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PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Questions before weight loss surgery. Compare procedures, get through insurance approval, prep for the pre-op diet, and find out what to expect.

  1. Started by vixsummer,

    Hey all! I finally got my insurance approval, and I'm so excited to get sleeved. My question is for anyone who wasn't totally open about the procedure with coworkers. Before anyone tells me not to lie, just be open, or just say "I don't want to talk about it", trust me, I've considered all the options. I'm very open about it with family and friends. It's just that I'm a teacher in a large school. People gossip, and I work with too many people who will tell STUDENTS inappropriate things about other teachers. I just don't want that attention. When someone asks why I'm out for a week, I just want to throw a different surgery out there. It doesn't need to account for a dr…

  2. Started by pleezeSleeve,

    Has anyone gained weight during nutrition visits? I think I effed up. I gained 10lbs between my consult with the surgeon and second nutrition visit. I explained to her the very devastating loss of a family member... and also how I wanted to kinda .. "eat my last junk foods". since then, I have lost 6lbs. I plan on being down even more when we meet again in 2 weeks. Basically I'm terrified the insurance will deny me because of the 10lb gain- even though I lost it back and more. Has anyone been through this or heard of this? What happened? thanks!

    • 2 replies
    • 543 views
  3. I'm on a 2 week all-liquid diet, and while I'm certainly losing weight with it, it's driving me nuts. Officially I'm doing this for 2 weeks, but the end date is actually uncertain. My doctor wants me to do this until I can have certain tests done, and the hospital has been horribly slow at scheduling me. (The lady who does these things was on vacation for 2 weeks.) Also, there's the possibility the dr. will want me to continue the liquids only after the 2 week period. I'm on day 11, but I feel like there's no end in sight. (I don't have a surgery date at this point--the dr. wants me to do this before he agrees for sure to work with me.) I've tried distracting my…

  4. Started by SamPSUfan,

    I am 2 days away from surgery (8/29/16) and I am starting to get nervous. I feel like I am ready. I have plenty of the protein drink I like to get me through the time before solid food again. I am curious about that first post-op week. It is what my nerves are focusing on right now.

    • 19 replies
    • 1.6k views
  5. I just read a blog about Many people getting kidney disease after taking prescribed acid reflux meds. Im in the process of gastric sleev surgery, and have been on these meds for years. I know,reflux is a side effect of the surgey, and patients,are put on these med after surgery. Has anyone had kidney disease or heard of this?? Now Im second guessing surgery. Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

    • 6 replies
    • 579 views
  6. Started by loca_lette813,

    19days left until I have mt surgery... Its 4am and I'm tossing and turning as I think "this is it, the finish line!" Im excited yet nervous because of this new journey! MY LIFE STARTS OVER AGAIN!!!!!!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

  7. Started by 4Berry,

    My gastric bypass surgery is Sept 6 !!! And boy am I nervous...I heard about the gas pains and nausea....I think that's what I'm more nervous about. I hope it doesn't last too long. Also I've been watching the series on YouTube...and slot of them come out of the O.R. with a blue stain on their face? I'm assuming that's from the leak test?? Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using the BariatricPal App

    • 8 replies
    • 613 views
  8. Started by cheneisew,

    So tonight I finally hit me. My life is going to be completely different. I don't know how I made it 4 months without it becoming real for me but today it has. I start my preop diet Sept 6th and get sleeved the 14th. When I got approved I was so excited. Now that I'm trying to plan my birthday which is Sept 13th reality has hit. Most birthday I go out to eat and get drinks with friends and family. It's an event centered around all the things I can't have this year because I will be on a clear liquid diet that day. It's kind of depressing. But then the next day I get wheeled in to help you whole new healthier me so that's a good birthday present I guess. Emotions…

  9. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    Started liquid diet this past Wednesday.. very hard. Looking for a buddy with the same date

    • 64 replies
    • 3.3k views
  10. Started by singerbabe,

    Hi everyone, So I started my pre op diet on Monday. My surgeon only requires a 10 day under 1000 calorie diet. I have been working out while doing it, 30 minuets cardio a a bit of strength exercises. I have noticed though I've had really low energy levels. Did anyone else work out while doing their pre op diet or is it probably just to much?

