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There was an interesting article in the New York Times about a young woman who had a Lap-Band weight loss surgery after years of suffering the emotional journey of an overweight kid. The story was very honest about what to expect with this type of surgery, and it also tracked the journey of the young woman. The story is of interest to many as more and more teens and adults are turning toward the option of weight loss surgery. The latest number of weight loss surgeries performed in the United States is 220,000 per year. That is a seven-fold increase over the past 10 years according to the New York Times article. Weight loss surgeries do save lives and also improve quality of lives for sure, but they aren’t for everyone. The surgeons do the surgery and are skilled at centers of excellence, but unless the patients come back, join support groups and stay in contact with dieticians, falling off track is way too easy and, unfortunately, many of them do, including the young woman in the NYT story. I run several food addiction groups in Houston, and was featured as the psychotherapist for TLC’s show “Big Medicine.” On the show, I worked closely with Drs. Robert and Garth Davis. We tried to give the viewer an honest look at what happened with the weight loss surgery and the journey after. My work now is primarily with revisions. Revisions are the surgery done when the first weight loss surgery failed. My office is full, as are my support groups. What happened to the patients that so eagerly came into our offices feeling empowered and ready to give up their morbid obesity forever? They are replaced with patients who hang their head feeling like they failed. Even though they feel defeated, the ones I see are the fortunate ones who were able to step out of their shame cycle, call their insurance company and ask for a second chance. They need a second chance because neither they nor we (the health team) had a full picture of what was underneath their weight. They couldn’t see it prior to surgery, and since they are their own historians telling us their story, we are blinded also. I believe in weight loss surgery, but I believe more in the knowledge we impart to the patient prior to and after the surgery. Performing an alteration, such as a weight loss surgery, is a huge decision, but in the case of a minor I think the whole bariatric medicine team must be on board. There has to be a built-in safety net to handle the transformation of the child as well as their family. Everyone who loves the patient must change when someone they love has weight loss surgery. The counselor, dietician, and surgeon must know all of the family members. We must know who is sabotaging and enabling that patient on an emotional level. Enablers are the people still giving the patient food as a source of love. Our bariatric treatment teams must also understand if simply making better food and lifestyle choices worked, it would have worked 20 diets ago. It did not. Obesity has an addictive component, and addictions are kept in place by denial. Most patients will tell you they are not addicted to food exactly the same as an alcoholic will tell you they aren’t addicted to alcohol. The question is: “Do you use food to comfort yourself?” If the patient says “YES,” then treat them for a food addiction. Do this because they are telling you they have a relationship with food that is emotionally based and most likely they are choosing food with high fat or high carbohydrates (not one of my patients has ever had an addiction/emotional relationship to steamed or raw vegetables). Whenever a patient feels like a failure after going through the process of weight loss surgery and everything it entails, it is heart wrenching not only to them, but to me and anyone working in this field. If insurance companies won’t cover patient care for years to come after the surgery, then we in the field are going to have to put these measures in place and make them affordable to the patients. We cannot tell a patient they need to continue in groups and follow-ups if they can no longer afford the cost. Whoever said, “Weight loss surgery is a quick fix” truly never had weight loss surgery or worked with my patients. There is nothing quick about it. Obesity is a disease and once you have it, losing the weight is the easy part, managing that loss is a life long journey.

Would like to hear from anyone who had an "open" surgery. My first procedure was aborted due to an enlarged liver. I have emailed the program coordinator to ask about an open surgery. I still have 30 lbs to lose to get to the weight they want me at for the second attempt!!

I agree with getting a second opinion - but keep in mind that your surgeon is the one with medical expertise and the vast majority of surgeons really do just want the best results for their patients, they don't have ulterior motives. Maybe see if you can attend some support groups and talk to people who have had the gastric bypass. It wasn't my choice for wls surgery and I love my sleeve, but lots of people do well with the bypass. My niece had one and is doing fabulous, has kept off all of her weight, leads a normal life with no complications - it can be a good option. But I would definitely get a second opinion!

Did you ever slow down on your weight loss?

I'm 42 haven't gotten my friend since surgery on March 11th. Been put on hormone pills, I think I'm going through menopause but not sure. Haven't gotten any night sweats or heat flashes but, why not getting my period? My weight was 234 and now I'm 187.7. Maybe it's the weight loss or just old age? Who knows at least we r losing.

Holy cow, I have Cigna and will have to look at my PCP Letter. You should be able to do the last month of supv WL. I am into my 2nd week of the 2nd month. I have one question. Did you have to submit a food diary?? I am keeping a hard copy as well as one o line, in case they need it. Did you do 60 days of Supv weight loss?? If you log into mycigna.com and type in weight loss surgery, you will get pages and pages of the requirements for cigna to approve. Good luck.

