Search the Community

Stay positive, Stay motivated I had my surgery in Feb 2005 no Fill until May, no problem with food. I feel like I can eat anything and I do, and still continue to lose 5 to 10 pounds per month. I have always felt as thow there is no restriction UNTIL I start to revert back to my old ways and my band quickly reminds me I'm Still here

I have uhc through my job, I work for the city i live in. I had to wait 6 months, and have been approved to have the surgery. We scheduled it for 10/26, hopefully nothing changes. I am also getting cigna (I'll be double covered) through my husband's job, but his plan says cigna doesn't do bariatric. That's why I'm keeping my uhc coverage. Anyway, I'm still so nervous that somehow uhc isn't going to cover it even though I was told it was approved.... I guess it's just jitters, this is my first time having any kind of surgery, other than a cesarean section...

I was allowed to eat 3 meals and 2 Snacks. Very low carb and no processed. High Protein with veggies. No fruits 10 days prior to surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery on 3/12/19. I watched my insurance carefully because I'm slightly obsessive about numbers. I had called my insurance several times prior to surgery and was told once I met my out of pocket I was fully covered. Out of pocket was met in January. April I start getting bills. I call the insurance company who keeps patching me through to a company called accolade who says I am fully covered and they don't know why the drs office is saying I owe coinsurance. They will send a note to the insurance company. I have called the drs offices and the insurance company and accolade weekly since April about these bills and started making $10-20 payments so I don't get sent to collection. I just get a call today from Accolade who tells me it's not medically necessary and I owe 30%. I said that is not what I was told the numerous times I called. So they sent me to the insurance company to file an appeal. They are going to pull transcripts of my phone calls and hopefully they will pay the balance of the bill. I owe over $7000 for a surgery that I had because I was told it was 100% covered. And the $7000 is for OUTPATIENT. I work two jobs and am a single mother. I don't have $7000. Anyone have any experience with this?

I'm 5'3" and had bypass at 228 lbs 10 weeks ago. I also had GERD/acid reflux. I'm happy with my choice. Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

Padlre, I currently weigh 281 pounds. I've been over weight for about 10 years or more. Im 31

I think you should speak to your nutritionist or doctor. I had the sleeve surgery 12/8/2016. I feel great and actually can eat everything fish, shrimp, salmon, beef, pork and brown rice. Lost approximately 35 pounds and feeling great. First 3 weeks I was told not to left nor more than 10 pounds. I actually went on my 3 week post op visit with doctor visit and I was told not to left up anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3 more weeks. I was also informed that I could only do strength training like ropes, elliptical and treadmill but no weights. Sorry be careful and don't rush to lifting. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery was Wednesday, April 2nd. I'm amazed at how well I am doing. I'm sitting here, on my bed, just chilling cause you know, I just had major abdominal surgery and probably shouldn't be up doing my normal things. Lol! All silliness aside, my heart goes out to those of you who haven't had such an easy time. Please be kind to yourselves and get well soon. Several of you have asked if I would talk about my experience having the VSG surgery. Here it goes: The ninth day before surgery, I started a modified liquid diet (2 shakes & 1 low-calorie frozen entrée) for five days. The two days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet (with a magnesium citrate chaser to 'clean me out'). 4/2 Wednesday - Surgery Day. I couldn't have anything by mouth, not even ice chips. Before surgery a nurse put a Transderm Scōp® patch (Scopolamine) behind my ear to help prevent nausea. During surgery my doctor found a small hiatal hernia which she fixed. When the surgery was completed she did a 'leak' test. Everything went well, and I was transferred to recovery and then to my room where my family was waiting for me. Once I was back in my room, I was told that they would have me up and walking within four hours. I couldn't have anything by mouth until the next day when I would have another leak test. My mouth and throat were so dry; I honestly think that might've been the worst part. About four hours later the nurse and aid came in to get me up for a walk. Though I was uncomfortable, mostly because of the JP drain, I didn't require any assistance getting up and ended up walking to the end of the hall causing my nurse and several others to remark, "wow! What a good job! We never see "these" patients do that." Yeah, "these" patients. Smh Through the night they would poke and prod me with needles. One of the test was a blood sugar. Though I have never had an issue with blood sugar, my numbers were above 120 two times. Interestingly, this is quite normal for patients who just gone through surgery. Their protocol for bariatric patients is, if the blood sugar is over hundred, they are given insulin. So when the second test came in high, I was given insulin. Their reasoning is, you heal better and have less chance of infection when your numbers are below 100. 4/3 Thursday - The next morning I was taken to radiology for another leak test. I had to drink yellow colored contrast so that they could watch where liquid went after I swallowed it. I asked the tech if my doctor was there and how soon she be reading report, because I was so thirsty. The radiologist, behind the partition, called out to me and said everything looked great. About an hour later I was started on clear liquids. My first meal consisted of: chamomile tea, broth, and cherry Jell-O. Along with my meal came a measured medicine cup. And, I was told to drink 15 mL every 15 minutes and track it on the form provided. I could tolerate everything except the Jell-O. I had a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia infusion pump) which was removed once the IV in my hand infiltrated the next day. At that point I started receiving Roxicet which is a liquid Percocet. I continued to get up either on my own or when it was suggested and each time, walked a little further. One of my nurse remarked she was very impressed because again, "'these' patients need continual prodding to get up." I ran a low-grade fever of about 100.4 throughout my stay. It was normal the day was released. 4/4 Friday - that morning I was instructed to drink 30 mL every 15 minutes and track it. My release was dependent on whether or not I could self-hydrate enough. I was able to take a shower on my own and dress in pajamas that I had brought from home. I continued to take walks every few hours. I was released that afternoon. Yay!! The entire time in the hospital, I had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain was easily controlled with medication; I should mention the pain specifically related to the JP drain was pretty startling at times. 4/5 First full day home. I started phase 2 diet which consists of smooth foods, purées and 60-80g of protein in a liquid supplement. My surgeon requires her patients to walk 30 minutes each day, even if it's in increments. So, I went to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and walked the store for 30 minutes. By the end I was pretty wiped out. I've had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain has been easily controlled with the Roxicet. I feel weak, especially when I forget that I've had surgery and overdo it. Several times I've felt shaky and/or dizzy. My muscles feel a bit noodily. I've been able to handle all of my self-care and meals without help, i'm just slower than normal. I was also sent home with a prescription for the Scōp® patch and a sublingual anti-nausea medication; if you have a tendency toward nausea, I suggest you talk to Dr. about these meds. I'm still a bit swollen but not as much as my first day home. Oh! The gas pains. They're pretty sporadic and only last 10 to 60 seconds, but boy oh boy do they smart!! I know this is pretty long; I hope that it's helped somebody out there. If you have any questions, feel free to post them below or send me a private message.

