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Cashley, That line "Just because you can, doesnt mean you should" was quoted by Jessie Ahroni who is a bandster and published author, diabetes specialist, Phd nurse practitioner who is located in Washington and works for a well known bariatric practice. It was used out of context here, but holds very true for many bandsters who say they can eat a whole pizza pie and then complain they aren;t losing weight. Now in this case, it really didn't apply because the person was asking a legitimate question about having first bite syndrome followed by a bottomless pit scenario where they were still able to eat a portion which they felt was too large for a person with proper restriction. I guess what I am saying is you have a point, but you were rude in making it Gayle made some good points and you were extremely disrespectful. Babs in TX 334/180 ish -154 ish

Right! I have made a joke of it but it is a serious issue that is concerning me somewhat. I think I know the answer to my problems but would welcome some input on this. Since my op in July, I, unlike most other sleevesters, do not get any clear signals of when to stop eating. I don't feel full until it really is too late. I quite often keep going wondering to myself if I am feeling full or should be feeling full. I mean this has been my problem all my life because before I had bariatric surgery I could easily keep eating way past when I was feeling full or should have been. Do you know what I mean? Anyway, just recently, after eating I am feeling really rough. I feel shaky all over and it feels like my heart is racing. I don't get it after drinking and I don't get it if I just have a biscuit, for example, so I am certain that it is a quantity issue and just need someone to clarify that for me or confirm that that is the case. It may be that I am being too adventurous in what I am eating as well, although most of what I eat is still accompanied with a sauce of some sort in order to help it go down. Yesterday we took our daughter back up to uni and stopped for lunch and I didn't order a meal as it was a waste, but, I did have a few bites from my family's meals and that included a couple of fries, onion rings and breaded mushrooms. I felt fine at the time I was eating and even had a bit of apple crumble with some cream (only a very small amount), but, after we came out and got in the car I felt terrible and it lasted for about an hour afterwards. My heart seemed to be really racing and I felt so shaky and awful that I couldn't sit or stand or anything. In the end we had to find a supermarket so I could go in the toilets to be sick. I was sick there and then later on I was sick again into a bag in the car (family were not impressed at that!). Now,I am convinced that I overdid it and ate the wrong things , you know, they just didn't agree with me and maybe it was too early to try them, but, I had no warning of feeling full at all. I felt fine until I said to myself that maybe I should stop eating at this point! I didn't physically feel full at all. I just don't seem to get the signals that other people here talk about having. I have an appetite most of the time and crave stuff and can physically stuff myself. 'I' have to tell myself not to eat, not my body. It's weird. I have just had my lunch now and I have had to make myself stop eating just in case I feel awful after. I have only had a very small amount of cottage pie with gravy and whilst I generally feel ok I didn't feel too brilliant after I had finsished and was worried that I was going to end up feeling really ill again. Is it the food I am eating, dairy, processed, carbs....? I am not thick but am a bit confused at this point and it may be obvious to you so please help if you can. Thank you all Helenxxx

Pianoguy, I would really recommend St Lukes..I am a week away from surgery and the support system and entire program have been a great asset. I attended a preop class which let me know what to expect- ive attended support groups-ive met with a very helpful nutritionist who as part of my surgery cost I get to see 3 more times after surgery. The insurance specialist for the bariatric surgeons really goes above and beyond to help you through that process. Its also considered a center of excellence which some insurance companies require. Good luck!

