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Speaking as someone who was too full for months...sounds like you're too full. I was getting stuck at least once (usually more) times a day despite taking tiny bites and chewing it to mush and then swallowing that bite in 2-3 swallows. When I finally went in to the bariatric clinic, they said that's a sure sign of being too full. The always ask if I've been coughing so I think that's another although I haven't had that particular problem. Call your doc. .

Wow. Thank you Merydia. There are times where it gets difficult-I realize that. And sometimes it's hard for me but I look at it like this: the past 2 years has been all about taking good care of myself. I've seen a counselor, made new friends, started a new life. I call it repair, rebuild and renew myself. I have not always been able to focus on me/my needs and sadly, it took leaving my ex hubby to realize that.

You also might try Washington Bariatrics in Renton near Valley Medical center. My Doctor was Dr Earl Fox and to see him I have to travel to Richland but the place in Renton said they would take me as a patient.

i believe it means that the insurance does cover bariatric surgery but you have to meet all the requirements for you to get coverage.

Be careful; I contacted a local bariatric department to see if they would do the aftercare and they told me they would not do it for anyone having surgery abroad. I have since heard that this is common.

Great feedback! Anyone using Celebrate Vitamins? That is what they have at my docs office. And I wish they would all take the word Bariatric off the bottles - for those of us keeping this private!!!!!

Hey all I saw 3 articles today about studies done on women who have undergone weight loss surgery and then got pregnant. Basically all of the articles say that the studies show that women should wait 12-18 months before conceiving. My doctor said in his info seminar that he reccommends 2 years. I never would have thought to ask when I went to the seminar. Partially because I'm too focused on getting out of school already! (It's taking sooo long, but it's my fauly for that sooo... ) Anyways I thought I would post here about it, Not sure if I can post links or not? But I have them if anyone is interested. Any thoughts? Have a good one all!

In all of my researching I have never found an instance of bariatric surgery or any other kind causing cancer. I have had prostate cancer and it had nothing to do with surgery. Some people think biopsies release cancer but no definitive answers there. If cuts cause cancer why wouldn't we get skin cancer from all the gashes we get stitches for? All surgery is is sewn up cuts. I've had dreams about gigantic cartoon characters trying to run me down and stomp me. Sponge Bob is not as nice as people think he is.

Your doc is right--the emotional roller coaster IS very normal. Some people don't have it at all; others have it big-time. I was (and still am) someone who has it big-time. Is there a therapist that is connected with the bariatric program you're in that you could see? It might help a lot. I know it has for me. Also if you have access to bariatric support groups (in person ones), they can be very helpful. Body image is a huge adjustment for a lot of us and has many layers that can surface. Maybe you can do some online searching (WLS body image; WLS self confidence). Also, if you haven't ever tried journaling, maybe you might want to look into doing that. Really think about all the progress you've made, and that you don't want to allow yourself to do these "cheat meals/days." You are better than that, and you deserve better than that for yourself. Stay on your program, because cheating eating is going to send you down the road to weight gain and we all know how depressing that can be. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Sometimes we just have to let our feelings sit there for awhile while our brains catch up. It sounds like you've accomplished a lot in a short 7 months. This is a big life-changing event. Right up there with graduations, marriage, having kids, etc. There's a lot of learning, growing, and adjusting to go. Just go with the flow. Take care.

It could last at least 6 weeks. I went to the ER bc I thought I had a blood clot but didn't, and the ER doc told me I was gassy (listening through stethoscope) and may have a leak. I though WTH? It wasn't he just didn't have any experience with bariatric surgery.

