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@@KaiserKid, I am the one who used to be slim all my life, and in the past 2 years had a rapid, massive gain of 90Ibs! Yes I felt guilty, and horrified that my appetite went out of control. I hated myself and my body. Couldn't look in the mirror anymore, as all I could see was this bloated stranger. Most of the people I knew were good and did not pass judgements, bar 2 people who said to me: go to the gym more, you Have to lose weight and get back to your former self .... Well, I don't see these 2 people anymore. Being obese for 2 years messed with my head, turned me into a recluse, isolating at home wearing sarongs and feeling very down. I could see my weight doubling in no time. This is why I decided to look into WLS. When I showed my surgeon my photos from 3 years ago, he did a double take literally! My BMI at that stage was 32.3 I would have been operated on last July 2015, but the team's endocrinologist discovered my auto-immune Thyroid disease, and so I had to wait 9 months for my thyroid to be destroyed and then stabilised. I had many sessions with the team Bariatric Psychologist, that were very helpful. I finally was sleeved early March 2016. Have lost 60Ibs to date, and this surgery saved my life. Being obese for 2 years created health problems for me, and most of those are now gone! I can look in the mirror again, I can see my former self coming back, I feel happy again. So, these are my experiences and my perspective. I did a little research prior surgery, and I spoke with a lady, friend of a friend, who had a bypass done by my surgeon. This lady showed me before and after photos, and she looked fantastic 2 years post op! So, I decided to go with her surgeon, and I am very glad I did. I wish you all the best in your journey!

RoseIvy! That's GREAT news. hmmmmm something seem very fishy. This doctor is also the NEW Medical Director, Staff Bariatric Surgeon at Slimband.. So if I understand this correctly they have set up adjustments through the surgeon at his clinic for $120 however if you want an adjustment at the clinic it will cost you $200. He also works at the Scarborough Hospital as surgeon Dr. Yau. I wonder if he would sign your consent form so you could go have your adjustments done by Sabrina at half the cost.

Get a cuppa.. I have been researching WLS for many years. The band seemed sensible and there were myriad articles about it. The closest I got was attending a bandster bash in Tijuana, talked to others, watched a fill, and interviewed quite a few doctors there. I decided on who I wanted, started getting together with ladies in my area who had the band, then decided to 'give it another try' on my own. Two of my good friends struggled terribly with the band and one was, 2 months ago, finally dragged to the ER by her husband in a near coma state (both my mother and I gave her money, she was very poor). Both had them removed. A dear relative has gained almost all her weight back after a RNY. Another relative almost died from complications months after her bypass. So there's that. Now comes the sleeve and gastric plication. I liked the plication because initially I read that it was reversible. Now I find it really isn't. So, back to the books: I allow myself months of research. Then I came across some studies about 'foot drop', leak rates, and suicide rates in post bariatric surgery patients. That last one was my achilles heel as I struggle with depression. So those are my reasons for WAITING, and doing more research. While I am still very seriously considering the sleeve, and now I have narrowed it down to 3 doctors, much of my research energy is going into new and non invasive bariatric weight loss procedures. Even Dr. Ariel Ortiz (much admired here) states that in future we will look back and see these cutting surgeries as primitive and the Obalon type procedures as more preferred... I promise to go get the exact quote from him. OR go watch the Obalon video I posted from Nightline. I am excited to post these bariatric procedures and my research here on this website. Many are passed European safety trials and are being used in Europe/UK/South America now, but have not yet passed the FDA. Some have trials now going on in the US and some don't, but are available in Mexico or foreign countries. It is true that non-surgical methods may not bring you rapid, huge amounts of weight loss. But I find these non invasive methods can be used more than once, to get a larger amount of pounds lost. I kind of like the idea of no cutting to my tummy. I like the Endobarrier (a sleeve of clear plastic that is placed through your mouth and works like a non surgical bypass, and is removed through your mouth after a period of 3, 6 or 12 months - they are finding it eliminates type 2 diabetes as well)(now in trials in a city near you) and the Obalon (a capsule that is swallowed and turns into a gastric balloon, allowing you to feel satiated...after 3 weeks it is then deflated and removed through the mouth). These procedures are done on an out patient basis by doctors, and have success. It is true that they are not permanent, but for me, I hope after initial weight loss, I can get my 'healthy' on, and use that weight loss as a kick start to get me rolling with new habits. The Endobarrier can be adjusted for greater weight loss, or you can do it again, and the Obalon after the 3 weeks, you can do it again, after a wait i would imagine. http://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1015-gastric-balloon-endolumenal-bariatric-procedures-forum-new/ Prices seem high now, for these outpatient procedures, but I think these will come down, in time. But can I wait? I am just not sure if I can, thus my continued sleeve interest. But, If I was NEAR a city that was doing the Endobarrier trials, I would be there in a heartbeat.. I have actually considered MOVING to one of the cities for a year to get in on this trial. I am very supportive of everyone's journey here, and may still go with a sleeve, but feel free to have a look at my new research on non invasive or non cutting types of bariatric procedures (link above). I know all the arguments, pro and con. Please respect my outlook, as I respect yours. In support, triss

