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Every office is going to be different but asking any questions you can think of is the best thing. Even if it's an embarrassing one ask it because I'm sure they've heard worse.....lol Also do research on the Internet to come up with questions, maybe about something you don't understand. My office required me to go to 3 pre op bariatric support groups. Very very informational ! You also can ask a ton of questions there too and no one is there judging you. Good luck too you and this wonderful journey!!

i agree with sojo and jim. my hub actually took the Protein shakes and a print out of the bartric advantage stuff to walmart to compare. same ingredients and i also consulted with my dr and nutritionist who advised just what jim said: (Bariatric Advantage is just a name. Don't let "bariatric" in the name fool you into thinking is it something special) so i get my Vitamins and Protein shake powder at my local walmart

I had a letter after four business days. I didn't even have to call. But I knew I had bariatrics covered on my plan. My surgeon and I scheduled my surgery date and everything prior to approval.

Ok just trying to help. I have always paid my bills on time and assumed you would too. Just wanted you to know I did NOT mean to imply that you could get out of paying the bill. Personally I've got cash ready for when the hospital bills me; I had thought I'd be self pay, so I'm kind of in a reverse situation from yours. They didn't make me pay anything up front except my $150 deductible. I'll owe around 1500 when they get around to billing me for it; since they didn't ask me to pay up front for my bariatric surgery, I'd hoped that a similar situation for you might give you time to gather the funds. Sorry if I made it sound like you should not pay; that was never my intention. That's stealing.

not only is it acidic, it's carbonated. Not a good choice at less than a month out. You're still healing. Plus transfer addiction is unfortunately a real thing - some people develop issues with alcohol after bariatric surgery. So I'd be careful. we were told to wait a year after surgery to indulge - some people are told six months. Some may not have to wait as long, but 3.5 weeks is way too early.

RNY and sleeve both have their advantages and disadvantages. Some factors to consider: Sleeve is still relatively new - about 15 years. RNY has been done in various forms since the 1950's. RNY is by far the most common bariatric surgery. Approximately 80% of all bariatric surgeries worldwide are RNY. Becuse of the two factors above, there is a great deal more experience and long term statistical information on the outcomes of RNY surgeries compared to sleeve. This may be part of the reason that some insurance companies are still hesitant to cover the sleeve. RNY is more invasive than sleeve but average weight loss for RNY patients is substantially higher than it is for sleeve patients. That may change as more experience is gained with sleeve and better procedures and techniques are developed. RNY is widely acknowledged as the single most effective "treatment" for type 2 diabetes currently available to medical science. RNY has a greater risk of malnutrition than sleeve because RNY involves both restriction and malabsorption while sleeve is restrictive only. Both surgeries appear to be equally safe as far as mortality goes. However, non life-threatening post-op complications such as infections are more common for the more invasive RNY than they are for sleeve.

Hello all, To anyone that lives in South Carolina, I'm looking for any insurance plans that cover bariatric surgery. From the research that I've done, I haven't found any that do. I don't qualify for any Medicaid plans, so I'm not sure what my options are at this point besides either paying out of pocket (which is a last resort possibility) or going outside the country. Any help regarding finding any insurance plan that could cover bariatric surgery or a way to get my current healthcare provider (BCBS South Carolina) to somehow cover my surgery is appreciated. Thank you.

Surgery should always be looked at as risk -vs- benefit. If you don't believe that the benefits justify the risk....you shouldn't do it. If you do believe the benefits justify the risk...you should. It's really that simple. To me....this looks like you're not yet ready to accept the risks. About fatty liver disease. Most people getting surgery (greater than 75% of obese people) already have fatty liver disease. I'm guessing the biopsy would be to stage it, if you have a particularly unhealthy looking liver at the time of surgery. Weight loss surgery generally helps to treat it. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5061986/ If you have questions about any of this....talk to your doctor. It's what he/she is there for. This surgery is safer now than gallbladder surgery. Particularly, with the preventative labs and imaging you'll be doing, (chest x-ray, ekg, imaging of your stomach, lab work)...there shouldn't be too many surprises. At a major hospital like Mass General, you'll be in good hands. When weighing your benefits vs risks... make sure you include the risks of obesity: increased risk of heart attack and stroke, increased risk of several cancers, increased risk of loss of mobility, increased risk of cellulitis, diabetes, sleep apnea, etc...etc... You really do need to be 100% sure that you're comfortable with the decision you're making. My first bariatric surgery consultation was almost 20 years ago...and I had my surgery almost 4 months ago:) Part of me wishes I'd done this years ago...because I'm feeling fantastic and believe I made the right decision. The other part of me is glad I waited because time and research opened up more options, and I found a group I absolutely love and feel comfortable with. What ever you decide....best wishes:)

