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I did compare the nutritional facts on this to bariatric infusion. Which is what my surgeon recommended and it was about the exact same so I think it's safe?!

I have researched VSG thouroughly especially doctors opinions on the procedure and what the future holds. There is a video on YouTube with two of the worlds most famous bariatric surgeons and they are asked what the future holds in regards to WLS. There response was that the band will be obsolete because it is not meant for long term and Sleeve will increase by 40% along with 30% of RNY.. They go into detail about why they think this is the case and I tend to agree with this concept.. As long as you take your supplements and get in your protein then 10-20 years from now we will be here to see the latest WLS gatchet... they are always pioneering old procedures with more advanced. Soon the sleeve will be just as common as insulin, as treatment for obesity.. i'm glad to get in on it now.

My doctor suggested pre-natal and that is what I take. I get the chew able ones as well. I did get the bariatric lapband ones at first but they started making me sick. Good luck to you and your journey.

I take the following: 1 ProCare Health Bariatric Multivitamin per day 1 2,500mcg B12 per day 1 10,000mcg Biotin per day 1 500mg Bariatric Advantage Chewable Calcium Citrate per day 1 250mg Bariatric Advantage Chewalbe Calcium Citrate per day 3 65mg Iron pills per day (taken at different times) 3 250mg Vitamin C per day (I take one with each iron pill) 1 50,000iu Vitamin D per week

For the Vitamins, I use the following schedule: Morning: calcium citrate 500mg (Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites) + my morning prescription meds Noon: Multivitamin with Iron (2 Flintstones chewable with Iron) Supper: Calcium Citrate 500mg (Bariatric Advantage Chewy Bites) + my evening prescription meds On Saturday: B12 2500mg sublingual tablet (Sundown Naturals) The first week after surgery, I really struggled trying to get in all of my Protein. I relied totally on Protein shakes to make it happen. In fact, I still do, and I am a little over two weeks out from surgery. I have one shake at Breakfast and one at dinner, and that gives me 60g of protein. I use the rest of the day to sip fluids. Once you get to soft foods, you will probably be able to eat enough protein to wean yourself slowly off of the shakes. But until then, you just have to rely on them.

Hi everybody! My name is Louise and I am a researcher in bariatric surgery from University College Cork in Ireland. Having personal experience of the bariatric journey, I was amazed by the huge psychological impact the surgery has & how much we still need to learn. Ireland has quite a small bariatric community so I would be so grateful if you would lend your voice/experience and be apart of something meaningful. The questionnaire doesnt require any identifying information, just your experience & will take about 15min to complete. I am more than happy to forward you the results once I have completed it if you would like. Here it is https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1eDZE0cIK8ChVCeWrsX1s-QMAshk5oLErL7c7q5Sk2Kw/viewform If you would like anymore information or the final results, my email is listed on the first page. Also, if you decide to do the survey, leave a comment & let me know so I can send positive thoughts and love your way! Thank you so much in advance to anyone who contributes their experience

When you first heard about bypass, they would only touch you if you were a minimum of 100 lbs. overweight. I've never really gotten to that point, but by the same token, I've remained upwards of 80+ pounds overweight for YEARS. It had even crossed my mind about ten years ago just to go for it and GAIN the weight so I could be within the acceptable range. I had never heard of the lapband before March of this year when I read about it in a magazine at my ENT's office when I went in to talk about getting tested for sleep apnea. I had no idea that people with a lower BMI could be acceptable for the procedure and I had renewed hope. At that point in time, they were still trying to adjust my BP meds up to where they would work. My GP was threatening that I was going to get diabetes if I didn't lose NOW. My sleep apnea test came back positive and I though, "This is IT. I HAVE to do SOMETHING." I'm a person who once I make a decision, it's full speed ahead, ZERO regrets. I have never looked back and I am SOOOOOO thankful for this opportunity. My life has literally started over.

Hey all! New to the forums and getting set with my process for Bariatric surgery. I feel like it's the best choice for me for many reasons, namely it's time to stop lugging an additional person around. I am seriously nervous though, a coworker who recently had the sleeve procedure done had leakage issues and was put in the ICU. What keeps you moving through the butterflies and nerves? What is something if you're post op you'd have done differently in the beginning stages? And for fun, what are you looking most forward to on the otherside of surgery? For me, one of the things I'm most excited to see is when I can shop in a different section of the store. I've worn women's sizes since grade school, it's a whole new world and I figure I'll bawl like a baby when it happens. At any rate, thanks for obliging me!