I am going to my first appointment with the surgeon, nurse, and nutritionist tomorrow. I have been to the Seminar but that is all so far. I am very nervous and trying to make a list of questions for when I go. I know that I will forget everything I have thought about when I step in her office. Any suggestions? I am so nervous. What if I don't weigh enough? I haven't been at BMI of 40 so I have been gaining weight to get there because I don't have comorbidities. What if I go through these 6 months and get denied? advice for this newbie please.

It begins with YOU, and only You. What you put in your mouth must be quality food items and Not junk or high carbed items. More Protein items, less carbs and YOU will lost weight. Give it some time. Not everybody here loses weight instantly. Your weight gain took years to develop and now you must have patience in obtaining your ideal weight goal. Best wishes and Keep the Faith.

what if nothing goes wrong or happens....what if you lose weight and get healthyand what if it works??.......those what ifs are what you should think about..... all the best

I had my surgery 5 months ago And I haven't drank a month before it and my friends are going out tonight .... Am going too but I want to drink ... 3 glasses maybe of vodka and cranberry juice its my low carb day and I am afraid of gaining weight as I had a High carb day yesterday! i will be drinking today! Will i gain weight ? will it effect my weight loss! thanks

New affordable WLS (weight loss surgery) Approved! New WLS (weight loss surgery) Approved! Oct 14, 2015 Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on Twitter How exciting to hear about the new WLS approved for those suffering from Obesity! The appeal of the Orbera Intragastric Balloon is that its temporary, unlike the other weight loss surgery options currently available, is less invasive and costs less. Although the balloon is not covered by insurance, the fee is more affordable at between $5000 to $7000. This new weight loss surgery tool, coupled with education and counseling, could lead to a decrease in Obesity worldwide. Very sincerely, Marcy Palmeri WL Solutions #viralwls #viral

@@Ryan TN Let me tell you a story. My husband has almost the EXACT same stats as you. He had RNY (bypass) almost 10 years ago, but he started at 300 pounds. Fast forward to a year or so after surgery, he was down to 170. He started getting the "you're too skinny!" comments, too. When he mentioned this at his year appointment, this is what his surgeon said: "There are so many overweight/obese people these days, nobody even knows what a "normal" weight looks like anymore".

Yes, I am glad you are going for an unfill...what size band do you have? 4cc or 10cc? If you have the regular 4cc band, that's one big fill you had for your first fill....but it's hard to tell without knowing the size of your band. Get your unfill, let the irritation and swelling heal completely, get a small fill, and live with that for a while...then get another small fill, and live with that. IMHO it is a good idea to sneak up on your "sweet spot" and let your head and lifestyle adjust to it, than to have these problems, that can potentially threaten your band and your health. That said, congrats on the weight loss you have experienced so far...you are doing very well! If you can't wait until wednesday, call and go in sooner!

Hey! I lived in Indianapolis for 8 years :-) I am there every weekend... Bariatric Weight Loss Center of Excellence St.Vincent Carmel Hospital 13430 North Meridian, Suite 168 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone numbers: (317) 582-7088 Toll-free 1-877-831-1582 This might be a good place to start. If they won't do fills for patients that had the surgery else-where... then they certainly would know who to send you to. :-) Good luck to ya up in my Indy home!

SADES: First day of spring is March 20. (Your Autumn I would guess). so we have five weeks for this challenge! You set an aggressive weight loss. Routing for you to make it! With the right fill, we'll both have a chance!

Ann, don't get discouraged. Our bodies will go through stalls from time to time. 80's chick is right, sometimes we are losing fat but gaining muscle too. It does make it appear the scale is not moving, so it really is a great idea to measure our bodies too. There is more than one way to gauge our FAT loss. As long as you are staying on plan, the scale will get with the program. Also, everyone has different metabolisms. Some lose more than the average 1-2 lbs. per week, some are more along the lines of 1lb. per week. Some lose fast at certain times of the month and then nothing for a couple weeks, which is where I fall in. This might be you too. Nothing wrong with that at all. I surely won't let that discourage me, and I wish the same for you. I've gone through too much to lose this weight, and it will take a whole lot more than that to make me give up! If you're not battling hunger, then a fill is not a good choice. Just work through it, and it will happen. It sounds like you have the right mindset with the exercising! Best wishes!! 80's chick, don't be worrisome of the fills. Just tell your doc that you prefer the numbing, and I'm sure your doc will do it. It's pretty simple and usually only takes about five minutes, if that. Everyone has horror stories, but mine went smooth and pain free. Make sure you take it slow though, you want to stay away from being too tight. That you should worry about.

I've always put my bra on like that, lol. I've got two sports bras that have a little clip on the strap to convert them to racer back and I alwasy were them that way because they give much firmer support when I'm running. But they make me flat as an ironing board :-(. Dont worry, as you lose, bras fit. I always thought I was round shouldered too and bras used to drive me nuts creepin up my back. I was wearing too small a cup, too big a back size, and I fixed that probably after I'd lost only a small amount of weight. But now straps never all off my shoulders, the back stays nice and low and I dont need four hooks!

