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I had my referral sent over on Dec 26th, got a call on Jan 4th from the bariatric services group, had my intro meeting on Jan 12th and my first class on Jan 16th. So even over the holiday time frame it didn't take too long.

I went here. Great office. https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/Our-Services/Metabolic-Bariatric-Program.aspx?furl=bariatrics Located in Winchester VA

I hear you! My problem is, my SIL who had WLS a couple of years ago through the same hospital where I'm going told me to expect it to take two years from intake to surgery. (I'm in Canada... elective surgeries always take longer). I didn't want to believe her, but the longer I go the more I'm expecting that she's right. It's been a year since I first talked to my GP doc about a referral to the bariatric clinic and I feel like I'm languishing in this limbo state of frustration. I have an appointment each month with a different member of my team (nutritionist, surgeon, mental health, my assigned nurse) but I feel like I'm just treading water. I *think* I will get to sign my paperwork with the surgeon in April or May, and then it's just waiting for a date, which can take up to a year.

I needed to read this thread today. I'm a year in from when I first talked to my GP about getting referred to our local bariatric clinic, and I've been feeling discouraged and wondering if I really want to do this. I *know* I want WLS and that I need it for all the same reasons as the rest of you. I've just hit a bit of a wall with the waiting game, and trying my damnedest to lose the 10% my surgeon requires. The questions and doubts just keep creeping in. I'm trying to think about it like waiting in line to get on a roller coaster, which is always far worse than the actual ride (which I end up loving 9 times out of ten). Right now I'm about halfway through the line and trying not to let the knots in my stomach put me off.

According to the internet: Nausea and vomiting are the most common complaints after bariatric surgery, and they are typically associated with inappropriate diet and noncompliance with a gastroplasty diet (ie, eat undisturbed, chew meticulously, never drink with meals, and wait 2 hours before drinking after solid food is consumed). If these symptoms are associated with epigastric pain, significant dehydration, or not explained by dietary indiscretions, an alternative diagnosis must be explored. One of the most common complications causing nausea and vomiting in gastric bypass patients is anastomotic ulcers, with and without stomal stenosis. Ulceration or stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy of the gastric bypass has a reported incidence of 3% to 20%. Although no unifying explanation for the etiology of anastomotic ulcers exists, most experts agree that the pathogenesis is likely multifactorial. These ulcers are thought to be due to a combination of preserved acid secretion in the pouch, tension from the Roux limb, ischemia from the operation, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and perhaps Helicobacter pylori infection. Evidence suggests that little acid is secreted in the gastric bypass pouch; however, staple line dehiscence may lead to excessive acid bathing of the anastomosis. Treatment for both marginal ulcers and stomal ulcers should include avoidance of NSAIDs, antisecretory therapy with proton-pump inhibitors, and/or sucralfate. In addition, H pylori infection should be identified and treated, if present. So generally what this is saying is 1) stay off all NSAIDs such as aspirin and excedrin that contains aspirin. 2) use a proton pump inhibitor such as prilosec (omeprazole). My surgeon recommended I take this daily for the first year so that my stomach would heal properly. At the end of my first year I discontinued it. I am now 5 years post-op. 3) make sure you were tested for Helicobacter pylori infection. This is a very common infection, one that is somewhat hidden because of a lack of symptoms. The three most important elements after RNY gastric bypass surgery are to meet your daily protein, fluid and vitamin requirements. Food is secondary because your body is converting your stored fat into the energy that drives your body. Thus you lose weight. So my first concerns are not focused on food but rather to make sure you are meeting your daily protein and fluid requirements.

