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My surgeon specifically told me before surgery that fuming and doing weights would slow down the weight loss process... So he advised not to do any of that till 10-12 months post op if I wanted to lose more weight and fast.

**Sorry if this has already been asked, there are so many threads here!!!** Has anyone switched PCPs for the purpose of getting through surgery requirements? I haven't been seeing my doc very long (previous doc retired in Sept after being my doc for almost 10 years) but I don't think she's done many bariatric referrals. At my info seminar today they said some people choose to switch to a doc more knowledgeable with bariatrics for this process and either switch back after or stick with the new one because they know more about post-op stuff. Just curious if anyone has any experience with this. Oh, also - the surgeon I'm getting started with has done about 900 bariatric surgeries.~600 bypass, ~150 sleeves, the rest lap band. Are those good numbers experience-wise? It seems pretty good to me. Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Ok so I'm supposed to be on a 10 day liquid diet..... I have eaten small things each day. Although not a whole meal and I've been taking my shakes. My surgery is this Wednesday. Hopefully the bowel prep on Monday will clear it all. I feel like such a failure.

Woohoooo! Just got off the phone with customer service at BCBSNC and the rep said I've been approved. I'll get a notice by mail any day now. She said the surgery is approved for the dates between 10-17 and 10-23. I guess it up to my Dr. to decide the date. Does this mean I can't request a different date? Personally I'm glad it will happen sooner than later. It might make it a little harder on my co-workers tho. I work in an elementary lunchroom. When one is out the other workers have extra duties. I hope if all goes well after surgery I can go back in a couple of weeks on light duty. Any sleevers out there who have worked in a cafeteria and know about the work load we have?

Hello my daughter is 19 years old and weighs about 230 pounds. She has tried every diet in the known universe, without success. I would like to talk to people in their teen or early 20's and parents of young adults, and get feed back on if this is a good idea and how people who have had the surgery are doing. Thanks, dgardner

I had my Gastric Bypass 1 month ago. I also wanted the sleeve. After speaking with the Dr. I realized that the bypass was the way to go for me. It has been around for over 40 year so they know what to expect long term. The sleeve is fairly new about 8 to 10 years. Also my husband did not like the fact that they remove your stomach. With the bypass it's left in and can be reversed if needed, but rarely is. The bypass also is a deterrent from eating things you should not because you will have the dumping syndrome. I hope that helps.

If you do a search on this topic you will find hundreds of posts on this topic. I know as a newbie loose skin and hair loss were two of the biggies that concerned me. I recently went back and posted a picture of myself 11 months out from surgery exposing all of my goods on an thread titled - "My top 10 ways to prevent loose skin." I'm convinced genetics and how long you spent over weight have the most influence on whether or not you will have excess skin. I also was a sloooow loser. I once read it takes skin 2-3 months to adjust every time you lose. There were times my thighs look horrific and a few months later they snapped back into place. If you lose too much too quickly, your skin may newer fully snap back. My loose skin is limited to my lower stomach. I have had two very large babies and my lower abdomen had Freddy Kruger stretch marks on it. There is no way that's going back to normal without a tummy tuck! There's likely some tell-take signs you will have loose skin in areas. For example, if you have fat pockets that start right above your elbows, you will probably have bat wings. I carried most of my excess weight in my mid-section, so it doesn't surprise me this is where I have excess skin. It doesn't look bad standing up, but when I bend over, I look like I would whelp a litter of puppies! What I can tell you is part of this journey is accepting our new bodies. I decided to post a pic of myself exposed because I noticed most people are wearing pants and long shirts in their after photos on this site. It always made me wonder what was lurking underneath. Many of us will be left with more excess skin than what we are comfortable with. Some can afford plastics. Many cant. Regardless, I wouldn't trade the new active lifestyle I live for anything. For reference, I am a woman in my mid-40's. 5'7" and was 241 at my heaviest. I was 226 the day of surgery. I was 152 when I took this picture a few days ago. I am currently 7 pounds away from my stretch goal of 145. I haven't exercised with much consistently during the 11 months post surgery. I took this photo as my "before" picture and hope to see how tone I can get after I start doing squats, sit-ups, and lifting weights! I have to say I'm a tad more motivated now that I can actually SEE my muscles! Who would have thunk I had abdominal muscles? Albeit pretty separated post child-bearing, I'm sure!

