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nyteacher125: I thought the same thing. All being medical professionals, I was hoping for a little more understanding in scheduling with the Bariatric Center office. My chief/boss seems happy for me, which I'm grateful for his understanding and willingness to work with me. But I work in Anesthesia, and we are require to have so many CRNA's during certain hours of the day. So leaving early and/or coming in late is really hard to accomplish. Valentina: Thank you so much for the info! I feel a bit better knowing that maybe I can figure out doubling up (or more) my one on ones on the same day. No hernia or ulcer to complicate scheduling further. I'll definitely ask about multiple surgery dates, that's a great idea. The Bariatric Center near me is a Center of Excellence, but it does not offer on-line seminars. I'm hoping to find someone in their office who is willing to work with me. The ladies I talked to at the info session were less than helpful. I'm trying to remain hopeful that I can find just one person at the center willing to understand my scheduling issues. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

If you ask most bariatric surgery patients what they regret most about their surgery, it's that they didn't get it done sooner. The difference between dieting and WLS is HUGE. It is still hard and you still need to make good choices, and there are ways to sabotage yourself, but I can tell you that I'd never felt this good on a regular diet/exercise regime. When I restricted calories in the past, my body fought back hard. Hunger was unbearable. If you compare hunger to noise, pre-surgery hunger was a deafening roar. Now it's just a little whimper. The signal's there but it's not making me pounce face-first into a platter of food. You will feel different, and it will feel fabulous (once you're past recovery and liquid diets!) Hang in there, folks

I miss the old style forum for veterans. I read every topic pre-op including the vets forum but couldn't actively comment until I actually was a vet. That made complete sense to me. Just like not posting in the Men's Forum. I also still don't post in lap band or bypass forums. The change from Sleeve Talk to Bariatric Pal was jarring and the vets forum was the most jarring, it lost all intimacy and its community as a result. I think 18 months post op is a good demarcation. Mini rant: Frankly, I'm surprised I can still see straight from all my eye rolling at the times someone 5 or 6 months out posts their experience when veterans are called upon to answer questions from pre ops or newbies. Similarly I cannot handle the all bad advice when regain happens to vets from people still in the honeymoon phase ("do the 5 day pouch test" - omg, make it stop). We need a shelter.

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

I really don't know if my insurance will cover the dr in mexico and honestly I don't think I can get a passport and all that bs done right now. I am somewhat concerned about my dr, I initially went to him for lap band and he is one of the best in dfw area but I have no idea about the skleeve, b ut I do know that he is a bariatric surgeon for a long time. Ij spoke with him and he was really pushing me towards the band and giving me all of the side effects and what not on the sleeve. I am thinking of calling around but since I have done all of my nutritionalist and all of the other required tests in his office I don't know if I will be able to switch. I still have time, but I still have to make sure I am not the first few sleeves that he has done.

Hi Kate, I definitely think your gut feeling is guiding you well, and IMHO it is vitally important to work with a plastic surgeon that knows all about Lap Bands. They might end up having to move and switch out your port, and this should really be done by someone who is familiar with it to ensure the best results. Also as has been said many times, people who have lost as much weight as us need to work with a plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience with bariatric patients. Here's a good website for finding plastic surgeons that specialize in bariatric patients: www.asbps.org It is really tough to find just the right fit with a PS -- much tougher than finding a Lap Band surgeon by far, but keep looking until you find someone who you feel 100% certain about. It might take a little time, but you will find that right Dr. ( I second Becky's suggestion regarding Dr. Schulman, by the way.) Living where I live, I know first hand that it can get a little pricey to meet the surgeons in person, as I consulted with surgeons in both the US and Mexico, but trust me, it is truly money well spent in the end.......

Your Grandma may have given you a hard time, but it looks like she is coming around. Show her some extra love when she gets her knee surgery. A knee replacement is as painful as a surgery can get, the physical therapy is torture and the recovery is long. Maybe Grandma will be convinced now that bariatric surgery would be instrumental in relieving joint pain.

