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Just curious has anyone evr purchased foods from this site or any other sites? Thanks, Pudgy

Glad to hear it. If you are a reader, I just finished reading a good book. It's by a psychologist who works with bariatric patients. It's called Eat It Up! and addresses a wide range of post-op psychological issues.

Hello. My name is Kim and I am mow almost 5 months post. I has lost 89lbs and going strong. I decided to do this journey last Oct and had surgery om Dec 18th. It can be a quick or lengthy process. I wish u luck. Im hoping in the last couple weeks u have found something out. Keep me posted and any help or encouragement i can offer let me know. Good luck and i hope u get to get on this journey with the rest of us. Hello Kim!!! I'd love to be Bariatric Buddies! I've just hit 4 months Post Op & I'm around 46-47 pounds & I want loose at least that much more. I was doing so good; first week, 18 pounds, & then my Gallbladder went crazy! Nothing would stay in my body! I had to get fluids, & my Potassium was so dangerously low I was at high risk for a Heart Attack. It's been at battle but I think I'm finally getting on the right track! I'm taking my Proteins shakes, that I actually don't mind, & eating healthy. If you're interested please respond on here & let me know b/c I'm not sure how the in & outs are of the group! Hope to hear soon! Alicha

I have blue shield ca HMO and bariatric surgery is excluded and my Dr submitted a referral since I have high blood pressure and bmi of 42, this makes it medically necessary, no issues at all, once submitted I was approved in 5 days. Only had to see a psychologist, no diets. My surgery is scheduled 8/18. It must be the bariatric surgery Dr office that isnt submitting the paperwork correctly. Try again Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

Agree with the why from above posts, but thought I also add the how. I've been getting my calcium citrate from a variety of sources. I'm supposed to have 1500 mg in divided doses (you can't absorb it all at once). So I take two citrical petite, 400 mg each (much easier to swallow), one Bariatric advantage chewable, 250 mg, after lunch, and one Calcet Chewy bite, 500 mg after dinner. Having a couple of the chewables is like a treat, but the pills are more portable and efficient. There is a slow release citrical on the market, but sadly, it's not all calcium citrate. That would have been so much easier!

You will be fine, all the post Rnyers have told me it wasn't as bad as the dreading they did before. I'm still pre surg myself but that's what I'll be having probably within the next 6 weeks. Just finished my pre requirement yesterday, let my Bariatric Facilitator know, isn't that a fancy term? and she told me to expect a call-back from the surgeon's office to let me know scheduling for pre op blood work etc. I live nearly 50 miles away from the hospital so will have to do everything in 1 day. My local hospital just recently started doing limited Bariatric but they don't do anyone with a BMI over 40 or RnY so I have to go to Columbus, our state capital. Don't be scared, it's the Gold Standard of Bariatric surgery, performed often and a lot safer than many other major surgeries. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I currently take 300mg of Fluvoxamine (Luvox) at night. For those who are unfamiliar, it's an SSRI usually used for individuals with OCD. Any who, since my roux en y, I have been having just a heck of a time taking these. Initially, the general bariatric doctor cut me down to 200mg, which was way too fast of a "wean" and I had severe withdrawal symptoms, so back to 300mg for now.* Despite cutting them up, taking them hours apart, etc., I am always sick when I take these now. I have pain, immediate gas, sweats, and then it settles down after 30 minutes or so. I'm currently looking into getting them compounded because I vomit when they are smashed to a raw powder. I also try to take them with food, which only helps a tad. Anyone have similar experiences with medications or tips on how to settle the roaring gut? *If you are trying to get off an SSRI, Benzo, etc., do NOT ever stop taking them or make drastic cuts. You need to wean off these!

Hello to everyone.. My name is Lisa. I wish I could have found this forum before today..lol. I am getting banded tomorrow. I tell you its been tough doing the liquid diet for the past two weeks, but I have made it..yeahh...I have read alot of post here, and thanks to all it has helped me. I used to work in a bariatric clinic, but I knew little about the band... More so on the bypass. I am a little nervous about tomorrow.. not to bad. I guess I am more worried that my liver didn't shrink enough and they would have to open me up..... but I know that is just my fears talking. A little about me. I am retired Navy... I know, I am only 30, but medically retired. I was diagnosed with MS in January, but got over the initial shock 2 yrs ago. I am doing well. I am a single mother with two wonderful boys who are 4 and 9. They have been my rock. Its been a tough road being over weight...as for all of us... I know it's not over, but at least it's a new start.. Wish me luck tomorrow.

