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I failed with the lapband so I feel alot of empathy for you. I believe that physically that device didn't work but I also wasn't educated on living a bariatric lifestyle. My advice, go for the bypass. ..hit the restart button. ..get education and support, get your head in the game and kick this obesity thing. I only have one regret... I didn't find.my real body until my late 40s. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using the BariatricPal App

hello I am in Jacksonville, Florida and I actually had the experience of going to memorial hospital a few weeks ago for a nausea issue because it was considered a center of excellence for bariatrics. It was the worst experience of my life and i have since i only go to baptist at the beaches

It sounds like you should be ok. To go back to work from home the following week,but wow! Reading the post from Bariatric Hero has me dumbfounded. I was in the hospital for four days Monday through Thursday and didn't even drive for over a week. Although I was walking the next day and taking walks the day after I left the hospital.

Hi MsRhonda, Your port can be sensitive for a little while. Have you overdone it? Other than walking most docs tell you not to start exercising until the 6th week. I know I did around the 3rd week and wasn't a good idea as I did feel it in the port area and my bariatrics center told me to stop as I was in the healing phase. If you are concerned then call your surgeon's office and def. call if it gets worse.

You are overthinking this. Pick a b s bariatric practice with an excellent track record and do what they say - follow the program you signed up for. Sent from my KFJWI using the BariatricPal App

This thread is for anyone who has had complications after any type of bariatric surgery. I think most hope and experience a good outcome from surgery but, we also know the risks going into this. Any first hand experiences would be appreciated. What type of surgery did you have? What is your medical complication(s) that you are diagnosed with? What are your treatment options and what did you choose. Any medical referrals or resources in your area that you would recommend? your experience/story if you feel comfortable sharing

I came across this article while researching if menopause would still screw me after WLS that you might find interesting. Weight loss impacts our genes. https://www.mymenopausemag.com/stay-well/bariatric-surgery-telomeres/

There are proabably lots of reasons for the wide variety in weight actually lost. Many folks are not ready to actually do the hard work to shed the big numbers....everyone CAN be successful by following the plan the bariatric team will lay out. One thing to keep in mind is that everyone will lose in different ways and at different speeds because each body's physiology is different. Work the plan and the plan will work!

I can tell you I couldn't function on what you're allowed. I restricted my carbs in the beginning - on my own, not dictated by my doc/nut. I felt like crap. I had no energy. Then I started exercising and it got worse. I was down in the 20 range for carbs at that point. I burn between 500-700 calories in a 60 minute cardio work out, depending on what I'm doing. After going to my doc and explaining my situation I let her know I increased my carbs to about 50-60 and she agreed that would be good and to concentrate on the Protein. She asked how I'm getting in more carbs - I told her I was adding low-glycemic fruit to my shakes (berries or peaches) or I added 1-2 tablespoons of fat-free refried Beans to a meal and I started adding 1% milk to my shakes. She said these were great ideas. Right now, I'm taking in 800-1000 calories per day. I'm getting about 50-60 carbs per day and meeting my protein gold of 80 grams of protein. I exercise 5-6 days per week - mostly cardio right now, 60-75 minutes. I have lots of energy and I feel great. My suggestion would be to go to another bariatric nutritionist to get a 2nd opinion. I think the theories here are correct - you need more. 500 calories is not enough to sustain you.

That is horrible, I guess every medicine is going to give some people bad side effects. I am glad I was able to use them. They helped me so much especially in the beginning. I had hair falling out, cracked tongue, and thinning fingernails! If I couldn't use the patch, I think I would use Flintstones before the bariatric chewables, but keep an eye on your blood tests for all the nutrients you are missing.

Thanks to the many responses back in January when I first posted this topic. The short version: On day of surgery I was 1 pound 2 oz. below 35 bmi and Hospital Bariatric Director, refused to honor the approved procedures from Aetna. I was in the pre-op room in my surgical gown, being made to pony up $9,000 to still have the surgery that day. So I Did,and had the surgery When I had first complained to Aetna,in January, the person from Aetna said rules are rules and sorry but you no longer met the requirements for Insurance payout. After beating my head on the wall and shedding a few tears in frustration, I called and talked to Aetna Supervisor the next day that told me to submit it.Surgery was December 16th, 2015 and on March 21st Aetna, three months later,said the $9,000 has been paid out to the hospital / Doctor. The hospital has told me that a credit to my card account is pending, yah! But the Dr. office, NO SURPRISE, is saying "We don't know anything, yet" .I know without a doubt, that they are going to be a p.i.a. to get my money back. I will update this topic as it unfolds. I talked to the nicest lady, EVER, at Aetna that called the hospital for me, to first verify the payout this Tuesday, and yes, she called the Dr. office,also, but the billing girl was out of the office . [What a Surprise].The Dr. office, when I called today, said they would call me right back, [they didn't], so next week will try to get the Aetna 'Nice Lady' back on the phone to call the Dr. office for me. Moral of this Topic, Don't give up on what you know is right, get the right people involved and by all means, post your problems and your rewards here to share and to gain input from others that may have gone thru what you have.

