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Hi, Im just starting my journey and will actually have my 1st consultation on Sept 18th, already did seminar...I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about the "I can change program" thru Health Alliance, this is who I have and must do this program to qualify. Its Health Alliance HMO of IL, looking to have my surgery at Genesis Bariatric Center in Davenport IA Thanks!

Well, I made it through my first shift back at work. But I have to say, I was BEAT this morning! Thankfully, it wasn't a hughly busy shift, so I could pace myself, sip on my water all night, got to take a break, etc. Some nights it is so crazy that even a bathroom break is out of the question (sorry, TMI!). Only problem was, I was way to beat to swim with my roommate this morning before going to bed. I got home and told her, "sorry, I am headed straight to bed!" And I slept like I had died. So now it is back to work again tonight and tomorrow, and then I have a couple of nights off, which will be nice. When I got home this morning, I made my usual "Pit stop" at the scale on my way to bed, and was disappointed to see that I weighed the same as yesterday morning. Sort of discouraging. I walked a lot last night at work, and thought that would help in the weight loss battle. But then I know that weight loss isn't always smooth and even. I was somewhat discouraged when I got to work last night. I had told two people at work (IN CONFIDENCE!) about the upcoming weight loss surgery, and when I got to work, it seemed like EVERYONE knew I had had the surgery, that I had gone to Mexico to have it, etc. I am not sure which one of my co-workers "spilled the beans", but am sort of upset that one or both of them would tell something that I had told them in confidence, and asked them NOT to tell anyone about! I am a contract worker, and did this between contracts, so it isn't like I had to inform administration or HR about the surgery. For all they knew, I was just taking some time off between contracts. I had tons of "unsolicited" advise last night, about my diet, my weight loss, my vitamin intake, etc. There are three gals at work who have had various bariatric procedures (not sure what exact procedure) and one of them came to me to tell me how it was "the worst thing she had ever done in her life!" Now why would she tell me that? I am working hard to make a success of my surgery and post-op experience, and she tells me about her infections, her subsequent surgeries needed to "fix what the weight loss surgery did to me", etc! I mean, how depressing. I guess some people just can't let someone else be happy that things are going right! Oh well, enough complaining. Have to start getting ready for work. Hope all you pre and post op Sleevers are doing well. Talk at you more later............

1. sleeved on July 3, 2012 2. Empire blue cross/shield 3. Pre-op experience: Other than some administrative frustrations (people not sure if my tests were in, and recorded, et...) I had a good experience. I was a little'pushy'....I had no intentions on waiting 6 months for surgery! 4. Post-op: great! I came through the surgery with flying colors, never filled my pain meds once home. The Bariatric Team at Mercy Hospital, was supportive both pre and post op. I am down 12 lbs so far, and trying to not to weigh myself every hour! LMAO!

Good luck..I find most bariatric surgeons offices rather curt...busy and you have to keep on them...the doctors are so busy ...really...you have to be very diligent and persistent.

Teabody, I've been pulling my hair out with Obamacare since the open enrollment started on 10/1/14. I'm self employed so I pay for my own insurance out of pocket. I tried to enroll for an Obamacare program, but I made too much money for 2012 (they base your eligibility on your last tax returns). I bit the bullet and just upgraded from my old plan with Horizon (my previous plan doesn't cover bariatric surgery). I'm at the tail end of my preops, met with my surgeon's office yesterday and will probably be scheduled for surgery mid-February. So basically, I'm going to pay for my current expensive plan for two months, then reapply for an Obamacare subsidy plan before the 3/31/14 deadline for open enrollment (after I have my taxes done).

Don't let some of that scare you.Are you that weak emotionally?Pull up your boot straps and get back to exercising and eliminating some of the calories and types of foods you don't need.one has to work with this tool.Plus a trip to the Bariatric doc can help.get back in the game

I have Cigna, I had to do 6 months of dr visits with the bariatric dr, 2 visits pre op and 1 visit post op with the nutritionist, a psychiatric clearance, and a pulmonologist clearance to get it done here in NJ. Not sure if its different there though. They didnt say anything about it being within such amount of a time frame after though...

