PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I am very interested in the surgery. I have BCBS of Alabama and was told I was told that I have to do a 180 day program for insurance to approve. Is this true? Any way around waiting 6 months. Please help!

Area** darn typo Hi all, Please delete if not allowed, but when I was pre op (I'm a month post op tomorrow woot woot) I bought 2 cases of Isopure (fruit punch flavor) and now can't stand the stuff and I have 7 bottles left, completely sealed. They are FREE to a good home if anyone needs them post or pre op for their liquid diet/ Protein. They expire 8/17 so they're good for a while still. They're usually around $5 a bottle and they're heavy, so I don't think it would be worth it to ship. Totally willing to meet you somewhere, I just want them off my treadmill so I can start using it (it's been a fancy coat rack for too long lol) Sent from my iPhone using …

So I called my insurance to comfirm they received my Predetermination letter yesterday which they confirmed they did...how often did you all call your insurance to check on the status of your approval??? I'm extremely anxious to get it in . Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Quick question.. any one of you all had to do a 90 day weight loss program as a requirement from the insurance? If so, what was it like? & how soon after were you able to schedule your surgery date? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I've completed all requirements...I have a 46.2 BMI and found out I have low end moderate sleep apnea. I have finished my dietician and psych evolutions and this was all two weeks ago, when should I start calling my insurance company??? Idk if the documenting needed from my surgeon office has even been sent ...I'm freaking out, anxious apnea land becoming extremely impatient. I originally wanted a December date because my deductible has already been met but looks like I'll be having a January date...ugh this is all so frustrating! Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Good morning everyone! I was recently approved for my sleeve and surgery is scheduled for January 19th. I am nervous and excited all at the same time... just trying to overcome my fears and eliminate the negativity from my coworkers ... I am a respiratory therapist...so I have seeing a lot... trying to focus on the good and positive Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

What's the go with catheter do you have one or not? What was your hospital stay? What was your operation time ? Mine is expected to be 3hrs My surgeon says I have to have a couple days in ICU after surgery because I have very seriously uncontrolled diabetes hence 1 of the reason for surgery because nothing else will control it as well as weight loss will all medications aren't working. Is there much scaring involved ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all, I am in the very beginning stages of this journey. I had began researching over a year ago, started and stored but I finally settled on making this decision become reality. But I am a bit confused, I was worried about how much Ill have to pay for insurance. My insurance doesnt come with any deductibles but all of my future visits will require a $50 copay which is fine. My insurance said they will cover to pay the hospital 1,000 and the surgeon $150. But where I get worried is that my max out of pocket is 6,600. So my question is, does that mean I'll be paying $6,600 for surgery??? Im so confused about this. I attached the paper I filled out with a representati…

I had a band about 5 years ago - worked really well for 4 years but it failed about 1 year ago & the weight has been creeping back on I have been referred to a new consultant & they have talked about a sleeve was wondering how successful is it & can it fail? Thank you Xx Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I finally got the insurance approval. Finished everything they told me. I have my surgery schedule for Jan 19th, God willing. 22 days to go. Omg, this is really happening?! I'm so grateful that this is really happening for me. I can't believe it. So I have to be on an all liquid diet prior to the surgery for 2 whole weeks. So after new years, I'm gonna try to cut back as much solid food as possible to hopefully help the transition to all liquids only. I hope I don't mess up. I'm so sick of hearing about how people fail. And put all the weight back on. I know I've done bad these last few weeks. Nov 22 was the 3 yr anniversary of my Step Moms death, I wa…

I'm from ky, new to this and not really knowing where to begin this "idea". Anyone have any recommendations of surgeons and locations? I'm needing somthing done soon if not the surgery but it's so difficult, as many of you know. This surgery is not easy as well I know. I have Medicaid and I am praying it will cover this. Will it? Also, do I go to one of these locations or is it easier to go to family doc and get referred? Thank you

I'm scheduled for surgery on Monday! It seemed so far away when this process started and now it's just days away. Who else is having surgery Monday? How are you feeling about it? What are your pre-op instructions? What have you stocked up on for when you get home? I'm feeling more nervous as each day passes. I think I need to commiserate with others in my same shoes.

