PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have been scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery on June 6th. I have read all kinds of books and researched online about this surgery. Until recently I was very excited and confident. Now that I am getting closer to the date, I getting really scared. I live in North Dakota. There are no support groups anywhere near me. I have to lose weight so that I can get my knees fixed so I have to do this, but just scared. Sent from my SM-G920V using BariatricPal mobile app

I am fairly new into the process. I have completed my psych eval and will be doing my EGD on Wednesday. Ever since my first appointment, I have eaten well and exercised due to my doctor telling me that he wants me to stay the same weight or lose weight. Well I weighed myself this morning and I have GAINED 7 pounds since seeing my doctor last and i do not know why! I am freaking out that when I see him on Wednesday, he will tell me I cannot have the surgery. Anyone deal with something like this and what was the outcome?? Thank you all in advance!!!

I had my first nutritionist meeting today and though it was a little overwhelming, I'm still excited. The info I received was mostly about the post-op diet and the 3 day liquid pre-op diet, but I didn't get much info about what I should be doing in the mean time, diet-wise. Of course, making healthier food choices is a given, but did your nutritionist give you any additional info at your first meeting? She did make the comment that if I lose weight pre-op, that's great and it'll be healthier for surgery but I can't gain weight which makes sense. Any tips for these next 4 months? Thanks in advance!

I start my liver shrinking diet on Aug 30 and I wanted to see if anyone knows about adding spices to the broths and such and also adding sugar free pudding mix to the protein shakes. I have seen a few recipes where you add like 1 -2 tsp of sf pudding powder to a shake just to flavor it a little different. Just asking, of course I will ask at my pre op class as well. Just trying to prepare and go on and buy a few things.

What are some of your favorite foods on the liver shrinking diet? Currently 14 pre op

One week before my surgery (8/20) and I am a ball of nerves!! I have been fine up until I woke up this morning feeling like I was on the verge of an anxiety attack...smh lol. Now that I am done with all the insurance, pre op appointments, fmla/std filing, picking up meds, pre and post op grocery shopping, and start 7 day pre op diet tomorrow, it is finally starting to hit me that this is really happening. Like, I am having major surgery, with knifes cutting me and taking out part of my organ, and my life will never be the same (for the better!!!) Lol. I am still so very excited! Just a little nervous now that things have slowed down and I am in the final stretch to the n…

I LOVE cucumber water and was wondering if anyone knew of any limitations for this for the pre-op liquid diet??? It's actually an infuser where you put the fresh cucumber in the water bottle. Very refreshing!

So bummed blue shield is messing with my authorization first a rep told the doctor she wasn't in network then when I called and said you gave me the doctor and been paying my claims Now my surgery is scheduled Wednesday the 22nd Has anyone else experienced this now I'm not sure if I will get authorized on time .All work stuff .I'm so sad .Help pray for me.

I know that having a support system is really important on this journey. I do have a lot of people who do support me. My question is how do you deal with those who are close to you not supporting this journey? A close relative does not think that getting sleeved is a good idea. I have started this process before, and they made it very clear that the don't think it is a good idea. I just recently started my journey again (I like to think of it as I got a bit lost, now I am on track again), and I have not told this family member about it yet. So, in short, how do you deal with those who are not supportive?

I think there is a August thread out there but I can't find it. Anyone else having surgery on or around the 13th?!!!

So today is day one of a week of liquid protein shakes of my preop diet (then 2 weeks of high protein, low carb, low fat eating then 1 week of protein liquid again alternating). The shakes make me feel nauseous. They are just too sweet. I’m dealing with Premier Protein - vanilla, chocolate, & caramel. My plan is to do Unjury unflavored in water with crystal light but my shipment won’t get here until Tuesday. Any tips???

WOOHOO!!! I started this process in October 2017, and as of today I finally have a date! I'll be getting my bypass on September 19th! I can't tell you how excited I am to know that this PRE-op process is finally heading toward a close. I'm ready to start my new life. I know post-op will be hard for the first several months, but I'm so ready. Now I just need to make sure I have EVERYTHING lined up and all my supplies purchased so that I'm ready for those all important clear liquid, liquid, and soft food stages. Let me know if you're joining me in September, we can be motivational buddies!

New to the group, just got my surgery date. Having the sleeve on September 17th. To be honest i am FULL of anxiety!!

