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Well I was getting in 80 g of Protein a day and I still lost my hair. :party4: You want to get the protein so you don't lose muscle mass and so you have a lot of energy, though. But the first two weeks or so, it can be hard. What helped me was: -Protein hot chocolate from Nashua Nutrition/Healthwise -Clear fruity Protein drinks -Isopure RTD (40 g protein, 20 oz. liquids) -Adding protein to everything - South Beach Tide Me Over in my Water, unflavored Protein powder in the broths and Soups, etc. -Make the shakes with ice cubes in a blender so they have the consistency of a smoothie and go down better. -If you try whey protein powder and don't like them, try soy protein powder. Don't the soy? Try whey? Heck, Jay Robb has some made from egg protein. Just keep trying samples until you find one you like. -Using greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt (less carbs, more protein) -Using "bariatric" foods such protein soups, protein sloppy joes, protein oatmeal, etc. (Popular companies: WonderSlim, Nashua Nutrition, Focus28, ProtiDiet, Healthwise/Healthsmart, SmartForme)

You have encouraged me attend the support group at the Bariatric Center tonight.... I would definitely hang out w/ you if we lived close!!!!

Hello, I just came back from my drs. today and he gave me kinda bad news. He is leaving the office he is with and is not sure if in his new position whether he will still do bariatric surgery. So what does this mean for me? It means that he is referring all of his patients to Dr. Brody. I have heard good things about Dr. Brody I am just use to Dr. Brodsky. I am really going to miss him. :D

Your insurance policy is what you need to focus on. If you don't meet their requirements, then ...you don't meet their requirements. A doctor's office can only do so much, in terms of "creating" comorbidity. Joint pain and psychological effects of obesity are not among those covered by my insurance. The place to focus your attention is your HR department. They have the ability to request changes in the policies they offer employees. You may have to wait until they are next negotiating contracts to get approved--but between now and then, you can make a lot of noise so that they DO make this request. Fact is, with a BMI of 47, comorbidity will ultimately cost your employer health dollars. You can make a strong argument for them to change their requirements. (It's their decision; they chose the coverage based on $$--they thought it would be cheaper to restrict bariatric surgery; you need to convince them that in the long run, it's not.) Failing that, is there another health plan they offer? We have the choice of a handful---and have a window, each year, during which we can switch. If so, read ALL the policies to find which is most favorable to you, in terms of approval for the surgery you want.

Hi! Just wanted to introduce myself. I am scheduled for my band this Thursday 9/18 at noon. Kind of funny having bariatric surgery at lunch time! I have lost 12 pounds on my liquid diet so far. Down from 312 to 300. I wanted to be less then 300 day of surgery so I think I'll make that goal. Just trying to hang in. How long before you were up and about after surgery? I don't want to be laid up too long.....................

Some patients that undergo weight loss surgery experience reactive hypoglycemia. The following are a few links to this condition. https://www.ridgeviewmedical.org/services/bariatric-weight-loss/enewsletter-articles/reactive-hypoglycemia-postgastric-bypass/ http://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/060415p48tip.shtml https://www.stjoes.ca/patients-visitors/patient-education/f-j/PD 7972 Reactive Hypoglycemia after Bariatric Surgery.pdf

Ok I know its not the best subject to talk about, but I've had very soft stool to almost diarrhea every day, 4-6 times a day. Now I've got hemorrhoids from it and feel very uncomfortable. I went to my family dr, and he gave me a prescription cream for it which helps some. I had my surgery in Mexico so I don't have a bariatric doctor at home yet. Trying to find one to take me for follow up care is a challenge. Anyway, my family dr suggested increasing my fiber, but not sure if that is safe after having a bypass. Anyone have suggestions?

Thanks all! Kimmr--I looked at my specific company policy and my bariatric max is unlimited, so no issues with that. GivingItMyAll--I think I qualify under 2nd bullet also... Wheetsin--I got the impression that the insurance companies only considers it a revision if it's done in one surgery (because I'm having to do the 3 month program again before the sleeve is submitted for approval). I'm worried that my band will be removed and I won't qualify for the sleeve because of my BMI and no comorbidities... I'm going to see if the insurance person will just submit both right now without waiting for the 90 days...I'll copy this portion of my policy and email her. Just got a call to schedule my removal...more news soon as I hear something!

