PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone, I am having a lot of anxiety regarding my decision to do this surgery. I had my surgery set in July and I chickened out, then September, now finally in October. Here is the thing, I am in my final year of my PhD studies and it is very stressful. I am not eating healthy and just the thought of all the work needed to do this surgery is stressing me out. I had a spinal fusion surgery in February and I have been dealing with chronic back pain. I suffer from depression because of it. I feel like doing the surgery now is too overwhelming. But I feel a lot guilt for not prioritizing my health. What if I put of the VSG surgery and my back gets worse in a ye…

Hi All This is a great forum ! I have my date...24th October ! I'm currently 177kg and can't wait to start seeing the weight drop ! Hoping for lots of replies with your success stories to keep me motivated as my journey begins please !!!!! S

I have decided that I want to get a vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I'm concerned about insurance approval and wondering if anyone has any experience with a similar set of circumstances. My BMI is 39.7 (talk about a bogus double edged sword) I have high cholesterol, though not enough for medication. I also have generalized anxiety, a titch of depression, hidradenitis supuritiva, chronically sore back and knees. I know my specific insurance covers VSG but I'm worried they won't cover me. I've already seen my PCP and she's onboard and has given me a referral to a bariatric center here. Now I'm just waiting for my consult. Anyone have a similar set of circumstances and get…

Hi all, I am seriously considering weight loss surgery as I have recently been diagnosed with PCOS and I have been bitterly unhappy with my weight for many years. I am 34 years old, I have a BMI of 40.8 and am a size 20-22, I am 5ft 6. I have had a referral to my Dr's from my gynaecologist suggesting some type of bariatric surgery so hopefully my Dr will refer me. I am unsure the Pros and Cons of the different types from my research I have read the Gastric Sleeve or Bypass are the main two is this correct? Also can I please have as many replies as possible to what surgery you have had, the pros but mainly the cons. How long ago you had s…

I've been on a strict, 2 week pre-op diet of 900 calories a day or less. I've been finding it surprisingly easy... 2 protein shakes and 2 protein bars per day, along with a fibre supplement drink and multi-vitamin. I'm losing weight well, but more importantly, I'm confident that I'm shrinking my liver. I'm flying internationally for my surgery. It'll be the first time (and probably the last time in a long time) for me to fly Business. It seems like such a huge shame to not enjoy some of the fantastic business class hospitality. Do you think that a single 'off-plan' meal is enough to undo 2 weeks of hardcore liver shrinking? I'm not talking pizza or a huge bowl of pa…

I’m suddenly panicking. Surgery is the 15th. I’ve been on a liquid diet since Tuesday. The nutritionist told me that I could have a banana during the day if I needed sowmthing. Now reading other things, I’m afraid doing that has messed up my liver shrinking?? I’ve had one to two bananas a day since Tuesday. Please tell me I haven’t messed up?

Hi! So I have an anxiety disorder and it makes talking on the phone really difficult for me. I already got set up and had my call with an Optum BRS nurse (who was super sweet) since I have UHC PLus. I got the ok to set up my first appointment but have been having lots of anxiety over calling to see how the process goes with all the COVID restrictions. well today I finally did it! It may sound small but for me it’s a big deal. I go to an online seminar this Saturday and then I have an appointment with the dr I’d researched and liked most (Dr. Emil Graf) September 2nd as this is the soonest availability. a couple questions.. A. What can I exp…

My surgery is scheduled in November. I don’t have to start the pre-op diet until October, but I’ve been eating pretty close to it for the past 8 weeks anyway. I’ve hardly been eating enough to have any gastrointestinal motility. My eating has consisted of protein drinks plus one small meal per day. I’ve been drinking plenty of water and even taking fiber. But I’m getting horrible constipation. Last night I was in incredible pain from it. Has anyone else had this problem? How have you dealt with it?

