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Thank you! Unfortunately, due to my insurance, I can't see a bariatric surgeon because they don't take it at all and the only surgeons that are here in my neck of the woods are in the next town over. I can, however, see a nutritionist. I am in therapy but I never really talk about my surgery, I will start doing that. I didn't think to track food, it is a good idea. Does my fitness pal have premium? Also, I'll post in the VET form. Sent from my SM-S727VL using BariatricPal mobile app

Alex First thank you so much for not only your words but for starting this group and site. It has been a godsend to me. I am grateful that I can be honest on here, grateful that people can post anything they are feeling and not censored. That makes your site, workers and Bariatric Pal Mexico very authentic and trustworthy. My biggest challenge will be replacing the role of food in my life, it has been the center of my life much of the time. I've been successful with weight loss in the past when I had accountability and was good for two years, but then the program got shut down and away I went. I am thinking about the diet trial, although I've been ok on just about every diet as long as I stuck to it and know I can again. Thanks for your suggestion I am thinking to start cutting back and go very strict before surgery. I am not happy right now. I'm happy when gorging but feel so sick after that I wish I had not eaten the stuff. Acid reflux and lactose intolerance, I have many direct reasons to eat healthy. I made my deposit and bought plane tickets. Looking forward to talking to Dr Illan on Tuesday! Thanks again for your personal attention and for this site TommyJoe

Welcome Nana! I was self pay too. They told me that no bariatric surgery was covered because the employer didn't choose to buy that coverage. It's probably packaged along with other "optionals", I would guess. I was told to do all sorts of things for the shoulder pain, but I tell you, it was a lot easier to just medicate it. I walked, did a heating pad, but mostly just ate chewable Tylenol. GasX didn't help me at all. Tylenol did. It's a sharp pain but you live through it. Small price to pay for a life of losing weight. Spivak is great. The operation itself for me was amazingly quick. My husband and I went in, and Dr. S had arranged for a bandster with Lupus to be there to talk with me. I have Lupus. It was a nice touch. Then knocked out, fast surgery, and woke up sick to my stomach for a short while. Drank Water to make sure it went down, and then home to rest. I dozed much of the afternoon, and then steadily got better. Gas pains lasted about 3 days, progressively better. I had no restriction until my 3rd fill though, so it took awhile to be able to live like a bandster.....

The Bariatric Pal chat room was a great source for real-time information while I was making decisions to prepare for surgery. With the relocation of the chat room, it is really dead and difficult to find anyone. I think the veterans know about it, but I rarely see "new faces". Can the chat room be restored to the main menu bar? Fred

This post could not have come at a better time. I've been struggling emotionally a bit. It's weird because I knew and could identify the triggers, and I made plans for support, but it was still a bit of a battle. So this morning I tried a new workout class at the gym. I took advantage of being in a new workout room and looked at my body. Still a large woman, but I had a neck and an identifiable waistline. The weight is coming off strangely. I am a solid 18 up top and 20 - 22 down below. My hips & thighs are large and I will likely need to have skin surgery when I hit goal. Nevertheless, I made it through the entire workout class. Taking that frank look at myself helped me see how far I had come and made me acknowledge how far I have to go. It strengthened my resolve to stay the course. I'm still planning to attend the support group on Saturday, but I just feel a renewed sense of "I can do this."

Anyone had their vsg at Presbyterian in Dallas, Texas? If so, what was your experience? I figured I would be sleeved at Forest Park, but it turns out that my insurance has a stipulation that requires I have my surgery at a bariatric center of excellence (or something like that), so Presby it is.

My sister started getting the shakes from Insure in January when she had her surgery. Unfortunely, when I tried last week they said Alabama had not renewed there contract at the present time. I was so disappointed because the insurance company paid for it and it came directly to your front door. Hopefully, the contract is renewed before my surgery date. Good luck!

