PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

How soon can I go back to work after my sleeve surgery? I'm freaking out because I am getting sleeved on a Saturday and have to return to work two mondays from there so basically I only will have 9 days off is that enough?

Looking for input from experienced gastric bypassers....anyone used the New Whey Liquid Protein? 3.8 fl oz. 42 grams protein, 0 fat, 0 sugar post surgery?

I am currently still in the hospital, I had my sleeve surgery this morning...I am having NO problems getting in water, popsicles, broth. AND I'm kinda wondering WHY have I felt hungry all day???? What's going on? Is it REALLY HUNGER??? Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I have chosen to have the sleeve procedure. I know this is right for me and feel confident in my decision. I was originally going to go with ALM ALL but some bad reviews and customer service have made me question that choice. I am now looking into Dr. Illan. I spoke to his coordinator yesterday and he was wonderful. I am looking for others who have gone through Dr. Illan. Can you tell me about your experience?

My surgery has been set at August 1st. Anyone else out there in August? I feel like the next 48 days are going to go slow. I hate that feeling. I just want this over with. I've been working on getting it done since March of 2016. My consult was in April 2016. UGH!!!!!

Its early so I may not be as eloquently written as usual, please excuse the following, and how long it is. This is from last nights, first nights eating out with a group: I've been pre-op dieting for a week exactly now. Its been relatively easy as it's Atkins and I happen to love meat and vegetables (Its just easier to open chips and beer so now I'm here..) Originally we were going to go to the Keg, perfect, I knew ahead of time and went online and planned my meal out. Wild card, we show up at The Keg and its practically overflowing so we have to now go to a different restaurant nearby. Crap, okay time to use what I've learned and know and find something …

I'm worried about my pre op test I haven't been approved for surgery yet but I did reach out to my PCP to check my levels now so he can make changes to my medication if necessary to prepare me for surgery. Any advice for me should I worry? The last time I did blood work the only concern my doctor had was my blood sugar.

OK on my 3rd day of seven in liquid diet shakes. Today I used a vanilla Atkins shake and I added a few shakes of cinnamon and nutmeg. Mmmmm eggnog flavor very fun trying to spice up our shake lives. Sent from my N9519 using BariatricPal mobile app

PCP won't write me a letter, she doesn't agree with surgery. Has anyone dealt with this? I know I need a new doctor but I don't think a new doctor will just write me the letter because I am a new patient.

I am searching for someone having rny surgery end of July. so we can go thru the same emotions and worries at the same time. I am reading so much information I am getting a little freaked out Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

So I called my doctor's Office today to see if my insurance approval had come in and was told that they changed my surgery date from July 6th to June 29th. They also said that they were going to hear back from my insurance today and they would call me back to schedule me for an appointment tomorrow to sign all my preop paperwork. Fast forward to end of the day, I didn't hear anything back , and the office was closed. I then tried calling my insurance to check on the approval, but they were also closed. I finally found information through my insurance's online chat feature. The lady there told me that the doctor's office had only sent in request today and that it takes sev…

I got the results from my nicotine test! I PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG I'm way too excited! I woke up this morning with a migraine and a very upset stomach because of my nerves. I feel 100% better! I can have my surgery. I can have my surgery! *happy dance* Now to wait for the ins approval.

Hello All, I'm brand new here, but I can think of no better crowd to ask: Do you have any tips or tricks that got you through the pre-op diet? It's only been three days, but I am so hungry and my energy levels are in the basement. I can barely focus at work and I know that my normal activities, like playing tennis, are going to be severely hindered in the run-up to the surgery. Any advice that anyone has to keep this under control is appreciated.

Hi everyone, I haven't posted in a while My dad is in the process of getting his sleeve, he's scheduled for July 5. Unfortunately he just found out that his insurance denied him because his BMI was under 40. I know his BMI is over 35 and he has diabetes, so I don't really understand why he was denied. His surgeon is filing an appeal. My question is just to aleviate his anxiety, has anyone been successful with getting an appeal approved? And yes, I know it all depends on your individual insurance. I just want to be able to tell him that people have been successful with an appeal. He's so frustrated with the whole process, all the tests he's had to g…

I meet with a gastric surgeon next week. What questions do you wish you would have asked before your surgery? What did you wish you knew before hand? Thank you!!!

Hi All, I'm attending a seminar on the 21st on the sleeve. Is anyone at this point? I'm scared because it's a huge life change. Also, silly things run through my head like... how will I know if I'm eating slow enough? I'm so afraid of getting sick. Also, I always pictured my wedding with champagne. I'm reading up and I know that's a big no no! I don't want to be in pain! Can anyone help with these questions? Thanks!!!

