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I look at this whole process in that I am the customer and they are providing a service. I will lean on their experience but will always question if I do not understand and then I fully expect as a customer that they will explain. This is a paid transaction and they are there to make money just as any business does and I am a customer seeking a paid service of the highest quality. Luckily, my Bariatric team has been nothing but professional and accommodating. Remember, it is a 2-way street of respect and communication for this process to work. BUT, IF I had encounted a Bariatric team that I did not feel comfortable with, then I would look into a different service provider.

You seem to have a really cynical outlook on all of this. I, too, am a scientist by profession, and I've always been a bit of a pessimist, but I think sometimes, it's worth giving people the benefit of the doubt. It looks like you don't think your bariatric team has your best interests at heart. I know you've been burned before, and I also know what it's like to be constantly judged as stupid, lazy, noncompliant, untrustworthy, unworthy, etc. because of my weight, so I can understand your feelings about this, but don't forget that these are people who have devoted their careers to providing weight loss surgery. I'm not saying that they all genuinely care about alleviating the plight of the obese, or that they're sympathetic toward those of us in a position of needing this surgery, but I doubt there are very many medical professionals in the bariatric surgery field who are out to punish and criticize fat patients just for fun (or out of personal dislike of fat people). If for no other reason than their own self-interest, chances are that they want patients to succeed with weight loss surgery, and they are probably doing what they believe will contribute to their patients' success. Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes people can be right for the wrong reasons. I've run into this in my own job, where someone has told me something that didn't seem to make sense, and I (as someone like you with an inquisitive mind) have gone looking for the real story, only to find that what I was told was correct, even though the reasoning was not. In this case, your dietitian might be giving you good direction even if she doesn't actually understand what she's talking about. Just because that dietitian (or even the whole bariatric team) doesn't know or understand the reasoning behind the rules, it doesn't necessarily mean that the rules are incorrect or arbitrary. Finally, if you hang around this forum for long enough, you will see that many patients want and need a lot of hand-holding. Some people would rather be given strict but arbitrary rules than loose guidelines. People are constantly on here posting questions like, "I had surgery X days ago; can I eat Y?" And honestly, considering that, I can't blame surgeons at all for wanting to make things as black and white as possible so they don't have to spend all their time answering these incredibly specific questions, tailored to each individual patient. Most patients are not medical researchers, and many want definitive instructions from their doctors. Many people would be paralyzed with indecision if they were told, "Some studies say X and others say Y; you figure it out." Ultimately, it's up to you to decide how closely to follow your surgeon's directions, and if you do your own research and believe you have found a better way, you can make that decision. But I would venture to say that you will likely have a better experience if you have a mindset of working WITH your bariatric surgery team instead of taking an adversarial approach.

Hi Bariatric Pals - Can any of you recommend some budget friendly Protein shake brands that taste good but will give me the best bang for my buck? I've tried and like the Premier Protein shakes (available at costco & some Walmart's), but I am wondering if anyone has been able to find a good tasting Protein Shake or powder mix that is a little more cost effective? I need to be able to afford it but I also need to be able to choke it down, I haven't been liking most of the powdered mixes I've been trying. I appreciate your suggestions and sharing what has been your favorite protein shakes for the best prices??? Many Thanks & Warm Hugs!

When I went for my pre-op EKG, the tech told me that I was not big enough for bariatric surgery and was taking the easy way out. I told her that she should call my surgeon right away and tell him that she disagrees with his diagnosis. That shut her up. When the Press-Gainey Survey arrived in the mail, I mentioned her by name.

You need a new bariatric surgeon who is experienced at revisions. Best of luck to you

Thank you Mimi. I made it through port revision surgery yesterday and other than the discomfort from the incision I'm in pretty good shape. Very gassy, major diarrhea and retaining lots of fluids that I attribute to the procedure. I did find out from the hospital's bariatric coordinator that low profile ports aren't available yet for the 14cc bands that are the hospital's standard for use. I'm anxious for the swelling to go down to see if this makes the difference that I hope.

