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PartyLite Party? Getting together tomorrow night from 5:30 till 7 with a few people and some bariatric patients for a PartyLite Party at my house. Would be a good opportunity to meet some of the locals. If interested please contact me snacks and non alcoholic drinks provided. Feel free to bring a friend/support!

My bariatric center won't release me unless i have someone to drive me home....they won't even release a patient to a cab!

Thanks for that tip. I've been wanting pizza badly lately so I might have to try this method. My local bariatric group has a pizza recipe that you use chicken as the crust but I'm not a fan.

We're all "mean" for pointing out errors in her father's logic but her dad is just "nervous" for her? Someone who is just concerned for her wouldn't cherry pick pieces of an article out of context of the rest of the article, then inappropriately add them up in order to scare her into thinking that 86% of the people who have WLS have a serious complication. Someone who is just concerned for her, would do some research with an open mind and not call everything that goes against their negative opinion a "joke". Someone who is just concerned would attempt to meet with the medical team and ask questions about their concerns. Plus if you read her other posts/threads - there is a history there of negative and manipulative behavior on his part. For the OP - I know based on your other threads that you were hoping/expecting your dad to pay for part of the surgery based on him initially offering too. My thought is he didn't actually think you were going to go through with it and probably never had any intention of paying for any of it and is using these scare tactics in order to not have to come right out and tell you that he is rescinding his offer. I think it would be in your best interest to try to find some other way to come up with the needed money and even check with your bariatric team to see if you can set up an installment payment plan with them.

I was just there Friday morning to see Suzanne. I felt the same as you did about Dr Fitzer...I liked him and understood that I may not see him often. I have two more visits with Suzanne...it seems like a long year but the last few months have went by pretty quick. I was told to contact insurance as well. They just sent me a copy of their Bariatric policy. They haven’t been very good to deal with...they have a lot of requirements. Heather is very quick to respond if you email her with questions. I email her a lot, at least at the beginning with what to do next. I’m assuming as I am getting to the end I will have more to do...hoping that will make time go quicker... I am 44 and have two kids. A 20 year old son that is at school in North Carolina and a almost 7 year old daughter. I hope you don’t have long to wait for surgery! I’m hoping for April!!

Hello, I was wondering if you have done a little research on eating keto and lowering blood sugars. I really like the Dr. that started Dietdoctor.com. there is great information and videos. To see the videos, you do need to purchase a subscription at 9.00 dollars a month. However, you can do a one month free trial, just put in your phone the date you started, so you can cancel before you are charged. I kept the subscription because I find the videos informative. BTW, you can get the recipes free of charge. He doesn't charge for those. Good luck on your journey. PS. I had to find a Dr. that agreed to this lifestyle . You are eating whole fresh non packaged foods but still some Drs. do not agree. I do drink the bariatric hot chocolate however. It's my sinful pleasure, but low carb. [emoji6] Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Well, my pre-registration is done, Im down 26lbs now pre-op and on day 10 of my liquid diet. For those that dont have the pre-op diets, the only thing I can think why not is because your insurance. Most insurance will only allow one bariatric procedure at a time. Meaning if they go in and the liver is too fatty and in the way, they cant safely install the band. So there goes your one attempt. IF your insurance doesnt require it, most likely they have no limitation on surgical attempts. The whole point of the pre-op is to shrink and firm up the liver. The instruments used when moving the liver out of the way, can puncture it causing complications. I guess thats pretty much why I was so scared to not cheat. My insurance only allows one attempt at it. But on the bright side! May 5th is coming REALLLLLY fast! I cant wait!

I was told 3 flinstones vitamins for Menstrual women and 2 for non Menstrual also I take bariatric advantage calcium (3) and b 12

