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I went with Dr. A and couldn't be happier! You have made the best choice in my biased opinion! I am so excited for you! Unfortunately I had two previous abdominal surgeries so I knew what to expect. Being that it is your first make sure you stay in touch with any questions you might have on this site. It is a life saver! I am almost 40 myself and was fed up with the yo yo. I think you have made a great decision to get this done and if there is anything I can help you with let me know!!!

This is another of those "it's anybody's guess" things. There is a different Blue Cross organization for each state, and they will all vary on their coverage details depending upon local market conditions and state laws. Then there is a difference between individual plans, ObamaCare plans and employer provided plans - all of which can vary depending upon what options the employer chooses to buy. Some plans don't cover WLS at all (even if they did in the past) while others limit the benefit to only one WLS per lifetime. Muddying the waters further, if the revision you seek is due to complications of a previously covered surgery, then it is not a WLS procedure but is treating that complication (it sounds like it to me, but it isn't my decision.) There should be policy bulletin for your BC policy online that spells out what applies to your policy - what they cover or exclude as relates to WLS. You can call their number, but don't take their answer as the last word, as the customer service reps have been known to be wrong. When you find a surgeon to handle your case, their insurance coordinator should be able to tell you exactly what your policy covers, as it is their job to know the lingo and understand all of that fine print. I understand that some surgeons are averse to working on other surgeon's patients (fixing others' mistakes...) but that is not an exclusive thing. One of the docs that I associate with (he runs out support group now) does a fair number of RNY to DS conversions, which as he doesn't ordinarily do RNYs, means that he is fixing other's mistakes (as well as fixing wonky sleeves that others have left behind) so they are out there - you just have to look. Thinking about that a bit more, if a surgeon doesn't want to revise other's patients, then he is either making a lot of mistakes himself that need revising, or he isn't very experienced in doing revisions, so you are better off searching for someone else. Good luck,,,,

I'm only just over 3 months post-op but already with 80;bs of loss, can notice a lot of skin. So far the only skin really bothering me is the half skin/fat of my double chin that is still lurking. Otherwise at this point, I am actually excited for the excess skin- because it's not fat. This might sound silly- but right now, it's soft and squishy and is fun to touch. However having said that, depending on insurance coverage when I am ready and have lost most of my weight I might consider my arms (THEY ARE MASSIVE) and POSSIBLY my stomach (but that depends on how bad it is) and I would LOVE a boob job. The one part of my body I used to love (my big ample breasts) are now just saggy gross things that don't even look good in a bra. lol I am single, in my 30's and am done having kids- so this also plays a factor in my decision to move ahead with plastics.

Hi restless monkey, I am do to get banded Dec. 4th and have Bc/Bs and was aproved in one week. But, my question to u is what is the thing about the fatty liver? I do not want anything to hold me back from the surgery .

Ok, I've read a lot about it but with 5 days out, I've not experienced it, and hopefully never will but just in case, can someone give me their personal experience with it. Not the dictionary version but your own personal experience. I previously had the LapBand and I vomited all the time, a painful vomit where I had to go lay down afterwards. I just want to know if the two compares. I currently have the sleeve BC of too many complications with the Lapband. Also were there certain things that would trigger dumping syndrome and for us "newbies" must stay way from. Thanks for sharing!

Proud Grammy Wow another BC survivor! YAH! I thought I might be the only one. Now I don't feel nutty for thinking about this. I have Kaiser Permanente Insurance they cover weight loss surgery, as long as you have 2 of the co morbitites and your BMI is 35 or over. Lucky me! My mother was over 300 pounds when she passed and I can never remeber her not being over weight. She always told me my day would come and I would be fat too. : ( I managed to stay at a decent weight until I hit 45. Then it's been a losing battle ever since. I really packed on the pounds after my bilateral mastectomies and reconstruction. I wasn't allowed to do anything active for 5 months. Thank you helping me get my perspective right. CA reacurrance down 50% when not obese.......NO BRAINER!