Im on preop liquid diet, im getting too many cramps, what can i do to avoid this? Sent from my SM-G550T using the BariatricPal App

Hello! I'm new here and still getting the hang of the site so this may already have been posted but how long did you take off of work to recover from WLS?

Is anyone else doing their pre-op diet over the holidays? I have a Jan 5th surgery date and I'm supposed to be on my pre-op diet for 3 weeks. It's my 6th day and I am doing very well so far, but OH MAN is it ever a struggle at this time of year! People are bringing treats into my office constantly and offering them to me, and it's a real challenge to say no. I've been to several Christmas parties with huge amounts of tempting food everywhere, and I'm stuck with my shake. Though I know this is only a few weeks out of my life and there will hopefully be a lot more holidays in my future when my health improves after surgery, I do think the pre-op diet is especially to…

I was banded on 9-28-07 and almost immediately noticed that just above and to the right of my port incision was a bulging area. I assumed it was from the port, but as the days went on and 5 days out I developed a fever, I went back to the doctor. He said I had a hematoma where the muscle or lining of the stomach must have bled where they sewed the port in place. What it feels like is this: In the morning it's not too bad, it just feels like there's a small Water balloon under my skin. As the day goes on, it feels like the balloon fills up and pushes on everything inside. Has anyone experienced anything like this? The doctor says it will go away in a few weeks, but …

I am so nervous about my upcoming bypass on 12/27. My husband is supportive, and he loves me and thinks I am doing the right thing. I guess I'm looking for more validation that I am doing the right thing for me and my family. I'm in tears for the first time during this journey because I'm scared of failing, scared of my future as a bypass patient, but even more scared of being morbidly obese for the rest of my life. I'm just looking for a pep talk, some words of encouragement from someone who understands the struggle. Thanks for listening ???? Sent from my SM-T900 using the BariatricPal App

What's the best Protein powder out there? Something I can mix with broth, pudding, or anything else? I need something that's not going to clump. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I received the letter from my surgeons office finally approving the blood work test to get the ball rolling. I did see one of the tests required were Vitamin deficiency. I know I currently have a Vitamin D deficiency that I'm working on with a prescription. Does anyone know if that may disqualify me, or is this just routine? I've attached a picture of the labs required. Thanks in advanced on any info you all can help with. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The day has finally come 945am check in time.... And i have all the emotions going along with it. I will no longer be in pre-op . Please send prayers good vibes or whatever you may believe!! This site has been an amazing help for me. See you all on the losers bench Sent from my LG-H811 using the BariatricPal App

Hello all! Are we allowed to chew gum pre op? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Im so excited my insurance approved me & my date is 1/6. My question to ya'll is did you work during the days you had to do the pre op liquid diet Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Hi, new here. I am 33 years old and my name is Michelle. I'm just trying to reach out to make some new friends. I'm still in the process of submitting to insurance. I changed my doctor once turns out my new doctor in Glendale is out of network so i might go back to my original doctor in Arcadia. Anyone have any recommendations on a local surgeon? I have PPO Anthem Blue Cross insurance. I originally changed sergeons because my old ones contacts for my Upper Endoscopy and Phycologist evaluation were not able to schedule me till next year. now it looks like it's going to have to happen then anyway. Unless anyone thinks I can get approved and scheduled quick? If I could I'd l…

Today I do my 3rd month weigh in and see my primary for medical clearance,assuming everything goes correct I will stop by my surgeon office to turn these papers in ...I know I won't have surgery till January sometime but can they submit my papers now for that January approval? progress starts in the mind

This will be my first operation just curios because of my weight how will I go with the aesthetic I weigh 139kg Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

