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Mine is in coldwater Ohio on March 29th! I am so nervous 1) bc I've never had surgery ever in life and 2) I am trying to be super positive but I can't help but think I'm going to end up failing and that is super terrifying

I'm a lapband revision. BCBS Fed approved my lapband in 2/2011, port replacement in 3/2013, and lapband removal 11/2013. I just got approved to have the sleeve (surgery scheduled for March 14!!). However, I did have to go through the 3 month supervised diet, psych eval, and all pre-op tests again. I just got my surgery date!! March 14. . Any news, NewLife? Sent from my VS980 4G using the BariatricPal App

I'm a lapband revision. BCBS Fed approved my lapband in 2/2011, port replacement in 3/2013, and lapband removal 11/2013. I just got approved to have the sleeve (surgery scheduled for March 14!!). However, I did have to go through the 3 month supervised diet, psych eval, and all pre-op tests again.

I'm able to get close to it. It's already hard to eat bc I'm not hungry but then I take medication for ADD and that makes me not hungry either so I have to force myself to sit down and eat and drink. Who would of thought that those things would become a chore!

I had my surgery on February 15th. Since then I don't feel any different. I don't feel full since started soft purée diet. I am hungry all the time. I lost my sense of smell. The only difference is I feel tired. I will confess I ate two ritz crackers the other night Bc I felt so nauseous. What am I doing wrong?! Could my pouch Be open? Is it beneficial to restart my phases again? I feel horrible for eating the crackers.

I am so glad all of you had such a WONDERFUL experience w/ FEP BCBS. Here's my story: I had a lap band in 2005 that I paid cash for here in the US. I LOST a 132 pounds I kept my wait off even after my port broke. I had some weight gain and had my port repaired in 2012. It has not been right since that time and last April I suffered my first slip....So in April of last year my doc scoped me and unfilled my band. In a month my band returned to position and a way I went. I haven't felt well since April and in November I went and saw my surgeon and decided to go for a sleeve as I am now having on going issues w/my band. When I feel I slip I go back on Clear liquids and my band calms down(I am 3 hours from surgeon and am a nurse), So they submitted everything to my primary Insurance the end of November and I was approved on 12/5....However here is the catch My doctor was approved but not the hospital. So now here I sit 2 doctors later and a surgery date coming up on March 1st about 5.5 hours away from home. So now please realize I have 2 insurance and BCBS is not my primary. So I literally saw the doctor on the 2/2/15 and was approved on 2/3/15 by my primary. So when they went to submit it to FEPBCBS. Which most offices and Insurance companies here is the 21st century accept electronic records or faxes. FEP BCBS said...OH NO HUH-UH, you have to go to the post office and mail those records to us.(Ya know????SNAIL MAIL). People, the government if fining hospitals who are not getting on board with ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS and FEP BCBS won't accept a PRE-DETERMINATION electronically or fax??????????? Wouldn't you think this would be important as I AM having a serious complication from my device???????? REALIZE the codes for bariatric surgery are all ELECTIVE procedures no matter WTH is going on with a person. So the representative asked when my surgery date was and she assured my coordinator that they would NOT get to my approval that soon since it is a PREDETERMINATION and they don't have to give a time frame since it is a PRE DETERMINATION! Plus, she wanted to make sure the coordinator is familiar with the FEP BCBS guidelines and that they more than likely would want to meet all of FEPBCBS criteria again. THERE GUIDELINES ARE BS. They have no clause in there GUIDELINES for complications of a bariatric surgery....SO I have to meet the same criteria of someone who is either a failed Bariatric surgery(even though I lost 132 pounds) or a new Bariatric surgery....My BMI is 35 - 39 this year. They don't consider my comps complications(plantar fasciitis) or I would have to have a BMI over 40!(FORGET THAT!) In my H&P due to my intermittent lap band slippage I am at risk for necrosis and other life threatening issues. I feel like CRAP! My primary insurance recognizes this and approved me, ( I walked out of the office at 3:30 and got an email the next morning at 7:00 that I was approved) within 14 hours! I am really glad you all feel really supported by the FEP BCBS because the gals answering the phones won't do anything but quote the damn manual and I don't fall into any of there categories and they won't put a RUSH on anything or for anyone. So my primary insurance is covering it but I have a 5000/copay. So hopefully I will be feeling better in a couple of weeks....if you are curious or care Medicare, VA and multiple other insurances have a provision in there GUIDES for complications arising from a prior surgery. God forbid any of you experience a complication and need a revision of your bariatric surgery! Because when the office calls to get pre-auth they are going to be quoted the manual and you will be expected to meet all of that criteria again(Seems ludicrous to me) then they will have to MAIL your records for your pre determination!......Good LUCK everyone and GOD BLESS! Sorry for the NOVEL but I am angry! I know I know at least I have insurance!

