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Carrin, picking wls is and always will be difficult, mobid obesity via surgery has proven more difficult for surgeons than originally thought with subsequent failures in all wls types. no surgery type is perfect and they all have wls failures due to regain. I am currently waiting for my sleeve denial through my insurance co, that was submitted last week, it should come in by next week, they will deny via investigational, I will appeal. "30 percent of patients who undergo LSG will experience weight regain and require a second step approach, I still believe that we prevented that 70 percent of our patients from having a RYGB or DS, which I consider highly efficacious but at the same time a procedure that has a high incidence of morbidity. In these cases, I do not see the LSG as a failure but more as a ?first step? to a second long-term final approach" bariatric times july 2010. for me I have to do what is best for me at this time, the band is gone and since I did well with it, I am sticking to a restrictive procedure. I think the band is great, but I think it should be used short term only, before injury happens-removed and another wls used. It actually is concerning to me that the band is now being heavily advertised in commercials, etc, a time when so many reports are coming in and europe and australia are starting to abandon the band. this will bring a disaster to the US in the next 5 years or so. be very careful going to a surgeon that only does the band, or rny or any one specific surgery as they tend to sway in that direction. also realize that when getting experiences here or anywhere the first few years (<5) really are the honeymoon, you need to know beyond 5 to get a good grasp of reality. it is a difficult road we travel, and always will be.....good luck to all and peace and success with the choice that has been made...:svengo: Mila

I just made a shake yesterday that I LOVED! one envelope diet hot cho mix(25cal) and 1 scoop vanilla Protein powder(I use Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement, 80 cals/scoop) splash of Toraci chocolate sugar free/colorie free syrup( ? spelling, in the coffee aisle at the store) 3pkts Truvia and ice, very minimal Water, just enough to get things going and add as needed. I figured it at 105 calories and 15g protein. Tastes just like a Wendy's Frosty. Eat it with a spoon! Yummy I also like to take crystal light ( 3 or 4 ounce already mixed) and mix that with 2 scoops of the vanilla protein powders and lots of ice and just a bit of water. For chocolate, I like to mix 1/3 of a frozen banana in. I bought some cottage cheese to try next. I keep reading that people say it makes the shakes creamier. I also have nectar protein products. tastes great mixes easy with water. I try not to get to carried away adding fruit and other things that just add calories. The magic bullet is my best friend, closely followed by the elliptical trainer.

@vsgann and @@feedyoureye you are both right, as i asked on another thread topic what was the tracking app that people most used and, you guessed it, My Fitness Pal was the resounding reply! I downloaded it yesterday and love it! It also synchs with my Apple Watch, so i am beyond happy. As an aside i have lost 3 pounds in as many days since re-dedicating myself to going back to basics, and will keep doing so until i hit goal, and will no longer check in daily to this thread. Thanks to everyone here, what an amazing community of people here at Bariatric Pal. Xo Wynnie

I used Dr David Kim, hes in Colleyville or Frisco. He does the Making Bariatrics Affordable Hiatal Hernia program too. It all depends on your insurance benefit and if you have an exclusion from bariatrics. When you do the Upper Endoscopy and they see a hiatal hernia, your cash price for the sleeve is $4900 and they bill your insurance for the EGD and hiatal hernia repair.

Well, just came from my PCP's office and I am a fuming!!! He just informed me that he considers my weight loss surgery a miserable failure and he's not going to recommend it to anyone else. I've been hovering between 216/217 For the last few days. Well, I didn't take my normal water pill that I take daily because I don't like to take it until 'm home and near the bathroom. Anyhow, I weighed 220 on his scale this morning which of course I was upset over as well. I was OK until he called me a failure at this WLS and he also said it's ridiculous if you have to keep going for fills and you're still not losing fast enough. Well, I had enough of his negative talk and blasted back that I am not a failure and considering when I first saw him many years ago I was 289. I started my lapband journey at 267 on 12/28/12. I said I've still lost weight and that is what counts. Last time I saw him 3 months ago I wanted to cry because he felt I had not lost weight fast enough (at that point I was down 37 lbs. according to his scale I'm ONLY down 47 lbs and that's not good enough. I should be losing 2 lbs a week, every week according to Dr. "DOOM"! Anyway, I didn't feel like crying this time. This time I wanted to scratch his eyes out. I've still lost 10 lbs in a 12 week period. I still haven't taken my water pill yet but taking that pill makes me lose 4 lbs like in a 12 hr period. Hey, I'm proud of my weight loss and I'm not going to let anyone steal my thunder especially my PCP! I've had many NSV's as well like fitting in smaller clothing, being able to walk more in the stores, etc . If my PCP knew how serious I am with my calories etc., maybe he'd get rid of that negative attitude of his. As far as I'm concerned my PCP is the failure! Not me! I'm still fuming but I'll calm down after awhile. They say 3 strikes and your out. Well, considering the fact he's not a BARIATRIC doctor, I'm giving him one more chance. In Nov. I'll have my 3rd visit with my PCP, if he so much as suggests I'm a failure again, that will be my last visit with him. I already have a new PCP in mind and he's about a mile from my house so I could walk there Just letting everyone considering the lapband, that I love my my band! I may be a slow loser but at least I'm losing. Don't let any doctor talk you out of it. I think all PCP's should all take a course in bariatric medicine before they judge anyone.

