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It's your surgeon's and dietitian's JOB to help you lose weight. They are better qualified to do that than anyone else you know, and avoiding seeing them is (as you've discovered) self-defeating. So many bandsters are embarrassed or fearful to admit their problems to their surgeons, but unless the doctor has a lousy bedside manner, I can't think of a single good reason to avoid a come-to-Jesus meeting with him/her. Your surgeon and dietitian already know that you have an eating problem, as evidenced by the obesity that brought you to their office i the first place. Every single bariatric professional I've ever talked with or heard speak at a WLS convention has expressed chagrin over losing patients to aftercare. It's very, very frustrating to them to have a patient drop out of sight. That said, I will also say that the prodigal bandster may not like what he/she hears when finally talking with the surgeon again, but sometimes we need some tough love to get us back on track.

Its a problem to have a non medical licensed person practicing medicine. You need to do what you have to do to get surgery done, be smart and consult your pcp, get a bariatric nutritionist, know you and how you react. This is the beginning of our reinvented healthcare. Be Cautious and be aware. Protect you. You have come along way to change now... Always make a call or appointment if you dont get info you need.

Dr Holden took out my gallbladder a little over a year ago. Shes really nice and knows what she is doing. She does her surgeries just like Dr Kim as Dr Kim has trained her over 3 years. Dr Kim did my sleeve 3 years ago. In my opinion Dr Holden is just as good as Dr Kim since he taught her his ways. I would also like to tell you about Kim Bariatrics amazing after surgery support. KBI has monthly fitness events and monthly support groups.The private patient only Facebook support group has helped me a ton through my journey. Its very helpful to have a page where its all Dr Kim and Dr Holden patients only going down the same journey. We do monthly 5ks/10ls, monthly Breakfast and dinner get togethers, fun events like going dancing, skating, painting, etc. There are even accountability daily exercise post and weigh in post once a week to whoever likes to be accountable. I lost 90 lbs and am keeping it off! Good luck to your journey whomever you choose.

Just got back from Mexico with my partner. I had my surgery in NY. I had a bmi of 40 so insurance covered it. She only had bmi of 32 so we went to Mexico after we spoke to my bariatric surgeon about it. We are both nurses and even my surgeon supported medical tourism. He says they are just as qualified. We used Fernando Garcia. He is an accredited bariatric surgeon. he does about 10 sleeves a week which is more than my surgeon in NYC. We were in an actual hospital. She received blood work, x-Ray, EKG and check up from 3 doctors (2 worked with Dr. Garcia and one was an internal medicine doctor.) we also met the anesthesiologist prior to the surgery. Everything happened just as they said it would. The hospital was simple ( Florence hospital) but clean. The hotel (Marriott) was great. Everyone spoke English and answered all of our questions. she had her surgery exactly 2 weeks ago and went back to work today 12 pounds lighter. as far as the insurance coverage after you should call your insurance company and also ask your primary doctor if they can follow you after the procedure to monitor the surgical site and lab work. They will also know what they can do within insurance guidelines. Feel free to pm me if you have any questions. We were very happy wih our choice.

Hi Shandra! I'm Tricare Prime (south Texas) After the referral for the bariatric consult was obtained, I needed: 1. Initial evaluation by the bariatric surgeon 2. three meetings with the surgeon's nutritionist. 3. psychologist's evaluation (is your motivation justified, are you likely to comply) 4. Attend one hospital based support group meeting. 5. Demonstrate ability to start conforming to controlled diet, ie... LOSE 5% OF CURRENT BODY WEIGHT AT TIME OF REFERRAL (in my case, about 15 pounds) 6. I believe the BMI requirement is pre-determined by Tricare, but a lower BMI is considered, IF you have co-morbidities (high blood pressure, cholesterol, arthritis, diabetes, etc) Hope this is helpful... and good luck

I haven't had that issue but taking bariatric advantage's Iron chewable makes me sick. I've even tried just swallowing it, buy after a while it still comes back up Sent from my iPhone using VST

I'm with BCBS of Mississippi state and we have to participate in a six month weight management program also before receiving our surgery date. The way it works for me is for 3 months I'm assigned a life coach who with discuss healthier eating habits to get you on the right track. It's done over the phone and lasts about 30 mins. The next 3 months you will be assigned a Bariatric nurse who will walk you through preop and post op stuff. Also during the last 3 months you are getting everything u need done for surgery. Not hard at all. My husband is getting sleeved with me and we are hoping for the first of October.

@@bellabloom Thank you for telling us all of this. I have just started the WLS process and have taken advantage of counseling pre-surgery. I don't feel as though I have an eating disorder but I sure can benefit from therapy regarding emotional or mindless eating (I think most could). I wish all Bariatric Programs required pre-surgery counseling. I hope you are soon in a good "place" physically and emotionally. Stay strong!

I also have tricare prime I just basically said id like to have bariatric surgery for my health and quality of life, I said I was ready to commit to it and understood the decision I was making. I honestly didnt have any issues when I went on base, I just said I want to have bariatric surgery for the reasons I just stated and the doc was like ok lets get things started. Im not saying your doc may be that easy but I couldnt see why they wouldn't put a referral in at your request to better your health. If you have any questions plz ask me ill try and help. I have had lap band surgery already here in Oklahoma on friday I have a revision to also have the plication done... I guess it would be no better of a time for me to write out my journey on here to help others like yourself who have tricare!

