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I'm 2.5 years post-op and have never received a welfare check call from the bariatric practice, nor have I seen my surgeon since the day of surgery. Many bariatric practices conclude that we're all reasonably intelligent adults with the capability to telephone them for any issues. Placing calls to see if we're okay is time-consuming.

My United Health Care also paid. It's worth fighting . I was so annoyed with them actually. At the beginning, I just wanted them to pay for a dietician for some accountability. But because I don't have diabetes or kidney failure, they wouldn't pay. I thought this was such a crock if s**t. But they said, we will pay for surgery. That seemed ridiculous. I ended up starting and going to nutritionist at the Bariatric center not wanting surgery but changed my mind.

Bariatric Advantage Ultra Multi-Formula (Capsules). You don't have to chew them up at all.

My doctors office suggested Celebrate brand vitamins. They gave me samples and I started off with those. But once I started to take them, they made me vomit. So I tried Bariatric Advantage vitamins. I was able to get a sample from a friend and that really helped. I use their black cherry or strawberry watermelon multis and the lemon calcium (it tastes like a starburst, really, unlike the Celebrate ones that my doctor told me were like starburst, it was like a starburst flavored piece of chalk). I *think* that some of the vitamin companies will sell you a sample packet of their options so you can try them out. My doctor said that regular gummies should not be used because of the sugar content. But they did say that if you could not manage the bariatric vitamins, you could use Flinstone kids chewables or Alive Women's gummies (these are a different type of gummy and I think that is why they are allowed). I tried both but they still that had vitamin smell and my tiny tummy could not handle it post op. It took a lot of hard work (and a lot of money!) to find my perfect combination but I am happy now and always manage to take my vitamins.

I read a review that another bariatric surgery person did on the Tespo. She really liked it, Felt it made her more compliant but she still had to take extra vitamins outside of this because Tespo's vitamin packs did not have enough like calcium B-12 etc. Do you need to take additional vitamins in addition to? That person gave a thorough review but it wasn't dated. She was in correspondence with Tespo and Tespo expressed great desire to work with the bariatric community. I can actually see more bariatric people using this than non. Since that review could have been a year or two ago, I didn't know if they have "upped" their vitamin packs or made bariatric specific ones. Sounds like a good idea. It's more expensive than vitamins, so I think I will wait and see how compliant I am with the chewing and swallowing pills. If not, I will do this as I want to keep my hair, bones and teeth long term!!! To me...put it next to the Keurig. Shot of vitamins, shot of coffee! win win!

