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Kari, My insurance changed with my job in July of this year. I had been on Blue Cross of WY and when I called to ask them if they covered it, they said they did cover the bypass, but to submit reasons why I wanted a lapband thru my doc. That claim was denied, but by then, I had new insurance with Beech Street. I called Beech Street several months before I was even a member and asked if they covered weight loss and they said YES. I asked if they had ever covered any lapbands, and they said they had covered several in the last few years. I got approved with MINIMAL hassle! They were awesome. Then, my employer sent out our coverage booklets, and weight loss was listed as "excluded" except with medical necessity to be proven. I had to show a medical history, a medical supervised diet (I had done phenphen about 10 years ago), and had to get a psych eval. That was it. Honestly, that exclusion paragraph would have discouraged me had I not been approved! SO, all this means, YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!!! Go for it. I even had a friend who paid big bucks to BC/BS for 6 months on high risk insurance so she could get a bypass...and they paid if for her after 6 months! SO, there are ways around it, too, without being stuck with the whole cost. I would just call and ask about a coverage claim and see what happens. All information is good information!!! As for your other questions, I had surgery on Tues in CO and I am tired today, but no pain meds needed...just sleeping and taking it easy! It was honestly much easier than I had prepared for. Good luck! Rose

Hello all, I'm pre-op...actually waiting for the word of approval from Aetna any day now. I admit that the sleeve was my first choice. However, when I heard about the chances that the acid reflux could worsen I quickly went with the bypass. I'm reluctant because I've known 2 people that have died after weight loss surgery. So, naturally my brain is racing. Yet, at the same time, the reality is that my current health isn't great and if I keep on the same path it's definitely not good. My surgery is more for the medical issues (Diabetic, BP, high cholesterol, etc), then weight loss. I'm at the moderate level according to my surgeon. I just want to move forward with a healthier life! What are some words of wisdom, experiences,positives and negatives that some of you have experienced? Is there anything that you would have done differently? How was your support system? I've only told a select few. I'm excited about this opportunity, but I don't want the naysayers to bring me down. People already can tell that I've lost a few pounds (in preparation for the surgery)...and they are already saying things like "don't lose too much weight...you don't wanna look sick". Well, I'm like...I AM SICK!!! Smh It's so frustrating. I mean, I have my good and bad days with health. It could be worse...but it could also be much better. Thoughts? Comments?

Congratulations on your new beginning!! I start my liquid diet today too...well I started 2 days ago to give it a test run and so glad I did. What has helped me is planning what I will "drink" each day and I put an alarm on my phone to go off and tell me exactly what to drink and when. In between time I try and stay busy to keep my mind off food. I pray a lot and keep my goals and some inspirational scriptures on hand to keep me encouraged. I'm having bypass on May 27th and am very excited about my new beginning as well ????

I'm two weeks out and scheduled to cruise in November. At two weeks out I think I've got a good handle on what to expect at say 5 or 6 weeks out. Things become easier everyday. I'd go ahead and schedule the surgery and the cruise. Oh, one more thing, I felt and feel so good, so improved over what I felt before surgery. Can't wait to be in the Bahamas!

My surgery is on November 13, and I am going a little stir crazy these last few weeks. I feel like time is slowing down and I'm just ready for it to get here already and it's making me agitated. Has anyone else experienced that? It's probably partially because I'm miserable at my job five days a week and I'm looking forward to the time off, too.

I had a BMI of around 67 when I got my surgery. So no, a higher BMI isn't a contraindication. This is surgery to promote weight loss. If your doc tries to push bypass on you, go to a seminar where you can get objective fair data on both and make your choice. I had to do a preop diet that was pretty strict but it wasn't to lose weight so much as to shrink my (enlarged by fat) liver. You may have that depending on your lab results etc. However it was just for a few weeks (would've only been 3 if I hadn't cheated) and it wasn't that bad.

I had watermelon yesterday and it was delicious. I sucked on it for the juice and I have no shame . It settled well and now I kinda don't like watermelon anymore lol. It was good and all but I believe that my tastebuds have changed a bit. For example, I used to love Premiere Protein during my pre op stage, but now I gag when I drink it. I don't have anything against the brand, but my bariatric nurse as well as my big sister (a bypass patient) stated that your taste buds change post op. Has anyone else experienced this? If so I would love to hear about it. Sent from my SM-G360P using the BariatricPal App

I had my 3 month post op visit today and I am down 85 pounds since I started this process in November 2013.

