PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My question is how are your families reacting to your decision to have WLS? Mine is currently in the denial phase. Doesn't want me to have it, says I'm too old, too out of shape, etc. He's afraid I think of me croaking on the table. I've started pulling articles about how safe the surgery is now and that it can be done into someone's 70s now. My surgeon will only go up to age 60 and I'm 55. I've researched the surgeries for the last decade and gone back and forth and been anti'd more than once by other people. This time, I'm doing it for my own self health. I'm afraid to tell anyone else because of the anti-surgery messages I got the last time a few years ago when I start…

Final med approval yesterday, liquid diet now 14 days, lost 27 pounds. I have worked so hard to get here but I am so nervous about surgery to the point I am thinking twice about doing it. Is this normal?

I am 7 weeks away from my surgery and 5 months from my intro seminar. I am the same weight now as I was when I started. In the meantime, I have lost and regained the same 10 pounds twice now. I realize I am eating compulsively to deal with my anxiety about the surgery and other things. This week I am working on mindful eating and exercises for emotional eating. I’m getting awareness but have not been all that successful about stopping. My biggest fear is not about the surgery and recovery but I am terrified that I’ll keep eating sweets and go back to old/bad habits. I feel like I have been such a failure regarding weight loss and that I’ll be spending all this time, energ…

After a year of waiting and hoping and studying I'll be one week away exactly tomorrow morning!! Monday 28th is my day. I hope this day comes quickly!! I've had great success already on preop but I think I've stalled the last few days so I'm totally ready for the RNY BYPASS surgery!! I'm now back on shakes liquid diet everyday to help cleanse my body before surgery

My psych appointment is scheduled for Oct 25 and that’s the last milestone. If all goes well I’m hoping for surgery the first week of Dec. I’m vacillating between excited and second guessing myself. I’ve been able to lose the presurgery weight pretty easily so I am telling myself I could just keep going that way. I also know I’ve lost weight before and it’s keeping it off that’s the real challenge... back and forth back and forth ...

I am 5'2" tall and 180 lbs, looking for an advice which procedure best and safest. I spoke to my family doctor and suggested the balloon but my worry there, can I maintain my weight after taking the balloon out after 6 months or gain back? I did Keto for 4 months and lost 20 lbs but gained back when I traveled somewhere for 2 weeks as I used to do exercise and cook my keto food. Until I slowly feel that my weight gained back and can't keep my keto routine and exercise. My family doctor says Gastric Sleeve surgery is irreversible and if there is an infection and something wrong or not for me, I can't put it back. And later on, there must be a serious side effect. …

So I’m not sure what the process is for the psych evaluation just that I will be having one. Can anyone tell me what their experience was? I have taken meds for anxiety and depression during a really rough patch but nothing in a couple years. Btw my phone makes this all black on black so please forgive any typos!

I had my second appointment yesterday. She mentioned needing to do a EKG, send off for a letter of medical necessity from my PCP, a psych clearance, pulmonologist (sp) clearance, and a chest xray (former smoker). I got a call today from the scheduler making sure that the doctors she was calling to set up appointments with were ok with me. So sounds like all of this will be done very soon! Also, if I end up having neck surgery, I will have to get a clearance from the neurosurgeon. Once my 6 months is up, they send stuff to insurance to approve, which can take up to 2 weeks, then to anesthesia to approve, then i schedule surgery. So 6 months or so, and it will hopefully be …

Hey guys hope everyone is going well I'm officially 11 sleeps away from surgery surgeon filled me in on some final things and I asked a few questions. he said coffee is fine like 2-3 black coffees a day are fine which is good because I don't drink hot coffee but ill put a teaspoon in a shake and it gives me a boost in the mornings before a long day I'm just getting bored waiting counting the days; marking off the calendar! Had a little hunger craving today for the first time in weeks so had some fruit & chicken breast meat was very tasty! I'm lucky my preop diet is just continue with low calories and low carbs and 3 shakes a day which I've b…

Well, it is here. I must say 3 months went quickly. I’m drinking clear liquids only today and then at 6pm I have to do the dreaded prep. I guess the bathroom will be where I spend most of the night... I don’t know why I need to clear out my colon for VSG but I will comply...

