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Good luck BC. Nightmares usually don't come true. All will be well ???? You're doing great Shot!! How did that interview go?

I'm so scared. I've jumped through major hoops to just find a facility and surgeon covered. My pcp has documented my weight loss and that she discussed diet and exercise but nothing more than that since May. I missed July due to work and she documented that bc they wouldn't let me off but I'm so worried I'll be denied bc her notes may be too vague. I have letters from her and the sleep study people highly recommending WLS including the surgeon and documenting all my health issues. But now I'm hearing Cigna is so hard to get an approval. My bmi is also over 50 and I have pcos and so many other health issues

Im sorry if this is addressed elsewhere but would someone walk me through their steps? Did you just call the surgeon's office for a first appointment and go from there? I have BCBS fed and I'm so thankful!

Getting this surgery is about more than losing weight for me, and, like you, I want to go organic, or at least, 100% NON-GMO. Here are the Protein powders I have purchased so far: Phood (plant based powder) Naked whey (un-de-natured grass fed whey powder) Dr. Axe Healing Protein Dr Axe Collegen Protein Let me know if you find any more healthy options!

All the best BC. Everything will be fine and you will be losing weight before you know it

Hey BCs - you will be fine hon - I only puked about 6 times post op - and it was all due to my asthma flaring from the anesthetic, and the contrast dye they use to make sure you are sealed up tight. Take the antinausea meds they give you for a day, two max but you wont need it after that. And get a massage on your back and shoulders in a chair around day 5 - it helped me no end.

I'm 10 weeks out LBL. My dr told me no cardio until 8 weeks and keep on wearing my binder. At 8 weeks bc of 2 small incision issues and popping a belly button stitch, I got grounded again and no cardio. I go back Monday to see her. I see a big diff in swelling when I'm too active. It's amazing. So I try to be careful. Drink lots of Water, rest and wear the compression garment. I started back on Protein shakes 1-2 daily as well.

I am all scared I will get denied. My dr has had me on phentermine since May and has documented that we discussed weight and how I needed exercise and clean diet 1500 cals on one of the office note. We have May and June. I missed July bc my work wouldn't let me off but my dr documented that and I was seen in August and September. I'm scared that her notes are too vague we discussed other things but she always threw in my weight and how I needed to look into WLS and how I needed to watch what I ate and exercise. No specifics on exact diet and exercise. Problem is my employer only allowing me off the last week of October. Due to people having babies and other surgeries they can't give me any other time off before next year so if this doesn't get approved in screwed. ????

Welcome Sheddinglbs! I am getting the band on Monday. I too didn't really want to tell anyone (I would have only told my mom, who was my BF, but she passed away two yrs ago). Of course, my husband knew, and my BF as well. And then I kept running into problems with not telling people. Like, why aren't you eating?, why don't you ever want to go to lunch anymore, etc. So, one day my husband asked me, why be secretive? Are you ashamed you are making this choice? That made me really angry! I was like, of course not! I am going to be so much healthier bc of this decision! But, his questions did hit home. It didn't feel good trying to hide a decision that I should be so excited about. His response? So own it, and be proud! You've made a decision to be healthier, and WLS isn't the easy route! I decided he was right. So, one by one I have let people know. Their responses haven't all been positive, but that's ok. I'm doing what is best for me! And I feel so much better owning my decision & not hiding it. I actually feel empowered now when telling people. I am taking control of my weight. The best part? My aunt (all the women in my family are overweight) said to me - wow, that's gutsy! Good for you making your dream become your reality! ☺️ I didn't think that would be her response! So, everyone is different, but for me, disclosing my decision was the best choice. Good luck to you!

Welcome BC! Another Sydney sider!! So excited for you!! How are you feeling??

