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Hello Tseeks You all going to laugh! So I was re-reading the pre-op liquid instructions from the book that I was provided by my surgeon and guess what! It said very BOLD & w/CAPS Bariatric Advantage it's the MANDATORY pre-op liquid diet for our pts to use.....so I guess I'm going to have a little trip to GNC tomorrow after work to return the 3.5 boxes I bought lol I guess I'm so anxious that I totally forgot that I was told plus that I READ that part of the diet...and I was feeling so weird after I bought them and now I understand why, b/c they went the right ones lol Thanks for the positive support, I hope all the best for all of you. I'll keep y'all update w/my progress

The warning bells that I hear is that you have a PB 3 times a week bc you are going too fast. If you have another fill before you address this the PB's will only get worse and you will be more prone to eating the ice-cream, which is easy and soothing after a PB. I would recommend you manage things to reduce the PB to 1/fortnight the most then determine if you need or can manage another fill. If old habits are sneaking in, yes a little amount of Fluid will help take the edge off, but as others have commented (great to see), re-address your total food intake and exercise levels. Hope this helps Helen Bauzon Specialist Bariatric Dietitian

I read many posts here from day to day...and every so often I feel I need to get my story out there...if anything, a declaration for my own edification... Before this WLS, I literally had one foot in the grave, there were so many medical issues and my prognosis was very bad...I'll not get ino it now, but I have in the past...in the 3-5 years prior, I had to bury my Sister, and my Brother...both who died too young from complications from being Obese...and I was walking right in their footsteps... My PCP seriously talked to me, more as a friend, to be sure I had some funeral plans in the way of expenses, and also asked me if my family would be Ok and taken care of.... ANY type of WLS, (in my case it was Lap band), was a LAST RESORT....DO OR DIE (maybe that explains my aggressiveness...no fooling around, dam the torpedoes) That was 3 years ago, I am now 100% successful with my body determining what my weight should be....very low body fat %, in the "Athletic" range...I simply have no more excess weight of fat to loose...any more would be unhealthy...a true starvation mode not unlike the psuedo one everyone talks about. ALL my medical conditions have completely reversed, (other than the permanent damage to my heart muscle from a heart attack), no more Med's, all bloodwork #'s perfect right down the middle.... I am a Poster Child at my Bariatric center, often asked to talk at support and first time introduction meetings...(I'm careful to explain ALL people are different and choose their different weight loss paths) I'm 61 soon to be 62, run 5 miles a day...go to the gym 5 days a week...I feel like I am 30 years younger... I have NEVER had a single complication....I DO NOT consider this a "TOOL"...I consider this corrective surgery...I cannot over eat no matter how hard I may try...I am never hungry 24 hrs a day with no cravings and actually, have very little interest in food altogether....It's a mental thing for me because of the placement of the band.... A "TOOL" is something I can control...I cannot control this, it has complete control of me....If I was in control, and can "Use" this as a tool, I would surely screw it up and fail.... I DO NOT count calories, measure portions, keep logs, etc...in other words, I have been set free from DIETS!! I now live a Normal LIfestyle, I eat, work and play the way a person is supposed to do, not the abnormal gluttonous lifestyle I once used to live that made me sick and fat... But now, I find this the easiest thing there is..absolutely No work or struggle.... of course, during the first post-op phase, which took me 4-6 months of adjusting, was pure hell and frustrating to say the least...but I did not back down, and fought through it...it was that important to me......it has now become day to day, a way of life I do not think about that much anymore...as if I had my gall Bladder taken out 3 years ago... Of course there are things I need to know and certain rules I must follow...but they are new habits...no longer a list....I don't have to think about what foods I can or cannot eat...I just know...I don't have to remind myself how to chew and take my time...I just know..and if I should forget, the band is there to immediately warn and remind me... IF I should ever encounter any complications, I will deal with them when and if they come.....better than being dead! One thing I have noticed to be a truth...the lap band is adjustable, and it seems all people have different levels as to where they want to be with this...for me, nothing less than maximum "Green Zone" life will do...and my Dr. understands....IMO that does not mean one person is right or wrong...as long as you're successful in your path, that's all that matters....I HATE IT when someone says the way they are doing it is the ONLY WAY, then goes and instructs people just starting out...doing more harm than good...no matter there are so many confused people....all anyone should ever do is give their own personal experience in any given situation...if they have none, then keep quiet and let someone who has experience speak...I love it when someone who has been banded for 6 weeks is going to tell me how I should be doing things... Anyway, It's 5am, I'm off to the gym soon when they open at 6 on Saturdays. ALL THIS because I chose to have the Lap Band Surgery....it could have been one of the other procedures, I don't know...this is he only one I have any experience with....so this is the only procedure I can talk about....

