PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hello....first time poster here. I've started the process to have a consultation with a surgeon for Gastric sleeve surgery. As of now, I'm about 5 lbs short of 40 BMI, and have absolutely no co-morbids. I've watched the educational video and have received their information packet in the mail. I have been eating and trying to gain weight (which sounds completely counter-intuitive) because I REALLY want to have surgery. I had started the process twice before...actually had the psych eval, and went through 6 months of medically supervised weight loss, and tried every diet known to man. I got discouraged with the medically supervised weight loss because I plateau'd…

I'm on day 3 of my 2 week liquid pre-op diet before the sleeve. Hunger hasn't been too bad though it's been emotionally much rougher than I realized. But, I am so done with protein shakes, I feel like if I drink another one I'll puke. So my question is, how important is the protein at this stage if it's just to shrink my liver? Wouldn't just eating nothing also work? Because at this point that sounds like a better alternative.

I’m one month post sleeve and lately I have been feeling sugar cravings and feeling more hungry especially at night The weight is coming off really slowly Anyone else? Why is this happening?

Hi everyone, I am going to have gastric bypass Surgery between 08/2021-01/2022. I am excited to be here, I am excited to do everything required of me pre & post op. is there anyone in this forum that currently resides in NYC?

I’m struggling with the pre op and it’s only day 1. I’m STARVING.

Hi everyone! I'm new here. I just started my journey to a healthier me. I'm still deciding which procedure I would like to get, but I wanted to hear from some of you who had severe anxiety prior to going through this process. I take meds daily for my anxiety and I have suffered from Panic Disorder in the past. An anxious concern I have is the release of all those hormones when you lose the fat. Has anyone's anxiety disorder gotten worse from the surgery? And if so, did you find that it calmed down the closer you got to your goal weight? I'm one of those ppl that is "too in tune" with my body which is part of the issue lol Any input is greatly appreciated. (I'm also anxiou…

So i had my initial consultation. So i met my surgeon, my nurse practioner, and dietician, when i asked questions they had answers but since i left i feel like i didnt ask the right questions or not at all. So anyone willing to help me understand some things would be helpful. A lil about me.. 39yrs old, tubes tied after baby #4, im 5'4" and weight is 242.3 currently, but my highest was 302 mom of 4, divorced and now in a relationship for 4 yrs. Was a scrawny child (67# in 7th grade) ate candy/junkfood mostly my childhood, hit puberty gained a bit, met my ex husband and was in high school, began the sedintary lifestyle, began gaining weight and when i got pregnant at 17,…

I love God and I love to pray! We all have made a life changing decision to improve our quality and quantity of life. It took a lot of faith to get to this point. Let's lift up each other daily in prayer. Unity in prayer causes miracles.

Hello! I am new to the forums and currently planning my gastric sleeve journey. Right now I am considering surgery in Mexico at Endobariatric with Dr. Alvarez or possibly another self-pay program in Florida. Self-pay programs don’t have the pre-op therapy (or dietician meetings, etc) or post op support groups. From what I can tell, most surgery centers only allow their own patients to attend any monthly support meetings. Since the mental component is so important, how have others that did not use insurance address this? I want to make sure I have a plan in place to address my own mental health - especially since I live alone and have just moved to a new state by myself…

Hey everyone. I haven’t wrote anything note awhile. I’ve been hyper focused on making life long changes. Today I went for my appt and was told I’ve completed everything needed for authorization. They have recommended the sleeve with HH repair. I feel good and very nervous. Now for questions… 1. Those with Tricare, any issues with approval? 2. VSG and HH repair… what are the good and bad; if you’ve had it done? 3. How long were you out of work for recovery? Thank you all for you answers. They are greatly appreciated.