Ok the term I want to use is "Non- Resilience". Oh I had heard about Restriction, it's in the fine shiny Bariatric Folder and other literature. Now today is my 6 month Surgiversity, Whoop Whoop for for me, except I have very little to Whoop about. Those of you who know my story , and most must cause I tend to bounce all over BP like a demented BouncyBall, I have not had a pretty as a picture recovery. My tiny tummy scars are the best of it, sad right? I have had a stomal stricture, jujeneal ulcerations, so many EGJ the Endoscopy/ Hepatology Suite people at Ohio State greet me by name instead of Medical Case #, and they still aren't over, forecast is 2 more at lelast. So here I be, had a PICC line from November 29 to February 26, when my CNP and OSU capriciously ordered it removed. Their excuse, maybe it was an focus for systemic infection, and had caused my pneumonia and fluid on my right shoulder joint. Well Ha Ha to them, there was NOTHING there on all the cultures. Now what? I have a hole in my upper left arm, change the bandaid everyday , still hasn't scabbed over, until then I can't shower unless I wrap my arm in Saran wrap. Right shoulder still sore after fluid removal, may not get better until my plate and screws which I have had for 9 years for a humeral repair are removed. Admitted it would be only be outpatient/ambulatory but " maybe we ought to wait until GI system settles down" Bull feathers, I can't lift anything over 5-10 pounds already. But back to my" Rny which makes me cry" When they removed the PICC line it was Good Luck Eating! Now I have been on a liquid/ thin puree diet for what seems like forevermore. Protein shakes since my Liver shrink back last August, because of the stomal stricture, pureed must be very thin, because Precious Pouch doesn't drain well, I feel she is no longer stomach tissue, more like a Ziploc bag with a tiny pinhole. I was willing to let TPN supply the bulk of my calories and try to add what P,O. foods my pouch would allow. Nope, pull the line, throw me into the Ohio River at flood stage and shout " hope you make it to shore!" At least that's how I feel. Now correct me if I am incorrect , but it seems my VSG cousins with their neat new bananarama pouch, the pouch relaxes and they go from 1/8. to 1/4 to 1/3 to 1/2 cup foods, meanwhile I am at 2 oz if protein or veggies that have had the snarf cooked out of them, in between my perpetual 2 oz cuplet of fluids, calories free drinks. etc. By my year anniversary I will either be insane and dropping or in line with Mousecat singing out " put her back the way she was" oh I have loved the weight loss, the diminishment of my bulky body, but there is a verse in the Gospel of St Matthew, if I remember correctly " What does it gain a man to gain the whole world if he loses his immortal soul?" Have I sold my health for this operation, was the trade- off good for ME? A happy thought, if my orthopaedic surgeon's scale is correct, I now weigh less than Tomkitten my son, this even endengeres fear, last time I dropped a equal amount I ended up in OSU with malnutrition and protein- anemia, and then I I got the PICC line so I could get in more protein than I could PO. I really don't resent to surgery itself as much as the fact I didn't heal right, very disgruntled with my 73 year old body who has been faithless. Will I ever get to the point where I can eat small normal portions of anything?

Interesting. My bariatric surgeon mentioned in passing that I might get off the thyroid meds, but I didn't press him for details. Way back ten years ago when I was put on thyroid meds, the Dr. said some people take it their whole life, and some bodies just adjust naturally and they are able to go off it.

Dr. Illan in Tijuana! . He's amazing. Bariatric Pal Team MX. BP is a partner with him. I will ask Bill Yanez the coordinator to add you to our closed FB group, he will give you his number to reach out for information. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

