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@@jayhawk1965 8 months out Life lines: Local support groups, My doctors and bariatric pal Calories: about 1000 to 1300 Exercise: Five to six days a week an hour of cardio. 3 days a week an hour of strength training Challenges: Trying to settle into the reality that this is my life now. Eating and exercise still are the same for me after goal. Responses to weight loss: Mostly positive and supportive. Opposite sex treat you Very differently. (still strange) Some people are having issues with my weight loss. They are just not comfortable with it. Tips. Stay connected with you're support systems. No secrets do what you're doctors instruct you to do

I can answer the last question, the Bariatric program is usually very helpful as this is all they do! They check exactly what needs to be done and they'll tell you. It's a win win for everyone involved so they are good about checking on it.

I had my first appointment with my surgeon today and I am on my way! I have already met several requirements and my particular insurance plan is one of the easiest to get approval through. My surgeon was great. He answered all my questions and, believe me, I had many! He explained everything in detail and said that normally the process, from first visit to surgery, takes about 3-4 months. <Big frown and exhale> ...BUT since I have the plan I do, it will go much more quickly for me! <Resume goofy grin> I am on track for a late September/Early October date! I've scheduled the first of two appointments with both the PSYCH and NUT. My upper GI is Tuesday. The rest will be scheduled through the surgeon's office (sleep study, pulmonary, EGD). I am officially a bariatric patient and I couldn't be more excited to get my life back!

Wow that's great!! To not have enough fat left you must be a lean mean bariatric machine ;0) How was the pain of the surgery compared with the weight loss version and are you happy with the look hon? Ps.. How much did you lose if you don't mind me asking?

Doesn't the bariatric drink have lots of protein? I put a banana in my drink which I'm sure probable has protein. I'm also allowed raw veggies and fruit in between. In my drink I think there are 27 grams of protein, 2 drinks a day puts you to 54. I just started my drink today and already hungry. Urrrrrrr

Hummus, ricotta cheese can be dressed up savory or sweet. liquid Protein can be mixed in with herbal teas. I like cottage cheese with fruit. You can blend them if the curds are too large for you. There are puddings and Gelatin you can buy online from places like Amazon or Bariatric Choice. Can you have eggs? Soft scrambled eggs are good. I mix a tsp of greek yogurt and a bit of shredded cheese and keep stirring until they are done.

I am in San Diego and cannot find a surgeon who performs the lap band procedure. My insurance medical group only has one bariatric surgeon, and they don't do lap bands, only RNY's. I am currently seeking a referral outside of the network...but am not feeling the love. I feel like they are going to deny me. My question is- are there any San Diego area bandsters? If so, who did your surgery, and would you recommend them? I am determined to have the lap band even if it means self pay ( which i dont want to do) any help would be great. thanks !

Hi - tomorrow I'll be 12 days post op and I have my first session with a personal trainer - so I am right there with you olsonjb! I am losing slowly, but I promised myself that I would commit to this transformation 100% and that does include exercise. They gym is actually a medically-supervised facility. A lot of people go there for cardiac rehab, after joint replacements, etc. They have some experience with bariatric clients. I went to Koles earlier to buy a sports bra - 56 years old and my first one. I feel so athletic . Good luck I guess to both of us - I am more nervous about the trainer than I was about the surgery! Ellen

The only thing I don't like about myfitnesspal is that it complains when my calories are lower than 1200 (which doesn't happen much right now because I'm pre-surgery). I wish there was a specific bariatric patient tracker somewhere that worked with my fitbit.

