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Hi Everyone! I'm from NW Indiana, and I started my journey nearly 18 months ago! After pills, diets, exercise, etc. I finally got a referral from my family doctor to see a bariatric surgeon last July. I called my insurance company and they said my insurance was covered if I met their prerequisites. I let the surgeon know and they of course called after my first appointment and they got the list of prerequisites. Although I had spent 6 months on a supervised diet with weigh ins twice a month, I had to do 6 months with the doctor and nutritionist, maintain my weight, have a 5 year history, show previous attempts to lose weight, etc. So I did all the standard things, and it was time to submit to insurance in February of 2020. I got a call from the nurse at UHC to check on me after my procedure, but I had not yet had any procedure. Nothing was approved yet! So the nurse checked and the procedure was denied - it was excluded by my policy! I was upset and appealed. My surgeon appealed, because they had a preapproval number from September. Still, UHC refused to cover anything. I was upset, and researched it. I found a website for my state that had information about Healthcare complaints, so I filed a complaint and included information about their calls with me and the doctor's office. I suggested that they review the calls and retrain their employees to properly look at a caller's insurance, because they always say to "Call the number on the back of your card to verify benefits." Then COVID 19 closes everything. The doctor's office closed my case, and I started researching self-pay. I found Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas, and I paid my deposit and scheduled surgery for June. Yesterday I received a letter from UHC. They are paying for my surgery with my original surgeon. I thought it was an error, a joke, a dream?!?! I called my surgeon's office and sent them a copy of the letter. They called me in shock and asked what I am doing in July. Well, I think I'm having my Gastric Bypass and hernia repair in July now - close to home and without traveling. I'm worried something will happen to change that. I am out $550 because I paid a deposit to Blossom and for an appointment. I called today to reschedule for now - I don't want to cancel and have my other surgery fall through and be left with nothing. My surgeon's office said I am only the second person to successfully battle UHC over their error and actually win. I am worried the bill will exceed the $40,000 limit that was not a condition of the original guidelines, and I am scared they will find a reason to refuse payment. I am anxiously awaiting surgery in 6 weeks and 4 days.

Hi Everyone, Just wondering if anyone has been to Parkview Bariatric Center in Fort Wayne IN ? My first consultation appointment is set for June 19th and I'm trying to do a little background if possible. Thanks

I was also a mild case - like you. In fact, I think I was also a 5.5. It was pretty borderline. The sleep physician said I should get a CPAP machine, but when I brought it up with the PA at my bariatric clinic, he said he wasn't sure if it would be worth it, since the sleep apnea would probably disappear after I lost the first 20 or 30 lbs, so I skipped it. I don't know if you have that option or not. But I felt the same way - I didn't want to fork over a lot of money for something I was going to use for maybe a month or two tops.

Hey y'all, got my sleep test results back...mild sleep apnea. And I mean like the range is 5-15 and I scored a 5.5....has anyone else dealt with such a low level apnea? I don't feel the apparent effects of it but now apparently I have to get and use a cpap machine. I am going to talk to my pcp and call the bariatric surgery department, there is no part of me that wants to pay money for a contraption that looks horribly uncomfortable...anyone have any thoughts or use a cpap for such mild apnea that has seen life changing changes for the better? Thanks guys! [emoji4] Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I was biting my tongue on this but it’s not smart to suggest candy bars or junk food. When there are plenty of healthy options out there. Like avocado, protein shakes like labrada lean body which are higher calorie and protein range but still very low carb and sugar. I’m a little confused I guess, I know you are 6’ 3” which is far off from my height of 5’ but even at your height a healthy weight range is considered 150-190lbs According to BMI charts which is BMI 19-24. You would have to weigh 140 or less with a BMI of 18 to be underweight for your height. maybe you aren’t getting enough protein for your weight rage. Try calculating your daily protein based on your weight. 0.36 grams protein per 1lb body weight, minimum. im not trying to offend anyone I apologize in advance. But sugar and junk food is a terrible idea to turn to after bariatric surgery. If you have stricture, I’d think these would be difficult to eat too.