  11. Started by Scoble,

    I am new here. Just registered today. I am going to have sleeve done on the 21st of September. I am not really nervous about the actual surgery as much as I am about pain afterwards. I would like to think I have a high threshold as far as pain is concerned. I mean I went through three surgeries last year (at 55 years old they were the first major surgeries I had ever had since my tonsils at 5) that left me with a 13 in horizontal incision that had to heal with a wound vac. So, I tend to think I have a high threshold. However, I have been reading post where half the people talk about the pain being horrible and the other half are like , "not bad I was back working i…

    • 3 replies
    • 422 views
  12. Started by SusieSouth,

    I know I am doing this for all the right reasons. So excited, yet afraid. For those of you who have already had the surgery, I have no one to bring to my appointment. Was this necessary for you?

    • 3 replies
    • 512 views
  13. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    Hubby isn't sure he can pick me up from the hospital after my sleeve (outpatient). Could i take a cab home? Or another ride option? Sent from my SM-N930P using the BariatricPal App

    • 12 replies
    • 1k views
  14. Started by Serenity141,

    Seeing therapist tomorrow for clearance to see surgeon a bit nervous what should I expect ? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  15. Started by kathileelyo,

    First off I have Tricare as my insurance. My surgeon said that Tricare requires 4 months of nutrition appointments and exercising. I have lose weight but not telling me how much. At the moment I'm 5'5 234 lbs. I have sleep apnea, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  16. Started by evy17,

    I called today to set up a appointment but the nurse told me she was sending me a packet with a checklist I have to complete. Can anyone tell me what this checklist may consist of? She did say it would be a 6 month process before surgery. Why so long? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 10 replies
    • 898 views
  17. Started by Gordita81,

    Ok, since I got medical approval, I know that I need to break some bad habits. One thing I can't seem to do is drink water! I have to add some sort of flavor to it. It's mostly tap Water that I can not stand at all. I can drink bottled water from time to time, but only if nothing else is quenching my thirst. Did anyone else deal with this? Any recommendations to help drink more water?

    • 12 replies
    • 1.2k views
  18. My sleep apnea was diagnosed after I was denied the first time for not having a comorbidity. We resubmitted this past Wednesday. (crossing fingers) I am just wondering if they will count my 6 months of weight loss because now it is older than two years. Do they go back to the initial date you filed, or use the date you filed appealed as the two year mark? If nothing else in 2 months I will have another 6 months of physician monitored dieting under my belt, just hoping it will work for the initial date filled. Thanks for any input!

  19. Started by Anais Nin,

    Hi everyone, my surgery date is July 20th and so I'm on the pre-op liquid diet and literally starving. It's awful! I want to cheat so badly. Would cheating one time screw up my liver shrinking? I'm so hungry. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  20. Started by Kelly1121,

    I got a letter from United Healthcare today letting me know I am denied for surgery. My insurance plan requires a comorbidity for everyone - even a BMI over 40. I have GERD, and several 'minor' issues related to my weight, but do not have any major comorbidities. I'll call my surgeon's office on Monday, since I'm sure they received the same notice today. I'm so bummed, and not sure where we go from here. I know I can appeal, but I don't think I'd win because I don't have anything major. My BP has been increasing every year, but is not high enough for meds. My cholesterol is high, but not high enough for meds. I don't think I have sleep apnea (although never been tested…

    • 22 replies
    • 2.6k views
  21. Started by Roger Waggener,

    I am 6ft 5 in. 360 lbs. My Dr. says i can only have chicken stock, sugerfree jello and sugarfree popsicles. I'm on day 4 and struggling. I see tons of diets online that include food. What is the truth?

  22. Started by Bigcatnomore,

    I have one visit left with the nut then they submit to insurance. I have already joined a gym and lost 18#. Starting to get nervous about how fast this is going but ready for the change. I am planning on the gastric bypass. SW 409 CW 391 Male 6'4"

  23. I've been thinking about hiring a personal trainer to assist me in my weight lose goals but they're all so expensive where I live. I wanted one who has experience working with people who have had weight reduction surgery. Did anyone follow this path? Did it make a big difference? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  24. Started by sey1008,

