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I am so sorry to hear you went through this once and gained your weight back. It is my worst fear. I cannot answer your question because I just had my bypass in Sept. I am down 111lbs with 34 to go to get to goal. If I were in your shoes I would definitely meet with a bariatric center of excellence team to discuss options. They are extremely supportive and have the right team of specialists to answer your questions and support you during the next phase of your journey. I would call your insurance company and ask for the bariatric centers of excellence that they support. That would be my very first step. I wish you all the best and if you ever need anything or have questions please feel free to reach out.

Bariatric surgery should be compared to being pregnant!!! 1. My taste have changed not a good or bad thing 2. My belly feels like 80pounds 3. My moods are here and there 4. My cravings are outrageous 5. The worst is smells, they make me sooo nauseous Thought I'd put up how I have felt today bc it's been a trip of gas more gas and nausea. I didn't do anything out of ordinary but walk two times around the house and sip sip sip which I could have done to fast. Happy weekend y'all!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I would start calling bariatric doctors in your new location and ask the questions. Different doctors have different requirements. For me, my doctor saw me at 3 wk, 6wk, and will again at 6 months and at a year, as well as and every year after. I am also required 6 month labs, year labs, and labs every year after.

The bariatric buddies cookbook has purée recipes. To find the link, type "Recipe Frenzy" in the search bar. The original post is a collection of online bariatric cookbooks.

I agree!! Love reading these topics. Although my surgeon told me to stay off the bariatric surgery forums until surgery is finished...yeah, like THAT'S gonna happen! Lol

I would do things slightly differently although my friend DanaC84.did not give bad advice. Was your EKG/ECG done through your bariatric clinic or hospital or did a cardiologist do it? If it was not done through a cardiologist, I would consult one. Explain to them you are seeking Bariatric Surgery and this has come up, that you are wondering if this will bar you from your surgery? You may have to go through heart ultrasounds, not bad , I had one myself 2 days ago, maybe even a cardiac catheterzation, not as much fun, but I have had 2 full ones. This is your life and future we are talking about, and , Darlin', you are well-worth it. And then I would also speak to my surgeon, if I were you. If you are curious where I am giving this advice from, I will explain. I had my surgery , an RNY, a little less than 8 months ago. Because I have many 1st and 2nd degree relatives with cardiac issues and also because of my AGE (73) I had to go through more extensive testing before clearance. But I got it from Dr Karve, my cardiologist as well as all the others I had to see. In January it was time for my yearly, she asked if she might send me for a MRI, there was a blip on the radar, you might say. When I got paperwork to fill out from the consulting hospital, she's in a different healthcare system than my bariatrics, there in black and white was the reason she was sending me. She had not spoke of this, nary a clue . To Rule out expansion of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm, OMG I had no idea! It is even more frightening, my Middle child who was also my oldest son, died suddenly at 31, he also had an Aortic aneurysm, his was in the Ascending Arch, very much closer to the ❤but it exploded and he was dead in the blink of an eye. Took a long time for my late husband , myself and indeed all that knew and loved my Kevin. It was our belief that it was just a freak happening, now with my diagnosis, it is more likely it had a genetic basis. Me, a mother who loved and would given her own life up to save him, may have instead been the instrument of his death. Talk about a never- ceasing Guilt Trip.Well my MRI shows at this time, mine is stable, if you have to have one, mine is the better of the 2 kinds, a fusiform , a uniform widening,if it had been saccular, like berries on the side, they rupture quicker so I would have had open surgery by now since I live 50 miles away from my specialists. Now as to why the latest ❤ultrasound , I have a murmur, it was being watched by my PCP and me, we thought not that uncommon. Well as part of my healing from surgery, I have frequent endoscopies, my pouch developed a stricture, and I have healing ulcers in my jejunem, the part of small intestine my pouch , the Ms Precious Pouch, so named because I fought a 3 year uphill battle to even receive her, attaches to. Well the anesthesiologist assisting had a tantrum fit, well that's what it seemed like, over degree that she was picking up with her stethoscope. Finally allowed the endoscopy to proceed but this time she was there to monitor and faxed my PCP before I could tell him at my next appointment. So that was Wednesday, praying it is either simple aging or a minor functional one, not a valve defect. Along with the other congenital problems, Kevin had an Aortic valve with 2 not 3 leaflets, hopefully I didn't give that to him as well. Funny that of my whole family he always seemed the healthiest, but I guess You Can't Always Tell. So you can understand my cautionary tale, but Bueno702, I am praying yours works out perfect and you do get your surgery. I will never, even with the bumps I've had along the way, regret having mine. At my heaviest I was 365+ unhappy pounds, now I am 224, hoping in a few months to break the barriers and be in Onederland, when I broke 300 I was so happy but it won't compare to writing my weight with a 1 in front!