I was also a mild case - like you. In fact, I think I was also a 5.5. It was pretty borderline. The sleep physician said I should get a CPAP machine, but when I brought it up with the PA at my bariatric clinic, he said he wasn't sure if it would be worth it, since the sleep apnea would probably disappear after I lost the first 20 or 30 lbs, so I skipped it. I don't know if you have that option or not. But I felt the same way - I didn't want to fork over a lot of money for something I was going to use for maybe a month or two tops.

Due diligence is my thing. I do it for a living, and I make a nice one at that...so that said let me tell you my story short and sweet. 7 years ago at the age of 34 I was having major medical issues. Surgery after surgery, and finally my Dr. said Lisa what are you going to do about this weight? He gave me a doctor who was a colleague of his who did bariatric surgery. Lapband specialty. OK I thought maybe I will go and see this guy. I waited a year...then I went to see him. I loved him, he had a great practice, people were nice office chairs fit my big butt I was happy! Then he gave me the list of things I had to do..and the prep and the doctors and I checked on it some more..and I wasn't ready. Only a part of me was cheering...do it do it do it..the other half was saying...ummm I don't know...surgery...another one..complications...failure. I have personal friends I know who had the band, the 4cc one years ago and they not only failed but they had major issues...that was nearly 15 years ago...things have changed...but still. I wasn't ready. Then this January, newly married my husband facing a hip replacement and both of us over weight. Happy in love and overweight. WE went back to see the doctor and this time I was ready. I was all in. My hubby was all in, and we have never looked back! True it's only 5 months...(nearly) but I could not be happier! I am much healthier, I can walk and run I take the stairs now! It took me 3 years to get here from the time I first met the surgeon and 4 years from the time I was given his number. So take your time and be sure it's the right surgery and the right time for YOU. The band takes 100% commitment pre-op and post op. If your not ready to give that 100% your not ready.

I ordered the cookbook from the Bariatric foodie that has tons of recipes for different shakes. She uses sugar free coffee syrups,PB2, and sugar free pudding mixes to "spice up" the powders. I have a bunch of stuff on order and can't wait for something different other than premier shakes. http://www.amazon.com/Bariatric-Foodie-Perfect-Protein-Shakes/dp/1480101095/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_y/189-0106789-6371661

I'm scheduled with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez Mexico on 4/23. I will post my experiences after of coarse. Dr. Rod has performed over 10,000 bariatric surgeries, he is well reviewed and well credentialed and I will spend the whole time in a modern hospital.

I have a question and I'm hoping to get some help on this. I have BCBSNC and I was looking into doing a revision from the Lapband to Gastric Sleeve. My Lapband is leaking fluid...I think. I haven't confirmed it but I have gotten 3 fills in the last 6 months and it is always at 5cc after the fill. So, that was my conclusion. I would like to know if the requirements for the surgery are the same since it is a revision? The requirements for bariatric with BCBSNC is 12 months (Long time). BTW I have gained so much weights its crazy. The band was working fine and it just stopped. Any input is greatly appreciated.

That's a good idea! Thanks for the suggestion. My insurance should cover a repair that isn't actually bariatric surgery. I wonder if the surgeon could do a bypass and my secondary would pick it up when my primary doesn't. I'll have to research more about it. I have an appt. with a surgeon in a couple weeks. Who is your surgeon?

yea i made sure to read all of the fine print in regards to exclusions and sure enough if you end up in the hospital due to a issue from bariatric surgery it wont be covered. so stupid. its why i went with this particular surgeon because they offer complication insurance for the self pay people.

