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Hello! New here - just starting journey
jenuinelygenuinely replied to AmandaD.'s topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Welcome!!! I say call your current insurance and get more information. If it doesn't 100% cover, I agree with you, research insurances and apply during open enrollment. I live in Minnesota and work for Blue Cross Blue Shield, wish I can help you over here!!! We cover bariatric surgery but under a criteria and the process is 6 months of education. I've heard other insurances only need you to do 3 months. After you have found an insurance that covers it, call the benefit customer service and get the criteria of what you need for insurance to approve your surgery at the end of the 3/6 month bariatric education. How mine started I found a Bariatric program at a hospital/clinic and scheduled an appointment. They gave me all materials I needed and also a forum for me to ask my insurance questions. If I recall the questions were about the specific bariatric codes used for the surgery, the deductible/copays/maximum out of pocket. After the first appointment then starts your 3/6 month dietitian visits as well as visits to a therapist. Along the way of the appointments you may have to do required procedures like upper endoscopy, sleep study, and other blood work. It kinda sucks because you wouldn't know until the end if your insurance will approve/deny. Hope this helps! -
Here are some photos during my weight regain. I would have never show anyone these or upload these photos to social media because of how insecure I feel about my weight regain. I feel more comfortable and safe sharing these to the Bariatric Pal community.
Featuring my Fiance ❤️
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Beautiful family! I completely understand your hesitation to post on social media. When I gained a lot of weight I actually remove myself completely off social media and now it’s been a few years. To be honest I miss it so looking forward to be more active online once I feel more comfortable about my weight!
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Newbie Considering the Journey
KimA-GA replied to Softtacocrumbs's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Have you seen an actual endocrinologist? Sounds like you have a problem which does not need bariatric surgery but an endocrinologist -
Newbie Considering the Journey
Softtacocrumbs posted a topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hi Everyone, My name is Lamora, and I'm considering starting my journey. I'm a bit on the fence, but I've read up so much on it, but I'm not sure if I qualify. I know my insurance doesn't pay for it though, so I'm considering doing a sleeve in Turkey (medical tourism). About me: I'm 5'2'' 230lbs. I asked my GP about my health status since I don't have any inclination towards anything, but he recommended I speak to bariatrics, but my insurance doesn't cover it, unfortunately, and I don't make enough for consult or nutrition consult. But I average a 1600kcal per day, and I work out 6 out of 7 days a week for around 60 min each day up to 2 hours a day. I actively run 5k's but I just can't seem to drop weight, which was why this has been suggested to me. I did an international trip when I was in college where they lock you up with a nutritionist and they feed you in a hospital and you work out on a CO2 machine, but no matter how much I ran or lifted I couldn't make the CO2 marks I needed to get. And my T3 and T4 are extremely off despite my TSH being borderline. My body temperature is a bit on the lower end at 92-94 F (33-34C). I kept gaining weight on 1800kcal a day with the nutritionist so I dropped back down to my normal 1600kcal a day and I got back to my normal 230lbs weight. The gastric sleeve was recommended for me since I've been having so many problems dropping weight, and when I run I'm starting to feel some knee and ankle pain as I inch closer to 30. I don't think I'm an emotional eater, but I could be wrong... But I do also have a lot of issues with my weight and overall self confidence because my family basically gave up on me. I'm just looking for support and opinions. I really appreciate it. And if anyone has any experience doing medical tourism/procedures and Turkey I would absolutely love your recommendations. Thank you! -
Like what? What would you (or did you) get rid of? I'm actually pretty good at being efficient -- one of my strengths, I think, is finding better, faster, easier ways to do things. I'm mainly talking about my job, but even at home, I'm always looking for better ways. I do a lot of meal prep, which is easier with a bariatric diet, since one meal often makes 10-20 servings. I time myself chopping vegetables and challenge myself to go faster than last time. There are a lot of tradeoffs between time, cost, and quality, and I increasingly lean toward things that save time even if they cost more or aren't as good (like paying someone to clean my house and buying prepared pico de gallo instead of making it from scratch). But I still feel like I am drowning and there are never enough hours in the day, and I can't help but think how nice it was when I didn't exercise, to have 10 extra hours a week.
