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Hello, I'm glad to know that you're taking care of yourself for yourself! While I haven't had the surgery yet - I'm currently in a 12-week behavior modification class (one hoop/requirement for me prior to surgery). However, I think you should first check the American Society of Bariactric Surgery site for a CERTIFIED surgeon/program in your area American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (2) research as much as you can abou the lapband. This site is awesome and you will find tremendous support (especially with encouragement and support that you don't seem to get from that gem of a husband of yours). (3). Know the surgery is for your health and that slim body/size 6/8 jeans are only bi-products of your better health. Please tay in touch and all the best to you.

I was in terrible pain last night at 2am after throwing up from 430pm that I decided to try the ER. My surgeon is 5 hours away and this was friday might so I called a few hospitals and asked if they had a bariatric doctor if I come in and of course they had no idea what I was talking about. Then I called one and there was actually a recording advertising for bariatric surgery. I took my chances, went there and the bariatric doc was the on call doc. I felt so lucky cause nobody else had any idea what I was even talking about. So anyways the doc took out all my fill to let it heal from the swelling. I was in so much pain and immediately after he took out the fill I had instant relief. I'm doing better but gonna be on liquids for a few days.

He works out of the Bariatric office at the hospital. It's on the 4th floor of Medical Arts I think. Phone number is 762-1547

I have been having the same problem along with nausea. I had an ultrasound, which showed a fatty liver due to obesity, had an X-ray of my abdomen, they were looking for blockage in my bowels, which was negative and then I had a hidascan. All were normal and my lap band is fine. I returned to my bariatric surgeon and he tried to order a CT scan but my insurance denied it. Now I am not better and there are no answers. I am very frustrated. I know how you feel. Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

I am having my sleeve surgery on weds Jan 4th and I am so excited! I have struggles with my weight my entire adult life and aim tired of the fight. I have been on every diet under the sun as well as every weight loss medication on the market. Besides fen-fen, which is not off the market, nothing has worked. I live in Scottsdale and am having my surgery done at Scottsdale Bariatrics, Dr. Blackstone was supposed to be my surgeon but scheduling was better for me to go with her associate Dr. Reynoso. I have been attending the support groups and have heard great things about him so I'm sure it will be just fine! I think what I'm struggling with most is the thought that I will no longer be hungry. That is an unfathomable thought! I am going into this process with an open mind, a willingness to follow all directions and patience. I am excited and ready to begin this new and healthy phase of my life! Will keep you all posted as I continue kn this journey.

I am a little over a week out and feeling similar to you. I have been very emotional, but I think it does not help that I am no longer on hormones which has helped keep my emotions be more balanced in the past. My bariatric dr. stated I resume the hormones after a month out. Also because I am still in pain and taking pain meds, I cannot be as busy as I would like too . However, my family, close friend and this forum helps me to try to stay positive, I know this stage will pass.

Hello All, Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jodi and I will be having the lapband Aug 31st (tomorrow). My doctor is Dr Steven Clark from the St Francis Bariatric Center/St Francis Hospital Beech Grove Indiana. I'm looking forward to meeting follow bandsters and anticipate my "new" life to begin soon. I have declared September as my offical End of Summer Clearance Weight Month.

I second (or third or fourth..) the pillow! I was lucky- there is someone who makes pillows for all of the bariatric patients at the hospital where I had my surgery, so I got one the morning of my surgery, and it was on my bed with me when I got to my room. I used it every time I had to get up to use the bathroom, or walk. I would also try to get an abdominal binder--- I wore one home from the hospital and that thing was a life saver! It really helped with the pain of getting up and sitting back down.. and going for walks too. I also wore it under my clothes for my first two weeks back to work.

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

How long can you not drive for after the surgery? - I drove the day I got home from the hospital. How long were you on pain medication for? - I was on the Morphine pump for 24 hours and I took Lortab in the hospital at night only. I never took pain medicine when I got home. How long did you stay in the hospital? - I had to stay in the hospital for 3 nights. I was a lapband revsion and a hernia repair though. I also was having problems urinating on my own so I had to stay an extra day. Any advice on what Protein drinks are worth getting for after surgery? - the only one that I can seem to tolerate is the Bariatric Advantage vanilla flavor blended like a shake. Was your stomach swollen, if so for how long? - my stomach was swollen for several days. I was pumped full of fluids because of the previously mentioned urinating problem. I've read that many did not eat due to pain during the first week? - I am still on liquids so I am not sure about this. I had to be on liquids for three weeks. I have my post op appointment on Friday, hopefully going to be able to eat something.

