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I'm looking for recommendations for a St. Louis, MO area surgeon. I'm not 100% sure which surgery I'm doing but am leaning strongly towards the sleeve. I've been to Dr. Van Wagner's seminar and was impressed. I've also been extremely impressed with the service his office has provided thus far. I'm attending the MyNewSelf seminar by Dr. J. Stephen Scott tomorrow night. I want to make sure I pick the best surgeon (most experience, least # of issues, etc) in the St. Louis area. Both are Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence surgeons. Thanks in advance for input that may help me with my choice of surgeon.

I take Biotin for my hair loss.. and I take calcium and bariatric Vitamins that's it Julie

Hi Steve, I did see a doctor at Fletcher Allen, or actually, the surgeon who removed my gall bladder talked to me about bariatric surgery. I happen to be living in India right now though, so I ended up getting it done here by a surgeon who worked in the US for ten years. I was absolutely terrified about the surgery but everything went great and I'm very, very happy I had it. I've had no problems at all. Best of luck on your journey and congratulations on making this life changing decision!

I'm seriously researching both procedures and surgeons now. I think I've concluded that, for me, lift is necessary. I do think I will want some augmentation when all is said and done; I am used to having large breasts, and while I don't want to be disproportionate, I do want to feel like "myself." It's really too soon to tell for sure--but I think there are some areas of my body that are rebounding a lot better than I expected. Others? Well, they will need to be rearranged big-time. The one thing I'm focusing on now---because documentation is very important---is making sure that issues related to redundant skin (pain due to the pull of gravity, skin breakdown, and so on) are documented by each doctor I see. When it comes to breasts, the pull of gravity post-bariatric surgery can cause neck and shoulder pain. (I already have serious neck issues)---which can influence insurance payment. Skin rash below pendulous tissue is also taken into consideration. So be sure to let your doctor know of any issues you experience. In terms of scarring--I've seen some really excellent results for both lifting and augmentation; I think I will have to find a surgeon I trust implicitly, and leave the decision of what is required in his hands. I would love to talk more about this as you go through the process--I think it's something many of us will be facing, and input from others is so helpful.

Hi there. I too am choosing Dr. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics with Northside Hospital. Have you met him yet? I am still at the beginning process of this whole thing. Any advice that might help me speed up some steps? Congrats on getting approved. I've heard that insurance is sort of tougher than most to qualify.:clap2:

ddsgrammy I looked around on the MediCal web site. If you type Bariatric in the search it pops up a few places that do the surgery I am sure if you call them they might accept MediCal. You can always call and see. http://www.medi-cal.ca.gov/ Hope that helps Good luck

Well. Here we are. You and Me, Me and You. I bet you're wondering how you let your life come to this. How could you end up in front of the computer at this ungodly hour reading a blog about someone that you hardly know, or at least thought you knew. I'll tell you how. Fate. Fate has been a cruel mistress, that is, if I had mistresses, but also a fantastic one. My life began simply enough. I was born to a Paramedic Father, and Nurse Mother, with one older brother. I grew up normally. It wasn't until I met a certain Argentine that things began to get obscure in my life. Dating a very talented Musician with a famous mother, and successful business man as a father would be any 16 year old's dream. Put the cherry on top with summers in Spain, and learning Spanish in that 'oh so sexy' Argentine accent and you have a cocktail for adventure. Truly it was an adventure, every minute of it. Probably the best years of my life so far. Until I graduated High School and life hit me like a ton of bricks. Realistically I knew there was no future for me living in Spain. I returned home, and my estranged relationship only suffered more, until under the weight of the stress it snapped like a fine weathered thread pulled to it's limit. I felt like life was pointless, and I packed up what belongings would fit into my mid sized car and hoofed it to SoCal. Land of renewal, land of redemption, land of a whole lot of Mexicans. There I settled into a good routine. Working, School, Sleep, Working, School, Sleep. But how much could I handle at the tender age of 19? Again I felt that thread begin to age, and the stress began to pull tight until finally it relented to the pressure, and I was on a plane back home to Michigan. Even then I still hadn't forgotten my years with the Argentine, but life was still moving forward at an alarming pace. Michigan weather began to cool, and the breezes were nipping at my new California glow, and the urge to escape this place of memory and heart break swelled in me once more. A chance meeting with a certain Doctor to be set my mistress in motion once more, and before I knew what was happening I was on a plane to India. The heat of North India was fierce. But the new budding relationship of this brother of a doctor to be was keeping my head swimming in cool water. Four months passed, and it was time for me to return back to that place that I had been trying to escape for so long. Back to the land of my parents, and grandparents. Life again, sat on that sting, I watched and waited for months. Idly passing my time with months on end in a small room, hoping that things would change, that life would begin again. I wondered how long my life had been in a stand still. Three years. College was a refuge, for a short time. It wasn't until I decided that I would begin again, alone, just me, just Miss Duke, and no one else. I would depend on myself alone for pushing forward, did things really begin again. Here it is, Four years later, I'm a Paramedic Extern, and soon I will be attending a very nice University in Detroit. Wayne State. Something came out of my trials and tribulations. I traveled the world, learned three languages, learned a lot about myself, about other people. I became conscious of other people. Something many Americans never learn, never attempt at, never imagine. Now that there is some understanding of who I am, how I am, and why I am. I can begin the blog that will help fill in the missing lines, and paint with broader strokes to elaborate this short explanation of a Legend.

