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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.

i'm with ya! I'm on my second day. But I am not allowed any food. Just 3 -5 Protein shakes a day. I can have Water and crystal light. I have to admit... i did cheat! I needed something to munch on.. had a pickle, cracker and slice of cheese these past two days!. I have to stop it! I need to just do the shakes! its hard the shakes taste terrible.. i'm doing the Bariatric Advantage Protein Shakes, doc sells those at his place. i added a splenda and 2 frozen strawberries to make it tolerable! I shouldn't but ahhhh kat

Hi... I just want to share a good resource to help anyone who has had bariatric surgery or anyone considering it. You may already be aware of The book authored by Alex Brecher and Natalie Stein, "The BIG Book on Bariatric Surgery: Living Your Best Life After Weight Loss Surgery." It is now available as an Audiobook. As the narrator, I have a handful of promotional codes I can share with you, entitling you to a free copy of the Audiobook from www.audible.com. If you'd like one, please email me directly at dseawel@seawel.com. When they are gone... they are gone. You can see the Audiobook at: http://goo.gl/ZbQ6hl If you purchase the book and find it helpful, I would really appreciate you posting a positive review at Audible.com about the book. Thanks! and best wishes on your weight loss journey! Dave "McCormick" Seawel PS: I am a Gastric Sleeve surgery veteran myself. I had my surgery 4 months ago. I lost 25 pounds prior to surgery and another 60 pounds since! What a great feeling!

I'll tell you the truth: yes, you could certainly lose the weight without surgery. For many of us, losing it wasn't the problem. In fact, I've revealed previously that I've lost 200+ pounds over the years prior to resorting to bariatric surgery. Yep...I'd lose 30, regain 50, lose 50, regain 60, lose 60, regain 100, then rinse and repeat the miserable yo-yo process. Keeping the weight off is the problematic issue here. Personally, bariatric surgery has been my last hope for keeping the weight off. So far, since entering maintenance a year ago, my weight has been the most stable it's been in my entire adult life. A clever physician who specializes in obesity medicine stated, "If you disliked what you did to lose the weight, you'll dislike what you've gotta do to maintain the weight. Therefore, you'll regain the weight." The pre-op diet is good for short-term weight loss, but it ain't sustainable in the long run. If we are true to ourselves, we'd know deep down that we really wouldn't adhere to two shakes a day and a 'sensible' protein dinner for the rest of our lives. Good luck to you.

i have had the bariatric xray i dont know how many times and every time they say there is nothing wrong with the band. no slippage or anything.last time i had a check up from my lap band doctors though has ben about two years. i quite going because i dont like my surgeon or the place, true results. my surgeon acted like he didnt really care. as long as he got his $$$ he was ok. i unfortunately never had a nutritionist. i dont have insuranc so i didnt have to go through the same procedure everyone else does to get the sugery who has insurance. all i had to do was get my bmi down and have the surgery. which i regret because i dint have the right counsoling when going into this. i do still drink carbonation. i know i shouldnt. one of my biggest weaknesses. my family is always getting onto me about that. i have had a complete unfill. i do have a little bit in right now. its not the fills that get me sick. its just that whenm i get sick i have to take it out.

Wow-that was really insensitive & out of line! You'd think that a bariatric surgery center would have employees who are sensitive & supportive of their patients!

According to my insurance card that I am looking at, I have the same insurance as you, and I keep getting refused for bariatric surgery, because they claim it is excluded. I am totally confused now!!!!

This is my first post on this forum. I just got off the phone with UHC in regards to having Vertical Sleeve. I was approved 8 days after the surgeon's office submitted the paperwork. My insurance requirements 6 month physicians supervised diet. A visit with a bariatric psychologist My surgeon also required the following sleep study A pre-op visit a bariatric dietitian along with a commitment for post-op follow ups Attend a support group meeting. My insurance is a self funded large employer plan administered by UHC . The plan title is Choice Plus PPO.

