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I have been using this site for a lot of my research throughout my decision process, and now that I am moving towards my surgery date. This has been my journey so far: Around Thanksgiving of 2016, i had made my final decision to pursue bariatric surgery. I had the support of my family and friends, and I was ready to go. I had a recommendation for a surgeon, and so I made my consult appointment. I had my first consult on December 6, 2016, and I brought every piece of medical information with me to that appointment that could possibly prove that I had met the insurance qualifications for approval. I left that appointment fairly certain that I would have my surgery some time in January 2017. On December 14, 2016, I had an appointment with my PCP for medical clearance, and I also had my psych evaluation that same day. They were both kind enough to provide me copies of my records right after the appointment so that I could give them immediately to my surgeon's nurse. Once they received all of those documents, along with the proof of following a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program, they scheduled my surgery date for January 17, 2017. YAY!! I had my Endoscopy done on December 20, 2016, and was cleared or surgery. At this point, I am scheduled on January 4, 2017 for a pre-op class that will explain pre and post op eating plans, and any other surgery prep items. I then have my last appointment with my surgeon on January 5, 2017 before my surgery. This whole process has moved so fast, which I am so excited about. At each step of the process I have been worrying that one piece or another would disqualify me from the insurance approving the coverage. My surgeon's office has assured me that I meet all of the qualifications, and there is no reason the insurance should deny me. At this point, I am just counting down the days to January 17, 2017. I am so excited that I have already started cleaning out my closet! Thanks to everyone on this site for sharing your journeys, and allowing all of us newbies to learn from you! I look forward to becoming an active member of this group.

But you're doing it! I'm less than a month I will,be doing it too. Don't have a band but I'm sure I could rent the Salvation Army Tambourine Band if I wanted on September 5th. Point those toes ahead, it's your DAY OF DAYS, me along with everyone else out here at Bariatric Pal are sending our very Best Wishes to you! Update us when it's been completed but we are VERY PROUD of YOU today.😛🌸😷🌺😛

How is bariatric surgery cosmetic???? I get having a tummy tuck or something afterwards, but really?! Good luck! It's right around the corner!