It's 2am I can't sleep, Feeling so restless.. just nervous and excited and anxious to get my surgery over with. It's just started to sink in and in the process it's driving me a little crazy [emoji51] please someone talk to me!! lol

Hello Im new to this group and in the early stages and I am looking for encouragement because I am quite nervous. A little about myself is I’m 33 and always struggled with my weight but was an athlete and was a competitive softball pitcher and I always worked out growing up but love sweets and bread. Before I had my kids I joined zumba classes and lost quite a bit. After my 2 kids I let my food addiction take over and just struggled with my weight and was told by the doctor I need to lose 100lbs and weight loss surgery would be a good option because heart strokes and heart attacks run in my family and to change my lifestyle. I then joined Beachbody 3 weeks ago and been w…

Hi Everyone, This is my first post. I have been having a lot of health issues and health scares this year. I had pnuemonia earlier this year when covid first came around. Recently had a biopsy of the endometrium which came back normal. Now i am waiting for a biopsy to be done on my left breast. All while breaking my foot almost three weeks ago. I weigh 240 and can't help to think my weight has had an effect on all these health issues. Im 40 and want my life back. I am in month 4 of my weightloss pre-op program before gastric sleep. Still need to have tests and finish my 5th and 6th monthly appointment with the bariatric PA. However, i am scared to the core of having …

Hey guys, Anybody ever got their surgery date before getting the surgery approved by insurance? Surgery date is October 19th. My program coordinator seemed like that was the usual and had no doubt they would approve it when she called me today but I don't want to get my hopes up and then have a problem with my insurance. Any advice?

I am starting my two week liquid pre-op diet on Wednesday. I’m looking for the best tasting broths out there and any other suggestions you might have to get my through these couple of weeks. Thanks!!

I have seen this posted on here somewhere, but can't seem to locate the thread. What is recommended to pack when headed to the hospital? I am going to be having surgery in the US at a bariatric center of excellence and staying 2 full nights, 3 days. Ready, set, go - respond with your suggestions....

Surgery done on this day

I am having a lot of anxiety surrounding the surgery. I want to know every detail. I think this is me trying to have control over something so drastically life changing. I am having surgery in Washington State on Sept. 30th. I anticipate when I get there, they'll do a urinalysis, and blood work. What exactly will they be testing for? I imagine pregnancy, blood count...what else? Will they be checking vitamin levels? Please let me know what all you were tested for day of and all details you are willing to share. If my vitamin D and Iron is low, will my surgery be cancelled? I've struggled (even with supplements) to bring my Vit. D levels up. I imagine an IV, hea…

So after 2 months of not smoking I caved in and had a cigarette yesterday. Dumb I know. Nicotine stays in your system for up to 4 days. Did anyone get screened for nicotine (or any other drug) on the day of surgery? My surgery is in 4 days and I'm worried that it'll come up.

I'm new to the forums, but have been reading for a while. So hello! [emoji4] I'm sitting in the waiting room of my surgeon's office, getting ready to chat with him before scheduling. I'm super excited, and ready to get going. Already did my psych eval (I'm sane! Go figure... [emoji1]) and spoke to the dietician. Looking forward to my journey. Hoping I don't end up hating the few foods I currently like...

I am looking at my schedule for work to see when the best time would be for me to have my surgery. I work with the school system and we will be out for 2 weeks during Christmas. I only have 2 weeks sick time saved. So my dilemma is, Should I use my time to stay home while doing the pre op diet and then recover from surgery during our 2 week Christmas break? I am worried about the pre op diet but I know I can get through it. Any suggestions from anyone that has been through the pre op diet and what was your experience?

So provisionally booked for 24th October for a gastric sleeve Suddenly I feel very very anxious and worried I'm not going to cope Biggest concern is how I overcome knowing that I will never eat lovely food again and will miss out on all my favourite foods I know that's how I got obese in the first place but I am a HUGE comfort eater and I really enjoy food !! Help !!!

Hi I'm scheduled for 10/1/2020. I'm in the midst of my 2 wk Pre-OP diet and I'm so ready to start on this new journey. Is anyone else scheduled for October?

Is there anything you might suggest I get before surgery? For example, I've seen people wearing abdominal binders, using 2 oz cups to pre- measure servings, etc. Thanks for any advice you could provide!

Hi fellow October folks - Thought it would be fun to do a roll call and to see our surgery months/twins. I extrapolated as much as I could from our Surgery Thread but if I missed anything....feel free to cut and paste and repost and add your date. Good luck to us all! October 1 - @Panda333 @lingre @Lizzie @JessTucker04 @ypease October 2 October 3 October 4 October 5 October 6 October 7 @MwtRBP @Joyfuljourney @LaLasQuest October 8 @DaisyJane @aurilove @Ng4345 October 9 October 10 October 11 @alyons23 @Little Debbie 77 @Nonnaof4 October 12 October 12 October 14 October 15 ) @pssk @sferen October…

My bariatric surgeon told me I needed to lose 20 pounds before the surgery. I remember at the time thinking “I’ll smash that, I’ll lose 25.” Here I am now, halfway through the 6 month period before my final consult, and I’ve lost 5 pounds. I’m stressing out a little bit because I wanted to lose at least the 20, but now it’s practically logistically impossible. Every day I keep logging my food and getting exercise, but I’m still having 2000-2300 calories a day on average. I talked to my primary care doctor and she said that generally all they want is a show of good faith that you can lose weight and stay focused most of the time. I think a lot of my struggles are stem…

I bought some calcium citrate chewable tablets. I have been taking them as prescribed. For some reason they burn my tongue unless I quickly swallow them with water. Am I going crazy? Is it just me?

