PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I read on one of the posts that someone found a 0% sodium free broth but can't find it now. Does anyone know what brand/and where to buy it? My NUT told me to drink reduced sodium but still be careful as it could cause water retention.

Hi my band slipped and my surgeon is going to remove it and do a convention to Bypass. Insurance is a go as long as i complete the 90day program. Im half way through that. Can any one share there experience with me that has converted from band to bypass? Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Pre testing in the AM I’m a nervous reck ! I’m actually considering backing out because I have had nothing but bad luck in life , this surgery will probably add to it [emoji17]. If anyone had surgery with DR.Harvey from ST.Lukes in NYC PLEASE SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE!

16 days until my big day. [emoji322][emoji322][emoji322] "Drop It Like it's Hot [emoji91]"

Hi there, I am partway thru meeting my requirements. I took my psych eval and I am waiting for the results. If all goes well, I am thinking I might be a November sleever. Anyway, looking to chat with anyone in a similar place as me. I started this process once before and stopped because I was doing so great losing the weight on my own. As usual, I gained it back so I had to start the process all over since it had been over a year. I am trying to read everything I can, so I am prepared. The more I read the more nervous I am. It seems that everyone just has such different experiences. I'm not even thru the process yet, but it keeps me awake at night thinking ab…

Did/does anyone vape pre-sleeve? I vape (nicotine lol) very very occasionally and they've only asked so far about smoking which I don't. I passed my pulmonary tests. My friend says the surgeon may ask about vaping closer to surg (11/27) and I just am curious if it's the nicotine they care about or any pulmonary consequences? Thanks!!

Yaaay I reached my my final mark my papers got sent in my date for my vsg is October 16 that's on a Monday I'm so excited and nervous at the same time i know its a life changing procedure but now I just have to wait to get approved I'm soo excited anybody else next month also?? Sent from my LGMS210 using BariatricPal mobile app

How much time off work, realistically, should I ask for? I work in an office so not labor intensive at all. My husband's had the sleeve back in December. The wife took 4 days (she's a surgical technician) and her husband took a week (manual labor supervisor). Thanks for the help!

Wanted to see if anyone else has that date or close to it so we can do the pre-op together. I also have to have my gallbladder removed. I excited and scared at the same time. I was reading an article yesterday that says individuals that undergo weight loss surgery will start to regain after 5 years. I'm not sure of the percentage but it was rather high. I been reading other post on here and hearing a lot of people being disappointed in having hunger come back and have to be prescribed appetite suppressants. I can't understand how the hunger comes back if you have the surgery. Is it true that the stomach stretches? Some say yes, some say no. This is a major surger…

I reached my goal weight of 244lbs! I was an unbelievable 266lbs so I'm just wondering how soon can i get the procedure done? I'm over ready! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok. Ordered Celebrate vitamins, calcium, and Syntax nectar variety pack and Jay Robb shakes. Stocked up on bone broth, vitamin water zero, Premier Protein ready-made shakes. Bought new house shoes..... AND my 3 daughters decided to show their support by doing the liquid diet with me in 16 days.. They probably have 20, 30, and 50 pounds to lose. This should be interesting!

My band to sleeve revision is this coming Tuesday. I'm scared and excited. But the scared part of me is taking over. Anyone else really nervous?

Hello everyone, I'm not new to the lap band process. My initial surgery was in 2007, (250 lbs). First three years I did well. 2010 There was a slippage of the band. Revision performed and band replaced. Unfortunately this band not working as well as the first one. Embraced to see my doctor cause I gained 40 lbs back. She ran a few test to make sure everything was good. We find my esaphagus was dilated. Which meant emptying my band to allow this to heal. Finally in Jan 2017 I was good to start adjusting the band. I get adjusted by our NP for a few days I felt restricted and then nothing. After a few months I see the surgeon who decided to do X-ray under fluorosco…

Any advice on what I should bring with me that maybe I haven't thought of?

