Thought I’d share some interesting news for those on the wait list for Tier 3 Weight Management.
To increase capacity (and I assume decrease waiting times) they’ve partnered with Oviva who provide coaching, nutritional guidance and GLP-1 medications (if you qualify) but not bariatric surgery.
I’ve been sent a link with an option to join.
For context, I’ve been waiting over two years for my first assessment with the NHS bariatric team and have been told it could be another couple of years!
Opting in to the programme means being taken off the wait list for the main pathway and care will be provided by Oviva.
What isn’t clear is what specific GLP-1 medications are prescribed. It’s also not clear if this is just for my NHS trust or if it is happening across England.
Anyone else on Tier 3 received this and/or joined? It makes me feel hopeful that this could be a new and potentially quicker pathway for people!

So I completed the standard chest x-ray my dr required (nothing abnormal & no concerns that would have warranted it otherwise) & everything was fine. My lab work on the other hand showed my white blood count, platelet count, & granulocytes were high. I was on an antibiotic earlier this month for an unrelated issue to the bariatric process but I finished that about a week ago & have felt fine, with the exception of the stress of this 19-day pre-op liquid diet which has been tough. The results came through the patient portal but haven’t been reviewed by my dr yet. I’m worried my surgery (scheduled for Monday 5/20) will get cancelled or postponed. I emailed my dr’s nurse first thing this morning & she said she’ll get back with me as soon as the surgeon & Dr have reviewed them. Haven’t heard back yet & of course I’ve been agonizing over it all day. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Can anyone speak to the level of pre-planning care they have received or to the quality of the service they have had through jaw surgery in the Kaiser system? I live in Los Angeles and have a Kaiser HMO but just had a consult with an out of network surgeon who used to work with them for years. I feel like the level of consideration and care may be much better with him (and the technology more advanced) I’m weighing the possibility of changing insurance to BCBS and having to pay for the surgery and get reimbursements through Blue Cross Blue Shield after open enrollment (only catch is I don’t have $60-$100k cash laying around in my bank account…) Kaiser seems more like a factory for this type of surgery and after reading “confessionsofametalmouth” blog I got scared lol. I’m hoping to be reassured that Kaiser is great to go with since it would be the easiest and most affordable route.
Kaiser is the most straight forward and streamlined and the most likely insurance to cover this entire surgery, but I’ve heard that they don’t have the best surgical pre-planning or use the most state of the art technology to render the aesthetic result like other private practices might. I’ve also heard that they only give the surgeons 30 minutes to prepare for the surgery and there is much less back and forth in the pre planning process about the final aesthetic outcome. Of course these surgeons see a high volume of patients and have a ton of experience, but my face is my only face and it takes a lot of trust to let someone change it without seeing any kind of rendering or approximation of the outcome. Sorry this was so long… would love any advice or to hear about people’s experiences!

Hi I am a 36 year old man who 7 years ago had gastric sleeve, after considering different forms of bariatric surgery including gastric bypass. I have a mother and a sister who did gastric bypass and I have an aunt who also did gastric sleeve. I am opening up my story because I think it can be helpful for those who are still in the early stages of the journey whether it be pre-op or early days post-op. There are pros and cons. And there have been positive and negatives in my life as a result of my choice to have surgery. So if you're interested and knowing about somebody's story, I will post an AMA thread on Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. PST and will continue to answer questions freely until 11: 59 p.m. Sunday.
So if you're curious, ASK ME ANYTHING.

HW: 275 SW: 262 CW:252 (5’8 39 BMI)
2 questions after reading crash diet warnings.
Is this sustainable? Is losing 5 lbs a week dangerous?
I took my 3rd dose yesterday. I have lost 10 lbs. I even cheated week 1 with about 8 craft beers. I did the entire bariatric pre-op program last year. Backed out the day prior because the surgeons office seemed incompetent making several mistakes in orders. I am now in the VA MOVE program and have been referred to Bariatrics and I love the VA way more than the private providers. So while I’m still heading the bariatric route, we are trying semagutide along the way.

