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I'm having my surgery done at Dartmouth, and they have a strict no weight gain. My insurance company requires a 10% weight loss. I had already been seeing a dietician, and I had already made an appointment to see a psychologist. I did all this before I even thought about the surgery. I believe I had already done most of what the requirements were for insurance company and the doctor. I believe I am mentally ready and can't wait. I just need to know if the insurance company will approve. Thank you all so much for your advice and feedback. Sent from my SM-G935P using BariatricPal mobile app

Sorry to hear of your struggles. I too appear to be on the up scale of weight gain. I'm going to take the advice of uping my protien and excersie I never had to do much after surgery to lose weight now Its time. Keep us posted on your progress as I will too Taniea

I understand the addictions as far as sweets and soda. Never smoked but my mom does non stop. I know how hard it is to give every bad habit up. One year out and have started sneaking the sweets and soda once in awhile. The soda does not feel good, carbonation I guess. But I can have some sweets without dumping. Hope I don't have any weight gain. So far it's good. My nutrionist wants me to gain 5 pounds but in a healthy way. It will be hard, but I am trying to get back on track. I know you will find a way to stop these bad habits before surgery, it's after that gets hard.

So all my paperwork has been submitted to insurance last Friday 2/13. I'm nervous bc I weighed 284 at the initial weigh -in and at my last appointment on Friday I weighed in at 293. I've worked so hard this entire time to try to get the weight back to the original 284 but it's been such a struggle, the lowest I've gotten is 290. I've cut out carbs, eaten high protein, and drank about 120 oz of water a day. I've also been working out every day but he weight won't budge. Will I get denied because of this? I've worked so hard and my doctors know it too.

Congratulations!! My paperwork will hopefully get sent in on Wednesday but I have a tentative date for March 11th.. I'm so scared about my weight gain but so far I'm down like 2 pounds. It's better than a gain!!!

I have had the lapband for 4 months, havent gained but havent lost, i dont like the diet at all, im starting to feel like i couldve saved 10,000 & just followed Atkins Diet cause thats basically what my diet is, and i cant do atkins, have never been able to do it, constipates me beyond belief, my band is a 10cc & its filled 6.5, im starting to get discouraged. Has this happened to anyone else?

I honestly don't notice other people's weightloss (or weight gain) immediately. Especially people I see daily. It usually takes someone pointing it out or a certain outfit for me to do a double take. Its not that I don't care, I just don't identify them by their weight. It's hard to explain.... Weight is such a touchy subject that some people are afraid to bring it up first.

Surgery is never a quick fix. I haven't had mine yet, but I am going into it knowing it by no means is quick, magic pill, cure all. It's a tool. A tool to aid you. Water retention is not actual weight gain. I learned from my classes that the only cure for water retention is by drinking enough water. Your body holds on to it when it isn't getting enough. I honestly would seek out a support group at nearby university hospital that does bariatric surgery. I'd also find a therapist asap for emotional support and to address the psychological reason for your weight. Your cravings sound psychological to me. I already go to support group, and have my own therapist who by chance had weight loss surgery and failed several years ago. The realities are 95% of all people that lose significant weight loss go on to regain if they do not stick with the program. Any attempt at weight loss especially surgery will be the most difficult journey of your life. To become a butterfly the caterpillar had to transform itself. Hang in there. Stick to the diet, drink water, get your Protein like you have been. Most hunger is actually thirst so always keep that in mind. Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

I had mine on 8/12 and lost 20 lbs before surgery day of I weighed 268 Today I weigh 245 I don't weigh daily because I just don't really think to.. I weigh in at the dr. So at two weeks i weighed 258 and then 6 weeks.. I weighed 251 ( but had a kidney stone so infection and swelling caused a 6 lb weight gain) after my kidney stone procedure and an office visit only 4 days later.. I was 245 I see inches lost my clothes are almost way too big I can't wear them without them falling off... My dr. Said to not weigh myself more than once a week for the first several months.. But to keep doing measurements on my body to see the difference. But 43 lbs in 2 months (since the two week per op diet) is more than I've ever lost on any diet so I think I'm doing well.