Hello everyone !! So I had my surgery on August 6 in San Diego , I’m feeling good but in the last couple of days I’ve been feeling a little tired. My incisions are basically healed and during this whole process I did not require any narcotics, only Tylenol , but at this point I have no pain/soreness . I have resumed my walking and stairs , I just need to build my endurance. I started b12 yesterday so hopefully it starts to work soon . I’m doing my best with my water and protein shakes , but I cannot tolerate the broth, so I’ll continue to work on that ?. Btw I had the sleeve and so far I’m happy with the weight loss results , I’ll list my stats below Highest w…

I'm so fusterated. I hate Drs. I mean I really REALLY hate drs. My family dr retired and sold his practice and patients to someone knew. Which is fine. I have to go today to get my letter from him for surgery and I'm so scared he's just not going to do it. I haven't been to the office in 2 years for a number of reasons: 1. Schedule 2. Usually scared of fat shaming 3. have a legit fear of drs. Just fingers crossed all goes well today.

My first surgeon appointment is in September. I'm getting very anxious. My wife is a very supportive person, but is also the type that wouldn't even consider something like WLS for herself, let alone a regular Dr. appointment. (Check that, I think she goes every five years or so). Things like this, for her, are more of the "elective" nature despite my own PCP asking me to pursue this. I think I'm afraid that she's going to talk me out of it, but I won't have an inkling of this fact until we both go see the surgeon next month for my appointment. I asked if she would come too, but not for her, GOD NO, the day I tell her that she should consider WLS, I might as we…

How much did you lose prior to surgery and what is the length of your pre-op diet? I have a 3 month pre-op diet that I started on 8/2. I weighed 366.6 at my PCP 2 weeks prior to starting the diet. I weighed 350.4 today and I start liquid protein on Thursday for a week. ? I’m starting to think I can get some significant weight off before surgery!!!

I’m looking for a surgery buddy who will or has gone through surgery! I want to be able to share different types of ways we are dealing with things for and after surgery or just preparing for surgery I’m due August 28 and I’m starting my pre-opp diet August 13! I’m so excited so please feel free to message me or even if you have advice for me, I will greatly appreciate it !

Hello, I am new to this forum! I started the process in may (not thinking I would actually get approved), I attended a weight loss seminar may 31st. Their were about 4 papers to fill out and return then wait to be called by the patient coordinator supervisor. I was contacted within hours of turning the paperwork in. I was told that I was approved and I needed to pick a surgeon. After picking a surgeon the ball rolled pretty quick. I was scheduled to see the surgeon the first week in June. I was a great candidate for gastric sleeve and could go forward with the process. I then was assigned a bariatric coordinator that got everything lined up for me. I had to do …

I tried searching for this question in the forum, but I want a more recent answer, if possible. My PCP said that she would write me a letter of medical necessity for the surgeon/insurance if need be to help me get qualified for WLS as well as provide any records of mine where she was monitoring my use of prescription appetite suppressants. Does anyone think the insurance would accept this instead of needing to spend 6 months trying another failed diet again? I know insurance companies will always err on the side of not having to pay for surgery, but I'm just curious if anyone got past that 6 month supervised diet with a note from their PCP before.

Hi, Out of all these shakes in the picture which ones do you recommend? I am currently drinking Slim Fast vanilla cream and I CAN’T tolerate it. Please help. Going to get samples from my nutritionist.

I am sitting here waiting for the doctor to come in. I have done all of my preop stuff and I'm sitting here in my backless gown. I'm so nervous! I have lost a total of 29 lbs before surgery, which is exciting! I'm getting more and more anxious as the minutes pass....... Thanks! Kyla Jo

Hi All- I am having my final pre-op appt with my surgeon tomorrow. The only two questions I have for him are about my perscription drugs after my surgery, and how long I need to wait for sex. What questions am I missing? What do you wish you had asked before your surgery?

Is it possible that the insurance denies surgery because of a new knee injury? Somehow I injured my knee and I am a little hesitant to go to the orthopedic out of concern surgery could get denied. Maybe the insurance would say I could not excercise enough and so forth. Maybe I am overthinking this, would not be the first time ?

Who else is having surgery August 6 and wants to chat day by day about the struggles? We are one week away!!! NERVOUS! EXCITED! MISSING MY FAV FOODS. Ugh. So many emotions. Comment if you’re an August 6 Gastric Sleeve patient ☺️

When they say you will expect to lose 60% do they mean for your highest weight, or of what you have left to lose between where you are and your ideal weight be at the time of surgery?

