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I've seen a lot of your posts and I have to agree with a few others. Maybe having another session with the therapist will help to calm the anxiety you feel. It doesn't mean your not ready by taking that step, it just means...hey, I need to talk with a professional that deals with bariatric patients all the time. No harm in that. I've been in therapy for 8 years, and I count on it now as my outlet to get out whatever is worrying me. That said, I've got a 4 & 6 year old at home. I'm not scared to die in the or from this..I'm scared to continue living the way I've been for 6 years and fearing the outcome for THEM instead. See, for me, I'm doing this for me yes...but I'm also doing this for them. I'm at peace with it. I hope you can get to that point also. Good luck.

Hi, I have been lurking around for a while and I finally have a date.:clap2::clap2: This Wednesday at 12:30. I am self pay so I was able to get in really quick. I am soooooo excited. I never thought I would say that about having surgery. My doctor is Dr. Brady with Southwest Bariatric Surgeons in Austin, TX. Tammy

Finding research on this issue is very hard and most of what I have found is very vague. I found this a few minutes ago but it doesn't explain why. I am going to keep looking. I seen something yesterday that said black women have more of a Type B fat cell than other's (not more fat but more of a certain type of fat) studies show that we actually have 10% less fat than our counterparts when we go in for surgery. I am assuming with this Type of fat it may be better to do a malabsorptive type of procedure instead of the band? My theory so don't quote me on it. Comparison of outcomes after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in African-Americans and whites Parikh, Manish; Lo, Helen; Chang, Christopher; Collings, Dinee; Fielding, George; Ren, Christine 2006 Nov-Dec;2(6):607-10; discussion 610-2, Surgery for Obesity & Related Diseases BACKGROUND: Race may affect outcomes after bariatric surgery. This study compares outcomes in terms of weight loss and comorbidity resolution between African-Americans and whites after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB). METHODS: Data from 959 patients undergoing LAGB between July 2001 and July 2004 were prospectively collected and entered into an electronic registry. Propensity score matching analysis was used to match whites to African-Americans on the basis of age, gender, and preoperative body mass index (BMI). Preoperative comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia) were also compared. Operative time (OR), length of stay (LOS), comorbidity resolution, and percent excess weight loss (%EWL) at 1, 2, and 3 years were analyzed. All data were updated through May 2006. RESULTS: A total of 65 white LAGB patients were matched to 58 African-American LAGB patients on the basis of age, gender, and preoperative BMI. The preoperative mean age and BMI were 37 +/- 19 years and 47 +/- 7 kg/m2, respectively. A total of 55% of the white group and 64% of the African-American group had one or more comorbidities (P = NS). Median OR time and LOS were similar in both groups: 50 minutes and 23 hours, respectively. The majority of patients in both groups had major improvement or resolution of one or more comorbidities (61% whites vs 77% African-Americans, P = NS). There was, however, a significant difference in %EWL between whites and African-Americans at each time interval (49% vs 39% at 1 year; 55% vs 44% at 2 years; 52% vs 41% at 3 years; P < .05 for all values.). CONCLUSION: Despite the disparity in weight loss with the LAGB in African-Americans and whites, both patient populations experienced a similar improvement/resolution of obesity-related comorbidities id: J0125081, year: 2006, vol: 2, page: 607, stat: Journal Article,

I'm not sure if you will get any responses right now about Renew Bariatrics, but if you use the search tool here on BP you can find threads from the past, which might give you some insight about your topic... Best wishes. https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=renew bariatrics

Did you see Dr Shillingford? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App Sorry I'm still trying to figure out how to reply to people. Yes, Dr Shillingford did my surgery on 10-24. Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App I have a consultation in Orlando on Nov 10, but if too high (I think they charge ~15k), I may go to Boca Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App I can only speak for my experience with Dr Shillingford and his office but they did everything to make my life easier. I had an initial phone consult with Nancy and she schedule a phone consult with Dr Shillingford. I did my two week pre op diet and the Friday before my surgery I went down and had an appointment with the Dr just to meet him and his staff and go over any questions/concerns I had. I went and did my pre op lab work the same day and then on Monday I had my surgery. They made it very convenient to only have to drive down once. His staff Nancy and Elba are amazing. I can email them and I know I'll get an answer within a few hours. They are super kind and knowledgeable. Also depending on if you go down on the right weekend. A woman from the hospital does a seminar on Saturdays. She goes over everything to expect. Unfortunately I went on a weekend that she didn't have class... the great thing is that she came to my hospital room and sat down with my husband and myself and went over everything. The hospital is good. The bariatric staff was really nice and took really good care of me. Bariatric patients have their own wing and everyone gets their own room. Also visiting hours are 24/7 so if someone is accompanying you, they can stay in the hospital with you and you don't have to pay for a room at a hotel if your budget conscious. Anyway that's enough ranting for now. If you have any questions please message me, I'm most certainly happy to talk with you about the Dr and what to expect with him! Sent from my SM-G930V using the BariatricPal App

