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Wow Debbie ... I think you should post the name of the bariatric physician and hospital. Sounds like you've come out on the other side, but so sorry that happened to you. CC

Hi and welcome! When you get your insurance, call the number on the card and ask about bariatric surgery. They will tell you things like what types of surgery are covered, what tests they require if any, etc. Every insurance compant is different in what they require before they approve you. They may have a list of doctors they want you to choose from, or you might be able to choose your own.

I have Dr. Ache (and Dr. Jessee) w/ Suncoast bariatrics. Yes they are in St. Pete but just right off 275 & ulmerton. Pretty close to Tampa .

I am having my surgery in Sarasota on October 29th. That is only 45 minutes/1 hour from Tampa. The Sarasota Memorial Comprehensive Bariatric Program is amazing. My surgeon is Dr. Nora. The entire group at the program has been so supportive.

has anyone had to deal with the whole sexual harrassment issue at work. a man from the uppermost management has made it perfectly clear that he would like to ADVANCE my career....... he stopped by my office last nite. after hours for him...... came on so strong, telling me how smart and sexy i am. blah blah blah. i was so uncomfortable. im not sure how to respond. i have a good job and he is really popular. no one would believe me if i said he was coming on to me. i cant believe that im the first women he has done this too. i dont want any trouble or to even deal with this situation. im so tired of married old men coming on to me, but this one is my boss and he is very insistant........... i told him last nite that i wasnt interested in ADVANCING MY CAREER. he said he would give me more time to think about it. i am worried about retaliation. i already had trouble before with a coworker and he doesnt work here anymore. i did not report him but people saw how he was treating me and the did not renew his contract. so i got lucky that time. but now im freaking out. i dont need this now . i have too much on my plate already. i keep thinking " what am i doing to deserve this" i dont dress sexy at work. i wear scrubs. i dont flirt with men at work. so why me. im not weak or passive......... anyone else have to deal with this.........

May i suggest going to see Dr Tresegni at Bay Bariatric in Coos Bay. It is a center if excellence. He was been there for 15 years and it combined with the new facilities at the hospital specializing in bariatrics it is worth the drive to the coast.i talked to many many people and i never heard a complaint, my experience was uneventful with wonderful care.

I get my (vanilla flavored) almond milk from walmart. It's really yummy in my vanilla shakes. I generally Bariatric Advantage Vanilla flavored powder for my shakes.

Don't do it. My hospital did a research study of post op bariatric patients and found that egg have a Protein that can cause digestive complications in some patients if introduced before 4 weeks. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

I get the patches here at the bariatric pal store, I use this https://store.bariatricpal.com/collections/vitamin-patch/products/gastric-bypass-vitamin-patch-pack-30-day-supply My kaiser nurse that runs our program says the calcium does not absorb well and will not show a deficiency in a blood test because the body leaches it from your bones so I also take a chewie bite per day. I just had my 6 month tests last month and everything was great!

HI Monica. So after talking to several nutritionists specialized in bariatrics, and researching, I now made peace with the rate of my weight loss. Somebody here posted a table of weight ranges according to age and height. This also helped. I am 61 will be 62 in two months. Have had already major weightloss with my lap band years ago, so this is my second surgery. All nutritionists said these two details are a big factor that will affect my weight loss. I have now lost a total of 33 pounds in 3 months. My lab tests just came in and I am in the absolute normal range, which means no more cholesterol. No more diabetes. No more high blood pressure. This in itself is already my great victory! I now [emoji817] % fir sure that I will loose the rest 20-25 Kgs (40-45 pounds). If it takes a month longer that is also fine. My full bonus is already here, I am medicine free!! I feel great (except for the occasional gas which sometimes,drives me and my hubby crazy kkk) and hope everyone here has great success with their journey. We have all carried our weight too long with all the pain and I suffering that it involved. Now we are all getting a second lease. This in itself is a great thing. So let us all enjoy the ride. be kind and loving to ourselves and also patient with our bodies. They have endured a lot already. Lots if live to everyone. Sent from my D6603 using BariatricPal mobile app

