PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Where do I began I have been on this journey since March 13, 2017. I started off with 2 insurance companies Cigna as primary and Ct Husky A as secondary only to find out in late July that Husky cut me off April 30 due to my son turning 18 the following month so the whole time Im thinking I would be 100% covered if Cigna doesn't pay for it completely... I have my date for surgery which is OCT 19,2017.. I been back and forth on the phone the live chats online with cigna to get a better understanding on what they will pay and what i would have to pay. My deductible is met and i have a remaining $3,030 for my out of pocket to be met, not too worried because i still have…

does anyone have Cigna and did they cover 100% cost of surgery?

My surgery is September 26 so excited so nervous .Just got plane tickets today now it's just waiting.. Sent from my SM-J320V using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm getting even more excited for my surgery. I find myself full of questions about the bag for the hospital, what I should pack it in, etc. I was considering a backpack that I usually use when I go to the gym. I figured I'd put together my toiletries bag with toothbrush and toothpaste, hair brush, maybe a hair tie or two, my contact lens case and solution, my eyeglass case and deodorant, and possibly some cosmetics. I've heard that when you look better, you feel better. I also thought this bag may have room for my kindle, and phone with chargers, and a small power strip. I don't want to be searching for outlets. I don't know if I'll have time to enjoy any of this, but…

I am so excited!! Today i called my nutritionist office and found out that i am approved[emoji38][emoji1474]I'm so excited i don't know what to do with myself!!! Next up meeting with the surgeon for my surgery date[emoji38][emoji16][emoji6]

Hello All, So I went to the doctor today and have gained four more pounds which puts me at 211 and I'm 5'5. My bariatric sleeve surgery is scheduled for Sept 7 and I arrive in Mexico that same day. I just put down my deposit and although I cant wait for the time to come I find that I am getting very scared. I feel like I am giving up my "drug of choice" and I would appreciate anyone who is able to give me ideas on what to expect. Originally I had been researching having the gastric balloon because it is a lot less invasive and temporary. I decided to go with the sleeve because I'm afraid that the balloon would be only a temporary fix. Any advice would be very appr…

So for some crazy reason I was really worked up and worried about my psych evaluation. Partly because I just hate tests and the other reason is because I already know that I have a bad relationship with food and I was just worried that she was going to tell me that I was too messed up and I can't have the surgery. However as probably many of you know since you've been through it, it was a breeze and it was actually really nice to talk about and air out a few things before going into this and of course I passed with flying colors! I only have one more visit to the nutritionist and then my paperwork all goes to insurance and I start praying that they are going to cover it a…

I've never had surgery, do they make you go nude under your robe? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm just starting my process. Saw the surgeon last week, the endo today, NUT tomorrow...etc. The reason I had to see the endo was elevated A1C. It must be below 9.0 before they'll operate. I'm tentatively scheduled for 12/18. Endo put me on Xultophy, which is insulin/liraglutide. I've never been on insulin. I know it causes weight gain and the doc was adamant that I not gain weight prior to surgery. My question, however, is were any of you able to come off insulin after surgery?

Well I'm here at the hospital PAT now I will get a last minute lung exam. Better to be safe. They r also saying cholesterol is mild now aspirins too and they want to stabilize my bp. Idk but now I'm feeling scared ugh[emoji120]

Just a little about myself. In 2007 I decided to change my life. At age 34 I found myself weighing 300 pounds. I got a lap band in November, and by July of 2008 I was at a healthy weight losing over 140 pounds. I felt and looked great. Then my band decided to slip and it just went downhill from there. I ended up having to have it completely removed by 2010. I kept the weight off for a while, but eventually it just creeped back up on me. Here I am 43 and 280 pounds. I have recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and it has scared the crap out of me. I made the decision to have the gastric sleeve, my insurance is paying most, and I am approved by care credit for the r…

I am so nervous. Strange how everyone asks you if you are excited- gee I am just having 2/3 of my stomach removed, I wouldn't say excited is the word but more like anxious and nervous. I guess they ask about being excited because they know that I will lose weight. I am 48 yrs old, 5'8" and weigh 283. I have always been heavy but I carry it well. I am looking forward to living a life as the "real" me. The person who wants to go zip lining but is too heavy, that loves amusement rides but is fearful the safety harness will not hold due to weight. The person that can board a plane and not stress over the seat belt not fitting or being placed in the middle seat. A pe…

