Search the Community

I bet you are very anxious for the 17th to get here. Then you can have soups as long as they are blended until there are no chunks. There are also some places you can order bariatric soups that are higher in protein. I have a tomato soup that is very good and has 20 grams of protein. It's made by Proti.

My experience is the same as @chrissymcm08. I’ve lost 83 lbs and rarely have knee pain now. Before the sleeve, I was told I would benefit from knee replacement. I was referred to Bariatrics by an orthopedic surgeon because my BMI was over 40. My BMI is now 30 and still going down. Knee replacement is the last thing on my mind now. So much happier!

Bariatric Advantage online. Several flavors. It is like a piece of candy a day.

Bariatric Advantage has a one a day which I started taking because the chewable made me nauseous. The size is ok about the size of one antibiotic capsule or slightly larger. It does not bother me and there is minimal after taste. The first few days it made me burp but then went away. I found taking them 10 minutes after eating helps keeping them down.

Just because the surgeon is in network does not automatically imply that your new coverage will include bariatric surgery. I strongly suggest that you consult your HR/benefits team to ensure that bariatric surgery and weight loss services are not excluded in the new policy. On the right side, there are times when one company will continue to cover you for a procedure like this that is already underway so that you do not experience an interruption in treatment. This may not qualify because those arrangements are usually reserved for treatment of severe injuries or pregnancy, but it never hurts to ask.

It's understandable to second guess yourself. I tried for years to lose the weight on my own, but it'd take me a YEAR to lose 20 pounds and a month to gain it back with interest when I gave up out of frustration. Eventually I had to face facts. I wouldn't be around to watch my nieces grow up if I didn't do something about my weight. I was 389 pounds when I finally decided to look into bariatric surgery. I'd been coming up with excused for YEARS as to why it wasn't for me. Truth was I didn't believe I'd have the willpower to stick with it. But, surprisingly, it's been relatively smooth. There was this one girl in my bariatric surgeons office that comes to mind when you talk about backing out. She went through the whole process THREE times! She got right up to her surgery date and backed out and had to start all over again. I was talking to her in the surgeons office before my pre-surgery appointment and asked her why she'd go through all that and then not have the surgery. She said she was scared and then asked me why I didn't seem to be. I told her I'd gone through a much scarier surgery so this was like a walk in the park by comparison. I honestly don't know if she went through with it that time or if she's going though the process for a FOURTH time. Clearly she wanted to lose the weight, but the unknown of the surgery was terrifying to her. The unknown can be a really scary, I get that. But think of how much better you'll feel losing that extra 80 pounds. Who cares what your PCP thinks (vanity? pfft, a 37 BMI is still obese and your PCP is a friggin' MORON!) or if your mother doesn't approve, this is YOUR life and YOUR body! The surgery will help you become a healthier YOU! In the end though, the choice is still very much your own. Whether you go the conventional dieting route or the WLS route is still your decision and no one else's. Maybe write out a list of pro's and con's. Or read success stories to pump yourself up. Either choice you make, I wish you the best.

I use Bariatric Advantage chewable calcium, you can order online. If you set up a monthly auto shipment, there is no shipping charge. The lemon is great. I shop around on the Internet for my multivitamin. Right now I am taking the Centrum chewable bursts. They are like little jawbreaker balls, but soft after the first crunch. I take a b complex, but no added iron. Look at drugstore.com, Walmart, Walgreens and CVS. They all run vitamin specials. You can get the non chewable of most things in a small pill too, you just have to hunt for them. I do like the calcium and multi chewables though.

This what is covered as of 10/2008: • Bariatric surgeries, including gastric stapling, vertical banded gastroplasty, gastric lap banding for obesity, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, and gastric bypass surgeries with required prior authorization from Harvard Pilgrim.

