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Hello everyone. I had my surgery on April 1st. After two weeks I went for an update with my doctor. Oddly he cleared me to work out a train after two weeks. Thankfully I had family & friends who had this bariatric sleeve surgery the same one that I did. They were there for moral support and any questions or concerns I had. They told me not to work out after two weeks and wait up to six weeks. While I was having side pains from nerve muscles, I scheduled an appointment with the doctor two weeks later which made it a month from the day of surgery. He told me work out it was okay and take a painkiller if you're still having their pains. Not my pain is gone, so I started working out normally, yesterday was chest day, so I was benching 150 I usually bench 275 to 300. Well now my stomach is in severe pain and I am concerned. Can anyone give me some insight. I am new on this application. So I hope I am commenting in the correct subject

Hi Kate, I definitely think your gut feeling is guiding you well, and IMHO it is vitally important to work with a plastic surgeon that knows all about Lap Bands. They might end up having to move and switch out your port, and this should really be done by someone who is familiar with it to ensure the best results. Also as has been said many times, people who have lost as much weight as us need to work with a plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience with bariatric patients. Here's a good website for finding plastic surgeons that specialize in bariatric patients: www.asbps.org It is really tough to find just the right fit with a PS -- much tougher than finding a Lap Band surgeon by far, but keep looking until you find someone who you feel 100% certain about. It might take a little time, but you will find that right Dr. ( I second Becky's suggestion regarding Dr. Schulman, by the way.) Living where I live, I know first hand that it can get a little pricey to meet the surgeons in person, as I consulted with surgeons in both the US and Mexico, but trust me, it is truly money well spent in the end.......

My brother's girlfriend works as a nutritionist for a bariatric surgeon. She has said that she sees people that can't get health insurance now because they had weight-loss surgery. If your current insurance covers your surgery, but you have to change insurance afterwards for some reason, can you get insurance? I have also heard people say that as long as you get insurance within 60 days of your old coverage ending, the new company can't consider it a pre-existing condition and therefore deny you. I need to know because I will be dropped from my parents' insurance plan when I turn 24 next August, but I am hoping to have surgery before the end of this year, or at least before my classes start again at the end of January. I don't want to be uninsurable at the age of 24.

I agree about putting it in print and the accountability that goes along with that -- it's why I'm on here so often as it really helps me to reiterate the reasons I chose the surgery and what my longer-term goals are. In the short term I just want what I want, lol -- this site helps me keep the long view in perspective. It sounds like you were listening to your body very well and knew just what you were doing but then the surgeon inadvertently gave you permission to stop being mindful. It's such a fine line, isn't it -- for those of us who were very restrictive, all those years of dieting. One thing I've really learned is that it's not the same for any one -- we are all so different. The key is to find what works for you and stick to that. I gave myself permission to nibble on cheese and olives all day yesterday and drink wine. So today my scale is up, up, up. But I do go up and down anyway -- and often up before a real loss. Congratulations on the great loss you have had since your surgery! Try not to worry too much about the ten pounds as a lot can be accounted for with salt and accompanying retention, stress, etc. And today is a beautiful new day, you're reconnecting with your surgeon and from here it's one foot in front of the other, as it is for each of us. Best wishes to you for spring and the renewal that brings!

The bariatric group wanted it from my primary care doctor so she wrote the letter, she had my history of the many failed diets yada, yada, yada. Keep it direct, simple and to the point, the letter that she wrote was a few sentences. I wish you all the best!

Any news on your revision nikki2524? Are you feeling any better? That's strange, that nurse telling you since your body wouldn't use the calories to go ahead and eat anything. Doesn't sound like any Bariatric nurse I've ever met. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Surgery is 3 days and a wakeup away! I am staring to think more and more about it of course. On my liquids I have lost 13.5 pounds. I have "cheated" though and the guilt is killing me. I am not hungry, stomach wise, but my mental hunger is still there. Please tell me someone understands that. I am used to eating even when I am not hungry. This battle is going to be mostly mental for me anyway. I am spending time this week making homemade Soups and pureeing them, then freezing them. I hate how much sodium store bought soups have. I am going to be making homemade popsicles today and homemade chicken broth so I should be set. I haven't had the surgery yet, obviously, but I scared to death of my first fill. My doc does mainly bypasses and sleeves but since he is an insurance provider that is where I needed to go. He does first fills at 2 weeks post op and I am worried about it. We live 3 hours one way away from the doc so I can't just come back in a few days or so if he tries and it doesn't work...especially not with gas prices :-)! The bad thing is walking around WalMart last night is I saw a lot of people just like me, morbidly obese. It is so sad to me that this surgery isn't easier for people to get if they need it. Seeing those folks renewed my wanting to do this. I want to be healthier and I want to look better :tongue2:. My hubby was helping me take off my bra last night cause it was hurting so bad on my shoulders, he saw the bruises the straps had caused and he just said, you need this surgery, you are going to feel so much better very soon. He is a sweetie, said what I needed to hear! Laura

