PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I saw my dietitian for the first time today. She was really impressed with how much weight I've lost (and the fact that I had already met my goal weight to be eligible for surgery prior to our meeting). We talked for a bit, told her how I had been doing a lot of research on the surgery, using these forums for support, and showed her my MyFitnessPal app, so she could see how/what I was eating. She told me she'd like me to try breaking up my meals from being 3 daily to 6, so that I'd be more comfortable after surgery with the frequency of how I would need to be eating then. Good advice! She also mentioned that I would need to get an appointment with the nurse before sh…

I had my initial consultation for weight loss surgery last week and I think it went well! For some reason -- and it seems silly in hindsight -- I expected to have to explain myself and justify why I need this surgery, but that wasn't the case at all. I had filled out a bunch of paperwork and sent it in ahead of time, but they still had a few more forms for me to fill out. A nurse took my vitals and asked me about a few things on my paperwork, and then I met with the surgeon. I was undecided about which surgery to get, and the surgeon said he thinks gastric bypass would be best for me because I have a BMI on the high end. He wants me to lose at least 20 pounds bef…

Well I finally got approved after Cigna denied initially! I am sooo excited and nervous at the same time. I call tomorrow to get scheduled and if all goes well I will have my surgery February 24th! I went and bought my stuff to start my 2 week liquid PRE-OP diet tomorrow! I am literally eating everything this weekend I can knowing it will be a long time until I eat again and hopefully never a lot! I am grateful for this forum. I feel so much more educated than I would have been had I not been able to read everyone's experience. I will keep you updated going forward. It has been a little over 2 weeks since they denied and since then my physicians office did an appeal …

Just got the call from anesthesia today, so it's really, really happening. ? I'm struggling with this liquid diet though (and it's only been like 5 days). I'm craving savory, but regular soup is just not cutting it. Is there anything I can have that you guys recommend? Need to switch it up! ?

Last summer when I started thinking seriously about bariatric surgery, I had trouble finding info on the timeline for Kaiser patients in the DC/MD/VA area. So for anyone who's interested, here's the process (and my timeline): Got a referral from my primary care provider (9/3/19) 1/2 WLS class with a nutritionist (9/19/19) 1/4 appt with a nutritionist (10/23/19) 1/2 Surgeon-led bariatric info session @ Holy Cross (11/12/19) 2/4 appt with a nutritionist (11/22/19) 2/2 Surgeon-led bariatric info session @ Holy Cross (11/27/19) 2/2 WLS class with a nutritionist (12/20/19) 3/4 appt with a nutritionist (1/16/20) 4/4 appt w…

Hello, I am looking into how to start my journey. I don’t know where to go or to contact? Could you please help?

Hi everyone! I am nearly at my 5 month nutritional weigh in. I struggled in the first 4 months as I had spine surgery and on restrictions. However, I wanted to see what advise and tips that worked for everyone to help them loose weight and not back track? How did you overcome your cravings etc? Of course iam still working with my nutritionist with a plan catered to my needs, but ive had slip ups and I'm discouraged. I appreciate all your advised yall could share. Thank you!

I’m 26 days out of gastric sleeve surgery today I started to cough up green mucus and my voice sound bad what to do

Ok my surgery date is February 27th. I went today to get stuff for my hospital stay (pajamas, robe, shoes ect). Came home with nothing. I have real dilemmas here. I don't wear pj's at home just wear mostly oversized tees! I guess I am being OCD about this because I don't want to spend a lot of money on something that is not going to fit very long. I keep thinking do I need pajamas with a button up front? I also don't want anything hot like flannel, plush ect! I don't know what shoes to get. I usually just wear some very comfy flip flops (yellowbox) at home. I really don't know what to get!

I'm considering gastric sleeve surgery and have had so many questions. I'm glad you guys are here to help. When I eat, I really try to enjoy the food, to eat mindfully and not just scarf it down. I call myself a foodie because I enjoy good food. When I go on vacation, I usually have a few places in mind where we can eat. I don't want to leave it up to chance and have a bad meal. I don't lose control and "pig out" when eating except for one dish I enjoy. I often take food home to avoid eating too many calories in one meal. After the surgery, will I still be able to eat enough food to enjoy it? Or will that part of my life be completely over? This …

I've had a small hiatal hernia for many years, it now is joined with GERD and esophageal spasms. I recently had to double my acid meds just to keep discomfort manageable. My primary send me to consult to repair it. I was told there were other surgeries out there but with my weight they had a high rate for failure. My initial reaction to bypass was surprise, I wasn't really that big was I ..... well yes I am with a 39.8 BMI. As I stepped back to look at my situation I came to terms with it's necessity. I've lost weight before only to find it again, as I age the extra weight is taking a toll. My insurance does not cover "weight loss" surgery and they consider …

Amazon has 5 boxes of 10 packets (total 50 packets) of sugar-free PROPEL for $10.99. One packet added to 16 oz water makes a drink equivalent to a bottle of POWERADE ZERO or GATORADE G2. That is 22 cents per bottle, a significant savings. Also, packets are easy to take with you and to store. The PROPEL has 5 flavors and all create clear, uncolored liquid.

