PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi. I’m new. After years of dieting, exercising and feeling defeated, I have decided to have surgery. I am feeling hopeful and a bit nervous. I have my first meeting with the surgeon tomorrow morning. I have been working on a list of questions to ask him. Do you guys have any suggestions? I want to be prepared.

? went to my first consultation. And it was amazing. I am happy that people take out the time to help with this journey. I love all the staff ♥️ I so excited to start the process. They set everything up for my appointments and also gave me a protein shake shaker ? explained my insurance that I was afraid of what I was going to have to do (all is well I don’t have to do the WW ?) but just thankful that I made this step and looking forward and I’m not turning back.

Im 3 months into my journey i have my egd scheduled for 5/8 and slightly nervous about it. I just have to do 3 more months of medically supervised weight loss and then they submit everything into insurance. Ill have my surgery probably end of july early august and im nervous and excited at the same time. Would like to hear if anyone is at the same stage as me or even closer to their surgery date.

Newbie here and into the process. Just wondering if some of you who have been through surgery can weigh in on what the recovery was like. I've had several of my consults already and just have the psych eval, 2 more nutritionist appointments, EGD, and final surgeon consult to go. We're aiming for a late June surgery. Right now I'm leaning more towards the bypass than sleeve, because I've got bad GERD. My surgeon says we can make the final decision after the EGD. I'm practicing my eating now (70+ grams of protein and low carb) and increased water intake. But there's so much to take in... 20-30 chews for each bit of food, and how on earth do you get in your water if you…

Hi Everyone, So I currently work for Kaiser Permanente (however would love to get some input from others who have gone through the process here in the NW specifically). I spoke with April today in the Bariatric group (RN) and she advised to keep loosing as much weight as possible throughout the entire process. I start the Weight Management course next week (via Online). From what I've read, and researched here at work, perfect attendance is not mandatory? Only reason I ask, it presses right up against when I'm off for work, so I'll likely be starting the meeting in my car over Bluetooth until I make it home. I just want to make sure I don't "loose too much weigh…

I have Amerihealth Northeast Caritas. One of their requirements is that I be an acceptable operative risk. My question is what does that mean and who decides that? Must that be done prior to submitting for approval? Also, has anyone used Amerihealth for weight loss surgery? Thank you! Have a wonderful day

I have a few questions that I am hoping to get some help with. Thank you in advance for any help 1) Do insurance companies that require you have no weight gain during your 6 months mean from month to month or from your first appointment to your last? I have Amerihealth Northeast Caritas. 2) Is my approval request sent to my insurance after my last weight in appointment or do they wait until all of the pre op testing is complete? 3)Has anyone here used Amerihealth for your surgery? Please share you experiences with me. 4)Can a PCP refuse to do a pre op clearance on you just because they don't want you to do weight loss surgery?

Hey everyone . I’m Jessica and I’m 420 pounds . Last month I decided to change my life for the better so I signed up for Gastric Sleeve Surgery. I’ll be meeting with the Dietitian in a few weeks and I’m nervous . I would love to have a support group through the next few months to my surgery [emoji1434][emoji39] so please (add me) or (Snap me @ cravejess ) i need your support, thanks [emoji177]

Surgery day is finally here! I’ll be having surgery tomorrow along with my best friend, can’t wait to start this new chapter in our lives!!!

I'm new to the forum, so hello to all. What I'm experiencing in the lead up to the surgery is a distancing from my husband. He's on board for the surgery now, but he's being clingy and everything he does annoys me, and I can't handle it anymore. I'm finding I'm more and more unhappy in my marriage, and fantasizing about going this alone. Is this something normal or am I experiencing something I should talk to a therapist about?

I have had 4 of the 6 required appointments to my regular doctor. Is the approval process a long process?

