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My lists are very simple, but come from a few different places. From Bariatric Eating Inspire Protein powder PURE unflavored protein Cancun chili seasoning mix From the grocery store: spinach lettuce garlic whatever other fresh veggies look good berries, or whatever fresh fruit looks good broccoli slaw mix--I eat a LOT of this Ken's Lite Asian sesame salad dressing cheeses--cheddar, cottage, Parmesan Greek yogurt (sometimes--it is a little slidey, so I don't have it as often as I did preop) almond milk ground chicken (for chili) turkey Italian sausage beans--fat-free refried, black Beans, kidney beans, cannelini beans, etc. from Market Day (ordered monthly from my son's school): shrimp tilapia-tortilla-crusted and plain scallops salmon cod rack of pork boneless pork chops chicken breasts portions--plain and teriyaki ground beef

I would also suggest asking your doctor for a prescription for Protein shakes and bariatric Vitamins. Once you add all those in, your chances of meeting the deductible required for tax purposes (x% of gross Income) is much better. As kindle said, I too am not an accountant so.... )

Surgery yesterday, went great! I was very uncomfortable for the first 2 or so hours after, mostly due to morphine drip. Once they switched me to different pain med I started doing much better. Up and walking 4 times yesterday, first thing this morning, no trouble drinking, discharged at 9:00. Dr Hoehn and everyone at KC Bariatric and the surgery center were amazing!! Very attentive and kind. I would recommend them to anyone even close to that area!!

Hospital Angeles with Dr Covala is the only surgeon hospital combination I can get comfortable with. There are many fine bariatric surgeons but IMHO most of the facilities they operate at are not on par with hospital angeles with the exception of almater. The regulatory and legal framework in mexico is obviously different than the u.s. Which does some create a degree some degree of risk.

I just rejoined WW because I knew that the band alone would not be enough for me. I haven't told anyone at the meeting that I'm a bander and don't plan to. I find that people that call it the "easy" way out, ignorant of everything we have to do. I don't think 10 days of liquids, recovering from anesthesia, taking the risk of any surgery, further dietary restriction the easy way out. Try not to confuse mean spiritedness with ignorance. In the meantime, I too am curious about points and adjusting the band. My surgeon's practice is only 10% bariatric, so I'd appreciate any input that I can give him.

Hello I am 23yrs old. I am a patient in the bariatric program and have been going through this process for little over a year now. My highest weight was 497, I was scared that I would hit 500. Having that fear I decided to start committing more and put the effort in. It's been a couple months of progress, but I am down to 440. I met the requirements and was finally approved for my surgery. I know I've been wanting this surgery for a long time so I can have a more comfortable life. Knowing that its actually coming up I have had some concerns/fears. First I have never had surgery, so I am scared to go under. I know it's a fast surgery and recovery doesnt seem that long, but still going under for first time is frightening. Then my main fear is loose skin. I know a lot of things contribute to the amount of loose skin and then ways of preventing, but I know at my size I will lose a good amount of weight. I am scared that I will have such excessive loose skin. I know I can do a skin removal surgery, but again I never had surgery. I want to lose the weight, but don't want to see myself with the loose skin. I know my goal weight is 250. I dont know If that makes a difference for it, but yeah. I just now keep looking up ways to prevent all the time. It is really scaring me.

