PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Good morning, everyone. I just joined this forum so I could have a great support system in place besides family for when I finally get my surgery. Greetings from hot and humid Southeastern Pennsylvania! A few facts about me... I've always been heavy and big. I used to write it off as being "big-boned" but as I grew older I became heavier and heavier. Now I am 45 with a BMI of almost 50, I'm diabetic, and I have high blood pressure. My health got way out of control for me, so I started eating better and cleaner and investigated bariatric surgery. Ultimately I decided to have a gastric sleeve done at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania because I get my primary …

I saw my doctor yesterday and asked her about possibility of Gastric Sleeve. She seemed ok with it - hard to tell her real feelings. But she is a GP and has seen a lot in her career. She has patients that have undergone the surgery and she seems to understand the battle obese patients have with weight and the issues that accompany it. She knows me well - I've been her patient since about the time she began her practice. I think she 'gets' me. She referred me to this doctor in my city. Can do self-pay, so can bypass the very long waits for surgery paid by our provincial healthcare, and the surgery is done in a hospital, not a clinic. She said this guy was a GP orig…

I'm trying to create a post in the powder room (ladies only) and I get this Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I sent the HR director a plea (via email) to cover VSG last week. I've gotten no response in any form. How long should I wait to follow up or should I assume she's ignoring me and that equals a denial? I don't want to anger/annoy anyone but I'm getting a bit peeved. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Anybody used him? He's based in TJ. Curious how professional he is and how your experience was. Sent from my SM-G930T using the BariatricPal App

I have an appointment at BMI Utah (Bariatric Medicine Institute) and I'm looking to see if anyone has any experience with them.

Hi everyone need some advice! I officially start a 8 day strictly liquid pre op diet on August 3rd for surgery the 11th... Is it safe to drink alcohol this weekend before the pre op diet starts? I'm in Chicago on a little trip and my doctor never said anything about alcohol before the pre op diet starting but wanted to hear any one else's opinion on the matter. Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello wonderful people....today I am starting my liquid diet. I am scheduled for the 29th of august. My surgeon requires that I lose or maintain my current weight but from what I have been reading I decided to take it upon myself to lose some visceral fat, especially around my liver. I have two cartons of chicken broth and have no clue what I'm doing. What were your liquid diets like? Sent from my SM-G530T using the BariatricPal App

Hey there surgery date of Aug 26th here had my class this past Friday and this is when I was told people having this surgery need to quit so I haven't had a cigg all day I'm doing semi ok but it's hard when others smoke as well how did all of you smokers out there handle it? Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

Hi! I am kind of panicking. Tomorrow marks one week before my surgery and of course right when they told me I can't get sick, I felt a sore throat coming on. My tonsils are very inflamed, red, and puss-y. It's definitely not strep (negative strep test) and I get this a lot- I always take a Z pack and it's better and completely gone within a few days. I am so afraid to tell my surgeon and have my surgery cancelled because I already took off from work and wouldn't be able to reschedule until October. I know my throat will be better before my surgery, but will taking the Z pack for the next 4 days affect my surgery at all (azithromycin)?? Will azithromycin have any affec…

I was at my pre-op appointment this morning 8/15 and the office lady walks in with my approval for surgery! Perfect timing! Aug 30th is my surgery date! I HAVE no out of pocket expenses! Thanks to insurance and meeting my deductible already for the year! tomorrow I start the pre-op diet.

I know that pain is temporary, and that in the end this will all be worth it. I have faith in the surgery and in the plan. But, for those who have been through it, on a scale from 1 to 10 how bad does the surgery and recovery hurt? How long until you felt human again? I have never had any form of surgery besides the removal of my wisdom teeth and so this has me feeling a bit anxious. Thanks in advance for your responses!!!