On my way to get my sleeve can you say happy Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

So I'm looking to do the powder mix for Protein shake bc it seems cheaper then the pre made. Does anyone have a good affordable suggestion for two week pre op diet ???? I see the surgeon tomorrow to find out when my surgery will be!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just started my pre-op diet today. I knew I would get migraines during this diet because I'm addicted to caffeine and I wasn't going to drink it. However, I feel generally weak and a little "out of it." It's an unaware feeling, kinda drowsy. Any way to fix this? Anyone else experience this? I drank all my Protein for today. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just finished day 4 of my two week pre op diet and I've been reading a lot of posts on here to motivate myself to stick with it. The most unimaginable thing I keep reading is that people actually aren't hungry after the sleeve. Did anyone feel this way? What did you do to keep yourself from not going crazy? I would eat just about anything at this point and I'm super picky. This diet is taking a toll. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

After gastric sleeve, when do you feel new normal? Not focused on aches and pains but saying I go thru that, and now my healthy choices will take over? Is new normal. 3, 5, 8 one year out? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I'm new here and wanted to know if anyone else got WLS by having a hiatal hernia? I wake up in the middle of the night with heartburn and it burns badly when I burp. I hate to be hoping for one however I'm self pay and it would help tremendously. Anyone else in this situation? My EGD is scheduled for next Friday. Sent from my HTC 10 using the BariatricPal App

So my surgeon told me I have Date of February 9th however I've received my approval letter from insurance they said January 16th is Date they're covering for my hospital visit. Is the February date the one in which I should stick by ? Or should I just be patient and call my surgeon tomorrow for correct information? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I need help I'm on my 4th day of my liquid diet I have not had any food but for some reason today I am so hungry I need motivation I feel like a good old salad Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Happy Holidays to everyone reading this! I received a lot of gift cards and I was wondering the "best" Fitbit out there?? I need something that will track my steps and heart rate. Thanks in advance and I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone used Dr. Fass? He does an inverted gastric sleeve in Texas. Curious about him and his procedure and what recovery was like. TIA Sent from my SM-G860P using the BariatricPal App

My cousin is a military wife. She was wondering what the prerequisites are for weight loss surgery with TriCare insurance. Thank you! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm scheduled to have gastric sleeve surgery on 14 Jan 2017. I will start my full liquid diet on 1 Jan 2017 (what better way to start the new year!). I feel both scared and exasperated at the same time. I need to have this surgery. Im 30 years old, morbidly obese and scared that whilst I'm not sick at the moment, the future will be bleak. The idea of surgery scares me, I've never had surgery in my life. It's a very serious operation and I'm afraid of not waking up or suffering some sort of irreparable damage. On the other hand, I just want it to be over and done with and be fully healed and get on with my life. HELP! How did you deal with pre surgery anxiety? Sent fro…

I was promised a team of people to assist me every step of the way with my surgery but with everything coming to a close (insurance approval pending ) it seems I'm having to make phone calls and do certain things I shouldn't have too...like for instance lack of communication it's so hard to just call and get and answer about most anything...I'm getting my surgery clearance letter from the dr tomorrow..surgical office said that's all I need ...pcp says they need some kind of orders for tests....surgery office said they don't need tests done....I finally had to just call and have my surgery office call my pcp...I had to ask them to as to get this matter straightend out..the…

Hi All I had a slurpee yesterday and haven't been feeling well since - strong pains in my stomach and dizzy each time I stand up Should I be worried? I done the operation 21st December Thanks ! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Today is my first day and to say I'm hungry is an understatement. So far I've had two Protein shakes and 32 ounces of Powerade Zero and it's hard to get my mind off food. My protocol is 30 days on this diet. I just got back from the store with free food I can have pickles, celery, sugar-free Jell-O and cucumbers. I feel like I could make a meal of that. I get to have five Protein Shakes, 4 ounces of lean protein, One cup of fruit and one cup of vegetable a day. 1 foot in front of the other I guess. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Getting ready, nervous and excited Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

