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I’m on day 5 post op. Everything seems to be going pretty well. My Dr has moved me to phase 2 eating, creamy soups, yogurts ith fruit flavor no pieces of fruit. Also soft boiled egg To go along with my protein shakes. I started my bariatric vitamins B12 dissolveable tablet, Calcium Citrate 1000mg chewable(not so great) and a multi that looks like a starburst candy!!!! So far I have been walking abouT 1.5-2 miles each morning( not today 12in snow) I find it easier to drink while on my walk rather than sitting down. I have to say that I am not hungry at all. I know I have to eat which I am doing getting in 60-80g protein and 64 oz liquids. It’s just weird that I’m not looking to graze in the fridge!!!! Also I am keeping a food journal, times and how much and protein taken in and am also using Baritastic app to track weight and goals and food as well. Might be a little over kill the journal but for now I seem to like it. Just wanted to share my first week with everyone because I’m proud of the work I’m doing!!!!

No, I don't, sorry. I only know Aetna because that's the insurance I have & they sent me the link. You might try a Google or Bing search for BCBS bariatric surgery criteria, surgery for morbid obesity, medical necessity criteria & similar & see what comes up. I did find a few for BCBS when I was looking to compare criteria from different companies, but not Florida. Remember that this is medical necessity criteria, not insurance contract coverage. First, whatever the service is needs to be covered by the contract. Then, even if it is medically necessary, if the contract excludes it, it would not be covered. Unfortunately, bariatric surgery is excluded in the contracts many employers purchase. That was always one of the most difficult things to try to explain when I worked as a clinical review nurse. Hopefully, now that obesity is classified as a disease in & of itself, surgical treatment will be an option for many more people.

I got in all my Protein and Fluid, religiously took all my Vitamins, including Biotin and my hair loss started around 3 months post op. You can be the perfect bariatric patient and that doesn't mean it won't happen. I lost about 1/3 of my total hair volume. It has now grown back. Good luck!

I was sleeved on Monday September 12th so of course I'm on a strict liquid diet this week. It is almost impossible to get my Protein in because the only thing I can have that contains protein are the Bariatric Advantage shakes mixed with Water or New whey Liquid Protein shots. Both make me physically sick when I try to drink them. I'm wondering how badly it'll effect me to not get all my protein until Tuesday? Because that's when I can start full liquids and can drink the normal Protein Shakes again! I'm nervous I'm going to mess everything up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey Lorin, so how did it go today? Not as well as I had hoped. It looks like I likely won't qualify for insurance to pay for the surgery. I am a little taller than I thought, so my BMI is below 40 and I do not have any comorbidities (I did have back surgery for a herniated disc due to being overweight and have hypothyroidism so when we submit to insurance we will try including those). If we are going to try the insurance route I need to do a medically supervised diet for 6 months. The nurse practitioner and bariatric coordinator both said to not lose much weight though during the 6 months since my BMI is already below 40. The self-pay cost would be $18,025. I think I am going to check with one more surgeon in town to see what his self-pay prices would be (he is also at a closer hospital to my house). I will probably go with the surgeon with the cheaper self-pay price, so that if insurance does deny after the 6 months of dieting I can move forward with a loan. Awe, I'm so sorry. I'm kind of surprised they knew already that insurance wouldn't cover it. I think I'd call them myself. I know it sounds like a 'hell no' idea, but I've read so many people going to a specific place in Mexico and having it done. An all inclusive place, one week stay, for 4k. At first I was thinking they're crazy but thousands of patients go there with rave reviews. But if I was self pay and could afford it, of course I'd go with a qualified doctor state side. All I can say is don't give up. Do you have sleep apnea by chance? Have you ever had a sleep study? My three things that will qualify me with my insurance is my bmi, hypothyroidism, and sleep apnea. I don't have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes-->knock on wood. But I too had something thrown at me today that I sort of thought was a possibility, but hoping it wouldn't be the case. My doctor wants me to have the ds done and I just don't know how I feel about that. It would be broken up into two surgeries, sleeve first, then in 6-12 months the ds part. I just don't know. That is the mac daddy of weight loss procedures. I'm not sure why he and his nurse practitioner was so persistent to get me on board. Yes, I want the sleeve but I am trying to have an open mind because he really does know what he's talking about and has seen the outcomes thousands of times. But it's not like they're doing the ds at my first surgery anyway, so not sure why the pressure to get me to jump on board quite so soon before we give the sleeve a try, unless of course, it's to bill insurance even if the first surgery is the sleeve. I don't know why he doesn't say 'ok, sleeve first and if the results stop coming in, let's go ahead and do the ds.' That sounds reasonable.

