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@@theantichick I'm glad your are putting time in with your therapist before making a decision about your health. I don't see your post as critical of surgery at all. Doing your research has you on the right path. Here is my thought's..Most of us have an eating disorder that got us to the point of surgery. You only get out of surgery what you are willing to put into it. I don't put much faith in statistics. Success is up to you. I am almost 2 years out. I had a good nutritionist and aftercare/education. Learning to eat healthy was eye opening for me. I now look at food as fueling my body. ( A big change in my relationship with food) Cooking has become a norm. Food is still wonderful and flavorful. Here is a link to my nutritionists recipes. She gives a great cooking class in my area. Hope it gives you an Idea of what meals will look like. http://insidekarenskitchen.com/bariatric-friendly-recipes/ That learning phase..Yes I tracked and had to think about Protein etc. Since I've been in maintenance, My food choices are now automatic because I'm so accustom to eating healthy. I do not think about every bite (Quick meal for me is chicken fajitas - the family has the tortillas. I don't ). I have times I indulge. Just means I put some extra time in the gym if the scale moves up. My number one priority is getting out and living life.( not planning meals and gym time) So many things my body kept me from enjoying. I don't take my health for granted. I'm making up for lost time

@@theantichick just so you know, I let my sister pick my surgeon for me. She's a physician and I trust her judgment. She researched the four bariatric surgeons practicing in my town and said my guy, who had the least experience, was the best choice. She spoke to personnel at the hospitals where these surgeons practice and they all had terrific things to say about him -- and my sister also pointed out to me that as the person who was most recently in medical school and residency, he was the one trained in the most up to date techniques and practices. Anyway, I had a fantastic experience, at least as fantastic as major surgery can be. I had a very quick and easy recovery and zero complications. I absolutely adore my surgeon and have recommended him to three other people who all had similar experiences. So, long story short, the most experienced surgeon is not necessarily the best choice in every circumstance

Hair loss is common about 3-4 months after ANY major surgery, not just bariatric. There’s usually nothing you can do to stop it. My hair loss lasted maybe 2 or 3 months, but the rate of loss is back to normal now.

Maybe you could try sending a DM to @@nprcowboy , He had a really rough time for the first few months and was put on tube feedings. Perhaps he can offer some advice. Personally I would be contacting the insurance company about changing surgeons for follow up. Make sure the doctors following her for the kidney stone out in for a consult. Either the bariatric surgeon or one of his residents should have checked in with her by now.

Hi all, do you mind if I jump into your thread? I live in Reno, and just got my approval letter from my insurance today. I also will be banded by Dr Ganser. I talked to Michelle at Western Bariatric today and was told to hold my horses that she has 10 files ahead of me and will call me in a few days with dates and more info. How long did it take you guys from time of approval until the actual banding?

Hello I had a great sleeve experience with Dr. Aceves on June 16. Can you please tell me what are your follow up plans with a local bariatric specialist in the us now that you are home? Did you have any trouble since you had the surgery in Mexico? I am asking this because I was in the ER two nights ago (internal hemorrhoid not related to surgery) and the ER doctor was asking me all sorts of questions as to my aftercare I have planned now that I am home. He made it clear to me that although I can get a referral to a bariatric specialist, the doctor may not accept me as a patient since I had surgery in Mexico . Thoughts?

@@peytonplace Marsha, thanks for the reply. Posts go "poof" on me sometimes too, I have developed a habit of saving the long ones half way through... because the short ones never disappear...grrr Okay, i had a lower body lift, breast lift and augmentation and arm lift. More recently I had some work on my thighs, so no stranger to plastics! I discussed my butt with the plastic surgeon and he advised against implants for all the reasons you mention. i didn't really want that anyway. Some people get this procedure where during the lowr body lift, they use some excess ... skin?... to kind of fill out the butt. I know a couple of people who went for that - they loved the results but it was a painful and difficult recovery. And, it took like a year before they could sleep on their backs! Not worth it to me and surgeon didn't think it was worth it either. I know big butts are what is currently in, but don't really mind, and most of the time it isn't really a big deal, but this particular outfit, it was a problem. I am glad i did plastics, but, it is a big deal and not for everyone! I believe it is riskier and bigger surgery than bariatric. Implants can have long term complications. I always thought that things like arm lifts were no long term risk once healed (mine were awesome!) but someone on these forums has long term nerve damage from an arm lift.... like i said, consider the risks because living with a bit of excess skin isn't so bad... As far as the regain, you can find much info on these forums on this topic. For most people, what works best is going back to what worked for you in your losing phase. Going back to basics - Protein first, no grazing, stay hydrated, yada yada. i think it is wise to weigh weekly (as long as that doesn't trigger obsessiveness for you) because then you notice the 5 before it becomes 50. If you want more advice, ask away and I suggest reading the veterans forum as that seems to be "regain central" My general feeling about goal, maintenance and all that - it isn't really a destination, it is more like the lifelong deal. I try to see it in a positive light - i have skinny friends around my age, and they ALL watch what they eat to stay thin. Okay, they were never food junkies, so maybe it is easier, but my point is that we live in a world where food is pushed at us constantly... our brain is stimulated to want to consume it! You really have to work hard to keep cravings etc under control. I have discovered that WHAT I eat eithr triggers or helps control hunger. This is why I maintain a moderate carb diet - sugars, even in fruit and other healthy sources triggers appetite for me. As far as the phone app, does myfitnesspal look a little like the older version of this sites app? It used to be black, now the app for Bariatric pal is white background.

