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I just received my Self magazine today. It is the August 2008 issue. I was flipping through it and notice and article that said "The weight loss miracle that isn't." It talks about the scary things that can happen with bariatric surgery. It mostly talks about the bypass procedure and the complications that some people have with it. Like malnutrition and needing to have the procedure reversed so they can live. It also gave a least one negative example for the band but over all it shows the difference between the two. If you get a chance you should pick it up and read it. My mom had bypass 8 years ago and is doing great but has to take alot of supplements to keep her numbers up. She said she would not do anything different that the consquences of the surgery out way her being fat. But it shows what works for one peron might not work for all. I am still glad I got banded. I think doing things slower will work better for me.:scared2:

Does anyone know if you have your surgery done at the OCC and if needed is there a barriatric doctor in the U.S that would see you, if needed?

Well, I ordered mine after trying a sample at my RD's office. The supplements I buy are the Bariatric Advantage Chewable calcium citrate Vitamins with Vit D. I chew 6 chewables a day..which is like eating something to me rather than swallowing a log of a tablet. They come in chocolate(I like this), caramel (it tastes pretty good), lemon (my personal favorite..tastes like a tart starburst chew) and raspberry (these I wouldn't feed to the dog..they should go back to the drawing board on that one!). I order them from Bariatric Advantage's website. They come in 120, 90, & 60 counts. They will also send you samples as well. Best of all, the chews are sugar free!!! HOWEVER...their Protein shakes, in my humble opinion, are nasty, grotesque, and down right shameful ( yes ..that's how I really feel about them..lol) so if you decided to try their shakes...buy a bottle or two, not the bag to try them out first. Hope this helped! I guess it's just weirdo me tasting the "after taste". It's not bad enough yet to make me stop using them...

Had a lovely christmas and the most peaceful happy new year eve. Have put about 7lb on but so ready to eat healthier food, meed to banish the nuts and choccy, we didnt buy much and there is not a lot left so that should be easy, ha haa, she says. Hope everyone is well and feeling positive about this new year. I am at peace knowing that God is with me and am believing that this lupus will be treated quickly and correctly so that i can have my sleeve. It is my bariatric support group ntomorrow night and i am looking forward to being there as i have got to know a few more people on fb and at a coffee morning. I am in a fibromyalgia support group on face book and am finding it such a blessing to be able to talk with people who understand what living with fibro is like living with it every day. Am seeing my diabetic specialist this afternoon and will be asking him how the lupus effects diabetese if at all, and discuss how i feel really yuk when i dont eat much and my blood sugar goes low, and will this be the case after my op and how they help with it etc. I am the first person with lupus to have the op at the new centre at dri, so it is a good learning curve for them and i have told them i will be willing to speak at the meetings when i have lost my weight to help others who may also have lupus and be disabled. Hoping to see the heamatologist this month, will report back when i have a date, bye for now, xx

I just ordered some Syntrax nectar in Cookies and cream, and unflavored GENEPRO off amazon. I saw some really awesome reviews on these. Of course I got them to stockpile, as I can't even enroll in the bariatric plan till 1/2/15, but you better believe, I'll be calling at 8am bright and early to get this party started!!

