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Hi Dolittle. Almost everyone who goes to Mexico for surgery seems to have a very positive experience, so for self-pay I think it's a great idea. One other option is a very exerienced bariatric surgeon in Colorado, Dr. Kirshenbaum, who has been doing lap bands for a couple years now. You can get more info on hime at LapbandRockies.com His total price is $9950. If you run a search on this site you can see posts from others who have used Dr. Kirshenbaum. I'm scheduled for sugery with him on 1/16. But again, the Mexican docs also seem great. The general price there seems to be about $8500 these days. In general, if you get surgery outside your local area, try to line up someone for fills and other aftercare in your area before proceeding with the surgery. It's good to know for sure that you have options. In some geographic areas of the U.S. it can be very difficult to find aftercare if you had surgery somewhere else. If your insurance will cover this I would focus on finding the best doctors in your area, not just on the best doctors in general in the USA. Many doctors are quite good at this, and experienced, and there can be some advantages to staying local. Keep reading this forum. All the answers you need are in here. Welcome and good luck. Mark

I'm getting my lease not renewed (effectively "kicked out" but not evicted). So, I used to smoke. This was a smoking building. I used to smoke indoors, as I was allowed to do according to my lease agreement. There is an office on the ground floor, and the receptionist used to smoke behind the desk there--this becomes important later. I quit in April of 2007. Around that time a very not nice neighbor who complained about EVERYTHING moved in on the ground floor (it's a 200 year old townhouse converted to one apartment per floor--I'm on the 4th). He wouldn't let the mailman leave our mail where he used to because he didn't like how it looked, he even called the City to cut people's bikes off of trees and signs and stuff when they would dare to park them not only in front of our building but on our ENTIRE BLOCK. He also started complaining non-stop about the smoking from the office on the ground floor (right next to his apartment). WHY he ever signed a lease in a smoking building right next to a woman who openly smokes in her office (obvious from the moment you step in the door) I will NEVER KNOW. I fell off the non-smoking wagon in about January of 2008. Apparently he figured that out because he started complaining about me too. In about March, a note went out the the whole building that this was now a non-smoking building and we can't smoke in our apartments (against the law for them to do in this tobacco-loving state at the time but I digress). Even though they technically can't do that by law and by my lease agreement, I do my best to be a model tenant and a good neighbor. I never smoked another single cigarette (and I don't smoke anything else at all) in this building ever. I quit smoking entirely in May, in part because smoking is stupid and because of this surgery. Apparently Mr. Jackass on the ground floor continued to complain about what must have been phantom smoke. I WAS NOT SMOKING indoors, and the woman in the office claimed to not be either (and I actually believe her because I'd see her outside on breaks during the day). He used this as an excuse to break his very long term (3 year) extremely expensive lease (about $3000/month US....mine isn't even half that the ground floor apartment is extensive--at least twice the size as mine and includes the back garden etc). So now, my lease is up and I was fully expecting it to be renewed just as it always has been every year for three years. I have never once received any complaints for smoke, noise, ANYTHING...the only indication I had that there was any trouble at all was the new non-smoking policy which I was in FULL compliance with. But nope--no lease renewal. Reason? Too many complaints about my smoking. (A) When I was smoking in here, someone should have told me it was bothering them and I'd have stopped instantly. I'm a nice, sympathetic person and I don't want to be a bother to anyone. (:thumbup: I NEVER smoked once they banned it in the building (which, again, they weren't even allowed to do in the first place!) Because this is not an eviction, just a non-renewal of a lease they don't actually have to have a reason at all (renewal is at the whim of the landlords here--they could not renew because they want to live there themselves, they need storage, want to save on utilities, whatever). The only good thing is that I will still have a positive reference from them because I wasn't evicted and apparently they aren't allowed to mention the reason for a non-renewal. But STILL. This was my HOME for 3 years and I take great pride in it, I love it and I love the neighborhood. It almost feels like they've forcibly euthanized my pets (seriously, I'm that sad about the loss of the apartment) but mostly I am SO MAD about being punished for something I didn't even DO! And besides, just because I "cost them a high cost long term tenant" (which I fucking didn't, I bet it was the receptionist sneaking cigs when she thought no one would notice), what use is punishing me now? He's gone and that apartment has been re-rented. She won't believe me I didn't break the rules, and won't believe me that I quit, and she said even if she did, a decision's been made and what's done is done. I feel like I'm losing a limb here, this house and this town are such a part of me. Finding another place that's similar to mine, anywhere close to my current neighbor for anywhere close to the price (and by anywhere close I mean like within $200-$400/month "close") is extremely difficult. This town is mainly privately owned townhouses--only a few have been converted to apartments like mine and they all run at quite a pretty penny. Oh, and about half of them are owned my my soon-to-be-former landlord. I am beyond devastated:crying:. Thanks for reading this much if you have. -Penny

Dr. Erik Wilson, Medical Director of Bariatric Surgery at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, will be on Sirius’ Doctor Radio discussing Lap-Band surgery with Dr. Marina Kurian, Medical Director of NYU's Weight Management Program, on Wednesday May 7 at 8 am ET.

