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Ok, I went on a bit of a crazy spending spree this evening. I ordered from Amazon, Unjury, and Bariatric Choices and I spent, hmm, lets see, about $152! OMG! I just couldn't help myself! I ordered protein soups, protein drinks (clear kinds like Isopure and Protidiet), mixing cup, Unjury's starter pack, a portable hand mixer, etc (I have some weight watcher powder packs here that I can barely stomach because they don't mix well in my shaker bottle with the whisk ball, I am hoping the little portable mixer will do the trick). Earlier today, I bought a thermos, tea, various gummy vitamins, and crystal light water bottle packs at Target. I am SO excited and ready for this weight loss journey to begin! I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ramos Kelly on July 15th at Oasis Hospital, I will spend 2 days in the hospital and 2 nights in the hotel, although, I am thinking of staying an extra night in the Lucerna hotel for my peace of mind, "just in case". I know you understand when I say I can hardly think of anything else. They would like me to start my preop diet 2 weeks before, but I am thinking of starting 3 weeks before so I can feel even more confident. I am so proud of myself for doing this, and although I am a bit nervous, I know that I am making the right decision for me! I have a skinny, healthy person inside of me just dying to come out!

There is a series on YouTube called Fat Doctors. The name is annoying but the show is great. It follows Shore Summers and his bariatric team in England. It's kind of like My 600 lb Life it's a really great show and I'm addicted. I'm waiting for new Episodes but it gives you loads of info. I hope some of you watch. Sent from my N9132 using the BariatricPal App

I need a little help from others that have been approved with CIGNA. THIS Is the most up to date policy (see below). They actually update their policy on the 15th of July so it was revised and updated today. No changes were really made. Anyways, I do meet the requirements but my question is regarding Cigna coverage. Most plans require a monitored 3, 6 or 12 month diet/nutrition/weight loss management through PCP or somewhere similar. Cigna's policy says NOTHING about this, only that "a statement from a physician other than the surgeon, that the individual has failed previous attempts to achieve and maintain weight loss by medical management" - it gives no other requirements or indicators. I called Cigna and two different reps confirmed that it is not required. Although when I went to my Drs appointment they told me they thought it was six months worth of supervised diet! I think they are confused bc of the “within the last six months” part. SIGH! They said they will look into it more So, for those of you that have been approved in the past few months, do I have to have a letter from my primary that recommends bariatric surgery? Would this be the same letter or separate from the on where they state I have made several attempts and failed? And what did you submit/have your PCP write to say that you had failed previous attempts? Thanks in advance for your help! Sorry I just know Insurance’s are so picky! below is link to coverage https://static.cigna.com/assets/chcp/pdf/coveragePolicies/medical/mm_0051_coveragepositioncriteria_bariatric_surgery.pdf

Yes! you hit the nail on the head with that one. So excited for this new chance at life with out joint pain! I hadn't even thought about a bariatric trainer. I'm definitely going to look into that now lol

That would be nice. I called Friday to see what I needed to do from this point, and it already had a bariatric nurse working on it. Not sure if that is good or not. However she was already gone for the weekend. With it being a holiday week just not sure on turn around time.

I bought a pack of six 2 oz for when I make dairy/protein items to freeze and a pack of six 4 oz ones too. Someone privately messaged me and suggested a Zoku Slushy/Shake cup for Protein shake or juice slushies. I bought it at William-Sonoma for $15! Plus, I know my husband will use it for stuff too, so I thought it would have more than a bariatric diet purpose in my house.

Yes it is true every surgeon is different. I actually take Aleve and was only kept from it for the first three months. He wanted to wait until the healing process was complete before ok’ing it. I only take non-prescription strength and never more. I also make sure I’m eating something with it to prevent any ulcers from forming. Not to say they never will but due to my arthritis and other things, this is the only medication that has ever worked the best for me. The good thing about Aleve is you don’t need it as much or as often as your usual NSAID, but still can cause some issues. I suggest anyone who has questions about using any NSAIDs should definitely seek one on one advice first from your bariatric surgeon. Especially if you are taking more than the recommended dosage and getting Rx strengths.

