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First of all, I thought for sure my insurance would pay for the band to be removed but not the sleeve. I about fell over when they approved the sleeve. Not sure what they put down to make it work, but was fortunate. My body would was rejecting the band and it was leaking. So maybe that's why they covered it. I was lucky. After everything went through with that band and my past doctor not listening to me for 7 months, I gained all my weight back and some. It just proves bariatric surgery does work. So I feel your pain. If you experience what I am experiencing, you will love your sleeve. It stops you from over eating. I experienced my first "Oh my gosh, I can't eat this whole thing and had to stop" and it was very little. I loved it!!!! Because of my past issues with my doctor i switched to a different doctor that I wish I had before. I met him a few times when my first doc wasn't; there to fill. Anyways, the only thing I had was I was under medicated for pain control. Sometimes general surgery floor do not have all the knowledge of what are needs are. In my case the orders were wrong and the nurse can only give what it says. My first day I don't remember to much, thank god. The second day was extremely difficult for me again because I was being under medicated and had to play catch up and it took all day. I know how important it is to get up and walk and I just couldn't. So that sort stayed with me for awhile. Pain will get your attention real fast....I am not trying to scare you, that was just a mistake on my orders and once I said something it got fixed. I am in the medical field so I knew something wasn't right...I am almost 6 weeks post op next Wed. and the time is flying. I LOVE MY SLEEVE!!! No more fills, no more adjustments, no more pain for me, Dropping 27 pounds in 5 weeks is very encouraging too. I understand why your nervous, maybe its just having surgery, not getting the sleeve. Surgery is scary...I went into the surgery smiling, because I knew I was on my way to being healthier and back to being me. I wish you well in your new journey and please, if you ever have any questions after your surgery, don't hesitate to ask. I remember I couldn't eat after surgery for awhile, just liquids...don't worry, I can eat now but very slowly and fill up fast. DRINK YOUR LIQUIDS THOUGH!!!! I am so excited for you and congrats on losing 128 pounds. That is an amazing accomplishment. Can I ask why you had your band removed??? Take Care. Renee

Hi Everyone on this site... Did you know that there is an "official" Twin Cities Bariatric Pal site? There are a bunch of us meeting this Saturday (Sept 20) at the Perkins in Fridley (because this is centrally located for metro area). We're meeting at 10am. The Perkins is on University Ave., just a bit north of 694 and really easy to find. Hope one or all of you can join us. I am going to ask the host to seat us under the name "B Pal" so people can find out table. My name is Marybeth Reed and I belong to a couple of message boards. The twin cities chapter one is pretty active. You can find it under this information: MN - Minneapolis/St.Paulin USA BariatricPal Local Chapters Started by GardenLady, June 04, 2014

Delores you should be proud of yourself ! You did something to take back your life that is no simple feat! People are always going to be judge mental let them it's theirs to deal with ! I work with 2 Md.'s who do bariatrics and I felt the same way now I've started my own journey and will be sleeved on The 24 I'm on both ends of it and some if my coworkers have been supporting some really I could give two hoots about I'm doing this to take back my life and I've decided I luv me more than I care what they think of me so continue on your path and let others deal with their own insecurity !

I just spoke to Optum today. The requirements are related to UHC and your employer's insurance contract criteria. I called 3 weeks ago, and was told it could take up to three weeks before I received a call back. *Additional items may be identified by your BRS Case Manager, based on your situation. The medical centers and programs within Bariatric Resource Services are independent contractors who render care and Morbid Obesity Surgery Requirements*: AGE You must be between the ages of 18-65 years BMI Your body mass index (BMI) must be at least 35-39.9 with at least one obesity-related medical condition (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea) or over 40. You can calculate your BMI at: http://www.myoptumhe.../BMI Calculator NETWORK You must use a Bariatric Resource Service (BRS) Center of Excellence. If one is greater than 50 miles from your home, you may use an in-network provider. DIET You are required to complete a 6 month physician supervised diet, prior to surgery. This means that you have worked with a provider (any licensed physician, nutritionist or Registered Dietician) and had a minimum of one visit per month for 6 months. During each visit, the provider must document your current weight, what diet regimen you are following and what type and amount of exercise you are performing. Diet must have been completed within the last two years. If you went to Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig, please provide a copy of all the stamps for 6 months AND at least two physician office visit notes showing appointment date, your weight and that you were participating in Weight Watchers or Jenny Craig. Please use the form that has been provided to you to record these visits. PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION You must complete a psychological evaluation within 12 months of your surgery date. Contact United Behavioral Health at the number located on the back of your member ID card. PROCEDURES ALLOWED Roux-en-Y, Lap band, Duodenal Switch and Gastric Sleeve are all covered procedures under your plan. SECOND PROCEDURE This benefit is limited to one procedure per lifetime while covered under the plan, unless there are complications relating to the initial surgery. A clinical review will be necessary. I am submitting for revision from band to sleeve and was told that the doctor could submit early if complications were found from the band. She told me that if they submit the review board has 15 days to respond and it normally does not take that long. I believe that after everything is sent in for a normal review, they have 30 days to respond, but most everyone I know has received a reply in 15 days or less.. The Optum rep told me she would follow up with me in two months but normally, she follows up at 4 months to check in and remind you of the rest of tests needed by your insurance company. The Optum rep also told me that they go by the BMI first submitted. So if you are submitted with a BMI of 35 and one approved omorbitdity and lose weight, you will still be approved. Hope this helps.

