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Would you get the band if you had a chance have a "do over"
saraannie replied to Jim1967's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I MADE the right decision. I know I did. April 2010, I went to the MD for a refill my hypertension meds, begrudgingly got on the scale, I nearly passed out when it said 246....What? that can't be right? 246 pounds....gulp. I hate diets, nothing keeps me accountable, I would lose 20-25lbs, get bored, cheat, then throw my hands up. I did a ton of research, did not tell a sole until decided what I was going to do. I looked up surgeons and signed up for a seminar. Turned in my paperwork, and waited for approval. On Jan 20, 2010 my life had changed, I went under the knife.....gulp again. Now don't get me wrong, is this easy? HELL NO! I have had moments of What did I do to myself?, Man I want a Big Mac, fries and a shake. But I work through the craving, split dinners with friends and family when I eat out. So far I have lost 47lbs and a total of 37.2 inches....HELL YEAH! I choose a bariatric practice that is one stop shopping. I have a fitness coach, a nutritionist, a social worker. I have had my metabolic rate check and they figured out how many cals/day I need, based on my metabolism/activity. Once I heard that I could eat up 1800/day (Oddly enough, I have a very high metabolism and work retail) I was like, I can do this. I read that most people ate 800/1000 cals/day. No way could i have the willpower to do that. My weight loss has been slow, but STEADY, Have not backslid at all. I do make better decisions with my food, but pretty much eat what I want (as long is it goes down) My advice to you is do your research, make sure you have a great support system (medical and personal). Best of luck to you. PS ....I love my band!!! -
The Lightbulb Turned On Today
fattymcfatterson replied to Back~To~Amy's topic in Insurance & Financing
SO is the 50% specific to bariatric surgery? My experience is call 10 times, talk to 10 different people, and request it in writing. I had to go through my HR dept to get the actual detail of what is covered for bariatric. But i had also been told different things over the last 6 months every time i called my insurance. Make sure the 50% is also for an "in network" provider. And if you end up finding you have an oop maximum, you can knock a huge chunk off of that without any oop by going to a sleep study thru Dr. David Kim. THey took the amount my insurance paid as payment in full and I got out of $1700 of oop expenses. Would have been more if it was the FIRST thing I had done this year but I had some female stuff to take care of so I got stuck with that oop. Now I am home free the rest of this year. Keep us posted. I really hope you received wrong info and this will be all covered for you. -
Hello everyone. I have made the decision to have bariatric surgery. Diagnosed with type one diabetes and high blood pressure last year. Cholesterol diagnosis & meds last summer. I decided at that point to work harder. Exercise daily, eat much better and nutribullet. Well I have & been successful at not gaining more weight but not losing which us what I need to do to get healthy. I have never had a weight problem until I had my daughter in 2004 plus diagnosed with hypothyroidism at the sane time. I am a single mom of two wonderful children. They are 9 years apart but are my world. I am an only child with my mom. I have step brothers & sisters all live out of state. I am super closer with my sister than my brothers although I love them all. I have my first appointment with my surgeon next Wednesday. Thanks to this app plus other research I made the decision to have WLS. I an excited and nervous. I have been so used to feeling bad physically, i.e. tired, achy muscles bones, headaches & backaches. You just keep going, just a way of life. In all actuality... I'm killing myself!!! No I want to live, have to for myself, 10 year old daughter, 19 year old son. My mom I'm her only child... Plus I love life, yes I do... Well I'm happy to see so much support, read other stories and get more inspiration. Thanks for listening & more to come...
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Glad things are going better for you. We are all so certain that "I'll be the one person in the world that this doesn't work for" that when we stall out it is frightening. Hit the Protein hard....with a small pouch you can't hold much food but you can supplement with good quality Protein drinks and bars (not grocery store stuff....good stuff made for bariatric people like us).....up around 80-100 grs/day. And eliminate the white carbs....keep even the good carbs less than 30-40 gr/day. That will keep the scale moving in the right direction.
