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For those in the NYC area, I just received an email from NYU Bariatric Group. There will be a clothing exchange on September 7th. I've cut and pasted the info below. I'm bringing a bunch of things that no longer fit me and were very gently worn including my winter coat from last year. I hope everything gets taken. I also hope that others on this site stop by to drop off or pick up new things. Join us in midtown Manhattan Sunday * September 7, 2014 * 11 a.m.–2 p.m. qwetyuip[asdfghjkl;' Where: BOTTOMLESS CLOSET [in the Hotel Pennsylvania opposite Penn Station & Madison Square Garden] 401 Seventh Avenue, Level B, Suite 40 (bet. West 32nd and West 33rd Streets) *** Take Elevator #1 to Level B; follow signs *** Everything must be clean, intact and ready for wearing. Intimates (e.g., workout clothes, underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery) must be new/unused/unworn. Accessories are great (belts, jewelry, scarves, neckties, purses, shoes, etc.). Dressing rooms are available. If you need nothing now, feel free to stop by with items you're no longer using and stay for the conversation. Bottomless Closet, our host, helps disadvantaged NYC women enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives. All items not adopted during our event are donated to BC. Documents will be available for tax purposes. Contact bandsterswap@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the exchange. If you'd like to help set up, please come at 10:00. If you're able to stay a little past 2:00 to straighten up, please do.

If you have history of gallstones and gallbladder attack I would highly recommend to remove it at the same time. If this isn't the case, there's a 50-50% chance to develop gallbladder symptoms in the future after any Bariatric procedure! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I use a delicious one from vitamin shoppe. Bariatric something. Tastes like flintstones. You can also try patches. I might just because after my conversion I’ll need iron and calcium. I’m bad at taking pills several times a day. Once is all I can manage.

the employer can only make changes to their plan off their renewal period if they have made a legal mistake (ie bariatric coverage is required in some states with different conditions per state). Their renewal does not coincide with your plan, so you could speak with the employer and ask them to consider adding this coverage for their next year. (You can also look at your state's legal requirements to be sure they meet the minimum...I've seen many occasions where people don't). We are self insured and this is the sort of thing we like to hear about from our team. Our goal is to provide the best coverage in the business, both as a benefit to our team's well being and for competitive reasons (helps us get the best people). So when we learn that we are lacking in an area from someone we look at how to make that work in our program. When I had my surgery we saw we were lacking in this area and will make the changes for the next period. We did the same for fertility and adoption benefits after seeing we were low. Typically employers go with a plan that is sort of standard, then add bits here and there as necessary. It's impossible to sit there and say "how much do we have for this and that" because it's overwhelming, so we get guided by our administrators. Which is where you come in Yes tell his employer. He may or may not make the change, but it's worth a shot. That said, this probably won't help you during this enrollment period. He can't just add the coverage for you as an appeal.

Even still at the 6 month point, we need to make the most important things getting in the Protein (60-90gm or whatever your surgeon recommends), and at least 64 oz of water/liquid every day. This makes a big difference in our weight loss. And I agree with other posters--starchy carbs this soon after surgery can really mess with our weight loss. The more fresh (or frozen) veggies and (limited) fruits you can get in, the happier your body will be to let go of those pounds. Sorry you're dealing with stressful stuff at work. It's one of the biggest life stressors that drives us to making unhealthy eating choices. The stress isn't likely to go away, but WE can learn ways to COPE with the stress so we don't end up sabotaging ourselves by choosing our old reliable, comforting food, like we always have before our surgery. It takes work, but there are a lot of self-help resources out there to begin taking charge. We owe it to ourselves. Celebrate the 40 pounds that you HAVE lost, and if there are some things that you need to do to get back to your original Bariatric Eating plan, it sounds like you are ready and committed to moving forward. That's the key--move forward from here--don't look back!

I just had a fantastic experience at Mexicali Bariatric Centre at the Hospital Almater. I posted about it in the Mexico forum. I can re-post it below. I certainly have no issues with my experience there at all

It will completely depend on your specific policy with BCBS. Call them, provide your policy/group number and ask them to send you in writing the policy related to bariatric surgery.

I have united healthcare for medical and Caremark for prescriptions. I think this was covered through my prescription plan. They sent 4 cases of protein drinks. 1 months supply of bariatric vitamins, and some scar cream. They said they will send automatically for the next year. I will not have to pay anything out of pocket. From when I applied it's been about 8 weeks total till I received anything.

