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And after my presurgical consult Tuesday morning at 11:15 am EDT I will be able to tell you Ohio State University' s policies for me. My Life After Bariatric Surgery booklet, all 56 large pages says 2-4 weeks, then qualifies it by saying Subject to BMI , general physical condition and Surgeon's Discretion. So We Shall See What We Shall See, but at any rate I will do what they say for I want my RnY bypass with a ferocity few can credit!😷🍀😛🙏🍀

Gratitude for the past and the Friends I have made on Bariatric Pal Excitement for tomorrow morning when I find out how soon I can join the post-surgery ranks My own REBIRTHDAY will be coming soon! 🍀😛👍❤

And tomorrow I should find out my RnY surgery date for I will be consulting with my Bariatric Surgeon. Irish Gal 21 my own REBIRTHDAY may be coming very soon!🍀😛🍀🙏

Thank you, I'll need to try to stick to stricter guidelines. I wish there was a bariatric bible all doctors had to follow so everyone was on the same page...lol

I wanted to post this to the LapBander’s out there... Banded Dec 2012 and was doing great! I went from 230 to 138 and stayed that way with fills up to the end of 2015. Then when I got to 165 in Feb of 2018, I went in for a fill and they found that my band had slipped and I started having lower muscle esophageal problem. I’m thinking great...my BMI isn’t high enough to get the revision paid for and I don’t want to have to go through proving AGAIN, that I need a tool for managing my weight. Plus, my blood pressure is starting to go through the roof! (I’m apple shape so my fat is around my organs) The dr told me I would probably get a denial but we could appeal and do a peer to peer review. Low and behold after waiting 1 week, on the first submission, I got approved. surgery is August 13th 2018!! Eeeek!! I have United Health which has a “once a lifetime” bariatric surgery coverage ( BCBS of Texas did my band). So for all those who are thinking about a revision or band not working, I highly recommended checking into it.

Thanks so much for all of your replies! I am getting the impression that most of you are not UK patients. ‘Psych Evaluations’ don’t seem to happen here in the UK particularly around bariatric surgery. I remember crying in my first consultation and my nurse had no words! I am definitely going to seek counselling - it’s a grief I am struggling to cope with. Xx

Another 7/17 here!!! Have been reading this forum for a few weeks but this is my first comment. Way to go for everyone who has already made it through surgery! My pre-op diet has been 2 weeks of (3) shakes, 1/2 cup broth, and unlimited veggies, and 3oz chicken per day. I've been mostly hit with a few misses. Down 12 lbs so far. So, all of pre-op has been going well. I have my list of hospital stuff that I'll pack up tonight. I have read and reread over my week one and two post-op diet. But, I am getting nervous. It all seems too simple (post-op food, that is). My surgeon's office has provided me with post-op vitamins (Bariatric Fusion) and (2) tubs of protein powder that they want me to start off with, Other than that, I've not done much shopping or prep. I'll have hubs grab the SF Jello/Popsicles and broth, Looks like I'll have a lot more shopping options for the full liquid and mushy state, but it also looks like these can be moved through pretty quickly, I don't want to buy a bunch of stuff that I only need for a few days. I have bought a handful of 4oz containers that have measurements on the side so I can make them as little as I need. I'm a big planner, so the apparent ease compounded with the importance of the surgery is putting me into a tail spin! Dr. suggested a flashing water bottle to remind me to drink. Thoughts on the necessity? They are expensive and most seem to have not great reviews. I drink a ton of water throughout the day, generally speaking I don't need help with getting 150oz in. Maybe this would be better in the Bariatric Haul convo, I'll probably post there as well, but I'm curious about just what everyone here is doing/feeling!

