Search the Community

My name is Melissa and I am 39 years old. I have two children ages 17 and 10 and I run a daycare in my home, which I've done for over 10 years. I had surgery on July 5, 2006 and my surgeon was Dr. Oldham with Bluegrass Bariatrics. I've lost about 40 lbs. and know that I need to get serious and follow the band rules because sometimes I do and sometimes I don't. I'm going Friday for another fill. I made the mistake of staying too tight and had to have most of it taken out. I'm now starting to get restriction again. Good luck to each of you wherever you may be on your journey!

Hey! My nutritionist is also staffed by the hospital not the actual surgeon and she works with several bariatric doctors. When I go in to see the doctor the Nutritionist receives a list of everyone that is coming in that day and she comes over to the clinic side and sits with us in the waiting area and talks with us and then when we go into meet with thte doctor she comes in and has a quick one on one with us. No additional co pay at all. I am sorry that is happening to you, it has to be stressful.

Thanks for all the feedback you guys! Very helpful. Yes, Shirley, they have suggested an Endoscopy but mainly b/c I have terrible pain in my left side under my left breast/rib area. But it's only after I eat so I KNOW it has to do with eating. I can take 2 bites and the pain is there I can eat a plate of food and the pain is there and then there are the times (which is 90% of the time) I never have pain. I do plan on having it done before I make the decision to remove the band or not. My family situation is very stressful right now and I have noone to take me home. I have to drive 60 miles to have it done. My husband doen't drive, my parents dont drive, my dad is very ill and I have been taking care of him for months now. NOT making excuses, just telling you the facts. I HONESTLY dont' have anyone to drive me home. I will work it out soon, I hope. There is a Bariatric Clinic opening up in our town and I hope to transfer to their services when they get established. Does anyone know if you can even change doctors? Are you given a hard time if you change? Or do you have to keep going to the surgeon that did you surgery? If I could have it done here I could take a cab home. There is a part of me that is scared to do the scope because they might find something wrong then the other part of me wants to know what the hell is going on. I am usually the type person who wants to KNOW what is going on so I can fix it. I just think I am putting myself on the back burner b/c my dad is so sick and I am the only family memeber who can help him and my Mother. They said the scope was not urgent so I took that and ran with it.......... I KNOW I KNOW....get it done. Sounds like I am talking to myself, doesn't it? LOL

My current OBGYN has referred me to the bariatrics team at LGMC. He advised that there were other, pharmacological forms of treatment that we could try before using surgery as a solution, but I was insistent that I needed to take this next step as all that I’ve tried has failed and I didn’t hold out much hope for other "similar but different" treatment options, let alone I was afraid of being kicked off of insurance before finding/completing treatment. I weigh 242lbs. I went to a mandatory seminar at LGMC within a week of seeing the doctor. I was worried it was going to be more of the same, trying to talk me out of surgery as an option, citing it was “easy to lose weight, fatty”. To my joy, that was not the case. They took my insurance card and my weight. I sat through a presentation about the different surgeries offered by one of the laparoscopic surgeons. I was visibly the smallest, youngest person there. It has made me think that I am less worthy of a surgery. I don’t know. I just feel like I might be thought less deserving of this tool. The nurses advised they would use my insurance information to call and check on coverage and call me back within a week. I felt giddy. Elated. Just, lighter. Relieved. I got a call back promptly from the surgery center and have scheduled my first meeting with a surgeon. The nurse also let me know that the only requirement from my insurance was to have a psychiatric evaluation. Our first meeting is scheduled 02/21/2017. I'm excited to meet the surgeon although just the appointment is $250! I will be calling them Monday to see how much the surgery will cost and what my out of pocket will be-if they know. This money will be contributed to the total amount of surgery if I go through them, but if they are 5k more than someone else, I might want to look at other options. I hate to let my frugal flag fly, but money is not disposable to me. While it is important that I go through a reputable surgeon, I can’t bankrupt myself doing so. There must be a balance. Their program and facility are very impressive, though. I know someone who went through self-pay with them. They have a very involved team for the bariatric surgery center, and a high success rate. I think they put a lot of effort into it because we live in the south with a high rate of morbid obesity and a culture of “clean your plate”, so it’s easy to fall right back into bad habits. The first ingredient in many things my family cooks is butter. My adopted family is French – Lebanese, several family members have wrestled with weight gain over the years. On my birth mothers side, they are Italian- American with few weight issues in immediate family. My paternal grandmother, it seems, lived with undiagnosed PCOS, and I pulled the short straw when it came to inheriting those genes. Though, I am the tallest, so nyah! I feel nervous about the evaluation. I know why it’s necessary. I just worry about being denied and having to start over or something. Unfounded worries about something that probably isn't that bad. Reading everyone's posts here has done a lot for my internal dialogue. I feel like if I keep a level head and don't stress about everything coming up, take everything one step at a time, I will be ok.