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS. My policy does not have an exclusion for bariatric surgery. BCBS of Illinois admitted that my denial was a MISTAKE. BCBS is now going over my file and an approval should be coming within 24 hrs. They apologized for the error, will re-evaluate my request for surgery and hopefully get back to me quickly. The Dr's office has also been informed by me that I want my surgery scheduled as soon as they get the approval. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! WHAT A JOKE. It looks like the last 24 hrs of torture were a character building experience. I don't have the approval yet, but am confident it should be forthcoming. Prayers really do work. I thank everyone of you who sympathized with me. Your responses of support were really helpful. Again, sincerely, I thank you. Me

Right now I am so devastated I can barely type. My process began on March 20 2013, when I notified BCBS of Illinois concerning Bariatric Surgery. Below is a copy of the correspondence: 03/20/2013 18:44:00 -- Member Question: Hello Unfortunately, at this time I am looking into Bariatric Surgery at the recommendation of my internist. We have a Blue Distinction Bariatric Center in Portland. What are the different steps that Blue Cross requires, under my plan for this surgery. Response: Bariatric Surgery 03/21/2013 15:12:31 - HCSC Response: Hi Patrice, Surgical treatment of morbid obesity may be considered eligible for coverage when all of the physical, clinical and psychological indications are documented according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois current medical policy. A letter of support and/or explanation is helpful but alone will not be considered sufficient documentation to make a medical necessity determination. We are not in a position to consider the request for surgical treatment of morbid obesity due to the lack of available medical documentation to determine medical necessity based on Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois medical policy. The following documented clinical information is necessary for further review. For a member to be considered eligible for benefit coverage of bariatric surgery to treat morbid obesity, the member must meet the following two criteria: 1. Diagnosis of morbid obesity, defined as a: - Body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40 kg/meter (* see guidelines below for BMI calculation); OR - BMI equal to or greater than 35kg/meters with at least two (2) of the following comorbid conditions related to obesity that have not responded to maximum medical management and that are generally expected to be reversed or improved by bariatric treatment: o Hypertension, OR o Dyslipidemia, OR o Diabetes mellitus, OR o Coronary heart disease, OR o sleep apnea, OR o Osteoarthritis; AND 2. Documentation from the requesting surgical program that: - Growth is completed (generally, growth is considered completed by 18 years of age); AND - Documentation from the surgeon attesting that the patient has been educated in and understands the post-operative regimen, which should include ALL of the following components: 1. Nutrition program, which may include a very low calorie diet or a recognized commercial diet-based weight loss program; AND 2. Behavior modification or behavioral health interventions; AND 3. Counseling and instruction on exercise and increased physical activity; AND 4. Ongoing support for lifestyle changes to make and maintain appropriate choices that will reduce health risk factors and improve overall health; AND - Patient has completed an evaluation by a licensed professional counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist within the 12 months preceding the request for surgery. This evaluation should document: 1. The absence of significant psychopathology that would hinder the ability of an individual to understand the procedure and comply with medical/surgical recommendations, AND 2. The absence of any psychological comorbidity that could contribute to weight mismanagement or a diagnosed eating disorder, AND 3. The patient's willingness to comply with preoperative and postoperative treatment plans. The member and their physician(s) are urged to review the full text of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois (BCBSIL) medical policy on this subject on the BCBSIL Website at www.bcbsil.com. Choose the "provider" link at the top of the Website and select medical policies: Surgery for Morbid Obesity (search by policy title). If you any further questions or concerns, please contact our customer service department at the toll-free number on the back of your Blue Cross Blue Shield identification card or via the Message Center on Blue Access for Members. Sincerely, Cheryl M. Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois Customer Service Center For the last six months I have seen the Bariatric Centers Dr's, nutritionist, physical therapist, psychologist and 80% of every appointment was covered by my policy. I have pain my 1500.00 out of pocket expenses and ready to go. Today I found out that my insurance policy has an exemption on Bariatric Surgery. WHAT?????? The insurance company gave me the info above and paid all of the pre surgery visits. I assumed the Dr's office did their job, Submit an electronic Eligibility & Benefits Inquiry (ANSI 270 transaction) to BCBSIL through your preferred online vendor portal. Now I am left disappointed and totally depressed. I just can't understand how this happens.