Yes and I just asked my surgeon about this yesterday at my 10 day post op. He said you can order a stuff called dexcom from bariatric advantage. And yes it's ketosis from your body consuming more protein then anything else. I am in the same boat with you all on this. But I've been cleared to go to puree and it gets better.

I'm laughing as I re-read this thread. I was bored and just looking through, reflecting on the past year of my life. (I just got a renewal notice for my apartment....) I still haven't gotten to Onderland yet, but am working hard to do so. I've run two 5K races, rather than just doing the initial one in May that I planned. I competed in the discus (my college sport) in two track meets in June and July and eventually hurt my knee. I haven't been able to run since July, but am meeting with my trainer on Tuesday and keeping up with PT. I spent yesterday with friends from growing up. We have an annual wiffleball tournament that is all eating and drinking, from early in the morning til late at night, and I had a huge "lightbulb" moment. (Think 120+ people with a bonfire, food tables and a farm!) I cannot believe how much more I enjoyed the party without the push of needing to eat everything offered. I'm still single (but dating up a storm!) so I didn't bring anyone with me....however, an old friend brought a few of her friends and I really enjoying getting to know one of them. I realize now how different life is without my ex. The winter was a truly transformative time, when I realized he was not the "man" I thought him to be, but a boy playing a role....I am still stunned to hear about his past and who he apparently really is. He has a criminal past and has tried to cut back his visitation with his two young boys. (After being with all of my friends' kids for the day, I can't imagine how any parent could do that....) Everything truly does happen for a reason. I'm facing challenges and doing things I never imagined I'd do. I hate running still, but I LOVE the challenge of getting to the finish line and of wanting to better my time with each race. There will be more when the weather cooperates and my knee heals. If not for my leaving my ex, this life would not have been possible. Thank you all for your encouragement. I shared with you things I never could have told my family or friends. (Incidentally, I've finally started telling people that I was banded!) I have learned to love being single and living alone. I am truly a better person for having had this experience. I'm still single and not any closer to being married BUT I'm enjoying being me....finding what makes ME happy and spending time with the people I love. When Mr. Right comes along, I'll be ready.

Start getting in better shape now. I walked, lifted, and did as much as I could 5 times a week getting ready for surgery. Started practicing eating slower for lunch. Watched many videos, talked to people who had been through it. Oh, but best work was preparing for the mental changes with my therapist and worked through this book: http://www.amazon.com/Emotional-First-Aid-Kit-Practical/dp/0976852659/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1436729032&sr=8-13&keywords=bariatric+book If you drink, like I did, you need to assess how to wean yourself off. Ditto cigs, and slowly cut the caffeine. Don't try to cram it into the final week, you will feel horrible, just put it on a calendar and do it in a controlled manner. Followed the pre-op diet to the letter Shopped two weeks before surgery for the foods I would need for the first two weeks. Revised my will and power's of attorney just in case something went wrong Tried pureed meal ideas before surgery so I had some meal plans. The result of this work - flawless surgery, up and running a day later, no real drop in energy, and ready for the change. Its been a great ride. Off BP meds/CPAP and the sex is incredible, but that's in a different forum (look up sex, oh my god sex in the men's room if you need motivation).

Hi guys, I live in Murrysville, but work in the city every day (Greentree). If the rest of this 6 mo process goes well, I should be banded in May, at the West Penn Bariatric Surgery Center, by Dr Urbandt. I really like him and his staff. I started going there because I was going to have the surgery at Forbes Regional, but their office on the campus closed. Since I'm in the city everyday, it doesn't make much difference. Forbes was closer to home. Anyone else out there from the burgh going to be banded in May, or seeing Dr. Urbandt?

I'm biased - Love my sleeve! However, you should attend an information seminar at a local hospital or bariatric center that offers weight loss surgery. You can get all the information you need to help you decide what is best for you.

