Search the Community

I'm having my surgery July 19th and I bought the bariatric Fusion chewables they are huge I don't know how we're supposed to get for these chewed up a day and try to eat some food too.

I am also in FLorida. I did mine at the baptist bariatric center in Jacksonville, FL. I got the sleeve. It was roughly $18,000. My insurance would not cover it. I thought about mexico. Wanted to get it done at the ENDO hospital and their cost is under 10K. but me i just wanted to be near my house when i got surgery and did not want to travel.

when i went to see my bariatric surgeon his nurse said to me "dont get this surgery you are so short and cute!!!" my father who was with me chimed in "and ROUND!" He is in for anything to make his daughter less fat, while my mom, sister, and best friend were all somewhat against it- I think mainly out of concern for me and nothing malicious at all. Well I am now banded and they have no choice but to be supportive! I am not telling anyone at work and it is hard to sneak around only drinking liquids.

Ask your fill doctor or your PCP for a referral to a nutritionist. They're trained for this kind of question. I had to pay out of pocket for 6 visits and each visit was only $40. It's more than worth it! Try to make sure the nut is very familiar with bariatric surgery? tmf

I ordered protein shakes from bariatric waiting for delivery

What do you love about your band surgeon and their practice? I had surgery at Oregon Weight Loss Surgery in Portland, OR. My original surgeon was Dr. Hong, but now I follow up with Dr Emma Patterson. All the providers at OWLS are responsive and receptive. They answer any and all questions and are very personable. Their practice is very busy, they do about half bands and half RNY, and they do some other bariatric procedures that their patients request (DS, etc). They did not have any bias toward one procedure or another when I was having my initial consult; they felt either one would work for me and simply explained the differences. What do you hate? Nothing really, but the surgeon who actually did my surgery moved back to Canada about a month after my surgery and didn't mention it to me when I saw him. It was a sudden, unplanned thing (family circumstances) but I was a little dismayed that I wouldn't be seeing my surgeon anymore and that he didn't tell me when I saw him for the last time. Fortunately the practice has 2 other surgeons and a PA that I could see for followup, and they are all very competent and helpful. What do we do well? In my experience, pretty much everything. All the providers I worked with genuinely cared about their patients and their health. They are very respectful and compassionate. They are all highly competent and I felt very confident in the level of care I received. The surgeons in the practice I went to always have surgical fellows working with them, and the fellows always ask permission before doing anything (like performing a fill). Some patients don't like seeing surgeons "in training" but I've always worked in teaching hospitals (their practice isn't in a teaching hospital per se) and I understand that providers need to train with actual patients. The surgeons seem to do a good job in choosing surgical fellows who have similar values towards patient care. What could we do better? This is an ongoing issue with all band surgeons, but you could help us when we have to move away from your practice. I understand all the reasons why band surgeons are reluctant to take patients they didn't do surgery on (liability, the cost of aftercare, etc), but the reality is that a lot of us have to move away for various reasons, making followup with our original surgeon difficult to impossible. The fact that band patients need a lot of followup and aftercare, for a long time after surgery, makes this complicated. Dr Patterson happened to know a surgeon near the city I just moved to and was able to refer me, but if she hadn't he wouldn't have accepted me as a patient, because he didn't do my surgery. (And because he didn't do my surgery, he requires a fill under fluoro the first time...no matter that my port is extremely easy to find...for a cost of $600 more than a blind fill. Only for patients he didn't operate on.) I'm in a graduate program in a city 6 hours away from my surgeon's office, and I simply can't get there in the middle of the week when they see patients; besides, I need someone local in case there is a band emergency. If surgeons could understand this and help us out a little more, realizing that this is a common problem with band patients, it would help a lot. What more could we do to help you succeed? Not much more, I think. My surgeons did their jobs, and it's up to me to do my part. Once the band is placed, assuming that the surgery is performed as expected, the rest of the work is mine, provided that I go to my appointments and get appropriate fills when needed. The band doesn't do it all and neither can my surgeon--and for most of us, the band does require a lot of work. But they didn't really tell me this. I think for a lot of patients it would help to hear from the surgeon that most of the work is up to the patient. Also it would help to explain how many patients don't have any restriction right after surgery and that it might take a few months before they have any and weight loss really starts in earnest. No one told me that part. How could we improve your customer experience with our practices? Choose office staff carefully. They are your first liason with your patient and make your first impression for you. A lot of patient dissatisfaction with their doctors actually starts with the office staff. If they are not courteous and respectful of your patients, that makes a huge difference for you and for your patients. Obese people are especially sensitive to perceived slights and have often been disrespected in public due to their weight, plus the insurance approval process can be very stressful, so it's important to have staff who are compassionate and respectful. Dr. Patterson's office staff are pretty good for the most part, but I have heard a lot of sad stories about office staff from a lot of patients elsewhere. Thanks for all the insightful contributions you make to this board, Dr Watkins, and for taking time to ask and listen to actual patient feedback. Your patients are lucky to have a surgeon who cares so much about their experience and success.