Viky88 I'm not thru with,surgery just wanted to offer friendship. I'm waiting on an early-mid March surgery but will also,be a RnY. I've been on Bariatric Pal a couple months , have,learned a lot from veterans,and done a lot of research myself. I,have a BMI of 45, am 5ft8in tall, 72 years old and goal weight at this time 175 or size 16,,if I end,up smaller, Halleujah! It will,be a struggle but,oh so worth it. I'm in it to win it, care to join me? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

You go girl looks like you got this! I was originally scheduled for March 13. However I just did my clearance with my Bariatric doctor. Being that I've just obtained a new insurance they moved my date up to February 15th. It seems with the new insurance it's only a 3 month wait instead of the 6 month wait and everything is done. Now I am doing my pre op surgery diet. Holy cow, I'm super nervous but so ready to start my journey![emoji16]🤗[emoji4] Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

HI there! I'm scheduled for March 14th, praying I get approved. Here's the prep work I've done, beginning a few weeks ago: Dropped wine and coffee Limiting carbs to fruit and vegetables Started taking bariatric vitamins and calcium (I chose a liquid product) Stocked up on clear and whey protein drinks, variety Vigilantly hydrating myself Practicing not drinking water 30/30 around meals, and chewing I haven't been perfect on any front, but I'm working it. Tomorrow get a CPAP machine, so I'll add that to my routine.

http://www.obesityaction.org/transfer-addiction-following-bariatric-surgery

I SEE MANY POST BARIATRIC PATIENTS IN THE DETOX UNIT OVER THE YEARS....ADDICTION MINUS ONE TYPE CAN BE REPLACED.

Other people think you are an obnoxious know-it-all with seemingly too much time on their hands. I won’t tell you what camp I’m in, it doesn’t matter really. The information he shared is just as valid as anything you have repeated ad nauseam. Get it, nausea? It’s a bariatric joke, now that’s funny.

Hi Katkatlady and everyone else.. I made it!!! It went fine. I started at 1’sh and in my room around 7pm.. felt really groggy.. not much pain but did have a bad headache from stuff given in surgery.. got my patch behind ear!! Since I got back to my room so late that they weren’t pushing me to walk around this floor.. but did get up ALOT to use the bedside commode. Couldn’t figure out why I was peeing so much... ohhh yaaa, the IV lol but have been cruising the halls since.. going home in a few minutes... it was better than I expected although my tummy is a bit sore and bloated... and so far NO GAS!!! I’m sure this is just the calm before the storm lol I don’t know my weight as if yet, will check tomorrow morning.. I had a little mini goal for myself before I went into surgery and I made it!! Woohoo. Dr said he took out a lot of old scars and adhesion from prior surgeries... before I could leave I had drink 1 oz of water which went down fine, slow but fine... and then later they had me try broth, jello and tea. All was fine but not hungry so took me awhile... the staff was the best! I didn’t sleep much since surgery but that’s pretty normal... ths is for sure my start of my new life and journey.. I’m excited for the new life. side note tho,, my friend that came over from another neighbor island ended up being admitted to hospital for her kidney (which has a stone and now is greatly infected.. and she’s had a brain tumor for 7 years but recently started growing again so the soecialisthsre are helping her.. her island doesn’t have much medical so they are usually sent here for medical reasons... so I’m getting released and she is staying... interesting how God works..she’s getting the good care she needed here if she accepts it. so how is everyone doing after their surgeries??? Been telling the nurses about this group and how I love hearing others start and progress... blessing my bariatric family!

Any experience changing to a whole new bariatric team AFTER your surgery? I'm 8 weeks out and having an extremely rough go of it. I've been hospitalized twice postop for dehydration, I'm still not eating, barely keeping liquids down (lucky to get 16oz a day), totally bed ridden and miserable. My bariatric team is not taking this seriously enough and is not working proactively towards a solution. I want to go to a new office, but I don't know how to begin. Any tips for finding a GOOD team? Anyone in the MD area have recommendations? I'm close to DC but willing to travel up to an hour or more for quality care.

I started with a recommendation from my PCP, which ultimately I went with. I did some reading on how centers are ranked and what makes a center more or less successful. There’s a bariatric surgery accredidation that grades centers and the best ones have certain characteristics. Some of them I recall as being more than 300 surgeries per year, have a tracking system in place for their own stats, have specialized treatment units or floors and a bunch of other things. I found a list of ones near me and it turned out the one the PCP recommended was on the list too.

