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Jayali, I can think of three reasons why you are feeling so depressed and tired: post partum depression, carrying for an infant while holding down a job, and lack of vitamins and minerals. You need to get with the program. Take your supplements religiously and eat according to your food plan. I recommend that seek treatment for your addictions: medication and food. This may mean joining a 12-step program such as Overeaters Anonymous, AA, or NA. Avoid all sugar, artificial sweeteners, and flour. These are the things that trigger most of us. Otherwise, you will defeat your surgery and regain all that you've lost. If you've been prescribed a CPAP machine, find a mask that suits you, and use the CPAP every night. Getting enough sleep can make all the difference in the world. There are non-addictive sleeping pills that are very effective, such as Lunesta. I recommend reading Weight Loss Surgery Does Not Cure Food Addiction by Connie Stapleton and How Weight Loss Surgery Really Works, by Matthew Weiner. Please return to your obstetrician and bariatric surgeon and get help.

Thanks, @@TracyBar . Responding to your bolded comments (above): How would you gauge your own psychological and physical state prior to surgery? Extremely motivated! Determined! Goal-oriented! Did you make an effort to get as fit as possible prior to surgery? I did what I could, given I was 100 pounds heavier, very much "out of shape, and in arthritic pain. What made me nuts pre-op was that I wanted to get my show on the road ASAP. Yet all the hoops I had to jump through (insurance, psych eval, nutritionist's and physical therapy visits, etc.) were taking so long. So what I finally did was put myself on a 1400 calories/day diet. Like you, I was researching my butt off -- reading, studying, asking questions here on BP and on another gastric sleeve message board. I learned about all the eating behaviors (protein first, chew better, eat slower, small plates, no drinking with meals, etc. etc. etc. And I started eating and moving like I was a new bariatric patient. I stopped all sodas, reduced coffee, started taking Vitamins, bought a Fitbit, upped my daily steps. I've said elsewhere here that I felt like a kid on the playground with a Batman cape who thinks he's actually Batman. So, yes, I got "on board" before I boarded the train. FYI, I lost 11 pounds in 2 months on my own pre-pre-op diet. For you, how was the pre-op diet? Did you feel well during it? It seemed no different to me than any other low-calorie diet I'd ever been on. And I've been on dozens of them! Remember that I didn't go from eating heavily to the pre-op diet, but from 1,400 calories to the pre-op diet. I was on the doc's pre-op (liver-shrinking) diet for two weeks. The first week was two Protein shakes a day and a Lean Cuisine (or something like that) for dinner. The second week was three Protein Shakes a day. I felt a little icky the first three days and had a headache on Day Three. Thereafter, I just started feeling better. BTW, I lost 8 more pounds in that 2-week liver-shrinking diet. And after the surgery - what did you feel like - pain? Difficulty swallowing? Any issues at all? I fared pretty well. Was in the hospital only one night (standard op for my surgeon here in Missouri). I was on IV pain meds in the hospital, but came home with only liquid hydracodone, which I took only two doses of. It made me feel weird, so I stopped it. I didn't really have any pain after that. Re difficulty swallowing -- yes, it was hard the first week to get in all my liquids. BTW, the sore, swollen throat thing is due to the hard plastic tube they put down your throat during surgery. I'd say two weeks post-op I was drinking pretty normally. My program allowed us to drink protein shakes immediately after surgery. And I worked hard to get all my protein in ASAP -- which I managed by Day Five post-op. My immediate post-op protein target was 60 grams/day. BTW, some people have a hard time after surgery, but MOST people have a response much like mine. There's a recent thread around here called something like: "What's wrong? I'm not miserable immediately post-op!" You should try to find and read that thread -- it's sort of funny. http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/372467-ok-i-have-to-askare-things-going-too-well-am-i-overdoing-it/ Mental state after? On Day Three (second day home) I had my "WTF have I done?!" moment. It lasted about an hour. There were no tears -- it was just an hour of, "Jeez Louise! I actually allowed a surgeon to remove 85% of my stomach. This actually happened!" I certainly wasn't suffering from any delusion that I would never feel differently than I did at that moment. But it was just my time to align the *theory* and the *reality) of voluntarily giving up at least three-quarters of your stomach's maximum capacity. Oh, and by the way -- immediately post-op your capacity is much less than what it will be later on. Immediately post-op your sleeve is swollen and inflamed from the trauma it's just been through. The first 3-6 months post-op is all about giving your new sleeve time and nutrition to heal and knit back together. That's one of the main reasons there are so many specific food phases post-op -- so you won't spring a leak. And how did you manage on the liquid diet (is it 2 months?). Thanks! Oh, hell, no! My surgeon's requirements were more like full liquids for two weeks. Then purees for a week or so. Then soft foods for a week or two. By Month Two I was on full foods -- mind you, I was chewing all my bites like a Swiss cow. By Month Three I was going out to restaurants. I was also bringing home a lot of food. Two years later, I still bring home a lot of food. Later, I'll try to find and post here my one-year-surgiversary post -- what I did during Year One that I thought helped me reach my goal and go below it. EDIT: Here's a link here on BP to my one-year-surgiversary post: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/361806-self-sabatoge/?hl=%2Bthang+%2Bverra+%2Bmudge#entry4088307 Having said all this there are NO GUARANTEES for anyone about what will work best for them or what their level of success will be. There are many individual differences. I'm fond of saying patients have to be willing to conduct a lot of "science" with a research sample of one -- themself. And then they have to have the courage to do with great consistency what works best for them.

