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I was in your shoes about this time last year - our insurance doesn't cover any bariatric procedures - and I ended up looking in Mexico mainly based on price. I had a friend who had used a dr near El Paso, TX - and really liked him - but he was pretty expensive - at least in my opinion. I did a little research on the Bariatric Pal forums and could find nothing even remotely troubling about Dr. Illan - and his price was one of the lowest I found. Long story short, I had my procedure this past January and was 100% satisfied - I've lost around 80 pounds - so happy that my wife is coming back in a couple of months to have the same thing done with Dr Illan - he's great, the facility is great, his whole team is fantastic, and the whole group that makes up BariatricPal MX is top-notch. If you pick them, you can put your mind at ease -and start shopping for smaller clothes!

I am 58 with fine but relatively thick hair that’s a little below my back bra strap. I am 3 months post op and my hair and nails are growing much faster due to the combo of quality bariatric vitamins (Watch the stinking fillers), collagen (put in your tea or smoothie) which gives you 11 grams of protein with few calories and the extra biotin. Lastly, my scalp and skin have been extraordinarily dry so it’s a struggle to stay hydrated— I gave my scalp an oil treatment and it really did help texture. Hey, if you are gonna do this weight loss journey you must exercise self care — in my opinion this entails changing many habits into best practices so you can be the best version of yourself possible.

Do you all mind sharing with me which doctors you used in Mexico? Right now, I am looking at Dr. Ortiz at ALm and Dr Ismael Jonathan Vazquez at Bariatric Select. I can't find much on Dr Ismael Jonathan Vazquez.

the employer can only make changes to their plan off their renewal period if they have made a legal mistake (ie bariatric coverage is required in some states with different conditions per state). Their renewal does not coincide with your plan, so you could speak with the employer and ask them to consider adding this coverage for their next year. (You can also look at your state's legal requirements to be sure they meet the minimum...I've seen many occasions where people don't). We are self insured and this is the sort of thing we like to hear about from our team. Our goal is to provide the best coverage in the business, both as a benefit to our team's well being and for competitive reasons (helps us get the best people). So when we learn that we are lacking in an area from someone we look at how to make that work in our program. When I had my surgery we saw we were lacking in this area and will make the changes for the next period. We did the same for fertility and adoption benefits after seeing we were low. Typically employers go with a plan that is sort of standard, then add bits here and there as necessary. It's impossible to sit there and say "how much do we have for this and that" because it's overwhelming, so we get guided by our administrators. Which is where you come in Yes tell his employer. He may or may not make the change, but it's worth a shot. That said, this probably won't help you during this enrollment period. He can't just add the coverage for you as an appeal.

Thank you to everyone for your support & suggestions. I have been back on track for 5 days now & I think the sugar cravings are about gone. I swear it felt like withdrawal...not that I know what that feels like, lol. I plan on seeing Fat Sick & Nearly Dead if I can find it at the library. I made an appointment with my old therapist for the 25th of this month. I fessed up to my partner about going to the store almost every day & getting junk to eat & then hiding the wrappers in the trunk of my car. It went well. We had a long talk. I went to my bariatric support group meeting Thursday night & that helped a lot too. One woman there is having the surgery next month & she weighs over 400 lbs. I looked at her & thought to myself, "If you keep going the way you are, you will end up back to where you were & you do NOT want that" I think once I get a few things off my chest in therapy, I will feel better. I did go for 1 20 min walk, used my punching bag one day & have used my pedal cycle twice for 30 min each time. I am trying to work up to either going to the gym or going back to Zumba. I HATE exercise so it is hard. I know all of you can relate in some way or another. Once again, thank you!

Yes I had a psychologist. Approval but I was not honest. They do not let you go to your own psychologist. For surgery approval. I do have a psychologist who does work with bariatric patents. He is well aware of my weight loss and gain in the last 4 years. He also knows I was on 500 calories for a year and I still ran and went to the gym 5 days a week over kill. Now that I had the surgery I am off all medications including blood pressure. I think I will do great on this. If I can get the Water down. If I eat like a normal person I get fat. Sadly. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

WOW! I really like my Doctor. He is so very kind. He explained how right now my hormones are "deranged" that I would have to starve myself to lose the amount of weight I need. With the band, you are kind of starving, but it's much more comfortable because you feel full. He had me lie flat on my back to examine the shape of my tummy. He said my shape is easier to do surgery with, because I carry the bulk of my girth (my word,not his) in my lower stomache and hips. Yes, I have lotsa junk in the trunk! He was very reassuring, and positive. When I asked what my long term goal should be, he said he didn't want me to think in pounds, rather he would like my BMI to be in the 30´s. So, the next time I see him will be in the surgery holding area! He said he would dictate my visit today, send to the bariatric coordinator tomorrow, and that she should be able to put package in the mail tomorrow!!!!!!! He said they have been receiving replies from the insurance company within one to two weeks!!!!!!!

