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So I started the process in September and definitely was not prepared for how much time everything would take mainly due to the insurance requirements around a weight loss trial. I thought everything I had done in the past would have counted, but it did not so I had to start a new weight loss trial. My primary care put in a referral and Tricare approved it for Dr. A at a surgeon's office over an hour away (closest bariatric specialty). When I tried to schedule the appt, I was told that Physician A is revamping his practice and would like to have me be scheduled with Dr. B. I agreed, as long as the referral was still good. Apparently that was not quite the question I should have asked. Fast forward to 4 months later, my weight loss trial and all the pre-reqs are done. I emailed the clinic with all the information and had not heard anything in 10 days, so I asked for an update. Today's update is this: Dr. B is not yet credentialed with Tricare so they can't even submit for approval until that is done. They have no estimated time frame and can't tell me when the process started. According to Tricare's website, it can take 60-90 days for a new provider to be credentialed. Additionally, when I asked if I could have my surgery done by Dr. A since Dr. A did my EGD and all my labs, they responded saying they asked Dr. B and he said no. I'm beyond frustrated because I only have a small window remaining where I can take off (Feb - Mar). After that, I will have to put it off until August or September. To clarify, I don't work a standard full time job. I am a contractor working through a recruiting company for a hospital org to implement the software system and their go-live is in July. I don't get paid for time off and I don't get FMLA. So now I'm either stuck in limbo for potentially months until they get him credentialed or I could see if another surgeon would be willing to take all the existing labs/imaging/documentation.

I wish it was a range of responses. The questions per my bariatric program are all short answer. It may even take 2 sessions to get through them all

Hi. 50 year old male. Had bariatric sleeve surgery in June of '19. Went from 341lbs to 238lbs between the start of the process leading up to surgery (end of 2018) through March of 2020. After Covid hit in March of 2020, I had a lot of changes (as did many) in my life, from quarantine to moving to a different region, etc. With surgery you have a 1 year "Goldilocks" period where you will lose almost all of your weight. After that year, some of your hunger (due to increased Ghrelin production) will return. Unless you learn and incorporate new lifestyle changes (including exercise and eating habits) during that first year, you risk the chance of putting that weight back on. Foods to stay away from are high caloric liquids and ice creams. I found them to be far less difficult to overindulge in vs things such as pasta I found difficult to eat. I found that I could still go through ice cream and cheese-related snacks just as frequently) albeit in smaller portions as I did pre-surgery. Back to our story. I had my most recent physical at the end of last August where I had gone up from 238lb to 274lb. Around this time I noticed my sister-in-law had lost some serious weight from one month to the next. She said she was taking Wegovy. I asked my doctor who instead gave me a sample of the 2.5mg Mounjaro that he had. Now what I write is my personal experience. Not everyone will have the same result. Almost immediately I found that I had the same LACK of appetite that I had post surgery. I don't know if it kick-started the effects of the surgery or if I just have reacted well (so far) to the drug. This question is how I found this thread in the first place. As of yesterday, I have gone down from the aforementioned 274lb to 225lbs. So, that's almost 50lbs in just under 6 months. Positives: See above. Side effects: I have fortunately had none up to this point. The most I could say is that I need to go number 2 only a couple of times a week. I don't feel constipated though. So, this could simply be me having less food in my stomach. I have read that other people have experienced things like diarrhea, constipation, rashes, headaches, and lethargy to name a few. Also if you take insulin, liptor, etc, your doctor will want to monitor you for the first few weeks to make sure your blood sugar levels don't get too low. Again, everyone is different, so I can only tell you my experience. Administration: 1x a week epi-pen like sub-dermal injection. While some people have complained of pain at the time of administration or itchiness the following day...again, I have had none of that. For me, the process has been painless. In fact, the first time I gave myself a shot, I thought I messed up as I didn't feel anything. Only a pinhead sized dot of blood let me know it was successfully administered. You keep the box (4 pens in box equaling a 1 month supply) refrigerated. Dosage amounts: You start at 2.5mgs and increase it each 1-2 weeks. So you go on to 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, etc. The highest I think is 15.0mgs. I'm currently at 10.0 and can't even fathom going any higher. Things to keep in mind (and this is important): 1. Because this is a new drug, there are no generic alternatives to offer, so, this can cost out of pocket over $1K a month. As the medication's current focus is for the treatment of Type-2 diabetes (and pre Type 2), having either of those conditions will help (but not guarantee) the chances of your insurance company covering it. 2. Due to the success many people are finding with Mounjaro, supplies are not always great. I've had to wait 1 week or 2 as they were on back-order. What do you do once you've reached your goal weight?: This is an interesting question since the drug is so new. In speaking with my doctor, I suggested that maybe taking a maintenance dosage (say back to 2.5mg) may be the way to go. He said that has been the most used idea, but again, this product was only approved by the FDA 8-10 months ago. That's about it. Sorry for the length of the post, but I tend to over-explain. If you have any questions about the surgery itself, I'd be happy to tell you all that I have experienced.

