Lauren87

On 11/4/2019 at 8:28 AM, Caltania said:

First off - hello, fellow Wisconsinite! *waves* OK, on to the real advice 🙂

I can't really speak to long-term success yet, since I'm only about 5 months out from my surgery, but some of the best advice I've gotten came from a friend who had gastric bypass and gained it all back... he said that he tried too hard to be perfect, and that's what got him. It's taught me to embrace my imperfection and look at each day, sometimes each moment, as a clean slate. Just because I sneak some fun size candies from the dish at work doesn't mean this is who I am now. It means I made that choice once, and the next meals I have I can choose to be healthier. Self-forgiveness has been an incredible tool for me.

I'll also say that the gastric bypass has been an <i>amazing</i> tool for me. I literally can't fit in very much, and I experience just enough distress from eating certain things that it generally dissuades me from wanting to have them. As someone who also loves sweets and sugar, I find most of the time I pass on them now just because more than a couple of bites can make me feel miserable.

Anyway, sorry this is so long, but I hope some of this helps!

Hello! Glad to connect with another local person! I think you really hit the nail on the head about making things off-limits. I tend to fail when I do that (long term, short term I can do it). I would like to live a life of moderation and I'm hoping that the bypass can help with that. It's overwhelming at times, but hearing from folks like you is really helpful! I am really, really looking forward to getting a more effective tool. Fingers-crossed! Thanks for sharing your experience!

On 10/31/2019 at 11:31 AM, JRT Mom said:

Lauren87-

This is a great post!

I am just like you. Got a lap band about 10 years ago and it worked great--until it didn't. Now I have to get it removed and want to revise to a RNY.

I've developed a touch of diabetes in the last few months and have tried to give up sugar, which will help with both my diabetes and learning not to eat sweets after the bypass. Sometimes I slide a bit, but after the bypass I imagine a bad dumping will change that! 

Anyway, good luck with your decision, and visit here often. The peeps are funny, smart, supportive and the best bunch of friends I have NEVER met!

Thank you! Sugar is absolutely my vice and in the past, when I've gone cold turkey, I am successful short term and then all goes awry. As some other folks alluded to, once something is completely off limits, I tend to honor that for a while, but struggle with it long term. Thank you for your support and best of luck to you as well!

On 11/5/2019 at 1:12 PM, Bariatric Brad said:

I too am a band (2012) to bypasser (9/19), and the thing that I have been most amazed by is the need to fight the “head hunger”. I am not hungry like I used to be, so my head starts playing tricks on me, like hey you should really be eating something, don’t get too hungry. It is definitely a different lifestyle than being banded and at 6 weeks out still trying to figure it out, but good luck.

Thank you for sharing your experience! I anticipate head hunger being a challenge as well!

17 hours ago, AJ Tylo said:

I was the worse eater in the world - 52 years of junk, fast food, and beat the hell out of my body. Sugar was a my lifeline. I started with switching to fake healthy sugar then eventually got off it all together. I had the sleeve and it was the best decision i ever made.

You can use my decision - I sat down and decided to choose to life vs eat and drink, Good luck and I hope it works out for you

So glad to hear of your success! Thank you for the advice!

16 hours ago, AZhiker said:

Absolutely get rid of the junk now! It will make recovery so much easier. You have to knock the sugar. Period. With bypass, you don't want to risk dumping. It takes about 3 days, but once you are off the sugar, the cravings will settle down - unless you take a single bite again. I was already wheat free, but knocked off the sugar, all soda, all processed foods, and caffeine preop. I was soooo glad I did. No withdrawal from any of that crap when I was already dealing with recovery.

Thank you for this! I know getting off the sugar is going to be essential pre-surgery and you're right, it's better to do it now than to deal with it while also recovering.

1 minute ago, Machalo said:

Start small and work up from there. For example, I gave up several items that I've just been known to hand-mouth without realizing how much I'm eating. Like this first month I gave up Cookies, candies, chips, and fast food. I'm getting through it by telling my brain that I don't need it right now; I can have it later. I might never get to later, just like I never got to later when I quit smoking. Next month I add in limiting soft drinks and portion sizes.

You'll do great, just try not to over stress about it.

This is a really great approach. I tend to be an all or nothing personality type, but I think there's something beneficial in taking things one step at a time. I also like that you don't ban these things... once they're off limits, there's a switch that flips, at least in my mind, that makes me want XYZ way more. By allowing myself these things at a later time, I still have the option and that's important--even if we don't choose to have them in the end.

