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Anyone use their products? I'm going to buy the sampler pack and try some things. Was just curious if anyone has opinions...

Does anyone go to TEAM bariatrics? If so what has been your experience?

I'm confused. Do you have coverage through an employer or through the healthcare exchange? If its through the employer, the employer has probably chosen to opt out. If this via the state exchange, you may live in a state that excludes bariatric surgery as a necessity. If your employer has opted out, suggest talking to your benefits manager. If your state excludes contact the department of insurance in your particular state and appeal your case.

Most insurance plans cover it. Bariatric surgery is optional so employers can opt out. You can contact an insurance broker or check the health insurance exchange (healthcare.gov) for what you need. Pricing will vary depending on insurance company and options. Deductibles also vary. So to that end, what information are you looking for exactly?

All of my friends have been kind and supportive. I told my closest friends just about a week before surgery, and then gradually told others as it came up. The only person who was the slightest bit mean about it was a work colleague who is just a mean person sometimes. Anyway, I have to say that the slender folks among my friends and family were the most supportive and enthusiastic. Maybe because they really understand how much I was missing from life by being morbidly obese. As far as being angry with yourself about not being able to lose weight by diet and exercise alone, let that go. Obesity is influenced by many more factors than just diet and exercise, and once you get there, it is almost impossible for anyone to reach a normal weight without surgery. This recent study looked at obese people trying to lose weight -- bariatric surgery patients excluded -- and found that the odds of attaining and maintaining a normal body weight were astronomically tiny, like maybe the same as being struck by lighting or something. http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302773 In my opinion, if someone's medical team agrees that they are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, then that is probably the smartest thing to do. I don't kick myself for not being able to lose weight "on my own." I kick myself for trying, for decades, to do it without the best medical treatment and refusing to consider surgery. Anyway, my social life has improved dramatically since I've lost weight. I'm more willing to go out and socialize and try new things. I enjoy talking to people instead of being focused on shoving food in my face. I'm still an introvert and always will be, but now I'm much more at ease in social settings and happier overall. That makes me a better friend. Good luck to you!

I've contacted several Insurance Companies that have told me they don't cover Bariatric surgery. I have an Individual plan.

​I now have MVP and they do cover Bariatric Surgery.

is there anyway you can keep the insurance you have by applying for insurance on your own with a bcbs plan that does offer the bariatric surgery? So frustrating, I hope this works out for you.

Ah Darlin', this is not a normal and logical situation sweet Frustr8 is in. I am the rarer , watch out for your surgeon might have skimmed over talking about. I have a stomal stricture in Precious Pouch, and she has 2 ulcers also, on the back wall of my jejunem- the portion of small intestine the pouch attaches to, I have 3 more angry ulcers and the potential to ulcerate on down toward the ileum. I have had 4 endoscopy scopings, on every EGJ is still was not healing up, solider foods can't pass through, so I was on a liquid diet and still am, in theory. After my last scope I was hospitalized, that was November 28th, on the 29th a PICC LINE was established in my upper left arm, snakes through the venous tree, 48 cm, roughly 19 inches long, the tip is located in my superior Vena Cava, and rests only a couple inches from the right atrium , the upper chamber of my ❤. The line rested for a day then on the 30th TPN, which stands for Total Parenterel Nutrition, I get a feeding solution pumped in, I was on 14 hours on, 10 off daily, I just graduated? to a 12-12 cycle on January 1sr, I can try 1 meal of liquid something daily if I desire but the solution supplies my nutritional needs as it is. 1430 calories of goodness, Wowser that's about twice what I was taking when I was feeding by mouth. I simply count not ingest the 90-120 grams of protein Dr Noria says I needed to heal the verdompt ulcers, so this is an easier way for me. Oh I wasn't TOO THRILLED to have this happen to me, my son and I learned the steps so we do it all ourself, no stupid home health nurses having to do it. Twice a week I have blood draws, luckily they can remove blood from the PICC line, better than having someone go up and down my arms looking for an non- rolling surface vein. I used to look like someone threw rocks at me. I have lost over 100 pounds from my highest weight, lost 15 pounds on my liver shrinking diet in August , and close to 50 since my surgery September 5th, for a while I was protein poor and nearly malnourished , I was losing weight like a sea-sick anorexic sailor, nice losing but it was pushing me me into a depletion corner. Weighed myself last week at my Primary Care while my son was doing his appointment, looked like I was stalled by came home , did a giant #2, had to flush 3 times so I have to weigh less, tomorrow is blood draw and then appointment at Primary care for me, why they couldn't have booked us same day, is beyond my comprehension. But anyhoo, I shall weigh and see.And PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Cathetern see you're getting a mini-tutorial today. How much longer will I have it? I have a surgeon appointment the 15th, another endoscopy the 25th with his Partner Dr Noria who love love loves doing them, she is also is a super competent Bariatric, Gastrointestinal and does do General Surgery but Endoscopy is her " Bang Zone" I really like her and Dr,Needleman, and have to believe they have a Plan of Care and have my best interests at ❤ but this sure is not the scenario I had planned for myself.👈😡👉💉💊