I have NOT had surgery but I am following a hybrid post-op program. No more alcohol. I probably drank 10-15 beers 5x a week at the pub with my friends. This cuts back 1500-2000 calories per day. Not to mention the irresponsible eating out afterwards. Spanish food, Chinese food, pizza or Taco Bell 🤦🏽‍♂️ After the alcohol I’m focused on walking a moderate 30 min and a minimum of 5000 steps 5x a week. I am doing a light full body workout, not over exerting myself, 4x a week (pushing and pulling different days). That brings me to what I am eating. 

My hybrid post op bariatric diet consists of about 1000-1200 calories with a minimum of 100 grams of protein. Average amount of complex carbs. I have and I am taking the bariatric supplements I got from the previous program. This includes bariatric calcium, Vitamin D, iron, multivitamins, etc.The semaglutide has helped curb my appetite and limit my cravings.
SUMMARY

1. MENTAL HEALTH: Eliminate toxic people and environments that do not support the weight loss. Stay away from sweets and alcohol.
2. EXERCISE: Goal of 5,000 to 10,000 steps 5x week. Weights 4x week. Leisure activity 3x week.
3. DIET: Less than 1500 calories 100 g protein.
4. SEMAGLUTIDE: w B12, Methionine, Inositol, Choline.

Hi there as my title says I’m 9.5 months post op bariatric sleeve surgery today I had an episode one of many but this is the first time I discuss it. To see if anyone is in the same boat as me. Has their sugar randomly dropped to the point where they feel dizzy and light headed and shakey until they ate something sweet/sugar filled. Never been medically diagnosed with diabetes or anything of that nature so I’m just a bit worried.

(F21) I’ve seen so much mixed information on this topic. if you go to tik tok people will say they still smoke weed and it’s been no problem for them. but if you go anywhere else looking for answers or info it’s hard to find specifics about smoking or vaping it because usually articles online are referring to tinctures or edibles when talking in terms of after bariatric surgery. does anyone here have any experience smoking it after having the bypass? and i mean smoking it not doing edibles or tinctures. i truly cannot decide between the sleeve or the bypass for this specific reason. I understand that inhaling any smoke can increase the production of stomach acid which can irritate the gastrointestinal lining and cause ulcers but i’m just truly not sure how big that risk is. is vaping a thc cartridge a better alternative? anyone have any experience or suggestions?

38/F. Checked into ER on Sunday with palpitations and weakness that I was pretty sure was linked to low hemoglobin (same thing happened in March, went to the ER where they discovered low hemoglobin was the cause and they gave me a blood transfusion which help me feel a lot better and discharged me. I've set up an appointment with my hematologist but couldn't get an appt until July.)
I was admitted due to my very low vitals and blood counts, namely:

• Hemoglobin: 7.1
• WBC: 3.6
• HR: high 30s-mid 40s
• BP: averaging 80s/high 30s, highest has been 89/50.

I've been seen by the gastro team, who wants to do an endoscopy but ultimately as an outpatient procedure because they're concerned about doing it while my WBC is low due to increased possibility of infection.
I've been seen by the cardiac team, who is going through my past records (the hospital I'm in is where I had a cardiac ablation for an arrhythmia back in 2018), but ultimately will want me to get an electrophysiology study - but whether I do it while inpatient or do as an outpatient once discharged is TBD.
They've given me some IV iron and ongoing saline drip but my numbers are not shifting.
I also had some bacteria in my urinalysis but no other symptoms, but they're giving me antibiotic IV just in case.
Basically, my case has my medical team at a loss, so thought I'd share my results and history here to see if anyone had any ideas!
Abnormal test results since being admitted (any value not listed means it was normal range.)
Echocardiagram abnormal findings:

• Trace miltal regurgitation.
• Mild aortic valve thinking. No aortic regurgitatin.
• Trace tricuspid regurgitation.

