PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have been jumping through hoops I feel like since November of last year to get this surgery approved and different requirements kept coming up. I'm with stay well medicaid by the way. Anyways all my information was submitted today to see I will get approved for an early June surgery. Is anyone else having a similar experience or is anyone waiting for approval now? If so how long did it take you to get to this stage and get approved?

Has anyone been denied because your BMI was not 40, 1 year prior? My BMI is 46 now with two co morbidity that I am getting treatment for but BCBS federal is denying me because a year ago it was only 38.6 and I was only pre diabetic. Just wanting to know if anyone else experienced this!

Hi! I am glad I found this community! I am scheduled for surgery June 21st and one of the conditions is that I need to lose additional weight. I don't want to start the liquid diet (my doctor is requiring two weeks for me) too early, as I don't know how sustainable that is for more than two weeks, but I will if that is the only assured way to lose the pounds and qualify for surgery. Can anyone share how much weight they lost in the pre-op liquid diet phase (plus how long you were on it)? Thanks so much.

Psych clearance ✅ Pulmonologist ✅ Cardiac ✅ Nutria is classes ✅ Forms quizzes etc ✅ Gastroenterlogist and Two more weigh in ad I'm Done I am So scared I won't get approved !! ??

I am BRAND NEW so please bear with me! I am 61 years old and 65 lbs overweight -- I have a BMI of 37 (not diabetic but have GERD, high BP and cholesterol, both controlled by meds). I have been overweight ALL of my adult life minus 3 years when I successfully lost 55 lbs on WW -- I kept most of it off for about 2 years. Since then I have gained that plus 10 lbs. I like WW -- I like recording what I eat and enjoy the meetings, but have not been successful since that one time in spite of re-joining eleventy-million times.... (I never got to "lifetime" when I lost the 55 lbs -- I just stopped going after the majority of the weight was gone. So in fairness to WW, I never …

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had good resources to share with friend and family to get them information on this journey. My husband is one of those eat all the junk and be skinny types and doesn’t fully understand my struggles. Also he is blind and has other health issues so he’s got his own view on things. He is supportive and will help me in whatever way I can but wanted to see if there was a good resource for him to read stuff from a support perspective and not from a patient perspective if that makes sense. thanks!!!

I am brand new to all of this today...so this may have come up before. What was/is your greatest fear going into surgery? I am being sleeved on 11/18. I am VERY EXCITED to take this next important step in my life. There are so many things I think (and research) about as the date draws closer and closer...but my GREATEST FEAR is that I won't like the way that I look. I know that may seem very shallow given the complexity and importance of everything else tied to the procedure...but I can't help it. I have been big my entire life....and I actually like the way that I look (except for my torso). I just want/need to get my health under control. Does anyo…

Hey everyone! Got a new job and found that we have bariatric surgery coverage. I asked my PCP to send a referral to the bariatric clinic in my area. That was done the week of Thanksgiving 2020. Got a call from the clinic and met the surgeon December 17th. Only have three month supervised diet and have to lose one pound a month! Working through all my pre op requirements. Had my psychiatrist evaluation Thursday. She asked when was my quit smoking start date because my window of time is closing! I am freaked out! Most people I know have had 6 to 12 months before surgery date. This creeped up so fast! Only test left is the endoscopy scheduled for April 20th. After that blood…

My surgery was March 18th at 8:00 in the morning. I have had problems swallowing from the beginning since surgery. Will this change? I swallow it goes about halfway down then gets stuck and I have a lot of pain and then it goes down the rest of the way and then the pain goes away.

Hi! I am very new to this community and to the idea of WLS in general. I have tried (and failed) for years to lose weight, so I am finally reaching out for help! I am 24 years old, 5'5", and currently weigh 310lbs, putting my BMI at 52. My question is... where do I even begin? I just made an appointment with my PCP for next week and said the reason for the appointment was to discuss my weight. I started weight loss management with her back in August 2020 (~6 months ago), so I do have some documented proof of trying to lose weight through diet change and exercise. But... it hasn't worked. I only lost about 15 pounds and have since plateaued. I am now interested …

Hi. I am new here and thankful that I found this site. I am working through the clearances and just got a notification that my MRI results have just been posted. Can someone please tell me what this means ? She told me I had a fatty liver, which makes sense ... but what is this kidney stuff! Is this kidney disease! I am so worried now. I never had an abnormal blood work. IMPRESSION: Fatty liver and hepatomegaly, as described. Status post cholecystectomy. Suggested increased echogenicity of the medullary pyramids of both kidneys, raising the possibility of medullary sponge kidney and/or medullary nephrocalcinosis. Otherwise, no hydronephrosis or d…

