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Hi everyone , I just had my 18 month post-op labs done and my B1 shot up from 157 to 203 in 6 months. Is hat normal? I read it can be caused by bariatric surgery. But normally people are deficient in both the sleeve and the bypass. Not sure if I need to worry or wait to hear from my surgeon. Any thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone! I'm sure there are many posts on here for revision but I'm in need of some help. I'm 7 years out of VSG surgery and am embarrassed to say I've gained everything back. The only excuse I have is life got in the way. I've been in touch with my surgeon and have been discussing revision surgery. My issue is, I do not have the same insurance (Aetna) now that I did when I had my original surgery. I'm having a hard time finding an insurance that will cover a revision. My current employers' plan does not even remotely cover anything bariatric wise so I'm hoping you fine people can give me some info of where I can turn. I thought I found a decent multiplan but I've since been told they do not cover bariatric surgery either. Thank you all for your time.

Capital Regional Medical Center in Tallahassee has a new senoir leadership member. We had a welcoming celebration for him today in the cafeteria. A favorite local BBQ joint catered the event, and since I am on the activities committee, I helped dish the food out to everyone for an hour or so. I had fun doing it, and it was a great event overall. I am excited for our facility! The future looks bright for CRMC and the Bariatric Center. That being said (and working in Bariatrics) I couldn't help but think (from an outsiders point of view) how hard event's like these could potentially be on a Lap-Band patient, especially a new Lap-Band patient. We have 2 lines of BBQ being served out as a form of celebration. What if you can't have BBQ? Or, even worse, what if you REALLY like BBQ, BUT you shouldn't have it, but want to be involved in the event? I mean, I try to eat healthy, but I fell weak to the temptation and grabbed a plate. Would it be cheating to a Lap-Band patient, even though the environmental pressures are so elevated it's almost considered "anti-social" not to participate? Society doesn't make it easy to come to terms with obesity, and it makes it even harder to fight. It helps me remember how much hard work, dedication, and attention goes into pre/post opp lifetstyles of a Lap-Band patient. I don't claim to fully understand because I do not have a band inside of me. But I've struggled with weight loss and know it's trials. I am amazed at the strength and tenacity of those individuals fighting to improve in any way, and I tip my hat to you all. In my eyes, you are all warriors, surrounded on all sides, fighting back the masses, and winning!!! As my Grandpa used to tell me, "Go get 'em tiger!" Grrr...

Hi! I just received 3 cookbooks I got off of Amazon.com: -The Bariatric Foodie Holiday Survival Guide -Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery -Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook For Dummies There were a lot of other options, as well. Just got them yesterday, so I have yet to read them, but I'm liking the last one so far! As far as my hips go, I've always had problems with them, so I don't know what to tell you. Let us know what you find out ok? Good luck to you!

I'm paying over $75/mo for the bariatric SF chewable: multivitamin, calcium citrate w D & biotin. Has anyone found a lower price? Sent from my U673C using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you so much Stephanie. I called Dr. Malley's office and talked to the front desk a few months ago. I told her that my insurance did not cover it, and I asked her if there was anyway for them to help me push it through. She told me that if it's not covered on my plan (bariatrics) then they have nothing to go on!! I wonder if she was just trying to brush me off, who knows? I will definately look into it more. Thanks again for your help.

I got banded on 8-1-12. I understand your excitement and nervousness about the insurance. I have been trying off and on for 20 years to get some kind of bariatric surgery. I found out in April that the Cigna my company paid for this year would cover it. So I was in a crunch to get the approval and all the testing and jump through all of the hoops before they changed it again the end of August! haha. But its mine now and they can't take it away from me!!! The surgery went great, but then if you want this and need this as badly as I did, anything short of excruciating pain would be worth it!!! I am only 4 days post op and I can feel the differences already. My skin feels looser and my face looks different already. I have to lose 170 lbs to reach my goal weight. I feel better already. Good luck on your surgery, keep us updated. I'm so excited for you!

I wanted to echo HoosierDoula and say Dr. Chris Jones is fabulous! He has performed all my plastics post lapband weight loss (Breast implants, LBL, Lipo and an upcoming brachioplasty and medialthigh lift). Not only is he an amazingly talented surgeon he is also a wonderful person. I can't being to explain how much he has impacted my life; I love him to bits. I had lost a tad over 100lbs when I went to him for the LBL and was very bottom heavy despite all the weight I had lost so I understand the frustrations of clothing not fitting properly and wanting the your lower body to fit the rest. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented Surgeon that is experienced with bariatric patients.