http://positively-healthy.com/bariatric-patients-why-you-shouldnt-drink-while-eating/ We need time for the nutrients in the small amount of food we are eating to have the ability to be absorbed to the fullest. Adding liquids flushes it through our system quickly. Sent from my SM-G965U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks to all that replied. All good pieces of advice. I went to my HR and she is looking into it. Says she didn't realize they didn't offer it... My bariatric office is getting the appeal paperwork and I will go that route, also... If needed, I will try to negoiate being a self pay patient...last resort!! I need my band and need the support and help from my docs and fills!! Nelsonn, I have no clue what your post was about .... Happy New Year to all!

In my experience, the psych eval is looking for underlying emotional issues that would impede success of weight loss. You have a few months after surgery to really make it count, because that's when you'll be losing weight the fastest. The psych will at worst delay the process, but that delay will be toward ensuring a greater chance of a good outcome. Heck, with all the bloodwork, they may discover an underlying condition that explains things, so you never require surgery at all. Same idea here. So just be honest, and cultivate the support structures you need among friends, family, and yourself, particularly as ragards realistic expectations about how much success, why/how prior attempts to lose weight didn't succeed, and so forth. If for some reason the psych raises a concern, you certainly wouldn't be the first, and it would be for your greatest benefit to not worry about it. If it happens, it's all part of the treatment, of which surgery really is the last (and common) resort. IMHO, you really shouldn't *want* the surgery. You should instead simply be open to the idea that surgery may be the best option in the long term, for whatever reasons apply to your case (in the case of lap band, portion control -- if you have other issues, you probably should consider a different surgical treatment). Bloodwork, psych, etc are simply standard ways to convince both you and the bariatric program that yes, indeed, there are no known medical conditions that would render the surgery ineffectual (some endocrine diseases cause obesity), no significant mental blocks that would prevent you from following the program (you're mentally ready to change your lifestyle radically), and you've created relationships that are supportive of a post-op lifestyle (your husband's not going to insist you go out and eat pizza with him, your mother will understand if you don't eat her apply pie, you've learned to ignore your uncle's recriminations about your current body shape, etc). Again, good luck.. just remember that every successful patient out there went through pretty much the exact same thing.

