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Interesting that your surgeon should say that because it seems like I've read several times that more and more practices are switching to the bands and they expect it to be the leading bariatric surgery in just a few years! You might want to consider getting a second opinion. Will your surgeon still be there to give you fills if she's moving away from banding? If you go to the fills forum on this board, you can read about the experience of others. I've rarely heard of a painful fill. Good luck!

Hello All, Sept 6 I am attending a seminar in North Chelmsford at the Center for weight management and bariatric surgery LGH. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how their experiences have been and who they've had for a Surgeon. thanks, Jim

@@viaasskick From my personal experience you learn a lot more in said stupid classes that you do on line because there is two way communication and others in the class that may ask a question you have not thought about. Having WLS requires a huge commitment on our parts. This is why both bariatric centers of excellence and most insurance companies require classes, psychologists, nutritionists as well as some weight loss. I will say that my surgeons office did not require that I lose a set goal but show that I was losing some and certainly not gaining. I started at 315 and was down to 303 on surgery day 9 months later. As @@Dub stated, weight loss is required to get healthy and being ready for this surgery means you have to start building good habits months before you get to surgery. If I were you and wanted the best chance for success, I would recommend taking every advantage to learn more about what you are getting into.

Wonderslim Chocolate Caramel protein shake / pudding - Bariatric Pal Cheesecake protein shake / pudding The wonderslim has become a good friend of mine. I love it for that sweetness especially when I'm craving chocolate, which isn't that often anymore. And it must be engraved into my brain, but I'm a sucker for cheesecake anything - so when I found the pudding I was in 7th heaven (well at least my head was)... my belly doesn't care so much anymore. I tend to crave more salty than sweet as of late... I keep a jar of mixed nuts everywhere...

I used Dr Garcia and he and his staff were really great. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App That's Tijuana bariatrics Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

Don't worry so much about the incisions. They fade away to where you can't even see them. Check here at Bariatric Pal to see if they have a surgeon who performs this.

I have been using Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement Banana, Orange Cream & Iced Latte and there pretty good not super sweat and mix pretty well.

I'm in Ireland and Bariatric Surgery has only recently become generally available. I will be one of the first to have the procedure in a newly established Clinic. I'm 62, 5'10" and weigh 232 lbs. I developed a neurological illness in my 40's and piled on weight. Up to then, I had been slim. I want my skinny self back !!! My daughter is soo against me having the surgery - she says I'll never again be able to enjoy a meal and will miss out on so much, skinny isn't everything (she's skinny !!), etc., etc., etc. To me - Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels !!! I still have my skinny clothes in my loft, in the hope that they'll see daylight again. What do you guys think ?? Do any of you ever regret having the surgery ??

Dr. alejandro lopez with Alo Bariatrics does single incision sleeve but it's about $1500 more. Had one gal when I went that had it done. Sent from my Moto G (4) using the BariatricPal App

I am being banded July16th. Dr. Garth Davis put me on Bariatric Advantage Pre-op. You get enough for two weeks and chewable vitamins. Now, he has an e-store on his website or you can go to Bariatric Advantage. It tastes pretty good.

Just because the surgeon is in network does not automatically imply that your new coverage will include bariatric surgery. I strongly suggest that you consult your HR/benefits team to ensure that bariatric surgery and weight loss services are not excluded in the new policy. On the right side, there are times when one company will continue to cover you for a procedure like this that is already underway so that you do not experience an interruption in treatment. This may not qualify because those arrangements are usually reserved for treatment of severe injuries or pregnancy, but it never hurts to ask.

Thank you for your response. Definitely know his name as a weight-loss doc, but don't know if he's involved in a bariatric practice, but I'll research him. Thanks again.

I couldn't find chewables anywhere. I was told to take chewables for a month before switching to my bariatric multi Vitamin. I ended up with gummies because that was all I could find and my dietician said that was fine until I could begin my bariatric multi.

I’m new to all this. Going to Bailey Bariatrics in Owasso. They are so nice. I’m just curious how I will feel after surgery. We have a vacation planned for July 15th so I hope my surgery is done in May. I plan on going back to work in 2-3 days after surgery. I have a desk job that doesn’t require lifting. Anyone able to return back to work this soon?

This is SO true! I had to have my band emptied in August so they could insert an NG tube. Thankfully, the surgeon treating me was my bariatric surgeon's partner so he was more than aware of what I needed. But I actually had to have it inserted while awake (not pleasant) so I could swallow as they inserted it, making it less of a risk of them accidentally puncturing my stomach because of the band. I shudder to think what may have happened if I'd had a surgeon who wasn't also a bariatric surgeon and didn't know all this. Ever since, I have a Lap Band card I carry behind my driver's license. I figure if I'm unconscious and someone is going for my ID they'll see the Lap Band card, too (but I still think the medical alert bracelet is a great idea)

@@Musicdebbie I had my surgery with Tijuana Bariatric and Dr. Fernando Garcia did the surgery. I'd wish I had done this a long time ago.

Same here...due to yo-yo dieting, I had a normal BMI of 24 in October 2013. By October 2014, my BMI was up to 37 (rapid regain after a diet) and I qualified for bariatric surgery. Thank goodness my insurance company didn't demand proof of my previous weights over the years.

Spartan's answer was wonderful. I'd just add that it's a good idea to take a bariatric multivitamin.

I think it comes with the territory. I've been reading " The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, Second Edition." Reading it once before surgery and then again after. It explains that this is a very common experience. I'm getting sleeved on December 17, so I'm going to have the same thing going on for Christmas.

My doctor recommends Bariatric Advantage Vitamins but I find them really chalky and am having a hard time taking them. What kinds of chewable vitamins are othe people using? I'm trying to find something before my surgery on 3/16. Thank you!

