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My nutritionist said to check out the special K cereal bars, that they would be good....I haven't tried them yet though. Looked yummy. I bought the Sample Bag from bariatric pantry.com and so far none of them wowed me enough to want to buy more, but the bag came with at least a dozen different bars and I've only tried maybe half. I paid about $15 for the bag, so it was a pretty good price to try them out. Let us know if you find one.

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself. I am scheduled for my band this Thursday 9/18 at noon. Kind of funny having bariatric surgery at lunch time! I have lost 12 pounds on my liquid diet so far. Down from 312 to 300. I wanted to be less then 300 day of surgery so I think I'll make that goal. Just trying to hang in. How long before you were up and about after surgery? I don't want to be laid up too long.....................

I am in my early 20s and just got the band. I was similarly concerned about how it would change my social life. I am only a few days into being banded, but I think the real changes for me on this topic came about a month ago, before I had the band. The truth is, you can have fun in moderation. I am a big drinker and social eater and often plan outings surrounding these things. The thing I have found out from being on my preop diet and being restricted in eating and not drinking is that people don't really care if I am eating fatty foods or drinking alcohol with them. As long as they can do those things, and I am not making my not-participation the focus of what is going on, then no one really minds. The bigger change will not come from your friends, but from you. You will have to learn to be fun and jolly and entertain yourself without the food/alcohol. No one is going to care if you order a Soup instead of a Pasta dish, or if you have a cranberry juice instead of a vodka tonic if you are still being fun and normal. Your friends like you for you, not for how much you can drink or eat. It is a hard transition though. I have added other things to my social life too, like doing-non drinking activities, like seeing a movie or going kayaking with a friend or going shopping, as a replacement to some of drinking/eating related things. I also went to a BBQ at my friends house where people could bring food but I provided food that I knew I would be able to eat without feeling deprived (I brough lots of grilled veggies, veggie burger and crab stuffed mushrooms and propel zero-- no one cared what I was eating or that I wasn't drinking and it was a ton of fun. I enjoyed myself way more not feeling guilty about over eating or worrying if someone counted how many chips I had had and was judging me and I felt the need to drink less). It will be different for every person though. These life changes are good ones. The sooner you start the sooner you get the band you will be able to have control of your life, feel good about yourself, and show other people how confident you are. Being able to have fun without alcohol is an awesome skill, and being able to having conversations and socialize without using food as a crutch will only make you a better friend. I just work hard not to make my new eating habits or band anyone else's problem. It requires planning and has changed my life, but for the better. I have had to really look at what is available on menus before getting to a restaurant and I always carry something that will curb my appetite in a pinch (although there are some fast food options that aren't awful, just look at nutrition and do your best to stay high, Protein and low carb). These things aren't hard though. I think it is good you are asking these questions and if you aren't ready to make some changes inside yourself with how you cope with social situations (not drinking or eating your way through them) then it probably isn't the time for you to get banded. It would be worse, in my opinion, to get banded now and feel like you are failing then to wait until you are mentally ready to give up some of the social comfort and let your friends still have it. The band won't be a cure for any of your bad habits or mental reasons for eating, so those changes need to either come first or you need to be prepared enough to fight them when the cravings come. Doing the 6 month preop nutritionist consults, meeting fellow bariatric surgery patients, being on this site, watching youtube videos, reading blogs and meeting with a therapist have all helped me realize that I don't use food in a normal way and in some ways that hinders my social life more than it helps. This is all just me though. I don't know if it relates to you, but as a young 20 something, the sooner you are happy, the better. It just might take more work mentally if you don't want to change your lifestyle 180 degrees, because the triggers and reasons to eat will still be there after the band. Good luck deciding and feel free to message if you have more questions.

I remember liking the Bariatric Advantage Calcium chews, but I remember that I wasn't terribly fond of their regular Multivitamin chewables. That was 4 years ago, though, so they may have changed their formulation. Does anyone have any recommendations for chewable Multivitamins?

Anyone from pacific bariatric medical group in San Diego?

