PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

My surgery is on Monday in less than two days. Yesterday, friday I woke up with awful pain in my right foot that as of yet has not gone away. I'm really worried because I really can hardly walk to the bathroom at the moment that they might call off the surgery because of my bad foot.. does anyone know if this will be an issue? Really freaking out honestly.

I just got my surgery date and I want to make some August surgery friends so we can share our ups and downs in the weight loss journey.

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but I couldn't find the answer. So, I apologize for the repeat. But how do you update your profile?

Found a great podcast. Its called "Weight Loss Surgery Podcast". There is a mental, emotional and spiritual part of each podcast that had given me some insight. I think its a free podcast too.

https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=35555&refid=asa

Hi. I do not know how this works exactly.. but here goes! I have ALWAYS struggled with weight. my whole life has been yoyo diet.. I have tried everything, sometimes i have even been successful and lost a lot of weight but i can not manage to keep it off. I have hit a all time low in my life. I have decided to have a GASTRIC SLEEVE but i am struggling to decide what clinic to go to? I keep looking through fourms and reviews and i can not seem to pin point one or two clinics that make me feel 100% confident to go ahead and book a consultation. Can anyone help/share where they went and how they narrowed down their search? thank you

My surgery date is October 8th! I’m nervous and excited at the same time. I’m excited for new, healthier body and being able to do all the things I want to do. I have three boys (8, 4 and 2), and they are very active. I started the liquid diet yesterday and I’m doing ok. But tomorrow is my middle son’s birthday party (he’ll be 5 very soon) so that will be challenging!

I just got off the phone with my surgical coordinator. It’s really going to happen. I have me pre-op meeting with the nutritionist on Monday, pre-op tests and meeting with my doctor Tuesday, and the 2 week liquid diet starts next Wednesday. I feel like I just won the lottery. I have so many questions running through my head. I am not worried about the actual surgery, but I know the 2 week liquid diet is going to suck. But I am so ready.

What are some of the best products people have used for pre op two weeks before surgery? Can you post photos, and also where you got it- and what the best price you've found is- Since I start this journey on the 14th- I would like to start some type of budget. What did others spend for this time before surgery? I know its not always cheap.

Scheduled for 10/24/18.

Before anyone says to me "this isn't a diabetes site" I totally understand. Not trying to get diabetic support!! But, my main health concern is my diabetes (type 2). Just wanted some input from fellow-diabetic weight loss surgery champions. I am still in the decision making process, haven't even had my first consult with a nutritionist yet. My BF of 20 years is a double amputee (type 1) so I've seen the end result. My BGs are good, but I'm aware that the older I get the more difficult that will be to control. I'm about willing to do most anything to bring that under more permanent control. My A1C started at 13.11. I'm now controlling it at 6.4. Haven't been ove…

I got my date, October 3rd, and start my liquid diet today. Things just got very real ? Anyone else going on the 3rd?

My last 6 month program is Sept 13 and I gained 14 pounds since I quit smoking and my insurance does not want weight gain after yur first apt. However I kept being told that Eatna insurance will consider bcuz of me quitting smoking . I am fallowing all on the eating and I'm walking 3 times a week or more.. has anyone been through this and if so how did it turn out? I have 15 days to lose 15 pounds anyone have any ideals how I can do this? Please help

Hey guys I’ve been reading all your amazing posts and lurking in the shadows for a few weeks now. I’m doing loads of research - started off by thinking I wanted the mini gastric bypass ...now I’m moving towards the vertical sleeve! I’m in the UK, London. Getting my head around the main principle that the surgery is a tool not a total solution... I’m freaking out about my appetite long term after surgery! I had a gastric band 11 years ago and almost within 3 months was diagnosed with cervical cancer - so didn’t follow the rules ... after I was given the all clear I went on the Atkins diet and lost 75lbs but as soon as I stopped all the weight and more went …