Hopefull,do you need an older perspective? I am 72, [emoji70]going to have RnY surgery within a few months and anticipating it being great. Yes I too read the" coulda" list, like the others said,there is more danger walking downstairs and you might fall, you could choke on your Breakfast, get run over by a bus or car, none of that has happened yet? Good, and the likely-ness of any of the others happening, even less likely. Life is a gamble but with all the advances in science and medicine you are holding a winning hand. I too will have my surgery in a teaching hospital, that doesn't worry me because those are the best cutting edge facilities. Shoot when I'm sprawled out, if I can help with their instruction, okay. I'm sure my doctor will have me surrounded with the best of the best, if there are junior doctors they will also be trained well or they won't be allowed to be present. Those bad things you've heard about are more likely to happen to someone my age. Am I concerned? Heck no, my life with surgery will be vastly superior to the life I currently live. I have had arthritis since 25, every bone is or has ached, I have had 2 knee replacements, I have a plate and 12 screws in my upper right arm that fixed a fracture. I have had a bunch of minor breaks that ache, they ache more because I am and have been obese for years. You do get sick and tired of being sick and tired. You have an opportunity to have your body repaired, realigned and made better. Do not wait as long as I have---please. Your skin will go back into shape and smooth out as you lose weight. Mine will probably look like a Shar pei, but guess what, its better to be a loose skinned puppy than lie dead in a casket. I may not have too many more years on this earth but I want to live them healthier fitter and smaller. The trade off for me: surgery and a renewed life vs. obesity and the chance of death? I chose life, [emoji13]my journey started in August 2015, many bumps and twists in the road there,but I'm sticking through to the finish. I feel I can do naught else. If you feel scared,if you feel nervous, talk to me. I have had a lot of life experiences, some scarred me but most have made me stronger. I am a tough old female [emoji70]who's going to win this battle. The world will not vanquish [emoji626]Major General frust8, I will fire every gun and cannon at my disposal until.[emoji606] my war is won[emoji121]. Can you do any less? Come join me if you can.[emoji14][emoji14][emoji14] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

iBariatric.com - AchievONE Protein drinks - Post Bariatric Surgery Diet - Post Gastric Bypass Surgery Diet is giving away a free sample of Kay's Naturals Protein Cereal. It is located on the right side of the front page under "Todays Super Deal" 100% Free Product! No Credit Card or billing info Required! Check it out iBariatric.com - AchievONE Protein Drinks - Post Bariatric Surgery Diet - Post Gastric Bypass Surgery Diet *Limited to the first 500 people, and only 1 sample per customer. They will go quick!

that averages out to 4 lbs a week - so yes, that's normal. You normally see the biggest drop the first month (maybe two), after that, 2 or 3 lbs a week is pretty average. I'd also lost 39 lbs when I was where you're at, and I started out much heavier than you. I think a lot of people's expectations are shaped by shows like "My 600 lb Life", but you have to keep in mind that people on that show start out A LOT heavier than your average bariatric patient - so you can't compare yourself to them. If you're sticking to your plan, staying active, and your overall weight trend is done, you're good.

I wrote to my health plan to ask what the specific requirements were for bariatric surgery. This is the response I got. Hello Thank you for your email inquiry. Coverage for Bariatric Surgery for members age 18 and older is provided when authorized in advance by the Tufts Health Plan Pre-Certification Department. Coverage is for medically necessary surgery to treat morbid obesity when the member meets the Medical Necessity Guidelines submitted by the member's primary care physician or bariatric surgeon. Coverage is subject to the in-network deductible and any applicable co-insurance. I am PUMPED!!!! I know that I meet the medical necessity guidelines. I know the surgery must be at a "Center of Excellence" and my hospital is on their Center of Excellence list. I feel so much better knowing this now.

