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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 smcclendon,

    Having my sleeve this Thursday and can't wait. Just looking for anyone local to connect with that may wanna chat about their journey now and through the process.

    • 71 replies
    • 3.7k views
  2. Started by Admanda,

    A day ago I posted I was waiting and it's been about a yr. Now I finally got the call that everything has been approved. I'm just waiting for the scheduler to call to make my surgery date. I'm so HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!!!!???????????????? Thank you everyone for the support. Asiangurl1

    • 2 replies
    • 446 views
  3. Started by M Ashley,

    When I come home just after surgery, how much help will I need from others to get around and handle the basic necessities of life? I really only have my elderly mother to help me, and she is not nearly strong enough to lift me out of bed or anything like that. Please let me know what you think. Thanks so much.

    • 12 replies
    • 1.1k views
  4. Started by kingsmommy14,

    I'm so excited I called my insurance because I haven't heard back anything from when they submitted my paperwork Last week and she said that yup I've been approved I started shaking I'm so excited to start my new journey!!! Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

  5. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    So tomorrow is my first day of a three week liquid pre-op diet. I'm not really that concerned with cheating but I am worried about being 'hangry' all the time. Does anyone have anything that worked for them to keep them distracted? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 10 replies
    • 702 views
  6. Started by mommylove2014,

    I am having my surgery on Monday first thing in the morning. That being said i am on my 3 day clear liquid diet i started today. I was hungry until my stepdad gave me a idea. Get off the Jello and broth drink Water it will fill you up. I made some lemon water so its like lemonade and im starting to get not hungry. Im a little nervous for surgery on Monday i hope all goes well. Is there anything else that is considered a clear liquid? i have sugar free jello sugar free Popsicle and broth then of course water!!!! I am glad that my stomach isnt growling now that i stopped drinking the broth and moved to lemon water though!! Is anyone else having surgery on Aug 15? Are you ne…

    • 8 replies
    • 646 views
  7. Started by austinsboysmom@yahoo.com,

    I am waiting to go back to surgery!!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  8. Started by gpjess,

    It seems that my work brings in an insane amount of junk food. Ice cream bars last week, Bagels Tuesday, cake Thursday, pizza today and leftover cake... It is so hard to say no when I have to walk by it multiple times a day and they email about when it's ready and talk about it and you can smell it... How do you deal? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 8 replies
    • 786 views
  9. Started by Maribelle,

    I'm just starting the process again. Had the band for 6 years and went from 240 to 160. Had emergency removal in January, 2015 (I had an unexpected pregnancy and I think it affected placement). My insurance company at the time had no bariatric coverage so I paid for the removal out of pocket. I regained most of my weight over the next 18 months. Thankfully, my new policy Anthem BCBS does have bariatric coverage. I have talked to my primary care physician and she is on board with me getting the bypass surgery, especially as she just had gastric bypass surgery herself last year. She started to document a medically supervised diet at my appointment last week. I'm confused…

  10. Started by marrse,

    I'm having a consultation today with Dr. Michaelson. We are talking about the gastric sleeve. I'm also meeting the nutritionist. Has anyone been there?? Tell me your experience. Wish me luck! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 4 replies
    • 1.1k views
  11. Today is the day! Who else is joining the losers bench today? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  12. Started by Bun0530,

    My name is Dena, I've been reading the posts here for a few weeks and thought I'd say hi. I'm pre-op VSG, a little over four months into a six month program. So far so good, and hoping for surgery in October/November, fingers crossed. I'm excited, and happy to be a part of this community. After watching so many people track their journey on You Tube, I decided I would like to try that too. I thought it would help me both with motivation and staying accountable. You can find me as GrandmaDena VSG if you want to check it out. I'm really out of my comfort zone getting in front of a camera, but I'm pushing myself to try new things. Take care everyone, I look forward to gettin…

    • 2 replies
    • 541 views
  13. Started by mom2madison,

    What Protein shakes did you like? Which ones did you hate? I like the Muscle Milk and I just tried the Atkins shakes because I am getting board of the Muscle Milk. Any other suggestions? I am in my pre surgery 2 week liquid diet. Surgery Date: August 23 Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 10 replies
    • 1k views
  14. Started by Anabean,

    I'm on my pre-op diet and just found this online. Has anyone tried the Swanson Flavor Infused Broths? On their website it says they are around 15 calories. They have Thai Ginger, Mexican Tortilla, & Louisana Cajun. Can't wait to try!