Hello, I hope you are well. I have been a registered nurse for over 12 years and my Bariatric surgery will be in March. When I was in shape (all of my life except for 5 years ago), I used to think the same thing as your wife. 5 years ago I fell into a depression and gained over 100 pounds. I’ve been trying to get it off ever since. Now, I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux and pre-diabetes. People in my family say I should not do the surgery. They say I can do it on my own. But as I said, I have been trying to lose the weight for 5 years and my health is actively declining. Should I wait until I am fully diabetic so I can meet the approval of my family? No. Obesity is one of the most unhealthy modifiable conditions you can have. Despite how widely accepted it is, it’s worse than smoking, drinking, and quite a few illegal drugs (arguably combined). It damages every organ. Fat puts pressure on your organs, making them secrete hormones that alter your ability think and function properly. I know your wife is concerned about the risks of surgery. But what about living long enough to go to your child’s wedding? What about being able to play with your child in the park? What about setting a healthful example for your child so the cycle does not continue (I come from an obese family so I know how hard it is to break free from bad Family eating habits)? I hope my comment helps.

The following recipe for Chunky Winter Soup is one of my favourites for lunch on a cold winter day.Chunky Winter SoupMakes 4 cupsOil spray½ onion1 small or ½ large leek, thinly sliced2 cups salt reduced chicken stock1 small or ½ large zucchini, diced1 small or ½ large carrot, diced1 cup no added salt, chopped tinned tomatoes½ teaspoon curry powder1 tablespoon no added salt tomato pasteFreshly ground black pepper2 tablespoons macaroni1 cup cooked red kidney beansHeat a saucepan that has been sprayed with oil. Add onion and leek and cook until they are starting to soften. Add the stock, carrot, zucchini, tomatoes, curry powder, tomato paste and season with pepper. Bring to the boil then simmer for 20 minutes, until vegetables are tender. Add macaroni and kidney beans and simmer for a further 15-20 minutes until the macaroni is cooked.

Hi My surgery is scheduled for Dec. 13, at the Hurley Bariatric Center in Flint, Michigan. I begin a 2 week pre-op liquid diet on Nov. 28. I am so excited to finally get a date. It has been a long drawn out process. :tongue2:

My surgery date is December 19th, if approved by insurance. The bariatric clinic held my paperwork for almost a month! My surgeon is Dr. Tariq, Central DuPage Hospital Bariatric Clinic - Winfield, Il

I feel your situation. I am not quite sure how I will handle it either. Everyone that knows me, knows I am always dieting, working out, trying to lose weight and it's a super frustrating battle. I started with a bmi of 32 and worried about being judged for not being big enough... but I swear I would be twice as big if I hadn't spent the last 20 years being on and off (mostly on) obsessive about my weight. Yet... i've never been in a normal BMI. I spent the last year paying for a nutritionist and personal trainer... a whole year, I lost about 20 pounds total and then injured my shoulder. It was the final straw. Within one month of the injury I gained 8 pounds back, still eating right! I am so relieved to have made this decision. I honestly don't care what anyone things anymore. What has been surprising to me is the fact that every friend and family member I have told has been 100% supportive and all expressed seeing how hard I am always working at it and how unfair it seems to have such a hard time. My dad and sister both had bypass surgery and I feel like my goal was not go that route. I struggled through feeling like I've failed, but today, I am 8 days post op and I feel hope I have never felt before. Hope of a normal life without obsessing about trying to be a normal size. Hope my pcos and metabolic issues won't always feel like a sledgehammer hovering over my head. I don't care if my coworkers know... but personally, I don't want to talk to them about it, it isn't their business. So when the time comes and people ask I'm just going to say I made a decision to make some changes and I have, thank you for noticing. And literally move away from the topic. They can find out... I don't care, but I don't need to tell them or open myself up to their judgement. The only negative response I've received was from the bariatric registration process before the surgery. Two nurses very clearly informed me they thought I was not a good candidate. One I ignored, the second I engaged in a conversation (time just allowed it) and by the end, she was totally in my camp and wishing me success. No one walks in our shoes, knows our struggles, and frankly, I know lots of folks that have had different procedures done, and some I suspect did but don't share. Everyone I know who is open about it, has a ton of support for others and I bet their experience is far more positive than those who hide it. This is just my 2 cents, but if you already struggle with guilt around the thought of being secretive, don't be...own it. You will be surrounded by people that are supportive and encourage you. The few who aren't are sad in their own state of mind and probably wouldn't be very supportive if they didn't know either. The risk is real, so I understand people focusing on that tiny chance that something bad could happen, but we get in cars everyday, we fly in airplanes, we work on home projects, accidents and illness happen everywhere, the chance of you living a longer, healthier, better quality life are 10 fold with the surgery. So be proud of doing something to take control of your life and let the others who barely know you, or can't get past their own objections dwell on it if they must. It isn't your problem. You did this in part to free yourself from things that hold you back from loving life...don't give them the power to minimize you.