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 take a lot of medication daily for my medical needs so adding in my vitamins wasn't a big deal. I discovered the Bariatric Advantage chewable calcium citrate and those are like chewy candy, the texture of Starburst candy chews. Now chewy candy is my favorite and I really, really missed it. Adding in 6 calcium chews, 2 chews 2 hours a part, 3 times a day, is perfect for me. It is like I still get my chewy candy treat multiple times daily. It is something I actually look forward to instead of more pills. If you can find something that works for you like that, it will help you not feel so bogged down by a pill schedule. My husband laughs because I get excited when it is time for my calcium. Heck I even keep them in my grandma's candy bowl on my kitchen counter because they are my "candy" now.

The one thing you will soon discover is that there are many different protocols for bariatric programs. Some doctors are very conservative and basically have patients following the same vitamin/supplement protocol as bypass patients. Some simply recommend a multivitamin. It's good to hear different opinions here on the forums but ultimately you need to follow the instructions you get from your doctor/nutritionist. These are the people you have entrusted with your care. They are the ones responsible for making sure you have regular bloodwork and recommend any adjustments. If you take any other supplements outside of what is recommended, they are the one should discuss and review that with. Develop good communication with them to make sure you are doing what's best for you.

Good Morning, I am the practice manager at the Comprehensive Obesity Management Program (COMP) at Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson, MD 21204. Please feel free to call us at 443.849.3779 for information about our program. and lap band surgery. When choosing a bariatric center look for a Center of Excellence and find out in advance which programs are covered by your health insurance provider. I hope to hear from you. Jeanne Gayle Practice Manager COMP at GBMC 443.849.3779 main office line www.gbmc.org/bariatrics

I don't think it is insane at all, especially considering that your future insurance won't cover bariatrics. Just be sure you choose a dress with simple lines that can easily be taken in. You might want to consult with a dressmaker about which styles will not tailor well, since you are likely to lose 40-60 pounds by your wedding day. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wouldnt get another fill. Ive been there. I thought the tighter I was the more weight I would lose and that just wasnt the case. I had to end up getting an un-fill. I found I wasnt able to get enough calories in to substain my workouts let alone lose fat. Its been 10 months for me and I just hit 45 lbs lost. For many of us it is a VERY slow process. If you are one of those people you must just learn to accept that. The band does about 15% of the work. 70% is your diet and te other 15% is your exercise. 5 bariatric surgeons told me this in a seminar I went to before surgery. I didnt believe them. I really thought I could work out hard and lose weight quicker. NOT true. I lose maybe half of a pound a week and I do all the right things.

Oh-oh, we were on different wavelengths. My reference to being educated was in the sense of knowledgeable about WLS, not about formal education. I was curious about your stance as a professional on the politicization of WLS. Many who have formal schooling or native intelligence are wildly narrow-minded. The reverse holds, too. I suppose I lean toward ignoring the dolts partly because my surgery was long ago enough that the surgery itself has taken a back seat and partly because other things going on in my life take up the time and energy. If, however, I encounter a true Neanderthal or Luddite, I'll be to storm the Bastille to defend the honor of bariatrics and the people who love it.I completely agree FatKellyRN>soontobe<SleeveKellyRN

Good afternoon, Usually as long as your bmi doesn't lower, the insurance company wants to see that loss of weight. Losing weight shows that you are trying. As the gentlemen stated above, you still may want to speak to your bariatric team or nurse just to make sure. Sent from my SM-G360P using the BariatricPal App