I've been using bariatrics advantage chocolate and vanilla mixed with water. 3 weeks and I'm sick of it. I just switched to rasp lemonade bought from same site has 17 grams of protien.

Thank you. I consider myself a slow loser, but I guess I am the tortise and not the hare! I don't care, I still have a ways to go...just six months out, this isn't a race and I am pleased with my skin, sometimes if you lose too fast, you have major loose skin issues...I do have some, but I am pleased that in some places, it is getting better and not worse, like my thighs. I have lost about 60% of my excess weight, so I am in line with what my bariatric doctor said is considered a good success rate for the 6 month mark. I am on a very restrictive low carb diet right now and it is making me a little cranky today though!! Not cheating though...just craving

Here's a good article on why bariatric patients benefit from Water http://www.bariatricchoice.com/water-bariatric-gastric-bypass-surgery-patients.aspx

Wow. I am so sorry you experienced such unprofessionalism. They must not have many bariatric patients. One of the reason's I chose my hospital/program was because they had a very well-regarded bariatric program. Everyone I encountered was kind, encouraging, helpful, and very professional. I would definitely make your surgeon's office aware of how you were treated.

Nicie your post reminds me of one not too long ago where the OP said that she was 80% sure about having the surgery and wondering how she could get to 100%. Bypass or sleeve are major surgeries. All surgeries have risks and bariatric surgeries are no exception. There simply are no guarantees. 100% implies absolute certainty. I believe that any goal you set has to meet two criteria - it must be realistic and it must be sustainable. Any goal that does not meet those two criteria should be abandoned in favor of one that does. Absolute certainty is neither realistic nor sustainable. When I was trying to make the surgery decision and subsequently the choice of which surgery to have, my goal became to do as much research as possible, learn everything I could about the potential benefits - and risks - of each option. That goal was both realistic and sustainable. The result of that effort was that I concluded that the odds were overwhelmingly in my favor of having a successful, literally life-changing outcome. And that is exactly what happened. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment known to medical science for the treatment of obesity and more than 30 comorbidities associated with obesity. By a huge margin. Once I had all of the facts, the decision was relatively easy. That is not to say that I wasn't frightened. There were times right up to the moment they wheeled me into the OR when it scared the bejesus out of me. But courage is not about never being frightened (unrealistic and unsustainable). Courage is about doing what you believe to be the right thing for you and your family, in spite of your fears. Today I'm a little over two and a half years post-op. Hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea and 130 pounds - gone. I hit 155 lbs about fourteen months post-op and my weight has been between 151 and 156 every since. This morning I was 152.4. I've had two complications. About six months post-op I developed an ulcer at the anastomosis that was confirmed with an endoscopy. My surgeon increased my Rx for Prevacid from one capsule a day to two. No other changes. No other treatment. Three months later a second endoscopy confirmed the ulcer was completely healed. The second complication - I'm one of about 15% of patients that experience reactive hypoglycemia aka "late stage" dumping. Definitely not comfortable but easily avoided by avoiding too much sugar or carbs. And when I make a bad choice and my blood sugar drops, I simply eat something with a little sugar, or simple carbs or just chew a glucose tablet. Without fail, the symptoms completely disappear in about 20 minutes. All in all, a very small price to pay for a life that, not that long ago, I thought would never be possible. Would I do it again? Without a moments hesitation. Am I the exception? You don't have to look any further than this forum to read countless stories similar to mine. When you have questions, there are tons of great folks here who are more than happy to offer the benefit of their experiences. Good luck in making your decision! Thank you for your response. I am so appreciate that you took the time to give me such a thorough narrative. Congratulations on your success with this challenging journey to better health. I hope to also be a success in this journey. What you wrote has made an impact on how I will move forward with this issue. You are so right in pointing out that this surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity. I think I was just kidding myself that I could lose 100 lbs without medical intervention and that was a big reason for my indecisiveness. It was also very helpful to hear that I am not alone in my fear of the unknown when you wrote about how scared you were up until surgery. I am going to write down your quote about "Courage is about doing what you believe to be the right thing for you and your family, in spite of your fears." Thanks again for your insight.

