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Ask your Bariatric team for a referral to a doctor that will perform it (in the time needed, confirm it will work with insurance etc) Find a doctor in the Primary practice you currently attend that will ok it (if there are multiple doctors, perhaps a colleague, that can be seen) Last resort, hound the doctor everyday. EVERYDAY. Even just walk in. Get what you need and want. Safe Journey!

You can go the natural route: Goldenseal as antibiotic/antiviral and Vitamin C (high doses) & Echinacea for immune support. Probiotics (commercial form or kimchi/sauerkraut/kombucha) to return gut microbiotic balance Check mineral levels (zinc is used in a lot of natural cold remedies) Protective medicinal teas (research heavily first) Switching your diet up (organic, non GMO, gluten free, vegetarian, raw, etc. to see if there is a difference) Eliminate allergens (food and environmental like carrageenan and mold) Ponder if it's stress or work related (certain jobs can make you ill through constant exposure to XYZ) Run these ideas past your primary doctor/bariatric team and see what they think. Ask to be tested for everything that can cause chronic illness as well. (Don't forget STIs) Safe Journey!

Hello! So I am 1.5 years out from surgery, and have been getting sick with colds every 4-6 weeks. This started about 4 months after surgery, and when I get sick it clings on for about 1 week, or at times up to two weeks. It's the typical stuffy runny nose, cough and sore throat type cold you expect to get once or twice a year with a season change, but at least for the first few days of it I am prohibitively tired, as if I had mono. It is really causing problems - my job is getting tired of time off. I cannot stand to continue to be sick for 25% my life like this! I have spoken with my bariatric team about this, as well as the general doctors I see at the walk-in when it is occasionally bad enough to warrant going in. All I've gotten is - you've lost 200 lbs and that is a huge change and a shock to your system, your immune system may be off kilter, things will even out, etc. My vitamin levels are good, and I understand massive weightloss is a shock to the body...but isn't there anything I can do in the mean time? Anything to protect myself or boost my immune system to stop this? I am a single mom, and I cannot afford to lose my job. I am still so glad I had the surgery and changed my life, but I can't afford to continue to get sick like this.

As lapbandster mentioned above, I would recommend fighting this one. I can't think of any insurance that would deny removal of an implanted device for which you are having complications. If the GI doctor is recommending removal, I recommend consulting with a bariatric surgeon. Bariatric offices have staff that specialize in this, so they'd know how to show "medical necessity" of the procedure.

Well, you have to start somewhere right? Your current surgeon was once someone that you didn't know, and that had no idea what you were dealing with, I'd assume your current surgeon would provide you with someone they felt could continue your support. You could see if they could recommend someone closer. But even still, it's going to be best to have someone who's well versed in Bariatric surgery. I wouldn't suggest leaning on a PCP for all specialty needs, be that Bariatric, Dermatology, Orthopedics etc. I love my PCP. And I go to her for pretty much everything, except my ongoing bariatric support, that support goes to those that have the specific skills for those issues. Clearly my opinion, you do what you wish/what you feel comfortable with, I just don't feel comfortable telling someone to stop seeing to someone that works on those specific issues for someone that only does the generalized stuff.

I can only eat creamed cereal, fat free yogurt and creamed soup for 1 more week. Plus protein shakes. In 1 week I can add blended foods like tuna. No supplements for 30 days. I have put a call in to my Bariatric nurse. Thanks for the advice!

My opinion on it, I wouldn't switch to *JUST* the PCP. PCPs are great and all, but can miss things that a Bariatric Surgeon might not. I still go and see my PCP *AND* check in with my surgeon / surgical team. No reason you can't have both, In my opinion, it's still best to follow up with a Bariatric surgeon.

