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Hi, You responded to my post yesterday about a texting buddy. Maybe we could chat and be helpful to each other. I was banded in 2008 and was initially successful but have gotten off my plan for the past 2 years. I still have a significant amount of weight to lose, so maybe we could follow each other. Basically, you need to stay under a certain calorie level (I like to do 1000 but a lot of people consume 1200 or 1300 and still do well) and also make sure you are getting enough Protein to heal, keep you full, and avoid muscle loss. I also benefit from doing very low carb, but everyone is different. The protein shake in the morning is fine. You can have your calories at whatever time you want, as long as you stay under your daily calorie count. How many calories did you enter on that web site? From what I've read, staying as low as 800 calories per day for over 3 months can slow your metabolism to some extent, but you would still be losing weight. I think for bariatric patients and anyone who has a significant amount to lose, the calories listed on those sites might be misleading. Anyway, good luck with your journey. Where is your surgeon located? I one time went to a Dr. Gee in San Dimas, but it says San Diego on your profile, so I wasn't sure if it's the same surgeon. Let me know if you want to chat. I think it would be helpful to call or text someone every day to make sure we're both following our plans. Annie

I have gotten Medicare to reconsider accepting the Sleeve Gastrectomy. you need to view the psoting. They are soliciting public comments. http://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/details/nca-details.aspx?NCAld+=258&ver=2&NcaName=Bariatric+Surgery+for+the+treatment+of+Morbid+Obesity+(2nd+Recon)&bc=ACAAAAAAAAAA Please visit this site and post any information in favor. Thanks. Marcia name='likasulema' timestamp='1318798760' post='219248'] i have medicare as my primary coverage, but empire blue cross as my secondary. MEDICARE does NOT cover the sleeve yet because its relatively new (few years or something. ) Medicare DOES cover the lapband and gastric bypass. (but i want the sleeve) My surgery for the sleeve is 12/7 - medicare will send the "official" denial for the sleeve after hospital sends bill, empire needs to see the "official" denial first, and then empire looks at my qualifications in having the sleeve. I have all the qual.. (BMI, diabetes, high chlolesteral, and high blood pressure, and sleep apnea (aren't I lucky???!!!) The insurance companies know that Medicare doesn't cover the sleeve, but they need the official denial after the surgery. Then the other insurance company can proceed. I know this sounds weird, its the beurocracy (msp) but thats how it was explained to me. Empire does cover the sleeve - so they told me after all the paperwork is sent in I will be 99% positive I will be approved. They can't officially guarantee it for obvious reasons. But they did tell me unofficially of course that everything looks fine. so the bottom line is MEDICARE doesn't cover the sleeve, no if ands or butts, but your secondary might cover it, like my empire blue cross. hope i've helped - without confusing you too much - write back w/any more questions )

Dr. Miles did my surgery on 11-11-08, I have lost 103 pounds but looking to lose about 50 more then have the Panni surgery done. However I need a fill and called today and it has been since Jan 2010 since I had a fill....ooops but I have had restriction and/or been saying I need to go...anyway I made appointment for Nov 29 so I am excited bout that... I want back on the losing wagon!!!! However since it has been over a year since being to the doc there, I have to get a bariatric swallow done to make sure that my band is in the correct place...anyone ever had one of those?

Laura, I checked the american bariatric association's website and found this doctor in Decatur. Have you tried them? If you have and can't/don't want to use them for whatever reason, go back to the bariatric association's website. You can search by zipcode for a doctor. Surgery Consultants of Decatur

Congratulations March Bandsters! I'm two weeks post-op today! Still on a liquid diet, although this morning I had a Greek yogurt without any issues. I go for my first fill 4/25/14. I'm kinda nervous about that since I got banded in Mexico by Dr. Ortiz and I'm going to a local bariatric surgeon in Maryland for my fill, and they told me my first visit would be $450 then $250 after that since my insurance won't cover it. The University of Maryland school of medicine, Johns Hopkins University, George Washington School of medicine all have a bariatric surgery program; so I have a question, has any one had a fill at a local med school, and is it cheaper?

Good articles Hawk, especially the last one. It mentions about a 5% increase over time. I'd say that's still "not like it used to be". I like the books suggested in one of the links. I didn't know there was a Bariatrics for Dummies. Some of those are really well written.

It seems that every bariatric Dr. has their own variation of a post op diet. Some are definitely more lenient than others. I must be blessed because I have had the easiest and most pain free experience. Only one day of moderate discomfort after surgery - and by the second day I was walking laps around the nurses station. By day 3, I could have easily gone back to work. By day 4, I did go back to work and no one can tell I've had anything done. I have literally barely a bruise. The rash I got from latex bandages is way worse than any bruises I have. I'm down 6 pounds in 6 days and my energy level is super high. I feel WAY better than before surgery. I should probably add this: i see a lot of different variations of even a clear liquid diet out there. My Dr's told me to keep the carbs down. So no fruit juices or sugar anything for me. I am in moderate ketosis at all times. This MAY (I am not a Dr) account for varying degrees of weight loss. If one chose to drink apple juice all day, they could certainly consume a LOT of calories and sugar. I have gone the clear Protein drink direction. My only regret is not doing this years ago!

