Search the Community
Showing results for 'renew bariatrics'.
Found 17,501 results
-
It's Too Early To Be Overwhelmed Or Impatient...
makemyownluck posted a blog entry in I'll make my own luck
Patience has never been a virtue of mine. I'm already feeling a bit overwhelmed by this process. I'm starting to get the feeling that I'm doing the wrong things and that I'm wasting a lot of good money on all this medical stuff and I'll just have to start back at square one when I (hopefully, finally) get to a bariatric surgeon. So many, many steps. I just hope it's not all in vain. Guess I'm just feeling a little down lately. It's CRIMSON TIDE time, so I'm sure that has something to do with it. Also, my nut called and said she needed to reschedule my appointment. Now, instead of going the day after my bday, I'm going ON my actual bday. That should be fantastic. :\ First nut visit where I discuss all my bad habits and resolve to change them on the same day that I usually go out for an extravagant dinner and have drinks and cake. Awesome. I guess this is as good a time to start as any... wouldn't be able to indulge like that after being sleeved anyway! I'm too tired to do the perky, keep your head up thoughts afloat right now. Just gonna ride this out and see where it takes me. I'll try not to stay bummed out. *le sigh* -
Initial Visit-Mixed Emotions
Jessie203 replied to Jessie203's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I APOLOGIZE!! It got long but I wanted to add some background. and the regret comes from nervousness that I won’t enjoy food. And no desire to be really thin but being disabled mean getting/ keeping weight off will be difficult according to the bariatric surgeon I am 5’2. Majority of my weight is my thighs. I do have a belly, apron belly. -
OMG Im really doing this...my surgery date is Feb 27...tiny bit nervous
Mzbz replied to jacee's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
Kinda new to this forum. My surg date is Feb 27 also. A little nervous as I have no family living near me, they are all about 1300 miles away. Have 2 good friends who will be looking in on me once I get home. The hospital I will be at is 40 miles from my home because that is where my Dr practices as he runs the Bariatric Division at that hospital. My friends are going to drive me there and back. I purposely selected this particular Dr. because of his experience and that particular hospital is one of excellence. I have been on the Pre-Surg for 9 days and just weighed myself for the first time. I actually lost 10 pounds. I was thrilled. I plan to return to this forum and swap info, recipes that help, etc. I was always height/weight proportionate until I was injured in a fall Oct 21, 1998 (I'll never forget that date) but now have gained more than I am comfortable with and now I have Osteoarthritis which has resulted in the need for a hip and knee replacement, and back surgery may also be needed later if the hip and knee surgery doesn't help enough. My goal is to lose 100 lbs. Impossible for me to work out because of the hip, knee and back pain, but they just repaired our pool where I live (it's been down) but once my incisions heal, I plan to make good use of it. -
5 Day Pouch Test Now?
Djmohr replied to Kmartinez15's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I have heard the pouch test can be very successful but only if the person doing it is in a position to change their lifestyle ahead of time. The pouch will help you with restriction but you have to go back to basics and follow the plan as if you had surgery 5 days ago. If you don't, it will be a temporary fix again and you might lose some weight but in the long term it will come back. You have to remember the pouch is the tool that will help you but it is 100% up to you to ensure that what you put in your mouth is within your plan. As I am sure you know, the older you get the harder it will be to take that weight off again. That being said, I would suggest talking to your nutritionist and a therapist to help you get back to basics and stay there. We are forever in that obese category, even if we have lost all of our weight. Obesity is a metabolic disease and requires treatment every day. I might also suggest you have a Bariatric lab panel pulled so you can see where the deficits are in your nutrition. I am guessing if you aren't following the food plan, you likely have not been following the Vitamins and Protein plan either. These things determine you long term health. I wish you the best of luck and really hope that your are able to get back on track soon. Please keep us posted. -
Hi, I am trying to find anyone who has been banded at the hospital in Princeton, NJ. They have a center of excellence designation but I can't find anyone who has been banded there. I would be interested in finding out about the process over there. I am scheduled for surgery and I am having some cold feet about using that hospital. Do they have a section designated for bariatric patients? Did you recover in a room or in a 'step down' area waiting to be discharged? How was the treatment by the nursing staff? I would really feel better if I could hear a surgery day story from that hospital because every place seems to do things differently. Thanks in advance
-
I just started using frutis fall fight shampoo and conditioner. So far less strands in my comb. I sure hope this works. It has biotin in it and the bariatric vitamins have 150 per cent of biotin everyday. The vitamins were not working but this shampoo seems to be. Will let everyone know after a few weeks.