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Dr who does VSG to DS near Kingsport (Knoxville, TN area), Tn area?
catwoman7 replied to marfar7's topic in Duodenal Switch Surgery Forum
first, I used to live not far from there (Boone and Banner Elk, NC) - went to the Tri-Cities all the time! (that was about 40 years ago, though...). I still have a brother who lives in the NC mountains, though. secondly, not many bariatric surgeons do the DS - so I'd be surprised if there were any in the Tri-Cities area, but just googling it, I did find some surgeons in Knoxville who do it. I also saw a place in Asheville, NC and of course, Charlotte (NC), but Knoxville may be your closest bet. But someone on here from the area might know - if so, hopefully they'll see this. -
Hi IM Erikka. im from corvallis oregon. Im a single mother who has suffered wiht her weight all her life. I am currently 346 lbs.....lost a lb in a week woohoooo....about a year ago I looked into bariatric surgery but was leaning towards bypass... well I chickened out of sourse and stopped thinking about it. well a few months ago during my regular councling sessions I realized that i was finally emotionally ready to have bariatric surgery and change my life and eating habbits for good. so when i started looking into the types of surgery I really was scared of the bypass idea and leaning more towards the lap band. well on the 15th of september i went to an orentation for bartiatric surgery at OHSU in Portland. That was when i was sure that I wanted the lap band. I wasnt wanting to do it for major weight loss persay... but to get healthier and be able to do activities that I use to enjoy doing like hiking, walking on the beach, or swimming without taking breaks and being winded.. or just not being able to do them at all. I dont want to die early from morbid obesity.. I want to be around for my young son's life and watch his children grow up. anyways Im doing all the paper work and pre-appointment apointments that I need to take care of... you know the physicals, and labs and what not that the surgons want. So homefully this time next year I will have had my surgery or at least have my date for surgery. Cant wait to meet you! have a great day! Erikka
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Calcium Chews Causing a Bad Taste?
redhead_che replied to Jen-ny's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I also take the bariatric pal brand, but berry flavor and they are delicious! -
does anyone have Prominence *** insurance plan?
pr_pitbullgrl posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
i was surprised to find out that this insurance covers bariatric procedures! it may end up costing me $2500 instead of 8-15k so i'm excited about that. does anyone else have experience with this insurance? do you know what their pre-op requirements are to get approved? i don't want to do this 6 months to a year of dieting. that seems ridiculous. i've been preparing all my life! shit in six months i could be under 35bmi and then i'm screwed and they won't do the surgery and i'll just gain it back like i always do! help! -
I'm taking 7500 mcg of Biotin, 1 a day, I wonder if I should be doubling that? I talked to a lady at work yesterday who lost 120lbs and she was losing her hair as well and started taking a collagen supplement which took five weeks to see an improvement. I'm hoping after a couple of weeks the Biotin will at least stop so much of the shedding. I'm taking the Bariatric multivitamins, I hate the taste and their so hard and big...but a dosage for the day is 2 tablets wheras the Centrum chewables I was taking before was one a day, but they weren't working. I may start doubling up on my vitamins if that will help.
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Bariartic Vitamin Flavors preferred?
Nancy1955 posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
What do you recommend for the flavor of a bariatric vitamin to take post op? -
Chips, crackers, pitas?
No game replied to shelbyschroepfer's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Oh and Protein chips and munchies I started a thread about a great deal today! http://www.verticalsleevetalk.com/topic/87584-bariatric-choice-sign-up-and-free-20-credit-plus-free-shipping/#entry909760 -
Kaiser Fremont- Dr. Hahn
audaciousmarie replied to audaciousmarie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi @@Phoenix40! So last Thursday I went for my Nutrition/Surgeon/Coordinator appointment. I'll describe each appointment below: First you are weighed in and your height is taken Nutrition: The nutritionist is a very nice lady and she will ask you about what type of diet you have been on (I started following the 1200 calorie diet after orientation). You will have to describe what you usually eat for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Snacks,etc. She also talks about Vitamins and what type you will need post op (this will depend on if you get the sleeve or bypass) and what to expect as far as diet goes in the first weeks after surgery (i.e. liquids, soft foods, etc) She also informed me about the different types of Protein drinks and answered any questions I had. Surgeon: Dr. Hahn was very patient. He went over my BMI, co morbidities, medications, etc to ensure that I would be a good candidate for surgery. He said it would be my choice whether to go for sleeve or bypass as I would be great candidate for either (I don't have acid reflux). We talked about the differences between sleeve and bypass (right off the bat he discouraged from the lap band so we were in agreement about that). He reiterated that regain was possible with either surgery and so is dumping (so it really comes down to the patient being willing to put in the work to not only lose the weight but keep it off). He went into detail about possible complications withe each procedure (ulcers, reactive hypoglycemia, reflux, etc). He then set a weight loss goal for me. Normally they ask the patients to lose 10% of their body weight but Dr. Hahn only requires a 7-8%, of total body weight, loss. For me 7-8% was 19 pounds (I had already lost 9 pounds since orientation and he credited me so I needed to lose 10 pounds to get a surgery date and 5 pounds to get a psych appointment). The only other requirements Dr. Hahn set out for me, besides weight loss, is attending at least one support group, and an EKG (I already finished my bloodwork). Coordinator: She was very pleasant. She informed of what my next steps to surgery are (support group, psych appointment, etc) and that to be sure I call monthly to update them on my weight and progress. Before the psych appointment each patient must fill out a surgery quiz (located in Chapter 9 of the Bariatric binder) and send it in before the appointment. Overrall it was an interesting yet quick appointment. I was told to expect to be there for 3 hours but for me it was more like 2 hours. Sent from my SM-G925T using the BariatricPal App -
Metabolism- Eating 3x A Day Or 6x A Day?
