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I once again wrote a frickin' book and can't find it now. I don't know where on this website it goes but Robert came in so I showed him what blogging was like and now I can't find the blog I was writing in the first place, it is probably a good thing because I just went on and on about how much I love him and how much we are in love and crap like that. I also told you about how I gained the 2 lbs that I had lost putting me back at 228 instead of 226 where I need to be before tomorrow's weigh in and fill. Not good but that is the way it is. I'll do my exercising today and watch what I eat. I have northern style ribs from PF Changs for lunch and will have my protein shake for breakfast. Depending on how that lasts me I'll have a protein bar for break. The shake sometimes lasts me and then other times I am so hungry I can't stand it. I should have an easy day today at work and then I'm off tomorrow. I want to go look at a Nissan Altima...that is the car of my dreams, I'm not sorry I bought a new Subaru but the Altima is what I wanted and should have gotten but I thought it was too expensive for me. I am throwing around the idea that maybe I just need to get a grip on having a slow car and putting tint on the windows and I already have the Sirius system in it and everything I could ask for like power windows and A/C. This is the first brand new car I have ever had. The ones I have had in the past are either hand me downs or given to me by a boyfriend. I guess getting a Porsche and Corvette weren't too bad of gifts. But I gave them back when we broke up so I miss the Porsche, the Corvette had too long of nose for me and I didn't like driving it too much. But it got me alot of attention and was fun. Now I have a Subaru Impreza, it was something that was practical and had what I needed and I have since put in a $700 Sirius system and want an amplifier now. So that should cost me another $500 with the new speakers and getting it installed but it will be so worth it when it is done. I want to get the windows tinted on it next so I think after we get back from vacation and I renew my plates I will have that done. My husband keeps every business card that has been handed to him and a tinting company that he used is one of them so that is who I will call. I also want to get my credit card paid off. I went on a shopping binge and spent $600 on Mac make up. An easy thing to do but since then I have expanded my collection to include Urban Decay, Sephora, and Lancome. All that I love just wish I could change make up 2-3 times a day depending on what mood I was in. I think every woman needs to have a big collection of make up to help make her feel pretty. Some women are just beautiful without the use of make up, I on the other hand am not one of these women. I have to have at least eye make up and lipstick to feel complete in the morning. That is how I end getting ready for my day is by putting on my make up before I do my hair. It really gives me the extra boost in self-esteem that I need. My husband turned our loft area into my make up station. I have a big desk, with lighted mirror, and computer chair to roll around in while doing my daily ritual. It's like being a little girl playing dress up. My husband had a hard time sleeping the night before and that keeps me awake because if I wake up and he is not in bed I can't sleep so it was good that I was off yesterday. Made for a long day getting up at 3:30 a.m. and getting him to come back to bed. I did make it to the gym and swam until someone asked if they could swim in my lane once I was done...that made me feel like I had to hurry. Well it is 8:00 a.m. and that means time to getting for my day at work. I will be back tomorrow morning to tell you about how my day was and what else is on my mind. Happy losing

Are you on a Proton Pump Inhibitor (e.g. Prilosec, Nexium, Protonix, Prevacid)? Excess acid sometimes presents as hunger. After bariatric surgery, our smaller stomachs still produce acid as if our stomachs were bigger; therefore, the majority of surgeons recommend PPIs for 3-6 months post-op. Your nerves were cut during surgery, which means you may not feel much restriction initially. This will change later but until then it is imperative you do not try to eat to fullness; instead, measure your food (protein first) and only eat small portion sizes.

Welcome to our bariatric community. You'll find a lot of helpful information about what to expect before, during, and after surgery in the forums and threads. Feel free to browse around and read and you'll learn a lot to be better prepared for your surgery. Good luck on your WLS journey.