Is anyone using another brand of chewable Calcium citrate other than the Bariatric ones? If so what brand and where do you find them? ♡♡Tamara♡♡

Start with the surgery centers themselves. Call around to all the bariatric surgery centers and ask if they are a "Blue Cross Center of Excellence (COE)". Blue cross only covers the procedures at the centers THEY deem as COE. After talking to tons of Dr.s offices by looking them up on my Anthem Blue Cross website, and hearing that the Dr. is a contracted physician, I would start the process only to find out that the center that the doctor uses is not a COE therefor ABC would not cover it. I called around to about 8 different surgery hospitals/centers before I found a location that was COE. And then from there I asked them which physicians on staff were contracted through ABC as well. And that's how after six months of searching, I finally found the center and doctor that my insurance would cover. Good luck. In this day and age you need to be your own advocate. Alot of Dr.s are dropping their contracts with the insurance companies because they are quite frankly getting screwed by them. I work at a brand new surgery center, and we don't contract with anyone because we would loose too much money and be unable to stay open. Make the calls and make sure you are asking the correct questions, and you should do fine. BTW, blue cross is terrible about paying for the after care. As far as your fills and such, you may need to pay for those on your own. I ended up paying a "fee" after my insurance pay outs to cover the cost of my aftercare (fills, consults, post procedure follow up visits). Again good luck.

My name is Jennifer. I am 33 yrs old. I am from Springdale, AR. I was referred to my local bariatric surgeon by my neurosurgeon. My weight is killing my already broke down spine. I have had 5 back surgeries and their is nothing else they can do for my spine. I am just getting started with whole process of getting approved for the surgery. I have excellent family support. I am just very nervous about the whole process of getting to the surgery. The one thing I don't have to worry about in my insurance not paying, cause I called them and I am covered. I am really worried about the psychological exam. What is that like? I know I am ready for the commitment it takes after the surgery. If I would of had this opportunity a couple of years ago, I definitely wouldn't of been able to commit. I am ready to get out from under the diabetes medicines and the cpap machine. I want to take control of my health, I just need some help doing so. I want to be able to exercise without hurting. I guess now I realize I am not enjoying life, I am just living. I don't want to suffer the weight related issues my dad eventually died from. I had to watch him go thru multiple open heart surgeries and dialysis as a little kid and I lost him when I was 10. I fear I am may going to down that same road. Jennifer

NO! I had some stupid resident that doesn't know what she is doing. She gave me Maalox and a protontic and told me to follow up with a GI specialist. I've had issues with being stuck before and having some pain and swelling after, but never pain like this or for this long! Since the episode, I've only been drinking Water and just a few hours ago, I started taking small spoons of runny pudding. I had my surgery in Mexico so I don't have my surgeon here. I have a Dr. that does my fills but she is not a bariatric Dr. She is 1hr and a half away. They told me to go to my family Dr. so I'm headed there by 2:30 today. I'm also experiencing pain in my shoulders like I did after surgery. The pain is very sharp at times and gets worse when I move around. I have to keep moving positions to get comfortable.

So to make a long story short, I was originally getting the sleeve but the insurance will only cover the lapband. Due to that, I had to go back in to see my bariatric doctor to resign consent forms for the band. That whole office has been pushing the sleeve so I was, of course, disappointed that I couldn't have it. However, today he said that he believes I will be successful with the band. That because I'm "young, don't have much to lose, and have a low BMI" it should work really well for me. First off, I have 100 pounds to lose and am at 43-44 BMI. Last time I checked, that's the weight of a 10 year old. Anyways, that kinda just grated my nerves a bit. He also does both bands-Lap Band and the Realize Band. I didn't know this and had automatically assumed I would be getting the Realize band as I've heard that's a tiny bit better. However, he told me that for young people such as myself (I'm 27 btw) do better with the Lap Band...so I guess that's what I'm getting. Have any of you heard of that before? The good news is that my doctor has had only ONE patient with a complication. Also, she said they have a patient who has lost 100 pounds on the band. That made me feel better. Anyways, just thought I'd share my experience! Surgery is only 4 whole days away. Also, I've lost 8 pounds so far on the pre op diet. The diet sucks.

Just for anyone who might be interested in how this works at Silver Cross in Joliet - interesting perhaps because it is classified as a "Center of Excellence" - from what I can gather, that is a designation from Medicare (??) and is quite significant. There are only six of those types of "Centers..." in the state of Illinois. The informational meeting lasted almost two hours and carefully explained the various types of bariatric procedures and then the process that needs to be completed before the operation (in my case, it will be banding). The surgeon led the session so ALL questions were answered and many people had many questions - there were around 50 people there. Medicare covers it - which is great because in my case I have Medicare disability - so all that I will have to wait to find out is if my supplemental insurance will pick up the other 20%. I am guessing that they will based on the information I got tonight. The one observation I have to make is about all the discussion concerning the quantity of food that is typically consumed afterwards - some people seemed shocked by the small amount. But --- any of the naturally thin people I know eat those minuscule amounts on a daily basis, so why would we be any different?

