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My insurance company gave conditional approval; I knew that if I completed my doctor's supervision, approval was forthcoming. (I, too, had documented WW attendance, as well as documented supervision by my PCP; the "official" supervision did not begin until I stepped on the bariatric surgeon's scale.) The three months went by FAST---there is lots of other stuff crammed in there, so you'll be busy as you "wait." (It's a really great time to focus on behaviors you'll need postop, too :thumbup:)

Way back in my weight watcher's days (which I think is a great program, but I was never able to keep the weight I lost off permanently) I had a leader used a great analogy that has alway stuck with me. She said losing weight and dieting is like being in a relationship: In the beginning you are in the "honeymoon phase" and you can face anything with the determination you have. After a while, you start to feel "disenchanted" with the whole relationship and question your commitment and might even stray a bit in your thoughts or actions (or food!). Some folks will get a "divorce" after this phase. I have divorced a lot of diets :thumbup:. For the folks who hang in there, next is "renewed resolve" where you recommit yourself to your goals (dieting or relationship). After this phase comes "permanent lifestyle change." It simply a part of who you are. I just loved this analogy and have been thinking about it again recently. I believe I am in the "Renewed Resolve" stage and I hope to stay there long enough to get me to my new permanent lifestyle. I'm done with divorce :smile: :w00t: :thumbup:

Whiterabbit, I understand. I really do. I was prepared, too. But if your insurance contract stipulates the supervision, I think it's realistic to expect that you will be spending that time waiting, no matter how well-prepared you are. Insurers don't care about your preparation; they care about the contract they have with you. And they stick to it. So the timing of your approval hinges on that---100 percent. Hopefully, your contract stipulates that supervision need not be by the surgeon. With luck, the work you've done with your PCP will count. Most of us had this same wish--and for most of us, it has not proven to be the case. A single phone call to your surgeon's insurance specialist, though, will give you an answer about this. S/he will know what your specific policy requires, and put an end to the speculation. I hope you don't have that wait. But if you do, the time can be a gift. Because mastering some of the post-banding skills (not knowledge, but behaving in the ways you'll behave post-banding) will give you a real leg up in terms of postop success. There is plenty to learn and practice. Have you started eating the way you'll eat when you're banded? Have you started taking tiny bites the size of a pencil eraser, and chewing each very thoroughly? Have you stopped drinking with meals, and for at least 30 minutes after? Have you asked your surgeon his stance on snacks---and eradicated them, if he's a three-meal-a-day guy? Have you started sampling Protein supplements to find out which you can stomach? (I recommend Inspire powders from Bariatric Eating.) Have you cleaned out your pantry and freezer, and restocked it with band-friendly foods? Again, I hope you get the news you want. But if you don't, it will be okay. Before you know it, you'll be banded--and you'll be in great shape to succeed. Good luck!

