Search the Community

There are tons* tons of Protein drinks out there. Some are better than others. unjury is one of the top rated quality protein sources. I used them during my 2 week pre-op diet. They are good to add sugar free syrups & PB2 to for flavor. Post surgery I have been drinking Premier Protein chocolate.. 30 gr of protein in 160 Cal. RTD 11 oz drinks. It takes me about 1 hr to get the 11oz down. Again I add things to it. PB2 is a staple for me. It's a powdered Peanut Butter. Vitamins- you'll be on them forever I used Centrum vitamints And chewable Calcium chews with D3. (Chocolate) Both available at the pharmacy. I liked both of these. I'm trying Bariatric Advantage berry multi Vitamins.. Yuck Bariatric Advantage caramel calcium chews- not bad Good luck

So I just got approved to start the bariatric program through the Cleveland clinic. So far I've completed the seminar, and spoken with my patient navigator, and scheduled all my appointments needed. I'm really excited besides the fact I'm completely lost at how this works! The navigator told me I had to set up a bariatric resource nurse through my insurance and the insurance is saying they don't offer that and it's a cycle of back and forth at this point. I'm also confused at how payment will work and all the little details of how the program works! So far they've handled everything over the phone, is it okay to ask to meet her in person and go over all the insurance and payment information with her?

Hello everyone... I am going to have plication surgery Feb 27th, 2013 in Mexico. I have heard and read up on the advantages and disadvantages of each. I leaned towards plication because of keeping your stomach intact and the fact your stomach secretes various hormones. You still get the "full feeling" because of the restriction. My wife had the sleeve done last March because she wanted the "Ghrelin Hormone Producer" removed along with having the restriction of the smaller stomach. She believes that having the stomach folded will eventually lead to blood flow problems or ischemia. I have talked to several surgeons and most agree it does depend on technique and individual genetic factors. Either one of them gives you the tool to help lose weight...but it is still up to you to eat right and exercise. (My wife has lost over 100 lbs and loves it!) I do work as a Respiratory Therapist at a hospital and unfortunately most of the feedback I get is questions about Mexico or the need for the surgery itself. I have no illusions that it would be more convenient in the US but almost everyone I know that has had it done are self pay. Most insurances specifically do not cover any bariatric surgery. It is essentailly the same as an out-patient procedure at a clinic. If you do due diligence you can find foreign Drs that are competent to perform bariatric surgery. The need is evident because it is a reminder and tool to keep one at a healthy weight. Many health care professionals I know are at an unhealthy weight due to stress, emotional eating, late night eating and did I mention stress?!? If anyone else would like to share their experiences with plication versus sleeve and if they would do anything different now, I would love to hear it! Thanks and good luck to everyone! Steve

Hey All - Well, some of you know that I've been sick since I started the pre-op diet (think that's probably coincidental). Anyway, ended up with bronchitis and a double ear infection this week. Called my surgeon today and they said I need to finish my antibiotics before they can do surgery, so surgery moved from Monday August 3rd to Friday August 7th. Funny thing is that my surgeon is doing a workshop for other doctors that day, so my surgery will be recorded and shown via satellite to other bariatric surgeons. I was fine with that for two reasons 1) they don't show my face and 2) I figure he's gotta be on his "a" game right?? So, bummed that I have to live on liquids for yet another week, but feel better that at least I'll be healthy for surgery. Jen

Thanks all for the responses and for sharing your experiences. I have found a therapist in my area that deals with the whole spectrum of eating disorders and has worked with bariatric patients. I see her next Monday for an initial consultation. We'll see how we mesh. Thanks. Meredith

Okay. I just changed my insurance to Molina like 20 minutes ago. What are the steps I need to take? I've seen the Molina Healthcare bariatric request online. It says stage 2 approval though. Should I make an appointment with my pcp and go over it? Or should I contact UW first? I'm sorry ladies. Also. The only thing I really have is PCOS and my bmi is 47. So idk if I would qualify with MOLINA. Amerigroup denied me. I appreciate all the replies, I truly do. Ive been wanting this since I was 17. I'm about to be 25 November 18th and I just want to be healthy and happy. I've tried everything. The more information I can get the better. ❤❤ Sent from my N9518 using the BariatricPal App

Ah! Needed to hear this. Spoke with my bariatric coordinator and i found out i wont have the surgery till next year, so im feeling your pain with that. This post is very encouraging, thank you so much!