When did you return to work? How was it going back? Did you wish you had taken more time? Less time? I'm a bit concerned about returning to work after the sleeve surgery. I am a middle school teacher and am worried I will not have the energy to stand all day and deal with a hundred 12-year-olds! However, it is difficult to be out for long periods of time, and as it stands now, I will only take one week after surgery. My principal is understanding and if I need another week, she will not fight me on it, but it's hard to miss that much instruction and prepare so much for a sub.

I have looked into WLS several times in the past 20 years, every time I did I would lose weight and decide that I didn’t need help and try to do it in my own. I’d lose about 20ish pounds and celebrate with unhealthy foods, eventually quitting and returning to old habits and finding those lost 20ish pounds...and some of their friends too. This time I decided I can’t do this on my own, I need help and I was going to stick with it. I needed a 3 month nutrition trial (with 3 nutritional visits), at least 1 support group meeting, all of my labs done, surgery clearance from my primary doc, psych clearance and then my final before surgery appointment with my surgeon and nutriti…

I’m so nervous surgery is 10/13 and I’m not prepared. Pre admission is next week. What can I do to prepare shopping list ,what should I pack ?? Thanks in advance [emoji17]

I have sleep apnea. Why is that important to know before going into surgery?

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That's what goes through my mind, that I've boarded a train to Crazy Town. I mean, am I really going to have more than half of my stomach removed? Voluntarily!? It seems insane! And when they tell me things like "you can't drink within 30 minutes of your meal time", and "no caffeine or alcohol ever again", I think, who can live like that? SO the big huge doubt creeps in...even if I can get through the horrible pain of surgery, and the horrible liquid diet (because those are just temporary), is this surgery going to RUIN MY LIFE? While it's true, I've struggled with my weight over the years, and now that my doctor says I have PCOS, I no longer believe I can lose the weight…

I want to believe that I can do this on my own. Many people will tell me that along the way, I know. But I have been so motivated before that I could have sung from the rooftop my weight loss anthem, and I still failed. The problem is now that I am older and have tried many times and see my weight higher than ever, I don't get that blind faith in myself anymore. I know that I'm a very strong person, and ambitious and nice and have a lot of good qualities. But I am not good at self discipline. Especially with food. The flip side of this is there is hope. Statistically and medically what I have chosen is normally very successful. And people who have chosen gastric sleeve …

So I'm 1 week post op and I am losing weight like crazy. I have already lost 20lbs. I got on the scale this morning and I gained 2lbs. I'm not understanding how. I have been struggling getting in my protein and my water. Could this be the reason why I gained the 2lbs? I hate my protein shakes so I've been trying to eat more tuna and etc. When I drink my water I feel a lot of pressure in my chest then it's like I can feel it as it goes down my esophagus. Well, Sometimes when I'm eating too. It feels very uncomfortable. Has anyone experience this? Any advice is helpful. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I understand that for 6 months following surgery that alcohol is banned. But why not after that? As long as its not often?? Confused in Dallas

Hi, Im going alone for my surgery and hoped to find someone else who is to Tijuana, MX the same day.

So today I completed my upper GI, they found a small hiatal hernia and could see I have acid reflux. Will those count towards comorbilities? My BMI is 48 and I am for the most part healthy. I'm hoping for insurance purposes it will be a plus.

I'm preparing for neither gastic bypass or the sleeve. Dr Vaughn is doing the surgery. Okay I have BCBS of GA and I have done Labs work, seen my PCP 3*, schedule see the heart, and head, drs along with this firday do a sleep study. See the kidney doctor for a ultrasound. I'm hopeful that we can do this earlier Nov , how long will my insurance to approve me I start it BMI 54 w 292 in January 2017 now 261 BMI 50 also I have been on a low carb high protein diet no bread, rice and pasta or potatoes. Any by way of GA Sent from my TG-L800S using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all! This is my very first post. I have a consultation scheduled at NYU on October 6th with Dr. Bedrosian and have no idea where to start on putting together a list of questions to ask her. I am a bag of emotions but more so excited that I have this opportunity. One of my biggest concerns is how long will I be out from work following the surgery? I have a 9-5 desk job with no heavy lifting but I currently walk about 1mile everyday to and from the train. I am also super nervous that my insurance will not approve even though I am 5’4” with a BMI of 49 and no co-morbidities that I am aware of. They stated that coverage is based of off medical necessity and as long al…