EKG 12-Lead abnormal findings:

• QT Interval: 464 ms
• QTC calculation (Bazett): 478 ms

Abnormal bloodwork:

• Reticulocyte hemoglobin: 20.7
• Ferritin: 3
• Iron: 13
• Iron saturation: 4%
• WBC count: 3.6
• RBC count: 3.57
• Hemoglobin: 7.2
• Hematocrit %: 24.8
• Mean corposcular volume: 58.7
• Mean corposcular hemoglobin: 19.9
• Mean corposcular hemoglobin conc: 28.6
• RDW - CV%: 20.3%
• RDW-SD: 52.2
• Neutrophils %: 22%
• Lympocytes %: 68%
• Neutrophils absolute: 0.8
• Chloride: 115
• CO2: 17
• BUN: 5
• Creatanine: 0.48
• Calcium: 7.7
• Albumin: 2.9
• Protein, total: 4.9
• Bilirubin total: 0.1
• AST: 60
• Alkaline phosphatase: 38

Relevant history/surgeries/medications listed below.
Medical history:

• Had a modified duodenal switch surgery (also known as SIPS) in July 2017 (both bariatric but did that surgery specifically because it helped address hormonal issues like overproduction of ghrelin.) Went from 260 lbs at 5'1" to my current weight of around 110 lbs. This surgery also resulted in malabsorption, so have been on bariatric ADEK/multi and bariatric iron supplement since then.
  
• Had a 20+ year history of an eating disorder (primarily restrictive but worsened after SIPS as getting adjusted to that led to occasional regurgitation, which I started to take advantage of so symptoms turned more to restricting purging type.) Went into treatment in 2019 at a treatment center that was HAES and focused more on intuitive eating and body neutrality, which ultimately was hugely successful and I've been in true recovery since I was discharged in February 2020.
  
• Had palpitations in 2017/2018 which were later diagnosed as bigeminy PVCs. Ablated and had loop recorder inserted. No issues since until I started experiencing some palpitations again in March, which is what led me to go to ER, where they identified low hemoglobin as the issue.
  
• Have had low hemoglobin previously due to malabsorption, and had series of iron infusions in 2021.
  
• Have rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed in fall 2019. Currently between medications (was on methotrexate but wasn't doing anything) - currently just have predinsone but I only take it when I'm having a flare. Rheum and I are exploring Rinvoq but am in the process of getting updated scans and labwork to check on RA progression before updating treatment plan.
  
• Have previously had stomach ulcers caused by NSAIDs (was negative for H Pylori at the time), but has not been an issue since winter 2013.
  

Previous surgeries/procedures:

• July 2017: SIPS / modified DS
• March 2018: Cardiac ablation for bigeminy PVCs
• Fall 2018: skin removal surgery post weight loss (abdomen and upper arms)
• Fall 2019: Emergency surgery for intrasucception
• Winter 2020: Gallbladder removal