Your weight loss in the months to come will be unique to you. We are more than the statistics. 40 to 60% are the stats for weight loss. Nothing has to be set in stone as a goal weight right now. As you get closer to your surgeons goal weight. You can decided if you want to press on to your ultimate goal. "So for any of you that have reached your ultimate goal weight, or you went above and beyond the 60%, please share your stories, tips/advice, input, exercise/diet regimens? I want to fully prepare for this mentally before diving in physically. I don't want to feel discouraged before even having my surgery" You may have times when you feel discouraged after surgery. Stalls and mental battles Etc. Keep connected with support form bariatric patients. We are here for you. I am four years out. 5'5" 254 high weight - 234 day of surgery. six months 140 - I went on to 130's My motivation and perspective came from my mother. I watched her battle cancer. She knew she had months to live. I thought of her each time things got hard. She would have gladly traded places with me for my weight loss struggles. I was driven to make the most out of my surgery and life. Surgery is work. None of this happens over night. You earn each pound. The sum of small things repeated day in and day out will get you where you want to be. Nothing magic - I followed my eating plan and guidelines. Learned to log my food. I stayed consistent. I discovered a passion read all things bariatric, nutrition and fitness. It was eye opening. I learned food is fuel and not for comforting stress/emotions Exercise was a necessary evil. It developed over time into something I enjoy Exercise: Let no one interrupt your gym/exercise. It's time you carve out for yourself. Use it to process life's issues and overcome the mental battles that may surface with WLS. My first year: I dedicated an hour five /six days a week. I started with walking. Then the elliptical and a bit of weight lifting. I increased the resistance and weight as I got stronger. Over time my workouts evolved Into biking, distance running and lifting. Food: Log you food. Make sure you hit your calories, protein and carbohydrates for the day without going over. Get temptations out of the house, Grocery shop and cook your own food. Congrats on your upcoming surgery, Jenn

So..... My surgeon has decided he is moving out of state. I am post op 12 weeks. I haven't had any complications and have been doing great. He says I can get referred to another surgeon to continue my postoperative care but I am thinking on just want to go to my family doctor. She has been super supportive of my journey with bariatric surgery as her mother had RNY also. Would it be irresponsible of me to switch from a surgeon to my family doc? I can always be referred back out by her if down the road I hit some road blocks. Any advice?

I lost 100% of my excess weight and have kept it off for 18 months. Things that helped me achieve this: 1. Months PRIOR to gastric bypass, I gave up the following: a. No carbonated or caffeinated beverages or juice b. No alcohol c. No artificial sweeteners d. No fast food e. Minimal processed food, desserts, bread, rice, or pasta f. Stopped drinking during and after meals g. No food funerals 2. I followed my bariatric surgeon’s instructions to the letter and did not advance my diet ahead of schedule. 3. I worked on my food and other issues with a therapist before and after surgery. 4. I started walking more before surgery and continued to increase my daily steps after surgery. 5. I cleaned out my closet of clothes that were too big as I lost weight. 6. I weigh my food because too large portion sizes (with mindless eating) was a main reason I got so heavy. 7. I no longer snack/graze all day. 8. I’m much kinder to myself post-surgery. If I overeat I don’t beat myself up and then binge; instead, I move on and eat less at my next meal. 9. I drink a lot more water now. 10. I weigh myself almost everyday. When I was overweight I didn’t weigh myself, which allowed me to be in denial about my true weight. Now it’s just data and I can course correct quickly if it starts to go up.

Good Morning! I just had my first appointment with the bariatric center last week. I met with the surgeon, a nutritionist, and had blood drawn. All of my blood results came back great (I’m the healthiest fat person I know! Lol). Next up is the psych evaluation. I am curious how that went for others and what should I expect? I have a questionnaire to complete but they did say the appointment will be at least 2 hours so what was discussed at your psych evaluation and anything I should know? Also any general advise for a newbie that is hoping for surgery early next year? Thanks in advance!

It’s great to drive towards a goal, just don’t brainwash yourself into thinking that a statistically different outcome is your only definition of success. If you lose 40-60% of your excess weight, you are a successful bariatric patient achieving the average loss. Losing more is great, just don’t set a reach goal and then deem yourself a failure if you end up closer to the average. There are plenty of post-surgical mindgames you’ll find yourself playing; leave this particular one out if you can.

I wanted to welcome you also . Although I am an newish RNY bypasser (9/05/2018) most of my best friends are sleevers. You'll find friends on here from both sides of the WL aisle, it's like the Army and Navy, we are allies in the Bariatric Wars and we help each other out as much as possible😛😎😇!

My Bariatric center also starts purees (cream soups, yogurt, oatmeal) then after 2 weeks progress to soft foods. I got a "diet progression" list at each check-up. 1 week, 1 month and 2 months. No meat until week 4, unless it was canned tuna or chicken and very moist.

Don't know but I surely like the sentiment. Don't we, as Bariatric People, deserve some simplicity?

I once knew a family in Grover Hill, think the kiddos went to Payne for school. Where are you going to have your surgery done? If it is okay I will lift you up in👼🙏 prayer on your day! see I do believe in prayer, eeven for small things, although Bariatric Surgery is a BIG UNDERTAKING, a real life changer, although those on here whose surgeries are completed more than think it's worth the effort. So have a smooth Thanksgiving, an effortless surgery and we all will look forward to hearing more of your story!😜🏆

My favorite website for recipes is skinnytaste.com. She re-creates traditional recipes in a healthier way. The site is not bariatric-centered, however, the recipes are great and she includes all the nutritional info.

