PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hey everyone! Thought I’d share my experience for those about to go through the pre-op liquid diet. I’m finishing up Day 13 of liquids only. No meals allowed on my diet. I was about 95% compliant and stuck to broth, Premier Protein Shakes, sugar free jello, and Bariatric Soups (low cal and fat, high protein). And water. Some Gatorade Zero. Overall I’ve lost 15 pounds since my highest weight (238, 5’6”) - this morning I weighed 223. It has been honestly kind of hell. I’m a grazer and love salty snacks and broth and soups have helped, but I’ve been white knuckling it and I have been a total tempermental MESS around my family (I’ve apologized many times - ha…

Hi all! I'm going through my 90 day wait period and testing for gastric sleeve surgery at the end of the year. I've never had an EGD done and have no idea what to expect. How long after the procedure did it take to feel back to normal after the anesthetic wore off and gas worked itself out? I've only ever been under anesthesia when I got my wisdom teeth out (14 years ago now... [emoji33]). I'm curious what this twilight sleep is and if I'll remember anything. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! [emoji3526]

Good morning, I go in for MGB on Thursday this week. I've been on the shakes for 11 days but only lost 8 lbs. I did cheat with one pizza crust and some potato chips. (just this in the 11 days) I drink more than enough water throughout the day. I am getting scared that if 'm not losing on Optifast, what if I don't lose anything after surgery? Has anyone else gone through this? Is this normal? I've seen where other people have lost twice this in the same amount of time.

My surgeon has said that he isn’t sure if my insurance will approve my surgery.I am following up with him in 4 weeks and I just watched someone who got sleeved on YouTube explain that getting a case nurse may help with chances of approval. I don’t want to seem like I’m going against my surgeon or decreasing my chances because my age plays a factor, yet I’m not sure if my plan includes bariatric surgery. I want to call today as I have seen the surgeon yesterday but the last time I had rushed to call I had been stricken with bad news.

So the reason I choose 8-2-19 Was because I'm an out doors kinda guy.. I love my fishing and taking dips in the lake.. my son turns 2 in April and I want to enjoy his day.. If I do it early I feel like I would get dehydrated with this central California heat and get to miss out on a lot of fishing and swimming with my little one

Does anyone know what is the best laxative to take for Pre-op? I have to take one 2 days before my surgery.

The closer I get to my surgery date, the slower the time seems to be going. I keep looking at videos, reading messages on here and just getting more and more excited and nervous. I just want to get it over and done with. I will however be documenting my entire process, I can't wait to tell you all how it all went down.

Hey everyone! It's been a crazy year! I was supposed to have surgery in March, however, in February I changed jobs and got different insurance. When this happened, I could no longer have surgery at my chosen surgery clinic (only one my previous insurance covered). Turns out, they lost medicaid/medicare capabilities, and went under shortly after! They're completely closed, which blows me away. Anyway, I have struggled getting my info in front of the bariatric coordinator at the new location. I finally did last week! She had gotten everything from the previous clinic before the closed (thank god!!) so I don't have to go through everything all over again! I did have to get t…

Hi all, I’m scheduled for surgery sept 21st all appts are done and drs have signed off . I got a call today from the surgeon and she says she got a letter from the insurance (tufts) saying I need to have been alcohol free for the past year. She said in all the years she’s done surgery she’s never heard of this. I honestly don’t drink more than one drink a month and it’s been months since that , so she’s writing a letter to them stating I haven’t drank in months. But, I think this is something made up as a reason to try and deny my surgery since Covid has taken a toll on the insurance companies. Anyone else have this issue? I really hope it’s resolved because I’ve done eve…

Hi, I just signed up for bariatricpal today, so I'm very new to this. Wanted to know if anyone has contacted their insurance themself to see if they were approved for surgery? I have United Healthcare and it's been two weeks since we sent everything to get approved. I already received a bill from the hospital stating that I need to pay a certain amount 7 days before surgery. I contacted the number that was provided and they told me they wouldn't have had my information if I wasn't approved already. My surgical coordinator has been in and out of the office a lot and I'm just confused at this point. My surgery has already been scheduled for Sep 30th. I know I have so…

Hi everyone, How much time was there between the day you got insurance approval to your actual surgery date?

does anyone know if you were to weigh-in on surgery below the BMI that you got approved with, if insurance will deny the surgery? When I started this process, I was 252 at 5'5, just barely qualifying with a 41.7 BMI. I am waiting on my surgery date (pre-op nutrition class is tomorrow) and I just weighed myself and I am at 245.7 which is a BMI of 40.9. I'm worried that if I drop too low before surgery, that when the surgery is actually submitted to insurance-it will be denied. I was approved already, but anyone else go through this or do they just use your starting weight? Thanks in advance!