-
I did not have sleep apnea... yet. Had a study done about 10 years ago that was "inconclusive". I was not required to attend NUT classes, but our Bariatric Care Center offers free twice-monthly support group meetings with the staff Nutritionist and monthly info mtgs with the surgeon. I voluntarily attended these for almost a year, just to learn as much as I could. At the end of the 6 mo dr-supervised wt loss requirement, BCBS issued a "certification" that was valid for 13 months. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App
-
Hi Deb! Thanks for responding! At this point I don't even know if I have a coordinator yet. I contacted United Healthcare 3 times. Yep, 3! The first person I spoke to told me I did not have bariatric coverage! I told her she had better check again because I just saw the surgeon. The customer service people need some serious training. The only thing they could tell me was that bariatric surgery is a covered benefit if it is deemed medically necessary. So now I am just waiting for the authorization from my medical group to approve the surgery and all the pretesting I will need. I think because my visit with the surgeon was for the initial consult only I won't have a problem going with the sleeve so long as the insurance covers that procedure. I verified with the medical group that the surgeon is requesting the sleeve. So as of right now I am sitting and waiting which seems to be the hardest part! I did see on the asmbs.org website that United Healthcare is covering the sleeve. Hope they are right. Can you tell me a little bit about your experience with the sleeve? Any tips? How do you like it? Does it really take away the hunger?
-
Finally did a full protein day
MarinaGirl replied to LifeIsAllGood's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
My surgeon does not recommend Flinstones as they don't have the right vitamins & minerals or amounts for bariatric patients. They're not an adequate source of nutrition for us but unfortunately many docs still recommend them. For example, they don't have the right kind of vitamin A, calcium or iron and are missing selenium. There are much better complete multi-vitamins for adults than Flinstones children's vitamins. Flinstones are also not the cheapest or best tasting vitamins out there. -
Found a way to get fluids and protein, and a treat. Ordered popsicle molds and made my own orange creamsicle. I use Bariatic Advantage Orange Cream shake mix (27g Protein) and use 8 oz of Fairlife nonfat milk (13g protein) instead of Water. Mix well in blender. Makes 6 popsicles. It's a little thick, so I could not drink it as a shake, but great as a frozen treat. I usually eat 2 (13g protein) or 3 (20g protein) at a time for a snack. Plus it's a Meal Replacement shake mix, so has other nutrients. Also made with Bariatric Advantage strawberry, chocolate and iced latte flavors.
-
What Should I Ask My Dr?
Wheetsin replied to Gene1970's topic in PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Dr. Sabapathy is the PsyD (clinical psychologist) associated with the program. He does testing, generally required for insurance approval, but I don't know if self pays also have to see him just for the benefit of the mental health side or not. He's nice, a bit too positive IMO (kind of cheerleader-ish), but that's probably exactly what a lot of people need. He's very rational and he was part of the program when I had my first surgery there in 2006 so he is definitely well-versed in the bariatric neuroses. His specialty is pain management, though, IIRC. Here's the third listed: http://www.shawneemission.org/health-services/bariatric-surgery/our-physicians.html -
Dr. Scott Stowers - Experience with Dr. Stowers
ginny echols replied to NicT's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I go to the bariatric solutions where dr. stowers is. I had my lapband surgery by dr. dirk rodriguez his partner at the time on aug 2 2011. dr. stowers is the one there now cause dr. dirk left. i saw dr. stowers for my 1 week follow up after surgery. he seemed nice and my first fill on aug 30 will be done there not sure who does fills yet him or nurses. i'll know more by then.my surgery went wonderful. they are both known for excelence.they use the glue strips on the cuts and i had very little discomfort no bleeding or oozing at all im a little over 3 wks out and i was amazed at my easy recovery at 57 yrs old and over 300 lbs. i was very worried. it was a breeze for me and i hear both doctors are similar in their procedures.dr dirk put my incisions in a area that was least to bother me i came home and hopped up on my bed to get on my mini laptop computer no problems.the lift chair i bought in anticipation i would need to help me up and to sleep in as it reclines i never used it my husbands easy chair now lol. any way i cant tell u enough how happy i am with that place and im sure dr. stowers is no different.i had very minimal gas no shoulder pain.took no meds after second day. i think you will be pleased by the outcome of your surgery.i also stayed overnight because of my insurance and i kept refilling my ice pack they gave me it helps too.also had no nausea ever... good luck hope this helps -
Sorry about your hair loss. I take Biotin 5mg every day. It helps with hair and nails. I get mine from Bariatric Advantage. They are capsules but being that they make all their products for WLS they go down very well. I buy about 5-6 different vitamins and minerals from them. I did have a small section of hair thinning. I didn't know until my husband said something while I was getting a haircut. My stylist had class and wasn't telling me.