I am still waiting and waiting....... I go back and forth, one day will go for it, the other will not. I have lost over 155 pounds on my own without the surgery, so every friend I have and my significant other all keep telling me, "Don't do it". My SO will give me zero support especially if something does go wrong or if I am sick afterwards during the recovery. He will more likely say, "I told you not to do it so don't come crying to me if you feel bad". No one is on board for this except my bariatric surgeon and his staff. Initially I did not have the co-pay for the operation but now I have complete coverage. I have done all the tests and preliminary work ups except for one exercise class, an abominal sonogram, a chest x-ray and blood work. I fear that it won't stop me from gaining weight back because the only two people I have met who had the sleeve done are already getting fat again. And if I can lose 155 pounds (and still living the program to lose more), then why do it now? My reasons so far are that (1) I am a diabetic (insulin needs are WAAAAY down and soon to be gone), I have moderate sleep apnea, and I need abominal surgery anyway because I have both a hiatal hernia and an umbilical hernia. My reasons against it are that I fear that my life will change so much that I will never be able to enjoy a diet coke again, or eat a BIG salad (I enjoy the crunch) or that I will go out with friends and have head hunger over what they order while I eat nothing or little. I also fear (big time) the evidence I have seen that food will no longer taste good or I won't be able to enjoy the foods I like today. One person who loved shellfish could no longer eat any shellfisth after the sleeve, and I cannot imagine life without shellfish or beef (another food I have heard may no longer be tolerated). I don't care that I may be physically no longer hungry after a few bites, as we all know (and some here won't admit it) food is part of what makes life enjoyable and there is more to the eating of food other than to satisfy physical hunger. I do not mind eating SMALL amounts of food, I mind that I may not be able to enjoy SMALL portions of things that I love. I can be happy without a LOT of shrimp, or a LOT of beef, or a LOT of lobster, but I cannot imagine being happy not being able to eat any of those again or enjoy an occasional diet soda. These boards are filled with great stories and I have to ask where are the failures, the surgeries that went wrong, the people who wish that they never did it????? Is anyone here willing to claim that almost every story was a success story of all being OK? How to make a decision when only ONE side is presented. I want to go into this with my eyes wide open as to what I am agreeing to and so far I only hear one side of things. And finally, my neighbors only son, age 32, died on December 22, 2012 as a result of gastric bypass surgery, and last week I met a woman in my bariatric surgeon's office in terrible pain, recovering from his fixing her gastric band that ate into her stomach and caused a problem that almost killed her. She told me that he removed the band and told her that she cannot attempt any further bariatric surgery. So the bottom line, I am frightened of both the known and the unknown and still on a holding pattern.

There is a group that I am heavily involved in on Facebook called All Things Bariatric. It is a closed group, so tell the administrator that Ashley Cuff Osgood sent you. Everyone there is so amazing, supportive and gives the kick in the butt needed. If you are having struggles both pre and post weight loss surgery, this is THE place to be!!!

