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That my dear is why KetoFlu is also called Carb Flu. Giving it up can be almost as painful as the real flu, and like any other addiction your body wants it back and doesn't want you withdrawing. Like previous responder said it is do -able. but it is going to take strong willpower, think of it as the struggle it is. Junk food is seductive, it wants you back in its clutches. Our taste buds were trained from itty bitty hood to enjoy the taste, want the taste and especially crave the satisfaction we once gained from it. Stop having a baby type reaction, now that we have our new tool- well you do, mine hasn't been installed yet-- but you know what I'm saying is true-- we have to establish and keep an adult relationship with food. Think of it also this way, I am not yet an ordained bariatric person but there are such things as lay ministers,& that's me . I have currently gastritis and have encountered post surg characteristics early. I can't eat more than small amounts at times, and I even mini-dump like a baby bypasser, can't reason why just know that's how it is.You have got to eat high quality foods, not clunky junky, eat to live but not live to eat. And stop obsessing over the Twix and Ding Dong on the grocery shelf, the shelf needs it there to balance the display, you don't. You have to do this for yourself and also for me, I'm following along behind you, you need to set me a GOOD example. Me and all the newbies are counting on You. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi MACPOWER! What variety of surgery will you be having? Where will you be having it at? And lastly, can we help you with any questions? We're a nice group of people, world wide, and we love to help others. My name on here is frust8, I got peeved one day , said I was frust8ed and they took me at my word. I am 72, yeah you heard right,live in Central Ohio, 14 miles from the Geographic Center, and will,be having a RnY bypass at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, my state capital.May maybe? Red headed spunky and sassy at times but I'm in it to win it like everybody else. I have a BMI of 46-47, nice weight for a redwood tree, might heavy for a human female, had an eureka moment, I'm not going to live much longer in this tired obese worn out shell without surgery, diets tried-well everything up to near starvation, did not work for long if all all. So here I am , Bariatric God/grandma to many but basically a Buckeye Good Ole Girl. Now sit down, pull up a chair and tell me your side of things[emoji12] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone. I just stumbled across this website as I was doing my normal “bariatric Surgery” google search that I seem to keep doing. And thought to myself, what a great place to be! Talking to other people that are going through the same thing that I’m going through! I’m having Bariatric Surgery April 11th!

Hi Neon Star, Those comorbidity conditions generally disappear after bariatric surgery. Are you scheduled to have it or contemplating having it? Wishing you the best in your decision and progress.

Don't be nervous, when you are on Bariatric Pal you are among friends. The veterans, who I count among our greatest resource, have been there, done that,made it through and are here to share their experiences and cheer us on as each of us makes our own journey. Some of us, like you, are newbies, some still completing requirements, some with dates set and some with brand new surgeries. Yeah all different stages but we are united in wanting to help others.This is not an easy journey, sometimes not a quick journey, but all, unless we turn back, make it to the finish line. We come in with different life experiences but it makes for a richer fabric of life here. Relax, sit down and tell us a little more about yourself, we always enjoy hearing from New friends![emoji12] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Has anyone ever started out doing keto and then switching back to a more traditional bariatric plan? Did your body adjust easily or did you gain weight? Just to clarify- i don't mean going from keto to eating pizza and french fries all day. But i do mean transitioning from the keto diet to a lower fat, higher protein, low good carb (such as fruits, veggies including starchy veggies and beans) lifestyle.

Hey everyone! I am currently in a 3 month program at an in-network hospital to do my surgery.They accept my insurance but as I am reading over the rider it states this as meeting requirements to be qualified: "To be eligible to begin the qualification process You must be an adult age 18 or over, a non tobacco user and have a documented medical history of two years or more of a Body Mass Index (BMI):  Equal to 35 and less than 40 with two or more co-morbid conditions  40 or over with one or more co-morbid conditions" under the definitions tab they have this as a co-morbidity: "Co-morbid conditions: Means for the purposes of the Bariatric Surgery benefit, the following chronic health conditions:  Cardiomyopathy  Type 2 Diabetes  Coronary Heart Disease  Hypertension  Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)  Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea" I am afraid that since I do not have any of those conditions I will not get approval for my surgery. My mother's side of the family has a history of diabetes while my father's side has a history of heart disease and cholesterol. I am doing so well when it comes to getting all the proper requirements for my insurance. I'm getting a bariatric psych eval next week as well as finishing up my last month of classes at the hospital. Does it seem hopeful? Thank you! Clarifications: I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas and this is my rider: https://www.bcbsks.com/CustomerService/Members/State/pdf/2018_BCBS_PLAN_C.pdf Current weight: 285 BMI: 46

Wow small world for you 2, how neat to find your own surgery twin on Bariatric Pal! Unbelievable![emoji195]Happy Easter! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes. I began taking 10,000 msg biotin, about 3 months before surgery. I began 4 550 mg beef gelatin about 3 months after&take a bariatric high dose vitamin about a few weeks after surgery. Doctor tests showed all vit levels normal. I DO struggle STILL to get in enough protein....food, in general. I cannot, 7 months after surgery, eat meat...eggs are about as unpleasant. I throw up if I eat too fast or often, if it's meat. I cannot tolerate the extremely sweet, nauseating protein shakes or bars. My best protein supplement is Genepro, which I mix in oatmeal, cottage cheese or a bit of sweet potato. Thanks for replies. I'm going to have to cut what's left of my hair. Has anyone used minoxidil??