My journey towards my first injection of Zepbound the Friday before last started at an age earlier than I can remember. I was told that I would finish bottles twice as fast as my brother and sisters did and that was just the beginning. I can remember my first official diet at the age of 10 and can recall the allowances given by Weight Watchers to this day, 6 protein, 5 starch, 5 dairy, 3 fats, and 3 fruits, with unlimited servings of vegetables. At the time this was the accepted way of doing things and the family followed this plan together. We would calculate these portions and buy frozen meals that had these values written on the side. I never would have known that this would be the start of a lifelong battle, where I was accepted and validated while losing weight, dismissed and ridiculed when I wasn’t. In my house weight loss was looked at as a matter of willpower and my father would take me to the grocery store where we would open the bakery cabinet and breathe in the scents of the muffins, brownies, and other pastries without giving in the the temptation of eating any of them. The yo-yoing of my weight started then and continued through 5 years ago, when I was larger than ever and found my way to a weight loss clinic that restricted calories down to 800 a day before building back up over time, mostly through the use of bars and shakes, alongside a meal of protein and veggies. Just like in the past I was able to shed weight on command with a restrictive system, eventually losing 140 pounds, which brought me from 388 down to 248. This was by far the largest loss of my life, having had losses of 90, 75, and multiple losses in the 30-50 range. This time it felt different, but the binge eating at night came back every time I would get to the 250 range. Like clockwork I would creep up and the nurse practitioner would ask if I wanted to try a medication to help and instantly I would take offense and lose the 15 pounds that crept back on, realizing along the way that I needed someone to doubt me, that I needed someone to not believe in me to get back on track. Through this entire journey I had told every person involved that I would be impressed if they could help me keep myself within a 15 pound range for over a year. This method came close but it was always 15 up and 15 down, cycling nearly every other month. This epiphany was met with curiosity and I eventually was referred to a mindful nutritionist that focused on talking through my binge eating issues and removing the good vs. bad labels that I placed on each food my entire life as it relates to food. It took some time to get on their calendar and by then I had risen to 270 pounds. I started this new part of the journey barely eating any real foods and over time I incorporated foods into my life, while removing the labels associated with them. My weight crept up, but I knew this was part of the plan as I judged less and shamed myself even less. I knew this as I had taken up zen meditation over the past few years and along the way I noticed a voice in my head, that voice used my mother’s nickname for me and whenever clothes started to tighten I would hear this admonition, and then one day I realized that I was saying these shame ridden insult out loud to myself. Over the course of a year I reduced my binge eating considerably and accepted more foods into my life. I also noticed that I would often tell my children that “I couldn’t be trusted” with his food and that food and over time I stopped doing these things, both to my benefit and their’s, as the parentification wasn’t good for either of us. Despite all of this I still continued to see the numbers climb, but didn’t weigh myself and felt better than I ever had at such a high weight. As I went past the 300 mark the guilt wasn’t there and the shame was lessened to a a degree I couldn’t imagine. Along this path I believed that the more self acceptance I could show, the less shame I would feel, and in turn I would eat only one hungry, at least eventually. My weight stabilized and I thought I was in my way,but my clothes kept getting tighter, bit by bit over time. At my next physical my doctor looked at my weight and immediately went to suggesting medication. As I tried to explain my work with my nutritionist he was dismissive and kept referring to the work I was doing as being on a diet, which I had refused to do. I was incorporating all foods in my life while not binging and although I physically didn’t feel great, I was proud of the mental place I was in. It was at this time that I began a 4-5 month dialogue between my doctor and my nutritionist. Talking about my goals, fears, and everything in between. I had become comfortable in a bigger body and accepting of it, however I was starting to notice the effect on my psyche, especially at work when I had to present and speak publicly or on camera. I came to the conclusion that I just wanted to be able to exercise regularly and buy clothes at a regular store, staying at XXL sizes or below. My nutritionist was along for the ride and while she never had a patient on Zepbound her approval meant the world to me as I had my doctor place the prescription in at the pharmacy. It was another 2 months before I asked them to fill it and I eventually had it delivered and in my fridge. I had been dismissive of everyone who had bariatric surgery and other interventions, for they didn’t have the “willpower” that I had to lose weight on command. Swallowing my pride I injected myself 11 days ago not knowing what to expect. The injection instead served as admission that I was no better than anyone else and that I could accept medical intervention for something that I just couldn’t solve in any way. After the injection I experienced a profound moment where I went to the pantry prior to a Zoom panel discussion that would have 400 people on it. In this moment I realized that I always came here prior to speaking publicly, it his time was different. I realized I wasn’t hungry and I also realized that my anxiety was lessened in a way far beyond my appetite and impulses. In the 11 days since I have come to terms with the fact that I suffered from anxiety deeper than I ever knew and this new medication made that completely clear. I now move forward hoping to stay in XXL or lower, but fearful that without this medication my anxiety will come back, with my impulsive eating right behind. I then come back to the fact that I will continue the meditation practice, exercise routine, and self acceptance tools that I’ve worked on diligently over the years to guide my path. I don’t know where this journey will take me, but I am glad that I was able to share this publicly for the first time here on Reddit

This section should present a concise overview, capturing the essence of the report. Highlight the expected market growth at a CAGR of 9.30% from 2024 to 2032. Emphasize the key findings such as the major growth drivers, including an alarming rise in obesity rates and an increasing demand for new and effective anti-obesity medications with minimal side effects. Summarize the anticipated challenges and the strategic responses by key market players to these challenges.

Introduction

Define anti-obesity drugs as medications designed to help individuals lose weight or prevent weight gain. These drugs act through various mechanisms, such as appetite suppression, increased satiety, or reduced fat absorption. Clarify the scope of the report, which encompasses the analysis of market trends, regulatory environments, competitive landscape, and technological innovations across North America from 2024 to 2032. The objectives should be to provide stakeholders with comprehensive insights into the market dynamics, investment opportunities, and future trends. Methodologically, rely on a combination of primary and secondary research, including interviews with industry experts, analysis of company reports, and review of relevant medical and business journals.