Day 1: If you saw my posts in the revision section, then you know last Monday I started my preop diet in preparation for surgery next week. However, I have been nauseated and throwing up since Wednesday. (more nauseous than vomiting) I called the doc and spoke to the nurse who said she would get back with me and hasn't yet. So I decided today I would do liquids just for breakfast and have a small meal for lunch and supper. Breakfast will be: Coffee, protein shake, & water Just as the doctor ordered. My meals will be a meat protein with lettuce and tomato salad. I'm also taking gas-x strips to help move that gas out that's sitting on my stomach. ? Yes, I…

I went to my consult with my doctor July 24th. I have been through my psych evaluation (only one required), went to one nutritionist appointment (I have 3 pre-op) and I have my appointment with the gastro doc on 8/27 (the EDG isn't scheduled yet - it will be after this appointment). I just want to get my date already! My insurance only requires a three month period but it still doesn't seem real until I know my date - and then I can go to my primary doc for the rest of the pre-op tests. I have lost 30 lbs since I started trying 7/14/19 to lose weight, because I wanted to be healthy. I'm happy I'm losing on my own but I'm ready for the next step. I feel like all I do is ob…

So much to touch on here and it may ramble but it all has a point so stick with me. ??. The first day I met my new doc 6 months ago, the last thing he said was, “I can tell who will be successful after surgery by the amount they lose before surgery”. Talk about pressure! Lol. Anyway, fast forward 6 months and the surgery scheduler calls to say I’ve been approved for surgery. I was nervous initially because I ended my 6 months 3 pounds heavier than I began so I was stoked that I was approved so quickly. SS said if I was able to take the next day off work (9/27), I could have surgery on 10/8! Oh boy! First person I call is my husband, who immediately starts in on …

I am having surgery in two days and up until now I have been calm. Today I am more anxious than usual. I think I am just nervous about after surgery. How will I feel? How much pain will I be in? Making sure I get enough fluids when I am home. I keep telling myself I am doing this surgery to become a healthier person. Any good vibes would be appreciated. My mind is racing.

What are you most looking forward as you progress on your journey? I'll start off 1. Not having to use the handicap stall in the bathroom 2. Being able to fasten a normal seatbelt on an airplane 3. Being able to put on my own sneakers 4. Doing my own pedicure 5. Being able to look at cute clothes again 6. Having a real hug (you know, when the other person can get their arms ALL the way around) 7. Exercise that doesn't hurt 8. Hopefully getting rid of most of my medications 9. Not being described by others as "fat" or "big" 10. Being able to keep up with my grandchildren Okay, that's a start. You get the idea. I …

Hi all! I’m on day 6 of 14 full liquid diet pre op for sleeve surgery on October 23rd. About day 3 I started to get really nauseous, continuing until today where I was wretching. Good thing is I’m not hungry, but the bad part is I can barely finish one protein drink a day and just water otherwise. I hope this goes away but I’ll just white knuckle it. Anyone else experience this? Tips? I’ve tried broth, different shakes, sugar free jello, Powerade zero. Thanks!

Hello to everyone . I got okayed this week for my gastric sleeve surgery....scheduled for Oct 28, 2019......I have some wish washy feelings going on right now....I have lost 14 lbs on my own since I started talking to Dr about this surgery the first of July....Same Dr. took out my gall bladder on June 17, 2019. so I popped the question of sleeve surgery to him and it has been a journey toward this goal every since....So looking forward to it and getting my life back again...I have been bouncing around 200 lb all of my adult life. I am 79 years old and didn't even think it possible to get approved because of my age....so glad I was approved....anyhow I retired and got mar…

I go in for the, gastro sleeve on Oct 14 2019 I am on my , liver shrinking diet

Has anyone used them? I have surgery there May 2nd and I’m just looking for more input.

