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I think it's definitely the minority. I've been hanging out on bariatric forums for the last six years, and it seems like most people have little to no issues with recovery. I've never watched the youtube videos. It could be related to the fact that people are more apt to reach out to others when they're having negative issues (looking for advice or support) than positive issues, but still, I see way more positive or neutral responses to recovery on here than I do negative.

My recovery has been a bit horrible, but I also didn’t have the best experience due to complications during my surgery which effected my recovery. I was out on leave for 3 weeks (including a hospital stay due to complications), my primary doctor offered a fourth week but I wanted to get back to normal- I really should have taken that 4th week. I also have meet a lot of people who were on their feet the very next day and recovery was a breeze for them. I would strongly encourage you to pick a surgeon local and really look into their after care, that way you can follow up with them directly during recovery and get the support you really need. I made a horrible mistake I went outside my provider care, out of state to a “faster” program and the level of after care is non existent, I didn’t feel supported by them in any way- but thankfully my provider (Kaiser) care has its own bariatric team and I’ve been able to follow up with them and get the support I need for my recovery. Best wishes.

I'm not sure if there's a WLS solution for heartburn in your case since you've already had bypass - that's usually the revision they recommend for sleeve for those sleevers who have severe heartburn (i.e. sleeve to bypass). Although maybe there's some other type of surgery (non-WLS- related) they can do for that?? Not sure. the only "revision" they can do for bypass is tightening the stoma, but I've read mixed reviews of that. And I've heard the same as the above poster - people usually lose about 20 lbs with that. as for insurance coverage, some policies will cover revisions if they're done for medical reasons (GERD is one - but then, you've already had bypass, but again, maybe there's some GERD specific medical treatment out there? Not sure). I don't think many policies, if any, would cover it for weight gain. I'd talk to your PCP or a bariatric surgeon. I don't know what your options are since you've already had bypass. Sorry you're going through this - GERD is awful!!

I had mine here, so no personal experience, but check for reviews on the internet - there are a lot of them. Also, this forum ....and other bariatric forums....are good places to check as well, so kudos to you for checking here. Hopefully you'll get some good responses!

I’m terribly frustrated. When I first went to my surgeon my BMI was over 40. The dietician and bariatric center I went through wanted me to try to lose some weight before my surgery so I was trying very hard to lose some. When the surgeon’s office submitted my paperwork to the insurance company, they denied my surgery because my BMI was 37 with no acceptable comorbidities. I’m pre-diabetic and I do have very bad sleep apnea so the surgeon’s office is trying to submit my sleep study to see if I’ll be approved. To be honest, I’m not holding my breath because they may not take that as well. I’m so angry that had I known my insurance wouldn’t look at the big picture and see my initial weight then I wouldn’t have struggled so very hard to lose those pounds they asked me to. I’m telling you this so you won’t have to deal with what I’m going through right now. My husband said we’ll pay out of pocket for my surgery if we have to since I’ve been working so hard for this for such a long time.

I really am sorry that you are going through this. Your feelings are definitely validated and it was such a traumatic experience for you, for us. You most definitely are not alone, I ended up going through a similar experience last month, ended up being hospitalized after being given 3 surgeries (within 72 hours) and than was told I too may need to have the bypass. It was just a horrible experience and I felt/feel so shamed and guilty to even share it with anyone. fast forward to 6week post op got my crying down to about 3x a week...it was almost everyday. I still think about the risk I went through, and the tears rolling down my husbands face as he drove me to the ER and had to leave me there alone due to covid. It almost feels like grief, and I know this too shall pass. The surgery place I went to has no aftercare post op support other than a FB page, I have been very blessed to be able to follow up with my primary doctor, attend weekly support groups, and access to bariatric medical staff all through my provider. I would encourage you to try to get into a self care regime (things you did before) to help the “good feelings”.

I have no idea why liquid only for 2 days. I honestly expected to go at least a week or two. I do know from reading here that each bariatric practice seems to do things slightly differently. I don't know for sure, of course, but I wonder if your doctor's office will use the weight you started at prior to the liquid diet. They obviously expect that you'd lose some from that.

Water. Joking! I don’t know any new products that are Bariatric friendly but if you see anything low carb for keto it’s a good chance it will have less carbs but not necessarily less calories, however I love Ak-Mak

I live far away from the nearest Trader Joe's, but I'm taking a trip next week that will take me near one on my way home. Because of COVID, I don't want to spend a long time browsing in the store, so I'd like to make a list of items that I can go in and grab without lingering. #1 on my list is the chili lime chicken burgers recommended by @Cheeseburgh on the favorite grocery products post (I hope they have these -- they look delicious!). Please tell me your must-buy bariatric-friendly products at Trader Joe's!

You didn't say if your anxiety was specifically related to your upcoming surgery, but yeah, I think it's pretty normal to be all over the map while you prepare for this. If you're talking about chronic anxiety, then perhaps it's time to talk to your doc or a therapist? All these body changes can mess with our meds/dosages, etc. And I know for me, personally, this process has brought up some issues I didn't expect. I plan to find a therapist who has experience dealing with bariatric patients, both to address issues that might keep me from being successful, but also the things that have surfaced. Take things one minute, one hour, one day at a time!