After RNY gastric bypass surgery, the three most important daily requirements are Protein, fluids and Vitamins. In terms of protein, you need to find a protein shake that you can tolerate. You don't have to like it, only tolerate it. For many individuals, their taste buds change. Mine changed so much that I couldn't even drink the Water in the hospital because it tasted like chlorine. I could not drink milk because I became lactose intolerant after surgery. Fortunately that condition (lactose intolerant) only lasted for 2 months. Flavoring such as chocolate is O.K. so long as you can tolerate it. Be prepared to experiment after surgery until you find a supplement that you can work with. Whatever protein shake you select, it should have a good amount of protein (such as more than 20 grams per serving) and low amount of sugar. If you become lactose intolerant after surgery, be aware that some Protein shakes contain lactose. For me I used "Muscle Milk Light (Vanilla Creme) protein shake powder blended in a Ninja blender (single serving cup) with water. I blended in a half a banana to make it more tolerable. Your protein requirement is a separate requirement than your meal requirement - so the half a banana doesn't count against your meal volume. (But don't abuse this). Also your protein requirement doesn't kick in until after you begin to pass gas after surgery (normally within the first 5 days).

LOL agreed fellow New Yorker!! Some people just don't know how to answer the question. And ironically enough, although I do not 100% the answer to your question, I'm having my surgery next week for a revision sleeve to bypass. maybe we can stay in touch?! What i can tell you though, is when i had the sleeve I could barely drink the recommended 64oz daily. I would try to sip every 10 minutes but it was soooo uncomfortable. It would take me an entire day like this to even hit my fluid intake.

Had my bypass and I have struggled since day 1 first pain now 3 weeks of nausea and tonight I coughed/threw up blood. Idk if the blood is just from my stomach and esophagus irritated from all the dry heaving and throwing up or what what do u all think? Anyone experience coughing/throwing up bright red blood?

Sorry you are feeling so bad. My rny bypass was the tenth. What did you have? I would go to ER if it continues. You do not want to make things worse by dehydration. I had my surgery early in the morning of the tenth and went home late afternoon on the thirteenth. Prayers your way. Paula Sent from my EVO using the BariatricPal App

I started my journey January of 2011. Went through the process of a whole year of weight management, went to countless appointments and i was supposed to have surgery january-february of 2012, and it didn't happen why? Because the hospital staff is lazy and unorganized. It was May of 2012 when i decided to give up on the idea because i had gotten a new job, and i just didn't have the luxury of taking 3-4 weeks off for recovery. Soon after calling it quits, i found out i was pregnant and 3 months in i had a miscarriage, was it my weight? Maybe so said the gyn but it could of been plenty of other things. Months passed, and i injured my back, doing chores. After going through months of agony i finally found out what was wrong with me, i had a slipped herniated disc. I was rushed into an emergency spine surgery and right before surgery the surgeon(that saved my life) told me that if i would of waited a little longer i could of been paralyzed. And also told me that i should look into getting the gastric bypass surgery. I quickly told him the nightmare i went through with trying to get it and he said dont worry i know someone. After surgery he told me that he really recommends me doing the gastric bypass sooner rather than later because i need to lose a significant amount of weight to get full function of my leg and to have a fully healed spine. He worked his magic with the gastric bypass surgeon & because of this wonderful man, i am now scheduled for my gastric bypass surgery on February 11th and am on my way to a full recovery! below is my before pic, cant wait to post a 6 month post op pic!

I had to have spine surgery 5 years ago when my son was only 9 months old. I know the horrible pain associated ...there were times I couldnt stay standing due to the pain running down my leg. I had a lumbar fusion and have 6 screws put in my lower back and after that surgery I swore i would never have any surgery again unless i was in some sort of accident.... Fastforward 4 years later the back pain and stiffness had started to be a problem again...because i was weighing 265lbs mostly in my mid section...i had mild sleep apnea. I was a crancky miserable person specially in the mornings because of my lack of sleep ...from the apnea and back issues.... After research I decided to have the gastric bypass surgery....i didnt want back surgery or pain and health problems..and thought the gb surgery woul help overall ...Jan 31 2012 i had my gb surgery.... It was one of thest decisions of my life. I am down to 152lbs ...i am doing planks, push ups sit ups all kinds of different things i couldnt do before.... I love going to the gym...yes love he gym...that has helped with the skin ...not much lose skin.. The gb surgery helped me out of the hole, but now it is up to me to stay out of the hole.....sooo i have no more sleep issues no more back pain...feeling great ...needless to say my family is happier with me in the mornings lol....so keep going...I wish you lots of success! Remember ..the gastric bypass is a tool, not the solution.... God bless!