I am pre-op as well. My NUT just told me what to order for after surgery. I just went to Bariatric Advantage and ordered Advanced Multi EA Chewable Mixed Fruit (60ct) for $36.00 (this has all of the vitamins in one chewale) and Bariatric Advantage Calcium Crystal, (60 servings) $15.10.

Type 2 Diabetes, as I understand it, is insulin resistance. If it is caught and treated early enough, it can be reversed. Type 2 Diabetes is what brought me to the information session on bariatric surgery last September. I realized that I am not going to win the battle by remaining stuck in the cycle that I am in: I could get progressively worse. The doctors tell me that I will most likely not need my diabetes meds after surgery. I actually have a small glimmer of hope for a healthier life.

Last week many bariatric specialists convened in Miami. Here's the link to the agenda: https://spring.asmbs.org/schedule/. If I get time this week, I'll try to post links to the actual lectures. One focus: Periodic testing blood for "deeper" indicators of inflammation and potentially altered body chemistries, post-WLS. Ex: To help the "different" gut flora (bacteria), do pts need Probiotics on an ongoing basis? Also, should GBS/RNY, VSG and LB be done as an outpatient if the patient is uncomplicated, except for their BMI/weight? Hospitals will say no, as will hospital-based doctors. But does the patient need to bear that expense if they are otherwise low risk? (My VSG was done outpatient; anyone else? Did you do well?)

I know this sounds crazy but I like buffets...I get to choose 1 bite of numerous different things. What I don't like about them is I don't get to bring home a to go box. I have tried my bariatric card (the only time it's ever been rejected) at Hometown Buffet and they politely said no. So I hafta pay $11 for about $1 worth of food. But hubby makes up for what I don't eat. He's a low carber so he enjoys getting all the meat and veggies he wants. Last month, we visited a Soup Plantation. They gave me the $4 kids price. Still didn't eat $4 worth of food but it was nice to not pay full price. At buffets, they frown upon u just taking a couple nibbles off ur hubbys plate! At Hometown, I usually get: Baked chicken, cornbread stuffing, broccoli, mashed pots, 1 butterfly shrimp, roast beef, and maybe a small salad. I take a bite or 2 of everything and it doesn't look like I've even touched my food. Enjoy ur Mothers Day. At 5 weeks, however, not sure how I'd feel about it. I was still on soft foods (of which the buffet has lots of, btw). I wouldn't try to tackle a salad or ribs! Good luck! Oh and I usually sneak a few Cookies in a napkin in my purse. Figure since I'm not getting $11 worth of food, I'm gunna take dessert at least! Embarrasses hubby...oh well...

When you say 'groups,' are you referring to bariatric support groups? If so, the bariatric surgery practice that sleeved me offers support group meetings every Tuesday evening.

I recently enrolled in healthcare benefits for 2017 at my job and they do not cover bariatric surgery. Dr. Maytorena from Long Term VSG is hosting a contest for a giveaway of a free gastric sleeve procedure. We were asked to make a video stating why we needed the procedure and why we thought Dr. Maytorena would be a good doctor. The winner is the contestant that has the most likes on their video via the Long Term VSG facebook page. I need your support by watching and liking my video submission on their page. I have included a clickable link to the post. Thank you in advance for your help! <3 https://www.facebook.com/longtermvsg/posts/10153842916770216?notif_t=like&notif_id=1479520537966154

