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In case any of you wondered what to expect. Of course I wasn't going to see my surgeon, he's too busy/important (I will see him Wednesday), but I saw his nurse and then one of the resident surgeons who I hate to say, did not instill confidence whatsoever. The nurse went over everything, was able to answer all my silly questions. Assured me the doctor will do the surgery and not the resident. Actually she herself had a gastric bypass 10 years ago, and gave me some tips (the usual ones we find here on this forum). She had me sign some more papers. She didn't have the gallbladder removal, so she went back in the computer and found that, and added it. ugh. The document did list that it was a laparoscopic sleeve with 5 incisions, or (possibly open) don't recall the exact wording. She said that is on every surgery "just in case". Not like they can wake you up if they run into a problem. I was okay with that. She gave me a pre op and post op instructions 2 pager (again, the typical stuff their nutritionist gave me months ago) I asked her about washing with hibiclens the morning of. She said that isn't necessary. To shower as usual in the morning. She said they do tell patients to wear clean clothes after showering in the morning to the hospital. (not worn before). She went into detail how the operating room staff will be putting something on my body to sanitize. I'm been dreading the dye drink leak test, but the nurse said they no longer do that. I was surprised to hear that. Maybe they check it another way, forgot to ask her that. After the nurse left, one of the resident surgeons came in. He just had it all wrong. Wanted to schedule me for surgery (I was scheduled a month ago (scheduled this Wednesday). Told me the wrong surgeon's name. (another doctor in the practice). So he went on to say, that there are three resident surgeons that the bariatric surgeons work with and one of them will be with my doctor during my procedure. I truly hope it isn't him. Then off to my anesthesia pre-op. This department was running about 30 min. late. ugh. He just wanted to know all of the clearances I had, if I had any list of issues, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, a slew of things. He determined I was healthy, checked my neck range of motion,, looked in my mouth, down my throat visually. Discussed the general anesthesia protocols. I asked him how long the surgery may take as how long I'd be under. He asked what doctor I was having, and when I responded, he said, OH, one hour, he's the best. I was happy to hear that. I brought up my surgeon thick eyeglasses. He laughed and told me the surgeon eye sight is fine, besides, he said my stomach is going to be on the best high definition gigantic screen in the OR. Funny, I know what laparoscopic is, but I didn't really think about the monitor it displays on. He did say all bariatric patients go to this one area for recovery, because so many obese patients have undiagnosed sleep apnea, so they need more nurses monitoring them while coming out of anesthesia. then I was sent to the lab for one more surgical test - a blood type screen test. then I came home and put most my Post-op stuff in one place, rather than squired away in between my families food. (see photo) I think I'm ready!!!!

Best wishes for your surgery. This requires far more fortitude than bariatric surgery, and your story should be an inspiration to everyone who reads this forum. I know your mother is looking down on you and guiding you and giving you strength. You have obviously made her proud. Blessings!

Hello All, I've been a lurker on these boards for awhile now and found them very informative.I decided I really wanted to do the Lap Band procedure so I contacted my PCP who refered me to a Bariatric surgeon,Dr. Loggins in Lewiston ,Maine.I waited nearly 3 months to get in and had my consultation today.Now I'm feeling depressed and wondering if I should move forward with the pre-op requirements. The consultation started with me watching a 20 minute video all about Gastric Bypass.Nothing was mentioned about Lap Band at all.After the video the Nurse Practitioner who set up the video came back in the room and asked if the video had answered any questions I might have.I told her no actually it didn't since I did not want Gastric Bypass.She kind of blew it off and said that all new patients see the that video and that I could discuss the Lap Band option with Dr.Loggins but since the pre-op requirements were the same for both she was going to set me up for Nutriton classes,a psych evaluation,etc.Then she went through my health history and gave me a physical exam. Then Dr.Loggins came in and spent about 30 minutes trying to convince me that Gastric Bypass was a better option and threw all kinds of figures and percentages at me.I argued,I got frustrated and then the tears came.The tears must have finally softened him because then he said he would compromise.He said he will not do a Lap band on anyone with a BMI over 50.I am at 53.If I can get my BMI under 50 he will do the procedure.But he still went ahead and orderd all the pre-op testing. So now I'm wondering if this is normal.Do lap band surgeries really not help people with BMI's over 50? He was so anti Lap band and pro Gastric Bypass.Should I try and find another surgeon? It took me so long to get into see him.I'm feeling more confused and depressed than ever! The only thing I am sure of is that I DO NOT want Gastric Bypass. Thoughts?

