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AS the world's longest Stage 2 , at least SOME DAYS I feel that way, may I throw in my advice. Make sure you are taking your vitamins/ minerals One of the reasons you're moved along is to ensure you're getting everything needed in a balanced amount and to make sure as a VSG, RNY or even a lap-band (although there aren't as many of these as once there were) that your body can handle and get maximum value from these all. I am a special case, and truly it WAS NOT MY CHOICE, shortly after my surgery, they say 6 weeks but I truly believe much sooner, I started having difficulty with the diet progression. It had been my surgeon's advice to move me as an RNY at 3 weeks to level 3, but every time I tried I vomited, even mild nomally easy things. They offically validated this. at 6 weeks when a follow-up endoscopy showed my pouch was very inflamed, structured and both it and the adjoining small intestine, the jejunem were very ulcerated. So far no bleeding or perforation, but it is always a possibility. And my surgeon's Junior partner, who routinely does the endoscopies for the practice and I have tried. First I am one of the very people Omeprazole is Not Gastroprotective for. FYI, when I was under my gastroenterologist's care in the end of 2017, he discover I had a small gastric ulcer as well as gastritis. I had disclosed this when. finally scheduling my surgery, but it was their practices usual plan to put their patients on this drug post- surgery. And surprise surprise, I ulcerated again. So after this endoscopy I was permitted to resume my Dexilent, another PPI, higher- priced (over $300 monthly, if cash, but my insurance covered) and Carafate to help coat and heal the ulcerations. I take it 6am-noon-6pm-midnight and have every since last October 12th. Each follow-up endoscopy, and I gave had 12 or 13 now in my lifetime,as a matter of fact I have another scheduled today at 11 AM, an attempt is made to dialate my opening. The first few times I was just too red and swollen for it to work, but she and I have not given up- My theory, and it's just mine, is that somehow I gave developed a ring of muscle that snaps shut. But we still are not giving up. The end of November I wasn't as meticulous about my diet, my ulcers got worse, I got into a state of malnourishment and extremely low protein levels and had to be re- hospitalized. And the next day I had a PICC line placed in my upper left arm and was fed a nutrition solution 12 hours a day , I believe this truly saved my life at this point, this went on for 3 months with weekly blood levels run, this was d/feed in the end of February, I have regained back my health but still required an iron INFUSION in late March. And I have learned how to keep my nutrition balanced all though per her instructions, I still do not attempt more than a very liquid diet. Oh it CAN BE DONE, but it is Not very easy. And like a thirsting traveler I do long to be set free. Each EGJ I pray that things will be at a normal state and I can move on! They have not confirmed it, but my underlying fear is that I will require further surgery. This was not the way that things go normally. Burnt I am a Brave Little Camper who still believes in my doctors and myself, and we will triumph, no matter how long it takes. I hope my insight has helped you, but please bring your doctor " back into the loop" and follow their advice. This is my first WLS but my doctors have handled and helped many patients to success so I trust their wisdom greatly!

We checked our package and read through the entire guidelines and it says nothing about bariatric surgery. Yes, I vented, and with good reason. I do blame insurance companies. They are misleading and do whatever they can to weasel out of actually paying for anything. I lost 15 lbs under a diet set forth by my nutritionist. I say that's more telling than 6 months consecutive. It's arbitrary and trite and bs. Ok now I'm done venting. I have a dietician appt next week and still waiting on pcp appt. Shes very hard to get appts with.

I completely understand what you are going thru. I felt the same way. For me, after soooo many disappointments, diet failures, massive weight gains (over and over again), the humiliation, physical pain, heqlth problems and limitations, and so on, we are scared to believe in anything. I questioned "could this be true? Get surgery and then lose the weight and associated health complications and embarrassment? And keep it off? It CAN'T possibly be for real! Maybe I'm letting myself in for more heartbreak by chasing this rainbow!" And then, scared half out of my wits, I went ahead with the surgery. I followed every rule to the t both pre- and post-op. And to be honest, unlike what some other sleevers report, this has not been an easy fix. But it IS a Godsend. This surgery has helped me tremendously, but at the end of the day, just like so many say, this is a tool, not a magic mystical pill. To me, it is VERY important for us to address our fears head-on. You are not crazy. You are facing your fear. Stare it down and never give up on yourself. This tool will work for you if you are willing to put in your share of the work. I wish I were one of those people who never got hungry and have to remind themselves to eat. I do get hungry, but not nearly like it was pre-op. My restriction is not as much as some others have but it IS there, and it is very helpful. I am 3.5 months out (surgery 10.17.11) and have lost 64.4 pounds. I can now pretty easily consume about 4 oz of protein plus a few bites of veggies per meal. I am still fighting head hunger and trying to resist nighttime snacking. And I am trying to exercise (walking for now since my hips, ankles and feet are pretty much shot from intense pounding whilst obese) 4 to 5 days a week. So yes, there is effort on my part. But I am so glad I had the surgery. I am attending monthly support group mtgs and read helpful and motivating posted on this forum. I hope this reads as it is intended: as a helpful and compleltley no BS account of my WLS experience. No pretend sunshine; no dramatic negativity. You are worth this. You can meet success. I believe in both of us!