Howdy to anyone and everyone out there! I have my own personal blog that I could post these fun things into, but right now, I like the anonymity that I have here from friends and family. While the vast majority of those I want to know, know( I do not plan on keeping it a secret for long after I have the surgery), there are things that I'd rather not put out just yet for all of my social media. Also, I ramble...a lot, just as warning. I hope to one day post all of the posts on my more public blog hopefully to help those that have questions or doubts about the surgery and what kind of process to expect(mentally, physically, spiritually and insurance-ly(?)). Case in point: most of today's post revolves around the steps I have thus far completed towards the insurance requirements. 1) I have completed my first supervised weigh in visit(or whatever it is called) and had gained a staggering 7 pounds since my consult with my surgeon. Holy balls. I refer to them as my 'pandemic pounds' and I vowed that every visit I had there on (with my pcp or other provider) I would not be heavier than my last visit...guys, that 7lbs put me at 347...my HIGHEST EVER WEIGHT. I was mortified. My highest before I had been at was a measly 320- and I'd been at that weight for YEARS. I digress. I got back onto the count-every-calorie-and-log-it train and I have slowly lost around 5-6 of those pounds. Which brings me to another point, if I count every.single.calorie.ever I will usually lose the weight, stop once or twice and get out of the habit of not tracking and BAM! all that weight back plus more. Ugh. I have upped my protein and water intakes drastically and I most admit, protein keeps me from being hungry and thinking about food all the damn time and I look forward to having the surgery that will go hand in hand with that as well as making it impossible to scarf down 4,000 calories in one sitting---done it, hated myself for it and have really started trying to tune into the brain and stomach signals when I'm full to stop and when I want the world to burn, to PUT DOWN THE ICE CREAM AMANDA and take a breather....it's a learning process, and while I'd LOVE to be able to get surgery tomorrow, I am happy for the 7 months of putting into place coping mechanisms as well as upping exercise(and by that, I mean finding things I like besides the long hikes I do in the winter). Step number 2: I have completed the psych evaluation, it was a 15 minute chat with a psychologist on Zoom or whatever telehealth platform they were using and then a 300 questionnaire that I have issues with--I hate the stupid things with vague, sometimes true and sometimes not true statements that you have to say you agree or disagree with. My paper says that the visit was supposed to also potentially discuss the results, but the guy told me once I'd turned them in he would write a report that goes to whoever needs it. I would like to know my results...guess I will call the bariatric department and make sure I'm not doing all this only to be denied in 6 months because of my evaluation-if that's the case, I've already decided I would find a place like Blossom or maybe Mexico to self pay. I digress. Step 3) Had to do a sleep study, had the consult with a nurse practitioner who decided since I have no major ongoing issues I could complete a home sleep study. Guys, it pretty much sucked balls(see pictures). Got that done, turned it back in and Thursday I have the results visit(I wish they could just tell me if I have sleep apnea or not--I will be kind of surprised if I do) AND weigh in #2 with my PCP! BTW guys, I can't stress this enough, if you don't have a PCP that you enjoy going to see and that will root for you, get you a different one. My PCP supports my decision to pursue bariatric surgery and I enjoy our conversations we have had thus far. Will be even happier if Thursday I am down a good 10ish pounds or so. Last item of business, I went to Michael's this past weekend (it was glorious!) and found this sweet box that I have come to refer to as my "You Got This!" box. My book with all my surgery info is in it, I also plan to write myself notes and put inspirational pictures in it(things I want to wear, places to go, things to do etc) to look through when all I really wanna do is eat 5 pounds of chocolate. I attached a picture if anyone is curious, I like having things like that. I should probably call it a night, it's already after 11pm and I have to be up for work here around 5am. Look for more of these hot mess blogs, they make me feel good putting it all (well, most) out there. -Amanda

I had really bad experience with Neurontin (gabapentine). Took it for a month for neuropathy after bulging spinal disk. I wet the bed every night on Neurontin but didn't now it was the med until one month followup with doc. He said that is a known side effect. Had good conversation with bariatric center RN about my concerns about both Celebrex and Neurontin. He made not in my electronic medical record and said to be sure I tell my surgeon before. RN suggested they could give me Toradol (ketorolac). Good immediate postop pain and nonnarcotic. Sent from my SM-T580 using BariatricPal mobile app

All my labs have returned EXCEPT the PTH and iron. But all the rest were perfect. I'm really trying to get back on the vitamin bandwagon. The bariatric office was just like "we can't recommend not taking vitamins". And then they wanted to schedule an appointment with the dietitian but I don't need to pay someone 50$ to tell me what I already know. They still have my chart showing me eating 600 calories a day because the last time I saw her in person was like 8 months ago. I eat 600 calories a meal now, usually. It's just weird that I don't gain. I ate crap on Sunday and got sick 4 separate times so I am really going to work on eating better.

