Search the Community
Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
-
LAP BAND NOT SUCCESSFUL????according to gastric bypassers. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
FDATrialGuineaPig replied to jOANNE's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I always find it interesting when they tout how unsuccessful the Lapband is yet they ignore the statistic that at 5 years the average weight loss with the RNY is 50% of excess weight loss. Yep, 50%. There are plenty of RNYers who are thrilled with the band as a choice but for their own reasons decided against is. Not a biggie. But there are others out there who are poorly educated and refuse to acnknowledge that they have no real information about banding, only hearsay and conjecture. It's a very american attitude to sway towards the solution offering instant gratification. Myself, I prefer to look 5, 10, 15 years down the road at where I could end up with either surgery. I personally chose the less invasive route that was not going to compromise my absorption over the long term and that is ADJUSTABLE. The majority of RNYers screaming that loudly are either preop, newly postop or under 2 years postop (really--take a good look at who is spewing this stuff). The FACTS are you can gain ALL YOUR WEIGHT back with ANY bariatric surgery if you're motivated enough. There are groups on yahoogroups with several thousand people who are struggling with this post-RNY issue. Groups like OSSG-hungry come to mind. With all of the surgeries permanent behavioral changes are neccessary to sustain success. There is no magical solution. And honestly? I think for some people it makes them angry to have struggled so hard to come to terms with the RNY--the risks, the extremeness of it, and then to learn about banding. It's a much safer mental place to be in to convince yourself it "doesn't work". Therefore you don't have to acknowledge that you could have made a different decision. Insurances are coming around to covering banding, but for goodness sakes it was only just approved by the FDA two years ago! It's a relatively new procedure and it takes time to convince insurance companies to cover it. How quickly people forget that roughly five years ago it was almost impossible to ge them to cover bypasses. Use your common sense and do your own research. And most importantly--when you read an OPINION take into the consideration where the poster is in their journey and that they may have personal biases. Oh--and by the way I was very successful with the band . -
PowerCrunch "Original" best tasting protein bar, hands down!
IrishEyes posted a topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I am just over 3 years postop and this is my goto Meal Replacement, when needed. Thought I would share what I consider to be a gem of a discovery.... The best Protein bar I have found is PowerCrunch "Original". (link below) It is a wafer Protein Bar and unlike any other protein bar on the market. For years, I was on the search for a protein bar that was not dense or tasted like chalk. Honestly, I thought I would never find it, thought it didn't exist, until I discovered this bar. The Original has between 13-14 grams of protein. Though that may not be a lot in the protein bar world, I have learned that the higher gram count ='s yuck. This bar meets the sweet spot with high protein and good taste. I have to hide these from family members. They are often my meal replacement but to family the bars seem to be a snack. The price is typical of any protein bar, maybe a little less. Here in Florida they run about $2 a bar and between $20-$25 for a box. I buy them by the box as they are my go to item. When I factor in how much less I spend in food now compared to before surgery, it's not difficult to purchase by the box. They can be found at The Vitamin Shoppe by the bar or the box. Recently I discovered them in my local Winn Dixie. (Buying by the box here is important, showing a demand in this store will increase the chances the store keeps them in stock). Last time I checked, the website below offered samples, which stated took between 4-6 weeks. I think every bariatric patient, 6-9 months postop and beyond, should try these. They changed everything for me. I have always gravitated toward convenient food. After surgery, those aren't options anymore. Not so much that I can't have them, I just don't want them anymore. My body simply doesn't want fast food anymore. These bars fill that void. They are my new fast food. Hope this was helpful! http://powercrunch.com/products/energy-bars/original/ -
Cruise 4 months after surgery
NYCGAL000 replied to NYCGAL000's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I found an article on Cruising after Bariatric surgery: 6 Ways to Stay on Course when Cruising after Bariatric Surgery http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/staying-course-cruising-after-bariatric-surgery -
Anyone returning home via American Airlines post op ?
