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Did you look here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Trinity-Medical-Bariatrics Just in case you haven't seen it.

Are you on Social Security disability? After 24 months you're eligible for Medicare coverage and bariatric surgery is a covered procedure. BTW, my starting BMI was 48, I'm at 33 now...thrilled to be obese...4 pts to overweight! Losing 15 points on my BMI has made a huge difference.

Am approved for surgery but have been struggling with whether or not to do it. (analysis paralysis, chicken, etc.) Main concern is any potential long term negative consequences. So in reading the book 'Weight Loss Surgery for Dummies' (suggested by my bariatric team) Chapter 3 explains the various surgery options. It says "In the 1980's the term 'stomach stapling' referred to vertical banded gastroplasty' and goes on to say 'the failure rate for VBG was very high'. My question: what has changed that now makes the vertical sleeve (which uses staples from top to bottom) different/successful?

I really haven't had negative comments, but I had one person say they were sick of dieting and wished they could just have surgery like I did. She was just being a patronizing bitch, so I turned the tables on her and gave her my surgeons name and contact info, told her all about the the preop and postop diet and how lucky I was not to have any of the complications ( which I described in detail) How now I can eat anything I want, as long as it's not bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, and sweets. Exclaimed how great I feel now that I can't drink beer and don't wake up with hangovers anymore. (She's a big partier). Made suggestions on the best vitamins and protein powders to get, talked about drinking at least 2 liters of water everyday, and how many great bariatric recipe websites there are. Described how nice it is to only have to eat an appetizer at a restaurant, so I was saving so much money. The more I encouraged her, the more excuses she made of why she couldn't do it. I put a positive spin on my whole experience, but I think I made my point about how " easy" this all is.

My PCP has counseled (ie: nagged) me about my weight for years. When I went to her to talk about bariatric surgery I was prepared for her to not be supportive. I am not really sure why... Perhaps because she has always been 100lbs soaking wet with boots on! I was ready to walk out the door for good, but to my surprise, she was all for it! I am ever so grateful for that.

Ok, girl here it is. Get your myfitnesspal app (it's free) and get your account going. Start logging everything and looking for a new doc and NUT. You don't even have to have a bariatric doc (although best), just one that can check some things out for you. Get some blood work done to see if your sugar, thyroid or anything else you can think of is out of wack. BTW getting super stressed out increases the hormone called cortisole. This causes you to gain weight or not be able to lose weight. So try to chill out and relax a bit, that could be fighting you also. After reading what you had to say, it appears that too much may not be your problen, but too little. Your body may be shutting down. Too little can have the same effect as too much. I know how you feel about the not wanting to eat, but you have to make yourself do it. Get on a schedule using the MFP and eat every 2-3 hours. 3 meals and 3 Snacks. This keeps your body working continously (your metabolism going). Take it one day and one log at a time. With the diary, you will be able to see exactly what you are eating and exactly how many calories you are burning. Take it with you when you do get a doc and they might be able to see what is going on with you. They migh even want to test your metabolic rate. Just hang on and don't give up. I know you are terribly discouraged, but we will try to help you the best we can. (((HUGS)))

I believe what you are referring to here is converting the sleeve to DS or RNY. Though both of these are possible I don't believe we are anywhere near the point of taking that extreme of measures. I'm really thinking the best course of action here is to hit the reset button, start with the pouch test and then progress through the phases some renewed dedication is in order here.

So I know we're not supposed to take NSAIDs with the VSG, but what does a doctor prescribe if someone has arthritis or develops arthritis in the future? I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis in my early 20s. I generally take 3 Advil each night (haven't been sleeved yet). I haven't had pain events for about 20 years, so may not need the Advil any longer, but I am just curious if I get off the Advil and start having pain again, what can I expect to get for the pain. Acetaminophen wouldn't be good for long term due to possible hepatotoxicity. Just curious. I went in for my monthly insurance required doctor weight plan visit and meant to ask, but forgot. Thought my bariatric pals might be able to help.

I have united healthcare for medical and Caremark for prescriptions. I think this was covered through my prescription plan. They sent 4 cases of protein drinks. 1 months supply of bariatric vitamins, and some scar cream. They said they will send automatically for the next year. I will not have to pay anything out of pocket. From when I applied it's been about 8 weeks total till I received anything.

I applied at www.insurenutrition.com I've bought these drinks at BJs and they are very good. I tried them before I was approved. There was a link on the bariatric pal site too. Good luck!

Steve, in our case, when DH retires, DD will still be in HS. If something happens to us, we want her taken care of. If something happens to DH, I need the income to help us survive. That's just our scenario. On another note, some one mentioned earlier about having been hospitalized and insurance not liking that. I was outpatient for my surgery so in that regard, I should be okay. It would be if they have a problem with bariatric surgery and having had it less than a year ago. Guess I'll find out when we try it!

