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Hey everyone, so my bariatric doctors office sent in the request for my surgery (UHC) Oct.17. I have been calling daily to see if it has been approved yet. My insurancr is saying they need my surgeons office to call them. They didnt request anymore information but they can only speak to them, etc. Has this happened to anyone? Do you know what could be holding up the process? To make matters worse ny coordinator is out the entire week. It seems like the closer I get the further I am.

You have lost a massive amount of weight. Congrats. Given that you are 6ft you may need to be eating more to sustain such a weight loss and have good energy levels. Are you currently under the care of a bariatric dietician? If not please check in with one so that your tiredness can be investigated. Have you been having regular blood tests done to see where everything is? Having a bypass may result in malabsorsion of nutrients and lead to deficiencies that can show up in blood tests. Being back in the gym will also require more fuel for energy. You may want to throw yourself back into the thick of it but dont. Slowly increase the rate and weights that you exercise with. Dont pop another hernia by rushing things. Does the gym have an exercise physiologist that can give you guidance? Please seek one out. Walking is a great place to start. Your wife IS right. You just had major surgery and that by itself will take time. Dont try to run before you can walk.

I don't seem to have trouble with the multivitamin (procare bariatric chewable), but the calcium citrate is not easy to digest!

Spoke to a great bariatric surgeon today who will take me on as a patient. Just have to get all the paperwork sent to his office from my other doctor...thanks for the great suggestions everyone. Will keep you posted on the outcome.

Have always been a runner—but it's also the reason I've elected for Bariatric surgery. At 386 pounds...can't even explain the looks I'd get in before starting the 5ks, but finishing in the middle of the pack was never an issue once I had built up after training. Though "admirable..." HOWEVER, I did serious effing damage, and have only ran once () since starting to reduce my weight because the doctor said I needed to stop immediately—until my body mass was reduced. The wear and tear on my ankles and left hip was too much, and he said I may have already done irreparable damage (). I'm 29-years old. When I ignored the doctor's orders and went on a five mile run a few months ago after not training for six months? I had to call out from work the next day from the pain, and I was sore for almost ten full days. I've taken off fifty pounds pre-op (I hope to lose another 34.5 before going under the knife), and even when I get sassy and run up/down the stairs, my injuries make themselves known right away. I've been doing yoga/strength training/swimming daily, but there is NOTHING like the Runner's High. I'm welling up actually typing this right now. Just remember that no matter where you start, how you start, how slow you are, what you look like... you're a runner. Humans were made to move. All love. Good luck. Build up strength in your legs and flexibility in your joints if you start a bit heavier, and everything will fall into place. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I also take a capsule for B complex and Centrum chewable multiple. Love the Bariatric Advantage lemon chewable calcium!

Here is my bariatric study: My brother died of a heart attack at age 47, when he weighed 420 pounds. My mother died at age 67 (just three years older than I am now) of an abdominal aortic aneurysm when she weigh 320 pounds at 5'2" tall. Her mother, who was not overweight died at the age of 98, and she would have lived longer if she had not broken her hip and gotten pneumonia. Other grandparents, aunts, and uncles who were not overweight lived well into their mid-eighties and early nineties. Many of my 60 first cousins have already died of overweight-related health issues in their late forties to early sixties. My older sister weighed about 300 pounds when she graduated high school in 1968 and gained another 100 pounds after that. She got a gastric bypass 15 years ago and is still doing well at age 67 (the age Mother died). I had the sleeve at age 62 because I just do not want to be done yet. I have grandchildren that I want to see grow up. One of my younger sisters who weighed close to 400 pounds got a band three years ago. She lost enough weight to get to a size 12, got a tummy tuck, breast lift and all that - and looks awesome! She is healthier and happier than she has ever been. So, my family is my example for life-span. I know I have greatly increased my odds for a longer life with good quality of life.

