PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone! I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with you UHC group insurance. Bariatric surgery is covered under my employee's plan. However I called to get specific information about the diet history and no one can give me anything specific. My question is does the 6 months of supervised dieting have to be a specified number of days apart or just in separate months. I have my 5th appt on the 27th which will be like 27 days since my last appt and if possible I want to schedule my last appt for October as soon as earliest as possible so I can get everything submitted. I have called UHC, I have chatted with them and they keep saying there is nothing in the policy th…

Hi i started with sleve surgery in end of may and i had all my appoitments, and i have horizon nj health through state, and they told me i have to gym for 3 months 3 days per week, i started in end of august and have apoitment to see doct on october 28th, they said if everythi g ready they will send all docs to insuranse! Now is here anybody who hase my insurance and how long takes to get aprroved by i suranse and than how long takes for surgery, im gonna have surgery in lourdess hospital nj Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am still a few months pre-op. For those who are months or more post-op: I'd Iike to know what you would have done differently if you could regarding pre op or post op. Or wish I knew them what I know now____. Thanks! You Got This!!

Hi all, My name is Deja and i am 19, this is my first time ever posting here....I just got my surgery approval today along with my surgery date (November 14,2016) . I am getting my surgery through Childrens hospital, and I am so nervouse but super happy. I was wondering who All in my age group has had it and what the after surgery process has been like sir all of you! ☺ Sent from my SM-G360T1 using the BariatricPal App

Two weeks from tomorrow is my surgery. I really can't believe it's almost here. Nervous, excited, and anticipating a happy and health life after WLS!

hi friends, I am searching for the best Protein shakes! I have heard Premier is pretty good....they are sold at my local Sams Club. Are there any others you would recommend? Also...are there any sites that offer free samples to try before you buy? and...while I have you....what Calcium supplements are you taking? thanks in advance!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

I'm kinda confused...I've read a bit about the five a D sometimes ten day fast designed to bring about ketosis but it scares me as a diabetic because it sounds similar to DKA or diabetic ketoacidoses. Is it similar? I'm sure it can't be and I'm not understanding. I have the teams surgical nurse I could call but I don't feel much warmth from her so I feel better asking here!!!

Hi, did any of you have a Vena Cava filter out in before surgery? If so what is it like and where do they put it? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I can't believe I started this process December 2015. I went to my first seminar in Jan. and started seeing my surgeon in Feb. Finally after all the appointments I got a date in June for July 20 but had to reschedule for financial reasons I wanted to make sure our family will be ok. So here we are September losers bench coach put me in. I'm ready. Happy that I don't have an all clear diet two weeks before just two Meal Replacements and a small dinner. Then two days prior it's Clear liquids and shakes. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Okay so I got my date yesterday and it's for way sooner than I anticipated. October 17th!!! Holy freaking soon...now I'm bugging out because reality is setting in. What I'm most worried about is the pre-op diet. Anyway you guys can send me your grocery lists, must haves, tips, ANYTHING that can possibly help me....thank you so much!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm on my last month of weigh ins!! I'm so excited! I want to know what I should buy before surgery and things I'll need after surgery. I already have some Protein but am also getting gene pro just in case I didn't like the protein after surgery. But what things should I have at the hospital and waiting for me at home? Also do you think it's wise to get a belly binder to help with the gas? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Is it strange or normal . That I got my date and I am craving sweets and eating like crazy. ? Has anyone experienced this. ?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey there all you happy people, so after a week of phone tag my doctors office finally got all my lab results to my surgeons office. I called my surgeons office to schedule for the pre-op appointment for get the ball rolling to get a surgery date and they told me that the surgeon needed to review the labs before we can go forward with anything. I asked the receptionist if everything looked ok and she said that she couldn't discuss it and that if the surgeon wants to proceed that it would be up to them. So here I sit with phone in hand waiting. To my knowledge my labs should be good my nerves are just racked. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

September Sleevers! As I write this I am waiting in patient registration to go up to get my sleeve. My anxiety has been numbed by a xanex I took this morning but the nerves are still there. Last night I took a walk though the market picking up the little odds and ends I will need over the next few weeks and as I passed by the cookie aisle, soda, chips, and the bakery I felt nothing. Not sadness, not happiness, not loss but nothing. It has no control over me anymore. The wine section was different . Than I went to marshalls to pick up some socks and slippers (I never wear socks) for the hospital and I felt something different. I felt happiness that in a few short mo…

I live in southern Maryland which is a wasteland for health services, but close enough to DC/NoVA that I selected a hospital/surgeon about an hour away (90 minutes in traffic). I used their suggested doctor for my psychiatric assessment (who is even further away) but she said I needed to see someone regularly throughout the process (I have anxiety that's not well controlled and depression that's well controlled). Right now I'm scheduled to keep seeing her (and she's willing to do some phone appointments so it's not really terrible), but how do I find a therapist (closer!) who is familiar with WLS for long term care? Thanks, Denise

