1. excessive weight gain (May 16, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
2. I live in Longwood/Casselberry Florida and need to find a local support group. (May 7, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
3. is there a good meal plan for the 2wk pre-op diet? (Apr 18, 2013) (View) (2 answers)
4. PLEASE HELP INFO NEEDED ON DUOD SWITCH REVISION malabsorption of iron other problems (Apr 6, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
5. Where can I find individual Whey Protein Packets to sample! (Apr 1, 2013) (View) (2 answers)
6. Non whey protein shakes? (Mar 15, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
7. does anyone know a good psychiatrist in wood or wetzel county wva for the psych evalu (Mar 12, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
8. I have only lost 65 lbs. (Mar 3, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
9. PANNICULECTOMY SURGERY IN SOUTH CAROLINA,AUGUSTA GA, CHARLOTTE NC (Feb 25, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
10. protien shakes (Feb 4, 2013) (View) (1 answer)
11. I had bypass in 06 lost 212lbs, gained 80lbs in the last 1-2yrs. (Feb 2, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
12. Is VSG approvrd for TennCare? (Jan 31, 2013) (View) (no answers yet; please post yours!)
13. I had surgery in 2010 and I have gained about 50 pounds and i want to know what can (Jan 26, 2013) (View) (3 answers)
14. Unable to blog. (Jan 15, 2013) (View) (1 answer)
15. Cigna member with questionable co-morbidity and BMI less than 40. Will they approve? (Jan 6, 2013) (View) (1 answer)
16. post-op sex (Jan 4, 2013) (View) (1 answer)
17. I'm full of Q's on diet do's & dont's /long term (Jan 4, 2013) (View) (1 answer)
18. Has anyone had gastric bypass with no health issues other than obesity? (Dec 11, 2012) (View) (5 answers)
19. Failed bypass and revision...3's a charm? What to do? (Nov 19, 2012) (View) (1 answer)
20. Meal Plans or Meal Ideas (Nov 11, 2012) (View) (1 answer)

Q: I had surgery in 2010 and I have gained about 50 pounds and i want to know what can

[May 7, 2013]     I understand, and I'm concerned too. I had surgery in 2009, lost 107 lbs but in the last 7 months I've gained 15 lbs back, and I'm scared. Does this happen to everybody? I can't tell you how many people are giving me that knowing smirk, and telling me all about EVERYONE they know that has gained the weight back.     — Artisteyes     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Where can I find individual Whey Protein Packets to sample!

[May 2, 2013]     Search for "Unjury" -- they have a kit of samples and I like their taste a lot.     — odioc     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: is there a good meal plan for the 2wk pre-op diet?

[May 2, 2013]     My surgeon only allows up to 6 protein shakes a day, sugar free jello, sugar free drinks (I like Mio--which you add to water) broth (I like Miso), as well as 1 cup of coffee with skim milk, no sugar. That is about it. I am suffering through it right now.     — odioc     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: is there a good meal plan for the 2wk pre-op diet?

[Apr 26, 2013]     You should only eat what your surgeon allows. My surgeon required a liquid diet for 10 days prior to surgery.     — Caribou ME     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Where can I find individual Whey Protein Packets to sample!

[Apr 19, 2013]     I found some samples at Vitamin Shoppe. Also, I contacted some companies directly and they sent me samples. Also, GNC will allow you to return any unused product within 30 days for any reason. Hope this helps!     — hb22776     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: sleep apnea

[Apr 10, 2013]     I am having problems with my Cpap. I have found out I have a deviated septum and I have bone spurs in my nose. After I have the lap band they are going to go in and widen the airways in my nose, after reading this I might not need to do that. But it makes it impossible to use the machine right now, which might be a problem during surgery. Did anyone have issues with whether they used a Cpap after their surgery or not?     — StoneChikadee     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: sleep apnea

[Apr 10, 2013]     I am having problems with my Cpap. I have found out I have a deviated septum and I have bone spurs in my nose. After I have the lap band they are going to go in and widen the airways in my nose, after reading this I might not need to do that. But it makes it impossible to use the machine right now, which might be a problem during surgery. Did anyone have issues with whether they used a Cpap after their surgery or not?     — StoneChikadee     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: did you require transfusions during surgery?

[Apr 10, 2013]     Hello. Transfusions may end up being a part of surgery anytime, so I feel that being prepared is a plus. I want my own blood before anyone elses. But one point. When you give your own blood for your surgery, that is free, at least here it is. The problem is, when you do give blood it has to still be tested and it still has to be stored. The hospital I am going to have my surgery at is probably going to charge me a fee for storing that blood so keep that in mind and maybe ask your caseworker about it. Very good luck!     — StoneChikadee     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: did you require transfusions during surgery?