Today was my last monthly appointment of the six required by insurance so my doctor's office will be submitting to insurance in the next couple of days. Fingers crossed. Surgery is scheduled for July 18. We also used today as my pre-op appointment and went through everything. Thanks to this forum I felt very prepared to have this meeting and came prepared with lots of questions. One thing I have noticed is how much variety there is on surgeon preferences. Here are some highlights of how my surgeon handles things: Pre-op Diet: One week liquid only, 800-1000 calories and 60-80 grams of Protein. Incisions-uses steri strips so no need for stitches to be removed Does not use a drain unless necessary based on how things go, averages one every two years so low likelihood Does the leak test during surgery rather than next day before you go home. Says he would rather know during so can fix right away than have to put me under again to fix. Should be released by 3-4pm day after Will be released with pain pills, anti-nausea pills and pill to help prevent ulcers Will not give bariatric specific Vitamins. He said blood work will determine any deficiencies over time but as long as eating a proper diet a multi-Vitamin should be sufficient Can't wait!!

Hello All, I am in Maine and I am surprised to be having my consult with the bariatric surgeon on Monday March 15. A couple questions; Is there anyone else here that has had the surgery in Maine? Which will help with the following question... how soon can you expect surgery after your initial consult? I am a little excited and nervous at the same time. I put off exploring bariatric surgery for years and finally decided enough was enough... any feedback you can provide will be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!

Hi everyone, I was a low BMI bandster. I had good weight loss success with my band, but it has been a journey. Fills, unfills, episodes of being so tight I had to have an immediate unfill, etc. About 6 months ago I started having symptoms associated with a slip and the upper GI tests I've had done definitely show a slip. My choices are: remove lap band (which is not what I want to do), reposition lap band, or revise to a sleeve or bypass. I work for one of the largest health care providers in the St. Louis area and my insurance will cover a revision, but only with a provider in their network. Guess how many bariatric providers there are in the network? 2! One is the surgeon who did my lap band and he only does lap band. The other surgeon is currently not doing revisions and won't be for potentially another year. I could go to another surgeon and do self-pay, but that seems crazy to go through that again. I was self pay for my lap band surgery because my BMI was not high enough and I just recently paid all those bills off. I am also leery of the sleeve surgery because it is so permanent. Lap bands can always come out. I feel like the decision is being made for me. I prayed for assistance making this decision and all arrows are pointing me this way. Has anyone had success after a lap band slip, then reposition? I am worried about it happening again in another three years.

Surgiversary is a grrreat word! I am approx 5.5yrs from Op1 and 3.5yrs thereabouts from Op5 I think we all feel very differently about our bodies and ourselves, and how we view the world around us and how see/ think the world views us ya know... Sometimes this world is a very judgmental place, for many many reasons be it education, weight, looks, height - We are judged all the time on everything, which is quite sad - The world is a minefield for so many people, even if they just feel that way etc... I have to say I feel like a whole new person - It is not just about the body though - Mentally this has given me something I never had before. Before Op1 I was so fearful that I renewed my will etc - And felt like all would end - I couldn't for some reason see the other side. I am so glad that a few words given to me helped me through it all (Words were 'Keep your eyes on the prize' ) - And some money lent to me by family to aid me getting it done, also my surgeon who helped by doing some of the surgery for me that I never knew of. I had the best best bestttt surgeon! Mentally I am so different now - I have an inner confidence I never had before when I hated myself. It is horrible how we are so judged on our looks and our size, and I judged myself much more harshly than others I guess. I think learning to appreciate yourself is an important thing - Getting rid of the skin helped me to feel more human. After losing so much weight I hated myself all over again - Because I felt once again like an alien from the world... Mentally the surgery helped me so very much that even my surgeon said he noticed I was so different. Before Op1 he wanted me to possibly see a psychiatrist, I think he thought I was just mad. (A possibility, lol) But I think now he has seen me post plastics he has seen how this part of the journey is so important to some people like myself... Finding the elusive 'normality' is different from just saying you want to be normal. Normality for me is my own crazy kind of self - Happy, laughing - At one with myself... Just being 'Me' - The me I was unable to be I guess when I hated myself.... I wouldn't say I was unlovable. My ex loved me, and he still might I guess. I just felt unlovable as I was unable to love myself or feel anything but 'numb' with myself... Now - It is 5yrs from Op2 (belly) and I am so very happy that I got through it. I am so happy with the flat belly I never had before. I am 126lbs - Half of the weight I used to be :-) My Op2 Inverted T scar is not the best it could have been - I didn't know the tricks to a flatter scar until Op3... But I am still so very happy as I don't have to look down at a ton of skin and I can buy clothes to fit me - Instead of making extra room and buying bigger clothes to have extra room for redundant skin etc... My belly button is weird also, lol - I had had a previous surgery which left me with a free floating belly button - I think that is why it looks like a Cat's bum and doesn't sit flat... Still very happy though - With all of the Ops.... I am just so grateful to my family for helping me, to my surgeon for making this happen, and to everyone who knows me for putting up with the old me - And the new me. lol I took the first belly pic in ages today... (Sorry, lol) This is 5yrs post my surgery. Sorry about the elastic marks on my belly - Just got back from swimming and wearing tracksuit bottoms lol... Well done to everyone on their Surgiversaries... Good luck to anyone who is embarking on this part of their journey...

