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Well my doc has a nutrition lady that works with him and she gave us some samples and I have found this one called fusion which was created by bariatric patients and docs for those of us who need to be able to chew and not swallow a pill. You can ck the products out on Bariatric Fusion | Home they have several different supplies there. However before you spend any money on any of these things you should ask the nutruiton person working with your doctor if they can get you some samples. I tried several before I decided on these because they actually have the b12, calcium etc. And I am not about taking more things then I need to if you know what I mean. Again ask your doc or the nurtrition person who is working with the doc closely so that you are ensured success. Good luck in your choice. The mixed berry is best! M

I have PCOS as well, am insulin-resistant and have thyroid issues. I take medication for both plus HBP meds. I am 44. I wear a size 22/24. I have been going to monthly support groups since the Summer of 2014 and going through all the insurance requirement visits with my last nutritionist appointment just last week. I am struggling so much with which surgery to go through. My surgeon said RNY is best for anyone with sugar issues. I am not diabetic--yet! I do, however, take Metformin every single day since TTC 12+ years ago (have two children now). I don't want to end up with diabetes--this is my biggest fear. But my sister had RNY in November 2014 and has been in the hospital three separate times for dehydration. I'm really struggling. At the support groups, it seems like all the newbies have gotten or are getting the sleeve. It seems so much easier to deal with after the surgery to have the sleeve. Also, I believe if you get the sleeve, you do have the option to later 'upgrade' to the RNY if needed, but who wants to count on that?? But I believe there is more risk of putting weight back on later with the sleeve and my nutritionist said I would lose more weight with RNY. Uggh. It is so tough. You talk to almost anyone who has gone through with RNY, all say they would do it again in a heartbeat--even my sister I think! This is just so hard. I am really struggling. But then wonder if my worries are just another excuse which all of us who struggle with weightloss are so very good at--making excuses. Problem I am experiencing is that I don't really think these bariatric surgeons truly understand PCOS. I no longer see a reproductive endocrinologist for my PCOS because I am no longer TTC, but I do see a regular endocrinologist. I wish I could see a study of PCOS patients who have undergone the surgery and really see their long-term results--like over one to two years out? I will be mortified if I get this surgery and then stretch out the sleeve or pouch only to get fat again.

Well my OBGYN and bariatric team strongly encouraged RNY because of my PCOS. This surgery is really supposed to help with symptoms and get rid of it all together, part of my symptoms are completely irregular periods and never ending periods like unless i used depoprovera mine would never stop so I'm 2 months post opp RNY and as of yet no changes in my symptoms I've been on my period almost since surgery with only 2 weeks free, but i feel it's almost gonna stop. Now my current issue now is i can no longer use the depoprovera needle cause of osteoporosis so I'm still working with my team as to what birth control/hormone treatment will work for me with Rny. Also i was told by my team that as more weight comes off the symptoms should disappear. So here's hoping they are right.

A gastric sleeve is different from a Divided RNY. A gastric sleeve still maintains the body's normal functions with a different stomach. I've talked to several bariatric specialist and everything I Am doing is all normal. Sometimes you can't feel the fullness in your pouch and you throw up because 2 tablespoons of something over filled it. Trust me I am a researching health nut. I had other complicated issues that had nothing to do with food addictions the reason I was overweight .

I'm scheduled for March 8, 2011 now and would love to hear experiences with the Scottsdale Bariatric Hospital and Dr. Blackstone. I read somewhere that Dr. Blackstone offers a massage on the 2nd day post-op. Does she still do this?

I was just banded on Tuesday, March 29th. I have been very emotional these past few days. The day before surgery I broke out in tears over frustration with Kaiser who would not pay for the Lap Band (I paid $18,250 for my surgery) and then Kaiser had the nerves to charge me full price for the liquid pain medication. Nevertheless, I felt better on the day of surgery. All went well and I left the hospital the following morning (the hospital staff was fantastic - Chapman Medical Center in Orange, California). The next few days were marked with stomach pain, but only when I moved. Each day the pains got better. Saturday was the worst day...gas, diarrhea, and an emotional wreck. I got so sick of those nasty Bariatric Advantage (BA) shakes. So I went out and bought some Slim Fast shakes which taste much better. Slim Fast does not have enough protein however, so I know I cannot avoid drinking the BA shakes. I guess I just have to grin and bear it. I can't wait until this liquid phase is over. Today it is Sunday and I feel so much better (emotionally and physically). The good thing is that I weighed myself today and see that I have lost 6 pounds since my surgery (probably water weight, but I'll take it). I go back to work tomorrow (not looking forward to that). I have a few questions: 1) Will the gas ever go away? 2) Has anyone used any of the scar therapy treatments to shrink/smooth the scars? If so, what brand and how soon should I begin using it? 3) Does anyone know where I can get any good multi-vitamins in liquid form? 4) I am still debating over whether to tell friends and co-workers about the surgery (only my immediate family knows). Does anyone regret telling friends about it? Thanks in advance for your support in answering any of my questions. This website has been a Godsend.

