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Check out all the bariatric pal surgeons they have several choices for you. I had my surgery through them and could not be happier. They take such great care of you that I remember the whole thing as much as a wonderful vacation as a trip for surgery.

I'm a 34yr male. 6'1 and currently weighing 225 pounds. I had succesful lap band surgery in march 2007 and lost 80 pounds. From 265 went down to 185. I had maintained overall weight loss success until sometime last year in january 2014 when i started to notice the GERD getting worse and also some weight gain. For the first time in 5 years when i hit the scale i saw numbers over the 200 range. I started to worry because i knew something was not right. Got an upper GI series done and all it showed was mild pouch dilation. Doctor left band as is and never suggested any course of treatment for the dilation and for the GERD. Fast forward now to 2015 and I seeked a second opinion from another surgeon. Surgeon performed an EGD and it shows that there is band slippage, gastritis and presence of GERD. Surgeon suggested a revision for the lap band and to convert it to either a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Insurance has approved the revision but need guidance or help in deciding which one is better for me. I see soo many mix responses from people suggesting or prefering one over the other. I will say that yes the band did work for me and do its job. It improved my health alot but now is the GERD that is just kicking me in the rear end very bad. Like stated before I weight 225 now and for the long term success and achivement I'm undecided as to what procedure is more suited for me at this point of my life. I do need the surgery to aliviate the discomfort plus without any bariatric procedure on me I would go back to how i was prior to the lapband. I tried it all before deciding doing bariatric surgery in 2007. Thank you.

I am a RnY, healing slowly post-surgery on September 5th, on Stage 2, 600-800 calories which is truly deficent for proper needs. My bariatric team knows, I see surgeon again on October 9th and am scheduled for an Exploratory EGD on October 12th, I am tolerating soups, broth, liquids but my pouch does not accept purees. Maybe a slight stricture, But that is a bypass problem, not only sleevers regularly encounter. Until you restart solid foods, I doubt you'll reach 1000 calories,but then i, too, am learning as I go. And I do take, viscerally multi-vites, B12 (sublingual) calcium citrate, magnesium and all ordered meds including Zofran. I am losing weight, 22 pounds post-surgery, which is glorious for a 72 year old metabolism, usually the same rate as a sick depressed sea slug, but anxious for more good times to roll.😜🎪📍🚩🎃

What an amazingly strong woman you are. I'm in awe. That is why it's so unfair for others to judge based on what they see. I've met so many fabulous folks on this site and we all talk about our challenges and struggles and not giving in to them yet others see us as fat and lazy. It just makes me mad... Oh and your auto immune disorder....same here. All this time, I was told to lose the weight and my knees would feel better. Well...I lost the weight and got worse. Finally I went to the surgeon who was convinced I had hip trouble, not knee trouble and oh boy was he right. Turns out I have osteo-necrosis which is compromised blood flow resulting in dead bone. It's likely a combination of some auto-immune disease that they are still trying to identify along with genetic pre-disposition. So much for being heavy. Yes...I'm better and healthier at this weight. I'm not sorry I had the band...not sorry at all. But same as you, this was not all obesity related. Though all of my doctor are very supportive of my getting WLS. Your doctor is just showing how ignorant he/she is by telling you to do it the old fashioned way. No sorry...it's not ignorant. It's stupid. Good luck to you. We are here to support you. Part of my problem is I have always tried to be the strong one, and instead of saying I'm hurting, or I'm sad I would just eat. You know the old joke about having a child inside screaming to get out, but you can shut it up with Cookies? Sadly that was my reality. My sleeve really truly saved my life. I'm blessed with an amazing general physician, an excellent bariatric team, and a supportive family. I don't know what I would have done without that trifecta. When I was using my old doctor (the one that didn't support the sleeve idea) I really felt as if I would die if I didn't make a change. I started seeing a new doctor, she not only suggested the sleeve, but sent me to the surgeon that I ended up using. And they keep very close tabs on my labs, both offices share any results with the other. It's nice to have a doctor on my side, that actually cares about my health. It's funny my mom also sees the same dr, and I was in the office last week with her, she was getting cleared to have a minor knee surgery, and my dr that I haven't seen since early feb noticed my haircut right away. My own daughter took several hours to notice it, and my sister has yet to realize it was cut. LOL, but my dr noticed, and complimented on it right away. She also said it hides my hairloss very very well. It's nice to have her know my first name without a chart in hand, and she remembers my medical issues. She even remembered to ask me about my shoulder/knee pain. My mom and I have different last names, so I know that didn't give my name away, like I said she knew my first name off the top of her head. It's a really big practice, and I've only been there 1 year.

