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Below you will find the policy handbooks for both plans as there relate to bariatric surgery. Please call each to confirm that the information is still accurate I request an updated handbook or any information in writing as covered procedures can change from year to year. As you dig deeper into the info, consider if the surgeon(s) you are interested in as well as the hospitals that they practice at will accept these plans. Also consider which of these plans you more easily fit the criteria for when it comes to bariatric surgery as well as all the other need to may have from a healthcare plan. Good Luck ♥️ Arizona Complete Health Care Plan (Centene Corporation) https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.azcompletehealth.com/content/dam/centene/policies/clinical-policies/CP.MP.37.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjr88aa7vrtAhVSo1kKHZFQDIsQFjAAegQIARAB&usg=AOvVaw1XctHghCiUX2TLzovi3tq9 United Health Care Community Plan. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/medicaid-comm-plan/bariatric-surgery-cs.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjD5-e77_rtAhWIm1kKHWiFDVsQFjAIegQIHxAB&usg=AOvVaw3L7W5fDPWwQVoJALmHBXK3

I tend to eat a lot more vegetables than fruit (with the exception of dates, raisins, avocado and watermelon but even then it's seasonal) I am not avoiding any vegetables except broccoli and cabbage which give me horrific gas and bloating. I also don't avoid legumes or starchy roots but I try to balance those by eating them with leafy greens. I think that most non starchy vegetables are still fairly low calorie especially if you prepare them yourself and don't add much fat/sugar to them. Most vegetables are a natural form of fiber which plays a crucial role in post bariatric surgery health, so I wouldn't necessarily call them "empty calories" as they can serve can serve a purpose plus if I'm being honest, I like the way they taste 😁

It's normal to be anxious before the surgery, some bariatric patients may feel even more anxious because the results do not become apparent on the day of surgery

Did you exercise this much before surgery? Have you resumed exercise again after the pain subsided? I know it sounds terrible but if it isn't Bariatric related your team may not see you (they are specialist) When all else fails, definitely go to your Primary who can refer X-rays, CT scans and MRIs. Because those are usually expensive they may want to rule things out first with labs. But if you are truly in significant worsening pain and really believe something is wrong trust yourself and see someone.

Does anyone know which plan is better in AZ? They will both be under Medicaid but I am able to choose the plan due to new enrollment. Plan 1) Arizona Complete Health Care Plan (Centene Corporation) OR Plan 2) United Health Care Community Plan. I am currently at 38.8 BMI w/ a couple of "almost" comorbidities. High cholesterol, pre- diabetic, and joint pain w/ arthritis in lower back with scoliosis. Between these two plans, does anyone know which is better on approval rates? I am just starting to inquire about this WLS journey. As soon as I choose a plan, I will ask my primary for a referral to a bariatric surgeon. My primary isn't the nicest, so wish me luck with that one too! Thank you for your help!

I don't know. How does a normal skinny person eat? And what is a bariatric recipe?

I've been in maintenance for four years. I eat about as much as many of my never-been-obese women friends who are constantly watching what they eat. In other words, if I go out, I'll get something like a salad or an appetizer. Or if I order an entree, I'll take half of it home (or maybe 2/3 of it if it's enormous). If I'm out and we order a pizza, I'll eat one or two pieces. So yes - I'd say I eat like your normal "light eater". No one would be able to tell at this point that I've had bariatric surgery, just by observing what I eat. this is NOT true the first year or so (and definitely not the first few months). But once you're in maintenance, yes.

I do know someone who had that issue and it was a vitamin B-12 deficiency. I don't know if that's your exact issue, but it may be some kind of vitamin deficiency. A bariatric doctor may not be able to see you but your PCP can order the blood tests to check your vitamin levels.

For the last 9 mths the tip of my tongue feels slightly numb. Since I had my surgery in Mexico I can't be seen by a bariatric Dr in the states. Nothing tastes right. I crave foods and get hungry but never eat much of them because I can't really taste them. Anyone else dealing with this and gotten help?

