Search the Community

Since finding out about, and deciding VSG was the right surgery for me back in August I knew that I would have to wait until after the 1st of the year to really get the ball rolling on the surgery due to finances. I initially decided on a doc, but the program fee charged plus my out of pocket maximum for my Blue cross PPO would put my out of pocket expense @ $9200 at a minimum....no F'n way I could or would swing that amount at this point in my life. After a few more seminars I have finally decided on Dr. Kelvin Higa of ALSA medical group in Fresno Ca. I did my labs and chest x-rays last Wednesday, and have my PCP appointment tomorrow @ 7:30am. I normally go to the FNP that works for the the doctor I am seeing tomorrow, but I guess he has to be the one that says I am a good candidate for bariatric surgery. My 1st appointment with Higa is on this Saturday, and my EGD is scheduled for next Wednesday. After Dr. Higa approves me as a patient I can use the Psych and Nutritionist @ Fresno Heart and Surgical free of charge. Hopefully everything is banged out before the end of January and I can get a Blue Cross approval and surgery date for the end of February.(Crossing fingers & praying) Since my PCP appointment I have had a ton of anxiety now since this is actually moving along.I'm not scared to the point of backing out(never will be either), but I feel like a 5'11 365lb 31 year old baby... I'm a worrier at heart but this is getting pretty tough. I have two little kids (5 and 2) that I'm afraid of leaving fatherless...I have faith that I will get through this ok, but it still scares the @$#% out of me. Did anybody else have this much anxiety before surgery? If so what did you do to cope with it? I really want to get my mind right for this so I don't end up being rolled into surgery crying like a big baby. I don't post much on here, but I would like to thank everybody for your stories, information and support given. It is such a great resource for people, and hopefully after I am sleeved I can become as big of a provider of help and information as the rest of you folks are.

Hey Adam, My surgery date in Sept 1, 2017. I will be right before you! I am using Dr. Zavalza with Go Light Bariatrics. I have my first face time with the surgeon this Wednesday!! Lori from Little Rock, Arkansas

I am a "newbie" on this site and am in the very beginning stages of working up to have gastric sleeve surgery. I have an appointment with my bariatric surgeon next week. Someone suggested that I check out JBN (Just Be Natural). I ordered samples yesterday (you can pick 3 flavors for $5). I thought this was a reasonable price to see what brand of protein shake I like. I have tried Muscle Milk long ago and I ended up throwing 3/4 of the case out because it just didn't taste good to me. All other protein drinks I have tried are too low in protein and too high in sugar content.

I incorrectly thought it was the only way. food addiction is mental. You will regain after bariatric surgery if you don't work in it. You can lose weight without bariatric surgery if you work on the addiction. I would recommend seeking counselling for the food addiction before even considering this drastic surgery

Eric Tiesi PA Phone: 702-274-6763 Las Vegas, Nevada Creative Health Solutions Dr. Dominic Ricciardi, MD 8285 W. Arby Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89113 Phone: 702-363-6005 Initial 30min consultation includes fill $299 Subsequent fills $175 Henderson Blossom Bariatrics 600 Whitney Ranch Drive Henderson NV 89014 Phone: 702-463-3300

I use the Bariatric Pal patch vitamins. They work well. I bought the ones suggested for the gastric bypass. I had surgery 11/11 and have been using them since. Works great.

Thank you for replying! I have been talking to Dr. Johnson at Atlanta Bariatrics. Do you know anything about him? How was your recovery time? Were you in a lot of pain after the procedure?

Catwoman, I sort of think sugar may be bad for my reflux; so I need to get a handle on that anyway. Problem is, I love sweets. That's probably what put on my weight in the first place. Right now, though, not even sweets appeal to me. I called my bariatric surgeon and left a message I need to make an appointment. One thing holding me back is the thought of going through what I went through with the lapband and not getting relief. That's why I appreciate hearing from bypass patients.

that averages out to 4 lbs a week - so yes, that's normal. You normally see the biggest drop the first month (maybe two), after that, 2 or 3 lbs a week is pretty average. I'd also lost 39 lbs when I was where you're at, and I started out much heavier than you. I think a lot of people's expectations are shaped by shows like "My 600 lb Life", but you have to keep in mind that people on that show start out A LOT heavier than your average bariatric patient - so you can't compare yourself to them. If you're sticking to your plan, staying active, and your overall weight trend is done, you're good.

