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I was wondering if anyone would be interested in running a Ragnar Relay? What is Ragnar? Ragnar is an overnight running relay race that makes testing your limits a team sport. You and 11 of your craziest friends (or 7 of your crazier friends for a trail race team) pile into two vans and tag team running 200(ish) (trail: 120) miles, day and night, relay-style. Only one runner hits the road at a time. Each participant runs three times, with each leg ranging between 3-8 miles and varying in difficulty. So, from the elite runner down to the novice jogger, it's the perfect race for anyone. It really is a life-changing race. If you don't know your teammates, you'll be best friends by the end of the race. More info: www.ragnarrelay.com There are lots of locations throughout the U.S., but I think Vegas would probably be the best bet because tickets are cheap to there from everywhere. It's also in November so if you're just starting out you could train in that amount of time. Also, I'm looking for a team for Zion Trail in April. I'll need to register by Feb 27.

Hello, I had lap band surgery in 2005. I have lost 30 lbs. I need to lose 90 more. I had a lot of problems with reflux and had to be unfilled. I also was with a practice that kind of let me down because they have never called me or followed up with me since my unfill 9 years ago. I'm establishing now with a new group in Central Maine. I am seeing the dietitian and getting a fill on Thursday. I am very hopeful that with proper follow up and better compliance on my part, I'll be successful this time around. Can anyone tell me how to like a post on here? Thanx

I've been chewing these blasted things, and to be honest, it's not that there bad that bothers me. It's that they are SO bad that once you finally manage to chew it and swallow completely, you can't believe it could possibly have been that bad and you have to have another right away to prove it. GGAAHH!! Can't they make good ones, like the non-bariatric Calcium chews?

Anyone out there use Barker Bariatric Center in the Dallas area?

Her fee is $300 which I find to be too expensive. She doesn't take insurance even though my plan covers other nutritionist visits. Is there a way around this?

I've heard elsewhere that some insurance companies do not require the 6 month supervised diet if you go to a bariatric center of excellence. Does anyone know anything about this? I have BCBS of Tx- TRS Active Care (teacher insurance). I do know that they have centers of excellence, but I don't know if this applies. I call them almost every day with more questions. I just thought I'd put it out here and see if anyone knew anything.

Hi my name is Roxanne and I live in Los Angeles CA. This is my first time posting. Just wondering if anyone is from the area and being treated by L.A. Bariatrics? I've already completed my visit with the Nut and Psych eval. They seem very helpful at the office but just wondering if anyone else has had an experience with them. Thanks

Omg these taste so good but now I am worried. I am trying to get all my vitamins, etc ready before surgery and ordered a three month supply. The problem is these taste like candy and I am already craving them. I'm scared they will turn into a trigger food. Has anyone else had this problem?

Research: Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure Revisional bariatric surgery appears to be associated with a higher risk of complications than the initial procedure, according to a study published in the February issue of Archives of Surgery. News - Bariatric Surgery Revisions Carry Greater Risks Than Initial Procedure <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden">

