PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I'm so excited that I received my insurance approval within a week of the request going in. The only problem is that they have only approved me to have surgery at a particular hospital ... that my current surgeon doesn't practice at! So, I've got approval but have to start over with a new surgeon. I'm hoping that will be fairly easy to do - all of my requirements have been met unless they have specific ones I need to meet. So far, I have to attend a 2 hour consultation next week with their practice and then schedule a new initial consult. Hopefully, that's it and we can get me scheduled! So, I'm excited to have approval but frustrated about needing to change surgeons. But…

I'm so excited .I started going to my surgeon in march and just found out after constant delays by the doc and being told I wouldn't qualify by my patient coordinator, and then a discovery of chronic veinous insufficiency that I am APPROVED. The paperwork was just submitted yesterday after 4pm and I was approved by 9am this morning! My patient coordinator expected to battle with insurance for several reasons... instead it was the quickest approval she's seen... Amazing!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is scheduled for Oct 6th I'm very very nervous. I am self pay so I will be discharged the next day. My surgeon has me on a one week diet of 5 Protein shakes per day but I just got my period and my weight went up like 4 lbs which is common for me but very frustrating right now. I also was wondering if it will be difficult for me to climb stairs the next day to go up to my room? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am beyond nervous... I feel so nauseous Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

On Monday I saw my psychiatrist and he really pressured me to investigate a non-surgical option. Really didn't listen to how I came to this decision and why. The whole experience left me deflated. Today I saw my PCP and it was a completely different experience. She was so happy for me. She said she knows how hard I work to keep my diabetes under tight control and that with my other health issues this is a very sound decision. She said I don't make excuses and work hard and she knows I have what it takes to be successful. I have been smiling ever since. Sent from my LGLS992 using the BariatricPal App

Surgery is one week away, thank goodness, and hurricane Matthew is approaching on FL coast's. Not having to evacuate, but usually, drink during these type of events. No alcohol this time. Staying on track. Ready to get this done and move on. Did not have to worry about getting perishables because have Protein shakes for pre-op. Btw, does anybody else suffer with gi problems from the unjury shakes? I have never been lactose intolerant before, but do not really drink milk either before. Anyway thanks for letting me vent. Hoping me to get some rest before the storm lands. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My parents are supportive of my decision but today my mother then asked me "Are you sure?" and I replied Yes immediately. I can tell they are worried and I am running out of patience a little bit. What are you all dealing with and what are you saying? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Any November sleevers? Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Wondering if anyone from Kentucky has surgery with Dr. Oldham? Sent from my HUAWEI Y536A1 using the BariatricPal App

Hello all i am new here and pretty much new to any type of chat area. Can someone please tell me why there are green dots on certain people. What does that mean? Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

So happy to get that phone call that my insurance approved me for the gastric sleeve going in for my weigh in appt next week hope I've lost the amount I needed . Sent from my iPod touch using the BariatricPal App

RNY at noon pre op pic stats 292 January 251 today 41lbs down Sent from my 5054N using the BariatricPal App

Just had my psych evaluation and the dang psychologist is trying to convince me that I need to have bypass instead of sleeve. I've looked into this for years and she spent an hour with me. I really wanted to tell her to just shut up. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have GENEPRO and so far I can tolerate it. We shall see how the rest of my digestive tract takes to it. I'm so relieved at the moment. oh here is a great photo that shows my progress Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

I've dealt with insurance complications for 10 months and they finally approved my surgery! I was in happy tears but also felt like I was going to puke because I'm soooo nervous......like really, really, scared of dying from surgery. I'm 20 years old, 235lbs and relatively "healthy" for being obese according to my dr. Everyone at his office has said that I'm very low risk but I can't help but think of everything that can go wrong. The only time I've ever been under Anesthesia is when I got my wisdom teeth removed and I was FREAKING OUT even then. I'm second guessing this whole thing now but I know how much I've wanted this surgery. Has anybody been this scared as well? An…

Finally got approved for 100% after writing my appeal letter to insurance. I'm scheduled for Nov. 22. It's the only time I could fit it into my work schedule. Having all kinds of emotions. Excited to finally doing something that won't yo-yo on me. Worried about the surgery. Scared I'll gain it back after I lose it. But my head is right. Going to work hard on this. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I've told my family that I am planning the VSG, but I have not told my friends. My best friend is my dinner buddy..always asking me to go out to eat. As you can imagine she is overweight as well. She had another friend do the surgery and she blasted her to me..how she thought it was ridiculous to do the surgery and what's wrong with being chunky..well I have decided not to tell her because I know she would not be supportive and would possibly try to sabotage my journey..but what do I do after the surgery to not go out to dinner with her when I always had in the past? You can't fake eat and drink..lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Does anyone feel like this: if I change my eating habits and exercise, loose some weight is the surgery worth it? Maybe I can do this on my own? Maybe I don't need the surgery? Sent from my Z828 using the BariatricPal App