Hi Everyone, I've been trying to do some research on Gastric Sleeve and was lucky enough to come across this website. I'm sure there are many other boards that answer this question but I wanted to share my concerns in hopes that I will get a response. I'm set to have my very first consultation with my surgeon this upcoming Thursday and I'm super excited but also very anxious. I have Aetna and I see that there are certain requirements needed in order to be approved. My BMI is currently 38.2. I started my weight loss journey 1,000 times back in November and have only lost 9 Pounds. I have seen that anyone above a BMI of 40 pretty much qualifies for the surgery but any…

I hope I won’t be judged harshly here, but I really would appreciate feedback from this group. Several years back I decided against Lasik on my eyes after researching and reading horror stories and regrets people had after their surgeries. Wearing glasses for the rest of my life is not that big of a deal to me but carrying 150+ pounds of excess weight and facing future health risks is. And I want to feel energetic again and do something more with my life than be a couch potato. So maybe I shouldn’t have started reading stories from people who have experienced major issues after getting weight loss surgery. I know the percentage of people with regrets is small, my sur…

Hi everyone, I have an upcoming Psych eval ( over Zoom) for WLS. What would disqualify me or not clear me for surgery? I have heard a few people say that they didn't pass their Psych exam, why?

My procedure for gastric sleeve surgery is scheduled for July 23rd in Mexico with Dr. Illian. I find myself watching every video and reading all the info I can get my hands on as I'm wanting to be and feel as prepared as possible. I want so badly for all to go well and to start this new chapter in my life. All that being said I do have some concerns. My biggest being that I have a large family with 5 children and I'm worried that they're going to hate all the changes that are going to be happening and that it's going to be really hard on them. Has anyone experienced anything like this? Or is there any advice you could give me? I'd really appreciate it. Thanks

I must be honest i am terrified in getting into a relationship. I am scared of men at this point. I dont wanna get in a relationship and the guy gets jealous and start acting a fool! Im waiting until after i have had the surgery and after im done with nursing school to even be talking to men at thid point.. Ive passed up a few potential men since i broke it off with my ex sep 2015! Even then he demand i not get the surgery and accused me of being VAIN so i put off the surgery.. Now its time to do me! Sent from my SM-N920T using the BariatricPal App

Just found out my insurance covers VSG! I still have some hoops to go through! I need your help! Who is the best primary Dr to go to here in San Antonio TX? I have undiagnosed anxiety about being judged by the Dr, so I’ve never had a primary dr to go too??

Hey y’all! I’m an eager beaver ?!!! I start my new job at Nationwide call center in April 5th! I’ve already started the process to get gastric sleeve done but I hit a road block when my current employers insurance does not cover the surgery at all!! Does anyone know if Nationwide’s insurance cover the surgery??

Hi All, I have been on a weight loss journey for a while and finally decided that I want to go the bariatric surgery route. Right now I’m thinking more about the vertical sleeve as the pros and cons are better than the gastric bypass. I’ve been told by my Doctor he doesn’t do the gastric banding as the cons far outweigh anything else and it has a bigger chance of failing or just not working properly. He will do it if I push for it but has said the number around the world is very small due to the complications I have been told to consider the Bypass or the sleeve. For those that have done either one do you regret not doing the other? I have had all my te…

Hello all I just had surgery on 4/28 and I’m feeling great and have no problems. My only issue is that I have an overwhelming need to chew. I’m reaching all my hydration and food goals...not hungry, just need to chew. I am chewing gum and it seems to help some but I am so over sweet things. I need something savory, any suggestions? Thanks.

Hi everyone, Anyone else having the surgery on the same day as me? My work colleague is also having it done, 5 days before me. I am so excited to be doing this!

So, I'm pre-surgery (self-pay) in Canada, and the process is incredibly smooth and quick. But on the other hand, apart from the nuts and bolts of the diet, not much attention is spent on the other educational aspects of post-rny life. Could anyone suggest sources of educational / motivational authors for me to dive into to get a better sense of what I'm going to be encountering on the journey? I'd heard of Dr. Duc Vuong - anyone else you're found helpful?

