PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi I'm new here and have many questions, but my biggest one is if anyone here has had bypass surgery who previously had a Nissen wrap for reflux. I could explain the nissen, but those that have had it will know what I am talking about. I have many health issues and all of my doctors are for me getting this bypass surgery. They say that it would be worse for me not to have it. They need to unwrap the Nissen and then do the surgery, which they say will add about 2-3 hours to my surgery. I know I need to get this done, but would love to hear from someone that has had this done with the Nissen. How long did your surgery take? Were there complications? Now I know that everyone…

For insurance to cover wls they usually require 6 mths of supervised diet with a Dr... Ive been on diet pills for 2mths with my pcp will that count

Sigh...the surgeon submitted my file to the insurance yesterday afternoon...right before Christmas...will this take a long time? I wonder how the holiday season will impact it? Do insurance...underwriters? Nurses? Work on Monday? Is anyone else pining away over Christmas?? #alliwantforchristmasisaninsuranceapproval

Hey there! I’m basically reaching out today to see if anyone has gotten the surgery and attempted or has enlisted in the military post-op? It’s been a goal of mine since I was 15 years old of wanting to be apart of something bigger and make something of myself. I have read Government PDF’s online, spoken to a couple recruiters and to two surgeons. I have gotten mixed answers, please help!

Okay so I had my labs done yesterday and they did the oxygen one and I already got my results online but idk what to make of them. It seems I'm barely out of range for a few. Anyone know if they will still do surgery or if this is just something I'm stressing over for nothing.

Hi! I'm looking at getting DS. I am currently in the process of finding a surgeon/WLS program. I am trying to find out if anyone here has gone thru the process of getting Cigna to cover their surgery since the beginning of 2019 (from what I can tell there was a policy change but I'm not sure what that change entails). What kind of waiting period did you have to go thru? Other requirements? I'm *hoping* to be able to get my surgery done by the end of July- my Cigna insurance runs out then due to me turning 26. Any input/insight would be appreciated. Thank you!

Tomorrow I have my first appointment with the psychiatrist. I was emailed a bunch of paperwork to fill out before my visit. As many of you may know they ask a lot of questions about your health, family, food, etc. I have heard many people say just be honest with your answers. So yes I have rapid mood swings, fatigue, sense of hopelessness, loss of sexual desire, thoughts of dying, negative thoughts, crying episodes, etc. Who doesn’t have at least 1 or 2 of these emotional behaviors. So I want be honest about this , because I need this surgery. How did do in your Psych Eval, were you HONEST??????

My surgery went well on yesterday. I am looking forward to using this tool to get and keep my weight off. I am walking, drinking my fluids and hardly haven any pain. My doctor is discharging me tonight hopefully. This bypass went a whole lot better than the sleeve. I am going to be patient converting to solids. I actually feel great I am so glad I did this for me.

Hello I get surgery on August 19th. What are some must needs you need in your hospital bad (I know a lot say you don’t need much) and what are a few things you found you need for after surgery and that would be helpful? I’ll be purchasing things before surgery so I have after.

My insurance says they don't cover wls but my surgeon's office says they do it's a case by case.. Does anyone have Texas Amerigroup??

I have a rather uncomfortable question. Please don't judge me for asking. If anyone is comfortable answering, I'm curious: how has the surgery affected your...romantic life? If you have loose skin, saggy breasts, thin hair, etc. is it hard to be... intimate? I'm really sorry for asking this question. I've been single my whole life, never been intimate with anyone and really want to get married and have a family. That's one of my motivations for getting the surgery. Although I've had some dates here and there, I've never been intimate with anyone before because I was afraid of what they'd think of me when they saw me (if you get my drift) for the first time. That…

Can we just start a thread for us November bypassers? Mine is November 1st! Please feel free to spill your guts over your fears and excitements! I'd love to have the support knowing we're doing this together, even if we are physically far away. I have 150lbs to lose and I am anxious to see those pounds go! My goal is to reach my goal weight within 24 months. I know it can happen much sooner than that, but I want to give myself a far out goal-date so I don't get too upset if it doesn't come off as fast as I hope. I hope to spend my 32nd birthday at 140lbs! My birthday is November 24th, so this is the best 30th birthday present I could give myself.