I haven't posted much, but here goes: In May, I started the 6 month MD supervised diet my insurance (Cigna) requires. This Tuesday is the 6 month visit, and my MD will fax his notes to my bariatric surgeon that day. I've had : endoscopy, sleep apnea, cardiac stress test, ultrasound to both legs to rule out blood clots, psyche and nutrition eval--been through it all!!! Due to gallstones, I had my gallbladdere out on 10/23, done by my bariatric surgeon, Dr. Craig Floch of Fairfiels Bariatrics. I have lost NO weight, but Doc feels I will be approved due to my BMI of 51 and co-morbidities. So now, it depends on how long Cigna takes to ok me. I'm hoping to have the lap band done before 12/31, due to $$$$$$$--I've already met my insurance deductibles for this year. On Monday I will be a 3 year survivor of stage 3 ovarian and peritoneal cancer--I am also on Soc Sec disability because I have wicked arthritis all over my body. Hoping the weight loss will help diminish the pain to my back, knees, ankles, feet. I've already had a shoulder replacement. So that's my story---can anyone contribute experience with Cigna? I know they can be a drag,:whoo: although I have no complaints as far as my cancer and arthritis treatments. With an 85% recurrence rate, my oncologist and I want me to be pain free and be able to do more of what I'd like and believe weight loss will open that door for me. I am a stubborn and determined person, but have just never been able to be successful at permanent significant weight loss. Well-----that was long, hope not too much information!!! Carol in CT

Has any pne used this Center. So far very impressive, but would love feed back

Kathy - I had to use Bariatric Advantage too but I was allowed to add frozen or fresh fruit or peanut butter and even some nuts to it. I liked the chocolate blended with frozen strawberries. Not sure if you are allowed to do this but if yea I highly suggest you try it. Makes them more filling and much tastier!

I wouldnt get another fill. Ive been there. I thought the tighter I was the more weight I would lose and that just wasnt the case. I had to end up getting an un-fill. I found I wasnt able to get enough calories in to substain my workouts let alone lose fat. Its been 10 months for me and I just hit 45 lbs lost. For many of us it is a VERY slow process. If you are one of those people you must just learn to accept that. The band does about 15% of the work. 70% is your diet and te other 15% is your exercise. 5 bariatric surgeons told me this in a seminar I went to before surgery. I didnt believe them. I really thought I could work out hard and lose weight quicker. NOT true. I lose maybe half of a pound a week and I do all the right things.

Hi guys, I live in Murrysville, but work in the city every day (Greentree). If the rest of this 6 mo process goes well, I should be banded in May, at the West Penn Bariatric Surgery Center, by Dr Urbandt. I really like him and his staff. I started going there because I was going to have the surgery at Forbes Regional, but their office on the campus closed. Since I'm in the city everyday, it doesn't make much difference. Forbes was closer to home. Anyone else out there from the burgh going to be banded in May, or seeing Dr. Urbandt?

Hi Morningoasis, I'm glad you're going to get this taken care of. I forgot to mention that some of my pain was very simular to yours...I couldn't take a deep breath either. I'll be interested to hear if your insurance will pay for this. I looked up my policy with BC/BS and it states: "No coverage for bariatric surgery including reversal, revision, repeat and staged surgery, except for the treatment of sickness or injury resulting from such bariatric surgery, or unless required by law." I'm hoping they consider abdominal pain when eating sometimes a "sickness" . If not, then I'll have to go back to Mexico and I'm not looking foward to that with all the killing going on there. Ofcourse, I could always wait until the band causes me a "sickness" :thumbup: I am also worried about living without my band. Although I never got to goal, my band has kept me from gaining it all back. I hope that repositioning is all we'll need. Take Care, Marsha

Sleeve size I had a long talk with a bariatric surgeon about this topic. He replied that it really is not that simple. The surgeon that uses a 36 may sew tightly to the edge and the surgeon that uses a 32 may sew loosely. The 32 may end up larger than the 36 for that reason. I am a physician so the conversation in the context of a lecture at a Medical convention. The question of what size bougie he/she uses is the first question and how snufly does he sew/staple is the next.

Baritastic. Food, water, weight, tracks everything you need and is designed for bariatric patients. I know it doesn't connect with your doc but I'd tell them too bad and that you can show them when you have appointments. Baritastic is that good.