    Hi all! I've scoured the boards but can't find an answer. How long did you need help with your kids after surgery? I'm a SAHM with a 17m toddler, and homeschooling an 8 yo. The older kiddo is a dream and a non-issue, and we can either break from school or he can do most of it independently. But this toddler.... she's a hot mess. She'd be an only child if she would have been first ????. She's also over 25 lbs, and I've read several places no lifting for 2-6 weeks. My surgeon says two weeks of help. I can easily plan to have some help in and out for a couple of weeks, but what I'm really talking about is major, full-time help. What's your experience? Sent from my S…

    • 2 replies
    • 562 views
  25. Started by char3672,

    Hi. I have just decided on having the sleeve. I am not planning on getting it done until June (I work in a school, so i'll have the Summer to recover) my feelings are flip flopping from super excited, to nervous, embarrassed that I let myself get to this point. I have always been a bad eater LOTS of carbs. I KNOW it's going to be hard, but I also KNOW I am ready. I'm afraid of throwing up.I have NOT thrown up in 40 years, since I was a kid. That part scares me. Plus, is 2 months long enough to be physically back to "normal?"And my biggest question...THose of you that have the sleeve.....WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN??? Thank you Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

    • 138 replies
    • 11.1k views
  26. Started by gina171,

    Arrive at hospital at 7:30, RNY surgery at 9:30!!! Today is finally here!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  27. Started by im4givn,

    I just received my approval and am on the schedule for August 1 @ 12:30. I have to be there by 10:30. I can have Clear liquids until 8:30 that am. Lots of Water to make my IV stick easier. I go in July 18 for pre-op work...which I assume is just blood work. I am very excited that is now approved and approaching quickly!!!!

    • 44 replies
    • 2.6k views
  28. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    So I was just wondering if anyone had any tips or tricks for preventing sagging skin once we get our surgeries.... I was wondering if anyone had used/tried spanx or something like that? When I had my oldest daughter they told me that using something like that can help re-tighten the skin after pregnancy, help the muscles heal better, and aid in the stomach area going back to normal... Has anyone tried this? I think I might do it... it helped after my pregnancies so maybe paired with a collegen cream/lotion it may do the trick? Any thoughts?

    • 5 replies
    • 801 views
  29. Started by RNY-Gal,

    I'm two days in with nasal congestion w/ sore throat. It's 6 am when the store opens I'm getting everything I can to fight this before the 13th. I've been waiting 9 months for this, nothing is getting in the way. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 537 views
  30. Started by Sherbear2,

    I was told to take 20 mg of Iron. When I went to order on Bariatric Advantage the options are 18 or 29mg. Which should I order? Confused! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  31. Started by NOVAMOM348,

    So I have my very first appointment next Tuesday. It's my appointment with my PCM to tell her that I want to get gastric bypass surgery. I feel nervous. I have Tricare. How has anybody else's first appointments gone with their PCM? Did they try to talk you out of it? Do they even have a say in whether you can get gastric bypass or not? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  32. Started by lalala87,

    I just recently scheduled my consultation with Dr. Andrales at Bayview for October 27th and was told I could possibly be looking at a March surgery date. All of that seems so far away. I am actually excited to actually start this process even though I do not have much support from my family in my decision. Is there anyone else here from Maryland? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 5 replies
    • 539 views
  33. Started by BillyD,

    What are some of the best tasting Protein powder? I know everyone has different taste. I'm just inquiring. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 4 replies
    • 509 views
  34. Started by 4ukay1,

    Any one else having their surgery in October. Maybe we can form a group so we can share experiences. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 7 replies
    • 543 views
  35. Started by sassy_ tiffany,

    I am so sad right now literally cryed all the way home.. this was the last thing i had to do for pre op and basically i went to take the test and talk about it. I was honest i just should of lied .long story short dr said he was going to approve me for surgery but i need canceling and want me to put off on it. He said i need anti depressants i was so furious.. Did anybody have medicaid and the same thing happen to you how long did you have to wait for surgery sumbody please answer to put my mind to reat Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

    • 13 replies
    • 1.9k views
  36. Have my first appointment with the surgeon next week and am wondering what questions I need to be asking. I've read a ton of stuff and am generally informed, but what do I need to know about/from my specific surgeon? I know his bio (years in the biz, # of surgeries per year, board certs, etc.). What did you ask that was really useful or what do you wish you had asked? (New here and am so thankful I found this community!) Sent from my XT1080 using the BariatricPal App

    • 2 replies
    • 649 views
  37. Started by Jane1979,

    Having a late Breakfast a few months ago back I developed a stomachache so bad I prayed for death. Told mother in law she said, maybe your egg intolerant. Try to eat them again. So I did. Just some scrambled eggs. Guess what? PAIN CITY. Over the past few months I have eaten many things that contain eggs. Baked goods, pancakes, waffles mayo etc. with no issue what so ever. This morning, like a fool, I said to hubby Ohhh eggs! And guess what? That was 5hrs ago and I wanna cry from the pain. So my question is: will this become an issue dealing with Protein powders and shakes?