@@kelly lynn I hear a lot of people who share in your struggle. I'm glad to see you're reaching out as that is the first step back to success. There's a wonderful website called bariatriceating.com. They also have a Facebook page with thousands of people in your exact same situation. The website was started and is hosted by a woman who is 15 years out so she knows all about the regain. I hope you'll check it out as there's a world of great information on the site. I just love it! I wish you the best and know you will succeed!!! They have a program called BOT (Back on Track): Information is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with Experience. Just one year ago I had a closet full of clothes. AND. NOTHING. FIT. ANYMORE. I was ashamed, astonished, upset, despondent and had to do something. I’m older and my body is different but I figured it out again. The Secret to Losing Weight AFTER Weight Loss Surgery is Diet & Exercise. Yes, the big bad ‘Fad Diet’ that the negative Nellies are up in arms over is Diet & Exercise! (that’s okay, let them wallow in their Oreo and Tortilla eating while we lose regain weight) The secret sauce of a plan is simply Old Fashioned Diet & Exercise fueled by Bariatric Surgery, Inspire Protein drinks, small workout routines and our Kick Butt Bariatric Eating Support Group on Facebook! Thousands of members in our Facebook Support Group excitedly post their ‘BOT’ or Back On Track successes. People are losing a lot of weight again. ‘BOT’ works! It is hard to get the ball rolling but you have what it takes to dig in and do it. I know exactly how you feel and what you face and so do BE Team members on Facebook who are there to help you! Make up your mind and lets get moving. There are two parts… follow both and you will see that it is like flipping on the switch for weight loss. No kidding. Nothing like a fast ten pound weight loss for an amazing attitude adjustment! 1. DIET – 5 SMALL PROTEIN MEALS A DAY Reality Check. IF we made good food choices before bariatric surgery, we would not have been Morbidly Obese. The same denial works against us now. I tried telling myself I was not eating differently than I was ten years ago! You are trying to float that by folks too. Get real with yourself. I gained weight back because of my food choices. You know you are eating differently. Say it out loud. Admit it. Own it. There are bariatric groups all over Facebook where they talk about how much they can eat, that sugar doesn’t make them sick, that Mountain Dew or drinking soda doesn’t hurt them, they compare notes on how many slices of pizza they can fit and how much of a Subway Sandwich they can eat. Until you admit YOU are the problem and take ownership of the situation, it’s pretty certain that you will continue along the same path to where you started. This is where we split into two groups – the Dreamers and the Doers! Solution? Removing choices to limit calories, carbs and sugar. Five Small Protein Meals a day – 4 of those consist of Protein Drinks and the last is a Healthy Protein & salad Meal – this will limit your total caloric intake. This premise of protein drinks throughout the day paired with a healthy protein and vegetable supper is the cornerstone many successful diet plans, including world renown Johns Hopkins Hospital medically supervised weight loss programs. (there is a $6000 program fee to join the JH plan and it’s an amazing program that shepherds many to large weight losses, but ours is free so you might want to try us *first*) #InspireLiquidWillpower You can use any brand of Protein Drink to follow the plan but we recommend and use Inspire Protein powder and my current pantry contains vanilla, strawberry White chocolate, banana Smoothie and Peanut Butter Cup. The satiety or ‘fullness factor’ of Inspire protein drinks is off the charts and they taste fantastic. Inspire is liquid Willpower for me, it is applauded by nearly all in our Support Group and it should do the same for you! One bag of Inspire makes 20 drinks & at 4 per day, you will need 3 bags for your 2 week commitment, or 6 bags for your 4 week commitment. A smaller investment than Nutrasystem! We do recommend a 5th shake to be used after supper IF nighttime snacking is a problem for you as it is for me. I drink an Inspire Peanut Butter Cup drink while watching The Real Housewives so I will stay out of the fridge. It’s a 100 calorie indulgence that works like a charm. My Day Breakfast – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water. TIP: I am a reformed *lifetime breakfast skipper* I fix myself a huge mug of black coffee and at the same time blend an Inspire protein drink. Inspire is like a glass of chocolate milk, small and thin: and allows me to ‘break the fast’ with protein. No Blender Needed. Glass – Milk – Powder – Stir – Sip Mid Morning Protein Snack – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water lunch – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water Mid Afternoon Protein Snack – 1 scoop Inspire protein powder blended with about 6 ounces of Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk or Skim Milk or Water Healthy Protein Supper – Bariatric Eating Menu for the Week The easiest meal plan is Protein FIRST, followed by lower carbohydrate vegetables, fruits. Our ultimate goal is to transition to a really sensible healthy diet that you read about all the time. For Back on Track the nightly meal consists of a grilled, broiled, pan seared, roasted or poached protein such as salmon, shrimp, cod, halibut, chicken, beef sirloin, turkey tenderloin served with seasoned lower carb vegetables or salad. IMPORTANT: 1. No bread, no potatoes, no tortillas, no rice, no rolls, no Pasta, no high carb foods. 2. Do NOT drink with your meals. If you have been drinking with meals. STOP IT. 3. Drink 8 cups of water or zero calorie liquid daily. If it’s difficult for you, download our free Hydration app at GetHyApp.comHere is your first week of evening meals. All recipes are linked on our site. Monday – Salmon with Mango Salsa, broccoli Tuesday – Asparagus omelet, lettuce tomato salad Wednesday – Chicken Cutlets, baby spinach salad Thursday – Cheesy Meatball Skillet, romaine tossed with lemon, olive oil and parmesan Friday – Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps Saturday – Warm Shrimp Salad with Avocado Sunday – Grilled Marinated Flank Steak, lettuce tomato salad 2. EXERCISE – THE NEW ‘EASY WAY OUT’ OF OBESITY There's a whole plan laid out on the website for this! The Skinny It’s a beautiful thing and you’ll be So Proud when the fat begins to slowly melt away, almost as it did when you first had surgery. The clouds clear and the sun shines more brightly when you’ve got your Groove Back! In just a few days you will feel better and notice a difference. In two weeks your clothes will fit differently and this great feeling will begin to pull your through this plan with EXCITEMENT instead of the PUSH that it will take right now. This plan for weight loss after bariatric surgery is proven to work for either first time or regain. I have lost over fifty pounds that ‘I found’ after all these years, but more importantly I redirected my life. I am talking ‘tough love’ because I am the person who put away her skinny jeans that no longer fit and ignored the problem until I had to do something. I was the one in danger of failing. My experiences can help you if you truly want to lose more weight or take control of a gain. This plan turns on the fat burning engines. No kidding. Let’s roll. The only reason not to begin right now is fear of failure and I promise if you follow this, YOU WILL NOT FAIL. We got this one.