Hi TaterB, This is the reason why so many come to Mexico. There is nothing to be afraid of as long as you do your research. Thousands of patients come to Tijuana for their surgery and most leave with a very positive experience. Check out Dr. Jalil Illan in Tijuana. He has more experience and accreditations than most US surgeons and is well respected in the Bariatric community. You can learn more about him here: https://hospitalbc.com/dr-jalil-illan/ Please contact me if you have any questions.

At 6 months out since Gastric Bypass, I started my hair loss at the start of December. Currently taking just for hair loss- Collagen, biotin, iron. After talking with my doctor last Tuesday, she told me my iron intake needed to be increased to 50mg up to 100mg per day.and to watch for constipation. We also spoke about meals, currently at about 65-85 grams of protein per day. I add protein to practically every thing I eat. I use Genepro, it can be added to tea and coffee as well as hot and cold foods. It is flavorless and has helped tremendously keeping my protein Intake up. I buy mine on the bariatric pal store. I am due to get some labs this week so I am curious about my vitamin and mineral numbers. Also, I have been discouraged due to the hair loss and the slow down of weight loss. However the doctor told me it is very normal at this stage to slow down losing. That was incredibly reassuring☺️ TLDR;Key takeaways- more protein, more water and check your iron intake. Good luck. ❤️

Hey Angel. I live in the Upstate as well and although I'm not using Prisma Bariatric, I have heard really great things about them. I hope it works out for you. and it's great to see someone who lives close to me that is going through the same process as me.

Hi! I am new to this forum. I got my lapband in 2013. My starting weight was 280lbs and I am about 5'3". In the first year I lost 95 pounds and was down to 185lbs. I never had a fill as my doctor never recommended one. In the last 4 years I have shot back up to 225lb as menopause had set in and I started to lag going to the doctor which was no help. I am now 56 years old and can't seem to budge even a couple of pounds off. I have moved out of the state where I had the procedure years ago and had a consult with the local general/bariatric surgeon about 10 months ago. He agreed to remove the lapband and do a revision to bypass. I met remotely with the bariatric nurse and participated in the orientation zoom meeting. I went for my first weigh in as I was told I would have to start from scratch and in the program and work with a doctor or dietitian for 6 months before they would get approval for the surgery which Iwas more than willing to do. I was turned off by the nurses attitude as she never answered my calls to guide me in the right direction to get started so I gave up on the idea. I feel stuck, depressed and frustrated and I don't know where to turn. My insurance has changed and I can't seem to find a doctor to help me. Thanks for listening. Sent from my SM-A505U using BariatricPal mobile app

Before the pre-op diet I made shakes with whatever powder I had (Walmart Equate, ALDI Elevation) but for the actual clear liquid pre-op I'm finding that the pre-made ones are the way to go because A) Everything is already measured and the nutritional info is spelled out, and B ) I'm too freaking cranky to want to mess with all of it anyway. I really love FairLife CorePower but it can get pricey. The vanilla and chocolate are both good. I also like the Premier salted caramel and cinnamon roll, though some find it too sweet. I also have a large tub of Bariatric Fusion chicken soup protein powder. It's ... interesting. I had heard good things and that it satisfies when you're sick of sweet stuff, but IMO it's pretty disgusting.

I was just referred to a bariatric surgeon by my PCP last week. I reached out to my insurance company to see if the visit would be covered, which luckily I was told it would be. But I was wondering if anyone else has United Health Care and has been able to get approval for them to cover part/all your surgery? What was the process like? I'm hoping to get approved for surgery as soon as possible.

You came to the right place! I had the lapband put in back in 2009 and removed Feb 2020. I was heavier when the band came out then when it went in. I am at a cross-roads now. I want wls, but am self-pay and too chicken to go to Mexico where all of the surgeries are more cost efficient. Below is my experience. Mt. Dew was my down-fall!! When I had the band, dark soda's tasted weird to me (thankfully) until I discovered Mt. Dew and that I could drink it (tasted super yummy and I could drink it without it hurting - darks hurt my throat). I have been able to work myself off of the dew 3 times. The first time I was completely soda free (Mt. Dew/7up) for over a year. The last time I got off of it- I did it in stages. I bought a soda stream. Once I got that, and I started with strong flavor of ginger-ale, but then got to where I was making green tea soda and carbonated water with natural fruit flavors. Now - I have been 2 months without any carbonation at all. I started with heavier flavors and more bubbles, and each week lowered the intensity of both. I have been reading and leaning on this website for support and strength! There are AMAZING FOLKS here!! I still don't know what I will do as for wls. The last day or so I have been contemplating trying to follow the bariatric/wls way of eating just without the surgery. Odds are totally against me being able to do this. But I had started a couple of weeks ago trying to change 2 of my meals to the thick protein and a small real food meal, heavy in protein and above-ground vegetables and a crap ton of water. The surgeon I was initially working with gave me diet plan for the month before surgery, and 2 weeks of clear liquid diet before surgery (this is the clear liquids with 3-4 thick protein shakes - powder protein of 30g or more in only 2-3 oz water). I was using this month before stage to get my head in the right place for the clear liquid time... I can't manage the 3oz of water in the protein powder but I have worked myself down to 4 oz. I am up to 50-60oz of water/clear liquid a day (the goal was 80). I am no longer having the surgery as planned.... but even though I was so disappointed... I gain hope and support from reading the posts on this site!!! Reading others who are in your same situation, many folks reply to do the pouch rest (I may have the wording/spelling wrong) but go back and start with the food plan after surgery. Not for as long because you don't have to wait for anything to heal but .... back the the protein shakes, water, and high protein foods... and try limiting sugars. I am sure that others will reply in time to your thread who can help more and know more about the "reset". Or... look through some of the threads here and you will find others!!! I just wanted to reach out because I know first hand how hard it is to kick Mt. Dew. I swear it was harder for me to kick the Dew then it was to give up alcohol (and at one point I did like my hard liquor so that says a lot)! Good luck!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!! The mountain always look bigger before you take the first step. - and YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

