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Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
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Hi Rhonda. I actually am on regular foods now, with the exception of starch. The clinic that performed my surgery has patients progress quicker than most other bariatric centers. I eat mostly grilled chicken breast, lettuce, eggs, and various fruits. I had my first fill last week though and it seems like maybe I'm not tolerating raw veggies very well.
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My doctor has me doing the Bariatric Advantage Meal Replacement shakes 3-5 times a day for the 2 weeks...its about $65 for 35 servings
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I was talking to a new guy before having been sleeved Jun 3, 2013 and when he asked what I liked to eat, I mentioned a few types of food and followed it by saying that I didn't know what I'd be able to eat soon. His immediate reply was "Lap Band?" to which I said "No" and explained the sleeve. Turns out, he is an LPN that has a Lap Band! He has been very supportive so far and even offering suggestions (when I was having problems with the bariatric Vitamins.) Unlike you, I haven't kept my surgery a secret--I've told all of my close friends and a good portion of my co-workers. I have only encountered a few negative remarks---all of which were pre-op expressing that I should exhaust all other avenues before resorting to surgery. Also, after surgery some of the nay-sayers have joined the bandwagon that cheers me on!
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Well here goes, my story. I have always had a weight problem, for as long as I can remember. I can remember my Dad grilling me about how much I weighed when I was in like third grade. My Dad was slim as a young adult, but put on a few pounds as he aged. My Mom struggled with her weight, but she is a strong minded woman, and has never been "fat". She loves to cook and bake, but she is great about not eating what she cooks. I am a "Mature" adult now, (translate that to read almost ready for Medicare), but feel much younger, and want to continue to feel years younger. I started thinking about bariatric procedures shortly after my cousin, who is a sugeon, had a Roux N Y procedure himself. He subsequently specialized in bariatric surgery and is currently doing mainly bariatric procedures. Throughout my adult life I have been or participated in Weight Watchers, Diet Center, Weight Down Workshop, Over Eaters Annon., TOPS, and a bunch more that I can't even remember, plus have tried almost every diet that has come along. I even went so far as to make an appointment and go see him last summer. But when I checked with our insurance company, they informed me they don't pay for ANY bariatric procedures. My cousin (bless his heart) offered to do the surgery for free, but I would still have to pay the hospital and anesthesia costs, which were going to run about $14,000. I didn't have $14,000 sitting around, so I started looking at options in Mexico. I choose to go to Tijuana and have the surgery there. I was sleeved three days ago, and so far am very happy with my choice.
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All of my friends have been kind and supportive. I told my closest friends just about a week before surgery, and then gradually told others as it came up. The only person who was the slightest bit mean about it was a work colleague who is just a mean person sometimes. Anyway, I have to say that the slender folks among my friends and family were the most supportive and enthusiastic. Maybe because they really understand how much I was missing from life by being morbidly obese. As far as being angry with yourself about not being able to lose weight by diet and exercise alone, let that go. Obesity is influenced by many more factors than just diet and exercise, and once you get there, it is almost impossible for anyone to reach a normal weight without surgery. This recent study looked at obese people trying to lose weight -- bariatric surgery patients excluded -- and found that the odds of attaining and maintaining a normal body weight were astronomically tiny, like maybe the same as being struck by lighting or something. http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/full/10.2105/AJPH.2015.302773 In my opinion, if someone's medical team agrees that they are a good candidate for bariatric surgery, then that is probably the smartest thing to do. I don't kick myself for not being able to lose weight "on my own." I kick myself for trying, for decades, to do it without the best medical treatment and refusing to consider surgery. Anyway, my social life has improved dramatically since I've lost weight. I'm more willing to go out and socialize and try new things. I enjoy talking to people instead of being focused on shoving food in my face. I'm still an introvert and always will be, but now I'm much more at ease in social settings and happier overall. That makes me a better friend. Good luck to you!
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Is my nutritionist keeping me fat?
Cocoabean replied to rosstheboss's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I believe by your post, you are male? You'll need more than the 1000 calories a day that we women need. I think going to a nutritionist who specializes in bariatrics is a great idea. I believe obese and formerly obese people don't use calories the way a person who has been normal weight their entire life does. -
Has to be seriously flawed research
catwoman7 replied to Sosewsue61's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
you're right, probably not bariatric patients - but for normal people, 2000 calories a day is pretty standard. So is 225 carbs. Unfortunately, it seems like few of us bariatric types can eat like that and maintain our weight. Not fair, but, it is what it is... -
I just got off the phone with my insurance company. I have been approved!!!!!! The paperwork was submitted on Monday and approval on Thursday! I don't have a surgery date yet but I will as soon as I talk to the bariatric liaison. HOORAY
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i believe it means that the insurance does cover bariatric surgery but you have to meet all the requirements for you to get coverage.
