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A BRIEF HISTORY... SIMILAR TO MOST ... I AM NOW 57, AND YO YO DIETED ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE....(LOWEST 125!!) AFTER GIVING BIRTH - AGE 30- I FOUND MYSELF WEIGHING IN AT 235... MY HIGHEST!! I AM NOW 230. LIKE MOST OF US, I HAVE STRUGGLED WITH MY DIET, TRYING EVERY SINGLE FAD, EVERY SINGLE DIET TO NO EVAIL. I AM AT AN AGE NOW THAT I JUST CANT DO IT ANY MORE. MY METABOLISM HAS SLOWED AND NOW IT IS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP WEIGHT OFF OR EVEN GET IT OFF. MY KNEES, HIPS, ACHE, I HAVE PLANTAR FACIATIS IN BOTH HEELS, HIGH CHOLESTEROL, ETC..JUST TO NAME A FEW. I STARTED THIS FINAL JOURNEY SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN I HAD A FRIEND WHO HAD A GASTRIC BYPASS..SO I STARTED TO WATCH ON THE INTERNET FOR OPTIONS TO A PERMANENT SOLUTION TO MY DIETING INSANITY! FINALLY LAST YEAR I WAS ON LINE SPEAKING TO A SURGEON IN MICHIGAN WHO HAD SUGGESTED FOR ME TO LOOK INTO PLICATION. THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID. I FOUND A SURGEON NEAR MY WINTER HOME IN JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA. I WENT TO HIS SEMINAR..LIKED WHAT I HEARD. FROM THERE I MADE THE DECISION TO FOLLOW THRU. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE, WHICH OF COURSE DENIED IT BECAUSE IT WAS STILL EXPERIMENTAL! I KNEW THEN I WOULD BE A SELF-PAY.....SO I ACCEPTED THAT AND FOLLOWED THRU WITH ALL MY REQUIREMENTS OF SEEING A DIETICIAN, AND A PSYCHOLOGIST AND GETTING A PHYSICAL WITH MY INTERNIST....GETTING THROUGH TO THIS DOCTOR WAS LIKE CALLING THE PRESIDENT OF THE USA!! ANY QUESTIONS I HAD HAD TO GO THRU A MESSAGE SERVICE THEN I HAD TO WAIT FOR DAYS FOR THEM TO CALL ME BACK! I DID NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH THE WHOLE PROCESS. SO BACK TO THE INTERNET I WENT...I KEPT SEEING Dr. Ortiz NAME, AND HIS OCC CLINIC OVER AND OVER AGAIN....I STUDIED HIS VIDEOS , READ TESTIMONIALS AND FOUND HE HAD DONE SO MANY BARIATRIC SURGERIES INCLUDING THE PLICATIONS THAT IT WAS A NO BRAINER! SO I MADE THE PHONE CALL TO CAROLYN WILLIAMSON. IT WAS A GREAT CONVERSATION AND I FINALLY FELT LIKE I HAD MADE THE RIGHT DECISION....... FOR ME! THE REST IS HISTORY.... MY PLICATION DATE IS SET FOR APRIL 17TH, I WILL MEET MY SISTER THERE (SHE IS HAVING SOME COSMETIC SURGERY AT THE ARIEL CENTER - WHICH I MAY HAVE SOME PLASMA INJECTIONS IN SOME FACIAL LINES TOO)!! WE WILL STAY AT THE MARIOTT UNTIL THE 20TH THEN GO ON A VACATION FOR ANOTHER WEEK! I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS JOURNEY AND PRAYING IT WILL BE MY LAST DIET ENDEAVOR!! I STARTED MY 2 WEEK DIET YESTERDAY, AND AM NOW 227.....SO I AM ON MY WAY. I WILL KEEP UPDATING AS I GO....SO TALK TO YOU SOON!! PS HAVE ANY ONE OF YOU NOTICED HOW PEOPLE TREAT YOU WHEN YOU ARE HEAVY? I THINK THEY LOOK DOWN ON YOU...BUT JUST MAYBE IT IS BECAUSE IT IS THE VIBE IM GIVING OFF BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF WHEN IM FAT? NOT SURE, BUT AFTER ALL OF THESE YEARS, IT IS DEFINATELY A FACT! BUT I WILL REMEMBER THESE PEOPLE AND MAKE SURE WHEN I AM MORE SLENDER AND HEALTHIER TO EMBRACE MY REAL FRIENDS WHOM I LOVE. :) :)