Hi! I've been doing some cupboard cleaning and I found that I have a full case of Bariatric Advantage Clear Protein drinks (https://www.bariatricadvantage.com/item/clearly-protein) and 7 or 8 bottles of Premier Protein Clear Protein Drink. I would like to pass it along to someone that can pick it up. I'm in Brentwood, East Bay Area.

That's how my preop diet is going to be as well. You will like this site. It's very helpful and it will definitely be a good place to talk to other bariatric patients 🙂

I've looked at some bariatric cookbooks and I do not think they are worthwhile. There are tons of free recipes available on the internet. After the first couple of months, you don't really need bariatric-specific recipes (but don't sleep on the ricotta bake -- it is delicious and I made it regularly during my pureed and soft food stages). I have found a lot of wonderful recipes on Pinterest. I've had the best luck searching for "skinny" and "WW" (Weight Watchers). "Healthy," "low-carb," and "keto" also have some good results; you just have to make sure they meet your requirements ("keto" recipes in particular can be a mixed bag, because some of them are very high in fat, which can cause dumping for bariatric patients).

I have fibromyalgia (officially diagnosed 12/22) and deal with pain daily. I'm not on any of the medications they have available and trying to learn my body, what it's capable of, and living with it. Has anyone had either the sleeve or bypass as well as fibromyalgia? How has the surgery affected your fibro symptoms? Thanks! Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have fibromyalgia (officially diagnosed 12/22) and deal with pain daily. I'm not on any of the medications they have available and trying to learn my body, what it's capable of, and living with it. Has anyone had either the sleeve or bypass as well as fibromyalgia? How has the surgery affected your fibro symptoms? Thanks! Sent from my SM-S908U using BariatricPal mobile app

There is a site on Facebook called Nothing BUT Bariatric Recipes They might be able to help you. I think there is another called Bariatric Eating but Im not sure.

I never used a bariatric cook book either. There were some recipes in a book about bariatric surgery my surgeon gave me & I did make one recipe a few times (a tinned fish frittata muffin thing - tasty & I often swapped ingredients for variety). But I’m not someone who uses a lot of recipes. May start with one for a new idea but rarely follow them exactly. Took things I usually made & just prepared them using healthier ingredients & better cooking methods. Though there wasn’t much to change as I was pretty healthy in the meals I prepared myself. Used spray olive oil or non stick pans or cooked some meats in the oven or grill so need for oil. Already didn’t use prepared sauces & such like pasta sauces. I kept things pretty simple as it was easier to work out protein, other nutrient & caloric content.

I'd recommend you to contact your insurance company and the bariatric surgery program in your new state. Find out what steps you'll need to take. In some cases, you may be able to transfer your existing progress to the new state. However, in other cases, you may need to start the process over. It's also a good idea to ask about telehealth options for the nutrition classes. So that you could complete the classes online even after moving to another state. Btw, this it's going to be an overwhelming period. If you hire a good movers company, such as https://acelinemoving.com, you'll have less stress. I hope I helped you.

