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Wanted to create a dedicated thread as I don't see a lot of posts about Maimonides in NY. I have my first consultation with the bariatric physician's assistant and a nutritionist as well as a virtual consult with the surgeons on July 12th. They sent me a welcome packet that stated which steps their clinic requires for surgery. The steps are to schedule a 2-in-1 appointment with the PA and nutritionist, An endoscopy, blood work, and a psych consult and they do provide someone if you don't have your own. and cardiology/pulmonary evaluations which are an EKG and sleep study. I have pre-scheduled everything but the psych eval. Prior to the surgery, they also request that you get clearance from your PCP, so I would make that appointment as well. I will update this thread as I go through the process for others to reference. Metroplus basically told me they don't have requirements as long as your BMI is over 40 or 35 with sleep apnea, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

Hi Everyone! I am suppose to be taking a pre opt multi vitamin with minerals 2 weeks before surgery. Then it says on same sheet at bottom stop taking vitamin E. Well everything has freaking vitamin E in it. I’m going crazy and my surgery is suppose to be on 21st. I may have to postpone because of this. I’m still taking my multi vitamin that has E in it. Just doesn’t make sense. Can anyone share what pre opt brand of multi vitamin they took before gastric bypass? Thanks so much!

I am currently three years post sleeve sitting ten pounds heavier than when I stared contemplating the SADI revision surgery. I am pretty hopeful and excited this time though. I am already eating better, exhaustively researching the procedure and the future diet. Finally I found a therapist that specializes in disordered eating near me who is taking new patients. It wouldn’t be possible without telehealth because she’s a couple hours away (something positive that came from COVID). Within 15 minutes tonight we discussed my mental health, medications, medical history, potential surgery, a change in the dietician and touched on some of my emotional eating concerns. She thinks she can help me and she asked me to think about it and talk it over with my current therapist and if we agree it’s a good idea she wants me to sign a release so that she and my therapist can work together. I feel so excited and hopeful that this is going to make all the difference this time. I am curious how long the process usually takes. I’m hoping I will have a pretty good idea of how much help I need and know whether I am ready to move forward by the time my surgery date rolls around.

hi im new here any1 can give some experiences they had with there surgery:thumbup:

Congratulations on reaching your goal weight. Yay! I’m going to push a different view. Do you need all of those vitamins (& yes we have different needs)? Do your blood tests show you are lacking in anything? Or do they say you have more than enough of any you are taking? Find out if you need any specific ones & then take those. Remember excessive amounts of some vitamins can have side effects & other we simply pee out what we don’t need. Yes, some do have issues absorbing certain vitamins & minerals though it isn’t as common with a sleeve as with bypass. I only had to take a multivitamin & briefly vitamin D while I was losing. My surgeon said I could stop them at about 8 months by which time I had passed my goal. My blood work was great & still is 4.5yrs later though we did eventually pick up with my regular blood tests that my vitamin D levels drop in winter so I take a vitamin D mid autumn to mid spring. I do have a malabsorption issue with protein which began after my gall was removed. Malabsorption after gall removal can happen but with protein is unusual.

There is no reason other than complications why a revision should be done in 2 surgeries... or take that long. My Band to RNY took 6+ hours, because the band was fully encapsulated and took my surgeon over 3 times longer to remove it. That said, I didn't know I was under for 6+ hours. Sounds like they are either being lazy or trying to soak you for more money.

Welcome. As far a support, this is the place. Sounds to me like you've done some research. Have you had a conversation with your PCP about surgery. He/she can recommend a good surgeon in your area who specialized in bariatrics, they will also have to give medical clearance after you've done all your pre-requisites. Gastric Bypass is what I'll be having due to my medical history. RNY is good for obese people with conditions such as Diabetes, HPB and high cholesterol, all of which I have. According to research I should be off meds shortly after surgery - looking forward to that. Good luck to you, ask all the questions you have, the people here are awesome and very supportive.

I’m doing the gastric bypass...I’m pretty sure the number of weeks was based on weight but I just thought 3 weeks was extra long! I’m really hoping my body gets used to this and the headaches and dizziness goes away. Not fun!!!