All the replies are interesting. I am still struggling with the logistics. The broad discrepancies of who and who doesn't need a sleep study leaves me perplexed. Essentially in any surgery there is an anesthesiologist at your head watching your breathing, your heart rate, the oxidation in your blood, all of your vitals... I completely agree that going in to this and knowing ahead of time is of course hugely beneficial, but is it really required?? Why, in my 5 other surgeries has this need never come up? I had hoped someone who has had prior surgeries AND was required to have a sleep study before bariatric surgery was in the same mindset I am in and asked what makes this surgery different. And also why not all Dr's (or insurance companies) require it if it is so vital to surgery, healing, etc...

I was sleeved on 3/8/16. I got the best doctor in Mexico, Dr. Illan. I booked threw Bill with Bariatric Pal Team MX. I have contact numbers is you wanna call and discuss with Bill. Dr. Illan and his staff were wonderful. The hospital was Florance. It was great. Don't let some of these groups fool you. Some of them operate in clinics and not hospitals. I chose the hospital that had an ICU in case of complications. Another reason I chose dr Illan is because he is an ER trauma surgeon! Yes he's a Bariatric doctor but he's an ER surgeon and I do believe he's chief of the hospital. Anyway.... He was better than any doctor I have ever had in the states. I will be glad to answer any questions you have. Bariatric Pal get a 10 star rating from me and my husband. After care... My PCP will do blood work.... If I need a Bariatric specific doctor there are ones in the states that will take you on. I have had no problems!

I pick it up on Friday and I am going to double check if anything else is allowed. I can have 3 to 4 Bariatric Advantage shakes a day.

So I bought my first jars of baby food last night, in preparation for the pureed phase. Let me back up..... I had my nutritional class was this week and a "bariatric class" that was pretty detailed about the different phases of appropriate foods. Baby food was mentioned. They said it was OK to eat, so long as you read the labels. In other words, no added sugar, and good Protein source. Which if you haven't already went shopping for baby food (for bariatric purposes) practically none of the baby food has a good source of protein. The NUT did say that you could add Protein Powder to the baby food that is lacking. Therefore, back to my baby food shopping extravaganza! I purchased 4 different types of baby food. I was very careful to read each label. The picture attached was just one that I purchased. The others were similar as far as nutritional values. These were $1.00 each, btw. Now, my thought process was this.... and this is where my question comes into play. 1. The NUT said that during the pureed/blended stage most people can only handle 2-4oz at one time. Therefore, I feel like this is pretty good bang for your buck. What do you all think? 2. Are there better options?

