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Hello. I was sleeved on the 3/29 by Dr. Bernie Hanna. He has a support group, you may go even if he's not your doctor. I asked for thistimeisit. Next 2 meetings are at desert springs hospital 10 am May 12 and June 9. I think I'm out of town both those days. So maybe I'll meey some of you July 14. You can also google las vegas bariatrics for more dates. Please let me know of any other local groups or sleeve events. I'm thinking a clothing party would be fun!

Going to the gym 2weeks after surgery? Have you checked this with your surgeon or bariatric team? From my readings, most surgeons seem to advise 6-8 weeks no gym or heavy exercise. I appreciate walking on a treadmill might not be heavy work, but still worth checking with your doctor.

I can't speak for the type of WLS you are considering, but I would never have had a lapband had I known I'd develop complications from it. (Obviously.) But for those who are complication-free, WLS is a game-changer and a life-enhancer. My advice for those considering WLS is be smart. Find the best, most-experienced bariatric practice. Do hours of research. Learn about all complications and ask yourself if you can live with any/all of them, compared with how you are living now. Demand 100% compliance from yourself, and be ready for this. You cannot game WLS and expect a the kind of outcome you want.

I can relate to these posts. When I had my first band placed, a day or two out of the hospital and I was at home, I discovered itchy little bumps filled with Fluid. Wouldn't you know it was a Saturday. I thought I would go insane with the itching. I also took Benydryl. Nothing I took made a difference. It was on a Sunday when it was really getting bad so I called my dermatologist, internist, and bariatric surgeon. Do not take a hot or overly warm shower. It made it worse! I would put the shower on my chest but it just pounded with pain. I was bent on going to the ER with it but my dermatologist told me to come in the following morning. I seemed to make it barely through the night without going to the ER. She treated me for the rash. I think she put my anti-biotics and a rash cream. To this day, I do not know what caused it. My doctors came up with all kinds of reasons. In my heart of hearts, I really thought I was allergic to the band! It was a foreign object and plastic that maybe my body was rejecting. I was thinking some pretty strange things. After the rash left, my internist said it could have been from being put under (the drugs they used) or the pain medication in the hospital. I took no pain medication after my surgery so that could not have been it. I have had four prior surgeries on my knees and I never had a reaction like that before. It really freaked me out. My dermatologist is the one who treated me. I went around and around on the phone with my internist. They thought maybe I caught something in the hospital. It finally went away but I will never forget that itching. I was so miserable! I would suggest if its driving absolutely mad, to go to the ER otherwise hang in there until your doctor can look at it. Good luck! Please post again to tell us how you are doing.

You can also buy it from the Bariatric Pal store. You get points for posting in the forum, so it can lead to a substantial discount

We are still looking to add more March 2016 Sleevers to our Facebook page. The page is marked as secret so you can't search for it but if you send me your facebook email address I can invite you. I am having real trouble getting into Bariatric pals today so you can either send me your FB email at my private message here or to dieselgal@twc.com

Hi all, my name is Janet and i am a band-failure. :-( i got banded in 2008, lost about 30 pounds total and then started regaining. I've had four fills but have never felt really restricted. I have yoyo-ed up and down the same 10 to 15 pounds for the last few years and have been at my heaviest weight ever for a while. i have an appointment for a consult set for 10/3 at the same place i was banded...they now have a new medical director and some new aftercare stuff going. they're a center of excellence in bariatric surgery so i'm not worried much about that aspect. what I AM worried about is that i'm going to be told NO. if you failed with the band why should we revise to a sleeve etc etc?? I am soooooo sick of feeling like crap. I am nearly 200 lbs overweight. my legs hurt. i don't want to do anything or go anywhere that isn't my job. i am ashamed of the way i look. i am so self concious. any tips for my consult? i just want to get this done, start losing and start living.