UXgrrl replied to sirensiren's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
I asked the dietician that in the hospital because I thought it sounded odd too. In fact, the nutritional booklet that they gave all the bariatric patients had meal plans for both 3 and 6 meals a day. Here was her logic, and after she explained it to me it made sense: since you have to stop drinking 30 minutes before and after each meal and since it should take about 30 minutes to eat a meal, that means you have 90 minutes x number of meals every day that you can't be drinking fluids. For 3 meals a day that's 4 hours off, for 6 meals that's 9. Considering a lot of us have trouble staying hydrated in the beginning I think it's a reasonable concern. One of the things they pushed hard on during our healthy eating class was breaking the "snack mentality", and there is concern about eating small amounts multiple times a day leading to all-day grazing and never really feeling full. That being said, the dietician did mention that some of her patients come back after a month or so and complain that they feel hungry all the time, in which case she suggests they add in an additional fourth meal, but just keep track of everything. I don't know much about the research relating to metabolism -- I know mine is low due to a lifetime of no exercise -- but I've heard that muscle building can help raise it as well, since it takes more calories to maintain a pound of muscle than a pound of adipose tissue. Until I get my asthma under control enough to do cardio I plan to do some light weightlifting to help with muscle toning. -
Feeling So Frustrated!
Spirit Fire replied to heath0827's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Once I'd made my decision to pursue bariatric surgery I was discouraged with the series of doctor appointments, lab tests, psych evals and support group meetings that I perceived as obstacles to my goal. I made an excel spread sheet of all my appointments which turned out to be three pages long by my surgery date. However, after a short period of time I realized the benefits all these "hoops" provided. I was 50 years old and had a tip-to-tail physical, all on the dime of my insurance company. I had time to learn about nutrition and to educate the people in my life what I was about to undertake. I talked extensively with friends who had undergone gastric bypass and lap bands over the last 7 years and found that I was given an opportunity to be more involved with my path to health then they ever were. Many tell me that they regret NOT having the "prep" time that was required of me. I took charge of my health and lost 50 lbs on my own prior to surgery which reinforced, for me, that the sleeve is a TOOL . . . it is not a miracle or magic wand to slimness, but simply a tool that will help me maintain my weightloss once I reach my goal. I still have to put in the "work" with or without the sleeve. I have absolutely no regrets having the sleeve surgery (2 months ago) and am truly grateful that I had to journey past all the challenges and obstacles along the way. -
Surgeon didn't complete my Gastric Bypass surgery!
mililani50 replied to numinousvessel's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I just had my bariatric bypass on 2/26/18... I stayed overnight at the hospital... I’m doing well except for the pain where one of my cuts is... When I’m sleeping and take my pain beds I sleep... But when I wake up the pain is almost unbearable. Just took my pain pill now. Take an hour half to work. I know part of it is gas. Has anyone had the same experience....Help!!! -
Any Boston, Ma Gastric Sleevers Out There?