Thank you for telling us, I,for one, feel honored you shared this secret with us. I am waiting for my surgery, maybe May, after curves and a threatened derailment of my journey on the weight loss road , I am fighting what seems an uphill battle to secure a RnY . Started my battle in August 2015, now ready to proceed with program # 2 at bariatric center#2 for hopefully not a 3rd set of requirements, I should have clairification after April 25th 2 hour meeting with OSU psychologist Dr Kramer in Columbus Ohio. There are days I toy with the idea of novacaine, a box cutter and 30 wt fishing line and doing my own . I have begged, pleaded ,jumped through hoops, crawled through minefields of quasi regulations, slithered across broken glass, had various portions of my anatomy scanned, prodded ultrasounded and groped to no avail. Every portion of my gastrointestinal system is there except the appendix and gall bladder I gave up 30+ years ago.[emoji10] I have answered questions, allowed my psyche to be probed, and presented myself in abject humiliation to have surgery and it still has not happened. If this is truly a journey I have gone around enough hairpin turns to last me until infinity.But I have resolved not to let it triump over me, I will subdue the Bariatric dragons in my path with my Rightness sword. And surgery will be mine![emoji7][emoji626] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

You’ve got your first stall. Stall is just another word for plateau. You will have many stalls/plateaus. While your body is not losing pounds at the moment, it IS losing inches. This is rule of thumb for everybody on this journey. My first stall happened about a month into it, it last three or so weeks. I’ve had about four since, (give or take) with one almost an entire month before suddenly dropping five pounds in two days. You may even gain a pound or two once in a while through your journey, I find for me is normal. If that happens I will double check my ounces in food I had prior to that. I find most times it’s just water retention or constipation. You will want to lose 1-2 pounds a week. You will find that some weeks you lose nothing, others you drop weight fast. Weighing everyday can help you notice patterns in your weight loss journey. Whether the amount of weight you lost is normal or not is difficult and moot at best. I only say that because bigger people shed more weight quicker than smaller ones do. You are losing weight well and doing fantastic. Just continue to eat healthy as well as exercise. One other thing, some bariatric patients will stall for a few months. Remember: during a long stall, you are losing inches too.

I’m sorry that has happened to you, and it sounds like she is abusive and not doing her job. I would wonder if she is seeing a therapist herself. Or, I would wonder if she is qualified as a bariatric shrink. I can assume she is young, because she seems unprofessional? Not implying all young people are this socially inept - she is especially rude. I feel awful she seems to be guiding your choice for you, because you’ve already selected the best choice in your life for your health. I would go to weight watchers and return to her and ( and this is true for me ) tell her you are not going to start an eating regime that is costly, unhealthy due to high caloric Intake, and will most likely cause you to gain more weight. I would tell her you have a nutritionist and have made your choice and are comfortable with getting “cut up”, even if it means the trade off is that you are healthier to be more productive as a mother. I would also ask her why she is trying to get you to not have the surgery, and also ask her what her purpose in the psych evaluation is. I would then tell her that he co-morbidities she listed as possible outcomes for you ( she was correct in what she said but she was still inappropriate) are why you’re having the surgery and that being overweight and having diabetes is genetic and she is making assumptions and accusations that only amount to her opinion. I would then call my insurance company if she keeps insulting you. And I would write a letter to whomever has employed her and explain briefly what she has said and done without making overt threats. One gets more bees with honey, than with vinegar. Shes there to ask questions, maybe possibly help you have a few epiphanies, she is there to encourage and build you up, not shake you up or make you feel bad for your choice. She seems abusive considering the powerful cards she is holding but, she’s also stoppable. She also seems very uninformed about the bariatric process. I’m so damn crazy that I’d probably have a small tape recorder in my pocket turned on so I could prove she’s not professional. I’m sorry this happened to you and hope it doesn’t thwart your goals. Mine was an amazing African American woman who encouraged me and knew five minutes into our talk I was solid for the surgery. I had seen her twice. She merely suggested really great ideas, like doing physical activity rather than dining out with friends after the surgery. She had a fabulous sense of humor and shared her life with me, right down to giving me a fabulous recipe her granny back home had for collard greens. I kid you not. I loved my shrink and feel blessed that even though I had a year and two months worth of classes and seminars, that the people who were holding positions of authority, and would ultimately make the choice for me, well they were compassionate and encouraging... and informed.