Hello Everyone, It has been a very long time since I have been to this forum and I wanted to check in to see how everyone is doing. I also wanted to catch up with my crazy life. Anyway I have been offline in the bariatric world just living my life. After a while things just start settling down and years go by... times change... faces get older and brains get used to life in the "new normal". I don't know if an of you will know my story so to make it short I have been through THREE WLS's. Yes, I said three... a lapband, a Gastric Sleeve and finally I resolved to be a RnY Bypasser. Ha! No regrets.. well maybe a few.. I'm human after all. ANYWAY!! I need to reconnect because I have NOT been working out much at all. Just the very minimum and even these past few weeks I have done nothing. No bueno! So, as I was lying in bed just now something just zapped me the hell out of it and I decided I needed to get UP!! Sheesh... So, here I am! Ready to get back to my serious workout and being kind to my body. My muscles are crying to come back out and play. I'm here to chat anytime. I probably have the most experience of anyone you'll ever meet as far as weight loss, gains, all surgery types, workouts, eating plans... anything. But I also need some accountability too. I'm older now and I see it. I see that I can't do this alone. I need my bariatric friends for guidance and a KICK IN THE BUTT! A shout out to anyone who remembers me. Check in and say hi! I really miss you guys. Much love and all peace. Irene and my most recent selfie. I'm on Facebook and IG too. FB: Irene Janel Avila and IG: Pookies_Mama

Garden State Bariatric, Dr. Y, I am down the shore. The dr. Is in TR.

rThanks everyone, I know that I will be doing cardiology, pulmonology, nutrition, and psych at the bariatric center prior to surgery consult. I also have been doing medically supervised diet not through the bariatric center but through another dietician group for at least 6 months now with minimal results. I wonder if that time will help me shave some time off the wait time, either way I am just happy to be getting started.

Hi everyone! I’m already on my pre-op low carb, high protein diet but don’t yet have a date. I’ve done my bloodwork, met the surgeon, EKG, dietician consult, psych consult, financing (I have no comorbidities -yet- so insurance won’t budge) I’m 40 years old, 42 BMI and crazy ready. I’ve completed the sleep study and will get my results tomorrow so here’s hoping no apnea, but if I do have to get a cpap the doc said he thinks a few days with the cpap will suffice for him to write his recommendation for the go ahead for surgery! (He’s a bariatric surgery success story himself and I work in the medical field so he’s willing to clear me more quickly than the norm.) I’m getting the VSG along with hernia repair and a couple other tweaks my awesome surgeon is willing to do. I find this whole process is like that line from When Harry Met Sally, modified and paraphrased-when you find the thing you want to do with the rest of your life, you want the rest of your life to start right away! I’m hoping for a late October surgery date. I am instructed by the surgeon to take 4 weeks off and the only time I can do that is the month of Novemeber, so the sooner the surgery the better. I’ve started stockpiling bone broth (high in protein!) from sales and am studying my new instapot to figure out how to make supersoft soups and such. I got tiny bowls and utensils and have been doing a lot of reading and YouTube lurking. Im excited to find others who are just about to change their lives too! We will look much different in 6 months time!

I ordered a bottle of the bariatrics chewables already. So I have one. I was trying to wait till after my surgery to see if I could tolerate the taste. I don't have a date yet so I still have a while to go.

I have scheduled my ESG for sept 28th and am also a low bmi (30) and didn't qualify for traditional Bariatric surgery. This procedure is covered by my insurance as well. So stocked!! I called all over the country for weeks to finally locate a facility in California that performs this new procedure. Perhaps call some of the more established hospitals that perform it and ask if anyone in TX is doing it. Johns Hopkins, UCI, Mayo Clinic, etc. Good luck and keep us posted!!!

