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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...........

Here are some images from my bariatric binder that I was issued by my surgical team, mostly pertaining to Step 2: Pureed/Full Liquid post-op diet.

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

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 think I'd really struggle on full liquids only diet for weeks of pre op. I'm lucky my surgeon found that too many people fail an all liquid diet and the stuff they fall back on is generally worse than including just a meat and veggies real dinner during pre op. Only my final day before surgery is all liquids. I didn't really get to have any food funerals. The bariatric physician wanted me on a pre op diet for 4 weeks ahead of surgery, but when I saw the surgeon a few days later there was a theatre opening only 3 weeks later that he was happy to book me in, so my pre op began immediately lol. I'm still not tolerating a meal replacement shake in the morning, as it makes me feel queasy for at least an hour. Most days I've been having a single scrambled egg and a coffee with 200ml 1% milk as my breakfast (is less calories than the VLCD shake, and once my protein water powder arrives I can include an extra 15g protein in my coffee so will be about equivalent protein). After that I can bring myself to spoon-eat/drink a protein shake make with lots of ice for lunch and don't get queasy. If I get hungry mid afternoon I have some homemade veggie& chicken stock soup while I look forward to a relatively normal meat and steamed veggies dinner. I've been dropping a half kilo a day on this so I figure it's working ok.

I agree with my Fitness Pal also Bariatric Pal and my, WeGo,which is like a Fitbit,but cheaper.

A good bariatric Multivitamin is always a good choice post-banding. All of the Vitamins contribute, in some way, to your metabolism, but the ones that specifically claim to have these effects usually have other ingredients that can be harmful at worst, and useless at best. I order my vitamins from my doctor's office; they are powder in capsule form, therefore very bioavailable.http://bmisurgery.org/index.php?ID=vitaminssupplements My doctor also recommends supplementing with Co Q-10, which very definitely helps with energy levels. He requires it during the perioperative period, but those of us who continue with it long term really do notice a benefit.

@@songsmith The classes were held once a month in a group setting. We went over a lot of material, like how to read labels, what our food triggers are and how to avoid them. How to handle eating out, supplements, after surgery depression, emotional stress on your family. They gave us a folder and each month we added material to it, so now I have every class and all the information to re-read. The last class was a nurse from the bariatric floor that came in to discuss what to expect at the hospital. He also had us meet twice with a Nut, exercise physician and have a psych evaluation. I'm truly thankful my surgeons practice does this. I'm completely ready for this! I wish his info was online...I would give it to you Cindy

I just got my date, February 16th at Kaiser West Los Angeles! I can't wait! My wife and I are renewing our vows for our 25th anniversary in November, I plan on looking good for her! Lol

@@katladee, Happy Holidays to you, too! Sounds like we're in the same boat. I wish I hadn't let hubby sway me not to be on the pre-op diet over the Holidays. I'd be able to have the surgery and have two or three weeks post-op before he left the country. Oh, well! Maybe we'll be sleeve buddies! Dates sound about right. @@Ali_, your surgery is the day before my endoscopy. So jealous! I think you need to decide who you think will be supportive. Later on, it might not seem so important to keep your surgery quiet. My husband and grown-up daughter know and, hmmm, I let it slip to my hairdresser. I told my older sister this weekend. I toyed with the idea of waiting until we see each other just to hear her say, "OMG! You've lost an entire you!" Then I decided she'd probably be afraid I was sick since I had a cancer scare last year. Now, if my mom was still alive, I would not have told her. She had a history of sabotaging me my entire life. She used to buy me 3X clothes when I was in high school and a size 12/14. I'm toying with starting a weight-loss blog, so clearly I'll be blabbing it to the world! @@rgallardo, it's interesting to see how other doctors and insurance companies require. I have that last required class before mine will submit. Here's hoping your insurance company is on the ball and approves you right away. I'm actually excited about the timing of my surgery. I told a friend, this is the first time I will actually keep that New Year's resolution! Hey, @@MRSJONES305! You're on the home stretch. Has your doctor given you a tentative schedule or do they wait until they hear back from your insurance? @@katladee, I've talked about my upcoming surgery on Facebook and have told my immediate family (and my hairdresser!). I'm a very private person, but my husband wanted me to meet a co-worker (via Facebook) who had the surgery done just before I saw the doctor for the first time. I haven't bandied the fact around, but haven't gone out of my way to keep it quiet. I'm what they call a "displaced worker" (means I was laid off and have been off for more than a year). I'd feel differently about telling co-workers. @@ssflbelle, sounds like we're on a similar schedule. You've come a huge way already! Would you mind sharing how you did it? I'll definitely check out your blog. My therapist (recommended by the Bariatric shrink) and I discussed my fears of regain and lack of follow-through and just a ton of stuff. Anyway, I told her I've always enjoyed writing (and still do). I want to start a blog about my journey partially to share and inform but also to keep me "honest" as time passes. @@jenniferANTM, you lucky dog! Your surgery is the day after my endoscopy. I'll definitely be thinking about you! @@Kathy Krebs Robertson, Hooray! I'm a little envious of you early to mid-January sleevers! Nah. Not really. (well maybe a little). I love living vicariously through everyone here who will be getting sleeved around the same time I am. Has your insurance approved you? Any final hoops your doctor wants you to leap before the 11th? @@cindyw41, way to start the New Year off right! What did you discuss in your classes? Were they with other people? I had to visit the dietitian each month. Honestly, she didn't teach me much of anything (Protein first, Water sips, etc.). She was no help when I wanted her advice on how I should be eating during the 6 month monitored diet. "Oh, by now you've dieted enough times you know what to do!" Argh. I wanted her to advise me so I could eat close to the way I'll be eating after my sleeve. This forum was a great help. I looked at my doctor's post-op nutritional guidelines and read a lot here and am happy with what I've done. I would have loved a more informative dietitian, though! @@mistycal, wow! You're moving right along! I'm a little afraid of my endoscopy. I had my thyroid removed last year and had complications (I couldn't swallow for a week and had to remain in the hospital). Mind you, the ENT says it was probably because he couldn't avoid bruising my larynx a bit because of the size of the thyroid. But the whole experience makes me nervous about anything being stuck down my throat! It's a completely different procedure, but try telling my nerves that. I'm just glad I'll be out when they do it! @@mya.mys, Dec. 28 definitely means you can hang out here. There is a December/January sleevers thread somewhere if you haven't found it. Tell me if you want me to hunt it down so you can maybe find some sleeve buddies there.