Actually, I've called Cigna 10 or 11 times to confirm the 3 months of supervised weight loss visits and its just that 3 CONSECUTIVE months. The link you listed specifically says if the procedure is FOLLOWING SIGNIFICANT weight loss, THEN you need 6 months of documented STABLE weight. ***Here:Note: If the procedure is being performed following significant weight loss, in addition to meeting the criteria noted above, there should be evidence that the individual has maintained a stable weight for at least six months. If the weight loss is the result of bariatric surgery, panniculectomy should not be performed until at least 18 months after bariatric surgery and only when weight has been stable for at least the most recent six months. I specifically called Cigna yesterday and spoke directly with a lady from the pre-determination department at Cigna and here is the criteria that is need for Cigna to approve you for weight loss surgery: -3 consecutive months of a supervised weight loss program (must be supervised by a doctor or registered dietitian) (following MUST be documented: a weight loss program, an exercise program, weight at visit) -Letter of medical necessity from your Primary Care Physician (the following needs to be documented:Height, weight,BMI, comorbidities (example:diabetes, hypertension, etc..), and daily medications) -Psychological evaluation by a mental health provider -Nutritional consult done by a doctor or registered dietitian -Medical clearance from your Primary Care Physician (stating you are cleared for surgery) -Eval by Bariatric Surgeon

I ordered ENS drink mix from Celebrate Bariatric vitamins...they have a 3 flavor 30 day pack...get your vitamins and water in lol

I really, really hate to be treated like I am stupid; one of my "buttons" so to speak. So here I am on Rants and Raves asking for your help. I had gastric sleeve surgery a year ago. I have told no one that I had surgery. So posting this is my way of reaching out to someone besides my husband. After the surgery, my surgeon told my husband that everything went very smoothly. After a few hours my blood pressure was dropping below 70/30, the nurse called "a staff assist." About ten people suddenly yet calmly came into my room, surrounding my bed, attaching equipment etc. I was rushed back into another 2 and 1/2 hours of surgery. My husband and I were told that the surgeon checked and re-checked everything and never could find the cause of my internal bleeding. "It happens," we were told. We accepted that I was one of the few who have complications with gastric sleeve surgery. I was sent home on a step one, liquid diet for three weeks, gradually progressing to full liquids then mushies and so on. I was hospitalized about two weeks after my surgery when I experienced syncope, i.e. I passed out. I was taken off my bp meds. The hospitalist visited me in my room and casually mentioned that he'd been there when I went into surgery the second time. He said that he'd never seen anyone squirt blood like I did and that they used all the factor X coagulant on hand during my surgery. A year passes. I never see the surgeon again. I've been having follow-up visits and lab work at the bariatric center every three months. I recently went to my general practitioner to update my status with her as I haven't seen her since my gastric sleeve surgery. She calls up my surgical records on the computer and there I see what I expect with one big surprise - "Repair Perf Duod/gast ulc- wnd/inj." I was reading the computer screen, over her shoulder, at an angle and it didn't register clearly while I was sitting there. Wait! My duodenum is the beginning third of my small intestine. Gastric sleeve surgery shouldn't involve that part of my body. No wonder I was on a liquid diet for so long. My husband and I had directly asked both the surgeon and the PA why I needed the second surgery. Both told us the same thing, i.e. that I had unexplained internal bleeding. I haven't been back to this bariatric center of excellence since discovering the new information. Now I've poked around and found my online summaries of each follow-up visit. They bear little resemblance to what actually happened at the visits. We did not discuss mal-absorption, nor did I have Vitamin B-12 or Vitamin D deficiencies etc. It looks like "cut and paste" notes to us. So now I know more about what really happened. What should I do with this knowledge? Thank God that the surgeon was able to save my life and just move on? Stay silent, keep up my bariatric exams, while relying on my GP for my real medical care? Call them on it and change doctors? (The PA always responds to my questions with a blank look and then a smile when I have questions. She usually has no answer and never offers to find out anything.) I live in a remote rural part of the state and would have to travel many hours to see another bariatric doctor. This bariatric center of excellence is the life blood of this small hospital as it is nearly empty otherwise. They ran every possible test that insurance would pay for including echo cardiogram and a scan of my gallbladder. There were no babies in the nursery and only a few patients hospitalized. When I was hospitalized with syncope, they sent my nurse home for lack of work when I checked out a day early. She was NOT happy with me and commented that it was a good thing her husband was the primary breadwinner. I know I need to keep up my lab work for the rest of my life. Perhaps my GP cannot order those tests. She seemed really reluctant to be involved in any potential dispute with the bariatric center. Thank you for reading this. Any constructive suggestions?