I am going through Specialized Bariatrics for my sleeve in November. Here is their website. Cathy is the contact person and she is great. It's costing $4500. http://specializedbariatrics.com/

So i've searched & read many of the previous "stall" threads but none seem to be similar to my issue. My HW was 387, SW 338(sleeved on 6/20/18), CW 250lbs. My macros are 1000-1200cals depending on lifting days, 90-110g protein, 50-60g carb per day. I'm lifting heavy 4 days per week with 45min HIIT cardio 5-6x/week. Per Apple Watch I'm burning between 4500-5500 cals per day so clearly burning 3x what I take in. My nut says I am were I need to be macro wise but the scale is just not friggin moving. My goal is cutting another 40lbs. I wonder if I am just not getting enough calories but don't think I can eat more. I don't want to lose any muscle mass, just burn fat. I've spoken with a few trainers who train bodybuilders & they think I am not getting enough calories but they admittedly don't have experience with bariatric surgery. The flip side is I've made a lot of progress and body has changed. I've dropped several sizes(4x to 2x), 50" waist to 40" but have more to go. Seeing people with better numbers and doing much less work is getting very frustrating. My question is- has anyone had a lengthy stall like this and was working out heavy? Was upping calories the answer? Was lowering your macros the answer? and were you able to maintain your muscle mass? TIA!

Also Syntrax Matrix 2.0 has samples. I can't think of the site. I think it's bariatric pantry. I will get it when I go to work.

@@Bufflehead Thank you for the resources. I tried a vague google search and also here on the forums, but didn't find anything for bariatric pantry. Ordering some samplers now - if all else fails, they'll be good for the pre op diet! @@smg I do have sleep apnea, I was previously on a CPAP for it and then later had a tonsillectomy and a UPPP that "cured" it enough to get me off of the cpap, but it seems that I'll need it again if I don't lose this weight. I've had 4 sleep studies and 1 day study, but the most recent were about 2 years ago after I had the lap band removed. Thank you for the tip on About Time, I'm going to order a few to try of those as well.

Can Hardly Wait, I do think they want to repair them if you are having a lap band - to avoid slippage and other complications. The radiologist told me that it would not have to be repaired except for bariatric surgery. Good luck to you this week. Come back here and tell us if they repaired your hernia and how you did! I'll be thinking about you...sending you good luck wishes!

Hello! After 7 years of telling myself I would get myself back to a healthy range, I finally admitted I just can't do it on my own. I've started the process with Mount Auburn Weight Management Center in Waltham/Cambridge MA, and am suddenly terrified that everything will go wrong. I contacted my insurance company (Harvard Pilgrim) and confirmed that They do cover Bariatric Procedures There is no condition requiring a certain amount of time on a program There is no waiting period from entry to surgery date However I just have this feeling that I am going to go through the whole process, only to be told that my insurance denied it and requires me to wait or something. Did any of you run into insurance issues? What are some best practices that I may be able to do to ensure things run smoothly? When I spoke to my insurance, they claimed that *I* didn't have to do anything, that it was all on the docs... but it just can't be that simple! Help and advice would be most appreciated! Anyone else on here have Harvard Pilgrim? Kind regards, Kay

Hey Everyone! Does anyone know of any good Bariatric apps that icon download OUTSIDE OF MY FITNESS PAL? Just interested in other options for tracking. Thanks!

I ultimately told UHC to go f@*& themselves and wound up self funding. They can kiss my large arse and the sting of the cost is subsiding with every pound I lose. My experience, though, came from me following up on a number of health issues over the last year. Each surgeon/doctor I met with coached me to have bariatric surgery. I took their referrals and went straight into THE bariatric program. Seemed a logical progression. The problem is that THE program, while affiliated with the area's most prestigious hospital (out of 6 hospitals) wasn't yet certified as a "center of excellence" (bariatric certificate). They had a great staff, very supportive....and each were former bariatric patients, too.......excellent surgeon...etc, etc. They told me that it'd be no problem to continue and they'd had UHC patients go through all the time. 1/2 way through the deal UHC....who'd been supportive....all the sudden balks over the lacking "center of excellence" bullcrap. I involved the HR department of my employer......and found out that we were actually dropping UHC and moving over to BCBS. The games continued. Our policy with UHC would have only covered me at 50% anyway.....and UHC was delaying. It was looking as if the surgery would be delayed to 2016....by then I'd be under new insurance and no telling how long I'd wait then. Good news was for me, that when I did contact the center of excellence program they were fast in getting me started. They also had been at this for a while longer and had special self-funding insurance safeguards....you self fund and part of your money purchases a policy that covers ANY complication that comes from your bariatric surgery for out to 8 months. This was very appealing to me and I jumped all over it. I'd already met most of my pre-op requirements for the surgeon and my patient advocate at the new center was extremely fast, aggressive and organized. She and I stayed in contact and had everything wrapped up swiftly. The end result was that I had my surgery on October 13, 2015.......when it was looking like at best it would be late December or beyond. By self funding I was able to anchor down the timeframe and it actually cost me less than it would've to use my insurance. Wild ride. The upshot of my story is this.....when working with UHC, or any of them for that matter.......stay in step with them upfront and avoid any bs later on. Involve your HR department at work if/when you are able to. It's amazing how much they can help. Best wishes.