Hi all! I had my final consult with the surgeon last week and paperwork has been submitted for insurance approval! I am hoping to schedule surgery for sometime in July, if all goes well. My surgeon requires a 14 day liquid only protein diet prior to surgery (3 protein shakes and 1 small yogurt per day). In an attempt to 'practice' and get a sense for what this will be like, I have tried to follow this diet a few times. And by late afternoon each time, I cave and eat something. I don't know how I will be able to do this for 2 weeks! I am fully invested in this process and committed to this new lifestyle but really find it hard to do only liquids. Any suggestions? Ti…

Today is day 14 of my pre-op liver shrink diet. Tomorrow is full liquids and Friday is the big day. I’m a ball of nerves. I was allowed 3 protein shakes per day, unlimited no calorie clear liquids, and 4 oz of lean protein and 2 cups of raw or 1 cup of raw veggies per day. I did not cheat. Not one time. I am so proud of myself for making it. It was not easy. Lots of ups and downs emotionally but I survived. I know I can do this now! I’m down 12 pounds since I began the liver shrink diet. That makes my total loss pre surgery at 50 (!) pounds. I am shocked and honestly didn’t think I would lose much during the last 6 months. About 10 years ago …

I met with my surgeon this week to schedule my surgery (yay!) I have a BMI of 44 and am 263, and would like to lose 100 lbs. I asked him about how to be successful at this and he said some interesting things that surprised me. Namely: 1) Generally, BMI will go down about 10-12 points but not much more. (That would still leave me overweight! I want to get to a healthy BMI!) 2) People who lose weight before surgery (whether liquid diets, low cal, low carb) don't always lose as much after surgery. I was surprised because I thought that the more weight I lost beforehand would be better. I've seen lots of people on here who lost weight on their pre-surgery diet …

So I’m 3 days from surgery on a liquid diet and messed up bad I had 5 potato chips. Have I completely ruined surgery?

Mine is tomorrow and I'm all of a sudden very stressed out about it. My brain likes to create problems.

Hi Everyone! New to the forum. Decided after years of being overweight and uncomfortable in my own body, to finally take care of me. Have had all my pre-op testing. Passed everything with no issues. Hoping to hear from pre-op coordinator on my surgery consult date next week. Would love to get surgery scheduled by the end of April! Ready for a better, healthier version of me! ?

Hi all! Did anyone get the gastric sleeve surgery and pay out of pocket? My BMI is 37 so my insurance company won’t cover me. Does anyone know the approximate time frame from the consult date to the actual surgery date being that I won’t have to go through any insurance hoops? Thanks in advance

My consultation went really good .Eventhough I have had reflux he thinks I will be ok. I haven’t had a problem with reflux since my gallbladder was removed. The main question that I have does everybody have a upper G.I. Or is it because I’ve had reflux before

Starting pre surgery diet tomorrow for 4 weeks. Surgery date is May 13. Anyone else starting this or going to start soon?

Has anyone tried keto pills before your surgery to help lose some weight? And did they help?

I am nearly prepared for surgery. Just have to get a few last minute supplies & it’s “t-time!”. Then one-two nights in hospital, depending on how I do. Now that I have lost 15 pounds the first 13 days on the pre-op diet, I KNOW I can follow the post-op diet, AND I know I can change my eating habits for life. I’ve done a LOT of difficult things in my life; this is just another one! The pre-op diet has given me renewed confidence, so my anxiety over failure is waning. OTHERS DiD THiS, I CAN DO THIS & SO CAN YOU!!! Thank you to the many BP members who have helped SO much to make my WL journey easier!!

Hello everyone and welcome to my very first post! (READ ON TO LEARN A BIT ABOUT ME OR SKIP TO LAST PARAGRAPH IF THIS IS TOO LONG, which admittedly, it probably is lol. ? ) I've been a reader for about a year now, and now that I'm seeing a light at the end of the bariatric tunnel, I decided to join the forum. I've been wanting to do surgery for a long long time, over a decade at this point. In my early twenties my parents even considered sending me to the Dominican Republic (my birth place) to be with family and get the surgery there with a known doctor. Ultimately the cost was prohibitive for a young girl in college and I was still attempting to lo…

What are some things you plan on rewarding yourself with as you hit your weight-loss goals? (Or health/fitness goals, etc.) I can only come up with a few: -new leggings -new Fitbit band (old one getting too big!) -new workout shoes

Started my liquid diet a month early im wanting to shrink my liver a little more before surgery my surgery date is June 3 having sleeve what do anyone think about starting early your pre -op diet ??? My doctor just ask 2 week before surgery

Okay so I have a question. Why didn’t my surgeon not give me a full two weeks on the diet? I was called this pst Wednesday (4/28/21) at noon telling me my surgery is scheduled for next Wednesday (5/5/21) so that’s barely 7 days to diet. Is this a normal thing that can happen or has happened to anyone?? Any thoughts or ideas

Hello, I am just starting the process. It is something I have been discussing and thinking about for years. I remember discussing it with my father 14 years ago. Finally decided it's time after seeing pictures from Spring Break and after telling my son I can't do the cliff diving with him or go down the waterslide with him. Couldn't pull myself up out of the water to go up the stairs to the cliff diving and couldn't go up the 190 stairs to the top of the waterslide. I would have held up a lot of people. My best friend and another friend were with us so they did those things with him. I was mad at myself!! I have a consult set up for Wednesday with one of …

I started my liquid diet today, surgery is May 4th. I was fine until I wasn’t, all I want is salty food because the protein shakes satisfy the sweet tooth. I’m also supposed to have fruit juice with the shakes as part of my programs diet, but that just seems crazy. So much sugar! Does anyone else’s program have them with 3 protein shakes and 24oz of fruit juice a day? I’m getting paranoid about it that it’s not gonna do anything.

