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I would give the Dr. office a call, you have nothing to lose. I have had paperwork misplaced. I am impatient also, but I think by now you should have an answer. Can you check the insurance company activity on line? I know I can access all of my BCBS info on line. Unfortunately in SC they don't pay for any bariatric surgery. Luckily I am eligible for medicare because of my MS and there isn't any pre authorization required. I was scheduled for 7/23 but just got a great new job working for an airline so I postponed it until 9/3 after vacation season is over...... I can't wait!! Good Luck!!

I've been asking myself that same question and it prompted me to begin posting some bariatric friendly recipes and cooking tips here: https://www.pinterest.com/RonnieBob428/boards/

I've been using the Bariatric Advantage probiotic since surgery. I'm not sure if I will reorder when I run out as my doc said I could discontinue it at my last check-up.

Just wanted to say Hi All! I'm new to this app and to the Bariatric journey. I'm still in process of trying to get my sleeve. Hoping it happens this summer! I joined here in hopes of making friends and support from those that "get it" any and all advice/suggestions are more than welcome! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Congratulations to you. That has to be very exciting to have an actual surgery date. I will be having my surgery as well in San Diego through Pacific Bariatric. They conduct their surgery at Scripss Mercy Hospital. I haven't actually got my surgery date yet, but it will be sometime in September. Good Luck to you.... and Keep us posted on your progress.!!!!!

It's normal to need cardiovascular and pulmonary clearance for bariatric surgery, has nothing to do with your insurance. Every bariatric patient where I work needs medical cardiac pulmonary psych nutrition clearances for surgery. I would say that's relatively standard And remember the risks for cardiac and pulmonary problems with being obese is a large part of why insurance companies cover bariatric surgery to begin with.

According to the internet: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Treatment recommendations for NAFLD are aimed towards weight reduction, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unfortunately, lifestyle modifications have not yielded long-term success, while durable weight loss is routinely achieved with bariatric surgery. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/763056 So what this summary says it that lifestyle modifications such as dieting and exercise have not yielded long-term success but bariatric surgery has. Another article says: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a progressive disease with potential evolution to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Another article says: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. It encompasses a spectrum of conditions associated with lipid deposition in hepatocytes. It ranges from steatosis (simple fatty liver), to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH–fatty changes with inflammation and hepatocellular injury or fibrosis), to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Studies suggest that although simple fatty liver is a benign condition, NASH can progress to fibrosis and lead to end-stage liver disease. The disease is mostly silent and is often discovered through incidentally elevated liver enzyme levels. It is strongly associated with obesity and insulin resistance and is currently considered by many as the hepatic component of the metabolic syndrome. NASH cirrhosis is now one of the leading indications for liver transplantation in the United States. I underwent RNY gastric bypass surgery because my health was deteriorating rapidly. I dieted and exercised and still could not shed the pounds but instead continued to gain the weight. I had the surgery to correct my health conditions. The surgery corrected a number of my health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux (GERD). It even corrected my asthma condition. If your focus is to become healthy and live a long productive life, then I would suggest the surgery. I dropped 120 pounds after surgery and my BMI went to normal. Weight loss was just a little gravy on top of health improvements. One of the factors that enter into the equation is cost. The operation is expensive and therefore it is important to have insurance that covers the operation. Therefore the guideline requirements from your insurance policy will dictate how easy it is to obtain this surgery. Many insurance policies are written very similar, so this will give you an idea: Surgical treatment of obesity (bariatric surgery) is covered only if: - eligible enrollee is 18 of age or over - clinical records support a body mass index of 40 or greater (or 35-40 when there is at least one co-morbidity related to obesity). Applicable co-morbid conditions include the following: * Type II diabetes mellitus (by American Diabetes Association diagnostic criteria). * Refractory hypertension (defined as blood pressure of 140 mmHg systolic and or 90 mmHg diastolic) despite medical treatment with maximal dose of three antihypertensive medications. * Refractory hyperlipidemia (acceptable levels of lipids unachievable with diet and maximum doses of lipid lowering medications). * Obesity–induced cardiomyopathy. * Clinically significant obstructive sleep apnea. * Severe arthropathy of the spine and or weight bearing joints (when obesity prohibits appropriate surgical management of joint dysfunction treatable but for obesity). - Documentation of failure to lower the body mass index within the last 12 months through a medically supervised program of diet and exercise of at least 6 months duration. So if your health insurance policy was similar to mine, you would not be able to qualify because of age; but the moment you turned 18, you would get a green light because your BMI is over 40. So the best advise I can give you is to dig out your health insurance policy and read the fine print.

