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Brand new to the boards...this is my first post. :thumbup:) I haven't had surgery yet, but I am scheduled for VSG on March 4. My surgeon is going to be Dr Joseph Cribbins in Plano. He came highly recommended by my Family Practitioner (Dr. Guy Culpepper), who I have been with for nearly 15 years and love! I first met Dr. Cribbins last year - which my second attempt to get approved for WLS. Apparently third time was a charm for me and I was approved this year. The doctor and his staff have been helpful and thorough. He is personable and has taken the time to answer my questions thoroughly. His Bariatric Coordinator, Sheryl, is phenomenal! Calling with updates on the status of the insurance requests and providing pre-surgery information and appointments. At this time, I am going into this surgery with no worries about his (or his staff's) qualifications or skills. I hope I am not overstepping by recommending him since I haven't had surgery yet, but I just thought I would add my two cents. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!

Who else is invited to Kaiser Richmond Bariatrics Dept. on February 11th? I hear its a costume party.

Well I was with copper bariatric so they sent me to there own psychologist. She great can give you name if you like

Yes it is. Because so many had shared that they got full from "just two bites" I was so worried about being able to eat a whole egg or 1/3 cup of just about anything without feeling any fullness or restriction. I was certain I was going to be the freak of nature that the surgery wasn't going to work for. I talked to my dietician, surgeon and bariatric trainer and they all reassured me that eating that amount was normal. I started feeling more restriction and satiety around 9 weeks.

I started my journey on feb 22 with a consult to a bariatric surgeon. My preop requirements were: 6 mo dr monitored weigh ins Psychological exam Pulmonary clearance Cardiovascular clearance Sleep study Surgery seminar Support group participation X-rays Blood work Dietician consult Letter of medical necessity I was one of the lucky ones. I had already seen my PCP monthly since dec for unrelated concerns and since I was weighed at those visits, those counted toward my 6 month dr monitored weigh in. Because I was on this app, my surgeon released me from the support group requirement and due to my previous research and binder I brought with me to my consult, he cleared me from the seminar. My NUT told me it would take a good 6 months just to get me in since she was so busy, but she had a cancellation within a week and because of my preparation, cleared me that same appointment. My psychologist didn't accept my insurance so I thought I was going to have to pay out of pocket, but all of a sudden another psychologist called and said they'd get me in and use my insurance. I had already done a sleep study within the previous year due to unrelated concerns so the dr accepted that as completed. So here I am a bit blown away by how quickly this went by. In 2 1/2 months, I completed everything and just got a call today from my surgeons office to select a surgery date (may 26th) and preop appt (may 16th). I was hoping for less than 6 months, but as of this week, didn't think it would be earlier than the 2nd week of June. I'm surprised my surgeon got me in so quickly for surgery. She said the only reason why I have to wait 2 more weeks is because that's allowing the insurance to approve. She says she calls them almost daily to push for answers so they can get their patients in within 2 weeks of clearance. Had a twinge of fear when I heard may 26th just because it seems so soon, but this is what I've worked so hard for. Anyone else on May 26th??? I'm going to go through this alone since my husband is working and no one else knows. It would be nice to have a buddy. [emoji4]

Yes, thank you for sharing your experience. I'm so sorry you went through all of that. My first two pregnancies I threw up around the clock for 40 weeks and it was miserable. I am concerned about the nutrients for the baby and weight gain. I have an appointment with my bariatric surgeon next week to talk about my specific situation. Were hit able to eat enough before you got pregnant and then it stopped? Or were you not getting enough yet even before getting pregnant?

God bless you and good luck. My surgery date is May 21. It's been about a five month process for me to get to this point. I am anxious, nervous, a little frightened but most of all filled with gratitude to have this "reset button" pushed (as I like to call it) and have a hope renewed to live my life free from the bonds of obesity.

I just spoke with a doctor who works in an addiction clinic. He said stay away from alcohol as bariatric surgery patients become highly susceptible to becoming alcoholic. Don't know any statistics on this... Just may be one person's opinion. I've never been much of a drinker and certainly don't plan to start.

I started with the Bariatric Advantage Protein powder and I could not take it! Worst aftertaste ever. I tried the chocolate Premier Protein and it is soooo much better. Went out and bought the vanilla and strawberry days later. I'm on the pre-op diet now too - good luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I met with my surgeon on Friday for the first time. I settled on the sleeve after discussing it with him. It seems the surgery with the fewest behavior adjustments and the most normal eating. He said that I'm supermorbidly obese at 296 lb. I've always had to watch the calories but it wasn't until my early 40s that the pounds piled on and wouldn't come off. I decided to have bariatric surgery this summer when X-rays showed that I'm bone on bone in my knees and can't have knee replacement surgery until the weight is in a normal range. Dr. Hirai of St. Francis will do my surgery, but he wants me to lose 30 lb before surgery. I want to have the surgery in December, so that doesn't leave me much time to lose it. Is there anyone else who has had to have presurgical dieting and succeeded in getting it off fast. Right now I'm looking at using a protein drink a couple of times a day in place of a meal and cutting out the simple carbs.

