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hey all, my names lindsey from CA...i am 18 and a freshmen in college at West Virginia University. My mom suggested getting banded about 2 weeks ago and we have already made appoinments with doctors and we have called the ins. company. i want to get banded at the SOONEST possible time...like in 2-3 months over the summer while i am home and start losing the weight i have carried around forever!! i didnt actually think there were any people even close to my age around here but i actually have a couple questions... did you tell your best friends? i wasnt going to tell them (not bc they wouldnt be supportive, but i dont think they would understand) but i think they might think somethings wrong if i just stop going out to eaat with them and all. also, do you find it hard to not eat certain foods espeicially in like a high school cafeteria or a college dorm... just wondering. let me know!!

Researchers generally determine Protein quality by using the protein efficiency ratio (PER) or the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS). They determine the PER by evaluating the weight gain in growing rats fed a particular protein compared with a standard protein, egg whites being the gold standard. The higher the PER value, the greater the protein quality. The PDCAAS was introduced as a more accurate way to evaluate protein quality for humans, because it uses human, not rat, amino acid requirements to calculate the amino acid score. It compares the amino acid profile of a protein with the essential amino acid requirements for humans according to The food and Agriculture Organization. When a protein meets this requirement, it gets a score of 1.0. PDCAAS has now been adopted as the official method by the World Health Organisation, the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Department of Agriculture. Although the PDCAAS method is the internationally recognised standard for comparing Proteins for human consumption, it does not allow for differentiation among proteins with a PDCAAS of 1.0, so proteins can have different PERs while still having a PDCAAS of 1.0. This is significant, because researchers are now exploring how variances in specific essential and/or conditionally essential amino acids, as well as the availability of various peptides and micronutrients, affect human physiology. Claims of consumer-relevant superiority or inferiority, when performance of physique modificaitons are concerned, have yet to be supported by population-specific evidence in humans. Protein PCDAAS PER Gelatin/collagen 0.08. -- Beef/poultry/fish 0.80-0.92. 2.0-2.3 Soy 1.00. 1.8-2.3 Ovalbumin (egg) 1.00. 2.8 Milk protein 1.00. 2.8 Casein 1.00 2.9 whey 1.00. 3.0-3.2 Bovine colostrum. 1.00. 3.0-3.2 Table 1 Table 1 (above) lists the PER and/or PDCAAS for the major types of protein used in nutritional supplements. The following discusses the relative strengths and weaknesses of these basic types of proteins that are often used as starting materials for nutritional supplements. Of course, adding deficient amino acids and other nutrients to these proteins may increase the PDCAAS, nutrient value and/or functionality of the protein. <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><> As you can see above collagen/gelatin is nearly useless to the human body. This is what is in almost all protein shots. Always check the ingredients. Many makers of protien shots are giving them names that have Whey in their title but are still using collagen/gelatin as their primary protein source. Also keep in mind that ingredients on labels are listed in the order of amount used. So if collagen or Gelatin is listed first then it is the primary protein source for that product.

Ya know, I am rapidly approaching my 6 month post op mark and I have heard about the hormones kicking in, but nope, nothing. They have always been around even when I was large and in charge but the way many write about in this website, its like they got an injection of the horny serum and would screw anything with a pulse. I just don't get it, haven't felt a thing but all my blood and internal tests are within normal parameters. I am almost certain it's probably a psychological thing. I do live in the state that's rated #1 in the US by the CDC in STD transmission so I think that keeps my libido in check and keeps me hidden away from most people. Burning pee and HIV ain't for me. Yes I know, wear a condom...but think of it like this, if you were about to have sex and right before the moment of copulation your condom wearing partner or lady in waiting that you were about to penetrate says "oh by the way I am HIV positive" would you still do it? NO you wouldn't because you would have zero faith in a simple piece of latex altering your life for the worst and maybe killing you. I just assume go to the clinic and get mutually tested before crossing that phase. But I digress... When exactly is this hormone boost supposed to happen? I am calling bs. Not feeling anything in increased drive more than I did before.

