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Hi Everyone, I’m scheduled to undergo the gastric sleeve surgery next Monday, December 2nd. I’m anxious and scared about this life changing decision but I’m also excited about the journey ahead. I’m on day 4 of my 11 day pre-surgery diet and the Protein Shakes are gagging me. I’m limited to using shakes from Bariatric Advantage and Bariatric Fusion. Any tips on how to make them taste better? I’ve tried using extracts and drink mixes. I’m also hoping for some encouraging words for this surgery. I hope I’m making the right decision. I have this fear that I’ll feel nauseous for the rest of my life and I won’t be able to enjoy food ever again.

Here is exactly what my Surgeon's office charge for out of pocket fees: $250 – Wellness consult (2 Hrs.): Nutrition, Behavioral, Exercise Evaluations $100 – Weight Loss Nutrition Class (2 Hours) $15 -- Patient Educational Materials $70 -- Nutritional Pre-Surgery Final Visit (30 mins.) $35 – Nutritional Status Post Surgery Visit (15 mins.) $110 – Diet Advancement & Exercise Re-Assessment (75 mins) $50 – 6 month Exercise Follow Up Visit (45 mins) $50 – 6 Month Nutrition Follow Up Visit (30 mins) $50 – 12 Month Nutritional & Baviorial Follow Up Visit (1 hr.) $150 – 3 Month Nutrition Program (Wellness Consult + 2 nutrition classes) $300 – Bariatric Advantage Surgical liquid Diet Program $86 – Sleeve Vitamin Kit Total $1266 This is crazy!