Hi, I am set to have sleeve surgery 7/8/19. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea through the pre testing. It is moderate I believe. I am told the surgeon will not do surgery unless you comply with the cpap for a month prior to surgery. I have psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia so when I put the nose pillows on they irritate me as well as the face straps, I also move a lot with the arthritis pains and I am finding it near impossible to wear it. When I do manage to sleep with it on I wake up an hour later feeling like I am drowning or something. I don’t want to miss out on surgery but I cannot do this. I have a message for surgeon to call me but the assistant on the phon…

I have my first appt on Wed. MyChart says it is 30 min with the Bariatric surgeon. It doesn’t seem typical that my first appointment would be with the surgeon and it seems like most of you had longer appointments your first visit. Is this weird? Maybe I’m just getting nervous.

any good advice appreciated as I get closer to surgery

X-Post w/ Nutrition forum: coffee is not mentioned on my pre-op diet sheet, but Protein Shakes sure are. Can I have coffee-shakes (Svelte, Click, etc.)? Would love to compare notes with you all!

I started my WLS journey back in March. I’m May, I finally found someone who takes my insurance. I had to do a seminar before they would schedule me for a consult. They called me the day they received my certificate of completion and told me that my insurance requires 6 consecutive months of weightloss with my PCP and that I have my consult on July 8th. Has anyone else had to do the 6 month thing and what exactly happened in each appointment?

Hi All, I just got my “welcome to the bariatric dept” letter and a denial letter on the same day. The denial said I don’t have a history of failed diets. My GP noted my failures specifically in my chart though. I’ve done so many diets, and Weight Watchers more times than I can count. I remember being on WW in my teens. My first prescription diet was early elementary school for G-d sake! Now I have to jump through appeal hoops. I have Kaiser (Oregon) via Medicare (I’m disabled). Any tips and encouragement is welcome!

I just ate my last sugar free popsicle, I have taken my pre op shower and now it’s time for bed. My surgery is in the morning. My daughter can’t stay because she just stared her new job. I know God will protect me. I am super excited and I am so tired of seeing all those food commercials lol. Good night everyone

Hi all- Sleeve surgery set for Monday (2 days) and wondering what the day-of surgery process was like for you? From check in to recovery room, what do you remember about your experience? Hoping this helps calm some fears. I have three beautiful small children, a new house & loving Labrador that I need to make sure I get back to. In my mind I’m only considering worst- case surgery scenarios so with your experience and input about your day of surgery process, I hope to calm myself down. Thanks in advance!

So Yesterday I received all of my shakes and vitamins along with information on what to expect before, during, and after my surgery. My surgeons office provides you with a starter kit to be successful on this journey. Today was my first day and I had a protein shake (Iced Latte) for breakfast and a chocolate protein shake for lunch. My co worker made me 3 different flavored sugar free jellos , so I had that as a snack. The exciting part is that I can have a meat of my choice and vegetables every night for dinner. How did you do on your pre op diet, any suggestions ?

Hi all - I'm really stressed. My insurance denied my DS surgery. My surgeon is appealing. She's very experienced with this and is tenacious. Surgeon wants me to keep attending pre-op classes/appointments and stay on the schedule for surgery June 14! (Insurance person at her practice says they will likely have an answer w/in 15 days). While I hope I win the appeal, I have to ask: if I'm denied again will I be on the hook for the many doctor's visits, nutritionist, psychologist, pre-op testing, etc. that have led up to this?! Why don't docs confirm the insurance *first* before getting patients in the pipeline and giving what may be false hopes? Thanks in advance …

I'm really looking for some advise with the pre and post vitamins I'm suppose to be taking. I'm not sure which brand of vitamins I should be looking at. The brand I was recommended is a little to expensive but I'm not sure if the Equate brand has enough of what I need. How do I know which is the right choice?

Hey all I'm worried about qualifying for my insurance to cover me. I have no comorbidities, and my bmi fluctuates from 38-40.6. I'm currently at 39.9, and meet my PCP on Monday. Does my bmi have to be 40 when I ask my pcp for approval and a referral, or does my BMI have to be 40 when I meet the surgeon? I have meridian health (Illinois medicaid) for my insurance, if that makes a difference. I appreciate some insight. This forum has been so helpful!

im pre-surgery still here and i’ve only told a few people, but already i’m finding the mix of either unsupportive or hurtful replies. I’m reminding myself i’m doing this for me, for my health and it isn’t their journey; at the same time the lack of support and understanding from the small circle i hoped would be supportive has been hard/hurtful so far. i know i’ll hear it from others and expect that, it’s the unexpected ones and then that feeling of being alone on this especially in person. Also disappointed that the support group/program following surgery that i was told about at the information centre isn’t covered by my insurance so another loss of potential support.…

So since 2016 I have been approved for weight loss surgery twice ! Each time it was canceled due to a seizure I had ! I have uncontrollable seizures ☹️. I’ve tried so hard to lose this weight on my own I get 5-10 lbs down but that’s it ! I have 200 to lose ! When they were canceled I was like there’s your answer but I keep getting more miserable and my arthritis hurts I can’t stand or walk very much ! I have kids and a grandson and I haven’t worked in 4 years I’m 46 and want my life back !!!! Any thoughts????