Just an update. I joined WW 3 weeks ago. I am suppose to eat 27 points plus 35 points a week free. Well, that is too many calories. After going down to 20 points a day and 35 extra the weight is really coming off. That is becuase that is 1k a day plus about 200 extra which is 1200 calories. Bandsters typically take in 800-1k no more than 1200 so my guess is you MAY have to lower your points if they give you too many. I have perfect restriction, still stop when I am full and am really enjoying the program now. It really keeps me straight throughout the day as far as consumption goes. I did tell the Leader that I had bariatric surgery and she didn't say anything about me not being able to make lifetime. Also, given the fact that the success rate with lapband is 62% of your excess weight my doctor is fine if I go 20 lbs above goal weight of 162 and hit 185. I would still be considered overweight but truthfully speaking I look terrible at 165, not thin. With a doctor's note I can still become lifetime. I however, would not be able to work for WW if I hit the 185 goal because it is not there standard weight. Let me know how you do. I weigh in this Saturday and I know I am down at least 2 lbs this week eating most of the day. Its nice to implement more fruit and vegies into my diet!

I couldn't handle any of the chewables. My surgeon recommended the bariatric advantage chewy bites and I love them - all 4 flavors.

There's an app called bariatric timer my NUT told me about, when you eat something tap the bagel and when you drink, tap the wine glass and a countdown clock appears telling you when you can eat or drink next.

It is also important to remember that bariatric surgery is not a magic weight loss solution. It is simply a tool to help keep you on the right path. Everybody is different. Everybody will have different results. Your body has gone through a huge change. Give it time to do it's thing. Just follow the program and it will happen! It WILL happen! Don't get discouraged. Don't worry about it. Just do it! Good luck!

Hi everyone. Just wanted to put down my experience for that first week for those who need lifting up. =) My personal experience was hell. Now that doesn't mean yours will be. I see people on here all the time who have truly stellar experiences! But for those of us who didn't. Here I am! Firstly, if you've read my story, you know I"m a liver patient, more than a bariatric patient. In the hospital I had trouble with pain control, blown IV's and pretty much just existed on Water. I was there for two days. I had made my own bone broth and Jello and brought it with me. I didn't even use it I was sick. However, after I got home I felt somewhat better. I had to find a comfortable way to lay on my back. That never happened. In the OR while laying on my back something shifted. It still isn't quite right. I attribute that from my Spondylitis in my SI joint. Chiro hopefully and my massage therapist will be able to help. Anyway, I was nauseated quite a lot the first few days and in a drug induced stupor. I threw up the second night home. That was a horrible experience. I am not one of those people who "ralph" very well. I think it was s combination of taking my liquid pain meds too fast. THEN I did my incentive spirometer, but I think I sucked in air. And out everything came! So be careful with that. That was day two, at home. I pushed through day three with a vengeance, because my grandmother always told me day three of a surgery is always the worst. And it has been. Day four was better....everything seemed clearer and I was able to drink more effectively and even take a few liquid supplements. Not all, but some. Day five. I felt this burst of energy. It was crazy. Mind was willing, body was not! So I walked around the house. Did try to bend, not a good idea... LOL. I was able to get all my Vitamins down this day. I was really proud of myself. But I was still short on the liquids. Day six. Weakness.... I just felt like a wet noodle. I think it was from not getting in the requisite amounts of Protein and liquids for as many days. Day seven. One week post-op. Woo! I finally "felt" hungry. Liquids didn't seem to be cutting it and I started craving fish. Which is a big deal for me because my liver disease had taken all hunger pains away for the past two years. I called my doc's office and asked if I could tolerate the foods on Phase 3 if I could have them? They said yes. I was over the moon about that. Not knowing what I was getting myself into. LOL Day eight. I decided to order the fish. I got sea scallops. And mashed potatoes. I was able to eat the scallop and about a teaspoon of mashed potatoes. It was heaven, it was also hell... I felt way full. I can tell you what they say about "real" food protein staying with you longer, is the truth. These Protein shakes don't last long. I am still drinking two a day to get enough protein in. Day nine. Same weakness. I just feel so weak. All over. And thirsty all the time. Ate scallop and potatoes again for one meal. Still got in all the vitamins. And today, day ten. I still feel weak. I'm hoping this will pass when I am able to actually get in all the protein at least a week in a row. I'm thinking the body has gone into survival mode or something. Two things. I had a bowel movement without taking anything on the second day home, and then again on day five. So I'm not going to take anything unless I have to. Second thing. I found this protein supplement called Reserveage, they taste awesome! Mix very well. Come in vanilla and chocolate. So that has become my go to supplement for protein. I still get individual packets of different flavors to shake things up a bit. I have an order into unjury that hasn't shown up yet. I'll let you know how that tastes when it gets here. So I hope this helps someone. Keep pushing though those first days. It does get easier. I'm excited about the future. =) Have a great day!