I just found out that my surgeon is no longer performing bariatric surgery and I have to find a new surgeon. I am completely blown, having been going through this process for 4 months now and expecting to have the sleeve done in the next 2 months. Hopefully the clearances and tests I've done already will be accepted by the new doctor, but this news has me so discouraged [emoji20]

I have a different Blue Cross plan. Under my plan, the out of pocket max is the max I'd pay in a year for all services - its intended as a safeguard if you have a catastrophic injury or illness. That was different than what I paid for any given service. Does your blue cross plan have a SErvice Benefit Brochure online? If so, it will likely list bariatric surgery and say what you need to pay depending on if the doc and hospitals are preferred providers or not. Also, note that this cost is JUST for the hospitalization. I ended up with costs for the hospital, surgeon, anesthesiologist, and lab work. It was far lower than my out of pocket max. I saw three surgeons before I decided on surgery, the only one that would have required me to make such a big payment up front was someone who did not take insurance and was covered as a non-participating provider. Again, my insurance may work differently than yours.

Hello All, I am in Maine and I am surprised to be having my consult with the bariatric surgeon on Monday March 15. A couple questions; Is there anyone else here that has had the surgery in Maine? Which will help with the following question... how soon can you expect surgery after your initial consult? I am a little excited and nervous at the same time. I put off exploring bariatric surgery for years and finally decided enough was enough... any feedback you can provide will be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!

I just found this: Bariatric Surgeon Profile - Horacio Guajardo, M.D. He's only done 85 sleeves. That's not very much sleeve experience. There is a surgeon in TJ and she isn't very experienced either and her patients can eat an entire chicken breast 3 weeks after surgery, I'm 10 months out and I can't eat that much and my stomach has already stretched out. Can you imagine how much she'll be able to eat when hers has stretched? Experience means everything in the world with this procedure. I have NO clue if this surgeon is great or horrible. I've never heard of him before I read you post. He's in a safe location, that part is good. He states on his OH profile that he trained Dr. Rumbaut. I'd call Rumbaut's office and verify that. Rumbaut has farrrr more experience than this guy... it kinda doesn't add up. Just research and verify everything.

Yeah chewing my meds in order to swallow them was more than disgusting but had to do what I needed to take them when dissolving them wasn't an option. Look for an app called the bariatric pyramid. It shows you what you should have on hand. Hope this helps Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