Hey Crystal, I'm in your exact same boat, but I've gone through the revision from band to sleeve. Here's my deal: I have Aetna insurance, and I have the exact same wording in my policy that you posted above. However (I'm not sure if you have this or not), I have a $10,000 lifetime bariatric max. As such, if my surgeon was willing to, I wanted to do it all in one surgery. The hospital portion (vs the surgeon's fee) is the much more expensive side of the equation when it comes to surgery (at least for me), so going through two surgeries with a $10K max was sort of financially impossible for me. So anyway, my surgeon was willing to do the revision in one surgery. She put together a pretty good argument for me, and we submitted for approval. Aetna approved me in less than a week. They approved a lapband explant and a vertical sleeve, so exactly what I needed. I'm not sure which bullet point they approved me under, but frankly, I don't really care...I just needed a pre-approval. I did my revision 9 days ago.

I looked into both Dr. Ortiz, Dr. Aceves, Banajor and several others. I would agree Dr. Ortiz and Dr. Aceves have great reputations and are great surgeons without a doubt. I however, have decided to go to Banajor and have found a few previous Banajor patients that have been very happy with their experience on this forum. There surgical team consists of three bariatric surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nursing staff who do surgery on each patient, the lead surgeon is Inamed certified. I am very happy with my decision and will be banded 4/3. I'll be back the 5th and happy to share my experience with others. I've been banded before in France but couldn't afford the cost of going back there. I like that I can get a mid-band instead of being only given the choice of the inamed. I unlike many Americans do not believe, just because the Inamed is the only FDA approved band, that it is the best band for everyone. Thanks for your input and replying to my post-April

Hi I would recomend you to view a video on you tube called Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy: My Story and Basic Bariatric Information From Erika Jones. In my opinion this video helps you to know the best surgery option for you. Good Luck.

I use the chewable vitamins and a chewable iron from Bariatric Advantage. Before surgery I had to take these really large red iron pills but I did not want to crush them up - so I bought them at Bariatric advantage online.

I agree it is usually tight at breakfast and then looser at dinner. Your body must just react differently to the band. Try to have the good protein shakes you like availabe when it gets real tight to at least have that to sip on for your meal. I really like the Pure Protein drinks that come in a can like soda because they are easy to grab to take with me. They are 35 grams of protein. Try to count your calories threw the day to make sure you not going way under what you should be eating. I know that sounds weird because diet was usually starvation but when we don't eat our body metabilism shuts down and your body goes in starvation mode. You will feel tired and fatiged but not loose weight. I have done it a few times and I think to myself I am practically starving why am I not dropping wieght. Your body will think it is in starvation mode and just shut down and any little bit you do put in it will just hold onto. Our bodies are amazing and you will really start looking at everything as a science with protein and vitamins for fuel not just eat it to fill your belly. Just be careful with the soups because they are super salty and when your tight it is hard to get the water you need and by having lots of salt your going to have cotton mouth and feel FAMISHED for liquids. It is a balance that everyone's body is difference and some need more iron some need more B-12. I love the Bariatric Advantage multi vitamins you can get online because they are easy to chew and taste good. Then you know at least your multi vita are covered for the day. Check them out if you need suppliments or vita that are made for Weight loss patients. Good luck.