So I want a gastric sleeve. I have been up and down (mostly up) since I was a teenager...Im now 40 with 2 small children. Currently I weigh 390lb or 177kg....am I too large for this surgery ? I would love to hear stories and see pictures of anyone similar ?? Thanks

I was intermittent fasting when I decided to look into bariatric surgery. Kaiser does not like intermittent fasting. I’m trying to transition back to eating multiple times a day while staying at 1200 calories. I’m failing. I have said no to doughnuts, soda, candy, snacks. I’m taking my vitamins and drinking my water. I initially lost three pounds but now I am stuck. Eating so often is so hard!

Hello I just finished my required 6 months of meeting with a nutritionist. During the 6 months I lost about 5 pounds. She just mentioned that I was expected to lose more, about 10-15 and that the doc would NOT clear me for surgery without losing 10-15 pounds. Now I am 10 days out from meeting the surgeon for my final appointment and to get approval. I need to lose 5+ pounds in the next 10 days and I am feeling overwhelmed. Any tips? Current stat 5’3 and 245lbs

I have a small problem. I have been wearing my cpap mask easily over 75% of the time(since starting about months) but I am nowhere near the 75% being at 4 hours or more(in last 30 days) I am required to be at(I end up unconsciously ripping off my mask anywhere from 1-5 hours (per the MyAir app) after having it on...I am pretty sure the requirement is from the surgeon and not my insurance. Has anyone else dealt with compliance time requirements like this for cpaps(insurance and/or surgeons)? Also, what do you do to keep the mask on the majority of the night? I am a stomach and side sleeper--my sleep study forced me to sleep on my back--(my back has never been a prefer…

Hello everyone, I am really nervous and keep going back and forth about the surgery. I'm getting varying advice from people around me. I can't decide what to do, to move forward with the surgery or cancel? Any tips or suggestions?

Well it is official ♡♡♡ paperwork for my precert was faxed in Tuesday and I called into the insurance to see if the have received it and was told I had been approved since Wednesday... woot woot.. so oct 14th is the date so now the anxiety starts to kick in?? 12 more days before the preop diet starts. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON GOOD PROTEIN BEVERAGES?

I am 5 days after surgery. i don’t get very hungry but I’m dying for a whole bottle of water I know I can’t have it that way ! I’m also scared to eat to much or to drink to much I feel like I wouldn’t loose any weight if I drink to much or eat to much. Am I the only random person that feels that way.

I'm normally prone to migraines but day 3 of this pre-op slim time liquid diet and I can't seem to shake it. Normally ill take a few Advil and my prescription and it will go away but now it's not doing anything. I'm also mindful that I won't be able to take Advil after surgery which is worrying me !

Ok I’m on my last month with dietician visits & last doctor visit. Bloodwork, psych done & Doctor letter of approval finished. The end is so close! I started this journey thinking only about the sleeve. Delays from Covid made this process longer and the more research I did, the more I came across sleeve conversion to bypass. I’ve had a change of heart and looking more into bypass because of the long term success rate. I’ve spent this entire year reaching for this goal and suddenly I’ve changed my mind on surgery type. Anybody else feel this way? Love any feedback right now. I’m 36 years old, can’t have anymore kids and I want the long term help to be successful at weight …

Hello Everyone!! I have my surgery dated for 12/5/20 Has anyone had surgery with Dr. Camelo in Tijuana... What advise do you have? Any tips in what to have handy for faster recovery????!!!!

I've met with my private consultant and I have opted for a gastric sleeve I weigh 177kg. Can you please share your stories of sucess as I am very anxious ? I can't ever imagine being lighter? I'm so worried about sticking to new eating habits as I am a terrible snacker and comfort eater !