Keep in mind some hospitals won't allow Chapstick Bc it has glycerine in it. Be sure and bring blistex brand. No glycerine

I brought more than needed, bc my hospital provided alot(Chapstick, hand sanitizer, shampoo, conditioner and soap, tooth brush and paste and a small travel type pillow) Here's what I actually used: A few pairs of clean underwear(they allowed me to wear them the second am) PJ bottoms for under my gown which I was required to wear House cost for walking halls My own pillow from home(different color pillow) Travel pillow(I brought a firm small pillow for coughing and standing, but the gave me the perfect one too) Brush, deodorant iPad, IPhone & chargers A magazine The BEST thing I brought was my ear plugs!!!! So happy since I was outside of nurses station! Also not sure if your doctor used Lovenox post op for you at home, but learn my lesson no one informed me it needed to be ordered, I figured they'd give me a script at discharge, thankfully the office had enough samples for me! They dropped the ball BIG TIME! I was not permitted to use any gas x strips they provided me with simethicone there(liquid if I remember)

I am 5-6, 209lbs and on Wednesday, 3/15/23 I had an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty aka ESG. I elected to stay over the first night and came home on Thursday, 3/16. I was in tremendous pain and could not keep water down. On Saturday 3/8, I phoned an IV service to come and hydrate me. They couldn’t find a vein. I knew I was need of emergent medics care so I called an ambulance. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery and put into a coma. What my family learned is that my Bariatric surgeon had left a hole in my stomach and punctured my lung. My thoracic cavity was mixed with various fluids and I was slowly drowning as my lung capacity diminished Days later they found another hole in my stomach and I underwent a third surgery to correct that. Had I not called the ambulance when I did, I would have died Fortunately the hospital kept me fed and hydrated intravenously. Today is my first day home and I’m doing everything I can to sip enough water and protein. I wonder if life will ever be the same for me i have one more follow up procedure which I’m dreading. I deeply regret the decision to do this surgery, it almost cost me my like and the trauma is endless

Fyre, check out this test to see if a company is a covered HIPAA entity. Fed Ex would not qualify. This is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services which helps administer HIPAA: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/HIPAA-Administrative-Simplification/HIPAAGenInfo/AreYouaCoveredEntity.html Are You a Covered Entity? The Administrative Simplification standards adopted by Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) apply to any entity that is a health care provider that conducts certain transactions in electronic form (called here a "covered health care provider"). a health care clearinghouse. a health plan. An entity that is one or more of these types of entities is referred to as a "covered entity" in the Administrative Simplification regulations.

Yes, and Fed Ex doesn't fall into any of those categories. You need to let your HR person know! Maybe he/she was confused or just didn't present the info very well. I'm sure that corporate HR is in the know but maybe they need to explain better to their team.

Just an FYI, I had BC of Cali and they required the 6 month thing also. My dr. said that she had documented at every visit that I was doing a weight watchers type program. The fact that she did that saved me from having to wait. We simply sent in the progress notes from my visits and that was sufficient. Basically, at every check-up, she would say that I was overweight and needed to lose weight and I'd say, "Uh yeah...I know...I'm doing weight watchers (or whatever the diet of the month was)" She just wrote down a few notes about that and it was sufficient for Blue Cross. Just a thought.

LOL no problem. I guess most people hit their limit for the BS at different junctures!

I have it! I also was newly diagnosed with insulin resistant type 2 diabetes. Had my band done 21 months ago and have been yo-yoing with my weight. Actually going to dr tomorrow bc something has to give. Since July I have gained 10lbs. ={

Try the public, and state hospitals in your state. Chances are that they have a Bariatrics Unit that takes Medicaid. In NYC, the City Hospitals have fantastic G/BS Units. Some are in the nations Top 50 Hospitals. Also, there are several Bariatrics Groups (which is a specialty based practice, that focuses ONLY on Bariatrics), That have a couple doctors on their roster that will take Medicaid Managed Care.