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So I’ve been looking into self funding bariatric surgery so I’m healthier and can go ahead with fertility treatment. I previously had a band when I was 19 in Belgium which failed massively. I paid to have it removed in the UK 2 year later at the spire.I was looking into the Spire Washington. it was really painful when I had the band fitted, I’m really nervous for how painful it’ll be going through surgery. I’m also vegetarian, has anybody went through with surgery who is vegetarian? Where do you get your protein ect from? Food has been my coping mechanism through life to deal with my trauma, and I know my relationship with food with completely change forever which is fine, but what I am nervous for is still being able to eat out occasionally. What is the average portion size for example a year after surgery? What kind of alcohol do people drink and how many drinks are they able to have? i also guzzle water and this is my BIGGEST concern of not being able to guzzle it and quench my thirst properly.
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Hello! New here - just starting journey
KimA-GA replied to AmandaD.'s topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
Call your current insurance and see coverage and criteria. Many plans exclude bariatric, unfortunately. That will show what your options are or if you will have so self pay. then research the pros and cons of each surgical procedure and decide which is for you. -
Anyone in MINNESOTA?
jenuinelygenuinely replied to suzannethemom's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I know this is an old thread but I live in Lonsdale. I use to live in Lakeville and even though Mayo is a long drive it is well worth going to the Bariatric program there. I am getting a revision August 29th. I am pretty use to driving to Mayo because my little cousins live out there and I pick them up occasionally. I had my sleeve done with Fairview and I did not like the nutrition program there. Funny story when I first started my whole journey back in 2017 I went with Park Nicollet first, and with their program you first see some sort of therapist. She denied me for any surgery and told me I had a eating disorder and I needed to do the Emily program for 12 months!!!!!! I went home crying! There was NO WAY I had an eating disorder! So I made an appointment with Fairview's Bariatric program a week after that and got my sleeve done. Couple months after that I got a piece of mail saying that provider is no longer employed with Park Nicollet. -
How do they check you stomach before surgery
Sleeve_Me_Alone replied to Trixxx's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I didn't have any GI testing prior to surgery. Its really up to the Dr. and whether or not it is part of their protocol - some will do an endoscopy, xrays, or other testing, some do none at all. Unless you have reason to believe or have been diagnosed with something that may impact your surgical outcome, then its really not necessary. The primary thing they look for is hiatal hernias, which if found, can be fixed during the bariatric procedure, but it typically doesn't impact eligibility or surgical process. -
In the UK we have a different medical set up than others have. Our normal needs are taken care of by our local doctor. My bariatric surgeon has no more input into my care. His team of dieticians etc, just look after diet and problems around it. I had my blood tests and they are good but my Cholesterol is higher than they want it too be. They want me to go on Statins. I want to know if I need to argue my corner and say NO to them, is higher Cholesterol a temporary thing ? Once I can eat a variety of foods will it go back to its good levels. Thanks for your replies in advance
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Sleeve to bypass hopefully
jenuinelygenuinely replied to lavette43's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I also have severe GERD and my endoscopy showed a twist in the middle of my sleeved stomach! Which causes mild obstruction. My surgeon told me the surgery failed me and a revision is needed to get it fixed. I started the new bariatric program with a different hospital March 2021 and my surgery is scheduled for August 29th. Are you on a strict clear liquid diet? -
Starting new journey what was your timeline
Candigrl1 replied to JourneyOfRabia's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I had a very long timeline. LOL. I started orientation in January 2020, started a 10 week class March 2020 (which got cancelled) Classes resumed July 2020 (online). Finished my classes in August 2020 but had to wait because my A1C levels were still too high with a retest in January 2021. Again levels too high, August 2021 my levels were good so I was referred to the surgeon. Had orientation with the Bariatric clinic in October 2021 and met with surgeon November 2021. Appointment with Internal medicine was December 2021 and meeting with Psychologist January 2022. It took a couple of weeks for them to schedule me due to having to take care of patients who got their surgery cancelled and needed rescheduled. I got my surgery date late February 2022 for surgery April 2022. -
VSG to RNY: please give me your stats
jenuinelygenuinely replied to Heather0811's topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
Hey!!! I got my sleeve done in 2018, and had severe GERD and weight regain. I lost 60 pounds with the sleeve and maintained for about a year and a half. I regained all that weight back and went back to the weight I was day of the surgery. During my pre-op endoscopy and barium test they found I did have acid reflux and found a twist in my stomach!! Which causes mild obstruction which explains the casual vomiting and GERD. I am so happy I went with a different Bariatric program. I am scheduled for my revision August 29th! -
Newbie here, and I loveeee reading all the forums. I can't wait to start reading more and getting to know more people. Anyone doing their bariatric program at Mayo Rochester?