I find it amazing that a Kaiser dietician would make such a ridiculous statement. With a very short list of exceptions, I eat anything I want to eat. The success of the surgery is not about what you can or can't eat. I find it unforgivable for a healthcare "professional" to suggest otherwise. It's about what you choose to eat. Or not eat. Lifestyle changes. Apparently Bariatric Pal should be required reading for bariatric dieticians - for life!

Thats awful that you call and getting the wrong information. Im sure it happens everywhere all the time however, when it comes to policy information reps should always be up to date....considering this policy changed 6 months ago...they should know by now. I finally spoke to a rep who IS up to date. She ensured me that there is no longer a specified # of months within their bariatric surgery policy, which means its totally up to your provider (surgeon) if they decide they want you to be on a MSWLP 1-12 mo's which in most cases they do to help shrink the liver. I asked her how I can best transfer this CORRECT information to my provider and she gave me her extension however calling would be difficult, so my best bet would be to just call them and let them know I spoke with the rep and was informed of this change and the updated policy.....which i did before!

@@395Ron I am so glad to hear that you are making daily progress. It sounds like you had a pretty good day yesterday. I can relate with the water. I have so much trouble getting it in. Yesterday I did not even get 32 ounces. I just feel full and bloated all the time. It is so nice to see your responses to the posts again. Have you had a chance to read back thru some of the older posts. We acquired quite the October group! And it is amazing that so many of us still actively keep this thread going! I find this group to be such a support and know I can come here and ask anything. It is amazing to me how perfect strangers in all areas of the United States and even the world can become such a part of your family. I love that you had a pizza dream. Even your subconscious knew you could not have it and made you spit it out. When we are all eating regular food I will share a chicken crust pizza recipe that is bariatric friendly with you and the group. It is one of the first things I plan to make! Well time to head to the hospital and walk my husband! Hopefully he comes home today as he is doing great. Our first night apart and I must admit I did not like it one little bit. You and your wife are in my continued prayers and I know you are going to be walking circles around all of us in no time!!

Congratulations on your 40th ! Been there, done that. The best is yet to come.......trust me.....it really is ! Enjoy each day because it does get easier from now on ! After your children are "raised" you become a teenager again yourself ! REALLY ! Ohio Raintree Acres "Bander in waiting" Dr. David Schumacher w/ Kettering Bariatrics Kettering Sycamore Hosp.

That is really good to know. Were you on the sixth floor. That is where they said most of their bariatric patients go? I'm nervous enough that I am getting curious about the little details now. Anything you would suggest taking to the hospital? do they have internet access in the hosptial?

1. Well. 600 calories a day sounds way too low. The diet I was requested to do had 1,440 calories a day for 3 weeks, and included low fat meat and dairy products, vegetables and a lot of Water. The emphasis was on high protein intake and low carb intake. Something about the diet you're on strikes me as odd, but I'm not a doctor or a specialist. I'd get a second opinion if I were you. 2. Almost everyone who is heavily overweight has a larger liver. isThe purpose of the low-carb diet is to reduce liver size. An augmented, brittle liver poses a higher risk because the surgeon is more likely to nick it inadvertently, and cause hemorrhage. This is why those diets are so strict. They are difficult to adhere to, but knowing that it's a matter of life and death helped me refrain from pastas. 3. If your BMI is only 32, how come you're going for a bariatric surgery? I thought the minimum requirement was 40 or 35 with related diseases.