Dana and Aiysha, read my post below dealing with food Aversion. Another perspective on the Bariatric sorrows I am going through ❤Frustr8

I agree we are bombarded with weight loss Information and online forums to beat weight loss, diet, surgery, fitness, eating disorders and body image into the ground. Wow, I don’t see many of these topics and being a closeted subjects. To each there own about disclosing WLS. Some may want to shout the lifesaving benefits of WLS to the world. Others may simply be private people that keep their medical info to themselves. Some of us share with only people that are honestly interested. No need to beat your head against the wall with the many people that have negative opinions on WLS. Are we lacking in getting the word out on WLS? No – Google it! About 253,000,000 results (0.65 seconds) TV shows: Many discussing weight, WLS, my 600 pound life, Celebrities sharing there WLS experience, skin removal, diet, eating disorders, exercise, body positivity. Social media: Drs and hospitals advertising WLS, Instagram, bloggers, bariatric recipe site, pod casts, fitness and food log apps, YouTube and forums including bariatricpal. How many of these accounts are WLS patients and professionals? With all this information out there, Many of us don’t feel the need to be the weight loss or weight loss surgery spokesperson. Its not all about shame.. Side note: How many sites and forums on the topc of sex...LOL its a choice on how open you want to be on that topic as well.

Hello all you lovely people My name is Susan and I subscribe to this thread and have been following it..."lurking" if you will. I am VERY angry with my bariatric surgeon's staff. Maybe you all can help me? My husband and I are both jumping through the bariatric hoops in the hopes to be approved for the sleeve. Because my husband is diabetic and his health is primary, I have been firm in that I would like him to have surgery before me. The doctor and staff understood and set up the nutrition and dr supervised appts within the 90 day period, which I know you all know about. They told him on his last appt that his 90 days start from his first nut appt, not his first dr sup'd appt. These two appts were 2 months apart due to their scheduling. So now they are saying that his 90 days extends to the end of May when it was supposed to be all wrapped up THIS month. Please advise me. Did your 90 days start with the NUT appt? Is that true? I'm so pissed. This is what THEY do all day, every day! And they screwed it up and just say "oh, sorry". I can't tell you how depressed we are over this. Thank you all.

Hello to all the 8/17 sleevers (and 8/18 I can't believe a month has gone by either! Last year at this time I was unhappy with my weight and wondering what I would be able to do to get to a weight I would be happy with. I was wearing a size 22W, and just miserable. I could never have imagined that in March I would call the bariatric center and start this process and be ONE MONTH out at this time! I'm halfway to my goal...and I'm so thankful. Everyone seems be doing so well! Keep it up!

May need to speak with someone skilled in Bariatrics. You may be suffering from a post- surgical depression , they do happen more than what you would think.

I'm from Fontana, CA and getting sleeved on 8/5/16 in Tijuana at ALO Bariatrics with Dr. Lopez Sent from my SM-N910T3 using the BariatricPal App

Good luck with your appointments and pre-surg diet. I am sorry to hear about your uncle. I lost my mom in Feb so I know what you mean by rough. Let me know if you want a referral credit at Bariatric choice. They have all kinds of protein and food and snacks as well as vitamins. You can use the credit on anything. I can't stand the calcium horse pills so I get the cake bites, but their protein bars and snack bars are good too. I know you are getting excited. It will be here and be over before you know it. I can't believe I am 2 1/2 months out now! I am still dropping but hoped it would be more than it is. I have to look at the big picture though. I am only 50 lbs from the goal now. When I say it that way it sounds better. Lol. Good luck and keep me posted!

Thank you, thank you, thank you---your post was JUST what I needed. I'm a very slow loser and always have been. I thought the lapband would be my answer and the pounds would fly off. Not so. I am going to try every hint you gave. I can hardly wait to stop at the store on my way home and get the "proper" groceries. You've renewed my hope! A Washingtonian!