I’m now 13 months post successful gastric bypass surgery. What can I do to eliminate foul gas? Family are fed up and I’m nervous about dating (I’m divorced ) a,loud flatulence b, smelly & loud flatulence. I have been taking probiotics, 1st brand was unsuccessful and 2nd brand has made difference but not cured the problem. I know in the States you can buy Devrom,but it’s unavailable in England at the moment plus the cost is prohibitive! Any suggestions?

Thank you for sharing that, I did mine in a hospital setting, it's a good thing nobody has seen my ugly wuggly pictures all wired up, I look like I need to be taken out behind the barn and put out of my misery. I look like a BEFORE picture for Weight Loss Surgery, anyone seeing it would go running to the Bariatric facility and ask for a preventive make-over gastrically! And I deluded myself at that time that I was CUTE!

Hello all! I am Ericka, 35 from Chicago, and I am new in this process. I have only had my first consultation, and I just got referrals to see the pulmonary doctor and psychiatric doctor. I am here to get information from you all by reading about your journey . Also for a great support system! Thank yo in advance!

Don't miss the LAST Friday night episode of the Backstage Pass Radio Program tonight! We'll be taking the night off from Facebook live, but replaying our fantastic interview with Founder and CEO of BariatricPal.com and 13 year successful lap band post-op, Alex Brecher! Tune-in tonight at 7:00pm to hear Alex and I talk about his life with lap band, Bariatric Pal and also the new BariatricPal Surgery Team MX bariatric surgery branch in Mexico! After this, we'll be switching to our NEW DAY AND TIME on TUESDAYS AT NOON, PST starting on Tuesday, December 6th! Here's the direct link to listen to Alex's interview tonight! http://tobtr.com/9624451 As a reminder, BariatricPal.com is a very generous sponsor of the program, and you can always use our coupon codes DIVAT or POWERGIRL to shop at store.bariatricpal.com and save 15%! Thanks so much for listening and supporting the show. We think you'll really enjoy this interview with Alex!

My bariatric center dietician ( a new one, as of today) has told me to shoot for 145, rather than 140, and to eat no less than 900 calories a day. She says if I go below that, I won't be able to maintain the loss...I disagree. My diabetic dietician ( love and trusted for 10 + yrs.) has said, "hear me tell you that you can "shoot" for whatever goal you want, but 160-155 is a good weight." I am still overweight on the BMI charts I have seen, so I am going by that. I will not be a "normal" weight until I get to 149. Lots of confusing info. from the folks who are supposed to know about this stuff!

@@Djmohr Jess9395 said it best. He said the skin is already pulled, you can see the stretch marks. He said that sometimes things may have to be done in steps and I would get another opinion, but he's redoing it for free (since I'm getting liposuction in thighs). He's an extremely well known surgeon in bariatric patients in our area, so I don't feel like he's a bad surgeon or anything. I would love to see your pictures.

I agree barimelts are edible I have liquid calcium from bluebonnet and the Bariatric Advantage chews. I agree with surfer girl those chewables are not bad. The bariatric advantage chewable calcium tablet is gross awful. I don't think I can bring myself to finish bottle. I wish I could find a good multi in liquid-- is that even possible? Or a b50 chewable that was not sickeningly sweet or was liquid. I have capsules for that one that I break open and it is awful tasting.

I live in Alaska and there are only two surgeons in the entire state... if I'm correct one only does gastric bypass and the other does the different procedures but neither provider is considered in network so instead of 90% insurance coverage I will only have my surgery covered at 80%... my insurance only covers the first $30,000 at the 90% for in network and then 80% after the first $30,000 but my surgery would cost me 20% plus my deductible and the maximum out of pocket doesn't apply to bariatric surgery... I also know WLS is pricey in Alaska but I don't know exactly how much... I'm at a crossroads because I love the idea of having my surgeon local especially because I'm leaning towards SADI-S over VSG but I'm concerned going the insurance route will cost me more than just going to Mexico. Any advice or recommendations? I don't want to go through all of the testing only to find out I can't afford surgery locally even with insurance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey there! I was wondering if I could get some feedback from individuals who have combined bariatric surgery with the ketogenic diet, and what your progress has been with it. Specifically wondering if you've seen it maximize your weight loss.