Welcome to you @@Bonnie_isgettingsleeved I just wanted to get in before you hear all sorts of untrue things about me... You may also hear some true things about me... Please disregard them... Anyway, I digress... Welcome to what is the best and most helpful Bariatric thingo forum I've ever visited...

i have the same situation with my best friend and my Cousin in Law. My best friend is at least trying. but due to a family issue with another member having bariatric surgery with a fatal result she almost refuses to look at this option. Which i completely understand. She said she would come and check on me but she didnt and took over a week for her to even text me about how i was doing. my Cousin in Law has not spoken three words to me since my surgery. i just encourage them in their decisions. But i made this choice for me and me alone. i am the one that has to look at myself in the mirror and be proud for my small goals to becoming a healthier person. now granted i have gotten down on myself but i think everyone goes through that stage. but i am doing this to be healthier and be there for my family without being out of breath or popping pills for pain in my joints because i can not hike or join in the activities my family is doing. no way! not any more. Be proud of what you are accomplishing and be patient with your friends. Love them unconditionally. God bless your decision for being a healthier you and Good luck on your journey.

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...

Hilarious but also pretty cute too. After years of looking like someone forgot to stop pouring when pouring me into them, with being down from 28-30W to a definite 20, I can find them to FIT, of course I still am a little hesident to wear them out in public ( look at that foolish fat old lady in those. bright leggings!) old habits do die harden to the world I probably,look noticied. And FAT but I KNOW how much of my Fat Shell has cracked away, and it is Enough that I still feel hope for the future! Even when my doctors weigh me in kg as they do, the numbers look hopeful. Semi- miserable this AM, I had shoulder surgery the 4th of April, original plan was to go in, remove the hardware left from my proximal humerus fracture 9 years ago. It was a plate and 12 screws, not quite sure if it was the fat loss, the length of time it was present, but it had started being a detriment to my life quality, fluid had to be drained from the shoulder joint nearby et cetera et cetera. Well when my ortho surgeon got in there since it was an open area, he decided to assess what other bits of the shoulder anatomy looked like, well my rotator cuff was nothing b to write home about, so he went ahead and repaired it too to save me another surgery. And I March around in a shoulder sling daily for a while. If I leave things bandaged and suspended , I can only sleep in the recliner, if I want to sleep in bed, I have to remove it from sling and put affected arm up on pillows. That works pretty fine unless I move too much in my sleep or try to turn over. If I do, I wake up in misery, slept successfully maybe 3-4 hours and here I am , back alone and up in the recliner, and waiting for a Pain Med to "kick in". I am far from an abuser, let alone opioid and that family of bad little drugs. My late Mama was addicted to Fiorinal, boy I stay as far as I can from that stuff don't even take Acetaminophen/ Panadol if I can avoid it. Try to " tough" it out , because I had Mama's bad example, she would even talk to her meds- Hi there little pill, if I take you, what will you do for ME today! And I would slowly simmer, tried as young adult to try to convince her to cut back on the varieties, O My, just like an obese person who wants the last slice if Christmas or even Chocolate frosted Cake, you nearly get trampled for your intervention. So here I am, arguing with my PCP about meds "I AM NOT taking THAT unless my body really requires THAT!" And looking as my daughter bounces gleefully down the same path as her Grandmother, you don't call her home after 8pm, she and her husband have taken on so many meds by that point, they and their voices are unintelligible. She is 50, her husband 53, a little late for a family intervention, isn't it? Anyway she looks older than me, speaks to me usually only when SHE wants something or looking for sympathy. The other day I had tripped going to take papers into an office- back parking area was in a state of disrepair, and I just mis-stepped, fell onto repaired arm because I didn't see the fall coming, would have rolled to healthy side instead. My son called his sister, he wanted her to know, me-pfft, didn't matter if she knew or not. Sad to say, I do still love her down- deep but I do not approve of many of her actions- so I don't LIKE her too much, hurt me and her brother emotionally too doggone much! She comes into the ED area where I was undergoing testing, for a minute I didn't recognize her. She And I both look in our late 50s, I'm really 73 but she is grayer and more haggard- looking. Truly as I lose weight, I have started looking younger. Sad this time when you look like sisters and I am 23 years older. Didn't mean to get off on a rant but it is a source of sorrow for me and her little(39 years old) brother! At any rate, I was lucky, did not crack or break my arm further but now I have bruising on the inner surface, elbow to shoulder, bad enough when I had my endoscopy Friday, I have these frequently as I developed ulcerations,in my pouch and jejunem( second section of small intestine) and this checks on their status of healing. Anyway I had a special wristband on that arm because of the traumas it has gone through. Started IV for my sedation in left arm, had Blood pressure cuff on the calf of my leg. And that is not a comfortable location, hurts when it inflates every 15 minutes, but better than having them do a "cut down" put a Central. line pressure item like a Swan-Gantz in my basilac or even subclavian vein, that would take a 45 minute easy- peasy procedure into a major surgical undertaking. But I guess my endoscopic/ bariatric surgeon Dr Noria, who is also my surgeon's younger partner, is satisfied things are starting to heal. My recovery has not been textbook- pretty but it still is my journey toward my goals, lost from surgery weight of 319 to 232 pounds in 7 months, and that Seems to please my surgeons so by extension I suppose Me Also. Every pound lost is a Gain for me and my future😝❤😝.