Boston George replied to Tarada9's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
hello November sleevers!! as som of you know I was sleeved Monday. was relapsed yesterday. The surgery was textbook. I woke in recovery in some pain, more discomfort than anything else. Very sore. I woke up in my room that night with vicious dry mouth. Every time I tried to move it was so uncomfortable. For a brief moment laying in my bed a couple hours after surgery I asked "why did I do this" Then a wonderful nurse realized I was uncomfortable. She got me a cold sponge lolly pop to use on my lips and tongue. That, mixed with painkillers I received I began to change my tune :-) I woke up the day after surgery feeling better. Went for the leak test and passed. I was so happy bout that. Then they removed my catheter (guys worst nightmare) After said catheter was removed life got a whole lot better. Because I passed my leak test I was able to have water and diet juice or decaf coffee and tea. Even ate some yogurt. I was feeling much better at this point. Still sore of course, I mean I just had major surgery. I tried to fight the pain meds and that was my biggest mistake. I don't everyone to think I was excruciating pain, it was more discomfort from the gas pains and Soreness from the incision sites and external drain. Side note : Dr Kim is a brilliant surgeon. I honestly believe she is at the top of her field . My incisions sites look like tiny scratches, they are so clean and are healing incredibly. I want to take another minute to acknowledge her personality and her bedside manner. She made time to see me personally 4 times after surgery. With her hectic scheduled that meant alot. She explained my leak test In detail to me and my mom. She explained that when I woke up it wouldnt be pain so much as a pressure in your chest. Boy was she right! So after Getty some fluids in I started to feel much better. I went for a few walks with a physical therapist that actually made me feel better, to be up and moving. They bring an assortment of bariatric fluids to your room 3 times a day, to see which one you can tolerate. Plain yogurt never tasted so good! The I had my drain taking out after realizing I was healing properly. I was able to take a shower after the -
For Those Who Aren't Shy--Tell Me About Boobs
cab0ad replied to cab0ad's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
wheetsin, my sleeve was last week. I had kowalski at KC Bariatrics do it. -
I just scheduled my surgery for October 10th with Dr. Patterson! I am so excited!!! I am a surgical nurse so I see surgery all the time (although we don't do Bariatric surgery at my hospital) but this is my first time having surgery I am also super excited to have Dr. Patterson because everyone I talk to tells me what a talented surgeon she is
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First Step Complete....Gave bariatric office medical records
slimKim14 posted a topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Well I officially handed in my bariatric paperwork and medical records today! Woohoo! That was a lot of information to gather. Now starts the wait for the office to call and schedule my appointment with the nurse, NUT, and psyche appt. I think the waiting will be even harder than gathering all that information! Anyone else just getting started? -
Kaiser Fremont- Dr. Hahn
audaciousmarie replied to audaciousmarie's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
@Phoenix40...I called the Bariatric weight tracking line to report that I was within 5 pounds of the goal weight. The medical assistant called me the next day and gave me a psych appointment that was about two weeks later. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App -
Which medicine to take tonight?
JeanaLuvsKisses replied to Cherry's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have a broken foot and sometimes I'm in a lot of pain at night. I was prescribed 5-325 Vicodin to take as needed. My bariatric doctor said it was no problem for me to take it. -
What stage are you in? You will have may more options once you get back to regular cooked food. For me that was 4 1/2 weeks. Before that, I used baby foods for purees. For soft foods, I just took what I wanted and put it in the blender with enough broth or Water to make it the right consistency. If you are already in the regular stage and lost about menus, go to: theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com She is one of us and understands what we are going through. She has many recipes and bariatric - friendly menu ideas and wonderful stories about world-wide travel while newly sleeved.
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Anyone self-pay in the US and pay less than $10,000?
photogirl70 replied to UIHCPNA's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Check out Blossom Bariatrics in Las Vegas. They have a fast track program for self pay/out of state. https://blossombariatrics.com/fasttrack/ I had my procedure with Blossom. I live in Las Vegas so I didn't do fast track but they have a very good price. -
Need Alternative Bariatric Options
FluffyChix replied to Thaelia's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Who is Rex Bariatric in Raleigh and if you're going overseas for the surgery why do you need them? If your iron is low you have to find out why before surgery. Cuz these surgeries can be tough on iron status. So you need to be stable. If you of menstruating age that would or could explain it, but if not, then one of the most usual places for iron to escape is in the GI tract. Any doc can order a colonoscopy. How bout your PCP? -
Clothing Problems! What to do?
SummerTimeGirl replied to KayBee1972's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Haven't had surgery yet but how about those sites that send you clothes? Not sure if they are worth it, or if it works like I'm thinking but, maybe that would be a good way to try new clothes as you lose? Here is a site that has some tips: https://www.bariatricbody.co/post/12-step-guide-for-shopping-buying-and-making-your-clothing-wardrobe-work-after-bariatric-surgery