Check out the Bariatric Eating website- they have lots of options for Protein supplementation. Everything I've gotten from them so far has been really good. It's REALLY important that you get things that have the best quality protein- whey or soy isolates. Some of those "bullets" are based on Gelatin protein, which is nowhere near as bioavailable. I was given very specific instructions as to what and how much to eat at each stage...I'd get back in touch with your nutritionist if you haven't been given that information as yet. I wasn't given a calorie count per se, but I was told that I needed to get 70-89 grams per day of protein post-op. I'm using the tools on the Allergan Lap Band site to keep track. Hope that helps- good luck! Christine

OK, met with the bariatric surgeon today. I really like him! Dr. Hargroder in Baton Rouge, LA. He said one view of my films it looks like a "normal" sleeve, but on another view, it looks like it is larger from the back. He said he knows of possibly two reasons I may be having trouble. If my sleeve surgeon did not dissect the stomach far enough, it would have left a bulb-like protrusion on the back side, which he thinks he is seeing on the film. This would mean I have a much too big pouch. The other problem my be the hernia repair surgery he (Dr. Hargroder) performed on me when I had my band. He said it was a Nisson fundoplication (sp?) in which the upper stomach is wrapped around the esophagus. My sleeve doctor may not have unwound it and just "sleeved" (stapled) around it making a larger pouch. He also may have unwound it, cut/stapled the stomach and not wound it again - also resulting in a larger pouch and explaining why the hernia came back. So, he proposes that he look at it while removing my gallbladder and repairing my hiatal hernia. If it looks too big, he will resection it - just like the original surgery. But it would have to be pretty big to have enough room to do this. The other possibility is he may be able to do a pliacation (pleat the upper, enlarged pouch - fold it over on itself). He really won't know until he get in there to see what was done and if it looks "unusual". I think I'm having it done on 8/2 or 8/4. They will confirm with me tomorrow. Thanks, Monica

When I called back in June, she said I could get in in July. But I had to wait until my season was over. I actually just booked Thursday for November 25th. I was told to go at the beginning of the week to avoid longer wait times the day of surgery. Not sure if its a real concern or not. I have to renew my passport aswell, lol. I should get on that.

I was miserable the first two days. Then I used spanx to keep the loose stuff inside still so I wouldn’t feel pulling. I’m four weeks out and still sleep with spanx. I avoided the couch because it was too low and couldn’t get up without pain. I also bought a raised toilet seat to be independent. It was $20 on Carewell.com . Do whatever you need to do to get through it, no shame. You will get through! Talk with your bariatric professionals. They know what’s normal.

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

I agree it is a long wait. There are so many various requirements which differ depending upon the bariatric center, insurance company, and surgeon. I started the process in January 2008. Between Jan and October 2008, I had to complete many, many, many requirements before I could even meet with the bariatric surgeon. I finally saw the surgeon October 8. I completed the H-pylori on October 10 and completed the upper GI on October 14. All paper work was sent to the insurance company on October 15 and I recieved approval on October 16. Looks like my surgery will be November 11, but I am waiting confirmation. Don't give up hang on. You can do this!:smile:

