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Hello everyone, I am new here :-). I started my process 1 1/2 years ago, got prgnant on the pill, had baby, and picked back up in september. Ive gotten all my clearences and evals done. As of 2 weeks ago, my surgeon sent everything to the insurance company. I have BcBs as primary (they do not cover surgery) and horizon nj health as secondary. So ill post some helpful info. Surgeon :Dr. Chris Boynton, Lumberton NJ 609-267-7050 insurance BCBS PPO, (PRIMARY), HORIZON NJ Health (Secondary) Psych Consult: Diane Palmer, (Kennedy Health systems, Stratford) I will post the number when I find it. Consult was 100% covered with HNJH. No out of pocket expense Nutritional consult: Virtua Dieatary, 100% covered. Bariatric Nutritionist was through the Dr's office. HNJH would not cover, so office charges $35, one time :-) Bariatric Nurse: Chris Aroglia, she is awesome!!!!!!!!!!! She's ontop of everything and is always reachable. The hospital is Virtua Mt. Holly I am currently waiting for my primary to deny, so tgat it can be sent to secondary. I will update on how long the approval process. Otherwise it was 3 visits, all your necessary clearances, 2 nutritional appointments, and my PCP referral. Hope this helps :-)

That's a pretty routine amount of work at one time. From what I've read, that's not at all too much. Have you been on Realself.com? You can post concerns there for plastic surgeons to comment on. You also can review hundreds of procedures. Pretty complete site. Similar to bariatric pal. It's totally normal to have fears and nerves before surgery. I think you can let go of the anxiety and allow yourself to be excited Some of those Brazilian butt lifts are crazy!!! Is that what you're getting? Doesn't sound like it. I would be curious to know how does someone get comfortable after a BBL and TT? I bet they don't combine those two cause you can't sit on your butt...rambling. I'll go ramble somewhere else.

I've never taken bariatric-specific vitamins, other than samples I've gotten, but check on the package for how many you should take. I've seen some that are once a day and some that are two. Not sure if I've seen any that are 4x a day, but if that's what the package says, then that's the recommended dosage. It really depends on the brand. And again, it should list the recommended dosage on the package. regular drug store/grocery store vitamins (like Centrum or Flintstones Complete) you usually take 2x a day - but again, bariatric-specific vitamins vary. P.S. I do take B12 (sublingual) and vitamin D supplements. Oftentimes bariatric-specific vitamins include a higher dosage of these than drugstore vitamins do, so you may not need to take a separate supplement for them - but check with your clinic. also, the above commenter is correct - sometimes your clinic will change your regimen based on your lab results. If your levels are low on some vitamin or mineral, they'll have you start taking more, and vice versa.

I had to do a 6 month supervised diet, which was started in Feb, as a requirement with Aetna. The first couple months I lost weight when I checked in with my doc. When I went in May I had gained weight. I had my birthday and fond out that the hospital where my surgery would happen was not under contract with my insurance. I went thru a few weeks of being mad, and upset. But once I talked with the insurance they said they were renegotiating and might be under contract again. So I continued to see my primary for my check ins just in case, but I didn't move forward with anything that would cost me money. I then found out early August that they contract was back in place so I moved ahead and finished what I had left to do to submit to insurance which was just my psych eval, So then everything was submitted and I was approved in less than two weeks. I was never told that I had to lose a certain amount, and I think I ended up right where I was when I first weighed in at my bariatric doctor, or at least within a few pounds.

I have a friend who is caring for a 725+ lb female and has tried to help her loose weight so she can get the bariatric surgery. Her "skinny" husband is the enabler and though my friend fixed her a proper portioned high Protein low carb meal, her hubby went and got her a larger second plate (said it was for him) and mixed her a double portion Protein shake for her "drink". I estimate that one meal was over 3000 calories by the time he finished "feeding" his wife. She is only 27 years old. I tried to talk to her and her husband about changing things so she can succeed with loosing the weight. I doubt she will meet this goal though since she and her husband "justify" her meals as necessary.