3 Future NSV I am hoping for:#1 sitting on a plastic chair and not have it make embarrassing sucky noises, also to have chairs with arms nor bite into my thighs. #2 Relatives letting me sit on their,good furniture instead of getting a sturdy wooden one from. the kitchen or their porch.#3 sitting and swinging on a porch swing. Last time I tried relative kept looking at the pitch ceiling to see if I bent the hooks out or snapped the chain. Many things have a 200 or 250 lb weight limit. And when I achieve these things I will shout,it from the highest roof, right after I post on Bariatric Pal!🚩😛🚩

Everybody needs help sometime, if they don't supply it you may have to seek a bariatric consult somewhere else. Each of us is too precious a life to squander- if you NEED it Go Get IT!🌈😛

I am also 5ft8in , started out at 355 last October, now down to 321. Slow loss I guess but I have the Basal Metabolism Rate of a slug on antidepressants, that's what happens when you are 72 and postmenopausal. But anyhoo I'm still going forth. Tuesday 7/17/2018 I meet with Dr Needleman for my presurgical appointment and hope to get an assigned surgical date also then.I am praying for a before the end of July one. That said even after that happens I'm still hanging around, Bariatric Pal has been very good to me and if I can pay it forward and help newbies to,the process nothing would please me more. Scared? Heck no, I drowned my fears in my tears long ago. Now I yearn to complete my journey, if I have to crawl down the broken glass causeway of a liquid pre-diet I will do that also. My RnY surgery means that much in my life, and I will not falter towards that GOAL. So if you would like to be friends I would be honored. Any questions, I can answer for you I would be happy to do. And,if by chance I don't have the answer someone else on Bariatric Pal will.💥😛💥

knowing how many insurance companies( and yes they are definitely seeking good profits not to do good for others) rationlize things, bariatric shakes are a vanity,item, not normal for healthy nutritional pursuit. Not saying,I agree but then these are the same people who told me pregnancy was an avoidable disease and why should they have to extend maternity coverage? Yep happened to me personally.😫

I completed my psychological test and interview on Friday, July 13, 2018. The test consisted of many small bundles of stapled-together questions, arranged by different categories. After completing them, I was given the MMPI (which I have taken almost every year since 1985 because of my job and security clearance). That took from 10:30 am until about noon. My nutritionist appointment (1:30 pm to 2 pm) ran over a bit, so my interview started about 2:15 pm. It ended at almost 5 pm. She was extremely thorough. Near the end of the interview, she said she was going to suggest that I get some counseling for the upcoming bariatric surgery and for after. She also said that this will not delay the procedure at all, but will align me with help, since my support structure is very small and all out of state (apparently, my dog does not count... I beg to differ). Because of this, I assumed that everyone was offered this additional assistance. After reading your post, I guess that is not the case.

In truth, less than half of bariatric surgery patients regain weight...and those who do...typically only regain a small portion of what they lose. From the American Society of Bariatric and Metobolic Surgeons: As many as 50 percent of patients may regain a small amount of weight (approximately 5 percent) two years or more following their surgery. However, longitudinal studies find that most bariatric surgery patients maintain successful weight-loss long-term. ‘Successful’ weight-loss is arbitrarily defined as weight-loss equal to or greater than 50 percent of excess body weight. Often, successful results are determined by the patient, by their perceived improvement in quality of life. In such cases, the total retained weight-loss may be more, or less, than this arbitrary definition. Such massive and sustained weight reduction with surgery is in sharp contrast to the experience most patients have previously had with non-surgical therapies. https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions

Hi Beth, I got surgical approval from a psychologist after a 15 min discussion and a few jokes. Realizing that over eating is psychological as much as physical and NOT wanting to regain whatever weight I lose I arranged to meet a psychologist who has worked with bariatric patients for years. I felt the investment and insight I hope to gain in dealing with any issues related to my eating will be worth the financial cost. I'll have only met with her twice before my scheduled surgery but plan to continue as needed to gain mastery of this hard thing. I agree after readying so many posts that it seems like most people are not mentally prepared for the long term changes needed and a huge number of people regain the weight. I haven't heard one mention of psych support from my surgeon or hospital at all.

