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Wow! Fantastic post! I know I do that too, I still project my "fat girl" thinking onto myself and sometimes onto others too. Losing a massive amount of weight truly messes with your head. I didn't see the show, but I've seen plenty of very confident and beautiful plus sized women (and men). I'm always a bit envious of their confidence. I think the mental side of losing weight is often neglected - at least once you get past "food issues" it seems like surgeons and bariatric teams assume you are good to go. Anyway...Great post, thanks for sharing this. ETA: I just saw the video clip (at the bottom of the link posted above) and I thought it was awesome that the audience really got behind her. I didn't look as good as her when I was of a (likely) similar weight!

Funny ... I just asked this,question at the seminar and doc said it can stretch...hmmmm. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App VSG revision due to stretching is a thing and surgeons wouldn't offer it if it didn't happen. For example http://www.revisionalsurgery.com/bariatric-revision-surgery/sleeve-revision-surgery/

Ask your bariatric program is they offers an information seminar. They will talk about all the different types of surgeries and discuss success rates, expected weight loss, complications, pros/cons and take peoples questions. Your Surgeon will have your medical history at your pre op appointment. He/she will suggest a surgery that may work best for you. Many surgeons don't do the band anymore. Check your office. Four years out from surgery. I had great results with the sleeve. It was less invasive for me. ( my intestines are not altered) My height weight 254. I weighed 234 the day of surgery 2014. Hit my goal of 140 in six months. I now maintain in the 130's. Even if the weight loss was slower I would have been happy. We all lose at different rates. Things to know about the sleeve: After my sixth month, I can tolerate any food with no dumping syndrome. It's important to eat healthy and stay within my calories and macros. Going back to old behaviors I would gain weight back. You have your best surgery restriction in the first few months. Months to a year out you will notice you can consume more food. The restriction is less (your stomach has not grown back to full size)It will be important for behavior change and not going over you calories and macros for weight loss and maintaining. Most sleevers can tolerate sugar. Less change of dumping syndrome. If sugar is an issue, other types of surgery may be worth looking into. I wish you the best, Jenn

I have Tricare Standard (West) before starting this process. I asked specifically what requirements I needed to meet to qualify for the by-pass surgery. I have completed everything on the list and expected a surgery date first week in August, as did the bariatric center I will use. Well, it is past Aug. And I still have not been given the green light. I've called tori care twice this past month as was simply told I didn't qualify. Say what? I pointed out that I had called in the beginning of starting this and have fulfilled all the requirements including the ones the surgeon added, yet could not get an exact answer out of them. The bariatric center called twice and have appealed for me. Early last week I called insurance again and got same results so I called bariatrics who called them too. We should have heard back today but have not. I am so bummed out I just don't know what to do. My hips, knees, ankles, feet hurt so much I hate to stand up. I'm sick of being out of breath after just a few steps. I hate using a bi-pap machine with oxygen every night (real sexy, let me tell you!) and I hate going out of my house because of how I look. I'm sorry folks, I guess I just needed to get this off my chest because tears just don't cut it. If anyone has any ideas I'd appreciate them, if not, that's ok. Thanks for reading and letting me vent. Feeling sad in the west.

I've had my consultation with Dr. Stowers (via phone since I live out of state) and so far it has been a good experience. I'm wondering if anyone has gone to him for the sleeve? If so, what was your experience like? Any complications? For fellow sleevers that are a few years out, how has your progress been and are you maintaining? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!

@@genn we have owned our country home since 1993. We used to leave everything unlocked too, but now have surveillance cameras and signs up that say no trespassing. Both hubby and I carry on the farm (I don't take it to my office because of company policy) and are licensed. This reminds me we need to renew our Concealed Carry Permits. It has been 5 years since the last renewal. Had lapband surgery 10/12/16

I have mcclaren Medicaid in Michigan. I've tried every avenue I can to switch doctors and its just not working. I know the Bariatric surgeons here are amazing and willing to do whatever it takes to help me but, Medicaid requires a referral.

I am undergoing RNY surgery soon with Tricare (Standard plan). I was told by 5 Reps (I called them a lot with various questions) that there is no 6 month diet requirement, I can chose my Bariatric surgeon as long as he is in network and apporved by Tricare and I will have co-pays, of course. Everything else is at the surgeon's discretion and how they present the case. Also, coding has to be correct or the patient might risk enormous out of pocket costs. You can find a list of Tricare approved Biariatric surgeons on the Tricare website under Provider Search. Shop around, interview them and see which one is more experienced and give you the facts and also, which one you are most comfortable with. Good luck.

Definitely check in with your surgeon & try the changes you mentioned and let us know how it works out!!! You may help solve someone else's bariatric mystery

LOL, getting a new license is great fun. You know you are a bandster when . . . you go into renew your license and discover you weigh considerably less than the "pretend" number you told them last time, lol. This actually happened to me last year.

