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I am waiting for approval, hoping for a date in February. Just finished my 6 month "diet" required by insurance. Even though to some extent I was cutting back (lost 10 pounds) I have had so many last supper meals I can't count. The bariatric people tell you not to, but one post-op in a group said don't pay any attention to that. She ate all the stuff she knew she wouldn't be able to eat any longer, or in the quantity she was used to. I must admit I have done the same thing. I love pizza and have had more than a few these last 6 months, and spaghetti, and subs, you name it. At the same time I am working on the real issue, head hunger, trying to mentally prepare myself for the drastic change. Some days I am really good (today I am eating carrot sticks, celery sticks, snow peas with a little ranch dip, and a small can of V8 for lunch, and for a snack later instead of a snack pack full I counted 20 almonds and brought them with me. For breakfast I had a 4 oz fat free yogurt and an apple. I know it will be a while before I can eat even this stuff post op, but I am doing better than a sub by far). I am eating my way through my pantry, and once I get a date I have two weeks before and after on liquids, so I will pack up whatever is left and give to a food pantry. Bottom line is, you are normal as far as I can tell. We really need to look at the addictive behavior that makes us eat so much bad stuff.

My trick for getting down the protein bullets was to mix it with Water... that tones down the flavor and sweetness. Plug nose and get it down. Having been through three bariatric related surgeries I can say with certainty, the protein is one of if not THE most important post-surgical element. It sucks, but everything functions around that... healing of wounds, internal healing, skin, hair and organ function, etc. The first couple of weeks are VERY hard, at least they were for me... but now, I'm holding on fine. Once I was able to get to the "full liquids" phase, I was MUCH better off than Clear liquids... Hope this helps! :lol0:

Definitely a conflict. I know my bariatric office is going to start selling, but as of now, they don't require that you use the products they carry, it's more a convenience thing for people that don't like shopping online or have trouble finding the right stuff in stores. I would definitely have a problem if I were forced to take a certain brand, because post-surgery, I couldn't tolerate most of the things I enjoyed pre-surgery...most of the shakes were far too sweet.

Hi All - My gastric surgery is July 28th and I slowly started eating low carb with a replacement shakes to ease into my actual 2 week pre-op plan. I'm supposed to drink 2 shakes for b/l, eat 2 bars as Snacks and/or a shake or lean protein/non-starch veggie for dinner. Having hashimotos (thyroid) I worked with a non-bariatric focused nutritionist the last several years eliminate foods that are not right for my body. I don't normally eat a lot of soy, whey or milk based products and typically only stevia as alternate sugar. It was interesting talking to several bariatric nutritionists about options and levels of Protein and different perspectives on what I should or should not drink. To whey or not to whey! It seemed like Premier Protein Shakes (liquid or powder) and their bars were highly recommended by doctors and also on here and other outlets. Can't beat 30g of protein in a serving so I figured I would try them out. For convenience, I bought chocolate ready to drink Orgain Grass fed and mixed in some Premier Protein ready made shakes and bars. After one week, my tummy feels a little inflamed - like a gastric ulcer. Today I have switched to a vegan non-dairy shake and going back to my hydrobeef based Protein powder until my surgery next week. Sadly, not many options for Protein Bars (maybe Quest?). I suppose what I'm getting at is no matter the expert, I am still the best advocate on how my body feels and sensitivities. Although whey is a leading protein source for pre-op and bariatric patients, I'm finding it's not quite right for me. Yep. I was really bummed because it did taste good, was filling and economically priced. Moving on and ignoring that my tummy hurts a little and is hungry tonight!! Big Picture!

Yes, we can! ????My fiancé who actually used to worked on the bariatric floor at the hospital recommended trying the broth from wonton soup. Definitely picking some up tomorrow. Thank-you! Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App Thank you, I'll pick some up. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

Depression, and I believe regret could come from a similar place, is incredibly common after WLS. I hope anyone feeling down considers seeing a therapist and/or psychiatrist with experience with bariatric patients. Feel better and be well.