Mis73. I have been working in the field of nutrition for many years and as a 'lifestyle consultant' have studied to a PHD level, if not beyond. I (we) work in the field of lifyestyle medicine addressing the root cause of the issue, not just addressing the symptom. The Dr in question has given NO nutritional guidance at all. He is happy to suggest that high Protein is not good, but not able to give a recommendation on how much is optimal. All the peer reviewed academic studies I have conducted, or am aware of suggest that the Dr is incorrect. Though his closing comment is always 'its because he's post bariatric'. The three letters PHD mean a lot and thats why I have a team of them that I work with closely at my clinic however, we have never conducted tests on bariatric patients over extended periods so was hoping to get an insight here.

Some companies just don't cover bariatrics. It's too bad if yours is that way. Going to Mexico is not as crazy as it sounds. I went myself and had a good experience. Sometimes challenges are put in front of us so we can become stronger through the effort of overcoming them. Examine your work, is there a way to earn more? Overtime? 2nd job? Do you have assets you could sell? Get a credit card? Cut your budget to the bare essentials? Borrow from friends or family?

I’m in Australia and my clinic had a post op support group and I’ve never actually been. It’s hard enough to catch up with my bariatric doctor, nutritionist and psychologist every few months. I rely heavily on this site so I don’t feel alone in this WLS business!

I have the bariatric pal oatmeal (maple and brown sugar flavor) and although it is very thick it has good taste and it's just the right amount. Plus I love that it has protein in it!! I ordered mine from Amazon though!!

well...good to know your panties are comfortable but I wasn't referring to you at all. I was referring to my stalker, I have my own products blend and have no use for people who spend their time spewing ignorance anger and misery so I blocked her but I can see she still feels compelled to put in her less than fully informed OPINIONS.Wow, the ignorance is real here. You don't have a stalker, although I'm sure that you wish you did, unfortunately you're just not that important. You can certainly take your frivolous ideas and judgments and shove them. I'm not on bariatric pal to take your bullshit, I'm here for support and to talk others that are going through a similar experience. Yeah, I am a newbie, so what? My insurance, my business. You threatened to block me, so please go right on ahead! Stalker lol, not on a public thread, in a public forum, on a public website. I'm here for me, not you lady. Hahaha keep wishing weirdo! Tired of your negativity. People aren't here to listen to you bitch. Sent from my SM-G935T using the BariatricPal App

I recently looked into this and am at the stage of deciding which surgery I want: Re-Sleeve or Bypass. I'll preface the following by stating you can research many articles on "pubmed.com" to read published papers by physicians. There is a re-sleeve procedure and it's either done by plication or utilizing Overstitch; key difference is that part of your stomach is NOT cut and removed, as is done in the initial sleeve. The stomach is made smaller by suturing to make it smaller. In my case, revision, even if it is to a re-sleeve, would be covered by my insurance. Re-sleeves can be done endoscopically (through the throat, no incisions on the abdomen); this is the approach I am being offered. Bypass would require abdominal incisions as it is performed laparoscopically. Bypass would yield a greater overall weight loss, initially. There's a study that indicated the long term weight loss between those re-sleeved vs. conversion to bypass levels out and is similar. Articles: Re-sleeve Gastrectomy - An Efficient Revisional Bariatric Procedure - 3 Years Results Re-Sleeve Gastrectomy for Failed Primary Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Short-term outcomes of revisional surgery after sleeve gastrectomy: a comparative analysis of re-sleeve, Roux en-Y gastric bypass, duodenal switch (Roux en-Y and single-anastomosis) Laparoscopic re-sleeve gastrectomy as a treatment of weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy Weight Regain After Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Look at the Benefits of Re-sleeve Reverse: Laparoscopic revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to sleeve gastrectomy: A ray of hope for failed Roux-en-Y gastric bypass As to which procedure has higher risk, in general, risk increases with every subsequent surgery. In this case, it would depend on the approach your physician would take to re-sleeve; endoscopic or laparoscopic. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty versus laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a case-matched study If both options would be performed laparoscopically, then it would be a matter of you deciding which procedure you feel the most comfortable with to achieve the long-term results you are looking for. Endoscopic surgery is performed using a scope, a flexible tube with a camera and light at the tip, allowing the surgeon to see inside and perform procedures without making major incisions, allowing for easier recovery time and less pain and discomfort. Laparoscopic is performed by making several small incisions in the abdomen, which increases risk when compared to the SAME PROCEDURE performed endoscopically (no incisions). The approach with the highest risk is open. Bigger incision. Bigger incision, bigger risk. One type of surgery that has taken off in the last few years is minimally invasive spine surgery. Many spine surgeries can be done laparoscopically versus open -- even fusions. The difference? Patients that have it done laparoscopically can have it done in an ASC (ambulatory surgical center), meaning they leave the same day, no hospital stay or large incisions in the back. And...always remember, whichever surgery you have, it's a TOOL, not a magic pill (those don't exist either). Hope this helps!

