PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

So I know it's not advised to eat & drink at the same time (20 mins before/after rule) because it flushes the food/nutrients through the new pouch. I was wondering if the same effects happens with a small sip or two to help with dry/spicy food? I know once I have surgery I may not have a desire or capability to drink while eating but right now this seems to be one of my toughest habits to break...

So I am starting my liquid diet in a few days. My clinic has us do a 10 day liquid diet. My surgery is on January 18. I am a bit worried about being able to stick with it. Do you have any tips or tricks that helped you be successful?

6 days in and 11 ponds lost! Good yes but can I do this?

Tomorrow is the big day, have to be at the hospital at 5:00AM! excited and nervous at the same time. wish me luck

Surgery is 12 days away. I am placing one last online order to ensure everything arrives one time. Who brought what?

I just today talked to the Dr at the Kaiser weight loss clinic. I'm starting on the road towards surgery. Has anyone gone through this with Kaiser recently? How long does the process take?

My surgery is January 4th. On day 4 of the 14 day liquid diet. Anyone else?

Hello all, I am only a few months into my preop 6 month required diet. I don't have much of a diet to follow. I have cut out sodas and sweets. I have been eating more veggies and less carbs. My question is, I've only lost 2lbs. I wanted to lose some on my own before wls to just help myself get further ahead I guess. I've seen some people doing a Keto type diet after they have wls. Has anyone done it before surgery and seen any benefits? Also, I have a work trip in March, a few months before my surgery, and I have to fly! I've never flown and would like to lose a few before I have to squeeze into a seat on a plane.

Hi! I'm so excited! I just completed my last dietician appointment today and will now wait for the insurance approval, which takes about two weeks, and then I will meet with my surgeon before surgery. It has been a long six months and and my goal is finally coming into view. This new year will be my new journey. My husband of 30 years is taking me on an Alaskan cruise in May. I'm so looking forward to it. I would love to start up some chat with people who are close to surgery like me.

So since i started on this journey i have been getting sick constantly whether it be my diverticulitis, now i have the flu, last week my period was super heavy and wouldnt stop. Had to be put on a male hormone to stop it. Im super scared that god is warning me not to get the surgery. My family is telling me to cancel. My surgery date is jan 25th im cleared for everything. What should i do?

My husband just changed jobs and we have moved from CO to IL. I have been researching and preparing myself for surgery for almost 2 years. With my husbands insurance in CO I did not have to have the 6 month pre-op diet but now in IL his insurance is requiring it. I meet all of the other qualifications for approval just have to do the 6 months. I am so bummed. I was hoping to get the sleeve done ASAP I am so bad at waiting!!! Aaahhhh! Any words of encouragement?? Or any ways around the 6 month requirement...

I want to lose 8 pound in one week any diet to share ??? Sent from my Z982 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello! Anybody have any experience with the New Jersey Horizon Omnia BCBS approval process? Just curious since I think my doctor will be submitting for approval this month or early next month....

I am just in the initial stages for pre op my surgeon appointment is on Tuesday but as I go grocery shopping I want to fill my fridge with the pre op diet foods, and have read most doctors diet pre surgery is keto. I have been doing the whole30 and have lost 30 pounds in the past 3 months and can transition to keto if that's what I'm going to be put on, in my research I'm seeing that keto is listed as the worst diet of 2017 and whole 30 was right with it. My bariatric may require 3 months dietician, exercise and weight loss. My insurance doesn't, Just failed attempts and need. I'm curious about keto diet recommendations, how much weight are you suppose to lose before sur…

I have my first visit with my surgeon today and i have my lab and psychology done but she told i have to wait until i finished with my nut weight goal [emoji22] [emoji22] [emoji22] to get my paperwork and the day for the surgery [emoji36] [emoji36] Sent from my Z982 using BariatricPal mobile app

I know I shouldn't be complaining but I'm starting my preop diet that is very low carb and high protein. I'm finding it very difficult. My dr wants to make sure I'm eating my protein for some reason. I'm having a hard time doing "Atkins". I might need to have some of the sf jello and drink some of the protein shakes to help me get into the "not hungry" mode. I have less than 2 weeks until surgery and I'm starting to wonder if I can do this... Any helpful tips about doing low carb?

