PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi, guys. I recently am just starting my WLS process and currently looking into surgeons in the greater Los Angeles county that accept LA Care. I've tried looking through the doctor finder on the LA Care website and through HealthGrades and on here, but I am coming up empty. I know that going through my PCP would be faster in finding someone, but I am currently trying to change PCP because of personal and professional reasons. So... if anyone has any information or can point me into the right direction that would be great! I am 21 years old female, 5'7, and weigh about 350 if any of this information helps. I'm not sure what else to include, but I have bee…

Hey all, I've read and seen a lot of great success stories on here that lost 100% of their goal (or more) and I want to eventually be one of you! So I must ask- how did you do it? What's your secret? How long did it take and how much did you lose? Inquiring minds want to know! Thank you in advance!

I had an appointment with the nutritionist yesterday who let me know that the hospital would no longer be prescribing pain medication after surgeries and that I am responsible for getting liquid Tylenol. I don't know how much pain I'll have after my surgery but Tylenol just doesn't seem like it would do much. I'm kind of worried but at the same time I'm just like I'll worry about it when I get there. Anyone else told they would not be prescribed pain medication after their surgery?

So I finally went to the pulmonary doctor and that is going to set me back a Few months. He thinks I have sleep apnea and I agree. I do want to have the machine if I need it. I’ve had issues with anesthesia in the past and I want to be able to come out of the anesthesia okay. However because it’s summer I am in my prime skin breakout season. I have painful cysts in my armpits and groin. I can’t wear anything too tight and forget taking a walk. I’m regretting not scheduling the pulmonary doctor first! I passed everything else. I’m doing okay with the overall prep situation. I’m keeping my calories within a limit. Making mostly good choices. Maybe it’s for the best that I a…

Texas has stopped all elective surgeries due to high hospitalizations due to Covid-19. I suspect other states with big resurgence of cases will do the same, Hope it doesn't happen to any of you but be prepared. Your surgery date may get postponed.

I've been trolling this forum for months, and its been a wealth of information. Things are starting to get real, as my insurance company says I will have a decision within 5 days. My doctor says they kinda have to say yes. On my surgeon's web page,it says he's done over 3000 procedures. Now, I'm a man that isn't scared of a whole lot. I race cars, shoot guns, wrestle grizzly bears for fun (well, two out of three ain't bad) and I usually just duct tape my wounds and walk it off. But I'm 59 and I am thinking about death a lot. What is my surgeon gets bored and falls asleep? I guess I should make a will. I don't want the state to get my dogs or my g…

What are the types of questions on the “test”. I was told there are multiple choice questions and true and false. tests make me nervous.

This is a random question, but I signed up for an informational meeting through zoom with a local doctor. When the invite was sent, it included everyone's e-mail address. I was very surprised. Is this normal protocol? I've never been to one of these meetings before.

Hi all, So this might be a stupid question. I have been wondering what the process involved in liver shrinking actually is? I'm the kind of person who feel most comfortable with new things if I can see or understand how they work. I'm having a gastric bypass on July 15 and part of my prep has been to watch surgery videos to understand the mechanics of the operation. I might be a bit of a weirdo, I know. Now I have started obsessing about the liver shrinking, scared to death that the surgeon will refuse to operate for some reason. I even taken to starting my pre-op diet early. Anyway, can someone help put my mind to rest by explaining the liver shrink…

Hi, I’m new here. I was hoping to schedule my surgery in June. I’m worried about traveling across the country at this time. I was told that they were scheduling surgeries starting May 4th. But, I don’t want to have reschedule everything. I already had a cruise cancelled on me. (I totally understand why, and rebooked for next year.) But, the only time I can schedule this is June. Any reviews on Blossom would be appreciated as well.

