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I just need to vent for a moment. Nearly everyone I've told about this surgery thinks they have some way to relate. What is it with people? If they've dieted, they think they know the same issues, or had another surgery, or ate baby food. Has anyone else had this? I'm glad I limited who I've told. This is annoying.[emoji36]

Can you have your surgery with the surgeon you have your trust with and then switch to a different post-op group? I have moved since my surgery and have been welcomed into the bariatric community in my new area. It sounds to me that your present group is in need of a new coordinator. Want a new job? Really though, I would make sure they know --with documentation--just how and where THEY have failed YOU. You could muggle through--trying to make suggestions for corrections as you go toward your surgery or just choose a different surgeon. Since you already have your approval, the set back shouldn't be too severe. Things like this happening is just poor administration. It is senseless and certainly not patient friendly. Is this hospital a "Center of Excellence"? Please, keep posting and let us know what you decide to do. We care. Again, I am soo sorry you have to experience this during what is supposed to be a wonderful lifechanging journey. I'm rooting for you. Stay strong. !

Hi Brandy, I was initially going to go to MX, but I read about my surgeon (Dr. Kirshenbaum) on here. I had to fly from NC to Denver, CO, but in the end it was worth it. He's in your price range. I just weighed my options and had I not found him I'm pretty sure I would have gone to MX. Dr. K's website is Lap Band Surgery in Denver Colorado | Lap Band Surgeon in Denver | Gastric Band Surgery Denver | Bariatric Surgery and there is a huge thread in the Doctor's room. Good luck w/your decision.

Very interesting article that I thought I'd share. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Some of the most firmly held beliefs about weight loss are unproven or downright untrue, according to an analysis comparing concepts promoted in the popular media with data from the scientific literature. The findings were published online January 31 in a special article in the New England Journal of Medicine. "False and scientifically unsupported beliefs about obesity are pervasive in both scientific literature and the popular press," write Krista Casazza, PhD, RD, from the Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and colleagues. The authors discuss a total of 7 myths, along with refuting evidence. Here are some examples: Small changes in food intake and/or exercise will produce large, long term weight changes — This idea was based on the old idea that 3500 kcal equals 1 pound of weight. But it does not take into account the fact that energy requirements change as body mass changes over time. So, as weight is lost, it takes increasingly more exercise and reduced intake to perpetuate the loss. Realistic weight-loss goals will keep people motivated — This idea seems reasonable, but it is not supported by evidence. In fact, several studies have shown that people with very ambitious goals lose more weight (eg, TV's The Biggest Loser). Slow, gradual weight loss is best for long-term success — Actually, a meta-analysis of randomized, controlled weight-loss trials found that rapid weight loss via very-low-calorie diets resulted in significantly more weight loss (16% vs 10% of body weight) at 6 months, and differences in weight loss persisted up to 18 months (Int J Behav Med. 2010;17:161-167). A bout of sexual activity burns 100 to 300 kcal per person — With intense sexual activity, a 154-pound man burns approximately 3.5 kcal per minute. However, given that the average amount of time spent during one stimulation and orgasm session is about 6 minutes, this man might expend about 21 kcal total. But, he would burn about 7 kcal just lying on the couch, so that amount has to be subtracted, which gives a grand total of 14 kcals of energy expended. The article also explores 6 "presumptions," or widely accepted beliefs that are neither proven nor disproven. Among them: Eating Breakfast prevents obesity — Actually, 2 studies showed no effect of eating vs skipping breakfast. Adding fruits and vegetables to the diet results in weight loss — Adding more calories of any type without making any other changes is likely to cause weight gain. Eating fruits and vegetables is healthful, however. Weight cycling, aka "yoyo dieting," increases mortality — The data are from observational studies and likely confounded by health status. Finally, the authors offer 9 facts about obesity and weight loss that are supported by data, among them: Moderate environmental changes can promote as much weight loss as even the best weight-loss drugs. Diets do produce weight loss, but attempting to diet and telling someone to diet are not necessarily the same thing. Physical activity does help in promoting weight loss and has health benefits even in the absence of weight loss. For overweight children, involving the family and home environment in weight-loss efforts is ideal. Providing actual meals or Meal Replacements works better for weight loss than does general advice about food choices. Both weight-loss drugs and bariatric surgery can help achieve long-term weight loss in some individuals. According to Dr. Casazza and colleagues, "The myths and presumptions about obesity that we have discussed are just a sampling of the numerous unsupported beliefs held by many people, including academics, regulators, and journalists, as well as the general public. Yet there are facts about obesity of which we may be reasonably certain — facts that are useful today." And they conclude, "While we work to generate additional useful knowledge, we may in some cases justifiably move forward with hypothesized, but not proven, strategies. However, as a scientific community, we must always be open and honest with the public about the state of our knowledge and should rigorously evaluate unproved strategies." Original article: http://www.medscape....warticle/778600