My bypass was last Wednesday July 3. I came out fine and ready to get my new life started! I feel excited about being given this opportunity to get healthy! Good luck!!! Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I am scheduled for the 21st - hoping for bypass but Doctor says Sleeve Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm new to this site, just found it today! I've gone through the 6mos of dr visits, etc, and have already been approved for gastric bypass. I'm frustrated with my surgeons office. I was on track to have surgery in May, but they dropped the ball by not scheduling me for the required pre-surg classes. Now I'm 10 wks out from a big vacation and still not scheduled for surgery. I was hoping to be 4 months post-op and able to walk better with weight loss. This really has me down and I've decided to postpone my surgery until Oct. I haven't told them yet. I'm waiting for the call to schedule pre-op testing and will tell them then. It took years to finally be mentally ready for this surgery and now I'm so unsure of what to do.

Good luck hope it goes well but there are many ppl now having to revise from sleeve to bypass

Is a colon prep normal for gastric bypass? I'm having surgery on the 24th. I've done as much research as I can. Due to covid my educational classes have been on a utube video. Im doing the shakes and vitamins and liver shrinking diet but i haven't heard anything about a colon prep. Sorry just curious.

I also had gastric bypass, which means I had to have a colon prep prior to the surgery. My doc wanted all the pipes to be EMPTY, since he would cutting into them. That meant only clear liquids the day before surgery to clear the top, and then the prep to clear out the bottom.

My consolation was early January. All test were done by Early February. I went in for My gallbladder removal Feb. 22ND. I was told that day I was approved for LAP-BAND®. I was shocked. I asked her if she was sure. She repeated herself and told me I could schedule surgery for 6 wks. I was so excited. Turned out she was wrong:cursing:. I was no where near surgery. I had to do 6 month pre op diet before paperwork could even be submitted. I was so frustrated, I cried. I started the diet very half hearted, OK, I really did not follow it at all. They were not very strict with me anyways. Dietitian thought 6 mos. was to long, and who was I to argue. Anyways I was looking at a date somewhere in August. This seemed forever. I did not think it was ever going to happen. I decided to past the time by lurking on different fourms. I happened upon a Gastric bypass group. There were lots of post against the LAP-BAND®. I checked into the gastric bypass. Went to support mtg. at the hospital. Interviewed the Dr. I really liked him. The 2 years I spent researching the LAP-BAND® went out the window. On April 8th I decided this is the surgery for me, no question about it I'M HAVING GASTRIC BYPASS. April 9th I receive a letter from my insurance saying I have been approved for LAP-BAND®. WHAT!!! There has been another mistake made. My paperwork can not be submitted Until til July 7. I immediately called my Dr. to find out what is going on! Come to find out the insurance company accepted my primary care doctors records of my weight and diet I did through him last year. They gave me a date for my surgery. April 29th. Now I am stressed, and very confused. Remember I just decided yesterday, I don't want LAP-BAND®. Now what I was on the Internet for 2 days straight, and very little sleep. I did get good advice from people, except for the mini war I started on one forum. I just posted a questionon about LAP-BAND® vs RNY. I felt bad. After much more research and prayer I realized I was just panicking and really did want the LAP-BAND®. I woke up the next day with such peace, and no stress. This is how I know this is the right thing for me to do. Now that I have made up my mind I stay off the Gastric Bypass site. I am glad I found a home here. Everyone is so encouraging and especially the veterans who tell it like it is. I even stopped cheating on my 2 wk pre-op diet thanks to their opinions and words of wisdom. I am hungry and grouchy. 8 days until surgery. Wt. 246 pounds Hieght 5'4

