PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

(Sorry- long story!) So through last winter, i went through all of the pre-op requirements for education and all appointments with surgical team and psychologists, lost the proper amount of weight and everything.. then in my final meeting with the surgeon, she ordered a set of labs that showed that my thyroid was off, so postponed the surgery until that could be treated (this was in March). In April, My primary provider also ran another set of labs and found that I was also low in iron, calcium, Vitamin D and C, AND that I have blood in my stool. So he has me on Levothyroxine, and a colonoscopy scheduled for AUGUST (no appointments available sooner). In the first 6 weeks …

Hi Everyone , I am here in need of some encouraging motivational words. I have one more appt on June 20,2017 of my six month insurance required visits. I just did #5 today. I am feeling sooo depressed, like this is just within reach but so far away. (: I have cleared all the hurdles, excrpt the last blood work for pre-op. I am just feeling like this has been a long road and hoping nothing will happen to detour my surgery. I am always a positive person and I am so motivated and ready for the change. I will do anything they tell me to make this a success. Its just such a long time. Have any of you felt like this? Have you felt like you will never be posti…

Well it is official my surgery is tomorrow I'm not sure of the time yet I have to call tonight at 6 PM for the time of my surgery I did receive my approval from my insurance company I received a letter today in the mail so it is happening. Getting nervous I already have my hospital bag packed.

I'm having surgery on Wednesday the 31st and I have acrylic nails my surgeon did not say anything to me about removing them do you think they will be OK for surgery or should I have them removed

My surgery was moved up from the 26th to the 24th. I'm doing this alone - taking a bus to the hospital and being picked up by my husband 3 days later. Anyone else out there have this date?? HW: 328 (02/21/17) CW: 275 (preop 53# disowned)

I got my time that I need to be at the hospital for tomorrow for my VSG surgery 6:30 AM and the hospital is an hour and 15 minutes from my house so I will be up nice and early tomorrow.

I'm just starting out on my sleeving journey and am working on my pre-op weight loss (10%=30lbs). The Dr says he's not too worried about me losing anything before surgery, just as long as I'm not gaining. I personally would like to lose at least half of the 10% so that the surgery is safer and so that in the end I have lost more overall weight. (I hope that makes sense!) I am just wondering what pre-op meal plans/diets etc... others have been put on that have worked. [emoji4] Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

Had my last appointment today required by the insurance...feeling nervous and excited. Now the waiting for insurance approval...I have Highmark, are insurances pretty quick to respond?

I can't believe how nervous I am! Been going back & forth after all I've been through on whether or not I want to go through with this! Is that a normal way to feel? I heard this on the radio and thought that sounds accurate. After all the years of listening to this I now realize these lyrics even more!

Hi Everyone , I am here in need of some encouraging motivational words. I have one more appt on June 20,2017 of my six month insurance required visits. I just did #5 today. I am feeling sooo depressed, like this is just within reach but so far away. (: I have cleared all the hurdles, excrpt the last blood work for pre-op. I am just feeling like this has been a long road and hoping nothing will happen to detour my surgery. I am always a positive person and I am so motivated and ready for the change. I will do anything they tell me to make this a success. Its just such a long time. Have any of you felt like this? Have you felt like you will never be posti…

But with all of your wisdom and kind words, I did! My surgery is tomorrow morning! I find out after 4pm the exact time but who cares! I made it! And I lost 15 lbs which I feel good about since I started at 215. Thank you all again so much for your encouragement! I hope I can encourage those of you who still have some time to go! Thanks again!

I've already been to the Nutritionist, Psychologist and had labs. I have an appointment with the cardiologist on the 25th & an appointment with Endo on the 30th. After that I'm DONE! (My wallet will thank me). So my question is - Once you were done, how long did it take for your insurance to approve you? I have a hospital-based insurance so I hope it won't take long. Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

I have surgery scheduled for May 31st and recently I have been having scarey panic attacks. I do have aniexty, but have controlled it for 2 years or so. I am wondering if anyone else who has aniexty and has had the surgery or is going to have surgery has had similar issues? Sent from my SM-G900P using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi friends! I'm getting super excited to get sleeved in September! I just wanted to reach out and see if anyone wanted to be sleeve buddies? I don't know ANYONE who has had the surgery in my personal life- I plan on attending some local support groups here in Virginia, but would love a buddy from on here to chat with about your process. anyone like me? 230 lbs, 5'6", 30 year old, teacher turned stay at home mom. Getting sleeved September 18! Good luck everyone on your journey!

Sleeve or bypass? I still can't make my mind up.

