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I also started mine as soon as I got home. I have the Bariatric Advantage (god what a long name) Innovations Advanced Multie EA. *whew* And I let it sort of dissolve in my mouth, it takes like one of those old fashioned candy bracelets to me, so I love them. I got a B injection last week. But I want my own B (Complex-Lipotropic) vial at home *angry face* I am not afraid to inject myself, when we used to use injectable B Complex Lipotropics, we lost weight more easily than when we did not use them. And we felt a tad more energetic.

@PennyinAL I highly suggest you hire a nutritionist that specializes in bariatric care. You can find someone who will do telehealth appointments and you can see if you can find someone who takes your insurance! At least a few sessions to get a much better diet plan structured. 500 calories seems too low once you are out of the liquid phase. The surgery (in my understanding) resets your metabolism so you don't want to crash it with going too low on your calories. What used to apply for you for weight loss pre surgery may not apply post surgery because of the change in hormones. You really want professional guidance on this, everyone here varies in their macros because there is no standardization in the field at the moment.

I am a 45 year old male who played college football. I have total knee replacements in both knees. When active, my optimal weight was between 210 and 220 pounds. My body fat percentage averaged 15 percent as measured by water. I currently weigh 325 pounds with a BMI of 52%. I am currently disabled and on Medicare. I have an appointment with a Bariatric doctor this week to discuss if I should have lapband or gastric bypass surgery. Due to my knee limitations and prolonged disability, I am concerned about not being able to maintain a healthy weight long term with the lapband and the possibility of eventually getting a gastric bypass. I would appreciate any and all opinions which surgery I should favor before meeting with my doctor. Thank you.

Well ladies, I have to say I think Zumba was probably the BEST thing Ive done so far cardio-wise since I woke up this morning sore EVERYWHERE! LOL. They have a Zumba "gold" class this afternoon that I was thinking about going to to try to learn the steps better, that's for elderly people and bariatric patients, but I'm not sure I can move today. We'll have to see if I loosen up a little! You're right though, we shouldn't care what we look like, we're awesome for just getting up and going and we're doing this stuff FOR US!

Sounds like we are in similar boats. I had my band placed in 2012. I weighed 292 and got to 165 about a year ago. Since having the band placed, I went to the bariatric center monthly. I met with a nurse practitioner to discuss strategies and to weigh & check blood pressure. In the last six months, we've made a major move and I no longer have the bariatric center because there isn't one in my new area. Unfortunately, since the move, I have been stress eating and have gained enough that my pants are TIGHT. I don't know the number because I no longer weigh, but use my clothes as a judge of gain/loss. I like to stay in my 10s and 12s. Thanks to the bariatric nurse, I have never bought any bigger clothes, so I've got to get this off or wear pjs in public. I'll choose to get this weight off. My band is in the sweet spot, has been for over a year, and just need to listen to it and control what I put in my mouth. I do Protein (Syntrax Matrix) shakes for Breakfast and lunch and eat a small portioned dinner with my family. It just works better for me and my nurse practitioner agreed since it keeps my protein levels high. What I seek is an accountability partner. I'd like somebody to check in with daily, to hold me accountable, and discuss ideas and strategies. As a veteran bander, I think I have some tips to offer and I'd love to partner with another bander. Interested??

I started my journey yesterday visiting my bariatric program manager and getting all the info for the sleeve. My family and friends won't understand and I don't really want the stress of explaining and rationalizing my decision so I've only told 2 people. One will take me to and from the hospital. For now it looks like June 12th will be the date. I've read nearly all 14k posts on here looking for a reason not to do it. There are such mixed results but the majority seem happy with the decision. Any thoughts on telling family in advance?

Have you considered RNY? They get dumping which from what I understand is one of the most powerful ways of curbing yourself when you give into the carbs. It seems so drastic and complicated at first, and I think that's at least part of the reason why some people (including myself) lean towards the sleeve or band initially. However, it does have a great track record and I know an RNY patient personally who still dumps if she eats too much sugar and she's more than 6 years out. If you really want the sleeve or decide to stick with the band, you may want to try to work with a bariatric therapist. There is so much tied up in how we got to where we are weight-wise and learning to change behaviors and coping mechanisms is difficult. Also there is a pretty good book called Emotional First Aid for bariatric patients that is pretty good. Good luck to you. Congratulations on your success so far and I'm sure you're not doomed to fail. You just have to find what works for you!