Next month I will Celebrate my 2 year surgiversary and I'm not happy with my current weight...but I am working on it. I've gained 8 pounds in less then two months. I am now wearing size 12. I was happy at size 10 but my goal size is an 8. I am not too concerned w/the numbers on the scale but more interested in the size I wear. Last week I had my 2 year f/u with my bariatric team and requested the RMR test ( basically this test determines how many calories I can eat to maintain and to lose weight). When I first had the test done I was at my heaviest and was told to lose, I had to stay under 1600 calories. I expected the amount of allowable calories to be less (since I lost weight) but to my dismay, it went down to 1000-1200 calories to lose and 1300-1600 to maintain. It was a significant drop, my exercise physiologist was also surprised and said it was more then he wanted. He was hoping for 1400 calories. I also lost more muscle mass. Admittedly, using weights was a hit or miss for me. After reviewing my exercise plan, turns out I was not working out at my target heart rate. He suggested I work out 3 to 4 days a week and make sure I stay within my target rate. Additionally, two of the four days should include weight training w/intervals of Hiit training. I've heard of target heart rate but had no idea how important it was nor did I realize how important weight training is to keep my metabolism revved up. I share what I've been told to help those battling regain. Takeaway: * be mindful of your target heart rate * incorporate weights It's definately not a one plan fits all but an option. I'm also curious if anyone has had a repeat RMR & what was their result?

ASMBS Guidelines/Statements Safer through surgery: American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery statement regarding metabolic and bariatric surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic Executive Council of ASMBS Published: June 05, 2020 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soard.2020.06.003 The surgical treatment of obesity and its complications has been postponed in many parts of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the postponements for nonurgent surgical treatment of many other human conditions and disease processes. Many have characterized bariatric and metabolic surgery along with cosmetic plastic surgery as clear-cut examples of elective procedures that must be postponed during COVID-19. Some U.S. states have included these types of procedures in their state-wide order as examples of “elective” surgical procedures that should be the last to be restarted. For those who define “elective” surgery as not necessary or optional, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS) asserts that metabolic and bariatric surgery is NOT elective. Metabolic and bariatric surgery is medically necessary and the best treatment for those with the life-threatening and life-limiting disease of severe obesity. The definition of elective in the Merriam-Webster dictionary is “relating to, being, or involving a non-emergency medical procedure and especially surgery that is planned in advance and is not essential to the survival of the patient.” Metabolic and bariatric surgery is life-saving surgery, with multiple studies confirming the survival benefit for patients treated by surgery over those treated without surgery [1]. Metabolic and bariatric surgery creates long-term changes in metabolism and reduces or eliminates multiple serious obesity-related diseases improving long-term health and quality of life as well as survival. The ASMBS supports the use of the term “medically necessary time-sensitive surgery,” as proposed by Prachand et al. [2], or “medically necessary nonemergent surgery,” as far superior to the term “elective” surgery and what it connotes. Metabolic and bariatric surgery should be restarted when it is safe to do so. The ASMBS disagrees with the concept that bariatric surgery should be postponed until the pandemic is declared over. The global nature of the pandemic, the potential for a second wave or persistent ongoing infection in some parts of the world, along with more traditional risks, such as annual influenza outbreaks, make postponement potentially indefinite. There is clear evidence bariatric surgery improves survival [1] and significantly improves the disease of obesity and several critical obesity-related conditions (including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular events). Obesity and obesity-related diseases have been identified as independent risk factors for adverse outcomes in COVID-19 infection [3], including need for intubation, ventilatory support, intensive care unit care, and mortality. From a patient-centered and public health standpoint, it is critical to resume metabolic and bariatric surgery. We also understand that obesity and related diseases are the same risk factors that must be taken into consideration for temporarily postponing bariatric surgery in certain higher-risk subsets of patients. The risks and benefits at that particular time for that specific patient need to be carefully considered. Factors to consider in making that decision also include the local prevalence of COVID-19, the availability of testing, the available resources, including hospital beds, ventilators, and personal protection equipment, as well as strategies to protect healthcare workers and patients. However, delay in the life-saving surgical treatment of obesity and its complications for many months or years is not in the best interest of our patients. The ASMBS has advocated for many years that patients suffering from the disease of obesity and its many serious associated diseases should strongly consider metabolic and bariatric surgery as a life-changing intervention that improves health, quality of life, and long-term survival. COVID-19 is the most recent of many diseases in which underlying obesity worsens the prognosis. Before COVID-19 began, it was clear that patients with obesity were “safer through surgery.” In the era of COVID-19, “safer through surgery” for patients with obesity may prove to be even more important than before. PIIS155072892030318X.pdf