My goal is to lose 38% of my total starting body weight. I state it that way because people (those who I've confided in) tell me "you don't need that surgery." Even my bariatric surgeon (who I think is great) looked at me as they were prepping me for surgery and said "no one would believe you are a bariatric patient." These statements bother me because this is not an easy decision for anyone who makes it. I am 4' 11". I have never been 5' and will never be. My BMI is 35.3. I am 57 yrs old. I have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, have been diagnosed as pre-diabetic, have joint pains... I can go on. At my highest I weighed 175 lbs. My body knows I'm obese. I have lost a lot of weight, several times and in-between I was either losing or gaining. I always gained more back. My sister (5' 4") and I lost a lot together a few years and then we both gained it all back and then some. Last year my sister confided in me that she was 4 weeks post surgery for the sleeve. I was shocked. I wasn't in the mindset to start another diet again yet but surgery seemed extreme. I read her brochures and listened to her process and still doubted. I saw her again this last summer (lives a couple of states away) and after 8 months, she lost 65 lbs and looks great! I watched her and she behaved "normally". She didn't dwell on food and she didn't require a special diet. She was enjoying her new life with her new body. I was tired of failed diets. I went to the next information session on bariatric surgery. Three months later I had sleeve surgery. I don't want to review my status right now because I know I am healing and changing and any issues are temporary. I can tell you that I am down 15 lbs (10 day pre-surgery diet and first days of clear liquids). Kudos to my sister who is my support group.

Thank you for this information. I'm 2 weeks out and just saw my surgeon yesterday. They said they don't want me to start vitamins (except B12 - I got a shot) until my next visit in 2 weeks. Still, I looked at some of the "bariatric" vitamins and they do seem pricey. Do you take a sublingual B12? If so, may I ask which one?

I've taken Trader Joe's High Potency chewable multi's and Wellesse liquid calcium since surgery. My labs have always been great and I don't miss paying tons of extra money for special "bariatric" vitamins. One thing, if you are looking at Calcet or Caltrate make sure you are getting calcium citrate, not calcium carbonate. That is something that sleevers need to be very aware of! Calcium carbonate doesn't work well for us.

This could be an awesome thread if everyone will help make it MAGICAL. I have been coming across lots of bariatric websites that have countless recipes, and I'm sure some of you have, too. I have even seen a bunch of free bariatric cookbooks! So, what if we all shared our links on one post and that way everyone would have access to all the recipes?! *EDIT* Thanks to @@Rovobay for suggesting that I update this original post by copying and pasting each response so you don't have to scroll through page after page. @@norcalkitty posted this free cookbook back in October and it is amazing: http://www.chicoweightloss.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/BariatricCookbookJuly2014.pdf I also found this website today: http://www.peachtreebariatrics.com/weight-loss-recipes/ Original Bari-Buddies cookbook from @@WL WARRIOR http://www.mybaribuddies.com/uploads/7/3/2/6/7326146/cookbook.pdf Phone app for recipes from @lisacaron http://www.eatingwell.com/shop/healthy_in_a_hurry_app_for_iphone_and_ipod_touch_ipad_android From @@Rovobay http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/ Found this one today! http://twosleevers.com/ Share yours! Emily

I had my original consult on 6/30. The initial information session was in a group, but I was told that beforehand. I did feel that my wait was a little lengthy, but I went with someone, so I had company. After waiting in the waiting room we went to a conference (group of about 15) and the doctor talked with us about our bariatric options. We then waited as she took us back individually to answer any questions we had. We were able to leave after our one-on-one consultation. So it was fine if you were one of the first called back, a little lengthy if you were second to last (as I was!) I also have Anthem. From what I understand they are paying for everything except for the co-pay. My doctor is in-network. It's actually through the St.Vincent Bariatric Center of Excellence. Thus far, I'm satisfied. We will see... Best of luck to you!!! Look forward to hearing more of your journey.