Here's FYI for those that are interested! Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, Protein deficiency and Vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

Celebrate brand is made specifically for bariatric post ops. Tons of flavors. You have to order online.

I don't think that is common. I would be insistent with your bariatric team about follow up to determine what might be going on. Good luck!

This has probably been posted before but it is relevant here and might be new to some. I might just go and add it to the Headhunter thread too, for the benefit of the newbies who are reading that. LAP-BAND: Statistics subframe <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width=530 height=60>Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding In 2000 Consecutive Obese Patients: 12-Year Results </TD></TR><TR><TD vAlign=top noWrap width=565 colSpan=2> Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB) with the LAP-BAND is the most commonly performed surgical procedure for the treatment of morbid obesity in Europe, Australia and South America. Since FDA approval in 2001 the LAP-BAND has ranked second among all bariatric procedures performed in the U.S. and, to date, approximately 300,000 LAP-BAND procedures have been performed worldwide. Background: The purpose of this study was to examine 1,791 consecutive laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) procedures with up to 12 years of follow up. LAGB is widely accepted but its efficacy in the long run is questioned since long term results with a high follow-up rate are not common. Between September 1993 and December 2005, 1,791 consecutive patients (75.1% women, mean age 38.7 years, mean body weight 127.7+ –24 kg, mean body mass index (BMI) 46.2+ –7.7) underwent the LAP-BAND procedure. All operations were performed by ILOST surgeons, Dr. Franco Favretti and Dr. Gianni Segato, part of the multi-disciplinary team that developed the laparoscopic application of the LAP-BAND back in 1993. Results: The ILOST team of surgeons has performed the LAP-BAND procedure on more than 6.000 patients. Dr. Franco Favretti and Dr. Gianni Segato have just published the long term results (more than 12 years) of their own series of 2.000 patients. These results are unparalleled. There are no similar reports in the scientific literature. Results measured over 12 years included mortality, complications, weight loss and resolution/improvement of co-morbidities. Life expectancy was evaluated in an additional study of LAP-BAND vs. medical therapy. Patients were followed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively and yearly thereafter. Band adjustments were performed with barium swallow under fluoroscopy. Zero surgical mortality in the entire series. A mortality rate of 0 in 1,791 consecutive LAP-BAND patients attests to the benign nature of the LAP-BAND surgery. Re-operation rate of less than 5%. Major complications requiring re-operation occurred in 106 (5.9%) patients. These included stomach slippage + pouch dilatation in 70 (3.9%) patients (band removed in 20 patients–1.1%, repositioned in 50 patients–2.8%), erosion in 16 (0.9%) patients (band removed), psychological intolerance in 14 (0.7%) patients (band removed), miscellaneous (HIV, infection, mircroperforation) in 5 (0.27%) patients (band removed) and gastric necrosis in 1 (0.05%) patient (gastrectomy performed). If we exclude the 31 major complications of the learning curve period (first 100 patients), the complication rate is reduced to 4.4%. Unprecedented 12-year follow-up rate of 91% allowed ILOST surgeons to report reliable data. Most common co-morbidities were hypertension (35.6%), osteoarthritis (57.8%), diabetes (22%), dislipidemia (27.1%), sleep apnea (31.4%), depression (21.2%), hyperuricemia (27.1%), gallstones (8.7%) irregular menstrual cycle (4.9%), heart failure (1.4%), sweet eating (22.5%) and binge eating (18.5%). Average weight loss in the entire series of 1,791 patients. Weight loss (kg, BMI, %EWL) for the entire series is represented in Figure 1. At 10 years the average weight was 101.4 ± 27.1 kg (loss of 26.3 kg), the BMI 37.7 ± 9.1 (loss of 8.5 points) and the %EWL was 38.5 ± 27.9. </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I was still sore at 6 weeks out when I had my first fill!! If it's hot to the touch, if you're running any kind of temperature, if the area is red, there might be a problem. Swelling could also possibly be a indication of something not quite right. Best thing would be to call your bariatric surgeons office and talk to one of the nurses. They know you and your history better than we do. ::smile:: More than likely you're just taking a while to heal, but call to make sure. Hope it resolves for you soon.

