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That really sucks. Are they looking for bariatric surgeons or just a regular doctor? My PCP has done my postop blood work...I basically just told him what OCC recommended and he wrote the orders. My OB/Gyn also volunteered to order whatever labs I needed. As long as they aren't having any complications, getting blood work at 3,6,12 months and then annually is all your daughters should need a doctor for. And I guess If they are having issues, the ER has to see them. Sorry you are having such a hard time with the doctors in your area. My PCP, OB/Gyn and even gastroenterologist have all been very supportive.

Hey Everyone! I have been using the Enspira Bariatric Multivitamin but just went to re-order and they are all sold out. It looks like they have created a new line of products but they aren't available yet. I just called and left a message asking when the new line will be available but in the meantime, I need to find a new bariatric multi vitamin. Any suggestions? Thank you!!

The following is my opinion only and not medical advice, as i am not a doctor: I choose foreign doctors. I don't know why, but I feel they treat me better. They also are more open to the fact that there could be a really awesome surgeon doing surgery in Mexico. Google top 5 countries for healthcare. Mexico is on the list. I don't know why stuck up white doctors who have most likely never traveled to Mexico or abroad think it's some dirty basement procedure. Or maybe they dont, they just don't want the word to get out that Mexico treats you like a person, knows your name, is cleaner and more efficient than the US and is a quarter of the cost. I'm white, almost 40, same as hubby, and we chose Dr Ortiz. I did not find a bariatric surgeon for follow up, just my primary care doctor. There is a list of what tests need to be done at 3-6 months post op on the OCC website. If you can't find it, email one of the doctors and ask, then just tell your doctor what you would like tested in your lab work. I personally choose doctors from India whenever possible. Also, don't tell the doctor upfront hey, I did a surgery in mexico, will you take me? Just go, if they refuse treatment, call your insurance company and complain. An in network doctor should not be refusing to see you as a patient. Mine and my husband's personal plan is this, if an issue arises, call a Dr at OCC, if they believe there is time to get to tijuana, then go there to have treatment (I trust dr Ortiz with my life and my husband's life - can't say the same for our local bariatric guy with 1 year experience under his belt), if there is no time, we will go to ER at the hospital where bariatric surgeries are performed. The ER cannot refuse treatment. At 6 months to 1 year they want you to do a barium swallow test, depending on those results, possibly an upper GI. I went back to OCC for mine. If they have to do upper GI, they told me it would be $375. But my barium swallow looked good, so i didn't need it. My husband's 6 months is not up yet, but we will most likely just go back to Tijuana for his also. San Diego is a great get away spot anyway, so we will just take a long weekend.

Oh yes, one more comment. I can never say it enough. I am sooooo thankful that there ARE other options for those of us that do not have the benefit of insurance or cannot secure approval even if they do have insurance. The cost of this surgery in the US is staggering and one that neither of my daughters could ever afford. Never for one moment have I regretted our decision to go to Mexico. Because of having this option available to us, both my daughters are on the losers bench with me and we can share our journeys together now! I hope my comments do not dissuade anyone from choosing Mexico and Dr. A. Ortiz or any other surgeon of their choice. That was never my intention. I want everyone who have a chance to change their lives forever with this gift of Bariatric surgery if they come to that final decision. Mexico and other foreign locations makes it a reality for many that would never see this opportunity otherwise. Thank you thank you thank you for this second option!

I guess a new start here is what I needed. Listening to all of you, I have gotten a renewed energy. Now you guys have to keep it up. Thank You so much.

Jenn, Bravo. :tt1: You can't believe how tremendously proud I am of you. You have achieved so much in this last year. You are an inspiration to me and all. I have been heavy all my life. Right now I don't feel comfortable telling what my starting weight was when I decided to go on this journey. But to date I am down 190 pounds. I still have a long ways to go and with the band, my Hubby, my Doc and with all our your support, I will make it. I am not a stress eater. I am not an emotional eater. I was never abused, raped, fondled or molested. I come from a very loving and caring family. My parents were married 40 years before they were seperated by death. I just love to eat. Eat anything-almost. I eat when Im full. I eat when I'm tired, happy, crying, watching tv, sitting outside, swimming, visiting. You name it. I push my band to the limit. I know it's wrong but I do it anyway. However, this last fill is possibly the one that's going to do it for me for awhile. It is really telling me to knock this s*#t off. Quit pushing it. I've started walking again. Taking a renewed interest in my work outs at Curves and at the Gym. The road ahead of me is still long but, if I never lose another pound, I'm still proud of my accomplishment. In the last year I have done things I never would have thought of doing. I get out more, I do more and I live more. I'm not afraid to go to a store and hear, "look at that fat lady, Mom". I don't see the pity in peoples eyes as I pass them. Or the disgust. I'm not a size 8 or 10 but I can buy clothes form Dillard's and wal-mart. I don't have to rely on catalogs. I wish all of you luck in your journey and always remember that you never walk alone. Someone is always here for you. I for one am.

