PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have Fidelis care how long after you submit does it take to get approval? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So my surgery is scheduled for 9/19 and after joining a couple groups on Facebook and reading about several people's complications, I'm having second thoughts. Do I really want to risk possibly having more health issues then I have now? I hate this back and forth, it is absolute torture. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey everyone! My name is Angel and I'm from Alabama. I'm just starting this journey and I've been reading for a while now. Just wanted to introduce myself. I went and met the surgeon today so now I begin my 6 months of insurance requirements. I look forward to reading more and getting to know you. I'm going to have the sleeve surgery and if all goes accordingly I'll have it in March 2017. [emoji8]

I'm just curious if the pain level is kinda the same? My surgery is September 2nd I'm starting to get anxious. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

So Im doing really good on the low carb diet now, clothes are fitting looser, but scale is not budging. I've been really constipated. Everyone tells me to drink a lot of Water, but, can't stand the taste. Iam having a hard time getting in 4 cups per day. Does anyone know of another liquid source that doesn't have any of the junk sweeteners, like aspartame? I would use crystal light over ice but doesn't crystal light have aspartame in it? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

So I had my first meeting yesterday and I thought I would write out what happened and what my timeline looks like for those looking at what to expect. This is my experience of course and will, I am sure, vary depending on your doctor and insurance. My Stats: Name: Cari Age: 32 BMI: 54 Doctor: Alan Schuricht , Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program Insurance: Amerihealth NJ PPO I went to the information session on Sat 6/18/2016 at Penn Presbyterian Hospital. The following Monday I called the bariatric center and asked for an appointment with Dr. Schuricht (my SIL had her surgery with him so I decided to use him) My first appointment…

My insurance likely won't approve my surgery and my plan B fell thru. Looking for Houston TX surgeons that will bill insurance for a hiatal hernia repair then charge cash for remaining sleeve portion of the surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, I'm 8 days post-op and wanted to share some tips that might help others survive the surgery and recovery without stress, complications and pain. My surgery was 45 minutes long, I had no pain or nausea, I walked and sipped Water the same day, walked home on day three and never took any of prescribed pain meds. I must've done something well, so... Pre-op 1) Stay well hydrated! After the surgery you will be able only to sip water so drink as much as you can until the last moment; 2) Stay active! Get your cardiovascular system in shape, it really makes a difference in your recovery time; You might also consider doing some respiratory exercises or respiratory jo…

Hi Everyone! I am getting sleeved on 09/14, and I'm finishing up the paperwork for my FMLA and time out of work. When I asked my surgeon, he said that 2 weeks at home should be sufficient for me if I didn't want to take a lot of time out of work. I have a desk job, and the ability to work from home, so I spend most of my day sitting and never really lift anything. I know that everyone is different as far as recovery goes, but I am just curious as to how long everyone else took? Did you think it was sufficient? I am in a management position and when I leave I feel like everything gets out of order and I panic! Any insight is appreciated!

I'm scheduled for the sleeve procedure October 6th. I'm nervous, and excited at the same time. I have wanted this for a long time and now that it's happening, I feel that it seems too good to be true. I can't imagine myself weighing under 200 lbs! Did anyone else have issues with this? Tell me I'm normal lol Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone! I am about 4 months into my 6 month supervised diet for vsg. I have only lost 6 pounds and need to lose a total of 15. I am eating low carb, drinking Water and getting in exercise here and there. Any advice? My nutritionist gave me a lay out of what I should be eating and I know I can follow it. Just nervous I won't lose the weight in time! Any advice would be great! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello all! This will be my first post on BariatricPal, so lets see how it goes! I am going to my first informational meeting regarding weight loss surgery, and I'm wondering, what made you all decide to go with a gastric sleeve vs the RNY bypass? Just weighing the pros and cons here, and would appreciate any input you might have.....