Jaime “Pandora” Williams has not had anything handed to her. She has worked hard for everything she has, including every pound of her 250-lb weight loss. From weight loss surgery and overcoming food addiction to figuring out how to deal with her father’s death to paying for training for a new career, Pandora has kept moving forward and earned her spot as one of our weight loss surgery heroes. Throughout it all, she has kept her determination to help others. She has shared every step of her journey on her Desperately Seeking Slender blog, and has made a career as a weight loss and wellness coach. Find out how Pandora Williams, who was “Desperately Seeking Slender,” turned her life around and is helping others do the same! Struggling with Weight from Childhood to Early Adulthood Pandora comes from a family that did not eat healthy. They ate fast food often, and home cooked meals were likely to be tacos, pot roast and potatoes, and other high-calorie foods. She remembers father loving his sweets, and her mother struggled with weight gain and obesity after quitting smoking. With a diet of cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets, not surprisingly, Pandora had been overweight since childhood. She hit the 400-lb. mark 4 years after graduating high school, and also had chronic depression, diabetes, and sleep apnea. Atkins and intense exercise helped her get down to 225 lbs. before getting married, but the weight came back after marriage. Weight Loss Surgery and a New Lifestyle Pandora wanted weight loss surgery, but put it off for a few years because she couldn’t afford it. She got serious when her health insurance began to cover it, and got the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in 2010. She chronicled her entire weight loss journey on her blog. She lost 100 pounds by December of 2010, 200 pounds six months later in June of 2011, and entered “Onederland” (under 200 pounds) in October of 2011. Now, she maintains a weight of 165 lb. – quite a difference from her highest BMI of 69.9! Needless to say, she threw away the old habits of eating a half-gallon of ice cream or a dozen tacos. She worked hard to overcome her food addiction. Portion control and measuring were new behaviors she had to follow. Now, five years post-op, she is able to get away without writing down every bite when things are going right. Still, she keeps herself on track by food journaling and calorie counting the second she is unsure of herself, whether because of a jump on the scale or a high-sodium day. Pandora follows a carb cycling plan where she eats higher and lower amounts of carbs on alternating days. She’s an exercise addict, and that also helps her keep her weight in check. Body Image and Reconstructive Surgery Despite maintaining a healthy weight and feeling more confident in overcoming her food addiction, Pandora says her body image is a bit of a struggle. She has had 6 rounds of reconstructive surgery, and still has trouble accepting the mistakes she made in the past with her body and health. A Life-Changing Letter to Chris Powell! By August of 2012, Pandora’s weight was well under control, but she was not satisfied with that. She wanted to help others do the same. She knew she had the “the passion, desire to help, and love” for people who were struggling with their weight, because she knew exactly what they were struggling with. What she needed was help figuring out how to help them, and she just couldn’t get in touch with someone who could guide her. Then, in August of 2012, Pandora wrote a letter to Chris Powell, the celebrity trainer on “Extreme Makeover.” After some persistence, she managed to get her letter to him, and she received a reply! He posted an encouraging message on Facebook, and that was enough to keep her motivated. Since then, she has had a couple more interactions with him on social media – including an encouraging message when she was feeling down – and was able to meet him in Hollywood at the Extreme Makeover Finale. She considers him and his wife Heidi an inspiration. A Day in the Life Between taking care of herself and helping others be the best they can be, Pandora is very busy! Here is a typical day in her life. 8:00 a.m. Wake up, food prep, get ready for work. Coffee, coffee, coffee! 9:30 a.m. Arrive at the gym. May do a 4 to 5-mile run or take a group exercise class like yoga before work. 10:30 a.m. Breakfast: Quest protein bar. 11:00 a.m. Start work - working the front desk and doing either one-on-one training or weight loss/wellness coaching sessions. 12:30 p.m. Lunch: Veggies (cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, baby carrots): about five of each and either some low-sodium turkey breast with low-fat Swiss cheese or some hard-boiled egg whites filled with chicken salad made with a Greek yogurt base and green onions. 2:30 p.m. Snack: Usually a container of Greek yogurt or some homemade steel cut oats from home. 3:00 p.m. Leads a weight loss boot camp group training session with light weights and cardio – usually works out with the group. 5:00 p.m. Snack: Usually a piece of fruit like an apple or an orange, or a banana on higher-mileage days. 7:00 p.m. Leads a weight loss boot camp group training session with light weights and cardio – usually works out with the group. 8:30 p.m. Finishes running for the day if she didn’t get in an early morning run or get more than 5 miles already that day. 10:00 p.m. Home/Shower/Dinner: usually a lean protein like baked chicken or turkey and steamed veggies. Uses spices and changes the vegetables a lot for variety. Includes a serving of brown rice, couscous, quinoa or whole wheat pasta on days she eats carbs. 11:00 p.m. Snack: Usually Greek yogurt, no sugar added ice cream sandwich, a frozen protein bar, or an extra-thick protein shake. 12:00 a.m. Bedtime Pandora tries to run longer distances after work if she doesn’t get to work out during her weight loss boot camp classes. Her days off on Sundays and some Thursdays may include an extra kickboxing class, a spin class, or a run over 10 miles. New Lifestyle, New Career, and Paying It Forward. As a morbidly obese high school graduate, Pandora had been limited in her career options. She made a living working from home at jobs such as customer support and data entry. Since losing weight and getting healthy, she has thrown herself into something she is passionate about – helping others get and stay healthy through lifestyle. Now, Pandora works as a weight loss and wellness coach at a ladies-only fitness facility gym, and has earned multiple certifications in the fitness and coaching industry. She also pays it forward as a weight loss surgery advocate. She has spoken at the Obesity Action Coalition and Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America (WLSFA), as well as at other bariatric support clinics and groups. She publishes articles regularly, including here on BariatricPal! You can follow Pandora on Desperately Seeking Slender and on Facebook and Twitter @SeekingSlender.

I'm taking my bag with me to my doc visit on may 8th. I have been doing the 2 shakes a day for almost 8 weeks and only lost 4 pounds. But my joints feel better. It was my last diet. My RA doc told me to try it and when it didn't work thats when he referred me to a bariatric surgeon for the sleeve (or RNY) I wont know till may 8th which way they want to go. I'm going to push for the sleeve because I tend to eat vegan (allergic to poultry). I'm terrified of dumping with the RNY.

