GassyGurl

I did mine online. The lady that I talked to, actually had the sleeve herself. The one I used only does Bariatric psych evaluations, so they totally get how important it is. It was just like a conversation with a friend. You will be fine! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Mine was called lean and green. Pretty much same thing. I enjoyed it. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Be very careful! Some insurances require you to not fall below 40, or 35 with Co morbidities. Some plans don't allow you to gain. Some people get 'stuck' on a 6 month supervised diet and can't gain or lose because of the bmi cutoff. So, understand your insurance requirements and do what you have to do. Fishing weights, end of day appointments, drink water, etc. My Bariatric practice took it one step further. If I was below 35 my 1st appointment, they automatically put me on the self pay track, which required $800 at the first visit, total $18,500. Otherwise it was a $30 copay. I ended up going self pay in Florida partially because I couldn't fathom the idea of a 3 month supervised diet but having to maintain my highest weight ever. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Google insure nutrition. I think that's the company. They have a form you can fill out and they'll run your insurance. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm sort of the same way. I might enjoy 1 or 2 bites, but I often find it wasn't that enjoyable as I remembered. Aka, not worth it. I did enjoy a piece of cheesecake, one time during Pms. Everything else feels like a chore. But I do it anyways, most days. I usually don't let it bother me too much if I've got my fluids, vitamins and almost all my protein for the day. If I'm way short, I will force myself. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I also started taking liquid calcium I found at Walmart. Tastes like orange cream. Not awful, but a little tart. Wellesse Calcium & Vitamin D3 Natural Citrus Flavor Liquid Dietary Supplement, 16 oz http://www.walmart.com/ip/Wellesse-Calcium-Vitamin-D3-Natural-Citrus-Flavor-Liquid-Dietary-Supplement-16-oz/14654135 Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 6 weeks post op. I can eat a 5oz container of Greek yogurt. Oatmeal, about 3 ounces. Meat, about 2.5 ounces. At first, it wasn't this much. But it depends on the type of food. Nutrient, protein dense vs slider foods seem to have different results. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just because you enjoy or tolerate something now, doesn't mean you will after surgery. It's so bizarre! Tap water still argues with me. Propel and powerade work wonderful. I was lactose intolerant for a few weeks. If you have trouble with something, just keep trying until you find something that works for you. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Many of my rashes are fungal infections. You could try some otc cream or spray. I get fungal infections all summer long. I think for skin removal surgery, it might depend on your insurance. I think my policy says I have to be at goal for 18 months. But I've read where some people with a lot of excess, get it sooner because it's really really necessary. Ive also read a lot of plastic surgeons do free consults. Does your Bariatric surgeon also do skin removals? Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Did you receive blood thinner shots? Not uncommon with drugs like heparin and lovenox. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