Libby, I had a Vertical Gastric Sleeve 7 months ago today. I weighed 258 pounds prior to surgery, and today I weight 160 (and struggling to loose the last few pounds!). I love my sleeve. My cousin is a bariatric surgeon, and he was the one who convinced me to do the VSG instead of a Roux N Y procedure. He has had bariatric surgery, he had a Roux N Y about 10 years ago at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. After his surgery, he did a fellowship at Mayo Clinic and then started doing bariatric surgeries himself. He lost over 100 pounds and has maintained it very well. He was my inspiration to do something. I went to see him in consultation, and he convinced me that the VGS has far less complications than RNY, less problems like dumping syndrome that many with a RNY experience, no malabsorption problems, etc. So i went with the sleeve, and wouldn't trade it for anything. The day of surgery, I wore a size 26/28 top and 22 or 24 pant size. Today I am a size 8! (I love saying that, so I'll say it again "I wear a size 8." Gee that makes me feel good!) I don't have words to say how happy I am that I had my VGS. It is a non reversible procedure, so you need to be sure of your decision if you go with a VSG. When we crossed the boarder back into the United States (I had my surgery in Mexico) one of the gals riding in the van responded to the boarder guards question of "do you have anything to declare?" with "No, but I left my stomach in Tijuana!" So funny! No matter what you decide, Best of luck on your surgery!

There are vitamins called bariatric choice at a store call Sprouts (I'm not sure where you live). They are specifically made for people that have bariatric surgery. It's a chewable multivitamin, and it doesn't taste half bad. They are also available online through Walgreens.

I received approval from Aetna! (Aetna POS II). I did the 90 day Multi-disciplinary approach. Technically I started in December, but I had a little hiccup and missed one of my appointments with my Primary Care Doctor in January. All I did was tack on an extra appointment with him in April, and all was good. When I first started I was so confused about Aetna's requirements, so I wanted to share for those that are taking the same route. Here is what I did to get approved. December: I met with the Surgeon and bariatric coordinator. I was intimidated about the process because of the insurance requirements. I started a journal to help keep track of my appointments and for a place to relay my thoughts as I went through everything. I met with my Primary Care doc for appointment 1 of 3. I met with a physical Therapist office, the week before Christmas, inside of our local YMCA to meet the exercise requirement. I wasn't sure how often I was supposed to meet with them. I scheduled an appointment twice a week. I later found out that once a month would have sufficed. January: I met with nutritionist for appointment 1 of 3 I met with psychologist for appointment 1 of 3 I met with Primary Care doc for a reason not related to weight loss, so it did not count as appointment #2, and I had to start over in February with my PCP visits. I met with physical therapist twice per week. February: I met with nutritionist for appointment 2 of 3 (I lost10 pounds at this weigh in) I met with psychologist for appointment 2 of 3 . I met with Primary Care doc for appointment 1 of 3 (again...sigh) I learned that I only needed to meet with the exercise therapist once per month, so I only had one visit this month. March: I met with nutritionist for appointment 3 of 3 (I lost 9 more pounds at this weigh in) I met with psychologist for appointment 3 of 3, and took the evaluation test. I met with Primary Care doc for appointment 2 of 3. Since I had already had 3 months straight with the exercise therapist, I did not go anymore after my February appointment. But I did keep an exercise log and gave it to my bariatric coordinator to submit as well, just to help my case. April: 1 visit with Primary Care doc For some reason it took my PCP a while to get everything sent over to the bariatric coordinator so that she could submit it for approval, but it was finally submitted on 4/25, and approval was granted on 5/5. I am 5'9 and started out in December at 290 pounds. As of today I am 259 pounds and I'm proud that I did that on my own. I feel confident and have proven to myself that I can make the lifestyle and habit changes that are required in order to make this tool successful. I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in December, which lit the fire under me to get serious about my health. I am waiting for a call back from the Bariatric coordinator so that I can get my pre-op appointment and surgery scheduled. This has been quite a journey so far. I'm excited to watch it all unfold.

PS. I reread my answer and realized I forgot to post the obvious answer....eating a healthy, bariatric friendly diet. 80+ grams Protein, lots of low glycemic veggies, some fruits and whole grains. Minimizing (but not completely eliminating) high cal/low nutritive stuff like Pasta and bread and simple carbs like Desserts, candy and alcohol. Those last three are for my mental health, not my physical health In the end, how you eat to lose your weight is more or less how you need to eat in order to maintain. This commitment is forever, folks!

