PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Hi Everyone! I haven’t logged into this website in quite some time but I am back on the journey to wls. Would any of you mind posting the pre-op diet you followed? It would be a great help to me as I need to get as much weight off as possible. Thanks in advance!

I am beyond excited! After my visit with the surgeon today, the surgery scheduler told me I could have my surgery between 1-3 months from now! I can’t even explain how happy I am! This is really happening for me, and I’m on the road to a healthy life (finally). My dietician couldn’t have been nicer, she kept assuring me my food choices lately were really smart, and was happy I was 5 lbs down (from just last week!) The only question I keep thinking of regards recovery. Now, I know recovery is a little ways in the future, but I can’t help wondering how much time I’ll have to ask off work? I work retail, so I often do heavy lifting, a lot of bending, and altogether work v…

So I'm going on 3 days of my pre-op diet, and I keep having spells where I get chills and intense nausea. Does anyone have advice? My diet is premier protein for breakfast, lunch, and for dinner 6 oz of lean meat and nonstatch veggies. I've also been instructed not to take vitamins. (I feel like such a wimp for being like this only 3 days out. I'm definitely not giving up, I'm just looking for ways to improve the situation)

I'm having my surgery in March. All I have left is the therapist visit, dietician visit, EKG, and UGI!!!! I'm so excited and I can't wait!!!! Sent from my SM-G935V using the BariatricPal App

Hello everyone. I’m Ashley and I am 32 years old set for RNY on March 21, 2018. Who all is set to joint the losers bench this month? I’d love to connect and share our journey and have that support.

Kind of a silly question, but what did your stretch marks look like before surgery. I've got a wide array of white and faded to purple to angry red. It's kind of like a vicious cycle... Lose weight, then gain it back and more when I stop the diet and get MORE stretch marks. Can't wait to get off this train...

I see everyone with the weight loss trackers in their signatures and I was wondering if someone can advise where I can get a free one? Thanks in advance.

Hello, all! I’m Alice, and I’ve just discovered this app! I’ve just begun my bariatric visits and am so excited to be on this journey. What I say next might surprise you: I’m 19 years old with a BMI of 62.5. Sometimes I can’t help but ask: how did it get this way? I’ve been overweight all my life but at this level, its hard to imagine any life at all. It’s very difficult for me to walk much, which poses an issue with the fact I work in retail. I heard about this surgery (the gastric sleeve) from a close family member, and was so excited! I understand this surgery is not meant to be a “quick fix,” but rather, allows the patient to lose with ease and get a jump start on …

Hi guys! I’m currently waiting for all my doctors appointments. I was curious about the nutrition class versus the dietician appointments. Will the nutrition class help me understand what I need to eat prior to surgery or is that the dietician? My closest appointment is my nutrition class on 3/9. I’ve got almost ALL my appointments scheduled for this month so things are moving fast. Any tips?

Did anyone else find out in pre-op testing that you have a hiatal hernia? They found I have a small one. They also found some type of cyst-like thing attached to the stomach and I was told they will want to investigate what it is. I am a breast cancer survivor of 5 years, and I am terrified this thing they found is something to be worried about. For those that also had a hernia, did they automatically fix it in surgery? How was your healing afterwards? Thanks in advance.

I’ve been working for 2 years on my gastric sleeve surgery process. I started it in Virginia and then we moved to Louisiana and had to start over. But finally my procedure was approved and my surgery date is Mar. 14th. Excited,nervous and would love any advice and does and don’ts that the Dr didn’t cover.!!!

I’ll be having my sleeve with Dr. Lopez through MBC on 4/12. Anyone else?

Can this cause me to be denied if I am wanting bypass surgery? Thanks:) Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

Getting ready to start the process with BCBS MA. I have done my research, know I meet their requirements just wondering if anyone has personal experience with the process, how long it took.

