PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi everyone, I am at the point where after six monthly of visits with my doctor, all of the required tests etc I can meet with "the surgeon". I'm having gastric bypass at Columbia Pres in NYC around late June/early July (I think!). I didn't realize I would get to choose which doctor but I called to make the appointment and they asked who I wanted. I have no idea. It's between Dr. Bessler and Dr. Krikhely, both are available before June 5 for the office visit. Has anyone had a great or not experience with either of them that they'd be willing to share? Thank you!

I started my pre-op diet yesterday. I am to drink four optifast shakes a day. In addition to the shakes, I can have decaf tea or coffee, sugar free popsicles, broth, and sugar free water add ins. With that much fluid intake, I wasn’t surprised that I was running to the restroom all day. I am surprised that I went five times last night too. I also weighed myself and I am 3 pounds heavier. This is a surprise because I had a total of 825 calories the whole day. It is also concerning because I have to lose 5 lbs by my weigh in day on 5/31. Anyone familiar with optifast? What was your experience?

I find myself doing a lot of research before I buy anything. I feel very happy with my latest haul. What have you bought or plan to get to better prepare yourself for this journey? I also got my new oversized sweats to leave the hospital in. Yo-Yo Girl from New York City

Ok so I’ll start with a little bit of info about me. I’m 21 years old and currently weigh 225 lbs. My highest weight was 250 lbs. I am in nursing school and currently have my surgery scheduled for July 3rd. I will be having the gastric bypass. I.AM.FREAKING.OUT! I have NEVER had surgery before and I’m scared to death of how it’s going to be after surgery. I’ve even almost called to cancel my surgery altogether a couple of times because I was having a panic attack about it. The issue is I’m worried about pain and how this will affect my health as I age with me only being 21. I’ve went through hundreds of YouTube videos of people talking about their process and it has me wo…

So my nerves are mostly calm but they keep flaring up on me at times. I can't believe it's almost surgery time. Seems like forever but time flew by lol. I am not worried about anything except not making it through! I keep telling myself that these thoughts are not really logical but the fear is real. I have let fear drive my life for so long that I am going to do this so I can actually live a healthy normal life. I am lucky, my family supports me and my friends so they will be there all the way. Somehow just venting my fears on here makes me feel better because we are all in the same boat. I will try not to post like crazy the next week or so up to my surgery date…

Hi everyone, I'm just in the final few steps of the pre-operation process, and I should have a surgery date soon. It's getting real, and I'm both excited and scared at the same time. But what's bugging me right now is that everything in my life seems like it's in a holding pattern. I guess I feel like I can't concentrate on doing anything because I keep thinking about how out of shape and unhappy I am, and how I'll be happier once I can be more mobile and start exercising again. I'm NOT really depressed, just kind of... blah. Has anyone else experienced a phase like this pre-operation?

So I got my approval letter in the mail today! YAY! I already knew I was approved because impatient me called UHC myself and they told me. My question is, it says on my paper, Date of service 5/30/2018 then Admission date (if applicable) 5/30/2018. What does this mean? I was hoping to have my surgery the end of June because of work. Does this mean I have to have it 5/30/2018? I haven't scheduled anything with my Dr yet. Thanks so much!

Ok. So I’ve been on my Optifast diet for 10 days. At least 3 shakes a day and then either a bar or a soup. Or just 5 shakes. Any combination of the 5 items as long as I do at least 3 shakes a day. I’m also adding protein powder to these items so I get an extra 21g protein. And I’m averaging 90+ oz of water a day. So that’s the background. Now, I have had my period for 4 days. It is super heavy and I’m so crampy! This is the worst period I’ve had since my early 20’s! And it shows no signs of stopping! I do have PCOS (I was diagnosed at 17). I also have the Nexplanon implant. That’s what’s so crazy! I had it put in January 2017 and after about 3-4 months, I stopped havin…

What is the best one to buy with low carbs and high protein and good flavor? Thanks so much and Happy Losing!!

I’m terrified of being at a restaurant or public place and having to throw up. I literally have visions of myself walking around in a store and projectile vomiting. I’m terrified of getting diarrhea while I’m out in public or on a date. What if I can’t control my farts. What if the feeling of hunger never goes away and I’m stuck with restriction from my pouch yet feeling physically hungry pangs and all because all that rerouting of my pouch is off. What if I look really old prematurely like some people who’s face look like they literally melted and everything is saggy. (Don’t mean to sound vain) but I don’t think anyone would want to age prematurely and look 15 years old…

I am liquid pre-op. Is V8 OK? Less sugar than the protien shakes. Is that too much fiber or carbs?