I would think they'd approve it based on other factors like BMI, weight & your high cholesterol too. As for low iron, I've had that several times due to chemo and just had to pump up my intake of spinach and other leafy greens and it's always worked like a charm. The insurance company will base their decision on what paperwork the doctor submits and if bariatric surgery is allowed under your policy.

Happy Fourth from BariatricPal! #outlook a {padding:0;} body{width:100% !important; -webkit-text-size-adjust:100%; -ms-text-size-adjust:100%; margin:0; padding:0;} .ExternalClass {width:100%;} .ExternalClass, .ExternalClass p, .ExternalClass span, .ExternalClass font, .ExternalClass td, .ExternalClass div {line-height: 100%;} #backgroundTable {margin:0; padding:0; width:100% !important; line-height: 100% !important;} img {outline:none; text-decoration:none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;} a img {border:none;} .image_fix {display:block;} p {margin: 1em 0;} h1 { color: white !important; } h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {color: #333333 !important;} h1 a:active, h2 a:active, h3 a:active, h4 a:active, h5 a:active, h6 a:active { color: red !important; } h1 a:visited, h2 a:visited, h3 a:visited, h4 a:visited, h5 a:visited, h6 a:visited { color: purple !important; } table td {border-collapse: collapse;} table { border-collapse:collapse; mso-table-lspace:0pt; mso-table-rspace:0pt; } a {color: #4a8aca;} /* Unhides cells that we set to hide in the HTML in case the client doesn't support style properly */ *[class~=hidePhone] { display : block !important; width : auto !important; max-height: inherit !important; overflow : visible !important; float : none !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="30"] { width: 30px !important; } *[class~=hidePhone][width="40"] { width: 40px !important; } td[class~=hidePhone] { display: table-cell !important; } @media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } #userPhoto, .hidePhone, *[class~=hidePhone], td[class~=hidePhone] { display: none !important; } .responsive_table > tr > td, .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, .responsive_table > tr, .responsive_table > tbody > tr { display: block; text-align: left; } html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr > td, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tr, html[dir="rtl"] .responsive_table > tbody > tr { text-align: right; } .responsive_row { margin-bottom: 10px; } .responsive_fullwidth { width: 100% !important; } } @media only screen and (min-device-width: 768px) and (max-device-width: 1024px) { a[href^="tel"], a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: none; color: blue; pointer-events: none; cursor: default; } .mobile_link a[href^="tel"], .mobile_link a[href^="sms"] { text-decoration: default; color: orange !important; pointer-events: auto; cursor: default; } Store Forums Magazine Activity Hey BariatricPal Members! Happy Fourth from BariatricPal! Who doesn’t love a chance to spend time with friends and neighbors while celebrating the freedoms we appreciate so much? Days like this let you reflect on the best things in life, including loved ones and your health. Speaking of your health…what about a BariatricPal newsletter to move you along on your weight loss surgery journey and path towards better health? Here’s what we have. • Take Independence to a New Level • July 4 Bariatric Recipes: American as Apple Pie • The Little Things: Food for Thought on a Holiday Enjoy reading the newsletter, and take advantage of it for ideas and inspiration. Then logon to the BariatricPal Forums for more. Happy Independence Day, and thanks for all your support! Sincerely, Alex Brecher Founder, BariatricPal Take Independence to a New Level You may be living in a free country, but are you living as a free person in every sense of the word? Think deeply, because it may be time to take independence to a whole new level. Declare Your Independence The weight loss surgery journey is as much a psychological and emotional journey as it is a physical one. Many WLS candidates have emotional bonds that have developed over years. You might feel trapped inside your body, feel the need to win others’ approval, blame others for your situation, or feel guilty about the thought of putting yourself and your health first. Declare your independence from these destructive thoughts. You can only lose weight and become mentally healthy when you recognize that you are ready to take the WLS journey, regardless of anyone around you. Lead the Charge Now that you have declared your independence, show that you are serious and capable. Follow