I’m looking for any feedback or review of Oasis of Hope Bariatrics. I’m looking to go to TJ for gastric sleeve and looking at the best options. Any advice is appreciated!

I am in the pre-surgical stage for a sleeve. My question is after you are healed and able to eat solid food do you eat like a normal skinny person or do you always have to follow bariatric recipes? Does meal planning get easier?

Thank you for sharing this. I just decided that I’m going to get bariatric surgery and I’m trying to get as much info as possible. My Mom is a baker and sweets have been tied into my childhood and emotions my whole life. I’m just now coming to terms with not eating my Mom’s food again but in the back of my mind I’m thinking I can do this!

Apps are something I'm still having a fuss with but only because of my personality. Myfitnesspal is actually a good one-you just have to kind of not end your day out on it or it will give you warnings of too low calories. Lots of peeps have asked to add a bariatric setting for those of us with surgeries but they've said it would be unhealthy for others. I've liked carbmanager best honestly-it's non-intrusive but has everything I need. Bariastic is really a great app but it's not something I like with all the groups and the notifications-again, I'm pretty basic. I've actually just been happiest putting everything on good old fashioned paper. I never recommend this to anyone but I've been doing calculations for decades on my own and it's just easier for me to grab my daily things with the meds, vitamins, etc when it's sitting on a notebook next to the fridge. BTW-my Dr and NUT get CRAZY for this preference lol. So, I'm 4 months out and gotten over the holidays. I've now lost a bit over 100 lbs and think I have a good understanding now of my eating, etc. My kids are 19 and 23. My daughter is losing weight with me naturally so we kind of go together on what we eat (mine is just smaller portions and a bit varied for the day-some days are better then others with food). My son buys his own stuff and eats on his own but we all work at different times and college so we don't eat together normally. He keeps his stuff in his room with a little fridge and microwave (commonly called the man-cave). My daughter requests he keep his snacks out of her sight but I have no problems with that. I still can't eat a whole lot but what I can-it's limited anyhow or I feel sick. For Christmas, we did get a pizza and wings (cause this chick did NOT want to work and cook!). I was able to have a small bit of very thin crust veggie pizza. I can eat pepperoni and beef sticks are a treat after work for me- I eat them very slow and chew a lot. If it's on pizza, I will eat the toppings of a small slice as I did on Christmas. I will try anything like the cake or cheesecake that I make or my daughter makes but I only have a bite then spit it out-seems to do the trick. The minute it hits my mouth, I like the flavor but get a nauseous feeling so it's no biggie. My family all do everything they can to help out. If you have teenagers, I would say it is the same. They are old enough to be able to plan their meals while you recover and get comfortable. I get 24/7 support from hubby and kids with regards to exercise and eating. If I'm getting sick (which happens, I had complications and my new job is very physical-we all work at the same place), they are on me in seconds helping me breath, curl up, lay sideways, etc and always ask if anything they are eating bothers me. Just be open with everyone and even let your teens read some of these forums along with the forms you get from your Dr. to help them understand and help out.

Hi, Just signed up today as I feel I need some support and guidance. Not had my surgery yet I was given the 18th jan but due to work I could take it but now wishing I had. So I’m reading the Bariatric Bible which is very helpful but to hear from any of you guys would be great. I’m not knowing what type of food processing machine I’d need the 2 wks diet prior is concerning me a little.

@GradyCat The condition is called gustatory rhinitis and is common in bariatric patients. It is linked to "snatiation" or sneezing after eating and is a reflex. I read somewhere that it has to do with stimulating a nerve in the upper stomach, now more sensitive or exposed due to the surgery. However, I cannot find the specific article or reference anymore. Years ago, when I had a lap band, a runny nose for me was my "signal" that I was full or getting full and needed to stop eating. Since being sleeved, I still get the runny nose, but it's not as "free-flowing" whereas the sneezing really gets my attention. In my first 6 months, I would sneeze and sneeze and sneeze to the point where my co-workers would come to my office to make sure I was alright! These days, it's pretty common for me to sneeze once or twice after a meal (more if I've overindulged).