I'm in tomorrow for the sleeve. I'm not as scared as I was when I first started. I didn't know if I had the emotional fortitude to give up my best friend, food. Through the 2 week diet, watching my family eat their meals while eating soup, I found i wasn't going crazy. I wasn't even grieving. I am ready to change.

Today is day 12 of my post-op full liquid diet. Not as bad as I thought it would be. Two more days before my puree stage. I thought it would be really really hard but it's not I have my son so I still have to cook dinner for him and it doesn't even bother me the food that is

Yes. I am ashamed. I ate a cup of nonfat yogurt with 1/8 cup of brown sugar and cocoa. Boy was it good but it wasn’t worth it. I felt much better physically the rest of the day after that, but I got on the scale tonight and I weigh 5 pounds more than I did this morning. So now I have lost a net 7 pounds instead of 12 in 6 days. I’m not going to kick myself over it. For now I guess I’ve got to continue the keto journey even if i do not feel well most of the time. Because I’ve passed out once and almost again yesterday, I am going to call the general doctor tomorrow to schedule an appointment before surgery. Because I don’t think things are right with my body. The b…

I don’t know where else to ask this. for some reason out of no where I am having a pain in my abdominal fat. I never had this before and am wondering if anyone else ever had this. It’s not the “I can feel my fat growing” pain but like a dull uncomfortable pain in the muffin top area on the right side. It doesn’t feel like an organ or muscle pain but a literal pain in the fat. i have not had surgery. anyone ever experience this?

Hi everyone, I’m 32 and this is my second time going through this pre-approval process. I originally started in 2017, and between my best friend passing and an unreachable advocate, I gave up. So, I restarted the process in November and while waiting for my initial referral to go through, I began my weightloss attempts only to find out my insurance no longer requires them. I’ve just got to have my PCP write up my recommendation letter and my advocate should be submitting it Monday March 23rd. I have HighMark BCBS insurance and was wondering if anyone else has it and if you could provide me a timeframe of the insurance approval, to pre-op consultation, liquid-diet, and a s…

Hello, my surgery date is May 5th. My pre op diet starts today. Anyone else has the same surgery date?

Hi everyone. I am on day #4 of the pre-op diet. Today I started feeling terrible, nausea, sweating alternating with chills.... I got up too quickly and passed out. Thankfully my daughter came and checked my blood sugar. It was too low at 55. She got me some squash and I ate that but 30 min later felt bad again. I am on 4 protein shakes a day, 1.5 gm of sugar in each, plus 1 cup of low-carb veggies. One protein shake can be exchanged for 3 ounces of meat. I don’t know if I can do this diet with fewer than 15 carbs/day. It’s causing me some depression. I am 65 years old, CW269, surgery date 5/5. Anyone else have these issues?

So I finish yesterday my first day of full liquids my date will be May 6..so I am still have a long way to go... My question will be how much water weight or weight loss you have during this step. I been reading it could be 10 or 20...

Has anyone tried the multivitamin patches they have now? I'm researching which vitamins to take after surgery and came across the patches, I've never heard of them before. Also, I'm having a very hard time finding a multi vitamin that has all the required stuff in it. How many vitamins does it usually take to get everything needed?

So I started my 2 week liquid diet last Wednesday, I’ve been strict each day doing really good but on Saturday I was celebrating my sister in law’s birthday and my doctor said I could have One meal that day, so I had a shrimp cocktail and a few glasses of wine and some beers. today (Sunday) we ordered lots of food to finish celebrating her birthday. One thing led to the other and I ate really bad. Had a few beers and ate just way too much. i only did it because, this was once in a blue type thing. We don’t really order much food like today but since it was her birthday we got so much stuff and it was hard to sit there and drink a shake or broth while e…

Hi guys, I'm new to this community but have been struggling with my weight my entire life. I've been considering WLS for the past year. I would very much like to undergo surgery this year. I have access to a large academic medical center through my employer, and the weight loss clinic there has excellent providers (I say this to say I didn't see a hack). I saw one last year and we discussed my history of disordered eating (restricting then binging/purging, yoyo dieting, hiding extra food from others) and was very candid. I also have a history of alcoholism (sober 10 years). The provider I saw told me I was very different from the patients she usually sees which leads me t…