Well, this is one of the things I like about my bariatric center. For the first time in my life I began to understand obesity as a "disease process" and all the REAL reasons I could not maintain a weight loss without WLS. I agree with you though, and alot of nutritionalists are freaking clueless. Pre WLs, I went to a nutritionalist who apparently thought I was illiterate and clueless because we played with plastic fake food. Like, if only I really understood the difference between a potato and brocoli. If only I could grasp that 1/2 cup is half of a cup.... then i would clearly have control over my obesity. It was all I could do to refrain from saying "I am fat, not necessarily stupid"

I also think the surgeons who perform these surgeries need to catch up to obesity research, in many cases. Most, if not all, bariatric surgeons were general surgeons at one point who jumped on the bariatric bandwagon when insurance started paying for these procedures. I'm not sure what extra training they received but I think many of them are undereducated on the factors that result in obesity as well as realistic weight loss goals and weight gain after surgery. Obesity is a disease but is not treated as such by many in the medical profession and certainly not by the media or public. Blame the victim.

JFGI. Sorry, I couldn't resist saying that . The internet makes a wealth of information available to us with a click of a button. You will find arguments on both sides and each of us has to decide how much calculated risk we want to take. My bariatric program is ultra conservative. No coffee. No alcohol. Ever. For the rest of my life. Well guess what? I made a decision that I still wanted to enjoy a morning cup of coffee. Coffee didn't even appeal to me the first few months post surgery. I still find myself pouring a cup most mornings and only drinking half of it now 14 months post-op. I agree that the acidity is probably not good for me, so I don't entertain the idea of drinking more than one cup a day. What it does to my bowels is havoc alone, but that's a whole different topic of conversation ????. I think we all have to find a balance with what works for us - weighing the pros and the cons.

I lost 39lbs pre-op from 4/1 to 8/17/2015. I did it by eliminating most carbs. I had previously given up all soda. I then gave up drinking 1/2 hour before and after meals. I ate like a bariatric patient - Protein first, then veg, and CHEW CHEW CHEW. I started having Protein shakes for Breakfast - in reality this was just easy for me to do...made breakfast less of a challenge. I also brought my lunch to work every day and still do. I drank a minimum of 64 oz of Water every day. I started exercising and used a Fitbit. Doing this helped me immensely after surgery because I had started the foundations for eating like a "sleever". I highly recommend making any positive changes you can before surgery. Oh - I was given a prerequisite of losing 15lbs prior to surgery by my bariatric group. I clearly hit that goal.

Michigan has the highest success rate and the highest ease of insurance coverage for bariatric procedures in the United States. That may be something to consider as well.

My insurance specifically excludes bariatric surgery, so I looked into Mexico and self-pay in the States. Mexico was about 1/2 the price, and their aftercare is more comprehensive than what I'm seeing stateside -- 2 nights in hospital there vs. an outpatient surgery here (less than 24 hours in the hospital after surgery) and 2 more days of access to the doc, etc. in Mexico. Here, the cost covers only the initial surgery and 1 follow up with the doc to remove the drain tube 10 days after surgery. Meds outside of the hospital are not covered, etc. I agree about all the dancing through the insurance hoops, but without going through insurance, you're on your own in both cases if there are any complications. All that being said -- I'm still uncomfortable with the idea of being gone from home for at least 5 or 6 days and flying so soon after a surgery because of complications from blood clots. Just reading this over makes me wonder what I'm thinking, but . . . I've opted to stay stateside. I was going to get my passport when I just decided I didn't feel good about going to Mexico. I'm not wealthy -- I've been saving and have my contingency plan in place to make up the difference. All I'm saying is this a decision you'll live with the rest of your life, so make sure it's the right one for you. Trust your gut. You've already made a huge decision to have the surgery. Good luck to you!!!

