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@@gina171 I decided on the sleeve - with consultation from my surgeon, nutritionist and psych (they are all in the Bariatric Program I go to). These are the reasons I decided sleeve (which I have yet to get by the way - so something may change based on my pre-op testing). I don't have issues with GERD so the sleeve is an option for me. My surgeon didn't feel like I needed the mal-absorption that the Bypass has and only need restriction (based on my eating habits and medical history). I don't really eat sweets - but if I want something sweet I don't want to get dumping. I want to be able to eventually eat normal things - only much smaller portions (once I am at goal). I can lose as much weight with the sleeve as bypass - although it may be a little slower (which is fine with me). I didn't want the vitamin deficiency and possible issues that the bypass brings. It depends on you as to what will work best - and I would talk to your Team about the choices as well.

Good for you! I'm so happy that you're able to do that. You know, only 5% of people are able to lose weight - and keep it off - with diet and exercise alone. Only 5%, isn't that crazy?!? Praise the Lord there are alternatives (like medications, or bariatric surgery) for the other 95% of us.

Alex, great idea for local BP chapters, meetings, etc. As a physician and as a VSG patient, I could assist in this process. Also, my surgeon is one of the leading surgeons/Bariatric surgeons/ endoscopic pioneers. Maybe there's some way to partner. How might this discussion be furthered re: "details," once you might have some? Again, great idea.

I am looking to have the sleeve surgery and my insurance does not cover any bariatric surgery. I am looking for affordable self-pay options in the USA. Any suggestions?

Congrats on your surgery and your smooth recovery. It seems like you are doing well. This website has menus/food/recipes in the Food and Nutrition section of the forums. Also, these websites are helpful with menus/recipes labeled by the stage of food that you're eating: https://www.bariatriccookery.com/ https://www.bariatriceating.com/bariatric-recipes.html And an important tip: Not only do you not have to live on grilled chicken and broccoli forever, but grilled chicken will probably be one of the last proteins that you can comfortably eat! For many of us, it was many, many months before we could handle grilled chicken! Hope this helps and good luck on your journey!

What brand of shakes are you using? I had the Bariatric Advantage for my pre-op diet but I find they are too thick and full of air post-op. (Actually any shake made in a blender is too airy for me to finish in an hour.) I like the Syntrax Nectar Chocolate Truffle shakes made in a blender bottle - has one of those little wire ball in the bottle that helps to blend everything when you shake it. My goal is to eat 900 calories a day. Some days might be a little less, but that is what I shoot for. I still drink at least one shake a day made with light soy milk. In addition to the 900 calories, I also try to get a minimum 80 grams of protein - I want to keep my hair!!

Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Wilhelmy, and if so how was your experience?

if you call bariatric advantage their customer service line they will send you for free a nice sample package of their supplements and protein.

Okay, I had my sleeve done on Wednesday the 15th and I still feel like crap. I had my pre-op tests done on the 13th (full body scan, blood test, and routing checkup with the surgeon) and went into op around 8am that Wednesday. I know the time frame is weird, but considering the fact that the surgeon does 2 to 3 bariatrics surgeries a day (popular guy), I felt pretty comfortable doing it. I wanna start off by saying, I'm quite amused at the level of "attention" and pre-reqs that is required in the U.S. It is super unnecessary, a sleeve is probably one of the easiest major surgeries that can be performed. I actually felt sad for the people that had to undergo years of testing and check ups and even liver operations just to be able to do it. Don't waste your money and time on that and just find a reputable surgeon abroad who will most likely do it at 1/10th of the cost while being much more experienced with it (I was treated like a client/customer whenever I conuslted a doctor in the U.S. rather than a patient). Now that I got all the negativity towards the American healthcare system, I want to ask a few things about my current diet. For the most part, most post-op diets are similar but I don't understand how some people go hard on protein during the 1st phase when my diet doesn't involve any protein until the 5th week. First 14 days is clear liquids, and the nutritionist/surgeon literally just advised me to drink white grape or apple juice (peeled,strained, added water, no added sugars), broth water (no fat, no seasonings, bleh), and herbal drinks (no caffeine). How the heck is my body supposed to stay alive on what I suppose is basically nutrient weak foods? I'm still alive obviously, but I don't see how I won't be turned into a skeletal frame by the end of the 2nd week on this diet? I asked my doc "am I gonna be alive to even enjoy solid foods in a couple of months if I stick to this diet?", to which he replied "don't worry buddy, trust the process".(okay he didn't actually say that, but it was something among the lines of it'll be okay if you stick to it). I mean I trust the process, but I don't really trust the science behind it. Why do some people have the luxury of being allowed to eat SF Jello, ice pops, protein shakes, puddings, etc. just a few days after surgery when my diet is so harsh? How is not having any protein over 2 weeks a good thing? I had a natural weight loss journey before (300 to 185) and it involved a LOT of protein and little to no carbs/sugar + high fat for muscle building, so this just sounds so alien to me. Not sure if this helps, but I'm a 28 y/o male, current weight 258 ideal 170. I was prescribed anti-heartburn meds, pain meds, and blood thinners as well as a weekly dose of B-12. Sent from my SM-N970U using BariatricPal mobile app