**I would like to preface this by saying that the story may be long, but I have been on this sight for about 3 months and have yet to post anything substantial. I loved reading peoples in-depth stories and wanted to share mine the same way. Take what you will My journey actually began 3 short months ago when my parents confronted both my younger sister and I about having the surgery. My mother was overweight and has RnY gastric bypass in 2003 and it completely changed her life, and ours, for the better. My parents saw us going down the same path and did not wish for us to have that kind of lifestyle. Having said that, there were times in my life I was fit and healthy, but no matter how much I exercise or watch what I eat these pat 5 years, I never seem to lose more than 20 lbs. The weight always came back. I have tried multiple weight loss systems and had no positive outcomes. I'm about 20 lbs smaller than my sister, weighing in at 240.8 at 5'6" and 28 years old (size 18/20 jean/dress). Which makes me approximately 100 lbs overweight and a candidate for laproscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy with Dr. Aviv Ben-Meier at St. Vincent Charity Medical Center for Bariatric Surgery in Cleveland, Ohio. This is where my mother had her surgery done, so she made a few calls to her advocate there and got both my sister and I a consultation with the surgeon. From the beginning, I knew I wanted to do this. The topic had been brought up to my sister before and I had considered what I would do if I ever had the opportunity, so when I was approached with have VSG in May, I knew I wanted to. Thankfully, my parents were able to pay for this surgery so I didn't have to jump through insurance hoops and was able to have the surgery quickly. I did check into my insurance in case it was a possibility, but found that it wasn't, by any mean, paid for. Having said that, a consultation, psych eval, sleep study, and 3 nutritionist appointments later, I was scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, August 17th, 2011. My sisters short story will end here seeing that she is in college and planning on having hers the first week of Christmas vacation. PAT's were scheduled 2 weeks before my operation in which I had no qualms whatsoever about the surgery. You should know that I am the last person you would find in a hospital, around needles and blood, but I was not nervous about this surgery AT ALL. That is, until PAT, when I passed twice getting blood drawn and heard about the tube and catheter I would have after surgery. Let alone the IV I would be getting beforehand (which I was aware of but thought I would be fine with until the fainting incident.) I went home that night after surgery education and was quesy and nervous for the first time. I was a pile of nerves and couldn't allow myself to think about it at all without feeling nauseaus. I couldn't back out now! Thankfully the next morning I woke up with a new sense of ease and was fine once again. I am so gracious to have this opportunity to get my life back, I didn't care what I had to do to get it. The day before surgery came and I had to drink 3 bottles of Magnesium Citrate on a clear liquid diet. I mixed the COLD cherry Mag. Cit. with Crystal light lemonade, and honestly, it wasn't that bad. I encourage those of you who still have to do this to try it that way. Also, since its nasty, you want to drink it quickly...but it's carbonated and may make you feel a bit nauseaus. fyi. That night I took my mind off things by visiting my 5 day old honorary nephew. Unfortunately they were eating homemade roastbeef and mashed potatoes for dinner!! The morning of I was up at 4:30, showered, hair done, and ready to head to Cleveland. I actually arrived at my surgery 15 minutes late! I was praying for an early surgery so I wouldn't have to wake up and wait around...well, I got what I asked for. 6am surgery! During pre-op they gave me a gown and asked me to take a pregnancy test, then put me in a bed where they took my blood pressure and found my heart rate to be an extremely high 119. I was worried about the IV at this point, could careless about the surgery. The nurses and anesthesiologists come around and introduced themselves, I was given warm blankets, then left to wait about an hour until they came back to do my IV. Maybe one of the worst parts for me was that hour long waiting-for-the-inevitable anxiety. Finally the actual anesthesiologist came over and began. He said they WERE GOING TO NUMB ME FIRST! I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I actually reached up and grabbed his shoulder to thank him. He numbed my arm, and literally 4 seconds later the IV was in and I didn't feel a thing. I told him he was "amazing" which had the entire open pre-op room full of about 20 people laughing. He kept it going for awhile. Next thing I know, my surgeon, another amazing man, Dr. Aviv Ben-Meier, was at the foot of my bed asking if I had questions, saying that I would do great, and he would see me in a few minutes. They gave me a shot of heparin in my belly (which created a now 6" awful looking bruise) and some of what my surgeon calls "I don't care medicine." I was wheeled into the operating room and asked to maneuver over to the surgery table. Let me tell you, without that anxiety medication, there is no way I would have freely moved on over and allowed them to strap me down the way they were. I do remember calling them a bunch of friendly busy bees before they told me goodnight... Next thing I know I'm being wheeled to recovery in the hallway with nurses yelling my name. Honestly, this is exactly what it feels like waking up from fainting. I felt like they were screaming at me though they were just trying to keep me awake. Once in the preop area I was immediately given morphine through my IV which didn't help a bit! I was in pain! I'm a pain baby, just so you know. It is just intense soreness in your abdominal area. I will say that I didn't cry or beg for more medicine, but it was pretty miserable. Just prepare yourself. Thankfully every 10 minutes the nurse came with more morphine until the morphine pump was hooked up, but my guess is it took a good 45 minutes for me to feel any relief. It must have been about 2 hours, the last I was able to sleep through after the pain meds started working, and I was taken to my beautiful room. St. Vincent Charity Medical Center has remodeled all of their rooms to look like hotels! My husband, mom, and friend were then there with me. I was awake enough to hear that the surgeon found I had hiatal hernia which he needed to repair before the actual VSG took place, so the surgery took longer than expected. I was actually glad to hear that it got fixed! I'm sure that attributed to many of my preop symptoms. The rest of the day was pretty boring between pushing my morphine pump every 10 minutes and falling to sleep. My husband would push the