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I really don't consider Coke Zero "cheating" because it has no calories and it's a liquid. I do realize it's a terrible concoction of chemicals, the acid in it is bad for me, the artificial sweeteners can make me crave more carbs and the carbonation fills me up too much, but as far as a bad choice numerically, it's not. The fish sticks. maybe? I bought reduced fat, whole fillet and ate 1/2 a serving size for less than 200 calories. They were actually a good choice as far as protein is concerned and best of all, something different. Not justifying, just clarifying. I do "cheat" occasionally, usually by sneaking a mini kit kat from the kids' bags of deliciousness or a few chips from the bag but overall, I stick to high protein, low carb, and I don't worry too much about fat -- that just sort of follows. I am generally under 800 calories and while I am not quite meeting my protein goals yet, I am getting better. I've been in a stall for almost a month, staying between 192 and 188, so I don't know how good I'm doing as far as weight loss, but that said, I am doing better than I ever have as far as aggravation. My pants are getting looser despite the non-budging number, I am exercising more than ever and I am not freaking out by the scale even though I (bad girl!!!) weigh every day. If I stayed where I am forever, I am in a much happier place in loose size 14s and large tops over where I was in tight 20s and 2x tops. I would like to lose 30-40 more and I know I will get there eventually, but if I don't, I am healthy, I am active and I just did a 5k mud run complete with huge obstacles to haul my chubby ass up and over and never got winded. Oh gosh...you didn't ask for all that, did you? HA! What do I eat? Usually an egg and 2 pieces of bacon or a piece of turkey sausage in the am. $2 worth of salad fixings off the grocery salad bar for lunch (my NUT had the best advice, she said, don't get salad, you will get too full, get the toppings only and you get the tastes you want and some protein, too!), and lean meat for dinner. I snack on beef jerky, OH YEAH bars, and some protein chips I got at bariatric direct. My diet is boring, but good enough for now. If you want $20 off your first order from bariatric direct you can follow this link: https://www.bariatricchoice.com/rewardsref/index/refer/id/113387/ I got some awesome stuff in the mail last week. The chips are like pop chips but with lots of protein and they solve my salty/crunchy need.

Yes.. During our pre-op education class.. We were given an response and restaurant card..I thought everyone received on as a Bariatric patient?

I have been extremely blessed to be with a man for over 20 years who has supported me during my ups (over 100 pounds gained in the past 20 years) and my downs (60 pounds down with weight watchers, Jenny Craig, lap band and any other diet fad I could get my hands on). He has never said a word. I have done all of the leg work for the band and the sleeve but I'm doing it for me, not him. Like the one poster, I want to be around for my kids. My husband is a smoker and, let's face it, he won't be here. We have a 21 year old and a 20 year old (who is autistic). The 21 year old has her whole life ahead of her and we were facing her taking on her sister's care far too early in her life if neither of us changed. I have to be there for both of our girls. If my husband chooses to quit smoking, that's fantastic and I'll support him. Just like he's supported me. We have a friend who is going through a similar struggle with her BF. He told her he didn't know if he would want to be with her if she lost too much weight because he likes heavy women. And, honestly, he was afraid she would leave him if she lost the weight and found a smaller guy to be with (he's larger, though not as large as she is). I would tell your boyfriend that you really appreciate his honesty and his feelings towards you getting the surgery. Having that kind of open communication is SO crucial to any relationship. If you two remain together and, maybe, one day get married (I hope it's legal for everyone soon!!!), I guarantee that there are going to be numerous decisions that you two won't see eye to eye on. One thing I learned early on in my relationship is that sometimes you have to agree to disagree. And that may be where the two of you stand with it. He doesn't have to agree with your decision, and he certainly doesn't have to like it. But, he can love you as much as you love him and support you in anything you do. Let him know that you don't know what the future holds but that you hope he will stand by your side and love you. Know that no matter what happens, and whatever YOUR choice is, you have friendship and support at Bariatric Pal. I definitely couldn't get through every day without these people who have been there and done that before me.