I'm unsure of the best time to start this whole process and wanted to see if ya'll could offer your experience. It seems convoluted to me because I'm borderline 35 Bmi. I have federal Bcbs, Aka fepblue. My requirements are: 2 year morbid obesity. 35 bmi with at least 1 comorbidity. 3 month supervised weight loss program, including nutritional counseling Prep nutritional assessment Evidence of filed attempts in the past year Psych eval The only evidence I can find weight wise is from Oct 2015, where my Bmi was 35.1. In Feb 2015 my Bmi was 34.9 (ugh, we are talking 1 lb) . In 2016 my bmi was 33-34 because I was taking co…

I’ve decided I want to go for the gastric sleeve, after trying to diet for years and failing at losing much weight. I’ve done a lot of research, but I still don’t know where to start the process! do I go to my primary care doctor? Do I call the Bariatric surgery center directly? How do I find out if then insurance I have will cover some of it? It was a hard decision for me to even decide it’s what I want to do, but I know it’s the right choice. I just need a push in the right direction to get started. thanks in advance❤️

So I’ve been on my journey since December 31st and am quickly approaching my psych evaluation & the submitting of my paperwork (yay!). So I’ve always had sleep issues, and since I was released from the military have been on a plethora of things for sleep. Well, the best thing that worked for me was weed (if you’re judging you can judge your way out of this post). Back in January I began taking mirtazapine to help me sleep so I could stop smoking... well one of the biggest side effects is appetite increasing & MAN have I felt the increase. At this point, I’m just worried that I’ll gain... it’s freaking me out! I want this so bad and I’m sooo confident that this too…

Is there anyone else having a New year's resolution surgery?

I am having surgery Wednesday February 19 2020. I am in the pre op diet. I was wondering if you can have Tomato Soup?

I had my last nutritionist appointment today..I've met all requirements and quit smoking..prayers I get approved?! Ready to join the losers bench!!

My friend had to lose 13 pounds before having gastric bypass surgery. I'm going to the same doctor, so I wonder if I will too. If I could lose 13 pounds, I would have done it. Do you know what I mean? The only way I figure I could do it would be to go on a liquid diet. Did you have to lose weight before the surgery and why?

Hi! I’m new to the forums. I am hoping to have WLS this year. Somewhat ironically, I work in Prior Authorizations for a health insurance company, so I’m very familiar with what it means to require auth. However, every company is a bit different. I’m a newlywed and my husband added me to his policy. This was planned as my previous coverage was not as good, and his plan covers bariatric surgery whereas mine did not. So we now have UHC Choice through T-Mobile. I have checked the coverage requirement thoroughly and have a couple concerns: A. They require a 5 year weight history. However my coverage before this has been fairly bare minimum. So I mostly only w…

So, one of the requirements for my surgery was to have a pancreatic cyst checked out that my GI found back in September. In September they aspirated it and said there were no malignant cells. Well, according to the doctors..by viewing the MRI the cyst contains mucinoids which could eventually turn into cancer. The characteristics of the fluid points to it being nonmalignant but they want to make an action plan...which could be surgery. I just feel kind of discouraged because of the possibility of everything being pushed back. I'm thee biggest worrier alive, so this has definitely thrown a wrench in my plan. UGH

Any deal with chronic pain before and still after surgery? I have surgery in two weeks and this has been on my mind. I have chronic pain in my back. I fractured a vertebrae and had to have a lumbar fusion a few years ago. I also have some bad discs in my neck that hurt like hell the past 2 years. I'm hoping the surgery helps but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to cope since food became my go to.

Are there any arithitis folks out there..post op..has it improved your mobility?..and anyone with CLL ..?

As everyone says, things seem like they take forever and then all of a sudden you get a date! I began this process last May. The program I’m participating in is quite thorough and comprehensive so it took a couple months just to get in for the orientation session and then I’ve been formally participating since August. It’s been a combination of insurance and program requirements that have led to the progression to surgery take so long. At first I was frustrated with how long the process would take-I just wanted to get going with the surgery. But having gone through the process, frankly I’m glad it’s structured as it is. It allowed me to make serious changes that I…

I was curious of what the pre operation tests entailed. I didn’t know if anyone had issues passing the labs and tests they ran, and if so why.

