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PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Questions before weight loss surgery. Compare procedures, get through insurance approval, prep for the pre-op diet, and find out what to expect.

  1. Hi Folks, I am new to the forum, but have gotten a lot of good information over the years from you folks, so thank you! A bit about me, I am a corporate attorney in the D.C. market (I live in northern VA), an author, an avid outdoorsman, a husband in about as perfect a marriage as I could dream existed (I got together with my wife when we were teenagers), and the dad of an adorable toddler. I have finally settled on a gastric sleeve as the right surgery for me, but I have been quite disappointed to learn that insurance will not likely pay for the procedure, and at least at the first level of contact at different institutions that perform such surgeries tell me that…

    • 18 replies
    • 3.3k views
  2. I understand the reason for the removal of nail polish on your fingers but I’m kinda confused about toe nail polish. My pre surgery instruction says both hands and toes but aren’t your toes going to be covered up in those surgical booties/socks anyhow???? I’m not trying to be a difficult patient but I have the type of toes that require nail polish. However don’t want to put my life at risk by having pretty polished toes either. What say y’all??? The Road 2 A Better Me

  3. Started by Cats315,

    Hey everyone! So, my surgery is February 22nd and I start my liquid diet on February 15th. I have a few questions about the liquid diet: • How many grams of sugar, protein, and carbohydrates are we allowed to eat in a day? On the pre-op liquid diet sheet I was given, it said that we can have sugar free popsicles and sugar free fudgicles; however, I noticed that the "sugar free" fudgicles had 5 grams of sugar (on the box, it said no sugar added). Would I still be alright in eating them or should I refrain from eating them? • Can I drink almond milk? • Can I have sugar free pudding? My mom had weight loss surgery almost two years ago and when she was doing the liquid diet…

    • 10 replies
    • 1.1k views
  4. Started by Alex Brecher,

    I am excited to announce the new BariatricPal Facebook group! We are an exclusive group that is open by invitation only – and you’re invited! You can get the support you depend on from BariatricPal over on Facebook, too. We’re here for advice, encouragement, and companionship as you make your way through the WLS journey. To join the group, just click or tap this link. Then click or tap “Join Group.” And hurry! If you join within the next 15 days, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a 1-year subscription to the BariatricPal Box of the Month Club – a $300 value! See you on Facebook!

  5. Started by Brina1980,

    So I was supposed to start my liquid diet tomorrow. However I have a cold. My surgeon postponed my surgery due to the cold. I’m soo upset. He said it could be up to 6 weeks from now. [emoji20][emoji20][emoji20]

  6. Started by lucylu1313,

    Hey guys ! so I'm on day 6 of 14 of my liquid diet and I started experiencing a dry mouth sensation . I do drink at least 64 oz of water + other liquids a day . Did this happened to any of you, if so what did you do to feel better??? THanks

  7. Started by tlc17,

    I finally got approved for weight loss surgery, and have my first consult with the surgeon tomorrow. I am both excited and nervous. I know this is the right decision for me, I have tried exercising and more diets than i can remember. Having PCOS has not helped either, it is so hard to lose weight no matter what I try. I am 23, 330lbs, and ready to make any necessary life changes to have an operation, I have wanted this for so long. For others, how long after your first consult was your surgery?

  8. I have been so excited and positive, but now I'm honestly a little scared - surgery and all! Trying to stay upbeat for my husband and kids (8 of them!) [emoji12] I was actually looking forward to one quiet night! Lol! Just thought I would post and see if anyone else felt the same before surgery? Sent from my SM-G935V using BariatricPal mobile app

    • 5 replies
    • 544 views
  9. Started by ajmsp8879,

    Hello, I have been journaling my food in anticipation of my upcoming first visit with the dietitian. I'm a little mortified by how poor my diet is. It's one thing to know you don't eat healthy, but it's another thing to see it documented for a full week. I have to have between 2-3 appointments with the dietitian in order to be able to schedule my surgery. What can I expect a these appointments? I'm open to all suggestions and really want to make solid lifestyle changes. I'd be most interested in hearing about your experiences.