You can use this thread about comebacks for inspiration: http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/202970-need-comebacks-for-easy-way-out-crack/?hl=%20comebacks Also, if she remarks again about why don't you just try eating less and exercising, ask her "And how is that working for YOU?" Tell her: "If you tell me everything you know about bariatric surgery, I will tell you everything I know about bariatric surgery."

You are a brave one, Heather! My RNY was on September 19th and "bread" is not anywhere on my immediate horizon or the program laid out for me by my Doctor and Bariatric team.

​I have Osteoarthritis in my feet, knees, hips and right shoulder. I had a hip replacement in 2013, that was my "ah ha" moment. I asked my surgeon and PCP about Bariatric surgery and they were both extremely supportive. I need my knees replaced and surgery on my right foot. Though the VSG won't improve the damage already done, they pain has decreased significantly and I can take long walks now. I am 49 and have 70 more pounds to go. I plan on putting off surgery as long as possible. In my opinion, yes, it has improved the pain. I hope this helps some. This forum is an excellent place to ask a lot of questions!

i couldn't handle protein shakes before surgery, for me they were so nasty. . . after surgery i started with Bariatric Advantage high protein shakes, those were yum for me . . i started out with vanilla, then for a change got chocolate. . . both were great. . .i mix flaxseed peanut butter 1/2 tsp with the shake and it tastes just like a reeses pieces. . . love it. . .

Hi Everyone, I have been reading posts and doing lots and lots of research. My journey started in March when my lung specialist suggested I have bariatric surgery done. I am a state employee and just this year, the legislature voted to allow 100 bariatric surgeries to be paid for by insurance. When I booked the appt and saw the doctor, there were still openings in my area. I didn't have to go through all of the other required procedures because I had already had them. So getting to the actual appt day was very fast. Once all paperwork was submitted to insurance co. I get a call from the BCBS nurse telling me I was qualified to have the surgery, but I wasn't qualified for the state program because of a small glitch. (15 year state employee, switched for 2 years to Blue Choice and I just switched back to state standard 18 months ago. The requirement is two years as state standard policy holder.) She also said had I been qualified, I was number 18 on the waiting list for my area and that is would probably be at least another year. The one good thing that came out of my visit with the Dr. was the fact that I was leaning toward the lap band and he mentioned the sleeve and I didn't really know much about it, so hadn't considered it. He told me, that if they had to choose just one surgery to perform for bariatric patients, it would be the gastric sleeve. He said it is the one that has the least amount of complications and if most successful. THAT 10 minute conversation cost me $485! We are still fighting to get back part of that money because they should have prequalified me before scheduling me for an appt. Finding this information out, set me on the path for other options. Unfortunately, when I checked into cash pay with that doctor, I was told the cash pay price was 20,000. I also have to have a hiatal hernia repaired, which insurance does cover. The BCBS nurse, suggested I talked to him to see about doing the hiatal hernia surgery with the sleeve surgery on the side to reduce the cash pay amount since insurance would be paying for everything else. So, I called to find that out and was told it would still be 20,000 for the sleeve surgery and they would bill my insurance company for the additional hernia surgery and I would still be responsibly any additional costs with that like my 20% that insurance does not pay. Lets talk greedy! My research led me to Mexico. I have done a lot of research and I decided to go with Dr. Ortiz with Obesity Control Center. I must say, I am having my doubts after seeing so much being said about Dr. Aceves. (not that there is anything bad about Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Aceves just has a big following.) I even called them after I booked with Dr. Ortiz, but something keeps telling me to stay with Dr. Ortiz. There doesn't seem to be too many patients on here that have had Dr. Ortiz ao I think that is where my doubts are coming in to play with my mind. I have been on the pre-op diet of liquid Protein shakes and a lean cuisine meal a day. I have lost 9 pounds in spite of having to attend a family reunion and 2 birthday parties without cheating, so that is pretty exciting but I must say it isn't how I want to eat the rest of my life. My surgery is the 27th, and we will be flying out of SC on the 25th so we will have a couple of days to do other things before the surgery. I think I am starting to get a little anxious, but I am hoping that is normal no matter where you have it done.

