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I'm scheduled to have my nutrition evaluation next week at the hospital where the bariatric group is based. I checked the hospital's web site to see what restrictions they had in place for coronavirus, and it said that they would be postponing any non-critical appointments and encouraging people to schedule telehealth visits if possible. I called the bariatric group to ask if I could change my appointment to a telehealth visit, and they initially said no and insisted I had to come in for it, but they called back about an hour later and said they could change it to a phone call. My next hurdle is a weigh-in at my PCP for my 3-month weight loss effort. I hate going to the doctor's office as it is (always full of sick people!), but I'm REALLY wary of going now -- although I live in a rural area where there are currently no confirmed coronavirus cases. One would hope that the insurance companies would make some concessions for surgery approval given the world's circumstances, but insurance companies are notorious for denying coverage for any reason or no reason.

I feel your pain! I had the sleeve done three years ago, lost over 100 pounds in about 10 months, then gained about 60 back through bad food choices and/or just plain overeating (even healthy foods). I'd go on reset diets which would work for a while, but then I would plateau for a long time and start to gain weight again. Part of the problem was trying to deal with my food addictions that came back once I fell off the bariatric diet wagon. After a while it was just too hard to get back on again. Eventually I decided to have a revision to bypass, which I had done 2.5 weeks ago. Hopefully that's not something you'll have to do - if you have support groups around you and people that you can work with, it should be possible to lose the weight you regained.

Longer stalls are not uncommon the further out you are from surgery (often 2-5 weeks!). As long as the weight is not going up from week to week, I think it's okay. Are you taking your body measurements? That can often show that you are losing weight, even if the scale doesn't move. I've also noticed that sometimes the body likes to hold onto fluids a little more every now and then, not sure why. Even being constipated/having no bowel movements for a few days can affect the scale. Another thing you can try is mixing up your diet and exercise a bit. Go cycling or swimming instead of walking, try some new bariatric-friendly recipes...it may kick your body out of its stall.

Hey Margaret, Any chance you live in Toronto? Will you able pass forward your Doctor name who took out your band. I had been tireless finding doctor who can take out my band and my family doctor had tried to referred and i get rejected easily without checking or seeing my physically. It is a such sad world we live in. I've reached out to Canadian Association of Bariatric Physicians and Surgeons and hadn't heard any response back.

Have you spoken to your doctor? Your chest might be achy from the intubation during surgery. If it hurts right under your ribs, that is where they were doing the surgery, so that is very normal. However, if the discomfort is in your lungs and you feel so uncomfortable that it is waking you up, you might mention it to your doctor or bariatric team. My doctor sent me home with a spirometer to make sure I was taking lots of deep breaths to ward off pneumonia. At two weeks, I was also allowed to take some Tylenol to help with any aches and pains. Good luck and I hope you feel better!!!

Just be careful as the days go on! You can’t trust a fart after Bariatric surgery! I pooped my pants 3 times when I was in the all liquids phase. Horrible, I know. Now I know after a really big one, the next one might be more lol. Happy tootin!! 💩😂🤮

Post op Dec 2015 gained back 35 pounds. Went on the Keto diet. Was excited and lost 12 pounds in a few weeks. Then Boom this rash sent straight from satan himself! I’m like what is this? Immediately i started putting like hydrocortisone creme and taking benadryl. I got off the diet. Here is pics. I sit at the dermatologist right now seeking answers doing blood work and urine samples when I really feel like this is a keto rash but i want it to go away. Then i will just go back to my shakes and salad greens. Jesus this itch is horrible! Does anyone have this or have got rid of it? Does it have to do with us being through bariatric surgery?

I started out w 2 protein shakes and a healthy meal for dinner. It helped me get used to the diet before I had to start the pre op diet. Drink lots of water. I also went to every meeting for the bariatric surgery, it helped me understand what was going to happen etc... Good luck and keep on moving! 😃😃😃

