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Hi folks. I'm Dave, and I'm one of the new guys here. I feel a bit weird right now, because for the last several months I've been researching and working toward getting the vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) surgery. Of the three main types of current bariatric sugeries, that seemed the best fit for me. I'd double-checked with my insurance carrier, and was told yes, the sleeve was covered. So I'd done all my homework, I attended some seminars, got my PCM to refer me to a weight loss surgeon who does my surgery type, and I got myself all psyched up for a marathon appointment with my surgeon and his team. After weeks of waiting I finally saw them yesterday. Things were going great until they said that I must have a misunderstanding. They said my insurance (Tricare Prime) does not cover the sleeve surgery. It seems the insurance agent I'd spoken with had misinformed me. After a bit of discussion and a visit to Tricare's website, it turns out that they're right - Tricare won't pay for it. They'll pay for LAP-BAND®®® and RNY bypass, even stomach stapling (which nobody does anymore) - just not the sleeve. So I had no serious option except to change directions right in the middle of things. And that's how I came to be here. RNY isn't something I'd want to do to myself, so I accepted the band as my only other choice. I mean no disrespect to anyone here, but I feel like I was at a great sale, and they ran out of my selection at the last minute. After all this time of anticipating and studying and planning for something else, all of a sudden I need to go 90 degrees in another direction. Is there anyone here who went through this sort of thing? Did you who chose the band do so after ruling out the other choices? Why? Or was the band your first choice? Can you please help me get my head around why the band is my best option? Help me feel good about this unexpected change. I want to feel great about this, but need some insider knowledge. What do you think? Thanks, Dave

I use the celebrate calcium plus 500 (3x daily). I like the cherry tart flavor. The bariatric advantage chocolate chews are good but only 250 gms so have to take 6 a day.

Here is a list I've developed - some are questions I asked and many have been added to my list. This is a VERY long list, but hopefully some of the questions will be new to you I have a friend who is going to his initial consultation next week too and he asked for a list too. * What is your re-admittance rate? * What is/are the typical reason/s for re-admittance? * How many of your patients have had leaks? How long after surgery were the leaks typically discovered? What was the resolution (% healed on their own vs. % needing surgical intervention)? * Other than leaks, what is/are the most common complication/s? What is your experience with these complications – how many and how resolved? * What would cause you to change to an open procedure? * How many rows of staples do you place? * Are the insides of the staples checked, too? * Do you sew over the staple line? * Exactly how do you test for leaks immediately after surgery (before the barium swallow test the next day)? * Is the part of the stomach that is removed also tested for leaks? * What size bougie do you use to measure the “sleeve?” How do you determine the size of the sleeve? * Can the sleeve actually be stretched by eating/drinking too much? On occassion vs regularly? Why? How to prevent? * What is the biggest factor in failure after this surgery? * What is the biggest factor in succeeding with this surgery? * What is your mortality rate? Of this, what % is attributable to the surgery itself and what % was from pre-existing conditions? * What type of post-surgery support do you offer? Is there any additional cost for the support? * Where were you trained? Are you board certified? How long have you done bariatric surgeries and what other types of surgeries have you done/do you do? * Why did you chose bariatric surgery? * How many sleeves have you performed? Over what period of time? * At what hospital will my surgery be performed? * Who will be my anesthesiologist? What is his/her experience, training, etc.? * Why do you believe you are the best surgeon to perform my surgery? What differentiates you/your practice from others in the D/FW area? * When can I return to work post-surgery? What will my limitations be and for how long? * Based on your experience, in this practice, what % of excess weight does your average patient lose with the sleeve? How long is the loss maintained? What can I do to increase my success? * Why do you feel that your pre/post surgery nutrition guidelines are the best? Have you tailored your plans for sleeve patients or do you use the same plan for sleeve, bypass & lapband? If the same, why? * Do your patients have a support group on FB or via other social media? Other than the formal support group/monthly classes, do your patients have informal support groups? How do I join these groups? * How much interaction should I expect with you vs. with your staff post-surgery? If mostly your staff, what is their training and experience with bariatric WLS patients? Will I typically see the same staff members on my post-op check-ups or will it vary? * Are your staff members, such as nutritionist, available for one-on-one consultations? If so, what are the charges, if any? * What are the requirements to become a "Center of Excellence?" (does this designation really mean anything?) * If I decide to go the self-pay route, is there coverage available for potential complications? If so, where do I get it? How much is it? Will the surgery center/hospital/other docs accept it 100% or could I potentially have additional out-of-pocket expenses? * I've read that most obese patients over 50 have hiatal hernias. According to your website, those are repaired during the sleeve surgery. If I'm self-pay, how is that handled? What if the costs associated with the hernia repair aren't fully covered by my insurance or what if I haven't meet my deductible? * Are there questions I should have asked but didn't? * What would you like to share with me? Sorry for the long list - I'm one of those Type A's