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Dinner out with the gals on Day 18 post-surgery
1-4-Many replied to Virginia S's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Every program out there has different rules. Sounds like yours is exactly like mine. I move to mushies at 4 weeks. Until then nothing but full liquid. So far it's not horrible but I'm getting a little tired of the same things over and over. I don't like sweets or chocolate so all of the drinks turn my stomach. After 1 week home and repeating the same stuff over and over, ....yawn....... I really think this is the most cautious route. We were told that 90% of the healing happens in the first 25 days (or something to that effect) so that's the logic of keeping it Fluid. I don't mind the stricter plan but I think it would be fantastic if some company came out with pre-made bariatric canned soups boosted with Protein and pre-strained. Not that I'm lazy.......... -
Anyone have 6 month diet waived by insurance?
TheGamer replied to hurley911's topic in Insurance & Financing
I did not have to have the six month diet. My insurance company (UMR) gave conflicting information on if it was needed or not, so my bariatric center just went ahead and submitted my paperwork for approval to see what would happen. After a month of processing, they came back with approval, no diet needed. I should note that I had a very high starting BMI, weighing about 380 at the beginning of the approval process. -
what to expect during my pre-op diet?
Jenelle replied to Erin414's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
First 3 days bad headaches, 4th day it gets better. I got the vanilla bariatric advantage powder I mixed mine with skim milk and added some Davincy sugar free syrup french vanilla it was good. I started about 4 days early just to give my body time to adjust and in case I cheated I wouldn't feel so bad. I did cheat during those first 4 days but I did it with good food. (low fat string cheese) . Good luck to you. -
My surgeon only does lap band in very limited circumstances -- low BMI and if the patient absolutely refuses any other bariatric surgery. He would not have done one on me, which is fine because after reading up about the common complications and lack of weight loss success, I would not have wanted one.
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I went a little crazy this evening
HopefulintheNW posted a topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
Ok, I went on a bit of a crazy spending spree this evening. I ordered from Amazon, Unjury, and Bariatric Choices and I spent, hmm, lets see, about $152! OMG! I just couldn't help myself! I ordered protein soups, protein drinks (clear kinds like Isopure and Protidiet), mixing cup, Unjury's starter pack, a portable hand mixer, etc (I have some weight watcher powder packs here that I can barely stomach because they don't mix well in my shaker bottle with the whisk ball, I am hoping the little portable mixer will do the trick). Earlier today, I bought a thermos, tea, various gummy vitamins, and crystal light water bottle packs at Target. I am SO excited and ready for this weight loss journey to begin! I am scheduled for surgery with Dr. Ramos Kelly on July 15th at Oasis Hospital, I will spend 2 days in the hospital and 2 nights in the hotel, although, I am thinking of staying an extra night in the Lucerna hotel for my peace of mind, "just in case". I know you understand when I say I can hardly think of anything else. They would like me to start my preop diet 2 weeks before, but I am thinking of starting 3 weeks before so I can feel even more confident. I am so proud of myself for doing this, and although I am a bit nervous, I know that I am making the right decision for me! I have a skinny, healthy person inside of me just dying to come out! -
I had lap band surgery in August 2013, everything was going well. In October I joined a cross fit training class (mon- fri). About two months ago I started having issues with keeping food down! Never did I imagine that my band had slipped!! My dr told me that if it doesn't go back in place in one mth I will need to surgery!!!!! Obviously he unfilled me, my appetite is back (I'm concern that I will gain my weight back) and not sure if should cont cross fit training so I renewed my membership a hath club. I thought I could do cardio but now I'm having second thoughts. What if I make matters worst!! Anyone has any idea what's the best thing for me to do?!?!?! Your feed back is highly appreciated, thank you!!!
