Weight Loss Surgery Q&A


Ask a question     Expand List     Last 300 Questions     Subscribe to Q & A

Twenty Most Recent Questions:

  1. My BMI is 33.9 I have arthritis, acid reflux and chronic back pain(due to the arthri) (Sep 16, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  2. What if's..... (Sep 11, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  3. Anyone diagnosed with MS long term poster Rey? By any chance did you also have low f (Sep 5, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  4. How long does Perocet stay in our bodies? (Sep 1, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  5. What woukd cause a severe dumping situation?? (Aug 26, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  6. Has anyone had a scar revision and wound debridement following a panniculectomy? (Aug 15, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  7. I had my lap and done 4 years ago I only lost 50 lbs. and have regained that plus (Jul 13, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  8. 5yr postop lapband food "sticking" and pain/pressure under left ribs (Jul 9, 2015) (View) (2 answers)
  9. 2015 Osteopenia Update and Help needed (Jun 22, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  10. i'm having hot flashes after surgery. I'm 67 and long past menopause. (Jun 18, 2015) (View) (2 answers)
  11. Are protidiet concentrated drink mixes considered clear liquids? (Jun 6, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  12. Does anyone else of LOW White Blood Cell count, and terrible leg pain 6 year post op (Apr 28, 2015) (View) (3 answers)
  13. Lower stoma not resticting (Apr 24, 2015) (View) (2 answers)
  14. As a woman having bypass, my doctor said it's common to see blood while using the bat (Apr 19, 2015) (View) (3 answers)
  15. Hi!!! Fasting (Apr 17, 2015) (View) (2 answers)
  16. 3 Months and 3 weeks out of surgery and my weight has stopped going down for 3 weeks (Apr 7, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  17. Medicare and Medicaid pay for revision (Apr 7, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  18. Does anyone have such cold hands they are painful? (Mar 23, 2015) (View) (2 answers)
  19. Anyone here have surgery at HCMC in MPLS recently? (Mar 3, 2015) (View) (1 answer)
  20. Medicaid doctor close to joliet, il (Mar 2, 2015) (View) (1 answer)

Thirty Most Recent Answers:

Q: Does anyone have such cold hands they are painful?

[Feb 7, 2016]     i had tht problem while on toprol , hands feet nose all painfully cold. toprol centralizes your circulation , have to exercise to push the pain and cold out.     — ceekayess     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: My BMI is 33.9 I have arthritis, acid reflux and chronic back pain(due to the arthri)

[Sep 17, 2015]     Your BMI is generally high enough to qualify you for bariatric surgery if you have comorbid conditions such as diabetes (type II), hypertension, sleep apnea or other potentially life-threatening medical conditions. If you're interested in WLS, check with your insurance if they cover WLS and how to proceed. You might need to start with your primary care doctor or, depending on your insurance, you could start the process of researching bariatric surgeons. You can search bariatric surgeons in your area on OH by using the "Find a Bariatric Surgeon" at the upper right hand search box on this page. You could also contact OH's Member Services to request their help in researching a surgeon. Their email is [email protected]. Best of luck to you!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What if's.....

[Sep 11, 2015]     To keep your A1C under 7.0, focus on eating protein and keep to the 20g of carbs. I suggest the carbs that you eat would be from vegetables. If you focus on eating protein and get your carbs from veggies.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 5yr postop lapband food "sticking" and pain/pressure under left ribs

[Sep 8, 2015]     I had the same issue plus reflux that was horrible. Saw my surgeon and found out my band had slipped. Had my band removed in February & had revision surgery to gastric bypass 4/15. It's been up & down. Definitely a lot different from the banding surgery. I'm down almost 80 pounds & glad I decide to do the revision. Definitely check with your doctor if you haven't. Good luck!     — SanchezWife     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: i'm having hot flashes after surgery. I'm 67 and long past menopause.

[Sep 7, 2015]     I am having the same symptoms. I am starting to look into RH because I still eat high protein low carb small meals. It just recently started with sweating also     — Stephanie J.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Anyone diagnosed with MS long term poster Rey? By any chance did you also have low f

[Sep 5, 2015]     I encourage you to post your question on the General Discussion message board so more members will see it and be able to respond to your question. Copy/paste the URL below to the General Discussion board. You might also post it on your surgical board as well. URL: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/ Best of luck to you!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does anyone else of LOW White Blood Cell count, and terrible leg pain 6 year post op

[Sep 5, 2015]     Have you had your ferritin checked?     — [Anonymous]     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: How long does Perocet stay in our bodies?

[Sep 2, 2015]     I don't know the answer to your question so I did a search. It seems that it varies for each person but generally, this is what I found: http://www.wikimedz.com/topic/6e8a549e45c67c0d2d8c4da5999c780d     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: What woukd cause a severe dumping situation??