Nope. I am going through the Ontario Bariatric Network. My doctor referred me for the sleeve procedure specifically, but I've heard in Ontario that Gastric Bypass is the golden standard, so I'm really hoping that when I hear news it's to meet about the sleeve procedure, but I am open to hearing more about Gastric Bypass as well. I previously went to two orientation on Gastric Bypass but I was only 18 and just wasn't ready.

Has anyone gone through them for weight loss surgery recently? and if so what does the pre-op all day intake appointment consist of? My appointment is tomorrow.

Hi Chris..I'm 72 5ft8in 323lb down from a high of 355, BMI close to yours. Resident grandma of Bariatric Pal since I'm older than dirt. Should be having RnY...early-mid March unless a miracle happens this month. Mother to 3, 2 living, my son who I call Tomkitten on here and his older sister known as RD, short for Rotten Daughter. She lives 7/8 mile from me. After not speaking to me for 6 months her best friend died of a heart attack Christmas . She started calling and texting me, Will it last?Don't know, she should know I love her cause I've told her repeatedly over the years,,i just don't like some of her past actions. Hurts me she doesn't want to be closer. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Sitting on the tarmac, that's a great analogy! My process has been long, for lack of a better word! I decided while visiting family July 4th weekend that it was time to pursue bariatric surgery, after considering it off and on for 20 years or so. Did some research, found a doctor that I felt looked super credible, asked my endocrinologist for a reference, and they referred me to the doctor I had already picked. Called the surgeons office to get the ball rolling and found out our insurance didnt cover the surgery. I went back and forth about just doing self pay and getting the surgery asap, but instead opted to change our insurance to a plan with bariatric coverage during the next insurance enrollment period, which thankfully was in August. New insurance started 10/1, and I called the surgeon that day and got the initial preauthorization and an appointment for the following week! My insurance requires 6 months of medically managed weightloss, and nutrition classes. At first I was bummed that I had to jump through all the hoops to finally get to the surgery but in retrospect Im so glad I've had to 'practice' eating healthier, moving more, etc. I've been to all of the nutrition appointments as of last week, and I've only got two more surgeon appointments left (net week, and March 17). I've already had cardiac clearance, and psych clearance, but need to get primary care physician clearance still (going to see him in March, for that, and prescription refills!) It just hit me last week that I'm almost done with all those 'hoops' and surgery is coming up faster than I realized! The past 4 months kind of sped by, probably because of all the holidays packed in there! I've had good luck with the change in diet. I basically just stopped eating fast food and chocolate, donuts, Cookies, brownies, ice cream, etc. i have a major sweet tooth, so I've substituted fruit for desert. I have apples/oranges/pineapple/bananas/etc after or with almost every meal Using the myfitnesspal ap helped out a ton when I first started too. I stopped using it religiously around Thanksgiving and have just been mindful of each meal being somewhere in the vicinity of 500 calories, as well as ensuring I am eating enough Protein and vegetables. I've managed to continue to lose weight regardless, but I need to get back on track with the ap in the coming weeks. I'm down 30lbs from my initial surgeon visit, insurance required I lose 25, surgeon wanted me to lose 33. So I have 3 more pounds to get off in the next 6 weeks. At the rate Im dropping weight I think I'll bypass that! I hope! This is probably waaaay more information than you were expecting! Fingers crossed for your appointment and a quick surgery date!

I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about bariatric surgery in general. I found the idea of the sleeve to be very barbaric when I had my first consult. The permanence of it made it very scary for me as well. Maybe take your mom along for your next appointment? Best of luck to you.

Vertical gastric sleeve (VGS) to Mini Gastric Bypass (MGB) ? I was sleeved about 7 years ago in Mexico. The operation added about 90 pounds of weight loss over 18 months. However unfortunately, after several years and a couple of babies, the weight has come back on. I’m exactly where I was seven years ago. 😔 I feel my pouch has been stretched slowly over the years and my metabolism is shot. Not uncommonly, one of the side effects of the sleeve was terrible heartburn. I’ve been taking a prescription grade antacid since my surgery. I recently read that this particular bariatric side affect has been linked to stomach cancer. 😳 I recently consulted with bariatric surgeon in Mexico to see what my options are and he suggested I convert to a mini gastric bypass. He said it would resolve the acid reflux complication and also I would lose the weight I have regained. Has anyone gone from VGS to a MGB that could share their experiences with me? Either here or privately? I’d really appreciate it. 🙏🏼

