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Congrats! I'm glad it went well for you. I knew it would!.............as far as your required classes you need to check with your insurance to make sure what you have scheduled will count.....or perhaps, did the Bariatric center assign a coordinator for you?....Mine did and she was very very helpful! She scheduled everything for me. Good luck to you!

And keep sharing with us as time goes by, and when your date does come,letus know so we can celebrate with you. This journey is scary, wonderful, life changing, life altering all at once,but,it is vibrant and far from dull. I myself,am just finishing,up my pre Surgery preparations, I've come a long way but still have a distance to traverse. But I will make it thtough, do you have the guts to join me, do you have the commitment to let nothing stop you, to jump over barriers if they come up? Are you scared less of Surgery than continuing to exist as you are? Can you battle nay-sayers, be they doctors, clergy, friends, or even family? Do you believe,this what you need at this time, even if it means changing parts of your body? If you can answer these questions with a YES, then Welcome aboard the Good Ship Bariatrics, we always can use a new crewmate or two. And when you come into the Safe Harbor,of Weight Loss Goal you will be so proud of YOU! That is a guarantee.⛵😝

Standing outside this morning I looked about and all was quiet. Moments later a light breeze started to affect one of the Maples we planted thirty years ago. It drew my attention because it was a soft rustling noise that came from no where and sounded peaceful and pleasant. Suddenly in the distance I could hear the rumbling of thunder and it felt ominous. Approaching my peaceful moment with the ability to give me cause to worry. It hit me that the entire experience of a few moments was comparable to the journey of weight loss surgery. We get to a point where we give in and think that we have reached the bottom of our life. There is nothing left and we think there is nothing for us out there to help or offer us an option to turn our lives around. But through gentle words and in the form of encouragement by family, friends and the medical field we learn about Bariatric Surgery. We are offered a tool that can assist us to find a new path to good health and well being. A fear builds deep within us but we know inside that this is the only option left. This is make or break it time and we have no where else to go. We see our mortality and the future looks dim. We are willing to do what it takes to find ourselves on the other side which offers a new life without food addiction. We can't even imagine how that would feel to be thin and in good health. Finally having the real control of our future and our lives. Not being the object of well intentioned or intentional comments or opinions that hurt so deep we feel wounded and or scarred for the rest of our days. But it is not to be. We have an option. A gentle breeze overcomes us as we realize we do have an option. We do have a future. One that will keep us around long enough to enjoy the rest of our lives as the person we always wanted to be. Being able to watch our children grow up and then the grandchildren. Not to mention doing all the things you thought you would never do. Making a bucket list of experiences you want to have and places you want to go. Not to mention the effects this new and improved you will have in a positive way with your family and friends, work acquaintances and yes even strangers. This is the gentle breeze of realization that is engulfing your spirit and giving you hope for a better life ahead. When does the thunder roll in the distance to threaten this new found peace you are experiencing? When you realize that it will take real effort on your part to accomplish this. When you take the time to really start changing how you view food and figure out why you used food as a comfort in good times and in bad. We are conditioned to believe that food plays a much bigger roll in our lives then simply giving us the proper nutrients to keep our bodies in good working order. By well meaning parents who told us how it was so important to clean our plates to the diet industry that makes millions off of failed diets. The false comfort in the form of food related slogans that advertising companies use to make us think that food equals happiness. That food is the backbone of our lives. Here are a few. Help yourself to happiness – Golden Coral Come hungry, leave happy – IHOP Unwrap a smile – Little Debbie's Comfort in every bite – Mars Bar Life tastes better with KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Little nuggets of joy- McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Double your flavor,double your fun – Double Mint Gum Feels like home – Sarah Lee Get your smile on – Lay's And on and on, teaching us that food is the answer to all our woes and will bring us happiness. But we know from our own personal experiences that this is not the case. And yet we battle these feelings of needing food as the drug of choice to fulfill in us an emptiness every single day. We find ourselves reverting back to the habits that has brought us momentary relief only to find that it did not help at all. This is the thunder that we all experience in our journey. The fight to stay on course and not give into the heavy winds and booming sounds of habit or the artificial comfort of using food to make us feel better. We are in a war. We will win a battle at a time. We will get there. Maybe not today or tomorrow but we will control this disease. Weight loss surgery is our tool to learn new life long habits and choices that will once again bring the gentle breeze of hope and then success.

You are doing great! It could be a little water retention. I buy those little crystal light drops and love them. Its ok to have that. There is no calories. The other thing I just got which might help you for when you get through surgery is NutriWise Protein drink enhancers. They are powder that you put in your water. 15 grams of protein so when you don't want a thing but have to get your liquid in - they are a life saver. I bought the Lemon Razzy and it was really good. I also purchased Bariatric Choice drink enhancers. The blue raspberry wasn't so good but the berry was really good. Also 15 grams of protein. I hope they help you. I bought them on Amazon. Can't wait to hear your good news - you're almost there!