Each practice will have varying guidelines so ask your surgeon their rules and why But a quick search on the internet and I found this site which outlines a few reasons https://www.vidawellnessandbeauty.com/caffeine-alcohol-after-bariatric-surgery-what-you-need-to-know/

No excuses, but I gained 10 pounds in 2020. COVID didn't help. Tracking my daily calorie intake backfired because the app said I needed 1200 calories/day but I really didn't. It doesn't take into account that bariatric patients have different needs. And oh I ate so much chocolate and cookies the last two weeks of the Christmas holidays. So I decided that instead of waiting for the new year, I would get back on track starting the day after Christmas, Saturday 12/26/2020. Saturday I had 670 calories and Sunday I had 720 calories. Easy peasy. No problems, no withdrawals, no cravings. I got in a 10 minute walk on Sunday and already a 20 minute walk in today (Monday). I'm feeling really good that I can follow the program like my nutritionist advised me, even though apparently for 9 months I haven't been on track. It's never too late to get healthy again. My doctor's office doesn't "count calories." Instead they focus on the macros of protein and water and portion sizes of 1/2 cup. That's all I'm going to worry about now. So I'm going to get back to basics and take that approach again and get not only these 10 regained pounds off, but hopefully 10 more to boot! I feel confident for the first time in a long time. It's a wonderful feeling. No "New Years Resolution" for me . . . just a return to the basics and a positive attitude.

they have an LGBTQIA subforum over at Obesity Help, but I don't know how active it is anymore (Bariatric Pal is definitely the more active of these two (general) forums, but I think in general, a lot of people are using Facebook groups these days. I prefer these types of forums, though...). Another option is to start one here - I know there have been other LGBTIA members here on BP in the past - there may still be a few who are current (and active) members.

Hey ladies, I discovered a really wonderful and unexpected side effect of surgery. I used to get horrific PMS cramps. The entire week before my period was me using machines, pain killers, hot baths, heating pads-anything and everything to stop the pain. I saw dozens of doctors and they all didn't know what to do. Sometimes it would be so bad I would be feverish and couldn't even go to work. Post surgery this stopped. I now get very minor pain that a painkiller can stop. If I had known that bariatric surgery could stop this I would have done the surgery years ago. I'm just wondering if anyone else experienced this?

Hey all, Brand new to this forum. Early in my process as I finally got a stage 2 approval last week 😁😁😁 so onto my six months now. Beyond the bariatric stuff... 44yr old, Single, bi-mom to 3 autistic teens (2 are gay/lesbian). Been single and working on myself and busy raising kids, the last 6 years. Plus One crazy Balinese kitty we all love. I’m another PNW person (Tacoma area), artist/designer. Love making new friends!

I had pancreatitis on November 23 ended up in the Crouse ER. Followed up with the Bariatric team at Crouse because of pancreatitis. Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

3/15/2017 RNY Bariatric surgery Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

My doc said 10,000 steps a day, so I went for it. Anyway, about the energy, I asked my PCP, the bariatric NP, and the nutritionist about the energy surge, and they all acted like they had never heard of such a thing, and even offered my sleeping pills! Got my thyroid checked, too, and it was fine. Knowing that others have experienced this as well, was reassuring, and I just chalked it up to ketosis. It slowed down and stopped after I reached goal weight, so now I can actually sleep 7-8 hours a night, and unfortunately, I have to work a bit harder to make myself exercise!

I am 3 years out March 15 2017 I decided to an Rny Bariatric surgery Why am I so cold. Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

Anna, are you taking B1 (thiamin) daily? My dietician/bariatric doctor said it is a MUST everyday even if sick. It deals with brain and nervous system functions, among others.