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

Won't know till your surgeon gets in there. But I Would be totally up front with him with what you have been eating. And remember, cheating is only hurting yourself. And the more you cheat, the easier it is to cheat next time. Self sabotage is a big problem early on and ultimately leads to an unsuccessful outcome. The mental part of WLS is a hundred times harder than the physical part. You are going to a professional for surgery, you may find it necessary to go to a professional for the psychiatric part, too. And just for a perspective of what's in store, here is a link to the best advice I've ever read concerning WLS...... http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/357439-bariatric-surgery-only-makes-your-stomach-smaller-otherwise-youre-exactly-the-same/?hl=%20babbs

Both professionals in the field and those who have had or are considering having surgery themselves seem to be involved in an ongoing debate over what is the best type of weight loss surgery. The three most common forms of surgery in Australia at present, gastric band, gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy all have loyal fans and big opponents. In my Nutrition for Weight Loss Surgery Support Group the pros and cons of the different surgery types are regularly discussed by those who have been through the various procedures. Whilst technically different, what is common to all forms of weight loss surgery is that the surgery itself is just one part of the picture of weight management. Surgery alone does not guarantee you will lose weight; it is a tool that can assist you to lose weight when teamed with lifestyle change. Colleen Cook is a successful weight loss surgery patient from 1995 and is the author of the best selling weight loss surgery book, The Success Habits of Weight Loss Surgery Patients. It is based on her research of the most successful long-term patients and the habits they have in common as they maintain their weight over time. Colleen is also the President of Bariatric Support Centers International, a company that specialises in providing education and support services for those who have had weight loss surgery and the professionals who work with them. Following is a comment from Colleen that stood out to me when reading her work recently: “Successful patients took personal responsibility for staying in control. They were found to have a general feeling that maintaining their weight was indeed their own responsibility and that surgery was a tool that they used to reach and maintain a healthy weight.” Colleen’s words illustrate perfectly that weight loss surgery itself does not cause weight loss. Those undergoing weight loss surgery will need to take responsibility for their lifestyle choices. To achieve the best weight loss results and maintain that weight loss in the long term, you will need to choose healthy and nutritious foods, increase physical activity and maintain regular follow up with your support team. Are you maximizing the support available to you? Do you regularly follow up with your surgeon or bariatric GP to check your progress? For those with a gastric band, have you worked with them to find the green zone? Have you had the blood tests recommended to you to monitor any medical conditions or detect nutrient deficiencies? Have you seen an exercise physiologist or physiotherapist regarding an activity program tailored to you? Did you see your dietitian for the pre and post surgery info but never returned for ongoing support? Are you comfortable with the support team at your clinic? If not, you need to seek out a new support network. Ultimately it is up to you to utilise the support and resources available to you for a successful journey,

Good luck to you and all the other single folks! Dating post sleeve has been a real pain. I thought it would be so great to be a single girl who was smaller, I could date, enjoy it...long story short not so much. I dated a lot last year and it was terribly exhausting. I mean dating is awkward enough but the eating out part is really frustrating on the first date. I don't like to tell people on the first date I had surgery so there is the 'what's wrong don't you like it?' Comments, or the 'want a drink?'questions you have to carefully get out of. Too much stress! It would be awesome to meet a fellow bariatric patient- they would understand the struggle. So putting it out there- any single men in the NY metro area around my age (25) hit me up! LOL sorry had to try!

Hello ladies im from wichita ks travling to oklahoma for surgery, my insurance does not cover so paying cash any pointers on thst or financing?, theres oklahoma weight loss or bariatric center of oklahoma have you heard anything about them? Like I said im self pay hit all the roadblocks so just looking for advice thanks!

