PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

So in 5 days I begin all liquids before surgery. Did anyone just buy soup at restaurant and just drink the liquid part. I’m dreading this! Any ideas or suggestions please send my way. Thank you.

Hello everyone, I am back,, I recently had a lot going lately so I stopped the program and got freaked about everything. Well I would of had the surgery this month. I finally got my mind and heart together and decided to restart the program because I am ready now. I called the Dr. Office and they stated I can pick up where I left off so that means I only have 2 1/2 months to finish. I have been maintain my weight that I did lose while on the program so I am happy about that. So happy I did take that break to figure out what I wanted to do . Please if you can leave motivational quotes! I need all the motivation I need! SW:290 CW: 270

Hi everyone I'm just wondering how much the pre OP classes cost? Thanks Meliss

The third month of my 6 month supervised diet and exercise program I gained 9 lbs! I had slacked off and was not feeling motivated and didn't weigh myself so I actually didn't know I had gained that much. I have gotten back on track and have lost 5 lbs. Will my insurance company deny me because I gained weight that month?? I have Anthem BC/BS. I've got 6 weeks left until my 6 months are up and I get submitted for approval.

The other night I finally told my parents of my WLS decision. I knew my mom knew (thanks sister!) but had said nothing about it to me. When I brought it up I was pretty shocked how instantly supportive my dad was about it, this coming from a retired physician who was a runner most of his life. Mom said she didn’t tell him so I knew his response was true and genuine. This brings the total to six people who currently know about my journey. I manage a group of salespeople and tell them all the time bad news doesn’t get better with age and in this case the same held true. I was apprehensive because mom has been trying to get me to sign up for WW for over a year but I’m j…

I’m in the preop phase.. on nutritionist visit 3/6, scheduled to see food addiction counselor, cardiologists, pcp, and pulmonologist...I’m down to 50 carbs intake.. Only down 13lbs from end of August..I was feeling great.. food around me didn’t bother me.. but now I’m getting frustrated because It’s starting to bother me again... I’m even starting to second guess having the surgery..how much does lifestyle change? Should I just keep up with the Keto and lifestyle change and just try to do it on my own? Maybe I’m just having a bad day and needed to vent...

Nerves

OMG! So, my daughters are here on vacation and I set up a mini vacation for us to do things and have fun. This past Thursday evening we were in Austin, TX, and going to be on a Segway tour. We parked and walked 5 blocks to the meeting spot. About 100 feet from the spot, there was a dip in the sidewalk I didn't see and rolled my right ankle and landed my weight in my right foot. I felt it snap and just cried. I was so excited to go on the Segway tour, but instead I wound up at the hospital with a broken foot! I got a huge splint and now have to wait until Friday to see an orthopedic doctor. Monday I see my surgeon for preop and Wednesday I have my bypass! I have th…

Hello , I spoke to my insurance and they stated weight watchers is coveted as long as I have photocopies of the stamps and or written proof of participation for six months AND 2 physicians visits during the time period. My question is how does all of this get documented with my physician? I told her I’m starting weight watchers and I’m thinking about gastric sleeve and that’s about it. I do not want any hiccups because I plan on getting my surgery in March . Do you have any suggestions? Also they gave me the sheet attached I’m so confused on how to fill this out please help if you can

So, surgery is scheduled for Nov. 5th and I am super excited. I’ve been nowhere near as nervous as I thought I would be - however, I’ve had a rough first day of the Pre-Op Diet. I’ve eaten and drunk exactly what I was supposed to, but have felt hungry all day. At first, I thought it was mostly mental, but as the day has gone on - my stomach has been pretty noisy. Does this get any better. I hope it does. Can anyone who is or has been on the diet share your experience? Thank you!

I'm so nervous, I should be having surgery on 24th I'm obese severity 2, I'm scared of complications and I am scared of anesthesia, can someone tell me what to expect and hopefully that I will hVe no regrets.

My surgery is on September 26th and I'm extremely nervous.

Just sharing my surgeon's pre/post op nutrition video: Obviously your pre-op diet will probably be different.... but lots of helpful information in here, I think.

