PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

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I had my first consult to make sure I am a good candidate for sleeve surgery, now I just need to have 2 diet visits and my psych consult. Today is the 1st diet visit. Any thoughts on what I should expect? I'm sure every office is different, I'm just curious about other's experience.

Here's a little inspiration we are all working very hard to achieve our own individual weight loss goals and sometimes it's not easy it's a new lifestyle just a reminder dont ever give up

I had my preop endoscopy at TGH and it came back with chronic gastritis positive for intestinal metaplasia. Has anyone ever had this? And what was treatment? My hpylori was negative.

Finally got my surgery date, December 17th. I'm so happy to know now but I wish I didn't have to wait that long. [emoji4] [emoji5] [emoji1]

Hi Folks, I've been excited to count down and tomorrow is my surgery. On Sept 18th I had my final pre-blood work down and my White blood cell count was high, around 13 where the max range is 10.8. I had just finished a course of steriods for bronchitis. The surgeon examined me and I was breathing clear so asked me to do another blood test on the 27th. well..I just got an alert from quest the results were in. I looked and the WBC count is only down to 12. I haven't heard yet from the surgeon if they want to cancel but I know they are very risk adverse at this hospital. expecting I'll be postponed which is okay I guess for safety. But I already took my two weeks o…

Hi everyone! I’m new here. I am going to Dr Carmody’s office in Richmond, Virginia this week for my initial consultation. I am thinking of getting the gastric sleeve surgery. I’m so nervous! I have been obese my entire life. I really gained weight when I was pregnant with my 2nd son and never lost the pregnancy weight. That was 11 years ago! I considered the surgery 8 years ago, went to the seminar, visited the nutritionist, had the EGD... but I decided against it because I didn’t have the money at the time. A few questions for you all. 1. Did you work on weight loss before your consultation? I’m afraid that I will have a tougher time losing the prescribed w…

My doctor requires you to lose weight before considering you for surgery. In my case, 28lbs. I've been weighing daily (I went back and forth on daily v. weekly but decided daily makes sense while I am learning how my body responds to things). I'm down 20 lbs (ish.... I think it's closer to 15 because my scale reads lower than the Dr.'s). This week, despite doing really well with food (between 1200-1500 cal per day) I gained weight. I KNOW sometimes this happens - it could be water weight or could be my body just being weird - but it's super frustrating. My plan is to just ride it out and keep being good, but would appreciate any tips from others. Thanks, Lo…

Has anyone had the ~new procedure: the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)? It's also called the "Accordion" procedure. (This is a non-surgical procedure, done similarly to a doctor putting the endoscope into your stomach and putting a few stitches in the stomach from the inside, narrowing your capacity. It's relatively new. Some patients who can't undergo surgery; or who had surgery and have stretched their pouch again, might opt for this, I'm told. Instead of ~20 minutes for the VSG, this 'ESG' takes ~ 90 minutes under general anesthesia. Anyone had this done? If so, please report.

Had my op Monday and didn't do too good to start I had very low blood pressure and I'm constantly getting the waves of sickness although I have not vomited, my GP is prescribing me a anti sickness medication, I'm feeling about 30% better but it's so uncomfortable to sleep they advised me to sleep low to keep my blood pressure ok, I can settle on my left side for a few hours then it starts to ache and the right side is a no no it's doing my head in has I'm so tired , I was just wondering if anyone else had experienced this

Hey! I’ve done my six nutrition sessions and am meeting with my surgeon in a week. I was wondering what everyone’s timeline looked like after you finished your nutrition visits. (ex: 2 weeks for insurance approval, 4 weeks until surgery date). I’m trying to plan my time off and don’t know when I should start requesting time off. Thanks in advance! ❤️

I have not been approved by my insurance yet, but I have finished my nutritionist and psych appointments and the surgeon approved me for the sleeve. I was informed about the 2 week liver shrinking diet and I'm really nervous about it. Mainly because I am pushing the BMI requirements as it is. I have BCBS IL insurance. I'm afraid I will be below the BMI requirements on surgery day and wont be able to get it. Does anyone have insight for me?