Hello everybody, I am Bom Chan, head of obesity solutions of the BIB & LAP-BAND CENTER (www.totalobesitysolutions.com) here in the Philippines. I made a similar post under "General Discussion" of lapbandtalk last February 28, 2011. You may wish to read about that topic (What everyone needs to know about the term"LAP-BAND") but I will be repeating a few of the things I have previously written. Let's start from the beginning, the term "bariatrics" is derived from the Greek work "baros" which means "pressure". Bariatric surgery means "weight loss surgery" because obesity or excess weight puts a lot of pressure on an individual; pressure on his back, his knees, his health, and his self-esteem. There are different forms of bariatric surgeries but the gold-standard of bariatric surgery is the LAP-BAND surgery. On the other hand, the BIB System(BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon System) is a non-surgical (endoscopic gastroplasty or placing of an intragastric balloon in the stomach through the mouth) bariatric procedure. LAP-BAND surgeries in the Philippines are presently being performed by 2 (TWO) bariatric surgeons in 3 (THREE) centers of excellence in Metro Manila, namely Dr. Edward Oliveros of 1.) St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City and 2.) St. Luke's Global City and Dr. Ferdinand Samonte of 3.) Delos Santos (DLS-STI) Medical Center in Quezon City. LAP-BAND surgeries are NOT performed in aesthetic centers in the Philippines as one may think from doing internet searches. LAP-BAND surgeries are also NOT being performed in Metro Luzon by other surgeons in other medical centers not listed above. The term "LAP-BAND" and "LAGB" are proprietary and these are registered trademarks/intellectual properties of Allergan Incorporated of Santa Monica, California, USA. "LAGB" means "LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding" as opposed to other brands of adjustable gastric banding. "LAGB" does not mean "laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding." I wish to stress the importance of terminolgies here because it is just too convenient to say "LAGB" is a better option than other invasive forms of bariatric surgeries, use the data of the LAP-BAND to support the claims of safety and effectiveness, and then use another brand of gastric banding because the surgeon "thought" that the term "LAGB" is used to describe a surgical procedure. FYI, the generic term for the surgical procedure is "Gastric Banding" not "LAGB". When a patient decides to have a Lap-Band surgery, he should ask the surgeon the following things: 1.) Is the surgeon using a LAP-BAND manufactured by Allergan, Incorporated? 2.) Can the patient have a look at the box prior to surgery? The LAP-BAND comes in a box sealed in plastic and comes with the following markings on the box: a.) ALLERGAN b.) LAP-BAND AP System Large REF.: B-20265 or LAP-BAND AP System Small REF.: B-20260 c.) SN (or the Serial Number) 3.) Can the patient keep the opened box AFTER the surgery. (This is pushing it a little bit, but who knows?) When a person says that all bands are the same, that sounds to me very much like all watches tell the same time. The LAP-BAND is the ONLY gastric banding that possesses all of the following: a.) USFDA approved since 2001 b.) More than 600,000 procedures performed worldwide c.) Supported by more than 1,600 scientific papers Thanks for reading. Warm regards, Bom Chan P.S. I wanted to post this topic under Philippine Lap-Band Support Group last night but I clicked on the wrong button that's why this post also appears in the Elsewhere Forum. My apologies.

I had my eval on the october 15th and it was terrible. It was an intake appt with the bariatric center and we did everything that day.I saw the nutritionist, nurse practitioner,had blood work done, met with the insurance coordinator, took a 350+ questionnaire for the psych eval and the met with the psychologist. Everything went well until the psychologist :rolleyes2: I had been heaving and vomiting since july without a diagnosis and had a bad night and that morning on the way there. I had to pull over on my way there vomiting and it just comes without warning but I couldn't miss my appt but trying so hard not to vomit while talking to him. Anyways...I have been overweight for 6 years and basically doubling in size within a year (twin pregnancy) has been hard on my body. I have so many medical issues and haven't taken very good care of myself but I am trying to now. My twin boys started school and I now have some time for myself and I am trying. Also one of my twins was diagnosed with Leukemia 2.5 years ago and is still in treatment. So he says I'm depressed and may be an emotional eater and I put my kids first. He said I would throw myself in front of a bus to save my kids. Of course I would!!!! He referred me for further counseling. I think its crap and was hoping to have my surgery by end of year which probably won't happen now but doing the further counseling with a different counselor. I am still moving ahead and hopefully can get my surgery next year after my deductibles are met again but seriously disappointed. Unless the psychologist can wave a magic wand and make my weight disappear and my son's cancer poof gone never happened.. I don't see the point. My kids will always come first and that way of thinking will never change. I don't deny being depressed to a point, I mean carrying around an extra me for the past 6 years has made me tired, my feet hurt, knees hurt, trouble sleeping, etc. Nor am I happy that my baby has to have chemo and all that he has been through. And its so frustrating that every problem I have the doc says lose weight... I have since been diagnosed with hiatal hernia, acid reflux, had a nodule biopsied, had low potassium, and hypoglycemic. All of which they say lose some weight or the surgery (if i get it) should make it all better. They told me to lose weight too when I had an ovarian cyst rupture and over my high blood pressure, and the pain in my heels. So yeah I almost gave up after my eval. I cried the whole way home and most all that weekend and felt like I was doomed to just live this way. I decided not to give up and I probably wont have my surgery as soon as I had hoped but I will get it!! So hang in there and no matter what we are doing this because we want change in our lives and don't let anyone make you feel bad for wanting to better yourself and make that change.