Eve, how much weight would you like to lose? Do you have any pre-existing health problems? I did...asthma, high blood pressure, arthritis, gastric reflux, high cholestrol. I was tired and "down" all the time...just sitting on the sidelines of life. But since banding, I take a fraction of the meds., have a fraction of the health problems. I feel good, physically and mentally. I've discovered I really like bicycling, have taken part in 3 benefits..a 20, 25, 24 mile rides. Our family has made some memorable bike rides together. Vacation, I hiked 4 & 5 hours in the mountains - every day. Could I have done this preband...no way! I wouldn't even have thought about doing them. I enjoy clothes shopping for the first time in years...gone from a 22 to a 10. Lost 58 pounds. The band gives us the extra boost needed to do what's needed...lose that extra weight and reclaim our lives. But it doesn't do all of the work for us. For me, it really hasn't been that hard. It's been exciting to see that weight and inches go down and feel my energy level go up. Please do lots of research. If you decide to get a band, you want to go into this w/ a positive attitude and please know that it works. Best of luck to you!

Hang in there -- learn the process, know what the surgeon requires and know what the insurance requires and work it. I went to a seminar in July, learned everything the surgeon needed (psych eval, dietician, sleep study) - went to my primary care doctor, had him order a referral from the insurance for all 3, plus a referral to the surgeon. Went to the surgeon's office 2 days later to get my first weight in (had to lose between 5% & 10% of body weight prior to surgery)... checked my insurance online referral system and once I saw the referrals post, I was on the phone scheduling my appts --- everything clicked along and all the pre-op work was done in 4 weeks. The surgeon's office then sent to the insurance for approval, insurance kicked it back the next day for more info (and I was calling the insurance company asking what was going on), then the surgeon's office sent back more info (but I had to call them and let them know the insurance needed more info, and then they checked "that" email box and saw the insurance request for further info) -- they sent it off... and voila it was approved the next day, which was a Friday... Surgeon's office was working toward getting me on the schedule anyways, so 3 days later was my pre-op appt, then surgery the next day. It pays to know what is really required so poke around and make sure you are getting all your ducks in a row so to speak. i.e. if the surgeon you will see at the seminar has pre-requisites, get them started. Best of luck -- I know the waiting is agony -- I actually had tried to do this 4 years prior, and insurance sent me to a gastric bypass only doc -- scrapped that, and I knew I wanted the lap band... hit my breaking point again in July. Keep after it -- it will come through.