I'm working on getting banded. Having been very heavy in my youth, losing much if not all of the weight I needed to lose and now, having gained most if not all of it back, I can give you a few points of view that your Mother is going through. First, the comment you make about "trying to be supportive". In that kind of language, this says to me that you are only being supportive, because you have to, not because you want to. Being genuinely concerned and being OVERLY PROTECTIVE, are two entirely different things. You need to focus your mind differently on approaching your mother and how you deal with things. Statements like "I've tried to be supportive" indicate that you don't trust the person inherently and this can create an emotional chasm between you and the other person that can have ill effects later on. My second insight to you is that having been an EXTREMELY obese person, migrating to the EXTREMELY FIT and healthy thin person, I never truly saw how wonderful I looked. I always thought I was still fat. I look at pictures now and wince, knowing that the person in that picture was thinking that he was still disgustingly fat, even though he looked AMAZING in the picture. The problem is called Body Dysmorphic Disorder. Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a psychiatric disorder in which the affected person is excessively concerned about and preoccupied by an imagined or minor defect in his or her physical features. This is especially common with people who have lost a tremendous amount of weight, or have eating disorders. The only suggestion I can give you is that perhaps you gently encourage your Mother to speak to her physician and/or you possibly speak to her physician on the side asking if he/she could recommend that your Mother see a psychotherapist. Perhaps the one that did the Bariatric Surgical Evaluation to go over these issues. Please just be careful when approaching your Mother. Be patient and understanding, because the last thing you want to do is to alienate her and her feelings by trying too hard to "Dr. Phil" her into seeing that this is a problem. Your mother needs to come to this conclusion on her own, with some really great, nurturing psychotherapy. Now that I'm on the other side again, anxiously trying to get back, I have overcome this issue and know that when I get where I need to be, I will be the most thankful person in the world. Best of luck to you and remember to be really proud of your mother and her accomplishments. A 74 year old lady who lost that much weight deserves to kick up her heels and live a little! Enjoy this time with her!

Just tried Nectar (Cookies & Cream) that I ordered from bjsbariatrics.com. Not bad really. Filling. You can choose which flavors you want to try in the 11 pack sampler. Pretty sweet.

Alex, FINALLY completing the course today! lol. Only taken me a year! Thanks again for the hookup! Also, where is the thread giving list of moderators etc and the threads addressed to them? I can't seem to locate on new version ????

bamboobabe, 50 pounds in 6 months is great! You should be very proud of that accomplishment, but I completely understand your feelings. Dear Lord, thank you giving bamboobabe the courage and strength over the past 6 months. Please give her a renewed commitment to her band. Remind her of the gift that you have given her in the band. Help her to jumpstart her continued weight loss so that she feels empowered and motivated as she enters her 7th month.

Would you be willing to go to Victoria? There is a Center of Excellence for Bariatric surgery there at Citizens Medical Center. There is an entire wing of the hospital there devoted to bariatric surgery. I had mine done there and have no complaints what so ever. Dr. Craig Chang is my surgeon and my hero. He's wonderful and is CERTIFIED. Many doctors do bariatric surgery but are not certified in it. This hospital is also fully equipped and furnished with the bariatric patient in mind. Chairs, beds, gowns, pressure cuffs, etc. that actually FIT. The Center is incredible. If you can, run down there and take a tour. They are happy to do it. I highly recommend him, if you dont mind a little drive. I drive from Corpus Christi, and don't mind in the least to have top notch care and facilities. I'm doing great and have had minimal problems. Dr. Chang is very approachable and very caring.

I was banded about two years ago in DeKalb, IL and very sadly the Kishwaukee hospital has to shut down their entire bariatric program due to people not being able to get insurance to approve the surgery...very sad....

Alex if you go to ebay and google things like...divided toddler plate..and other similar things you will find lots of ideas from cheap plastic to melamine to Stangle pottery. Starting there I bet you could find a manufacturer you could buy in bulk from and even have plates customized for Bariatric Pal. Maybe sippy cups too.LOL

I would check the insurance forum here too. What I do know is very little but like the other person here said yes they do cover this surgery. They also require that you go to what they call "Centers of Excellence" in Bariatric Surgery. If you do not then they will not cover you at all. Here is a link to locate a Center of Excellence in your area: Surgical Review Corporation I would call Medicare to find out exactly what they require. But here's what I found for you. http://www.cms.hhs.gov/mcd/viewdecisionmemo.asp?from2=viewdecisionmemo.asp&id=160&

I agree that the Syntrax sample pack is a good option. I'm not sure if there are 'brick & mortar' stores where you can buy it, but I know you can order from BJ's Bariatrics: http://www.bjsbariatrics.com/ They have online ordering available (I'm lucky that their storefront is in my town, so I was able to go in there and browse when I was still doing Protein supplements). I liked the roadside lemonade mixed with a little lemonade crystal light and Water. I also liked the cappucino flavor mixed with decaf (but it was pretty sweet).

