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I just wanted to write a review of my surgeon, Dr Bruce Applebaum, and post it, should another person like myself from El Paso come here for advice. Initially, I came to the Sierra Providence Obesity Clinic. They gathered my paperwork, I had a visit with their in house nutritionist, and with their in house shrink. There was like a 400 question test that I had to take and bubble in, it felt like the sats, I was nervous :thumbup: There are several surgeons associated with the Sierra Providence Obesity Clinic. Dr. Applebaums name jumped out at me because he had previously performed a hernia surgery on my stepfather. After all those requirements were met, I worked with the insurance coordinator, I was pushy, I wanted my surgery ASAP, I wanted to move quickly. So, I bugged, and pushed, and called the insurance company and the clinic 3 or 4 times a day. The staff was VERY patient with me, and I knew I was being a pain. Finally, (I say finally, like it was a long time, but it was only 3 weeks) I got my approval. The same day I was scheduled to see Dr. Applebaum. Throughout those 3 weeks, I carefully researched my surgeon, I checked online references, I reached out to other patients I had found online. I looked for complaints. I also was required to attend his information seminar. I was impressed with the way that he took his time to carefully understand and answer questions of the other patients at the seminar. He LISTENED, and that has not been my common experience with Doctors in El Paso. I asked my questions, he answered, I felt that he leaned toward preferring the Gastric Bypass, but I knew I wanted the band, and he didnt PUSH me, he explained complication rates, and how the band differed from the Bypass. When I initially met Dr. Applebaum, I got a sense that he was a perfectionist, that he didnt like failure, and that he was incredibly percise. In addition to that, he was very personable, he made me feel comfortable, all of these were good things. My surgery was scheduled QUICKLY. I saw Dr. Applebaum on Thursday, and was scheduled for surgery on Tuesday of the next week. It was sort of a shock, but he expressed having faith in ME. He was impressed with my knowledge of the band, and he appreciated that I had researched, and knew what I wanted. Surgery day came along, my mother came with me. It didnt help that she was more nervous than I was :eek:. She told Dr Applebaum that he had better keep me safe (I'm 26, but still very much my mothers baby) We went through all the hoops (am I the only one who hated the hospital socks with the treads?) Surgery went well, when I woke up, my port HURT. There were painkillers, and I got a few good snoring naps in afterwards, I was provided a private room with a shower and everything. It was nice, it was comfortable. Dr. Applebaum came to check on me, sat with me, explained the importance of following the eating guidelines one more time. Looked at all my medications to determine if I could continue taking them, or if they needed to be split up, gave me a perscription for liquid Lortab, and told me that I could go home that night IF I FELT COMFORTABLE. That was a big deal to me, he didnt try to rush me, it was about me feeling up to it and okay, and I did, so I went home. Subsequent visits to his office are always plesant. Sometimes, there is a wait, however, again, to me, he is worth the wait. My first fill was under floro, subsequent fills were done in office. His staff, his nurses, all of them are more than kind and put up with my cheesy jokes. There is no judgement in his office, its just the Doctor and his staff trying to help you. So, should anyone have any questions, please feel free to forward them to me, I would be more than happy to help =) -A

Hi there! I’m 38 years old in Central California. Married to my absolute best friend with the most awesome little dudes (ages 4 and 2). I’ve battled with my weight my entire life. No joke, my mom put me on my first diet in the 3rd grade, which likely set off the years of self hatred and body shaming. About 6 years ago I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia (via endoscopy), and as of late it’s really gotten significantly worse. I just had another endoscopy on Tuesday and I am awaiting results. Anyhow, since my gastroenterologist suggested I might consider bariatric surgery, as that’s the only way they will repair the hiatal hernia at my current weight (304.6)...it’s all I can think about and am doing as much research as I can. I also signed up for an online seminar at the bariatric office at my local hospital. They do three surgeries at the hospital, lap band, sleeve, and gastric bypass. I’m leaning toward the sleeve, but honestly I just don’t know which is the best option (I don’t want to do lap band, just because I’ve read that it’s not as effective at losing weight). Anyhow, can you tell me a little about your experiences with sleeve or bypass. I only know two people that have had bariatric surgery, and they both have glowing reviews... But I know it’s not all sunshine and lollipops for everyone. Thanks in advance!

I know what you mean. im still in the process im on month 3 . I have to see my doctor 7 times in 6 months and also try to lose weight. I keep researching gastric bypass and the Vitamin cost and I was wanting to go shopping but I have not even got my approval letter yet. has anyone been to Fernandez adolfo? I just wanna know what his process is for GB.

Hi! My name is Jackie, Im 24yo and I had a mini gastric bypass surgery 10 months ago!! I used to weight 160,200 kilos (around 320 pounds!) and I have already lost 67 kilos (around 135 pounds!)!!! Im doing great so far even tho I started eating a bit more (well a lot more!) the last couple of days! I stopped it cause I know I'm not really hungry, im just eating cause Im bored!! Havent been to the gym yet but Ill enrol next week!! I dont eat sugar or high fat products, crisps chocolates etc you know the rules!! My goal is 65 kilos (120 pounds?!) and my heigh is 1,78cm (5 10").