Move on! Your surgical group sounds like a group of general surgeons who have jumped on the WLS bandwagon for reasons of financial gain! They don't sound like bariatric specialists! Travel if you have to. Look for years of bariatric experience... I chose my surgeon because he has been a bariatric surgeon for 15 years and does about 500 bariatric procedures per year!

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually what Bariatric teams suggest. Call your email/team & ask. Also dehydration causes wicked headaches so try make sure you are properly hydrated (water and electrolyte drinks) as this *may* solve the problem Get Well Soon 💜

Yes, I had that problem when I first began this journey. You will find that a lot of the bariatric rules are different than normal nutrition rules. Especially the newer nutritional finds. For example, the latest consensus that sugar free products are bad for you, the margarine vs butter health debate and other food things like that. But with this surgery, some of that changes..lol. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sleeved 11/16/16 Starting weight :415 Pre surgery appt :412 Current :402

My experience is the same as @chrissymcm08. I’ve lost 83 lbs and rarely have knee pain now. Before the sleeve, I was told I would benefit from knee replacement. I was referred to Bariatrics by an orthopedic surgeon because my BMI was over 40. My BMI is now 30 and still going down. Knee replacement is the last thing on my mind now. So much happier!

Hello everyone, my name is Jessica I am 27 years old and I have been struggling with weight issues almost all my life. I currently am weighing 231lbs. I went last night with my cousin to my first informational meeting about bariatric surgeries and the different types that are being offered. I am considering having the lap done because I am beyond fed up with trying different diets and only loosing 10lbs and nothing else even I were to starve myself. I have tried several diets and have joined to many gyms to name here. I like the gym but i still have trouble keeping the weight off. Well I cant stay on long because I am at work, Just wanted to wish everyone luck. And to start off it's nice to meet everyone.

@@crazywomanincage - I'll try to find that post with resources and send it to you directly by a DM. In my short-lived BariatricPal experience, I feel that feeling like you trust your Bariatric Team is the gauge you should follow on where you ultimately have surgery. I too had concerns about just coming to Mexico for surgery. However, my doctors have been very involved in my pre-op stage through the post-op transition through Skype, phone calls, emails, and not just because I'm related to half of my BT, but I have the sense the right team care this deeply about their patients regardless of blood ties! Keep in touch and good luck!

I have been buying Starbuck's Tall Skinny iced lattes for several months at 3.25 per drink! Yesterday when I went to the Bariatric Advantage place to pick up some Vitamins, she gave me a sample bottle of a product they now sell called ProJoe. This is a bottled latte drink you refrigerate and pour over ice. I had the Magnifico Mocha, but on the product list she gave me, it looks like it also comes in a vanilla or chai. If you roder it from them, THERE IS NEVER ANY SHIPPING on it. Even if you order it with other products, the entire order has free shipping. The price is case of 12 for 35.95, which may sound high, but 12 of the Starbuck's drinks still come to $39.00. And adds 20g to my protein! The bottle is: 9.5 oz. 20g Protein 120 cal 5g carbs 0g fat 3,5g sugar It was really good. I don't think it is available yet on their website, but you can order by phone at 800-898-6888. Like I said, there facility isn't far from me so i went there yesterday and set up and account and got all my vitamins. They are very nice too. YAY!

Good job!! Im 6 months out. I also had low b1 and iron but it was at my 3 months appt. I got the bariatric advantage iron and b1 (which is hella expensive) but at my 6 month appt all my labs are back to normal! I just hit 80lbs down from surgery. Best decision ever.