Hey Jules, I had a bit of the same problem with my heartbeat. I also had surgery on the 12th. They let me come home tonight. I am sore but I’m moving around pretty well. I had some terrible nausea from my pain meds. I was vomiting right out of surgery. That was very uncomfortable. I am still suffering with some gas pains as well. I lost right around 30 pounds pre-op so I feel we are very similar. I would love to follow your progress! I am eating yogurts, bomb pops, cream of wheat cereal, drinking watered down apple juice and water. I have some bariatric pal soups that I plan to start tomorrow. Eating is not as bad as I thought it would be. I fill up extremely fast. I’m hoping that once my swelling goes down that will get easier. I hope you make it home soon. 😊

I had it done. Absolutely worth it. Aside fromtje original bariatric surgery, it’s the best decision I ever made. Like the other commenter, mine was done in combination with other procedures so I can’t give specific guidance on price for the body lift. However, I had that done, along with a thigh lift, arm lift, and vertical shaping with the tummy tuck portion of the body lift. Two surgeries, $20k all in, done by a fantastic local surgeon who has a lot of weight loss clients.

I had it done. Absolutely worth it. Aside fromtje original bariatric surgery, it’s the best decision I ever made. Like the other commenter, mine was done in combination with other procedures so I can’t give specific guidance on price for the body lift. However, I had that done, along with a thigh lift, arm lift, and vertical shaping with the tummy tuck portion of the body lift. Two surgeries, $20k all in, done by a fantastic local surgeon who has a lot of weight loss clients.

Riced cauliflower - Bleh! no way to cover up the cauliflower taste Yasso Greek Yogurt bars - crazy delicious, doesn't taste like diet ice cream Halo Top - I know people love this, but I can't deal with the weird taste and texture Barrilla Protein Pasta - I can't tell the difference at all, nice way to get extra protein Shirataki Noodles - I can't get past the smell when you open the pack, seriously gag inducing Birdseye Veggie Made Pasta - People love this as well, but it tastes too off to me. Sugar Free Popsicles - Ok, also loved, but the artificial taste is too much for me PB2 Peanut Butter Powder - Good to add to chocolate shakes to break the monotony Soy Protein Isolate - Can't do whey so I thought this would be a good shake add in alternate, way too gritty Skinnygirl Dressing - So artificial tasting, threw them out Kay's Naturals Protein Chips, Crispy Parmesan - these are actually craveable Protein Soup from Bariatric Pal - Most I tried have been tasty and a good non sweet way to get protein in

Man, I've got a lot of rants... LOL Got to thinking about kids and food and how we often say "I don't want to put my family on a diet just because I am...that's not fair" "I want to be a fun mom and give my kids a childhood...they don't need restrictions. They're kids, for Pete's sake!" And ya know....I was this Mom. And so was my mom. Ouch. She taught me that food=comfort and love. Ouch. She taught me that food=happiness. Ouch. She taught me that fun and celebration and warmth and good times were based around food. Ouch. She taught me that treats like candy and McDonalds are what you get for enduring the doctor's office, going someplace unpleasant, have a bad day, get hurt, need comfort. Ouch. She taught me to cook for everyone, bring treats to neighbors, feed people at work, list everything in the pantry to house guests, make their favorites, cook exquisite resplendent meals.....because feeding people means....you love them/appreciate them/want their respect/want to comfort them and put them at ease. She taught me to find out everyone's favorite drink and favorite snack...and to stock it when they visit. Everyone's favorite candy had to go in their stocking. Everyone's favorite snack at the slumber party. Everyone's favorite topping on their quarter of the pizza. Everyone's favorite ice cream... it didn't hurt me, did it? Wait...I ended up needing bariatric surgery for being morbidly obese. Oh. Crap. We need to rethink some of this stuff, folks. The thing about our kids? They share our genetics. Think about that. They've already got a genetic predisposition to obesity, even if they're thin now. We can't change that. But we CAN change their eating habits. We can change the ideas around food at our houses. We can change what we buy and what we teach them to eat regularly. We can give our kids a legacy of shopping farmers markets and helping them learn to cook really fun and satisfying foods with fruits and veggies. We can teach them to feed themselves good quality foods in appropriate amounts. We can pack them healthy lunches with more whole foods and less crap. We can change the theme of our home food culture....push for more activity and less candy. More walks and hikes and exploration, fewer video games and Netflix marathons. More bowls of cut up veggies in the fridge and fewer bowls of chips and cookies on the counter. We can change our celebrations to showcase fun activities, healthier snacks, more focus on togetherness, less focus on stuffing each other. "I don't want to put my family on a diet just because I am".......might need more thought. "I'm changing our entire household's eating habits because I want this cycle to end. I don't want them to face the issues I did. I want their lives and their relationship with food to be better than mine." Sometimes I think when we continue to feed our families junk while we diet....we create this feedback loop of longing for the comfort we feel we're giving them. And it's messed up...because again, it lacks compassion for ourselves. It continues to give food power and emphasis. Worse...it TEACHES that food is comfort and love....And it doesn't break the cycle:( I'm not saying kids shouldn't have treats and balance and junk food once in a while. God knows they will. LOL. And it's fine. I'm just sayin....we could do a lot to improve their everyday diets in ways that would serve them well in life. We could give them better skills and better prepare them for taking care of their health. We can provide a better normal. Do some thinking today about the food culture at your house growing up, the food culture you give your kids currently...and the food culture you hope your kids will have when they grow up. It's worth considering.