I turned 43 today. I'm three days into my pre-op diet--I'm on the road to a thinner, healthier me. This is the best gift I can give myself. It will last the rest of my life. I'm sticking pretty much to Isopure protein shakes, chicken, tuna, cheese, cottage cheese, and almonds. I'm getting in about 100 grams of protein a day; my minimum is supposed to be 70. I'm doing great. My carbs are supposed to stay under 30 a day; this is soooo not a problem. Hubby took me out for dinner to celebrate. We went to Outback Steakhouse and I got the center-cut filet (medium rare) with a Caesar salad. I enjoyed every single bite, because I know it will be quite awhile before I can eat another steak or salad. It was delicious! We're looking to buy some riverfront property on the San Marcos river here in Texas. I went out and stomped around on the piece we're most interested in--most likely it's in the flood plain. I wish it wasn't. It's gorgeous. We so want to live on the San Marcos river after I graduate from dental hygiene school in May 2008. George retires from the phone company after 30+ years in December 2009. Life just keeps getting better for both of us. We celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on July 4. We've been together for almost seven years. After several failed marriages between us, we took our time getting to know each other. We are perfect for each other. Anyway, back to the lap-band. My sister had a band placed five years ago and has done very well, despite having stretched her pouch. She's lost all of her weight and has been training daily and running marathons for about three years now. I started investigating different weight-loss surgeries for me about a year ago. At first I thought I'd do the vertical sleeve gastrectomy with duodenal switch, but since I have Crohn's disease, my gastroenterologist wouldn't approve it for me. Then I thought the Rouen-Y--same response from my doctor. Well, then I figured that the lap-band would be okay, because it could be reversed, if I had a life-threatening flare-up of my Crohn's disease. My doctor said he thought that was a great idea. In April, I went to a bariatrics seminar held at Seton hospital here in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Mark Sherrod presented all of the information, pre-qualification factors, etc. and he was so personable. I enjoyed the presentation and spoke with him for sometime afterward. My husband came with me and enjoyed it as much as I did. He really liked Dr. Sherrod too. I made an appointment and saw Dr. Sherrod for the first time on a doctor/patient basis in May. With a BMI of 43, I was definitely a candidate for the surgery. There was a ton of paperwork to fill out, questions to answer, future appointments to schedule, etc. that kept me very busy. I went back on June 25th for a meeting with anesthesiology (for an EKG), the psychologist (to make sure I had realistic expectations), an exercise therapist (to give me ideas on what kinds of exercise was reasonable for me), a nurse with the bariatrics team (to discuss the actual surgery, possible complications, etc.), and a dietician (to discuss my eating habits, the pre-op diet, and post-op diet, and lifetime eating habit modification). My gallbladder decided to go bad, and after a couple of gallbladder tests, that came back strongly indicating a malfunctioning organ, Dr. Sherrod was kind enough to take it out for me on June 29. Whew! I feel so much better. I had my gallbladder removed at the Central Park Surgical Suites on 38th St. here in Austin. And I had such a terrific experience that I've canceled my lap-band surgery at Seton hospital, and have scheduled to have it done at the Central Park Surgical Suites. Dr. Sherrod raves about the staff there, and I can certainly understand why. I had my very own nurse who made sure that I never felt any pain. She was priceless! I don't really have any misgivings about the upcoming surgery. I know that I will mourn the loss of my best friend (food), but honestly, my best friend has let me down for 20 years. It's a sick, sick, sick relationship. Food doesn't make me feel better about myself, it hasn't made me healthy, it turned my mom into a type II diabetic, and I know I'm next. If I had a human friend who treated me the way food has, I sure wouldn't have kept that friend around for 20 years! So, the lap-band goes on July 19. It's a tool to help me control how much I eat. And since I will have such a tiny stomach, I will have to be super smart about what I put into my body. It's no different than when George stopped smoking four years ago. He used the patch, the lozenges, and the gum. They were tools to help him curb is addiction. The band will help me curb my addiction. I'm very excited about starting my new life. I'm only 43, if I treat myself well, I could live another 40 years and enjoy my grandkids and their children, and maybe even their childrens' children. How cool would that be? I'm going to commit to posting here once a week. I sure I can do it once school starts up again. We shall see.:kiss

I get really gassy from my protein shakes. I use Bariatric Advantage. Anyone else have this problem or is it specific to that brand? Any suggestions for resolving or decreasing the problem?

What are your top 5 reasons for getting surgery!? No judgement here, just want to hear interesting/honest/funny/sad/happy reasons for getting bariatric surgery!

Look at this page...it explains all the types of bariatric surgery, with pictures: Weight-Loss Surgeries Compared

I have the same issue with plain water... I used to love it but now, I get a heaviness when drinking it. Crystal light helps a lot. I know they push fluids but early on, I had issues taking in that much. I was bloated and uncomfortable from forcing fluids, my surgeon told me not to force liquids... I felt a million times better after that. Im 6 weeks post op and still can get in all my protein. The shakes have the same effect as plain water... its too heavy. My bariatric coordinator said the first 3 months is when u are really going to lose the weight so I should enjoy not having an appetite now.