My Vitamins must be chewables, no gummies what so ever. They're sugary and don't have the vitamins we need. And my Calcium must be calcium citrate with Vitamin d, chews, which is very hard to find. Luckily my doctor sells Bariatric Advantage Sent from my SM-G900P using BariatricPal

Is there anyone else out there dealing with what I am going through? I had my lap band done on Jan. 28th 2010 and it couldn't have gone smoother. I lost an astoning 71 pounds and felt like I became the person I should have been a long time ago. My nightmare started the day after my port revision. It had flipped in June of this year and of course was told is was a simple procedure...woke up twice on the table but I guess that can be common with a twighlight...ever since he did the revision it has been pure hell for me. He relocted the port, I have nothing but pain and none of my fills are working. I have had 3 fills since the surgery and nothing is working. I have expressed this to him and he did a CT Scan to see if there was anything going on around the port. Of coursenothing came up so why look into it anymore....he did a fill that day and I woke up at 4am in so much pain my husband had to help me out of bed. I laid on the couch for 24 hours with an ice pack and Tylenol. And cried a lot. I called the nurse and told her everything again and she has been very kind but kind doesn't help. She told me to make another money making appointment and have a heart to heart chat with him and write all my questions down. Not sure what else I can tell him!! When a patient has that much pain wouldn't you think your doc would look into this further or give you options. He told me it could soft tissue/scar tissue from the surgery or my body is rejecting it. Now I can't get in to see him for almost a month. Dec.21st!! Just in time to renew my deductable. I shouldn't worry so much about the money because my insurance does cover a lot of it, but I still have to pay some. So when I see him I am going to give him these options..either do a test to make sure the whole band is working, no leaks, port flips, or band slips. I have been poked so many times I feel like pin cushion. I don't even think he is getting the fluid in the port.. When I drink the water it does get stopped and then he does his thing with the fill. But then the next day I feel like there was nothing done. I think I have a surgeon who is not listening (not the first time), doesn't care or does't believe me. I am actually getting scared. Would've something is really wrong and he is missing it! So again, options are test, see a different surgeon or get the band removed which breaks my heart. It worked so well for me when it was just right. I am so sad about this right now. I thought I finally had found the answer to my obesity and its all messed up due to a flipped port. Gosh darn it! I also travel one hour to there. I go to Froedert in Milwaukee which is an awsome hospital. One of the best. People come all around from the world to go there. How did I end up in this mess. This time my husband is going with me....can someone please hlep me or support me in anyway. Give me any advice..I need something to keep going....I hear all these success stories and I want to be one of them. I was on my way too. Please, maybe just a pat on the back for me right now.Dec. 21st seems so far away. He is going to be gone I guess. There are two other docs in the practice whom i wish i picked now. I have met both of them and they are awsome. oh well...thanks for listening everyone...HELP!!!

Hi there, Kaiser (SoCal) has a mandatory 24-week Healthy Options program pre-surgery where they teach you about the lifestyle from A-Z, and in that time frame, expect you to lose some weight. My Bariatric team specifically said that the 10% rule is out the window; and that Kaiser no longer requires that a medically supervised diet is followed. I am doing the full-food program since I already use a full-nutrition supplement 1-2 per day, and am adjusted to a partial liquid lifestyle. Currently losing about 1.5 pounds per week on my own, which puts me almost exactly at 10% total weight loss before my operation in late-December/mid-January. As I receive info, I'll post in the forums! Knowledge is power. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm at the Kaiser SoCal group... all of San Diego. What have the psych appointments been like? I have diagnosed Bipolar II and BED, but the surgeon didn't seem to be concerned since I'm well into maintenance mode and on a very low dose of the meds. One of my anxieties has been getting through the program only to be rejected by the psychologist, but I've read in medical papers that upwards of 3/4 Bariatric patients have been diagnosed with BED and there is a! 82% depression/anxiety underling psychological case issue. I think I was approved to move forward because I got all of this under control? Any insider information would be greatly appreciated. ❤️ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Thank you for the add! Haven't even thought of Tumblr—it would be good to diversify the feed. IG has been incredibly informative from a visual standpoint over what to expect skin-wise et al. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App Hey! Which Kaiser are you going through? I am going through Richmond Ca Kaiser, they have been great so far. I am on my 2nd psych appt, so any questions, maybe we can talk! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using the BariatricPal App Hey there—sorry for the double response, still learning the app there is a loose comment in the thread for you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

All bariatric surgeries have their success stories. And all can be defeated. Some surgeries are recommended by surgeons over others based on your medical history and comorbidities. If that is not a factor in your case, you surgeon may leave the decision up to you. But if asked directly, most surgeons will make a recommendation for one surgery over another. And as others have suggested, nothing will build your confidence like your own research and you're in the perfect place to benefit from the experiences of so many great folks. Welcome to the forum! You're gonna love the new you!!

