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I didn't think they tasted very good either. I had heard about Celebrate vitamins online, so I used Celebrate Bariatric vitamins for the first few months, now I am able to swallow regular vitamins without any problems.

I purchased 2 bottles of the multi vitamins in mixed berry and calcium in cinnamon and chocolate. I do not like either. They have this fizzing like sensation going on and they taste very chalky. UGH!!! I'm stuck with them. I ordered online from Bariatric Advantage. They will not take opened bottles back and if you have unopened items, there is a 15% restocking fee. That with the cost of return shipping was not worth sending it back. It's great that some doctors offer samples. My doctor sells the products, but I didn't think to ask for samples.

I recently bought/tried the Bariatric Pal Peaches & Cream Oatmeal. It is not good at all. Very weird consistency. It also tasted very bland. For the costs of these things, you would think they at least tasted good. Another waste of $$$.

I am brand new to this forum. I have just sent in all my paperwork to the Bariatric Coordinator RN who will schedule all the pre-op Dr visits. I am 54 yrs old, will have surgery done by Dr. Sufficool in Rapid City, SD. At first I was so excited, now I'm terrified. I have had 8 other surgeries (not weight related) in my life & get more scared with each one. I keep thinking about how I will feel, all the things I'll be able to do, all the health problems I can kiss goodbye when I lose the weight. I'm just flat scared of the surgery (will it go right? will I throw up? will I be allergic to the band? will I be able to stick to the various diets?). What a worry wart I am! :thumbup:

@@venomousflowers, I can totally relate to a lot of what you are feeling. Although I am only a month out from surgery, I too feel I am losing more slowly than I should, which frustrates the he** out of me, I am just trying to follow the plan as best I can, and forgive myself for not being perfect. I also live alone, without relatives, family or my closest friends nearby. I moved from Colorado to Washington DC, and I understand how lonely and isolating that can be. However it does get better, I don't know how long you have been in Fla, but it took me about a year or year and a half to feel at home, so to speak. Even so, I still struggle with it. Sometimes it all I can do to get out of my PJs. I noticed you listed some hobbies, I went to Meetup.com and found groups interested in the same hobbies I have. I go to a knitting group, a Bridge group and a book club. It took some trial and error, but I have met several good people in these groups, and it gets me out so I don't feel so isolated. I also use FaceTime or Skype to stay in touch with my support network, my close friends and family that are all over the country. It makes me feel more connected with them than a phone call. Reading through the replies, I think finding a therapist that specializes in bariatric folks is a great idea, and I plan to talk to my surgeon about it as well. I am also familiar with the Beck Diet Solution book mentioned, though I hadn't thought about it in years. It is a book you read as you go through your journey, not read first then start. It does help, because it isn't just about what you eat and how much excercise you get, but more about your thinking and behaviors that center around food. In fact, I think I will pull it off my bookshelf today, and commit to it this time. (Yep, the first time I started to read it was yet another time I didn't really commit...sigh, bygones!) Hang in there, everyone here is cheering for you, and if you are ever coming to DC ping me!

@@venomousflowers, I am so sorry that you're having a hideous day. Your having three new topics going at once and your change in screen name in the past couple of hours send out a signal. Please, please sit down, take slow, deep breaths -- as many as it takes and as often as helps calm you a little -- and sip a glass of Water. These simple, accessible actions will settle you enough so that you can think more clearly. Eating won't comfort you. It will put you in a stupor, leaving nothing unchanged when you come out of it. More than that, you'll be down on yourself for turning to food. If reading and other quiet activities don't distract or comfort you, will you go out for a walk? Burning some physical energy usually makes a good difference. While you walk, notice your surroundings -- the birds, trees, everything that catches your eye and connects you to your surroundings. The feeling that we belong in our environments means a lot. It really does seem that your meds need to be reevaluated and that therapy is the way to go. Both are important components of a support network even though they're not what we usually think of as "network." In addition you can look at shrinkyourself.com/public/welcome. (The BP linkmaker isn't working for me.) It's about dealing with emotional eating and is the product of a psychologist. There is also the book, The Beck Diet Solution, by cognitive behaviorist Judith Beck, which is a guide to coping with the same. It's meant to be read from page one rather than hopping about. People who do the exercises at both sources get the greatest benefit. Another thing is to attend bariatric support groups at hospitals in your area. They are a chance to feel less isolated and perhaps even find others who are having similar experiences. There's also the possibility that a real friendship or two can evolve. Your screen name is up to you. I'll say, though, that, if it keeps changing, BP members who want to 'talk' with you won't recognize you.

