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Yes I do! Had my surgery 12/29/16. They were very fast with approval (mine took 5-7 days). My specific plan required 6 months of doctor monitored weight loss, and for me to register in the Bariatric program through the insurance company. I did not have to do nutrition. I've had zero issues and once my deductible was met for the year they covered my surgery 100%! They also covered all follow up visits for 90 days after surgery.

I heard the same thing from two of my friends (both over weight). One of them said her moms friend had it about a month ago and had to go back in the hospital due to complications (but shes 20 years older than me and smoked for like 30 years). And my coworker says her aunt is a bariatric nurse and told her about all the complications. I just changed the subject bc I don't need to hear that crap 2 weeks pre-op...I'm scared enough. Plus ive done my research. But I'll be interested to hear what they have to say 6 months from now. I won't be surprised if they are asking for my Dr's name and number!

Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. Health isn't just about eating right and exercising. It is also about taking care of yourself emotionally and mentally. There is an attitude adjustment needed when we strive to transform our physical bodies. Our “being” consists of body, mind, and spirit, which are all highly inter-connected. Our whole being, our self, has to be involved in success. So following an Eastern philosophy to keeping healthy, I try to please all three aspects of my being in order to keep it in balance. Where applicable, I’ve added my real-world experience using techniques that have helped to transform emotionally and mentally in areas where I’ve experienced a loss of power. I hope these words of wisdom will inspire and strengthen you during your weight-loss journey. 1. Stop doubting Observe and assess your thoughts. Do you notice habitual patterns of negative thinking? If so, make a conscious decision to replace those negative thoughts with kind or positive thoughts. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t — you’re right.” I took the Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction 8-week course (MBSR) developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., professor of medicine emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Scientists have proven that meditation strengthens the immune system, increases heart health, reduces stress, slows biological aging, strengthens coping skills, even changes brain chemistry - and can be instrumental in helping us create positive behavior changes. A study by Davidson and Kabat-Zinn et al showed that after training in MBSR for eight weeks, study participants process information in a more positive way, using more optimistic sides of their frontal cortex rather than negative sides. 2. Stop limiting yourself See in your mind’s eye what you want for yourself and your life. See, imagine, dream of the person you want to be. See, imagine, and dream of the life you want to live. Act as if you are that person. Live into your dream. It's not who you are that holds you back, rather it is who you think you're not. I was taught a visualization technique by Rev. Mark, my spiritual guide. He told me to visualize three TV monitors playing a scene from my life that I want to transform. This could be any one issue, from a relationship that was not serving me well to a lifestyle choice that was not completely healthy. I would mentally watch that scene play out on each of the three monitors then take a steel ball bearing and throw it through the screens to shatter the images. I would then turn around and visualize one large screen TV playing out that scene in the way I want it to be — depicting me behaving in a manner that is completely healthy inside and out. Do this for 30-days straight to bring you closer to achieving that state. 3. Stop waiting Being strong sometimes means facing the need for positive life changes head on. Live positively for your health and happiness. Not only you, but your loved ones, friends, and associates will be inspired. Today, we accept that there is a powerful mind-body connection through which emotional, mental, social, and spiritual factors directly affect our health. I recently became reacquainted with the practice of meditation, specifically as a spiritual practice. Meditation allows me to clear my mind of emotional debris such as sadness, lack of forgiveness, lack of self love or self care, blaming, and anger. It also helps to release any emotions I may be holding on to that may 'weigh me down' emotionally, spiritually, and physically. I believe that meditation helps me to release negative energy like sadness and anger, instead of turning to food as a coping mechanism. Self soothing with food was my pattern of behavior when I was morbidly obese — a habit that likely played a pivotal role in my becoming morbidly obese in the first place. 4. Stop making excuses You cannot just sit and wait around for someone to solve your problems. You’ve got to get out there and make what you want happen. Otherwise, if you change nothing, then nothing will change. It’s OK to seek the help of others, just don’t expect others to do the work for you. 5. Stop quitting The pessimistic mind will stay stuck in inaction, perhaps afraid to change, thinking that his or her situation cannot change, or that change is too hard to be had. An optimistic mind notices the opportunities, things to be grateful for, and that even though things may be hard or bad right now they will change once again. Rev. Mark also taught me to do positive affirmations. This is a daily practice that has no ending because the pessimistic mind can easily overtake the optimistic mind if given the chance. Facing east, look into a mirror and into your left eye (east is of the mind and the left eye receives). Concentrate and set your intentions that you are creating your reality; this focus is similar to a meditative state. Now say your affirmations in the present tense. For example say, “I eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body,” rather than, “I will eat fresh healthy foods that nourish my body.” Gregg Bradon, New York Times best selling author, says the universe takes your words very literally. So if you say something in the future tense then the universe will manifest this in your future; however, the future never comes now does it? It’s like saying “someday I will eat healthy…” 6. Start believing It is not the future that you are afraid of. It’s repeating the past mistakes that makes you anxious. Stop putting your past in the present and ruining your future. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step. I completed the Landmark Forum, as have many of my professional colleagues and friends. It is a powerful personal development program designed to bring about positive, permanent shifts in the quality of your life in just three intensive days. Participants are given a technology for putting the past where it belongs – in the past. Then begin to design their lives as a free and authentic expression – from what is possible, rather than what has been. This dramatic shift enables participants to think and act outside existing views and limits, and to redefine themselves and the reality they have known. These are just a few techniques that worked for me so feel free to try whatever resonates with you. We each must find what individually keeps us in balance as each of us is a being as unique as our fingerprints. You also may enjoy my series of interviews with Lori Rosenthal, MS, RD, CDN, a bariatric dietitian, and Susan Harrow Rago, MS, RD, LDN, who has been involved in health programming for more than 25-years. Read more at HealthCentral: Keep the Weight Off for Life Long Term Weight Loss Eating Habits Controlling Emotional Eating After Weight Loss Surgery Support is Key to Maintaining Weight Loss Weight Loss with Nutrition Counseling, Q&A with Susan Harrow Rago

