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I had my RNY surgery on May 4th, 2004 to be exact. Like everyone on this site, my weight had been an issue for many, many years and this surgery seemed to be the only option I had left. In fact, a close friend of mine had the surgery before me and it was due to her positive experiences that I began looking into it. Ironically, at the time time I began investigating this surgery, my mother was a nurse working in bariatrics, working for the doctor I would later have the surgery from. I will be the first to tell you, that choosing surgery is a very personal choice. I do not think it is for everyone and feel one should look at all options before choosing surgery. I have not always been open in talking about it, as I was fearful of others negative comments and even more so, my own fear of failing. What if the surgery did not produced the results I want? Before deciding on her surgery, I will admit I was just completely lost. I hated what I looked like and felt just completely out of touch with my inner self as compared to my outer appearance. I would lie to my friends and family about my work schedule simply to miss having anyone see me. I would often times avoid phone calls so that I could not be available. As with any family, I had major issues with facing certain people because it was never good...or made me feel worse. I have a number of family members who never suffered with weight issues....my brother for example has always looked great....my mother and aunt always looked great....my grandparents too. There were people in my family who tried to diet with me, or point out every food item I was eating, saying, "that is your third dinner roll" or, "do you know how many calories are in that?". It was just one comment after another. I was ashamed of what I looked liked, and angry/jealous of others who were skinny or seemed to have no weight issues. Being overweight, simply sucks! Being the fat girl, the one with the great hair and funny personality Sucks! I was sick and tired of being the third wheel, the girl who had a lot of male "friends", or the one who was just a great person to talk to. I had enough! I wanted to change. When you are heavy, there are common comments you tend to hear day in and day out. Some are self generated, while others are said directly.....of course, those comments become our daily motto (at least for me they did). Instead of, you are so beautiful....I would be told "I love your hair", "you are just big boned", "you have your dads figure" (by the way not a compliment...love my dad, but really!". The comments people make are really unbelievable. Ok so I finally decide on surgery. I was approximately 220 pounds before surgery. At this point, I was told by some in a support group I was not heavy enough to have the surgery! Such a crazy response to make in a Support Group session. I stayed 5 days in the hospital....and my weight loss process began. The first year after surgery had its moments. I cannot say it was always easy. Yes, the weight came off....incredibly fast. I was so happy with the results. Eating, that was different and often times a big struggle. I had a very hard time keeping food down...and finding food I was able to tolerate. Overtime, this improved. So much so, that I no longer suffer from the same restrictions as I did in the beginning. I think this was something to expect, but am now facing some realities I truly did not think about as the beginning stages of my weight loss were so successful. My lowest weight was 124 pounds, but that only lasted for half of the day. My stable weight stayed between 132-140. After approximately 3 years after surgery I began gaining weight. Each year there after seemed to be more and more difficult. I remember weighing 138 pounds and visiting my grandfather. Spent a long day with him, only to have him tell me at the end of our visit that I was getting fat! Truth be told, I was gaining weight, I just hated hearing that I was fat! After all, I had a surgery to help with my weight. At approximately 5 years after surgery, I weighed 150. Not a horrible weight, but something definitely needed to change. So, I started running. And got into swimming again...and eventually took up triathlons. I completed 5k's, 10k's, sprint triathlons, half marathons, a swim around the florida keys, half iron-man...the list goes on. I just readjusted my life. Well now, 10 years out from my surgery, I am at an overwhelming weight of 172! I am getting back to the basics....And trying to get back on track. I have joined this site for additional support and to find others just like me. I knew I would gain some weight back, I just never expected to get to where I am now. Yes, I have taken the liberty to eat the wrong foods, to eat too much, to snack...and just simply stop doing what I am suppose to do. I have allowed outside stress and daily life stuff get in the way of my past successes. I am now focusing on me, and what I need to do to get healthy! I want to lose this weight and am determined to be successful. **quick advice for anyone in the beginning stages or ones noticing a weight gain..... Weight loss is not magic, the surgery only works as successfully as You follow it! Be mindful of what you eat, and never take it for granted that it will be the solution you are seeking. I am learning this and am taking full accountability for where I am now. Sorry for such a long post....but thanks for letting me share....