There's an app called bariatric timer my NUT told me about, when you eat something tap the bagel and when you drink, tap the wine glass and a countdown clock appears telling you when you can eat or drink next.

My Bariatric program at Beth Israel used to do clothing swaps for their WLS veterans, but they stopped because nobody ever needed the clothing that was being donated and they didn't have the clothing that newly transformed people needed because no one was obese anymore! Hehe... I have some experience with swaps in the "normal world" (maybe I should say average world?). I never could fit into anything that the other girls brought and no one ever picked up my stuff. They weren't all that fun. I do sell some of my things and buy some things on eBay.

You,know My Surgery is Next Wednesday SEPTEMBER 5th, do you suppose,if I asked SWEETLY Ken S. or some nice person could enter IT? On A Beta Android Bariatric Pal app. I have not A Snowball's,Chance in Hades of getting thongs updated. For a reason known only to God and Ken my profile (I amTold) thinks I had surgery in 2004 or 14, wasn't even a Bariatric Newbie the!

And I , at 7 months and having the OTHER variety of common bariatric surgery, have learned Rice even the stuff cooked by Chinese, who certainly should know proper ways of cooking the grain, will not be accepted in my dietary system. Last feeble attempt went so badly I have sworn off the stuff. At least it returns back up instead of congeling into a viscous ball in my gut and sitting there or precipitating a Dumping Crisis. Too doggone bad, I USED to ❤Chinese food, even the Americanlized imitation you can readily get around here. Really truly enjoyed the True Stuff one can get in Columbus, 50 miles away, my favorite thing? Hot/Sour soups followed. by Egg Drop and WonTon ones. My local China Buffet makes a coconut dish, lunch time it's chicken, dinner hour it contains tender mid- size shrimp instead. Might trample someone who blocks my path to it! But haven't been back since surgery, waiting until my pouch would accept 1/2 to 3/4 cup without repulsing it out and It hadn't happened yet. Begin to wonder if it ever will?

https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/bariatric-surgery.pdf I have UHC too.

It takes me a few hours to drink a protein drink so I can get two in a day wich is 50-54 grams using bariatric advantage or gnc total lean. The total lean really is better but has 200 cals per serving! I just am so sick of these shakes. Also ordered nectar so btwn that and capella hopefully it will get easier. Have you tried isopure? I tried protein blitz and thought it was nasty.

@@dreamingvsg, You'll be fine and I'm not annoyed in the least. Whatever you decide to do, please take some time to do your research. I've been researching VSG for 9 months and I still feel ill prepared because there is so much to learn. Use your eagerness and desperation for answers as a time to learn. The bariatric program here has a support group and I'm sure Madigan does as well. It's something you might enjoy and can get first habd information from those who have done what you are trying to do. You don't need a referral to attend the group. Just call the nutrition clinic on Ft. Lewis and ask when the next meeting is. You may also want to look on fb for an online support group specifically for Madigan. Ft. Stewart has one but I didn't join it. All of the people in the group had weight loss surgery well over a year ago and they still look like they are pre-op. I've learned way more on this site than the group and I dutifully write down the suggestions I find most helpful. Good luck to you.