I didn’t know what to title this. My surgery was April 29th, I ended up in the ER the day after my release from the hospital with pneumonia, critically low potassium and acute UTI. I was also diagnosed with esophageal dysphasia. Because of that my follow up appointments got thrown off course. I had two appointments close together. The second appointment he had me go for a upper gi fluoroscopy and endoscopy. Which found stoma stricture, Schatzki ring, sliding hiatal hernia and ulcers. TBH after the endoscopy I didn’t want to schedule my next follow up appointment. And the doctor hadn’t said when. It should have been 2-3 months post-op but it’s almost 4 1/2 months. I see my surgeon on Thursday and because I need medical transportation it turns into practically an all day affair. I am actually dreading this appointment. He is a great surgeon but my communication skills, especially when I’m fatigued are sorely lacking. I’m at a loss what to say since I feel like I can’t do anything right. While yes my weight has gone down (rather slow) and I think I’ve hit around 53lb loss - I haven’t been able to progress in certain things and have to keep my calories very low otherwise I stall. Due to the esophageal dysphasia I’m not drinking a lot of water. I haven’t attempted purées again and should probably even be into regular foods by now. The most I’ve been able to manage is yogurt mixed with protein powder for breakfast (sometimes a shake) cottage cheese, BariatricPal protein soup (if I have any) juice flavor protein mixes, and sometimes soft boiled egg but I get kind of sick from it so not too often. It’s more an allergy thing with that. My surgeon never really said anything after the endoscopy. I read on the results that he balloon dilated the stricture which it seems to me he did it too much at once and I don’t feel better. The fluoroscopy showed it at 3mm and he dilated 10mm and assumed it was ok because the scope passed? I find it perplexing. And maybe they think the other issues too minor? I don’t. I don’t want to be stuck on proton pump inhibitors. They cause constipation and are not safe long term for things like magnesium, bone density etc. which I have enough bone density loss as is. I told My gastroenterologist about new issues with this of course they said talk to the surgeon and also my PCP. I’ve been having crushing chest pain. And weird strong spasms below my ribs on the left side. Of course I forgot to mention it to my PCP I was too annoyed by her attitude when I caught her up on the surgery and everything after it (she was on maternity leave a few months) well that’s a long story I won’t bore anyone with. My gastroenterologist scheduled me for a colonoscopy the end of this month to rule out possible colitis (a ct scan result said colitis) I was supposed to have had it before my RNY but it didn’t work out that way. I’m not sure how I’ll manage prep. They gave me a prescription for one that is less to drink but I’m allergic to it. Ill have to do clear liquids two days prior to the colonoscopy. Does clear protein count as a clear liquid or do I not have protein? I’ve had colonoscopies before but this is my first after RNY. Also. I have endometriosis and it’s possible he won’t see the problem in the colonoscopy since that won’t show up if it’s on the outside. I worry it won’t answer the problems there. As for endometriosis. I saw my uro/gyn because of hemorrhagic cysts on my one remaining ovary. Which also has endometriosis on it. I guess it’s time to have it out now and I’m scheduled for that October 14th. Which means .............. menopause. But I’m hoping it will ease the endometriosis and pcos symptoms. He had removed my other ovary that was covered with endometriosis during other procedures he was doing at the time. I’m too chicken to ask him about an issue with one of the other procedures he did. Just like my follow up with my bariatric surgeon. I’m at a loss what to say and when I’m exhausted I lose my words. Also doesn’t help that I speak to several people before he enters the room. I feel like they expect me to be cured of all my ailments after surgery, even my pcp had that attitude but with lifelong chronic illness it doesn’t work that way. In fact I knew things likely would get worse for me but this was my last chance at a tool to fight my out of control weight gain. You can only eat so little calories without help of some kind. My surgery wasn’t reliant on comorbidities since my BMI was 40. I have them. But most wont just go away with weight loss. But it doesn’t mean I regret the surgery. (My pcp had the attitude of why did I have it if it didn’t help those things ... well I was already at least 208lbs and BMI 40 (height 5’) like isn’t that enough of a reason? Im sorry I just wrote a very long rant. My memory is so terrible I don’t remember when my last two appointments were and what was discussed at the last one. I don’t think they even mentioned my bloodwork. All I know is that was when he scheduled the tests. Now I’m following up on that. I almost don’t even want to go. I feel like I won’t be able to explain anything. And honestly surgeons just want to hear that you lost a huge amount of weight and that you’re doing great not “it’s complicated. “

Hello Everyone! I attended an informational session back in March, but then found out that my company had an exclusion for bariatric surgery. However, my husband's insurance does not, so I've been waiting until open enrollment in November so that I can join his insurance and be covered. As that time approaches, I'm starting to do more research and read other people's stories, which is what led me here! I'm 30, no kids, live in Atlanta and I work for a national non-profit health organization. Needless to say, at just over 300 lbs, I'm the biggest one here and I feel terribly out of place with all my super health conscious co-workers. Over the past three years, my husband has lost 210 pounds without having any surgery. I tried to do it his way, but I just haven't been able to stick with it. I've lost and gained back the same 30 pounds probably 10 times. I love fashion and design, so my goal is to be able to shop at trendy stores, not at plus-size stores and to be more comfortable, both physically and socially.