Ok..I am a Quest bar junkie. Let me be clear about that. No more than one a day though for good reason. While a few posters are saying the Fiber numbers are inaccurate, I am here to tell you there is a good amount of fiber in them. How do I know? Probably because I went about a week without them and when I started eating again I spent a good amount of time visiting my bathroom! Yes, they ARE good for that! ( FYI to those with constipation issues) I have read online sources about impending lawsuits due to mislabeling. but I also read the response from the Quest brand CEO. He emphatically denies the allegations and will fight any lawsuit. ( For the record there has been talk of said lawsuit for some time, but no follow through as of yet) They have had their nutritional information evaluated from independent sources and the results are the same as the labeling. That being said they are sort of high in calories and carbs but low in sugar. The carbs are mostly from fiber, which to me is a good thing. ( They fall well under my bariatric team's guidelines for sugar intake) The calories may be high, but I take that into account with my daily totals. I am always rushed and cannot make time in the morning for a lean, Protein dense Breakfast. Therefore, Quest bars are my meal of choice. I purchase at GNC, have been for many months. They are always buy 3 get one free, with the occasional sale of buy two get one free. I find that better than buying by the case. Also, I like variety. I can pick and choose the flavors I want. While they do offer variety boxes, I prefer to make my own variety pack. ( also cheaper)

I hate to say it, but it's true. They did warn my entire bariatric class at Mayo that men do lose faster than women. It's interesting to see my post and where I am now. I'm now 7 months out from surgery and blew way past my goal. I'm 189lbs now (OMG), for a total loss of 141lbs since November of last year and 111lbs since surgery. And not too long after that last post I took a tumble with my dog and broke my foot, and have been in a cast since (and will be for another 7 weeks). I was nervous that I'd gain weight, but I'm still losing. So much that my NP told me the other day that I may get to the point that people start to say that I'm "too thin" or look gaunt. She said I will eventually gain some back and will even out, but to lose as much as I can (safely) so that I'm in a good position. Being at home for a few weeks was a good challenge to stay away from snacking and eating while bored. I had a snack here or there, but made good choices and somehow, I'm 11lbs under my original goal. I'm also REALLY sick of buying new clothes. lol