The only pain I experienced was with the drain after surgery, after it was taken out I felt much better! I'd check with your doctor about the pain bc it could be something that needs attention. Hoping all is well soon!

Thinking ahead to what might be realistic this holiday weekend next year. Not fantasy, but....possible, likely. So, next year Memorial Day....I am going to be away for the weekend, to a seaside/beach location. The exact kind of place I avoid now bc right now I am only a spectator to everyone else's fun. Next year, maybe I will go swimming, maybe I won't....depends on what I want to do. I will have a CHOICE. I will be in a perfectly nice one piece bathing suit with a gorgeous sarong tied around my waist, sitting outside by the pool maybe.....no more sitting by the pool in jeans and a t shirt and lying that "oh, no I am not too hot." I will maybe be wearing a size medium or large (am 3x now), but no matter what size I am, I won't have to wonder if people are are staring at me for unkind reasons. When I walk into a crowded restaurant and walk between tables, I won't have to apologize again and again for bumping every table I walk between. Next year, maybe I won't be sweating when everyone else is not. Maybe my makeup won't sweat off. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm from Cleveland and was sleeved on 12/20 at UH. Surgeon was wonderful but after surgery sucked bc I did not have a descent nurse. Sent from my VS986 using the BariatricPal App

I had my Lapband surgery this morning:-) I am a huge baby when it comes to pain, so I thought I'd be miserable, but I feel good! Every hour I'm feeling better and better. I have few gas pains, sleep often, and walk every hour or so for a few minutes. The worst was that I had to be pricked 10 times for an IV, because they could not find my veins! I also woke up very sick to my stomach ( I am very sensitive and get nauseous easily) but now feel great and i have had chicken broth and an ice pop, although I was not hungry- just thirsty! My family is eating chicken and although it smells great, I am surprised I have no desire to eat it. I was definitely fearful of this diet bc I love eating and cooking ( as we all do I'm sure) ! Anyway I am new to this and just looking for some support to assist me on this journey! It's an exciting time in my life as I am graduating from grad school next month

I am thankful I had a preop bc you usually get a good weight loss high going into the surgery, and I think it helps prep you for your post op diet. But, if you dont have to do one here is what I would do: If you are a soda/pop drinker try to stop now and drink your Water. I am a total sunkist addict, and gave pop up about 5 weeks before surgery. At first I added crystal light or SF koolaid to my water, but now I just drink water. This will help now though just in case you are a caffenine fiend and will get headaches for a few days from withdrawals. Also, if you are required to do Protein shakes after surgery, go get a few different ones now and figure out which ones you like. I had to stay overnight after my surgery. I dont remember how long my surgery took...I think 45 minutes. After the anasthesia (however you spell it) wore off, I felt pretty good. I was up and walking the halls within the first hour of being back in my room...helps with the gas. I had an IV drip and a drip for pain meds...so I just kept pushing that button bc...well who doesnt enjoy free pain meds :w00t: I went home the next morning, so I was in the hospital maybe 24 hours. My doc gave me some medicine to help me not get sick with the liquid loritab. I layed around, watched tv, blogged, walked up and down the street. My boyfriend had to work, so I was home alone all day no problem. My surgery was on Tuesday and I went back to work on Monday. The only pain I really had at all during the recovery time was from the gas. I just took my gas-x strips right on time, used a heating pad, and walked. Hope this helps. If anything else comes to mind, give me a shout. Amy

Hello! I had LB and was very successful with it for years. Although, I had to get it opened in the spring and fall for a couple months each due to allergies/serious post nasal drip causing issues. I was very sick last year (unrelated) and ended up with a hernia etc. Long story short, LB was removed (not sure it should have been). Due to all my issues, I am not sure I want the LB again bc I am frankly sick of being used and a pin cushion (again was not related to LB but was bad 8 months) and just hyper sensitive. Thus, I looked into as cleared to have GS. I am so confused and frustrated. One side says LB is better bc can always be adjusted and that GS will lead to reflux and a whole slew of issues. Also argues that GS use in US has not been that long and it shows a high percentage that pouch will be stretched and then not effective. The other side says LB not as effective and shows high percentage of eventual slippage/failure (plus constant fills/reduction issues as noted above). Further says that reflux can be addressed, likely not long term and not lead to other issues (Barrett's disease). I do not know what to do. Any thoughts? Anyone out there who went from LB to LB or LB to GS? Thanks. Any feedback greatly appreciated.