I know it's frustrating, but most likely this is just water weight. When you start dieting, the amount of glycogen stored in your muscles and organs drops pretty dramatically since you're not taking in enough carbs to replenish the glycogen. This depletion of glycogen also causes scale weight to drop in the form of water loss. Over time, those glycogen stores are renewed, which also causes you to put the water weight back on. This phenomenon is even worse if you also add in new exercise, as your body needs extra water in your muscles to help repair the micro damage that exercise does to your muscles. If you feel sore muscles, you can know for sure that you're storing extra water. I suspect there's another factor at work here: stress. Elevated stress levels causes you adrenal glands to make and release a hormone known as cortisol into your bloodstream. Among other things, elevated cortisol levels can actually slow down your metabolism, meaning you're burning fewer calories at rest.

My surgery is in just under three weeks, so today was devoted to SPENDING MONEY on all the stuff I will need/want. And here is where I am going to tell you all about it in excruciating detail. http://www.onestopplus.com/ - front-closing leisure bra, empire waist dress, shorty pajamas http://www.amazon.com - 2 x 100 1 oz. medicine cups (to measure/control fluid intake), mini-muffin pan and liners (for the "bites" recipes from Eggface), mini ice cube trays (for making smoothies and shakes), gas-x strips, anti-skid fuzzy socks, Celebrate multi-complete bariatric vitamins with iron, extra large heating pad, blender bottle, Syntrax Nectar medical unflavored protein powder, digital thermometer, small blender. http://www.bjsbariatrics.com/ - Syntrax Nectar sample pack http://www.unjury.com/store/protein/ - Unjury starter kit with 2 packets of five flavors of protein powder, shaker bottle, and food thermometer. http://chikenutrition.com - Chike variety pack w/ 6 flavors Chike protein http://www.mybariatricpantry.com/ - 2 bottles Isopure Plus, Syntrax Matrix sample pack with all 8 flavors (including the famed mint cookie flavor!), Metabolic Nutrition Protizyme sample pack with 5 flavors including my favorite Peanut Butter Cookie, fruit drinks variety pack, pudding/shake variety pack, cappuccino protein drink, and Bariatric Advantage chewable probiotics http://www.vitalady.com - Dymatize Nutrition Elite Whey sample packs in butter cream toffee, mocha, chocolate mint, and gourmet vanilla; BSN Lean Dessert protein powder samples in banana cream pudding, vanilla whipped cream, and fresh cinnamon roll. I also bought a new comforter from Kohl's because mine has gotten kind of ratty and dirty and I figure I can get myself something new, beautiful, and, well, comforting that I'm going to be using during my recovery. This process is expensive even before figuring in direct medical costs! I'm really excited, even if I'm not excited about looking at my bank account balance right now.

Hi there, I am in the middle of my 14 day liquid preop diet as we speak, (10/20 is my big day) and I have 8 oz ones for the main three and 3 4 oz ones for Snacks. I have to use the Bariatric Advantage ones that I add sugar free torani syrup to so I don't get so bored with them. I can also have a cup of specific veggies with lunch and dinner and thats it. Hope this helps! I would check with your dr office/ nut and see what they say?

