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With my group....when we left the hospital, we were given a wristband we were told to wear for at least a month with a phone number on it for emergency services. (in case we were in an accident or something, the ER could be alerted that we had special needs being new WLS patients and be able to contact our surgeon) We were advised we could call that number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. And that we should always call them first and make any emergency services aware of their number. It is a tremendous sense of security to have that number. As it happens, I've never had to use it....but just knowing someone from my group will answer the phone and get me help if I need it...has really helped take the anxiety out of recovery. Does everyone get a number like this? What are you told to do about questions, emergencies? Just curious what everyone else's experience was. Also...if you're shopping for a bariatric surgeon....asking about a number like this and what kind of support they provide after surgery is a terrific idea.

That's awesome info, thank you. I just got my referral Monday so now the Bariatric office is doing a chart review of my medical records and will hopefully schedule my first visit which is the Psych eval. My bmi is 40.2 and my insurance, Tricare, doesn't require any comorbidities above 40 and only 1 for 35-40. I had a sleep study last year and all it showed was insomnia but I didn't sleep much. My dad and brother both have sleep apnea. I'm looking at the RNY Gastric bypass. I know it's a process but I'm excited. Good luck with your surgery. I wish you the best!

So it's vitally important when you're on any drug therapy for psych stuff, especially BP, to work with your bariatric surgeon and your psych to make a plan for post WLS. With your new anatomy, you may need changes to your meds. And it's super important to know what those changes are going to be up front, before the surgery happens, that way you can help avoid a crash after surgery. Cuz it's gonna be hard enough emotionally to handle the effects of the surgery itself, let alone, having a crash with your meds too. Right? So if it were me, I'd really be frank with your present psych. Get him/her on board. After surgery, we have to gets subs for extended release meds and also enteric coated meds. Our new anatomies don't give us the time or stomach acid to dissolve pills that have an enteric coating on them, so they end up not being absorbed. Again, because things go through our system so much quicker, extended release pills don't work well for us, because they are malabsorbed. Congrats on really staying on top of your BP meds so your BP remains stable. That's no small undertaking and you deserve to be congratulated!!! I've seen many people with BP who've done perfectly well with RNY and VSG. I just fall into the group that things it is better to plan for success rather than rally through a crisis. ((hugs)) You'll figure it out!

Mmmm. I'd say the app is 'fair' or close to 'adequate'. The really best outcomes seem to come from using MY FITNESS PAL (web or app) in conjunction with BARIATRIC PAL (web).

Aww thank you so so so much [emoji173]️ I really appreciate all the support and kindness I have received from you and this platform has been beyond what I was looking for within the bariatric/ weight loss community. And being active and getting in fluids in the beginning was hard but they’re the keys to my success along with getting in protein and vitamins. Thank you again for your kind and generous words [emoji846][emoji173]️

I also have a suggestion, if your high risk on/gun isn't familiar with post bariatric patients get a consultation with a ob affiliated with a hospital which also does WLS surgery. This would be advice I would give my daughter or grandaughters. Take care of that precious life inside you, I will be praying for you. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I had bariatric surgery 5 years ago. One of the initial steps was to get approval from a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist was on staff at the hospital that specializes in bariatric surgery. The psychiatric exam took about an hour. The main focus was determining if I had any underlying problems that might prevent the surgery from being successful. They asked a number of questions, many dealt with how I became overweight. I just answered them truthfully and that step was done.

I’m in the pre surgery process and have been approved for surgery on February 19th. I had a major depressive episode years ago after my divorce. I haven’t needed to take antidepressants in over five years. The psychiatrist that I am consulting with talked to me quite a bit about the the incidence of post bariatric surgery depression and that there is a significant chance that I might need to start taking medication again. He feels that I need to be watched closely for problems. I remember him making the statement that they really didn’t know why, but bariatric patients have an increased incidence of post-operative depression. I have not researched the statistical data to validates his statement, it might be worth the time to read up on the issue.