During a group session with my bariatric surgeon someone mentioned that he was exploring new things that he could eat after surgery. The nutritionist asked him why was he exploring new things to eat when he should be learning what foods to stay away from. She said you got this surgery to get a new way of life as it pertains to your eating why are you looking to test your new stomach with foods that have harmed you in the past. She said get in your proteins, water and vitamins and you'll not only lose the weight, you'll be more healthier and you'll have a better chance of maintaining the weight loss. People who experiment and try to work around their surgery have a much greater chance of weight regain. This is not what you wanted when you got the surgery. I tend to agree with her on many points such as getting your proteins first, hydrating (you can't go wrong drinking water) and taking vitamin supplements. At 4 weeks out I was on pureed food going into soft foods. I stuck to the menu I was given since it was the start off point for my future eating. I was afraid of exploring foods because I knew that I would go back to my old bad eating habits very fast. I got the needed reset in my food consumption and with the weight loss and better health I see the benefits of not exploring foods as the nutritionist puts it. Like 2Bsmaller said, I have no plans to try these foods.

My doc submitted the papers before I did any tests. I have BCBS of Texas and they are very bariatric friendly. My approval was completed within the week.

Hi everyone, I'm so new to this so please forgive me if this has been spoken about before. I live in New York and have Affinity insurance. From what I have heard, if you have a BMI over 40, you will have no problem getting surgery. If you have a BMI over 35 but under 40, you have to have comorbidity with other conditions... I am almost positive I have none of them but my BMI is just under 40. I'm really concerned I won't be approved. Also, does anyone have Affinity and know how they are with covering bariatric surgery? I have yet to get any answers from them and I'm really nervous that they aren't going to cover me. I was hoping if I do qualify for surgery, they would have me pay my deductible and then cover the rest but maybe that is the best situation and I'm very wrong.. Lol.. Help! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Thank you for the tip to look for a Center of Excellence in Colorado for Bariatric Surgery. Sadly that shows there are NONE in Pueblo. I don't have reliable transportation to take me over an hour away every month (or possibly more, it sounds like). Now I'm honestly not quite sure what to do. I have hated this stupid town ever since moving here and now I hate it more. As for the hashimoto's, I've been treated for my thyroid for about 18 years now. Is that still going to cause a problem? Is there even a point in calling my primary now? If I end up finding a way out of town I'll have to do my appointments up there too, right? Like the nutritionist, psych, etc... or can I do the nutritionist and psych here in my town?

There are many professions involved in the process of weight loss surgery. These include insurance coordination, nutritionist, surgeon, hospital where pre-op physicals will be performed, training sessions, surgery hospital, psychologist, sponsoring and supporting bariatric surgery support group meetings. Therefore I would focus on finding a Center of Excellence in Colorado for Bariatric Surgery. It's like a full meal deal. Everything under one roof. I did a quick search and found there were two in Denver which were the Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery and Rose Medical Center. But searching using google showed there were many more throughout the state. Consult your general family doctor and get him onboard, find a Center of Excellence and then attend a initial seminar.

