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@@Qtpie28 welcome Kayla! My name is Ericka! I'm 25 5'5" and weigh 311. I also have uhc and have started my journey recently. I am beginning my 6 month diet this month first nut appt on the 22nd....I will not be looking at surgery until next year either due to uhc requirements! I was originally wanting to get vsg but after talking with my surgeon I decided on gastric bypass. I felt like we were kindred spirits when I read ur post and wanted to reach out lol. If you want a journey buddy I am here since we are in a similar place! Good lick and congratulations on your decision to live a healthier life!

Hi my name is Tasha and I'm 3 days post-op with the bypass. Right now I feel like I got run over by a truck. I'm trying to push through but it's hard. I'm not hungry at all but just feel so uncomfortable and sore.

For those who read my previous post earlier today..I spoke to my friend who had gastric bypass surgery about a year ago. I'm feeling better now about having the surgery...another plus is that I will quit smoking!!! YEAH!!!!!!!!! I call the hospital tomorrow for pre-registration. Not sure how long the process will take before my surgery can be scheduled...but it'll be enough time for me to get the right "mindset" :teeth_smile: Thanks for your support...I'm sure I'll need a lot more as this progresses

It is normal to be scared. I'm scared too. This is a major surgery and life change. I'm new to the site too. I find it very helpful. I've heard a lot of positives about the bypass compared to banding. It took me 2 years to decide to have the surgery. My weight is only making my medical issues worse. I've tried every diet possible and after researching about bypass surgery I decided this is the right decision. I wish you luck on your journey. We can do it.

I’m 5 weeks post op, I had the gastric bypass. Like you I have pressure in my pouch, I feel like my dr isn’t taking it seriously and I’m so worried because I live off of water and isopure protein which I’m having a hard time tolerating.

I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY WHERE TO START I FEEL LIKE GIVING UP AGAIN I DUNNO WHAT TO DO .. WERE IN JULY AND MY WEIGHT IS STILL 215 I HAD MY SURGERY IN NOVEMBER 08 .. 2 MONTHS I HAVE LOST NOTHING PLEASE HELP ME WHO DO I NEED TO DO THIS IS REALLY DEPRESSING ME AND MAKING ME FEEL LIKE A FAILURE IS THERE A PLAN I SHOULD FOLLOW OR WHAT IM GOIN TO HAVE A FILL ON THE 28TH PLEASE ANY IDEAS WILL BE APPRECIATED :thumbup::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying::crying:

RNY involves making a sleeve line as a first step before the bypass, which is actually harder. A vertical sleeve is continuous/an easier staple line. I'm sure you will be fine.

Hello All, I've been a lurker on these boards for awhile now and found them very informative.I decided I really wanted to do the Lap Band procedure so I contacted my PCP who refered me to a Bariatric surgeon,Dr. Loggins in Lewiston ,Maine.I waited nearly 3 months to get in and had my consultation today.Now I'm feeling depressed and wondering if I should move forward with the pre-op requirements. The consultation started with me watching a 20 minute video all about Gastric Bypass.Nothing was mentioned about Lap Band at all.After the video the Nurse Practitioner who set up the video came back in the room and asked if the video had answered any questions I might have.I told her no actually it didn't since I did not want Gastric Bypass.She kind of blew it off and said that all new patients see the that video and that I could discuss the Lap Band option with Dr.Loggins but since the pre-op requirements were the same for both she was going to set me up for Nutriton classes,a psych evaluation,etc.Then she went through my health history and gave me a physical exam. Then Dr.Loggins came in and spent about 30 minutes trying to convince me that Gastric Bypass was a better option and threw all kinds of figures and percentages at me.I argued,I got frustrated and then the tears came.The tears must have finally softened him because then he said he would compromise.He said he will not do a Lap band on anyone with a BMI over 50.I am at 53.If I can get my BMI under 50 he will do the procedure.But he still went ahead and orderd all the pre-op testing. So now I'm wondering if this is normal.Do lap band surgeries really not help people with BMI's over 50? He was so anti Lap band and pro Gastric Bypass.Should I try and find another surgeon? It took me so long to get into see him.I'm feeling more confused and depressed than ever! The only thing I am sure of is that I DO NOT want Gastric Bypass. Thoughts?