I also had the band. I was banded feb 10 2006 I had a slippage June of 2006 I lost 200lbs in 16 months. I followed the diet the doctor gave me to a T. I never wavered and I excercised the first year. I got bored after that. Finally got thin never had my band filled. But always miserable, always having periods of tightness always vomiting always in pain. Finally I moved from Florida to Ohio and the first 6 months I was back in Ohio my heartburn was out of control. Couldn't even take Zantac. Could barely eat was burping up a sewage smell, not to mention the complications from my gallbladder surgery because after losing all that weight that quick I had 48 stones and one was stuck in my bile duct. That surgery caused a dysfunction in my bile duct. Which causes severe pain and elevated liver enzymes yet I can't do anything about it. That's another story. So I finally found a bariatric doctor here in Ohio. They got me in ordered an upper gi just to see that I had slipped, bad! My band had to come out so after 5 yrs and 10 months my band was removed. I wanted a revision but the doctor refused during the process we found out I was 8 wks pregnant and he insisted I was thin and didn't need it. Well guess what after basically starving myself for 6 yrs and after the initial 15 months of my band eating like crap because that's the only way I could eat I packed on the lbs through out my pregnancy and once my band was removed. The band can be a great tool but you have to stay on it and be on the diet the doctor gives you always. To do it any other way will cause great pain and sickness. Plus when the doctor in Ohio went in he said my band was entirely to tight. So the original doc who put it on I guess he put it on to tight. I never had a fill in almost 6 yrs. now I'm trying to find a way to get the sleeve. Also my insurance didn't cover the band so I'm also out 14,000.

Go and see your NUT if you have one. If your hospital has a support group attend that. There's a good book called "The Emotional First Aid Kid: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery" by Cynthia L. Alexander

Has anyone had any experience with Dr. Yoo out of Duke Bariatric? They're a "center of excellence" and are (obviously) closely tied with Duke Health. My surgery's the 18th but so far has had an awesome experience with them. I'm just starting to get a bit nervous about the actual surgical part! lol

My clinic does 3 surgeries bypass, sleeve and band. I read somewhere that 40% of all band patients have their bands removed due to one issue or another. I asked at the WLS seminar if this has been the experience at my clinic and the Nurse practitioner who is program manager said it is the case in our Bariatric program. With that being said 60% of our patients are maintaing their bands. For me a 40% revision rate is way too high!

Oh wow...I had the worst itchy stomach too and small red bumps around only one of my incisions. The doctor said that's all part of the normal healing process. But now that I think about it, since I took the bandages off that one incision site, the itchy's are gone...hmmm. Odd that it'd only happen in one spot. I was sleeved on the 29th and went back to work yesterday. So far so good, but did have to take a couple of breaks and rest and took 2 shots of pain medication. I had stopped taking the pain meds but didn't want to wait in case the pain got worse. I feel better and better every day but I know I'm not getting in enough Protein and just dread the hair loss! I have super curly hair and have heard that when hair grows back, it tends to come back as a different texture. Water is also pretty narly right now. I tried Crystal Light but that didn't do much for the taste, what helps is making sure it's very, very cold and adding a little bit of cranberry juice. I tried pushing myself too fast on what food I could eat, I thought since the Dr. said it was okay to eat the next stage that I'd be okay as long as I chewed my food really well. I ended up feeling kinda queasy and gassy, so I've gone back to eating pureed food. A problem for me is taking my Calcium. I ordered from Bariatric Advantage and it's just so hard to get that chewable down. Ugh! Does anyone have any suggestions? Laura 5'2, 41 y.o., sleeved by Dr. Wallace, Suburban Surgical Care 310 before starting pre-op diet 294 day of surgery weight 274 currently