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Help! - Medically Supervised Weight Loss Program.
wannaBthinsoon replied to Alkalinetrio262's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
United Health care. But if you are using a bariatric center of excellence, they generally can help you with these hoops. Yes I had hoops, too. My requirements were that it was a bariatric COE, my BMI was over 40 and I attended a dr's supervised diet for (an undetermined amount of time). No specific months. AND.....no past BMI from the last 5 years or whatever.....They used to require that as well, but most Insurance companies have dropped that requirement. Best of luck to you. I know I wouldn't be able to lose the weight without this surgery. I have only lost 20 pounds, but I wouldn't have been able to do that. I was on Nutrisystem for 6 months and couldn't lose 20 pounds. I lost these 20 pounds in the past 3 weeks. -
OK, it's been a minute since I updated on my progress/process. Not sure where I left off but I did get authorization from Aetna to see Dr. Pinnar for 1 visit. I felt like a mission was accomplished, so I decided to take on another mission. I went back online to see if I could find a Dr. closer to me and low and behold I did! Dr. Brian Long! And he was hosting a seminar that coming (last) Saturday! I went online and registered and I went to the seminar last Saturday! :cool2:! I was really comfortable with his team and his expertise, so I decided to move forward with my free consultation. I took the first available appointment, which was this past Thursday! I completed all my history online and when I arrived they were prepared and ready to see me. Well imagine my SURPRISE to find out that they had contacted my insurance prior to my arrival and had all documentation filled out and DR. LONG IS A PARTICIPATING SURGEON WITH AETNA!! Now, I am thoroughly surprised because Aetna told me there wasn't a bariatric surgeon in network which meant a higher payment for me and a BUNCH of headache in getting approved. Not taking my surprise for granted, I decided to surprise them and I had 3 years of documented, supervised, medical weight management records! (:waytogo:) amd they were soooooooooooooooooo happy that the "hard part" was done. Next they scheduled me for all of my pre-op testing (upper G.I., nutritionist, sleep study, psychologist, personal trainer, and lab work) all for the same day (June 5th) and she told me to have some dates in mind when I want to go to surgery when I come in on the fifth (:cursing:)!! I can't believe I went for a boulder blocking me to a sled taking me down the hill! GOD IS GOOD! I am nervous, but I am so excited to be taking control of my life and my destiny!!!! I will keep you all posted!
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My Dr and the Bariatric Program here at OSF St Francis Medical Center is very clear on amounts after LBS. It states 2 or 3 ounces per meal with a 8 ounce Protein shake between breakfast and lunch and one between lunch and dinner and Water or zero calorie liquid. It also makes us measure everything and weigh everything. This is for the entire diet all the phases. Our dietician stated in class that we should never eat more than 4 ounce meals even after achieving our goal weight. When people start eating more is when the weight will begin to creep back up. I have been eating strictly in this manner since my surgery and I have had NO hunger. I have head hunger at times when I thought oh that sounds so good. But no physical hunger at all. I love my band. I plan on sticking to exactly what the program requires. My mentor who has 18 months post surgery went from a size 26 and she is now a size 8 and she followed the portions to the letter. My surgical group has done 3,000 LBS surgeries and more Ren-Y surgeries than that and they follow their patients for the rest of their lives, I trust what they know and have learned and observed from their patients over the years. I know every program has different crieria for their patients but I also have ready alot on the band and how it works and it is designed to keep our portions very small and that is forever.
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I prefer protein powder over ready-to-drink shakes, and powder tends to be less expensive. My favorite brand of protein powder is Ideal Lean, but it is really a matter of personal taste. For ready-to-drink shakes, Equate brand is pretty much the same as Premier Protein but priced much lower. I am almost 2 years out now and I no longer drink protein shakes. I get plenty of protein from food, and I'd rather eat food than drink a protein shake. It is really important to budget for what you'll need post-op, and don't forget about vitamins. The best value in bariatric vitamins is the BariatricPal brand multivitamin, which is $99.99/year for a subscription (I recommend you buy a smaller bottle first and make sure you like them before you subscribe; also, you'll probably need chewables for the first few months after surgery). Depending on your program/bloodwork, you may need additional vitamins (I take calcium, chelated iron, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, and biotin in addition to the multivitamin, and I also use pre-workout and essential amino acid supplements). Vitamins are super important for gastric bypass patients, so you have to make sure you're prepared to buy them before you have the surgery. In the early post-op stages, I was eating so little that the costs balanced out. Now that I'm eating regular food and larger portions, though, I am spending a lot more on food than I was before surgery, even though I'm eating less. I used to shop sales and buy cheap food. Things like chips, crackers, cookies, candy, frozen meals and snacks, baking ingredients (sugar, flour, oil, butter), etc., can be very inexpensive when you buy them on sale. Now, I buy a lot of fresh produce, meat, fish, herbs, and spices, plus some healthier substitutions (sugar-free sweeteners, protein bars, low-calorie salad dressing, sugar-free condiments, olive/avocado oil, coconut flour, etc.) and prioritize health and taste over price. I'm sure I could spend less and still eat healthy if I really needed to, but I have invested so much into this surgery and losing weight that I'm willing to spend more money on food that helps me stick to my plan.
