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I hope your appeal goes through. I understand your frustration. The requirements through Tricare changed on 2/14/11 to the following: Check out the Federal Registrar to see if this may help your case. I spoke with the Tricare director in WA and was told the change was effective 2/14 but Tricare reps might not know about the change for a few months. http://federalregister.gov/a/2011-3207 Show citation box (A) Payment for bariatric surgical procedures is determined by the requirements specified in paragraph (g)(15) of this section, and as defined in § 199.2( of this part.Show citation box ( Covered bariatric surgical procedures are payable only when the patient has completed growth (18 years of age or documentation of completion of bone growth) and has met one of the following selection criteria:Show citation box (1) The patient has a BMI that is equal to or exceeds 40 kg/m 2 and has previously been unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity.Show citation box (2) The patient has a BMI of 35 to 39.9 kg/m [2] , has at least one high-risk co-morbid condition associated with morbid obesity, and has previously been unsuccessful with medical treatment for obesity.

Had my first appointment with the bariatric care center. Met a nurse, the PA who I will see most. It is the PA that does the fills. I met the surgeon briefly and my coordinator. My coordinator says that I have one of the best insurance in our area. I am tentatively scheduled for surgery on October 3. I have to undergo a gall bladder ultrasound, pulmonary test, upper GI.... the group is setting up those appointments. I have to schedule my psych appointment I will also have an appointment with the nutritionist before the surgery and be taught more about the special pre-surgery diet that I need to do for a month before the surgery. It can either be liquid of their own mean and green diet. I will also meet with the surgeon again for a more in-depth consultation. What sucks is that the 15 pounds I already lost do not count even though they are listed in my doctor's letter for the insurance company. I need to lose 30 pounds in the next 3 months. I know can do it, especially if I could lose 15 pounds in the last month.

For me it’s forever 😑 I had a RNY to correct a failed (12 years old) surgery to fix my hiatal hernia. Before RNY my esophagus was L-shaped and half of Diaphragm was above where it. Lately I have also been having to take Pepcid to control the reflux. I need to find a new bariatric Doctor Who can monitor me. Because of the reason that I had the bypass my surgeon was not a bariatric doctor he actually told me to get all of my information about the surgery and what needs to be done after in my lifestyle changes from the Internet I also need to find a Gastrologist because pills are getting hot when I swallow them just like they did before the bypass. I think my esophagus needs to be stretched again. I’m very sad about all of this because I was told that by having the bypass it would fix all of my problems permanently. Losing 70 pounds was a big plus out of it!

Do I need to have my doctor change the reason for the tests? I had him put for bariatric surgery on the referral. However, I can surely need these tests just in and of themselves for diabetes and being overweight. My insurance does cover bariatric bypass but not the sleeve. However, I don't want the bypass hence Mexico. Also, it is a pain trying to get accepted for the surgery anyway. If he already did the referral for bariatric, can I go and change it? Or will they be like, 'nice try but too late you already said bariatric'?

Look, we live in a non bariatric friendly world. There's parties, holidays, events, restaurants around every corner, work functions, movies, graduations....everything seems to revolve around food. We can't expect the world to stop because we had the surgery, because it certainly won't. We have to commit to making the changes ourselves and adapting to the world around us. Sure, the pre op diet is hard, then first few weeks after surgery when you are on liquids or soft food and feel more like a patient than a normal person. But in the grand scheme of things, it's such a short amount of time. Once you're eating 'normal' food again, there should be nothing stopping you from going out to breakfast and doing all those things mentioned above. You just have to learn to make the right choices when you do. You certainly could have gone with them and had some eggs and even a peice of bacon or two. That's what I have when I go to breakfast all the time! I've NEVER missed an opportunity to go out and have a good time just because I had WLS. Now I just focus more on the company and not the food, and my life is so much better for it. In the end, it's on us to make the changes needed to succeed, not anyone else. I've adapted, you will too.