Started preop diet. I’m on day three of liquids. I only have to do liquids for 5 days. Doesn’t sound horrible, I know.. but I feel so tired, I’m having horrible headaches, I’m so hungry. I’m really praying this isn’t what I’m going to feel like after surgery. I’m used to drinking caffeine daily so I’ve had to cut that out, so I’m sure that’s the main reason, along with cutting all carbs. Please tell me it’s better after surgery bc I feel horrible. HELP.

I had a lapband from 2008 until earlier this year. I loved my band but due to some recent complications it had to be removed. My surgeon encouraged me to consider either the sleeve or RNY after the band removal. I didn’t think I would need one because I felt like I had maintained my weight well with the band, so I should be able to do it on my own. Boy was I wrong. I have gained 40 lbs since they removed the fluid back in October. So in February, I decided to move forward with RNY. My insurance required a 6 month weight management program. I completed my dr visits, but I gained 8 lbs during that 6 months instead of losing. I seem to have plateaued but it seems that not…

I just had my covid test and as long as it comes back negative I will be having surgery next Friday morning. I am very excited

Started my pre-op diet its not as restrictive as I thought it would be. I attached a copy of it.

So I just found out today my surgery will be a robotic sleeve gastrectomy. I may have missed this in prior meeting, I started this journey at the end of June and it has literally all been tele-health and I’m due in surgery Monday. I am a little apprehensive already being nervous to go under anesthesia. Has anyone had their surgery done robotically?? Help!!

Ok so my surgery is sched for Sept 4th, and I just found out No one is allowed to come with me because of the new covid-19 restrictions, that makes me kinda sad had anyone eles had surgery yet, and had to go in alone ?

Hello, I’m feeling super impatient haha I’m just curious after you completed your requirements for surgery how long did it take for you to get a surgery date? I just finished my last dietician appointment and waiting to start my Preop diet (I still need to lose about 20 pounds but my dietician says with Preop diet I should be good to go). I know COVID has really slowed things down at the office. Thank you to anyone who shares or comments on this post

Hello I am about 2 months out and starting to think about vitamins I should be taking. Is there anything g specific I should be taking for pre op? Anything g to prevent hair loss or saggy skin? Thanks Sarah

Hi All, I have just been told by the bariatric nurse to eat a decent meal the evening before my surgery, and drinks lots of water between 12-5am as these will help me recover quicker. My paperwork says do not be tempted to have a large meal the day before surgery as this reduces the liver shrinking effects of the diet. What have your experiences been? I'm very confused now.

I had my first consult with a surgeon last week on July 28th. Then I was contacted by his Patient Program Coordinator with info on how we will proceed to get me to surgery. When I initially spoke with her over the phone, she said I will need 4 monthly appointments with a nutritionist. And that I should be able to get surgery scheduled for December. I really want to get it done before the end of December. She then sent me a lot of forms and literature to go over. One of the brochures she sent listed what each insurance requires. My insurance requires 6 monthly visits with a nutritionist. I asked her about it since she only mentioned 4 monthly appointments over the ph…

It was pretty easy, just drew some blood ( cbc and comp) listened to my breathing and took my BP.... that's it now I have 8 days untill Surgery. LETS GOOOO

Hey guys! Question for all: Can you lose too much weight during the insurance mandated weight loss? Meaning, if my BMI was 41 and then 6 months later it falls below 40... can I disqualify myself? I have BCBS PPO insurance in CA. During this Covid lock down, I stopped eating out and I’m dropping weight. Not a crazy amount but I’m somewhat afraid to tell them I’ve lost 15lbs because it’ll put me under the 40 BMI. I’m on month 5 and have 1 more left and I’m so close! Just from delays & stress and it being SO hot out, I’ve just naturally dipped down in pounds and I’m just trying to do everything right to qualify.

I am pending a EGD for some throat problems GERD and pain etc I had something happen when I had surgery before it may be effecting and want to be cleared for that and I just was diagnosed with with severe obstructive Sleep Apnea. While waiting for my approval and all these things to be done I want to up my protein and my vitamin intake since I have deficiencies and want to lose the weight they will expect me to lose anyways and then if I decide not to or my doctor suggests not to I will have a good new habit of protein, protein protein haha. HOW DO YOU GET 100 MG PROTEIN IN A DAY!