I am so disappointed. Let me start from the beginning . . . . . August 2007 I am refered to a bariatric clinic that performs lap banding. After a barrage of appointments and tests I am told that I am a good candidate but unless I have insurance or $12,000 they cannot help me. The Dr. tells me to go back to my GP and have him refer me to a local hospital to get put on their waiting list. December 2007 Through a friend of a friend and an awesome God connection, I was referred to a surgeon who does lap banding on the public health care system. (turns out he also works for that private place I went to in August that specialises in lap banding! Small world!) The office told me that I have to wait three months for my appointment. March 2008 I have my initial appointment and I am belittled and treated like a stupid fat person. I am given a book and told "Go home and read this and come back in 2 months if you still want to procede" May 2008 I have my second appointment and am treated much better. He puts me on a waiting list and tells me that the wait can be up to 4 years for the op. He then tells me to make an appointment for May 2009 to follow up and says "If you haven't already had the operation by then." December 2009 I get some blood work back (from another Dr.) that has some issues with it. I call the surgeon to ask if I can be moved up to more urgent because of it. The surgeon calls me back in January and moves me to a new category for the waiting list. I am told that this new category is an urgent one where it will get done in the next 3 months. I am extremely excited March 5th 2009: I call the hospital to check up on where I am on the waiting list as I am expecting it to get done this month and I have to arrange leave from work etc. They tell me that the surgeon is on long-service-leave and won't be back until the end of April or May. I am so disappointed. That will be over 12 months that I have been waiting to get this done. I want it so bad I can taste it. I have been working so hard to lose weight so that the surgery will be easier on my body. I am excercising, doing optislim and have lost 12.5 kilos (27.5 pounds) in preparation! I know it will be worth that wait though.

Hi All, I am new to this this community. I am happy to find a place where I can receive the support and knowledge I need. Here is my situation: In January of this year, my Kaiser PCP and I discussed bariatric surgery. He agreed to send the referral and to get the ball rolling. A few weeks later, I went to an information meeting and completed the psych exam a few weeks later. Since February of this year, I have heard nothing from the Kaiser Fremont, CA Bariatric center on my status regarding my referral. My doctor said that I qualified, and the psych dr. told me that my evaluation looked good. In the summer, I e-mailed both doctors. The psych dr. told me to talk to my PCP. The PCP told me that the program has over a year long list. However, I feel like this is too long to wait to hear about the status of my acceptance into the program. I knew that this would be a lengthy process...but jeez...just to get my orientation appointment or get the current status of my application. This process has left me discouraged and frustrated. If I am not being accepted, I would like to know so that I can plan my appeal or jump through more hoops or whatever. No one at Kaiser will give me a straight answer. I have asked to speak to the bariatric department directly to get more information, but the doctors tell me that will get me nowhere closer to moving the process faster. I could see reacting this way if I expected everything to be done in a month, but I have waited over eight months to even hear from Fremont. Has anyone else had this problem. Any suggestions? All help or any advice would be greatly appreciated!:thumbup:

Since my band I see a physician that does my fills. He works with the surgeon as well. He is a natropath as well as other things and ordered a lot of tests for me. He has put me on some caps. called Gluco-support that I take with each meal to help with the insulin. I have found out that I have a dairy,wheat and soy intolerance so I was fighting a losing battle with weight loss before. He also ordered a stack of caps. from the US from the Health Institute for me that are packed with vitamins. I had low Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and too much copper,oestrogon and insulin. I take heaps of caps. but it will only be for a couple of months to get everything working again. I have heaps more energy so something must be working. I am just lucky that this man was employed by the Bariatric surgery to do these tests on lap banders to help diagnose any problems. Good luck seeing your Dr today. Yes a fatty liver can be helped by diet. Saleel22

Yes, yes, yes!! Actually, my clinic has monthly meetings and invites speakers. One of the most interesting was from a personal trainer who offered specialized and modified exercises (like from a chair instead of the floor, etc) and equipment (that he designed himself (mostly just extensions to machines, etc) and the other was from a yoga instructor specializing in modified yoga for 'round bodies'--also from a chair--because many obese folk have knee problems and can't kneel. My guess is if you contact the local Bariatric clinics with a viable exercise plan and modifications to suit the patients/client as they are now and as they lose weight, you will be welcomed with open arms. Go!! Ducati Bonnie

Hmm, it works for me but I am also using my phone. Hm, maybe try a internet search for "Cigna bariatric surgery policy 0051 2014" and see if that will pull it up for you. You want to make sure you are reading the policy effective 05/15/2014.