Hi there! I ran into an interesting issue today. I have the UHC Choice plan through T-Mobile. They use BRS through Optum, which I'm already registered for. I messaged both my Optum Nurse and UHC to get the guidelines for Bariatric Surgery in order to qualify. I should add in here that I work in Prior Authorizations for an insurance company, so I'm really familiar with the whole process and want to make sure things go smoothly because I know how one missing thing, mischecked box etc can mess things up. While attending the seminar for the office I will be having surgery with, the Director mentioned that a lot of companies were moving away from the six month diet requirement and more towards 3 months, especially with the current state of things/restrictions. Well my Optum nurse messaged me back, and did list a 6 month diet as a requirement. Though what she sent me was just typed out in a message, not an actual document (which is what I was really kind of looking for- a whole clinical guideline). UHC got back to me and provide a guideline which does not list a 6 month diet as a requirement (except in Maryland by law- but I'm in AZ). https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/policies/comm-medical-drug/bariatric-surgery.pdf The office I am going through requires 3 months (which I get and I'm totally fine with), but my husband purposely got us the primo insurance this year for all of my health needs. Plus obviously I would rather have it done sooner rather than later. I also have an entire sheet packed full of past diet attempts (including multiple phentermine attempts, xenical, and metformin), and multiple comorbidities that this could alleviate. I'm just worried with everything going on about it getting pushed back really far. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen these contradict one another? I'm wondering if maybe it has to do with the fact that UHC just changed their guidelines in May?

1. What are/were your biggest challenges during the weight loss process? (insurance, medication, surgery, maintenance etc): Insurance, especially when they stopped covering lap band adjustments That was one of the main reasons I went ahead with the band to sleeve revision. I just couldn't afford $300 per 0.2cc adjustment, sometimes 2 in one week. It was just too expensive for me. 2. What would you like to have different to solve the problems that you need to face? And why? (new weight loss medication, new surgery approaches, more support groups, new insurance plan etc.): Better insurance plans for WLS patients. Although I know they are aware of how detrimental being overweight is, and I am grateful they cover WLS more now... I still feel that they don't cover enough of the additional things (i.e. fills/adjustments, removing extra skin, therapy, post-op shakes for just the liquid phase of healing) that one needs to further maintain their health. It's like helping an addict for one hospital stay and then putting them out on the street with no further help. Some may make it, and others will slide again. If the insurance companies can keep the WLS patients healthy, they would further save on all the future medical problems of those patients. 3. How much money do you spend for weight loss every year? (food, exercise, support groups, medications etc): Over $2K per year but now that I got the revision to sleeve, it'll be less money spent since I don't have to do lapband adjustments but just routine check ups (doctor check ups, Vitamins and other supplements, meds like PPI, Protein powders). 4. How did you learn about the surgery/medications that you had/used/are using? My bariatric center gave me lots of handouts and a book on everything that I need for the revision surgery (band to sleeve). We also had a nutrition class. I also read a lot on the forums (mainly experiences that others feel that are not usually in a book), and read many scientific and clinical studies.

Viky88 I'm not thru with,surgery just wanted to offer friendship. I'm waiting on an early-mid March surgery but will also,be a RnY. I've been on Bariatric Pal a couple months , have,learned a lot from veterans,and done a lot of research myself. I,have a BMI of 45, am 5ft8in tall, 72 years old and goal weight at this time 175 or size 16,,if I end,up smaller, Halleujah! It will,be a struggle but,oh so worth it. I'm in it to win it, care to join me? Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

I am using Dr. Stetler at Emory Bariatrics (Emory Midtown). I have surgery in two days. He has been great to this point, and the program has been very easy to follow with them.