I just received a phone call from a physical therapy office saying that my federal Blue Cross Insurance requires two visits per week for 3 weeks prior to surgery. I am out of town now so I'm not going to call my insurance until I get home. Does anyone know if this it true? It seems like they keep finding more and more prerequisites.

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this website. I went to my Dr on Tuesday and let them know I was interested in Bariatric Surgery, my Dr without hesitation said she thought I was a candidate. I've struggled with my weight and body image since I was 18 years old. Now that I am 29 I really want to do something about it, I'm tired of dieting and hating myself when I eat badly, so I thought I would give this serious thought. I got a call from my Dr. Saying that to start my process I would need to go to the 3 Hour class. I'm excited but scared had no idea it would happen so fast! So here I am nervous.. I'm scared to lose to much, I'm scared to lose the parts of my body that I …

I'm a few days away from having my surgery (8/6), I am overly excited however I am also very nervous. The process took about 2 months which was pretty quick. I don't have to do a liquid diet but I'm currently doing one anyways for the next few days. I have to admit I didn't do a full 2 weeks of the diet my surgeon provided and I'm a little concerned my liver hasn't shrunk enough. I've been drinking protein shakes 2 times a day and eating dinner. I have my hospital bags packed and ready to go but my nerves definitely have the best of me!

So tomorrow morning (08/06) I'll start my final attempt at getting WLS done. I haven't told many people this time around (third overall) just my mom, grandmother, and my best friend. I'm super nervous that I'm going to sabotage myself again but I keep trying to tell myself that this is the best thing to do for myself. I work in surgery, bariatrics to be specific, and I know exactly what is done and why they are done. I know the instruments and every moment of the procedure like the back of my hand but I am a nervous wreck. I know if I get approval I can't back pedal this time like the ones before and I know I'll be fine the day of the procedure but this initial meeting is…

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i guess ive basciallly been waiting for WLS since the day i was born, as i was born with with killer genetics (pun intended). 6 days post op (if this liquid diet doesnt kill me first) and im friggin pumped! advice? PS: maddening that these are my last 2 full-sized belly weeks and Im basically just watching em go by without pigging out *sips protien shake*

Hey friends - In less than twelve hours, I undergo my gastric sleeve procedure. This forum has been more helpful than words can explain. Please feel free to read and share my story if you need some motivation: https://medium.com/@MJTessler/the-fat-kid-e9b69cd17e41

Hello everyone, I have all my pre op tests done and do not know what is next. What can I expect from this point on? I am so ready for this and cannot wait for my surgery date. Please let me know what your experience was/is? Thanks to all

Hello, Ia m curious if either of you ever had a catheter during surgery before that they told you about? If you guys did have a catheter, did they take it out before you were awaken from anesthesia? I can do a catheter on all my patients but I sympathize with them because I personally dislike them, they are quite uncomfortable, and that is if they are skilled in insertion.

So I'm on day 4 of my pre-op diet, protein shakes only. Just today I've started getting muscle spasms...but it's in the weirdest place. It's in my right hand between my thumb and index finger. It makes my index finger involuntarily move. It's weird. Not concerning, just funny.

Hello Everyone, I'm new to this website. I went to my Dr on Tuesday and let them know I was interested in Bariatric Surgery, my Dr without hesitation said she thought I was a candidate. I've struggled with my weight and body image since I was 18 years old. Now that I am 29 I really want to do something about it, I'm tired of dieting and hating myself when I eat badly, so I thought I would give this serious thought. I got a call from my Dr. Saying that to start my process I would need to go to the 3 Hour class. I'm excited but scared had no idea it would happen so fast! So here I am nervous.. I'm scared to lose to much, I'm scared to lose the parts of my body that I …

Today I am racking my nerves for this apt. I have already been through this process before and was denied so doing it again it has been hard to deal with. Mentally its hard to stay positive about it. BUT today I will sign my consent for surgery and I already have my day booked. I just hope things go well. So with this apt I am debating buying my vitamins today. How many of you started your vitamins prior to surgery? I will talk to him about this today but don't know if it is really necessary to get them now or at my post op visit. My shipment of my protein came yesterday and that was the first thing for surgery and life after that I have purchased. Excit…

Does your doctor require a pre-op liquid diet? If so, how long are you to be on it? What foods are recommended? What foods are allowed and not allowed? Is the goal ketosis (liver shrinking)? I'm trying to get an idea of what everyone else is being directed to do, because my clinic is sending contradictory information. I'm trying to see if what I'm being told is in line with others. It seems a little kooky to me. Thanks y'all.