I know that's a question that only I can really answer, but it's one that keeps spinning through my head. I came to this site today to do a bit more research and realized I had joined back in 2018! So yeah, this is something I've thought about off and on for the last four years. What's stopping me? First, I have had SO many surgeries in the last decade. Fourteen to be exact. I really don't want another one. Second, the thought of having part of my body removed (especially my stomach) is triggering and scary. Been there, done that. A bit of history: Up until about 8-9 years ago, I was a fairly thin and fit person. In Jan 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I went through five months of really rough chemo, a mastectomy (a body part removal), anti-estrogen meds for seven years, surgeries galore (including an oophorectomy - another body part removal), depression, anxiety, depression and anxiety meds (even ones that say they don't cause weight gain - HA!)... just a lot. Through all that, the scale just went up and up. I'm now 80 lbs overweight, pre-diabetic, have sleep apnea, and my cholesterol is high for the first time in my life, and just mostly feel like hell. In the last four years, I have tried several (doctor prescribed) "weight loss" meds, injections, a liquid diet, an elimination diet, calorie counting, points counting, exercise, nutritional counseling, intermitant fasting, acupuncture... the list goes on and on. Nothing has worked or has been sustainable. So I came here to just get more info and couldn't resist clicking on topics that speak to regret (I know I shouldn't do that, but I couldn't help it). I mean, this is a no-going-back situation. Most of the stomach is being removed! I know there are no guarantees that I won't have regrets, or that the procedure will work or that I won't have complications, but I WANT those guarantees. So much in the last ten years has been up in the air and I hate that feeling. But I also hate feeling miserable in my own body, so... How did you make that final decision to go forward? I want to lose this weight more than anything. but this is a really huge decision I wish I didn't have to make. Sorry for the long post. And thank you in advance for any insight you can offer!

I am 1 year and 3 months out and am wondering is it normal for the pouch to stretch and how much should I be able to eat at this point. I feel like I can eat more but should i? Also, is there a picture to see what our stomach (pouch) looks like now. How usual is it that the stomach would stretch to a very large size and is that what causes weight gain and if not what causes weight gain after surgery. Thanks, Irelandgrl

I have a friend who went though the surgery and started to experience weight gain on only 1400 calories a day . She started working with a very good Nutritiomist and physiologist and started dropping weight while eating 2000 calories a day . She works out differently , heavier weight workouts versus cardio and eats some really different protein rich things

I had gastric bypass may 10, 2010 and lost 154 lbs-best decision I ever made for myself...but I've gained 30 of it back. I know a little weight gain is normal, but I've gone back to old bad habits!! Any post ops go through this?? And if so, HELP!

Brief background, got lapband about 11 years ago (starting BMI was 43). I did well and kept off 55 pounds (BMI 33)... until I started aspirating at night. I had a barium swallow which showed a distended esophagus and a endoscopy which showed reflux. Doc said band needs to come out. I had band unfilled, and as I expected, I've gained weight. I've gained about 30 lbs in the last 5 months (current BMI 38). I want to revise to a gastric bypass. I am well aware that I need surgical help to keep at a healthy weight. Prior to banding, and since being unfilled, I'm constantly hungry and never feel full. I finally felt "normal" with the lapband. When I'm not constantly hungry, I can maintain a healthy weight. But, even with the extra 30 lbs, my BMI is still not over 40, which as I understand it, would make insurance coverage easy. (I have Maryland CareFirst BCBS) My doctor has me doing all the things needed for insurance approval for the revision, including being on a supervised diet. But I'm gaining weight. This does not surprise me -- there was a reason I needed surgical weight loss in the first place -- but I'm getting mixed messages from my doctor and from my diet supervisor (who works for his office). Diet supervisor tells me that I'm less likely to get insurance approval due to my weight gain since being unfilled and being on the supervised diet. Doctor has made vague statements saying that the reflux found on the endoscopy may be enough to make it go through insurance successfully. Diet supervisor wants me to lose a significant amount of weight in the coming month, to try to offset my gains, by going on the pre-surgical diet early. Very honestly, I'm hesitant. If I do end up having to get up to a 40 BMI to have the surgery (12 more pounds...), I don't want to yoyo any more than I have to. And if the reflux finding will get me approved, I don't want to starve myself without the benefit of surgical help. Anybody been in any kind of similar situation? I can use any advice or commiseration available.

