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Thanks! Med school has always been a dream of mine. I started the application process prior to getting the band, but I think that getting it has helped me increase my confidence. Also, it will be easier to go through the stress of all of it without an extra 80 lbs stuck to my body! I have considered doing bariatric medicine, but I really do not want to go through the general surgery residency.

Surgery Day (Tues): :unsure:As I stated in another thread, surgery day was a breeze for me. I had surgery on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2008 at 12:30pm and went home at 9:00pm. Took a pain pill and slept pretty good that night. Day 1 Post Op (Wed): :mellow:The bloating was miserable, but I was prepared mentally to expect and accept this. I had one GasX strip about every 2 hours and that definitely helped. I did not need any pain meds through the day. I was uncomfortable, but not in any real pain. It was very different to sip on water and fruit juice and hear or feel it sort of gurgle as it went through the new stoma. I am not really aware that the lapband is there except for an occasional knot that comes up - like gas - under my chest and then suddenly goes away. I think the bloating is the worst part at this point. I have had no problem getting in and out of my chair, going to the bathroom, or walking around today. Even took a shower this morning and rode my exercise bike for about 10 minutes. The warm water felt really good on my big belly. I took a pain pill before going to bed, and through the night to sleep good. No point in being miserable if you don't have to. Day 2 Post Op (Thurs): :blink:The liquid diet is already getting old. I've weighed myself and I'm 4 lbs heavier than before going into surgery. IV glucose always does this to me. However, even at this weight, I am 16 pounds lighter than I was when I began the pre-op diet. My stomach muscles are a bit sore, but again, nothing unbearable. I rode my exercise bike for about 12 minutes. My husband made me quit - he was afraid I was overdoing it. At 11:00am, I cooked some chicken and beans, turnip greens, and corn bread for my hubby's lunch. I enjoyed cooking this and was able to eat 1/4 cup or so of the broth from the beans - tasty! I took some liquid tylenol around 3:00pm and took a long nap. That was nice. I went to bed around 8pm and took one pain pill for the night. I noticed it was already easier getting in and out of bed. Day 3 Post Op (Fri): :bored:OK. Some people say you can have this surgery on a Friday and be back to work (desk job) on Monday. Well, I would hate to think I had to be at a job this morning! The liquid diet is really old, but I'm becoming creative. I'm still bloated, but not as bad. The gas has gradually gone up to my arm pits it seems and that is more aggravating than painful. I took a shower today and washed my hair. Dried and styled my hair and put on makeup. Yes, I'm human again! I'm making a shake each day using the Whey Protein Chocolate 52g per 2 scoops. So far, I'm using 1 scoop (26g) in 8 oz of Lite Silk Soy Milk. I can drink about 1/3 of this at a time. It tastes very good and feels like something in your stomach - not the emptiness of water. I am already learning the signs of being full. I have not overdone it yet - I tend to burb in response to the pouch being full. I stop as soon as this happens and wait awhile before drinking more. I can feel my little pouch empty into the stomach - the bloating probably has me hyper-aware of this today. I am thinking, I have just made a huge permanent change to my body. What have I done to myself?! Then I think of all the posts I have read on this site and how everyone has encouraged me to know that you may have momentary second thoughts post-op, but shortly after it becomes the best decision of your life. My post-op weight is disappearing now. I am feeling better and stronger - but still glad I don't have to be on the job today. Day 4 Post Op (Sat): :tongue_smilie: Doing Great! - I used no pain relievers last night which probably helped me wake up without the groggy feeling this morning. I had renewed energy. I cleaned up mess that had already collected in our bedroom then headed to the kitchen to cleanup in there. Today, I could be on the job if I had to be, but I'm glad I have until Monday anyway. I have walked up a long flight of stairs to get to my computer and catch you up on my surgery. Also, my weight is 258 this morning! That's a big hallelujah! I was even able to put my wedding ring back on for the first time in a couple of years. Pre-surgery weight was 279, so I'm already a pretty happy camper. I am getting up and down with ease today and considering eating some watery instant potatoes (1 or 2 tablespoons). My doctor is not a strict about the diet as some. The gas under my arms seems to have disapated (sp?), and I am able to situp straighter without leaning back - thus able to sit at the computer for a long time. I guess I've been on the computer 3 hours or so now and feel well, but may be running out of steam soon. I have to keep remembering to drink water. Good luck to everyone considering this huge life change! I wish I could have done it without the surgery, but 25 years of obesity proved this was not going to happen for me without surgical intervention. I'll keep you posted and look forward to joining the "Lost 100 pounds" list in the future!