I'm getting sleeved tomorrow and it hurts when the ones who was supporting you now that it's coming they acting funny. Not showing support and now talking negative telling me I won't look right being thin etc. Even have me second guessing myself now. Sent from my LGMS550 using the BariatricPal App

Hi. I'm a married woman who doesn't cook. There...my confession. Haha! Well, I can cook, but I hate to, so I rarely do it. So, usually my husband either cooks or we get take out and that's been our way of life for 30 years. My question is, once I'm cleared for regular food...then what? He's like a stick. Not an ounce of body fat, and if he eats like I'm going to be eating, he will disappear. How do you deal with this? Do I cook for myself and let him fend for himself? Do I eat what he cooks but only small amounts? (meat and potatoes...) do I start cooking and try to get him to eat healthy with me? He will absolutely not eat fish, chicken, etc. What about take out? This…

After reading a lot of stories I've learned that people typically wait about 4-6 months from the very start of this process to the day of surgery. I started my process July 17th 2016 (the day i walked into my surgeon's office) and I'm scheduled for surgery on August 29th. So my process has taken a little over a month. Which means that I haven't been on prilosec for long nor have I been on my zero starch diet for long. Also I've gained 5 lbs. They said I had to either maintain or loose. So let me get to the point here.... The night before my pre op appointment i caught the flu and my heart rate was high. My preop appointment was Yesterday. My surgeon's nurse said I should…

Too many emotions right now. Of course don't want any complications, so worried about the unknown afterwards. I know it will all be worth it come 6 months from now.

I have BC/BS and wondering how soon should I apply for this? I'm in beginning stages thinking Jan I'll have surgery. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So for the past 2 days now I have been reading everyone's experiences and I applaud each and every one of you for having such discipline and to those struggling, my prayers are with each and every one of you. I have been overweight my entire life. The past 10 years I have gained and gained so much that I am now just over 350 lbs this is the heaviest I have ever been. I have developed sever arthritis in my left knee and can start to feel my right knee going. Thankfully, I do not have high sugar or blood pressure no issues with cholesterol or anything like that. I do get winded VERY EASILY, stairs are my enemy. Walking in general is painful. Since age 5, I have suffered …

I am on my liquid diet till next week then it will be the big day!!!! But iv been craving the most weird things ok maybe not to weird but for me, yes! For example yellow mustard ( lots!!!!! ), tomatoes, hot chopped spinach, and meat. Mix the food all together and it would be AMAZING! But I never have the stuff when I want it besides the mustard and tomatoes.... Anyone going weird craving crazy? Or is it just me hahaha Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi, was wondering if anyone is from Houston currently starting preop diet?! My surgeon is Dr. Robert Davis and I start my preop on the 5th of July. [emoji4]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this, if not I'm sorry. So my insurance approved my surgery last Thursday, the 18th. This is after I had to call my surgeons office because my insurance said they hadn't received anything from them, I had my consultation on the 11th. Once I called the lady said she didn't know what happened she had sent it but they definitely had it now. Ok fine... it worked out got approved one day after she sent it in. YAY! So I didn't expect to hear anything from them Friday, that would be a little soon, but on Monday after I had received my letter from my insurance saying it was approved I called and they said they hadn't received anythi…

Anyone know if when they do the sleeve, do they remove the gut flora? I've heard gut flora is essential for our well being. Not sure if it's in the stomach or intestines. Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Omg! After having the strawberry flavor the other day I almost gave up on all injury products! I was so discouraged and I'm in my pre-op stage. I was freaking out like what the hell am i going to do post op?But this chicken Soup one IS ACTUALLY GOOD! So glad I pressed through the fear and tried another flavor!!!! Sent from my SM-N930T using the BariatricPal App

Just found out that my insurance won't cover any type of bariatric surgery, and it would take me years to save up enough for self-pay. Im just stuck now and feeling pretty sad about it. I really thought this was going to be my turning point. Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

I'm self pay and having my sleeve done at a surgery center next Wednesday 8/31. My surgery is at 7:30 am. The coordinator today said I could stay overnight for an extra $700. For those who are past surgery what would you do?

