PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi! I'm at the beginning of the process for the gastric sleeve. At the beginning because I have yet to lose any of the weight I have to for the surgery. When I decided to have the surgery, I started tracking my food and I lost about 6 lbs...then as soon as the process started and it became a "have-to" thing, I started having a super hard time sticking to the diet. That, and I hit a bout of depression which makes it really, really hard to control sugar cravings. I'm in therapy for other reasons, but I don't have an appointment with their therapist until January. I'm having enough trouble sticking with the diet that I'm beginning to wonder if I'm going to be able to d…

I had my gastric sleeve in March of 2012 with a starting weight of roughly 283 lbs at consultation / start of my journey. The lowest weight I was able to get to was about 185-188 lbs which was in early to mid 2015. Later that year, I developed a wrist injury and eventually needed surgery in 2016, and began around late 2015 to early 2016 putting on weight. From October 2016 to now I've essentially regained all of my weight back. I am contemplating revisional surgery at this time, and looking around for surgeons. I have a consultation with one surgeon set for Nov. 27th with Dr. Alibhai in Irving, Tx. (If anyone has any experience they can share, please do.) My ot…

Hi All! I'm on day 3 of liquid diet and surgery is set for 11/30/23. I'll be taking off all of December from work as that is what doctor suggested for recovery time. My job is physically and mentally demanding. So, where did you/everyone get their bariatric vitamins and calcium chews? My doctor recommended chewables for first 3 months, and honestly, I'm not a pill person anyway, if I can avoid it. Trying to watch my pennies, aren't we all, so thought I'd ask and hope for some good recommendations. The Kaiser Program I am going through recommends a couple different vitamin brands to choose from: Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. Still, would like to hear th…

I know I should probably talk to my doctor, but has anymore changed their mind on which weightloss surgery to have? I have one more step left on Monday before everything is submitted to insurance for approval. I chose the sleeve 7 months ago when I had my 1st and only appointment with the Bariatric surgeon - I only entertained the surgery initially as a less invasive procedure compared to back surgery per my primary care dr. However, after completing the 6 month dieting for insurance purposes and learning about my eating habits, how my body responds, etc., and by doing a lot more research, I strongly feel Bypass will be better for me in the long run. My ques…

Hi All! I'm on day 3 of liquid diet and surgery is set for 11/30/23. I'll be taking off all of December from work as that is what doctor suggested for recovery time. My job is physically and mentally demanding. So, where did you/everyone get their bariatric Vitamins and calcium chews? My doctor recommended chewables for first 3 months, and honestly, I'm not a pill person anyway, if I can avoid it. Trying to watch my pennies, aren't we all, so thought I'd ask and hope for some good recommendations. The Kaiser Program I am going through recommends a couple different Vitamin brands to choose from: Bariatric Advantage and Celebrate. Still, would like to hear th…

I know most doctors tell you to stop using birth control pills before surgery, but was anyone required to get their IUD removed prior to surgery?

I have been on the road to getting Gastric Bypass, I even got my approval! But of course, I was waiting for my insurance, then they were not getting back to me so I switched insurance companies which will save me lots of money. Once I got my new insurance in place, I contacted my Surgeon's Financial Advisor to see if I needed to redo the process or if I am still good to move forward. Tell me why I didn't hear from her for a couple of months (usually she replies quickly). I emailed her one more time explaining that I am paying lots of money for this insurance plan just for this surgery, she immediately contacted me. She told me that the hospital is closing the practice, bu…

Hi all, I made my goal weight! Now I have an appt with my dietician and I need to have all my vitamins ready. I am so confused on what I need to take lol Below is what they told me to take but the multivitamin has most of the other components? Help? Complete Multivitamin, Multimineral with Iron  Vitamin B1 Vitamin B12 Iron Vitamin D Calcium Citrate

Found on Amazon, $35 for 4 Kettle & Fire bone broth soups; 2 chicken, and 2 beef. Cheapest thing I found to 'try' this. I was surprised on Kettle & Fire web site, to try a couple sing packages, cost you an extra $12 shipping, making that $14 per carton. Everything is so damn expensive these days! Anyone else have ideas, what is tasty for you, prices and places to get other 'liquid diet' soups/food?

I am on day 2 of 14 of liquid diet for preop and did not realize I’m not supposed to have sippable soups or yogurt!!! Now I’m worried I’ve messed up my whole preop diet.