8 minutes ago, HappyHikerGal said:

I wake up, go to another room and meditate for 20 min, watch a YouTube video on a topic regarding personal growth, go for a 35-40 min walk and then get the day going with the family. I am learning so much and I'm developing a more positive self-confidence through this practice. It doesn't cost me anything and I feel good knowing that my self-care is paying off. During my walks, I listen to past episodes of the Weight Loss Surgery Podcast, which are incredibly helpful and informative to me. Good luck with this exciting next phase for you!

This is very informative, thank you! I am hoping to get the ball rolling before I even meet with the bariatric team so that I'm really in a good space when I begin the process. I have begun incorporating more movement into my days and prioritizing Protein, but I know I have a ways to go before I'm at a point where I'll see weight loss. It sounds like you're in a great place and I'm sure you're going to do great post-op!

8 minutes ago, Jazzy1125 said:

start now.. limit the sugars and carbs. this is a lifestyle change and not a diet. i had the sleeve so i am not sure with the RNY but i do hear a lot of ppl saying they experience dumping when eating sugar and stuff. if you train your mind now it will be much easier after surgery. my biggest thing i had to learn was to eat slowly so i didnt bring the food back up.. even now almost a year out, if i eat too fast i can only get in 3 bites or so. i have to mix veggies in with food because it seems i never get past the Protein to get to the veggies. be creative on how you want to eat and start practicing. the rule of thumb is it takes 3 weeks to make a habit and 3 days to break one. start early and often until it becomes "muscle memory" as they say in my dance class. it will become a natural habit. start giving up things like soda and such that you know you cant have after surgery, it will become much easier and be a non issue when the time comes.

Thank you for your input! I'm working on starting now so that I am successful--I definitely need to work on eating slowly again because I have forgotten what that's like at this point. Thanks for the reminder!

Long story short, I'm a Lap-band patient (2009) that is going to seek revision to gastric bypass in 2020. I'm really excited and hopeful, but also have a good real of anxiety about making this surgery a success and sticking with it longterm. For a whole host of reasons, the Band isn't a good tool for me and that is why I'm seeking a more drastic surgery. While I still have some time before my new insurance policy kicks in, I want to make sure I'm taking the steps now to make post-surgery life more successful. Because this is not my first rodeo, I know to focus on Protein intake and Water. I know to limit carbs and sugars, etc.

However, I'm curious as to how many of you make it stick. I'm someone that craves a lot of sugar, unfortunately, so even if I keep my meals in check, I am easily derailed by crap food. I know what needs to be done... I just can't seem to stick to it... and I feel like I need to have that figured out before surgery. I don't want to go into surgery with these feelings because I know I won't be a good WLS candidate and I certainly won't have the success that I desperately want.

Any thoughts or advice are much appreciated!

3 hours ago, mzchyll924 said:

I am a lap band to sleeve gastrectomy. My surgery is scheduled for 11/22/19. I have a nasty slip with my babe which I'm convinced happened after my gallbladder removal sx. I gained haha of what I lost after the gallbladder sx. Fortunately I have Tricare and all will be covered. I know a young lady who when to Mexico to Pompeii Bariatric. They seem to be reasonable and may work with you. Check them out. Can't hurt. You need to get that thing out if nothing more.

Thanks, mzchyll924! At this point, self-pay is off the table, but now that I've seen the certificate of coverage for my plan next year, I'm really hoping it's a pretty easy process given the requirements. I'm so glad to hear all of your revision will be covered!

On 10/11/2019 at 11:10 PM, JRT Mom said:

I have to get my band removed and have opted to get a bypass the same time the band is removed. I have NO fill in my band and I still get food hung constantly and my surgeon says it's not a matter of "if" my stomach totally occluded but a matter of "when".

When I got the band 10 years ago United Healthcare paid for the first one. Now I'm on Medicare and the patient coordinator at the first office I consulted with said that Medicare had a strict rule that once you've had a procedure Medicare wouldn't pay for a second one. Well the doctor I'm seeing now said that was ridiculous since Medicare didn't even pay for the first surgery, and now I have to have the band removed through no fault of my own. They are making me meet Medicare's criteria of a three month supervised diet, and the surgeon is hoping I won't occlude before this time is done. I also have to have a BMI of 35 with a comorbidity but since last year I've developed high blood pressure and some maturity onset diabetes and with the weight gain from the failed band no problems there...

I just would like something in writing that Medicare WILL cover it...I'd hate to be denied after the fact an be stuck with that bill! 