through with your resolutions by taking the actions you need for success. • Grocery shopping and preparing meals. • Making the necessary appointments, whether with your surgeon, regular doctor, or nutritionist. • Taking your bariatric vitamins and monitoring your blood levels. Independence, Not Isolation Being an independent person does not mean you should be isolated. Nobody can or should try to have WLS success on their own, and neither should you. Surround yourself with great support, such as: • A surgeon and bariatric team with a nutritionist. • WLS buddies – and check BariatricPal for WLS buddies who live near you, have your surgery date, or share your goals or personal interests. • A weight loss friend to keep you on track on a daily basis. • Family members who ask how you are doing and help you make the right food choices. • Exercise buddies. You may be pleasantly surprised to discover how willing people are to give you a hand, and how great you feel when someone asks you for help in return. July 4 Bariatric Tricks and Treats: American as Apple Pie The ideal Independence Day for anyone involves good company, good times, and good food. The ideal Independence Day for a WLS patient includes good nutrition. Guess what: there is no conflict here! Backyard Barbecue In the backyard or at the park, you can take charge to make sure your July 4 cookout fits right into your meal plan. Help yourself to a lean turkey or chicken burger patty or a veggie burger served on a lettuce leaf. You can keep it classic with mustard, fat-free mayo, pickles, ketchup, and a slice of non-fat cheese. Or liven it up by adding some goat or blue cheese before grilling it. Save yourself some carbs and fat by choosing Protein Chips for a side instead of regular potato chips. Delightful Desserts Some desserts are just…American. You can skip the extra sugar and calories while getting the flavors you crave with choices such as a Chocolate Chip Protein Cookie (150 calories, 15 grams protein) or a Soft-Baked Brownie (120 calories, 15 grams protein). If the only thing that will do it for you is apple pie, try a Baked Apple made with Protein Pudding. You can give it a little whole-grain crunch with oats for a topping. Metabolism Boosters Okay, we admit it: that is just a term we are using for exercise. You can get moving before, during, or after your July 4th celebration to burn calories and remind yourself how good it feels to do good things for yourself. If you do not have a regular workout scheduled, consider one or more of the following. • Walking in or alongside your neighborhood July 4th parade. • A game of frisbee, volleyball, or soccer at your July 4th picnic…or a three-legged race, tug-of-war, or scavenger hunt: extra points for silliness! • A July 4th 5k run or walk. The Little Things: Food for Thought on a Holiday If you are like a lot of people, you are very busy. You go through each day getting done the essentials, but maybe not much else. As a WLS patient, you probably come close to hitting your protein goals, and you make sure to stick with your allowed foods, but is there anything else you could be doing to keep yourself healthy and losing weight? If you can set aside a few minutes on July 4th, you might want to think about a few small things you can do that can have major payoffs. • Gather some recipes. Rather than gourmet, think “functional:” high-protein, easy make, and easy to divide into portions. Examples include chili, egg and cheese muffin cups, and bariatric meatloaf in slices or muffin tins. You can always make a batch of your go-to favorites on the weekend and have delicious and nutritious food all week. • Re-read your pre-op and post-op bariatric vitamin instructions. Are you taking your multivitamin and all of your other recommended supplements? They keep your metabolism going and do so much more. • Order a kitchen scale if you do not already have one. You may be amazed at how easy they are to use and how much they can help you lose more weight by keeping portions to the size they should be. • Take inventory of protein supplements such as bars and shakes, and order more if you need them. There is no excuse for missing meals and snacks! This July 4th can be a great one for your health and weight loss, both on the holiday and for months to come. Take some time to make it happen, and you will be glad you did. And, be sure to have fun and tell us about it on the BariatricPal Forums! Stop paying for nutritional supplements! Check your insurance eligibility now! If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click *|unsubscribe|* or to unsubscribe from ALL BariatricPal E-Mail Click Here.

