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If you believe your doctor won't know about the band or won't be very willing to encourage this then reassure him that you've done your research and you understand that the lap-band will require a lot of will power on your part but that you feel this is in your best interest and you are willing to put in the effort to make it work. If he gives you a hard time after explaining that then I'd see if your insurance will let you just go ahead and talk to a Bariatric Clinic directly. (I didn't go through my doctor...I called the Bariatric Center on my own and my insurance was OK with that. But, they're all different.)

Dr Lopez did my band last July, and everything went smoothly. The biggest reason, in my mind, that he is so much less expensive than US doctors is that he and Hospital Angeles doesn't have to pay so much for malpractice insurance. Also, the standards in Mexico are not the same in the US. For example, building codes are different, staffing the hospital is cheaper, medications are regulated differently, it's Tijuana, for heaven's sake, etc. I didn't have to endure 6 months of physician-supervised dieting with regular visits, my psych evaluation and "nutrition counseling" lasted 15 minutes. It all adds up. Plus, Dr. Lopez profits from the sheer number of bands he places. Sure, he's not the most personable of surgeons, but I got what I paid for. The problem is finding affordable after-care in the US, but at 7 months and counting, I'd do it again. PS. I live and work in Wisconsin, and have no affiliation with BeLiteWeight, Dr. Lopez, or any other bariatric group, however I am a nurse. As you can see, I post quite a bit, mostly on the Lucky 7's board.

According to a bariatric nurse that I know, these are symptoms of a dilated pouch and/or slip: Being able to eat more, weight gain or failure to lose, not feeling full, heartburn, and reflux. I'd consider these signs as over a period of time, not just one occurrence. I've had all of these (except weight gain) at one time or another, but not night after night or day after day. If I had the signs for more than a few days, I'd call my doctor. Relax. Follow MOST of the rules MOST of the time and things should be OK.

It kind of depends on your surgeon. Some people get the advice that as long as it is about the size of an m&m you can swallow it no prob. My surgeon likes people to crush until 3 months, but I couldn't pull it off and finally called and they cleared me at 1 month. I take chewable (bariatric advantage) multis, I know lortab comes in a liquid, I used to take melatonin and you should be okay with that size pill, but like I said, I would check with your surgeon/pharmacist. Good luck!

Thanks, I don't feel so bad now.I called BCBS and they said that when they approve it, it can be used at any surgeon in the network. I checked the next hospital that is a "Blue Distinction" Bariatric Center in the network. (Which is what I meant by "High Profile", I just couldn't remember what it was called at the time Unfortunately,they are booked as well. Tomorrow I will go further out and try the next one.

I got banded on April 21st and today was the first day where I actually could tell that I'm getting better. It still hurts when I get out of bed and even when I stand up after sitting for awhile. I too have bruising by one of my incision but I think that is where they gave me the blood thinner, it also happens to be the biggest incision and where I believe my port is. There is quite a bulge as well so my stomach appears alittle lopsided so I guess maybe its normal. I wouldn't worry unless the incision is red and pussy but if you want piece of mind theres no harm in calling the Dr's office and talking to the bariatric nurse there thats what they're there for.

Are you a confrontational person? Are you able to stand up for yourself? I know a lot of us lack self confidence, and I've seen people gain it through losing the weight. For your 2 'issues'... I'd say if Mom has something to say about your money, express to her that you work hard for your money and you can spend it how you please. You can express that you are sorry she is in the prediciment that she is in, but she had her entire life to make the choices which led her to where she is, and you WILL NOT take her path nor be responsible for the fact she didn't plan for her own financial future. Reminder that you have helped her, and if she has the attitude of "you owe me", then let her know she won't be receiving help any more is she feels like she has control over YOUR money. You do NOT owe her an explanation though.... And certainly don't tell her how much the surgery was. It's none of her business! For your coworkers, if they said the first word to me I'd say "Shut it... my body, my decision, my life....go find someone else to give your opinion to, because I don't want it. And if it was a mistake in your eyes, it was mine to make, but guess what?! I don't share your opinion, so back off. You think I cheated? You try going through a major surgery, have 85% of your stomach removed, recover from that only to be able to eat a little amount of food when you want to eat more...this **** ain't easy." Stand up for yourself! Don't let other people make your decisions, and don't be so afraid of what they think. The questions are only... do you want this surgery? Do you want to be healthier? Are you willing to spend your hard earned money on it? That's it...No one else gets a vote! So in answer to your question...No! It's only a fear if you let it be... so don't Good luck to you! You are gonna rock all those people's socks off with your renewed confidence and healthier self when you get to your goal