I have Kaiser, mine was 43 and I had 2 cormorbidities. However, I lost 55lbs pre-op and my BMI went down to 37, but they still did my surgery and here are their requirements: To be referred for bariatric surgery, candidates must be at least 18 years old and must have a: BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) >35 WITH SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES As recommended by the appropriate specialist to the Regional Bariatric Medical Director or designee and approved by the Director or designee BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) 40 - 49.9 With one comorbid condition from Category 1 - OR - Any two comorbid conditions from Category 2 - BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) 50 OR GREATER No comorbid conditions required. Hope this helps you!! Kelly

The Band is also being performed in Mitchell, SD by Drs. Mike Haley and Andrew Reynolds Mitchell Bariatric Clinic 2200 N Kimball, Suite 850 Mitchell, SD 57301 605-996-8989

I'm in the area as well and work with Penn Medicine. My surgeon is Dr. Kristoffel Dumon and surgery will be at UPenn Hospital (although there are other options of hospitals within the same practice). I'm about half way through my 6 month pre-op period. So far I love the team with Penn Medicine (my primary doctor is with Penn medicine as well). I'm able to do my monthly appointments at the Valley Forge office (which is only 15 minutes from my work) and the cardiologist is right there on the same floor so all my cardiac testing was done the same day as one of my monthly appointments with the NUT/surgeon. The sleep study consult is also right there in the same building. I'll have to go to the office in Philly for my 5th appointment but only because the psych evaluations are done at that office and I can have it done right after my normal appointment. There are monthly support group meetings at several locations (each has a slightly different format/style). I really like the ones held at the Perelman Center in Philly - the first hour they bring in a speaker to talk about a particular topic and then the second hour is more open forum. And those meetings get a good mix of pre-ops and post-ops at various stages, even some post ops that are more than 5 years out. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/find-a-program-or-service/bariatric-surgery

I have 2 girls 10 and 11 and they always leave food on their plate. When are you scheduled for surgery? Every surgeon is different, my surgeon said the preop diet is not necessary and he's a top bariatric surgeon in Boston. He said he can get to the stomach no matter what and he doesnt think we need the added stress before surgery. I will have Clear liquids the day before and since I started 6 months ago the nut had had me make many changes, one at a time so they stick with me. No diet whatsoever, but lifestlye changes.

Hi...If you have insurance that you plan to have cover your surgery cost, I advise you read their criteria for coverage, usually they tell you their guidelines to qualify for. There are guidelines too that are standards for qualifying for bariatric surgery that many bariatric surgeons will follow. You can google for those. I would recommend looking through info on this site and start googling to collect more info. I had a BMI of 38-39 but had been diagnosed and well documented in my medical record OA of both knees as well as newly dx severe apnea. Both dx qualified me for surgery based on standard guidelines and my insurance coverage. My BMI was also above 35 which I think is the low end of the guidance for surgery. So do your reasearh . You found this site so keep collecting information. Dont rush into anything especially this until you completely understand what you are getting into. it took me well over a year to understand and make this choice. Knowledge is power. Good luck!

Thanks for your response. This will be my 4th abdominal surgery and second bariatric procedure. I think it is safe to say that there is some period of recovery no?

Can you elaborate on why you say the surgery didn't work for you? Because the challenges you've mentioned are not due to the surgery but are likely due to unresolved issues with food; your headspace, not your digestive tract. Are you seeing a counselor or have you reached out to your bariatric team for guidance?

I have had a few rounds of depression since surgery 14 weeks ago. It is getting much better now. If you haven't had many sunny days there in the past few weeks, you may also suffer from seasonal depression. Sunlight helps those with that problem. Its emotional and probably chemical, too..so it isn't something that you can just snap out of. Though you will often read that your attitude is 100% up to you and that you must decide to be happy, that is not so easy when you are in a real funk. Have you thought about starting a blog? There are so many military spouses that would appreciate your perspective and I would bet that there is an unconnected community of them who are spouses at home that have had bariatric surgery. It would be a unique opportunity and it may help for you to write out your feelings and share them. It may help others, too.

Call them back! They might be able to give you an injection of antibiotics instead, or your bariatric surgeon's office might be able to advise you on a way to help protect your stomach while you take them.

