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Sorry to hear about that lousy experience with an uninformed doc, Odahospud! You might look up and call a bariatric surgical Center for Excellence in your area and ask if they have a suggestion for primary care doctors who work well with them in their experience. They will know who refers to them too. A least you'd screen out those who don't agree with WLS on principal, like I'm guessing your last doc was. Good luck with it, and don't stop trying to find one!

Get a new PCP, one that has experience with WLS patients. You are going to need a strong doctor who will do the follow up blood tests, etc. I am blessed with an excellent PCP who knew nothing about WLS but learned all about it so he could support me. Now he tests me every 3 months and checks my vitamins etc., even though my bariatric surgeon is available. I hope you can find the same.

Hello... my name is Rhonda and I am a 38 yr old lady from NW Pennsylvania. I live with my boyfriend and have a 13 yr old son. WLS was always in the back of my mind, but the ignition point was my gall bladder crapping out in late Feb of this year. My doc wasn't the general surgeon I had requested, but rather his partner. They say things happen for a reason & my finding Dr. Kalim this was def divine intervention. Yes, it's his business, but he was very tactful in addressing my weight even before I had my lap chole. Upon my post op from the lap chole, Dr. Kalim again mentioned my WLS options. I have to tell you, I work at the same hospital and the bariatric program is relatively new. I had worked with some of the key players in various roles before. So when he asked me to go to a seminar and walked me into the program coordinator's office... I felt I HAD to go out of professional courtesy!! Eventually I got my mind right and realized that I wanted to pursue this for ME!! My gb issue and being assigned to Dr. Kalim was the path laid before me. I have to say it's a joy to be so close to my care team!! They work extremely hard to make EVERYONE feel comforted and secure. At the 1st visit we mapped out the first three months and all of the extras (ie EGD, psych, dietary, sleep study, etc.) At the 3rd month we mapped out preads, consent and clearances and surgical date. I have one more nutrition class (out of 3), preads, my 6th monthly visit and final pre-surg visit with my doctor to go. I would be lying if I didn't claim my fears of all this not working or my OWN failure, but I am trying to stay positive and keep working hard now to adopt good healthy lifestyle changes!!

My bariatric group did blood work...from that point on they had me take a Multivitamin, D3 and Calcium daily. They do that to build up your Vitamin levels and get everything balanced. When surgery comes, we don't take the Vitamins again until after our first post-op visit. About 2-3 weeks after the surgery day. I asked about vitamins right after surgery and they said sometimes folks stomachs are very sensitive to vitamins because they can be harsh and some can't tolerate it yet. Instead they said your body has enough stored for the 2-3 weeks without you having issues. They'd prefer we took the time for our incisions and stomach to heal then start into the vitamins. Oh and B12 will come after surgery.

Did you see Dr Shillingford? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App Sorry I'm still trying to figure out how to reply to people. Yes, Dr Shillingford did my surgery on 10-24. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App I have a consultation in Orlando on Nov 10, but if too high (I think they charge ~15k), I may go to Boca Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App I can only speak for my experience with Dr Shillingford and his office but they did everything to make my life easier. I had an initial phone consult with Nancy and she schedule a phone consult with Dr Shillingford. I did my two week pre op diet and the Friday before my surgery I went down and had an appointment with the Dr just to meet him and his staff and go over any questions/concerns I had. I went and did my pre op lab work the same day and then on Monday I had my surgery. They made it very convenient to only have to drive down once. His staff Nancy and Elba are amazing. I can email them and I know I'll get an answer within a few hours. They are super kind and knowledgeable. Also depending on if you go down on the right weekend. A woman from the hospital does a seminar on Saturdays. She goes over everything to expect. Unfortunately I went on a weekend that she didn't have class... the great thing is that she came to my hospital room and sat down with my husband and myself and went over everything. The hospital is good. The bariatric staff was really nice and took really good care of me. Bariatric patients have their own wing and everyone gets their own room. Also visiting hours are 24/7 so if someone is accompanying you, they can stay in the hospital with you and you don't have to pay for a room at a hotel if your budget conscious. Anyway that's enough ranting for now. If you have any questions please message me, I'm most certainly happy to talk with you about the Dr and what to expect with him! Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

Positive Things at 4 AM I am warm I am safe and loved I have the freedom to be what I can want to be, even when it seems difficult Although I am having gastrointestinal difficulties, until they resolve I can receive my nourishment through my PICC line and TPN I haven't thrown up since yesterday so today can be a better day So no matter how this Saturday in. December finds me, I am still alive and grateful to Ohio State University, Bradley J Needleman MD and Bariatric Medicine for a future. And I am grateful to my RnY surgery, even with its flaws , it has been my third best tool, behind commitment & Belief in ME for success out of sorrow! SO I AM TRULY A VERY BLESSED 73 YEAR PERSON WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE!😛❤🍀