If I dropped below 35, I would have been denied. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Sure! My overall experience was great. I had a few moments of panic where I was worried test results wouldn't be in in time, but everything worked out (I'm persistent). If I lived in FL, I would use them again. I pasted my review below. A few things to note: Dr Wizman does surgery at 2 hospitals, (I think) and offers BLIS insurance. Dr Taggar doesn't and does surgery at Coral springs medical center. one 'complaint' some have is the 6 week follow up is a group class, but I think you get private time with the PA for any specific questions. I'm fine with that. they have a moderately active facebook group, and weekly support group. oh yea, they can be flexible on pre-op testing for self pay patients. I was able to waive a few because of my age, and another gal was able to waive one because of time/cost. and i like their pre-op/post diet plan. I was under 37 BMI to start, so I didn't really have a pre op diet. post op, I was on purees on day 4. I've been pleased with post op communication. I had an issue with one of my incisions, and I texted Dr Taggar and he was quick to text me back. plus, I was going back to work the day Irma was supposed to hit us. I needed a work note, and all of FL was in preparation mode. they went out of their way to get into the office and get me my return to work note. I've seen good things about Dr Shillingford too. He's also practices at Coral springs medical center. I actually used Dr Wizman's partner, Dr Amit Taggar. I had been through numerous consults locally, but they were all cost was prohibitive. I saw where Bariatrix Florida was running a self pay special, so I signed up for a consult. Dr Taggar seemed young, easy going and said I would be a good candidate. I spoke with a coordinator, got the list of pre op tests (EKG, bloodwork, chest xray, psych eval) and made sure they were all sent back in time. I was able to get this all done in about 2 weeks. I paid Dr Taggar, then paid the hospital, and booked my hotel rooms for hubby. We arrived a day early to get settled, then showed up for surgery at Coral Springs Medical Center at 7am. I woke up in recovery around 11, had minimal pain and was discharged the next day. My hernia was huge and I feel so much better since surgery. for that alone, I am so thankful. I am the type of patient where I do my research ahead of time and ask a lot of questions. I am not the type of patient where I expect numerous phone calls and hand holding - I didn't need it and I didn't get it. Everyone was great and I'm very satisfied with my whole experience. Had I needed more care, I'm sure I would have gotten it, but my goal was to get out of the hospital as soon as possible. and they advocated that, saying we always heal better at home. I agree! My only 'complaint' is things seem to change sort of rapidly, and their info packet doesn't match the current info. For example, the instructions say to take protinox for 6 months, but they recently changed it to 1 month. They don't prescribe Actigall any more either, because the evidence didn't support it. I found these things out when I questioned my physical prescriptions vs the book. I felt like my case was tailored to me, which was great. He told me I didn't need post op blood thinners, because of my starting bmi. I appreciate the personal attention vs the one size fits all that some surgeons seem to use. I travelled 10 hours to use Dr Taggar, and I would do it again.

I had no pain meds till I got to my room upstairs. Then, I had a morphine pain pump, IV Tylenol. I felt nothing from the morphine. But I think they program it based on your initial pain level, and I rated mine at a 2. Right before discharge, they gave me an oxycodone and prescription for 30. I took one that night, because that's what most people seem to do. Take one to help sleep. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I arrived at 7, surgery around 9 did Paperwork, got bracelets and Id badge for hubby, gave blood. Went into a room where hubby wiped me down with antibacterial wipes and helped me put on a gown and size 3xl socks (knee socks for me). I got a patch behind my ear, an IV, and fluids. Met surgeon, anesthesiologist and had leg compression things put on. Also got a padded sticky thing put in my tailbone to help prevent bed sores. Right before it was time, they had me get up and pee, because if you can pee right before, no cath. Got back in bed, the nurse said she would give me 2 meds in my IV. I only remember 1. Supposedly I was still alert and complained of my coochie itching (medication side effect) and they took me. When I woke up about 11 in recovery, I had no pain. I had every intention of getting up to pee, but they wouldn't let me, so I had my first experience with a bed pan. My mouth was so dry, my shoulder hurt as did my neck. The nurse swab bed me with biotene and brought hubby in. When it was time for me to go to my room, there was some chaos, as my bed was broken. So they decided to switch me up stairs. Once I got to my room, 3 ladies showed up, got a backboard slider and moved me to my new bed. It was sort of ridiculous because I was capable, and one lady was saying "just lie there honey", and the other knew I was capable. Finally I grabbed the handle and just scooted myself over. Then my main nurse came in. Did an initial assessment. Temp, BP, checked incisions and pain assessment. I said a 2, but felt like I exaggerated. Then he hooked up new ice fluids, pain pump and said he'd be back later to walk. He insisted on walking with me first few laps, after that he let me go on my own. My main complaints were my neck and shoulder. Turns out I had an injection of some sort in my shoulder, and it was bruised and sore. I just massaged my neck and it felt better after a bit. I was able to totally get in and out of bed by myself. The air things on my legs were a pain, but I never had to ask for assistance. Nurses came in a few times overnight. Give meds in IV, check vitals and since I was up, I would walk. Overall, I did over 120 laps in the first 24 hours. I was released the next day. Day 2 was a blur though, because I had a reaction to something and was very very flushed and hot. Nurse gave me IV benadryl and I was an incoherent mess till right before discharge. But, they did let me walk myself out, with a nurse, of course. Gas pains hit as I was being discharged and I had a moment of panic something was horribly wrong, but nurse assured me it was gas and once I passed it, it would be life changing. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My advice is there are so many surgeons and so many plans, make sure you go with one whose plan you feel comfortable following. For example, I talked to 5 offices. All different preop and post op diets. One was so strict that I could have never done it without feeling like a failure. It's not all about diet, but you shouldn't settle for a surgeon whose kool-aid you don't want to drink. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