I think it's wonderful that you are happy with your decision to have bariatric surgery and want to share your experience, but unless someone asks, I think it's rude to just go up to a total stranger and suggest they have bariatric surgery. It's difficult enough to feel good about ourselves when we are overweight without a total stranger commenting on it publicly. Personally, I'd be terribly offended and would likely tell you off over my scrambled eggs and bacon. Perhaps you could have a shirt made up that says "I lost 77 lbs and feel great! Ask me how!" and let those who are interested ask. Otherwise, I wouldn't presume total strangers want my opinion on their weight.

No. You can still have the sleeve. I just had the endoscopy done a few weeks ago and they also discovered I had GERD and an ulcer as well and both the GI doctor and the Bariatric DR told me that if anything, the sleeve surgery might help the GERD go away after I lose weight. I just hear that the reflux can be a little worse right after surgery in some people, but that’s temporary.

This is an exciting journey that we are all are taking....You won't regret it.......It's a miracle and I love my tiny stomach.....Can you ask the surgeon what size bougie he uses. My bariatric surgeon told me that anything under a 40 is good with a straight cut......That way it is less likely to stretch.....wish I knew this before my surgery, I would of asked for a 32 bougie instead of a 34.......But I'm totally happy with a 34. there isn't that much difference.....

That is ridiculous! My psych eval was very thorough and detailed! It only cost me 50 of $150! You need another doctor in my opinion! Oxford Bariatric is awesome!

Ok so the drama begins...again. I just called the medical group this morning and they denied me for surgery. They are stating that I do not meet the obesity requirements and that I have to have one comorbidity to qualify with a BMI of 35-39.9, that I have to consult with a registered dietician and enroll in their weight management program. Almost sounds like a standard denial letter that they send out no matter what. I called the surgeon's office and am waiting for a call back from the nurse. They have all of the records from all of the plans that I have already tried. Maybe they did not send them in with the request? I have written an appeal letter. First off, I have a BMI of 40 and per the policy requirements no comorbidity is needed. Second, I have already had the consult with the dietician who agrees that I would be a good candidate for bariatric surgery. Third, I went to a medically supervised weight clinic for two years, belonged to a gym for 5 years and most recently tried the HCG diet. Along with the letter I am submitting all of these records directly to the insurance company. I did call to make an appt with their weight clinic. I will jump through as many hoops as they require. I can't give up on this and I will not go away without a fight! I am feeling so discouraged right now though. I know it's the practice of the insurance company to deny everything. But still I am hopeful that I will win. Any words of encouragement or wisdom would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Cheri

Hello all! I'm just starting my research into the lap band procedure and am attending a seminar at the end of the month. I will be 33 in July and have 3 children under 3. I have struggled with weight all of my life and am at my highest weight now (I'm guessing 260 but haven't been on a scale in 5 months since I gave birth to my daughter). Anyway, our insurance says "Not Applicable" under bariatric surgery. But there are some things listed as "Not covered." Does anyone have any experience with this or know if it's possible to get it covered when the insurance says "N/A" under coverage? I'm afraid to get my hopes up.

My surgeon recommends that any store bought multivitamin will be fine. I read the labels carefully and chose the chewable with the most nutrients in one pill. It's difficult to find any with enough calcium, so that one has to be separate. Right now, I'm using some samples from the docs office that are Bariatric Advantage chewable calcium with Vit D. They kind of have a sourness to them and are cherry flavored. They are huge so I hate to be bothered sucking them down but the taste is manageable. I'm on the hunt for a store brand that I can use when those run out. I guess I need to check the iron level in my multivitamin because I can't remember if it's high enough...