I had my surgery in Monterrey almost five years ago with Dr. Francisco Barrera Rodriguez. He is with the Monterrey Gastro & Bariatric Group. My experience with them was awesome. They provide all instructions ahead of time such as itinerary, preop and postop info. I had surgery on Thursday afternoon and was discharged on Saturday at noon. They answered all my questions even the stupid ones. They don't rush you through anything and they run all the preliminary testing in house (EKG, blood tests, nutritional eval). I am not sure if any of their process has changed, but that was my experience at that time. Oh and they assign a nutritionist and office personnel who are available throughout the process. One thing I did do was stay in Monterrey for a few days just in case I had any complications. The drive from Texas was about 6 hours so not too bad. If you have any specific questions I'll be happy to answer them.

You will qualify for sure. The best way to get started with this is to call your insurance company and find out their requirements. Many of the larger ones require that you use a Bariatric center of excellence. Your insurance company can provide you with what facilities are covered and what your requirements are. Please don't be surprised if they tell you that you have to go through a supervised duet for 3 or 6 months. That really is the norm but I promise you it is well worth the time you put into it. Once you have the name of the Bariatric center of excellence or a doctors office that handles Bariatric surgery get yourself to a live information session right away. You need to learn everything you can about the surgeries so you can make an educated decision about which one to go with for your health concerns. Then, spend time on different on line forums learning from people who have had experiences with either the sleeve or bypass. There are tons of threads on this site comparing the two surgeries. Leverage your doctors knowledge of your health to help you decide. Good luck! By the way the only thing I regret is not having this surgery sooner. I am 52 and my obesity caused very severe arthritis of my spine and other joints. That cannot be undone. Sooner vs. later!

The reason why bariatric Vitamins are not popular here is frankly, because we do not need them. Be cautious of whatever your NUT is trying to sell you, IF she is selling to you, I wasn't clear on that. All we need are basic multivites, Calcium, and some are told to take B12. I get mine from costco - 250 vitamins for about 10 or 12 dollars. That is the most economical way to buy them. We do not malabsorb so unless you are already deficient in something there is just no reason to spend that kind of money.

Ive been trying to get myself together for my surgery on 2/28, buying broth and protein powder out of this world. I spent about a week doing all kinds of research on different vitamins and supplements, and which would be cost effecient. I finally talked to my NUT and asked her about a few name brands, she tells me as if I take Bariatric Fusion (sold in their office), I wont need to take additional vitamins and supplements. The multivitamin cost $24.99 for 120 chewable tabs. My confusion is, why arent more people using bariatric multivitamins for all the supplemental needs?

When I think the weight may start to slow down, I go back to the basics, maybe have liquids or soft foods and drop a few calories. If I can walk, I’ll do something to burn off the fat. I eat so much less fat,and I’m burning my own body fat. I’m not able to hit the gym for a full throttle workout, so I make sure I get the proteins, vitamins, supplements in, and go a little lower in the calories. This is my second time around, but the pouch wasn’t reduced...too much scar tissue. I have to do this with my own self, and I do document what I consume within a 24 hour period, and eat or drink according to my schedule. I’m up all hours, but I’m older, and this is supposed to make me lose less. Not true for me. I lost 20 lbs in 4 weeks. I never look at the scale, but document so that I don’t go overboard. I’ll eat diet gum...more than a few pieces, because it satisfies my need to chew, plus it’s sweet. But, this is just what I do. When I plateau, I’ll switch some foods to keep the body changing. I can’t afford expensive Bariatric foods, but I do the best I can. I used to be a slave to the scale. Now; I’m dedicated to the process. It’s label reading, serving sizes, and, my dr wants me to eat a certain amount of calories. Although the revision failed due to scar tissue, I realized that my stomach won’t be the help I need. I’m the help I need. Anyhow, I hope this was somewhat useful.

Connie, I don't have one in your area but Dr. McKeen in San Jose is really good : South Bay Bariatrics & Dr. Robert McKeen He is an excellent doctor. Good luck.

First of all let me educate you a little. Dr. Kirshenbaum and Dr. Brown do not work at the same facilities. Dr. Kirshenbaum works primarily at Crown Point Surgery Center & Dry Creek Surgery Center. Dr. Brown only works at Rose Hospital. Also, Dr. Brown has not done 1,000 lap-bands, the last check with Inamed/Allergan he had not even done 100. His fills ARE NOT free for six months, when I checked they were $50.00. If you want to look at a comparison got to Dr. Kirshenbaum's website Lap Band Surgery in Denver Colorado | Lap Band Surgeon in Denver | Gastric Band Surgery Denver | Bariatric Surgery When you calculate the cost of fills and the lack of experience Dr. Brown doesn't come close to Dr. Kirshenbaum. You can also read feed back on this site at "considering Dr. Kirshenbaum from his patient's.

