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Find a new doctor who isn't so arrogant and ignorant. The U.S. does not have a monopoly on quality health care. In fact, my Mexico surgeon had more experience, better credentials and a lower complication rate than the 6 U.S. surgeons I looked at. I had no complications postop and my surgeon's office was available for postop consult and questions 7 days/week. My PCP was fine with doing my followup bloodwork and would have supported me through any problems if they occurred. My OB/Gyn was also totally on board and volunteered to do bloodwork if I needed. She even got the name and contact info for my surgeon to pass on to other patients who's insurance doesn't cover WLS. I saw a gastroenterologist for an unrelated issue 2 months postop and he didn't have a problem with me having had surgery in Mexico, either. Routine follow up can be done by your PCP, but maybe ask her to check around with other bariatric specialists in case you do have any complications. Make sure you pick a surgeon that is available postop and willing to answer any questions your PCP may have.

I use the bariatric advantage, i crush them up and mix it with 1/4c of Greek yogurt, this way my yogurt taste tropical, i get protein and i can manage them better! Becuz they are DISGUSTING! It takes me 30 min to eat it but it works!

HELLO I AM TWO MONTHS POST OP AND I WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE OUT THERE HAS HAD TROUBLE EATING AND DRINKING AFTER WARDS. I ALSO WANT TO KNOW IF ANYONE HAS ORDERED OFF OF THE BARIATRIC FOOD WEBSITES AND IF SO HOW LONG DID YOU HAVE TO WAIT EAT REGULARLY PORTIONED CONTROLLED FOODS

If I am craving something sweet, I have one of my Bariatric Calcium chews. I ordered them from amazon. Sometimes I will also make half of a chocolate Protein shake and heat it up so it tastes like hot chocolate. Sent from my iPhone using LapBandTalk

Hi! My name is Melissa and I am a nurse practitioner in Arizona with 10+ years experience in bariatric surgery and over 9 years caring for band patients (fills...). I was referred to this site by my good friend Randy, also a nurse practitioner who has been available for fills/unfills. If anyone in the Phoenix, AZ area would like to contact me, please feel free to email me @mmdavis16@gmail.com. You can email me and/or send me your phone number, and I will get back to you within 24 hrs. Best, Melissa

After 2 surgeries with Dr. Cobean I agree that your impression of him is correct. His surgical skills are excellent, but I found him arrogant, pompous, and difficult to communicate with. Which is unfortunate given the very personal nature of this type of procedure. Patients will do well, however, if they bypass him and go directly to the nursing staff at the bariatric center. They are an amazing team!

I believe it was the July issue of Atlanta magazine...they had a section for their top docs. Dr. Sweeney was voted top Bariatric Surgeon. I went to his seminar and LOVED him, but, sadly, I'm self pay, and can't afford Emory.

I liked the Nectar roadside lemonade and the lemon tea. My Bariatric Pantry sells a sample pack and you can choose the 10 flavors you want to try. I also liked the cappuccino and LOVE peanut butter cookie, which I mix with skim milk. Post surgery I've also switched to the blender bottle. The ninja put too much air for me, and it took forever to get one shake down.

When I went to be with my brother and his family for Christmas 2014 and my 16 year old niece begged me to wait in the car while she ran into the grocery store. I realized she was embarassed to be seen with me. My heart broke that day. I contacted the nearest Bariatric Clinic when I got home. She graduates this June and it will be 3 years since I have seen her and hope to be down 100# by then. My heart still hurts when I think about it.

LOL! You're all good. One of the nice things about bariatric surgery is the instant gratification (or almost anyway.) When I hear of people losing like 100 pounds in 3 months and even getting to goal weight in 6-8, I am getting eager to get going.

I went to the Bluegrass seminar on Saturday. It was ok except Dr. Oldham was in emergency surgery?!!? So the coordinator and finance person gave the seminar the best they could. It was a bit one sided as the coordinator had the Band and that is all she spoke about. She grazed over the other options saying she didn't have information on them. Sad. She did mention the Bariatric Advantage program and said how well it works but that it was not mandatory. She said many people use Atkin's brand shakes or other meal replacement bars, but they need them to be low carb. I am thinking about going to Dr Lusco's seminar at the end of this month. Not sure if I am up for the drives back and forth though.

My bariatric GI watches vit D3 levels carefully - not just for the impact on bones, but because it can definitely affect mood and cause depression. He feels that what is "low normal" for a none bariatric patient is too low for a VSG patient. Ask your doctor to include D3 in any upcoming blood tests and be sure you're getting the required amount orally. Thiamine is also important for us, and it requires replenishment daily.