Hello! I'm scheduled for RNY Gastric Bypass on Aug 18th as well. Originally scheduled on Aug 3 but the surgeon had a family emergency and I had to reschedule. This will be my first bariatric surgery and I'm so excited! I've been on the liquid diet since July 20th because of the rescheduling and it's hard but I think it's good for me, getting me in the right mindset.

For forum and group purposes I do the whole breakdown.... High Weight, Pre Op Weight, Day of Surgery Weight.... For everyone else I just do a total. I hate feeling like it is necessary to break it down. A loss is a loss, why does it matter if it came from surgery or before surgery? Honestly my highest was around a week before I had my first bariatric appt. I have lost all of my weight from my highest since starting this journey, part of it was required (a 5lb loss before paperwork was submitted) but I was already down 7lbs from my heaviest when I met with the clinic. Granted what he doesn't know is that during my 6mo pre op diet I actually gained to my heaviest at one point.

I have BCBS of Hawaii && precert is required. I just got my approval this past Tuesday!! Call ur plan && best of all KNOW your plan!! Ask what's their policy && the criteria to see if u meet it. I'm happy that I work for my insurance ...I know the policy about bariatric surgery, my benefits && found out my copayment.

Best of luck in getting through this, I have also gotten quite familiar with the trials and tribulations of dealing with offbeat medical problems/combinations of problems. If this opportunity doesn't work out, try contacting Dr. John Rabkin in San Francisco (yeah, a bit of a commute for you, but that's sometimes what it takes to resolve complex issues.) He did my sleeve about five years ago, but more specifically for you, his background and alter ego is that of biliopancreatic transplant surgeon (his brother brought him into the bariatric practice some years ago as a means of treating the liver problems early.) Since he is qualified in both disciplines that you need, he may just be the ticket to get you through this. Although a rare combination of skills/qualifications, he may also know of other similarly qualified surgeons closer to you, so it may well be worth contacting him. Best of luck to you in getting through this...

Protein Power Balls recipes.html" rel="external nofollow">Bariatric Foodie: Recipes Beans in this? 20 Garbanzo Bean Recipes appetizers | Cauliflower Breadsticks | Brevard Personal Training and Bootcamp This is what i have so far. My surgery is in 7 days, i want to make all this food and put it in my freezer for later! lol

Hi largeininc! I'm right outside of Raleigh, had surgery with Duke metabolic weight loss center (durham) Monday 12/01/14. I started all my pre-op stuff at Bariatric Specialists of NC in Cary, NC But had to switch to duke due to insurance requirement. Loving my sleeve and progress so far. I started in May, I had a 6 month program for insurance so March will come quick!

I'm using SE Bariatrics too but Dr. Kolasch is my Dr. I still have a June and July follow up before it goes to insurance so I'm hoping for a early fall date. About how long is your recovery?

I use bariatric advantage calcium citrate supplements. They are chewable and come in cinnamon, which I love. You can find them online. They also have multi vites and iron (I use them as well)

I found the psych evaluation to be pretty weak. They want to get an idea of who you are, and make sure that #1, you're not suicidal, where weight loss surgery will push you off the deep end. And then they want to get an idea of your food issues; how you eat, when, why, etc. At the end of my session, she said that I was an excellent candidate for the gastric bypass. Because I tend to graze throughout the day, bypass seemed to be a better choice. With the band, they want you to have only three meals a day. Though her recommendation was bypass, she said that I would also be okay with the band, and she wouldn't absolutely say that it wasn't an option.....if that's the way I wanted to go. I'm guessing that all psych evaluations run a little differently, but that's how mine went. I would say that most ALL of us run to food out of boredom, emotion, etc., and the shrinks expect to hear it. But they will advise you on lifestyle changes, and what it will take on your part to work with the band. We all didn't get here because we simply love food & eat only when we are hungry. I would find it difficult to believe that any bariatric surgeon, or his staff, would think otherwise. But it's up to us to work on our heads, getting any and all support we need along the way. Good luck!

I think the bariatric doctor your primary sent you to can go suck it! You might want to check into another bariatric doctor that may be in group, or even consider going to a different doctor altogether if you don't find one you like through your pcp. If you found one you like, you can always petition your insurance agency to get him or her approved. I was self pay so I didn't have to go through the the whole insurance run around. I absolutely love my surgeon and my trust in him made both my surgery and aftercare fairly easy. Bottom line, find a surgeon you feel comfortable with, and the entire process will go much more smoothly.

Hi I havent really found my sweet spot yet either,I have the luck of having two bariatric nurses that have also had the band so they have wonderful ideas that work rather well. They told me to eat about 3 baby carrots or carrot sticks before my meal to fill up as they seem to take longer to pass thru,I have been doing this for about a month and have lost 7 lbs. Prior to that I was really at a stand still. I had my band 10/21/08. My Dr is a firm believer in keeping the band semi loose, I will see him again 1/09 I sure he will not give me a fill, I had a .5 fill the day of surgery and 4cc Nov 23. It sure has been tough during the holidays. New eating habbits are hard enough but all those goodies to avoid were TERRIBLE.

