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I think there is a thread. Mine was far from a horror story. The Bariatric process and personnel were great, but the Anesthesia team broke two of my crowns when they put the breathing tube in or took it out. Later they tried to deny it and even tried to cover it up. Fortunately I had just visited the dentist a week before surgery so she wrote a long letter on what condition my teeth were in before and after surgery. She also stated that it would have taken excessive effort to do that kind of damage. Only then did the hospital relent and pay for the repair of my teeth.

Thanks guys!! Mia- you will know when I hit Onederland...........everyone will, lol! That will be such a glorious day for me! Renewed- OMGOSH! Do you really think you could be? I know exactly what you mean about the negative tests. DH and I went years trying to get preggers before I got pregnant with my son. It can be heatbreaking. I hope things get better for you soon and hope you feel better. Whatever happens, just know we are here for you.

Way to go everyone!!!! Yall did great!!! For some crazy reason I am up 4 pounds this morning!! Hoping it is TOM, but I am so irregular, who knows. I'm hoping to do better next challenge. Speaking of challenge, I set up a new one. Here is a link to it. Come join me!!! Renewed. http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f15/spring-into-action-weight-loss-challenge-55586/

Congrats on your weight loss Renewed and Darr!!!! Sorry you guys are sick and hope you both feel better soon!!

I have a medicare replacement policy through United Healthcare. Upon coverage verification I was required to go to a Bariatric Center of Excellence, have a nutritional and psychological consult prior to submission of the request for surgery. ($334 for those two visits combined not covered because there is no DSM-IV coding) My total out of pocket is $1,080 which is the $334 (mentioned before), $500 program fee and I believe a fill or two.

I saved some smaller sizes from a previous weight loss. I plan on as usual for me to hit the thrift stores and consignment stores til I am at my goal weight. The best part is you donate the larger clothes and most thrift stores give you a credit to use in the store when you donate. I am on the smaller end of obesity with 105 lbs now to lose but I think it would be great if there was a source for Bariatric surgery patients to exchange or share clothes with others to help out on the cost of a new wardrobe. I am also a seamstress so I can take in clothes and even re-cut to make a smaller by a couple sizes. You can find a seamstress to help also. Good luck!

And I also concur, I still can't do what OP claimed to do, I'm 14 months 2 days out, went to Bible Study- Luncheon yesterday at my new church. One teaspoon of each item, Might have added up to 1/4-1/3 cup into to talk monkey- doodled it around on my plate so it looked like I Was Really Eating, took 42 minutes, laid my spoon down , excused MYSELF, headed for the nearest BR where I anointed the porcelain chamber there with lunch. Some days I feel like I am a permanent resident of Emesis City, does my Bariatric Surgeon and clinic know? Yep but the last CNP I saw basically told me to be grateful for my weight loss and stop complaining, oh well the protein shakes, soups and broths along with copious vitamins and minerals are keeping Me from falling further apart but Do What OP alledges to Have Done, I CANNOT FATHOM IT! And yeah, somehow my Labs are not skewed out of mild deficits in a couple things , so of course they will not agree that I am Gastrointestinally Crippled in any WAY. My Cross to Bear Perhaps?

BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence? (Part One of Three) I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. It’s important to recognize the difference. Why? For starters, you can stop beating yourself up over the things you can’t do anything about. It’s also important that you focus on putting forth effort where it will get you the best results! It’s essential for both doctors and those suffering from obesity to have a mutual understanding of these causes of obesity and which people can influence, so that: 1) Doctors can develop or increase empathy for the struggles of those suffering with obesity. When doctors better understand that many people with obesity have struggles that go beyond fighting their biology which negatively impact their weight, the doctors can more compassionately and appropriately address these issues and refer patients to see other professionals, if need be. 2) People struggling with their weight can evaluate the numerous factors impacting obesity and work toward accepting those things they cannot influence. In addition, they can take responsibility for putting forth effort into those aspects of their struggles with weight that they can positively impact. All righty, then! Let’s look at three of the main contributing factors of obesity and then talk about each one, emphasizing what, if anything, each person can do to have a positive impact on their weight. Genetics Culture and Environment Metabolism Genetics Obesity definitely has some genetic determinants, as researchers have clearly discovered. If there are a lot of obese people in your extended family, you have a better chance of being obese than someone from a family without a history of weight problems. Although there are many more obese people in the current population than in previous generations, this cannot all be linked to genetics. The genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in obesity reflects major changes in non-genetic factors. Listen to this… According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002): “Since 1960, adult Americans have increased in height an average of 1 inch but have increased in weight by 25 pounds.” So in 50 years, the human species has grown taller by only an inch but heavier by 25 pounds. That tells us there is more than genetics influencing weight gain in this country. PATIENTS: Even if you have a genetic predisposition for obesity, there are other factors involved, including the food choices you make and whether or not you exercise on a regular basis. Some of these behavioral factors are habits learned in your family, so what appears to be a genetic predisposition may be a familial pattern of unhealthy habits that can be broken. DOCTORS: Remind yourself that patients cannot “eat less/move more” and have any effect on their current genetic makeup. Acknowledge to patients their genetic predisposition for obesity in a compassionate manner. Help to gently educate them about the factors affecting their weight that they can influence. Do so in a “firm and fair” way, providing encouragement rather than admonishment. Culture And Environment In addition to one’s genes, a person’s culture and environment play a large role in causing people to be overweight and obese. The environment and culture in which you were raised impacts how and what you eat. Some people were taught to eat everything on their plate and couldn’t get up from the table until they did so. Others never sat at a table for a meal but watched television while they ate. Some kids are fed well-balanced meals while others exist on fast food or microwaved mac and cheese with hot dogs. In some cultures, simple carbs make up a substantial part of every meal. In other cultures, fruits and vegetables are consumed regularly. When you are a child, you’re not in charge of buying the groceries or providing the meals. You did learn, however, about what and how to eat from those with whom you lived. And guess what that means? How you feed your children is what they will think of as “normal” and will most likely be how they eat as adults. (I’m always concerned when weight loss surgery patients tell me their kids are “just fine” even though they eat the same unhealthy foods as the obese parent. It’s only a matter of time before the kids start to gain weight and have health problems as a result of their unhealthy diet and learned eating behaviors.) PATIENTS: Although your genetic composition cannot be changed, the eating behaviors you learned in your family, from your culture, or developed on your own can be changed. You alone now determine what kind, and how much exercise you do and what and when you eat. Your behavior is completely within your control. Work toward accepting the fact that you are in charge of, and responsible for, your behavior and every food choice you make. For every choice, there is a consequence, positive or negative. And NO EXCUSES! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, whether you get a lunch break at the office or whether you have to cook for a family. Even if you have five kids in different activities and spend your life taxi-ing them from one place to another, you are the adult and you are responsible for how you eat and how you feed your children. It takes a very responsible person to acknowledge, “Although I have a genetic predisposition for obesity, I am responsible for making healthy choices about my eating and exercise. For me and for my children.” Focusing on what you do have control over rather than that over which you are powerless, leads to believing in your capabilities. So take charge and make positive changes happen! DOCTORS: Engage your patient in a discussion about the cultural and environmental factors that helped shape their current food choices and exercise behaviors. Empathize with them, noting they are going to have to put forth consistent effort to change years of bad habit formation. Encourage them to get support, whether it is from friends with a healthy lifestyle, a health coach, a personal trainer, or the use of free online exercise videos. Help them set a short-term, reasonable goal and set an appointment with you to follow up. Remember, docs: That which is reinforced is repeated. Reinforce even small steps forward you see in your patients. This can go a long way in encouraging them to continue making healthier choices. A step forward is a step forward. Notice and praise every single step forward your patient makes! Resting Metabolic Rate Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is simply the energy needed to keep the body functioning when it’s at rest. In other words, RMR describes how many calories it takes to live if you’re just relaxing. Resting Metabolic Rate can vary quite a bit from one person to another, which may help explain why some people gain weight more quickly than others. And why some people seem to find it more difficult to lose weight than others. There are some factors related to metabolism that you can’t change, but there are actually some that you can influence and change. Things you cannot change about metabolic rate: Metabolic rate decreases with each passing decade, which means the older you are, the slower your metabolism gets, making weight loss more difficult. Sorry ladies - Men generally have a higher metabolism, meaning they burn calories more quickly than women. You can inherit your metabolic rate from previous generations - which can be a benefit… or not. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can slow down or speed up metabolism. Some things you can do to influence your metabolism and burn more calories include: Eat small, frequent meals. Drink ice water. You can boost metabolism temporarily with aerobic exercise. You can boost metabolism in the long run with weight training. PATIENTS: I’ll bet you didn’t there was much of anything you could do that would increase your metabolism. I’m hoping you choose to implement the ways you can help your body burn more calories. And what do you know? They are completely consistent with healthy post-op behaviors that you’re supposed to do anyway: 1) Eat small, frequent meals. CHECK. 2) Drink water (so add ice and boost that RMR). CHECK. 3) Engage in exercise, both aerobic and weight bearing. CHECK. There’s no reason NOT to anymore! (That’s a slogan from a really old commercial…) The point is, your specific RMR is both something that is unique to you, and that will slow down with age, is gender-influenced, and can be affected by thyroid issues. Accept the things you cannot change and DO the things you can to get the most out of your own, unique RMR. You DO have choices! Opt not to make excuses and JUST DO THE THINGS YOU CAN! DOCTORS: I’m pretty sure that educating patients is in your job description. Even though you have an allotted set of minutes during which to accomplish all your goals with a patient, point out the ways they can boost their metabolism while you’re looking into their ears, or hitting them on the knee with that little hammer. Present it as a, “Hey! Guess what I was reminded of today?” sort of thing. It’ll probably be absorbed better than a mini-lecture. Leave yourself a sticky note in the patient’s folder to bring it up in your next session… and then a new educational point for the next meeting, along with the small goal you set with them so you can be sure to praise them for their efforts! Patients and Doctors and all Allied Health Professionals: We need to work together to do the following: 1) End Fat Shaming 2) End Blaming 3) End Lecturing 4) Encourage reciprocal AWARENESS and ACCOUNTABILTIY 5) Encourage reciprocal EDUCATION and DISCUSSION 6) Encourage reciprocal GOAL-SETTING and FOLLOW-UP Stay tuned for Part Two of BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence?