Hello, it's me again with another sugar/sweets question... I'm slowly cutting out the sugar in my diet. I do not plan on substituting artificial sweetener. I am still getting a lot of sugar cravings during this process. I know it's my body detoxing from the sugar and everything. What are some of the "sweet" treats you guys eat when cutting back? I like sugar free jello, and I can't really tell its sugar free, but what else is out there?

After gastric sleeve, yes or no? I asked the surgeon, he didn`t seem to care eighter way. Do you have to wear them, can I buy it without prescription, and how long do you have to wear them? I`m already active now, BMI 40. I plan on walking, walking, walking after surgery. Thanks!

I’m so excited to start my chapter COUNT DOWN 64 DAYS

I am at the very beginning of my WLS journey and meet with the bariatric surgeon for the first time next week. What are some things you wish you had known or had asked questions about at the start?

Hi all! Newbie here... I've been lurking for months though. LOL I got notice today that my policy covers the surgery but that I cannot gain any weight the entire time I'm in a bariatric program. I'm curious, how many other people have had this as a clause in their policy? And if so, how did you deal with it? Did you gain weight and get kicked out? I find this to be such an absurd requirement. If I could control what the scale does I wouldn't be pursuing weight loss surgery in the first place! I just gained 10 lbs in the last 3 weeks on a new medication (Lyrica) that I have to stop now because its not worth the gain. Doctors are always playing with my meds, what if s…

Hello all, I was posting on the "September surgery buddies" topic and somehow it seemed to get blended with the September topic from past years and so I figured why not just start a new one for us. I'm scheduled for what my surgeon calls a Duodenal Switch Loop September 19, 2023.

I am very much in the pre-operation stages, but I'm trying to make healthier choices now, that way when the time comes it won't be so hard. My question is this: when stopping sugar, which is better- cold turkey, or slowly cutting back? Thanks for any advice.

Hey everyone, My name is Sarah. I am 34 years old. I had VSG 13 years ago. Going from 335 pounds down to 180 in 18 months, I was considered a success. I have been through 2 pregnancies and as the years passed, the pounds crept back on. I am currently back to 290, and i suffer from SEVERE GERD daily. If I do not take heartburn medication several times a daily, i will be in agony and vomiting stomach acid despite what I choose to eat. I have had an endoscopy and I have a hiatial hernia and a lot of scar tissue. I am going to be converting my sleeve to a full gastric bypass in the upcoming month. During the procedure my hiatial hernia will be repaired and excess scar ti…

Hi everyone, I'm finally doing it. I started this process back in 2017 but then hiking and backpacking changed my trajectory. Then COVID caused chaos in my life and here we are again. I'm officially starting this journey and my first official Options class is Wednesday (5/24)! I'm so excited, so anxious and so ready to get this train moving. Tired of stalking all the WLS IGs and YouTube channels. Looking for new friends in Southern CA, with KAISER who are starting or already attending their Options classes. ❤️

I came here last year posting about my frustrations. I'm now 222 pounds. Strictest diet of my life and the highest level of exercise I've ever done in the last two months and I have lost no weight at all. I was 150 a decade ago and even then I was struggling To maintain it. By the age of of 24 (2014) I had mysteriously gained 20 pounds in one year andbever since then I've just been gaining. Gaining, gaining. Going from a size 8 to now over a size 20. It's been unbelievable. I was tested for PCOS but nothing came back. Had cystic acne and grew a beard a few years ago but every test comes back normal. They haven't seen anything like this before. I have no foo…

Hello, I just joined bariatricpal as of about 10 minutes ago. For the past year i have been trying to complete my packet from my doctor in order to get my surgery date scheduled. it has been one issue after another, referrel issues, getting the doctor's office to get me the information in need, having to make appointments 6 months away, etc. I'm curious to see if anyone has had mini gastric bypass and if so, where did you go and how has it been? Thank you!

I am still in the losing weight before the next step. I am 5lbs away! after this how long is the process?

I'm so excited, I got my surgery date today and we finalized all the details of the surgery!!! I'll be doing the duodenal switch with a longer common channel since I have a history of vitamin D deficiency and anemia. The surgeon talked to my GI specialist and they signed off of on it so everyone is on board thankfully. We picked December 13th, since I'll be in New Zealand for most of November. He said 2 weeks is standard for their liver reduction diet but if I added in a gradual 3rd week it would probably help as a bonus week. Their liver reduction diet is 2 shakes, 2 snacks and a lean, green dinner until one week before surgery, when it switches to all fluids. So basical…

April 3 here! Starting my liquid diet 03/20/23 Any rec’s on what to stock up on? * I’m Vegan* :/

I have a surgery date 10/18/2023!!