As you might guess from my screen name I travel a lot. I would not suggest vegetarian. That is almost always Pasta and bread. I have had the most success ordering low carb or diabetic. I did that on business class on Singapore airlines and got some of the best bariatric meals you could imagine. US carriers will not be as friendly, and if you are not in business class it may be totally hopeless. I would suggest carrying good Protein bars (such as Quest), beef Jerky, and almonds. All of those pack easily and provide a nice shot of protein. This weekend I had a 9 hour trip back from London in coach with United. I was not able to eat anything they served. It was all bread, chips, and pasta. I lived off 2 Protein Bars and a handful of almonds. I just did a few stops in Europe (in coach) and found eating in the air and on the ground very difficult. Everything was a sandwich, and most of those sandwiches had a little piece of meat or cheese that was so thin it was virtually transparent. On the other hand, in flight and restaurant meals in Asia were a dream.

Hello, I have BCBS as well. I had a sleeve gasterectomy in spring of 2015 and had no issues getting approved. In spring of 2017, my original surgeon and I saw that a full duodenal switch was needed for the absorption component so yhe process for approval began again...EGD, psychological evaluation, PCP visits and approval etc. Since BCBS only covered one bariatric procedure per lifetime, The situation with the second surgery is that it needed to be proven to be medically necessary and that I had been compliant with the sleeve gasterectomy in 2015. After the completion of my tests and visits, my package was submitted to my insurance company. As you guessed it, DENIED. I knew I had to act quickly since it was denied in the fall, this meant my deductibles has been met and in order to not have to pay them again in 2018, I needed to try to push for approval before 2017 ended. I knew that the appeal could take longer than I would need and after what decision I would be given, I would either have to have the surgery in 2018(deductible) or have to start the process from the beginning. Although I was frustrated about the denial, I decided to start doing what I knew to do, fight. You see I work for a medical insurance provider and advocate daily for members to receive the care that is needed, be it from physicians or the insurance company. I had assisted many members before in getting various approvals for different treatments that was needed to better their life. I went over all the things that I knew a review board and medical director would want to see/know before granting me a 2nd opportunity. Upon doing this I realized that my surgical team did not fit my needs this time around and to appeal the initial denial would be pointless since the evidence/tests needed for the insurance approval were not done by my original surgeon. I did additional research and found a surgeon in Texas that was well credentialed, accepted my insurance and also did initial appointments by phone since I was a patient from another state. After reviewing ALL of my medical history that was sent to him and discussing the prior denial, we forged forward. After phone 'visits' I was scheduled for an EGD with this doctor along with a 3 part stress test(breathing, legs and heart to check for clotting and exercise)...during the EGD I was also given a ultrasound of the gallbladder. This doctor was extremely thorough and was making sure that I was given every possible chance for the insurance to not deny me. When the package was submitted after all of the tests, I made sure to tell my insurance coordinator at the surgeons office additional things I wanted included such as my fitness gym contract, diseased gallbladder ultrasound, receipt from latest pcp appointment(that insurance company didn't show in their records)...I knew I had a better chance at approval if BCBS saw that not only was I being compliant but that I needed a cholesctomy(gallbladder removal) and that I would pursue the 2nd surgery until it was granted. With the cost of treating my comorbities, I'm sure the insurance saw that it was less expensive to grant the surgery than it was to treat the ailments that existed bc of my weight. By the amazing powers that God put in place, I was granted the second opportunity to change my life. My surgery took place December 14, 2017. Prior to surgery my co-morbidities were high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes(with injections daily), edema in lower extremities. Please don't give up!!! My apologies for the long reply but I hope it helps someone that needs the strength to keep fighting. God Bless! Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks Babb's my point of reference for such will hit at holidays, since I'm still pre-surg but I'll take it to heart. And To Rayolite you're a shining star to those coming into Bariatric land. Keep on keeping on *Rosey Posey Sent from my S55 using the BariatricPal App

I believe it was the July issue of Atlanta magazine...they had a section for their top docs. Dr. Sweeney was voted top Bariatric Surgeon. I went to his seminar and LOVED him, but, sadly, I'm self pay, and can't afford Emory.

YES… Stress can stall weight loss. I have dealt with this challenge prior to getting sleeved. I was able to loose 65 lbs with low carb high Protein diet and hit a terrible stall when I was very stressed. The stressors affected my life for over 6 months and I did not loose another pound. I gained about 10 lbs over that 6 months and "justified" this as my body balancing out despite the diet. I went off the diet and gradually gained another 10 lbs. Then my PCP changed my thyroid medication and I gained all the weight plus another 10 lbs (getting to 265 lbs) Thats when I decided it was time for bariatric surgery. Now when I get stressed and see the scales stall…. I try to be calm, take a deep breath and tell myself that I am in control of the choices I make so, think, pray and choose what will be best for me.