Is there a military hospital that you can go to and get the sleeve if that is the surgery you really want. I refused RNY/bypass when I had to revise from the band and I listed the reasons below. I've also included the basic information about both surgeries. There are many reasons why I chose VSG instead of RNY, and my VSG was covered at a military hospital 100%. I would recommend checking out the obesityhelp.com website, look under surgical forums, check out the Revision forum so you can see how many people are looking to revise from RNY because of weight regain or complications, and then check out the failed weight loss surgery forum just so you can get an idea of people that are further out. Here are my reasons for getting VSG instead of RNY: The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy procedure (also called Sleeve Gastrectomy, Vertical Gastrectomy, Greater Curvature Gastrectomy, Parietal Gastrectomy, Gastric Reduction, Logitudinal Gastrectomy and even Vertical Gastroplasty) is performed by approximately 20 surgeons worldwide. This forum is titled “VSG forum” to include the two most common terms for the procedure (vertical and sleeve). The earliest forms of this procedure were conceived of by Dr. Jamieson in Australia (Long Vertical Gastroplasty, Obesity Surgery 1993)- and by Dr. Johnston in England in 1996 (Magenstrasse and Mill operation- Obesity Surgery 2003). Dr Gagner in New York, refined the operation to include gastrectomy(removal of stomach) and offered it to high risk patients in 2001. Several surgeons worldwide have adopted the procedure and have offered it to low BMI and low risk patients as an alternative to laparoscopic banding of the stomach. It generates weight loss by restricting the amount of food (and therefore calories) that can be eaten by removing 85% or more of the stomach without bypassing the intestines or causing any gastrointestinal malabsorption. It is a purely restrictive operation. It is currently indicated as an alternative to the Lap-Band® procedure for low weight individuals and as a safe option for higher weight individuals. Anatomy This procedure generates weight loss solely through gastric restriction (reduced stomach volume). The stomach is restricted by stapling and dividing it vertically and removing more than 85% of it. This part of the procedure is not reversible. The stomach that remains is shaped like a very slim banana and measures from 1-5 ounces (30-150cc), depending on the surgeon performing the procedure. The nerves to the stomach and the outlet valve (pylorus) remain intact with the idea of preserving the functions of the stomach while drastically reducing the volume. By comparison, in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the stomach is divided, not removed, and the pylorus is excluded. The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass stomach can be reconnected (reversed) if necessary. Note that there is no intestinal bypass with this procedure, only stomach reduction. The lack of an intestinal bypass avoids potentially costly, long term complications such as marginal ulcers, vitamin deficiencies and intestinal obstructions. Comparison to prior Gastroplasties (stomach stapling of the 70-80s) The Vertical Gastrectomy is a significant improvement over prior gastroplasty procedures for a number of reasons: 1) Rather than creating a pouch with silastic rings or polypropylene mesh, the VG actually resects or removes the majority of the stomach. The portion of the stomach which is removed is responsible for secreting Ghrelin, which is a hormone that is responsible for appetite and hunger. By removing this portion of the stomach rather than leaving it in-place, the level of Ghrelin is reduced to near zero, actually causing loss of or a reduction in appetite (Obesity Surgery, 15, 1024-1029, 2005). Currently, it is not known if Ghrelin levels increase again after one to two years. Patients do report that some hunger and cravings do slowly return. An excellent study by Dr. Himpens in Belgium(Obesity Surgery 2006) demonstrated that the cravings in a VSG patient 3 years after surgery are much less than in LapBand patients and this probably accounts for the superior weight loss. 2) The removed section of the stomach is actually the portion that “stretches” the most. The long vertical tube shaped stomach that remains is the portion least likely to expand over time and it creates significant resistance to volumes of food. Remember, resistance is greatest the smaller the diameter and the longer the channel. Not only is appetite reduced, but very small amounts of food generate early and lasting satiety(fullness). 3) Finally, by not having silastic rings or mesh wrapped around the stomach, the problems which are associated with these items are eliminated (infection, obstruction, erosion, and the need for synthetic materials). An additional discussion based on choice of procedures is below. Alternative to a Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass The Vertical Gastrectomy is a reasonable alternative to a Roux en Y Gastric Bypass for a number of reasons Because there is no intestinal bypass, the risk of malabsorptive complications such as vitamin deficiency and Protein deficiency is minimal. There is no risk of marginal ulcer which occurs in over 2% of Roux en Y Gastric Bypass patients. The pylorus is preserved so dumping syndrome does not occur or is minimal. There is no intestinal obstruction since there is no intestinal bypass. It is relatively easy to modify to an alternative procedure should weight loss be inadequate or weight regain occur. The limited two year and 6 year weight loss data available to date is superior to current Banding and comparable to Gastric Bypass weight loss data(see Lee, Jossart, Cirangle Surgical Endoscopy 2007). First stage of a Duodenal Switch In 2001, Dr. Gagner performed the VSG laparoscopically in a group of very high BMI patients to try to reduce the overall risk of weight loss surgery. This was considered the ‘first stage’ of the Duodenal Switch procedure. Once a patient’s BMI goes above 60kg/m2, it is increasingly difficult to safely perform a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or a Duodenal Switch using the laparoscopic approach. Morbidly obese patients who undergo the laparoscopic approach do better overall in their recovery, while minimizing pain and wound complications, when compared to patients who undergo large, open incisions for surgery (Annals of Surgery, 234 (3): pp 279-291, 2001). In addition, the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass tends to yield inadequate weight loss for patients with a BMI greater than 