Losing a hundred pounds is making all the difference for me. At 100 pounds overweight, I have already had a stroke and my spine was collapsing under the excess weight. I have 17 herniated discs and several neuropathies (including sciatica) because of it. You have not filled in a profile yet, so I will guess that you are probably in your thirties and have not suffered painful or life-shortening consequences yet. Believe me, it will catch up with you sooner than later. By the time I lost the first thirty pounds, I was already feeling the difference. I can't imagine now that I could tape eighty pounds of potatoes around my waist and go through my day like I used to. By the time I reach goal and lose the entire 100 pounds, I will have lost the equivalent of wearing a newborn colt for belt. If you are on the fence and still want to try something else before committing to surgery, go to http://www.marksdailyapple.com. It is a website that embraces much of what we are doing with our bariatric programs, but without the surgery. Here is what we have in common with Mark's Daily Apple and his program of primal low carb / high Protein eating and exercise that makes sense: Drink Water until your eyeballs float. Track your carbs, protein, fluids, and calories for at least a month. Be honest with yourself, so that you can effectively get a true picture of what you are consuming. Count everything, including the sample from the deli or bakery at the supermarket to licking the spoon after cooking something. Try to find a nutritional balance between 80-100 ounces of non-caloric fluids, 60-100 grams of quality protein (baked chicken breast is better than Slim Jim's Jerky sticks). Many of us in our pre-op nutritionist - supervised three to six month diet have a limit of around 1200 calories. It is do-able if you eat your protein first, and then non-starchy veggies, and limited fruit (I was allowed one serving a day). Dessert is an apple, not Grandma's apple pie with two scoops of Bryer's ice cream. Keep in mind that starches and sugars make you hungry for more starches and sugars, and you will never fill up. It's like when I could eat a whole big bag of potato chips by myself, but when it comes to boiled eggs, I can eat two and I'm done. Do not eat anything made in a factory. That is where a lot of the damaging sugar, starches, oils, and salts come from that derail our best efforts. Shop the perimeter of the market where the produce, meat, and dairy is. Don't become part of the sofa. One thing that Mark encourages is finding exercise that is fun and does not feel like exercise. I was surprised to find that I like boxing. Go figure! Nobody better try to kidnap me. I'll punch them in the throat and be glad to do it. When I am doing housework, I turn the TV to the Classic Rock Work-out station and crank up the volume. When I do that, I have a lot more pep in my step and burn a lot of extra calories. Whatever you decide to do, losing weight permanently will take committment on your part. Trying to keep with our pre-op regimine will give you an idea of how badly you want to succeed. I wish you good luck and good health.

I've always done Centrum (or the generic equivalent) and haven't had any issues. Lots of WLS patients take them. As long as a vitamin meets the ASBMS (American Society of Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeons) requirements, it should be fine. for calcium citrate, I have three ways I take it --- Upcal D (a powder which I mix into things like yogurt), generic calcium citrate tablets from Walgreens or CVS, and Bariatric Advantage calcium chews which are great for traveling or for when you're out and about and not near your regular calcium stash (I always keep a few of them in my purse for that reason).

Ha! Funny, I was reading your post Laura, and when I got home from work I had a message on my phone from my bariatric Docs office to come in for a 3 year checkup! I am so glad I weight a little less than the last time I was there instead of 22 pounds up pre 5:2! My last visit must have been at one year....

The guidelines for eating with a sleeve really haven't changed much in the last five years, so what you learned then should be helpful now. You may want to consider contacting your bariatric center (or another if you don't feel comfortable), and ask for a referral to a psychologist/psychiatrist who specializes in eating disorders and bariatric patients. This person can help you deal with the issues you're faced with and help you get back on track. Best of luck.

Of course it is. It is extremely possible with every kind of bariatric surgery.