I had the full schedule of fun- EKG, barium upper GI swallow thing, blood work, ultrasound, a urinalysis, and I even got a bag of stuff to take home so I can bring them my poop to test. I definirely made the radiologists life a lor more interesting while we were doing the barium test. It was the doctor and two technicians, and while I was going from the standing test to the sitting test I looked at the radiograph of my esophagus that was up on their chart. I was tired and cranky because I had to fast for all these tests and I was already on the liquid diet, so before I knew it I was pointing out that the thing on the screen looked like a penis (it even had sh…

I’m on day 3 of my pre-op liquid diet. It’s not as hard as I thought it would be, but today I’ve felt light headed and nauseous. Has anyone experienced this during your pre-op diet? Any tips for getting through the next two weeks? HW - 232 CW - 232 GW - 145

I was wondering if anyone that got endoscopy had a chest X-ray? I got mine done in August. When I went last week for my preop appointment the dr said there was aspiration in my lungs. He said before surgery they will do a catscan. Just wondering will this postpone my sleeve surgery...anyone go through this?

I have my evaluation with the Head doctor what should I say. What kind of questions will she ask me and does really last 3 hour for all the questions help

Does anyone feel pressured by their surgeon to do the RNY/bypass over the sleeve? Like everyone else, I sat through the initial info session my surgeon offered and I felt like she was really selling the RNY. The whole session was about the RNY, in fact, and how it's the "gold standard" and best procedure. Then, I met with her for my initial appointment. She predictably said I was a better candidate for the RNY. I am 5'2" and weigh 250. Fair enough. I went home and had my mind set on the bypass. But then I started doing my homework and, after much thought, I decided the sleeve may be better for me for many of the same reasons as others who make this decision: I have…

So I thought I was an epic genius for buying baby food for the puree stage. (My nutritionist said the meat-only ones were fine). Exact portion, no sugar, no salt, no carbs, already blended, 7g protein... I've had the veggie baby food before and it's, dare I say, delicious. The meat, however.... NOPENOPENOPE. I made my ex try some of the ham one and he gagged. I licked some of the beef one and it is cat food. Literally... I am giving it to my cats. I am pre-op, by the way. Hahaha... glad I taste-tested beforehand!

I started my 7 day clear liquids only diet on wednesday (week before that was full liquids) and I am STARVING. I got used to the full liquids but I don’t know if I can get used to this. I’m scatterbrained and can’t focus and I just want a piece of plain baked chicken and a cucumber. This is pure misery and I don’t know how I’m going to last until October 17

I have a BMI of 37.8.Im in the process of going thru the steps for gastric sleeve surgery. I also had my thyroid completely removed due to hyperthyroidism and am on Thyroid replacement medicine for the rest of my life.Would that help with the decision of approval from the insurance company for surgery?

I'm so ready for this new way of living but I'm also nervous. I'm asking myself now am I doing the right surgery . I'm having the sleeve . Oct 26 can't come fast enough. I start my liquid diet in 8 days

I've only had surgery once before and there was no catheter. I just found out that I might wake up with a catheter after this surgery and it's kind of got me worried. I've just heard scary stories in my life about the whole catheter experience. What was your experience and I'm wondering are catheters pretty common with this surgery? I was told, it depends on the surgeon. Probably just fear of the unknown but thanks in advance for your input.

Hello! I’m brand new here.. been researching WLS surgery nonstop for a while and finally went to see my PCP yesterday and she was amazing and said she’s going to do whatever we need to do for this to happen for me. She said she was going to submit the request to my insurance and will get back to me. I’m just curious how everyone’s process went from start to finish? I have a general idea because I’ve been scouring these forums and other sites but I would love to hear from anyone! Thank you!

Hello Everyone. I recently started the process of preparing for the gastric sleeve surgery. One of the prerequisite for my insurance is a mandatory six month weigh-in. My bmi in my first weigh-in was 41. However, I just had a weight Today (5th One) and my Bmi was 39. I have unitedhealth care community plan in NY. Is there a chance that my insurance will reject my application for vsg if my bmi is below 40? I'm really nervous. My doctor said that they take to consideration my initial bmi of 41 and that losing a bit of weight is ok because it shows them I'm motivate. Please anyone let me know of your experience in this situation.