Hey all! Woah, I didn’t mean to make this so long, but I’m a rambler. This is my first post and I'm not sure if it belongs here, but it’s going here lol. I’ve been battling depression and obesity since I was a child. I hit 200lbs when I was 12, and although I was an active dancer in highschool and walked so so so much (my friends and I were mallrats with no cars) and saw a nutritionist in my junior and senior year, I was probably around 215 when I graduated. For a 5’2”, 17 year old girl, that was already morbidly obese and it just went up from there. I was definitely in survival mode for the next few years, on a few antidepressants, working and going to school, just trying to live. The earliest data I have from my FitBit and MyFitnessPal has be at 275lb in 2016, and I know I went up to the 290s in 2017, because 2017 is a blank on my trackers, and knowing me, I was too ashamed to record it. The next I have is 273 in 2018. I went off my antidepressants around the end of 2017, and while I was mentally “white-knuckling” it, I started losing weight. But it was very much a lose 10lbs, gain 15-20 cycle. Then my birth control made it worse. At the beginning of this year, I was stuck in a plateau of 231, and I talked to my doctor about my disordered eating, and she got me a therapist and I got myself a personal trainer. At that doctors appt, I almost asked for a referral for surgery, but chickened out and asked for a therapist and a nutritionist instead. Love my therapist, but the nutritionist wanted me on a 1200 cal diet that didn't mesh with disordered eating at all. An important note here, is that my mother, who has passed, had the RYGB circa 2002. So surgery has always been in the back of my mind. After a series of unfortunate events in March, I lost 10lbs rapidly and realized my bmi (40) was at the cut off for surgery with no comorbidities. At the beginning of April I asked my doctor for a surgery referral. She offered me Wegovy or Saxenda, but I really can’t see myself using injectables for the rest of my life, so she went ahead with the referral. Had the first consultation a little over a week later, did a few zoom classes, completed forms, did the psych eval (actually awful), and today I got an email saying my insurance approved me and my program would contact me soon for a date. My reasoning is that I see my trainer twice a week and my therapist and I are working on my relationship with food, but I’m getting older and I have that historic lose/gain cycle, and my weight has been a source of unhappiness literally my entire life. Surgery isn’t going to fix everything, I know that, I’ve talked to my therapist about that, but she and I agree this would be a great tool for me in conjunction with the other changes I’m making. My trainer, who is a family friend, doesn’t like the idea. But she’s only known me as an adult, she doesn’t see that a lifetime of yo-yo dieting and trying to stay active isn’t cutting it when I’m still carrying an extra 100lbs. A close member of my family wants me to do keto again, because that was my biggest diet win, but that also didn’t mesh with my disordered eating in the long run. Since my consult, I’ve lost about another 6lbs, firmly putting me where I was when I was a teenager, which is a surreal feeling, but it’s being used as proof that I can “do it on my own.” Honestly, my mindset is that I’m eating less in preparation for surgery. There’s been memes shared on instagram stories of people who I know must know I want to get wls done, calling the surgery “body mutilation” and how “surgeons regret performing bariatric surgeries because it's unnatural.” It makes me doubt myself, like is this just my depression wanting to “mutilate” myself, or is this me trying to overcome my depression and finally do something for myself? What was it for my mother? I was too young to ask her these questions and now I can't. This is a very long post to ask; I’m doing the right thing, right? Am I being rational and making sense? I know I can lose the weight, but keeping it off is constantly clawing and if I slip now just a little, the lose/gain cycle could catch up, and I'm so tired of it.

My advice would be to read as many posts as you can. You will learn that many people are doing things differently because every surgeon requires something different. It is mind boggling sometimes. Be prepared for probable hair loss. You can research stalls, hair loss, and anything else here that you read about, since there are thousands of previous posts. Welcome here, you will learn that Bariatric Pal will be your new best friend! Best wishes!

Thanks to the many responses back in January when I first posted this topic. The short version: On day of surgery I was 1 pound 2 oz. below 35 bmi and Hospital Bariatric Director, refused to honor the approved procedures from Aetna. I was in the pre-op room in my surgical gown, being made to pony up $9,000 to still have the surgery that day. So I Did,and had the surgery When I had first complained to Aetna,in January, the person from Aetna said rules are rules and sorry but you no longer met the requirements for Insurance payout. After beating my head on the wall and shedding a few tears in frustration, I called and talked to Aetna Supervisor the next day that told me to submit it.Surgery was December 16th, 2015 and on March 21st Aetna, three months later,said the $9,000 has been paid out to the hospital / Doctor. The hospital has told me that a credit to my card account is pending, yah! But the Dr. office, NO SURPRISE, is saying "We don't know anything, yet" .I know without a doubt, that they are going to be a p.i.a. to get my money back. I will update this topic as it unfolds. I talked to the nicest lady, EVER, at Aetna that called the hospital for me, to first verify the payout this Tuesday, and yes, she called the Dr. office,also, but the billing girl was out of the office . [What a Surprise].The Dr. office, when I called today, said they would call me right back, [they didn't], so next week will try to get the Aetna 'Nice Lady' back on the phone to call the Dr. office for me. Moral of this Topic, Don't give up on what you know is right, get the right people involved and by all means, post your problems and your rewards here to share and to gain input from others that may have gone thru what you have.

Mirihawk, definitely check about the insurance. Medically necessary means NOTHING if bariatric is an exclusion in the contract - they won't cover an exclusion. Please check thoroughly. I'm a health care insurance broker.

My surgery is on Thursday. been so busy getting everything at home/work in order. Had my preop appointment today at St Luke's. Everyone was great but wasn't the most fun I have ever had. Well it's a small price to pay for a new life. So So Dr Juarez is you doc. so when do you start the liquid diet? are you going to be drinking Bariatric Advantage?