I was just thinking about this the other day... My weight was 250lbs for years...I was well above it... then...when I went over 300, I figured it was too high to be 50lbs less...so i made it 280... well, I'm now 224...and I have a year until I renew...hopefully I'll be at goal and not have to tell a weight fib! Rain

I am having Pre-op done with Dr. Cantu. have not met him yet; but have had several phone conversations with Lupita. I am going alone because we take care of MR adults and have to have coverage to be gone. My husband will have to stay behind. I found him doing an internet search for Texas border town bariatric surgeons. I wanted to drive there and be close enough for my husband to get to me if something happened.

I agree the bariatric advantage gave me terrible gas and diarrhea and the unjury I thought were gross and too sweet. It took me a long time to find the right fit!

Oh wow, that is really good. I haven't told anyone yet except for one person who also had WLS done. I'm in Aurora Colorado. I had thought about going to Denver Bariatric, but the cost is making it so I'm waiting for Kaiser to give me the final ok

Hello All! My band to RNY revision is scheduled for 9/13. Honestly, my decision for bypass was 2 fold: 1. Complications due to band failure. Even today, after having all of the fluid removed four years ago due to recurrent gastritis and esophageal spasms, I still struggle daily with never knowing what will get stuck, terrible reflux, sliming constantly with every meal, the chest pressure with eating anything, the nightly gas pains under my collar bones, vomiting, and belly pain. All this while eating way smaller portions than most, just to almost be back to my pre-lap band weight, plus all the problems I didn’t have before the lapband. I feel like I’m a Prius in the metabolism race. I apparently hold onto every single calorie I ingest, so malabsorption as a tool might be a more effective option for me. And removing the ban will take care of the issues. 2. My surgeon prefers band to bypass when there is a history of GERD. From my understanding gerd after sleeve is quite common. Enough so that one of the local research hospitals is currently doing clinical trials for a procedure to treat reflux specifically for post sleeve patients. I’m already experiencing a life of reflux and anything I can do to make that better instead of potentially worse is where I’m looking. I really don’t want the acute gastritis and spasms again! Nothing like heart attack like symptoms to get you started:( My revision was requested as general surgery instead of bariatric, due to all of the complications, and approved 2 weeks after being submitted. I will be having my revision in one surgery. I specifically requested that from my surgeon. He is comfortable with and has experience doing it all at once, so that is my plan. I’m very adverse to two rounds under anesthesia and post op recoveries. One of the folks who post on the forums has a favorite saying: YMMV. Your Milage May Vary. Basically, your journey is your journey. Whatever decision you and your surgeon make whether bypass or sleeve is the right one for you. You have to feel confident and empowered in the decision process. It’s your health! Educate yourself, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and make the best choice for YOU. Good vibes to us all!

If you were trying to warn people off bariatric surgery with this post I think you've done the opposite. For starters, I'm not even sure you're real. Second, if you got a major surgery such as this without doing any research... that's on you. Six food trucks and there was NOTHING you could eat? You sound like you're purposely being difficult because you're so angry. There were no hot dogs? Pull it off the bun and eat half. No big deal. A taco truck? Eat the meat & cheese, skip the shell. You are being purposely difficult in some attempt to punish everyone for your anger. Mother's Day - you couldn't go out for breakfast? Why on earth not? Assuming you were 4 weeks post op by then you could have ordered scrambled eggs with cheese and a side of cottage cheese instead of hash browns. IF the point of the holiday was to spend it with loved ones, that's what you do. If you're so mortified by the waitress asking if you enjoyed your meal ask for a to-go box the moment they set it down and pack up what you won't eat. You look like a fool carrying a water bottle - are you serious with this? American's have a drink in hand ALL THE TIME. Soda, coffee cups, frap cups. People are constantly walking around with drinks. Im not sure if I hope you're real or not. If you're not real, you are a real sad individual to come on here and troll people trying to improve their lives. Get a new hobby. If you are real... please get help. For the sake of your family, please.

I'm sorry you're struggling, and that your surgeon's team didn't prepare you better for what to expect post op. I respectfully suggest that you find yourself a therapist with experience in dealing with bariatric patients and/or eating disorders. Your surgeon's office should be able to make some recommendations. I'm assuming that you're in your first couple of months post op, when things are toughest. This is a season of your life, and I strongly urge you to find the emotional tools to help you. As has been mentioned above, you need to find ways to be social that don't involve food. It is a great lesson for your kids to learn too, to set them up with a healthy relationship with food for down the road. I wish you good luck and hope you find a way through the next few months.