I applied at www.insurenutrition.com I've bought these drinks at BJs and they are very good. I tried them before I was approved. There was a link on the bariatric pal site too. Good luck!

Yes, they bypass is more prone, or predisposed to, ulcers than the sleeve (just as the sleeve is predisposed to GERD.,) but they are a different sort of ulcer than what you have. The bypass tends toward marginal ulcers around the anastomosis (junction) between the new stomach pouch and intestines. This is because the part of intestine that is now immediately downstream of the stomach is not resistant to stomach acid like the duodenum - the upper part of the intestine immediately downstream of the normal stomach, which gets bypassed along with the remnant stomach in the RNY. Consequently, that anastomosis is very sensitive and prone to ulcers, which is the root of the "no NSAID" rule that permeates bariatrics - you don't want to take any medication that could irritate that anastomosis (there are other meds that may be limited, too, but NSAIDs are the most common class.) What I would be concerned about is what caused your ulcer, and whether that cause would be relieved (or exacerbated) by your surgery. Similar to your hiatal hernia and GERD - fixing the hernia will likely correct your GERD and you will be back to "normal" - no more predisposed to it if you get a sleeve, but still possible. One of the problems with the bypass is that it leaves you with a blind remnant stomach and upper intestine, which can't be easily monitored with an endoscopy, so if something develops in that blind section, you may not know about it until things have progressed more than you would like them to progress (possibly to a cancer.) Some express a dislike for the sleeve because if they have a resultant reflux problem then it could lead to Barret's esophagus and possibly cancer, which is a fair concern; however, that is something that can be easily monitored endoscopically if those symptoms develop, and can be treated; problems that may develop in the blind stomach or intestines of the RNY may not be caught until it is too late to treat effectively, so there is a trade off there. You are somewhat caught in the middle, with some contraindications for both of the common WLS procedures. This is where some serious talk, and understandings, with your medical team is appropriate to really get a good handle on your problems going into this, and how those may play out in the future. I/m not so sure that I would be comforted by the matter that the surgeon may be able to work around a problem (such as an ulcer) if that problem is likely to reoccur 5-10 years in the future, and possibly worse - the surgeon is out of the picture by then, but you aren't. There is another alternative that might be worth considering, which would be the duodenal switch - it uses a sleeve, so it doesn't leave a blind remnant stomach, but due to its' malabsorption component, they typically use a larger version of the sleeve which is less prone to GERD problem. Your surgeon may not offer it (it's a more complex procedure, so many surgeons don't offer it) but it may be worth looking into to see if that fits your need. Good luck,

Listen to anything RJ says. She has been through it all, and above anyone else on this site has the most valid and respected perspective on surviving complications. CowgirlJane is another bariatric sister who has endured through some discouraging circumstances that would have brought orthers down. I am so sorry that your wife is struggling, but I am confident that you will find some comfort here.

I haven't received my surgery date yet. BUT, let me just say this to you. You were very misinformed. Technically, you could eat what you want. But, that's just a very DUMB way of looking at it. I hate to say this but this doctor should be FIRED. He appears to be one of those doctors who are just in it for the money. Please go around and read things on this board. We all have a problem with food. That is the reason we are having this surgery done. The reason we became obese is because we all have problems with portion control and diet and nutrition as a whole. NO doctor in there right mind would tell a bariatric patient to eat whatever they want after the surgery. Read some of the blogs on here about how people get sick after eating too early or how eating certain things (mainly bad food) will have them feeling quite miserable. The program I am in requires us to focus on diet and exercising. That should be your main focus. I started my change back on 7/28 and to date I've lost 30 pounds. I did this because I began learning how important eating the RIGHT foods will mean to my body pre and post op. If you're struggling with your food choices you should see a NUT ASAP so you can get on track. I wouldn't listen to another word this doctor is saying because he's TOTALLY in it for the money. I'm sorry you were sold cheap goods. This is a major surgery that will take a lot of work on your part. Remember the surgery is just a TOOL. In order to lose as much weight as possible and to keep it up you can't have the same mentality that got you here in the first place. Get your mental right and work a plan and stick to it. I know it's hard. But you can def do it!