Hi My bariatric Life Please believe the sleeve has its issues also, even unto death! I'm going to make this extremely short. Just a brief response to the last part of your statement. Money Talks Extremely Loud!

I'm brand new to this website. I am 36 and have been on a diet since I was 10, you name it, I tried it. I just made my 40< BMI (Yay chubby me) last week, Dr approved me, and now am just waiting for the bariatric surgery place to call me. What can I expect now? I am in California with Blue Shield Access + ***. I know there are nutritionalist sessions (How many?) And a period of supervised diet (How long?)

@Nyelaah congrats!!! I guess some of them are pretty hardcore about this. What happened to me is that during my general freak out about having my SECOND WLS (I had band from 2001-2011 which was an epic fail) I decided I just needed "counseling". I kept looking for reasons that I was pretty successful in life, and yet was such a failure at the fat game. I picked a lady who was supposed to be an expert in over eating issues. She decided I didn't fit the profile of an eating disorder, but she never believed me that I was just hungry all the dang time. Turns out, she only had like a years experience as an "expert" and was very anti WLS... however, she could not deny that I was stable, motivated, able to understand instructions and comply and understood what I was getting ready to do (remove most of my stomach which is frankly a big deal) so she sent the letter. So, for me, I learned more about why I was so huge from my bariatric docs than I ever did from any mental health professional. I realize that other people have other circumstances, but I am jaded on this topic.... 80% of my issues where genuine physical hunger ... caused by the very advanced disease of obesity. No counseling could really change that, but surgery did - I thank my lucky stars and higher powers that I discovered that before I died.

Thanks for the tips girlz! my doc has me on 3 weeks of clear liquids and protien drinks, then 3 weeks of soft food that is things like apple sause and pudding, then I can have solid foods. I will be getting some protien flakes so I can put it in my food like my 0 cal home made apple sause and it is to die for if I can say so myself lol I've had many people ask me to make them some so now I'm looking into learning canning, so I can give them as gifts and if I can get it right I will put protien in it so Bariatric patients can love it as well as benifit at the same time.

I like Sea Foods including, shrimp, Shrimp Cocktail, Pattie Melt/ cheese/ onions, (I DON"T EAT THE BREAD) so open faced is nice, chili, chicken salad, tuna salad, BBQ Chicken. Salad, Soups, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy. These are some ideas to pick from. I will show my Bariatric Card, and pick what I want,, not what comes together. They then go by what I ask for. Instead of chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy. I would choose chicken, Soup, cottage cheese. This is very do able. Have a good trip, Shirley.

i will check them out - i don't have trouble with pills, but i take Bariatric Advantage crystals - mix them in water - tastes like lemonaid - i get them at bariatriceating.com great site - in my support group seems that chewables are the most popular - i will try them next

Congratulations on your weight loss and welcome to the site! I think the majority of us are food addicts. I mean, you don't get obese to the point of needing bariatric surgery without some sort of major food issue. I have a lot of respect for you for realizing this and going to OA. I'm definitely a food addict, without a doubt. Granted what works for one definitely doesn't work for all, but I have found getting white carbs out of my diet really has helped my sugar/carb cravings tremendously. I stay away from white rice, white bread, regular Pasta, or anything that says "enriched" or "bleached" on the label. I buy whole grain bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice, I also stay away from sugar whenever I can and I have found Stevia to be a great non-chemical substitute. You can totally do this, Christopher. Best wishes to you.

My nutritionist gave us these guidelines: Protein Drink (Ultra Meal or Bariatric Essentials) Water broth (low sodium) Diluted juice sugar free Jell-O Sugar Free Popsicles Crystal Light Skim Milk Hope that helps!