Calories, Protein, Vitamins, fluids.... UUUGGGGHHH! I am going to list what I am eating daily right now and YES I am aware that the calories are probably too low, not enough fluids, etc, etc. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated. I am 2 weeks out tomorrow and am in the mushies stage. Breakfast 8 oz of Water with 1/2 packet Protein powder (the whole pack is 23 grams protein)... it takes a couple hours to get it all down... lunch Large tablespoon of cottage cheese Large tablespoon of pureed canned fruit (usually peaches) Snack 4 - 8 oz water dinner Large tablespoon of something pureed such as tuna, shredded chicken with cheese, or spaghetti (none of these have made my stomach feel good ...) Freeze pop before bed At some point during the day I take a large bariatric chewable Vitamin... 2 major problems: food is relatively unappealing to me with the exception of steak and salad which I can't have and I feel very full for a long time and if I sip water with my meal it flushes me out immediately and severly...

I also started mine as soon as I got home. I have the Bariatric Advantage (god what a long name) Innovations Advanced Multie EA. *whew* And I let it sort of dissolve in my mouth, it takes like one of those old fashioned candy bracelets to me, so I love them. I got a B injection last week. But I want my own B (Complex-Lipotropic) vial at home *angry face* I am not afraid to inject myself, when we used to use injectable B Complex Lipotropics, we lost weight more easily than when we did not use them. And we felt a tad more energetic.

I wore something loose and comfortable to the hospital and wore the same outfit home. They gave me a bariatric gown and skid socks -- and frankly, it is just a lot easier to wear their stuff. The IV and monitors really would have made clothes from home and a bathrobe more trouble than it's worth. I really needed very little from home.

While I was going through the prep, I only told two people. When I was approved and a surgery date scheduled, I told a few more people, figuring the gossip line would let everyone else know. Not until about 50 loss, did anyone comment. I readily told them I had bariatric surgery. Their first response generally was "I know someone else who had that surgery and they had _____ complications." Now after five months and 80 pounds, I want to discuss my surgery with anyone who has an interest. I want to be an advocate for WLS. People are going to ask how you are losing so quickly. And as in my case, those who didn't ask, assumed I had cancer or some other bad thing wrong with me. Don't fool yourself by thinking no one is going to notice or ask. I think the biggest struggle with telling or not telling is the fear of what feedback you are going to get. Most of it will be positive. But then there are uneducated (uneducated in bariatric surgery) people who will say something stupid or hurtful. When this happens, you have one of two choices. You can either allow that stupid/hurtful comment to chip away at your self-esteem or you choose to realize that this person has no clue as to what they are saying. Trying to educate them more than likely will be useless, because they know everything about everything. But you can try. Don't give these negative people the power to make you feel bad about yourself. The most hurtful thing someone can say to me is that I took the easy way to weight loss. This has only happened once. My response was "I respect your opinion, but you have no idea what you are talking about." And I left it at that. I did not give that person the power to make me feel bad. I put a lot of hard work into my weight loss. My surgery is only a tool. Generally, when someone belittles you, they are trying to make themselves feel better and more superior to you. They themselves suffer from low self-esteem and the only way they can feel better about themselves is to belittle someone else. This is not your issue, but theirs. Don't allow this to be your issue. I was married to a bully for 17 years who made me feel I was lower than the grunge build up at the base of the toilet. It took a divorce and five years of counseling before I finally realized that there was nothing wrong with me - it was him all along! Just don't give away your power to anyone who doesn't deserve it.

I'm having my procedure on March 24th and was wondering if anyone had their procedure done at Abington Bariatrics? I have a few questions, especially about nicotine testing????

Hi, I just got my letter from the Maine Medical Bariatric Program and I am going to the Information session Monday. That will start my process. I have been waiting for this for 3 months:biggrin2:. So I have been dieting for that amount of time. I have only lost 4 lbs:embaressed_smile:. I am so excited that I am going to the meeting monday that I can hardly wait:biggrin:. Then it will be the wait for Meicare and Medicaid to approve me and the doctor ,hospital.:thumbup: Sallie