I agree with Mattymatt, my area of Ohio is lucky that all 3 hospitals offering surgeries in Columbus-Ohio State University, Riverside Methodist and,mine Mount Carmel are ranked as Bariatric Centers of Excellence. When you plan for something this life changing you want to seek the best. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi let me in too, Although I haven't been given a definite date yet I should be early-mid March. All my prerequirements are done and I'm waiting for a letter( way they usually do it) or phone call from my surgeon's office. The person who usually does it has been out with the flu and I'm not sure if anyone picked up the slack. Oh I'm getting impatient my friends. I will,have a RnY at Mount Carmel in Columbus Ohio. I'm sure I'm older than all you surgery twins but I'm in it to win it like everyone else. Don't lynch me folks but my surgeon doesn't require a liquid pre-surg diet, just low carb and balanced. Ah but afterward I'll be clear, full, mushie and puree just like the rest of the WLS world. I've been on Bariatric Pal a couple,months and have learned loads from the veterans active on here. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

BariatricPal Box of the Month Club Do you love getting surprises in the mail? Are you ready to get help losing weight, boosting your protein, and keeping your diet fun and exciting? Are you a fan of great flavors, easy meals, and snacks, and exclusive discounts? Join the Club! That is, the BariatricPal Box of the Month Club. Each month, members receive a unique bundle of store products and samples. No two months’ bundles are the same. Each month, the items in your bundle are carefully hand-picked by our store experts for you to enjoy. What’s in the box? It changes each month, so you will find out when you open it! You might get… Top-selling store products. Samples of our newest products so you can be first to try them! Great-tasting protein bars and shakes in both classic and daring flavors. Ready-to-eat snacks and/or instant meals – all high-protein, low-carb. Samples of vitamins, minerals, and health-boosting supplements. Other weight loss helpers, such as measuring aids. You can count on at least 8 to 10 items in each Box. You’ll get at least $50 worth of top-quality products and exclusive coupons every month. Getting the Box is the only way you could try all of these products without buying bigger quantities of them. Who is it for? YOU, if you want: Great-tasting, fun products. Exclusive discounts every month on the products you try. Variety, taste, and protein on your pre-op diet or solid foods post-op diet. Help losing weight with or without surgery. More protein, less sugar, and more flavor. Samples of new and delicious products without committing to an entire box. High-protein, nutritionist-developed menus to help you lose weight. When you fall in love with the contents of your monthly Box, you can buy them at The BariatricPal Store. We sell every product that we put in your Box, along with over 1,500 other bariatric and weight loss products. Plus, we guarantee the lowest prices anywhere and offer free shipping. Count on the joy of opening your box and discovering new products each month. Shipping is free! You do not need to worry about what the neighbors think because the Box is discreet – it has no bariatric-related words or logos. Join the Club and make weight loss fun!

I saw my bariatric surgeon first....he wrote the referral for the psych eval...cause it's a special kind of evaluation specific to bariatric surgery and he has a therapist he uses specifically for it who knows what to write that makes insurance companies happy. (added bonus, she also runs our support group) Really...my bariatric surgeon's office handled everything to do with my insurance. They contacted them about prereqs and designed a program for me from there...and they got all the little boxes ticked and all the I's dotted and T's crossed. I just went for all the tests and kept all the appointments they made for me. I never really even talked to my insurance company. My insurance company sent me an approval letter within a week of my surgeon's office submitting the request. They know the ins and outs of dealing with insurance companies....and they get chit done:) In my case, anywho...it was better to leave all that up to the professionals.

