PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Finished my psych eval Wednesday and met with the nutritionist today. I feel like both went extremely well. Now just have to wait and see what the next step is. I'll be call the office on Monday to make sure my part is done. This almost seems to easy... ? HW 302 SW ---- CW 284 GW 150-ISH "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful." - Unk

You guys I’m sooo excited! For so so long I’ve been thinking of doing this, reading this board, watching Weightloss shows and YouTube videos and finally I’m here posting my surgery date. With my luck I’m probably only dreaming and I’ll wake up at 7 am which is what my alarm is set to [emoji30][emoji30][emoji30] this is so surreal. I was so afraid of having to wait weeks and weeks and having this big build up to surgery day. I start my liquid diet tomorrow and honestly I do not feel like I needed more time to stuff my face although I will go out to dinner later and have a juicy steak [emoji51] and a few drinks. I’m so excited and ready for this. I have to add that my surge…

Omg, I am day 2 of pre-op diet and this is horrible. Massive headache, can't focus at work, extremely tired, shaky, dizzy and nausea. I knew it would be hard but not all this.......please tell me it gets better I am not sure I can do this for 12 more days.....ugh!!

Today from 5-7PM around the time I eat dinner I started to freak out. My chest felt heavy, my blood pressure felt low and I got a hunger attack. I felt so sick and so nauseous! Also for a split sec I forget I’m not allowed to eat and I think of what I’m going to eat because I’m hungry and then it hits me that I won’t be eating. I hate feeling like this so out of control. Idk how everyone else is making it through this all liquid diet while still having your hunger and desire to eat but for me it’s kicking my a$$! I can’t imagine how the ones who work and are doing the pre op diet can do it and I admire and respect you because I don’t think I could! [emoji30][emoji24] Yo-…

At what point in the process is your health insurance provider contacted by the surgeon’s office in regards to verifying what pre-op requirements the insurance has? I have had my initial consult with surgeon, an EGD, my sleep study is scheduled. When I spoke to my insurance (United Health Care) on 3 separate occasions to verify and re-verify their requirements, the reps I spoke to honestly did not sound very knowledgeable, which is not very reassuring. One told me that there was no requirement for a 6 month diet, one told me there was, one said they could not find any information. Am I speaking to the wrong people? Should I be requesting to speak to a certain departm…

My surgery is scheduled for 6/6 and I’m wondering how everyone dealt with their pre op week liquid diet? That’s about the only thing in all of this that I’m worried about and would like to hear some first hand responses. Thanks in advance

I am so nervous about everything leading up to the surgery but now I am worried about getting a cold on top of everything else. I baby sat my nephew this weekend and my sister neglected to tell me that he had a cold. I didn't realize until he woke up from his nap and it was too late. Now I am not feeling well. My surgery is in a week and I am freaking out that it will be cancelled if I am sick. Does anyone know any good tips for how to fight off a cold quickly?

Is anyone else experiencing nightmares about surgery day? My surgery is less than two weeks away and I can't sleep at night because I am having nightmares of the procedure, pain, what could go wrong and I can't seem to shut it out. Has anyone else experienced this and how did you cope? Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

Tomorrow morning is my psychological evaluation! It’s supposed to be a couple hours long your in there so i was just wondering if anyone could give me some info as to what they do in there [emoji30]

Someone please tell me I'm not the only one to experience this. It's like I have to have all the bad foods before I start my pre-op diet. I feel like it's my way of saying good bye to the things I like to eat....

So what will the psych eval sessions be like? Don't see much discussion on it, just want to know what to expect...

I work for the hospital I am having surgery at. I went to the info session on April 19th and my appt to meet the doc is on next Thurs May 10! [emoji2] Current Weight is 290.

I am so excited. Wasn't able to schedule as early in May as I wanted but my manager is very willing to work on finding me a replacement during my recovery. Anyone else having surgery on the 29th?

I have AmeriHealth Administrators and I am wondering if this will be an easy process or if I will have to wait, appeal, etc. Does anyone have experience with vsg and AmeriHealth that can give me advice? I have seen a surgeon and had a nutrition class. I also know that AmeriHealth covers bariatric surgery on my plan and their only requirements are whatever the surgeon recommends and a bmi of 40+ or 35+ with other health issues. Thank You!

I went in for another one of my appointments today, this time with the nurse coordinator. She seemed surprised that I had been able to lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks and said "most people struggle to lose the excess weight." I'm a dieting pro. I've lost the same frigging 80-100 lbs for two darn decades. They've got me on a low carb diet of no more than 60 net grams (essentially protein and veggies). I'm drinking more than 64 ounces of water per day and walking. I'm following every last rule they laid out for me. Losing has never been my issue, maintaining has. That, of course, set off a cascade of guilt about this choice. If I can lose so easily, do I even need this? Yadda yadda …

I’ve been watching YouTube like crazy and finding different VSG Instagram accounts to follow. I’m going to document my journey as well because I really feel like it’s been helping me and keeping me motivated! I’m already a YouTuber so this will just be apart of my vlog channel. Did anyone else binge out and watch videos? Anyone document their experience on social media??

