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I put one in my mouth, started to chew and instatnly threw up. There is something in those that did not agree with my stomach right away. I switched over to OptiSouce Post Bariatric Vitamin Chews and have had no issue since.

That is the common coverage for bariatric surgery, having a BMI 40 or over or a BMI of 35 or over with two comorbidity factors. The surgery has to be medically necessary for them to cover it under insurance. They're not going to pay for someone who doesn't need it to have it.

So its been interesting reading so many people saying bad things about the gastric balloon, because for me, even though its very early days, it is going really well. I have lost 8kg since my procedure on May 21st (starting weight 134.9kg which I think is just under 300 pounds?, height 5'6), I am, as advertised, not hungry at all, and while the first week I was cramping somewhat, I haven't vomited or had any nausea at all. I haven't had any issues in the puree stage and am already finding some soft foods are okay too, though I do still feel more comfortable on liquids so I am dialing it back a bit and taking the transition slower as the fullness is hard to (lol) stomach. Speaking of stomachs, even though I intellectually knew better, I think my mind always associated my stomach with my belly, so intestinal pains or discomfort sometimes translated as hunger pains for me I think. I have never been so aware of my actual stomach before and I think that's hugely important to learning how to change my lifestyle going forward. I can hopefully do a better job listening to my hunger and fullness cues because this balloon is taking me to actually listen to the right body part! I wonder if this is something anyone else has experienced as part of their bariatric weightloss journey? I must say I did a LOT of preparation in the lead up to my procedure, I created a folder with all the info I needed for my different stages, as well as recipe ideas, info about possible health issues and troubleshooting for anything that might come up, tracker sheets for water and medication, weight loss, exercise tips for recovery, measurements etc (like you might have in a bullet journal) and I am referring back to my folder and adding to it constantly - which is actually super fun and keeps me motivated! I got some info from my surgeon and dietician, as well as the usual orbera booklet (in digital form, so i printed only the relevant bits - why there are whole pages of slim people who have never needed to consider weight loss procedures in these things I will never know lol) and I also scoured the internets for resources from other hospitals, much of which is more aimed at surgical patients but is still really relevant for me. I think it's a mindfulness thing, because I find that adding to my folder is great way to keep my mind busy and get out of old habits (And I have cute stickers that I put in there too). I was an emotional eater all my life but recently I am realising I am also a boredom eater - so trying to replace those boredom triggers with other things is my main goal, sometimes I find myself even though I am FULL, thinking about eating something out of boredom so I am learning how best to divert my brain with new fun things. I think a lot of people go into the gastric balloon thinking is going to be a quick fix and obviously that isn't the case. Its a tool like any other. They say the average amount lost is around 15kg but as I am halfway there already, and I have at least a year of this, I am quietly hopeful that my goal is in reach ( I want to get below 100kg, so the total amount I want to lose is 35kg over the time I have this balloon). It's still early days for me but I feel hopeful. I can do this. Honestly I'm not sure if my lack of vomming is because I am being so careful with how much I have at once, or because I am tracking the medication and taking that regularly as a preemptive thing, or if I am just one of the lucky ones. Along with not being hungry (at ALL), I am not having any of my regular cravings. I tell people the fullness feels like.... say you stuffed yourself eating a huge meal then someone put a slice of chocolate mud cake in front of you and even though you KNOW it would taste good, the idea of even getting it near your mouth is the last thing you want. Or say you've had a big holiday dinner and now you need to go have a mid-afternoon nap to sleep it off. I feel like that almost all the time right now so there really is no room for temptation. I'm happy to talk about my experience with the balloon insertion, why and how I chose the balloon (and why Orbera), how I put my folder together, or generally answer any questions. And I hope to come back and update on my progress to help keep myself accountable. Sent from my SM-G965F using BariatricPal mobile app