Hi there... been doing research. How many folks had some reflux issues and had the gastric sleeve? How are you fairing now? Any issues?

Ok, my nerves are getting the best of me tonight. My surgery is tomorrow morning and I am antzy to get on with it already! Anyone else feel like this the night before? I just want to get on to the next step toward my new life.

Has anyone had the lap band removed at the same time as having the gastric bypass surgery? If so, how did you do and how long did it take to do yours? I am scheduled for this surgery on October 7th.

So tomorrow is the big day. I am a bag of emotions now. Excited, happy, anxious, stressed and hesitant at the same time. As much as I know that this is going to be the best thing I can do for myself, I feel as if I am losing part of myself. Food has always played a major role in my life. I love to cook and barbeque. Well everyone wish me luck.

I'm new here and new to the wls world lol. I have wanted bariatric surgery for as long as I can remember but was never a possibility because of the cost. Earlier this year I found out that it's covered by my health insurance so I decided to research it and have made the decision to start the process! This coming Thursday (the 26th) I'm going to the weight loss seminar that's mandatory for the program and am so excited! They gave me a huge packet of paperwork to turn in at the seminar. My question to any of you that have gone to a similar seminar is about how long after the seminar did the ball actually start rolling for the process? I have heard that we have to do an 8 we…

To whom it may concern. I got to see my surgeon again yesterday. It went really really well I'm still 4.5 weeks out from my date which is confirmed as 10/28 and I'll be the first surgery after lunch that day. I've started my own preop diet early and I'm down 38lbs currently at 282lbs aiming for around 185lbs. Surgeon says any weightloss will definitely help him do the surgery and help my recovery. The BMI doesn't matter they use the first BMI that's it but he said it's good I've lowered my risk factors and I'll be in my own private room and private bathroom facilities in the hospital. I'll be looking at least 3 days as long as I'm getting liq…

I hope to not offend anyone by my question...but here goes. In preparation for the surgery and all of the pre OP testing, giving up smoking is a requirement in order to be cleared and approved for the surgery. This includes nicotine, vaping, cbd oils, cannabis and etc. As of this weekend I will no longer be partaking until further notice, even though my bariatric team & I aren't realistically looking for me to have this procedure until January. I just feel like, I'm going to commit and give this my all and be prepared...who else has to give up smoking?

My VSG is scheduled for January 7th, 2019. I have to get it done before school starts up, which is January 14th. Is anyone else celebrating getting a surgery date like I am!?

What are you dealing with now???

Please delete this if it's not appropriate. I have a question that has been nagging at me.... When do most people feel well enough to resume intimacy with their spouse?

What are the best protein drinks for the liquid diet, flavors also

I'm finally getting into the process. I've got 2 of the 6 nutritionist appointments done. I've got my endoscopy scheduled for Sept 26. I've got the physical assessment scheduled for the day before Thanksgiving. Psychology assessment already completed. I'm trying my best just to maintain my current weight with everything else going on right now. Looking forward to getting this done.

Well I have the fitness, endoscopy, nutritionist, and 1 other appointments this next week. I'm also going to see a holistic chiropractor that believes I may have an energy block near my thyroid. Alot for one week, but with my schedule, appointment stacking makes it easier for me. Just for example, I don't have to be home till Monday, but I'm getting sent home on Friday evening, so I'll miss 3 days work prior to the 4 days I'll be off for these appointments.

Anyone else having issues getting an extended nutritionist appointments? I've got one at Thanksgiving, but I've tried to get it moved up. They say they don't have any appointments available because of some new standard that is being created. Anyone heard of this and have any idea what's going on?

Hey All!! I’m going through the process to get the gastric sleeve surgery and just stumbled on this forum. My insurance requires 6 months in our weight loss program before you can get the surgery. I started in April so hopefully end of October, early November I will have my procedure. I see my surgeon for the first time next week (yay)! I notice some of you guys talking about getting an EGD, is this usually very common for the surgeon to require? And any questions to ask the surgeon that you found helpful? Thanks!

I have my preop appointment tomorrow hospital labs are set for the 9th was wondering if anyone could share with me what goes on at the preop appointment???