You can still eat things you want.. but the point is moderation.. and everyone should be carrying around a water bottle all day long.. the point is.. this was designed to be a tool! It's not a fix.. those holidays were ruined because your head was in the wrong place.. you made the choice to make those holidays about food instead of the company.. now it's time to make holidays about the company and not the food which it was supposed to be about anyhow! and why dont you make something you can eat to contribute.. so what it takes you a while.. you can eat and talk at the same time.. let people think whatever they want.. and sad to say.. this surgery is actually quite the norm.. if it wasn't Dennys wouldn't have a healthy place on their menu and except a bariatric surgery card and same goes for other places. I dont know about you but food I like got me to weighing 262 pounds because I liked it a little too much! And taking 20 minutes, eating and drinking at the same time.. that's stuff our generation was taught growing up, old habits are hard to brake.. but it can be done. I'm sorry you are frustrated.. but I hope I give you a new prespective.. maybe it will help put you in a better place.. Sent from my SM-J337AZ using BariatricPal mobile app

Thank you. I do think that's what I need, for sure. Too much must have been weighing on my mind that I didn't come to peace with. This is a great point. I can't help but be a bit sad as the days go by and think about how far out I'd be in recovery (and how long it will take for me to get to that actual point, now). But I try not to stay there too long. I do believe in timing, and maybe it just wasn't the right time. This is funny not funny! I did the same thing. I tried to go in and get mine removed while I was awake and he got 2 shots in my mouth and I was like, uh NO. BYE! I did finally get them pulled but honestly in retrospect, I don't think I actually needed to. Ha. I definitely am keeping with my psych, and she's been helpful talking about things. I wish I could keep with the in house bariatric psych, too, but that's for patients in the program, and right now I'm not in it. I'm going to step back for a little bit and just work with my regular psych, live life and see where I stand in the new year. Kinda sucks to think about going through that whole program again AND wasting the max out on insurance, but I really want to be in the right place if I move forward, and I guess I wasn't.

I have a card the Dr. gave me the day after surgery.On the front of the card it says 9.75/10.0cm band. I will be going to Long Island Bariatric Center in Levittown on Mon. for my first fill. So I don't know yet how often or how much they put in, I'll have to ask. But it sounds like you have had the same experience that I've heard from others-that it can take a few fills before you feel restriction?? I think this is a large band and may take more to fill. What is everyone elses experience with fills?

I think I would next send that same email to the gym manager/owner and explain that you haven't hear from the trainer. I'd say I was very hurt by his unprofessional reaction to your statement that you are having a life saving surgery. To say that you are cheating by having the surgery shows that he wants you to fail at weight loss, and feels himself superior (in my opinion). He obviously does not want you to succeed, at the very least, he could use some education about bariatric surgery. No one deserves to be treated the way you were. I know it happens, but it shouldn't. If you had said you were having open heart surgery, he'd have probably said, "I'll be here waiting for you when you are ready to start again!" But darn you that you are trying to avoid that! Ask that you be lined up with a trainer who has worked with bariatric patients before and understands our needs. If the gym doesn't have anyone like that, it would be a great idea for them to invest in someone who does understand the bariatric community. I think I'd tell them I don't plan to renew my personal training sessions when they run out.

My body has become intolerant of the band after getting it done in January 2010, so I have to have it removed. Insurance just approved it today so I am waiting for the Dr. to schedule it. For almost a year now I have had problems, even after having a complete un-fill. The bariatric surgeon and gastroenterologist determined my esophagus is basically rejecting the band. I can't get a revision because, as the Dr. said, "you're too skinny". Not really but my BMI is too low. I can finish this on my own though. Can you tell me what the recovery was like?