Hello all. I have never been so excited for and terrified of a date on the calendar as I am of June 18th. I cannot explain the number of emotions that I go through each and everyday. The anticipation of a healthier and more productive future and the gut wrenching fear of undergoing a surgery that will change every aspect of my life. Let me introduce myself. I am a 42 yo female who had become very comfortable on her obese life weighing in at 360 lbs. I have a great job, a loving boyfriend and a supportive family. From the outside looking in you would think she has it together except for the fact that she is thick. Thick is what I considered myself. I fortunately never was a victim of weight prejudice or fat shame, at least not to my face or where I could detect it. I have always carried myself with grace and class. I held my head high and moved through my life seemingly effortlessly. As I got more comfortable in life , I got bigger. I started to notice I was having pains that I never experienced before. I was having mobility issues. I thought it must be that I'm getting older. My world came tumbling down when I literally went tumbling down. I fell. Not doing anything out of the normal, I took a step and gravity was not my friend. I got up and was in excruciating pain and cannot walk. I as taken to the ER. This is when the story gets good. I find out that I need a complete hip replacement. The surgeon refuses to do the surgery until I lose 40-50lbs. Diagnosed me as morbid obese. Refers me to a bariatric surgeon. I see the bariatric surgeon, he's a really nice guy, I feel comfortable with him. Contact my insurance, they don't cover WLS. The insurance company covers it but my company excluded it no uncertain terms in our policies. I have to come up with $15k to cover surgery. I gather every financial resource I can come up with the fund needed for the surgery. So here I sit. I completed my psych and nutrition evaluations. I have appointments this week for EKG, chest X-ray, bloodwork and ultrasound of my gallbladder. I officially start my pre-op diet next week. I have been doing parts of the diet since I received it. I have lost 20lbs since I unofficially started the pre-op diet. I am hoping that by joining this community I will be able to get and be support for us folks going through this journey. Hope to hear from you soon.

This is my EXACT story, well minus having the baby part. I too was banded in 2005. I was 280 lbs, lost 70 lbs, didn't keep it off for very long and am now back up to 288. I have had HORRIBLE HORRIBLE reflux, able to eat anything, and am so frustrated!! I have been 3 times to talk to my surgeon about a revision to the sleeve & each time he tells me I need to get an EGD & then I just never go back. I've been looking into revision now since 2013. My insurance covers bariatric surgery but not sure if that includes revisions. I am going to call my surgeon again on Monday & make another appointment. Unfortunately I am in graduate school right now, in addition to working full time, so I don't really have a lot of down time available, so I'm not really sure how this surgery would fit into my life. At this point though I have GOT to do something. I can't continue on this way. My BP is out of control, I'm pretty sure if I'm not diabetic by now I am RIGHT on the edge & this reflux is the worst. I am so happy to hear that you are loving the revision. If I get it done I definitely only want to have it done in one surgery. I can't even imagine the weight I would gain with NO restriction...Anyway, thanks for your post & keep us update about your progress! Candi

I had my band surgery 2008 lost 40lbs and gained it back and than some. Some days I can eat everything and anything in front of me and others I cannot even drink Water. I have been going through this since September 2015 I kept telling my pcp he never listen to my concerns in December I threw up really bad and had pains kind of where the band is and i decided to switch Drs as my pcp just ignored everything I was telling him. My new PCP is very proactive and has had me seen the cardiologist, OBGYN, and sleep test done. I have seen the Bariatric Dr that the insurance sent me to and she said first I have to have my band removed and than the sleeve. Which to me is getting really frustrating. I called her Dr's office today and someone there told me that she does not have a hospital to do the leeve at the moment and that is why they have only submitted auth for my band removal. I am getting really frustrated as I keep gaining weight. I appreciate any support or any other Ideas on how to get this going faster. I have called my PCP and left a message for him as I just saw him yesterday and expressed how frustrated I am.

Ha, Protein doritos would be nice. I've heard of an ice cream on a facebook bariatric group I'm on, it's called Halo ice cream, and it's high protein, low carb and low cal. I might have to give it a shot!

Pray God my day to feel that way,comes soon. I'm still stuck in. Pre Surg-ville where the qualms and whim-whaas live. I long to be emancipated and see the Surgery Room lights shining like a beacon for me. I am currently stuck in a snafu and in a holding pattern until Tuesday when the Bariatric Gods come down with a ruling. All good thoughts gratefully appreciated. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I have been using Bariatric Advantage High Protein Meal Replacement Banana, Orange Cream & Iced Latte and there pretty good not super sweat and mix pretty well.

I was banded 2010, lost 20 pounds, had problems, my Dr. left and wasn't replaced. January thought I was having heart attack, my band slid up. Finally was sent to decent Bariatric Dr. start 2 week preop diet Monday and surgery for removal and roux en y revision.

Hi there - I have UHC and was required to enroll in their bariatric resources program through Optum Health as well as use a surgeon at one of their Centers of Excellence. Unlike you, there were about a dozen COEs in my city so I can't speak to the travel aspect however I can speak to the program. I was grateful for the guidance through the insurance approval process provided to me by the registered nurse they assigned me and she played a big part in helping me stay on track with paperwork and required pre-op appointments and testing. I was approved in a few short days after completing all the pre-op requirements and I credit the RN for that efficiency.

I hope to be a future bander! My insurance just started covering bariatric surgery this year. I am hoping to get approved after I submit all of my requirements. This site is very informing!