You can buy them online, I think bariatric pantry has them. You can purchase the sample pack so you can test out the flavors. I added PB2 powder to chocolate chike powder protein with high protein milk-I used a blender bottle to keep it watery. I also used a straw to drink it because the smell nauseated me.

Got the Syntrax shakes online - BJs Bariatrics. You can make up your own sample pack - you choose the flavors you want.

I knew my husband was having a hard time with my choice for WLS, in the past when we discussed my having wls he'd be less than enthusiastic and downplay it, basically saying I was all talk and wouldn't do it. But he seemed to come around and was supportive, we had some heated conversations, mostly since he thought I'd leave him once I lost my.weight, which I have no desire to, before I love him, yes he is a big guy but I've always been attracted to men like that. I told him, I love him and only him and would never leave him, he seemed to come around and be ok and we'd be ok again. Towards the end of my requirements and pending approval of my surgery it was harder on him I could tell but he was still supportive, we talked about vacations we'd take, more family pictures, renewing our vows and having a baby of our own Adobe muy weight and PCOS made it hard to conceive, and all the things I was afraid to do because of my weight, I was happy and excited about our new life together But I didn't talk about my Surgery or fears, because I knew his fears were bad too. So my Surgery was August 19, and in the hospital and home he has been pretty good about getting with the kids, but I handle myself and do most things for myself, but getting out of our new bed which is lower to the ground is challenging at times. But the last few days he's been distant, and suddenly last night before bed, he just says he is leaving, because he doesn't want to be left and that he knows I'll leave once I've lost my weight. He then got out of bed and went outside to smoke. I was shocked and devastated, I love him, been in love with him for 8 years, we were just about to file the paperwork for him to formally adopt my children from a previous marriage, and now he says he is leaving since he can't handle being left. My children are involved, they love him deeply and that's their dad and that's my husband, I can't believe I'm not even 2 weeks out and get this dropped on me. He had been asleep all day so I haven't been able to talk to him, I want to go to therapy to try and reassure him and work.through this, I don't want to lose my marriage because he has fears of something I'll never do, or because he's heard other people did that to their spouses once they lost their weight. That's them, not me. I think his so called friends have been telling him this bs and to expect the worst. It's crazy how can people try to destroy a family and put more fear and doubt in a man at a time like this. My husband does have a history of depression, PTSD and bi polor disorder but it's been managed, but I do think he stopped his meds because he wouldn't do this to me otherwise. If I can't get him to see reason or go to therapy there isn't anything I can do. I'm lost and hurt.