pump while I slept which was awesome. I recommend you have someone on top of that if that is your line up of pain medication afterwards. The pump doesn't get pushed if your sleeping!!!!! I found that out the first night. The night of surgery they also had me up walking twice, which was unimaginable until I actually got up. Walking made me feel so much better. The first lap around the floor was difficult, but then they started to make me feel really good. I encourage the walking big time. The night of surgery went ok until I woke up 2 hours without pain medication. I don't understand this and probably never will. I tried to stay awake for 40 minutes to press the button 4 times but I would always end up falling back to sleep. Most of the time there are orders to push an extra dose of morphine if needed, so don't hesitate to ask your nurse. The next day they took away my morphine pump and put me on 2 separate pain medications that also helped with inflammation since I had the hernia repaired. The nurse came in and gave those through the IV every 6 hours. That was much better. I walked a lot the next day and also slept. The medication really didn't give me a choice to stay awake though I wanted to. My mom came and gave me a manicure and we watched the Bachelor Pad. That day I also had the catheter removed. I want everyone to know who is like me and never had one before, to not worry about it. I didn't even know it was there and it was no big deal when they took it out. My issue was that I was unable to urinate for a good 9 hours after and was told that if I didn't go they would have to put it back in. THAT WASN'T GOING TO HAPPEN. lol. Also, the abdominal tube you do not feel in you at all. I was not allowed to drink anything today which was the second day without any liquid. Cotton mouth was an annoyance for sure. The swabbie's helped me the most, and also brushing my teeth a lot helped at all, just make sure not to swallow anything. I sounded like a frog. The third day in the hospital I woke up and was taken down for a barium X-ray at 8:00am. It was far too easy, but also extremely gross. Thankfully they gave me anti-nausea medication before I went. After not having anything in my throat for 2.5 days, barium was not my drink of choice. 6 small sips later it was over and by 9am my surgeon had approved me for liquids and had a glass of icechips by my bedside. Ice chips were a God-send and lunch was great. I found that I was taking really small sips too soon together though. The top of my stomach was gurgly. My surgeon came in that night and said that the rest of the day I should time my sips every 5 minutes, then the next day every 3 minutes. It was this time I was put on liquid percocet which is now my pain med of choice. lol. The rest of the day I walked, walked, walked. I was called speedy by more than one other patient The next day was Saturday and time to go home. I had been worrying about my tube being taken out but by now I was a nervous wreck. I was told that it doesn't hurt, it's just a really strange feeling. When the doctor walked in at noon I had to buck up and make my own judgement. He said the same, that it won't hurt, but feels like you're going down the hill of a rollercoaster. Would you know, that is what I would compare it to! What a doc! Also, I did not have bad gas pain in the hospital. I was warned the first day after surgery that I might since having the hernia repaired. I've noticed it in my shoulders when it appears but it is not that extreme. I find that walking and doing shoulder/neck circles helps. I guess I was one of the lucky ones! Again, if you are nervous about that, don't be...it's not worth it. I was still on percocet, and walking, as my discharge instructions were given. Then I was in the car and headed home. Nothing compares to lying in my own bed, propped up on pillows, relaxed by percocet, with my pup and husband. I do believe I told him that night that I was in heaven. My time home has been going really well. My surgeon wants me drinking 6-8 8oz. of full liquid per day, one of those servings being a Protein drink. As of right now, I find that impossible! Yesterday I had about 4 servings and couldn't bare to drink anymore. I am finding that I still have drink at a rate of about every 5 minutes, but I believe that may be due to the swelling I also have from the hernia repair. I may also be taking larger sips than I should. I'm still trying to tweak that. The Protein drinks I am drinking are from Arbonne and are absolutely delicious. I'm also drinking some Diet V8 Splash berry Blend (which takes most of the yucky taste away from crushed pills), tea, Water, crystal light, and broths. I think I'm able to have diluted creamed Soup but I'm afraid to try that as of yet. The medications I am taking upon coming home are liquid percocet when needed, flintstone Vitamin +Iron daily, 4 chewable Gas-X daily for the first week starting the day I come home, and chewable pepcid twice daily. The most shocking thing I've noticed since being home is the amount of gurggling my digestive system is doing. I think it is just the mix of gas and liquid, but it sounds like a washing machine dinosaur, and I have multiple people that agree with me! I'm so embarrassed by it but am glad that it doesn't hurt. I start grad school classes next Monday and am unsure what I'm going to do about this! The other issue I'm facing is head hunger. There is no way I could fit anything in my stomach, but food is absolutely everywhere and I want it! I get sad that I will never eat pizza...but have to tell myself that one day I will be able to have a portion of pizza. Food comes to mind that I'm not even a huge fan of, like oreos, and I want one so bad. I realize that this is my addiction talking and that I will be able to enjoy food eventually, but life is more important that chips and chicken wings. When I have these feelings, I just think...wouldn't you rather put on a pair of skinny jeans, or wouldn't you rather be able to cross your legs? etc. That helps. Today I am 5 days post-op and am actually at work. It's not typical work, but I'm still not at home resting. I take care of my grandmother who is suffering from Ovarian Cancer. I drive 45 minutes to and from her house each day to help her. I got up early today, drove out here, and we are taking care of one another. It's been nice. I haven't had to take any pain medicine today which I am thankful for and am getting in more liquids since I didn't sleep in and haven't napped. My surgeon said that each day I should feel better and so far I am! I hope this post is at least a little helpful for you all. I'll continue updating on my journey and reading yours! Attached is a picture of me from a few months ago with my sister and mom. My sister is on the left, me on the right with the red hair. Hopefully soon I'll be adding before and afters!! WOOOHOOOO! Can't believe I'm on the losers bench!