Anyone just starting this journey?? I would love to keep up with anyone who is new to the process so that I can know what to expect although I know each case is different. Anyone had their first consultation recently?? Or at the beginning stages of the process?? What’s been the experience thus far?

I have my first out of four meetings with her May 7th; (so excited!) has anybody already had theirs? What kind of information did you get? A meal plan? Weight plan? Anything planned? What did you talk about? Just curious as to what could happen during mine because, I know I could just wait and see, haha but I love to be prepared! And like I said, just overs curious! And if you've have more what happened at the other ones too? Thanks!

How much is everyone losing on your preop liquid diet? I was told to expect to lose 15-20 pounds with majority being on the first week. I'm on day 5 of mine. I've been very honest, no cheating. Drinking much more than the required 64 oz. of water. I started at 269 (273 day before due to my last meal being Thai food). I'm 266 today. So weight loss of 3 pounds in 5 days seems a bit low. Sent from my SM-G920T using BariatricPal mobile app

Scared, but also looking forward to this change, so far i have lost 20 lbs since January just by eating differently. After getting news of an actual date i started getting anxious, fear started kicking in, i said if i can do it on my own why do i need to do this, lately ive been hitting a stall on my weightloss, not much motivation just been feeling depressed, feel like im failing myself if i go through with this, but i see the benefits in so many people that have gone through this and i want that also. Sent from my SM-G935T using BariatricPal mobile app

I have received my surgery date of june 21 and really need support around the prep. I need to be on liquid protein for 2 weeks prior (starts around June 9). I’ve started to drink a shake for breakfast some days but keep wondering how I will do this for 2 weeks straight . I’m akdo worried about post surgery. I’m a hard core good addict for 50 years and can’t imagine how I will stop using food after the surgery. Any support is much appreciated.

I have my psych eval on Wednesday. Today I was filling out the patient information package and some of the questions have left me feeling really anxious. Though I am stronger, happier, and in a much healthier place today then I have ever been in my whole life, I still can't help but worry that my past will come back and bite me in the a$$... HW 302 SW ---- CW 284 GW 150-ISH "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful." - Unk

Gastric Sleeve happening at 9:35am. I’ve been wanting this for ten years now. I’m nervous excited and can’t fall asleep! Just wanted to thank everyone for the great advice and I’ll keep you updated on how everything goes!

I have my VSG surgery date of May 18. I went January 16 to have RNY and I had complications that stopped my surgery and my surgeon is not comfortable doing the RNY but is with the sleeve for me. Anybody else scheduled for May 18? I am excited, but not nearly as enthusiastic as I was the first go around. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using BariatricPal mobile app

Those who were diagnose with sleep apnea, did you have to take your cpap machine with you when you went to the hospital for your surgery?

Well, I made it through my first day of the pre-op diet! I had apple & cinnamon oatmeal, raspberry jello, vegetable beef soup, Premier Protein Shake, a protein bar, VLC bar, and 69 ounces of flavored water. The only problem I'm having with it is that I spend more time in the bathroom than anywhere else! I keep telling myself that it's all worth it and a small price to pay for being healthier and living a longer and happier life! I'm off to make more Jello for tomorrow! How was your first day?

Anyone have to do a bowel prep before a RNY? I can see the benefit since the doc will be attaching your intestine to your new stomach. Just tell me it’s not as bad as getting ready for a colonoscopy! Toodles, Rue

Hi all, I'm new here. I'm 33, 5'0" and currently 215 lbs. I have a BMI of 42. I will be starting my 6 month surgeon weigh-ins on May 3rd (2 weeks away). I am going to try to lose no more weight until my first official weigh in so my BMI doesn't fall below 40. I guess my guilt is that currently my 14 year old daughter wants to lose weight too. She only weighs one pound less than me, but is 5'2 -5'3, so she is on the obese range. I plan on having her follow the same diet my nutritionist puts me on; however, I fear that once I get surgery she will get discouraged if I am losing weight so much faster than she is. Hopefully that makes sense... She is excited and happy for me,…

Hi all, Any suggestions for ready to drink protein shakes made with Stevia instead of Splenda. I don't do well with Splenda (headaches, etc.) Thanks!

And if you didn’t have to, where are you? Curious at how surgeons require different things. My husband and sister were sleeved here in Atlanta and had to do 2 weeks of liquid pre-op. However my aunt in Las Vegas did not.

