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I went to my first surgical consultation last Friday, Feb 1st. As of this Thursday (less than a week after beginning the process) I will have completed all my insurance requirements. I'm curious to see how long it took for insurance approval for you all. I'm excited about keeping the bariatric ball rolling.

First of all, by way of introduction, my name is Sandy and I'm from a small (very small) town in south central Mississippi. I've been "in the process" for several months now starting first with verifying my insurance would cover WLS followed shortly thereafter by reading Cigna's seemingly endless list of requirements for WLS and then going through the process of completing the requirements for approval. I've found a Center of Excellence in Bariatric Surgery in Jackson, Mississippi [Transformations at River Oaks Hospital] and have been working closely with them for the past month. I've visited several sites on-line and watched tons of YouTube videos and picked up some great information. I'm currently reading the book, "The Emotional First + Aid Kit, A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery" by Cynthia L. Alexander, PsyD (really good read btw). I've ordered pre-op vitamins, post-op vitamins, purchased protein powder, protein shakes, sugar free popsicles and soup broth all in preparation for what lies ahead. I've started substituting protein shakes for meals to get my body used to the idea knowing the pre-op diet is a 2 wks liquid diet. I've started working out at a gym that has a program specifically for overweight/sedentary folks like myself. So all the pre-op activity is great but I find myself looking deep inside and asking, how will I know that I'm truly ready? Will I ever master the art of overcoming food temptations? If I haven't been successful in making good food choices before, what makes me think I'll make good food choices in the future? If I've always struggled with maintaining a regular exercise routine, what chance do I have of sticking with one now? How do I know I'm really ready, committed and prepared for this journey? So my question is simple....how did you know you were ready to make such a life-altering, irreversible decision? If you're already had WLS, what advice could you offer that has helped you stay committed in your post-op journey?

I hope all is well. I have my surgery with Blossom Bariatrics here in Las Vegas in December. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App My surgery date is set for December 16th with blossom, if all goes as planned.. fingers crossed!!!!! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Dr. L did my lap band 4 years ago I wish I would have looked into other options because I was scheduled to do the sleeve but then they told me my insurance was not covering the surgery about 2 months into the process therefore my options were limited and I had to cash pay so I did the Lap-Band it has now slipped and caused major complications! I am going to Blossom Bariatric and having a revision to sleeve l. I liked Dr. L I just think I had other options to pick from but was vulnerable and desperate for anything kind of my fault I guess ..lap band was 9 grand and I was able to make payments with no interest and the sleeve was 17,000 cash no payments. Blossom is 12,500. Everyone has a different story they weren't to bad at oband center just felt alittle cheated. I wish you the best of luck and I am sure you will be in great hands! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

I hope all is well. I have my surgery with Blossom Bariatrics here in Las Vegas in December. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Eat enough protein. It is Rule #1 of WLS Surgery 101, and for good reason. Hitting your 65 or more grams of protein each day can help you reduce hunger, improve your immune system, and gain strength. Even if your bariatric surgery is long behind you, check weekly, if not daily, to be sure your protein intake is as high as you think it is. Drink more fluids. Lose more weight, stay fuller, and prevention dehydration fatigue and headaches with enough fluids. The goal is to get at least 64 ounces of water or other fluids each day, but a lot of bariatric patients have trouble getting there. You can help yourself out by putting out for 16-ounce water bottles (or a 64-ounce [half-gallon] pitcher) and making sure you finish them by the end of the day. Or, use a high-tech tool such as a Hydration Reminder that synchs to your smartphone and will not let you forget to drink! Water, ice water, water with lemon or mint, decaf tea and coffee, and low-calorie flavored water are all good choices. Find a friend. A weight loss buddy is worth her weight in gold. Paand weight loss If one friend is good, more friends are better – the more, the merrier when it comes to help eating right, exercising, and reducing stress. The Forums can help you connect with other patients looking for a friend. Go to the doctor. It is easy to see why going to a doctor is necessary if you are thinking about surgery or have it scheduled, but it is not only your surgeon whom you should see. Pre-op or post-op, seeing your primary care and any other of your regular doctors can help you stay healthy or get healthy. You can monitor important measures such as blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and make action plans for any other conditions, such as knee pain or sleep apnea. Take your vitamins. There is no substitute for a healthy diet, but a healthy diet is not always enough, especially for post-op patients. Talk to your surgeon or doctor about any vitamins you should take, and take them as recommended to prevent deficiencies. If your health is not motivation enough to get you to take your vitamins, consider this: staying nourished can also help you lose weight by keeping up your energy levels and metabolism. You can give yourself a hand by using aids such as a Tespo vitamin dispensers or choosing your favorite forms of vitamins, such as Patches, Pills, or Chewables. Smile. Smile when you greet people. Smile when you say goodbye. Smile when you are talking and listening. Smile for no reason. It really works. The very act of smiling can help convince your mind that you are happier. Plus, smiling at other people will make them more likely to be friendly to you – and make you happier. All that extra happiness can make it easier to do your daily duties, such as eating right and working out. These six strategies are simple enough, and they can help the pounds come off in 2018 with less effort. They are worth working on daily if you are going to hit your goals this year. Happy New Year!

