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I take two Flintstones Complete a day (chewable) and one Nature Made Biotin just because my hair is shedding big time and whatever may help..yay! I also take 3 500mg. calcium citrate chews and a B-12 sublingual a day that I purchase from Bariatric Advantage. I'm willing to pay a little more for the Bariatric Advantage calcium because the calcium chews are like candy and fill that void. The sublingual B-12 is minty and easy so I stick with that too.

Hi Ren>3: Glad you are holding up okay. Don't worry now about people changing now. Just think about getting through the surgery tomorrow beautifully and coming out on the other side when the worst part will be over! That is what I am thinking. My surgery is scheduled at 8am and I have to be at the hospital at 5:45 am tomorrow morning!!! This means I have to wake up at 4 am!!! I am happy to have it in the morning so my this time tomorrow I will be (hopefully) be in recovery waiting to go to my room and see my friends! As far as people changing, I am afraid that will happen little bit for some people, but not everyone, and you will be able to handle it if you are prepared. I am 66 years old and have a lot of life experience with being very overweight my whole life. There was only one time that I lost all my excess weight on weight watchers when I was 28 years old, but it only stayed off for 6 months before starting to come back to even more than before. During that one thin period in my life, at least one of my girlfriends thought of me differently which was difficult, but the most surprising thing for me was all the attention I began to get from the male population. We all want that, right? But it can be very difficult to deal with if you never had it before, which I didn't. So I got me a good psychotherapist and with a lot of support, and I got though it. Therapy or Counseling are good at a time like this. I am happy I am in therapy now, because now I expect the changes and know I will need help with the adjustment. I have a great book for you to read. You can find it on Amazon, and it may be good to read during your recovery. It is OBESITY SURGERY, STORIES of ALTERED LIVES, by Marta Meana and Lindsey Ricciardi. There are a lot of personal stories from people who had bariatric surgery and I think you will find it helpful. Good luck tomorrow. I will be thinking of you and we can meet up on line after we are out of the hospital! Phyllis, aka Hopeful Spirit

I have NOT had good luck!!!! Banded on 4/2/2012 ... in hospital 4/4 to 4/7 because my stomache swill shut and needed to go in again to replace the band with a large band. I felt soooo much better after the repair. FYI - I am a social worker who conducts the psychological evaluations at the Bariatric Clinic attached to the hospital and the Surgeon's office... Something changed about 3 weeks ago ... I had swelling around my port and the area felt different! Yesterday, after the second unsuccessful attempt to access my port, I was sent for a fluoroscopic Xray with the MD, PA and NP present. OUTCOME -my port flipped and..... ..... AGAIN I need additional surgery to position and re-attach the port to my abdominal wall. REALLY ..... I guess it is true .. if you work along side the MD or work at the hospital ...you are bound to be the patient who encounters complications! I do not have the $ to pay for the additional surgery needed, as our family is saving for a down payment for a new house!!!!! CRAP!

I take the EA from Bariatric Advantage. They are chewable and I actually like them. I also take a gummy D because I am deficient and a liquid b12. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I haven't booked yet but I know my mom would kick and scream and guilt me till I got on the plane and then send me texts. On the other hand My mom In law has had been through bariatric surgery and 100% me and why I don't wanna tell my mom. My husband supports me in this, he just wants me to be happy and I appreciate that. A good friend of mine from high school is maybe 100 lbs soaking wet. She told me her secret was green tea. Yup! That's the secret for it. She has 3 kids and still her thigh is the size of my wrist.. Irritating. My mom and aunt are such weight watchers freaks it's more like a brain washing cult. I'm ready.

I think your surgeon was using the 60% rule. You have 67 pounds to hit your (let's call that excess weight). 40 pounds would be 60% of that excess weight (total weight loss) which is considered a success in the bariatric world. I definitely feel that goal is in reach - for lightweights, mid-weights, and anything beyond. Just follow your plan and YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Woohoo! It looks like my insurance may cover any follow-up care. "Related Care Following Bariatric Surgery If you did not receive your surgery under UMP coverage, the plan covers medically necessary follow-up care or complications post bariatric surgery only if: 1. Your surgery was covered by another health plan or you would have met UMP criteria at the time of your surgery. You or your provider must submit medical records to UMP to show that you would have met UMP criteria. 2. The procedure performed was one of those covered by UMP (Roux-en-Y, sleeve gastrectomy, or laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding). If you do not meet the criteria above, followup care (including lap band fills) or complications after bariatric surgery are not covered. If your care was covered by UMP or meets criteria above, all care for complications or reoperation must meet UMP criteria and medical policy. Panniculectomy (removal of loose skin) is covered following bariatric surgery for a medical condition only when specific medical criteria are met. Most panniculectomies are considered cosmetic and are not covered." The only clarification I would like is whether criteria means simply meeting the BMI requirement or if they mean the six month dieting plan requirement.