  10. Started by GeorgieDean,

    Hi Everyone, I attended my orientation yesterday and received my pre op nutrition guidelines. Today was my first day following it completely and I am feeling terrible. I’m weak, light headed, headache, and hungry. My psych appointment isn’t until February 26th [emoji24]. I know I’m doing the right thing by trying to lose weight before the appointment. However I am soo not myself. I even had to leave work early today because I I feel yukky. It’s probably a combination of caffeine withdrawals and food withdrawals... doesn’t make it any easier. This is HARD.

  11. Started by KCgirl061,

    I'm SO nervous about my first consult with the surgeon tomorrow. Especially with this form I'm having to fill out: "Why do you think you failed with other diet programs?" I dunno! Lack of self control, loss of motivation. Whats the answer he is looking for? Is there a right one? IS THERE A WRONG ONE? Why is this freaking me out so much?!

  12. Started by lmal,

    New to the forum. Anybody else scheduled for surgery on February 13, 2018? Or has anybody else had surgery at Alabama Weight Loss Center???

    • 21 replies
    • 2k views
  13. Started by mystcbsct,

    Hi all, i am researching currently. I have been overweight most of my life and remember being self conscious of my size even in elementary school. Anyway I think my highest I was around 250 during pregnancies and lowest I lost 50 or so lbs by working out and changing diet before I got married and got down to about 170. I am currently about 204lbs and really just tired of the constant struggle. My husband and I have lost 15 lbs together recently by watching our diet and I also have a personal trainer once a week. Anyway, I also have depression but wonder how much stems from my weight and self esteem. When i was down to 170 I remember it was the happiest time in my lif…

  14. Looking to have band to sleeve revision, will be self pay. Would love to find a surgeon in the Huntsville, AL area. Any suggestions would be helpful! How long will it take from first appointment to surgery date, what is required for self pay as far as preop tests, psych evaluation, preop supervised diet etc

  15. Started by sleeved_Queen2be,

    Anyone having their sleeves being done on Feb.14,2018? Are you nervous? I'm guessing I would have to start my 14-day pre-op diet at the end of the month on the 31st? I also have about 3 pre-op appointments to go to... I'm thinking about taking 11 days off.. Would that be enough or too many days off?.. hmmm...

  16. Started by MonicaTurner911,

    Hello everyone I’m Monica from Southern California. I just have a few questions!! I go into surgery on February 13th, I have sleep apnea will this affect my surgery I sleep with it but not every night. And another question is there anyway you guys are doing before your surgery like a cleanse or anything?

  17. Started by Daizeoh,

    I was feeling so excited and happy about things and getting things done but now seeing that after meeting with a surgeon for the first time (On the 15th) there’s going to be more things to get done and I’m just feeling so unmotivated discouraged and I keep thinking what if my insurance denies it [emoji30] can anyone tell me what you will need and how long do you think the process will take. I know everyone is different but it would help (:

  18. Started by GeorgieDean,

    Hi Everyone, I had my orientation last Thursday. We then received our next appointment which mine is with the Psych for February 26th. They said this process will go as fast as we want it to, however I feel sooo discouraged sometimes with the length in between the appointments. I started the pre op diet (not liquid) the very day after orientation so that I can show progress. I’m on Day 5, and haven’t gone off of the diet. It’s been rough! But what makes it even more difficult is the fact that I haven’t even met my surgeon yet or have a weight loss goal. Everyone keeps saying he will take in my beginning weight into consideration when creating a goal weight. I’m hoping th…

  19. Started by Changingbodies,

    So my dietitian and psychologist finally signed off on me to take the pre surgical classes and post nutrition classes! Woohoo its starting to be sureal. Those are my last appointments to attend in march before meeting with my surgeon. Any who i found out we are not required to do the 2 week liquid diet prior surgery. Did any one else not have to do that as well? If so, did your drs tell you why? Idk why but for some reason i was looking foward to doing the pre 2 week liquid diet. Lmao Sent from my SM-N910P using BariatricPal mobile app

  20. Started by lizaelle,

    My insurance requires a history of failed attempts at weight loss and I'm a bit worried. I don't have any records of trying to lose weight as I've always done it on my own instead of doing weight loss programs like Weight Watchers. What exactly are they looking for? Would something like a history of recorded weight from myfitnesspal be good enough? I took a weight loss pill, Phentermine, years ago but not sure how I would prove that now. This is the only requirement I'm worried about.

