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Newbie here...Help!
AmandaRaeLeo replied to kputman09's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I have a BMI of 57 and I'm using Dr. Lopez/Dr. Osuna with A Lighter Me. They are a husband/wife bariatric surgical team. The main reason I chose Dr. Lopez is because he specializes in high BMI patients which carry a higher risk. I am, however, doing my preop diet now in the hopes of lowering my weight/BMI/risk. And the high BMI charge. Amanda Rae -
February Sleeve Sisters! Date? Dr.? Hospital? Hotel?
vicky17 replied to Water Nazi's topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
Feb 5, 2014 Dr. A. Lopez (Specialized Bariatric) Mi Hospital Marriott TJ -
I would check with your bariatric team. Higher protein may be fine since you are newly banded. I know that excessive protein can cause kidney stones etc....but the protein grams would be super high and I doubt you could exceed once you are on solid food. You are drinking lots of water which is very important.
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9 months out-VSG Fundus Complications
Cia2020 posted a topic in Revision Weight Loss Surgery Forums (NEW!)
I'm 9 months out from VSG, saw the bariatric clinic follow up staff, and am so GRR now. I never had that "I'm never hungry" feeling once I recovered from the surgery but shrugged it off. I could drink 2 oz. fluids at once literally the day of surgery so I was like... OK, cool. Weight loss was slow despite being diet compliant and exercising, stopped at 25 pounds after 3 months, then gained 10 back after a foot injury (off again since getting back to my daily 5k jog). I've been having reflux for ages despite avoiding trigger foods/drinks and I get hiccups 20+ times a day regardless of how I'm eating, drinking, or not doing either. So they referred me back to the surgeon's office. Last week I had an upper GI study. The radiology report says I have mild decreased lower esophageal motility and mild outpouching at the fundus... um, I shouldn't HAVE a fundus after gastric sleeve. The weakened esophageal muscles explains the fluid that backs up when I drink sometimes, especially if not sitting straight up or standing, and the chest lock I feel when eating dryer foods or meats. I'm confused about the fundus. Is the radiologist mistaken and unfamiliar with VSG anatomy? Did the surgeon leave part of my fundus? The surgeon's office is awful at communicating so I'm in limbo. They didn't even call me before ordering the upper GI, they just had the radiology department call to schedule me without notice. All I can think about is where I go from here. Meds for the reflux and live with the hiccups? Revision surgery for the reflux and basically start over (the big GRR)? Anyone else have anything similar like a retained fundus, outpouching, or GERD with esophageal motility disorders like weakened muscles after VSG surgery? -
Researching whether ACA Exchange policies will cover complications
rhw94123 posted a topic in Mexico & Self-Pay Weight Loss Surgery
I am pursuing surgery in Mexico mid November 2013 (next month). I have to buy a new individual health insurance policy on my state's exchange as soon as possible to start on January 1, 2014. My state is not going to cover bariatric surgery with exchange policies, but I did find out that our exchange policies will cover revisions to weight loss surgery if they are needed to correct a life-threatening condition. A big boasting point of the various "exchange" policies and ACA in general is that pre-existing conditions can no longer be excluded from insurance coverage. I thought it stood to reason that if they HAVE to take me starting January 1 and if I JUST HAPPENED to have had VSG right before they take me on, then if I have a complication they can't refuse to take care of me. A fellow sleever shared a spread sheet with all of the states' intended policies back in June 2013. I can't get the url to post right now but if you search Obamacare in the forums it will come up. I welcome any research along these lines that anyone wants to share -- I am dying to buy a policy and get it in hand to look over because I know you can send them back after a few days and get a different one if you don't like the details. (I have tried to sign up for an exchange policy every day since October 1st... some days I have gotten further in to the process but I've always ended up with a "sign-up process failed -- try again" message so far. I figure it will work soon/eventually --so I will keep up with my daiily Quest , lol.) -