Hi Ellen, I decided on the bypass with the help and guidance of my bariatric team. I have barrett's esophageus and didn't want to take the chance of continuing the side effects which include heartburn. Yes i am at the lower end of the scale but I have multiple weight related issues and have always battled with my weight. I've researched the bypass and the sleeve for over a year and have participated in group settings for 8+ months. I am ready for this life changing tool!!! I'm so new to website and am hoping that I'm replying correctly. Take care, Rachel

This is from Tiffykins........she has the best research. Hope this helps. The first links are other VSG patients that are further out. Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 2 Years on January 15, 2010 9:11 pm Diligence-is-always-required Stalls-Happen Update-from-a-2-Year-Post-Op-VSGer 2-year-surgiversary-and-feeling Two-and-one-half-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-YALL Just-Passed-My-2-Year-Surgiversary questions-for-post-ops-2-years-out-or-more 2-years-out-food-amount-info anyone-2-years-out Happy-2-year-anniversary-to-me 2-years-post-op-TODAY 2-5-Years-After-a-VSG Everday-life-at-2-5-years-out 2-1-2-year-update Has-it-really-been-2-years 2-1-2-year-update Two-Year-Surgiversary 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Two-year-surgiversary 2-and-1-2-years-later 2-years-since-my-surgery-any-advice-on-face-lift 2-year-post-op-pics Two-Years-Before-amp-After-Pic 2-year-update-portrait-of-a-heavyweight-a-bit-late Thought-you-might-enjoy-an-update-with-a-few-pics Busybusymom-is-back-2-years-post-op TWO-YEARS-BABY Any-old-timers-still-lurking-the-boards Long-term Sleeve Experiences - 3 Years on June 8, 2009 10:43 pm Three years out Three and a half years after Vertical Gastrectomy My Story A quick 2 year and 3 year VSG update Third Year Surgiversay Not always easy but always worth it Very Discouraged 3 years out Links for researching the VSG on March 15, 2009 11:18 pm Here are some links I've collected when I was researching the sleevehttp://www.asmbs.org/Newsite07/resources/Updated_Position_Statement_on_Sleeve_Gastrectomy.p df. - includes reports of early studies LapSF Educational presentation to FACS - includes some 2 year results LapSF Two Year Study LapSF Five Year Study - abstract only LapSF Five Year Study - presentation (requires Windows to play) Literature review on the sleeve - requires $$ to get the full text unfortunately (Totally worth the money) Sleeve best for over 50 crowd Video of a sleeve with lots of education discussion Video of a sleeve that is more about the operation Ghrelin levels after RnY and sleeve Ghrelin levels after band and sleeve Diabetes resolution in RnY vs. Sleeve Comparison of band to sleeve - literature review I used this website a lot. I paid for some of the full articles that grabbed my attention based on the abstracts. There are several articles that you can comb through that interest you. Once you read an abstract, on the right hand side of the page, there are other related articles listed that you may find interesting. SpringerLink - All Content Items SSAT - SSAT 2008 Annual Meeting Abstracts - Laparoscopic Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy for Morbid Obesity: a Report of a Five-Year Experience with 750 Patients</b> Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG) In Morbid Obesity: Review https://www.highbeam.com/reg/reg1.as....html&full=yes This was recommended to me for post-op options for meals, and just a guide. [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853?ie=UTF8&tag=mybiglife-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0061242853]Amazon.com: Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery (9780061242854): Susan Maria Leach: Books[/ame] [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853/][/ame] [ame=http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061242853/]Amazon.com: Before & After, Revised Edition: Living and Eating Well After Weight-Loss Surgery (9780061242854): Susan Maria Leach: Books[/ame] This one is cool because it shows a significant decrease in ghrelin with VSG patients vs. RNY patients. Weight loss, appetite suppression, and changes in ... [Ann Surg. 2008] - PubMed result Abstract on diabetes/glucose/insulin regulation with VSG vs. RNY stating that at 3 months out with the patients studied, RNY and VSG had no marked difference in improved lab results with their glucose showing that rerouting is not always necessary for resolution of this particula co-morbidity. Improvement in glucose metabolism after bariatric ... [Ann Surg. 2009] - PubMed result Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: an innovative new tool in the battle against the obesity epidemic in Canada Edit to add: If my insurance would not have come through with my revision, I would have traveled to Mexico, and my choice in surgeon was also Dr. Aceves as a revision surgeon. There are a lot of really great surgeons in Mexico and the U.S. it really all depends on your comfort level, and what you want and need from a program.