I'm doing well I had surgery june 7th and I was at 407 and I'm down to about 289..I feel like I can do things now..only bad thing is I freeze now ..I need a heated blanket at night and I ware like 5 pairs of socks some days and I'm lactose intolerate now ..other wise I'm happy with my results! I just got started with a bariatric personal trainer in fargo who kicking my butt back in gear and I wanna run a 5k on my birthday in may I think that would be the most amazing birthday present I can give my self! Hope ur doing well with ur new life as well!

34.5 Bmi. Self pay. But I have an exclusion to any Bariatrics or weightloss procedures/appointments/medications anyways. So co-morbiditues didn't matter. But I do (had) have a couple of them.

Hi SleeveGirl88. Having GERD isnt' the same thing as having reflux every once in a while because you ate some food that disagrees with you. When they are discussing GERD as a contraindication for VSG, they are talking about people that have it regularly at least one or two episodes a week that don't necessarily have anything eating greasy food. You also don't seem to have any co-morbidities and a relatively low BMI of 40 (the average bariatric patient has a BMI of 42.5). If you're goal is weight loss, I would probably go with the VSG. While RNY may have slightly better total weight loss numbers and slightly lower regain rates over 5 years, the differences aren't really statistically significant--particularly for someone with your BMI. You'll do great with either the sleeve or the RNY and you're not going to get much of a weight loss advantage going with an RNY. There have been a lot of comparative studies that have been published over the past two years that support this conclusion. In terms of weight regain, some people start to see it earlier in the process with the sleeve but in the limited number of long term studies that track people beyond 5 years--there really isn't a long term statistical difference. What does seem to make a difference your starting BMI. Whether you're a sleeve or an RNY, if you start the journey with a BMI of 40 or less, the chances of you having BMI below 30 after one year is 95% and the chance of you maintaining a BMI under 30 after 5 years is over 75% with either procedure. The numbers for both procedures drop considerable the higher your BMI is at the time of surgery. The other thing to think about, particularly if your young (under 50), is that you're going have to live with this surgery for a long time. While RNY may have slightly better 5 year outcomes on the whole, the differences aren't really statistically significant. For someone like you, it might only mean a 5-8 pound difference (maybe)--but ultimately, it's probably not much of a difference at all. Ten or 15 years post op, you could be at a point where you have had significant regain with either procedure (hopefully not) and then you have think about revision (since obesity is a chronic condition). With this in mind, you should consider which procedure gives you the most and best options for revision. With RNY, you're revision possibilities are currently limited. In some cases, the pouch can be made smaller. Surgeons can also increase the length of the biliopancreatic limb to increase malabsorbtion or convert you to a distal bypass. The weight loss benefits of these procedures are disappointing for the most part, but these procedures can help treat co-morbidities. A more aggressive or radical approach would be to reverse the RNY and switch to a totally different procedure, but this is a very complicated and risky procedure that most bariatric surgeons aren't comfortable performing (at least not in 2018). In truth, your options of revision from and RNY are limited and may not be very effective for weight loss/regain. Options for revision from a sleeve if there is significant weight regain or re-occurrence of co-morbidities are numerous and more effective. Resleeves are common, easily performed and can help get you back on track. Since holds more volume to begin with and the pyloric valve is preserved with a VSG, resleeves seem to be more effective than revisions to a RNY pouch for treating weight regain. A sleeve also can be easily converted to an RNY down the road, but this is usually done to treat severe GERD--not so much for weight loss (although it can be used for this too). The most exiting option with a sleeve is that it can easily be converted to a BPD-DS or modified duodenal switch (also called a loop DS, SIPS, SADI-S), which is still considered an investigational procedure in the United States, but is probably the future of bariatric surgery. This is essentially a VSG with a single long limb bypass that attaches midway down your small intestines (roughly speaking) and has only one anastomosis (one connection point). It gives you most of the benefits of a BPD-DS (which is by far the most power bariatric surgery, but also the most risky), with approximately the same risk factors as an RNY. More studies are needed for the modified DS before it will be widely adopted in the US, but it's being adopted by many surgical centers and long-term RCTs are being done as we write (with excellent short and mid-range results). As a revision from a VSG, the SIPS procedure will be an easy upgrade that will only take about 30-60 minutes and will mostly likely be performed on an outpatient basis in the future (The SIPS bypass is much less complicated and less invasive that the VSG part of the procedure). In the end, both the RNY and VSG are excellent options that are very effective for weight loss. You can't go wrong, with either one. However, if you like and trust your surgeon and if he or she has been gently nudging your towards the sleeve, you should probably take his or her advice.

