PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

This is my first time posting, I got approved!! Thus is a great app everyone there is so encouraging!!

Today I finally got the call to schedule my EGD, four weeks after the call saying they were going to schedule it. Unfortunately, the date they scheduled it for is during my family vacation. I called them back this afternoon to see if they could do it the day before my vacation since I'll be off that day anyway, and I am worried about missing too much work. Of course, they said that they only do EGDs once a month. So now I am concerned I will have to wait until the end of October, and whether or not that affects them scheduling my surgery date. Did anyone get their date scheduled before the EGD? I'm am so frustrated at this point.

I'm struggling with the unknown. How did all your processing go before you got your surgery dates? I currently have IEHP insurance.

Hello i got my surgery date it's sept 11 but i still need 6 pounds.... A friend told me to do just 3 protein shakes a day and water just that... will that work..?? Sent from my LGMS428 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm curious how much time are you taking from your job to recover after surgery are you taking? What is typical, barring any complications? I have a relatively sedentary job, medical setting at a desk mostly, so nothing too strenuous.

Does the clock on the insurance wait time start on the day of consultation or on the next visit ? I have to do 3 months of supervisors weight loss , I saw them once in July for consult, I'll see them again on 8/21.. so do I only see them one more time in September or September and October with a schedule date in November? I'm confused

Hey y'all. :-) My name is Summer. I'm a 32 yr old married mama of 4 that is just starting my VSG journey. I have spent the last year with my primary trying to loose weight and lower my BP with very little luck so she referred me to Texas Bariatric in Rockwall and I have my first consultation on April 11th. I have struggled with my weight for 22 years. I was always 50+ lbs over weight as a kid with being 160 lbs in 6th grade. At 24 two years after my 1st son was born I was at my highest weight of 398 lbs and wearing size 26/28 pant and 4X top. I was at home with a 2 yr old and a deployed husband and basically didn't eat for the 15 months he was gone and lost weight getti…

I'm 3 days away from surgery and hit a wall a few days ago. I lost 10 lbs the first week, but nothing this week. Anyone else have this happen to them? Frustrating.

Ok y'all!!! I'm on day 3 of my liquid diet. Getting in my proteins etc, and I've lost 6 pounds already!!! Woot Woot!!! However, I have found that my arm muscles hurt a bit. Has anyone else experienced this before on their LD?

I'm on my way to the hospital now! Praying all goes well!

Well I'm almost got a date for surgery all I have to do is get the doctors approval which I go to the doctor Thursday I'm excited!!! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Got about a week to go a little nervous but I did very well pre surgery with diet lost about 35 lbs now after nutrition class it almost makes you want to eat a few things cause u wont be able to for awhile. Dont want to indulge but did anyone like go out to dinner or something prior to the 2 day liquid diet prior to surgery? I havent endulged at all within last 3 months kind of feel like its now or never lol

Hi all, so I have one month left with the dietician before I can see the surgeon and although I have drastically cut back on smoking cigarettes, I still find myself smoking a few when I stress on daily life things. Has anyone else had this problem and does anyone know if it will have any effects on my surgery itself? My goal is always to quit and I have gone from a pack a day to maybe 5 cigarettes for the whole week Sent from my Pixel using BariatricPal mobile app

I know this is something I want to do, but I'm nervous about the long term weight gain I have heard about. Is there information to read up on? I eat pretty intuitively/healthy now after a lifetime of yoyo dieting, but I don't want to undergo major surgery just to keep yoyo'ing. How is weight set point factored in with this surgery? Are their consequences to bariatric restriction like there are with dieting?

I have all of my medical care through VA in Kansas City. When I decided to have WLS, I contacted a VA Endocrinologist and she had me on everything pill wise you could imagine. I had to go through the regimen of this and that per there protocol before she would recommend WLS. Very long story short, if you are a Veteran, the VA will pay for your surgery outside their system. My VA facility does not perform the WLS, so they are paying for my surgery and all associated costs to a private physician. I feel pretty lucky. My date is Sept. 19th to be sleeved. If your a vet and have any questions, I will find your answer. Good Luck

Yesterday I had my band removed. I'm definitely in some pain. My belly button area hurts pretty bad. I get my sleeve on November 13th!! Excited and ready for the next journey. I think I'm going to start getting rid of a few habits before hand. The hardest one I see is not drinking while eating. I can do it!! Right now I'm having issues eating too much because I'm sure my tummy is swelled from the surgery. Does the sleeve hurt more than this? And if so on a scale of 1 to 10 how much more? I am definitely experiencing the gas issues. I'm just going to have to physc myself out for the next step

Has anyone changed jobs during the pre-op stage of surgery? I currently work in hospital registration. My hours lend well to me having morning appointments whenever I need to. It would not be an issue for me to take time off to recover from surgery either. I've also met my deductible and have only $500 left on my out of pocket. Today I had two back to back interviews at a health insurance company. Before I left the interview, I was asked to interview with two more mangers (2 other positions). I also was contacted today by another insurance company to do a video interview. If I get the job with the company that I video interview with, taking time off won't be an issue. I …