My consolation was early January. All test were done by Early February. I went in for My gallbladder removal Feb. 22ND. I was told that day I was approved for LAP-BAND®. I was shocked. I asked her if she was sure. She repeated herself and told me I could schedule surgery for 6 wks. I was so excited. Turned out she was wrong:cursing:. I was no where near surgery. I had to do 6 month pre op diet before paperwork could even be submitted. I was so frustrated, I cried. I started the diet very half hearted, OK, I really did not follow it at all. They were not very strict with me anyways. Dietitian thought 6 mos. was to long, and who was I to argue. Anyways I was looking at a date somewhere in August. This seemed forever. I did not think it was ever going to happen. I decided to past the time by lurking on different fourms. I happened upon a Gastric bypass group. There were lots of post against the LAP-BAND®. I checked into the gastric bypass. Went to support mtg. at the hospital. Interviewed the Dr. I really liked him. The 2 years I spent researching the LAP-BAND® went out the window. On April 8th I decided this is the surgery for me, no question about it I'M HAVING GASTRIC BYPASS. April 9th I receive a letter from my insurance saying I have been approved for LAP-BAND®. WHAT!!! There has been another mistake made. My paperwork can not be submitted Until til July 7. I immediately called my Dr. to find out what is going on! Come to find out the insurance company accepted my primary care doctors records of my weight and diet I did through him last year. They gave me a date for my surgery. April 29th. Now I am stressed, and very confused. Remember I just decided yesterday, I don't want LAP-BAND®. Now what :w00t: I was on the Internet for 2 days straight, and very little sleep. I did get good advice from people, except for the mini war I started on one forum. I just posted a questionon about LAP-BAND® vs RNY. I felt bad. After much more research and prayer I realized I was just panicking and really did want the LAP-BAND®. I woke up the next day with such peace, and no stress. This is how I know this is the right thing for me to do. Now that I have made up my mind I stay off the Gastric Bypass site. I am glad I found a home here. Everyone is so encouraging and especially the veterans who tell it like it is. I even stopped cheating on my 2 wk pre-op diet thanks to their opinions and words of wisdom. I am hungry and grouchy. 8 days until surgery. Wt. 246 pounds Hieght 5'4

Why would you not be fertile anymore? We have more than a few who had VSG or RNY or DS first and are now blissfully expecting. YOUR babies tend to be slightly smaller, 6 pounds as opposed to 9 pounds, but every poster says they come out healthy and screaming their little heads off. She is obviously thinking with her gut instead of her brain. Mama is supposed to want what is best for her little girl, I'm sure this was not a flippant decision on your part, even if she doesn't totally understand, she should be grateful she raised a strong daughter and support your desire to be smaller and healthier. I have been a Mama for 50+ years, an recovering RYN bypassed for 8 months, so I have experienced both sides of the coin , therefore I am a advisor to anyone who will listen. And if she can't be proud of you decisions, I am and I wish,you only the best of everything!

Your doctor may recommend a nuclear stress test to diagnose coronary artery disease. Your coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. Coronary artery disease develops when these arteries become damaged or diseased — usually due to a buildup of deposits called plaques. If you have symptoms that might indicate coronary artery disease, such as shortness of breath or chest pains, a nuclear stress test can help determine if you have coronary artery disease. Before gastric bypass surgery, I underwent almost a day of pre-op testing. Since I had issues, I was scheduled with 3 follow on tests done by specialist in their respective fields. We had one individual in our support group meetings who was scheduled for bariatric surgery the next week, but he got a call from the surgeon. They told him to report immediately to the hospital for open heart surgery. He had the surgery and then about a couple months later after he recovered from that he underwent bariatric surgery.

Good luck on your sleeve surgery tomorrow. I am 69 years old and I had gastric bypass surgery 4 years ago. It was like getting a new lease on life.

That’s correct, sleeve surgery removes around 75-80% of your tummy but gastric bypass creates a much smaller tummy from your tummy & attaches it to your rerouted intestines. Your remaining tummy is still there after bypass but no food can enter it. Further conversations with your surgeon may be needed to help you understand the differences in the surgeries, how they impact your body & which may be best for your needs. It may help ease some of your nerves too. (Nerves before surgery are very common - fear of the unknown, uncertainty, etc.) With both surgeries your ability to consume large portions is reduced. Initially after either surgery when you start consuming purées you will only be able to eat 1/4 - 1/3 cup of food. This slowly increases. (By 6 months I could eat about a cup of food & now I eat about the recommended serving size or a little less.) And it is possible for you to eventually eat around your smaller tummy which of course results in weight gain & something to be aware of. Changing your eating habits, your relationship with food, understanding the nutritional benefits of food, etc. are vital aspects of losing your weight & maintaining the loss. This is the work you have to do & has nothing to do with the surgery. Many find the temporary changes to our sense taste & sometimes smell after surgery is an opportunity to try different & healthier foods. I have some food sensitivities so I recognise you may as well but are they legitimate food sensitivities or just you don’t like to eat certain foods (taste, texture, etc.)? A dietician can help with this as well. Often working with a therapist is very helpful to work through your relationship ship with find & what is behind your eating habits., as well as your hunger (distinguishing between head hunger & real hunger). Focus on eating your protein first at every meal. Then eat your vegetables. Finally if you are able eat any carbs. This will be the same advice you will be given after surgery & when your able to eat solid foods. There were many meals I only ate my protein & couldn’t or didn’t want to eat anything else. ( I still have days like this almost 4 years out.) Start tracking your food (portion sizes, calories, protein & other macros). There are some great apps you can use. You can be successful with either surgery but after the honeymoon stage when things like your appetite returns, most of your success depends upon you. You have to be ready for the surgery & the changes it brings & the changes you have to make. Surgery was the best thing I ever did. All the best whatever you decide to do.