Thanks for the link. I didn't find any info for the meetings on that page so I called them. She gave me the center's number and I got a web page from them and the meeting times. Here is the link if anyone else is looking welcome to Middle Tennessee Medical Center | Hospital Services | Bariatrics/Weight Loss | Support Groups

So THAT's what that was!!! How quickly after eating too quickly does this happen? I've only had it happen once and it was horrible. I want to say it was a while after I had last ate. I thought the thing that set me off was a chewable bariatric Vitamin because the sliming started right after that. In any event, I'm glad I had some anti-nausea medication and took that... seemed to help. Hope it never happens again...

My employer offered the coverage and many ppl took advantage. In one year 11 ppl had VGS. One week before my consult they dropped the bariatric coverage because it became "too costly" So I am stuck obtaining loans and using my meager saving. My surgery is now 10/22/14 Good luck to you, I hope it works out for you

@@genn we have owned our country home since 1993. We used to leave everything unlocked too, but now have surveillance cameras and signs up that say no trespassing. Both hubby and I carry on the farm (I don't take it to my office because of company policy) and are licensed. This reminds me we need to renew our Concealed Carry Permits. It has been 5 years since the last renewal. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

The article link has been updated to The Post-surgery Diet for Bariatric Patients: What to Expect .

Hello!! Another Nancy here! My surgery is 2 days before yours... July 22. Right now I'm 288 pounds. My surgeon doesn't have a strict 2 week liquid pre-op diet. He instructed me to cut out carbs - no bread, pasta, rice, etc. (You know, the GOOD stuff! LOL!) That being said, I'm doing mostly liquids anyway - just to get used to it. I have a collection of protein drinks - ranging from Premier Protein (available at Walgreens, CVS, etc) and protein sample packs I purchased here at the Bariatric Pal Store. For inspiration, encouragement & tips, check out some of the YouTube videos by fellow sleevers. Some are REALLY good! One, Kimberly H, has her own channel as well as videos she does for Bariatric Pal. There are others, some funny, some boring... just try them out. Just search for VGS, Bariatric Sleeve, etc. WE GOT THIS!!!

Thanks Melinda, I just received an email from the Bariatric co-ordinator (that's who originally sent my paperwork in and my contact person) she informed me she had to "re-fax" my paperwork back to BCBS. I really need to know what happened.. when I called around Aug1 to BCBS they said "still being processed" how did it go from "being processed" to having to be re-faxed back in?? OMG So does this mean I have to wait another few weeks for a decision! yeah its time to get back on the phone with BCBS and find out what I should expect from them.

i have had the bariatric xray i dont know how many times and every time they say there is nothing wrong with the band. no slippage or anything.last time i had a check up from my lap band doctors though has ben about two years. i quite going because i dont like my surgeon or the place, true results. my surgeon acted like he didnt really care. as long as he got his $$$ he was ok. i unfortunately never had a nutritionist. i dont have insuranc so i didnt have to go through the same procedure everyone else does to get the sugery who has insurance. all i had to do was get my bmi down and have the surgery. which i regret because i dint have the right counsoling when going into this. i do still drink carbonation. i know i shouldnt. one of my biggest weaknesses. my family is always getting onto me about that. i have had a complete unfill. i do have a little bit in right now. its not the fills that get me sick. its just that whenm i get sick i have to take it out.

FYI I also tried downloading on every cell phone I own and the same message Unfortunatly Bariatric Pal has stopped-if you have saw fit to terminate my involvement please have the decency to say so. I have tried on Samsung devices as well as LG. This is disturbing.