Hi everyone, I am so glad I found this site. My name is Dona Cross. I am a married mother of three. My kids are 21, 19 and soon to be 18. Two oldest are sons, youngest a daughter. I am 48 years old and morbidly obese. Morbidly obese sounds horrifying....I thought I was just fat! Anyway, I have been preparing for lap band since January 2008. In September of 2007 I found out that I have diabetes. This didn't come as a surprise to me...my brother and 6 first cousins are diabetic, my grandmother was also. My sons weighed 10lb. 3oz. and 10 lb. 11 oz. at birth. We thought my daughter was tiny; she weighed 8 lbs. 14 oz.! After the diagnosis of diabetes I got serious about my health. I don't want to be one of those old ladies in the nursing home weighing 270 lbs. with no legs having to have overworked and underpaid CNA's taking care of me. So, I went to a lap band seminar, got my doctor's wholehearted approval and started meeting requirements for surgery. I have documented diet and exercise requirements almost done and received a O.K. from my insurance to have the psych. eval. After that, my bariatric clinician will set up my pre-op requirements. I am so excited about this. I have tried not to have unrealistic expectations, but I am looking forward to good health again. I am so happy to have contact with others who are experiencing the same journey. Some of my friends are not as supportive as I would have hoped they would be. They think I should just go to Weight Watchers and the gym and I will be fine. Don't they think I've tried that? I do however have a supportive family and an amazing church family to help me. Anyway, thanks in advance for your support. I'm looking forward to making new friends.

Actually, I postponed it. There has been so much drama involving the Midwest Institute of Bariatric Surgery that I have been going through that I have chosen to seek my surgery elsewhere. Nothing like waiting till the 11th hour huh? lol! I have reasons to believe that they falsified some documentation that they submitted to my insurance company for the approval and don't want to take my chances of it not getting paid for post surgery! So we're looking at the entire approval process again. Hope to have surgery by February/March. Thanks again to everyone for your support!

I'm doing my surgery at one hospital, which requires bloodwork, endoscopy, psych assessment, nutritionist visits, and six months of visits. Because it's not super-convenient for me to get to, I decided to do my endoscopy with a doctor that is in the hospital's network, but closer to where I live. She was really surprised that I didn't need a sleep study, pulmonologist clearance, stress test, and cardiology clearance (and, oddly, repeatedly asked ME why all of this wasn't required, even though I am definitely not the one deciding on what the program's requirements are or knowing what their rationale is?). I imagine, they'll do whatever clearance they need at the pre-op testing once the surgery date is set, like I've had done for other surgeries. But I'm curious if others have had to do sleep studies, go see a pulmonologist, and a cardiologist, prior to the hospital's regular pre-op testing? She did tell me, after questioning why I was having the surgery because my BMI is borderine (I have other health issues) that I would have to have the endoscopy at the hospital (a different one from where I'm having the surgery) instead of as an outpatient because I'm "pre-bariatric," though someone else I know who saw a different doctor with similar BMI within the same network who was not "pre-bariatric" was able to get it done in the their outpatient center. She told me it was a liability issue. Have others found the same?