Ok, so I didn’t run out of the operating room. I actually followed through with this decision. Very proud of myself for that. In the pre-op room I did shed a few tears (ok, I wept) mostly because it feels like a drastic action - did it really have to come to this - I’m a failure, etc etc. Procedure was successful. However, I was in quite a bit of pain when I came to. I did have nausea from time to time too. They gave me meds in my IV but they didn’t help much. Oh, and every nurse and doctor asks me why my heart beat is so low. Like I have clue?! Lol Not getting very good sleep because a nurse is always coming in to do something. I am so exhausted! I stayed over night and …

HELP! As a Naturopathic & Holistic Doctor, this APP has been informative and inspirational. In the past, I have been totally against invasive/gastric surgery. My Story: My PCP and Nutritionist informs me a month ago that I am in severe need of a gastric method; due to my personal medical conditions, such as: severe weight gain from 180 to 337, severe back problems with L5, S1, C2/3 neck, SI Joints, pre-diabetic, elevated cholesterol & severe hypertension. Interesting, I am an author and my motto have always been centered on "Living a Holistic and Healthier Lifestyle"! I often thought as a Military Brat, Military Officer, Holistic Doctor, Professor of Biology, M…

My surgery is April 10th. I’m anxious and ready to get it done.

Okay gang - official freak out time. I'm having surgery tomorrow and I think I developed an oral yeast infection from all sugar in the juice I'm mixing with protein drinks to make them pallatable. I usually stay away from juices because of the sugar, but I figured for two days it would be okay. I'm assuming the sugar in the juice was a shock to my system and caused the yeast infection. Does anyone know if they won't let me have my surgery because of an oral yeast infections?? Please reply asap!!!

Hello I'm new to this I am 39 going through a divorce wanting to get the gastric sleeve have MS everyone's telling me I shouldn't get it done I really want to get it done I'm wondering how many people have got it done with multiple sclerosis and have had no complications or minimal I was diagnosed late 2015 I'm pretty much fine with my multiple sclerosis I don't have money problems at all with it so far I would love to hear from someone thank you Suzanne

Can you change which surgery you want after insurance approval? Or during insurance approval? Like from VSG to RNY

My surgery is tomorrow and I'm very nervous. Is this normal? On top of that, I've decided today to call a couple of family members to tell them I was having this surgery and they replied, "But you're looking so great and you've lost so much weight on your own. Why do you need surgery?" Now I'm second guessing everything. Feeling anxious! Any positive thoughts? Is this normal?

GM all, on liquid diet, but my migraine and seizures are getting the best of me. Is it just nerves? Just trying to get through the week. Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

I have all my clearances, and met with my surgeon yesterday where we got my appt for my endoscopy, my question is about how long after that should my surgery be? Im sure it vary's but just seeing what time frame others have had. Thank you Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm just getting started on my journey. I do not have weight loss options on my health insurance but they said surgery would be covered if it is decided it is medically necessary. They won't tell me exactly what that means but general guidelines are BMI at 40 or above, attempted weight loss over time, psychological evaluations, etc. I can self refer to a surgeon but they won't take me as a patient until my insurance approves it. So that means I have to go through my PCP and jump through all the hoops with her. Who has had to do this with their PCP? Did you have to repeat any of the process for the surgeon? Would love to hear how this went for you. TIA!

Hi guys My surgery is tomorrow and I know I want to do this. I am just rattled with nerves and how to make sure I don’t mess it up. Had the band in 2013 and didn’t work well with me. I’m so looking forward to this but it’s just the post op nausea and pain I’m worried about. Also just had my consent appointment today with my surgeon and had to go through risks with a band to sleeve conversion. Scared the **** out of me and my dad. lol. But I knew about these going in. Anyway ANY positive words or anyone going through the same thing would be fabulous. I know I’m making the right decision. Maybe I know this is gonna work and I’m not prepared to let go of this version of …

Today is my 1st day of liquid only diet for my upcoming gastric sleeve surgery on March 12th, 2018. I'm having 2 questions...how can I maintain a full feeling after I drink a protein shake with milk? #2 is it usual to have several bm's when you first start? Thanks for any help!

