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[ My biggest concern was the port, I asked my Dr a couple times just to be sure it was coming out and each time she looked at me funny and said "Yes Miriam, I would never leave it there" I knew it I just wanted to hear it I haven't had a full on dumping episode but I had something that I think was maybe dumping. I have (had) this horrible habit, when I go grocery shopping I will go to the dairy dept and get a chocolate milk. I usually couldn't eat and the chocolate milk would stay my hunger during the shopping trip. I did the same thing last week, thought it would be fine bc I wouldn't drink it all at once... It wasn't. I felt gross, flush and my stomach hurt and that was after drinking 2 oz. I paid for it and threw it away, won't do that again. I am doing great, approaching week 4 and have lost 25lbs which is shocking to me as I was a lower bmi and was told id lose slow. I am now back in Onderland which makes me extremely happy. I do have struggles, portions.... I don't get the signal that I'm satisfied or full, I don't know if it's just me or I'm broken but I don't so I have to measure everything out. I have over eaten. Attraction to slider foods, I'm so used to it that I have to remind myself I don't need those anymore. I also have a strong fear of stretching my pouch and failing. My pouch is larger than a virgin pouch, years of band abuse stretched the hell out of the top of my stomach. I also have a very good friend with RNY who did amazing for the first 3 years and is now heavier than she started. She has always sang the praises of the band citing she she wished she would have gone with it instead of bypass. I do learn by example so hopefully I can keep on the straight and narrow.

Subway has salads, and kids meals which I think are a 3 inch sub. Or you could just get the 6 inch and not eat the whole thing, save it for later. Anywhere with a kids meal is good. Applebees has Soup and salad (so does Olive Garden). I dont really eat at Wendy's bc the fries are too tempting.

I’m 4 days post-op (VSG) and starting to somewhat feel better. I’m able to get around better although the big incision still really hurts. My biggest concerns right now are: pain/cramping after swallowing. It’s not the actual swallowing that hurts, it’s when the Fluid hits my pouch. Doesn’t matter if the liquid is cold or warm - but it hurts like hell every single time for about 2-4 seconds. When will this subside? Secondly, my whole abdominal area is still REALLY swollen & hard - I look like I’m 6 months pregnant. It’s been like this since the surgery and hasn’t gone down at all. Lastly, I haven’t had a “real” bowel movement yet. I had very gassy diarrhea twice on Friday and once yesterday, but that’s it. I’ve been taking a stool softener, but I’m not sure it’s really doing anything. Then again, I haven’t eaten anything solid so...? I’m guessing most of all of this is normal, but I’m looking for reassurance - especially about the pain after swallowing as it’s really uncomfortable. Zero issues with nausea or vomiting.  ETA:  I’m also having trouble getting all my fluids/“meals” in. Again, bc of the cramping pain, but also bc I ALWAYS feel full. I’m able to drink about 30-40oz water, one protein drink, my 1/2C soup/pudding/jello twice a day and that’s about it. 

It is illegal to tell anyone about any medical procedures without the permission of the patient.(IANAL) The Feds take this very seriously. You really should lodge a complaint to the office manager/doctor they want to protect themselves as well as you when it comes to a chatty employee.

RE: BC CA appeals.... I'm pretty sure there is an 800 # on the back of my BC of CA card for appeals, or you could call the 800 # for pre service reviews. Otherwise go to their web site. There is also information on the home forum page here regarding appeals processes in different states.....the 2nd or 3rd topic?? On the bright side, I've heard several stories of people getting denied, then getting quickly approved on appeal. I hope NOT to have to be in that boat. I still have to wait and see if I'm approved. good luck

About a week... My doc Office took care of all this - I went directy to surgeon - 5/31 had tons of test due to age and never going to the doc - no supervised diet - was approved on 6/20 after shrink appoint on 6/14 - surgery 7/17 When I called them (bc ca) they said it was covered under my policies if medically necessary - bmi 42 - high blood pressure and slight sleep apnea.. I qualified

Hi! My name is Pamela. I live in the heartland of VA near the NC border. I am just in the planning stages of deciding if I am going to have surgery or not. I have been reading this website until my eyes are bleeding...LOL. Thanks for so much great information. I am currently severily obese. I have HBP, diabetes, and asthma. I take meds to control my HBP. I am currently on 2 meds for my diabetes and on a no sugar, low carb diet. I have lost some weight and my BS have lowered but are not where they should be. The doctor just put me on the 2nd med. We are giving it 2 months to see if it will help if not....I have to chose surgery or insulin. Personally, I don't want either. But I know that to live a long and healthy life I need to make a choice. I do have an appt with another doctor for a second opinion...but with the above factors I feel that he will suggest the same thing. I will keep you posted. I will be calling my insurance company. I want to see what all is needed. I can start the ball rolling just in case this is what I decide. That way when the time comes...I can have the surgery ASAP. Anyone with Raleigh doctor suggestions etc...would be welcomed. Any adviced will be welcomed. Thanks for reading. pamela:smile:

I am still pre op, May 13th is my day....I have been researching WLS for the past 3 years and I have been on VST for over a year now and from what I've seen is if you work hard and follow the directions you are given you can losse very close to the same as a person with gastric bipass. I chose the sleeve bc I have 4 kids and want to be able to be a "normal" mom. I feel like a prisoner in my fat body and don't want to be a prisoner in my skinny body! For example, I want to eat a small peice of my kids b-day cake and not get sick bc of dumping syndrome! I am always on the side line and I want to fully participate in life!

I think when I check in tmw for my UGI I will ask about those gummies GamerGirl! Today I feel a bit better than normal, so praying that really is just gastritis, tho sadly he figured I'd continue(mentioned preop) until I got some of my abdo weight off duemto extra pressure in my stomach...30 lbs down but lots more to go! I'll check in tmw y'all!woops I thought when y'all were mentioning mono it was bc you saw my post on a different topic...then noticed duh I wrote it here...I am also having so other scary things going on, possible leak, going tmw for an upper gi bc my CT wasn't conclusive for leak....nervous on all accounts, hoping it is mono and herd/gastritis, both can be dealt with will keep you updated!

@manwithkids my starting bmi was 32. I would consult with dr. First since they can be the only ones to address psychologically and physically her condition and success rate. It is just a tool for a lifestyle change...how she uses it will determine success. Bmis are a small portion of the equation bc for me I just was not losing anything with trainer cutting calories everything..insulin resistance it was just not moving... @kika get ready life is about to be amazingly vibrantly changed. I did not do can soups bc one lifestyle change inforced myself to do even with a restricted diet was reduce processed foods. I only have them in emergencies. My soups were all homemade by grandma, she would make me chicken soups and I would only drink the broth. She would make them in large qty's and I would freeze in small containers. Then take them to work. I did always keep a cup of noodles in my purse that's about the worst of the consumption for broths bc you must be prepared at all times. One thing you are not diminishing is your hunger justbthe capacity for which to satisfy that hunger. Instead of 24oz of soup you are stuffed with 2-5oz but be prepared every 2hrs to eat. At the first 2wks restriction is absurd you just hate drinking it's like fireworks in the tummy for a while I was even having warm broth at 6am bc it was the only thing that would tame the beast, after a while keffir yogurt. Another interesting fact coffee ....haven't had coffee since pre surgery and I don't crave it. Learn to love whole foods and start looking at fun places for soups. Once you can eat heartier soups you'll stop at fancy restauratnts and take them to go. Try them now during your pre-op and remember post no chunky soups. Also your Protein shakes are vital...I choose an egg white protein from whole foods with my mixed frozen berrie and 4 oz of coconut juice w Water blend and enjoy Also need to be armed with your story...once weight loss starts everyone wants to know who what when where and how....be consistent and accurate lying sucks but it's no ones business but your own.

Anyone here with Texas BC/BS? I've scheduled my first consult for December and know they require 6 months with a nutrition program before surgery. I'm in school and want to get the surgery done over the summer ASAP so I won't be at risk of missing any of the fall semester. How has the timing been for everyone else on this insurance? Has anyone had any problems getting approved for the surgery right at the 6 month mark? Thanks!!!

Hi Bandsters... :smile2:I was just wondering the longest anyone has been banded with no problems.. and if you don't mind, who was your surgeon? I am working on my six month requirements for BC/BS so I don't have any statistics to offer. For those of you who do.. thanks for your information.

Hello my name is Nikki and I spoke with my family doc yesterday and told him I was interested in getting the lap band. He gave me all the ins and out and asked me if I really want to do it. I said yes, I know I want to and he said he would write a letter to my insurance company once I found out if it is covered under my policy. I have SISC III Anthem & BC/BS Federal... I have Lap Band VIP checking my insurance, I know SISC Anthem covers at 80% but not sure about BC/BS Federal. Has anyone had any experience with either of these insurances or a "lower bmi??? Just anxious and glad to be here to read all the post.