I am a newbie and have been very inspired and informed from this website. I too am getting ready to take on the journey with the Lap-Band. I have done all my intitial testing and meetings. I go next week to meet with the bariatric Dr to discuss pre-op information. All my information is being turned over to the insurance and i hope it will be a quick process. I just wanted to say thanks for all that post because it really prepares you for you post op days. I do know from what i read is to make sure you have liquid gas drops and walk as much as possible. I am really excited about this adventure into becoming a new me. Thanks again for all the great information.:w00t:

If it feels like someone is stabbing you under the shoulder blades with a bowie knife and twisting it around mercilessly, it might be your gallbladder. This is one of those things you should ask your surgeon about. Gas is bad enough, but should not interrupt your day like that. A lot of people have gallbladder issues after bariatric surgery.

Hi Chef, Nice to see your posts again I also had my 3 month check in with Dr. Alami recently and requested for him to renew my PPI. It definitely helps me, although my acid issues are so much better now than even a month ago. How are you doing with your weigh loss, exercise, diet, etc.?

I have cigna and I know they cover the surgery. I've studied their policy inside and out. Just to make sure my plan really did cover the surgery I called them today only to learn that my father's employer (who I am covered under for another year) has chosen to still consider bariatric surgery as "cosmetic". It sucks because I was so hopeful that I could finally get healthy and feel good. I know the surgery will cost them less in the long run...but is there anyway I could appeal to his employer? Anyway around this other than self pay?

the employer can only make changes to their plan off their renewal period if they have made a legal mistake (ie bariatric coverage is required in some states with different conditions per state). Their renewal does not coincide with your plan, so you could speak with the employer and ask them to consider adding this coverage for their next year. (You can also look at your state's legal requirements to be sure they meet the minimum...I've seen many occasions where people don't). We are self insured and this is the sort of thing we like to hear about from our team. Our goal is to provide the best coverage in the business, both as a benefit to our team's well being and for competitive reasons (helps us get the best people). So when we learn that we are lacking in an area from someone we look at how to make that work in our program. When I had my surgery we saw we were lacking in this area and will make the changes for the next period. We did the same for fertility and adoption benefits after seeing we were low. Typically employers go with a plan that is sort of standard, then add bits here and there as necessary. It's impossible to sit there and say "how much do we have for this and that" because it's overwhelming, so we get guided by our administrators. Which is where you come in Yes tell his employer. He may or may not make the change, but it's worth a shot. That said, this probably won't help you during this enrollment period. He can't just add the coverage for you as an appeal.

Hi! I am in the same boat as you. Balboa is 3 hrs (not counting traffic) from my home. I decided to go for a sleeve instead of Lap Band, so I started the process last month. Fortunately, there are a lot of things you can do that don't require you to go there. You can have your sleep study, psych consult, and an evaluation from your primary care manager (all required) done where you are and have those records sent to Balboa. You will have to go there for pre-op education classes which are mandatory. There are 2 you will have to attend and they are usually scheduled one day after another, so to make it esy on yourself, you should plan to go, stay overnight in SD, if you can and attaend both clases over 2 days. You have a nutirtion consult you must go to, and you will have to drive there for that. They are more than likely going to require that you lose some weight and you can probably do that through a program at your local facility. I am going to my nutritionist here for those visits. You need a recent pap done (within last 3 years) and a mammogram if you are over 50 (within 1 year), but can also do those locally and have the reports sent. The best way to start is to self-refer to the bariatric surgical unit. Go to the MCSD website and go to the bariatric surgical clinic portion of the site. There is a phone number you can call and do a self-referral. They will then set an appointment for you to go to SD, attend the bariatric information session where they discuss with you surgery options and different aspects of the surgeries they perform. They do a quick screening of your info and, once they determine that you are a good candidate for surgery, give you checklist of all the things you need to do prepare for surgery. I started this joiurney almost a year ago, so I am in the process of having all my records sent to Balboa and trying to acheive the 20 lb weight loss they are requiring of me. The hardest part is I already made one trip to Balboa, and I have to go AT LEAST 2 more times before my pre-op testing and surgery, and one of those trips I will be staying overnight. Soooooo, that is what you have to look forward to. It isn't a hard process, just an extensive one. And as long do everything on the list and meet the TriCare qualifications for surgery, you WILL be approved. Hope this helps. Keep me posted and stay in touch. Blessings as you begin your journey.