I went to Belgium in October through ECFS and am thrilled with the service and attention that I received. I looked into going to Prague but decided on somewhere a little closer to home. I met the guy from Belgian Surgery Services and the clinical representative from ECFS and ECFS won hands down. The whole thing was organised down to the last detail and I couldn't have been happier with my treatment and follow ups. I am a very happy sleever who wishes she'd had it done years ago. By the way, have you noticed that it was on the news just before Christmas how much Bariatric surgery could be saving our hard up NHS? As I am wasn't high enough in the BMI stakes I obviously couldn't get my surgery done on the NHS. When I told my GP what I had organised he was not approving and suggested that I might like to try 'portion control' first!!!!!!!!!! Hmmmmmm.........that half baked solution hasn't worked for the majority of my dieting career (roughly 45 years) so why would it work now!!!!!!!!!!!

Just curious has anyone evr purchased foods from this site or any other sites? Thanks, Pudgy

Hi, oh dear, your situation sounds challenging. I’m 3 weeks out also, to be exact. 16 days, and healing ok, inside and out. Very little nausea, onto soft mushy food.. Did you have a upper GI the day after surgery? The Dr. then checks for any leakage and/ or problems after surgery and if so, keeps you in the hospital for further observation/ correction. It’s pretty standard procedure..Yes, your abdomen and stomach will be swollen a bit after surgery, normal, but your situation sounds unique. In comparison, I take my chewable bariatric vitamins daily, Isopure Protein Drink and Premiere Protein Drink, 1 Greek yogurt, smushed banana or avocado when the mood strikes,..Refried beans have been ok, not spicy..sugar free jello is nice. Campbell’s chicken noodle soup. (more soup than noodle) and constant hydration.. your getting hydrated and nutrition through your IV. which is great. The calories add up quick so, I would keep at at about 1,000 in the future, once your situation stabilizes..Maybe your body is going through a shock or serious readjustment. Maybe your very sensitive to surgery.. it’s possible your liver or gall bladder is acting up.. if your dialing back any medication after surgery, that could be giving you headaches. Protein is the key. For future reference, Unjury medical quality protein powder can be added to anything to bump up the protein levels.. but, I did meet a gal last week who couldn’t have the surgery because she couldn’t tolerate any protein due to kidney or liver problems (I can’t remember which,, geez). I’m so sorry..your experiencing this. I would ask some hard questions if this doesn’t start to ease up in another week.. Hopefully it will, and this event will be a distant memory.. Hang in there...Good Luck!!

Hi Everyone!!! I am in the initial stages of my weight loss journey. I'm scared, yet excited! My weight has been an issue since I was a small child. I can remember starting Weight Watchers for the first time, when I was in the 5th grade. Even though I've always had "a beautiful face", my weight seems to be what people have judged me by. I've accomplished a lot in my life, but yet my weight has kept me from being everything I can be. It's time for change. Back in 2002, when I was 39 years old, I joined Weight Watchers (again). This time it stuck and I lost about 110 lbs. I worked really hard at it and the only way I could lose the weight and maintain it was to workout 5-6X a week, for about 2 hours a time. In 2003, I made a huge change in my life and joined the Army! Who joins the Army at 40??? I'm now convinced I was having a mid-life crisis and instead of buying a convertible and getting my hair cut, I joined the Army. All joking aside, it was the best decision I have ever made! I love(d) the Army! I was serving my Country and providing a service to my brothers and sisters-in-arms. I am a Dr. of Audiology, and I knew the #1 and #2 disabilities from the global war on terrorism, was hearing loss and ringing in the ears. I wanted to serve my Country. I was very proud of myself. Here I was this girl who always had a weight problem, but now I was fit enough to be in the Army. I felt very accomplished. I had convinced myself that I would NEVER return to being an obese person and I actually kept off the weight until 2012. In 2012, I returned from a combat tour to Afghanistan. While in the "sandbox", I was hurt in a vehicle accident. I injured both shoulders, my left hip and back. When I came back to the good ol' USA, I was sent to a wounded warrior unit. I spent the next 2 1/2 years getting "fixed". During these 2 1/2 years, I had 5 orthopedic surgeries, received care for PTSD and was diagnosed to have Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Between no longer being able to workout, being placed on an anti-depressant and taking large amounts of steroids, I quickly gained 50 lbs. I started a downward spiral. My commitment to myself to never return to being obese, was shattered. I am the only one to blame. Even though I have numerous anchors in my body from surgery, I still deal with pain every day. This weight is only making it worse. This is what brought me to the decision that I need bariatric surgery. I was medically retired from the Army, but I still receive all my benefits. My Army doctor has been very supportive in my desire for surgery. With his blessings and referral, I am now on my way! I'm very thankful I found this site, and I look forward to posting my progress and cheering on my new friends! Thank you everyone for just being you! Bonnie (Army MAJ retired)