Gastric RNY 1/27...This is exactly what I am going thru right now itching all over my body. I have broken out on my arms, legs, face, back and it’s nonstop itchy! I took benedryl and been through two tubes of cortisone 10. I just emailed my doctor told her we have to figure something out bc now I can’t sleep..I’ve been reading up on this and it’s stating it’s common due to allergic reaction to the surgical glue. I went and got some 100% aloe to help give little relief any suggestions? Do you think I should ask for prednisone bc I’ve seen others say that’s what’s helped with this same issue?? Anyone else out there with any suggestions??

update...when you have that feeling that something is wrong...go with it! I continued to get worse to the point that it would take me 4 or more hours just to get a protein shake in...I went in to see my surgeon..he did an EGD in the office and found that my band had slipped and not only had it slipped but it still had food from the week before that had not gone through...he sent me for BS and NOTHING went through....radiologist said I was the most interesting case he had seen because literally none of the barium went through....my esophagus was too swollen to do surgery so I was in the hospital getting steriods to reduce the swelling and PPN (nutrition)through my veins for 3 days before they could do surgery. Came home yesterday, still in alot of pain, esophagus is very touchy, no appetite but followering MD's orders to the letter. I am proud of the weight I lost with the band but will not have it replaced. The good thing...I don't think about food the way I did and I really believe with God's help and support of my wonderful husband I will be able to lose this remaining 25 or so lbs. I wish all of you the best!:thumbup:

freespirit...bless your heart I hope things go well with your thyroid surgery...I wish I could tell you that everything continued to go good for me after my removal but it did not...I began to vomit the little bit of liquid that I was drinking, went back to MD, had BS...my stomach stilled looked like I had a band on and then it showed that I had developed a stricture right below my little stomach and that it was only open the size of a straw or less, so essentially fluid was backing up in my little stomach and then having trouble going thru...so I had another EGD and the gastro MD attempted to dilate the strictured area...stated he had been doing these for 20 yrs and never saw anything like this...he too said my upper stomach looks exactly like someone with a band on and there is so much swelling it is unbelievable, he said it may take 6 wks for all the swelling to go down and he is not sure if he was able to dilate me enough to get soft foods down but hopes as the swelling goes down he hopes that I will be able to eat soft foods, he said that my stomach will most likely never be completely normal and that I will never be able to "gobble" food (I haven't done that in 2 yrs anyway with the band)..I am able to drink 2 protein shakes a day and some gatorade now. so my advice to you if you have no fluid in the band and still feel restricted alot is to get an EGD to see what is going on. I pray the best for you. We have a trip to Disney planned in 7 wks that my 4 and 5 yr olds are really looking forward to...I hope I am able to eat by then:)

At 2 weeks out, it was discovered that I had a small absess with a leak. I spent 17 days in the hospital with no food or fluids going into my stomach. I was fed TPN through a PICC line and gained weight during my stay. I went from feeling like I was on top of the moon before surgery, to feeling like I was actually going to do this after surgery, to going downhill for two weeks after surgery, to passing out, being weak, not being able to eat or drink much of anything and internal pain by the time I was admitted into the hospital...on my birthday. After numerous tests throughout my hospital stay, the leak partially closed and my idiot doctors (not my surgeon) felt I should just go home and eat, hoping the rest of the leak would heal in time. But if I get sick again, just come back. Horrible advice, in my opinion and the opinion of my surgeon, but thankfully I have not been back to emergency and I seem to get better as time goes on. I still worry daily. It been about 3 weeks since I've been out. But I lost the weight I gained and then some. Stay strong. My story may not be as bad as yours but I do know some of the struggles you are going through. I spent a majority of my days worried I was going to die and crying more than I thought possible. I now thank God for helping on this journey, for bringing me back to my family (I have a 5 month old baby girl) and for the 40 lbs I've lost so far. ((((hugs))) to you and everyone else who's had complications.