Hi all! I am set for very first appointment Sep 9. I was wondering if anyone experienced losing weight in your feet. I'm not talking about the length of your foot. I mean the width and the tops. Mines are so fat on top that I can not even wear sneakers let alone real shoes. I've been stuck in crappy flip flops for a few years now. Family seems to think its Water. But who retains water for 3 years!? I will attach a pic so you can see what I mean. WARNING. THE ATTACHED PHOTO MAY CAUSE GASPS, fainting and vomiting. Ps. I know, I need a pedicure. But arthritis pain has been very bad the past few weeks. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

This is my last two weeks before I submit to insurance before approval, it's been a long hard 3 month diet (hats off to everyone who has to do 6 month or more). I have pcos which makes it hard to lose weight, hence why I am having WLS. So I've been very strictly for 3 months sticking to my 90 carb and 100 grams of Protein diet I walk 2 miles atleast 5 days a week I attend a hour hip hop case once a week and Water cardio every Saturday. So today I go to put my jeans on and I can barely get them buttoned. In reality I know it's most likely the pcos preventing me from losing, I'm terrified that I will be unsuccessful even with surgery. Is it possible some people can't lose w…

Met with my surgeon at OSU (Dr. Needleman) this morning, as well as the dietician. I go in for pre op meeting and bloodwork with the anesthesiologist on the 18th. Surgery is scheduled for May 25th! Hard to believe after all this time, it's actually only a week and a half to D-day. Excited and nervous at the same time.

Anyone have gastric bypass at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland? Just wondering how long you were in the hospital.... Sent from my SM-G730V using the BariatricPal App

Good Morning All, I met with the dietitian for the 1st time yesterday. She was awesome! She gave me a list of goals that I have to have met before I meet her again next month. No more carbonated beverages (goodbye to my BFF, Diet Coke), no alcohol (no problem), work toward eliminating caffeine, 1 Protein shake a day and DIET, DIET, DIET! She told me I need to lose around 10-15 lbs before surgery but I can't lose more than that or I'll be below 35 BMI. This is going to be tricky! The diet is very strict and I don't see how I will only lose 10-15 lbs. I feel completely motivated! What a great way to break the Diet Coke and sugar habit! I know it won't be easy and…

I'm on my 8th day of my pre-op liquid diet, I have been pretty much regular, but today I've been to the bathroom 3 times in 3 hours! pretty loose movements (sorry not trying to be gross) anybody else experience that? Hopefully it will go away!

I just finished the final month of my supervised diet. I have my EGD this Friday, and psych evaluation September 15th. I'm hoping to get an October surgery date. I've given up carbonated drinks and quit caffeine today. Also, started eating tiny high-Protein meals. I'm trying to get used to my new lifestyle before my surgery so it's not such a drastic change afterwards. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Someone asked about having a good comeback ready when someone tells you you're taking the easy way out - and I'm wondering, does this happen often? I am just not the type of person that makes comments about Other people's health choices - it's hard for me to wrap my head around. (Only a choice few people know that I'm having Bariatric surgery. I'm guessing my co- workers will put 2+2 together when I'm out for two weeks and then start losing weight) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I just get my blood work back, and my dr called and said my blood sugar is so high that they won't do the surgery if I can't get it down under 200. I have until the 12th of next month to get it down. I already saw my prim dr and she changed my meds, and I'm also doing Protein shakes twice a day and hardly eating anything for dinner and tomorrow I go back to get blood wook. Did this happen to anyone. This is one reason why I want the surgery. Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone, I have been reading posts for a little while now, but this is my first post. I am a 40-year old guy, and I live in New Orleans with my partner of 7.5 years. I have battled my weight for entire life. When I was 21 years old, my parents and I went on Phen-Fen together. That was the first time I lost 100 pounds. I have yo-yo'ed ever since, losing 100 pounds another two times in my life, and 30-50 pounds more times than I can count. Last year, I had to travel a lot more than I have had to in the past many years for work. (I am a Delta Diamond if that means anything to any travelers out there.) All of that travel meant eating for convenience and…