So today, I had to do my labs work which included that nasty 2 hour glucose test. So I was pretty much wiped. I have extremely small veins (I think that is the only part of me that is small). The girl in the lab rocked! Anyways, I also had my EKG at 4 PM. The nurse was awesome and very supportive and talked about how great the doctor I am going to is. So she tells me that Dr. XXXX, is coming in to talk about my EKG. First, let me state he is not a doctor. I think he is like a physician assistant. (My husband was with me) This is our convo: HIM: "So your having surgery? Have you done the psychological evaluation?" ME: "No, the doctor would prefer me to do all the lab and other required testing prior, to ensure I am a good candidate. " HIM: "Well, you know your insurance probably will not pay. The consider it kinda like cosmetic surgery." ME: "I have spoken to BCBS and they do cover Bariatric Surgery." HIM: "Well, there was someone else in the region that has BCBS and they did not pay. You know they have criteria you have to meet. Also, you know there are horrible side effects like dumping sydrome." ME: "The surgery I am considering does not have dumping syndrome and is a relatively new procedure. Yes, I am well aware of BCBS requirments and have done my research." HIM: "There was a lady here that had liposuction and they punctured her lung and she was in the hospital and we could not help her and her insurance is did not cover it. You know we do not endorse the surgery and if you have any reoccurring side effects you will not be covered by our office." ME: MOUTH OPEN HIM: "But if you do decide to do it we want to be there with you to walk you through it." WTF>>>>>>>>>>>>>>, Let me just say this as an American Stationed Abroad, yes, we have different standards, but I didn't need all the negativity and comparsion to COSMETIC SURGERY, again WTF!!! I can understand them CYA'ing and telling me they do not endorse it....I have to be medically cleared to be here and they decide that, so what they yank it?

Is there anyone out there from Mississippi? I am thinking of using Dr. Cunmmings @CMMC Bariatric unit. Anyone here use therm???:lunch:

Thursday, April 17, 2008. So how important is this to me, really? I saw my doctor, and I don't know what I was expecting, but I didn't get it. I guess I was hoping she'd submit a referral for the surgery. What she said was that she wasn't sure how much Pacificare would pay for, that she could refer me to surgeons but she didn't think anyone at the medical center where I see her had experience with bariatric surgery, and we both agreed that it would be best to have someone who knew what they were doing. It's not that she wasn't supportive, but she wasn't as happy as I thought she would be, and she was the one who brought it up during my last visit. She did agree that it might be the best way for me to go, but she also encouraged me to talk to my therapist about behavioral modification. I almost feel that she wants me to try other things before I decide on the lap band or maybe she'd rather I do something else altogether. It just seems like she should be more involved, to me. I told her about going to OA, but not my entire weight loss struggle, or journey, or whatever you'd call it. Maybe she can only submit requests to my IPA, maybe it's because I'm scared, and that's why I'm letting her reaction bother me. I don't know how to explain to someone who's never been there, that I need something that's going to give me portion control. Sometimes, yes, I can have a piece of something, but most of the time that ain't hapenin. Chewing gum, drinking water, not buying the stuff doesn't work with, as my doctor said, any consistency. I feel like just giving up. All this time I've been researching, and now--just like that!--I give up? Did I really want it? I felt some excitement, and hope, too. I was seeing myself thin. I have the names of two doctors, one has been banded, the other, I know, offers free seminars. I wrote down the address and phone numbers. I just assume Pacificare won't pay. Do I want to? What a sorry son of a bitch I am! I went to the vending machine at work, because I just had to have something sweet. Thinking I'd bought three packages of Oreos, and it turned out I had three packages of corn nuts! One of my co workers bought them from me because she loves them, and I got my Oreos, but jeeze! what atrip! I've just eaten two. It's no problem for me to eat twelve cookies just like that! There's a song by a singer-songwriter with the title, "Look Within." I know as I'm crunching down on those suckers that even though they taste good, I'm trying to erase feelings? Looking for instant gratification? I guess I feel like I want to jump out of my skin. Sometimes I want to scream. I wish I could be satisfied with one cookie, or a piece of cake or pie. Well, I'm still going to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Something just won't let me do otherwise. Debbie