Im a little confused, is it Bariatric Pal Hospital or Hospital BC? I have heard that it is referenced as both names. If I have acid reflux is it ok to have the Gastric Sleeve or would I need the Gastric Bypass? Thank you Tammy Weller

For someone trying to lose a substantial amount of weight, the idea of building muscle may sound counterproductive. You may fear that it will make you larger and bulkier. Don’t worry: Muscle is a very dense fiber that actually takes up far less space than fat! Let’s start by defining what is meant by “strength training”. This term loosely refers to the use of resistance -- in the form of machines, free weights, bands, or even one’s own bodyweight -- to increase the strength and size of muscles. (We’ll get into more specifics later.) For someone trying to lose a substantial amount of weight, the idea of building muscle may sound counterproductive. You may fear that it will make you larger and bulkier. Don’t worry: Muscle is a very dense fiber that actually takes up far less space than fat! In fact, you should worry more about losing muscle. Muscle is increasingly hard to develop as we age, yet it’s incredibly important to maintain for a variety of reasons. Sarcopenia -- essentially the wasting of muscle -- is a condition that contributes to a significant number of health problems. In his 2006 study, “The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease”, Robert R. Wolfe found that: “Both cardiac failure and cancer are often associated with rapid and extensive loss of muscle mass, strength, and metabolic function (cachexia)” (American Society for Clinical Nutrition, 2006). The fact that muscle plays a tremendous role in metabolic function explains its significant impact on overall health. In addition to burning significantly more calories per day than fat tissue, muscle tissue also helps to stabilize blood sugar and hormones. A study conducted by researchers in the Life Sciences Institute at the University of Michigan found that white muscle, the type formed through resistance training, utilized glycogen and controlled blood glucose more efficiently than red muscle, the muscle associated with cardiovascular training (Williams, 2013). This is not to say that cardiovascular exercise is not important, only that strength training is also highly beneficial. In addition to building new muscle, resistance training can prevent the catabolization (breakdown) of the muscle you already have. According to the National Council on Strength & Fitness, “Losses of lean mass during the ‘dieting’ process reduce the caloric contribution of muscle and just 10 kcals/day equates to the metabolic equivalent of one pound of fat in a year” (“A Pound of Muscle Burns 30-50 Kcal/Day, Really…”, n.d.). Therefore, in order to properly recover from training and preserve muscle, you may need to increase your protein intake. Speak with your nutritionist about how much you need! Not only does building strength affect you physically, it can also greatly benefit your mental health by boosting confidence and self-esteem. You will stand taller and feel more grounded in your own body. You will feel more powerful and competent in all areas of life. And, as a bonus,, building muscle can help improve the appearance of loose skin caused by losing large amounts of weight. There are a few things to consider before beginning a strength training program. Most importantly, as with any workout program, always consult with your physician first. Those with high blood pressure may be discouraged from lifting particularly heavy weights until the blood pressure is controlled. You then need to consider the safest and most efficient exercise equipment. For example, machines are rarely a “perfect fit”, and they also dictate a single pattern of movement that may not be ideal for the mechanics of your body. However, most machines are used while seated, so they might be a good option if you have difficulty standing. Using free weights, cables, and bands allows you to move more naturally and in a space that feels more comfortable. In addition, training with these tools (as opposed to machines) will force you to use your own body to do much of the stabilization. In other words, you do more work, and, as a result, burn more calories. When you start an exercise program, start with low weights and high repetitions (around 12-15), as performing repetitive actions many times creates the neurological pathways for new movement patterns. This initial phase of training is known as the muscular endurance stage. As form and endurance improve, gradually lower the repetitions and increase the weight, in order to build muscular strength, or “a muscle’s capacity to exert force against resistance” (Cespedes, 2013). A repetition range of 8-12 will cause hypertrophy, the point at which you begin to see an increase in the muscle size, while six or fewer reps results in the greatest improvement in actual strength and power. With resistance training, you will need to rest between exercise sets in order to give your muscles a chance to recover. As a beginner, stick with one exercise at a time to allow your body to acclimate and adapt to the new stressors you’re placing on it. Once you’re ready for a little more of a challenge, you can try supersets, or circuits. These terms refer to combining two or more exercises in sequence, generally for different muscle groups, so that one muscle group gets to rest while another is working. This also keeps the calories burning! For example, a simple circuit could include bodyweight squats, seated rows, and planks. Another way to “up the ante” on your calorie burn is to choose triple-joint or compound movements, as opposed to single-joint or isolation movements. Examples of triple-joint exercises include squats and bench presses, as opposed to single-joint leg-extensions or bicep curls. Movements that require you to move more joints engage more muscle fiber, because they use larger, more calorie-consuming muscles. So, in addition to burning more calories, these movements can increase the efficiency of your workouts and save you time. Speaking of joints, strong muscles stabilize joints and can help you avoid injuries. However, performing an exercise in bad form can actually harm your joints. Muscle soreness is fine, but do not push through sharp pain in a joint, as pain might a red flag that you are not doing something correctly, or that your body is not ready to move in a certain way. Ask a personal trainer or physical therapist about modifications or corrective exercises. It can be tempting to want to show off, but always prioritize form over weight! As long as you have medical clearance, try adding some resistance training to your workout regime. It can boost your weight loss and be a fun break from the monotony of cardio! References A Pound of Muscle Burns 30-50 Kcal/Day, Really… (n.d.) [retrieved from https://www.ncsf.org/enew/articles/articles-poundofmuscle.aspx] Cespedes, Andrea. 2013. The Difference Between Muscular Strength & Muscular Endurance. Retrieved ___________ (http://www.livestrong.com/article/154326-the-difference-between-muscular-strength-muscular-endurance/). Williams, Laura J. 2013. Lift weights to lower blood sugar? White muscle helps keep blood glucose levels under control. University of Michigan News. Retrieved from http://ns.umich.edu/new/releases/21363-lift-weights-to-lower-blood-sugar-white-muscle-helps-keep-blood-glucose-levels-under-control Wolfe, Robert R. 2006. “The underappreciated role of muscle in health and disease”. American Society for Clinical Nutrition.