Woooohoooooo!!! Gotta love BCBS Fed!! Congrats.

I wonder if I chose the right surgery, I've had problems with my band and find it easy to cheat bc of it. If it's something that I really like to eat or want and I'm stressed or depressed I will sabotage myself so I can eat it all

I have an appointment set for 3-10 I'm waiting to hear back of my insurance will cover it bc all of this was before I had them. I hope it all goes through its been like 7 years since I've seen anyone about my band

Hello there and welcome! I am just about 6 months post op and I am down 110pounds!!! It has slowed down significantly but I think that may have to do with starting on my BC again. I started at 348lbs and am at 238 as of this morning! Can't wait to reach my goal (170) if you have any questions please ask? This is the friendliest bunch of people I've ever had the pleasure of chatting with!! Good luck

This is the first time I've visited this forum. I was looking for a place to share my story with other RNY patients, and here is where I landed. So, first off, the basics. I had bypass surgery 6 years ago at the U of W Hospital. The surgery was straight forward and I suffered no complications.My pre surgery weight was 355. During the first year post op I shrank to 217 (which contrary to all obesity tables was thin for my build). I was 60 at the time of the surgery. During the first year, I ate whatever I could tolerate, and drank no alcohol at all. I was pretty gruntled over the results. I tossed by CPAP, as the decrease in fat around my neck cured me of the obstructive aspect of my apnea. I was on a low dose of blood pressure meds, and I no longer needed to continue that med, as my BP dropped with my weight loss. I never could tolerate sugar after the surgery and found I really needed to limit any carbs a couple of hours prior to doing physical activity to prevent lightheadedness--although, I continued to eat a lot of high carbo foods. After the first year and the highly satisfactory weight loss, I started reintroducing alcohol. I had, for over twenty years, been a daily drinker-- usually a couple of cocktails in the evening with friends. I found that alcohol after surgery was different. I got drunk much faster, sobered up much quicker and never suffered a hangover, no matter how much I consumed. This was great fun, as I'm by nature a happy drunk, pleased to make people laugh and enjoy the company of friends and alcohol together. This behavior went on and I started to gain weight. I wasn't overly alarmed by either my alcohol use or my weight gain, as I had been told that studies indicate that RNY patients suffered a 10% weight regain after reaching their highest weight loss. Well, pressures of life mounted, I daily traded in the Stock Market, and found with the advent of the Fed's QE programs and the advent of ALGO trading, my trading strategies suffered considerably. Over the course of the next 3 years I lost $10s of Thousands of dollars in the Market. So, I sat at the computer 14 hours a day watching the evaporation of my money as it went to money heaven. It was disturbing and depressing--to say the least. My alcohol consumption increased, as my activity level decreased. In fact, I started adding a daily bottle of good red wine with dinner to enjoy and make me feel better. This escalated over the months. On top of my own Market disasters, our Family suffered some terrible tragedies and losses in the course of an 8 month period in 2014. My Wife, of 46 years marriage, had suffered clinical depression bouts and hospitalization a number of years ago. With the family loss, I constantly worried about her mental health, and as she increased her wine intake (she is on Wellbutrin), I viewed it as not a bad thing, as it helped her cope with the immediate pain and depression. My weight gain continued. I found myself back on my BP meds. and, back on the CPAP machine--which I hate with a passion. Finally, towards the end of 2015 we had a discussion about our health and what to do about it. On Jan. 1 we both stopped drinking and started dieting. At that point I had ballooned up to 278! I was embarrassed by my weight gain and felt I had failed myself and my Wife in my presurgery promise to get healthier in order to have longer and happier life together. So, on Jan 1. I got the Fitbit App and went on a 1500 cal. a day eating plan. I cut out alcohol, all starchy foods, most meat and very little fried food prep. I take a couple of Premier Protein drinks a day and eat a lot of raw veggie salads. I have to say, I couldn't be happier. Since Jan. I've lost 32 pounds and have a goal to drop another 30 pounds before Fall, I've put away my CPAP machine, I sleep better and have less aches and pains in my joints. My wife has also lost weight, although only 8 pounds, which is very visible on her, as she wasn't overly sized to begin with. I have to admit that I have an easier time with the diet, as I don't experience hunger pains, and often view eating as necessary rather than desired. My activity level has markedly increased. I've started woodworking again (just finishing up a stunning dining room table of solid black walnut) --I had stopped for about 6 years. And I am currently building a deck on the south side of the house that I had been putting off for the last twenty years! I wanted to share this with others in the hope that it might inspire anyone that fallen into a similar situation and despaired of regaining their health and happiness. So, my first recommendation is the Fitbit App to monitor and track your food intake. And, to be honest, the first week of big change like this is a bit of a hurdle, but, put your head down and power through this period and you'll find it will be easier going forward. Life will get better. Best wishes to all.