Hello! I'm scheduled for a gastric bypass in the end of November and I've started my pre op diet to lose a few pounds before the surgery. My nutritionist put me on a VLCD with these shakes and soups + some protein and vegetables. Have anyone of you gone through this and have some tips for me? The first few days I was naseous and tired, but now it's kinda ok. What I'm asking is tips and hacks for anyone going through this diet, which is super restrictive and quiet honestly it's gonna be hard to pull this of for the coming 5 weeks. I'm aware that it's also gonna be hard after surgery but I still have the same size stomach so. So do you have any lifesaving tips or recipes or…

Just received my surgery date and I'm excited and nervous. After losing my husband 4yrs ago I put on over 150lbs and actually ended up in the hospital & almost lost my life because of it. Promised my daughter I'd do whatever it took to not scare her like that again, so here I am 4 weeks out. I changed my whole way of eating but I have medical issues that prevent me from working out so I dropped the water weight but now struggling to drop more. Can I ask what it's like after the surgery to those who have had it? That is my biggest apprehension, I so want to be done with blood pressure diabetic and other meds so I can't wait to drop this weight so I can have my …

I have not had surgery yet, but the question is one that will be covered pretty soon with the dietitian, I am just wanting to know now. I know about the protein powder-but can you buy ready made shakes? When I go back to work, I doubt if I will be able to make them with the powder without a lot of fuss and mess. Are there ready made shakes that I can buy and taste-test, or??

I guess I am just alittle confused with the beginnings of pursuing a gastric sleeve..... For the past 2 yrs or so I have had my PCP make referrals on my behalf for weight loss management whether I wanted it or not. I went for a colonoscopy and only saw that Dr one time which was the day of my colonoscopy. Next thing I know after the colonoscopy Im getting phone messages from the weight loss management section of the hospital telling me I have several referrals and to contact them. To say I was pissed is mild lol. I guess I wanted to make the move myself and not be thrust into it. Of course Im way over weight, of course my health is suffering not to mention my mo…

I saw the dietician for a pre-op consultation about how to eat after the surgery. The booklet she gave me has 3 stages: liquid, mushy and then "general" diet (which starts after 1 month). I have gotten the impression from posts here that there may be a stage after this? For example, there are some foods that are prohibited in the stage 3 general diet that she gave me, and I want to understand if those are "don't eat them until healed and you test to see if it works for you in some small portion" or "never eat them ever again". Some of the things to avoid are: raw fruit, fruit skin, raw carrot, whole green beans, any starches (rice, bread, pasta). I was wondering…

What do you consider starting weight? Weight at start of Liquid Diet (or any other pre-op diet)? Weight at day of surgery? Weight before you started losing weight? In my case, I reached my high weight (... panicked ) ,and started dieting.. lost 35 lbs.. then while still on my diet, decided to get the surgery. Started liquid diet a week ago, and have lost 12 lbs since then.. Not sure what you all use as your starting weight. Thanks!

I am in the process of getting cleared for sleeve surgery. Do you think my surgeon will give me a date if I am Only 3 pounds from the weight he wanted me to weigh?

Hello Everyone! I am scheduled for VSG on 11/9! I am so excited but also nervous. I have hypertension- which worsens when I experience high anxiety. My blood pressure has been running in the normal range thanks to multiple BP meds. However, I am worried that surgery day anxiety will spike my BP and interfere with my ability to have the procedure. Just curious if other people have had experiences with getting prescribed a PRN anxiety medication for the day of surgery. I have my pre-op appointment next week but I would love to hear other peoples experiences. Thank you in advance!

Hello! I'm back, now 4.5 days since learning I was en route for the gastric sleeve journey, end of next year. At first, I was delighted, then freaked out, and now I'm at the stage where I have 100's of random questions... So I'll label them with letters to make it easy to reply, if you want to just quote the letters . Here we go... A - Meds 1- If you're on meds for depression, can you still take them after the operation or do they go through your system? 2- Still on meds : when you have a headache, can you still take tablets? (I'm pretty sure half the stomach is taken, but I can keep the brain) B - Living alone 1. After I get discha…

Hello all, I have been reading different post over the last week before I decided to join. Glad I did ? I have finished my last nutrition visit yesterday my insurance company required 6 months. A little disappointed I only lost a couple of pounds so I hope and pray my insurance company approves it. Unfortunately I believe my body has decided to pick this time to start peri-menopause which they say may be why I am not losing despite making all the changes that I have made. I just hope it is enough to get approved. So now I just wait I guess to here if it was approved hopefully not to long for an answer.