Hey hon! I also have PCOS. I had my son naturally but then had 10 losses before I was diagnosed with PCOS (even though I have all the classic signs and symptoms, not a lot of doctors knew about it). This was back in 2005. I went on birth control for a few months, then had to take Metformin and Clomid to get pregnant with my daughter. I had her in 2006 (my kids are 8 1/2 years apart because of the PCOS) and after I had her, I was never able to get pregnant again. My hormones are all over the place and I CANNOT lose weight and keep it off no matter what I do (I always have initial success but it never lasts). I was told that bariatric surgery is huge in helping PCOS patients get pregnant because weight loss is the #1 thing that helps. It *can* help with hormones, but not always. The weight loss is really the biggest factor for PCOS patients. But that can also make birth control pills (which regulate periods, add estrogen to low estrogen hormones) more effective, as well as fertility meds (Metformin and Clomid, Femara, etc) more effective. Also makes your body healthier for pregnancy (almost no diabetes or high blood pressure issues). So the surgery is definitely huge for helping PCOS patients have a baby. Good luck!!!

I am 6 days post-op and my shoulder has been screaming with pain. I have a torn rotator cuff amongst other tears verified by an MRI. I was given tylenlol 3 and tramadol for the bariatric surgical pain but the shoulder pain cuts through this. I have had issues with my Walmart pharmacist just to get the tylenlol 3 that was prescribed to me. They treat me like a junkie and ask a million questions and act like I should not be given my medication. I was on T3 pills for a week for shoulder pain pre-surgery and then prescribed the liquid T3 after bariatric surgery. I also have bulging discs and bones spurs in my neck and diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Pre-surgery was taking Celebrex and Gabapentin but was told could no longer could take the Celebrex which was most helpful per gastric sleeve and not allowed any Naproxen / Iboprofen type meds. Has anyone else had problems with Walmart Pharmacy and getting your pain medications? Tylenlol 3 is not a very strong pill and yet they treat it like it is heroin. I am so frustrated to have to get the 3rd degree and fight for something my doctor prescribed. Am I the only one that's had any issues? Is it just Walmart?

http://5daypouchtest.com/ Try this, also call your counselor with your Bariatric program, and dietician. If you were in a bariatric program before surgery, they should be able to help. Also most employers offer an Employee Assistance program where you can get at least 6 counseling sessions for free. The first step is admitting that you need help and glad you recognized it and seeking help. You will gain control, and it will get better, but you will need some coping strategies to get you through these tough situations. You have done so well with 105 pound loss!!! That is amazing!! You can keep that from coming back if you get some guidance. Best of luck to you

sounds like you might need to CUT calories, not increase them. How many are you eating in an average day now? I can maintain on 1500-1700 a day - but some people maintain on less than that - some even on 1000-1200. That range is going to be different for everyone. Start logging your food in an online tracker and after a week or two see what your average is. Then cut it by like 100 calories for a couple of weeks. If that's still not doing it, cut another 100. Rinse and repeat. You'll eventually find the spot where you're starting to lose weight again. p.s. There are definitely people who can maintain on 1800 calories, but that is pretty high. Even my 1500-1700 range is on the higher end for bariatric patients - a lot of people can't eat that many and maintain, unfortunately.

@@chrisredjeep do you have your date yet ? Exciting times isn't it mixed with a bit of nerves no doubt. How are you feeling about everything? @@rosieuk : What company did you go with? How are you feeling after the op? Are you taking any Protein drinks yet and if so what brand? So many questions, so little time lol. I am with the Bariatric Group and they have sent loads of info and kept in touch by phone. It's made me feel less nervous and more confident in them and what they can provide post op. Please keep in touch, it would be fantastic if we could support each other especially with stuff you can buy in the UK. Kate (from a very hot south of France!!)

So do I have to get vitamins that are bariatric or can I just get a they otc Sent from my SM-A215U using BariatricPal mobile app

For clarity, the 65 pounds lost is from when I started working with the bariatric program. I actually lost about 50 of that pre-op. I'm only 1 month post op at this time and lost 16 pounds in month one. I'll definitely keep everyone updated. I suspect as I get closer to goal both of these images will still be there, but hopefully the "fat me" one will fade over time!

