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BTW I forgot to say this about my taste. Sometimes it has a horrible bitter taste and sometimes tastes like metal. I was told by a fellow Bariatric person that I should have my vitamins or reg medicatons checked out. But I have had this bitter and tin taste before my RNY. I do think it has got worse too. Not fun sometimes this is why I chew gum all the time. LOL Another story there!!

Matt, I don't have any new words of wisdom beyond what others have said. I'm sorry you're having to focus on a different health area before your bariatric surgery. I do agree that perhaps once you get past the initial disappointment you might be able to see this as an extension of the same journey, toward the same goal of your health. I know that doesn't help right now, but don't forget why you started this and don't lose heart! You've come so far already, you'll do great!

Have u tried adding unflavored protien powder to ur foods? Alot of ppl have said it helps with protien intake. Maybe using the products in the bariatric pal store like the soups and hot chocolate that have added protien..there are many products..they are a bit costly tho. I dont kno if u heard of the brand syntrax protien? They have alot diffrent flavors of protien like ice tea and grapefruit and cookies n cream and u can buy the sample back so u can try the flavor before buying a whole tub. The fruit flavors are really nice. I feel like an ad..but im still in pre op stage so im trying so many diff things and trying to prepare myself for after surgery. Bariatric sites tend to have the best products and many options bc they r custom made for bariatric patients. Hope this helps Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Had my last pre-surgical appointment today! Learned some really weird stuff that I wanted to share. WARNING: What i'm about to describe is unique to my particular surgery protocol. Your doctor might have an entirely different approach and you should follow the instructions of YOUR doctor, always. I'm providing this for folks who are curious about an example of what happens....not what necessarily will happen in their procedure. Your particular doctor and facility might do things completely different. I've been told to take a shower with Chlorhexadine soap the night before surgery (was given a bottle), and to get into freshly laundered bedding. Was told underarm deodorant is desirable, but any other scents should be avoided. No makeup or fingernail polish (has to do with anesthesiologist monitoring your color). I'm supposed to finish all my shakes for the day by 6pm. This is the weird one!!!! From 6-9pm on the night before surgery, I'm supposed to drink 24 ounces of White Grape Juice. At 2:30 am I'm supposed to have an additional 12 ounces. Apparently carb loading the hell out of folks in front of the surgery helps to carry them through the nutritional rut, aids in healing, and helps clean your bowels out more naturally. In the morning, i'm supposed to take 1000mg of Tylenol and my regular meds (minus vitamins and blood pressure meds). I'm also supposed to take a medicine I picked up today called Emend that helps with nausea for a few days. Additionally, i'm being put on a medication called Omeprazole for three months while my stomach heals. I'll start that after surgery and break the capsule into a blob of fat free sugar free cool whip to get it down. Surgery is at 7:30am. I'm supposed to be there by 5:30. They're estimating 1-2 hours of surgery, two hours in recovery. They said I should expect to be in my room on the bariatric floor by 11am-1pm. At that point, I start the sip/blow/walk routine. if I'm able to hold down one ounce of clear liquid an hour, after a few hours, I'm told to do four ounces an hour....with each ounce being consumed in ten sips over 15 minutes. If that works out for a while....they switch it up to protein drinks every other hour. Four ounces clear liquids...four ounces protein drinks...four ounces clear liquids....alternating for ten hours per day. The hope is 40 ounces of fluid per day in the first week. After the first week....we add some other stuff in like pudding and cream of wheat and strained cream soups. With our protocol, about three weeks out you start eating semi soft foods. Takes about six weeks total to heal and have the freedom to try things on impulse. I know a lot of folks do this different...and some have no problems jumping in to semi soft earlier....have heard all sorts of stories. (and a few horror stories) We all have.... And I know we're all interested in when solid food gets reintroduced. I'm gonna do my best to follow instructions and do as i'm told. I want the best outcome possible. Strong suture line healing. All the professionals are saying slow and steady wins the race on this one. As tempting as it will be to eat...I'm gonna do my best to follow instructions to a T. After surgery, I go back in one week for a recheck with both the doctor and the nutritionist. We'll talk about vitamins...which we start taking again after week two. Then, I go back at three weeks, and then monthly for a while...then less frequently. Again...this is just the way one particular office does it....your surgeon might differ a LOT. Follow your surgeons instructions.