I am certainly no expert on this (not even an MD!) but what I have learned over the years in this is that obesity is one major factor in liver disease, much of which is reversible if the obesity is reversed, so you are on the right road here. It is not surprising that he found some liver damage - it's fairly common in our obese population (and is why many surgeons impose those "liver shrinking" pre-op diets. My surgeon started out doing liver transplants, and moved into adding bariatrics as a means of treating the disease before it gets to his transplant table. Again, you are on the right path to helping yourself. Now, rapid weight loss imposes an additional stress on the liver as it is a key component in metabolizing all that fat that we are losing, so it would not be unusual for liver numbers to be wonky during this phase. This also means that we should avoid adding any more stress to the liver during this time, so that means avoiding alcohol while you are losing weight (preferably longer than that or even forever, but at least during the loss phase.) This is not a temperance or morality play, but just our physiology (we frequently get new posters in these forums, a couple of weeks out from surgery asking when they can start drinking again...) Talk to your surgeon about this when you see him again, but I suspect that you will get much the same story from him. If he is real concerned, he may send you to a hepatologist (liver doc) but most likely it will be something that is just monitored for a while and correct itself as your weight comes off and stabilizes.

I’d say the Bariatric coordinator fixes generic information and probably just doesn’t know all the details. While my insurance didn’t require 6 months of visits, I did switch in the midst of my journey. I wasn’t thrilled with the surgeon at my first place (which was recommended by a friend originally) so I switched to another place. They also were outpatient where the first place was inpatient for one-two nights. I really didn’t want to be away from my kids. (I haven’t ever left them overnight lol) The transition went fine and I was so glad I switched!!! Anthem was able to switch my authorization in just a couple days. Hoping you get a date soon!!

I work for a health care organization and trust me people are still getting elective surgeries. Like others have said, hospitals rely on income from these surgeries to stay afloat. People just like to attack people for getting bariatric surgery no matter what and this is a just a new iteration of that. Once the pandemic is over they’ll be back announcing that bariatric surgery is the “easy way out” and that we are all lazy people who will gain it all back anyways. Basically, they hate overweight people and seeing us getting something that might make our lives easier is just terrible for them to see.

After my sleeve (2014), I also ended up in the hospital for dehydration. I had surgery Nov. 2014 and distinctly remember sitting in my living room in May 2015 feeling like I had no energy, still struggled with vomiting when I ate certain foods and overall felt "skinny" but very tired. In September of that year, I went on a two week vacation, and realized that I felt great! I could eat out, had a ton of energy and my weight loss had leveled out. So somewhere between 6 and 9 months after surgery, I felt like I had finally recuperated from surgery, adjusted to my new stomach and could really do anything I wanted to do. That also seem to coincide with that "honeymoon" period that you always hear about - that period of rapid weight loss after bariatric surgery. Unfortunately, after the honeymoon, I had to serious watch what I ate so that I didn't start regaining the weight I had lost. You've had a lot of health issues that have only made your surgery recovery even harder. Hang in there...….you will get better each day!

So don’t bariatric surgeons, bariatric nurses, and bariatric staff need work just like the rest of us? If they weren’t doing these procedures, what would they be doing to put food on their families’ tables? Are they supposed to become infectious disease specialists now just because of Covid? Docs gotta eat too! 😄

Hi everyone, So I'm 4 years post-op and I have gained some weight! I've been trying to lose weight and not much is helping. Was thinking of asking my Doc for some appetite suppressor pills. Was wondering if anyone has taking any "diet pills" after Bariatric surgery? Any advice? TIA!

I know you said you don’t want to travel, but would you consider Las Vegas? I’ve seen lots of mention of Blossom Bariatrics here and on other WL forums. I believe they have an all-inclusive package for self-pay folks that is fairly reasonable. They are also a pretty quick (and cheap) flight from the PNW.