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Have you talked to your Primary Care Doc or whoever is helping you manage your diabetes? I know in the Info. Meeting I went to they said that Gastric Bypass is much more effective with Type 2 Diab. I think there probably is better results with GB, but that is because in addition to the restriction you get (like the band) you also don't absorb the fat and calories like you used to , which can be good and bad. What is your BMI? If you have a BMI over 35 with the diabetes you qualify with most insurers, but I know nothing about Medicare. Can you call them yourself and find out? Check out the Insurance section of this site and see what other Medicare users have experienced. Look online and see if you can find their policy. And talk directly with the person that deals with insurance at the office you are going to and see what they say. They are old hat at this and should be able to really help you with the process. With any bariatric procedure you are going to get out of it what you put into it. That 50% loss is an AVERAGE. Some lose less, and some lose more! So for those that only lose 10% there are also those that lose 100%. What are YOU willing to put into this to make it work? The lap band is just a tool to help you out. But if you aren't willing to do the work of changing your eating habits and exercising regularly then it won't work and you will be right where you are now, but with a bunch of scars and a useless medical device in your body. Keep us updated on what you find out.

I get mine from the Bariatric center but I know Amazon has it, maybe you can't get it faster there.

I do not own a scale because I know that I can get a bit obsessive about weighing myself and I like being surprised about my weight loss or gain. This time though it will be too long to go until I see the bariatric team again (6mos). I make sure I always get protein in and I need to get better about having veggies instead of potatoes. But over all I eat pretty healthy Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

Hi Sylver28, We all know that everyone's experience with bariatric surgery is different. Everyone has positives and negatives. I have done my research and understand all of the negatives and positives and made my decision on my own according to what is best for me. This is why I choose not to talk about it or tell everyone because sure enough someone will try to bring you down in a heartbeat. I know someone who had gastric right after I got my band who said that gastric was better. I don't really think you can say that to someone because what might be better for them might not be better for me. Nevertheless, their opionion did not influence me one bit. Meanwhile, we have lost the exact amount of weight and I have less issues than them. ....well, that's my 2 cents....:frown:

Thats the PONT! If WLS is for life Why would you want it reversed? It only needs revisonal surgery if its going wrong and the complications again are rare and if like happen very early days. Unlike the band most people experience probs around 18 months to 2 years. It can be devastateing if the band has been great then suddenly slippes and needs removing. Not every one is likely to keep the weight off! You ONLY usually have the band removed when there is complications and the long term chance of complications are way higher with a band than any other method of WLS. A Doc will endourse the band if thats all there doing and most general practioners dont know enough about anything so have a say eather way. (in a specialist manner) A Specialsit bariatric surgeon should be skilled in all the surgeries and should have enough experience to assess a patient and there suitablility for what ever procedure. The patient should of course consult with the surgeon and heed the surgeons advice. This less invasive and reverasble thing is sooo repetative it seems like the laimest excusess for a band i have ever heard. It says you expect it to fail and when it does its easy to fix. Whats the point in entering into a lifetime commitment to change with the expoectation its likely to fail. All surgeries to some extent are reversable. The band completely reversabe and usually with that there is a very high chance the weight will regain. Thats prob one of the sole reasons why lots of insurance companies in the US dont fund banding and lots of people have to fight for it. Surly that tellls you something! i seriously cannot see why you would ever want it reversed if things are going well. And in most bypass cases things go well like the stats say there is higher complications probs with a band than any other method of WLS so again if this are going great why would you consider revision?

Why shouldn't you be hungry? You're, very literally, starting to starve. I went on a rant about this idea of "head hunger". If you've eaten a nice meal of chicken breast and veggies...but you desperately still WANT a cheeseburger and fries...that's "head hunger." Needing more fuel...and having physiological signs that you need more fuel...is actual real hunger. And YES lots and lots of bariatric patients suffer it when their calorie demands are high (healing) and their intake is dangerously low (first few weeks after surgery). Many people suffer nausea...that eliminates hunger. So, they beleive that no one else feels hunger. But lots of us don't suffer any nausea, and for us hunger can be overwhelming until our diets open up to more realistic amounts of calories. I could have eaten my own leg off a week after surgery...I was THAT hungry. You're not alone:) When more foods opened up to me and my caloric intake got to be about 1000 calories a day, I felt wonderful...no more hunger. Hang in there...it gets better.

