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I've been recovering from trauma for a long time and have been seeing a therapist weekly for years. I thought that this would work in my favor, as despite my personal challenges, I have worked through an enormous amount of emotional material, and I am more sane than almost everybody I've ever met. Despite all this, it was held against me that I had a need for long-term therapy, and that I did not openly discuss all of my most painful personal problems with the Bariatrics therapist who I met once for one hour. Her communication was violent and aggressive, but she had a smile on her face the entire time. It was coercive, violating, and triggering. Before approving my application for bariatric surgery, she insisted on getting A written statement from my psychotherapist, and speaking to him on the phone. He was supportive of my decision, and ultimately she submitted my application for approval, but in my opinion a person like her has no business working with people that have been hurt. I felt like I was trapped in a room with a sociopath. My sister also have the surgery done, and she lives in another state. Her experience was completely different. The therapist that she had to see was kind and supportive and did not probe deeply into her past. I guess it's the luck of the draw. My advice, is to stay in your personal power. People who have the guts to confront their personal anguish in therapy or in any other form of self healing are stronger, not weaker. There are few legitimate causes that should prevent somebody from getting surgery, unless their emotional issues produce very extreme and completely out of control behaviors, like a compulsion to eat an entire pizza that can't be stopped by the threat of their stomach ripping open. Anything much less than that, and weight-loss surgery can only help. People with depression, grief, people who are having difficulty engaging with life, can benefit dramatically from the surgery. It empowers us to take a residence in our homes, our bodies. It increases confidence, And gives us a chance to embrace a life that we could not have due to excessive weight holding us back. Our mental health improves with a better nutritional diet, and our body image improves as we release the weight.

Someone I met through a bariatric group made it for me. I can give you her number if you like as she has given me permission. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

I think you need to go to the ER--today--preferably the one that you bariatric team works with. Something is wrong somewhere if you are this ill. Be assertive--not aggressive and get some answers, my friend. Go. Feel better. I'm concerned for you. Don't panic. Take a deep breath, then go find your answers.

Thank you for this!! That’s what I was hoping. I’ve been happy so far too with everyone I’ve had contact with at Blossom and everyone there has been very kind. I did not experience that at the Bariatric center here in MN. 😊 good luck to you!! Keep me posted!!

I underwent VSG at Blossom Bariatrics/Warm Springs Surgical Center on 1/24/19. My surgeon was Dr. Matt Apel. I have nothing but positive things to say. Their staff members were amazing, but more importantly, they were completely thorough in everything they did- from the pre-op work-up, to surgery, to the IV infusion the day after surgery. They even emailed me copies of the surgical report and pathology reports. Everything was spectacular. The hotel they put us in was nice, clean, and quiet. The presidential ground transportation they provided was also very convenient for out of towners like myself. I’m a registered nurse with a background in pre-op/post-op, so I tend to pay attention to things that most people don’t notice. I found absolutely nothing to critique. Every T was crossed, and every I was dotted. I honestly can’t think of a single thing to complain about. If your insurance won’t pay to have bariatric surgery done locally (and even if it does), then I 110% whole-heartedly recommend Blossom Bariatrics.

My Bariatric Surgery Book (written/given to me by my surgeon and nutritionist) says that I can eat that one week after my surgery. I had my VSG Surgery on 5/13/19 and have been been eating all of those veggies and fruits since 5/20/19. Everything has gone smoothly for me so far. 👍🏻

I'm not sure if you will get any responses right now about Renew Bariatrics, but if you use the search tool here on BP you can find threads from the past, which might give you some insight about your topic... Best wishes. https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=renew bariatrics

I think I would next send that same email to the gym manager/owner and explain that you haven't hear from the trainer. I'd say I was very hurt by his unprofessional reaction to your statement that you are having a life saving surgery. To say that you are cheating by having the surgery shows that he wants you to fail at weight loss, and feels himself superior (in my opinion). He obviously does not want you to succeed, at the very least, he could use some education about bariatric surgery. No one deserves to be treated the way you were. I know it happens, but it shouldn't. If you had said you were having open heart surgery, he'd have probably said, "I'll be here waiting for you when you are ready to start again!" But darn you that you are trying to avoid that! Ask that you be lined up with a trainer who has worked with bariatric patients before and understands our needs. If the gym doesn't have anyone like that, it would be a great idea for them to invest in someone who does understand the bariatric community. I think I'd tell them I don't plan to renew my personal training sessions when they run out.