I would like to hear what is good to bring with you to the hospital. I heard that you should bring throat spray, mouth moisturizer (like Biotene), anti-gas meds, boredom busters (like puzzles or a Kindle), and loose clothing. Is there anything else you would suggest? Sent from my SPH-D710VMUB using the BariatricPal App

Ok, so my NUT told me I could have all the sugar free popcycles as I wanted. When I looked at the ingredients, it said that each 1/2 popcycles has 4 carbs? This is not making sense to me. There is no sodium, which is good, but the carbs can really add up Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

I was told to stop my daily dosage of triamterene hctz when I begin my pre-op diet. I am to be on the pre-op diet for 3 weeks (on 4th day now). That's a long time to be off my blood pressure meds so I'm a little concerned. I understand it's a diuretic, and that's why they want me off of it. I was thinking maybe a week before surgery, not 3 weeks before. Just checking if there is anyone else was told the same thing or given other directions. Thanks in advance.

Hello everyone!? Anyone else here have pcos? That's the number 1 reason why I'm having surgery I've been on a 3 month pre op diet high Protein low carb and I've only lost 1 lb. I walk 2 miles a night and attend two hip hop dance classes a week. losing weight is nearly impossible for me. Anyone have pcos and had a success story with the sleeve? Nervous this won't work Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I'm so Excited I get to meet my surgeon! I've already started my nutrition classes! God is good Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Tomorrow, 8/16 is my sleeve day. Just wondering what everyone's experiences were like during the first week home. Pain, nausea, mobility or sleep issues, etc? Did you need a lot of assistance from others during the first week or two post surgery? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgery is Wednesday August 17 I'm super excited! Have to stay in hospital for two days. I'm just a lil confused on the Protein shake and what to put in it... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Question is when is it appropriate to buy new clothes after vsg? Should I buy some before surgery to have when the weight does start to come off or just wait until I'm at a stable weight to get some clothes? Also, has anyone been able to eat spicy food? All of my food has to be spicy now so I wonder if that is going to have to change after my vsg. Sent from my SM-T377T using the BariatricPal App

Upon discharge they give you your food /liquid intake requirements ? Or should I know this already . Surgery is 8/31 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Consultation Psych evaluation Now I just have to get my pulmonary test and my cardiovascular test (aiming for November and January) Then take the pre-op class (January) Then I'm all set for May! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I have never felt so nervous! It's getting down to the nitty gritty! A few more days and my life will be a new chapter.... I really hope I don't get an infection or fail down the road. I have a 7 year old who I want to run with, ride horses with, go trail walking with, and much More. Being positive is what I have and I'll keep Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

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I had my physical this morning with my new doctor at Kaiser and we discussed my lab results as well as bariatric surgery. My BMI is 41.5 and I am pre-diabetic. She put in a request to have the nurse call me, and she did call me about an hour later and scheduled me for my options orientation meeting for August 11th. If I "agree" to having the surgery, then I will have to fill out paperwork that night and they will schedule me for the Options classes which start sometime in September. My doctor did say that this is in no way a guarantee that I will be approved for bariatric surgery, but to make sure I do everything they ask of me during the process because that makes it eas…

I was given my blood results from my initial draw after meeting with the surgeons. My NUT suggested I start with 500g Calcium citrate 3xs a day and 100g B1 daily. I took it upon myself to take Biotin and a Multivitamin. Should I follow a post op regimen and take my multi Vitamin 2xs daily or just once? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So, I haven't been doing too well on losing my 15 pounds in 6 months like Molina requires. I have chronic knee pain. I believe the pain causes depression. I was also in a couple car accidents, which caused some frontal lobe brain damage. That's where your memory and organization and planning happen. I can't seem to plan my meals. I think the knee pain and depression are making it worse. The only thing I can think of is to start doing Protein shakes. They are a no brainer, no pun intended, I'd appreciate your thoughts and if any body knows the amount of Protein Shakes a day one should be drinking, that would be wonderful to know. If I could get the weight off and sta…

Any suggestions on this? My dietician gave this to me today. I went out and bought Atkins meals and Protein shakes. Kind of spendy. Is any one else on something similar to this? She wants me to take the 15 pounds off quick. My insurance won't pay for the surgery if I don't lose the 15 pounds by October. She said I could have all the cheese, I wanted, I was thinking of putting it over the broccoli. I was also thinking of getting chicken breasts and cooking them and adding vegetables instead of ready made Atkins meals. Since I have a brain injury and have a hard time planning, she just figured popping a Adkins ready made meal in the oven, would be a lot more convienan…