Good morning!! I'm almost finished with all my testing. I will have my endoscopy on Saturday but I do know from almost three years ago that I have a hernia. I've only experienced a burning sensation once in my life and omg it was horrible. I was on and still am at times taking an anti inflammatory medicine Zipsor. Fast forward, I'm hoping to get the sleeve I just can't get the bypass but from what I'm reading I'm very confused. Some people got better because they fixed the hernia, others no change or it got worse. Believe me I understand everyone is different but I'm just a little nervous about surgeon period now. I need some help on this one. Thanks! Sent from m…

Hi All I just joined today. I am 1 week post op. Still on clear fluids. I started to refrain from drinking yesterday as it was causing me spasms. This morning I woke up vomiting and dry heaving. Today I started drinking again. I found coconut Water very easy to drink. But just wondering if it is any good..and how much is to much? Sent from my SM-G920I using the BariatricPal App

I'm scheduled for surgery on October 6 and I'm getting nervous. I keep hearing these horror stories of surgeries gone wrong and I keep second guessing myself and it's making me a nervous wreck!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I wanna thank you all for being here for me during this time in my life. I really dont know if i couldve gotten through these last 4 months without it, because this has been the hardest thing ive ever had to accomplish. I had my pre-register appointment yesterday and saw my dr also. Ive been on my 14 day pre-op diet and ive lost another 22lbs. So on the morning of the 4th, i weigh again and get my final weight before surgery. I thought the 14 day with just Clear liquids would be harder than it was, but it wasnt. After the 3rd day, i was fine. I dont own a scale but i knew i had lost more than i thought because my knees didnt hurt while running behind my granddaughter. …

Hi guys! I'm new to this forum but I have begun the journey towards getting sleeved. My question is I have a BMI of 38.7 which is slightly lower than the 40 required by my health insurance. I have only one co-morbidity. My doctor says that I will not know if I will be approved until I go through this whole six month process. Does anyone else have Excellus BCBS and can comment on this? I will be very disappointed if thats the case. Anything that I could do to strengthen my case to my insurance company? Thank you.

Anybody else get a chest x ray at their pre surgical testing? Mine was today and I was too nervous to ask why. Anybody know why? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had my 1 week post op appt today. My doc said I am doing great!! The only issue I have had since coming home is an annoying headache that just keeps hanging on. He had me get some Eccedrin Tension Headache. It has Tylenol and caffeine in it. I tried the first pill whole and it just sat there. Second pill I broke in two and it went down much better. Headache seems to be getting better. I've lost 30 lbs since Juky 25th which was my consultation and 10 lbssince the surgery Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I set off on this journey on June 20th. That's when I got all instructions of labs I needed to get, specialists I needed to see, doctors I needed approval from, tests I had to get etc. I had everything completed by August 22nd. I had that date in my head as the date I would have my surgery scheduled. August 22nd I met with my final dietician. She's in the same office as the surgeon. When I went to schedule my surgery, they had me pump the brakes. Turns out my health insurance (Amerihealth) needs 2 records from doctors I've seen in 2014 and 2015 showing I had gone to them and discussed weight and exercise. Why hadn't they told me this in the first place?? I was furious.…

I just got the results on a sleep apnea that the surgeon ordered, and sure enough I have sleep apnea. AHI 20, whatever this means. I have,an appoi tment for medical clearance on 10/10, but does this mean it will be delayed? Does anyone know what happens at this point? Feeling a bit discouraged. Thanks in advance.???? Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

I am so constipated I am guessing maybe not enough Water will drinking more water any one else having this issue Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Surgery today in a few hours . I am on my way can't wait to be in the losers side. Checking in now ✌️ Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am scheduled for November 18, 2016 in Mexico for a VSG. I am scared, nervous and excited all at the same time. Anyone else scheduled in November? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Hello all, I am in Kern County CA. Just went for my first appt with the surgeon for the Gastric Sleeve. All went good, so now I wait for approval. I have Kern Family Health Care. Anyone out there know how long they take for approval.

Do you have to wear a catheter during surgery? Sent from my Z981 using the BariatricPal App

Hi - I'm on dialysis and would like to know if there are any others out there on dialysis who have done the gastric sleeve. M the goal is to get my him down so I can get on the transplant list. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi guys. Does anyone know about Dr. Mario Camelo Ramos and the florence Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico? I want to get a gastric bypass done with him. Any reviews? Sent from my Nexus 5 using the BariatricPal App

Hi All. My last appointment with my dietitian will be November 4th. I hear that November and December are very busy for Insurance companies and may not even be approved for over a month??? I'm hoping to go to Mexico on vacation January 1st with a few friends. I think I'm being optimistic, but if anyone can tell me some good news they have experienced with insurance companies or will I be watching them surf on the beach through social media? I need to have my surgery by the end of year because my insurance may change per HR. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've fought to lose weight over and over, like all of us. I was very happy with my progress in the last year & then hurt my knee while exercising. I've since gained between 10-15 lbs and it's freaking me out. I asked about WLS and have always said I never would, it just became my obvious choice. I have lost a good amount on my own and do not want to stop. I feel like I lose so much and hit a road block. The doctors I've met with say it's amazing what I've accomplished and kept it off(100-120 lbs) I've never thought of it that way, I always think I have so far to go, why does it stop. My family gets happy I am losing but always says that I have a long way to go. So, se…

Going Monday night to do my sleep study. Very anxious about it. I'm afraid I won't sleep since they only want you to sleep on your back. I'm a side sleeper. I've tried every night for the last week to do it and just can't. I don't know what to do. Will they give me meds to help me sleep? I'm scared.