You need to be fully informed to decide which surgery to have. Please read everything you can here, and ask your surgeon. Do not rush it. If you meet us next Saturday we can have a group discussion. Please post a question (new topic) here, and ask "Which WLS do you recommend, and WHY?" This might help. There are some smart people on Bariatric Pal!" I will give you my phone number also if you want to call me to talk. Linda

For those in the NYC area, I just received an email from NYU Bariatric Group. There will be a clothing exchange on September 7th. I've cut and pasted the info below. I'm bringing a bunch of things that no longer fit me and were very gently worn including my winter coat from last year. I hope everything gets taken. I also hope that others on this site stop by to drop off or pick up new things. Join us in midtown Manhattan Sunday * September 7, 2014 * 11 a.m.–2 p.m. qwetyuip[asdfghjkl;' Where: BOTTOMLESS CLOSET [in the Hotel Pennsylvania opposite Penn Station & Madison Square Garden] 401 Seventh Avenue, Level B, Suite 40 (bet. West 32nd and West 33rd Streets) *** Take Elevator #1 to Level B; follow signs *** Everything must be clean, intact and ready for wearing. Intimates (e.g., workout clothes, underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery) must be new/unused/unworn. Accessories are great (belts, jewelry, scarves, neckties, purses, shoes, etc.). Dressing rooms are available. If you need nothing now, feel free to stop by with items you're no longer using and stay for the conversation. Bottomless Closet, our host, helps disadvantaged NYC women enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives. All items not adopted during our event are donated to BC. Documents will be available for tax purposes. Contact bandsterswap@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the exchange. If you'd like to help set up, please come at 10:00. If you're able to stay a little past 2:00 to straighten up, please do.

Holy OMG, I think I would have freaked out completely from day 1. I am so glad that I did not decide to go through them instead I am going through Bariatric Pal. I have a friend who is going soon and I can wait to here her experience with them. She is having her surgery with Dr. Illan. For me so far everything has been perfect which is hard for me to believe. If I call my coordinator Bill he answers every time and always has an answer for me if not he gets right back with me and he has a answer. I am still up in the air as to who I want as my doctor. I am still doing my research.

I lost all respect for Dr. Now when Skin Tight started airing and he started billing himself as a plastic surgeon. You are either a bariatric surgeon or plastic surgeon. In all of my research of both (and I did a lot) I never heard of any reputable surgeon claiming to specialize in both. To anyone cosidering plastics, DO NOT go to anyone who claims to specialize in anything other that plastic surgery! It is a HIGHLY specialized field and deserves a surgeon's full focus and attention. Would you go to an orthopedic surgeon for a heart transplant?

You can not go wrong by choosing Dr. Illan and Bariatric Pal. I know from personal experience I had nothing to complain about!