@@jane13, there are 6 hospitals in my area and only one surgeon that is in bariatrics. The one that doesn't allow outsiders. I'm good though. Thank you again for the help.

My first after my sleeve surgery was identical to your. I threw up everyday, nausea 24/7, in and out of the ER and hosp, i had to finally ask for a second opinion because my surgeon told me i was just fine. In the beginning i didnt eat anything for 5 weeks. I had been on the strongest antinausea meds and they didnt do anything.. My new dr did an endoscopy and diagnosed me with bile reflux. After starting the medicine it took about 3-4 months before i was feeling normal. My bariatric surg moved away so im now followed by a GI surgeon. I have been doing pretty good. Please let us know how you are doing. I would get a 2nd opinion asap. For myself having the other surg was not guarantee it would fix the bile reflux. In reality it would open me up to a host of other issues. We are about a year apart in age. Prior to surg I was 330 lbs now I weigh 165-170. I feel pretty good after losing 160 pounds. Many of the medical issues I had prior to surg are gone. So there have been positive changes. But I literally thought I was dying too. I had to go to physical therapy to get strength back to start walking again. I hope you get better soon. Laurie

@@Blerdtech91 Welcome to BP! I'm new around here, too. Joined only a few days ago. I'm 29, 5'5" or so, and my CW is roughly 303 (but my scale at home lies and it's been almost a month since I've been weighed in -- going on Wednesday). I started at 340-something. I'm still pre-op, due to get my sleeve in mid to late October, and I have had the joy of waiting six months for my insurance, as well. The six months has mostly gone by quickly, but I noticed the excitement and the feeling that this was really going to happen for me dissipated at about month two. For me it was very easy to feel like this was so far away and I couldn't maintain my initial level of "omg, I'm so happy I'm doing this!!" Once I get close to my final appointment at the end of September, I'm sure the excitement will come back. I'm also anticipating a little anxiety, but nothing I can't handle. The endoscopy I was required to get during this six months was the first time I've been put under anesthesia. No other procedures or surgeries, so There's bound to be some nerves. Has anyone recommended to you a book called The Emotional First Aid Kit? It's written specifically for bariatric surgery patients and is really a great tool to help with the emotional aspects of recovery and life after surgery. It's written by Cynthia Alexander and available for the kindle at $9.99. I also found used copies for $6 plus $4 shipping on amazon. I definitely recommend it! Best of luck on your waiting period and surgery! Keep us updated! Sent From BariatricPal App

I was self pay and went out of my area for surgery - I selected a local bariatric surgeon who took me on as a patient even though she didn't perform the surgery. I pay $120 for my visits with her. For me, it was important to have aftercare and follow up visits with her. I wanted to have a local resource where I can go to make sure what I'm feeling is normal and she can look at my bloodwork and determine if anything is wrong. I get the blookwork requirements from the surgeons office, then have my primary care doctor order the bloodwork so my insurance will pay (they have to code it as anything other than weight loss for the insurance to cover). I then take my results to the surgeon. That has saved me about $1400 this year. In the end, as with everything else with this journey, you need to do what's best for you. I feel like I get a value from my surgeon's visits and I really like what she offers.

If it feels like someone is stabbing you under the shoulder blades with a bowie knife and twisting it around mercilessly, it might be your gallbladder. This is one of those things you should ask your surgeon about. Gas is bad enough, but should not interrupt your day like that. A lot of people have gallbladder issues after bariatric surgery.