I’m super excited to start this journey. My insurance requires a 3 month program so I still have 2 months to go. I have watched many YouTube videos, researched websites, read books just so I will know what I’m getting myself into. I know everyone’s journey is different but many go through some of the same things. So my question is what advice would you give to someone who’s just getting started on this journey ? For example, I know hair loss seem to be common among Bariatric patients, would you suggest taking vitamins now ? Are there questions you would have asked your doctor but didn’t know to ask at the time ? Any advice would be greatly appreciated 😊

I have an appt with Dr. Lautz at Brigham and Womens. I am a registered nurse and did extensive research on bariatric surgeons and decided upon this guy. In doing my research, I came across posts from previous patients of his and that he was fabulous. I also contacted the State Board Of Medical Licensure and he is clean as a whistle, has never had any infractions or lawsuits brought against him. He is board certified (this is important) and is the director of the bariatric department at BW. I see him for my first appt in May and am quite comfortable with who I have selected...hope this helps and good luck! kim

Thanks for your advice. I am actually seeing my PCP this coming Tuesday to talk about lapband and get her recommendation for a surgeon. But, I also made a reservation to attend a seminar w/Scottsdale Bariatric Center next Sunday already as well. Even if its not the surgeon my PCP ends up recommending, I figure it doesn't hurt to get as much info as possible. Anyway, I will definitely ask my doctor about testing for additional comorbidities. I had full bloodwork done in late November, though, and was a little surprised I don't show as pre-diabetic. I feel just awful when I eat high glycemic index type foods. But, I wonder if I don't test as pre-diabetic because I just avoid those foods now.

My scale measures body fat, lean muscle, Water, etc in addition to weight. It's a Tanita brand, got it from Amazon. It's the same brand my bariatric center uses, just not as big. I weigh second thing every morning (pee first) and record my weight. I record the fat, muscle and physical tape measurements just once a month.

My dermatologist told me that whey Protein frequently exacerbates acne in those who are prone to it, and can even cause breakouts in people who've previously had clear skin. Dairy products can also worsen hormonal acne in some people, so using milk as your base can compound the risk of a breakout. Fortunately, for me I can use milk, kefir, and yogurt in shakes without fearing an eruption on my face, but it's definitely something to be mindful about. This helps to explain some of the reasons for why whey protein can lead to acne: http://www.acneeinstein.com/whey-protein-acne/ I've had better luck with plant-based Protein Shakes rather than whey. I also loved GENEPRO. It's a Protein powder that has been heavily criticized on this forum for it's "too good to be true" claims about having 30 grams of protein for a small serving of easily dissolvable, tasteless and odorless powder, and for being so processed, but it's been fantastic for me. I used it for four months without experiencing any ill effects. I only stopped using it because I was getting adequate protein from food sources once I was fully healed. My husband is a physician, and a friend of his who is an oncologist told him that some of his patients going through chemotherapy have sores in their mouth that make eating difficult, so they have used Genepro as a supplement to add in more protein to their diet. He approves of it, which made me feel a bit more confident. It's definitely not an ideal food source, or something to make as a staple for your diet, but it can be useful as a supplement when your options are more limited. It can be added to broths, hot and cold drinks, and various foods. If you look on YouTube you can find videos by a bariatric surgeon named Dr. Matthew Weiner who advocates what he calls a "set point smoothie." It's made of high-protein, low-carb Greek yogurt (such as Fage), frozen fruit, and kale or spinach. It's a bit too much for immediately post-surgery, but a week or two down the road you should be ready for it. He encourages his patients to only consume protein powders in the first few months post-surgery when they cannot yet eat better, more natural sources of protein. Vitamins and supplements can also cause breakouts. I took Biotin a couple of years ago when I was regretting a hair cut and hoping for more rapid growth, and ended up with a war zone on my face because of it. I have PCOS and am very sensitive. Excessive B-12 also lead to painful breakouts. I do not take an additional B-12 supplement because of that, but do take a Multivitamin that has it in a smaller quantity. The vitamins I've responded to the best are Garden of Life's Vitamin Code Multi-Vitamin for Women, and Flintstones with Iron (one or the other, not both). As for topical treatments, my esthetician I see for monthly facials (and can recommend to you if you happen to live in LA) as well as my dermatologist recommended La Roche Posay's products, and specifically their Effaclar System. It's usually $29 for the set, which includes a face wash, clarifying solution, and treatment, but I spotted it at CVS earlier this week for $19. If you buy it, start off slowly because it can lead to peeling if you use it too often. I wash my face with the cleanser at night, and use the solution a couple of times a week. I put a very thin layer of the treatment on spots when needed. In the morning I either use Lush's Let the Good Times Roll, or simply rose Water. This routine has definitely helped my skin. My dermatologist told me to stay away from any anti-aging products because they are way too heavy for my skin. I turned 30 last year and freaked out about it, and went overboard on products. He said that water is my best anti-aging "product." It's true that any wrinkles I have go away once I've gotten properly hydrated. If you're older, that might not be the case, but regardless of age water can help to improve your skin's clarity and tone. You might also want to be careful about any laundry detergents, shampoos, conditioners, and toothpaste you use because fragrances and ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can trigger acne in some people. I use Seventh Generation's fragrance-free detergent for sensitive skin, and no fabric softener (white vinegar works just as well, and doesn't cause your clothes to smell like you might think it would), and I change my pillowcases three times a week. I stick with SLS-free toothpaste that doesn't have whitening ingredients (Tom's has one), and SLS-free shampoo and conditioner (Loreal has a good line). Best wishes to you!