PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Had my wrap up appointment with surgeon on Tuesday. Called insurance to see if they received approval request and they didn't so I called hospital and billing told me that they won't send out til next week because they go in order received. I don't understand why they couldn't send out approval request before my wrap up appointment. I mean all we did was discuss surgery and risk. I have Cigna so not sure hold they take to approve. I'm just frustrated because I've been at this since September and I'm just ready to have surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I may have posted about this before but here I am again! I suffer from Bipolar 2 and have wondered if anyone else has who has had the gastric sleeve and how they are doing. I am having my surgery on June 14th and feel really anxious. I just hope things turn out ok. I you don't want to be public about your illness you can private message me. I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

Hi, Anyone else had surgery by Mr Hassn in Bridgend Clinic in Wales UK? Saw Mr Hassn this week and I got a call from the clinic yesterday to say they could carry out my sleeve on April 24th. Excited, nervous, well scared a little to be honest. Mr Hassn doesn't require a pre op diet! I was very surprised as my sister had a gastric sleeve 2 years ago with Roger Ackroyd in Sheffield and had to follow a 10 day milk diet pre op. She has lost over 110 lbs by the way and swears by this procedure. Any advice or experiences with Mr Hassn? Seems like a really nice guy.

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I went to my first appointment with the bariatric surgeon today I had my mind set on Gastric Sleeve. The surgeon says well with you being diabetic and African American I would recommend the bypass studies have shown that bypass works better for AA females. She stated that I would no longer have to take my diabetes medication. She said it's my choice but she wanted me to know the best option for me. Has anyone with diabetes been successful with the sleeve?

So I'm so scared right now. This is going to be along next few weeks... #nervous #praying

I am just wondering if it was this long for most people? I made my initial call on Jan 10th 2017 and I still am waiting for the dr. Office to send over for authorization. I have done all the pre authorization things, am I just being impatient?

Looking for buddies in May

Does anybody have them? How long did it take them to approve you for surgery? Been on a long process and am just ready!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am stressing myself out about losing too much weight and being rejected. My insurance requires a BMI of 40 to be considered. Mine is currently 47.5. I have a 3 month diet, and if I lose more that 40 pounds my BMI is going to drop to 39. I am so worried that I will have gone through this for nothing. 3 days into my diet and I am already down 3 pounds. Not complaining, I want to lose as much as possible for surgery to reduce lose skin and build good eating/exercise diets NOW rather than post op, I am just so stressed thinking that I could possibly lose too much. Is this possible? Has this ever happened to any one? I have aetna. Side note: I do not have any obesity relate…

So I have been thinking of having weight loss surgery for a long time. I have been obese the majority of my adult life. The one exception is when I was diagnosed with bone cancer, and lost quit a bit of weight. Sad to say I gained it all back when I was able to eat again lol. So out of the blue I emailed both my Oncologist and my Primary Doctor at Kaiser to see what the process was, am I even qualified and even more importantly how much will it cost? So that same day, I found out yes I qualify, yes I can afford it, and yes my oncologist will sign off on it. This was done on Monday 3/20/17. I was scheduled for the first available weight loss class...2 hour class on…

Hi Everyone! I have seen my Dr twice and have until mid-August before I can have my VGS! I feel as though each step in this journey will bring me better health, body and mind! I want to go to the New Year's Eve Party we go to every year looking better than ever! Question...did you tell a lot of people before you had the surgery? I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut:)

I just started my 3 month supervised diet and I am struggling already, craving bread and pasta just because I can't have it! What did you all do to get through the diet? What sort of substitutes did you use? I already sub ground beef for ground turkey, and I try not to eat white bread but now that it's off limits I'm craving it. How did you get past it? I know that the first 2 weeks of a diet are the hardest and I just want to get through these two weeks without cheating so I can make myself stick to it! Any advice would be appreciated

I had LapBand June 2011 and became pregnant shortly after. I moved away from my surgeon because of my job and was unable to use the band while pregnant. I had my daughter and shortly after was laid off, was focused on helping my husband through a new found depression state and then a year later had moved and filed for divorce. I no longer had insurance that would cover my visits and being a new single mom, money didn't grown on trees. Long story short when I had the band done I knew I needed more help but gastric bypass scared me. I'm ready to focus on myself and my health again. Been there with the dieting but I need more help. I'm not considering gastric sleeve. Su…

Well I'm finally scheduled for April 8th in tijuana Mexico at Alo with Dr. Lopez. I am so nervous it's not even funny. Never in my life would I have thought I'd be going to Mexico for surgery! After a battle with my insurance company I figured this was my best option. I can't put my health off any more. Started my pre op diet today and my co workers all want to go out for Italian food! I don't think I'm ready to watch them enjoy their lunch while I eat a salad. So I've decided to stay back and stick to eating the healthy choice soup that I brought. Already feeling the struggle and it's only day 1!

I live in NY, can anyone recommend a place anywhere in NYC, Queens or Long Island where I can go do the psychiatric eval?