I am so sorry that this happened. At one point or more we have all received this kind of treatment from someone in our lives. It comes from uneducated people who do not understand that obesity is a disease and that bariatric surgery can and will give you your life back literally! You do what you need to to feel safe with your decision. Leverage local support groups, leverage the folks on this site to help you in your journey. Once your weight starts coming off and your health improves you can have a face to face discussion with your friend about it. She is just worried for you and does not understand how you are currently feeling about your health. I wish you all the best! Feel free to reach out to me anytime!

I heard about this , and if it doesn't feel good or fit your lifestyle, then don't. Everybody and every body is different so what works for one might not work for you. If you feel one cookie will make you turn the wrong way, then don't. It is perfectly fine to not do so. It is your journey, you are behind the steering wheel. Go for it and enjoy the view! It is similar to what happened to me last week. A colleague of his told him I should "train my stomach" by drinking soda and eat and drink at the same time. She also said that doing physical training will prevent loose skin. Because that was what she did. It took quite a bit of talking from my side that no, I will not train my stomach, and no, exercise will not prevent loose skin. If that comes, I welcome it! It means I am successful! But I take my bariatric team serious and even though I do eat chocolate now and then, in general I follow their advice.

My post-op programme didn't limit anything - no calorie goals, no protein goals, no fluid goals even! I learnt all that by being on this forum. I was told just eat as you feel. Seems just basic common bariatric sense to me now to get my protein in first, veg second, fruit third and then other carbs after that. Even now at almost exactly a year out I don't reach 50g carbs or anything like it most days. Other than weekends, when I *choose* to drink some alcohol. So many ways to skin a rabbit, LOL.

One more thing....there is also the Mercy Bariatric Center in Harvard IL. I made an initial appointment there but could not find much research on them so I went with the Kane Center because I felt more comfortable since I found so many good stories from people who went there.

Renewed WTG!!!! Just curious, how many calories did your bodybugg register during the 5k?? You have an excellent burn rate to be so little.

renewed that sounds good to me!!!

I'm doing good Renewed, just crazy busy...This last month has been non-stop, should have a little bit of time after this weekend though. I'm leaving tonight to go to my families, my 15 year class reunion (high school) is this weekend. Been planning my wedding (Sept 4). I see you're on Week 6 of C25K, thats so awesome! I'm about to start week 3, after week 3 I don't know how long it will take me to progress. I signed up for my first 5K at the end of Sept!! How you doin??

I did take nutritional classes before surgery but she basically talked about calories carbs protein and measurements I never really got instructions on how to eat and what to eat until I left the hospital with a few paper handouts everything that I have learned has been in the last 30 days over Googling on my phone some of this stuff is blowing me away how I have been eating and the things that I'm not supposed to be doing I'm learning all on the internet and buy my phone such as bariatric pal I have done a 190 turn around and have been trying to follow the rules and learn everything I can about how to eat I am still very green and learning I am one month and 1 week post-op I have had to go back and kind of restart and I'm trying to learn as I go what to eat how to eat and how much to eat this hasn't been easy at all it seems as though I have a stomach made out of steel!!! It seems as though I can eat anything and everything nothing has made me sick in any kind of way if I overeat which is a lot more than I would say normal I do get a small pain in my stomach but other than that nothing has really bothered me of course I don't eat like that anymore and push myself I am trying to follow the rules Sent from my SM-J327T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

So I called them, and it took 3 different calls, but they were able to tell me a little (they confirmed I have the coverage, and because I have the diamond plan, it has the absolute most coverage). SO then when I had my first appt with my bariatric surgeon, I was able to speak with the person who handles the insurance and she pulled up my coverage and was really able to give me more clarity on what's covered (basically, all 3 major bariatric surgeries, all the testing, the psych eval, and the 2 nutritionist appts). It really depends on the level of coverage you choose. The higher the plan, the more coverage you get. I have MS and I have had every medication, every MRI, every specialist, every EVERYTHING covered no questions asked. Same with my bariatric surgery, same with PCP, same with pretty much everything. Lower plans (and this goes for any insurance) cover less. Higher plans cover more.

A lot on your shoulders all at once. Well we are a ways away, but talk to us anytime. We understand in a way people who haven't been through it don't. You just got to be super strong for yourself and look out for you. But a Bariatric therapist is a good idea, we all can use some help at times. Never be afraid to ask for help, life can be bewildering.

Just did it! Renewed my subscription! Ready to start using it again!