So I’m scheduled to have my VSG on 8/27. Because I have a fatty liver, I started my pre-op liquid diet on 8/10. For the most part I have followed the diet pretty strict (mine is the true liquid diet) except I substitute an Oikos triple zero for a shake but am still getting 80 grams of protein and staying between 60-85 grams of protein a day and 650-800 calories. When I first looked into bariatric surgery back in January of 2020, my weight was 252 and I’m 5’ 8 1/2. Prior to the diet my weight was 236 (my insurance requires 6 months of nutritional visits and I did lose some weight). Now I’ve dieted off an on for over 15 years and can usually lose 20-30 lbs but i…

Hello Everyone! I am waiting for Insurance approval and then I will be scheduling my Gastric Sleeve surgery, hopefully end of September. I currently have some GERD. Some days better than others. I was told when I had my EGD that I have a sliding Hiatal Hernia. I really really don't want to have Gastric Bypass. I know when you have the sleeve you can have more issues with GERD. I have also read that some people have relief from their GERD after sleeve surgery and having their Hiatal Hernia repaired. Can anyone comment on this? Getting nervous!!! Thanks!!!

Is/was anyone else just worn down & exhausted before your surgery? It’s not from expending too much energy because I don’t have much to spend. It just feels like my body is done with the strain of carrying this extra weight around for two decades. (I’m 40) I’ve had my pre-op tests so if it’s actually something medical, it would hopefully show up. It really doesn’t feel like symptoms from a disease or anything. It just feels like my body has had enough.

Hello all - I am going through the pre-op process for Gastric Sleeve and have been doing some research to be better prepared post-op. One topic that is really concerning me is the risk of low Thiamin/B1, Iron and Vit D3. My original understanding was that as long as you follow the post-op instructions and take your recommended vitamins/supplements long term, that you will be Ok. However, after reading a number of posts online, it sounds like even then you could develop major complications due to extremely low levels that Dr's may not be able to address? Any info, pointers, or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks

I am curious as to how much time you need to take off work after surgery. I have a desk job but I work about 10 hours a day and I need to be quite alert and able to think. If my energy level is low, effecting concentration, I won’t be able to do anything - so might as well plan for a longer leave. Would 3 weeks be enough time?

Hi. This is all new to me & I’m glad you’re all here to reach out to. I’m having gastric bypass in October & must also have lap band removed. Any body have that sitch? Any complications or problems?

Hi there! I actually wanted to find out becuase I complete my 6 month pre op program in October and I want to be as prepared as possible with my shakes and multivitamins. For anyone who has coverage through Medicaid and Healthfirst were you able to get shakes and multivitamins covered by insurance. I receive government assistance and I really can't afford to pay out of pocket for these things. THANKS!

Hello all - I am reading how most people are experiencing severe pain post-op (at least for the first night). I am wondering why pain meds are not used in the hospital like they do for other surgeries? Is it not permitted for VSG?

Have a date set up for surgery October 2020 next week I finish my nutrition class and then the RN will submit pre cert.. Im actually nervous ... how long did they take to come back with an answer?

Good morning. I am scheduled for Gastric Bypass RNY in September 15th. I’m told my thyroid medication can not be crushed or put into liquid form. I haven’t had my pre op yet but I will ask them. Just curious what others have done?? Thanks in advance!

I am about almost 3 months post opp and today I kind of laid around didn’t get much sleep but didn’t eat and it was 2PM my stomach starting feeling crappy and pinching pain at the top and towards the ribs. Has anyone experienced this? Should I be worried? It also felt uncomfortable to lay straight on my back.

I know this is a ways off but thought it would be good to get a group together that is just starting the 6 month wait till surgery. We can chat about pre-op diet, fitness, relationship with food, insurance, doc appointments, psych evaluation and everything else we will be experiencing in the months to come.