I really thought once I got my date that I would be over the moon with excitement. However, it has set in today that this is really going to happen. That being said, I am the regular amount of nervous about the surgery - but moreso I'm trying to deal with the mental health aspect of this. I know this is going to be life altering and I won't be able to eat what I once could or like I have in the past. Has anyone else struggled with this thought? If so, how did you overcome it or how are you coping?

Had my first appointment today with the surgeon. She was great! I was able to ask questions, and tell her about where I'm coming from/why I'm pursuing this opportunity all that. Gave me things to start thinking about in preparation. She said she'd recommend the bypass instead of the sleeve, which is what I was going for. Doesn't see any medical problems that cause her concern. Asking about a timeline what to expect, anddddddd she said that within the next 4 months I should be able to meet the requirements! I need to lose another 25 pounds to meet the weight for ideal safety. I've lost 12 pounds in the last 3 weeks. Super excited!! After I get that last 25 off,…

I have my first visit with the Weigh Loss Center scheduled for next month. They've verified that my insurance (Health Alliance) covers the procedure and also informed me that I will need 4 visits with a dietitian/nutritionist and at least one with a LSW (mental health). From what I can tell, my insurance company doesn't have the medically supervised weight loss requirement. So, without that, is there any way to know what my timeline for having surgery scheduled should be? Should I still expect to wait 6 months, or do you think it could be sooner?

I'm wondering if all of you have some weird things that you are looking forward to after surgery? I have a few: Being able to eat cheese again (without feelnbg guilty) and feeling full from it Being able to look forward to only tasting a (tiny) bit of everything instead of eating lots of the first thing I like. Drinking milk again Well, they may not be all that weird, but they do seem odd in a positive way. What about you guys?

Anyone have the Isopure Zero Protein drinks? I have to choose a drink for my 2W pro opt diet and that was one of the options. I struggle with the thick creamy ones if I have to drink them all the time. These look like a flavored water, but are they super sweet? I just want a nice cold flavored drink.

Wondering if you can have fruit pre op with the liver shrinkage diet I’m opting for the shake drinks ! Can anyone advise

I’m 27, 5’4 and 219 pounds. My last known weight before that was 231 but I ended up getting sick and having to have emergency surgery so I lost a bit while in the hospital. I have PCOS, GERD, sleep apnea and fibromyalgia. 4 years ago I lost 90 pounds (from 250) and was down to 160 but with life, stress and kids I’ve gained most of it back. I’ve tried everything this last year and a half to get the weight back off but I’ve been unsuccessful. Would I be a candidate to be approved for surgery even though my BMI isn’t at 40? I have WellCare and I have an appointment for a consultation on March 5th with the surgeon but I’m scared I’ll just be told to keep trying to loose weigh…

I had been a 1kg away from my goal for a few days - jumping up and down a few hundred grams at a time. I was really getting discouraged and almost indulge my feelings with more food and after psyching myself up, I chose not to do that to myself. I woke up this morning and hopped on the scale - low and behold - I finally hit my goal weight!! I can't wait to see my dietitian later this month. It's my first meeting with them and I've already got my weight down! Just wanted to share my pre-op success!! ?

I am at the collecting info stage.I have waited a year..seen and booked the surgery. I have some questions.I am abound35 ks over weight.I have Cll..severe arithitis and blood pressure.With Leukemia ..i am doing well but get very tired..will this surgery increase my level of tiredness

I can't find anything on Google that says are you allowed to have an extra meal replacement optifast shake. I'm still hungry and I just wandering if i must stick to the 3.

Let's make this the official January surgery date thread. I will be having my surgery on 1/31/2020. I was certain that I was going to have the vsg, but I'm learning more and leaning towards the rouxny (rny) gastric bypass. Whatever you decide, let's get this thread started and support one another. I'm just starting it, but anyone can feel free to jump in and keep it going ?.

Hi all, thanks for accepting me, I’m a 49 year old Male, I’ve just been accepted to surgery( not sure which option yet) had bloods done etc so very early !, probably 1st step!, so I’ve got some questions I’d get advise on that I’m worried about? basically I’ve had a **** ! 6 months, prior to being accepted I had my gulbladder removed and developed pancreases!, I was discharged only to be readmitted 1 week later with pneumonia, 1 week later discharged,,, 4 days later back in with infection that made pneumonia return!!, was in for 2 weeks then discharged again!!,, 3 days later still shortness of breath,, in and out of hospital for well until now really!!, inbetween all t…

So, I went through my hospital's weight loss supervision program. Only 3 months of classes and appointments. I was so stoked when I got approved for surgery (bypass) by the surgeon on the 17th of January. I was told it could be as little as 3-5 days before I would be called to schedule the surgery. Unfortunately, this practice is very short handed and it's nearly impossible some days to get ahold of anyone. Let alone figure out what's going on. So turns out my surgeon went on vacation for a week after my last consult. Ok. Then they had trouble getting it submitted to the insurance company. Several phone calls and transfers later, I finally got the prior auth submitted. No…

I've been pretty damn good, only cheating once, and I haven't lost ANY weight during my 1 week liquid diet. What will happen? Will they still do my surgery?