Today I was called to pre-register for surgery and I can't believe it this is amazing my surgery is Wednesday and I'm nervous /excited / ready feelings are all flowing in at once I can't wait

Hello I'm scheduled for gastric bypass on September 14. I know I've made the right decision and am so excited for this. In fact, I've never been more excited than anything. My friends, family, and boyfriend have been amazingly supportive, which I am grateful for. However, I am not interested in having the discussion about surgery with people at work. I struggle with severe anxiety and don't want to be triggered by what other people may think. My anxiety, while I am a functional human being, severely impacts me. My question is, how can I handle questions about taking time off of work. My supervisors do already know and I've gotten tremendous support from them. My concer…

Or did you have to lose any before surgery? My nutritionist wants me to lose 25 lbs. by March. It shouldn't be too hard. When I was weighed I was probably bloated and retaining water so I'll probably lose 5-10 the first week. My wife and I are getting the surgery and we both started eating better yesterday. I'm eager for the surgery but am glad I'm doing something about it now and hopefully will lose a decent amount in 6 months.

I can handle pain very well however in all my life I've only had stitches I've never ever had Staples. I've also never had gastric bypass (I will late March) and I'm just curious if they do stitches or Staples? Sent from my LG-M153 using BariatricPal mobile app

I only have about 5 shakes to choose from according to my nutritionist and it looks like I'll be spending about $100 on shakes because I will have to drink 5 per day [emoji30]. I have chose glucerna hunger smart chocolate. Who else is preparing for pre op diet ?!

Hi I just want to share with everyone that has Emblemhealth HIP in NY and are going through the requirements, that the supervised weight loss program can be either 6 months weigh ins with your PCP -OR- 3 months with your surgeon. I called and researched and was sent the attached from Emblemhealth. Feel free to print and show your surgeon. I forwarded it to my surgeon and he approved it as well. Just want to make anyone with this insurance aware that you don't have to wait a whole 6 months. On that note, I am having my 3rd visit with my surgeon next week. Hopefully, I can get a date then. Emblem Pre Cert.pdf

I am still a few weeks away from even getting a surgery date yet but I want to plan ahead. During the liquid diet phase should we be adding protein powder to all of our liquids? If so which ones have you tried that you like? I have noticed that with the high protein low carb diet I have been getting constipated, would it be a good idea to add fiber to my drinks as well? I watched a YouTube video where the girl suggested baby food because it is pre-measured, puréed and you can take them with you to work/school for lunch. What are your thoughts on this? I thought baby food would be considered a slider type food and we should stay away. ??‍♀️

Hi all. I’m scheduled to have my LapBand removed and sleeve conversion on 10/20. I’m also scheduled to go to Napa on 11/2 with my husband for a work trip. How realistic is this? It’s a short hour flight and I can go lay down when I need to. I’m just worried about pain. Anyone have any input??

I want to Know if instant soup is acceptable, I want to know if I can have 8 oz of the soup liquid?

Im intrestest to know what probiotics everyone is using if any. I figure since the surgery removes 80% of our stomach..the flora is deeply distrupted. Has anyone used any natural supplements that have had adverse effects...such as kombucha or kefir? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I just started the two week pre op liquid diet 3 days ago and what I can only eat/drink are high in carbs. Does anyone know how to keep the carbs down?

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone had the same scenario. My surgeon gave me my surgery date of 10/9 and also gave me my pre-surgery consult appointment of 9/26. Can it be that he just knows I will be approved?