Kudos to you!!! By advocating for yourself, you're advocating for the other future bariatric patients at your hospital -- good nursing, like we learned back in nursing school (oh so long ago..... ) I have a feeling they will make this right in the long run. They really don't have a choice, do they?

Hi there...I had surgery last week for a hiatal hernia & replacement of my lapband and am doing great. I had a 4cc lapband placed in me in July 2008. I had a lot of restriction from the beginning and was only able to to get one fill. After a fill, I had constant reflux & food was hard to keep down. I had to get an unfill a few weeks afterward and was empty until 3 weeks ago. I decided to get a fill after having nothing for 4 months and I was only able to put .3 cc's in my band. There was obvious irriation and we couldn't figure out why. After one week of the fill, I started having reflux again. After having it unfilled last Saturday, the doctor said I still showed complete restriction. She said I should stay on liquids only, no sodium. I woke up on Sunday dehydrated and still having a struggle keeping water down. I went to the emergency room and they immediately started rehydrating me, did an upper gi, endoscopy, and finally a ct scan which showed a severe hiatal hernia. What I failed to tell you is that I had my lapband surgery in Mexico. I didn't know anything about different sizes of lapbands. The bariatric surgeon here in the U.S. that attended me this past week said that they never put a 4 cc band in anyone. IT's way too small and they're certain that my hiatal hernia was caused by my band being too small for my anatomy. Even though my hiatal hernia was pretty severe, they were able to replace my lapband and put a 14 cc band in. I was so excited that I didn't have to remove it permanently. Do you know what size band you have?

Yup single and mingling! I have never dated another bariatric patient before.

If I am not mistaken, weight loss surgeons are usually general surgeons with a specialty in bariatrics. I am quite happy to have the experience of a general surgeon for exactly the reasons Iniysa stated above. In addition my doctor is a teaching surgeon, training the next generation of bariatric surgeons and they are learning from one of the best.

I wish you all the best of luck. As someone who has suffered complications (from the lack of absorption of nutrients-) I call tell you this: take those supplements religiously and eat as well as you can. Even though I did this, I have several serious complications, but you can minimize your chances of this happening. And exercise! Im out 11 years but the complications started showing up at about 5 years. Get your blood work done every 6 monthes,no matter what your doctor says. And, by the way, always check with the Bariatric Community about what your doctor says, because they sometimes are not up to date. As an RN of 32 years I can tell you for certain that most doctors simply don't have time to read all the journals to keep fully up to date, But the Bariatric Community DOES.

Alex, great idea for local BP chapters, meetings, etc. As a physician and as a VSG patient, I could assist in this process. Also, my surgeon is one of the leading surgeons/Bariatric surgeons/ endoscopic pioneers. Maybe there's some way to partner. How might this discussion be furthered re: "details," once you might have some? Again, great idea.

I would LOVE to help out by leading or co-leading a Bariatric Pal group in my local area. I used to attend support group meetings in a small city about 20 min from me, but they were all bypass patients and the group wasn't very band-friendly. There is a local support group (new surgery center at our local hospital), but they don't deal much with post-surgery life. They do have good sessions on cooking, etc, but deal mostly with that subject and sometimes Q&A. I am VERY interested in the certification program as well - I believe that would help others in the support community take us more seriously. Here are the more organized answers to your questions: Would you be interested in attending regular local chapter meetings in person? Absolutely YES Would you be interested in being a leader (or co-leader)? Yes - I believe I can be helpful Would you like BariatricPal to provide agendas for meetings? Yes - a framework can be very valuable What additional support could BariatricPal provide to encourage your participation and/or leadership? I love the idea of the certification program Should there be limits on the minimum and maximum numbers of members that each Local Chapter can have? Minimum - perhaps 5, built up over a specified period of time. It would be helpful to have the Chapters promoted here, and possibly through the surgeons in the area. Certification would help with their comfort level on this. What other ideas do you have? Incorporate activities like a Clothing Swap within each group; Shopping trips or having someone come in to discuss where to find clothing while transitioning; coaching / training on how to discuss your decision with family and friends; role-playing to help patients deal with bullies, saboteurs, etc; alternatives and plans for exercise based on patient's current physical condition - often standard "gyms" and trainers can be very intimidating; alternatives to grocery shopping (one of my local grocery stores has a delivery service and a pick up service - could be very helpful for avoiding temptation in the stores).