I live in the Somerset Ky. area and one day I decided to call a Bariatric Center in Hazard Ky. that I saw advertised on tv. I was informed that there was a Bariatric Center in Somerset with a new doctor, Dr. John Husted and I was told that I should attend a seminar to find out more about bariatric surgery. I called the local Hospital and acquired the information on the seminar and attended. I received a packet with information about the doctor, the Bariatric Center, surgery information, and an application to fill out for Dr. Husted's office. That started me on my journey for Bariatric surgery. I received an appointment with the doctor and I really was very pleased with the visit, and afterwards I did alot of research on Dr. Husted. He has many very nice reviews and recommendations. I know everyone has there own opinions, but so far, mine are only good ones. If you want to find out more about him, he has a web page (which includes my review among many others). I have had to get over a few hurdles along the way, but I am really close. This week all my information should be submitted to the Insurance to see if I will be approved for the procedure. I am looking forward for him to do my surgery and at this point I trust him to perform the surgery. I do have some health related issues due to my obesity and for other reasons, but I have been given the OK for surgery by my Cardiologist, Lung and Sleep Doctor, and Psycologist. I am going into this knowing that there are several risks with having the surgery, but I have the faith that God, Dr. Husted, the Bariatric Center, and all my other doctors have taken my best interests into consideration and that they will ALL help this to be as safe and successful for me as they possibly can. I hope this information helps someone that may be reading this, who may be considering surgery. I know that Dr. Husted does several different procedures and he will help you to decide which is the best one for your situation. Thank you for taking the time to read this!!

Once I discovered chewables, I starting enjoying the vitamins as well. I completely agree that they feel a bit like dessert after eating, so I space them out the way you do. I'm particularly fond of the Bariatric Advantage caramel chewy bites.

For anyone who has Caresource in Ohio, here is their policy as it pertains to Bariatric Surgery as of July 2016: A. SUBJECT Obesity Surgery B. BACKGROUND Surgery for morbid obesity, bariatric surgery, and gastric bypass surgery is a major surgical procedure with significant risk of surgical and post-op complications that should be considered medically necessary only as a treatment alternative when a concerted effort a conventional and conservative management has failed for those who meet the policy criteria below. Prior authorization request for Morbid Obesity Surgery and supporting information must be submitted by the surgeon intending to perform the procedure. Further supporting information may be presented by the PCP or other practitioners, but unless the prior authorization request is submitted by the attending surgeon, the request will be administratively denied for lack of information. C. DEFINITIONS N/A D. POLICY I. The surgery should be considered medically necessary if ALL of the following conditions are met: A. The patient is at least 21 years of age. Members less than 19 years old will be considered only under extreme circumstances. B. The BMI (Body Mass Index) and associated conditions suggest surgery is the most prudent treatment: 1. BMI > 50 with or without associated co-morbidities and failed conservative weight loss attempts as per 3B 2. BMI 40-50 with 1 or more significant co-morbidities not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve 3. BMI 35-40 with 2 or more co-morbid conditions that are not well controlled with appropriate treatment that a surgical weight loss treatment is likely to improve: a. The co-morbid condition is either poorly controlled on appropriate medical therapy and would likely improve with weight reduction OR by virtue of family history and existing clinical conditions, the patient would remain high risk for short term co-morbid complications without the surgery Examples include Poorly controlled hypertension on multi-drug therapy Inadequately controlled diabetes despite high does insulin treatment and other therapeutic regimens Lipid disorder on maximum drug therapy and lifestyle modification without control C. Written clinical documentation and supporting information from the attending surgeon must include: 1. Letter of medical necessity 2. Evidence that there has been at least a 9 month documented physician supervised trial of diet and exercise within the last 24 months (adapted from NIH recommendations) 3. Summary of co-morbid conditions 4. A description of a multi-disciplinary approach to preparing and managing the patient in the pre-operative and peri-operative periods and through an extended post-operative period 5. Evidence the patient has been evaluated from a psychological standpoint within the past 6 months and which supports that the patient does not have an underlying psychiatric condition which would interfere with the success of the surgery and that the patient will withstand the rigors of the surgery and maintain long-term follow-up care. If the member is under psychiatric care, documentation from their current treating psychiatrist is also required 6. Supporting letter of medical necessity from the patient’s PCP, recommending the surgery and documenting that the patient has undergone medical evaluation to rule out other treatable causes of obesity D. Patients with a history of non-compliance with medical care and any psychiatric illnesses that may hinder compliance with the post-operative regimen are not suitable for surgery. -- Your surgeon may also require additional testing and clearances, but this is what Caresource requires. Hopefully this helps someone.