Hello, I am from Saginaw Mi. Getting my sleeve done May 29th at Hurley Bariatric in Flint Mi. I have Dr. Farhan. Getting nervous and excited too. I am on my 2nd week of the liquid diet (UGGH)I cant wait to find a different protien shake to use. The ones they have us taking are horrible. Any suggestions? Just thought I would introduce myself. Lori

Although I'm all preop'd & ready to go, it looks like Tricare will not cover the sleeve with an off base provider. Our MTF is just getting the bariatric practice up and running so It looks like my surgery will happen there. Today is the first time I'm meeting w the surgeon. Wish me luck !!!

Old habits can be hard to break. Throw in a sale and the temptation is fierce. Bariatric dietitian Elizabeth Anderson gives you some tips to stay strong. Perhaps you're not like me. Perhaps you're not a bargain diva or czar. Perhaps you don't have a sweet tooth, never have. Maybe you never went into a drug store to buy a greeting card and came out with 3 for 1 bags of candy? Perhaps you always share big bags of treats with others, never squandering it all for yourself... on the drive home! However, if ANY of this sounds a little like you. Read on. You're in good company. Easter is over but the candy is not. Are there marquees or sale flyers in your world advertising deep discounts on the leftover candy? It's tough to resist, especially if you have a history of overdoing it during the holidays. If the Peeps are literally calling your name consider the following: 1. There are No Peeps left! They were sold out a week before Easter. The only thing left is candy so icky, they're selling it for 70% off. (No doubt those licorice jelly beans.) 2. This isn't Christmas wrapping paper people. If you stash away these deeply discounted items, you might have lots of chubby vermin in your attic making making nests out of that holiday wrap 3. Splurge your bargain urge this weekend at one of the first yard sales of the year. Be honest with yourself. Is your weight up a little after the holiday? Maybe in a downward spiral of negative thought you've said to yourself, 'Buy the damn candy. What difference does it make? You're fat anyway?' I'm here to tell you it does make a difference because YOU matter!! There is no lasting love, lasting relaxation, lasting peace in the discounted candy. Yes, it soothes momentarily but at a very, very high price to your peace of mind, your confidence, your well-being. And those are the things I'm most interested in protecting. No two WLS clients are the same, but I'll bet most would agree that having bulk candy around the house or office is an invitation for stress. Save yourself the grief, drive on by the candy sales and aisles and discount bins. Focus on the fun springtime clothes, bike rides and outdoor walks you're now enjoying. Now that is something to PEEP about!

February 1st, I see a nutritionist not associated with the Bariatric Program at UPMC Magee Hospital. February 11, I go to a Bariatric Support Group meeting (not required) February 23, I go to the first of five or six Bariatric Classes to meet insurance requirements. February 24, I attend the first of 12 weeks of Healthy Lifestyle classes (not required) February 24, (later that same day) I have my initial Consultation with Dr. Carol A McCloskey who will likely be my surgeon Also, I am signed up for the UPMC Body Changers program (not required) but the February schedule won't be available until tomorrow.

I thought it was just me. Ever since surgery I awake each morning with a headache. My surgeon blames my Fibromyalgia. My Fibromyalgia doctor says she doesn't know what's causing the headaches. I found a new study published online in the journal Neurology® that suggests bariatric surgery may be a risk factor for a specific condition that is known to trigger severe headache. Researchers found that the surgical procedures were sometimes associated with later developing a condition called spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The condition is often caused by a leak of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) out of the spinal canal, lowering spinal fluid pressure and triggering sudden headaches with accompanying nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, and difficulty concentrating. The study goes onto report that it is known that body weight plays an important role in CSF pressure. Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is typically associated with a tall and lanky build, while obesity is a risk factor for intracranial hypertension, or high CSF pressure. The authors hypothesize that the loss of fat tissue may uncover a susceptibility to spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Click here to learn more

The Syntrax Nectar protein shakes are the only ones I use. There are many different flavors so you never get tired of them. You can order the sampler pack on BJ's Bariatrics.

