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It sound very much like Dumping Syndrome. It may be the oiliness, the bread, the amount of food or the eggs. All are symptomatic. Eggs, chicken, fats, sugar and bread are particularly difficult for lots of bariatric patients Even now I can not eat bread unless it is toasted so crispy that it snaps. Its all about trial and error, you are early out and I dont know what regime you have been given but at 5 weeks out I was still on soft foods. Even now I can only eat one egg for a meal. Until your new tummy heals, you wont have any feelings of fullness. At your stage my nose would run or I would sneeze and that was my cue to stop eating. Its all a learning curve and its not easy.
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September surgery buddies!!
JustAMomATX replied to Slwhurst's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Surgery set for Sept 9!!! I’m working on stocking up on vitamins now. My doc recommends Bariatric Advantage brand?? Anyone have feedback on this? -
So I was discharged less than 24 hours after the surgery (I'm in Dominican Republic), was walking and going to the bathroom by myself just after 2 hours (I think, is a little fuzzy) post op. The barium test was the worst (But my surgeon said my procedure was test book perfect!!!), I started vomiting right after the test and after that it was on and of on Saturday and Sunday, I think I was getting used to the smaller sips. Something that help was having little ice cubes filled with Gatorade (wich I hated before surgery now the mere sight of it makes me gag) and Electrolyte, those are life savers. The food for this stage are bahhh, the high of my week was today that I got to make my own vegetable and chicken consomme, have my 2.5 ounces really slowly, tasting the chicken. Sleeping has been tricky, but I must admit that last night I didn't need pain meds to sleep, I was restless, but it has to do with the fact that I'm not sleeping in my bed or in my apartment ( I moved during the pandemia to another city for work and now I don't recognize my old bed as my own anymore). My sister and my nephew are taking care of me, support that I don't have in the city I work. Tomorrow is my 5 days post-op follow up, gonna ask my surgeon if I can go home on Saturday, I just have to be mindful of the schedule for eating and drinking water (and not rely so much on my sister and nephew for that). My wounds are healing really good the one in the belly bottom fell by it self today and it doesn't hurt. The bigger insicion (where they took the stomach) and the fartest one on the left are the one with some discomfort today. Walking is a must, today I feel great compare with other days, because I've been really active, coming up and down the stairs of the house, cooking for my self and my nephew, playing lightly with the dog, doing some light house shore to help my sis a little bit. No being in bed the whole day ( like sunday and monday). Sorry if you see any grammar mistakes, english is not my first language and in Dominican Republic we don't have forums or social groups for Bariatrics patients. Sent from my SM-N975U using BariatricPal mobile app
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Thank you so much for that information! How do you figure out plan exclusions? I work for a large bank and in their little healthcare “breakdown” it shows Bariatric surgery is covered (in-network with “distinguished centers”) covering 80% after co pay/out of pocket max. With that I am assuming that because the “brochure” states it’s covered that means that all three options my job provides for medical insurance will cover it. My job only lists very minimum criteria (must have BMI over 35, dietician, Psych, etc.) nothing specific, no exclusions listed. I would love to figure all of this stuff out BEFORE I pick an insurance company/plan, but when I call my jobs HR they tell me I have to contact the specific insurance company and tell them the plan & when I call the insurance companies they state the need a “group number” from my job and cannot give me any information until they have it. I can’t even look for specialists/surgeons because no one will even tell me who’s in network. It all just seems crazy to me that no one can tell me ANYTHING.. I feel lost and stumped as to where to look next… do I wait for open enrollment and HOPE that there may be an HR rep that can give me more info or do I have to blindly pick an insurance to go with and hope that their criteria/exclusions aren’t too crazy? Or would it be the same criteria/exclusions across the board because that’s what my job puts into place? I probably sound crazy but I just don’t seem to understand the whole process. It seems like my job, the insurance company AND my specialist/surgeon will all have their own criteria to go by… I just wish I could get all that information (or atleast some of it) before hand… thank you for listening and anymore insight would be much appreciated! Congrats with almost being done with your pre op journey!! That must be so exciting!!!! Are you getting the sleeve or bypass? I’ll be doing the bypass because I have GERD. I’m terrified of the endoscopy ( I hateeee needles) the best of luck on your continued journey!!!
