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I too had anthem BCBS and I was approved on Friday. The approval process took about three weeks and they did ask for some more paperwork in the middle. But really I think it went very well. And if all the info from all my docs had been sent in the first time it would have been even faster. So hopefully tomorrow I will get a surgery date I have had my lap band for seven years and revising to the RNY. I have no horror stories about my lap band it just didn't help me lose all the weight I needed and even when losing weight the diabetes and asthma did not improve. I am kinda putting all my eggs in the RNY basket and hoping I am one of the 80% that the RNY drastically changes the diabetes. Wishing you the very best.

I went to my first seminar in May 2012, I was done with the process and approved by my doc and insurance by July but had to put off surgery due to work. I had my surgery September 25, I starred at 364lbs and I am down to 300. I lost 40lbs before surgery and have lost 24 after. Mine was not a revision, I havent had any other weight loss surgery besides the bypass. I am sure you will do great, just stick to the diet and try not to get upset if something makes you sick.....I got upset the first time because I was doing everything right, my doc was awesome though telling me how our body is adjusting and that it might not like something right away but to try again later.

Good Morning everybody, I am a Bariatric Surgeon who worked extensively with Dr.Waleed Bukhari at the International Medical Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and I am currently in Canada for further training. I will be more than happy to answer any questions regarding all types of Bariatric procedures in immediate contact with Dr.Bukhari at any necessary time and give support. I also have communication with almost ALL the Bariatric Surgeons in Jeddah, namely Dr. Osama Murshid, Dr. Adnan Sabbahi, Dr.Mahmoud Hamo, Dr. Ahmed Khalil and Dr. Adel Bakhsh. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding Lap Band, Lap Sleeve Gastrectomy and Lap Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass, and amazingly, we do it by 3 ports only. I can read and speak Arabic but my keyboard is not supporting Arabic and I find it difficult to write in Arabic. Yours.

I would like to meet more members that had the DS or revision from RNY to DS. I am in Arizona and my doctor has been outstanding from the beginning to the end. I had my revision 12/29 ; preoperative testing on 12/17 then postoperative testing 12/30 to check for leaks . The radiologist said he did a wonderful job on my surgery especially since I had a ton of scar tissue. I want to get meal ideas and chat with more people. Also they say there was no good Duodenal switch doctors in Arizona which wasn't true there was a lady the travel outside of AZ to come here for her surgery. Good luck to your weight loss journey and your decision

Welcome! So am I understanding you correctly that you went in for a full gastric bypass but got a VSG instead? If so, from what I have learned, you are lucky! I chose the VSG to avoid all of the malnutrition problems of a bypass and I am getting my sleeve on July 23rd. I would say that 11 pounds in a week sounds pretty darn amazing! Congratulations!!!!

you have come to the right place! This site has answered more questions for me in the last couple months, than my 4 years worth of research of gastric bypass vs. lap-band. Good luck girl!

I was thinking that too. My sister had bypass and she looks older and more sickly. I think its b/c of the malabsorption and loss of nutrients. She doesn't take her vitamins like she should.