So, maybe try to find something with the most bang for your buck. Protein water, milk, bone broth, or drinkable/thinned yogurt can all give you calories and nutrients, including protein. Keep trying different stuff till you find something you tolerate better. It also helps me to walk right after I eat. Seems to help things move instead of feeling like a rock. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Man, how I want this 'side effect!' hubby loves everything about my slimmer body, but I haven't noticed much of a libido increase yet. But I'm still making a lot of unsexy body noises, lol. Maybe when that decreases. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

My insurance required a 3 year weight history. So, all weights counted, including consultation weight and my 3 months pre op diet. I've read stories here about people submitting 30npage packets to insurance. For self pay, it doesn't matter as much. I filled out weights on a form, but didn't have to back them up with anything. But my Pcp and surgeon worked together, so if the Pcp thought something was unnecessary, she could have said something. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Walk, walk, walk! It helps with the gas, as well as laying on your left side if you can. Mine didn't show up for 24 hours, but then it tapered off after day 4. I would be OK, then full of gas. Fart up a storm, then fine again. Rinse and repeat. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Do you know the brand name? I did a quick Google search out of curiosity and the on-q (for example) has patient instructions for removal, if your Dr said it was OK. Interesting! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I told my dad after the fact, and he was shockingly supportive. He knows the family history and he was proud of me for taking control to prevent future health problems. In fact, I've only told a few, and they've all been great. People might surprise you. I hope you feel better soon. There is so much going on in your poor body right now. Hugs! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks. My BP medication is a beta blocker. I noticed when I stopped it for a week my HR went down, but now that I started it back, it's back up. I was doing reading last night and it sounds like this can also happen with a keto type diet. I don't think my carbs are low enough to be in ketosis, but maybe it's somehow related. HR definitely jumps after eating. Wonky is right! Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Does anyone have experience with an increased heart rate post op? I'm almost 5 weeks and it's not unusual for my heart rate to jump up to 110 bpm, as measured by my BP machine or new fit bit. I normally don't notice it till it gets into the 105+ range, but overall it's been running in the upper 80s to 100s. Around 105 I feel it racing and start to feel weird, but it's not like I'm doing anything to cause it to increase. I don't recall this happening before surgery. I've Google and see that can happen after eating, or it could be related to BP. I don't think it's dehydration as I've been getting my fluids in since about week 1. At what point would you worry? On a side note, my BP monitor has shown the irregular heart beat indicator off and on since surgery. Seemed to not happen as much after 2nd week, but happened once last week. I am still on my BP meds, though I cut them in half. BP has been all over the place, ranging from 80/60 to 129/86 (yesterday) but generally in the 105/70 range. I started cholesterol meds back a few days ago and just switched from protonix to omeprazole. I will ask my Pcp at my follow up next week, but I wanted to ask about others experiences. Thanks! Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

Also, they pretty much made me take a pain pill before I was released. I didn't need it and I didn't want it, but I didn't really feel like I had much of a choice. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was told that we had to have an actual person take us home, no Uber, lyft, bus, cab, etc. Can you confirm with the hospital? Maybe you could make friends with a local Uber and have them act like your friend who is taking you home. Sent from my XT1254 using BariatricPal mobile app