  21. Started by Aubie93,

    Hi everyone! I’m less than a week out before my sleeve surgery. So excited and nervous!’

  22. Started by angyplus5,

    On my way for surgery, wish me luck guys!!! Sent from my SM-G930VL using BariatricPal mobile app

    • 21 replies
    • 1.3k views
  23. RNY gastric bypass and suffer in unbearable and untreated joint pain, or sleeve gastrectomy and an eroded esophagus or cancer? Are the choices really as bad as they seem? I like the weight loss results of the bypass, but I'm concerned about the lack of pain med options for bypass patients. I was told by my orthopedic surgeon that I *will* have early arthritis in my wrist and hand as a result of a car accident injury/surgery. I actually have pain every day now, more than 15 years after the accident, but I suck it up without meds. I would love to hear from RNY patients who have arthritis or arthritis-like pain, and whether or not the pain treatment options po…

  24. Hello everyone, So I am 11 days from having surgery. I'm actually a little bit confused with the "stage 2" post-op . What exactly are we supposed to have during this week. Please give me a few examples. thank you!!!!! .

  25. Started by Sherrita,

    I am new to this forum, but have been read this forum for years. I've tried getting approved for wls twice and each time got denied. They say your third time is a charm because I received that call today and I AM APPROVED!!!!! I have been on this journey for over 15 years and it's here! I am so excited. I know the journey will be challenging, but I'm ready for the ride!

    • 18 replies
    • 2.2k views
  26. Started by Detroit_25,

    I didn't see an OCT thread, so let's make one! I just got my date today and it's 10/9! Any other October dates yet?

  27. Started by Daizeoh,

    If I don’t have any of those three besides a BMI of 40+ will I still qualify? Anyone know ???

    • 13 replies
    • 1.4k views
  28. Started by missionslimmom,

    Had my initial appointment and while my insurance (tufts) does not have any requirements the surgeon is saying it will be 6 months AT LEAST for me to go through their program (umass)? I am thinking of looking at programs in other in-network hospitals. It appeared the surgeon was not fond of me due to my having done my appropriate research. Idk it could have been me just feeling that vibe. I weighed in at 239.7 and 5'6.5" which they round up. I have been working with their nutritionist since August and have fluctuated a bit but am only down about 3lbs. I'm frustrated. I thought that working within this program would put me ahead with the timeline and show I've been …

  29. Started by erinnmc,

    I'm new to this just wanted to see if there's anyone else that has pcos doing this. Sent from my SM-S727VL using BariatricPal mobile app

  30. Started by tammierenee,

    I’ve been approved for my bypass. Surgery scheduled for 3/5/18. I have decided to start on my pre op protein diet last Sunday so my body doesn’t go into “shock” from no sugar or caffeine. Not really following it exactly as I should until 2/19. Anyways, I’m losing a lot of weight already. Is it possible that my surgeon will cancel my surgery after I’ve already been approved and scheduled if I lose a whole bunch of weight and go under the minimum BMI for my height?

    • 1 reply
    • 373 views
  31. Started by Relle2190,

    I'm just getting started on my pre operative journey I wanted to know if anyone has used medicaid for any of the weight loss surgery procedures? Sent from my SM-J700T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

  32. As anyone had surgery or seen Dr. Curry before? I'm having surgery with him Monday and so far it had been great!

    • 23 replies
    • 4.4k views
  33. Started by fishinguy5451,

    Just called my insurance provider, and got great news, my insurance will cover my sleeve surgery! Super excited, now to get my appointment underway next week!

  34. I have til Monday to decide....sleeve scheduled on the 20th but they said I could change it to bypass by Monday if I wanted to...