Can't sleep yesterday 8/8 at 7:15 had my sleeve done, I'm here in the hospital bed thinking so much, I finally got thru that stage, but ik it will sink inn once I get discharged from the hospital. I have to say thank you to all you guys I read and read everyday for motivation and tips Thank you All [emoji847] Blessings

Hello all! I am in the process of choosing a protein shake I like and will most likely go with JBN (Just Be Natural). This morning I mixed a Premier Protein shake half and half with sugar free Chai latte mix; Chai lattes are my absolute favorite! I loved this combo!!!! Anyone else try this after surgery and did you have any problems with it?

I'm a 30yr old woman who is full of life yet my 400lb body makes me sit on the sideline in just about every area of my life. I'm about 2 more months of doctors appointments away from submitting to my insurance for approval and I'm just so nervous. Not nervous that they'll say "No" but nervous that once I officially start the shakes and the countdown that I'll be alone. My family doesn't live here and we are slowly starting to build a relationship but I'm not so sure that they can and will be able to assist me. I know I have a support system like no other in terms of colleagues and friends but I'm still working through feelings of not being worth their time. Or not knowin…

How can a patient expect to feel comfortable going to another country for major surgery when their own patient coordinator is no where to be found. Been calling and emailing with no success. I was scheduled to have surgery with Dr.Illan august 18. Now I dont think I feel comfortable depending on them to help me if I have any issue with my stay or complication after surgery. I hope they change their ways.

Surgery 6/14! My DL to now! Best decision I've ever made in my life with thank God and my doctor, and I'm only just getting started! I had a comment from a much older lady Saying my weight loss was "unrealistic" Girl don't come for me.. Sorry I had a great doctor and I'm sorry I have youth own my side! And followed my doctors oders to a T.. Don't judge peoples journey.. Every single person is different, so yes I lost my weight and will continue doing what I do.. And continue dusting off haters [emoji111][emoji23][emoji111] Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Ugh I am so mad at myself right now... I am currently on my pre op 6 month medically supervised diet. I have done so good with what I am eating and then suddenly the past 2 days it us like i have lost all control. I am so worried that this will happen post op, and I will fail. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm getting so scared they are going to deny me. I've been following my insurances guidelines but the past two-three months I have plateaued in my weightloss. I keep changing things to try and drop the weight but aside from liquid diet idk what else to do.. I don't drink soda or alcohol I try my hardest to avoid carbs, I eat at regular times, I'm trying to be a lot more active, .. I'm so scared they will deny me for the last of weight loss... and then I was denied because the doctor didn't send in the paperwork right.. but the insurance said just have them resubmit it.. I just want this change in my life to keep moving forward. Also I don't eat much because I eat off kid …

It has now been a month and I haven't heard anything from my surgeons office. I was told by nutritionist that I should have been given a tentative date by now... she instructed me to call the scheduler on August 2nd I called and her voicemail said she would be out of the office until August 7th. Next month will make a year since I started the process. I've completed all of my task ... I understand if the surgery may have to be pushed out due to schedule conflicts but at least communicate something with me [emoji22] should I continue to call and leave voicemails? Of just wait?

Hi Guys, I'm scheduled for my surgery on September 15th. Ever since I got my surgery date I've been pounding food whatever I can get my hands on. This is super upsetting because I know it can mess up my chances of having the surgery and it will only make it harder for me once I can't eat food anymore. Furthermore I'm abroad for my sisters wedding until 5th September and I'm going to need to start my pre op diet on the 1st September. I'm just worried I'm not taking it seriously enough and need a kick up the butt to get back on track. Would really appreciate the support or to hear if anyone else went through this and tips on how you got through it.

Hello! My name is Hope. I am in day 2 of my pre-op liquid diet. Yesterday was pretty tough but I am thinking hat is expected for the first day. If anyone has any tips or pointers that help make it easier I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

I have been in this journey since last October so far I have been to the weight loss seminar with surgeon,I got all my health clearances, I went through pre surgery class, support group class, now I just need a few things to go before they give a surgery date since I have begun I have lost 62lbs in total and hope to lose another 20 or so before surgery but I feel I ready and mentally for this change in my life with god first and my family support I am good and I know I will do good till my next update be well guys n girls

I'm only pre op but I lost 29 pounds...