Ok, so I am supposed to have my surgery next Wednesday, November 7th. This has been a long process from the start because the hospital doing my procedure just started doing lap bands, and they didn't really have their shit together to begin with (pardon my language). I went to my seminar at the beginning of August, and they just finally finalized the surgeon fees 2 days ago, and finalized the hospital fees last week. They also made a mistake on when I wanted my surgery, when I told them from the beginning that I wanted it the week of the 5th because that's the only time I have off work. (Did I mention I have also worked at this hospital for almost 10 years and have never seen such disorganization on their part?) Long story short, it was conveyed to me by the bariatric center that since I am self pay, I would have to put a down payment down, and would be able to pay the rest off with a payment plan. I went to see the surgeon yesterday, and they were going to make me pay their fees upfront. I was like "Whoa-that's not what has been told to me for the last few months, and I never gave the bariatric center the impression I would be able to pay you upfront. It was my impression that they had spoken with you specifically about me and it was agreed upon between the surgeons and the bariatric center that I would be able to do a payment plan." So, the financial services rep went and talked to someone, and came back, and said that was fine, since I had already gone this far and seen the doctor, that they would let me pay the remainder off over a 12 month period. I signed a contract stating as such. So, this morning, I went and had all my preop tests-chest xray, upper GI series, pulmonary testing, EKG, labs, and a meeting with the dietician. So I'm psyched, right? Then I leave the hospital, and my cell phone rings. It is the financial services girl from the surgeons office telling me that she talked my surgery over with the doctor, and that they are not going to let me do the payment plan, but are instead requiring that I pay upfront. Granted, they did offer to give a discount, but I still do not have that money lying around, and made it clear from the start that I did not. So I am extremely frustrated right now. Now I feel like I can't necessarily even trust the surgeon doing my surgery or the bariatric center. My grandma offered to loan me the required money, but I am having such mixed feelings about what transpired that I don't even know what to do. Sorry for the lengthy post, but does anyone have an opinion on this?? Thanks! :help:

Greetings everyone. I have been lurking here for a week or so. I've struggled with my weight since I was a child (joined weight watchers for the 1st time @ 12). I can't count the number of times I have joined that program since then. I always seem to loose 20 or 30 lbs and then stall out completely. I did once go from 210 to 150 in a 6 month period of time after a very bad end to a long term relationship. LOL, that was the first time in my life I just could not eat! It was not the healthy way to do it, though! I have known several co-workers who had lap band procedure done and had great success. I was never sure if I would qualify or not, though. When I went for my yearly physical in Jan. my PCP noted that I had gained some significant weight over the last year. She asked if I had ever consisdered bariatric surgery (she had gastric bypass done herself about 6 years ago). I told her I did not know if I would qualify or not as I do not have any major health issues. She suggested doing a referral to the surgeon in my area who does this type of procedure and to discuss with him whether I meet the qualifications or not and whether gastric bypass or the lap band would be best for me. I am leaning toward the lap band. I am 5' 2.75" and am between 220 & 230 # at the moment (I don't weigh myself). At any rate, my pcp made the referral to Dr. Jamie Loggins. I have my first appointment on March 13. I received a big packet of paperwork that I have already filled out. The person who called to set up the appointment advised I should expect to be there for 2 hours. Any idea what I can expect during those two hours? I am assuming since I have seen a number of co-workers go through this process, that my health insurance is fairly good about approving it. I have Anthem as insurance. Anyone have experience w/ this company? Look forward to learning lots here and getting to know you all! TSB

Hello, my name is Ethel. I have been reading everyones blogs on this site for a while and have learned a great deal. I have been approved by my insurance company for bariatric surgery. I have attended a six hour class about the surgery. I had made up my mind to do the lap band, but the surgeons I am working with say that because I am diabetic with high blood pressure, I would be much better off to have the gastric bypass. This is something I will have to give some thought to. If any of you have some insight as to why gastric bypass would be better, I would love to hear from you. My surgery is supposed to take place in May 2009. In the meantime I have been instructed to lose as much weight as I can. I am nervous about alot of things but am willing to take things one day at a time. I am nervous that I will get very thirsty and will only be able to drink ONE OUNCE of fluid! Somebody, please tell me that this is not a big deal. I have decided that I will have to do whatever it takes, this is too important, but I still have the questions and these things do come to mind. I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you. :thumbup:

Has anyone had lipo to get rid of the double chin? I'm just wondering how effective it is and if bariatric patients have had success with lipo alone in this area (i.e. would most weight loss patients have loose skin in this area after lipo). I'm planning to have abdominoplasty and brachioplasty next month, and I'm considering asking my surgeon about liposuction in my neck as well. Thanks for your help.