Over the years I have had 3 tipped ports. Go in, have em fixed...it hurts, but back to normal! I have been working a lot, and my port has been tipped for a while. But this time rubbing against my clothes. I have lost almost all my weight, and don't have any more padding. My port reallllly sticks out! I called my doc only to learn he had retired. In the meantime ( I am a flight attendant ) in shanghai, I ended up in he hospital after my port started spewing goo all the way down my leg. Long storey short..a week later, I finally get into a bariatric surgeon today. He tells me I need my port taken off, wait 4 to 6 weeks, on antibiotics, and hope to save my band. Then another operation to attach a new port. This is all self pay in Canada Has anyone done this successfully? Has anyone lost thier band? I can't imagine life without it. I also need a doctor to take me.. Sad day

So I am really, really struggling with liquid protein and I'm trying different things. I have found that bariatric hot cocoa, while a bit too sweet, is much more tolerable, and it has 15 grams of protein, and if I make it with Fairlife milk instead of water it has even more. The thing is, the protein source is calcium caseinate, and I see things like whey protein concentrate or milk protein concentrate in most products. Is calcium caseinate an adequate source? Does it even matter what kind of protein it is: whey, soy, pea, rice, etc.? Thanks in advance!

The website is Fill Centers USA - Weight Loss Surgery - Bariatric Surgery - Gastric Bypass Surgery - Lap Band Surgery Information and Support

