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I had the RNY Gastric Bypass, but I had been diabetic since at least 2003 or earlier. Unfortunately I never recognized it for what it was at the time (enjoying the weight loss that came with being a hardcore diabetic) so I didn't see a doctor about it until mid-2006 when I finally started taking insulin. Even though my blood sugar was better controlled, I never really got a good handle on it, and my dosage just kept getting bigger and bigger. It's been a while since I thought of it (probably some of my older posts have the exact numbers), but I was taking something like 200 units of Levemir per day and nearly 150-200 units of Novolog per meal. My A1C was still pretty high. As much as I had hoped that the surgery was going to be a cure all, I think the many years of being diabetic (including the time between 2003-2006 when I never knew I was diabetic) and the amounts of insulin I was taken will keep me from being fully "cured". Only time will tell. My next endo appointment is next month so will see what he has to say. When I talked with him last September he had hopes that I might be off the insulin by now, but I can definitely tell that's not going to be the case.

I just got Fluid put back in my band after having it taken out because of a possible slip. I had the fluid removed about 5 weeks ago and went in yesterday to start having it refilled. I gained 8 pounds over the 5 weeks (thank goodness it wasn't more) and my doc was okay with that. He started with a moderate fill but said we will need to be careful because I could react differently and may not need as much as I had before. I feel like I'm starting all over again, but I am so glad I am back on track and have my mindset to do well, just as when I first had my surgery. It's amazing how gaining 8 pounds makes you feel. I definately don't want to do that again! I have about 30 pounds left to lose and am eager to get it moving in the right direction again! Just wanted to share. Good luck to everyone out there!

It'll settle down, maybe even stall... but don't worry - I also found it strange to see the scales going down... still do in fact! My weight loss has now evened out and I'm shifting about 1lb a week.... which as I'm only 18lbs off my surgeons target of 147lbs I'm quite happy with. The target I chose for myself is 140lbs..... so we'll see what happens with that one.

I haven't been here in a few months but I had not given up on getting VSG surgery approved. I've written some posts which tell more of my story if anyone is interested and is going through the same thing: http://www.verticals...er-suggestions/ This has been such an emotionally draining time that I wanted to share that I have finally had SUCCESS and I thank all of those who encouraged me to keep trying. I will be having a Lapband removal and revision to Sleeve - Surgery date not scheduled yet since my surgeon's office said they have to see if any pre-tests will be required. I was originally denied by UHC in August stating that I had not met their requirements since I hadn't completed a 6 month pre-op physician supervised diet. I was, however, approved for the Lapband removal due to complications. I wanted both done at the same time and found the fact that they approved one and not the other completely illogical. My surgeon's office suggested I move forward to start a physician supervised program (since UHC says it specifically cannot be a Bariatric physician). I started seeing my primary care Dr. specifically for weight loss. I had recently moved to FL so had to find a primary care Dr. to begin with. So essentially I decided to go down both tracks - appeal the denial as well as work on the six months pre-op diet so, in my mind, worst case I would still qualify by March. However, I was still upset about the whole 'principle' - or lack of - principle of requiring someone who lived with the Lapband for so long to do another 6 month pre-op diet. I sent an appeal letter to UHC and received the most ridiculous response I have ever seen - let alone another denial. They had another Dr. review my case - someone supposedly with knowlege of bariatrics and his lame reason for denying me was that since I had failed with the Lapband I would just fail again with a Sleeve and then I would be asking for a gastric bypass - almost his exact words... no lie. This infuriated me and showed a total lack of knowledge on his part in my opinion. I mean, just like that, this Dr. who does not know me at all, has never even spoken to me, let alone examined me, decides that I am just a BIG failure!!! I was told the next level of appeal would go to my employer since my employer self insures the plan or something like that. In the meantime I continued to go for my monthly Primary Dr. visits and the first few months lost about 5 lbs then after the holidays gained that back and more. I forgot to mention that my Band was unfilled back in July and my appetite has been worse than ever let alone that I can now eat a whole lot more plus things I couldn't eat for years. It took me another month or so to finally write my second appeal letter which went to my employer. By the time I sent it off it had grown to 70 pages - 2 for the letter and the rest my prior letter, denials and other medical records. The first appeal letter was 4 pages of a letter and 30 pages of records but I went ahead and obtained more records in the interim from my podiatrist, etc. I didn't intend for this post to be so long - I guess I'm kind of venting along the way so forgive me for that. I finally received a letter from my Employer the other day stating that they, too, had had another surgeon review my case who had bariatric experience and this Dr. (bless him) completed validated my case - stated that both surgeries are absolutely medically necessary and that I was correct in pointing out that UHC's own Bariatric policy contradicted them denying me both times before. I choked up as I read his words - and just praised God for his answer to my prayers! I don't have a date yet - I am supposed to hear from the Nurse at my surgeon's office on Monday to go over my health questionnaire to see if I need any pre-tests for sleep apnea, etc. I am really healthy other than my morbid obesity and even when I had Lapband in 2006 only had to have a pulmonary test done aside from the routine blood, etc. So if all goes well I may still have the surgery by the end of the month or in March. All this to say that if you are going through the same type of thing - particularly with UHC - DON'T GIVE UP!!! I'm willing to share my letter with anyone interested - email me if you want a copy. It's sad that they make us go through all of this; upon reflection it has all the more strengthened my resolve, but will still really unnecessary. As my plans progress I'll post in other topics. Thanks. Susie

