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When you get out of the shower use your hair dryer and blow it dry do not wipe bc it can reopen the sore. If it has a "smell" use something like monostat( which you use normally for vaginal yeast infections). Put the cream on the clean sore area. If it doesn't get better be sure to go to the doctor. Also, have your dr keep a log of these type of infections bc I have heard that it will help with insurance f you need a panni!

YES! This, absolutely. People who are overweight have a much stronger opinion. Like "That's a bit drastic, "Oh I wouldn't go through all of that!", "Well... if that's what you want to do..." as if none of us have ever struggled with weight loss before. I have only just told people so I have another 5 weeks of boring judgemental jealous jabs about it. Nothing is stopping them from having the surgery! I just got fed up before they did! I wonder what nasty comments they will come up with once the weight starts dropping off.

I didn't lose my friend due to weight loss, I lost her because she doesn't want me to lose the weight. Her self-image and ego have always been fed by the fact that she has always been considered the "pretty one" and has even self-proclaimed this on one occasion where I now regret not ending the friendship and saving myself from her huge ego then. Recently, upon learning of my plans for surgery, she actually stated very clearly that she "doesn't think we can be friends if I am thinner and prettier than her." A 30 year friendship down the drain because I've just realized I've ignored for a very long time that she is extremely shallow. Not all women are this way. Only shallow, inconsiderate, narcissistic people (both men & women) are like this. This is occasionally the same reaction you would get from jealous, self-loathing, needy people. Both types are not good friends. I have come to terms with the loss of the old me. The old me is not this brave and strong. I have just begun my journey but I am determined to lose the weight that has dragged me down for years and I intend to lose all of the bad friends who dragged me down too. I keep reminding myself that "Surrounding yourself with positive, supportive and kind people is also a healthy habit." And this whole journey to finding the new me is all about creating and maintaining healthy habits for the rest of my life. Oh...and one last thing...take her comment and cold shoulder as a compliment. You are now the "pretty one" and that's not such a bad thing either.

As a stylist, I am going to try to answer the why's to your question. First, hair is fed by the blood supply at the very bottom of the root bulb. It is a little more than 90% protein, that is the excess that your body doesn't need. That protein makes up your hair and nails. When you have surgery or when you are ill, your body needs all the protein it can get for healing and often times there just isn't any left over for hair. Have you ever noticed how someone who is anorexic often times has very dry thin and brittle hair, that's because the body is starving for protein and needs what little bit it gets to protect itself as in the internal organs, skin and brain function. Vertical sleeve surgery removes 80-85% of the stomach, and it take the body some time to adjust to this, that is why protein shakes are so important. Therefore, even with consuming the suggested amount, it is unlikely that there will be enough left over for the hair. With time you will be able to absorb more and there will eventually be extra available for your hair once again.

I chose dr verboonen bc my mother in law had surgery with him in April and she's doing great. She also went with 3 of her patients this past weekend who asked her to go with them. (She's a nurse) And their surgeries were all successful as well! So, I scheduled my surgery for October 21st. Has anyone heard of dr. verboonen or can provide any feedback regarding him? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The doctor that I saw charges a $275 program fee. This is supposed to be for the nutrition classes, education materials, etc. that are provided. I have only had my initial consultation so far. I have BCBS federal and I was told by the doctor's office that they needed to send letter of med necessity, primary care phys clearance, thyroid blood test, phych eval, and nutrition consultation. I spoke to BCBS fed on the phone, and they did not mention the 6 mth diet/exercise requirement. I'm hoping to have everything finished and sent off to insurance by next week. Good luck!

