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I heard a story yesterday about a woman (family friend) who had a RNY done and went home two days later and died! Tragic, right? When I asked what went wrong, they said the doctors say it is because she drank a diet coke when she got home! Diet Coke?!? Are you serious? Who on earth would do that? We are warned over and over about what NOT to do! There IS a reason they tell us this stuff!! These people give the rest of us (WLS participatants) a bad rep! I have heard all kinds of terrible stories about WLS...and ALL of them are self-inflicted. Unless we change our eating and drinking patterns we are not on track for success! I will never understand why people do these WLS's and then think they can continue on the same road that made them overweight in the first place. I think every pre-op patient needs to see the phsycologist...dietician and be involved in a support group. These things have been so helpful to me. Because of the support and knowledge I have successfully lost 45lbs in 2 months ....and my surgery hasn't even happened yet! If you are pre-op...and struggling...please check your local area for a bariatric support group...do your reseach online...talk to other people who have had the WLS already done. Just don't go into it blind...the results could be costly..in more ways than one! Remember why we are doing the WLS...to be healthy! Eating greasy bacon cheese burgers, french fries, pizza and sodas is what got is unhealthy...what makes any one think you can still eat like that and be successful with the WLS? Sure, you may (and probably will lose some weight) lose some..but in the end...unless you change your old habits...the results are only temporary! I apologize if I have offended anyone...but I had to vent!
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My doctor referred me to a bariatric surgeon. I am scared that my insurance won't cover it. I have a BMI of over 50 for my height.
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I am looking very hard at Bariatric Surgery, and I am still not sure which way to go, Lap-Band or Bypass ? I have been big all my life I have been as big as 525, down to 250, and I am back at 385 with a BMI of 43. I have been a type 2 diabetic for about 9 years. and I had a 5 way cadiac bypass a year ago. I have done alot of reading, a great deal has been done in the last 24 here on this site (Great Site !) I have been told I can beat the diabeatis in a few weeks with the bypass, longer with the band. There are good and bad with both procedures I am just trying to get some more insite before I go to the clinic in a few weeks for my first interview. I would like to hear from some of you on how you decided which way to go. Doc
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I was given one with my band surgery, and I never used it. Most restaraunts have been very accomodating when I order off the kid's menu or just an appetizer. My son and I share an adult entree a lot of the times we eat out. We rarely venture to buffets, but that's only because I hate Golden Corral places. The only buffet place we go to is the Chinese buffet with a mongolian grill. I only eat the mongolian grill noodles and meat. This may sound horrible, but for me, I will pay full price for a meal because they didn't charge me when I ate enough for 4 people. Now, when we do hit the chinese buffet, I stick with normal portions, and I may full price only because it's an "all you can eat" place. Well, all I can eat is about 3/4 cup of food so I pay for it. Or I get a to go box, and pay for the food by the pound and I eat out of the to-go box while my husband and son eat off the buffet. Now, for medical reasons, I have it all written on the back of my insurance and registration paperwork that I've had a partial gastrectomy, and that I have been diagnosed with an idiopathic clotting disorder. Here's a generic one from the internet if you would like to have one. Restaurant Card Bariatric Surgery I personally have never had to use one. If I go to Chili's or TGI Fridays, I order off the kid's menu without being questioned. On NYE, John and I went to a local steakhouse. He ordered an entree, and their policy is that you can order a half rack of ribs half price with an entree. I ate the ribs (2 of them) and we shared his side dishes of mac-n-cheese, and mashed potatoes.
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Vsg at cer hospital in tijuana or mi doctor? Please help!