The Lap Band Zone II: "Dealing with civilian response" By Aaron Grossman, Babyboomers.tv staff writer, "More Salt than Pepper" I had Lap-Band surgery six weeks ago. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds and my doctor has eliminated the massive dosage of blood pressure medication I was taking. For more information on what Lap-Band Surgery entails and my reasons for opting into it, click here . I’ve encountered mostly positive reactions to my decision of taking the somewhat drastic step of bariatric surgery in order to arrest my compulsive overeating. Actually, I’ve encountered only overwhelmingly positive feedback to my significant weight loss. That’s natural: I look better; I’m starting to resemble the person I used to be before I blew up into a medically obese creature; and, my sunny demeanor is returning in place of the cynical, clearly frustrated persona I had adopted during my long descent into “fattitude.” However, there are other reactions with which I find myself contending. Most commonly, there are many folks who just don’t know what Lap-Band surgery is. Or, others who mistake it for full-scale bariatric bypass surgery. My surgery was laparoscopic -- 5 small incisions used to insert the Lap-Band itself along with a “port.” Once explained, they silently nod their heads and I can hear them thinking … “Why would he choose this invasive technique just to lose weight?” Or, “What’s the matter, he can’t stick to a diet?” These observations belie the more extreme reaction which I have actually had said to me personally … “Surgery? That’s the easy way out of dieting.” In fact, there are just such reactions to news from Australia that the government is considering paying for Lap-Band surgery for morbidly obese patients who can’t afford the procedure. This, in an effort to forestall the exorbitant medical insurance costs of the consequences of obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions, strokes, etc. Click here for more details. But, when you dig a little further or just Twitter reactions to the news from Australia, there is a range of vitriolic (anonymous) email responses: • “Why can’t these fatties just stop their whining and shut their mouths?” • “This is such a f_ _ _ ing easy way out and a waste of taxpayer money for those of who really should lose weight by shutting their traps.” • “Why are governments looking at lap band surgery for obese people? Why not start by censoring what they put in their mouth first???” The diet / fitness / healthful eating discourse has never been serene. Witness Oprah Winfrey berating herself for her recent weight gain in the January, 2009 issue of O: “I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?" There are many of us who were born into the “lucky gene club” --- they eat as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but their metabolism burns white hot and they go through life without fat (or guilt.) There are others who successfully work hard at achieving the balance of sensible eating, a fitness plan and a moderate lifestyle. However, Reuters reported in January, 2009 that “the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.” • Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. Speaking for myself, I had reached my personal point of ‘no return.’ I had been on too many diets only to gain the weight back. While I knew I was capable of great discipline and had spent thousands of hours in the gym, the lure of food as an anesthetic to life’s woes had proven too great for me. After much research, attending numerous support groups and speaking with many post-operative Lap-Band patients, I concluded that the surgery would be right for me. The notion of inserting a tool which could physically signal that I was too full to eat more food resonated with me. So, off I went. To those who say it’s the ‘easy way out,’ here’s my reply: I went through both abdominal surgery and the attendant recovery from its unpleasant discomfort; I no longer drink coffee, carbonated beverages or distilled spirits; I will probably never again eat hard, crusty bread, well-done meat or anything else that can’t pass through an opening the size of a toothpaste cap in my ‘new’ stomach; if I do overeat, I’ll get sick, nauseous or vomit; in the worst scenario, I’ll be hospitalized from eating the wrong food or the wrong amounts. This is the ‘easy way out?’ On the other hand, in 6 short weeks, I’ve lost 45 pounds and have eliminated virtually all of my blood pressure medication; I can walk 6 ½ miles without getting winded or having to stop from joint pain; and, I am happy to do chores around the house again. I achieved this, in no small fashion, with the love and support of my family and, yes, relying on good old fashioned discipline to consume the right foods in the correct proportions. At the end of the day, Lap-Band surgery has empowered me to take control of my food intake and regain my sense of self. It has not always been easy and it is definitely not for everyone. But it’s working for me right now. The very best part … and it didn’t happen as a result of the ‘easy way out’ … is hearing friends and loved ones tell me “Welcome, you’re back again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “There are no second acts in American lives.” He was wrong – I’m living it right now.