55kg/m2 (Annals of Surgery, 231(4): pp 524-528. The Duodenal Switch is very effective for high BMI patients but unfortunately it can also be quite risky and may be safer if done open in these patients. The solution was to ‘stage’ the procedure for the high BMI patients. The VSG is a reasonable solution to this problem. It can usually be done laparoscopically even in patients weighing over 500 pounds. The stomach restriction that occurs allows these patients to lose more than 100 pounds. This dramatic weight loss allows significant improvement in health and resolution of associated medical problems such as diabetes and sleep apnea, and therefore effectively “downstages” a patient to a lower risk group. Once the patients BMI is lower (35-40) they can return to the operating room for the “second stage” of the procedure, which can either be the Duodenal Switch, Roux–en-Y gastric bypass or even a Lap-Band®. Current, but limited, data for this ‘two stage’ approach indicate adequate weight loss and fewer complications. Vertical Gastrectomy as an only stage procedure for Low BMI patients(alternative to Lap-Band®and Gastric Bypass) The Vertical Gastrectomy has proven to be quite safe and quite effective for individuals with a BMI in lower ranges. The following points are based on review of existing reports: Dr. Johnston in England, 10% of his patients did fail to achieve a BMI below 35 at 5 years and these tended to be the heavier individuals. The same ones we would expect to go through a second stage as noted above. The lower BMI patients had good weight loss (Obesity Surgery 2003). In San Francisco, Dr Lee, Jossart and Cirangle initiated this procedure for high risk and high BMI patients in 2002. The results have been very impressive. In more than 700 patients, there were no deaths, no conversions to open and a leak rate of less than 1%. The two year weight loss results are similar to the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and the Duodenal Switch (81-86% Excess Weight Loss). Results comparing the first 216 patients are published in Surgical Endoscopy.. Earlier results were also presented at the American College of Surgeons National Meeting at a Plenary Session in October 2004 and can be found here: www.facs.org/education/gs2004/gs33lee.pdf. Dr Himpens and colleagues in Brussels have published 3 year results comparing 40 Lap-Band® patients to 40 Laparoscopic VSG patients. The VSG patients had a superior excess weight loss of 57% compared to 41% for the Lap-Band® group (Obesity Surgery, 16, 1450-1456, 2006). Low BMI individuals who should consider this procedure include: Those who are concerned about the potential long term side effects of an intestinal bypass such as intestinal obstruction, ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Those who are considering a Lap-Band® but are concerned about a foreign body or worried about frequent adjustments or finding a band adjustment physician. Those who have other medical problems that prevent them from having weight loss surgery such as anemia, Crohn’s disease, extensive prior surgery, severe asthma requiring frequent steroid use, and other complex medical conditions. People who need to take anti-inflammatory medications may also want to consider the Vertical Gastrectomy. Unlike the gastric bypass where these medications are associated with a very high incidence of ulcer, the VSG does not seem to have the same issues. Also, Lap-Band ® patients are at higher risks for complications from NSAID use. All surgical weight loss procedures have certain risks, complications and benefits. The ultimate result from weight loss surgery is dependent on the patients risk, how much education they receive from their surgeon, commitment to diet, establishing an exercise routine and the surgeons experience. As Dr. Jamieson summarized in 1993, “Given good motivation, a good operation technique and good education, patients can achieve weight loss comparable to that from more invasive procedures.” Next: Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy >> This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Advantages and Disadvantages of Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Advantages Reduces stomach capacity but tends to allow the stomach to function normally so most food items can be consumed, albeit in small amounts. Eliminates the portion of the stomach that produces the hormones that stimulates hunger (Ghrelin). Dumping syndrome is avoided or minimized because the pylorus is preserved. Minimizes the chance of an ulcer occurring. By avoiding the intestinal bypass, almost eliminates the chance of intestinal obstruction (blockage), marginal ulcers, anemia, osteoporosis, protein deficiency and vitamin deficiency. Very effective as a first stage procedure for high BMI patients (BMI > 55 kg/m2). Limited results appear promising as a single stage procedure for low BMI patients (BMI 30-50 kg/m2). Appealing option for people who are concerned about the complications of intestinal bypass procedures or who have existing anemia, Crohn’s disease and numerous other conditions that make them too high risk for intestinal bypass procedures. Appealing option for people who are concerned about the foreign body aspect of Banding procedures. Can be done laparoscopically in patients weighing over 500 pounds, thereby providing all the advantages of minimally invasive surgery: fewer wound and lung problems, less pain, and faster recovery. Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Disadvantages Potential for inadequate weight loss or weight regain. While this is true for all procedures, it is theoretically more possible with procedures that do not have an intestinal bypass. Higher BMI patients will most likely need to have a second stage procedure later to help lose the rest of the weight. Remember, two stages may ultimately be safer and more effective than one operation for high BMI patients. This is an active point of discussion for bariatric surgeons. Soft calories such as ice cream, milk shakes, etc can be absorbed and may slow weight loss. This procedure does involve stomach stapling and therefore leaks and other complications related to stapling may occur. Because the stomach is removed, it is not reversible. It can be converted to almost any other weight loss procedure. Considered investigational by some surgeons and insurance companies. Next: >> Frequently Asked Questions About Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy This information has been provided courtesy of Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco (LAPSF). Please visit the Laparoscopic Associates of San Francisco. Bypass information