With respect to the possibility of being punctured by a NG (naso-gastric) tube - yes it could happen. Many surgeons recommend getting a medic alert bracelet saying something like GASTRECTOMY - NO BLIND NG TUBE. It is okay to have an NG tube inserted if they use one of ones that lets the person inserting see where they are going. I've been considering a medic alert bracelet but haven't gotten around to it yet! That said, it's a lot more common for unconscious people to be intubated with a tracheal tube (to assist breathing), which won't hurt someone with a gastrectomy. Being fed NSAIDS while unconscious should not be an issue. First, if someone is unconscious and in need of painkillers, typically they are going to get something stronger than NSAIDS (like morphine). Second, NSAIDS aren't going to be a problem for the vast majority of sleeve patients (unlike RnY patients for example), especially if used on a limited basis. There are some doctors who think that long-term, high dosage use of NSAIDS is contraindicated for sleeve patients, but not even all of them agree on that. Being on NSAIDS for a couple of weeks won't result in immediate death or disability or anything - at worst, it would be an irritated stomach.

I am planing a breast aug, tummy tuck, and some others. The tummy tuck I have to wait until 2014 bc my insurance will cover it The boobs will be done in may or June 2013 Hello happy days ahead I am 28 and if needed I would do other lifts. If I needed a arm or thigh lift I would do this in Mexico but as far as the boobs I am seeing dr Robert Rey the only man I would ever trust with my boobies. Breast is 10k Tummy 10k Thigh and arm in Mexico is 6k

i totally went "GREEN" w/my food today! LOL....i thought i'd share. we were @ the mall food court for lunch and i bought this SPINACH LASGANA....sad that i had to throw 95% of it away, BUT the good news is, I didn't eat ANY of the Pasta layers! I just picked out the spinach and the red sauce and cheese....it was good...pasta is over rated! of course, you couldn't have told me that pre-band! for dinner i baked chicken and made a big pot of mixed greens....i'm from the south! anyhow, i seasoned them up VERY WELL and used NO BUTTER!!!....i did cook some bacon into them for flavor though...but i ONLY at the mixed greens and left the chicken over for my hubby and son...TONS of leftovers, which is great! Bc who wants to cook on Saturdays! I do try to watch myself on the Salads...is it just me, or does it seem like a "Healthy" choice at first...and then you add all the good stuff and the fattening dressings, etc and before you know it, its not such a "healthy" choice after all.....am I the only one that has that problem? I can't eat just lettuce w/out the good stuff....the cheese and bacon bits and croutons and sunflower seeds...then the mushrooms and purple onions and tomatoes....some of its not bad...but alot of it is....especially the dressings. Also, is it just me...or do leafy veges go down ALOT easier then other foods and are ya'll able to eat more of them then other things? I can usually only eat about 1/4-1/2 cup of food, but with the Mixed Greens tonight, it was probably closer to 2/3 cup...and i was HAPPY about that...bc they were soooo good! but does anyone else notice that leafy greens go down easier and can eat more of them then other foods? i'm all into this challenge!!!! and excited about it too! can ya'll tell?!!! xoxo, Christie