Hi there, I had my sleeve done on Monday the 11th of October it was spring on me at very short notice and I’m not educated enough on this. I was wondering if someone could tell me if sipping tiny little amounts on a teaspoon of a broth is a way to get more fluids in? I am only getting through 1-1/2 cups of water a day.

Hi there, I've just learned yesterday that I'm on the list for the gastric sleeve in Ireland. The op should happen in the next 6 months to a year, with various appointments with various specialists beforehand. I have never kept track of food in my life, except when I see the fridge gets half-empty, and I start panicking and order some more. Does following a healthy diet become a new obsession daily after the op, and is there much time spent on thinking about meal preps, food types, after the op? What happens if I'm rubbish at it? Thank you for your advice! Maroux

I went today for my cardiac consult. Is it normal for the cardiologist to want to do LOTS of testing? They are doing a echo of my heart, making me wear a halter monitor for a week, and doing a stress test. If I wind up having congestive heart failure, will bypass potentially be off the table?

Hi everyone. I’m getting nervous and excited and alone. Is anyone in Sf or Bay Area that can be of support? I’m a few days away from sergery and feel as if I’m in this alone. Family are all just eating away like nothing. Husband is clueless. Not taking the day off. And grown kids are having a cook out…I have no healthy friends and I am brand new to all of this. Are there any local support groups? Any advice? 3 days and counting and I’m so irritated. ?still happy and blessed ? sorry I had to dump this out tks

Hello all! I’m 4 months into my 6mo pre-op diet phase before bypass and thinking of changing doctors. Anyone else done this? If so do you start all over or can they use your records from the old doc? So sad and confused as to what to do. Would love to find a new doctor.

Hey hello! I’m wanting to find others who have gone through St Vincent for their surgery and just want to share experiences. I’ve had an awful time with St Vincent. Started September 2020 and still haven’t had my surgery. I’ve finally written to their management about my experience and hope to hear back soon but I’m afraid I’m going to have to start all over soon and it isn’t my fault. A little about my situation. I have Healthy Indiana Plan, the surgeon they picked out for me is Dr. Inman, started the 6 month monitored diet/classes September 1 2020, completed and they gave me a list of things to complete before sending my stuff off to insurance which followe…

Just found this app. So, I guess I'm getting a little worried. I have lost about 2 pounds in 1 week on the liver shrinking diet. It seems ridiculous. I'm not drinking very many protein drinks, maybe that's the issue?...just mostly water, low sodium broth and no sugar drinks, no carbonated drinks..or decaf coffee with a proteinshake in it.. I'm just so annoyed. Really thought I'd be like 5 pounds down by now. Anyone else having any of these issues?

Just wanted to say hi, I am in the early stages of pre-ops and I am nervous about the journey any tips or guides on what to expect?

My surgery is Nov 1st. Im concerned about how NOT to feel faint or starved during the week before surgery doing the liquid diet. And what is the first week of surgery like? What suggestions can you give me?

Hi! Anyone have Cigna and have trouble getting approved with just mild sleep apnea (35 BMI)? I see “obstructive sleep apnea “ is listed as one comorbidity so I’m hoping a mild case still qualifies me? I’m hoping for gastric sleeve approval. thank you

Anyone from Buffalo ny

Hello everyone. I have started my journey on a new life. The surgeon in my area requires a BMI of 60 or under. My BMI is 74. I have to lose 80 pounds to get to a BMI of 60. Upon being successful at losing that weight, I’m wondering if my insurance will see that as too successful and not approve my surgery. Anyone else have this issue?

Just wanted to see if anyone had or will be having surgery with Dr. Johnson in Pikeville, KY?

Hi. I just found this forum. I'm starting my 2 week diet on the 18th of October, and I need advice on what to plan. I'm also struggling with knowing what needs to stop, when, and for how long. Also, concerned about the excess skin one the weight comes off. Thanks.

Hey guys. Looking for some success stories and tips for getting approved via Alabama Medicaid.