trekker954 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have an expiring upgrade (by Feb. 28) on American Airlines that I thought would be nice to give a fellow bariatric patient who might be flying a distance and would appreciate the extra room (obviously you won't be able to enjoy the food or drink). You need to already have your ticket purchased. Upgrades aren't always available and I'll want to make sure it clears immediately when requested. Let me know if you are interested. -
Therapy...how in the world do you figure this out?
futurefinemama replied to Lillimint's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I am currently in therapy. I continued with my therapist who completed my psych evaluation. And the plus with this counselor is that he is a certified bariatric counselor. He is able to address my current weight loss journey that my previous counselor sorta did not have a clue. I am a stress eater, so we mainly talk about life issues that stress me. And this strategy helps because I feel like I can decompress every week. -
Brand New to Bariatric Pal and the Gastric Bypass process!
ebezi7908 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello all! I am Ericka, 35 from Chicago, and I am new in this process. I have only had my first consultation, and I just got referrals to see the pulmonary doctor and psychiatric doctor. I am here to get information from you all by reading about your journey . Also for a great support system! Thank yo in advance! -
Final meal before surgery
Pandemonium replied to Welshy's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I was on a liquid only diet for the week leading up to my surgery. No meals to be had at all. You'll find that every doctor has a different pre-op diet plan. Some want liquids only for 1 week, some want liquids only for 2 weeks, some allow for liquids all day and then a small dinner of lean protein and veggies. My suggestion would be to call your bariatric office and ask for clarification, explaining that your nurse said to have a decent meal the night before your surgery but that your paperwork conflicts with what the nurse said. They should be happy to clarify it for you. I wouldn't think that a single meal before surgery would undo the liver shrinkage to that much of a degree, but the conflicting info is something that you'll definitely want to get clarified. -
Take vitamins all at once?
MeMeMEEE replied to bugirl928's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
My program gave us the following sample schedule - Sample Vitamin/Mineral Schedule With Breakfast (i.e. 8 am): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge With lunch (i.e. 12 pm): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate Lozenge 2 hours after Lunch (i.e. 2pm) 29 mg Chewable Iron Supplement (ferrous fumarate)With dinner (i.e. 5 pm): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge Before Bed: 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge Sundays (or 1 day/week): 1 (1000 mcg) sublingual B12 tablet -
Take vitamins all at once?
kellyw74 replied to bugirl928's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I have not had surgery yet, but they recommend you take one mont prior. I take multi and calcium chew in a.m. iron chew at lunch, multi and calcium chew after work or with dinner. i also do a sublingual b-12 twice a week, vitamin c daily, and fish oil daily. i agree, the chewable multi are so nasty. i have the orange ones from bariatric advantage and they taste horrible! Kelly -
What is your cocktail?
MrsYoungblood replied to MrsYoungblood's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
Www.bariatricfusion.com Www.bariatricadvantage.com Www.opurity.com Www.twinlab.com/products/bariatric-support. (This 1 can be found at Vitamin Shoppe) -
Would like some advice. I have made the appointment for the seminar in New Jersey I currently have Medicaid United healthcare community plan my current weight is 350 Lbs bmi of about 57. Suffer from anxiety. I'm nervous that once I start the process it will happen soon. My doctor is 100 percent behind the whole bariatric surgery. I'm just nervous what if some thing goes wrong. Also if any one in nj got accepted can u tell me how long did it take for u ? Fro. The day u saw ur surgeon to the day you jad surgery.