dont expect to be working or using laptop. you probably wont even read a book. between sleepies from pain meds and post anesthesia, not much will be happening in brain land. I was really glad I had loose pants with drawstring, warm crocheted vest, sleep mask, ear plugs, warm slipper socks. everything else was not really needed. oh, and some nice smelling lip balm, think it was coconut almond or something. I had a little fleece blanket that was bright colored that was homey to come back to after my walks, and helped me know I was going in to the right room. just think bedtime and hall walks. I had a roomie so it was nice to be able to tune out that side of the room. of and comfy old bra and tshirt with loose sleeves. you will have an iv so dont have anything with long tight sleeves. I had a little firm pillow that helped me move around, better than the bariatric teddy bear with advertising they gave me. oh, and I loved having my airline pillow since I have neck problems. love sara
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My surgeon is a great guy!!! His office has everything. They do the fills right there and has their own nutirionist. They are in Plainsboro which is about 15 minutes from North Brunswick. Dr Chau is his name, NJ Bariatrics, 609-785-5870
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Well folks I have started my journey. Earlier this week I went and had my Upper GI and chest X-ray done. Have appointments for the Pulmonary and several other's next month and into June. I am using my civilian insurance (Horizon NJ Health...i.e. Medicaid) since the Veteran Affairs is moving Sssooo s-l-o-w...but I have started. Should be an interesting set of experiences. I am concerned that Horizon will not cover it saying that my V.A. benefits are my primary insurance. That is a whole other can of problems just hanging there in the back ground. I keep telling Horizon that the V.A. dose not play nice with other insurance companies and I don't think they will do the type if surgery I want done. I have a problem with a surgeon who only wants "1 size fits all" bariatric surgery. It make me nervous to have him operating on me.....
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Trying Not To Get My Hopes Up Re: Insurance
Roxygirl replied to tlm1120's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
My insurance required 2 years of weight history and diet attempts and then the 6 month requirement was through my bariatric DR and a nutritionist. Can you call your insurance and ask or do you have a member handbook to refer to?? -
Today is my 1 year surgiversary!
KimDawn replied to KimDawn's topic in Weight Loss Surgery Success Stories
Hello! Thank you all for the words of encouragement and the the leg advise. I am taking Magnesium now. I see my bariatric doctor in 2 days for my one year check up and labs. I will talk with her about it. My daily intake: I have a premier Protein shake on the way to work. Morning snack is a fruit or nuts lunch is Chili or salad or tuna dinner is whatever we can find at home or when we go out (we carpool and my husband is not on any particular diet) So if we go to Taco Bell, I get a taco, toss the shell and eat the rest like a salad Otherwise - we grill steaks 2-3 nights a weak (emptynesters - we can have steak every night) Rib eye steaks make me dump so I have to get either a Filet Mignon or sirloin. End the day with a Protein Shake or sugar free pudding. That is a typical day - I don't have much of an appetite BUT some days - I can't get enough to eat and usually end up with a tummy ache by the time I go to bed. When will I learn not to eat so late? UGH! Today I'm sick with a cold/flu for the first time with my new tummy and I'm researching what I can take, cold medicine wise. I haven't been sick in 2 years. So I will be searching this lovely side for any advise. You have have a GREAT day! -Kim -
Oh my gosh, you are all wonderful to respond with such encouragement! The Vitamins my surgeon insists that his patients take do not agree with me at all. I just took another type tonight and already feel better. I think I minimized the importance of them, which I should have started a few days ago and then they made me sick so I quit 'em. I have an appointment with my surgeon tomorrow so I should have all the vitamins and supplements I need by tomorrow night when I discuss making the change to new ones. Thanks a million for your replies! If you know anyone who wants some unopened Bariatric Advantage Protein powder and chewable Iron, let me know and I will give them away - I'll even pay the shipping!
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My surgery is scheduled for 1/4 and I am getting everything ready ahead of time. I have ordered a bunch of protien samples so I will be prepared to try them post-op to see which ones I like the best. But what I haven't gotten yet, or even really thought about was Vitamins. I don't have much money, and the ones from Bariatric Advantage are so expensive. Does anyone have any advice on some good, inexpensive vitamins that I can take post-op? Also, what about Calcium, Iron, B-vitamins, etc? Are all of those necessary? Can I find these in chewable form somewhere fairly inexpensive? Do I need to invest in Omega-3's as well? There are just so many options and I am getting more and more confused the more I research them!