You will be fine, all the post Rnyers have told me it wasn't as bad as the dreading they did before. I'm still pre surg myself but that's what I'll be having probably within the next 6 weeks. Just finished my pre requirement yesterday, let my Bariatric Facilitator know, isn't that a fancy term? and she told me to expect a call-back from the surgeon's office to let me know scheduling for pre op blood work etc. I live nearly 50 miles away from the hospital so will have to do everything in 1 day. My local hospital just recently started doing limited Bariatric but they don't do anyone with a BMI over 40 or RnY so I have to go to Columbus, our state capital. Don't be scared, it's the Gold Standard of Bariatric surgery, performed often and a lot safer than many other major surgeries. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks again for all who have written. I am going to call the bariatric center at a local hospital (it's a center of excellence which is required by my insurance company) and see if I can register for a seminar. I'm not sure that I'm ready to make this decision, but I do know that I have to do something. I want to be able to enjoy the rest of my life. I have a beautiful daughter and I only just turned 28 (last week). I have a great career. although I'm attending college to broaden it. I have so much going for me, but I don't want my weight to drag me down. ~FK :redface:

Yes, I was over 65 years & spoke to them on the phone. They told me the hospitals I could get coverage in our state. Must be one that has a large bariatric section. Only 3 in Minnesota! This was in 2006 and I do have supplemental insurance so I did not have any expense. They covered all the pre-op tests & etc. Which was a good procedure as several things got updated and gave me a current healthy baseline! They have given me coverage on cancerous breast removal, broken wrist and surgery on a hammer toe since then. Plus several band fills with the dye scope of the upper GI. The band check-up is once a year now. . . . My lap-band has ingenuously saved my life.

Had a lovely christmas and the most peaceful happy new year eve. Have put about 7lb on but so ready to eat healthier food, meed to banish the nuts and choccy, we didnt buy much and there is not a lot left so that should be easy, ha haa, she says. Hope everyone is well and feeling positive about this new year. I am at peace knowing that God is with me and am believing that this lupus will be treated quickly and correctly so that i can have my sleeve. It is my bariatric support group ntomorrow night and i am looking forward to being there as i have got to know a few more people on fb and at a coffee morning. I am in a fibromyalgia support group on face book and am finding it such a blessing to be able to talk with people who understand what living with fibro is like living with it every day. Am seeing my diabetic specialist this afternoon and will be asking him how the lupus effects diabetese if at all, and discuss how i feel really yuk when i dont eat much and my blood sugar goes low, and will this be the case after my op and how they help with it etc. I am the first person with lupus to have the op at the new centre at dri, so it is a good learning curve for them and i have told them i will be willing to speak at the meetings when i have lost my weight to help others who may also have lupus and be disabled. Hoping to see the heamatologist this month, will report back when i have a date, bye for now, xx

Hi, all! My name is Julie, and I'm having lap-band surgery. (Hi, Julie...) I've been overweight all my life, but in the past few years it's been creeping up on me. And then I had a baby a year ago, and things went downhill fast. My mother is on dialysis as a result of Type 2 diabetes, and she can't walk unassisted. Having a young child has made me realize what I missed out on as a kid with my mom (and what she's missing out on now), and I want to make changes now rather than wait for my health to take a nose dive. I also want to be able to crawl around and run after my son, while I can still keep up with him! I'm working with Dr. Michael Snyder in Denver, and I've just about done with all my pre-op appointments - one last visit to my primary care doctor next week and I can schedule my surgery! I'm self-pay, thanks to working at a small business and having an exclusion on our group coverage for bariatric surgery, so once my husband and I get our Christmas bonuses I'll be able to set the date. I'm shooting for mid-January - huzzah! So, hello everyone! I'm glad to be here!

Vitamin patches are so much better and don't upset your stomach. They are called patched.com. And now also available from the Bariatric Pal store I saw two Drs on a two month check up and took the outside to the visit and they were really impressed by them They are also cheaper

