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@@jesslo First of all congratulations on your loss so far, it is excellent. If you are not hitting your Protein goals you will stall out. You need to find a protein solution that works for you. I struggled hard those first few weeks with protein until I called my surgeon and told them. That call changed everything for me. The Bariatric nurse who had RNY herself suggested that I try Premier Protein ready made shakes. Each shake has 30 grams of protein, 1 gram of sugar and 160 calories. Most importantly they don't have that nasty protein flavor or the grit from protein powders. In the first few weeks, I had to milk them down with lactose free milk to thin them out. chocolate was and still is my favorite. I am now 22 months post op and I still drink one everyday. Protein keeps you healthy and actually assists in weight loss. Besides Water, it is critical for your success. You have to find a solution that will work for you but you must get your protein in to remain healthy through this process.

There are surgeons who do the "rose" revision for gastric bypass folks whose pouch has stretched. As a healthcare professional, I do not think that it is ethical, nor particularly professional to discuss how much one makes on a surgery. Payment is his business / his office manager's (whomever negotiates his rates) and is negotiated between him / his manager and the insurance company. as is stated above, if he is not happy with the payment then he can choose not to take on the insurance. Asking for additional monies to compensate him because he is unhappy with the insurance rate is not ideal nor by usual contract is this allowed (he should only take any co-pays/deductibles and then once that is met ony what the insurance pays out). However, he may have additional costs that he wishes to capture and if that is the case, then he should clearly communicate those items, i.e. additional costs not related to the surgery such as funding for post op support groups, assitant surgeon who does not take insurance, etc... Most bariatric surgeons will do 3-6 bariatric cases per day. ($2,700-$5,400) not bad for 4.5-9 hours of work. True, this is only one day most surgeons will do surgery 2- 3 days (sometimes more frequently) / week. Not too bad for just a mere $900 / case. Either way, I wish you luck!

For the first couple weeks, I wondered if I was nuts for doing this to myself. But now my clothes are hanging on me. I have never had much success keeping weight off. I feel this is chance for a new life. Are you getting any exercise? I am briskly walking 2-3 miles a day. I feel this is critical in my case to having energy. I hope you have a change of heart. Twenty lbs is a great start. Check out "the World according to Eggface". She has many Bariatric recipes that will give you ideas on meals that might encourage you to eat. Good luck.

OP I will address the copay. You likely should not be paying any copay for your 6 week visit. You should be in your post-op day period. Any care that is within the post-op period is considered part of the fee for the surgery. The surgeon should not be charging you a co-pay and should not be billing insurance, nor should the insurance pay for visits during the post-op period. Any major surgery should have a post-op period. It will vary depending on the surgery. The insurance companies use fairly standard guidelines. I think for the sleeve it is 90 days. (If you have a visit with the same surgeon for an issue not related to the surgeon a copay would apply.) The surgery fee is a global fee. I would check with the office and your insurance to verify if you will even have the $50 copay. If not, I would reschedule with the NP/PA. I would not use your PCP for the follow-up. Use your surgeon's practice for follow-up. The surgeon and his staff have the experience with bariatrics, your PCP not so much. If the NP/PA has a question or concern then the surgeon is right there to ask or maybe even pop in the room. If you plan on doing any future follow-ups or if you do have complications and need to go back then your bariatric record is all complete and at your surgeon's office. When I did my follow-ups I also saw the dietician. I would think that your bariatric PA/NP is going to be better versed in the nutritional aspects for a bariatric patient than your PCP will be. (Assuming you don't see a dietician separately). Can you tell that I pay health insurance for a living? 10 years ago I tore my ACL. I used a very good surgeon. He had awful bedside manners but is a great surgeon. I did not mind seeing his PA. His PA was able to spend much more time with me, he was easier to ask questions and gave more detailed answers than the surgeon. I was paying the surgeon for his OR skills. Yes, I paid the higher $40 specialist copay for his PA. But I got more bang for my buck with the PA for the follow-up visits than I would have with the surgeon. I view picking a surgeon as two fold: I am picking his skills as a surgeon and I am picking his program. That program includes his pre-op diet, pre-op testing, post-op diet, post op care and his staff. Like you I was 1 hour 15 minutes from my surgeon's office. I quit an orthopedic doctor's office over his front office staff- they never returned phone calls, never passed messages to the surgeon and let me run out of refills on my medicines even when I started calling for a refill 1.5 weeks before. My PCP recommended him for my husband and I would not let him use that practice. The staff is a very important part of the program. Don't shortchange the NP/PA that your surgeon picked. There is a reason they employ that person. Presumably they trust them for a reason. Like I said if the $50 copay is one of your big sticking points you should verify that you will even owe it for this visit. Maybeing have the visit free will make the drive worth it to you.