I can understand why--surgery is very expensive! I have done a lot of research on health insurance plans and I have seen a few that have the strict "one surgery per lifetime" clause, which as your surgeon says, is ridiculous. I can sort of understand the rationale if the plan was the same, but because they're not, they have no reason to complain. Insurance can be so frustrating!

Having to go through the supervised diet again is such a pain, but I'm glad to hear it's 3 months and not 6. I really wish there was more acceptance and understanding from the insurance companies (I know, I know, never going to happen)... you're in a hard place and it's absurd to think you're supposed to pay for it on your own. After I had my Lap-band surgery, I had several health insurance plans with written exclusions on baratric surgery and that is a large reason that I haven't had follow-up done in years--I can't pay for it out of pocket. It was a per-existing condition I came to the plan with!

I'm sure your program manager knows this, but I'd be anxious to get a pre-authorization letter for the surgery, then you know they're on the hook for covering it!

On 10/11/2019 at 4:02 PM, JohnnyMadison said:

Yes, I am in Madison and getting revision done at UW! I was scheduled 11/11 but am selling old house on 11/1 and closing on new house on 12/2 and didn't want to do it while living in in a corporate apartment, nor did I want to move into new house with possible post-op restrictions. So I rescheduled to 12/16.

The code on my pre-authorization paperwork for the procedure is just for RNY. It doesn't list revision and when I look up the CPT it just describes the procedure. So perhaps revision is a modifier to the original code so that's why no language about it. With your plan if you meet the requirements it looks pretty good. My plan had a comorbidity requirement but I also didn't meet the 35 or 30 BMI so maybe that's why they did it as a non-bariatric reason, even though I am obviously a bariatric patient.

Good luck! I am going through Dr. Greenberg. The facility is just a few miles from both of my houses so I am grateful for all that. I had my original VSG done in Mexico because work didn't have WLS coverage at the time. All of the pre-op nutritional sessions and all that are annoying but at least I don't have to do the supervised diet like most of the people having surgery in my groups. Being on a restricted diet with my original stomach was torture. It is much easier for me with a sleeve and ironically I don't have to do it. 

I totally get not wanting to fuss with selling and moving... and recovering! I'm sure you'll be thankful when you can cross all three things off of your list.

I haven't met with the folks from UW yet because my insurance (ETF supplied) presently has a written exclusion on bariatric surgery, so anything would be self-pay and I work in local government, so I'm waiting until January 1 when the new policy kicks in. However, given how lax the requirements are, I'm hoping to have surgery within the calendar year before the change their minds and make surgery nearly impossible (again). I'm not sure exactly what the road to revision will look like, the nurse I spoke to just said that it's a little bit of a different path, but I imagine I will need to do the pre-op diet simply because the Band wasn't a great tool and I'm back to where I started. So, in that respect, I'm thankful that I'll have to go through the classes again--it might not be new info, but it will be good for me to treat it like a new experience (and I suppose it is!).

Best of luck on the revision, I'll be anxious to hear how everything goes for you once it's all said and done!

Thanks, JohnnyMadison and SorryNameTaken!

This is going to be an interesting journey--since my last post, the certificate of medical coverage came out for our plans (local government employee, uniform benefits... a blessing and curse!) and they are covering bariatric surgery and the only requirement is to have a BMI over 35 and to be considered medically necessary. So, this is either going to be really easy or really hard, but I won't know what kind of approach we're taking until I can start the program. There is no language in there regarding revisions, which does give me a pause, but if I meet the requirements and they prior-authorize the work, then I assume we're good to go. That's what I'm hoping, anyway.

P.S. JohnnyMadison, nice to see another Wisconsinite present--I presume you're also in Madison? Small world? Did you go through UW for your revision? I have only heard positive things!

Thank you both, Orchids&Dragons and MsBosse! I appreciate your insight. I really have no clue what the policy will look like until open enrollment since it was previously a written exclusion and this is the first time they've covered it. I'm a state employee with group health insurance/uniform benefits, so I'll be curious to see if each plan will have the same language regarding revision, or if they'll be different. I spoke to a nurse with the bariatric program last week and felt a little defeated because I felt like she was pushing towards the idea that if there's nothing wrong with the band, I'm SOL. Now, whether or not that is true, I don't know. That may just be me being hyper-sensitive.

Again, I appreciate the feedback from you both! Once the plans are out, I'll start digging, calling, and consulting. Thank you!

Hi, All:

I was banded in 2009 and never had much success with it. Any time I got restriction, it came with a lot of heartburn (which manifested itself as nausea). I also struggled with a lot of food intolerance. Eventually, because my insurance switched and I have a written exclusion regarding bariatric surgery, I had the band mostly unfilled due to too much restriction and cost.