Glad to know I wasn't the only one. My husband of 32 years was absolutely, positively against this surgery. I am absolutely positive that his objections were due to fear of losing me, meaning death. My surgery was 11/12/12 and I am down 90+ lbs. and still happily married. I had thought long and hard about this for about 9 months. When I finally told him about my intentions he was mad. Then when I told him I had called the insurance to find out if it was covered he had problems that I hadn’t discussed it with him (furious is a good word). I explained my reasons and there were many. He went with me to the doctor visits and he did ask questions. Then my gallbladder decided it was wanting to come out and my bariatric surgeon did the surgery. I ended up in ICU because I’ve always had a bleeding problem. Everything was fine though. I pointed out repeatedly that this was a sign that I would be okay. He didn’t buy it. He started coming with me to the monthly WLS group meetings. I’d get excited and he would just always bring me down. We argued about this for about 6 months. At that time I did have to wait the 6 months for insurance reasons. My knees popped out on me in February and I ended up being taken out of my work in an ambulance and staying overnight in the hospital (I tore my meniscus, but not enough for surgery). One of my arguments had been that I have arthritis in my knees and the surgery will help. I was on a walker for 3 months and then physical therapy and onto a cane. I was waiting for him to say something about understanding my reasons for the surgery. Never came and we had another “discussion.” Then his health changed (Sarcoidosis) and I made the appointment to take him to Mayo Clinic. I cancelled my surgeon’s appointment for this and this was the one where I was going to get my surgery date. When we came back, I started with the hematologist and specialists for the bleeding. We were still having our discussions. I changed yet another appointment to take him back to Mayo in June. He had lost 60 lbs. since December without trying (ironic isn’t it?). He was fine and they attributed the weight loss to stress and the Sarcoidosis. I rescheduled my surgeon’s appointment and got a date for July 7. His reaction in the doctor’s office was not good (he was also on 40 mg/day of Prednisone). Well, the hematologist called me said I had to cancel the 7/9 surgery. I was devastated. He wasn’t. I went for more testing and just needed a filter put in, platelet transfusions before surgery and no blood thinners. I was ecstatic. He wasn’t. I scheduled my appointment with the surgeon yet again. I also had another chat with my husband. We have always respected each other’s opinions. It was very, very difficult for me to be doing something that I know he was so against. However, I had reached my limit. I told him it was my body, my business and that I was doing this not just for me, but for us. I wanted to live longer and be able to travel and do more things. I also suggested we meet with the therapist that I had to see before the surgery. We went and the therapist said he wanted to see my husband again without me. This therapist was a life saver. My husband is still going to see him once a week. The therapist helped him through the surgery (he was on the phone with him during the surgery). It was the best decision for both of us. My husband is still on the Prednisone but not as much. I do know this was a contributing factor to the harshness of his reactions. He has had some problems with my eating after the surgery. I wasn’t quite on the schedule that the surgeon gave me and I finally told my husband that I wasn’t going to eat to please him. I was going to eat what I can and get over it. We are okay and he is seeing that I’m doing more than I used. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Sorry for the life story here. During all this, I was looking on this site for anyone else experiencing the same thing. I didn’t find anyone.

It sounds like you've been hit with a lot of "worst case" scenarios. It is true - the average person only loses 50% of their excess weight with lap band. But are you average? Doesn't sound like it to me. I'm not average; I've already lost about 63% and am only 5 months post-op. I had 80 lbs of excess weight, and have lost about 53 lbs so far. The divorce statistics are scary. With the normal rate being over 50%, and (don't quote me exactly on this, I read it online) the divorce rate for post-bariatric surgery patients is 80%. It is a very intimidating number. But why do you love your husband, and why does he love you? Do you only love him because you're overweight? If so, then you may be in trouble. If you love him because he's your best friend, your better half, or your everything, you'll be just fine. Just like with any marriage, when change is happening, communication is key. As for the skin - - this is where I think lap band has the advantage. The weight loss is not rapid in most cases. Slower weight loss helps with the loose skin. I will admit, my stomach is not fantastic to look at...skin isn't hanging but it's not tight. But I earned that!! It's no longer filled with fat cells. It's empty! That's weight lost. I'm proud of my sagging skin Second thoughts are normal, as are third, fourth, and fifth (coming from the girl who was ready to dial up the surgeon 12 hours before surgery and bail). As for foods, there are some that I can't eat. pizza crust is one that will get me stuck on the first bite. Does my body need pizza though? No. The food my body needs for fuel goes down just fine. Can I still sneak a bite of pizza and chew chew chew when I have an enormous craving? Yes. For me, as soon as the weight started coming off, my life transformed from living to eat, to eating to live. I want to be good to my body, and know that my food choices and exercise is the best thing I can do for that. Sorry if it seems like I'm rambling, and these are just my own personal feelings/experiences, but I wish you all of the luck and success in the world.

Nothing but compassion for people that have weight issues. I have walk in the shoes of an obese person. I never want to lose that perspective in life. It would turn me away from WLS if someone came up to me preaching how I need to do this. Most people don't want weight loss advice.....Especially from a bariatric patient.

I had my surgery in Mexico ~four weeks ago and had my first post-opp visit with my US Bariatric doc yesterday. I'm having my first fill in May. Well...more like my one and only fill. He says he will give me "one good fill" of 9cc (band is 10cc). Has anyone heard of doc doing fills this way? From what I read, everyone gets many little fills. He says he's making the band do what is suppose to do and he does this with all his LAP-BAND® patients. I'm contacting my surgeon in MX to discuss but wanted to see if anyone had their fills done this way. Thanks!