Wow, guys, that sounds really bad! I do know there are bad tenants out there (I've encountered them) but it really is crazy the things people will do. A friends father is a landlord in another town in this area and they have a 13 page lease....it's actually famous among my friends because pretty much everyone has rented something from him at some point before--usually right out of college. Anyway, I saw it once and was laughing at the stipulations in there (can't remember specifics but I'll ask) thinking that he must be the most paranoid man on earth. Nope, they said. All of that comes from specific experience. He has a million crazy stories, apparently. But I'm just not one of those people (as far as I know anyway...this whole thing has started to make me worried that I'm some horrible tenant that no one would want). I always pay on time, and have never complained about a thing. Only times I've ever called them is when my toilet was broken (and I couldn't fix it) and when a window air conditioner needed replacing because it was blowing hot air--in three full years. I'm not silent but I'm not loud (I play music while I'm cooking, and am often up late and need to walk through the apartment). I used to smoke in here, but had I known anyone was complaining would have stopped immediately...I....I don't know what else you could complain about me about. Oh well. What's done is done. But good news.... I'm off to sign a lease! In a building kind of like the one I'm in now. Not nearly as old or historic--this one I live in is 220 years old and on a cobblestone street while the new place is (I'm guessing) just over 100 but age and historic factor were never the issue, I'd have moved into a brand new construction just as easily--I'm just pointing out the differences. Anyway, it's a converted townhouse, one apartment per floor. On the same street, but 6 blocks up. I have the ground floor this time instead of the old attic which is different but nice. I loved living up here even with the 4 flights of stairs because it's cute and pokey and the ceilings are slanted and it feels very cottage-cozy. But with the ground floor, I have no more grocery issues (planning shopping trips around weight and size of purchases is not fun), and "possession" of the little backyard area--mostly a patio with paving stones but some dirt areas in which to grow things (the landlady said, when I asked, "oh please do...I'd love for someone to get some good use out of this"). It also comes with a parking space in the alley behind the building which is a godsend around here. Where I live now is very close to the river, bike trails and the tourist stuff so getting home past 7pm means a loooong time circling for a space, and moving the car at all on weekends in summer usually means parking in a parking garage when you get back because there's no point in even trying. I have the parking enforcement number in my cell phone to report when things get bad (it's supposed to be 2 hour parking only for everyone but residents. That never happens). Size wise it's practically identical--one bedroom plus a den that many people choose to use as a bedroom (here that wasn't possible because of the location of the only bathroom so the den is a den). It's about $150 more per month than I figured they'd raise my rent to this year had they renewed, and $50 more than the kind of ugly one bedroom I looked at farther away and on the busiest intersection in town (all of this includes utilities too). Because it's share-able though, and I've given the option to several friends of mine who are looking to move to this part of town, my costs will actually wind up lower than they have been in 4 years.... So basically....I'm still sad to leave but this will be a great move physically and financially. I love this place and this couple of blocks (the waterfront, the cobblestone etc) and my neighbors (not the ones in the building--the ones who love up and down the street) but I can easily come down for visits. Hey, I can plan my daily walking regime to come by here :tongue:. I've been spending the afternoon researching shade-loving plants and debating climbing roses (for the fence not the house) or jasmine :tt2:

Great thread. I would love to be a patient advocate for bariatric surgery but that does not exist where I live. (So I compensate by talking quite liberally about my own experience to everybody who will listen to me. Poor things.) I am greatly interested in obesity research and, had I been younger, certainly would have pursued this as a career. It is such a rich field of research and there are so many avenues to explore within this area. But I'm far too old to go to medical school now. For me, my WLS has me rethinking so many things...some with regret (the road not taken because I was so fat) and some with pride (the road I took anyway, despite my fat). I will say that I'm better in my chosen career (academic research) because I'm more confident and energetic. I am much present at conferences, always pitching to lead a session, whereas before I would just be a passive audience member.

Hi all. I'm brand new here and brand new to the whole surgery thing too. I have a BMI of about 60 and also have high blood pressure. I haven't yet spoken to my primary about weight loss surgery but I know she'll agree. I am just having a hard time finding out if it's even worth it. There is zero chance I can self pay and I have medicaid in Colorado. Does anyone here know for sure if Colorado Medicaid covers bariatric surgery? If so, any chance someone knows the procedure they require? Thanks.

That's really going to be a question for your bariatric team. The pre-op diets vary greatly! Some surgeons don't even have you do one. Some have you on liquids only for up to two weeks prior to surgery. My practice didn't require liquids only but for the two weeks leading up to surgery wanted us getting at least 80grams of Protein while staying at or below 800 calories a day - so lots of lean protein and very low carb to achieve that. This two week prior to surgery phase is often referred to as the liver shrink diet. If your bariatric center or your insurance requires you to lose weight or at least not gain weight between 1st appointment and surgery, your center may have you making other dietary changes now to achieve that. So add the pre-op diet to your list of questions to ask at your appointment next tuesday! Good luck on your journey!

Board makes changes for PY2011 :: Employees Retirement System of Texas Actually, I read this and believe this to mean they are covering bariatric (not sure which) surgery effective September with a $5000 deductible in addition to the normal charges, but you have to have 5 years of state employment history to qualify. It is a very exciting development!! Now, if they will just show me which hoops we're going to have to dive through...

Hi. I'm going in next week for surgery with Dr Greenslade at Greenslopes. Has anyone any experience with him? Thanks

So I bit the bullet today and told someone I work with about having bariatric surgery. She mentioned to me her doctors have recommended it to her. The next thing out of her mouth really shocked me. She said she knows she can do it by eating get right and exercising. Do people really think that having bariatric surgery is a miracle and you wake up the next day skinny. Don't they realize it us a tool in the journey and you still have to eat better and exercise. Just had to vent... Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App

Thanks for the reply Brightfaith I have worked with a bariatric nutritionist for almost a year now. I have met my surgeon. I am currently in therapy for the binge eating and once they sign off then it will be up to the insurance. So far insurance has given me all the hoops I have to jump through before they’ll give me an answer.