The Greater New York Bariatric Surgery Clothing Exchange began five and one-half years ago as a volunteer/participant-arranged adjunct of the lapband support group of NYU Langone Medical Center. Logistics matters soon proved that new quarters were needed. The move made it possible to invite people from other hospitals in the area. The clothing exchange welcomes those who've had any of the weight-loss procedures or are scheduled for one. It's free! It's semi-annual. Details for the October 22, 2015, event follow. I'll be happy to answer any questions about it here in the forum. If you'd like to receive notices of future exchanges via direct email, shoot a note to me at bandsterswap@yahoo.com. I like to have an idea of where potential participants had surgery and how they learn of the exchange, so please mention your WLS hospital and BariatricPal. The Yahoo address is my own; I do not make anyone's information or email address available to others. If you've attended before or receive notices from your surgery practice, you'll see a new address for our wonderful, non-profit host. We've also switched to a weekday evening from the Saturdays at their previous quarters. Hope to see you! Laurie ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- GREATER NEW YORK BARIATRIC SURGERY CLOTHING EXCHANGE [For Men and Women Who Have Had or Are Scheduled for WLS] Join us at our host's NEW, MIDTOWN MANHATTAN LOCATION THURSDAY * OCTOBER 22, 2015 * 6 P.M.– 8 P.M. Where: BOTTOMLESS CLOSET 16 East 52nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10022 (between Fifth and Madison Avenues) Everything must be clean, intact and ready for wearing. Intimates (e.g., workout clothes, leggings, underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery) must be new/unused/unworn. Accessories in good condition are great (belts, jewelry, scarves, neckties, purses, shoes, etc.). Dressing rooms are available. Need nothing now? Feel free to bring items you're no longer using and stay for the conversation. Bottomless Closet, our host, helps disadvantaged NYC women enter and succeed in the workforce and improve the quality of their lives. All items not adopted during our event are donated to BC. Documents will be available for tax purposes. Contact bandsterswap@yahoo.com if you have any questions about the exchange. If you'd like to help set up, come at 5:30. If you're able to stay a little past 8:00 to straighten up, great.

Loseitkacey said it best! in my case it was odd. My GI told me I had a couple gallstones but if it wasn't bothering me then I should leave it alone..so I didn't plan on getting it removed. But my surgeon gave me a suggestion on removing it bc I'll probably get them in the future and with my already small stones it'll cause much concern. So after much thought I agreed to have it taken out. And good thing too! After surgery my surgeon came in and told me he fixed my hiatal hernia (which I didn't know I had!) And took out my gallbladder. He told me it was a good decision to have it removed because I had a couple big stones and they would've caused me an issue in the future! I'm just wondering why my GI told me not to worry about it while my surgeon said I had big stones..smh. I'm definitely changing GI's when I fly back home!

Well I guess it's an over simplification but in terms of body image and how I relate to men sex and desirability is a big deal for me. I wasn't always fat. I used to be a fox. And it's been torment for me to not be one anymore, if anyone can understand or relate to that. I'm very confident in my mind and intellect but I have absolutely no self esteem when it comes to body issues. This was a problem even when I was attractive. I stopped having sex 11 years ago, before I gained weight, mostly because I was repeatedly used for sex and got fed up. I think part of my weight gain was a defense mechanism -- I didn't want to be leered at anymore. But once it stopped, I realized I needed that sort of attention and not getting it made me depressed and it spiraled out of control. i've been in and out of therapy since age 10. No shrink has been able to "fix" me.

Please tell me some projections on when this feeling will get better... Tonight I had my first physics exam ever, this year has been my first dedicated physics class, and I found out that I understand much better in lecture than I do on the exam. I drove home feeling physically ill and hurting because I am having such a hard time understanding all of the concepts, and this is the first time in a long time I have felt so incapable of understanding something. But as I cried to my mom to vent the frustration, a different issue reared its ugly head. Tonight has been my first night since surgery, since the preop liquid diet even, that I have gotten to the point I felt upset I didn't have food as an outlet. Am I hungry right now? Yes. It's my dinnertime. But the whole drive home my brain fed me pictures of KFC mashed potatoes or macaroni and tried to justify the idea by adding some Protein powder to it so it at least wouldn't be empty calories. Getting home, my mom told me there were leftover refried Beans from Gringo's in the fridge, and I started crying again about how I don't want to eat beans, I want to eat meat! How I'm frustrated I feel like I'm constantly eating the same things and most of my protein seems to be coming from dairy sources. She offered me her leftover fajita meat to try, but I said that wasn't the point. She tried to comfort me, but when I told her that it would have been so much easier or "made me feel better" to go into the kitchen and eat the two or three leftover tortillas instead of continuing to think about physics, but that I no longer had food to go to as that mind-numbing, brainless indulgence for some kind of illogically made-up comfort, she felt bad that she didn't know what to say to me. I'm sure I will find other, better outlets to help me cope eventually... But this first run-in with my demons has left me completely wounded. How long did it take everyone else to realize they were no longer looking to food as a crutch? And does it really get better with not wanting food or do you just find enough other things to distract from wanting it?