Good afternoon all I am new to this group I had my Roux-en-y operation done in the UK back in 2007 I went from 450 lbs to 200 lbs and finally settled at 260 lbs for 6 years now. I was type 2 Diabetic before the operation and it went dormant for 6 years then came back with a vengeance. When I was in the UK had the most amazing support team but have had no support since coming to Canada due to the fact that as the operation was done OUTSIDE Canada no one is interested in touching me . Many more problems have started to occur and I am trying to find someone or team that I can touch base with here in Canada to get some guidance . My surgery was done by Mr A Fiennes . I am now living in Newmarket which is 1 hour North of Toronto . Alberic Fiennes named as incoming IFSO-EC president _ Bariatric News.html

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Hi everyone! Have any of you scheduled your surgery with the Tijuana Bariatric Group in Mexico? I went through "BeLite" and am having trouble getting them to respond to my calls, even though I am scheduled for Sept. 20th. I'm uneasy.:help:

Andrea, I understand you may have to travel, but I'd consider finding another surgeon. If your surgeon needs proctor, it MIGHT be that he hasn't placed the new AP band and he needs a proctor to go over placement with him (it's a little different), but it most likely is because he isn't certified by Allergan/Inamed yet, period. And that's okay, he's not necessarily incompetent, he's may just be brand new to banding. He may have done tons of various laparascopic procedures and maybe has done hundreds of bypasses, but he likely hasn't done many bands. But that's a consideration. Given the history of his pushing and pushing you to have bypass done, I'm leaning toward him not having done many bands. Do you want to be someone's first or second band ever? I *might* if I was comfortable and confident with the surgeon when I interviewed him. Based on what you've told us of your conversations with him, I would NOT be comfortable with his confidence in his own abilities or his own willingness to learn and try the latest advancements. Seriously, GO FIND ANOTHER SURGEON. I know you have kids, many of us do. I understand you may work, many of us do, I know it must be hard to arrange, but Andrea, this is your body and your new life you are dealing with here. Find a day or two that you can set aside to travel to an appt. Really think about this, please. From what I understand being Allergan/Inamed (Allergan is the newer name) certified to place the band is not state by state. It's one time. You can call Allergan and ask them if your surgeon is certified. The website is lapband.com and you should be able to find a link to look him up. What is his name, BTW? You can look him up on obesityhelp.com and on tha American Society of Bariatric Surgeons (asbs.org) to see if he's a member. Please do these things, or PM me the name or post it here and we'll see what we can find out about him to see how much experience he has.

hey guys, my dm was doing well post op (when my intake was zilch)...but i've been having fasting levels around 140...and my weight loss has stalled...i'm calling my endocrinologist and bariatric dietician.... but wondering if anyone has experience with this phenomenon/// also i've got to ditch my glucophage...even cracked in to 4 pieces and with little restriction it gets painfully stuck....i'm gonna try januvia + glimiperide 2.0mg did today and felt a little shaky hypoglycemic at lunch....will keep you posted amanda

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What medication, if any, do you take? For a while I was taking Metformin (generic Glucophage), but I couldn't take the side effects. So once my periods were regulated, I stopped taking it for a couple of years. Needless to say, once I gained all of the weight back (and then some) that I had lost while dieting and taking Metformin, my periods became erratic again. When I saw my PCP in September, I asked for a prescription renewal. Instead of the Metmorfin, she gave me a starter pack of Glumetza. She said that it should be gentler on my intestinal tract. Well, I didn't start it until yesterday. I figured I would wait to see if my periods would regulate themselves with weight loss, which hasn't yet happened. I'm curious, has anyone taken Glumetza, and if so, have you found it to be as effective as Metformin? Also, did you have the same side effects that you experienced with the Metformin or were they not as severe?