Hi, my name is Kenny, new guy on the block I guess, and I’m in the early stages of preparing for surgery. My insurance only covers a couple hospitals so I am commuting from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. I have my first appointment June 14th and they tell me I will be going thru 6 months of tests and preparations in one day, and if all is good, I will be given a tentative date for surgery. I’m feeling very nervous, kind of excited, different feelings everyday lol. I know I am ready to make a change, that’s also why I signed up on here. Support, communication, and knowledge are a big part of it. Anyway, just wanted to introduce myself, couldn’t find a specific place on th…

I have surgery booked for June 8 2018. Anyone else in Sydney, Australia having surgery in June ? Have started Preop diet this week. So far have lost 2kg.

When I decided to look into the VSG surgery, I told my husband and he was supportive and positive. I also told my mother, who was not. (Just get your hormones straightened out. You'll be fine. No one in my family is overweight and I didn't struggle until last 12 years.) I started with my preop appointments in August. My husband went to the consultation with me and he drove me to/from the appointment for the GI endoscopy. He keeps saying that we shouldn't tell anyone - friends or other family. If any one asks when I start loosing weight, he feels like we should just tell them I started power walking. He told his business partner that the appointments were …

I've collected some electronic binders throughout my research. I posted in another thread, but figured there are probably many more people that could use things. It's awful that some surgeons/programs aren't providing their patients with such a valuable research. So click on the links below to get your own binder. _Gastric Sleeve Binder.pdf bariatric-patient-binder.pdf Gastric Bypass Binder.pdf Gastric Sleeve Handbook 2.pdf

I am getting close to my last weigh in appointment and I am getting nervous about the insurance process. I have Amerihealth Caritas. I am worried that all this work will just end in a denial. My question is... The insurance has paid for all if my appointments so far with no issues. Does this mean they already have an idea if what's happening and are going to approve it? Thanks. Just looking for some advice from anyone who has gone through insurance approvals.

This is a liquid vitamin machine, kinda like the coffee machines. Has anyone tried this?

How do people going about dark sad feelings when doing the gastric bypass diet when you have zero friends or family who support you? I've been having this problem and it has been a struggle. I feel very alone and when I'm lonely and sad I want to eat but I know I cannot emotional eat. On top of that my wls surgery is May 15th so I cannot afford to do that. I feel like I've been feeling a million emotions at once. It's very hard for me these few weeks between not being able to eat much, only liking water and ice and it hurts to swallow due to my bad allergies, I'm just miserable! I just feel like I wish I had more people to vent to about these feelings besides my bariatric…

A good friend of mine has worked on an upcoming book and also has a helpful blog. I totally recommend checking it out. I've had the opportunity to read his story and found it helpful and informative. www.sleevelifebook.com Sent from my SM-G930V using BariatricPal mobile app

Freaked and excited out of my mind! Sent from my EVA-L19 using BariatricPal mobile app

I have started sampling some protein here and there and just tried chocolate muscle milk today. I read really good things about it. I found it to be HORRIBLY thick amd sweet even over ice. Is this the normal consistency of the chocolate protein shakes or is it just this brand?

So I’m new to this forum. For the last 4 months i have been doing all my pre operative clearances. I finally finished all of that and today had met with my surgeon one last time so they could submit everything to insurance. The woman at the office told me it would take 1-2 weeks to get a response but I’m so nervous because at one point during the 4 months i had gained 3 pounds (that was last month) but today i was 3 pounds below my start weight. So my start weight was 249 and my end weight is 246. Will the 252 that i was last month jeapordize my chances of getting approved? Also, how long did you wait before getting your decision from insurance?