Thank you I was supposed to be able to eat normally today, but my throat really hurts and my chest where they dilated my esophagus (3cm) also hurts if I try to eat even soft foods, like eggs or mashed potatoes. So I was told by the nurse at the surgical center (she just did a follow up call) to go back to my post surgery bariatric diet of protein shakes and water for today and tomorrow (yesterday I did it, too), and then try soft foods again. Ugh. Super annoying. And everyone is hinting at the tumor likely being cancerous, but nobody wants to come out and say it. I guess we'll see. But to have polyps covering my stomach pouch, keloids all along my surgical incision (on my actual stomach where they attached everything again after removing most of the stomach) and having the gastric tumor all in 8 1/2 months has really got everyone super confused. I just want answers so whatever it is can be fixed and I can move on.

Trying to get ideas for meals and wondering if purchasing a cookbook specifically to Bariatric Surgery or Post Sleeve is worth it? Also If anyone has bought a cookbook and really loved it “please let me know the title!

I know this thread is closing in on 3 years old but I am assuming you are referring to Dr. Guillermo Alvarez @ Endobariatric in Mexico. Dr. Alvarez is an active International member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS), an active International Member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and a Member of International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders (IFSO). His accreditation, affiliation and membership in American Medical Associations should negate any policies of not taking patients who had bariatric surgery in Mexico. If a US Bariatric surgeon refuses to treat you, I would register a complaint with the above Medical Associations (which the US Bariatric surgeons are most likely members, as well.)

I had RnY gastric bypass on October 18, 2022. I was told that straws were allowed, as long as they didn't cause gas. So, I've been using straws since the day I came home. If you get the bariatric vitamins, then you'll only need to supplement some calcium. You can buy them separately, but if you do that then you're going to be taking a handful of pills, multiple times a day. And it's really not anymore expensive to just buy the bariatric ones. I got the chewables. The soups you can use are going to depend on your stage. If you're on clear liquids, then you won't be able to have cream soups. Once you're on full liquids, then you can have cream soups - you'll just need to strain them. I was allowed to shower the day after getting home - so on my second day post op. I packed an extra long phone charger (didn't need it), a heating pad (didn't need it), an abdominal binder (I didn't use it in the hospital, but I did use it for a couple of days after I got home), an old pair of slippers that I planned to just throw away (I did use them when walking the halls in the hospital) and a robe (I did use it when walking the halls in the hospital). Other than that, I just wore home the same clothes that I wore to the hospital. I knew that I was only going to be staying one night, so I didn't bring any toiletries. I did not have a drain placed, thanks be to God. I've heard those are unpleasant to have removed.

So my esophagus had to be dilated. The doctor said there are polyps all in my stomach that he biopsied. He also said I have keloids all along the incision line from my sleeve. He biopsied those, too. And he said there's a gastric tumor that he biopsied, as well. 5 biopsies in all. I'm on soft foods today. I'll have the results of the biopsies in a week. I have a follow up appt with him then, and I follow up with the bariatric surgeon Feb 2nd.

1. Are straws allowed while drinking anything? I swear I was told that you can I was told no at first and then that changed, the issue is people suck too much air or drink too fast. 2. I'm thinking about getting the Bariatric Fusion Vitamins. The nurse at the bariatrics office tells me that she recommends them over getting the vitamins separately. Do I still need other vitamins on top of those? Bariatric fusion multivitamin chews are so gross, super chalky. I get my B-50 from them, but I use the one a day Multi with Iron and also my Calcium NOW® Cal-Mag DK from ProCare Health and I love it. I get B-12 from the store. 3. So, I was wondering if we get tested the day after surgery to see if everything is working the way they're supposed to? Or is every surgeon different? (Like I said I will be asking my surgeon all of these questions) I was tested the day after, that was it. they had me drink contrast and they scan you. 4. Soups...we can use the broth in any Soup? Probably the lower sodium Soups right? Yes, bone broth is good 5. Last, but not least. Do they usually let you take a shower after surgery or do you have to wait awhile? I would really like to shower before I come home. Surgery is getting closer and closer...ahh! I was able to shower the day after I got home, 2.5 days after surgery. The Glue held fine, no issues 2 Bonus question, what is or did everyone pack for surgery? Lose comfortable clothes, a robe, sandals or slippers for walking, basic toiletries and something to do while in the hospital for a day. Is their going to be a drain placed? No drain