Of course we checked on you, you are one of us on Bariatric Pal and we take care of our own!

My "moment " came in May of 2018 with a series of events. I was 246 pounds, and didn't want to hit 250. I was wearing a 3x in clothes and they were getting tight, and I didn't know where I'd find clothes. I was out of breath and sweatty just walking to my car from work, and I had diabetes type 2. High blood pressure. I was literally a hot mess, and I said to myself "that's it!" I went to the informational session with my husband at my bariatric surgeon's office on May of 2018, completed Anthem's 6 months of requirements, and had my gastric bypass on March 27, 2019. Although I've had complications Im thrilled that I had the surgery! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi Shawna, Are you pre or post op? This is only from my experience and information from my dietitian. Protein shakes, bars, bariatic store processed food supplements are for first stages when you can't eat enough food to hit your protein goal. My dietitian does not want patients dependent on protein shakes, bars or bariatric store products long term. Once you can hit your protein goal with real food there is no need for shakes etc... My hunger is not satisfied with protein shakes or add water meals. they are slider foods. They easily break down and slide through your new stomach. Real whole food keeps my hunger under control. All of us are busy. Some of us use a day off work to meal prep. Below is a link to the low to no cook thread for meal ideas.

Well my OBGYN and bariatric team strongly encouraged RNY because of my PCOS. This surgery is really supposed to help with symptoms and get rid of it all together, part of my symptoms are completely irregular periods and never ending periods like unless i used depoprovera mine would never stop so I'm 2 months post opp RNY and as of yet no changes in my symptoms I've been on my period almost since surgery with only 2 weeks free, but i feel it's almost gonna stop. Now my current issue now is i can no longer use the depoprovera needle cause of osteoporosis so I'm still working with my team as to what birth control/hormone treatment will work for me with Rny. Also i was told by my team that as more weight comes off the symptoms should disappear. So here's hoping they are right.

I have HIP Prime HMO too, and my surgery is being covered. Dr. Nishimura at New York Bariatrics in Hewlett takes the insurance. Try them out.. they aren't in Brooklyn, so it's a drive for you but it may be worth it since they take your insurance.

I also have Aetna insurance and the whole six months of Dr visits I didn't know I could not gain so of course I was denied cause I did!!!! Well after feeling defeated I talked to the Dr office and was told I could do the three month program of dr visit, nutrician and excersise program they offer. My hospital had a program just for bariatric patients to do so they can get approved. I have lost 8 with it and as long as insurance sees a life style change I was told I will get approved.

I have PCOS as well, am insulin-resistant and have thyroid issues. I take medication for both plus HBP meds. I am 44. I wear a size 22/24. I have been going to monthly support groups since the Summer of 2014 and going through all the insurance requirement visits with my last nutritionist appointment just last week. I am struggling so much with which surgery to go through. My surgeon said RNY is best for anyone with sugar issues. I am not diabetic--yet! I do, however, take Metformin every single day since TTC 12+ years ago (have two children now). I don't want to end up with diabetes--this is my biggest fear. But my sister had RNY in November 2014 and has been in the hospital three separate times for dehydration. I'm really struggling. At the support groups, it seems like all the newbies have gotten or are getting the sleeve. It seems so much easier to deal with after the surgery to have the sleeve. Also, I believe if you get the sleeve, you do have the option to later 'upgrade' to the RNY if needed, but who wants to count on that?? But I believe there is more risk of putting weight back on later with the sleeve and my nutritionist said I would lose more weight with RNY. Uggh. It is so tough. You talk to almost anyone who has gone through with RNY, all say they would do it again in a heartbeat--even my sister I think! This is just so hard. I am really struggling. But then wonder if my worries are just another excuse which all of us who struggle with weightloss are so very good at--making excuses. Problem I am experiencing is that I don't really think these bariatric surgeons truly understand PCOS. I no longer see a reproductive endocrinologist for my PCOS because I am no longer TTC, but I do see a regular endocrinologist. I wish I could see a study of PCOS patients who have undergone the surgery and really see their long-term results--like over one to two years out? I will be mortified if I get this surgery and then stretch out the sleeve or pouch only to get fat again.