This book helped me: Emotional First + Aid Kit (bariatric surgery) by Cynthia Alexander Also, the new psychiatrist's D.S.M. manual has a category now for binge eating. There is medication that might help.

U look so happy, refreshed, and beautiful. I am truly happy for you. My highest weight was 360. Right now I am 338 and I feel miserable. And just like you said I am only existing and not living life. I can not wait to start living life because at the weight I am right now it doesn't seem possible. Thank u for being an inspiration. I can not wait to get this bariatric program rolling so that I can get my surgery.

Very interesting article that I thought I'd share. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some of the most firmly held beliefs about weight loss are unproven or downright untrue, according to an analysis comparing concepts promoted in the popular media with data from the scientific literature. The findings were published online January 31 in a special article in the New England Journal of Medicine. "False and scientifically unsupported beliefs about obesity are pervasive in both scientific literature and the popular press," write Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, from the Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues. The authors discuss a total of 7 myths, along with refuting evidence. Here are some examples: Small changes in food intake and/or exercise will produce large, long term weight changes — This idea was based on the old idea that 3500 kcal equals 1 pound of weight. But it does not take into account the fact that energy requirements change as body mass changes over time. So, as weight is lost, it takes increasingly more exercise and reduced intake to perpetuate the loss. Realistic weight-loss goals will keep people motivated — This idea seems reasonable, but it is not supported by evidence. In fact, several studies have shown that people with very ambitious goals lose more weight (eg, TV's The Biggest Loser). Slow, gradual weight loss is best for long-term success — Actually, a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled weight-loss trials found that rapid weight loss via very-low-calorie diets resulted in significantly more weight loss (16% vs 10% of body weight) at 6 months, and differences in weight loss persisted up to 18 months (Int J Behav Med. 2010;17:161-167). A bout of sexual activity burns 100 to 300 kcal per person — With intense sexual activity, a 154-pound man burns approximately 3.5 kcal per minute. However, given that the average amount of time spent during one stimulation and orgasm session is about 6 minutes, this man might expend about 21 kcal total. But, he would burn about 7 kcal just lying on the couch, so that amount has to be subtracted, which gives a grand total of 14 kcals of energy expended. The article also explores 6 "presumptions," or widely accepted beliefs that are neither proven nor disproven. Among them: Eating Breakfast prevents obesity — Actually, 2 studies showed no effect of eating vs skipping breakfast. Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet results in weight loss — Adding more calories of any type without making any other changes is likely to cause weight gain. Eating fruits and vegetables is healthful, however. Weight cycling, aka "yoyo dieting," increases mortality — The data are from observational studies and likely confounded by health status. Finally, the authors offer 9 facts about obesity and weight loss that are supported by data, among them: Moderate environmental changes can promote as much weight loss as even the best weight-loss drugs. Diets do produce weight loss, but attempting to diet and telling someone to diet are not necessarily the same thing. Physical activity does help in promoting weight loss and has health benefits even in the absence of weight loss. For overweight children, involving the family and home environment in weight-loss efforts is ideal. Providing actual meals or Meal Replacements works better for weight loss than does general advice about food choices. Both weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery can help achieve long-term weight loss in some individuals. According to Dr. Casazza and colleagues, "The myths and presumptions about obesity that we have discussed are just a sampling of the numerous unsupported beliefs held by many people, including academics, regulators, and journalists, as well as the general public. Yet there are facts about obesity of which we may be reasonably certain — facts that are useful today." And they conclude, "While we work to generate additional useful knowledge, we may in some cases justifiably move forward with hypothesized, but not proven, strategies. However, as a scientific community, we must always be open and honest with the public about the state of our knowledge and should rigorously evaluate unproved strategies." Original article: http://www.medscape....warticle/778600

Thats so stange I have Empire Bc/Bs PPO of New York and my first three months were covered for everything even my first fill! My Nurse NP(surgical assistant who does the fills)did not feel I needed a fill with in the three month time frame since I had lost 40 pounds. I had my and one any only fill on Ocotber 25,2006 of 1cc which I did not pay for, just paid for the office visit. My monthly follow ups are with my Nurse Np and dietican and they are not covered by insurance, they each charge $80.00 each which is out of pocket. I am able to get remburished for my out of network fees up to a certain amount. I have to sumbit recipiets each month. I have lost 57 pounds since my surgery on June 13th and Iam 8 1/2 months out! Most fills after the first three months are usually not covered by insurance,I would call your insurance ask for Medical Management department and ask alot of questions on how Lapband bariatric surgery is handled. I had to do this with Empire when getting my approval for surgery they were both informative and very nice. Good Luck -- Hang in there the journey is so worth it! Lisa