Hello! All new to this site, so forgive me if these questions has been asked over and over again, but I couldn't find it with the search function. I'm going to a private hospital this Tuesday (30th of June) to have my initial doctor-nurse-dietician meeting. I don't know how it is in your countries, but here I was turned down by the public health because of past psychiatric problems and now I've turned to the private sector instead. I was wondering what to expect of this first meeting. I've been told by the hospital that they will need to check for hernias by palpating the belly and also something about my legs having to be felt as well. I'm meeting my sur…

Hi everyone - I’m so glad this website exists - I never knew about it until today. I’m 31 years old, 6’1 and 350 lbs. I’ve decided to start researching information on the gastric sleeve. I live here in Los Angeles and have some great hospitals available to me. I’m wondering if anyone has had their sleeve surgery from CEDARS SINAI or UCLA? If so, do you have a surgeon you recommend? How was your experience? Any particular surgeon you thought was incredible? I would LOVE to connect and talk more if you’re willing. I have a web seminar with Cedars tomorrow which will hopefully give me more information, but hearing directly from patients would be amaz…

So I just had my 1st appointment with my PT where they do all your measurements, body comp etc. And according to that my "fat-free mass" is 124.4lbs, so they think my goal weight should be around 170.... The HELL you say?!? I have BEEN down to 148 before and I was STILL a little pudgy, hence my personal goal of 130 which is a reasonable BMI for my height. I'm wondering if I'm retaining a lot of water?? I'm having my 1st period in months rn so maybe that's it? I know I have a decent amount of muscle under all this, but still. I've been 170 and it's heavy for me. I guess it's too soon to tell/ worry about it, but it seems weird.

How common is it to get anxious and have a tendency to get your last licks in with junk food? I was able to control my diet but as I get closer I’m thinking I need to have one last rendezvous with my favorite high calorie foods. Anyone else on a bit of a frenzy?

HELP! I recently had gastric bypass, 6/16 to be exact. It's been 10 days and I have only lost 10 lbs [emoji35] is this normal? How much weight have you lost so far? Btw I had my 1st bowel-movement today for the first time since surgery, I feel like I should take magnesium citrate to get cleaned out..... but I'm just scared- I honestly don't want to make things worse.

I’m having a revision from sleeve to bypass on July 5th. I had a hard time with protein shakes when I had the sleeve, they tasted so chalky. Can anyone recommend protein shakes from Bariatric Pal that are good and not chalky tasting?

Surgery is July 2nd. Start my liquid the 18th. I found out I gain some weight now I’m feeling nervous and scared that the liquid diet won’t help me loose enough weight in time.

Can anyone tell me the best option for protein powder packets for water? I would like to know if there are packets or powder you can buy to mix that has a lot of protein per serving?

Hi all, Anyone have an October 2019 surgery date? Mine is 10/28/19 (my surgeon is away for 2 weeks, so I'm at the end of the month). Oh, the holidays are going to be so weird this year (my birthday too, which is 11/19).

My surgery revision from band to bypass was yesterday morning and I got home tonight about 5pm. I’m very sleepy and I will say there is good amount of pain on my left side which is controlled by medication. The biggest challenge I have this early is having a hard time getting comfortable and I have no interest in food. I’m forcing broth and jello. Last week I couldn’t imagine only eating broth and jello and today, I cant imagine being hungry ever. So weird. Even through the fog and pain, I have no regrets!

Anyone know if the EGD procedure is painful? Just starting my weight loss journey and getting one step closer to getting my procedure!

Hello all! My surgery is on June 30th, and starting this past Tuesday my doctor wants me on all liquids. I have had nothing but Premier Protein, broth and Jello. I am starving, having such bad headaches and moments of severe doubt in this entire processes... Does anyone know of anything that is so what filling? I don’t think I can do this.

I've been going through the pre-surgical process and have everything now done except the release for surgery. As I have scheduled the various appointments required before surgery, I have found myself wondering how much people would be willing pay to just get these done faster with less hassle! It's my mini survey of the day (I guess I have more time on my hands than I thought ?)]. These are my most recent, so... How much would you pay out of pocket for the psychological assessment if it could be done soon and without you having to drive to get there? How much would you pay to get a doctor's clearance letter for surgery? Happy Mother's Day to…

Hi All, I had my Upper GI done just last week and wanted to talk about the experience to see if anyone else has had something similar happen. When I drank the barium fluid, it sat like a brick in my stomach and we had trouble getting the stuff to move to the small intestine for all the pictures they needed. The test took about an hour and a half because I spent so much time walking around, trying to get the juice going. It made me feel sweaty and dizzy and nauseous. When they finally got what they needed, I drove the 20 minutes home and vomited it all up again. I felt awful for two days, but only threw up once. Has this happened to anyone else? Is t…

Looking for people to friend on IG! Drop your names if you have them! My name is sleeveme_ is my name on there ❤️

Were you anemic and still recieved medical clearance by PCP? I’m at a 9. So nervous. I hope I can still receive clearance. My PCOS makes boosting my Iron levels so difficult. I had iron infusions months back but it all went to waste due to irregular heavy periods. Ahhh. 