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Any July buddies?
HopefullyhealthyAmber replied to cazzcampbell's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
I’m in so many bariatric weight loss surgery groups on FB, but haven’t heard about this at all. Which group are you in that talks about this, if you don’t mind sharing? -
What do you do instead of eating?!
Arabesque replied to Lornapc's topic in Gastric Bypass Surgery Forums
Yes it does make sense. I’ve had times when I’ve shut down to protect myself but I’ve been able to work my out of it. You may find you’ll never manage your hunger & eating until you open up to your emotions again. You may find therapy very helpful to guide & support you work your way through your emotions & what lead you to burying them. A therapist will also help you develop strategies to manage your feelings too. Many have found therapy extremely helpful. Your surgeon or medical team should be able to recommend someone who has experience with bariatric patients & disordered eating. Plain water can almost seem too heavy to drink after surgery. I was a big water drinker pre surgery but for months after it was a struggle. I was able to drink green tea so I started drinking a large mug everyday after I got home from hospital. A few months later I also added a large glass of sparkling water. I’d sip it over a few hours alternating with plain water so it would be pretty flat. I also used to open the bottle when I put it in the fridge so it wouldn’t be as fizzy when I went to drink it. The minerally taste was a nice change to plain water. -
Unless your friends are medical researchers in bariatrics, listen to your doctor over them. https://www.barilife.com/blog/gastric-sleeve-10-years-later-how-to-win-the-long-game-after-gastric-sleeve-surgery/ Sent from my Pixel 4a using BariatricPal mobile app
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Starting Solid Food- where to begin?
kcuster83 replied to SkinnyMingo1408's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Hello, When I started back to solids, I still ate all the soft foods and introduced one solid food at a time so I knew exactly what I couldn't tolerate if it came up. I wasn't allowed grilled chicken until solids, at the soft food stage we were told to cook chicken in the slow cooker so it was fall apart tender and more juicy. So, I actually started with a baked chicken breast. Then went on to cooking chicken all kinds of ways, included grilled. I then went to turkey burgers, still kinda soft but more solid than ground up meat. All that was going well so I just tried everything one at a time and always at home in case I got sick. Baked pork chops, pork tenderloin, turkey and regular Italian sausages. We were told to try steak last because it tends to be the hardest to digest. So I actually didn't try steak until about 3 months post op, and it was sliced steak for kinda what you get on a cheese steak sub. But, lean steak we sliced and made at home. I tolerated that fine, twice so just yesterday (4 months post op) I ate some New York strip steak from the grill which also went fine. I think at this point I have tried and tolerate all the meats just fine but I can't eat COLD chicken, makes me sick every time. I think it probably is too dry when cold. I am not low carb per my bariatric Dietician. He stresses a balanced diet of everything while focusing on protein. Always eat the protein first. I typically fill up so my normal is about 40-60g carbs a day but there are some days I have more. I bring this up, because pizza. I have made my own at home, protein packed and did well. Also had take out pizza and ate the topping first and only a few bites of the crust before being full. I can't seem to eat "soft" breads, they don't make me sick but hit me like a bolder in my stomach and gives me a stomach ache. I can eat it toasted, or crackers, wraps. Anything but the normal soft breads. I eat all the veggies! I love salad and tolerate it fine. Again, started with eating 1 veggie at a time rather than a bowl of mixed veggies in a salad. To know where the issue was if I had any. I did not, and EAT ALL THE VEGGIES! I have always been a huge veggie person, moreso than fruits. Never a big fruit person, strawberries, watermelon are my go to but I have actually only had watermelon since surgery. I went kinda deep but I hope this helps. -
YES! Tomato soup is my go to right now as well. Which kind are you having? I actually enjoy the Bariatric Pal brand.