I took a few pictures of some of my pre-op goodies. I went to the Obesity Help Conference and was given so many different kinds of free samples, especially when I shared that I'm pre-op. There's a variety of products ranging from protein shakes, vitamins, bariatric foods (vegetable pizza crust not pictured and purchased after tasting), post-op food from unjury and etc. I know our tastes may change, but I'm getting these protein drinks down. I have spices, extracts, decaf teas and I will add ice to make smoothies...lol !!! Long story short, a few more cases of water, gas-x , miralax , a good mouthwash for dry mouth and a neutral toothpaste... I'm ready. I didn't take pictures of everything, I didn't feel like pulling out all of the boxes of broth, Bariatric Advantage Vitamins full size, water bottles, Better than Bullion jars, other pill organizers and etc. Who else is ready or what does your maintenance look like?

I have mercy insurance and it covers bariatric surgeries but only from Mercy doctors. Dr Elizabeth Ann Hooper is the only surgeon I found that does bariatric procedures but I cannot find any reviews on her. I know all the facts on her (when she graduated, where she did her residency) but no personal reviews. Any help?

Hi Brian, I am still waiting for insurance approval, so am very new to the wls journey! I really relate to your frustrations...I am a counseling student and I have told clients that your own mind can be your worst enemy! My brain justifies every bite of good I take and it is exhausting...I have been considering seeing a behavioral therapist who can help me re wire my thinking process when it comes to food. That might be something that could help. Also, check your community for support groups, either for bariatric patients our maybe overeaters anonymous...best of luck with your exciting journey! Can't wait to see your progress!! Rani

Hi! There is a doctor in IL that will do fills. He is in Downers Grove, IL. His name is Dr. Vitello. I emailed him, and he responded quickly. This is what he said: Yes I still perform lap band fills. The fee without fluoroscopy is $75, assuming I can get access to your port without xray. If we ned xray the fee is $150 plus the hospital bills you $125 for the use of xray. If your interested just email me. DrVitello His contact info is: Dr, Vitello (Downers Grove, s.w. of Chicago) contact by email at jvituic@comcast.net Also Midwest Bariatrics in Nina, Wisconsin supposedly will do fills. I don't have a phone number. I've also heard about this one, but have had no luck contacting them: Surburban Surgical Care (n.w. Illinois) 888-639-7353 $250 Where are you located? I'm in Iowa City, Iowa. Hope this helps, Donna

Hi I have a question. I am curious if any one crush their multivitamins and probiotic pills from bariatric advantage.... I try to chew 2 vitamins in the morning per instruction and always feel like i want to vomit when i start chewing and swallowing. I am not sure why i feel sooo nauseus when i take the vitamins. I have been sleeved since Dec 28 i havent vomited not once since i left hospital. Just curious if i will recieve same benefit crushin the pills as oppose to chewing and feeling sick every morning before i go to work.... Any advice would be great or if anyone are using these vitamins please share your experience. Thanks TD41

Thanks for the feedback. I'm going to keep taking my bariatric Vitamin until told otherwise. It will be interesting to hear what they say at my next appt. I don't eat seafood or soy but have been having more red meat since surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yeah. I think it's going to be very doable. I lost a lot of weight on Atkins before... Of course I gained it back lol. I tried my first Bariatric Advantage shake today and it was like I'm being punished! Ha! I'm sure I can choke them down and get used to them.

I take non-bariatric Vitamins. Started out with Centrum chewables and everything else I could get in chewable\dissovalble form then switched to pills about 4 months out. Here is the cocktail: AM multivitamin B12 (I got to quit the B12 as mine is high, but it was part of the prescription) D3 Biotin Fishoil Multistrain probiotic Omeprazone Noon Chewable iron+C (Went back to a chewable +C to help promote absorption as I was a little low at last check) PM Multivitamin Fishoil Omeprazole Time release calcium (started on the Caltrate chews 3x per day)

I have a broken foot and sometimes I'm in a lot of pain at night. I was prescribed 5-325 Vicodin to take as needed. My bariatric doctor said it was no problem for me to take it.

My first bariatrician visit was January 28, 2014 and my actual surgery wasn't until October 6, 2014. It took so long due to the requirements and hoops I had to jump through. Just the dental requirements took up the summer months. It really depends on your individual requirements, insurance, and bariatric program. Some people have sleep studies, stress tests, and weight loss requirements to complete before being considered before surgery and others do not.