Removing a large portion of your stomach is extreme and comes with potential health hazzards of its own. Having to go the extreme of injury to healthy organ tissue and a diet of under 1000 calories just to mobilize fat loss that would happen in a normal sized person with moderate diet and exercise changes should be indication of how complex obesity is phisiologically. Even with surgery, long term results are not 100% for weight loss even at the 50% EWL mark, especially when you look at all bariatric surgery historically. Not everyone is willing or wants to do that or can do that due to their health, finances, personal beliefs, etc. You can change your sex with surgery too. You can also modify your looks with surgery, makeup, and hair dye enough to be seen as another race. Religion is a protected class and it is completely voluntary so saying "you can change being fat" does not really hold Water, especially when diets fail 95% of the time. My point is that saying "those fatties can stop eating" when you were unable to do so is buying into the exact line of thinking of the discriminators. Someone should not be forced into surgery in order to get a job or keep a job. Obesity, particularly morbid obesity, is a much more complex phisiological issue than just someone eating twinkies all day. You as a fat person should know better.

The reason why I would never consider it, you have no legal recourse if things go bad. However, many do based on price. Dr Alveraz seems to have a huge following and many You Tube success stories. I also feel sucess is increased with a great post op support group. I'm not talking about an on line group. I am still pre-op but attend the monthly support group where my proceedure will be done. I have learned so much and have had all my questions answered face to face with those that have been there and done that. At yesterdays support group we had a very good trainer that works with bariatric patients come in and talk about exercise for one hour. Than a group session for 1 hour. Great information. This support is available for life and its convient for me.

Well I'm all the way in Orange County, but my group was great! They are located in Newport Beach and are called the N.E.W Program. Their whole practice (including not only surgeons, but internists and dietitians) are dedicated ONLY to bariatrics. They had great statistics on laprascopic to open conversion and I liked their whole approach to the subject. I think their website is The N.E.W. Program Southern California - Gastric bypass, Lap-Band, Weight loss, Adolescent Obesity. Tell your cousin good luck!

I received insurance authorization paperwork on Saturday in the mail...and then our area had the "wind" from Hurricane Ike...and knocked out our power, landline phone, and cell phone until yesterday. Sadly, it also knocked out the bariatric center because I tried to take it there on Monday to try to schedule something! (can you tell I'm anxious?) :biggrin: The earliest date I could work out is October 22nd...but I am SO looking forward to it! My husband is very supportive. I've told my mother and two co-workers who have been banded...but that's it so far. I have teen daughters that I am hesitating telling...but we'll see. If the time seems right I will. I love the idea of being part of a group who will go through similar things/emotions at the same time. ~~anne Indiana

Hi susunorm, welcome to this forum and welcome to Bariatric Pal. We are here to help, we hope you'll like us and want to stay with us a while. If you have any questions, just ask, if I can I'll be happy to answer, if not someone else may have an insight on that subject. We are all individuals but,we each bring a perspective to the travel along the Bariatric Highway, we are co-journeyers to health, fitness and a lower weight. Aren't any of us perfect but we do give it our best shot and doggone if we don't hit the dang- blasted target most of the time. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

My surgeon is a great guy!!! His office has everything. They do the fills right there and has their own nutirionist. They are in Plainsboro which is about 15 minutes from North Brunswick. Dr Chau is his name, NJ Bariatrics, 609-785-5870