When you said you read you didn't have to go through Tricare to get a VSG, you were probably reading my post. I did not mean you didn't have to go through one of the Tricare systems, only that you didn't have to go through your regular local channels if you are retired and the MTF is outside of your 99-mile zone of treatment. There are two separate and distinct divisions within Tricare's funding sources. One serves the active-duty, MTF hospital system and the other serves anyone seeking treatment via civilian channels. It's a budget issue. The military hospital system operates on funds the government allots to the military defense budget. Tricare insurance coverage for services off base through civilian facilities reimburses hospitals and physicians is paid out from government funds allotted solely for the purpose of insurance coverage in a non-military environment. So while you do not have to go through the normal Tricare channels if you are retired, you still have to go through the active-duty, on-base Tricare office. Instead of sending your referral to the civilian system you're used to going through, take it directly to the on-base Tricare office. Anyone wanting bariatric surgery at an MTF, active-duty or retired has to go through the Benefits Management's (Tricare) Specialty Services department office on base. The only people you bypass are the people you get stuck talking to on that 1-800# that are pretty much clueless regarding bariatric surgery, especially when it comes to the VSG. Here's how I did it: http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/12138-tricare-prime-anyone/page__st__40__p__366787#entry366787

Hi Susan, I see that you were approved for the Sleeve in July at the MTF on Bragg. Congratulations! I am the spouse of a Retiree. I was referred to Womack MTF in Oct 2012, but was approved to see a off-post civilian doctor. As we know, that won't work bc Tricare will not pay for the Sleeve off-post. I spoke to the bariatric clerk at Womack and she said one of their surgeons have been deployed. The doctor is expected back this Spring, but it may be some time before she take referrals from civilian doctors. (They have other drs, but they are not taking referrals.) Can you tell me who I need to talk to in order to get into the program now. I am tired of waiting. I am also afraid that if I wait until the doctor returns, they still may not take me.

Which one? The dad or the son? I have a friend that had the dad for a RNY a few years ago at The Methodist Hospital, when they were on the reality show "Big Medicine". She said he had an amazing bedside manner, and was so supportive in the clinic. Try to relax, these guys have many years of experience in bariatric medicine and surgery.

What's your favorite brand of Bariatric vitamins and supplements and why ?

Carrin, picking wls is and always will be difficult, mobid obesity via surgery has proven more difficult for surgeons than originally thought with subsequent failures in all wls types. no surgery type is perfect and they all have wls failures due to regain. I am currently waiting for my sleeve denial through my insurance co, that was submitted last week, it should come in by next week, they will deny via investigational, I will appeal. "30 percent of patients who undergo LSG will experience weight regain and require a second step approach, I still believe that we prevented that 70 percent of our patients from having a RYGB or DS, which I consider highly efficacious but at the same time a procedure that has a high incidence of morbidity. In these cases, I do not see the LSG as a failure but more as a ?first step? to a second long-term final approach" bariatric times july 2010. for me I have to do what is best for me at this time, the band is gone and since I did well with it, I am sticking to a restrictive procedure. I think the band is great, but I think it should be used short term only, before injury happens-removed and another wls used. It actually is concerning to me that the band is now being heavily advertised in commercials, etc, a time when so many reports are coming in and europe and australia are starting to abandon the band. this will bring a disaster to the US in the next 5 years or so. be very careful going to a surgeon that only does the band, or rny or any one specific surgery as they tend to sway in that direction. also realize that when getting experiences here or anywhere the first few years (<5) really are the honeymoon, you need to know beyond 5 to get a good grasp of reality. it is a difficult road we travel, and always will be.....good luck to all and peace and success with the choice that has been made...:svengo: Mila