Laura, it's definitely not a lost cause. Tell your BIL to be patient and just take it step by step. We can understand why insurers want to be very sure about the patients they pay thousands of dollars for. Making sure the patient is a qualified candidate and a good risk for surgical success is perfectly within their rights. Asking for evidence of a supervised attempt at weight loss is pretty much standard procedure. The letter of denial has to be specific as to the reason for denial. If there are two reasons given those are the only things he needs to address in his appeals; think of them as marching orders. He has a right to clear communications from the insurer and to know what is missing from his file. You're absolutely right to tell him to document everything, and keep copies because he'll probably have to provide paperwork more than once. With regard to the "experimental" label, Inamed can provide studies and material to counter that position. The doctor has no role in fighting that issue. But first things first: The first step is making sure he meets the medical criteria for weight-loss surgery.

Hi everyone! I am so excited and scared at the same time. I am sure I am among the thousands who feel this way. I started my journey 1 1/2 years ago with aquiring and insurer who would pay for bariatric surgery. I talked with the people at Bariatric Treatment Centers and they told me BCBS would be the best insurance for me to get. So I did. I had to wait a minimum of 6 months before doing anything. So I did. I went to my evaluation, meeting and consultation. They told me I was in. Then I broke my ankle in 3 places and was a mess. On top of being a single mom with a house hold of animals and a full time job I now was barely able to get around even on crutches. My one year anniversary is 2/19 of my slip and fall. I needed to recover from that to go forward with the surgery. Then 2 months later when I was feeling better but still in a cast I recieved a letter stating they were no longer excepting my insurance. Well I was extremely dissappionted but wondered if it was meant to be that I did not have surgery. So I kind of forgot about the idea. Thinking about it but realizing maybe my life was at risk if I did it. I met a nice lady who had the lap band surgery in November 2003 who had the lap band surgery and had lost 111 lbs. in a little over a year. She told me it was a much lower risk and less time in recovery and reversible if I didn't like it. I had looked online in the past about this surgery and liked that it was done laproscopic but had not done much about it. Feeling like I could do it on my own. But I am and have been unsuccessful in removing the unwanted pounds for years. The more I diet the more I eventually gain. So I went to the seminar about 10 days ago and did my phyc evaluation before the seminar and yesterday took care of consultation, blookwork, insurance and I am scheduled for surgery Monday 2/2/2004. I am so excited. Please wish me luck and I so hope to join the ranks of all of your success stories! Terri

I have Anthem BCBS under the Kroger national plan. From orientation to surgery, the wait was about two months. Approval took two weeks. I was not required to do any supervised diet. I had to submit a list of what diets (ie Weight Watchers) I had done, the year done, and approx weight loss (the last two were more estimates). I did have to be above 40 bmi without comorbidities or above 35 bmi with 2+ comorbidities.

Judy, as long as you feel fine, you are following your doc's post-op instructions and your meals are staying down, you should be fine. As far as the weight loss, remember, you had lapband surgery, not gastric bypass. Most people don't lose, and some gain, between the time they have their surgery and the time they reach optimum fill. Now is the time for healing, not losing.

Hey everyone, I am a little over 6 months out and down 90 lbs...ive been extremely committed to going to the gym 3 times a week. I usually do about 45 mins on the elliptical and burn about 550 calories. At this point i really want to start incorporating muscular workouts (all the machines) in the gym. If I cut down to 30 mins on the elliptical and do all the machines for 15 mins will I still lose weight? Just scared by cutting down the cardio will limit the weight loss. Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!!