Hi Everyone, I’m scheduled to undergo the gastric sleeve surgery next Monday, December 2nd. I’m anxious and scared about this life changing decision but I’m also excited about the journey ahead. I’m on day 4 of my 11 day pre-surgery diet and the Protein Shakes are gagging me. I’m limited to using shakes from Bariatric Advantage and Bariatric Fusion. Any tips on how to make them taste better? I’ve tried using extracts and drink mixes. I’m also hoping for some encouraging words for this surgery. I hope I’m making the right decision. I have this fear that I’ll feel nauseous for the rest of my life and I won’t be able to enjoy food ever again.

@@OKCPirate I never said I was looking for a MAN or WOMAN, you know what they say about assuming.... Also, I don't need your advice about where to find dates, being single for so long, I know what avenues to work. I never said anything about what I am looking for because, I do not know, all I am looking for now, is exactly what I posted so, please, don't be so "cavalier" with giving out advice when people have not asked for not. @@OutsideMatchInside You do know Tinder is notoriously known for just hookups, right...? Also, same thing I told OKCPirate, I didn't ask for advice ------------ Comments like the ones I'm receiving always remind me why I never participate in Bariatric forums/communities. People think they're being supportive by telling you what THEY think is best for YOU, most of the time when that is not even nearly close what you've asked for. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I take over-the-counter Centrum vitamins. My nutritional lab blood work results are all perfect. There's no way I'd pay the extra money for bariatric vitamins unless I had a procedure with some malabsorption such as a distal bypass or a duodenal switch.

It may be hard..but u are taking care of yourself. Your health ..your appearance and your energy. Is there a way u can politely ask those who live with u to be aware of your needs right now. I am at a point that my husband eats anything he wants in front of me. However, he did consider me till I to this point. Keep your hands busy so that the noise u hear in the kitchen is taken away by what u are concentrating on, read a good book, read bariatric pal articles yo inspire you, go to your bedroom if u need yo till your head hunger passes. You have control over this situation more than u think. As for as eating out..limit your visits to restaurants. You have options..u r in control of your environment.. Also ask for that consideration.

well if you want the cheese cake, buy he bariatric kind and add lemon to it...you can get 7 servings and have all you want then.....i ordered some for variation in diet on ways to get protein,,,,,some days i can have desert and not feel quilty that way

I get my calcium citrate chews on auto ship from bariatric advantage. I eat 4 of them a day and it costs me 20.00 a month. I love them though. They taste like tootsie rolls and are a real treat. It's well worth the money to me.

Dave, Thank you for your great questions. I did the math. I originally lost 60% of the my expected weight...I am now at 38%. I started to slip when I went back to college to complete my degree....poor eating habits, stress, lack of sleep, while working full time. It took me just over a year to complete my degree---then I realized what was happening. I still feel great, but I kick myself for letting this happen. The health benefits are still there....my diabetes has not caught me yet, but it is breathing down my neck.....this in itself I enough to get me moving. I just found out my insurance will not cover bariatric services of any kind so for now I will skip this years visit. I did speak with the nurse over the phone and we chatted for awhile. Back to basics she suggested. I also went to the support group meeting not much help there. So I am reaching out to you here in hopes that I will get some support and make some connections to keep me on my path. As for motivation, I was bound and determined to be successful, I still dream of reaching my goal weight, or close to it if possible. I have set small goals for myself, like getting another 10 pounds off before Feb. I need to stay away from the junk, exercise more, and regulate my intake of Protein and carbs. This sounds so easy.....I wish it was.