Just curious, How long does it take to get from 1st doctor visit to actual surgery? I have 90 min educational session on Monday and surgeon visit on June 16th. I have Chronic GERD, hiatal hernia and GERD asthma, so I'm hopeful my insurance will cover this. What are the Pre-Op steps one must take (I realize it can vary)? Would love to hear from you.

I took a nicotine blood test yesterday but only stopped smoking 6 days ago. I'm terrified that I will not pass my test. What will happen if it comes back positive?

Hi! My surgery will be July 12th (2023). Anyone else scheduled to change your life in July?

Hi! I had VGS on 8/23/23. 4 weeks from surgery TODAY! I feel great. The past few days have been weird, though. I can't eat or drink as much as I have been able to the past 2 weeks. I used to be able to somewhat easily get down a protein shake in 30 minutes. Now it takes me a few hours. Does that sound right? I don't feel sick or anything. It just feels like I am going backwards. Should I be concerned about this? Anyone had similar experiences? Thanks for your help!! Melanie

This topic is merely being presented as an educational topic with hopes that there has been experiences in the use of Marijuana after bariatric surgery. I smoke marijuana maybe once a week like having a glass of red sangria to relax after a long hard week. Although I'm not a frequent user, I am wondering if I will be able to use it after surgery. Fact for me is that it does induce hunger and I am sure this would not be condusive to being successful after the sleeve, but let's be real, there may be users out there who give it try. Unfortunately, there are not any concrete studies on this either like there is for tobacco and alcohol users. So feel free to enlighten an…

Hello. ladies and gents! I had my ekg today which looked fine, but the heart doc now wants to do an echo on my heart. What if, for some reason, I have a blocked artery? Will this keep me getting surgery? If they decide to put a stent in, will I have to start all over after I’ve put in all the is work going on 5 months? I’ve already been cleared by dietitian, psyche, sleep study, and will have my pulmonologist clearance in a couple days. I would hate to have done all this for absolutely nothing.

Hi everyone. I was given a referral to the Options Program, but wasn't given any information on surgical options, just the shakes and meals. When I asked the Staff, they said my Dr needs to give me a specific referral before I can talk to anyone in the program. I asked my Dr, he said the referral he gave me should have covered it. What do I need to tell him to do? It took me 4 Dr switches to get one that would even have a discussion on weight loss, most of the Dr's in the past have just said stop eating cookes and drinking soda. When I would tell them I don't eat or drink either, they would then tell me I need to calorie count. We all know where that leads. I am a b…

I was just wondering what people's experiences were with weight loss surgery while being on an atypical antipsychotic. I have bipolar 1, and I'm on Seroquel and Abilify. I know the Seroquel contributes to my weight, but whenever we've tried to get me off of it, things have always worsened. Did you lose weight more slowly? Did you have to go off the medication? I'm especially curious if you've had gastric bypass surgery.

Hello. I am trying to prep in advance of my liquid diet and understand that I can have fat free salad dressing. Which ones have you all used that are best? And has anyone tried making their own? Wondering if I can use Soy Sauce on veggies since it has no fat or carbs. Thanks!

I have my first consultation next Tuesday, and if my surgeon's office holds to the same rules as when I went in five years ago, they require you to lose 10% of your body weight prior to surgery. I'm really frustrated by this because I feel like I'm doing the surgery because I CAN'T lose weight by diet and exercise. If I could, why would I do it? How did you pull it off for those of you who had this requirement? I have to admit, it feels fairly impossible right now.

Hi guys I am new here and looking for September surgery buddies!! Mine is scheduled for the 12th! I am so excited! Who’s with me???

I recently decided to get weight loss surgery and was looking for recommendations of surgeons in the NYC area. Thanks!

I have a Vp shunt for hydrocephalus.Wanted to know if anyone here has a VP shunt and has gone through sleeve surgery.