Hi and congrats on taking the steps to a healthier and better you. The sleeve is a wonderful and I absolutely love life post-op. As for your questions, I'll answer honestly and openly as I can. 1) I am a smoker. Smoking inhibits healing, and can cause ulcers. Not only that, it increases your risk of a leak due to hindering healing of the staple line. My surgeon knew my smoking status, but I didn't quit pre-op. Could it have contributed to the fact that I did have a leak, yes, but the biggest issue in my recovery and leak issues was because I had a band first that destroyed my stomach tissue. Smoking also complicates anesthesia recovery. Your abdomen is sore, causes more coughing and I had to use a spirometer to help prevent pneumonia. That really sucked because coughing caused major discomfort. I have quit twice since surgery, and am now trying to quit again. I actually went on Wellbutrin to help with the withdraws of nicotine as the patch, gum and cold turkey make life with me pure hell. 2) I had a huge panel of labs, a chest xray, psych eval, and consult with a nutritionist. Some surgeons require an upper gi and sleep study. 3) I didn't have a drain initially. A lot of surgeons use drains to make sure there is no leak, and some pull it before discharge, some require it stay in for about a week. I only had drains due to the leak repair surgery, and they stayed in for over 2 weeks. 4) I was not catheterized for my revision. I urinated before surgery, and was dry when I came out. 5) hair loss can happen to anyone that goes through surgery. It's a pretty normal occurrence. There is absolutely nothing you can do to stop it. It's a combination of anesthesia, surgical stress, and rapid weight loss. I lost hair for about 3 months, and I lost half of my hair. Luckily, I had super thick, coarse hair and no one that didn't know me before never guessed that I had lost all of my hair. The only thing you can do pre-op and during your recovery is to take hair/nail/skin supplements to help with regrowth. Biotin is usually the one most people choose. I didn't do anything to help with regrowth until I started losing. I used Folicure extra care shampoo. I started having new growth pop in while I was still losing. Currently, I look like a chia pet, and have chopped my hair off, layered it and bleached the top to help hide some of the new growth. I kept the back and underneath dark to help give the illusion of depth and volume. Unfortunately, hair loss seems pretty inevitable. There's several patients on this board that got in there Protein and extra protein, and they lost more hair and lost it for a longer period of time than I did, and I didn't get in my protein until I was on soft solids when I could eat chicken and other meat. My main advice is make sure you can handle the mental and emotional aspect of this surgery. It's a huge change, and no matter how much you read or talk to people will you really grasp it all until you go through it. I truly believe going in positive, and upbeat helps. Find strength within yourself, and know that you are doing something absolutely fabulous for yourself and your family. Know that recovery can be difficult, you'll be tested, you'll be exhausted, you might be mad at yourself especially during the post-op diet, but all of that is just temporary. Questions to ask your surgeon: What size bougie do you use to make the sleeve? What are your leak/complication stats? What are your expectations of my weight loss? Do you provide follow up care, labs, access to a nutritionist and psych if needed post-op (especially since you'll be self-pay find out what all is included in that cost)? Do you prescribe an acid reducer such as Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium to protect the sleeve, how long should I be on it? Post-op diet instructions? Pre-op diet instructions? How many sleeves have you performed? How many bariatric procedures have you performed? How long is the hospital stay? Leak tests, how many and when are they performed? That's all I can think of right now. Best wishes on your consult, and if you need anything ask away. We'll all be here for you through this journey.

Hi guys, I'm day 5 post op Omega loop bypass. Not sure how I'm meant to be feeling after I drink my fluids. Fluids are going down easily and I drank some tomato Soup at lunch time and I didn't feel full. Is this normal? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can spot someone in public who has had gastric bypass. They always look tired, anemic, have large calves and very saggy skin on their arms and neck. Maybe I'm nuts but I swear I see it all the time! I'm not bashing anyone who choses bypass, just noting my observations.

Congratulations and best of luck. My insurance has approved me for both Lap Gastric Bypass and lapband. I'm trying to decide which one I'll do.

I’m a band to SIPS DS revision (8/8/17) I did not have Barrett’s but I was getting terrible reflux with my band. I was also getting stuck on water! I’m so glad to have my torture band removed. It is so nice eating solid food without struggle. I had also gained all my weight back plus some. Since my revision though, I’ve passed my lowest band weight. And definitely couldn’t be happier. Good luck, I hope your next journey goes smoothly!

It also means that the Dr may be quite happy to revise from a laparoscopic procedure to an open procedure if they discover that your liver is in fact too big. You on the other hand may not be so happy when you wake up and discover that you have a much bigger scar than you anticipated and probably a lot more postop pain and a more difficult recovery.

Congrats on taking a great step. I had weight lifting on Tuesday and must have done too many/much squats and dead lifts because my butt hurts. Let me tell you that's a great feeling! We have some very similar goals. I have my first 5k on April 9th and will be doing a super sprint triathlon in August. Good luck with your training. Its amazing how one's attitude changes after surgery. For me, its the one area where I think they did brain surgery on me while they were doing my bypass! Keep us posted on your training! pam

I finally got a Surgery Date for my Gastric bypass I am getting my Gastric bypass on Tuesday July 24, 2012. I start on a Full liquid Diet on July 10, 2012 where I have whey Protein drinks at Breakfast, lunch and dinner. I can have some Soups like tomato , Cream of mushroom Soup and I can have some pudding and if I want something soldi I can have Carrots, tomatoes and Celery. I have my Pre-Op appointment on June 25, 2012. I would like prayers and I would like to have a Diet Buddy and I will want to know what to do 1. What Should I do If I am having Vomiting that lasts for several hours 2. What Should I Do If I am having Diarrhea for several hours I know that you can experience these things after having Gastric Bypass. I have some more questions: 1. If you have vomiting that lasts for several hours do you have to get to the hospital even if it means calling 911? 2. If you have diarrhea for several hours do you have to get to the hospital even if it means calling 911? Right now I Vomit with my Heartburn or GERD. Has anyone ever had Heartburn or GERD where they Vomited with their Heartburn or GERD? Did you do things like Belch with your Heartburn or GERD? I am looking for email pen pals that have gone through Gastric Bypass that can be my diet buddy that I can share my weight with. I am wanting to try to lose some weight on my own before the pre0op. I like pen pals that can answer short letters with questions like: 1. Do you have any pets? 2. Do you like music? 3. What type of music do you like? I would appreciate it if my questions about What to do about Vomiting and Diarrhea that lasts for several hours after Gastric Bypass is answered and my questions about Heartburn or GERD and pen pals is answered. If you know the answers to my questions please let me know I would appreciate it. Channing