Just out of curiosity why does bypass scare the crap out of you? I was going to have the sleeve and then because of reflux we decided the better surgery for me was bypass. I was scared to death to because all of the horror stories. I spent some time with both my bariatric team, my gastroenterologist as well as many bypass patients. I was most afraid of the malabsorption component. I then learned very quickly that it actually helps you to lose weight and honestly both bypass and sleeve patients have to have blood work and take Vitamins for life. The biggest thing they warned me about was not going in for yearly nutritional panels and skipping vitamins. As long as you do that which you also have to do with the sleeve as well, you should be good. I am two years post op, have lost all my weight and comorbitities, am very healthy and thank god every day that i went bypass as i have not even had a simple case of heartburn since the day i woke up from surgery. Spend some time and really research so you make the best choice for your health. I have seen way too many sleeve patients then have to revise to bypass anyway. I decided i was only going through this one time in my life. Both surgeries are equally as aggressive. The sleeve removes 90% of your stomach, the bypass reroutes. Just my two cents....take it for what it is worth but don't be afraid, be educated about your choices.

Bariatric Advantage - get the passion fruit flavor, it's pretty good.

Hi big shell, Welcome to this site. My first suggestion would be to visit a bariatric surgeon and discuss your choices with him/her. Your surgeon will let you know which route they feel will work best for you but the decision is yours. They will also talk to you about which option will be best if your are hoping for a pregnancy. With the band I know they ask you to wait about 12-18 months, when you become pregnant they open the band up fully, you eat normally but healthy!! then after the baby is born, when you are healed and ready, they will start again slowly with fills to get you back on track. I had 100lbs to lose and after visiting a few seminars in my area I chose my surgeon. During my initial consultation we discussed the options. I decided on the lap band because I was afraid of the permanent alteration to my body. I have had good success so far, a friend of mine went the gastric bypass route and while her weight has come off faster, my food tolerence and side effects have been better. Either way is a big step, but it's the first step in changing your life dramatically for the better!! I always remeber my band is only a tool in helping me lose weight, it's not a magic bullet. I get out of it what I put into it. By thinking this way I am never disapointed and don't get discouraged. My surgery was easy, recovery was fast and I was back to a normal life in a shorter time then if I had bypass. Every one is different and healing, pain etc will vary but I have been happy with my lap band choice. good luck and let me know how you are doing. G'Ma

@@jayhawk1965 8 months out Life lines: Local support groups, My doctors and bariatric pal Calories: about 1000 to 1300 Exercise: Five to six days a week an hour of cardio. 3 days a week an hour of strength training Challenges: Trying to settle into the reality that this is my life now. Eating and exercise still are the same for me after goal. Responses to weight loss: Mostly positive and supportive. Opposite sex treat you Very differently. (still strange) Some people are having issues with my weight loss. They are just not comfortable with it. Tips. Stay connected with you're support systems. No secrets do what you're doctors instruct you to do