So I just got approved to start the bariatric program through the Cleveland clinic. So far I've completed the seminar, and spoken with my patient navigator, and scheduled all my appointments needed. I'm really excited besides the fact I'm completely lost at how this works! The navigator told me I had to set up a bariatric resource nurse through my insurance and the insurance is saying they don't offer that and it's a cycle of back and forth at this point. I'm also confused at how payment will work and all the little details of how the program works! So far they've handled everything over the phone, is it okay to ask to meet her in person and go over all the insurance and payment information with her?

Well, I had a call today from my primary care doctor's office and was told that the bariatric hospital said that something showed on my chest xray. I haven't been feeling well lately and think that I may be coming down with bronchitis or something. I passed the PFT with flying colors. My 02 sats are 98 percent. I'm not sure what could have shown up. I'm really scared. One lung is fine but there is a small something on the other. "SIGH"... I have to have a CT scan on Friday. My surgery is supposed to be on the 21st. I'm just so sad and worried now. I try not to put the cart before the horse, so to speak, but oh good Lord above what if its .. well..... cancer???? Well, nothing I can do but wait and see. I hope it is just the start of pnemonia maybe. Lord knows I don't want that either but its better than the alternative. At least I can get antibiotics and be well before surgery. Please pray for me. I really need it. I know you guys don't really know me but anyway it doesn't matter. Prayer is prayer. Thank you! I will blog again when I find out the results.

I started my journey yesterday visiting my bariatric program manager and getting all the info for the sleeve. My family and friends won't understand and I don't really want the stress of explaining and rationalizing my decision so I've only told 2 people. One will take me to and from the hospital. For now it looks like June 12th will be the date. I've read nearly all 14k posts on here looking for a reason not to do it. There are such mixed results but the majority seem happy with the decision. Any thoughts on telling family in advance?

Does your dr's bariatric program have a nutritionist that tells you exactly what you are supposed to be eating when? At my dr my nut tells me EVERYTHING, writes out sample diets, gives me lists, writes out a schedule, meets with me at all of the followup appts, everything. From what I am reading it sounds like some dr's don't have this?

I didn't use any belly bands, though I think it might have helped a little with some of the pulling sensation inside on one of my incisions from the stitches. The meds I took pre-op were all things I'd been taking for diabetes, blood pressure, and arthritis. I didn't have to take anything special before the surgery. The meds my surgeon prescribed for me post-op were a liquid antacid (Ranitidine) and a liquid pain killer (Roxicet). The Pepcid is an antacid - what I have the Ranitidine for. He said I have to take the antacid for one month - I can't wait to be off of it, because it tastes NASTY! The pain killer I'm using more for my severely arthritic knees, at least until it runs out. I used to be on meloxicam for it, but my surgeon said I shouldn't take it after surgery, at least for several months (Nsaid), and the Tramadol my regular doctor prescribed to use in place of it wasn't doing the job. My surgeon told me not to start my multi-Vitamin (chewable) until Monday (2 weeks post-op). It contains calcium citrate too - hopefully enough that, with diet, I shouldn't need an additional supplement. (I got the Bariatric Advantage fusion - the dietitian told me to take 3 a day with the sleeve surgery.) I also take Cymbalta for my arthritis pain. I know that it is also used as an antidepressant for some people. Although the instructions with the meds said do NOT crush or open the capsules, my surgeon told me that many of their patients have without a problem, so I open the capsule and mix the contents with a small spoonful of sugar-free, fat-free pudding. Sugar-free Jello works OK before you get to the full liquid phase. Hope this helps!

