still have a fear of cross contamination. I ended up in the hospital once due to cross contamination. I absolutely don't want to deal with that after surgery, or even again, for that matter. Does anyone know of a protein powder that doesn't contain iodine and isn't handled in a facility that sorts shellfish and seafood? Champion, Chike, Premier, Atkin's, and that Lean one from GNC are all out. From what I've seen, none of the nectar Proteins have iodine, but I don't know about their sort facilities. And the Bariatric Advantage vegetable Soup protein powder appears to be iodine-free as well. Haaaaaaaaalp?!?!?!

My sleeve was done by Dr. William Johnson (http://www.atlantabariatriccenter.com/meet-the-atlanta-bariatric-team/meet-the-surgeons) at Johns Creek Emory Hospital. My experience with him and that practice was great. My neighbor and her daughter had bypass surgery done by Dr. Hart at the same practice. Good luck with your sleeve experience. I had mine done back in November and it has truly been a life-changing experience.

Hi all! Finally i have my first appointment with Dr. Schweitzer at Johns Hopkins bariatric center. I am wondering if any member has had surgery with him, if so, any feedback? Thanks! Karen

I know I've posted a million times about Kaiser...but the person I'm technically a 'dependent' under wants to shop around more.... I know Aetna excludes Bariatric Surgery on their Individual plans, does BCBS, United, Cigna or Humana?

I use Tespo Vitamins. You can buy them without buying the fancy dispenser. They are liquid, and they taste really good. liquid vitamins are typically pretty disgusting, but I love my Tespo vitamins. I use the combination of the women's Multivitamin, and the bariatric Vitamin. You can read more about them at https://gettespo.com/ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I am now planning to have surgery in Mexico as a self-pay after being denied twice by insurance. I am wondering what type of medical follow ups are usually needed after gastric bypass? I have a nutritionist at home that specializes in bariatrics so feel that I'm ok there, but what about hands-on medically? Are there any stitches that have to come out etc after returning home? For anyone who chose to go to Mexico, can you please share your post-surgery experiences for follow up care? I will be able to contact my surgeon as needed with any concerns etc, indefinitely and will stay in Mexico for 6 days after the surgery, but I am wondering about any medical things I would need to have done when I return home where I have to be physically present. My US surgeon (before insurance denied me) is not supportive of my decision to go to Mexico, but I feel comfortable with the surgeon and hospital I've chosen - but I think it would be awkward to have to go back to the US surgeon after surgery in Mexico. Thanks so much!

I had almost the same issue. UHC told me I had to enroll in the bariatric resource program, 2 weeks before surgery. My case was pending up until 5 hrs before I got on the table. My bariatric center kept surprising me with "oh you still need to do this and that and you need to talk to your insurance and do more blood tests". Then my primary didn't fax a bunch of paperwork, some of it I had copies of so I went to staples, and spent $40 on faxing because I have to travel to the surgeon center. It was ridiculous. Moral of the story is, you might get approved on the day of surgery like I did. Good luck to both of you.

My menu for today, at 4 weeks out: Breakfast: Premier shake 160 cals, 30 protein Snack: Chobani Greek "hint of Strawberry" yogurt 120 cals. 12 protein Lunch: 1/5 of a hormel prepared meal with 20 g of protein 200 Cals, 10 protein Snack: Turkey/cheese roll up 142 cals 5 protein Dinner: 1/2 serving of bariatric cookbook "Egg Roll in a bowl" 134 cals, 10 protein Snack: 1/2 Premier shake 80 cals, 15 protein I try to get between 800 and 100 cals per day, but some days I don;t make it. I ALWAYS make my 75 or more of protein. Today looks like about 830 cals, 82 protein, 42 net carbs, 8 fiber, 27 fat. I am losing about .65 pounds per day according to my app. I have not yet stalled, although I'm sure I will.