:mad: I just wanted to let everyone know i started my journey on June 6th which was my 1st consultation with Dr Boe. I had atena and bariatric surgery was excluded from my policy so i took matters into my own hands and switched companies. My new company Personal Choice became effective July 1st and i was suprised to get approved so quick...My surgery is scheduled for September i could of went as early as August but i have to quit smoking 6 weeks before surgery...so i just wanted to let everyone know the new me will be here soon!!!:biggrin:

My program gave us the following sample schedule - Sample Vitamin/Mineral Schedule With Breakfast (i.e. 8 am): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge With lunch (i.e. 12 pm): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage calcium citrate Lozenge 2 hours after Lunch (i.e. 2pm) 29 mg Chewable Iron Supplement (ferrous fumarate)With dinner (i.e. 5 pm): 1 Bariatric Advantage Tropical Chewable Multivitamin 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge Before Bed: 1 Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Lozenge Sundays (or 1 day/week): 1 (1000 mcg) sublingual B12 tablet

I have not had surgery yet, but they recommend you take one mont prior. I take multi and calcium chew in a.m. iron chew at lunch, multi and calcium chew after work or with dinner. i also do a sublingual b-12 twice a week, vitamin c daily, and fish oil daily. i agree, the chewable multi are so nasty. i have the orange ones from bariatric advantage and they taste horrible! Kelly

I was given a 6 week no swallowing whole pills restriction, but every surgeon is different. The hospitalist tried to tell me I'd have to crush pills forever because the new stomach is too small to quickly break down a big pill and you'd just poop it out. I'm ultimately going with my own doc's advice, as the hospitalist was not strictly a bariatric doc. I'm just wondering about time released stuff. Can't crush that.

I had my band put in in Mexico. I found a Dr. here in Michigan that will do fills for me. His prices are 250 for the first fill, and 150 for each fill after that. He also offers a two year deal which includes unlimited fills, dietician visits and support groups. I don't know which to choose? If I only get three fills per year in the first couple of years, it will be 550.00 per year alone. How many fills are average per year? this is a respected bariatric surgeon and I consider myself LUCKY to have found someone that is only a 2 hr drive from where I live that will even touch my mexican band. YIKES! I need advice!!!

hon, these are questions for your primary care doctor and/or rheumatologist to answer. I have fibromayalgia and was told it was not an obstacle for the surgery but every case is different. I know that one of the medications that they prescribe, Lyrica, works against you as far as weight gain goes. I am hoping that my dosage can be greatly reduced after my surgery. Consult with your PCP or bariatric clinic. Have you been to a free seminar? There is usually a MD at these. You might find it very helpful....All the best to you, Melinda

Hello, I have UHC and I'm from the Columbus areas as well. I am going through Barix Clinics and I am currently going through a 6 month supervised diet plan with my physician before they will approve it. Otherwise, I was told I meet all of the criteria..I am 30 years old, have a BMI of 40+ and also was just diagnosed with high blood pressure 2 months ago. So, all of that being said, my UHC nurse care coordinator has told me that I shouldn't have any problem getting approved once I meet the 6 months, which I'm half way there..My last appointment with my Dr for this is the end of April. I am expecting to get approved easily as UHC advised me this is the last thing I have to meet. It certainly depends on your employer and what they chose so you just need to call UHC and ask them what the requirements are for bariatric surgery. Good luck!!

Congrats on getting all of the pre-op stuff done! Really, 2 months is not bad compared to what I see others go through so you are doing great. I am just starting this journey myself. I'm in the process of getting all my past medical records right now. Then, I have an appt w/my PCP on Tuesday to discuss WLS and log in as my first visit for the supervised weight loss I will need to do for 6 months. The following Saturday, I am going to a seminar w/Scottsdale Bariatric Center. I'm not sure if this is the bariatric surgeon that my PCP will recommend, but its a well respected one so I figure it can't hurt to go and get more info ASAP.

If anyone has hesitated on trying the BP Protein bars ... DONT WAIT any longer ! I just recently bought the variety 7 pack ... and they are better than Quest to me .. Quest was hard and flavorless ... BP bars are soft and chewy and they have great flavor ... a taste you don't mind tasting again ! I was so happy with my purchase ... I just thought I'd share ... in case anyone was wondering and thinking about buying them ... WORTH IT !!