Some great comments in this thread. Thank you all. I was lucky -- had a good surgeon who has a good team. And several months before surgery I chose to go into therapy with an excellent psychologist who knows the bariatric scene inside and out. I've said this many times, but will say it again: I will be in therapy for three years: (1) the year of losing weight, (2) the year of maintaining weight and (3) the year of boring real life. First time I've ever been in therapy. But this is the battle of my life. I won't fail this time.

I just found out that my surgeon is no longer performing bariatric surgery and I have to find a new surgeon. I am completely blown, having been going through this process for 4 months now and expecting to have the sleeve done in the next 2 months. Hopefully the clearances and tests I've done already will be accepted by the new doctor, but this news has me so discouraged [emoji20]

I second this surgery was 2005 and I am still severely anemic plus the two mentioned and several more I currently take ferrous sulfate and pre natal plus Vitamins etc., problem is it is not near enough, mal absorptive issues plague bariatric patients . Give me back my strong body and diabetes, that I could deal with easily, this....NO!

I know that my regular Dr. orders my blood work I have a list from my surgeon so she just adds the extra blood work that is required from my Bariatric Surgeon. Then they fax them the results. I'm far enough out that I only need mine done once a year now. As far as a counselor, I would try to find a Bariatric Nutritionist. I tried someone here locally and she had no idea about WLS. Check with you Primary Care Dr. for referral. I'm not sure about your options where you live. Good Luck My hubby had WSLS in Mexico. Luckily, he didn't have problems.

This will not be helpful, but I do have my first appointment on Thursday and I've got Aetna POS II so I'll see what they say and try and let you know. I do know that it's either or for the 3/6months plans and the bariatric clinic I will be using does the 90 day program. So I don't know that it's a choice, more so that the office decides the route they take or prefer you take. Sent from my Nexus 6 using the BariatricPal App Just had my appointment today, it's a choice. I chose the 90day which will really be 4mo I guess because of the way the appointments have to be staggered. Sent from my Nexus 6 using the BariatricPal App

This will not be helpful, but I do have my first appointment on Thursday and I've got Aetna POS II so I'll see what they say and try and let you know. I do know that it's either or for the 3/6months plans and the bariatric clinic I will be using does the 90 day program. So I don't know that it's a choice, more so that the office decides the route they take or prefer you take. Sent from my Nexus 6 using the BariatricPal App

I am a PA with many years experience in AGB. Was the erosion found on an EGD or a barium swallow? Did you have any port infection or any other surgical infection in your past history? If there is truly an erosion, the band must be removed and another should not be placed in the future. A gastric sleeve would be risky and many surgeons will not attempt it. Bypass may be an option but consult with a surgeon with experience in doing bariatric revisions. You shouldn't have to regain your weight back, a letter from a surgeon that reads "in order to preserve his excellent weight loss and return of comorbidities, a revision surgery should be performed" would help. I tell my cash pay patients they better have at least 10K saved up for future complications.

Well a bunch of us were going to break in and get you out of that prison , 'cos we couldn't couldn't send a bariatric patient a big pie with tools in 😉 Glad you are safe home and hope you heal quickly x

Hello - I just felt like introducing myself. I just attended a seminar today by 2 bariatric surgeons in NJ, and I set up an initial appointment for September. Here we go. I probably have read more than 1/2 the posts on the board so far in the last 2 weeks, so thanks for the great info! Bob

Hi all. I just wanted to share a great, new cookbook that I found. It's called: Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook by Sarah Kent. It is for all surgery types and has recipes for all diet stages. Recipes look simple and include Breakfast, dips and sides, dinners, drinks and Desserts, and dressings, sauces and seasonings. I purchased it at Barnes and Noble for $15.99 and it is on Amazon for the same price. Enjoy! Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook: Healthy Recipes to Enjoy Favorite Foods After Weight-Loss Surgery https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623157730/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ieHJyb7BP4DBM