Caryn , I'm hugging you, because I know you need it. What a traffic bewildering thing to happen. Now take a breath, you are going to get through this. Keep up with your fluids, food you can worry about later. Your Dad would not want you hurting yourself by not following the post surgery rules. One foot in front of the,other 👣I had a son die unexpectedly,at 31, so I also have walked this walk. You will make it through but,don't be afraid to ask for help, even if it is respite care for your mother or something else. You showed great strength by just going through your surgery now it is going need an extra reserve,to continue. Do you have friends, clergy , medical staff etc that can help? Cell in all the markets you can to make it past. And if you need to talk, until you can seek more professional consolting you do have your Bariatric Pal. family. May of us have gone through similar, we want to help and never need feel alone. Okay and it is okay to cry 💦 We All Have ourselves.

Hi guys, my name is Jennifer and I am new to Bariatric Pal. I was 3/4 of the way through pre-op for the SIPS/Loop-DS/SADI-DS procedure when NC BCBS decided to stop covering it and deemed it an experimental/investigational procedure. My co-worker had SIPS a little over two months ago with the same Dr group and insurance. Talk about frustrating. Looking into regular DS with Dr. Sudan in Durham. He seems to be well-respected for that procedure and the office is still close to me. A little overwhelmed by the Vitamin regimen that the DS will require, but consider it as my responsibility for allowing my weight to get this way. My mom suffers from SMO and co-morbidities and I don't want to be in the same place. I have 4 kiddos, the youngest of which is 13 months and I plan to be around for a lllloooonnnngggg time. I hope Dr. Sudan's office will accept the pre-op testing that I have already completed and allow me to keep moving forward in the process. Thanks for all your stories everyone. You are inspiring. Obese for 20+ years and MO on and off through that period.

Katalin.e., I did not go back very far in the posts so I don't know what kind of problem you are having, but your insurance has to cover any tests that you need to have for any problem that you are experiencing if it endangers your health. EVEN IF they did not pay of the band and EVEN IF the problem you are having now is related to the band. As for a doctor, try Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore, they take almost every insurance and they have a good bariatrics department. There is also a Dr. Gail Wynn at Christiana hospital that I understand is very good. Christiana is near Wilmington, Delaware, just north of Baltimore and south of Philadelphia. Just go have the test done and let them bill your insurance. If they deny the claim (which I doubt), appeal the decision, and if you have to take the matter to the insurance commissioner's office for the state. By the way, there is a law in Maryland that any company that has 50 or more employees MUST cover bariatric surgery. So just get the problem diagnosed and treated and then fight with the insurance (the provider will often be more willing to help you argue with the insurance company if it is their money on the line too). Good luck, Laura