I'm about halfway through my pre-op requirements and I'm still debating between the sleeve and bypass. I like the idea of the sleeve because of the reduced gherlin/hunger, less time on the operating table and no malabsorption of nutrients. I am afraid of it being too easy to eat too much, and I'm afraid of the reflux. As for the bypass, I like the idea that it might result in better long term results, no reflux and no tolerance of sweets, but I'm scared of it being extreme and I'm scared I will lose even more hair than I would with the sleeve. My BMI is 43, same as my age, and I've been big my whole life. Any advice? How did you choose your surgery?

Hello, I am really concerned about hairloss after surgery. I already have thin hair as it is. I think this might take an emotional/mental toll on me. Did you u experience hairloss ? Was it very noticeable? How long did it last What did u take? Did you wear a wig? Thank you

What happens at the first appointment with the Nurse Practitioner? I am just getting started and would like to know what to expect.

I getting pumped! I start my pre op diet next week and I see/heat that people having food funerals before they start. I’m not sure about this really. I feel that The term “food funeral” puts a negative outlook on the future you have with your weight loss surgery tool but at the same time I might not get the chance to eat the things I think I love after my life style change. All I know is that I have this last week to try new things I would never try and give new foods a chance before turning my nose. I’m taking this time not only to start letting go but also to find new healthy foods to love. ? I would love some help doing this, let me know what you guys like, I need to…

Let's be real here. What REALLY is the purpose of a 2 week liquid only diet? I know we're supposed to be shrinking our livers but that seems to be more of a carb issue than a liquid/solid issue. What is the significance of 2 whole weeks of broth and sugar free jello?! I went from eating salmon, grilled chicken and veggies only to nasty artificial sweeteners, excessive sodium, and dairy products that are just nauseating to me. I was eating SO healthy before so I can't help but feel resentful that I'm starving here on processed garbage for a procedure that's supposed to make me healthier. I mean, 3 oz of grilled chicken has 25g of protein and 0 carbs, how would that not he…

Ok so my surgeon makes us buy these prepackaged meals for the 2 week diet. Bars, puddings, Soups, and shakes. I did ok the first week apart from hunger. The soups quickly got to where I couldn't eat them so I used broth instead. Now I have bad diarrhea- worse than last week. All the food is making me nauseous. I tried eating dinner and could only manage a couple bites and felt sick. I am so hungry it's physically painful and anything I do eat comes back out as liquid pretty quickly. I am miserable. I am hungrier than I think I've ever been and can't really eat because I feel sick. I'm about to go try a couple sugar free Popsicles and hoping I can handle those. Thoug…

I just returned from a week long family vacation/reunion. It was interesting how much of our time was centered around food. Everyone trying to impress the others with their cooking. And if you don't eat a big plate of it, someone gets their feeling hurt. I don't want extended family members to know about my surgery. How do I prepare for future events?

What vitamins are recommended? Should I start taking them now or wait til after surgery? Supposed to have surgery end of next month.

Ah geez, where to begin. Without divulging my entire story that probably sounds like everyone else's, basically, I've struggled with eating, my weight, my physical activity, diets, depression, etc for the longest time. I'm in my mid-40's and I got the diabetes 2.0 diagnosis after being "pre" for a couple years now. I have scheduled my first surgical consultation in September. I know there's a long road ahead including pre-scheduling dieting, etc. I guess what I'm struggling with is that since the "wheels are in motion" with the whole thing, my food-addicted self is saying that since I'm probably going to get the surgery that it's ok to eat whatever the hell I wan…

Headed to the hospital for my bypass this morning. I’m nervous, but I know I’m doing the right thing for my health and my family. Can’t wait to spend more quality time with my friends and family unrestricted by my weight. Can’t wait to ride roller coasters with my 10 year old daughter for the first time. Cant wait to have sex with my wife again. I’ve missed out on so much because of my weight and now I’m on my way to never missing another day or another experience again with those I love. Can’t wait to start my new life. I’ll let you all know how it goes. Rick Z HW 339 SW 337 CW 318 GW 200

Just had and endoscopy and it reads acute gastritis anyone else and what's this mean?Stomach is super sore.Hope this doesn't stop my surgery 8/29