mother natures nature's miracle is a liquid vitamin that i have used for years. i really love using it before surgeries because it makes me heal faster. it is really great it has everything and then some in it, even protein. it is a small company and their site is not fancy but the product is really great. Mother Nature's Miracle™ | Liquid Vitamins | Eden's Miracle of Mother Nature | natural vitamin program Vitamins Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Vitamin A; Beta Carotene 14,000 IU Cancer Prevention, Prevents Eye Problems, used for Acne, Ulcers, & Tissue maintenance repair. Enhances Immunity. Protects against Pollution. Vitamin B6 (As Pyridoxine Hydrochloride) 4 mg Maintains health nerves, Skin Eyes, Hair, Liver, Mouth, Muscle Tone, & G.I. Tract. Coenzyme, Energy Production, used for Depression, Anxiety, Metabolisrn / Stress & Prevents Anemia Vitamin B12 (Cyanocobalamin) 1000 mcg Skin, Eyesight, Fatigue, Abnormal Sleep Patterns Vitamin C 1200 mg Helps Wounds, Surgery, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Immune System, Heart Disease, Cancer Prevention, Bleeding Gums, Protects against Pollution. Vitamin D 1 800 IU Osteoporosis, High blood pressure, increases the absorption of minerals. Vitamin E 1 180 IU Antioxidant, Cancer prevention, Tissue repair, improves circulation, Prevents Age Spots, & PMS Vitamin K 170 mcg Blood Clotting, Tissue repair, Bone formation, may prevent Osteoporosis. Sulfur** Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments & tendons Lupus, Sickle Anemia, & Collagen Diseases Copper 2mg White/Grey or Brittle hair, Hernias, Varicose Veins, Aneurysms, Anemia, Hypo or Hyper Thyroidism, Arthritis, Liver Cirrhosis, Violent Behavior, & Learning Disabilities. Coral Calcium 1100 mg Osteoporosis, Receding Gums, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Insomnia Kidney Stones, Bone Spurs, Calcium Deposits, Cramps, Twitches, & Bells Palsy Iodine 320 mcg Fatigue, Colds, Muscle Pains, Heavy Periods, Low Sex Drive, Brittle Nails, Weight Gains, Hair Loss, Muscle Cramps, Depression, Puffy Face, Dry Skin & Hair, Poor Memory. Magnesium 260 mg Asthma, Anorexia, Migraines, Growth Failures, Muscle Weakness, Tremors, Vertigo & Small Arteries Iron 10mg Hemoglobin, Pica, Fatigue, Heart Palpitations, Memory Deficits & Anemia Phosphorous 500 mcg Brittle Bone, Low Energy, Inability to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates Potassium 300 mg Muscular Weakness, Mental Apathy, FACT: May lower Blood Pressure Zinc 30 mg Impaired ability to heal, hair loss, fatigue and acne Chromium 200 mcg Depressed Growth Rate, Glucose Intolerance in Diabetics CoQ10 3mg Anti Oxidant, Cancer, Heart Disease, Poor Immune System Herbs Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gingko Biloba 100 mg Improves Memory, Brain Function, Blood Flow, Depression, Oxygenation, Asthma, Alzheimer's Disease, Heart & Kidney Disorders. Aloe Vera 6000 mg Restores Tissue, Anesthetic, Heals Burns, Itching, Regenerates with no Sear. Ginseng 500 mg Used for Impotence, Energy, Diabetes, Colds & Chest Problems. i Enhances Immune Functions & normalizes B.P. Enzymes Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Proprietary Formula Amylase Is the digestive enzyme used to digest carbohydrates Lipase Is the enzyme used to break down dietary fats Papian Helps improve skin and breakdown protein Pepsin Is the principle enzyme which helps aid gastric juices Ptyaln Helps in aiding digestion in the stomach for several hours Protein 3 G From vegetable sources is essential in building, repairing and maintaining body tissue Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Sulfur Important mineral in several amino acids within the body involved in functions of Hemoglobin, Insulin, Hormone, Adrenal Hormones, Enzymes, and Antibodies. Deficiency: Degeneration of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, Lupus, Sickle cell anemia, Several collagen diseases Ten Animal studies show