PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I'm struggling getting fluids down, I have 3 more days on this clear iquid diet [emoji31].

Hi i had sleeve surgery on nov .10.Im still in the full liquid stage and l have head hunger. It is weird since i know i can, t be hungry.

Hi, food anyone NOT have a pre-op diet? My surgery is 1.18, RNY. pre-op is 1.12, but I have no pre-op diet. I'm ok with that, but I'm also thinking about the TMI stuff. Getting constipated from food, maybe cleansing my system? I stopped coffee and caffeine, but I'm just wondering who didn't have a pre-op diet, and if you did try to do something? I was thinking shakes, high protein and start cutting carbs, only to make it easier on myself? Thoughts?

Hi. I’m in the pre-op phase for gastric bypass and am freaking out because I thought my pre-op appt was next Wednesday (1 week before my surgery) but it is this Wednesday. I still have to get my ekg and X-ray done and have the results for that appointment or I may have to reschedule my surgery. How long will it take to get my results to the surgeon’s office if I can somehow miraculously get the tests done tomorrow? Anyone have ideas of how to get the results quicker? Thanks!

Sorry for the unpleasant topic title. I'm on day 5 of the all liquid (shakes and clear fluids only + SF Jello, SF popsicles, broth) diet. I'm doing fine, no real hunger, etc. BUT... Even taking the 2 Dulcolax tabs per day as allowed, I am getting more and more constipated. I drink well over 200 oz of fluids per day. This seems insane to me. I take 3 grams of psyllium husk (allowed) in addition to the approximate 3 grams of fiber in each shake, but nothing is helping. The Dulcolax worked well the first couple days (when on regular foods) I used it, but now it seems like it's working against me. I feel super bloated, and the first few days on the liquid di…

I got RNY 04/2017. HW: 226, LW: 150, CW: 195 I did all of the right things until I had transfer addiction in 2019 and started drinking daily. It escalated and I was a full blown alcoholic. I have now been sober a year and I’m depressed. I’m almost back to my pre surgery weight, I’m working my butt off to lose the weight and it’s not coming off. I never feel well and my chest always hurts. I always have heartburn and I’m always hungry. I need help so I went to a new surgeon the other day about a potential revision and she wants me to see a nutritionist and get a endoscopy. I got my results from my upper GI testing today and there’s NOTHING wrong. I feel like everything i…

I’m having a consultation with the surgeon tomorrow and have lots of questions, but following a telephone consultation with a clinic admin/advisor with the provider a few days ago, they have said I’m not suitable for a bypass as my BMI is too low at 37.7. I wanted a bypass and concerned a sleeve won’t be effective. Three things I’m concerned about are: 1. I’m honestly not a big eater. I eat two meals a day and glass of orange for breakfast. My two meals are a single sandwich (usually cheese) for lunch and then a dinner. Dinner is typically a portion of tortellini and baked courgette with a couple of slices of garlic bread. Not huge portions. I do drink alcohol most e…

I just want to post in here I've been approved for surgery what all can I expect

Are those with surgeries soon skipping holiday gatherings due to eating restrictions or Covid fears? How are you navigating the holidays this year? I thought the Christmas celebration this year would be with immediate family only. Now, it's turned into a sit-down dinner, 75+ person blowout. I'm nervous because I'll be on the liquid diet and will be having surgery in just a couple of weeks.

I am currently looking for protein shakes/powders for my pre op liquid diet as well as for after. Most have a chalky feel/taste and some are super sweet. Has anyone tried the Isopure unflavored protein powder? If so, is it truly unflavored?

When i first looked up this surgery and decided to get it i had no clue about the psychological evaluation part. I thought that was just maybe for people who use insurance and they require it. So far that is what is standing in the way of me scheduling my surgery. The psychologist the doctor is recommending has no openings for 3 months. 3 months literally wasted in my opinion. I tried going elsewhere and each one is rejected by my doctors office because they don't do very specific testing called MMPI and some other i forget what its called. I checked with the Endohospital in Mexico and they don't even do psych evals.

Have my first consult in mid January and am making a list of questions to ask this potential surgeon. I’m looking at one recommended by my primary care as well as getting referred into the program at Stanford. I would appreciate any advice you might have.

I’m having my 3rd session with the surgery psych soon and I just want to be done. Not a fan of this guy and he seems to be fulfilling a role that the dietitian is supposed to fill. He’s drawing this out as long as possible. Hoping to see my own psychologist about issues I’m having but I’ve been controlling my food intake, counting calories and have been losing weight on my own. He’s just unhappy that I told him I don’t know what I’d do if I was on vacation and needed to eat or that I wasn’t substituting my breakfast for protein shakes. I just really need to get past him as they won’t even let me meet my assigned surgeon to see if I like her or not and then face the next h…

I was diagnosed with diabetes 20 years ago. Last year I was informed my pancreas is not functioning at all and was put on a pump. Due to insulin resistance I require a large amount of insulin a day (150 units daily average.) I have my first surgery consult in 4 weeks and I am nervous about how to manage my insulin specifically pre and post op. I do have a CGM which will help. Anyone using insulin pump with advise or success story to help ease my mind?

