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if you feel like you are getting no where with your bariatric team then you could ask your PCP for a referral to a Gastroenterologist and see what they think. I had those feelings in the very beginning but they went away as my stomach healed.

I am not in Utah, but thought you might like to have an idea of what costs are. I had my surgery at a hospital in Tulsa, OK. What I liked about the way I did my surgery was I did not go through a "bariatric clinic". I knew the surgeon I wanted to use so I went past all the other stuff and went straight to my choice (from what I understand, in the clinic setting you don't get to choose your surgeon). I still had to do all the pre-op appointments but I decided where I wanted to have the surgery. I chose a hospital where my surgeons office is right next door. The hospital has a "global" charge that includes hospital charges, surgeon and anesthesia for the cost of $17,750. I had to pay when I went in for my pre-op admissions. The normal costs of the surgery would be $27,000.

I had a physical this morning with my PCP. I saw him about two weeks before my surgery and briefly explained what I was having done and he hadn't seen me since. At the time he seemed a little skeptical, but was of course professional. Today I was shocked with how supportive he was. We talked for a long time and I told him the lab work I wanted for sure and that my surgeon wanted (vitamin D level was low below surgery) and he actually left for a few minutes to research what else he might want to order due to me having bariatric surgery. This was great because I was self-pay so if he didn't order everything I would have had to pay to get the additional labs done. Another great thing is that on their scale I weighed 164 lbs. I know it doesn't count because it's not the scale I weigh on all the time, but it was great to see that number fully clothed. The nurse who weighed me kept looking at my chart and then back to the scale and then finally I realized that she must be comparing my weight from the end of July (around 230 lbs) with this weight. I smiled and told her I had wls, she chuckled and said "oh." Then she told me how well I've done with it and asked questions about the procedure. I love my sleeve! Lastly, I decided to join the same gym as my husband as a way to do more things together. I only signed up for a month to see how much I actually am able to attend. Right now I can squeeze in a workout before tap class on Mondays, and Fridays after work, and Sundays. Every other day I'm pretty much booked up with Jazzercise although I might try to workout some days before going to class. We'll see.

Hi, I would highly recommend Dr Tiffany Jessee. She has offices in Largo where I go and also in Tampa. Here is a link to her website. Lap Band Surgery Florida | Bariatric Surgeon | Dr. Tiffany Jessee Check it out and see what you think...I think she is the best!

Here is a pretty good article on what the Bariatric Center of Excellence means ... http://www.obesityaction.org/magazine/oacnews17/bscoe.php

The only one I found was flinstones but my dr does not recommend them. I bought chewable iron from bariatric advantage to supplement the multi.

Bariatric surgery patients may see benefits to their sex lives If I can find anyone who wants to get that close to me with this dragon breath :ph34r: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57610955/bariatric-surgery-patients-may-see-benefits-to-their-sex-lives/

Lol, I also want some courage cheese! Thanks, everyone. I will opt for 800 and see how that goes for now. Just curious, Fluffnomore, what is a bariatric pudding and where can I get it? Sounds yummy! :-P (hahaha auto correct just changed "bariatric pudding" to "barbaric pudding" hahaha)

No magic trick or hack exists to increase the rate of weight loss in the first 3 months, though some folks may certainly disagree. Adopt permanent lifestyle changes and you'll be fine. Bariatric surgeons hesitate to admit this so as to not discourage prospective patients, but genetics run the show regarding speed of weight loss with surgery in the first year. People with two favorable markers on chromosome 15 are rapid losers; these genetically blessed people can eat a dozen of Krispy Kreme donuts daily and still lose weight like a house on fire. People with one favorable marker on chromosome 15 lose at an average to slow rate, and those without any favorable markers on chromosome 15 are non-responders who usually lose less than 30 lbs. In addition, men, the super-morbidly obese (BMI 50+), and males/females under 35 years of age are normally the rapid losers. The usual slower losers are older females, 'lightweights' who've got less than 100 pounds to lose, menopausal/postmenopausal women, racial/ethnic minorities, and those with stubborn metabolic afflictions (PCOS, hypothyroidism, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance).

You don't know unless you get professionally tested, which is outside the realm of most people. Dr. Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon with a bunch of YouTube videos, explained that people with first degree relatives who underwent weight loss surgery and lost rapidly probably have two copies of the favorable gene.