Good Evening, I am well on my road to WLS. However, I get the results back from my pre-op tests and the only negative that came back was my ecg. It said it was abnormal. ? I just want to know if this is going to holdup or even cancel my surgery at all. I have been thinking about having WLS for at least 8 years. Now I have come so far only to possibly be setback forever. Has anyone had this happen to them? If so, what was/were the outcome. Your knowledge is greatly appreciated. My surgery is scheduled for 06/03/19. Thanks in Advance (Sigh)?

I am really upset. Trying to hold back tears. I do not have a PCP, I am not required to have one to see a specialist and no one ever informed me that I would be required to submit records from one. It is not even mentioned in the requirements I had BCBS email to me awhile ago, just the 6 months of continuous care in a 2 year period. "The individual must have serially documented active participation in a non-surgical weight reduction regimen for at least 6 continuous months, in the 2 years prior to surgery, to enable both behavioral changes and adequate assessment of anticipated postoperative dietary maintenance. These efforts must be fully appraised and documented by…

I'm having a 'mini gastric bypass' on Jan 5th. Has anyone any experience with this particular op? I am so scared! Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Does weight loss surgery help ibs

So I am coming up to the when I start my 2 week pre-op diet and I have some questions. When it comes to the Vitamins, does it have to be a certain brand(the surgeons office recommended Building Blocks) or can I go with something not so costly? Recommended: https://www.bbvitamins.com/product/multiple-vitamin-chewable-citrus-test/ Me thinking: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Adult-Complete-Multivitamin-Tablets-200-count/14711329 The Meal Replacement Shakes. Are there specific ones to go for? Which brands? Sipping...I understand the idea of sipping my fluids but, is there a wait time between sips I should be following? And po…

Hey everyone.. I have completed all the preoperative exams and was given a tentative surgery date(6/26/19) I am on day 3 since I quit smoking which i had to do but wasnt ready to do and I am having a tough time.. I keep reminding myself the reasons I had to quit and its still hard! Its 2:30 am and I cant sleep and Im irritated? Nicotine addiction is a real thing! I just needed to get that off my chest!

-Hi team. First time poster. I'm on the Optifast diet, been sticking to mostly shakes and the soups. I do like the cookies and cream bar though. What I didn't know though is that I was given some Optislim shakes instead of the usual Optifast ones. Is there much difference between the two? Also broccoli and carrots, and mushrooms are my friends Does anyone have any good recipes for those things?

My insurance doesn't cover bariatric surgery, so I've decided to get it done in Mexico. That's not the "wrong" part though, believe it or not. I do feel there is value to the pre-op hoops you jump through to get approved and other preparatory and follow-up work that I'm worried I'm not even aware of. Like everyone else here, I want the best possible chance at success and I feel like I'm already behind the curve. Here's where I stand with my own attempts to get the right support network in place: DIETITIAN - Do I need one after surgery? I'm not currently seeing one, but I used the services of an RD for 2 years, 2006-2008, so I've got all the knowledge regarding p…

Hey ya'll. I just got numbers back from labs and they're not good. My Blood Glucose is 158 and my A1C is 8.5. So according to Mayo Clinic, I need two blood tests to confirm. But they're starting me on Metformin. I'm kinda stressing it. My Liver enzymes aren't good either but I already knew I had a Fatty Liver. I'm trying to look at the bright side, now my insurance will probably definitely approve my surgery, right? I have one more physician-assisted diet appointment and then everything is done. Any good thoughts?

I have read in a few places that a few different insurances have approved payment for patience who have different comorbidities other than the main ones. If you have had a different comorbidities that lead you to being approved I would love to hear about it. I was tested negative for OSA and am now wondering if I have anything that my insurance would except. I have GERD with possible Hiatal Hernia, recent neck surgery and had two discs replaced and a bladder sling put in for bladder incontinence. Which I still do have a mild case of it when I sneeze or work out. I also have Presbyterian insurance. I would love to hear all you have to say. Thanks, Stephie

Received my date - June 10th! Anyone with the same date that I can be buddies with for support!