[Apr 10, 2013]     Hello. Transfusions may end up being a part of surgery anytime, so I feel that being prepared is a plus. I want my own blood before anyone elses. But one point. When you give your own blood for your surgery, that is free, at least here it is. The problem is, when you do give blood it has to still be tested and it still has to be stored. The hospital I am going to have my surgery at is probably going to charge me a fee for storing that blood so keep that in mind and maybe ask your caseworker about it. Very good luck!     — StoneChikadee     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does Anyone know if texas medicaid will pay for wls. And if so what doctor can I use

[Apr 8, 2013]     yes they do.tey did for me lilgarciaalanisg@yahoo.com email me     — H8BEINFAT     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Any NEW info on Texas Medicaid and approval?

[Apr 8, 2013]     I had my surgery with dr nowzardan laproscopic with Medicaid. email me if you need info.     — H8BEINFAT     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does Texas Medicaid cover TT?

[Apr 8, 2013]     dr younan nowzardan takes Medicaid for wls in Houston 713-661-6262. email me for info lilgarciaalanisg@yahoo.com     — H8BEINFAT     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Hair loss after long term

[Mar 8, 2013]     I am 4 1/2 months post RNY; and at about the 3 month mark my hair started dropping like crazy. I literally have lost half of the bulk of my hair~ I spoke with my surgeon and dietician and they raised my protein requirements. Some people need more than others. They also told me to take a Biotin supplement and use a NIOXIN shampoo. I found a good iced tea flavored protein powder that has 25 grams of protein in each 20 oz glass. I drink 2 of these every day on top of my high protein diet. I am noticing a difference in the drain...not as much hair loss! YAY!     — Maaliyah-RJSGranma2012     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does open RNY increase you chance of stomach cancer?

[Mar 3, 2013]     After doing some research on the subject any time the stomach is cut increases the risk of stomach cancer in the future as opposed to a non cut stomach. Watch what types of foods and medications you taken will help anyone reduce the likelihood of stomach cancer. Stomach surgery doesn't guarantee getting stomach cancer, just puts you at a more predisposition for it to happen. Many people ave predispositions, any never have a problem.     — Newstart2013     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I had surgery in 2010 and I have gained about 50 pounds and i want to know what can

[Feb 19, 2013]     What did you do in the beginning? Remember? You made sure you got your protein, fluid, and vitamins in. You excercised. Weighed and measured everything you ate and wrote it down. Where you had your surgery, do they have a dietician to ask question and get ideas? You can so do this.     — foxymama     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: protien shakes

[Feb 18, 2013]     Hello, I have tried them all and have been very successful with Atkins shakes the dark royals chocolate is the bomb. Yummy! Plus the peanut butter protein bars are great one of those and one shake is 400 cal and 30 grams of protein. The strawberry/ banana is great too. Good luck, I will be thinking bout you on the 11th. Randy     — Randyfrog     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Hair loss after long term

[Feb 12, 2013]     I learned from the dietitian that if you do not consume enough protein you will start losing hair. A couple years ago I was losing weight on medication and had same problem. Looking back I was barely eating anything, it made sense.     — Krista0068     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: post-op sex

[Jan 31, 2013]     Check with your Doctor, mine said 4-6 weeks.     — calford791     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I had surgery in 2010 and I have gained about 50 pounds and i want to know what can

[Jan 30, 2013]     what kind of surgery? I had RNY 2008 gained about 20 but have since lost it. I developed low blood sugar which can happen from this surgery and no-one told me this. It will decline a lot if I eat too much carbs and sugar. That is how I lost it. They say 3-4 years after surgery this may develop. Before that I was eating things i shouldn't. So bottom line, fill up on protein and get in some exercise. I do treadmill mostly about 30 min 3-4x week     — bikermama     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone had gastric bypass with no health issues other than obesity?

[Jan 28, 2013]     When I started the process I weight 455 lbs. No other complecations, BP normal, Blood sugar normal. I elected to have a Vertical Sleve Gastrectomy.     — Mark Sheridan     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Unable to blog.

[Jan 21, 2013]     Hello, We are sorry for your frustration. Try logging completely out, reboot and then log back in. If you still have an issue, try accessing OH using google chrome or firefox and see if that fixes the issue. It sounds like a display issue with IE. If the problem continues contact us at help@obesityhelp.com Sincerely, ObesityHelp Member Support Staff help@obesityhelp.com     — Member Services     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone had gastric bypass with no health issues other than obesity?

[Jan 14, 2013]     Its good that your healthy NOW, but over time you may develop troubles:( and you will be older:( The safest time for surgery is probably NOW. Best wishes my WLS was the best decision I ever made in my entire life!     — bob-haller     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Cigna member with questionable co-morbidity and BMI less than 40. Will they approve?