Hi All- My name is Brittany and I'm 25 years old. I'm currently trying to decide if Bariatric Surgery is the right route for me, given my circumstances. Basically, if I decide to go through with it all, I'd like to try to get the surgery done before I turn 26 in October. Until that point I'll have two insurances (through work and my dad-- thanks Obamacare!) and I figured that would be the cheapest way to get it done. I have my first Doctor's consultation in a couple of weeks and I've been researching the options. Right now, sleeve or bypass seem best for me, but I just don't know. I think once I meet my doctor he will be able to give me his professional opinion on the matter. I guess where I'm struggling right now is deciding if it's actually something I actually want to do. I've been overweight my entire life and have grown quite comfortable with my appearance. I'm very proportional for my size- and I've always thought of myself as attractive. I actually worry, very vainly, that I'll be less attractive if I lose weight. I'm dating someone who loves my curves and wouldn't change me for the world and I worry that if I lost weight he might look at me differently. (Although I think that's more of a personal concern, because I know he would support and encourage me if it meant I was being healthy). I have infertility issues and my doctors have told me repeatedly that losing weight will only increase my chances at getting pregnant. I also know that losing my excess fat will make me healthier in the long run. But I'm so comfortable the way I am now. Was anyone else afraid to take that leap?

To get my Calcium in and to satisfy my craving for something sweet, I use the Bariatric Advantage calcium chews. The chocolate is so much like eating a tootsie roll and the raspberry is like eating a starburst. A daily dose is 4! During the first month, I would also stick my finger in the Peanut Butter jar. Now, a little over three months out, I keep dark chocolate on hand and eat a square here and there.

I'm banded since Summer 2008 and am down 62 pounds. I have had 3 fills and 1 unfill. No problems and no re-gain. I can truly say my only regret is that the surgery was not available 30 years ago. I'm not quite at goal (20 pounds to go), but having experienced no problems I am more than willing to let it take as long as it takes. Because I will lose that 20 pounds. I am very confident of that. The way I think about food has changed: the way I eat - very slowly ...what I eat - less garbage (although I could eat garbage if I wanted too...I just don't really want to)...where I eat - at a table not standing in the kitchen or sitting on the couch...how much I eat - amazingly so much less that what I used too and enough to be just fine with that. I was a very slow to lose the weight and was somewhat disgruntled, but now, I would not change a thing. I feel great and I like how I look. If you have health insurance that does not specifically exclude bariatric surgery, I would say to you please think about finding a "Center of Excellence" doctor's group. They coordinate everything for you, make sure you get all the tests, and will really go to bat with your insurance company. You meet with a doctor and together you decide how to proceed, The value of this surgery is becoming more evident everyday, you just may qualify. GOOD LUCK!

Ok, so I said I would put more up about this last night, but with the kids, getting ready for bed....I just didn't have time. The article is called "The Easier Way to Diet" by Martha Beck She talks about a five-step plan to help master your "beastie brain" and "relax the weight off." She makes four key points about our brains and how there are several layers to our brains. Basically, the "wanting to be thin" (cyberbrain) part of the brain is always at war with the "feed me now" brain (beastie). This also relates to the nervous system that goes back and forth between "fight or flight" and "rest and relaxation." Obviously, when the cyberbrain is in control you naturally restrict your intake. Repeated dieting and constant negative thoughts theoretically rev up your fight or flight/beastie brain. She has come up with five steps to combat the issue and calls it SO FAR: S - Stop - feeling anxious, hating yourself, just ate a ton? Stop and shout "Nature break!" O - Open - once you are by yourself work to get back to that "rest and relaxation" part of your brain by Opening up. Relax your body by opening your lungs, your eyes and stretch your muscles. F - Forgive - She says this is the most important step. You must forgive yourself and your body. Make a list of things that you've done right, don't just focus on having eaten those 10 Cookies (yeah, I used to be able to do that! No MORE though!). She says that eventually, you will reach self-forgiveness and the "calm observer" part of the brain will become more active. A - Accept - Once you can forgive yourself, it's time to allow things to happen as they do. (sounds sort of like the AA mantra - "accept the things I cannot control") R - Renew - From that place of "stillness, openness, forgiveness and acceptance, you can Renew your commitment to any eating plan you like." Is it over simplified? Sure. But I like the idea of forgiving myself for being overweight, for choosing poorly that day, past days and past years. I want to accept myself now and enjoy my new body as it begins to change through this process. Good luck to all of us! I look forward to our weigh ins on Friday. We have SO FAR to go in our journey, but at the same time, we really have come SO FAR...Thanks for reading...