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I recently told my family that I am pursuing bariatric surgery. I have a BMI of 43, and have struggled with my weight since high school. Initially, my younger sister was incredibly supportive of my decision. She has always been supportive of any decisions I make that will lead to ultimate happiness. Today however, she told me that I was letting someone else do the work for me, and That with food addiction counseling and exercising consistently there is no reason I could not do this without surgery. How does everyone handle their friends and family making them feel like they are taking an easy way out?

I'm not sure if a surgeon would approve bariatric surgery for a 30 pound weight loss. A normal BMI for your height is 124 to 154 pounds. Surgery is not for everyone. Weight loss to 170 pounds can be done on your own. If liposuction makes you feel better about yourself then absolutely go for it. Bat wings may require an arm lift (brachioplasty)

That’s awesome! I have no idea what I do mid-week because I’m too much of a chicken to weigh myself very often. Honestly climbing onto that thing even once a week pushes me to my limit, because of a lifetime of PTSD concerning the dreaded scale (does there exist a device I loathe more than a scale? Probably not) I always have to do about 30 seconds deep breathing before getting on—especially now post surgery— and even though I tell myself repeatedly that “it’s just a number,” I still get emotional when the number isn’t what in my mind I think I “deserved” for the week. That being said, I need the weekly slap in the face of weighing myself so I can keep my butt moving, keep eating right, sleeping enough, managing stress, etc... So when that happens, I remind myself of what our bariatric psychologist said at my very first session: the biggest trap of bariatric surgery -for some people- is they will lose weight NO MATTER WHAT THEY DO. Therefore, they don’t develop lifetime habits during the honeymoon period and are screwed when that ends. (Lol, he literally used the word “screwed”. ) Those that still have to struggle a bit have better long-term success because the weight honestly doesn’t just fall off no matter what.” I was kinda worried when he said that, but now I get it. As much as I’d LOVE to hit goal in 6 months, be able to drink wine and eat carbs and still be able to drop 2-3 pounds/week with zero hunger, that just isn’t how it’s working for me. Hey. I did have another NSV today. Got up at 7am on a rare Saturday off work and got my butt to Pilates. Was able to do side planks with zero mods and I’m pretty psyched about that.

What happens when you eat refined sugar? You gain weight and it causes health issues. Where are you are researching that refined sugar is ok after bariatrics for weight loss?. You may want to consult with your dietician and do more research on weight loss surgery. Fruit as sugar – Is it on your plan? If its allowed in small amounts, great. This is not about taste it’s about getting healthy. Tolerance, if you are vomiting try other products. consult your Dr to make sure it’s not Gerd or a post op medical issue. Your success rate may be better with procedures that re routes your intestines. You will get dumping syndrome (sick) when you eat sugar. With the sleeve its less likely. Is boost on your list as a bariatric protein drink? What does your plan from your surgeon’s office list? Boost vs quest protein Boost 240 calories, 33 carbohydrates 23 sugars 15 grams protein Quest 110 calories, 2 grams carbohydrates, 1-gram sugar 23 grams protein.