For any other Aussies who need to avoid MSG and Aspartame (it triggers nasty headaches for me) or just want to avoid it when having protein supplements, especially during pre and post op liquid phases, I can recommend the following: Choc-Hazelnut Formulite meal replacements are Stevia Sweetened (34g protein per serve is almost double that of Optifast, with fewer carbs). NOTE: I can't stand the honeycomb one, but I assume it's something in the flavour as the choc-hazelnut is fine. I have a sample of vanilla on it's way to me to try soon too. https://formulite.com.au/ Bodie'z clear protein waters are Stevia sweetened. Available in ready-to-drink bottles from…

20 minutes to go! I'm nervous but soooo ready. Mostly I'm thirsty af! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have absolutely no energy on this pre op diet. I can only have Protein Shakes, Water, Zero Calorie/Zero Sugar drinks/enhancers, Sugar Free Popsicles and Jello, and Low Sodium broths. I am meeting my daily protein goal, my daily water intake, and taking all my vitamins. Somebody mentioned iron and I called my surgeon's office and they said there is no need to take iron right now and that they will check those levels 3 months out. I'm just worried because my iron runs low and I am exhausted, dizzy, and weak all the time. I have 5 more days to go on this clear liquid diet. My hunger really isn't even an issue, the water and protein keep me at bay (most) of the time. Does a…

My final appt and clearance was 04/04 so all info sent off to BCBS, hoping to hear back quick since we already verified coverage during my process, but over 2 weeks and Im still waiting for my call to give me my surgery date. Ugh ugh pouty face. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

For many years I gained weight strictly due to being lazy and eating poorly. But for the last several years, I have been driving myself crazy because I feel like I have been doing everything I should be doing in terms of eating the right foods (Whole30 and Paleo) and exercising intensely (Obstacle Course Racing and Weight Training) and nothing worked for weight loss. I have often felt like my body and brain were working against my heart and preventing me from achieving what I wanted. In my ongoing research, I recently found another Bariatric Surgeon that post his bariatric videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrMatthewWeiner I found …

I was wondering what kind of chewable/liquid multivitamin people are taking. I have tried the kids' Flintstones vitamins along with the generic Tylenol ones. Both leave a really weird aftertaste in the back of my throat. Any recommendations for a vitamin with iron that isn't too expensive? Thanks!

I can't seem to find any answers online but I'd love to get a tattoo this weekend, however my surgery is on Monday. Does anyone know if it's safe ti get a tattoo before surgery? I don't see how they could be correlated, but... rather be safe than sorry! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Eeeeek! I am SO excited! I met with the surgeon on Thursday and got the approval today! My ideal surgery date is May 15th which is hopefully going to be possible! I can't believe that I am this close!

I’m trying to make a list to go grocery shopping to feed myself and family during 10 day pre-op diet. I have terrible anxiety when it comes to grocery shopping. If you could help with some ideas, I would be forever grateful. One meal a day I can have 3 oz protein, 1/2 cup carb/starch/fruit, 1 to 2 cups cooked veggies or 2 to 3 cups leafy greens, and 1 tsp oil or 1 tbsp dressing/flax/chia. I’m not a good cook. We’ve always lived on fast food, take out or frozen dinners. My cooking skills include pasta, rice and beans, hamburger helper, chili, crockpot, instant pot, etc. Basically easy meals. I would love it if you could list your dinner ideas that are quick and easy. T…

I'm on day 8 of my pre op liquid diet and have followed it correctly. I've only lost 4.5 pounds. I've read where people lose 15-20 pounds. Should I be concerned?

I've tried a ton of things to lose weight and nothing has ever been successful. Has anyone seen this movie and actually tried juicing? I'm wondering if I should give it a go, or if I should at least add a juice in there somewhere as a meal. Any thoughts?

Hi everyone, so I’m officially approved for surgery!!! I received the call this morning, I’m scheduled for surgery April 25th! What do you guys recommend I bring with me to the hospital?!

My surgery is 4/30. Any other VSG brothers and sisters having surgery that day too?