    • 14 replies
    • 1.3k views
  15. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    Hey, is anyone having surgery in St. Louis? ♡♡Tamara♡♡

    • 14 replies
    • 1.5k views
  16. Started by pixystix0116,

    I know we all have differing pre op liquid diets but could yall give me a few tips and pointers? My liquid diet is 2 weeks of Protein shakes, clear and cream Soups (strained) sugar free Jello and pudding and yogurt. Any combinations that were tasty and filling for yall? I have Isopure unflavored Protein powder to mix into pretty much everything i eat so getting my protein in wont be a huge issue. Just looking for a few creative ideas that will make this a little easier. Thanks in advance for your responses!!

    • 5 replies
    • 630 views
  17. Started by lmascato,

    Ahhh so I officially met with my surgeon! It's weird because I work along side with him in the operating room! But anyways im excited that ill have more testing....one step closer! I need an ultrasound of my gallbladder because I'd I have any stones at all he will be able to get rid of my gallbladder at time of rny! I hear up to 40% end up back in the OR for gallbladder issues adter wls! I'll need an upper gi scope and psych eval! Then my final testing will be cardiac testing!!! I'll continue my NUT visits as my insurance requires that! Looking at a December date for surgery!!! So excited! This app truly is a blessing!!!! Hope there are plenty more of you at the same ti…

  18. Started by Heatgirl03,

    I have an evaluation tomorrow morning and I'm not sure what to expect? Is this a pass or fail type of evaluation? What type of questions should I be prepared to answer? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  19. Started by Autumn Riley Arnold,

    I don't think I'm approved for surgery yet. I got everything done except for the EKG. I was just wondering, do you think a person is more apt to get approved for surgery when the nutritionist, primary care physician AND psychiatrist all give their approval? Or can there still be some reason that they'll deny you? My insurance is medicare.

  20. Started by Ghozty,

    Hey gang! I'm currently on a six month path to get the gastric sleeve. My BMI is quite high, so I've got to lose 100LBS before I can set the date. Anyone here succeeded in such a feat, and on to get the sleeve? I'm determined, but I just don't know if it's possible for me, as I'm so heavy it's quite hard to "work out". Plus, I just found out I'm Diabetic, and what to eat was already confusing for me, but now I'm at a loss. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 2 replies
    • 398 views
  21. I hoping my insurance approves me right away keeping positive Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 5 replies
    • 485 views
  22. Started by busybeebug,

    It's yummy! Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

    • 8 replies
    • 723 views
  23. Started by Dinks97420,

    My insurance requirements include a 5% weight loss. After my consultations (7/25) i went on a full liquid diet with either refried Beans or cottage cheese once a day. This morning i went in to doc office to officially weigh in and made goal plus some. Total lost since 25th is 17.5 lbs!!!! They are writing up the chart notes and will submit to insurance for final approval and surgery date! yippee!!! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 2 replies
    • 547 views
  24. Started by emme.vee,

    Pity party for one please. Some nights I just want to cry. I cannot wait for my body to be good. I'm over this sciatica pain, hip pain, foot pain and toe arthritis. It's so frustrating knowing I have so much to go on my journey but I know in the end the wait will be worth it. I just hate being in pain. Rant over. Carry on. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 747 views
  25. Started by BreannaW,

    So, I finally completed all the requirements for my insurance on 08/05/2016. Now I am just waiting for the approval letter from my insurance company which should be by the end of this month... BUT... is there anyone else wanting to call them everyday and ask them if they got the approval yet or am I just being extremely impatient? haha.