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Need Advice About Vitamins
LGoz replied to shellbelle's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Shellbelle - My husband totally figured out my Vitamins for me.. I have never taken them before and he is kinda freaky about taking them. Anyway here is what I have been taking... 3 calcium chews 500mg Plus D & K per day - Carmel flavor ( very good like eating a carmel candy ) Meijer Brand around 8.99 for 60 chews - 1 chew 3 times per day Vitamin B complex sublingual liguid with B12 1200 units - 1/2 dropper under the tongue once per day in the morning - 10.99 will last a while so not bad - bought it at walmart 1 Bariatric Advantage multi- vitamin ( berry flavor chewable) twice per day. One in the morning and 1 in the evening. 24.00 for 1 month supply I chose not to take the Iron because I had the thermal albation a few years ago and do not have a full blown period anymore.. which is terrific The only expensive one was the multi vitiman - I'm going to shop around on that one I have not taken any of the other ones you mentioned and it's not on my list from the Doctor Hope this helps!! -
3 months post op
Christinamo7 replied to Christinamo7's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
I am in the Nashville Tennessee area. I have a really good bariatric team (except that NUT who drives me crazy), a lovely NP as a PCP and a wonderful doctor at the oncology clinic who I think of so highly. he is a specialist. my case has them all scratching their heads - but they keep a good eye on me. they know the WBC is caused by enlarged lymph nodes where my small intestines are - I had NO idea there was tissue holding your guts together until this happened! makes sense though. there's what they call "stranding" in there too. it's inflammation. so they think it is either cancer, an infection or something called sclerosing mesnteritis which is what they think it probably is. isn't it frustrating that all of our other problems don't go away with WLS? seriously. we should only have to deal wit one thing at a time. -
Bariatric Advantage and Opti Fast
Tippy2us replied to etlopie's topic in Protein, Vitamins, and Supplements
I used Opti-fast when I got the lap band and I bought it online. Are you from So. Cal? I wonder if we have the same doctor? Dr. Paya? I remember Opti-fast being available through him...Anyway, this time I bought my own whey protein and made my own shakes. I buy most of my vitamins at walmart or the vitamin shoppe but I do get my calcium citrate chews from bariatric advantage because I haven't been able to find the chewy ones (chocolate, caramel, etc.) in citrate form anywhere else. -
After 5 years of fear & negligence, MUST re-engage but don't know how!!??
crystal525 replied to only1ruben's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
After a quick search I found these--just google bariatric and Virginia Beach. Bariatric Physicians Licensed in | VA Bariatric Surgery (Weight Loss) Doctors in Norfolk, Virginia I love my dr. -- he's in Northern VA. We're only a 3 hr drive away if you can't find one closer! Again...jump back on the bandwagon and start logging foods. Get to the doc as soon as you can. -
Wow, I'm sorry you had so many problems with fills! Where are you in Southern California? I am in the Los Angeles area and am seeing Dr. Milton Owens at Coastal Center for Obesity. He's been doing bariatric surgery since 1987, Lap Band since 2001. He seems very open to giving the right care, and my PCP highly recommends him. Just a thought...
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Supplements, other than multivitamins?
CalicoskiesNC replied to neveragain's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
I take several. Omega3, 1500mg D3 2000mg 81mg aspirin Lutein 20mg Astaxanthin 4mg B12 2000mg? Calcium (Tums at meals, 1000mg) Biotin (can't remember my, I chew 2tabs) Triamterene (Water pill Rx) Fiber caps 4 daily Everything I take is ok'd with my reg dr, Bariatric dr and Dr Oz -
I just came from my pre-op appointment with the surgeon. I sat around in the waiting room for an hour after the appointment to try and get a surgery date but ended up leaving and got a call just now with a date of 10/18/16! Further out than I wanted BUT I'll take it - and it actually works better for work and gives me time to get my shit together. I found out that I actually need to do a 2 week liquid pre-op diet so that was something I didn't know about (thought I was one of the lucky ones). Pre-op liquid diet starts October 4th - 5 Meal Replacement shakes (Bariatric Fusion) and 3 Snacks (broth, sf popsicle, watermelon, sf jello). Yikes - I hope I can stay with it like I've been encouraging others to do! See if I can practice what I preach! October 6th is the 2 hour pre-op teaching class (recommend bringing my main support person with me). The surgeon did tell me that he doesn't usually do a Leak Test in the hospital (THANK YOU!!!) - which actually was one of the things I dreaded the most. He'll only do it if there appear to be issues. He recommended I come off my birth control pills just to reduce the risk of clots - even though we do 1 week of blood thinners post-op (stopped those today). We went over all of the risks, possible complications and signed the consent form. Looks like I'm almost ready... So excited to finally have a date!!!! Thank you all for putting up with me for the last 6 months!