Please understand where I am coming from as the survivor of a ten year marriage to a diagnosed psycho-sociopath who kept five loaded guns in the house. (He and his family kept the details from me, but his condition got worse and became clearly evident by the escalation of mental/emotional/physical abuse) What your husband did was not "scared" or "an honest mistake." It was mean. Weight loss surgery exposes the dynamics behind a relationship, and your husband's support or lack of it will give you a clear and unmistakeable picture of how he feels about you in spite of any statements to the contrary. He is not dense. He knows that you had surgery and are trying to get healthy. Unless he has lived in a mole hole his whole life, he knows that cupcakes and ice cream are not healthy for you - or himself. I am guessing that this is not a surprise to you and that you have encountered resistance up to the surgery as well. Just be prepared to stand up for yourself and do not give away your voice. Go ahead and when he is not around to intrude, start reading up on the cycle of abuse. My excuse for staying too long was that "At least he doesn't hit me", but damage to the psychological me was just as devasting. And then there came the day that his bombardment of words because a bruise the size of a 7 ounce steak. He only hit me once. I did not stay around for the bloody nose and broken bones. Anytime I would lose as little as fifteen pounds, he would object and kept bringing in the pastries. As I was putting dinner on the table one evening he got upset and threw his ash tray at me because "You ruin every meal with those damn vegetables!" I was so used to him throwing stuff at me that I did not see that as violence, even when he threw a camping lantern (with a heavy nine volt battery) at my ankle and refused to take me to the doctor when it swelled up and turned a rainbow of colors. Those were just "tantrums" and apparently MY fault because I made him mad. Well then, he was mad all the time at everybody. You have a right to good health and nutrition and regular medical care, no matter who you are married to. He is not being tired or cranky or scared. What is doing is insensitive and hateful, and he is deliberately trying to sabotague your recovery. I am sorry that you have to endure an unsupportive mate. Start keeping a secret journal because when he has you doubting your own sanity and memory, you can go back and see that a certain comment was indeed said or a certain action was indeed done. And "I was just kidding - can't you take a joke?" is bullying and not acceptable either. My journal was my lifeline to sanity. This is not about whether you are patient and long-suffering. It is about your health and longevity now, and you have to put up your armour and come out fighting. In the back of your journal write these two things down to refer to: 1. Why are you still there? 2. Why would you love someone who treats you that way? I have been accused on this forum before of being anti-marriage. However, I am all for marriage, but I am against being mistreated. If you need to, send me a private message. Anyone who needs to talk to someone who understands the cycle of abuse can give me PM. If you would rather talk to a certified counselor, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 | 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) (United States) The apple does not fall far from the tree. This man's daughter would berate her husband continually, throw things at him, manipulate their relationship and give him a thorough beat-down frequently. This mess is a two-way street and guys can be taken advantage of, too. Bariatric brothers and sisters, just be aware of your reality. You deserve to be respected and encouraged and supported. My heart goes out to everyone who is struggling. Don't lose your voice.

I am using Pacific Bariatric in San Diego. There have seminars in many areas. Try the web site- www.pacificbariatric.com for places and times. They are a Bariatric Center of Excellence- a designation for surgery programs that have a strong and consistant record in positive surgery outcomes. They perform surgeries at Scripps-Mercy hospital in San Diego. They are also contracted with different insurance plans, including Kaiser.

I'm not a doctor or pharmacist, but generally, the sleeve doesn't promote any particular issues with medications. The malabsorbing procedures like the RNY or DS can have issues with extended release meds depending upon the XL mechanism used, and the RNY can have issues with some meds known to promote stomach upset. Check with your bariatric surgeon or a pharmacist to make sure. el

Just popping in, a few days post-op, to thank you all for the recommendations. I love that lemonade flavor nectar, and I have samples of many flavors of Bariatric Advantage, fusion, and others. In case anyone new stumbles on this thread: on Amazon I found little bottles of "stur" Water Enhancer...sort of a less powerful crystal light in several fruit flavors, all sweetened with Stevia, not sucralose or aspartame. And GNC sells a store-brand shake mix called something like "lean Protein meal" (that isn't exactly it, but close) that comes in a few different types -- regular (sucralose); vegan (don't know how that's sweetened) and "natural", which is sweetened with stevia. They're not bad at all! Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I have it through my employer. They recently just got this insurance (December 2015 UPMC) and my HR really don't know anything about it(go figure) she was actually trying to talk people out of getting it as she said "it's not worth it" but for me it is because it's the only insurance I've had in years that actually cover bariatric surgery. Now I found another part of my policy that contradicts the other section which I posted. Then here is the other part where I original got my information about what is required.