Zicam always works for me...it's available at Wal-Mart or any drug store. It's some k ind of homeopathic thing, which I don't understand, but it will prevent a cold if you take it when you first start feelingthe symptoms or make the cold shorter and less severe if you already have one. You ocan get ta bs to dissolve under your tongue or a nasal spray gel. Good luck! Emily

Not always possible to give your child a 'better start'? This comment leads me to believe that you feel there is only one way to give a child a happy and healthy home and future. I feel this is a judgment. I dont care if a mother births her children, it does not matter if the child was fed via breast or bottle. I dont care if you use a sling or a stroller or a bassinet. I don't care if you home school or send your kid off to public schools. All I care about is that you feed your child, hug your child, talk to your child, read to your child. I care that you tell them you love them and remind them that they are good people. I care that you raise considerate and emotionally healthy members of society who wont beat their wives or spread diseases or hurt their own kids or someone else's. How you get to that point is of no practical importance to me. It is non of my business the hows and whys people choose to parent and raise their kids as long as they strive to be better parents today than they were yesterday. I dont need to compare myself with other mothers to feel as though the job *I* did was good or good enough.

I started drinking passion tea with Splenda from Starbucks years ago and it’s something still allowed bc no caf or sugar. It tastes great if you make it at home. If you go there you have to specifically tell them no sugar only Splenda. They normally put simple syrup in it. They actually have a decaf espresso as well so you can add sf syrup for a treat. I quit soda ages ago but had one on occasion. I think it’s really important to find a doable way to make choices but not have to change everything about who you are or what you like.

I have that nosey co-worker also. She has made it very clear in the past about her views on weight loss surgery. She has already asked twenty questions regarding a day off I took for my x-rays and lab work.... "Is this lab work something extra, or is this part of your yearly check-up exam?" All I said was I have to have some blood drawn. And she proceeded to go on and on about what our BC/BS pays for and what it doesn't. See how nosey she is? Both of her kids have lost 100+ lbs. with diet and exercise and feels that anyone else could do the same. (not that she has much room to talk) I work in an office of 5 people. What am I going to tell them? I can't just take a week off work for no reason. I am thinking of telling my boss that I need to have a cyst removed from my ovary. (is this a "white" lie?) I really don't want the lectures, and the constant questions about what I'm eating, what I'm drinking etc.....because I'll be hearing it day in and day out from my nosey co-worker. And I hate confrontation. So I guess I'm gonna lie regarding my reason for needing a week off work. I do like Carlene's responses...I've written them down to memorize!

Hi Hungryforchange - looks like you're right! We are body doubles...Looks like we've even lost the same amt of weight so far! Guess we both got fed up with ourselves at about the same time - huh? LOL! It started at a size 22/24. How about you? Please keep us posted on how your doing & thanks for checkin' in!

took me about 1 month with BC/BS

I am planing a breast aug, tummy tuck, and some others. The tummy tuck I have to wait until 2014 bc my insurance will cover it The boobs will be done in may or June 2013 Hello happy days ahead I am 28 and if needed I would do other lifts. If I needed a arm or thigh lift I would do this in Mexico but as far as the boobs I am seeing dr Robert Rey the only man I would ever trust with my boobies. Breast is 10k Tummy 10k Thigh and arm in Mexico is 6k

Thanks You Guys... Lisa I plan to attend the meeting in Fed. Way is it on the 5th at 6 or is it 6:30 Hope to see you there.

i actually have implavon (sp?) in my ar. its the BC stick its good for three years and i love it. its been known to cause weight gain but they looked at my chart and i was the same weight a year ago when they put it in. i like it because i dont have to worry about taking pills every day or getting shots.