I'm writing because some of you have been so great to answer my questions and told me to keep you updated as my first consultation was yesterday 7/11! I went in and my doctor was so kind and helpful. He answered a lot of my questions before I even asked them. We agreed that the sleeve is the best surgery for me, and he said my BMI is 49 which is SO weird because last week another doctor said mine was 39, and when I checked it said 42. Maybe they use different BMI charts? Lol. Regardless I qualify. They sent me to a bariatric coordinator. I have Affinity and we went over what they would approve before surgery. I have to do a ton of appointments but the only thing holding me back is the fact that Affinity requires me to see a nutritionist once a month for 4 months. So all of my other appointments are in July and August but seeing that nutritionist for 4 months has me going into October. After my approval, she said that she will book the surgery out 2 weeks. I have to say it's a little frustrating that's the only thing holding me back.... Now I wanted to get people's opinion about scheduling, I'm a graduate student that travels a while to and from both my internship and school. I was wondering if I could do the surgery during my Thanksgiving break (about a week) or if I should just wait until my winter break. My doctor said I would spend one night in the hospital and then start the special diet. He makes it sound doable for my Thanksgiving break, but if I need extra time I want to make sure. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Bariatric Fusion they come in different flavors and have everything in them that you need, so no extra pill. They are chewable and don't taste that bad.

Here's some of the Protein I've ordered. We're using them extensively during the liquid / mushy phase, trying to get enough protein in. Mikey's supposed to have 100+g a day, augh!!! Beneprotein (powdered, tasteless whey, 20g a scoop, add to anything): http://www.resource.walgreens.com/search/search_results.jsp?_dyncharset=ASCII&term=beneprotein&section=A&%2Fsearch%2Fsearchbase%2FSearchOptions.resultsperPage=5&_D%3A%2Fsearch%2Fsearchbase%2FSearchOptions.resultsperPage=+&_DARGS=%2Fcommon%2Fnavigation%2Fheader_fg.jsp.1&x=0&y=0 Nature's Best products. I LOVE the Isopure Zero Carb RTD -- 40g protein. I don't really like the taste of the smoothies, but they're 50g protein, amazing!! http://www.naturesbest.com/index.html?section=Shopping&catsec=208&-session=thisSession:66E77B3BDD1AD9D09A6A6584CEA7A0E2 (I buy 'em at Vitamin Shoppe or online.) Bariatric Eating has GREAT protein stuff... I've liked everything I've tried: http://store.bariatriceating.com/proteinpowders.html Our staple protein -- the one we use the most -- is just powdered whey protein (chocolate & vanilla) from Walmart (near the Slimfast in the pharmacy area). 20g per scoop. I use 2 scoops per shake. Good luck getting it all in!!

HAS ANYONE used DR. KRAHN from WESTERN BARIATRIC.

You should go to a bariatric doctor to see if all is well with your band and your stomach. Also, do some pondering on whether you are now ready to commit to living within the rules of post-bariatric surgery life.

Hi, I just joined the group. My daughter suggested it as she herself is a successful 5 year RNY bypass patient. From watching her I kind of know pretty much what to expect. The good and the bad. I am 57 years old and a single parent. As for myself, I didn't really start to have a weight problem until after having kids. Through the years the weight slowly piled on. On top of that I developed type 2 insulin dependent diabetes in my late 30's. My youngest was born after I became diabetic. I also have several other chronic conditions as well. The last 3 years I have been in and out of the hospital with septicemia, cellulitis, osteomyelitis, diabetic foot ulcers, two partial toe amputations on both feet and diabetic ketoacidosis. It has roughly been every 4-6 months that I've been in the hospital for at least 1 1/2 to 2 weeks followed by 4-6 weeks of IV meds via PICC line plus home nurse visits, OT and PT visits. It's only been the last 5 months that my blood sugars have really been under control and that my feet have been healed. I was finally able to go and see the bariatric surgeon and start the process to finally reach the goal of having RNY gastric bypass surgery. I received my surgery date approximately 3 weeks ago. I am now on the last day and a half of my liquid diet before surgery. the Protein powder that my daughter gave me is disgusting (she just laughed and told me to get used to it. HA) and is difficult for me to choke down. I need to try different brands to find one that is more palatable for me. My biggest problem is that I have healthy (I am a good cook, like to cook and like to eat and enjoy food) eating habits. It's just that my portions are way too big compounded by the last 3 years of not being able to walk as the wound care doctors wanted me off my foot as much as possible. So, I became more sedentary. And, voila! I gained weight and couldn't lose it. So here I am and the big day is almost here. My daughter will be taking me to the hospital and staying with me. My son-in-law will come to the hospital after the kids go to school. He's staying home with the kids while my daughter stays with me for a week. My oldest son will be coming also to the hospital. My youngest son isn't (both of my sons are autistc) sure yet. My neighbor will cook and watch over my sons for me until I come home. Now that I've introduced myself, I'd love to hear from others. I am extremely excited and a little nervous. But it won't be long. Monday morning at 5:30am. I've also been thinking about the walking and eating. Anyone else having surgery on the 1st? Anyone willing to be buddies with me?