Surgery 4/10/18 HW: 295 CW: 252 Slow start out of the gate. Surgery was complicated by adhesions from band and I was overmedicated recovery unit. Been on solid foods for a few weeks. I have to be careful with bread, but I don't eat a lot of it anyway. I do OK on my plan, but have had a few episodes of uncomfortable slime/foamies. Sometimes I can figure out the cause, sometimes I can't. Discovered last week that traveling can be a challenge, but I do the best I can. My weight loss is going much slower than I'd like. I'm told that it's because of my previous bariatric surgery/lap band. Guess the body has "been there/done that" kind of attitude. Happy I'm losing inches. Am down 2 pant sizes. Glad my energy is back. Started off on MD Patches, but developed sensitivity to the adhesive. Don't like the chalky chewables and the soft-chews are kind of expensive. I can take small pills, but the larger vitamin size caplets can be uncomfortable. Currently taking SF gummy supplements, which seem to work and I consider them my treat for the day. My skin is looking great. Not much hair loss. I notice a little extra in my brush, otherwise I seem to have that in check.

Im in Beaumont ,tx. I go to the Bariatric center of southeast tx. -Dr.Jerome Schrapps. He is great! My surgery is Monday the 24th. He has sleeved several of my friends. I have ins, so not sure of the price. But you should call. Its only about 1 1/2 away from Houston.

I have cigna and I know they cover the surgery. I've studied their policy inside and out. Just to make sure my plan really did cover the surgery I called them today only to learn that my father's employer (who I am covered under for another year) has chosen to still consider bariatric surgery as "cosmetic". It sucks because I was so hopeful that I could finally get healthy and feel good. I know the surgery will cost them less in the long run...but is there anyway I could appeal to his employer? Anyway around this other than self pay?

I agree with @@SherB and the previous posters. You have insurance now and a partial safety net for the immediate post-op period. Your marital status is not relevant to whether or not you need to get healthy for your kids and yourself. By the second day, I felt as though I hadn't had surgery. I filled the pain prescription, but didn't need to use even one. To minimize hair loss, make sure there isn't a span of time in which your Protein intake drops really low. For 2 or 3 days I was required to have a clear liquid diet, so the Protein shakes were too heavy. During that time I used the Isopure clear drinks which have 40 grams in each bottle. Also, I suggest that you prepare yourself in advance to make it pleasant--- get good tasting Protein powder, sugarless flavorings and search for recipes on this site and the blog, The World According to Eggface. Besides having confidence in your research and the experience of so many folks on Bariatric Pal, the rest is a leap of faith that everything is going to be OK.

Hello, Does anyone want to buy these unopened bouillon or cream soups off me? I can't have Whey and didn't realize they had Whey Protein in them when I bought them. I bought them for $87.99/6pk but will sell for $85/6pk. Please tell me what 6 you would like or if you want all of them. Message me so I can mail them to you or if you are near Holden, MA then you can pick up. Just had surgery so can't drive. Thanks Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

A gastric sleeve is different from a Divided RNY. A gastric sleeve still maintains the body's normal functions with a different stomach. I've talked to several bariatric specialist and everything I Am doing is all normal. Sometimes you can't feel the fullness in your pouch and you throw up because 2 tablespoons of something over filled it. Trust me I am a researching health nut. I had other complicated issues that had nothing to do with food addictions the reason I was overweight .

Yesterday was my surgery. I had a check in time of 12:00 noon. I was very thirsty, as you can imagine! They brought my husband and I back and we worked on some paperwork and the final pre-op weigh in, I was down about 30 pounds since I started with this doctor last June. 13 pounds were from the pre-op diet alone. I also got a huge heparin shot in my leg to prevent clotting and an anti-nausea patch behind my ear. The hospital was running a bit late (they kept apologizing) but brought me to the OR at 1:45. I was having some anxiety laying on the table, but the put me under very quickly. Next thing I knew, I was awake and the nurses were asking how I was doing. I remember replying "Hot, thirsty, nauseous." I'm not sure how it all happened, but the next thing I knew, I was in the big hospital recliner with a bottle of Water to sip and a fan pointed right at me! I felt much better at that point. They wanted me to get up pretty soon after that. Walking was not at all a pain, but I was having trouble focusing my eyes. My DH was there too, and he sent out some texts to the family that I was all done. I passed out at that point. The rest of the evening kind of went on that way: sip, sip, sip, walk, doze off. I listened to music and podcasts to help keep my mind at ease. DH had to leave to help out with the kids at home. I had my surgery at a stand alone bariatric hospital, and there was only one other patient there overnight. My abdomen was a bit sore but not too painful. However, my right shoulder was. Luckily I had brought a heating pad that is helping A LOT. I asked for chicken broth, but before I could try it, I had a dry-heave thing. The nurses waved some alcohol wipes under my nose and that helped it to stop. I waited a bit longer till it had totally passed to try anything else. At abut 5 this morning, the nurses got me up and dressed. I did some more walking and sipping. I had to really play around with the sipping. Too little and I think I was swallowing too much air which was VERY uncomfortable in the esophagus area. To much and my tummy kind of spasmed. Around 7, I had to go back for the barium swallow/X-Ray which was AWFUL. Apparently, the liquid is having a hard time moving into my stomach (refluxing) and is kind of just sitting in my esophagus. She also saw a big air bubble sitting in the top of the stomach. That sort of explains why swallowing has been (and is still) very uncomfortable. Not painful, but really strange feeling. At that point, my husband returned and I got discharged to come home. I'm still having the weird feeling in my esophagus. My surgeon said the swelling there should go down in a day or so. But other than the general discomfort, nothing super acute has been bothering me. I think I might feel a smidge worse tomorrow. I've been drink water, Vitamin Water Zero (the lemonade is good and not too sweet, the mixed berry is good too) and some warm chicken broth. I am trying to take it all slowly. The weather is really sunny day, so I may even take a little walk outside! Please let me know if you have any questions about the surgery, my background or even the pre-op diet!