The entire process of my pre op visits were based on the rapid weight loss. I wish I knew that on my second week I would stall for almost three weeks. And that was okay. I don’t think the emotional battle in between yourself and what you are becoming is spoken about enough. The first few nights after being out of the hospital I just kept weighing myself over and over again hoping I would magically see a difference on the scale. Before your surgery you can tell yourself all that you want about it not being a quick fix - but when you are waiting to see your weight change it’s an entirely different story. Your mind can do crazy things and you need to be ready to fight y…

My surgery is scheduled for 10/29/2018. it took 5 months to get all of the testing done (EKG, endoscope, colonoscopy, ultrasound, psyc approval). The insurance company gave the OK last Friday. I haven't felt nervous, just excited. I am ready to stop the yoyo diet lifestyle. I have tried all of the regular, and some not so regular, weight loss plans. I would lose well, and then gain it all back, plus few extra pounds. I am ready to leave that in the past as I start this new part of my life.

Can anyone tell me how powerful the pain is after the surgery?

I did a lot of research on the available clinics/hospitals in Mexico. Although my BMI was too low for gastric sleeve or bypass I wanted to pass this information on. Dr Ariel Ortiz @ Obesity Control Center in Tijuana is the best! He actually lives in San Diego, but practices in Mexico. He does not do Gastric Balloons, only bypass & sleeves. You can go to You Tube and watch his informational videos. Good luck!

Hi my name is Jamie. My primary doctor told me that this procedure was my only real hope so I've got a lot riding on this. Quite frankly it leaves me with a bad case of the nerves over the qualifying process. Does or did anybody else go through this? And if so how did you deal with it?

How much did you all lose or are currently losing on pre op diet? Sent from my LGMS210 using BariatricPal mobile app

So, I get the call from my office that they are going to put in the paperwork to insurance (tricare), and proceeds to tell me that Tricare doesn't cover the vsg. They will only cover the bypass or lapband. So, any suggestions, which route to go? I'm leaning towards the bypass. I need help? I weigh 309.6 lbs, I'm 5'3", bmi = over 53. What's the differences between the vsg and bypass? Ugh! I have a consultation with the surgeon to discuss everything on Monday. I'd like to have a little bit of knowledge and for questions to ask. JJ

Hi I am on day 6 of the 3 week pre op diet and I am really weak and tired I slept 14hrs last night and just dragging myself around the house I am on 4 protein drinks a day and water only is it normal to feel like this I'm really struggling and my head's banging off me thanks in advance

I am very tired and light headed I am on day 6 of my 3 week diet is this normal I am drinking 3 shakes a day chicken broth and sugar free popsicles.

Hi everyone. I'm brand new here and need some good news stories. I will be having Gastric Bypass in 2 days. I chickened out 10 years ago I was afraid to not wake up from surgery. I had 3 young kids at the time. Anyway I am older now and my health is getting worse, I need to do this but I am nervous. Please just a little reassurance will go a long way.

Why don’t the weight loss center tell you upfront how much you will how to pay out of pocket why wait and tell me I need to pay 891.00 2 days before surgery

I have united health care/ UMR.. It a great county government health care plan... I jumped thru all the hoops the last 7-8 months and they sent it in for approval yesterday. Just wondering how long it takes to get the approval sent back... Anyone??

Sorry, this is a bit long and it's getting late (forgive my typos). To avoid the tl:dr reaction -- does anyone take cholestyramine and how did you take it after your WLS surgery? See background details below for more info. Thanks in advance for your comments. Background -- My gallbladder was removed many years ago as I was finishing college, approximately 18 years ago. Since that time I've been living with chronic bathroom issues, namely diarrhea, that would present within minutes of eating lunch (generally the first meal of the day). It didn't matter what I ate - bread, Soup, iced tea, whatever. I might go once after eating or I might go for the rest of day (too m…

I’m almost a week away from surgery! Extremely ready and excited! I’m 26 years old and I’m just beyond happy to start this new journey. I guess what brought me here is this: last night laying in bed I asked my boyfriend if he had faith in me through this process. After a LONG pause he basically said “maybe”. He’s apologized this morning but that doesn’t take away from the fact that the closest person to me doesn’t really think I’m going to do a great job. Just looking at all of your positive thoughts has helped me stop being upset; so thank you! I hope it works out for me as it did for everyone on the posts I’ve been reading!!