-
Your nutritionist might recommend a particular brand made for bariatric patients (mine just did). I take Vitafusion gummies (from Costco) right now, but she instructed me to double up on the dosage after surgery and consider switching to a different kind when I finish this bottle. I did pick up dissolvable Natrol Biotin tablets at Costco; 250 tablets to the bottle. The normal price on that looked to be about $10, but I snagged it while it was on sale at $7.50. I found NatureMade Vitamin B12 dissolvable at Walmart for $6.48. I got a $1.50 rebate in my Ibotta app after purchasing (if you have a smart phone I highly recommend downloading it to earn some money back; if you do sign up, feel free to use my referral code tkvqsct--it'll give us both a $5 boost after your first rebate redemption ). Coupons.com had a $1.50 off coupon for Citracal which I will pick up soon (gummies from Walmart about $12 which is what Costco was running). Walgreens, CVS, and Vons sometimes do buy one get one 50% off, but theirs seem to run at a higher price that Walmart, Target, or Costco, so I would check ads, coupons, and apps before buying there.... I strongly recommend signing up for Vons (Safeway) Just 4 U app if you have a smart phone, it'll save you a bunch (and sometimes they put free things in there). Receipt Hog is another good one to earn money back. It's doable, just be aware of your sales and check for coupons before you shop. It's worth it!
-
Suggestions on multi vitamins
NovaLuna replied to crystaldawn81's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
I take 1 Bariatric Complete Orange flavor (don't EVER get the berry, it's like berry flavored dog food!) and to me it tastes like a slightly stronger Flintstones vitamin. And I take 2 Celebrate multi's (without iron) that are grape flavored (these are actually good). The Bariatric Complete are sold in my doctors office and you can buy 2 bottles for $45 or order online and it's $20. I get the Celebrate on Amazon and I order a three month supply at a time for $46. The site I order the Bariatric Complete on is where I get my calcium as well and they're Bariatric Advantage. I order both the chewy ones for $33 or the tablet chewables for $25. -
2nd leak developed 1 year post-op
OutsideMatchInside replied to liirogue's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
It sounds complicated. Maybe get a 2nd opinion from another bariatric surgeon. -
What is your cocktail?
bikrchk replied to MrsYoungblood's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I take non-bariatric Vitamins. Started out with Centrum chewables and everything else I could get in chewable\dissovalble form then switched to pills about 4 months out. Here is the cocktail: AM multivitamin B12 (I got to quit the B12 as mine is high, but it was part of the prescription) D3 Biotin Fishoil Multistrain probiotic Omeprazone Noon Chewable iron+C (Went back to a chewable +C to help promote absorption as I was a little low at last check) PM Multivitamin Fishoil Omeprazole Time release calcium (started on the Caltrate chews 3x per day) -
One Year Out, Looking For Advice
Tapioca replied to Tapioca's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Thanks for the tips, everyone. I really appreciate the advice, it was helpful. I typically keep how I feel to myself or I'm not 100% honest with myself, and I know I shouldn't. I'm just having a hard time distracting myself, or telling myself no When I get a craving. Or I'll tell myself no and just eventually give in. I think it's more out of boredom than anything. I do eat my feelings sometimes, but I feel lately I think about eating because I'm not doing anything, or just because I can. I feel I've just been more embarrassed and ashamed to talk about it. But I think maybe seeking out a bariatric therapist might help me. Maybe help develop ways to distract myself too. -
One Year Out, Looking For Advice
HashiHope121 replied to Tapioca's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Hi Tapioca- I am no expert and I love the idea of a Bariatric Therapist from @Jaelzion! She sounds like a pro. It also sounds like you are doing great and are at a healthy weight! Like you, I've found myself snacking on more unhealthy things lately and a few tricks that have helped me include: 1) Going for a walk for about an hour. During this hour I naturally don't snack, and drink a full water bottle. Even if i don't want to go, I tell my self to do just 20min and I always end up doing an hour. 2) Paying attention to what I am craving when I snack- usually its salty or sweet/chocolate, so I've tried to swap for healthier salt/sweet (Salt- hummus & carrots, soup; Sweet- SF hot chocolate, protein hot chocolate, 100 Cal Chocolate bar, strawberries & whip cream) 3) I stick to an eating schedule, and eat basically the same thing M-F, so I don't get too hungry and don't have to think about what I am going to eat. 4) Sometimes I force myself to have a protein shake before a snack, and 90% of the time I don't want the snack after the shake. 