I did my upper endoscopy yesterday. Aside from the IV needle in the hand, it was pretty painless. Also they are more than likely going to have you do a urine sample for pregnancy testing. The actual procedure is only 10-15 minutes but after they let you sleep off the anesthetic it’s about 45 minutes. Hope your barium swallow test went well today. And the nutrition appointments fly by pretty quickly [emoji846]

So I have been lurking on this forum for a while. I have 1 month left to go on my 6 consecutive doctors appointments. Already have my psych eval, blood work,EKG, and chest X-ray. My first appointment with the surgeon is April 10th after that all I will need is my nutrition class. Then they will send for approval with my insurance, they said most probably I will have a surgery date sometime near the first of May! My question is this for my insurance to cover the sleeve I need a bmi of at least 50 my bmi is 49.9! Doctors office did not tell me to gain weight however they did say the bmi is calculated on your first appointment with the surgeon. So do I gain the weight? Put rolls of quarters in my pockets? Will they deny me because I have been maintaining and sometimes dropping 2-3 pounds a month on my regular 6 month appointments then suddenly gaining 5-10 pounds right at the end? I am so torn! I am scared to death of rny and the band I really want a sleeve! Advice please!

My name is Augusta. I am 38 years old, happily married for nearly 19 years, a proud mother of a 17 year old boy and a 15 year old girl and I just got banded almost 2 weeks ago. For me it was an easy choice to make. I asked my pcp if there was anything new on the market as far as weight control goes and he told me about the lap band. (I'm a worrier of the worst kind so I don't listen to the news, if you're wondering how I didn't hear of it before now) So, I did the research. By the end of the week I went to a seminar, in another week I was having a consultation with a surgeon, in another week I began my 3 month pre-approval path for my insurance and on August 28th I was banded. I was terrified. Being a worrier, I required valium to get me in the door and cried until the moment I was put to sleep. I had the best surgical nurse ever. She held my hand and whispered in my ear how everything was going to be fine. It was to her voice and my prayers that I went to sleep. Bravo to the Norhtwest Weightloss Surgery team. My doctor, Dr. Montgomery, took very good care of me and I came out just fine. I felt pretty crappy the next morning and for a few days after. I had my gall bladder out almost 16 years ago and there was some scar tissue to deal with causing a bit of pain for me, but now 1 week and 6 days later, I'm feeling pretty good. Still a bit sore, but feeling more human now. Since August 18th, I have lost 20 pounds. Since my banding, I have lost an even 10. 10 pounds in 13 days.....I keep asking myself if I'm dreaming. Saying goodbye to the 290s and the 280s in less than 3 weeks is a bit bizzare for me and I can't shake the feeling it's all not real. I am 273 now and can't wait for the rest to come off. My goal weight is 160. Anyone out there who needs to talk about anything, please feel free to email me. I look forward to building lasting, banded friendships. Augusta

For all, please remember that it is your sole responsibility to follow up with your insurance company to ensure that all requirements are being met in order for the surgery to be covered. I had my 4th appointment on May 30 (dietician) and May 31 (psych eval which was pretty fun). True Results receptionist made my next appointment (5th appt.) for July 2, I informed her that I needed to be seen each month and not to skip a month - she said my insurance required that i wait 30 days inbetween appointments. So i called my insurance company, and this is horse crap - If i didn't call the insurance company - I would of had to start all over with the 6 months again, and then I'd be looking at next year and having to pay all the out of pocket costs involved (as i've reached Max out of pocket and ded for this year -so all is covered at 100%). i just accepted the appointment and did my own homework - word of caution - I know that they (True Results) are a money making profit center - but this could of cost me dearly had I not stayed on top of things. the receptionist was so freaking rude - as I was driving to my psych eval I got a phone call right as i stepped into the elevator - it was 12:01PM and my appt. was 12:00 - WOW one freaking minute late and they start calling to make sure I'm still coming - as i said before the receptionist was so rude - you would of thought i was 15 min late or so....but they make me wait 10+ min every time....and I'm the 1st appointment of the day each time - I am there by 7AM (so i don't have to miss so much work time) or earlier. I'm sure the surgeon is fine and such - it's the staff there that piss me off....actually it's the front desk staff - the nurses and such have been great. Please DO NOT EVER trust the doctors office or surgery centers to fully know your insurance - that's your job!