wheetsin, my sleeve was last week. I had kowalski at KC Bariatrics do it.

Removing a large portion of your stomach is extreme and comes with potential health hazzards of its own. Having to go the extreme of injury to healthy organ tissue and a diet of under 1000 calories just to mobilize fat loss that would happen in a normal sized person with moderate diet and exercise changes should be indication of how complex obesity is phisiologically. Even with surgery, long term results are not 100% for weight loss even at the 50% EWL mark, especially when you look at all bariatric surgery historically. Not everyone is willing or wants to do that or can do that due to their health, finances, personal beliefs, etc. You can change your sex with surgery too. You can also modify your looks with surgery, makeup, and hair dye enough to be seen as another race. Religion is a protected class and it is completely voluntary so saying "you can change being fat" does not really hold Water, especially when diets fail 95% of the time. My point is that saying "those fatties can stop eating" when you were unable to do so is buying into the exact line of thinking of the discriminators. Someone should not be forced into surgery in order to get a job or keep a job. Obesity, particularly morbid obesity, is a much more complex phisiological issue than just someone eating twinkies all day. You as a fat person should know better.

I have been unable to have chewable vitamins due to getting sick from them! Chalky! I don't know how far out you are, but in my case, the doctor said it was ok to take regular vitamins as long as I cut them in half and suplemment them with B-Complex. I found one Calcium chewable that's taffy and tastes good. It's from Bariatric Fusion berry flavor chewables. So I have mainly been taking pills instead of chewables. I'm 4 months post op.