Hi All! I am starting my journey after finally making the decision to do weight loss surgery. I'm scared, excited, and everything in between! I have done research for months before making this decision and I have a few questions if you lovely folks could help! 1) I am taking vacay Dec 4th to Disneyland and I wasn't sure if I should wait to schedule surgery till after? It will require a lot of walking and I fear that I wont be able to keep up. I am not too worried about the holidays and having the surgery done around that time. 2) Can I take FMLA and apply for Short Term Disability during recovery? **These are the ones I couldn't find direct answers on…

I’m having surgery in October but have been trying all different brands ahead of time to see which I like best. So far, I like the taste of Boost & Premier the best but shortly after drinking either of them, I get a bad stomach ache and have to run to the bathroom. I suspect that this is due a sensitivity I have to artificial sugars. The same thing happens if I try to eat sugar free jello or anything like that. I’m getting very nervous because I don’t want to be sick for 2 weeks and my dietician doesn’t have much of a solution for me. She told me to keep trying brands until one doesn’t make me sick but I have the same issue with Ensure and Glucerna. Anyone have a simi…

I went for my pre-op today and they decide to play the money card.. I was taken back of the amount that was quoted differently than first. So the lady asked me .. do you still want to do it! It took everything that I had to tell her that I've come to far and will do what I have to do to make this happen. My heart rate was trying to come up and then a still small voice came over me (The Lord) and said trust. Pre-op [emoji818]️ pre op diet.. Thursday and surgery March 7! I need some March cheerleaders to help me/us stay focused on this new life GOAL! Ain't no stopping us now ...

1st day of pre-op diet for me. 4 shakes + 4 cups of veggies per day. I'm relatively ok except I feel something similar to shaking but inside... Don't know if I'm making sense? I'm not physically shaking but I feel like my inside is shaky....... Just want to know if someone else had this and it went away. Thanks!

Hi, I am six days post op and feeling okay (except a little dizzy). I still have over a week of liquid diet let per doctor's plan--- but getting so sick of the sweet protein shake options. I have ordered a bunch of protein soups. Hope everyone one in August is doing well!

Had my surgery August 5th so about 3 weeks post op. I’m just wondering if anyone has ever developed this after surgery or developed GERD? Caused I’d hate to have to do another surgery to correct it. what was your ease on this. This makes me feel like I don’t want to eat or drink ANYTHING at all. I don’t have any regrets still but this stuck feeling in my throat/chest can be a real pain.

Hello everyone! I have officially received my surgery date for end of September. Im feeling excited, nervous, but most of all happy for a fresh start. I can’t believe how fast time goes by from that first appointment. With my insurance the process takes 6 months and I am already half way through! I found out recently I had gallstones and my surgeon recommended to get my gallbladder removed. The surgery is scheduled for next month for that. I’m a tad nervous about that as well but overall very optimistic. I’m using my time to mentally prepare myself for the change as well as be educated as much as I can about my new to be lifestyle :) Hope you are al…

I have sleep apnea.. i have to take the test for my doctor and get levels. I am a flight attendant and only experience it mainly after flying for work a trip.. i recently developed this as i gained 25 pounds since i started this job. I do not have a Cpap machine. Once the doctor gets my test results back, he can write me a script for one and my insurance can cover it. I am always able to use my reflexes to wake myself up and start breathing again. It doesnt occur every night. Maybe once or twice of an occurrence (occurrence meaning a single night) it can happen with me stop breathing multiple occasions thru out the night.. Last night, it only happened once.. the night bef…

I learned today that I will require a revision due to having severe reflux which has caused barrettes disease. In regards to my weight, I do not need the surgery but I am 8 pounds above my most consistent weight and in total I’d like to lose 15-20 pounds. I didn’t ask any questions I just listened. I was wondering if anyone had similar circumstances? If so is the pre-op and post op similar to the initial surgery? How many days were you in the hospital? I would appreciate any feedback others could offer. Thank you!

I learned today that I will require a revision due to having severe reflux which has caused barrettes disease. In regards to my weight, I do not need the surgery but I am 8 pounds above my most consistent weight and in total I’d like to lose 15-20 pounds. I didn’t ask any questions I just listened. I was wondering if anyone had similar circumstances? If so is the pre-op and post op similar to the initial surgery? How many days were you in the hospital? I would appreciate any feedback others could offer. Thank you!

I'm being offered both options but my surgeon is recommending sadi over gastric bypass because my BMI is 60 I'm so confused any help? Thanks

So, I’ve posted in this group before about being uncertain about Bariatric surgery but knowing it’s a tool to literally save my life. I had an initial appointment booked with surgeon Dr. David Brandon Williams at Vanderbilt (where all my specialists are), but canceled it again (5th cancellation). Well I’m back in the medical hospital again with erratic blood pressure, severe headaches due to my IIH, and off and on chest pain and today the internal medicine doctor seeing me point blank said “you’ve got to get this weight off you or you may not survive the full life you want to live. This weight is killing you”. So I’ve rebooked the appointment and it’s on 9/18. …