On October 1, 2009, I met with Dr. Kuldeep Singh and Arlene Swantko - who were to become my Bariatric Surgeon and my Nutritionist as of that day. Dr. Singh is a fan of the liquid diet. He wants his patients to be on it for 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. He also made the suggestion that I try it. I looked at him as though he had 3 heads and responded "NOW???" Well, his answer was yes and his rationale was that I could sample some of the protein drinks before I HAD to drink them and that it's always a good idea to lose weight prior to having surgery. At this point I had no idea when I was having surgery, so the idea of the full liquid diet was extremely premature for this brain! I didn't see Dr. Singh again until January 2010. After being excited about collecting everything the doctor's office requested so that they could submit a clean package to the insurance company we realized that if we waited until January 1, 2010, then we wouldn't have to file an appeal and get into a big hassle because my husband's company had finally wised up and added the bariatric coverage to their insurance plan! YAY!!!! More waiting...and waiting...and waiting...it seemed that January 1st would never get here. It arrived, and along with it came a very nasty case of double pneumonia, pleurisy and a sinus infection that landed me in the hospital on New Years' Day 2010. Wow! I'd never had pneumonia before and this was nothing to mess with! I was in a lot of pain and I couldn't catch my breath. I was coughing like crazy and feeling as though someone was stabbing me in the side and back. Yet all I could think about was that this would delay my LapBand surgery and that even I got approved for the surgery I would have to wait to be cleared of this disgusting illness! The approval came on January 14, 2010. Just as I was starting to feel semi-human again and was making plans to have follow-up pulmonary, primary care and CT-Scan appointments. I wanted to do a happy dance! Problem was, I didn't feel well enough to do a happy dance! LOL So, I waited some more and even though I wasn't yet released from the pneumonia, I scheduled my surgery date for March 12, 2010. Surely that would be enough time! It was and I started the dreaded liquid diet on March 1. I decided that I was going to start on a Monday and didn't care that I was actually going to be on the diet for more than 2 weeks. Nothing really mattered anymore except that this was REAL! I was following the liquid diet perfectly, doing pretty well, losing weight and feeling a little bit better with each day. Until that fateful Wednesday night a week and a half into the diet. Looking back - WTF was I thinking??? I offered to make dinner for my husband while I was on the liquid diet - even though he had been perfectly supportive and wonderful with taking care of his own meal needs. Nope - I was going to make him a meat loaf! Was I kidding? Well - NO, I wasn't kidding, and he only wound up with about 2/3 of the meatloaf left because I couldn't help - one small piece with ketchup - ummmm - it was SO good...but not quite enough - one more small piece with mustard this time! Oh, YUMMMM...I hadn't had meatloaf in SO long! You get the picture! Before I knew it I had about 1/3 of a small loaf and was feeling full, bloated and disgusted with myself. The good news was - it was the only slip in the 2-1/2 week process. The better news was - it was a protein at least - it could have been a whole lot worse! So, I dealt with it, refused to feel guilty about it and went on with the liquid diet - finishing up the night before surgery with no more interruptions of the spirit or the brain! I'm 4 days post-op and I'm starting to get some of my strength back, starting to feel pretty good. SO - I look forward to the support and the friendships that I will develop here - those that have gone before are a wealth of knowledge and information that I intend to use to the fullest! Thanks for being here and I am viewing my future with hope and excitement for the first time in many years!