What feels to me like the biggest hurdle has been jumped! And it's fine! I came down on the other side on both feet! I had my appt with my PCP today. I need from her a letter of medical necessity. And I wasn't sure how my visit with her would go - whether she would make me defend and justify this, whether she would be adamantly against it, whether she would emphatically support it...I just wasn't sure at all! And she said she would absolutely give me that because while she's only known me for a year, she's seen enough to know that I'm not lieing when I say "I TRY!" And it comes off. And it comes back. She said we would do some testing to prove a comorbidity that she thinks I may have. She said we will jump through those insurance hoops and give them NO REASON to deny this! She also said three or four years ago she would have been hesitant, would have said, 'do it yourself' but she's seen those people she told that lose the weight and then gain it back plus some. It's something about a BMI over 40 that makes your body NOT WANT TO LET GO! And she's seen lap-band® after lap-band® do wonders for people. She said my choice in surgeon is fantastic. Can't beat him in my area and she would have suggested him had I not found him myself. She recommended doing the supervised exercise and diet program with them because she likes their nutritionist and the staff in that office are all fantastic. She gave me copies of everything I need for the consult tomorrow - which should help some of this role along faster. I did some blood work because I had questionable liver function earlier this year and she wants to see if we can prove it's fatty liver. If the blood work warrants it, I already have the order in hand for a abdominal ultrasound. She said even if we can't prove that comorbidity, it's enough that my parents are ALREADY deceased - were deceased by 55 (mother) and 61 (father) - for things that are comorbidities. I already have tons of odds against me, I don't need this weight stacking my odds even further! To me, getting her approval was potentially my biggest stumbling block. Had she said no, I would have gotten myself a new PCP and kept trying. But I like her and I didn't want that hassle which would also potentially become a demotivator. And I KNOW I'm fat enough. She laughed at that. Was impressed at how much research I've done, what I knew, and how I've been taking care of myself in this endeavor. Wasn't asking for the answers, was asking for endorsement - and from what she said, the people willing to do this from start to finish like this, on their own - if you will, are the successful ones. The people on this website, I'd venture! Can't be done on your own - don't get me wrong. But I'm not being spoon fed my information. This wasn't suggested to me, I explored the thought. That's what I'm talking about... Anywho... She said she has seen it before where people are like me, on the fence with the BMI with no comorbidities. And she's seen - and even supported - minor weight gain to get them to the "acceptable level of fatness". I find that sad. But it's the game we have to play, apparently. Comorbidities help, but I've enjoyed my food this weekend to ensure my weight today and tomorrow would not be an issue. And hopefully tomorrow can start the six month supervision. And hopefully I can be looking at the March/April time frame. And if not, I'll take it as it comes. My biggest stumbling block has been passed. I just feel like now I can say "Ok, hope is on the horizon!" YAY!

My husband and I finally received the information on his insurance options for next year today. His options are staying the same - which means we can switch to his plan and still have something deductible and out-of-pocket-max free. Add to that it will save us $8 a payperiod of my own plan that's going away. So we will be switching to Aetna. From things I read around here, seems Aetna is good about this. But I don't know what my specific case will be. Right now I am on Cigna. Cigna required a six month supervised weight loss program which I am one month into. Cigna required a pysch consult which I have done the testing for. I go back on Monday to get the results. Yes, I'm nuts. Not sure why anyone has to pay for that info. :smile: Cigna required letters of medical necessity from any practictioners with ongoing care. In my case that's my PCP and my OB/GYN. I got one from my PCP. I see my OB/GYN next Thurs but don't expect an issue here as he has mentioned this in the past. The good news about Aetna is all of my doc's - the pcp, the ob/gyn, even the surgeon, are still in-network. So there will be no change of care. Cigna required a nutritionist consult. I will have that on Thurs when I go in for my weigh in. When I go in for that weigh in, I'll see what they might be able to say about this switch. Seems that some with Aetna only have to do three months of supervised weightloss. So maybe this is happening sooner? But in perusing Aetna's website, I found a document that says I have to have documented severe obesity issues for two years or more. I have not been over a BMI of 40 for a year, let alone two. I've been at 40 (and counting) since the start of this year. Last year I hovered around 37-38. Got off BC at the beginning of the year and that threw everything out of whack. Problem is that while I have history of a BMI over 35, I do not have any comorbidities.... I feel so much better about the insurance. There may have to be a delay in getting the insurance requirements sorted out after that insurance plan goes into effect (Jan 1 2010) but in the meantime I can keep plugging away on all this other stuff. I do know that I will still have to have the psych consult and a nutritionist consult. I do know there is a supervised weightloss time period - may be 6 months may be 3. But I can keep all this going. And the motivation is back. I no longer feel like there's a potential hurdle to overcome. YAY!:crying::thumbup::thumbup:

My husband and I finally received the information on his insurance options for next year today. His options are staying the same - which means we can switch to his plan and still have something deductible and out-of-pocket-max free. Add to that it will save us $8 a payperiod of my own plan that's going away. So we will be switching to Aetna. From things I read around here, seems Aetna is good about this. But I don't know what my specific case will be. Right now I am on Cigna. Cigna required a six month supervised weight loss program which I am one month into. Cigna required a pysch consult which I have done the testing for. I go back on Monday to get the results. Yes, I'm nuts. Not sure why anyone has to pay for that info. :wub: Cigna required letters of medical necessity from any practictioners with ongoing care. In my case that's my PCP and my OB/GYN. I got one from my PCP. I see my OB/GYN next Thurs but don't expect an issue here as he has mentioned this in the past. The good news about Aetna is all of my doc's - the pcp, the ob/gyn, even the surgeon, are still in-network. So there will be no change of care. Cigna required a nutritionist consult. I will have that on Thurs when I go in for my weigh in. When I go in for that weigh in, I'll see what they might be able to say about this switch. Seems that some with Aetna only have to do three months of supervised weightloss. So maybe this is happening sooner? But in perusing Aetna's website, I found a document that says I have to have documented severe obesity issues for two years or more. I have not been over a BMI of 40 for a year, let alone two. I've been at 40 (and counting) since the start of this year. Last year I hovered around 37-38. Got off BC at the beginning of the year and that threw everything out of whack. Problem is that while I have history of a BMI over 35, I do not have any comorbidities.... I feel so much better about the insurance. There may have to be a delay in getting the insurance requirements sorted out after that insurance plan goes into effect (Jan 1 2010) but in the meantime I can keep plugging away on all this other stuff. I do know that I will still have to have the psych consult and a nutritionist consult. I do know there is a supervised weightloss time period - may be 6 months may be 3. But I can keep all this going. And the motivation is back. I no longer feel like there's a potential hurdle to overcome. YAY!:thumbup::scared2:

Glad to hear I’m not the only one. Today was hectic and didn’t get my usual 50-70 protein. I thought it might be bc of that. 🤷‍♀️ I feel fine otherwise. Definitely going to get an electric blanket or two. Lol The women at my job blast the a/c all day. I can usually tolerate it...not today. Best to you all! ❤️

Okay so I swear that for the first 6-8 weeks after being sleeved my stomach would NOT stop growling. It was weird bc no feeling of hunger was there, but my head kept trying to tell me it was time to eat bc my stomach was making nonstop gurgling noises. I learned to embrace the gurgling and would even make jokes about it. Now that I’m 3.5 months post-op, the gurgling has slowed down, but it still happens from time to time and it just cracks me up. The other day I was in a Pilates class and it was gurgling so bad the instructor noticed. all I could do was shrug and move on. For the record, I wasn’t even remotely hungry when it happened.

Hmmm, could this be the green eyed monster talking? I know my DH is jealous of my achievements and what I get from my fitness and jealous of the time it takes me - I will always make time to walk with him, but that's on top of my exercise (because in my overzealousness, I dont consider mere walking exercise, lol). He's always on at me to "help him" but once he's got me to drop a run or miss a gym session, he's "too tired", "too stressed" and I've given up my time for nothing. Which, I suspect, is what he wanted. Truth is, I'm committed to running, and committed to exercise, but not addicted. If I've got time, its something I love to do and I make time for it. But I would never put it ahead of something the kids have on, or if there was a terrible mess in the house, or the kids hadnt been fed. But I sure as heck dont miss a run to do washing, clean a bathroom or whatever, that stuff can wait. I prefer to go to the gym than watch TV at night. I'd always welcome a fun social engagement and would miss a run for that, certainly, and I've taken it easy this week because I have a sore knee - but that injury, illness stuff gets to me, I ran 10 days after a bowel resection and right through chemotherapy, with an ileostomy (huge dehydration risk) and in the hot Melbourne summer- in hindsight, that was a bit stupid - i pushed myself really hard and I was having cancer treatment - that does border on addiction but that sort of silly behaviour has passed for me now treatment is over. Truth is, being fit meals a lot to me and I prioritise it in my life but I'm generally not stupid over it. But we can find our partners preferred our couch potato ways as they dont like feeling guilty, being less fit and having you have such an interest in something that doesnt involve them. Its GOOD for your mental health, I do indeed use it to cope with stress.

Hi everyone! hoping for your help! I am one day away from being four weeks postop (VSG Dec 16, 2019) and I made myself some hummus today but the consistency was very grainy and I only had a couple of teaspoons but then I got super scared that The grains or the skin of the chickpeas might get stuck in my stitches and cause a leak or something...so I stopped eating....but now I’m freaking out!! Help!! Thoughts? Should I call my nurse tomorrow? Thanks! Neda Vancouver, BC

I'm in Oregon and my PCP is against it and gave me the same spiel. She keeps telling me she is treating several botched surgeries. However, I call bs because she doesn't seem to know very much about it and only has negative things to say. I'm planning on going with my tax refund in the spring. In my early research I called OHSU, the bariatric coordinator there was very helpful. She said they will always treat people in an emergency and they rarely have any emergencies out of Mexico. She did name one surgeon to avoid and said to be diligent in my research. I joined as many support groups as I could find until I narrowed it down to my surgeon.