I have to take my daughter to the bariatric surgeon in a sec but how do you mix up Indian and German? Did I spell bariatric wrong???? Just curious:shades_smile: I'm in my cool shades now brandyII

So...I went to the seminar last night at Oakwood Hospital, in Dearborn, Michigan. Everyone seemed really nice....come to find out my wife has babysat for the bariatric surgeon, so that was a little amazing. I had no idea they even knew each-other. So the scoop for my insurance, NGS, incase someone is wondering.... 1 year documented weightloss with primary physician. Only have to have office visit every 3 months though. BMI of 45 or higher, or lower BMI if there are any co-morbities. So...unfortunately, even though I have been losing and gaining for the last 4 years solid, I will have to go through the whole process again and if I want to go through with the process, I'm looking at a surgery date around March/April 2010:thumbdown:. So, I will just do my normal and try to lose weight again this year and see what happens by January 2010. Let the weightloss begin!

I'm not a nutritionist, but here is my 2 cents from what I've learned about it. whey Protein isolate is the most absorbable type of protein for bariatric patients. Then comes the concentrate and last the caseinate. When ingredients are listed on a package, the ones that are listed first have higher amount in the product. So what you would want to see would be something like this: Other ingredients Isolate Whey Protein Mix (whey protein isolate, milk protein concentrate, Calcium caseinate). I don't have your label to go by, but you get the gist of it. So, basically you are looking for something that has whey protein isolate being the primary ingredient of the mix. If it's not the primary, I'm not saying don't use it, but you may want a different one as your primary source. Hope that makes sense.

I only brought up the Dove campaign because I thought that it was a wonderful depiction of healthy! I think what's important to remember is that there are so many variables. Spouting out sizes like 16 vs. 2 (US) is like spouting out weight. It's ridiculous unless you have all the facts. How tall, body fat %, BMI, health risk factors, etc. They are all just numbers. I think we get too obsessed with the numbers. We watch our scales religiously, every day, hoping for the mark to change. We analyze our bodies in the mirror. We judge ourselves everytime we get dressed. It just goes on and on. It really is possible to be healthy and overweight. It may not be IDEAL, but it can be done. There are people out there that are just plain tiny. Little tiny people that have small bones, small frames and don't weigh much. Some can only stomach a yogurt and a granola bar as that's all they can hold. Others can out eat any one of us at a buffet!! LOL They don't necessarily try to be that small, they just are. And guess what? Their weight doesn't make them exempt from health issues. They have high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer and a whole slew of other health problems. I realize that for the majority of us that are struggling with our weight, it's because we crossed the line. Doctor's don't usually refer overweight people to Bariatric surgeons. They refer morbidly obese patients. They refer people who already have or are on their way to developing a disease process that may shorten their lives, or affect the quality of it. Or both. Doctor's will suggest to the overweight person that they should exercise regularly, reduce calories and try to lose some weight, but as long as they are "healthy", they don't continue to pick on them. It's about health, not looks. Yes, we (the morbidly obese ones) should strive to lose weight, reduce our disease risk and exercise to strengthen our cardiovascular systems. We are at a higher risk for diseases of all kinds. WLS is considered a life saving operation by most insurances...they wouldn't pay for it they didn't see a benefit. It will mean less bills/claims in the long run. (I realize that not all insurances pay for it). But this is not a guarantee that we have somehow beaten the system. How about the man who runs miles and miles for years and years and drops dead of a heart attack on the trail? The young football player who does the same? These are "healthy" looking people who take action to stay in shape, but it didn't necessarily keep them living longer. Outward appearances aren't everything. No one should understand this more than us. I don't want to be judged anymore. I'm tired of being the 'elephant in the room'. Of course I want to look HOT and look sexy. But I don't think I have to be a certain number to achieve that. Healthy comes in lots of shapes and sizes! ~C

to all my bariatric pals thanx to all who are thinking of me and my family i feel all your arms hugging me in support thank you kathy

http://www.fitness-connection.com/chewy-bites-500-mg-p/chewy-bite-500.htm From my source, I get the 500 mg Bariatric Advantage 90 count for less than $32 a bag. That's 30 days worth. And I LOVE the tropical orange! Even cheaper if you get 3 bags at a time. And free shipping.

Just called UMR and was told they have no pending surgical preauthorizations for me! last diet apt was 9/7 and was told they would send everthing to UMR asap. The UMR rep said their turnaround is 15 business days from when they get it. UMR has proceeded all my bills correctly for everything related to this, with no questions. I have UMR PPO 80/20 with $1500 deductible, which I have met. Bariatric surgery is covered under my plan. I've done everything; six mos diet; psych; scope; blood; EKG; lost weight; sleep study. I guess the lesson is we need to stay on our doctor's office to get the stuff in to UMR.