[Aug 28, 2015]     Dumping generally can occur with the gastric bypass weight loss surgery. Dumping can last for quite a few hours but doesn't last for two months. The definition of dumping is: Dumping Syndrome: Whereby stomach contents move too rapidly through the small intestine. Symptoms include nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and, occasionally, diarrhea after eating, as well as the inability to eat sweets without becoming so weak and sweaty that the patient may have to lie down until the symptoms pass. I encourage you to call your bariatric surgeon. I've dumped and a dumping episode doesn't last for as long as you're describing.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Has anyone had a scar revision and wound debridement following a panniculectomy?

[Aug 18, 2015]     I haven't had plastic surgery so unfortunately I'm unable to respond to your question. Cross-post this on the ObesityHelp Plastic Surgery message board so other PS post-ops can support you. Copy and paste this URL: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/ All the best to you and your upcoming surgery! Take care, Cathy     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Lower stoma not resticting

[Jul 19, 2015]     UpDate.... Dr said it isn't serious, not danger, and so he refused to do the revision, saying it wouldn't last long, so not worth his attempt, I was a bit upset. He wanted me to do things that my insurance would no way cover, see a dietician, weight loss management or something like that. So I guess I will have to struggle with what I have, or try to find another Dr.     — Tammi H.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: I had my lap and done 4 years ago I only lost 50 lbs. and have regained that plus

[Jul 13, 2015]     With any WLS procedure and regain, go back to basics. Eat like you did when you first had your surgery. Focus on protein first, then vegetables and minimize eating the simple carbs such as bread. I had RNY surgery in 2001 and if I eat too fast, food gets stuck. One of the best ways to be on track is to log your food. You can use OH's Health Tracker (under MYOH). Contact bariatric surgeons around the Jacksonville, FL area: http://www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/?location=Jacksonville%20FL. You lost weight before and you can do it again!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 5yr postop lapband food "sticking" and pain/pressure under left ribs

[Jul 10, 2015]     When was the last time you had a fill and/or saw your bariatric surgeon? There are many long-term post-ops that have had difficulty with their Lap Band years later. I strongly suggest that you give your bariatric surgeon's office a call to describe the symptoms you are experiencing. Both of these symptoms need to be brought to the attention of your surgeon to determine what the cause is. Take care!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 2015 Osteopenia Update and Help needed

[Jun 23, 2015]     I suggest you locate a gynecologist and get established with one for your well woman care. This would include bone density scans and appropriate medication for osteoporosis. I know that many RNY post-ops take Fosamax. For additional info, copy/paste the URL below: http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/?s=osteoporosis     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: i'm having hot flashes after surgery. I'm 67 and long past menopause.

[Jun 18, 2015]     Hot flashes are pretty common. Some of the causes are peri-menopause (not in your case), losing weight, hormonal, food, and vitamins - especially due to inadequate B3 and Niacin. Since you're 1-1/2 years post-op, unless you're losing weight quickly, I would question if it is surgery related. I strongly encourage you to see your primary care physician to have your blood checked for any issues. I would also call your surgeon or nutritionist to run this by them. Take care!!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does anyone else of LOW White Blood Cell count, and terrible leg pain 6 year post op

[Jun 12, 2015]     actually I am 8 years out and struggling to keep all my blood counts up.     — chunkymunky     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Are protidiet concentrated drink mixes considered clear liquids?

[Jun 7, 2015]     The best thing for you to do is to check with your surgeon. Best to be on the safe side by running it by your surgeon. If you're referring to their Pink Lemonade drink, I would not consider it a clear liquid. Congratulations on your VSG tomorrow! Please post updates on the Main Discussion message board at: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/amos/     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 2003 bcbs traditional mi......and reconstructive surgery

[May 23, 2015]     Do you know what the procedure codes are for Messa BCBS? They are VERY vague when I called to see exactly what the requirements are. I have the 100#, back ache w/ chiro, sores w/ scripts, but I'm not sure my panni hangs down low enough.     — pigletom     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does anyone else of LOW White Blood Cell count, and terrible leg pain 6 year post op

[Apr 30, 2015]     I personally have not had issues with low white blood cell counts. You might consider posting this on the General Discussion board or the surgical board of the procedure you had. I would schedule an appointment with your PCP and possibly even call your bariatric surgeon. For your leg pain, I don't think it would have a connection but that would be for your PCP to check. Both issues are concerning and should be discussed with your doctor.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Lower stoma not resticting

[Apr 30, 2015]     It is good that you've had an upper gi and have the documentation to show medical necessity. Contact your insurance (Medicare and Medicaid) at the number on the back of your insurance cards. Explain to them what you have per the upper gi and find out if it is covered. If it is, ask for a list of surgeons that accept your insurance that perform revisions. Contact the surgeon(s) for consults. I wish you the best of luck!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: As a woman having bypass, my doctor said it's common to see blood while using the bat