Around what time/what part of the process did everyone start getting their surgery date? I’m 3 months in with the Bariatric weight loss program and I have yet to get a surgery date. •36 •5’6 •Beginning W/378 •CW/268 •GW/140 •Surgery date is still unknown •RNY •From CT

I been wanting this for a long time each time I get a surgery day go through all the work and back out bc I’m terrified. I feel like idk if I’m making right choice! I’m scared I’m not going to wake up for surgery! I got the endoscopy please tell me it’s just like that the feeling going under. I got my appendix and gallbladder out 5 years ago is this the same as how they put me out? I feel like I’m counting down until my last day! Been talking to my drs about how I feel but said I would be fine and wouldn’t do it if they didn’t think I was a good candidate! I also think the date I’m getting it is killing me this is how I think!! My uncle who was practically my father pass…

Hey guys, I should probably be posting this in the post op forms, however, I think it's important for the pre-op peeps to see! I had surgery on Monday, 4/23 and have been in some pretty bad pain. This post isn't meant to scare anyone, and I'm not saying I regret it. I just think it's important that you're not as naive as me! I went into having surgery literally thinking it would be a walk in the park. Maybe I'd be a little sore, but all around good. Wrong. After surgery, my pulse at rest was high, so they had to do a CT scan. When you get a CT scan they make you drink this nasty liquid. They gave me 30 mins to drink half a cup. It hurt so bad, I was cryin…

Anyone have to do a bowel prep before a RNY? I can see the benefit since the doc will be attaching your intestine to your new stomach. Just tell me it’s not as bad as getting ready for a colonoscopy! Toodles, Rue

Anyone have to do a bowel prep before a RNY? I can see the benefit since the doc will be attaching your intestine to your new stomach. Just tell me it’s not as bad as getting ready for a colonoscopy! Toodles, Rue

Anyone have to do a bowel prep before a RNY? I can see the benefit since the doc will be attaching your intestine to your new stomach. Just tell me it’s not as bad as getting ready for a colonoscopy! Toodles, Rue

Does any body else have to start there liquid diet today and for how long? I start mines today for 7 days and then surgery is next Monday April 23...

I am scheduled for June and have my endoscopy coming up. I am super worried about them finding ulcers or something and me being postponed. Anyone have experience with this? I am 30 so I don't know if that will be an issue. Also I am wondering what your primary care doctor had to do for your surgeon? My surgeon gave me a form requesting a pre op assessment. The surgeon is doing blood work etc. What will my PCP have to do? How involved will they have to be? Lastly, I am using Amerihealth Caritas (medicaid) for my surgery. I am using it before I return to work. Anyone have experience with this insurance? Thank you all! Love bariatric pal!!!

Day one of my 7day liquid diet any suggestions on how to make it as less stressful as possible....

The dog-days of Late Summer don't seem that bad to you--It's Surgery Timel! Your testings are done-You've see all the specialists-- you've met with your Surgeon. Perhaps you even have a Surgery Date. Time is passing quickly and you can see the Finish Line ahead. Let's share our joys, share,our sorrows. remembering our future lies just ahead. And Here we All Go!?

Bye Atorvastatin. My PCP said I could stop taking this. After my surgery I can also stop Pantoprazole. Toodles, Rue

So I had my appointment with the Surgeon, and the first thing she tells me is that my insurance is changing their policies effective 4/15/18 to requiring 6 months supervised dietician visits. Because I am completely done with everything needed, she felt terrible. I’m rushing to get my pcp to send a letter stating I’m healthy for surgery in hopes that we can get the approval before the deadline, but I’m ready to cry. Getting to the end and having them tell me I might have to wait until August is heartbreaking. PRAYING that my paperwork is submitted tomorrow with no issues and is approved before they implement this policy. Going to go cry in my car while I wait for my PCP …

Finally I’m checking in preparing for surgery.....

Has anyone else had to do the 2 weeks of Optifast before surgery? Today is day one for me and I can already tell I’m going to be hangry. My PCP has kept me on my metformin, glipizide and Victoza. I’ve caught myself getting shaky three times today. If you did the Optifast diet, did your doctor keep you on all your diabetic meds? And please tell me it gets better and I won’t be hungry for the next 13 days [emoji23] HW: 311 CW: 262 SW: We’ll see on May 10!

Just went to my seminar to start the program I will have to say I’m super excited! I wanted to know if anyone is just now starting off with wls? ??

So I am trying to get my vitamins before my surgery on May 29 where is the best place. I have to have 5,000 B3, 500 B-2, 600 calcium twice a day, and multi vitamin with iron. I also want some extra to prevent hair loss any suggestions where to buy. No gummies allowed

I’m scheduled for surgery May 11th, anyone else?

Hello. I would like to share the beginning of my journey and would like to find VSG surgery pals who are going through this process this summer so we can keep in touch and support each other. I am 55 years young and have struggled with my weight on and off throughout my life. The last time I was at my goal weight was in my late 30's after having two kids. When my marriage starting falling apart and then divorced about 15 years ago, the weight piled on. Since then I have made many attempts at weight loss and none have worked. It's that constant cycle of gaining and losing a few pounds and feeling guilty, frustrated and inadequate. The weight limits me in many ways. I …

Hi Everyone. I’m curious to know what a whole day of purée foods looks like. Can you give me some ideas? Thanks in advance.

Im checked in at the hospital and ready to begin this journey. Keep me in your prayers for a safe surgery and speedy recovery! See you on the loser's bench! [emoji6]