Market Overview

Provide a snapshot of the market’s current size, incorporating data from the past five years to show growth trends. Discuss how the obesity epidemic in North America has spurred demand for pharmaceutical interventions. Explore the psychological and sociological factors contributing to the market’s expansion, such as increasing public awareness of obesity-related health risks and the growing acceptance of pharmacological treatment over traditional weight-loss methods.

Market Dynamics

Detail the dynamics of the market:

• Drivers: Include the rising healthcare expenditure on obesity-related diseases, government initiatives like public health campaigns, and innovation in drug development leading to more effective treatment options with fewer side effects.
• Restraints: Discuss the high cost of new drug development and market entry, the rigorous and lengthy regulatory approval processes, and the public skepticism regarding the efficacy and safety of anti-obesity drugs.
• Opportunities: Highlight opportunities such as personalized medicine approaches to obesity treatment, expansion into emerging markets, and potential for lifestyle integration with digital health technologies.
• Challenges: Address issues like the competitive pressure from alternative non-pharmacological therapies (e.g., bariatric surgery), patent cliffs, and the ethical concerns over the medicalization of obesity.

Regulatory Landscape

Examine the specific regulations affecting the development and marketing of anti-obesity drugs in the U.S. and Canada. Discuss key FDA and Health Canada guidelines for clinical trials, drug approvals, and marketing. Analyze recent regulatory approvals and the impact of these on the market, including any controversies or recalls that have shaped regulatory strategies.

Patent Analysis

Delve into the patent landscape, identifying key patents that have recently expired and those that are due to expire. Discuss the strategies companies might use to extend patent lifecycles. Analyze new patents filed, focusing on their potential market impact and the technologies they cover.

Investment and Funding Analysis

Offer a deeper look at financial investments in the anti-obesity drugs sector, identifying major funding rounds and the investors involved. Discuss trends in venture capital investments and government or non-profit funding initiatives aimed at combating obesity.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Examine recent strategic partnerships, their goals, and outcomes. Focus on collaborations aimed at research and development, cross-marketing agreements, or geographic expansion. Evaluate how these collaborations have affected market positions of the companies involved.

Competitive Landscape

Provide a more detailed analysis of each key player mentioned. Discuss their strategic initiatives, such as mergers, acquisitions, and new product developments. Evaluate their financial performance, market share, and R&D investments. Analyze the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) for each player to give a rounded picture of the competitive environment.

Market Segmentation

Further segment the market by patient demographics, such as age and gender, alongside the previous segments by drug type and distribution channel. This can provide insights into target marketing strategies and product development.

Geographic Analysis

Deepen the geographic analysis by including not only the U.S. and Canada but also specific regions within these countries that may exhibit unique market dynamics due to local regulatory policies or health trends.

Future Trends and Market Outlook

Speculate on future technological advancements, such as the integration of machine learning and AI in predicting treatment outcomes or personalized medicine. Discuss the impact of potential market entrants and predict how changes in consumer behavior could reshape the market.

FAQ

1. What are anti-obesity drugs?

Answer: Anti-obesity drugs are pharmaceuticals designed to help individuals lose weight or prevent weight gain. They can work through various mechanisms, such as suppressing appetite, increasing feelings of fullness, or inhibiting fat absorption in the body.

2. What is driving the growth of the anti-obesity drugs market in North America?

Answer: The primary drivers include the increasing prevalence of obesity, rising public health awareness, advancements in drug development, and growing demand for effective treatment options with minimal side effects. Government initiatives and increased healthcare spending on obesity-related conditions also contribute significantly to market growth.

3. What are the major challenges facing the anti-obesity drugs market?

Answer: Key challenges include the high cost and complexity of new drug development, stringent regulatory requirements, competition from non-pharmaceutical treatments like bariatric surgery, and public skepticism about the effectiveness and safety of these drugs.