I was banded the end of October 2010. I have lost 21 pounds...approximately one pound a week. I feel like I'm not getting the full effect of the band when I compare my weight loss to others. I know everyone is different, but I have had so many issues. The main one that concerns me at this time is the problem of getting "stuck" every day. I rarely feel full for more than 2 hours at a time. I try to chew and eat the proper amount of protein. I have a burning sensation in my throat from the reflux and "stuck" feeling. I am trying to learn from my mistakes. I am scared the frequent "throwing up" is going to hurt my stomach where it is banded. I'm so scared this is going to ulcerate and something be injured inside...anyone else out there having these types of problems or concerns?

I went on a cruise this month and with food readily available 24/7, I gained weight. That's okay because I planned for it and mentally prepared myself, mostly. Anyway, on the 22nd of each month, I look at what I have lost for the month, and realized I only lost 1 measly pound this month. So I tell myself that it's still a pound, and with all I ate on vacation it could have been worse, but I was still a bit bummed and disappointed. Then Monday, I was getting dressed for work, and although I can fit an18/20, I was holding onto some 22 pants for work. I put them on and realized they were too baggy to wear. Hurray! So then I stopped by Wally-world and tried on some 16's and they fit. I bought a 16 top, cuz i didnt really like the pants. But they fit. I really needed this. Even though I didn't lose pounds, I lost inches. I try to be a positive person about all this. I try to maintain perspective, but some days it's really tuff. I know this seems a teeny victory, but it's huge for me. I last wore a 16 when I was 17 years old.

Yes I think this is something that only a person who has successfully lost a massive amount of weight can understand, whether or not they did it with surgery. there is a book I used to refer to as my "Fat Bible", it's a memoir written by a woman named Frances Kuffel and it is called, "Passing For Thin". She joined an OA-style group and lost 180 pounds through diet. She's very tall so even though her lowest weight was 149, she appeared very very thin. Not only is she an excellent writer, but she frankly addresses the exact notion we are talking about, and for her, the rage she felt. She eventually relapsed and started eating again, and I believe she is in "recovery" for the 2nd or 3rd time at this time, but that does not negate the truth in her words. I recommend it.

This post was so interesting to me - I have been feeling this way too. Especially in restaurants when I see someone the size I used to be, pigging out the way I used to. I LONG for them to find the help and healing that I've been able to have - not only surgery, but all the work I've done in therapy through my emotional eating issues, and learning intuitive eating. What a blessing. I have even had some people in my life ask me further details about surgery... and when they hear what it's really like, and they no longer see it as a quick fix (which they need to understand it's not), they say... whoa... I think I'll just try dieting again. I smile and try to be supportive, even though I know they have less than a 2% chance of EVER being successful losing weight long term on their own. My heart aches. I have had SUCH a hard time putting this into words to anyone, without coming off sounding like I'm being judgmental. I feel like someone will think I'm saying "I'm thin now, I'm a changed person and I feel so sad for all the fat people." When A) I'm not thin yet, and I know that, and B ) that's not how I mean it... but I feel like it comes out that way. I've tried verbalizing it to one fat friend, and one thin friend, and neither of them understood. You expressed exactly what I've been feeling...... maybe it's something only a WLS patient can understand? Also so great to hear about the organization that is giving out grants!!! What a great step in the right direction!

Same here. I'm still quite overweight, but when I see people who are also overweight, I feel bad (not guilty, but bad) that I'm going to lose this weight and most likely, they aren't. It really is saddening.

I love the fact that you're fighting this and not giving up. Please know that you're not alone. I gained back 29 pounds that I'd lost and felt the same way. I'd already ruined my shot at this so why bother. But I'm trying my best to get back on track. I believe you can do this. You're determined now and that will take you far. Good luck!! Samantha

I am at odds with myself about the whole "telling" people thing?! I have been up and down with my weight my entire adult life but this time, hopefully, it's going to happen pretty fast. I was only planning on telling 5 people. That's it. I also don't like to lie...so, when you don't tell everyone, what do you tell people who ask you how you did it?? I am 210 and 5'5" so I am guessing I will have loose skin so I feel like I can't say I have been working out and eating right.

I'm only telling a few people post-op but will probably tell more people after. My only reason for not telling people before is that I don't want their opinions. This is my decision and it's not up for popular vote. I just realized that this whole topic (which has been hashed out hundreds of times on these boards) really comes down to how you feel about being completely honest -- do you feel you're lying if you omit some of the story or not. And, how important is it to you personally to be completely forthcoming when you're asked about your loss. I did have a comment about one thing you said -- you will be working out and eating right so that part is completely true. The loose skin isn't a side effect of the surgery, it's a side effect of losing the weight. So, I don't think having loose skin is a 'signal' that you had surgery.