Please understand where I am coming from as the survivor of a ten year marriage to a diagnosed psycho-sociopath who kept five loaded guns in the house. (He and his family kept the details from me, but his condition got worse and became clearly evident by the escalation of mental/emotional/physical abuse) What your husband did was not "scared" or "an honest mistake." It was mean. Weight loss surgery exposes the dynamics behind a relationship, and your husband's support or lack of it will give you a clear and unmistakeable picture of how he feels about you in spite of any statements to the contrary. He is not dense. He knows that you had surgery and are trying to get healthy. Unless he has lived in a mole hole his whole life, he knows that cupcakes and ice cream are not healthy for you - or himself. I am guessing that this is not a surprise to you and that you have encountered resistance up to the surgery as well. Just be prepared to stand up for yourself and do not give away your voice. Go ahead and when he is not around to intrude, start reading up on the cycle of abuse. My excuse for staying too long was that "At least he doesn't hit me", but damage to the psychological me was just as devasting. And then there came the day that his bombardment of words because a bruise the size of a 7 ounce steak. He only hit me once. I did not stay around for the bloody nose and broken bones. Anytime I would lose as little as fifteen pounds, he would object and kept bringing in the pastries. As I was putting dinner on the table one evening he got upset and threw his ash tray at me because "You ruin every meal with those damn vegetables!" I was so used to him throwing stuff at me that I did not see that as violence, even when he threw a camping lantern (with a heavy nine volt battery) at my ankle and refused to take me to the doctor when it swelled up and turned a rainbow of colors. Those were just "tantrums" and apparently MY fault because I made him mad. Well then, he was mad all the time at everybody. You have a right to good health and nutrition and regular medical care, no matter who you are married to. He is not being tired or cranky or scared. What is doing is insensitive and hateful, and he is deliberately trying to sabotague your recovery. I am sorry that you have to endure an unsupportive mate. Start keeping a secret journal because when he has you doubting your own sanity and memory, you can go back and see that a certain comment was indeed said or a certain action was indeed done. And "I was just kidding - can't you take a joke?" is bullying and not acceptable either. My journal was my lifeline to sanity. This is not about whether you are patient and long-suffering. It is about your health and longevity now, and you have to put up your armour and come out fighting. In the back of your journal write these two things down to refer to: 1. Why are you still there? 2. Why would you love someone who treats you that way? I have been accused on this forum before of being anti-marriage. However, I am all for marriage, but I am against being mistreated. If you need to, send me a private message. Anyone who needs to talk to someone who understands the cycle of abuse can give me PM. If you would rather talk to a certified counselor, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) (United States) The apple does not fall far from the tree. This man's daughter would berate her husband continually, throw things at him, manipulate their relationship and give him a thorough beat-down frequently. This mess is a two-way street and guys can be taken advantage of, too. Bariatric brothers and sisters, just be aware of your reality. You deserve to be respected and encouraged and supported. My heart goes out to everyone who is struggling. Don't lose your voice.

Dr recommended either one of the bariatric blends or Centrum chewables. I take the Centrum & Calcium chewables. I get them from CVS when they have a bogo. I chew them up at the same time and the taste of calcium cut the vitamin taste so not to bad. My Dr said no gummies.

I agree with those who recommend you find another PCP. I would be concerned about this doctor's fixation on your BMI. First of all, as a bariatric patient, you might not need to have a BMI within the "normal" range. I saw a video on YouTube a while back (someone linked to it on this forum) by a bariatric surgeon talking about the best weight for bariatric patients and he suggested that a "normal" BMI may actually be too low. So the first problem with this doctor is that his advice for you to lose weight might not even be correct. The other thing that bothers me here is that I have a dear friend who went to her PCP complaining of malaise, and the doctor dismissed her symptoms and told her she would probably feel better if she dropped 10 pounds (and this is someone I have always envied because she has always been in great shape;). Turns out she had cancer. I would be wary about a doctor who jumps straight to losing weight as the cure for everything. Something I appreciate about my PCP is that she never commented on my weight. She suggested I change my diet and be more active to lower my blood pressure and blood glucose, which are obviously associated with weight loss, but she recommended actual actions and not just, "lose weight." Likewise, she didn't praise me for losing weight, only for improving my health. I wish more doctors would take that approach instead of just using BMI as an all-purpose measure of health.

Which one? The dad or the son? I have a friend that had the dad for a RNY a few years ago at The Methodist Hospital, when they were on the reality show "Big Medicine". She said he had an amazing bedside manner, and was so supportive in the clinic. Try to relax, these guys have many years of experience in bariatric medicine and surgery.

I split an order of Szechuan chicken with my hubby. I ate 2 pieces of chicken and one prince of broccoli and he ate the rest. It was a great way to have moist chicken with a great flavor and it wasn't the same old boring chicken. I think Chinese is one of the easier take out places to find something bariatric friendly!

I saw that study and it is indeed a very interesting one. I did not anticipate the results they got. The question becomes how should the results be interpreted. The study indicated that increasing self-esteem and body satisfaction resulted in less favorable food choices among obese subjects - good news/bad news. So the logical conclusion is that some who might have pursued weight loss options when obesity was a "choice", might abandon that goal when obesity is a "disease". What is the likelihood that most folks who suffer from obesity (currently defined as a BMI >30) will ever achieve long term success with diet and exercise or any other currently available means other than bariatric surgery? Many studies have shown that 95% of folks who lose weight with diet and exercise will regain that weight, and in some cases additional weight, within two years. A study financed by Medicare concluded "It's not a question of if weight loss via diet and exercise will be regained, but rather when it will be regained." Does the possibility that classifying obesity as a disease may encourage those suffering from obesity to make poorer dietary choices outweigh the potential benefits such as increased research funding, greater involvement of the medical community in addressing the obesity epidemic and expanded insurance coverage making surgery (and other possible options in the future) available to more candidates? Is obesity a choice or a disease? Either option will have costs, and benefits.