All of the bariatrics surgeons in Colorado have less than 10 vsg surgeries under their belt according to obesityhelp. This doc is the only one in his practice. Soo...I *will* become a pain in the arse..I *will* stand up for my rights!! lol Thanks for understanding you guys! Lisa

Hi all; I had my band out last wednesday. Before the band removal, my doc said that in 1-2 months after the band removal that we could do the sleeve revision. I went back in for a post-op check up today, and now he is talking 2 months! He didnt give any emperical evidence about why we need to wait 2 months, he just said that this was just a post-op visit, and that we needed to start the bariatric surgery back from the beginning about getting me qualified, etc. I brought out the big guns and told him my company was talking about layoffs(what else is new, right?, but they really ar), the time frame is may-june, and that since I know I have coverage with my current insurance, I wanted to make sure it was done before that happened. He didnt appear particularly moved with my argument. I am BUMMED. I was hoping to come away with a date today since we both went in knowing I was getting the revision and not just the band removed. Sigh.... Another trip back to him on Monday with the packet for the bariatric work up. I was hoping to finish the summer with most of my weight gone, not sure where it stands now. blech Lisa

Sylvia, every bariatric center/doctor has their own system. However, first meeting should primarily be a discussion on wls, What it is, what it's not and what it will do for you. There should be dialog on your health history and the doctor may resume with a physical assessment to get the ball rolling. At which point there may be a followup appt to initiate the process, or perhaps if you are already decided, a review of the steps required before getting approved for the surgery.

Hi I'm new here. I've had 3 months of weigh ins. I'm not sure if I have to have 6 or 9. I've been told two separate things from my Insurance company and the bariatric coordinator. Does anyone here have Humana that knows how long the wait is? I'm in Ky if that matters. I'm looking forward to getting to know everyone. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I think your surgeon was using the 60% rule. You have 67 pounds to hit your (let's call that excess weight). 40 pounds would be 60% of that excess weight (total weight loss) which is considered a success in the bariatric world. I definitely feel that goal is in reach - for lightweights, mid-weights, and anything beyond. Just follow your plan and YOU WILL SUCCEED!

Not a particularly brand, no. Specifically says no Flintstones, Centrum or gummies ( forgot to add those) Highly recommends Celebrate and Bariatric Advance. I'd like to find one a little more affordable. I do however have a print out of the recommended daily values....at the risk if sounding foolish what does 200% of daily value mean for your Multivitamin? Sent from my Y538 using the BariatricPal App

I went to Carolina Weightloss Surgery: Bariatric Obesity Surgery its a great place and used Dr. Pirrello Good Luck

I have the Fitbit Aria which is not only a lovely design, but syncs with many apps and auto recognizes you by weight. Fun fact, the battery had died on it (it told me for a month but I was lazy) so it forgot the last couple months. I got on and had lost so much it didn't remember who I was! Gotta love bariatrics.

Congratulations the surgery is over!! Most of my patients report that they feel a real change when they turn"the corner". The pain is remarkably better and there is a sense of healing in the abdomen as the edema of surgical insult starts to go down. I have facilitated a support group for Banders for over a year and I just think they are the bravest folks. They have made a commitment to changing their eating and must make good choices every day. Every 6 weeks they must re-assess their eating to see if they need an adjustment.They must watch their weight all of which is harder than it sounds. I am so in awe of their determination. You have joined an impressive "club" I wish you the very best-write back if you have any technical questions. I am a RN in Minneapolis that works at a Bariatric Center.

I was reading some information on stomaphyX procedure which is done through endoscopy....isn't that basically the same as VSG, though it is done to patients who have had RNY previously and stretched out the stomach? StomaphyX - Bariatric Revision for Gastric Bypass Surgery Would sure as heck be nice to have it done without incisions.

went on a sample binge... Unjury, Netrition, Chike, Smartforme, Bariatric advantage. I am very committed to this, If I am putting out this much $, gonna follow the rules! Tried a medifast tomato soup UCK (glad I didn't pay for it!). will keep my BLOG updated with survey says....

I am contemplating Dr Illan in MX but my sister, who is a nurse anesthestitist, states that if there is any complications, no Dr state side will want to touch me. What did y'all do after you came back? PS....my sister had a bariatric patient die on her table due to blowing out his stitches 4 years after surgery. Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Hi! I'm sure everyone is different but I had my informational session July 2. After the session I received a large packet of information and forms. My bariatric clinic would not schedule a consultation until I filled out all of the papers in the packet and I also needed my PCP to fill out several documents and compose a letter of medical necessity. I left the session feeling very overwhelmed. It turned out to be just fine, I filled out all of my paperwork in about a day. It ended up taking my PCP 3 weeks :thumbup: to do her part. After I mailed the packet in, the bariatric clinic called me the very next day to schedule my psych eval and dietitian consult. So thats how it worked for me. It seems like everyone is just a little different. GOOD LUCK!