Excercise is hard for some of us, I am an amputee, have ms and have to use a n elctric wheelcahir most of the time- exercise/activity is really tough but every little bit helps. I have found a couple of dvd that are aimed at people with physical lmitations or severly overweight- one is "the bariatric workout" another is "Chair Dancing around the world" if you google the chair dancing you will find there site has modified tai chi, yoga etc etc in a series of dvd's I am finding that I am at the lowest level on these programs but it is getting easier. I am also making sure that I spend more time in my manual wheelchair when I am at home- i figured that when I have been immobile for so long it was best to try to increase activity in small bites throughout the day. I have also thought of a couple of sessions with a personal trainer and a friend has actually recommended that I look for a rehab specialist who will understand how to address the health problems- i will do that pretty soon when my stamina has improved a bit. it probably would be best if you spoke to you cardiac specialist before starting an excercise program on your own though- as for the smoking, giving up the smokes really should be your next priority, i know it is a tough habit to break but it is jsut so damaging

You need to see a gastroenterologist. That could be a stricture or scar tissue build up. Can you reach out to your bariatric surgeon first? They probably know who to send you to. Your pcp is not the right person to see. Sent from my SM-A102U using BariatricPal mobile app

I usually don't buy special bariatric anything -- I'm convinced that special bariatric vitamins and calcium and whatnot are overpriced scams. That said, I've been taking the Bariatric Advantage probiotic chewables every day since surgery and I have had zero problems with constipation, nausea, gas, anything like that. I don't know if that's attributable to the probiotic but I guess it isn't hurting! The ones I get are strawberry flavored and taste fine. http://www.nashuanutrition.com/store/vitamins-and-minerals/bariatric-advantage-chewable-probiotic-strawberry-90-tablets.html

Hi, I'm in the 'burbs but went to Weill Cornell for my surgery. You might want to check with Dr. Pomp who is the Chief of Bariatric Surgery and who I happen to like very much. In as much as we like to think of our doctors as mini-miracle workers, they are all still in business. It just happens to be that their business is medicine. Good luck and protect those kidneys. :thumbup::tt1:.

I use the Bariatric Fusion in Orange Cream. The chews aren't bad either. Sometimes I will just blend them up in my smoothie so I don't have to chew them.

I was going to write a big, long post about all the stuff I went through, but roeroe pretty well covered it. If you don't have nearly that much support, maybe you should find a bariatric Center of Excellence near you and speak with them (look on Google). Whatever you do, good luck.

Is anyone using North Westchester Hospital in Mount Kisco, New York? I've heard they offer everything from lap band to DS and SIPS in their bariatric program. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I keep seeing descriptions of surgery protocols that are very different. I am sure that mine for example is completely different than what is done in US. Maybe it would be interesting for those that are pre op to know the details so here it goes: Romanian protocols: 1. Initial meeting with surgeon that consults you and says if you might qualify for WLS; 2. 1 day full of blood tests, abdominal echograph, abdominal endoscopy, barium abdominal rays, body composition, cardiology (EKG and blood pressure, BP under physical effort , pulmonary tests (spirometry, rays), nutrition and psychological consult; 3. Surgeon consult when he determines if and what type of WLS is recommended ( for me gastric sleeve), describes surgery and course of treatment, schedules surgery date ( plus finding out if other interventions are required - they discovered that I have a big hiatal hernia that needed fixing) 4. Surgery protocols- standard is 4 nights , sometimes 5 of hospitalization. - hospital admission 1 day before, in the evening, for preparation: heparin shots, IV fluids - Surgery day and 24 hours post op in ICU (again, per protocol, even if you are ok) - that was horrible, with drain tube from surgery, nasogastric tube, bad pan or catheter for peeing, BP monitors every 30 min, so slim chances of sleeping- I felt no pain at all, just nausea from the nasogastric tube - next day in the morning transfer to normal reserve, got read of nasogastric tube and urethral catheter; I could walk just fine, minimal general pain ( like a muscle soreness after exercising), incisions painful if pressed - they offered more pain meds but I refused) - next 2 days just IV fluids, with antibiotics, dexamethasone for inflammation, pain meds, nutrients - day 5 discharged from hospital with following medication: heparin shots 1month, anti-acids for 1 month, ibuprofen syrup or kids for managing pain for 3 days, Debridat for transit and gas, bariatric vitamins and protein shakes for forever, hepatic protector for 3 months They make sure you make 8.000-10.000 steps per day and that you tolerate well the necessary fluids intake. Diet: clear fluids 1 day pre op and 1 week post op, then cream soups for 2 weeks, then mushy purees for 1 week, then soft food and solid food as tolerated. Prices: 1.000 usd for pre op analyses, 6.000 usd for surgeries ( I had 2-in 1, GS and hiatal hernia repair, and including 1 week, 1, 2, 3 , 6 months and 1 year controls, nutrition and psychological included), 400 usd medication for 3 months, including vitamins and protein shakes Time from diagnosis to surgery 2 weeks.