Hi Everyone! I have seen my Dr twice and have until mid-August before I can have my VGS! I feel as though each step in this journey will bring me better health, body and mind! I want to go to the New Year's Eve Party we go to every year looking better than ever! Question...did you tell a lot of people before you had the surgery? I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut:)

Hey all, I had my initial evaluation this past Friday, had my labs, chest XR, and EKG done. A few of my labs came back abnormal. My A1C level is 6.1, which now puts me into diabetic territory. I'm not happy, but I can't say it was totally out of the blue. I've been hovering in between 5.5 and 5.9 for some time and diabetes does run in my family. I've also put on 30lbs over this past fall, which prompted my decision to pursue wls. A couple of other things.. I have on and off sinus issues and came down with a nasty sinus infection the day of my eval, so my WBC level was 9.5 (the upper limit of normal). My Vitamin D level was at the very low end of normal. My TIBC …

Today is day 1 of my pre-op diet and I'm so excited to be finally counting down to surgery on April 12th! I'm traveling internationally for work next week and trying to figure out how to pack all my protein shakes lol but I'm hoping the traveling makes the time go faster. I'm super nervous, but very excited to start the rest of my life!

As I am on my surgery eve I think about what I've learned by starving. For two weeks I've been taking in far fewer calories than I burn. My sense of smell is heightened, I'm lightheaded, fatigued, and because my hormones are flooding I am sad and introspective. I think,"What a luxury it is to choose to starve." Through this process I think of people who have no choice and here my body has grown due to my careless disregard of abundance. How amazingly blessed I've been.

Hi, there: I'm scheduled for VSG surgery on April 17, 3 weeks from today, and I'm really anxious about giving up my go-to support, FOOD! I didn't think it was that much a part of my life until now and it's scary and shocking, a bit of shame thrown in there, that I am panicking about not being able to turn to my old standby when dealing with negative thoughts and feelings. I'm eating all kinds of crap that I had easily given up without an issue but now that I'm getting closer to my surgery date it's like I have to grab onto it because it's going to be gone forever (in my mind). I know this is not healthy but I'm struggling. Does anybody have any advice o…

I need to lose 10 to 15 pounds by my next appointment in 2 1/2 week. The diet is to eat how I would if i was post opt. I'm really scared it won't work. It took me like 6 months to lose 20 on my own doing personal training before. Pretty frustrated too I just want to be approved and a date it's all I can think about.

I'm sleeved y'all, yes I'm feeling ok right know[emoji8]

After some advise and help please. I am getting the VSG in Decmeber and I'm trying to get myself in the best physical shape I can so the surgery will hopefully go smoothly. I am a self pay patient in Australia so i don't have any weightloss requirements before the surgery goes ahead, but I just want to make my body as ready for this as it can be. I'm 5'8 and 375lbs and trying to hopefully get down to 350lbs for surgery. I've been tracking my food and activity with my Fitbit and I'm averaging 1000+ cal deficits everyday for a month. The thing is I'VE GAINED WEIGHT!! [emoji24][emoji34] This ALWAYS happens when I try to lose weight and it's so discouraging. I feel like an ut…

The doctor submitted my information almost two weeks ago they came back saying they needed more information the doctors office resubmitted the info Wednesday now I'm waiting again this is killing me! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all! I'm at the beginning of the process. Got all my appointments scheduled. Saw my nutritionist on 3/20/2017. See my shrink on 3/27/2017. Got an ab ultrasound on 3/30/2017. So far so good with keeping a food journal. Working on my exercise that seems to be the hardest thing. It will take 6 months for me to get thru the pre-op requirements. Chose gastric bypass. Just want want support, encouragement and any helpful info. Thanks!

If surgery is covered by insurance do they make you pay your entire deductible beforehand?? Or is that billed after? I know, weird question but Im not sure!

Ten long (very bloody long) years of weight management programme in Scotland and I have a date! 18th April at 7.30am. *happy dance* Liquid diet for 15 days and also my grans funeral on the 7th and pre op assessment on 11th. Trying to work out calories for a shot of tequila to toast her or she's getting toasted with a slimfast! [emoji41]

So is everyone obligated to see a cardiologist and pulmonologist (if u have sleep apnea) for clearance before surgery even if ur insurance doesn't require it?

I have gone through all the hoops for the Gastric sleeve over the last 3 weeks. Monday my psych eval should be at my surgeons office and they are submitting to my insurance. The surgeon belives he can get it approved with everything we have. I am still going in for a sleep study just in case it gets denied. But I am on pins and needles thinking this could be it. I could possibly get approved.

Day 1 and it's not going well. I took one sip of my protein drink and it did not go well. Pray for me.

I'm about halfway through my two week pre-op diet, and yesterday I randomly started spotting, even though it's nowhere near that time in my cycle. I have dropped about 10lbs in the last week, so I assume it's due to that and my body is already starting to freak out about the rapid weight loss, but my cycles are pretty regular, so it's kind of freaking me out. Has this happened to anyone else?

Pre Op diet since March 10th [emoji818] Rocked it like a boss [emoji818] Check in tomorrow at 8:45am [emoji818] Nerves starting to get the best of me [emoji818][emoji818][emoji818] Any one else tomorrow?