Hi, Everyone! I'm the database administrator for bariatric surgery at Johns Hopkins Bayview in Baltimore. I'm also on the planning committee for the Baltimore 2007 Walk From Obesity. Walks are being held across the country this September and October -- if you're interested in walking or donating, please visit The Walk from Obesity and choose the link on the right hand side to find a walk in your area. If you're near Baltimore and you're interested in joining Hopkins, St. Agnes, Sinai, and St. Joe at the walk, I encourage you to register and attend! Several walking courses are planned for people of all walking abilities, and the course, which runs through the Camden Yards/Ravens Stadium area, is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. If you're not able to attend but you're interested in sponsoring me, you can do so here: Baltimore, MD - General Donation **All of the money raised by the walk goes to support the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and Obesity Action Coalition's obesity research, education, training, and prevention.** Thanks! Lisa

Posts like this will always get a polarized response. The best I can suggest is to follow your plan and don't get so independant. The stages are established through observations on tens of thousands of bariatric patients and what actions cause horrid complications that could have been avoided. Eating food too soon is one of them. Your tummy has been brutalized. Your brain did not get the memo. That is common. Head hunger is a crazy-maker. Please take care of yourself.

Not a doctor, but I worked in metabolic physiology research labs for many years, and I disagree with this idea. Children grow. It takes enormous amounts of calories to grow, especially during times like puberty. Not to mention nobody has studied the potential long-term consequences of this surgery on children. It's possible he had a genetic mutation that prevents his body from making the hormone leptin. If this is the case, injections of leptin would have been just as effective (if not more so) than any bariatric surgery. Note: leptin injections are extremely effective for people that are truly leptin-deficient. The results are usually more robust than any weight-loss surgery. Turns out that most obese people actually do make leptin, so the shots wouldn't help most of us.

Love hearing all the positives about these Mexico Bariatrics experiences! I feel sorry for people who will forgoe having this surgery in Mexico because of pre conceived notions based on fear or being closed minded. THE MIND, IS LIKE A PARACHUTE.... IT ONLY FUNCTIONS WHEN IT'S OPEN! 13 days Til I drive to Mexico and change my life forever! Woo hoo!

I was considering the lap band too and then was introduced to the sleeve. I have officially been sleeved now for 4 weeks and can honestly say it is THE.BEST.THING I have ever done for myself. I am down 23 pounds in 27 days! With the sleeve there is no foreign object in your body like with a band. And no re-routing of intestines with the bypass. In my opinion it is a far more superior procedure than any of the other bariatric surgeries. I was up and walking within 3 hours of my surgery, never any nauseau or vomiting and have always been able to tolerate every food I have reintroduced. I can eat about 4-6 ozs. in a sitting and drink plenty of fluids. Good Luck to each of you! This site is amazing and the support I have received is fabulous!

Hi everyone! I am new to the group after deciding on the sleeve this morning! Met with the bariatrics coordinator last week for the band and got my date for Nov 12. Was super excited and had my first appointment with my surgeon today. He told me the difference in the sleeve and the band and after a few questions and a few Tourette's-like "oh"s we all agreed that the sleeve is for me!!! I got home and immediately began researching and found before and after pics. WOW!!! After 9 years of having my mind set on the band, I gave officially switched over to the sleeve and I am SO FREAKING excited. I start my preop diet tomorrow and not really looking forward to that. So, just putting my story out there and introducing myself to the group!!! Ready for the count down!!!!! 13 days to go!

A good bariatric Multivitamin is always a good choice post-banding. All of the Vitamins contribute, in some way, to your metabolism, but the ones that specifically claim to have these effects usually have other ingredients that can be harmful at worst, and useless at best. I order my vitamins from my doctor's office; they are powder in capsule form, therefore very bioavailable.http://bmisurgery.org/index.php?ID=vitaminssupplements My doctor also recommends supplementing with Co Q-10, which very definitely helps with energy levels. He requires it during the perioperative period, but those of us who continue with it long term really do notice a benefit.

Kim, get up and walk as soon as you can after surgery and walk every hour. It's hard but it will get the gas out of you. The gas pain was way worse than the surgery pain, I swear. Walk walk walk! I walked twice per hour in the hosp. The nurses said they never saw a bariatric patient walk so much. LOL. But it worked. That gas was out of me in a day. Again, good luck.