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Feeling confident that this the right step for me. Scheduled to attend the Bariatric Specialist seminar in May and go from there. Work in a hospital and have seen several coworkers successfully lose weight, who told very few people of their surgery. Have friends that I eat lunch with, some of which are being successful with weight watchers who I suspect will think I'm taking drastic measures and instead think if I just "worked harder" I could lose weight and keep it off too. I've been overweight all my life. I've successfully lost up to 40 lbs with WW, but gained it all back. With Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, I realize that lapband is what I need as a tool to help me achieve my goals and live a longer, healthier life. I'd like to not tell anyone but immediate family, but when I need to be on a liquid diet for so many weeks, it's hard to figure how to have lunch with the crew without so many questions about my change in food intake. Any suggestions? How did those of you that chose to keep this decision private do it without people questioning your eating habits when you were on shakes etc?

I was directed towards bariatric surgery by my Heart Failure Specialist, as a means to drop weight and improve eligibility for transplant (which in my case is definitely in my future). Over the past 10 years I have had 2 heart attacks, 11 stents, a pacemaker/defibulator, and several caths. Though I do not think a cardiologist would deny your surgery (for the obvious benefits), I would not think that the surgery would be something that he would rush into clearing prior to establishing that you could handle the surgery and recovery first (which could take some time). I wish the best for you and hope the clearance comes in a timely manner. I will be finishing up my pre-op requirements at the end of March and hope to have surgery soon after.

I mentioned this yesterday but now I really am frustrated n need clear answers. Thanks: I cannot take this Bariatric Advantage stuff anymore! All of it making me gag. Please fill in the blank of what's good n easy to get down of the following: Preop Protein shake- Iron pill- Multivitamin- Vitamin d- Calcium- B-12-

Do you actually want/need bariatric surgery? This may be a hard question; but, realistically you need to be honest with yourself and not listen to guiltless comments from others. It is your body, how do you plan on managing your health? Sleeve surgery is a one-way journey to better health and longer life IF you use your pouch/tool to take control of your eating. Ask yourself what you want the rest of your life to be like and how do you plan on getting there! As for me, I got tired of lying to myself, looking in the mirror, and being a walking pharmacy. I committed, dieted pre-surgery, had textbook smooth surgery, follow my Nutritionist's and Doctor's orders, and am experiencing a comfortable recovery with desired weight loss. You can do the same once you have made your mind up!