Hey everybody, Been chatting with folks here on LBT since I made my decision in November. It was supposed to be easy with my PacifiCare insurance which covers both procedures..... my choice. When in on Janurary 26(magical day) they decide to change ALL the requirements for bariatric surgery. Those of us who had already started the process had to add 5-6 extra appointments..... like Psych eval and 4 follow-ups and Dietcian and 3 follow-ups..... whats up with that? Anyway, instead of getting stressed with it I'm just knocking them down one at a time. Now, if the job and kids and ex-husband would just keep quiet for a while I could concentrate on this task (ha-ha)..... (I just crack myself up sometimes)! Thanks for the great thread, hope to make lots of new friends,

Cripes. The total bills submitted to my insurance totaled $50K. Fortunately I had already met my deductible for the year and only had to meet the remainder if my out of pocket max of $2K so I only had to shell out $895 total. Was banded on 12/21/12 and have yet to pay anything for any of my follow ups or bloodwork. I had my surgery at St. Alexis in Hoffman Estates by Dr. Kane jr. From the Kane bariatric center.

I just bought the Fresh Start Bariatric Cookbook (there is s kindle version on Amazon) and I love it already!

I can completely relate to your post. I heard...I don't think you qualify for that, you're just big! That (bariatric surgery) is not for people like you, you're very overweight but not that bad, well I say screw them too! I got the surgery and you know what...I don't walk around obessessed about being an overweight out of control person any longer. I am totally at ease with who I am now. Have I lost as much as I should after 8 months ...no ...but it was just enough to make me feel okay about myself. Was it easy? NO NO NO....I vomit, I get sick...I used to have an Iron stomach and maybe that was the problem. If you are totally committed to lving life as a healthy thin(ner) person you will take the punishment. It is not easy. I am not a compliant person so having my body change without my mind there can be a challenge but the body rules and your mind will follow ...it has no choice. All the best to you! Marg in Ny

Hi folks, I am also from Illinois. I am having my psyc. appointment April 16, 2008 and then I should get a date. I am having my surgery done at Peoria Surgical Group through St marys OSF bariatric surgeon. My Doctor is Dr. Marshall. If anyone has used him as a doctor, I will be interested in hearing how they did on their lap band and if their fills are going okay. I am kind of nervous but can't wait. I have heard that this group of surgeons are good. Any replys will be welcome. Becky

Oh, I'm so excited in my new-found confidence and I just have to share with my bandster folk. I have been with a guy for 7 years, on and off because I love him dearly and thought of him as my best friend and my future, in spite of his problems and the imperfect things in our relationship. We've been through a lot together and I used to think it just made us stronger as a couple. But I still had so many doubts and uncertainties -- though I never followed through with really, fully, FINALLY breaking up with him. Part of it (probably bigger than I realize!) was that I didn't think I could really find someone to love me after him, so I always took him back, even with what I suspected were great betrayals. Tonight I've discovered that the awful things I suspected for years were actually true. I ended it, FOR GOOD. I think the new lap-band confidence I have, the renewed self-esteem, the renewed love I have for myself and my life helped me tremendously. Tonight I type this with my heart full of gratitude that I have had enough of a life change to END it FOR GOOD. Thank you, lap-band! THANK YOU! In addition to my 24 pounds lost, you've helped me to lose 190 pounds in the blink of an eye! I love you!

Thank you for this! While I am very committed to this massive life change, I'm also in the pre-surgery jitters stage. 5 more days! So, my anxious litte brain is fixating on any and all of the worries and complications associated with bariatric surgery. Nice to read some positive stats while in this frame of mind. Obviously, I have all the evidence I need that this is a great choice for me and lots of others (hello message boards). But, whew! I underestimated this anxiety in the home stretch. I think it's less about the actual surgery than is it about the fact that I absolutely hate being touched by strangers and especially in a medical setting. I'm also horrible about speaking up for myself because I'm trying to be the perfect patient. Therapy topic for this week perhaps?