When I had my first consult, both the dr. and nurse practioner discussed the band with me. They gave me the statistics and the pitch and said the band was not as "sure". I promised I would research it and I did. But, at the end of the day, I'm a bander and always will be. The thought of bypass doesn't sit well with me at all. I don't think they were being closed-minded or anything, just telling me everything in the interest of full disclosure. I would think that any dr. worth their stuff would do the same. If they had concerns about the band and any legit reasons why you should go with bypass, that's one thing, but it doesn't sound like it. I think that for every fantastic dr. and office staff who understands the band and us, there are several who are old-school and just don't get it. Hang in there, though. If you're sure this is what you want and have done all of the research you need to do, then go for it. If this dr. is not the one for you, there are many others out there! Steph p.s..I would think the pre-op is about the same. I had psych visit and nutritionist and sleep study.

My surgery date is set. I am becoming a sleeve sistah on July 14th. I am determined and I know that this is what I need to do...... I am 5'5" and weigh in at 300lbs. If you looked at my medical chart, you would be impressed, all my numbers are great, with the exception that I am 300lbs. I am healthy as a horse, a fat horse that is..... I work out like a mad woman, I train for triathlon, I lift 2 times a week, and do cardio 6-7 days a week.....spin, swim, C25K....you name it... I am in great physical shape and am healthy, except that I am 300 lbs....and am 5 feet and half tall??? So can you guys imagine what I could do physically if I weighed less???? I mean, let's all face it, anyone who is heavy, is STRONG....it takes a ton of strength to lug around my 300lbs! So here I go.....I am ready and I am ready to be re-born! I am not a poor food choice eater, I don't graze, I don't have a sweet tooth, I eat mainly protein and healthy fats (but let's face it I am a severe volume eater - I can down a 16oz rib-eye as if it was air, or last night I had 1 1/2 lbs of skirt steak....I love my meat......I also love a good beer after working out, or a vodka soda......I know these are empty calories...but hey! right!? So I am so ready for this, I really am....I am married and my husband is also a big man...we were both to have surgery at the same time....he's backed out and going to try "on his own" again....whatever..... I have a few fears: Will I lose my husband over this? We will have been married for 10 years in November. We dated for 5 years before getting married.....we have a great friendship and he's actually being super supportive and excited for me. he knows that I have done everything "right" (calorie control, high protein, medication, naturpathic, exercise, etc.....) he knows I need to do this....but at the same time....we have our best times and our entertainment is BBQ-ing, or fixing dinner, or you all know...basically revolves around food.....we both are good cooks, and love to experiment! Today I started thinking.......should I go for a Bypass vs. Sleeve? And then the old hauntings came back in....with a bypass I would have a larger stomach, and would lose weight due to mal-absorption and some restriction....but eventually, once I lost weight, I could handle managing my weight....you know like when I was in HS, and I could manage being around 180-190....those 10lbs were manageable....but my 150lbs are insane..... I am going to drive myself crazy...I have these ideas of "what if this doesn't work for me?" Seriously...I have tried everything, and my PCP knows and vouges for it, which is why he's suggesting and supporting my surgery.....but I can drive myself insane.... Can anyone relate? What are your thoughts? How did you all deal with all the fears, demons, etc.? I'm going to Dr. Aceves on July 14th. I am going to do this. I just would like some feedback on if this is the right type of surgery, should I wait for plication, should i go for bypass instead...you guys all know....all the same fears forever..... I am so excited, I feel like a kid before Christmas....but at the same time I am super anxious and scared...HELP!

Kris....WAY TO GO!!! I'm getting sleeved on the 11th and so EXCITED!! PLEASE keep us posted on how you are doing. You and I have a lot in common with our health issues and .... my Dad died at 52 massive heart attack on the operating table during open heart surgery. My brother had 5 bypasses before he was 50. Runs on my dads side. GOOD LUCK and PLEASE KEEP IN TOUCH!!!