Good question. I hadn't located a Dr. up here because I planned on going back to Dr.Ortiz. I routinely go on his web site and chat board and have his book and knew that at a year post op he advised patients to have a flouroscopy. This happened to be when I found I was six weeks pregnant. I work for 2 different hospitals up here and am surrounded with physcians, the one bariatric Dr. I first approached was very negative about low BMI peaople having the band...so quite frankly I decided I only wanted to deal with Dr.Ortiz. I'm pleasantly suprised by this new Dr. and his views, I'd rather not have to head back to Mexico with a new born.

Never been to one of their sites, but maybe check their terms and conditions -- if they're smart, they'll say that people who have had bariatric surgery can't participate. If they don't, well... that's their own fault, I guess.

Thanks everyone. I started with 30 minutes walk starting today. Hopefully can be strict with myself to follow the regime. I realize that I also need to be tuned to the forum to be in touch with all you wonderful people who are so supportive and help me stay motivated. I was always into fad diets before the VSG and I think that my BMR is all messed up! So am happy so far to have lost this much as long as it does not come back again with vengeance. Will have to be patient with the last leg progress, I guess @feedyoureye - Am taking 1 tab of Bariatric Advantage daily and a monthly shot of Vit B12 injection. Else diet intake is under control...though caffeine (with splenda) intake should be reduced and Water intake increased instead !

I'm also in week 9 out of 16 for my weight management program. I have another nutrition class in October and a pre-op orientation class. I have a pre-op appointments with my surgeon and bariatric PCP in November. In addition to those two appointments I have more labs to get. So things are really coming along. I am still shocked that I even have a date. I have gone through the process twice already and was completely denied so I am still gonna be waiting for the actual approval to come through. Ugh my nerves are wrecked. Lol.

You might have to be crafty to find the Protein sources that will work for you. I noticed amazon does feature lactose-free products, and I'm sure your local Vitamin Shoppe or GNC or Bariatric pantry have products that will do the job. http://www.amazon.com/Plant-Fusion-Supplement-Chocolate-Pound/dp/B0021FAITU/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1367872766&sr=1-3&keywords=lactose+free+protein+powder I was looking at plant fusion and it has good reviews. I used to make Protein shakes with lactaid to eliminate some of the lactose, but I am not really intolerant, but our nutritionist said that many people for some reason become lactose intolerant after surgery. Other than that, if you can tolerate soft food, perhaps look into Quinoa as a protein source. Do some research, it looks pretty good, and of course there is soy. Sorry to hear you are having trouble eating. Keep working at it, little by little you will hopefully make progress. As tough as it is, this period is where you will lose most of your weight and as it gets easier to eat, the loss will slow down, so it actually works in your favor. Look at this as a positive if you can. Good luck on your journey!!

Congrats.I have surgery on the 15th.My preop appt with surgeon is the 8th.I will also meet with the bariatric nurse that day to.She will go over my post op diet.

History of the LAP-BAND In the 1980s, Dr. Lubomyr Kuzmak invented the first gastric band with an adjustable balloon along the inner circumference. The Bioenterics Company improved upon this original design and Dr. Mitiku Belachew (Belgium) placed the first LAP-BAND in 1993. The Inamed Company purchased Bioenterics and continued to perfect and refine the design. Surgeons have performed more than 120,000 LAP-BAND procedures, making it the number one bariatric surgical procedure worldwide. The gastric bypass is still the most common bariatric procedure done in the U.S., but the FDA approved the LAP-BAND for use in the U.S. in 2001 and the number of patients having LAP-BAND surgery has increased rapidly as more patients learn about the procedure and health insurance coverage for it improves. In the early 1980s Lubomyr Kuzmak was driven by a sense of purpose and passion to develop a better and safer gastric restriction procedure for the surgical treatment of severe obesity. He became a visionary pioneer who applied his inventive talent to design and patent an adjustable gastric band and a method to place the band by laparoscopic technique. He did initial investigational studies of his device and method. While the food and Drug Administration demanded expanded studies in the U.S., Dr. Kuzmak taught bariatric surgeons at International Workshops at the University of Padua, under the sponsorship of Professor Mario Lise, Franco Favretti, Gianni Segato, and later Guy-Bernard Cadiere, and at the University of Liege, under the sponsorship of Mitiku Belachew and Claude DeSaive, soon advanced the implantation of the adjustable silicone gastric band by minimally invasive techniques. Professor Paul O’Brien of Monash University was an early participant in these workshops. He became a leader in the laparoscopic placement and teaching of this procedure in Australia