I finished all the paperwork and have been excepted into a Bariatric Sugery Program in Maine. I haven't gotten my first appointment yet and am trying to be patient about it. I am seeing a dietician at my lipid Drs. office, but haven't done very well this past two weeks..:sad: I have had some really strange hunger pains since changing my reflux meds. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with things, making excuses as to why I didn't exercise everyday, mostly because my kids were gone and I didn't have anyone to motivate me. I have an appointment for a weigh in on Monday and am dreading it.On the other hand, I walked 1.5 miles in a parade for my daughters softball team after admitting that the only reason I didn't want to go was because I didn't want all those people I never see to see me. I admitted it to my friend and fellow coach and I think she was shocked. My other excuse was my still healing broken leg which is a valid complaint, but I survived it.:smile: I am getting some mixed reactions from people about the upcoming surgery. I have had very few reactions of "go for it" from the people closest to me. I know most of it from my family is just general concerns, but isn't that the whole point of the drastic life change?? I'm already seeing the effects of being overweight. I hate that look that people can't hide that says,, well why don't you just stop eating.. I think I have thought that before myself, but obviously if I could do it and stick to it I wouldn't still be fat right? I have started the conversation right off with " I am going to have the Lap Band Surgery,,, because I don't want to have a stroke or heart attack" It pissess me off that people have to be so judgemental before they even listen to what you have to say:cursing:. My other struggle is finding a support person who is supportive not a food police. Every non essential bite I take brings on guilt and self beatings, I don't need anymore of that verbally. I want someone to say, "you ready for that walk?" or hey I found a great place for salads!.. lol I do have one friend who wants to walk with me, but I can't talk to her about the surgery because she truly believes I can just do it all on my own. In a perfect world that might be true, but I really need some help. I had an appointment with shrink that I had made on my own to talk about anxiety attacks. She doesn't want to put me on meds which I am happy about, but wants me to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist to help me work through them and control them on my own. I am also trying some Omega-3's and multi B vitamin to see if it helps.. Its been a week and I feel a little less tense, but my kids were also gone for a week for the first time for more then 2 days ever so I didn't have that kind of stress to deal with. I am going to work harder this week to be better about the amount of food I am eating, and will not eat out at all if possible..

Glad to know I wasn't the only one. My husband of 32 years was absolutely, positively against this surgery. I am absolutely positive that his objections were due to fear of losing me, meaning death. My surgery was 11/12/12 and I am down 90+ lbs. and still happily married. I had thought long and hard about this for about 9 months. When I finally told him about my intentions he was mad. Then when I told him I had called the insurance to find out if it was covered he had problems that I hadn’t discussed it with him (furious is a good word). I explained my reasons and there were many. He went with me to the doctor visits and he did ask questions. Then my gallbladder decided it was wanting to come out and my bariatric surgeon did the surgery. I ended up in ICU because I’ve always had a bleeding problem. Everything was fine though. I pointed out repeatedly that this was a sign that I would be okay. He didn’t buy it. He started coming with me to the monthly WLS group meetings. I’d get excited and he would just always bring me down. We argued about this for about 6 months. At that time I did have to wait the 6 months for insurance reasons. My knees popped out on me in February and I ended up being taken out of my work in an ambulance and staying overnight in the hospital (I tore my meniscus, but not enough for surgery). One of my arguments had been that I have arthritis in my knees and the surgery will help. I was on a walker for 3 months and then physical therapy and onto a cane. I was waiting for him to say something about understanding my reasons for the surgery. Never came and we had another “discussion.” Then his health changed (Sarcoidosis) and I made the appointment to take him to Mayo Clinic. I cancelled my surgeon’s appointment for this and this was the one where I was going to get my surgery date. When we came back, I started with the hematologist and specialists for the bleeding. We were still having our discussions. I changed yet another appointment to take him back to Mayo in June. He had lost 60 lbs. since December without trying (ironic isn’t it?). He was fine and they attributed the weight loss to stress and the Sarcoidosis. I rescheduled my surgeon’s appointment and got a date for July 7. His reaction in the doctor’s office was not good (he was also on 40 mg/day of Prednisone). Well, the hematologist called me said I had to cancel the 7/9 surgery. I was devastated. He wasn’t. I went for more testing and just needed a filter put in, platelet transfusions before surgery and no blood thinners. I was ecstatic. He wasn’t. I scheduled my appointment with the surgeon yet again. I also had another chat with my husband. We have always respected each other’s opinions. It was very, very difficult for me to be doing something that I know he was so against. However, I had reached my limit. I told him it was my body, my business and that I was doing this not just for me, but for us. I wanted to live longer and be able to travel and do more things. I also suggested we meet with the therapist that I had to see before the surgery. We went and the therapist said he wanted to see my husband again without me. This therapist was a life saver. My husband is still going to see him once a week. The therapist helped him through the surgery (he was on the phone with him during the surgery). It was the best decision for both of us. My husband is still on the Prednisone but not as much. I do know this was a contributing factor to the harshness of his reactions. He has had some problems with my eating after the surgery. I wasn’t quite on the schedule that the surgeon gave me and I finally told my husband that I wasn’t going to eat to please him. I was going to eat what I can and get over it. We are okay and he is seeing that I’m doing more than I used. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat! Sorry for the life story here. During all this, I was looking on this site for anyone else experiencing the same thing. I didn’t find anyone.