2nd day of protein shakes. 4/day. I got one in so far. Yuck! Whey protein intolerant. Using egg white based. Any Suggestions? Sent from my LGMS550 using BariatricPal mobile app

Yes of course I know there won't be binge drinking, but what about social drinking? Thus may sound silly but my husband and I are on a bowling league and a softball team and in both cases we usually hang out and have a beer or 2....will I be able to do that? I mean if my stomach can only hold 4-6 oz I'm thinking I won't be able to? Just trying to get mentally ready!!

Has anyone watched this on netflix?? I had to stop watching it midway through because I was just dumbfounded!!! ?

Okay...I'm sort of in panic mode (takes deep breath). I have surgery scheduled for the 14th of August. I started my preop diet today and immediately started feeling depressed...like it hit me..I will not be eating any fruit any meat etc etc! Not ever again but for a long time! I feel so down... I just went to bed and pulled the blanket over my head and stayed there. I eventually got up to pee and on my way back to my sad place I just grabbed some chicken stirfry from the kitchen and ate a good few bites... I went back to bed opened this forum feeling like ****.. like what in God's name is wrong with me? I couldn't even last a few hours before failing. And to top it off I …

Well had my physical today and passed. I am healthy just over weight by 75 pounds. I am so nervous, I am having the sleeve and was concerned about going under because my BP runs low 100/46 today, that is a normal for me or it runs 90/42, no dr has said anything about it being low so guess I'm good. My dr wanted me to have the sleeve before I have health issues, I think it's a good idea, I have tried dieting, weight watchers, the military diet and I couldn't get the weight to come off, always so discouraging. Breathes deeply so nervous.

Anyone hear of any stories where someones procedure was denied? I am worried because on 7/21 I got on the standing dr scale at 252. SInce then I have been sacrificing and exercising consistently. Today the scale reads 5 pounds more.THIS CAN NOT BE! I heard that some ins companies will deny you if you gain weight during the prep process. I am so discouraged now! Any tips on fast change eating habits? I need to drop about 10 pounds in less than a month

I'm so excited I got my surgery date...July 21st!!! So I will start my liquid diet on July 7th. I'm so excited. Any suggestions?? Sent from my SM-G950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi hope ur all well? My ??? To chew or not to chew Gum is the question liquid diet is no joke

I think the only problem in my way is my primary care doctor. She approved it the first time but didn't want me to get it to begin with. I only got a letter of approval the first time because my insurance at the time didn't need an approval. The insurance (Sutter Health EPO) offered weight loss surgery to me and I took the opportunity but now it's A LOT harder to get a referral even if I just do everything right my doctor still won't seem to approve me getting weight loss surgery. I'm trying to change doctors and insurances so they will cover it but so many doctors DO NOT accept Medi-Cal patients right now and I have dual insurance because things get costly and I have Med…

Good: Question - Before any type of weight loss surgery (WLS) what was your highest weight? Did you have any medical issues? My apologies if I am over stepping my boundaries for asking such personal questions. By you providing me your answers it will tell me more or less if I qualify for the WLS. My biggest concern, at this point is being denied again! After all, I'm 5"5 weighing in at 227lbs with a BMI of 37.5 I am considered morbid obese. My weight has affected my knees to the point where I require knee surgery. I have already begun seeing my doctor and my required appointments. Has any member of the community weight was around the same as mi…

Hey guys! So I'm having a hard time eating at this point I'm about, 6days into my preop diet. Not eating feels a lot better than not eating.. I've been skipping my protein shakes and my meals. But Today I caved.. I had two spoonfuls of icecream... should I still be okay? I don't plan on cheating the next 7 days till surgery. Should I just postpone it to avoid problems?

So I didnt see it in my paperwork for my pre-op diet. But is crystal lite okay pre-op?