4. How do regulatory agencies impact the anti-obesity drugs market?

Answer: Regulatory agencies like the FDA in the U.S. and Health Canada play a crucial role in approving new drugs, setting guidelines for clinical trials, and monitoring the safety of anti-obesity medications. Their decisions directly affect which drugs are available on the market and influence public trust in these treatments.

5. What recent developments have there been in the field of anti-obesity drugs?

Answer: Recent developments include the approval of new drugs with novel mechanisms of action, significant investments in research and development by major pharmaceutical companies, and the introduction of personalized medicine approaches to treat obesity. Innovations in drug delivery systems and the integration of digital health solutions are also notable trends.

I have worked at my store for less than a year. Maybe 9 months at this point. I've been seeing all this stuff about unions and idk anything about it. I've never worked for a union before. But it seems like you can get better benefits being a union. And ig ive only ever worked for particularly shitty companies because i always thought the benefits we have are really good. But the medical accommodation thing is ridiculous. A doctor saying something isnt enough, they have to approve it? And it takes weeks to approve anything! I've been done dirty a couple times because of this. I have really bad asthma and this has become an issue in my store. My old sm was understanding. But i had an asthma attack a while ago and ended up bruising the muscles connected to my ribs. As you can imagine this was incredibly painful. I went to work and explained my situation and gave my doctor's note and said the only thing i couldn't do was dtr because leaning out the window was excruciatingly painful. Sm trued to accommodate but ssv (the one ive posted about having problems with before) said i needed a medical accommodation. So i submitted it. It took them 2 WEEKS to approve it. So for 2 weeks i still had to do dtr. And rib injuries wont heal unless babied since you cant put a cast on ribs. Whatever, maybe they were backed up or something. But my store got a new sm and this one is pretty strict. And wont allow us to go to the back and get a sip from our drinks occasionally while working. Which is definitely unfair and cruel but not against policy. But I've had bariatric surgery and need to sip semi frequently. My sm said i needed a medical accommodation. So i submitted it. It just got approved. Its been 3 weeks! I've gotten so dehydrated because of this long ass wait time. Literally a danger to my health.

Can I request for my PCP to order the lab tests needed for the cosmetic surgery outside of Kaiser?

Long time lurker! Like many of you, I’ve been dreaming of a breast reduction since they first came in! My chest has always been a source of insecurity and unwanted attention since I was in middle school. I’m now 31 and sick of having the extra weight on my chest. I’m tired of the neck pain, spending $$$ on bras and swimwear, searching high and low for dresses/clothing to fit my bust…I think im measuring at a 36I but I truly don’t know, I probably haven’t worn a real bra in two years.
I’m at a good place in life where opting for a reduction is tangible. I don’t want kids. I have a decent job with health insurance —Kaiser SoCal . I finally decided to discuss surgery with my PCP and she referred me to plastic surgery. I attended the seminar, and a week later the scheduling office called to schedule a phone consultation. Had the consult today and the surgeon is pushing for weight loss first. I’m 5’4 and weigh 193lbs. I’m technically just under the 34 bmi requirement. But dr said it would be ideal to lose 20lbs.
My weight has gone up in the last 5 years due to a thyroid issue that is now under control. But damn!! I feel like I got my hopes up and now a reduction could be a while away. I still requested to have an in person consultation with the surgeon and will attempt to state my case. Even when I did weigh 170lbs I was still a 34j. I feel so desperate to have these things sized down and it’s a bummer to hear I might have to wait even longer.
Also thinking I will schedule another consultation with a different surgeon for a second opinion.
If anyone has any advice or is feeling just as disillusioned as myself and wants to commiserate 😭

Hi, first time applicant for 2024-2025. I wanted some feedback on my school list (maybe specifically which top schools to cut out and replace with lower tier schools)!! Thank you so much
State: CA, ORM
GPA: 3.99, MCAT: 519
ECs:
Clinical Paid =
1000 hours Head Medical Scribe at Orthopedic Surgery Clinic
Clinical Volunteering =
500 hours Sports Medicine Internship
100 hours Emergency Department Volunteer
Research =
300 hours (no pubs) clinical psychology lab
200 hours (no pubs) basic science lab
Non-clinical =
300 hours Pre-Health Peer Advisor
200 hours volunteer Mentorship Positions
200 hours as a learning assistant/teaching assistant for various classes
400 hours leadership in Pre-Health Student Organization
150 hours board member for a community volunteer foundation
Shadowing =
80 hours in a variety of specialties
Schools =