First, there is a specific Mexico/Self Pay forum here that might get more or better answers. I can't speak specifically for any of the MX practices, though my wife was self pay here in the states, Most follow up care is done by your PCP including routine labs, and those are generally covered by insurance. From what I have seen, most US bariatric practices aren't keen on doing follow up for other doctors (partly not wanting to support the competition, partly not wanting to get involved in someone else's surgery and potential problems) though longer term if revisions are needed, they are more than willing..... I would expect that the better practices would offer some kind of remote follow up (phone/fax/email/skype, etc.) for some time, but don't know for sure on that. The practice that we used here in the states was set up for travelling patients, so that is routine for them to do the periodic post-op follow ups as well as the annuals. One can also often join the support group for local surgeons to get that kind of support - many welcome patients from other practices - and that may also be a way in to see them if there are any problems that need attention (ask questions at the group meeting - I'm having this or that problem - and that may interest them enough to invite you to make an appointment, whereas they may refuse if you just call the office cold.

I'm with you. Not a three year vet, but am 18 mos. along the path and this forum has always been the most meaningful to me. I also have had some experience with newbies who have found my responses to their "bad" decisions hard to accept. I hold with being verbally kind and tolerant of difficult times and choices to make, but I am convinced that honesty and sharing your core values is just as key. As a former school counselor, I occasionally had parents call me and say "but what you said to my child made her cry!" in criticism of my work. Often that child entered the room looking for my validation of his/her self-destructive behavior. Yes, I do believe I had learned enough in 40+ years to know when a teenager was lost and needed a bit of direction. The teen was there for someone to listen and acknowledge their pain, but they also wanted me to point possible ways out to them. Sometimes "the way" is hard to hear. My response to the parent was often "change is painful, and sometimes the truth hurts, but it's the only path to growth." Sometimes dealing with the difficulties following bariatric surgery can make us similar to the kids I counseled, lost and looking for guidance, but sensitive to hearing hard truths. As long as we're not vindictive, spiteful, mean or insensitive and try to be empathetic as we respond, we are more than relevant. And if sometimes we are misunderstood in our candor, at least we're being real and genuine. Can't please everyone.