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My health insurance plan does not cover bariatrics (united health) but my husband put me on his plan which started covering bariatrics this year (anthem/bcbs state health benefit plan -Georgia school employee insurance) I have had to get: a sleep study 3 months consecutive weight loss program/advisement by dr Psychological exam (virtual) cardiac exam/clearance nutritionist consult (virtual) endoscopy weekly inhealth coach visits (virtual) 1 year history from primary dr letter of recommendation from primary dr I am mostly done with the requirements.. so far I am lacking one consecutive dr visit (aug 29th), doing cardiac testing tomorrow and endoscopy sept 6th. Don’t have surgery date yet, but end of September or first week in October likely. remember, bariatric coverage is not insurer specific but plan specific. Your plan has to have coverage and no exclusion. Most plans have exclusions in my experience. More are covering it, but they are usually very large employer plans with good overall coverage (expensive coverage ) it’s getting closer and real!
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I’m sorry you’re feeling so crappy. The nutritionist at my doctors office recommended a chewable multivitamin, two in the morning two in the afternoon, and then the only other thing you would have to take is one B 50 supplement chewable pill. But the chewable makes it much easier. The company is bariatric fusion.
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Ok, thank you for that information! Did you get your surgery done in a hospital setting or specialist with his own Bariatric practice? Seems like I just need to pick a insurance and hope for the best haha
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Aetna, BCBS or United Healthcare???
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to AmandaD.'s topic in Insurance & Financing
So I called them, and it took 3 different calls, but they were able to tell me a little (they confirmed I have the coverage, and because I have the diamond plan, it has the absolute most coverage). SO then when I had my first appt with my bariatric surgeon, I was able to speak with the person who handles the insurance and she pulled up my coverage and was really able to give me more clarity on what's covered (basically, all 3 major bariatric surgeries, all the testing, the psych eval, and the 2 nutritionist appts). It really depends on the level of coverage you choose. The higher the plan, the more coverage you get. I have MS and I have had every medication, every MRI, every specialist, every EVERYTHING covered no questions asked. Same with my bariatric surgery, same with PCP, same with pretty much everything. Lower plans (and this goes for any insurance) cover less. Higher plans cover more. -
Much happiness and good thoughts to everyone who is having surgery this week! I'm officially 1 week post-op RNY (with hernia repair)! Here is what I've learned this week from my surgeon, my partner (who is a nurse) and myself: 1) If you are in pain, take your meds. There is no shame in taking pain meds for a major surgery. Everyone's pain tolerance is different and I have been in a fair to high amount of pain since surgery. I'm not sure if it's the RNY plus the hernia repair that is causing this level of pain, but I took whatever pain meds the nurses gave during my hospital stay (there was a combination) and then every 6 hours after I was discharged for the first 3 days and now I'm only taking them when I feel pain, but I still feel pain, so I'm still taking them. 2) Rest. I'm a person who is always on the go and it's been difficult for me to just REST. It's driving my partner (the nurse) crazy. He keeps reminding me "It's only been ____ days! You just had two major surgeries! Rest please!! Sit down! Take a nap!" Don't feel guilty about resting your first week (or weeks) home. 2) PLAN PLAN PLAN. Once I was on full liquids I was shocked at how low the protein value is per BARIATRIC SERVING and quickly realized if I didn't plan what I was going to eat and when I was going to eat it, this will get out of control really fast. Yes, a container of protein greek yogurt has 20 grams of protein in it (a 5.3 oz container), but if you are only eating 2 oz servings at a time, you have cut your protein down to 7.5 g per serving. I've added Isopure to almost everything I eat and I do 5g Isopure per 2 oz food which adds another 4g protein. 3) It's extremely difficult to get your 64 oz of water in. Pre-surgery I was like "that will be easy." Nope. Not at all. First, your new pouch will only hold a sip or two at a time. Too much and it will hurt. And once you are eating full liquids or purees, you have to stop drinking 30 min before, 30 minutes after (and another 10/15/20 to actually eat your food) and if you are eating 3-5x a day...this becomes a full time job. I know it will get easier, but it has been overwhelming right now.
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Hey! I was a tried and true user of ibuprofen before I got my surgery but now that I'm bypassed, it's a no go. I take tylenol as recommended by my doctor for my period cramps and injuries now. I went camping this weekend and hurt my tailbone hiking (took a slip and fell on my booty). Now I have a pretty sore tailbone, it hurts to transition from sitting to standing and hurts to bend down and back up. I have broken my tail bone before so I know it's not broken, just a bad sprain or bruise but man it HURTS! Tylenol is not doing anything for me and I really don't want to take oxy leftover from my surgery because it's a terrible drug, it makes me constipated and makes me fall asleep. Are there any drugs you take with your bypass that actually relieve pain and don't make you tired/high? Thanks!