I was Banded at HENRY FORD HOSPITAL. Center of Excellence in Bariatrics. Detroit, Michigan. By the Chief Surgeon. The only one to ever touched me. was my Surgeon.

style="margin:0;padding:0;background-color:#d8dde8;color:#5a5a5a;font:normal 13px helvetica, arial, sans-serif;position:relative;"> Hey BariatricPal Members! I hope you’re having a wonderful summer and making good progress towards your weight loss and health goals! As our country and the world have been hit in recent weeks by devastating news of senseless deaths, it can be hard to stay focused on the “little things” in life – like health and weight loss. But you can do your best by staying strong and dedicating yourself with even more commitment to achieving your goals. Hopefully this newsletter can help a little; here’s what you’ll find. Got a Buddy? Your Key to Better Weight Loss Getting More from BariatricPal Let The BariatricPal Store Make Weight Loss Easier After you go through the newsletter, we hope you will login to the BariatricPal forums to catch up on all the discussions. Thanks for all of your support, and Happy Independence Day! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Got a Buddy? Your Key to Better Weight Loss A weight loss surgery buddy can do wonders for your weight loss. You can motivate each other to stick to the diet, to exercise, and to stay strong in the face of the criticism and judgement that often comes with weight loss surgery. Face to Face Friendship Someone you see regularly can help hold you accountable with your WLS diet, and you can do the same for them. It doesn’t need to be a WLS patient if you can find someone else who’s losing weight and just wants the same things you do: weight loss and a healthier life. Some good possibilities are a work colleague or a friend who is ready to commit to weight loss and healthy living. Working Out Together A workout buddy can be just what you need if you’re not always eager to get out the door for your workout. It’s a lot harder to shut off your alarm clock and go back to sleep if you know you have a friend waiting for you at 5:00 a.m. It can be a buddy for gym workouts, walks in the neighborhood, or any other workout you want to do. Find an Online Buddy A virtual friend can be just as good for weight loss as an in-person friend. Where can you find a friend? Logon to BariatricPal, of course! Be sure to introduce yourself if you haven’t already, and let everyone know that you’re looking for a weight loss surgery buddy. You may want someone with a surgery date near yours, or maybe you’re looking for a WLS veteran. Just see who responds to your post! Insure Nutrition We are always thrilled to welcome a new newsletter sponsor into the BariatricPal family, and this month, Insure Nutrition is giving us the pleasure of doing just that. Our latest sponsor, Insure Nutrition, is an online company that specializes in getting health insurance coverage for nutritional supplements. Its Post-Bariatric Surgery Nutrition products includes Premier Protein shakes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry flavors and OptiSource High Protein drinks in caramel and strawberry flavors. Checking if you are eligible is easy. Insure Nutrition encourages you to use its online form to find out if you qualify. Our sponsors help make BariatricPal newsletters and other services possible. We encourage you show your thanks by considering them first for your bariatric needs. unjury and Opurity BariatricPal is proud and excited to announce two new sponsors for our newsletters. The new sponsors are Unjury, a supplier of wonderful tasting, highest quality protein supplements, and Opurity (from the makers of UNJURY), highest purity Vitamin supplements for bariatric surgery patients. Their support lets us keep BariatricPal newsletters coming to you each month. Unjury was founded by a master’s degree dietitian who has been helping patients since 1974. It is committed your health. You know the importance of getting enough protein after weight loss surgery, but you also know that meeting your protein goals can be challenging. Unjury makes your task not just easier but actually enjoyable. Product flavors include Chocolate Splendor, Chocolate Classic, Vanilla, Strawberry Sorbet, chicken Soup Flavor, and Unflavored. These ready-to-use protein powders come in single-serve and multi-serve containers, and contain high-quality whey protein to keep you full and nourished. Launched in 2007, Opurity is dedicated to using the purest ingredients in its supplements. Opurity Bariatric Multivitamins have two unique big advantages: First, each multivitamin requires only one tablet per day*. Second, Opurity is so dedicated to quality that it is unique in using no ingredients from China. Choose from chewable orange-berry multivitamins for gastric bypass and gastric sleeve patients or