Hi everyone. Currently in the pre-op liquid phase and for my doctor we are not allowed to have any kind of food. So in one day I usually have: - 4 protein shakes - 2 sugar free jellos - lots of water Was just wondering if anyone else has any tips or recommendations for anything else. I know there’s no specific diet you have to follow (that I know of) or any order but it’s a little unnerving sometimes, especially after always trying to follow a specific diet with specific times you should eat. I just got my order of Unjury chicken soup powder and had some. It was delicious! Lol. Mostly because I was craving something salty after all those sweets. Right now I’m getting …

After surgery hair loss

I am on the second week of my pre op diet and the scale isn't moving... I am following exactly like my doc said Nd I keep hearing about these 12 to 20lb losses and I have only lost like 3 lbs... Now I am scared if I havnt lost enough he won't do my surgery Monday. Sent from my SM-N950U using BariatricPal mobile app

Surgery Monday, 2 night hospital stay, What do I need to take?? I dont wanna pack much but I figure I need slippers and chapstick. Anything else?? i am a terrible packer.

Hi all! Im hoping to get some input on this. I’m still in the process of getting information before making a decision to go through with WLS. One thing that greatly concerns me is getting dehydrated. I’m a surgical nurse and we aren’t exactly allowed to carry water bottles around with us in the operating room. I already struggle to get water in now while I can gulp it down. Surely this isn’t the only job where this is an issue, so I wondered if anyone had input regarding my concern. How do you manage? DO you manage or have you had issues where you’ve gotten sick? Thanks in advance!

Hi everyone. New to this and joined to get support and hopefully find people going through some of the same things. My VSG surgery is in two weeks and I’m on day 2 of the liquid diet. Felt pretty good most of the day yesterday but ended up getting a horrible headache by nighttime!! And it won’t go away Here I am on day 2 wondering how I’m going to make it. I haven’t felt super hungry but it’s mostly the idea of not being able to eat solid foods and the lack of energy and headache. I am hoping it gets better. Anyone else experiencing this? I am super excited and nervous about the surgery!!! I can’t believe it’s so close!!

I called today to check on the preauth and she told me I was approved!!! Woohoo! I had a "oh crap" moment because she said I was approved for surgery TOMORROW... um...? But it was just a dummy date they put on the request. So I called the bariatric office to confirm and they said the coordinator wasn't in the office but she'd call me tomorrow or Friday to set up the date and pre-op labs! I'm kinda sick with anxiety, I'm thrilled but my stomach is just roiling and twisting with knots. I probably have around six weeks before my surgery now and it seems like it's next week. It's been 14 months since I decided to pursue WLS and almost 10 months since my consult! Lo…

I need some help with the vitamins!!! I don’t know why I have been thinking so much about vitamins and I haven’t buy them!!! Surgery 1/12

Hi everyone, tommorow is my five month check up, and last is February 16th before the surgery. I am looking for people who have went through vsg as well as people who are on this journey as well. I'm new to this, still trying to figure out how it all works.[emoji1] Sent from my Moto E (4) using BariatricPal mobile app

So i have been in here reading many different posts and i have seen some say that the process from referral to approval took a couple months and some saying the process to get to approval took up to a year or more. I have just been given my referral to the Bariatric center but what im curious about is how long does the approval process take especially if you have additional conditions such as fatty liver, Type II Diabetes, high Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, back issues etc. Does the addition of these factors help speed the process up at all?

My surgery is on 01/16. I start my pre-op diet on 01/02. Excited and nervous all at the same time. So surprised at the many variations in a pre-op diet in here.