Worked some overtime this weekend to cover a buddy's team for him. I've known the folks on his team and the many other folks outside of his department for years but don't see them all very often. I was flooded with many questions. The main one being, "How have you been losing the weight ?". I gave the exact same answer every time. "Thanks. I had wls last October and have been following my surgeon's instructions since." One guy really kept after it.....grilling me. Follow up question after question. I answered each to the best of my ability and spoke simply from my experience. He finally disclosed the fact that he and his wife are very concerned for their daughter and are in the beginning stages of seeking bariatric solutions for her. The next day he found me and approached grinning from ear to ear and extending his hand. He said he talked to his wife and they are proceeding......and with the same bariatric center I used. He seemed very relieved. It made my weekend. Relief is out there. Folks can find it.

FYI Bariatric Fusion cinna bun shakes are nasty!

I will be in April, just don't have a date yet. I will get that on March 27th at my last pre op weight in. I am soooo excited. I have started buying some of the essentials that I have heard people talk about. I also ordered several sample packs of protein drinks. Bariatric pantry has 10% off sample packs and free shipping over $99, so I got one of each today and saved some money. I won't stock up more due to people saying that taste buds change, but at least I will be able to figure out what I like. Have another follow up on Feb 27th, so I will find out about my pre-op diet and such. I have a list of questions for the Dr. My name is Dorian and I am from Beaver Dam WI, having surgery at Columbia St Mary's in Milwaukee with Dr Joseph Regan. I look forward to sharing this wonderful journey with you! Add me to the list please!

[emoji307] it and loved you for,doing it, I seldom feel valued out in the outside world. Love being on Bariatric Pal, people seem to accept me as I am and make me feel like I'm good enough. Yeah I've had a self-esteem problem probably why,i drowned myself in food. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

My doctore instructed me to take Bariatric Advantage Chewable Multivitamin. They are loaded with B vitamins, especially B-12. I have the french vanilla flavor. Let's just say they are not the worst things I've tasted in the last 6 days and I take a sip of water after thoroughly chewling them!. I was also told that no pill could ever be bigger than a tic-tac, so the MD gave me permission to take my slow-release iron, stool softener, and to cut my calcium into tic-tac size pieces. My blood pressure pill (hoping to get off this soon) is smaller than a tic-tac, so I take that, too. I'm 6 days out and have had no repercutions. If they are gross, I'd talk to the doctor about alternatives (chewable?). Bariatric Advantage has a bunch of different ones, such as calcium, too. And I just saw on TV recently that Nature's Made is advertising a whole line of "Vitamelts", too. By the way, I have no vested interest or monetary interest in any of these products! Just giving you another perspective.

Going to my nutritional classes tomorrow. One individual and one that is a "bariatric class". This will be the last of my requirements. I got my pulmonary clearance last week. Pre-op testing scheduled for Dec 30th. I hope nothing comes back bad and delays surgery. I'm so ready to get it done!

So, surgery is Thursday...I woke up this morning, and my little boy crawled into my bed- and suddenly I had this overwhelming terror of something going wrong in surgery. I thought- my God, I don't want to die having an elective surgery. I know the risks are low- but it's still surgery. I'm sort of having a hard time shaking it. (Sorry for the heavy subject matter-lol). For the life of me, I can not figure out why Insurance companies consder Bariatric surgery elective. Breast implants and face lifts are elective surgery (in my book.) Speaking stricky for myself, the pre-op anxiety was worse for my wife. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You are doing the rght thing for the right reasons. What could possibly happen if you don't take care is potentially much worse.

I feel the same as you on these things. Here's my short list I'm looking forward to ------ getting my driver' license renewed and NOT lying about my weight. ----- buying the 'cool' motorcycle jacket, not just 'this one since it fits me' for cooler riding days. ----- walking my daughters (12and 4) down the aisle when they get married (before sleeve, dr said that i might not have been around for that if I didn't get under control) ----- going to amusement parks with my 14 year old son and not just being his company in line, but ride the rides with him ----- joining my son to help him train for cross country. ----- finishing a 5k in less than 50 minutes without passing out or dying (my first ever attempt will be in 2.5 weeks) ------ being able to be an inspiration to people, and not feel like they are all just thinking 'wow, how does a person let themselves get that big?' ----- feeling like my wife isn't lying when she says that she really is still attracted to me. ----- burning all of my 2x 3x 4x 5x and 6x t shirts while dancing the happy dance around this fire pit, because I won't ever need them again.