Maplef50, Thanks for the info on sleep study very interesting. I thought about what you said about changing to a different psych. dr. but I had to call the ins co. and get the approval and an auth # myself, and the list of other bariatric psych. dr. on the list are pretty far from where i live but i did call the office and asked them to put me on a list to call if there are any cancellations. Who knows I might get that call. Today I am preparing to go on vacation next week. Me, my husband and 4 year old daughter are going to Branson, MO for a week. 5 hrs in the back of a mini van with a 4 year old. I hope this is going to feel like a vacation. Let me know when you find out your surgery date. Lisa

I'm new to here on this forum. Hello I got couple questions that may have been asked couple times on forum but here it goes..... My insurance is Blue Cross of CA (PPO) My BMI is 48 :embarassed: I have Diabetes, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, sleep Apeana, and just plain fat for over 15year with many diet try So I visit my doctor and he recommend me to Bariatric Surgery for Lapband. So now I have a appointment to talk to Surgeon and also appointment for required seminar. So what are the requirements I need do to guarantee surgery from my insurance? and.... what is the length of time before surgery?

I went for my first consultation yesterday, and was very excited to get started on this whole journey. By the time I got home, the sleep study receptionist had left a message to make an appointment for tonight. Psychiatrist is on Monday, Gastroscopy is on Wednesday, Cardiologist is on 3/3 and all I have left to do is find a bariatric nutritionist that United Healthcare will cover. I am so excited to get these things under way, so the paperwork can all be submitted to UHC. If they don't approve me I will probably hit this deep funk...so I'm trying to keep myself anticipating anything from them. The surgeons office has already got the criteria from them, so I hope this is all going to be good. Looking forward to being set free from this bondage of weight. Anyone had experience with UHC in Arizona? How long did it take you to hear anything, did they make you jump through hoops.... My surgeon will be Dr. Chiasson (hopefully......)

I had sleeve gastrectomy March 2014 and have done great however I have a friend who had surgery 7 months ago with a different surgeon who I have some serious questions about. She stayed on a liquid diet for 3 months post op with his approval and encouragement and since trying to reintroduce food at about 4 months out is unable to eat even 3 bites without vomiting. I'm concerned 1) that her surgeon who is a general surgeon now heading up a local hospitals "bariatric program"; 2) she had egd about 2 months post op but nothing since; 3) I'm concerned that she might have developed either stricture or adhesions or volvulus. In addition she lost 68 pounds while on liquid only diet but has not lost another pound since that same 4 month mark. She stalled at 220 and is frustrated and very upset that she is both unable to eat and still not losing weight. I don't live with her so I'm taking her word for what she's eating but she swears she throws up everytime she eats and that she only eats 3-4 bites at a time. Has anyone else had this issue and what is best advice /course of action for her to pursue?

Anyone here having their Surgery at the University of Penn Bariatric? Philadelphia

I talked to my internist about 3 weeks ago about Bariatric Surgery. She referred me to a doctor to get the process started. In the mean time I have had blood work done which indicated I have disposition for diabetes. My blood sugar was 109. That really woke me up. Friday 5/15/09 I went for a sleep study due to snoring and not being able to sleep. Saturday 5/16/09 went to an informational seminar for Bariatric Surgery and I now know the Lap Band is for me. Wednesday 5/20/09 I met with my Internist to have the physical exam paperwork completed. To my surpris she had the results of my sleep study. Mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. They state that I may benefit from CPAP use. This frightens me as I am claustrophic. I am awaiting a call for the next appointment. Can anyone who has gone through the similar issue with sleep apnea help me. Did your doctor require you to get the CPAP machine before surgery? If I remember correctly during the seminar they advised us you had to. I still am very anxious to have the surgery. I am awaiting a call to see what my insurance says about the Lap Band. From what I was told I should qualify because of my BMI. I am hoping to have this the end of July....keep your fingers crossed that I can all my ducks in a row by then. Looking forward to hearing from anyone who has some hints about the CPAP machine.