This is my first post, and I would truly appreciate any and all replies. I am confused about seeing my doctor before knowing that I'm approved. I have Medicare (not Medicare Advantage) with Blue Cross/Blue Shield being my secondary. A few weeks ago I sent in all my paperwork including insurance information to my surgeon. Tomorrow I have an appointment with him. To my knowledge I have not yet been approved by my insurance to have surgery. So my question is, is this normal? Do you see your surgeon and go through all the hoops before ever being approved? I guess it's just not making sense to me. Thank you so much!

just contacted Cigna they received my paperwork on 8/15/17 its under review lady told me the turn around time was 5-7 days ... SUPA ANXIOUS

Hello everybody! I'm getting sleeved on wed the 16th. My husband wanted me to ask you: what can he do to help me pre op and post op? What has your significant other done that has helped you a lot? Thank you in advance for the advice!

I'm sure I'm not the only one that feels this way but I have this fear of going though all the ordeal of having the VSG and not losing weight. Is this normal?!?

I'm from Aurora Illinois

All the time of doing everything on the check list I haven't really been nervous. But for some reason after my pre op appointments on the 8/8 I got a little nervous. I'm starting my liquid diet tomorrow . I'm still a little nervous , but not to the point of not having my surgery. I've worked to hard to get to this point. I keep reminding myself why I'm having the surgery. I was wondering has this happen to anyone else?

Anyone have the same surgery date as me? Wondering how everyone is doing so far. I'm battling gas bubbles in stomach and burps/hiccups that kill. First 2 days postop were the absolute worse for me. Sent from my SM-N910C using BariatricPal mobile app

I saw my doctor 4 weeks ago for the first time and 2 weeks later started my preop diet (self funded). My visit was only about 15mins long. I didn't have to see a psych or have any tests other than a blood test. My dietitian was over the phone for about 15mins. I feel like I've been thrown into the deep end and haven't had time to mentally prepare. I wish I'd started my preop diet earlier or had more time to wrap my head around not being able to eat the way I have all my life. I know it's bad but I've slipped up a few times. Nothing terrible, just things like a sandwich instead of a shake. I don't really understand why I did it... But now I'm worried I won't have lost enou…

I'm at the pre-op stage. Still waiting to get all my tests (cardiac, sleep study) done. I'm self-paying, so expect the surgery to be sometime in September. My question at the first doctor's visit was about my low metabolism and lack of hunger. I suffer from depression which has affected my ability to get hungry and eat nutritious meals. Also, I have a low metabolism from hypothyroidism. I weigh 252 lbs. Goal weight is 160 lbs. And height is 5' 9". My question is would the sleeve work for me? The surgeon thinks it will. I'm concerned I will be one of those people struggling to lose a couple pounds a month after surgery. And there is no going back. I can't restrict any more…

Sorry if this question has come up before, I'm very new. Anyone had the sleeve surgery (I'm in pa) with bcbs insurance? Just curious of your experience with it and the out of pocket? Were they difficult etc? Thank you

Ballpark co-pay amount spent on machine??

I am one week Pre Op. I know its the silliest of concerns, but what have you told people that you just dont want to share with? People that you are social with? Drink with , eat with and go out with weekly? Told my close family, but just dont feel like advertising or sharing with others. any input is appreciated. Thank you

I have my final weigh-in of my six-month insurance-required monitored diet coming next Monday. Assuming all goes well, which I think it will, they will submit to insurance for approval of the surgery. How long did it take others to get an answer from their insurers? Did anyone call them and try to light a fire under them to get it put through? I have no problem doing that if needed and if it has been successful for others. I am so excited, but I am also nervous I won't know anything for awhile after the surgeon's office submits it for approval.

Everything is being submitted to the insurance and I am waiting on approval. Does anyone have Cigna PPO and have any problems? Does Cigna take a long time or no my doctor said up to two weeks. I am dying I want this over with and know everything went through ok. I have a tentative surgery date for August 24th[emoji16] I am so scared that something goes wrong!!!

Just wondering how people are managing post op with their medication. I take 3 tablets a day that are slow release so they can't be crushed. Worried it will take forever to get all three down haha

I'm I the only person that doesn't like wearing their cpap?

Well I have my last Dr appt next week for my requirements. I have had so much go on during all of these doctors visits and didn't think I was going to make it through everything. I had a gynecological issue that I needed a procedure for, found heart related issues that are ok now, then the biggest shock is I found out I have Parkinson's disease. I refuse to let any of this sidetrack me from getting healthy. In the long run the weight loss will help with my Parkinson's because it is affecting my legs right now and they are weak so weigh loss will help a lot with that. Looking to have my surgery probably October/November. I am both nervous and excited about this new start. …

My surgery is scheduled for Aug 14 and I'm planning to use the vitamin patches because I have trouble with pill including chewables. Anyone going this route?