Clementine Sky replied to Dteux.vsg's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I have the VSG last August at CER with Dr. Garcia, and my experience was very positive. He and his staff were kind, attentive, and efficient. I experienced minimal pain and discomfort, and felt that I was take care off throughout the duration of my stay. My room was spacious, completely private, and had everything I needed. I brought a HDMI cable to hook my laptop up to the TV so my parents and I could watch movies while I was recovering. My parents were my support team, and they stayed at the Marriott and had a free shuttle back and forth to CER every day. They enjoyed their stay. Other supporters stayed in the room with the patient, but didn't get much rest with the nurses coming in throughout the night (to be expected) and the chaise lounge not being very comfortable. The only negative for CER was that it was extremely noisy when I was there. It's new, and they're still working on construction on some of the floors. There's also construction just outside the hospital. Babies with cleft palates were being treated on the same floor, so naturally they were crying at night. If you're a light sleeper or are prone to headaches from noise, I'd consider bringing some earplugs and comfortable headphones. I also have this tiny portable white noise machine that I take with me to help drown out noise when I'm traveling (I've stayed in a lot of hotels next to airports). I did not receive much follow-up care through Dr. Garcia, but I also didn't seek it out. I could have emailed them with any questions. I was given a folder with nutritional guidelines, and a package with pain medication, bandages and such for the incisions. For me, this was sufficient because I consulted with a local Registered Dietician who has worked with bariatric patients, and my endocrinologist had agreed in advance to provide follow-up care. I'm extremely happy with my decision. I have lost 70 pounds in the past 11 months, have had no complications, have perfect lab results, and have no skin issues, and little hair loss. I've gone from a BMI in the low 30s to a BMI in the low 20s. -
What to expect on first consult
NorthernMaine posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello All, I am in Maine and I am surprised to be having my consult with the bariatric surgeon on Monday March 15. A couple questions; Is there anyone else here that has had the surgery in Maine? Which will help with the following question... how soon can you expect surgery after your initial consult? I am a little excited and nervous at the same time. I put off exploring bariatric surgery for years and finally decided enough was enough... any feedback you can provide will be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance! -
I went to my first required support group meeting last night. I have to attend another one next month. It's not as easy as I expected to get the surgery done. I'll pretty much have to jump through hoops - one more meeting, then see a bariatric internist, then a nutritionist, then on to the shrink, thennnnn onwards toward surgery, but only after I lose at least 30 pounds on my own. AHHHG! I'm sure this is all normal stuff that everyone has to go through, but dang, they want a lot. If I can lose 30 pounds on my own, why do I need surgery? That's the part that gets me a little confounded. If it was so easy to drop 30 pounds, don't they think everyone would have done it already?!?! There were some recent patients at the meeting. The bypass patients all looked pale, sickly, and shriveled - not to be mean, they lost the weight - great for them.. but the bandsters looked a whole helluva lot healthier. I also got to meet my surgeon, and he's sweet as can be. That was nice. Ok, well, I'm rambling.. just figured I'd pop in with an update. Hope everyone is doing well, two thumbs way up for the successful, *hugs* of support to those that aren't there yet (you will be!). El
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Elektralite- I am right there with you in the jumping through hoops.. I have my surgery scheduled for June 13th at this point. I called insurance and they said it was covered under my plan with nothing to hold me back. Well, met my dr (ok, already know him.....we sit on the sidelines each week at our girls' :soccer: game). He is an awesome individual and calmed my nerves very quickly. We scheduled my date - hoping to do it the week after school gets out.....before summer school starts. (this date works best for me because I do daycare and my summer census is lower then than during the school year). AND suprise suprise suprise....insurance slapped me with their conditions....First of all they complained that we didn't submitt the correct information. So, I did my psych eval and did my nutritional eval like they requested.....and re-submitted everything. (we are trying to ignore the 6 mo doctor supervised diet that they are requesting). We also got a letter from my regular doctor that says this is the only answer for me - she does not suggest any other diet or drug because of other health issues. I have been to one support group meeting -- we are required to attend atleast 6 meetings post op. The group was small and very interesting -There have only been @ 40 LB surgeries at my local hospital - great success stories and very good after care :nanahump: . I just talked to the bariatric nurse and she thinks if the insurance company can get off their lazy :tape: asses and reply within the next week or so .....my surgery is still a go on June 13th. (otherwise the schedule is now full through August) I am extremely excited but starting to feel the crunch....If I am approved, I need to start my 10-day liquid diet about June 1st. That really isn't that far away. I also need to inform my daycare families about time off/get my mom to come for a few days to help with my three children, go shopping and the list goes on and on. I just wish I knew what was happening. Good luck at your journey of hoop jumping - Tracy
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New member/reading posts for months!
auntnettie replied to auntnettie's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I went to what I thought was an appointment with a nutrionist at Kaiser and it turned out to be a seminar for Gastric Bypass surgery. About 1/2 way through thank goodness someone asked about the lapband. The nutrionist was very abrupt and said "Kaiser doesn't cover that surgery". Funny, 3 different people at Kaiser told me over the phone that they do. I switched my insurance for that reason. Their 200+ page handbook says that they cover bariatric surgery. To me that would cover quite a few different surgeries!!! Including Lap Band. Under exclusions, lap band is not mentioned. Now what?? This was 2 nights ago and I am still fuming! I guess it is time to start writing letters. Everyday if I have to. Wish me luck!! -
I know, right!!!! My Bariatric team has already well educated us on what not to eat to keep things from getting stuck. Actually, it's that they probably didn't chew it good enough. She said to chew, chew, and chew again and you should have no problems. But everyone is different. Glad to see a fellow Dec. 7th bandster, 6 days to go.....whoo hoo.....I've lost 6 lbs already being on this pre-op diet. We're not required to do liquid until the first week post-op so now it's a high protein, low-carb diet. Keep in touch and let me know how everything goes for you.
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Vitamin struggles, need suggestions!