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Military Wives Who Have Had This Surgery
cmccheryl replied to Stevie1's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Hello everyone!! I am also a military spouse and began my lap-band® journey in December 2009 with a visit to my PCM. She made the referral and within a few days I received a call stating that I had been accepted into the Bariatric program here in Ft. Campbell. Since then, I attended an introductory workshop and learned about all of the pre-surgery and post-surgery requirements for their program. I am very impressed with the attention to detail that they put into this program in order to have their patients succeed (short/and long term). I was told 2 weeks ago I would be called in 30/60 days with a date to meet with the surgeon, but already recieved a call this morning and am scheduled to see him on Feb 5th. Tomorrow I begin bloodwork, and also will pick up a packet with further instructions. So far, everything has been relatively simple and I am relieved about that. I assume I will have the surgery sometime before the end of March? (I hope that is the case anyhow, because my husband deploys mid-March and I would prefer to have him around when I have the surgery) General Question - How long have you had to wait between your initial surgeons visit and banding? -
can someone give me direction and fill me in on the process
SuperFab replied to T.Haro's topic in Insurance & Financing
I have Medicare and I just went to a bariatric center of excellence. They did everything for me. Scheduled all of my appointments with nutritionist, psych, physical therapist, etc and all I had to do was be there for them so I'm not sure. They did all of it. My surgery is feb 18 April -
Good news from United Healthcare. They now cover Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy the same as they would for any other bariatric operation. This is a milestone, as they are the first insurance company to accept VSG as being an effective "stand-alone" operation for treatment of severe and morbid obesity. Mark Pleatman MD Mark Pleatman MD Weight Loss Surgery Website 248-334-5444
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Tri Care said NO! But have other questions
Tiffykins replied to poohmsg's topic in Insurance & Financing
I questioned how her surgeon was getting a non-covered procedure covered with Tricare after years of it being denied. Our bariatric program has been shut down at our MTF where I had my revision. Every spouse is getting referred off base and the band or bypass are the only allowable surgeries. Congressional complaints, appeals, and all the hoops have been filed and jumped through with zero approvals. We went round and round about it via private message some time last year. I should have recalled the screen name when she posted, but because I quit frequenting this forum, my memory lapsed. And, I was truly hoping it wouldn't be turned into a drama fest of my surgeon got it approved. Other military wives are struggling to get this surgery. It's cloak and dagger stuff, and it saddens me that others have struggled for years, postponed surgery, or had to self-pay because the codes used won't get disclosed. It's all secretive and in my opinion unfair if there is a way to get it covered, yet the information can not be shared unless you go through this particular surgeon. Out of the hundreds of denials, how in the heck is this ONE surgeon getting approvals and getting paid by a government ran insurance program. It really saddens me that this surgeon is not willing to help others in other states get approval. The rules of our insurance is strict enough as it is. IF there is a legal and legitimate way to get VSG covered with a civilian surgeon, it would help 1000s of other military wives/dependents who deserve to have the surgery they need. Like I said, Medicare has approved it, Tricare will follow, hopefully sooner than later. -
Estrogen and weight stall
fatnomore2017 replied to Fishing girl's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Just protiens very few carbs. Protien Shakes with less than 6 carbs, scrambled eggs or eggwhites, yogurt with more protien than carbs, ricotta cheese, string cheese and cottage cheese. No oatmeal unless it's the specially formulated bariatric kind because it has too many carbs. My nutritionist is very big on very low carb. She said our bodies burn our carb tank first and then fat so low carb is important for fat burning. -
The one thing you will soon discover is that there are many different protocols for bariatric programs. Some doctors are very conservative and basically have patients following the same vitamin/supplement protocol as bypass patients. Some simply recommend a multivitamin. It's good to hear different opinions here on the forums but ultimately you need to follow the instructions you get from your doctor/nutritionist. These are the people you have entrusted with your care. They are the ones responsible for making sure you have regular bloodwork and recommend any adjustments. If you take any other supplements outside of what is recommended, they are the one should discuss and review that with. Develop good communication with them to make sure you are doing what's best for you.