Hi, My name is Kelsey. I have been thinking about RNY for a while and in April had my initial consult with the surgeon @ St. Vincent Bariatric Center in Carmel, Indiana. I have had 2 weigh ins with my PCP. I was just wondering if there was any body else who has gone through St. Vincent and what advice you all had? Thank you. Sent from my SM-G928V using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone, I've been sorta lurking around in here & on a group I belong to on Facebook. I have, what I feel to be, a frustrating issue & am not sure how to address it. A little background. back in 2011 I had a gastric sleeve done in Mexico, 2012 the acid reflux started & now it's out of hand. I was referred to a gastro & my 1st meeting with him we discussed him doing a bypass, which I have no problem with. He did an endoscopy & then I had to start seeing the round of Dr's to be fast tracked. Well on May 3 I had to go for my final green light, and I was given a yellow light from the psychologist. Reason 1) I was 4 days away from being …

Anyone with Medicare as primary and Humana as secondary? If so, how long did it take to get approval?

I'm on my 3rd day of liquid diet of 7 days. Needing some motivation? How did everyone get through it? Thanks!!

Ok so I am one of those people that make lists and start buying things early [emoji28][emoji28]. So I have decided to compile a list and start buying a few things, anyone have anything to add? - blender that can crush ice - baby cutlery - small plates, bowls etc - small containers - those medicine cups ( was told they are a God-Send when learning to sip water) - vitamins - protein shakes

Hi everyone! So by breaking point, I mean what was the "thing" that made you say I'm doing this because I need to change my life. For me it was when I went to an amusement park and was kicked off a rollercoaster because I couldn't fit. It was really that most embarrassing moment of my life.

Hi I started my pre-op liquid diet today. My surgery is on the 6th. I can only have clear liquids but I feel like I'm on day 1 of survivor. My tummy is growling like crazy. Any tips? I don't know how to do this for an entire week.

I went to the pool tonight. I keep thinking, "By this time next year...." It gets me so excited. Memorial Day 2018 is going to be different than 2017. I can't wait!

Anyone else going in June?!? Sent from my SM-N920R6 using BariatricPal mobile app

I am scheduled to have gastric sleeve on June 16th. I am having a lot of conflicting thoughts and feelings about the surgery and whether or not it is the right thing for me. On one hand I am so tired of diets and have given up hope of being able to do it on my own and on the other hand I don't think the surgery gets to the root of overeating...I really feel so stuck and was wondering if any of you felt this way prior to surgery and how you reconciled this?

I have my first consult coming up on June 5. I am also meeting with the doctor who referred me before then. Is there anything I should ask for or do to prepare for the consult to make things go as smoothly and quickly as possible? My insurance doesn't require medically supervised weight loss but I'm not sure what this surgeon will require. Is there some sort of documentation from my doctor that can help my case with my surgeon? Thanks in advance!

I am very new to this app. However I am in the 6 month waiting period before I am schedule to have surgery. I have a lot of questions. 1) how long will it take insurance to actually approve my claim 2) how long will it take surgery to be scheduled once I am approved? 3) I have to do a 2 week liquid diet pre-Op how successful was anyone with that?

I am 5 months post op. I love my journey so far. SW - 219. CW 158. GW 130. The problem is I didn't have my gallbladder out. Because of the drastic weight loss, I now have gallstones and need surgery to remove my gallbladder. Tip here make sure they check your gallbladder and if you have any stones get it out during your sleeve. Trust me I am so happy I had the sleeve and my only regret is not having them take out my gallbladder. Good luck!

Hello- I am new. I need to hear from those who have done this. I am in the pre-op stage -waiting insurance VSG approval. I have a BMI 35 and told not to drop any weight. I am still trying to ensure I am making right decision. My questions are below: 1. Many people in my life, especially my own family, would think of it as a failure to resort to such measures. I am not telling anyone I am having WLS except my husband. Is it possible to keep it from my family, co-workers, & friends long-term? 2. Hard to find published research with longtern results because it is still relatively new and often patients eventually stop following up with center/surgeon. …

SENSITIVE INFO... today marked #5 of my liver shrinking diet and drinking 4 protien shakes a day is "hard" on the bowel process. I found these magnesium pills (MAG 07) last year during a 10 cleanse & they produce results in @ 3-5hrs depending on your body w/ zero cramps. The capsules are big but can be opened so the powder is "mixable". I intend on asking my surgeon if I can take this post op as well. JUST THINKING THEY WERE WORTH A SHARE ask questions plz I'll answer on my experience. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000PKEJR0/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1&th=1 Sent from my S8+ using BariatricPal mobile app[emoji41]

Second time going in for sleeve [emoji48][emoji48]

I finally have my surgery scheduled!! I am going to Michigan and having surgery with Dr. Mark Pleatman. I am so excited but also nervous!! Has anyone gone to him? Just curious of others experiences. Also, as far as after surgery for self-payers, did you have any issues receiving follow up care? If I have any issues will I get turned away from other doctors? I have an appointment with my PCP and I'm going to make sure he's okay with it, I just am worried that no one will help me. I'm so ready for this but I also feel like I'm not prepared! Any other advice anyone could offer would be great!!