food and Feelings: The Importance of Making the Connection By: Louisa Latela, MSW,LCSW I had been asked to speak to a Post-Op WLS support group a couple of years ago... around the time that gastric bypass/ weight loss surgery was just starting to become “popular.” As a psychotherapist who has been working with persons struggling with weight issues for more than 17 years, I was astounded when I spoke to this support group and realized that many bariatric patients have never made the connection between food and feelings. The first woman to speak said she had become obsessed with having to be a size 0. She was in a size two and would not buy any type of clothing that was larger than that and was actively trying to get to that 0. She was exercising compulsively. Another woman reported that she was drinking more and acting out sexually. One participant said she “had it all”: great husband, great kids, a job she loved and all the money she could want, yet she had never been so unhappy. She was starting to eat chocolate again. Yet another member said she was so nervous, she did not know what to do with herself. When she got home at night she would be watching TV and get up and walk to the kitchen, open up the refrigerator door, then dose it and go hack to the TV She would do this several times every night. Other people expressed great fear of what life would be like as a thinner person. I started to explain to them that I believe we are all born these perfect little psychic bundles of love. We are who we are in each moment, expressing our truth with freedom and innocence. If we’re happy we laugh, sad we cry, hungry we eat, full we stop. It doesn’t occur to us to not be real about who and what we are and how we feel Then as we age we start to get sometimes very subtle and sometimes very overt messages that who we are is not ok - that it is not safe to express our truth. This can come from getting messages like “big boys don’t cry,” “oh, that doesn’t hurt,” “that was a stupid thing to say,” or maybe you heard your parents arguing and asked your mother what was wrong and she said “nothing is wrong everything is just fine,” and you start to think, “It didn’t feel fine to me. It felt like there was some anger, like something between my parents was really off;” but your mother who to this point you’ve believed tobe the expert about life said everything was ok. Then you start to think, “Something must be wrong with the way I think or perceive things.” You learn to not trust your instincts. Then one day someone comes along and asks, “What color is the sky?” and you think, “Well, I think it is blue, but I don’t know if what I think is right. The last time I cut my finger, it hurt and I cried. I was told that it didn’t hurt that bad, and I shouldn’t cry. I don’t know. Maybe the sky is purple or green.” And when we are unable to express our truth, it creates a great deal of anxiety. Often, families teach children to manage feelings like anxiety with food. When we are focused on food, we learn that we do not have to be present to the current situation, nor do we feel the pain of not being able to trust and/or express ourselves. Food eventually becomes a reliable coping mechanism, a comfort zone that allows us to ignore and disconnect from what is real. Weight loss surgery patients who take the time to understand how and why they became morbidly obese and make the connection between food and feelings may make sturdier lifestyle changes that support long term weight loss. In the past two months I have had four people call my office who were 2-3 years post op. They were all starting to gain their weight back (anywhere from 25-65 pounds) and were desperate to understand why and learn what they could do to change it. None of these people had sought out any psychological counseling either before or after their surgery. They all thought, “It will just work because I won’t be hungry and my stomach can’t handle enough food to make me get fat again.” Unfortunately this was not the case. They had very little insight as to how they were using food to manage the intensity of their emotions. One way to start to understand the role compulsive eating has played in your life, is to be aware of when your thoughts turn to food when you are not physically hungry, and ask yourself; “What would I be doing right now if I wasn’t thinking about food?” It is in these moments that it is very helpful to journal. It doesn’t have to be in a fancy book, it can just be on a piece of scrap paper. The purpose here is to start to make you conscious of when you may be eating for reasons other than physical hunger. Before you can change a behavior you must first become aware of it. Write down anything that comes to mind. Try not to filter what you are writing. If you don’t know what you would be doing or what you are feeling write about what “not knowing” feels like, and ask yourself “what kind of nurturing do I need right now?” I believe that compulsive eating is always an attempt to self nurture and that self love and compassion is the foundation upon which a successful recovery program must be built. People who are in the process of losing weight and attempting to change their lifestyle may be hard on themselves. Any small deviation from their meal plan may be looked at as a failure, triggering feelings of anger, depression and shame. They may be trying hard to cope, but the shame that follows this kind of self talk can intensify the feelings of hopelessness and lead one to give up on oneself entirely. It is in these