1st are you staying overnight in the hospital?? I did - ended up an extra night cuz when the doc came at 1 the day after surgery - I was having major gas in the shoulder pain and was afraid to go home in that kind of pain (me & vicoden don't get along well) and it's just me and my grandson (16 at the time) the pain shots put me to sleep - so he said I could stay and they gave me a shot at 1:30 and truly I could have gone home that night if I was thinking - I was good by day 3 and back to work day 6 (desk job) Still would have a little gas but the strips helped - walked a little hunched over when I first got up but once moving did good - Whats your doc orders for eating after you get home - I had to do full liquids (incls cream soups - yogurt - pudding) for 10 days then mushies for 10 and soft for 10 then regular. Home made stuff is better than canned - Low fat - sugar free - The creamed soups saved me. Secret - to my success so far - is that I have my MIND totally into this band - I eat healthy 98% of the time - I allow treats 2% of the time - I weighed my food in the beginning until I learned what 4 oz of meat/fish looked like - I got this little one cup bowl from target that I use to eat from and I eat off sandwich plates and use condiment fork & spoon - I keep a food diary and count calories and Protein grams - I try to keep my calories between 900 - 1200 a day - and if I want a treat - I budget those calories into my daily totals. I primarily eat baked fish for dinner every nite - with 1/2 c rice and veggies - I may eat out once or twice every two weeks I go to the gym anywhere from 3 -5 times a week - I started out just walking on the treadmill for like 30 minute mile with no incline - I am now walking 3 miles in 1 hrs on an incline of 4 to 6 - and with no incline I am doing 3.5 in 1 hr - I can walk a whole song on 4.o speed.. I got a trainer a month ago - so I now work weights twice a week and the other days I do cardio. This is a lifetime lifestyle change for me - I am totally serious about losing this weight - to me have major surgery is a big frickin deal - and I didn't have it just to mess it up... I am not that big of a fool.. I am using my tool - but that's all it is - it's just a tool - the band it's self will not cause you to lose weight as you can eat around it if you choose (I was just told about a lady who ate Oreo's & milk like 5 days out - How incredibility asinine) The band does require will power - the will power to eat healthy to follow your doc's orders and to exercise. If I as a middle age lady who has been fat most of her life - and was a total slug bug and do this anyone can. Don't get me wrong - it's not always a walk in the park - but I can tell you that I feel 10 yrs younger - feel so much better about myself and LOVE shopping in the regular stores - got a size 6 pair of pants today (this is a fluke cuz I am normally a 10 or 12) but they say 6 and I am going to wear them inside out.:lol: Those are my secrets - I think positively - Do I miss the junk - ya sometimes - but not that much and now a days if I want a treat I can have it - 1/2 piece of cake even a whole piece - NO LONGER THE WHOLE CAKE :sneaky: But usually my sweets are sugar free fudgecicles - sf pudding - sf yogurts - or fruit... Bander's Rules -Small bites - eat slow - chew chew chew

Thanks for letting me know. My surgery is scheduled on a Thursday because my bmi is over 50. The doctor told me is because I am at a higher risk for complications. If all goes well I will be leaving by 10

Well, I'll start with the basics. I was banded May 15th, 2004 by Dr. Ortiz in Tijuana. I am 44 years old and 5'1" (almost), at the time of banding I weighed 205 lbs. As of today, I weigh 142 lbs. My weight has gone down very slowly. In fact I've lost the last 20 pounds in just the last year. I would like to lose 10 more pounds. Except for family I rarely discuss being banded. I changed jobs last year and only a few of my new coworkers know that I was obese. I decided to start posting on this website to help me open up about my banding. I feel like I need to be comfortable with who I was before I can learn to be comfortable with who I am now.

Hello Everyone, My name is Dominic, I'm 34 yrs old (35 in May). I'm 335.4 lbs (just checked). Just got a call today telling me that I have been approved for my surgery on Mach 21st. Let me tell you alittle about myself. I'm a divorced father of two wonderful kids. My daughter will be 17 in December and my son will be 10 in June. I served in the Army for 13 yrs (1996-2009). And with having this surgery done I will finish my 7 yrs and retire from the Army at 20 yrs. I work full-time as a Nuclear Security Officer. I'm in school working on a degree in Business Management. I'm also an active officer in the American Legion Post 214. Well if you have any question or comments please post them and I'll try to answer them as fast as I can. Hope to hear from you all, Dominic

I have had GERD for about 30 years, literally. I have been on some old school meds, and then on a PPI for about 19 years now. Even post VSG, and losing all my regain, my GERD persists. yes I am still taking a PPI. I've been on them all: Protonix, Nexium, Prevacid, Aciphex, etc. I was told that after all my loss if it still persists then yes, RNY revision is my only option. I'm now 4.5 years post VSG and STILL hoping it will clear up...

Get to your Dr and discuss the reasons why in 3 years you have only lost 20 lbs. Obviously you need a fill but there may be other reasons why you arent losing weight. I am 10 months post op and have seen the Dr every month since being banded and will continue until I reach my goal. I have had 4 fills to get to my sweet spot.... but the more I lose the more filled I need to be. I couldnt be as successful as I have been if I didnt see my Dr every month. Best of Luck to you.

Hello everyone My surgery is 9/19 any advise?