It depends on what the results say and whether or not they'd impact your surgery in any way. Mostly it won't just pop up in your bariatric surgeon's screen but he/she can see most records from any and all of your doctors and labs in the system, so you should know that if for some reason you're trying to hide the results.

Well I met with my nutritionist yesterday and it went great. What I loved about her was that she was very sensitive and understanding to what I am going through and what I have been through – finally! Someone that understands! I sat with her for about an hour and she ask me many questions on why did I decided to do the surgery now and many questions on what types of diets I have been on in the past and how long ago. She shared with me that her brother just recently went through gastric bypass, so she understands on a personal level and has consulted with many bariatric patients before and after surgery. I did share with her that I am going through some emotions concerning my relationship with food. Funny thing – she ask me – what is your favorite type of food? Well I said, “I have a lot of them” thinking of this a bit, I realized that my love for food could be related to how I am feeling at the time and totally random, so one week it could be pizza, the next can be chinese or chicken quesadillas. What seems to be going through my mind the most is - how will I ever part from all of the foods that I love? Every time I put something in my mouth – I say to myself “After surgery, you won’t be having this anymore” or “You won’t be able to drink your XL coffee from Dunkin Donuts anymore with loads of sugar” I am really having a hard time parting from the thought of separating from all of the foods that I love. While I do understand that this will be a big transition, that it will take time, It is for the benefit of a new healthier me, I am only thinking of the now….does anyone understand? This does not change my mind at all about the surgery – having the surgery is set in stone for me, but the thought of parting from my love for food has me feeling like I am attending a funeral every day.

New Jersey....has he applied for NJ medicaid yet? IN NJ, Medicaid has gotten out of the Heath Insurance business and now contracts with 4 Private ***'s...all NJ does is pay the premiums and manage the system. You need to check with Dr.'s who do Bariatric surgery and find out who accepts what ***...not all of them are good, and not all Dr.'s accept all of them. There are a few people left who are enrolled on Straight Medicaid anymore.

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

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

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 think it really depends on the surgeon. I went with one of the top bariatric surgeons in Australia, hes the one who first started using a minimally invasive method to do the surgery in Australia and trained other surgeons to do it that way. My surgeon and dietitian said its highly recommended to stay on the fluids for three weeks unless you cant tolerate the shakes. The only shake flavour ive been able to tolerate since surgery is the coffee one, the other flavours made be very nauseous, and even then having more than one of the coffee shakes per day made me nauseous. Ive mostly been living on fluids the three weeks, except for the cottage cheese every couple days. According to studies, its safe from a surgical perspective to start on puree at 5 days post op, but you dont have to if you dont want to, you can simply stay on the fluids for the three weeks. My surgery came with a complete package of the surgeon, registered nurse, dietition/nurtitionist, counselling and the fresh start program so i trust my highly experienced team who im in regular contact with. I didnt spend two years researching surgeons to just go with someone who doesnt know what theyre doing, i went with my surgeon for a reason, that hes one of the best in Australia. Im also a registered nurse so i really knew what to look out for when finding the perfect surgeon for me. Ive known some people who do 2 weeks fluids, 2 weeks puree, 2 weeks soft and then normal diet. Some ive known do only a couple days of fluids then by day 3 or 4 theyre on puree and then 2 weeks post op on a soft diet. So it really depends on the surgeon your with and who actually keeps up to date with the current research. Personally i wouldnt have gone with a surgeon who said puree at 3 days post op then soft at 2 weeks!

Hi! I'm not in KC but did travel there for sleeve on February 6 with Dr Hoehn at KC Bariatric. You will not regret it. Dr, his staff and surgical staff are beyond great!! The care I received after surgery at the surgery center was really amazing!! I can't say enough about what a great experience it was for me. I'm excited for you!!

Yes I had bariatric surgery Dec 8 2014 in Winston Salem

Glad things are going better for you. We are all so certain that "I'll be the one person in the world that this doesn't work for" that when we stall out it is frightening. Hit the Protein hard....with a small pouch you can't hold much food but you can supplement with good quality Protein drinks and bars (not grocery store stuff....good stuff made for bariatric people like us).....up around 80-100 grs/day. And eliminate the white carbs....keep even the good carbs less than 30-40 gr/day. That will keep the scale moving in the right direction.