Hi. This is my first post. I am a 50 year old woman with life long weight struggles. I am near the top of my weight range right now at 251 pounds at 5 feet tall. I'm half way through my pre OP appointments at this point. At my initial visit, I discussed having the gastric sleeve but the more I read about the bypass, I think it may be a better choice for me. I do have some problems with heartburn and I see that the sleeve can aggravate that condition. Anyone around my height and weight have the bypass instead or planning to? I'd love to hear a few different takes on this. Thank you.

I began this process originally back in October. Due to the up front $, I postponed my appts until after Christmas. I was set to have fast track surgery in early May. I called my clinic Monday since I was scheduled for a follow up appt yesterday morning and I assumed it would be canceled for now. They said no for me to be there at my appt time. It's a 3 hour drive for me to get to my nearest clinic. After that appt, my clinic called to say all elective surgeries have been postponed until further notice. That they would let me know when they opened back up. WHY they didn't tell me while I was there is beyond me. Then right after that phone call today, I got…

I’m not planning on telling anyone aside from 4 family members that I’m having surgery. Did anyone else keep their surgery a secret? How did that work for you? I’m asking because I work at a place that has extreme fat shaming practices and has terribly discriminatory practices as well. Unfortunately discrimination against overweight employees in my state isn’t illegal. I’m using some of my PTO time and having a hernia repair too.

Hi I’m Having surgery the 16

So my surgery was for April 2 with the whole corona virus it got pulled back and I was supposed to start my liquid diet on March 19 before I did my doctor told me not to do it because surgery was a no go . My new date in June 30 and I start liquid diet on the 16th of June. So I’ve gained about 7 pounds during lockdown March 21- June 3 ? so I’m worried the liquid diet won’t be enough to help me lose the weight I gained plus more ? how much Can a person lose in the liquid diet ?

So, I found out I can use the fact that I've been on WW for the last three-ish months to start "the clock" on my pre-op diet requirements...but, I'm concerned. I actually gained about 8 pounds during those three months making my BMI go up from below 40 to just over. It wasn't on purpose, and honestly, without WW I think I would have gained more due to the quarantine. My question is...will this make those three months "not count"? Especially since they are all virtual right now? Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks for any advice! This site has been so affirming and helpful!

Got any good quotes on post-its or in your head to motivate, encourage, or inspire you on this road?

I just got off the phone with my surgeon for my pre-op appointment and he's set my pre-op diet for 1 week before surgery (nothing but protein shakes). When I had my lap band surgery 9 years ago, the pre-op diet started 2 weeks out and most of the info out there also talks about pre-op diet starting 2 weeks out (which was liquid and veggies). Has anyone else done just the 1 week pre-op diet? Is this something more common now?

Hi Everyone - This is my first post! I started the process back in January - originally expected to have surgery in July, and due to COVID-19 will probably have surgery in late Sept or early Oct. My insurance requires 3 months (4 sessions) of Supervised Medical Weight Loss. I am able to do it with my surgeon’s office, which is awesome, but it seems tedious. I was supposed to start in March, though my first appt was pushed back to a week and a half ago. I just started the “diet” last week. The plan reminds me of how old people eat (LOL) - very little room to be creative with food. Is anyone else going through this right now? I’d love to have someone to bounce…

Anyone else dealing with an unsupportive family member? For me it's my mother. Even though I've been obese almost my whole 24 year's on this earth and she's watched me struggle with weight, and to lose it she is the most unsupportive member of my family. Little background about my mom: She's a recovering drug addict and through the grace of god, her own will and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) has been clean for 13 year's. She's the mother of 4 Adult children (2 of which are active drug addicts). She started going off about how I never apply myself to anything, I haven't tried hard enough to lose weight on my own (we haven't lived together or near each other for the pas…

