PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi there! I am meeting with the surgeon this week about going from the band to the sleeve. But I got to thinking the other day - how does drinking with the sleeve work? With the band it passes through and goes into the "normal" stomach. but when you only have a stomach the size of the banana, how does that work? Does it take it forever to empty out of your stomach? If you wait that hour after you eat before you drink, does it hurt still like it does with the band? Tell me everything!

Im so happy I have my insurance approval date. I'm nervous about the healing process, but I know I will be fine. I start my liquid diet today. Any opinions on the baratric shake flavors?

Hello I had my sleeve done Aug 29th 2017. I havent had any complications but I did have gas bubbles in my collar bone from the co2 that was very painful but finally went away. I'm basically just wanting to know when will I start losing weight. When I started this i was 299 and day of surgery I was 244. My weight when I was discharged was 260 i stayed a day n a half n the hospital and now today I am 254. I'm not hungry at all but everytime I drink it feels like a ton of bricks being dropped in my stomach. I'm always tired and kinda feel weak. Other than never feeling hungry I don't have any other things to help me feel good about this. When do i start seeing changes? I see…

The 10 Commandments of Bariatric Eating The 10 Commandments of Bariatric Eating Golden Rules To Eating After Bariatric Surgery You Shall Eat Your Protein First You Shall Choose Solid Foods Over Soft, Mushy, or Liquidy Foods You Shall Avoid Eating and Drinking at the Same Time You Shall Avoid Drinks/Liquids With Calories You Shall Take Small Bites You Shall Chew Thoroughly You Shall Eat Slowly You Shall Stop Eating as Soon as You Feel Full You Shall Stay Hydrated You Shall Take Your Daily Vitamins

Hi all, Has anyone or is anyone currently experiences pain while on Optifast? I have the strict plan of only Optifast shakes, bars or soups and celery, cucumber and SF Popsicles. I woke this morning with severe cramps like I had diarrhea but I didn't. I had to lay down and go into work a little later. I feel gassy and bloated too. I know I can make it. Plus I am already down 15 lbs. I can get past hunger but pain is something else.

I had surgery yesterday. And I'm in pain today. I cannot keep anything down... And hiccups are a killer... gas pains and nausea is the WORST THING ever. Pray my healing process is speedy. I know I don't regreat my surgery.... I'm just in pain Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using BariatricPal mobile app

I am currently on Day 2 of my pre-op liquid diet. It has been a struggle to get through the past couple of days. Any of you all have any tips on how to stay motivated and does it get any easier as the days go by? Any suggestions or words of motivation would be so highly appreciated!

My surgeon is having me complete a one week pre-op liquid diet that requires 70-80 grams of protein and under 40 grams carbs, and one clear liquid day before surgery. I was given a food list that is composed of soups, protein shakes, jello and pudding -to name a few things. I'm on day 2 and noticed I have an insane amount of energy and feel a little "stoned". I'm not really complaining about the energy, but am I going to crash soon? Could this be a result of ketosis? I have never eaten like this and have no idea what to expect.

Does anybody know if they test for alcohol Sent from my N9560 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was just notified that my Vitamin D level is too low. I have to take vitamin D for six weeks and then test again. Does anyone know if a low vitamin D level will cause my surgery to be pushed back? I'm paying each month for my Cobra insurance so each month that it's delayed that's another month I have to pay. Thanks in advance for any and all responses.

I am seriously thinking about switching from sleeve (which is scheduled for Sept. 18th) to a bypass. Any reasons why I should or should not? I KNOW it is an individual decision, I would just like some experienced feedback. -Thanks-

Does anyone have independence personal choice as an insurance company? I just to know if they gave any issue with approving the surgery.

Everything is going great with all of my appointments for surgery except for one thing. My blood sugar. I have Binge eating disorder and can't seem to stop. I will cry while the action is happening and I can't seem to control myself. I see a therapist for CBT. I can't donthe surgery until I bring my A1C down. I've got a pretty inactive job but try to hit the gym every work day and stay active on the weekends but my eating gets out of control. Any advice or people out there in similar situations?