Mindfulness Question: Do you put your fork down between bites? I am only managing to do this about 50% of the time. We now eat dinner at the table every nite. After almost 20 years, I FINALLY find out that Mr. Fluffy actually prefers to eat at the table! Go figure?! Each day presents a new opportunity for improvement! Monday Menu (11.27.17): Had PT today and as usual-I was a hungry hungry heffer afterward! I did manage to stave off temptation and cravings in return for a creamy and semi-decadent low carb version of a former high carb love. I used to love my mom's turkey tetrazzini she'd make with the TDay leftover turkey. So, instead, I used Lite Asiago Romano Alfredo by Classico and used shiritaki fettucini that I cut into long noodle lengths. I added a wad of fresh broccoli and super greens trio to make it "healthy" (um, and a busload of parmesan! B: psylli iced coffee (4floz PP vanilla, 16floz decaff, 5g whole psyllium husks, vanilla stevia liquid) MS: 28g hummus; 2oz baby carrots L: 1/2 pepperoni veggie Lite Flatout pizza (1/2 Lite FO skin, 1/4oz red onion, 1/4oz rbp, 1oz mushrooms, 1oz BH pepperoni, 1oz part skim mozz, .8oz BH Munster, 1tbsp grated parm, 1/4c CM Marinara, red pepper flakes); salad (1oz baby spin, 1/4oz rbp, 1/4oz red onion, WF Italian) AS: 1 mozz string cheese; 14g toasted almonds; 2oz GS apple; psylli tea D: LO turkey tetrazzini (3oz turkey breast, 1pck shirataki fettuccine, 120g Classico Lite Asiago Romano Alfredo, 5oz steamed broccoli, 1oz super greens trio, 1oz mushrooms, 1clove garlic, 1/4c grated parm); 1/8c LO WaWa's dressing BS: 1oz frozen blackberries; 14g toasted almonds; 8g Lily's SF dark choco chips Daily Totals: 1412 cals; 69g prot; 80g fat; 91g carbs; 36g fiber; 55g net carbs

Tuesday Menu-Well I had another near miss with falling off the diet train yesterday. I credit the power of a full belly via lunch, and also credit mindfulness with keeping me sane and eating healthy-on plan food. Instead of having a mini binge or rather a hedonistic meal, I was able to feed myself a very filling and healthy lunch which allowed me to really get in touch with my feelings so I could process them. And that allowed me to make and eat a very delish, simple, and healthy dinner rather than shoving carby, salty, fatty food down my piehole. This morning I woke up in a much better frame of mind and feel like I "won the day." B-yogurt/cottage cheese blueberries almonds and Fiber One cereal bowl with 1oz Fairlife skim milk, 2 pieces bacon MS-carrots and hummus L-Fried Egg and Swiss low carb wrap AS-psylli tea, peanut butter and GS apple D-blackened tilapia, green beans in garlic and olive oil, Greek salad with Nicoise olives and feta BS-pomegranate seeds, Lily's SF dark chocolate chips, toasted almonds Daily Totals: 1493cals; 98g protein; 80g fat; 93g carbs; 39g fiber; 54g net carbs (Dayum! I have GOT to get my protein down and my fat up! This is entirely too much protein for me.)

BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence? (Part One of Three) I’m guessing most of us understand that the disease of obesity is a complicated one. There are a number of factors that contribute to obesity. Some of these factors you may be very aware of; others you may be surprised about. Some of the causes of obesity are things you cannot do anything about; other causes of obesity are things you can influence. It’s important to recognize the difference. Why? For starters, you can stop beating yourself up over the things you can’t do anything about. It’s also important that you focus on putting forth effort where it will get you the best results! It’s essential for both doctors and those suffering from obesity to have a mutual understanding of these causes of obesity and which people can influence, so that: 1) Doctors can develop or increase empathy for the struggles of those suffering with obesity. When doctors better understand that many people with obesity have struggles that go beyond fighting their biology which negatively impact their weight, the doctors can more compassionately and appropriately address these issues and refer patients to see other professionals, if need be. 2) People struggling with their weight can evaluate the numerous factors impacting obesity and work toward accepting those things they cannot influence. In addition, they can take responsibility for putting forth effort into those aspects of their struggles with weight that they can positively impact. All righty, then! Let’s look at three of the main contributing factors of obesity and then talk about each one, emphasizing what, if anything, each person can do to have a positive impact on their weight. Genetics Culture and Environment Metabolism Genetics Obesity definitely has some genetic determinants, as researchers have clearly discovered. If there are a lot of obese people in your extended family, you have a better chance of being obese than someone from a family without a history of weight problems. Although there are many more obese people in the current population than in previous generations, this cannot all be linked to genetics. The genetic composition of the population does not change rapidly. Therefore, the large increase in obesity reflects major changes in non-genetic factors. Listen to this… According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2002): “Since 1960, adult Americans have increased in height an average of 1 inch but have increased in weight by 25 pounds.” So in 50 years, the human species has grown taller by only an inch but heavier by 25 pounds. That tells us there is more than genetics influencing weight gain in this country. PATIENTS: Even if you have a genetic predisposition for obesity, there are other factors involved, including the food choices you make and whether or not you exercise on a regular basis. Some of these behavioral factors are habits learned in your family, so what appears to be a genetic predisposition may be a familial pattern of unhealthy habits that can be broken. DOCTORS: Remind yourself that patients cannot “eat less/move more” and have any effect on their current genetic makeup. Acknowledge to patients their genetic predisposition for obesity in a compassionate manner. Help to gently educate them about the factors affecting their weight that they can influence. Do so in a “firm and fair” way, providing encouragement rather than admonishment. Culture And Environment In addition to one’s genes, a person’s culture and environment play a large role in causing people to be overweight and obese. The environment and culture in which you were raised impacts how and what you eat. Some people were taught to eat everything on their plate and couldn’t get up from the table until they did so. Others never sat at a table for a meal but watched television while they ate. Some kids are fed well-balanced meals while others exist on fast food or microwaved mac and cheese with hot dogs. In some cultures, simple carbs make up a substantial part of every meal. In other cultures, fruits and vegetables are consumed regularly. When you are a child, you’re not in charge of buying the groceries or providing the meals. You did learn, however, about what and how to eat from those with whom you lived. And guess what that means? How you feed your children is what they will think of as “normal” and will most likely be how they eat as adults. (I’m always concerned when weight loss surgery patients tell me their kids are “just fine” even though they eat the same unhealthy foods as the obese parent. It’s only a matter of time before the kids start to gain weight and have health problems as a result of their unhealthy diet and learned eating behaviors.) PATIENTS: Although your genetic composition cannot be changed, the eating behaviors you learned in your family, from your culture, or developed on your own can be changed. You alone now determine what kind, and how much exercise you do and what and when you eat. Your behavior is completely within your control. Work toward accepting the fact that you are in charge of, and responsible for, your behavior and every food choice you make. For every choice, there is a consequence, positive or negative. And NO EXCUSES! It doesn’t matter how busy you are, whether you get a lunch break at the office or whether you have to cook for a family. Even if you have five kids in different activities and spend your life taxi-ing them from one place to another, you are the adult and you are responsible for how you eat and how you feed your children. It takes a very responsible person to acknowledge, “Although I have a genetic predisposition for obesity, I am responsible for making healthy choices about my eating and exercise. For me and for my children.” Focusing on what you do have control over rather than that over which you are powerless, leads to believing in your capabilities. So take charge and make positive changes happen! DOCTORS: Engage your patient in a discussion about the cultural and environmental factors that helped shape their current food choices and exercise behaviors. Empathize with them, noting they are going to have to put forth consistent effort to change years of bad habit formation. Encourage them to get support, whether it is from friends with a healthy lifestyle, a health coach, a personal trainer, or the use of free online exercise videos. Help them set a short-term, reasonable goal and set an appointment with you to follow up. Remember, docs: That which is reinforced is repeated. Reinforce even small steps forward you see in your patients. This can go a long way in encouraging them to continue making healthier choices. A step forward is a step forward. Notice and praise every single step forward your patient makes! Resting Metabolic Rate Resting Metabolic Rate (or RMR) is simply the energy needed to keep the body functioning when it’s at rest. In other words, RMR describes how many calories it takes to live if you’re just relaxing. Resting Metabolic Rate can vary quite a bit from one person to another, which may help explain why some people gain weight more quickly than others. And why some people seem to find it more difficult to lose weight than others. There are some factors related to metabolism that you can’t change, but there are actually some that you can influence and change. Things you cannot change about metabolic rate: Metabolic rate decreases with each passing decade, which means the older you are, the slower your metabolism gets, making weight loss more difficult. Sorry ladies - Men generally have a higher metabolism, meaning they burn calories more quickly than women. You can inherit your metabolic rate from previous generations - which can be a benefit… or not. An underactive or overactive thyroid gland can slow down or speed up metabolism. Some things you can do to influence your metabolism and burn more calories include: Eat small, frequent meals. Drink ice water. You can boost metabolism temporarily with aerobic exercise. You can boost metabolism in the long run with weight training. PATIENTS: I’ll bet you didn’t there was much of anything you could do that would increase your metabolism. I’m hoping you choose to implement the ways you can help your body burn more calories. And what do you know? They are completely consistent with healthy post-op behaviors that you’re supposed to do anyway: 1) Eat small, frequent meals. CHECK. 2) Drink water (so add ice and boost that RMR). CHECK. 3) Engage in exercise, both aerobic and weight bearing. CHECK. There’s no reason NOT to anymore! (That’s a slogan from a really old commercial…) The point is, your specific RMR is both something that is unique to you, and that will slow down with age, is gender-influenced, and can be affected by thyroid issues. Accept the things you cannot change and DO the things you can to get the most out of your own, unique RMR. You DO have choices! Opt not to make excuses and JUST DO THE THINGS YOU CAN! DOCTORS: I’m pretty sure that educating patients is in your job description. Even though you have an allotted set of minutes during which to accomplish all your goals with a patient, point out the ways they can boost their metabolism while you’re looking into their ears, or hitting them on the knee with that little hammer. Present it as a, “Hey! Guess what I was reminded of today?” sort of thing. It’ll probably be absorbed better than a mini-lecture. Leave yourself a sticky note in the patient’s folder to bring it up in your next session… and then a new educational point for the next meeting, along with the small goal you set with them so you can be sure to praise them for their efforts! Patients and Doctors and all Allied Health Professionals: We need to work together to do the following: 1) End Fat Shaming 2) End Blaming 3) End Lecturing 4) Encourage reciprocal AWARENESS and ACCOUNTABILTIY 5) Encourage reciprocal EDUCATION and DISCUSSION 6) Encourage reciprocal GOAL-SETTING and FOLLOW-UP Stay tuned for Part Two of BARIATRIC REALITIES: Causes of Obesity – What Factors can YOU Influence?