ProfessorSlim brings up a great point - you don't have to be decided on WL surgery (and especially not which kind) in order to start researching, and to start the process of jumping through the required hurdles to get the surgery. That's what I did; I wasn't sure about the surgery, but I figured if I busied myself with getting through all the requirements, I could always quit or decide I didn't want the surgery. I'm in an ***, so there were PLENTY of requirements. I'm still not sure which ones were my insurance's requirements vs. my surgeon's, but in the end, it didn't matter - I just kept going to appointments. Below is an example of what I had to satisfy in order to qualify: Initial visit with my primary care surgeon Initial visit with bariatric surgeon Six months of hospital nutritionist visits (once per month) Pulmonary clearance (which consisted of an initial visit with a pulmonologist, and a visit just to test my lung capacity). I had a recent sleep study since I was already on a CPAP machine. Otherwise I'd likely have had to have a sleep study done, too. Cardiac clearance - visit with cardiologist and an in-office EKG. All in one visit Blood tests Another visit with the bariactric surgeon - to discuss which procedure to choose, talk over any questions, etc. Psychiatrist clearance Surgical clearance from my primary care physician Upper GI - this was done in the hospital's radiology (X-ray) department I swear I'm missing a few things - because the grand total came out to about 20 separate appointments/visits. By the time I was nearing the end of all of the visits, I'd learned that I was in great health overall, AND that YES, I DID want the WL surgery. I'm not sure exactly when I made up mind, but it happened. And by the time I was at my last appointment, my surgeon had already submitted all the information to my insurance, and they cleared me within days. I scheduled my surgery for 10 days later. It took SO long in the beginning, and then it was a whirlwind in the end.

Hi everyone! I have BC/BS managed under carefirst administrators. When I met with my surgeon’s insurance specialist, I was advised that I didn’t have a 3 or 6 month nutritionist requirement, instead that I just had to get an upper endoscopy, psych evaluation, sleep study, nutritional evaluation and letter of medical necessity. I did all of that really quickly because for deductible purposes, I wanted to have the surgery done this calendar year. My coworker also started the process soon I finished everything and was advised that she had to see a NUT for 6 months. My paperwork was submitted to the insurance company yesterday so I’m hoping to hear from them early next week [with an approval!] but now I’m having a minor [read: major, monumental even] freak out because I obvs don’t have enough time to meet those requirements and have the surgery before year end. Basically, I just need some positive energy that will assure everything will work out okay! I’m so ready to have the surgery done and officially be a part of the losing team. I wouldn’t be devastated if I don’t get approved but it would definitely suck. I did reach out to my insurance company after speaking to the specialist in the beginning and these are the requirements they sent me: 1. Requires diagnosis of Obesity (BMI over 30). 2. If BMI is under 40 then a comorbidity is required (hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, heart failure, obstructive sleep apnea, gastroesophageal reflux disease) is required. 3. The member must have a documented history of participation in a supervised weight loss program. 4. The member must be unable to lose weight despite sincere attempt. 5. They can’t have any active peptic ulcer disease or gastritis. Or evaluated and treated. 6. Endocrine (thyroid) can not be the cause of the obesity. 7. No alcohol or drug addiction or greater than 1 year since last used. 8. No cigarette smoking or smoke free for . 6 weeks. 9. No history of psychiatric disorder or disorder is managed. 10. Must have a dietary consultation. 11. Member understands surgical procedure, post compliance and follow up care. 12. The procedure must be done in a bariatric center. Nothing about 6 month nutritionist visits but.. idk. Maybe I’m freaking myself out. Anyway, thanks for reading!

Here’s a delicious twist for fried rice: substitute cauliflower for rice! Bailey Bariatric Kitchen is excited to offer you this healthy alternative to a fan favorite.

I'll echo what others said. This is a journey to health on which you have embarked, but the journey doesn't start the day of bariatric surgery. The journey begins the day you DECIDE to take charge and DO something about your health. The surgery its self is but a minor hurdle that happens at some point during the journey (for some it's right at the beginning, for others it's 5 or 10 year .. or more.. after the beginning). Fingers crossed that your mitral valve will start behaving itself soon.

hi teresa, so funny you ask about insurance on this... my insurance since the beginning of this journey said "NO BARIATRIC SURGERY". So when this problem occurred, I thought for sure it would be cash only. I think since it was becoming a big problem, I think they filed it as urgent (and it was) and they covered 80%. good luck and keep us posted on your journey. josie

I'm guessing that your PCP doesn't do bariatric surgery. You could start there, but it might be a good idea to start with the surgeon who placed your band; ask for his/her advice. If you have the same insurance as you did in Texas, you'll have to follow whatever protocol they mandate for this type of surgery. Maybe, look for a bariatric surgeon where you live now, and have a consultation.

Your bariatric surgeon would be the one to tell you if it's possible. I don't see why not, unless there are other health issues or insurance won't cover it.