On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

I have struggled with my weight since I was five years old. Late in 2016- at 28 years old at my heaviest weight- I had my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon in Akron, Ohio where I live and began the steps towards gastric bypass. I was so scared. But I knew that I would rather risk my life than live like this forever. I feared that my parents would bury me in 20 years and that my sister would become an only child. I knew I had to do something. I had tried everything. Between the ages of 8-28 I had tried everything under the sun. I could not lose/maintain the weight loss. On June 26, 2017- I had gastric bypass surgery. I have lost/maintained 180 pound weight loss. I have a whole new life. It is quite beautiful. I look forward to living everyday. I share my journey on Instagram - (my name on there is Maddie5088) and I also have a public Facebook Page called Mornings with Maddie. I created a blog almost a year ago that focuses on sharing my journey, creating/sharing healthy recipes. You can find it here - foodfitnessandbeauty.com I share body positivity, kindness, self love, inclusivity, healthy recipes, grocery hauls, I do monthly giveaways, how to meal prep, affordable/easy meals for bariatric patients and I do Q and As for Bariatric patients. I have felt very called to share my journey with the bariatric community! I hope you come follow along my story! It’s been a heck of a ride! Xoxo Maddie

In Kansas City... My EGD as part of my pre op testing was scheduled for April 8th and THAT was canceled. And this is at a Bariatric center. Message said "No need to call us back. We'll call you when we can reschedule." I was to receive my date after the EGD results gave the all clear. Oof. Sorry for all of us. Being sequestered would have been a great time to manage the early post op diet struggles.

I felt like I was literally going to faint during the last week of full liquids, I added in a few pureed/soft foods in conjunction with the full liquids and immediately felt better. I don't want you to deviate from your plan, I shared this information to say that my body needed a little bit more at that point in my journey. I would also consult with your bariatric team to determine whether or not you are ready. Ariel (my stomach) loves refried beans and a scrambled egg. Not cooked together, in separate meals. Protein is our friend. The cream soups were delicious, but didn't givr me the substance and nutrients that I needed. I'm still drinking protein shakes, I only had my procedure on 3/3/20.

Did you have a question about sodas or just needed to get this off your chest?? I think there’s a rant and rave section for that. Ive seen other Bariatric forums where people gang up on others. I have not seen that happen at all in this site. I’ve only been provided with amazing support here. I’m 16 days post-op and will not be trying carbonation of any kind as my surgeon has warned me it is not good for my new tummy. I wish you best of luck on your journey.

I had gastric bypass June 26, 2017. I’ve lost 180 pounds and maintained my weight loss. I’ve decided to share my journey with the world. I share recipes, grocery hauls, what I keep on hand in my kitchen, Q & As, and many more things related to my journey. I also have a blog where I share recipes. Come join me! This journey is much easier with support of those who have been in your shoes! My Instagram name is Maddie5088 - I also have a public Facebook page called Mornings with Maddie.

There are so many very useful accounts on Instagram that post recipes and content for bariatric patients. I post recipes all the time and save them to highlights that are bariatric friendly. I do grocery hauls, what I keep on hand in my kitchen, Q and As about my journey. I’ve lost 180 pounds with gastric bypass and healthy lifestyle change. My Instagram is Maddie5088. I also have a public Facebook page called Mornings with Maddie.

Hey all! I know this is an old thread! But I share a lot of bariatric friendly things on my Instagram. My name is Maddie5088 - I’ve lost 180 pounds. Gastric bypass June 26, 2017 ! I’m going to check some of y’all out on the gram!

chronic constipation is very common among bariatric patients - and not just in new post-ops! It's a lifetime thing for a lot of us. I have a capful of Miralax every morning - others regularly use stool softeners, prunes, or Smooth Move tea. When things get really backed up for me, in spite of the Miralax (about once or twice a month), I do a night or two of Milk of Magnesia - but some people have to resort to enemas, suppositories, or magnesium citrate.

Hi everyone! I was waiting for this to happen.. my bariatric team called and said my appointments (and everyone’s) are suspended until further notice. They will be calling me in 30 days to see where we are standing. Does this suck? Yep!! But I’m going to do my part and wait this out like everyone else. Just thinking.. anyone else have this issue yet? I’m going to be tracking my weight on an app so I can show proof that I was still doing my part, although I realize that the insurance might just say start over. Any ideas welcome! Good luck to you all while some of our journey is being put on pause.