Just short of a few days from 5 months since my VSG surgery. So far I have lost 55 lbs. To be honest with you I could have lost more than this by now but my commitment level to exercise and to eating what I should not has not been as it should. I am not ungrateful for loosing 55 lbs, dont get me wrong, but I know i have also eaten crap that if i did not do that I would be at a better weight loss bracket. You really have to be fully committed BEFORE you start this surgery and I only realize it now. I had some misconceptions about the surgery and thought that it would 'carry' me more without the level of personal responsibility and commitment it actually takes. I thought that my appetite would be next to nothing but immediately following the surgery I felt starving. My appetite never really waned but its true that you do fill up quickly - thank God for stomach restriction! I still cant eat most meats and I do not have 'meals' yet per se, I like soups, but I do get calories in by things that are called slider foods. A cookie, some chocolate, some ice cream……..all no nos for weight loss. So while I have lost a lot of weight and look quite different already (2 people I ran into last week actually did not recognize me!) I am doing better in changing my eating habits still compared to what I used to. And my glucose levels are MUCH better but this TAKES WORK! You experience weight loss plateaus,. At 4 months I reached a particular weight band and I have vacillated in the 5 lbs up and 5 lbs down range for 2 months now. Its SO FRUSTRATING! I am able to eat a lot more than before so around 4 months you have to really make an effort to restrict your calorie intake. I brought WAY TOO MUCH stuff before surgery LOL I am a type A person and like to be very organized. I bought too much post surgery medication. I bought lots of bariatric surgery paraphernalia like food measuring devices and things that I have never used once. I did use the waist binder for 2 months and was glad I bought that but not even the GasX strips work. Seriously, I bought so many of them and they don't really work. What works is a nice HOT cup of tea! Gas comes right up. All this bloody GasX strips I have and wayyyyyyyyy too many antacids. I need the antacids but I bought TOO many. I only get acid reflux occasionally. Buy things AS you need them. Don't by bra's in advance anticipating weight loss. Your boobs change shape and cup size. I made that mistake. I am no longer a DD but a D and I bought smaller back sizes at DD and now the cup is too big!

https://m.facebook.com/groups/1084442391681472?view=group&_rdr

rThanks everyone, I know that I will be doing cardiology, pulmonology, nutrition, and psych at the bariatric center prior to surgery consult. I also have been doing medically supervised diet not through the bariatric center but through another dietician group for at least 6 months now with minimal results. I wonder if that time will help me shave some time off the wait time, either way I am just happy to be getting started.

I know the guy at GNC tried to talk me out of buying Quest bars there and said you can google a lot of recipes using Protein powder. I just did a quick search for recipe Protein Powder bar and found a lot of websites. You'll definitely have to look at the recipes and make sure they are bariatric friendly and not just packed with protein (low fat, low sugars, etc.) Here's one I found that point to a lot of other sites. http://bembu.com/homemade-protein-bars

Hi Everyone, I would like to be the Nebraska Bariatric Pal support group leader. I am a lap band patient who has lost and has kept it off. I am very passionate about helping people get to their weightloss goals. It doesn't matter what surgery you chose. What matters is that you are doing what it takes to get healthy. I live in Western Nebraska and would be willing to cover this area. I also oversee several support groups in this area. I wish everyone the best of luck in their journey. Mona

My Vitamins must be chewables, no gummies what so ever. They're sugary and don't have the vitamins we need. And my Calcium must be calcium citrate with Vitamin d, chews, which is very hard to find. Luckily my doctor sells Bariatric Advantage Sent from my SM-G900P using BariatricPal

Hey guys! As of today, I'm 2 weeks and 1 day away from changing my lifestyle and looking towards long term health and a better quality of life. Surgery is on 2/2 with Dr. Alvarez in Piedras Negras, Mexico. So glad. I joined a gym and actually worked out today! It felt great! I've been eating healthy and tapering off the junk food. It's amazing how much better I feel eating clean foods, working out and having the surgery in the line of sight. This time next week, I'll be on the pre-op diet...for 8 days... wish me luck! Sharing an excellent resource... if you don't already have it, it's a great read and the excellent advice the author provides is based on her experience counseling bariatric patients: The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery by Cynthia Alexander. Everyday I learn a new strategy for help along our journey. If you purchase it, let me know what you think!

Yes I couldn't do the chalky chewables either, but I have been using the Bariatric Advantage soft chews in Strawberry, and I love them! They are like starburst chews and the strawberry flavor is amazing. Just 1 idea to try! https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/bariatric-vitamins/products/bariatric-advantage-calcium-citrate-chewy-bites-500mg-bag-of-90

I'm told that my port is attached on an "inferior" muscle and it "shifts" when the doctor attempts to put the needle in. Does anyone have this issue and what is done to make it easier to get fills? Do you know of Doctors with fluoroscopes in their office so I don't have to pay to go to a hospital? I live in the Houston area. My insurance will NOT pay for bariatric anything.

I think I've posted it several times in the last couple of weeks... It's very easy to find in google - Average weightloss bariatric surgery - then click on images

Oh and there's optisource post bariatric surgery chewable a too. I tried those first. They're not bad and you can buy them at Walgreens. ????

Best wishes for your surgery. This requires far more fortitude than bariatric surgery, and your story should be an inspiration to everyone who reads this forum. I know your mother is looking down on you and guiding you and giving you strength. You have obviously made her proud. Blessings!