-
Planning my post-op diet
Jordien replied to Dave_NW's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Interesting. I was absolutely NOT interested in the shots, just hearing things about them and generally the disgustingness of how it sounded.. lol. This one was something new, and my bariatric coordinator included a pamphlet in my pre-surgery class packet. So I asked her about this, and she said yes it is whey protein and a good choice. She also had Isopure, but that bottle was 40oz! I MIGHT get that down in a whole day. LOL! So I went to GNC to ask about it, but they didn't have it. Only found it online. I hope it's good and healthy! If not, I only have a week left. I much prefer my powdered unjury whey protein, but it doesn't fall into the clear liquid category. Chocolate shake anyday I'll take! lol.... neat site btw, comparing proteins! thanks! -
Where were you sleeved? What are you eating? Perhaps you can order Alex Brecher's new book, "The Big Book on Bariatric Surgery." I am reading it now and it has so much information I really needed. Good luck. I hope we can help you.
-
Hey guys for those of you in AZ PHx area there is a Facebook support group page called Phx Area Bariatric Support Group, you can search for it on Facebook and request to join, it's a great group with lots of tips, support and we ha e monthly walks etc , Hope to see you all soon
-
excess skin?
JamieLogical replied to CalorieKicker's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
That is for sure! Dr. Nowzaradan is a bariatric surgeon. WTF is he doing performing plastic surgery? I have never in my life, through all of my research of plastics and bariatric surgery heard of a surgeon that was doing both. They are both very highly specialized fields! I would never let a bariatric surgeon perform plastics on me or vice versa. It's insane! And the two younger doctors on the show... what is up with them doing tummy tucks with no muscle repair? That's pretty useless! No muscle repair, no lipo, everyone of their patients have a shelf and a terrible scar. Well, I'll cut them a little slack with the scar, because we aren't really seeing the patients a year or more out, when scars will really start to fade. But the no muscle repair or lipo makes it truly just "skin removal" surgery, which is not what most people think when they think of a tummy tuck. It will definitely require later revision with muscle repair for anyone to get the "flat stomach" they are hoping for. -
Hi- thanks for all the responses. As luck should have it, my local MTF is starting to do bariatric surgeries next month. I have already met w the surgeon. :0). He will be doing the sleeve hopefully next month. I am finished w all my preop stuff so it's just a waiting game at the moment. It won't seem real until I get a date though. :0)
-
15 days post op and can drink 11oz of Protien Shake
Orchids&Dragons replied to AdiosAnnie300's topic in Gastric Sleeve Surgery Forums
That's perfectly fine to drink the shake in 30 minutes. The swelling in your stomach has gone down and allows the liquid to pass right through. However, you now have absolutely no excuse not to get your water in every day! You won't really start feeling restriction until you start eating soft foods That's also when you start being able to feel "full". One tip for the hunger: Sugar-free jello, DON'T CHEW IT WELL! It will be slippery enough to get into your stomach all right, but it will take your stomach a while to break it down, so you feel full for a while. The little ready-to-eat cup is the perfect size! Good luck! p.s. In my area, bariatric support meetings are open to everyone, even if you didn't have surgery at their facility. Maybe you can find one near you? -
Looking For A Surgeon In Louisiana
bunkie68 replied to bunkie68's topic in Weight Loss Surgeons & Hospitals
I called Dr. Bellanger's office and was informed that he doesn't see other surgeons' patients. Dr. Hargroder told me the same thing. I'm hoping they aren't the only two in town, to where the only way I can see one of them is if I go to the ER in excruciating pain and tell the ER I may need to see a bariatric surgeon, that it's possible any pain I'm having may be lap band-related. -
I had a really easy surgery. Everything went much better expected...with the exception of one little hiccup:) I had just gotten to my room, was talking to my husband, feeling really good.....when this extremely worried looking hospital administrator came in and asked me if I was feeling up to talking for a minute. I felt great...so I was like...Of course.. And she asks me..."Are you in the process of having your surgery financed?" And I go...."Uh, no. I have insurance." And she goes...."I was just on the phone with your insurance company and apparently there's been some mistake. Your rider doesn't cover bariatric surgery." I can't overemphasize how grim this woman looks. She knows she's giving me horrible news, and it's her job to protect the hospital financially....she looks like she feels terrible for me. She's trying to be really gentle and says "We