My advice...or at least what I was advised - As far as Vitamins, I was told to stick with the chewables for life, since the solid pills may pass through your sleeve before being fully absorbed. I was using the Centrum chewables based on the recommendation of my surgeon...he said this one was the most complete. As far as calcium, I was told to stay away from any calcium carbonate, and find only the calcium citrate. The Bariatric Advantage chewables worked really well for me until I started using the Nascobal Nasal spray for my B12. This is a mail order Rx, and it comes with a multivitamin, Iron, and calcium - all chewable - and it's nice and convenient.

hehe, thanks everyone! I know I was lying on the first license, and it was renewed 4 years later with the same info, so by then it was WAY wrong. now mine is accurate, but it wont be by the time I have to renew it again My sisters found an old picture of me (one I actually use as my before picture) and they both say they can't believe I was every that big. I showed them my two licenses today (I have them both to use for changing my last name on all my stuff), and they were both shocked. hehe

Bariatric Surgery patients represent a surprisingly increasing number of patients in inpatient treatment for anorexia according to John's Hopkins. Yes, anorexia and other eating disorders are a serious risk for our population. Yes, treatment....including eating more.... will be a help even if you gain a little weight to find a managable maintenance level of calories. Passing out is incredibly dangerous and can kill you or others if you drive. It's also incredibly unsafe on stairs, around heavy equipment, and in the company of unsafe people. Being that low on nutrition is hard on your body, particularly your heart. You can do permenant damage in short order. Take your condition seriously. Your very demanding job and thinner body are of no use to you if you imperil your safety, health, and eventually your life. (it's tough on relationships, too) Wishing you the very best.

My doctor said no gummies too, but the Bariatric Advantage chewables i could not keep down. I took gummies until I got to where I could take capsules. He was not happy. Bariatric advantage has capsules that don't make me instantly barf. I still get a little nauseated but at least it doesn't come back up. I take those now

I called medicaid and they told me as long as my primary care doctor gave me a referral and it was documented medically necessary by my PCP and weight loss surgeon that they would approve it, however I must go through 6 months of supervised weigh loss and see a nutritionist, a psychiatrist and get lab work done. I already got my referral from my PCP and got my lab work done. Unfortunately, I have not found any bariatric surgeons who would accept share of cost as of yet. I am located in Orlando Fl. Has anyone found a surgeon who takes Medicaid share of cost in Orlando, Fl?

Well folks add my 15 pounds to the ticker! To many who have had astronomical losses that sounds puny, but let me assure you every one of those,16 ounces. was hard to,lose. Folks you have here I 72 year,or person with Basal Metabolism,Rate of a sick 🐌 snail on antidepressant.And still somehow I won this victory. And it was quite an honor,to,make,the total a little higher. HURRAY,FOR TEAM BARIATRIC🎭We Got the Job Done!

Hello all! I was directed to this site by my surgeon. She is part of a very comprehensive bariatric program based out of Shady Grove Hospital in Maryland. I had my first pre-op consultation last week, and am in the beginning stages of getting all my testing done. I have Federal Blue Cross insurance, and am told it is a piece of cake to get this procedure approved through them, with no "red tape" so to speak. Im very excited to finally have this surgery done (have been looking into WLS for over 15 years). Im still on the fence about whether to do RNY or LapBand though- and could sure use any personal stories, research links, ect to help me decide. Im worried the LapBand wont help me... My pitfalls seem to be skipping meals (sometimes I wont eat all day), sweets, and/or eating after a certain time of day (I sometimes like to have Cereal at about 8pm). Im never hungry as it is, and try to eat healthy... But, Ive always been overweight- even as a child that grew up in a very restricted home (no sweets, soda, chips, junk of any type). Im currently 5'10" and 290lbs. I am 18 months post partum with my only child, and have not been doing anything to loose the "baby" weight until now since I was breast feeding. Before my pregnancy I was 270lbs. In any case- to me, my appearance is a bonus on this road. Im scared of dying prematurely and leaving my husband and daughter. The though consumes me... I want to break a family cycle of the women in my family dying of heart disease at an ever increasingly young age. My cholesterol is slightly elevated, as is my BP- and that was enough for me to want to make a permanent change. So after many years of battling my weight and yo-yoing, Im ready for some help... I hope to find lots of great information and support here!