Yes, they bypass is more prone, or predisposed to, ulcers than the sleeve (just as the sleeve is predisposed to GERD.,) but they are a different sort of ulcer than what you have. The bypass tends toward marginal ulcers around the anastomosis (junction) between the new stomach pouch and intestines. This is because the part of intestine that is now immediately downstream of the stomach is not resistant to stomach acid like the duodenum - the upper part of the intestine immediately downstream of the normal stomach, which gets bypassed along with the remnant stomach in the RNY. Consequently, that anastomosis is very sensitive and prone to ulcers, which is the root of the "no NSAID" rule that permeates bariatrics - you don't want to take any medication that could irritate that anastomosis (there are other meds that may be limited, too, but NSAIDs are the most common class.) What I would be concerned about is what caused your ulcer, and whether that cause would be relieved (or exacerbated) by your surgery. Similar to your hiatal hernia and GERD - fixing the hernia will likely correct your GERD and you will be back to "normal" - no more predisposed to it if you get a sleeve, but still possible. One of the problems with the bypass is that it leaves you with a blind remnant stomach and upper intestine, which can't be easily monitored with an endoscopy, so if something develops in that blind section, you may not know about it until things have progressed more than you would like them to progress (possibly to a cancer.) Some express a dislike for the sleeve because if they have a resultant reflux problem then it could lead to Barret's esophagus and possibly cancer, which is a fair concern; however, that is something that can be easily monitored endoscopically if those symptoms develop, and can be treated; problems that may develop in the blind stomach or intestines of the RNY may not be caught until it is too late to treat effectively, so there is a trade off there. You are somewhat caught in the middle, with some contraindications for both of the common WLS procedures. This is where some serious talk, and understandings, with your medical team is appropriate to really get a good handle on your problems going into this, and how those may play out in the future. I/m not so sure that I would be comforted by the matter that the surgeon may be able to work around a problem (such as an ulcer) if that problem is likely to reoccur 5-10 years in the future, and possibly worse - the surgeon is out of the picture by then, but you aren't. There is another alternative that might be worth considering, which would be the duodenal switch - it uses a sleeve, so it doesn't leave a blind remnant stomach, but due to its' malabsorption component, they typically use a larger version of the sleeve which is less prone to GERD problem. Your surgeon may not offer it (it's a more complex procedure, so many surgeons don't offer it) but it may be worth looking into to see if that fits your need. Good luck,

Listen to anything RJ says. She has been through it all, and above anyone else on this site has the most valid and respected perspective on surviving complications. CowgirlJane is another bariatric sister who has endured through some discouraging circumstances that would have brought orthers down. I am so sorry that your wife is struggling, but I am confident that you will find some comfort here.

I haven't received my surgery date yet. BUT, let me just say this to you. You were very misinformed. Technically, you could eat what you want. But, that's just a very DUMB way of looking at it. I hate to say this but this doctor should be FIRED. He appears to be one of those doctors who are just in it for the money. Please go around and read things on this board. We all have a problem with food. That is the reason we are having this surgery done. The reason we became obese is because we all have problems with portion control and diet and nutrition as a whole. NO doctor in there right mind would tell a bariatric patient to eat whatever they want after the surgery. Read some of the blogs on here about how people get sick after eating too early or how eating certain things (mainly bad food) will have them feeling quite miserable. The program I am in requires us to focus on diet and exercising. That should be your main focus. I started my change back on 7/28 and to date I've lost 30 pounds. I did this because I began learning how important eating the RIGHT foods will mean to my body pre and post op. If you're struggling with your food choices you should see a NUT ASAP so you can get on track. I wouldn't listen to another word this doctor is saying because he's TOTALLY in it for the money. I'm sorry you were sold cheap goods. This is a major surgery that will take a lot of work on your part. Remember the surgery is just a TOOL. In order to lose as much weight as possible and to keep it up you can't have the same mentality that got you here in the first place. Get your mental right and work a plan and stick to it. I know it's hard. But you can def do it!

I'm sorry to see that people on this thread have not all been treated with the respect and dignity they deserve by their doctors. I know it's not always possible, but if you are not happy with your doctor, find another one. You can also leave a review on Healthgrades.com when you're not happy. A few years ago I felt like I was bullied by a sleep medicine doctor. Luckily I was able to find someone much better. I also wasn't satisfied with the group that did my lap-band, because they made me see my PCP and a dietitian before I could see a Bariatric doctor. I now drive 2 hours to see my current Bariatric doctor, but it's worth it. Anyhow, I've been approved by my insurance company for DS surgery, and I'm scheduled to have it early next month. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Surgery 4/10/18 HW: 295 CW: 252 Slow start out of the gate. Surgery was complicated by adhesions from band and I was overmedicated recovery unit. Been on solid foods for a few weeks. I have to be careful with bread, but I don't eat a lot of it anyway. I do OK on my plan, but have had a few episodes of uncomfortable slime/foamies. Sometimes I can figure out the cause, sometimes I can't. Discovered last week that traveling can be a challenge, but I do the best I can. My weight loss is going much slower than I'd like. I'm told that it's because of my previous bariatric surgery/lap band. Guess the body has "been there/done that" kind of attitude. Happy I'm losing inches. Am down 2 pant sizes. Glad my energy is back. Started off on MD Patches, but developed sensitivity to the adhesive. Don't like the chalky chewables and the soft-chews are kind of expensive. I can take small pills, but the larger vitamin size caplets can be uncomfortable. Currently taking SF gummy supplements, which seem to work and I consider them my treat for the day. My skin is looking great. Not much hair loss. I notice a little extra in my brush, otherwise I seem to have that in check.