So, there is definitely something going on with me. This morning I felt fine. I had breakfast- about 2 teaspoons of thin grits with cheese around 6 am. I felt fine and great and was thinking that today might be a good day to go do some walking this morning. I left the house to take my daughter to school on the other side of town and halfway there- at a red light I suddenly - felt shaky, off, my hands got clammy, and I got the sort of mental fog again- like mental confusion- and I felt like I was going to pass out. I got tunnel vision and I had to keep blinking my eyes and shaking my head to sort of stay with it. You know, I had my daughter in the truck with me- the last thing in the world I'd want- is to pass out while I'm driving. It scared me half to death- I managed to tell my daughter what was happening and informed her that I might have to pull over to the side of the road but that I was going to try to make it to a 7-11 about 2 blocks away. It was not a good area of town to break down.. for sure. I got to the 7-11 and by then I was sort of having panicky feelings about what if I passed out and I was trying to think of what to get to try to help my blood sugar- with the mental fog going on - it was very difficult to think- coherantly- I grabbed a bottle of orange juice after glancing around to see what was available- I opened it before I even got to the counter to pay for it- my hands were shaking as I opened the bottle and I was worried that I might not remember my pin number when I paid for it with my debit card because I had no cash. I managed to get two sips down me in the car and tried to call a family member to let them know where I was just in case- just in case I needed to call for an ambulance or just in case.. I needed someone to come get me. My Daughter's school is very close to the hospital and also my surgeons office. After 20 minutes and fretting about the fact that my daughter was already late for school and we were just under a mile away- I decided I should at least try to get her to school- I ran back in to the 7-11 to see if I could find something other than the orange juice because I'd been having problems with acid- and the orange juice reminded me of that and the idea of orange juice coming back up my already burning esophagus unnerved me. I grabbed an apple juice and looked around for some protein- still fuzzy headed- I saw the lunchables and grabbed one thinking either I could try to chew a bite of the turkey or if not then I could try the cheese. Then I slowly pulled out onto the street and attempted to make it to my daughters school- and we got there- course by then I was just barely holding it together for my daughters sake- but feeling absolutely positive that I really could have passed out while driving and killed us both. I let my daughter out of the truck to go to school - she was clearly worried about me and I tried to ease her concerns by telling her that I was just fine and the juice helped..but.. that wasn't entirely true. I parked on the side of the road there and tried to call my surgeons office since I was so close- much closer to there than home. The nurse came on to speak to me and - she seemed to indicate that I could come in- if I felt like I might pass out but- she didn't seem promising as to if they might could check to see what was going on with me. I felt like if I went in and she could SEE what was going on then at least they might send me over for some lab work- maybe iv fluids- something to try to figure out whats going on- or to help me to feel better. I got to the office-somehow- grabbed my juice which I'd taken 2 tiny sips of and nibbled on the piece of turkey there but it tasted terrible so didn't get more than a bite in- tho nibbled on a cracker more easily- just twice- around the edge - When the person came out..and i'm not even sure if it was a nurse- she told me they'd tried to slide me in around 10- it was then 8:45 or so. She said they had 2 big cases coming in and something going on at the hospital and she scolded me for having the apple juice in my hand- and asked me WHY WAS i DRINKING THAT- AS THO IT WAS A MORNING RITUAL OR SOMETHING. I tried to explain to her that clearly I'd had less than 2 sips of that juice- the bottle was still full and that 7-11 doesn't cater to bariatric patients in a situation of low sugar- she also scolded me for having the lunchable- I mean..really? I Haven't ANY JUICE- since before my pre op diet. I haven't had anything remotely similar to a lunchable since before my pre op diet. If I could ordered salmon or tuna- at 7-11 ..surely I would have but..as it stood.. I had few options.. lunchable..or .....donut.. I figured....I made a rational and good choice..by choosing the lunchable to try.. it's not like I ate a whole cracker..it's not like I ate a whole piece of the turkey..because I didn't come anywhere close to that. She suggested I ditch the lunchable- and maybe the juice or dilute it and go down to the first floor to the cafeteria and find some protein- and relax until 10 ish..when the might could slide me in but was sure to let me know that they couldn't do anything there- that they'd have to put in an order for me to have whatever they wanted done..somewhere else. So, I went down to the first floor- and began to look for the cafeteria- right away I noticed a generic starbucks called the espresso cafe but it was closed. So, I kept walking- you know- it's not easy to walk around when you feel shaky and off- There was a small sense of relief that if I passed out in the hallway that someone would find me tho.. that was better than sitting at a red light- and passing out. Small comforts- So I kept walking around..looking for this cafeteria or some sign showing the way to no avail and I saw a tech coming down the hall way and stopped him to ask where the cafeteria was and he said there was no cafeteria there- only the espresso cafe which I'd seen a half a mile back down the other hall way.. and of course it was still closed. Somewhere in all of THAT- I began to get ANGRY. Angry that I'd be waiting for another hour and a half..to MAYBE BE SLID into the schedule.. and that MAYBE.. some tests would be ordered but probably not done today- since fasting might be required. And angry that I'd been sent away to find a nonexistent cafeteria while on the verge of passing out- and scolded no less.. regarding the juice and stuff.... And Angry because I'd thrown out the apple juice and lunchable and now there was no place open for me to get ANYTHING. Angry enough that I went out to the valet parking attendant and asked for my truck- thinking I could at least get the orange juice I'd left in there and evidently angry enough to get into my truck..and decide to drive my self HOME... I called my mother on the cell phone and put her on speaker so that she could talk to me - as I drove home to make sure I had not passed out in route. Got home- managed to find some Protein mushie babyfood- ate a bit of that and sat down- called the dr's office to tell them that I LEFT..AND I'M HOME NOW..AND IF THEY WANT TO CALL ME.. THAT WOULD BE GOOD. The program coordinator called and said I needed to eat PROTEIN- SHE SAID IT LOUD AND SLOW AS THO I MIGHT BE HARD OF HEARING OR LEARNING CHALLENGED. I wanted to say something sarcastic in my defense- but I didn't- I honestly don't remember what else she said- I don't know if she said she'd make me an appointment or anything.. the conversation is a blur.. I have no idea what the woman said to me- I do remember her name tho. So- that's what's going on with me.