The battle I had with my weight was life long and mine alone. I didn't start by going to my general doc, I started with researching and finding a good surgeon first. The team of folks at my bariatric center helped and supported me with every step. The first step was attending a group info session and then I made a follow up appointment with the surgeon I picked. At that follow up appointment I asked him to refer me to a general doc for follow up. I did that b/c I assumed any doc he would send me to would be supportive of the surgery and worked well with his team. That certainly was the case. The bariatric center did everything insurance wise! I did call my insurance company first to find out the general benefits but nothing else after that. The center just gave me instructions of what to do next - which was see a ton of different doctors and take a bunch of tests but it was all worth it. It really got me in the right mindset to make it all work. TLDR; find a good surgery/bariatric center and they will be all the support you need! Good LUck!

They will have you attend a bariatric seminar. There they will weigh you in and education on the process. They took my insurance info that day too. Usually bariatric teams include a group of people who just work onyour approval process

HI Everyone, :laugh: I am really really struggling...I am seriously having the fight the insurance co & my PCP blues. Pasted below is draft copy of a letter that I am working on to send to the insurance co. and maybe even the insurance consumer division. Although a really tight squeeze for now, I am working on Plan B. Dr. Alvarez in Mexico, 9750 for sleeve. Here struggling...having gained 18 pounds since September 15--all of my clothes are fitting way way way toooooo tightly! Bumming Here's my letter! I just dont know what to do.... Any insight is greatly appreciated! I am not sure if I should be outright saying I want to request an appeal or just asking for an update. Please review and give me your insight. Thanks! Group/ID Number: XOH842901948/H06800 Primary Care Physician: Dr. Derek Kelly Diagnosis: 278.01 Morbid Obesity Procedure: 99241 Office Consultation Referred For: Office Consultation Requested: 12/9/08 Denied: 12/9/08 Services Requested: Consult with Dr. Vitello for a Sleeve Gastrectomy Referral Authorization No. 23,562'Denied (Referral Denied'This is a request for an out of network non-contracted provider with Managed Health Care Associates Managed Health Care Associates 2740 W. Foster Avenue, Suite 411 Chicago, Il 60625 FAX: 773-271-0264 Illinois Department of Insurance Consumer Division 100 W. Randolph Street Suite 15-100 Chicago, IL 60601 Greetings I a writing to formally request an updated status of the referral decision rendered in December 2008. First of all, the services requested are inaccurate. Since October 2007, Dr. Derek Kelly has provided referral authorizations for me to see Dr. Vitello regarding lapband adjustment. From October 2007 until September 2008, I visited Dr. Vitello for lapband adjustments and presented with complications of my adjustments on a monthly basis. Resultingly, September 2008, I had to have emergency surgery to remove my lapband due to slippage. I followed up with post-operative care with Dr. Vitello, who then consulted with me regarding revisional bariatric surgery. In the interim, I informed Maria, of Dr. Kelly's office and contacted the BCBS of IL to be advised of my benefits coverage and protocol for seeking revisional surgery. At that time, I was advised of the criteria for coverage, which I meet now and did so at the time of request, and advised Maria of the same. She advised me to have Dr. Vitello submit the referral authorization and that she would handle the request, as she had handed the processing of all of my prior referral authorizations to Dr. Vitello. Upon mutual interest, Dr. Vitello petitioned for referral authorization for revisional bariatric surgery, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. My last follow up appointment with Dr. Vitello was October 31 and the referral authorization was submitted twice by Dr. Vitello's staff (University of Illinois at Chicago) before warranting a response by the Managed Care Group. This petition submitted in full disclosure, my operative and post-operative reports and medical necessity substantiating the need for the procedure. According to my insurance terms, bariatric surgery is a covered benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary; this is furthered for revisional bariatric surgery with indication that as long as the first bariatric surgery was medically necessary, there is no waiting period for clearance for the authorization of a revisional surgery. Additionally, according to my policy's terms and conditions, I have been advised of the following: Repeat of a covered bariatric surgery may be eligible for coverage only when ALL of the following criteria are met: For the original procedure, patient met all of the screening criteria, including BMI requirements The patient has been compliant with a prescribed nutritional and exercise program following the original surgery Significant complications or technical failure (i.e., slippage, etc.) of the bariatric surgery has occurred that required take down or revision of the original procedure that could only be addressed surgically Patient is requesting reinstitution of an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Dr. Vitello submitted his referral authorization to Dr. Derek Kelly indicating my request to reinstitute an acceptable bariatric surgical modality, vertical sleeve gastrectomy. On December 9, I received paperwork advising of a decision of denial for a consultation. It indicated the denial was based on the fact that the services are available in-network and the request