My surgeon has his patients start on purees on day 3 as well. He is also an accredited bariatric center of excellence surgeon.

I am going thru UC Hospital so they have a whole unit for the Bariatric. I also work for UC as well. So I'm hoping that plays into my favor. Just nervous. Everyone on this site has been more than helpful and insightful. Congrats on your weight loss!!!!

Yes! Purée 2 days after discharge. Soft foods 2 weeks out. The weird difference is that I can’t have full solids til 3 months. My Surgeon goes by research that shows that most leaks happen under 3 months because your stomach is still healing. He’s the only doc at the Bariatric Hostpital that has this rule though. I can tell my NUT doesn’t agree with him though.

The bariatric pal chocolate caramel crunch protein bars are the best I've found so far. They taste like a 100 Grand candy bar.

I am sorry you do not feel you have support. My wife went through the same 10 years ago. Today this site facebook and MFP all have support groups and people like myself who had RNY in July who are here for you, Check the following web site https://www.obesityaction.org/community/find-support-connect/find-a-support-group/ the site has some bariatric support groups Also have you done a google search for support I a, on MFP my profile is josephskop You can friend me and I will try to provide support Joe

Actually my GP is quite overweight and I felt like because of it, he never took my concerns about my own weight very seriously. He would just say things like “well, if I had the magic wand for that...” (and pat his tummy) Finally I made an appt with the NP and talked/cried to her about my weight concerns. She was actually the one who suggested bariatric surgery. I love her for it : )

I'm sorry your husband isn't being supportive. It's a decision you have to make about your body, for the betterment of your life, but naturally you want your life partner to be at your side encouraging you rather than discouraging. My husband was initially opposed to the surgery, incredulous that I even wanted it. I looked on PubMed, which is a database of medical research, and found studies about bariatric surgery - its safety and efficacy, how those who had it were substantially more likely to keep their weight off, and ones specific to women with my own health issues (PCOS and hypothyroidism) having it. This was significant to having him change his mind because it wasn't just my words, my emotions, but facts before him. I think you should pursue the surgery if you truly believe will better your life. I definitely count the surgery as being the best medical decision I ever made. It's transformed my life. I would continue to try to get your husband on board. The surgery is challenging physically and emotionally for the first month or two out. I had no complications and didn't have to follow a strict pre-op diet, so I had easier than many, but there were still struggles. I think while in that vulnerable state having to deal with any marital issues would have been really hard. Some things that helped in my situation were - - The money for the surgery did not come from our joint funds. I was self-pay to Mexico patient since my insurance wouldn't cover it, and so it was a lot more affordable and easier to take on the expenses without his contributions. I was the one who assured him of this. - Planning. In our household, my husband and I divide up the chores / tasks pretty evenly. We both are young professionals who come home wanting to get the chores out of the way as fast as possible, and relax. By choice I do more things like laundry, vacuuming, grocery shopping, and he does the yard work and takes care of the cars getting washed. I didn't want him to have to do all of my tasks while I was recovering. I cleaned the house top to bottom prior to surgery, and arranged for house cleaners to come in once a week for the month following the surgery. I used a grocery delivery service, and made the point of getting things that he likes even though I couldn't eat them. There was little inconvenience for him. - I understood that I was the one having surgery, and taking on the changes it required like the post-op diet. I never made him feel like he couldn't have whatever he wanted to eat for dinner, or keep foods that would be tempting to me out of the house. He was good about being considerate, but I think him knowing that he wasn't encumbered by my surgery helped him to not feel resentful of it. Best wishes to you. I hope your husband gets on board, and you have the surgery and fantastic results from it. I have never for a second regretted my surgery. I'm three years out, have maintained my goal within a small fluctuation zone for two years, and feel more vibrant and healthy now than I did as a teen.

Luna, at least they have a lemon one, so fed up with protein bar companies cramming chocolate down a weight loss person's throat, Geez Louise, I am not the only,one intolerant or down right allergic to the stuff! And while we are are on the subject, all I can find are vanilla or chocolate protein shakes, I am 23 miles from the nearest Sams Club and 40,miles from Costco so neither is an option. And one gets so sick on. vanilla, nearly 4 weeks pre and 10+ post, and the Bariatric Pal ones the best is Orange Creamsicle and I'm getting,low,on it.