2ndSpring replied to mxpxchik11's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
the bariatric chewable vitamins are kind of gross tasting, right? I had such fond memories of flintstones vitamins and thought they would taste like that, but alas, no. I was approved for a regular vitamin at about 3 months. I use garden of life. for a few months, I broke the pill in half, but now swallow it whole. -
Newbee...considering the band
happygirl65 replied to happygirl65's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
You are certainly right about the risks. Staying the way I am is not an option as I already know I will end up with diabetes and possibly heart disease like my mother and her sisters. I have had several surgeries in my lifetime with no bad effects from being under, so I don't suppose I am too worried about that. I am certainly on a fact finding mission. I want to know all I can know about the realistic effects, good and bad. So far I have only read about one person (on another site) who had a bad experience and that seemed because he/she was unable or unwilling to follow the recommended diet. It seems like a worthwhile investment in my health from what I have learned so far and my insurance does cover it, presuming they approve me. I want to get the process started since it could be months of evaluations etc. but am worried about having to pay too much out of pocket all at once. (my insurance has a 2600 deductible and 1000 fee for bariatric surgery) I guess I will just have to talk to the surgical team and ask some questions. :thumbup: -
Newbee...considering the band
saraannie replied to happygirl65's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Wow, I am surprised that your doctor responded like that. When I ask my PCP, she was very informative and said she would forward test on to the clinic, I also have a friend who is a physician, she was happy for me and told me that she thought I would succeed. The bariatric practice I choose has a strict program that you have to complete before being considered for the procedure. Seminars, classes, tests, even had to attend a support group before my paperwork was submitted. I looked at all the pros and cons and decided that I was ready to take charge of my life and not let food rule my life. Take your time attend some classes, maybe attend a support group, get all the facts. Most of all dump your Doc, they don't seem to be very supportive. Best wishes to you and your decisions. -
I haven't heard anything yet from my insurance either. I was told my claim was submitted by Blossom Bariatrics last Friday. Still, nothing is popping up on my insurance website about the claim. I've heard my insurance is pretty fast at authorizing this but I'm not quite sure it was really submitted last Friday. We'll see. Any news on yours yet?
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Psych Eval Format
BypassTheBS replied to BypassTheBS's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I wish it was a range of responses. The questions per my bariatric program are all short answer. It may even take 2 sessions to get through them all -
First pre-op meeting, questions
over65 replied to Mettemorphose's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Research papers have documented the fact that psychiatric problems (unless schizophrenia or other psychotic history) ARE NOT a factor in success/failure in bariatric surgery. The big issue is food addiction and if you tend to eat when stressed, bored, depressed or manic. I don't know why so many using psychiatric history to deny surgery when literature is clear it is not relevant. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app -
Please Help!! Newbie Onboard
hapsterbrat replied to time4achange's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
hi! I'm new too, I'm rounding up for a December surgery. I do work for a insurance company, and the coverage ins and outs are pretty complex. I would leave it up to them, but here's another good idea to try. Call the insurance provider, get a customer service specialist, and ask them a few good questions. 1. What is the criteria for a obesity/bariatric surgery coverage? 2. Are there any exclusions listed for or about obesity surgery, bariatric surgery, gastric sleeve, lap band, or surgeries assosicated with weight loss? (tricky words but use each one as a individual question - TRUST ME) As they attempt to explain the criterias or exclusuions to you, write them down, and ask for further clarity on each one your unsure of. Once you've made this list, see if it applies to you, but make the facts list 1st. With that being said, the other option is to see if your plan offers this policy online, Cigna does, and it allowed me to know what the criteria was up front. Let me know if I can help clarify more; I've worked in the insurance industry for more than 8 years (if I dont know, I can find someone who does). -
info on lapband center requirements
nbarreda replied to nbarreda's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Thank you everyone for your helpful responses. I didnt even ask if any post op surgical, fills etc would be included and they didnt say they were.. i am calling a hospital tomorrow that has their own bariatric center to see about a consultation. ill keep all you posted.. i really dont want to wait too long to get this done and start this new chapter in my life. -
Insurance Requirements/hang ups
Seahawks Fan posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm on Medicare/Medicade & I have one more appointment with the Bariatric nurse before submitting to insurance to make an appointment for surgery. Anyone have any unexpected issues with insurance at this point. I hope to have a surgery date by mid April. -
I have not been on this forum for a while, have been really busy getting ready for my surgery and now I'm here in beautiful Tijuana and it's done. I want to tell everyone how wonderful the whole team of Baja bariatrics have been to me. Florence hospital care was supreme, the facility is nice and the nurses here are so attentive and kind. The surgical team is superb and Omar Lliles Acosta who is the coordinator for Dr Illan makes sure of it. His number one priority is patient care and maintaining there record of zero complications. I came alone and he was there right by my side when I awoke. After the surgery when you are released from the hospital, he will take you to the amazingly beautiful Hotel Lucerna ! Omar will make sure you have broth, Gatorade, water and anything else you might need and he will take you sight seeing and shopping for souvenirs as well. This is something that you truly do not get with other companies. Dr Illan is an amazing surgeon, I had a lot of scar tissue from a previous surgery and he was totally prepared to handle that. Because he is also a well experienced trauma surgeon, that made me feel secure knowing he could handle my situation with ease. I did months and months of research and I know without a doubt that I made the right decision to choose not just this Dr but this team at Baja Bariatrics. If any one is considering surgery I encourage you to check them out, you can go to their web site and join the Facebook group of Team Illan. The support I received from his patients/ fellow sleevers is like none other. We are like a family and continue in our support for new patients and those who are considering having there surgery done here in Tijuana MX. If any one has a question, feel free to send me a message and I will do my best to reply.