How long does it take a PCP to get a referral to a bariatric surgeon? She said she was doing a referral on January 9th, I called her office a week ago and they said it takes a couple of weeks. It has been the longest 3 weeks ever. I'm anxious.

You don't say what other alternative weight loss methods you've tried before and what kind of success you've had, if any. Part of the psychiatric evaluation is to ensure you have the proper mindset to be able to handle the drastic lifestyle change that WLS will require. Perhaps she has concerns in that area? Also, note that you don't have to have approval from your psychiatrist, but rather any psychiatrist, preferably one who does know about WLS and its requirements. Most people don't see psychiatrists regularly, so my bariatric surgeon referred me to a psychiatrist who specializes in this type of evaluation. Your surgeon should be able to do the same.

I never considered bariatric surgery until my gyn suggested it. Having spent countless hours researching it and interviewing several surgeons along with my husband, I’ve decided to go ahead with it. I’m elated to think I can jump start my way to a new life. I don’t see this as an end in itself or as a cure-all, but rather as a powerful tool. Don’t see it as giving, see it as taking charge. So what’s the problem? My psychiatrist objects. She hasn’t articulated anything beyond saying this is a drastic step and we should explore other alternatives...like appetite suppressants. I’m clinicaly obese. Appetite suppressants aren’t turning this ship around. Shes a fantastic doctor and I know she cares and wants to do well by her patients. She helped get me out of a BP depression several years back. I’m fully recovered and I’m religious about my meds. So i’m in the uncomfortable position of having to persuade my shrink not to stand in my way. Just venting.

I am hoping you can give me advice or some direction on my issue. So I have not had my gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico yet, but I wanted to talk to my local provider to see if she would be able to test my vitamin levels and she refused and told me to go to the bariatric clinic, but the bariatric clinic won’t see me because, did not perform the surgery. What do I do?

Bariatric surgery radically affected my sense of taste. Other people experience a radical change in their sense of smell.

Hey I think you might get some useful information on green smoothies from this surgeon called Dr V. on youtube. He actually recommends green smoothies for bariatric patients. He has a few videos about just that, including a video where he makes one to demonstrate what he puts in. Look up Dr. Vuong!