I use natural flavor Protein powder, half a frozen banana (and u can use other frozen fruits or, i suppose, small amounts of frozen pumpkin - if Starbucks can sell a pumpkin lattee, why not a pumpkin shake?! Altho the idea of adding pumpking does not appeal to me." I add stevia, a natural no calorie no carb natural sweetner, I buy it organic at Trader Joe's. I add unsweetened cocoa powder sometimes, or fresh berries -- if I do berries, I might skip the stevia. I add cinnamon most of the time, sometimes ginger. sometimes I use chilled cofffee for a mocha shake -- with cocoa powder. I used to buy Optimum Nutrition whey isolate in five pound jugs that was much more affordable than the 100% organic raw whey I use now. I don't just want to lose weight. I don't want any more chemicals ingested in my body. My temple, right?! But I loved every shake I made with Optimum Nutrition mocha chocolate that I bought on amazon, which had lower prices than anywhere else I found. There is an expensive but really delicious organic protein called Tara's Whey. Her dark chocolate flavor is really really good. But at something like $32 for 12 ounces, and the artificial sweetner used in it and the chemicals -- I finally have realized just cause something says organic doesnt mean the food manufacturer doesn't add chemicals. "Organic" might only mean the main ingredient is organic. but if taste is your barometer, try Tara's Whey. It comes in all kinds of great flavors. I still have fond memories of that dark chocolate protein powder, low in carbs. Ohmy gosh it is tasty. I have been to many support groups and various meetings required by my bariatric surgery program. I hear lots of complaints about the taste of Protein drinks. I think most folks hate the taste of commercially premade drinks simply cause such drinks are loaded with chemicals. make your own with unflavored whey or whey isolate, use stevia to sweeten and you can make them taste like anything you want. And if you use half a frozen banana, which is about ten carbs, true, but if all you are doing is two Protein shakes a day, four ounces protein like turkey or fish and some vegies which is my pre surgery diet -- those ten carbs are worth the frothy almost-ice-creaminess you get. Same with adding some frozen berries -- which are low glycemic (lower in carbs) fruit. Try chocolate powder, stevia, plain protein . . .and some nut butter. A Peanut Butter chocolate shake! Yum. I try to savor them slowly. And with the natural powder, post op when you have to work to get in all the protein, you can add scoops of the natural unflavored protein to things like yogurt, majorly boosting your protein intake, or into chicken broth, etc.

I would just bring it up with your doctor. If they are not supportive, reach out to a bariatric center of excellence and ask for a recommendation for a general doctor that will support your decision. I basically told mine I was doing it and thankfully after a quick conversation she was on board.

The bariatric team here gives a special dietary needs card which gives me children price on a buffet (Golden Corral ) or I can order off the child menu if I go out to eat.

I wasn't keeping food down and was getting so tired. All had to do with the amount of nutrition. This is common with WLS. What vitamins are you taking? The surgeon should have you on bariatric vitamins. Good luck!!! Check out the high iron vegetables.

I am a newer nurse and have been working in Outpatient Surgery at a hospital which is a Bariatric Surgey Center of Excellence. I have been on the chubby side my whole life, and even while being in the military for 10 years (not as a nurse), it was very hard for me to make weight every 6 months for weigh-in. I could pass the run portion of the 6 month physical fitness test with flying colors; but my weight, majority of the time, was either right on the line for "max weight" or well over. Now that I am in my mid 30's it is not as easy to lose the weight. Back to the nursing question- I had thought about Lap Band before but it was not until I started working at my current job did I decide to actually get it myself. Every week I have at least 6 or 7 "banders". I also talked to some of the surgeons on a regular basis.I then started doing my research, picked a surgeon, and finished all the pre surgery criteria and got approved. Now I just have to schedule my surgery, which I will do on tuesday. I believe that my knowledge and experience with patients who had the surgery was my deciding factor...........