interesting concept. i had to "educate my trainer" on WLS & the band - which he was more than open to. he had never had a WLS client - so he took it as a learning experience for himself, rather than insult me that i took the easy way out. we "together" discussed nutrition & i let him know that while i valued his opinion - he knew i had a bariatric team that managed the scale & my health. i needed him to push / work me harder than i would myself and that's what i hired him for. you can get the band, but it doesn't come w/directions to the gym.... i'm not sure though even before hitting goal i would go to an exclusive WLS surgery gym, just like i wouldn't attend an all female facility. is there a gap for qualified trainers for the obese absolutely, and that might be a better direction to go -rather than isolate...but that's just my opinion.

<TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed; WIDTH: 1185px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0 x:str><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 56.25pt" height=75><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 56.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=75> Florida: Tiffany Jesse FLORIDA - Tiffany Jesse </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>727-584-7666</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$200 after first fill. Hospital charges $350 for first visit. (Total for 1st visit is $550)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>First fill is done with fluoro (subsequent fills can be done w/o)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">2039 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo, FL 33774 http://www.shedthepounds.com</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 68.25pt" height=91><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 68.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=91>FLORIDA - Hollywood area/ Dr. Thomas Bass</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-966-8559</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250 consult, $250 each fill, $250 monthly membership fee for 12 months until u are an established patient</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">1150 N. 35th #575, Hollywood, FL 33021</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Alejandro Hernandez-Cano & Dr. Ponbo</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-446-3636</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$100 consults, $300 fills w/ fluoro</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">55 West 3rd Street, Hialeah, FL 33010</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Brian Dunkin & Dr. Robert Bailey</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-243-2424</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$800-$1500 for fills @ hospital</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">1475 NW 12th Ave. Ste #4023, Miami, FL 33136 Price depends on cc's of Fluid. Price quoted is thru Insurance, call for info on self pay.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=34>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Juan Fleites</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-856-3212</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Call for current price.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">3661 South Miami Ave., Ste # 205, Miami, FL 33133</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=34>FLORIDA - Miami/ Dr. Lourdes Pelaez</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-670-4134 or 305-670-0311</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Call for current price.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">7400 N. Kendall Dr., Ste # 403, Miami, FL 33156</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Coral Gables/ Dr. Eddie Gomez & Dr. Moises Jacobs</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>305-669-2388</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$200 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Laparoscopic Center of So. Florida 1150 Campo Sano Ave. Ste # 300, Coral Gables, FL 33146 (in Miami)</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 51pt" height=68><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 51pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=68>FLORIDA - Weston/ Dr. Raul Rosenthal & Dr. Samual Szomstein</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-659-5228 or 954-659-5239</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250-$450 consult fee (depends on lab tests, etc) $250-$500 for fills</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Cleveland Clinic 2950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd, Weston, FL 33331 (near Davie, FL)</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 51pt" height=68><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 51pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=68>FLORIDA - Ft. Lauderdale/ Dr. David Diaz, Dr. Michael Perez, Dr. Ravindra Mailapur & Dr. Robert Marema</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>954-351-1589 or 954-351-7770</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$175 office visits, $250 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>$150 for fluoro (if needed)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">U.S. Bariatrics 4800 NE 20th Terrace Ste # 303, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 Speak to Elba Ext. #109</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 38.25pt" height=51><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 38.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=51>FLORIDA - Atlantis area/ Dr. Kenneth A. Larson</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>561-439-1500</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$250 consult, $250 fills (no fluoro)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none"> </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Near JFK Hospital 142 JFK Dr., Atlantis, FL 33462 (in Palm Beach County, near Boynton Beach) Will ONLY do fills on INAMED lapbands.</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 23.25pt" height=31><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 23.25pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=31>GEORGIA - Jaimie Ponce</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>866-552-7546</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>about $550</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=1 colSpan=2></TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: nowrap; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=1></TD></TR><TR style="WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 30.75pt" height=41><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 30.75pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=41>GEORGIA - Dr. Rick Finley</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>404-688-1934</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$400 (but may also have a 3-fer deal)</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125>Please call.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=112 colSpan=2> </TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 64.5pt" height=86><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 64.5pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=86>GEORGIA - Barry McKernan</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>770-924-8808</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>$400 per fill…or 3 fills for $1000</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125 x:str="Each fluoro is $200 extra and he requires a barium swallow prior to the first fill ">Each fluoro is $200 extra and he requires a barium swallow prior to the first fill </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=175> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <TABLE style="TABLE-LAYOUT: fixed; WIDTH: 1185px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0 x:str><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 63.75pt" height=85><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 700; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 145pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, sans-serif; WHITE-SPACE: normal; HEIGHT: 63.75pt; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=193 height=85>MISSISSIPPI - Ocean Springs/ South Mississippi Surgical Weight Loss Center</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 116pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=155>800-537-8809 or 228-872-7277</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 102pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=136>Please call to find out.</TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 94pt; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: none" width=125 x:str="Initial visit w/the surgeon first before fills. Fills are done at the surgery ctr. Under fluoro. ">Initial visit w/the surgeon first before fills. Fills are done at the surgery ctr. Under fluoro. </TD><TD style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; PADDING-RIGHT: 1px; BORDER-TOP: medium none; PADDING-LEFT: 1px; FONT-WEIGHT: 400; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; VERTICAL-ALIGN: bottom; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; WIDTH: 175px; COLOR: windowtext; PADDING-TOP: 1px; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none; FONT-STYLE: normal; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; WHITE-SPACE: normal; TEXT-DECORATION: none">Payment is required at time of service. No insurance. http://www.smsurgicalweightloss</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> I am not exactly sure how up to date this list is and I have never used these doctors so I can't vouch for any of them they are just part of a list I got that are supposed to fill Mexico patients.