Basically what happened is.....I have UHC, but this particular plan does not cover bariatric care at all. So, I paid for the surgery myself. Well, in order to get insurance to pay on the surgery, they billed "unlisted liver procedure" instead of wedge liver biopsy...."unlisted procedure, stomach" rather than gastric bypass...."adhesion repair" rather than lap-band removal...and also charged for a (hiatal) hernia repair. Mind you, all of those things were to be INCLUDED in my revision surgery (that's why it's more expensive than a "virgin" bypass), but they had my insurance information from my (original) consultation and submitted it. Since the coding "appeared" medical, UHC covered a pretty significant portion of it. Thinking I should get a refund for anything that insurance DID pay, I phoned the office to find out when I'd get a refund check and, to my surprise, they said they would be keeping BOTH payments! Adhesions were expected, due to the band; I've had a hiatal hernia for OVER 10 years, but the op report reads as if it was "discovered" during surgery!!! Adding what they billed insurance PLUS what I paid up front, my surgery was nearly $58,000!!! That is ridiculous. The average for bypass is $22,000, which is what I "self" paid prior to surgery. Just a side note....I had NO complications, NO unexpected/unplanned procedure and the hospital and anesthesiologist both wrote off ALL charges except what I paid up front...only the surgeon billed/was paid by my insurance company. I tried to "appeal", but UHC wouldn't since it was not a denial. The insurance commission only regulates insurance, not MD's. The Medical Board only cares if you have "injuries" (for malpractice), they don't care about how the MD codes the surgery. Most patients don't mind because, had UHC NOT paid, they would not have billed me anything....they would have just " settled" for what I paid them up front. Because the patient usually doesn't get a bill, most don't mind and/or don't complain when the doctor submits "medical" codes and gets payment. It is a common practice by bariatric surgeons (even the "good" ones!), but it's wrong, wrong, wrong. I am continuing to pursue it because I work in the healthcare industry and I am just so infuriated by all the fraud, abuse and waste in "the system" that I am not going to let them get away with this, even though almost all of them do it!! Sorry to go on and on, but I am just SOOOOO frustrated and angry that I go on a rant when I discuss it. I asked all the right questions, reviewed the contract, etc., etc., and I STILL got "used". I am still trying to work with UHC to either ask the doctor for a refund or else tell him he needs to refund it to me...even if I don't get it, I don't want the doctor paid twice. If your insurance doesn't cover your surgery and you end up paying yourself....BE SURE that you have an "iron-clad" contract and understanding with your physician about what will be billed and HOW it will be billed. As a side note, even my PCP said it's "illegal as hell" (quote, sorry for the language) the way they billed it; it's not just me being upset because I didn't get a refund.

I didn't find it hard to adjust to the Band's rules at all. My Bariatric Center prefers me to stop drinking 30 minutes before a meal and then for 45 minutes after. Other than dinner, I never drank with my meal anyway. I don't have any issues with nuts or beans--I really haven't tried oranges or grapefruit or fresh pineapple. My Bariatric Center gave me a list of the things that are "generally not tolerated well" and I must admit--I take the easy way out and don't try them. Honestly, I can say that my life has changed very little with the Band--the very largest part that has changed is my portions, that's all! I still eat whatever we're having for supper, but a smaller amount (i.e. a piece of chicken and green beans--instead of 4 country style barbequed ribs, 1/2 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese and green Beans.) You see what I'm saying?!! Yes, it's scary--but each person IS different in what we can handle--and I know myself that whatever I give up forever is totally so worth my new life and quality that I have now! :mad:

You can do this! It takes time to figure everything out and straighten out the details but I have faith in you! I had this problem, too. I called my insurance and asked what I need to do for the lap band (what testing I needed for the insurance etc) They said that they could not release the information. My doctor called my insurance and I started contacting bariatric surgery centers on my own. My surgery center is called Bridges. They had all the info that I needed for my surgery. Maybe you can call around your area for bariatric surgery centers? They were the biggest help for me. You would of course have to ask if they take your insurace. =) Good Luck

That was basically the sensation I recall experiencing when I was first diagnosed with acid reflux...though that was a number of years prior to having my band placed. I'm not certain what a bariatric surgeon would advise. My doctors have advised me to continue to take Prevacid daily as I've done for years.

Hey!! Went to the seminar tonight, it was very informative. One of the first questions about the insurance though was answered by the physician "That insurance does not cover bariatric surgery" I about started crying there!!!! since it was my insurance, until I heard, "Unless you work for the hospital, they just started covering bariatric surgery in January for hospital employees". Whew!! It felt like a sign. Then there was the question of a Cancer diagnosis. 4 years out for my surgery/chemo. That was okay, as long as my oncologist says it is okay. I can't think of any reason why not, my last CT scans and blood work were clear. So now I am just waiting for the office to call me and let me know times and dates of pre-op tests. I dragged my husband along, while he does not really care about my size (and luckily, my silicone "girls") ***I know, I am really lucky in the husband department*** He realizes that I am very unhappy about my wieght, and health status, so he is very supportive. I warned him that I might be very "anti-cooking" for awhile and his response was "just make sure there is something for me to fix, and I can cook for myself" **what a doll!!!!! So I will post when I have some new dates/information etc. I feel that this site will be a big help, espeically with those that are having the procedure around the same time. Also, a friend from work is going to be going through this at the same time. One question I have, tell or not to tell. Co-workers, extended family etc. What do you think? I only need to take off one week of work, it is summer, no big deal. What is the response from people, helpful or not? Let me know opinions please!! Hey, should I do a picture "pre-op diet" or after the 2 weeks? Which weight should I use for the ticker tape? (once I figure out how to get it onto this site).