Well yes that really does sucks!!!! Im still going to call my insurance company on monday just to make sure cause they sent me the requirements & it just said; these exact same words, The patient has been clinicall evaluated by an M.D. or D.O. who has documented failed medical management including a structured, professionally or physician-supervised weight-loss program for a minimum of six consecutive months prior to the recommendation for bariatric surgery. Saying nothing about with-in the previous year. Is you with BC/BS of Michigian? I know some BC/BS are different than others. Well when i call Monday i will let you know what they said. Thanks so much for your replies!

Wow, thanks for all the replies! I'm very grateful to all of you who took time to respond to me. Yeah, two of my meds (Effexor XR and Wellbutrin XL) are extended release, so can't be cut. I am also on a high dose of Abilify though and don't want any malabsorption problems. I have psychotic depression, and if I don't keep that Abilify level at 20 mg, I can't get through the workday. Definitely a question for my PCP, pdoc, and bariatric surgeon. But I also wanted to know peoples' real experiences. It's one thing for a doc who doesn't have a lap band to tell you something, but another to talk to people who have been there.

I take five psychiatric meds a day. I have been seriously considering the Lap Band procedure, but I'm afraid it will affect how my meds are absorbed. I take some at Breakfast, some at lunch, some at dinner, so it's not just once a day. Does anyone have experience with this type of situation? Doesn't have to be psych meds, any kind of meds would be affected. This is one of my biggest reasons to hesitate making the appointment with the bariatric surgeon, that and potential for weight regain later despite best efforts. I don't want to end up on liquid only, or something like 1000 calories day. That seems too low to me. Thanks for any help you can give with this. Looking forward to meeting you all.

talk to your doctor, or take a free consultation with a bariatric surgeon. I doubt there would be malabsorption issues as the band doesn't prevent those types of issues. If all else fails, I've bought a pill crusher and will down those meds in one swift shot. Best of luck to you

@@My Bariatric Life.... My insurance won't pay. I have already been turned down twice. :-( Had i knew then what i know now i would have had it at the same time as the TT. But so many people said how "painful" the TT was and i back out... :-( But we live and learn... My TT was pretty pain-free... I slept in my recliner the first week, started walking as soon as i could and was back at work with in two weeks. But then again, im no stranger to surgery. 2 c-sections, gallbladder, hysterectomy, WLS... i also have a high tolerance for pain...thank god

Wow! @@bayougirlmrsc, you look amazing! I do not have before and afters because I have yet to have plastics. I am having my third consultation this coming Monday. I am planning to get a tummy tuck, breast augmentation and a spiral upper thigh lift. Thank you for sharing! Your pics inspire me!!! @@My Bariatric Life, it would open up the link but the video would not play.

Hi Pookie, I have Kaiser in California and I'm just starting the process as well. I asked my PCP about the Lap-Band and she referred me to the bariatric department. I received a letter from the bariatric dept. within 2 weeks stating that I'm scheduled for an orientation on May 22. It also said that I'd need to go to my PCP beforehand for some blood work, a urine sample, chest xray and an ekg. I had all of that done last friday, so now I'm waiting to attend orientation. I can't wait! I'm not sure what to expect with any of this, but I want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible! I'll let you know how orientation goes after next tuesday...

@@Trillium, it depends on your insurance. First, is bariatric surgery covered? What are their BMI criteria? For a BMI of 35 or over, do they require one or two co-morbidities before they will approve? What co-morbidities are on their list that count for bariatric surgery?