Congratulations! My Doctor is Dr. Nusbaum. He's the head of bariatric at Morristown Memorial and St. Barnabus. I have been told I'll feel like I did when my gallbladder was removed in post-op. Anyone know if that is true!?

So, there is definitely something going on with me. This morning I felt fine. I had breakfast- about 2 teaspoons of thin grits with cheese around 6 am. I felt fine and great and was thinking that today might be a good day to go do some walking this morning. I left the house to take my daughter to school on the other side of town and halfway there- at a red light I suddenly - felt shaky, off, my hands got clammy, and I got the sort of mental fog again- like mental confusion- and I felt like I was going to pass out. I got tunnel vision and I had to keep blinking my eyes and shaking my head to sort of stay with it. You know, I had my daughter in the truck with me- the last thing in the world I'd want- is to pass out while I'm driving. It scared me half to death- I managed to tell my daughter what was happening and informed her that I might have to pull over to the side of the road but that I was going to try to make it to a 7-11 about 2 blocks away. It was not a good area of town to break down.. for sure. I got to the 7-11 and by then I was sort of having panicky feelings about what if I passed out and I was trying to think of what to get to try to help my blood sugar- with the mental fog going on - it was very difficult to think- coherantly- I grabbed a bottle of orange juice after glancing around to see what was available- I opened it before I even got to the counter to pay for it- my hands were shaking as I opened the bottle and I was worried that I might not remember my pin number when I paid for it with my debit card because I had no cash. I managed to get two sips down me in the car and tried to call a family member to let them know where I was just in case- just in case I needed to call for an ambulance or just in case.. I needed someone to come get me. My Daughter's school is very close to the hospital and also my surgeons office. After 20 minutes and fretting about the fact that my daughter was already late for school and we were just under a mile away- I decided I should at least try to get her to school- I ran back in to the 7-11 to see if I could find something other than the orange juice because I'd been having problems with acid- and the orange juice reminded me of that and the idea of orange juice coming back up my already burning esophagus unnerved me. I grabbed an apple juice and looked around for some protein- still fuzzy headed- I saw the lunchables and grabbed one thinking either I could try to chew a bite of the turkey or if not then I could try the cheese. Then I slowly pulled out onto the street and attempted to make it to my daughters school- and we got there- course by then I was just barely holding it together for my daughters sake- but feeling absolutely positive that I really could have passed out while driving and killed us both. I let my daughter out of the truck to go to school - she was clearly worried about me and I tried to ease her concerns by telling her that I was just fine and the juice helped..but.. that wasn't entirely true. I parked on the side of the road there and tried to call my surgeons office since I was so close- much closer to there than home. The nurse came on to speak to me and - she seemed to indicate that I could come in- if I felt like I might pass out but- she didn't seem promising as to if they might could check to see what was going on with me. I felt like if I went in and she could SEE what was going on then at least they might send me over for some lab work- maybe iv fluids- something to try to figure out whats going on- or to help me to feel better. I got to the office-somehow- grabbed my juice which I'd taken 2 tiny sips of and nibbled on the piece of turkey there but