I have a child and I am currently 1 week post RNY. Like you I wanted a sleeve but my reflux was too bad and I wanted to avoid another possible surgery in the future to correct it or convert it since it's not just that easy as oh just get a revision. My husband and I are not planning to have more kids per say, but if after my waiting period something happens then we would be thrilled!! We had to endure trying, expensive, and frustrating fertility treatments in order to have our child and while I wouldn't change it for the world, if I had to do it over I would have had surgery first. I'm reading some misinformation on here in regards to malabsorption and by no means am I an expert and truthfully that is the exact reason I was afraid to have RNY, but truth is your body may not receive as many calories or nutrients from foods that aren't the greatest for you. That is the benefits to malabsorption. Your stomach doesn't just dump everything the second you ingest it unless in most people it's pretty unhealthy and in that case you're not receiving nutrition from something like that anyway even if you didn't have the surgery. My very good friend had RNY almost 6 years ago and while she still had issues getting pregnant she is currently pregnant with her second child in less than a year lol! Actually her children will be 1 year and 9 days apart if baby 2 stays in there that long ha ha! She had zero complications as it relates to her surgery and was substantially healthier and more readily able to carry a child because of it. The only thing that's common in terms of a normal pregnancy and RNY is having your glucose testing done differently and finding a dr that had treated and delivered babies to mothers that have had RNY just in case. Back to the malabsorption, as long. As you are eating correctly and being religious about taking your vitamins as directed by your bariatric program/surgeon you shouldn't ever be malnourished. This requires follow up blood work and specified intervals forever and reporting to your doctor if you feel off. Also eating for 2 is not healthy and it's not a thing, you literally only need 100 more calories a day when you are pregnant and that essentially an extra, healthy protein filled snack. I would not be concerned about malabsorption since there is a big difference between malabsorption and malnutrition and as long as you stick to the plan and take your supplements and get in your protein you would be fine. I know a lot of people do research into the things they want to do and their surgeries but I kind of go over board on it before doing anything and for me this was the right choice! All of the research I read about pregnancy after WLS showed significant higher numbers of healthy babies and healthy mothers with a drastic reduction in pregnancy/higher weight related complication such as GD, PreE, bed rest, etc.. I was lucky I had a healthy pregnancy and a healthy daughter and while I wasn't as big as I am now I only gained 20lbs my entire pregnancy, ate healthy, and kept active. I however was always worried and I actually switched doctors about 12ish weeks in because my weight was an issue for them and I would leave every appointment crying. You need to make the choice that's right for your life, but word of advice I don't think I will ever go back to regular vitamins you swallow even though they say 6-8 weeks after you can take pills like normal. I think it's better to have the nutrients available almost immediately for absorption by allowing them to dissolve or using chewable.

Hi, can you tell me what happened with this? I had the same thing happen with UHC in February. Last week I exhausted my final appeal and the bariatric center told me I'd have to go somewhere else, because they do not offer a self pay or financing option.😨

I should have stated this that in 2008 I weighed 350 lbs. In May 21st 2013 when I started my journey with meeting the surgeon I weighed 282 lbs. On the day of surgery which was September 25th 2013 I weighed 242 lbs. As of yesterday I weighed 160 lbs and we agreed that I was close enough to a normal BMI and that I felt great at this weight that this is where I'm staying. The bariatric hypoglycemia is different then regular hypoglycemia and is treated differently from what I was told yesterday. I will meet with my nutritionist to figure out a game plan. I have sagging skin but I don't care because I am so much healthier now then I've ever been after being overweight and obese most of my life. This surgery saved me I truly believe that.

I also take the Trader Joe's High Potency Chewables. I take a double dose, and like most here take additional calcium, iron, and B12. My labs have always been excellent. Trader Joe's is cheaper than just about any other chewable multi I have seen, plus it has fewer calories and carbs than most -- especially the bariatric vitamins, which seem to have more calories and carbs than most other vitamins!

I agree with you, and also understand we are all different. There are so many people who come in here and their doctors haven't provided them with much information at all, they ask a question such as the example you provided, and someone "criticizes" by telling them why they would be better off without it. I agree tact goes a long way in these discussions, but also feel we need to try and be honest for those who don't know, rather than allow bad information, untrue facts, or bad habits to rule the forums. Many people want to do the best they can with regard to their surgery. My doctor, the NA and Nurse were amazed by my fast recovery in the hospital and wanted me to speak. One asked if I had seen the bariatric support groups and she was appalled regarding them. I explained I've seen it but try to be factual and kind at the same time. Some people just don't know. It's not always their fault, some don't even know where to start looking! I feel when someone is pissy and snarky it does no good. Being factual in a compassionate and kind way does. It's a fine line to walk. Also about addictions and head hunger, etc., etc. I find that people have gained weight and become addicted to food in a myriad of ways, others eat out of boredom and even happiness. Some just eat because they love food - one thing is true though, something went wrong to compromise their health, me included, and finding out what it is is really the best weapon against gaining and repeating bad health. It's not wrong to point out when someone obviously has an issue, it's helpful. What they decide to do with that information is up to them, and one should always be kind when trying to confront someone about such a sensitive issue. We cannot possibly understand the intent to which people are replying, I certainly do not know how sorry someone is or isn't when they try to be honest to the OP, I don't know the intent of the OP. Some people are not grammatically up to par either. All I can do is share my little bit of knowledge -having a degree doesn't make someone the only one capable of sharing a fact that may help someone. I can understand where you come from, completely. If we are just kinder to people, a little more validating of their emotional standpoint, we would probably quibble a lot less and misunderstand intent a bit less. It's online though, so much gets lost in text, sadly.

