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I had gastric sleeve surgery 5/20/14, weighed in at 250 and was very successful. I lost 75 pounds, felt great, stuck to most of the rules and had a new start on life at 44 years old. Now, 3 years later, my acid reflux is back in full swing with regurgitation waking me up from sleep. I got to my bariatric surgeon who does an Endoscopy and finds a hiatal hernia. After all the success I thought I enjoyed, I am scheduled for a hernia repair and revision to bypass. It's been a whirlwind. The surgeon said regurgitation is dangerous and I have it often enough that it's a serious concern. I am a bit miserable from the reflux. I was advised that with my severe GERD before surgery I should never have been allowed the sleeve. I am scheduled for bypass and repair on Nov. 1. I am nervous. I never wanted the bypass because I hear of so many complications with ulcers and deficiencies. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of this conversion or are you more than 8 years post op bypass and can offer any words of wisdom?

I'm in the UK so my experience is a bit difrent. The US sounds like you have to do a lot of leg work and find the right things and people because here we have the nhs and its like a whole package start to finish you are refered to the bariatric team and all there care is within each other surgeons nurses dietitions psychologists everything all the teaching and stuff and all the pre work , the surgery and care within the team afterwords for 2 years then like you can see a doctor if you need help with it forever basicly. Am I getting this write or wrong bit confused. We don't choose a surgeon your just automatically given one. Appoimebts are just sent out and if not convenient you can change them. You can ring anyone at anytime. But here you have to go through all the teaching and a psychological assessment before you can be put on the waiting list then/ he waiting list is 6 to 12 months but you carry on seeing them in the mean time ever like 6 weeks. I think my team was deffenatly involved.

My bariatric team is very coordinated. You signup for the seminar, attend, and they call you the next day to make the 1st appt. At the initial consult, they give you a 3-ring binder with surgery details, all requirements, education on reading labels, food stages, vitamins brand lists, shakes lists, consent forms, a form for exercise, a list of possible required/required appointments and you meet the team, talk to the surgeon, and watch a video. They made all the appts for tests, handled the insurance referrals. They called the insurance the day of your last NUT appt and submit all paperwork, insurance approved in one day. Then you discuss dates for surgery, and schedule remaining pre-op tests (EDG, bloodwork), schedule last surgeon consult/instructions for surgery, and schedule next 3 post-op appointments. So - no complaints. I could have had surgery 3 weeks ago - but wanted it for Oct 24th due to social events, and they were fine with that.

Thank you, Berry. I just cringe when I see things like this because I wonder if people are aware of the very real dangers. Here are the vitamin supplements that I take. The brand is Bariatric Advantage and they are pretty good. I actually look forward to them. The texture and taste are very much like Starbursts. I also take the same brand of Calcium supplements in this same type of chewable but I didn’t have the packaging for those with me. As of October 12, 2017, I am 4 months post op and have lost 100 pounds. I have reached my goal weight and could not be more ecstatic!

Hopefully not. The last thing this site needs are local bariatric heroes with a know-it-all-attitude that are all about people needing to "wear their big girl panties" when dealing out their so-called "tough love" and behave like crybabies themselves when someone dares to talk back in the same manner. However, if you're really missing them quite a few can be found at Obesity Help.

Hi! Sorry that I don't have any info on BCBS but wanted to say hello. I have Cigna and the process was pretty straightforward. 3 months supervised diet with my PCP, 2 support group meetings, 2 nutritionist appointments, psych eval, cardiac clearance, and upper GI were my requirements. Along with the supervised weight loss, insurance required a BMI of 40 or higher, or 35 with one or more comorbidities. The other requirements were those of my bariatric surgeon. The program offers unbelievable education and support. My sleeve surgery is 10/23 and I will start my week long liquid diet on Monday. Wishing you the best of luck as you go on this journey.

That is exactly what he said. He felt that I would lose a large amount of weight in a short time considering I was only 228 when I first started. He is a bariatric surgeon but from what I recently found out, he barely does Lapband’s anymore since they are fading out. He did not tell me the complications (I’m now hearing more about them since I’m having issues). I researched the issues on my own and felt that I would be ok before I did the surgery, but I was wrong. I truly feel it was the wrong decision, but the only thing I can do now is deal with it until I can hopefully have a revision. He did inform me that patients lose much slower then the other surgeries and that is another reason why he pushed for the Lapband. I just want a restriction without throwing up constantly. I felt the 3ccs was good enough but then I started feeling it was too tight. I’ve heard people get up to 9ccs and I’m having issues at 3ccs☹️ I’m so sorry to hear that you had issues with the Lapband. I’ve been on this forum for a while and people keep mentioning issues. I’m so disappointed in myself because I should’ve researched a little more before settling. Please don’t be angry, your words definitely helped me and I know things will get better. I just hope I can get a fill before 4 weeks because I’m wanting to eat everything at this point. [emoji52]