Hello my name is angel and I'm new to the group I just wanted to know if you all could share information with me about my first appt I have on feb1for the sleeve

I have gained some lbs. during the holidays. I weigh in tomorrow morning on 4th month pre-op. I've been consistent until now. I have Humana PPO INS. The requirements say to maintain or lose weight during diet and last weight should be less than or equal to first weight. Has anyone went through this with Humana because I'm sweating denial rn

My final nut and weigh in appointment will be this Wednesday 1/3. The anxiety is killing me. I know I have gained probably 5 pounds since last months with all of the parties and treats. Overall each month I've lost at least a pound. Extremely nervous if that will effect my request for approval from insurance. The wait to get to this point has seemed so long and daunting. I'm just hoping for positive news and quickly. I can't believe I made it this far, I can't believe I am so close!!!

Hello, How do you tell your significant other that you plan on getting weight loss surgery? I had talked to my S.O. about it a year ago and he thought it was not needed, and that all I needed was a different kind of diet and exercise program. We've been together for over 6 years, and he should know how many times I've tried and gained the weight back (plus more). He loses weight fairly easy. I think he sees WLS as extreme and maybe even an easy way out. Five years ago I had my gallbladder removed, it was a planned surgery and made my life so much better. I wish he would see it like that. How did you break the news about your plans for weight loss surgery …

So if you are at the last appointment before they submit everything to your insurance company. And you gained weight or stayed the same. What happens? Sent from my LGMP260 using BariatricPal mobile app

I’m concerned getting insurance approval because I’ve never attempted a diet program under a doctor or nutritionist. I have done multiple diets over the years but I have no proof! I had WW membership 8 years ago but no documents and only a handwritten journal from 2 years ago. How much proof of previous diet attempts do companies need? Is this going to be a denial point for me or am I worrying for nothing ?

Soo......I thought I had my timing close enough to perfect but now fear with surgery on June 21s that I will be starting/in midst of my period. I usually have cramps and just wondering if anyone else had this happen. Was it terrible or does it just make the need for heating pad and drugs seem even more reasonable?

Can you use Purdue grilled shortcuts for your chicken serving?

So my packet has been submitted to my insurance for approval... Regence uniform (wa state employee). Anyone have this insurance? How long did it take to find out if you got approved?

Im due for sleeve on the 6th but havent been asked to undergo a pre-op diet so far. I have emailed but thought I would bring it up on here. My BMI is low (31) and im wondering if this has something to do with it. Ive started my own pre-op liquid diet just to be safe, but has anyone else had a similar experience?

Hi guys first time poster here. My vsg surgery is scheduled for 1/29 with Dr. Andrade in NY. Starting out at 218 lbs. I'm 5'7 and type II diabetic which is the only reason I'm qualifying for surgery. I've completed all my appts and am now ready for pre-op diet beginning 1/17. My biggest fear at this point is hair loss because I already have extremely thin hair. Has anyone NOT experienced hair loss and if so, how did you prevent it? Thanks! Sent from my Z981 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi, just a few questions. I have my first appointment with my nutritionist next week, and I’m not really sure what exactly to expect. I’m assuming that this is the appointment that I find out how much I need to lose before surgery, or if I need to just maintain. Initially my BMI was 40 and PCP put me on Phentermine, along with referring me over to my surgeon, but the appointment was a month out, and I saw my PCP again before even seeing the surgeon(I have 2nd day of the month appts with my PCP), so I spent a month on the Phen, and I lost 11 pounds in that month..the last few days of my script it started to make nauseous and I would vomit at least once or twice so I stoppe…

Getting so excited for my surgery. Thankfully no liquid diet for me. Just nothing after 10pm the night before. I’ve been reading posts and started packing my hospital bag. Bought all my post op vitamins and liquid protein. 2018 is Finally the year I focus on ME. I’ve been raising kids for the last 23 years. Yo-yo dieting for all those years. Bring on the new year...the new me!!! Carla from LV

I am at the low end of the spectrum in terms of BMI. I am really struggling with my pre op diet, it seems that I am having a lot of trouble not cheating. Mostly, I have drank soda and eaten things I immediately regret. I'm less than a week away from surgery and suddenly I'm doubting this procedure which I've worked so hard to get. I put in so much money to get here and put up with so many needles despite my need phobia. I feel completely lost and like maybe I am not cut out for this journey. Both of my parents have been successful but I wonder if I'm prepared to take this step. I thought I was ready but if I can't stop eating then maybe I'm not.