Hi. We are not affiliated with either Dr. Ortiz or Dr. Ramos-Kelly. But we do have a team of 7 board certified surgeons that work with Bariatric Pal and have your health and well-being as their #1 priority. What helps BP stand apart from the rest is the personalized service that is offered to each individual patient both by the doctors and the on-site BP staff. i am available to talk or chat at any time. robert@bariatricpal.com or (619)726-4450

Hi SuefromMichigan, Congratulations and good luck on your upcoming surgery next week. I'm from Lansing, MI, and have my first appt. with the surgeon (Flint-Hurley Bariatric Center) on May 21. I wish I could get it done at a local hospital, but there is not a Center of Excellence here at this time. I'm very interested to see how your journey goes, so please update whenever you feel up to it. Who is doing your surgery? Are you going through Medicare and, if so, what did it take to get approved? Good luck again. Most of the bandsters on this site seem to have done really well and followed their individual plans closely. I hope to be able to do the same when my turn comes. maggie :thumbup:

Here is a list of behavior modifications that I got at support group last Monday. It is from a book called The Emotional First Aid Kit: The Practical Guide to Life after Bariatric Surgery. 1. Eat only as advised by your bariatric doctor. Usually this will be three meals per day. Try not to allow yourself to snack between recommended meals while making this transition. If you must, make it a bariatric-friendly snack. 2. Eat very slowly and place you eating utensil on the plate between bites. As a bariatric patient you will be advised to chew your food at least 25 times, so this in itself will slow you down. 3. Do no engage in other activity except eating at mealtime. Concentrate only on eating. Avoid reading, watching television, or too much conversation. This time is about eating only. 4. It is most important to eat in a specific place. Choose a room where you will do all of your eating, and promise yourself not to eat anywhere else. If possible, eat in the same chair. Do not eat while driving or doing other activities as you will quickly lose track of the amount you have consumed. It is important not to establish a connection between driving and eating. 5. Stay out of the kitchen except when absolutely necessary. Keep the kitchen light off so the room is not so inviting, and try to take alternate routes that don’t lead you past it if possible. Make sure food is stored only in your kitchen. 6. Use small plates, bowls, and utensils. 7. Do not keep leftovers on the table to invite additional nibbling after you finish. Instead, get up from the table immediately and do something else. It may be helpful to store leftovers in the refrigerator before your meal so you will not be tempted to eat more later. 8. Keep food out of sight as much as possible. Dot not keep it on the counter or in see-through containers. Keep your healthier choices in see-through containers so you learn to choose those before the others. 9. Do not leave bowls of small snacking food son the counter or table. We will eat “one or two” every time we pass. 10. Use these principles at work too. Take all snacks out of your drawers and off of your desk including candy dishes for “clients or coworkers”. 11. Bring healthy snacks and meals with you to work so you will not be at the mercy of the cafeteria, fast food, or vending machines. 12. Do not eat lunch at your desk. Go to the lunchroom or a picnic table outside, but break the psychological connection between your desk and eating. 13. At break time, avoid the break room where others may be eating or where vending machines are located. Instead, take a stroll outside or inside your building. Make phone calls, do some stretching, or balance your check book. 14. Learn to change your routine. If you go to the refrigerator first thing after work, learn to go directly to another room so you will eventually break that connection. 15. Learn to read labels on grocery store items. Shop only when you are not hungry and bring a prepared list. Avoid certain aisles that might be tempting for you, like the crackers and cookies aisles, for example. There will be little or no food appropriate for a new bariatric patient in that aisle. 16. Play soothing music while eating. It tends to slow us down. 17. Try not to nibble while preparing foods. This is a common trap. We may not eat much at dinner but we do not count all those bites taken during preparation. Plan ahead so you are not hungry while preparing meals, and try strategies such as brushing your teeth or keeping sugar-free hard candy around if you need something. 18. If munching while you cook is a problem for you, try to prepare several meals at once to decrease the amount of time you will be vulnerable. 19. Keep healthy snacking alternatives available, such as sugar-free hard candies, sugar-free popsicles, or sugar-free flavored gelatin. 20. Always keep a bottle of water with you. It will keep you feeling fuller between meals and is very healthy. 21. Always have an escape route. Do not put yourself in a situation where you feel unable to control your eating. If you find yourself overwhelmed at any time, have a plan for how you will allow yourself to leave. 22. Monitor your progress. Assess your BMI on a weekly or monthly basis. Weigh yourself weekly. Keep track of your workouts. Many people have difficulty when they stop monitoring themselves. We tend to feel more responsible for eating and exercise when we have to be held accountable. 23. Be aware of visual cues for eating. Let’s say someone puts donuts on a desk nearby you at work or there is a community candy bowl you pass by several time a day. A little snack here and there may feel like nothing, but it all adds up. Break the connection between eating and the cue. Move the donuts to another part of the office. Get rid of the candy dish. If you find your cue is being with a particular friend, then attempt to alter the connection by going to a movie instead of dinner. 24. When you have a craving, try waiting 10 min. before you eat anything. When you do not immediately respond to cravings, they tend to decrease in intensity. If you do this over time, the craved food will lose its strength and power over you.