If you have any questions about the basics of what is done in the surgery, and what your new GI tract will look like after each option, the videos at the Cleveland Clinic down in the description of each procedure provide a pretty clear overview. http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/bariatric-and-metabolic-institute/weightloss-options

Good for you for trying to work through this early. I do agree with the others that you don't need to go to the liquid diet to see if you can do it, you just have to do it when the time comes. Take 1 day, 1 hour, 1 minute at a time if you have to and keep your eye on the prize. Don't think about how long it will be, it will be over before you know it and then you will be on the post op diet. For now, start focusing on small changes that you can maintain. I read somewhere that it takes 13 days in a row to build a habit, and one to undo it. Try working on simple things like: 1. Eating good quality dense Proteins. chicken, turkey, beef, pork, seafood. Some of the best food I found after surgery is fish and shrimp. Low in calories, filling and stays with you. Also lobster and crab....I am alergic to those but used to eat them years ago and if I could I would eat them often. 2. The biggest habit of all is ensuring you are drinking a minimum of 48 to 64 oz of Water every day. It really is one of the hardest habits to build but will make you very very successful early on. If you cannot drink water, add SF crystal light to it but drink every day all day long. 3. Use a smaller plate to eat off of. I use a very small Cereal bowl, even now 23 months post op. My 1 cup of food looks like a lot and many times I cannot finish it. 4. Chew chew chew your food. You need to pay close attention while you eat and go very slowly. This really does give your brain time to get the signal for your stomach when it is full. This rule is very important because one spoon or forkful after surgery can mean the difference between pain in your chest and vomiting. I don't vomit, but if I eat more than I should my stomach hurts very bad. It is a sharp pain as if something is stuck but it's not, I just ate too fast or too much and it can ruin a meal post surgery and make you miserable until it passes. 5. Just get a little more active everyday. If you don't walk now, start. Go a little further every day. It will help you during recovery. 6. Get rid of all the junk (yes, Cookies too) in your house. Remove Pasta, rice, bread, sugary sweets from your pantry. Donate all of the processed packaged goods like that blue box of Kraft Mac and cheese that was in my kitchen. No More soda or caffeine at this time either 7. Stay away from fast food! If you need to eat out, go to Panera and get a Soup and salad or to noodles and company and get a buff bowl. Very healthy options here. 8. Start buying lots of vegetables, fresh and frozen are best. Learn to cook them to your liking so you eat them with your dense Protein. 9. If you don't cook, take a cooking class or two, you will need them. The best foods for you are the homemade ones that you know what is going in them. Pinterest has really great healthy recipes and even some that are not so healthy but you can change if you are a cook or learn enough to get bold. There are also a ton of Bariatric recipes that could help you. Now I am not saying do this all at once. I started with 1 or 2 as I had a nine month process. I would work 1 or 2 each month and before I knew it I was no longer drinking anything but water and I was very well hydrated. I also stopped watching tv while eating just so I could pay more attention. There are other rules for after surgery but this should be a good list for you to focus your efforts on. Don't try to do everything at once. Lastly if you are a smoker you need to quit now! Give your self time to get back that addiction. It is not an easy one to break and most surgeons will not operate if you are a smoker. It is because your body heals poorly and for WLS patients when the nutrition is much harder the first couple of months you don't need to be healing poorly from both smoking and lack of nutrition. Sorry for the long post but my nutritionist gave me a simliar list after my first meeting and I was so thankful that I was able to use my waiting time. It helped me lose 152lbs. I now weight 158 and have been at goal since March. This has been the best decision I ever made for myself. I have an exciting new life because of weight loss surgery.

I'd say drink a ton of Water (at least the 8 cups a day). If you can, drink it plain since some sweetners in crystal light/mio can make it seem even harder to give up carbs for some people. Then, if you can get a good balanced Protein shake mix like Bariatric Advantage, drink those for 2 meals and then about 3 oz of meat and some veggies for dinner. If you need the 2 Snacks between meals stick to high protein/low carb ones like cheese sticks, nuts, or maybe a carefully selected yogurt. You can do this!