By: Michael J. Orris, D.O., M.B.A., FASMBS Many weight loss patients in Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale and Tucson come to our bariatric surgery practice seeking to improve their health through surgery. Like bariatric surgery patients across the U.S., many are concerned about the cost. Insurance coverage for these procedures varies by state and provider, and many other factors are also considered. Most insurance providers, including Medicare, require patients to have thorough documentation from a doctor that says surgery is medically necessary. This includes your weight history and BMI, your obesity-related health conditions and medications, and a detailed description of how your weight affects your daily life. Companies also often expect a patient to have made dedicated efforts at weight loss before surgery. They may want to see gym membership documentation or require participation in a medically supervised weight loss program for up to 6 months. Another consideration for coverage is where a patient can have the surgery performed. Some providers require patients to have their procedures done at facilities with the highest standards and success rates. Your weight loss doctor can be a resource to help you get your surgery covered. Most practices have finance coordinators who can help you navigate the complicated insurance considerations. If you do not qualify, many practices also offer other financing options such as payment plans to help you get your health back on track. Concerning Weight Loss Surgery Candidacy Patients often want to know what qualifies a person for bariatric surgery. All patients must undergo a thorough screening from a physician to know whether surgery might work for them, but here are some factors that might make you a candidate: · What is your BMI? Obesity is measured by calculating a patient’s body mass index, or BMI. Bariatric surgery patients typically have a BMI above 40, or above 30 if they also have a medical condition related to obesity, such as diabetes. You can determine your BMI by using a BMI calculator. · Have you tried and failed with other weight loss options? Most insurance providers and reputable weight loss surgeons require that you have made a concerted effort to lose weight using more traditional methods before you undergo surgery. You should be eating a good diet and exercising regularly under the guidance of a bariatric specialist. If your doctor determines that such methods are not enough to improve your health, you may be a candidate for surgery. · Is your health at risk? If life-threatening medical conditions related to obesity are a factor, you may qualify for surgery. Diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea often result from obesity and can be relieved by bariatric surgery. If you have one of these medical concerns and think you may be a candidate for surgery, talk to a bariatric specialist.

Ugh, so a friend recommended a local nutritionist in private practice. She raved about how wonderful she is, how she doesn't just lecture about what foods to eat and what not to eat. She's a counselor as well and works with her clients on emotional eating, relationships with food, etc. Sounds great right? Well I was just on her website and reading about her philosophy, and she goes on a lengthy rant against bariatric surgery and how it's a horrible mutilation of the body. Now I'm angry and discouraged. She won't be getting me as a client. I want someone who respects the decision I made and will work with me to insure my continued success toward a healthier life. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

@@cseidman I think it is important to find a nutritionist / dietician with Bariatric Surgery experience. I don't know how easy that is to find. I'm lucky that my Bariatric Program has all of the Team members under the same umbrella. Depending on what you are looking for from this person will depend on how often you consult with them. I'm meeting with mine once per month pre-surgery - but I don't believe I'll need that same frequency post-op. They do a wide variety of things to help - including education as to what is the right plan to follow, foods to eat, Protein amounts, etc. Honestly, if I was going to pay for someone to provide education/assistance - I'd seek a counselor with Bariatric Surgery or eating disorder experience over a nutritionist. I know what I'm supposed to eat - it's a matter of actually sticking with it and not being an emotional eater or mindlessly eating. Are there any Group sessions as part of your Program? Maybe try one of those first.