Mine 11 year old told me I could have his twizzlers and reese cups! I about died because I just started day 3 of my liquid diet because my surgery is November 12th. We can do this!

I had RNY gastric bypass surgery. This was the list that I was given. 3 Flintstone complete chewable Multivitamins daily. [This type of Vitamin is preferred because of absorption. Although if you are a few years post-op you might be able to substitute Multivitamin capsules. Gummy Vitamins are not acceptable.) Additional 65 milligrams elemental Iron daily for menstruating women. [should be ferrous sulfate for best absorption.] 1500 to 1800 mg. Calcium citrate daily. 500 to 1000 micrograms sublingual B12 daily [should be methylcobalamin for best absorption.] or 1000 mcg B12 injection monthly. 5000 I.U. vitamin D3. [but do not exceed 5000 I.U.] 100 mg Thiamine (vitamin B1) daily for one year following surgery and then weekly thereafter.

the food aversion isn't uncommon - that goes away over time. I agree with Arabesque that it could be a stricture. They happen to about 5% of bypass patients (can also happen in sleeve patients, although it's much less common) and you're in the right window for it - they almost always occur 1-3 months after surgery. I'm really shocked your surgeon's office would respond the way they did. You CAN live without food for awhile (but not forever..), but when it gets to the point you can't even keep fluids down, that's a huge problem. People can't live without fluids for long. If you can't keep fluids down, I'd go to the ER. if this is a stricture, it's an easy fix.

me too! it will start again no worries:-) HW 250/1st Lapband 198/2nd Lapband 232/Pre conversion 2/6/13 to bypass 232. Currently 206 Bariatric GW 134, Realistic GW 150

Oh yeah and the band... that port they do the fills from sits on top of the muscle and underneath the skin. To me, that translates to "you can totally feel it!" So I wasn't okay with that! Lol My surgeon said he thinks the band is "on it's way out..." My surgeon also said bypass is good for people who have severe acid reflux issues, if that pertains to you. But I really feel like the sleeve is the only option for me! And about plication not removing the grehlin... I asked my surgeon if bypass patients still experiences grehlin-related hunger and he said no -- since food isn't passing through the stomach, grehlin production more or less shuts down. Just a random tidbit... Good luck with whatever you choose. =)