Hit my personal "OMG that scale said WHAT" moment in November. Did some blood work, some intense research, soul searching, and asked for a referral to the local bariatric surgery clinic in December. Got the appointment set in January. First meeting with the surgeon on Tuesday (2/11/20). It's with Michelle Toder in Bangor Maine. She seems to have mixed reviews on the internet, but I'm still excited to get this journey going. I've told a couple people close to me that I'm pursuing this change with mostly positive feedback. But because of where I'm at in my life, this community and the supports from the paid professionals are who I'll have for a while. …

I'm only a few days away from my last appointment prior scheduling my surgery and I've been doing a lot of soul searching. I've been struggling to identify why I eat when I'm not really hungry. I believe I'm eating because I don't feel full and any time I don't feel full I want to eat until I do. I'm 50 years old and came from a time when I had to clean my plate no matter how full I felt. Now I need to figure out how to undo a practice that I've done for my entire life. If not, I'm worried that I'll just keep eating after surgery and not be as successful as I'd like. I'm interested to know if anyone else struggled with this and what they did to manage it to succ…

Hey fellow sleevers ! Went to the movies tonight and I just broke down and ate about a cup of popcorn!! I am on day 6 of 10 did I make a huge mistake !! Was supposed to be on a liquid diet help!!

I recently decided to start the process of getting weight loss surgery. I have an appointment for an initial consultation with a surgeon later this month. I’ve been trying to figure out the insurance requirements (BCBS of Tennessee) for covering my surgery, and I know the standard requirements of having a BMI over 40 and maybe having to do a 6-month supervised diet program, but I’m having a hard time finding any information on some of the other details. My biggest concern is that I’ve seen some people here mention a requirement for documentation of weight history. I have been morbidly obese all my adult life, but I rarely go to doctors. I went to get a checkup an…

I have the following clearances done: Primary Care Provider Sleep Apnea Doctor Psych Eval Now scheduled for: Pulmonary function Electrocardiogram EGD (pending) Ran into minor snag on EGD. When I called to schedule, I was told I had a $100 unpaid balance from colonoscopy 12 YEARS ago. [emoji33] I always pay my medical bills. GI ASSOCIATES refuses to schedule EGD until I pay a bill from 12 years ago (past statute of limitations by 9 years.) They cannot provide any documentation about this mysterious unpaid balance. Lawyer friend says not to pay because so old and unknown to me all these years. So having to find a different GI group to schedule EGD. Have 3rd of 4th wei…

Does anyone have a “list” of items us pre-op people might be able to use as guide? Because I’m starting to prep my home and trying out protein drinks now to see which ones I can tolerate. Was thinking of stalking up on baby food. Any ideas would greatly appreciate.

When I first had my sleeve I was extremely nauseous, retching, and vomiting for about 24 hours. I finally got them to give me zofran and that made a huge difference. This time, with a different surgeon, they have me on a scopolamine patch for one week prior to surgery. Does anyone have any experience with scopolamine and did it help with your nausea?

Anybody else in the Atlanta & Marrietta area using Wellstar Comprehensive Bariatrics Services? I've just finished my initial consultation with Dr Jean- Pierre and am now working on my clearances and presurgical requirements. Looks like it will be a busy few months! Best Kevin

My surgery date is March 11th at Blossom Bariatric. I am starting to test out protein drinks and preparing for post op. I am very allergic to dairy, with a mild allergy to stevia and sugar cane. I keep seeing people say to stock up on sugar free popsicles and jello but I can’t do artificial sweeteners at all. When I do use sugar I use monk fruit or xylitol. Neither of which you can find in popsicles and jello. So my option is regular sugar foods (which I can only tolerate a very small amount of), or I don’t know what else. I have pea protein and egg white protein to make smoothies with. Any suggestions for other post op foods I could get during t…

I was just recently approved for surgery, I will be having it done through Medicaid, does anybody have any information on what they require and how long it’s gonna take before I get a surgery date?

So here I am again asking for advice.... I haven't slept walked for years.. I'm half way through my pre OP diet still have about 18 days to go. I've been doing really well lately. Got over the hump...so I had thought. Then it turns out last night I slept walked made my self a peanut butter sandwich. Ate it all except the crusts (which is odd I love the crusts) ? I've put baby locks on the pantry tonight. I don't really know what else to do.