10/2009 Take a good look. This is what Morbid Obesity looks like. Let me preface this by saying that at first I was going to keep it all a hush-hush big super secret squirrel secret. But I figured blogging would not only help me chronicle my journey, but serve as a sounding board. Of course I run the risk of opening myself up to criticism and negativity. But I figured…they talked about Jesus they’ll talk about me too. And what’s more is – I really don’t give a rat’s sweaty nads. *shrug* With that said… I’ve never had a problem with being full-figured. In fact, I’ve embraced it. It’s a part of the me that I’ve been proud to be. Even flaunted my curves. And its not like I’ve been starved for attention. Most…well, a lot (only basing on what I’ve been told) of men (women too) think that I’m (are you ready for this?) SEXY. I’m not bragging at all…but can you imagine? Me, at 298lbs…on a 5′3″ frame. What doctors frown at in disapproval. What some people in public look at in disgust…but yet others…desire. To this day. As recently as an hour ago. 8/2008 *smh kinda confused* Admittedly, I’ve thought the same thing for a long time. My self esteem has remained in its proper sometimes over-elevated place. The men folk (husband included) never seemed to have had a problem with it, so I never had a problem with it… Until now. I’m at my biggest ever. Almost 30lbs more than I weighed when I was 9 months pregnant (2 years ago). I’m uncomfortable. I don’t like what I see in the mirror any more. My feet hurt. My knees ache. (ironically enough, the VERY reason why working out has been such a chore – that aside from time: 9-5 job, jewelry biz, almost 2 year old daughter, and a hubby that works nights/weekends). And now, my once high (sometimes too high) self esteem has taken a nosedive. So what to do?? 9/2002 I’ve done the diets, the shakes, the cleanses, the “lifestyle change”, the pills, the work-out regimen, etc… Something has to be done. NOW. So after about 6 months of mulling it over, I’ve opted to have the LAP-BAND®®® surgery. In fact, that’s the entire reason for this blog. My goal is 75-100lbs. Realistically, at 200lbs, I’ll still be +size…but ALOT better off than I am now. I’m making a decision to better my life, and thereby, my family’s life. I will learn healthier habits to pass on to my daughter and share with my husband, as well as actually be around a lot longer to see her grow up, and grow into the olden golden years with her daddy. This vixen, is about to change her game up, for good. I have my physical exam and initial info session at the Bariatric Surgeon’s office on Monday. Then comes the consult to chart the path forward, counseling, etc. I will join the Million Pound Challlenge to help get me started on the right track. But that’s Monday – and it’s going to be a life-changing day. So this weekend, I’m gettin it in. *lol* I’m gonna eat what I want…probably for the last time (at least for a long time); Celebrate my 35th bday (late, bc of all the snow) and celebrate in anticipation of a new life and a new, even sexier, healthier me… I’m excited. I can only pray that by sharing this journey, it will garner some support & encouragement from friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike. But even if it doesn’t, it’s no skin off my teeth. I’m CERTAIN that my words will touch or encourage SOMEONE out there. 1/2010 Beauty can be found at ANY size. From a size 6 to 26. However, HEALTH cannot. And that’s all its about for me. Taking off some pounds to add some years to my life. Phine, re-defined… *sexy grin*

thanks to everyone for their replies and input. my dr has not done any ds (which the first part is the sleeve). so his 6 sleeves done is all hes done. i definitely have had many conversations with him about the procedure and my concerns, and i am confident in his ability as a surgeon or i wouldnt of chosen him. of course i would of wished he had done more sleeves, but out of the insurance list i had to chose from (about 25 drs), only a handful had done sleeves at all. and as i stated, my dr had the most of anyone on that list with 6. i actually didnt chose him because of his 6 sleeves done, but i chose him because he seemed the most qualifed surgeon on the list out of the ones who had done sleeves with 100's of rny's and lapbands. and also he is working out of a well known ny hospital recognized for their excellence in bariatrics. the hospital, st lukes hospital in ny is also a major research center on bariatrics surgery too. i feel like im in good hands, and honestly, i couldnt afford to self pay right now, at least not in the states. so im kind of locked in to trying to find the best option that my insurance will cover. if i had to self pay, i would probably go to mexico to dr aceves as he seems to be very qualified as a surgeon and the price for going out of the u.s. makes a big difference. ill keep hoping for the best and hopefully it will all turn out ok. my first big step is meeting with my dr on june 30 (only 12 days away) and thats my final visit before he submits everything to the insurance. take care everyone and thanks again.

Hi Lou. I read your story and you've really been through the ringer. I know I wouldn't be able to afford this surgery out-of-pocket, but 6 sleeves does not make for a good experience level. I know that a lot of people on this site go far away (Mexico etc...) for their surgeries. I would not want to be so far away from my surgeon. I'm lucky to have an experienced local surgeon who accepts my insurance- a sort of trifecta. It appears that you may need to give up one of those 3 things- insurance coverage, proximity, or experience. That's a really tough call that I don't envy. One thought is this: ask your surgeon who trained him in VSG, and ask if that doctor would be willing to be present in the OR. Also, ask your surgeon detailed questions about his technique, such as: size of bougie, method of closure (my bariatric practice has had zero instances of leaks b/c they over-sew the staple line, and then glue on top of that), etc... Ask if you can talk with other patients (do they run an ongoing support group?). Ask if they do a pre-op liquid diet (a responsible and conservative approach that reduces liver size and density, and evaluates patient ability and commitment to following critical liquid post-op diet). It's nice to have a surgeon with a good long successful track record in a procedure, but on the other hand, he's doesn't sound new at all to bariatric surgery, and VSG is less complicated than bypass. Just don't be afraid to ask ask ask. It's your body and your right. Good luck with this tough decision and hang in there!