Naturally around Christmas I wouldn't expect to hear back anything too soon. I know the basic stuff that you have to avoid eating for pretty much life and but for anyone that has had it before. Can you tell me everything I need to know as a basic rule of thumb.

I'm nervous my surgery is scheduled for Dec. 29th. Right now I am in the pre-op full liquid diet and I'm having trouble maintaining momentum with it. I am worried that Christmas won't be the same with me not being able to eat at the table. I know this is all in my head but would like to know what you all have done when it's difficult to follow through because of outside influences. Things I try to remind myself: 1. This is what i want 2. This is my journey OWN IT! 3. I can do this!

Trying to enjoy my Swanson bone broth chicken flavor. I cleared out Walmart's shelf this weekend and got my green teas in all flavors

Folks - I just want to send a small positive vibe out into the universe - I am on day 5 of my liquid pre op diet and I have to say, I feel decent and honestly this is not *that* bad. I swear! I was massively dreading this. I was worried I would be nonstop hungry for two weeks and angry at the world. However, I got into a routine of shake - broth - jello/popsicle that seems to be working to manage the hunger. Am I hungry? Yes. Is it constant? No. (Could I eat any solid form of food right now? Yes. Will I? No.) I "eat" 4 times a day: breakfast, lunch, "happy hour" (oh the irony), and dinner. I have a shake at each meal and broth and/or jello. I have tried many …

So my family's regular primary doctor retired and I am seeing this new doctor tomorrow for the first time for a new patient visit. I am wondering how I can talk about my interest in a referral for weight loss surgery and if it will be potentially difficult or will I need hit all these certain points or a criteria (besides my high bmi). I want to be geniuine and just talk about my issues and how I feel but I am afraid of being belittled or just told to be in a calorie deficit and exercise. My biggest fear is them saying no.

I am having my surgery on 01/19/2022 with Alabama Surgical Associates in Huntsville, AL. Does anyone have any experience with them?

I am beyond excited. I have received approval from Tricare and my surgery date is January 18,2021. I am so ready to start living. I am planning on taking 3 weeks off work. I work in the hospital and do not want to go back until I am at least on soft. I do a lot of moving, pushing, pulling, and running to operate on liquids. I am anticipating on going on the liquid pre-op diet January 3rd. So BP friends…give some tips to get me through the additional waiting? P.S. I am hoping that some additional days open sooner and I can be moved up.

Hello Bari-Friends! I'm looking for some friends to get through December. I start the liquid diet Dec. 1 for surgery on the 15th. I also have to quarantine, so I'm terrified about adherence to the diet. I'd love to find some like-minded people (no matter when your surgery is) to "meet" with online to share tips, strategies, fun, and progress. My surgery has been delayed repeatedly, most recently because of Covid--twice. Ugh! Now, cold weather and quarantine mean almost nowhere to go and nothing to do. It's unnerving. I'd love to hear from you--drop a line and let's find ways to manage this cold weather, quarantined, Covid, no-food extravaganza and mak…

Hello All, I’m scheduled for surgery on December 10th. My surgery will be in Mexico because my insurance will not cover weight loss surgery. Today, I got a call from my pastors wife and she expressed her concerns about me going to Mexico. I’ve done my research and my weight is emotionally and physically taking a toll on me and I’ve been so excited but since talking to her, I no longer feel confident and I feel like negative thoughts have been projected on me. I was happy but now I’m feeling like this was too good to be true and maybe I shouldn’t go. This is why I should’ve kept tho to myself. I tried to be open about it and I’m getting negative feedback and it’s got …

I have been lurking for a while and using everyone's experience on this forum to build up the courage to do the surgery. I am nearly done with the pre-op appointments, and then I'm having a duodenal switch (the newer single kind). I quickly ran into a big snag when I saw the pulmonologist to be cleared for surgery. He insisted that I stop my endometriosis medication (progesterone only) for 3 weeks before and a month afterwards. I have stage iv endometriosis and am disabled without the medication, can barely walk due to pain and usually end up in the ER every month. He just absolutely refused to engage with my questions about how to be smart about blood clots, and als…

Hey, Newbie here! I'm just beginning this process and already concerned that AFTER the surgery I might have the same sort of lack of control that I have now. I don't want to be afraid of myself and my own lack of control, so I want to work on behavioral changes through this entire process. Has anyone tried using NOOM while they were going through the pre-op and post-operative as well as maintenance phases?