Hi, I did not end up having my surgery in the Quad City area, but I have dealt with both bariatric centers-Trinity and Genesis. I work at Trinity so I was going to have my surgery there, and I had an AWFUL experience with them. The bariatric center is incredibly disorganized. The only advantage with Trinity is that they only have you put a down payment of $7000 down, and you can pay the remainder on a payment plan in 6 months. You do have to pay the surgeon upfront, which is $4500. All said, after talking with the Genesis bariatric center, I would definantly choose them. I think their preop teaching and postop follow up is much more thourough. I simply did not go to them because I was self pay and I had financial constraints. However, I was MUCH more impressed with their program. Please PM me for any further information you would like!

I'm new to here on this forum. Hello I got couple questions that may have been asked couple times on forum but here it goes..... My insurance is Blue Cross of CA (PPO) My BMI is 48 :embarassed: I have Diabetes, High blood pressure, High cholesterol, sleep Apeana, and just plain fat for over 15year with many diet try So I visit my doctor and he recommend me to Bariatric Surgery for Lapband. So now I have a appointment to talk to Surgeon and also appointment for required seminar. So what are the requirements I need do to guarantee surgery from my insurance? and.... what is the length of time before surgery?

:confused2: Has anyone used the Bariatric Department at Cleveland Clinic? My doctor is recommending it, but I have heard that it takes them a long time to work through insurance? Anyone have somei nfo on that?

You are getting advice from some Very Wise Folks here! I'm a recovering binge eater too. I was bulimic for 15 years then 'upgraded' to the binging only. :-) Vsg has been an excellent tool for me so far. My tastes have changed, esp with regard to sweets and chocolate. I actually took a bite of my song's Bosco stick the other night and ended up spitting it back out. Weird, funky, yeast nastiness. It's literally just how I felt when I was pregnant, during my first trimester. I have had a few minor binges, but we're talking a tiny fraction of what it used to be. Not be able to alternate between sweet and savory REALLY puts a damper on things for me. I used to chase pizza with soda or ice cream. Now I cant imagine the stomach discomfort of drinking soda, and ice cream just reminds me of a frozen protein shake! Who needs that? Of course, the head hunger issues have to be dealt with constructively. After all, I just spent 45 years medicating all possible unpleasant emotions with food. Now I do things like getting on Bariatric Pal. I also find that exercise, my increasing strength, huge decrease in physical pain, better sleep, and increasing confidence are fantastic mood boosters. I am so glad I made this radical commitment to my health!