Yep. Further, at 9 months post-op, I renewed my passport early (2 years before it was set to expire) because it was getting annoying/stressful having to explain that i was in fact me at airports. Im 3+ yrs post op now and a few months ago, I renewed my driver’s license and its nice to not have to explain my appearance to the people at the liquor store when I get carded. Though getting carded at all is an NSV in itself cuz im like 50 years old. Lol. Congrats, and enjoy the broken face!

First thing in the morning: sublingual Vitamin B-12 - 1x per day (1 total) calcium citrate plus Magnesium - 2x per day (4 total) > I take the second dose before bed. Vitamin D3, 5,000 IU - 1x per day (1 total) Potassium, 3% RDA - 1x per day (1 total) With Breakfast: Multi Vitamin plus Minerals - 1x per day (1 total) Ferrous Sulfate (Iron) - 1x per day (1-2 total) One hour before dinner: Calcium Citrate Lozenge from Bariatric Advantage (I forget half the time!) Omega 3-6-9 (4x per week or when I remember) Before Bed: Last dose of Calcium Citrate, 2 Pills Biotin, 2,500 mcg That is a lot, but it has kept me healthy with all of the rapid weight loss and my hefty workouts. There are a lot of vitamins/minerals in all Protein shakes too! In time I plan to reduce the amount I'm taking, especially one dose of calcium and the biotin as well since my hair loss has stopped, finally.

Excited to start the pre-op diet, as it's one step closer to surgery! Not so excited to be starving, but I'm committed! Wondering...Bariatric Advantage sells a Pre-op kit (bars, shakes) that I think will last 2 weeks. It's expensive--$200. But, I'm thinking it might be worth it just for convenience and peace of mind (knowing I'm eating correct amounts). Have you tried it? Your thoughts on it? Thanks!

My sleeve surgeon was Dr. Brebbia, Medstar Montgomery Hospital in Olney, Maryland. I don't know the exact percentage of stomach removed. My understanding is that, in general, around 85% is removed. I was just sleeved a few weeks ago, so can't answer the long term question. However, my surgeon said I needed clear fluids for the 2 or 3 days after surgery. It's hard to get much down then, so I had stocked up on a few bottles of Isopure clear flavors. A large bottle has 40 grams of Protein. I'm not sure having protein right after will help with the hair loss, but I figure there would be no huge drop off in the amount of protein I'm taking in, so no shock resulting in hair loss. I get all my Vitamins from Bariatric Advantage: 1 Calcium citrate caramel-flavored cube in the morning, 1 Ultra Multi Formula with Iron in the middle of the day, then another calcium citrate in the evening. That way, the calcium and iron won't negate each other... they will always be more than 2 hours apart.

Do you have a e-reader like Kindle? There are TONS of free or low cost books that will help with your meal planning and the different stages of eating. As far as pain, I think you will be surprised at what a small amount you have. The hospital should stay on top of your pain relief the first day or two so the worst pain you will have will most likely be the gas pains from the surgery. My doc doesn't even send anyone home with pain meds because it's usually minimal! If you feel like you aren't getting guidance from your bariatric team you might have to get sorta pushy about it. Make a list of questions that you have and when you go in for a visit be sure to bring your list and get them all answered. Be proactive about your care and you'll get a far better outcome!

Brandy from Eugene checking in :wink_smile: I am using the Sacred heart bariatric center... Dr. Umbach/Dr. Yarbrough.

Good morning! So my surgery date is 3/28/19 and I started my 2 week liquid diet yesterday. I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes last year in June before I started pursuing bariatric surgery and this diagnosis actually pushed me to go through with it so I decided to not go on insulin since this surgery has such a high rate of success in putting diabetes into remission. I'm getting nervous though since my fasting glucose result just came back and it was really high, 170 to be exact, and I'm worried my surgery might be delayed because of this?

Kim, thank you for posting this! Right before I logged on Bariatric Pal, I was checking my BMI again and your post was the first I read! The entire reason I changed my goal weight was based on that dang chart. I love this forum. When I have questions, feeling upset, unsure, etc. I come here and you all NEVER let me down. I hardly ever post, but I have been an active reader for awhile now. I find more peace reading on this forum than I do speaking with friends. Don't get me wrong, my friends are extremely supportive but they will never understand the way all of you do. THANK YOU!