PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Any October sleevers.. 10/17 is my date. Sent from my LGMS631 using the BariatricPal App

I just found out that my insurance doesn't qualify me for surgery with a bmi over 40, they will only qualify me with bmi over 35 with a co morbidity. I don't know if I have any Comorbitities, I'm pre-diabetic not diabetic, I have migraines and that's about it. My first appointment with the surgeon is the 10th and now I'm worried that I won't qualify. I'm freaking out, I really need this surgery.

Wish me luck, hope I find protein shakes I like.

Hi everyone, I have done all of the research and have decided that I want to have VSG surgery with Dr. Illan if I decide to opt out of the 6 month weight loss program as required by my insurance. I've been able to thoroughly research Dr. Illan and his staff and have found nearly unanimous positive feedback from those that received their surgery by Dr. Illan or are affiliated with him. At this point the only thing holding me back from having the surgery in the next month and a half or so is financing. Bill from Dr. Illan's office recommended Health Finance Center. Have any of you utilized their financing before? I'm just a little skeptical about putting in my info pri…

Surgeon's office called today and said Pre-op appt will be Aug 15th and Aug 30th will be my surgery date, depending on insurance approval. This stage of the process is almost complete, then onto the next stage..

I got my surgery date and it's August 23....???????????????????? Nervous but happy Asiangurl1

I was turned off by any "sparkling" water due to trying Lacruex (or however you spell it) water. Bleh OMG it was the nastiest stuff I've ever tried. BUT I just went to Kroger and they had the ICE water on sale for 10/$10 so $1 each. I got several different flavors to try. I have to say I really like the Cherry Limeade that I just tried. I'm in the beginning stages of my journey and am having a HUGE problem with my soda habit. But I think this will help me greatly getting off the Coke. I'm excited!

I am considering sleeve with Dr. Shillingford in Boca Raton, Fl. His website advertises $10,500 self pay for sleeve. I am looking to see if anyone has gone through this physician, and if anyone else has had self pay as well (this is the lowest self pay price in Florida I have found). I was banded 1.16.13 in Tampa with Dr. Ache band removed due to slip 1.1.15. Went from 284lbs to 162lbs. But had a baby one year after band removal and up to 225lbs. I am 5'9". Sent from my SM-G900V using the BariatricPal App

I've had what has been diagnosed as lymphedema in my left leg since puberty. It affects mostly my ankle and foot with the "balloon" effect on the top of the left foot, meaning its definitely lymphedema. its really difficult to wear shoes, I have compression garments that I wear on my foot and ankle but it just pools above, and generally sucks. It's been progressively worse over the years as I've gained my weight, obviously, leading up to me barely being able to fit in my husband's winter boots this past season. Primary doc sent me back to the venous specialist who I saw 10 years ago who again told me "sorry it's lymphedema, that sucks here's some expensive compression gar…

Need to know how much weight I need to loss to get approved for gastric bypass my dietician don't want to approve me for the surgery because I'm gaining weight instead of losing, and she feels like I'm not going to succeed if I do have the surgery because my head is not in the game even though I really the surgery and feel like I absolutely needs it. I want to get this show on the road and prove to her that I can do this now and after I have the surgery so I want to lose weight and start eating better so how much do I have to lose for her to see that I'm actually doing it and approve me? Any advice plz I really want this.

Do any of your pre-surgery people use appetite suppressants? I finally decided on Saxenda to help me. My RNY won't be until May or so of 2017. My copay for this $1200 med is $45, so I'm getting a 3 month supply for $135. The pharmacy had to order it but I should get it and start it on Monday. Way excited!

Has anyone had to get a small hiatal hernia repair along with your sleeve? If so does it make you in much more pain? or does it make you feel more sick? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Calling all vsg Patients that are/were 400+ pounds. I’m STUCK! I’m currently 410, 2 years ago I was 480, I manage to lose some weight after I found out I was diabetic. I’ve been looking into getting the gastric sleeve, but was told (my BMI is too high). I’ve also seen where some doctors will have you go on a diet before surgery. I’m a self pay patient, so I’m looking at going to Mexico. Has anybody else had this issue? L

I was wondering how long from start (my first doctor appointment) to finish (surgery completed) Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Is anyone doing a vlog and/or blog or their VSG journey? I'd love to see them! Just started mine.