Hello, SunnyRachel! I just posted before regarding chewing. It's so important, I see. I'm really trying! As far as the breads go... I decided to give them up now, the conventional loaf breads anyway. I've been doing wraps. I would like to give that up eventually as well and just roll my sandwiches in lettuce leaves. My downfall is RICE. I'm Asian and grew up on it. I can eat it with ANY meal, any time of the day or night. It was a staple in our house rather than a side dish. I've almost given up the white rice :cursing:. I'll still have it every once in a while. I eat brown rice and though it just okay, it really doesn't replace the white stuff. I really appreciate your honesty. I want to know the plain truth about everything! It looks as if you are doing well. Not one of my friends know what I'm doing. As a matter of fact, the only one I'm talking to about this is a coworker whom I've only known for about 6 months. She has weight issues as well. She is not overweight by any means, but she can have the potential. She works out constantly and always watches what she eats. Her hubby went thru gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago so she is able to give me a fresh point of view... being the spouse of someone who has had bariatric surgery. She's been a wonderful supporter and I vent to her when I am stressing. I will be sure to look for you now when I need to discuss or vent! Good luck to you as well and keep up the great work!

I never had any need for bariatric-specific treatment post-op. I had lots of questions, but those were all easily handled via phone, email, or Skype with my surgical team. The only physical follow-up I've needed is blood work and monitoring of my vitals, which my PCP has had no trouble handling. I had visits and blood work with my PCP at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and now just as part of my annual physical.

I had the exact same problem. I was in Virginia when I had my first surgery. They took me to the operating room and unfortunately they couldn't do it since my liver was enlarged. When I went to sacramento to see dr. Eslami in sacramento Slimlifesolutions.com he operated on me three months later and I got my sleeve. I think it all depends in surgeons experience. The only thing is I had to pay cash since my insurance didn't cover here in ca. I'm so happy with the surgery and so thankful to dr. Eslami. I was informed that having enlarge liver is common and happens in over weight patients. I would recommend dr. Eslami he's a great bariatric surgeon. I don't know where you live but you should check out their website. Mary, Love my new life

Here's a link to BCBS of GA's medical policy. Do you know if your individual plan has an exclusion for Bariatric Surgery? https://www.bcbsga.com/medicalpolicies/policies/mp_pw_a053317.htm

I am surprised you can drink so fast so soon after surgery. Has it been that way since day 1? I am not sure why you are so hungry, other than what is often called, "head hunger". In other words, are you really hungry, or is it your mind, so used to relying on food that it tells you you need to eat. I would recommend talking to your bariatric team and getting some therapy around food issues, if you haven't yet. It helps!

You are getting advice from some Very Wise Folks here! I'm a recovering binge eater too. I was bulimic for 15 years then 'upgraded' to the binging only. :-) Vsg has been an excellent tool for me so far. My tastes have changed, esp with regard to sweets and chocolate. I actually took a bite of my song's Bosco stick the other night and ended up spitting it back out. Weird, funky, yeast nastiness. It's literally just how I felt when I was pregnant, during my first trimester. I have had a few minor binges, but we're talking a tiny fraction of what it used to be. Not be able to alternate between sweet and savory REALLY puts a damper on things for me. I used to chase pizza with soda or ice cream. Now I cant imagine the stomach discomfort of drinking soda, and ice cream just reminds me of a frozen protein shake! Who needs that? Of course, the head hunger issues have to be dealt with constructively. After all, I just spent 45 years medicating all possible unpleasant emotions with food. Now I do things like getting on Bariatric Pal. I also find that exercise, my increasing strength, huge decrease in physical pain, better sleep, and increasing confidence are fantastic mood boosters. I am so glad I made this radical commitment to my health!