for lap-band patients.Opurity also sells chewable calcium, vitamin D and folic acid/vitamin B-12 chewables. All supplements come with a 100% satisfaction guaranteed. They return policy is: “Yes you can return it.” Support from Unjury and Opurity helps us continue to bring you the services you enjoy on BariatricPal, so please support these two brands! When looking for your bariatric surgery supplements, first visit Unjury.com and Opurity.com. Purchasing from these companies helps support BariatricPal. Thanks to Unjury and Opurity for your generous sponsorship, and thanks to BariatricPal members who support our partnership! *You still need calcium and sublingual B-12. Getting More from BariatricPal BariatricPal is here for you to help you through your WLS journey. From our supportive and informative forums to our online store with bariatric food, Snacks, and supplements, we’re doing what we can to help you reach your weight loss and health goals. Better Boarding: Please Promote a Courteous Environment! BariatricPal is unique because of our friendly and supportive environment. We believe that everyone has the right to post their questions, doubts, and opinions without fear of being ridiculed or put down. Recently, a few members have been violating our zero-tolerance policy for rudeness. This must stop, and you can help make sure it does. First, you can help by reporting any posts that violate our Forum Rules. You can report anonymously, so there is no fear of retribution. You can also help promote an encouraging environment by making sure you are a positive influence. Answer other posters with respect. If you are unable to respond respectfully to a poster, please just refrain from answering. Thanks to the vast majority of you who make sure to maintain a positive environment on the forums! Saving Money at The BariatricPal Store What’s better than getting great-tasting bariatric foods and Vitamins delivered to your door? How about knowing you’re getting the best price on them? The BariatricPal Store guarantees the lowest prices anywhere online with our price matching program. To save even more, we have a special offer for new customers, too! Save 15% on your first order just by using coupon code ILUVBP16 at checkout! Let The BariatricPal Store Make Weight Loss Easier Staying strong on the weight loss surgery diet is tough, but it’s a lot easier when you have the bariatric foods you need on hand. When your low-calorie, high-protein drinks and foods are at your fingertips, you’re more likely to get the filling protein you need without diving desperately for junk food. And when your vitamins are formulated for your needs and they’re easy to take, you’re more likely to stay nourished as you lose weight. The BariatricPal Store has the weight loss surgery essentials that can make your job easier. Here are a few of our most popular products this summer. Summer Refreshment: Protein Fruit Drinks On a hot summer’s day, a fruit smoothie can sound awfully tempting. Don’t do it – at least, not from a smoothie shop! You can wind up with close to 1,000 calories and over 100 grams of sugar. BariatricPal fruit smoothies are the smarter choice to satisfy that sweet tooth and refresh yourself. They have the fruit flavors you love, such as pineapple, mango, strawberry, and lemon raspberry iced tea, but without the sugar and calories of regular smoothies. Each low-carb serving has about 10 to 15 grams of protein and 80 to 100 calories. Hottest Items – Vitamin Patches Our vitamin patches are flying off the shelves, and for good reason. You don’t have to swallow pills when you have a convenient topical patch to get your vitamins and minerals. Just wear each patch for 8 hours a day to get the nutrients you need. Pick the individual patches you want, or take a look at our Patch Packs for Lap-Band, Gastric Sleeve, and Gastric Bypass patients. Don’t forget to browse through our Patch Packs Plus section to pick up extra nutrients for specific benefits. Snacks for a Day Trip Heading off to the beach? Planning a weekend getaway? Pack a few high-protein snacks so you know you’re set. Protein bars are a great go-to, since they’re convenient and come in all kinds of great-tasting flavors including chocolate, Peanut Butter, caramel, and lemon. Bars aren’t your only choices, though. You can try pretzels, chips, and even a box of cereal! These may not sound like good candidates for your WLS diet, but they are! They’re all packed with protein, low in carbs, and in single serving packs to make portion control a no brainer on the road. Thanks for reading the newsletter and for your continued support of BariatricPal. Enjoy your summer, and know that you’re always welcome at BariatricPal to share your questions, advice, encouragement, and concerns about weight loss surgery! · Unsubscribe from all BariatricPal E-Mail.