So I had turned 30 in September and was sleeved on November 14. I am hoping for a new lease on life. I started at my highest weight 339. Throughout all pre op weigh ins nd liquid pre op diet I went to 331, 321 and I was sleeves weighing 321 that morning. I went today for my first post op visit- 301!!!!!!! I am almost out of the 3's!! I have had no complications. No vomiting. No gerd or reflux. Truthfully I feel awesome! I NEVER feel hungry also. I take my antacid pill in the am and I am still sleeping on my back, which I really don't like, so at night I take 20ml of pain mess to put me to sleep while ok not comfy on my back and that's it!!! Normal day I start with pull and some broth if a can of soup(lentil, minestrone, chikarina, pot roast) and my bf has the food part of the soup to save money. Then ill sip water. Crystal light or G2 from Gatorade until I feel like j should eat again hours later. I will have a sugar free jello or half of a sugar free pudding. Continue the sipping and always making sure to walk walk walk! I barely have calories Nd it doesn't effect me. I just bought tuna chunk lite in water in those packets with no draining needed. I'm going to start having one a day at least bc there are 18 gms of protein in each!! That's awesome!! I hope this story is showing great results Nd my ultimate goal is to hit 180 pounds before I turn 31. I want to be beautiful for engagement and wedding. I look forward to great stories and replies :-) good luck to all!

Stress is one of the contributing factors to elevated blood sugars. So with surgery you are definitely going through a lot of stress or lets say the body is. I've been a type II diabetic since 1995 and had gastric bypass. Before bypass, during the day, I could pretty much control my levels, come bedtime they would jump to over 200 upon waking. So had to go on Lantus along with regular insulin (quick acting). Well, my body is now calming down and I have gone from 125-150 units of insulin daily to less than 110 units in three days. Still not free but surgery has helped it. They say as I continue losing weight I should be coming off the insulin. I'm taking a wait and see attitude. Have only 36 lbs to go. (Also if I would excerise like I should I probably would even be using less insulin than what I am now, or probably none at all).

I feel bad because I was suppose to get Sleeved. But my insurance said band or gastric bypass. So I went with band. People can't get approved here I am being ungrateful.

Had my band placed in June of 2013.lost about 50 pounds ( pre and post ) . Had a complication as the tubing came apart from the port so had that fixed in October and then to top it off I had a hysterextomy in November . Was doing great after that .. Have good restriction was off home and losing again. Now the post holidays , I put on some weigh as I wasnt exercising like I had been . Today I weighed at 248 my original weight was 289. Just gel like I keep yoyoing . I did just join the gym so can't use weather as excuse and am committed to doing this . I am going to do my pre op diet for This week and see if a jump start will help me mentally and physically . Any input would be great . That diet is two shakes a day and one meal of Protein and cooked veg . I know it was tough to do before so praying that I can do this!!

Same story here. Wanted the sleeve but turned out I have reflux, so my doctor said forget about the sleeve, you are getting the bypass I am now happy I went with the bypass but I was heartbroken than. But it all went smooth and I am surprised that I can eat a lot so I am actually glad for the malabsorption... By the way my surgeon said that people so overweight like me (us) will have reflux, and if endoscopy do not show reflux then the endoscopy was not carried out properly. Now I dunno if he is right or wrong but this is what he told me...

So I have been told that I have to have surgery prior to getting another surgery. I have never considered WLS in the past because I have always been able to keep my weight down with diet and exercise.....until I had a colon resection that I have yet to heal from. The last year has been a painful reminder that I am getting older and unable to recover like I used to. Because of my colon resection, I am unable to get the bypass surgery so my only option is the sleeve. I hope that it will be enough of a tool to help me lose this weight so I can get my second surgery done and on with my life. I have a four month wait period because my insurance still says that this is an elective regardless of the fact that my doctors (I have seen 4 different doctors and have been told the same thing) say that it is medically necessary. Next week I go in for my psych examine and to finally see my nutritionist, as well as have a ton of blood work done, a chest x-ray and something to do with my heart. I have tried to look at this as a plus, as it will help me lose some weight that I have been unable to lose as I have grown older. But at the same time, it is an extreme response to a problem that was created by another problem. I am not given any other options so I have no choice but to accept the diagnosis and move on. If anybody has any insight, I would appreciate it.