I am so sorry! I can sympathize: I literally thought I was having a heart attack bc the left under-breast/shoulder pain was so bad. Unfortunately I don't have much advice... Mine got much better after they pulled the drain... But not all the way gone for a few more days.

Ok, so a question for you all. With my BCBC Fed I'm required to fill out this sheet for "NON-MEDICALLY SUPERVISED DIET HISTORY". It has a long list of different diets starting from weight watchers going all the way down to "other". Says to fill out what year, how long, weight loss and weight regain. Has anyone else had this exact same piece of paper to fill out? I'm worried if I'm completely honest it will give them a reason to deny the claim or some other crazy thing. I don't want to over do it either. I've tried at least half of the ones on the sheet and sometimes more than once. Any secrets to making it look good for approval purposes?

I heard that is BS since that part of your stomach that usually stretches out is cut off.

That is great!!! I am having sleeve to bypass revision on Monday, 9/28/15. I have BBS Fed Basic insurance. Good Luck with your upcoming surgery:-) Please keep me posted! I would love to know how it goes for you. What prompted your revision? I did email Alex to ask to a sleeve revision board. It seems like there are more of us. I will keep you posted. I could really use someone to talk to through this ross. I have my husbands full support but my family is not supportive at all. I am having the revision because of very severe acid and bile reflux. Medication does not manage it. I wake up every night vomiting and choking.

That is great!!! I am having sleeve to bypass revision on Monday, 9/28/15. I have BBS Fed Basic insurance. Good Luck with your upcoming surgery:-) Please keep me posted! I would love to know how it goes for you. What prompted your revision? I did email Alex to ask to a sleeve revision board. It seems like there are more of us.

That is great!!! I am having sleeve to bypass revision on Monday, 9/28/15. I have BBS Fed Basic insurance. Good Luck with your upcoming surgery:-)

She does not matter. I would ignore/block her, but I have a pretty low BS threshhold and have no issues cutting people out of my life or compartmentalizing to 2nd or 3rd tier friends. If you feel you must reply, simply say, "thank you for your concern, but you are not my doctor and do not know my life."

There was really no timeline of feeling a difference, or whether I would frankly feel one at all. At first I had nausea, a little vertigo, excess energy, and injection site reaction. I continue to have excess energy but the nausea and vertigo are gone. The ISR depends on the injection site; the thigh bled and hurt the most, the gut the least. Every time I step on the scale I just get angry and fed up and WISH so HARD that I was a worthwhile weight, a weight that would allow me to hold my head up high and participate in life without drawing judgement. v_v. I'm headed to Italy at the end of the month and -once again- am fat enough that the seat will not be roomy

I feel it in my esophagus area , for me that's like the first sign that I'm full . But measuring your food is the best you can do . Bc the mind will play games on you Jiji

Hello everyone I am 10months post op . So yesterday I fainted . Completely fell back all of a sudden and lost consciousness for about 10 seconds ???? I was so scared. I have been taking iron bc I was a little anemic in last labs done about 3 months ago. I was wondering if anybody has had the same issue ? I already had lab work today so I will get results this afternoon.