Here's my saga. I posted this elsewhere in the forums and was kind of surprised at the negative response, so let me say, this is just my story. I'm not bashing the band, I'm very thankful for the success I had with it. I'm not bitter or angry, it just didn't work for me long term. I had a Realize band placed in February of 2009. My starting weight was 268. The band was fantastic and I lost weight steadily, with the exception of a few months when I realized how easy Cookies were to eat. In December of 2010, I hit the 100 pounds lost mark, I also found out I was pregnant that same week. At about 4 weeks pregnant I had a really nasty 3 day stomach flu. A few days after recovering from that, I started throwing up again. I could keep food down for a few hours, but it was all coming back up. I lost another 15 pounds in 2 weeks. I thought it was just severe morning sickness, even though in 5 previous pregnancies I'd never had morning sickness. I saw my Ob who told me to immediately get my band unfilled and if I was still throwing up the next day he'd have to admit me into the hospital. I got a complete unfill and immediately felt better, but with no restriction and absolutely no mental/physical/spiritual preparedness for no restriction, my love affair with all things bread and pastry renewed like we were never apart. I gained 40 pounds in the first 4 months of my pregnancy. I managed to gain back a little control, but ended up gaining about 60 pounds before I had my daughter in August of 2011. The weight gain took a great emotional toll on me, but I just knew that 6 weeks postpartum I'd get a fill and be right back on track... You know where this is going, right? In October of 2011 I got my band refilled. Pre-pregnancy, my fill level was at 7.2cc in an 11 cc band. We filled it to 3.5 cc and 3 weeks later filled it to 5 cc. I had very little restriction and it just didn't seem right. I'd also started getting heartburn. I went back a few weeks later and we filled it to 5.5. That lasted 24 hours, I had to go back in for an unfill and we went down to 5.2 so I could get Water down. I still didn't have much restriction, but I did have terrible heartburn and vomiting in the middle of the night. I lived with this for a few months until I couldn't stand it and went back in and had .5 cc removed. This made the heartburn manageable with daily meds and tums always at hand, but there was no restriction. I could eat all the bread, Pasta, rice that I wanted. I knew I had a slip, but didn't have insurance to cover bariatrics, so I lived with it. I tried eating less, exercise, weight watchers, even a juice fast but I've gained 20 more pounds on top of the baby weight. Fast forward to now and I finally have insurance to cover bariatrics. I went in a few weeks ago and had my upper GI. It showed a slip above the band, virtually my entire stomach is above the band, which is why there is no restriction felt, but the band was so tight that flow into the rest of my digestive tract was severely restricted. Food just sat there for a really long time, and the results of that we're just kind of gross. We unfilled the band completely to see if the slip would fix itself, although, we all knew what that result would be. The pregnancy hadn't caused the slip, the stomach flu had and 9 months of an empty band hadn't helped it unslip. I got that confirmation this week. My band is still slipped and the restriction is still severe even empty. I'm frustrated, but quite relieved that there has been a real issue this whole time and it wasn't just me. We're now going through the process of getting insurance approval to revise to a sleeve and I couldn't be happier.

I have no idea, there is a questionaire you fill out and when I log into their site it says I am low risk under the assessment, when they callled me they told me I was high risk. I asked them how they figured I was high risk and they couldn't tell me, but added that looking at my records, they couldn't understand why I was high risk either. If you are high risk, you have to meet with one of their surgeons, if you are low risk, you can just go to the center. Like I previously posted, meeting one of their surgeons required a 1000 mile trip. Personally, I thought it was just a way to make more money off of me. And it is not practical. If I wanted to travel 1,000 miles, I would just go back to Mexico and get my fill done for free! I now know that I CAN get a fill somewhere else, even though they try to convey this message that you won't get any support if you got your surgery in Mexico. Also, their prices are higher than the price I will be getting from a bariatric center in my own town, which does fluoro...unlike fill centers usa. Like MySjerriJo said, call around, seach the net, etc. I felt like they were my only opportunity besides going back to Mexico. Believe me, a doctor/hospital near you will be more than happy to take your money :cool:

My surgery was Wednesday, April 2nd. I'm amazed at how well I am doing. I'm sitting here, on my bed, just chilling cause you know, I just had major abdominal surgery and probably shouldn't be up doing my normal things. Lol! All silliness aside, my heart goes out to those of you who haven't had such an easy time. Please be kind to yourselves and get well soon. Several of you have asked if I would talk about my experience having the VSG surgery. Here it goes: The ninth day before surgery, I started a modified liquid diet (2 shakes & 1 low-calorie frozen entrée) for five days. The two days before surgery I was on a clear liquid diet (with a magnesium citrate chaser to 'clean me out'). 4/2 Wednesday - Surgery Day. I couldn't have anything by mouth, not even ice chips. Before surgery a nurse put a Transderm Scōp® patch (Scopolamine) behind my ear to help prevent nausea. During surgery my doctor found a small hiatal hernia which she fixed. When the surgery was completed she did a 'leak' test. Everything went well, and I was transferred to recovery and then to my room where my family was waiting for me. Once I was back in my room, I was told that they would have me up and walking within four hours. I couldn't have anything by mouth until the next day when I would have another leak test. My mouth and throat were so dry; I honestly think that might've been the worst part. About four hours later the nurse and aid came in to get me up for a walk. Though I was uncomfortable, mostly because of the JP drain, I didn't require any assistance getting up and ended up walking to the end of the hall causing my nurse and several others to remark, "wow! What a good job! We never see "these" patients do that." Yeah, "these" patients. Smh Through the night they would poke and prod me with needles. One of the test was a blood sugar. Though I have never had an issue with blood sugar, my numbers were above 120 two times. Interestingly, this is quite normal for patients who just gone through surgery. Their protocol for bariatric patients is, if the blood sugar is over hundred, they are given insulin. So when the second test came in high, I was given insulin. Their reasoning is, you heal better and have less chance of infection when your numbers are below 100. 4/3 Thursday - The next morning I was taken to radiology for another leak test. I had to drink yellow colored contrast so that they could watch where liquid went after I swallowed it. I asked the tech if my doctor was there and how soon she be reading report, because I was so thirsty. The radiologist, behind the partition, called out to me and said everything looked great. About an hour later I was started on clear liquids. My first meal consisted of: chamomile tea, broth, and cherry Jell-O. Along with my meal came a measured medicine cup. And, I was told to drink 15 mL every 15 minutes and track it on the form provided. I could tolerate everything except the Jell-O. I had a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia infusion pump) which was removed once the IV in my hand infiltrated the next day. At that point I started receiving Roxicet which is a liquid Percocet. I continued to get up either on my own or when it was suggested and each time, walked a little further. One of my nurse remarked she was very impressed because again, "'these' patients need continual prodding to get up." I ran a low-grade fever of about 100.4 throughout my stay. It was normal the day was released. 4/4 Friday - that morning I was instructed to drink 30 mL every 15 minutes and track it. My release was dependent on whether or not I could self-hydrate enough. I was able to take a shower on my own and dress in pajamas that I had brought from home. I continued to take walks every few hours. I was released that afternoon. Yay!! The entire time in the hospital, I had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain was easily controlled with medication; I should mention the pain specifically related to the JP drain was pretty startling at times. 4/5 First full day home. I started phase 2 diet which consists of smooth foods, purées and 60-80g of protein in a liquid supplement. My surgeon requires her patients to walk 30 minutes each day, even if it's in increments. So, I went to Walmart to pick up my prescriptions and walked the store for 30 minutes. By the end I was pretty wiped out. I've had very minimal nausea, no vomiting and the pain has been easily controlled with the Roxicet. I feel weak, especially when I forget that I've had surgery and overdo it. Several times I've felt shaky and/or dizzy. My muscles feel a bit noodily. I've been able to handle all of my self-care and meals without help, i'm just slower than normal. I was also sent home with a prescription for the Scōp® patch and a sublingual anti-nausea medication; if you have a tendency toward nausea, I suggest you talk to Dr. about these meds. I'm still a bit swollen but not as much as my first day home. Oh! The gas pains. They're pretty sporadic and only last 10 to 60 seconds, but boy oh boy do they smart!! I know this is pretty long; I hope that it's helped somebody out there. If you have any questions, feel free to post them below or send me a private message.

If I were in your situation, I would get the insurance funded lapband removal, wait 6 - 8 weeks, then head to Mexico for my sleeve. You can get sleeved by a reputable Mexican surgeon for $4500 - 6000. I do think it's shady that your surgeon isn't giving any discount on the surgery. I've never heard of that before. If you don't want to go to Mexico, maybe shop around with local bariatric surgeons who take your insurance and see if you can get a better deal with someone you are comfortable with.

This is the first time I've heard of that kind of problem with a PCP. But like everyone else, all doctors are not created equally. It isn't uncommon for a PCP to be quite ignorant about bariatric surgery. Did she give a reason for her discomfort?