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Psych Eval Tomorrow - Nervous
liveaboard15 replied to KimA-GA's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
Mine was in two parts. 1st part was a one hour zoom call where she asked me about food, how i eat and such like "When you eat chips or crackers, Do you take the whole container with you or do you put a portion on a plate or cup and put the container back. Then discussed the changes i would have to make once i got the surgery and if i was ready to handle it. it was simple. The 2nd part for me was a few days later i had to go into the bariatric center and had to take a couple "Exams" multiple choice about 700 questions total. Most were the same thing but were reworded to trip you up. but it was simple. -
Worried about the possibility of insurance denial?
kcuster83 replied to raspberrylime's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
The way my process worked: You submitted a form/questionnaire to the center and if you met all of the requirements they sent you a "online seminar" link to take. On the form one of the questions or requirements was to call your insurance provider and make sure they covered bariatric surgeries and if the hospital was in your network for coverage. Once you completed the online seminar they sent you a "process approval" and gave you the information to call and schedule your first appointment. The first appointment was with the surgeon who went over the types of surgeries and risks and helped you make a decision as to if you wanted to proceed and with which surgery. If you wanted to proceed the bariatric coordinator came in and went over all the specific requirements based on which insurance provider I had. In addition to what the actual center required also. It was my understanding they did it this way so you weren't surprised to find out you weren't covered for whatever reason. I guess there is no reason for denial if you have met all of your insurance requirements. If you meet the requirements of your insurance, what reason would they have at that point to deny you the coverage? Insurance sucks though, so I guess you never know. I would think it is safe to say if you met their requirements you would be approved. -
Trying to get out of my head....
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
You're right. I've been trying so hard to follow their directions to the letter that I haven't been listening to my body. I know I can't go crazy with the fats, but more than 50 per day is needed for keto. I used to hit around 100-120g of fats per day, so if I look at maybe 75g of fats per day, while still keeping my carbs very low (the bariatric diet is 50 or less carbs per day, when I did keto I stayed under 35 per day) I'll see if it works well or needs to be adjusted again. And I always stayed around 80 or so grams of protein per day. And I went on sugar free and very low sugar when I did keto to begin with and just always kept it. The fats are really the biggest difference. So we'll see how it goes. Worse comes to worst, I can just go back on the bariatric diet and do a "pouch reset" and start again. -
Trying to get out of my head....
SleeveToBypass2023 replied to SleeveToBypass2023's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I asked my dietician in the group zoom 3 month check in yesterday and she said "because we don't do that. It's not recommended after surgery" so I asked her "ok, but why? Will it make me sick? Will it hurt me? I know the bariatric diet says low fat but my body responds better to high fats, very low carbs, low sugar, and high protein. Is the fat going to hurt me? I don't do all eggs and bacon and all that, and my cholesterol is always perfect. What is bad about it?" and I still got the same response of "because it's not recommended for after surgery". So I never actually got a real answer for why keto isn't allowed after surgery. -
Worried about the possibility of insurance denial?
LaLaBunny replied to raspberrylime's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I also have BCBS. I contacted them to make sure that the hospital and procedure were covered and they were. I went through the six month process and all the testing and I was approved by the hospital and given a surgery date. Right before the two week pre-op diet started, I was told BCBS would not accept my claim. It turns out the hospital was not a "Blue Distinction Center" and so they could not approve bariatric surgery there. Only Blue Distinction Centers can do bariatric surgeries. I wish they had explained it to me to begin with! I went to a different hospital (only one of two Blue Distinction Centers in the state of NM) and I have just finished their three month program and I am waiting to see if my claim is accepted. Wish me luck!! -
I use Baritastic because I like that it's tailored specifically to bariatric patients. It let's you add vitamin reminders, protein shake reminders, and focus on protein, carbs, sugar, and fat. I've used MFP, Sparkpeople, and other tracking apps, but they can get overwhelming when trying to put in specific nutrition goals. I also like that Baritastic is free. I've found the app on my own, and only been using for about 3 weeks but I do like it.