So, I had an endoscopy done earlier this month which is part of my clearance. A nodule was found and am now being sent out to have another endoscopy with ultrasound. Has this happened to anyone?? Sent from my XT1565 using the BariatricPal App

Has anyone been trying to wuit smoking while theyre in the process of everything? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

Since I will not be near my surgeon, I am wondering what other folks have done for aftercare. One doctor has already told me he won't see other surgeons patients. Is there much to do after surgery? Has anyone else had trouble finding after care? Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I saw my gp today and told him I am planning on getting the sleeve in June. He was supportive, but he thinks I should get the bypass. His reasoning is that with the sleeve, people gain the weight back because they learn how to eat "around the sleeve". I DON'T want a bypass. I was just wondering what others think. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

I'm really really really nervous! I'm also trying to lose 4 pound in 2 weeks before I meet for my pre op and start my liquid diet. Any help please. Or advice that I need. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Tomorrow 8/23 is my surgery. I am excited, nervous and scared. Am I going to be able to do this/ Will I lose weight? Will I hate my choice? I do not have large BMI and people have been questioning my decision. I do have diabetes, GERD, High blood pressure, sleep apnea, and a little bit of high coles. I haven't told many people not even most of my family because I hate the negative reactions. I told them im having hernia surgery(which they are doing as well) I'm starving ,,,,,Clear liquids only today...and my surgery isn't until 4pm tomorrow~!~ Please give me some encouragement!

I am hoping to get a gastric bypass by the first part of the year. Does anyone have any thing that can help? Sent from my GT-P3113 using the BariatricPal App

My surgery date is Sept 24th & I have my last pre-op visit with my surgeon coming up. Any ideas on what I should ask? Also, what's the best Protein shake? I hear some horror stories with nasty shakes :/ Thanks! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

So my BMI is 36/100 pounds over weight. I have no known comorbidities. My labs did come back with borderline high cholestrol and non alcoholic fatty liver disease. Both of which doesn't seem to be a major comorbidity to qualify under my Blue Shield policy. I should be scheduled for a sleepy study in the next few weeks. I have my psyc evaluation on Tuesday and have my upper endoscopy schedule for Sept 13. Secretly hoping for a comorbidity is a weird state of mind to be in. Has anyone else been through similar circumstances?

I am trying to figure out the best time to plan surgery the Tues of Thanksgiving which will give me 6 days off of school or Dec 27th which will give me about 10 days. I would rather do it sooner than later but I am scared if I have complications. I need to do well this semester. The surgeons office said that I could get it done as soon as the end of September. Thoughts? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am getting nervous!! I am having surgery in two weeks at St John south field!! I have stopped smoking and now working on quiting my my dew! That will be harder than the cigs lol been addicted since diapers! That might be why I am here now! Lol. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

I'm one month preop and I am getting quite a few people telling me I am taking the easy way out. I think I would like to create a " elevator speech" with some good comebacks to that common statement. Any ideas? Thanks Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Is anyone else having surgery on the 31st? 3 days in to the pre-op diet, surviving pretty well. Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hey ... I've been looking at some of the forums and can't find one solid answer lol.. I'm in need of the lab band and wanted to know if you guys know any insurances that have a quick turn around for surgery. And what hospital should I go to. I've been doing my research and I seen Jacobi was good and metro plus insurance or any insurance with a PPO .. Helpppppp please .... Is there anyone from ny???

Good Morning! Has anyone had success in having your pre op appointments covered by FMLA? I don't mean getting paid for missing work, but having my partial absences not count against me and hurting my attendance. Grateful for your help. Sent from my VS985 4G using the BariatricPal App