I am almost 8 weeks post op, started walking immediately. It took a while to walk a mild but now I walk a mile ever other day. I was cleared for all exercise at 6 weeks but so far other that some toning using bands not taking to it. We have a gym membership ( I actually walk by the gym on some of my walks!) but I just don't like it... I just got a gold gym home gym. Lots of exercise putting it together. Paid $75.00 for it on Facebook, still in the box! Going to start alternating a toning day with a walking day. Hop my weight loss will sky rocket!

My boyfriend and I are both obese. We gain weight together and lose weight together. When we are on a health kick we motivate each other and when we are on a spiral, we sabotage each other. I do however feel like it's seems up to me to take charge and keep us on track. That feels daunting and overwhelming at times. Im curious how things will be now that I've had the surgery and he hasn't. So far, he has been on the post surgery diet with me. He has lost more weight than I have.

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I eat like Jacqui, which is how we are advised to here in Australia. I eat good healthy foods (which includes rice and Pasta - I can't eat bread) in smaller portions. I also don't count calories/protein. I eat Snacks like almonds, yougurt or fruit cups if I need to, which might be every other day. And I still eat chocolate whenever I feel like it. I've exercised 3-5 times (like a gym session of treadmill, bike and eliptical, a spin class, or a 5km run around my the block near my house and I am also currently doing a boot camp session twice a week) a week for 30-60 minutes since about 2 months after my surgery. I'm now running 5-10km fun runs when they are organised in my city and am fitter and stronger than I have ever been in my life. I've lost about 85lbs in just over 10 months and have about another 20 to go to my dream weight. But I've already exceeded my Surgeon's goal weight. That said, I had a partial unfill a couple of months ago due to a bad stomach bug where I couldn't keep a thing down, and I have yet to get back to my sweet spot. I'm going for a fill tomorrow and I will be back to my pre-bug fill level, so hopefully that will move my loss along a little.

I eat totally normally, just less. I dont count Protein, I dont focus on protein, I eat carbs, usually Cereal and bread daily, I drink alcohol in moderation and enjoy what I want in moderation when I go out to eat. I basically eat 3 meals a day, no Snacks, that works best for me. I've never drunk a Protein shake and I've never been advised not to drink with meals. Every so often I have a really bad day or week where I eat badly - too much chocolate or Cookies in particular. I write it off and get back on the wagon, I dont wallow in it and go right off the rails. I dont fuss over what there will be to eat wherever I'm going, and I dont obsess over takeing home doggy bags of food I've not finished in a restaurant. So what if I dont eat it all? I just make a decision from what's available wherever I happen to be and yes, sometimes that's even McDonalds! I hate ice cream and sweet drinks so never had to deal with that particular issue. I run for about 45 minutes 4 or 5 times a week and do three fairly tough circuit training sessions a week as well. I've lost 85lb in 18 months which is more than 100% of my excess weight. I'd say its been easy, I really would. It's just been gradual and natural and I've lost my terrible obsession with food and dieting.

Hi everyone, I am a Colorado resident and I have Kaiser Connections. I have called to confirm that they cover weight loss surgery but the docs keep saying that my BMI has to be at least 40. My current BMI is 36 and I have gone through the weight loss management program and they put me on meridia and it has not worked. I have finally sent in my wight loss packet and now I guess I want to know what the next steps are and a time frame that I may be looking at? It has been 2 weeks since I sent the packet in and havent heard anything back yet. I have thyroid issues and my thyroid doc is the one that recommended me to look into weight loss surgery because they are having a hard time maintaing my thyroid. Diabetes runs in my family and I have a feeling since my BMI is no 40 that I may have to fight a little to get this done so any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Hello Dr.C. I live in Australia and was banded in Jan2004 and rebanded in Sept2005 due to a slippage. My second band is larger one 10ml (sorry dont know the US measurements), ever since my second band has been put in I have been suffering from wind and its so bad that I am finding it diffucult to go to work cause I am running to the rest room forever, going out or to friends is out of the question, basically this band is ruling my life. I am so bloated by the end of the day and full of wind that I can not find the words to discribe it, also it interferes with my sleep cause it feels like I have twins kicking around. My doctor says that that band stops me from burping (true I dont burp) and all the swallowed air ends up in my bowels. He has removed all my fluid, and it made no difference. I am so over this band, please let me know your thoughts. One minute I am thinking of having it out and be done with it, but worried over putting weight on and thinking of having a third band. I am so unhappy and depressed:cry Look forward to hearing from you

i have cigna, and they made me wait 6 months to lose weight with a plan ie.. my doc put me on a diet and i had to weigh in once a month for 6 months. I barely lost anything, and i too had co morbidities. they finally aproved me and i was banded on march 20th of this year. with cigna, u have to jump through their hoops, be persistent and you'll get approved. they are total pains in the butt! good luck, you'll be approved, just stick with nagging them! amy