If both your doctor and your surgeon say you have reached goal then perhaps it's time to start thinking maintenance instead of weight loss. Sometimes as bariatric patients we have a disconnect with out bodies and what they should look like. There's even a small percentage who start to really like the feeling of losing weight after being overweight for so many years. Some even develop disorders where they go in the opposite direction and start losing more weight than is healthy. Please be careful.

You can do this! It takes time to figure everything out and straighten out the details but I have faith in you! I had this problem, too. I called my insurance and asked what I need to do for the lap band (what testing I needed for the insurance etc) They said that they could not release the information. My doctor called my insurance and I started contacting bariatric surgery centers on my own. My surgery center is called Bridges. They had all the info that I needed for my surgery. Maybe you can call around your area for bariatric surgery centers? They were the biggest help for me. You would of course have to ask if they take your insurace. =) Good Luck

I think my insurance will cover the surgery, but it has a history of not covering stuff 100%. For my mom's knee replacement surgery, for example, it only covered around 80%, and she had to have the surgery or be put in a wheelchair. Of course, I don't know if that was their usual practice for every surgery, or if it was just because the doctor wasn't a participator in their insurance program (don't know if he was or not). I have found several bariatric surgeons that do participate in my insurance program, so I am hoping to get it covered 100%. I am just hoping they consider my health conditions that are caused by my weight to be severe enough to cover it.

I am ordering them on my own. After doing research, I have chosen to use Bariatric Complete by ProCare Health that I found on Amazon and it's $14/month. $250 is insane when there are other options.

My surgical team have me on Bariatric Advantage chewable multi's and calcium citrate chews (500mg). I bought them monthly at the hospital for $75. Now I have them auto shipped from Bariatric Advantage website, which was recommended by my surgical team. It now costs me $67 (cheaper due to auto ship). $250 is too much.

The pouch reset can be found here at Bariatric Pal at https://store.bariatricpal.com/pages/2-week-pouch-reset-diet. Realistically, It isn't just a juice fast. It starts that way, but you have to continue on with the water as food returns in a stepped way. The juice adds extra calories. Anyone have additional ideas?

terry5, thanks for the encouragement. I go to my bariatric appt tomorrow. I'm starting a new beginning with my band.