I've submitted all my paper work and now I'm just waiting... its NERVE WRACKING!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Finally got scheduled with my surgeon!!! Next Tuesday October 11th, and my birthday is the 13th happy birthday to me (having a surgery date)!!!! So freaking excited!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

When they called me today all kind of emotions ran thru my head so I got the call my surgery will be NOVEMBER 1 2016 AND I START MY PRE- OP DIET ON OCTOBER 16.... I HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE PLUS I'M PRE DIABETIC AND HAVE A HEART MURMUR, I'M SCARED BUT I HOPE GOING THRU ALL OF THIS WILL GET ME BACK HEALTHY Sent from my SM-G930T1 using the BariatricPal App

Since I've started the liquid diet yesterday i haven't had to potty #2 or pass gas is this normal? My stomach cramps a little but thats it. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

Has anybody used portion control dinnerware? I see some in here, but... Sent from me to you!

Went to the dr this morning got on the scales that only go to 350 they couldn't get my weight cause I weigh over 350 so the nurse just asked me how much do you weigh it was so embarrassing but the good thing about it the next time I go back I won't have this problem IMSTLHR

Well i got my approval and surgery date on the same day! I began with a nov 21st date and the 2nd call was that it was being pushed for dec 19. I have had a few weeks of smoking and yes i am upset but its my own problem. I could have lied and said i was still smoke free but if something were to have happened then it only hurt myself. My last one was this morning and oct 24rth i have to go give urine. I drink tons of water as it is , so 18 days is enough for a nicotene free urine?

They just call me give me my results. I will have to do two weeks of a moderate intensity exercise program prior to surgery. Everyone had to do this; if so was you clearance after the two week

My doctor just put me on Phentermine and I am liking it, but I've heard it's very short term, and was really hoping for the gastric sleeve. I'm really worried that after the 3 months the weight will come back, plus some. Did any of you have to try something similar first? If you tried phentermine, what was your experience with it?

Did anyone NOT follow a full 7 day liquid diet??? Did it affect your surgery?

This is not about insurance (: I was wondering how long did it take for your PCP's office to send over your medical records to weight loss clinic? I signed my release on 09/06/2016 and the surgeon still has not received me. I did 3 months of diet visits with him and the new place is wanting me to come and do 3 months with them since they have not received my records. I am in jeopardy of losing my job because of all the extra things I have had to go through. I can not afford to miss work and see them again. I called my doctors office and they said it takes 2 weeks its been a month. I am starting to freak out now. Thank you in advance

Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Tomorrow it will be a week since my drs office has sent over my info.... I emailed my insurance company and all they said is they have no record on file of any pre-authorization..... I think I'm going to have to call and ask to speak with the person reviewing my chart directly...... I don't want to be a pest but I want to make sure that they got all of my info!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, I am getting my sleeve surgery in a couple months and am worried that all my joy in eating food will be gone. How much does the sleeve tend to stretch couple years after surgery? How much can you eat? ( please tell me in cups! ) If I can only eat like a couple of bites for the rest of my life I'm considering asking the surgeon to make my sleeve slightly larger. But if the sleeve stretches a bit where eating a cup of food can get comfortable, I just want a normal sized small sleeve. Watermelon is one of my favorite foods and I'm so sad that i'll be only able eat like 3 or 4 one inch cubes of it I am a female 5'3", so if anyone can tell me how much watermelon the…

Unless a miracle happens... My ex caseworker didn't tell me anything, could've had my sleep testing/study done. Nope. He constantly had an attitude, and would literally take DAYS to respond... Now I have to wait until the 19th to have it done, since that is the only day they have available for me. -The positive: I get to bring it home and just sleep with it for two nights here. -The negative: I CANNOT DO IT UNTIL THE 19th!!! Which pushes everything back... I was supposed to be submitting Thursday. Can't until I have taken the test and have used treatment if needed. Ugh. I'm bummed. Knew this was moving a little to smoothly. I guess if I do have sleep apnea, t…

Hi, anyone know of any supplement to take that is the equivalent of eating veggies to keep you regular? Benefiber, Miralax, dulcolax, all my make stomach gurgle and just not the same. Curious if there is something else out there. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm not surprised at this...but still disappointing :-( I only lost ONE pound since my last weight in on 6/21/16, the next is on 7/12/16 and my final one on 8/16/16 before my paperwork is submitted to my insurance company. I posted in another forum here on BariatricPal that I had issues with my portions, and sometimes eating more than I should. I live with unsupportive roommates and tempting food every day. My nutritionist gave me a meal plan, but I'm always hungry on it. Any suggestions and/or advice for me?