Hey everybody, Been chatting with folks here on LBT since I made my decision in November. It was supposed to be easy with my PacifiCare insurance which covers both procedures..... my choice. When in on Janurary 26(magical day) they decide to change ALL the requirements for bariatric surgery. Those of us who had already started the process had to add 5-6 extra appointments..... like Psych eval and 4 follow-ups and Dietcian and 3 follow-ups..... whats up with that? Anyway, instead of getting stressed with it I'm just knocking them down one at a time. Now, if the job and kids and ex-husband would just keep quiet for a while I could concentrate on this task (ha-ha)..... (I just crack myself up sometimes)! Thanks for the great thread, hope to make lots of new friends,

I, too, feel bad for those of you who have such a long wait and all those requirements. I probably set a record for getting my band quickly. We didn't get home from Texas till April 4th. Thus I didn't make my first inquiry about lap band till mid April. I went thru Beliteweight, and got everything done in one month. My surgery was 5/16. My Medicare insurance is through Humana Gold Choice. It was an option offered to us when we signed up for Medicare part D, but it's really a complete insurance plan (Advantage plan?). They just take our Medicare premiums, nothing additional, and the insurance is better than straight Medicare, especially for preventative care. I had been on Medifast at one time, but that was over 10 years ago. My primary doc wrote a nice letter about my need to lose weight and inability to do so. She also sent info about the stress echocardiogram I had about 9 months before. I had a psych consult locally and that was it. Humana has a special Bariatrics division, they approved the surgery in 2 days after they got the letters. I still had to go to a Center of Excellence and stay overnight, which they said was the Medicare requirement. I went to Detroit, about 200 miles away. This was arranged promptly by Beliteweight . As for Medicare paying less, I'm not so sure that is true. Beliteweight offered the surgery for self-pay people in Detroit for $11,000, including accomodations one night before & one night after. My Humana Gold Choice Medicare paid the hospital over $23,500, plus the anesthesia and some lab and pathology I needed at 100%. I never received a separate bill or EOB from the physician - I think his fee was included. As the surgery was inpatient, my only expense has been $625. Needless to say, I am very satisfied with both the speed and cost. I don't know if I'd have had the resolve to persevere if I had to wait so long. I admire all of you for doing so, but I wish things could be speeded up for you all, also.