So I hit 1 year post op last month. Here is my story. Right before my 30th birthday I decided that enough was enough. I had been on the waiting list with my ex-husbands insurance for gastric bypass, then we divorced and I lost my spot anyway. I had lost aprox. 60 pounds on my own after the divorce through lifestyle changes, mainly cutting soda (a huge addiction to me at the time) and being more active, these small changes helped a lot because of the extreme sedentary life I lived during my stint as a house wife (with no kids). After losing the 60 pounds I got down to about 215 but jumped back up to 235 pretty quick. My ideal weight -I thought- was about 200 maybe 195 and I knew that I couldn't drop any more weight on my own, after all the 60 was tough, and I gained half of it back. I knew that I had to figure out how to get surgery. The reason I was on a waiting list to begin with is because I am young, with no health problems other than my weight and the insurance I had only approved 40+bmi with no comorbidities. I was always around 38 or 39 bmi. So I had it! I started looking and found surgery options in Mexico for around $4500-$6000. Mind you I was a 29 year old college student with a $12/hour job, newly divorced, living with my mother because I had nothing to my name. So November 2012 I decided I would save the money and do it! I got my income tax for around $2000 and worked 50 hours a week at my regular job and got a part time graveyard $8/hour security job in a bad neighborhood in a shopping center (I guarded a parking lot in the dark!). It was all worth it! I finally found a Dr. (Juan Garcia) and a US company to book everything through (Ready4AChange) and booked my trip! The total cost of everything including my airfare was almost exactly $5000. April 15th. I made it to Mexico. Flew into San Diego and the driver picked me up from the airport (even took me to walmart) then took me across the border to Tijuana and to the Marriott. It was a very nice hotel. I met 3 other people who were with the same company having surgery with me the next day (there were 5 or 6 of us total).We bonded ate dinner that night together and all rode together to the hospital in the morning. Even though there were a few of us, we all got wonderful treatment like we were the only patients. Only the 5 of us were in the wing our rooms were on and we all knew what rooms we were in incase we felt up to talking after surgery. We were in the hospital for 3 days and I don't really remember much except the last day. They keep you very nicely doped up so the pain is totally manageable and give you everything you need right away so you can just doze all day! Day 3 in the hospital we were all up and walking and I bugged the nurses enough that they let us take out IVs outside to the patio and get some sunshine We went back to the hotel on Day 4, I think. Stayed in the hotel with room service bringing all the broth and popsicles we wanted. The Dr came the next day to the hotel and tended our dressings and answered any last questions we had before leaving. After 5 days we got driven back to the airport at the time we needed to get to our flights and went home. It all happened with out a hitch, for the most part. The surgery was wonderful. I wasn't nervous or hesitant at all. The Drs and nurses were amazed I was alone, after all I was a 20-something woman all alone in another country about to have life changing surgery! My support group was intact at home, but I wanted to do it alone. So now its been 1 year. I still throw up 2-3 times a week because I don't know when to stop eating, and I get chest pains almost every meal. I am glad that I have these bad side effects because I eat too much and need to learn!! If I am good then they don't happen, so they are my fault totally. I have lost 87 pounds since surgery and a total of 130 pounds from my heaviest weight. I wear a size 5 pants now and work out a few times a week (could be more, but I am working on that). My eating habits are SO GOOD now compared to what they were and I love to cook now. I try to eat fish three times a week, tuna for lunch one day, salmon for dinner, and another fish for dinner. I also try to have one night of chicken for dinner every week. I try to eat out only 1-2 times per week. I am getting scared because I think for the first time I have gained weight since surgery, I think I have gained a couple pounds while I was sick for the last couple months (hurt leg then broken tooth ouch!) and didn't work out. I can eat a lot more now that I think I should and I think after finals are over next week I will go on a liquid diet for a few days to try to shrink my tummy back down. I can eat more of certain things and then when I eat dense, protein rich foods (like chicken and tuna) I get full really fast! Last night I ate a whole bagel with cream cheese, then about an hour (maybe 1.5 hours) later I ate ANOTHER ONE! I had micro vomits after and even threw up in my sleep (still trying to control the acid reflux). So my only issues one year out is that I feel like my stomach is stretching, I have severe acid reflux (that can be controlled if I remembered to take a darn pill), and I very badly need a tummy tuck! I would do this all over again in a heart beat. I feel so much more alive and vital and HAPPY since my surgery, and I was not depressed nor did I have low self esteem or problems having fun before, but this is like more than I can describe a million times better way to live than how I was before. I feel so bad for people who think they cant afford it, or are too scared to try the surgery. Living 100 lighter makes life easier! Everything is cheaper, clothes, groceries, eating out. Everything is easier, taking the stairs in a parking garage or at the library is done with out a thought (except that I don't want to wait for the slow elevator), I don't worry about things I sit or stand on will break, I want to go on roller coasters at parks. I want everyone who ever lived a day as "morbidly obese" to live one day in my shoes and realize that for $5000 (I have seen less these days too!) your life can be so different. I was in a size 24, now I am in a size 5. If I got a tummy tuck I could probably be in a 3, and I could wear a bikini (I have lots of skin on my lower abdomen that keeps me from wearing one now). The money might seem like a big hurdle, it took me almost 6 months to save and I got almost half in income tax. But it was worth the extra work, every day. Its worth it to do anything you can to save that money! BTW, it took me almost 9 months after the surgery to get out of debt that the surgery put me in....but again...TOTALLY WORTH ALL OF IT!! I think that is my total story, sorry for the long winded-ness. I have never told it all on a forum and thought that maybe I should add to the information out there, after all I met one of my dearest and best friends on a bariatric surgery site, found out about my surgeon, and found all my confidence and information on a site like this one

Hi everyone! I have been toying with the idea of a band for a few years now. I had started the process again in early March of this year then got diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I've gone through surgery, radiation and now I'm on a hormone blocking pill for the next 10 years. My cancer was 100% estrogen positive and we all know that fat stores estrogen. Right now weightloss is my top priority. My MO, PCP and Bariatric Surgeon all agree. I just wondered if anyone else has been in a situation similar to mine? I expect to be banded early October regardless of whether insurance covers it or not. A generous friend has offered to cover the cost for me. Weightloss can help prevent reoccurance and even with knowing this I still can't control my food on my own!