Hi I’m Syrus 38 yrs old,Currently weigh 226.6 Lbs, Height 5’1. I started my journey March 28,2019 my second appointment to see the surgeon is October 3rd, I’ve done almost every test required just need a Stress Echo scheduled for the 27th of this month, a Cardiology clearance letter a Neurology clearance letter and my PCP letter wich won’t be a problem. My biggest worry is that I had a spinal leak in 2015 from an epidural and my surgeon needs that clearance letter from them . Soooo worried out my mind that they deny me....I’m literally almost there 2 more weigh ins 2- clearance letters and a Stress Echo exam away to see my surgeon to discuss a surgery date...

Ooooh getting excited 14 days to go I felt the need to share with everyone. I'm seeing so many people doing so well post op making me feel good; a little anxious about possible complications.. but I feel confident and happy about my future

Does anyone know if it’s ok to mix protein powder with green smoothie? Basically it’s spinach, banana, and frozen mango & pineapple with soy milk blended. Just wondered about fruit??

I am prepping for my pre-op diet but I wanted to know if anyone an alternative to sugar free Jello brand they liked? Looking for aspartame free options.

Hi guys. Tomorrow will be three weeks post op and I’m sad to say, I’ve only lost 10 lbs. I don’t understand it. I hardly eat anything. I’m averaging 500-600 calories a day and getting all of my protein in. What am I doing wrong? I feel I should be loosing more. Ive been stuck at 220 for almost a week and I’m at my wits end. I’m not even eating solid foods. I’m worried that I won’t get to my goal weight by the time my stomach starts to stretch out. Any advice?

My surgery date changed, does anyone have an October date.

I'm going to my first appt at my doctors office on the 16th to bring up bariatric surgery. Any questions I should ask or things I should mention?

And this was my breakfast,lunch,dinner

Sorry I felt the need to post my next milestone hitting 270lbs today & Monday I'll be two weeks away from surgery I like to share positive thoughts and messages to those who may be feeling discouraged!

Anyone on here that had Medicare for their primary insurance?

Dear all, My surgery date is 20/11/2019 and I am very excited about it. I would like to ask you if there ate any essentials items to be bought before surgery. For example I read that a maternity pillow will be great to sleep on... hair loss prevention spray, the small measurement cups/spoons/containers? Any help would be highly appreciated Also, any pre-op tips? In Europe doctors do not prescribe a liquid diet. i was just told to eat healthy and exercise, as any kg lost will ease recovery and facilitate the surgery. Are you aware of any other recommendations in this sense? Thank you and good luck to you all. Ruxa

Getting so excited just got 150lbs lost and coming into the final days to surgery 18 data to go cannot wait it's been a long road.. Hope everyone who has had surgery so far is going well. I'll be going into hospital 10/28 at 11am I think surgery will be after lunch sometime Getting excited maybe a little anxious but hopefully no complications from the RNY. 50lbs gone 80-90 to my end goal

**sorry for the double post my phone is playing up** Getting so excited just got 50lbs lost and coming into the final days to surgery 18 days to go cannot wait it's been a long road.. Hope everyone who has had surgery so far is going well. I'll be going into hospital 10/28 at 11am I think surgery will be after lunch sometime Getting excited maybe a little anxious but hopefully no complications from the RNY. 50lbs gone 80-90 to my end goal

Hello all, my entire life I have suffered from mild anxiety and depression. I have never been on medication for my disorder and overall have been able to manage my anxiety/depression on my own. The psychologist is I feel trying to convince me that my disorders will get worse will surgery and that is why she insist I get counseling beforehand. I am not against therapy I have gone spuratically over my life, but I just don’t feel like I need it. Anyone who has gone through the surgery that their symptoms got worse? I feel like I manage my **** well and don’t need someone else telling me otherwise. Am I wrong?

So...I was discharged and now home with lots of instructions. They told me not to weight but II just had to see...I’ve gained exactly 10 lbs in one day, what??! I was on a nonstop IV drip but stilll....omg! Anyone else experience this?

Anyone know of support groups for pre-op patients in the RALEIGH NC area?