    • 2 replies
    • 467 views
  38. Hello First time poster. I was told by my surgeon (based in NSW) to do 6 weeks or more liquid diet. I'm 189kg 177cm male. I started 7 weeks pre-op, I did 4 weeks straight no problems, then I completely stuffed up and have basically been eating like I was before for two weeks (which is unhealthy and way too much) and I now have 5 days till surgery. I've made a promise to myself that I'm going to be 100% strict from this minute onwards until surgery day, which is in 5 days. I'm terrified I will not be able to get the surgery done. What should I do? Have I blown it? I'm too ashamed to tell my surgeon I only had to do it for 7 weeks and I failed.

    • 19 replies
    • 2.3k views
  39. Started by busybeebug,

    Well Friday all my info was submitted to my insurance for Auth. Ack.. I hit everything I should. Now it's wait tick tock. I know it should not be a problem. Can't wait to clear that hurdle! Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

    • 8 replies
    • 509 views
  40. Started by motherboard,

    OMG I'm so excited I got my surgery date. These last few months flew by. Can't wait to be on the other side. :)

  41. Started by Cocoon2Butterfly,

    I am not scheduled yet for surgery. Might br November. Reading about all the pain people are dealing with. I know it is not everyone. My question is "The older you get does your pain tolerance decrease?" Or does it have anything with your age? I have had totally knee replacements on both knees and servived. I only plan on taking a week off. Not filing FMLA and management does not know. Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

    • 23 replies
    • 2.3k views
  42. Started by disney 143,

    I'm so excited!!!! Can't wait Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 0 replies
    • 420 views
  43. Started by muhol88,

    Hi All! I'm 40 yr. old female from philly, 257lbs. BMI: 45 I just met with a doctor at Thomas Jefferson hospital and I've decided, after much research, attending seminar and stalking this site to go through with the surgery! Anyone else go through Jefferson? My main concern is getting approved my my insurance BCBS of PA. Just reading through this site has been such a comfort, so thank you for that!!

    • 10 replies
    • 655 views
  44. Have anyone else gotten that phone call and can tell me what's next is there another call for surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 0 replies
    • 438 views
  45. Started by meganb25,

    So today is day 1 of 14 on the preop liquid diet. I'm starting to get nervous but also really excited! Encouraging words and any advice is greatly welcomed! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 21 replies
    • 1.6k views
  46. Started by bellabeans,

    My surgery is 8/31 I am on day 14 of the pre op diet which was 4 shakes a day. For some reason I thought tomorrow was Clear liquids only , but I don't see it in any of my paperwork nor was it mentioned In my pre surgical testing . Did anyone have to do clear liquids 24 hrs prior ?? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 4 replies
    • 506 views
  47. Started by Ms. Thankful,

    I was wondering if anyone knew if a low Vitamin D level will make your Dr. reschedule your surgery date Sent from my HTC Desire 626s using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 447 views
  48. Started by spunkyheather,

    I am on day 6/7 of my pre op diet which consists of 3 Protein shakes a day and clear fluids. I have felt fine up until today. Today I am more sleepy, have a little headache and have some flushing on my face and neck. I did call the doctors office and they suggested I add another Protein shake as they feel I need more calories. Did anyone else experience flushing? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  49. Started by Dinks97420,

    I will be checking in tomorrow for surgery at about this same time!! Today i met with the PA for preop, the vampire took their share, and had an EKG. My heart is good!! Getting Excited!!!!! But also nervous at the same time Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 9 replies
    • 575 views
  50. Started by Nana1222,

    I've never seen a psychologist and am a little worried as to what's going to be discussed. Any advice on what I should expect? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 2 replies
    • 457 views

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