Hello, I’m currently in my pre-op phase and wanted to know how long were some of you out of work while recovering from surgery? Thanks!

I'm 41 with no family history of breast cancer. I'm with Kaiser and they do not require mammograms at this age. I had done my research and decided to wait until I was 45-47 unless something happened sooner to make me feel like I need one. But the bariatric surgeon told me that I have to have one before surgery. I asked why, and the surgeon just said, "Because it's a life saving procedure." I told him that Kaiser doesn't require it and I talked to my OB and I decided to wait. He said, "Well, the program requires it." I'm not trying to argue with them, because they are not making the process difficult for me, so I dropped it. And I scheduled a mammogram for this week. …

Nutritionist put me on a 1000 calories/ 60 - 90 protein/ 60 carbs per day and it is so hard. I am starving! How did you get through this?

I’m going to the store today to stock myself up on everything I’m going to need for after surgery! I thiiink I have everything I need for my pre-op diet. Now I’m going to the store to get: -SF jello mix (I found a way to make jello protein shots) -SF pudding mix -Broths -Apple sauce -Baby food -Gas-X -Miralax -Docusate -Crystal light(even though I already have a ton) -Small spoon and forks(someone suggested this) I’ve already got: -Tons of protein powder -2.5 ounce little cups -Small plates and bowls -Popsicle molds -Vitamins -Food scale Anything I’m missing?! I’ve been drowning myself in reading and finding anything I can online to help me be as p…

Hello, is anyone else having their gastric bypass May 31st? I thought it would be nice to follow each others weightloss journey.

Hi! I’m planning to have a RNY, but I travel for work a good amount. How long after surgery did (or would) you feel comfortable with traveling for work? Are we talking months?

Ahhh! I just wanna cry! I just got home from a stressful day at work to a letter form Blue Cross saying they approved me!! I cant even explain how stoked I am right now! My patient advocate is on vacation so I knew o wouldn’t be hearing back from her for a bit but coming home to that was such an amazing surprise!! I’ve had my date for a while but I didn’t wanna day anything until I knew I was approved by insurance!! June 10th here I come!!

I like to walk with my dogs for about an hour a day. How will that work post-op with water? Do I have to bring a bottle with me a drink the entire time? Or can I wait until I get home?

Ok now I have my surgery date which is June 3 however I paid my doctor the $221.27 for whatever I had to pay I can’t remember. Now today the hospital called and informed me that I have to pay 2,821.00 on the date of my surgery or I can’t have it. I told that lady why in the hell would I just not receive this information some people don’t have that type of money. She said we will only accept half and we will bill you for the rest ok but still I don’t have $1400. This is crazy because I should have known this information way before now. When I had the sleeve my doctor had the hospital to tell me what I would have to pay out of pocket and they put me on a three month payment…

HELLO EVERYONE, I JUST SUBMITTED MY QUESTIONNAIRE TO GET GASTRIC SLEEVE DONE. HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU GUYS TO GET A SURGERY DATE? I AM NOT USING MY INSURANCE. I AM SO NERVOUS BUT VERY EXCITED FOR THIS JOURNEY!

I think support from the other people going through this is important, and I want everyone to be able to connect with the people who might be going through this at the same time if you want. So this isn't meant to be more than informative in case you want to message or follow people having surgery in July. If I've made any mistakes I apologize, just message me and I can edit the list There are certainly noticeably busy days! If you'd like to be added msg me, again sorry if I got an incorrect date, I just wanted to try and help because there are a lot of threads about July, and it's fast approaching. Good luck and speedy recovery everyone JULY SLEEVERS JULY 1- …

I will tentatively have surgery the end of August. Hurray! I'm super excited, but because I have no co-morbidities I have to be at 40 BMI. I'm about a 40.6 right now, so I don't have a lot of wiggle room. I can't lose much weight or I fall out of the program, and I can't gain weight or I won't get cleared for surgery. Yikes! No pressure. Anyone in a similar boat? Or was in a similar boat? Got any advice?

I have my date and when I start my liquid diet and I’m so excited and I know the basics.. but I was hoping I could get some of your must haves or anything that made post op a little easier or kept you sane. I know there’s broths and sugar free jello and popsicles.. but I just wanna hear what everyone else had or advice or any good recipes! I’m all ears! I have tons of protein powder, unjury protein in chicken broth flavor, a bought little 2.5 ounce cups with lids..