You will get so many different answers as each surgeon has their own set of rules. 1-Straws: I wasn't allowed right after surgery but they said if it doesn't bother me further out then it doesn't matter. 2-Vitamins: I just take a bariatric multi vitamin and calcium each day. This could change and everyone is different based on blood work results and possibly deficiencies 3-My surgeon did a "leak test" by pushing some die through my digestive tract to make sure everything was good. 4- My surgeon didn't specify, I bought and drank the broth from soups. I hated plain broth and bone broth was worse. So, I bought different soups and strained them and just drank the broth. Other people ate the rest of the soup so it wasn't wasted. 5- I was allowed to get a shower the next day but was told to keep my back to the blasting water. It was ok to get the incisions wet, but don't let the water blast on them. 6- I did not have drains, but I know some people do. Depends on the surgeon. I only packed my phone and charger and chapstick. haha I was out of it and nothing I brought would have mattered. I was in the hospital for 2 days, but on discharge day my wife brought me clean clothes and helped me get a shower before I left the hospital. Good luck!

1) There is some disagreement about this, but I have used straws since 1 month post-op, and I haven't had the slightest problem. 2) I used the Bariatric Fusion multivitamin, and it worked for me. My vitamin levels are normal. 3) What do you mean when you say "tested"? 4) N/A 5) I can't imagine showering after surgery. Too sore, incisions still healing. I think I waited about a week. Bonus: do a search here. That question is asked often. No drain placed for sleeve.

Hey guys, so, I have a few questions and I will ask my surgeon as well at my upcoming pre surgery appointment. 1. Are straws allowed while drinking anything? I swear I was told that you can 2. I'm thinking about getting the bariatric fusion vitamins. The nurse at the bariatrics office tells me that she recommends them over getting the vitamins separately. Do I still need other vitamins on top of those? 3. So, I was wondering if we get tested the day after surgery to see if everything is working the way they're supposed to? Or is every surgeon different? (Like I said I will be asking my surgeon all of these questions) 4. Soups...we can use the broth in any soup? Probably the lower sodium soups right? 5. Last, but not least. Do they usually let you take a shower after surgery or do you have to wait awhile? I would really like to shower before I come home. Surgery is getting closer and closer...ahh! 2 Bonus question, what is or did everyone pack for surgery? Is their going to be a drain placed? Nurse told me to make a list of any questions I may have. I'm so nervous and my insides are going to be strange lol

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m currently waiting to see my GP and then waiting for the referral. I’ve been reading a lot and yes it seems the lap band is fast being replaced. I guess I have to wait to talk to the bariatric surgeon, firstly to find out what’s the issue with mine currently & what they suggest. again Thanks for your reply CHEERS

Gotcha. I had a super experience with Dr Weaver at Denver Bariatrics. The best part was only one day liquid diet! My surgery went smoothly and I had very little pain. I'm still a tiny bit tender but it's never been actual pain. I only had very minor gas pains that went away by discharge from the hospital. So far everything has been smooth sailing and no issues at all, but of course I'm only 8DPO so that's not a very good sample time.

My insurance does not cover bariatric surgery so I am self pay. I am pre-approved with Endobariatric with Dr. Alvarez in Mexico. Dr. Alvarez's fees are double the fees of most of the other bariatric groups in Mexico but his reputation and accreditations were the deciding factor. He is an active member of ASMBS – American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery & IFSO – International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. He is a sought after speaker within the international medical community focusing on metabolic disorders and bariatric surgery. I am not criticizing other surgeons in Mexico but; I did my research and found the surgeon I felt best fit my criteria for surgery outside of the US. I see that you are also in CO and recently had your VSG. I would love to hear of your experience and any tips ior wisdom you can impart!

I am still pre-op so do not have first hand experience with the surgery/hair loss battle but, I wanted to pass along some info I saw on a video from a large bariatric surgery group concerning hair loss. The doctor said recent research has determined that excessive hair loss can be attributed to a deficiency in iron.

Since my insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgeries, I am also planning my gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico. I sought a surgeon in Mexico who was a member of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (ASMBS). I would check to see if your surgeon was accredited by the US medical board. if so, I would first point out the membership to your local doctors; if they still refuse, I would notify ASMBS that your local doctors are refusing to treat a patient of a fellow member.