Hi everyone, After several years of trying to work with my doctor to lose weight, she finally recommended a visit with our weight center. I went to the orientation and they discussed the options - a general diet/exercise plan w/ personal trainer, a medication plan and a surgery plan. It never occurred to me that I might consider surgery to help my problem. I didn't care for the idea of permanently altering one of my vital organs - for life - but I am at the point where I am SO frustrated with my weight and myself for not being able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Then again, as of today I barely qualify for weight loss surgery - my BMI teeters between…

Good evening guys! I got my surgery date of 8/24/2016. Who else have the same date? I would love to be in touch. When are you guys starting your pre-op diet? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hi all! Tomorrow is my big day. I'm first on the schedule for 6:15 tomorrow. I'm really excited and a but nervous. How are all of you Aug. 3rd's feeling about tomorrow? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Tomorrow is my big day. I have to report to the hospital at 5:00am...I'm nervous and excited at the same time. I'm ready for this healthier lifestyle Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using the BariatricPal App

Today's the day. Sitting here with IV in each hand and all I can think about is ripping them out and going home. It's never too late, until its too late

23.4lbs down in 6 days! He said I can expect to lose r hat amount a month for the next 6 months. I found that weird because in the seminars they said over and over 10lbs a week. But that's neither here nor there. Anywho...on the the full liquid diet for me starting tomorrow. He told me to start all my Vitamins and Protein shakes. I'm looking frantically in the book they gave me but haven't found anything as far as how much protein I should try and get a day. Oh, and turns out I was dehydrating myself by not drinking Water all day long so that will change as well. I have to get some over the counter med for acid reflux and he prescribed something for my gull bladder but o…

I am so excited, received my date today! Pre-op is this Friday, I start my 2 week liquid diet next Thursday, and my surgery date is set for AUGUST 4, 2016!!!! Such a stress reliever God is so good this is my 2nd time pursing bariatric surgery 1 unsuccessful attempt and now its finally happening!!!!!!!! ???????????? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G925A using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone I'm happy for the ones that got approved already as for me I have been waiting for a yr and still haven't got the good news for a surgery date....???????????????????? I'm so frustrated and just feel like giving up... Sent from my Z828 using the BariatricPal App

I'm not sure if I should post this in the post-op section but I'm probably 2 months from surgery and I am wondering if there are things people wish they knew before the surgery. Any foods you thought you could eat that you can't? Amount of pain, discomfort, or fatigue? Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

Ok I see the surgeon tomorrow to ask questions and what to do before surgery my weight has to be 310! But I'm not sure if it has to be that tomorrow or on surgery day!??? I don't want him to hold off my surgery bc of 4 pounds Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey all, I'm Sandy from Indiana! So glad I found this app. I am in my 5th month of my 6 month weight monitoring. I'm getting close and getting excited and nervous . Looking forward to getting to know everyone! Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G360AZ using the BariatricPal App

How long were most of you in the hospital for? I've read some people have just one over night stay, some have had 4 days in.. What can I expect? I'm only taking 2 weeks off work, that better be enough Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

Hello group, I just finished my 6 month weight loss diet with my Dr and I'm down 40lbs! So excited to continue this journey. My biggest fear is telling people. My family all know I am working towards the sleeve and I told a few friends years ago that I wanted surgery. Now I work in a small office where durastic weight loss will be noticed and I don't want to deal with judgements from some of my skinny-mini coworkers... Any advice on telling them? Or ways to avoid telling them? Thanks! Sent from my SM-G925V using the BariatricPal App

I started my 2 week pre-op diet a few days ago. My program's pre-op diet isn't as strict as some I've seen on here, but it is mostly Protein drinks and is only about 700 to 800 calories a day. I had been working out for 30 min most days prior to starting, but now my energy level has completely tanked. I don't want to use this as an excuse to skip the gym, but I also don't want to burn myself out. I still have so much to do in the next week and a half before surgery! I'm worried about what my energy level is going to be like post-op. Of course eventually I'll at least be able to have some caffeine again. Did you or are you working out on your pre-op diet? Are you ex…

I only had to do three months of pre op dieting, next week will start my last month! I'm so nervous that I'm getting closer to surgery. I can't wait for this new beginning! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey all! In preparation for my surgery I was wondering if any of you have any recommendations or experience with Vitamin Patches? Yay or nay? Just wondering if they work just as good d taking the actual vitamin. Thanks!

I'm finding out my patience has worn thin.... I had my last 6 month supervised diet check on July 29th, waiting on approval is driving me crazy!!! I am not to concerned about the surgery itself. I've worked hard to lose what I have lost during the 6 month diet. Just let me start my pre-op and cut me open. haha. I've had several surgeries over the years and know what to expect, but waiting to hear from the insurance company is tough!