Though I have not had my revision to gastric bypass yet, I have been doing a fair amount of research into the procedure. Most importantly is to keep your medical team apprised of your current conditions. They are the best and most reliable source of how to cope with and manage the current issues you are experiencing. They have answers for you beyond what the forum may provide. I also know that we have a "honeymoon" post surgery, and we need to make the most progress with weight loss during that time. When you feel that you are not following your food plan, it is time to get in contact with your NUT also. I hope you feel better fast...

My revision was 12/29/12. I was banded in march 2007, lost 70 lbs. had a baby in late 2010, and the band never worked after delivery. Imaging was "normal". I tried to get it working again but when it became obvious that it just wasn't, I pursued revision. After surgery, my surgeon told my the band had somehow become unclasped and was just loose. I believe this happened when I was in labor. I asked him about scarring, and he said all band revisions have scarring, some more than others. Mine wasn't terrible because the original surgeon didn't sew my stomach over my band. Anyway, my sleeve is working, and other than post op nausea I have had no troubles so far. Very minimal post op pain, never even filled my rx for oxycodone. I spent 1 night in the hospital. My revision was all in one surgery. Hope this helps, good luck!

Trying to better understand the risks and complications associated with band/sleeve conversions. I understand from one doctor I spoke to that there's a greater risk with revisions. If you've had any complications, no matter how minor - or no complications, I'm looking to learn: how long did you have your band? did you have a lot of complications with your band previously - e.g. that's what would have led to lots of scaring, etc If you didn't have any excessive band complications, did your sleeve surgeon say you had a lot of scaring from the band? I think I"m just trying to get to whether or not there's a great chance of scaring if you've had your band longer (I've had mine for just over 5 years.

So, I started this whole journey in October 2016. I had just started a new job, whose insurance plan does not cover any weight loss plans, including surgery. So, I opted out and started calling around to different companies. I THOUGHT I found a plan that would cover it (the saleslady said it would!), but, I was duped. Fast forward 7 months, my parents agreed to pay (they are not wealthy people, so I know what the burden is). Now, here's the thing, I started with such a high BMI, that my surgeon refused to do the gastric bypass. He also advised that I probably would not find a surgeon who would. Instead, we decided to do the procedure in stages. So, I have a gastric sleeve, which I love. Now, I need to find an insurance plan to cover the bypass. My surgeon documented everything from the beginning to indicate that this was the plan all along, so that if I found a plan, they can't reject based on perceived failure of the initial operation. My question for you all is: Does anyone know of a plan in Ohio that will cover weight loss surgery?

Hello, I have Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO. They don't require supervised weight loss before approving surgery. I really want to go to the University of Chicago for a gastric bypass, but I've heard their nutritionist always requires some supervised weight loss before they'll sign off on the surgery. I'd like to avoid this because if that happens I may not qualify for surgery and I don't want to lose all that weight just to gain it back. Does anyone have any experience with U Chicago? Anyone ever get the surgery without supervised dieting beforehand?

Thiamine effects memory and concentration. I didn't have the bypass, but instead sleeved and had a huge B1 deficiency afterwards. Was put on prescription Thiamin for almost two months. Now I take an over the counter Thiamin suppliments every morning and my last bloodwork showed my B1 levels within normal range again. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

I'm here! Did my pre-op today & have been a busy bee. A little nervous & kinda confused? Dr. is worried that my reflux might get worse...He suggested the gastric bypass again!

I'm 41 married and father of 2 boys .. used to be athletic but stopped after graduated from Univ. and started career I started gaining weight each month .. bounced through diet sometimes but always maintained way up on scale .. studied for a year or more what to do and decided it's surgery my solution .. At first I decided wd my wife and a famous doctor here in Cairo the gastric bypass .. we made the pre op analysis and checkups All was clear and set the op last year's May 7th.. I'm from Alexandria it's 220 km far from Cairo so I drove my car early dawn reached hospital, parked front of entrance and never was able to open door and jump inside hospital .. I freezed!! Something told me Go back don't do it don know why?? So I turned to my wife who kept encouraging me all the way and to her eyes told her straight I'll not do this bypass surgery!! She started to cry I dropped inside hospital front desk to tell them I'm not doing it and asked them to inform Dr. as soon as they can. I returned back took my time to study All and gave myself one year to sort it out if not I'll return doing bypass again!! 3 months back I was in a mall in Cairo met a fellow that I don't know who stopped me and told me you are 180 kgs!!! He is normal size, not obese so he struck me telling me he was like me one year back!! Told me about Plication and how it turned his life way better and how he committed himself to advise everyone who was like him to do it. I got his Surgeon details in another city 180 km from us went there and met him and liked it All. Only problem it's away from my hometown not very comfortable I started to search in my hometown and found a v good surgeon a brother of one of my best colleagues in Faculty who made it frequently and got v good results and decided he's the one! Today I completed one month post op .. feeling gr8 .. eating good .. lost 20 KG (44 pounds) 10 days pre op + 1 month post op .. feeling more normal now .. small portions fill it in wd satisfaction and can stay long without craving if ever as before!! No craving no bad mood without eating nor drinking problem is it goes to Water as well so water intake at first dropped dramatically now begin to increase it so it's vital and so imp. Best of luck in yours did the right choice and you'll begin a new you a much better self confident You .. post op only 2 days of disorder and some mild to normal pain then way better ev day .. best luck and best wishes

Great to hear! I got my band out Feb 8, after having it for 6 years. My surgeon wants to wait 3 months to allow healing time before doing the bypass. My next meeting with him is May 5. Hoping to get surgery scheduled end of May!