I used to own two Curves locations. Curves can give a good workout, IF you put lots of energy into it. The resistance is greater the faster you move. Owners should move machines around to vary the workout. Locations with Zumba and the Smart machines give a better workout. If you are a social person who is motivated by getting to know the people you exercise with and like games, conversation , etc it can be a great experience. We even had a Bariatric doc give all his patients a three month membership. However, that said, if you are really looking to stretch yourself and love the idea of intense, challenging exercise...well, that isn't Curves. So, like most everything else...Curves can meet some people's needs...but not everyone's.

I had a problem with gout about six weeks after surgery. My uric acid level was ok but still reared it's ugly head. My Pcp gave me a prescription for Sulindac and the pain cleared up in 24 hours. It's a Nsaid so the bariatric office wasn't too happy but I'd have done anything to get rid of the pain. Haven't had a problem since. Good luck.

Bariatric Advantage has a powdered calcium that is unflavored and you take it 3 times a day. You can sprinkle it on your food or mix it in your Protein drinks. You can't taste it at all. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Bottom line: don't have WLS until you're ready to have WLS. Succeeding with any kind of bariatric surgery is going to require you to change your behavior, like it or not. If you're not ready to do that, I think WLS would be a mistake for you. Unless you have some co-morbidities (obesity-related medical conditions) that need to be resolved quickly, there's no need to rush into this.

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I'm surprised you are eating solids already. So, calling the doctor is always the right thing to do. The initial pain that you felt was somewhat normal when you eat foods that you aren't ready for yet, eat too fast, too much, don't chew enough or any combination. And the "foamies" are part of that unfortunately. But having the pain continue now even with liquids -- I don't know what to tell you on that. Your bariatric team will be your best bet.

Hi slimmy! I'm happy to have a chat with you about it matey. I am going down that route, as you know, but I have to admit I found it incredibly difficult finding any feedback about WA surgeons, costs and aftercare information. I eventually went with the PS my bariatric surgeon recommended, because it was the only real recommendation I managed to get! I'm trying to research the surgery (and my surgeon) as much as possible, but can't find anyone in Perth who's done it that's still around. I did find one lady who posted in a yahoo group who was operated on by my PS and she raved about him, but that was in 2004 and she hasn't posted in a long time, so I can't pick her brains about it. So I do feel like I'm going in a little blind. I like my PS, he certainly inspired confidence when I met him, but I'm a bit of a control freak - I want to know exactly who I'm dealing with. Unfortunately, it's not that easy to do with Perth surgeons.

My bariatric team was spot on to reply quickly to my questions and emails.....same day. I agree with SherB, An effective team will not leave you dangling in mental anquish and worry. Be proactive.

To me the most daunting part of this whole experience was going to be the 2 week pre-op diet. Here's the scary part. My surgery is August 26th. That means as of this morning I am starting the anxiety invoking, terrifying, I hope I can do it, I have to do it 2 week diet. In these 2 weeks I am going to wean myself off of coffee (my taste of heaven every morning, noon and night). I plan on making it weaker and weaker by adding more fat free milk. Until it is more like milk with a splash of coffee vs. the other way around. I do self medicate in the sense that I use caffine to prevent my migraines. For those that don't have migraines, just imagine a headache 10 times worse than a caffine withrawl headache with a sinus infection during a very stressful time on top of allergies. I am afraid to be hungry. I get headaches when I am hungry. I have prepared my self for this diet for weeks now. I have tried practically every bariatric Protein drink available and have purchased the ones I like (yes, there are a few that are really, really yummy). I have stocked up on diet pop-cycles, diet fudge-cycles, crystal light, diet gatorade, fat free milk, cream of wheat, cream of rice, diet syrup for the cream of rice and wheat, diet Jello, diet pudding, cream of tomato Soup, cream of chicken soup, I even bought yogurt (which I detest but gonna try anyways). This is probably gonna be one of the hardest hurdles I'll have to jump in my life. I've got the CAN-DO attitude, I need to do this. I would appreciate as many words of encouragement that I can get.

Oh thats a tough one. I totally see what you are saying. The only problem is that the sleeve could really take you down to a much much smaller weight than is healthy t the point that you are at. One thing that i did to see if i qualify for the conversion (because i too was below the bmi standard for bariatric surgery following my lap band) i checked out my insurance co policy and it did say that a certain percentage of weightloss i.e. Less than 50 percent ebw was considred to be a failure and that i would be eligible to convert to a different surgery, however my bmi is in the mid 30s. I cannot imagine that any doctor is going to perform such a surgery if you are as small as you say. As far as your cincern for the weight gain maybe you could talk to your dr about a prescription appetite suppressant, i have taken one called phentermone before and it worked really well, i can only imagine how difficult this must be, especilly being at you goal! Hang in there!