The Lap Band Zone II: "Dealing with civilian response" By Aaron Grossman, Babyboomers.tv staff writer, "More Salt than Pepper" I had Lap-Band surgery six weeks ago. Since then, I’ve lost 45 pounds and my doctor has eliminated the massive dosage of blood pressure medication I was taking. For more information on what Lap-Band Surgery entails and my reasons for opting into it, click here . I’ve encountered mostly positive reactions to my decision of taking the somewhat drastic step of bariatric surgery in order to arrest my compulsive overeating. Actually, I’ve encountered only overwhelmingly positive feedback to my significant weight loss. That’s natural: I look better; I’m starting to resemble the person I used to be before I blew up into a medically obese creature; and, my sunny demeanor is returning in place of the cynical, clearly frustrated persona I had adopted during my long descent into “fattitude.” However, there are other reactions with which I find myself contending. Most commonly, there are many folks who just don’t know what Lap-Band surgery is. Or, others who mistake it for full-scale bariatric bypass surgery. My surgery was laparoscopic -- 5 small incisions used to insert the Lap-Band itself along with a “port.” Once explained, they silently nod their heads and I can hear them thinking … “Why would he choose this invasive technique just to lose weight?” Or, “What’s the matter, he can’t stick to a diet?” These observations belie the more extreme reaction which I have actually had said to me personally … “Surgery? That’s the easy way out of dieting.” In fact, there are just such reactions to news from Australia that the government is considering paying for Lap-Band surgery for morbidly obese patients who can’t afford the procedure. This, in an effort to forestall the exorbitant medical insurance costs of the consequences of obesity: high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions, strokes, etc. Click here for more details. But, when you dig a little further or just Twitter reactions to the news from Australia, there is a range of vitriolic (anonymous) email responses: • “Why can’t these fatties just stop their whining and shut their mouths?” • “This is such a f_ _ _ ing easy way out and a waste of taxpayer money for those of who really should lose weight by shutting their traps.” • “Why are governments looking at lap band surgery for obese people? Why not start by censoring what they put in their mouth first???” The diet / fitness / healthful eating discourse has never been serene. Witness Oprah Winfrey berating herself for her recent weight gain in the January, 2009 issue of O: “I'm mad at myself. I'm embarrassed. I can't believe that after all these years, all the things I know how to do, I'm still talking about my weight. I look at my thinner self and think, "How did I let this happen again?" There are many of us who were born into the “lucky gene club” --- they eat as much as, if not more than, the rest of us but their metabolism burns white hot and they go through life without fat (or guilt.) There are others who successfully work hard at achieving the balance of sensible eating, a fitness plan and a moderate lifestyle. However, Reuters reported in January, 2009 that “the number of obese American adults outweighs the number of those who are merely overweight, according to the latest statistics from the federal government.” • Numbers posted by the National Center for Health Statistics show that more than 34 percent of Americans are obese, compared to 32.7 percent who are overweight. Speaking for myself, I had reached my personal point of ‘no return.’ I had been on too many diets only to gain the weight back. While I knew I was capable of great discipline and had spent thousands of hours in the gym, the lure of food as an anesthetic to life’s woes had proven too great for me. After much research, attending numerous support groups and speaking with many post-operative Lap-Band patients, I concluded that the surgery would be right for me. The notion of inserting a tool which could physically signal that I was too full to eat more food resonated with me. So, off I went. To those who say it’s the ‘easy way out,’ here’s my reply: I went through both abdominal surgery and the attendant recovery from its unpleasant discomfort; I no longer drink coffee, carbonated beverages or distilled spirits; I will probably never again eat hard, crusty bread, well-done meat or anything else that can’t pass through an opening the size of a toothpaste cap in my ‘new’ stomach; if I do overeat, I’ll get sick, nauseous or vomit; in the worst scenario, I’ll be hospitalized from eating the wrong food or the wrong amounts. This is the ‘easy way out?’ On the other hand, in 6 short weeks, I’ve lost 45 pounds and have eliminated virtually all of my blood pressure medication; I can walk 6 ½ miles without getting winded or having to stop from joint pain; and, I am happy to do chores around the house again. I achieved this, in no small fashion, with the love and support of my family and, yes, relying on good old fashioned discipline to consume the right foods in the correct proportions. At the end of the day, Lap-Band surgery has empowered me to take control of my food intake and regain my sense of self. It has not always been easy and it is definitely not for everyone. But it’s working for me right now. The very best part … and it didn’t happen as a result of the ‘easy way out’ … is hearing friends and loved ones tell me “Welcome, you’re back again.” F. Scott Fitzgerald famously said “There are no second acts in American lives.” He was wrong – I’m living it right now.