It also depends in your dr some require Bariatric Vitamins

I have been dieting all my life, and they don't work. I didn't want my intestines cut, and pulled out, because there is no going back! So I chose the band. It was good in the beginning. You stick to what your Dr. and Dietitian tell you, and your good to go. You will lose weight. I lost over 120lbs. with a 4cc band. I went in for a fill, I was at 1.8cc, and they filled me with0.2cc. Total of saline in the band 2cc. It blew the band ! I kept trying to figure how could this happen? It's only 1/2 full? Well I quit beating my head of the wall and believe that it was defective. I never had any problem before, and it blew the line, or port. I'm hoping to get in to see a surgeon soon now that I have Ins. again. When I went back to my surgeon, he seen some weight gain, and told his student to instruct me to control my appetite, come back when I have lost weight, and will talk about a fill. Then I was escorted out. I was furious ! This was my last month of Ins. due to being laid off, but no one would let me see him so I was escorted out. I have regained all of my weight, and I am trying threw things that I have learned to cut back. It is hard. I have gotten the attention of another surgeon to see me VERY HARD TO DO! So I weight daily for a call, I will call tomorrow and see if they can work in a outsider. Just so you know. This is a plastic tool, and can break, and will somewhere down the line... So,, make sure you have a excellent surgeon. Find out if you develop a leak will he fix you, Ask questions! Find the answers to your questions before surgery. Then do what you want. Yes it is a Weight Loss Tool! It also works ! The choice is up to you. I know it works, but I know it can come with some problems. I wish you Luck. Shirley Banded 10/31/2006 Dr. Jeffrey Genaw "Chief Bariatric Surgeon" Henry Ford Hospital "Center of Excellence" Detroit, Michigan.

Wouldn't hurt. I called before I even went to first visit. I was wondering what my co-pay was. My doctor has one person that handles all bariatric insurance claims. They will work very hard for you to get approved. Humana was very helpful with all my questions.

I second the therapy recommendation. Most of us have an eating disorder of some kind. I found therapy with a Bariatric experienced psychologist to help tremendously. Good luck!

Good morning good people. I am here because my sleeve is broken. I just don't want to get into too much detail to protect the innocent or anyone else, but lets just say in a Dr's Appt I had yesterday with my Bariatric Surgeon provided by my insurance and as we were going over slides of an upper GI I had a week prior... it seems my sleeve is way too big still and it is shaped like an hourglass. Also I have extremely bad reflux and it is causing me a whole lot of misery. My surgeon is referring me to have an upper scope done now, which will be photographic images of exactly what my stomach looks like from the inside, as well as to see if I might have a hernia to tend to. His precursory recommendation though is to revise to a gastric bypass since my reflux is so bad, and do any corrections and hernia repairs as necessary. So, I don't know if any of you know my story but I was banded in 2008. That's when the reflux started and my lapband caused me so much pain that I wanted it removed. My band surgeon was not helpful at all. I will just leave it as that so I was left to make my own decisions. I paid to have my lap band removed and revise to a gastric sleeve in 2010. I didn't know at the time that the gastric sleeve would just make my reflux worse, and believe me, had I known this I would've just gotten the bypass then. Anyhow, I just thought I'd start sharing my story here because it seems as though this is where I'll start to get my support now. Note that I am not upset or angry at anything that has happened or what will happen. It's just a part of my progression in my life. I will get through it, that's for darn sure. Thanks for listening. Irene

Honestly? After talking to dozens and dozens of post-op bariatric surgery patients, it depends more on your genetics and your luck than anything. And I hate to say that. It's kind of like the loose skin issue. I wish I had a magical trick for the huge number of people that have asked me about my lack of hair loss and loose skin, but really - I got my protein in, I drank my water, I used bath and body works lotion a few times a week. 170 lbs lost, never lost any hair, barely any loose skin. I have no idea how, or why - neither does anyone else take your biotin, get your protein, drink your water - you could try to find some biotin shampoo! But honestly, I don't know if it makes that much difference. It seems that some people just lose the hair, and some don't. Good news? It will grow back!

Just as a reminder, please put on your calendar the August meeting of the Bariatric Pal Local Support Group. The date is August 20, 2015 @ 5:30 PM in the Simpson Community Center (6 North Main Street Camden, DE This on the corner of North Main Street and Route 10) and we will meet there. Please fill free to invite anyone Pre- and Post-surgery or family member who is seeking weight loss support. Text me if you need more info 302-632-8111. Thanks, Doyle

Yes, I talked with one person who is supposed to come to next meeting and she is going threw WR. Please try to invite anyone who has interest or involved in Bariatric program.

Could you get something similar on Bariatric Pal or Amazon?

I just found out that if you go to the perky Jerky website, under the Contact Us They have a drop down for WLS/Bariatric Surgery patients. If you fill out the form, they will send you free samples! Just requested mine today.

Have you spoken to a counselor about your concerns? Your Bariatric team can likely recommend someone who is familiar with the emotional changes that Sleeve patients deal with. Best of luck in sorting this out.