it tasted terrible so didn't get more than a bite in- tho nibbled on a cracker more easily- just twice- around the edge - When the person came out..and i'm not even sure if it was a nurse- she told me they'd tried to slide me in around 10- it was then 8:45 or so. She said they had 2 big cases coming in and something going on at the hospital and she scolded me for having the apple juice in my hand- and asked me WHY WAS i DRINKING THAT- AS THO IT WAS A MORNING RITUAL OR SOMETHING. I tried to explain to her that clearly I'd had less than 2 sips of that juice- the bottle was still full and that 7-11 doesn't cater to bariatric patients in a situation of low sugar- she also scolded me for having the lunchable- I mean..really? I Haven't ANY JUICE- since before my pre op diet. I haven't had anything remotely similar to a lunchable since before my pre op diet. If I could ordered salmon or tuna- at 7-11 ..surely I would have but..as it stood.. I had few options.. lunchable..or .....donut.. I figured....I made a rational and good choice..by choosing the lunchable to try.. it's not like I ate a whole cracker..it's not like I ate a whole piece of the turkey..because I didn't come anywhere close to that. She suggested I ditch the lunchable- and maybe the juice or dilute it and go down to the first floor to the cafeteria and find some protein- and relax until 10 ish..when the might could slide me in but was sure to let me know that they couldn't do anything there- that they'd have to put in an order for me to have whatever they wanted done..somewhere else. So, I went down to the first floor- and began to look for the cafeteria- right away I noticed a generic starbucks called the espresso cafe but it was closed. So, I kept walking- you know- it's not easy to walk around when you feel shaky and off- There was a small sense of relief that if I passed out in the hallway that someone would find me tho.. that was better than sitting at a red light- and passing out. Small comforts- So I kept walking around..looking for this cafeteria or some sign showing the way to no avail and I saw a tech coming down the hall way and stopped him to ask where the cafeteria was and he said there was no cafeteria there- only the espresso cafe which I'd seen a half a mile back down the other hall way.. and of course it was still closed. Somewhere in all of THAT- I began to get ANGRY. Angry that I'd be waiting for another hour and a half..to MAYBE BE SLID into the schedule.. and that MAYBE.. some tests would be ordered but probably not done today- since fasting might be required. And angry that I'd been sent away to find a nonexistent cafeteria while on the verge of passing out- and scolded no less.. regarding the juice and stuff.... And Angry because I'd thrown out the apple juice and lunchable and now there was no place open for me to get ANYTHING. Angry enough that I went out to the valet parking attendant and asked for my truck- thinking I could at least get the orange juice I'd left in there and evidently angry enough to get into my truck..and decide to drive my self HOME... I called my mother on the cell phone and put her on speaker so that she could talk to me - as I drove home to make sure I had not passed out in route. Got home- managed to find some Protein mushie babyfood- ate a bit of that and sat down- called the dr's office to tell them that I LEFT..AND I'M HOME NOW..AND IF THEY WANT TO CALL ME.. THAT WOULD BE GOOD. The program coordinator called and said I needed to eat PROTEIN- SHE SAID IT LOUD AND SLOW AS THO I MIGHT BE HARD OF HEARING OR LEARNING CHALLENGED. I wanted to say something sarcastic in my defense- but I didn't- I honestly don't remember what else she said- I don't know if she said she'd make me an appointment or anything.. the conversation is a blur.. I have no idea what the woman said to me- I do remember her name tho. So- that's what's going on with me.