Last week, my doctor referred me to a Gastric Sleeve Surgeon. I attended his open house and I have a consultation reserved later this month. I contacted my insurance agency because part of their requirements is for me to work with a Bariatric Case Manager. I spoke with her today and she informed me of a few new wrinkles. My insurance company only covers surgeries through a Bariatric Center of Excellence. That doctor is not part of any centers that have that certification. A few days ago, I stumbled across this forum (and another). I realize that going to Mexico and paying for my own surgery is an actual option. I wrote my doctor and she is discouraging me from this route. She made it clear that my insurance will not pay for any additional surgeries that rise out of complications. I could go with my insurance but it will take anywhere between 7-12 months before I can have the surgery. Whereas, if I paid, I could probably do it in September or October. I really, really want to self-pay and do it in September. But, I am also afraid of not being covered for any after-care treatment. Did anyone else have a similar choice?

Tiffykins, you had a great experience, they didn't give me anything and I left there feeling like I don't have a personality but they said that stuff goes to the bariatric clinic. Yes the questions were funny at times: Do you think you are good at anything you do? (Yes I am super confident that's why I ended up overweight!) Do you like being bossed around? (I thought...no...do you? but there was only *true or *false) Are you lying on this questionnaire?(If you can't trust me then...)

I have to admit that I will be going off plan tomorrow. I will have a spoonful of my mom's sausage and mushroom rice, I will have a broccoli ball (made with stuffing), I will have the tip of a piece of my aunt's buttermilk pie. Of course I will do the bariatric friendly turkey, green beans with bacon, one of my smoked atomic buffalo turds, a deviled egg and some ham. I will say that this will be the most carbs that I've had since surgery and this lifestyle isn't about deprivation, it is about choices. Tomorrow's portion control will be mindful and come Friday I will be doing business as usual.

Your daughter is well within the guidelines that physicians look for when performing weight loss surgery on teens. If you can help her now - great. Here's a couple news articles: Lap Band Surgery Helps Bremerton Girl Be 'The Kid I Want To Be' : Top Stories : Kitsap Sun Lap band surgery effective in combating obesity in adolescents The top article is about a young girl in New jersey who went to Mexico with her mom and Dr. Ariel Ortiz did the surgery. At his website, he has the story of Cassie - a young teen he performed surgery on who has turned out to be quite a glamorous young lady - as well as, effective spokesperson. Here's an interview with him I have posted on my site. My apologies for the blog pimping: YouTube interview with Dr. Ariel Ortiz I think Dr. Van Wagner does some teens, but I don't remember the full story. I do know that he has smart people who answer the phone and answer your questions very directly. He has some videos up online. You can get a real sense of whether he someone you're interested in. He's the only physician in the practice, so you always see him. He does all the adjustments and follow up care for his patients. It's small and personal. Heart of America Bariatrics, LLC Video Website Best of luck. I think you're doing a wonderful thing for your daughter. Set that child free and let her be the young woman she really wants to be. This forum has a sub-forum for teenagers, so she can communicate with other teens.

I have Sjogren's and suffer from dry eyes and dry mouth. I was just wondering if anyone out there has the same and had bariatric surgery?