Hah you doowin? *Wendy Williams Voice* I've only started this WLS research process since last month. In that time I've scheduled myself to attend a truck load of Info Sessions, but only attended one last week at NYU. I'm scheduled to attend a session at Lenox Hill Hospital tonight, but after reading some not so nice reviews on the hospital and one of the surgeons, I think I'm gonna stay with the NYU team. I'm scheduled to visit Dr. Stiles who is a PCP there on Friday. I originally started with the intent of getting banded, and quickly learned about the other WLS out there. I was really interested in plication, but since it's not readily covered by insurance, the sleeve is definitely the option for me. I have become OBSESSED with WLS in the past couple of weeks; I think I've watched at least 20 to 30 YouTube vids concerning the sleeve and the people who've had good and bad experiences. I'm also finding that time seems to be slowing down all of a sudden, seems like my appointment on Friday will never get here, and my appointment with the surgeon and nutritionist that are scheduled for 6/22 seems like eons away. I'm really concerned because my BMI isnt quite at the 40 mark (38.3). I've been trying to gain weight to increase my number just so there's no issue with me getting approved. I have no co-morbidities as of now, maybe the sleep apnea test will show that I'm in need of this surgery. I'm also concerned about out-of-pocket costs. Trying to anticipate what will not be covered by my insurance Empire BC/BS. So far it seems as though they're pretty easy to deal with, I cant wait to speak with the Finance Coordinator at NYU to figure out what my damage can/will be. *deep sigh* I was hoping that writing a little something in this blog would kill some time, but no, Grandfather time is still just moseying along. smh I just read this whole thing back and laughed at the part that said "I've been trying to GAIN weight". Irony is such a comedian. Anyhoo, if you're from NY and or you have Empire BC/BS and/or you just wanna share your experience with me, I'd greatly appreciate it. I cant find many reviews on the stay at the NYU Langone Center, so I'd like to hear it first hand from someone who's had theirs done there with those surgeons. Is it just me or is this site a little hard to navigate at first? Do I have to put up one of those ticker things or will I be looked down upon? Why isnt there a group for NYers? We are the most awesomest city ever...smh *deep sigh again* toodles.

Hello kayyybeee... I tu started with the intent of getting banded, I went to a semiar @ lenox hill hospital thats when I may the swicth to VSG I'v done all of the foot work , now waiting for approval from EM BC/BS,I have the same insurance as u, I too am wondering what will they covered , nevertheless very excited about VSG. Best wishes,

I'm not sure where to start. What exactly got me to this point? Pictures/Mirrors. Looking at myself in pictures/mirrors was always a suprise - pretty soon it wasn't such a suprise anymore. Pain and Depression. I don't think I've been depressed as much as I've been lately. I hurt all the time and I'm having issues with my knees. To carry anything heavy up a step is almost impossible - sometimes it's all I can do to get groceries up two little steps from my garage to my house. I don't want my kids to grow up overweight. They have no idea what this feels like -physically and mentally. My husband is very vocally supportive but I'm afraid his actions are going to sabotage me. He is 110% pro-active with anything new but the newness wears off fast. I can't resist bad things if the're in the house. How am I going to resist bad things if there staring at me all the time? I'm not a candy eater but I pick at it at times - what if it becomes something easily accessable and I start to be a candy eater???? Here's the run down of dates/appointments etc.. Talked about WLS with my doctor - May 07 Attended a seminar in T.C. - May 07 Attended support group meeting - June 07 Attended support group meeting - July 07 Attended Surgeon consultation - Sept. 07 Attended Nutritionist consult - Sept. 07 Attended Psych. Evaluation - Sept. 07 Weights and Blood Pressure done in: May, June, July went to Dr. but not recorded, August, Sept., Oct., Nov., December January will be my 6 month straight weight monitoring. It would've been October if the doctor's office would have recorded it in July!! Yes, I was mad but what could I do?? I really like my doctor and nurse - everyone makes mistakes. I hope to get in all the paperwork in the begining of January. I'm very anxious over the BC/BS determination - I can't sleep because of it and I don't even have my paperwork in yet! I'm hoping for my surgery in Feruary or March - this would work out with both my jobs. It gives me enough time to recover. All for now - MA