I have had a white coating on my tongue for over a month now. My Dr gave me medicine for oral thrush and also what they call magic mouthwash and nothing has helped. she said she does not know what it is and if it does not cause me any pain then not to worry. She did suggest I email my bariatric surgeon to see if it has to do with my surgery. Still waiting for an answer. just wondering if anyone else here has had this problem, i am around 9 weeks out from surgery. Thanks

Standing outside this morning I looked about and all was quiet. Moments later a light breeze started to affect one of the Maples we planted thirty years ago. It drew my attention because it was a soft rustling noise that came from no where and sounded peaceful and pleasant. Suddenly in the distance I could hear the rumbling of thunder and it felt ominous. Approaching my peaceful moment with the ability to give me cause to worry. It hit me that the entire experience of a few moments was comparable to the journey of weight loss surgery. We get to a point where we give in and think that we have reached the bottom of our life. There is nothing left and we think there is nothing for us out there to help or offer us an option to turn our lives around. But through gentle words and in the form of encouragement by family, friends and the medical field we learn about Bariatric Surgery. We are offered a tool that can assist us to find a new path to good health and well being. A fear builds deep within us but we know inside that this is the only option left. This is make or break it time and we have no where else to go. We see our mortality and the future looks dim. We are willing to do what it takes to find ourselves on the other side which offers a new life without food addiction. We can't even imagine how that would feel to be thin and in good health. Finally having the real control of our future and our lives. Not being the object of well intentioned or intentional comments or opinions that hurt so deep we feel wounded and or scarred for the rest of our days. But it is not to be. We have an option. A gentle breeze overcomes us as we realize we do have an option. We do have a future. One that will keep us around long enough to enjoy the rest of our lives as the person we always wanted to be. Being able to watch our children grow up and then the grandchildren. Not to mention doing all the things you thought you would never do. Making a bucket list of experiences you want to have and places you want to go. Not to mention the effects this new and improved you will have in a positive way with your family and friends, work acquaintances and yes even strangers. This is the gentle breeze of realization that is engulfing your spirit and giving you hope for a better life ahead. When does the thunder roll in the distance to threaten this new found peace you are experiencing? When you realize that it will take real effort on your part to accomplish this. When you take the time to really start changing how you view food and figure out why you used food as a comfort in good times and in bad. We are conditioned to believe that food plays a much bigger roll in our lives then simply giving us the proper nutrients to keep our bodies in good working order. By well meaning parents who told us how it was so important to clean our plates to the diet industry that makes millions off of failed diets. The false comfort in the form of food related slogans that advertising companies use to make us think that food equals happiness. That food is the backbone of our lives. Here are a few. Help yourself to happiness – Golden Coral Come hungry, leave happy – IHOP Unwrap a smile – Little Debbie's Comfort in every bite – Mars Bar Life tastes better with KFC – Kentucky Fried Chicken Little nuggets of joy- McDonald's Chicken McNuggets Double your flavor,double your fun – Double Mint Gum Feels like home – Sarah Lee Get your smile on – Lay's And on and on, teaching us that food is the answer to all our woes and will bring us happiness. But we know from our own personal experiences that this is not the case. And yet we battle these feelings of needing food as the drug of choice to fulfill in us an emptiness every single day. We find ourselves reverting back to the habits that has brought us momentary relief only to find that it did not help at all. This is the thunder that we all experience in our journey. The fight to stay on course and not give into the heavy winds and booming sounds of habit or the artificial comfort of using food to make us feel better. We are in a war. We will win a battle at a time. We will get there. Maybe not today or tomorrow but we will control this disease. Weight loss surgery is our tool to learn new life long habits and choices that will once again bring the gentle breeze of hope and then success.

when i went to see my bariatric surgeon his nurse said to me "dont get this surgery you are so short and cute!!!" my father who was with me chimed in "and ROUND!" He is in for anything to make his daughter less fat, while my mom, sister, and best friend were all somewhat against it- I think mainly out of concern for me and nothing malicious at all. Well I am now banded and they have no choice but to be supportive! I am not telling anyone at work and it is hard to sneak around only drinking liquids.

Congrats Shortgal on reaching your goal. I know u will meet your 12/31 goal also. Thanks for the info. I will be renewing my BJ's card because I want to be sfocked up on s/f jello, s/f drinks and pop sickles when my time comes to officially join the banded family. Thanks again!!!

My doctor has me doing the Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement shakes 3-5 times a day for the 2 weeks...its about $65 for 35 servings

I have the Realize Band, and so far I couldn't be happier. I haven't been hungry since the surgery, and my doctor offers a fill in one month, not six to eight weeks. My recovery has been fantastic, and I have had very little pain. I got to compare both bands (Lap Band and Realize Band) side by side, and there was no question in my mind that the Realize Band was the best choice for me. My doctor, whose office is qualified as a Bariatric Center of Excellence, gives the patient the choice of bands. My doctor is very pleased with the results he's had in his practice from both bands. So far, I've lost almost 20% of my excess weight, with the majority of the loss in the last week since surgery. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot time on the Realize web site, but from what I've been able to do so far, it's been very helpful. One of the major reasons I chose the Realize Band was the great anchoring method it uses for the port, and the size and shape of the port. I've had very little port pain, and from what I've read, that seems to be a major issue for people. Also, I loved the Realize Band's pillow system. It's much softer than Lap Band, and such I plan to keep my band for years, I felt it would be much safer to have against my stomach as a foreign object. Also, the band itself was wider, which I felt made it safer as far as potential slips. I'm certainly not trying to discout the Lap Band. I think each person needs to weigh what is important to them for the long haul, and those were a few of the reasons I felt the Realize Band was the better choice for me.