Hello all! I'm so excited to find some friends from Ft. Hood. I was banded on Dec. 14th. Yep, during R&R. lol I go to Southwest Bariatric's in Austin. My Dr. is Dr. Marquez. She is wonderful. The hospital I choose was Seton Williamson in Round Rock. The hospital is new & full of wonderful experienced nurses. :laugh: Ok, now for the questions! I was doing well till Tuesday. I was feeling sore/very uncomfortable on the way to & back from DFW(taking Hubby back:cry_smile:). I stopped this side of Dallas & threw-up. I was dizzy & was really hurting. :confused_smile:I debated on trying to make it home or stay the night near by. I also wondered if I may be so hungry but didn't really know it. McDonalds was next door. I decided to try my luck & eat the most forbidden food in our new dictionary of foods to eat, french fries & a hamburger. I ate a small amount of fry's(approx 6) & 1/4 of the burger & felt better right away. Yes, I felt guilty but I made it home with 4 kids in tow...Please don't tell me I shouldn't have done that because it was the only thing near when I felt so aweful. I don't plan on doing it again... Will my first fill(Dec, 4th) help with feeling so aweful? I also have so much indigestion & diarrhea is horrible! My diet right now is lots of vegetables, jello, soup etc... My other questions are is anyone hurting under their left rib cage? Does anyone feel their port? My feels just like when I was pregnant & could feel my child's knee! What does a slip feel like?Please let me know what you all have been experiencing. Jean:confused:

I thought, perhaps, you might enjoy an update from the topic of the original post of this thread. It's interesting to note that the original poster wanted the "truth" to be told. With politics involved, I'm not sure that will ever be possible. Even the article she posted (but not her fault, obviously) might not have been the 'whole truth'. It turns out that at the time Gore's detractors were 'exposing his hypocrisy' that the mansion was undergoing extensive remodeling that resulted in some pretty environmentally conscious changes. Who's telling the truth at any given time in the world of politics? Who the heck knows... I've just learned not to stick my neck out too far on a particular story... because there can always be something lurking in the details of which I am unaware (maybe even this one). With that in mind, enjoy the update... Gore makes Nashville home more 'green' CNN.com Fri October 12, 2007 NASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) -- Al Gore, who was criticized for high electric bills at his Tennessee mansion, has completed a host of improvements to make the home more energy efficient, and a building-industry group has praised the house as one of the nation's most environmentally friendly. The former vice president has installed solar panels, a rainwater-collection system and geothermal heating. He also replaced all incandescent lights with compact fluorescent or light-emitting diode bulbs -- even on his Christmas tree. "Short of tearing it down and staring anew, I don't know how it could have been rated any higher," said Kim Shinn of the U.S. Green Building Council, which gave the house its second-highest rating for sustainable design. Gore's improvements cut the home's summer electrical consumption by 11 percent compared with a year ago, according to utility records reviewed by The Associated Press. Most Nashville homes used 20 percent to 30 percent more electricity during the same period because of a record heat wave. Shinn said Gore's renovations are impressive because his home, which is more than 80 years old, had to meet the same rigorous standards as new construction. "One of the things that is tremendously powerful about what the Gores have done is demonstrate that you can take a home that was a dog, an absolute energy pig, and do things to correct that," Shinn said. Gore bought the mansion in the Nashville suburb of Belle Meade in 2002 for $2.3 million. It houses his offices and those of his wife, Tipper, as well as a commercial kitchen for formal events. Gore spokeswoman Kalee Kreider declined to say how much the couple spent on the improvements. "The Gores decided to take a series of steps over time that might be logistically or financially out of reach for many Americans," she said. "But they were fortunate enough to have the ability to do so. "But everyone can get started, whether it's changing light bulbs or purchasing green power." In February, a conservative think tank criticized Gore for using an average of 16,000 kilowatt hours a month for an average monthly bill of $1,206 in 2006. The typical Nashville home uses about 1,300 kilowatt hours a month. Gore has said the criticism was unfair because the 10,000-square-foot mansion was undergoing extensive remodeling. He said this week that "global warming denier" groups were trying to discredit him because they don't like the attention he has given to climate change. "You're going to have people try to attack the messenger in order to get at the message. They have not been able to succeed," Gore told CNN from Norway, where he picked up the Nobel Peace Prize for his environmental work. "The only way to solve this crisis is for individuals to make changes in their own lives," he said. The Green Building Council's certification program has four levels, with platinum being the highest followed by gold. Gore's home was one of 14 to earn gold status and the only Tennessee home to earn any certification. Electricity usage at the home remains well above regional averages, but Gore's power consumption decreased by 6,890 kilowatt hours, or 11 percent, between June and August, despite the heat wave. Gore's electric use increased again after he had to take his solar panels off-line in August so his new geothermal system could be integrated into the system. But his natural gas use has dropped 93 percent in the three months since the geothermal pump was activated. When the Gores' heated pool is hooked up to the system later this month, their energy use is expected to decline more, his spokeswoman said. Gore has also said he invests in renewable energy such as solar and wind power to balance 100 percent of his electricity usage. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, said the size of Gore's house limits how much he can cut his energy consumption. "We all need to evaluate what we legitimately need in square footage," he said. Still, another owner of the same house likely would not have been as dedicated as Gore to reducing energy consumption, said Smith, who also serves on the advisory committee for Gore's Alliance for Climate Protection. "I promise you the energy use would be as high, if not higher," he said.