So, yesterday was my last appointment with the surgeon before surgery (see previous blog). I basically met with the surgeon, he had me sign some papers, explained a few things, told me I did NOT need an endoscopy (yay!), and took me off to see the insurance coordinator. That's when I had my little scare. First she tells me that I will will have to go in for pre op 3 to 4 days before surgery, and that they will call me the Friday before to tell me what time I have to be at the hospital for surgery. THEN she tells me that I have to front 20% of the surgeons fee before the surgery. I'm thinking 1,000's of dollars and I start to freak out on the inside. I just stared at her until I finally stuttered that I didn't think I could come up with 1,000's of dollars in two weeks. She then told me it was only going to be around 250. Thank God!! I almost hyperventilated and felt soooo much relief when she told me that. Not that I enjoy paying 250 either, but it's certainly better than what I thought and better than what a lot of other people have to pay. Other than that, everything seems to be going smoothly. She said that once I'm finished with my last Nutrition class (on the 9th) that she will send everything to the insurance. She said she may also call them ahead of time just to make sure everything is on track. Hopefully THAT goes well. I asked her before if she thought I'd get approved and she said she was almost positive I would. However, still fearful after reading the stories on here. I'm praying hard that the last 6 months don't end up being a waste of time and money!! After speaking with her, I stopped in to see the nutritionist as I wasn't sure which protein shakes I could have. I have a choice between four: Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, Unjury or GNC 100% Whey. I need to have 6 servings a day for 9 days. As of right now (unless suggested otherwise) I think I'm going to go with GNC. It seems to be the cheapest out of the 4, plus more convenient as there is a store right down the street and I won't have to pay for shipping. Even as the cheapest it's going to cost almost 60 bucks because I need the 5lb jug to get me through the pre op. I also made my appointment with my primary care doctor for Monday to receive his approval. The insurance coordinator made me feel a little better because she said that they have faxed over all my stuff to him, so I know he knows I'm getting this surgery. It shouldn't be a problem receiving the approval thank goodness. p.s. While waiting the surgeon, the nurse who took my blood pressure was telling me that she saw a segment about the Sleeve on Goodmorning America that morning! She said it was all positive things. She also said that I was lucky because I'm young, that my skin should bounce back to shape while losing the weight. I know however, that it also depends on genetics, but a girl can hope!! Haha. She also stated that she was going to call in all the medicines I will need to my pharmacy so I won't have to wait for them, just go pick them up. Very nice lady and I'm loving my experience at the center I'm going to! Seriously excited! Only 16 days away!!

It is up to your doctor. Mine let me try the capsules when I started on solid foods. They are soft capsules and I had no problem swallowing them. I also take the Bariatric Advantage chews for calcium.

I get sick when taking my Bariatric Advantage multi Vitamins. The Calcium I can stomach, and the B12. Is there a liquid or a one -a day multi I can take that won't make me sick. I'm still working on getting all my vitamins in plus I haven't reached my Protein or Fluid goal yet!!! I'm almost for weeks out.Did it take anyone this long to get the hang of this?

I thought it might be a good idea for the people in and around St. Louis to share information. I would like to know what restaurants in the area will accept Bariatric cards and let you order a kid's meal? What's your favorite place for buying cheap clothing for when you are losing like crazy? What's your favorite place for buying Protein shakes? Any other regional tidbits you would like to share? Or if you have had bad experiences with a restaurant or store, please share. I am starting to wish that there were restaurants where you could pay by the ounce!

Make the Protein shakes, yogurt taste as good as possible. I recommend the book, "The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes."

What part of Arkansas are you from? :smile2:I am hoping that I hear something soon. I actually just had my Psych eval today. I am hoping to get all my info sent over to Dr. Gibbs before this week is out; so his nurse can submit my info to my insurance company. I have Anthem BCBS PPO of Arkansas. Do you know much about their approval rate for Bariatric surgery? Well, good luck!:mad:

I think fear of the unknown is what propels some people to automatically react negatively to any Bariatric surgery. If they love you, they will become informed and enlightened that this is the best choice for you. My mom has been staying with me ( meanwhile I feel fine and have a husband and 2 teenage daughters to help out!) but I think she was still worried and wanted to be here (I live in NY, her and my dad live in FL) after my VSG last Thursday. Good luck!