I just got some bad news that will require me to put surgery on hold. Being a typical guy, I don't complain about the things that I probably should. Well, I had a routine follow-up with my sleep doctor and he referred me to a cardiologist. I told him that I was feeling short of breath lying down and sitting upright sometimes. I always just chalked it up to being overweight. Today, I had an echocardiogram and the result has made me feel hopeless. There is a problem with the mitral valve in my heart. This will need to be corrected before I can undergo bariatric surgery. For now, my cardiologist increased my blood pressure medicine to ease some of the stress on the vascular blood vessels. The next discussion is surgery to repair the valve. Given that I have not had a heart attack, the recovery period will be somewhat shorter but still will be a while. I feel really sad .... for every step forward, it seems that there are two steps backward. Anyhow, thank you for listening.

Trina Carrie Robinson Stuart on face book I tried to make a page called bariatric buddies but I spelled it wrong 😂 lol lol lol

Kaydo...it's supposed to aid in recovery after surgery. Boosts your immune system and provides lots of nutrition for rebuilding tissues. My Bariatric groups makes everyone use it the last five days before surgery. Here's the sales pitch on the box: About the product Impact Advanced Immunonutrition Drink is a unique beverage specially formulated with 18 grams of protein and 24 essential nutrients per serving to help support the body's unique nutrient needs before and after major surgery. Impact formulas have been studied in dozens of clinical trials and thousands of patients, and have been shown to help promoted better outcomes in patients undergoing major surgery. it's only to be used under medical supervision. Not something you should drink for maintenance. Just for surgeries. I have no idea if it's good stuff or not...if it makes a difference or if it's mostly hype......but the research behind my center's protocol was developed with University of Michigan (awesome medical research university) and they haven't steered me wrong yet....so I'm doing what I'm told.

Five days to go and I have to give up my cocoa wheats today. This irritates me. But what irritates me more...is that I have to give up 3 of my 5 premier protein shakes and replace them with this horrible stuff called Impact Advanced Recovery Immunonutrtion Drink. It's supposed to aid in healing and have wonderful stuff in it...etc. etc. etc. Which is all well and good. BUT THE CRAP TASTES LIKE ANCHOVIES...because ANCHOVIES are the third ingredient!!!!!!!!!! Three times a day...until surgery....I get to have VANILLA ANCHOVY drinks! YUM!!!! What did I do in a previous life to deserve this? The rings of hell just keep sinking and getting hotter! LOLOLOLOL On the plus side! Yesterday I found out that my surgeon only expects me to be in the hospital overnight, one night. Also...on the day before surgery....I get to carb load with like 30 ounces of white grape juice and take nausea meds ahead of the surgery. Oh! and I get a touch of Xanax while waiting cause I'm a nervous nelly. LOL. I was also informed that I'll be taking 10 sips to drink one ounce of water from a tiny cup every hour after surgery...I'll be taking ten little walks, one per hour after surgery, and will be expected to suck on this plastic thing that's made to help clear your lungs after anesthetic...ten times an hour. Rule of 10. At least they kept it simple? My surgeon gave a really terrific seminar about what to expect, and all of our little "jobs" after surgery to get the best outcome and get out of the hospital. Was very relieved to learn I would not have a urinary catheter and wouldn't have to do any bowel prep. They're telling me they'll get me up to go pee...a good incentive to get out of bed. Also cool...my husband is welcome to stay the night in the room and they'll have a cot for him. I probably won't have him do this cause he'll work the next day until I call to be picked up. Also, my puppy does like to go outside. But I love that he's welcome and that I could change my mind if i'm feeling needy. LOL. Getting VERY close folks! Going to see my nutritionist this afternoon for a class on how to know when to move to the next level or food reintroduction. Have already been told clear liquids and protein drinks only until the one week recheck....but she's gonna talk about the next few stages and give us advice about strategies for what to try first, how much, etc. I met the two other ladies having surgery on the day I am....nice girls! Will visit with them a little more at class today since we'll be roaming the halls at the same time. Also cool...we get a 24 hour/7 day a week hotline for all questions and concerns...that is staffed by my bariatric center. Local people who know exactly what my case is. I loved this. Oh! And my surgeon hasn't had a "leak" post surgical in over seven years. And he's done over 3000 procedures in his career. I feel like I'm in very good hands. Feeling good! (in spite of vanilla anchovy hell) LOL:)

What region are you in? In my region, you attend a mandatory wls program before you can meet with the bariatric surgeon. I did not attend that program (too low BMI for Kaiser), but heard about it at my program (their weight management classes) as many of the wls patients transition to that class after surgery. It seems they are very strict about their requirements, BUT the bariatric doctors may be able to help you find areas you qualify. I was diagnosed with fatty liver, which I think is a pretty standard diagnosis for an obese person. I was also tested for sleep apnea in hopes that could be my second qualification, but no apnea here. I ended up going self pay.

I suspect they are making a lot of assumptions. But it is about who they are as people, more then what their profession is, and I should have made that a little more apparent. Thankfully, the hospital I'm having my surgery, while the same that my niece works in, and her mother works in an attached facility, there is an entire floor for bariatric patients. Neither of them has any business to be on that floor.