Hey Mississippi Group!!! I was banded 10/23/07 in Tupelo, through North Mississippi Bariatric Center, Dr. Terry Pinson. I love that whole group! They are very thorough and it's a complete program. I've had 3 fills, have lost 27 lbs so far. I just found this board yesterday - so I'm looking forward to meeting some lifelong friends here..... I was lucky and had insurance cover this for me, although my portion was still around $2000ish.

I started with the Bariatric Advantage but they made me sick. Ive been taking Centrum Flavor Bursts multiviamin and mineral and you can take them with or without food. Sent from my iPhone using VST

I used Dr. Trivedi, a link to more info about him is on my profile. I'm like the 7th person in my family to have this done and most of those 7 relatives used Trivedi, but Trivedi is part of a practice that features all bariatric surgeons. I think he's a very good doctor, but his front desk staff is extremely rude and incapable of getting anything done, you have to be very proactive and extremely on top of them. There's only a handful of nice people working in that office.

I have 2 girls 10 and 11 and they always leave food on their plate. When are you scheduled for surgery? Every surgeon is different, my surgeon said the preop diet is not necessary and he's a top bariatric surgeon in Boston. He said he can get to the stomach no matter what and he doesnt think we need the added stress before surgery. I will have Clear liquids the day before and since I started 6 months ago the nut had had me make many changes, one at a time so they stick with me. No diet whatsoever, but lifestlye changes.

Mexican surgeons could ONLY get the old 4cc bands, probably of lower quality also, so those who go to Mexico are gambling with their health, more than those who get their bands in the US. Who knows, Mexican surgeons have probably RAN OUT of 4cc bands, since Allergan has halted product, and it could be that Mexican surgeons have now concocted some type of "vooddoo" procedure...aka non-adjustable band again.... Mexican surgeons CANNOT get the new AP bands, they are ONLY sold to surgeons in the USA. http://www.lapband.c...fording-lapband CONSIDERING HAVING LAP-BAND® SURGERY OUTSIDE THE U.S.? The LAP-BAND® AP System is the most technologically advanced gastric band in the world today; however it is not available in Mexico. For long-term success all bariatric procedures, including the LAP-BAND® System, require follow-up and support from a bariatric practice—something that a doctor in another country may not be able to provide. Regular care and follow-up with a qualified surgeon close to home is important for losing the most weight with your LAP-BAND® System. Contact a local LAP-BAND® System specialist, to learn more about your insurance coverage an

We are now scheduled for Monday @ noon to remove the stents, I'm very optimistic the leak will be healed. Wife is doing better today, walking around more. We thought about a 2nd opinion, but there's 2 roadblocks. The surgeon who did the repair did do the initial surgery. And after 2 months of complications, he is so familiar with what is happening. Another thing is that he is the only bariatric surgeon my insurance covers. In the worse case scenerio, like no improvement in the healing at all, I think we will seek a 2nd opinion.

I'm doing terrific.. Dr Ganser with Western Bariatric is fabulous! I had to do a 4 week pre-op liquid diet. Thought I was going to die! Did have some cheating during that month but nothing to drastic. Lol. I managed to lose 20lbs during that time. Since surgery I've lost an additional 35lbs. It has definitely been an eye opening experience. It's true though that each day that passes things do become easier and you feel soooo much better. It's been hard at times trying to figure out your new tummy. I think that's been he hardest thing for me. Learning how much your body will allow and how to recognize when you've had enough and ect. I've just got my gym membership. That's been interesting so far. Luckily the people I've encountered at the gym are very supportive. I'm not one to sweat with an audience. Lol.

I live in Minden NV. Had surgery 7/22 through Western Bariatric. My surgeon was Dr Watson (he's..um..motivating..) Is this thread still alive?