I have tried a bunch of different Vitamins and they are all just not palatable for me. I have had samples of optisourece, Celebrate and several of the Bariatric Advantage flavors and types. I just cannot tolerate any of them. I am wondering if I will be able to use Centrum chewables. are they different than the others I have tried? Are they smaller? I like the centrum flavor burst but my nutirtionist I cannot use those, she also said no gummies of any kind were acceptable.

You need to follow a special diet before and after surgery, and you may need Vitamin supplements. Some patients limit their special products to the bare minimum, with maybe a few Protein shakes and powders for the pre-op and post-op liquid diets, and some Vitamins to prevent deficiencies. Others find it easier to follow their WLS diets when they buy a few more bariatric products. You might depend on specialty products such as low-carb, high-protein oatmeal, Pasta dinners, and Snacks, for example. Or you might choose only those vitamins labeled as specially formulated for bariatric surgery patients. Which bariatric products do you buy, and where do you buy them? Do you find them at your local grocery store? Maybe they’re at a supplement store. Online stores are definitely popular, too. How do you decide where to get your items?

yes, each doctor gives you a list... you may qualify for free bariatric Vitamins (along with Protein shakes and scar cream) by filling out the form at InsureNutrition.com... I didn't qualify for the multi-Vitamin, but they sent me a bottle as a "sample"...a months worth!