Definitely do it! At 71, 100lbs overweight, in pain constantly, both knees destroyed by arthritis, peripheral neuropathy in both feet with hot burning pins and needles when standing and walking, back pain. My journey started in orthopedics with knees, steroid injections, worked well most of the time, but didn't stop the occasional fall [3 to 4 times a year]. I knew sooner or later something would break. I would have had knee replacement sooner except for covid & elective surgeries were cancelled for two years [socialized medicine ***]. No weight gain, but developed hypertension. Researched weight loss thru ***, and because I had obstructive sleep apnea, I would qualify, and found this bariatric surgery should be first before the knees. I researched, attended classes, youtube videos, surgeons, after care, supplements etc. I wanted the Roux-N-Y but at my age surgeon said no, VSG. The surgeon recommended to me, is EXTREMELY strict and no BS kind of guy, he canceled my first surgery date because he didn't like something I did, so I really buckled down to his protocol. I knew I would have nausea and vomiting from anesthesia so I told EVERYONE, to give me whatever so this didn't happen. Well...it happened, no medication, and postop recovery the uncontrollable violent projectile dry heaves started, nurse good, gave IV Zofran, the IV Reglan and within a few minutes it stopped, but it was bad. I went home the next day. I had all my foods for week two, supplements etc. I am keeping up with supplements and fluids but not hungry. Dr said eat 1/4 cup every 2-3 hours otherwise your body will try to hold on to everything and the metabolism shifts. I'm going to add the vitamin patches from Bariatric Pal to my daily regimen of chews and capsules, [ I am very fatigued] for a while and see how this works. I use Mira Lax/:axa Clear equivalent in my morning water bottle and use a stool softener at night. Find whatever works for you, the stool softeners alone did not work for me. Trying to find my new normal, I knew it would be a process. I have NO regrets, and would tell anyone considering surgery to 'go for it' and FOLLOW directions strictly. Once I pass the phase of full liquids and get into pureed foods it will be another advancement. During surgery found a hiatal hernia and did the repair. Who Knew?! I didn't, glad it's done. My significant weight loss will help me in recovery for total knee replacement. I'm looking forward to repairing the rest of my body in my older age. Best wishes to you. Surgery May 15.

Checking in, how are my October surgery friends doing? Pretty good here, just got back from a road trip with hubby, I told myself I'd stick to my plan and I did, with lots of activity since the warm weather cooperated. Now I'm weighing 201 & excited bc for many years I had a goal of getting to 200 that I was never able to meet. Hopefully everyone is doing well. Only one more month until 6 and for me that means I can eat without food restrictions. Just in time for spring and summer veggies and a little fruit!

At the seminar the prices were in with the paper work, the lapband is $19,500 and the gastric bypass is $27,000. I think that is just the surgery, none of the extras. My insurance is BC/BS Special Care. I'm really surprised it will cover it because it doesn't seem to cover anything else but I do need to be 40 BMI or more by July 17 or have a major pre existing like Diabetes (don't have . . . . yet but if I keep gaining and losing like I am it won't be long) or Sleep Apnea which I will be tested for in August. I'm wondering if I should delay my first weigh in until after the sleep apnea test. I don't know, I just want to get started with my 6 months and get on the right track. I'm not a very patient person I guess.

Thanks for saying this. Someone with his personal history can never preach to me concerning relationships. Cannot believe so many have fallen for his BS. Steve is nothing more than a snake oil salesman selling basic common sense to people. There is nothing new or insightful in what he is spewing.

I am sucking.. bad. I had a BC control change and it is the only thing I can think of that has changed. I ALWAYS want to eat, I am a miserable b***h right now. Don't want to be around anyone, just want to sit on the couch and eat. Which is basically what got me here int he first place. I haven't gained weight, but I haven't lost anything in over 2 months. I know it is because I am eating more, sometimes bad crap. I am really thinking about switching back to my old BC to see if it helps get me out of the rut! I still want to loose 40 more lbs to hit my goal and this isn't going to get me there...

i was told at 4 weeks they expected me to loose less then gastric bypass patients which is 25% of your excess weight. I lost that exact amount. I am to eat 3 -1 ounce meals (protein) right now with a little bit of cooked veggie (a bite) and a protein shake. I have been having more than that bc I have had issues getting protein in through shakes and still met their goal. Everyone is different and I find every dr is different. I was sleeved 1/16. Have you been walking?