was from a non-contracted provider. The basis of this claim request for out-of-network coverage is due to this surgical procedure being revisional bariatric surgery, which is an acceptable bariatric surgical modality. Secondly, the letter advised of an alternative for the non-approved service, to contact Dr. Kelly for a referral to an in-network specialist. On December 15, 2008, I met with Dr. Kelly in follow-up to the denial. Dr. Kelly advised that he needed to submit supplemental supportive documentation along with the referral for processing to secure an affirmative decision. Dr. Kelly then proceeded to review my operative report records from the surgery and reviewed my other health records in my medical file and interviewed me regarding my health status. Dr. Kelly indicated this procedure should take approximately 30 days maximum and to anticipate an affirmative response to proceed with revisional bariatric surgery and that I had his medical support in substantiating the medical need. I have been waiting since December 15, 2008 and to date am more frustrated now than ever. For the past 2.5 months, I have meticulously called Dr. Kelly's office regarding a status update. Maria, the administrative assistant, has provided several updates. The updates have included the fact that the previous medical director retired and was replaced and the new director was then on vacation, to the medical director making request for additional paperwork (which was submitted), to the medical director needing to meet with Dr. Kelly regarding the details of the approval process for this type of referral authorization, to the medical director and Dr. Kelly being unable to meet to further discuss the nature of my referral, to Brenda communicating that there was never a properly submitted referral from Dr. Kelley to the Managed Care group which resulted in the initial denial decision. In my first direct contact with Brenda Blazek, the Referral Coordinator who signed the referral denial letter, she claimed to know nothing regarding my case and further indicated that there was no documentation in my file. When I followed up with Maria with Dr. Kelley's office, she advised that Brenda did not find any information in my file because all of the information was being held by the medical director. Whatever the real case is, this is neither professional nor acceptable in accordance to my patient's rights under section 502(a) of ERISA. Just yesterday, I called and spoke with Maria five times to get an updated status, to exhaustedly be declined, yet promised an update by the end of the work day. I have not spoken with Maria, nor have I missed an update call from Maria. This has been my experience for the last 2.5 months. Below is an excerpt of the fax sent to Dr. Kelly, which was confirmed as received by Maria on February 5, 2009. Maria, I would like to reiterate that on 12/9 the referral authorization stated that the procedure, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, is a covered benefit in-network; however my request was to have the procedure done by an out of network provider. Additionally, this was confirmed by Tammy on yesterday at 12:50 with Blue Cross Blue Shield that this is a covered medical benefit as long as it is deemed medically necessary. My appointment with Dr. Kelly in December was to have provided me with a specialist referral to have the procedure done or we could have executed an appeal. I think Dr. Kelly submitted an appeal for coverage of the procedure; however, I am requesting to have this surgical procedure done by Dr. Vitello or be advised of the in-network provider who can perform this surgical procedure. Even in accordance to the appeals process, the timeline has been elongated to address issue of medically necessity when that is not the matter'the issue is approval for out-of network coverage or referral to an in-network specialist. I hope this clarifies the situation more. I will call you tomorrow to see if you have an updated response. Additionally, I was contacted by the non-contracted provider's office as a follow-up to the request in January and February. Last week, I advised them of the insurance referral hassle that I have been experiencing and they formally resubmitted their request, directly to Dr. Kelly (attention Maria), to the medical director of the Managed Care Group and to Brenda Blazek. To date, no response has been received; however, they have confirmed receipt of such documentation. Resultingly, I am assuming that since the only official documentation I have received to date is the referral denial, then I am evoking my patient right to request an appeal, specifically an expedited appeal process. However, I am highly dismayed because Dr. Kelly advised that there would be no need to execute an appeal. I would like to seek clarity first on the status and if this is in order, I would like to request an activation of the appeals process and under separate cover I will or will have my attorney to handle the appeals process. Before escalating to that level, I am very much interest in seeking resolve immediately. If and when I need to activate an appeal, I am requesting an expedited appeal process because my health at this point is continually declining and it is therefore imminent and serves my best interest to not further jeopardize my quality of life by waiting for a decision. Since December, the following symptoms I have presented: my breathing has become labored and therefore results in extreme shortness of breath my severe obstructive sleep apnea condition has worsened (hypopnea with severe oxygen desaturation) my acid reflux has returned my amenorrhea has returned and I have again began experiencing tumultuous joint, knee and lower back pains __________________ Originally posted at www.lapbandtalk.com