Okay, I had my sleeve done on Wednesday the 15th and I still feel like crap. I had my pre-op tests done on the 13th (full body scan, blood test, and routing checkup with the surgeon) and went into op around 8am that Wednesday. I know the time frame is weird, but considering the fact that the surgeon does 2 to 3 bariatrics surgeries a day (popular guy), I felt pretty comfortable doing it. I wanna start off by saying, I'm quite amused at the level of "attention" and pre-reqs that is required in the U.S. It is super unnecessary, a sleeve is probably one of the easiest major surgeries that can be performed. I actually felt sad for the people that had to undergo years of testing and check ups and even liver operations just to be able to do it. Don't waste your money and time on that and just find a reputable surgeon abroad who will most likely do it at 1/10th of the cost while being much more experienced with it (I was treated like a client/customer whenever I conuslted a doctor in the U.S. rather than a patient). Now that I got all the negativity towards the American healthcare system, I want to ask a few things about my current diet. For the most part, most post-op diets are similar but I don't understand how some people go hard on protein during the 1st phase when my diet doesn't involve any protein until the 5th week. First 14 days is clear liquids, and the nutritionist/surgeon literally just advised me to drink white grape or apple juice (peeled,strained, added water, no added sugars), broth water (no fat, no seasonings, bleh), and herbal drinks (no caffeine). How the heck is my body supposed to stay alive on what I suppose is basically nutrient weak foods? I'm still alive obviously, but I don't see how I won't be turned into a skeletal frame by the end of the 2nd week on this diet? I asked my doc "am I gonna be alive to even enjoy solid foods in a couple of months if I stick to this diet?", to which he replied "don't worry buddy, trust the process".(okay he didn't actually say that, but it was something among the lines of it'll be okay if you stick to it). I mean I trust the process, but I don't really trust the science behind it. Why do some people have the luxury of being allowed to eat SF Jello, ice pops, protein shakes, puddings, etc. just a few days after surgery when my diet is so harsh? How is not having any protein over 2 weeks a good thing? I had a natural weight loss journey before (300 to 185) and it involved a LOT of protein and little to no carbs/sugar + high fat for muscle building, so this just sounds so alien to me. Not sure if this helps, but I'm a 28 y/o male, current weight 258 ideal 170. I was prescribed anti-heartburn meds, pain meds, and blood thinners as well as a weekly dose of B-12. Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

I received mine at my last preop class..there bariatric card..Iv never used mine..we either split or I get a to go box and eat later..

I am looking very hard at Bariatric Surgery, and I am still not sure which way to go, Lap-Band or Bypass ? I have been big all my life I have been as big as 525, down to 250, and I am back at 385 with a BMI of 43. I have been a type 2 diabetic for about 9 years. and I had a 5 way cadiac bypass a year ago. I have done alot of reading, a great deal has been done in the last 24 here on this site (Great Site !) I have been told I can beat the diabeatis in a few weeks with the bypass, longer with the band. There are good and bad with both procedures I am just trying to get some more insite before I go to the clinic in a few weeks for my first interview. I would like to hear from some of you on how you decided which way to go. Doc

Hi my name is Tim and I'm new to the site. I'm really beside myself whether to go for surgery or not. Well in a nut shell. At my heaviest I weighed 365 pounds. I have tried many diets and fitness programs in the past. A few years back I dropped to about 273 pounds. Then I went back up to about 343. Last year my wife began her journey with the bariatric sleeve. At the same time I began a medical weight loss program.. I did good for awhile and dropped down to 285 pounds. in the last two months I stopped losing and gained 10 pounds. I have a bariatric information session appointment on 10/6. My wife said I shouldn't do it, I guess basically she misses eating a lot. coming from an Italian back ground it is a little tough. however she looks awesome. She lost 125 so far. should I do it? I think I is a good move, basically I can handle intense workouts. my problem is that I just don't know when to stop eating. even with healthy food I eat in excess.