My surgery is tomorrow! I have to be in at 8. PLEASE SEND LOTS OF PRAYERS!!! I'm nervous!!!! Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

My surgeon submitted all paperwork to insurance today, and scheduled surgery for July 19!! Fingers crossed it gets approved. they did give me a list of vitamins to buy and protein shakes/powders but I want to know what other drinks/foods I should rack up on prior to surgery so that I can have everything at home and make it easier for my husband (since he will be taking care of our 2y/o son as well).

Bought a couple of things for the preop diet/post op liquids phase. Gonna go out and buy gold standard whey protein (all time fave); still have to get crystal light, protein bars & some more boxes of almond milk. Any suggestions as what to get would be great!

I have my surgery tomorrow! Need to be at the hospital at 5:30AM and surgery is at 7:30AM. The hospital is about 45 minutes away, and I have to shower and do other things to prepare, so it will be an early morning!!!

I had my lap band removed about two months ago, after having it five years. Acid reflux had become so bad everything I ate or tried to eat made me so sick. My surgeon said gastric bypass would help with the reflux. My insurance will pay for the conversion; but I would like some info from anyone who's had the conversion because of reflux. I still need to lose some weight but I am considering the bypass to help the reflux. I would appreciate hearing from you.

I go in tomorrow for my first appointment! I'm so excited and ready. I'm crossing my fingers I can get a date. What all did you ask your first appointment. I have so many questions. I'd also love seeing before and afters / weight/height stats [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello, all! According to my scale, I've dropped about six pounds in the past month. However, I just went to the nutritionist yesterday afternoon and her scale only says I have lost one pound. My original appointment with her was in the morning, and this appointment was in the afternoon, but could that account for the wide difference? I'm doing everything right with my eating, except for one or two meals I couldn't calculate so I didn't record. (One was Ethiopian food. The other way Uyghur food.) However, the thought of eating well and only losing one pound made me very upset with myself, and so I started bingeing a little last night and also ate two snack cakes on my…

Yaaaaaas I'm excited woke up before my alarm clock and every thing lol. Im checking my emotions " like OK, not freaking out.. Not nervous" I'm surprised that I'm clam. I was freaking out since I started doing my pre ops and classes and the day I got my date I had a mini anxiety attack because I knew .. It's real now. But I go in at 10:30 which I live very close to the hospital and surgery is at 12. I'm just ready to get it done.. And start my new life with my tool I got some living to do! ( if you pray, please say one for me .. What ever you believe in.. Wish me luck y'all) thank you BP for everything [emoji4] Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

I go in tomorrow for my first appointment! I'm so excited and ready. I'm crossing my fingers I can get a date. What all did you ask your first appointment. I have so many questions. I'd also love seeing before and afters / weight/height stats [emoji3][emoji3][emoji3] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

My date is August 31st..... it still seems like forever away. My wife and I got cleared within a couple of weeks of each other and she was already sleeved on May 17th. It's so amazing to be on this journey with her and watch all her progress. I honestly can't wait for my surgery and wish it wasn't so far out. Hopefully it will come quicker than I think!

Has anyone gotten sick after starting pre-op diet? I started yesterday, and I have been throwing up with the biggest headache today. I also had dental implant surgery on Monday. So, just curious if it was sugar/ caffeine withdrawal. Sent from my SM-G930VL using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello! I applied to have premier protein covered by my insurance through insure nutrition. They called me today to let me know they were sending in the request to insurance and it could be a few weeks (2 weeks) to hear back. I was looking at my coverage from BCBS of Illinois, and am totally not sure. It states that nutritional supplements are not covered except as stated in the certificate. And I saw nothing else.... ugh! But it also states WLS isn't covered excepted where stated, and it was approved at 100%. Anyone have any idea? Have you gotten your protein covered? Thanks!

How much did you workout pre-op? Or did you work out at all? I'm curious to see what people do or don't do. Please be honest if you don't/didn't work out pre-op.

Iam already getting turkey neck. My doctor put me on phentermine. I've been losing about 2 pounds a week. I havent even had surgery yet and Iam freaking out because I think that Iam losing too quick. I am 60 years old, but this turkey neck came on pretty quick. Not sure if I should proceed with surgery. I don't know what's worse, being fat or looking like a dried up prune. Iam also on an asthma medicine called, Advise and I know that messes with your skin as well. Is anyone experiencing any thing simular? I'd appriciate any feedback I can get, thank you. Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

Today I was cleared by my surgeon and nutritionist! I'm excited just waiting for insurance approval! I hope my insurance approves it quickly!

Hi everyone. I am headed to Tijuana Mexico to have VSG done by Dr. Mario Camelo on June 27th. I am going alone, and even though I have read wonderful things, I am super nervous. HW: 281 CW: 265 I don't start my pre-op diet until next week. Any advice is appreciated - or is anyone else having surgery this month and want to be a support buddy? Thanks

I was wondering what people would recommend for clothes in hospital and during recovery? I know loose clothes. But how loose? All my short or pants waistbands go to my belly button or are tight against my stomach. Would dresses be ok?