Congrats to you!! What an accomplishment!! I'm scheduled for surgery on the 22nd, but thinking ahead I have some of the same questions as you do. I've had 4 friends have the surgery...none of them have had plastic surgery yet. They have all maintained their weight at this point. My one friend says when she starts to put a few pounds on she starts focusing better on Protein and cuts back her wine for a week or so. She says its about balance. I recently read a great book by a woman who had the surgery and is a trainer and she talks about how to not regain the weight. It's an eBook and only 5$ 'Piratical Advice for Lifetime Maintenance after Bariatric surgery' by Pamela Harrelson Wishing you well!!

It is a multilevel marketing thing. Good but u end up signing up for delivery that is too much.. look up Celebrate Vitamins for Bariatric Surgery which are chewable and balanced for our needs.

So I just got approved to start the bariatric program through the Cleveland clinic. So far I've completed the seminar, and spoken with my patient navigator, and scheduled all my appointments needed. I'm really excited besides the fact I'm completely lost at how this works! The navigator told me I had to set up a bariatric resource nurse through my insurance and the insurance is saying they don't offer that and it's a cycle of back and forth at this point. I'm also confused at how payment will work and all the little details of how the program works! So far they've handled everything over the phone, is it okay to ask to meet her in person and go over all the insurance and payment information with her?

Hi Mandy, welcome! 1. Is this surgery risky in any way? Every surgery has risks. Not sure what bariatric surgery you are contemplating (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass etc.) , but bariatric surgery in general is very safe and you will be put through a battery of tests to make sure you are healthy enough to undergo surgery. You have to also weigh the risks of surgery with all the health risks that come with morbid obesity (diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, sleep apnea, etc, etc.). It was an easy decision for me. 2. How do you guys feel about the recovery and success rates? Recovery was easy, for me, everyone is different, but generally you feel pretty crappy at first but then there is marked improvement each day and people are often back at work in 2-3 weeks. Success can vary, the surgery is a tool to help you shed the weight, you have to put in the work to help create healthier habits for long term success. Often this requires work with a mental health professional to help uncover why we are abusing food. 3. If i already have some mental health and self esteem issues is this a good idea? Only a mental health professional can tell you for sure and you will have to be cleared by one to proceed to surgery. Many obese people suffer from low self esteem and depression, there isn't much joy in being overweight. 4. My doctor told me my stomach is the last to go when loosing weight. How do i go about looosing all the access fat is my stomach area? Everyone loses weight differently, that's really impossible to say. 5. How long does this process usually take? Im trying to go from 316 to 125. I don't want to kill your joy, but it's important to have realistic expectations, depending on the surgery the average bariatric patient loses between 60-70% of excess body weight. You have roughly 175 lb of excess body weight ( given a normal BMI of a 5'5" woman is ~150lb)... the average patient your size would lose 122 lb..that would put you around 200lb. This is the AVERAGE, so many people exceed this and many don't even lose this much... I have seen several people on this site shed 100lb in year.. the weight comes off faster at first and then slows down considerably. As others have said this is a big decision and not a magic bullet, you will have to be mentally prepared to make some life changes. There is a lot of great information on this site, i spent hours and hours reading through posts prior to my surgery. Make a list of questions to ask your dr and surgeon. Overall, you will find very few people here who regret having their surgery. Good luck to you!

@@phatfatgirl Have you tried premier Protein ready made shakes? I too could not tolerate any of the powders in the beginning. My Bariatric team had me pick up Premier Protein. Each 11 oz. shake has 30 grams of protein with only 1 gram of sugar and 160 calories. They don't have that grit or nasty nasty after taste. The chocolate is the best as it is not overly sweet. The vanilla and strawberry seem sweeter to me and although I can drink them I pretty much stick to the chocolate. If you have not tried them, they really are better for you than simply drinking a protein shot. They have other Vitamins and minerals as well.