Weight loss surgery can be a godsend. Getting the surgery could be the best decision you ever make. It can give you your life back and help you become healthier than you have been in years – or ever before. But what you need to do to stick to your new lifestyle isn’t so different from what other healthy people need to do. If you want to be thin and fit, you need to think and act like a thin and fit person. Bariatric Surgery: Necessary But Not Sufficient Weight loss surgery is a significant part of the solution to surgery. If you can’t lose weight without it, it’s necessary. But, on its own, it’s not sufficient for weight loss. As every weight loss surgery patient knows, weight loss surgery only works when you add other components, like a healthier lifestyle, to lose weight permanently. Don’t Give Up It’s easy to start feeling sorry for yourself when regular diets don’t work for you. You may feel that your doctor’s recommendation to get weight loss surgery is official recognition that your obesity is out of your control. After weight loss surgery, it can seem like you’re still working harder than the “skinny” people, and you may feel like giving up. There’s no point in feeling doomed to obesity. Don’t bother resenting your “bad luck” with obesity. The truth is that most fit and healthy people need to work hard at it, just like you do. Have a Plan Don’t leave things up to chance. Skinny people may not have as many dietary restrictions and requirements as you, but you can bet many of them think carefully about what they eat. They plan what they’ll order at a restaurant, and you should, too. They’ll also compensate for oversized meals by exercising a little extra or eating a little less at the next meal. Be Honest Are you really acting like a skinny person? Their behaviors are the same as many of the rules you’re supposed to be following on your weight loss diet. If you’re not losing weight like you think you should be, look carefully at your habits. Are you ending your meal when you’re barely full, or eating for another reason, such as eating to keep everyone else company while they eat? Are you driving straight home, or passing through the drive-thru? Are you drinking only water between planned meals and snacks, or are you getting in calories from juice and sweetened coffee drinks? Are you eating only at the table, or are you nibbling while standing? Watch your skinny coworkers and even housemates carefully, and you may start to notice some of their good habits. They may be lucky enough have those habits formed naturally while you need to work a little harder on them, but you can do it. Ask Away Yes, you’ll see a lot of skinny people doing a lot of things you wouldn’t dare try because you’d be afraid of gaining weight. They may pack away a hot dog, an ice cream sandwich, and a few beers at a baseball game, or munch their way through a bag of potato chips with dip while watching television. Ask them how they get away with it if it’s your friend or someone in your family and you feel comfortable enough. You may get a frustrating answer (“I eat whatever I want and don’t worry about it.”), but you may get something helpful (“I eat very carefully six days a week so I can veg out and eat chips on Sunday” or “I knew I wanted to relax and enjoy myself at the game, so I worked out for an extra hour this morning to burn a few extra calories”). These tips can reinforce the strategies you already know and add to your collection of strategies. They can also help you realize that everyone works hard at staying fit and thin – weight loss surgery or not. You may not be allowed to eat an ice cream sandwich and drink beer on your weight loss surgery diet, but you can exercise ahead of time as a strategy against If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em Until you hit goal weight, you may be most self-conscious about your weight when you’re at the gym. You’re likely to be surrounded by fit people with strong-looking and lean bodies. Don’t just think of these people as another species. Instead, use them to your advantage. Strike up a conversation with them, being careful not to interrupt their workouts. Catch them while you’re both on the elliptical, bike, or treadmill, or when they’re done with their workout. Some people will let you know that they’re not interested in making friends at the gym. Don’t take it personally – it has nothing to do with your fitness level, weight, or personality. Some people just go to the gym because they want to feel alone. Other people will be delighted to talk to you. Most people love talking about themselves, including their workout schedule and goals. They’ll be happy to give you pointers. You can learn what they do to stay in shape, and how often they hit the gym. Possibly most inspirational of all is what you’ll learn about their dedication to their health. They had to get up just as early as you, they’re just as busy as you, and they worry about their diets just as much as you – and they make it a priority to get to the gym almost every day. It Comes Down to Attitude So much of your weight loss journey success depends on your attitude. When you feel like you’re working harder than everyone else, you may be tempted to stop trying. Once you realize that everyone needs to work hard to be fit and healthy, you’re more likely to stay committed. Act skinny, and you’ll hit your goal weight.

A gastric sleeve is different from a Divided RNY. A gastric sleeve still maintains the body's normal functions with a different stomach. I've talked to several bariatric specialist and everything I Am doing is all normal. Sometimes you can't feel the fullness in your pouch and you throw up because 2 tablespoons of something over filled it. Trust me I am a researching health nut. I had other complicated issues that had nothing to do with food addictions the reason I was overweight .