Hi All, so I am 2.days post op and things are.not turning out as simple as I thought it would. the procedure went great but by the time they got me to recovery it was about 7pm and I would need to be there 2 to 4 hours so they keep me overnight so they could monitor me, I ended staying all day and just when I was going to be release my (never had a high number over 136) blood pressure is up to 170 and my heart rate since this morning is very low, like 45... has anyone else had this issues? so needless to say the would not release my. uugghhh. Sent from my SM-G928T using BariatricPal mobile app

Has anyone had any experience with highmark BCBS? How long did it take you to get approved?

Hello, my name is Indeera from New Jersey. I'm new on here. Had my first WLS consultation on 6/12/17 for VSG. Just wondering if anyone had Dr. Paragi as their surgeon?

I am excited, I have a surgery date of June 19. Thought it would take weeks or maybe even months to get approval.

Tomorrow I start my pre-op diet. I am really nervous, but excited at the same time. My surgery date is June 14, and I am SOOO READY! I'd appreciate some prayers and good thoughts!!!! Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m having my surgery on 6/13/2017. I’m 4’11 and I weigh 181lbs. I know to many that doesn’t seem like much but it is for someone 4’11 tall. I’m really worried about sagging skin. I think I’ll be ok for the procedure because I’m a real go getter but that doesn’t take away that fear. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I was supposed to have surgery on 6/19- with my pre-op diet starting today (6/12). I had a tsh thyroid test on Thursday of last week and the results came back horribleeeeeeeeee. They were at an all time low of 0.04 in April, so my PCP lowered the dose to 88 mcg and I retested to see where they were before surgery. Get ready, they came back at 47! No point in there; FOURTY SEVEN! So we upped it again and retested today. I am hoping it was a glitch, because it has never been that high and I have no symptoms. But the surgeon called today and said it was canceled until I can get it at 10 or below. And that is still high. If you pray, please pray it was a glitch and I can res…

After wat felt like forever I have finally been approved and set a surgery date of sept 1! I would love to have it sooner but I have to save up my out of pocket expense and pto hours to take atleast a week off from work for recovery. Sept seems far away but it'll be here before I kno it. 80 days. Let the countdown begin!

Looking to connect with anyone who is having their surgery preferably in June. A surgery buddy would be helpful I think!

I have my first appointment with my surgeon later this month. I'm anxious to get this process started but am wondering how long the process will take. How long has it taken you from first appointment until surgery? I know it really depends on the insurance company and what they require just wondering what most people's experiences were/are.

trying in my head to get everything organized. I have lists started, pre o.o appointment is July 7th. could you words of wisdom and advise Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

My consultation is scheduled for next Monday to get the process started for the sleeve. Let me back up a minute. I have severe arthritis in both my knees. I underwent a partial replacement of my left knee three years ago at the age of 37. Since then, my right knee has also become severely arthritic as well. However, I've gained about 30 pounds since having my left done, and my surgeon won't do a replacement until my BMI has gone down to 35 (I'm currently at 44). Last Tuesday I had surgery on my left knee to hopefully buy me some time to lose weight. However, I've instead decided to take a different route and have the gastric sleeve and finally deal with my weight issue o…

I read that people are getting lots of info on you tube. Im one of the older set, yet am doing research. Where do I go and what do I look for? Thanks[emoji4]

Hi all I have my first consultation with the surgeons office. Any advice ? Sent from my LG-M210 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm soooooo disappointed. The first available date my surgeon has for my surgery isn't until Aug 1st with my preop appt being on July 20th. Man! I was wanting it to be in June because of my insurance rolling over on July 1. They do have me on the cancellation list but you know as well as I do that that very rarely happens. Waaaaaaaaaaah! I feel like crying!

Hi everyone! My insurance officially approved my VSG on 5/26. When I didn't hear anything from my surgeon's coordinator, I emailed her and asked when I should be expecting to discuss a date. She told me that she would contact me early next week (6/19) at the earliest. This was incredibly discouraging to me as I will start law school in mid-August and want a few days to recover before going (I'm 22 and don't expect and prolonged recovery). I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience or if this is quite odd. Thank you!

I was just noticing some folks saying they had Dr supervised diet's, that knocked off some time from their pre op visits. I have been seeing my Dr for my diabetes every three months for 2 years now, and on some of my check out forms it states continue the same medications and try to be more strict with diet and exercise. On another check out paper it tells me to follow a 1200 calorie diet. My question is, just by saying this does this mean I have been under a Dr supervised diet? Will insurance accept that as a supervised diet?