Abstract Vertical sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgical technique that involves resection of a significant portion of the stomach by means of stapling the greater curvature. This procedure is rapidly gaining popularity and acceptance as a primary bariatric procedure with good results on weight loss. The other restrictive bariatric procedure is the adjustable gastric band. As the results on the vertical sleeve gastrectomy and the adjustable gastric band vary, there is still a gap that can be fulfilled by another procedure. The authors present an alternative procedure that is under investigation that can be as restrictive as sleeve gastrectomy with no staple line or prostheses. This procedure is called laparoscopic greater curvature plication, which is similar to vertical gastric banding, but without the need for gastric resection. The stomach is reduced by dissecting the greater omentum and short gastric vessels, as in vertical sleeve gastrectomy, then the greater curvature is invaginated using multiple rows of nonabsorbable suture over bougie to ensure a patent lumen. This article includes the background, method, initial results, and a brief discussion on this new procedure. Introduction Traditionally, the primary mechanisms through which bariatric surgery achieves its outcomes are believed to be the mechanical restriction of food intake, reduction in the absorption of ingested foods, or a combination of both.[1,2] Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) are restrictive approaches commonly used in bariatric practice.[5,6] Although these procedures have proven to be good therapeutic options for some patients, they are not without significant complications, such as erosion or slippage of the gastric band or gastric leaks in VSG.[3,4,7,13,14] Leaks in VSG pose a particularly difficult challenge when they occur near the angle of His, potentially generating severe clinical conditions that require reoperation and may even cause death.[4] Since 2006, the authors have been evaluating the safety and initial results of the laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP™), a restrictive bariatric surgical technique that has the potential to eliminate the complications associated with AGB and VSG by creating restriction without the use of an implant and without gastric resection and staple. Methods Using the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) inclusion criteria for bariatric surgery (patients with a body mass imdex >40kg/m[2] or BMI over 35kg/m[2] with at least one comorbidity), all patients underwent a multidisciplinary evaluation (endocrinologist, cardiologist, psychologist, and nutritionist), blood tests, abdominal ultrasonography, and upper endoscopy to establish baseline. The study design was a prospective, noncomparative case series that received approval from the local ethics committee with patients signing informed consent. From January 2007 to March 2010, 62 patients (44 female) were submitted to LGCP. Mean age was 33.5 years (ranging from 23 to 48 years) and mean BMI was 41kg/m2 (ranging from 35 to 46kg/m[2]). Technique Patients were placed under general anesthesia in supine positions. A Five-trocar port technique, similar to Nissen fundoplication, was used. Trocar placement was one 10mm trocar above and slightly to the right of the umbilicus for the 30-degree laparoscope; one 10mm trocar in the upper right quadrant (URQ); one 5mm trocar also in the URQ below the 10mm trocar at the axilary line; one 5mm trocar below the xiphoid appendices; and one 5mm trocar in the upper left quadrant (ULQ). The procedure began with angle of His dissection and removal of the fat pad, followed by careful dissection of the gastric greater curvature using the Harmonic™ scalpel (Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio), opening the greater omentum at the transition between the gastric antrum and gastric body. Once access to the posterior wall was achieved, the greater curvature vessels were dissected distally up to the pylorus and proximally up to the angle of His. Posterior gastric adhesions were also dissected to allow optimal freedom for creating a greater curvature flap. Gastric plication created by imbrication of the greater curvature over a 32-Fr bougie applying a first row of extramucosal interrupted stitches of 2-0 Ethibond™ (Ethicon, Inc. Somerville, New Jersey) sutures. This row guided two subsequent rows created with extramucosal running suture lines of 2-0 Prolene™ (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, New Jersey). In the final aspect, the stomach was shaped like a sleeve gastrectomy but slightly larger. Leak tests were performed with methylene blue in all cases. No drains were left. Patients were discharged as soon as they accepted a liquid diet without vomiting. They also received a prescription of daily proton-pump inhibitor (PPI; single dose) for 60 days. Ondasentron and hyoscine (anti-spasmodic) were prescribed for seven days. The postoperative diet was a customized liquid diet for two weeks, with progressive return to solid foods in a stepwise fashion. Dietary restrictions were removed after 4 to 6 weeks, depending on patient adherence. Follow-up visits for the assessment of safety and weight loss were scheduled for 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months in the postoperative period. Endoscopic evaluations were scheduled for 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results All procedures were performed laparoscopically without conversions. Mean operative time was 55 minutes (40–110 minutes). Mean hospital stay was 36 hours (24 to 96 hours). On average, patients returned to normal activities seven days (4–13 days) following surgery. Mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL) was calculated to be 20 percent at one month, 32 percent at three months, 48 percent at six months, 60 percent at 12 months, 62 percent at 18 months, and 61 percent at 24 months. No intraoperative complications were documented. All patients had lost at least 10 percent of total body weight. In the first postoperative week, however, nausea, vomiting, and sialorrhea in occurred in 22, 14, and 33 percent of patients, respectively. In all cases, these symptoms were resolved within two weeks. There has been no record of weight regain in any patient to date. Postoperative upper endoscopy and radiologic evaluation were performed on 12 patients at one and six months and in seven patients at up to 12 months. Qualitatively, the upper endoscopies suggest that the initial greater curvature fold is smaller at six months when compared with the initial fold size at one month, but appears unchanged at 12 months. Mild esophagitis (Grade A of Los Angeles classification) occurred in four patients at one month postoperatively; these patients were symptomatic (nausea, vomiting, and sialorrhea) and were kept on PPI, following the standard protocol. The six-month endoscopic evaluation identified no lesions or symptoms. Lumen size appeared stable (e.g., no dilation) based on upper gastrointestinal (GI) radiologic series performed on these patients at one and six months Discussion Reducing stomach capacity to promote mechanical restriction to food intake is one of the traditionally accepted mechanisms used in bariatric procedures to promote weight loss. There are at least two surgical procedures that appear to rely on this principle in current clinical practice, AGB and VSG. AGB achieves around 50 percent EWL, but unsatisfactory weight loss occurs in more than 20 percent of patients with failure rate requiring surgical revision in up to 25 percent of patients.[7] VSG as a primary bariatric procedure shows medium-term results to be adequate (>60% EWL), with improvements in comorbidities.[4,14] These promising results are associated with some complications, however, such as esophagites, stenosis, fistulas, and gastric leaks near the angle of His. These leaks and fistulas are reported in nearly one percent of cases and can be very difficult to treat.[4,14] LGCP is notably similar to a VSG in that it generates a gastric tube and eliminates the greater curvature, but does so without gastric resection. Initial clinical reports by Talebpour and Amoli[10] and Sales[11] demonstrate satisfactory weight loss up to three years. Brethauer et al12 reported increased weight loss in patients receiving LGCP when compared to plication of the anterior surface. The present series, compared to findings reported in some series involving AGB, has the lowest early complication rates among all bariatric procedures. Even with no major complications to report in the present series, Talebpour and Amoli[10] report one case of a gastric leak associated with a more aggressive version of LGCP, which they attributed to excessive vomiting in the early postoperative period. Adverse events described by patients were minor, lasting up to two weeks. These events may be related to the restriction induced by the invagination of the greater curvature and/or edema caused by venous stasis. Qualitative endoscopic findings suggest that the greater curvature fold gets smaller. This may be related with the resolution of the initial edema, although the radiological findings did not reveal significant dilation of the LGCP at six months. The percent EWL achieved a satisfactory 61 percent at 24 months in eight patients, with all patients achieving at least a 10-percent loss of initial weight. This can be favorably compared with results from VSG. This series is limited by the low number of patients, the simple study design, lack of a control group, the noninclusion of patients with BMI >50kg/m[2], and the incomplete follow-up period. This limits the broader acceptance of these results. These limitations limit the broader acceptance of these results. In order to better study this procedure, an international multicentric trial with centers in the United States, Chez Repuplic, and Brazil was designed (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01077193). LGCP seems to be feasible, safe, and effective in the short term as a promising bariatric procedure on this initial series Acknowledgment Experimental evaluation was provided by Fusco et al8,9 that had published two articles about gastric plication on anterior wall and greater curvature of wistar rats achieving good results in weight loss analogy and significant better results of the greater curvature group. Recent clinical experience with variations of this technique has been described by few surgical groups. The authors’ initial experience was sent to the journal Obesity Surgery and was accepted for publication. More actualized data are described in this present paper. Original source can be fund here.