Hi! I had LapBand sugery in 2010 at the age of 51. I had prior health issues such as SIJ arthritis, & back surgery (2008). Before my LapBand surgery, I took myself off my presciption anti-inflammatory as directed. I lost around 30 lbs. in 4 months while going to the gym & walking on the treadmill at least 4 x per week. When my anti-inflammatory med finally left my system, my knees started KILLING me! I went to a Osteo surgeon who tried shots; found a torn miniscus and worn joints, but who didn't want to do sugery. Well, of course my weight loss journey not only stalled, I gained most of the weight back. I could barely go up & down my stairs at home, it was so bad. I got back on my presciption anti-inflammatory and am doing much better. I contacted my Bariatric surgeon and had a consult wih him yesterday. Heres the deal, I want the LapBand out so I can take stronger meds than acetametaphine for my pain. He and I are now talking LapSleeve. Has anyone else out there gone from a LapBand to a Sleeve? If so, are you happy you did? My doc did a flueroscopy and it looks like I have a hernia ; he said my band looks "flat". I'm praying my insurance will cover this re-do. I was self-pay for the band but no way I can pay for a removal & sleeve. Thanks to anyone who can respond to my question of LapBand to Sleeve.

Hi everyone. I just want to introduce myself to the group. I am gogogirl....lol I am presleever. This journey is starting and ending with God. I have Kaiser Permanente Insurance. I made the decision to have the sleeve less than a month ago, was able to get a doc appt the next day and was refered to bariatrics that day. I just had my Options orientation session, my body analysis, and my first class over the last couple of days. I am about 3 weeks in and have gone through the first 2 hurdles. As far as I can tell, there are 4 with Kaiser on their part. The next 2 are getting a referral from my Options Instructor and then the O'k from my surgeon who I have not picked yet. I have my choice of 3, one of which received Surgeon of the Year so I think he will be my pick. I dropped about 5 pounds before my initial official weigh in and officially have dropped 2 since my start of Options. I need to lose 10% so let's just say 22 pounds to be considered for the surgery, as well as making all of my classes, doing all of my labs, and whatever else they ask me to do. I got this. To think this is the LAST time I will have to do this without the edge of the sleeve is giving me a great deal of resolve. Anyway, Hello everyone. Please stop by and say hello and introduce yourself. I am not telling too many folks in my circle so I hope to make a new one here.

My insurance does not cover any form of bariatric surgery. I am going to have to go the self pay route. I do not want to go out of the USA. Can anyone give me some institutions that provide medical loans? Anyone use any specific places or banks for theirs loans?

Check out Amazon or Bariatric Pal.com for vitamins, shakes, protein powders etc. I am 1 wk out from my sleeve surgery and my program said I needed the following. In either the Bariatric advantage or Celebrate brand. I found bariatric pal.com to be cheaper due to promo codes or reoccurring ordering discounts. I also take D3 2000iu, 2xday, B12 vit orally and Biotin daily. Good luck

I do protein 2o Bariatric unflavored protein powder Sent from my U693CL using BariatricPal mobile app

At my first meeting with the bariatric surgery program (12/17/19) I asked about the pre-op diet. I was told that the latest research shows that liquid fasting for 1-2 weeks prior to surgery does not benefit the patient, but actually causes distress, so they no longer require it as of a few years ago. For the pre-surgery diet, they now require that for 2 weeks, you have one small meal a day, and the rest is liquids. I was so happy to hear that because a month seems like a REALLY long time to be on liquids only (if you have to do liquids for 2 weeks pre-surgery and 2 weeks post-surgery.

Congratulations Michelle.:clap2::clap2: I am so happy for you. I will be seeing my surgeon on June 8th to get my surgery date. Also at Southwest bariatrics in Austin. Keep us updated on your weight loss journey. Tammy

Most bariatric centers will be able to tell you if your insurance will cover any of the cost, and what the requirements are. Talk to people i your area, get recommendations for surgeons. Make a consult appointment, talk to a surgeon. Gather all the information you can. Watch you tube videos, knowledge is power, it helps prepare you! My fave vlogger is vsg kirk. Good luck!!

Thank you on the congrats. The baby was my deciding factor in choosing to go through with Bariatric surgery. I want to be able to run after my grand baby! I ended up telling my daughter to have her best friend in charge with me as the secondary person. So it looks like that will be the case.