I’m a June I get my Gastric Bariatric Surgery June 3rd

I will order some of the ProtiDiet.. they seem to have some great reviews.. anything that tastes like Water, but yet sweet will help me get through this phase. Do you know if they are only available online? Thank you!Yes, I think I got mine from Bariatric Choice. My surgeon's office also sold them. I don't know if the BariatricPal Store has them or not but you can look.I ordered mine from the Choice store last night w/ 2 day delivery.. and just picked up some Protein20 at my QT a little while ago, so hopefully I can get a little protein in me. My hormones are still a mess though, went crazy crying this morning because the rabbits cage hasn't been cleaned out a week ago like I asked since I can't bend down to clean it myself. Ugh Sent from my SM-G900P using the BariatricPal App

I can totally relate to being a college student! I had my surgery right after I began college for the first time at age 59 and achieved double degrees in Gerontology and Nutrition in 2013! We all have to examine how badly we really want to change our eating habits so that we can enjoy good health and the best quality of life for the rest of our lives. "Life" and its many stressors are always going to be getting in the way--we each have to find our new coping skills. Sure, it's a lot of work and a whole lot of planning. On days when I had a 7am class and knew I also had a 7pm class and wasn't going to be home at any time at all in between, it took a lot of planning to make all of my meals and Snacks for the day to carry with me, but it was important for me that I remain true to my bariatric program. That is a decision only YOU can make. There is always a way if you choose to find one. An old work colleague of mine very early on in my career who became a very respected mentor of mine once said, "People always MAKE TIME for the things they really want to do." I think of that so often when I find myself telling me it's hard, or I can't, or I don't want to do something. For the other posters asking which particular month you start getting more of an appetite back--it doesn't really matter whether it's right after surgery, or month 1, or 4, or 5, or 6, or ?, or never. There is no magic month. What matters is that at every step of your new eating lifestyle, from the day you leave the hospital, you are feeding your body the nutrition it needs. That means when you start eating regular food, it's lean Protein and fresh fruits & veggies, and not the packaged, processed stuff. It's all so overwhelming at the beginning (and for me, frankly, it continued to be for more than a year). The rewards far outweigh the challenges. Most of us have lived lifetimes of crazy unhealthy eating habits that don't just "go away" over night. It takes work and determination, but we have a great tool in the sleeve that we have never had before. We just really have to grasp that IT doesn't do the WORK--WE DO!!! Keep up the good work everyone!