My sleeve date is May 23rd with Dr. Rodriguez in Juarez. My PCP is unfamiliar with the procedure and told me he would follow me if I would get him info about what to monitor. I'm nervous that he won't know the symptoms of a leak, etc. And he's two hours from me. Would I be smarter to find a PCP closer to home? Would a local Bariatric doctor follow me if I had the procedure in Mexico? I don't have a NUT - do I need to find one? Thanks for your suggestions! So happy I found this group!

I'm interested in finding out about how people actually pay for their surgery. Anyone willing, would you please indicate the following: 1. Surgery type (RNY, Lap-Band, Revision, Sleeve, etc.) 2. Self-pay, "government" program (ie, Medicare, Medicaid) or private insurance 3. Amount billed (grand total, not itemized!) 4. Amount YOU personally paid 5. Geographic location (either region or state) 6. If you had insurance, did it cover bariatric services? I'm curious what percent self-pay versus those who have insurance & those with insurance, but no bariatric coverage. Thanks in advance for anyone willing to participate...I'll be happy to post the results, so everyone can see any "trends" found!!

I had RNY with private insurance. The total hospital bill was $20,500. I would estimate that I paid $4,000 out of pocket (hosp bills, cost of appts, insurance deductibles, etc). I live in Northern Virginia. My insurance does have bariatric coverage with a six month nutrition, psych eval, and surgical clearance prerequisite.

I can tell you from my own experience that the hospital process was incredibly smooth. It was kind of like hanging out. Got a beeper when I checked in. Beeper went off, went to the pre-op room, met with one nurse to go over medical history again. Told her I am a tough person to get an IV going and she called a different IV nurse into the room. Changed into the hospital garb, and then talked to the bariatric coordinator (who had been sleeved herself), until the anesthesiologist came in and put me in happyland. Woke up 3 hours later and it was over. The first week was not a lot of fun...the first full day home was the worst as I now had to get my own fluids in. Only pain I had was at the large incision point, no nausea at all. After a week, pain virtually gone. Averaging about 5 lbs lost per week. You will do fine. Complications are extremely rare in this surgery. My surgeon has done thousands of these operations and has never had a leak. Worst case if you have a leak is they do a bypass...not the end of the world.

Hi go onto the insurance web site (look on the back of your card for it) and do a serch on bariatric surgery. hope that helps a little

MillyBell- I very much appreciate your posting this, and am so happy things are going well for you! I am one of those people who needs to be OVERLY-prepared for things like this, so I'm on this site every day checking out recipes, as well as everyone's experiences. Truly, I do not mind reading about the complications that may occur, because that way I won't be surprised if/when they happen. However, if all I read about were the complications, I'd never get it done! I try to read as much - if not more - about the happy stories, and am telling myself that I will be one of those with a happy ending. I happened to be picking up my dad from the hospital this past weekend, and it's the same hospital where I'll be having my surgery. I asked the nurse if they had bariatric patients on that same floor, and she said, "All the time!" Then she asked me if I even qualified, because I didn't look "big enough". I took it as a compliment, and left it at that. But I checked out the room to see where I could plug in my cell phone, where I would put all my stuff. Haha! She said they would take great care of me while I was there. Made me smile! Thanks again, and I wish you the best!