Good morning, hope all is well with everyone. While trying to make the same decision as many of you have faced just over two years ago, my surgeon convinced me to go with the sleeve instead of any of the other procedures. Myself, I wanted the bypass so that I would not have to repeat another bariatric surgery if possible. My doctor stated the success rates with the sleeve alone and that there was always an opportunity to revise to a complete duodenal switch if the sleeve was unsuccessful. Two years post op from the sleeve, many of my comorbities came back with a vengeance even though I followed my orders of eating and exercising to a T. After consulting with my surgeon once again he recommended revising to the DS. I was excited and started the process for a revisional but knew this time would require more of a fight due to the requirements placed by my insurance. After overcoming many insurance obstacles, I have been granted the revision to the Duodenal Switch. I want you to know that you have various options for the procedure in which you choose and just wanted you to be aware of the insurance requirements if you need a revisional later due to your procedure not working. Some insurances will only allow one bariatric procedure per lifetime, as did mine. If you choose the sleeve like I did originally and it works(like it does for MANY individuals) you are great! But if it doesn't work (as unfortunate as it was for me) you have the option to take the next step later. During the submission to your insurance it can be submitted as the first surgery to a two part procedure(duodenal switch), that would allow your surgeon to perform the sleeve alone during the first operation and if the second part to the DS was needed after two years, a revisional could be made without a denial from your insurance. I'm sure that no matter what decision you are making, it will be a great one because each option is a step further in you achieving the better health you want and DESERVE. I hope this helps someone so that they have as many tools as possible to make the best decision for their life and lifestyle. Blessings to each of you, Happy Holidays!! Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Across from the Indiana Jones ride is a BBQ skewer place. You can order by the individual skewer for $3-4 each. It’s about 2.5-3oz of meat, so perfect portions for bariatric people. You can also request it cooked without sauce if you are keto. In Disneyland, just past Splash Mountain there is a food place up the big wooden ramp that has grilled chicken burgers. You can have it without the bun. I think they will let you substitute baby carrots for the fries. There isn’t really a good equivalent in DCA. There I think you are limited to turkey legs or hot dogs or hamburgers without the bun.

Hi - I'm so glad you posted, sometimes I feel like us banders are getting extinct! It was also great to hear from someone with your perspective that the band did its job but needed to come out. I'm 9 yrs out with a slip at 5 yrs (unfill & then corrected) and a weight regain of 35lbs, so the journey has been mostly positive with increasing reflux now. I'm preparing myself that it may need to be taken out, just not sure on the insurance end as now most plans excluded bariatric procedures. Was your surgery to remove the band covered by your insurance? Thanks, Teresa

hope4momof4, what a great note by melesg on what to ask during initial consult! Amazing how similar her list was to mine. Weight loss experience, time to lose weight, complication rate and what were they were all the key questions for me in the initial consult. One thing I covered in addition to ESG was to find out from my doctor how many other bariatric procedures he had done. I asked this as ESG was still quite new here. Apparently there's a similar suturing method (Overstitch) and instrument used in ESG as VSG. My doctor was very familiar with this technique and made me more confident. In the end we agreed ESG was a better fit for me than VSG (less recovery time due to no incision and less invasive technique (not removing part of stomach) was a big factor in my decision for ESG). I also asked about ESG reversal and my Dr. was quite clear ESG is permanent procedure, in the initial weeks as new tissue builds up around your smaller stomach. The diet plan they shared with me during the dietician consultation later, covered a lot of post procedure eating questions. Think you're in a good place to be ready for this one! Good luck and let us know if there's anything else we can share to help!

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I also have Anthem BCBS and had to go through 6 months of doctor visits, 1 psych evaluation, a nutritionist visit, etc. I began my journey in May and met the surgeon yesterday as the final step and sign off. The Bariatric Coordinator submitted my paperwork for approval today and it came back approved today!! So it was an immediate turn around. As for the weight gain, I lost about 8lbs and regained a few. I was still approved.

It feels real now! My surgery date is December 18th at 10:00 AM. The AMAZING thing is that my information was submitted for insurance approval today and the approval came back today!!!! Even the bariatric coordinator was a bit shocked with the immediate turn around. Feeling a bit anxious!

I had my surgery at KPNW on October 10th and I received excellent care. # 1. Yes, gaining weight is a thing. I didn't need to do that for approval because my BMI was 43. #2 you follow a program, the eating classes are about 3 months with an RD. These are great classes and I'm glad Kaiser has us do them. Once you are approved and your DOR refers you to the bariatric team, the bariatric team will approve or not approve you for the program. Once you are approved into the program, if you lose weight and get below the BMI, it doesn't matter. Once your approved, your approved. They do not punish you for losing the weight and following the program. I hope this helps. You can ask me all you want. Di