I Just filled out questionnaire and was approved for self pay sleeve in Mexico with Dr. Illian sometime this summer. Would like some valuable input from those who can help me decide to pull the trigger or not. 1- I'm a 67 year old male who is 5 ft 7 in and weighs 240. I now live full time in an rv and enjoy the travel lifestyle very much. I'm not overly obese but enough to make me think about it way too much with both the way I perceive myself and somewhat how others perceive me. I put most of the lbs on in the last 20 years. According to what I've read about seniors having the surgery is that they will not shed as many lbs as a younger patient. For those seniors …

I am a crohns patient going in for a gastric sleeve procedure on May 29 (so I hope). I do not have crohns in my stomach never had my GI doctor wont give me clearance tell I have an upper GI done first ever my stuff is all lower. They decided this because I have heart burn but if I lose 30 pounds it goes away so it is all weight related. I am afraid they will not clear me. My upper GI is not tell wed next week and it can take 14 days for biopsy to come back (I might add gi has known for 3 months I was doing this). My pre op physical is May 10 and surgery registration is the 11. Has anyone gone through this or have experience. I want to have it done so bad I feel it will h…

A bit of background before I get to my real question: When I started considering surgery I did a TON of research on the procedure and on the programs in my area. I researched six different surgeons and found all the info I could on them - experience, reviews, hospital affiliations, and peer affiliations. I narrowed my top choices down those with great credentials and had a lot of information online including videos of them doing their orientation/info sessions. This really helped to get all the info in a short period of time and get a sense of them as a person. I set up initial consultations with my top three. One surgeon saw me within two days of my call. …

I was originally supposed to get my surgery about 4 months ago and ended up canceling it because I did not know if I could deal with this major life style change. I have made an app and rescheduled about three times already, when I was only days away I would chicken out and postpone it once again. My dr told me the most recent time that I saw him that I could no longer reschedule my surgery and that if I did he would not be able to perform it on me. My surgery us once again days away! an here I am wanting to postpone/ cancel it, why? because I have yet to fully get my over eating hobbits under control. I am very much addicted to food an been craving it like …

Anyone here on Medicare?

HI JUST WANTED TO KNO IF NO ONE HAD OPTIONS AT WORK FOR SICK OR VACATION TIME WHAT DID THEY USE?

Anyone from DC?

I seen the dietician twice I seen the phycologist and was approved i attended 2 classes for Bariatric have 2 more to go see the surgeon next week wats happening next with insurance or test?

hi! i’m new to this. i just had my consultation appointment yesterday and am beginning the process of insurance approval and dates etc. i’m hoping i can be scheduled for surgery late june/early july. i’m about to be 22 so definitely interested in finding other young people to talk to about surgery and the whole process (pre and post op) CW: 345 HW: 358 GW: 200 (yikes this is my first time posting stats anywhere. wild) also more about me- been obese my entire life (literally from age 5), have **** genetics on both sides of my family, have mild binge eating disorder (which is under control), PCOS, general anxiety/depression and fun stuff- i’ll be getting a degree in inter…

I'm so anxious to get started. I have an *** so my PCP had to refer me to the surgeon to start the program and monitored diet thing. I had some blood work done and my cholesterol is off the charts ... over 300, my vitamin D is too low, my liver ALT was too high. I'm falling apart. Even my sleep apnea seems to be getting worse. My first intro seminar to the program is in a couple weeks and I can't wait!

I have my first consultation appointment on April 20th and I’m nervous but excited! Anyone just starting the process!?

Hello All, Sorry this is long I had my annual visit with my PCP at the end of March. Up 5 lbs from my visit the previous year. I mentioned that I was strongly considering WLS because of numerous health issues and difficulty losing the weight on my own. At the time she said she could agree that it would be a good idea for me, but also (understandably) shared some reservations about the procedure and long-term success. Fast forward to yesterday, I had my initial consultation with the surgeon, dietician, and psych. Based on my current BMI, co-morbities, etc., it seemed like they agreed I was a good candidate for surgery (although I need to wait for an “o…

Day 2! Why am I so fatigued, drained, nausea, seeing shapes etc... Lol! This is only day 2 and I’m scared! I just don’t feel good. I wish I didn’t have to work. It may have been easier. #prayforme [emoji1488]

This liquid diet is going to be a beast to fight! Lol! I'm ready for it to be over already!