Good morning everybody, it is update time! I was sleeved 10/10 and while this is a statement in an of itself clearly a lot gets lost in it. First of all, in all the time that I was on this forum, reading and researching, I seem to have disassociated myself from reality. You know, the fact that you actually have to get a surgery done to get over to the loser’s side. It’s not like reading a book and identifying with the heroine. So it felt a little surreal when I woke up (which also is a lie, I barely slept!) on tuesday morning at around 4 and took a shower before I headed for the hospital. My husband stayed behind to take care of the kids so it was a lonely drive out there in darkness and while I at least had my music with me it all felt very ominous! So I checked in at the hospital, and went to the pre-op suite. The nurses were all very nice and helpful, my surgeon checked in with me for last minute questions and concerns and the last thing I remember is the nice anesthesiologist saying he would just give me one or two injections to prep me for general anesthesiology. This was all done in the pre-op area so I never got to see the operating room. I woke up some time later in my room, my husband by my side and in agony. As much as I read about this ahead of time it seems like my expectations were definitely favoring the painless experience some people seem to go through but nooooo! I was in pain that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. I don’t really remember the details of that day, I was in and out of it but I remember general bouts of overall crappiness, horrible gas pain that seems to have been stuck in one part of my chest, my husband rubbing and trying to get me to burp on and off. I’m not sure how I would have done had he not been there for me. I think he may have tired more, physically speaking, trying to hold me upright, getting me to walk and just being up and about taking care of me than I. So while I was fully expectig to be outpatient and going home that day that clearly didn’t happen. My poor roommate had to ask for a change in room because I wasn’t letting her get any rest. I’m not normally a cry baby but man! Anyway, there were other bariatric patients on my floor, none of whom seemed to be in the same boat as me; or they just had better tolerance levels, I don’t know. Either way, there I was, bawling my eyes out when I walked but walked I did. And everytime I walked it was worse than before because the gas would shift and break up and move around and I would feel like crap again. One thing I’ll say though; I was grateful for having brought my own slippers. They came in very handy. The second day was what I had expected my first day to be like; overall crappiness but at least I was able to let go of my husband and he was able to go home and get some rest. Walking was key, really. Walk walk walk.... i sipped some water... didn’t reall touch any of the “food” they brought in but was in and out a lot again. Dilaudid didn’t do anything for me but tylenol, the chewable they gave me for heartburn and the benadryl as a sleep aid got me through it. While I could have gone home on the first day I opted to stay the second night as well and the doctors agreed with me for which I am grateful. I was discharged with a much sunnier, albeit still not 100% disposition the next day. So now we’re up to 10/12. The ride home was fine, as long as I walked and got some more gas out the pain was manageable. I took a couple of tylenol as well as back to my regular vitamin + prilosec otc regimen. I set myself a timer for 15 mins on repeat and literally got up everytime, walked to the kitchen and sipped some water. There was a lot of “popping” in my esophagus last night which prevented me from sleeping but I think I have the measure of it today. So, all in all, 3 days out and today is a good day!

When you identify yourself as a psychologist, you are acting in your professional role as a psychologist. When you make evaluative statements about another person as a psychologist, you are treating them as your patient, even though they have never consented to it. "Principle A: Beneficence and Nonmaleficence Psychologists strive to benefit those with whom they work and take care to do no harm. In their professional actions, psychologists seek to safeguard the welfare and rights of those with whom they interact professionally and other affected persons, and the welfare of animal subjects of research." "Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of individuals to privacy, confidentiality, and self-determination." "3.03 Other Harassment Psychologists do not knowingly engage in behavior that is harassing or demeaning to persons with whom they interact in their work based on factors such as those persons' age, gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, or socioeconomic status." "3.04 Avoiding Harm (a) Psychologists take reasonable steps to avoid harming their clients/patients, students, supervisees, research participants, organizational clients, and others with whom they work, and to minimize harm where it is foreseeable and unavoidable. " If there is anyone on this thread who feels they have been harmed by this individual, please contact the Tennessee professional licensing board: https://tn.gov/health/article/filing-complaints-against-health-care-professionals This person states she has a specialty in weight loss, practices in Memphis, performs bariatric psych evals, and has been making denigrating comments here under the auspices of her expertise as a psychologist. Though she's not identifiable on the basis of extant information, her board does have subpoena authority and could certainly identify her, if they deemed there was sufficient cause to open an investigation. (Note that portraying oneself as a psychologist when one is not can be deemed sufficient cause in itself.) If there are enough complaints, there may well be an investigation, because what is going on here is not really debatable, ethically. And she should be banned from this site. Sent from my ONE A2005 using BariatricPal mobile app

It was ill worded Shareen. You can disagree, but it does not change that it was rude. It is not advised to get pregnant within 2 Years of bariatric surgery, however, it does happen and it is simply recommended to get to the doctor and that you will need to follow strict guidelines to ensure health for both mother and child. There is also a higher risk of miscarriage. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Unfortunately, the nervous system is notorious for its inability to regenerate (that's why paralyzed people tend to stay that way). Weight loss and diabetes improvement will likely not completely cure existing neuropathy. However, it may prevent it from getting worse, and having less weight means less pressure on those damaged nerves, so they may feel a bit better. I notice you are a DS patient. That procedure packs the most "punch" of the bariatric options. If anything can help your diabetes, that one will. Having just done a bunch of research on vitamin requirements, I do feel inclined to mention that the vitamins are not optional. Some vitamin deficiencies can cause permanent neurological problems, the same way that diabetes can. But, there are worse things than popping a bunch of vitamins Congrats on making the decision to change your life! Good luck!