The Syntrax ones are my favorite. Got them from BJ's Bariatrics (online) because you can do a "make your own" sample packs and choose what flavors you want.

There are some great surgeons in Mexico, however you must be very careful when choosing one. For instance, stay away from the ones that still use the outdated 4cc bands. The 4cc bands are no longer used in the US due to their very high rate of complications, but many Mexican surgeons still use them because they can get them at a cheaper cost. Also, you need a bariatric surgeon locally to do your fills and manage your health. It's very important you find one before having surgery in Mexico because many American doctors won't touch a patient banded in Mexico so it's crucial you have one established ahead of time. Otherwise, you run the risk of coming home with a band no one to fill it or help you. Just my personal opinion, but I wouldn't go to Mexico for any form of Medical Tourism, including weight loss surgery. I just don't feel like your health is something to "shop around" for the best deal on. Best wishes.

Hello all, I'm 7 months out (almost) and I am having surgery on my urethra on the 13th...am I supposed to call my bariatric surgeon and let him know???? Thanks! rain

I was sleeved on 11/9 after nearly 3 years of being banded (my band came out in August). I woke up from surgery and have been starving since. I know it's not head hunger - after nearly 3 years with the band, I know what head hunger is, and I know what it's like to not be hungry. It's not acid. It's not thirst - I'm drinking 100 ounces of Water daily. I'm on mushies/purees and it's still not helping. Today, I had my follow-up with my surgeon. He is not overly shocked I am hungry, but he was a bit surprised. He sent me for a upper GI to check my esophagus. He suspects dilation due to the damage from the band. If it is, it should just take a few more weeks to go back to normal. He said he can't promise, but he's 99.9% sure that within the next three weeks, I will feel satiation as my body adjusts to the band being gone, my hernia being fixed, and the rest of the scar tissue from the band finally removed. The doc that did the test, though, said there was no dilation, however, they also said my band wasn't slipped when it was, so they are not bariatric specialists (I'm not complaining or upset, just stating.) He did say my surgery was picture perfect (sans scar tissue and hernia), that I had a normal size stomach, that he went a bit tighter than normal, and he sees no reason it won't work long term. I also talked to a friend of mine who is a revision, and she said she literally cried the first three weeks she had her sleeve because she was so hungry. Then it got better, and now she loves it! She had it about 6 months ago, so I am hopeful I will be the same. Oh, and he cleared me to eat turkey tomorrow! He also suggested I drink some warm tea after I have a few bites of Protein to help add volume to my food to give me that sensation of fullness. So, I am not 100% convinced, but I feel 90% better about this whole thing. My other non-medical theory is my poor bowels are empty, as I still have diarrhea, and how could I feel full when they are empty?! LOL, I know it's a stupid theory, but I am adding it to my pile. And if I start losing weight again, I'd be even happier! Again, he reassured me this is normal, and according to his scale, I'm down an even 30 lbs. So, after all that, anyone hungry at first? Or still? Has it gone away? Gotten better? Thanks!

My best advice would be to start seeing a psychologist, find a support group like Overeaters Anonymous or for bariatric patients, and remember that everything will get better. Your brain signals will change after surgery and you'll crave the crap less and less. You'll still be able to enjoy the old foods usually, but in moderation because there's that physical realty them there's the part of your brain that will be rewired and can tell you finally that one cookie is enough. Pre-op seems to be the hardest time for most because we have to rely on a broken will power and decades of bad habits. I feel ya. I'm supposed to eat Atkins style for pre-op. I started yesterday but had a cookie binge late at night. It was weird because I feel asleep soon after and woke up later with a swollen face. It was a scary thing but the swelling went away.