LisaMarie; Welcome back to the site! A couple of things come to mind. First of all, you HAVE made some progress, so give yourself a bunch of credit for that. You are most certainly lighter than you were at the beginning. You're not a failure. Not even CLOSE to being one. Other good advice has been given on this thread, so you need to take that to heart. You did, however, mention one thing that I think is the "missing link" for a lot of people. The "mind" element. You mentioned your recognition that you have a serious food addiction. That's an important recognition. And, it's something that you need to deal with, in a very significant way. In my opinion, people need to undergo some lengthy psychotherapy before they get the Band, or any other type of weight loss surgery. It's not something that people do very often, and I think it's a mistake that the WLS industry is making. Most WLS patients undergo a Psych Eval of some kind, but I feel that it stops FAR short of what needs to be done in this area. A Large part of the weight issues that we all face is a "mind game". And if you don't deal with that element of the problem, you will NEVER be fully successful at losing the weight. Based upon what you have said here, I would STRONGLY suggest that you consider seeing a Psychotherapist that SPECIALIZES in Weight Issues, and one that has Specific, Demonstated experience with people who have had or are going to have Weight Loss Surgery. Please Note: You HAVE to make sure that the Therapist does indeed have EXPERTISE in and SPECIALIZES in weight loss/WLS issues. Not many therapists do, and some of them SAY that they do because they have a couple of obese clients., but in reality they are NOT specialists. Make sure that it is the PRIMARY focus of their Psychotherapy Practice. That is SO important. You might also consider getting an opinion from another Doctor as well. There is a growing sub-specialty among Bariatric Doctors that caters to those who have had WLS and are having problems reaching their goals. It might be that having a "fresh eye" look at your situation could give you the jump-start that you need. But, before you do ANYTHING, I would begin searching for a Psychotherapist with the qualifications that are mentioned above. It may be the key that will unlock the door to your future success. Again, you HAVE had some success with this. You have done better than many people, frankly, but you don't want to have come this far and simply have it stop. Keep at it.....do what I suggested above. I have seen this before, and dealing with the "mind" component of the WLS puzzle has been the answer for many people before you. And, it could very likely be YOUR answer as well!:thumbdown: HH

I'm so exited y'all wrote me back I didn't think there was anyone else around my BMI wanting to get this done. Are any of y'all trying to go through insurance? I heard you had to at least have a BMI of 35. I went to a seminar and I have a phone consultation tues. I'm so excited but so nervous I have been doing research for the past four days and praying a lot about it. I'm glad they changed the BMI to 30, if the world considers anything 30 and above obese than we should be able to have bariatrics done too. Wish y'all luck and good luck to the one who is having surgery you will do great and you will be on your way to being healthier and feeling great about yourself-Jamee

Maybe they haven't heard of the procedure; I didn't know about it until I went to the ciminar for my surgeons office on bariatric surgery.

Good Morning all. I have a lapband but researching a conversion to VS. A friend of mine is going to TJ to have a VS. I am here to support her and find others who are going at the same time. She will have Dr Fernando Garcia as a surgeon and today she will get a date. I am going to Mexico with her. I had plastic surgery done with Dr Carmina Cardenas and she does have a Bariatric surgeon on staff Dr Filipe Garcia. The reason my friend did not pick him is lack of information on here about him. He performed VS on Dr Cardenas and her assistant. Believe or not, they only had 20-30 pounds to loose. They did it for life maintenance. With that said, her sugery will be around first week of November November roll Mikeross.....................Nov 2.......Dr Garcia 920Amy......................Nov 3.......Dr Garcia Mbabercrombie..........Nov 3.......Dr.Lopez Leelee93.....................Nov 5.....Dr Garcia AngeleyesinNJ............Nov 7......Dr Garcia Binipkey......................Nov 8......Dr Garcia Nursedel......................Nov 9......Dr Garcia Mikeross.....................Nov 9......Dr Garcia CHUM.........................Nov12.....Dr Ponce TiffanyD......................Nov 13....Dr A Ortiz Jjones10669................Nov16....Dr Osuna Puerto V PattyS..........................N0v16...Dr Lopex PV Buckeyegirl40.............Nov 30th ..Dr. Alvarez