You are fortunate if you have a trainer that is familiar with bariatrics. (Most are not)

@@395Ron I am having mine in Arizona at honor health bariatrics

I am new to this site - but one of the other users asked me to write some info on European batriatic centers - that I knew of. About me - I am from Denmark, and in Denmark, the Slevee is not performed very often. Almost never... Gastric Bypasss is the main operation. I want a sleeve, havent had one yet - but is almost certain wich doctor, I will choose. I will tell you another time :-) A lot of danes had an operation in Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Greece. I will give you the info, websites and prices I can find. I do not have any relations with any of the clinics - but I have been in contact with all of them! (Not the german yet) SWEDEN Centrum för Titthålskirurgi - CFTK Drottninggatan 99 113 60 Stockholm Sweden The surgeon: Dag Arvidsson Tfn: 08-32 62 20 Fax: 08-32 62 15 E-post: info@cftk.se PRICE Somewhat expensive, but they have a full program with psychologist, dieticians, online services - and a 3 year follow up program!!! All is included in the price. Approx 11,900 Euros /10,400 GBP ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- GREECE http://www.bariatric...y.dk/index.html A greek-danish doctor, had a danish education, worked in Sweden for many years. Now working in Athens He speaks fluently greek, english, swedish, danish, norwegian, and understand german and dutch. The danes are beginning to know him more and more. He aswers questions for us at our danish forum Nikos Valsamidis Bariatric surgeon info@valsamidis-surgery.com[/email] 30, Abdominal Surgeon Medical Director Department of Advanced Laparoscopic and Bariatric Surgery Meditarraneo Hospital Glyfada, Athens PRICE Approx 5.000 GBP / 5800 Euros This include surgery, hospital stay. You need a gastroscopy 150 euros (Can be made at home) If you have a "high" BMI, you need to see a dietician and psychologist - it cost 100 Euros ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- GERMANY - Dr. Krause In Denmark we get the contact through a agency who handle all papers and contact. http://www.ihcare.co.uk/ Dr. Krause His secretary Frau Jansky: christel.jansky@klinikum-nf.de http://www.klinikum-...0DK/10DK_fr.php Price 9600 Euros Including operation, consultation with surgeon, psychologist, dietician ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- BELGIUM - Dr. Lemmens "The sleeve gastrectomy is also performed in well selected cases " He mostly do bypass http://www.dr-lemmen...emid=75〈=en You can write to him on the website, and he will respond to your mail. I only received a mail the first time, and didnt get an answert on my 3 others. But perhaps her was very busy, ill or out of town. Price aprox: 7000 Euros / 6100 GBP (for a Bypass!) I think that sleeve will be the same or less. ------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- BELGIUM - Dillemans http://www.azbrugge....r_dillemans.pdf Dr Bruno Dillemans T +32 (0)50 39 29 80 bruno@dillemans.com In Denmark we get the contact through a agency who handle all papers and contact. I do not think he makes many Sleeves. http://www.ihcare.co.uk/ Price 8200 GBP / 9400 Euros ------------------------------------- -------------------------------------

1. I am overwhelmed by clothes shopping. I have literally nothing to wear for spring or summer, I have an amazing trip planned for Hawaii and I want to look great in my clothes but keep going in stores and not buying anything. Do they have nude beaches??? Hope so or else I’m gonna spend all of Hawaii in jail. 2. I’ve realized that every single pound from this point forward is going to come off only with really hard work and dedication. I feel mixed about that. I still want to lose 30 and that seems ... challenging. 3. I worry that I am a “bad” Bariatric patient because I eat all kinds of foods. 4. My neck looks just ridiculous. Lol. It looks like it is melting off. 5. I am y’all 5’9” and super limber and sometimes Iately I feel like a praying mantis with my long long legs. 6. Sex is way more fun lately. (5 and 6 kind of related) 7. My feet shrunk from an 11 to a 10 and a whole shoe world has opened to me. 8. My love for coffee has deepened to an alarming level. It is probably not the healthiest. But as a night shift RN in an ICU and a mom to 3 young kids, people will have to pry the Dunkin’ Donuts coffee with cream and Splenda from my cold, my freezing icy numb cold dead hands.