This is a very formative podcast interview with my soon-to-be surgeon Dr. Gupta in Bellevue, WA https://jamanetwork.com/learning/audio-player/16111937

My surgeon said I will have to give myself injections twice a day of blood thinners for two weeks post-surgery. The first surgeon I saw (same practice) said I didn't have to, but he retired half-way through my process and the new guy said I did. When I had my lab work, my blood... viscosity... was thin. And my general health is basically perfect. I've had major surgeries before and never had to give shots, so it's weird. I am actually more nervous about that than the surgery. I've never given myself shots before, especially in my torso. The idea makes me squeamish. Doesn't it get very bruised? Do you switch sides each time? To hammer home my fear, my f…

I've been noticing that I can't consume milk[emoji22] .. I had try 2%, 1%. And it irritate my stomach.. thank God I can drink almond milk but sometimes when I go out I love coffe but I can't drink without milk cuz irritates me too.. it anyone else having the same problem..

I just need to share my excitement with someone...I’m 5 days smoke free in preparation for surgery. My surgeon said we can schedule surgery after I’ve been smoke free for 3 months. I’m finally on my way to 3 months! It took me about 3 weeks since my first appointment to finally quit but I did it. This is something I NEVER thought I could do but with the help of Chantix I did it. Next I need to ween myself off of diet sodas. I drink diet soda like it’s water so this is going to be really hard for me as well. Does anyone have any tips on weening yourself off of the stuff? To be honest, I was unsure how this was going to go once I was told I’d have to quit smoking but…

Does anyone in south Fl have Dr. Emil Matei? FutureFitGirl

Got the call the end of last week- my insurance has approved my surgery! I'm ecstatic! Apparently, the office heard back within 72 hours which I cannot fathom, working in the clinical field myself! I have the pre-op appointment with my surgeon tomorrow where we will sign consents and schedule the surgery. I'm so excited and nervous but SOOOOOO ready!!! In speaking with my nutritionist, I am told that the surgeon will request a 2 week diet of 2 meals of liquid protein and one meal of low carb. I'm actually okay with this, as A) it will be a great kick start to everything and B ) I was a devout Atkins follower for a solid 8 months so I KNOW I can do low carb! But here's th…

Good Morning Im having my surgery on July 19,2018. Just wondering if any one else is having their surgery in July? Just want someone to talk to about the stress of surgery and excitement

So, I was curious as to knowing if there is anyone out there that has purposely maintained to get approved for surgery? I came across a social media account (elsewhere) and this one girl said she was 5’4 and weighed 245 when she started her journey then said she got to losing weight dropped down to 235 and the nutritionist was up front with her and told her she wasn’t going to get approved if she was under the required BMI. So she said that she maintained weight leading up to her pre-op diet where she dropped well below the BMI for surgery 210lbs (day of surgery) I have two questions.. 1. Would you maintain to just get approved knowing you have to have a certai…

My hospital requires a 3 month supervised diet program and for everyone to lose a certain amount of weight. I started at 258 and have to be down to 237 to be cleared for surgery. I did good and was down to 250 at my 1st weigh in, but I weigh in again on the 9th and I’ve gone UP to 254 again. I’m struggling!!! I think the stress of trying to lose the weight in a small amount of time is just making my eating worse! Any help or advice? Anyone else felt this way too? ?

Hello everyone, First I want to let everyone know that Im super thankful for each of your post. So much of you guys pretty much have helped me prepare for whats coming up soon whether its sleeve or bypass. In a nutshell Im 40yrs old with BMI 36/37 with high blood pressure and cholesterol issues. My dad passed away at 43 from massive heart attack and been overweight all my life but recently had twins which through my body off even more. I've done so much research about both surgeries and feel bypass even though more complicated, I feel its long term effects is what I need, even though I know people who has had sleeve with diet also achieve long term effects. I also h…

Good Afternoon, I have decided to do the Gastric Sleeve, and since I do not have insurance that covers it, this will be a self pay decision. I have decided which Dr to go to, and even have the surgury date scheduled. Monday i will be 30 days out and will start my low cal diet leading up to 2 weeks for the liquid diet to surgury. I have two appointments next week. Pre Op Labs and an Informational and Mandatory meeting.. I am very much a planner and my head is starting to spin. Which Protein before and after, which vitamins ( Bariactiv- cannot afford.. 500 a month).. So i think this weekend i will take a breather.. Go to Olive Garden for one final I dunno what, becau…

I am currently on day two of my pre-op diet, and I am in the full liquids phase. I had the most amazing black bean soup for dinner. It was so delicious, even without things like sour cream or avocado or tortilla strips. I want to make a big batch tomorrow, but it was so good I am now wondering if it is allowed because it has a bean base, even though I blended it and then ran it through the fine mesh strainer. The ingredients are: low sodium black beans, vegetable broth, diced green chili’s, cumin, onions, garlic,and lime juice. When I ran it through a recipe generator it was like 100 calories per serving with 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of sugars b…

Finally the 6 months pre op ended , finally got 13 pounds off , now waiting for insurance approval WP Hospital - Westchester , NY , can’t wait !!!