Hi DuranFan1969 There is a good reason more and more insurance companies like BCBS are accepting and paying for bariatric surgery. I have diabetes and other co-morbidities. In the long run it is cheaper for insurance to cover this large bill for WLS, because over the years insurance will have to pay much more for medical supplies and medicine for people with such ailments as high blood pressure and diabetes, sleep apnea etc. So getting the WLS makes sense to the insurance company. I don't think insurance is paying for WLS out of the "goodness of their heart" it just makes good business sense. Good luck with you upcoming sleeve you will be very happy kathy

Dear Sweatheart, I have NONE of the issues you are describing (a few minor ones for sure) but, I can tell you, you are right to be cautious and thoughtful and ask MANY questions. Questioning all this and doing your research does not make you a loon! lol It makes you an informed, smart patient. While I cant guarantee you that the waters will be always smooth, I can say that my father is a doctor in this area and was instrumental in developing the bariatric program here so, when I decided I wanted this, I GOT AN EARFULL!! I could go on for days about stats, case studies etc! lol Even in saying that, HE was concerned about me making such a permanent, life altering decision too. this is a BIG deal.All your emotions are the right ones to have , because they are yours. Its your body, your life, your feelings and your doctors and support staff should answer them all with patience and understanding. If you don't feel you have the right team, you can always stop and begin again with another. This is not my first surgery, I did have the band, now I am having the bypass. I will say, I lost almost 100lbs and for me, it was life altering. My health improved, my self esteem rose up off the floor for the first time in years, and I felt like a light, happy confident women just like all the other women in the room for once! Unlike some people will think of us, this is not magic! I worked VERY hard at this, I ate right, and worked out hard, and it paid off! I was my own fairy weight loss godmother! lol My band was defective and my thyroid has worsened so, my surgeon feels bypass is best now so, this is the continuation of my path. Its all scary uncharted territory for you right now and its tons of information to take in it seems but, remember, its also a learn on the job sort of thing to a point as well. You certainly want to follow direction but, you can ALWAYS ask if you forget, of feel weird or confused until you are a bypass master. Then it will be as much a part of you as breathing is. As for your illnesses, they will certainly be effected by this change (most likely in a very good way) but you learned to manage them when you first became diagnosed and you will relearn as they change as you are obviously a savvy patient. The only constant in life is change! I think your making a very brave change just for you and all for the best. However, as I said, if you have lingering doubt, keep on asking, get another consult, whatever it takes until you are FULLY comfortable. This process is tough enough, you have to feel confident you have made a good and informed decision. you will be in my thoughts and prayers, please message me any time at all, good luck and feel better, stay well and think POSITIVE!

Call the closest hospital known for bariatric surgery... They should be able to point you in the right direction Good luck

Rebecca... obesityhelp.com has a physician finder to assist in finding a bariatric surgeon near to you. Good Luck!

Hey Sleevers! I have a question for anyone in the New York area: Can anyone suggest any bariatric-surgery friendly doctors in the city? Unfortunately, I've had a lot of negative feedback as I've been searching for a primary care doctor in the city: a lot of eye rolling, judgement, and smug faces as they react to my telling of my surgery in December of 2011. I'm tired of it and just want to find a doctor that supports what I've gone through, and go on to become my primary care physician. I was away from the city for a couple of years since surgery and now that I'm back and settling my life here, I'd like to find a friendly PCP to stick with. **I'd prefer an office anywhere in midtown for an easy commute from work..but if its a great doctor, I frankly don't care** THANK YOU <3

I think it comes with the territory. I've been reading " The Emotional First Aid Kit: A Practical Guide to Life After Bariatric Surgery, Second Edition." Reading it once before surgery and then again after. It explains that this is a very common experience. I'm getting sleeved on December 17, so I'm going to have the same thing going on for Christmas.

About the drinking and protein shake, yep! I was instructed to wait. The bariatric coordinator actually gave me a schedule of when I should "eat" my shake, then the 30 minute wait period, then when I can drink again. And how much I should drink. She was so strict about sticking to the schedule and it does make sense. Example; 8-8:30 am; Drink 3 ounces of protein shake 8:30-9 am; NOTHING by mouth 9-12; drink 20 ounces of water. Then it continues like that until 9pm. I think starting now just helps prepare for when you can have solid food.

I have a question regarding final insurance approval. I have an exclusion in my insurance policy for WLS, but my employer has a program where they can override it with certain health conditions or BMI (my BMI of 54 more than qualifies me). I called them in January, found out I qualified, they called Anthem for me and told them I qualified. I also had to contact Anthem's Bariatric program prior to my first surgeon visit and ask some qualifying questions, of which they answered all in the positive. Anthem doesn't require me to do any sort of supervised diet and the only clearances required are from my surgeon (nutritionalist and psych). I only have a group NUT appointment left then it goes to insurance. So, my question is, why would the possibility exist for insurance to deny me at this point? I see so many people worried about denial at the end and some are denied. Why?