Try the public, and state hospitals in your state. Chances are that they have a Bariatrics Unit that takes Medicaid. In NYC, the City Hospitals have fantastic G/BS Units. Some are in the nations Top 50 Hospitals. Also, there are several Bariatrics Groups (which is a specialty based practice, that focuses ONLY on Bariatrics), That have a couple doctors on their roster that will take Medicaid Managed Care.

@@chrisredjeep do you have your date yet ? Exciting times isn't it mixed with a bit of nerves no doubt. How are you feeling about everything? @@rosieuk : What company did you go with? How are you feeling after the op? Are you taking any Protein drinks yet and if so what brand? So many questions, so little time lol. I am with the Bariatric Group and they have sent loads of info and kept in touch by phone. It's made me feel less nervous and more confident in them and what they can provide post op. Please keep in touch, it would be fantastic if we could support each other especially with stuff you can buy in the UK. Kate (from a very hot south of France!!)

Hi, so I'm new to this site, but I decided back in may I wanted to do wls, when I first talked to my insurance company about requirements I met all of them, so I picked a Dr. and got my consultation date. Then when I was speaking to them about something completely different I decided to ask about requirements again. Good thing I did because the first time I asked they failed to tell me I must do their bariatric program and get surgery at one of their hospitals of excellence. The only problem was there is not one in my state. However they reimburse me for travel expenses. It was just so frustrating because I was excited to begin with my consultation and everything. Now I feel like I'm starting all over again. I'm pretty nervous about having to do it through their program and want to know if anyone here has done United healthcare's bariatric program and how that went for you?

No, but my company could put an exclusion on for all bariatric surgery. I am hoping they don't - but I won't know for sure until after the first of the year. If the insurance companies start offering a significant discount for this policy exclusion, lots of employers will take it. I am just hoping that Blue Cross is so huge that they will be too slow to make this change. I guess as long as they keep denying everybody, the band won't particulary affect them - but the Lap Band has got to be cutting into the insurance company profits for a lot of companies. Way more people will be willing to have the band than would be willing to go through a by-pass... By the way, Ira - great job on the exercise! You really are going to be a stud if you keep that up!! Zan - You did the right thing by throwing that scale out the window! They are evil. Don't get another one!! I say you camp out in that doc's office until he gives you a fill. I didn't get my toes done - but I did challenge the Evil Eliptical to a 19 minute duel. Eileenie - you are too funny. I don't know if I would want anybody at Blue Cross to get close enough to use as an asswipe! lol! I am just going to play "Little Engine That Could" at the gym... I am going to keep fighting the EE and doing my four little things. All I have to do is get past Thanksgiving... I LOVE stuffing and gravy. I could skip ALL the rest of it if I have Stuffing and Gravy. Dang all that Stuffing, anyway. BTW - good luck with the real food. PB's sound pretty scary - so be careful! Pat - I got a little excited about some Soup today, myself! My co-worker brought in some soup in a little plastic tub that she bought at our version of Safeway (we have Tom Thumb here, instead). It was a creamy Tomato Basil soup and it was sooooooo good. Mmmm. Now I am going to have to try some of the other Soups. Patty - tell us about Sherriff John? What does this have to do with your mini-goal? I don't remember that show, either. Cindy - HUGE cyber hugs. I wish there was something we could do to help your Granny. I hope she pulls out of this and you get to enjoy her and be with her for years to come. If all else fails, smuggle her in a chocolate milkshake. My Mom swears that is what saved my dad when he was supposed to have an hour to live. (uh - that was over 30 years ago...) We are all thinking good thoughts for her. DH and I will be departing the icy shores of Texas for our Thanksgiving in Tucson with the M&P on Sunday morning. Tomorrow will be devoted to laundry and packing, so I might not get a chance to log on again until after we get to AZ. Just in case I don't get to check in, Y'all have a great weekend!! :]