Hi Marcey, All had to do is tell my PCM about how I've repeatedly tried and failed at weight watchers and the adkins diet and she put in a referral for me. The hoop jumping came after going to orientation last Sept. I finished the pre-op checklist last Nov, got in for a consult with a surgeon in Dec and am scheduled for RNY Feb 20th. There is a whole bunch of info on Walter Reed's Bariatric web page as well. I think that most of the material they pass out in the orientation class is on the page.

Each person has to decide for themselves what is right. Personally, for me, I felt that the bypass was way to aggressive for me. The malnutrition issue was a big concern for me. I was not comfortable having my plumbing rerouted and risking other serious complications from messing with things that didn't need to be messed with after all. I tend to be a grazer too, but I have worked very hard to keep those kind of habits in check. Really, bariatric surgery is just a tool to help you achieve success it is not a permanent fix. What you do with your tool determines your success. Just know this, whether you choose a sleeve or bypass, you must work to be successful at the weight loss and maintenance. One doesn't come easier than the other. Just my 2 cents---

I'm with Dr. Barker, Barker Bariatrics. My hope is January at Forest Park Medical. I have a group diet meeting tomorrow and one in December. Everything else is done, I have blue cross federal by the way. I'm a little worried about my BMI since I'm required to show a 2 year weight history which was only 33.6 2 years ago, 36.6 now with chronic high blood pressure. Waiting till January will take care of the requirement hopefully! Look forward to staying in touch!

im not at all worried about the procedure or anything like that, in fact i cant wait! i have a great bariatric surgeon at a grade a+ facility. i just dont understand why theres always the "debbie downer" in every group? i guess theres always the experts out there no matter what the surgery is, just gotta give them their minute to speak and ignore what they may say lol