It just so happens I was doing a bit of light reading this week on the ASMBS.org website. I discovered stats on bariatric surgeries including revisions. Check out this link to the ASMBS site: https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers When you take in the numbers holistically. Revision rates are climbing rapidly.

Hi! I'm a Bariatric Dietitian and I can answer this question for you. With shakes the protein is already pulverized, and your stomach has still had a large protion removed, only allowing 20 grams of protein to be absorbed per meal. If it's a high quality protein food like meat, cheese, milk, etc. You will absorb 90% of that product. If it's a low quality protein like 1-5gm per serving. The stomach will absorb less. Hope this makes sense! Shoot for 20 grams of quality protein per meal or shake and you'll do just fine!

Just left my surgeons office. Tri State Bariatrics Dr Kwon in Middletown Ny. I am About 6 months post op with LapBand. I've lost 67 pounds. The staff there are great. Very supportive. I have monthly appts now. I have access to nutritionists and psychologist if i needed and weekly support groups. I am so glad i found this group!

My husband and I moved here last august. I had mine done through Texas bariatric. When did you get yours done? How's it going for you so far?

I went to Mexico on Dec 4 and I got dehydrated and had to go to the ER Thursday. I was really scared that the doctors would have something to say about me going to Mexico to have this done. They actually didn't say anything. They just double checked everything to make sure I was okay. However, he did refer me to another bariatric surgeon here in the states for follow up care. I was okay with that.

I go to Clarian Bariatrics on the west side of Indy. Not sure how much the fills are, as I'm being banded in 13 days, but you could check out clarian.org and see what you can find out.

Good question. I hadn't located a Dr. up here because I planned on going back to Dr.Ortiz. I routinely go on his web site and chat board and have his book and knew that at a year post op he advised patients to have a flouroscopy. This happened to be when I found I was six weeks pregnant. I work for 2 different hospitals up here and am surrounded with physcians, the one bariatric Dr. I first approached was very negative about low BMI peaople having the band...so quite frankly I decided I only wanted to deal with Dr.Ortiz. I'm pleasantly suprised by this new Dr. and his views, I'd rather not have to head back to Mexico with a new born.

Hi Paula, I was taking pepcid complete more and more frequently for the discomfort, but it wasn't helping. I go back to Tijuana November 11 to have it removed. I have found a few studies that say it actually is safe to be rebanded after erosion. There of course is no guarantee that it won't re-erode, but in the studies I found, the incidence of re-erosion is pretty low. Then again, erosion with the midband is pretty low...and here I am... I won't be able to go back before christmas for rebanding so I'll have to wait more than my dr's recommended 5-6 weeks if I do decide to have another band placed. After what I've read, I'm leaning in that direction for the moment. My insurance doesn't cover squat for bariatrics, I'll be self pay all the way, and I am currently still paying for the loan part of my first band. The idea of a second loan to pay for more expensive, more invasive procedure makes me queasy. Are there any eroded bandsters on here or that anyone knows of that has been rebanded? I'd love to find someone who's been there before I have to decide.

I just returned from TJ this week. No need to worry if you're working with the main groups. They run first class packages that take care of all of your needs so you can rest easy with Daddy at home with the kids. I used Tijuana Bariatrics and from landing in San Diego to my departure they were available and there for me 24/7. Even at the Marriott hotel the entire staff knew my nurse coordinator and had her on speed dial. These guys have it together. I promise you will also meet and bond with others in your group and you will spend a lot of time supporting each other.

My Bariatric dr told me not to be in a hurry to eat whole foods, to stay on the protein drinks and soft foods for at least 3-6 months. I am 7 1/2 weeks postop. Eating foods that might be gaseous causes the stomach to bloat and makes the stomach to spasm. I ate refried beans one night after getting a huge craving for mexican food, an boy did i feel miserable. It felt like my stomach was going to split. I do 2 protein drinks, 1 for breakfast, 1 for lunch. If i get hungry in between i snack on cottage cheese an apple sauce. I've been eating stage 3 gerber baby foods. Not too bad. Another help for cravings is eating sugar free popsicles, helps with water intake as well. Instant oatmeal is good. My trouble is drinking enough water. I sip all day but still only consume about 30-40 oz. i dont have a scale so i wait to go to the drs office, i can tell by my clothes i am still losing. Last time i weighed was 3 weeks out, and had lost 15 lbs. still going. Good luck to you all. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App