moments that we all need to tell ourselves the same thing we would tell a child or loved one. Would we tell them they are a failure because they did not follow their meal plan? If we wouldn’t say it to them, then why would we say it to ourselves? It is in these moments that we must be extra kind and compassionate with ourselves. It is a time when we really need to give ourselves an emotional hug, and think about the idea that we are doing the thing that we least want to do (that is eat in a way that does not support good health). That we have done this is an indication that this behavior feels safer than sitting with some uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes we all struggle to love ourselves enough to believe that we are worth the effort of hanging in there with ourselves as we attempt to make behavioral changes that will support us living a healthier life. Know that food is not good or bad, it just manipulates the energy in our bodies. Notice when and what you are eating and ask yourself; “Will this food support good health for me? How will I feel physically about 20 minutes after I am done eating this? How will I feel emotionally?” It has often been said that our lives are a manifestation of our intentions. Think about what that might mean in your life as you observe the way you eat. Is the way that you are eating and self caretaking an indication that your core intention for your life is something like: “It is my intention to have a healthy, joyful, abundant life” or is it something else? Just notice and think about what you would like the intention for your life to be. That to which we put our attention, expands. As I mentioned earlier, it is not uncommon for people to express great fear and concern regarding what will life be like as a thin person. How will I handle attention from the opposite sex? What will I do with all the extra time and energy I will have when I am eating for good health and energy? What will I do without the protection of my excess weight? As people travel down the road to recovery from morbid obesity, they are sometimes surprised to find out that they are not so much afraid of failure, but of success. Uncovering feelings of unworthiness, asking, “Who am I to be successful and — have a big life?” When actually they need to learn to ask the question, “Who am I not to be? What gives me the right to not have a fabulous life?” It isnot uncommon for people touse excess weight as a way of putting distance between themselves and others. When this is the case, one must learn to be assertive and set appropriate boundaries, and at the same time, risk being vulnerable and experience emotional intimacy. It is important to acknowledge and process any of these feelings that might surface, because if ignored, they could trigger intense feelings of depression, a common co-morbidity for bariatric patients, and fear which can sabotage your success. I believe that depression is an energy that is “depressed,” that it is a sign that there is something in one’s psyche or soul that wants to be expressed but has not had such an opportunity. (This is in no way meant to say that people who suffer from clinical depression need not consult with a physician and take meds as directed). When this oft times creative urge or passion tries to surface and it gets stuffed back down, a person often experiences this phenomenon as depression. As a bariatric patient one must start to explore what it is that excites them, what is it that sparks their interest, what triggers feelings of passion and excitement? Allow yourself to follow your passions. Allow yourself to play. Playing is a vitally important “nutrient” for the well being of our mind, body and spirit. It truly nurtures one’s soul. It is important to understand that feelings are just energy in your body. They, like food, are not good or bad or right or wrong. You do not have to react to your feelings. You can breathe into them and just notice them. Eventually you will begin to understand how to change your feelings as you become aware of your core beliefs and self talk. We are taught in this society that we always have to “feel good” and if we begin to feel angry, sad, anxious, etc., we must do something to stop the feeling; but, what is truly healing is to embrace the feeling, and just sit with it. It will eventually soften, and then you can move through it. When you start to truly “listen to yourself;” you will know what actions you must take in order to live a life that supports your highest good. I am writing this article because I feel so passionately about the need to get this information out to the weight loss surgery population to help them understand that surgery is only the first step. Please, if you have had, or are considering having this surgery, be sure to set yourself up with a good aftercare plan that includes individual psychological and nutritional counseling/support, realistic exercise instruction, follow up with a primary care physician familiar with weight loss surgery and group support. Surgery is not a magic cure. There is both emotional and physical work to be done in order to live a life free from compulsive eating. But IT CAN BE DONE!! Copyright 2004 DDB Media LLC www.wlslifestyles.com All rights reserved. Used with permission. If you have any questions or comments about this article or are making the connections between food and feelings I would love to hear from you. You can visit my website at www.louisalatela.com, email me at louisa@louisalatela.com, or call me at 856.429.9799.