I don't even know where to begin. Mentally, I am drained... I had been trying to lose weight for the last 15 years or so, with many, many, too many ups and downs; and in the process gained over 100 pounds. Now in the past year, I have lost almost 150 pounds. As I sit here 2 pounds away from 150 pounds lost, I am amazed (see ashamed, dumbfounded, embarrassed) that even with that much of a loss I have so much more to lose. I don't even know how to feel about it. How did this happen? How was I so far gone? I'd been 300+ since I was 17. This is just mind-boggling. During all the testing for the sleeve, a bunch of health issues were uncovered. Things that I feel like should've been found or addressed over the years as I've had other ailments and such that have required testing, but I digress. Anyway, after the sleeve was performed, I was notified of a malignant tumor on my stomach that was cut away with the sleeve,and a humongous staghorn kidney stone that had taken up residence in my left kidney. I have to follow up with an oncologist to make sure all is clear, and I've recently had 2 surgeries to get rid of the kidney stone. I feel like the sleeve has saved my life, truly, but my God this journey has shown me how bad off I really was (am?). I'm 34 and there were things happening in my body that don't typically affect people until later in life. (I've got a couple other issues not addressed in this post...) I had literally fallen apart! I'm grateful that none of this is fatal and the doctors are "rebuilding" me piece by piece. So as I'm trying to define what is healthy for me weight-wise, I have all these doctors in my head and it is literally driving me crazy. Bariatric surgeon gave me a goal, pcp has another goal, urologist has a goal... Meanwhile, I have tons of dietary restrictions due to the different health issues. I'm overwhelmed mentally and emotionally. This process has become far more than I bargained for. I'm grateful, for sure, but this journey is...just that. A true journey. Anyway, I guess this post is long enough. I just needed a place to put my feelings. :-)

Congrats!!!! I start preop Wednesday and I don't really know what to expect or do?? I'm so nervous. I'm doing the bariatric powder protein diet for 12 days then surgery the 21st. Any advice for a newbie?? I'm 23yrs old so it's all new to me.

I am soooo nervous. After telling everyone at work about my Hiaetal Hernia surgery, my surgeons office sent the letter stating that I was having a surgical procedure and would return to work within 2 weeks. BIG PROBLEM: The letterhead read: Minimally invasive and Bariatric Surgery. If that's not giving it away what is? I am soooo embarassed that they must know at this point. What do I do? Do I just forget about it and let them think what they want. All they have to do is google his name and his name comes up as one of the leading doctors in Bariatric surgery. That's what happens when we lie. I wanted something to remain confidential and now the girl in personnel probably caught on. Knowing her she probably would blab it to someone else.

Can anyone tell me if they have had surgery done in Tijuana, Mexico with the Bariatric group with Dr. Lopez. Thanks

You might want to start by searching in your area for bariatric programs/surgeons. As mentioned each program has a different set of protocols. Most program hold informational seminars. These are a good place to learn about the programs requirements and occasionally meet the surgeon. If it's an option in your area, I recommend looking at at least 2 programs. You really want to find a program that suits your needs & personality. If they have support groups, attend 1 or 2. You can get good recommendations as to what surgeon is popular this way.

I'm June 27. Mini Bypass with Bariatric Pal Mexico.

So sorry this happened to you, and unfortunately it happens too much among professionals that damn well know better. Write that letter and spare the next patient that doesn't have your strength to bear this. If they talked about you like this, it is very likely a part of this office's culture and needs to end. The letter needs to go to the office manager and the surgeon, not the offending parties. I would stress that since the conversation was so blatantly mutual among the parties that this cannot possibly be an isolated occurrence. Ask for discipline to be brought against them, nothing less than discipline will put an end to it, suggest transfers even, add that you are copying your state regulators. I know this sounds extreme but it happens too often. (Someone in my surgeon's office doesn't want to work with the bariatric patients because she 'can't stand them' - well guess what? She sure as hell isn't working with them because she is gone)

I am right at two weeks post op, and during the liquids phase my paperwork says nothing about calorie goals. My goals are 60 - 90 grams of protein and 64 ounces of liquids. Liquids for me is three, long weeks. Pureed and soft diet stages I have a calorie goal of 650 - 800 calories. Protein and liquid goals are the same as the liquid phase. Full bariatric diet has a calorie goal of 1000 calories for the first six months and 1200 calories from six months onward. Protein and liquid goals are the same as the liquid phase still. Hope this helps.

Hi Tommy Joe: Who is your doctor? Mine is June 30th in Mexico with Dr. Ariel Ortiz. My Doctor is Dr Illan through Bariatric Pal Mexico

Probably someone from Pugetsound Bariatrics.