New Joy and all our bandsters, I still keep track of this thread. New Joy, stay with it. Getting a fresh fill and going back to the basics (i.e. start with liquid again) will renew your resolve and will get you to your goal. It took me a year and a half and I too went back to liquid to jumpstart my second attempt to reach my goal early last year and it worked. So, I have no doubt that you will get there! If you need someone to talk to, please post. I will respond. This system works and sometimes, all you need is a little support. My dietician was the greatest ally I had! He always called back and kept me on track. He left the clinic I used last year and I really miss his help. The other dietician talked to me also and she is just as great!!!!!!! Stay with it everyone! Sometimes you just have to start over to get to your goal! Anthony

I had surgery in West LA Medical center with Dr. Benjamin Kim last December. My surgery went perfect. The pain was almost nonexistent. The results have so far been fantastic. I've talked with a number of others at the Hollywood Kaiser Bariatric Surgery Support group, and they have had similar feelings with their surgeons at West LA. I recommend you come to the support group. It's walk-in, free and great place to get your questions answered from other sleevers and the medical professionals that run the group. The next one is: When: June 16th, 5:30pm (every third Tuesday) Where: Conference rooms at 1515 N Vermont Ave, L.A., CA 90027 (probably the same place you're doing your Options classes) PS: expect a long (at least 3-months) wait. The doctors in West LA do sleeves and bypasses all day every day, but still have a very long waiting period.

I'm Andy and from Indianapolis. I'm a RN in the NICU. I am getting sleeved my Dr. Evanson at St. Vincent Bariatric center October 4th!!! Very excited and can't wait for the next three weeks to fly!!!

Gm sleevers. Happy Friday. Is anyone taking the Bariatrics fusion vitamin. I take it four times per day. To me it's like eating chalk. Yuck...

I'm 2 years out maintaining for a year and 1/2 now. I jumped back into my social life after losing about half my weight. Probably too early in hindsight. As I approached a healthy BMI, I attracted more attention, (not always the kind I wanted), but looking back, my accomplishment was always present in the front of my mind then. I thought about it a lot. Every time I passed a window or mirror I was astounded by the reflection I saw. I worried about when I would tell a potential boyfriend and how. Was in a 10 month relationship that recently ended and recently jumped back in the pool. It's different now. I'm not complacent. I still work out 5 days per week, weigh several time per week, eat small meals, (like I have a choice), :-) but I think about all of that A LOT less than I used to. I've met the "fat shamer", but they are few and are between and never get a second date. I'm choosier about who I'll go out with now. I'm looking for someone who is ACTIVE, because I need that influence in my life, but not someone who's more in love with his pecs\abs\whatever that he will be with me! Where I used to obsess over my progress and maintaining it, I just don't so much anymore. Where I used to obsess about telling a potential partner I'd had bariatric surgery and why I eat so little, I don't anymore because all of that feels really normal to me now. I'm just more relaxed about it all which I think comes with time.

I take Bariatric Advantage Calcium Citrate Chewy Bites. I got 3 bags from Amazon...Chocolate, Caramel, and Raspberry. I mixed them all up in a cookie jar & take 2 a day. I haven't been as good about a Multivitamin yet. I've tried several brands, but I just seem to have trouble sticking to one.

HI Everyone, I am in Los Gatos. I will most likely have surgery March 2013. I am seeing Dr. Pamela Foster who I adore. She is affliated with El Camino Hosp & Mills Peninsula. She has office hours in Los Gatos on most Fridays. I have been to a support group that meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at El Camino Hosp. I have actually gone several times and find it very informative. It is nice to see and hear people who have had the surgeries, and a good opportunity to meet people waiting or learning about surgery as well. The meeting is lead by the bariatric nurtritionist at El Camino. It is open to any one - you don't need to be a patient there or seen by one of their doctors. There is an informatinal session before. http://www.elcaminohospital.org/Programs_and_Services/Bariatric_Surgery/Bariatric_Surgery_Support/Support_Groups

I attended our bariatric support group today and we had a guest speaker talk about ways to relieve stress in under 5 minutes, including: Relaxed Breathing. (See Exercise #2 here: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html) Creating. Laughing. Being still/meditating. Unplugging. Saying "No". What are some easy ways that you relieve stress on a daily basis?

My doctor said to wait 2 weeks to try the premier shakes, so you might try again later on. He only wanted me to use the bariatric shakes like unjury those 1st 2 weeks, probably because of the sugar. That's probably the case. I have other Protein options, it just threw me for a loop how quickly I felt sick! Otherwise I'm ok, I can get the Water in without too much trouble.