That's kind of a privilege of being a male. Overweight women are pariahs--we are assumed to be lazy, have weak character, etc. I'm not telling anyone (not a single person) because people are nasty, judgmental, rude... I don't need anyone telling me how to eat, or what I should or shouldn't do about my body. For some reason though it happens all the time. "Are you sure you want to eat that?" "Have you ever bought a slow cooker? You can just fill it up with lean Proteins and vegetables in the morning and have a healthy meal at the end of the day!" "I can show you some easy workout routines." These things are always UNSOLICITED. Most recently, a blonde haired plastic Barbie approached me at target to give me her husband's business card. It was very strange but I took it and gave an awkward "thanks..." And as she walked away, I looked down to see that her husband is a Bariatric surgeon. It was this moment that did in fact inspire me to look into WLS, but not because of her recommendation (I am certainly not seeing that surgeon). But because I'm so tired of being judged by other women. I'm only 90 lbs overweight. I can't imagine how other heavier women manage. I don't want my identity to be defined by my WLS or my weight period. It is for this reason that I refuse to tell anyone.

I'm set to go to Mexico next month for my surgery, since I'm self pay, but when I initially started into the process my pcp simply suggested that I consult with a bariatric specialty clinic (preferably through a center of excellence program) and to follow their process. I later found out my insurance wouldn't cover the surgery, so I went an alternate route. I'm in Denver, so can't really suggest anyone in your area, but I would do some online research and talk to people you know who've been through the process. Also, feel free to contact more than one clinic and compare programs to see which one works best for you. Good luck!

Fluffy is correct. You made a bad decision. It was hardly "pontificating". It was merely common sense. If you continue to eat and drink the way you always have, you will continue to have the same body you've always had. I am not entirely opposed to a rare drink AFTER a few months have passed and you are losing weight consistently and have developed your new eating habits, but TWO WEEKS out? Just plain stupid, and the VAST majority of Bariatric Sugeons/Doctors would agree with that. S.

I called around today, but they said to call tricare. Tricare said they didn't have a list, that I would have to compare general surgeons to the bariatric surgeons.... I am thinking I will have a long talk with the nutritionist and then make a follow up with my new PCM.

Bariatric Fusion vitamins are one of the most popular vitamin brands in the BariatricPal Store. Bariatric Fusion continues to release innovative and popular Bariatric products. They've recently released the following 3 innovative Bariatric vitamins for 2018: Bariatric Fusion Multivitamin and Mineral Supplement NO IRON Chewable - Available in 2 Flavors! This great tasting vitamin and mineral supplement was designed and formulated by a Bariatric Surgical Team to meet the needs of their patients who do not require daily iron or prefer to take a separate iron supplement. The unique formulation provides the highest amounts of what the team believes are the key micronutrients vital for weight loss surgery patients. Bariatric Fusion Calcium Soft Chew with Bone & Metabolic Support (Fruit Punch) Bariatric Fusion calcium soft chews optimize bone strength and metabolic function by maximizing absorption through a unique soft chew formulation. This great tasting chew delivers 500mg of Calcium Citrate, Vitamin D, Magnesium and Vitamin K to enhance absorption and provide maximum bone health and strength. The addition of Thiamine, Riboflavin, and Niacin will give your body the efficiency and ENERGY you need to enjoy a happy and healthy lifestyle. This is truly a one of a kind supplement. Bariatric Fusion Probiotic Soft Chew - Orange Tropical Flavor Bariatric Fusion Probiotic soft chews are designed to promote a healthy intestinal environment, regulate metabolism, and enhance your immune response. Bariatric Fusion's unique soft chew formulation optimizes better absorption and provides the results you are looking for. One great tasting chew provides 10 billion live organisms! These products are all in-stock and ready to ship same day from the BariatricPal Store.

I looked at that last night, but saw this: C. Nationally Non-Covered Indications The following bariatric surgery procedures are non-covered for all Medicare beneficiaries: Open adjustable gastric banding; Open and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy; and, Open and laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty.

I'm curious. Did Baja Bariatrics set you up with drivers, hotel etc?