I remember that man and his outfit. How horrible that "old, not improved, and we're all sick of him" fat-shamed him. Just wait a couple of years until our resident world authority on bariatric surgery starts regaining weight..

@Fatdiva14 @kathy0529 Ah! Less than 48 hours to go! I stocked up on Isopure today, along with crystal light and sugar free Jello mix to use with my Isopure to make Protein jello! I should probably spend part of tomorrow making jello in dixie cups. *snorts* BARIATRIC JELLO SHOTS FOR ALL!

I had my surgery on June 1st, 2018 by Dr. Monk in York, Pa. I've experienced nothing but good from Dr. Monk and his team. I chose this surgeon because he has an amazing sense of humor, a stellar track record, and he preformed my grandmother's bypass years ago. I know I definitely made the right decision. If you are looking for a surgeon in south/central PA, I highly recommend Dr. Monk and his team at Wellspan Bariatric Surgery in York.

It's not cheap because of quality it's cheap because of the difference in cost of living compared to here. Most people in MX can not afford this surgery in there country because it's comparable to their cost of living. Just like here.. Most can't afford it because it's comparable to the cost of living here. EXPENSIVE. Also, it will make you feel better to know that the MX surgeon have a vast more amount of experience with bariatric surgery than the surgeons here in the states. My daughter has insurance coverage here, but prefers to have hers done with Dr Ponce because of his experience, professionalism, and great mannerism. My other daughter is also going down there because we have full confidence in his abilities.

I did 3 weeks on the Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement shakes. Tried them all first to see what I liked. Had 4 shakes a day, could have clear broth, no caffeine. The first week was bad. Head hunger that wouldn't go away. After my RNY the Dr said my liver was almost normal size and made his job a lot easier. My discomfort was worth having a happy surgeon. Bottom line is always do what your Dr says. If you have questions always ask. We aren't the ones operating on you

My mom makes mashed cauliflower at least once a week! You can switch it up by seasoning it differently too, one day she will make it garlic and the next she will throw some squash in the mix to make it sweet. Also! Fun fact! Google cauliflower recipes, you can make roll it out with wheat flour and make fake bread or with Parmesan cheese and pretend it's pizza crust. Very versatile! Also, I see a lot of bariatric sites making cauliflower Mac and cheese, with no noodles- omg I'm going to be all over that when I can hahah.

I'm going to go out on a limb here, and maybe a lot of people might not agree with this, but I wonder if during the pre op diet if bariatric surgeons would prescribe GLP-1 agonists to help survive the pre op period, it would help with compliance. I mean the goal is to eat less and healthier and to shrink the liver. It's a tool that could help get a person through the pre op period successfully. It's a tool just like our surgeries are a tool we use to get to a healthy weight.🤷‍♀️

Hi all! I just had VSG last Wednesday. I was really nervous leading up to it, but am incredibly grateful that recovery has been amazing! Like...dare I say, almost seems too easy? I haven't thrown up, was really only nauseous the following day, pain has been completely tolerable without any pain meds, I'm down 5lbs and i only get gas pains a couple times a day. I'm hitting my protein goal through shakes and bariatric soup and today I even had unsweetened applesauce. Took me a bit to eat, but I had no problems thereafter. I'm not complaining, but I guess I assumed recovery would be more difficult and I would be turned off by food (or thought of food) completely. So many people say how they have to force themselves to eat and it's just not my case. Has anyone else had a similar recovery? Did you still get great results? Is this something I should be worried about. I know this question probly seems silly..and again let me reiterate, I am fortunate and grateful to not be having any serious issues.