I had the band surgery on 9/14. I’ll get my first fill on 11/1. This, like any other weight loss efforts, is difficult BC I’m deprived of my drug of choice...FOOD. The liquid diet, as many have posted, gets boring. But I researched best places to get soup here in Chocago and have gotten quite an assortment of delicious cream soups that keep me very very satisfied. I’ve also asked my family to save leftover juice from meals they prepare and that helps tremendously too. The internet provides really cool ideas for soups, too. Pillsburry.com has some really great soup ideas with the cooler weather coming soon. The protein drinks are a drag for me too. So I mix the 2 scoops of protein powder (the equivalent of the 2 daily shakes I’m suppose to have) with skim milk and ice cubes and it makes the best chocolate or strawberry milk. There’s a website that sells Bariatric products that sells different protein powder flavors and soups. I didn’t care for them though. Two weeks post op (long enough for my incisions to heal), I see a trainer 2x/wk and I do 20minutes of some kind of cardio daily. As of 2 weeks ago when I weighed in, I had lost a total of 22 lbs lost 30lbs so far. Also, during the first 2 weeks post op, I would get these random unexplained stomach cramps similar to charlie horses. I would have to position myself into a good stomach stretch and it would go away. Beware though. During the first few weeks your band isn’t full. I don’t get my first fill until Nov 1. Ive read a post where someone could actually eat as much as they wanted of whatever they wanted. The problem with that is the stomach above or below the band can move or shift which cans cause a prolapse in the band soon or later on. Post op and pre-fill time and the liquid diet allows the stomach and band to get to know each other, bond, and become a perfect union before your first fill. The tension and work of digesting harsh food is absent so that they can live happily ever after. Tee hee. Finally, I’ve organized a support group on an ap called Meet Up also. Support, whether it’s from a group, friends and family, co-worker where you can share, vent, fill mental time with is trendously helpful. This is a SUDDEN life change that I couldn’t transition into alone. Let them know in the beginning that, like any addiction, in the beginning you will withdraw. Bug for us, it’s like quitting cigarettes while living with smokers. I got moody and snappy at times in the beginning. I cried a lot and felt much regret. I’d go to bed feeling awful after having to cook for my son. Trust me, that all gets easier with support, positive self-talk, exercizing, and whatever u need to do for yourself in a given moment to get by. This site helped a lot for me too. Connecting with those that have been there done that, agreeing with some and agreeing to disagree with others, sharing victories, meltdowns (I’ve had a few while here) and setbacks, ALL THAT, helped me too. Forgive me but that was a lot but it was all I could think of to share. The journey is not easy but more than possible. Great luck.

Actually it was a poorly worded statement to just say get an abortion. However, when I went through bariatric surgery 2 yrs ago my surgeon didn't mince words during the classes with the ladies. If you get pregnant within 18mons of having bariatric surgery the recommendation is to get an abortion. You risk the health of yourself and the baby any time before then. Being pregnant shortly after bariatric surgery can kill you! The question we all were asked was did we have our tubes tied/hysterectomy or we on a long term birth control such as depo or IUD, etc. If not, recommendations were made and they could work with our OB to discuss options. The personal questions were done during appointments. But the eye openers were during the meetings so they could be discussed openly. Sent from my SM-T350 using Tapatalk

For the record, I'm careful with EVERYTHING I read on the internet! :-) What I liked about the video is that he reinforces what actually is VERY common science/research -- weight loss is achieved through diet, not exercise, and therefore you have to get your head and your diet straight as your top priorities during the early stages after bariatric surgery. And then when you do start exercising, most obese people are de-conditioned and are gonna need the help of trained professionals to guide you in the early stages. Those are the messages he promotes in this video, and they make perfect sense to me. Have you actually watched the video? I watched another of his videos this morning out of curiosity (and will watch more) and he had the highly UN-debunkable position that your success or failure largely lies with the choices you make.