Hello. It's been a long time since I came on this site or posted. I am scared to death to write this post, as I already know what many of you will say and I also know most of the answers. I'm so scared of all of you because everyone has success stories and I am a complete, dire failure. I had my revision from band to GB last June. I have a lot of emotional problems that are being treated with many medications and weekly therapy. My really good therapist has little experience in WLS or food addiction. We've tried to communicate my issues, but seriously, each time I go in there is a new legitimate crisis that must be addressed first. She speaks about using EMDR to combat my complete refusal to follow my WLS program. But that has yet to be done. I'm completely and profoundly ashamed of myself and it has made me ditch the whole GB life that I was absolutely excited about in the beginning. You're all such a success, even the ones who struggle are doing laps around me. Please don't beat me up for being such a failure, I do that every day. My highest weight was 372. I put myself on a diet before even applying for WLS and lost 35 pounds. I had the bypass in June a week before my Father died of cancer. I tried so hard. After surgery I lost 35 more pounds, leaving me at 300. And in the deepest shame, I must admit that I only lost 8 pounds since my WLS a year ago. I have never gained, just maintained. At first, I was totally committed, then more crises occurred and I slowly let go of the rules. I know, it's awful. I began to eat a little larger meals at dinner and did not eat all day. It's like torture pushing food into my mouth in the morning. I made egg muffins, did them for a while but gave up. I had a hard time eating at all. Food did not appeal to me. I was doing my Protein and Vitamins religiously, oddly still am. My bloodwork was perfect. If you knew me and my life experiences, you would wonder why I didn't kill myself. But I am. I let go. My stomach never rejected extra food or made me sick. I had hoped I would dump on sugar or something, but that never happened. I began to eat a little sugar and that escalated to more and more. My stomach must be very large as it holds a standard adult meal. I always held in more food than those of you here on the forum. It was suggested that I eat three meals a day and two or three Snacks. I also drink a lot, even pop. By all accounts I should have blown up by now. I did damage and did not care. I don't really care what I eat. You know the destructive thinking of not caring even though you know it is only killing you. I'm super messed up. I'm a very honest person to others but not to myself. Yes, I hate myself, sometimes. I don't even care (or so I force myself to believe) if I ever lose weight. But honestly, I wish I could get it straight in my head that that is the path I chose with such enthusiasm. I was diagnosed with severe asthma and put on supplemental oxygen, in and out of the house. Yes, I felt sorry for myself. I have two replaced knees that prevent me from walking well or far. I had to use a walker to get around and do my job. It sucked. But, having lost the weight I did, I was taken off the oxygen, and with a lot of work, began to walk on my own, though not well. I want to go to PT so bad. I lost my job a long time ago (which has taken a mean toll on me) I was denied unemployment, took them to court and am awaiting the judge's decision. If I am denied again, I will request yet another hearing. My husband has been taking care of us on a $9.00 dollar an hour job. The past few months we have been surviving on all the cheapest food, which does not offer much nutrition at all. We are so poor, we sold everything we owned on craigslist for pennies. My husband cooks all our meals, but doesn't really support a WLS diet. I hate to say that he doesn't support my necessary diet. Not cruelly, but just not "think" of it. Especially since I'll eat anything. I can't stand long enough to cook. I tried to sit on a bench to cook, but my legs ended up hurting more. I do the housework I can, and try to walk the supermarket when I can. Good, healthy food is more expensive than we could afford. I'm still managing to get all the protein I can. But financially, we are screwed. Back to my failure to desire to get back on my diet...I want to care, but my mental health has deteriorated so much I can't. Even my psychiatrist feels for me but I've been on most of the meds that there are no more options. He is worried, as am I. I've looked for groups in my area, found and tried a few, but people don't get bariatric surgery. I was in groups of anorexics, etc. I just don't fit. Like I don't fit here, but I'm reluctantly reaching out. I have a dual diagnosis of severe mental illness and obesity. Its hard to fit in when the two are inter connected and I don't understand how to manage the two. But no weight loss after an entire year is an emergency in my opinion. I'm so hard on myself. I drink so much Water that I float, take in enough supplemental protein and take my prescribed vitamins. I just can't seem to get in a regimen again. I can't even believe I'm sharing this deeply personal and shameful post to you. Keep in mind my dual diagnosis, it is very, very hard for me to care about myself. Even with therapy. I don't regret the surgery at all, as I'm hoping with all my heart that I will make this happen. I'm a survivor. But coasting on no weight loss or gain is not good enough. I did not have this surgery to only fail. But I did. Please don't berate me. I'd just like to see how you successful people would respond to such a post. And, no, there is no easy answer. I need help.

If you have aVITAMIN SHOPPE in your area they specialize in bariatric health. But yes don't buy tons before the surgery

You are getting off easy -- I have 6 months nutrition classes, 3 surgeon appts, lab tests, psych, stress test & echo, sleep study x 2, xray/sonogram/bariumCTscan (all in one day), endoscopy, pre-surg PCP exam. I feel like I am forgetting something... I remember! Bariatric Optimization Program with PT (BOP) -- optional, before and after surgery.

Dr Kim did my surgery Jan 2012 and since I have lost a little over 90 lbs! If you are looking for a knowledgeable doctor you can trust, Dr Kim is the one! He is out of Colleyville, TX but also handles traveling patients. He knows what he is doing and I totally trusted him. I liked the fact that he was well known. I was so glad I chose him to do my sleeve. He is a very nice gentleman that doesn't beat around the bush one telling you what you need to do to get surgery done. I love that his practice is growing adding more doctors. Dr Holden is a very nice doctor as well. I am truly living life again thanks to Dr Kim! His staff is amazing and very helpful! Dr Kim is the man!!

Hi DJMohr! Sorry to hear about your 2nd surgery. I saw "spine surgery through the throat" and immediately shuddered! You're a brave lady. Have you taken a look at theworldaccordingtoeggface? I tried to grab the website for you but I'm at work and they block blogs. She's a bariatric patient and has a ton of recipes. She has a baked ricotta recipe on there that looks delicious! Hope that helps!