I did know a RNY person that turned to alcohol instead of food and it ruined his life - he lost his job, ability to drive and other things. I still think many bariatric programs need to mandate therapy for 6 months prior ad 1 year after because so many people fail to find a coping mechanism to replace food and have a multitude of reasons behind the symptom of using food. There is of course a wide spectrum to disordered eating and many are unwilling to admit or tackle that - oh I just eat too much, etc.

@@NewLifeFinny My PT told me the OTC Tens are just as good. I have DDD too and don't look forward to it worsening post-op. I've had a pinched nerve in my neck since July 1st that I am supposed to get a cortisone injection but waiting to talk to my Bariatric surgeon first.

Tomorrow (June 21) is my first visit for the 6 month diet. I have bcbs in California. My ins requires 6 mo class, nutritionist visit, psych visit, upper gi, and a barium x-ray ( can't recall the name for that). I am right at 40 bmi and I am worried about falling below that during the 6 mo and then not qualifying. Not happy that I have to wait so long but after reading other's experiences, it appears to go fast. I am thankful that I have a supportive husband but I have chosen to not share this journey with family and friends. I am realize that I am one of those people who has lived in denial about my weight my entire adult life so it has been difficult to come to terms with myself. I am thankful for these forums and reading your stories and experiences. I will have my surgery by Dr. Boone in Fresno, Ca and they have a great program with ALSA. My insurance only covers 5k for bariatric so I am looking at 11k out of pocket. Not sure where exactly that will materialize from but I have faith.

Hi Lovingdavid! Yes!!! I too had my sleeve on July 30, 2014! At first, it took some great adjustments (getting use to quantity of foods, etc). Doing really well now. Exercise in gym 2 to 3 times a week. I am a slow loser (weight), but I lost over 70 lbs! I will visit my bariatric team later this month for my one year anniversary! Hope you are doing well!

@@Holysaro87 I agree with the poster above. Take a deep breath and try to relax. I am going to sound a little harsh with you for a moment here. When you FIRST had signs of something not right it was the time to go and see the Dr. Never mind how you were before your band. You are now a banded patient and vomiting no matter how small. food being stuck, acid reflux, night coughs all of these are signs of trouble and they are NOT normal. No one with a band should be throwing up after eating EVER if they can help it. If you follow the proper band guidelines then you would not be having these issues AND if you are then you need to see a Dr. ASAP a Bariatric Dr. who specializes in the Lapband. OK now all of that said....take another deep breath. I am on your side here. One of the reasons your Dr. may be telling you take the band out is because you are not being compliant with the band rules. There are very specific rules to being a banded patient and you are not following them. Yes we all get caught up with family and friends and FOOD. I totally understand, BUT you must ALWAYS remember that you are a WLS patient and that you have a band around your stomach and it is there and it will not be overlooked and it will cause you trouble if you ignore it. I am compliant in all ways with my band, all the time...? No not all the time, and that is how I learned to make sure that I am now ALL the time. When I am full I stop eating, if I am stuck I pay the price and feel sick and learn that next time I need to cut and chew chew chew and then chew some more. I need to slow down and eat my food and not be stressed while eating. A few months ago I had a mild pouch dilation and had all the Fluid removed from my band due to medications I was taking from being in a car accident that irritated my stomach. I did the 4 week liquid diet and the dilation resolved itself and I am not back on track to getting fills and losing weight. OK take another deep breath... Ask yourself is this band something you want? Why do you have it if you are not going to use it and take care of it properly? If you want to keep your band, follow the Dr.'s orders. Take the fill out, and start from band basics. Go back to the days of early banding. Get yourself some Protein powders and shakes and go from there. You will start to lose weight and you will feel better. Tell your family and friends you MUST be on this diet and not to derail you because doing so is going to cost you and you will ultimately have to have the band removed and worse you can cause permanent damage to your internal organs. So make sure you are ready for this commitment and settle in for a month of liquids, and gaining your health back. You have to take time to put you and your band first. You are right now both at risk.

Wow each bariatric diet plan is so different. I can eat fair but I can not have any starch for 6 months. They also still want us to drink at least one protein shake per day to make sure we are getting in all of our protein.

I am 6 days post-op today. My pre-op diet was 10 days of liquid, including 4 Bariatric Advantage protein shakes a day (I was never able to get more than 3 in), sugar free Popsicles, sugar free jello, fat free chicken, beef or vegetable broth and water/crystal light, etc. I was also able to have up to 2 cups of vegetables off of a specific list, either all at once or split through the day. The day before surgery was clear liquids only. The point of the pre-op diet is to shrink the liver. That makes it easier to get to the stomach with the laparoscopic devices.

I had my surgery in Tijuana April 2nd by Dr. Fernando Garcia, he is with Tijuana Bariatric. He has done around 5000 of these surgery's. He has moved to a brand new hospital my care was excellent. On the hour every hour someone was checking my vitals. I am down 12Lbs in one week. I went to Mexico because my insurance would not pay even though I suffer from degenerative arthritis and a torn meniscus. If you have any questions let me know I am here to chat.