Bariatric advantage sells chewables that are actually not bad. Good variety of flavors.

Bariatric Store Not sure if we're allowed to post a link to a retail store, so please delete if my bad. Darr

10/2009 Take a good look. This is what Morbid Obesity looks like. Let me preface this by saying that at first I was going to keep it all a hush-hush big super secret squirrel secret. But I figured blogging would not only help me chronicle my journey, but serve as a sounding board. Of course I run the risk of opening myself up to criticism and negativity. But I figured…they talked about Jesus they’ll talk about me too. And what’s more is – I really don’t give a rat’s sweaty nads. *shrug* With that said… I’ve never had a problem with being full-figured. In fact, I’ve embraced it. It’s a part of the me that I’ve been proud to be. Even flaunted my curves. And its not like I’ve been starved for attention. Most…well, a lot (only basing on what I’ve been told) of men (women too) think that I’m (are you ready for this?) SEXY. I’m not bragging at all…but can you imagine? Me, at 298lbs…on a 5′3″ frame. What doctors frown at in disapproval. What some people in public look at in disgust…but yet others…desire. To this day. As recently as an hour ago. 8/2008 *smh kinda confused* Admittedly, I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. My self esteem has remained in its proper sometimes over-elevated place. The men folk (husband included) never seemed to have had a problem with it, so I never had a problem with it… Until now. I’m at my biggest ever. Almost 30lbs more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant (2 years ago). I’m uncomfortable. I don’t like what I see in the mirror any more. My feet hurt. My knees ache. (ironically enough, the VERY reason why working out has been such a chore – that aside from time: 9-5 job, jewelry biz, almost 2 year old daughter, and a hubby that works nights/weekends). And now, my once high (sometimes too high) self esteem has taken a nosedive. So what to do?? 9/2002 I’ve done the diets, the shakes, the cleanses, the “lifestyle change”, the pills, the work-out regimen, etc… Something has to be done. NOW. So after about 6 months of mulling it over, I’ve opted to have the LAP-BAND®®® surgery. In fact, that’s the entire reason for this blog. My goal is 75-100lbs. Realistically, at 200lbs, I’ll still be +size…but ALOT better off than I am now. I’m making a decision to better my life, and thereby, my family’s life. I will learn healthier habits to pass on to my daughter and share with my husband, as well as actually be around a lot longer to see her grow up, and grow into the olden golden years with her daddy. This vixen, is about to change her game up, for good. I have my physical exam and initial info session at the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on Monday. Then comes the consult to chart the path forward, counseling, etc. I will join the Million Pound Challlenge to help get me started on the right track. But that’s Monday – and it’s going to be a life-changing day. So this weekend, I’m gettin it in. *lol* I’m gonna eat what I want…probably for the last time (at least for a long time); Celebrate my 35th bday (late, bc of all the snow) and celebrate in anticipation of a new life and a new, even sexier, healthier me… I’m excited. I can only pray that by sharing this journey, it will garner some support & encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. But even if it doesn’t, it’s no skin off my teeth. I’m CERTAIN that my words will touch or encourage SOMEONE out there. 1/2010 Beauty can be found at ANY size. From a size 6 to 26. However, HEALTH cannot. And that’s all its about for me. Taking off some pounds to add some years to my life. Phine, re-defined… *sexy grin*

DOES ANYONE IN THE DFW AREA OF DENTON, TEXAS KNOW OF A BARIATRIC DR. WHO WILL DO FILLS ON PATIENTS THAT HE DID NOT DO SURGERY FOR. I HAD MY SURGERY IN MEXICO AND I HAVE A LIST OF DR.S THAT WILL DO FILLS THAT AREN'T ALL THAT CLOSE TO ME. THREE OF THE MOST PROMINENT SURGEONS IN MY AREA WILL NOT DO MY FILLS BECAUSE I HAD MY BAND PLACED IN MEXICO. I HAVE MY BAND BOX (ALLEGAN) WITH THE SERIAL NUMBER, I HAVE THE IMAGES OF MY FLUROSCOPY AND MY DR. NOTES. IF ANYONE COULD ASSIST ME, I WOULD BE GRATEFUL. HAD SURGERY NEW YEAR'S EVE, SO I AM GOING TO BE DUE FOR MY FIRST FILL SOON. THANKS SO MUCH!