I went to Dr Taggar, and had an amazing experience. But he doesn't offer BLIS, only dr wizman does. Also, check out Blossom Bariatrics in Vegas. Cheap flights, nice hotels and his price is somewhere around $11k. Was one of my top choices, but I chose Dr Taggar. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello! Talk about a long process! I started out at Portsmouth Naval Hospital in their Bariatric clinic, they had a year long wait after you've been approved, due to there only being 1 surgeon. This was fine with me because you are required to have an appt every 6 weeks and make sure you're maintaining or losing weight. No problems, but with what happened in Puerto Rico, the only surgeon is being deployed. So now I'm heading to Bon Secours to have my surgery done by Dr. Gregory Adams. (If anyone had surgery with him or Bon Secours let me know your experience and story!) My question is about which surgery to choose. So I started out at my highest of 358 this past January, I'm currently 329 and 5'8" (female, under 25). I know the "gold standard" is the RNY, which I found out through my surgeon is actually reversible if something goes wrong....I think that's what has me rethinking about which surgery to choose. I had been dead set on the sleeve, because my mom had the RNY 10 years ago and while it was fine for the first few years, she now has to have iron infusions every 6 months because even with supplements her body doesn't absorb iron as it should. So I'm worried that I would have problems down the road with absorption.... But I know I have a lot to lose and most people recommend the RNY because of how much I have to lose. But I don't want to have a bunch of issues later on, which is why I like the sleeve, because nothing is bypassed. Any thoughts, or personal advice?? Thanks!

Thank you! So far so good. I'm almost 9 weeks. My dietician and High risk OB doctor are working together for my care. They have me continuing with my bariatric vitamins (when i can keep them down) with a separate folic acid supplement. I have lost 15 lbs since finding out about the pregnancy as morning (and noon, and night) sickness is kicking my butt. Other than that the doctors think all should go well. Surprisingly my surgeon congratulated me instead of lecturing me which was a relief! I was terrified to tell him but he was happy for my husband and I. This will be my rainbow baby after 2 losses so fingers and toes crossed it works out well for me and baby both!

Just be careful about Dr. V’s “no exercise is good” claims. There is no research to back up his claims and tons of research that say he is wrong. Many bariatric surgeons have come out fiercely against what he says. There are also some really shady things about Dr. V in terms of the money he makes on his vlogs and how he has been accused of saying these things only to make money. Meaning, he puts out a video that everyone wants to believe is true. Because of course we want to be told exercise is bad, right? So, because of that, the video spreads like wildfire and he’s making bank. I’ve read a lot about this and the money wall that is behind us Facebook page. I really don’t trust him, especially considering he very plainly stated that he’s not a bariatric surgeon (he’s a general surgeon) but he chose to learn how to do the sleeve operation because there are so many fat people he knew he’d get rich. He actually said this. I don’t trust him at all. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

Exercise has its time and place. But, when taken to excess, is more harmful than good. Excess depends on the individual circumstance, and can be a surprisingly small amount. (For example, doing toe touches the day after surgery). Bariatric patients tend to get super excited about their journey to health, and like to overdo too soon. My personal thinking is the human body isn't designed to carry so much weight. I love rules of thumb. So, a fit person of normal weight can carry a 50 to 80 pound pack on a hike without hurting themselves too much. So, smaller women shouldn't start doing super intense exercise until they are about 50lbs from goal, and larger men ..80lbs. Now, what is super intense? Multi-mile runs, heavy weights, HIIT, and bootcamp type stuff. Walking, yoga, swimming, bike riding, light to moderate weight lifting... all these things can be done as they are comfortable and doctor approved.