My surgeon - the bariatric team at St Joe's hospital in Chicago does it so it was provided as an option. I know not all surgeons do it though. Here's some more info from a press release I found: SILS -- A New Houston Weight Loss Surgery -- Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery Posted on : 2010-02-01 | Author : PRWeb News Category : PressRelease In Houston, Texas, a new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations (weight loss surgeries), including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire obesity-surgery through a single small incision... (PRWEB) February 1, 2010 -- A new weight loss surgery technique known as SILS – single incision laparoscopic surgery – is now available for some bariatric operations, including the Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) and the Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy (LSG). It involves performing the entire procedure through a single small incision, ideally at the umbilicus (belly button). SILS is usually less painful than standard laparoscopic surgeries (4-6 small incisions), and the cosmetic effect is thought to be superior. Some obesity surgery cases still need a balance of diet and exercise after the surgery to maintain long term results. SILS weight loss surgery is done under general anesthesia with the patient completely asleep. A small incision is placed at the umbilicus and either 3 standard trochars (tubes through which the instruments are passed) or a single specialized SILS port is placed to gain access to the abdominal space. The space is then insufflated with carbon dioxide to create enough room to manipulate the instruments. SILS requires specialized instruments that are able to articulate (bend into angles), and a novel camera that can be turned to a variety of angles. The operation is done using the same methods as the regular laparoscopic surgery. For the AGB procedure a tunnel under the skin and fat layer is created to place the port for later band adjustment. This is required to move it away from the umbilicus. Postoperatively, the patient will only have one incision, usually with less pain than a weight loss surgery with 4 to 6 incisions. Also, as the scar heals and contracts it usually becomes less noticeable as it is partially hidden by the umbilicus. Most weight loss patients feel this has a better cosmetic result. Not all patients can have the SILS approach. It is best used in patients of lower weight (BMI of 35 to 45) and whose body habitus (the physical and constitutional characteristics of an individual) is favorable. This depends on the individual patient and their surgeon’s judgment. Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on height and weight that applies to both adult men and women. BMI-Body Mass Index formula is a specific calculation. For basic understanding of the BMI, here is a simple example. A person who is 5’5” to 6’0” with a weight of 225 to 300 pounds could be a possible SILS candidate. For each 7 to 8 pounds of body weight, they will get 1 point of BMI. So, if you divide 250 pounds by 7 you will have an estimated BMI of 36. If you are dealing with obesity or are interested in the SILS version of either the AGB or the LSG operations, please ask your Houston surgeon prior to starting the process to qualify for Houston weight loss surgery in Texas. There is also the option of a gastric bypass surgery for people with higher BMI. Houston Surgical Specialists Operating on a Personal Level (713) 993-7124 Houston, Texas

Msro, I'm very glad for your having good insurance, too! It's key to good health. My husband lived in California for a few years before we were married and says he had the best insurance there. The premium was relatively low and the benefits were excellent. In Texas, the insurance industry is horrible. My husband has his own business and so he buys our insurance. We pay about $1,000 a month with a $15k annual deductible EACH (and there are three of us). Other than my weight (my BMI is 39 or 40), and my hypothyroidism (all that requires is semi-annual bloodwork and an inexpensive generic prescription) there are no other outstanding health issues in my family. I feel like we're just paying off a mafia every month or something, if we paid our of pocket for all our health expenses we would come out ahead (our monthly health expenses come nowhere near 1k). And yet, here I am, going to Mexico to have surgery. In Texas, he who has the gold makes the rules -- in this case, the insurance companies. BCBS TX sets the precedents and all the other insurance companies follow their lead. We had hoped to change insurance plans in the new year to one that had bariatric benefits, but our insurance salesman told us that no insurance company on the open marketplace in Texas offered bariatric benefits. If the big one doesn't do it, none of the other insurance companies feel compelled to. There's zero competition. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts during surgery! I'll come back to this thread and let you all know how I am doing as soon as I am able. Please do the same. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Doesn't the bariatric drink have lots of protein? I put a banana in my drink which I'm sure probable has protein. I'm also allowed raw veggies and fruit in between. In my drink I think there are 27 grams of protein, 2 drinks a day puts you to 54. I just started my drink today and already hungry. Urrrrrrr

I'm not a fan of BA (Bariatric Advantage) shakes but I have noticed that they satisfy my hunger better than some store bought shakes. Perhaps due to higher fiber content? I did add instant coffee to the Vanilla Shake in the morning and that tasted better to me. I now add Strawberries and Raspberries to the Strawberry flavor, now that I am not as restricted as I was on the pre-surgery diet.