Hi all! This forum was recommended to me. I’m a few appointments into the process for a possible RNY. My highest weight was probably 370 and my starting weight was 340 and current weight is 323. My goal to hit to get approved is 322.6. It’s only taken a month to get close to the goal... Great, right? However, I’m nervous about my ability to stick to a diet long-term. I’ve been super successful losing the required weight, but only because I’ve given myself cheat meals and then gotten back on track. I know that with the surgery, it will be a long while before I can tolerate cheat foods... and that makes me nervous. I’m also nervous that a month isn’t really a long …

So, one of the great things about my surgical program is that they both do the surgeries and they are also involved in doing a lot of research being a teaching group. Yesterday i met with my surgeon and during the appointment she mentions that she has seen that those who have bariatric surgery and are on an antidepressant medication tend to lose more weight and have an easier time through the process. So my question is has anyone one else heard this or were you offered meds leading up to the surgery and then post surgery? Generally im not the type who likes to take meds without reason and while i initially said "yes you are the one with the experience and you think i…

Hi All I have been researching for a while and I have my first appointment with a surgeon today to discuss getting sleeved. I have Aetna insurance. My BMI is right at 40. (5’3, 224) From what I understand, I have to have 4 consecutive months with a dietitian under my belt. As long as I’m at BMI 40 they will cover the cost. I’m worried I will lose too much weight in the 4 months then I won’t be eligible. If I’m between 35-40 BMI I have to have a comorbidity and I don’t have one. For whatever reasons (insurance ugh) I cannot get a straight answer from Aetna. Maybe all my questions will be answered today just wondering if anyone has any insight on this topic.

Hey all, I'm currently in the middle of my pre op testing. Everything was going great until I had my barium test/flouro and they noticed that I had some reflux. fast forward to last week when I had my endoscopy...they found that I have an irregular EG junction, A little bit of reflux where my esophagus and stomach meet, and mild gastritis. I havent gotten the results of the biopsies yet. I never really had much pain from reflux, I would notice it once in a while if I burped, and it only started when I really got heavy. With that being said I havent been able to find much info on what exactly an irregular EG junction is... I was looking to get my VSG surgery the first…

So my insurance approved my referral, it was put in on Thursday I believe and got approved Friday. They gave me no issues or run around a which is surprising because I have IEHP and ya know how that goes lol. I got an appointment at Western Bariatric on Valentines Day lol how ironic. Any who what goes on in the first visit? What else will I need to officially be cleared for surgery and to get an official surgery date?

So after meeting with nutritionist a few time these past 5 months i have not lose a thing but gained 10 lbs. Ugh has anyone experienced this and did it effect your eligibility from insurance? Sent from my SM-N910P using BariatricPal mobile app

My sleeve surgery is on 3/16 and I start the pre-op liquid diet tomorrow. How did people manage eating the liquids at the office? We don't have a blender available to us and I was thinking some of the mix-ins won't blend enough in the shaker. Any tips or suggestions? Also, did you make your shakes and night and then pack them to go with you already blended, or did you make fresh? I have to use Bariatric Advantage per my doctor's orders. I chose chocolate and vanilla for the base. Thanks in advance. I want to do this right.

Requesting assistance from any former pre-op clear liquid victims. Its much harder than it would appear. Currently subsisting on suger-free jello, chicken and beef broth and water. Any tips appreciated. It's a long time til morning

I am in a pickle: I will no longer be considered a candidate for the surgery if I fall below 35 at any time during the process - I currently have a 36.6 BMI. However, the program & my insurance requires 3 dietician appointments over a course of 3 months. I have two more visits to go. The dietician is very strict and gave me a very specific diet. If I follow it - I know I will lose too much weight to be able to have the surgery per their guidelines I have been battling obesity since I was a child and have not had success in keeping weight off. All the women in my family are very overweight and I just don't want to be like this anymore! I am feeling fru…

I started my two week pre-op liquid diet today. Last night I went to Cheese Factory and purchased a slice of red velvet cheese cake and carrot cake. I enjoyed it but I was sick all night. I just wanted to have a goodbye celebration to all my favorite foods that gave me so much joy over the years. Did any of you have a goodbye celebration before liquid diet? Sent from my Z982 using BariatricPal mobile app

I’ve been reading everything I can put my hands on for a bypass and a sleeve. But I still have a hard time choosing between the two. Any recommendations? Any way?