Any time you tinker with digestion, it can affect how meds are absorbed (especially with the bypass or duodenal switch). Your bariatric team should have reviewed your meds to identify possible issues prior to surgery. Hopefully they will get it figured out quickly for you. My team did a good job of reviewing my meds and discussing the likely affect of my WLS but I still ran into trouble with the blood thinner I was taking (Xarelto). My hematologist tried to switch me to another med since the Xarelto requires a lot of food to be bioavailable but my insurance refused to cover it. So wouldn't you know it, I got a blood clot six months after surgery. Now I take injectable Lovenox because there's no requirement to have food with it. The Lovenox is more expensive than the drug my insurance refused to cover, plus they had to pay for my hospital stay when I had the clot. Go figure, right?

Here is an idea: for any food, try eating a tiny amount of it. Then wait an hour. If you feel okay, then try more of it the next time. At the hospital, the bariatric nurse told me that I would be able to eat a forkful of, for example, birthday cake but no more. I am almost 3 weeks post op. I don't think that I have yet experienced dumping. But I chose gastric bypass to have the opportunity for dumping. This might sound strange, but my favorite foods in the past have been sugars, fats and carbohydrates. So I needed the threat of dumping in order to succeed at weight loss. Since surgery, I've never vomited and never had dumping (at least I don't think so). But I'm also being super careful. Two days ago I tried falafel. I was convinced I would be able to eat it if I chewed it well. After two bites, I knew it wouldn't work. So I quit eating it. This is my strategy for managing dumping. Again, I chose RNY specifically for the privilege of having dumping to help me navigate the many food choices that have been a challenge for me in the past. I wish everyone success and realize that others' experiences and needs are very different from my own. This is just my perspective.

Thanks everyone. I started with 30 minutes walk starting today. Hopefully can be strict with myself to follow the regime. I realize that I also need to be tuned to the forum to be in touch with all you wonderful people who are so supportive and help me stay motivated. I was always into fad diets before the VSG and I think that my BMR is all messed up! So am happy so far to have lost this much as long as it does not come back again with vengeance. Will have to be patient with the last leg progress, I guess @feedyoureye - Am taking 1 tab of Bariatric Advantage daily and a monthly shot of Vit B12 injection. Else diet intake is under control...though caffeine (with splenda) intake should be reduced and Water intake increased instead !

dont you take protonix or prilosec? HW 250/1st Lapband 198/2nd Lapband 232/Pre conversion 2/6/13 to bypass 232. Currently,206.6, Bariatric GW 134, Realistic GW 150

Yes kimchi is not something new plus I have tried to stop eating it for 4 or 5 days but no difference was noted. I'm thinking either this is irritable bowel syndrome, which develops a lot of times after bariatric surgery but I'm not sure how it's treated.. Or , and I know this is rare, but maybe it's bowel endometriosis!!.. I have been diagnosed with bowel endometriosis back in 2010 through laparoscopic surgery but back then I had very little symptoms, mainly cramping and diarrhea around menstrual cycles. This now is 10 times worse and seems to be all through out the cycle though it was at its worst during menstruation... this is defiantly something I will have to speak to my doctor about but until my appointment I though of trying to find answers here maybe someone is going through something similar or knows what's causing it.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am Dr. Kim's patient as well. I went with the cheaper Bariatric Advantage that he offers for 55 a week......TALK ABOUT GROSS. Don't let them convince you to buy the alternative brand. My friends who have tried optifast said they are good. I have no suggestions on other options but I can definitely tell you to not buy Bariatric Advantage.

I had BCBS of TX. I had to do 6months of pre=op medically managed weight loss. My surgeons office gives forms for you to take to the doctor for him to fill out and then they submit everything at the end for you. They also checked 5 year weight history. I had to do a psych eval, they did approve me on the first submit. I did not lose much in the 6months pre-submission. I would see if your surgeon has a patient advocate/liason that handles any of the insurance and ask questions. If they don't contact your insurance company and have them fax you the bariatric weight loss surgery requirements. Hope that helps.

I would stay on your Dr. advise, or Bariatric Advantage multi chewables, since 4 weeks is still so short of a time. I think I'd go heavy on Vitamins for the rest of your life, right? Perhaps there are some more you can graduate too, after blood-work to see where you may be lacking. I'd request a blood work up. =) That's just me.