Consider Macros That is, “macronutrients,” or carbohydrates, fat, and protein. The news is bad on the surface since the average fast food meal has more carbs and less protein per calorie than the average home-cooked meal. You can work to turn this around, though. Carbohydrates: Cut back on carbohydrates by skipping the starchy sides: French fries, potato chips, and hash browns, steamed, fried, or Mexican rice, and breadsticks. Try to go “green” (lettuce wrap) or “naked” (no wrap) with your burger, tortilla, or sandwich; if the fast food joint cannot honor your request, just eat the filling with a knife and fork, and throw away the bread, bun, tortilla, or taco shell (if you are feeling guilty because of starving children in third-world countries, make a donation. You’ll do more good than you would by adding starch to your hips). Protein: How can you boost your protein intake at a fast food restaurant to be what you need? Skinless grilled or baked chicken, lean cold cuts, cheese, and beans can all up your totals, and yogurt is an increasingly common side option. Even a small burger patty can give you 10 to 15 grams of protein, although it comes with a few extra grams of fat. A good protein goal for a meal is about 20-30 grams. You can get that for 200-300 calories with any of the following. Burger King Double Cheeseburger, no bun; Grilled Chicken Garden Salad, no croutons; or Veggie Burger with cheese, no bun or mayo. McDonald’s Grilled Southwestern Chicken Salad, no cheese; or Grilled Chicken Sandwich, no bun or spread. Taco Bell 2 grilled or fresco steak soft tacos, no tortillas; chicken or steak Power Menu Bowl, no rice or cheese. KFC Grilled Chicken Drumstick plus green beans or side salad. Panda Express Grilled Teriyaki or Asian Chicken. Fats: Your first order of business is to avoid anything fried. You will be avoiding excess grease while also avoiding sneaky carbs in breading – did you know that the amounts of carbs in onion rings and fried chicken are comparable to the amounts in bread? Also, watch the fatty spreads – think mayonnaise – salad dressings, and dips. Find the Vegetables Protein and vegetables…does this sound familiar? It should, since your goals when eating at a fast food restaurant should be the same as when you eat at home. Vegetables help fill you up without filling you out, and it is best to eat as many of them as you can handle with your pouch or sleeve. It may take a little more digging to find vegetables at fast food restaurants than at home, but you can usually do it. Here are a few leads. Ask for extra lettuce, tomatoes, and any other available vegetables on burgers and sandwiches. Order a side salad or baby carrots with your meal. Check for salads with grilled chicken as an entrée. Pile salsa and diced vegetables onto your naked burrito. When “Value” Isn’t Besides the convenience, the deals are among the most tempting things about fast food. For pennies more, you can often add fries and a drink, or you could get a second burger or taco for half the price. Don’t do it! “Value” depends on what you want and need; why would you pay extra, even if it is “only pennies more,” for extra fat, sugar, starch, and calories? A healthier definition of “value” might be to pay the least you can for a meal that is convenient, delicious, and healthy. Why include “oversized” in your definition? For those times when fast food simply makes sense, go for it – just keep yourself on track by reading the menu carefully and staying focused. You can do it, no matter where you end up. You might as well enjoy it!

I was in a terrible car accident on 10/26/18 and just noticed this hours ago. Both my steering wheel and knee driver airbags deployed. Lots of chest and face contusions. I felt something that caused some discomfort at Port, but now seeing this is freaking me out. I had my LB Surgery in 4/05 and love life, but now.... WTH.... going to see a W/C doc tomorrow, and hoping my bariatric doc calls me before the appt. Be Well Folks and please drive safe!!