How do you deal with sipping when you gulp or down your drinks. I'm worried about that. I live in Louisiana and it's hot. I love Water. But I'm not a sipper. I'm scared. I'm preop and my first surgeon's appointment is Thursday. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using the BariatricPal App

Oh my goodness! Yesterday, my August 24th surgery is now set in stone! I'm so excited!

I have my seminar with the Bariatric clinic in a week! Excited to see progress but getting nervous about the whole process! What should I expect at the seminar? Any advice on questions to ask? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Is there such an app or thing? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So I'm wondering if I go under the 40 bmi requirement once I do the diet with my dr would they still approve me? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone I am new here and no I have not had my sleeve surgery as of yet. I'm still in process but almost done ! One more support group,Psych Evaluation,& Final Appt. 8/18/2016 !! I'm very excited BUT extremely nervous. Not worried about pain one bit but I am very much terrified of General-Anesthesia Also because of complications of an epidural from 10/8/2015 I have spinal Fluid accumulated in my neck (Small Amount) hoping I can still be approved for Sleeve Surgery.... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I finally got approval and my surgery date. It is October 3rd. Will start pre op diet (any tips greatly appreciated) Sept 23rd after pre op visit. I am so excited but nervous. My brother just had it done in June and he has lost 40 lbs. Any of you have any regrets? I am a nurse myself and we are the worst patients. LOL... Anyway wish me luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are there any pre-op sleevers in Delaware? I'm a month in to the requirements for the approval process and have about five more to go. I have a great support system among friends and family, but also wouldn't mind connecting with others in the same boat as me right now. Thanks!

I am scheduled for surgery November 30th and saw my therapist yesterday. She keeps asking me about my emotions as the date gets closer and I just can't seem to put it into words for her. She asks if I'm scared and I am but I am also looking forward to my new way of life. I know it is normal to be excited and nervous and anxious but the OCD part of me wants to be prepared in time with pre-made broths and ideas for protein shakes. I don't attend another nutrition class until Nov 4th so maybe I'll ask those questions then. I just want to be ready! I see the surgeon and do my pre op paperwork on Nov 17th and have started a small list of questions for him like "Can I scoop…

Hello everyone, I need some advice. My Husband is not being supportive at all. I am in so much stress and I do not even have My surgery date. My mother was sleeved 4 years ago. All he keeps saying is That's the reason I want to get the surgery. He says that i dont need that and that Im being stupid. I think he does not want me to get sleeved because dont have kids. We hhave being married for 3 years. I dont know What to say to him. Im getting tired. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

It is that time. A bit anxious but hanging in there. Any last minute advice? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N910A using the BariatricPal App

I'm so glad I found this outlet , Im sort of alone on this journey. My surgery is two more day Sept 29th my Pre Ops tomorrow I'm so nervous yet so excited at the same time. Any insights to what the 3 day hospital stay will be like. Thanks Sharee

I'm a few days away from the pre-op, and then the surgery 10/13. I'm surprised that my feelings are changing, I was super excited, ready to go, wish it was today, and then I went shopping. All of a sudden I realized looking at items on the shelves, my freedom to select anything, is going to be gone. This may be the last grocery shopping I do that I'm free to pick anything I want. That was always out there, of course. But to actually be there in that moment. I guess you would say reality arrived today. It took me by surprise, and kept getting stronger and stronger. It's so ironic, your trapped by food, and soon to be free of it. Did you have freedom before or do you have …

Hey guys good afternoon. I was told to get the ball rolling with the diet and exercise before surgery. I will be honest, I tried and I failed. I joined the gym and have not been once. I do drink lots of Water though. However before I see the nutritionist how important is it to take in Protein and Vitamins before my surgery? I will most likely have my surgery in Dec or early Jan because I'm in school and want to finish that first. My nutritionist visit is Oct 4 2016. So Should I get the ball rolling now honestly or do I have a little time to play? I want some serious answers No Play here lol. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Jay Robb is listed as a clear liquid on my plan, but I can't find any of his products that are clear? Are they referring to the egg white Protein?? Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Just got home from my first NUT appointment. I found out that I will not be doing a liquid PREOP diet until night before surgery. They just want me to change my eating and no pre set amount of weight to lose. As long as I don't gain weight. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App