deficiencies cause: Poor growth and Poor feeding, Hearing loss, Male pattern baldness, Cancer prevention properties Chromium Deficiency: Low blood sugar (Vanadium& copper also) Prediabetes (Vanadium also), Diabetes (Vanadium also) Hyperactivity, Learning disabilities, ADD/ADHD Hyperirritability, Depression, Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde rages Impaired growth, Peripheral neuropathy, Negative nitrogen balance (body lean mass/protein loss), Elevated blood triglycerides, Elevated blood cholesterol plaque, Infertility & decreased sperm count, Shortened life span Copper Deficiency: White or Gray hair, Dry brittle hair, Ptosis (sagging tissue-eye lids, skin, breast, stomach, etc.)Hernias, Varicose veins, Aneurysm (artery wall bulges) Kawasaki Disease, Anemia (common in vegans & high milk users), Hypo or Hyper thyroid, Arthritis (especially where growth plate are involved), Ruptured vertebral discs problems, Liver cirrhosis (Number 9 killer in US) Violent behavior, blind rage, explosive outbursts, Learning disabilities, Cerebral palsy & hypopasia (failure to form) of the cerebellum, High blood cholesterol, Reduced glucose tolerance (low blood sugar) Praseodymium Enhances normal cell growth. Doubles life span in laboratory animals Antimony Effective against blood flukes Strontium Strontium can replace calcium in many organisms including man, Essential trace element Thulium Enhances growth of normal cells Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Trace Minerals Function & Symptoms of Deficiency Gold Reduces active joint inflammation Molybdenium Essential as a metalloenzyme of several enzyme systems Iodine Needed by body for thyroid function (Thyroxin is thyroid Hormone), Copper needed to utilize iodine Deficiency: Under Active Thyroid, Fatigue, Cold intolerance Muscle Aches and pains, Heavy periods or less than 28 days cycles, Low sex drive, Brittle nails, Weight gains, Hair loss Muscle cramps, Depression, Constipation, Elevated blood cholesterol, Puffy face, Dry skin & hair, Inability to concentrate, Poor memory, Goiter (throat swelling) Over Active Thyroid, Insomnia, Heat Intolerance, Excessive sweating, Light periods or longer than 28 day cycles, Hand tremors, Rapid pulse, Bulging eyes, Weight loss, Increased appetite, Muscle weakness, Frequent bowel movements, Irritability, Nervousness Goiter (throat swelling) Lithium Deficiency: Depression, Manic depression, Lithium deficiency aggravated by high sugar consumption Reproductive failure, Infertility, Reduced growth rated Shortened life span, ADD, Rages & fits Manganese Deficiency: Congenital ataxia, Congenital deafness, Asthma, Chondromalacia, Chondrodystrophy, Poor cartilage formation problems, Repetitive Motion Syndromes (like TMJ, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome), Convulsions Infertility (failure to ovulate or testicle atrophy), Still births or spontaneous miscarriages, Loss of sex drive, Retarded growth rates, Shortened long bones Nickel Deficiency: Poor growth, Anemia (low hematocrit) Depressed oxidative ability of the liver, High newborn mortality, Rough/dry hair coat in animals, Dermatitis Delayed puberty, Poor zinc absorption Silver Kills over 650 disease causing organisms, Systemic disinfection & immune support, Subdues inflammation & promotes healing, Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral, Anti-fungal Boron Essential for bone metabolism, Aids efficient calcium & magnesium use, Proper endocrine function Reduces calcium loss from bones (Osteoporosis) Bismuth Ulcers result from lack of bismuth & a bacteria Heliobacter pylori Calcium High protein diets increase demands for calcium Deficiency: Osteoporosis (& Dowagers Hump fractures,) Receding gums (osteoporosis if facial bones & jaw bones) Osteomalacia (failure to mineralize the protein bone) Arthritis, Hypertension/High Blood Pressure, Insomnia, Kidney stones, Bone spurs, Calcium deposits, Cramps & twitches, PMS, Some low back