True, you can't avoid the GERD but it can be most likely resolved by a third revision to RNY. GL

Please don't worry, I am just like you. Went to Dr Garcia in September for my revision. I was very worried like you he would not be able to do it. Let me tell you, you have picked the right surgeon. He did my surgery no problem and I was not sick, no gas, no pain. I went alone also they will look after you. There will be other patients there too, you will see them at the hotel. If you are booking tomorrow God is guiding you; he won't let you make the wrong decision! P.S. the benefit of having the band first is that you know what to do with your eating and drinking; I have had no vomiting, no sliming, no over-eating, the absolute best thing I could have done for myself.

Patience is key as well as persistence. I am in agreement with all the above. It seems likely that your insurance will cover the sleeve providing they get the documentation from your surgeon. It really is the surgeon you should be speaking to. I had no problem getting my surgeon on the phone. If he was in his office and not in the operating room, he would take my call. If he was out I always got a call pronto that day or the next. If your surgeon does not take you seriously then I'd find another. If all else fails and you decide to self pay have you considered Mexico w/ Dr. Aceves? The point is you have other options and at this point I'd bypass this insurance coordinator altogether.

Hi everyone. Just a post to share my story. I was banded in 2008 and have had a love/hate relationship with this band ever since. It took a year and a half, and a dozen fills to get it right. I did lose just over 50 lbs and have kept it off. But my eating for the last few years seems terrible to me. So many healthy foods I can't tolerate. Eating out is miserable. Travel is the pits. The fickleness of this band boggles the mind! Sometimes I can eat my portion fine, the rest of the time I'm stuck and vomiting on two bites. The constant tightness in my chest and pressure when I eat. And don't get me started on the heartburn! I never had it pre band. and it has been constant these last 5 years. I am so grateful for these years of weight loss, but I am so ready to try the sleeve. We took a family trip to Disney in April and I ended up in the bathroom vomiting at almost every meal. I think our flight went up to a very high altitude, and the band was mad at me for the whole trip. I knew I had been having more vomiting episodes, but this just made it very clear in my mind that I needed to do something. When I got home I immediately went to my hospital website to see if they are doing sleeve now, they are, and I made an appointment that day. I was very interested in the sleeve back in 2008, but it was not performed at my hospital then, and no insurance coverage either. I did spend some time considering having the band removed and not doing another surgery. When the band was put in I was told it was for life, now it's a very different story. Based on that I can't help thinking that 5 years from now there may be a different story with the sleeve too. But in the end, I can't go back to 255 (at only 5'2"), and I'm pretty sure that is what would happen. So far I have met with my surgeons assistant who recommended me for revision. The psychiatrist and the nutritionist. I now have an appointment on July 18 with my surgeon. I am thinking there are tests he will want to do. And I am nervous about getting insurance approval. But one step at a time. I am hoping to have the revision in the next few months. We'll see. LapBandTalk and this site have been so amazingly helpful through all these years. It's been great to be able to read all the stories of other people going through this revision process. So a big thanks to all of you!!

Hey girl regain is actually common that far out on the sleeve statistically you are not alone. You could try to get revision to d switch or you could try to lose the lbs by following plan. Also maybe consider getting apetite suppressant to help if you feel hunger. This reads more like binge so maybe make appointment w counselor