My VSG is scheduled on 1/8 and I have bought the two weeks of Bariatric Advantage Shake mix from my surgeon but have heard the first three days are the hardest. I have been trying to sub in premier protein shakes this week to mentally start to prep but would love to know if any of you have advice for getting through the liquids or how you use the shake mixes so you're not starving, especially after dinner. I am concerned that I am going to fail between dinner and bed time and would love some advice from you guys. Thanks so much.

Has anyone followed the pre op liquid diet perfectly and not lost any weight? I’m on day 10, have not cheated (given permission to eat 4oz of turkey and 1oz veg at Christmas) and I’ve lost maybe 2 lbs? My weight changes daily +-4lbs. So I cant tell if the 2lbs is a real loss. I’m kind of worried that my suspicions are true that I have some sort of underlying condition that caused me to gain 75lbs in 2 years. I’ve been to every dr, had every test already in those last 2 years and it all comes back fine. I had my final pre op appt today and my surgeon isn’t concerned that I didn’t lose weight. I’m getting the surgery no matter what, but I’d like to ease my mind a lit…

I started my pre-op diet yesterday. Today I threw up almost immediately after drinking one of my smoothies. (We are only allowed one scoop of protein in almond milk a day and 2 fruit smoothies that include frozen fruit , water, and stevia only) I’m wondering if my vitamins possibly caused the vomiting ? Anyone else have that happen? Also... I know that we need to follow our surgeons pre-op plan and I intend to. I was wondering though if anyone thinks I would be cleared to drink broth once a day instead of a smoothie ? Does anyone know the reasoning behind smoothies only vs allowing broth ? Ideally I would like to do protein shake, smoothie, and broth as my “meals” Th…

Hi! When I weighed in at my surgical consultation on Oct 13 I was 217lbs (at 5'4"). Everything was sent to insurance today and I just weighed myself and I'm 211 lbs! What if I lose too much weight? Do they weigh me on my operation day? Do they tell insurance? What do I do?

Pre Op appointment January 17... So excited and nervous at the same time my biggest worry now is how much I'll be paying out of pocket Sent from my N9560 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi guys! I am working on loosing weight pre-op and I want to get a Fitbit that helps me track the most important things for being healthy. Can anyone suggest their favorite? I don't want one that is too bulky but I do like he idea of having a screen. Thank you!

Hello everyone! I'm new to posting on the Bariatric Pal forum, but have used the forums to help me understand about people's experiences with the gastric sleeve. I am exactly 3 weeks away from D-day! I'll be having the gastric sleeve procedure. A bit about me - I am 27 years old, female, current weight is 97kg (213.8lb), I am 5'2 so that gives me a BMI of around 41. I have had some weight related health issues, but nothing overly drastic just yet. I am getting the surgery more as a preventative step so I don't end up on a bunch of pills or dead at a young age. I should also mention that I suffer from anxiety and panic disorder, particularly in relation to my health..…

We looking for my Sleeve twin... Sent from my SM-N920V using BariatricPal mobile app

Ok soooo....my big day is tomorrow. I've been on a week liquid diet and taking my supplements BUT....I cheated. Drinking 5 shakes a day wasn't the hardest part. The shakes kept my head from hurting and me feeling faint from not eating. One thing I learned was I won't die from not stuffing my face. I had 1 taco on day 3 & 2 chicken wraps on day 5. Has anyone been denied surgery for not following the liquid diet?[emoji26] Sent from my LGMP450 using BariatricPal mobile app