When first making the decision to open up to the tool of bariatric surgery I simply assumed that the sleeve would be the procedure that I preferred. This was due to having the full run of my plumbing and perceived ability to eat the foods I wanted, but restrict the amounts. Seemed simple. My younger sister had bypass 15 years ago and I just didn't think that "aggressive" a procedure would be needed for me. After all.....I've lost large amounts of weight in the past through diet and exercise....I just needed a little help......or so I was believing. My physician who was discussing this with me eased me into the conversation and led me to find my way to the surgeon I've selected. I've been to his group presentation.....the first required step. Even after listening to my sister and seeing her progress.......for 15 years......and for secretly thinking in some small way that she took the easy way out.........I didn't "get" it. That presentation really altered my thinking about restrictive and absorptive restriction. I realized in that group session my "hero" status as the big brother doing it on his own......over and over again......was a stupid cycle. I needed to get all the help available.....every tool in the toolbox to get the lifelong results I strived for. Dr Carlson addressed the full room and fielded every question asked. An hour went by....then more.......he'd long since made his informative presentation.....yet stayed to discuss our concerns. A lot of "ah-ha" moments were had. I heard the lady seated behind me speak to her friend, "The sleeve is what will work best for me". My wife, seated beside me, was quiet. She reserved her comments until much later when we were driving home. She proceeded carefully fearing that she knew my mind had already been made up on the sleeve. It was a relief to her when I acknowledged that I felt I needed the bypass.......like my brave little sister did so many years ago.....doing her own research.....as a young woman on her own.......when most folks hadn't heard of such. One of my issues is reoccurring reflux. Some nights it can be really bad. It subsided greatly once I completely cut out alcohol from my intake on April 2, 2015. Back in early April of this year I'd begun resuming the fight to loose my weight. I'd taken evaluation of my current state of living. I loved to grill out.........really loved it. It is therapeutic. I loved to crack open a cold beer and fire up the coals. More beer throughout the cooking and serving everyone had me relaxed and happy. After dinner, I'd normally get drowsy due to several beers......then it'd be time to hit a couple tequila shooters and another beer......or a rum & diet coke or two. I'd get my relaxed and happy state back. It was clear which non-essential calories to drop first......cut out the beer and liquor along with seriously revising the menu on my plate. Guess what.....these were the nights the reflux was bad. Drinking + spicy food (the only kind off my grill ) = reflux. I discussed this "revelation" with my wife. She pointed out a few times since when I'd complained of reflux....since I'd cut out alcohol. I realized she was right......it was still occurring but less often. I have decided that I'd prefer the bypass.......but don't even know yet if I'm approved for it. The waiting and suspense of insurance is driving me nuts. Don't get me wrong.....I'm glad the procedure isn't something as easy to get as a bad tattoo.......but I wish it was more straightforward from the insurance company standpoint. Down the road the results I get from the bariatric will certainly lessen the costs I'd otherwise pose to them, right ? Sorry for the rambling. I'm just eagerly impatient and ready to get this ball rolling in the direction that will lead to successful and long lasting health provided I continue to do my part. I'm checking stuff off the mandatory list at least.....and this website and the folks here are already helping me find answers to the tons of questions I have. My mandatory checklist: Attend the group session---done in early June. Meet with the bariatric program's & surgeon's nurse to review my case and 8 pages of medical Q&A i was to complete--done this past week. Meet with surgeon on official visit----scheduled for July 1. Meet with program's nutritional guru----first of the 6 visits is on July 7. This I understand will be the "start" date of the mandatory 6 month timeline to surgery. Meet with psyche guru----awaiting appointment scheduling now. Internal scope evaluation of stomach and other plumbing-------to be scheduled after visit with surgeon I still don't have any type of official indication that bypass is a covered procedure (United Healthcare). I don't know if I can hang on 6+ months before getting this latest umbilical hernia taken care of. I want to get on to eating the foods I'll be living by after the surgery......eat like I've had the surgery......begin accelerated weight loss now......not wait until the surgery. I just want to be sure that I can't lose "too much" on my own that the insurance balks and says, "No way buddy.....you got this.....do it yourself". I can do a lot off by myself.....but I fail to keep it off. I don't want to sabotage my chances for coverage. So many questions that I'm sure will be resolved and clear in the weeks ahead......it's just right now I want to get going with progress of some type......no matter if it's from bypass or from my jumping onboard with the new plan. The compelling reasons for the need to get going are probably no different than most other folks here: I'm having back spasms from reoccurring back injuries due to herniated T-12 vertebrae. Spine surgeon stated that bariatric surgeon can do more for my spine than he could with back surgery. Sounds legit. Umbilical hernia is driving me nuts. It's worsened when back goes out and my posture and such gets weird. Knees are shot....ortho doc says I need knee replacements sooner than later....he's saying 5 years tops.....plus hip, too. He also stated that 200 lbs off my frame would push those replacements back a long time. I already feel some benefit in my knees from the initial pounds coming off. Swelling in my ankles is greatly reduced. Sorry again for the rambling. I'm jittery after finishing up the last day of miracle steroids (4th round with them since April) on my back. The side effects are sleeplessness for me. I get jittery after the 6 day cycles. I'm hoping for a good long sleep later today....tonight. Aside from dropping the alcohol, fried food and reducing sugar & starch intake (doing these).........what can you advise me to do? What other dietary-related actions? Breakfast choices now are oatmeal (made with Water and small amount of salt) vs sausage biscuits and such. lunch & dinner has me eating lots of salads. Snacks are nuts, fruits like blueberries and apples and occasional whole grain toast with small amount of health choice butter substitute or Greek Yogurt. Drinking tons of water. 40oz of coffee every day during the first portion of the day......a lot, I know. I use nonfat creamer and Splenda or Equal (10 packs for 40oz coffee). I'm still having 2-3 20oz Diet Mt. Dew's every day. Sounds like a ton....but it's way down over the number I used to drink. I go to one a day on days off....but do poorly during workdays. No more drive thru's and only salads from fast food restaurants. What else should I be doing? Should I order the "Big Book on Bypass" and get started on it ??????? Stir crazy and tired of my 46 years of fat fighting. 5 years ago I burned off 120 and felt like a new man.......still have many of the 2X & 3X clothes. I saved most of them.....refusing to toss them due to that being symbolic of me throwing away my hope of wearing them again. I lost that weight.....but failed to keep it off. The brief period at that reduced weight was enough of a taste of healthier living that I have craved ever since. Virtually painfree and full of energy. Leaner.......able to wear my old high school letterman's jacket and button it up......too small still, but at least it would button up. Another 100 pounds off that and I feel like i'd be walking around feeling like a Gazillion dollar lottery winner. I may never get a winning lottery ticket.....but I'll be supremely happy to get 200 lbs off........and MAINTAIN that level. So ready to get this machine krunk up and in gear and burn some rubber down the track. This waiting is like sitting there with the engine revving up but the parking brake locked in place...........