Thank you very much. I appreciate that. I had RNY surgery. “Not obese enough”??? If you medically qualified for the lapband then I don’t understand why you wouldn’t have medically qualified for the sleeve as well. They go by BMI and I believe it is the same for sleeve and band. (40 or, if you have comorbidities then it can be 35) It sounds like you likely used a general surgeon instead of a bariatric surgeon. Both are qualified to do the procedure but a bariatric surgeon is far more educated on the actual Bariatrics aspect. They are much more informed and actually take a couple of years to specialize in WLS. As opposed to a general surgeon who only learns the procedure and then does it. He doesn’t take that extra time to learn the ins and outs of it all. Even being on the smaller side of overweight, I still don’t understand why a surgeon would perform a procedure that has SO MANY complications and such an incredibly small rate of success. Why would he perform this operation at all? It is such common knowledge within the bariatric community that the band is a hugely bad idea. If you said you had it done several years ago then I might understand more, but you had this in 2017. The surgeon should be ashamed. Did he tell you the complication rate is far higher with the band than with any other procedure? Did he tell you people lose far less weight with the band and the rate of regain over a 5 year period is almost double that of the sleeve and RNY? My surgeon told me it won’t be long before we are seeing commercials saying “if you’ve had the lapband and had complications, call the law office of...” I’m very sorry this happened to you. I am super angry for you, to be honest. Your surgeon did you a huge disservice. I actually had a lapband for a long time and the loss was incredibly slow. After several years, I developed complications and nearly died. I had to have the band removed. I chose to also have a revision to RNY and it is a completely different experience. It’s so much better. If you continue experiencing pain or the other issues you mentioned, I would strongly suggest finding a new surgeon and having a consultation. Try your best to find someone who specializes in Bariatrics rather than just a general surgeon. I had a general surgeon with my band too because I really didn’t know the difference, to be honest. It was a huge mistake. I wasted a lot of years of my life with that awful band. Again, I’m very sorry. I’m seriously angry right now. I can’t believe these surgeons are still doing this procedure. Please don’t give up. I know this is hard. It’s so hard. But just remember why you did this. You wanted a healthier, better quality life. You can still have that. It may just happen a little differently than planned, that’s all. As of October 12, 2017, I am 4 months post op and have lost 100 pounds. I have reached my goal weight and could not be more ecstatic!

Just curious about everyone's experience and what/if there's a standard. Did your team help schedule pre-op stuff, or were you mostly on your own? Was there good communication throughout? I feel like my surgeon's office has taken a more hands off approach, which I understand to a degree. Certainly they are very busy. Not every patient wants to put in the work and eventually gets scared off. The pre-op stage seems like a very anxious time for a lot of people, so I thought there'd be more contact, is all. Not hand-holding or constant communication, per se. Just an every once in a while "Hey, how are we doing? Where are we at?" type of deal. Thanks!

You’ll enjoy him. I’ve worked w/ him in the O.R. and he really helped me tremendously. And ultimately was one of my main reasons for choosing him. So far I’ve lost 30lbs. My weight loss was slow at first because I wasn’t hungry and I was so focused on my fluid and protein intake, but failed to get the calories needed. So I ended up meeting w/ my bariatric counselor and she helped me. Now my weight loss is back on the right track.

Hope this helps. I have Hap as well and have just begun this process. COVERAGE CRITERIA Bariatric surgery is covered for HAP/AHL Members (other than Medicare Advantage) when all of the following criteria are met: Member must be at least 18 years of age Member's medical record must show documentation of one of the following: BMI (Body Mass Index) 35 - 39.9 with at least one comorbidity requiring active treatment beyond lifestyle modification including but not limited to: Cardiovascular disease Diabetes mellitus Sleep apnea Hypertension Hyperlipidemia Pulmonary hypertension BMI greater than or equal to 40 with or without co-morbid conditions Members with a BMI below 50 must demonstrate evidence of active participation within the last two years in any weight-management program, whether covered by HAP or not, for a minimum of three months without significant gaps. The weight-management program must include monthly documentation of ALL of the following components: Weight tracking Dietary program compliance (e.g., food log or demonstrated weight loss) Physical activity (e.g., exercise program) Members with a BMI of 50 or above are not required to demonstrate recent participation in a weight loss program

I’m in Tallahassee. Primary Dr suggested the surgery and sent the referral to the Bariatric center at tmh Thursday. I have share of cost Medicaid and she said I would be covered just waiting for all the steps I gotta take.