Abbreviated in Bariatric Land as YMYC. Another one for the lists 2 BARI-Buds are compounding. At any rate, there are 2 schools of thought on which is better in the long run for people. Know what I am planning, know what 2. other classes of Bari-seekers and currently,no one,i know personally,are planning a lapbad. Did know of one, the local surgeon who was doing Bariatrics as well as General Surgery, had someone die,on her table, not sure which variety of surgery was being performed but since this is only a community hospital with small-town, small-minded values she left,town in disgrace. She had done an proceedure on me in 2012, I liked her personally and had no qualms about her abilities, she did right by me. And of course this is all I do know, tried to explore the rumor, but "wagons are being circled" nobody claims to know anything and I got a stiff "SHE is no longer with US" for my troubles. They had started with lap-bands and Sleeves here locally,Thanksgiving 2017, although some were completed the program is shut down for a year, possibly into 2020 when they complete a Family Health center annex to my community's hospital and they expand to more than 3 G .Surgeons, certainly no one remaining are touching bari- patients MMNNM( short for Makes Me No Never Mind) I was going to Columbus in the first place, my body requires an RnY to make me All Better, and I KNEW it would not be offered here, if ever. So that is our" Little Tempest in a Teapot" in my little town, and as Pual Simon so musically stated " nothing but,this Dead and Dying in my little town. A crying shame,because this is a pretty🌱🌷🌱🌻🌱 green lovely section of MidAmerica.

Ok sorry that I'm bombarding this forum with my posts but it seems I have so many questions. I was wondering if after getting the bypass surgery (either RNY or mini gastric bypass) are will still able to digest and absorb Vitamin pills (and not capsules) like prenatal Vitamins for example? Also I came across a Bariatric once a day capsule under the brand name ProCare Health . Was wondering if any of you have used it before? Is it advisable to use a once a day pill? I have read somewhere that chewables are the best for RNY patients and it has to be taken 2-4 times for best absorption.. Is this true? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my surgery with Dr. Oh of St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, he doesn't have the greatest bedside manor, but they are a Bariatric Center of Excellence. I have had great results, and the rest of his staff is very good to work with !

Hi! I’m new here and only a couple months into my journey. So far I have been accepted into the local bariatric program, seen the psychologist and was approved, and now I’m meeting the surgeon for the first time tomorrow. Does anyone have any advice/insight/questions I should ask? I really have no idea how it’s going to go and what the steps after will be (most insurances require X amount of months dieting, mine does not). I’m nervous and excited!

