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I have completed 3 months of the 6 month supervised diet. I didnt do the best and managed to gain 15lbs but I have 3 months to lose the 15lbs and hopefully plus some. I checked in for my second doctors visit weight check and only have one more Doctor visit weight check which will be October 17th. I started the Medifast Diet to try and lose the 15lbs plus some. You eat 5 of their meals plus one lean (protein) and green (Veggies) meal. This is my second day and will jump on the scale next week. I chose this diet because they also have a bariatric diet plan for banded patients (Liquid Pre-Surgery diet and soft foods post surgery). I have attached my Pre-Surgery Pictures......No judgement...Right

I had lap band surgery in March of 2008. During that first year I began having back pain in the upper right back. Didn't think much about it, but it progressively has gotten worse. In the last couple of years I have been to doctor after doctor. I've had xrays, cat scan, mri and bone scan. Nothing shows except some arthritis in lower back and scoliosis. The pain is not constant. It comes and goes. But it hurts mostly when I am working with my arms up on the computer or desk at work and especially in the evenings when I am trying to get dinner an clean up afterwards. I have also done physical therapy with core strengthening exercises. I am at the end of my rope. My Bariatric Dr. says it is not from the band, but I still feel like it is. The dr. is trying to get an experimental transdermal cream for me to try. But even if it works to stop the pain, I still won't know what is causing it. When my band is filled I get horrible reflux to the point of not sleeping, or being able to eat or drink. When it is taken out, (even a little), the reflux goes away, but I am able to eat too much and the weight is coming back. I originally lost 120lbs. but I have gained back about 25lbs. and I don't know what to do. The back pain is very bad right now as I type this message. Thinking about having the band removed and getting the sleeve.

Hello! I was banded by NJ Bariatrics in Plainsboro on 5/22/09. I have lost 18 pounds since 5/1 and got a 2cc fill last Monday. Since then, I have had five serious episodes of food getting stuck. Today my son had to call 911. We were both very frightened. I have been chewing the same way for 51 years now, and it is hard to having ultra-chewing come naturally. Today it was a small piece of beef. Extreme pain. Was stuck for 3 hours. I am going on Thursday to have some fill removed and the band checked. I know I should be on mushier foods and I don't want to mess this up. Is 2ccs too large a large fill for the first time or should I just sweat it out and keep the greater restriction? Need help.:thumbup:

For those of you that preach no carbonated drinks remember, each Doc is different. My doctor says that carbonated drinks are fine, stating that a lot has changed in bariatrics since the beginning. I am not a soda drinker, so that was not an issue for me, but I do love an occasional local beer or two. Perfectly OK. I wouldn't push the rules that you doc gave you on anyone (he may be old school and hesitant on change). Just do as your own doc says and you'll be fine.

Hi all, I am just beginning my exploration into bariatric surgery, and am trying to figure out the insurance logistics of it all. The BCBS RI website isn't very helpful besides to say the surgery is covered after my deductible. Does anyone know if they have the 6 month nutrition requirement? I have seen people from other states say the requirement has been removed from their BCBS, but nothing for RI. Also, what about all the preliminary tests and appointments? Are copays due for all those visits? I plan to go through Miriam hospital if I decide to do it. My initial consultation isn't until November and I am trying to research as much as I can before then.

Thank you! And thanks to everyone else for their welcome:) My insurance coordinator is wonderful and has been doing this for a long time, so hopefully that works in my favor. I'm just above BMI 35 but I do have sleep apnea, which is hopefully my green ticket in. My biggest concern right now is the physician evaluation. My PCP of 10 years retired last month and closed his office doors. I have to start seeing a new PCP and for one of my first questions to be, "Hey can you write me a letter clearing me for bariatric surgery?" I'm just nervous as to how this is going to go.

Great post!! I actually stepped away from here for a few weeks because of the wildly differing phases and allowable foods. That and the fact that I didn't lose 30 pounds in two weeks like everyone else (it took me 5.) But I came back this morning to get some recipes, and am sort of reconnecting. Although I'm not going to make myself crazy with the comparisons. That's what got me in all kinds of trouble in the past. Thinking I'm not as thin, pretty or successful as everyone else sent me right to the refrigerator! That being said, I decided to just follow my own bariatric team's recommendations. I follow their Facebook page, and use the nutrition booklet I got from my NUT. But even my team don't always agree, and then I have to do what works or makes sense to me. Like my surgeon says protein shakes can count as a liquid but my NUT says no. I agree with her so I only count waters. It's empowering to think for myself sometimes!! But being bombarded with SO much conflicting information can make you crazy!!

I am a couple of months into the process. I went to an information session and met with the surgeon 11/2015. I found out that my insurance requires that I follow a Dr. approved diet plan for 6 consecutive months (I have to go 2x a month). The hospital where I am having the surgery is a Bariatric Center of Excellence and all of the surgeons, Dr.'s and nutritionists have offices right next to each other and all work together. Once a month I will meet with the Dr. who runs the program and then 2 weeks later I will have a class to attend where a nutritionist/dietitian talks to us about various different things. I have my 2 visits for December completed and I had my class yesterday and will meet with the Dr. on the 19th. I also had to meet with a psychologist and they want me to attend a support group at least once in my area. Fingers crossed that everything goes smoothly from here on out.

@@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