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Hi my name is Roxanne and I live in Los Angeles CA. This is my first time posting. Just wondering if anyone is from the area and being treated by L.A. Bariatrics? I've already completed my visit with the Nut and Psych eval. They seem very helpful at the office but just wondering if anyone else has had an experience with them. Thanks

I am in my early 20s and just got the band. I was similarly concerned about how it would change my social life. I am only a few days into being banded, but I think the real changes for me on this topic came about a month ago, before I had the band. The truth is, you can have fun in moderation. I am a big drinker and social eater and often plan outings surrounding these things. The thing I have found out from being on my preop diet and being restricted in eating and not drinking is that people don't really care if I am eating fatty foods or drinking alcohol with them. As long as they can do those things, and I am not making my not-participation the focus of what is going on, then no one really minds. The bigger change will not come from your friends, but from you. You will have to learn to be fun and jolly and entertain yourself without the food/alcohol. No one is going to care if you order a Soup instead of a Pasta dish, or if you have a cranberry juice instead of a vodka tonic if you are still being fun and normal. Your friends like you for you, not for how much you can drink or eat. It is a hard transition though. I have added other things to my social life too, like doing-non drinking activities, like seeing a movie or going kayaking with a friend or going shopping, as a replacement to some of drinking/eating related things. I also went to a BBQ at my friends house where people could bring food but I provided food that I knew I would be able to eat without feeling deprived (I brough lots of grilled veggies, veggie burger and crab stuffed mushrooms and propel zero-- no one cared what I was eating or that I wasn't drinking and it was a ton of fun. I enjoyed myself way more not feeling guilty about over eating or worrying if someone counted how many chips I had had and was judging me and I felt the need to drink less). It will be different for every person though. These life changes are good ones. The sooner you start the sooner you get the band you will be able to have control of your life, feel good about yourself, and show other people how confident you are. Being able to have fun without alcohol is an awesome skill, and being able to having conversations and socialize without using food as a crutch will only make you a better friend. I just work hard not to make my new eating habits or band anyone else's problem. It requires planning and has changed my life, but for the better. I have had to really look at what is available on menus before getting to a restaurant and I always carry something that will curb my appetite in a pinch (although there are some fast food options that aren't awful, just look at nutrition and do your best to stay high, Protein and low carb). These things aren't hard though. I think it is good you are asking these questions and if you aren't ready to make some changes inside yourself with how you cope with social situations (not drinking or eating your way through them) then it probably isn't the time for you to get banded. It would be worse, in my opinion, to get banded now and feel like you are failing then to wait until you are mentally ready to give up some of the social comfort and let your friends still have it. The band won't be a cure for any of your bad habits or mental reasons for eating, so those changes need to either come first or you need to be prepared enough to fight them when the cravings come. Doing the 6 month preop nutritionist consults, meeting fellow bariatric surgery patients, being on this site, watching youtube videos, reading blogs and meeting with a therapist have all helped me realize that I don't use food in a normal way and in some ways that hinders my social life more than it helps. This is all just me though. I don't know if it relates to you, but as a young 20 something, the sooner you are happy, the better. It just might take more work mentally if you don't want to change your lifestyle 180 degrees, because the triggers and reasons to eat will still be there after the band. Good luck deciding and feel free to message if you have more questions.