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How often should I be eating? Calorie intake?
BostonWLKC replied to Rose400491's topic in Post-op Diets and Questions
Hi! What is the Bariatric app called? I’ve been using the MyPlate app HW 242 SW 236- December 20, 2017 CW 197 GW 160 -
The band is without a doubt the best decision anyone can make for themselves. It may take longer to lose the weight then most bariatric surgeries but it is by far the safest. The pro's far outweigh the con's. I would do it again without hesitation even with all of my trials and tribulations. I have lost all that extra weight and gained a healthier happier ME
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Hello from Italy waiting Banding
girlie2shooz replied to MeiQa's topic in Tell Your Weight Loss Surgery Story
oh yah they are smokers that is for sure. Yes Italy has the food market cornered in my opinion. So Preop food plan was 3 weeks out 1 meal of replacement shake and 2 meals of meat and green vegetable. then on 2 weeks out it was 2 Meal Replacements and 1 meal of meat and green vegetables. 1 week out 3 Meal Replacement shakes a day. i am 5'6" and weighed 212, my surgeon wanted my weight down by 8 pounds and my liver healthy. that is his practice for everyone and i did lose the weight. he had no issues with my liver and was able to work around it very easy. my post op was similiar to yours, liquids 1 week, mushies 1 week, reasonable solids (ground beef, fish, etc) 3 weeks. mushies were hard for me because I like hot cereals and those pack the pounds on me, so i went for cottage cheese, thick veggie Soups, yogurts, ricotta cheese with some seasoned stewed tomatoes and garlic, you get the pic. if you look on the right side of this web page right below the search window, it says, "Members Area." click the "messages" link and it will take you to the PM and you just type in the users name and it will send your message to that user only. i am with you, i don't wrangle these websites too often but you will get the hang of it. I have learned that my doctor's words of advice have been right on the money everytime, i have followed his directions to a tee and i feel really good and have not had any "issues." if you would like to visit their website it is Western Bariatric Institute :: Home This website is a wealth of info but if you would like to see my surgeons info packet, I would be happy to mail it to you. just let me know. g2s -
Will I ever be normal again?
esskay77 replied to Sheesh's topic in POST-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A
Depends on what "normal" is. No, you won't be able to eat everything you used to eat. That's what got you here. But, you will be able to have a wide variety of food that can taste great. If you prefer breads and pastas and pizza, that sort of thing, then you are not going to be doing that anymore. But stick with lean Proteins, some veggies, a small bit of carbs/grains and you are good. Luckily, you can't eat as much anymore anyway. Get a bariatric cook book--they are filled with tasty recipes! -
Hi all, I am now beginning the process for my VSG surgery. The surgeon I am going to have it with is Dr. Spencer Holover in Roslyn NY... he is with the NY Bariatric Group. Anyone had their surgery with him? Please share your experience if you have. I have GHI and BCBS insurance, how long did it take to get the surgery with these insurances in NYS? I am hoping to have my surgery by July🤞🏽.
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90 day insurance wait for a fill?
Leecelove70 replied to sherilynn's topic in LAP-BAND Surgery Forums
Thats so stange I have Empire Bc/Bs PPO of New York and my first three months were covered for everything even my first fill! My Nurse NP(surgical assistant who does the fills)did not feel I needed a fill with in the three month time frame since I had lost 40 pounds. I had my and one any only fill on Ocotber 25,2006 of 1cc which I did not pay for, just paid for the office visit. My monthly follow ups are with my Nurse Np and dietican and they are not covered by insurance, they each charge $80.00 each which is out of pocket. I am able to get remburished for my out of network fees up to a certain amount. I have to sumbit recipiets each month. I have lost 57 pounds since my surgery on June 13th and Iam 8 1/2 months out! Most fills after the first three months are usually not covered by insurance,I would call your insurance ask for Medical Management department and ask alot of questions on how Lapband bariatric surgery is handled. I had to do this with Empire when getting my approval for surgery they were both informative and very nice. Good Luck -- Hang in there the journey is so worth it! Lisa