• California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine
• Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine
• Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
• Stanford University School of Medicine
• University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
• University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
• University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
• University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
• University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Boston University School of Medicine
• Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
• Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Emory University School of Medicine
• Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
• Harvard Medical School
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
• New York Medical College
• Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
• The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
• Tufts University School of Medicine
• University of Colorado School of Medicine
• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
• University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine
• University of Michigan Medical School
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
• University of Virginia School of Medicine
• USF Health Morsani College of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine

I just had my first consult and I told my doctor that I had neck surgery in 6 months and hoped not to have it as my neurosurgeon said that losing the weight would probably take away the pain in my neck and shoulders. The bariatric surgeon doesn't think this is the case. And then of course told me that I would not be able to take NSAIDs after surgery. (I knew this), honestly this was one of my drivers for surgery was to get off the pain meds. Thoughts? F 47, HW 251 CW 244 BSW 235

So I had a gastric sleeve surgery a little over a year ago (almost 2 years). Since, I’ve developed symptoms that are indicative of low interest/restrictive ARFID as identified by my dietitian and therapist. (But also realistically doubting I have ARFID despite the symptoms/behaviors? In denial ? Idk. I think I see others and am just like am I really like that? Idk)
Currently I have a lot of anxiety around food as it pertains to deciding what to eat. Because, eating generally makes me feel uncomfortable in my stomach, so if I want something I feel like it has to look and taste the way I’m picturing it (if that makes sense) or it ruins my day since realistically I can only have a few bites anyway.
If I feel like based on reviews or my own cooking that the food is not up to par. I won’t eat and the whole cycle will start again. My life rn is a combination of that behavior and just not really having the desire to eat. Which has created some issues with malnutrition (that I’m getting around through nutritional drinks and protein shakes etc). If my family decided to go eat somewhere or if we decide to order in I will spend hrs trying to decide OR I’ll order what others want and then not eat because I just wasn’t able to find something that I felt was gonna be worth my limited stomach space.
I’m wondering how common this is for others that may have had bariatric surgeries (I know eating disorder risk goes up for bariatric patients, but didn’t know it could potentially manifest in this way as opposed to some of the more commonly know EDs).
Background: I do have history of ED (bulimia and anorexia as a teen/young adult (I’m 39 now) BUT received treatment all this was disclosed and is in my medical records). My lack of interest now is not rooted in appearance or control or weight or other people’s view of me. Literally only about the fact that I cannot eat much and so if I cannot ensure the food will be good (which is subjective to me) with those few bites that I have I will ruminate over finding something that I can eat or am craving only to not eat because it becomes stressful anxiety inducing OR I just will not eat at all). Sometimes it will mean just craving a specific food that can only be ordered from somewhere specific and I’ll not eat until I get that food from that place etc etc.

I’m starting a new job at the end of the month and they only offer Anthem PPO / EPO plans. I’ve been with Kaiser for the past 20+ years, and it’s been fantastic for the most part - they got my family and I through 2 pregnancies, a battle with cancer that included major surgery, several ER visits, solid preventative care for the whole family. We never had to pay more than $250 for any of these things, never had surprise bills, insurance disputes etc. Reading up about Anthem plans, seems like issues with finding in network care providers, surprise bills, bureaucratic claims processes, and high out of pocket expenses are common. Is the stuff I’m reading online overly skewed toward the negative?
I’d love to hear about some positive experience with Anthem, and get some insight from anyone else who made a similar transition. What should I expect? Any tips or lessons learned to share?
Thank you!