I’ve been taking things in stride as best I can but am rather miffed at doctors and events today so I am just going to rant even though I need to be trying to sleep. Prior to my gastric bypass surgery and gallbladder removal My gastroenterologist insisted I have a colonoscopy due to the fact that previous ct scan had shown severe narrowing of my colon and a recent ct showed possible colitis. But the colonoscopy had to wait until after my surgery. I went through three days of clear liquids and hellish prep trying to swallow the required liquids. While the nurse was great I was literally the last patient and they were already starting to close down the facility before my procedure started. I had an unusually hard time waking up from the sedation and just wanted to close my eyes but they were in a hurry to get me out, I was barely awake and told to get dressed and get in the car to go even though I was stumbling and could hardly walk. I didn’t get answers from the colonoscopy. I don’t know if endometriosis can be confused for colitis. But why would a ct scan show something but not a colonoscopy. It showed melanosis in the colon usually caused by chronic laxative use which I refuse to use laxatives on a regular basis so rarely take it. Also diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon which has been there some years now and the last doctor just said well you have to wait until you end up in the Er with an emergency to even do anything. Like ok. But no biopsy was taken of the darkened spots of my colon. And no explanation of my symptoms. My bariatric surgeon said My gastroenterologist could do the endoscopy since he is closer to where I live, and he got all my information and everything. I had previously had a balloon dilation of a very narrow stricture. They saw the stricture during this procedure (so I guess the previous dilation didn’t do anything) but my endoscopy report reads: “ge junction with mucosal tear from hiccup during dilation” I didn’t speak to the doctor, I wasn’t alert enough. He made it out like nothing to my mom. They didn’t take any biopsy from either tests. And I have a mucosal tear but not what to do about all the pain? Im just tired and frustrated. I can only manage so much when I don’t have clear answers. I have to have another procedure this time a surgery in two weeks to do with the endometriosis. Not even sure the doctor will be able to find where it is since it can be anywhere and the main reason is my ovary has to come out. All my long rambling, sorry. Has anyone had a tear happen during a balloon dilation? From what I see dilation isn’t a cure just a treatment or temporary fix. I know you don’t want the stoma too big but too small is not good either. I’ve been having spasms in my left side, crushing chest pain, nausea and difficulty with purée and other symptoms. I’m the end I just shut up and deal with it. Im not regretting RNY because with my nonexistent metabolism I would not have lost nearly 63lbs. And I knew it would take its toll on my chronic illness but so much at once has me exhausted. end of rant.

I have been using Premier Chocolate It has 160 calories, 1 g sugar, is low fat, and doesn't taste bad! I have also added PB2 to give it a little something different. I also have a bariatric vanilla that I add a bit of coconut milk too. That makes it tolerable. I hope this helps!

Hi everyone. I just joined the forum because I'm going out of my mind thinking about my upcoming surgery. I have been looking into weight loss surgery for the better part of eight years, with every issue life can throw at me popping up along the way. Then, all of a sudden, in the space of two or so months, every roadblock seems to fall away, and the team at the University of Chicago has offered me a date in less than two weeks for the DS procedure. I am such a combination of excited and scared, motivated and freaking out! It's hard to describe, but I know many of you have experienced the same thing. I am having weight loss surgery because I would like to avoid the many problems lurking around in my gene pool (diabetes, MS, blindness, etc.) and I would like to live a long and happy life. But I feel like I had convinced myself that it would never happen, and now that it is happening so fast, it's so thrilling and scary at the same time! I'd love it if any of you could share any stories you might have relating to your pre-surgery experience. I'd also appreciate any advice. I've got all my vitamins ordered (from Bariatric Advantage) and I've got all of my pre-op requirements done as well.

I’m in my third month post op and my hair just started falling out like crazy too I take my vitamins religiously too , bought from bariatric site.. I need to add protein... ugh.

Soooo I have Anthem BCBS and their policy is similar. They do not cover diet or exercise programs. However, when the Bariatric center I am using billed my insurance for my nutritionist appointment, it was completely covered. These places know what they are doing. I was also able to use my primary for my 6 month requirement which is always covered as a normal office visit. They just need to make notes that you discussed surgery, diet and exercise and weight loss.