Just found this on http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mexicanbandsters/ Just thought it may help you as well as others fill doctors in the southeast The info that follows was obtained in late August and early September of 2003 in my search for a fill doc. I was banded by Dr. Rumbaut in Monterrey, Mexico on August 5, 2003. I utilized Inamed’s website surgeon locator, called around and FAXed my surgical report to several. I used my zipcode (Birmingham, AL) and was given all currently approved lap-band surgeons within a 175 mile radius. I also used the zip of my hometown (Jackson, TN) which ultimately led me to the doc I chose. Even if your insurance didn’t cover banding, ask the docs about coverage for flouroscope, barium swallow and other necessary procedures because sometimes if they bill just right, I’ve heard it‘ll go through. I made sure to tell the doc/nurse that I have had no problems since banding (thought that might help persuade those on the fence about doing my fills). I asked several questions - price for fill, price for flouroscope and whether doc uses flouro or not, what other procedures the doc requires and how much they cost (barium swallow), do they offer free fix if too tight or loose within 30 days, how much experience do they have. And much like with my electronics at home, one of my biggest criteria (along with price, experience and location) is accessibility. The best computer in the world does me no good whatsoever if I can’t get anyone to help me when it malfunctions! My choice was *Dr. Charles Morton* in Nashville (615) 832-8186 He agreed to do my fills for $150 due to easy placement of my port. He doesn’t use flouroscope and it’s done in office. I guess he might do it differently for everyone, but that’s what I was told. Shauna was my contact person. VERY nice and returned call promptly! Dr. Barry McKernan (Woodstock, GA - 770-924-8808) does fills for those he didn’t band for $400 per fill -or- three fills for $1000. Each flouroscope is $200 extra and he requires a barium swallow prior to the first fill on people he didn’t band. That’s $250 if you’re paying out of pocket. Office staff named Kelly is very helpful. Dr. Rick Finley’s prices are the same, though I’m not sure about the “three for $1000” deal. His office staff seemed a bit disjointed. He has an office on Peachtree Street as well as one in Woodstock that he uses once per week. (404) 688-1934 Dr. Dennis Smith in Marietta (770-928-9299) does fills for people he didn’t band ($400), but requires review of the surgical report and doesn’t use flouroscope. Dr. Robert Miles (Birmingham) and Dr. Douglas Vanderbilt (Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga) only adjust those they banded themselves. Drs. Steinberg & Quinones (Surgical Associates in Atlanta) continue to be impossible to reach and calls don’t get returned. Dr. Leena Khaitan at (Emory Bariatrics in Atlanta - 404-778-5671) is new to the band so Adrianna was going to call me back. I FAXed my surgical report. I never followed-up since I found someone else. Dr. Michael King in Oxford, Mississippi has a nice staff person named Micki who told me that he has only done 3 bands and doesn‘t feel comfortable doing follow-up for patients of other surgeons just yet. Drs. James White & Ron Goncalves Cleveland, TN (423) 479-1647 FAXed my surgical report and Tabitha was going to talk with the docs about it, but I went with someone else before she even called me back. Dr. Walter Rose was impossible to reach. He’s located in Chattanooga. Drs. Ponce, Fromm, Manaham & Paynter are located in Dalton, GA and Chattanooga, TN. They charge an arm and a leg to adjust those they didn’t band ($740). Though they have a fantastic reputation, please don’t reinforce this price gouging by using them!!! other fill doc info Dr. David Carroll in Jackson, Mississippi Dr. Jeffery Caylor in Foley, Alabama (beach trip anyone?!) will do fills for those he didn’t band. Cost is $500 for first fill and $350 for all others. He gives a 30-day guarantee. I don’t think he uses flouroscope. (251) 970-1295 Dr. Allen in Louisville, KY (502) 583-8303 does fills for those he didn’t band and is recommended by Dr. Rumbaut. Cost is $250. Dr. George Woodman in Memphis (901) 869-2000 Dr. Clark Warden in Pascagoula, MS (228) 762-3131 Drs. Booth, Bellanger & Kim in Ocean Springs, MS (228) 875-3778 Dr. Anthony Terracina in Panama City, FL Dr. Ray Compton in Paris, TN (731) 642-2011

I really feel you. I was terrified of being put under. I know I drove everyone in my life crazy leading up to my surgery because I was 100% convinced I wasn't going to make it. I even didn't renew my AAA membership because I figured I'd die I talked to my surgeon and asked him how many sleeve patients he'd ever lost. None. I talked to the anesthesiologist and asked how many patients he'd lost. None. I saw how this surgery has no more higher rate of mortality than any other and I started feeling better. You're going to be better than okay. You're going to be awesome and on your way to being healthier.

I am using Dr. Hart at Atlanta Bariatrics and have not had any problems with the process. Surgery will be at Emory Johns Creek - a Center of Excellance. I am still in the 3 month program required by my insurer.

I am in your area. Here is who I know of so far: Dr. Michael Murr, Tampa General Hospital/University of South Florida Town and Country Weight Loss bariatric., Tampa, 33601 - (813) 329-6098 Palms of Pasadena, 1501 Pasadena Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33707 Surgical Weight Loss Institute 3659 S. Miami Ave. Suite 5002 Miami, FL 33133

Oh no, that stinks! I have a friend with BCBS OK, and they were told, last year I believe, that WLS was not covered... but I would imagine there are several different plans, and if you have an approval from late December, I don't see how they can back out now! By the way, I live in OK too, just north of OKC proper... I'm having surgery soon, I hope, down in Norman (my friend is a bariatric nurse down there, so I chose that hospital). I think you're the first person I've seen on here from OK, so I just wanted to say hello!