I am 5-6, 209lbs and on Wednesday, 3/15/23 I had an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty aka ESG. I elected to stay over the first night and came home on Thursday, 3/16. I was in tremendous pain and could not keep water down. On Saturday 3/8, I phoned an IV service to come and hydrate me. They couldn’t find a vein. I knew I was need of emergent medics care so I called an ambulance. Shortly after arriving at the hospital, I was rushed into surgery and put into a coma. What my family learned is that my Bariatric surgeon had left a hole in my stomach and punctured my lung. My thoracic cavity was mixed with various fluids and I was slowly drowning as my lung capacity diminished Days later they found another hole in my stomach and I underwent a third surgery to correct that. Had I not called the ambulance when I did, I would have died Fortunately the hospital kept me fed and hydrated intravenously. Today is my first day home and I’m doing everything I can to sip enough water and protein. I wonder if life will ever be the same for me i have one more follow up procedure which I’m dreading. I deeply regret the decision to do this surgery, it almost cost me my like and the trauma is endless

My surgery cost $14,500 and this included hospital stay, anesthesiologist fees, any x-rays they ran at the hospital, 2 fluro's, free fills for the first year, and a 90 day "warranty" if you will. I had $2,000 in savings that I used. Then I used a credit card that has 0% and wrote a check from it bc my surgeon's office charges 4.6% on the amt you charge to credit. I then opened another credit card to charge the remaining amount. This card has 0% 24 months, so in my mind, it's kind of like paying same as cash. I am very careful with money and put all of my extra on these cards. I had surgery on April 25th and I've paid back about $1,500 so far. Mind you I'm in my early 20's still working 3 part time jobs, so if I can afford it, I'm sure you can find a way to do it on a salary! Good luck!!