5) I turn off the TV/regular shows and replace them with computer (unhealthy in other ways, but nonetheless), documentaries or books. I am easily influenced by what people on TV are eating. If they are having cookies, I want cookies. 6) Controversial but, I weigh myself everyday. It keeps me motivated. I know others say not to, but it works for me. 7) Balancing out an unhealthy day, with an extra healthy one. It was my Dad's bday recently and ya know what, we had cake, pizza & wine. I had a little of each. I think long term success includes balance. So, following a day like that (which is rare, but is life) I try to have an extra healthy few days focused on protein shakes & veggies. Again, I am no expert but hope these ideas help. I know ideas from other members have helped me a ton. Take care! You are doing great! -
I have been using this site for a lot of my research throughout my decision process, and now that I am moving towards my surgery date. This has been my journey so far: Around Thanksgiving of 2016, i had made my final decision to pursue bariatric surgery. I had the support of my family and friends, and I was ready to go. I had a recommendation for a surgeon, and so I made my consult appointment. I had my first consult on December 6, 2016, and I brought every piece of medical information with me to that appointment that could possibly prove that I had met the insurance qualifications for approval. I left that appointment fairly certain that I would have my surgery some time in January 2017. On December 14, 2016, I had an appointment with my PCP for medical clearance, and I also had my psych evaluation that same day. They were both kind enough to provide me copies of my records right after the appointment so that I could give them immediately to my surgeon's nurse. Once they received all of those documents, along with the proof of following a 6 month medically supervised weight loss program, they scheduled my surgery date for January 17, 2017. YAY!! I had my Endoscopy done on December 20, 2016, and was cleared or surgery. At this point, I am scheduled on January 4, 2017 for a pre-op class that will explain pre and post op eating plans, and any other surgery prep items. I then have my last appointment with my surgeon on January 5, 2017 before my surgery. This whole process has moved so fast, which I am so excited about. At each step of the process I have been worrying that one piece or another would disqualify me from the insurance approving the coverage. My surgeon's office has assured me that I meet all of the qualifications, and there is no reason the insurance should deny me. At this point, I am just counting down the days to January 17, 2017. I am so excited that I have already started cleaning out my closet! Thanks to everyone on this site for sharing your journeys, and allowing all of us newbies to learn from you! I look forward to becoming an active member of this group.
-
Anyone gain weight and still got approved (Aetna)
CheleLynn45 replied to dede0314's topic in Insurance & Financing
I had to do a 6 month supervised diet, which was started in Feb, as a requirement with Aetna. The first couple months I lost weight when I checked in with my doc. When I went in May I had gained weight. I had my birthday and fond out that the hospital where my surgery would happen was not under contract with my insurance. I went thru a few weeks of being mad, and upset. But once I talked with the insurance they said they were renegotiating and might be under contract again. So I continued to see my primary for my check ins just in case, but I didn't move forward with anything that would cost me money. I then found out early August that they contract was back in place so I moved ahead and finished what I had left to do to submit to insurance which was just my psych eval, So then everything was submitted and I was approved in less than two weeks. I was never told that I had to lose a certain amount, and I think I ended up right where I was when I first weighed in at my bariatric doctor, or at least within a few pounds. -
Bye to my friend, food