1. get referral --> surgery consult I didn't have to get a referral as such, but I did have to attend a seminar that the Dr gave where he described the various bariatric surgeries he performs. They figure it will answer your questions about which surgery is best for you. Then a huge packet of paperwork and an application fee to get an appt. about a month later. 2. surgery consult --> surgery scheduled 6 months! I was required to go on a 6 month diet and exercise program to "prove" I couldn't lose weight by normal means before my insurance would pay. 3. surgery scheduled --> the actual operation From the day my approval hit the Dr's desk to surgery - 10 days 4. operation --> leaving the hospital I checked in at 6 AM, the operation was scheduled for 7AM; I was in the car on the way home by 10 AM. 5. left hospital --> first fill 6 weeks. I have heard that is the standard to allow for healing. I had my second fill at 8 weeks out and my third at 10. I have already scheduled my next fill for the end of January when I will be 15 weeks out.

I live in CC. No bariatric physicians here as a previous poster discussed! My doctor is Dr. Chang, in Victoria. It may be a bit difficult to find fill doctors as they tend to only like to do fills on folks they've operated on! This message board is a good start. San Antonio, as poster suggested, is a good option as well. Shawn

Actually, you can take the bus from CC to McAllen - much less wear and tear on the patient, and very inexpensive. Just before I selected a doctor, I considered Reynosa. The nearest other doctors who will follow other doctor's band patients are in San Antonio. It is a bit further to McAllen, but there ARE docs on this side of the border who will see you, too. Go here to search for docs & contact info. http://www.asbs.org/html/about/membersearch2.html Type in your zip code, and select LB in the other box (that says "surgery type), then hit search. The list will be in order of how far away they are from you. Scan the list for those surgeons who list FOLL in their listing of "what they do" for that stands for willingness to follow other doctor's patients. The reason why a city the size of Corpus Christi with its economic draw area has no bariatric surgeons of any kind is that they were run out of town years ago by huge malpractice awards commonly awarded in South Texas. Don't know when they'll venture here again.

I like Nutrametrix Isotonix 'cause I can mix up one 8-ounce concoction in the AM and I don't have to think about it for the rest of the day. Surgeon says its fine to consume all of the calcium at once this way. I just restocked for 3 months -- $125, so it isn't cheap. A week ago, I got Bariatric Advantage vitamin and calcium capsules and tablets and tried that for a day -- damn thing got stuck and I was uncomfortable for over half an hour. Plus multi-dosing. Not for me.

Do you know which of the two types of gastric lap-band surgery you had? Perigastric Technique (PGT) Pars Flaccida Technique (PFT) According to the Bariatric Surgery Source studies have confirmed that the pars flaccida technique (PFT) is safer and results in a lower rate of band slippage. When I was discussing all the different WLS options with my surgeon we discussed slippage, and he said that he has been performing gastric banding since around 2002 and now only does the PFT procedure. I suggest you talk with your surgeon about what is causing the slippage. My surgeon does my band adjustments using a fluoroscope. Because of this, he (and I can too if I turn to look) can clearly see my lapband and its placement. This gives me comfort knowing if there is an issue he will see it right away. Best wishes

No advertisement, just a recommendation. Bariatric Mindset Success 6 month accountability workbook. This workbook I found on amazon is helping a ton. Keeps everything in one place. I’m feeling more in control and less stressed. It’s not just about food. It’s about your mental health. Also listen to the Weight Loss Surgery podcast by Reeger Cornell.. huge support Sleeve 4/26 Hw:215 Sw: 215 Cw: 191 Gw: 145

yea i made sure to read all of the fine print in regards to exclusions and sure enough if you end up in the hospital due to a issue from bariatric surgery it wont be covered. so stupid. its why i went with this particular surgeon because they offer complication insurance for the self pay people.

That's a good idea! Thanks for the suggestion. My insurance should cover a repair that isn't actually bariatric surgery. I wonder if the surgeon could do a bypass and my secondary would pick it up when my primary doesn't. I'll have to research more about it. I have an appt. with a surgeon in a couple weeks. Who is your surgeon?

Yeah it's definitely worth checking into. My bariatric surgeon is Ashley Mooney with TGH.