I feel so defeated.... it feels like every time I try to improve my health I make things worse. A small bit of back story first.... I had my WLS back in 2000, and was never told a lot of what they tell people now. I was simply told to take calcium, stool softeners and a multivitamin.... not what kind or what it should include etc. I was then told years later I was anemic, but after 2 years with that (PCP) doctor she never addressed it even though I inquired. Due to an extremely large hernia and pain I was having, I went to the bariatric doctor and he said to fix the hernia I would need to lose weight. I was losing weight again (after many years) and was feeling tired all the time. I asked my team about the low iron/anemia and asked if should I address it. I was advised to take 18 mg of iron daily so I bought the multivitamin with it included.... I bought a year's worth.... several days in, I became painfully constipated. Nothing worked but suppositories. I also increased my water intake and fiber both in food and with Benefiber. I was finally able to go without extreme pain after 2 days. One day of not using the suppositories and I am right back to not able to go again. I don't know if this is something that my body just needs to adjust to or if I messed myself up with all the years of taking stool softeners (that I don't even know if I was getting benefit of because I took soft gels)... I did message my team to ask advice, but with so many here going through similar stuff I thought I'd rant here also! I hate to think I wasted over $100 on the multivitamins that I can't take now. I'm a retired teacher with limited funds.....lol....

Go to a free seminar of the bariatric surgeon of your choice then let your PCP know. My PCP was more than supportive. If not, then it's time to get a new PCP. If you went to a seminar today, you may get scheduled for surgery within 8 weeks so that is about the lead time to expect.

My bariatrics surgeons scale is 5 pounds higher. When I said I hate your scales the nurse told me yeah everybody says they are 5 pounds to high. I laughed and said you would think your scales being int he business they are in should be dead on. No one wants to go to their surgeon and weigh 5 pounds more than you should. Lol. What a downer. Now I weigh at home and I tell my doctors what I weigh. I am not weighing on 4 or 5 different scales.

@@Luvin_Life125 Google the local restaurants and look up their menus online. Takes the guess work out of which restaurants will have bariatric friendly foods.

I had my first appointment with the bariatric team today. Filled out paperwork, got weighed and had my blood pressure taken. Met with the two NP's and talked about surgical options. They feel (as I do) that the vertical sleeve is for me. Gastric bypass may have been difficult after my gallbladder surgery - something about scar tissue. The sleeve was what I wanted. I had about ten vials of blood drawn. Next step is meeting with the nutritionist, psych evaluation, barium swallow, EKG, ultrasound and Echo, and a sleep study. I have to lose 15 pounds on my own before hey will send in the paperwork to request surgery. Post op diet is a regular diet - not liquids. They said they don't do full liquids pre-surgery because it makes patients miserable and we have to learn how to eat less. I'm going to have a hard time with no drinking right before and after meals but I know I can do it. Feeling good about making the first step.

So - just a random post. I was sleeved by Dr. Ponce 9/30/2015. I will be honest; I was very, very apprehensive about having surgery outside the US. I have to say - so far - it has been an amazing experience! The Bariatric Pal staff were very supportive and helpful. The nurses were excellent! (Loved Mari!) And last but not least, Dr. Ponce!!! What a wonderful physician. We had pre-surgery consultations. Spoke to me for 45 minutes on the phone. No sense of rush or impatience. Very knowledgeable. Once in Mexico, he came and saw me everyday. Sat down. Took his time. Answered all of my questions. Provided me with a video of my surgery and my leak test. And has consulted with me electronically since I got back. Very responsive. AWESOME DR.! WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND. <3

When you are given instructions you find vague from doctor's and/or medical staff, I find it best to ask for specific examples. Most bariatric programs can provide or at least direct you to where to get sample menus. As for eating during the day. Pack your lunch and Snacks.