ALM.com https://www.ALM.com/how-to-avoid-weight-loss-plateau-after-bariatric-surgery/

I would give the Dr. office a call, you have nothing to lose. I have had paperwork misplaced. I am impatient also, but I think by now you should have an answer. Can you check the insurance company activity on line? I know I can access all of my BCBS info on line. Unfortunately in SC they don't pay for any bariatric surgery. Luckily I am eligible for medicare because of my MS and there isn't any pre authorization required. I was scheduled for 7/23 but just got a great new job working for an airline so I postponed it until 9/3 after vacation season is over...... I can't wait!! Good Luck!!

I think I managed to sort out one "he" from the other. I don't know if it needs to be a bariatric surgeon. It is a good idea, but there are other specialties that can refer for lab work and radiology if your husband's surgeon hasn't in the past few weeks. Ask the surgeon for a referral elsewhere, "Something's wrong. I'd like a second opinion because I don't accept a life of nausea and fever." As @@rolosmom7 wrote, call anyway. The nurses probably are accurate -- when it suits medical practitioners, they are tougher than any union worker -- but don't just sit back and take their word for it. We're talking about something as simple as a few phone calls. You and your husband are talking about his health. You're not the ones who should be feeling timid or intimidated.

As a healthcare provider, I can tell you surgeons in general are notorious for having bad bedside manner, so keep that in mind. That being said, you should use someone you are comfortable with and who will answer your questions and put you at ease when you have concerns. Most WLS offer free seminars. I don't know how far along in the process you are, but maybe you should attend some at other clinics until you find a good match. My insurance would only pay for me to use a surgeon and hospital recognized as a bariatric surgeon/center of excellence. You might check into credentials such as these. The recognition is based on outcomes and patient feedback. Good luck.

Try not to be discouraged and remain positive and committed to this lifestyle change that you have entered into. The band is only an aid to weight loss though and we each must do our part in order to make it successful. Every doctor is definitely different. I was on liquids for a full six weeks post-op. As for pills, the bariatric coordinator at my surgeon's office advised of the need to crush what could be crushed and to substitute liquid medicine options where possible for other meds at our preliminary visit a good six months prior to surgery. It was at that same visit that I was given a document with dietary guidelines that outlined what foods would be difficult if not impossible to include in a post-band diet plan. I'm grateful for receiving that information early on and wish that other physicians would share at that same level. Good luck.

IN general, fast food isn't particularly healthy, but its certainly easy to make bariatric friendly choices. 1) stay away from anything deep fried. Stick with grilled options. Nothing with breading, no fries, onion rings or tots. 2) stay away from carbs. Order the sandwich but toss the bun. Some places even let you order it "low carb" and they wrap the burger in lettuce. No soda, lemonade, milk shakes, Cookies, pies, or high calorie coffee drinks. 3) salads can be a good choice but be smart about the dressings, croutons, etc. 4) Taco Bell refried Beans, Wendy's chili and soft meats like Arby's roast beef or ham are probably better options for you so soon Postop. Better safe than sorry when it comes your newly stitched and still healing sleeve. I actually wasn't cleared for solid food till 6 weeks postop. I actually eat fast food 3-4 times/month, but my choices are pretty much pure Protein (and fat - which has never affects my maintenance)

My surgeon's plan allows for soft Proteins starting on day three (cottage cheese, ground meat, Beans, etc- very small portions, of course). He said he stays up to date with all of the latest recommendations in the bariatric community, and has been doing it this way for years with no problems. I never had a miserable week of clears or liquids, and no eating mush for weeks on end. I've tolerated everything I've eaten, and am now 7 weeks out, and basically eating like a normal person (only real restriction is that I'm eating low carb), just smaller portions. It has made this processes so much easier than I ever expected, and I'm down 45 pounds in 9 weeks (that includes 2 week pre-op diet). I am a big proponent for following YOUR surgeons recommendations, but just wanted to throw this out there to show how much the post-op diets can vary between surgeons. ~*~ Find me on YouTube: Trisha's Sleeve Story ~*~

1) Area of USA-North Carolina 2) Price with and without fluoro-$250 in-office non-flouro, $300 + about $400 hospital charge for flouro (prices may not be current) 3) Type of Provider, (MD, APN etc)-Bariatric Surgeon, but does NOT do bands (Dr Gonzales in Winston-Salem) 4) Is that provider a "bandster? Nope