I agree with several other previous posters, that 600 is probably too low. However, we all vary greatly on what we need for weight control. I would bump it up slowly, maybe by 100 or 200 calories a day for a week and see what that does. If you will keep track of your weight on a website (I like thedailyplate.com) you will probably eventually see that it looks like rickrack.. up and down, up and down.. but overall.. it will be downhill. I only lost 2lbs the first 3 weeks after my surgery. I wasn't able to eat much, on liquids & very soft foods. When I finally got to solids..I dropped 20lbs in 9 days. You don't mention exactly what you are eating. I see lots of people on this site mention that they are still eating white carbs (white bread, white potatoes, white rice, white Pasta, all colors of corn). These are not good for weight loss. If these are still in your food plan, try to wean yourself off of them. If you want to understand why these aren't good for us.. do a search for Glycemic Index/ Glycemic Load. You'll learn alot about how these foods affect us. Basically, you are at the beginning of the Weight Loss Journey. Don't Panic. Follow MOST of the guidelines given to you by your bariatric doctor/support staff MOST of the time and the weight should come off for you.

Monday it will be two weeks since I was banded. The first 9 days after surgery I only lost 4 lbs. and this morning I got on the scale and even gained a pound. I am eating less than 600 calories a day, getting in my protein (about 60 grams) and exercising every single day. It took me 2 years to prepare myself for this surgery and my greatest fear was that it would not work and already I feel like it will be just another failed attempt for me. I know that I will not lose overnight, but I did expect to be moving in the right direction not gaining. My surgeon and bariatric nurse said the 4 lbs was okay and I should start calulating loss from there, but what if I don't lose? I am scheduled for my first fill on the 18th. Does anyone have any insight for me?

A time to change. I guess the beginning of the story comes about three years ago. After a major change in my life, I returned to school and earned two Associates degrees. The first was in medical assisting and the second in a medical office administration. Following a series of jobs to hold while finishing school, employment was found with the sisters of St. Francis out of Michigan city, Indiana. The job was as a medical assistant with a company named Working Well. These clinics specialized in occupational medicine and I was hired as a floating medical assistant to work between the companies five clinics in Northwest Indiana. This was definitely a change of pace compared to what I had previously been used to working within the cable television industry. It was a cold fall morning in late October when driving to work, it became increasingly harder and harder to breath. A cold which had been caught was becoming increasingly worse and worse. Driving became a task that was more difficult than usual. A decision was made to go to the emergency department of St. Anthony hospital. The results from that trip was a diagnosis of bronchitis and I was sent on my way back to work. Within the next week. The symptoms became increasingly worse, leading to a visit to my new Dr. for the hospital health insurance. The doctor was booked but they got me in to see his nurse practitioner, Ms. Nicolette Alexander. During a visit with Alexander took some precautionary tests and a chest x-ray gave me some medicine and said she would follow up with me. Less than a day later I received a phone call at work from Ms. Alexander's office. Not tracking me down was no easy task because I have been bouncing around from office to office for the last few weeks. Needless to say the message from the doctor was. I need to see you now! Gary my whole life I have never had a doctor track me down and use that phrase. So I knew was urgent. You have come of that meeting has stayed with me to this day. She stated. My heart was enlarged and my symptoms were indicating a need to see a cardiac specialist. It was at that point I was introduced to Dr.Sammie Dali. He informed me of a diagnosis of congestive heart failure and a ejection factor of 24%. In layman's terms that meant my heart was operating at only 24% capacity. After that Dr. Dali began a regime of medications, cardiac rehab and lifestyle changes to correct this condition. Within a few months. My overall health improved, but not enough to make a satisfactory change. My weight, but still an issue and the doctor and I began discussing bariatric surgery as an option. After being referred to above Midwest Bariatric Institute, it was decided that I was a good candidate for bariatric surgery but there were conditions. It was necessary for me to demonstrate that I could live the program and walked the walk. So with that began a series of nutrition classes, medical appointments, support group meetings, evaluations and lifestyle changes. Physically I was beginning to improve. But emotionally it was a roller coaster. One day the motions would be highly because everything was going alright and others because a reverse to rock-bottom when things went wrong. Six months later, after various evaluations, another cardiac scare and various doctors discussing my situation, it was decided that surgery was a go. In my corner was Ms. Alexander and Dr. Dali in the opposing corner was Dr. Gerald Cahill and his team off specialist. Dr. Cahill was concerned of possible cardiac issues, but finally agreed after Dr. Dali went to bat and hit a home run. Going into the surgery was a scary proposition. I remember thinking please hurry up and get this over with so I can continue on with my life. Papers have been filed, a medical leave. Approved and most of all a long heart-to-heart talk with my wife. The date of the surgery, after a comforting visit from my pastor, and imposing on one of my good friends to stay with Kathy, my wife, it began. I remember being wheeled into the cold operating room being given medication to relax and almost choking as a breathing tube was placed then blackness came signaling the true beginning of my new life. It is now 2 years later, I have lost over 150 pounds and feel great. Now has come the time for me to get serious. Time to exercise and watch the diet. It will be a challenge.