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Hello! Semi-new here, just starting my journey and trying to get everything situated as much as possible. I am starting my journey in January after I choose/enroll in my job's insurance in October. I know the basic coverages for each insurance plan they offer, and (thankfully) they all offer bariatric coverage. I am having a hard time deciding on which to go with as I know they all have their own specific criteria. I am not having the best of luck getting further information on specifics from neither my workplace or the insurance companies on any specifics and they are both blaming the other party (my job stating the insurance company will have more info/insurance companies stating they need to know the exact policy from my job to give all the info)... I'm ready to pull my hair out as this seems like a huge decision to make going in blindly. I was just wondering if anyone has had any of these insurance companies and your general experience -- I know it depends on specific policies but just in terms of ease/customer service/questions answers/timeliness/billing with these insurance companies? I'll take any advice now to help with my decision! Thank you ☺️
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Holy weight loss, Batman!!!!!!
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I'm 323 as of today. Not sure how I lost 4 pounds in 6 days, but I'll take it lol Actually, I might know. So in therapy, we've been working on healthy balance between eating and working out. I was keeping my calories around 700-800 calories and working out twice per day. I've slooooowly increased my calories to between 1000 - 1100 calories per day and I do one 45 minute work out instead of two 30 minute ones and it seems like once I did that, the weight started really coming off again. Who knew eating MORE calories (along with a reasonable work out plan and not going balls to the wall twice a day every day) would be the most effective way to lose weight? My bariatric team wants me at 700 calories and at least 60 minutes or working out every day. But my body doesn't like that. My likes things the way they are. At least for now. So this is when I really had to lean on my therapist, because she's a bariatric therapist and also specializes in eating disorders, and she kind of gave permission for me to not follow my surgeon's preferences to the letter. I still try to eat what they say and avoid what they say, and I still the kinds of workouts they recommend. I just have to listen to my body when it comes to length and frequency of work outs and amount of calories I take in each day. -
My surgeon recommends celebrate bariatric vitamins and thiamine supplements pre surgery (and celebrate vitamins after()
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Rate of loss post-op
Splenda replied to Jesse Liberty's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Everyone's mileage may vary, but I found this calculator turned out to be pretty accurate for me: https://mexicobariatriccenter.com/bariatric-surgery-weight-loss-timeline-calculator/ On the morning of my surgery, I was 460. This calculator put me at 372 at the 3 month mark. I was 381. It had me at 325 at the six month mark. I was 331. It had me at 267 at the year mark. I am at 261. -
I bought one of those protein laden broths from a Bariatric company. They aren’t bad and since they would something warm you might not mind having that. It has 20gms of protein. I hope you start feeling better soon!
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Revision 6 months after VSG
Tomo replied to starstevenson's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I would talk to a bariatric surgeon and have them see how serious your reflux is and if it they believe it warrants a revision, they will tell you. As far as the poor choices and no weight loss, it could be due to having gerd. I didn't get reflux from my sleeve till years later, long after I had lost most of my weight. I saw a few surgeons, and they all said that I have to get a revision to RNY, otherwise I was risking getting esophageal cancer. I also started having difficulties keeping the weight off. I couldn't sleep at all, hence I ate more for energy. Other times, I ate when my stomach hurt just to temporary pacify the gnawing pain... Etc. It's all related. -
Hey all, it's been a bit since I was on here last. So, I figured I'd talk about the appointments so far. I'm still pre op and don't have a surgery date yet and I more than likely won't for awhile. Which sucks🤷♀️ but oh well, we all know it takes time. I had my first official appointment last month with my first official weigh in! They gave me a weight loss goal to reach which they want me to be in 150 to 155. According to the BMI chart that still makes me overweight, but that gave my that goal so that I dont get discouraged and its more realistic.My ultimate weight loss goal is to get down to 125. I've been overweight/obese my whole life and I just want my weight to be considered a normal weight, you know? Probably not a good mind set right? I already had one of the classes I need to take required by the surgical team. Which was the importance of exercise. Which went great. I also met up with the bariatric psychiatrist for a mental health evaluation. This week I have a huge appointment coming up on Friday. The appointment consists of a bundle of testing. Blood work, EKG, chest xray(I believe). I meet up with the nutritionist, I meet up with the physical therapist too (I think that is what it is) and after all of that I have a regular followup appointment to go over the bundle testing that day. So Friday is going to be a long day haha. The next appointment after that is another follow up and lastly I have a behavior modification class scheduled for October. After those appointments I think all that's left is another appointment with the nutritionist, another class and follow up appointments. What are the appointments you guys have to go through before even getting a surgery date? sorry for all the writing, but this is the only place I can really talk about it since I want to keep this journey to myself. Until I am ready to announce to people. Which that won't be until I lose a significant amount of weight. Thanks for listening!