My Dr doesn’t require the liquid fast prior to surgery.... so what do you eat before surgery?? I am clueless and I see the Np a week from wed (a week before surgery) so I guess we will go over it then??

I had RNY in 2000. I have regained 60 plus pounds. I finally got my approval Today!! I’m scheduled for October 24th!! I’m getting a Gastrojejunostmy. Has anyone had this bypass revision surgery? I’m excited and scared to death! Any information would be helpful.

Hi I'm new to the site. Right now I'm going through the 6 month medical weight loss. I've done 2 months thus far. I lost 14 lbs in one week. I hope that I don't lose weight that fast. I need the surgery to keep off the weight. I saw my medical weight loss Dr for the first time last week and my dietician also. She said I needed to eat 80 gm of protein and about 140 gm of carbs since I'm diabetic. They did this test where you breathe into this machine and it calculates your resting metabolic rate. It was kind of cool! Anyway I had it in my head that I wanted to get down to 145 lbs but according to the test, I need to get down to 145 lbs! I was a little shocked. My mom is b…

I got a call on Wednesday from the insurance person at the Dr. office. I figured it was to tell me she was ready to submit the application, even though we had to wait 3 months for supervised WL. Turns out she was calling to tell me she had already submitted and it's been approved! I was flabbergasted! I figured I would have to finish the SWL and then submit at the very end of May. Then hope to have surgery by July! Today, I got the call from the scheduler and I am scheduled for Monday May 4! I have my pre-op appointment/class on April 15, so I will know more then. I do know that I will NOT have to do a 2 week liquid diet, only 24 hours. So I had mentally prepped fo…

Ok I'm getting ready for my surgery which is scheduled for 9/25. I know it's going to be okay, but I am still nervous about it

How much time did you take off from work? I started the process for WLS in April and I had no idea that it took so long. I have two different insurances, one for doctors (GHI Emblem Health)and one for hospital (BCBS) and I thought I would have a surgery date in 3 months because that's what GHI allows if you are supervised directly by a surgeon. Unfortunately, I then found out I have to follow BCBS. I am a teacher and I wanted to get this done during the summer, but now I can't, and there is just no way I'm waiting another year. So medical leave it is, even if it pisses off my boss. I have plenty of time in my "bank", so there are no worries about that, but it is best tha…

I had my lapband put in as a teen study and it has been hell for the past 9 years. 2 kids later, it's time to focus on me. It took me 6 months to get approved but I have a date for the 25th of this month. I actually gained 40 pounds since they drained my band because I lived off of milk so food was a whole new world. I'm just worried because if they used a stitch to help secure the port I will have to get the band removed first, let it heal, then do the sleeve. I want to hope it will all go smooth but I have a feeling I'll be on the table twice. It sucks getting so close to possibly have it pushed away.

Recently finished up my 6month supervised diet. Today is day 1 of 14 for liquid diet. Surgery date is Sept 28th. Nervous, happy, anxious, excited and everything between!!

My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, 9/18. My husband had a horrible dream last night that I didn’t make it through surgery. The doctor came out and told him what happened and then he had to tell our children about it. It was a very vivid dream and has gotten him very uncomfortable and upset. Any words of advice or things I could do to help calm his fears would be appreciated.

I just went through the first stage. All the information, how did everyone feel at this time.