could do an 18 month financing plan. We don't usually do this and we're really not sure how this happened. Usually financing is in place." And I go..."Um, can I show you something?" I had my husband get my folder of stuff that I had sense enough to bring to the hospital with me. In it...was a copy of my approval letter from my insurance company. So I give her the copy of the letter....and she looks baffled. I go..."Will that help you?" And she goes..."It just might. Please give me ten minutes. I'll be right back." She comes back in ten minutes...all smiles. "I'm so sorry. You have the same name and birth date as another patient in the system and we were trying to bill the wrong person. You're all set. I really appreciate you bringing this letter with you, it helped immensely. I'm really sorry about worrying you when you're already stressed." And I'm like..."I feel so shockingly good, I'm just grateful the surgical team is top notch. No one's perfect. If mistakes are gonna happen, I'd rather they happen in billing, you know?" She smiled, apologized again, and excused herself. Later that day I got flowers from the hospital with a note from her thanking me for being understanding about the mix up. Moral of the story: Bring a copy of your approval letter to the hospital with you. Other Moral of the story: Give your kid a somewhat unique name. Mine is as generic as John Smith... and this has caused me issues a couple of times.
-
Finally did a full protein day
WhatdidIDo replied to LifeIsAllGood's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
How far along were you before getting the ok to take pills? I have the bariatric capsules that I was taking prior to surgery. My nutritionist informed me that I would no longer be able to take them. So I purchased these God awful chewables. However, the E.R. doctor prescribed an antibiotic which is a capsule for my kidney infection and I took them with no problem, but my nutritionist still says I can't go back to my bariatric capsule vitamins. -
Bunch of questions
mamachef82 replied to Adrianabelle's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I'm still preop- but I've met all my insurance's requirements and now just have to get cleared for surgery by the psychologist, pulmonary specialist, nutritionist and physical therapist. Once the surgeon puts in the request for final approval from the insurance company, they say they make the decision in 2 weeks. My insurance only required me to talk with my doctor 3 times and get weighed- that was considered the 6 month medically supervised diet. No weight loss required. I also had to talk to a case worker with the insurance company's bariatric program every month. Once I completed the six months, I was referred on to the surgeon. I was in a situation a similar to yours- I had a baby and gained 40 pounds pretty quickly after he was born. I realized pretty early on in the six month "program" that I had developed so many habits to reinforce my dependency on food. I'm a chef by profession and used every excuse to eat and graze throughout the day, and never really have a meal, but ate nonstop after getting home from work. Now I have breakfast lunch and dinner, and track every single bite with My Fitness Pal. Even when I go 1,500 calories over my goal, I still track it. Who else am I lying to besides myself when I don't track everything? I'm trying to do everything I can to form better habits before the surgery so it's not so hard afterwards when I'm already struggling with my limited food choices. I see it as being nice to future me. Be proud of every good thing you do, and actively make good choices to reinforce that positive self talk. And most importantly, everything takes time. My surgeon requires Full payment of the copay before surgery. -
In what way have you changed?
Frustr8 replied to TakingABreak's topic in General Weight Loss Surgery Discussions
I hope I have found a renewed faith in myself that I finally will make it through. I have found that I matter to others through Bariatric Pal, I was down on ME and about to give up and die FAT when I tremblingly reached out on here, read read others stories, some had come from much worse places in life than me, they had been a success and I started to think "Frusrt8, old but,imaybe just maybe YOU can do this too. I realized many life could still be lived and lived with more joy than I was having. And even now the stories of others inspires me. And in July 2018 my RuN should occur. Scared? Shoot No,I am looking to the days counting on down. Might not be anyone else's journey but it will be mine, and in long run I still do matter so much!😛🏣👍 -
Able to eat almost anything
Mindy78 replied to carmenlw3's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
I had Bariatric Advantage banana w light strawberry yogurt for Breakfast, Water then potato's I couldn't eat. Water. chocolate for dinner. Then more lovely water. There's 27 grams in a serving. Working third right now so water water. Hoping uping fluids will help Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App