And hot on the trail of my BBF Bariatric Bud Forever @ proud grammy, I'll offer my friendship also. I have only been on BP 5 months, but they have been wonderful ones. I have learned so much from Kathy and all the other veterans on here. Decided to say Hi,because we might have a few overlapping items. I am pre surg but post classes and requirements, this puts me in an uncomfortable Weight loss position, 1st program, nicest thing I can say, we no longer fit each others plans. My somewhat rueful joke- it was a case of sickness, I made them sick. it's a lot longer story, don't worry , what happened to me was pretty darn rate. You will not have it. At any rate I am now in a new program,better and better for,my in the long run. Surgery could be,May, surely early summer. I will have a RnY bypass, better for,me, I have pretty bad GERD, bypass fixes , sleeve does not. I am 72 years old, yes old enough to be everybody's mamma if not grandma, I stand 5ft8in tall, 323 lbs, srawberry blond verging on red hair, still naural, never greyed, at this point it probably never will.Widowed 6 years, 3 children,2 living, younger son still lives with me, he wants to be with me as much as I want him there. Like everyone you will meet on this website, I'm in it to win it. No fears whatsoever of surgery, more scary to continue to live as I have than step forward into a surgical future.All thus old cowgirl can get the blues I am usually pretty upbeat about life. Life is full of ironies but I intend to,love mine and live mine to the best or,my abilities. Join me on this journey for the best is yet to be😛 "Leading others to happiness is the greatest Triumph"

I saw my therapist every week for the first 4 months and have now switched to every other week. She says eventually we will switch to once a month for at least 2 years post-op to be sure to stay on top of any maintenance issues. I visit with (phone call) my NUT once every 4 to 5 weeks but am able to email her and get quick response if needed (though at 5 1/2 months post-op this more urgent need for contact has slowed down if not stopped). My surgeons office had 10 day post-op follow-up, then at 1 month then 3 months post-op then 6 months post-op. Not sure if the visit after 6 months is at 9 months or waits until 1 year. I have been in contact with them on other occasions up to about 3 months post-op for some complications (Stricture). They (including the surgeons) were extremely and amazingly available. My clinic did not have an exercise physiologist but I sure wish they had. I think that would be a great addition to any bariatric team. I am going to a personal trainer who has no clue about WLS and am really frustrated with the nutritional "advice" she keeps trying to give me. I just ignore that part.

Hello all, I was told that some places (maybe Stratx) will do the tummy tuck for all the bariatric patients compliments of our insuance. I couldnt believe what i was hearing from her but apparently she has done her homework. I had my surgery on Oct. 1st, so i have ways to think about that. I just wanted to let everybody know so that they can inquire if interested.:tongue2:

OK...Bariatric Centers of Excellence are an American thing.....because they are accredited by two American organizations, one of which is the American Society of Metabolic Surgeons...the other is the Surgical Review Corporation. To qualify, hospitals have to do 140 bariatric procedures per year, and staff has to have extra training in bariatric surgery complications, sensitivity training for bariatric patients, nutrition and post op care, and safely moving bariatric patients. Their accreditation signifies a level of excellence in the field of bariatric medicine. There are currently 778 Bariatric Centers of Excellence in the US.

Or if anyone else has this answer. Aetna I think requires that bariatric surgeries be performed at an IOQ (Institute of Quality) hospital. On their site the only two that are IOQ in Nevada are North Vista and Desert Springs. My problem is that my surgeon of choice is Dr Teng. I just ran through a barricade to get past the bill owed. That has been cleared up now. I want to stick with him because he took out my gallbladder and did a great job. Thing is, he operates out of MoutainView and Summerlin hospitals. I know he has had patients with Aetna so I'm just curious.

Most bariatric surgeons advise against regular coffee drinking. its reported that coffee stimulates gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn), stimulates acid production, and stimulates the colon and makes you "go". Coffee is a complex chemical, and much of the effect is not solely caused by caffeine. So decaffeinated coffee does not have significant advantages over caffeinated coffee. It also may irrate the new stomach wall. Tim .