Hello everyone my name is Ellie and I am about to get a sleeve on September 29! This was all very sudden and unexpected unlike some folks who have researched this for many years and gone through a long qualifying process, I have stumbled onto this procedure through a very roundabout way and in a matter of weeks I was approved. I am 37 years old and I weigh 270lbs at 5.8", I am hypothyroidic, I have sleep apnea and I'm prediabetic at this time. A Little history: In 2007 I weighed 273 pounds! I had mild sleep apnea but aside from that I was relatively healthy. I had the Lap band procedure done mostly because I did not like the way I looked. But the band yielded very little results, despite 13 fills and unfills to adjust, I never achieved an ideal restriction and was always hungry the weight that I did lose was because I was starving and working out and then I plateaued at about 245 pounds. Then I got pregnant in 2009 I decided to take all liquid out of the band (complete unfill) so that I could eat tons of vegetables and fruits. Funnily enough during the pregnancy and the one that followed I actually lost weight!? I guess something to do with the baby and the restriction I felt because the baby was pushing against the the band. At birth I was 214lbs. But as soon as my children came out in 2010 and 2013, even as I breast-fed, I was completely ravenous and the pounds returned at an alarming rate. So I have found myself right back to where I started at 270 pounds. Only this time mother nature has not been so kind... I am prediabetic and my sleep apnea has returned with a vengeance! On a day to day bases I ache and hurt like an old rickety roller coaster! I feel like I am walking through Jell-O all the time everything has just slowed down. Even so, being busy with a three-year-old and a five-year-old and being a full-time working mom I put myself in last place and have not focused much on trying to lose the weight. It's basically been, whatever I need to do to make it to the next day! I have ignored the aching that my body feels on a day-to-day basis and how hard it has become living and getting around at this weight. I have ignored the emotional and social impact of my weight, or maybe ignored is not the best word, more like drowned out with more food. And I experience some of what most mothers will relate to, I don't want to be in pictures with my children because I feel like I ruin the pictures with my presence. But even all this did not bring me to a decision to refill my lapband or do anything about it until a few weeks ago... In unrelated events I twisted funnily and managed to cause harm to my port. I was in severe pain like having stitches after running but the pain never went away. So due to that event, I finally went back to see my bariatric surgeon and upon further examination I was told that my port had ripped out of my muscles and was now flipped. Great! It was then that my surgeon told me that my options were to repair the port and try the band again or do something different. He recommended I try the sleeve because if I was initially unsuccessful with the band chances of me being successful the second time around were slim to none. I had heard about the sleeve before but never really in-depth. I also have gallstones and have had two attacks which I feel is not enough to warrant surgery but my surgeons seem to think differently. They say the gallbladder wall has thickened and that it is a matter of if and not when I will need to have it removed I hate surgery I do terrible with general anesthesia it takes me hours and hours of tortured nauseated foggy horrible sickness and pain to come out of it. And there is nothing I want more than to avoid having to go through another surgery. However My surgeon sent me to other surgeon who specializes in lap band revision who said he could perform all three surgeries at one time!! He would take out the Lapband remove my gallbladder and perform the gastric sleeve. And we are close to maxing out our yearly insurance maximum out of pocket, so if approved these procedures will be completely at no cost to me!! If I have to go under the knife anyways, I reason, I might as well get as much stuff done at one time, so that I don't have to go under the knife several times. I have not had too much time to do research on the sleeve or get emotionally prepared for the journey ahead but I have spent the past few weeks ferociously researching and ferociously reading up on it and doing a lot of soul-searching realizing that given my Freewill to eat, I am killing myself by being morbidly obese. My doctor submitted the proposal for surgeries to my insurance and I prepared for a long wait. However a week later I found myself getting approved by my insurance and my doctors office saying September 29 is available so start your diet now!! WOA????? No time for food funerals, no time for that last binge, no time to take a cruise which I love to do because of all the deliciousness, and no time to deliberate too long. I do have an option of doing it at the next available date in November but that would be very close to holidays and who knows what other circumstances could arise to prevent me from having the surgery at that time. It seems like all the factors have aligned together perfectly... my job is willing to let me go for that period of time the surgery will cost me nothing I can do three in one surgeries and I can have it relatively soon so that I don't have an agonizing time to wait and stress about it. It's like it's now or never. Most reviews I've read have people saying they wish they had done it sooner. I have already started my pre-op diet which means I would've only been on it for 10 days versus 12 like most people. And unlike most people rather than being on full liquids I have been placed on a South Beach supercharged phase 1 diet that includes lean meats, low-fat dairy and vegetables. I am finally wrapping my brain around what is about to take place mentally emotionally and physically. I have stocked up on many things and thanks to all you wonderful sharing caring people that have taken time to share your journey I have had a chance to very quickly catch up on all the information that I will need to be successful. But I'm so scared and so nervous not even about the liquid diet following surgery , (although, my coworker who got the sleeve weeks ago says that she is hungry all the time), or anything like that but of the surgery itself of being under Anastasia, of the pain I will feel when I wake up, and I wonder if I will miss the stomach that God gave me with which I was born...I'm sure all these things have crossed your mind too. And because my Lapband failed I fear that if this procedure does not work for me and I shall be that one anomaly for whom this did not work, there is not much else to be done. And since this is so life altering and Permanent, I don't know where to go from there if it does not work out for me. I know...I know...not thoughts I should be thinking .., but I'm being candid and sharing from the deepest parts of my heart the secret fears that I have, I would never admit to anyone. Any words of encouragement advice, solidarity, anything will be so very much appreciated at this time! Like many of you my weight loss journey is a very personal and private one and I don't have much support from the few friends with whom I have shared this information. I am sorry this has been long, but the welcome letter encouraged that we share details about our experience and I hope that Sharing this much will give you a more in-depth insight into my personal journey struggles and fears. Sending you blessings and green lights, Ellie