Many many years ago (feels like another lifetime) I was a runner. I loved it and it always made me upset with myself that I have become so fat and out of shape. Every attempt I have made to lose the weight and get back on track have failed (obviously why I am here). Now I am nearly 10 days post op and feel optimistic and a renewed sense of self confidence that I felt I had lost. Reading about the program on here was a wonderful surprise and I am totally excited for when I will be able to start this. Never heard of it before. I am wondering for you all that have done this program how soon you were able to start after being banded? I just got myself a gym membership and can hardly wait.

So, I called my insurance Tuesday to see if they had received the request to approve the surgery and they did not have a record of it. Ok, so I called the Bariatric Coordinator and she resent it with a note "2nd Request" and the next day she received a voicemail from the insurance that I met all criteria but I had to go through nutritional counseling. I was so frustrated! Both she and I had called and there were no pre-requsites only medical necessity. So, she called the insurance company back and they have not returned her call as of this afternoon. I have also reached out to our HR Benefits Director to check on this as both myself and the Bariatric Coordinator were told that there were no pre-requisites. I specifically asked was there anything else needed such as psych eval, nutritional counseling, etc. and they say no...just medical necessity. So, still waiting for an answer. Please keep me in your prayers that this will get cleared up quickly.

OhSoNique, I had called the insurance to see what the requirements were and was told only "medical necessity." I specifically asked during the phone call were there any requirements such as psych eval, weight counseling, nutritional counseling and was told that medical necessity was the only requirement. The Bariatric Coordinator for my surgeon had also verified (by phone) what were the requirements and she was told "medical necessity" was the only requirement. So, that was the information we started with and then they came up with the nutritionist thing. Another girl at my work who had the band had to have emergency gallbladder surgery and the surgeon unfastened her band because it had slipped. Evidently, once they slip the likelihood of the band slipping again is much greater. She is looking to do a sleeve. When she had the band surgery she only had to have a sleep study. Same insurance now wants her to go to nutritionist before they will approve the surgery. It appears the rules change at their discretion.

Well today I had a consult with a surgeon who specializes in bariatrics. I was weighed in at 229 lbs and a height of 5'4, which makes my BMI 39.3. Firstly, I've always been measured at 5'3. The surgeon stated I was a great candidate for the lapband procedure but stated my insurance would not pay because my bmi isn't 40. He stated my insurance requires my BMI to be 40 or 35 (with a co-morbidity) for the past three years. He did not see what could be done to help me qualify nor did he request to retrieve my medical records from my pcp or other physicians. I immediately contacted my insurance company and they stated they do not have to have pre authorization, but there's a possibility they may request info in the future and if they find it was not medically necessary, they would withdraw the benefit. My insurance company gave me the info for a doctor who has a 98% approval rate. I do not have any comorbidites other than asthma, very infrequent menstrual cycles, and infrequent high blood pressure. I spoke with the staff at the doctor's office my insurance company referred me to and she was very optimistic about being able to help get me approved. I prayed before I went in the doctor's office asking God to reveal the best option to me, I can't help but wonder if I'm going against God's answer to my prayer by seeking approval through another physician. Having this surgery is very important to me. It's something I have desired to do for the past three years. I really want this. I know of a lady who has the sleeve and was denied twice before she received approval. How often do people get approved after being denied. I wasn't denied by my insurance company. The doctor simply didn't try seek approval from my insurance. The moment the calculated my BMI and saw that it was 40, they were pushing me to finance the procedure. Advice anyone. What should I do? How do I get my insurance to pay?

I don't know any docs in Indiana; but why don't you 1. check with your insurance to find in-network surgeons 2. check a phone book and/or 3. google "lap band surgeons in Indiana" or whatever your city is? If you can't find "lap band" try "Bariatric".

I am 3 months out and live by the Bariatric Advantage chocolate protein powder. I mix it with almond milk. Love love love it! If I want to get creative I'll add pb2 and banana and blend it.

So I'm sitting with the bariatric coordinator now and she is scheduling my surgery July 7th!! Finally a date set in stone!!!! So ecstatic! just thought is share with you all!