I’m a runner. I’ve been a runner since I was a teenager. I’ve run five or more miles three times a week for the past four years and rarely take a day off. Many of my runs have been over ten miles. I’m the crazy guy you’ve seen running in the rain and the snow on the side of the road at 7 AM. I’ve learned a lot from running and many of those lessons I have applied to life in general. I’ve shared much of what I’ve learned about running with many of my patients because I believe that there are a number of parallels between long-distance running and the journey through weight loss. Many of my patients agree. I’d like to share some of these parallels with you to provide you with a helpful way to think about all that you’ve gone through and may still experience going forward. I should make an admission to you first. I’ve never actually run a marathon. It’s something I very much want to do someday but have yet to attempt because of some nagging injuries and such. However, I know enough about long-distance running and have spoken to enough marathon runners to understand the psyche of the marathon runner. Therefore, I feel comfortable speaking of it here. Consider the entire journey of weight loss surgery from before surgery to years afterwards as a marathon. For those of you who are unfamiliar, a marathon is a race of 26.2 miles. The modern Marathon commemorates the run of the soldier Pheidippides from a battlefield at the site of the town of Marathon, Greece, 26.2 miles to Athens in 490 B.C. It is seen by many as the ultimate test of endurance (although there are now ultra-marathons that can go for 100 miles or more!). There are many things one must do to prepare for the running of a marathon. A marathoner has to complete several practice runs and work up his stamina and endurance to get into peak physical condition for the race. A marathoner is encouraged to make dietary changes, especially in the few days before the race. A marathoner has to mentally prepare for the grueling 26.2 run and plot out the course and a strategy of how he is going to make it from start to finish. The process of weight loss surgery is quite similar. There are many steps to take before your big day. There is research to do. Perhaps you will talk to doctors or to those who have had surgery to better understand what you will be experiencing. When you decide that surgery is for you, there are pre-surgical assessments, medical tests and other things that must be done to ensure that you are prepared for what lies ahead. You are instructed to make dietary changes in anticipation of your surgery…perhaps a liquid diet for a week or more. And certainly you must mentally prepare for all of the physical, behavioral and emotional changes that lie ahead. For the most part, your surgery date is the starting line. You’re nervous. You’re excited. You’re hopeful. Similarly, the marathoner heart is pounding long before the starting gun is fired. The gun is fired and suddenly…they’re off! The first few days after surgery, you’re just trying to do as told. Listen to what the surgeon, the nurses and other professionals’ tell you and get home from the hospital as soon as you can. The marathoner is just putting one foot in front of the other and trying to find a good pace…a comfortable groove. Nothing fancy, just moving ahead. The first few weeks after surgery are like the marathoners first few miles…nice and easy. Learning to chew, learning what to eat and what not to eat…adjusting to the new pace of eating and making other changes in your life to improve your chances of success. Much of the journey lies ahead and thinking too far ahead can be daunting. Keep your head in the present. At some point, there will be bumps in the road. The runner may have a side-stitch, a cramp, pain, fatigue, a pebble in his shoes; some complications to be addressed. The marathoner understands that some of these discomforts will come and go. Sometimes, if you just let it be and shift your focus to other aspects of the running experience and away from the discomfort…the discomfort goes away. It is important that the marathoner not panic about the situation. The journey through weight loss surgery will also have its discomforts. Like the marathon, many will simply come and go. Some days may be more difficult than others. On some days eating may be more difficult than other days. On some days, cravings will seem stronger than others. In most instances, the discomfort will be temporary. Avoiding “catastrophic” thinking is the key. I am speaking of the mental demons that we all must deal with. Often while running, it seems as if a little devil appears on my shoulder whispering negative comments in my ear. “You’re never going to make it.” “You can’t do it.” “What were you thinking trying to run so far!?” “You’re not into it today…just go home and try again tomorrow.” Weight loss surgery patients also hear the voice of a little devil who attempts to derail you. “How am I going to avoid eating some of those foods that I love?” “What am I going to do at the holiday barbeque…I’m going to go nuts!” “I can buy a pint of ice cream and just have a little…what’s the big deal.” “A few cookies couldn’t hurt.” Part of your preparation for the marathon of weight loss surgery needs to include maintaining a positive attitude that can help you last the equivalent of 26.2 miles and to develop strategies for coping with these mental “cramps” and “side-stitches.” What am I going to tell myself when and if things get a bit complicated? What you tell yourself is immensely important in determining how and whether you will reach the finish line. Believing that you can cope with some of the temporary and unpleasant bumps in the road is essential for your success. Many of my patients initially get quite deflated by setbacks or slips. Most times, they are engaging in what I call “black and white thinking.” In this way of thinking, eating one serving of ice cream immediately becomes “I’m sabotaging my surgery!!” One day of feeling deprived or hungry becomes “My band isn’t working!” or “I’m never going to be able to live this way!” It is dramatic, exaggerated and self-defeating thinking. The marathoner’s mindset needs to be focused on “how I can” not “why I can’t.” There is nothing propelling the marathoner forward other than his or her own desire to persevere. He can stop with one step, but CHOOSES not to. He tolerates the discomfort. You also can stop. You can “cheat.” You can avoid getting your band adjusted. You can eat around the bypass. You can drink your calories. You can eat sweets. But you won’t finish the race and you’ll feel terrible for it. Several miles further down the road, the marathon becomes a strange combination of harder and easier. The marathoner has plenty of discomfort. Discomfort is probably an understatement. His body aches, his feet burn and his mind is often numb…but at the same time, he is beginning to almost taste the finish line. There are fewer miles ahead than behind. There is a mild euphoria as he considers that he might actually make it!! The surgery patient has lost a lot of weight several “miles” into her race. Perhaps most of the weight has already been lost…or maybe it’s already all off and now she’s focused on keeping it that way. But perhaps there are still some discomforts. Maybe some people continue to make annoying comments, or you have some body image concerns, or are experiencing other sources of anxiety and insecurity. It will be ok. Keep the focus on the here and now, avoid catastrophic thinking, and address what needs to be addressed. Try to taste the finish line. It’s not much farther now. This is where the analogy ends. The marathoner raises his arms as he crosses the finishing line and gasps in a combination of exhaustion and euphoria….I did it!! It is an incredible accomplishment. He is finished. But as a person who has had weight loss surgery, you will always be running your race. Through time, your pace will hopefully become more predictable and steady, but the journey of weight loss surgery never truly ends. There are always “side-stitches” and “cramps” and little “pebbles in your shoes.” Rub out the cramps. Take a few breaths to relieve the side-stitches. Step off the track for a moment and shake out the pebbles in your shoe. Focus away from whatever the source of discomfort. There’s no timer anymore so there’s no rush to the finish line. Take each day as it comes, some better than others. Just keep a steady pace, a clear focus, and a positive attitude and you will successfully cross a thousand finish lines. Important lessons to remember: · Stay focused in the present. Avoid thinking of how far you still have to go. Instead, focus on how far you’ve come. You cannot effect change in any moment other than the present one, so thinking about and certainly worrying about the future is in many ways both pointless and counterproductive. It only creates anxiety and ruins the present moment. By focusing in the present, you will get to the future faster than you think. When I run, if I focus on the fact that 90% of the distance lies ahead, I immediately feel tired and overwhelmed. When I simply take it one step at a time and enjoy the run, by the time I next think about my distance I’m that much further along and confident that I’ll get through it. · Keep your “qi” (pronounced “chee”) about you. Qi is the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent and flowing in all things (it’s like “the force” in Star Wars). I think of qi as being a peacefulness, and being at one with the world around me. When I run, I feel more alive than at any other time. I am at one with the world around me. I am moving through the world and feel the world moving through me. Live in the current moment and allow yourself to experience all that you are experiencing. Be present in the present. Avoid thinking of what is wrong or what could go wrong. Instead focus on what is wonderful right now. · Most of the physical and emotional discomforts that you will experience on your journey will come and go. Maybe not right away or even today. But most discomforts do not last forever. Just as many of the runner’s side-stitches and cramps work themselves through, so will yours. · Avoid focusing on small and meaningless detail. Don’t weigh yourself incessantly and get down on yourself for every calorie. Do not become overly disappointed if you do not achieve these silly and arbitrary goals. The marathoner can choose to obsess about his slightly slow pace and tragically turn a remarkable event into an unbearable trek. · Believe that you can “stand” some discomfort. Telling yourself “I can’t stand it” will lead you to not stand it. The marathoner perseveres through extraordinary physical and psychological challenges to reach the finish line. It is not an easy path. Your path too will be littered with obstacles. Trust in yourself and believe that you “can stand it” as well. · Focus on the journey and the big picture. The transformation. The accomplishment of weight loss surgery is not in losing a certain amount of weight. It is about being able to make positive, meaningful change in your life that is now possible at this lower weight. Success isn’t achieved through a number on a scale; it’s by being able to live the life you’ve always dreamed of. · Enjoy the run, not just crossing the finish line. In every moment of the race and in every moment of your journey…take a look around. Breathe in what is beautiful and enjoy each moment. Don’t live your life only in anticipation of crossing the finish line. When you have reached the finish line, I promise you that you will look back and think very fondly of the race you’ve run. :thumbup:

Are you really getting in all of your Water and Protein at one week post op? For me that was absolutely impossible because of the swelling inside. I ask because dehydration can feel exactly like hunger. You should not have a lot of stomach acid because you had bypass and the hunger hormone itself should not yet be present. So it realistically could be dehydration or head hunger and as James said that need to chew something. I remember that feeling as well and it really can mimic hunger.

I had gastric bypass and no nausea! Also had my reflux disappear HW 242 SW 236- December 20, 2017 CW 199 GW 160

Hi all! Had my surgery on 22nd November so im almost 4 weeks post op. The last 2 weeks though, ive noticed ill become really nauseous about an hour after dinner. Ive noticed its around when i take my iron supplement and rabeprazole(only have 2 doses of that left) . Im just finding it weird, its only after dinner ill have the nausea. Not sure if its because of the pills? Or something else? I knew nausea would be a side effect i might experience but the same time each day? Im not usually the one to vomit either but have been quite close to it at times! Takes me about 5-10mins of like meditating to make sure i dont vomit and then all of a sudden its gone. Has anyone experiences anything similar? Of course ill be asking my surgeon at my next appointment.

Hello, am scheduled for my MGB on 9th June and wondering on pregnancy as I would like to conceive mid next year 2019. Any person who has gone through this ?Please share experience,thanks and greetings from Kenya

Hi, I am 13 days PO gastric bypass. For the first 12 days I could barely drink a little more than an oz in 15 mins. This morning for breakfast I was able to drink 11oz in 30 mins and not feel full. For lunch, I just had some soup and I was able to eat 9oz in 30 mins. I don’t feel “stuffed” but I am having heart palpations. Has anyone experienced this? is this normal ?