PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My sister has just started the weight loss injection Saxenda. It started me thinking....would that bw better for me than the sleeve? I am scheduled for surgery on June 14. I have been getting super nervous, and thats probably why I am even thinking about this. Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone. I enjoy reading everyone's posts. I find them helpful and supportive. I am in my 3rd month of PCP visits. I need to do 6 months for insurance. I also now I have to be tested for sleep apnea. There is a month waiting list for sleep study here and I'm getting nervous about it. I am 5'7 and 258 so that puts me right at 40 BMI. my fear is if I even loose 2 lbs I wont qualify. I have been reading about the pre-op liquid diet and wondering how much people are usually loosing? My Dr. says I have to be at 40 BMI even on day of surgery. The thought of having to purposely gain weight to continue to qualify sickens me. Has anyone out there had this issue? they said if I…

I just moved to ATL a year ago and I really only know my cousin down here and my co workers of course. My mother may not be able to fly down to help me after surgery during my recovery phase, and I mean my cousin can come over to help a little I guess. But will I need much help? I dont have anything heavy to lift at home.

My surgery won't be for a few months (I'm aiming for the end of summer) and I find myself trying to debate how to handle eating. On one hand, I want to be as disciplined as possible so I can lose a little weight and prepare for the post-surgery diet. On the other hand, I keep finding excuses to eat things because I tell myself I won't be able to eat them after the surgery. I think it's OK to have a few "last meals" at favorite restaurants before the real pre-op diet begins. However, I need to really cut out the snack cakes, cookies, ice cream and so on between meals and late at night. What are your thoughts? What have you done to balance the need for "last mea…

Hi Everyone. I'm on day 8 of 21 of my Optifast pre surgery diet. My surgery is May 15 at Toronto Western Hospital. I haven't cheated at all. I have 4 packages of Optifast 900 per day, lots of water (over 2 litres), only 1 serving of fat free jello and 1 cup of low sodium beef broth. I have NAFLD and was told by my surgeon that I really need to shrink my liver before surgery or they might not be able to RNY and will do gastric sleeve instead. I'm worried I'm not in ketosis. My breath isn't bad, I'm still very hungry and the ketostix I bought only show a trace of ketosis. I've definitely lost weight. My clothes are much looser. Not sure how much weight. I don't have a scal…

Hi guys, I'm in the UK and was wondering if anyone can share there experience I was referred for bariatric surgery on a NHS research trial and have been given a date in June for my group seminar and then 3 days later am having a appointment with a 'consultant general surgeon' I was wondering how long after your first surgeon appointment did you have the actual surgery? Thanks in advance

HI all, Just wondering how long it takes for Emblem Health-HIP to approve and what are the requirements.

Hi all! I'm in preop stage but was wondering what I could use to mix as a flavoring of sorts with my Vitaleph protein shakes? It's just the whey protein so I'm needing something to add to it I feel like. For post op as well. Thank you for any advice and suggestions.

Hi! Im still waiting on my approval but I have another question. I know I need breast reduction surgery also. Has anyone have heard of them doing that at the same time as the gastric bypass or do they make u wait til goal weight? Sent from my SM-N920R6 using BariatricPal mobile app

Well the dr office is going to submit to the insurance and I picked to do it July 26. Giving me more time to get things in order and mentally prepare myself...I would love to have some sleeve buddies and mentors....I've been watching a lot of YouTube and reading blogs....I'm scared but excited at the same time

Hi all! I'm 36 and have a BMI of 39. I have completed the 6 months of dr visits. And am now awaiting approval. I have Ky Passport and wondered if anyone had the same and how long that process takes for approval. Thanks!

Hi I'm new to this I'm pre-op for gastric bypass surgery, I've been over weight my whole life I've never been skinny I'm not mother of 4 kids I'm 5'2 and my starting weight in Jan was 316 in Feb I saw my surgeon to discuss weight loss surgery and he said gastric bypass would be good for me I started my journey in Feb this month on July 20th is my last class and they will submit my paperwork to my insurance as of today I'm 283, my question is who here has Medicaid and it's under United health care community plan?? If so did u have any issues getting approved?? I suffer from high blood pressure, I have a bad back injury from being hit by a drunk driver which requires me to …

Has anyone pre- or post-op used Amazing Mayo from Walden Farms? Just wondering if its acceptable?