I know in the US, our requirements for insurance to cover the surgery (if you have insurance that does) is generally a BMI of 35 with co-morbidities (blood pressure, diabetes, etc), or 40 without. I've had similar struggles to yours, weight gain starting in my 20s blamed on thyroid. With diet and exercise I could lose a few pounds, but never enough. I hovered in the 190s until my late 20s, 210s in my 30s, climbing to 225+ in my 40s. I went to my weight management center that was connected with my hospital network for 6 years starting at age 43 and started with nutrition and lifestyle changes, followed by medical interventions (Contrave, Saxenda, Wegovy when you could get it). I never got below 204, and that was with a strict 1200-1500 calorie diet that I tracked religiously and 10k or more steps daily for a year (I never missed a single day!). As soon as I relaxed even a little, the weight came back with a vengeance. This summer, I hit 251 and also have hypertension and prediabetes (A1c of 5.9) . That was when my weight management doctor (an endocrinologist) finally asked if I wanted to talk to the team on the surgical side. I'm awaiting insurance approval now. It should be covered though I have no idea about out of pocket expenses. I don't really care at this point. I'll make it work. If you are considering paying out of pocket and concerned at all about going to Mexico (although my brother went that route many years ago and it was fine), I did see a self pay option here: https://www.poundofcureweightloss.com/bariatric-surgery-cost/ I know it's frustrating, and if there's one thing I wish, it's that I had dealt with this when I was turning 40 instead of 50. Wishing you luck!

I've been using Nectar and Bariatric Fusion protein drinks - they taste really good to me. I only use them as I need to - most of my protein actually comes from food now - chicken, turkey, buffalo meat, fish, etc. My dietician recommends at least 60 g of protein a day and I've been doing that from food alone for the last 4 weeks.

Hello everyone I am from the sleeve forum and since they combined everything I figured a topic I started over there would also help out here. I am making a list of companies that will send out free samples to anyone that requests them. Here is the link: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/261167-list-of-bariatric-nutritional-companies-offering-free-samples/ The list is growing as I fine and others fine new companies willing to give out free samples. This is great for new people and anyone wanting to try some new things without spending the money to do so. Hope it helps a few people.

I had an issue with severe constipation. I found that eating an apple with the skin just before bedtime relieved the problem. "An apple a day keeps the constipation away". Sounds almost like a jingle. Others on this website have made other recommendations: Smooth Move Herbal Tea (available in the health food section of Krogers and other grocery stores.) Prune juice (warmed) Prunes (4 in the morning and 4 at night) Magnesium citrate Insoluble fibers (Garden of Life Raw Fiber or Renew Life Triple Fiber). Haribo sugar free Gummy Bears Aerobic Magnesium 07 Low Fat Bran Muffin (recipe). 80 calories each 1 cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 cups bran Cereal 1 ¼ cups milk 1 egg ½ tablespoon applesauce optional: banana, berries, mini chocolate chips Bake 400° F for 22 minutes

Your doctor may suspect that you are a sugar addict. If so, that's why he's barring sugar and carbohydrates. Of course, there are carbs in starchy vegetables (like sweet potatoes) and fruit, but your body processes them differently than bread and sweets. I've been on a high protein/low carb diet pre-surgery, and have eliminated sugar, flour, potatoes, rice, and processed foods. It's been very successful. I've learned a lot reading about sugar/food addiction and have come to the conclusion that I have this addiction. Once I've broken through the withdrawal period I don't crave these things. I have gone off the rails a few times and paid the price. It takes me about two weeks to get through withdrawal all over again. I've been working on this food plan, A Pound of Cure by Matthew Weiner, a bariatric surgeon. I intend to follow it post-surgery, possibly for life. To find out more about sugar/food addiction, all of these books are helpful.

Before my surgery, I used to eat pizza, candy, chips, ice cream, and basically all of the junk foods. Eating indulgent food was basically my only pleasure in life. I ate a frozen pizza every Friday, and I looked forward to it all week long. But my tastes have changed after surgery. At first, I tried to make a bariatric-friendly version of pizza, with a Mr. Tortilla tortilla as the crust, sugar-free marinara, low-fat mozzarella, and turkey pepperoni. I also tried a chicken crust pizza. These are fine, and somewhat satisfy a pizza craving, but I don't even really want pizza anymore. There are so many things I'd rather eat that it's not even worth it to me to eat chicken crust pizza. I don't really desire chocolate anymore, either. I used to eat a whole bag of fun-sized Snickers in 3 or 4 days, but now, when coworkers bring candy to work, I have little to no desire to eat any of it. Part of that is because I discovered Built Bars, which I think are even better than actual candy bars. The things I look forward to eating now include fish fajitas (BTW, I hated fish before surgery and now I love it) and turkey wraps with low-carb tortillas, grilled chicken with sugar-free BBQ sauce (I love G. Hughes BBQ sauces and I think they're just as good as the sugar-laden ones), mashed cauliflower, riced cauliflower (cauliflower is another thing I used to hate but now I eat it almost every day), salad, and other healthy foods. I have found things to satisfy my sweet tooth (e.g., protein mug cake instead of cake/cupcakes; protein bars instead of candy bars), but for the most part, I don't even have much of a desire to eat junk food anymore.