The Molina band is the one you're looking for. Here's a little about it (not much): ASBS - American Society for Bariatric Surgery

Hi Tracy - How you feelin? Steve - hope to meet you soon. I was banded by another doc in town but have switched to Malley for my fills. Have you seen his life size signed Kiss Poster? I've only heard about it. Seriously though Malley is great and his staff is top notch. You should come to one of his support group meetings that they have over at the NewHope Bariatric Center. Its a great place to talk with people face to face that have already had the band. We always welcome "visitors". With or without the band. Dolphin - Where are you in KS? if you don't mind me asking. Choosing to be banded is a very personal decision but for me I have NO REGRETS. It was the best choice I ever made. Surprisingly enough I hadn't even really been thinking about WLS surgery but my primary care doc referred me to someone she said was a bariatric specialist. She thought the doc would work with me to come up with the best weight loss strategy for me wether it be diet, exercise, pills, etc. It wasn't until I got to the seminar that I realized he only did WLS surgeries. But I was sold by the end of the presentation and have never looked back. My starting weight was 255 and I've gone from a size 24/26 to a 10/12 in about 2 years. And with no health issues.

Lit studies are some of the best groups! If you want to, once we get our stuff, we can do a little topic study each day, which will definitely attract others. I ordered the 12 OA Steps, the workbook, meditation and stdy book. That could keep us busy a while! I am so happy to be working a piece of this into my bariatric experience! I trust the Higher Power of my understanding and am alive so far...

I had already been doing dr assisted weight loss for over a year so that wasn't an issue for me. If I had not done it already and if my PCP wasn't willing to just say I did then I would have had to wait 6 months. You can call and ask to speak to the coordinator or the person that handles all the paperwork in the office and that person should be able to tell you something. You can even call your insurance and ask a rep. I did that before I went to see the surgeon to make sure my policy included Bariatric surgery.

Hi all, I figured it was time to join the group. My name is Tana and live in Yonkers. After looking at several programs I decided to go with Dr. Weber at White Plains Hospital. It's a small bariatric program but it felt like a good fit for me. I have done all my pre-op appointments, just waiting for a couple of notes to make it into my chart and then they will submit to insurance. I have Empire BCBS and my policy doesn't require a 6 month supervised diet. So weird how different policies are from the same insurance company. I am anxiously wanting to schedule a surgery date asap. I have such horrible back pain from old herniated discs. They weren't bothering me for years and then I put some more weight on and BAM, the pain was back. I also want to lose a good amount of weight before the summer so I can be active with my son. He's 3 and deserves a mom that can keep up! So that is all for now, I wish you all the best!

<p>Hello everyone,</p> <p>I am getting banded on October 11. I am excited and scared. More excited. I am self pay as my insurance doesnt cover any type of bariatric treatment. My cost is $17,400. It is so expensive, but worth it. </p> <p>I need to lose around 100 pounds. Ive tried it all many times, it is time that I got this weight off for good.</p> <p>I am glad one of you found me onthe introduction forum, thanks!</p> <p>Dana<img src="http://www.LapBandTalk.com/images/smilies/whoo.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Whoo" smilieid="339" class="inlineimg" /></p>

Yes it will be! Dexter was renewed for seasons 4 and 5!!! :laugh:

The Bariatric Support Group will meet the 1st Thursday of every month in Lecture Room 1. Date: Thursday - 1/8/2009 Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Location: New Britain General Campus 100 Grand Street New Britain, CT 06050 Contact: 860-224-5453

Steve, in our case, when DH retires, DD will still be in HS. If something happens to us, we want her taken care of. If something happens to DH, I need the income to help us survive. That's just our scenario. On another note, some one mentioned earlier about having been hospitalized and insurance not liking that. I was outpatient for my surgery so in that regard, I should be okay. It would be if they have a problem with bariatric surgery and having had it less than a year ago. Guess I'll find out when we try it!

Hey all! I'm scheduled for my sleeve Sept 18th. I'm self pay because my weight is just under the bmi. I'm having the surgery done in hopes it will help with my colitis. As I have gotten older and had another child I'm having a hard time keeping my UC under control. The steroids keep packing the pounds on. Is there anyone else that is having this surgery for things other than weight loss? I know there are many health benefits for for this and the other bariatric surgeries.