Inside comments/jaunty banter is simply a form of familiarity. Not to worry- we have all been new here That said- what kind of surgery you have also has a TON to do with whether you can tolerate carbs or not- the "bad" kind, that is. Five and a half months out, I still can not tolerate a piece of banana. Others can. It is always trial and error. And maybe one day I'll be able to- who knows? Sleeve patients don't always experience "dumping" - when the sugars hit your intestines and are not able to be processed like before surgery. That is part of the "accountability factor" associated with bypass. Now some sleevers DO dump- and there are a handful of bypass pts that DO NOT. Typically that is not the norm. Same could be said for fatty foods/greasy fried foods. The point is- GOOD SOLID nutrition is ubër important for ALL of us to not only be successful with the WL tool we now have, but ultimately, to be successful at maintaining our loss. There are ways to "eat around" your surgery- namely by not following the no drinking while eating or for 30 min after you finish eating. I, personally, try and follow a ketogenic diet. Not all NUT will agree with this diet. However, because inflammation is a huge issue for my body- cellularly speaking- and the autoimmune issues I have, my docs and NUT are fine with this- and I have been symptom free since surgery. How cool is that??? One thing I will say- not ALL WLS patients have ready access to a NUT. Some see theirs only before and maybe once or twice after surgery, so if they were unclear about nutrition, and can't find what they need to know here or elsewhere on the internet ( lots of conflicting information out there), then the likelihood is they may be confused or unaware. And because we here all see different doctors- again- conflicting information- and debates ensue. What you need to do is work with your NUT and bariatric team, take what you need from here, and make an educated decision. Hope that helps! Lisa Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Good Morning: I just wanted to get some feedback in case anyone else has experienced this (I'm quite sure some have). My last bariatric follow-up was fine. He told me my numbers were good and to keep it up. This week, I had a visit with my new primary care doctor. My previous PCP retired after 15 years (which I was very sad about-her retirement was unexpected). I was with her before & after my RNY, and she was very knowledgeable about everything related to the surgery. When I went to the new PCP this week, after he reviewed my numbers (BP was a little high-I was told to stop taking my birth control because it can cause high blood pressure for woman over 35), he looked at my weight and advised me to lose more weight, which could help with my BP. I wanted to go on the defensive but did not. My BMI stays around 28-29, and that is after having skin removal on my entire body. I wear size 6-8 jeans and small to medium in pants. I honestly don't know where the additional weight could be lost lol. My question is: how does everyone else handle this with a medical provider when it's encountered? I wanted to tell him that I used to weigh 311 pounds, so my weight now is considerably better.

I had my surgery in the states, but went with a friend to TJ and he had his surgery with Dr Garcia. Overall it was very positive experience. Dr Garcia is very soft-spoken, speaks ok english, and seems like a very competent surgeon. There is a female doctor that is on his staff who was excellent. She had a gastric bypass done a few years ago and has done very well. She speaks excellent english and is very good at explaining what you need to know. There were also 2 doctors, one of which was always there, who spoke excellent english and helped out with any questions/issues. I was also very impressed with the plan they give you regarding post-op diet, procedures, etc. The hospital is a bit older and some of their equipment is older - for example the EKG machine. Sanitation and medical protocols were ok, but definitely behind American standards. They are definitely focused on bariatric surgery. The day my friend had surgery, there were a total of 6 gastric sleeves being done - 3 by Garcia and 3 by 2 other doctors. The hospital does other types of surgery, but they said 75%+ of their patients were gastric sleeves. Hospital only has about 15 rooms, all of which are private. Very laid back. As the guest, the accommodations were nice. Fairly comfy bed in the room for you to use. Walmart - 5 minute walk. Excellent mexican food that delivers to the hospital. Starbucks, KFC, Dairy Queen, Carls Jr all within 5 minute walk. Beach 2 blocks away although the staff member did caution about being very careful if I went down there. TV with maybe a dozen english channels. Package deal with hotel makes that part very easy as well. Staff at hotel has lots of bariatric patients and has necessary accommodations. We walked down to the shopping center/Cinepolis and saw a movie. Nice walk and good distraction. Overall I thought it was a well-run operation. I'd think twice if I was a higher-risk patient. I'm not sure they'd be able to handle complications as well as other hospitals.

I think the fact we had bariatric surgery is part of why people talk. Let's be honest here, it is still considered a "dirty little secret" by many. It isn't right or fair, but it is. People judge and condemn a person for being obese, wondering how on earth we let ourselves get in such condition. There is little empathy or compassion from non obese people for those who have simply lost control. ( for whatever reason) Yet when we choose to finally take back that control, do something real and meaningful to get our health and lives back, tongues start wagging. I think there is a whole host of reasons why. Everything from believing we are lazy and taking "the easy way out" to jealousy and envy. But you know what? We are probably some of the strongest people in the world. We aren't weak for having doubts or fears, we are warriors for caring enough about ourselves to get up and DO something! This is far from a simple, easy road to take. It is a mountain to climb each and every day. But we are on the mountain, so why not enjoy the view? Yes, they notice. Yes, they talk. Because in their small world you are the biggest "new" thing to discuss. I just encourage all to hold your heads high and be proud you are you. Our lives have all been turned upside down and inside out from all the change we are experiencing, but continue to have strength in knowing you are worth caring about yourself. The rest of the world be damned!!!