Anyone know of a lapband dr that will do fills that didn't initially do the surgery? Someone closer to tampa/Wesley chapel area? My dr is completely disinterested in any of his patients ( I say any bc ive spoken to alot of his patients that say the same thing ) we come to our appts pay 350$ for a fill , he walks in 10 min. Does the fill and walks straight out of the room. No questions. No small talk no nothing. I want someone that motivates me. Helps me reach my goal. Or just talks to me!! Any reccomendations will be great!!

Of course @@onlybroomegirl is right, but since we were talking about hormonal acne, I assumed most people's has gotten pretty bad. I know my hormonal acne (like I said, from going off BC) was hormonal, cystic and very painful. I recently had my Mirena removed and I'm seeing signs that this may start to happen again. I'll see where I'm at a few months post-op, but if it's gotten worse, I'll try and nip it in the bud.

you have come to the right place for "Proper Education" an "Personal Experiances" ..Im not male nor a chef however being married to an Italian we do luv to eat! we do enjoy going out an he LOVES to cook! trying to make a long story short bare me: Im 51 have battled yo yo dieting an weight since I was 17. my body started falling apart in my mid 20s. I have seen countless drs, specialists, thru countless testing blah blah blah..5 yrs ago I had to quit work for the 2nd time in 2 months my body refused to cooperate. the past 12 months I had gained again 40 pds in 2 months. finally got referral to endo after putting my foot down on seeing one. my immunologists couldnt understand why no other dr I had seen would refer me to well it was bc my thyroid panel was always on the low side of the "NORMAL" gold standard range. he did as I asked ...within 2 wks I was having an in office US on thyroid, (I had been complaining for 2 yrs of trouble swollowing) low an behold goiter on side the other thyroid "dead" shrinking. the PROPER bw on thyroid panel that I had researched from mary shoman had those tests ran sure enough I ended up on the biopsy table confirmed hashis, insulin resistant. with over 25 yrs of yo yo dieting an already the past yr of slashing calories down to 500 or less still having a difficult time of the numbers dropping I was prime canidate for sleeve to be done. that was farthest from my mind even though 20 some yrs ago I did think about it yet I never dreamed my ins would pay for it. now all of a sudden I have 2 specialists sending me to the surgeon, saying the sleeve way was best no switiching of organs an getting rid of the portion of the tummy of the stomach hormones that would never shut up an down sizing the tummy from a 40 oz to 4 oz would make all the differance in the world! before I knew it I was accepted online by our hopsital over here insurance was verified immediatly an within 2 wks I had started preop classes, going thru the mental evaluations didnt have to repeat the stomach endoscopys bc my internist had already done one a yr before , had all bw done by then I was on armour thyroid an got my levels where they are approved for surgery an released by my endo to go forward with it I also had severe apnea, fibro, lupus, polymyalgia , GERD, prediabetic, insulin resistance an hashis an list goes on, I had a surgery date within 3 months from start to table! I am 7 months PO..100 pds down would I do this again? YOU BET!!! best thing I ever did besides marrying my bes friend an hes my biggest supporter an having my 2 beautful adult kids! I am 51 (I dont know if I mentioned age earlier) but I am feeling now that my life is actually starting new! If I hadnt had this surgery for the tool it provides(its not "the miracle" but a tool) I saw myself with all the health dx I had there is no doubt I would have ended up being over 300 pds more miserable an bedridden! for me I dont wish that on anyone! thats honestly UNHAPPINESS UNHEALTHY (an no one can convince me that being fat is healthy) Im sorry I was FAT an theres no other term for me I use...I refused to be delusional anylonger an just living. I actually wasnt "living" I was merely in survival mode an that term I use bc I was merely breathing an a couch potatoe. no life! now I am all of a sudden able to actually keep up with my home , I am not out of breath as bad I do get some asthma a little an my meds for my autoimmune an inflammation do flare but controlled better. I have another 40 or so pds to go to make goal I havnt broadcasted my tool yet but only to a selected few I didnt need others "UNEDUCATED" neg comments bc the majority of ppl have no clue of the facts. this was hard enough the first month especially fighting with head hunger an going thru craving with drawls that the brain an body do go thru I needed positive support around me. but to eat there own. I will eventually help others if asked. I hope I have had a positive impact an answered some questions. your at the right place. my only regret is that I didnt do this 10 or more yrs sooner! I would do it again in a heart beat regardless of what I endured the first few months!! best wishes an keep us posted!