Hi! I'm new here and I have started the process to get my sleeve done. A little back story ... (if you want to read it lol) I had my lap band for 10 years and lost 140 lbs and kept most of it off till I got pregnant 4 years ago. My band had started slipping and I had it unfilled for that time. He was 22 inches long when born so he moved my band and it ended up slipping ... it kept slipping (puked for months) till end of last year it was pinching my stomach and had emergency surgery to have it out. I was on bedrest for complications from this, then gallbladder surgery , as well and a foot injury so I have gained so much back all since January. I tried eating…

Tomorrow will start my new journey. I'm so anxious and nervous at the same time. I'm going to pack my hospital bag later today. I'm just praying for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery. September sleevers we got this!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-J320A using BariatricPal mobile app

Its been a long process but today i got the call with my surgery date[emoji6][emoji16]CONGRATS TO ME!!!

As long as insurance approves everything and there's no issues with upper GI scheduled on 09/18/2017, my surgery will be 10/24/2017. SO EXCITED!!!!! Just had to share my good news, especially with folks who understand the process.

Yesterday I had my first peanut powder smoothie with some yogurt and a banana. This morning I have had the worse stomach ache of my life, and it's accompanied by fainting spells and vomiting. The pain is so great that I come extremely close to completely passing out and falling onto the floor. Sorry about this next sentence: I have diarrhea, but I about kill over while I am sitting on the toilet. And, I'm throwing up while I'm sitting there, all at the same time! Has anyone experienced this from using the peanut powder, or have any idea what's going on with the fainting? I do not feel like it's the flu in any way. i hesitate in calling my doc b…

My Dr's office submitted my packet to FEP BD/BS Delaware around noon. I received a phone call from My Dr's office at Noon today saying that last night they received my APPROVAL. I was approved in less than 6 Hours!!! She called them first thing this AM to confirm that I was approved, and was told that it was correct, It's a Go! She scheduled my FINAL surgical clearance with my surgeon for 2 weeks from today! I am still sitting here in shock 2 hours later. My goose bumps are still here! I was all prepared for a fight... have a Primary care appointment set up for the appeal, I have requested all my medical records to send to Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy/ Weight…

I have my EGD tomorrow morning. I am a little nervous about it because I have had a nasty stomach flu for the last week, and I'm worried they will see something that will delay my surgery approval. Did anyone have an EGD where they found something abnormal? Did it affect your surgery date?

Seeing as it didn't even occur to me, and it wasn't mentioned to me when I made the appointment, make sure you drink water during the day prior to any lab work! I had decided to treat myself to an iced coffee this morning after dropping one of my dogs at the vet. Was sipping on it all morning prior to my lunch time appointment. When they went to stick me for the blood samples for the A1C and Vitamin D tests, they had a hard time hitting my veins because they were basically flat and shrunken. WHOOPS hahaha. Learned a lesson I didn't realize I needed, so thought I would pass along! They were able to get the blood samples in the end, but I've got a few extra holes in me that…

I am due to have the surgery sleeve on 9/7 basically one week away. My family doesn't want me to do it for fear I won't make it through the procedure. I need to make a final decision and fast. I was born with half a heart (left heart syndrome) and was given a new to the US surgery to save my life at 7 (Fontan) in 1987. My heart is very rare and the surgery basically makes my blood pump backwards to save my life. Due to not being able to excercise (I can't walk to far without being tired), I gained a lot of weight. I am only 4 foot 8 inches and weigh 220. I need to lose half that weight. My cardioligist approved my surgery but is concerned about the gas need…

Hallo guys my pre op started 3 days ago and surgery for sep 12 how you guys did it

I would like to do some pre 2 week preop diet pictures and day of surgery pictures and during the postop phase pictures to really have a good reminder of what I went thru and how much has changed. Did anyone do this and if so what are your recommendations for outfits and poses? Did you use the same outfits or different? Any ideas or suggestions are greatly appreciated. Surgery is 09/18, preop diet starts 09/04. Stats: 38 years old, 5'5" tall, HW 273, CW 252, GW 160

Finally got my date today. September 21st, I so excited. Sent from my SM-N920P using BariatricPal mobile app

My surgery is coming soon, June 21, 2017. Looking for any members located in Ontario for support.