<TABLE class=wide cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0><TBODY><TR><TD> I saw this post on another WL support site and did find it veryinteresting. Some of the things this guy says really DOES make youthink. I know I AM quilty of several of the things he wrote about.Remember, this is NOT me writing the following stuff ... It is justsomething I copied from somewhere else. I hope reading it can helpUS all out.Sherri*****************************************************Enough is enough... the truth about the bandI've been reading a lot of the posts lately, and noticing a fewtrends. </PRE> I thought I might address them. </PRE> Many of you are not going to like it, and I expect to get flamed. Iam not trying to peeve folks off, but I feel it is time for someoneto post a frank discussion on the band. Take my words with a grainof salt. This is not directed at any one person in particular, butat a general trend of threads appearing lately. If you're pissed atme after this… OK, but then again, maybe you'll get something out ofit in between the anger. </PRE> Here it is… </PRE> Quit your whining. </PRE> The band is not a miracle. It does not magically make caloriesdisappear from food. It is a tool you need to work WITH not AGAINST.If you work against it, you'll fail. End of story. </PRE> Let's clear up a few misconceptions about the band. </PRE> The band is not malabsorptive like the gastric bypass. The GB worksby allowing the patient to eat less, and more to the point, toabsorb LESS calories from the food they eat. The band ONLY restrictsthe QUANTITY of food, not the QUALITY. If you continue to eat high-calorie crap, you'll lose nothing… period. What this means is thatyou DO need to change your eating habits. You need to eat healthierfood, and less garbage. Some folks will lose some weight with theband because of the smaller quantities without changing their eatinghabits, but that loss will slow or stall, and WILL NOT BESUSTAINABLEunless they learn new habits. Face it folks, what we eat is what gotus fat in the first place. If you don't wanna change that, then youcan stay fat, and don't complain that you aren't losing. </PRE> Yes, you can have occasional treats. I am not saying that you haveto live a deprived life with no treats ever again, but keep themoccasional, and keep them small. Dessert every day is NOTOCCASIONAL. Once a week, maybe. Start looking at your favorite foodsand look for ways to make them healthier. Maybe use less fat, orhealthier fats, leaner cuts of meat, more veggies etc. Try to treatyourself with healthier foods as well, fruit instead of pie, bakedpretzels instead of fried chips, try those rice cakes you see in thestore. When you do have a treat… have ONE SERVING. Look at thelabel… if it says that 9 rice cakes are 1 serving… count them outand only have 9, not the whole bag! Use the sugar-free versions ofthings, the lower fat versions, and the lower carb versions… eatmore fresh foods, and less from packages. Yes, I know that freshfood is more work… too bad. You wanna get healthy? Then do it right.Kraft in the box might go down fine, but is it the right thing todo? Make the effort to cook healthier. It takes more time, butaren't you worth it? </PRE> RNY and Gastric Bypass patients need to diet too. If you think thatthey lose faster, you are right. In essence from malabsorbtion, theytechnically starve to lose initial weight, and lose a lot… morequickly than we do. SO WHAT?!?!? The human body is an amazing thing.It is smart, and learns to compensate. If the GB/RNY patient doesnot learn new, healthy eating habits, then they WILL GAIN THE WEIGHTBACK. In the long run, we have the advantage, as we do not lose atALL without new habits. We have to learn from the get-go, and in theend… our system willl adjust with us as we lose… not giving oursmart body a chance to get used to the new "arrangement" andcompensating for it. RNY/GB might look like a miracle, but it isn'teither. You still are the one in control, but the complications forit are much worse. I'm not dissing it, it is the right choice forsome, but for those who which to switch, simply because they havenot been doing the band with TRUE lifestyle changes… well… they arefooling themselves. Wisen up, and realize YOU need to change to makeany bariatric surgery a long-term success. </PRE> Head hunger, and stress eating are real. They are some of the thingsthat got us here. If it happens to you… GET HELP. Don't just standthere and say… duh, I don't know how to stop. Get on a program, seea therapist, join a bandster support group. Don't just cry aboutit…, DO SOMETHING. If you know emotional eating is an issue, thenyou have an EMOTIONAL PROBLEM, best dealt withby a therapist. Guesswhat folks, that is part of a whole weight loss program! Some maynot need it, but if these issues plague you, then get the help! Thatleads me to the next one… </PRE> Yes, you DO NEED TO EXERCISE. If you think you don't, then you arebeing foolish. Exercise does not mean a formal program at a gym witha personal trainer (although that is a GREAT IDEA). It means gettingout there and moving… biking, skating, swimming etc. Move… move…move!!! A sedentary life is another of the things that got us here.If you think sustained weight loss will happen without it, then youare again fooling yourself. Don't forget, that other than ahealthier life, the number 2 reason we got this done was to lookbetter. Folks, diet alone will not give you a better bod, exerciseand diet will. </PRE> This is not a liquid diet. Yes you will have periods of being onliquids, before and after surgery, and right after fills, but thisis not meant to be liquids for life. The band works by allowing asmall amount of food to stay in the pouch for a while, keepinghunger away. If all you have are Protein shakes… well frankly, theypass right thru, and give NO sustained satiety. You'll be hungry.Period. If all you can get down are liquids, then you are TOO TIGHT.It will NOT HELP YOUR WEIGHT LOSS TO BE TOO TIGHT! In fact, theopposite is true. If you