What did they told you at your bariatric clinic? Protein is something very important for us bariatric patients . You are not going to work out now because you just got sleeved but eventually you will start your own work out routine. Everybody that had surgery is been drinking protein shakes etc even before working out and I haven't hear about any problems. At least I haven't had any problems with my kidneys so I will say go by your surgeon instructions and forget about your friend lol You need that protein!!

I had been considering surgery for years.. At 5'3" and 393 pounds I was super morbidly obese and knew it. Overall, I was still pretty healthy though, and our insurance doesn't cover wls, so I didn't seriously consider it. Then, my liver enzymes started to elevate, and got higher each year I had them done. So I was scheduled to see a liver specialist in February 2020. In January 2020 I had my gallbladder removed and mentioned that I'd be seeing a liver specialist to the surgeon. He said while he was in there he'd biopsy my liver. When I went for follow up he said my liver looked really bad and he didn't see me living past 60 if I didn't lose weight. I'm 49 and was 48 then. He recommended surgery. He was very concerned and compassionate and just the way he said it really impacted me. So I made an appointment to see a bariatric surgeon that day. I had to pay out of pocket for the surgery, but it was worth every penny. My liver enzymes were close to normal last time I had them done. Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

I beg to differ, because it is very important that the answers are correct. Digestion and physics are nor related in this sense. I called my surgeon to ask that same exact question. I asked for to the same reason.... I was drinking a LOT of water at once. Before getting my MBA I was a hospital corpsman in the US Navy for 8 years. I know A & P but I don't know zilch about bariatrics. I reached out to my surgeon. He stated " liquids alone will not challenge the sleeve". He added that as long as they are not carbonated or that your stomach doesn't have food in it already. He told me not to worry about it. Sooooo, no need to worry, same thing happened to me. Its gets better when you can have real foods. 5' 5" HW: 259 CW: 237 GOAL: Healthy and hard 140-ish?

I have thought about all the milestones (negative) that I hit before finally turning to surgery. These were NOT tipping points for me: -needing seat belt extender on flight -struggling to tie my sneakers -Winded walking to my office or up the stairs -prediabetes diagnosis And so many years of dieting struggles The tipping point was -getting an A1C test of 6.9 and a Diabetes diagnosis. - getting prescribed diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure medications. -And Not being able to go on bike rides with my daughter I felt so hopeless until I finally followed my cardiologists suggestion to attend an informational session for bariatric surgery. After another 4 months of considering all the risks (real and perceived) with taking this step, I could not imagine any other way that I would be able to lose the amount of weight that I needed to get healthy again. Just over 3 months later and 54 lbs down, I am only sorry I was so resistant to the idea of surgery to help lose weight. I feel more than hopeful again. I have a long way still to go, but it feels doable now. And I already feel so much success to be able to move more comfortably and no longer need the medication prescribed just 8 months ago! And I am getting my bike tuned so I can go biking with my daughter on the nearby bike path that I have avoided riding for over 5 years!!

I've been off the site a while... Busy living and loving life. I had surgery June 9, 2014. My goal was to lose 70 pounds. I hit that at 5-1/2 months out. I never dreamed I could even hit it, but I followed the food plan, worked out 4-5 times a week, walked all over my town and here I am now, 9 pounds lower than my goal. I went from a size 16/18 jean to a 4 (baggy now -- think I'm going to have to go find some 2's). My brain is still trying to catch up with the weight loss. When I buy clothes I struggle with picking up that small shirt or medium, take both in the dressing room and almost always walk out with the small. I lost over 60 inches between my bust, waist, hips and thighs. I feel like so much in my life has completely changed. I have a new boyfriend who is active and very fit -- instead of huge meals together we eat reasonably and go for long walks together (power walking around the mall with all this snow). And we're taking swing lessons and go out dancing 2-3 hours every Friday and Saturday night. That counts as exercise, too and I would have never had the stamina to do that before. I hit the gym 4-5 times a week still -- worked out with a trainer for a while to learn lots of body weight exercises and other weight lifting programs, so I can build up muscle. I ran two 5k runs back in the late fall... will do that again this year. Signed up for a 5k mud/obstacle run with friends this spring (I know -- crazy). I feel like I've gotten a new lease on a happier, healthier life. No more sleep apena (after about the first 25 pounds), never any reflux. I enjoy the food I eat and the body I have. This Christmas I was a model for the fashion show my surgeon puts on at his holiday party for former and prospective patients. This surgery was a life-saver for me. I know they say the surgery works on the stomach but not the brain, but I'm pretty sure my bariatric surgeon did some brain surgery, too! Just wanted to share!