I'm in the begining stage of the revision process with United Healthcare. Please keep me posted on your story. I'll be praying for you!!! I know how frustrating it can be, believe me!

Nobody has the right to be "mad" over your decision .... the dr "wanting " you to have the bypass versus a sleeve... keep one thing in mind this is YOUR choice and YOUR decision it's YOUR body and YOUR life .... make your own decision don't allow others to decide how YOUR life should be

Okay. So it’s been just over two weeks since my surgery (March 27th) but I worry about leaks inside. My outer incisions are healing nicely. But there is a pain under my ribs on my left side and right side(mainly on my left side). Almost like a cramp. It makes it difficult to stand without help, lay on my side, or even sit a certain way. I worry mainly because most of the pain was gone on the left side(it was mainly on my right side). And since Wednesday the pain in my left side under my ribs has started to come back. I keep getting told it’s gas. I’ve tried ice packs I even started taking my pain meds again(I have been able to go without it since the one week mark) I just feel like I’ve made so much progress on being able to get up myself, getting into bed by myself, going to the bathroom alone, and so on and now all of a sudden the pains coming back making it to where I need assistance again. Some times it disappears but most of the time it hurts. Is this normal? If so any tips on how to help the pain? And one more question how long till all of the pain went away for you? I guess I just feel lazy not being able to clean my house and hate having to depend on others just to do basic things like showering or standing. My Drs assistant said it can be up to 2 months before the pain is completely gone and I just feel like that’s wrong. I wasn’t cut open just laparoscopic gastric bypass. ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED! Thank you in advance and bless you and I hope you are doing well on your weight loss journey!!

Morning everyone! Revised 5/27, feeling great, had post surgery visit yesterday - all is well, besides the hematoma - posted a topic the other day - but all is well .... surgeon isn't that concerned. Yesterday morning, I was woken up by this weird feeling in my chest, sat up fast and boom - acid vomit - light green bile looking. Didnt think anything of it till today --- same thing - this time I didn't vomit but the acid/bile or whatever it is - is horrendous. I thought, or I was hoping, that the revision would take care of this - and this is worse than before the surgery -- fluke? I'm on Prilosec, but normally that doesn't work for me, so the surgeon gave me Protonix yesterday, which I love... always worked, as did Nexium. What could it be? Could it be lack of food? should I maybe eat something before going to bed - even if protein shake? Thanks - hope all is well with everyone!!!

Has anyone had bypass surgery in this hospital? I'm eager to get it done. 57, 245, 5 9 . Been on every diet known to man up and down weight loss all my life. So frustrated with my managed care health care here. They couldn't care less about meeting my needs. Tired of the merry go round !!! Any information would be great!! Tom

Why are you doing the revision? What is your BMI? What type of surgery did you do previously? I am working on the samething. For me it means more testing. Sent from my SM-J727T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Unfortunately you will not find a plan that will cover it in Texas thru the affordable care act (obama care) I have done lots of research on this specifically because here in Florida its also excluded... These are the states where its covered. Your option would be to move to one of these states temporarily, Establish residency, get healthcare, get your surgery and leave. If you notice most southern states are excluded because people in southern states tend to be overweight when compared to northern states. (according to multiple articles i read about bariatric surgery. This is my backup if i end up needing a revision is to move. South Dakota seems to be the easiest from the research i did.

4/18 for bypass same feeling tummy is huge lol Sent from my LG-M322 using BariatricPal mobile app

Most things I’ve read said it’s less risk than bypass and more risk than lap-band. I like the idea that if necessary I can move into a full bypass down the road if something comes up or it’s not quite as successful as I need. I’m hoping for September surgery. Thank you!

This does make me feel better. Thank you. I was pretty nauseous after my bypass and remained in the hospital for 2 days due to it. Even got a little delirious after so many hours riddled with nausea. Really hoping not to relive that.

@@James Marusek Sleeve patients have the part of our stomach that produces Ghrelin removed from our body (that 85% stretchy part is the part that produces ghrelin, which is part of the reason that the Sleeve is so effective) so we definitely experience reduced hunger, probably more than Bypass patients.

I'm drinking a protein shake eating protein rich food and drinking injury chicken broth to get close to it. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App What foods are high in protein.... I know eating baked sweet potato is good but what about eating tv dinners such healthy choice? and how many Protein shakes do you drink?(gastric bypass)