First thing you need is a good support group of other DS patients. This forum is ok but there are Facebook groups that are helpful and necessary to staying mentally healthy. Your family and friends will be important too but they won’t know what you are experiencing. Next you will regret your decision almost immediately after surgery but remember “It gets better”. The healing process is different for each person. Be kind to yourself this is major surgery. For the first few weeks/months the most important thing is Hydration. You should get used to carrying a large cup (30oz is a good size) everywhere you go. And Sip, sip, sip. When you get on solids you can start being concerned with protein and such but keep hydrated, always. Dont get down on yourself if you land back in the hospital for dehydration. It’s common and normal. Stay in contact with your surgeon and don’t hesitate to report anything happening to you that doesn’t feel right Do NOT WEIGH yourself EVERY DAY!! Stop doing it now. Post Bariatric weight loss does not happen in a smooth decline, your weight will fluctuate and it will drive you nuts if you weigh constantly. Once a week is a good idea but remember the number on that scale is just your relation to gravity, your body will be changing radically and these things happen gradually. You will lose scale weight and size sometimes separately you’ll notice your clothes fitting different even though the scale hasn’t changed. This is just the process. You may at some point need an anti depressant, hormonally you are going to feel weird and overly emotional. Don’t wait to get a little pharmaceutical assistance. It will help you get through the rough spots. There’s no shame in it. Good Luck Remember you are saving your life! This is a huge deal. But you are not taking the “easy” way (there isn’t one) and life is about to get very different. It Gets Better!

At my 6 month follow-up appointment, I confessed to my bariatric surgeon that I have been substituting herbal tea (sometimes with Stevia, sometimes without) for some of my 64 oz. of daily Water. I can only drink so much water and the tea seemed to be keeping me well hydrated. Also, I read an article that said that you could do this without consequence. Well my surgeon told me to cut it out and to only drink tea in addition to the 64 oz of water. I like to do what I'm told, but in this case, I'm feeling rebellious. What do you think? Do it the hard, boring way? Or can I continue to enjoy my daily teas?

I am currently doing my 6 month physician supervised diet. You need to see your doctor before you start the diet and each month during it for documentation. Make sure they write down that this is why you saw them. The insurance will want to see all vitals and your weight on the paperwork too. At the end you will submit seven visits to your insurance. Cigna paid for my Psych Eval and my Nutritionist visit. The nutritionist is complicated though, they have to bill it a certain way for them to pay for it though. I had a problem at first and when I explained that it was a prerequisit for the surgery they approved it. Don't let the customer service people throw you off track. I have called them a dozen times to verify my insurance to make sure things are covered and that I am doing this right and each time I call I get a different answer. So you need to ask for their policy for bariatric surgery in writing and read it yourself. As far as weight loss during the diet. My surgeon requires us to lose 10% before surgery so that is my goal during this diet. I have asked every person I have spoken to at the sugeon's office and the nutritionists office and they all have said that even if you lose during your diet the insurance will look at your starting weight and BMI from your first surgeon's visit. Some insurances even require you to lose or they won't approve you. I don't think cigna has they rule though. Good Luck all!!!

Do any of you get nauseous from your vitamins? I'm on the three part Bariatric Advantage vitamins my doctor's office recommended (Orange chewable multi 2x a day, caramel calcium citrate chew 3x a day, passionfruit chewable iron 1x a day). I had no problem with them at all the first 3 weeks. Now, all of a sudden, if I try to take them before my meal, I get violently ill, like heaving and tremendous pain. I did the obvious thing after this happened a couple of times and started making sure I take them with something on my stomach. I don't get nauseous that way, but I do get queasy. And overall, they've gone from no problem at all to something gross that I dread.

I am a 49 year old female. I am 5'2" and my high weight was 331. I was able to lose 40 pounds prior to surgery (RNY on 6/25/13), so my surgery weight was 291 pounds. I had the exact same concerns and my goal weight was 150 pounds as well. The surgeon told me that he thought I would "bottom out" at 180 and that anything beyond that would be up to me. I was determined to make this work, and get to at least the 150 mark. I am happy to report that my weight this morning was 127 pounds (my range is to maintain between 125 - 130). I have a normal BMI for the first time in my life!! It has taken work. I belong to the YMCA and work out nearly every day. I also do about a 2 mile walk nearly every day on my lunch hour. I have followed my clinic's plan as carefully as possible. I use MyFitnessPal.com to track everything I eat - even now that I have reached my goal weight. I also have a FitBit Flex that helps me track my activity and I really try for at least 10,000 steps every day. On my off days I still try to hit at least 5000 steps. I am not a work out fanatic - I actually hate exercise! I love to eat, love my carbs, love ice cream - non of that has gone away, and I have indulged on special occasions. I have lost a total of 205 pounds. I feel FANTASTIC! I had my one year visit with my bariatric doc a couple of weeks ago and she said that I can count myself as being among the 5% healthiest Americans. I take no prescription medications. My point is that if I can do this, anybody can do this! I NEVER dreamed I would reach a normal BMI and would have been thrilled to stop at 150 pounds, but the scale kept moving for me, so I kept going. Set the goal YOU want and go for it. You just don't know where this journey will take you, but I guarantee if you do the work it will be at a better place than you are at now! Carol