oops battery died...as i was saying. I started researching ferosciouly. I couldn't find a whole lot on Dr. Puccini-Sales all i had was the evidence of my friends and their overwhelming success. BTW the original friend that had plication/lipo, had a baby a year after her plication and she had a healthy beautiful baby and bounced right back to her thin weight after giving birth, they actually had to photo shop her baby bump it was so small. i digress, other friends went after her and they too look like bombshells but going to colombia to baranquilla didn't appeal to me and i did not like that i could not find posts on Puccini Sales, not on the bariatric times, or public state posting, nothing. The proof was in the pudding, but i wasn't convinced and the price although similar to what i ended up paying at the OCC + or Minus was about the same. I researched Dr. Ortiz and OCC, i was pretty convinced even though i not one to fall for many marketing tools which they use many, nonetheless the decision was made. I was going to go in March for the sake of combining it with another trip, but after things kinda of fell apart from the perspective of company going with me, my friend who had gastric bypass over 10 years ago went with me. i booked the week before valentines day and was scheduled for the 15th. Tijuana was hard to roll off the tongue, i don't recommend you tell too many people but your closest confidants because you will get an ear full about Tijuana, everyone has an opinion, yet no one has gone or can provide evidence outside their perception. so i flew on Vday, started my liquid diet Friday before going. Which to be frank i didn't mind, i was zoo busy i hardly had time to pay attention. flying from the east coast is a bit of a pain, there are no direct flights, but VIRGIN AMERICA was amazing, every time we made it to the gate it was already boarding, seamless. when we arrived finally in san diego, the van to from the OCC was already there. on time and ready. I speak spanish and it was nice conversation. Everything the OCC does is perfectly choreographed. From the moment you meet the driver at SAN to the moment you end you journey and drive home. I don't want to ruin the experience for you but trust me its funny. The marriott was great, really clean and safe. Lots of security in the lobby and you cannot enter the floor of your guest room without a key. The room was very clean and comfortable. The duvets are white which i prefer at hotels. there is not dates coverall. The bellman gave me instructions for ordering room service bc everything in my OCC diet is included. Broth, popsicles. They know what you need and are ready. My friend who ate regular food as well found the prices to be VERY affordable. No meal from room service was more than $12 with tip. The bellman even scheduled the wake up call. The shower was very clean and the bath products are Bath and Body Works. It does not feel like a hotel outside of the states. Marriott brand standards are very well kept. In the morning i was the first one in. Everything started at 7am, bloodwork, nutritionist, cardiologist, the works...and from the reception to the nursing staff, everyone is EXTREMELY attentive, loving, caring and nurturing. The walk you step by step through every single little thing they do to you and for you. I was taken back though, i don't know what i was thinking but i did not expect to stay overnight. I though i would leave the night of surgery back to the marriott, but you actually stay there. The room is everything they post online. EXTREMELY clean, nice duvets, a calming little water thing on the side of your bed and free calls to the US. Without as much as question. Wifi is there in the center throughout. I went into my room and they had to give me a sedative, i was pretty hysterical. But once that kicked in my friend and i met with the surgeons, from the General Medical Dr. to Dr. Martinez and Dr. Ortiz. They have UNREAL bedside manners, they talk so much with you and address every concern. To the point that my friend and i were in shock because it was at least 30min in the room just talking and talking. I went into surgery very very calm, i lay on that black surgical bed, i was so calm. The anesthesiologist was wonderful and Dr. Ortiz said CIAO! I woke up in my bed with my friend next to me. No pain. Just very thirsty. I spoke to my family and everything was ok. visiting hours ends at 4pm. my friend was taken back to the marriott and she felt very safe. Also, getting into the OCC is no small feat. They don't open the door even for food delivery. My friend ordered food while i was in surgery, there was a delivery selection book. Overnight, i walked a lot. It just felt better. As soon as i got up there was the nurse. I cannot account accurately how ofter or how many times but there were two overnight nurses and one overnight general doctor. They took my temperature, kept my IV always refreshed and constantly monitored my meds. There was never a moment when i questioned where they were or if they had remembered me...i mean unreal the service. Constantly at my call. Although thank goodness i didn't need them. Walking is vital. It helps so much with the gases which is the main source of pain or rather angst. I was up very often but not because of pain simply discomfort. I DO NOT recommend you drink anything or ask for ice. as soon as i sipped on ice and threw it back up and it was not pretty. you don't need it my IV was running and changed so ofter i knew i was hydrated. The morning came, they finished monitoring my med, asked questions, the surgeons came in and checked on me again, spent quite some time again at least 45min this time talking and talking. I was released probably around noon, but not before i was checked with an X-ray machine for leaks and digestion track. I went back to the hotel and just showered, rested and tried to take down anything i could. I walked a lot, i would force myself to do at least 5-6 rounds sometimes ten around the entire floor