I implore you to please start counting protein. The average, typical woman needs 46g/day, a guy needs 56g/day. Bariatric patients digest protein surprisingly well, but there still may be a small deficit to our absorption. Studies have shown that patients that consume less than 60g/day lose muscle mass. The body also doesn't store protein. It has to be eaten daily. Those that have a typical stomach can eat 5 times the food that we can, so it's not hard for typical WFPB followers to meet their protein needs. We have special needs.

my bariatric dr was willing to assist my plastic surgeon and install a low profile port and I didn't take him up on it because it would have been an additional $1500.... There are times when I wish I would have done it but I was nervous that I would have more complications. Which is most likely silly thinking

Premier Protein Shakes have been our favorite. Also I like the convenience of grab one and go off for the day. We went through two bags of Bariatric Advantage Protein Powder, and thank God my husband tolerates them because I cannot. I plan to continue to use the EAS protein powder (from Walmart) once the weather warms because when blended with ice it is very good.

Hello Eggy, I live between Leeds and Manchester and was told that due to covid all NHS Bariatric surgery is off the table. They are concentrating on other surgeries ... I have no doctor at my local health centre that I feel I can speak too and when I tried in the past I just got told to diet again My journey started early this year, I was shocked to realised I had caused my own misery. I was at high risk for covid because of my weight. I thought it was because of my other conditions. I spent all those months indoors and really frightened, because of myself. In that time I managed to get back to my highest weight ever. Then I became diabetic, my last straw. I admit I had to hitch up my big girl pants and be brave. I looked at local private hospitals near me and sent some online inquiries asking the costs. It is no good thinking about it if I can not afford it. It has taken 9 long months since then to get to where I am, pre op tests being ok, 4 days from surgery. Ask away, I will try and help anyway I can

The world according to eggface This is a web site, has a lot of great bariatric info, check it out. Just sharing.

Dr. Haggerty was my second choice. I ended up with Dr. Denham largely because of location when it came down to chosing. I haven't heard anything about the Kane Center. I know in my research I kept seeing that it was important that they be a "Center for Excellence." I think they have extra hurdles to obtain than the average bariatric center. Keep me posted on your journey...excited about having a partner close by!

AWESOME !!!!!!!!!! Lady.....you just made my day. Outstanding results. Thank you for posting your story here. This is a huge motivator for me to stay strict and follow what my bariatric surgeon and team is instructing me to do. Thank you !!!!!!!

That is if you're Brittany, BulletWithButterflyWings is from Arkansas, home to both Bill Clinton and Mike Huckabee, so by extension Sarah Huckbee Sabders, Donald Trump's soon to be Ex-Press Secretary. AND we ❤ you both oodles, you both brighten Bariatric Pal!

Will your insurance pay for any type of bariatric surgery? If they will, you should find out out from them and from your doctor EXACTLY WHAT is the reason for the delay/denial. You should also look into another doctor before going to Mexico...........IJS-why pay out of pocket if the insurance company's written policy is to pay? Is it possible that your job has some type of exclusion on covering this type of surgery? That may be the reason for so many obstacles......Good Luck with whatever you decide to do! Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

@@Salonboi, I think read earlier that you are using a bariatric eating app? Can you give me any more info on that? Does it send you prompts on when to actually put fork in mouth? I know that I am still struggling with eating too fast. This sort of app, if I'm not imagining it, sounds like just what I need.

I had gallbladder surgery and my bariatric procedure is actually recorded by my surgeon as "treatment for hiatal hernia and GERD" since I was self pay, I could label it in any way they'd alternatively bill an insurance company. At this point, the Air Force recruiter says its still a go. I've been working with him for 3 months. He says once all is said and done and I take the officer test, I can be evaluated by their physician who will accept my medical documents as is. IDK, I guess its more alternative labeling rather than lying...

@@Stevehud Wow, 10-15g of carbs a day is extraordinarily low. The bariatric paper referenced above indicates (CHO = Carbohydrates): "Clinically, it has been proven that a low intake of carbohydrates may cause some damage to the human body. A severe restriction of CHO (in diets of about 15g of CHO per day) may lead to an increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), following the increased consumption of foods rich in fat and low in nutritional value, thus raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, diets rich in fatty foods can induce a state of insulin resistance. Over time, these diets may cause acute ketonemia, which can lead to metabolic acidity. Additionally, the specific recommendation of a high-Protein intake and totally eliminating CHO from the diet has serious consequences to patients’ health, such as Vitamin and mineral deficiencies and ketosis, which can lead to cognitive alteration and an increased glomerular filtration rate. Furthermore, long-term effects can include nephrolithiasis and osteoporosis." I would be very cautious about such incredibly low carb diets for any extended length of time.

Hello, I had a lap band done in Mexico two and a half years ago. It is a 9cc band. I was going to a local bariatric surgeon for fills. But the problem is he charges me $150 for 1/2 cc fill. I only have about three and a half cc's out of a 9 cc band. My problem is that I don't have any restriction and I actually gained all my presurgical weight. I feel like the doctor is taking advantage of me, and not allowing the band to work properly. I met someone who has 7 cc in her band and she lost more than 100 pounds. So my question for everybody, is what is the idea fill for them? Kathleen