Hello! I officially started the process yesterday (excited AND nervous)! This is something I've been considering for years and after much consideration I've decided it's the right time. In reading so many of the posts, I have NO IDEA what to expect with regards to timeline. It seems that my insurance (BCBS of IL) doesn't have some of the more complicated requirements that many others do. So far, the only requirements have been: - Letter (from me) to insurance company documenting weight loss attempts. - Meeting with psychiatrist - Meeting with nutritionist - Support Group Attendance - Pre-Op Meeting I met with the surgeon yesterday a…

I’ve recently started the process for getting the surgery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. I’m curious to know about whether the support group requirement tends to be an insurance requirement or just a requirement of some specific centers. I really hate support groups for a lot of reasons. For one, I’m deaf and there’s a major communication barrier even though I use cochlear implants, and it’s even worse now that everyone wears masks. For another, I’ve had experiences with support groups of other kinds before and I just don’t do well in those environments. I’m blessed to have many people I love and trust in my life, including people who have had…

Once I have my insurance approval, is that approval for the surgery or for that specific facility/ surgeon to do the surgery? Im wondering if you can change facilities after that or if you have to stick with them? If you change do you have to go back through the classes and visits?

This has been a lengthy process and I have gone through all the requirements that the VA has set. All papers and necessary signatures are in place and I am just waiting on my first surgical consultation appointment. The waiting is driving me nuts and I am so anxious to get this next step going. Because the VA refers to civilian surgical groups, I hope that they do not require any further milestones. This is my first time in this type of forum and support. Did or does anyone else have that anxious feeling? Any suggestions?

I meet with my surgeon next week and then they submit to insurance (I already called to see how long it would take for approval/ denial - see impatient!) but I just hate all this unknown! I have no idea how long it is going to take to get a surgery date. With all the delays due to coronavirus, I know a lot of people were postponed and they will get the first surgeries available (As they should!) But does anyone know anything about how far back they are being push? My biggest fear right now is that they will call and say the first opening they have is like September or something crazy.... I hate the unknown.

Hi, I'm Kam. I'm new and considering weight loss surgery. I have some negative thoughts about it, however. I see it as a (please don't take this personally, this is me being honest about what I'm going through) "failure," giving up, giving in, I couldn't do it on my own, easy way out, etc. I know, I knoooow how that sounds. Also, I've been struggling with weight my entire life, childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, shitty life, using food as a coping mechanism, 200lbs by middle school, blah, blah, blah. And so I think I'll prob just regain. Plus my insurance doesn't cover it so I think it'll be a waste of money. Just a lot of... less than wonderful thoughts. But the…

I want to get weight loss surgery but my PCP won’t approve. I’m currently 294 with a height of 5 feet. They tell me no because I have no comorbilities. Does anyone have suggestions?

I started off 265 then I went to 270 then covit-19 happened I went 273 but my next visit Ill be back to 265 again can they not approve me for that

Can anyone tell me who you used and the pros/cons of the surgeons and the follow up program?

I'm not sure if I should be stressed or not. I have a three month weigh-in/nutritionist visit requirement from my center. My insurance requires BMI 35-39 with only one comorbidity OR BMI of 40 and above with the following guidelines: -Pysch Consult -Past weight loss attempts aka documented failure of weight loss attempts. Here is my weight loss so far. Starting BMI taken at info session: 41.76 1st nutritionist visit- 41.70 2nd nutritionist visit- 41.26 3rd isn't until July 6th. All other clearances are done with the exception of my EGD, which is on 6/11. I still have to take a COVID test, which the date for that is currently pending…

I checked off another requirement today!! Woot! I had an endoscopy today with my surgeon. It was rather easy but as the day has gone on my throat is getting more and more sore. Drinking lots of COLD H2O is helping. I also spoke to my patient advocate who let me know that we are a go for Dec 2019 (that’s month 6 so I was scared we wouldn’t get it in- it trying to rush the process but want to make the most of the whole “deductible” thing) Woot! I am to call in November to get a date but it’s starting to feel real!! Anyone else get giddy when they check off something on the pre-op list or am I just being a nerd? Soo ready for this to be behind me!!

Has anyone had their surgery through weightwise in Oklahoma? If so how was the experience?

Sorry ? if this already exist somewhere on these forums. Just tag me if you find them. I have my first telehealth visit with a potential surgeon this Thursday ( 6/4/20) . I am considering ESG. What are some questions I should be asking? Thank you.