I finished all my pre op testing a month ago and got approved. I don't go to my Pre Op appointment till Dec 13th. So who knows when my surgery date will be. My Doctor is so busy. I started everything back in June of this year.

I have my final psych appt in 2 weeks. After, I’ll be set to have a first meeting with my surgeon. I did some research on her and she’s relatively new - she’s been practicing for 6 years. Another thing, she has very few ratings. Two of three of them are poor, one was excellent, and they were all from this year. Bad reviews spoke of complications, her bedside manner is awful, the positive spoke highly of her patience and listening. The funny thing? She was a lead researcher in how patient ratings predict outcomes. So I’m nervous now. One of her colleagues has about 50 reviews that are largely positive and she was what originally drew me to that clinic, an hour away. S…

Hi lovely friends! It has been a while since I posted on here because It seems like everything has REALLY been not wanting me to have this surgery consult. I originally decided on surgery in June of 2021, got my referral, and was all set for my surgical eval for September 1st (long wait for appointments in CA right now). Great! I took the day off work and an hour before my appointment the receptionist calls me from the surgical office and says Dr. had to go due to an emergency - no problem! The only appointment they have now is for September 29th, okay I will take it! Two days before my new appointment I get a call from staff telling me my surgeon will be on medical…

This is my very first ever surgery. I am so scared of dying during surgery. Does anyone else have this terrible fear that you won’t wake up?

Hey everyone. It’s the holidays and I have to admit I kind of lot my mind a little. I actually went home for then holidays and alot of my favorite foods the had. I don’t feel like I over indulged at one time. However, I do feel really guilty. I was doing so well. I have my surgery scheduled on Jan 18 and start pre-op diet Jan 4. I had people say enjoy myself, but I feel so bad. I don’t know if I gain alit of weight, but I feel like I’ve gained some. Is anyone else going through this? thanks. Ty.

Hello! I am new to the message board and am looking to get as much information and advice as I can, but also get relevant information to my experience and what I have before me. I am a NYC DOE teacher, so I think our insurance is GHI CBP? I have spoken with insurance reps on the phone and they have confirmed that they cover the procedure at 100% (minus the $300 hospital copay and specialist/appointment copays) as long as you have a BMI of 40+ or a BMI of 35+ with a comorbidity. Has anyone else who is a teacher had this procedure and can confirm additional expenses or how it was to deal with the insurance? How long did the insurance take to approve you for the …

Hey everyone! I am 27F trying to get the Bypass mostly for my GERD but also to lose weight. It's gotten to the point where I have pain every night and some days sleep 4 hours max. The only thing keeping me away from the surgery is the fear of developing some very bad complications (like osteoporosis). If one follows the diet and vitamin intake to a tee, how likely that I will get to old age without getting them? I would really like to live my 30s and 40s relatively healthy and not be "damaged" by the operation.

Hi everyone, im new on here. Wls is something i have thought about for a few years now but not seriously, i always thought eventually I'll do it on my own. I started putting on weight at around 12 years old. I was sexually abused from age 10 too 11. This affected me dramatically and i shut myself off from everything and food was my comfort. I have tried and failed at diets ever since. Iv tried most of the diets going, slimming world more tines than i can count, ww when it was weight watchers, rosemary connelly, cabbage soup diet, calorie counting and not eating for days at a time. Each time i lose some but eventually give up when the weight loss sticks and each tim…

I'm on the full liquid pre- op started officially this morning. Surgery on the 30th November. I was doing so good good today creamed soup n all(no chunks). Took a nap woke up and grabbed peanut butter on a piece of bread I threw half of it in toilet because I feel like I've failed. Can I get through the next two weeks like this? Anyone else have mess ups and turned them around? Cyndi

I am just about to pay my deposit for Surgery at Elias Ortiz and Company with Dr. Elias Ortiz. I am feeling very confident in my decision but I will be traveling alone. Any fellow Canadians that can share on travel experiences alone? Or just you experience doing your surgery in Mexico.. Thanks!!

If you have had the sleeve revision surgery, were you required to do the drawn out preop?

AHHH! You guys I am so excited. The last time I posted on here I was so discouraged and upset after having to reschedule a million times but I have good news! I had my consult, the doctor thinks I am an amazing candidate for sleeve surgery. I already did my psych evaluation this morning and passed with flying colors! All I have left to do for my requirements is attend one support group meeting and one nutrition class (scheduled for Dec 1st!!!). My surgeon said it should take me about 2.5 months from our consult to the surgery day! So crazy fast and easy once I got it started. I am over the moon about this! SO excited to finally take back control of my life!!! Thank you al…

Hi everyone! Monday is my surgery date and the last two weeks almost ive been super strict on my pre-op diet but ive only lost 3.3kg Start weight was 103.6kg and im 100.3kg this morning. Ive heard of people losing so much more in their pre-op and this small loss really makes me anxious that my liver hasnt shrunk enough? i have been told that my bipolar medication can make the weight loss slower though but omg this still makes me anxious! Only a few weeks ago my GP said i have moderate fatty liver disease(after ultrasound) and the surgeon decided a 2 week pre-op will be fine. But im still so anxious that my liver will be too large and they will…

HI All, anyone else have their surgery scheduled for November 17th? Mine was originally December 8th, but they had a cancellation so they moved me up. So excited but SOOOOOO nervous at the same time!!!!