I have a silly question...those of you with no weight related conditions and a low bmi...how the heck did you get approved for coverage for the surgery?!! It was such a bitch (excuse my French) for me to get covered..first bariatric group I went with got me denied..and then 2 months later I went to an extremely reputable bariatric group in my area and they got me approved..I mean every insurance company is different but some of you have seriously low starting weights..I think my insurance company would have laughed in my face if I was 5'5 and 200 lbs asking to covered for wls lol (starting weight before my surgery back in march was 256 and I'm 5'5)

I am eating greek yogurt, Atkins shakes, High Protein oatmeal from Bariatric Choice, and High protein Soup I got from Bariatric choice. Frankly very tired of all of these things. Girl I would jump into mushies if I could!!! Maybe just try one new different mushie per day since you are concerned. Maybe that ricotta bake from eggface or something like that would be a good start!

Nicole, I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Please don't beat yourself up over regaining weight. I had to say goodbye to my band 3 weeks ago and I've regained also. My band was removed because of a congenital problem with my esophagus that contraindicates the gastric band, so eventually (when my esophagus is sorted out) I hope to revise to the sleeve. People often say that the band is the least invasive of bariatric surgeries, but let's face it. Any surgery that requires the patient to be anesthetized while a surgeon cuts holes in their abdomen, pokes instruments into those holes, and implants a medical device, is pretty invasive. People also say that the band is good because it's removable. Well, that's true, but it doesn't mean that removing it is easy and safe. RNY is reversible, if need be, but that doesn't mean it's easy or safe. So I guess you have to choose the lesser of the evils. I think we'd all like to say we can lose and maintain our weight on our own, but if we had a big enough problem that we qualified for weight loss surgery, it's not likely that another attempt to do it "on your own" is going to work longterm. On the other hand, presumably you've acquired some healthier habits since being banded, and can rely on those now, at least until you're healed and ready to consider a different surgery. Good luck!

Here is an idea: for any food, try eating a tiny amount of it. Then wait an hour. If you feel okay, then try more of it the next time. At the hospital, the bariatric nurse told me that I would be able to eat a forkful of, for example, birthday cake but no more. I am almost 3 weeks post op. I don't think that I have yet experienced dumping. But I chose gastric bypass to have the opportunity for dumping. This might sound strange, but my favorite foods in the past have been sugars, fats and carbohydrates. So I needed the threat of dumping in order to succeed at weight loss. Since surgery, I've never vomited and never had dumping (at least I don't think so). But I'm also being super careful. Two days ago I tried falafel. I was convinced I would be able to eat it if I chewed it well. After two bites, I knew it wouldn't work. So I quit eating it. This is my strategy for managing dumping. Again, I chose RNY specifically for the privilege of having dumping to help me navigate the many food choices that have been a challenge for me in the past. I wish everyone success and realize that others' experiences and needs are very different from my own. This is just my perspective.