Hello! I have my coverage book right here and all it says it "Bariatric surgery is covered at no more than $7,500 at an approved facility and $1,500 at a non approved facility." So I do understand what is covered, but I'm posting trying to find ideas on contracted surgeon, and find out the approval process. There are SO many different kinds of insurances with this company, it's crazy! lol

If you pick a good shake that's has lots of vitamins and minerals I think it shouldnt be a problem. But again I'm not a Dr. I had to do a two week 4-5 shakes a day plus clear liquids. I started that around 316 and the morning of surgery (12/10) I was 300.1. So almost 16lbs in 14 days. The shakes they put me on were Bariatric advantage and I had to purchase the through my center. They were ok. They got kinda thick upon blending and yiu could doctor them up with fruits and sf syrups. But Dr said it definitely did my liver some good Good luck to you and always check with surgeon first.

Dr. Laura Carmina Cardenas in Tijuana has done a lot of plastic surgery for massive weight loss patients (in fact, she's a bariatric patient herself and she specializes in plastic surgery for bariatric patients). Dr. Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey also specializes in massive weight loss patients and has done many of us WLS patients. there used to be a nationally-known plastic surgeon in San Antonio who specialized in WLS patients, too, but he retired a year or two ago. there are lots of plastic surgeons in Miami and it's one of the cheaper areas in the country to have it done, but I don't know any names. There are people on here who've had their surgeries done there, though, so they may respond. Just be sure to go with someone who either specializes in massive weight loss patients or, at minimum, has at least done a boatload of them. It's a complicated surgery, so you want someone who's had a lot of experience with it.

Yes, yes, yes!! Actually, my clinic has monthly meetings and invites speakers. One of the most interesting was from a personal trainer who offered specialized and modified exercises (like from a chair instead of the floor, etc) and equipment (that he designed himself (mostly just extensions to machines, etc) and the other was from a yoga instructor specializing in modified yoga for 'round bodies'--also from a chair--because many obese folk have knee problems and can't kneel. My guess is if you contact the local Bariatric clinics with a viable exercise plan and modifications to suit the patients/client as they are now and as they lose weight, you will be welcomed with open arms. Go!! Ducati Bonnie

Unlike other WLS, lapband usually does not mess with absorption of nutrients because you have not had any anatomy removed. Like the above poster stated, most traditional Vitamins are huge, which poses a problem for someone who can only swallow certain sizes. Also, bariatric vitamins do have a lot of extra nutrients compared to traditional vitamins. Some people at restriction cannot eat such a varied diet that is necessary to get all the different nutrients, so Vitamin supplements would be important there as well. My surgeon said I could use Centrum chewables and do a Calcium chew daily.

Could it be the acid from the OJ? Can you have a banana instead? I ask only cause I want to know what other options I or others may have when we get to your stage of the "renewal"

Just saw this recipe at Bariatric Eating website., Maybe it will help, Most italian restaurants will usually have this or variation of this on their menu. Seafood in Tomato - Fra Diavola When we traveled to San Francisco for the bariatric surgeons’ convention, we sampled lots of fresh local seafood served simmered in traditional tomato based sauces such as this one. You can use mussels and shrimp as I have chosen for this version, or create your own favorite, using scallops, crab, or even a whole fish filet or cubes of a firm fish such as swordfish or mahi. I serve this delectable seafood and sauce in a deep bowl with a sprinkle of flat leaf parsley and plenty of crusty sourdough for the family. 12 garlic cloves, chopped (about 1/3 cup) 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1/4 cup olive oil One 28-ounce can whole tomatoes in purée 2 tablespoons tomato paste ½ teaspoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 cup white wine or chicken broth Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 pound mussels 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and cleaned Cook garlic and red pepper flakes in oil in a deep covered heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring, until fragrant but not browned, about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes with purée, tomato paste, oregano, basil, and wine. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, until sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, increase heat under sauce to medium high, add shrimp and mussels, cover and cook until mussels are open wide, checking frequently after 3 minutes. (Discard any mussels that remain unopened after 6 minutes.)Serve immediately. Per serving: Calories 310, fat 16gr, carbs 8.5gr, Protein 28gr Serves 4 http://www.bariatriceating.com/BErecipes/recipefiles/fish--seafood/seafood-in-tomato--fra-diavola/163/index.html