I hope you all can help me...I have Bluecross Blueshield blue options with my job and the Bariatric office called me to tell me that my insurance was denied due to my job opting out. So I called them and spoke to my HR person and they told me that was correct that they opted out of it. So I've been searching online for other insurances companies. Then a lady from Healthcare.gov called me and said that I qualify for there insurance. So I told her I was looking for good insurance for me and my daughter and I am looking for the insurance to cover bariatrics surgery because its medically necessary. So she search around the market and found UnitedHealth Care Gold Compass 1000 and she said it would cover it. Now my question is has anyone had this insurance and do they cover the surgery and its medically necessary. I am so scared that I will be denied again. My first appointment is June 23 which is consultation but there going to run it under my BCBS insurance which is a 50 copay. Yup they cover the consultations but don't cover the surgery. My Unitedhealth care doesn't go into affect until July 1 and my other insurance will be dropped. I am so scared.

As a dietitian at a Bariatric center, I usually recommend decaf coffee durning the full liquid phase (post-op week 1-2). Of course you should try to limit your intake to 1-2 cups/day WITHOUT SUGAR

@LadyReyvenet let us know what you find works for you. I start my liquid diet this Sunday and it is with Bariatrics Advantage as well. Good luck!

My husband had left me for someone younger and i was feeling pretty low. That was 2 yrs ago inmarch but he has never filed for divorce. I have 4 children and 2 are his and 2 from my first marriage. I didnt become heavy until i got pregnant with my first child in 1989 and then i had a life changing accident in 1993,a few months after my second child was born. I shattered my left lower leg and screwed up my knee at only 24yrs old. Over the yrs i continued to gain and lose until finally i had enough. I used.my bad leg anf knee as an excuse. My weight was never an issue in my marriage though. I sought out counseling because i wasnt letting go of my husband. As i started to realize how dependant i was i also started looking at myself and why i dont lose weight. I have never been important to me. My kids and marriage always came first. I thought about my kids and how if i kept on this path i wasnt going to be around for them much longer. My therapist also happens to be the therapist for the bariatric clinic i went through. She talked me about considering surgery during a session. She thought with all of my yoyo over the years that it was time i started taking care of me. She was right! I realized then and there that if i wanted to ever truly be happy and be there for all my kids that now was the time for me to taoe control of my life. So last Dec i had my surgery. It has been almost 6 months. None of my kids have ever seen me healthy. Now i play with them amd run around with them and enjoy life with them instead of watching them enjoy life without me. Oh, and right after my surgery I filed.for divorce. I need to move on and be happy. So my turning point was the thought of not being around for my kids. Im gonna be a grandma soon and now i will be able to enjoy playing with him too...no fat grandma!! SW 356 CW 252 GW 170

I have bc/bs federal. My paperwork was submitted as outpatient. When I found out about this, I called the dr's office and was told bc/bs will not approve sleeve surgery for inpatient???? The dr's office told me they submit the request as outpatient and then after the surgery is done, they request approval for two nights stay. I was told it will be just fine, don't worry. That just didn't sound right so I called bc/bs and was told they approve the procedure based on what the dr says is medically necessary. If the approval is stated as outpatient, you are responsible for 15%. If the dr requests two nights for observation after the surgery, you are still responsible for 15% of the entire cost. So, if the surgery costs $50,000, I would owe $7,500 instead of just $250! Has anyone ever had this problem with the dr's office saying this is an outpatient only surgery for bc/bs and that is how they must submit the request? Does anyone know if it takes more paperwork to submit the request as inpatient? I am now really concerned that since the dr's office submitted the request as outpatient and it was approved, bc/bs will deny the inpatient request, if the dr's office resubmits. I sent an email to the director of the bariatric center and am waiting for a reply.