The #1 complaint we receive from Bariatric patients about portion control products is that they leak! I came across the 6-compartment Yumbox Leakproof Bento Lunch Box Portion Control Container recently and realized that it's perfect for bariatric patients or anyone that's trying to portion control their meals. It offers variety and promotes healthy eating habits. Pack small portions of your favorite foods. Its compact size and illustrated tray make every lunch an adventure in good nutrition. Balance & Portion Control Yumbox’s pre-portioned illustrated trays guide you to packing healthy and hassle-free lunches! Now with two smart options: 6-compartment Yumbox encourages variety and healthy eating habits; and 4-compartment Yumbox Panino offers more volume for sandwich/salads, sides, and your favorite dip or treat. Leakproof Single Lid Pack sauce next to protein chips with no worries! Yumbox's unique single lid seals all food wells individually. Food won’t touch or leak outside of the box. No baggies! No lost lids! No mess! Think green Reuse, Reduce and Save! Yumbox saves you money by eliminating the need for baggies, multiple containers, plastic wrap and snack packs. Pack a waste-free lunch. All food safe materials, BPA-free and phthalates-free. Bariatric Friendly Yumbox is lightweight and compact with an easy-open latch. It fits neatly into a standard size thermal lunch totes. Yumbox is ideal for bariatric patients or anyone that's trying to portion control their meals. Pack Yumbox for play and work. Is Yumbox leakproof? Yes. Yumbox is a leakproof container. Yumbox’s silicone lid engages with the tray to create a tight seal keeping food contents in place, including wet foods like yogurt and applesauce (not water). Foods will not leak between compartments or outside of the box. How do I pack wet foods? Yumbox is designed to hold wet foods but not liquids. To ensure that food stays in place and does not leak to other compartments, follow these 4 Easy Steps: Do not overfill compartments (an overfilled compartment could cause another to leak as well); Remove any excess liquid from canned fruit, applesauce and yogurts; Keep contents cool by adding an ice pack to your lunch tote; When closing Yumbox, press down on the lid with the palm of your hand and snap latch to closed position to create the best seal. Do not pack yogurt drinks, soups or runny/watery dressings. Do pack foods with the consistency of ranch dressing, ketchup, chunky salsas, hummus, yogurt, and veggie dips. These are all great options. Some oily vinaigrettes may leak out of the dip well. One trick that can help keep vinaigrettes in place is to dress the salad and top it with a few croutons. The croutons will absorb excess oil/liquid and keep the vinaigrette from seeping into a neighboring compartment. If you are not sure if your food choice is too liquidy to pack, we suggest that you conduct a quick test before sending your child to school with that food. Simply add the test food to a compartment, close Yumbox properly and give it a good shake (or leave it on its side for 10 min.). Set Yumbox back to normal position and open to see the results. Is Yumbox dishwasher safe? Yes, Yumbox is dishwasher safe. Top rack only. We highly recommend hand washing the outer shell and/or removing it before the heat dry cycle. Yumbox has been tested at temperature 65C/149F, 110 min. cycle. Yumbox is made with ABS (exterior box), Tritan (tray), and silicone (seal). Yumbox is designed with rounded edges and smooth surfaces to make hand washing easy. Special Care instructions for the silicone seal: Please be sure to empty contents each day, hand wash with warm soapy water and thoroughly dry your Yumbox before storing. Also, if you live in a damp or humid environment, leave Yumbox ajar, not sealed when storing. If you pack oily foods regularly, coat with a baking sodapaste once a week overnight to avoid build-up. How do I carry Yumbox? Yumbox is compact and fits neatly in standard size lunch totes. Is Yumbox food safe? Yes. All materials are food-safe, BPA-Free, Phthalates-free and are CPSIA and FDA compliant. Is Yumbox microwavable? Yumbox's exterior shell is not microwave safe. We do not recommend microwaving the inner tray. Yumbox is designed for serving cold or room temperature foods. If foods that require reheating are being packed, we recommend using removable silicone cups. Is Yumbox thermal? No. Yumbox is not made with thermal materials. If adding food like yogurt, which should be kept cold, we recommend packing Yumbox in an insulated bag with an ice pack to keep contents cool. Does Yumbox come with utensils or drink cup? Yumbox is not sold with accessories at this time. However, we will be offering accompanying products in the future. How big is Yumbox? Yumbox is compact and can be carried in standard size totes. It also fits neatly on the lunch table. Yumbox Original dimensions in a closed position are approximately 8.5 (l) x 6.5 (w) x 1.8 (h) inches and weighs 1 lbs 1.5 oz. Is Yumbox’s tray removable? Yes. Yumbox’s tray fits snuggly in the bottom half of the exterior box. It can be removed easily for cleaning, packing or for at home use. The first time you open Yumbox, you may find that the tray is slightly difficult to remove. After initial removal, it will return to its comfortably snug fit. Can I pack a Yumbox lunch the night before and store it in the fridge? Yes. Yumbox acts as an excellent storage container. The seal keeps foods fresh for days in the fridge.