I never went to a seminar until I went to serve as a patient to answer questions for potential questions. I went through True Results and they offer the option of a "one-on-one" just by calling and scheduling. Because I went in having obviously done my research, that ended up being my first appointment and I started the process that day. That was 1/2/09 and I had surgery just over a month later on 2/10/09.

I'm guessing you did not gain 30 pounds of FAT in two weeks. I would reason to say that your body is probably holding on to extra water, or perhaps you weren't properly hydrated before and this would be your real weight at the right hydration. I could easily see a 5 or 10 gain, but 30? Do your clothes still fit?

I didn't get out of that feeling until my 3 rd fill and I have been great for 3 mos I have a 10 cc band with 6.5 in it. Sounds to me like you need more in the band.

Hi @@chelleshocked ... it's 4 weeks post op for me and I'm also feeling good! I can't believe how much better -- and more "normal" -- I feel from week to week. eggs are awesome, and so is Greek yogurt! A few days ago I made Eggface's ham, cheese, and triple onion bites (aka crustless mini quiches), and they're fab! You can substitute ingredients easily if you aren't allowed to have meat yet. http://theworldaccordingtoeggface.blogspot.com/2014/10/its-world-egg-day-8-eggceptional-recipes.html

JUSTIFY ME ---to---> MOLLIFY ME---to---> ADVISE ME GENTLY---to---> GIVE ME **REAL** FEEDBACK---to---> KICK MY ASS IF NEED BE This would be a cool tool. But as co-laborers in helping one another succeed, you need a deep tool kit and have the discernment to know which tools to use and where to use them (almost always privately): For some, listening ears and a gentle word in the moment of weakness (Proverbs 25:11; 25:20). Others, a sharing in weakness, doubt and failure; and the hope of renewal (Proverbs 15:2; 19:11). Certain others, the hard face and stern challenge (Proverbs 27:17). Occasionally, reprimand or reproach (Proverbs 9:8,17:10). For each of these, your goal is restoration of the person and, as quickly as possible, a continuation of the work. However, when necessary, you must separate and terminate (Proverbs 14:7). These are tools of leadership and healing; like a doctor’s tools, they should be used for the good of the others always, the patient if possible and never for yourself. Never. I have reaped the bitter fruit of my own failure to heed this last point many times.

I chose bypass because I wanted the dual advantage of malabsorption and restriction. Also, I felt that was my surgeon's strongest skill, doing bypass procedures. I'm almost 10 months out and down 110#. I don't dump and can still eat sweets, I just try and avoid them. I think my surgery lasted about 3 hours... But I also had a hernia repair.

I am 10 days out and I am also having an issue reading what my body is telling me. Hunger feels different now, and so does full! For now I try to drink and if I still feel hungry I'll get some soup ( still on liquids) my biggest thing is I am working on is slowing down when I eat! Best of luck

I wasn't given volumes except for protein and water. However, I remember just a few bites were enough at that stage. Once on solids, my average is 7-10 bites. My surgeon is good with that. I am 5.5 mths out.

A fellow WLS patient shared this with me, so I thought I would pass it along: Tofu Cheesecake pudding 1 8 ounce container Cottage cheese 2 packages Tofu 10-15 pkts of Equal, Splenda or sweatener of your choice 2 teaspoons Crystal Light Lemonade Mix 2 tablespoons vanilla Extract 1 teaspoon Butter Extract 1/2 cup Warm Water 2 pkgs Knox Gelatin Blend the first six ingredients in either a food processor or blender until creamy. Mix 1/2 cup water and two packages of Knox gelatin until the gelatin is diluted. Add the gelatin mixture to the tofu mixture. Blend again in either a food processor or blender until well blended. The consistency will be similar to instant pudding. Refrigerate the unused portion of the cheesecake pudding. Other things you may add to change the flavor: 1 teaspoon pineapple extract 1 teaspoon cherry extract 1 pkg sugar-free strawberry-kiwi Jello. Our dietician calculated 40 calories and 6 grams Protein per 1/2 cup.

