PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Did not plan on taking the surgical route but given just how much weight i need to lose (5’4”, 290 lbs) it seems like the way to go. I went to a local bariatric center and met with the dietitian for the first appointment. I do not like her at all. She’s young, unprofessional and I don’t feel comfortable with her. Unfortunately it’s the only dietitian they have. I don’t know any of the other staff yet, however and my next appt is supposed to be with her again and the NP. My only alternative is to go to a wls clinic an hour away. But I have to wait until May to get in unless a waitlist spot opens. Is that worth it? Is the dietitian going to play a major role here besid…

24 hrs and a wake up. My nerves are kicking

I am coming up fast on my surgery, 3 days and counting. So I am attempting to food prep for recovery since I have 4 children ramging in age from 11 months to 12 years old., my hubby will have his hands full trying to take over as Mr Mom while I recover for the first 2 weeks. I am hoping to have easy recovery meals planned out for me so all he has to do is microwave them for me or I can just throw them together easily. I am planning so far on mostly pureed soups but mostly because I cant think of other things that appeal to me. Blending eggs is just not something I am going to be able to do. I dont eat fish, canned chicken, eggs, greek yogurt, cot…

My doctor told me I could do a 1 day pre op diet. Is that normal? Am I the only one? Please help, I’m confused.

Hi all! I am hoping to get some information/tips/tricks. I have to wear a CPAP machine with 80% compliance or 4 hours a night. First, does any one know why it has to be worn? I got little to no information from my surgeon’s office. Second, any tips/tricks on wearing it. I have made it 4-6 hours but wake up with it not on. Third, did anyone not meet compliance? What happened? No surgery ever? Or try for 30 days again? i searched for cpap compliance and didn’t get what I needed so I would appreciate any and all help. Thanks!!

I’m on a two week clear liquid diet, but i’m allowed to eat raw vegetables such as carrots... I can’t eat celery or broccoli because of some stringy thing in them or something, not too sure I plan on calling my nutritionist omorrow for clarification. My question, does anyone know of any other raw vegetables allowed, or have any advice of their favorite things to eat to help me survive? ? Thank you!

I'm doing my surgery at one hospital, which requires bloodwork, endoscopy, psych assessment, nutritionist visits, and six months of visits. Because it's not super-convenient for me to get to, I decided to do my endoscopy with a doctor that is in the hospital's network, but closer to where I live. She was really surprised that I didn't need a sleep study, pulmonologist clearance, stress test, and cardiology clearance (and, oddly, repeatedly asked ME why all of this wasn't required, even though I am definitely not the one deciding on what the program's requirements are or knowing what their rationale is?). I imagine, they'll do whatever clearance they need at the pre-op te…

I started this process in October 2020 and I just got scheduled for surgery April 20, 2021. Woo-hoo! EDIT: Just found an April 2021 surgery group was already started in the Gastric Bypass forum. ? No way to delete this post?

I started 7 days of pre-op optifast (which is a liquid diet) today. Which means I’m 9 days away from sleeve surgery! I’m lucky in that I also get to eat 2 cups of veggies (and broth/sugar free liquids) per day too. How is everyone else doing in their first few days? Any tricks or tips or insights to share? My first is that Optifast or vanilla protein powder blended with warm (but not boiling) Rooibos Chai tea is genuinely DELICIOUS. I had a chai latte and it was so good. My second is that even being in the kitchen is really hard. I’m avoiding it unless I have a specific task. And then I’m using self-talk (literally out loud!) to say, “yeah. It’s hard be…

Hey Y'all, so my Surgery is this coming Tuesday! Im having the RNY, and I was just on the hospitals page, because im an obsessive planner, and saw a part where it said to bring an adult who can sign consent papers to be with you. Now, my Husbands in the military and we dont live super close to family, on top of that we JUST moved here, so I lined up a babysitter to watch them when my Husband comes to pick me up from the Hospital for Discharge, get the instructions and sign paperwork. But, the clinic didnt mention anything about needing a support person there the day of, so im wondering, how many of you guys went by yourself and didnt have someone in the waiting area for …