I prefer protein powder over ready-to-drink shakes, and powder tends to be less expensive. My favorite brand of protein powder is Ideal Lean, but it is really a matter of personal taste. For ready-to-drink shakes, Equate brand is pretty much the same as Premier Protein but priced much lower. I am almost 2 years out now and I no longer drink protein shakes. I get plenty of protein from food, and I'd rather eat food than drink a protein shake. It is really important to budget for what you'll need post-op, and don't forget about vitamins. The best value in bariatric vitamins is the BariatricPal brand multivitamin, which is $99.99/year for a subscription (I recommend you buy a smaller bottle first and make sure you like them before you subscribe; also, you'll probably need chewables for the first few months after surgery). Depending on your program/bloodwork, you may need additional vitamins (I take calcium, chelated iron, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and biotin in addition to the multivitamin, and I also use pre-workout and essential amino acid supplements). Vitamins are super important for gastric bypass patients, so you have to make sure you're prepared to buy them before you have the surgery. In the early post-op stages, I was eating so little that the costs balanced out. Now that I'm eating regular food and larger portions, though, I am spending a lot more on food than I was before surgery, even though I'm eating less. I used to shop sales and buy cheap food. Things like chips, crackers, cookies, candy, frozen meals and snacks, baking ingredients (sugar, flour, oil, butter), etc., can be very inexpensive when you buy them on sale. Now, I buy a lot of fresh produce, meat, fish, herbs, and spices, plus some healthier substitutions (sugar-free sweeteners, protein bars, low-calorie salad dressing, sugar-free condiments, olive/avocado oil, coconut flour, etc.) and prioritize health and taste over price. I'm sure I could spend less and still eat healthy if I really needed to, but I have invested so much into this surgery and losing weight that I'm willing to spend more money on food that helps me stick to my plan.

Hi my name is Roxanne and I live in Los Angeles CA. This is my first time posting. Just wondering if anyone is from the area and being treated by L.A. Bariatrics? I've already completed my visit with the Nut and Psych eval. They seem very helpful at the office but just wondering if anyone else has had an experience with them. Thanks