I spoke to my dr and told him my fever fluctuates to 99.9-100.5. He said bc I have a cough it's probably just a cold. And to just keep an eye on things.... If I get worse or have any symptoms that are in my discharge papers then to reach out. But I go for my follow up appt on Tuesday. Meanwhile I'm just trying to get my fluid in, not worrying about the protein as much. Yesterday I had one shake and about 20 oz of water. So I know I'm losing weight. But I wonder if once I feel better will I gain a little of the weight back?

That totally sucks.. I will never say you are to young. I bet you most people on here would say they would of loved to have had it at that age bc it would give them so many years back that they lost due to being overweight... listen its hard for me to tell people bc some may not agree. And the problem with telling people is that all it takes is one little negative comment to plant a seed for questioning urself. You don't need to tell anyone why you are losing weight. Im just telling people I'm on atkins. Call me a liar I don't care. You were just looking for support when u told them and you got shot down.. it hurts and it sucks. Stay positive you are doing this for you and no one else.. good luck with everything

I cant drink Water or gatorade.. Hot tea is ok but the artificial sugar I cant tolerate I have been adding a little motts for tots apple juice to my water but im starting to not be able to tolerate that either.. Cant drink crystal light bc acid reflux.. Someone please advise me on something to drink.

Tunnel Vision. Defined as: “the tendency to focus exclusively on a single or limited goal or point of view”. A lot of people view tunnel vision as a bad thing. And in some instances, it can be. But in the instance of my health and physical fitness? It’s an amazinggggg thing! I sorta-kinda had counted myself out of the 5k I had planned to do next month due to some health set-backs and overall apathy while dealing with some of life’s other BS. But I’m glad to say my "tunnel vision" goggles have returned (as it pertains to getting in better shape) See this pic? That's me. RUNNING (jog/trot is more accurate) across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge (MD to VA). The span is 2.-something miles. I did NOT run the entire length, but d@mmit, I DID it. 2 years ago - and 100# heavier - I could have never imagined this for myself. My 1st 5k race is in 3 weeks. I am determined to do it!! My inner athlete at work This weekend I headed out with my family for a traipse across the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The span itself is a little over 2 miles one way. The trail totals 6 miles – there & back, including the bridge span. I hadn’t planned on running at all, but when the urge hit me? I took off! Like, didn’t even THINK about running. It just felt…NATURAL. For the first time. EVER. And I’m so incredibly proud of myself. I had nearly given up on the idea of being able to get in that 5k race next month, but this was just the encouragement I needed to stick to my plan. Like I said previously – even if I have to crawl over the finish line, I’m going to FINISH. #the end. My Sweetface...running like the wind! On another note: Who woulda thunk that my Sweetface 3 year old would serve as my biggest source of encouragement? Her daddy used to be runner, so I guess it’s in her genes. (damn shol aint in mine!) *shrug* But she knows it’s a struggle for me. At one point she said “See? Just like this, Mommy” – and took off running. Then said “COME ON, MOMMY! You can do it! Go Mommy!” How could I NOT find the energy after that?? I have exactly 3 weeks to get my bootay in gear. I have enlisted the help of Jillian Michaels and her “Last Chance” workout DVD to help amp it up a notch. So tonight, I will take my first 30 minute punishment. The REALLY insane part? I’m looking forward to it. That blows my mind. Not only that, but I’ve found another 5k race to get under my belt in October. Except this one is going to be funnnnn. (It’s a 5k obstacle course -entitled “Run for ya Lives”. Yeah – running from ZOMBIES! Presumable trying to eat my brains… *lol* Doesn’t get much better than that. Who thought I’d truly ever be excited to run – for any reason other than towards a cupcake truck?!?) Times, they are a changing. And so is my body. Y’all betta watch out… Size 12 is coming.