I've found it hard to stick to my preop diet. I do good and then fall off and I'm just struggling. Surgery was scheduled for Oct 11, but they called me yesterday and told me they need to reschedule. I believe it's Oct 9th now, but waiting to confirm later today. I have to try hard to stick to my diet. I know how important it is to shrink the liver. Background: I have VSG in 2010 and it wasn't very successful. It was the combination of me being 20 years old and doing it for the wrong reasons and being discouraged that I didn't lose much with the surgery so I regained the weight over the years. I'm older now (almost 28), married, and have a different mind set. …

My surgery is coming up fast (10/2). I have been doing my liquid diet since 9/18. That overall has been alright, not too bad. I am starting to wonder if I am making the right decision to have gastric bypass. I do not know if it is just my nerves kicking in since I am nervous about surgery, or if I am really doubting my decision to have the surgery. Did anyone else feel this way before surgery?

I started my journey looking into the VSG in June, after a doctor appointment that showed me at my highest-ever weight. I was crushed and after years of battling, my PCP referred me to Bariatrics. I am a Kaiser member and must say that I have been extremely pleased with the manner in which they treat and support patients. I went to the two required orientations and hit the ground running. I officially started my new lifestyle on July 10 and have not looked back. When I had my surgeon visit in late July, I was happy to be informed that I had already achieved my surgery weight. My next assignment was nutrition, then psych. Psych is where everything fell to hell in a ha…

Hi everyone Ever since i thought abt having this surgery ive wanted the sleeve bc it has less risk. But now that i have read up on both..im not sure. Something that ive noticed more is my heartburn/acid reflux..should that be a reason to switch to rny? All advise is welcome. Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Scheduled for surgery Nov. 9. Am I too old? Can I really do this? Just moved 275 miles away from where surgery will be performed. How difficult/painful will it be to travel back home after surgery? No support group, no friends in my new small town. Help, please.

Hi I quit smoking 3 weeks ago and I slipped up in an emotional moment. I have since smoke a 6 cigarette s in a week. I have the pre surgery testing Oct 2 and my surgery is Oct 20. Anyone know how I can get rid of the nicotine in my system in 3 weeks time? I'm so upset at myself [emoji20] I had my last cigarette yesterday today no urges or cravings it was just a rough week when I slipped. I was never a heavy smoker maybe a 1/ 2 pack a day before I stopped. Anyone with any advise to help me rid my body of nicotine in time for my testing? Sent from my LG-M210 using BariatricPal mobile app

Im from oshawa ontario (canada) having surgery at toronto western hospital. I got my surgery date today september 29! looking for anyone who wants to keep in touch/ has a similar date! Sent from my SM-G903W using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm finding that protein shakes are friggen gross to say the least. [emoji30][emoji30] what are some good tasting protein shakes I know I was told I need 60G a day in protein shake tips anyone ?

Hey, sleevers! This is my 1st Post in quite a while. I had started a conversation last year at this time, regarding my decision to go for surgery in Cancun. But I postponed, bc I had a physical and ended up in the hospital with acute hypertension. 200/129! After changing my diet immensely and taking natural supplements I got my BP down considerably (but not my weight!) First I'll give you my stats then tell you all about MX. Surgery date: 9/23 HW: 229 SW: 217 CW: 201 GW: 130 Height: 5'4" Ok so....After lots of research, I opted for Sergio Verboonen. And at this moment, I super glad I did. But the whole experience wasn't without it's downfalls. I don't want to go on a cra…

I had a question for the WLS vets and anyone who has had it done recently. Are there any "surprises" I should know about before I have my surgery? I had never heard about it leaving you with a new smell, that was surprising to find out. I have heard about the possibility of sagging skin and hair loss, those worry me but I know they can be dealt with. Is there anything else? Are there foods I should avoid (other than the unhealthy stuff) or any tips or tricks you can offer?

I think I've settled on dr Clayton frenzel. Anyone have any experiences with bodevolve? I'm coming from out of state and keeping my fingers crossed that the hiatal hernia is there like we suspect and my insurance will cover that portion.