I'm so sorry you're having such a hard time.....reach out to your bariatric team so they can refer you to a good therapist and support group.....I believe marriage problems after weigh loss is pretty common so I'm sure you'll find many people who can relate and perhaps give you insights on things that worked for them.............but what you need to do now is get help and support so reach out to your team for a referral. Good luck to you and hang in there!!

I've created a closed Facebook group called Bariatric Surgeries 2016 if anyone would like to join! I still have to schedule a date for my surgery, but I'd to receive/share pre-op, post-op, and any advice others have! I have been struggling with the whole 'but it might be the last time I get to eat it' excuse! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Honestly, I don't think anyone should resort to weight-loss surgery unless they have really tried losing without it and been unsuccessful. If you haven't, then definitely give it a try. The statistics say only 5% can lose the weight and maintain, but you may be one of those. However, if you have lost weight many times and regained, research shows that weight-loss surgery is the most successful treatment. There are a great many bariatric diets out there, in addition to Weight Watchers (very balanced), the Mayo Clinic diet and others. If you want to lose without surgery, find one that fits your life and stick to it. Good luck with whatever you choose!

I am talking to mexico bariatrics Dr. Luis Cervantes, I have done all of my paper work and pd the 500.00 down but I email them and I do not hear back from them. I paid through pay pal so I can get my money back. Just afraid of being scammed. How was the process? And congrats on your weight loss!! GREAT JOB!!

The following recipe for Chunky Winter Soup is one of my favourites for lunch on a cold winter day.Chunky Winter SoupMakes 4 cupsOil spray½ onion1 small or ½ large leek, thinly sliced2 cups salt reduced chicken stock1 small or ½ large zucchini, diced1 small or ½ large carrot, diced1 cup no added salt, chopped tinned tomatoes½ teaspoon curry powder1 tablespoon no added salt tomato pasteFreshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons macaroni1 cup cooked red kidney beansHeat a saucepan that has been sprayed with oil. Add onion and leek and cook until they are starting to soften. Add the stock, carrot, zucchini, tomatoes, curry powder, tomato paste and season with pepper. Bring to the boil then simmer for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add macaroni and kidney beans and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the macaroni is cooked.

I found this on a bariatric for lapband website for your info i'll erase this soup recipe if it is bothering you so much you smart ass b***h!

Ok my bariatric family I need your help with something. Many of you already know that I am a chef and restauranteur and I may be embarking on a new venture with the medical group that performed my surgery. Here's the deal: I'm sure you've all seen Smart Ones, Weight atchers, etc. meals in your grocers freezers. How ould you feel if there were Bariatric-specific meals available to you in the same freezers? I'm not talking bland food either! I mean flavorful food that you'll love! What are your thoughts? I'm even thinking of producing foods specific to the eating stage you're in God before anything, Family before anyone, Home before anywhere. Priority..

You will get sick of the same tasting shake every day...get a variety..that way when one starts to turn your stomach...you can turn to a different one. I started with Bariatric Advantage vanilla so I could mix different flavors in. But the smell started to get to me...so I turned to GNC brand for a bit. Vanilla, is a good base flavor..I have changed the flavors using sugar free Jello mix...or sugar free syrups down the coffee isle.

Don't let some of that scare you.Are you that weak emotionally?Pull up your boot straps and get back to exercising and eliminating some of the calories and types of foods you don't need.one has to work with this tool.Plus a trip to the Bariatric doc can help.get back in the game