There's a difference between the belief that a food is banned for a lifetime and asking for an okay to have it at 2 weeks post-surgery. I was very diplomatic in answering with alternatives that might help satisfy the craving. She is in our program, and in our program we are still on just liquids at 2 weeks. Our NUTS and bariatric nurse are very thorough in the materials they provide to help us be successful. In those materials, and at every appointment, they clearly outline allowed foods at each stage. And I took no offense to the peasant food comment at all. I love peasant food.

For the past ten days, I have been experiencing constant dull nausea in my lower abdomen. It worsens when I eat (so I'm only getting about 400 calories a day) and sometimes I have to lay in bed because sitting and eating can increase the nausea. I messaged my bariatric surgeon last week and only heard back from his nurse on Monday. She was rather dismissive, saying that I might have the stomach flu and I should write again in a few days if I'm not feeling better. I also messaged my PCP who does not have a bariatric background, and she hypothesized that it might be heartburn (I don't think so -- I have no pain in my chest or upper abdomen) but said if the nausea continued, she would see me in her office. But again, she's not familiar with the surgery and possible complications, so might not know what tests to order. I spent time researching through Dr. Google and got worried about internal hernias, which could be life-threatening if left untreated. Apparently, sometimes the only symptom is mild nausea. Or maybe I have an ulcer. Am I worrying too much? Has anyone else had a long episode of nausea (lasting over a week) that resolved on its own? Or was from another cause? As you can see, I am already seeking proper medical advice, so only would like to hear anecdotal information and suggestions. Thanks.

Maybe you could try sending a DM to @@nprcowboy , He had a really rough time for the first few months and was put on tube feedings. Perhaps he can offer some advice. Personally I would be contacting the insurance company about changing surgeons for follow up. Make sure the doctors following her for the kidney stone out in for a consult. Either the bariatric surgeon or one of his residents should have checked in with her by now.

Thanks for the information but its a little too late for me. I used weightlossagents but as a nurse and having bariatric surgery before, I didn't ask any questions. I had revision surgery (lapband to sleeve) April 7, 2015 and had a great experience. ☺️

Water. Joking! I don’t know any new products that are Bariatric friendly but if you see anything low carb for keto it’s a good chance it will have less carbs but not necessarily less calories, however I love Ak-Mak

Hey Jdubwife! I would love to speak to you about our experience in TJ win Dr Illan and Bariatric Pal team MX! My husband went with me. He would be willing to speak to your husband as well. We had a wonderful experience. Like a vacation. I would love to answer both of your questions. It was the best experience ever. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

There is so MUCH food on the ship, you'll find lots of choices! I took a cruise at about 6 weeks out. My suggestion is make sure anything you try is very wet, chew chew chew, and stop as soon as you are feeling full. Drink tons of Water. I did bring my own Protein shakes too. I found they have lots of good fish on the ship, which is easy to digest and a fantastic source of protein. Take advantage of the variety! And chew chew chew! Have fun! And try not to look at people with crazy full plates from the buffet line with pity. It will shock you how much folks eat and you'll be trying to control your urge to recommend a good bariatric surgeon! Enjoy your trip! Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Don't do it. My hospital did a research study of post op bariatric patients and found that egg have a Protein that can cause digestive complications in some patients if introduced before 4 weeks. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

Do they have a special unit dedicated to bariatric surgery?

Who is Rex Bariatric in Raleigh and if you're going overseas for the surgery why do you need them? If your iron is low you have to find out why before surgery. Cuz these surgeries can be tough on iron status. So you need to be stable. If you of menstruating age that would or could explain it, but if not, then one of the most usual places for iron to escape is in the GI tract. Any doc can order a colonoscopy. How bout your PCP?

Oh-oh, we were on different wavelengths. My reference to being educated was in the sense of knowledgeable about WLS, not about formal education. I was curious about your stance as a professional on the politicization of WLS. Many who have formal schooling or native intelligence are wildly narrow-minded. The reverse holds, too. I suppose I lean toward ignoring the dolts partly because my surgery was long ago enough that the surgery itself has taken a back seat and partly because other things going on in my life take up the time and energy. If, however, I encounter a true Neanderthal or Luddite, I'll be to storm the Bastille to defend the honor of bariatrics and the people who love it.I completely agree FatKellyRN>soontobe<SleeveKellyRN

a ketogenic or strict low carb diet would be < 20 per day - but my plan which is considered regular low carb would be <60 per day. some people are on that strict low carb ketogenic diet, but other people have a bariatric team that prefers a more balanced approach to dietary needs.

Thank you all for your advice! We do have good hospitals here at home but none that deal with bariatric patients so they might not be as familiar with any complications that arise?

The bariatric soft chews are horrible, I need suggestions lol. They taste chalky