Because I am unemployed and my insurance does not cover bariatric surgery I have been looking for ways to help finance the surgery. I found that my state does offer bariatric surgery assistance through the Vocational Rehab program. After a meeting today I am one step closer to approval. Has anyone else received assistance through vocational rehab? Any words of encouragement?

Wow, you tore me up! Excellent harsh post! My language sounded wishy-washy because I didn't want to write a super long post going into too many details. I tried to keep it general, yet honest. I'm working so I don't have time to construct a proper defense, but I will say that my habits are nowhere near as bad as your perception of them. My lunch today was a pre-measured 8oz. container of brown rice, ground turkey with some sriracha (that I made, weighed and packaged). That's how I live 97% of the time. I could lie and say I eat perfectly all the time, but I don't. If I have company and we order pizza, I eat a slice. We're human. That's all I really meant by the vague statements. The support group I attend is run by the head nurse of the bariatric program. She always talks about the "honeymoon period" before your metabolism changes to the new caloric intake. They say it's about a year. I was referring to this, not to "well, I can eat 5 pizzas a day for the first year and get away with it!".

For forum and group purposes I do the whole breakdown.... High Weight, Pre Op Weight, Day of Surgery Weight.... For everyone else I just do a total. I hate feeling like it is necessary to break it down. A loss is a loss, why does it matter if it came from surgery or before surgery? Honestly my highest was around a week before I had my first bariatric appt. I have lost all of my weight from my highest since starting this journey, part of it was required (a 5lb loss before paperwork was submitted) but I was already down 7lbs from my heaviest when I met with the clinic. Granted what he doesn't know is that during my 6mo pre op diet I actually gained to my heaviest at one point.

Hi Everyone! Has Anybody Out There Heard Of Bariatric Surgeons In Louisville, Kentucky? Please Let Me Know If You Have!

I can't speak to specifics on the MGB, but when my wife and I first started looking seriously at WLS some fourteen years ago, it was an offbeat procedure looking to gain respect and legitmacy. Since then, both the DS and the VSG have gained general acceptance by the ASMBS, the insurance industry and Medicare as routine, mainstream bariatric procedures, while the MGB remains on the fringes. I would focus your research on understanding why this is. Usually the reason lies with some combination of effectiveness and complications. No one goes into this planning to need a revision (excepting the few cases where two step procedures are planned from the outset,), but having a viable "plan B" isn't a bad idea, and some procedures are more flexible in this regard than others.

Met with the bariatric psychologist. Found out that since the dosage of one of my depression meds had been changed recently, I have to be stable for 3 months. Frustrating. The second week of November is 3 months. Also my regular psychologist and therapist put in my chart that I needed to return to group theraphy. I went for 8 months. Been there done that. Explained to the Bariatric psychologist the reasons I stopped and that I am continuing my personal therapy sessions. She decided to require that I attend 6 classes that are once a week. Happy. Met with the sugeon. I am having the sleeve. I have to lose 10#'s. Happy. Met with the nutritionist I am on 1200 calorie diet. My two week pre-op diet consists of lean Proteins and Clear liquids. Happy The surgeon told me that from the time I finish all the above requirements that surgery would be scheduled one to two weeks later. Oh My Gosh. This is really going to happen. Freaking out. Lol Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T337A using the BariatricPal App