@@395Ron Oh my goodness, He has been one of the most supportive person to us! Praying for healing & strength & that he doesn't suffer through all this! Sending hugs & prayers to you Sherry to be able to handle all that you two are going through!!! Let him know his bariatric pal family is thinking about him & praying for him!!!

So it took 3-4 months at Blossom Bariatrics? They have not mentioned anything about months of waiting, but I did just complete the 6 months my insurance required before turning around and saying it was not even a covered service. It feels like it has been one road block after the next.

I haven't had revision, but I've been hanging out on bariatric sites for the last 5-7 years. It does seem to work for most people, but of course you'll find outliers. Sorry to hear about the above responder's complications, although fortunately, as with virgin surgeries, those seem to be pretty rare.

Got it, ok. Mine are probably a more traditional case. They look more similar to post baby boobs, despite my never having kids. Good to know about Bariatric Pal MX. Since I will more than likely have to split up my surgeries, it might make sense to save the money and go to MX for one of them, if I can get good results. Maybe tummy tuck and crescent arm lift. I'll have to really check out their pics. Thanks for the heads up on the p0rn star boobs. I see enough of those around to know that is NOT what I want

I posted a screenshot of Bariatric Advantage's order form I hope that helps @@395Ron I take their Vitamins I enjoy the calcium chews and I have the multi Vitamin in pill form the only downside for me is on an empty stomach they make me nauseous. I've tried the chewable multi vitamin from them it was chalky but I didn't get nauseous. Sent from my SM-N915P using Tapatalk

Ok so even before I read the post from Irmabeck, I switched doctors only because I had my Gyno refer me to another group of surgeons closer to my home. Just yesterday I went to the Flemming Island Surgical Center for a day surgery procedure and I really liked this facility. Everybody was so warm and friendly, the fixtures were very posh and upgraded in every fashion possible. I had a great experience all over. My gynocologist who did my procedure yesterday is a part owner is this private facility, both the Bariatric Surgeons her refered me to also work out of this surgical center, so I'm quite pleased. I can say that my Gynocologist is the best doctor I have ever ever met as far as listening to his patience and his over all bedside manner; if he is referring me to a colleague of his and he knows me, I'm quite certain they will provide me with the same service. The Bariatric Surgeons names are Stankard and Brinkman. Anybody who reads this and has hear anything at all about the please message me. I have full confidence in my gyno so I'm not expecting any bad news. Just wondering if anybody has seen them before. Anyway, thanks for all the info and the alerts all. Have a blessed week then weekend. Kerrie

I think for all of us this would be so difficult to deal with. Sounds like you sincerly want to lose weight. I like my surgeon but I love my dietician/nutritionist. I think if I ever experience any problems I would seek her advice before my doctor's unless it might be surgically related. My nutritionist is a full time bariatrics nutritionist. She only works with bariatric docs and bariatric patients. Nutritionists are much less expensive to consult with than a doctor although it sounds like you could use a very competent and caring bariatrics doctor. I just don't know if they exist? Most docs I've spoken with want to keep their visits to 10-15 minutes where you can spend up to an hour with a nutritionist for $50. Each doctor is so wrapped up in his/her own practice that most will not take on a consultation type roll for a patient who had surgery elsewhere. I'm sure there may be one but where? I'm assuming you're relationship with your surgeon went South? You should try to see him or ask around about a bariatrics nutritionist. tmf

I got to be real honest. If my Libido gets higher after a 100 pounds weight loss....I may look for a younger Woman to have me some kids--besides me having two that I am raising now. Being a Single Dad does have it's advantages. On the other hand about percentages--I see that the same thing is going on in the "St Francis Bariatric Center of Memphis, TN"--70% Women and 30% Men are getting all three types of surgical weight loss done. It's a shame that Men lose their lives from something that can now be fixed. "Oh--I was serious about having maybe 2 more kids". I have been friends to a few Filipino Girls who is looking to start a family. I smile at the idea. Who knows--maybe I can be a great Father--even though I am going to be 50 in June. My Libido is kind of low now, but every now and then--I have some rough days and nights--so I know it's there-I have to be thankful a cold shower works 80% of the time-My Body just waiting for me step out of this old one into the new Me :clap2: in 08....