[Apr 21, 2015]     When I had lap gastric bypass, I had a drain without any of the cycle issues you describe. It is good that your doctors know about what you're experiencing. I hope it resolves for you soon. Good wishes to you with your hysterectomy.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Hi!!! Fasting

[Apr 21, 2015]     As a follow-up, below is the URL to OH's Christian forum: http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/christianity     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: As a woman having bypass, my doctor said it's common to see blood while using the bat

[Apr 21, 2015]     Hi Cathy, surgeon and nurses know. They informed me it would happen. However, none of my other friends had same outcome. Yet they all had drain tube after surgery and all I had were 6 incisions closed with skin glue. No drain tube so im guessing thats the only way out?     — SassyNatty8482     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: As a woman having bypass, my doctor said it's common to see blood while using the bat

[Apr 20, 2015]     When we have any time of surgery, our bodies can react in various ways. One of them is having heavier, lighter or more frequent menstruation. I suggest calling your gynecologist, especially since you're having a hysterectomy in a few weeks. You could also call your bariatric surgeon's office to let them know since you just had WLS. Take care!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Hi!!! Fasting

[Apr 20, 2015]     ObesityHelp has on-line support groups, and there is a Christian OH Group. Check it out at the URL below: http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/martineaton_group/ You can also post your question on the surgical board for the procedure you've had or on the General Discussion board. Go to the top nav bar (in blue) and click on Forums. From the drop down menu, you'll see all the message boards there. If you'd like to start your own OH Group, you can! To start your own, go to: www.obesityhelp.com/group/     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: 3 Months and 3 weeks out of surgery and my weight has stopped going down for 3 weeks

[Apr 8, 2015]     Weight stalls are part of the weight loss surgery process. They happen to all of us. When a stall occurs, dig in and keep doing what you've been doing since having surgery. Outlast your stall and don't get frustrated or stress out. During a stall, your body is adjusting to your weight loss. Even though the scale isn't showing a weight loss, things are going on with your body. Are your clothes looser? Usually during a stall, you'll see that your body is losing inches. If you've taken your measurements, take them again. You need to give your body nutrition. Not eating is not the answer. Your body will go into a starvation mode and you'll actually undermine your weight loss. Eat protein first and drink water. Remember, this isn't a diet but a lifestyle. Part of your stall could be because you aren't eating so your body is holding on to any nutrition, thus starvation mode. Check out this article: http://www.obesityhelp.com/articles/scale A search for member posts on stalls: http://www.obesityhelp.com/search/action,search_oh/?q=stall&cx=000946886326336472648%3Ae-vpeg4uyxw&cof=FORID%3A9 Hang in there!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Medicare and Medicaid pay for revision

[Apr 7, 2015]     To determine Medicare/Medicaid coverage for a revision, it would be best to contact them directly. For them to determine coverage, explain your current health situation that you want to have a revision for. You might ask them for a list of bariatric surgeons in your area that accept Medicare/Medicaid. Once you have a list of bariatric surgeons, make an appointment to consult with the surgeon(s) to discuss the revision and medical necessity conditions that you believe warrant a revision. Best of luck to you!     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Does anyone have such cold hands they are painful?

[Mar 24, 2015]     I'm assuming you've had weight loss surgery in answering your question. From having WLS and a significant weight loss, changes in metabolism occur. Possible causes of being cold (not limited to only hands) can be an indication of nutritional deficiencies, especially during the first six months post-op. Post-ops lose the fat stores that normally insulates us from cold temperatures. How are your lab results? Are you on a daily vitamin regime? Iron deficiencies can cause us to be cold. If your hands feel numb or have the "pins and needles" feeling, that can be a B12 issue. Call your bariatric surgeon's office to describe what you're experiencing and to see if you need follow-up blood tests done. It is best to check to make sure by checking in with your surgeon.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Anyone here have surgery at HCMC in MPLS recently?

[Mar 5, 2015]     I'm not sure what HCMC in MPLS refers to. I input MPLS in the "Find a Bariatric Surgeon" at the top of each page and the link below came up: http://www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/?location=MPLS If you're wanting to check with any OH members about their surgical experience, post this on your state message board. You can find your state board under: Forums See All Forums (last entry on the far right column) Scroll down to the State area Locate your state and click on it If you have any questions or would like assistance to locate a surgeon, you can contact Member Services at [email protected]     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)

Q: Medicaid doctor close to joliet, il

[Mar 5, 2015]     In order to obtain the more current and updated information, call the number on the back of your Medicaid card. Ask them for a list of bariatric surgeons in your area that accept Medicaid. From the list, you can research each one on ObesityHelp at the URL below: http://www.obesityhelp.com/find/bariatric-surgeon/?location=Jouliet%20IL. Click on the surgeon's name and review their profile. If after reviewing their profile you'd like to meet them, call their office to confirm they take Medicaid and schedule to attend an Informational Seminar. Good luck to you and your WLS journey.     — Cathy W.     (See other answers/post your answer)



×