cannot eat solid foods you will likelygain, because LIQUID CALORIES ARE MORE DENSE. You have GOT TO eatsolid food. </PRE> Low carb does not mean NO carb. Should you restrict carbs… yep. Weeat too many. This does not mean eat only protein. You cannotsurvive on only protein, you need veggies and carbs too… just lessof the carbs than you have been having. For one, try using healthiercarbs… want a potato? Eat a small baked red-skin new potato, withsome butter spray on it… instead of fries. Try Dreamfields low-carbpasta for Sunday spaghetti dinners, try brown rice instead of MinuteRice. Avoid the carbs in packaged foods… Mac and cheese, rice a ronietc. If you want mac and cheese, make it from scratch with lower fatcheese and Dreamfields or whole wheat Pasta. Use wholegrain bread,not Wonderbread. And… eat carbs last. Eat the protein first, thenveggies, then if you have room finish your carbs. Lastly… eliminatethe sugar… get it out period </PRE> Fast food is bad. End of story. Stay away from it… all of it. </PRE> Is a pre-op liquid diet important? You bet your boots it is. No, Iknow not all doctor's ask for it… but that doesn't change the factthat they should be asking for it. First off, it shrinks the liver,making it easier for the surgeon to perform the procedure. Second,it begins the weight loss process. Third, it speeds up recovery byhaving the body have less solid waste in the digestive tract, itwill work less, and not stress the points where the band is attached. </PRE> Is the post-op diet… liquids… mushies then solids important? Seeabove. This is for healing. Yes you can eat solid food sooner, and Iknow that this varies from doctor to doctor, but that doesn't meanit should. The stomach needs time to heal, and even though you CANeat solids earlier doesn't mean you should. Heal properly first. Asmost docs will say, any weight loss during this phase is a bonus.This is not the time for loss but healing. May folks WILL gain whengoing to mushies. Expect it. If you don't, you are one of the luckyfew… not the norm. Most folsk do not see real weight loss forMONTHS. This is how it is, deal with it. </PRE> You WILL NOT LOSE ALL YOUR WEIGHT IN A COUPLE MONTHS. Especiallythose of you with under 75 lbs to lose. Less to lose, the slower itwill be… that's it folks. If you got the band with 60-75 lbs tolose, do NOT expect to lose as much a month as someone who has200lbs to lose. Won't happen. If the doc told you it did, he lied.Most successful band patients lose 75% of their excess weight in theFIRST 2 YEARS… yep… years, not months. Deal with it… you are notgonna lose it by summer for swimsuit season. This is not intended tobe SPEEDY weight loss… if you don't get that, see #3 above. </PRE> It's OK to go to a foreign country to get my band because it is moreaffordable to me… Hmmm this one is debatable, and I will keep myopinion of foreign docs out of it. First off, when it comes tosurgery for my body, I don't want the lowest bidder, even though Iwas also self pay… but let's put that aside. I see too many folksgoing to places like Mexico for this procedure because they say thedoc is a brilliant surgeon… this is only 10% about the actualsurgery folks! It is the pre and aftercare provided that makes itwork. If you do NOT have an aftercare doc set up locally BEFORE yougo to Mexico for the surgery… then you are making a HUGE MISTAKE. Iam getting tired of seeing folks say…" I just got my band lastweekend, anyone know of any docs I can see for fills around here?"Geez?!@?!? What are you thinking? Didn't you have this all set upbeforehand? How could you have such a procedure done to your body… aprocedure that requires constant attention (and it is not just forfills folks!) and not be prepared before you do it? If this is yourplan, then I am confused on what you are doing. Aftercare with theband is not just fills, and you need access to a band doc locallyfor any problems. Sure you can get the procedure done in Mexico, buthave preparations for aftercare BEFORE they cut you open. </PRE> Look at the whole program. This is NOT just a surgical option. I'vesaid it before and I'll say it again, the surgery is only 1 hourlong… the rest of my life will be losing and maintaining myhealthier body. Nutritionists, exercise physiologists,psychologists, dieticians, support groups, a good fill doc… theseare ALL necessary to lose and maintain our health. If you only dealwith some of them… you'll fail. When you scout out docs to do thisprocedure, see how they deal with ALL of these factors…not just arethey a good cutter. Then, after the surgery, follow through with allof these. </PRE> If you don't know… ASK! The doctor, not the web group. Sure, it'sgreat to get support and ideas here, but I am amazed how many peopleare on here soliciting medical advice… ASK YOUR DOC! If he won'tgive you a straight answer… then he's not a good doc, and you needto seek out a better one. I mean COME ON!?!?! Now that we have thatstraightened out… let's say your doc tells you to do something… likestay on liquids for 2 weeks… DO IT. If he is a good doc, then thereis a reason to do what he says. This is NOT about you making yourOWN… UNEDUCATED judgment calls… he's the pro here… do what he says.If you don't understand why… then we go back to… ASK. </PRE> I'm sure I could say more, but I am also sure that I've pissed offhalf the folks who have read this. </PRE> Just had to get it off my chest. It is HARD WORK. Anythingworthwhile is. If you thought it was gonna be easy, then you wereeither lied to, or deluding yourself. </PRE> Work hard… get healthy… have a good life. We are ALL worth the time,effort and yes money, to be better healthier people. </PRE> __________________ Big Paul Banded Nov. 17, 20051st fill 1/3/2006: 3.2cc 2nd fill 2/7/2006: Removed 3.0cc, replaced 4.0cc 3rd fill 3/6/2006: Removed 3.6cc, replaced 4.0cc Unfill 3/14/2006: Removed 4.0cc, replaced 3.2cc 4th fill 4/3/2006: Removed 3.2cc, replaced 3.8cc 371/236/189135 lbs lost! 47 lbs to go! </PRE> </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></P>