Does insurance cover the surgery if your bmi falls below 40 if you're already in the program but were required to lose weight while in the program? My bmi is 41.2 and they want me to lose 5% of my weight which will put my bmi at 39.1.. Does insurance look at your starting bmi or the bmi at the time of surgery..? Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

I finished my last appt, which was Psych today! Now to to sit by the phone and play the waiting game for my date... *twiddles thumbs impatiently* How long after you final appts did it take to hear from you doctor?

I am planning on having surgery March 26th but I keep going back and forth if I’m going to do it or not. I have lost almost 40lbs on my own since I have started this process. I just keep wondering if I can do it without being sleeved. I have heard some horror stories about the way you feel after surgery and I just worry I’m going to feel sick for longer than I originally expected. I have a hard time recovering from the flu how will my body react to major surgery?!?! Has anyone gone through the whole process then backed out?

I will have my first visit on the 22nd. Super nervous. Trying to have this surgery thru tricare prime. What should i expect on my first visit? Will testing be done at first visit?

Tomorrow at 10Am, I get to meet with my surgeon again. I've actually lost the 10% of weight they've asked of me, and finished my take home quiz...(Did anyone else have to do it too? LOL.) I'm truly hoping I get my surgery date tomorrow. Also my primary cancelled my appt with her tomorrow, since she was not feeling well. I was supposed to get my clearance letter from her and get my referrals for Psych, UGI and Abdomen ultrasound... But now I'll have to wait until the 15th. How is it I'm nervous and excited at the same time?!

I just had my last pre op appointment today!! Really hoping for some good news from my insurance company. I feel like the waiting game is the hardest part! Insanely terrified that all these appointment will be for nothing if my insurance denies me. Trying to keep positive though! [emoji1488] Good luck to everyone on their journey!

Were y’all expected to lose weight before the first nutrition appointment? I have a nutrition appointment scheduled for this Wednesday and I’ve gained 8 POUNDS since last month I was trying to decide if I should reschedule or just go.

I have my first consultation next week to get a lap band . I was certain that the positive results from the lap band would outweigh the negative. Now I feel scared en very unsure after reading this forum. Everything from cancer to heart problems! How can I then go ahead with such a surgery?!

So I need some help, my doctor recommend the “pre op diet” i haven’t got a date I’m still in the “clearances stage” But one of the clearances was to loose 10-20 pounds so I’m doing the two shakes and one meal a day I’m just wondering if I can snack? Cause I feel like I’m starving [emoji30] , it’s the strangest thing because before this I would eat once a day lol if that ...I think it’s just me knowing that I can’t eat whenever/whatever I want lol I drink tons of water so idk if that makes a difference , should I ask the surgeons office or?? If anyone can give me some advice I’d really appreciate it ?

So day 2 of pre op diet and it’s so hard [emoji30] I’m starving [emoji24][emoji24] but I gotta do what I gotta do I still haven’t got a date so I’m still going through clearances... dr won’t clear me until I get ultrasound that she ordered a month ago?! & a mri that she also ordered a month ago! I’m annoyed, everything was going so good. So fr I’ve only gotten the EKG clearance I’m not sure if she sent it to the office or is she waiting for me to do the mri& ultra sound to get Medically cleared to send with it [emoji30] I’m just drained

Hi all! After a long wait, I am finally about to have my sleeve done (Yea!) My husband is super supportive, but unfortunately other's around me are very very judgmental, and have made very hurtful and negative comments about weight loss surgery in the past before. For this reason, I have made the decision to keep the surgery between just myself and hubby. We have already been openly adapting a Paleo diet between us, and family know I am actively trying to lose weight, so I think I may be ok with getting away with any awkward questions about my weight loss that is to come. By hubby thinks that it may be hard to keep it to ourselves though, as so far my current weight loss …

Hello guys , I went to my visit at advanced surgeons in Valhalla few weeks ago . My BMI was 37 and no comorbidity , but the doc sent me to a sleep test which I will be doing in couples weeks , hopefully I can get approval

Not sure if I pulled a muscle or what but every time I go to stand or go to sit my left side hurts so bad the pain paralyzes me for a few seconds have an appointment tomorrow has this happened to anyone before I’m post op 5 days