Hi everyone, I was just wondering how long did you wait to get your results back from your nicotine test? I took my test Friday morning (urine) I would have thought it wouldn't take that long. Then how long does it take usually to hear back about a date? A little history from my situation is I was told after my nicotine test comes back they turn my paperwork over to insurance for approval and then set a date. I know I have done everything that is required but the waiting to get the results back and to get through the red tape at this point is driving me crazy! I guess I would feel bette if I had some kind of time line instead of this not knowing anything! I'm so used to …

Did anyone have gastric bypass and at the same time fix a hiatal and umbilical hernia. I have been fighting like crazy to avoid surgery and I know in my heart this is the surgery that will probably be the best thing in the world for me. FEAR has led me to believe it will be me who gets a stricture or me who has gallstones or me who has nausea and vomiting everyday or any other random negative thing. I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder and this is probably the 3rd time I have been in a Weight Center and every time the topic of bariatric surgery comes up, I fly right out the door. I was told today I have a small hiatal hernia and I feel like I have been given the final…

Hi everyone, I’m having rny on May 10th. I’m on day three of my liquid pre op diet. I’ll admit to be really tempted to eat some food. I cannot be in the same room with my husband/kids while they’re eating dinner. Too many temptations. Best of luck to all of you.

I'm just depressed and frustrated. None of my doctors seem to want to listen to me. I got gastric bypass covered on my dad's insurance before but I didn't get far. Only for him to cut me off the insurance and NEVER let me back on because he's a jerk. If he just let me stay on his for a little bit longer I would have had the gastric bypass and I would now be a lot thinner and happier now. Everytime I bring up gastric bypass to my doctor they say "no, you just don't need it" and never give me a clear picture as of why I do not need it. I always try to dig and ask why they say this. I know I don't have diabetes, high blood pressure nor high cholesterol anymore but I do have …

So tomorrow is the day and I have to say that I am excited but super nervous at the same time. I was tested over and over in my preop diet even having to bake a cake for work for a co- workers birthday but held strong and have lost 8lbs. Tiday is clear liquids only and I am supposed to drink the magnesium citrate now but I am still at work...that would not be pretty considering they only have multiple stall bathrooms.....Anyways. Tomorrow is the day I have been waiting for but just cant shake this nervousness. Hope everyone has a blessed day!

I’m going through Bailey Bariatrics and I have finished everything now. Just waiting on insurance and then surgeon appointment so he can schedule my surgery. So excited!!!

Hello all. All of a sudden, I’m struggling with self control regarding sweets. Mind you, I have lost 41 pounds during the 6 month medically supervised weight loss that my insurance required me to have before approval for WLS. I don’t know if it’s because mentally I think “this is my last hurrah” before I buckle down and do my two weeks per op diet. I’m just needing some words of wisdom so if anyone has any, I’d love to hear them! Thanks in advance. [emoji17]

I'm scheduled to have my EKG tomorrow and the scheduler mentioned something about a holter monitor. Did anyone else have to do this or is it normally just a strip EKG that is needed? I think the scheduler misunderstood the order because it says ambulatory referral for EKG, which I think it just means that it is an outside order from my bariatric hospital to my clinic. Anyone else had to go through the holter thing? I'm really hoping that it's just a quick monitor....

Hello , I am still in the process to lose weight to meet my weight that I need to lose before scheduling surgery. I have 8 pounds more to lose , it has been so hard , I have had a thyroidectomy and wondering here if anyone is in the same situation? Or anyone that has had surgery with a thyroidectomy ? Thank you

Hi I'm new. I have started all the pre-surgery requirements. Now I must make the big decision as to which procedure will suit me best. I am leaning towards the bypass but not sure. Would any one be willing to share experiences from both the sleeve and the bypass. Thanks in advance [emoji4] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi there, Newbie here. Waiting for surgeon's office to schedule my surgery and pre-op appointment. I'm reading "Ultimate Gastric Sleeve Success" by Dr. Duc. Vuong (highly rated book on Amazon) and he suggests asking your surgeon about their specific technique. His guidelines: 1. Stay left of the left crus of the diaphragm to avoid esophageal leaks and injury. 2. Make a small fundal pouch for patient comfort and to avoid stretching. 3. Do not get too close to the incisura to avoid stricture. 4. Create the sleeve 6 centimeters from the pylorus to avoid dumping. Did any of you ask your surgeons for such detail? His book makes an excellen…

Tonight is my last sleep before surgery! So excited I don’t know how I’m gonna sleep! Toodles, Rue

I was not expecting a date before August honnestly. But today, I got a call. Surgery is in three weeks (June 5) ! I am freaking out TBH. What is it that I need to prepare ? What food is helpful during the liquid diet and the first week post-op ? Also, I am still not clear about recovery time. Is it realistic for me to be working a week after surgery ? (I am a teacher and I would be on my feet 3h daily than I can sit). Sent from my LG-H831 using BariatricPal mobile app

I was schedule for my gastric sleeve on June 7th!! Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, I’ve embarked on my Journey. I’m with Kaiser Richmond. My psych appt is with Dr. Z in 2 weeks. I’m very nervous and would love to know what to expect:) I would also love to hear your stories from Kaiser Richmond:) Thanks!