I had my pre-admission testing yesterday. When I told the nurse that was taking my history that I was taking phentermine her faced turned white and she put a big red flag comment about it on my record. She asked me if my surgeon knew about this and I said yes and it was actually another bariatric surgeon that prescribed the medication for me as part of the Optifast physcian supervised weight loss program. I had not taken it yesterday and decided based on her reaction to stop. I haven't felt any side effects and my EKG results had acutally improved to normal. So I think I'm cleared for surgery (July 31) unless somehow this comes back to bite me.

I had 3 band-related procedures in 3 different Mexican facilities PLUS 2 hospitalizations in California PLUS 2 Urgent Care procedures in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:State w:st="on">Nevada</st1:State></st1:place> and ONE horrifying wound cleaning procedure by a bariatric surgeon (may as well throw in 2 uncomfy & expensive endoscopies & various Upper GIs.) My band related surgeries were performed by Lopez, Sanchez, Billy, Kuri and his partner. I’ve further consulted one-on-one with Ortiz & his partner, Fisher & his partner, and had the pleasure of a lengthy telephonic conference with Dr. Rumbault. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> The second question isn't related to this topic. If you want to follow me around attacking my posts, please take it to the appropriate Rants & Raves forum.

My insurance said they will not pay for any bariatric procedures, so my out of pocket will be $9,999. The office told me the usual price is $10,000-$12,000 but I got the professional discount due to the fact I'm a Nurse who works in surgery.

Today is day 3 of pre-op. I stayed within my calories yesterday, but overdid it on carbs!! I thought all the dinners in my freezer were less than 20 grams carbs; I cooked one then looked at the carbs: 43!! oh no, should have pitched it but I went ahead and ate it. Then had blueberries for snack, and they are higher carb too. Some friends came over and brought a watermelon, I went ahead and ate some because I didn't want to have to explain. She asked twice what kind of diet I was on and I said predominantly liquid, she wanted to know what kind, blah blah, so I finally went ahead and told them I was going to have lapband surgery in two weeks. (Wasn't planning to tell very many people, but I'm not good at making up stories as I go along) Anyway, I was surprised, she said it would be good for my health; I about fell over in surprise. Another protein review: 1) Whey Gourmet Creamy Orangesicle Swirl - just 'ok'. Too sweet tasting for me. I mixed it with ice and water; maybe should have used a little more water. I wouldn't buy it but others would probably like it. (It came in my Bariatric Eating sample pak. My goal for the rest of the diet: STICK TO IT!! Don't overdo the carbs. I am feeling full; however, the day I had my regular meal at lunchtime, I was hungrier in the evening, so think I will stick to having the regular meal in the evening since I feel fuller longer.

Thank you all for the prayers and well wishes. I am on anti-nausea meds. I have zofran that melts and another that starts with a "p" I can't remember the name off hand. Some times they help sometime not at all. I try calming my stomach with peppermint tea and peppermint oil rubbed on the outside. That helps calm the throw-up spasms a bit. My nurse called and said she is going to speak to my Dr but she is thinking they will just keep me on clear liquid until my appointment. There has been no mention of moving it up I have asked for an earlier one to no avail. I do have to travel 4 hours to the area I had the surgery for my first post op. So I doubt an earlier appointment is in my future. Yesterday I tried a Sucralose sweetened clear drink to try an up my Fluid since I am having a hard time with Water and kept it for about 30 minutes then sent me running to the restroom with diarrhea. As of now I am waiting on instructions from my bariatric team.

It is no secret here that bariatric surgery will expose the raw dynamics of your relationships. It is a painful process, but people will expose how they really feel about you, and who is supportive of your efforts and who you should avoid. As I have said recently, people who talk about you that way are not telling you about who you are, they are telling you about who they are. Your husband is a gift. Too bad he comes with all that drama. So, let the little dogs bark and just go on with your pursuit of health and happiness.

I'm not a doctor but it sounds like diverticulitis. I had a flare of that about my third week along with a UTI. The same antibiotic took care of both so I would see your doctor as soon as you can. My problem was I didn't know who to contact, my bariatric dr, my family dr or my surgeon. I ended up with my family dr.

@@Sherbear2 how are you doing on pre-op torture...I mean diet? I'm only on day 2 and I have such a headache and nausea from Bariatric Advantage shakes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App