Hello Everyone, Let me introduce myself: My name is Michelle. I am a writer who lives in Southern California with three fantastic mutt-dogs. I am 37y/o. Last Thursday, I finally got up the courage to ask my GP about the possibility of bariatric surgery. She almost looked relieved that I was the one who brought it up first. She said that with Kaiser, she doesn’t refer me directly to surgery, but rather to bariatric surgery orientation which then leads to bariatric classes. That leads me to my first question: Does anyone have experience with Kaiser in SoCal? If so, do you have any wisdom to share on what to expect? I made another step on my journey yesterday by call…

http://www.wickedstuffed.com/keto-dinner-ideas/low-carb-chicken-divan-casserole-recipe/ Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Hi, this is my first post. I am doing pre-op now, having surgery 8/11 (slight possibility 8/18, will know today). I am self-pay so it's moving quickly; my BMI is 31 so insurance won't cover. I apologize if this post fits better somewhere else. It's a big forum! I have a lot of questions but right now am most concerned about one: I get terrible headaches from aspartame/nutrasweet. I do fine with other artificial sweeteners including sucralose. Do any experienced liquid diet folk have recommendations for products without aspartame? I'm particularly concerned about the Clear liquids phase. I'm asking the nutritionist also, of course, but figured there's no better crowd …

For those of you who are post-surgery: Have any of you experienced positive changes in your mental health, particularly in regard to needing psych meds? Right now, I have to take a cocktail for depression and anxiety, and I was wondering if this might get any better.

Hello everyone. I am doing my clear liquid diet this weekend to have surgery on August 15. I survived yesterday yeah I end up feeling weak and had a headache by 530pm. It is now 230am and I'm have all this energy. I hope today is better than yesterday. I keep thinking I'm almost there I can do it. It's hard but when u want something bad enough you can do it. If I can do it so can you!!!! Be proud of what u have accomplished and think of what all will be accomplished after surgery. Think positive and positive will happen. Also I'm down 4 pound from yesterday morning. Have a great day everyone. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

So.....I literally decided to have the surgery LAST NIGHT! In making my decision, I have watched so many videos and read so many stories of people who have had the surgery. I am still scared! I am a mother and my fear is that I don't make it out of surgery. I know it's a little ridiculous but, it's where my brain goes. I know like 4 people who have had the surgery and have had very little complications (dehydration being the main "problem") but my mind still goes to the .2% chance that something will go wrong! My decision to finally put my fears aside when I visited a friend who had the surgery and she looked amazing! She was always my "fat friend". We would joke about…

Good evening I am about roughly 2 weeks away from vsg. I am going to be on a strict liquid diet from now until my surgery date. My question is what are good recommendations for this liquid diet other than premier Protein and chicken broth....literally that's all I have currently and on one YouTube video a girl made her chicken broth with chicken in it but shredded it and she said it was OK to eat the chicken as well. ANYTHING HELPS. ALSO drop Instagram names would love to see your progress! Mine is vanessa_wrotevsg Sent from my SM-T377T using the BariatricPal App

So I've been battling obesity for a very long time. One day I seen my doctor paperwork say 'morbid obesity' and diagnosed as prediabetic I knew something had to change. So through research I learned that my insurance paid for gastric sleeve. So weighing in at my highest 260 I began my six month nutrition classes. So far I've lost 20lbs which was what I was required to lose on my own to qualify. August the 5th is my preop class and august the 17th is my surgery date. I'm alittle nervous but mostly excited. I began my liquid diet on August 3rd, what a journey that'll be. I'll be getting my surgery in Washington DC at the age of 28. Inbox with any questions. Sent from my S…

So! Yesterday I submitted a formal request to HR asking them to either cover my procedure or at least allow me to purchase a rider to our insurance policy so I can get it done. We have BCBS of FL (we live/work in NC) and BCBS covers it but there's an exclusion in our policy. Funny (not really) thing, we are in the clinical trials industry which means, we're working to make people healthier. I'm praying for a miracle in that they'll cover it, otherwise I will get a loan and pay for it. I'm tired of not living the life I was meant to live. Additional prayers are also welcome and appreciated. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Just got home after a long day its after midnite and I got seriously excited to get the sleeve approval letter from my ins company! YEA!! While doing a small victory dance in the kitchen, waving the letter like a fan, I listen to my vox mails.... and hear Debbie Downer from my Dr's office say that my surgery scheduled for Sep 28, has to be rescheduled for Oct 14 because the Dr will be on vacation till then. "Damn you Debbie Downer!" Why would I want a well rested and relaxed surgeon perform surgery on me? Two more weeks it feels so far away already. Two more weeks to ride the up and down crazy ment as l roller-coaster of anxiety over this. Damn damn and double damn…