My name is Angie and I am new at this so bear with me.:wink_smile: I am 5 1/2 months into my 6 month supervised diet and Dr phase.:thumbup: I have had my group introduction, RN visit, Group Dietician visit, Individual Dietician Visit, Psychologist testing and on Thursday I meet my surgeon Dr. Christopherson. I am having my surgery at the Genesis for Beriatric Surgery Center in Davenport Iowa. I have BC/BS IL and hope that my approval is quick. Well, I will continue to read the post and I will let you all know how my visit with the surgeon goes.

It's likely "more potent" bc of your weightloss.

We checked our package and read through the entire guidelines and it says nothing about bariatric surgery. Yes, I vented, and with good reason. I do blame insurance companies. They are misleading and do whatever they can to weasel out of actually paying for anything. I lost 15 lbs under a diet set forth by my nutritionist. I say that's more telling than 6 months consecutive. It's arbitrary and trite and bs. Ok now I'm done venting. I have a dietician appt next week and still waiting on pcp appt. Shes very hard to get appts with.

Not sure if this would help with the Protein but my bariatric clinic at the hospital gives a lobg list of recommended protein supplements both powder and liquid. On the list is a liquid protwin called body fortress suoer protein shot. Is liquid form, only 3oz, and packs in 26g of protein. No caffeine, sugars. Someone on the board mentioned to be careful bc of the different types of protein (soy versus others). But I think its an awesome way to get a good amount of protein in with just a few oz total. I bought 24 little tubes since the bariatric nutritionist said it was a okay

Hi there! My husband just recently retired from the Navy... So now my life has some kind of stability... So that being said, I finally had the courage to ask my pcm that I was interested in bariatric surgery. I have asked 3 pcms prior to my current pcm at Kimbrough for a referral to General Surgery and with them being Army docs and nurses, they ALL said to diet and exercise, like "they" do. I was afraid to ask AGAIN after failed attempts to go to the gym (you think I would have the courage to go to the gym after the feds eliminated my position in April!) and eating right portions,but my PCM noticed that I gained 50 lbs within a 2 year period and steadily climbing up. Yes, did all the testing, thyroid, diabetes, but I just have PCOS and HBP (being managed by meds) and being fat just runs in my genetics. Overall, per my pcm (though she didn't say fat, lol), I'm "healthy" but fat. Diabetes and thyroid issues run in my family though and she wants to prevent that from happening. I'm about to call the Bariatric Dept to see what my next steps are... But I was wondering if anyone out there who has gone through any weight loss procedure with Walter Reed/Bethesda? Or any MTF? I have gone through their website but still have many thoughts, questions... Overall, MTF care is way, way different than civillian care and have had nothing but excellent care done with military treatment facilities. Sometimes you hear horror stories about MTF surgeries but I have faith in our military system. I really, really would like to hear from you if you had the surgery in an MTF or also thinking about it too!

Wish someone would have told me that you lose all your weight via explosive diarrhea followed by a hot/cold sweat that you feel like you'll pass out, bc then I would have passed on getting this surgery done. Is this something that lasts forever? I've been trying to follow directions with drinking enough Water and getting Protein in....I did eat maybe 8-10 soft macaroni elbows like 3 days ago which is when all of this started. Is it too late to get my stomach back? How does anyone live a normal life like this? I'm supposed to go back to work next week, little do they know I'll be working from the restrooms I guess. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am looking for any suggestions for what to eat for breakfast besides shakes and eggs! Eggs have started to give me problems and I'm bummed bc it's such an easy source of protein, but I pb every time now. Any ideas? Thanks!!