I am an old Long Island Girl living in FL now. Sleeved in FL on Sept. 10th. Good to see you are going for bariatric surgery. I have cousins on L.I. who are interested in my operation. I will tell them about Brookhaven. I don't know if they will ever do it. It it is not for everyone. Wishing you good health and great happiness.

HI All, I'm so pissed. i have my bariatric eval with the Psych on Tuesday, she was more focused on my panic attacks then why I want the surgery. AND she told me that she's not going to recommend me for surgery until my panic attacks are under control. I've had these since 2008 and I see my own therapist and psychologist so I'm hoping this doesn't affect with the Dr will do. I was wondering if I should call the office and speak with him or the bariatric coordinator. What do you think!! Kim :mad0:

i found my own psych that works with bariatric patients. they gave me a list, and they wanted different amounts other than my copay. so I found my own through my ins company, and just paid my copay

I had bariatric sleeve surgery on May 28,2014. as of today I have lost 92.5 pounds. I am feeling great, look fantastic, no more COPD problems. The only negative thing I have noticed is that my IBS has seem to gotten worse. I seem to get bad gas pains and pass gas (at times horrible smell) and diarrhea more than ever since my surgery. I have tried several Probiotics and gas relievers and none seem to work. I was told that I may be eating too much Protein. So I tried eating Protein Bars with less protein and still no change. Can the surgery make this horrible IBS worse for life? or is there something else I can try..... Please if you are or have experienced this problem since your surgery please let me know. I would really appreciate it. Thank you. Carole

This sounds like a serious issue that you need to work with your bariatric team to solve.

I don't know about their bariatric program, but I used to work there and had both of my children there. What a great place! I'm sure you're in good hands. Best wishes to you!!

Brand new to the boards...this is my first post. :thumbup:) I haven't had surgery yet, but I am scheduled for VSG on March 4. My surgeon is going to be Dr Joseph Cribbins in Plano. He came highly recommended by my Family Practitioner (Dr. Guy Culpepper), who I have been with for nearly 15 years and love! I first met Dr. Cribbins last year - which my second attempt to get approved for WLS. Apparently third time was a charm for me and I was approved this year. The doctor and his staff have been helpful and thorough. He is personable and has taken the time to answer my questions thoroughly. His Bariatric Coordinator, Sheryl, is phenomenal! Calling with updates on the status of the insurance requests and providing pre-surgery information and appointments. At this time, I am going into this surgery with no worries about his (or his staff's) qualifications or skills. I hope I am not overstepping by recommending him since I haven't had surgery yet, but I just thought I would add my two cents. Good luck with your upcoming surgery!!

That seems to be the format for everyone that was approved. A supervised diet if required by your insurance, preoperative tests, physch eval, maybe a support group and insurance that covers bariatric surgery. The magic receipe =). Best of luck to you!

If you live in the Dallas Ft Worth area and are willing to pick this stuff up in North Oak Cliff, I have a bag full of goodies that I couldn't use. It includes 2 Tubs of nectar Protein (one has 1 serving missing), 2 bottles of the Bariatric Advantage Vitamin crystals (I might have used 2 servings out of one bottle); some Bariatric Advantage chocolate Protein Bars, A few single serving Bariatric Advantage shakes, a chewable multi vitamin, and a few other odds and ends that I was supposed to use post op, but couldn't. I hate to just throw the stuff out, so I am hoping someone can use it! Message me.