pains (sciatica, muscle spasms), Bell?s Palsy, Osteofibrosis (enlargement of bones with scar tissue), Tetany, Panic attacks Cobalt Essential part of Vitamin B12 (Growth & nerve system) Emaciation, listless, starved look, pale mucus membranes, Anorexia, Anemia Cesium Cancer aid cesium enters cancer cell and produces alkaline condition Europium Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Fluoride In plant based colloidal form will aid bone strength & no toxicity Iron Deficiency: Hemoglobin (Oxygen carrier in red blood cells) Pica (mineral lack and eats dire and chews ice), Listlessness & fatigue, Heart palpitations, Memory deficits, Sore tongue, Anemia Gallium Reduces brain cancers Silica Increases collagen in growing bone by 100%, Deficiency: Dry brittle hair, Brittle fingernails, Poor skin quality, Poor calcium utilization & arterial wall strength problems Samarium Enhances normal cell proliferation, Doubles the life span of laboratory animals Selenium Effective anti-oxidant, Deficiency: Anemia (red blood cell fragility), Age spots or liver spots, Fatigue, HIV (AIDS), Myalgia, Scoliosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Cystic Fibrosis, Cardiomyopathy, Multiple Sclerosis, Heart palpitation, Irregular heart beat, Liver cirrhosis, Pancreatitis, AS (Lou Gehrig?t Disease), Parkinson?s Disease (associated lead poisoning), Alzheimer?s Disease (associated high vegetable oil consumption), Infertility, Low birth weight, High infant mortality, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Cancer (associated with high vegetable oil intake) (Number 2 killer), Sickle cell anemia Germanium Highly efficient electrical impulse initiator, Aid in oxygen utilization, Enhances immune systems function, (Killer cells, interfering, macrophage and T-suppressor cells), Deficiency: Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Low energy, Cancer Yttrium Enhances normal cell growth, Doubles life span of laboratory animals Potassium Deficiency: Muscular weakness, Mental apathy Lanthanum Deficiency: Maybe involved in chronic fatigue diseases Magnesium Deficiency: Asthma, Anorexia, Menstrual migraines, Growth failures, Neuromuscular problems, Tetany-Convulsions, Depression, Muscular weakness, Tremors, Vertigo, Calcification of small arteries, Malignant calcification of soft tissue Vanadium Aids in glucose (blood sugar) oxidation and transport, Enhances insulin effectiveness (aids with blood sugar problems), Decreases cholesterol production, Increases effectiveness of heart muscle contraction, Anti-Cancer properties Deficiency: Slow growth, Increased infant mortality, Infertility, Elevated cholesterol & triglycerides, Hypoglycemia & Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Obesity Amino Acids Function & Symptoms of Deficiency - Proprietary Formula Alanine Important source of energy for muscle tissue, helps in the metabolization of sugars Arginine Improves immune responses to bacteria, crucial for optimal muscle growth Cystine Powerful antioxidant, aids recovery from burns and surgical operations Glysine Helps trigger release of oxygen to energy Leucine Used for production of energy to the upper brain Methionine Prevents disorders of hair, skin, and nails Phenylalanine Improves memory, reduces hunger pains Proline Helps maintain and strengthen heart muscles Serine Strengthens immune systems, synthesizes fatty acid Tyrosine Improves memory, helps overcome depression Valine Promotes mental vigor and muscle coordination Sea Nutrients Proprietary Formula Alaria Valida Rich in Vitamin A, vitamin B and calcium Costaria Costata Helps reduce blood cholesterol levels. Helps improve thyroid function. Agar Used for constipation Algin Ability to draw harmful pollutants like lead from the body Dulse Rich in protein, fluoride and iron Kelp Helps thyroid conditions Kombu High in Trace Minerals Kuzu Helps soothe the stomach and strengthen the intestines Nori Good for prostate and thyroid, high in protein