I live in Livonia. Had my RNY on 20 Oct 2016. There is a Bariatric Support Group that meets the 4th Tuesday of the month at Mary's Mercy (5 Mile and Levan). South Entrance in class rooms 1 and 2.

I'm ordering from here they are specific for bariatric surgery http://www.celebratevitamins.com/

I’m not sure where to post this, so I’m sorry if this is the wrong place. I saw my doctor today, and she’s quite willing to write a referral letter for me. We talked about the things I’ve tried to lose weight, and I told her that I’d called my insurance company and been told that the physician’s group has only one bariatric surgeon attached to it, and he is in Fountain Valley, which is not exactly around the corner from me. I told her I wanted to go to Cedars-Sinai. (Now, I’d mentioned this to her at my last visit, and she suggested I make some phone calls.) She says that if I don’t here something in two weeks I should call her. I’m alternating between being impatient and a little scared, which I know will become a lot scared later on. So I wrote this poem, which I want to share with you. Has anyone else felt this way?. Thank you for reading this. Patience, my friend, as you travel this road, For the journey could well be a long one. It may seem that you carry a heavy load, But it’s this that will make you a strong one. While you wait, you can work through your doubts and your fears— Mine arise at least once a day. Just reach out, and you’ll find there is someone who hears The important things you have to say. Late at night is when I am most afraid, Uncertainties often set in. In the light of day, when my plans are all made, I’m ready to fight and to win. Explore every feeling, research and learn; Risks, advantages you understand. Time will speed by; it w..ill be your turn, And you will be getting your band .

In the U.S., depending on the insurance company requirements, it can be months before surgery is approved. I was lucky in that my insurance is bariatric friendly. In less than 1 month, I had my 1st appointment, was sleeved and released from the hospital. But I went to great lengths to get all my pre-op testing done quickly. In 2 weeks, I'd had all the blood work, xrays, EDG, and psych eval completed. On top of that, I had a co-morbidity (sleep apnea) and I had done a doctor supervised diet years earlier that met my insurance pre-qualifications.

I got a nice little gift bag at my post op appt.....one of the gifts was a plastic bariatric surgery cup with straw! Lol thought that was funny now that I've heard were not suppose to drink of straws!