This is an article from the Amerian Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery: http://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.pdf This is an article I found on another site: The VSG is the Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy or Gastric Sleeve, a newer type of WLS in which most (approximately 85%, depending on the surgeon and patient) of the stomach is permanently removed, leaving a slender "sleeve" of stomach about the size of a Sharpie marker, with normal connections between esophagus and stomach and stomach and small intestine. At one time, it was performed most commonly as the easier, less-invasive first stage of a two-stage procedure (the second stage being a Duodenal Switch, for example) on super-super obese people (BMI above 60) who were not physically in good enough shape for a RNY. After losing the first 100 or more pounds post-VSG, the patients were then fit enough to go through the second surgery to lose the rest of their excess weight. Presently, it's also done as a stand-alone WLS procedure on people who have less weight to lose, and the surgeons are finding that many people with high BMIs like mine lose all the weight they need even without a second surgery. The sleeve, like a RNY pouch, cuts gherelin production (which suppresses physical sensations of hunger), but unlike the RNY pouch, it still produces stomach acids so that meds (including anti-inflammatories) can still be taken normally once the sleeve has healed post-op. The VSG procedure is strictly restrictive, like the LapBand, rather than restrictive and malabsorbtive, like RNY, so calories and nutrients are better absorbed during digestion. Nutritional supplements are still necessary, however - I have to take the same Multivitamins, Calcium, Iron, B12, etc. as RNY patients, although I could get my calcium as carbonate rather than citrate (I don't - I use the same calcium citrate products as everyone else here on TT). The surgery is irreversible, unlike the LapBand, but has a better weight loss rate than LapBand - more like RNY. Most insurance companies don't cover VSG yet because they still consider it "investigational", but it tends to have a lower complication rate because it's a simpler procedure and many WLS surgeons believe it will eventually be widely performed. Through my own research, I have found some information which would be helpful to those considering WLS. This is neither authored by nor endorsed by the owners of this forum but is simply the gathering in one place some useful information I personally have come across. Let's look at an overview of the major WLS options out there: http://www.thinnertimes.com/weight-l...omparison.html http://www.lapsf.com/weight-loss-surgeries.html Restrictive versus Malabsorptive Surgery There are a number of weight loss surgery procedures available to treat obesity. Bariatric surgery has two primary approaches to achieve weight loss, and treatment typically emphasizes either the restrictive or malabsorptive approach or a combination of the two. Restrictive Weight Loss Surgery This type of bariatric surgery involves closing off parts of the stomach to make it smaller, thus decreasing the amount of food that can be eaten. The LAP-BAND?, Vertical Sleeve gastrectomy and Vertical Banded Gastroplasty procedures are restrictive types of bariatric surgery. LAP-BAND? Surgery The Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band procedure, more commonly known as LAP-BAND? surgery, is growing in popularity. This restrictive procedure involves using a Silastic? band to create a smaller stomach pouch, causing patients to become full after eating a minimal amount of food. Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG) The Vertical Banded Gastroplasty weight loss surgery procedure creates a smaller stomach pouch by stapling off a section of the stomach, then using a band to restrict the passage of food out of the pouch. After stomach stapling, the patient is unable to consume large amounts of food in one sitting. Once the food leaves the pouch, it goes through the normal digestive tract. Malabsorptive Weight Loss Surgery This weight loss surgery approach entails altering the digestive system to decrease the body's ability to absorb calories. The Biliopancreatic Diversion and Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass procedures are malabsorptive types of bariatric surgery. Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD) Biliopancreatic Diversion involves first creating a reduced stomach pouch and then diverting the digestive juices in the small intestine. The first part of the small intestine, where most of the calories are normally absorbed, is bypassed. That section, which contains the bile and pancreatic juices, is reattached to the small intestine much further down. There is a variation of this procedure called Biliopancreatic Diversion with "Duodenal Switch." This operation utilizes a larger stomach "sleeve" and leaves the beginning of the duodenum attached, but is otherwise very similar to standard BPD. Extended (Distal) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGBP-E) This weight loss surgery procedure is a variation of the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass operation. It differs in that a somewhat larger stomach pouch is created, but a significantly longer section of the small intestine is bypassed. There is less emphasis on restricting food intake quantity and more on inhibiting the body's ability to absorb calories. The Combined Approach - Restrictive and Malabsorptive Surgery The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure is a combination operation in which stomach restriction and a partial bypass of the small intestine work in tandem as one of the most effective treatments for severe obesity. Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The most commonly performed weight loss surgery in the United States is Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass. This operation involves severely restricting the size of the stomach and altering the small intestine so that caloric absorption is inhibited. Open versus Laparoscopic Surgery There are also varying techniques that can be used during bariatric surgery procedures. The two techniques are laparoscopic and open bariatric surgery. Open Bariatric Surgery While laparoscopic bariatric surgery can be performed through several small incisions in the stomach area, open bariatric surgery requires one larger incision that begins directly below the patient's breastbone and ends just above the navel. While both the open and laparoscopic procedures produce similar long term results, open bariatric surgery is associated with a longer recovery period. Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery As opposed to "open" bariatric surgery, laparoscopic bariatric surgery involves making several small incisions and performing the operation by video camera. A laparoscope, the device used to capture the video, is inserted through an abdominal incision. This provides the bariatric surgeon a magnified view inside the abdomen, allowing the operation to be performed using special surgical instruments and a television monitor. The long-term results for laparoscopic bariatric surgery and gastric bypass surgery should be similar to those for open procedures. The advantages of the laparoscopic approach include less post-operative pain, a shorter recovery period, and less extensive scarring. The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by more and more surgeons worldwide. The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band? procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, Vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that ?stretches? the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ?first stage? of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient?s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ?stage? the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively ?downstages? a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the ?second stage? of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux?en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band?. Current, but limited, data for this ?two stage? approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band?and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band? patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band? group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band? but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn?s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ? patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn?s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Much of the above information was garnered from information from Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. The following links provide additional important information you may want to consider in your research: http://www.hopkinsbayview.org/bariat...ion_sleeve.pdf http://www.iabsobesitysurgery.com/Me...eDietGuide.pdf http://www.cornellweightlosssurgery....astrectomy.pdf Happy Re-Birthday to Me - One Year Out, 244 Pounds Down Post-Op! Aviator's Log Book

Hey everyone, I am scheduled for Wed morning and have a few questions. I have been reading about anesthesia for bariatric surgery and see that suggestions are made to intubate the patient while they are awake, or wait to remove the breathing tube until after the patient is awake. For those that have had the sleeve, do you remember having the tube placed or removed? Especially for those folks with sleep apnea- what was your going to sleep/waking up experience like? Also, did they give you anything to calm nerves before they rolled you into the surgery room? Needless to say, I am getting hit with the nerves now. Thanks!

Brigham and Womens Bariatric Weight Loss Center in Weymouth is a good place to start. They have information sessions twice per month. I don't know what part of the Cape you are on, but that might be a good place to start.