Why shouldn't you be hungry? You're, very literally, starting to starve. I went on a rant about this idea of "head hunger". If you've eaten a nice meal of chicken breast and veggies...but you desperately still WANT a cheeseburger and fries...that's "head hunger." Needing more fuel...and having physiological signs that you need more fuel...is actual real hunger. And YES lots and lots of bariatric patients suffer it when their calorie demands are high (healing) and their intake is dangerously low (first few weeks after surgery). Many people suffer nausea...that eliminates hunger. So, they beleive that no one else feels hunger. But lots of us don't suffer any nausea, and for us hunger can be overwhelming until our diets open up to more realistic amounts of calories. I could have eaten my own leg off a week after surgery...I was THAT hungry. You're not alone:) When more foods opened up to me and my caloric intake got to be about 1000 calories a day, I felt wonderful...no more hunger. Hang in there...it gets better.

Im in Beaumont ,tx. I go to the Bariatric center of southeast tx. -Dr.Jerome Schrapps. He is great! My surgery is Monday the 24th. He has sleeved several of my friends. I have ins, so not sure of the price. But you should call. Its only about 1 1/2 away from Houston.

I have cigna and I know they cover the surgery. I've studied their policy inside and out. Just to make sure my plan really did cover the surgery I called them today only to learn that my father's employer (who I am covered under for another year) has chosen to still consider bariatric surgery as "cosmetic". It sucks because I was so hopeful that I could finally get healthy and feel good. I know the surgery will cost them less in the long run...but is there anyway I could appeal to his employer? Anyway around this other than self pay?

I agree with @@SherB and the previous posters. You have insurance now and a partial safety net for the immediate post-op period. Your marital status is not relevant to whether or not you need to get healthy for your kids and yourself. By the second day, I felt as though I hadn't had surgery. I filled the pain prescription, but didn't need to use even one. To minimize hair loss, make sure there isn't a span of time in which your Protein intake drops really low. For 2 or 3 days I was required to have a clear liquid diet, so the Protein shakes were too heavy. During that time I used the Isopure clear drinks which have 40 grams in each bottle. Also, I suggest that you prepare yourself in advance to make it pleasant--- get good tasting Protein powder, sugarless flavorings and search for recipes on this site and the blog, The World According to Eggface. Besides having confidence in your research and the experience of so many folks on Bariatric Pal, the rest is a leap of faith that everything is going to be OK.

The "lack of DeLarla's port" topic has come up too many times for me to ignore lately. Fact is, the thought of another surgery makes me physically ill. The gamble of another port infection is less than appealing considering I can't even win a 4-of-a-kind on a damn nickel machine with only one nickel in. I've been working my butt off to start a new business while keeping my head above Water at my law firm. Plus, I'll be renewing my real estate license this winter. Working three jobs should take me to a feathered mattress in Bora Bora, not another stainless steel bed on wheels in a surgical suite. So, if any of you nurses will volunteer to come to Vegas and Tequila me up, I can probably buy a port on the Black Market for you to implant on my kitchen table. I just can't stomach the thought of any more medical bills because I'm going to Switzerland. Yep, that's right, I just decided that. We were invited to visit Chloe, so it's final. Hey, maybe I can get a port there for a few Francs or Bits or whatever currency they use.

This is what I love about Bariatric Pal--- when you have a problem they gather around and wrap you in a warm quilt of advice and concern. Thank you for all you've helped me with!!! Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

Let me preface this by saying I'm one of those crazy Scandinavians. We get put outside to sleep when we're babies, for hours, also in sub-zero temperatures. I love the cold, love sleeping in a bedroom so cold I can see my own breath. You just sleep so well. This didn't change while getting fat, obviously. Then, bariatric surgery happened. 1) Immediately. Had to change my bedroom temp from 40F to 78F. No, literally. 2) Yes. A week ago. 13 months out. Bedroom temp is down to 60F. 3) It's not just lack of insulation, but that's part of it. What you're experiencing now will get worse, and then it'll get better. 4) See above. Your body is busy with other things.

I would only have them once in a while. I mixed two potatoes with canned chicken. It lasted three meals and made me go to sleep since it takes energy to digest. Try canned chicken or tuna with low fat mayo. Also there are Bariatric cookbooks and bariatriceating.com Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

http://www.mmmta.com This is the site for Mid Michigan Medical Travel Agency LLC. For Michiganders who are finding bariatric care too expensive or lack sufficient coverage by a health insurance plan, consider going abroad for your procedure. (For transparency's sake, I am the owner of MMMTA) Happy travels everyone!