Date Printed: January 5, 2007: 10:48 PM Supplemental Letter for January 9, 2007 January 3, 2007 Dear Review Panel: Presented to you for review is my case for a gastric procedure known as a laproscopic banding procedure or "Lap-Band". In a lower review, BCBSFL did not dispute that I meet the criteria for the Lap-Band procedure. There is no dispute that I would benefit from weight loss surgery and there is no dispute that losing weight would be beneficial to my health. At issue is the coverage of this surgery and the exception I am requesting for this exclusion. Ironically, I received a phone call a few weeks ago from BCBSFL's new Diagnostics Program that offers support to wellness. Through this program, I gained beneficial information in the form of a booklet, catalog and DVD on the very weight loss surgery I am requesting. There is evidence in my medical records that I have tried for years multiple weight loss regimens and used pharmacotherapy for obesity under the supervision of my physician, Dr. Alan Sichelman. For my mental state, it is documented by my therapist, Jane Fenby, that I have a full understanding of what this procedure entails and that it will be a lifetime commitment on my part. There is no indication that I am unstable, misinformed with perceptions of unrealistic expectations; Rather so, that I have pursued this avenue under the direction of my primary care physician and other medical personnel, with cooperation, information and education; That I am laying the course for my surgical event and post surgical life by the compass of these individuals and their combined medical expertise demonstrates I am an individual who very much wishes to be healed. Unquestionably, I am ill and feel I am fighting for my life. As a result of my severe morbid obesity, I suffer from sleep apnea, diabetes, depression, back problems, joint pain, hypertension, migraines, Pictures will show my condition and the severity of my obesity. It is true that my life is endangered. This procedure will prevent the worsening of my condition, alleviate present harmful medical conditions and perhaps cure them. It is the conclusion of my physican(s) and myself that I am in need of this operation. Please authorize my surgery. Additional: As providers of health care coverage, Blue Cross and Blue Shield has historically authorized weight loss surgery. Currently, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina cut in half hospital re-admissions "by the twelve surgeons in North Carolina that are designated as centers of excellence for bariatric (obesity) surgery." Additionally, BCBSNC was one of the first insurers in the nation to officially recognize centers of excellence for bariatric surgery. Illinois also follows this model as well as South Dakota, Iowa, Michigan and several other states. In recent publications in the Tampa Bay area, BCBSFL appears to be using bariatric surgery denials as a financial decision rather than one in the best interest of patient care. I must express my concern that with sufficient evidence from their medical providers and informed decisions with which they move forward, it is very troubling that patient/physician decisions of health necessity are disrupted, ignored and denied, superceded by a focus on cost. It is hoped that Florida will soon follow the successful excellence practice as established by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in other states. Patricia Reeves

Yes, it is as common as a full moon. Look up the "three week stall" or "third week stall." This infamous stall happens to many bariatric surgery patients sometime between the second and fourth postoperative weeks. It usually occurs around week 3; hence, it is called the "three week stall."

yes... i am going to Dr. Vafi Shayani out of Saint Anthony's in Rockford ( he has 2 other locations as well). His clinic is wonderful and his staff is top notch! His assistant, Kim, really know the in and outs of the insurance requirements, and she is on the ball with returning calls and emails. His center also has the accreditation of Center of Excellence. Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Vafa Shayani, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Yeah it's definitely worth checking into. My bariatric surgeon is Ashley Mooney with TGH.

I'm so sorry your dr. Made u feel this way!!!! Gaining 10lbs from April to June isn't horrible!!!don't beat up yourself about it... You are Human and things happen... Besides this time next week you'll be embarking on the new you so try to focus on that... Try your very best not to let anything or anyone bring you down!!! I'm sending positive vibes your way!!!! Good luck!!! Your bariatric family has your back!!!!

Hello there, my name is Calipso and I will have dr Stevenso as my bariatric surgeon.Can you share your experience,please ?I would really appreciate it.Have a great day ! Sent from my LG-H631 using the BariatricPal App

I wanted to write a review about my hospital experience. I had my surgery October 24, 2013 by Dr. Charles Huddleston. Every appointment I had with him, before surgery, was informative, helpful, and considerate. He was extremely willing to talk about the different surgical procedures with both my mum and I. He was never rude and he never belittled my weight problems. On the day of surgery, I got to see him an some of the team. I was able to voice all my surgery concerns with the team, and had reassurance. After surgery, I was told he did visit me after I got settled in my room. (( I don't remember him visiting, due to the surgery meds. )) Later that day, he visited me again, when I was more awake. Again, he told me follow up care, he told me how surgery went, etc. He then told me he would see me tomorrow morning. Sure enough, the next day I got to see him. Later on the second day, I got to see him again I saw my Dr. Huddleston a total of four times, in two days. He's very concerned for making sure his patients feel safe and secure. He doesn't want you to feel out of the loop. In all honesty, I rate my entire experience with him as a whole 10/10. If you're wanting a bariatric surgery, I urge you to make a consultation appointment with him!!