I have a blog, but am looking for more people going through the same things as me. Www.adorkabletreasure.wordpress.com November 13: The Major Decision Within the last month, I've decided that I needed a change in my life. This change could potentially change my life dramatically-for the better. I am terrified of what will happen, the long term effects and the process in general. However, I need to do this. I need to do this for me. I need to do this for my son. What is this change? What could possibly change my life so much? Weight loss. Yup, this is another one of those blogs. I've always wanted to lose weight. It just never happened. I think I really packed it on when I was about 12 or 13. I remember coming home for Christmas break and my mom calling my school to ask what they were feeding me. I don't remember when I passed 200 pounds. I remember passing 300 at the end of my pregnancy and being so so grossed out. I've lost about 30 pounds post pregnancy.....4 years ago. My insurance covers bariatric surgery 100%. That was a shocker. I've gone back and forth with considering this as an option for some time now, but I haven't made any progress on my own. It's time for some professional help. Hey, after the year I've had (divorced, moved to a new state, multiple family deaths, new job etc) I need to do something positive for me. And I need to do everything I can to make sure I'm around to see my son grow up. The first step that I took was finding someone who took my insurance. It's new in my area, so not many people are contracted with them. Calling my insurance didn't help, they couldn't find anyone within 50 miles of me. I did find one though! I'm set up to do the seminar on the 30th, and the first appointment with the doctor is December 3rd. I am most interested in the sleeve. Here's to a new, terrifying adventure. December 1: Today, I F-d Up. Well, yesterday and today. Yesterday, I was so engrossed in decorating the Christmas tree that I completley forgot about the WLS orientation. 6:30 came around, and so did my memory that I was suppossed to be somewhere. So it's been rescheduled. For the 10th. Maybe I won't fail at life and forget again. Todays screw up: I totally ruined my brothers Christmas. I forgot to take his Christmas present out of the car.....anndddddd he got in the car today. So his wonderful "big" surprise of an Xbox One was completley ruined. I'm thinking about putting a pair of slippers in the box instead..... On another note, my kid is back!!! December 9th: The Insurance Drama Begins.... So - I just moved to Nevada a few months ago. The insurance that I have is through Amerigroup. According to the receptionist, Amerigroup will only approve a surgery if I am on medication for high blood pressure or diabetes - no matter what the BMI is. I am on neither. Although, my doctors appointment on Wednesday, my blood pressure was 143/107. Maybe I should have that checked. My insurance that is offered through my work starts on January 1st. With Cigna. Cigna only covers 1 doctor in Las Vegas, and it's not the one I am scheduled to go to the seminar for tomorrow. So I am in a bind. Do I go to the seminar tomorrow anyway or should I just say screw it and start with the Cigna doctor? (Who has a seminar on the 15th). So many decisions!! December 11: Seminar = Completed I went to the seminar last night. There was a lot.of information given. The surgeon seems very straight forward, no bullshit kind of guy. I kinda want to know if he takes my insurance, you know sometimes the insurance sites don't list all the doctors they actually cover. I have an appointment with him on Tuesday, so hopefully I will hear good news. It did leave me debating between lap band and the sleeve though. His results from people who have had lap band are great, unlike all the horror stories I've read about it. I troed talking to my mom about it, and without a beat she said "its not like you're going to change your eating habits anyway". So I guess I can count her out for support, even though she suggested it in the first place. I'm going to try and go to the other seminar for my new insurance on Wednesday night. December 13: Officially In The Program It's official. I am on my way to VSG. I'm scared, nervous, excited, and overly cautious. I so want this, I've wanted this for years. Walking into the back office, I was shocked that I had gained 25 pounds since moving to Vegas. I had done so well, and worked so hard to lose it, and it's all back. Starting Weight: 295.2 pounds. What. The. Hell. Meeting with Dr. Teng, he told me that I was basically almost three persons. For my height, I should weigh a max of 140. Ummmm, that's only 155 pounds...no big deal... He asked me what my heaviest was - 310 at the end of pregnancy. He asked what my lightest adult weight was, from 21 years and up - lightest was 270 (I had my son when I was 20). He looked a little shocked. Then he asked what my lightest was at 18/19, which was 210. He said some things I already knew. What I am doing at home isn't working. I have to make the commitment to change. I have to work for it. Surgery is not a band aid, it's a tool. Then he told me that lap band will get me down a hundred pounds, but not much more. He is recommending the sleeve. My next appointment I make a final decision. Overall, it was just a short visit. Information gathering I suppose. The lady at the front desk, who happens to also be the dietician, said that she would discuss more about what happens at the next visit (for nutrition). My insurance (Cigna) requires that I lose 10% of my body weight before surgery. That's 30 pounds. The doctor also told ke that Cigna requires 4 months of nutrition counseling. He said that if everything goes well, I should be able to get the sleeve in March. I don't think he accounted for this being mid month, so I am going to guess April is the correct month. I am going to a nutrition appointment on the 28th. I am pretty sure she said that these were 28 days apart, but she also said something about some class being 1 or 2 times a week. I am not entirely sure what that is. Each nutrition class is $40, that my insurance does not cover. I go back to see the Dr. Teng on January 31st. That is 7 weeks into this program. By then, I should have lost at least 17 pounds to be on track for insurance approval. Here's to the most dedicated I've ever been. Last meal: chicken pot pie, ceasar salad, and lemon cream cheese pie at Marie Callendars. It was fantastic. December 21: Weigh In #1 Welp....it's been a week. I have been overly aware of what I have been eating, and how much. I've gone out to eat and ordered a salad when I wanted a burger. I stashed away the chocolate bars that were bought for me while on my period. I even went into a bakery with my mom and didn't have anything. I got on our tiny, old, hard to read scale. Its past 285, but not 290. So I'm just gonna call that a 287. Which is 7-8 pounds. Ish. Not too bad for the first week. When my new insurance kicks in, I will be able to get a wireless scale for free. Hopefully it ships quickly. I'd like to actually be able to tell what my weight is.