Mimi, Was wondering what happened with you, did you get your surgery date yet? I'm a newbie too...So Cal Kaiser patient living in Los Angeles. I just finished week 2 of the Options program. I got into the program almost right after my PCP referred me. I've seen the bariatric doctor and he has approved me to move forward for VSG. I first wanted lap band (like you) but you know, the more I read about it, the worse it sounded. My niece has it and she has had a lot of problems eating. My best friends wife also has it, but she stalled out on her weight loss after 40 lbs. and also had irritation issues near the port. It is my understanding that right after surgery we will be having a clear Fluid diet, then move toward regular fluids - Soups and such, then pureed food, then soft diet until completely healed, and then move toward more natural eating, but of course at much smaller portions. Because of the portion size, we will have to be sure to get the most out of our food nutrition wise - and lots of Protein. I'm excited to be in the program and look forward to a healthier future! Katie

Each person has their own "negatives". I personally had an extensive, exhausting and mentally/physically draining recovery because I was a revision patient with major complications. The negatives for me were: 1) Trying to sip enough early out seemed impossible 2) Taste buds changing 3) Developing a whey protein intolerance and mild lactose intolerance post-op 4) Lack of energy early out, but it was temporary Of course, the positives far outweigh the negatives especially since everything I experienced was over within a few weeks to couple of months, and I have a very normal, active, fun social life. There are plenty of us out here that "get WLS" there's others that don't. Unfortunately, the sleeve only does so much. I still have to be mindful of what I put in my mouth. I can still suck down a 3000 calorie milkshake if I wanted to so the point is making a permanent, and lifelong commitment to better food choices, and to honestly change your relationship with food. The sleeve makes this process much easier. Every WLS has failures even the heavily touted Platinum standard Duodenal Switch. I've read several stories of regain, or DS'ers not getting to goal, and their surgery is far more drastic than even RNY. I take 4 vitamins a day. That's it, nothing major, 2 multis, 2 calcium citrate. Make it a habit, it's really not that big of a deal. To address some of your concerns: 1. Death - huge I know. Ask your surgeon their mortality stats. If it's more than 1% get a new surgeon, and find out the details. 2. A Leak - also very risky. Same as above 3. My head hunger issues will be brought out huge. Start working on it now, get a new coping mechanism in place before surgery, therapy is a great tool especially if you can find someone that works with bariatric patients, along with support group meetings and using online support groups, find a buddy that has surgery around the same time to share ups and downs, get a mentor that you trust, and can talk you off the ledge when you're wanting to take a dive in the pool of caramely goodness of Girl Scout Samoa cookies. 4. My "food to cope" tool will be gone! Same as above 5. possible acid reflux... what's worse being fat or popping a Prilosec or Nexium to prevent reflux? 6. Gaining the weight back Establishing better habits, measuring portions, staying within your caloric intake guidelines is the best options to avoid gain. It's easy to gain weight, I won't lie, but for me, it's still super easy to lose it by following the rules. 7. not really losing anything that's pretty rare, I've read plenty of slow losers, but you have control of how you lose weight. Some do it differently than I did and that's okay, some do not want to give up carbs, I did because I knew I'd lose fast and hard. That's the path I chose, and I couldn't be happier with how I did it. Some have metabolic issues that slow weight loss down, and that has to be taken into consideration as well as activity level, and each individuals needs. One thing you have to remember is that the VSG is not some miracle that is going to cure it all. They operate on our stomachs, not our brains. So, getting ahead of the curve by establishing some good habits NOW will go a long way post-op. Eating slower, chewing your food more, sit your utensil down in between bites, do not drink with your meal, eat protein first, stretch your meal out to at least 20 minutes. Don't sit in front of the TV to eat, focus on what you are putting in your mouth/body and see how your body responds. Best wishes! ! !

I went to a support group meeting that was at a center that does nothing but bariatric surgeries. They have many satified patients. My doctor is at a major hospital in the Oklahoma City area. His diet is very different than the one that the patients at the other hospital use. After making a fool of myself after trying to convince the other patients about bariatric diets, I found out real soon that I needed to shut my mouth and listen to them and let them do the program that their doctor has them use. I will use the one my doctor is giving me. I have some real reservations about getting bariatric surgery in a foreign country and then flying home and trying to get another bariatric surgeon to give you the kind of support that your really need. I just makes me feel a little uneasy and I'm not even doingit. Good luck and get your diet instructions straight before you go under the knife please for your sake.