Surgery scheduled for September 6 and I am having second thoughts about doing this. Can't sleep. Worried about lifestyle changes and malnutrition. Anyone else going through this.

My bariatric surgeon's office doesn't allow patients to smoke weed for at least three months before surgery and I know that I should be able to pass the pre-op drug test with flying colours. However, I had a very stressful meeting today with some very difficult people. My head was throbbing, and even now that I have some food in me (I had a nice chicken curry with some naan bread and rice at an Indian restaurant), I feel drained and I want some weed. Coping strategies, anyone?

My surgery date is Monday 14th and my plane lands early but yet, It's now Saturday and I have not had a notice of who is picking me up in San Diego! Ahh, trying to calm my nerves and not think of food.

Thursday will be the 90 days i needed to hit prior to surgery for insurance. Now that I can set surgery date, I'm freaking out that this is all happening. needing some positive stories or tips !

I have read several post and individuals explain they are not required to be on the pre op diet. Some say they only have to do it for 2 days. Why do some people have to do pre op liquids for two weeks?

I was embarrassed today (well yesterday since I'm typing it now) I went to get in the ride n the guy had to force the security lock right against my stomach n a family member ask am i ok. Now more than ever I'm looking forward to the surgery. This is the second time this happened just at another park. 9 days away it's setting in. #9days

My surgeon is requiring me to do a 3 week liquid preop diet. I was mentally prepared for 2 weeks not 3. I think I'm going to die lol. No but seriously this is going to be hard. Does anyone else have to do 3 weeks instead of 2 weeks? Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

One of my concerns with a sleeve is having severe GERD. If I get a sleeve and the GERD becomes too much, I know the best option is to have it converted to a bypass. What are the insurance requirements to do this ? Is it the same as the requirements to have a bypass , or would it be less since I just need to convert a previous bariatriac surgery to another, to alleviate negative symptoms.

Pre-op diet going well so far! I started Tuesday 8/10 and have lost 2 pounds already! I couldn't believe It i literally got on the scale 3 time just to make sure[emoji23] I'm keeping my calorie intake no higher than 750. And I am still working out just not as intense. I usually do about 4 miles at the gym but I'm keeping it at 2 just because I get light headed and don't want to pass out lol but I'm still doing my leg workouts and arms and stomach just not as intense. Even though my doctor said I didn't really need to do the liquid diet only the day before surgery, I thought wth might as well get my body and mind adjusted to it now so it's a little prepared for after surge…

I'm scheduled for surgery on August 24th and I've been taking diuretics for years. I know they don't like for you to take them after surgery but I'm afraid I'll gain weight, especially in the first couple weeks without them. Has anyone else had any experience with this? Did you continue taking them but just cut down after surgery?

HELPP!! I am looking to get weight loss surgery which my neurologist said is the best option for me. I have PCOS(Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which makes it extremely hard for me to loss weight. I have been diagnosed with Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension, my neurologist is worried about me losing my vision and said and had a significant amount of fluid on my brain causing a lot of strain on my optic nerves causing my vision changes and loss of vision. I have pain, pressure and headaches all day long. I can't really enjoy anything because of the pain and now I am worried about losing my vision. I have insurance through Wells Fargo which is BCBS Anthem of GA…

Excitement for my future is finally railroading the emotion of fear! I'm all over this and a "I'll show myself and this world what I'm capable of" attitude has emerged and I'm LOVING IT! ! Beyond thrilled to bring back the "me" I was before weight told me all the things I couldn't do... just completed my surgical skills class. Had my pre op with Dr and last nut appointment last week. Scheduled for Sept. 7th and ready to rock this out!! Thanks for letting me vent! Sent from my SM-S765C using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi all I'm just wondering has any other sleevers experienced a weight loss stall in the early stages post surgery. So total since two weeks pre op duet is 23 pounds and I'm almost 3 weeks out and my weight hasn't changed in nearly two weeks. I've also begun exercising and hand to god have not cheated I've been following surgeon instructions. I accept it's such a huge change to my body but can't totally figure out how to get my weight moving. I would appreciate any advice... Sent from my Nexus 6P using BariatricPal mobile app

Just curious, what type of exercise & how long, per week?

Wanted to give a quick update I don’t go on here too often anymore since I’ve had my surgery. I started my journey on February 21, 2017 I have Kaiser insurance, I had to take 3 months of classes. In those 3 Months of classes I lost a total of 58.6 pounds. I ended up having surgery on May 31, 2017 and since surgery I have lost 32.6 pounds. And today I had wonderland feel so awesome to get there. My total loss is 91.2 pounds I have about 34 more pounds to lose. Well I hope everyone is doing good and good luck to all the surgeries that are coming up for everyone[emoji173]️