Yep, its been just 2 weeks today, that I had my surgery with the most AWESOME dr, Dr Illan Fraijo, and I am doing fabulous! I have however discovered that I am allergic to whey Protein and am switching to liquid egg whites that I ordered from a company called Egg Whites International. 25 grams of protein per scoop and you can mix it with anything. I am so excited about my new sleeved tummy, I am feeling great and when I got on the scales today, I am down 15 pounds since my surgery. YES, THAT'S 15 POUNDS IN 2 WEEKS! WHOOP! WHOOP! Thank you soooo much Dr Illan, Omar Acosta and the entire team at Baja Bariatrics! LOVE YOU GUYS!

Yes I had a psychologist. Approval but I was not honest. They do not let you go to your own psychologist. For surgery approval. I do have a psychologist who does work with bariatric patents. He is well aware of my weight loss and gain in the last 4 years. He also knows I was on 500 calories for a year and I still ran and went to the gym 5 days a week over kill. Now that I had the surgery I am off all medications including blood pressure. I think I will do great on this. If I can get the Water down. If I eat like a normal person I get fat. Sadly. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Yes I have a nut. And I will not gain it back. I had bariatric surgery and I do not have an eating problem I am down to 221 I will be fine. I have been a gym rat most my life and I am a runner I just gained this weight after doing the shakes only for a year I have not been heavy all my life. I promise I will not gain it back. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

I'm good with the Bariatric fusion shakes. Try Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Mine was covered by a one-time fee to the Bariatric practice for lifetime nutrition counseling, etc.

You know the sad part is from what I can tell just reading these post, you don't have any support system within your surgeons office. First of all, patients at my center can go to the bariatrics coordinator once a week for a one on one, usually lasts about 5 min. You are weighed, blood pressure taken, asked questions and if you are not losing, she interpets what is going on. If she thinks you need a fill then she sets it up, if she thinks something else is going on like sugar resistance (why some people are slow losers) then she works with you about the types of food you eat. I've beeing going once a week (for the most part) for 2 1/2 years and am told I can do this forever. I just hate it when a bandsters is just hung out there on their own but it does seem to be the rule not the exception. I wish the best for all of you, I truly do.

I can totally relate to you. I too will have my surgery in tijuana on oct. 13th 5 days after my 38th bday with dr. Valenzuela at hospital mi doctor through mexico bariatric. Have had 3 failed ivf's and my main reason for getting sleeved is to hopefully get rid of my pcos and get pregnant naturally. I was banded in 2007 lost 60lbs and it stopped working for me. So now im at 175'ish and 5'2 with super low self esteem. I want to feel good too. Im tired of shopping and finding nothing to wear everyday because it all doesnt look good. Im excited and scared as all of us are but my best friend will come with me to take care of me and help me through it. Im most scared of the preop, leak test and drain removal more than surgery itself. Good luck to us. We can do this!

I have been struggling with my weight since I gave birth to my first kid. I will never forget; I was 185 lbs when I left the hospital (19 yrs. old) and it’s been a roller coaster since. When I left the hospital they put me on the Depo Provera birth control shot and I blew up. I figured that was the best option since taking my BC pills daily was a concern. I was too busy enjoying life lol. My weight at that time increased to 260 so I went on a serious diet and was able to lose 48 lbs. I went down to 212 lbs. and that was my lowest weight in my adult years. My weight gradually increased again but I never went over 260 lbs. I was always lucky enough to maintain that weight. I would occasionally go on diets to lose weight when I had something big coming up or going on vacation, but of course nothing last. I tried Weight watchers, Curves, Phentermine 37.5 mg, Zantrex 3, and the Lemonade diet. I was able to lose the most with Phentermine but I think my body got too used to it in the end. Up until my I had my 2nd child I didn’t really worry much about my weight. I figured as long as I don’t go over 260 I’m good. Well that quickly changed when I had my son. I was 240 lbs. when I got pregnant and only gained 20 lbs. during my entire pregnancy. I was active and tried my best to limit my calorie intake. However, after I gave birth it was a wrap, my weight increased to a whopping 270, and when I got laid it increased to 313. My highest ever! I started thinking about Bariatric back in 2012 but it was going to be the lap band. After speaking to a few ppl I realized it wasn’t for me. My son is now 5 and weight is something I think about constantly. It’s hard for me to keep up w/ him and I find myself missing out because I pretty much hide in my house. He spends a lot of time w/ his father or his sister because it’s hard for me to move around. I get tired quickly, my body starts to ache, and I just don’t want to be seen. I told myself this is not a way to live life and I’m missing my son grow up so I finally make the decision to do something about it. First it was the Sleeve, but after further research and speaking with ppl that had both surgeries done I decided to change my mind to the Gastric Bypass. My surgeon’s office submitted for approval last week and I’m been impatiently waiting. I’m scared to death, but I know in the long run this is the best option for me. When I started the weight loss journey I was 306 and now I’m at 280. Once we get the approval I will start the pre-op diet and hopefully will be able to lose another 10 lbs. before surgery. My goal weight is 175 but my doctor wants me to get down to 150. Personally I think that’s a bit small but he knows best.