I also add a 1/2 scoop of powdered Bakers Chocolate to my shakes: it's SF/NF & love the SF Davinci flavored syrups. I make homemade broths & soups. I'm on a Tomato Florentine kick bc you can have it hot or cold. It helps that I'm also a chef so I know the how/what of ingredients. My nutritionist said the liquids all count so this helps me & w chopped spinach & other veggies I get that chew sensation in, which is something I need. I make a Chinese wor wonton soup deconstructed & it's a lifesaver. I do the SF jellos, puddings & popsicles, too. What I learned was to drink my warmed broth first, before anything else in the morning from my nutritionist. I tried broccoli flavored w parm cheese, but it's too much for me presently.

GREATER NEW YORK BARIATRIC SURGERY and NON-SURGICAL WEIGHT LOSS CLOTHING EXCHANGE [The free event since 2010 for men and women who have had or are scheduled for WLS or participate in the practice’s non-surgical program.] **************** Join us in MIDTOWN MANHATTAN Tuesday * Sept. 27, 2016 * 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Location: BOTTOMLESS CLOSET 16 East 52 Street, 15th Fl., New York, NY 10022 (bet. Fifth and Madison Aves.) **************** Everything should be clean, intact and wearable. Intimates (e.g., workout clothes, leggings, underwear, swimwear, sleepwear, socks, hosiery) must be new/unused/unworn. Accessories 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. If you have any questions about the exchange, ask away. If you'd like to help set up, come at 5:00. If you're able to stay a tad past 7:30 to straighten up, great.

Great idea, I'm going to make up my mind to do one of those....it is weird BC I look at these wonderful ideas and I don't feel I deserve the reward.. Mind games! Sent from my LG-H900 using the BariatricPal App

I refused to go off. I need to stay on the pill. It’s to prevent DVT. I just made sure to walk a lot to prevent clots. It also depends on your weight. I think the higher it is the more likely you should go off BC temporarily. I believe I’ve also read it can be less effective short term after surgery but don’t quote me on that. I’m currently not sexually active 🤦🏼‍♀️ so it was never a concern.

I was sleeved 7/14 and I did the same thing, worried about my calories bc I wondered how was I surviving lol but honestly you don’t need any. Just focus on your protein shakes and water and take your vitamins:.. you will be great!!!! Soon you’ll be able to eat soup I did Bariatric soup low calorie and high protein... best of luck

Hi everyone...this is my problem...I currently have bc/bs ppo for my medical insurance. It does not cover anything Bariatric. My question is...is there anyway around that? I am morbidly obese and have MANY problems with my health:frown:. I have had a letter of recommendation from my Dr. for over a year now. Each time I contact anyone about lap-band surgery...I get the same answer...NO, it's not covered!! I was just curious if a doctor deems it a medical necessity, will the insurance pay for my surgery? Basically is there anyway around it? I desperately need help with this issue. I want to make sure there is no way to get the lap-band surgery here in the states through my insurance. I have been looking into having my surgery in Mexico, but want to make sure I have done all there is to do here in the states first. Thanks in advance for any information anyone can give me!

OK so here it is... I feel like I am drinking FV flavored water bc of the decaf!! Very bummed bc coffee is my crack too! I'm someone who drank 6-7 travel size mugs of coffee a day. A DAY !!! Bad... Yes.. But I knew doing this changes were coming. Overall the coffee mate, sf, powdered cream isn't half bad... I decided to do the powder this time as I have been making a mug of tea and taking two to three sips satisfied and I dump the rest. So the powdered lasted longer than the actual cream. Once I get to 8 weeks post op you can bet I'll be back to my morning cup of coffee w my CAFFEINE. I have read numerous people who actually never do the decaf while they've become sleeved or bypass (like my sister)! But being a week out, I don't want to start my journey off doing something I know I shouldn't.