@@tinkrbll Honestly this group has been my primary support system outside of my husband. There are plenty of people who would be willing to help including myself. Also I have made friends on this site that I know I will have forever. If you think you need more, the best thing for you to do is ask your surgical team if they are aware of any local support groups. Also, a therapist at least in the beginning is a huge support. I found a nurse on my Bariatric team, her name is Dorothy and she herself had RNY 12 years ago now. She is slim, feeling great and has tons of advice. You might also find resources like that with your team but if not, I am here an would be happy to help. Just click on my pic and send me a message. Good luck with your upcoming appointment! Congratulations on making the decision to get healthy.

If it's possible to buy only one or two to try, do that. Our tastes tend to change like @kcuster83 mentioned. Also Bariatric Pal has a store and they have "protein shots" I've never tried them, but I recall Alex saying his favorite is the crisp apple. He mentioned that it's tart. https://store.bariatricpal.com/products/bariatricpal-25g-whey-protein-collagen-power-shots-crisp-apple?variant=31264231325773

Yea I am hoping it's him again too! On a serious note: I've said it once I'll say it again I absolutely love doctor spangler. She is conservative in her approach to bariatric surgery, etc. On more then one of the Pre appointments from January to June of this year she's said: "I don't want to be the one to say you 'have to' have surgery." She supports every choice I've made and has been very informative, on point and accurate. The students that are at Riverside observe some of the procedures that she does etc. The staff and students all have glowing things to say about her. Now with a surgery behind me I physically know, she has good judgment and is a top par doctor who actually cares. PS. My dad was with me for this first surgery and he's slowly coming around to the idea of WLS. It's been good for my dad he's seen the good work she's done, met her briefly (she was busy that morning) He'll be coming with me to my August 2016 check up with her. And my dad stated about the surgery center: It feels like a nor'easter blew through here. (It was cold)

The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery has developed a chart for the treatment of bariatric patients in the ER. The download contains information for the treatment of leaks, sepsis, intra-abdominal bleeding, obstructions etc... The download comes in a PDF format so that you can download it for FREE before you go to the Emergency Room. You can download this PDF for here: http://asmbs.org/store/

Girl, I would be getting my money back from that doctor!!!!! He blatantly lied to you, and if you can prove it, you could have a lot more than just the consultation fees (for your mental anguish and emotional hardship!!) I would seriously talk to him about it, and keep pressing - the amount isn't the issue, it's the principle...how many more hopeful bandsters has he done this to?? I can't believe the lines they will use to get patients - you must be from an area with choices in bariatric surgeons. Where I am from, we have very few in the field, so it is not easy to get in. They don't have time to feed you lines of bull, and I guess they don't need to!! I am so sorry about this whole situation for you - don't lose hope that you will make it into bandland!!! My insurance didn't cover it either, but we figured the financial hardship now is a better option than any of the foreseeable other options!!! Good luck with the whole process, and visit anytime you need to vent!!!! ~cheri

I had my surgery in Mexico ~four weeks ago and had my first post-opp visit with my US Bariatric doc yesterday. I'm having my first fill in May. Well...more like my one and only fill. He says he will give me "one good fill" of 9cc (band is 10cc). Has anyone heard of doc doing fills this way? From what I read, everyone gets many little fills. He says he's making the band do what is suppose to do and he does this with all his LAP-BAND® patients. I'm contacting my surgeon in MX to discuss but wanted to see if anyone had their fills done this way. Thanks!

Have you been to a Lapband seminar yet? Typically there is a bariatric coordinator and it's their daily routine of working with insurance companies and knowing the in's and out's and pitfalls, etc... I would recommend attending one of if you already have a surgeon in mind, they usually have mandatory consults or seminars they hold which are very helpful. They definitely got the ball rolling for me. I am going on my 3rd (3 out of 3) supervised monthly weigh in's with my PCP and had my psyche eval last week. One more Dr's appt and I am then submitted to insurance. From there, once approved, the surgeons office will schedule my surgery date and guide me on my EKG, Chest X-Ray and Labwork appts. Good Luck!

I am six weeks post op... I have tried: Bariatric Advantage Premier Protein GNC powder and ready to drink unjury Oh Yeah Chike Syntrax Muscle Milk Max Protein Rockin' Refuel BSN Syntha Syntrax Matrix Protizyme Nashua Nutrition Click BSN Lean ... and probably a few I cannot remember. And? I hate them ALL. They are all too sweet! I am almost LIKING Isopure zero carb alpine punch... It kind of tastes like (to me) cranberry juice mixed with a dry white wine... Served ice cold, it had a gag-free refreshing tartness. If you are also having a hard time stomaching uber sweet shakes, you might like this. BTW, it's kinda pricey in my opinion...