I arrived in Mexicali on Sunday afternoon, 10/2. I rode in with 2 other patients and we all visited and shared our stories. After our labs at the hospital, we were taken to the hotel and checked in about 4:30 pm. Since we were all really hungry, we met up in the hotel restaurant a few minutes later and had a really wonderful dinner. For a large plate of chile rellenos , Beans, rice, tortillas, chips and a margarita......my bill was $13.00! With a full tummy and a sleeping pill from Dr. Aceves, I had a very relaxing night at the hotel. Ernesto picked us up at 7:00 am, Monday morning and drove us back to the hospital. Since my surgery was the 2nd of the day, I was given a sedative to relax. The rest of the day is a blur. I remember people coming in to get me....blur........I remember looking up at the ceiling as I was being wheeled to surgery......blur.........I remember someone telling me to turn on my side and bend my knees for the spinal block....blur.....and OUT. I don't remember recovery at all. The next thing I remember is being back in my room, thinking it must be over and then falling back asleep again. I was in and out of sleep for the rest of the night, knowing that nurses came in and out, taking my temp and blood pressure, but not really ever becoming fully alert. Sometime early Tuesday morning, I told one of the nurses I needed to use the bathroom. Although I stumbled a bit, I made the trip successfully and immediately fell back asleep. Later that morning, they brought me those infamous 4 little cups of blue "apple juice." They weren't good, but they were tolerable. I sipped and slept, sipped and slept, sipped and slept for hours. Several times that day, Dr. Aceves, Dr. Campos and the nurses came in and told me to try to get up and walk. I'd answer "Sure, ok." with every good intention of doing it, but I'd always fall back asleep. I really had a tough time coming out of all that med-induced sleepiness. By late afternoon Tuesday, I finally got up and walked the halls. I was completely pain-free (yes, really.....it must have been the spinal block), but I felt unsteady on my feet and climbed back into bed about 5 minutes later. Tuesday night was pretty much the same as Monday night, but I woke up Wednesday morning feeling alert and energetic. I took a shower and even put on a little make-up! Wednesday, I walked several times, visited my neighbors, sipped tea and finally got a bowl of that wonderful chicken broth everybody raves about. Yes, it IS that good. By the time I left on Thursday morning, I felt pretty good - minimal pain and absolutely no nausea. It may have been this sense of well-being that caused me to completely overdo it on Friday. BIG Mistake! I met up with a friend Friday afternoon to do a "little" shopping that turned into a 5-hour shopping spree. I thought I was listening to my body.......I sipped Isopure all day........I took sitting breaks pretty often, but by the time I got home, I felt awful. My abdomen was completely swollen with Fluid and gas. I looked 9 months pregnant and felt equally uncomfortable. That was the first time all week I broke down emotionally. I remembered reading somewhere that Day 4 after surgery is the worst..........and that was definitely true for me! So, I sobbed myself to sleep Friday night and woke up Saturday with renewed energy and renewed resolve. I really took it easy that day. I stayed in all morning, sipping Protein and napping. By 3:00 pm, I felt good enough to take my son to a birthday party. It was a huge event, and EVERY single person there must have told me to eat......twice! But I politely told them I had eaten before I came and continued to sip on my bottled Water. The party lasted about two hours and I was definitely ready to come home by then. I went to bed about 7:30 pm, slept pretty soundly, and here I am at 5:00 am on Sunday, finally getting on the Internet for the first time since surgery. To sum up, I've really had a fairly easy recovery. Considering the mess my Band had made of my stomach and liver (Dr. Aceves told me it was NOT and easy revision) I've had very little pain except for the incision sights. I've experienced none of the shoulder "gas" pain I had with the Band surgery. I've had no nausea or stomach pain......just a lot of gas and gurgling. No doubt about it, those first four days kicked my butt, however, I think I'm over the "hump" now. I have one more week of recovery before I have to go back to work and I'm sooooo glad I didn't try to rush it and go back any sooner.

several places...but got the lst order from bariatric choice...soups, omelets,cheesecake,sloppy joes, chili etc....

Hey guys! I haven't been on in a while but I am trying to get into a slightly more intense work out routine to build muscle, so of course Bariatric pal was my first source for advice. Google doesn't have much for sleevers. I'm having problems "tiring" too quickly into a workout. It's hard to eat enough food for the stamina required in a good workout. Hope everyone is doing well. Any advice is appreciated. I'm down 80 lbs - 4 months post and op and I'm ready to look good naked! Lol Kyle

I know Prescot well! I used to live in Manchester and did a lot of work with an arts organisation in Preston. It’s possible to get bariatric surgery on the NHS, but the waiting list is years long. So I’ve gone private! My surgeon recommended the RNY as the sleeve can make reflux worse, and that’s something I already struggle with. Surgery is on Monday 😅

Just back from my 2 week doctor visit -- for some reason I've had issues keeping food down in the morning (thankfully when it comes up its "clean" and quick). They drained about 50 ml of Fluid from near my wound and discovered about 3-4 ML of air in my lap band. I really really hate needles, so seeing how they fill/update my port is going to be a lil stressful for me. I've found out that when I cheat on the liquid diet what happens. I've discovered some foods are OK, and others - well, they come back up just as quickly as they went down. So far, my comfort foods are the Outshine frozen treats, Jello, Publix lemonade, and rice chips. For food, I've been doing the tomato basil Soup from costco and trying NOT to put croutons in it. Drinking has been the G2 stuff, until I noticed that it has a genetic modification warning on it. My naturopath flipped out when I told her my Bariatric surgeon's office recommended G2, Crystal light, etc. She'd rather I drink Water with a fruit infuser. I'm also taking Probiotics to help my shits -- today was the first day of "clean" poop... so they are working. I'm back to my 'traveling' this Wednesday - thankfully its only a 90 minute flight. Saturday will be my true test as I fly from Tampa to Santiago, Chile - thankfully with a connection in Panama.