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MyFitnessPal doesn't like how much I eat
Bufflehead replied to WitchySar's topic in Food and Nutrition
@@LittleBill they've heard it all from bariatric patients. It's in their FAQ. They know that some people, including WLS patients, are under doctor's supervision and are cleared to eat VLCD, but they will not change their program. It's not worth anyone's time to bug them about it. -
MyFitnessPal doesn't like how much I eat
Healthy_life2 replied to WitchySar's topic in Food and Nutrition
It's a glitch for us. I hope they can find a way to set it for bariatric patients Sent from my SM-G920T using the BariatricPal App -
Protein intake worries
monicaholbrook replied to Marissa C's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I too had my surgery on 6/21/2017. My nutritionist put me on a 60 grams of protein. I really don't like the bariatric shakes. But I found that perimer protein shakes are not chalky but smooth, and they are 30 grams of protein per shake. I am in the 2nd phase with soft mushy foods and still have one more week of this phase till I move to phase three. However, phase two is a learning experience for me. I do throw up when my body doesn't agree with it or if I don't chew my food 28 times. But I've gotten smart, I now put my foods through a good processor where is greetings everything up for me so I can eat. Note: I'm only able to consume about 3 to 4oz of food, sometime less than that. But the key is to pay attention to your pouch be or stomach. Also, the main key is to get your 64 oz of water and 2 protein shake before attempting to eat. Anyway, if you have any question please feel free to ask. Sent from my LG-K540 using BariatricPal mobile app -
2014 Wrap-Up…and How You Can Help BariatricPal in 2015!
Alex Brecher posted a topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
It’s hard to believe, but 2014 is almost over and 2015 is around the corner! BariatricPal has come a long way in the past year. 2014 Was a Good Year for BariatricPal! It is now the largest weight loss surgery community online and on mobile. We put out our new and improved mobile apps (if you haven’t already, download yours free for iPhone and iPod , for Android, and for Kindle). We published the fourth book in “The Big Book” series (find out how you can get your copy of all four books). A Sincere Thank You! to BariatricPal Members! BariatricPal couldn’t have been so successful this year without you. Thank you. Thank you for making BariatricPal part of your daily life. Thank you for your participation on the boards, for helping each other out, and for spreading the word about BariatricPal. Thank you for providing feedback throughout the year. Share BariatricPal with…Everyone! BariatricPal depends on you. Please share BariatricPal with everyone you can! Go to the BariatricPal sharing page to see how you can share BariatricPal. On social media: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, and LinkedIn! Via email On your own site or blog Tell other weight loss surgery patients, your surgeon, members of your WLS support group, and the bariatric surgeons and staff at the office you go to. Let everyone know what BariatricPal means to you and how it can help them. And thanks! You Can Make 2015 Even Better for BariatricPal! I’m planning for 2015 to be just as successful as 2014 was for BariatricPal, and I have a lot of improvements in store. To make 2015 the best year possible, though, I need your help! Do you have suggestions for the coming year? Which new features would you like to see? Which services do you think BariatricPal should offer to help strengthen our community and help members reach their health and weight loss goals? I would love to have your input! Please feel free to post your ideas and suggestions right here. Or, if you prefer, send me a private message (PM). You, the members, are the ones who make BariatricPal possible. You drive this community. Please let me know how it can be improved! Have a healthy and happy New Year! -
When I started considering WLS, particularly VSG Surgery, I researched extensively. I read medical studies, case histories, personal blogs and watched hundreds of hours of YouTube videos posted by patients and bariatric surgeons. I cannot remember where I read or saw the European study called "The Three Month Marker", nor have I been able to find the article or video again. The "supposed" study was of VSG patients and their success rates. The results of the study indicated that the total average weight loss at 12 months post-op was double the amount lost at the 3 month post-op mark for patients who closely followed the bariatric guidelines. Has anyone else heard about "The Three Month Marker"? For those who are at least 12 months post-op, does this study relate to your experience?