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I always have and always will use Isolate. For me this is because I was extremely lactose intolerant before surgery (and surgery usually makes it worse). Isolate has no lactose, which makes it the best option for me. If you look at weight lifting forums and stuff isolate is generally looked upon as better in quality than other proteins. The biggest reason (in my opinion) not to use Isolate is because it's significantly more expensive than other protein sources, and your options are much more limited (of finding a flavor/texture/drink you like). I think it may be absorbed quicker than other proteins as well but don't quote me on that. The majority of the stuff on my surgeons recommended list contains lactose, and bariatric advantage makes me sick as hell. So whey isolate is the best option for me

Hi Happy2BMe1 Like you I am a bit worried about the mortality rates for the VSG. However, I have still decided to have the sleeve instead of the band. My surgeon who is one of the leading bariatric surgeons in the UK said that he hardly does bands anymore. They have too many complications and a lot of people need additional surgery. I think the VSG is a good alternative and not as dramatic as the bypass. However, there is still a risk, but hey what's the risk of you staying at 345 pounds. You are relatively young and might not get any problems with your weight, but problems do often come up when one gets later. I've just weight up the pros and cons of doing the VSG vs doing nothing and the VSG won even though I've got very young kids (and I certainly want to be around to see them grow up). In the end, only you can make this decision though.

Congrats on your smooth recovery so far! PS: Those Bariatric Advantage chews are disgusting. Actually, i tried muleiple brands. They are are unbearable, for me anyway. I know some people like the Bariatric fusion brand. They were the best of the worse for me. I still couldn't stomach them daily. Luckily I was cleared for pills and large capsules at 2 weeks. Good luck, I hope you find something you like.

I had BCBS of TX. I had to do 6months of pre=op medically managed weight loss. My surgeons office gives forms for you to take to the doctor for him to fill out and then they submit everything at the end for you. They also checked 5 year weight history. I had to do a psych eval, they did approve me on the first submit. I did not lose much in the 6months pre-submission. I would see if your surgeon has a patient advocate/liason that handles any of the insurance and ask questions. If they don't contact your insurance company and have them fax you the bariatric weight loss surgery requirements. Hope that helps.

That's what I've noticed with a lot of the bariatric patients that I follow on social media. Keto/ low carb and some version of plant based diets seem to be popular. I've recently stopped eating most meats ( except fish) and my body seems to prefer this. Congrats on your weight loss and new life!

Hi everyone, I wondered if anyone out there has had their surgery delayed 6 months due to a medical complication found during pre-op testing? I was in the final stages of my Doctors bariatric program and had a date for my surgery. Their program is 6 months long and involved pre-op testing and nutrition counseling etc. My surgery date had been set for 11/3/2014. The Dr. ordered one last test when he saw me at the pre-op appointment : a "baseline" ultrasound of my legs because I had a prior DVT 4 years ago. Surprise.....there was a DVT in my leg again. I saw a Vascular specialist last week and he recommended that the surgery be delayed 6 months to place me on blood thinners and allow the DVT to heal. The major complication of an acute DVT is having a PE (pulmonary embolism) during or after surgery. I was so close, had worked so hard--lost 20# etc, and now..... wait 6 more months?!! It just seems so far away, all my clearances will have to be redone, etc. Plus, I was just ready mentally to do this. Anyone else out there in the same boat? How do you stay motivated? Thanks, ~Annie

For the past ten days, I have been experiencing constant dull nausea in my lower abdomen. It worsens when I eat (so I'm only getting about 400 calories a day) and sometimes I have to lay in bed because sitting and eating can increase the nausea. I messaged my bariatric surgeon last week and only heard back from his nurse on Monday. She was rather dismissive, saying that I might have the stomach flu and I should write again in a few days if I'm not feeling better. I also messaged my PCP who does not have a bariatric background, and she hypothesized that it might be heartburn (I don't think so -- I have no pain in my chest or upper abdomen) but said if the nausea continued, she would see me in her office. But again, she's not familiar with the surgery and possible complications, so might not know what tests to order. I spent time researching through Dr. Google and got worried about internal hernias, which could be life-threatening if left untreated. Apparently, sometimes the only symptom is mild nausea. Or maybe I have an ulcer. Am I worrying too much? Has anyone else had a long episode of nausea (lasting over a week) that resolved on its own? Or was from another cause? As you can see, I am already seeking proper medical advice, so only would like to hear anecdotal information and suggestions. Thanks.