Hi All! Completed my first week back to work after 9/18/17 surgery. Got the staples out last Wednesday and all is well. Next visit is 10-27. Since I am working from home, keeping up with the diet has been ok. Added in some cottage cheese with unsweetened peaches which has been my breakfast favorite. Bariatric soup a couple of times a day along with protein shakes has kept my protein up in the 80's. Walking a couple to 3 times a day. I have no great insight....just following the plan and not worrying about anything. Since I am in my 60's, this was a health not a beauty thing. I want to play with my grandkid and enjoy my upcoming retirement. I can tell you I already sleep better and have less joint pain. My first big challenge is in 10 days when I have to travel for work. Managing the diet will be more complex then. Best wishes to all the September sleever's!

I actually was shocked with the insurance, it’s not through our regular health plan, its like an add-on that my husbands company has. Every procedure they cover is based on The Dr’s recommendation and not insurance guidelines. The only requirement is our deductible has to be met. It’s really a nice benefit. I was supposed to see Dr. Gorjala but he only sees patients on certain days. I was nervous about Dr. Lytle but ended up completely at ease. A little back story, I did not want the surgery, but all of my local doctors said I needed it. My BMI was only 32 I weighed 188 and am 5’0” and had been on weight watchers after a botched hysterectomy. I had gotten up to 201. I developed a large incisional hernia and no one would fix it until I was down to my ideal weight and weight watchers and gym was not doing it fast enough. My regular insurance would not cover it because my BMI was to low, I was only borderline diabetic, and no cardiac issues or high blood pressure. I was going to file a complaint with the health insurance and our insurance advocate told me about the program. Dr. Lytle reviewed my medical records and had to convince me that my local Drs were right and that I needed to have this surgery to get the hernia fixed. I just met with a local surgeon for the hernia, through the same program and found out how bad things really are, but because I had the surgery I can be fixed. All of my large and small intestines are outside of where they are supposed to be and I have no stomach wall so they need to rebuild it. I will lose my belly button. I live in Central Florida half way between Daytona and Orlando. My next surgery will be in Orlando at ORMC. Atlanta is huge and I do not miss driving around there. Thankfully we were staying in Sandy Springs around the corner from the hospital. We did travel to Centennial Park when we were there for consult. The traffic is horrible there so I can understand your concern. Lol. I want to wish you luck with everything. It sounds like you have been through a lot yourself. I know everyone at Bariatric Innovations will take great care of you! The trip was well worth it. I wanted Dr. Lytle to fix my hernia also and he agreed to do it, but I needed to consult with a local surgeon first. If it wasn’t so far I would have gone with Dr Lytle but because of the seriousness of the hernia I decided to go with a local surgeon to avoid all the traveling.

Teresa, your idea of writing to them was a great one. Here's the letter I just sent: I was very disheartened to watch Al Roker's piece on bypass surgery last Friday. There was no discussion whatsoever of other types of bariatric surgery--irresponsibly so in light of the fact that more and more people, including teenagers, are taking this very serious step. Someone watching your show could easily conclude that there is only one type of surgical procedure available to people suffering from severe obesity. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is profoundly safer than bypass and equally effective in improving the health of people suffering from weight-related problems. Weight loss is moderated and, as with RNY/bypass, requires that the patient make substantial changes in his or her life. Perhaps you avoided discussions of banding because as yet, only one manufacturer distributes the band in the U.S. But at the very least it would have been appropriate and helpful to say that there ARE other surgical options available, and that people doing research should be sure to inquire about them. The goal of any weight-loss surgery is to improve the life and health of the patient, and there is no question that banding can help that happen with exponentially fewer risks to the patient. Dr. Christine Ren is one of the most respected band doctors in the country. Since it's inconceivable that she did not bring this procedure to the attention of Mr. Roker or your producers, the obvious conclusion is that it was excluded for some reason. I am very concerned--as you should be too--that some members of your audience will make an unnecessarily risky decision because of your editorial choice.

I do not regret it at all. I am 3 and 1/2 weeks PO and I feel great. The surgery was not bad at all and I had no complications. Make sure you research your Dr. If you look up Bariatric Center of Excellence, you will find a list of Dr.s that have had great outcomes. It is a total change in life and I have struggled a little but I am new at this and I am learning every day with my new body. I am down 23 pounds and my clothes fit so much better and I am excited for my future, for once. Good Luck!