Hi All, Being nearly 40 and fed up of being a fat bloke I’ve decided to get myself some WLS. Thinking sleeve as don’t like the re-plumbing idea! My GP has referred me to the NHS bariatric service but I can’t face the wait so am looking at private options. Curently thinking of traveling to Belgium using either Prof Dillemans or Chris De Bruyne. Does anyone have any experiences of these guys and of getting aftercare back home in the UK?

I live in West Chester Ohio. I moved here about 5 years ago and I am still adjusting to life in Ohio. I had my band in August of 2006. I actually had an unfill for a bit because the family stress had my esophagus nice and inflamed. Once the holidays relaxed, I had a small fill back in before Christmass. I quickly learned that I am still a "Fat Girl" in my brain. I had another fill yesterday and I am so happy with my restriction in place again. I was not an obese child. I was not an obese teen. I had some seriously dangerous eating disorders throughout college, though I was quite active in NCAA sports. After my first child, I returned to a small size. After my second child---well-lets just say I have not seen a single digit pant in years. I yo-yo dieted, I atkins and the whole lot. Finally my PCP said my BMI was too low for any Bariatric Surgery but I should try Jenny Craig. Instead I found Cincinnati Weight Loss Center. There I found support and soon I will find single digit pants again.

Hi everyone. I am new here but glad to see such support. You guys are great! I am 46 yrs old and the mother of 2 great guys who are 24 yrs old. In a great relationship with a wonderful man. Oh and a mother to a little rag muffin we call Goosiebug. She is part terrier and who knows what else. She rules our world! I always say I have been overweight since birth....10.9 whewww. I have always been insecure about my weight and appearance but it seems in the last few years its been worse. Pounds just continue to creep on...my list of medications seems to get longer and longer. Nothing seems to work for me. Like most everyone on here I have been on every kind of diet that I can think of with limited success. I think the worse was the Aloe Vera diet..gagggggg. Its amazing what we try when we are desperate to lose weight isnt it? Anyways I have been thinking of the Lap Band for a while now and went to my first seminar in Jan of this year. I had pretty much made up my mind that it was what I wanted to do but then it was comfirmed while on a flight shortly after attending the seminar. A woman sitting next to me wanted to use the arm rest but it wouldnt stay all the way down...she was slamming it down saying "Why wont this stay down" I had to explain that it was because part of my hip was under the arm rest. Needless to say we were both embarrassed. Right then and there I decided that I would not continue this way. That and the fact that I have been very worried about my health...high blood pressure, high cholestoral and reflux. So here I am waiting for my appt with the nutritionist later this month then all my information will be submitted to my insurance co for pre authorization. Hopefully with in the next few months I will be able to have surgery. I have already had my appt with Dr Bruce at the Dayton Bariatric Center. I look forward to getting to know those on this site! It seems that you are all great and very supportive to one another. What a great place to be able to come and not be judged. Thanks for being here. Susan

I'm sure you'll be inundated soon with denials to what you read, RMC. I've been going to a support group for bariatric patients (even though my own surgery isn't for another 10 days) and we ocassionally have pot lucks, and it's really wonderful to see how everybody eats a small little portion of several different things, including chile, casseroles, pumpkin bread, etc. Whatever you read, it was WAY WRONG. Make a smiley face and be happy! The worst thing you might have to face is that a few people seem to develop an intolerance to dairy products, or something like that. (I'm hoping I do, because I just love cheese and ice cream too dang much!) I'm not your doctor or nutritionist, but I'd guess that you will probably start on creamy Soups pretty soon, including tomato -- yumm. And congratulations on your 24 pound loss!

I would suggest asking to be referred to a nutritionist or dietician. See that person for a few or several visits and I would try and specifically find one that specializes in bariatrics. My surgeon is part of a bariatric center that has a nutritionist on staff. I would try and get to see that person and they will be able to help you the best and like has been said, "correct and move on, don't worry about the past" and log your food every day. I know that helps me. My bariatric center also has a personal trainer that I have seen a couple times and have another visit paid for after surgery. Health insurance did not cover the trainer but it did the nutritionist except for a copay.