Hi Friends!!! The next meeting of the NYC/Long Island Bariatric Pal Support Group will be held on November 1st from 2PM till 4 PM at The Atrium at 805 Third Avenue. The building is on Third Ave between 49th and 50th Streets. The Atrium is at the back of the space on the lower level. Looking forward to seeing all of you next weekend!!! If your stressing over Halloween...Here is a little reminder and some low calorie fun alternatives!! 5 Ways To Scare Off Halloween Candy It’s getting cold outside, the leaves are falling, October is drawing to a close — sounds like a good time to chow down on a heap o’ Halloween candy! Not! While Halloween can be a fun time of the year, it can wreak havoc if you’re trying to lose weight. Just a few wrong choices or one too many of the good, old “But they’re so tiny. One more won’t hurt!”excuse will be enough to send you screaming off the bathroom scale on November 1st. Here are 5 tips to help get you through Halloween with your waistline intact. (I did have “don’t eat any candy at all” as a first tip, but figured I’d be run out of town by an angry mob with pitchforks!) Read The Label If you’re going to indulge, at least know what you’re getting yourself into. Read the label on the bag of candy to find the serving size and the amount of calories. The amount of calories alone may be enough for you to stop overindulging. If not, you could trying cutting back on that amount of calories with your other meals. Granted, you’ll end up replacing good nutritious food with pure sugar — definitely not something you want to do on a regular basis! But if you’re otherwise healthy, it shouldn’t hurt just this one time – within reason, of course… Out of Sight, Out of Mind If you’re giving out candy, buy it as close to October 31st as possible and store it in a hard to reach place (or have somebody hide it). Having all that candy in the house is just too tempting. And you definitely need to follow this rule if you’ve ever had to go out and buy more candy because you ate most of your giving-away candy before Halloween. When it comes to the workplace, avoid people who put out candy or look away when you pass by that overflowing bowl of candy the well-intentioned receptionist has put out. And if YOU are that well-intentioned receptionist, take pity on people and move the bowl out of sight. Keep the Wrappers in front of you! Because it’s so easy to mindlessly pop Halloween candy into your mouth with no end in sight, keep every single wrapper so you know how much you’ve had. Your mind may say you’ve only had three mini-bags of M&Ms, but a big pile of wrappers won’t lie. Eat Only Your Favorites To me, there’s no point in taking on the extra calories of something you don’t like or only like a little bit. If you’re going to have Halloween candy, then you may as well enjoy yourself by eating only your favorites. Save calories by turning your nose up to anything else. Eat Protein This tip is a bit tricky. Eating protein will help counter-effect the rapid rise in blood sugar from all that candy. But you have to keep in mind all the extra calories you’re eating. Try to eat a piece of candy with a meal or a healthy snack. (I can hear a chorus of “Yeah, riii-iiight” just about now, as mini-chocolate bars are gobbled down across the country with nary a healthy food in sight… Well, don’t say I didn’t try to make you eat healthy!) If you decide to go all out with the Halloween candy, watch out for cravings after overindulging. You may come crashing down hard after the sugar rush and experience intense cravings. Whatever you do, don’t reach for more candy! Instead curb cravings with these 5 little words: Distraction Get your mind off of the doughnut and onto to other subjects. Leave the room if you have to. You can’t distract yourself if the doughnut is staring you in the face. Out of sight means you won’t be thinking about it. Take a short break. Start reading a book or working on a difficult project. The odds are you’ll completely forget about the doughnut, candy bar, or whatever food siren is calling to you, and the craving will disappear. Distraction is a great tool for your weight loss program. Delay Delay the gratification. Give yourself permission to have some candy in 20 minutes. 20 minutes is long enough that the craving for the candy will pass but not so long, an hour say, that waiting seems pretty much impossible. If 20 minutes passes go ahead and eat a few bites of the candy, then wait another 20 minutes before you finish it. Drink Substitute a long cold glass of Water. The water gives your mouth something to do besides eat — plus the water will fill you up. Even though it’s only temporary, the feeling of fullness is satisfying. If you’re craving sweetness, add a splash of fruit juice to the water. Vary your beverage choice if you like, just be aware of sugary drinks like sodas and juice. Don’t add extra calories! Disgust Another way to curb your craving is to picture the candy for what it really is: fat. Ugly wobbly, slimy, disgusting fat. Fat that plans on sticking to you for awhile… a long while. Go to the grocers and ask them for a pound of fat trimmings from beef. That’s what the candy will turn into once you give in to the craving. A pound of fat takes up more space than you might realize. Freeze that pound of fat. Whenever a craving hits get it out of the freezer so it reminds you of what you’re really eating. Dance Dance instead of eating the candy. If you’re too embarrassed to dance that’s okay. The point is to exercise for a bit instead of eating. Take a walk, climb the stairs, or break out in a set of jumping jacks. The results are two fold, you’ve added a bit of calorie burning to your day and you’ve avoided the candy! Get out there and do the Monster Mash!!! Can't wait to hear your scary tales next Saturday!!! Happy Halloween!