Hi all! I will be getting my VSG with Dr Jorge Green at Renew Bariatrics this July. Any past experiences or testimonials from patients would be greatly appreciated

Hi All! I'm excited to say this is my first post. After a lifetime struggle of being overweight, I made the decision to have VSG. I'll be having surgery in Mexico this July. I've been doing my research and am motivated to keep myself accountable throughout my VSG journey. I have very little support in my personal life and understand it's an important resource to have throughout the journey. I am very happy to come across this ultra supportive site and thank you all that have contributed to the plethora of information available here. I was wondering if anyone could share advice/their story regarding their struggle with emotional eating and/or food addiction? How did you cope pre and post op? Any suggestions as to forums/support groups specifically dedicated for bariatric patients who struggle with emotional eating or food addiction? Thank you all and I look forward to getting to know the bariatricpal family!

yeah, I suppose this is true. I have been listening to the BariatricPal podcast and one of the speakers that does research in bariatric surgery and why it works has a lot of interesting and informative things to say about why some people lose a lot of weight very easily after surgery and some people dont. I highly recommend the podcast.

charts can give you a ballpark idea, but they may not be true for you. They tend to deal with averages - and I think the average bariatric patients loses about 70% of their excess weight. But as with any average, there are people who lose more or less than that. There are people out there, including on this site, who have lost 90-100% of their excess weight, so it can be done...

I am really proud of you that you are able to know this is the best choice for you no matter what anyone else says. I know it can be very hard without family/friend support. I highly recommend going to the bariatric support groups available in your area and seeing a psychologist/counselor regularly.

Guess who reached one-der-land today? I did! Highest weight: 371 Weight when I started Bariatric Program (6/4/19): 314 Surgery day (12/16/19) weight: 258.6 Today’s weight: 199.6

WLS is not failure or taking the easy way out, TRUST me! It's difficult no matter what you do, but WLS is a LIFE choice! I struggled with my weight my entire life. I was 130 pounds at 11, 230 at 14, 303 at 17, and at 31 I was up to my highest weight of 389 and that's when I made the decision to do something about it. At my first bariatric appointment I weighed in at 385 and that's why I count from that. I had tried SOOOOO many diets and nothing worked. Turns out I had an issue with my thyroid all along that every time they had tested it they'd missed it because the test weren't thorough enough, but the bariatric surgery clinic required a more thorough test. I had six months of weigh-ins required to be approved for surgery via my insurance and it took an extra two months to schedule me due to them being over scheduled so it was an 8 month process. I went on an elimination diet where each month I cut out something that I wouldn't be able to eat after (soda, rice, pasta, bread, potatoes, beans, etc) simply because I wanted to mentally prepare myself because I didn't trust my willpower and I shocked myself by loosing 64 pounds before my surgery on my own. It's been 4 months since I had my surgery and I've lost an additional 65 pounds and I'm really happy about it and don't regret my choice of having surgery because it's helped me get down to 256 pounds, a number I haven't seen since HIGH SCHOOL (I was 15 the last time I saw that number)! So yes, it's not an easy choice, but if you're making it for the right reasons and have the determination to work for it, you will definitely succeed! I only wish I'd done this ten years ago and most people will tell you the same.

I live in Mo and go to Mercy. Dr. Edwards did my sleeve and my revision. Their bariatric center is really good.

I had a lot of super thick long hair. It started falling out at an alarming rate in month four post op. Like handfuls when I washed it, and them more in the brush. I was sure I was going to be bald if that kept up. I went and bought all kinds of extra vitamins (a hair skin and nails formula with biotin in it) b12, collagen, & D. I started taking those after three weeks of increasing scary hair loss, and it's been a month now I have been taking them. I confess I stopped taking the bariatric vitamin in month three because it was so foul smelling every time I open the bottle I just wanted to hurl. As soon as my hair started falling out I started taking them again, religiously every day along with all the other vitamins I bought. My hair is no longer falling out by the handful, and seems to have tapered off, but my ponytail holder now wraps around three times instead of two. No bald or obviously thinning spots, but I had super thick hair before which is good because it was seriously falling out at an alarming rate. Not sure if the extra vitamins helped but I will keep taking them just in case and I will take the foul smelling bariatric vitamin every day no matter what because I don't want to be bald.

I don't know that many people have their surgery a month after their first appointment, unless they're self-pay. Many insurance companies require a six-month supervised diet with a physician or nutritionist, and several bariatric clinics require classes plus a whole slew of requirements (e.g., sleep studies) that seem to take forever to get into. So at minimum six months for a lot of us. Fortunately, most of us didn't have to deal with the pandemic, though, so I can totally empathize with that. You'll get in, though. Most people seem to once their states start opening up. I know Michigan has been having a particularly tough time with the virus, so I can see why they're locked down longer than most - but I'm sure they'll get you scheduled as soon as they can.

So my nutritionist said I would need to order this the day of my prop apmt but didn't mention cost yet. It has 35 meal replacement protein 1 bottle multivitamin 1 package calcium citrate. Anyone know the cost its bariatric advantage brand but not on their website. Doesn't seem like insurance covers because was told would have to buy out of pocket (united healthcare quest). So insurance doesn't pay for vitamins etc?