1. get referral --> surgery consult I didn't have to get a referral as such, but I did have to attend a seminar that the Dr gave where he described the various bariatric surgeries he performs. They figure it will answer your questions about which surgery is best for you. Then a huge packet of paperwork and an application fee to get an appt. about a month later. 2. surgery consult --> surgery scheduled 6 months! I was required to go on a 6 month diet and exercise program to "prove" I couldn't lose weight by normal means before my insurance would pay. 3. surgery scheduled --> the actual operation From the day my approval hit the Dr's desk to surgery - 10 days 4. operation --> leaving the hospital I checked in at 6 AM, the operation was scheduled for 7AM; I was in the car on the way home by 10 AM. 5. left hospital --> first fill 6 weeks. I have heard that is the standard to allow for healing. I had my second fill at 8 weeks out and my third at 10. I have already scheduled my next fill for the end of January when I will be 15 weeks out.

Hi, congratulations on making the decision to have WLS. I'm Kaiser Southern CA and the first thing you should know is that the insurance requirements vary greatly, not only from company to company, but area to area with the same insurance. Kaiser is a very good example. So what I'm describing here could be very different for you. I started my journey back in August 2014, which was when I first talked to my PCP about the possibility. He was very supportive and told me that all I needed to do to start the ball rolling was to call the Wellness Center in San Diego. When I placed the call I was told that I would be sent an info packet and after reading, if I decided to proceed, to call back to schedule a date to attend two mandatory seminars. One for weight management and one an intro to the Options program. I attended both seminars on 09/11. There they gave us a 10 page questionnaire to fill out that had to do with medical history, past weight loss attempts (you only have to describe them not provide actual proof), etc. After about a week I received an email telling me to get a few pre program labs, blood draw, EKG, stool sample, fasting glucose, and I think that was it. The faster you comply with their requirements, the faster you move along. A week or so after this I was contacted again to make an appointment for a one on one meeting with the head of the Bariatric Options program. Mine was for 10/06, and it only lasted about 20 minutes. The weight for this appointment is considered your Options starting weight. There I was told that I had been approved to enter the program and I would be contacted with the information on when my Options classes would begin. For my area Kaiser requires 24 weeks of classes (or 6 months), one class a week. But most other areas of Kaiser in CA only require 12 weeks (or 3 months of classes). I was also told that I will be required to lose 10 percent of my weight, which in my case was 24 pounds. My classes started in November and meets each Thursday night. This week will be class #11 and I've been surprised by how fast the time goes by (mine end in mid May). For the most part they're interesting and last 90 minutes. Last week we had a speaker, which was a former student who had the sleeve about 1 1/2 years ago. You can only miss four classes, and have to make up each one you miss. If you miss five you're out, and this has actually happened to a couple of people in mine. You're weighed each time and will be required to keep food and exercise logs. In my area Kaiser contracts out to Pacific Bariatric in San Diego, and the surgery is done at Scripps Mercy, also in SD. We are required to attend one of their seminars. I go next month. From the workbook material I've read that after graduation, if you've lost the 10 percent you then wait to be contacted to take a stress test. If you pass, then your file is forwarded to Pacific Bariatric. You will be asked to get a series of pre surgical labs/tests, not sure which. Then PB will contact you to schedule an all in one appointment for psych eval, surgical consult, and I think a medical internist. And at some point in all this you will get your surgery date. They do the sleeve or bypass. They no longer offer the band. If you don't lose the 10 percent there's an extra step before the stress test where you have to go back and have a consult with the head of the program. We were told in the intro seminar that the process averages about 9 months and it's been on line for that. Good luck with your journey!

My new surgeon to be, did my endoscopy yesterday and said my sleeve is dilated and has a bulge, he said it's not my fault, the sleeve was too big to begin with..causing weight loss failure. He advised that it could be revised with no issues. Now I have to wait and find out if my insurance will approve, since I have no bariatric benefits. I am so frustrated...

It sounds complicated. Maybe get a 2nd opinion from another bariatric surgeon.