At any rate, in January, my health insurance plan will now include bariatric surgery, although it’s unclear as to what language looks like regarding revisions. One concern I have is how to make a case to the insurance company deeming the revision medically necessary. I have had many EGDs, which showed mild irritation in my esophagus, but nothing extreme. Grandest, it’s been almost 10 years since anyone’s looked at the band and who knows what the current state of affairs is—I will have an evaluation once my insurance kicks in.

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips in dealing with insurance companies covering revision when severe symptoms, slippage, erosion, etc isn’t present?

Wheetsin (and others):

Thanks for reminding me that this thread is out there--I had completely forgotten about ti! You make a lot of valid points in your post and I'd like to add to my original post now that I have another year under my belt. Most of the above-mentioned stands true for my initial surgery, I was disappointed that he didn't speak to my parents after the surgery and I do wish that he was a little...hmm...what's the word? Um, I guess we'll go with personable. I had surgery when I was 21 and it was my first major surgery, I was nervous, I didn't know what to expect, and it would have been nice to have a little more hand-holding, but you're right, the most important part of a surgeon is their ability to operate and he does a mighty fine job at it. As my two year anniversary is quickly approaching, I can say that I have had an extremely pleasant experience with Dr. Hoehn and his staff. A year after my surgery, Dr. Hoehn was the one who took out my gall bladder and he was nothing but caring. He performed my surgery on New Year's Ever and gave my mom the full report after my he finished my procedure. More recently, he performed an EGD on me and it seems like each time I see him more and more of his personality comes out and he really is a wonderful and caring person. So, I suppose my intent in posting this is to reflect on my experiences with Dr. Hoehn and give a fair representation of the surgeon that he is. I would recommend him to anyone in a heart beat. Yes, he is busy and you see him only a few times, but if you are having a problem and Tim can't address it, Dr. Hoehn is more than happy to sit down with you and explore every possible option. Not only do I completely trust Dr. Hoehn, but I also have had a very positive experience with Tim and cannot say enough good things about him.

Best of luck to all of those out there who are following this thread.

Yeah, I've noticed that I NEVER see Dr. Hoehn, but maybe it's better that way. The few times that I have seen him, he's been really cold, and I don't think it's anything he can control--that's just how he is (in my experience, surgeons are not people-persons). Anyway, I like seeing Tim because he's a lot easier to talk to, he is usually the one to answer pages (unless it's an emergency), and is always willing to answer my questions.

I know it's a bit startling at first, because they tell you how this will be a lifelong thing, but you get used to it. :biggrin:

After months and months of Protein drinks, I must say that I'm tired of chocolate and vanilla. My surgeon will only recommend drinking 100% whey Protein isolate (because it's the easiest to digest, low-ish calorie, and is one of the few Proteins that is almost 100% absorbable). So, having tried many, many different types of Protein Drinks, I can say that my favorite is made by Bio-Chem. The flavor I enjoy the most is Berries and Whey (but I would not recommend it until you can have seeds, etc, because there are some seeds in the powder). Right now, I'm finishing a container of Caramel Creme by the same brand and hate it. Occasionally I will do a chocolate Protein shake, but I usually have to add Peanut Butter to it to make it palatable, but it also adds calories, so I tend to shy away from it.

I hope that helps!

Oh, one more thing: if there is a health food store near you, go in and see if they will let you sample their powders, so will, and that's a great help in trying to decide what you like. Nothing is worse than buying a 30-serving container and finding out that you hate it.

Best of luck!

I am also not allowed to drink Crystal Light because of the citric acid. I have occasionally done it when I'm in an area where the Water tastes awful, but generally speaking I avoid it. Just like most other things, you get used to life without it and it's not so bad.

Ljlsongbird:congrats are definitely in order for you! I can only imagine how wonderful it must be to be only 6lbs. away from your goal!

To the rest of you: Keep up the good work! While being in college does allow us some free time, it can be extremely stressful. I know that running a student organization, taking 15hrs, preparing for graduation, and serving on two committees takes its tole on me--and I'm sure I'm not alone. That's been one of the hardest things for me: not giving into stress eating, making healthy dining choices (especially when my friends are eating the unhealthy, carb. laden meals), and making exercise a priority. However, we're all accountable for our actions and must continue to move forward. :smile2:

Hey! I'm a collegiate bandster too--I started my senior year (this year) banded. As many others have said, it's definitely hard, especially living on campus and eating in the dining center. Lfoley hit the nail on the head about losing more when home versus at school. After living the college life for three years without the band, living the college life WITH the band is completely different. I'm so glad to see this thread has been started, as most of you said, it's definitely nice to see other young people who are dealing with the same thing.