Hi Benny and all the others on this thread. I commend each of you for your courage and for setting boundaries that feel right and comfortable for YOU. These boundary lines may or may not be the same for everyone. While others are not entitled to know such personal information I find it can be more uncomfortable to carry around secrets and tend to "over-share" as a result. So, when it came to this very personal journey I've made a conscious decision to exercise a greater level of discretion than I might otherwise have done had this been another type of surgery. I stumbled upon Bariatric Pal just in the nick of time and have been searching for this particular topic for a few days. My Feb. 3 surgery date creeps ever closer and I'm struggling with whom to tell and NOT to tell about my news. It took over a year to make my ultimate decision to move forward with my VSG and I've done tons of research as it's my nature to do so. I've also watched many YouTube videos of other sleevers. They've each made my decision SO much easier. I work in close quarters in an office setting with only about 9 administrative staff at my location. One of these co-workers had a Gastric Bypass many years ago. So far, I've told my husband, two teenage children, my mother, two sisters, my boss and one co-worker who also needs to know. These seven people have ALL been at least neutral if not outright supportive. They have expressed concern, a healthy dose of skepticism, and caution; but ultimately have been supportive - even those naturally slim ones who've not walked in my shoes along the arduous path of being overweight for years. Today, after more careful thought, I decided to open up to the co-worker who had Gastric Bypass. She smiled and hugged me. In her embrace I felt an immediate sense of camaraderie and acceptance. She told me how happy she was for me. I knew I had made the right decision. I'm sure she was also delighted to have a new "bariatric buddy" to commiserate with now! Unlike my family and co-workers, my husband's family is large (in number), rather opinionated and controlling. Once I broached the subject of weight loss surgery with one of them and she immediately responded, "NO! YOU'RE NOT DOING THAT!" I just brushed her comment aside and said I was just taking the 12-week preparation class to educate myself about the options 'out there.' Despite the controlling nature of that side of our family, we are close and they are loving and supportive of our family in many ways. I know they will feel truly hurt if I wait until after surgery to spring the news on them. I believe they will eventually come around once the realization sets in that this was my decision to make, not theirs. The partial explanation approach: "I'm just eating a healthier diet and exercising more." will never fly with this group. They all know I've tried EVERYthing to lose weight and they'd never buy it. They're far too astute. I suppose time will tell. I'm leaning toward spilling the Beans about a week before surgery so they have time to process the concept; but I'm still not 100% sure when the "right" opportunity will present itself. I'll suppose I'll just have to follow my heart and trust my own instincts ... Like most others, my decision was based primarily on the priority of extending my life and to ensuring my children and husband will have a mom/wife around for a long time; one who will soon be physically able to keep up and participate fully in our lives together. Blessings to all of you and my gratitude to those of you patient enough to read my posting. It's much longer than I expected it would be!

How did you do that??? Please help. Honestly I can't get anything down except the bariatric soups, maybe some sugar free jello. I need to drink more water and get more proteins in. Lord its so difficult.

Well. I have been told by my nurse and nut to eat 3 times a day. not to aim for a protien goal. I am 5 weeks out, went to see surgeon, bariatric nurse,phisio and dietician. and i was told to eat 3 times a day and not to use protien shakes, and now to go onto normal food, so its hard to figure out how i can have the right amount of protein in 3 4ounce meals . and your right nothing was dense, i am moving on to normal food today i dont even know were to start!! im in the uk by the way and we are not focused on protien and low carb, its just they want me to have a balanced diet and swollow all my vits. im so confused. thanks for your help!

I'm so sorry that happened. And I know how much hurtful words from your spouse can really shake one at their core. Could you find a marriage counselor who does online video calls? I think therapy is the only viable option to get to the root of what's going on. Or maybe a bariatric surgery support group for partners. Someone had mentioned that he may feel threatened by your weight loss. That is not an uncommon problem; especially if the partner is insecure. Maybe try to build up his security. Men normally respond to verbal praise. For example, in the first few weeks after my surgery, my husband was a very grumpy person to be around. When I commented on it, he blew up and said how overwhelmed he felt with work, taking care of a large portion of the home responsibilities, that it's been all about me and my recovery, and a few other things. I took some time to process, and in the right timing, I thanked him for all he's doing and told him that it did not go unnoticed. I reassured him and built him back up. Since then, things have been going really well. Your therapist may have some other ideas.

Hello! I new here and going through the process with the bariatric center and now at the decision of lap band or bypass. I first inteaded to do lap band but now am in the middle. Have anyone wished they did gastric bypass instead why? and if not what are you reasons for lap band? I need people that are going through the process cuz right now i can only hear what the doctor and my family are saying:redface:

I wouldn't worry about scars in the long term. My lap band was 2005. I needed to hunt to find those scars. Yet my rny scars looks so obvious and angry. I know they will fade in time Not the bariatric scars, ones from any tummy tuck or body lift... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I completely understand ! I have been the victim of grazing and sipping beverages that I shouldn't be. I like to food tracker app on my phone because it allows me to see my intake and protein intake. I have found a company called bariatric choice, they sale high protein snack food...I haven't purchased anything from them yet because it's expensive and my budget is tight, but they have some great options tht sound pretty good. And I have Earned that the more water I drink the less I eat and when I just have to have that crunch I eat celery with peanut butter or carrots and cucumber with some light dressing