Beware the steroids. I had to use some and gained 7 pounds in 3 days. When I talked to my Bariatric PA I was told that if I continued to use them I would lose my band. Seems as if the two don't go well together and can cause swelling around the band. I understand why doc does not want to give additional fill if you were too tight before. Take time and this will come off.

Basic Cheesecake 1 8-ounce container fat-free cream cheese ½ pound soft tofu ½ cup egg substitute 6 packets artificial sweetener ½ teaspoon vanilla ¼ teaspoon almond extract 6 tablespoons egg white substitute ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar butter flavored cooking spray 1) Preheat oven to 350 F 2) In large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, tofu, egg substitute, sweetener, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth and creamy 3) In a small bowl, using an electric mixer, whip egg white substitute with cream of tartar until it forms stiff peaks 4) Gently fold whipped egg whites into cream cheese mixture 5) Coat an 8-inch square cake pan with cooking spray and pour in batter. Place cake pan into a baking pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes 6) Let cool for at least 4 hours. Calories: 59.13 Protein: 7.98 g Fat: 0.84 g Carbohydrates: 3.91 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Fiber: .34 g Sodium: 185.46 g I got this recipe out of a cook book for bariatric surgery patients (Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery by Patt Levine and Michele Bontempo-Saray). This cookbook has some great recipes and breaks each one down into the amount of calories, fat, etc. You can buy it at any Barnes and Noble or online.

Get the most from your Bariatric procedure.

I have wondered about the "limit" thing. I have a friend that currently has lapband. She was trying for revision through her new insurance. She found out that they have a "1 per lifetime" limit on bariatric surgery even though THEY didn't have anything to do with the original surgery. It would seem to me that it would be cheaper on the insurance company to go ahead and cover the surgery rather than paying for the multitude of specialists that she would have to see to deal with the affects of obesity on her body. As for recovery, it is VERY similar to getting the band. I am on lifting restrictions for 4 weeks. I work at a pretty physical job so I am actually off work on short term disability for the entire time. I have heard of people going back to work soon after surgery (like less than a week). The hardest part, to me, is getting my fluids in. It is very easy to get dehydrated post op. I struggle to get in 5 cups of Water a day. I working on it, but it can be tough. I'm in contact with a few revisioners. They still VERY happy with their decision to revise. They inspire me daily. I will admit that it was their sucess that made me finally talk to my doctor about revising.

Hello all! I was directed to this site by my surgeon. She is part of a very comprehensive bariatric program based out of Shady Grove Hospital in Maryland. I had my first pre-op consultation last week, and am in the beginning stages of getting all my testing done. I have Federal Blue Cross insurance, and am told it is a piece of cake to get this procedure approved through them, with no "red tape" so to speak. Im very excited to finally have this surgery done (have been looking into WLS for over 15 years). Im still on the fence about whether to do RNY or LapBand though- and could sure use any personal stories, research links, ect to help me decide. Im worried the LapBand wont help me... My pitfalls seem to be skipping meals (sometimes I wont eat all day), sweets, and/or eating after a certain time of day (I sometimes like to have Cereal at about 8pm). Im never hungry as it is, and try to eat healthy... But, Ive always been overweight- even as a child that grew up in a very restricted home (no sweets, soda, chips, junk of any type). Im currently 5'10" and 290lbs. I am 18 months post partum with my only child, and have not been doing anything to loose the "baby" weight until now since I was breast feeding. Before my pregnancy I was 270lbs. In any case- to me, my appearance is a bonus on this road. Im scared of dying prematurely and leaving my husband and daughter. The though consumes me... I want to break a family cycle of the women in my family dying of heart disease at an ever increasingly young age. My cholesterol is slightly elevated, as is my BP- and that was enough for me to want to make a permanent change. So after many years of battling my weight and yo-yoing, Im ready for some help... I hope to find lots of great information and support here!

Hi all, I had my surgery on Dec 30, 2013. I am in my 7th week this past Monday, and I've lost 37 lbs. I feel that I'm behind. I feel great though! I used to experience pains throughout my entire body, and now, not so much! It's a miracle. It's amazing what a difference that dropping a few pounds can make. I thank God for the opportunity to have this procedure done because my insurance didn't cover this procedure for a long time. Then, I kept praying and my husband's company was purchased by another company that provided insurance that covered bariatrics. Ohh, the power of prayer! I have a very supportive husband and family. In fact, my hubby has dropped 30 lbs himself because he has changed his lifestyle as well. My hubby is a large guy also, and he has started the process of seeing my surgeon for the procedure. He may be able to lose the weight on his own with the way that he's been losing thus far. I needed the procedure because I surely would return to my way old habits if that restriction was not in place. I'm looking forward to chatting with some of you because I would love to hear about your journeys. I get discouraged sometimes because right now, I feel that maybe I should be losing more weight, or that I may not be doing enough.