Hi everyone! I have been toying with the idea of a band for a few years now. I had started the process again in early March of this year then got diagnosed with Stage 1 Breast Cancer. I've gone through surgery, radiation and now I'm on a hormone blocking pill for the next 10 years. My cancer was 100% estrogen positive and we all know that fat stores estrogen. Right now weightloss is my top priority. My MO, PCP and Bariatric Surgeon all agree. I just wondered if anyone else has been in a situation similar to mine? I expect to be banded early October regardless of whether insurance covers it or not. A generous friend has offered to cover the cost for me. Weightloss can help prevent reoccurance and even with knowing this I still can't control my food on my own!

Hello Fellow January Bandsters! I have been silently watching everyone's posts and progress and chiming in once in a blue moon. I was banded on the January 31st and have only lost less than 15 lbs. since surgery. That is the real reason I haven't been posting - I'm embarassed that I am such a slow loser. I lost almost that much on the liquid diet two weeks prior to surgery, than I have in the last 3+ months. Although the total lost is around ~28 lbs., I keep beating myself up since I only average 1 lb. loss per week. I went in today for my 3rd fill. My doctor said that I am definitely one of those patients that will most likely have to be near full capacity to achieve the green zone status. With that being said, I now have 9cc in my 11cc band. He put in 5cc in March, 2cc in April, and 2cc today. I did tell my doctor that "I love you man!" - lol. I am so glad that he will do what I ask, but gives me fair warning that it could backfire (ie. get sick, throw up, need unfilled, etc.). I have always been such a slow eater. I truly pulvarize my food before swallowing - always have. My doctor loves that since it is great for the lapband. However, the food has been going through the band and not staying in the pouch very long. Therefore, I rarely ever get the feeling of being satisfied and unfortunately can eat anything and everything I want. I feel my portions are definitely not typical for a banded person. I am hoping and praying that with this fill and my lapband being at 82% capacity, that I will finally be unable to eat more than a small portion of anything going forward. I am truly looking forward to NOT being able to eat - lol. Who would have thought that? My hospital discontinued their bariatric support group literally a few months before my surgery due to the group leader moving. Therefore, there is no local support that I can find (north Georgia). In addition, I haven't told anyone that I even had surgery except my daughter and <out of state> cousin - neither of which truly understand. So, I've been on my own in this journey and not feeling successful as a result. I definitely need the support of all of you wonderful people. Thanks for reading - will try to be more active and accountable going forward. Have a wonderful week everyone!

JustDoIt130- thanks for asking... I went this morning at 8:30a for the upper GI and the dr said that my band is in place, BUT...here we go.... As he was watching the barium traveling down my esophagus, it was very slow which is why when I eat and drink it feels like a mack truck sitting on my chest. My esophagus is extremely swollen (my terminology) or bigger than what it should be which he says can lead to a esophagus spasm. Which happens when the esophagus starts acting like a muscle to try to move whatever is stuck in there out. To put this in perspective..it looks like I have a stomach on top of my band (the esophagus) and a stomach below my band. On a good note- I do not have reflux. Which means the prescription prilosec the ENT prescribed me really wasnt doing what I thought it was. He says because of my esophagus issues, its behavior would make one think I had reflux. So he is going to sent the results to my bariatric surgeon and go from there. Basically, he says that more Fluid needs to come out my band...but you know how protective we bandsters are about our FILLs and I am screaming, NO WAY is anymore fluid coming out. I bout had a fit when they took out .5ccs yesterday leaving me at a mere 6.7ccs in my band.