So I'm starting my 2nd week of my 1500 calorie diet and I weigh myself at the gym. Now when I weighed myself I had on a wet swimsuit and towel ( why idk why), but it saids I weigh more than I originally weigh. So I don't really like this diet idk if my liver is shrinking I think it is because I be really hungry sometimes. I'm just ready for the surgery anyone else have this pre-op diet? Tiffani[emoji1528][emoji757]️[emoji175]

Well I had my surgery yesterday. Pain was bad, but lots of diludid. I had surgery at 730am, in PACU before 11, in my room around 1pm. I was ealing by 5pm Today I went home. Pain control was good in the hospital today, but the oral oxy does nothing for me at all. I supposed to drink 60oz today but I only made it through 15. Anything more than 1/2 Oz makes me nauseous. so it's been chicken broth and water. Surgery made me gain 6 pounds, but mostly laprp water and IVF. The gas pain is intense. The fixed a hernia in my diaphragm and my shoulders and back are extremely painful when I lay down. Said it was from the lapro air they blow inside. 5 incisions. Only 1 hurts. …

Hey guys! So I'm having a hard time eating at this point I'm about, 6days into my preop diet. Not eating feels a lot better than not eating.. I've been skipping my protein shakes and my meals. But Today I caved.. I had two spoonfuls of icecream... should I still be okay? I don't plan on cheating the next 7 days till surgery. Should I just postpone it to avoid problems?

Who has had VSG surgery at the Mexico Bariatric Center and please rate the entire trip 1 to 10

How are you guys planning to prepare for the liquid diet phase what are you guys planning to drink? This is a list my nutritionist give me but I'm so confused ??‍♀️

How are you guys preparing for your surgery I'm excited and sooo nervous..: I still haven't found a protein shake I like [emoji30]... also I wanna return to work like 3 days after I do serenity work sit at desk all day so I don't think I can hurt myself and I do understands walking is very important so might as well right. How are you guys preparing??

I am scheduled for surgery next Wednesday but am now having second thoughts. I needed to lose about 60lbs and applied for surgery after finding out I am pre-diabetic. I got sick a few weeks ago and lost about 7lbs along with my appetite. I don't know what happened, I'm just suddenly not as hungry and can only tolerate very small portions without feeling sick. I started the pre-op diet and now I am losing about 1lb every 2 days. By the date of my surgery I will be down 15-20lbs from where I started and then only need to lose 40lbs to get to my ideal weight. I am thinking about cancelling my surgery. It seems crazy to have surgery for 40lbs but I'm also worried I'm just get…

Hi everyone! I'm new on here. I have my sleeve this coming Thursday 8/10. I'm excited and nervous. My wife had her sleeve done on July 10th, and is doing great. We both had to do the 6 month supervised diet. At first I wasn't happy about that, but it ended up being a blessing. I learned how to eat, and lost 35lbs in the process. I started at 41 bmi, and now I'm at 35 bmi. Just wanted to say hi as I've been lurking, and learning a lot from this forum. Oh, and the best part is zero dollars out of pocket for both my wife and I!

So today I got my date it's August 22nd Starting to worry a little bit getting nervous and scared especially after hearing everything that could go wrong

I got my date!!! August 30th. Start my liquid diet on August 16th. Any tips on how to make the best of the liquid diet, how to best prepare for the hospital, etc? I will have a two night hospital stay. I'm so nervous. I'm dreading loose skin and leary of what my future holds. My husband and I are separated and we have two kids who live with me at home. Any tips for my nerves? Lol.

I'm sort of at the beginning of my pre op diet and I hate protein shakes it reminds me of something I used to drink when I was little callled milk of magnesia. It's so thick and nasty and they almost make me gag I've tried the premier protein shakes vanilla kind. Is there anything that is much less thicker ? And taste way better

All my paperwork has been submitted to insurance! Keeping my fingers crossed for approval!

Hi my name Kendra 39 years old. I'm new here . I go for my pre-op on Aug 8 and my surgery is Aug 25. 13 years ago I was diagnosed with lupus and fibromyalgia. I know having the surgery won't cure my illnesses, but I'm hoping the extra weight off joints gives me some relief. The hospital where I'm having my surgery is 3 hours away from where I live so worried about the ride home once I'm released.

So I've tried a few protien shake and hated all except premier salted Carmel and also quest protien but my nutritionist stated that I'll need more protien than that so far I tried iconic hate it I also tried isopure don't like it... I'm at wit end cuz my surgery is in 2 weeks help[emoji30][emoji30][emoji30]