I had my first NUT appt and they mentioned making sure to keep protein levels high while dieting during the pre-op 6 month phase and I know she meant through food, but has anyone used protein shakes or powder as meal replacement prior to surgery or any liquid diet? I'm tracking my nutrition using my fitness pal and seem to be lacking in the protein department. I searched protein in this forum and only got 300K results so I couldn't find this easily, most were about supplementing protein post-op. Thanks in advance

Hi, I have never written in any type of forum before, and I feel like I am a bit late to the game. I am already one week into my two week preop diet and feeling very anxious. My surgery is Monday August 27th. I am doing ok during the day with diet, however it is at night (as always), that I struggle. I am doing my best, but cannot find a low sodium broth that makes me happy. I love soup but I cannot find one that satisfies me with low sodium. I am doing well with the shakes, but I still feel hungry. I am so very limited in what I can have. I don't know how everyone else does it. I am here because I am addicted to food and it has been difficult at night. I could…

EGD on Monday 9/17 and VSG on Tuesday 9/18! It’s happening fast! ??

My surgery is scheduled for Wednesday. I have done a lot of research and am really excited. Just wondering if anyone has some lessons learned to share. Is there anything you would recommend doing before the surgery? Anything that you thought would be helpful to have at the hospital? Or anything you learned after the surgery that would be helpful to know or do?

My predetermination paperwork was faxed to my insurance company last Friday evening, Aug 31st. Please send some good vibes my way that i receive good news soon. I'm trying very hard to be patient. I wish there was a way to check the status of the predetermination online. Has anyone ever received an approval on the predetermination but then denied at preauthorization time? Thanks, Cindy

I've just done my labs and am waiting to be admitted for my sleeve gastrectomy today. I'm very excited but slightly nervous. I'm alone in the waiting room since it's so early but I should have visitors later after the surgery is complete. Wish me luck!

I had my RNY with a gall bladder removal on Aug 4th. FWIW, here are some of the things I found most helpful. And yes, everyone is different, but I found it useful when others on this list shared their experiences, so here are some things that made the process a little easier for me: 1. In packing my overnight bag I only brought a change of underwear for the next day. I wore a caftan thingy both to and from the hospital so it felt like moving in and out of a nightgown. Ladies, I just skipped the bra at that point. 2. Also in the bag, I brought a pack of pre-moistened wipes. I am allergic to alcohol so I didn't want to rely on regular hospitals wipes and I was so…

I am looking at having either gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. I have recently found out I have gastricparesis. I am being asked to provide a 6 month diet journal. Does anyone have an example of one that the insurance company accepts.

I asked my partner to attend a bariatric support group with me last night. I have been going since the beginning of the year (I have 4 months left before my insurance will review me for approval). The topic of last night's meeting was specifically support networks. He did not say or ask anything during the group but there was a heavy focus on the changes that will effect that the support person, especially spouses and people in the same household as the patient. He and I have been on a low carb diet for three months and I have lost about 12lbs through diet and exercise - I am very comfortable with this eating style. Mind you, I am still 100lbs overweight. At dinner, he as…

Hi everyone! I just recently discovered these forums and wanted to introduce myself! I am a 33 year old woman from a big city in northeastern US, and I was just approved for my surgery! Within one phone call, I was notified of my approval AND given a date. It's 11/20/18. My BMI is 45.8, I look/feel sick all the time, what with dark circles, my avoidance of strenuous activity due to body pain, a constantly flaring skin condition and, obviously, the excess weight I carry. I have binge eating disorder, which I'm attending therapy for starting next week, too. I'm having VSG, and not many people in my life know outside of some select friends and my coworkers (we're i…

I'm getting more nervous as I near the end of the preop requirements. I'm done with everything my insurance requires to get a surgery date. I have my final consultation appointment on October 1st. I'll get a surgery date after that. My nerves are getting to me as this becomes "real."

So many clearances: cardiology, pulmonary, psych, EGD, nutrition. I thought they would all be hard to schedule but everything is happening in the next 30 days!! I still have my 3 month diet requirement for insurance approval. It’s overwhelming when I think about it. Everything starts off with psych evaluation on Monday and I’m a bit anxious about it. Hoping to have surgery in early December.