Wasa: I'm sorry you're having complications. I used your name because you echoed some of the things I said earlier in this thread about the longevity of our bands and I added bariatrics being a profitable business. Minds ,even basically honest medical ones, can get turned in the wrong direction when profit is involved. And hospitals, feeling the pinch from HMO's are not immune to believing a profitable clinic ends up helping the general population by funding ct scan machines etc. No way, I was saying you contributed to your complications ( since I didn't know you had a complication or what complication you had) and did definitely not mean to imply you had contributed. I meant people in general that have slips etc. We might know the number of people percentage wise with slips but the possible cause and personal contribution (if any) are unknown. I am still being advised that I should strongly limit any NSAID intake. Just like some are advised no carbonation or caffeine and others are told it's ok. How can they get accurate stats, based on different instructions and which people follow them and which don't. These things influence stats, so we have to questions there legitimacy. I've read many of your posts, you're knowledgeable and I'm sure you are seeking the right medical advice for your complication. I was once in a medical trial. It was for lithotripsy of gallstones. The two trials were laproscopic gallbladder removal and lithotripsy treatment of the stones. I don't feel I was fully informed about the trial and after being told I would be treated free ( which was not why I tried the treatment b/c I had ins that would pay) the hospital billed my ins co. anyway ( and my ins co paid). This was many years ago before the new HMO's etc. I ended up having my gallbladder out traditionally (open)anyway. At the time of the trial I was in a school program and could not take six weeks off for traditional surgery. I had the surgery after I graduated, but was a lot of pain waiting to take the time off. Later, I guess I felt like a guinea pig and I felt mislead about the "free" treatment. Again sorry you have complications and I sure didn't want to make you "out" yourself on the specific problem you're having.

Thank you for your nice replies! I wasn't sure what kind of response I would get from those who have had the Lap band, and those who are going to have one. It is true that it works fine for many people. But, I think that it's important that people REALLY do their homework, and make SURE that they have exercised all of their options. And by that I mean that they have really given healthy eating a chance. Most people don't. Weight Watchers is not the answer. Nor is NutriSystem, or any other of those systems. I'll talk more about that as I become better acquainted with the good people here on this forum. But here's one thing I'd like to mention up front. When I had my initial consultation with the surgeon who is going to "repair" me, he had some interesting comments. Last year, he performed over 600 Bariatric surgeries. MANY of them were Lap-Band REPAIRS. He is the "go-to" guy for Lap Band mishaps. He stated very firmly that he believes that the Lap Band will be pulled from the market within 3-5 years. There are just TOO many problems with it. He also stated that it was likely that soon you will begin seeing Attorneys on Television saying that "If you have the Lap-Band installed, call ME!" He said that it was inevitable, based upon what he has observed in his practice, and the practices of his associates. he DISCOURAGES lap-band use in his patients. He also stated that he has been asked on a number of occasions to write articles on his experiences in various journals, but he has DECLINED to do so, because he would fear for his safety if he ever told everything he knows about the Bariatric Surgery Industry. He was very clear about that. He said that the Bariatric surgery Industry is a Multi-Billion dollar industry now, and doctors and hospitals are just making SO much money that they are ignoring some of the clear and present risks associated with the procedures, JUST TO MAKE MONEY. He said that if he told what he knew, he is quite sure that he would go out to his car some morning, turn the ignition, and be blown up. The Bariatric Industry is THAT powerful. I have a lot more to say on the subject, I have done an enormous amount of research on this, and my experiences will soon become very public. David

That's not the same thing because the band they had was nothing like our band. It was one of the very first ones done and the band technology and surgery technique is nothing like what we get today. It wasn't stitched in and I think it wasn't adjustable, either. I think it's unlikely. Remember there is that study of patients with a band for 12 years. .... and those were older bands. I think if they can keep their bands for 12 years, then today's bands should last much longer. The main problem I have with the band is that it does seem like the longer you have it, the greater your chance of having a slip. But that doesn't mean everyone will have their bands removed by the time they are 10 years old. The slip rate is higher than I'd like, but not that high. The very first adjustable band was placed in 1986. The band technology we have today was released in 1993 (Realize) and 1996 (Lap Band). Both bands have newer versions. The Lap-band AP system is a newer version of the original 1996 Lap-Band and there is a new Realize band too that isn't available in the US quite yet. (But due to be released this year??) I do think we are guinea pigs. I think that the diet industry has been focused for so long in the wrong direction and they are just recently starting to understand what causes obesity and how to cure it. Bariatric surgery is one of the first treatments that actually works -- compared to diet and exercise which mostly doesn't. Now that we have a way that mostly works, I think it will be possible to take that knowledge and get better and better at it. The new VBLOC device is an interesting direction. Right now it seems like weight loss isn't as good as with a band. (I think I read 20% of excess weight on average vs. 40+% with the band.) But it's much less invasive and maybe they can learn to make it work better. Also, even if it doesn't work for everybody, for some people it's exactly what they need and will work perfectly without many of the risks that other bariatric surgery has.

I don't think that's an indictment of the band or its safety. It's about poor medical and surgical practice, and I'm glad Allergan is refusing to sell bands to that program now. It's scary to think of general surgeons jumping on the bandwagon without fully understanding endoscopic and bariatric surgery and all the patient education and support it requires. I have banded acquaintances in California who are livid when they see huge billboards advertising clinics like that place who promise effortless weight loss.