Lapbands are mostly going out of favor due to complications such as erosions and not-as-good results re: weight loss. I can give more info later; maybe tomorrow. Depending on your BMI or other co-morbidities, it may actually be contraindicated; the sleeve or bypass might be a better option. As above, many former LapBand patients convert to the sleeve. Some surgeons still do the band, but in a recent medical conference of 4,000 bariatric surgeons (and some counselors, nutritionists, etc.), the LapBand is less well received or done these days. I'll try to post to this again tomorrow should I get time. Weigh all factors, then do what feels right for you. In any case, here's praying for a safe journey and no complications next week or after.

Bariatric Advantage - vanilla and strawberry Isopure Syntrax nectar - Fuzzy Navel Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm a revision patient waiting to convert from a band to a sleeve. I was banded in 2009 and lost 50 pounds. After about a year,I began to have problems with food getting stuck which is excruciatingly painful. I ended up in the hospital 3 times because of stuck food. During this time, I switched jobs and had to start over with a new bariatric surgeon who had to do extensive testing in order to figure out what was was wrong. Dr finally determined that my band had slipped and removed all fluid. That was a year ago. It has taken me this long to do everything required to submit for revision surgery. I've gained back 25 pounds. I'm just waiting for insurance approval again so I can get this painful, useless thing out of me. I would not recommend the band to anyone.

Ifluty - Do you know someone that has had lapband surgery and their company insurance paid for it? If so, try to get a job at that company. Even if you have to take a pay cut, in the long run you'll be ahead rather than putting yourself in debt to have the surgery. Another option is take a loan out on your 401K. Interest rate is very low, you're very young, so you still have time to make up for it. But if you do that - find a bariatric doctor in your area that does a package deal where everything is included in one price. I'm a self pay because my company has a total exclusion with our insurance company for bariatric surgery. My doc does a package deal that includes surgery, hosptial, anesthesiologist, dietician and 1 year of fills for $15K. I took part out of my 401K and then also took a loan. I'll have the loan part paid back within 12 months. The 401K is no big deal for me because it wasn't that big anyway. It's my husband's 401K that we'll be counting on during retirement in about 5 years. I agree with what someone said in a prior response. DON'T put yourself in debt to have the surgery. Best of luck to you. I know how frustrating it is.

Well gal;s you know how I wrote awhile ago that I will be on CNN as the woman that is naked with no clothes because nothing fits. Well, I can say I am back in my clothes again Yeah! Thank heavens. It is so weird I have only dropped a few lb's but definitely dropped inches. I barley remember but I think that you rotate back and forth between burning lbs, and dropping inches. Does this ring a bell you guys? I am building muscles. Julie, My husband and I just looked at your pictures in awe! Your amazing. Tabithan, I buy premade frozen steel cut oatmeal from Trader Joe's and put raisins, cinnamon, and sliced bananas in it, it is sooo filling and gets me through . I love it. Carol, Mazel Tov on baby Sophia! Mammma Lambert, sounds like you have Christma under control. Size 14 that is awesome that is my goal, I will be thrilled when I get to that size. it is truly a dream come true. I told my story at a informational bariatric group, I must have been effective because they asked a lot of questions. The nurse, the dietitian, and even hubby had tears in his eyes. My doctor is amazing he suggested I telll my story so others will know what could possibley happen to them. I would think most doc's would want to cover it up. But no. regards for know

1) Area of USA-North Carolina 2) Price with and without fluoro-$250 in-office non-flouro, $300 + about $400 hospital charge for flouro (prices may not be current) 3) Type of Provider, (MD, APN etc)-Bariatric Surgeon, but does NOT do bands (Dr Gonzales in Winston-Salem) 4) Is that provider a "bandster? Nope

I had the same problem, United Health care called and they told me excluded but as long as employer said ok to cover it and medically necessary and outpatient they would cover. THen started with surgeon to find out "excluded" and no way will they pay. One person at insurance company just said real rudely "we don't pay for obesity". THank you very much. Our company insurance agent told me even if I waited until September when my employer renews insurance it could not be added even if employer said ok because we have less than 3000 employees. Said that most companies will not add until company of that size. I am not sure if that correct or not. I own my house so I borrowed $17,000 to do self pay. Ouch. good luck to you. If self pay not a option really check your new jobs insurance plan out.

It is highly unlikely that an insurer will cover any services, tests or fees after the policy termination. You will have to be very careful to choose a new policy that picks up the costs---specifically for bariatric-related services, especially those tied to surgery done prior to the policy. (For example, a standard blood test may require 1-2 vials of blood, but a bariatric set can require 10 vials and many more tests. The costs of self-paying for test can be a couple thousand dollars, depending on where tests are done.) And make very sure you have it in writing from the insurance company! There is so much confusion in the insurance world right now. There's another post I just responded to where four calls have been made to the insurance company on an issue and they have gotten 4 different answers. One poster reported that her company sponsored insurance paid for WLS, but she just retired and the retiree version of the policy (part of her retirement package) specifically does NOT cover any costs related to an earlier bariatric surgery. Good luck and shop carefully!