Blog Post 2: The bariatric psychological visit for my Gastric Sleeve. Or what I remember of it. http://youtu.be/-vm3fe9R3gk

I have a sleeve of steel. The only thing that bothers my stomach is my bariatric Vitamins on an empty stomach. It bothered me at first that nothing bothered me. Does that make sense? I was scared that seemingly nothing is off limits for me. I would hear people say, "I can't eat steak, it upsets my stomach." Not mine. "I can't eat salad." No issues there either. "I can't tolerate sweets." Nope, no problems. It worried me because I wondered if I could control myself rather than my sleeve controlling what I put in my mouth. If I can eat anything, will I in fact, eat everything. The answer is no, I don't eat everything. The sleeve is doing it's job - it controls the amount of whatever food I'm eating and, for the most part, I've made good choices. I'm not eating crazy things or crazy amounts of things. So, while I used to be fearful of my sleeve of steel, right now, I'm thankful. I can enjoy all kinds of foods - while on vacation in San Fran last week I ate Chinese, Italian and a steak. I just didn't order my own entrée - my husband and I split every meal we ate out. It was wonderful and a little romantic.

Tina, I think (as do many others) that the fills are the whole POINT of having a band versus a different surgery. I just went for a fill this morning and sure, it's a little more trouble than not having gone, but now I have another goose in the right direction of losing weight. A fill renews motivation AND OPPORTUNITY for weight loss. It creates a new reminder when too much food is being taken in, or it's being taken in too quickly. I need that reminder, as a chronic wolfer of food, and it's been fading as I lose weight and restriction lessens. So now I have a chance to renew the restriction and start again on the downward slide. I say YAY to that!! The hassle is largely internal, but it's less of a hassle than hating myself for having eaten too much at the last meal. The agonizing you see on the boards about having another fill or not are just people thinking out loud.

I am choosing to go to Dr Ariel L Ortiz. At the obesity control center. I went to several us surgeons my bmi is 40.0 i have no current preexisting conditions other than my knees are trashed! I tried to play the insurance games but after a year they still said no. To pay an American surgeon lowest cost was 15000 most costly 23000. I am a nurse i have worked in just about every department and i have seen my share of butchers get into the obesity surgery game because cash! I decided to research fiund mexico on accident. The surgeon i choose has a bariatric specialty and accreditation! Important to me! The facility only does this type of surgery! That means its a mill that has this finely tuned! Like a well oiled machine! The cost was affordable grsnted more expensive then some other places but hopefully i get better services! I know another nurse who has been to mexico 2 times w her friends for surgery w be lightweight she swear by them! Their price is 4500. I will tell you if you know you want this dont mess w insurances!

Hi! I just received 3 cookbooks I got off of Amazon.com: -The Bariatric Foodie Holiday Survival Guide -Eating Well After Weight Loss Surgery -Weight Loss Surgery Cookbook For Dummies There were a lot of other options, as well. Just got them yesterday, so I have yet to read them, but I'm liking the last one so far! As far as my hips go, I've always had problems with them, so I don't know what to tell you. Let us know what you find out ok? Good luck to you!

I have had my lapband for 7 years, haven't had a fill for 4 years. I have been at my goal weight for almost 2. In April I felt a twinge of pain in my band that was new and it has steadily gotten worse. Ended up in the ER on Thursday night dealing with a doctor that knew nothing about the band. Diagnosed me with gastritis and esophogitis but gave me IV Pain meds that made me throw up for 24 hours until my pharmacist finally suggested I take a phenegren. I went to the ER because I can't eat or drink anything, feels like I'm swallowing razor blades. To the point now that even my own saliva is painful. I am constantly aware of my band, feels like a knot in my chest. They took a catscan at the ER and he said there was inflammation above and below the band. I saw a bariatric surgeon today, he has me scheduled for a scope in the morning and scheduled me for lapband removal on Wednesday morning (feels like it is erosion). I can't really find anything online that talks about symptoms like mine. I am in constant pain. Water hurts, soup hurts, saliva hurts. Just wondering if anyone else has had anything similar? I am so ready to get this band out, I hope they do take it out. I'm tired of hurting. I do have fears of gaining the weight back, but I have been in a good place for several years now with regards to watching calories and making smarter choices, I feel like I can keep that going. Any feedback is appreciated. Kendra