Hey guys! I'm new here and soon to be sleeved on the 20th of November! I came across this forum through a google search and it was exactly what I was looking for. I've been reading a lot of helpful stuff here the past few days and it's really been like a good friend that understands me and helps me get through my pre-op liquid diet and all other queries I have. A big thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and providing such a vast amount of information. I'm 24 years old, currently based in Dubai, UAE, where a majority of the population is either over weight or obese. I myself am morbidly obese weighing 447 lbs last I checked at my doctors consultation. However, I'm blessed with a good height so I don't think its too obvious visually. I've always been over weight for my age since the time I was born. However, over the past 6-8 years i've gained weight at a scary rate. I've attempted going on diets, joining the gym, paying for personal trainers but all of that only worked temporarily. I've lost 30-40 pounds previously when I've tried hard but then maintaining a strict diet on a long term basis never worked out. But now the weight has started taking a serious toll on my health and work. I've started experiencing leg and back pains, breathlessness, sleep apnea, extreme laziness etc. So to put it in a nutshell, the past 2 years haven't been very pleasant...mentally or physically. I've been contemplating to go for bariatric surgery for the past 2 years and now i've finally gotten to it. In Dubai, no insurance covers this sort of procedure so it all comes out of our own pockets. Hence its taken a while for me to take this step. I'm currently 3 days into my pre-op liquid diet and it's just been terrible for me. I get extremely tempted since i'm surrounded by hotels and restaurants where I live. And i've never denied myself completely of food before, ever. I have 2 glasses of the Isopure Dutch chocolate Protein shake daily which doesn't taste too bad, but it felt really sickening today. No clue how i'm going to last for another 13 days! I'm just trying to stay focused on the prize. I've become really moody so its hard to talk to a lot of people, but isolation isn't helping either. So i'm really glad i found this forum. It really helps me just going through success stories and other people's journies. I'll try to keep posting updates. I'm really looking forward to the next few months. Although my doc has warned me that i'll be regretting my decision for the next 6 months . Is it really that hard?? I have an idea of what to expect but I hope it isn't too rough. From what I've read, each persons journey is unique in its own. Here's hoping for a 'not too unpleasant' one for myself. Godbless!

You need to call your bariatric team and tell them you need more meds for gastric reflux. I know how you feel. It will get better and hopefully they will order you some carafate for the acid.

That's an interesting question. I had never thought about there being more bariatric sites out there. This one was listed in the literature as helpful resources at my surgeon's office, so that's how I found out about it.

Hi everyone. I'm glad to have found this forum. I'm in the very beginnings of my LB journey, so y'all will have to bear with me. I've just had my insurance confirmed, but must go through the 6 months of weight counseling, plus psych testing. My first counseling appointment is Nov 1 because of a pre-existing clause, so that means I won't have the surgery until May 2012. The only thing I am nervous about is if my insurance policy changes to exempt bariatric surgery on Jan 1st. I have CIGNA insurance through my employer. Currently I am 50 years old and have a bmi of 48.1. I am using Texas Gastric Banding (Dr Wilkenfeld), with the surgery at True Results in Houston. I'm for sure going the lap band route, but considering also an imbrication. The decision will be made as time goes by. I'm not interested in rushing anything because I'm looking to change old eating habits I've had for a lifetime. The LB is for assistance and encouragement. I can't do this by myself. My goals are to get healthy, reduce the aches and pains in my joints, and to finally be able to shop in the normal size clothing section! I want to run/walk a 10k by the fall of 2013. I am here to see your experiences and share mine. I've already added to my list of questions that I need to ask my doc. I'm thinking of blogging my journey for an emotional outlet. I live by myself, divorced in 2006, adult kids grown and out of the house. As a matter of fact, I moved 2000 miles from them last year to be closer to my parents and sisters. I'm hoping to convince my sister to join me and make her own journey to health. I'm so excited!

Hi everyone, I am new here and am a Vancouver resident. I have been thinking about getting the sleeve done and have a consultation with Puget Sound Bariatrics on June 13th. I wanted to reach out to anyone that has had it done there and particularly any Vancouver (BC) residents that may have had the procedure done there. I would like some feedback and some info on how everything went for you and how difficult it was travelling back after the surgery. Obviously I have a million questions and would really like to buddy up with someone thats in the same area so I can chat with them about their surgery, progress ect... If you can help out with this please reply to this post or private message me. I really appreciate all the help. thanks so much!

I did a consult at Puget Sound Bariatrics but went with a different Dr. A couple of reasons why I selected a different Dr: 1. I'm a bit of a wimp and just felt that I would be more comfortable in the hospital for a couple of days rather than being released the same day. 2. My insurance gives me the best benefits but going to a designated Center of Excellence which in my area is Evergreen Hospital. 3. Felt more comfortable with the Dr I choose than the Dr I met with at Puget Sound Baritrics. That being said, I do know other people that have gone there and have been very successful.