I am 14 werks post op started at 322 I am as pf today 251 down 73 pounds and my biggest nsv is wearing old navy clothes. I have never boughten anything from there bc I was tooo fat. Now I am a xl shirt and 20 pant ( loose now )

Mozzy, I think we were sleeved the same day bc Im having the same pain as you. Even the smallest sip of water.. I feel it go down my throat and as soon as it hits my stomach I cramp. I'm on the anti-spasm meds so I don't know why I'm hurting like this. I was supposed to be discharged today but they figured if I can't drink, ill end up right back in the er for dehydration. I'm trying much harder tonight and Im having better luck getting apple juice down

I knew I had a fatty liver bc my sleeve surgeon took my gall bladder out 3 years ago. He mentioned it at that time. I think they can also see it on an ultrasound sometimes. The funny thing is that even knowing that fact, I had NO pre-op diet at all!

I have BC/bs Ohio but it's an employee plan.

There is also the No-NO hair remover home laser, and the new ones are approved for use on the face. I think I will be getting one of these REAL soon bc I have noticed all my hair is growing faster...now I read it's prolly the Biotin... LOL O well it's a trade off bc the hair on my head is thinner..so I'm trying to get a jump on that since my surg is 2-6 but now my leg and face hair is double time

So I went for my yearly and have a new dr. she asked what I was taking for BC and I said nothing and she stressed how easily I can get pg if I'm not on BC... I explained my infertility and at the end of the visit she said well I guess I will see you when u come in pregnant... I was like uh huh That will be in 2000....never! But if its meant to be it will happen and if it isn't I guess it won't. I'm not stressing over it anymore!

How can I say this? When we know better, we do better...this is especially true in medicine.. My aunt was heavy, too heavy. Really high BMI. I don't know what she weighed, but very short and very heavy. Eventually couldn't hardly walk at all. The surgery they offered then was state of the art for that time. It was some kind of lap band that she got that got all wrapped around her insides to the point that it had be removed b/c she couldn't get food down at all. But that time has passed, it was the first lap band or stomach stapling and that was gosh, 30 years ago. She died 13 years ago or so, from being overweight. She was in her late 50's, and otherwise she had been healthy - just heart problems from being overweight for so long, loss of muscle tissue, etc. She prayed for that magic pill to lose weight. In time the magic weight loss pill came along and it damaged people's heart valves, not hers I guess bc she was already gone, but it did damage my dad's valve. Then there was the more modern lap band, then the bypass/RNY/DS, etc. and now the sleeve. And actually now the sleeve plication. You gotta realize your doctor is working with the most up to date information. We get used to hearing about things like lap band and it was great for some, or gastric bypass, which some people did well. But now the sleeve is better than those. Maybe you really do need to look at data. Kinda sounds like you really wanted gastric bypass, but what if this is better? I weighed 220 and I was paying cash bc my insurance did not cover ANY WLS or complications from WLS. I asked my doctor which surgery would be best for me long term, most effective, safest, etc. I didn't ask which was cheapest, because I didn't care. He immediately said sleeve. I went to a nutrition meeting with like 6 other people getting WLS. Some lap band and some gastric bypass. All of them were on insurance. They were all getting the lap band or gastric bypass, but all wished they were getting the sleeve. Their insurance did not cover it bc it was too new, That was a year ago so since then a lot are covering it. At a certain point you gotta pick a doctor and trust him. I do have one question though. The sleeve plication is even less risky than the sleeve, from the little I've read here, so if you were not able to lose weight to have the surgery (the 100 lbs) then could you get the plication at least temporarily to keep you from being able to overeat? I just wondered if you had spoken with your doctor about that. The plication is where the stomach is not cut but it is rolled up and stiched so that only a small portion of the stomach is available to put food into. I was wondering though. 100 lbs seems like a lot to lose before surgery, but I know he is trying to help you. I wish you the best.