what caused me to look into this elective insurance option is I noticed that Dr. Kelley in Tijuana offers the cover for $250 but I later found out it only covers complications during surgery or while you are recovering in Mexico. It does not cover complications when you return to the U.S. I'm signed up with Corvala at Hospital Angeles. They said that they have looked hard for insurance to cover post op complications but haven't been able to identify any policies that would make sense for patients. That caused me to look at my own health insurance policy fine print. I am fortunate to be covered by two health plans but neither covers bariatric surgery. The first plan is silent as to whether it would cover post bariatric surgery complications. The second plan does cover post surgery complications for elective surgery but I had to dig through the fine print to find it and the insurance company rep I spoke to orignally gave me the wrong answer over the phone and I had to correct her leading to her eventually agreeing with me. If you are going to have elective bariatric surgery and are under a health plan you may want to check to see if your plan will cover post op complications(i.e. leaks or strictures) from elective surgery. If it doesn't cover post op complications and you are one of the unlucky ones that develops complications it could obviously lead to very large out of pocket medica bills.

Here is another company with the type of insurance policy I'm referring to and there are several other companies that offer this coverage. What put me onto this is that Dr. Kelley who is a bariatric surgeon in Tijuana does VSG surgery sometimes at Hospital Angeles and other places in the TJ area offers Medical Tourism insurance as part of his package for an extra 250 dollars. It seems to me that it would be money well spent to have this coverage in case I get back to the u.s. and develop vsg related complications. I have a feeling my primary and secondary health insurance companies in the u.s currectly covering me would give me a hard time about paying for any complications related to an elective vsg. i would have better piece of mind having surgery in tijuana if I had a policy like this to cover large unforseen medical bills due to vsg complications when i get back to the u.s. https://www2.sevencorners.com/medical-tourism-insurance/ MEDICAL TOURISM INSURANCE Why Buy Medical Tourism Insurance? Whatever the reason you decide to pursue Medical Tourism, complications are always a possibility. When a medical procedure is performed abroad, there is normally no insurance coverage to protect you if you have complications. Bordercross WorldwideSM medical tourism insurance is the first plan to help with the needs of a medical tourist. Our plan protects you for medical complications and provides travel assistance services. Maximum Trip Length: 60 days Bordercross Worldwide Key Highlights: Medical Complications Up to $50,000 Trip Cancellation Up to $40,000 for you and your traveling companion for travel accommodations, including non-refundable expenses paid to the medical facility scheduled to perform the procedure, in the event you need to cancel your trip prior to your scheduled departure date Medical Coverage Up to $50,000 for acute illness and injuries for you and your traveling companion, which may arise on your medical tour Medical Evacuation Up to $100,000 Coverage Available for medical procedures performed outside the United States Travel Assistance Services Included- Available 24/7/365 Underwritten by Certain Underwriters at Lloyd’s of London. Virtual ID cards available immediately after purchase. View the Bordercross WorldwideSM Brochure for details, restrictions and the schedule of benefits. View the Bordercross WorldwideSM Program Summary for full details and restrictions.

Interesting. My bariatric surgeon mentioned in passing that I might get off the thyroid meds, but I didn't press him for details. Way back ten years ago when I was put on thyroid meds, the Dr. said some people take it their whole life, and some bodies just adjust naturally and they are able to go off it.

I take Trader Joe's Chewable High Potency Multis (bought at Trader Joe's of course). I pick up whatever Vitamin D supplement is on sale at Kroger or CVS. The rest I get from Amazon - Wellesse liquid iron, Citracal Petites (for the first 4 weeks after surgery I used Wellesse liquid calcium instead), and Bariatric Advantage Chewable Probiotic. I buy the Equate brand of sugar free fiber supplement -- same fiber as in Benefiber but fewer calories and carbs, also cheaper -- and add it as needed to my protein shakes and yogurt. Wellesse also makes liquid multivitamins and B complex if you prefer liquid to chewable or gummy.

NewHope Bariatrics has opened up a brand new surgical center in LA. NewHope Bariatrics develops and operates Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Short-stay Surgical Hospitals that serve the needs of the morbidly obese. Dr Davtyan is a prominent and respected bariatric surgeon. He specializes in Lap-Band surgery and has the Lap-Band himself. I have heard only wonderful things about Dr. Davtyan. 1-877-639-4673 is the number for more information.