I was a salad freak, and can barely tolerate 1/2 cup now. Surprisingly, chicken gives me a lot of trouble, but beef burgers and steak are fine. Ground turkey is fabulous, and I get along well with veggie products (e.g., Morningstar grillers, chik'n patties and nuggets - huge amounts of protein). I have to really steam fibrous vegetables, such as broccoli and asparagus, until they're soft. I still don't eat carbs (maybe one slice of whole-grain toast a month), and I haven't tried sugar (1) because I'm afraid I'll want it and (2) because I'm afraid of what it will do to me and (3) because I'm afraid I'll want it even after what it might do to me. I do miss soup....liquid and substance is hard to consume. All in all, it's a re-learning experience...surgery was Dec 19, and I'm down about 95 pounds.

I SOOOOO agree with you! I DID regain 27 pounds - 3 years out. Why? Cookies, candy, carbs, no exercise, yadayadayada. AND I DID lose thos 27 and an additional 10 with work and exercise and I'll tell you what - it would have been extremely difficult if I didn't have my sleeve. I Still Have the restriction and if eating properly, can only eat a small amount still. I DO get hungry sooner than Before and have to guard very carefully my calorie count per day because if I go over a certain amount I WILL and do gain. Was my sleeve a failure? No. I feel truly successful almost four years out and 110 pounds lighter, normal BMI and size 8!

Hi everyone, I had a fill last Monday & thought I was fine. I went from 1.2cc's to 1.7c's, she added .5 cc's. I did 2 days liquids only, then got to the tuna stage, even had a hard boiled egg around 10:00 a.m. on Friday & was looking forward to a lovely dinner of cornish hen. Then around 3pm on Fri I had some lentil Soup. I've always sort of just drunk it, not chewed it, cause it slid right down. Well, this time it got stuck, I PB'd & haven't been able to get down much since, besides Water (which gurgles a LOT) a few Protein drinks (maybe it's hard cause they're cold) and chicken broth. That goes down the best, with no gurgling. I'm reluctant to call my nurse pract. tomorrow (the only day she's on long Island) cause then she'll want to take some out & I was really forward to getting real restriction. But i'm also scared I'm damaging myself. Can this cause slippage? I'm not PB'inb, but sometimes if I drink too much of the Protein Drink at one time, some comes right back up, like a burp. Should I try sticking it out one more week? I know my period is coming on, so that might be contributing. I've been knocking my brains out trying to figure exactly when I'm due, but I never really keep track. I know if I were really in agony, i could see nurse p. in NYC or Westchester if need by later on in the week. I also know I have till 8:00 tomorrow night to see her when she's nearby. Now I'm rambling...I'm pretty upset. All advice, suggestions welcome. Thanks. Karen __________________

Pre surgery or post? Either way, my preop said to stop taking them at least 10 days before surgery. So, they wouldn't even help with the preop diet!

The issue with diet coke or any other soda is that it can cause an ulcer in your very small pouch. When you have an ulcer in a regular stomach, they could remove that portion if it won't heal but if you have a very small one, there is nothing for them to do. My brother had Gastric Bypass 10 years ago and started drinking "a little bit" of sodas here and there and then started drinking them pretty regularly. He developed an ulcer in his pouch and had a severe GI bleed. The surgeon told us he was not going to make it, but he did pull through and is doing ok for now. The doctors have told him that the ulcer will always be there and he is in constant danger of another bleed. Believe me, he hasn't touched another soda. It took a few years of getting those little bits in, but it can, and my surgeon assures me, will happen after a period of time. I am also a nurse and I was a diet cokaholic as well but I have now been 3 years without one and I can assure you, I don't miss them now. I am not preaching, nor am I telling anyone what to do. What you do or do not drink is strictly your own business, just make an informed decision.

I guess I'm still swollen since I have no fill yet and I'm not hungry. I really can only eat about 2 tablespoons of creamed Soup and feel gentle pressure if I eat more. I am trying to get my Water in. I was banded on May 12th. I get my first fill in a month. I hope I don't die of hunger in a week or so when the swelling goes down! Will I be able to Bear it? I've heard of people who still lose significant weight before a fill. I've lost 10 lbs since Mother's Day but that included 1 day of Clear liquids and so far the rest have been "full" liquids---Soups, Protein shakes, etc. i just don't want the Hunger To come back. My hunger is like an Evil Monster that follows me around and haunts me all day long---it's been such a sweet dream to not be Starving the last week. It's so freaking awesome! Thanks to everyone who takes the time to post answers and comments--it's really generous and helpful! I haven't figured out the ticker thing yet. Here's my numbers: highest weight--in the Fall during testing ---205 Before liquid diet for 3 days ---------------------197 today (5 days past surgery) ---------------------187 I'm very short and 187 looks much bigger on me. I am very excited to be on this journey. i can feel this is the right path! yay. hugs to all, BandedKitten