Those of us who had a hiatal hernia repair with our WLS need to start a club, we'd have so many members! And Ooof - how it adds to the post-op pain. It took a good couple of weeks to not hurt when I breathed in deep. Even though things haven't been smooth sailing for me, I regret nothing and couldn't be happier that I've had this done. As frustrating as it felt at the time, the year long wait I had to do for my health cover was actually a boon as it prepped me mentally for it. It doesn't erase the pre-surgery nerves though. It's a BIG change, but once out the other side it's not so scary. This is a tool that helps, even down to changes in taste-buds. What I will plead with folk for is to get bariatric psychologist support if you have emotional eating issues, or binge eating disorder. I'm super fortunate that I've never had those issues and got to where I was purely through gluttony and boredom - but from others' stories on this forum, it can really affect folks post-op and it's heartbreaking.

Hi everyone. I have bcbs and was approved within a week. I had my surgery done over at the u of m fairview and it was great! My surgeon dr. Buchwald is awesome and is literally world renowned for his work with bariatric surgeries. He has done many sleeves and has a good success rate.

I am so lucky to have a support group through my surgeon's office. It's run by the head of the bariatrics program of the hospital where I had surgery and my surgeon's NUT. It's a drive to get there but so worth it. i learn something new every time.

So, I'm 2+ years out and had what I suspect was a gallbladder episode a few nights ago. Woke up projectile vomiting 5 hours after a rich meal. (Rich in good fat, salmon, olive oil, etc) I palpated around and nothing hurt to the touch. Problem was over as quick as it started. Went back to bed felt okay the next day, (minor soreness probably to be expected). Went and got checked the next day at the PCP's office, (my surgeon moved and the bariatric program kind of fell apart so no support there) and the nurse practitioner was like, yeah, could be, but since it was the first episode probably don't need an ultrasound. Try cutting some fat out of your diet. Okay... So I've done that, and do feel better, however, I've lost a little weight already. I don't really NEED to lose at this point, but 10 pounds would be okay. No more though. So I've been maintaining my weight on a certain calorie level (1300-1500) mostly supported by full fat dairy and "good" fats in nuts, avocado, salmon, olive oil, etc. I've gone back to logging so I can keep track of the fat, (I WAS eating a lot, I think), but now, keeping it below 30% (around 40g per day which doesn't seem that low to me), I struggle to get 1000 calories per day, (even when I eat 5-6 small meals per day). I have an exercise habit, stationary bike at home, nothing extreme, that burns 400-500 per day. What am I going to look like in 2 months? Should I be concerned?

Good Morning. I am Randi, almost 36, mom of 2. I am starting to research LapBanding. I'm scared to tell anyone I am doing this because I am afraid I will hear the same crap.. "Diet and exercise". I have been "dieting and exercising" for 20 years. How much longer to people want to see me fail? I want to play with my kids. I want to be able to go to Six Flags and ride the rides with my kids and not be told im too big to ride. :think I was too scared to consider bariatric surgery. This seems less invasive. I know 3 people who has Gastric Bypass. All 3 look wonderful. I am jealous.:cry Anyhow, I just wanted to introduce myself. Whether I go forward or nor, I need a place to start! Sincerely Randi Lake County Area, Illinois:)

Hi there. I too am choosing Dr. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics with Northside Hospital. Have you met him yet? I am still at the beginning process of this whole thing. Any advice that might help me speed up some steps? Congrats on getting approved. I've heard that insurance is sort of tougher than most to qualify.:clap2:

Agreed, your team should be telling you which vitamins you will need to take. Then, adjusting based on your blood work results. I get my multivitamin from Amazon and my Calcium from Walmart. (That is all I take) But there are tons of places, just google "bariatric vitamins". I can't say I have ever seen them at my pharmacy though but never looked VERY hard or asked.

I had to research vitamins myself, too! I watched a lot of YouTube videos about bariatric surgery and nutrition. Very informative stuff out there! I decided to go with Barimelts vitamins since I’m horrible at taking pills. I like the Barimelts since I can just chew them up. And they taste pretty good, too! I’ve had excellent bloodwork since my surgery so I know they help. I adjust what I need based on what my bloodwork results are. I also decided to add the chewable probiotic since I figured it couldn’t hurt.