I agree with this - we hear about that on bariatric forums fairly often.

I started looking into this surgery because I was pre-diabetic and starving all the time. Like I just finished a huge meal, and my stomach hurt, but I still wanted to eat and eat and eat. My hunger has been increasing and getting worse over the past 10 years, along with gradual increases in my fasting blood sugar and other symptoms of metabolic syndrome like skin tags. My dad has diabetes (and got it when he was about 5 years older than I am now), so I knew what was coming. The thing that really excited me about the surgery was that it provides a mechanism to reset your metabolism, to actually CHANGE your hormonal balance and your set point so that you naturally feel satisfied at a lower weight, and eating less food with less hunger. Now I am 2.5 months out, and I really feel it working - with the smaller stomach, it gets full faster, so ghrelin (a hormone that your stomach makes when it is empty that makes you feel hungry) starts to DECREASE quickly after you take your first few bites. Studies show that ghrelin levels are about 50% lower after bariatric surgery than before. And that has an effect - you really, seriously, truly feel much less hungry, even though you are eating way less. In contrast, normally when you go on a diet, your ghrelin levels INCREASE compared to when you started. Studies show that after a 3-6 month diet without surgery, your ghrelin levels will increase by 50%. And that has an effect - you are much more hungry and so you want to eat even more and gain the weight back - it may even make you feel like an addict! Since before my surgery, I would often feel hungry even when my stomach felt full, I can totally see why you'd be scared that you'd still feel really hungry even when your new small stomach is full. And I can tell you from experience - being hungry with a full stomach feels miserable! I can see why you'd be scared of that! But I really want to assure you - the surgery works as advertised. You will feel satisfied, even when you are eating way less food than before. For me, the change in my hunger is like night and day - it's amazing!

I just started the bariatric journey (got a couple of appointments with different surgeons). While in the past I’ve kept weight loss struggles and attempts private, this time I’m telling a lot of people ahead of time. There’s no shame in saying I’m having surgery. If somehow it doesn’t work out I don’t owe anyone explanations. But I don’t think abstaining from social events because I don’t want to explain my lack of eating or forgoing support that is readily available will get me anywhere. I wasn’t able to do it alone before, so I’m trying to change my rules hoping for a different result

I can not wait to go to the neurology appt... The area right next to the belly button is the spot, plus my whole left side to under my ribs, to my pelvic area... I have had this issue since at least 2007, It has gotten way worse then when it started, I pray to God I am right with the problem...Anterior cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome... this can cause different issues as well... biggest problem is people get diagnosed with all sorts of stuff.. I have complained and complained through the years, have had a million scans with nothing found,... looking for a reason and a fix... for 13 yrs has not been fun, and most Dr's just look at you like your nuts, or a hypochondriac, or a liar. I can guarantee you this ... I am not lying, and what I have called spasms for yrs... is exactly that... irritating that nerve ! So glad I went back to the Bariatric who took out my band... because he is the first one to say nerve damage. We shall see...... This has plagued me since 2007 ... 3 years after band placement. My lapband broke twice, got it fixed early 2008 ... and then again it broke in 20013, I believe it caused this damage to my stomach, as the spasms used to happen when the port was still in, they thought by putting a new smaller port in that it would fix it. IT DIDNT.... then we discovered in 2013 that it broke again... and the hose was wrapped around my spleen causing this damage. I really regret getting the Gastric Lapband.

1300 calories is maintenance level for a lot of us. I can maintain on 1700 calories, but that seems to be on the high end for female bariatric patients. I just checked my records, and at 10 months out I was averaging 1000 kcal/day. Maybe try eating closer to the bottom end of your current range for awhile (1000 kcal) and see if you start losing again. If you're walking 4-4.5 miles a day, than you're probably about as active as I was, so that part should be OK.

Of course, but my mindset is like so even if I’m eating at the higher end of my diet at 1300 cal and burning 500 a day walking, on top of my BMR/TDEE I should without a doubt be in a deficit? But the scales should project that. So I’m wondering am I not eating enough? It’s hard because all Over the internet they say it’s nowhere near enough calories but when your a Bariatric patient like we are, it’s what we get programmed to do and what our bodies can cope with. So I’m just stuck in a rut. I will try and decrease the cals more and see if it makes a difference. Out of curiosity what cals were you on at 10 months post op and what exercise? I’m just trying to grasp what worked for other people (even though I know it may be different for me). I mean I walk over 4 - 4 1/2 miles a day so I would consider myself fairly active right now. Thankyou for your help I will take it all on board and play around with my cals etc. Why does it have to be so hard towards your goal 😩