I tried sending this to you as a message but I was unsuccessful so I'm reposting here. It was something I shared here on BP with some facing approval. Although im not a 'know it all' anything that I know that may help you, i'll be happy to share. If you have any questions let me know. I shared/posted this a few weeks ago with someone facing insurance approval too: I had a sleeve gasterectomy in spring of 2015 and had no issues getting approved. In spring of 2017, my original surgeon and I saw that a full duodenal switch was needed for the absorption component so yhe process for approval began again...EGD, psychological evaluation, PCP visits and approval etc. Since BCBS only covered one bariatric procedure per lifetime, The situation with the second surgery is that it needed to be proven to be medically necessary and that I had been compliant with the sleeve gasterectomy in 2015. After the completion of my tests and visits, my package was submitted to my insurance company. As you guessed it, DENIED. I knew I had to act quickly since it was denied in the fall, this meant my deductibles has been met and in order to not have to pay them again in 2018, I needed to try to push for approval before 2017 ended. I knew that the appeal could take longer than I would need and after what decision I would be given, I would either have to have the surgery in 2018(deductible) or have to start the process from the beginning. Although I was frustrated about the denial, I decided to start doing what I knew to do, fight. You see I work for a medical insurance provider and advocate daily for members to receive the care that is needed, be it from physicians or the insurance company. I had assisted many members before in getting various approvals for different treatments that was needed to better their life. I went over all the things that I knew a review board and medical director would want to see/know before granting me a 2nd opportunity. Upon doing this I realized that my surgical team did not fit my needs this time around and to appeal the initial denial would be pointless since the evidence/tests needed for the insurance approval were not done by my original surgeon. I did additional research and found a surgeon in Texas that was well credentialed, accepted my insurance and also did initial appointments by phone since I was a patient from another state. After reviewing ALL of my medical history that was sent to him and discussing the prior denial, we forged forward. After phone 'visits' I was scheduled for an EGD with this doctor along with a 3 part stress test(breathing, legs and heart to check for clotting and exercise)...during the EGD I was also given a ultrasound of the gallbladder. This doctor was extremely thorough and was making sure that I was given every possible chance for the insurance to not deny me. When the package was submitted after all of the tests, I made sure to tell my insurance coordinator at the surgeons office additional things I wanted included such as my fitness gym contract, diseased gallbladder ultrasound, receipt from latest pcp appointment(that insurance company didn't show in their records)...I knew I had a better chance at approval if BCBS saw that not only was I being compliant but that I needed a cholesctomy(gallbladder removal) and that I would pursue the 2nd surgery until it was granted. With the cost of treating my comorbities, I'm sure the insurance saw that it was less expensive to grant the surgery than it was to treat the ailments that existed bc of my weight. By the amazing powers that God put in place, I was granted the second opportunity to change my life. My surgery took place December 14, 2017. Prior to surgery my co-morbidities were high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes(with injections daily), edema in lower extremities. Please don't give up!!! My apologies for the long reply but I hope it helps someone that needs the strength to keep fighting. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Liver reduction - no, post op clear liquids - no, post op full liquids - yes, as long as you strain out all the solids. Once i was on full liquids - Miso soup was a welcome change to flavor town with the liquid diet. I strained out the tofu and seaweed, but had the miso and other floaty bits in there (not solids). Liver reduction is not a ton of fun, but just remember - if you cheat it, you could risk having your surgery cancelled. My reduction was 2 weeks. First week was 3 bariatric advantage liver reduction meal replacement shakes a day, 2 bariatric advantage snacks, and one "green" meal (basically a salad with some chicken). Week 2 was 5 shakes a day. I didn't tend to be too hungry, and if I did have some sort of craving, I removed myself from the situation that caused it and did some sort of distraction. One of the best choices was to not sit and eat with my wife and child (it sucked to do that, but it made things a whole lot easier on me). Occasionally I would sit with them for 5 mins while I chugged my shake, then would go once it was just me watching them eat.

Your nutritionist must not have a lot of experience with bariatric patients. Like James stated, you will have a period where you must eat "mush" foods after liquids, of course. Within a month or two, you will be able to start eating things like turkey, chicken, etc. I am 6 months out, and can eat EVERYTHING that I was able to eat pre-op. I eat crunchy vegetables all of the time. It is just important to chew your food well. Don't worry about it. You will be fine. Just take your time introducing new foods. Good luck!

Need a vanilla bestie? I'm the same size basically. Still pre surg.but my goal is 175 lbs size 14-16 and neither my Dr Miller nor anyone on Bariatric Pal has said that's unfeasible. Big commitment,but I'm up for it Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Type 2 Diabetes, as I understand it, is insulin resistance. If it is caught and treated early enough, it can be reversed. Type 2 Diabetes is what brought me to the information session on bariatric surgery last September. I realized that I am not going to win the battle by remaining stuck in the cycle that I am in: I could get progressively worse. The doctors tell me that I will most likely not need my diabetes meds after surgery. I actually have a small glimmer of hope for a healthier life.

Hi Patricia Holland I just saw your post. My grand father in law was from North Holland, great grand mother in law Freislander. My FIL never taught my late husband the language, they must have been too eager to assimilate into the US. Don't worry about your written English-language, I have been trying to,learn basic Dutch, there is no one left of the older generation to teach me. I even had trouble pronouncing gadaan. I wanted to learn because it is a part of my children and grand-daughter's ethnic heritage. I wish I could have met Opa and Oma. I shouldn't be over here although I too will,be having weight loss surgery I will have a RnY in March. I just wanted to welcome you to Bariatric Pal. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Was there a reason you can not have anything but mush? Have you special medical reasons? If not, and your nutritionist was saying this about all of us who have bariatric surgery - when, she is talking through a hole in her arse! I am seven weeks post op and tonight for dinner I had two slices of chilli-laced haloumi cheese with pesto mayo along with a cucumber/rocket salad with tamarillo vinegar dressing. Fabulous! In total, maybe 1/2 cup of deliciousness! Go on to the recipes forum, and look at the great stuff people are eating post sleeve surgery! All the best - on this great journey we ar on...