I decided to use my 600th post in VST to shout out my awesome and supportive WLS team at the Midwest Bariatric Institute of Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL...My surgeon was Gerald Cahill and my WL specialist was Kidanu Birhanu... I'm a very "particular" person about everything!! But, when I email Tony Romeo the program coordinator for info and he told me about the requirements for my insurance... I knew I was making the right decision.. Everyone, from the dietician to the personal trainer to the psychologist handled my questions and requests with professionalism and care... Dr. Birhanu was amazing and even though he sees hundreds of bariatric patients, he makes me feel that I am one of his only ones!!! Last night I attended an event that my surgeon's office began hosting 8 years ago. The Celebration of Life Dinner/Dance was an amazing opportunity for me to see people who were among their first patients 11 years ago... I feel so blessed and encouraged with people who saw me a month at my 1st support group meeting walked up and encouraged me and complimented me on my weight loss.. They also reminding me that this is a journey, not a race!!! Just wanted to brag about the awesome people who take such good care of me!!!! Love and hugs!!!

@Danny Paul, I have Keystone Health Plan East right now, part of Independence Blue Cross of Philadelphia. We are self employed, so we have an individual plan through a broker. Our policy excludes all weight loss programs and bariatric procedures (except a $150/yr max gym reimbursement w/proof of attendance). We recently moved closer to Reading, PA, so we are in Berks County now, and apparently out of IBC's coverage area. So we had to switch plans during open enrollment anyway, but we were already considering it to try to find a plan to cover me for this. We found out that no matter if we get our plan through a broker, like we have been, or through the healthcare marketplace, that No individual or small business plans from any insurance provider in PA offers bariatric coverage anymore. So, we can't even pay extra to get the coverage. You can only get it if you work for a Co with 51+ employees - which I cannot work except for helping my husband with office stuff from home a few hours per week - and he is a 2nd generation painting/carpentry contractor doing this for 30 yrs, so him just getting another job is not an option. PLUS, it's not guaranteed the Co you work for has the ins plan that covers it either. The employer has to choose that coverage allowance when they choose the plan for their employees. PA is one of several states that doesn't require it. Also, you can get it covered usually via Medicare (not old enough yet unless I get SSI/SSD - have begun applying for SSD, but will likely take a few years if I do get approved and I'm not waiting that long to have the surgery...) And, it is covered by Medicaid, but we are above the income limits for that. We discussed so many scenarios for ways to get coverage (all surrounding states do cover it, so should I move to MD/DE/NJ for a year, rent a room, get ins there, and get it paid for? But in the end all of that what such a hassle and took me away from, well my family of course, but also my doctors and everything else. Just too much work. In the end, my husband said he was willing to take out a loan for it. I didn't even ask because I felt it was too much - but even though this is only one step in trying to help with all my many issues, he could see how it could be a catalyst for helping make everything else a little better. So he thinks it's worth it, which kind of blows me away. Obviously I think it's worth it, but always worry about my "issues" being such a burden on my family. Right now I am feeling really blessed by their support. So, let's just hope lots of people need their houses painted this winter so we don't have any slow spells and we can make our loan payments!! Sorry, I this is probably way more than you were asking...

@calliekaine Prayers and hugs to you! Sounds like you've had a rough road. Based on your description above, you have a PEG (percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy) tube, aka a feeding tube. In my understanding, this is unusual after bariatric surgery. Not unheard of, obviously, but not common. You must have had some pretty significant complications to require this kind of intervention. BTW: it's relatively normal to have no appetite or desire to eat after sleeve surgery. My experience was a lot like catwoman7's (above). I had no appetite and I ate on schedule because I knew I needed nutrition. That lasted about 6 months or so. I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery!

Last week was the MISS Conference (Minimally Invasive Surgery Symposium) in Salt Lake City, UT . The first part of the week is laparoscopic general surgery and the latter part of the week is the bariatric surgery section. There was a lot of enthusiasm and interest surrounding gastric plication. It is now a hot topic on the agenda of these meetings and the interest is growing substantially. There was a GPS course at the meeting and surgeons advertising future courses at their institutions. We have begun GPS training courses as well. There are a lot of surgeons wanting to learn how to do GPS and offer it to their patients. The GPS is still considered experimental/investigational since there is no long-term data in the U.S. There is longer-term data internationally that looks good and a couple of surgeons in the U.S. like us are seeing good weight loss averages with the procedure but it is certainly an early stage technology. There were surgeons at the meeting who felt that this procedure looks promising but is not ready for prime time yet due to the absence of long-term data and there were surgeons like myself at the meeting who have experience with the procedure and have successful patients and we feel it is a good operation with the caveat of long-term data. What I see is that patients are driving the interest in GPS because it doesn't involve implants, staples or intestinal malabsorption. It is wonderfully simple - it's just your stomach, only smaller. I have also been fixing plication cases done by other surgeons so I feel strongly about proper technique. I will keep you updated as we gain information on this new procedure.

Most of the major bariatric Protein companies offer sample/variety packs and I highly recommend order those first. I absolutely HATE About Time and Syntrax nectar but most people love them, and your taster really does change after surgery!