I am seriously exhausted, like almost all the time. I started taking huge doses of B Vitamins in addition to my bariatric vitamins in an effort to make myself a little more alert. Caffeine isn't helping very much either. I realize my body is working hard right now to convert my fat into energy. I get that it's hard work, and takes a toll. However, I am still sleeping 11-12 hours a night. It's hard to be active, and exercise when I feel like I'm dragging myself through the day. Add to that, I've hit a stall. I've been just about single-mindedly focusing on getting all my Protein in, and getting enough Fluid. Any advice, or encouragement would be appreciated. Has anyone been through this before?

The bariatric nurse in my doc's practice suggested only weighing in once a month at the doctor's office. This worked for me, especially since the scales I could get for home couldn't weigh me. It was difficult but it was a good hting because rather than seeing 1/2 pound at a time I got to see bigger nmbers which were very motivating and I used my clothes and how I felt the rest of the time. I must say for a while at 3 months or so out I did weigh once a week at the doctor's office, but that got old so I went to once a month. As you get down there - you may want to weigh a little more often if it helps "keep you honest" It really is a personal decision.

Right side under ribs could be your gallbladder if you still have it. Very common after bariatric surgery.

I just posted on the self pay thread......... Dr. Malley 16.5K, and other (big names) in KC are 16-20k I love Dr. Malley and staff and insurance coverd mine with him, but my mom will be self pay.... we are looking at Dr. K Denver or Tallgrass surgery center in Topeka KS.. I am getting ready to call them for their self pay package. Tallgrass Surgical Center Location Topeka, KS Bariatric Surgeons believe to have operated at this hospital: Bernita Bernstein, M.D. Carlyle Dunshee II James Hamilton, MD Brent Steward, M.D.

I was self pay and went with Dr. Hoehn and the Bariatric Center of Kansas City. Their website is www.kcbariatric.com. I paid about 16k. I'm not sure how much the doctors that you are talking about charge.

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.

Never give up! You have already come so far. I am so glad you are renewing you committment to your goals and using this tool to accomplish your journey. Don't be hard on yourself or think too much about the weight you have gained back. Just stay on track and keep trying your best.

Well, they do sell them at my lap band surgeon's office; my nutrionist recommends them; but they are $2.00 for a small bag. They are made for bariatric patients --- these are NOT regular potato chips. I am looking for the best flavor and best value if I am going to buy them

I'm new to the whole idea of chatting on a forum like this so I hope I make sense. I've not yet been able to schedule my surgery but m hoping I can do it mid-May. I decided in December that surgery was the most viable path for me with my co-morbidity. I attended the orientation meeting but didn't sign up to start the process because I was concerned about the lack of enthusiasm from my primary care doctor. Turns out she was fine with it and thinks I'm a good candidate for it. In any event, as a federal employee I only have to be in the program for 3 months before I have the surgery. I've completed all the preliminary steps but have one more meeting with my dietician and the "learning" session with a bariatric nurse - those are this coming Friday. I've managed to lose about 11 pounds on the 1200 calorie diet they put me on but I'm concerned about maintaining the weight lose since I do a lot of traveling with my job. It is this traveling that causes me to write this post. I generally don't have to travel all that much but this year is unusually busy - I'm scheduled to travel three of the next 4 weeks and then again 7 weeks later. So this 7 week interval is when I'm trying to get things scheduled. I'm not feeling too confidant about it just now but firmly believe that things will work out for what needs to be, will be. Anyways, so my question is: how long has it taken before you traveled? I'll only be packing a small carry-on - really small carry-on - it only has to cover three days total. Any suggestions, concerns, tips that I should consider?

The page with the specifics about bariatric surgery won't load, but your member's handbook does say that surgeries (other than emergency) require prior authorization. You don't mention your BMI or any other medical problems you have. What sorts of questions do you have?