Just curious how much everyone lost during their pre-op diet? I'm on a two week liquid diet and have lost 11 pounds and still have 4 days to go. Just wondering if I'm on the right track. As always, Thanks in advance! ❤️

Hey everybody, I just started my journey this week! The good news is Aetna, my insurance company, and probably many of yours, has revised their obesity surgery guidelines effective May 1, 2020. They have removed the need for weight loss or maintenance of 3 months or 6 months, and now only require 12 intensive appointments in a multi-component program that you are most likely already in the middle of :) So great news... I also talked to the insurance peeps yesterday and asked specifically about the 12 intensive appointments, and they said, it was just a number to guarantee that you were an established bariatric surgery patient following a program, but that the new g…

I’m scheduled to have my gastric bypass this coming Tuesday and I’m so anxious. I’ve wanted this and I’ve been ready and now I’m can’t stop worrying. Am I doing the right thing? I have a 5 year old that I’m his whole world.. what if something happens?? Ugh someone please please help me

I got a call late yesterday about my ride to get my covid test on Monday for my surgery....that means it is only 4 days away, I am excitedly nervous and anxious. I have had to rescheduled the surgery about 5 times after the first attempt failed a year ago and can't believe it is actually going to happen this time. I can't wait to get it done and get on with my life!!!!

On Nov 1,2020 i had the sleeve done. In the past 8 months i have only lost 70 pounds. I know i should be happy with that, but I'm not. I want more weight loss. At least another 30 pounds. A few months after the surgery i am always feeling hungry but i still can only eat about 3 bites of chicken and maybe 1 piece of broccoli. But the snacks go down no problem. Im the past week i have been so hungry all the time. Feel like I'm eating too much and afraid im stretching my stomach out and going to gain all the weight back that i works l worked so hard to lose. Any help? Any ideas? Why am i always hungry? Why am i not losing weight. I eat fruits and vegetables, fish a…

So I ended up having some turkey today. I’m on day 4. My surgery is on the 14th. Did I just mess it all up? I’ve been on liquids all four days and I plan on continuing to do the same the rest of the time. Did one cheat mess me up? :(

Hi everyone, sooo I'm on my liquid diet before surgery. I'm actually starting a week before I'm supposed to (cause I'm crazy) and I noticed that my throat feels thick from drinking the protein shakes. It kind of feels like I'm sick? Sounds odd I know. I've been drinking Premier Protein shakes. I have never had this issue before when I drink them. Maybe because I drinking them more? Just wanted to know if anyone else has experienced this before?

I’m on day 7 of my two week liquid diet. I’m over my protein drinks and sugar free jello and broth. I’m struggling to get my daily protein in because I don’t feel hungry or just don’t want it. All I want is a piece of chicken or something. Has anyone else felt like this before? If so what did you do to get pass it ?

Hi so can give it to me straight - tell me all the bad things nobody will tell you. I dont want to hear the good things just the bad things ... Not sure if getting a bypass or the sleeve yet. My tits are going to sag and skin is going to sag - I know from previous weight loss. I have a huge backside god only knows where that will end up. This journey isnt about vanity to me but my husband might not like it. I am having my lapband out (after 8 years of ups and downs) soon and am going through the NHS (UK) programme so I have a year or more before surgery. Is it worth the bad stuff? Embarrassed how my body has turned out. Eeek! everything else …

Hello, I'm just strting out the process of getting banded. I have my first appointment with Dr Stanley Roger in San Francisco on 7th Jan. Has anyone had their band there or met the doctor?

Sooo i need some help! My preop is July 27 surgery date is august 25th. My Bariatric coordinator keeps telling me that if I’m over my original weight my insurance will deny me. She keeps saying Aetna is strict but i don’t have Aetna i have Medicaid but it’s called Aetna better health Maryland. I even called my insurance company and they said weight gain is not something that will deny me that’s not something they look at. Help please!

I've been going back and forth for years thinking i could get the weight off on my own. Been afraid to go under the knife but i guess this must be the right time. i started the WLS program with Memorial weight loss center in Springfield IL and it was sooo fast i was in shock. I always thought it would take months not the case. I have BCBS IL. They had 0 for me to do for approval. I had to do what Memorials program wanted and i was done in 2 months. I chose November so i can make sure i have someone to help me during my recovery. I'm happy for a new life but also Scared. I hope everyone that has had this done or getting it done all the best and speedy recovery. If any advi…

I’m scheduled for an EGD on Friday, and I think that is the last clearance I need. How soon after your EGD was surgery scheduled?

Surgery is Wednesday so I spent today cleaning & prepping. I’m exhausted but still super excited! Good night! ?