I keep seeing descriptions of surgery protocols that are very different. I am sure that mine for example is completely different than what is done in US. Maybe it would be interesting for those that are pre op to know the details so here it goes: Romanian protocols: 1. Initial meeting with surgeon that consults you and says if you might qualify for WLS; 2. 1 day full of blood tests, abdominal echograph, abdominal endoscopy, barium abdominal rays, body composition, cardiology (EKG and blood pressure, BP under physical effort , pulmonary tests (spirometry, rays), nutrition and psychological consult; 3. Surgeon consult when he determines if and what type of WLS is recommended ( for me gastric sleeve), describes surgery and course of treatment, schedules surgery date ( plus finding out if other interventions are required - they discovered that I have a big hiatal hernia that needed fixing) 4. Surgery protocols- standard is 4 nights , sometimes 5 of hospitalization. - hospital admission 1 day before, in the evening, for preparation: heparin shots, IV fluids - Surgery day and 24 hours post op in ICU (again, per protocol, even if you are ok) - that was horrible, with drain tube from surgery, nasogastric tube, bad pan or catheter for peeing, BP monitors every 30 min, so slim chances of sleeping- I felt no pain at all, just nausea from the nasogastric tube - next day in the morning transfer to normal reserve, got read of nasogastric tube and urethral catheter; I could walk just fine, minimal general pain ( like a muscle soreness after exercising), incisions painful if pressed - they offered more pain meds but I refused) - next 2 days just IV fluids, with antibiotics, dexamethasone for inflammation, pain meds, nutrients - day 5 discharged from hospital with following medication: heparin shots 1month, anti-acids for 1 month, ibuprofen syrup or kids for managing pain for 3 days, Debridat for transit and gas, bariatric vitamins and protein shakes for forever, hepatic protector for 3 months They make sure you make 8.000-10.000 steps per day and that you tolerate well the necessary fluids intake. Diet: clear fluids 1 day pre op and 1 week post op, then cream soups for 2 weeks, then mushy purees for 1 week, then soft food and solid food as tolerated. Prices: 1.000 usd for pre op analyses, 6.000 usd for surgeries ( I had 2-in 1, GS and hiatal hernia repair, and including 1 week, 1, 2, 3 , 6 months and 1 year controls, nutrition and psychological included), 400 usd medication for 3 months, including vitamins and protein shakes Time from diagnosis to surgery 2 weeks.

5 mos 1week post op down 117lbs HW382 Pre op 377 260lbs as of today Nothing but positive things to say about Yale Bariatric’s

My cardiologists told me that I am slightly anemic. I changed from RNY, to the sleeve. The sleeve was my original choice, but thought the RNY would be good based on extensive research I did. One can still be anemic with the sleeve as per my surgeon, he and I discussed both surgeries and weight both options and I am pleased to be doing the sleeve on April 29th. The bariatric program requires both sleeve and RNY to take vitamins. I know malabsorption is a concern with the RNY, but from my research folks have to be committed in making sure that they take the required vitamins. Talk it over with your surgeon and make the best decision for you. Best of luck.

Century ride, that’s impressive Keep your bariatric dietician informed on your cycling. They will need to know where you are at with training. (distance, calories burned, workouts per week) As your endurance increases, your dietician may change up your food plan. (don’t try to fuel like an athlete it can slow/stop your weight loss.) Once you get to your athletic zone and your weight is closer to goal, Consult your dietician and a sports medicine dietician. Some things to try for hydration. Isopure zero carb Protein Drink/water.. Protein and hydration all in one. Purchase single bottles is more cost effective. GNC or Vitamin Shoppe. http://www.theisopurecompany.com/product/isopurezerocarbrtd.html Nunn tabs. Saved me from dehydration https://nuunlife.com/pages/products?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1d_e9J_d4QIVAcpkCh17CAltEAAYASAAEgI4cvD_BwE Hydration vest. it’s easier for me to take small sips on the bite straw during a race. I still cannot gulp. What works for me may not work for you. I never carb loaded until I was closer to goal. Some things I learned about fueling along the way. I only carb load and increase calories on half to full marathons. (I cycle to cross train) With a small stomach, it takes eating seven days pre-race to fuel glycogen stores. I eat low glycemic carbs with my protein. Find foods and hydration your stomach can tolerate. Your food tolerance may be different than mine I use liquid carbs (powder form add to water) I cary it in a baggy and add it in my running vest for fuel. I am carb sensitive. Carb loading is a necessary to stay healthy but, I will see a weight gain. I go back into weight loss mode after I recover.