Today is day 3 of pre-op. I stayed within my calories yesterday, but overdid it on carbs!! I thought all the dinners in my freezer were less than 20 grams carbs; I cooked one then looked at the carbs: 43!! oh no, should have pitched it but I went ahead and ate it. Then had blueberries for snack, and they are higher carb too. Some friends came over and brought a watermelon, I went ahead and ate some because I didn't want to have to explain. She asked twice what kind of diet I was on and I said predominantly liquid, she wanted to know what kind, blah blah, so I finally went ahead and told them I was going to have lapband surgery in two weeks. (Wasn't planning to tell very many people, but I'm not good at making up stories as I go along) Anyway, I was surprised, she said it would be good for my health; I about fell over in surprise. Another protein review: 1) Whey Gourmet Creamy Orangesicle Swirl - just 'ok'. Too sweet tasting for me. I mixed it with ice and water; maybe should have used a little more water. I wouldn't buy it but others would probably like it. (It came in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. My goal for the rest of the diet: STICK TO IT!! Don't overdo the carbs. I am feeling full; however, the day I had my regular meal at lunchtime, I was hungrier in the evening, so think I will stick to having the regular meal in the evening since I feel fuller longer.

Welcome Terri7225, there's a thread on the bypass forum for February 2018, you might even find a surgery twin there. At any rate you're among friends we all are fighting or have fought in the diet wars and are committed to better health and a longer lifespan. Bariatric Pal is a great resource, I've learned so,much from others experiences. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm post op almost 5 weeks. And I have had only dark greenish black stools. Is this from the vitimans? I take the bariatric fusion Sent from my SM-A716U using BariatricPal mobile app

I meant to post back in March but been busy with life. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe. For those who got sick with the virus or lost loved ones, I offer my deepest thoughts and sympathies. I was part of the group who got the by-pass done just before everything went on lockdown last year. It's been quite the journey. I've been fortunate to have been able to work from home all of this time, although I do expect to return to the office sometime later this year. To date, I have lost 92 lbs. since the start of my bariatric journey and 104 lbs. from my highest weight. I had the surgery at 62 years of age and I was pre-diabetic, with high blood pressure and a BMI of over 44 and Stage 2 kidney disease. My highest dress size was 24 and I had severe acid reflux, back, knee and feet problems. At present, I can likely get into a size 18 and my bust size has gone from DDD to DD. I absolutely have no regrets getting the surgery -- it likely saved my life in many ways. Pre surgery I did a lot of reading on here as I wanted to know as much as I could about what to expect and I appreciated those who were 6-12 months out from surgery coming back to talk about their experiences, so I wanted to pay it forward. I will begin by breaking this into 4 sections: How I feel, What I think about myself, What I appreciate about myself now, and My work in progress. How I Feel: Physically I feel great and I consider that a blessing. I still have problems with my feet but that is mainly due my falling arches more than anything (although I did strain my ankle a few weeks ago attempting to do HIIT exercises -- don't ask). I've been most frustrated not being able to go to the gym to workout so my main exercise is walking long distances and doing online sculpturing classes. I do plan to return to the gym soon to step up the weight training. Walking up a flight of stairs without gasping for air is just simply divine! Having blood pressure that avg. 117/75? Lovely! I do still have to sleep somewhat elevated as I do have occasional bouts of reflux but nothing like before the surgery and I can't sleep on my right side for too long. But I can now sleep on my back without having severe back pain (the draw back is that my mouth is always open when I do). My blood work for the most part shows most areas in the normal ranges and my kidneys are functioning well. What I think about myself: When I was still in my 20s, I managed to lose 80 pounds and I gained it all back and then some. What is different about me now vs. then is that I still saw myself as fat, even though at that time, I was 16 pounds away from my goal weight. When I look at the pictures of me then, I couldn't see what I see of myself now. Even if I never lose another pound, I am so very cool with me being at this size right now. We are all different, especially us women, but yet we compare our bodies to an image that is not necessarily natural or realistic for most of us. Now I look in the mirror and I 'see' skinny and that's only because I'm tall and can carry more weight without 'looking' fat. That's also why the bottom line for me will always be the numbers on the scale, the volume of food I eat and the calories I ingest because the numbers don't lie. But poor body imagery can screw your mind up every time. What I appreciate about myself now: I think that it's so important to note the things that most folk who are thinner often take for granted. I try to keep a mental list of the things I can do now vs. before: Crossing my legs! I so love doing this! I can cross my legs without needing to hold my leg in place with my hand. I can keep my legs crossed for long periods of time without leg cramps; I can get a 4.5 mile walk in within 1 hr, 15 min vs. the 1 hr. 45 mins. in the past. I was able to work up to 10 miles in one session last year; Love having a resting heart rate in the 50s-60s; I can actually go to Costcos and buy some clothes! I haven't yet done so, but I will be able to start shopping for clothes in the non plus size section (that will still feel weird though); I like the fact that it can take me 2-3 days to finish a meal that I would normally eat in one meal. Volume control is a major game changer for me. I can't believe that I don't miss ice cream! My Work in Progress: The weight loss is slooooooooooooooooooooow now. I'm so close to that major milestone of onederland that I can taste it! Drinking enough water is still a struggle; Yes, sometimes I do overeat (and yeah, I pay for that!) Some foods that I like I can't really eat that much of anymore. I have to remind myself to make sure I get in enough protein. The protein drinks really helps even now. I still feel somewhat guilty when I have to throw food away because I'm full. I still snack a lot and I will on occasion, have that one sweet item that I want. I don't crave sweets and I'm so very grateful about that. Interesting that I want more savory things now. Being consistent is what I have to constantly work on. So ask me anything and I will check in from time to time to answer your questions. I would love to hear from others who had the surgery just prior to the great shutdown of 2020. Whatever you do, stay true and focus on your journey. It doesn't matter when you get there, only that you do in your time.