My surgeon asked me how I was feeling about the surgery in my Pre-op exam a week before my surgery. I said 'anxious, nervous. And a bit scared.'. He said that was good. It's the cocky people who have no fears that he gets concerned about. And as a side note he said that those people are the ones who usually have the bumpier ride bcs they aren't prepared. So, embrace your fears! They will help guide & educate you towards a wonderful, healthier you! :-)

So here it is...two days post op and I'm doing great!! Its been very manageable with pain never going above a 6 for me. The hospital docs and nurses were amazing and I truly think it couldn't get any better than that. At home in some pain but walking around. Mourning the loss of food but celebrating the five pounds I have already lost!! Maybe it's bc I've had two c-sections but this is truly a piece of cake. So excited to have made this choice!! May 7...here I come!!

Everyone is different. My nurse put one on me and the next day my dr got upset bc he didn't want me to wear it. He said only for opens, not lap. In prior surgeries it was 4 weeks.

It can I've actually heard this a lot from different ppl. Another surgeon I was considering allows his patients to eat watever up until the day before bc he knows his patients wont be able to for a long time or ever again. Doctors also have different pre op diet requirements. My surgeon allows meat, green veggies, eggs, and cheese. No carbs. I decided to do like a liquid/pureed food diet because I want to lose a few pounds before surgery since he made it very clear I cannot gain any weight before the surgery!

Before my surgery, I had to get an exam done by a bariatric counselor. They talked to me about how I felt about giving things up, or how I plan to succeed. I am a mental health professional so I told them what I knew they wanted to hear bc I wanted the surgery (I know.. I know.) But after surgery, I felt like there was some unresolved issues with food, much like yourself, and so I'm doing the process to go back to the counseling center. Honestly, looking for eating disorder counselors might be a good first step for you.. because overeating is a disorder.. I imagine most people think "eating disorder" and imagine anorexia or bulimia. Which isn't 100% the case. Mood disorders is something completely different. When you talk to a therapist, you get to interview them first. You have to make sure that THEY are a good fit for YOU. Even if it's just to go 1x a month, I bet it'll be helpful. If you don't feel comfortable with them, then ask for a change. You can request a specific gender if you'd like. Look at their credentials and see how long they've been in practice. healthgrades.com is also a good place to get some reviews. Making a call will also help you establish how they'll treat you. Trust your gut with it. I know you've had a bad experience in the past, but that doesn't mean that all experiences will be bad. I had a horrible exp in college with a therapist and swore I'd never go back. Now I've been in therapy for 3 years now and it's changed my life. Good luck!

I was drinking decaf the day of surgery in postop. ..I have tried the choke coffee Protein before surgery a few days that shake was Awsome! Luvd it..but caffeine they told me was gone for life bc of causing ulcers in stomach. ..I don't want that to happen. .

Hey everyone. I was sleeved on 3/19 and I am having problems with purees. I am able to get the protein shakes down but it takes a whole however cottage cheese yogurt tuna chicken salad and most approved purees are making me gag n not sitting wth me well. Also I have a really heightened sense of smell and alot makes me gag. I feel ok but I lose energy fast bc of the lack of protein. Also I get shaky sometimes. Is anyone else experiencing this? Will this pass?

I started my liquid diet yesterday and I have had a splitting headache since yesterday afternoon. I got home from work last night, fed my kids dinner and went straight to bed because I thought I was going to die. My head is still killing me. Has anyone else had this problem? If this continues I don't know what I will do because I know I won't be able to last 2 weeks with this pain. I have been drinking all of my required items from the doctor so I am supposedly getting all of my necessary nutrition and I have been taking my Vitamins and Calcium. HELP!!!!!!

Hey, I am looking for a surgeon in Montgomery County Maryland area. Please advise. I will have either Aetna or BC/BS in a few months. Thanks!