When you go to the seminar they should give you a list of requirements. Most Bariatric surgeon's offices will have a person on staff who is familiar with your insurance requirements or can help you find out what they are. You may be required to have a pre-op diet, nutrition counseling, a psych clearance, pulmonary testing, an EGD or similar, and a cardiac clearance. Just be prepared to write everything down and ask lots of questions. You are on your way! Thank you its nice knowing how things work instead of going in blind and clueless Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone my pcp sent a referral for me to start the process to have the sleeve done. I am 34 years old 5'2 310lbs.The bariatric center called last week and said i have to go to a seminar before i can get an appointment with the surgeon. So i go on the 5th to the seminar. After i do the seminar do they call me or do i call them and let them know i went and then we can schedule my appointment? I am in nevada and on medicaid if anyone can give me an idea of how the whole process works? Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

Hey @@Ken S. I just noticed something..... The email address that the notification comes from has changed slightly.... Before I started having the problem they came from "no-reply@BariatricPal.com".....now they are coming from "noreply@BariatricPal.com".....so now there is no dash in the word noreply....??? So it looks like Bariatric Pal has also made some sort of change.... @@proudgrammy @@OzRoo @@doxaholic

hey don't feel bad it is very hard to go cold turkey after years of enjoying something that was so comforting to us and that's why I put call the Bariatric police because some people are so fuckin judgemental like has anybody honestly been 100% perfect in their journey please tell me who have no shame in my game to hell with the rest of them ✌ I could not agree more. This journey is one all of us chose to do as adults. And I am really happy someone had the courage to be honest about some of the things they have had the desire to do and did. And to say "you will not get support when you need it" is crazy to me. We're human beings and should never look down on one another. I will be having my surgery Tuesday and posts like these let me see another side to it and make me understand how real this is and how we need to cope. Not everything is easy. If taking a bite and being happy and being able to maintain helped then that is a small victory. I read from others that after 2 yrs post op they still take a bite chew it up and then spit it out. At the end of the day we should be free of judgement on this site and if you don't agree then feel free to show that in a non attacking manner. Were all adults and thank you @@Cars for this post.

Wow, what an amazing group of people you all are, even some men in here with their opinions on a break up, I am so happy to be part of this community. Now I will say the same to you my dear gpmed. Life happens I have found out, regardless of our bariatric surgery. My husband just had a tumor removed from his knee and I have had a very hard time with my recovery for 2 months from my surgery. He gets 60 % of his wages......we are struggling. Its been hard. Im not happy with my relationship, disappointed from no support from friends and family and feel quite alone all around. I think these responses are great and of course you will hurt from this break up. But everything happens for a reason, and life happens for a reason. Be strong, think of you, rest, walk, breathe.....cry.....walk more. This too shall pass my friend.............

to all my bariatric pals thanx to all who are thinking of me and my family i feel all your arms hugging me in support thank you kathy

Did you call Cigna ? Cigna sells many differing type of policies. However weight loss is covered is covered by Cigna. What could be happening is the following 1- your employer specifically excludes it. Cigna can tell you 2- Vanderbilt could be mistaken. Cigna can tell you 3- Cigna may only cover it at a Cigna center of excellence for bariatrics. Vanderbilt may not be one. You can follow item 4 4- log onto/register at www.mycigna.com and check your own benefits. Pm me if you need more assistance. I have Cigna

Anyone having gastric sleeve december 2014? My story I am 26 from Toledo ohio and I have chosen to have the gastric sleeve because I know it will change my life. I went to my first consult with mercy weight management in sept 2014 I was told paramount advantage(medicaid) would cover with 6 month diet. I had four month diet with my primary care provider so I only had to do 2 months with them. I was approved on 11/13/14 and that has been the best news of my life. I went for my EGD yesterday and I have a hernia. I go to my pre op appointment with my suregon matthrew fourman in a few days and I will ask him his plans for the hernia. In addition, I have my precsription processing through ensure nutrition for Proteins shakes, scar cream, and as and added bonsus I was told I would get free vititmins. Two days ago I bought a month supply of vitimins from vitimin shoppe for 39.00 they are bariatric so I will use them for now until I find out what I can get my insurance to pay for. I started this thread so us december sleevers could track our progess, modivate, and offer advice to one another. Good luck to all!

I wanted to share that I found myself looking at my August calendar and counting up the days I will be out of town and not able to get my miles in, counting the days I can workout and making sure I can get my miles in to reach my goal. I had to laugh at myself as I would have never done that before. I would definately been hit and miss as far as getting my exercise in. Three of the days I'll miss getting to the gym is for a seminar in Seattle on August 14-15 that i am super excited about. It is sponsored by Realize. (That was the band I chose). There are really great speakers coming, from Dr Garth Davis (Big Medicine) and Mary Jo (Big Medicine) and motivational speakers, exercise specifics for bariatric surgery, bariatric chef for friendly foods, plastic surgery speaker for lower body lifts and so much more. I am stoked about all the information that will be available. Plus a huge clothing exchange then too. Should be alot of fun. My gym is closed for 2 days in August for annual repairs. My anniversary (24 years) is in August and we are going to take a jet boat up the Columbia river to the pacific ocean. It's looking like a busy month....but I WILL get my miles in!!