Thanks for the kind words of welcome! I just had my first multi-course pureed meal, grilled chicken, spinach and a tiny bit of baked sweet potato. It was pretty good, though hard to get the chicken pureed without adding a lot of water! Glad to hear I'm not the only one not exercising yet. On some of the yahoo groups everyone sounds like they are up walking miles the day after surgery.... I want this weight loss so badly that I'm willing to try just about anything- even exercise! I am lucky to have Alex to guide and encourage me and look forward to chatting with all of you too! Pam

Help?! Advice? Have been the same weight for a week HW 242 SW 236- December 20, 2017 CW 196 GW#1- 199 GW#2- 175 5’6”

Thanks everyone for all the kind words an support im trying to stay positive still crying for no reason ive read a lot an it says people who have surgeries like ours an other one will cause depression so im hoping it passes soon an my life gets back in order ive had a lot more problems happen since last post its like everyday something more on my plate im like can I just go back to 2013 lol but god has a plan im sure of it an i just try n take one day at a time feeling good tho go to gym at least every other day weight isnt coming off on scale as fast as I thought but im losing inches my biggest trip is the 2 inches in my neck alone lol but now I have wrinkly skin under chin oh well an ive got major angle wings going on under arms but ive been on pain meds for many years for pinch nerves in neck an back but im almost off as of this week just take one a day from the 3 I use to take so thats great

I think a lot of us go through the same feelings. I lost 10 pounds in the month before I even saw the surgeon, just because I was so ready for the process. I was self-pay so I really had to think about it.... I'm going to spend $17,000 -- pretty much take on the equivalent of a car payment for the next 5 years -- when, look, I'm doing it, I'm losing weight... for free!!! I could take that money and finally get the new kitchen I want (funny how that's a food-focused dream too, lol). But like another poster said.... I knew that one reason I was finding the discipline and motivation to lose a few pounds before I saw the surgeon, was because I knew I was about to change my life dramatically by getting the lap band. Also, I know how to lose weight. I've lost 100 pounds three times in the last 20 years. My problem is, I don't know how to keep it off. That's where I'm really hoping the lap band will provide me with the tool I'm lacking in my own head.

I lost over 80 lbs doing low gi, but then I kinda blew it when my dad's heart went out of sync and then he broke his hip and then he was in rehab and I was going back and forth for months and he almost died twice. I put all the weight back on and a little more. It works if you stick to it, but I dont think you can get the nuances from the south beach book is why I suggested also reading low gi diet books. For instance, potatoes are a no no, but if you really really crave one, boil a new red potato. Baked potatoes have more starch, only boiled and the newer and smaller the less starch, the lower the gi. Rice, pick a whole grain chewy rice and boil and boil and pour off water and keep boiling at least 20 minutes. If its a chewy type brown rice it will still be good. Instant rice is totally out. pasta, again, small small portions if at all, then the opposite is true, dont overcook, its gets more starchy and again whole grains only. Whole grain cereal no sugar, everything you can you need to switch to whole grains, and its a side dish not the main dish, like you dont have a whole plate of spagetti, its a side to your protein. One of the books breaks foods into red light, green light and yellow light foods, red always no, yellow are maybes, watch them and green you can have all you want. unsweetened yogurt or yogurt with artificial sweeterns is the lowest gi food on the charts. good for snacks or breakfast (except I hate it). the books on low gi to me helped me understand what I could eat a whole lot better than telling me to eat so much of which foods and a bunch of receipes.

Suzette, thanks so much for that tip. i am just super frustrated because this info isn't just info to me and i want my old doctor to realize that this information is crucial to me being able to start the 6 month weight watch with the doctors so i can be able to put in for WLS. its not just a number on a page...this is a part of a new chapter of my life. I'm just frustrated, but I'm going to try something similar to what you said tomorrow and see if I can get this info started. I would like to show up to my surgical initial meeting with all the paperwork in tow and not be waiting for my 5 year weight history. Thanks for the support, Melissa

In order to have lapband Surgery my insurance is making me go through a 13 week wellness & weight managment program.It's going to end up costing me an additional $1250 for the food. The doctor(not my doc) I saw today was even trying to talk me out of the lapband surgery. She said most people are not successful with lapband. I Chose lapband because I have ms & I thought it was a safer surgery. I would love to here from someone with Ms that has been banded. Also if anyone had to complete a weight management program before surgery please feel free to get back to me.#Frustrated

I had the same thing. I saw my pcp 3 times. My nut 4 times and physical therapist 3 times. I logged my food 3-4 days a week and exercise 3 days a week. After all was done my pcp sent my weight history. My nut wrote up a summary of everything with diet and exercise and weight for 3 months. My friend is going thru this right now. She is doing the same thing except seeing the surgeon 3 times instead of pcp.