One of the biggest barriers to getting weight loss surgery is the fear of complications. From mild ones like nausea and constipation to more serious ones like obstructions and leaks, complications are common among bariatric surgery patients. Did you have complications after Weight Loss Surgery? Nope, aside from a little soreness during the recovery, things went great! Yes, but nothing serious. I just had some stomach issues. Yes, somehow I developed some nutrient deficiencies. See below for which ones I had and how I fixed them or whether I’m still dealing with them. Yes, I ended up back in the hospital. See why in the conversation below. I haven’t had weight loss surgery yet, but I’m crossing my fingers that nothing serious happens to me. Other. Read my answer in the discussion below. Mark your answer and give us the details in the conversation below. Sharing your experience can help other members who are making their own decisions about weight loss surgery.

Hi. I had my surgery 11/23/15. I measure everything so i don't over eat. I am still at 1/2-3/4 cup total per meal at the most. I've lost 70 so far. I always get in my Water and only 3 meals a day. I never snack to avoid bad grazing habits. That would be my down fall. I don't ever eat any chip type or bars of any kind because I also feel for me this would trigger me into eating my old types of foods. The cravings are gone so this is easy for me. Eat my Protein first and i use reduced fat whenever i can. I am always reading labels and I don't like artificial ingredients if I can help it. I always have a protein drink in the morning with almond milk and that starts me out with 50 grams of protein in the beginning of each day. No caffeine or carbonation. I will drink a protein drink every morning probably for the rest of my life. Makes me feel good and it tastes good too. I use Jay Robb chocolate and i love it. I use the Bariatric fusion chewable wafers and I take 4 per day which is super easy (2 am 2 pm). From what i read I think snacking is what gets people in trouble. Its all about the quantity. I also use the Baritastic app to track what i eat all day. Then i record them in a journal once a week so i have a permanent record. So far so good. For me all this works. For others it could be a different story.

Im back in the damn hospital really hoped that this would happen. Woke up and had dark tarry stool. Right away I knew this wasnt right by anymeans. My regular doctor didn't think much so I went to my bariatric center and the admitted me to te hospital right away. Turns out I have a big ulcer which I can't figure out from what because I don't use alcohol or smoke or take medications. So now I'm back and dehydrated because my nurse unplugged my IV machine and never started me back up.. So I have had half a bag of fluid all day and alls she said was ops in sorry I just got busy! Now I'm dealing with all sorts of xrap and they took away most liquids for me! I can only have broth lame!!! Oh and they started me on an anxiety medication because all the blood work and needle poking they were doing to me made me feel like I was having a nervous break down and I couldn't stop crying!

No they shouldn't do all your tests that day, because they would not have the results back. You do those now and up to your surgery. Pre-oP is just a formality and review of the procedure and if your doctor gives handouts and books, you get them that day. You pay your copay and etc. Does your doc have a bariatric coordinator? if so call her with your questions. I bothered mine constantly and sometimes still have questions 7 months later. Wishing you the best!

The seminars I'm familiar with start out with a nurse describing the various bariatric surgeries performed by the practice (RNY, banding, whatever). This is a general description of the way the surgeries work and an overview of the aftercare and what makes a good candidte for which procedure. Then there's a discussion of insurance issues, followed by testimonials from post-operative patients. At the end the surgeons get up and answer loads of questions from the audience. Your seminar may be different, but it's probably aimed at the same goal: to make sure that the patients have a good grounding in the information they need BEFORE they get into a room with the doctor, and waste his very expensive time asking about the basics. If you already know which surgery you want to have, this seminar may feel like a waste of time to you. But it's a great time to get a better feel for the surgical practice, get to know the people and see how they treat patients. Meet some postops in person and ask them what their experience has been like. You'll think of loads of questions as you listen to the seminar, and in the end you'll be glad you went.