does anyone from Rhode island have Mariam hospital's bariatric face book address?

There are several couples in the local Bariatric Support group that I attend. Most of the couples are one who has had wls with their spouse going to the groups to support them. Maybe attending a local support group with you might help your spouse to better understand your weight loss journey.

I'm excited today because I attended my first information meeting about bariatric surgery at Kiaser. It was informative however I must say a lot of the information I knew because I been researching on this every time a question pops up in my mind. I go tomorrow to my body analysis appointment where they take a picture and weight you prior to beginning the 12 week options program. I can't believe this is all about to get in motion. As a requirement I have to loose 10% of body weight prior to surgery (29lbs) I actually think that will be the most weight I ever lost. Well just wanted to share my journey so far.

Many of us Bariatric People would. have smoother pathways if We only could Encourage 👍Our Supporters and Eliminate👎Our Detractors.

I honestly don't get the angst of your post in looking at your selections? I'm so sorry. I would truly encourage you to start working on reframing your reality and doing head work to work through the grief you are clearly feeling about the changes you chose to make to your body and how that is going to affect your eating. You don't see this now, but a year from now when you are 50-100lbs lighter, your life will be TOTALLY different! I promise. You will be able to feel how fortunate this is! I sometimes think surgeon's give you these limits not only to protect your new anatomy (you can do serious damage by challenging it too early), but also because they want us to break the cycle of using food for in a disordered pattern and putting too much importance on meal variability and too much on "food being good/yummy/comforty." In this early time you have the opportunity to lose THE MOST WEIGHT IN A MONTH you will lose in all of your WLS history. We lose the most weight in the first 2 months following surgery. So please please embrace this time. I swear, it gets SO much better if you relax into it, keep it simple, measure and log everything, but just keep it simple. You know? Keep it low low cal/meet your protein goals/keep carbs and crap out of it. I didn't have to do puree. I had to do soft foods that were chewed to puree. But here are things that would fit your reqs. All you have to do is put em in a food processor (mini chopper) and bam you're there. 1. Eggface Ricotta Bake (google it) 2. Green bean casserole (bariatric style) with canned chicken 3. Tuna casserole (bariatric style) with green beans instead of peas 4. Mexican beef with cheese or beans with cheese (too carby for me--made me hungry too soon after eating) 5. Broccoli, spinach or cauliflower pureed with light cream cheese, lemon juice, s/p/g (steam the crap out of it first) 6. Smashed cauliflower with bacon and green onions (put in a food processor) 7,. Any soup or chili made bariatric style 8. Fish in foil pouches with lemon and spices/herbs. 9. zucchini sauteed with onion, tomatoes and herbs and pureed--can add any kind of lean meat. 10. yogurt/cottage cheese blends with berries. I just ate the same things all the time in rotation usually. And the time went by quickly. Hang in there. The time does pass quickly.

I bought in the GNC store. I will have my operation in Dubai as I live in the Middle East. We can’t get all the Bariatric items here.

Take a look at bariatric foodie and also the one with the ricotta bake lol be right back with the name. world according to eggface has great recipes for every stage

I used Pinterest. There are loads of post-bariatric recipes out there.

I am a firm believer that food addiction is just like most others. With that in mind, having a slice of pizza is like “It’s just one little shot of tequila” for an alcoholic. One leads to two…and so one. I am also a firm believer that this is the main reason people gain back weight or completely fail after Bariatric surgery. It’s a constant struggle. Keeping that perspective, one slice of pizza is not worth it. I’m not perfect and will fail at times but keeping the above perspective helps to ensure I will be successful in the long run. If I tell myself that one slice is fine, I will soon convince myself that so is two.

I got this in Kindle version. There are pureed recipes in the book if it helps... Gastric Sleeve Cookbook: Easy and Delicious Recipes for Every Stage of Recovery Following Bariatric Surgery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DWJYHWV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_PZJNCbE6GGPBG

I'm using bariatric advantage its okay I have strawberry chocolate and Orange cream