As you might guess from my screen name I travel a lot. I would not suggest vegetarian. That is almost always Pasta and bread. I have had the most success ordering low carb or diabetic. I did that on business class on Singapore airlines and got some of the best bariatric meals you could imagine. US carriers will not be as friendly, and if you are not in business class it may be totally hopeless. I would suggest carrying good Protein bars (such as Quest), beef Jerky, and almonds. All of those pack easily and provide a nice shot of protein. This weekend I had a 9 hour trip back from London in coach with United. I was not able to eat anything they served. It was all bread, chips, and pasta. I lived off 2 Protein Bars and a handful of almonds. I just did a few stops in Europe (in coach) and found eating in the air and on the ground very difficult. Everything was a sandwich, and most of those sandwiches had a little piece of meat or cheese that was so thin it was virtually transparent. On the other hand, in flight and restaurant meals in Asia were a dream.

Well I haven't spoken to my surgeon (Dr Christopherson in davenport Iowa btw to answer the question) but he spoke to my husband and said that everything went routine and I looked really healthy. I think I will get to talk to him tomorrow. I was surprisingly calm on my way into surgery. I joked with my husband for an hour and a half until they made us part as I was wheeled into the operating room. The anesthesiologist gave me a big dose of a calming drug and told me it was in the same class as my xanax and valium and I recognized the effects albeit fifty times stronger. It wasn't long before he let me know that he was giving me the drug that would put me into a deep sleep. I distinctly remember, as it took effect and my eyes began to close, telling myself to relax and let it take me. I felt a sense of relief. Of course that relief only lasted til I woke up in the recover room. I was in a lot of pain and just my luck the button wasn't yet hooked up and the nurses were busy as all get out because a few other surgeries (not all bariatric) finished at the same time. So I believe that I was in pain a lot longer than I should have been. Not EVERYTHING can go perfect. I was taken to my room where I met the worried but loving faces of my husband and parents. In my haze of passing out repeatedly I eventually kicked my mother out because she was stressing me out getting angry and arguing with the nurses just doing their jobs. Between that and my pain... Thus began a trend of high blood pressure. Which they later had to give me meds for. At some point they gave me an anti inflammation med which did far more than morphine alone for my pain and I suddenly found myself much more grateful... When I found myself awake at all. I had lots of interrupted sleep. I go for an upper gi today and it seems as if they are keeping me one more night. While I have had a lot of hesitation along the way about the surgery I can already say, despite the pain and discomfort, that I am glad I did it. I'm also surprised I did it. Lol my husband agrees... He also half expected me to back out and I don't blame him. With my really bad anxiety it is a miracle. Now it seems I am going to pass out asleep again. Lol Sent from my Note 10.1 using VST

I'm a 34yr male. 6'1 and currently weighing 225 pounds. I had succesful lap band surgery in march 2007 and lost 80 pounds. From 265 went down to 185. I had maintained overall weight loss success until sometime last year in january 2014 when i started to notice the GERD getting worse and also some weight gain. For the first time in 5 years when i hit the scale i saw numbers over the 200 range. I started to worry because i knew something was not right. Got an upper GI series done and all it showed was mild pouch dilation. Doctor left band as is and never suggested any course of treatment for the dilation and for the GERD. Fast forward now to 2015 and I seeked a second opinion from another surgeon. Surgeon performed an EGD and it shows that there is band slippage, gastritis and presence of GERD. Surgeon suggested a revision for the lap band and to convert it to either a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. Insurance has approved the revision but need guidance or help in deciding which one is better for me. I see soo many mix responses from people suggesting or prefering one over the other. I will say that yes the band did work for me and do its job. It improved my health alot but now is the GERD that is just kicking me in the rear end very bad. Like stated before I weight 225 now and for the long term success and achivement I'm undecided as to what procedure is more suited for me at this point of my life. I do need the surgery to aliviate the discomfort plus without any bariatric procedure on me I would go back to how i was prior to the lapband. I tried it all before deciding doing bariatric surgery in 2007. Thank you.