Thank you!! BariatricPal has sponsored BariatricFoodie for quite some time! We're the first weeks Bariatric Foodie 2018 Pledge sponsor!! You can still sign up for the BF pledge at https://www.bariatricfoodie.com/takethepledge/ .

Actually, Little Green is a reference to a Joni Mitchell song, NOT a comment on my size - but I thought the title might be funny So I'm 2 weeks away from surgery and just started my liquid diet. I thought I'd officially start one of these "tell your story" posts so that I have a place to keep track of all my stats and thoughts. My highest weight is 381.25 and that was 6/14/14. After that I lost down to around 300-ish in about 18 months doing calorie-counting on MFP, but regained nearly all of it after my husband became disabled in a motorcycle accident. About a year after the accident - last March - I visited the bariatric surgeon for my first consult and I weighed 367 pounds. I've gone up and down since then but I started my liquid diet (today!) at 350.2. I am a classic story of overweight-since-childhood along with a rapid weight gain starting in my late 'teens after getting a job and my driver's license, giving me full access to fast food morning, noon, and night. I'm not sure of all my milestones throughout the years but I know I weighed 180 pounds in 7th grade at age 12, and more than 220 when I graduated high school. I'm 5'8 so BMI 25 is 164 pounds and my goal weight is 150. About six weeks ago I decided to go vegan and I've been transitioning into that diet ever since. I'm relying on plant-based protein supplements during the liquid phase but I hope to move to getting protein from whole food as soon as possible. My post-op diet will definitely be a lot higher in carbs than most people on this board are used to, but I'm confident in my choices and really excited about the health benefits in addition to weight loss. I am going to try my darnedest to weigh myself only once per month after surgery. I did the obsessive daily "don't drink anything, have a bowel movement, get naked, and weigh myself" routine during my MFP days and it was really harmful to me mentally. I'm also logging my food in a physical journal and I won't be weighing anything or measuring beyond the standard 1/4 cup, 1/2 cup, etc. meal sizes for post-op guidelines. Measuring food definitely works and I think many people can benefit from it. But again, it ended up being bad for my mental health. My ultimate life goal is to eat and enjoy an abundant amount of healthy plant-based whole foods without weighing or measuring portions. I know it will be awhile before I get there, but that's where I'm going and how I'm positioning myself for long-term success. So that's a little about me! I'm going to post random crap in this thread, like musings on diet stuff, numbers, feelings (I have a lot of them), my appointments, etc. Thanks for reading!

I'm curious which WLS social media influencers our members are following on Instagram and YouTube?

Hi guys, who would have thought our normal good drinking water could change so much.. lol I look at my old water bottle and wish I could chug the whole thing for water, but as I think that my new little tummy reminds me... not now!.... i found that water and broth is working best for me so far. I called the Bariatric nurse about the stuff I’m coughing up, and as I thought it was from the airtube down the throat causing irritation.. thick mucus with a little brown blood. It’s getting better. i am lucky that I have not( yet) had the gas bubbles... although I am peeing out the iv fluids and have to laugh... every time I do I weigh myself lol my tummy isn’t as bloated as earlier. my dr has us checking our temps/pulse and bp 4x a day.. i have the little pill cups on my nightstand and have 6 set out at a time, some with water, some with broth and some with the premiere protein water.. but now seems very sweet.. so watering it down a little. The nurse said just try and drink a little here and there as the tummy allows.. seems to be working. just a little update that I hope will help others.. #teamjanuary30th lol