When I used to go to my surgeon's bariatric support group, one meeting a post op sleeve patient stood up and tearfully told her story- she had been taking an aspirin a day for cardiovascular health, and ended up in critical care for a perforated ulcer. She confronted our surgeon in front of God and everyone because she had told him that she was taking the aspirin and he didn't advise her not to. She was basically trying to shame him publicly for what she had to deal with. While it was really awkward to listen to in that forum, I never forgot the lesson!

I had RNY, but my liver enzymes were elevated the first year or so. My PCP said thought it was probably fatty liver, but then I read online (some reliable medical site) that elevated liver enzymes were not uncommon after WLS because the rapid weight loss can be really hard on livers. I had them re-tested later, and they were normal - so I think that's what was going on. Not sure why this possibility didn't occur to my PCP, but maybe she doesn't see many bariatric patients. I'm not saying this the cause of yours, but I think it was in my case. In any case, mine are normal now. EDITED to add I just re-read your post and you said your liver was enlarged. So your enzyme levels may be due to something else. I don't know if my liver was enlarged since that was never checked - but my enzyme levels were definitely high.

This sounds like a serious issue that you need to work with your bariatric team to solve.

Hello! Not being sleeved until Feb 2014 but gathering my info and product slowly but surely. The multi Vitamin lingo is over my head and so is comparing vitamin labels/content. Are the veterans here for or against: Special bariatric Vitamins? Tks! W

I just had gastric sleeve surgery on Dec 17, 2015 and I the only ones who know are my husband, our twelve-year-old daughter, my mom and my best friend of 30 years. I went in to surgery weighing 279, and today, twelve days later, weigh 266. Post-surgery is going well. I'm feeling better and still on the bland, mostly liquid/pureed diet, and thankfully, haven't had any real issues with portion control and keeping things down. My husband, daughter and mom are 100% supportive. My best friend's reply to the surgery news, however, was that I was "lucky" to be having weight loss surgery. She's a petite gal, and when we were in college, was a size 4 (me, a size 14). At age 50 now, she's probably a size 10. So, I don't see her as ever having had much of a weight issue that a little diet and exercise can't fix. Me, I went from 135 lbs in college to a whopping 308 lbs before deciding to have surgery. Like many of you, I've struggled since puberty with weight gain and health issues and have battled my way through POCS, infertility, fibroid tumors, gerd, gout, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, RA, anxiety, etc., and finally sought bariatric surgery for some relief from all of it. At present, I have chosen not to tell my extended family about my surgery. Even though no one on my side of the family has had to deal with obesity, I know they will be supportive because they've always been supportive of me and each other (and, if for nothing else, my four normal size brothers will stop feeling embarrassed about their "fat" sister.) But, I know based on past history, my in-laws and my husband's siblings won't be. Some of them are obese and miserable, so not being overweight anymore will definitely ruffle some feathers with both the skinny and not so skinny ones. Heck, my MIL was jealous that I got a new (used) car for Christmas. (Didn't matter that it's 9 yrs old and we desperately needed a decent second vehicle so my husband can get to work.) She couldn't even be happy about that!!! So, I'm not looking forward to a conversation about anything personal like my weight loss or appearance. Wish me luck new bariatric weight loss friends.... and please let me know how you've handled your friend/family struggles with this topic. I really could use some support and encouragement and specifically what effective responses you gave to others in handling your version of this problem. I know I'm in for a bumpy ride when the weight starts coming off and I can't hide that I had surgery! Thanks

First off, congrats on your surgery! Hope you are feeling well and healing comfortably. Its difficult when your family is not as supportive as you would like them to be. My husband does not really want me to have the surgery but he is going along with it because he knows its important to me. My Mother and brother are in the same camp as my hubby but there's no other way I feel I can lose weight successfully and keep it off. God knows I've tried. As far as telling people about my surgery my immediate family knows and I'll happily chat with the health professionals at the Lab or Dr's office about it. I'm not gonna shout it from the rooftops but if someone asks me how I've lost weight I will be honest. I think doing this takes a lot of courage. I have an extended family member who the rest of the family has speculated had bariatric surgery because of a drastic weight loss and she hasn't admitted to it. We all think its kinda silly but ultimately its her business who she tells. Although it seems pretty obvious to us what has happened. What people seem to not get is that this is a health issue not a vanity one. If we were not dangerously overweight we could not be eligible to get this surgery in the first place. Obesity is not a moral failing it is a disease; one perpetuated by a food industry that puts profits before people and the production of healthful food products. Good luck to you and hopefully you can educate your family as you move though this process. I know I am sure gonna try

Most bariatric centers will be able to tell you if your insurance will cover any of the cost, and what the requirements are. Talk to people i your area, get recommendations for surgeons. Make a consult appointment, talk to a surgeon. Gather all the information you can. Watch you tube videos, knowledge is power, it helps prepare you! My fave vlogger is vsg kirk. Good luck!!