I saw my rheumatologist today who is very happy about the weight I lost. But he says he doesn't recommend the surgery to patients because he'd rather they do it on their own, since the results from bariatric surgery are not that great long-term. Not that great? how about better than without the surgery?? This from a physician who should know better. Then he says "ALL the surgery did for you was restrict your intake." I looked at his skinny body and thought of asking him how many people did he know that could eat 600-700 calories day after day with an intact stomach, and then thought ..... Meh. I don't care what he thinks. He has no idea what I live through. Whatever. And so I moved on and stayed happy! You may have to do the same thing.

GamerGirl, you're so right about that one. After considerable academic research, discussions with some of the best in the business and which requires to be thrust in your rheumatologist's face immediately, is the undeniable fact that diets don't work. That everyone is pre-programmed to be a certain weight in our brains and all our yo-yo dieting has done, is to deplete our muscle mass and wreck our metabolisms. Does the weight come back after a few years post bariatric surgery? Yeah, it can do, I concede that. However, I believe we have the tool and it's up to us to use it. My Nutritionist said that I would lose 85% of my excess, gain about 20-30% and will level out. Even with those stats I was elated. I am NOT trying to look like Kate Moss here. Febi, for what it's worth and in my humble opinion? If you don't want the negative, don't give them the ammo. I know you felt obliged to share it with your boss - but in all honesty and based on UK employment regs; unless you're taking significant amounts of time away and not correctly accounting for it, the specifics of your medical care, is not really their business. As for the other people you're intending to tell? You already know what they're going to be like, so is it worth it? I know some people might truly surprise you. However, you know these folks and I would say trust your instincts. If you know they're going to give you a hard time, is it worth wishing for them to be caring and sharing, when all they'll end up doing is making you feel like crap? Just a thought. Wishing you the best of luck with everything to come. We'll all be here to listen when you need to get it off your chest. We're all pretty good at that! x

My primary doctor blew me off, but when I went to my bariatric doctor, he thinks I need my gallbladder out. He ordered an ultra sound, I'm waiting for results. I am also having trouble eating, it's like my band is too tight, but it's not. The doc said he thinks I'm having esophegeal spasms. All I know is that I'm anxious to get this stuff taken care of so I can tighten my band back up and get the rest of this weight off.

I am eating greek yogurt, Atkins shakes, High Protein oatmeal from Bariatric Choice, and High protein Soup I got from Bariatric choice. Frankly very tired of all of these things. Girl I would jump into mushies if I could!!! Maybe just try one new different mushie per day since you are concerned. Maybe that ricotta bake from eggface or something like that would be a good start!

Speaking only for myself, I'd prefer an occasional glass of wine to an occasional four Cookies, hands down. I'm an adult. I'm educated and capable of educating myself about the pros and cons of alcohol intake now that I'm sleeved. I neither want or need anything beyond education on the matter from my bariatric team. Like every bite I put in my mouth and every step I take toward improved fitness, these are my responsibilities for my life, and my lifetime. I neither want nor need draconian edicts in an attempt to scare me into adherence into what anyone thinks I "must" do, or not. It's paternalistic, patronizing, and unwelcome.

I am having the same problem with full...I can't tell when I'm even close! I'm either empty, or "Oh dear God, what have I done!" Oddly, I've only had a couple things make me slime - when I was in the hospital last week, their bariatric surgeon put me on Carafate. I would take it and immediately get the salty/tangy mouth and drool for about 5 minutes....terrible! That, and if I have any calories closer than 2 hours to when I want to lay down to sleep...up comes the slimes. I've had to learn to lay off on that, but still can't figure out the capacity thing. If you learn any tricks, let me know!