I totally agree on the statement that Buffalo Bill has made you know it can be a mental situation for friends and family members too so you just can't lye there and not say what's needed or what's bothering you. Even though you decided to make the change for the better they're still grasping on the fact well why she have to do it this way and put herself in so much pain I thought she was ok the way she was and now she's helpless.....so yes talk to him about it explains again the longer life expectancy of why you're going through with this and how you need now so much encouragement and support through the process....you may want to ask how do he feel about the whole situation just to get some clearance on what Is it he's really feeling because you have all the answers to his feelings and insecuritie but you need to talk it out. If he comes up with you shouldn't have done the surgery you say well its already done so can I please have your support and from there you should know if you need to move on and do this alone........ain't no need to have someone there just looking at you go through with this.........ask someone on this support online group if someone is nearby you who will become a post bariatric pal with you share address share numbers its the best thing because you'll have the same experience. My husband didn't want me to have the surgery after explaining the better long life expectancy he agree but still was a very slow supporter in the beginning but he's on board now praying and supporting me as much as possible we are now taking walks together but when he wasn't fully there I'm glad I met an older lady at one of the Bariatric groups she had her surgery before mine and I asked her if I could call her to see how she makes out after her surgery she has a son but I felt like she needed more support so we switch number and I kept in touch and she kept in touch after my surgery.....I'm glad I did because it filled in the gap of my not so sure husband at the time who was stuck a little bit......... but talk it out with your boyfriend and find someone else who experienced the surgery as well ........ you'll be just fine may God bring you enlightenment in this journey good luck God Bless xoxo

How long have y’all had to wait since you first appointment. I got my primary to agree she sent the referral a few days ago so now just waiting for Bariatric center to call me and make an appointment

I have share of cost Medicaid. My primary said they’d pay for it but reading everyone who says their insurance doesn’t pay makes me wonder if I would really be covered? Monday I’m getting lab work then the Bariatric center will be calling me to schedule my first appointment.

Hi. I’m also having surgery on monday. I’m in the uk but more than happy to chat.... bariatric surgery is less common here, so any shared tips/emotions/tears/laughs are greatly received. X

I started taking the bariatrics advantage Multi with iron and I was told I needed more iron that was in that vitamin so I had to added another iron supplement.

No, you haven't lost restriction. Unless your stomach has stretched to the preoperative 40+ ounce capacity and you can easily accommodate 10 bacon/egg sandwiches at one sitting, your restriction is still there. People seem to be under the impression that the immediate post-op phase in which their tight, swollen sleeves allow them to become full off 3 to 5 bites of food lasts forever. Nope...the stomach continually relaxes and accommodates more food over the years. Per bariatric surgeon Dr. Matthew Weiner's videos, this is a normal phenomenon. By 3 to 5 years out you can expect to accommodate three-fourths to 1 entire plate of food (8 to 12 ounces). But just because you can eat this much doesn't mean you should. Good luck to you.

Hair loss usually happens a few weeks to months after surgery because of the 2 different phases that your hair can be in at any given time. Each phase lasts a certain amount of time and depending on how much hair was in a certain phase DURING surgery determines how much you will lose. Biotin will help with regrowth, but it won't prevent hair loss. This explains it well: https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/# Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I am currently going through the pre- approval stage as well. I have bcbsnc my job recently added bariatric to our plan. Bcbsnc also changed the stipulations for surgery recently which benefits us. I started 9/28 I had all of my labs and test done with the exception of the psych eval. Which will be November 29; I meet with the NP on Thursday. I am nervous of the unknown Sent from my VS990 using BariatricPal mobile app

Make sure they’re back to back and fairly close in actual date. So my bariatric office knew exactly how to schedule them. For example they’d give me an appt for the 4th one month and say the 10th would be too late the next month so schedule it for the 6th. Does that make sense?

I feel abit sad if 30lbs in 2 months is the shittest results, im on 42/43lbs in 3 months so was about that at 2 months and my dietician and bariatric nurse said I was doing great, I started at 244lbs , I feel abit bad now... If I am posting my loss thinking its good and i can imagine someoen reading like . " why is she happy with her **** results" :/

What have you used to get your hair back?? My self esteem is so low when i should be feeling so great[emoji52] i take bariatric fusion vitamins and biotin 5000mg. Also using biotin and collagen shampoo. I get my protein and fluids in with no problem. Any remedies would be helpful, im considering womens Rogaine but scared it may make my hair fall out more, and as you can see theres not much left! First pic was right after surgery then 6 months post op HW 260 CW 185 Sleeved 2/8/2017

It is a non-waiverable medical procedure. Health Affairs Policy 07-006 states that “Bariatric surgery represents a major and permanent change in your digestive system that requires strict adherence to a specific dietary regimen that may interfere with operational deployment. A history of bariatric surgery is already a bar to military service and receiving bariatric surgery while on active duty may be grounds for separation.” Heaviest weight-250 Gastric bypass 6/23/16 Current weight -138

Calm down...you're not failing at this. Reasonable expectations are important. The overwhelming majority of my losses were single-digit (1 to 7 pounds monthly). It took me 17 months to lose 100 pounds. I only weighed myself once a month. The weight will come off. Counting fat grams is pedantic and unnecessary, IMHO. My bariatric program only required me to count protein and nothing else. Stalls and plateaus are common, but you won't know you're stalled unless you weigh yourself too frequently. Sleeved weight loss happens in an irregular pattern: we lose pounds, hold onto pounds at times, then stall and plateau before dropping more pounds. Again, realistic expectations are imperative. Good luck to you.