Hey! I haven't had my pre-op surgeon appt yet but at the nurse practitioner appt I definitely had a bunch of questions. Here's a few: - Based on my body type, etc...what percentage of excess body weight could I expect to see in the best situation? - What exercises are best post-op? Do you usually suggest Water aerobics, yoga, etc? Which are better than others to help promote healing? - Is there an emergency line that I can call specifically for bariatric patients? - What type of clothing should I wear post-op at the hospital and at home following the hospital? - How long do you expect me to stay at the hospital? - How much movement can I expect to be doing during the first few days post-op? - What are the signs and symptoms of something going wrong post-op?

I saw your post here and I'm new. I don't know if I'm even responding properly. I found this post by searching for info on Dr Garcia on Google. I received a call today from a woman named alma. She was calling from Ready4Achange.com. We talked about bariatric surgeries and she recommended Dr. Garcia above all those other doctors, and she actually works for all of those four. Ready 4 a Change is rated well with the BBB. I don't know if that makes a difference. Anyhow, I was wondering if you got your surgery and if so, who with. Would your recommend doing it and with the doctor you chose? I have been doing a lot of research and am very interested and excited about surgery. I am also apprehensive about doing it in Mexico. Please contact me at your earliest convenience. BTW...I am a mommy to six also:) Thanks and blessings, Donna donnazang@msn.com

Hate is a strong word. Kids can make you crazy at times but there is no greater love than the love of a child. Yes, they hate you from age 15-25, but after that, it's another renewed, kinder, stronger, more appreciative love that comes back to you. Don't knock it until you try it. I too had just dogs for ten years before a child, there is absolutely no comparison.

I took the Bariatric Advtg ones but they were awful. I tried the Centrum liquid and it was horrendous too. I finally gave in and tried the Vita Craves gummies and they are fine. Just chew, chew, chew.....at least I'm still getting them in. The pulling will subside...it felt like my insides were gonna fall out but I can tell you I went for a 2nd walk and didn't have any pulling whatsoever. Hang in there!!!

Hi guys,I had surgery on 29 og august, 2016,it's about to b 2 months ,it's have spoken to various patients that had bariatric surgery and have told me the same,it's don't have sex drive,he touch no desire,the intimate desire is off,spoke to tendee of my surgeon he tells me he hasn't heard of this ,it's he bugging,please help Sent from my SM-G900T using the BariatricPal App

If it's possible to buy only one or two to try, do that. Our tastes tend to change like @kcuster83 mentioned. Also Bariatric Pal has a store and they have "protein shots" I've never tried them, but I recall Alex saying his favorite is the crisp apple. He mentioned that it's tart. https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-25g-whey-protein-collagen-power-shots-crisp-apple?variant=31264231325773

Syntrax is offering a monthly promo for 10 packets of sample flavors of assorted choices for 14.00 including shipping. Thats a pretty good deal. Unjury offers a sampler with tge famous chocolate splendor & chicken soup flavors as well as vanilla & strawberry for 19.99+ shipping. Bjs bariatrics offers the ability to pick the flavors of your samples of nectars. And is in the $15 range+ shipping. My bartatric pantry offers syntrax samples pick your flavors & matrix samples assorted flavors. I have a blender bottle which helps mix things well but I still get tons of foam So far I've tried only the isopure ready to drink bottled from gnc - it was yucky & had a odd flavor. Had to choke it down. I tried the roadside lemonade from syntrax nectars & it was good, no odd flavors, just a gentle lemonade flavor quite nice. allons-y

Starting my preop diet tomorrow. 2 bariatric advantage shakes, 2 skim or milk unsweetened almond milk or a Greek yogurt. 1 protein snack 1/2 c fruit and 4 oz lean protein with 1-2 cups non starchy veggies. Getting excited