with my friend. We went down by the hotel pool and took in some fresh air, walked around again and just relaxed. I did not like the broth at the marriott, i was thankful that i packed some ramon noodle packs, i would add hot water from a tea order on the flight or even at the hotel. You can barely take down half a cup. I recommend you pack Gatorade, electrolyte water and packs of ramon noodles even though you will only have the broth. i like mine hot so the room temp broths were not my thing. The meds i bough at the OCC were great. I did not need pain meds even though i bough the sublinguals. The anti-acid is great and the naseau has gone unopened - i had ZERO naseau the entire time. Friday i went back to the OCC for one last check up, even though it was not included they welcomed me and gave me one more look on the Xray, since i live clear across the US it is not easy to get back here nor do i feel comfortable going to a bariatric surgeon in Miami that has neither performed the surgery or knows what they are looking for. I did tell the dr. that the pangs or discomfort from eating and drinking which feels like fireworks are going off in your tummy whenever you eat something was driving me crazy he gave me a small pill that i took a box home. It helps with the stomach muscle spasms which i think is what they were. I will be back in 6mos for my endoscopy and to enjoy everything i missed out on in Tijuana and San Diego. The trip back i booked FIRST CLASS, if your flight is more than 1-2hrs, i highly recommend this. Although you will have a very small amount of discomfort really from the external larascopic sutures, you want need and deserve the care and comfort of not waiting-every dime i spent on first class back on the red eye was worth it. I am back home, i have slept for hours and hours, I've taken very little down, i can't even count. Powerade, electrolyte water, grandma's life saving broth (she claims it can bring the dead back to life lol) and i went to whole foods. I bought some organic popsicles, stocked up on my keffir yogurt for the week and i also purchased a green food supplement that has probiotics and lots of Vibrant Health and Green Vibrance. It has 25 million probiotics from 12 strains. I have been adding a little bit at a time to my broth. Nothing worries me more than nutrition right now. I think it will be key to my success but also in not becoming a small version of a heavy girl. I want to be healthy, vibrant, frisky and fun. Knowing that i have this secret tool that is going to get me to where i want to be forever. So i have been taking my meds religiously, i have only taken 2 small pills that help with the spasms. the only think i wish is i could gulp down a big fat cold glass of water but thats not the case you can only sip and you WILL feel is hit you stomach. EVERY DROP. I am thrilled with my decision, the choice i have made because it is the key to my long term health. I plan on resting tonight and tomorrow a lot, need to get back to work on Monday, and thank goodness it is a holiday and things will be slow. I do work in my own office so i know i can close the door if anything happens but i know everything will be fine. The nutritionist recommends a min of 3days on clear liquids, i am going the full 7 days so that i heal well. yogurt and hearty soups from whole foods will hopefully start on Wed. I bought some veg based protein powder since it might be softer on my tummy in the beginning with almond milk and berries. Lets see just one step and one day at a time but planning ahead. Also, my dreams are soo fun and vivid, all i dream about is shopping for new clothes and funny things i have wanted to do for a while. Its as if psychologically and subconsciously i am preparing for the changes that lie ahead. I can't go back to my trainer for another 3weeks but i plan on doing some slow long distance walking on Monday night - trust me it helps A LOT with the gas. Ok this is all for now, i hope this post helps because when i was soul searching online i could not find a whole lot. not sure how ofter i will dedicate to updates but i will do my best. If you are in search of a decision i promise you i made the right one with occ so far everything was better than expected. My friend that went to see the colombian doctor also changed her mind and is going with a Dr. Kelly in mexico next week. I will have her post as well so that she can offer a contrast and options. I know OCC is not the only once in mexico and i a sure that there are other qualified dr"s that offer the same great care. I don't mean to boast in anyway in my post and i apologize if i offended anyone in any fashion, i am just happy and on a high with the decision i made. I have not weighed my self but i assume i must be at 170 by now...36 healthy pounds to GO! Cheers to loving yourself beyond that which you thought possible. With all of my love and encouragement....134andHAPPY!

Try these. They are a lifesaver. Cut in half with regular beef or chicken broth Bc they are spicy.

Got sleeved 10/24. HW 226, SW 209, CW 194. Lost 12 lbs since surgery. Can only eat soft foods. Stopped eating the carb soups bc I felt like it was slowing my weight loss down. I started walking on the treadmill 3 days post op. Trying to get more Water and Protein in. Ate chicken breast and threw up. Gonna take it slow with meat and stick with a soft diet, up the exercise, try to get 60 grams of protein in and hopefully keep dropping the lbs. I was losing 1-2 lbs per day the first week and a half, this week I gained and lost the same pound. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I was on the pill for years until Aug. I have been off it since mid Aug. So I can have Surgery in Nov. I know its a bit early but I didnt want to have to refill a script so I just ended it then. I was hoping to be able to go back on to the pill after 6 wks when Dr says ok. Anyone else on the pill still with VSG? or did you have to switch completely? I tried NuvaRing before and hated it. Thanks!