Surgery changes your body but does nothing for your brain. Many people see therapists to help address issues regarding addiction and/or using food as a coping mechanism. Personally, surgery has done wonders for my body. My brain is a work in progress and I suspect that will always be the case. Your question is wise and shows you have insight. My suggestion would be to seek a therapist, preferably one with experience with bariatric patients, for guidance. You have nothing to lose by proceeding slowly to ensure you make the right decision for yourself.

I couldn't open that site, but found this by re-routing through their home page: https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions Misconception: The chance of dying from metabolic and bariatric surgery is more than the chance of dying from obesity. Truth: As your body size increases, longevity decreases. Individuals with severe obesity have a number of life-threatening conditions that greatly increase their risk of dying, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension and more. Data involving nearly 60,000 bariatric patients from ASMBS Bariatric Centers of Excellence database show that the risk of death within the 30 days following bariatric surgery averages 0.13 percent, or approximately one out of 1,000 patients. This rate is considerably less than most other operations, including gallbladder and hip replacement surgery. Therefore, in spite of the poor health status of bariatric patients prior to surgery, the chance of dying from the operation is exceptionally low. Large studies find that the risk of death from any cause is considerably less for bariatric patients throughout time than for individuals affected by severe obesity who have never had the surgery. In fact, the data show up to an 89 percent reduction in mortality, as well as highly significant decreases in mortality rates due to specific diseases. Cancer mortality, for instance, is reduced by 60 percent for bariatric patients. Death in association with diabetes is reduced by more than 90 percent and that from heart disease by more than 50 percent. Also, there are numerous studies that have found improvement or resolution of life-threatening obesity-related diseases following bariatric surgery. The benefits of bariatric surgery, with regard to mortality, far outweigh the risks. It is important to note that as with any serious surgical operation, the decision to have bariatric surgery should be discussed with your surgeon, family members and loved ones.

Okay, when you call your insurance company, ask them if there is a separate out-of-pocket max for bariatric surgery. If the person doesn't know, have them get a supervisor.

I had never heard about the sleeve until I asked my primary if I was a good candidate for a lap band. He sent me to Loyola University's Bariatric Program. One of the requirements was to take a class or watch a video. I watched the 40 minute video on surgical options and found out about the sleeve. Really? They can do THAT? That's when I decided to do the sleeve. Just make the darn thing smaller and yank it out. I am so done with carrying this extra person for a belt. The excitement is building as I progress through the program. Right now I am in week four of the nutritionist's supervised 1100 calorie diet. This support group is an awesome extra bonus, and everyone seems so honest about their individual experience. I am so glad it's here. Good luck with your surgery.

Most plans want you to have any bariatric procedure at a center of excellence, that being said - many will pay up to $10,000 (according to my policy) for travel and accommodation for such a surgery. You may want to check into that option. I have UHC and had to change surgeons because my first surgeon was NOT affiliated with a COE and there was no way I was trying to get this done without insurance - so new surgeon and correct hospital = no pay for me!

This what is covered as of 10/2008: • Bariatric surgeries, including gastric stapling, vertical banded gastroplasty, gastric lap banding for obesity, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and gastric bypass surgeries with required prior authorization from Harvard Pilgrim.

Recipes. I used recipes. There are lots of recipes out there for purée stage when it comes to bariatric post surgery diet if you haven’t looked. I also spent time planning recipes for the next stage.

Tropical,, I had a very similar experience with my psych. This psych's entire practice is for bariatrics, but that didn't stop her from telling me that she wasn't sure that having half my stomach cut out and risking intractable GERD was worth it. She criticized my every lifestyle habit, cast doubt in my ability to succeed, and by the end had me feeling like my 27 year marriage was completely dysfunctional. I left the office completely dejected and after having issues with my surgeon's office staff for failing to refer me to a dietician, I took it as a sign that it just wasn't meant to be for me. I absolutely wrote my surgeon to tell her about this horrific experience, but received no response. A few months later, when I hit my bottom (you know....rock bottom), I decided that I was finished with this red tape and was planning on going self-pay in Mexico. It was then that I ran into my current patient coordinator who has really done a marvelous job and my surgery is scheduled for 4/10. I guess I tell you this is because there are good and bad practitioners in all specialties. Unfortunately, we got a couple of doozies. I strongly urge you to let your surgeon know so that they can reconsider using that psych again.