10/2009 Take a good look. This is what Morbid Obesity looks like. Let me preface this by saying that at first I was going to keep it all a hush-hush big super secret squirrel secret. But I figured blogging would not only help me chronicle my journey, but serve as a sounding board. Of course I run the risk of opening myself up to criticism and negativity. But I figured…they talked about Jesus they’ll talk about me too. And what’s more is – I really don’t give a rat’s sweaty nads. *shrug* With that said… I’ve never had a problem with being full-figured. In fact, I’ve embraced it. It’s a part of the me that I’ve been proud to be. Even flaunted my curves. And its not like I’ve been starved for attention. Most…well, a lot (only basing on what I’ve been told) of men (women too) think that I’m (are you ready for this?) SEXY. I’m not bragging at all…but can you imagine? Me, at 298lbs…on a 5′3″ frame. What doctors frown at in disapproval. What some people in public look at in disgust…but yet others…desire. To this day. As recently as an hour ago. 8/2008 *smh kinda confused* Admittedly, I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. My self esteem has remained in its proper sometimes over-elevated place. The men folk (husband included) never seemed to have had a problem with it, so I never had a problem with it… Until now. I’m at my biggest ever. Almost 30lbs more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant (2 years ago). I’m uncomfortable. I don’t like what I see in the mirror any more. My feet hurt. My knees ache. (ironically enough, the VERY reason why working out has been such a chore – that aside from time: 9-5 job, jewelry biz, almost 2 year old daughter, and a hubby that works nights/weekends). And now, my once high (sometimes too high) self esteem has taken a nosedive. So what to do?? 9/2002 I’ve done the diets, the shakes, the cleanses, the “lifestyle change”, the pills, the work-out regimen, etc… Something has to be done. NOW. So after about 6 months of mulling it over, I’ve opted to have the LAP-BAND®®® surgery. In fact, that’s the entire reason for this blog. My goal is 75-100lbs. Realistically, at 200lbs, I’ll still be +size…but ALOT better off than I am now. I’m making a decision to better my life, and thereby, my family’s life. I will learn healthier habits to pass on to my daughter and share with my husband, as well as actually be around a lot longer to see her grow up, and grow into the olden golden years with her daddy. This vixen, is about to change her game up, for good. I have my physical exam and initial info session at the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on Monday. Then comes the consult to chart the path forward, counseling, etc. I will join the Million Pound Challlenge to help get me started on the right track. But that’s Monday – and it’s going to be a life-changing day. So this weekend, I’m gettin it in. *lol* I’m gonna eat what I want…probably for the last time (at least for a long time); Celebrate my 35th bday (late, bc of all the snow) and celebrate in anticipation of a new life and a new, even sexier, healthier me… I’m excited. I can only pray that by sharing this journey, it will garner some support & encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. But even if it doesn’t, it’s no skin off my teeth. I’m CERTAIN that my words will touch or encourage SOMEONE out there. 1/2010 Beauty can be found at ANY size. From a size 6 to 26. However, HEALTH cannot. And that’s all its about for me. Taking off some pounds to add some years to my life. Phine, re-defined… *sexy grin*

If anyone else has posted about this, I couldn't find it so here goes. This is from Bariatric Advantage. It's 4 oz. servings of Gelatin. It comes in fruit punch and orange flavors and each serving contains 20g of Protein. It doesn't require refrigeration so can go with you anywhere or is perfect to keep in a desk drawer, etc. As one who still stuggles to get in all of my daily protein, I will be ordering this today! It's perfect for WLS pts on every food diet level from liquids to full diet. Here is where you can get it: Bariatric Advantage - Gelatein

I use the chewable vitamins and a chewable iron from Bariatric Advantage. Before surgery I had to take these really large red iron pills but I did not want to crush them up - so I bought them at Bariatric advantage online.

Hi! I haven't picked out a new PCP since I moved back down from that college town I was in. Now that I am in the city, I am looking for a PCP that can also do my yearly lady-stuff so I can save a trip. I am looking for doctors who are OK with bariatric surgery patients! My last doctor did not support or believe in it. Anyone love their doctor and wanna make a recommendation?

I went through Bariatric Medical Institute in Salt Lake City, UT. Dr. Cottam and Dr. Medlin performed my surgery. The whole office is great. They did a great job taking care of me before, during and after surgery. I am now 7 months out from surgery and I have lost almost 90 lbs. I fall off the wagon and the dietitian and physical trainer are always there with support and guidance and NEVER judgmental or harsh with me. The approval process with insurance was frustrating. There was a lot of lack of communication. I had to be the squeaky wheel but that is my only complaint for this office. I recommend them so much that my husband is now having his consultation with them in two days. http://www.bmiut.com/