I take Centrum Silver over 50 because all the Bariatric Vitamins gave me migraines. These have everything I need in them.

Instead of Pure Michigan you're plum stir-crazy. Still okay because we ❤you on Bariatric Pal!

Hello! So obviously, I'm new here. I just wanted to say hello, and add my 2 cents. I'm 5'8, and my current weight is 360lb. I can't say for sure that this is my highest weight, as I'm pretty sure I've lost some weight since January, but I never weighed my self, so I can't be sure. I guess it really doesn't matter though, 360lb is high enough, don'cha think! Lol. I've been fat (said not as derogatory, but as a factual statement), almost my whole life. I had the few years pre-puberty as skinny, but once 11 or 12 hit, that was over. I am lucky enough to have gained confidence in my self in my early 20's. Loving myself, body and all. So I never tried all the questionable fad diets and gimmicks that are out there. However, I was aware that a lower weight would be healthier in the long run. Obesity runs in my family, and my Nanie (my Mom's Mom) died from complications due to being obese. I knew I didn't want to end up in the same situation as I got older, so I did try calorie counting and exercise. While it was semi successful, I just wasn't able to lose much, nor keep it off. I knew I needed something more powerful, and lasting, for me to make weight loss work. So I've always been interested in bariatric surgery. Due to many circumstances, surgery through health care (Canadian here), was just not an option, and money for pay myself surgery, was just as unlikely. However, after a few family members went through they're own surgery, seeing how helpful surgery really was for weight loss in individuals who haven't been able to do it on their own, some of my family decided that they wanted me to have this chance, and put things in motion for me to be able to do this. Fast forward to now, a few months later, I have a surgery date of September 5, going to a surgeon in Mexico, the same one that one of my family members went to. She is confident enough in her experience to have set me up with them. In fact, she'll be traveling with me, to help me out. I'm excited for this journey, and a little nervous, I've never had surgery before, but I know this will be good for me. While I've been lucky enough to have remained relatively healthy, with only sleep apnea as an issue I have, I know that won't last as I get older if I don't do something now. So that's my story so far. I'm loving being able to read everyone's story on here, and hope to add more to this great community!

Hello! I'm wondering what bariatric vitamins you all take and what is your favorite type and/or flavor? Right now I have Celebrate Soft Chews in Very Berry and Celebrate Calcium in Berry and I dread them. They have a gross after taste, get stuck on the roof of my mouth, and are just overall nasty. Does anyone take these in another flavor that are better? What about the dry chewable? Do you all know if there are any gummy bear bariatric vitamins? What are some other options? Can we ever take normal pill multi-vitamins?

Well Shells a bright new day has dawned and I hope you and food have signed your formal truce, no argument from your belly. Guess I never did answer what you asked. In my Life After Bariatric Surgery booklet it says" We routinely require a 2 week📆 liquid presurgical diet" well since I am not the average beat as dear Yogi Bear was want To say, maybe I'll get away with not doing it? Well that's my dream!🌈

And I meet Tuesday 7/17/18 with my Bariatric Surgeon for,my final presurgical exam. I hopa,hopa it is getting Close! Within a week or 2 if things go right and I believe they will. Oh I am excited!😷&😛🏣