@@Eli Alexander You look AWESOME. @@Aprilhoffman78 I was low on iron and b12 which i got a shot for and just all vitamins in general. I take a bariatric multivitamin that I got at vitamin world chewable and grape flavored not the best but I just drink some water with it and it seems to be OK. Guess we just don't absorb the vitamins we use to. Forever he said i need to keep up on it.

If the Protein you are using doesn't agree with you, I would try another kind. I am drinking the premier Protein shakes (2 a day) and that is about all the protein I can get in. I do make my meals (2 oz) with added protein if I can and that adds a little bit. Protein is important. You may want to try some of the engineered foods that are designed for bariatric patients as they have added protein. I have seen Soups, puddings, oatmeal etc. I have not purchased any of these yet myself, but it might help to use those for meals so that you are making sure to get more protein. Also, you can use the unflavored protein to mix into a beverage that you like to give you more variety. Mix it in crystal light or another zero calorie beverage. If you body does not get enough protein it will take what it needs from your muscles. This is not a good thing. Your heart is a muscle also. Hope some other members can suggest other types of Protein drinks that might help but I would definetely try some different brands. Its tough because everything is done so slowly (eating and drinking). Seems like every waking hour is consumed with remembering to constantly sip. Good luck to you!

I feel like I didn't get much instruction on my pre-op diet either. The NUT went over the things that the shake you chose needs to have, strongly recommended Boost, which is awful and I refuse. My surgeon said that I should be taking in 1,500 calories a day so take the calorie count on the shake and divide 1500 with it and 'bam, that's your diet'. Seems so different than what others are doing. So confusing and strange there isn't more of a standardized diet among bariatric surgeons. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Sorry I missed this initial question Mikeyy! I had a first appointment at Ashford with the bariatric physician in late March talking about my weight and health history, explaining the sleeve procedure (which was what I went in wanting), the pro-op diet etc. Had second appointment with the surgeon himself, Dr Michael France, only a week or so later, and was able to book in for my sleeve surgery 3 weeks after that on 2nd May. I think the out of pocket costs were about $150 for each of the visits? (may be over-estimating). With PHI the $3500 gap fee for the surgery includes all follow up appointments which so far were at (I think) 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and soon 1 year. Anaesthetist gap was I think $400, and my health insurance excess on admission was $250. Very happy with my surgeon and outcomes. As per our recent private messages, Dr Michael France primarily does gastric sleeve surgery (and I think is the most experience with sleeve in Adelaide) but there are many others who do bypass if that is your preferred surgery.

I'm 2 days after you. I'm doing the fast track "safe sleeve" with Blossom Bariatrics. I've been looking into it for quite some time. I'll be doing all the pre op testing when I get there. Literally, I fly in on Monday, meet them in person on Tuesday, testing Tuesday and Wednesday. Surgery on Thursday. Should be a whirlwind of emotion. Do you have to "shrink" your liver? That 2 week diet is going to be hard for me. I'll be here for moral support.

Hello November sleevers!! as some of you know I was sleeved Monday. was released Thursday!y. The surgery was textbook. I woke in recovery in some pain, more discomfort than anything else. Very sore. They gave me some diludid. I woke up in my room that night with vicious dry mouth. Every time I tried to move it was so uncomfortable. For a brief moment laying in my bed a couple hours after surgery I asked "why did I do this" Then a wonderful nurse realized I was uncomfortable. She got me a cold sponge lolly pop to use on my lips and tongue. That, mixed with painkillers I received I began to change my tune :-) I woke up the day after surgery feeling better. Went for the leak test and passed. I was so happy bout that. Then they removed my catheter (guys worst nightmare) After said catheter was removed life got a whole lot better. Because I passed my leak test I was able to have water and diet juice or decaf coffee and tea. Even ate some yogurt. I was feeling much better at this point. Still sore of course, I mean I just had major surgery. I tried to fight the pain meds and that was my biggest mistake. I don't want everyone to think I was in excruciating pain, it was more discomfort from the gas pains and Soreness from the incision sites and external drain. Side note : Dr Kim is a brilliant surgeon. I honestly believe she is at the top of her field . My incisions sites look like tiny scratches, they are so clean and are healing incredibly. I want to take another minute to acknowledge her personality and her bedside manner. She made time to see me personally 4 times after surgery. With her hectic schedule that meant alot. She explained my leak test In detail to me and my mom. She explained that when I woke up it wouldnt be pain so much as a pressure in your chest. Boy was she right! So after Getting some fluids in I started to feel much better. I went for a few walks with a physical therapist that actually made me feel better, to be up and moving. They bring an assortment of bariatric fluids to your room 3 times a day, to see which one you can tolerate. Plain yogurt never tasted so good! The I had my drain taking out after realizing I was healing properly. I was able to take a shower and all was well Thank you all for asking about me..I just saw some of your posts and felt I had to let you know..It means alot to know people Ive nenver met care about my well being..I thank you all again, and hope to talk with you all often..