Mrzsmitty2015, I have been thinking a lot about our conversation the other day about if Tricare covers the Sleeve or not. If you go back to the place where you found the requirements for WLS covered by Tricare: Right under this section You have proof of one of the following: A body mass index greater than or equal to 40 kilograms per meter squared (kg/m2); or A body-mass index of 35-39.9 kg/m2 with one clinically significant comorbidity, including but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, Pickwickian syndrome, hypertension, coronary artery disease, obesity-related cardiomyopathy, or pulmonary hypertension Where it starts the next section: TRICARE doesn't cover the following services: Office visits solely for the treatment of obesity Non-surgical procedures treatment of obesity Nutrition and diet counseling Biliopancreatic bypass (jejunolilea bypass, Scopinaro procedure) Gastric bubble or balloon SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY Gastric wrapping/open gastric banding Unlisted procedures TRICARE Does Cover the following open or laparoscopic bariatric surgical procedures for WLS: Roux-en-Y gastric-bypass Vertical banded gastroplasty (This not the sleeve) Gastroplasty (stomach stapling) Adjustable gastric banding (i.e. adjustable LAP-BAND When you find out on Wednesday if you have been approved for WLS please let me know. You said that you live 30 minutes from the base and maybe that is why they are now covering the sleeve. I thought about that too, to be honest our nearest BASE hospital is 500 miles from us. If we have anything major we are Tricare out and have to travel up to Miami for care which is over 150 miles. If Tricare has started covering the sleeve since the last time I called and checked back in September 2014 I would like to know. Then I wouldn't have to drive 1,000 miles roundtrip, sometimes twice a month to meet the requirements for WLS. 150 miles would be a lot easier and cheaper. When you receive your approval from Tricare this week. The first thing I would ask Which surgery have you approved me for. I hope Tricare has changed their coverage and will cover the sleeve that would be Great! Looking forward to hearing your exciting news this week.

I was diagnosed with moderate sleep apnea when I had my sleep study required for surgery. The neurologist never called me so I asked by bariatric surgeon about it. She said that it most likely will go away by 6 months post op. She said it wasn't worth going through all the hassle of getting a CPAP machine and the various sleep studies required to have it calibrated for me for such a short time. If it does not go away by 6 mos post op, then she said I should look into CPAP.

www.bariatriceating.com carries the best quality and best tasting protein products on the market IMO. All of the products they carry are for bariatric patients unlike the products at places like GNC and the bodybuilder gyms. BE sells a basket of samples of many different brands and they've got good recipes for using them on their website. My personal favorite brand is Whey Gourmet powder (23 grams per scoop) and my favorite RTD is Labrada cartons (17 oz), 35 grams per carton.

Hello! I'm from KY and at the very beginning of my journey... Just faxed my patient packet in yesterday. I have read so much stuff, but I have no idea what's next. I'm thinking this is gonna be a long drawn out thing and it's killing me!! Can someone fill me in on how everything is gonna go? I was told I would have to have 6 months supervised diet, but the lady on the phone yesterday told me 3 months.. I'm seeing Dr Weiss at bluegrass bariatric in Lexington! Please help Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yes I agree you should have had a gastric bypass at your weight. If Dr Ungson is no longer in practise I am sure that whomever he trained is well qualified. I had bariatric surgeries in Mexico by two different doctors and both surgeries were great. Best of luck!! Oh and I hear that yes DS is under 10,000 I had a quote and I beleive it was 9 and change.