    • 2 replies
    • 431 views
  26. Started by Pinkberry2,

    I havent bought anything! I feel like time is moving super fast and im not prepared! Im also concerned no-one is going to be there to help me when i get home from the hospital. Will i really need someone there 247 ? I really.hope not everyone works i will be alone probably after the 1st day :-(

  27. Started by ramona5555,

    ....makes me pucker....I don't think I like Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using the BariatricPal App

    • 11 replies
    • 6.5k views
  28. Started by Desiree24,

    So I got the job and two hours later I get the call with my surgery date 9/6/16 holy cow.. I'm freaking out... I'm so happy but scared because I don't think job will keep me knowing I need time off so soon what do u guys think?? Please help!! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

    • 9 replies
    • 863 views
  29. Started by jaycass,

    Got my date today August 30 ! So many different emotions and so scared Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 21 replies
    • 1.4k views
  30. Started by Nymea,

    Hello everyone I am pre - op and have quite a few fears and concerns. I was wondering what fears others had and thought it might be good to share a little. My biggest fear is not losing weight. I know it is unrealistic given the nature of bypass surgery, but I think that I have tried and failed at so many diets I can't quite believe this one will make the difference. Naturally I am a little concerned about the actual surgery, but I spent 20 years as a theater nurse so I know how the surgery goes and that the risks are less than flying, so I am less worried about that `than afterwards. I know my blood pressure drops dramatically when I have an anaesthetic and that ca…

  31. Started by looneyluna,

    I'm scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery on August 17 (yay!!!). I know all the nitty-gritty details - liquid diet, get 64 oz, walk, walk, walk. But can someone tell me what to expect in terms of how I will feel when I wake up from surgery? What the nurses will want me to do? How much pain, how much nausea, etc? I know it is different for everyone, but would love to get a feel for your experiences. Thanks in advance!

  32. Started by Autumn Riley Arnold,

    I saw the psychiatrist (which I was really worried about getting denied from) and she she said she'd OK the surgery!! This is really happening and I'm just bursting with happiness! Do you know if there's still a chance that I could be denied for anything? All I have left is the EKG

  33. Started by OBXhappy,

    Finally after a year I have my date … My insurance denied me so I hired Lindstrom Obesity Advocacy and they filed an appeal for me. I was notified on Thursday that my insurance has approved my surgery. Called my surgeons office on Friday and today they called me with my date. I'm scheduled for October 3. Wish it were sooner but after waiting a year 2 more months doesn't seem like long.

    • 4 replies
    • 594 views
  34. Hello. I have a question about timing. How did you choose when to have your surgery? I have 2 big events coming up. A 10 day cruise and a 20 year reunion. I can schedule it for 4 months before the cruise. Or after both events. Which would you do? Or what have you done? How did you feel 4 months post op. Would you go on a cruise? Thanks! Sent from my SM-N910V using the BariatricPal App

    • 11 replies
    • 950 views
  35. Started by MajestyG,

    Hi, I am a newbie here. My GB date is set for 8/26, I start two week pro op liver shrinking diet in two days. I have heard of Protein bullets, haven't tried them , wondering if any one has feedback on their experiences using them. I am thinking I would use post op maybe or when I am super busy. Thank you in advance for any feedback dispensed???? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  36. Started by lovemy2boys,

    Is anyone having surgery on September 12th? Need a buddy? I sure do. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

    • 4 replies
    • 521 views
  37. Started by ByeByeLbs77,

    I just had a consultation with a doctor here in WA state. I feel nervous and really want to make sure im picking the best doctor. What is the best way to research doctors? Sent from my SM-G920P using the BariatricPal App

  38. Started by CaliGirl77,

    Would it still be considered cheating if I ate a low-fat mozzarella stick or a egg? Even though I am on a liquid diet and I know the whole point is to shrink my liver and start ketosis but I'm wondering if I can eat those things at least this week before my surgery on Aug 23 and still induce ketosis?

  39. I have an appointment with the vascular surgeon tomorrow... was wondering if anyone else has had/will have filters placed before surgery?