So I've completed all of my insurance requirements, clearances and 6 months of weigh ins. I saw my surgeon today for what I was told would be my last appointment, when I would be given a tentative surgery date, for mid may, pending insurance approval. Well, I waited an hour and saw the dr for 5 seconds. He gave me a high 5 for completion and sent me off to sign a consent. I waited 20 minutes for the consent[emoji30]. I was told a scheduler would call me in "a couple of days", but that as of today the next available date is June 2. A whole month more???? I know I need time for approval, but I'm feeling really frustrated and disappointed. My husband just found out he'll ne…

Keep in mind that I am still at the very early stages of the pre-op process.... Just curious if anyone else has had their mind try to talk themselves out of getting the sleeve? I've been really excited about it and the prospect of loosing weight have keeping it off and then all of a sudden my brain is trying to tell me that I don't need it. That I'll regret not being able to eat my favorite foods. That I'll be missing out on something if I get this done. I know I want to get it done. It'll help me do everything that I want to do. It will help me be the person that I truly want to be. I want to be able to work out. I want to go hiking. I want to run around with …

So I'm new to this journey, just getting informed and seeing if I will even qualify. I have a few insurance issues that I'm worried about. I'll attach my insurance company's policy. Basically in order to have the surgery covered, I need to have been severely obese for the past 2 years (40+ BMI or 35+ BMI with comorbidity) I think I've fluctuated a lot between 35 and 40 in the past two years. As of right now, I'm right on the line of 40 (because I'm 260 lbs and 5.8 and at my doctor's office they even tacked on half an inch!) Anyway, I brought up surgery to my doctor thinking she would want to give me lots of other options but she was actually very supportive because…

Did anyone have a problem with this after surgery? Its one of my concerns... Sent from my SM-N920R6 using BariatricPal mobile app

Looking for a support group in Spokane. It would be great to meet in person. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

My paperwork was submitted Monday afternoon and I was approved yesterday, although I didn't find out until today! [emoji16][emoji1433] Surgery scheduled May 9th!

April 12th is my date

I am new to the neighborhood and I want to thank everyone for sharing and especially the doctors and those in the medical field for taking time to participate in the forum. I have my sleeve surgery on Wednesday and I found this forum very helpful. Thanks again to all.

Hello! What side effect did you have your first day of liquid diet? I had severe diarrhea and nauseas. Is it normal?

I got a message from my clinic... my insurance requires 3 more months of meeting with a nutritionist/weigh-ins per month. They had me ready to anticipate a surgery date in May, but looks more like July? August? Idk... I've gone off track. I'm finally posting for support on this... I've gone off my diet and eaten more carbs and sweets than usual, but not totally off the rails. I feel it's semi-controlled. Meaning I'm not eating everything, but instead of eating better choices I'm being lazy. I'm going to do better, but had to be honest with my journey.

Preop dr monitored diet. I've trashed 40 pounds in 3 months and then this past month has been one long issue. I know it's a stall and I know it's only the first one - preop none the less. It doesn't stop the frustration. I went on vacation and stalled due to lack of exercise and not the best diet choices (not the worst, just not as strict as normal). Came back and went on a week long protein drink diet just to break the stall. It did break a bit and then, my period hit in such an odd way. A week and a half of another stall and now I'm just sad. I'm 2 pounds up this morning from the last time I weighed myself. This too shall pass. For now I'm just frustrated, slightly def…

Well I'm on my way for an EGD...the test alone is not scary but what my Dr might decide. This is revisional for me band to sleeve. I had the band 2007 lost about 85 pounds but went through some traumatic times in a short period of time. Was married to an abuser I had lost a good amount in a short time got pregnant with twins was punched hard multiple times in the stomach lost one baby to a miscarriage and then the other to etopic pregnancy...father diagnosed with cancer died 6 months later. Fractured my arm near my elbow but husband wouldn't let me go to the hospital till it already started healing....by February 2008 he went to jail and I got to rebuild my life...took a …

I need some awesome ideas for my pre op & liquid diet!

I am still taking anti depressants from post partum depression and have used Xanax when I have anxiety attacks in the last 6 months. How does this work in to the psych portion? I don't want to be disqualified for something I know will go away with time. I have my first consultation appointment next week and this has been heavy on my mind.

In general about how long does it take for insurance approval? Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

I have to do this for a month. I'm scared. I started my pre-op diet three days ago, and I am struggling. I can have all clear liquids, (broths, juices (16 oz) diet juices, etc) and I can have yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, and jello. I can have 1000 calories or less. My question is how long did you guy have to be on your diet? And how did you stay focused? How did you hold it all together? Because I'm struggling today,

Im a little confused is that 8oz of meat n side salad or just 8oz of food plus a side salad for dinner. Anyone have a similar diet pre op? Sent from my LG-K540 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm having sleeve on the 16th. I can believe it almost here. I remember thinking the 6 months were going take forever to get here, and its finally happening. I have been super calm about it, but now starting to get a little nervous. All the what ifs are running through my mind. What if I have complications, and end up leaving my girls without a mother. I knom I am being dramatic. I'm sure you all know where I'm coming from. Sent from my LGLS775 using BariatricPal mobile app

Does your insurance company let you kno the total cost of the procedure and your total out of pocket cost of there is one? How does the whole process work once you are approved? Everything was submitted to Humana by my surgeons office on wed and it was received thurs so now I'm just waiting.