I use bariatric advantage protein shake mix from my surgeon office. It comes in a 3.3 pound bag Sent from my SM-J727U using BariatricPal mobile app

Well, I'm not sure where to start. I have been lurking for quite some time and now I am coming out of the shadows. I have known for over a year that I wanted WLS but never thought I would be able to do it. I thought I would be miserable for the rest of my life. I am at my highest lifetime weight and it is seriously impacting my quality of life. I can't walk for more than 5 minutes without my back screaming at me. My knees are constantly aching as is my left hip. I have a 2-year old daughter that I want to play with and take on walks, and I feel like I am only partly in the game. A dear friend of mine lost her mother earlier this year. After the funeral she sat me down and said that she had all these regrets for what could have been in her life and that I don't need to waste one more minute being unhappy. So I got off my keester and started making things happen. I am the HR Manager at my company, so I know quite well what is covered and not covered. We use BCBS of GA and our policy does not provide for WLS. I also have Tricare but that will be going away here shortly. I just finalized my divorce. Knowing all this helps a lot, because I decided I will have to do self-pay. There is a bariatric program (Center of Excellence) in my city, but I am not comfortable with it. I have been admitted to the hospital for several different things in the past so I know the level of care to expect. It stinks like hot garbage. So after a lot of research, I want to go with Dr. Aceves. For a lot of the reasons that have been listed before in the forums and the research I have done online, I feel like this is the place for me. I pressed the "contact me" button on his website and now I'm waiting to start my journey. I am a bundle of questions and most of them it seems everyone else has already had. I am a single mother but a dear friend has volunteered to stay with my daughter while I am "out of town". She is the only person that I am willing to tell about all this. She supports me regardless. My parents do not. Other people put a lot of fear in me by asking "what about your daughter? you are being reckless because something could happen to you." My thought behind that is that something could happen to me right now. I am already functioning well below capacity so I need to make things better. I have no intention of telling my job what I am doing. I will tell them that I need time off for "a personal surgery". I am hoping I will be able to go back to work when I return from Mexicali. This has gotten quite long so I will close it out and hope that everything goes well.

She is at Baptist Nutrition and Bariatric Center - it's at 1190 N. State Street

Hello Krista and welcome to LBT! Research is a great first start. I would also contact my insurance to find out their requirements and what bariatric doctors are in the network. As far as giving up certain foods forever. I was never told that by my doctor. I was always told I can all foods types, but just in modification. Now I know there are some people who are not able to eat certain foods because it does not agree with their band. I am not one of those people and I am able to eat small portions of all food types. Good luck with your research!

Today. Yes, Today. It's so easy to defer things until later. Until the time is right. Until you're more ready. I've been there too. You're surrounded by a massive to-do list of things that seem to be a higher priority at the moment...or at least they seem more fun. Do you put off making changes that you know you'll benefit from for reasons that really just wouldn't fly if it were your best friend telling you those things? Is this you? I'll start back at exercising....eating better...sleeping more...consider changing jobs.... ...once the boys' hockey schedule isn't so hectic... ...after I get my diabetes under control... ...once I know the price of gas will stay down... ...after every ounce of snow melts in Boston ( - and you live in Phoenix!) You've made promises. Commitments. Resolutions. But haven't followed through. What now? Empty promises that you make to yourself do more than derail you from your dreams. They rob you of hope. They erode your trust. They can make you feel worthless. But What if...? There are what if's in every direction. What if I don't get the job? Sometimes the opposite question can be even scarier - What if I do lose 80 pounds? Ouch. A lot of times we don't realize that not knowing how we'd handle positive changes in our lives holds us back as much as or possibly even more than our fear that things might not work out. It doesn't matter if your nemesis is needing to lose weight, quit smoking, or not sleeping enough to keep yourself focused all day. The core of what paralyze us is often the same. Whether you're curious about weight loss surgery, have had it, or don't care a lick about it, I invite you to watch this video prepared by the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons (ASMBS - Disclosure: I'm an ASMBS Integrated Health member). Watch it with an open mind. Then - think about what's holding you back. Now. Make it real. Say it out loud. My next request is a big one. Really big. I want you to talk with someone about an important change you want to make and what's holding you back. Talk to anyone. Comment here, tell your doctor, tell your best friend. Tell someone you'll never see again. Say it in a forum, say it to a baby, message me privately. You've got 5 minutes to take action. Go!

Follow the plan given to you by your surgeon or nutritionist/dietitian. If you didn’t get one, find a bariatric nutritionist/dietitian and get a plan. Post-op nutrition is tricky because you need to get in protein, vitamins, and minerals essential to life, but you can’t eat very much. The foods must be nutrient dense and are often very different from what you were eating pre-op. For me, 500cal a day was not enough post-op, I kept getting dizzy when I ate that little.

Well... can't help with being a January surgery buddy... but just know there are lots of us here who are willing to help with what we can! Hang in there! And if things don't improve, please consider perhaps talking with a bariatric mental health professional...