I have been told by other posters that the protein shots Char mentioned should not be taken because they contain collagen. I have only been able to find one company that sells protein shots made for bariatric patients with 42gm per serving. I think it only comes in a few choices, but I figured I could put the Lemon-Lime or Watermelon in a Crystal Light Lemonade. Protein Bullet Shot http://bulletnutrition.com/medical/ Can be found at: http://www.supplemen...xc=4&sh=1&ing=1 but may also be found at other supplement stores Hope that helps. I'm going to order some soon.

I ordered sampler/variety packs from everyone... Bariatric Pal, Bariatric fusion, Syntrax, unjury, GoTein all had variety packs or samplers available (GoTein actually sent their three flavors for free). I went to Vitamin Shoppe and picked up several flavors of IsoPure to try. So far, I'm working my way through all of the samplers and rating the brands/flavors so I can figure out what to buy. However, I've read a lot of warnings that our tastes change after surgery, so I'm not stocking up on anything yet. I'm actually considering just getting another round of variety packs to taste-test after surgery again. Ordering from Bariatric Pal (their brand, Fusion, and Syntrax) and Unjury were both painless, they were prompt with the delivery and I had no issues. I'd order directly from them for those brands. And the Syntrax tastes so good that unless the IsoPure is significantly better, I'll just go with Syntrax because the IsoPure comes in glass bottles and I don't like getting those shipped, and don't want to have to go to the store for them. I have found that nonfat powdered milk is awesome for making the powdered shake mixes more portable, as some of the flavors don't taste right with just Water. That I'll probably just grab from Amazon.

Hi i just started my puree diet a few days ago. I have been enjoying black bean or pinto bean puree ( organic beans from sprouts) and I cook them with onions, bell peppers, and a little ground turkey. After it cooks together I throw it in my ninja to get it smooth, and it's so wonderful. I started my vitamins two weeks out and I ordered them from Amazon 1. ProCare Health is the brand- Bariatric Multivitamins with 45 MG of Iron ( 90 pills in the bottle) take 1 per day - $45.99 2. Caltrate is the brand: Calcium supplement with D3 - they are gummie bites 3. Liquid B-12- I got those locally from sprouts 4. Biotin - 10,000 mcg 1 time per day. I take these now to prevent the hair loss that usually occurs 3-6 months after surgery. The brand I ordered from Amazon is made by a company called Sports Research- High potency Biotin made with coconut oil and it's 120 pills in the bottle they were $19.99

I'm feeling the same way. My Dr said that these feelings are common after bariatric surgery. Along with James has said, I no longer have food for comfort. I have scheduled a psych appt as suggested by my Dr. Feel better soon!!

I posted some links that I"ve had bookmarked for awhile on how to get approval. BUT, if you do not meet the requirements, you will have an uphill battle. My highest recommendation is to get a letter of support from your PCP/PCM that has managed your care for that time, get a new surgeon because it's denied after your initial appeal, you will need a peer to peer review, and if your surgeon is NOT willing to do that for you, then I personally would not allow him to cut on me, and get paid for it. Here is a sample of a support letter for you PCP/PCM. To Whom It May Concern: This Letter is a formal request for approval for Bariatric Sleeve Gastrectomy, for my patient _____________D.O.B______. __________ is Xfeet and X inches tall and weighs XXXpounds. Her body mass index (BMI) isXX. She has been diagnosed with morbid obesity (CPT code: 278.01), since ____. She is having significant adverse symptoms as a result of her obesity. She is having difficulty standing and exercising due to the significant impact of the excess weight on her body. She has difficulty performing any daily activities and in participating with her friends and family in recreational activities. She has been diagnosed with ____________________. The effects of these conditions are severe, and can be life threatening. Co-morbidities have proven to be expensive to treat and sometimes incurable. Research has shown that weight loss is not only cost effective for the insurers, but for the patients as well. _________________ has made numerous weight loss attempts, including: South Beach Diet Weight Watchers Curves Transformations medical weight loss Michael Thurmond Certified nutritionist consultations Based on ____________�s medical history, it is highly recommended she undergo bariatric surgery. In my professional opinion, it is the only way to improve her health conditions and significantly improve her lifestyle. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office. Sincerely, MD

I am having the same problem with full...I can't tell when I'm even close! I'm either empty, or "Oh dear God, what have I done!" Oddly, I've only had a couple things make me slime - when I was in the hospital last week, their bariatric surgeon put me on Carafate. I would take it and immediately get the salty/tangy mouth and drool for about 5 minutes....terrible! That, and if I have any calories closer than 2 hours to when I want to lay down to sleep...up comes the slimes. I've had to learn to lay off on that, but still can't figure out the capacity thing. If you learn any tricks, let me know!