I had both surgeries at the same time. My surgeon is both a bariatric and genral- so he does both surgeries. My surgeon explaned what they did to me and basically he fixed the hernia where it will not redevelop and the way he sews the lapband in that should not be a problem either. Most people who are obese have a hiatal hernia- very common.

I was told to look for something that was 100% whey protein isolate (because it's better absorbed than whey protein concentrate and other protein forms). Personally, I like the Unjury brands, but you have to buy them online. You can jazz them up by adding things like PB2 (powdered peanut butter), unsweetened cocoa powder, a tablespoon or so of sugar free pudding mix, or sugar free syrups like they use at coffee shops (you'll see a very few flavors, usually Torani brand at grocery stores, places like Cost Plus World Market generally have a bigger selection of the sugar free flavors, or you can go crazy and order online). When I was trying things out, I ordered a bunch of single-serve packets. BJs Bariatrics does single packets of the Nectar brand. Vitalady.com does single-serve of a bunch of different brands.

Your doctor's office will tell you tomorrow. What you will learn here is that of the thousands of members on Bariatric Pal, each of us have different doctors, different eating plans, insurance requirements, tests, pre-op classes, nutritionists, psych appointments, but once you get the ball rolling it moves quickly. Best wishes as you go through the process. Listen, learn, read, ask questions and get prepared! Happy for you!

I think most of us would be confused and unsure in your situation.It is difficult to be objective when things hit so close to home. Like Isereno said, health risks need to be considered. Your sister and friend had VERY serious health problems that have nothing to do with bariatric surgery. Your sister was saved because of having VSG, so if anything, she is the perfect example of why we chose to do something as drastic as surgery to treat our obesity. Going in to this I knew death and serious complications were a risk (as with any surgery) but inaction was going to bring me the same results, so I went for it. Your sister and friend had no symptoms and nothing came up during all the pre-op testing. Thanks to bariatric surgery they had a chance to fight their liver disease and cancer. When taking risks, sometimes we lose and sometimes we win, but I would rather go down fighting. I hope you choose to fight. Lastly, I suggest you call your surgeon today. He/she can answer some questions for you and can be more compassionate tomorrow. A big hug to you!!!!!

I haven't had my surgery yet (hopefully by end of month), but I met with my nutritionist for the final visit yesterday. She went over everything I would need to know for after surgery. She said I would need to take 2 Flintstone Complete Vitamins, Calcium Citrate with Vitamin D 3-4 times a day, Vitamin B-12 and Biotin daily. My sister had gastric bypass surgery last year and her doctor only has her taking fusion chewables 4 times a day. I looked at the bottle on line (www.bariatricchoice.com) and it seems to have everything that I was told to take. Does anyone else take Fusion? I would rather take just one thing than all that other stuff.

So.........you're flying to Siberia or Venezuela from Newfoundlad? My best suggestion would be sealed sample packs and a shaker cup. Ask the flight attendant for Water. I buy bariatric supplies from Bariatric Pantry and Bariatric Choice all the time. Bariatric Pantry has a sample pack of Syntrax Nectars here: http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/SYNTRAX_NECTAR_PROTEIN_POWDER_SAMPLES_p/nectar-sample.htm

Hi JRT Mom, my first set of ulcers were related to H Pylori. This time around they tested for H Pylori but it was negative. I don’t use a lot of NSAIDS so I’m not really sure what the culprit is. I had my gallbladder removed shortly after I was told I had Ulcers in 2011 (sludge). The MRICP revealed no pancreatic or duct complications but it did reveal I have Hepatic Steatosis (non alcoholic fatty liver disease). In 43 and so finding this out was a shock & that is why I have really decided I need to do something about my weight. I’ve already been told my cholesterol was high and was diagnosed with Hashimotos Hypothyroid about 2 years ago. I will definitely make an appointment with my gastroenterologist to discuss bariatric surgery and to get his input.

Oh okay, so you can buy them single-y? That's a relief. I was just seeing online if you could just get one but you can't seem to. Just in the 4 packs. I did get some packet samples of Unjury and Bariatric Advantage and Nectar but I was curious about the Muscle Milk. Thank you so much for the help, Lissa!