Day 8 post op here, I'm also on a liquid diet. It totally sucks! I'm fed up with my Protein and I can taste my medication just thinking about it. Today, I served my husbands dinner and I took a small piece of meat from his plate. Sucked on it, chewed it a couple of times and spit it out. I realized it wasn't all that. It's definitely all In the head. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It took exactly 1 week. So you might be close!! Did you call BCBS Fed to confirm they got everything? I would if you haven't.

I have been on depo for 12-years-ish, which is notoriously associated with weight gain. I use it primarily for control of my cycle- you never get a time of the month, it's awesome! I can say that in the end it all comes down to how much you eat- the bc itself doesn't make you gain, it just makes you hungrier, especially if you aren't used to it. I have been fat and thin on birth control and I have gone off of it for a few months at a time 2-3 times over the last decade and the only time I notice weight fluctuations is when I legitimately eat more. I've been at goal for about 10 months, but if I don't weigh everyday and make immediate adjustments I start gaining. This week I hit 133, which is the "time to stop eating so much" weight for me, so I dropped my intake, was careful with logging my calories, and this morning, two days later I'm back to 131, which is a weight I'm going with fluctuating around. The best way to maintain is to make is an every single day thing. Also, I noticed the idea of being "fat and happy" when you're in a relationship isn't entirely a stereotype. It's nice to sit at home, hang out with your man, skip the gym sometimes, eat yummy food, go out to nice dinners, and generally be in such a good mood that you don't realize you're gaining weight. You can get back down to where you were- just really start logging all of your food and workouts and hopefully you see the scale start to move.

I am 38...had surgery in April of 2015. Made goal within 8 months (over 150 pounds lost). I went on birth control (ortho-tricyclen) 3 months after surgery. My doctors and nurses assure me that BC does not cause weight gain. Literally ever since I have been on it, I ONLY lose weight during the week of my cycle. The day I take that first white pill I gain 2 pounds and it stays until the day before my cycle starts and then it's gone. Before I was losing 10 to 15 pounds that week. This past month I only lost 4 and have already gained that 2 back. What's even crazier is that I go crazy on carbs during my period usually. This past time I didn't because I had a stomach virus and ate NOTHING. I like the BC because I have PCOS and my cycles were crazy before I had surgery. Since you don't have to be careful about getting pregnant (due to BF) then I would probably go off of them or get a different kind.

No experience with the BC, but you are in the "prime regain years". Statistically, this is the time when regain is most likely to happen. It has been my experience that unless you are an ultra athlete, you can't "excercise" your way out of overeating. The key IS controlling the intake. I have experienced appetite spikes too and the only thing that worked for me is going back to basics. Upped Protein, reduced carbs, hydrate way beyond the 64 oz a day.... that kind of thing. I think you are smart to tackle it right now while it is a managable regain. Sounds like things are going great for you overall!