Hello all, My name is Charise and I live in Philadelphia. I am new to this site as well as the lapband. Around 2 years ago I thought of having gastric bypass but thought that that type of surgery was not for me. Now I am in the process of learning more about the lap band. If you have any insight to all of this, all suggestions and comments as well as experiences are more than welcomed to respond to my thread. Hope to hear from you all and hope all is well. Charise PartyWithMook:cool:

Dear all: Thanks for the great wisdom on this board. I've mostly been lurking, until I made my decision to do the surgery. Your comments were critical. Here is my problem: I was planning on getting the sleeve right before Thanksgiving. This works well for me, because as a field scientist, my critical field work time is in January, February and March. I need to be mobile and have long days. My second child is due in April, and knowing my wife, and the fact that we live abroad, I don't want to wait until after the baby for this, because I might never do it. I'd rather be thinner with more energy when number 2 comes along (and for the field work). So, late November sounded good, and I was looking at airfares, etc. Until, yesterday.... So, as a scientist, my goal is a tenure track job. Right now I'm on a yearly contract with no benefits. Tenure track, and then tenure is the holy grail. I just got invited to interview for a tenure track position that I'm really interested in. But the interviews include giving a lecture and a full day (8 am until 8 pm, with social meals....let's say a lunch with students and dinner with faculty). And it is scheduled for the second week of December. I'm not too worried about being tired (but maybe I should be), but instead I'm worried about eating (or should I say not eating, rather drinking). I'd like to think that university types would be all Enlightened about this stuff, but my experience tells me other wise. I could wait until after I return, or I could try to rush the surgery next week (I already started a pre-op diet to give me options.) Thoughts? Advice? All is quite appreciated. Thanks a ton! Matt

Hello Every. I am new to this forum so please bare with me. I recently called my insurance co. (care first blue cross blue shield) and they informed me that they dont cover weight loss surgery. I then called my local dept of health and mental hygiene, they informed me that medicaid will cover both the lap band and gastric bypass "if Medically necessary ." I dont have medicaid yet, but I am sure I'll qualify. I truly want to know how to go about it through medicaid? I will apply for medicaid, but once that's approved, where do I go from there. I honestly need this surgery, I am a female age 20 5'4 and 240pounds. Since 2008 i have had this respiratory problem, my general doctor never officially diagnosed it as asthma but I do take an over the counter inhaller daily, I am thinking it may have something to do with my weight. I have been on diets since I was 12 years old, only to gain more weight. My doctor has even given me a form of phentermane and that still did not work. I would have no other way to pay for this surgery, although I really need it. Can anyone please provide me with the steps I need to take to go the medicaid way? I have no credit so I cant just take out a loan and pay that way (im a full time college student, no job but I have the support of my parents) Thank you so much

thanks for answering my ?'s i have found this site soooo helpful thanks to others like you. Initially I thought I'd get bypass but after reading here I opted for "the band"

How much pounds have you lost while you were on liquid diet before surgery??? I started my liquid diet today.. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Misty, I guess the best thing to tell you is that I weighed 326 on November 1st, 2008. I was banded on 11/19/08 and I now weigh 267 and I'm half way to my goal. The band is not a cure all and it does not do all of the work for you but it sure helps! Until my second fill I really didn't have a restriction and I thought maybe my band was screwed up or something. Now, after the second fill I'm just starting to feel the restriction. I've got rid of the weight by following the doctor's orders and did not eat like before even if the band does not restrict at first. I exercise at least an hour a day (I hate it too) but it is really paying off. So, hang in there and keep up the "I can do it attitude".