Just booked my surgery with Dr. Ariel Ortiz at the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana, for January 6, 2020! I couldn't be more excited about moving forward after so much research and reflection. I'll be continuing weight loss with Weight Watchers until I get pre- op diet information. I'm working on learning as much as possible about life before, during and after surgery, and developing a walking routine. 2020 will be a new beginning and although I'm a little anxious, I'm so excited as well!

Are there any pepper out there also from Canada? I would love to chat with anyone having surgery in the next month or so. I'm having surgery in Hamilton, ON mid- September. I've lost 35 lbs on my own.

Hey there ive been on my own preop diet now for just over 3 weeks eating mostly just protein very little carbs.. Yesterday I started feeling a little soreness in my stomach/kidney area.. I've been reading excess protein may affect the kidneys but there's mixed information so it's hard to know what's true? I've been having consistently at least 100g a day with shakes and tuna cans plus some veggies.. Just curious maybe it's a normal thing in ketosis? The pain was bearable just weird... Tnx

Coming to the end of my 6 months supervised weight loss visits, per insurance requirement. Everything has been submitted to insurance for approval. Should have an answer in two weeks or so. If all goes well I am looking at the end of Oct for surgery. I would like to get to know any other sleevers or those who are on the journey to be sleeved. Needing a great support system/ friends during this journey. Feeling alone in this since I don't have the support from family at this time.

My surgery is set for 8-27. I'm super nervous [emoji15] [emoji32] and this pre-op diet is killing me... I really want to chew something.

Hey guys just wanted to share some more of my small but BIG victories for me as I went to my primary doctor today I was weighed like always and to my surprise I am 8 more lbs down I cant believe it 30lbs in almost a month with just three days to go until surgery day I am so excited and everyone around me is excited so it leaves little room for me to be nervous but I still am just a but but I do keep telling myself that the risk of not having the surgery are far greater than having it as of right now Im good to go so come on Monday!!!

I got that magic phone call today, I'm approved for surgery and will meet the surgeon this Friday. I just finished the options classes 2 weeks ago and my last requirement on Monday. I'm very proud of myself for this progress, but there's more to do and as those of you who are on this journey know, we all need somebody. You are the star of your "life", but who is your supporting cast for this part of the journey and is it who you thought it would be? My support group is strong at times and other days I realize just how much of this is all me. I'm used to it being only me, but this journey requires vulnerability and transparency (at least for me), I need my supporti…

Hello. I am in the pre-op phase and am scheduled to have a CT scan of my coronary arteries tomorrow. I've had a couple of questionable stress tests in the past, but my cardiologist said they were just due to my large size and breast tissue. However, my primary thinks it would be good just to have the ct scan to be 100% sure prior to my surgery. Here is my problem. I have extremely bad anxiety and I am so worried about having this test done. Just wondering if anyone here has ever had it. I have to take Lopressor tonight and then again before my test so that my heart rate is slow enough. Of course, I'm worried that I will become hypotensive or develop a really slow…

Hi guys, I am on a 2 week liver shrinkage diet, i am four days in and am suffering a lot of what i assume is hunger pain. Is this normal ? I knew it was not going to be easy in anyway, shape or form and i will carry on regardless but at times the pain has been a 7 out of 10 Also does it ever stop? I kinda expected to struggle for a couple of days and then sort of get used to it. Maybe i am wishful thinking on that one lol.

Tomorrow I go in for the sleeve! I am excited and nervous of course. But I goofed up and it is sunday. I cannot remember if I can have protein shakes or not today. I know no solids for sure. But just cant remember I'd protein is allowed. Any insight? Pre Op 5' 11" #360 >50 BMI

Hi All, Looking for some help. I’m on my second week of pre-op diet and I’m 4 days in of just protein shakes and water only. Here’s my problem, since about last night around bedtime, I keep having recurrent palpitations. I’m using Baritastic and for the past 4 days I’ve averaged around 700 calories, and about 18 carbs a day. I’m more than hitting the 60 grams of protein with the 5 shakes. I researched a bit and it appears that irregular heart rhythm can occur with low calorie/low carb diets. Has anyone else experienced this? What helped? And how many carbs did/do are you supposed to have a day? Thanks!