Just be careful with the doctor in this video. His ideas have been repeatedly debunked by a multitude of bariatric surgeons. There’s a ton of research that goes against everything he says. I think a lot of WLS patients listen to him because they want to believe he’s right. Don’t exercise after surgery?? Awesome! It sounds great, right? But there is zero scientific research to support his claims and a ton of scientific research that debunks his claims. So, just keep that in mind. On June 12, 2017 I had my gallbladder removed, my lapband removed and revised to an RNY. HW: 402, SW 306, CW 249, GW 185

Just be careful with the doctor in this video. His ideas have been repeatedly debunked by a multitude of bariatric surgeons. There’s a ton of research that goes against everything he says. I think a lot of WLS patients listen to him because they want to believe he’s right. Don’t exercise after surgery?? Awesome! It sounds great, right? But there is zero scientific research to support his claims and a ton of scientific research that debunks his claims. So, just keep that in mind.

I’ve been cut open vertically twice, once for c section and once for emergency surgery to clean sepsis out from a perforated bowel. My bariatric surgeon is really picky and says that I shouldn’t have any problems even though we know I have a huge amount of adhesions in there.

Ahh.. I see. First off, you are very petite. 1500 calories is appropriate for a 6'4 male bariatric patient (and most of THEM don't eat that much during weight loss). Your new nut sounds much more knowledgeable. Did she recommend a calorie count? 900-1000 is probably a good level for you. (If she recommended less, that is ok too.. time is of the essence at this point). You will need to stay away from grains for the entire weight loss period, and possibly forever. Starchy veggies (beans and potatoes) can take their place when appropriate. (Some people have problems with potatoes, but I suspect it isn't the potato that's the problem.. its the butter, sour cream, bacon, and cheese they load onto said potato.) When we tried gluten free, we were starving All. The. Time. This time we aren't hungry. I'm not because of the surgery, but my hubby isn't hungry, and he didn't have it. The only difference I can tell is beans. We now eat black, kidney, or pinto beans every day. (He eats 7oz, I eat 3.5oz, drained). We eat them with eggs (me 1, him 2) and salsa, no added fat other than what is in the eggs. We were pleasantly surprised to find that when eaten every day, gas isn't an issue.

Hi Kathy, I am experiencing the same problem right now and wondering if this has any relation to my surgery. I had gastric bypass surgery in 2001 and ever since my ferritin levels have been increasing. All of my other blood work is fine but the ferritin level. This past level, it was a little over 1000! I am scared to death. My iron level is completely fine though which is really odd. If you find anything out, please email me at cmr810@aol.com. My Pcp has since cut my vitamin D from 50,000 IU twice a week to 1000 IU daily and I was taking 325mg(65mg) iron daily which he has told me to stop completely although he doesn't think it is associated with the high level. He has ordered a Hematoachrosis gene blood test which I probably do today. This is usually genetic and I don't know of anyone in my family that has had this . What comes next, not sure but this is very weird but I googled this and we are not the first bariatric patients to question this. I. Sure wish a bariatric Dr would answer...

You aren't going to find many sleevers who are 10+ years out because the gastric sleeve surgery was very uncommon 10+ years ago (circa 2007). Bariatric surgeons weren't really performing them back then. The gastric bypass was king. The lap band was also wildly popular in those days. A very small handful of people were sleeved in '08 and '09, but the first large wave of sleevers had their surgeries performed in 2010/2011.

Yeah the crappy part is that I can log in and do many things like find a provider, get an estimate on costs, check claims status and go to “understanding my coverage” and it’ll confirm that Auth is required for bariatric surgery. But it won’t provide me with a certificate of coverage or any PDF with exclusions like I’ve seen with UHC for example.

All bariatric folk have difficulty digesting calcium. We need calcium citrate, specifically. Blood tests usually won't show low calcium levels because the body pulls what it needs out of bones and teeth. Bone density scans are needed to show bone loss. The other electrolytes; magnesium, sodium, and potassium, also work to establish bone health. Vitamins D and K2 also play roles. Every one of these nutrients are frequently lacking in the bariatric population. Good point about GERD.. it's a possibility. Plus, some of us may hate brushing our teeth