I am 2 pounds away from my pre-op goal weight i am so freaking excited

I just received my surgery date last week which is 18 April 2017. I will likely begin the "shake diet" in the next week or so. I have purchased a variety of shakes form our local health/organic store. I have not tried any other than the premier Protein choc. It was ok. I have also purchased premier caramel flavored and Adkins vanilla but haven't tried them yet . I am not a meat eater so I am protein challenged from the get go my dietitian said. Laughing at the same time he said it! I purchased some crystal light like beverage powders and true lemon lemonade for the clear liquid day before surgery. I have had an intolerance to artificial sweeteners had was told years ago b…

Hello I've been trying to get gastric sleeve surgery for about 2 years now. My PCP does not believe in the weight loss surgery she's put me on a couple of weight loss medications that have not worked because the side effects were bad. She has referred me to a dietitian which I will be seeing on Tuesday. The dietitian specializes in bariatric surgery help. Can a dietitian approve weight loss surgery, or does my PCP have to? I fit the criteria for weight loss surgery my BMI is currently 47.5 I have high blood pressure I have PCOS and a obesity family history.. my husband also thinks I have sleep apnea but I have yet to test that. My PCP is no help I am hoping this dietitian…

I'm at the hospital abt to go in for surgery the nurse weighed me and I lost 15 pounds in 1 week on pre op diet WOW!!!!

Is it OK to use patchest to quit smoking before WLS? I heard that a lab tests can be done to determine if you have been smoking. Just wondered if patchest are ok to use.

Ok I know that I've had PCOS for years now but every physician I see, makes it seem as if it all in my head. I've always struggled with weight and the more I put on the more hairier and acanthosis areas I get, and it's embarrassing. So anyways I got my testosterone tested and it's extremely high 147 for total and 16 for free I think. So I was worried about my test results but my endocrinologist makes me feel as if it's nothing. Can any females experiencing PCOS give me some much needed advice [emoji5]

I am required to use Optifast for 4 weeks as my pre-op diet. Just wondering if anyone is with me in this?

Hey everyone my surgery is in 9 hrs, so many mix emotions right now, but I know everything will be ok, wishing everyone else good luck and many blessings on their journey [emoji1545][emoji1545][emoji1545]

Hi. I am having my sleeve done in June, I was just wondering how long was everyone (that had the sleeve) in surgery?

Hi everyone! I have just started this process. I am going to the nutritionist on Monday and will be starting my 4 month supervised diet. Does anyone have any advice for me? I have a million thoughts and feelings and I can talk to my boyfriend and family but no one really understands. I am worried about having lose skin. I'm 23 and all I want to do is wear shorts!! Does any one have any advice on workouts that will help tone and prevent? Any products that have helped with lose skin? Lotions/wraps? I want to do anything I possibly can to help prevent as much as possible. Also, any advice on how to prepare for post op? What should I start stocking up on besides the obvious t…

Am on day 10 of my pre op diet (four Protein shakes a day plus Jello and sugar free popsicles ) . If my dragon breath is any indicator am in ketosis (its so bad I gross my self out not to mention my poor husband). Surprisingly It has gotten better emotionally ,but am dead tried all the time. It's the night that's the problem. I wait as long as I can to have that last Protein shake and I have a popsicle or jello before bed. Even with that i have been waking up around 1am with a rumbling tummy . I get up and drink as much Water as I can go back to bed only one be woken up an hour later with the same problem. This goes on until about 7am when I have my first …

Just started my pre-op diet, surgery April 4th weighed in today 256.8, started June 2016 292 Ib, so excited.

You guys!! My surgery day is tomorrow. I'm so excited and so nervous. My surgeon had me do all liquids the day before (which is today) and I feel so scared yet so excited because my life is about to change.

Tomorrow starts 14 days of pre op dieting. Shakes will be my new best friend. Getting worried. I had a sinus infection and placed on antiobiotics Friday but now I think I have strep. Can't be happening 2 weeks before surgery

I'm 4 days into my pre op diet (600-800 calories per day) and I've had a headache for 3 days and have been feeling lightheaded for 2 days. Is this normal? I'm making sure to drink plenty of water so I don't get dehydrated but I feel like I'm about to pass out sometimes. Maybe I'm just hungry and want a nice juicy burger! Just kidding...or am I?!! Thank you for your help!!

Hi. First time to this support group. Surgery on Wednesday. Logically, I understand everything that is happening and about to happen. Emotionally, I'm kind of freaking out. A few of my friends who have had the surgery are telling me about the massive dehydration they experienced post-op. My concerns are: pain, hydration, weakness. If there is a part of this board that has a support area for people who are immediately pre-op, would love some direction so I can find it. Thanks!

I have to be on the pre-op liquid diet for 2 weeks. I only have 3 more days to go but I am soooooo over it! I am totally sick of Water, Gatorade, Protein shakes, jell-o, Popsicles and chicken broth!!! Any suggestions to help me through these last few days?!? #struggling #surgeryin3 days #sleeve #excited Thanks in advance!