Hi! My surgery is scheduled for March 15th and I have a couple of random questions. 1. What is this dry mouth spray I have seen on here?! I already have cotton mouth from the liquid diet (sounds counterintuitive, but I feel like I can't get enough to drink), so I think I will definitely need this when surgery day arrives. What is the brand? Cost? Where can I find it? 2. This pre-op liquid diet is definitely a struggle. I am SO TIRED and I'm on day 4. Is this normal? Will I be this tired until I have surgery? All I want to do is sleep, I don't even think about food because I just want to sleep all the time. 3. I am terrified to take pain medication for the …

I'm taking Ozempic for my diabetes. I will speak with my endocrinologist before my surgery, but I'm curious to know if those of you who were taking Ozempic before surgery for diabetes (not for weight loss) continued the Ozempic through/after surgery, or if medications were stopped, or if the injection was replaced by something else? I'm on Ozempic because Metformin caused major hair loss for me, and I don't want to take it.

Hello everyone! I am a high school teacher and am scheduled to have the sleeve my first day of spring break. I also took off the week following that. I understand that everyone heals and recovers differently and in their own time, however, I am wondering how quickly some of you were able to return to work (if your job isn’t too physically straining)?

I am currently in the six months medical supervised diet per my insurance. I started at 217 lbs. BMI is around 40. I’m 4’11” and 200 lbs. I figure to expect about a 10 pound preop diet weight loss which would put me at 190. My question to myself is constantly, “Is it worth getting permanent surgery to lose an additional 70 lbs?” I’ve tried dieting before and failed, gained more weight. I have diabetes and sleep apnea. I’m on weight loss meds from my doc. I feel like that’s the only reason I’m losing weight. This keeps me up at night. Do I pursue the surgery or just continue to follow this weight loss doc and hope for the best?

Hello everyone, I live in Tucson & my insurance is Arizona Complete Health (medicaid in AZ) & requires 6 months diet plan w/ Primary doc, Cardiologist (EKG), Pulmonologist (chest x-ray), sleep study, nutritionist, psych eval, endoscopy, & letter of rec from primary care doc. It is a lot, but you got to do what you got to do! Does anyone have recommendations for a Cardiologist, Pulmonologist, & sleep study doc or place in Tucson? Thank you!

Hi all - going to be starting my pre-op diet. The directions have a list of vegetables, but it doesn't say anything about raw vs cooked or using spices or oil to cook them in? Help?

Any recommendations for stop losing hair?

hello I am looking for some advice. My surgery is on March 23rd but I have a family emergency so I need to reschedule it. Is anyone using kaiser insurance ? And do you think it’ll be tough to reschedule the surgery? I’m in southern ca by the way. Thanks for any help.

Hello All, I am in Maine and I am surprised to be having my consult with the bariatric surgeon on Monday March 15. A couple questions; Is there anyone else here that has had the surgery in Maine? Which will help with the following question... how soon can you expect surgery after your initial consult? I am a little excited and nervous at the same time. I put off exploring bariatric surgery for years and finally decided enough was enough... any feedback you can provide will be greatly appreciated. thank you in advance!

My surgery is tomorrow. I have to be at the hospital at 6 am and of course we are expecting a winter storm tonight! Anyway, I’m kind of freaking out. I’m really scared about the spinal block I’m going to get. I’m also not looking forward to spending the night at the hospital. And.... I’m scared about all the life changes that are to come. Although, I know that I am making the right decision. I’m just starting to freak out.

So I have 11 days left until my surgery woot woot! But I have set a goal to lose 15 more lbs before surgery so I have started working out again now that I have some energy again. But I am finding it is making me very hungry. Is this normal? Will it go away after a few days? Or should I not be working out? I dont want to sabotage myself but I really want to hit my goal. Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated!

Liquid diet starts on Tuesday for surgery on March 30th! My fridge is now full of protein shakes and my cupboards are full of broth and jello mix! I know it’s going to be difficult, but I’m also so excited. Walking through the store today, I browsed the other foods but obviously just stuck to my shopping list and it felt so freeing. I can’t wait to have this tool to help break my dependency on food and impulses.

Hi, anyone so excited that they want to post a before picture before getting a surgery date? I am! Join me.