I got the word from insurance today that I am approved for gastric bypass! I am so excited! I took some before pictures in my bathing suit to keep me motivated. I am going to work hard for a happier and healthier me! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I am pre surgery and for several years I have taken a low dose aspirin due to high incidence of family heart issues as well as high BP and high cholesterol. I have had what I would insider mild varicose veins for several years. I know we aren't supposed to take aspirin or NASID after surgery so I stopped taking the low dose aspirin about a month ago. Since that time I feel like the varicose veins have become more raised and somewhat painful/uncomfortable. Has anyone else experienced this? I am also on continuous birth control pills to co trip endometriosis. I know these factors increase my risk of a clot and this scares me. Wondering if I should be switching my birth cont…

So I started my pre op diet this past week. I'm allowed to have Protein drinks, broth, sugar free Jello, sugar free ice pops and vegetables. Two of the approved vegetables are okra and cucumbers. I was wondering if I would be able to eat pickles and pickled okra since they are pickled using vinegar, which I'm allowed to use. Thank you in advance! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My surgeons office submitted to insurance on Monday. How long do they typically take? Anyone know? Sent from my LGLS990 using the BariatricPal App

On my second week of high Protein, very low carb, and I am getting that same mid-low back pain that I got when on Atkins years ago. I remember it very well, BC it's sort of in a weird place, not typical back pain. Anyone else get this on high protein?? I certainly overdid the protein yesterday w too many shakes (177 grams of protein total), so I'm going to slow down on the protein (keep it at 90) and add in some fruits and veggies to up the carb/protein ratio. And double the Water to 128 ounces today. Just wondering if this is common? Surgery in 6 days. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Decaf coffee with sugar free pumpkin spice = Amazing!!! Pre-op liquid diet makes me feel so full too Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Morning All! I hope everyone is well. I just wanted some insight from you guys about how you dealt with telling friends/family members about your surgery. I have two younger brothers. One of them is in the military and was home on leave this weekend. I am scheduled for surgery on 9/14 but hadn't told him yet. I waited until I saw him in person over the weekend and told him about the surgery. His reaction was unexpected and I'm letting it get to me, which I probably shouldn't. He told me that he feels like me getting surgery is a "cop out" and the "easy way out" and that if I set my mind to it, I could lose the weight on my own. He was heavier as a child, but …

I'm sorry worried about my hair falling out. They say it grows back will it? I'm so scared????????

I started the bariatric surgery process in the beginning of April. I had my final consultation with my surgeon on Wednesday and was alarmed when he cheerfully said that I could have my surgery next week - Friday 8/19 (!!!!!!) - and was quickly taken care of by the scheduler and handed a packet of papers on the surgery check-in process. The office submitted the claim to my insurance and it was approved within 4 hours. This surgery has the potential to be an agent of profound change in my life, so I feel a little adrift now that it's suddenly only days away. I have a pre-op appointment at the hospital today, but aside from that appointment and an all-liquid diet the day …

All of my paperwork was submitted Tuesday. I'm feeling so anxious and nervous that I won't get approval. BMI is 35.5 w/ HBP, severe sleep apnea, high cholesterol & fatty liver. So hard to be patient right now. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Day 5 in my pre surgery liquid diet and I am starving. Any advise? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hello, everything gone really quickly for me based in the UK - having my operation in London but now live in the Midlands. Saw my doctor early December of last year and he referred me to the Hospital. My appointment came through for New Years Eve, had a follow up appointment Jan 17th where I was given my operation date of Feb 8th. I know so many people have to wait so long before the op my health authority now are convinced with the benefits - fingers crossed I will be off all my meds in due course. Pre-op diet was low carb, no shakes. I can't wait for the "brandnewme". Will update when I can....... Take care all....