I have a different Blue Cross plan. Under my plan, the out of pocket max is the max I'd pay in a year for all services - its intended as a safeguard if you have a catastrophic injury or illness. That was different than what I paid for any given service. Does your blue cross plan have a SErvice Benefit Brochure online? If so, it will likely list bariatric surgery and say what you need to pay depending on if the doc and hospitals are preferred providers or not. Also, note that this cost is JUST for the hospitalization. I ended up with costs for the hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and lab work. It was far lower than my out of pocket max. I saw three surgeons before I decided on surgery, the only one that would have required me to make such a big payment up front was someone who did not take insurance and was covered as a non-participating provider. Again, my insurance may work differently than yours.

You,know My Surgery is Next Wednesday SEPTEMBER 5th, do you suppose,if I asked SWEETLY Ken S. or some nice person could enter IT? On A Beta Android Bariatric Pal app. I have not A Snowball's,Chance in Hades of getting thongs updated. For a reason known only to God and Ken my profile (I amTold) thinks I had surgery in 2004 or 14, wasn't even a Bariatric Newbie the!

Overeaters Annonymous is the best book I have read to prepare me for WLS. Everything else you can get from google searches, youtube videos from Drs and Bariatric centers, and your own program if it is a good one. Having the right frame of mind about food is the most important thing before surgery, it makes everything easier.

Hi Pookie, I have Kaiser in California and I'm just starting the process as well. I asked my PCP about the Lap-Band and she referred me to the bariatric department. I received a letter from the bariatric dept. within 2 weeks stating that I'm scheduled for an orientation on May 22. It also said that I'd need to go to my PCP beforehand for some blood work, a urine sample, chest xray and an ekg. I had all of that done last friday, so now I'm waiting to attend orientation. I can't wait! I'm not sure what to expect with any of this, but I want to get the ball rolling as soon as possible! I'll let you know how orientation goes after next tuesday...

UGH! we both are having such good luck with our preop stuff-NOT! i've been telling my bariatric center since last november that i would love my surgery during spring break (april 2nd) and here it is march 6th with no date yet! hopefully we can both laugh about this later!!! hang in there-i see a light at the end of this long darned tunnel!!!!! ~courtney

An interesting read on why hair loss happens: https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/

Cardio is good and like the name suggests....it benefits your heart. So some cardio will always be beneficial. I also second what many posters are saying........it's better to add in weight training as well. Especially if you're one of those interested in aiding loose skin issues, physique, that kind of thing. And it (muscle) also helps to burn calories when you're resting....so many good benefits from lifting. If you're not familiar with lifting, a trainer would be very beneficial.....especially early on until you get some experience with resistance training and how to perform the different lifts. Just make sure to get a trainer that is a good fit for you and knows about your bariatric surgery history. Good luck and keep us posted!

We live in Texas. She had her gall bladder removed years before the bariatric surgery. The bariatric surgeon has done an endoscopy on her about 8 weeks after the surgery and he said there was no issues whatsoever. I am having so much trouble getting her to a new dr for a second opinion because she is on Medicaid and no bariatric drs accept this insurance. The only reason she was able to have it done in the first place is that her PCP deemed it medically necessary. Her surgeon works at Texas Tech University Health Science Services, so I thought they would be a legitimate resource, but her dr doesn’t seem to wanna even treat her anymore. She is actually in the hospital right now admitted. I had her in the ER on this Sunday past, and they did emergency surgery to remove a kidney stone, and they still havent released her yet because they haven’t got her potassium and magnesium levels correct plus they are attempting to correct her nausea issues once again (not her bariatric dr treating her btw even though his office is across the street). The hospital drs said they spoke to bariatric dr and he said it’s all in her head. thanks for all the responses, it is truly appreciated