I know I seen this posted before but I am 10 days out and I am not starting to feel hungry I had the bypass I am only on the second stage. I also have no fullness I just try not to over do it is this normal and will it change when I get on pureed food HW 413 SW 383 CW 370 Sent from my HTC6525LVW using the BariatricPal App

Hello everybody thank you for taking your precious time to read my posts. I am 4 months out of having laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery and in the last 2 days have had at times an icky taste in my mouth as well as a feeling of acid indigestion and mild tummy pain. I am on Prevacid once per day. I also have to take Miralax every day to stay regular. I am currently eating between 800-900 calories per day and 75-85 grams of protein and hydrating very well. Could it simply be acid indigestion? Anyone else experience this? Any input is welcomed...

I had bypass and no blue stain. Not sure what that is all about. Just remember the gas pain subsides more quickly if you get up and get moving ASAP after surgery. Also plenty of Water to flush the toxins..... Best of luck!

I had lapband 7 years ago. After a year, I had severe GERD and had to have most of the Fluid taken out of the band. After 6 more years of severe GERD and finally a diagnosis of aspiration pneumonias and staph in the lungs, it was recommended by the head of the GI department at a large metropolitan hospital that I have a conversion to RNY bypass. I am still down about 65 pounds from the original 100 I lost with lap band. Insurance approved the surgery in 2 weeks so I guess there's no question that this is the fix! I meet with my surgeon (the same one that did the lap band) next week for pre-op appointment and surgery date. I am scared, elated, preocupied with bypass information. I am reading everything I can get my hands on. I devoured the Big Book of Gastric Bypass and am re-reading it, marking questions and thoughts to talk with the surgeon and the dietician about. Not sure how or why I missed Bariatric Pal before, but I need all the help I can get. I have great family support and a couple of friends/acquaintances who have had bypass surgery so I feel supported. I need to move on from the "deja vu all over again" feeling and know that this is procedure is way different. I would love to hear from anyone else who has had a conversion.

Hi!!! I was revised from band to bypass on May 21, 2014. Omg I love my bypass! What a difference!!! I don't feel like I'm stuck all the time, I don't throw up, I don't have to find a barroom before I eat to make sure I can run there in time.. It's awesome! I was successful with my band lost all my weight 120 pounds in 9 months, kept it off for 5 years then bam one day I couldn't keep anything down even with an unfill. So revision was my option.. My band had eroded. I can tell you the revision surgery was easier for me than the band surgery. I knew I had to get up and walk ASAP after surgery because the gas pain killed me last time so I did!! I walked within 2 hours of surgery and kept walking. I was able to go home day after surgery and my recovery was amazing. Felt awesome! I even asked my doc if he really took out the band and did the rny I felt so good!! Feel free to pm me with any questions!!! And good luck!!

2 major ones this past year and I flatlined twice I can understand your fear. In my case it was such a battle with my health insurance company prior to surgery, that I just put blinders on. I charged ahead full steam and there was no time to self-reflect. The main reason why I had the surgery was because of health issues. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 3 years ago and the surgery corrected many of these health issues and it happened almost overnight.