Hello all! I’m hoping for some help and opinions from those who have had bariatric surgery!
My surgeon has told me that I am a good candidate for either the gastric sleeve or the gastric bypass procedures and I need to decide which I’d like. Although I’ve done research, I still can’t seem to decide which one is best for me. I need to decide within the next 48 hours before they submit to insurance. My insurance will approve either.
I’m a 33 year old female and have struggled with my weight my entire life (my whole family has). I want to use this surgery as a tool to get healthy and decrease weight related medical issues now and in the future. My Highest weight: 295 lbs, Current weight: 275. My 1st goal weight is 175, but ideally I’d love to get to 140-150 over time.
Here are my biggest pros and cons of each:
My biggest con with the sleeve is that I have some GERD/acid reflux issues that I take meds for, although I’m sure weight is a contributing factor. My surgeon said my scope showed no damage from GERD and he wouldn’t be concerned to do a sleeve, but I still worry about that. My biggest pro with the sleeve is that it’s a less complicated, less risky procedure.
My biggest con with the bypass is the malabsorption. I take various medications and iron supplements that I’m concerned may not work as well. Also, I hope to have kids, if that is in the cards for me, and worry about malabsorption with pregnancy. My biggest pro with the bypass is that the stats tend to show more weight loss at a quicker rate and better ability to keep it off longterm.
I would appreciate ANY AND ALL opinions, thoughts, experiences, stories, etc. as I am genuinely on the fence and can’t make up my mind. I know this is a huge decision and I want to make the right one.
Thank you SO MUCH for anyone willing to share and help me! I appreciate it more than you know!

So I've had this spot about a inch or less, it's left to my belly button. About 3 years now, maybe more. I remember I was feeling my belly for some reason and it feels like a ball point pen tip if it's closed.
Didn't really bother me until last few months. Most likely from weight gain.
I was doing a twist at work and felt/heard a pop noise and it was throbbing for about a minute. Made appt with my doc.
She couldn't feel what I was talking about. (My BF & aunt have felt it). She got me a CT scan then told me it showed I have umbilical hernia. Also have benign lesions on my spleen or something.
Went to see the lovely Kaiser "specalist". The first guy gave me D-bag vibes. I told him the area, what triggers it (sitting after eating, sitting and doing my back PY exercises but mostly sitting/eating). He tells me oh you need a CT scan. I said that's why I'm here... to go over the scan and if need surgery. He tells me I'm under the BMI but should still loose weight. OK got that.
Gets the surgeon and he asks me the same thing. They both feel inside my belly button. Claim they don't feel anything but then feel a little blockage. I'm guessing the umbilical hernia. But say they can't help me cause the spot I'm pointing to isn't the umbilical hernia. That basically go lose weight and go back to My primary doctor.
(Also stood outside the door and I could hear them saying they can't feel what I'm talking about, ect, ect).
So just wondering anyone have any similar issues? It doesn't stick out or anything and hasn't changed in size but I think I used to be able to push it back in a little it seemed. But it just always feels the same
Tl;Dr have a pointy spot about 1inch away from my belly button. Specalist & primary saw I have umbilical hernia, but since my pain is not in my belly button it's something else

Hey all, I'm on 1 week post op waiting till this Tuesday to see the results. I got my surgery with Dr.James Kim with kaiser in Sacramento. I'm really happy cause I can see my belly finally. Got DI with drains and nipple graft. Just wondering how other guys recovery has gone and any tips for the future weeks. I work food service as a chef so I'm worried about if 6 weeks is enough time off or if I'd put myself at risk. I've also noticed slight burning and tingling pain for my chest past 2 days wondering if that's common. Also if anyone has an experience to share on the drains they've been barely producing anything past 2 days idk if that's a good sign or not and I'd rather not have them longer than this week. Just asking out cause my anxiety is kicking my mental ass about everything, I just want everything to go well so I can go back to work and working out without issue.

Hey all, I'm on 1 week post op waiting till this Tuesday to see the results. I got my surgery with Dr.James Kim with kaiser in Sacramento. I'm really happy cause I can see my belly finally. Got DI with drains and nipple graft. Just wondering how other guys recovery has gone and any tips for the future weeks. I work food service as a chef so I'm worried about if 6 weeks is enough time off or if I'd put myself at risk. I've also noticed slight burning and tingling pain for my chest past 2 days wondering if that's common. Also if anyone has an experience to share on the drains they've been barely producing anything past 2 days idk if that's a good sign or not and I'd rather not have them longer than this week. Just asking out cause my anxiety is kicking my mental ass about everything, I just want everything to go well so I can go back to work and working out without issue.