Oh my. I really hate to hear of another person having the same kinds of problems. You hang in there and keep insisting on finding out what is causing the problems. I'm glad your GP is following up and has you scheduled for more diagnostic tests. As for your bariatric surgeon, it sounds like maybe he isn't very experienced. He couldn't possibly understand the potential consequences and still put you off like this. My heart goes out to you! Please let us know how you get this resolved. We'll be thinking about you. You too Carriemc!!

My surgeon said while rny is the gold standard in bariatrics he also said the sleeve is a wonderful choice. Weightloss is up there quickly as with rny. If it were me I'd have the sleeve but nomination insurance won't take it. Welcome and you'll make the right choice!

Yes I do. I keep them as a back up but I really LOVE the Bariatric Advantage shakes. 27g of Protein and they taste awesome with just water! I can get most of what everyone gets in the states at the commissary, but when I can't find it..I order. But while I'm waiting on my order, I bought some more EAS. I'm going to try the Designer whey with almond milk in the morning (would have today but I"m trying hard to get in 3 shakes...just not hungry!). I guess I should be "forcing" things down but I just can't. 5 days till band day...I can't wait!

Forget to include that I'm using Bariatric Advantage strawberry protein for pre op diet but had also experimented with Nectar flavors and a few Jay Robb flavors.

One of those solutions (I believe) is Betadine. Not sure on the other one. When I gel my fills, she slathers that all over the needle site. I think what Jean said (regarding bariatric surgery) is right on the mark. But for your procedure, sounds like you just need to get that hospital ick off of you

I had the same options as you with insurance.......... Do a search for Band vs RNY and you will get a lot of great responses....... for me... this is what stood out. 1. 2 days off work (Surgery Thursday back at my desk Monday) 2. MAINTENANCE....... with the RNY it is possible to stretch your pouch and gain your weight back. With the band you can get filled or UNfilled during times of medical need. 3. ALL MY PARTS are intact. 4. I retain the nutrients from my food, the RNY is MALABSORBATIVE (sp?) which means that what you eat does not stick and you must take bariatric vitimans for life. 5. I have two friends that had the RNY...... and I knew their path wasn't mine.... ONE is fighting a major regain and thinking of getting banded over her stretched out stoma/pouch.... the other is 2.5 years out.. she looks great, but is fighting a 15 lb regain. It is up to you......... you must research and make your own decisions...... GOOD LUCK!

This is VERY different than they way the band was explained to me. My surgeon is one of the top bariatric doctors in the country... That's not to say that there is not value in the information...different approaches work with different people. I do like his message of eating a specified amount and walking away. That is good advice no matter how you believe the band works. This guy seems to have a helluva marketing department...

Hi everyone! I am new to the group after deciding on the sleeve this morning! Met with the bariatrics coordinator last week for the band and got my date for Nov 12. Was super excited and had my first appointment with my surgeon today. He told me the difference in the sleeve and the band and after a few questions and a few Tourette's-like "oh"s we all agreed that the sleeve is for me!!! I got home and immediately began researching and found before and after pics. WOW!!! After 9 years of having my mind set on the band, I gave officially switched over to the sleeve and I am SO FREAKING excited. I start my preop diet tomorrow and not really looking forward to that. So, just putting my story out there and introducing myself to the group!!! Ready for the count down!!!!! 13 days to go!

Thank you...it's funny, but my doc just asked if I'd speak at both his seminars and the bariatric support group. I'm kinda nervous but I agreed.

I was considering the lap band too and then was introduced to the sleeve. I have officially been sleeved now for 4 weeks and can honestly say it is THE.BEST.THING I have ever done for myself. I am down 23 pounds in 27 days! With the sleeve there is no foreign object in your body like with a band. And no re-routing of intestines with the bypass. In my opinion it is a far more superior procedure than any of the other bariatric surgeries. I was up and walking within 3 hours of my surgery, never any nauseau or vomiting and have always been able to tolerate every food I have reintroduced. I can eat about 4-6 ozs. in a sitting and drink plenty of fluids. Good Luck to each of you! This site is amazing and the support I have received is fabulous!

Vitamins- my dr has said he can prescribe general vits but would prefer me to take the ones they source from the states called bariatric advantage. They're specially formulated for post gastric surgery. Maybe have a look into those

Not sure what point your at now but I used kc Bariatrics and loved them. The office is hectic but I loved my Dr. Maybe you have a different Dr then I did...