When did you have your banding done? Do you like her? I have seen her name listed among the bariatric surgeons in the Pittsburgh area. How has the band been working for you? How many fills have you had? Any problems?

Type "Recipe Frenzy" in the search bar. Bobbyswife put a post together that includes a collection of free, downloadable bariatric or weight loss cookbooks available online. They are great! The previous responder that mentioned going back to the beginning of the post op diet, is correct. I wanted to lose 5 in a week in order to fit into a Christmas dress, so I just duplicated my first week post op diet. It worked! I actually lost 6 pounds! I think it is a good kick start to getting back on track again. Good luck!

Great! I'm scheduled for June-22 in Tijuana. I've been busy preparing for post-op. I've stocked up on Clear liquids such as: beef and chicken broth, Crystal Lite, Green tea, Vitamin Water Zero, sugar free Jello. I plan to make my own sugar free popsicles. I've tried several different Protein shakes. I purchased a Nutri-Bullet to puree foods. And I've got a couple different kinds of bariatric Vitamins. Good luck!

There IS a big difference! Intake Bariatric Advantage lemon-lime. Definitely tart, but good!

In Memphis, looking for bariatric friends for support & to be a support. :-)

Well...today was to be the day I finished up all my prerequisites for submittal to the insurance company. I took my PCP letter to the bariatric surgeons office, the gal took one look at it, and pronounced it inadequate. :crying: I had thought about providing it as soon as I got it, but figured I'd just bring it to them in person when I had my last nutritionist visit. I should have gone with my first instinct. So...I have an appointment on Friday with the PCP to discuss the letter, with specifics about what has to be in the letter. Hopefully she can put together a better letter and fax it to the bariatric surgeon's office and my paperwork can go in early NEXT week. The first possible surgery date is now July 29th. My birthday is August 12...maybe I'll get my surgery for my birthday present. :frown: Oh - and the guy who did my psyche eval DID diagnosis me with Binge Eating Disorder in the report - even though I have 3 of the eleven symptoms. I discussed it with the nutritionist who has spent 6 hrs with me over the last six months (as opposed to his 90 minute session) and she was vehement that she doesn't agree with his diagnosis. She's going to discuss it with the "insurance person" and if they agree that it's a poor psyche eval, I'll have to get ANOTHER one. Grrrr...I wonder if I can discuss it with him and have him change it? Patience....perserverance....determination

Well...today was to be the day I finished up all my prerequisites for submittal to the insurance company. I took my PCP letter to the bariatric surgeons office, the gal took one look at it, and pronounced it inadequate. I had thought about providing it as soon as I got it, but figured I'd just bring it to them in person when I had my last nutritionist visit. I should have gone with my first instinct. So...I have an appointment on Friday with the PCP to discuss the letter, with specifics about what has to be in the letter. Hopefully she can put together a better letter and fax it to the bariatric surgeon's office and my paperwork can go in early NEXT week. The first possible surgery date is now July 29th. My birthday is August 12...maybe I'll get my surgery for my birthday present. Oh - and the guy who did my psyche eval DID diagnosis me with Binge Eating Disorder in the report - even though I have 3 of the eleven symptoms. I discussed it with the nutritionist who has spent 6 hrs with me over the last six months (as opposed to his 90 minute session) and she was vehement that she doesn't agree with his diagnosis. She's going to discuss it with the "insurance person" and if they agree that it's a poor psyche eval, I'll have to get ANOTHER one. Grrrr...I wonder if I can discuss it with him and have him change it? Patience....perserverance....determination