Well...today was to be the day I finished up all my prerequisites for submittal to the insurance company. I took my PCP letter to the bariatric surgeons office, the gal took one look at it, and pronounced it inadequate. :crying: I had thought about providing it as soon as I got it, but figured I'd just bring it to them in person when I had my last nutritionist visit. I should have gone with my first instinct. So...I have an appointment on Friday with the PCP to discuss the letter, with specifics about what has to be in the letter. Hopefully she can put together a better letter and fax it to the bariatric surgeon's office and my paperwork can go in early NEXT week. The first possible surgery date is now July 29th. My birthday is August 12...maybe I'll get my surgery for my birthday present. :frown: Oh - and the guy who did my psyche eval DID diagnosis me with Binge Eating Disorder in the report - even though I have 3 of the eleven symptoms. I discussed it with the nutritionist who has spent 6 hrs with me over the last six months (as opposed to his 90 minute session) and she was vehement that she doesn't agree with his diagnosis. She's going to discuss it with the "insurance person" and if they agree that it's a poor psyche eval, I'll have to get ANOTHER one. Grrrr...I wonder if I can discuss it with him and have him change it? Patience....perserverance....determination

Well...today was to be the day I finished up all my prerequisites for submittal to the insurance company. I took my PCP letter to the bariatric surgeons office, the gal took one look at it, and pronounced it inadequate. I had thought about providing it as soon as I got it, but figured I'd just bring it to them in person when I had my last nutritionist visit. I should have gone with my first instinct. So...I have an appointment on Friday with the PCP to discuss the letter, with specifics about what has to be in the letter. Hopefully she can put together a better letter and fax it to the bariatric surgeon's office and my paperwork can go in early NEXT week. The first possible surgery date is now July 29th. My birthday is August 12...maybe I'll get my surgery for my birthday present. Oh - and the guy who did my psyche eval DID diagnosis me with Binge Eating Disorder in the report - even though I have 3 of the eleven symptoms. I discussed it with the nutritionist who has spent 6 hrs with me over the last six months (as opposed to his 90 minute session) and she was vehement that she doesn't agree with his diagnosis. She's going to discuss it with the "insurance person" and if they agree that it's a poor psyche eval, I'll have to get ANOTHER one. Grrrr...I wonder if I can discuss it with him and have him change it? Patience....perserverance....determination

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

Just to update you all, on Tuesday I saw the Bariatric Nurse, the dietician and the Clinical Psychologist. The nurse was a little concerned about my potassium levels, (I have a lot of Water retention and am on diuretics) but other than that was fine. The dietician wants me to lose 5% of my weight over the next four weeks, ouch! So am back on liquids only. The Psychologist (the one I was most concerned about) was an absolute sweetheart, very encouraging and although thinks I may find some counselling useful, due to 'some childhood difficulties' has backed my surgery 100%. Yeah. I have a follow up appointment in four weeks time and hopefully if I have managed to get rid of my 5%, I will be given a date for meeting my surgeon. Only after that meeting will I be given a date for surgery. Keep everything crossed for me as the next four weeks will be crucial.

Never heard anything about spray vitamins or if they're recommended for bariatric patients. Did your bariatric team recommend them? Seems interesting. I take liquid iron supplements and I seem to absorb the liquid form better.

I was in quite a state last night when I discovered, in just googling Lahey Clinic and one of the surgeries my posting in one of these forums. "Beside myself" comes to mind. To think of all the very personal and generous shares people post in these forums, believing only others considering or having had weight loss surgery could read what they wrote or perhaps see a very personal photo... It never occurred to me that people who I have not told I am going to do bariatric surgery yet could google a hospital and discover my post on the forum without finding the forum to begin with or joining it. I have deleted my photos...and will just use my nickname, mojaleski from here on...and hope to continue participating because it is so valuable to me, although I am still very new. I am feeling confident about the surgery...now hoping to have the sleeve after discussing at length with the nurse practitioner at Lahey. It seems the most prudent option for me, given my age, osteopenia and family medical history...so if my upper GI fluoroscopy is okay that is the direction I will keep heading. I am also a good candidate for the band so it is still an option. Started weight loss plan today too...tracking my food...and will be joining a health club so that I can exercise, in earnest. (argghhh) Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. me

One of the side effects of sleeve surgery is that many people become lactose intolerant. My Bariatric Coordinator suggested Mootopia or other lactose free milk from here on out after my surgery (once I'm on full liquids).