I've had no problem with water intake. I can drink water just as well now than pre surgery it seems. Last day of clear liquid then Liquid for 2 weeks I think. I seem to have some swelling or bloating in my abdomen. I dont think this is gas. Could be trauma from surgery and swollen maybe? Trocar sites are itchy but seem to be healing well. Anyone experience similar? Thanks for any input. I am incourged by absolutely no hunger at this point!!

I am on day 11 of my pre-op diet and am having surgery Monday. The past 3 days I've been experiencing dizzy/lightheaded spells. They come on suddenly and only last a second or two and typically occur when I am standing or walking. Has anyone else experienced this or know what could be causing it? I have attributed it to the fact that I've been on a liquid diet for over a week, but I'm not totally sure.

I'm having my gastric Bypass on the 16th and was just wondering if anyone here is on the same day or around the same day! I have not been put on a post OP diet because I've been trying keeping my weight under control. I've been cleared by my doctor and had my covid test done today. I'm all set to go!

I started my preop diet yesterday and it ain’t easy lol I stocked up on protein shakes and sugar free popsicles but nothing else. It is definitely doable but it’s hard not going to lie. Any one else feel this way?

Hi guys I recently started the pre-op liquid diet and had some questions. I purchased premier protein shakes, are they good for pre-op, I also bought water and low calorie snapple. So what I am doing is drinking a shake for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and drinking clear liquids in between. Is this good? Can I mix a fruit/ vegetable with the premier protein shake? Advice and tips please thank you!

Ok so far I have been extremelj lucky I am only on anti inflammatory and Tylenol and I don’t have a lot of pain. I am able to drink so easily that they gave me a little cup to slow me down. I can walk around short distances by myself. I am soooooooo thankful for all the tips people on this chat gave me to bring pajama pants, chap stick and dry mouth spray as I have used them all and they have resolved aloe of issues. The hospital did give me chapstick too as well as toothpaste and toothbrush but of course I packed My own. The nurses here are wonderful. They are so attentive and so amazed that I had surgery today and am feeling as well as I do. I am not out…

Good morning everyone. About to head to the hospital for my pre-admin testing. Just want it to be done and over with I hate getting my blood drawn ugh! Wish me luck!

How soon can you go back to work after surgery?

Quick question... I understand all surgeons are different as are their plans. My surgeon is not allowing me to have caffeine on my pre-op diet. I am a teacher trying to make it through parent/teacher conference week on a liquid diet, little sleep, and no coffee. Does anyone know the reason for not having coffee/caffeine on the pre-op diet? I could use a hot cup right about now... ?

I am on day 8 of my pre-op liquid diet. I have done well...until yesterday. I'm not sure what came over me, but I ate an entire handful of almonds and immediately experienced immense regret. I know I need to follow this diet to shrink my liver, I have no excuses for what I did. I just feel ashamed and needed to get it off my chest!

Hi all - I'm currently working my way through the insurance waiting period to get the Gastric Sleeve. How often does everyone follow up with their bariatric facility on this process? I want to ensure things keep moving along as I have been working this process for nearly a year across two different facilities. I followed up with them last week and they stated they were waiting for one last piece of paperwork to be processed and would likely be submitting the next day and that they would let me know once they had submitted. My current plan is to follow up once a week, but, I also don't want to become that annoying patient everyone hates to see an email from. I had be…

OMG I can’t believe the time has finally come. I am down to my last day of liquid diet and I have to be at hospital at 5:30am tomorrow. To say I am nervous and elated would be understatements. Any last tips or advice?

For those of you in Kentucky, who are on medicaid (Wellcare preferably), How long did it take you to get your surgery? How much of it was covered? I asked wellcare myself but they wouldnt give me the amount unless i was a couple months away from surgery, so just curious what everyones experience has been with wellcare and their coverage & approval process. Thank you!