Thank u for all the info my bmi 44 I have high cholesterol back and knee pain I have my first appt. With my pcp on friday my insurance told me yes bariatrics are covered just has not toln me the requirements they told the the hospital where I can go and sent me a new pt packet I will be attending a seminar next month only thing missing is a referral from my pcp. I rarely see my dr. Because its a community health clinic usually see a nurse practitioner and she is very supportive of wls but can't refer me I pray my dr will be as supportive

"Muscle weighs more than fat." Do you know how many times I've heard that in the month of July? Too many. But finally that wicked scale finally threw me a bone and dropped by two pounds. I'm now under 240. Now, I'm not whining although it sounds like it. I have biked over 170 miles since July 3rd. So I deserved to drop at least 5 pounds in my mind. Don't you agree? Yes, the inches are dropping off too but I'm yet to drop a full size so that will be the telling moment. Everyday I jump on my bike with a renewed sense of awareness of how strong I'm getting. The hills are not so itimidating, the traffic less invasive, but more than anything my mind is opening up to challenging this body to go another mile. Two days ago it hit close to 100 degrees when i was biking home 9 miles from work. Someone asked me if I felt sick when biking at that temperature but amazingly if you hydrate you're fine and it's almost cool when the breeze hits you. I have a goal to hit 500 miles on my bike by my birthday on August 28th. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. :redface: Ollie

To exercise or to not. It would seem that in the bariatric world there are two camps. Camp Exercise and Camp No Exercise. For me personally, I knew that once I had VSG that I wanted to exercise to decrease loose skin and to be physically strong. I am not interested in being a small weak person. I also discovered that exercising helps to boost my energy. Having said all that I know that some following their surgery may not be physically able to exercise or at least right away. For those in the other camp I have nothing against them, but I want exercise to be a part of my journey. What do you think? Should we exercise or not? I know some of you may want to comment with well as long as you are eating right that is important. I agree, but this posting is not about the eating aspect of losing weight, but exercising and physical activity. Lastly, I have a dread someone is going to write something along the lines of judging others and what not. There is no judgment here or at least not from me. I am simply stating what I think is best for me and would like to hear others thoughts on the same topic. And go

My bariatric doctor did not refer me to my primary care doctor. They referred me to a dietician that did my 6 monthly visits to get my insurance approval. The dietician visits were done over the phone and super helpful. She taught me so much about what to expect and helped me start some of the changes ahead of time. You should ask your bariatric doctor for a referral. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, My insurance does not require referrals, so I didn't talk to my primary care doctor about weight loss surgery prior to having a consult with the bariatric surgeon's office. At the initial consult with the bariatric surgeon's office though they indicated I would need to complete 6 months of medically supervised dieting with my primary care. Today I had an appointment with my primary care to start the 6 months of medically supervised dieting required by insurance. When I was explaining the insurance and surgeon office requirements it seemed like she had never dealt with weight loss surgery, and she seemed a bit unsure of what her role was in this whole thing. I tried my best to explain... and showed all the papers I had received from the surgeon's office. The surgeon's office also gave me forms for my primary care to fill out during each visit, and I'm worried not enough details was provided by my primary care (when she filled out the first of six forms today) to help my case for insurance to approve my surgery. Has anyone experienced anything like this? It is very unlikely that insurance will approve my surgery anyways, so I'm almost considering skipping the 6 months of dieting with my primary care and paying myself... But then I also worry my primary care doctor won't be able to provide care post-op if needed, since my impression is that they weren't familiar with the process for bariatric surgery and insurance requirements. My primary care doctor seemed supportive of my decision to pursue weight loss surgery, just not informed of the process... Any thoughts?

Hi All! I'm excited to say this is my first post. After a lifetime struggle of being overweight, I made the decision to have VSG. I'll be having surgery in Mexico this July. I've been doing my research and am motivated to keep myself accountable throughout my VSG journey. I have very little support in my personal life and understand it's an important resource to have throughout the journey. I am very happy to come across this ultra supportive site and thank you all that have contributed to the plethora of information available here. I was wondering if anyone could share advice/their story regarding their struggle with emotional eating and/or food addiction? How did you cope pre and post op? Any suggestions as to forums/support groups specifically dedicated for bariatric patients who struggle with emotional eating or food addiction? Thank you all and I look forward to getting to know the bariatricpal family!

Oh yuck.....there is no way I could do a chewable. I have always had trouble swallowing any size pill. My thyroid med is so tiny I almost lose it when I try to take it. LOL My Bariatric Advantage Vitamins are huge to me but I just take my time and get them down. I agree with blerdgirl.....check with your doc and see what else you can do. These are something that you have to take forever I hope you can find an easier way to get them down.

My bariatric doctor did not refer me to my primary care doctor. They referred me to a dietician that did my 6 monthly visits to get my insurance approval. The dietician visits were done over the phone and super helpful. She taught me so much about what to expect and helped me start some of the changes ahead of time. You should ask your bariatric doctor for a referral. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App That makes more sense to me - doing the 6 months of required dieting with a dietician... I don't know if it's insurance or the surgeon's office, but they told me to see my primary care for it