    • 3 replies
    • 761 views
  35. Started by Relle2190,

    Does anybody know what these test consists of and should I be nervous lol!!! Sent from my SM-J700T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

  36. Started by sleeved_Queen2be,

    Good evening, Pals, so I have a HUGE problem! Tomorrow is my pre-op appointment with the doctor (02.09.18), and I just started my period today (02.08.28) I have surgery on the 14th of February. I'm so nervous that all my hard work will be in vain if the scale says I'm up. I've lost 5+ lbs on the 2 week diet and if the scale says otherwise, I'm going to be pissed. What are your takes on it? Will they say something?

  37. Started by LuellaJean,

    Hello all, I'm new! I'm Luella, from Texas. Married, one 14 year old son, obsessed with my 2 golden retrievers. I work in the dental field. I'm 33, 5'8" 271#. Heaviest I've ever been and miserable. I've got my surgeon and I did my second (of 6) visit with the dietician today. I have my psych eval scheduled next Friday. Both dietician visits and psych eval are requirements of my insurance company. I have an EGD scheduled on the 22nd so the surgeon can see if I have bile reflux (bile from my liver because my gallbladder was removed in 2004) and that will determine if I will have bypass or sleeve (I'm hoping for sleeve). Anyway, just wanted to quit being a lurker and introdu…

  38. Started by kerfuffle,

    I’ve been lurking here for quite a while planning my gastric sleeve surgery. My surgeon’s office submitted me two weeks ago for insurance approval and today I got approved. Yay! ... but, in the past week, I’ve had an unexpected and unrelated medical issue that I’m being told may delay surgery for up to 6 months. Now I’m confused. I don’t know if insurance approval comes with an expiration, if I’ll have to start the whole process over, or what. I have a call in to my insurance coordinator but wondering if anyone else has seen or heard of a situation like this? if I have to do the 6 month program over again that will be very frustrating, as my BMI hovers just ove…

    • 1 reply
    • 404 views
  39. Started by Febmeltdown,

    Was on the fast track doing everything right and got a call today my 2/12 date has to be rescheduled as insurance denied the claim. When I called Cigna, they told me I needed 3 months of visits, but they told the hospital 90 days. So now looking into late April. Bummed to be so close and get halted. Anyone experience similar?

    • 15 replies
    • 2.2k views
  40. Started by fishinguy5451,

    I’m going to start my diet tomorrow to get a head start on the gastric sleeve, any tips? I’m hoping to get an early start so that it might help my cravings!

  41. Started by jensnewbody,

    Anyone live in Washington state using Eviva for surgery?

    • 18 replies
    • 2.5k views
  42. Started by Daizeoh,

    Also anyone else have hypo or is anemic ? Does it affect anything ?

    • 14 replies
    • 945 views
  43. Hey everyone my name is Chris, I’m 33 yrs old, 343 lbs, 5 foot 11 BMI 46, father of one child and two step kids, been married for a little over a year! Excited! Looking forward to making new friends!

  44. Started by lizaelle,

    Has anyone else had their PCP mail you the referral instead of sending it straight to your insurance?

    • 0 replies
    • 435 views
  45. My daughter got the bill and it says it cost 85,000 I think this is a error Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

    • 18 replies
    • 1.4k views
  46. Started by Elaine Barron,

    Anyone had the Duodenal Switch Surgery

    • 17 replies
    • 1.8k views
  47. Started by justagirl77,

    I am getting ready to be sleeved in 5 days! I’m trying to figure out what to pack? What did you pack and what did you actually use?

  48. Started by hkuntz33,

    I was wondering if anyone can tell me when after surgery is it ok to have a drink? I’m a vodka and water girl so that shouldn’t be an issue. Please no negativity I’m only asking

    • 4 replies
    • 473 views
  49. Started by Elizabeth 06388,

    Something is better than nothing ! Sent from my XT1650 using BariatricPal mobile app

  50. Started by shawna101,

    Hi my name is Shawna I'm meeting with the GI nutritionist January 30th. looking to get the gastric sleeve done. I'm from Wilkes-Barre pa and was hoping someone in that area had it done and had Geisinger insurance and can let me know what to expect. Is there a long wait time? Thank you. Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using the BariatricPal App

    • 3 replies
    • 2k views

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