Wine is rather caloric. I am glad you found one potential cause but there could be more. Can you go to see a dietitian that specializes in post-op, bariatric surgery patients? Maybe they can help you get to the bottom of this.

Pizza and Ice cream won't do it for you..lol I'm sure other bypass patients have good advice.You can also check with your bariatric team I'm a sleeve at 1200 to 1300 My protein goal is 100+ I eat 6 times a day. Low carb. Healthy fats ( I still log in myfitnesspal)

A bariatric surgeon named Dr. Matthew Weiner has several informative videos on YouTube, and one is about the reasons people regain after losing a significant amount of weight due to WLS. He was not my surgeon, but I found his videos to be very helpful. Besides lifestyle choices such as being sedentary and overeating, there are other possible causes of regain, such as certain conditions or medications. Steroids such as Prednisone can cause rapid weight gain. If someone injured their knee, as an example, and was prescribed steroids as part of the healing process, he'd have the double challenge of having to limit physical activity and taking medicine that will likely cause weight gain. Many antidepressants cause weight gain, as do various hormonal medications. Your stomach does not significantly stretch after having the VSG, but as your body heals and adapts after surgery you will be able to consume more than you initially did. There are many caloric "slider" foods that you can quickly consume without having the same level of restriction as with denser foods. I had the VSG in 2015 and have been maintaining a BMI on the low end of the normal range for over a year, but my weight bounces around about 10 pounds due to medical issues. I have Addison's disease which makes me dependent on steroids, which can cause my weight to rapidly surge. Anytime I'm going to be encountering a stressful situation, with work or even just something like a really long flight where I'll be sleep deprived, I have to take an increased "stress" dose, and I gain weight. I then just work to get that weight off again. But I can see how if someone was in a chronically stressful situation, that would be much harder.

Well I am pre surg at this point, hey still listen, I have gastritis confirmed by my gastroenterologist, I am naturally on a post surgery bent, I can't eat any more at a time than you. 2 or 3 small bites, the most I seem to get down is 1/4 to 1/2 cup cottage cheese. My Bariatric Coordinator Amber who I am in touch with often teased me " you're with the program a little. ahead of time", many people are on liquids pre surg I seem to be on pureed. Irritates my son, I fix him things then I barely eat what I fixed. Told him after my RnY in March I'll be this way or worse so get used to it. He is supportive of the surgery but he does worry about me. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

katkatlady612 - Good question. Yes diabetes is a medical condition; and I am one of those people who no longer has to take medication for my blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Most obese Type II diabetics will benefit from the surgery because diet has such a huge influence on it. If you were insulin dependent, you may step down to metformin, if you were on metformin you might come off completely. However, if you are a Type I diabetic pre-op, you will still be one post op. Bariatric surgery does not cure these conditions, but it does make managing them much easier.

When I start to feel fear or anxiety about which is often accompanied by tears, it tells me that whatever I'm doing or about to do means a lot to me. so if your feeling that way about surgery this is a good thing (in my book) that means this new journey is something you're taking seriously. Hang in there and in times of true Emotional doubt hang onto your Logic, this is a safe procedure with amazing results and unless everyone who has ever received bariatric surgery is lying to us, we have a bright, healthy new life waiting for us just around the corner. All my best