I recently had RNY gastric bypass done by Dr. Darren Tishler at Hartfird Hospital, which is a bariatric center of excellence. From the initial educational seminar last May, through the nutritional visits, pre requisites, and insurance coordination, Dr. Tishler and all his staff were fantastic. For the surgery, he gave me a cocktail of meds including one for nerve pain, and another for nausea, which the nurses in the hospital said made my experience easier. While in the hospital he visited me every day (I was there 2 nights). I was on round the clock anti nausea meds, as well as pain meds, which kept me comfortable. Their printed guidelines and diet, constipation, and exercise guidelines are excellent and keep me on track, and never wondering what to eat or do next. Dr. Tishler is extremely experienced and skilled. I can't recommend Dr. Tishler and his staff more highly!!! (I'm 23 days post surgery) Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey, I had the sleeve 2016,no complications from the surgery or recovery process. But my Reflux disease has gotten much worse because of it.My gastrointestinal doctor says I should of had the complete bypass. So my bariatric surgeon now agrees as instead of taking 2 pills a day for reflux disease I am now taking 10 pills a day. Am currently waiting for approval from insurance company to get the big surgery. Hopefully you are doing great. Good luck with your journey. Allie Sent from my SM-G960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m really fortunate, my hospital has a state of the art gym. Bariatric patients are offered a 3 month membership for $100. It includes a personal trainer, before and after body composition and anything (including spin, classes and pool) you want to participate in. If I decide I like this gym it is $85 a month after that. I meet with my trainer this afternoon. I waited until I was closer to my goal weight because I knew that was when it was going to get tough! I think programs would be wise to offer this when feasible.

Hi Everyone, I'm really, really early in my weight loss journey. This board has been invaluable. Still in the insurance phase. I was initially all for going to Mexico because a friend went and had great results as well as the attractive cost and basically not having to wait and deal with red tape. I also feel the drs. in mexico are just as good. I did find out my Aetna PPO will cover in the USA - Hurray. I have a choice of 6 month nutritional counseling or 3 month nutritional and primary dr. visits. I'm opting for the 3 month obviously because I'm an impatient person. I really wanted to go to Jacksonville Florida to the Mayo Clinic. But the Mayo clinic bariatric said I wasn't covered. I showed them the info that I was covered and we went back and forth and I finally gave up. I felt sad too because I know Mayo Clinic is top notch and I've had other surgeries there. So after leaving messages at several bariatric providers in Florida, Florida Hospital actually now Advent Heath in Celebration called me back and assigned me an advocate. I know it's not the mayo clinic but its still a good hospital. I gave them my insurance info and what do you know, I'm covered! (Just like I thought) So...just starting my 3 month journey but this post is to let people know to not give up. I have a full time job and it felt like just scheduling and doing this research has been a 2nd full time job. I was willing to spend out of pocket $20k for this surgery in US. Then happy to find it was $4200 for mexico surgery. Now Advent Heath told me my co-pay will be $476.00 I'm elated and plan to use any extra money towards any skin removal surgery, even though everyone says why bother you are in your 40s. I don't care, lol!

I'm at 228, down from 319 at surgery 7.5 months ago, I almost cried yesterday at PCP office when nurse weighed me, NEVER DID I REALLY BELIEVE This old Gal could go THAT low! My NP at bariatric surgeon's office, Valerie would be satisfied with anything under 200, suppose I could be also except I would like to see if I COULD MAKE IT DOWN to 175, and my dream of a 15 Junior size, under this still cracking Fat Shell that's what I think I am. When was I ever THAT SIZE? Would you believe 14, that was right after I ballooned to that weight from 110 at 13. Family Doctor promised my dead late Mama as soon as my hormones smoothed out I would drop the extra weight like a snap of my fingers. This means I have been waiting 60 years, and I think,that is plenty long enough! As I look back, and peeps, people. my age are better at past than today, and the thought of tomorrow? Cover that when we get there! Well only bono- fide change I can remember in Family diet was we went from regular to homogenized milk. Our dairy locally got absorbed by a conglomerate and that was only way they sold dairy products. Is it too late to sue Sealtest as a contributor to my obesity downfall? Guess the Statue of Limitations has long past, but I could feel at least😋😭🌺🌸 some vindication!

I use Baritastic. It's really geared to bariatric patients.

I didn’t do the liquid vitamins. I bought the multivitamin with iron on bariatric pal. The only one that doesn’t make me vomit. I bought calcium chews From target-viactiv

Did your surgeon give you a list of foods to eat? I believe on my plan I will be in a regular bariatric diet at 2 months, which means dense proteins first, then veggies. Im not to eat any starch, sugars, or high fat foods. Good luck to you. If you have questions contract your surgeon's office. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Bajan, wondering how you're doing. I'm almost 2 years out and starting to feel that slide. I'm determined to get it back under control and came on bariatric pal looking for some support. I used to post here regularly and life happened and my health took a back seat. I'm not going down without a fight.