This is great advice. @Livgreen___ are you part of a bariatrics program right now? Would meeting with a psych be part of the process? Definitely worth it, or at least do as much research as you can and self-evaluation. They're going to tell you not to smoke. I've heard of plenty of people that get nicotine tested to make sure they aren't smoking. Some start up again after surgery.

Hello, My name is Jennifer, and my husband and I went to one of the bariatric surgery seminars a few weeks ago. We have had a follow up with the surgeon, appt with the dietitian, and my husband has attended I think 3 weekly support/information meetings that his surgeon runs. I'm posting here, because I truly want honesty and I'm not sure where else to put this. I am having some major concerns at this point. A little about me-I am not overweight, and I have no idea what that is like. I am a recovering addict, so the "addiction" issues that my husband has I do understand somewhat, I realize however that having food as an "addiction" is very different than drug and alcohol addiction. My husband (and I ) are 40. He is about 5'10" and currently weighs about 280. He has struggled with weight his entire life, but there have been times he was able to lose and keep weight off. This is the most he has ever weighed. I know he is miserable, depressed, uncomfortable, in pain and has no energy. We have gone through every diet, Meal Replacement, weight loss pills, etc-if they work, he stops doing them and then the weight comes back. He hates diets, hates being told, "you can't eat that" All the diets we have tried, low-carb, high Protein, he quickly abandons because of the restrictions. After our first one on one discussion with his surgeon we were talking about some of the lifestyle changes. His surgeon is a vegan, and my husband very clearly stated, well, I'm not going to do that kind of diet. He came home after group last night and appeared agitated and angry. We are dealing with some budget issues as well right now, and one of our huge expenditures is eating out, so that's something we are trying to drastically reduce. I went grocery shopping yesterday and on the way home I was thirsty so I got one of those frozen coffee things from burger king. This apparently was what triggered my husbands anger. After he had been home for a while, (he went and laid down almost immediately after he got home) he came into the kitchen and we were eating dinner. We started talking about how his meeting went, and it became very clear that he was really upset. My husband is normally pretty laid back, so this was a bit odd. Basically what it came down to is that he feels that we ALL eat lousy food and he doesn't want this lifestyle change to be "all his fault" and we really need to learn how bad all the food we eat is. OK, so over the past few years, I have changed a lot about our diet. I have traded out regular pastas for either whole wheat, rice, or veggie options, we don't eat potatoes hardly ever, low sodium everything, more salads and fresh veggies and fruits. If hamburger is in this house at all its 96% lean, more often its been replaced by ground turkey. I read and try to stay informed about healthy food choices. I do have 3 kids at home, all of whom pack a lunch every day. They have available to them quick microwave heat up things like pizza or chicken nuggets, there are chips and granola bars and applesauce, and puddings for Snacks to go with lunch. There is also fresh fruit that they take as well. Jason (my husband) seems to think this all needs to change. There shouldn't be any "junk" type foods ever, we are teaching our kids horrible eating habits, they are going to hit their 30s and 40s and become overweight. Bread is a useless food, unless it's homemade due to preservatives and even then it's minimally nutritious at best, (he became aware just last night I believe that he prob can't eat bread, or pastries or pancakes etc once he does this surgery) Bread and carbs are a bigger attraction for him than say candy and Cookies. Eliminating those items in the past for diets has caused him to hate diets. I'm concerned that if he goes thru with surgery he will just end up more depressed and angry at the limitations he is going to be under. Any thoughts?