Hi everyone! I’m just starting my process and was hoping maybe you all could give me some feed back of your beginning experiences. I’m very fortunate to have an insurance plan provides coverage for bariatric surgery (I am not sure which procedure I will be having yet- appt with surgeon is on 3/25). I just spoke with the coordinator at the surgeons office and she said that I have the option of doing a 12 month nutrition program through my pcp, or I can meet with their nutritionist for 12 visits at $35 each that insurance doesn’t cover. They have it set up that I am doing two nutrition appointments a week, so that meets the insurance requirement around mid May. Did anyon…

I just got scheduled for my surgery March 25, 2021! I am so excited and so scared all at the same time! It is crazy how I feel. I keep looking at posts for inspiration and motivation to keep going. Reminding myself, wow that could be me in a few months! Anyone else feeling like this and scheduled for Gastric Bypass this month?

Has anyone had bariatric surgery at Walter Reed since COVID started? Looking for recent knowledge of the process. I have my 3-hour starter seminar later this month, but would love to learn more before then!

Hello all. I started my liquid diet yesterday and I felt pretty good as far as not being hungry (I craved regular food, but my stomach told me it was full of liquid). I drank almost a gallon of water, had some jello and a few popsicles, 12 oz fruit juice, and exceeded my protein goal in protein shakes. However, toward the end of the day (early evening) I started getting a headache. I went to bed thinking that would help, but I woke up and my headache is even worse now. Is this normal? How long will it last? What can I do to help it? Thanks in advance!

I’m trying to drop weight prior to probable surgery, I’ve started basic,y a keto diet, per my doctor, I’m wondering what anyone’s thoughts on MCT oil is? Does it actually help, should I take it?

I finally have my 1st appt for bariatric surgery but it is w/ a nurse practitioner instead of surgeon...anyone else have this? What type of questions should I ask since it is not w/ the surgeon.

Hello, one week out from vsg and having severe cold feet. Worried about the future and long term complications as I’m young M27. Starting weight 377 How is everyone doing. Any tips? I’m worried about regret.

I have a surgery date of April 12th and I’ve been struck by this intense fear of it just not working. What if I wake up from surgery craving a cheeseburger? What if I don’t feel any different and I’m just a bottomless pit? I feel like my willpower wavers as the day goes on so I am really hoping for a drastic shift in my hormones and cravings after surgery. Does the desire for junk food and urges to binge just go away? I know what to do, I have the food prepped, and I have already completed so many of these hurdles. But just...WHAT IF IT DOESN’T WORK? (Not yelling—just freaking out!)

I have already been approved for surgery. My surgeon has me on a 3 week preop liquid diet consisting of 3 protein shakes a day with water in between. Im on day 8 and Ive already lost 15 pounds. At this rate if I keep losing like this I will go under my BMI... (I wasn't too far from it to begin with).... can insurance deny surgery if I go under the 35 BMI during preop diet?

My PCP sent me for an abdominal ultrasound as part of my regular checkup. Gallstones were discovered. PCP advised that she could refer me to have a removal if I was having symptoms, I have been off and on for some time, but they hadn't been terrible and I was just living with the irregular bouts of discomfort. I'm done with all my pre-surgery clearances and just waiting to get through my last 2 dietician appointments. What I'm wondering is - should I contact my surgeon's office to let them know about the gallstones. Wondering what the likely outcome will be, if it'll be safe to go ahead as planned or if this is going to delay my sleeve surgery or if I need to see if I …

Im 5'3 and 187 pounds with type 2 diabetes will i qualify for gastric seleve surgery?

So my doc is scheduling me for my post op appointments and pre admin testing making this seem so real BUT I still haven’t received approval from insurance. So I can’t get excited because I’m so nervous I may be denied AGAIN! I mean this time I’m with a new insurance company but I’m still so nervous about!!!! It’s been 2 weeks with no approval and I just want to know so can prepare for the new me!!!! Doc doesn’t seem worried at all.

I have read that the surgery will be canceled if they see any cuts on your stomach due to possible infection. my burn is small and there’s a small piece of skin that is peeled off. I’ve googled where they would make the incisions and the burn isn’t really near there but its at the bottom right of my belly button. Is there a chance my surgery might be canceled? I have had it rescheduled twice :(

I am looking into the sleeve revision surgery, yes weight gain in the last year. All time low 148 pounds. Im at 184 now.Im kicking my own ass,failure again. Who has had the "sloppy sleeve" revised or from sleeve to gastric bypass? I do medical abroad in Mexico . Lapband in 2008. VSG in 2016 . Thanks for reading