Just an update... Dr Aceves, dr campos, staff, and Almater has been such a good experience. Everything is very well organized, staff is very attentive, and its very clean and modern. I am comforted staying in the hospital for 3 days. I had my surgery on Wednesday. I did get sick from the morphine, but that is expected for me. When I was nauseous or in pain my needs were met immediately. I was able to rest and if you need a sleeping pill just ask. I had my blue dye test yesterday. I had to nap in between drinking. I was mostly afraid of hurting my stomach. Today I had my barium swallow test. It was very cool to see. I took a big gulp and you could see it exiting my stomach. No problems. Hotel lucena was very nice. I was exhausted the first day. i couldnt sleep very well the night before leaving. Try to sleep the night before if you can. It truly will be fine . The van you take to mexicalli is a new Honda minivan. I did have to wait a little at the airport but I just called the number and let them know what I was wearing ect. I did overpack. I have been wearing pjs because I feel more comfortable. As far as pain it does hurt at time. The gas in your stomach and abs is uncomfortable but you can ask for pain meds and walk. I have been trying to stay on top of the pain.. Again just ask. I know we all have taken different paths to get to the same results. This is truly the best for me. Sorry for the rambling but ask if you have any questions! There is a bariatric wing at almater for dr aceves patients. Everyone I talk to has been wonderful and feeling good. It's nice to have this little community to recover with.

Well, about 6 weeks ago, my husband and I attended a seminar for Lap Band Solutions led by Dr. Scott Stowers. In the ensueing weeks I have found out that my insurance has an exclusion for bariatric surgery. My wonderful hubby told me that he would support what ever decision I made and would be there for me every step of the way. (I so love my hubby!) As a result, I am going to be a self-pay patient. I have my appointment with Dr. Stowers on Dec. 22nd. Hopefully my surgery will be in January. I am very excited.

My surgeon has appointments set up thusly: 2 weeks post op 6 weeks post op (when I get my first fill) 3 months post op 6 months post op 1 year post op Annually They suggest that the band will be adjusted every 6-8 weeks while I'm losing, and if I have trouble. The great thing about going to this practice is that they have a hospital floor and nursing staff dedicated to treating bariatric patients. So if I have a problem, I can go to the hospital directly and be treated by someone who is trained at addressing bariatric specific issues. (overfill, port issues, etc.) No emergency room, just call the doc and go right to the bariatric floor.

I am waiting for approval, hoping for a date in February. Just finished my 6 month "diet" required by insurance. Even though to some extent I was cutting back (lost 10 pounds) I have had so many last supper meals I can't count. The bariatric people tell you not to, but one post-op in a group said don't pay any attention to that. She ate all the stuff she knew she wouldn't be able to eat any longer, or in the quantity she was used to. I must admit I have done the same thing. I love pizza and have had more than a few these last 6 months, and spaghetti, and subs, you name it. At the same time I am working on the real issue, head hunger, trying to mentally prepare myself for the drastic change. Some days I am really good (today I am eating carrot sticks, celery sticks, snow peas with a little ranch dip, and a small can of V8 for lunch, and for a snack later instead of a snack pack full I counted 20 almonds and brought them with me. For breakfast I had a 4 oz fat free yogurt and an apple. I know it will be a while before I can eat even this stuff post op, but I am doing better than a sub by far). I am eating my way through my pantry, and once I get a date I have two weeks before and after on liquids, so I will pack up whatever is left and give to a food pantry. Bottom line is, you are normal as far as I can tell. We really need to look at the addictive behavior that makes us eat so much bad stuff.

You know the sad part is from what I can tell just reading these post, you don't have any support system within your surgeons office. First of all, patients at my center can go to the bariatrics coordinator once a week for a one on one, usually lasts about 5 min. You are weighed, blood pressure taken, asked questions and if you are not losing, she interpets what is going on. If she thinks you need a fill then she sets it up, if she thinks something else is going on like sugar resistance (why some people are slow losers) then she works with you about the types of food you eat. I've beeing going once a week (for the most part) for 2 1/2 years and am told I can do this forever. I just hate it when a bandsters is just hung out there on their own but it does seem to be the rule not the exception. I wish the best for all of you, I truly do.

Thanks for the replies. I thought it might be the dehydrating factor. I also think the acid on the tummy could be a problem. I read on the website for Northwestern Bariatric Surgery, to just limit yourself to 4 oz. a day. I think that was after 4-6 months. I'm 6 wks out and ready to fix me a cuppa java. ( : I miss my caffiene!