Just got the clearance on my nicotine test. Will be having my surgery at Emory Midtown by Jamie Stetler of Emory Bariatrics. They've submitted my claim for surgery to GA medicaid. Any idea on on how long before they call with a surgery date? Has anyone used Jamie Stetler before? TIA Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

u will feel better day by day . i agree ...day 2 is bad !!! try tying a belt to your headboard .itll help make getting out of bed easier ! i had my surgery on dec 8 and am feeling great !!! the day before surgery i weighed 228...now at 208 and stalled .you will experience different things day by day .....shoulder pain is a real b****....(from the gas)...it took me close to two weeks to overcome but that 2nd week was worse in that regards . GAS X STRIPS helped me out alot . Not that i had belches or farts ...i wish i did ...lol....but just overall pain . i really relied on them!i am a hospice tech and asked the surgeon at my follow up if i could PLEEEEEASE be off for 6 weeks....i hve over 400 hrs of sick time accrued , and i got my mds note to be off 6 weeks !!!!! BUT realistically.....i was physically able to go back after week 2!!!! my biggest thing to learn to do right after surgery was to sip and not swallow !!!!ugh!!!!! now, its sooooo much better !!!but the problem i am having now is putting tooo much in my tummy at once .....like 3 turkey meatballs and i am ready to explode !!! its really weird how very lil will now fill u up !!!! i went out to eat w some friends last night and was amazed at the food on their plates and thinkin ....omg!!!i actually ate that before surgery !!!!...lol!!!..........every day is a new experience and new challenge !!! i spent thos past weekend emptying my whole closet out !!!Nothing , i mean nothing fits .....and i counted 76, yes 76 scrub tops ......they all hang on me !!!!....its been 3 !/2 weeks !!! prior to my surgery i quit smoking as well ........so i am saving me a TON of money !!!!!:)good luck......i know u will do just fine...and if u have any questions....ask away !!!!....... this site has given me sooooooooo much useful info ......soo much more than i got with my surgeon!!!also ....google bariatric support groups in your area ..and go to them !!!!! its actually pretty neat to go and have ppl look at you askin questions ,knowing you were in their exact same spot ...and to share what u are experiencing is pretty darn cool !!!!Wish u the best !!!

Yes! My son was 5.5 months when I had surgery. Bariatric surgeon and nutritionist both said I'd have to ween him since I would not be able to breastfeed after surgery. I've always had a very average milk supply - not low but definitely not plentiful, just enough -- so I was worried. However, my son's pediatrician said even with a very restricted-calorie diet as long as I was drinking enough water the breastfeeding would not be negatively affected. And she was right!! I've been able to continue fully breastfeeding my son who is now 9 months old. Of course at 6 months we started introducing solid foods and his nursing has decreased some as a result. But he's still getting what he needs. To be sure, I rented a hospital grade baby scale before surgery. I measured exactly what my son was eating at each feed. Then a few weeks after surgery I used the scale to check in again. As long as I am hydrated, my supply stays the same. No need for me to eat extra calories, just stay fully hydrated. I also hope the nursing provides a little extra calorie burn each day so I'm reluctant to finally give it up. I cannot speak to the fat composition of the milk as I imagine that has changed now that I eat so differently. But my son is gaining weight normally. I want to share my experience because there is ALOT of misinformation out there. These surgeons are not lactation experts and frankly they're often just wrong about the impact of weight loss surgery on breastfeeding. Oh one more thing!! The anesthesiologist said once you are awake from surgery, the meds are low enough in your system that you don't actually need to pump and dump from that point forward. People still always pump and dump for 24 hours as a precaution, but if you read the studies the evidence for that need just isn't there. That said I felt like such crap in the hospital for the first 24 hours that having my son come to nurse did not seem like a good idea. Pumping wasn't fun either but you do what you must. Good luck!! Let us know how it goes!!

I'm not sure but I'd say there's a very small number of people here that could give you real advice or help. This is one that I sincerely hope your personal physician and your bariatric surgeon already know about and have dispensed their best advice to you. If it's not clear to you now, PLEASE PHONE one or both of them and seek help A.S.A.P.

Sweeney is an experienced Bariatric surgeon - his specialty is the RnY bypass. He did an RnY bypass for my pal - she did fine, lost more than 100#. He is the Chief Bariatric Surgeon at St Luke's Hospital (Baylor, of course, is the medical school but St. Luke's is the name of the actual hospital.) I know that St. Luke's Bariatric was planning on starting LapBanding but I honestly don't know a single LapBand patient who has been through the program. As for Unicare - it's a different kind of insurance, so you want to ask his specific office about which policy (some Unicare policies do not pay for bariatric) you have and whether they accept it. Good Luck. Happy Band (and Life) Journeys To All...