I also had 6 months supervised weight loss. My doctor's office wanted me to use myfitness pal, but it had nothing to do with my insurance. It was mainly so that I was honest with myself on what I was eating, and so they could monitor what I was eating and help me make adjustments as I went. Most insurances, at least mine which is UHC, just want to see some type of weight loss; even a pound per month is good, of course more is better, but insurance wants to see a loss, never a gain. What will be enough for insurance coverage includes that you lose some amount of weight, that your bariatric office deems weight loss surgery necessary, also to have your primary indicate so on a letter. The process sounds intimidating and long, but it goes by quick. I am just over 3 months and can't believe my surgery already happened! The weight loss will be documented by your team on each visit. Hope that somewhat answered your question. In my case the app was mainly for my own personal tracking, and for them to monitor. You already started the process, don't quit no matter how hard it may seem! Best of luck!

Hi.. i also paid $15,600 in dec. 2006. now i hear that university general hospital is offering a cash price of $11,900.. even better than the surgery center. also, free consultation.. they apparently opened this bariatric program called sos (my friend is a nurse there)superior obesity solutions after they got thier center of excellence hospital for bariatirics and are offering this rate for 3 months. Dr. Spiegel did my band, he's the best, and he is part of that sos program.

If you live in the Dallas Ft Worth area and are willing to pick this stuff up in North Oak Cliff, I have a bag full of goodies that I couldn't use. It includes 2 Tubs of nectar Protein (one has 1 serving missing), 2 bottles of the Bariatric Advantage Vitamin crystals (I might have used 2 servings out of one bottle); some Bariatric Advantage chocolate Protein Bars, A few single serving Bariatric Advantage shakes, a chewable multi vitamin, and a few other odds and ends that I was supposed to use post op, but couldn't. I hate to just throw the stuff out, so I am hoping someone can use it! Message me.

You should ask your surgeon or nutritionist. I was very specifically told to take bariatric multi-vitamins, but every plan is different.

Holly, I had plastic surgery on tummy, breast lift these done together then 4 months later had my arms done and didn't have to have any fluid removed. I guess everything depends on the plastic surgeon and their experiences with weight loss patients. I didn't have any problems. The plastic surgeon wasn't sure if she would have to reposition the port or not (she didn't) however my bariatrics surgeon said if she did that she could call him (they work at the same hosptial) and he would pop in and do it. He popped in anyway during the surgery just to see what was going on

Yes I have a nut. And I will not gain it back. I had bariatric surgery and I do not have an eating problem I am down to 221 I will be fine. I have been a gym rat most my life and I am a runner I just gained this weight after doing the shakes only for a year I have not been heavy all my life. I promise I will not gain it back. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

I just got back clearance on my nicotine test. They've submitted my claim for surgery to GA medicaid. Any idea on how long before they call with a surgery date? I am have gastric bypass surgery at Emory Midtown by Jamil Stetler of Emory Bariatrics. TIA Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Thank you both for the encouragement. I am sticking to program and haven't had a problem with getting the liquids in or the protein. I was worried about what protein shakes I would be able to handle so I got some of the Bariwise and Protidiet from Bariatric Choice. They are like Crystal light but with protein. I also have been using the Nectar. Thanks for pointing out the obvious. I forget what the inside of my body must look like and the toll the surgery has taken on it. Onward I go. Thanks again!!

I have cigna and I know they cover the surgery. I've studied their policy inside and out. Just to make sure my plan really did cover the surgery I called them today only to learn that my father's employer (who I am covered under for another year) has chosen to still consider bariatric surgery as "cosmetic". It sucks because I was so hopeful that I could finally get healthy and feel good. I know the surgery will cost them less in the long run...but is there anyway I could appeal to his employer? Anyway around this other than self pay?

I was banded in October of 2008 and had the band let down in November of 2010. I am finally ready to try it again but it does seem like the Bariatric centers are pushing the bypass more now. I got tired of throwing up all the time. Foods that were band friendly seemed to turn against me and not be band friendly. I am ready to measure foods, chew much slower and try this again.

I have heard this as well. I got pregnant 5 months after surgery. I gave birth completely naturally without any complications or drugs at a birthing center. I didn't even get Tylenol! I got up and walked out with my baby girl 4 hours after giving birth and felt great. Labored in a tub got out and delivered on a bed. They did consider me high risk because I had a very healthy pregnancy. No issues and in range for all test while pregnant. YOU will have to educate THEM. They know nothing about bariatrics. I went prepared with papers and research on what I needed to do and what MY plan was to have a healthy pregnancy. Boost your healthy Snacks and do your homework and you can do it. Don't let anyone tell you you can't have the birth you want because you simply can't eat as much at once. Best of luck to you and congrats!!!!