[Jan 13, 2013]     There are some ways others get approved with a marginal BMI! First when you go to get your height measured wear heels so they must check your height in bare feet. DONT stand up straight, slouch a bit, and theres always the rolls of quarters in your pockets. Play around with the BMI counter a bit you will see a small decrease in height may be all you need. Most people stand up straight increasing their height a couple inches, this is not the time to do this. Not telling you to do these things but thats what others have done to get approved     — bob-haller     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I'm full of Q's on diet do's & dont's /long term

[Jan 11, 2013]     Cheating won't kill you. Well, I don't think it will. And anybody can "eat around" any of the surgical procedures. No matter which surgery you have, all bariatric surgeries are simply tools to use on your weight loss journey. You're still going to have to watch you intake (though it will be less) and get in some exercise. You can also stretch out any pouch which is left after bariatric surgery. Having been banded, I know that crunchy foods go down great. Popcorn, chips, cookies, cheetos....all crunch up real small and go right on down. And the more liquid you have with any food no matter what kind of surgery, you wash the food thru and you can eat some more. With bypass surgery, if you don't suffer from dumping syndrome, you'll be able to consume sugary foods with no side effects. Dumping syndrome is a big reason some people DO have RNY. They WANT to react to sugar so they can give it up. I've seen some really bad cases of dumping syndrome and I've seen some really bad cases of getting things "stuck" with RNY and banding. But to answer your question, I really don't think cheating will kill you unless something gets stuck and you don't seek help. But that could happen with any food....not just the bad stuff. And, btw, ice cream and milkshakes go down real easy. What's to get stuck if you eat ice cream? Pizza? It will go down but something that dense is prone to getting stuck. Really small bites. Chew, chew, chew. You'll feel up fast.l Bottom line....the second bite never tastes as good as the first one. Have one bite and hand the food back to the person you stole in from in order to steal that one bite.     — abandster     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: The strangest thing is happening, My toilet seat has a blue color on

[Jan 9, 2013]     I did experience this when I was pregnant. I never got any true reason for it, I assumed it was from dark jeans..it did go away with no harm for it.     — Geniphermarie     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone had gastric bypass with no health issues other than obesity?

[Jan 7, 2013]     I weighed 272 prior to RNY. I had high blood pressure, severe sleep apnea, and pre-diabetic. Post RNY I've had zero complications and my 3 co-morbids are resolved. I feel MUCH better post RNY, than I ever did pre-op.     — juleskar     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: muscle bruised behind chest bone

[Jan 3, 2013]     The same thing happened to me, I thought I was having heart trouble, went to the ER..all the scans and tests and ended up with a bruise like yours. They think it was from vomitting. It only lasted about 5-6 days and was gone.     — Loriiii     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone had gastric bypass with no health issues other than obesity?

[Dec 27, 2012]     You have become accustomed to how you feel now, so to you it feels fine. Do you have a dog? Pick up a 40 pound back of dog food, or rock salt, etc. Feel that? Now hold it for a few minutes, and then set it down. That feeling you get when you set it down, that light feeling of your muscles being released from burden, and the strain from your chest gone, that is the change you should feel when you lose the weight. Only, it will be more like 3 or 4 bags of dog food. Also it is a more then treatment, it is prevention. You may not have blood pressure issues, diabetes, and back pain yet, but it is almost guaranteed to arrive eventually at that weight. I am not saying surgery is your only path, but a lighter you will be a healthier you that you have been apart from so long you either forgot how it feels or never knew. I wish you so much luck. :)     — anonymous_one     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone experience light colored stool?

[Dec 27, 2012]     Yes, I have and it is very common. It has been light brown and fluffy sometimes, as strange as that may sound. The biggest irritation I have is that mine smells horrible and this is an issue the doctors never spoke of. And I know quite a few people who've had RNY surgery and their stool is rotten. It's on another level. I've tried Devron and it was a joke. I tried charcoal pills but wasnt consistent. I tried drinking a cap or two full of Mother apple cider vinegar. It worked in reducing the smell for a while but then it wasn't as effective. Now I'm using probiotic pills. I hate this because it affects my ability to go to the bathroom at gatherings. I have literally left an invent and gone home just so I could use the bathroom! How unfortunate. (I'm 8 years post-RNY.)     — poodie     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: very severe constipation stool softeners do not help anymore

[Dec 22, 2012]     There is a powder magnesium suppliment called, "Calm" that you mix in your water. It is all natural and seems to be VERY effective! I hope your body adjusts very soon! Hugs n Skinny Thoughts!     — espiset     (See other answers/post your answer)