Tomorrow is pre-op testing for me, I am so excited. I meet with the surgeron first, 10:30am then off to do the medical testing at 12:30pm that is to last until 4pm. I'll be able to get my FMLA papers completed while there. Once testing is done, Monday starts the two weeks of a liquid diet. I hope I do well there. Trying to decide if I need to pack protein drinks, for tomorrow. It will a long day so I want to be equipped with what I need so I don't eat anything that I should not have. I'll eat a high protein breakfast, and go from there. Having lost 15 lbs in June, today was a good day in that I got to wear a pair of shorts that I have not worn in at least two years. This has been an exciting journey. I am looking forward to seeing the further results. Thank you everyone that provide insight and comments on their experiences. The information has been informative and insightful. I can't wait to join the ranks of those sleeved. Karen ****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 7/3/13 Today was an exciting day as well as long. I left my home at 9:30am and headed to the hospital. My appointment with the surgeon was for 10:30am, I arrived to bariatric program office at 10:00am. I was a bit excited. I wanted to see what the scale said. What was special about my visit today was that when I walked in the staff greeted me with a loud "Hi Karen!" I wasn't just a patient. I met with the nurse, that reviewed the breathing tool, then the soap needed to wash my body the night before and the day of surgery. I then met with the nutritionist who discussed what I will need to do for the next two weeks. I am to drink Slimfast, where I have a 1000 calorie a day diet for 13 days, that last day will be all clear liquid. Upon leaving the surgeon's office I head to pre-admission. I get my paperwork completed, insurance paperwork reviewed, then I wait to be called in for testing. Testing consisted of blood being drawn, and EKG being performed and meeting with the anesthesiologist, they also went over how to wash the body with the special soap and there are wipes that are used an hour after them shower. Once again, I signed my name on the dotted line a lot today! I was glad I ate this morning a high protein meal and carrled with me a protein shake and a crystal light drink. I would have been starving when I left. I completed by day at 2:30pm. I did receive a discount on parking today. Nice perk. LOL My next stop of the day was the supermarket. I purchased salad and skim milk, I figure I would enjoy a good salad tomorrow. Come Monday, no more solids. I did really, I thought I would buy a bunch of junk food thinking I would have the mindset of this will be my last hoorah. But I didn't, I purchased health foods. A third stop of my afternoon was the dollar store. I ended up getting, breath strips, along with the brush and go toothbrushes. From the various readings on the site it was mentioned how folks said they would get bad breath. I wanted to be well stocked and armed once I get back to work. I am so excited and very nervous, but I know this is the right decision for me health wise. Now the race is on!

I go tomorrow to see when I will my Bariatric surgery. As of today my highest weight is 272lb and I am 5'5. I am 48 yrs and I hope can handle all of the changes that are coming surgery. Sent from my H1611 using BariatricPal mobile app

If you feel like talking, there are several of us on here who have had strictures, I had an RNY, have been fighting it and jejunal ulcers since October 2018, a month and half. after my surgery on September 5th. Been a long time,healing, but I am hoping,for resolution soon. In the meantime I have learned to roll with the punches. My journey has not been average, that's okay, I am a Limited Edition anyway. And still in most ways I am much better than when I started. My High Weight was 365+ on a 5ft8in body, I am now just a skoosh over 200 pounds, haven't been weighed for maybe a week, 214 then, been losing about 3-r pounds a week so maybe 210? In some respects it is what it is, but I try to keep my fluids in, on a pureed diet basically, a lot of soups, broths, protein shakes, that is what my pouch accepts and handles. Had a PICC line for 3 months, was being fed TPN 12 hours a day, have had mutiple endoscopies, I think 13 Lifetime, another scheduled June 12th, have had to have an Iron INFUSION in March, but afterwards I did find renewed energy. What next? Don't know but I am a resilent old chick and I WILL,MAKE IT THROUGH. So I'm here if you need an understanding virtual shoulder to cry on, okay? 😝❤🌈

Hi Lisa. Welcome to VST, its a great site and I am so happy I came across it. Like you, I was diagnosed with a few things that took me for a loop (high blood, sleep apnea, diabetes, arthritis). My best buddy was a quarter pounder or double whopper w/ all the fixin', and side of fries. I had to make a decision to STOP and do something about what was going with me. I yo-yo'd on diets for years (I'm 51) and my primary suggested bariatric surgery and it took me about a year to make up my mind to do it, and I am so glad I did. I had to do this for me and only me (I selfish at this point) because no one else could or would. I was sleeved on June 26 - lost 48lbs (total to date is 60lbs ), when I started my journey I weighed 289lbs...lost 12lbs by the time I made up y mind to go for it. Don't worry you have plenty of support here at VST. We're here for EACH OTHER and that is the joy of this site. Again, welcome.

I take several. Omega3, 1500mg D3 2000mg 81mg aspirin Lutein 20mg Astaxanthin 4mg B12 2000mg? Calcium (Tums at meals, 1000mg) Biotin (can't remember my, I chew 2tabs) Triamterene (Water pill Rx) Fiber caps 4 daily Everything I take is ok'd with my reg dr, Bariatric dr and Dr Oz

My plan had no coverage for bariatrics- so not even a consult would be paid for.