HI , I'm new here, i just started my 2 weeks liquid diet prior t my surgery on September 26th, i have a terrible headache and feeling nausea. I do have bad GERD though, so I'm not sure whats going on does anyone have the same problem like me?

Hello there I'm counting down the days. This has been a long time coming. I made a date with surgeon a few months ago and I have 6 weeks to go Decided to start my own preop diet already and I've managed to lose 30lbs in about 16 days! I'm feeling confident and happy to finally get this show on the road. will be seeing surgeon in 10 days for a check up and to confirm everything is going ahead as planned! it's getting very real now only 6 weeks left until I'm under the knife I'm happy for everyone who posts to give me the inspiration to keep going everyday and praying for my long term success!! Just wanted to share my latest feelings and…

Does anyone have Independence Blue Cross, Comcast is my employer. If so, what was required for the “documented failed attempts of medical weight loss”? I throughly read the entire Bariatric policy and it does not state exactly what their looking for. Thank you in Advance

I am pre-op for bypass on 10/28. As part of the process, I had to do a stomach emptying study, and it showed that my stomach clears it’s contents faster than normal. This isn’t a problem, if it emptied slow it would be. My question is, has anyone else had this and does this mean I may have an easier time getting my water in post-op?

Hi: I am 1 month pre-op RNY and I’m nervously excited. I’m not too scared about the surgery part as I DO expect to wake up. But I am scared about complications. I have read enough on here and elsewhere to know that bad things can happen. I’m worried about how I am going to feel afterwards. Not so much the surgery pain because I have had surgery before. I’m more worried about fatigue and possible sadness. I’m worried about what I will eat when regular food is reintroduced. I read what people eat and not much of it is what I like. It seems the healthy things that I like are off limits. I don’t eat a lot of protein but I do like protein shakes so I expect …

Has anyone struggled making the decision between a by-pass vs Sleeve?

14 months out from WLS, ate too fast...threw up HARD...burst the blood vessels around my eyes. Chew thoroughly, eat slow. Have a pleasant day

Hello, Any fellow New Yorkers here ? I have metroplus and just was denied a referral from my doctor because surgery is the "easy " way out . She said she could refer me but chooses not to. Anyway , does anyone else with metroplus know any pcps that'll refer me ? I'm the required BMI and old enough (26) .

I've been doing to the docs since July 24 (first appointment was made in June, but, as we all know, it's a waiting game). I have my endo (re)scheduled to 10/3 (the first facility didn't take my insurance ?) and my pre-op with my primary on 9/30. My surgery is set (as along as all tests are good), for 10/28/19. I've lost 36 plus pounds on my own. I watch everything that goes into my mouth and I exercise. I also obsessively go on this site and facebook grounds about bariatric surgery and watch my 600-lb life when I'm not feeling motivated enough (I will tend to go for a nice, long walk after seeing their struggles). I read stuff every day. I feel like I'm obsessed! The date…

Today marks 3 weeks until my VSG! I’ve been very excited. I am frantically cleaning and prepping my apartment so that I can come home and focus on me and my health. I have my pre-op appointment with my surgeon in 2 days. I have to bring my FMLA/STD paperwork for my job and they asked me to bring a completed consent form (acknowledging the type of surgery and risks etc). What are some questions you asked before your surgery? I’d love some input. I would hate to have overlooked something. I want to take advantage of my time with the doctor. What was something you asked or wished you asked before surgery?

I got my EGD done on Friday. She wrote on the report that no findings to prevent bariatric surgery.

However, I have antrum gastritis and she said it looks quite red and sore (no ulcers). I have been taking omeprazole for months but my stomach does burn when I wake up prior to taking that pill.

I’m wondering what will happen when the antrum becomes part of the remnant stomach. Will the omeprazole work? Will that part no longer be irritated since it will no longer be digesting food? 

I plan on asking these questions of the doctor in a few weeks but wondering if anyone has a clue about this.

Thanks