I was wondering if anyone uses Bariatric Advantage products? If so, what products do you use? I am mainly looking for the Vitamins I am going to need after I have my lap band placed. I just went to my orientation class at Kaiser South San Francisco and am looking into what vitamins I am going to need. Any and all suggestions and input gladly welcome!!

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Have a Great Day! Love All of You!! Always Have Hope in The Lord He Will Renew Your Strength!!

Alex, FINALLY completing the course today! lol. Only taken me a year! Thanks again for the hookup! Also, where is the thread giving list of moderators etc and the threads addressed to them? I can't seem to locate on new version ????

I have 3 bottles of Celebrate multiply vitamins, 3 bottles Celebrate Calcium plus 500, 2 bottles Celebrate Iron + C (all chewable) & liquid packets of Omega 3. Any fruit flavored chewable tablet does not settle well on my stomach. I will give these to someone if they will pay the postage.

At the NJ Bariatric Center I found answers to all my questions, the staff is awesome and the surgeons are top notch I had my sleeve done at Overlook Hospital in summit nj and I cant thank enough all the staff and doctors

Today was my consultation for gastric bypass. I have to do 12 month bariatric pre-surgery education. Anyone from Virginia and have Anthem Cova Care Virginia insurance and going through this?

Hello everyone, I have decided to see a patient advocate at TrueResults in Phoenix to see if I am qualified for the gastric sleeve. I gave all my insurance information to them before my appointment (I have Highmark BCBS through my employer, Centene Corp). The patient advocate informed me that they verified my coverage and that I meet all the requirements for a bariatric surgery. However, my BMI is under 40 and I do have one of the co-morbidity mentioned in the insurance requirements which is HBP. My dilemma is that the patient advocate said that I am required to be on two blood pressure pills in order to qualify - which I am - but the customer service people at Highmark BCBS keep telling me that I need to be on three HBP pills in order to qualify (they even sent me a hard copy of the requirements). I don't know who is right and I don't want to start this journey and to find out that I am denied. Has anybody else experience something like this ? I would think that the insurance people at TrueResults have accurate information, but I doubt it right now. The customer service rep at Highmark gave me the requirements for Highmark BCBS in general, but I know every employer might override these general requirements. Please help ! Thank you. Isabella

I was banded about two years ago in DeKalb, IL and very sadly the Kishwaukee hospital has to shut down their entire bariatric program due to people not being able to get insurance to approve the surgery...very sad....

Our dr's instructions were to take one in the afternoon and one in the evening at least two hours after taking our multivitamin with iron. I keep forgetting to take the afternoon one. Why can't we take the 1000mg at one time (two chews), anyone know?

Anyone else get one of these? We each got this weird stuffed bear with instructions on how to hold him against our bellies to brace for coughing. He's made to kind of fit against you and provide support. He's kinda fun....wears a little teeshirt that has illustrations of your procedure on it so you can show people with a visual. Weird, but kinda sweet. He has no butt. LOL And he's kinda ugly.

Hello, Does anyone want to buy these unopened bouillon or cream soups off me? I can't have Whey and didn't realize they had Whey Protein in them when I bought them. I bought them for $87.99/6pk but will sell for $85/6pk. Please tell me what 6 you would like or if you want all of them. Message me so I can mail them to you or if you are near Holden, MA then you can pick up. Just had surgery so can't drive. Thanks Sent from my SM-N960U using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm new to this and want to here from anyone who is having surgery or have had surgery with Southeast Bariatrics. I'm doing all my pre-op testing and hope to be finished by the end of the month. I cant wait to have the surgery. It seems like the more I read all the sucess stories, the more I really want this. Tell me about your experience..how long did it take from seminar to surgery?

I was looking into different sites that offer high protien Snacks and such that would be good for the whole family. I was wondering if anyone from Canada has ordered from these sites and had any problems with shipping through customs? Thanks for any information that you can share!