HI EVERYONE! Now don't think I'm weird but I've always been curious about the step by step process of WLS. From first starting the process to it actually happening. This was how it happened for me. Important fact, I have BCBSIL PPO+ and I went to the University of Chicago. May 22 - Decide I was serious about VSG. Found Blue Distention Hospital, UofC and called. May 23 - Online seminar May 30 - Appointment with PCP requested recommendation letter. Also PCP did full blood workup. June 3 - Appointment with PCP got rec. letter and blood results. I requested a copy of workup. June 8 - Met surgeon, dietitian and psych for consultation. Gave them copy of workup June 1…

Has anyone gained weight intentionally to qaulify for surgery? I've done nutritional counseling, had my psychiatric evaluation and finally go meet the surgeon next month. Originally I thought I would qualify with a 35 BMI and 2 co morbidities. It turns out I don't have sleep apnea although it was highly suspected. So I stuffed my pockets full of batteries, wore the heaviest jewelry I own and a few other things to get my weight up so I would hit the bmi of 40. This is stupid, trying to gain weight! The past few months I've allowed myself to eat whatever I want. I feel disgusting and hardly recognize myself. I keep reminding myself of my ultimate goal. …

My surgery is in 2 days, I'm very nervous. Maybe things won't work or there could be complications. I was wondering if anyone had any ways to calm your anxiety from the bad thoughts of the surgery so I can focus more on the good! It would help a lot, thanks.

I am actually having the duodenal switch but the bypass is closest to it. I know with rapid weight loss causes skin to sag. I had a Dr suggest that I start exercising and toning the areas I want firm before so that it won't be as hard after. I was also wondering about skin care and especially the face. I don't want to have the sunken in face or the loose skin on my neck. I want to start exercise and skin care. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should be doing as far as skin care or suggestions on products. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I got a call from my Patient Advocate at the hospital where I will be having my surgery. She has set up all of my pre-op appointments necessary for the next several months The only one I need to make is with my counselor for the Psych Evaluation. I've already talked with my Primary Dr & he will write the Reference letter & I had my blood work done last week. So this means I could potentially have the procedure done at the end of March or middle of April if I can save up my out of pocket portion by that time. That is going to be difficult. Plus it is the beginning of a very busy time of year for our family. My husband is the Head Track Coach for our High School so…

Hello! Sleeve date 1/11 . Next week pre op diet starts. So....to all. What point can you eat real food (small portions) and glass wine? Are social occasions tough post surgery or at events where food is the main event? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Hello all! I was just reading posts in a Facebook group I am a part of, and one lady posted about losing her hair. It had tons of comments from people saying they all lost hair, too. Is this something to expect? My surgery is scheduled for December 23 and I already have very thin hair, so I'm kind of worried.

Hey friends! I just filled out my paperwork this morning! I've requested a surgery date of February 3, 2017! I will be Vlogging mhy journey on Youtube as 50 year old me. I would love to get a few bariatric buddies to join me so we can pray for and encourage one another! Can't wait to get my approval. I'm going to use the same doc as my Sis in Law did in Mexico. She has been doing great and losing about 10 lb a month. Once I get the clearance and date firmed up I'll post more! Today I'm weighing in at 315, HW 325, goal 150. 50 yrs old, 2 preteen boys, stay at home mom <3 Will you join me?!

I made the decision to get the gastric sleeve early this summer right after school let out. (Really the only time I have to just focus on me). I did the research and knew about the clearances required but I was really hoping to have the surgery before going back to work in the fall. I am not covered my my insurance and I don't have any comorbidities so I'm a cash patient and things are moving pretty fast. I am just wondering if I should feel guilty about having this surgery if it ends up happening in August and I have to take off a week when I just came off of a 2 month vacation. Thoughts?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App