@@AmiLou I enjoy trying out new healthy foods. I reached out to this forum, because I know that folks here usually have some healthy ways to prepare foods. My son is a professional chef, so I always have a source for how to prepare foods. Unfortunately his recipes are not always bariatric friendly.

Hi everyone, Does anyone know of a chart that tells us how much protein, kcals, fats, carbs, fibre and salt we should eat as post-bariatric patients? Since I’m writing everything down, I feel like I should at least check that I’m not going over the top on salt, for example. I also suffer from constipation and I would like to try and manipulate my food to help - so it’s good to have base lines! The recommended daily allowance that we get on food labels in the U.K. is for standard diets of 2000kcals per day. Maybe I should just quarter that but I wonder if there’s a calculator out there that takes different sizes of people into consideration? Hope this isn’t a silly question. My brain is still very fogged up! 🌸

I have been taking Bariatric Advantage Protein bars and shakes for my pre-op diet and because of all the stomach issues I have been having my NUT recommended a dairy-free version. Does anyone have a soy protein they can recommend??? Thank you!

This is a 4 year old thread so you may not hear back from the previous posters. I’ve heard great things about Doctors Wilhemy, Esquerra, and Ungson at Mexicali Bariatric Center. People I know that had DS surgery there were very happy with the experience and have had great weight loss & maintenance results. You couldn’t make a better choice as they’re the preeminent DS surgeons in Mexico. Good luck!

I did not find a lot on Dr. Wilhlemy on this forum, so I wanted to share my experience for anyone researching him and the hospital in Mexicali. I flew in from Canada to have a revision from LB to VSG done. I learned about Mexicali Bariatric Center by 3 coworkers that had been there to have surgery with Dr. Aceves and they spoke very highly of the hospital, the staff and had marvelous results! I must admit that I looked at a couple lower priced places but immediately knew that I wanted a certified doctor a certified hospital, a place where I knew patients were having very good long term weight loss results and my chances of a complication were low. I found all of these in Dr Wilhelmy and the magnificent team at Mexicali Bariatric Center. I also found a lot of caring people, professionalism and made friends for life! The experience started out a bit bumpy because my flight was delayed for 5 hours. I had to be in San Diego Ca before 11 am and this delay would make me miss the shuttle to Mexicali. I called Nina at the office at 5 am ( sorry about the time honey) practically in tears not sure what to do. She calmed me and assured me they would not leave me in Sd and we would make it work. She kept her word and they had a driver to pick me up and take me to Mexicali that same day. It was too late to have all my tests done that evening so I just had EKG and x rays and spoke the nutritionist and bariatric doctor, Dr. Campos. Dr. Campos did a barium swallow and checked my band. Everything looked good. Yolanda and Carla met me and helped me through this stage. I spent the night at Lucerna Hotel and thanks to the sleeping pills I had a good night sleep. Ernesto, the driver, was bright and early at the hotel to pick me up and took me to the hospital. I had blood work done that early morning and was admitted into the hospital. We waited for my test results and in the meantime I was put on the IV, I was given blood thinners and did the final paperwork. Time flew by, my tests we done, I saw all doctors that morning, internal medicine doctor, anestheologist, Dr. Wilhelmy and nurses Sergio and Esmerald. By 9am I was in surgery! My band was removed and my sleeve done that morning. Surgery took 1.5 hours and was told I had a lot of adhesions but nothing they had not seen before. Phew! The next 3 days passed so quickly. I was in the hospital for 3 days in total, I had 3 leak tests and recovered without any problems. The attentiveness of the nurses was impressive. They have a caring spirit helping patients get as comfortable as possible and always with a smile on their face. The cleaning ladies are there all day, they clean over the clean, I swear I wanted to take one of them home! I saw the doctors 2-3 times a day and was reassured daily about my recovery and my questions were answered. My husband talked beer and sports with the doctors, he is a big fan of both so needless to say he is now a big fan of MBC's doctors too. I had NEVER gotten this care anyplace else. I was not a number, I was a patient, someone they cared about and that along with their surgical experience make them an exceptional medical team. It was a very big difference from my band experience at home.

I know this is waaaay late but in case anyone else is researching Rhode Island I had a great experience with Dr. Todd Stafford from Surgical Associates. They work out of Miriam Hospital but also Rhode Island Hospital. The bariatrics program is primarily at Miriam I believe. Dr.stafford is fantastic and my hospital stay was nothing but positive. My surgery was November 25, the day before thanksgiving. The nurses and drs were all nice and supportive, nothing but good things to say. The drs main secretary is not super organized but she was a small bump in the road and I just kept up with everything myself and didnt let that impede my progress. All 4 dra in the practice seem very good from my research. 3 of them checked on me in the 2 days i was in the hospital and at my follow ups I saw Dr. Stafford and the PA.

It depends on the plan. If you are paying for insurance out of pocket, look at plans that offer bariatric coverage as part of the plan. Not all do. Speak with a broker or check healthcare.gov.