Steroids/prednisone can do great things, but they also cause weight gain and bulk. Stay on your program, and once the steroids are done, you'll likely lose weight and see less bulk.

The weight gain may be from you gaining pounds of body mass. But at the same time you are losing percentage of body fat. This is normal and should happen. There is no way you won't lose weight. Don't be really concerned aboiut the numbers on the scale. You should be able to tell you are losing by your clothes. Although at three weeks out, you may still have a lot of bloat in yur abdomen. Don't worry! It will come off!

I had RNY on 4/4/17. I lost 26.6 lbs in like 2 1/2 weeks. This week I started on soft foods and gained 5lbs. I am super nervous. I know I shouldn't pay attention to the scale so I weigh myself once a week. My question is, is this normal? I drink at least 1 premier a day, been doing at least 48 oz of water but more when I can fit it in. I eat yogurt for a morning snack and eat 1 meal. Am I doing something wrong? I guess I figured my weight would just instantly drop off weekly.

Thank you for your feedback and congrats on the weight loss already!!! I met with my surgeon for the first time yesterday, and he explained both procedures to me and seemed to side with the band, due to the long term results as opposed to the fast and furious weightloss with gastric with a great change of weight gain over 5 years. Just another confirmation :bored: Thanks and good luck!!

I don't think I could eat 4000 kcal a day anymore. I would be really uncomfortable. But I can eat 2500 easily if I'm not careful (and...I have). But doing that consistently will definitely cause weight gain. Long term, basically WLS controls how much you can eat at one sitting. Before WLS, I could eat half a large pizza at one sitting. No way could I do that now - it would be physically impossible. I can eat 1-2 pieces, and that's it. HOWEVER, there is nothing stopping me from eating 1-2 pieces at 6:00 pm, then another 1-2 pieces at 7:30 pm, and than another 1-2 pieces at 9:00 pm. Ta da! Half a large pizza in an evening. THAT is what you need to watch. and no - it's not easy to maintain. It's a daily struggle once you get a couple years out. I have to watch my intake and weight like a hawk, because if I don't, my weight starts heading north. But I do it because I don't EVER want to be morbidly obese again. EVER.

I am considering going on the pill and wondering if anybody has experienced any slowing down of their weight loss or any weight gain????

I have been advised due to bleeding that need to have the mirena (intrauterine levonorgestrel device inserted), or otherwise have a hysterectomy. I put on weight when i take the pill, get bad cellulite on my thighs. Has anyone got any feed back re weight gain - re mirena, also if you had a hysterectomy, many thanks.

Thought it was about time for an update! Long rant...Heads up! Completed ins requirements Dec 2014 & approved by ins the first week of January. Wooo hoooo! NOT! Surgeon changed hospitals so he is currently doing ZERO surgeries. My luck, right?! I waited and waited.. Now, 2.5 months after approval still no surgery. I went to another surgeon. Their office submitted all of my documents again under their name. Insurance cannot just change their info over to another DR.. They have to open an entirely new case. Its okay.. The first go around only took approx 3-4 days to get approved- cross your fingers that its the same this time too! In the mean time, I got started on buying Protein drinks. I tried some powder stuff. GROSS! I am sooooooo bad with textures of foods / drinks. I tried mixing it with greek yogurt. Nope. Gross. Tried super cold Water. Nope. Tastes like old milk-literally. Thats a sure way for me to lose weight though-- I will throw that crap up with a quickness. I did find Isopure through GNC. At our local store it was $5.50 per 20oz bottle (zero carbs, 40G protein) OR $40 a 12 pack. There are a few different flavors to choose from too. I poured half of the bottle into a water bottle and mixed it up. To me it tasted like kool-aid without sugar & super watered down. I can actually stomach it. I suggest trying a single bottle if you are afraid of spending $$ and not liking the product. I wasted $$ on powered stuff and I'm glad I found this Isopure stuff! Oh! I have also read a few posts lately about commodities (or lack of) and weight gain during supervised diet. Let me give you my advice as I should have listened to other people when they were telling me the same thing.. Every insurance is different. Call and speak to a rep from the insurance company. I found that sometimes they are very vague with requirements though. But your DR knows what will and will not work to get you approved (typically). My insurance normally denies people if they gain so much as 1/2 lb. HOWEVER, per somebody here's suggestion, I found a loop-hole. If your Dr documents a reason for a small gain you should be okay. For instance, I could not exercise at a normal rate for awhile due to my foot pain. Then my GYNO put me on the Depo Shot for my endometriosis. Gained weight then too. Documented. Then I had a hysterectomy and was out of commission for exercising all together. Documented. I gained 6lbs roughly during the 6 month period. Still approved.. But like I said I made sure the DR noted it all on the surgery paperwork. As far as commodities go... Some insurance companies have OTHER comorbs aside from sleep apnea, high bp, diabetes, high collest, etc. I fact, there could be as many as 30+ that could qualify you. I dont have ANY of those typical commodities. I was just pre-diabetic with a few other medical probs but not the typical that qualify for surgery. I only just recently ( after 1st ins approval ) was diagnosed with having edema. Aside from that, I am perfectly healthy for being so over weight. When I spoke to my ins company I specifically asked if those typical conditions were the ONLY ones they accepted and they said yes.. However, I did have those and still got approved. Anyway.................. Hope this has helped some of you!