@@JamieLogical I went home on full liquids- after 2 weeks I'm on purreed. So easily! Do you know there are a growing number of bariatric programs where they send people home on SOFT foods? Every program is different. So chicken and tuna go down very easily. Never had a problem with getting anything down, food or liquids. Not from the very first day in the hopsital.

Humana has different plans that cover this surgery they have one where I am in GA and it's the national pos open access plan the other is Humana Hmox plan! I was in the open access plan but there wasn't a big difference except I didn't have to have a referred to see a specialist , which means I could go without a pcp referring me, however this plan was almost 350.00 a month and I had a 3,500 max deductible that had to be met!!! VS the plan I have now is the Humana hmox and I have a 750 out of pocket max I have to have a referral to see anyone outside of my pcp but all the qualifications was the same!!!! My insurance I pay a month with this plan is 150 and too me it's better!!!! If I was anyone I would call around and ask questions I even called Humana and asked to speak to someone in there bariatrics department to see what all I needed and to see if I met the qualifications!!!! BlessedBeyondMeassure

I'm having issues finding a therapist. I was a self pay, and my insurance will not pay for anything bariatric related, including a therapist. So I have to find someone that is on their plan, who ALSO perhaps has some experience with bariatric people, or else I have to pay out of pocket. And the surgery kind of wiped me out.

Lolo, what will be your 70% protein intake source? I'll try the cucumber water. I like Glaceau smart water for hydration. Still detest the protein shakes, chalky and artificial. Try to get proteins at mealtime mostly. By nutritionist, do you mean Peacock? I have yet to meet or speak to her. Never had any bariatric pre-op nutritional counseling with her - did you? My surgery date was quick pace. 206 is good! That's 3 pounds off 209 stall! And, 4 pounds closer to 200! Be patient with yourself, Ms. "A" type... You're doing fabulous! Maybe onederland mid-february instead? ;] I am down from 225 now to 220. Happy weekend!

My surgery was 12/26/2018 . I have also experienced a stall since advancing from liquid diet to soft/puree however have noticed my clothes fitting looser so I don't think it is all about the scale? I have seen post where people can't get in past 400 calories and am wondering how that can be? I have to drink a minimum of 2 protein drinks a day and the Bariatric Advantage powder (because these have 200% of DV vitamin requirements needed) itself is 150 calories along with 80 calories for the fat free milk (Mootopia) I mix it in with so that's 230 for each shake and a total of 430 along with all the required vitamins & supplements that total 120 calories just for those alone. So for me to get the minimum required vitamins and proteins ( which I will make sure I do per less chance of loosing hair and other problems with deficiencies) that's 580 calories by itself. Throw some food in there and it's easy to get almost 800 or more calories in a day. I don't always walk like I should per bad weather and I think if I would remain consistent here it would help me get out of this stall. I am also diligent with drinking a minimum of 64 ozs of water a day and many times go beyond this. I am not having much trouble keeping any food down but usually find that I can only eat about a 1/4th cup amount of food. I haven't pushed much beyond this unless it's applesauce or yogurt. I am still trying to figure out what all the grumbles and noises my digestive system is all about? Not sure what hunger pains feel like or if it is just digestive unease? It is like me and my body are getting reacquainted and I am forced to now listen to it more and decipher what is actually going on?