As coronavirus dominates the headlines, being prepared is one of the best things you can do to ease worries stemming from uncertainty. While there is a lot that people at home are not in control of, one thing you can control is how well prepared you are. The BariatricPal Store has some items to consider stocking up on to make sure you get enough protein and vitamins to stick to your weight loss diet should you be stuck at home avoiding COVID-19, or temporarily quarantined. Protein Shakes and Juices Getting the protein you need is easy with protein shakes, powders, juices, and smoothies. Just mix them with water - that is one thing that is still projected to be free and available right from the tap! - or, you have some at home, with shelf-stable almond or soy milk. Most have 15 to 30 grams of protein per serving and are completely or nearly sugar-free. Choices include: Chocolate, vanilla, peanut butter, and other shakes. Fruit drinks in flavors such as orange, mango, and pineapple. Smoothies with strawberry, mango, and other flavors. Hot drinks such as cocoa and mocha. Instant Meals Instant meals can deliver a satisfying meal even if you are stuck at home without a chance to go grocery shopping. High-protein breakfasts to start the day right include protein cereal, protein omelets, protein oatmeal, and protein pancakes. Protein soups deliver comfort, warmth, and protein anytime, while protein entrees keep things feeling normal without the guilt of carbs. These are just a few of our options. Spaghetti bolognese Alfredo chicken pasta Vegetable chili Chicken enchilada verde Macaroni and cheese Vegan chicken curry They are all high in protein and low in guilt. Bread, Pasta, and More to Make Your Own Staying at home does not mean you cannot prep your own meals. Protein pasta and low-calorie shirataki noodles, plus calorie-free pasta or alfredo sauce, can be the foundation of a delicious dinner. Additions include parmesan cheese, frozen chicken or shelf-stable tofu, and frozen vegetables. Low-carb protein bread products, such as sliced bread, bagels, and dinner rolls, can hold hummus or high-protein peanut and nut butter spreads with calorie-free jam. Protein Bars Protein bars are easy to store and are ready to be eaten. They come in all kinds of sizes and varieties, so get some to match every mood you may have for the next few weeks! They come in chewy, crispy, and chocolate-coated varieties, with chocolate, pretzel, caramel, peanut, almond, oatmeal raisin, and lemon being just a few of the sweet flavors in stock. Beef, salmon, chicken, and venison, with flavors including cranberry, jalapeno, bacon, apple, and cherry walnut, are available if you prefer savory bars. Whichever protein bars you choose, you can be sure that they will be great-tasting, high in protein, and low in added sugars. Protein Snacks Protein snacks let you turn snack temptations into quality nutrition opportunities. Why would you fill your pantry with fried potato chips, sugary cookies, and starchy pretzels and crackers when you could have high-protein alternatives instead? Protein chips including in ranch and BBQ flavors, chocolate chip and other cookies, and plain and honey mustard pretzels, as well as cheese snacks and bean snacks, are high-protein, low-carb snacks. Creamy treats include protein pudding and gelatin. Vitamins Taking your vitamins may be even more important now than ever as supplies of fresh food dwindle. The BariatricPal Store has bariatric vitamins including multivitamin and minerals, as well as specific nutrients such as iron, vitamin B12, and calcium. Choose your favorite forms, such as traditional capsules, vitamin patches, and flavored chews and tablets. Preparation is the name of the game, and The BariatricPal Store is the place to go for high-protein and nutritious products that can keep you on your weight loss diet should you be quarantined for 2 weeks. Be well, and be assured that we are doing everything we can to support you in this difficult time.

Yes, I’m seeing Dr. Richard Wegner in Memphis, TN. I’m on the opposite end from you. We can be TN bariatric pals lol. I’ve completed everything recommended and now just have to submit my paperwork to the insurance. I’m about to email my advocate and see if there are any potential updates. Thanks for the responses!

Hi everyone, I’m 32 and this is my second time going through this pre-approval process. I originally started in 2017, and between my best friend passing and an unreachable advocate, I gave up. So, I restarted the process in November and while waiting for my initial referral to go through, I began my weightloss attempts only to find out my insurance no longer requires them. I’ve just got to have my PCP write up my recommendation letter and my advocate should be submitting it Monday March 23rd. I have HighMark BCBS insurance and was wondering if anyone else has it and if you could provide me a timeframe of the insurance approval, to pre-op consultation, liquid-diet, and a set surgery date. My advocate told me on 3/3/20 that my insurance may take two weeks for approval, then another two for the pre-op and surgery dates, which would put me around late April- beginning of May. I’m just sort of twitching at this point because I feel like it won’t happen anytime soon with this COVID-19 spreading, and I am literally so close I can feel the anesthesia working lol!!! I’m just really anxious because I’ve been fighting a while now to get this done and I fear it may be postponed, which I know is going to be a huge blow. So any advice or updates would greatly be appreciated.

I'm sorry, ask your surgeon. My Bariatric team said this was common for some patients post-op. This was also discussed in our classes required before surgery. My friend is post-op 2 years and has been revised to rny for almost 1 year, her stomach is a talker. She named her stomach, Tiny Tummy aka TT.