She said Bariatric Advantage, Bariatric Fusion, Unjury, and Nectar (at 80%).

Today was my last monthly appointment of the six required by insurance so my doctor's office will be submitting to insurance in the next couple of days. Fingers crossed. Surgery is scheduled for July 18. We also used today as my pre-op appointment and went through everything. Thanks to this forum I felt very prepared to have this meeting and came prepared with lots of questions. One thing I have noticed is how much variety there is on surgeon preferences. Here are some highlights of how my surgeon handles things: Pre-op Diet: One week liquid only, 800-1000 calories and 60-80 grams of Protein. Incisions-uses steri strips so no need for stitches to be removed Does not use a drain unless necessary based on how things go, averages one every two years so low likelihood Does the leak test during surgery rather than next day before you go home. Says he would rather know during so can fix right away than have to put me under again to fix. Should be released by 3-4pm day after Will be released with pain pills, anti-nausea pills and pill to help prevent ulcers Will not give bariatric specific Vitamins. He said blood work will determine any deficiencies over time but as long as eating a proper diet a multi-Vitamin should be sufficient Can't wait!!

I have been going to my pcp for 3 months because my insurance now doesn't cover bariatric until January so I think it's ok to go to your pcp. Sent from my SM-G900R4 using the BariatricPal App

My surgeon's office seems to be SO much stricter than everyone else's!! We have to do a 2 week pre-op of ONLY Bariatric Advantage meal replacement shakes and NOTHING ELSE!! It really sucks when I find out that everyone else can eat a lot of other stuff or even jello!!!

Sorry that this has happened. I know when i started my process i went to my PCP to have her start the 6 month documented diet only to realize that she was not the best person to follow me given she hardly recorded anything and I found out the surgeons office would need more info. So, I started over with the bariatric center of excellence that my insurance company recommended. Thankfully i was only one month into the process. I got much better guidance working with the nutritionist, physcologist and bariatric nurses and doctors in that 6 months. It set me up for success.

Dr. Illan in Tijuana! . He's amazing. Bariatric Pal Team MX. BP is a partner with him. I will ask Bill Yanez the coordinator to add you to our closed FB group, he will give you his number to reach out for information. Sent from my SM-N910P using the BariatricPal App

I started with going through the "best" hospital in my area....we have several. Turns out this was not a Bariatric Center of Excellence and my insurance balked two months into my program. I swapped over to another surgeon who was affiliated with a Bariatric Center of Excellence and only enough it was through the oldest and smallest hospital in the area. Funny thing is that I ultimately chose to self fund the surgery as it was less costly than actually using my insurance....insane, right ? My new surgeon was OUTSTANDING in every way. He did a great job and was excellent in his advisements and coaching. My suggestion is to locate a bariatric center of excellence. These have proven statistics over time of low complications and excellent results.

Hello everyone, and Happy Holidays to each of you! My name is Susan, I'm 41 years old, single with no children. I live in the South Suburbs of Chicago. This journey for me has been a long, but enlightening one. I've been heavy pretty much all my life, with my highest weight coming about 2 years ago after thyroid issues leading to thyroidectomy, discovering thyroid cancer, and being hypothyroid for several months while have treatment. Also going on anti depressant meds didn't help Anyway, bariatric surgery is not new to me as my mom had RNY bypass back in the early 1980's. She has been successful at keeping about 2/3 of the weight off, but has had anemia and B-12 deficiency since the surgery. I'm not sure how I started reading up on LapBand, for a long time I was kinda anti-gastric bypass. But I researched starting in Sept 2009 and attended my first seminar in Nov 2009. After all the requirements hoops and such I was approved and set for November 8th. I think some of you have heard this in the post op thread but technically I "had" the surgery, minus the band There was a little complication not related to the actual banding and my wonderful surgeon decided to hold off for a few weeks to make sure no infection came up. Sooooo I have been thru the gas pain, abdominal pain, etc, but got to go back on solids for 2 weeks and just have to do 3 days liquid now before Monday So round two the 29th... I am very anxious to get started with getting healthier. I have a few comorbidities such as hypertension and prediabetes that I trust will get better by losing weight. Also there are so many things I want to still do while I'm "young" lol most of them involve being ACTIVE. But in my head and what my body can do now and two different things. I thank God often for this gift and opportunity. Best wishes to you all and I appreciate your posts and updates! I think that support by others who are going thru it is important for all of us!!! God bless and see you around!