I think the first step is as @@Bandista suggests. If you need bigger guns after that, there is a law firm in the U.S. that works for people in your situation. You'll find it by googling Walter Lindstrom Attorney. The name of the firm mentions WLS or bariatrics or obesity. You can't miss it. I'm only providing the name, as I've never heard from anyone whom they actually represented. I believe they work nationally. (There may be others, too.) If you do contact the firm, please let me/us know what they say. I may be in the same situation you're in. Best wishes to you.

I had emergency gallbladder surgery about a month ago. I found out I had a BMI of over 50, & a fatty liver. My gallbladder surgeon highly recommends gastric sleeve surgery. He does bariatric surgeries as well as general. Yay me... I have begun my journey; I had my 1st dietitian appointment, done my upper GI scope, have a cardiologist appointment this week & a follow up to the upper GI this week. I am waiting to find out about the sleep study and have 2-3 more appointments with the dietitian before surgery... Was wondering what the best pre & post Op protein shakes are best as well as liquid & chewable vitamins are recommended..... Sent from my LM-Q730 using BariatricPal mobile app

Contact your health plan and request a copy of their criteria for revision of bariatric surgery - this is key, because most health plans have different criteria for revision than initial surgery. Hope this helps!

I am having a RnY for multiple reasons, some of which- quicker weight loss, GERD, asthma which can be caused/aggravated by GERD, sleep apnea which also could be aggravated by GERD, my age(72) the fact that it is a proven gold standard treatment, and call me sentimental but I loathe the idea of them removing. 75% of my stomach and either giving it to some pathologist or throwing it in the trash. Granted it worked too well at extracting every calorie from foods but I was kind of fond of the old muscular bag, I don't want him yanked out a keyhole incision in my abdomen and cavelierly pitched away. I came into this world with him, I'd like to leave with him still there. So far all I've donated to pathology is 1 appendix, 2 tonsils, 1 thumb joint and some biopsy slides, not ready to up the count right now! But it is YOUR BODY, you and your surgeon will make the decision for YOU not me. You are the one who will live with your body and your decisions. Decide and decide well, for there are seldom do-overs in Bariatric Surgeries. And no matter what your decision we will help you, love you, encourage you and cheer every triumph you make in your life.[emoji13] Your friend and co traveler on this weight loss road ** frust8 Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Shianne Burns Gastric Bypass @ Boston Medical Center Referral date: 12/06/17 Bariatric program start date: 1/22/18 Program finish date: 5/30/18 Approval date: 6/12/18 Surgery date: 8/8/18

I love this website, it's my go to for my Protein shakes, Snacks, meals and Vitamins. I've even gotten my protein shaker there. Just sharing because if you haven't heard about it, you can check it out they have a referral program that gives you $20 off towards your purchase of $40. Check it out if you're looking for a place to get your prison No obligation, just sharing. You can use the link. http://www.bariatricchoice.com/get-started-referred-bc.html

Hi. I'm going in next week for surgery with Dr Greenslade at Greenslopes. Has anyone any experience with him? Thanks

Talk to your bariatric program and make them aware of this.

Can you switch doctors?? If not, your mom's got it right, you do you! I'll preface my experience with: I got my gastric sleeve in Mexico, no insurance/approval hoops to jump through. My doctor was cautiously on board with me having bariatric surgery, but was wary about the Mexico part. He gave me all kinds of horror stories, personal "aftermath" ones that had shown up at his office after assorted procedures abroad. Then he thought about it...said at least Tijuana was super-close to the US, and all of the horror stories (abcesses, drain infections, etc) were from getting plastics overseas. He wished me luck, and today he took out my stitches. He was impressed with how neat, clean, and minimally invasive the work was and said he looked forward to seeing me for my post-op blood workup.

I think I would next send that same email to the gym manager/owner and explain that you haven't hear from the trainer. I'd say I was very hurt by his unprofessional reaction to your statement that you are having a life saving surgery. To say that you are cheating by having the surgery shows that he wants you to fail at weight loss, and feels himself superior (in my opinion). He obviously does not want you to succeed, at the very least, he could use some education about bariatric surgery. No one deserves to be treated the way you were. I know it happens, but it shouldn't. If you had said you were having open heart surgery, he'd have probably said, "I'll be here waiting for you when you are ready to start again!" But darn you that you are trying to avoid that! Ask that you be lined up with a trainer who has worked with bariatric patients before and understands our needs. If the gym doesn't have anyone like that, it would be a great idea for them to invest in someone who does understand the bariatric community. I think I'd tell them I don't plan to renew my personal training sessions when they run out.