Hi all! Finally i have my first appointment with Dr. Schweitzer at Johns Hopkins bariatric center. I am wondering if any member has had surgery with him, if so, any feedback? Thanks! Karen

Hi All, Someone posted this website on our Bariatric forum, so I thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Viki and I had the lapband in January 2006. I've only lost 50 lbs since then, but it's 50 lbs I'm happy with. Now I've got to lose some more, but an at a plateau and can't get out. I exercise 3-5 days a week in the summer and 6 days a week in the winter. I'm going this Friday to have my band refilled and will probably get it tighter. How tight is everyone's bands????? how many cc's does everyone have???? Maybe mine isn't tight enough yet.

Hey it's all good now, felt good from last surgery on. A bariatric pioneer did my surgery and accidents happen. Before my surgery, I had never been in the hospital before, always felt food until the last year before my surgery, then struggled with knee problems, foot problems, diabetes 2, but all that is gone now.

This will give you an idea of what food will look like. The link is to the local WLS dieticians recipes. http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/

I had my surgery on 08/20/07, I lined up one of the best doctors of Bariatrics in Missouri. 5 weeks later I awoke from a medicinal induced coma in ICU. My Laproscoptic procedure failed when my surgeon accidentally cut my colon and didn't know it. I was in recovery when my wife asked a nurse if the drainage bag was supposed to be red like blood. Yes yes she answered, at three the next morning my surgeon called her and said I was in trouble and he doesn't think he'll be able to save me. However I suppose it wasn't my time, I kept right on breathing, my wife said my blood pressure got down to 60/32 but it was there. The surgeon, of course, had to open me from sternum to belly button and for five weeks they just used some kind of hose to temporarily close me up, because they packed and changed salt packs in me about three times a day the 5 weeks I was out. After sewing me up the final time, I developed leaking fistulas, meaning I could drink a glass of Water and see it leak out of my tummy after it's trek down my gullet. My surgeon sent me to a rehab facility soon afterwards to die. Even the most seasoned doctor was surprised I hadn't kicked the bucket. One young dynamo told me they had just gotten back from a large doctor gathering in Phoenix the night before, and I was the topic of conversation! Anyway, the rehab hospital had never had a bariatric patient before so with my leaking fistulas they had me eating the same thing as everyone else. I got stronger, they pulled the god awful trach thing out of my neck, I must've sounded like a monster to my children! However, the fistulas continued to leak my bile from my innards and being horizontal, the bile kept my skin from healing. Two emergency surgeries at a large famous hospital next door (w/out) my wife's permission or knowledge led her to talk my original surgeon to transfer me back to University of Missouri Med Center. While there I was visited by Dr James Kraatz (my absolute hero), he said he thought he could fix me up, stop the fistulas, 50/50 chance. Okie dokie, when do we get started. This was in December of 2007. He transferred me to the Burn and Wound ICU (wonderful place!). I had my first surgery in December, stay in hospital thru January. He sent me home with intravenous feeding, (nothing by mouth for 5 months), and a drain (nasty). Lots of great medicine!! In June of 2008, he operated and fixed my fistulas and sent me home with a wound vac, I never leaked again but was fearful for months and uber careful. (He had to wait for 6 mos. for the final surgery because of the trauma inside me from the previous 25 surgeries.) I never had the dramatic weight loss that most people experience with gastric bypass. Today I weigh 280, 100 pounds lighter, no diabetes, but hypoglycemia. No joint pain, reminders are a big honking scar on my gut, I've thought about tattooing it as a tree of life. People ask me if I'd do the surgery again, of course I wouldn't knowing how it turned out, if I told you it wasn't hell I'd be lying. Am I satisfied today, I'm satisfied with living.