My bariatric program has been shaky to say the least when it come to organization...but the doctor and other people involved have been GREAT! We are now down to the final approval from UHC. I am turning in the 5 yrs of weight history today...and then we sit and wait! (And, PRAY) I am confident everything will go well...I have maintained all the rules and regulations...and have jumped through all the "golden" hoops! So ...no worries right?!? Humm....I wish! I am so ready to move into the next phase! I have lost 45 pounds already just by following the diet plan! So my eating habits have already changed and I am prepared for the new way of eating when the VGS is done. I already eat small portions, drink 30-90 grams of proteins a day...and get plenty of liquids. So...all that's left is the surgery! All hanging in the balance with UHC! Praying for a quick approval!!!!

Dr. Jesse Lopez is at the Mid-West Institute of Bariatric Surgery. Located in Lenexa, Kansas.

this is what our SPD says on the subject and this is from an email directly from our DIRECTOR of CORPORATE BENEFITS (i.e. the head hauncho at Corp) Notice Wausau was our OLD insurance and BCBS SC is the new He sent me an excel spread sheet that was titled bariatric surgery.... Now to me this is pretty vauge.... although it DOES look easier under BCBS.... especially because I'm in the >40 range BCBSSC BMI must >40kg/m-2 BMI must >35kg/m-2 with associated complications (diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea) The first treatment must be dietary and lifestyle changes. When this fails, surgery may be considered. Wausau BMI must >= 40kg/m-2Review conditions that are exasperated by the obesity.There must have been structured diet attempts that are physician monitered prior to surgery.Must be considered morbidly obese for at least three years

Hello, I'm scheduled for the VSG at Kaiser Richmond. While they offer all three surgeries, I think their preference is the RNY. My mother had a hereditary malabsorption disease which makes the RNY less than optimal for me so my surgeon immediately recommended that I have the VSG, which was my 1st choice. Richmond doesn't have the class requirements that they have in Southern California. It does have a great support group the first and third Wednesday of every month. There are people from all over Northern California that use the Richmond facility. There are four great surgeons and the bariatric department is excellent. Please ask if you have more questions about the Richmond program.

Just like the sleeve is more properly on here Laproscopical Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy but most people say. sleeve or VSG. The y in Roux en Y. is because the 2 rerouted segments of the small intestines kind of resemble that letter. And sometimes we bypasses well technically I'm only a future one, call ourselves pouchers or kangaroos in defence to our rearrangement. That said, we all love each othet, no matter the rearrangement, we all are members in,the same Bariatric Scheme of things. Are you a little less confused?

Hey Everyone, I am very new to BariatricPal and am wanting to get in touch with anyone from Calgary, Alberta! I am expected to have VSG this summer and was wondering if anyone went through the Calgary Adult Bariatric Clinic?

Around 20 years ago my dad died. My mom was a home body. His death affected her greatly and I was concerned she might decide to follow him soon. I told my mom to join some clubs because she needed contact in the outside world. She followed my advice and joined a book club and a church club. This helped her and allowed her to make some friends that followed her throughout the rest of her life. The second thing I did was to send my youngest daughter to live with her for the summer. My youngest daughter wanted to become a doctor and I figured the best approach was to have her work as a volunteer at a hospital during the summer so she could get some experience. She was in her early teens at the time and couldn't drive. And the hospital was close to my mom's house. So I felt it was killing 2 birds with one stone. My daughter would get some experience that could someday help in her career. My mom would get companionship, she would get purpose (driving my daughter to and from the hospital). It worked well that summer so we repeated it the next summer also. My daughter is a medical doctor today, in part because of this. So if I offer some advice, it is to get involved in some club or group. To begin with are you attending Bariatric Surgery Support Group Meetings? Generally they are free and are held once per month. But there are a variety of groups out there such as computer group meetings. Sometimes groups hold their meetings at libraries. That might be one place to look.

@@Chloewithac Talk to your Bariatric Program - I did my supervised diet with the Nutritionist (supervised by surgeon). I have BCBS in another state and they were not forthcoming with what the requirements were either. Your surgeon's office should be able to find out. I didn't need authorization for the Consult - just for surgery.

@@ambrosia916, I think you might want to see what is required by your insurance. Your dietician may have a point. There's a reason why you need bariatric surgery, just like the rest of us. Maybe gaining 8 lbs will put you where you need to be in order to qualify for the surgery. Check your insurance qualifications for surgery.