According to the bariatric surgery preparation book. Symptoms of Blood Clots * Approximately 3% of patients undergoing major surgical procedures will experience blood clots. * Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot): Dull ache or pain in leg. Tightness or swelling in leg. Pulmonary Embolism * 50% of all patients with a blood clot will develop a pulmonary embolism. * Possible symptoms of pulmonary embolism: Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain with breathing. A pain in the legs after surgery may be something to check into.

Thank you for responding! Yes, I was looking into dr Ariel Ortiz at occ. happy you had a positive experience. he has great reviews. a friend had it done with dr cueva at renewal bariatrics. Had a very good experience. When I called them the person I spoke to was much clearer than the person I spoke to at occ. also dr cueva is $2500 less. I would pay if necessary more money, but if I don’t need to why should I the only reviews I found about him were all positive but they were on renewal bariatrics Facebook page. I’m having a hard time making a decision.

Take the time to: think, pray, think, pray , think and then pray some more. Are you prepared to continue your life without one or the other? (WLS vs SO?). When you are totally confident that you are, then and only then are you truly ready to make the decision. Until that time, please talk to a therapist who is bariatric friendly----therapy for you alone---for your SO alone and then for the two of you together. WLS changes everyone who has it. Whether physically, mentally and/or emotionally---there WILL be a change. To think otherwise is unrealistic. I truly hope that all of your wishes come true. I hope that your SO can be supportive. My warning is just make sure that you are committed enough to "walk your journey" alone is he finds that he can not be. Take the time to just breathe and think, please.

Thank you for posting the link to Bariatric Foodie! These recipes look amazing!! Can't wait to trying some on down the road!

I'd go to urgent care. I've never heard of people reacting to the surgery like that, but some people are allergic to certain meds or to the surgical glue or tape they use. Are you taking ursodiol? (the med some surgeons put their patients on for a few weeks to help prevent gallstones). Hives can be a side effect of that (not a common one, but I know it's a side effect because I was one of those people who got hives from it). Or it could be some other med you're reacting to. Just check with your PCP or go to urgent care. I reacted to either the surgical tape or glue when I had plastic surgery (although I didn't react to it with my RNY, oddly - but maybe it was different brand of tape/glue) - they put me on prednisone for a few days so I'd quit reacting to it. With the ursodiol I was taking after my RNY, the PA at my bariatric clinic just had me quit taking it. anyway, I doubt it was the surgery per se - but it could be some med or something that you're reacting to. They'll know what to do.

Health food stores like GNC and even some Walmarts have protein suppliments that are clear liquid, in fruit flavors that taste like jello. Just keep trying different ones till you find something you like. I use the GNC 100% whey protein (carmel chocolate flavor) That's the only flavor I like in that brand, so even if you try one flavor in a brand and dont like it, try another. Unfortunately they should have instructed you to find one you liked before you were banded, so you wouldnt have to be going through this now one week post-op! Also I have heard that some of the bariatric web sites sell "sample" packs so you can try different products, but i dont have any specific links for that, you would have to do a search. Good luck! Get your protein....it's important.

I am going to get a sleeve in Mexico. I've never had my choice is down to two 1) Dr Elias Ortiz & 2) Dr. Ponce, at Ponce Bariatric. They are both the same cost but Dr. Ponce can get me in by the end of this month (June) so I'm leaning that way. I also had a lap band removed three years ago. So I'd like to have a good restriction because I'm paranoid I won't lose weight with the sleeve... I don't have that much weight to lose, 40 pounds, but to me it's a matter of sustaining this the rest of my life. Every time the scale goes up I have a freak out! 😂 Can you all tell me how much weight you lost going from band to sleeve? Thanks!

I don’t know how to add the link. Here is a screen shot of the one that was updated in December. It has no mention of the 6 month requirements. I googled “unitedhealthcare choice plus bariatric surgery” and click on the one that is a pdf file. The one updated in October is where they removed the 6 month guidelines and at the bottom of the pdf file, it shows that that is what was removed.