Hello all - I just started the process for Gastric Sleeve surgery after doing a lot of research on my own. My insurance requires 6 month on a nutrition program, which thankfully I am already in Month 5. The part that has me nervous is the referral requirement. I really have not had a steady primary care physician for the past 6 years - mostly due to the fact that I’ve been so ashamed of my weight. So I really don’t know if I can just walk into a Dr’s office as a new patient and ask for a referral. Can I ask my OBGYN? Not sure if she would be open, but I can try. I have a BMI of 43 along with high blood pressure and sleep apnea so from that sense I don’t believe qualific…

I’m starting day 9 of my pre-op diet and have noticed already that I really don’t enjoy my cup of morning coffee like I used to as it just tastes different (and I’ve always drank it black). I’ve also noticed, what others have reported, that the shakes are tasting sweeter than in the past and this is something I really don’t like anymore. I definitely enjoy my broth more than anything else I’m eating. Funny how tastes change in just 9 days. I’ve also been struggling with insomnia the last few days. According to the internet ? this is likely due to being in Ketosis. Anyone else?

Ok what the hell, I’m three days into my pre-op liquid diet of shakes, broth and other sugar free liquids and I’m bloated! I expected to wake up thinner today (day 3 of the diet) but instead my stomach is bloated and I feel like I’m holding water. I guess it’s possible that my broth is too high sodium (I’m drinking about 16 ounces of that a day). Anyone else have this issue ? I’ve drank premier protein shakes for years now (albeit not 2-3 a day) so I don’t think it’s the whey that I’m reacting to. Thoughts? I don’t plan on weighing myself until Monday (since I started on Monday).

I am thinking about ordering several small protein drinks to begin trying them, so I can be prepared by knowing what I like. Do you all think this is a good idea? How did you find your protein drinks for post-op?

Hi y’all! I’m a few weeks away from starting my 2 week pre-op diet so I’ve started replacing breakfast or lunch with a protein shake. Every time I get nauseous after. The whey protein isolate I’m using is lactose-free. I’ve done some research so I know the sweeteners could be the culprit. But I’m wondering if it could just be too much protein too soon since I’m just starting out. I’d like to explore that route first. Has anyone else slowly increased their protein powder intake to avoid nausea & it actually worked?

I’m having VSG surgery September 4th at Pompeii Surgical in Tijuana Mexico, I don’t have a Facebook and really no interest to create one and I’m looking for a sense of community or maybe some people who are having surgery near my same date? I have a weight loss Instagram (I did keto for a year so it’s mainly from that, I am not telling them about surgery until post op) . Is anybody having VSG near my date or have experience to share at Pompeii Surgical?

Please let me know what to do during these 2 days and what to expect. I am having gastric by pass. Thanks

Hello! Next week Thursday is my final appointment with my surgeon before he submits to my insurance company for approval. The problem is, my insurance specifically says that I cannot have any net weight gain. Well, after COVID and my gym being closed, I am 5 pounds heavier than I was 6 months ago. Does anyone have any tips to drop 5 pounds quickly that I could do in the days leading up to my next appointment? Thanks!

Hello all, I’m prepping for VSG in October. I weight currently about 296. I’m 31 and ‘4”. I’ve spent months dreaming and looking forward to this tool to help me once and for all. I’m worried I won’t be successful. And I’m worried I won’t be satisfied because my expectations are too high? Does anyone know what a realistic weight for me is? My surgeon didn’t really give me a straight answer. Thanks in advance!

Everything is submitted and I am just waiting on Insurance approval and a surgery date, I cant believe I finished all the pre-op requirements, and I am almost to the finish line ( kinda ). I keep watching videos of people on surgery day dreaming that one day soon that will be me. I wonder how long I will have to wait for an answer I have United Healthcare Community in Maryland. I promise I will put my entire process on here for others because I have not seen anyone on here from Maryland going thru my hospital AAMC Annapolis or with my type of insurance.

Just days before expecting to get insurance approval for surgery I get payed off of work. I guess some things are not meant to be

I didn't shop around a lot for a doctor and suddenly, now that my surgery is scheduled for 2 weeks from today, I'm nervous about that fact. I found a doctor in network with good reviews (4.8+) from several different sites and platforms, and went with him. I've been happy with my choice during this approval process. But my husband asked me yesterday how many surgeries this doctor has performed and... I didn't ask him that. He might have told me, but I don't remember if he did. And now I'm second guessing myself. I know this is probably just nerves. Like I said Ive been happy. But just looking for reassurance.

Hey everyone! I’m scheduled for 8/24 so I have started my preop diet today. While I have my paperwork which outlines everything I can drink and eat - do any of you have any personal advice that has helped you, too? Luckily, my surgeon allows one meal per day consisting of 5oz of meat and 2 cups of veggies, along with a fat (ex: 1 tsp of olive oil). Thanks! :)