Great choice. Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela and Dr. Ismal Carbera-Garcia are awesome! I am biased because they were my surgeons. Dr. Valenzuela is also a trauma surgeon along with being a bariatric surgeon. She worked in San Francisco and Dr. Cabarera (sp)-Garcia worked in Fresno for a while. They are are the top surgeons in Mexico...per the "Top Mexican Surgeons" that I saw. You will be in great hands and the Anesthesiologist is AWESOME and very sweet. Gosh, I don't recall his name..guess that's because his administration of anesthesia was smooth and had a great sleep! Oh, I have two things you may be interested in: my Mexico Trip Tips and Sleeve Bible(s). If you're interested, PM me with your email address, and I'll send them to you. Take care and good luck! Jen

When I called back in June, she said I could get in in July. But I had to wait until my season was over. I actually just booked Thursday for November 25th. I was told to go at the beginning of the week to avoid longer wait times the day of surgery. Not sure if its a real concern or not. I have to renew my passport aswell, lol. I should get on that.

I use OptiSource Post-Bariatric Surgery cheweables. They taste great and are generally gentle on the stomach. Take 4 per day.

I'm not taking anything personally. Was asking questions to clarify your statements. Regarding hearsay, I was referring to whatever that woman told you. It was really unfortunate what happened. I too would have felt bad for her (you seem to be a very companionate person); however it is the patient's responsibility to give the surgeon all the information up until prior to arrival. That's what I meant about that woman maybe not providing you with hence what didn't make sense. Could she have been approved based on information she provided initially? Maybe she didn't provide accurate information in the surgical application. Somehow, when she got there, the surgeon (s) found that the information she provided (that got her approved) was no longer valid and was not able to do the surgery. It does suck...but she is alive and with a standing ovation clapping, Dr. Valenzuela did the right thing and not perform surgery if it could be dangerous to the woman's life. I tend to ask questions (professional habit-medical field and being a retired police officer/Deputy Sheriff-Coroner)...to seek to understand. I appreciate you telling the story. It does not have anything to do with Dr. Valenzuela's ability of being a bariatric surgeon...other than proving she is competent and will do the right thing regarding the safety of individuals versus taking money and doing an unnecessary surgery. I did state earlier that I was biased because she was one of my surgeons, and it was the research that I did and the company I went through (Medical Tourism- USA based company) to provide top bariatric Mexican Surgeons. Sincerely, Jen

I'm hoping to have surgery in August in Tijuana and I'm debating between 2 doctors (below). I'm ~300lbs and I've had no prior weight loss surgeries (this is not a conversion). 1) Dr. Louisiana Valenzuela via Mexico Bariatric Center with Christy as coordinator. 2) Dr. Alejandro López Ortega ("Dr. Lopez") via alighterme.com with Janese as coordinator. Any opinions / suggestions / experiences would be much appreciated. Thank you guys!

A time to change. I guess the beginning of the story comes about three years ago. After a major change in my life, I returned to school and earned two Associates degrees. The first was in medical assisting and the second in a medical office administration. Following a series of jobs to hold while finishing school, employment was found with the sisters of St. Francis out of Michigan city, Indiana. The job was as a medical assistant with a company named Working Well. These clinics specialized in occupational medicine and I was hired as a floating medical assistant to work between the companies five clinics in Northwest Indiana. This was definitely a change of pace compared to what I had previously been used to working within the cable television industry. It was a cold fall morning in late October when driving to work, it became increasingly harder and harder to breath. A cold which had been caught was becoming increasingly worse and worse. Driving became a task that was more difficult than usual. A decision was made to go to the emergency department of St. Anthony hospital. The results from that trip was a diagnosis of bronchitis and I was sent on my way back to work. Within the next week. The symptoms became increasingly worse, leading to a visit to my new Dr. for the hospital health insurance. The doctor was booked but they got me in to see his nurse practitioner, Ms. Nicolette Alexander. During a visit with Alexander took some precautionary tests and a chest x-ray gave me some medicine and said she would follow up with me. Less than a day later I received a phone call at work from Ms. Alexander's office. Not tracking me down was no easy task because I have been bouncing around from office to office for the last few weeks. Needless to say the message from the doctor was. I need to see you now! Gary my whole life I have never had a doctor track me down and use that phrase. So I knew was urgent. You have come of that meeting has stayed with me to this day. She stated. My heart was enlarged and my symptoms were indicating a need to see a cardiac specialist. It was at that point I was introduced to Dr.Sammie Dali. He informed me of a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and a ejection factor of 24%. In layman's terms that meant my heart was operating at only 24% capacity. After that Dr. Dali began a regime of medications, cardiac rehab and lifestyle changes to correct this condition. Within a few months. My overall health improved, but not enough to make a satisfactory change. My weight, but still an issue and the doctor and I began discussing bariatric surgery as an option. After being referred to above Midwest Bariatric Institute, it was decided that I was a good candidate for bariatric surgery but there were conditions. It was necessary for me to demonstrate that I could live the program and walked the walk. So with that began a series of nutrition classes, medical appointments, support group meetings, evaluations and lifestyle changes. Physically I was beginning to improve. But emotionally it was a roller coaster. One day the motions would be highly because everything was going alright and others because a reverse to rock-bottom when things went wrong. Six months later, after various evaluations, another cardiac scare and various doctors discussing my situation, it was decided that surgery was a go. In my corner was Ms. Alexander and Dr. Dali in the opposing corner was Dr. Gerald Cahill and his team off specialist. Dr. Cahill was concerned of possible cardiac issues, but finally agreed after Dr. Dali went to bat and hit a home run. Going into the surgery was a scary proposition. I remember thinking please hurry up and get this over with so I can continue on with my life. Papers have been filed, a medical leave. Approved and most of all a long heart-to-heart talk with my wife. The date of the surgery, after a comforting visit from my pastor, and imposing on one of my good friends to stay with Kathy, my wife, it began. I remember being wheeled into the cold operating room being given medication to relax and almost choking as a breathing tube was placed then blackness came signaling the true beginning of my new life. It is now 2 years later, I have lost over 150 pounds and feel great. Now has come the time for me to get serious. Time to exercise and watch the diet. It will be a challenge.