Yes, I posted on this the other day. My surgeon has me on a 2-week all liquid diet. 3-5 Bariatric Advantage Protein shakes per day. First day I started it, terrible diarrhea in the evening and overnight... went off of the diet over the weekend and started back up this past Monday. Diarrhea again Monday night, but have not had any since then. So it may very well clear up for you as well. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/351287-pre-op-liquid-diet-issues/

Yes it is true every surgeon is different. I actually take Aleve and was only kept from it for the first three months. He wanted to wait until the healing process was complete before ok’ing it. I only take non-prescription strength and never more. I also make sure I’m eating something with it to prevent any ulcers from forming. Not to say they never will but due to my arthritis and other things, this is the only medication that has ever worked the best for me. The good thing about Aleve is you don’t need it as much or as often as your usual NSAID, but still can cause some issues. I suggest anyone who has questions about using any NSAIDs should definitely seek one on one advice first from your bariatric surgeon. Especially if you are taking more than the recommended dosage and getting Rx strengths.

What an amazingly strong woman you are. I'm in awe. That is why it's so unfair for others to judge based on what they see. I've met so many fabulous folks on this site and we all talk about our challenges and struggles and not giving in to them yet others see us as fat and lazy. It just makes me mad... Oh and your auto immune disorder....same here. All this time, I was told to lose the weight and my knees would feel better. Well...I lost the weight and got worse. Finally I went to the surgeon who was convinced I had hip trouble, not knee trouble and oh boy was he right. Turns out I have osteo-necrosis which is compromised blood flow resulting in dead bone. It's likely a combination of some auto-immune disease that they are still trying to identify along with genetic pre-disposition. So much for being heavy. Yes...I'm better and healthier at this weight. I'm not sorry I had the band...not sorry at all. But same as you, this was not all obesity related. Though all of my doctor are very supportive of my getting WLS. Your doctor is just showing how ignorant he/she is by telling you to do it the old fashioned way. No sorry...it's not ignorant. It's stupid. Good luck to you. We are here to support you. Part of my problem is I have always tried to be the strong one, and instead of saying I'm hurting, or I'm sad I would just eat. You know the old joke about having a child inside screaming to get out, but you can shut it up with Cookies? Sadly that was my reality. My sleeve really truly saved my life. I'm blessed with an amazing general physician, an excellent bariatric team, and a supportive family. I don't know what I would have done without that trifecta. When I was using my old doctor (the one that didn't support the sleeve idea) I really felt as if I would die if I didn't make a change. I started seeing a new doctor, she not only suggested the sleeve, but sent me to the surgeon that I ended up using. And they keep very close tabs on my labs, both offices share any results with the other. It's nice to have a doctor on my side, that actually cares about my health. It's funny my mom also sees the same dr, and I was in the office last week with her, she was getting cleared to have a minor knee surgery, and my dr that I haven't seen since early feb noticed my haircut right away. My own daughter took several hours to notice it, and my sister has yet to realize it was cut. LOL, but my dr noticed, and complimented on it right away. She also said it hides my hairloss very very well. It's nice to have her know my first name without a chart in hand, and she remembers my medical issues. She even remembered to ask me about my shoulder/knee pain. My mom and I have different last names, so I know that didn't give my name away, like I said she knew my first name off the top of her head. It's a really big practice, and I've only been there 1 year.

yeah i got to renew my membership to our y to dibabby. It went up this year, i think its going to be like 700 for the whole year for a family membership...yikes. it was 500 something last year! Well i got my mone out of it anyway. Sorry your feeling like crap jess. I was thinking of hitting Dayton tomorrow but there is no point if u dont feel well

Congrats luluc and Renewed! Those are some great NSV's!

Whoooo Hooooo Renewed! That's something to celebrate!! I hope to be there soon!