Ask to be tested for c-diffucile and SIBO. Both are caused by an imbalance of bacteria. C-diff is an actual intestinal infection that is extremely difficult to cure. DSers seem to be particularly prone to these conditions if not ingesting enough probiotics either by pill form or fermented foods. Docs often don't think of testing you for this. My dad suffered for 9 months before a physician's assistant thought of testing him for c-diff. Once diagnosed, it took another 4 months to get it under control trying different rounds of antibiotics. He also had to clear out his bathroom to make a completely sterile environment. This was removing all towels and fabrics, nic-nacks, tooth brush, etc. He had to change his underwear every time he used the bathroom and wipe down the toilet and the entire bathroom each time (the infection spreads with airborne spores) and had to clean and sanitize towels and wash cloths after every use. The doc didn't tell him this, otherwise he may have been cured earlier.

Hello I had my DS in 2013, I went from 350 to 215 then fluctuated up and down highest 240 lowest 210. January 2018 I took a field job and spent all day walking miles and climbing stairs for a full year. I am still in a similar position not as rough. I have now reached a weight of 195 effortlessly. I am like you I went to the doctor twice and got full exams from head to toe. My labs were hood except for iron so I dounle up on iron and eat more iron rich foods. This surgery has changed my life.

Hey Sunshine! I use Primal Ultra Life. My doctor put me on it right after my surgery. I don't take a detox though like you. Never heard of that. Does it really flatten you out? What is the name of your detox? Thanks !

Hey sorry you are dealing with this. Not needed now but when I started taking the Now Probiotics (3), and a Detox..that help. You must find the culprit that causes these issues. There is a culprit, and it got to be diet. Do you take a Probiotic with 10 strains, and get the Detox?

Kate - I had a tummy tuck and breast lift after being at my goal weight for about a year and a half. I went to a great local PS who had done several other WLS folks I knew. He even managed to get my TT covered by my insurance (have to prove medical necessity). I paid for the lift (both were done at the same time). I think the total cost for me was about $5K (but that was also almost 13-14 years ago). Most doctors want you to be at your goal weight for at least a year, which makes sense.

If you are having issues with rashes, etc., start documenting. Go to your primary doctor, take pictures. Some insurance just flat out won't cover plastics, but some do.

Interestingly when I was shopping around for a PS, I went to one who had a great reputation. She flat out told me insurance would never cover it and wouldn't even be bothered submitting. Glad the surgeon I went to didn't have the same mentality. You have to shop around and find a plastic surgeon who understands WLS and our needs.