Hi and welcome! I too am very early in the process. I don't have my first meeting with my doctor until Sept 9th for a referral to bariatrics. I am going through Kaiser in SoCal and have heard it takes a miracle for them to do it. I am prepared to pay cash if necessary but would love it my insurance would cover it! Sounds like you are moving right along! Congrats!!!

I'm new to this site. I've been at lapbandtalk for several months. I've been to the seminar, which covered all the different WLS available. I had my consult and beginning a journey. Due to health problems, I'm having to go through a series of different testing and I have to go on a 6 month pre op diet per my insurance company. My problem is that I have no idea which journey to take. I was so set on lapband but after suggestion from others, including several at the bariatric center, I'm looking into the sleeve. I was just becoming very familiar with all the details of the band and now I have to start over here to learn about the sleeve. I just need to know I'm making the right choices for me. So any advice, tips, info that can be offered..I'd really appreciate it. I know I will be visiting and reading here alot but anything that I need a heads up on would be helpful. Thanks!

So you do the bariatric twice a day and the regular women’s multi once a day at the same time at the bariatric? I noticed it has the calcium in it so I’m guessing we can’t use it until a month post op

I like the ones Bariatric Advantage make.

I have researched and tried some of the samples of the Bariatric Vitamin formulas like Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. They both offer specific formulations of the Vitamins for people with bands. I have tried the samples specific for people with bands from Celebrate and so far the blackberry tasted pretty good but had an aftertaste, I have not yet tried the Cherry flavor but I am assuming they might have the same aftertaste. I tried the Calcet Creamy Bites which are the Calcium citrate chews. The lemon was ok, but the chocolate fudge was so yummy! From Bariatric Advantage, I have tried the grape flavor Multivitamin which was awesome!!, but it was not specific for people with bands, only for those with bypass and sleeves. I am waiting for some samples from them of the Vitaband. I have heard mixed reviews. I am currently taking the One a Day Adult gummy multivitamin pre-op and so far i have been very compliant with taking them because they taste so good. I also take 1500 of calcium citrate gummies by Caltrate however I might be switching to the Calcium Citrate chews by Bariatric Advantage, they offer chocolate, caramel, raspberry, and lemon flavor chews. Vitamin D tropical flavor liquid, tastes great! I will add Thiamine post op FYI: Important!! Most calcium chews that are chocolate are NOT calcium citrate. Those chews are actually calcium carbonate which is not recommended because it doesn't absorb well and it causes gas. Check the ingredients on the back of the bag, most will say calcium carbonate. Calcium citrate absorbs and breaks down very quickly in your body which is why it is recommended so keep an eye out for this. What does everyone else take?

Hi Dawn welcome! You can get your fills right here in Reno! We have an excellent Bariatric practice which is made up of four surgeons called Western Bariatric. They are a American Society for Bariatric Surgery Center of Execellence and my surgeon has talked about doing revisions for people who have had surgery elsewhere so I would think they will do fills too. Their phone # is 775-789-9192.

I'm about 80 hours post surgery following a repair on Petersen's hernia. Had a CT scan Monday which showed abnormalities (60% or more of these hernias don't show in ct). So op was diagnostic and therapeutic both. They found most of my bowel had migrated through a hole in Petersen's area. Was lucky it had not caused more problems- have had intermittent stomach pain for six months. Anyway - reason for posting: don't ignore abdo pain after rny surgery. Weightloss can cause holes in membrane that encloses bowel. If this trapped bowel becomes strangulated (loses blood supply) can result in bowel resection - bits cut off - colostomy or even septicemia and death. They don't show on x-ray, often not on CT either. The bowel slips in and out of the holes making symptoms intermittent. So, abdo pain especially when accompanied by bloating or vomiting needs to be reported to bariatric team. Normal docs won't have a clue. A&e docs told me I had ibs in January. I'm glad I had my surgery, glad I'm a healthy weight, but my tendency to assume I'm ok and not make a fuss could have had dire consequences.

i take bariatric pal multi vitamin 1.. once a day it has all i need including 45 of iron plus 1000 mg vitamin b 12...

i got a year supply from bariatric pal i think for 100 bucks