Hospital Angeles with Dr Covala is the only surgeon hospital combination I can get comfortable with. There are many fine bariatric surgeons but IMHO most of the facilities they operate at are not on par with hospital angeles with the exception of almater. The regulatory and legal framework in mexico is obviously different than the u.s. Which does some create a degree some degree of risk.

I can sooo relate. Five years ago I was over 320 pounds and I cried as I walked around my yard for my first exercise. I slowly lost weight and pain. I began on the elliptical the first month. It probably was 3 months and 50 or so pounds before I felt significant drop in pain. The next two years were great. I lost 135 pounds and LOVED working out. I was running for the first time in my life. I was biking over 50 miles a trip. Mountain biking became a passion at 50. Endorphins are wonderful things. I had a significant hip injury and exercise came to a halt. I was devastated, depressed and ate. I got back up to the 270's and reinsured my hip just due to the weight. Knees kill me, back pain is affecting my other passion of gardening. About 2 months ago I said enough and made first appt at a Bariatric clinic. I have until December or January until surgery and can't wait. Memories are fresh of how good my body felt. I never made it to goal but I felt great in the 180's. I know this time I have done additional damage to my body and arthritis is progressing everywhere so I am sure I will still have some pain. But I know it will be nothing compared to now. I likely will have to have hip surgery again and want to give my hip the best possible situation for recovery. You are not alone!

Dr. Scott Steinberg did my surgery on May 24th last year...I am extremely happy with him. Great doctor, personality and he is head of the Bariatrics at Dekalb Hospital. I have had 6-7 fills and Dr. Steinberg has done everyone of them and it took no more than 5 minutes to complete and he always does them under fluoro...he has never missed and is very accurate. Check his credentials. etc. He is absolutely the best...I think.

I was wondering if anyone uses Bariatric Advantage products? If so, what products do you use? I am mainly looking for the Vitamins I am going to need after I have my lap band placed. I just went to my orientation class at Kaiser South San Francisco and am looking into what vitamins I am going to need. Any and all suggestions and input gladly welcome!!

Anything we voluntarily put out there on the internet is open game to everyone......we freely gave it up.... I know at my Dr.'s office, (Bariatric Weight Loss Center), I signed a release giving them permission to use pictures they taken of me....but then that's all about HIPPA, I have release forms signed when I use images of my patients for illustrations, in-services, teaching etc, or I have to use black marker over their eyes/faces.... I have a friend who operates an Institute in Sweden, and travels worldwide giving lectures, he is still using many of my slides of patients, most photos were taken over 25 years ago....but again, he has their faces blocked out with marker, and is only interested from the neck down.

@@lizonie1 Did you find a Bariatric practice you liked? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi dear Bandsters and future bandsters... Looking for 411 about the lap band procedure? You have just found the right person, find me on facebook www.facebook.com/kfrancolapband or email me anytime at kfrancolovelapband@gmail.com and I will answer any of your questions, provide support and even find you an awesome bariatric surgeon near you! Thanks Karina!

I would start calling bariatric doctors in your new location and ask the questions. Different doctors have different requirements. For me, my doctor saw me at 3 wk, 6wk, and will again at 6 months and at a year, as well as and every year after. I am also required 6 month labs, year labs, and labs every year after.

The gowns come in larger sizes on most bariatric floors so that helped me feel more comfortable. And you can ask for 2 (one on backwards and everything gets covered) I still had the IV on so I didn't do the pajamas over my head, arm, but I should have put underwear on. On no, I do not remember doing that. OOPS. I'm not sure when they pulled cathedar out but that was taped to my thigh. I would pack pjs and see how you feel. Always better to have.