It's just for his practice like it's not published for others! I think all surgeons should do the same. You can look him up if you want, check his site there's so many good things on it. Dr. Monash, Tucson Bariatric

My BMI was 35.1 when I first started trying to get approved. I got denied because I didn't have heart disease, lung disease or sleep apnea. By the time I wrote my appeal letter, I had gained a few pounds and my BMI was 36.7. I had to write a letter of appeal to BCBS. I wrote a letter of medical need, then a letter of emotional need, then I gathered letters of support from my GP, GYN, Podiatrist, and Gastrointerologist. Then my bariatric surgeon sent the entire package through with his endorcement. BCBS called me directly and said my letter was amazing and that they decided to approve me. If you have to appeal, I'd be happy to share my letters with you, just post your email and I'll send them to you directly. Good Luck! Suzanne

Dr. Cardenas is an excellent plastic surgeon and is quite well known in the bariatric community. Lots of bariatric patients have had her do their plastic surgery. That price for the two body surgeries is much lower than what I paid in Chicago. The facelift piece isn't any cheaper than what you'd pay stateside, though (although maybe less than California prices - I'm not sure). I actually went to a someone who specializes in facial plastic surgery for my face, though (for the body ones I went to someone who specializes in body contouring for massive weight loss patients) Dr. Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey also specializes in massive weight loss patients and a lot of us have used him. I don't know how his pricing is now - when I got an email quote from him, it was very reasonable (I think $16K for all the body stuff (I didn't ask about a facelift)) - but that was four or five years ago)