I just wanted to say hello from Olympia Washington. I am just starting the process. I was just accepted into my insurances "Bariatric Surgery Case Management Program. I have received a checklist of things to do and get started. I am going to my first support group a week from this Thursday. I am so looking forward to getting the ball rolling so to speak. I know as I get things done and checked off the checklist I will have a ton of questions. How long did it take most people to get it all going and actually get the surgery done? Thanks Cherryl Rochester, Washington

I'm scheduled for March 8, 2011 now and would love to hear experiences with the Scottsdale Bariatric Hospital and Dr. Blackstone. I read somewhere that Dr. Blackstone offers a massage on the 2nd day post-op. Does she still do this?

Hello, SunnyRachel! I just posted before regarding chewing. It's so important, I see. I'm really trying! As far as the breads go... I decided to give them up now, the conventional loaf breads anyway. I've been doing wraps. I would like to give that up eventually as well and just roll my sandwiches in lettuce leaves. My downfall is RICE. I'm Asian and grew up on it. I can eat it with ANY meal, any time of the day or night. It was a staple in our house rather than a side dish. I've almost given up the white rice :cursing:. I'll still have it every once in a while. I eat brown rice and though it just okay, it really doesn't replace the white stuff. I really appreciate your honesty. I want to know the plain truth about everything! It looks as if you are doing well. Not one of my friends know what I'm doing. As a matter of fact, the only one I'm talking to about this is a coworker whom I've only known for about 6 months. She has weight issues as well. She is not overweight by any means, but she can have the potential. She works out constantly and always watches what she eats. Her hubby went thru gastric bypass surgery 2 years ago so she is able to give me a fresh point of view... being the spouse of someone who has had bariatric surgery. She's been a wonderful supporter and I vent to her when I am stressing. I will be sure to look for you now when I need to discuss or vent! Good luck to you as well and keep up the great work!

Thanks so much Marcy! That's just the type of info I was looking for!! Seems like I should check into the food restrictions. I do love soda (all kinds) but I'd be willing to give it up if nec. I think I'd be ok with the occasional "pb" (I read about that on this board) -- but the "dumping syndrome" with a bypass sounds scary... heart palpitations etc. Also, I am registering for the info seminar at the hospital here that has a special program for bariatric surgery - Central Dupage Hospital (Winfield, IL) -- some other posters have had good experiences there. Can't hurt to go over the types of surgeries again. Thanks again!! mbumblebee

1...an Exercise specialist is available through my bariatric center and is available for reference. 2....look online, there are A LOT of recourses and online personal trainers and personal training apps. 3.....WALK and do some strength in the arms...that's really where to start. Good luck =)

Hi Y'all! I'm Amy from Texas, I'm not yet banded but I have my first visit with a bariatric specialist on Januray 4th, 2007. So I have been out scouting around for a support system that looked fun and helpful... this place beats the rest I've seen. I will be going to Dr Richard Collier in Conroe. Al little about me... I am 35, a recently remarried mother of two bratty preteen kids (and I say that with love! hehehe no - really they are great, but don't tell them! ). I love creating art and craft projects, singing, dancing, raising ponies, cooking and baking. I am 5'1" and I am starting at about 238 lbs. I figure my goal is somewhere in the 125-130 lb. neighborhood maybe, as that is around where I was in college before all this weight started showing up. I was no skinny-minnie, but that size worked for me. But really my ACTUAL goal is simply to be able to ride my ponies again without being cited for pony abuse!:nervous I am really looking forward to having this procedure done so I can get on with my plans. I think I do have realistic goals for weightloss speed and the amount of effort it will actually take to use this tool. I know, Rome wasn't built in a day and neither was my butt! What I am hoping is that, with this tool, I will be able to remove food as an object of obsession and make it what it is supposed to be - a necessity. Trust me I DO know what I'm SUPPOSED to eat (wink), my problem has just been the "wanna" behind it and my T-Rex-like apetite! Hopefully, having physical restrictions put on my intake ability, I can refocus my head on what I need to eat and making the most of nutrition in that smaller stomach space! I look forward to meeting a lot of you on here, so you can help me through my wobbly times and cheer me when I am being a good girl! :clap2: Toodles! Amy