You posted that you work within the same hospital system as the office where the fax came from. If you look at your HIPPA documentation there is a statement in there that there is a relaxing of HIPPA rules when "communicating within the same hospital systems, and their representatives." Was there some mistakes made? Yup.--on both sides. In this day and age, no one should never fax personal information that you want to keep confidential--unless you KNOW that the fax is going to a PRIVATE fax machine/computer. Once again, I have to question the reasoning of "hiding" one's bariatric surgery?? Are you ashamed of having it?? --afraid of what others with think?? Does it really matter? Aren't we all supposed to be having WLS for OURSELVES?? Especially those of us who work or have worked in the Healthcare field. I would hope that we would want to set an example.--to stand up proudly that we had the courage and determination to conquer our "disease demons". I find absolutely nothing to hide nor be ashamed of by having WLS. Once we try to hide it, cover it up or lie about it, --that is when the spider web of telling two lies to cover up one lie and so on and so on. I don't know about you all, but my memory isn't good enough to remember what lie I told to whom. Getting back to the faxing fiasco: Lesson learned by all involved--I hope. You know. I've been sitting reading and rereading this trying to decide if I was going to comment. Sorry, but the ugly monster got the best of me. Valentina- I may be new-ish to this forum but why do you think it is ok to bash someone who was sickened at the thought of her personal information being spread around a large office? You say you aren't ashamed of having surgery- good for you. But do not project your opinions on others as though you are right and they are wrong. In fact- YOU are shaming anyone who does not subscribe to your belief that you need to tell everyone your business. Heck- I bet you have told tons of people who actually couldn't care less. Who we choose to share our surgery with is our own business and ours alone. That goes for you. Rent a billboard for Petes sake. But don't think for one moment it is ok to tear down those who think differently from you. As for Hippa laws- there has not been any "relaxing" since the days it was set in motion. Your facts are wrong. I've been a healthcare provider since 1985. Been there. Done that. When she is acting in the capacity of a patient, her rights are to be maintained just as any other non-employee patient.

I ditto this remark. I moved to florida and was having no problems but needed my yearly lab work done. when I contacted the local bariatric clinic ( the only one in town) I was told they would not see my unless I had proof that my surgery was done in the usa. I am 13 years out and the hospital in ky only keeps records for 10 years. I finally found some old material I had that they accepted. it is great that it was routine care I needed and not an emergency. just be sure to verify that they will treat you and get it in writing as one person can say one thing and someone else interpreted it another. best of luck

I don't mean to be rude, and perhaps you're not meaning it this way, but this feels like a scare tactic. See below for why I disagree with this immensely. So yes, SOME doctors won't know what in the hell they're doing. If you're honest and open with you PCP BEFORE you have the surgery, they can prepare, educate themselves, and express any issues/concerns. There's a slim chance you'd have to change PCP's to get the follow up care you need. However, Dr. Illan and his team provide a list of blood work to have done and at what intervals. When those intervals come around, I let my doctor know, she orders the tests, I get my blood drawn, she lets me know if they're within normal range or not. It's easy peasy and isn't even related to anything bariatric when it comes to my insurance or anything. It is entirely dependent on how flexible your PCP wants to be. If they're not willing, find one that is. You can get the follow up care you need, it just might take some dedication and research PRIOR to going to ensure it's all lined up. That aside. I had my surgery with Dr. Illan on June 13, 2016. Before they made the move to Oasis. I'm actually jealous they weren't there when I went. Even so, the hospital was great, the staff was great, he was fantastic, and my boyfriend was taken care of every step of the way as well. I got better treatment and care from them and their staff than I've ever experienced in the US. I'm terrified of hospitals and was scared about going under as I never had before, but they eased me through it and got me to the other side. Now I'm sitting here at 199lbs, and 49lbs away from my goal. I don't regret it one bit, other than wishing I'd done it a couple years sooner. If I ever needed anything again in the future, you can bet I'll be going to Dr. Illan and his team again. I had no complications. I experienced a bit more pain post-op within the first 3 hours of surgery than I expected. Some people say they experience none. I, however, did have some and I have a VERY high pain tolerance. So this surprised me. Once they found a good pain medicine and coupled it with anti-nausea, I was great. Once I was released 2 days later, I didn't ever have to touch the pain meds I left the hospital with. Of course do your research and talk with your regular doctor beforehand, you only hurt yourself by not doing so.