My Dr has been doing bariatric procedures for over 10 years. When I asked him before surgery how many laps he had to convert to open, he said he had done his first one three weeks earlier. That seemed like a good success rate to me! Good luck

I am on day 8 pre op diet . I am having 3 protein drinks, using a lemonade flavor I bought at bariatric choice.com. I also can have 1 lean cuisine a day until days 12 &13 then just liquids. I have lost 8 pounds so far, hoping for at least 12. My surgery has been moved up a day due to having to change hospital because of insurance coverage! UGH! No problems with stools yet, hope it stays like that! Good luck to you!

i got a call from a doctor on base, calling to give me some info from the wonderful young doctor i saw a week or so ago. APPARENTLY, the surgeons on base didnt approve my surgery because i hadnt been to any bariatric classes. (im assuming this is to talk about the procedure, the band and the lifestyle change that it requires?) so in short, my doctor put in a referral for bariatric classes at the David Grant medical center general surgery clinic (the hospital on base). supposedly, after i attend the classes, i can get a referral to the surgeon i want off base. if this is the confusion im facing now, i cant wait until i have to deal with Tricare! :wink:

Well surgery is in the morning at 11:30 am- 3/23. I have spent the last two days inundated with last minute things- my daughter leaving for France on Friday, one of my sons had to get scheduled for wisdom teeth extraction next week. Monday I woke up shaky and crying- like when hormones overtake you when you're pregnant- no rhyme or reason you just start bawling. Lasted for a few hours and then I calmed down. Tuesday I saw my surgeon for my "day before" appointment. Begged him to let me have a turkey sandwich ( I was kidding!) and he said no way! I told him he was a bully and we laughed so it helped relieve some tension. Meanwhile it is 2:14 am and I can't sleep a wink. Never can when something important is happening the next day- like a trip or in this case surgery. Had a great conversation with my "Bariatric buddy" tonight and now I'm one hundred percent ready to go! But these last two days have been a crazy roller coaster.

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