I have absolutely no energy on this pre op diet. I can only have Protein Shakes, Water, Zero Calorie/Zero Sugar drinks/enhancers, Sugar Free Popsicles and Jello, and Low Sodium broths. I am meeting my daily protein goal, my daily water intake, and taking all my vitamins. Somebody mentioned iron and I called my surgeon's office and they said there is no need to take iron right now and that they will check those levels 3 months out. I'm just worried because my iron runs low and I am exhausted, dizzy, and weak all the time. I have 5 more days to go on this clear liquid diet. My hunger really isn't even an issue, the water and protein keep me at bay (most) of the time. Does a…

I had no idea how difficult this pre op liquid diet would be. I've read countless articles and stories and thought to myself that since I had been diligently dieting all the way up to surgery (past 10 months) that I would be able to do this no sweat. I.Was.So.Wrong. I have not cheated and will not due to my fear of compromising surgery. I started on Wednesday 04/11/2018 and have to go all the way until my surgery on Wednesday 04/25/2018. I am so sick of sugar free popsicles, sf jello, and chicken broth. I limit my chicken broth to not go above my sodium intake each day however, with these 3 options I am to the point of just not really eating and mostly just drinking water…

Now I don’t want to make anyone else jealous, but I just finished my psychiatric evaluation over the phone and it took all of 15 minutes. That’s it. No paperwork. No questionnaires. Done over the phone. No sweat. Granted, this did cost me $400 and it is not covered by my PPO. There was also the option of doing it via skype but since I'd have to do it during work hours and i can't use my company laptop for personal use, so I opted for phone. We arranged for a time for me to call her last week so I called her right on time as planned. She first asked why I was pursuing the surgery. I explained that while my eating has not gotten out of control, my various ailments incl…

Hi! I’m curious if I can find anyone from my options class to see how things are going. I started in November, and the class ended in Feb (Monday nights 6pm). Even if you’re not from my class, I’d love to connect with other kaiser patients. I have my appt with Dr. Chin on Friday (4/20/18)

My sleeve surgery is set for 4/30 and I was wondering how many days I should ask my family to help me watch my 8 month old. My husband has to work but I can ask my parents or in-laws. I was thinking like five days. What do y’all think?

I had my tests done 2 weeks ago and got a call yesterday from the Bariatric coordinator - my EKG came back showing a right bundle branch block. It shows up sometimes in healthy patients but also with cardiomyopathy. Is it dumb that I’m kinda hoping for the cardiomyopathy diagnosis to have better odds of getting approved? I have other symptoms that I’ve just shrugged off as part of being obese - swelling of the feet and shortness of breath. Has anyone else had the surgery clear up cardiomyopathy?

Hi all, wanting to see if anyone has used these docs. What was your experience ( as a whole) including staff. I have been trying to research these docs online but seems as though I can't find to much. Thanks in advance

I found out today that I will be having surgery in two days. TWO. My scheduler said they will be doing my pre-admission testing before they do my surgery. Can anybody tell me what this will consist of? Are they testing for something in particular? Thank you!

I had my first consult with the new surgeon today. Found out my insurance DOES NOT require the 6 months supervised weight loss program.... YAY!!!! Just have to knock out psych and nutritionist appointments and then they will submit for approval. SOOO HAPPY. HW 302 SW ---- CW 284 GW 150-ISH "I've never seen a smiling face that was not beautiful."

My therapist is awesome. I see her for other issues and she read me the questions and we answered them together lol. Thank God that's over. Almost done all my pre op testing! September should be my surgery month!

I have Kaiser socal insurance, my doctor is in the South Bay medical center. How is the process from when you get a referral? Is the Options program 12 or 24 weeks? I am so relieved that I have the referral but I’m stressed and a little anxious thinking i may not be approved once there. I am 5’ and 208lbs BMI of 40.6. I’m worried my bmi will dip below the threshold i will be denied. I have no comorbidities— just a lot of PCOS symptoms but no official diagnosis and a bad family medical history. Kaiser socal patients, how was your experience? Any advice re: weight? Should I pack on a couple pounds for a cushion? Will i be denied if i lose weight and fall under 40 bmi during…

After a long visit with my surgeon, I decided to go with the sleeve. and I got my date!!! June 5. Holy cow i'm so excited!