I knew my husband was having a hard time with my choice for WLS, in the past when we discussed my having wls he'd be less than enthusiastic and downplay it, basically saying I was all talk and wouldn't do it. But he seemed to come around and was supportive, we had some heated conversations, mostly since he thought I'd leave him once I lost my.weight, which I have no desire to, before I love him, yes he is a big guy but I've always been attracted to men like that. I told him, I love him and only him and would never leave him, he seemed to come around and be ok and we'd be ok again. Towards the end of my requirements and pending approval of my surgery it was harder on him I could tell but he was still supportive, we talked about vacations we'd take, more family pictures, renewing our vows and having a baby of our own Adobe muy weight and PCOS made it hard to conceive, and all the things I was afraid to do because of my weight, I was happy and excited about our new life together But I didn't talk about my Surgery or fears, because I knew his fears were bad too. So my Surgery was August 19, and in the hospital and home he has been pretty good about getting with the kids, but I handle myself and do most things for myself, but getting out of our new bed which is lower to the ground is challenging at times. But the last few days he's been distant, and suddenly last night before bed, he just says he is leaving, because he doesn't want to be left and that he knows I'll leave once I've lost my weight. He then got out of bed and went outside to smoke. I was shocked and devastated, I love him, been in love with him for 8 years, we were just about to file the paperwork for him to formally adopt my children from a previous marriage, and now he says he is leaving since he can't handle being left. My children are involved, they love him deeply and that's their dad and that's my husband, I can't believe I'm not even 2 weeks out and get this dropped on me. He had been asleep all day so I haven't been able to talk to him, I want to go to therapy to try and reassure him and work.through this, I don't want to lose my marriage because he has fears of something I'll never do, or because he's heard other people did that to their spouses once they lost their weight. That's them, not me. I think his so called friends have been telling him this bs and to expect the worst. It's crazy how can people try to destroy a family and put more fear and doubt in a man at a time like this. My husband does have a history of depression, PTSD and bi polor disorder but it's been managed, but I do think he stopped his meds because he wouldn't do this to me otherwise. If I can't get him to see reason or go to therapy there isn't anything I can do. I'm lost and hurt.

@ChloeLives4 Take a deep breath darling. <breathe> Your emotions are all over the map. #1 Check with the bariatric team to see if they have counselors or can recommend someone so you can work through these emotions. #2 Schedule sessions with the team's Nutritionist, thst person will give you all the info on the eating stages before and after surgery. #3 Go on YouTube and look for Dr. Anthony Weiner - he explains all of it. There will be scary and amazing changes ahead in your life, take it one step at a time. Good luck.

A little about myself: I am 28 years old and I have been struggling with my weight all of my life. I am tired of being the girl that has a pretty face. I hate how I feel about myself. I have been toying with the idea of doing some type of weight loss surgery for the last few years. For years I was encouraged to get the lap band, which I seriously thought about for a while. Now, after the long term effects of it have come out, I am so glad that I did not do that surgery. In May of 2011 I went to the bariatric orientation at my local Kaiser office. That is when I first learned about the gastric sleeve. My insurance requires everyone to go through a 12 week class before getting any type of weight loss surgery. The days and times that the classes were on conflicted with my work and school schedule so I wasn’t able to start the classes. At this point I wasn’t ready mentally to go through with any type of surgery. So I started counting calories and exercising. In four months I lost about 26 lbs. When I started school I stopped counting calories and didn’t make time for exercise. Now I have gained back each pound that I lost along with an additional 6. I have come to the decision that I now must take drastic measures for my health before I develop any major health problems, while I am still young(ish). On April 17, 2012 I went to a second orientation at Kaiser (my first referral expired). Now I am making time for myself. I start my 12-week class on Tuesday, May 1st. As long as I make each class, which I will, I will be done with the class in mid-July. I should meet with the surgeon late July/early August and hopefully have the gastric sleeve done by mid-August. I have to quit smoking… I started that journey, and it is way harder than I thought it would be. With the future ahead of me, I am determined to get this done. After all, I AM WORTH IT. I have been lurking around for about a week and feel like I have learned so much. I can see what I have to look forward to and I am excited.

Hate is a strong word. Kids can make you crazy at times but there is no greater love than the love of a child. Yes, they hate you from age 15-25, but after that, it's another renewed, kinder, stronger, more appreciative love that comes back to you. Don't knock it until you try it. I too had just dogs for ten years before a child, there is absolutely no comparison.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. Hit the Starbucks and hit it hard. I know caffeine can make us hungry, but it can also contract those blood vessels in your head causing the headaches. See if you can tolerate some hardcore coffee/espresso (or no doze) and see if it helps. When you're over the headaches, back off the caffeine and resume normal bariatric diet. We used to put our migraine patients on caffeine drips in the ER. Please everyone don't kill me for suggesting something outside the program, but I think this might help.