From your most recent post it sounds like you now have the information needed, but I'll copy and paste below what Tijuana Bariatrics sent me last year (it could have since been updated) in case anyone else is seeking it: Pre-Op Instructions Gastric Sleeve, Plication and Lap Band Use any prepared canned or powdered Protein drink. You may purchase these in any health food store or many grocery stores. Please be sure it contains at least 15 grams of protein per serving. 1 Protein Drink at Breakfast 1 protein drink at lunch Dinner: salad with Protein (chicken, fish, egg, etc), small amount of low fat dressing, or fat free dressing or olive oil and vinegar. 1 protein drink in the evening if needed You may also take 1 Metamucil capsule per day if needed for hunger. Start this phase the day before surgery: Do a light breakfast the day prior to surgery and take only Clear liquids after that. This consists of broth, Jell-o, sugar-free juice, any clear liquid You may have nothing to eat or drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to it. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive with an empty stomach and wear compression stockings during your trip. You may take needed medications (such as heart or blood pressure medications) with sips of Water the morning of surgery as directed by our Doctors. Do not take any aspirin, Advil, Nuprin, Aleve or any other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for 7 days prior to surgery. These medications cause unnecessary bleeding after surgery. This includes baby aspirin and most arthritis medications. If you are not sure, please check with our Doctors.. For headache or minor pains you may use Tylenol. You may restart these medications the next day after surgery. Do not take any herbal medications for 7 days prior to surgery. Bring comfortable shoes and slippers to Mexico, you will be asked to walk several times per day. Please bring your medications in properly labeled pharmaceutical bottles for documentation of dosages. You will be on a liquid and soft food diet for two weeks after surgery. Stock up on sugar-free liquids: Crystal Light, sugar free fruit juices, apple sauce, yogurt, sugar-free pudding, sugar-free jell-o, thin Soups and caffeine-free teas. If you do not like the flavor of chicken broth, make chicken noodle Soup and strain out the solids. Avoid all carbonated beverages (fills the stomach with gas). Avoid sugar (extra calories that fight against weight loss). Caffeine makes you urinate more and can lead to dehydration. You will need to drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration after surgery. Sport drink bottles with measurements on the side will help ensure you are drinking enough liquid. You will need to drink at least two quarts (2,000cc) per day to prevent dehydration. You will not be able to gulp liquids so you will want to drink small amounts throughout the day. RNY/Bypass, Mini Bypass and DS Start this phase 2 days before surgery: Take a laxative (any laxative that you usually use). Take only clear liquids after that. This consists of broth, Jell-o, sugar-free juice, Gatorade and any clear liquid. You may have nothing to drink after the midnight preceding surgery or 8 hours prior to your surgery. If you are a Same Day Surgery arrive on an empty stomach and wear compression stockings. *Please follow the pre-op diet as instructed below 1. BMI’s 30 to 31 no diet-only clears liquids the day prior to surgery 2.-BMI's 32 to 39 - 7 days 3.-BMI's 40 to 49- 10 days 4.- BMI's 50 to 59- 14 days 5.- BMI's 60 to 69- 21 days 6.-BMI's 70 and over- 1 month

Ouch that is a tough one. I would hope since that is her job she would send the correct info to CIGNA. I have already told my PCP that I want my entire chart of almost ten years copied and I will personally take it to the surgeons office. I also have my own copies of the nutritionist and psych evaluation. I plan to make a cover letter of MINE to go along with the medical necessity letters for CIGNA. I am going to staple it to a copy of THEIR bariatric policy. Then I plan to highlight everything in my chart and write out where it is located so there will be no coming back and saying we didn't have this or that. I am going to send it certified return receipt overnight mail so I have a receipt saying it made it into their possession. This may be overkill but when dealing with CIGNA I think it is best not to take chances. Also my HR person told me again today that LapBand is NOT excluded from my insurance and that she had personally talked to the CIGNA coordinator in October when I started this process. So she is going to contact that coordinator again and have them email to her, which she will forward to me, where it is not excluded in my policy. That way I will have something written straight from CIGNA also. I tell you it will be a fight to the end for one or the other of us. M

I had to do the six months diet. It is in their criteria for bariatric surgery. I dont know any way around it but to do it unless you hire a lawyer to help you. Good Luck

I have called my insurance company and was told they do cover the lap band surgery and that I do qualify as far as weight ( BMI 38 ). I have my appointment for the seminar at the bariatric clinic and will be getting my referral from my PCP on the 25th. They did mention somthing about requiring that I have tried a 4 month weight loss program through my physician but would look at my last years history with him and possibly accept teh weight loss I have already had being monitored by my Dr. Ayway, I am excited to get things going and have realy learned a lot from all of you out there. Looking forward to chatting with you all and looking for support. Thanks :wink_smile:

I never realized how far north Creighton is in Saskatachewan. If you ever come to Regina, let us know. By us, I mean the Saskatchewan Bariatric Surgery Support Group (SBSSG). By the way, Janet, I am actual the President of the SBSSG. Our website is www.sbssg.ca and we are looking to create Support Groups all over the Province. Perhaps you'll consider attending one of our Support Group Meetings. We are currently running one monthly meeting in Regina, but soon hope to be expanding. I hope your recovery goes well. Feel free ot e-mail me anytime. joelsopp@sasktel.net Cheers, Joel

Honestly, they can't force you to see this internist. I would keep going to your endocrinologist (I'm sure that you are), and I would find another bariatric internist recommended by other patients and let the bariatric surgeon know that is where you'll be doing your follow-up care. Are you also seeing a registered dietitian (RD) who specializes in bariatric patients? If not, I would definitely find one. I am a slow loser also and my RD is really my most important post-op coach. I don't know what I would do without her. Diet is about 75% of what will make or break our success, and it takes on even greater importance when you are limited in the exercise that you can do as you are, so I would see if there are any tweaks that you can do to help there. Obviously I know that you are working very hard and your weight loss isn't a reflection of that, but at the same time, there is always room for all of us to tweak and optimize what we can. I would really, really focus on getting at least 60 to 80 g of Protein, even if you have to do more shakes, and try to drink at least 100 oz of Water. An RD will have lots of specific ideas for you that work for you, your lifestyle, and the particular preferences of your sleeve.

I am getting my surgery on 4/10 with Dr. Garcia at Tijauana Bariatrics. I am both nervous and excited!