Let me tell you what happened yesterday. A little background...I work for a hospital. I’m also a very new employee here and recently read my summary of benefits and already had an idea of what my expected payment would be. One of the features of my insurance is that if I have surgery (or anything) at my facility with a staff doctor then there is no deductible and my copay is 15% for surgery and $35 for specialist office visit. I made my first surgeon consult appt for Thursday. I get a call yesterday from their insurance specialist about my benefits/expected payment. She said my insurance has a special $2000 deductible for bariatric surgery that applies to the surgery and …

Hi everyone! I’ve been reading these forums for quite some time while deciding whether or not to go through with the surgery. I finally got off the fence a few weeks ago and made the decision to go through with VSG. I completed my psych eval a week ago (which was the last thing I had to do to meet requirements) and my doctor’s office submitted everything to my insurance co last week. I’m now anxiously awaiting a response from my insurance on whether or not I’ve been approved. I have to say that through this whole process so far, waiting on insurance has to be the most nerve-racking! It’s been tough lately for me to not eat those unhealthy foods that I love, knowing I…

Does anyone know if Accidental Death Insurance covers surgical procedures, like Gastric Sleeve surgery? I want to make sure my family doesn't lose everything if something happens. Thanks.

I need to get back on track. I started this journey in May with my visit to the surgeon. I had 2 support groups, visit to cardiologist, psych evaluation and was going strong. I just had my 4th nutrition visit and have 2 left before all my pre surgery requirements are complete. But. Im losing my motivation to having this surgery. I like to eat, and am afraid of the big lifestyle changes. I want to be healthy and be able to climb stairs, get rid of my diabetes and hypertension and high cholesterol, but I need to get motivated again. Anyone been through this? Any suggestions for getting back on track? Thanks!!

I finally got a surgery date. My onoybissue is its December 19th. I have three kids (8,7, &5). Did anyone have issues moving around alot after surgery? I dont want to be stuck on the couch while my kids enjoy Christmas. I wanna be involved with them. Dont get me wrong I love finally having a date, just wish it was maybe a week earlier.

Hello Everyone! I just created my bariatricpal account. I am 5'2 and 1/2. I'm curious if they will base my BMI off of 5'2 or 5'3. I'm also right around the 200lb mark, give or take a few pounds. I am hoping to get approved for the surgery because I am 35 and already on medicine for high blood pressure and I'm hypo thyroid which makes it a b*itch to get the weight off. I'm getting mixed reactions from my family about deciding to meet with a weight loss surgeon. I just really want to be healthy for years to come. I don't want to follow my father's path and end up having heart issues in my later years. I just wanted to say hello and I look forward to being invol…

I am just beginning this process. I met with a surgeon and looked into insurance coverage. The insurance company wants me to be under a "physician supervised" weight loss program for 90 days. The surgeon suggested to go to my primary care physician. I have an appointment set up but I am thinking based on previous visits over the years that she will not be supportive of me looking into surgery (BMI is 36 now). I am anticipating that she will just say to diet and exercise as I have done in the past. I want to get the 90 days set up ASAP. Any suggestions for where to go?

So I’m halfway through the 6-month classes for my surgery. I have my cardiac and pulmonary clearances and I’m going to counseling for my psychiatric clearance. I know I am an emotional eater, and I know I’ve gained weight since my last weigh in. My insurance doesn’t require me to lose a certain amount of weight to get approved. I’m just struggling because I’m so stressed with everything. Has anyone else dealt with this? How did your doctor react? I just worry he’ll think I can’t do it. I’m working on it with therapy but it takes time. Ugh.

Hey guys, I'm scheduled for sleeve surgery in December and curious if the liquid diet phase causes bowel issues. Thanks

Just got my date December 19 any advice?

Does anyone know how long it takes UHC to give an approval or denial for Gastric sleeve? Are they pretty easy to work with? Do they deny alotmof patients? Just started my journey, looking to have surgery in November. Waiting to hear back from my insurance.

Called the insurance and was told they have 14 days bcuz hospital didn't put it under urgent.. don't get why bcuz I could find out a day before I start my liquid diet.. how long did it take anyone else if you was approved?