Someone suggested that I post my list of questions that I brought to my consultation. Some are redundant, sorry about that. I hope this helps and please add your questions too. ABOUT THE DOCTOR: How many gastric banding procedures have you done? Is he a board certified surgeon? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery and recovery and life with band? Is there a difference among the two different adjustable gastric bands? Do you have other Lap-Band® patients that I can talk to? Do you have a video or presentation that I can watch that shows the surgery? Do you specialize in the Lap-Band® or do you perform other procedures as well? Do you perform other gastric band procedures? What is the Realize band, pros/cons of each? What are the short term issues? What are the long term issues? What is the doctor's policy when a complication occurs during a procedure? (ie: does he discuss options with family or immediately convert to bypass or other WLS). What qualifications does this doctor have regarding the specific brand of band that will be used? (Lap-Band System, by Allergan or Realize Band by Ethicon/Johnson&Johnson) ABOUT THE PROCEDURE: Lap Band vs Realize? What is the “scarless surgery?” Do you perform the procedure on an outpatient basis or will it require an overnight stay in the hospital? What kind of anesthesia will I be getting? Will an anesthesiologist be present during the entire procedure Is the surgery being done at a surgery center or at a hospital? How will you protect me from infection/staff infection during the procedure? What types of complications has this doctor personally encountered during lap band surgery? PREPARING FOR SURGERY: What tests do I have to have prior to surgery? Will I need to have a special diet before surgery? Will you notify my primary care doctor about the procedure? Do you need any of my medical records prior to surgery? AFTER SURGERY CARE AND FOLLOW UP When can I resume taking medications? How soon after surgery do you want to see me for a follow up visit? How do does the doctor determine whether or not my band will need to be adjusted? Is there a direct line in case of Emergencies? When should I have my first adjustment/ fill? What will I need to have prepared when I get home in way of food items? When can I resume exercise? How will I manage my pain after surgery? How will I have to change my eating habits after surgery? How much weight should I expect to lose in the first month? FRIENDS AND FAMILY What help can you give me to help educate my family and friends so that they can also support me? LIFE AFTER BAND: How do adjustments work and how often will I need adjustments during the first year? Ongoing? How often will I have to see the doctor over the next year and at what cost? How is it better than other forms of bariatric surgeries like Gastric c Bypass and Gastric Sleeve? What is the expected weight loss? How much time will be required for losing weight? Is there possibly a better weight surgery for me?

I Have UHC and was approved, first request. I had to see a whole bunch of doctors before my surgeon sent in for authorization. My surgeons office knew before hand, from experience, if it was going to be a problem. I had the insurance language that WLS was excluded unless morbid obese. Hope this helps. Back in November, I called our insurance...United Healthcare. (We have the Choice Plus coverage.) I was told that my UHC plan would cover 100% of my surgery. I even asked if there were any prerequisites. The only one was morbid obesity, which I fit! My first doctors appointment was December 7 with a Dr in the UHC Network. I got there, signed in. The insurance lady called me back, told me she spoke to someone with UHC and that my insurance didn't cover any weight loss surgery. I went to the parking garage, cried my eyes out, and then called UHC. Spoke to someone that said yes, indeed, it did cover the surgery. I was so excited that I took my cell phone back into the office. The insurance lady talked to the UHC rep on my cell phone. Anyway, the dr's office asked for a fax of the coverage. We waited...and waited...and waited. I called back, to which this whole cycle restarted. Yes it is covered. No, it's not. I never got to even see the doctor that day. Devastated, I called, very angrily, and wanted answers. I spoke to someone that told me to have the dr.s office fax a "prerequisite" letter to UHC, stating WHY I needed the surgery. She said my plan did cover the surgery and any surgery for weight loss, under the morbid obesity section. The reason the customer care reps kept saying no was because it always said "Need additional informatiuon." Has anyone else has this kind of luck with United Healthcare? That day, the doctors office, to which I am not even a patient, faxed a letter stating I needed the lap band, due to morbid obesity. We are still waiting to see whether it's going to be accepted or denied. I will tell you that the surgery code # was put into my plan and it was covered. This is all just so devastating to me! The insurance lady @ the dr.s office told me a rep called her from UHC today, but really didn't know whether or not the surgery was covered. Said she would have to refer it over to the UHC nurse case worker. SERIOUSLY? How hard can it be to know whether or not this surgery is covered? I am really down at this point. The lap band feels years away~ :(Just wondering if anyone else has had this kind of luck, with a good outcome from UHC?