I used BC to regulate my periods, too. It made my appetite go out of control. I think it's the progesterone. I had to supplement with progesterone early in my pregnancy and I went on a bender. Went to Hardee's and got me a Frisco burger with large fries and literally moaned while I ate it Pregnant or no, not a proud moment. Anyway, point is, BC can do awful things with your appetite. Some of my friends have been fine with it but many struggle with an increased appetite. I gained 20 pounds when I took it so I stopped.

Hi all, I had my sleeve surgery back in March, 2013. I got to goal within a year (lost almost 100 pounds) and maintained my goal weight within =/- 3 pounds for nearly a year and half (163 pounds, I'm 5'8"). During all of that time, I had worked with a personal trainer, got divorced, started dating and met a great new guy... we've been together about a year and half now. I'm 47 and wanted to start regulating my periods, so I went on Loestrin (low dose BC pill). Well, I've gained 25 pounds over the course of a year and my appetite has been out of control. Granted, I've gone back to some bad habits, but I do a 30-minute boot camp class 4-5 times per week. I figured some regain was bound to happen, but this has gotten me freaked out. My BF has had a vasectomy, so I don't need the pill for birth control and am seriously considering stopping it to see what happens. I have way too many cute summer clothes that I need to have fit again! Anyone else have this happen? I'd love to hear some insight from other ladies. Thanks! :-)

Excuse my opinion but I think the BMI number is bs... For example, my son is a very fit, athletic, low body fat guy - and his BMI states he's overweight. Because BMI is only height and weight, not muscle tone/fitness or fat % - so how accurate is it really? So I take the BMI number with a grain of salt...and go by how I feel, my medical health, and fitness.

My only complaint is some pretty intense diarrhea. I guess bc I'm only eating liquids maybe my stools are liquid. I'm around 20 lbs lost

Yeah I basically thought I could cheat and weed out a lot of drama by dating older, which has always been my preference anyway. Dating guys in their 30s and 40s when you are in your 20s is a lot different than dating guys in their 40s and 50s when you are in your 30s. I'm old enough to see through the BS very quickly. Also in the past when I dated older men, they were men I through business connections, so they had to act with some decorum. Now with internet dating, you encounter a bunch of savages. Yes, they are online, validating their existance. Trying to see how many women they can pull and what quality they are. A lot are married, bored and have no intentions of divorcing or dating seriously. they want pen pals or just sex. Mainly it seems like a lot of men view online dating as an easy and free way to get sex. LOL Keep dreaming. I am finding younger men don't care about your age as long as you look good. As one told me, "No one would guess your age by looking at you, you look good". Also there is some appeal to dating an older woman that might not be looking for marriage and babies. I definitely am not interested in either, and that takes a lot of pressure off for some guys. It is a hard knock life out here in the dating world. Still when I read most peoples posts about being married, I am very happy to be single.

Try everything. We all react differently to bariatric surgery. I've read the same here from several people who say they can't eat rice or eggs or hamburger. But many of us can as long as we follow the eating rules. Doesn't hurt to experiment as long as you stick to healthy foods! I've read dozens if not hundreds of posts like yours where there's junk food around them at work or they live with relatives who have chips, Cookies, soda pop etc all around the house. And the poor mom who has children, how do you not pick at their leftover chicken nuggets, tater tots and fries? I remember making food for my kids when they were 4-12. I fed them easy to make foods and then I'd pick at what I fixed for them. No diet ever worked. But bariatric surgery is the easy way out isn't it oh if only it were so tmf

I had the band and was pregnant with it. I recently got revised to the sleeve but while I was preg I had the bad. It was perfectly fine. Didn't have a lot of saline in so I gained a lot of weight. My OB wanted me to get w fill but my old surgeon wouldn't do it and I didn't want it. Otherwise I didn't really feel anything weird bc of band.

That's a long time, I'm hoping for a date that week also, bc my husband travels so much he is home 3/14-3/28 and I would much rather have it while he is here.

How much are you working out bc that's not enough calories!