I changed jobs and my new (crappy) insurance doesn't cover anything bariatric- and on top of that, my doc decided to stop practicing. I found a new doc, and for self-pay patients he has you pay $500 flat for a whole year of fills under fleuroscopy. You might shop around for something like that- and you could pay that out of an HSA or flex spend account. I went in to see him, and one fleuroscopy later he discovered I had a hiatal hernia, which I had surgery for about a month ago. Previous doc didn't use fleuro. If you go with the lower priced insurance, maybe you can use some $ for HSA or flex spend for out of pocket expenses. Good luck! Nicki

I am 7 weeks out and 40 lbs down. In Nov 2015, we are renewing our vows on a beach in Galveston, a place where I spent much of my childhood and is very special. So I took a chance and on a whim bought a dress that I have no idea will fit. But it is a vintage 1940s dress, and in today's sizing, a large. I could not pass it up. I have all the faith that I can make it as I have gone from size 22 pants to size 16. It was crazy and impulsive. But I can't contain my excitement so I went for it. Spread your wings and fly, everyone! Love to all of you from Texas!

Sorry, no I don't know. He offers bariatric care program, so I would call and ask. He's got a website so maybe check that out too. Good luck.

So I was going to get surgery in mexico last year but had to bail on the idea because of some things that happened within my family. I contacted the Bariatric Hospital MX and had approval for the surgery but I'm not sure if im jumping the gun in the process. Can anyone share with me there experience and how they handled it start to finish as far as what if anything they involved there PCP doc in the process, Work leave, Short term disability. I am an Automotive Shop Foreman for a living and I have this irrational fear of being away from my job for a month +. Trying to figure out how to handle all of this is what is stopping me from moving forward at this point and I need all the help I can get. Thanks.

If anyone has hesitated on trying the BP Protein bars ... DONT WAIT any longer ! I just recently bought the variety 7 pack ... and they are better than Quest to me .. Quest was hard and flavorless ... BP bars are soft and chewy and they have great flavor ... a taste you don't mind tasting again ! I was so happy with my purchase ... I just thought I'd share ... in case anyone was wondering and thinking about buying them ... WORTH IT !!

@@mrs kaje Thank you! Yes all Bariatric Pal has their own bars and other items .... Just click the little purple box at the top of the page that says "STORE" ...

I am over a year out and have never crushed anything. Although since my surgery I am on no meds and don't have to take any pills. I use Bariatric Advantage chewable vitmamins.

I do not own a scale because I know that I can get a bit obsessive about weighing myself and I like being surprised about my weight loss or gain. This time though it will be too long to go until I see the bariatric team again (6mos). I make sure I always get protein in and I need to get better about having veggies instead of potatoes. But over all I eat pretty healthy Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

First, get all the bad food out of your house if possible. Second, check Pinterest. There are lots of Bariatric friendly recipes on there. Third, are you using fresh veggies, frozen, canned? Fourth, play with your food. Try squeezing lemon on steamed broccoli. Making mashed cauliflower with cheese. Add 1/4 to1/2 of a mashed banana and a little honey to a mashed sweet potato. If it doesn't work for you never make it again, if it does work add it to your recipe file. Finally, and this is big for me personally, plan your menu for the week. That way you can shop for everything at one time, prepare what you can ahead of time, and you can vary things so you're not eating the same things over and over.

My advice would be to read as many posts as you can. You will learn that many people are doing things differently because every surgeon requires something different. It is mind boggling sometimes. Be prepared for probable hair loss. You can research stalls, hair loss, and anything else here that you read about, since there are thousands of previous posts. Welcome here, you will learn that Bariatric Pal will be your new best friend! Best wishes!