Give up sodas & empty carbohydrate calories, cut down on coffee and other caffeine drinks until they are gone. More vegetables, especially green and yellow ones. Lower red meats, go to fish and lean fowl. Add beans, good fiber there and there are many varieties of them. Exercise more, even if you start with walks around the house, then around the block and neighborhood, work yourself up to the gym, if you go there now, you might get discouraged looking around at everybody else looking fit and trim. They may have once have been in your shoes and worked themselves up to there[emoji14] Most important believe in yourself, you are good, worthwhile, this is a project you will gain so much from , a longer healthier fitter life, less shortness of breath, more able to fit into the good things in life. Go for it, it is within your grasp if you really try! And you have a built in cheering squad in all of your Bariatric Pals![emoji14][emoji626][emoji14] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Michelekarch if you are still lurking around and I hope you are, I didn't have my surgery at Mount Carmel with Marcus Miller. Amber, his Bariatric Facilitator is wonderful, I loved her and I guess I always will, but Dr Miller & I parted company in February. His idea-- not mine. Don't want to bad-mouth him, he may still be perfect for you. Now planning for surgery at OSU, maybe May? I will still receive my RnY, maybe the delay will strengthen me but I thought I was strong enough already. At any rate sunshine for today and the future![emoji304] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

It is recommended that all bariatric patients maintain a lower carb diet post op. I know I have seen lots of ppl on here going from sleeve to bypass, maybe they were just first time posters, none returners. It is estimated that between 30-50 percent of gastric bypass patients develop dumping syndrome. Seems to be a common misconception that all people will get this. I was never sleeved but I’m over three months out from bypass. I can tolerate almost all foods except whole steaks, and dry pieces of dense proteins like chicken or pork chops. I’ve never had GERD but surgeon has me on omeprazole for a year post op. Maybe a sleeve to bypass revision post op will see this and post for you with more insight!

Please take your Vitamins, there are many companies,many formulations, but you are risking your present and future health if you don't. If you can't decide on your own , ask your nutritionist, ask your bariatric practice, ask your PCP if all else fails ask on Bariatric Pal, but *you* matter!. We all want *you* with us for a very long time[emoji14][emoji14][emoji14]!!! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Pretty sure that I was honest on my last renewal. I knew that I wouldn't be able to fool anyone since my picture was there as well. Just as soon as I drop even half of my weight, I will be going to the DMV for a new picture

Hi all! I introduced myself about a month ago but now I have a legit date for my first appointment with a bariatric surgeon. My PCP was also amazing and gave me referrals for cardiologist, gastroenterologist, and psychiatrist because she knows I’ll for sure need them. I got my blood work done yesterday and the Cardio office called me To schedule my consultation with them for Saturday. I’ve been researching like crazy and am ready for this. I’ve been toying with the idea for about three years but now finally took the plunge to make appointments. Looking forward to getting to know others here.

Approval/coverage is based on your specific plan benefits & medical necessity. First I'd recommend calling Aetna to ask if it is covered under YOUR plan. Second, read their policy on bariatric surgery to find out what is covered & what criteria needs to be met. If your plan covers a revision & your medical records show that you meet their criteria then you shouldn't have an issue getting approved.

I am on day 4 and its been rough! The first 3 days i had major migraine and the hunger postings were awful. Today was better. I just get tired faster. My pre op consist of sugar free liquid, sf cool pops, Protien shakes broth and one bariatric approved protein bar a day. My surgery is April 10th.

Has anyone received 2 boxes? On 3/22 I got a small box that had a shrink wrapped pack of Bariatric Pal business cards. Then the next day I received the box of the month that had the portion plate in it. I looked at my account it and shows my March box of the month was delivered... but it was those business cards. I called the store and they want me to send a picture of the cards I received.

I think I always told them I was 250, I'm really over 300, should pull mine out and recheck, I don't remember what I put down last December when I renewed. FYI my state (Ohio) requires your height and weight on hunting and fishing licenses. I know because when I worked at WallyWorld I was cross-trained in Sporting Goods and sold many. One guy asked me one day why Ohio wants his height and weight on his license? Told him the only thing I could figure was if somebody shot him it would make it easier to identify the body.[emoji14] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m on the Bariatric Multi Vitamin (2x day) and calcium nitrate (3x day). Is that the iron you’re asking about??

I know the hospital I am having my RnY at, OSU-Wexner Medical Center in Columbus Ohio is still doing Gastric Balloon but it is only for a 6 month duration and usually for lower BMI or to get some people in shape for more bariatric surgery but usually the former. Looks like it's pretty expensive for what you're getting.[emoji6] Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I asked several surgeons and they said no. If you're looking for a post sleeve Gerd solution, look up the linx procedure. I believe it's in clinical trials for bariatric patients. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app