Hi everyone!! So, I'm getting sleeved in less than 3 hours and I know that there are also other people in this forum that are getting sleeved today. I just wanted to wish us luck and hope for the best outcome!!! And to let you all know that I am super nervous and anxious, but so ready to start this journey!! Best of wishes to all!!!

Cant seem to find My Fitness Pal in Ap Store. What am I missing?

What made you choose? I was leaning toward the sleeve but now, 2.5 weeks before surgery considering the bypass.

Due to my work schedule and cost i have not been able to do my psych evaluation yet. I was looking around for someone closer to where I live and cheaper or who will accept my insurance, I found psychevaluation.com who says they will accept my insurance and its done over the phone with a licensed psychiatrist. Sent from my SM-N920P using BariatricPal mobile app

So my surgeon office just called me and told me my surgery date is June 6. I'm so excited all my hard work payed off. Sent from my VS990 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm 8 days smoke free. How do I flush nicotine out of my system to ensure I pass the nicotine screen before surgery?

Looking to find a buddy to go through this together [emoji3] I have my first appointment beginning of June and I have my nutrition classes complete. Also I'm 27 so someone around my age would be awesome [emoji16] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello! I am in the final stages before my Dr submits my request for lapband surgery to my insurance. I had my endoscopy today and my last required Dr appt is the 30th. I am excited to start this journey. I hope whoever reads this is healthy and happy. I look forward to talking with everyone. Christy

Here's what I'm using for shakes. This makes two 16oz Protein Shakes with around 200 cal 30 g of Protein and 15 g or less carbs. Add ice or Water until just over 32oz & blend. Two scoops of each powder, & 2 cups of most fruit blends keep you in the right range for carbs. Check first so you don't go over. Garden Of Life also has many nutients & 50 fruit and vegetable super foods. Drink one & save one for later. I called my nutritionist a couple of weeks ago when I was feeling nauseous and my brain is foggy I was also very weak. He told me to use all the 15 g of my carbs and said I was going through carb withdrawal. You can mix any fruit you want into the sh…

I went into my nutritionist office through my dr, and she doesn't recommend the sleeve for me. How did you choose? I have an appointment with the bariatric team, and see what they say. She said for long term gastric is the way to go. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Just sitting here downing yet another protein shake. Yep living the dream! Surgery is on May 30th and with the exception of post-op I'm so glad I never have to do this again! Not that it's extremely difficult. It's also not easy but it's tolerable. I haven't cheated once and I have no intention of doing that. Just can't wait to be done with it! I had two weeks of protein shakes with one meal in the evening with guidelines of course then two weeks of just protein shakes until surgery. Some people have it easy on here with their pre-op diet mines been strict so like I said,"Living the dream!".

Insurance approved me in 4 days! Surgery was going to be in June, but I postponed it to 7/25 due to vacation plans. I'm so nervous!

I'd like to get everyone's thoughts about the best apps for recording food and water intake. I'm currently using the free version of MyFitnessPal, which works perfectly with the Apple Health app on my iPhone. The reason I like using the Apple Health app is that it pulls in a lot of data from a lot of sources — it collects all of the nutrition information MyFitnessPal, all of my weight recordings from my Withings scale, and all of my activity data from my phone and watch. I've heard about Bariastic, which seems to have a lot of great post-surgery tools, but I don't know if it works seamlessly with Apple Health. Also, I don't know if the additional features make it wor…

I had a full day of appointments! I past my echo-stress test, had my pre-admission testing, last nut appointment and now waiting to sign my paperwork. HOPEFULLY the ins will approve me and my surgery date will stay June 14!!! Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hey all, so I was sleeved on 5/23. I am so grateful for everything I've learned from this board just by reading people's stories, so hopefully, someone can benefit from mine... My surgery was at 9:15 am this Tuesday. On my way to the hospital, I was complaining to my sister that I wish my surgery was outpatient instead of I day inpatient stay because I was so sure I'd be fine and just wasting my time in a hospital... boy was I wrong! Apparently I don't tolerate anesthesia well at all. I woke up in the PACU in horrible pain and severe nausea/gagging/abdominal spasms that were almost nonstop. The last time I had surgery was when I was a kid and I just remember wak…

I'm pretty excited! Got a call from my Dr. Letting me know they received my sleep apnea results and of course were positive. They sent a referral to a nut, cardiologist, and psych. I am told I need a clearance letter from my current psych because of my bipolar 2. I called my psych and she is happy to clear me and gave me an appointment for tomorrow. Nut already called and scheduled me for next week. EGD scheduled for July to check for hernias. Just need an appointment with cardiologist to get cleared. I'm super excited. Was anyone else asked for a current psych clearance? Where are you guys on your process? Sent from my SM-J700T using BariatricPal mobile app

Does the bougie stay in or come out