Will your doc let you have sugar free Jello? I find that even pre-op while I am very restricted and trying to lose pounds, Jello made a little thick helps fill the need for substance and fills the longing for something fruity to treat my palate. Boy oh boy do I miss fruit...I could eat 10 bananas a day if no one stopped me. So instead of using 2 cups of water, I use 1 3/4 to give the Jello some thickness. Congratulations on your surgery. Hopefully this experience will help you educate your family on nutrition vrs. manufactured crap. Are you in the city or do your kids tangibly know where actual real produce comes from? How old are they? Are your hubby and other involved family members supportive? When my daughters were little (they are in their 30's now, I use to get a sitter and do my grocery shopping alone. Maybe I did them a disservice, but they did get to help in the kitchen. One thing about the VGS is that most people haven't heard of it and don't understand that you've get had 85% of your stomach removed to save your life. Do what you have to do for yourself. You have to be your own best advocate and follow doctor's direction. They have done this enough times to know what it takes for your surgery to be effective. So if liquids it must be for a while, hang in there, you will get through it. Take care.

My surgery is in 2 Day's. I was on the 10 day liquid diet and I slipped a couple of days. Praying they won't cancel because of it. Been doing well these last 4 Day's. Pray for me.

My insurance changed! I started my journey November 2018, with a consult with my (then) surgeon at Riverside Medical Clinic. With my (then) insurance, Anthem Blue Cross ***, I only needed 3 month (12 continuous classes) supervised nutrition/weight classes. As of now, I finished 10 out of my 12 classes. Last week I found out my insurance changed to Anthem BC PPO and they now require me to go to a Dignity Health Facility to be covered 100%. Well okay... I call my nearest Dignity Health bariatric surgery center to find out more. I was told at Western Bariatric (St. Bernadine -- San Bernardino, CA) that I needed 6 months of classes and basically restart my journey. I started to bawl my eyes out! I'm 25 (November birthday) and I'm getting real close to end of my insurance coverage under my parents. When I had started my journey, I was hoping to have my surgery by March or April. So, I'm worried about having my surgery before my cut off. Anyway, I sucked it up and started making calls. I attended their Seminar, where we filled out new patient packets and made copies of our insurances. The next step is to wait for a call to schedule my consult with their surgeon. I was told that the consult would count as 1 of the 6 months of weight classes. Does anyone believe they will accept my 3 months of classes Ive already taken? (and maybe only need 3 more months to meet the 6mo requirement?) Will they consider the original surgeon consult from November 2018 too (as part of the 6 months wight management?) I'm honestly hoping that Western Bariatric will consider my start (Nov.) to my current (Feb.) for a total of 4 out of the 6 required months. I didnt want to be set further back, but ill take whatever they'll take and Im hoping for the best! Can anyone can give me some insight? Similar situations? Anyone go to Western Bariatric? I'm really anxious.

Hi, My name is Tashar. I was banded on 3/3/10. 6 weeks after surgery i got pregnant with my 3rd child. Had to have all fluid removed from band. Had lost 15lbs before getting pregnant. Gained 15lbs while pregnant. I have since had my lil Angel & lost all pregnancy weight. I am right back where i started before getting pregnant. But i am at a stand still now I am getting married in 7 months & still want to lose at least 50lbs b4 then!!

Lone survivor. All your loved ones are dead, slain by the forces of evil. But you stand strong. Good work. You got 10/10 I knew all that late night TV would pay off someday.

yea, sounds like gas pains in the shoulder. try rocking back and forth, have someone pat your back, or move your upper body around in bed. I was banded 11/23 and had some major gas pains. my theory is because i had a single incision. the gas gets trapped more. the girl next to me had traditional 5 incision and didn't have as much pain. who knows.. but i am now realizing that most of us go through the same feelings after surgery... and i feel like anesthesia plays a major role in it as well..it seemed to mess with my emotion because i also felt like "did i make the right decision?" in some ways i still feel that way.. but because i am dealing with my "head" cravings.. i am not hungry like i used to be, but i definitely miss some things right now. BUT, as i stepped on the scale and saw i was 10 lbs down... i felt great!!! but these emotional feelings i rarely read about on this forum.. or atleast i never caught a thread. all in all, i keep reminding myself of whats to come in the future... stay positive..

I have BC of Tn. Basically to me it was a game I had to play with them. Thier first requirement is that you have lost 10% of your weight under doctors care within the past 2 yrs. If you have a BMI over 40 you don't have to have any co-morbidities. If your BMI is under 40 then you have to have 3 co-morbidities...like High B/P, Diabetes, Sleep Apnea, etc. For me my BMI was over 40 with no co-morbidities. I had to go on the 10% diet. Lost the weight then my BMI was less then 40. The Dr's. office submitted it and I got denied because I don't have any co-morbidities. I gained some of that weight back within a couple of months...they resubmitted it and I got approved. Go figure!! I love my band!! Good luck. Let me know if you have any other questions.