Hi I'm new here I'm one month out before my surgery. I'm a little nervous and excited to start this journey. Is there anyone that can give me any advice. Thanks

Hello! I am wondering if anyone else out there often feels like they are not ready? I am self-paying so I haven't had to go through appointments with nutritionist and counselors. I have done tonnes of research and I feel like I have really good understanding of what my life will look like after and where I might struggle. I have been casually looking into it for two years and finally felt this was the time. I do plan on seeing a food counselor post - op. I often have thoughts that I don't want this bad enough or don't have the right mind set yet. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow and today I went out for one last lunch with my co-workers as I know I won't be able…

Hi all—anyone hear of using a belly binder or compression panty post-op? I’ve never had abdominal surgery, but friends that have had tummy lipo or c-sections say they were life savers in reducing pain and swelling. Any thoughts? “I know that I’m in my own little world—but it’s ok, they like me here.”

Hi all. I am a week away from liquid diet and my surgery is the 29th. I bought the baritrack powered and it does not agree with me. I get bad stomach ache. Is there something other than the shakes that I can have for the week? I there a soup or anything? Has anyone else had this happen?

I’m super excited and nervous ... that’s all..

Has anyone had ulcers found during your endoscopy and had their sleeve postponed due to it? Thank you all!

2 weeks away and I feel like a kid at Christmas.. lol anyone else in the same boat? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

Okay so I apologize in advance for the TMI.... I am on liquid diet day 4 and have been struggling with running to the bathroom after every drink (even water) and veggie. I’m allowed to have 4 protein shakes and 2 cups of veggies (only broccoli, green pepper, lettuce, cucumbers, or celery). Every time I consume something it feels like glass inside my intestines and I have to run to the toilet. It’s literally like liquid in, liquid out. Does this happen to anyone else? They warned me that I might experience constipation because of the lack of fibre but this is the exact opposite. i have a road trip to go on this weekend and I’m scared that I will have to pul…

I have a pre-op class today. Anyone participate in the pre-op class? What questions did you have for your surgeon? I’m trying to get all of my questions together! Any advice for the pre-op class??

Tomorrow is my surgery!! Feeling very calm, contrary to the nervousness I was feeling last week. Everything is ready the house is clean, already went food shopping, and best of all my mom is here for a few weeks to help me out. Can’t wait for tomorrow to get here! By the way happy mother’s day to all the mommies here. Wish me luck!!

Hi everyone! I am a “newbie” here, and I’m also new to the *Wonderful World of Weight-loss Surgery*. I started my process in November, my insurance requires a consecutive 6 month physician supervised diet,my appointment next week will make month 3 for me(halfway mark yay!!). This is my first time making a post, I mostly get on here to just read research, but I noticed that everyone is either post-op, or already on the liquid diet, so I’m looking for people to connect with that are currently still going through the process before approval like me...a little about myself: My name is Jaz I am 25yrs old. MY STATS: Height: 5”6 CW: 243(give or take) HW: 250 GW: 140 BMI:39

Yes! There were some downsides today. I had to wait 5 and a half hours to actually get into surgery. But one I was there, ummm I don’t know! I was gone and remember nothing! I was told I woke up almost immediately. I was VERY NAUSEOUS and in great pain. Suzy, my very nice anesthesia nurse immediately gave me something for the nausea and then Demerol (two in a row) for the pain. Then it was off to my room. My mom met me and helped me out until about 7pm when I told her to head home. She’ll be back around 1 tomorrow to wait for me to be discharged. At 11 tomorrow morning I have a meeting with the 5 other people who had WLS here today. We can share hints and the nurse coo…

So being the impatient women that I am I could not wait another moment and called UHC to ask about my paperwork that had been submitted just two days ago lol She told me I was already approved!! I am so excited! Thank you Jesus!! Now I am just waiting on a call from my Dr's office:) Man things have really flown by!! Hope all is well with everyone!! Happy Losing!!