  40. Started by melbell2222,

    I am on my pre op liquid diet and was wondering is there anyone who didn't lose weight or stayed the same the day of surgery? I feel like I'm putting in to many calories but no sugars, feels weird! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  41. Started by MonicaEMT,

    My surgery is in 3 days and I super happy and super nervous.. Sent from my 831C using the BariatricPal App

  42. Started by gina171,

    Just got the news from the surgeon's office, my surgery is officially approved. I had nightmares about something going wrong at the last minute since UHC administers our company's private health plan (so I carry a UHC card, but I'm not really in a UHC plan) and UHC requires a 6 month wait whereas my company makes their own rules and require no wait. But it all went through, surgeon's office submitted Thursday, and it was posted as approved today. August 18th is the day my life is divided between before and after. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

  43. Started by Beecharmer1982,

    My surgery date is finally set!! May 10th, Austin, TX, with Dr Steven Fass. I start my 2 week pre-op diet next week. I'm so excited, so READY!!! Any advise? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I've really enjoyed reading other threads. Still pretty new to all of this. Don't really know what to expect.

  44. Started by claramc,

    Hi has anybody went to jlp Surgery Center in Mexico for their surgery if so how was your experience thanks for the help Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using the BariatricPal App

    • 0 replies
    • 555 views
  45. Started by jdk524,

    Hello all, I'm interested in hearing from people on their personal experiences on why they chose the type of surgery that they did (sleeve, bypass, etc). If anyone wants to share what the determining factors were in their final choice. And were you happy with your choice or do you wish you had chose a different option? Sent from my HTC One_M8 using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 518 views
  46. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    So I'm already incredibly lucky that my doc doesn't do a full liquid or even low carb pre-op diet. I'm supposed to have 2-3 shakes a day, plus a "healthy dinner" and can have "healthy snacks" if I just have to eat something. She said there's no specific calorie or carb limit. I'm trying to even figure out what she's trying to accomplish. (I know, I should have asked... hindsight and all that) I'm on day 3 of 14. Day 1 was rough. I had a Protein bar instead of one of my shakes, and my dinner wasn't as healthy as I'm sure she meant, but I thought that wasn't too bad. Day 2 was better. Doesn't help that I have to be off my meds for psoriatic arthrtitis, so I'm hurt…

    • 10 replies
    • 1.4k views
  47. Guest
    Started by Guest,

    In case any of you wondered what to expect. Of course I wasn't going to see my surgeon, he's too busy/important (I will see him Wednesday), but I saw his nurse and then one of the resident surgeons who I hate to say, did not instill confidence whatsoever. The nurse went over everything, was able to answer all my silly questions. Assured me the doctor will do the surgery and not the resident. Actually she herself had a gastric bypass 10 years ago, and gave me some tips (the usual ones we find here on this forum). She had me sign some more papers. She didn't have the gallbladder removal, so she went back in the computer and found that, and added it. ugh. Th…

    • 14 replies
    • 1.9k views
  48. Hello, I’m brand new here, and may go down in history as the most neurotic person to ever contemplate gastric bypass surgery. I consulted with a surgeon earlier today, wringing my hands during most of the session. To give you an idea of how crazy I got, I actually leaped onto the exam table and tried to simulate my sleeping position – I tend to twist around a lot, think a middle-aged contortionist – and worried that if I got a lap band, that I’d somehow dislodge it in my sleep and wind up in the ER. I would’ve demonstrated my aerobic moves, too, but the doctor would likely have me escorted outside the building by security. So we discussed my options. Given my advance…

  49. Started by bac2u,

    I'm in the six month period for my insurance and I feel like I just suck at keeping on track. Anyone else do terrible during the waiting period and then be successful with the sleeve? If I could do this by myself I wouldn't be trying to have surgery. How do I stay on track during this long wait?

    • 16 replies
    • 1.6k views
  50. Started by loca_lette813,

    So I'm at the end of getting everything turned in to see if I get accepted and tomorrow is my appointment to talk to my new surgeon. what are some things that I can expect from this appointment? When does someone usually get a date, is it after their information is accepted? Furthermore how long does it take for your information to get approved? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using the BariatricPal App

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