First, you should call up the insurance to find out if your particular policy covers Bariatric Surgery, if so I recommend you obtain a copy of the Bariatric Policy and educate yourself on the requirments. Once you find out your insurance covers the surgery, immediately call your surgeon. Some require you attend their WLS seminar prior to giving you an appointment. The way I went about mine, was getting the policy reading it. At the same time made the appointment to attend the seminar and the next day, called my surgeon to make the appointment. Since the appointment was 3 weeks out, and I already had read what my insurance company required, I made the appointment with my primary for bloodwork, referral paperwork and EKG. Got the appointment for 3 days afterwards. Also called and made the appointment with the pyschologiest for 5 days after the seminar. Obtained my weight lost history from weight watchers. By the time I saw my surgeon 3 weeks after attending her seminar, all my paperwork/results were in her office. They submitted 1 week later and 8 days later I was approved. Best of luck on your journey!

I think you can only get them online at their website... they also have once a day chewable bariatric vitamins I'm going to try.

The bariatric team here gives a special dietary needs card which gives me children price on a buffet (Golden Corral ) or I can order off the child menu if I go out to eat.

Do call back and ask for a supervisor. Ask them to send you the specific section of the policy that they are relying on to come to that conclusion. Also, ask your doc's team if they will appeal it. When the doc appeals it, he should ask to speak with another bariatric surgeon to do the review. Generally, if they cover RNY they should cover VSG. The only procedure, right now, I'm aware of that policies that cover bariatrics are avoiding are the balloon. Also, ask that they send the denial to you citing the specific language. Best of luck.

is bariatric surgery covered in your particular policy? Policies can vary among employers, even if they use the same insurance companies. Some employers choose not to include a bariatric surgery rider, even if the insurance company offers one. if your employer's policy DOES cover bariatric surgery, do you meet all the requirements?

Thanks guys, and I'm glad you posted Tiffkins. I knew you had a revision also, but couldn't remember the details. So, Tiffkins question for you as you seem so knowledgeable about the different surgeries. I'm really leaning towards the Sleeve, but I feel I really need to understand the other options out there but scooping information up from this website and that website and on and on is getting overwhelming and still not really giving me a really good way to understand what my best option would be. I understand speaking with a Bariatric surgeon is a good start, and I will do that as soon as I finish a couple of their hurdles- but a concern I have is that that surgeon typically will specialize in certain procedures which is fine- but then I'm still not going to have all the facts on all the different WL procedures. I'm considering calling my PCP tomorrow and see if he might be any help with helping me digest the information- but as a GP, I'm not sure that's going to yield me the results I want either. I just don't want to hop on the latest fad because its popular right now and then regret it later. Keep the comments coming.

I always used the entire Syntrax packet as one serving - not sure about this 1/4 packet business - but I'd noticed that as well. I can't imagine most people drink less than a packet. One packet has around 100 kcal and 20-ish grams of protein, although it may depend on the flavor. most people ditch the protein shakes after the first few weeks or months (and you can as soon as you're getting all your protein needs met by real food), but some people keep up with them. They include: 1) people who malabsorb protein (like me). My protein needs are much higher than the normal bariatric patient, and a shake or two a day helps me meet them 2) people who can't stomach solid food in the morning. Some of them do a protein shake for breakfast instead 3) people who just flat-out like protein shakes (and there are some out there...)

I take my bariatric multivitamin at night. I'm talking about that moment when I roll over into the comfy position... I spring up, take my multi-vit and get back into my sleep position.

www.bariatriceating.com carries the best quality and best tasting protein products on the market IMO. All of the products they carry are for bariatric patients unlike the products at places like GNC and the bodybuilder gyms. BE sells a basket of samples of many different brands and they've got good recipes for using them on their website. My personal favorite brand is Whey Gourmet powder (23 grams per scoop) and my favorite RTD is Labrada cartons (17 oz), 35 grams per carton.