Well, I just called my surgeon's office to find out that after my 6 month of dieting, drawing blood, multiple x-rays, and psych test that I'm approved for my Gastric Sleeve! I'm very happy and blessed. Long story short with me, I pursued surgery at age 21 when I was approved on accident from my mom's insurance that I was under. Years later, I went on multiple dieting programs that helped me achieve a weight loss of close to 200lbs. But from stresses of not being able to afford the programs and moving out-of-state, I gained it back. I feel blessed because I'm getting a second chance to take my life back. I'm also looking to start a Vlog of my process to help inspire others…

I am in the process of doing the six month monitored diet, and I just came from a weigh-in, and I lost 2 pounds. Firstly, when I was told by the nurse that I had lost, I was so happy, but then the doctor came in, and she was very displeased that I had only lost 2 pound, and she was very clear that she wanted me to start losing 10 pounds a month on this diet. I think she might stop my monitored diet, if I don't lose 10 pounds a month. My question is: is there any of you who have had a doctor stop your monitored diet, and if so, why?

OK, so this might be more of a rant than a "help me" posting. But the food demons hit me extra hard today, around lunch time to be exact, and they steered my Jeep to my favorite Chinese buffet. Yes I know, I fully realize and I really, really honestly do understand this is the worst thing I can do especially being 2 weeks out from my 2 week pre-op diet. I have to gain the mental fortitude and strength to simply say NO, and not let my mind steer me to the places of food evil. I am writing about this in my journal, but it isn't the same as when I post it. My journal doesn't give me feedback. Now some of you will say I am simply not strong enough to have the surgery, an…

Not so much about surgery, but this has been the hardest 2 weeks ever I have had 3 one loves pass away within 6 days of each other 2 from natural causes and 1 from being murdered by her ex boyfriend.... I feel real emotional right now I had to bury my uncle today , my aunt tomorrow and my childhood friend on Saturday ... I have 1 month 18 days til surgery and I really don't wanna start any bad habits and binge eat because of my current situation.... UGHHHHH !!!!!!!!

Just joined the group. My surgery date is Sept 21st. Any advice? Sent from my SM-G920P using BariatricPal mobile app

I have a sleeve gastrectomy consult scheduled with Dr.Shillingford in 2 weeks. Google reviews and Facebook has him close to 5 stars, which makes makes me a little suspicious, but otherwise his staff has been extremely pleasant to communicate with. He is a member of the American Board of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and according to his website has performed > 4000 surgeries, but I worry about it being a "conveyor belt" type of experience, if that makes sense. Also, the only other doctor I have considered going to is Dr.Wizman in Margate because he offers BLIS Complication Protection. I am a local and do not have to travel far for either surgeon, but …

I've never posted to any online forum ever, so this feels weird! I am approaching medically supervised weight loss visit number six, with all of my duck in a row towards submitting to insurance so I'm starting to think logistics. For those of you who have desk job that is very focus and analytical thinking heavy, how much time did you or would you recommend taking off work? I was recently promoted, have a direct report to manage, and no one else can do my job at my current company, so my absence would be very noticeable. I'm considering doing a combination of PTO and WFH, but want to understand where I will be physically and mentally. Also, how di…

I've completed all my pre-op requirements the EGD, swallow study, psych consult and labs (minus all the weigh-ins...I still have 3 months To go so it will get done) but my question is when does the insurance approve it...when all the weigh-in have been completed or after all the pre-op requirements have been met? Any info would be appreciated!

Hey Guys, So I have completed all of my insurance requirements and right now I'm in the process of waiting to be approved for my surgery. My Bariatric Surgeon submitted my paper work on 08/03/2917. For anyone out there who has BCBS FEP how long did it take to get approved? Thanks!