I had my surgery on September 23 in Puerta Vallarta Mexico and haven't posted a real post-op summary yet. But A. I wanted to now and B. I love reading everyone's posts as they anticipate their surgery. I wish I could think of the magic words of comfort to let everyone know it will be okay.... to think of the words I would have liked to hear going in. I haven't thought of the words yet but these are my 5 week post-op thoughts... For all of us, who have been so resourceful as to recognize the possibility of weight loss surgery. And to educate ourselves enough to identify VSG as the most effective, and then on top of that to track down Mexico as they most affordable option when we don't have the support of an insurance company... I just think we all deserve a big pat on the back/round of applause for being so smart, and strong and resourceful. I can't imagine there is a way to go in to the surgery without some fear and anxiety. But, enough pioneers have gone before us now that we have to know-- any concern we can think of-- we are not the first to have it. One of my biggest ones was 'Am I crazy to do this?' (particularly the going to Mexico part) The answer is 'no'. When you balance the stories of success with the very difficult to find frustrations. Our judgement is sound. As long as you have been dilligent enough to ensure your surgeon has the experience and track record of success that we all require-- you have every reason to believe things will be okay. Some of the most universal post- Mexico thoughts I have found... 1. You will be surprised by how nice (though small) the hospital is 2. You will be impressed with how kind and understanding your surgeon is (mine brought me flowers the day after surgery)... this is BIG business for them and as long as they have the technical skills-- unlike US doctors, they are highly motivated to get you to go home and rave about the experience. 3. You will wish you knew more Spanish when interacting with the nurses after surgery (but we are all pretty much asking about the same 4 things... pain, sleep, bathroom, drinks... so they figure it out... you migh want to get a few key phrases related to those things memorized before you go) 4. You will remember you always have to be your own advocate but, they are thinking about the same things you are... getting you to and from the hospital, taking you to a pharmacy to get your post-op prescriptions filled (just wait till you see how cheap they are), getting you back to the airport in safe flying condition. 5. You will realize its actually pretty easy to get in touch with the surgeon direclty pre or post surgery as many of them seem to make themselves available via cell phone (can you imagine a US Surgeon giving you their direct cell number) 6. You will learn that to Doctors in Mexico have actually been doing VSG a lot longer and more frequently than the US surgeons and have many more surgeries under their belt) Unlike my understanding of the US experience though-- I do think you should be prepared to educate yourself on recomended post-surgery diet. Possibly enrolling yourself in a program or with a nutritionist that will help you manage your post-op nutrition (no Doctor check-ups), Having a doctor in mind to remove any stitches after surgery (I'm sure some use disolvable but I had stiches to remove 10 days after I got home)... (oh, and the Doctor I went to at home--- very young-- didn't recognize the type of stitch so she had to call a back-up Doctor to figure out how to remove--- a little worrisome but ultimately easily solved), and boards like this are that much more valuable because you will have questions about how you feel along the way as you heal (last week I had a resurgence of pain 3 weeks after surgery and was able to figure out that it was that acid reflux they warn you about... renewing my commitment to taking the prilosec they sent me home with has solved the problem) All in all in addition to feeling the thrill of 'the losers bench', I feel brave and proud to have done this... and right or wrong-- a little bit smarter than all the people that navigate their insurance and testing and doctor schedules for 6 months+ to get to their surgery date in the US. Oh, one more thing-- again-- good or bad...by doing the surgery in Mexico-- you will miss out on 90% of the pre-op tests they do in the US so, if you have reason to believe the stress test, psychological testing, nutrition analysis, pre-op diet, etc. are an important part of your pre-op plan (which they may well be)... you will not get that in Mexico. I had no pre-op diet, 1 blood draw- the day before surgery in Mexico, 1 shot to prevent blood clots- the day before surgery, and never got on a scale or anything else as part of the pre-op process (I kinda wish I had now so that I knew how much I had lost from day 1... I'm down 15 pounds starting with my weight 10 days after surgery). Anyway, take care of yourself, and good luck but, I don't think you'll need it.... they know what they're doing.

Hi Ms. Thompson.... Thank you for replying. I also felt the same way...Thinking maybe it's a sign from God not to get surgery. But it can also be a test as in to see how committed we are to get our surgery. About the yeast infection..yea it's terrible. Antibiotics fix one problem and give you another one. You should definitely look into speaking with you bariatric office to see if you need a second test, that way you don't waste anytime. Wish you good luck and hopefully we both come out ok ???? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Aug 3rd here - 4 shakes a day and at least 96 ozs of beverages per day (Protein shakes count). I'm mixing up my sources of protein - ProJoe in the morning, Bariatric Advantage unflavored shakes mixed with unsweetened soy milk 2x/day, and Bariatric advantage vegetable Soup protein for dinner. As long as I don't wait too long for the protein all is well. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My insurance Blue shield of CA paid for 6 months of the Vitamins, bariatric multi, c and Iron, and, Calcium, and b12 by nose. After about 2-3 months I could not tolerate the sweetness of the chewables, so I went to Centrum. My insurance would not cover the shakes, good luck.

I have the Factor 5 clotting disorder, had a PE seven years ago. Off of thinners for 6 years. The first hematologist that was going to clear me put me on thinners for life and sent me to go get an IVC filter. My bariatric surgeon had me get a second opinion. The new hematologist said blood thinners until surgery and until I am completely mobile afterwards, no filter needed. After that I can take an aspirin daily.

I go to Bariatric Solutions and I believe they do fills without insurance and I know they have an office in Dallas. I go to the office in Decatur. They have a bus that goes around and does fill all over the metroplex. They use fluoroscope with there fills. Which I like. They are really nice and good too. Good luck True Results may do it as well ~~~Stephanie

I really need help. I just started a new job and it's time to sign up for my insurance. Called the company to see if my insurance will cover surgery snd they say I have no bariatric services. Is there anyone out there that knows any other way to get help to pay for surgery? I need this for myself and I can't pay it out of pocket. I'm so upset because when I started HR said they thought it was something I'd be able to get. So I had my hopes up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App