I'm going to try this http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/bariatric-vitamins/opurity-bypass-optimized-multi-vitamin.html

Thanks for starting this thread. I will first state I have one kidney, post cancer, and it has CKD (limited function) and I CAN'T eat high or even moderate meat/protein now. I have followed a modified vegetarian & low carb diet combined to both protect my wonky kidney, and help me lose. (on my own) Every pound lost is less burden on the system for BP and diabetes, and kidney health. I take essential amino acids which supports me getting the building blocks needed, without the load of meat protein. I lost 30 lbs on my own, but bounce up and down if I am not rigorous with fewer calories. The one issue I see with any bariatric is i NOW get a VOLUME of food- eating plant based I get 6-8 cups veggies a day, healthy fats, no processed foods/sugar/sodas.grains/carby food. I don't trust many of the 'heath sites" online, most never even spell check, let alone fact check! ---livestrong is ok, and one of the few places that lists 46 gr max "necessary" for women, 56 for men... Most sites waffle and say (wrongly) we NEED the 70-100 gr, and that is such overkill! We are the most overfed nation on the planet. As a veteran the VA hospital was pushing RNY at me (they offer nothing else), and I demanded the diet literature in advance, and sure enough it is MINIMUM 70-80+ gr protein a day...no discussion...so I will not be trusting them with my longevity. The dietitian also only allowed whey protein shakes, dismissed hemp seed (with complimentary amino to balance it out).. so it felt like a brick wall..but VA only teaches ONE way the USDA high carb 'plate' way. If I do have bariatric surgery of some kind in future I will be sure I can support my kidney first before I agree to massive protein intake. Winding up on dialysis just to be thin is not a good choice as I see it.

What made me decide to do the lap-band? I've been wanting it for years. I lived in NE Florida until 2008. My insurance company there did not cover it and I could not afford it. Simple as that. Moved to Chicago...and everyone here knows 2-3 people who have had it or some form of bariatric surgery...so I thought why not? Insurance covered 100% of it, woo hoo! I'm looking forward to being healthy, not skinny. I want to be able to go ride my bike on the bike trails here with my family. To go up and down the stairs without huffing and puffing. Oh to be able to buy clothes in any store...my dream. I would love to be able to wear boots during the winter. I want to live a long life and enjoy my children and grand children (if they have any...but not right now). I want to feel good about myself for the first time in my life. Even when I was 104 pounds and 20 years old, I still had self esteem issues. After spending the second half of my life on the otherside, I realize that the problems are still there; skinny or overweight. I've worked on fixing the inside me...now time to make the outside reflect the inside. Day three of pre-op...no cheating. Lost 4 pounds, which is what is keeping me from sneaking a bite of something I shouldn't have. Everyone at my job knows I'm having the surgery...I'm not ashamed; proud to share. Anyway...my boss comes to me yesterday and asks if I want to go to Panera's for lunch tomorrow in between two meetings we have....really???? She forgot. I don't think she was being mean...she is actually one of my biggest supporters. Hope everyone has a great Wednesday!!! Pre-op'ers....stay focused on your goal. July banders...thank you for ALL your support. I feel very blessed to have you all around me.

I also have PCOS - quite mild but I've been on the pill since I was 16 for that reason as well as not wanting to get pregnant. I'm hoping VSG will reverse it. My endo has just asked me to switch to Minera IUD from the pill because of the increased fertility caused by bariatric surgery and her concern that the pill might not be absorbed perfectly (despite it not being a malabsortive procedure) . I understand it will be painful and I'm terrified for my appt. next week.

I have kidney stones but probably started growing them pre-surgery since I was treated for a bunch of UTI for blood in my urine the year prior. I didnt feel like I had a uti, no painful pee etc. But passed 2 after surgery and had the tell tale back pain to go with them so that pointed to kidney stones. And then I started filtering my pee and there was enough sand to fill a bucket. Not really but peeing sand feels bad too. I have to have surgery next month because I have a 1.5 centimeter one that is too big to pee out. I came to snoop the forums because the kidney stone diet is totally nuts. And doesnt mesh with after surgery diet. Going to a new appt with new bariatric docs (since I now have kaiser) to figure out wtf. Kidney guy doesnt want me to take any vitamins over 100% RDA and non protein powder and no collagen. He is deferring to the bariatric docs whom I assume will refer back to him. Basically I'll follow bariatric stuff because I dont want to die from too little protein etc. So be prepared when the urologist hands you the most absurd diet you have ever seen. Only corn, squash, kale, parsnips and 6oz max total all day for animal protein: chicken, pork, fisg, low fat dairy. No spinach, no fruit, no anything. They actually said sugar was ok wtf. I am sort of freaking out.