Here is a link to a .pdf of Humana's Bariatric Surgery policy. It will tell you what the doc has to chart at each visit, etc. You do need to see a physician, not use Weight Watcher's or something. http://apps.humana.com/tad/tad_new/returnContent.asp?mime=application/pdf&id=5425&issue=132 Edie

I had my eval on the october 15th and it was terrible. It was an intake appt with the bariatric center and we did everything that day.I saw the nutritionist, nurse practitioner,had blood work done, met with the insurance coordinator, took a 350+ questionnaire for the psych eval and the met with the psychologist. Everything went well until the psychologist :rolleyes2: I had been heaving and vomiting since july without a diagnosis and had a bad night and that morning on the way there. I had to pull over on my way there vomiting and it just comes without warning but I couldn't miss my appt but trying so hard not to vomit while talking to him. Anyways...I have been overweight for 6 years and basically doubling in size within a year (twin pregnancy) has been hard on my body. I have so many medical issues and haven't taken very good care of myself but I am trying to now. My twin boys started school and I now have some time for myself and I am trying. Also one of my twins was diagnosed with Leukemia 2.5 years ago and is still in treatment. So he says I'm depressed and may be an emotional eater and I put my kids first. He said I would throw myself in front of a bus to save my kids. Of course I would!!!! He referred me for further counseling. I think its crap and was hoping to have my surgery by end of year which probably won't happen now but doing the further counseling with a different counselor. I am still moving ahead and hopefully can get my surgery next year after my deductibles are met again but seriously disappointed. Unless the psychologist can wave a magic wand and make my weight disappear and my son's cancer poof gone never happened.. I don't see the point. My kids will always come first and that way of thinking will never change. I don't deny being depressed to a point, I mean carrying around an extra me for the past 6 years has made me tired, my feet hurt, knees hurt, trouble sleeping, etc. Nor am I happy that my baby has to have chemo and all that he has been through. And its so frustrating that every problem I have the doc says lose weight... I have since been diagnosed with hiatal hernia, acid reflux, had a nodule biopsied, had low potassium, and hypoglycemic. All of which they say lose some weight or the surgery (if i get it) should make it all better. They told me to lose weight too when I had an ovarian cyst rupture and over my high blood pressure, and the pain in my heels. So yeah I almost gave up after my eval. I cried the whole way home and most all that weekend and felt like I was doomed to just live this way. I decided not to give up and I probably wont have my surgery as soon as I had hoped but I will get it!! So hang in there and no matter what we are doing this because we want change in our lives and don't let anyone make you feel bad for wanting to better yourself and make that change.

@@RobinRg have you checked bariatric-surgery-source.com? Talks about all the procedures there. Also, if you Google vsg diet it should pull up all kinds of sources on what you can eat and the various stages. Lots of bariatric programs put out documents on that. I opted for a sleeve due to struggles with my weight all my life, and worsening medical issues (apnea, high cholesterol, pre-diabetes). I did it to SAVE MY LIFE. 35 BMI is considered morbidly obese by most standards, so I'm not sure why your PCP is telling you NOT to lose weight?? Do this for YOU. So glad you have a supportive DH If you need more support, this is an awesome site, really. Ask away, vent, whatever..everyone here is great! Good luck!

I am having my surgery in Sarasota on October 29th. That is only 45 minutes/1 hour from Tampa. The Sarasota Memorial Comprehensive Bariatric Program is amazing. My surgeon is Dr. Nora. The entire group at the program has been so supportive.

I have Dr. Ache (and Dr. Jessee) w/ Suncoast bariatrics. Yes they are in St. Pete but just right off 275 & ulmerton. Pretty close to Tampa .

I also had a very low BMI but surgery was recommended by my cardiologist who encouraged me to have it in order to reduce the uncontrolled hypertension, which I have struggled with for over a year. Just got sleeved and I'm 9 days post op. I could have never achieved the 16 lb weight loss without this surgery. I have actually felt myself being happy, knowing I am not resigned to a life of restrictions because of health/weight! My knees have stopped hurting already and today I will be going through some clothes to find a few pieces to get me through the next low size, which I already anticipate needing very soon. The comments and opinions of others only show the total lack of awareness in our culture about obesity-related illness. But I know in my heart I've just given myself a clean slate to renew my health. I would love to be buddies and join in supporting you through making the next year the best year of our lives!