Hey all!! Today I had my first weigh in appt after the consultation. It sucked…. I did not lose any weight. The doctor thinks it’s because I’m either consuming too much protein or the type of protein. I was drinking 3-4 protein drinks a day due to my wonky job schedule. I’ve been drinking premier protein and protein2O. My doctor said that he’s noticed that the patients that drink the premier protein are either not losing or they are gaining. This was really frustrating being that I have been diligently working hard at losing weight. So I will now only drink 1 protein water and 1 protein shake a day. My questions are… what protein shakes are y’all drinking during the pre-…

Hello, Over the course of October I will meet with three different medical professionals to choose a weight-loss option. First I will meet with a coach from The Fasting Method. She specializes in Fasting regimens and Behavioural Therapy. The cost is around $1000 for 4 online coaching sessions and an online support group. Most of the fasting I will do myself and will need a lot of determination to stick to the 36-hour fasting protocol they recommend. Next, I have a consultation with a surgeon at a private clinic. The cost will be 14,000 for a gastric sleeve and the surgery would be completed before the end of the year. They provide all of the medical …

Hi all, I have my first appointment with a surgeon next week and I am looking at the option of a gastric sleeve. I've been up and down HUGE amounts all my life. Was an extremely obese teenager, a decent weight in my early twenties which was maintained through excessive exercise/occasional vomiting/diet pills and a severely restricted diet. However, I ended up slowly gaining and I hit over 100kg after each of my children were born. On and off I took diet pills/tried intermittant fasting/exercised manically etc to go up and down throughout my 30's and early 40's. I maintained 66 - 68kgs for about three years but was ALWAYS hungry. During the…

Hey guys. New here. On Medicaid only and starting the long road to approval. I’m currently 34, 418 lbs, 6’0. I have high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes (type II), and high cholesterol. I started in January seeing a doctor for my 6 month physician led weight loss attempt and documentation. I was on adipex as well as lipotropic injections through them. My first visit was in January and I was at 413. I hovered 399-413 over the first 5 months, and on my 7th visit in September, weighed in at my highest of 418. I spoke with a physician in Huntsville at the beginning of my journey and they told me to go ahead and complete my 6 month plan, and then come to them for the res…

I saw the nutritionist today. She said that I’m doing everything the way that I should. She recommended that I only drink one protein shake a day and make sure I add some carbs to my meals. She reassured me that this phase is the prep phase for my soon to be new way of living. She said that some people don’t lose weight before they go on the pre-op liquid diet. However, when I start that diet I will lose some pounds. All in all I feel better. She has not seen any weight gain due to protein brands, but think that my lack of a loss was due to too much protein. Now I am focused on eating 2 good nutritious meals, my 1 protein shake and listening to my body. I was …

does anybody know if bariatric surgery helps spinal stenosis? please and thanks

Hey Everyone! Ive had a few things come up since my last appointment with the surgeon. This was all through my GP. Turns out my iron levels are now all of a sudden super high(ferritin was 417), and my liver enzymes also high but thats been an ongoing issue for me. I rarely eat meat and have never had high iron in the past so i have no idea whats happened there. What im now concerned about is my liver! My surgeon does a standard 2 week pre op before surgery to help shrink the liver but im so scared it wont work! My GP sent me for an ultrasound of my liver and it shows moderate fatty liver disease. Ive been reading ways to shrink my liver now be…

I have done everything required for surgery and now just passed the nicotine testing. . Whats next? Is there more testing or am I weeks out yet? Anyone else have a forever and a day to try to get this surgery, o keep gaining weight while I wait. . .

Hello! I am new here and will be having Gastric Sleeve on October 21. I am incredibly excited to start this new journey. I am 28 days from surgery and already starting preparations to quit caffeine. I'm also cleaning out the pantry and refrigerator. Are there any other suggestions?

Hi! I'm new here and seeking recommendations on what I should be doing now, 1 month before gastric bypass surgery!

Getting my banana stomach on the 11th of October don't know how I feel.... Excited nervous or scared maybe all three

Hi! I am having lapband to gastric bypass revision done this Thursday September 30. Anybody within a few days of that date? I need a surgery buddy! ?

I weigh over 600 lbs what advice you give me statred my weight loss jounery

For some reason I want a list of the liquid diet allowed foods for my 2 week pre surgery diet. I think I want to test different flavors, etc, and know what's allowed and what isn't. To prepare myself. My "coach" says Ill get it at my nutrition meeting, which isn't for a month. Anybody?