WASaBubble Butt.....yes I know about the policy having to be writtien to include it. Unfortunately they refuse to allow it. Four years ago when I started at the hospital we had BCBS and it was covered. Now we are forced to only have UHC and it is no longer covered. We thought that since they opened a bariatric unit that they would cover it. The hospital I work for is my no way in a position that they can not afford it. They are in the top of profits in this entire area. We have three hospitals and they just acquired another one. Not to include all the urgent cares and the surgery centers and the other satelite buildings they have and are building as we speak.

So this is me. My name is Kathi, 28 years old, 165cm tall and 143kgs. I've been tooing and froing about getting bariatric suregery for 2 years now. I have been big most of my life. Teased by kids as I'm sure many of you can relate to, and even worse have been discriminated against in all areas of life due to my size, including being passed over for promotions and postings to foreign climes. So not fair! So 2 years ago I got on track to get a lapband... I was scared and had a lot going on in my life at the time: Broken up relationship, job going weird, and many other things, so I chickened out after seeing the surgeon. Now, I have matured and come to know myself more (its amazing what you find out about yourself when you lose the deadwood of a bad relationship and a bad job). Now I have realised that I need this tool to stop me becoming what I see my whole family becoming. I dont want Diabetes, or heart problems, I dont want to be immobile, I dont want to be prejudiced against anymore. I have tried everything! fad diets, weight watchers, diet pills, you name it So here I am, Surgery booked in for 30 November. My Parents are giving me a loan to have it done (not that they can really afford it though, but they know its what I need...), and I will be paying it off for the next 5 years. But I feel its worth it. I now have 6 weeks of preop diet in front of me, plus learning to eat, exercise, and change the way I think. Its a hard road, but I'm hoping at the end of it, the rny will be a life saver. I'm on Day 2 of pre op diet. I think taking all things in context it's been successful. Minor slip ups, but I'm proud of my salmon, bok choi and broccoli in the face of others eating a mountain of pizza around me that I was pretty strong to only steal 2 bites of pizza. Still not ideal, but better than caving and eating a half pizza like I normally would. Plus going to 3 pubs this weekend and only having a tiny taste of beers that the others bought. I have the motivation, I just hope I can hold onto it! 40 minute wii dance workout this evening - so shattered. My cat thinks I'm crazy, but what does she know, she's a cat! I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with all of you, and sharing in yours along the way

@@Luvin_Life125 Google the local restaurants and look up their menus online. Takes the guess work out of which restaurants will have bariatric friendly foods.

Thank you !!!! I need all the support I can get! Already have a good start. My cousin has had the surgery as well and she works at the bariatric surgery office and works for my surgeon! !!!!!

Congrats!! You're own your way! The first appointment with the surgeon was no biggie for me.....he asked a lot of questions about my eating habits, past diets and general medical history type questions. He did a physical exam and then asked me which surgery I was thinking about. I told him the sleeve and he agreed....we discussed for a few minutes why we both felt it was the best choice for me, and that was about it......I then met with the surgery coordinator who scheduled all the required appointments for me...(phych eval, NUT appointment, and a bariatric education class, chest x-ray, and swallow test). Once all that was done I saw the surgeon one last time and at that appointment the surgery was canceled.....My process when faster than most people. Mine took about 2 months. Congrats again!!!!

I'm into Syntrax Nectar 23g protein, 90 calories, great flavors like fuzzy navel,lemonade stand,caribbean cooller. Contact company & tell them you are a bariatric patient& they will send you samples for $9.99. I'm 4!/2 months out from surgery& I still drink after fills & after exercising.

Contact your insurance company and they can tell you right off the bat what their expectations/requirements are. Even though you meet the specifications for bariatric surgery a lot of insurance companies still make you jump through their "hoops" before they approve you. Good luck to you!

There are many complications that can happen during and after any major surgery. The main ones that people worry about after bariatric surgery are: Bleeding, infection, blood clots, leaks, strictures, gallbladder problems, and malnutrition. There are probably 100 other things that could go wrong.... but keep in mind that significant complications only happen about 5% of the time for good surgeons. Malnutrition is an issue both close to surgery and years later. (Close to surgery, there can be a rare complication that keeps one from eating. While years out from surgery (usually gastric bypass or DS)... malabsorption can result in deficiencies (thus the need for lifelong routine bloodwork checking vitamin levels). Heart, lungs, and kidneys shouldn't be more affected by bariatrics than by any other major surgery.

My surgery date is March 4th and I'm really looking forward to it. And I have become very comfortable with Dr. Michael King, he definitely knows his stuff. Any other persons been to Oxford for bariatric surgery? What was your experience?