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.

I've never heard of night time coughing after surgery. Do you have sleep apnea? Or maybe a cold? I know that sounds like a simplified question, but trust me, after surgery, everything we feel, we relate it to the surgery. When in doubt always defer to your bariatric team Sent from my SM-G900T using BariatricPal mobile app

First check your insurance policy for how bariatric surgery is covered. Mine was listed in my benefits book. Or just call and ask about bariatric surgery coverage. Do you have any friends or family that is close that would help you with the children when you have the procedure? pushing, pulling, or lifting, is not recomended as you would not want to upset your port site while it is scarring or seating in place. With four young children you would definitely need help. Everyone is right about support from this site. We have all been there...done that...and we fully understand. Many people have the will power to just "do it" on their own. MANY do not. Some of us need some help. Such as the lapband. It is only a tool to help you along. There will always be people that don't understand that. We do. Sometimes you just have to take control and help yourself. Trust me, YOU ARE WORTH IT!! Good luck with your decision.

Mommie, I don't know if this will help or not, but I'm in Texarkana, Tx and my pts (I work in a sleep lab in a bariatric center of excellence hospital) that have tricare (tricare south region, to be specific) usually get covered pretty easily. They need one (1) co-morbidity with a certain BMI, along with the other stuff (sleep study, psyche eval, dietician, etc.) Was all that clear as mud? Bottom line, tricare south region covers in Texarkana.

Just thought I'd introduce myself...I went to the Des Moines Bariatric seminar last week. (The ones that go to Methodist) And have my consultation visit with Dr. LaMasters on July 28th. I haven't gone to a support group meeting yet. I also have COPD and fibromyalgia, so I'm on disability and have Medicaid. They will pay for it, but require a 6 month doctor supervised diet:frown: I'd lost #80 between 4-5 years ago...then between the steroids, quitting smoking, fibro...I've gained it all back! My pcp think the surgery would help me immensely. It would make my back and knees hurt less anyway. Anyway, just wanted to say Hi. Nancy

lessofm3 and geeky - Yeah, I don't think this is cheating, either. Just to chime in there. This is one step below about the harshest thing you can do to yourself to aid in permanent weight loss. lessofm3 - the person that made the comment about the likelihood of failing with this is a friend. She is a nurse anesthetist and is working for a general surgeon who does bariatric procedures, although not the lap-band. She said 70% of the bariatric procedures they do are for people who have to have it removed. And it has to be removed because they did not follow the diet. So her advice was to follow the diet. And, in her mind, obviously I can't do that, so it's likely I will fail - and don't come begging for her help when it happens. I have told the people I have told because I want to build a support network. And it's apparently not there. :thumbup: But going back to my failure friend - irony here...about a year ago she had a boob job and liposuction because she was not happy with the way she looked. Never occurred to her to DIET. But she's a bit concerned with appearances and the thought runs through the mind - is she afraid of someone else looking good? We are also neighbors and we live on Wisteria Lane, sometimes. And then I start thinking - she has a point, really. This whole thing, from what I am reading and now know, isn't really about the band. That's a feedback mechanism. It's a feedback mechanism that goes along with a lot of deprivation. The key here is portion control, from what I've learned. And this feedback mechanism lets you know when you haven't handled that well. But if I'm seriously serious about being serious (like that?) then why don't I just work on my portions? Why not restict myself? That feedback mechanism, though...could really be the difference between success and failure.