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I've always taken Centrum Silver or the generic equivalent. If you take grocery store/drug store vitamins, you have to take two a day (some of the bariatric specific ones you only have to take one a day)
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Revision 6 months after VSG
Spinoza replied to starstevenson's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I'm so sorry you're having to consider revision so soon after your original surgery. Do you think it might be useful to think about the weight loss you've managed to achieve with your current surgery, and the reflux you've unfortunately experienced separately? I have had reflux symptoms for years. They always improved when I lost weight, so after a long discussion with my surgeon I decided to go for sleeve gastrectomy as opposed to bypass. In my case the gamble (calculated) paid off. I DID in fact improve as soon as I lost a significant amount of weight again. With regards to losing weight after a VSG that is an issue you might want to address completely separately. If you can eat around a sleeve then you may be able to eat around a bypass. Do you have food addiction issues or other psychological issues that might benefit from discussion with a bariatric therapist? Having had my sleeve 9 months ago I can't imagine how I would have approached it other than how I did - as a tool to help me lose weight if I stuck to certain (hard) rules. I wish you all the best in your journey. There are many many roads to successful long-term weight loss. Seems like you've already taken a big step along one of those roads. -
Rate of loss post-op
Elidh replied to Jesse Liberty's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Jessica, Here’s a link to a bariatric surgery outcomes predictor that many professionals use: https://michiganbsc.org/DecisionTools/ -
I usually don't digest vitamins too well, but I've tried the bariatric pal chews and they are working well for me. They come in 4 flavors and my surgeons office gave me the samples.
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I was also told no on gum from my surgeon. Found this info online not to chew gum after their weight loss surgery. First, some gums can have a lot of sugar, which contributes unnecessary calories into the diet, making it harder to lose weight. But, even if they opt for a sugar free version, chewing gum can cause problems in bariatric patients. The act of chewing gum allows air to enter into your digestive tract. For people who haven’t had bariatric surgery, this may not cause any problems. But for bariatric patients having air in their digestive tract can lead to gas and abdominal discomfort. In the first few weeks after gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery, some patients report excess saliva. Chewing gum can also lead to saliva production, potentially compounding their problem. Another problem with gum chewing after bariatric surgery is the potential for any swallowed gum to cause a blockage. After gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or lap band surgery patients are educated to chew their food thoroughly to a paste like consistency. As much as you chew your piece of gum, it will never be such a consistency. The wad of gum can potentially lead to a blockage if swallowed. Most do not find the risk worth it. A great place
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Out of pocket payment before Insurance??
AmandaD. replied to AmandaD.'s topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
That is crazy. This is the first I am hearing of a “max lifetime benefit” for Bariatric - I’ll have to look into that. I still have time I have three options for insurance. BCBS is one of them but I’ve had them before and they were honestly a complete nightmare constantly messing up claims from a pregnancy, so I won’t go with them anymore haha. That also makes it seem like your surgery is crazy expensive lol which procedure are you getting done? My OOP max across the board is 3000 so I’m hoping that’s all I have to pay out of pocket. Hopefully you only end up paying $400! This whole process seems stressful, and long. Hoping to get my surgery summer on 2023! Good luck in your adventure! -
Out of pocket payment before Insurance??
tranquil_chaos replied to AmandaD.'s topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I have Anthem (BCBS) and my deductible is $400 and my out-of-pocket maximum is $2500. I've paid $2100 already because it was the accumulation of all the pre-op testing and appointments I have had since starting the process in Jan 2022. When scheduling for my surgery, which was August 9th, the surgeon's office called the insurance company 3x to verify approx what my out of pocket remaining cost will be after surgery is billed and they told me $400 to meet my OOP-max and that anything over that would be paid 100%. But...my specific insurance plan has a $20K max lifetime benefit on bariatric surgery. And when I went in for my consult in Dec 2021, they told me that, after meeting the OOP-max, it would still be $12k that I would have to pay the surgeon's office. So...I got two drastically different numbers. Either I'm paying $400 or anywhere up to $12k and I have no idea what it will be until the billing goes through. HOW STRESSFUL IS THIS??? Insurance is crazy! -
Hi Phoenixreborn, congratulations. Im booked in for the Spatz gastric balloon end of September. Im excited but nervous at the same time. May I ask how many millilitres is in your balloon? Where do you get bariatric vitamins from?
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