Here's the thing. I don't find value in not receiving nutritionist guidance from your surgeons office. On so many boards I see what am I supposed to eat questions. Well where was the guidance from your bariatric clinic Sent from my moto e5 play using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a legitimate question, please? Speaking as a therapist and a RNY vet. What is it about taking away the supervised program that is attractive to those of you that are seeking surgery? Is it that it takes away one of the multiple hoops we already have to jump through or is it that it shortens the length of time before scheduling surgery? The biggest reason I ask is because it seems kind of scary for me because so many folks I work with (and folks here, too) are already saying that they felt so unprepared for life after surgery, I'm afraid that shortening the timeframes even more will make it even worse. So much of the medically supervised time should be for the "pre-work." I just really worry that this is a secret way for insurance to come back later and say "see, this bariatric surgery thing isn't working. All these people are gaining their weight back. We should stop covering it." I know, I know - it sounds like a conspiracy theory, but I deal with insurance companies not wanting to pay for services so often (3 sessions after a suicide attempt? Sure, that'll be plenty! [emoji849]), it just wouldn't surprise me. 🤷‍♀️ ~SW: 278 CW: 165~ RNY 1/5/2005 "What got you here won't get you there."

Hi, Does anyone have a list or a site to recommend that has high fiber foods you can eat on a bariatric diet? I rather the "old fashion" why of softening my stool then using a bunch of pills. Thanks in advance!

Unflavored means no flavor added, not that the protein itself does not have flavor. You might try Bariatric Advantage. It is a full meal replacement, meaning it has protein plus 50% of most daily vitamins, not just a protein drink. Call to get samples first--always good with any protein mix.

Hi, I consulted with a bariatric surgeon before I even spoke to my primary about it ( you will need your primary to sign off as well so don't worry about the order, it's good to have them on board from the start, if they aren't try to convince them or switch) because I did not need a referral to consult with the bariatric program. From start to surgery just under six months. All of that time as just to complete the preop testing , there was not a required waiting period.

If you have had serious issues with major unipolar depression and/or bi-polar depression in the past, this can be a challenging time for you because your hormones are all out of whack which can trigger lots of feelings (good an bad). One of the problems with being obese is that fat cells produce and store estrogen. As you burn those cells off, the estrogen is being released into your blood stream. This will throw off your hormonal balance in a major way. [This effects both men and women btw]. It will cause mood swings and can make you downright irritable--like super PMS. If you're unhappy with your p.doc in general, by all means get a new one. If, however, this is just a concern about your current mood, try to get an appointment as soon as possible, but don't look to change docs right now if he or she has been doing a good job for you in general. It's hard to find a good p.doc and there aren't many (or any) p.docs that specialize in treating bariatric patients (we aren't really all that different from any other patient once our bodies adapt to the new physiology). You should, however, go to your bariatric support group meetings. My practice has them twice a month. It's a great way to meet other people that are going through the same things you're going through (or have been them already). Try to get that appointment to see your p.doc, but if he or she has been doing a good job for you so far, don't run out and change. New docs often like to change up meds and that can really add fuel to the fire. This hormonal spike is going to be a short term issue (a few months at the most)--not a life long thing. So, you are only talking about dealing with unusual emotions for a little while--and then you get back to being yourself (with all the usual issues that you had before surgery, but with less weight to carry around). If have issues with major depression and you feel yourself slipping into a downward spiral, you might also look into seeing a doctor or clinic that could give you ketamine infusion. That would definitely take the edge off while you go through the adjustment phase. My wife suffers with major depression (has for years) and she gets ketamine treatments every 3-4 weeks depending on what's going on. It's not a cure all, but it makes a huge difference!!!