I think it's great that you and the hubster are doing a major food overhaul. That will be a great benefit to you and your family, but I have to ask... You're only 3 weeks post-op and allowed to eat anything you want? I'm not a medical professional and not employed by your bariatric surgeon, but at 3 weeks post-op, I wasn't allowed to eat brownies and graham crackers. I was allowed to eat liquid and pureed food. The reason for that is that the post-op period is all about healing and not so much about weight loss. In order to digest stuff like brownies and graham crackers, your stomach has to expand and contract to break the food down enough to pass into your intestines. That movement can disturb the position of your band against your stomach. In fact, one of the most common causes of band slips (which could require more surgery to fix) is failure to follow the post-op diet progression (Clear liquids, full liquids, purees, soft foods, solid foods). But...if your surgeon's post-op regime allows you to eat anything, so be it. And now I'll go on to answer your question about go-to sweets. The failure of sugar-free pudding cups to satisfy your sweet tooth doesn't surprise me. I felt the same was as new post-op, mostly because I was accustomed to eating 1/2 gallon of ice cream every night, plus Cookies and donuts and candy whenever I wanted. Most successful WLS patients find that they need to go through an uncomfortable period of weaning off sweets before they can give up that stuff forever. I'm not saying that you can never eat sweets again, but if sweets are your weakness, your ability to limit them may be totally absent, and if you want to lose weight and maintain that weight loss, sweets may be something you need to give up for the foreseeable future. The more you eat sweets, the more your body depends on and craves them. For a while I played with eating candy like sugar-free Reese's PB cups. I found that it was just as easy to eat a dozen of those as it was to eat a dozen of the regular stuff, so I ended up with a bad case of diarrhea from the sugar substitutes and (guess what?) stalled weight loss. Then I tried Atkins indulgence bars (or whatever they're called), especially one that tasted like a Mounds bar. I would tell myself I'd eat just half...ha! And then I'd have the diarrhea again and tell myself again that I'd never eat that stuff again. Finally I found some treats that worked. Now, you may be able to eat any amount of this stuff now, but may not be able to eat that much later on when you've had some fills, so I'm afraid you're going to have to exercise some self-restraint. Your band is not ever going to jump out of your throat and fling that naughty food aside. It's not going to ring alarms or flash red warning lights or scream, "Leepers! Cease and desist!" OK, finally I'll get to the sweet stuff. Thank you for bearing with me this far. When I'm in the mood for chocolate, I eat 1/2 of a chocolate Protein bar. Be sure to read the nutritional info on the package because a lot of Protein Bars are meant to appeal to body builders who want to gain weight. If there's more than 15 grams of carbs or sugars in a Protein Bar, I give it a pass. When I'm in the mood for ice cream, I peel a banana, put it in a zip-lock bag, and stick it in the freezer until it's very cold. It might look kind of brown after that, but once I stir a sprinkling of mini chocolate chips into it, it tastes like fabulous. You could even stir it into that blah sugar-free pudding, top it with sugar-free Cool Whip, and have yourself a choco-banana Sunday. Even better, combine 1 tablespoon of Peanut Butter with the banana, and you have a choco-monkey treat. If you're truly allowed to eat any food now, including solid foods like fruits and veggies, I can give you some more suggestions. Just let me know. Jean

My surgeon requires me to use Bariatric Advantage and I have to do 4-5 shakes per day. I have been having trouble getting the 4th shake down. Its tolerable. 2x per day I can mix it with a cup of skim milk which makes it taste a little bit better! Whatever you choose just make sure it has high protein and low carbs. Good luck!

Oh no, that stinks! I have a friend with BCBS OK, and they were told, last year I believe, that WLS was not covered... but I would imagine there are several different plans, and if you have an approval from late December, I don't see how they can back out now! By the way, I live in OK too, just north of OKC proper... I'm having surgery soon, I hope, down in Norman (my friend is a bariatric nurse down there, so I chose that hospital). I think you're the first person I've seen on here from OK, so I just wanted to say hello!