Hi guys ... I’m on my 5 month pre op for sleeve and didn’t loose yet the weight ? required by my insurance , the nutri told me today that I must loose 10 pounds or they won’t approved me . My question- does anyone had been through this ?how did overcome ? I’ve been following the meal plan ; I guess I will have to put more effort on it —just afraid I will not make it - I’ve come so far

Scheduled for a mini gastric bypass this Friday, the 19th. Trying today to get a list together of everything I need as far as new foods and drinks so I can have it all in house by then. Confusing with so many different sites/people saying different things or mentioning different products. I would really appreciate any help or sites that kind of lay it out in simple terms. I've been given a lot of paperwork from the doctor and hospital and met with the hospital's bariatric person. Just ordered disposable medicine cups and case of Ensure Max Protein (suggested by Dr.'s PA) Also bought a bag of Bariatric Advantage Calcium Chews and Bariatric Fusion Multivitamins from them …

I have Tricare and my surgeon told me that I had to do the “program” for 3 months. However, anyone using Tricare ACTUALLY had to wait that long? I have documented weights from PCP dating back to 2016. We’re there any issues getting approved with Tricare? All advice is welcomed. Thanks in advance ?

Has anyone had a ESG SURGERY?

Hi everyone, My surgery is creeping up fast and I’m starting to feel a little nervous. I’ve been reading on what to eat and what to avoid post surgery and it’s a little scary thinking about somethings you will never be able to eat again, or always taking tablets, rarely consuming alcohol, possible complications…. I’m sure most people get to this stage pre-surgery. So far I’ve been nothing but excited for my surgery and a second chance at life and treating my body well. Just wondering from those that have had surgery if they have any tips, advice on how they managed leading up to surgery and how it has been since? How was the purée stage and how long until y…

I was told after surgery I would go home with a “pain pump”! One that I had to pay for. I’ve never heard of such a thing. My surgery date is August 18, 2021. If I could just make it 6 more days on this Liquid Only regimen. I’m missing food so bad my heart ❤️ hurts.

Hi! Quick question for those who were on CPAP on the day of surgery. Did you take your CPAP machine for the hospital stay. Did you use it while at the hospital? Thanks!

Hello! I started in May 2021 with my PCP doing the medically supervised diet. Next month will be my 6th and final month and I have lost 10 lbs. I need to lose another 6 lbs to meet the 5% weight loss requirement. I’m in San Diego and my hospital is UCSD La Jolla through Healthnet Medi-Cal. In these past months, I have done a chest xray, esophagus xray, esophageal impedance test, blood work, EKG, met with surgeon, met with hospital bariatric doctor and I just had my psych evaluation. The last thing I need to do is a sleep apnea test. I called to make an appointment for a consultation and the next appointment isn’t until March 2022!! I am so frustrated since I’m almo…

Wondering if anyone tested positive for covid or had influenza, bronchitis, stomach flu within days/weeks of surgery and what your experience has been like? my surgery is in 8 days and I usually get sick a few times this time of year- so nervous

I am scheduled for surgery next Tuesday the 9th and am starting to worry that my lack of significant weight loss on the pre-op diet is a sign that I won't lose as much weight post-op as I would like. I've followed the instructions pretty closely--1000 calories a day, 60-80 grams of protein. I lost about 6 pounds the first week but have only lost about .2 in the last 3 days. Other people I have spoken with who have had the surgery lost 10 pounds or more during the pre-op diet, so my mid-diet plateau does have me a little concerned. My surgeon doesn't require a strictly liquid diet, so I don't know if that has something to do with it. Is my pre-op weight loss normal/ho…

So I'm on the 11th day of my pre-op. It's going OK, have not strayed or anything, but I keep having intrusive thoughts (or maybe logical thoughts) that I should bail. Not because I have a better way or think I can lose it on my own, but because cutting out half my stomach inviting in possible unknown complications and more stress into my already complicated life seems pretty irrational. Fear of the unknown is in every corner. I could have issues in other areas of my life arise, and would have to deal with them as they come. But this seems like an unnecessary venture - at least that's what 1/2 my brain is telling me. The other half is excited and thrilled wit…