Monday this week I saw the intake nurse at the Adult Bariatric Clinic. Weight, height, meeting. Weight more than I thought - gulp. Even at this stage, I'm still baffled as to how I got to this weight - so surreal to me. I did all the online lessons and homework and in addition did 13 online nutrition classes which weren't mandatory. Also brought in the required 3 days of food journalling. What really surprised me was her surprise that I had been so thorough. I was made to understand that it was mandatory to do the online lessons and homework and journalling. She said, well yes, but many people don't bother. Hmmm. They told me that my appointment could be cancell…

My surgery is scheduled tomorrow morning at 9am. I'm self pay and the surgical center they use is not equipped for overnight stays as in staff... but they do that for these surgeries. They called me this morning and said they were unable to keep me over night because of staffing issues. So they will discharge me at like 8pm. I'm really scared. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I sat down with my husband and told him my fears about my health and really why I needed this surgery and now he's back on 100%. He's even asking questions more and seems more interested in the surgery. I'm so excited for whats to come. My psych evaluation and nutrition appointment is coming in two weeks!! I've started back at the gym I'm already feeling my confidence coming back up

My journey started May of this year. Surgery in the morning. A little anxious but so Excited! Keep me in your prayers. I have researched here since March and this forum has been so helpful. Many thanks to all of the sleeves that have taken time to share their experiences! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T377A using the BariatricPal App

I am wanting to have surgery the end of December and then fly to Florida for a week at Disney World on Feb 11th. Am I pushing my luck? Will I have the energy to walk lots and enjoy myself? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my orientation day at the weight loss center yesterday. Tentative surgery is November 7th ???? After some time talking with their behaviorist and going over notes from my psychological evaluation, she feels that I use food to fill a void from losing my dad to cancer when I was 5. I have been overweight since I was 5 and my dad is still a topic that is still hard for me to discuss. The behaviorist is worried that this link between food and my emotions could continue and sabotage my future weight loss. I have thought for the longest time about going to a psychologist over the emotions associated with my dad, but I have never really linked that with weight issues…

It has been over a month since I got everything done that the insurance and doctors office requires before surgery. Insurance coordinator at the doctors office told me she would let me know when she heard something. That has been a month ago, I checked with the insurance company to see if I had been approved yet, but was told they had not received anything from the doctor. I reached out to the intake coordinator on Monday but still haven't got a response. I have been jumping through hoops for over a year in order to have surgery and I just feel like giving up at this point.

Hello everyone… I'm new to this site..I had lap band surgery four years ago, I did really well with it I lost 110 pounds but then I started having problems horrible reflux and my band slipped and last year had the lap band removed hoping that I would be able to do it all on my own, I thought I had a handle on it, figured I got this... Well needless to say here I am and I've gained 70 pounds… I returned to surgeon and did all of my appointments to have the sleeve done… My question is I have done the psych eval, nutritional appointment, the fitness consult, the only thing I'm worried about is if I'm going to have to do the three-month pre-diet since I've already done it wit…

First I wanted to thank Dr. Jossart for taking time to answer questions. You have no idea how thankful people will be. I had VSG through single incision on 8/26/09. I am on full solids. Due to a strange sequence of events I have not seen a bariactric doctor since the day I left the hospital. I have been seeing a nurse. She didn't seem know what my lab results meant. I admit I don't take my Vitamins daily. I miss doses. My life is kind of hectic right now. I workout 1 hour 4-5 times per week now. My questions is: Does rapid weight loss cause cholesterol levels to rise after surgery? My 3 month labs showed a rise in my cholesterol from 119 to 172. Here are my specific…

I will be having my sleeve done on Thursday ... nervous and scared all at once... my concern now is my 22 month old son... he weighs 35lbs ...he loves mommy time and snuggles. My surgeon said I won't be able to pick him up for about 3 months which I understand... but what about hugging and cuddling? Will that put me at risk? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anyone doing a semi low carb diet? I've lost weight on the strict low carb, but can't handle this constipation. My dietician said, no fruit, but I think I Am going to buy some now. Maybe watermelon or peaches? I Am hoping that helps Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

I am trying to follow the south beach diet for my pre op diet and im really struggling. I am constantly hungry and getting headaches, I feel shakey and just overall crappy. I'm getting nervous that this is how I am going to feel after surgery as well. I know my stomach is going to be smaller but I have always gotten headaches and shakey if I don't eat enough and I'm scared thats how it will be forever after surgery... Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

My name is Lori and I have considered this surgery for a couple years. Funny, I was always scared of having such an invasive procedure done, but now that I have finally made the decision to do it, I'm afraid I will be declined. Anyone who has found a surgeon who would operate on them with a BMI of 29, 30, 31? I'm 5'5" and, through no fault of my own, my weight fluctuates between 183 and 198. The trouble is, I don't eat a lot of sweets, or fast food, or drink sodas. Most of the time, I barely eat. But why do I have to starve myself just to be overweight instead of obese? I'm 42 years old. I have had 3 kids, and five more for other families as a surrogate mom. I…

Whats the go to work out and how long. Ive never worked out at a gym I would love to work out my buttocks area alot as well. Sent from my SM-G935P using the BariatricPal App

After 10 days I finally got approved; my surgery date is 10/06/16 !!!!!! I'm soooooo excited, scared and nervous !!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App