Thank you all for your well wishes. I missed it and my heart is broken... I have been admitted at a bariatric hospital. I have suffered so much. I was on my way to pick up my kids from school in the pouring rain (the 30 min ride was over an hour due to an accident), and I was on the freeway stopping every 10-20 minutes on the side to throw up. At one point in time my heart was palpitating and my fingers and toes started to go numb so I pulled over at a gas station and my husband who was over an hour away from me dialed 911 for an ambulance to come . They showed up with the Fire department and run an EKG to make sure I was not having a heart attack, my heart was racing and I continue to feel like I had an elephant sitting on my chestFire department and run an EKG to make sure I was not having a heart attack, my heart was racing and I continue to feel like I had an elephant sitting on my chest. I told them I needed to get to a place that handles Bariatric’s, But they refused to transport me all the way to Dallas where my doctor is private surgical center, as that would have been two hour ride in rush hour traffic, so I refuse to go with them to a local emergency room as I knew that they would not really know what to do with me and judging from my experience at the ER the previous day they would just try to control the nausea and let me go even though the strongest medicine they have, promethazine has not been controlling my vomiting.i also knew the wait there would be hours and hours as I would be triaged with trauma patients. My husband picked the kids and they met me in the gas station and I watch my eight-year-old son well up with tears streaming down his face when he realized mommy will not be making the mother son dance that he has been waiting for over a year )missed last year’s one due to being out of the country, and this year I promised him come whatever, I’ll be there! I even rescheduled my work trip out of county to be there (scheduled to leave this Thursday and I just don’t know how I can go...). My heart just broke and I felt like I had failed him as A mom, and even then, the crazy side of me tried to tell him it will be OK and we will still go but then I proceeded to violently vomit in front of my kids and realized it’s just not gonna happen . I had my husband stay with the kids and I still drove myself to the hospital in Dallas. Because him driving me would mean bringing along the kids for a long night and what is the point in that. I drove through the rain vomiting most of the way by the time I made it here I was vomiting every 10 minutes. Exhausted, my esophagus burning, felt like a giant grapefruit was stuck in it. They started an IV and gave me some nausea meds which did not work and I just keep throwing up spit and bile. Morning can’t come soon enough so my surgeon will come and probably scope me. sorry for long post... got nothing but suffering and time here. But I thank God he’s kept me alive, so please pray they fix me soon... I am so sorry! Sending you comfort, healing, and peace.

Hi! I'm in Chicago, too. You can find the better then boullion at any grocery store. I got mine at Jewels, near the regular boullion. It came in a jar. Also, I bought Centrum Adult chewables at Walgreens (I believe someone else mentioned them). There pretty good, big, but good. I did turn around and buy from "bariatric advantage" their chewable multi-vitamin and a separate iron pill. My nutritionist suggested them, because they are specifically designed for the bariatric patient. They also have available on their home site the "Nectar" protein supplements that BabyGotBack has described. So far, I've only tried the Fuzzy Navel, which was pretty good - I probably diluted mine more then Audree did, and the Lemon Iced Tea. It's not that bad either.

The liquid hasn't bother me much I got different flavors since I will be using it a while my Dr only let's you use Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacements during pre op I like the iced late banana gets a little much for very long but when you mix it with chocolate its better THE only thing is it gives me diarrhea and makes my stomach doesn't mater what I mix it with first I mixed with 4 oz skim milk & 4oz water then tried only water no difference so then tried sf soy vanilla milk and water I'm allowed 2 cups milk a day It just makes them taste a little better I think not using all water I've had to do Liquid diet for a month 2 weeks 2 shakes and 1 meal I have a hard time with 2nd shake I'm just feel full have to start Thursday on only 5 shakes and liquids not sure if I can do 5 any suggestions or anyone else having that problem