I have bc/bs federal. My paperwork was submitted as outpatient. When I found out about this, I called the dr's office and was told bc/bs will not approve sleeve surgery for inpatient???? The dr's office told me they submit the request as outpatient and then after the surgery is done, they request approval for two nights stay. I was told it will be just fine, don't worry. That just didn't sound right so I called bc/bs and was told they approve the procedure based on what the dr says is medically necessary. If the approval is stated as outpatient, you are responsible for 15%. If the dr requests two nights for observation after the surgery, you are still responsible for 15% of the entire cost. So, if the surgery costs $50,000, I would owe $7,500 instead of just $250! Has anyone ever had this problem with the dr's office saying this is an outpatient only surgery for bc/bs and that is how they must submit the request? Does anyone know if it takes more paperwork to submit the request as inpatient? I am now really concerned that since the dr's office submitted the request as outpatient and it was approved, bc/bs will deny the inpatient request, if the dr's office resubmits. I sent an email to the director of the bariatric center and am waiting for a reply.

The way my doctors office is billing my procedure is with an out of network facility and in network surgeon. It ends up costing me less that way. My paperwork was sent to insurance on Friday the 13th (hope that's not a sign) and I called yesterday to confirm that had received it and they had. They said they received it yesterday the 16th and that it usually takes 15 days to render a decision. I got an email this afternoon from my insurance stating that my company has made some changes to our medical plan. One of the changes being that bariatric surgery can only take place at an in network center of excellence starting April 1. Doc office wants to schedule me for a March surgery, but I'm just worried that something is going to happen that would push me into April :-/ Sorry so long. Just venting.

Colds can definitely hose up your senses of taste and smell. I haven't noticed this yet myself, but a lot of the people in my bariatric support group have mentioned their tastes in food changing after surgery, so that might also be a culprit. Is it a metallic taste in your mouth? That could be a result of being in ketosis, which is generally good for weight loss but does leave a funky taste in one's mouth. I hope you get over the cold soon. Best wishes!

So great i can share my ideas and concerns with people going through the same process. Im 5 foot 9 320 pounds im getting the sleeve my surgery date is December 29. Hope to have a successful surgery and healthy lifestyle:)

Has anyone tried Smile Bariatric pods? This just popped up on my Facebook news feed and I'm thinking this may be the route I go post op with my PCP's approval. (I am not affiliated with Smile Bariatric nor receive compensation for this post) https://smilebariatric.com/product/dispenser/

Not supposed to take gummies after sleeve either. I found a multivitamin that formulated for Bariatric surgeries Bariatric Advantage Multi EA It’s a chewable.!I got it on Amazon it has everything but the kitchen sink in it VitD3 B’s E A ext it is formulated so your body absorbs the vitamins.

Lot;s of research,,LOTS. I was having the same questions in my mind. I personally communicated with dr.s on both coast., as well as my chosen surgeon. To my suprise, both surgeons contacted me personally. The one that push ME over the top for bypass was here. Awesome . Only wish I was on the left coast. Bariatric Surgery by Julie Ellner, M.D., Gastric Bypass vs. Lap Band It is a decision we all have to make, we are each our own best judge. Study, read, and pray if you wish. I am totally stoked on my decision ..I have jumped thru all the hoops..now waiting for a date, at any time now. Good luck. ken

If you are self pay it does make sense to get the testing done and present that to the bariatric surgeon. They can then advise if sleeve or bypass is a better option. I hope something works out for you.

Hello, I am contemplating gastric sleeve. I will really appreciate if folks who have actually gone through the operation can suggest names of surgeons with whom they had had good experience. Or which institutions are considered centers of Bariatric Surgery Excellence. Will greatly appreciate.

I use this forum as my support group, as I don't have any hospital-affiliated support group. I come on here every day and I always find it renews my dedication to my mission towards weight loss and better health. It's like a continually-inspiring support team on demand! I stick with the successful bandsters and learn from their choices...what led them to success, what are their challenges, tips and strategies. I do not read weight loss blogs of dieters whose methods are futile or whose mindsets are not like my own. This would put my own motivation at risk, as it might possibly allow me to justify some non-band compliant behaviors.