Hi Debbie. Yes I go to Dr. Woodhead (referred to by my clinic) and hopefully a few of his patients will respond to your post. I like him very much. Dr. W. does not have a clinic but he does his surgery at the Delta hospital. I find him very supportive. Here is a list of questions prepared by a successful bandster. I had my band in Toronto, but the distance is so far away that I cannot take advantage of the support so I pay for my fills. I get my support from Dr. W. and the Support group that meets at the Lions Gate Hospital and from the Slimband website. These are just a few of the questions that come to mind that are important in helping to make a decision in deciding which band surgeon and/or clinic to go with: · Is there a fee for consultation? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to patients such as dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band potential patients to access? · What percentage of your bariatric clinic is devoted to lap band patients? · What is your medical education? · What experience in term of years and number of procedures do you have in lap band surgeries? · What experience do you have in performing revisions? · If you are a revision, what tests will you need to have done ahead of time to be sure you can have a lap band? · Do you have any statistics regarding your lap band practice and number of patients who have had slippages, band erosions or other complications? · What type of warranty comes with your lap band surgery? · What type of bands do they use and how do they determine the type and size? · Is there a pre-op diet you need to follow? o If so is there a cost involved? How much? · If I don't follow the pre op diet perfectly am I still allowed to get the surgery? · What tests and paperwork do I need to have done prior to being accepted for banding? o Is there any charge? How much? o What is the time span? · Is the surgery performed in the clinic or at the hospital? · In case of an emergency what is the procedure that is followed? · How soon after surgery can I go home? · What type of accreditation does your clinic have? · How do your operating rooms compare to those in a hospital if surgery is performed at the clinic? · Can you give me references from other patients I may talk to, especially those who are a revision from past weight loss surgery? · How long am I required to be in town before my surgery? · Is there a hotel that is recommended? o If so, is there a preferred rate at this hotel? o Is there a shuttle available from this hotel to clinic and back and how much does this cost? · Are my family members allowed to remain in the waiting room while I am in surgery or are they asked to leave until I am in the recovery room? · How long after I wake up can I go home? · What special medications will I need to purchase before hand? o Gas-x? liquid Calcium? chewable multi Vitamins? .... · How long would you recommend I take off work after surgery? · If I have a hernia do you fix this? o Is there an extra cost associated? · How long do I have to have a caregiver with me after surgery? · Is there someone I can hire to be my caregiver if I come alone? · Do you use latex? · Is there a deposit I have to pay to hold my surgery? o How much? o Is it refundable if I change my mind? · How must my final payment be made -- money order/visa/cheque? o Does it have to be in before my surgery or do I bring it with me on my surgery day? · If I have further questions may I contact you or your clinic with them? Even more important is follow up care: · What type of aftercare program does their clinic have? · What is covered in the cost of your surgery in regards to aftercare? · Is there an after hour phone number in case of an emergency or concern you encounter outside of normal business hours? o Is he/she available on call to answer or return your call? o Who responds to calls? · Do you have support groups available locally and in my area? · Is there a fee for any aftercare services? · How soon after surgery is your first fill usually? · What hours am I able to come in for fills and days? · How often between fills are you eligible for your next one? · How are the fills performed and are they with or without fluoroscopy? · Do you have to pay for your fills or are they covered in your surgery fee? o If they are not covered what is the fee? · If you live far away from the band clinic, do they have anyone local or closer to your home who is trained by the clinic to do your fills? o If so do you pay a fee to them and if so how much? · In case of complications post op, if you had a slippage or worse case scenario band erosion is any further surgery to remove the band covered or would you have to pay? · In case of a defective port or leak is the surgery to replace it covered in the lap band surgery cost? · In case of a defective lap band is it replaced at no cost to you the patient? · If you needed a new band for any reason such as the above or band leak, etc., is it replaced free of charge to you? o If not what type of cost would you be responsible for? · At the clinic does the surgeon do your follow up fills or fill nurses? o If nurses, what training do they have and can you meet them before committing to this surgery? · What criteria do they base your needing a fill or defill? · How long does it take when calling to book a fill does it take to get an appointment? · How much time is the fill nurse allotted to spend with you answering any questions or concerns also? · Are any of your staff at the clinic banded? · What other staff are available to help patients, i.e., dieticians, nutritionists, psychologists? o Is there a cost for their services? · Does the clinic have a website and a messageboard and or chatroom available for Lap Band patients to access? Pick out the ones may help you to make a decision.

I wish your husband was supportive of you. When I first talked with my husband about lapband he wasn't thrilled. I think he equated the risks with those of bypass surgery. I kept plugging away and talking with him about it, letting him know new things I was learning about it. I also told him how it feels to be overweight (he never has been) - I told him about my health issues that seem to be growing each year, how self conscious I was when it came to simple things like going to an amusement park and wondering if I would fit on the rides, having to be embarrased to ask for a seat belt extender when flying, all those things that affect your self esteem. He is now 100% behind me and wants me to do this for my health. I can't imagine going through this without his support. This is just my opinion, but you could have some real challenges ahead if he isn't all for this. I'm counting on my husband to back me up when I struggle or feel weak - if you don't have someone to do that for you it could be even harder. This is the second marriage for us. While we are aware of the concerns a lot of spouses have and the marriage problems that can arise from one partner having increased self confident and self esteem, I'm 47 and the only male's attention I want is my husbands and he knows that. Encourage your husband to attend some classes with you to see if that will help. I wish the best for you.