Sorry to have been a lurker on here -- I've never participated in a forum mostly on iPad before... I keep thinking I'll get to a desktop and do the courteous thing and post and respond, but I'm seldom at a desktop ! Sorry about that! I am an older (50 year old) mom to 3 kids under 12 who has become obese the last five years and stayed that way despite very regular, concerted exercise the last 18 months. I have many high BP readings, high-ish cholesterol, sometimes high-ish blood sugar. I feel like a ticking time bomb of bad health and I need to do what it takes to get healthy now (BMI has bounced around 31-33.5 the last three years despite a lot of effort on my part). I am getting ready to pull the trigger and firm up a sleeve date in MX in November. I have spent hours reading these forums and various blogs, etc., and--for somewhat intangible reasons, I have become comfortable with Dr. Illan and florence Hospital. BUT-- I'm now at the "seeking-reassuring-information-to-provide-to-loved ones-so-they-will-help-with-chlldcare" stage and I'm eager to find a few easy links or printouts to put under their noses. They won't/don't have the time to surf forums for hours. In fact, my husband is a broadcaster/journalist whose efficient, analytical research style will lead him right to a senior/expensive "elder statesman of bariatric surgery" type doc like Dr. Aceves, which would be fine if every $500 didn't matter to me, but it does. If anyone has seen a posting or blog where someone succinctly recites some verifiable stats or facts about Dr. Illan and/or Florence Hospital, I would sure appreciate being directed there. The kinds of things that will get my dear husband in helpful mode (agreeing to handle care of three kids while I'm gone) would be info on which hospital Florence uses as back-up for severe complications (I assume Angeles, based on what I've read, but I don't have the facts to sing praises of Angeles' sophistication, stellar rating, etc.), impressive, verifiable fact-lets about Dr. Illan, what support might be available if a complication occurred back home, etc. Thanks in advance if anyone can send me a link, etc. I have joined the helpful FB group for their practice and (as a result of hours of reading and some corresponding with patients) *I* am comfortable, but I need those bullet points for the husband if possible . Best wishes, Annie (getting close to a November 2013 Mexican sleeve date)

I am the one that posted the pissed off and scared... I had no choice in my hospital - originally it was supposed to be Mi Hospital and THEY changed it to Florence- said it was an upgrade, a better hospital without any extra charges- LUCKY ME! Ha! I have no way to compare the 2 hospitals. All the pics I saw of Florence are not of the bariatric floor. They had to be another part of the hospital. Dr. Garcia , the anesthesiologist Mark and Eduardo from Ready4a change are Great!!! The hotel and the coordinator at the hotel, Irene ...great! But all the in-betweens-Not so much!

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

I hadn't even heard that Flinstones chewables was an option. My doctor told me to take Bariatric Advantage only the first few months after surgery. I will have to research further about it. NieMarie I am like you and am not sure what to take! But I know my Dr said I should take liquid Vitamins for some things. I am getting nervous that if I don't take the right things afterward then I will get sick. When is your surgery?

I got banded on 8-1-12. I understand your excitement and nervousness about the insurance. I have been trying off and on for 20 years to get some kind of bariatric surgery. I found out in April that the Cigna my company paid for this year would cover it. So I was in a crunch to get the approval and all the testing and jump through all of the hoops before they changed it again the end of August! haha. But its mine now and they can't take it away from me!!! The surgery went great, but then if you want this and need this as badly as I did, anything short of excruciating pain would be worth it!!! I am only 4 days post op and I can feel the differences already. My skin feels looser and my face looks different already. I have to lose 170 lbs to reach my goal weight. I feel better already. Good luck on your surgery, keep us updated. I'm so excited for you!

Actually, that's not true at all. It's not that insurance companies don't want to pay for procedures, it's that they don't want to waste money on unnecessary procedures or on members who will not follow up properly. With bariatric surgery, insurance companies know that paying for this surgery is less expensive than paying to treat all of the complications that will arise if obesity goes untreated, so it's really a win/win situation. The reason there are so many obstacles leading up to the surgery (particularly the pre-op diet and psychological exam) is to ensure that the person is a good candidate for the surgery and will stick to the proper regimen for weight loss then be able to lead a healthy lifestyle afterward. They do not want to pay if the person is just seeking a shortcut for weight loss and does not plan to change their lifestyle. I've been in healthcare for 32 years, 12 of them at health plans, so I'm quite familiar with their operations. At a previous job I used to help scour data for signs that members might be pre-diabetic, so that the plan could reach out to them and see if there's anything they could do to help, whether it's recommending a nutritionist, sending them videos or literature, whatever it took to get the members to improve their lifestyle before they developed full diabetes. It's certainly better for the plan's members to learn how to take care of themselves, and it's much cheaper for the health plan to not have to treat the member's diabetes. So again, a win/win.

Ask if there is a bariatric exclusion or allowance to the insurance broker handling your insurance for your company. Many (most)insurance plans have an exclusion for bariatric surgery meaning that it will not cover it at all. My main insurance through my employer is is unitedhealth choice plus and there is an exclusion to bariatrics on out policy so I have zero coverage through my primary insurance. My husbands insurance allowed bariatrics for the first time this year to members and he put me on his insurance and I will be able to have covered surgery.