I've been on my all liquid 2 week pre-op diet ,, surgery is ( or was on Aug 30 ) less than 48 hours from now. All preparations have been done / blood test at hospital , purchased vitamins ,, heck even made homemade chicken broth yesterday Well my doctors office called few hours ago and said due to Unforeseen personal life reasons the doctor needs to cancel the surgery She did Say they would call me in a few weeks as soon as they can reschedule I'm just in complete shock as was ready to go ,,, arranged everything. I'm mean. It is in 2 days from now ( or was ) This completely deflated me and I'm asking if anyone had similar experience with last-minute cancellatio…

I am seriously thinking about switching from sleeve (which is scheduled for Sept. 18th) to a bypass. Any reasons why I should or should not. I KNOW it is an individual decision, I would just like some experienced feedback. -Thanks-

Hi all, Is there anything I need to ask at my pre-op tomorrow. I am suppose to learn about my next two weeks before surgery on 9/12! So excited, scared, worried...you name it. All wrapped up!

My surgery is set for Thursday, January 21. I have been doing all the required work by my insurance company since May 2, 2015. I was finally approved for surgery on December 1. I had the 6 months supervised diet/counseling, psych, blood work, x-rays, ultrasounds, EDG, sleep study and follow-up with being fitted for a cpap machine to use post-op. I began all this by contacting West Medical - you probably see their billboards and commercials - they advertise all over the place. But I researched VSG for months before I even went in for a consultation. I was worried that since I had lost weight before and gained it back (twice) that I would be disqualified. The doctors and…

Hey guys, I'm a very private person and I've never been on social media or anything, so actually posting something here is way outside of my comfort zone. But after spending hours and hours on here reading all of the supportive comments I decided to give it a shot. After attending the initial information session and verifying that my insurance would potentially cover my surgery, I had my surgery consult today and we're moving forward with the gastric sleeve. My surgery is at least six months out. I know there is a ton of work that needs to happen and many hurdles to cross, but at least I'm moving in the right direction. I've struggled with my weight since grade school, …

Hi everyone, I'm supposed to buy my Optifast from my surgeon's office next week. They don't offer samples for sale of the flavours. I have never done well with protein shakes in general...gak ? Not sure whether I should go with chocolate or vanilla - these are my only options here in Toronto. Do you have any opinion on which is better? Less sweet? Or ways to make them taste better...lol Or does anyone in Ontario or even in Canada have any extra packs they want to sell so I can try before I commit to a flavour? Thanks for your help! S.

Not sure if anyone is having trouble getting vitamins down but Barimelts website has a bundle package which has everything you basically need for post Gastric Sleeve for $104 after rebate.....however Jet.Com has same bundle for 3 months for $48!!! Which is $16 a month for ur supplements instead of like $75 everywhere else its worth looking at. https://jet.com/product/BariMelts-Gastric-Sleeve-Bundle-Tablets/a25541987ca143d8af491a6a0d3a2be7

When did everyone start buying their pre-op food? did you buy in bulks or just as you went along?

Called BCBS FEP and they said I'm approved!!! Ahhhhh!!!!! Yay!!!!!! Now.... just waiting for my surgeons office to schedule me [emoji33]

I am on a two week liquid diet before surgery. I called the nutrition is today and explained at day 5 I felt like I was going to pass out. She gave me the okay to have some chicken for dinner. Yay!!!

Surgery date : 7/10/17. Surgery weight: 295. Today's weight: 254. Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I have been waiting anxiously to get approved by my insurance. My last nutrition appointment was August 11th but then found out that my doctors office didn't submit the paperwork. They didn't submit it till late last week. Was wondering if anyone out there had this happen to them and when did the insurance come back with approval. I have Cigna.

Hello all! What vitamins should we take after vsg surgery? My doctor has not given the list to me yet. My surgery is next month, but I want to start shopping for everything early.

Has anyone here had a TT and then went and had WLS years later? I'm almost 7 years out from a TT and I'm considering a VSG. Will I be as successful as those who have not had a thyroidectomy? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello all, I was approved for Gastric Sleeve surgery, but due to issues getting a sleep study done I am almost to the end of my 3 month time frame to have the procedure. Has anyone ever had approval times extended? If not what happens when the time comes to an end, do I have to restart the process? Any help would be awesome. I am waiting a call back from my insurance coordinator, I'm just curious if anyone else has dealt with this. Thanks!