Nausea seems to be my specialty. I don't know either of you, but I can rattle off the list of things that I've dealt with.

1. It could just be the band. Because the band lays around a nerve in the stomach, some people are nauseated. According to my doctor, it will go away with time.

2. A bad gall bladder could be the culprit. After I had my gallbladder removed (about 6 months post-op) the nausea improved.

3. It could be acid build-up. If some reason, after getting the band, I've suddenly struggled with heartburn and acid indigestion. Excess acid in your stomach and definitely cause you to feel nauseous.

I know how frustrating this can be, as I am 7+ months post-op, but hang in there. For a while, I felt like I was the only one and that I was going crazy, but it does get better with time. It wouldn't hurt to bring it up with your primary care doctor or your surgeon.

Sue,

NO, you're definitely not a failure! You've already lost almost half of your goal--that's something to be proud of!

Yeah, the scale seems to be something that we rely on for happiness or gratification. Some people will only weigh once a week because they don't become so obsessed--so it looks like you've already made a step towards that by throwing out the scale. :cursing: Just try not to focus on the numbers--if all of the rules are being followed, the weight will eventually come off. Plus, if you're doing any kind of strength training, it's very possible you're gaining muscle mass. So, try not to beat yourself up over it. I'll mention one other thing about the weight, and then I'm done, I promise. :confused: The closer you get to target (which is less than 30lbs for you), the more difficult it becomes for your body to lose the weight. The way it was explained to me is this: you're calories spent and consumed are getting very close together, so you're body is trying to fill in that gap. Don't obsess or worry about it, just realize what's happening and be aware of it.

As for Big Medicine--that can definitely be discouraging for Lap Band patients. However, as I've said before, we knew how weight loss would be when we selected the band. We knew that numbers like that would not show up for us. Sure, I too am envious of those people dropping such large numbers, but I have to tell myself that I did not sign up for numbers like that and I need to be realistic about what to expect. Just be patient, as your body is healing and closing the gap, you'll have a slow weight loss (just like the rest of us)--and the weight will eventually come off.

Anytime you need support, look to the forum--there's always someone out there who can give you what you need.

Hi Robin!

I highly doubt he will do a fill at three weeks post-op. From what I can see, most doctors do them 5,6,7 weeks after surgery. Sometimes patients will think they're ready for a fill, but there's still a lot of healing your body needs to do.

I started eating soft food on day 8 post op and have been on that since then. However, Sunday (23 days post-op) I can move onto actual (as opposed to deli) chicken and turkey, lentils and Beans, and egg salad (which doesn't make much sense to me because I can have eggs now and tuna with mayo--so I think it'd be the same thing).

No, don't feel bad about asking questions here, that's what the forum is for. Plus, we were all banded around the same time, so we're experiencing the same things. :scared2: If you have any more questions, feel free to throw them out!

Lauren

Hey ladies, welcome to the thread! BChambers, I know what you mean about thinking you'd be farther along based on the changes you've made. I think most of us have changed our lives so much that we don't always understand why things aren't working the way we think they should. I've certainly cut out a TON of calories and stopped drinking anything but Water and milk, and something I think that should be enough to make me lose quite a bit of weight. However that's not how our bodies work :scared2: (it would be nice though!) It's all about the body going into shock--and then compensating for the lack of calories. With all of that said, you're attitude is great, and there's something to be said for that! Mind over matter is definitely a good thing! Just hang on and you'll be losing before you know it.

SkyPrincess: I'm glad you take comfort in reading the previous posts--it is nice. That's one thing I love about the forum, without even knowing someone, strangers reach out to help (pay it forward, if you will) and that is invaluable. 6 pounds in two weeks post-op is great! 3 pounds a week is more than the average and you're right where you need to be. :wink2: Don't be discouraged, we're all told what to expect from the band and the pace at which we'll lose weight; remeber, we didn't choose a surgery where weight loss is all that rapid--so try not to look at it as one that should. If we could, I think we'd all choose to loose the weight over night, but in doing that, we wouldn't be forced to change our habits and adopt a new lifestyle--and in the end, we'd probably end up right back where we started. So, just take things one day at a time and know you're right where you need to be. I'm sure it was really nice starting soft foods--I remember how great it was! Who knew cottage cheese and baked fish could be so exciting? haha Hopefully adding some variety will boost your moral. Keep up the good work!