So happy I got the call today that I was approved after getting denied the first time . I can't wait for June 15th [emoji847]

Orlando, Florida--- I've seen a log of successful stories and I'm interested in getting the sure egg. Anyone know of an excellent surgeon in central Florida? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I've enjoyed reading a lot of your posts. It looks like almost everyone is in the US and dealing with insurance requirements and similar journeys towards and after surgery. I live in Italy and things are completely different over here. I'm wondering if anyone else on the forum is in Europe and what their experiences are like? For instance, we have national health care here. I saw the surgeon of my choice for an initial consultation with only a referral from my GP, then got referrals from him for all necessary labs, exams and visits which I will need to bring back to my "prehospitalization" appointment. At that point they evaluate all the results and do things like EKG…

I just started the insurance process....any advice, insight, or knowledge would be appreciated about anything in journey. Height 6'1 Cw 375 Sent from my SM-G920V using the BariatricPal App

Sent from my SM-N900V using the BariatricPal App

Hi all! I'm new here, I have my surgery scheduled for August 23, and to Celebrate I went clothes shopping! Has anyone else done this? I got a lot of items in size 8/10 (my goal). I'm currently wearing 16/18. I figured if anything I just got fits odd after I hit my goal size I'll just make alterations, since I can sew. Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

I am having a hard time losing the 15 pounds Molina wants me to lose before surgery. I am going to be denied and I have 3 months to go. Getting frustrated, why is this so Hard? Is anyone else struggling? Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

Just found out my insurance company told me wrong and I could only have to do the dr requirement of 3 months now instead of the long 6 month wait, whew that sounds so much better

I know, I know! It will get better..just got sleeved on 7/29. Down 20lbs so far, diabetes is under control for the first time in years, etc...I freaking miss food, and every commercial, every Facebook post, all my fiends posts, everything around me is food. When my wife cooks for her and the kids...ugh...I don't mean to sound so negative but I'm trying to be honest, hopefully someone knows what I'm going through and will give me some insight or somerhing but I can truly say without a shadow of a doubt that so far, I whole heartedly regret the decision to get this surgery...sorry to bring ya'll down but I had to get it out. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal A…

I'm new on the forum, but have been reading for a couple of weeks and have found all of the information shared here so helpful. I have Tricare Prime, and have the referral for evaluation approved. According to the site it is covered for BMI 35 with 2 comorbid conditions. I participated in Weight watchers for 7 months and now have a BMI of around 35.5. I do have 2 comorbid diagnosis but am concerned that I might not be approved for the sleeve if I get to the magic 35 BMI. What is the weight the surgeon turns in to insurance, the initial weight at the initial evaluation or weight the day they submit to insurance? Thanks

So, I got married back in April and never got my name changed with insurance, or most of my drs as I had already completed my appointments for surgery. Do I need to call those Drs and get my name changed on records before everything gets sent to insurance? I already submitted an update to insurance through my dad's employer, but just need a little advice on what to do with all of my Drs offices! Ready for a chance at really living! ❤️

Hey everyone. I'm very new in this process. I met with my surgeon last week. I have my egd tomorrow. Hopefully the process will be very fast. I'm cash pay and don't have all of the paperwork to deal with. My quest2is how important is it to cut out caffeine? I had done tone of research myself but I haven't met with my surgeon's nutritionist yet. I am a caffeine fiend. I work 13 hour shifts and thrive on caffeine. I tried to cut out caffeine today and have a horrible headache. Is it really necessary to cut caffeine completely out? What are the benefits? Any idea put and advice is greatly appreciated. Sent from my SM-N920V using the BariatricPal App

Hi Everyone. I had a endoscopy with bravo done yesterday and everything went fine. The problem that happen was when I got home i went into full blown panic attack mode. I suppose I had a real realization of what I was doing. With that being said, I still feel like this is the best decision for me and my surgery date is August 19, but Im not sure I am strong enough to go through with it. Evelyn Sent from my SM-N920P using the BariatricPal App

Anyone know of a good appetite surpressant? I am going to need some help, getting desperate Sent from my SM-J700T using the BariatricPal App

When it starts to set in that you only have 1 more diet visit, and a class left... Can you say nervous?! I'll be a whole new person this time next year!!! And cue the tears in 3... 2... 1... Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Hey Team BP, Leaving now for my bariatric seminar at Scripps Mercy. This is a required component of the Kaiser bariatric Options classes in order to be approved since they are contracted through Scripps to perform the operation, and before they give you a surgery date. Am attending the seminar extremely early in the game (usually most don't do the seminar until after their classes are over or the month before they finish), but it's the only date with school starting in two weeks/work travels that won't conflict with the schedule or risk my placement in the Kaiser program. I may get my date earlier because of being over a 40 BMI and having a co-morbidity. Am a bit n…

Well, I'm a couple of steps closer, and so happy. I had my motility study done on 7/27 and that went well. Now I've got a nutrition eval on the 8th and my psych eval on the 17th (though I'm on a waiting list in case an appointment opens up sooner). I'm guessing I will be looking at mid to late September, possibly October for a surgery date. Depends on when everyone gets their info in to the surgeon and they turn them over to the insurance company. I had my lab work done and it seems that I have anemia. For those of you inclined and familiar, the values that were off are as follows: MCV High (99), MCHC low (32%, normal range starts at 33%), Folate is high - Greater than …

I see so many people here who are almost done with their requirements or already had surgery. Is anyone else here just starting? I have my initial consultation and nut visit on Aug 10 and my insurance requires 6 months MSWL. Just wondering if I have any buddies that are just starting with me.