truckoholic replied to eigna's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hey Gill, For right now I am just trying to get all the information I can from the site to see if it is really something I want to do. Am going to try going to a seminar on April 7th put on by a bariatric Doctor that I know is a provider approved by my insurance, and then try to make a decision. Something has got to change. I want so bad to lose this weight! Went to my regular Doctor today and talked to him about it, and he didn't have anything good to say about the lap-band. Just told me that I could have the same exact results if I would just stop eating as much. But with him being a very fit skinny guy I could not really get accross to him that it is NOT that easy for us people with this problem. He asked me what I thought the lap-band would do for me, and I hate when I am in situations like that, because I have all kinds of reasons that I believe the lap-band is just exactly the tool I have been needing all this time, but when put on the spot like that all I could say was "It would keep me from eating as much" which of coarse was not a good enough reason to him. Granted he is an all natural holistic doctor, so of course he is not going to approve of anything un-natural like having a foreign object placed inside you. So after that little visit I left feeling more like maybe I should give it a try myself again. But I know that is not going to happen. I'll lose about 15 pounds at the most, then fall right back into eating just as much and gain 20 back. That's just been the cycle throughout my life, and I am sick of it. My dad is 340-350, my mom is about 280, my sister is about 280 and I am 308. My mom and sister have been pretty strictly following a diet given them by the same doctor I visited today, and they have lost only a few pounds in the past couple years since they've been going to him. I think my whole freakin family needs this lap-band. We all eat too much right now and we all have a huge desire to make a change, but need a tool to help us do it! -
Sweetheart, this is not something that you hide. You are going to have to be really honest with yourself about why you are going this route. Have you spoken to your doctor about any other possible ways to lose weight? The lap band is not a quick fix, one day you get the surgery and the next day you are just eating smaller portions. For the first few weeks after surgery, you are reteaching your stomach and your mind to recognize "full". You will need as much emotional support as possible. If you hide it, then you have no one. Now I'm not saying that you have to shout it from the rooftops that you are banded, but it sounds like you are a bit ashamed of making that decision. Look around on this site...see what you think. Also, I suggest attending a surgical weight loss seminar in your area. Try going on any hospital's website in your area that does bariatric surgery. They should have classes listed there. Some of the classes are for folks, like yourself, thinking about surgery. You have to go thru nutrition classes and a psych evaluation before the surgery. This is so you are prepared or the psychologist sees if you are in fact ready for this life changing procedure. I've been banded one week so far. I'm just drinking shakes and liquids right now. I went to a buffet (I know right) with my family on Sunday. I smelled all that good food, but I ordered a glass of milk and just mixed up my shake right there at the table. You are taking a stand for your life. I hope I didn't come off harsh because that was definitely not my intention. I just really want you to think about what you are doing. God bless,
-
Bryn Mawr Bariatrics?
llband2011 replied to mysticmilt's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm in the presurgery phase (as a disclaimer), Bryn Mawr is also close to me. I looked into them as an option but was concerned about the number of bariatric surgeries their surgeon has performed. It was far less compared to what other surgeons in this are state on websites. That seemed odd to me. Ultimately, I chose Phoenixville and I am very happy with my surgeon and his team. I also considered UPenn, but I did not want to travel into the city for all my visits. I've heard they have a fantastic program. Good luck to you! -
Hi, I'm new here. I'm sticking a toe in the Water of lap band surgery for all the reasons that have been said on these boards a billion times before. Anyway, Bryn Mawr Hospital is reasonably close to me, and they've had a bariatric surgery unit since 2009. Has anyone gone there? What was your experience like? Any feedback, both positive and negative, is welcome. Thanks.
-
Upstate Ny Gastric Sleeve Docs
emmas mom replied to Kimmer's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
Hello! I am from Saratoga. I had my sleeve done in Schenectady at Ellis! Dr Ingram did it! She is a great doc! She hasnt done a ton, but, she did an awesome job with me! I trust her completely. I had an issue and went to urgent care and that doc complimented my incision sites saying they look beatiful! LOL! I over did it and pulled open my large incision site a little bit and UC reapplied steri strips. There are 3 bariatric doctors at ellis, but, Dr Ingram was the most excited to do the sleeves and she is up to date on all the latest seminars and she talks to other Dr.s at Albany med that do the sleeve as well. Good luck with your journey! Any questions, feel free to give me a shout out! -
Goto Albany Medical Center Bariatric Program. They currently have 2 or 3 surgeons and it is a center of excellence.