I too had 2 strictures the first one being at 4 weeks out! However my bariatric surgeon performed my endoscopy and dilated me on the spot. Two weeks later I was sick again and went for a second endoscopy and again he dilated me on the spot! And that time it stayed. I cannot imagine going as long as you had to wait....I vomited non stop during my strictures and couldn't eat or take Vitamins. That's a very long time to feel miserable. Sorry you had to endure such. Prayers your complication days are over! Sent from my SM-G900F using the BariatricPal App

Hi, SHELL! I'm getting the shakes down better with low calorie (60 cal) Almond Milk. The chocolate Bariatric Fusion goes down better than the Vanilla one did for some reason. I'm drinking tons of water. I have always done that so that's already a habit of mine. I have been eating a little though also. I was getting headaches. I'll have a Boca Burger (original), or cottage cheese, or a cheese slice along with my broth. I ate a few pieces of dark chocolate last night. I had it in the pantry. One of those larger bars that you break off a square. Eating my sugar free jello a few times a day. Having the worst time quitting smoking though. I have gum and patches here and need to use them. I'm hoping to do better today on all fronts. I have zero willpower. Exactly why I want this surgery. I have someone coming to stay with me in a few days. She will be here 5 days before my surgery on the 26th and for a few weeks after. I'm sure she can help keep me focused on sticking to my pre-op better. And... YES... I'm dedicated. This is just very difficult. I'm going to gulp down another shake now. I have to take 3 gulps at a time... wait... then 3 more etc until it's gone. I can't taste it that way and at least the hunger goes away for awhile.

This does seem a bit too conservative. My first fill was right around 6 weeks post-op, and I got 3 cc in my 4 cc band. I was more than thrilled to get an aggressive fill, and I have been doing really well, with no complications. Maybe you could find another bariatric doctor in your area to take over your fills?

I can't believe I missed the show! Darn! So I just went to TLC.com and checked it out to see if they are rerunning the show anytime this week (like they so often do), but sadly they're not going to. Though in my search about the show, I discovered what one of my dear old friends that I have lost touch with is doing... I remember Garth Davis when he was a first year resident. He is in my list of top twenty all-time favorite residents ever. I remember being so sad when he told me he was moving to Texas to go into practice with his father. Then when I looked at the "About" page for Big Medicine and it mentioned a father-son team in Houston, I thought: "No way, could it be Garth?" And yep, it is! What a fantastic person I recall him being. How excting for him! He never mentioned Bariatric Surgery to me, but that was a few years ago (probably nine years) and surgery for the obese wasn't as accepted as it is today. Besides, I've been heavy since I hit puberty, perhaps he didn't wish to offend me. He's a wonderful, caring person. Anyone here go there? When the time comes for plastic surgery, I might consider a trip to Houston... We'll have to see as the show progresses how skilled the plastics guy is.

Pianoguy, I would really recommend St Lukes..I am a week away from surgery and the support system and entire program have been a great asset. I attended a preop class which let me know what to expect- ive attended support groups-ive met with a very helpful nutritionist who as part of my surgery cost I get to see 3 more times after surgery. The insurance specialist for the bariatric surgeons really goes above and beyond to help you through that process. Its also considered a center of excellence which some insurance companies require. Good luck!

On the lighter side... I've heard from friends who've had the procedure about how quickly they're dropping sizes. I've been a plus size for awhile and have a collection of some beautiful career clothes - clothes I'd want to wear even if I weren't size 24. I know there's only so far a good tailor can go. Clue me in - how often am I going to be downsizing? Has anybody heard anything about bariatric clothing exchanges or consignment shops. It's a happy problem to contemplate, but I can see the sweat on my husband's upper lip at the thought of the potential clothes horse I could become. Stop me before I shop again!:smile2:

Today was my consultation for gastric bypass. I have to do 12 month bariatric pre-surgery education. Anyone from Virginia and have Anthem Cova Care Virginia insurance and going through this?