I take my bariatric multivitamin at night. I'm talking about that moment when I roll over into the comfy position... I spring up, take my multi-vit and get back into my sleep position.

Don't panic. Sometimes things just get charted wrong. For some reason, at one point, my allergists office had that I was allergic to peanuts. Never have been. So, don't panic. Your doc will write the letter. If they deny, he can request a peer-to-peer review which would require the carrier to provide a teleconference for him with a bariatric surgeon of their choice to review the file and make a determinations. Peer-to-peer usually overturn the initial denial.

I lost one more pound ..so in the past 2 weeks I've lost ONE pound. I cried at the doctors office, how embarrassing. My surgeon said that patients with revisions have a tendency to not lose as much as quickly as first time bariatric surgery patients. Our bodies are somewhat used to a lower calorie intake from the previous surgeries and it takes some time for our metabolism to kick back in. I hope that's the case.

My bariatric doc believes in protein shakes. He tells his patients is you can tolerate them to just include them in your forever diet. He says that his most successful long term patients drink them and don’t over eat trying to get their daily allotment of protein. Sounds sensible to me! So easy to drink my lunch.

Hi. I got my band placed in 2012. I had great success with it. I lost about 125lbs. At the beginning of 2017, I began getting very sick and unable to tolerate anything by mouth and would get terrible cramping in the left side of my abdomen. After a year and a half of playing the what could this be option, I finally got my primary Dr to order a GI consult and get an upper GI scope. The scope in fact found that my band had eroded into my stomach! I went to my bariatric surgeon and he removed it in Sept of 2018. Since that time I have gained back all of my weight plus much more. My insurance is refusing to pay for another surgery. I am having so many more co-morbitities now then before I had the band placed. Plus I am having more pain in the left side of my abdomen where my band was. Plus its so weird it feels like a baby is moving in that same area, but I am not pregnant. I am looking to find somewhere to get the gastric sleeve done for a decent self pay price. If anyone knows of anywhere I would greatly appreciate the info. Thanks!!!

These links may help Bypass vs Sleeve https://www.obesitycoverage.com/gastric-bypass-vs-gastric-sleeve-surgery/ Click the top procedures tab to research https://www.obesitycoverage.com/category/weight-loss-surgeries/ My personal thoughts. I have the sleeve. I lost 120 in six months. The rate and amount of weight loss can be different than what the statistics say. I liked that my intestines are not altered. The only draw back is many of us don’t get dumping syndrome. If sugar is an issue you may want to investigate a procedure( like bypass) where your intestines are altered and sugar will cause dumping. Whatever procedure you choose it all comes down to following your plan and behavior change. Bariatrics is not the easy way out. Its work.

1) Take a deep breath. Grab something to drink and a peppermint. (Peppermints work as a mood stabilizer and assist thought process.) 2) Open up your laptop. We are going to write a letter of appeal. 3) Have your denial letter handy. You will need that address. I will write a dummy letter at bottom for format purposes. 4) MAIL your letter yourself! Also give a copy to your Bariatric Team. You learned a long time ago if you want something done, do it yourself. This is no different. 5) What info needs to be in my letter? Glad you asked or didn't or whatever.. List your height and weight. List your BMI. Write about your life of obesity. When it started, approximately. Why it started if you know. Most importantly in specific, precise detail describe how obesity is effecting your life negatively personally AND physically including medical conditions. Lastly, describe how you understand this is a tool and you are ready to make self changes and better your life if they can please reconsider and grant you the gift of life by approving your surgery for this life-saving tool 6) Mean It!!! Dummy Letter [emoji116] Insurance Co. name Address Address Current date To Whom It May Concern: Letter Body Thank you for your reconsideration. Sign your name in black ink. Type your signature Your address Address Your Area code and phone number