So this last week has been a busy week. I had my nutritionist consult at Starbucks. She was nice I guess, but looked at me like I was out of my mind when I said I was going to self-pay. She literally stopped talking, put her papers down, her eyes got big, her mouth hung open a little, and she just stared at me for what felt like 3 hours. I know a lot of people (my husband and mother-in-law...) don't understand why I would go that far in debt for this, but I guess I can't really expect them to understand. They haven't lived their whole lives like this. Feeling like an outsider all the time. And now that I'm older (ripe old age of 25), and heavier, the daily physical pain, lack of energy, not being able to really be "me." My heart breaks when I can't play with my daughter more than a couple of minutes without being exhausted and winded. She deserves better than that, and I deserve to be able to be the kind of mom I want to be. Ah well, I'm rambling... So I had the nutrition consult. Took maybe 30-40 minutes. She had the nerve to drink Starbucks in front of me. I've cut Starbucks out cold turkey. I almost asked her if I could just take a sniff of her coffee. But that would have been weird... Then Thursday I had my first appointment with the surgeon's office. $150 to watch a video explaining the lap-band surgery :biggrin:. That was pretty much it. They weighed me, and I found out I weigh 5 lbs more than I thought I did. I thought I was at 405, but no, I am at 410. Sigh. Then I had to watch that video for an hour. Then, the lady gave me a paper with how much the cost of everything will be and the loan amount I need to take out. Yipee. Stupid employer exclusion... Friday, I had an appointment with my family doctor. I love him. He is so supportive of this decision. He had his letter recommending me for the lap-band surgery already written and typed up before he even came in the room. He also ordered the bloodwork, x-rays, EKG, upper GI, etc that the surgeon's office needs. I was so happy that he ordered it for me. That means my insurance will probably cover those tests since he ordered them, instead of my lap-band doctor. He completely understood and was very happy to do so. He said that he has several patients who have had the lap-band and been very successful. One lady was actually around my current weight, and is now down in the low 200's. He reminded me to be saving my money for plastic surgery as I lose the weight. The most interesting of all the pre-op appointments on my checklist, was the psych eval. It was on Friday too, after the family doc appointment. The psychologist/psychiatrist was very nice, and really funny. He cursed like a sailor and had really funny stories to tell (including one story about a man that liked to have sex while wearing his CPAP machine :crying:). He picked at my brain a little, but I think he could tell I'm ready for this surgery and fully aware of the physical & non-physical risks. There was only one thing that stumped me, and I've been thinking about it ever since. He said he has lots of patients that have been banded and aren't successful with it. They either don't lose much weight at all, don't lose any weight, gain weight, etc. Basically, the band just does not work for them, usually because they aren't sticking to the program, exercising, etc. He asked me, what about me makes me different from any of them. I told him that I am super-motivated and I'm going to do my very best. He replied that that's how they all felt in the beginning too. That kind of hit me hard. There are lots of bandsters that were just as motivated as I currently am with all the intentions to do everything right and lose all the weight, but they failed at it. What is going to make me different? I didn't know the answer to this and I couldn't answer him. I still don't know the answer to this. I wish now that I had thought to ask him if he had any suggestions of what could make me different from them. This question is kind of getting to me. What is going to make me different? So the only thing I've got left on my checklist is my upper GI stuff. I think that's usually done at a hospital. Someone is supposed to call me for a date for that. Even though I don't want the surgery until the last week of May or the first week of June (so DH, the teacher, will be out of school and can help out with our 2 year old), I feel so relieved to have pretty much everything done and out of the way.

Recent research (sorry no citation) suggests that ghrelin producing cells located all over our digestive tract may beef up production to re-establish our ghrelin level. The good news is that if we have had post-VSG memory loss mediated by ghrelin levels, we should get those faculties back. The bad news is increased ghrelin = increased hunger and potentially weight gain. Rats. As far as memory loss due to dimished ghrelin production is concerned, I think we should bear in mind that high blood sugar levels can lead to memory loss too. I was pre-diabetic before so my brain cells were already in the cross hairs, so to speak.