After what feels like forever, I have a surgery date of April 27 and I start my pre-op diet tomorrow. For the last week I have been eating small portions of lean protein with steamed veggies and more protein shakes than I can stand. Anybody else one week out? I just found this forum but I am so excited to learn and share in each of your journeys. Best wishes.

Insurance approved and getting sleeved on May 2! Insurance was my last hurdle now it on to my next challenge getting through surgery and the next few months

Are they allowed? What about using local honey as sweetener in coffee?

When you started your low fat diet, how many fat grams were you allowed to have in a day?

Does anyone know how we're supposed to take pills post-op? I currently take a few, and my doctor says I can crush them up. However, if I'm on a liquid diet after the surgery, what can I mix the pills into? Additional question: If the pills require to be taken on a full stomach, what will I do about that, as my stomach will definitely not be full?

I've been completely done with every pre op requirement since last month, I even got done a month ahead of time. Which I thought would help me get an earlier date then my tentative date which was may-june, well I called my insurance still nothing. I finally emailed my coordinator I did not want to bug them that's why I left them alone, so two days later I get a message back stating that they have been very busy and short-staffed my file have not even looked at yet are submitted I'm pissed off. It's been an whole wasted month.. [emoji58][emoji51][emoji36] Rant [emoji813]2017 could it be, a new me? yaaaass please![emoji813]

Hi. I am being sleeved in June, and I would like to lose some weight before then. I don't have a pre-op diet (except protein and veggies the week before) I was wondering, if,I start doing a shake (shakeology) for breakfast and lunch, and then a sensible dinner, would I be ok? (Not dizzy or lightheaded) I am 275lbs, 45 yrs old and I have a physically demanding job. Any suggestions??? Sent from my SM-G930T using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi happy Easter I got the call on Thursday the surgery is set for June 1 gastric sleeve finally! it's been almost a year since I first went to my former surgeon. After having all my tests completed and right before they submitted the paperwork to the insurance company. My doctor decided he's not doing bariatric surgery anymore. I'm happy, sacred, excited, and worried all at once! What I fear most is the liquid diet for 3 weeks pre op. I also posted in another thread! Not really sure how this all works

I completed psych and 6m of nutrition appts. Today I met with my surgeons PA and will submit to insurance sometime next week. Insurance will take 3-14 days to approve. Looking to schedule surgery end of may, but I may need to postpone it until end of July (due to my school schedule and vacations). I'm so stressed and excited. Possible sx date of 5/23, but I'm going to Mexico (all inclusive) 6/30. So I'm looking to stall until I finish nursing school in July. So much to think about! I'm also worried they may not approve me bc I never wear my cpap. Sleep apnea is my qualifying comorbidity.

Hello all. I'm very excited about this but still have some apprehension. Ok I'll say it, I'm scared. I'm going through the checklist of things to do and just a few left before I meet with surgeon and schedule a surgery date. I'm 62 and really need this for quality of life in my golden years...but still anxious. Is this normal? I'm getting a little more scared as time draws near.... thank you!

I finally got that call I have been waiting for! After 8 months and 2 denials my insurance approved me for surgery! I will find out my surgery date tomorrow. Let the journey begin!

I've completed everything required by my surgeon and they just scheduled my preop appt. What happens at this appt does anyone know and I was told by my doctors office that I need my preop appt with the surgeon before they can submit paperwork to my insurance for approval.

Hi Guys, I am a 33 yr. old female and mother to wonderful, over the top 2 yr. old. I have recently been researching wls and know a few people that have had success and decided to look into the procedure. My issue is I haven't told many of my intentions, my mother and my sister. My sister was not over the top thrilled but understood and mentioned she'd looked into wls also not the sleeve but the balloon because I think it's no operation. Anyway, of course my mother is completely against it. We had a small conversation but she really didn't take into consideration what I was saying but rather focused on negatives that she's heard. One in particular of someone dying and anot…

Hello, All! I hope you are each having a beautiful Sunday where ever you are in the world. I am being sleeved on Thursday, April 27 (Four days from now! Wow!) and my doctor's instructions say on the last three days of my pre-op diet I can have clear liquids and yogurt only. Have any of you been allowed yogurt on your diet? Professionally I am a nurse and I understand that yogurt is good before surgery because of the probiotics which help ward off c-diff. However, with this being a surgery on my stomach I was a little thrown back by the addition of yogurt being on the list. I was hoping some of you have had this experience or may be able to offer s…

I wanted to find out and if anyone had used this surgeon for their surgery??

I got the call yesterday that my insurance approved my vsg surgery for april 26th! I am so excited! I just want these next 4 weeks to speed up haha anyone else have a surgery date of 4/26?

How do you deal and what do you say when people doubt your ability to ensure the challenges after surgery? I had a co worker make a comment this morning.

My surgeon's office is submitting everything today, about how long does it take to be approved?