I have UHC they required a bmi of 40 and over or 39 and under with I believe two comorbidities, 5yr history of being obese, 6 month of weight loss effort (just weigh ins with my PCP) and a psych eval, and that I be enrolled in their bariatric program. It really seems like everyone is different, I'd check in with your insurance. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Yeah! I added 122 to the to Total! Congratulations everyone and Thank You Alex for bringing us such a great tool that offers such great support. I know that I love Bariatric Pal!

Beverly Hills Post Bariatric Surgery- Dr. Timothy Katzen, MD, Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

OK, now that I've whined and moaned, I pulled out the info from the bariatric program and found the following: I can have a 1 cup salad in addition, and I can make my own dressing for it--woo! So I got up and went to the store, and got a brainstorm while I was there--I can season my meat any way I want--so why not with pico de gallo (chopped raw garlic, onion, tomato, cilantro)? I'm getting excited about dinner. I picked up some asparagus that I'm going to dress with a ginger vinagrette. I just need to get over myself lol, and get creative with it!

I can't believe I haven't updated my journal since one week post-op. I enjoy reading all the other journals, but have been lax in updating mine. Went back and got my list of things I wanted to do, so am updating it here: I hope to be able to do all these things when I lose some weight: 1) Ride my horse without worrying that I am breaking his back!! Too hot, haven't even tried. He's having fun in the pasture. 2) Have the energy to clean my house and shovel out all the stuff I gathered thru the years. I have more energy, and have started cleaning out some (namely clothes that are getting too big) but sad to say not real enthused about this yet!! 3) Stick my arm in that blood pressure thing at Walmart and not have it get stuck there!! And use a normal blood pressure cuff! Haven't tried it yet! 4) Walk somewhere without huffing and puffing and stopping to rest 20 times. Can walk 45 minutes on the treadmill and am finding daily walking a lot easier! 5) Get off all these pills I am taking - or at least most of them!! My blood pressure is pretty much normal now (with the pills), but it will probably be a while longer before I decrease them. My blood sugar has decreased but still a ways to go. Went off Metformin when I got the surgery. Going to the doctor tomorrow and will get blood tests for sugar, cholesterol, etc. 6) Quit getting my butt stuck in chairs/theatre seats, etc with arms. This has decreased dramatically, with just a 24 lb weight loss. 7) Have enough energy to play with grandkids, do some gardening, ride my bike. Stayed off the bike for the 6 weeks after surgery, still not gotten back on it yet. Maybe today if it's cool enough! 8) Not be the biggest person in the room. (Already accomplished this when I went to the bariatric clinic-how sad. Finally sat in a chair too big for me!! But I don't consider this a NSV) What a sick mentality I have that I rejoice that someone in the room is bigger than me - this isn't usually the case tho. 9) Do something besides read, crochet and watch soaps on tv all day long because I don't feel like doing much else. Still need to work on this. 10) I'm sure there are many more but I have gone brain-dead for now.

For those of you who are all healed, losing, but winning how much can you comfortably eat at a time? For a typical Breakfast, lunch and dinner? BS as I read through all of my nutritionists info, it was hard to comprehend when it stated "only one to three bites". LOL! I mean, yes, I understood, but I thought to myself "really? 3?". Now, a few weeks post-op I KNOW what TWO bites are!!!! Hahahaha! Wake up call! (For those who have not yet had surgery, "two bites, means 2 nibbles off of a baby sized spoon!" I know it gets easier and better in time, and I know our tummies are 3-5 ounces once healed and unswollen... but I am curious to know what the "Bariatric Regular" diet looks like in terms of volume? Thanks! sabrina

I'm just starting the 6 month program required by my insurance (BCBS NC). I am currently working in PA but I live in NC. I'll be in PA through the end of this year and into 2015. Because of work and the travel I have to do, this is the best opportunity for me to have surgery because this is the longest I'll be in one place. My surgeon's office is aware of the fact that I will not be here long post op and I will be transferring my post op follow up care back to NC for long term. Has anyone else had a situation similar to this? There is a very, very slight possibility work could require me back in NC before my surgery. Has anyone else had their 6 month program in one place and surgery in another? I'm going to talk more about this with my surgeon but I'd like to hear from actual patients as well. The PA hospital I am planning to have my surgery at is a Blue Distinction center for bariatrics and there is one in my home town as well so insurance covers both locations.