Typing to you guys from the hospital. Had my surgery about 12 hours ago. I haven’t looked at my incisions but I’m told there are 6 and look good. I’m drinking water And broth about t 4-6 oz/ hour. That does not make me full wondering if this is normal? I also barely feel pain. I didn’t have any gas issues at all.... all is good and II plan to go home tomorrow. Appreciate everyone who read and responded and those who IM-ed me. I guess I’lll go over to the post op thread, lol.

I had my first WLS consultation at Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) this week. They took a blood draw to check my vitamin levels and found my ferratin was high at 700. I already have really high triglycerides (~650 range) which is one of the motivators for having the surgery ( comorbiditys from Obesity). Did anyone else have a really high ferratin level and tryglyceride level as a result of your obesity?

I cannot believe I'm so close after over 12 months of research and waiting for my insurance to mature I'm finally at the last leg of this race. 3 weeks today (Monday in Australia) I've been through so much mentally recently and I'm proud of how far I've come. I decided to start my own diet 6 weeks ago and I'm down now 46lbs. I'm so excited to start the next leg of my journey and begin the next chapter of my life. I'm looking at 80-90lbs to get below the 200lbs goal and hopefully end up around 185-195!! Thank you all for your support and kind words. (I've already had to buy some new clothes and feeling a little more confident every week) …

I start my two week liquid diet today. Oct 21 is my surgery date. Any helpful suggestions to get through the next two weeks would be appreciated!!!!

I was just wondering what to expect at my first support group before surgery I’m quite nervous as I’m very shy especially around people I don’t know. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you, Marissa Moss

hey guys I have been absolutely binging on this forum … everyday @work( Shhhh) . This forum is the best but im a little jealous because I don't have any November 2019 buddies to kick the excitement with . SOOOOO if you are having surgery November 2019 say hey to me.

Starting to get frustrated with the set backs with my hospitals program requirements. I know it is for the best but between having tests and appointments be postponed and getting more required appointments added I just want to get this done. I finished my last dietary appointment today (the dieticians office cancelled on me once which put me off schedule and I had to start over) and I have what will hopefully be my last psych visit next week (the doctor who does the psych evals never gives the green light on the first visit but I didn’t know this going in to it) so I thought I was finally good to go. But then I got further results of my sleep study they required and they …

My husband works for UPS and we have TeamCare/BCBS Illinois insurance. Just wondering if anyone else has had to go through the approval process with them. How long did it take? Was it difficult, etc.

Got my surgery date Oct 21 for G.S....Pre-OP two week diet starts Oct 7th!

So I was finally cleared to begin my insurance steps. I know I have the paper right here but I am still wrapping my head around it. Both excited and anxious. More or less anxious with going over this ? How quickly did some of you get they just the insurance steps? This month they got my sleep study appointment set up, and I e already dropped a copy to my primary to go over because I believe she needs to help get some Information for me to send them.

I went to my first Obesity Conference today (10/4/19). I was sponsored and was able to attend at no cost to myself (blessings), I only attended today and opted out of tomorrow. One of the sessions I attended addressed various attachment issues and styles, this correlated to our relationship with food and how we feel about ourselves. We started with a brief exercise to bring you present and a few cleansing breaths. My other favorite part was all of the goodies in my swag bag, I'm ready for surgery now (the free samples saved me some money). I have so many protein samples, vitamin samples and etc. Just a few of the vendors included, Bariatric Advantage, Premier, Unjury, C…

Dr Robert Kelly Jr, md was amazing in Savannah GA anyone in the area he is great

I’m Sleeve to Bypass Revision. Anyone have severe anxiety disorder? I had a panic attack after my last surgery and it was a struggle to get my anxiety meds administered to me.... fast forward to now I have a fear of being hooked up to an IV and I’m worried about not being able to ask for my anxiety meds. Thx.

Hi!! So I got the call today that I have been approved for surgery and my official date is November 11th.. I am soooo nervous now as well as excited that its really happening, but my fear of the unknown has me scared!! I love getting on here and reading you guys stories and testimonies they definitely make me feel like im making the right choice! Thank u!!☺️