So I've been reading posts on this forum for months now and am just getting around to setting up an account. I am currently scheduled for surgery on March 15th with Drs. Cabrera and Valenzuela at Mi Doctor Hospital in Tijuana, MX through Mexico Bariatrics. I am mostly nervous right now because I am planning to travel alone and it doesn't help that I have a pretty unsupportive family. My mother has told me I'm selfish for not thinking about the fact that I could die from having this surgery and my beautiful 22 mth old baby girl would have to grow up without her mother (I'm a single mother). My dad has told me I just need to exercise and that weight loss surgery is crazy and the easy way out. My sister doesnt think it makes sense for me to go to Mexico for surgery and especially not by myself but I don't have much of a choice. No one is available to go with me and my insurance will not cover it in the states. At this point, I really just need a bit of encouragement, guidance, prayers, a buddy, something! What should I pack? Has anyone had surgery with these docs? Any complications? I'm planning to travel in on Thursday. Scheduled for surgery on Friday. Return home on Monday. Back to work on Wednesday. Is that enough time? I can't take off work any longer than that right now. Will I be able to hug/lift my daughter after surgery? What is post op recovery like? Anything in particular I need to be prepared for traveling alone....this is my first time ever going out of the country. \

Gregg, While I understand what your saying and agree... I never looked at lap banned as anything but a tool. I realize that if or if i do not have this surgery my life has to change dramatically. I have just come to a point in my life were i have exhausted alot of my options and feel the emotional and phsyical burden of "getting no where". As far as your commen on "paying your due's".. Im curious how you come up with that when most people who are educating themselves and looking into Lap Band or any other bariatric surgery... why do you assume they havent "payed their due's" and been through a tough road of emotional and phsyical let down. I realize some people may assume this is a quick fix.. but i am not one of those. SO your right, i dont need to be lectured as far as my purpose for the band or how the band will change my life. I am aware. And i am sure you were in my shoes at some point. I wish you could only remember what it feels like to be here. Were I am. In my moment of worry and concern. Everyone who at least gets consulted and goes through informaiton sessions and meetings has had this feeling of helplessness and most have exhausted their options. I wish your comments weren't so judgemental. THanks for reading though.

I def understand. I don't know what resources you have available but mental health counseling is sooo helpful. I started my bariatric surgery journey because I finally got help with my mental health. I received a diagnosis and medication which greatly allowed me to utilize counseling to my advantage. I have been seeing a psychologist for about 8 months now and we work on putting distance between my coping mechanisms and food. It allowed me to really prepare myself for this part where we feel naked with our emotions, unable to hide it under eating. I think take it day by day too. That's important but if you ever are able to, having a counselor or psychologist to help walk you through the journey is good. If you don't have access to that, I also like following binge eating therapists on Instagram. They offer sound advice about emotions and eating. Check out the_binge_eating_therapist on insta. There's also an amazing free app called Brighter Bite. You can use it to log your feelings, actions, urges and it gives you really amazing advice and coping exercises in the moment... kind of like a little eating disorder journal with helpful exercises. Sent from my SM-G975U using BariatricPal mobile app

:rolleyes2: banded on feb 5th. bariatrics wellness center. springboro/middletown hospital. all the posts are great. so much luv and support! cant wait till my first fill, nervous and excited!

Hi all! I'm from Ohio too and like another person on here, will be going thru the Dayton Bariatric Center. Hopefully I will be scheduled sometime in March or April. Right now I'm doing all the footwork that's required and by the end of the upcoming week I should have all my appointments done and a tentative surgery date. I'm really anxious to get this done. I have a few friends at work that have had it done w/great results so far. Also another friend at work that is going thru this step by step w/me and that helps also. This is a great website as so many others are mostly RNY patients and while we're going for the same results, I was wanting to hear more from people that have been banded. I know this will add years to my life as well as quality to my life....I just can't wait!

Ron, yes you've got it. I'm 49 now and previously lost significant weight with Phen-Fen (gained that all back + more) and then later lost 63 lbs on Atkins (gained that all back + more). The weight loss is all on us - the band makes absolutely sure that all of this effort pays off now and in the future. I don't want that weight back and anyway the second 50 lbs are the hardest to lose. You should schedule your initial consultation ASAP. Many insurance companies use your bariatric intake weight while evaluating the insurance submission. You may also need additional testing, which can help support your insurance submission. I needed to do a sleep study that confirmed sleep apnea (a co-morbidity. My surgeon required a psychological test - which I found helpful - because it helped me better understand the way I feel about food. The whole insurance process can be a hassle. If you just start living like you already have band before you're banded, I just feel that you optimize your physical condition for surgery and you'll probably have better results. My sister is banded and she has had great results as well. If you need to lose 100+ pounds and your weight is making you sick today, then it's time to take action, not keep doing what you're doing and expect different results. Good luck, I already know that I'll be exercising for the rest of my life - otherwise, I'll just be that same old fat guy I was 4 months ago. I'm NEVER going back....

Wow I really love the bariatric foodie web site...thanks for posting, I didn't know about her site until now!!