PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

I have chosen to have the sleeve done to address my out of control blood sugar levels, and the associated co-morbidities. Has anyone else made this decision? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G920A using BariatricPal mobile app

I've had GERD symptoms the past year since my last pregnancy. My throat always feels tight and I get reflux and a cough occasionally, especially after coffee. Surgeon said I had a small hiatal hernia he'd repair during surgery. Just wondering if anyone had this done and if it made your symptoms disappear?

Woohoo, finally got my surgery date....October 17th!!! Who's my surgery twin? Let's share and keep checking in pre-op and post-op. I'm 5'8" and was diagnosed with PCOS 2 years ago when I realized everything I tried to do to lose weight failed. I started my journey in April of this year and I've completed my 6 month requirements on September 6th. My surgeon (Dr. Merola) submitted my paperwork to the insurance (Emblem Health HIP NY) yesterday. Just waiting on my approval. HW: 317 CW: 315 GW: 1st- 250, 2nd- 200, 3rd- 170

Hello everyone. First day here. Having sleeve done on Tuesday. 12 days so far of the shakes and low glycemic veggies. Getting hard! Anyone have suggestions? Anyone have suggestions for early post-op?

Day5 of pre op diet...I had 2 chicken wings from the Chinese restaurant..I ate it so fast. Standing out side the resturant...I burn my tongue trying to shove it down..I'm not proud of my self but I feel better.the obsessive thoughts of eating food has went away. I think I'm bsck on track...so far im down 6 lbs...been losing about a pound a day so that's something.... Sent from my LGMS210 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello everyone. Brand new to this app. Having trouble navigating my way in here. Anyone able to tell me how I find where I can create my profile? Thanks so much

Hi my name is Cindy, I am pre-op coming Nov. 9th. So tired of same old shakes. Are there shake powders that are flavored that can be mixed with water?

So I have a class to take for my nutritionist on the 20th and then my paper work can be submitted to insurance for approval. I have bcbs and I'm figuring it'll take a week or two for my paper work to be sent. Maybe I'm wrong? Just trying to get a consensus on how long it might take to have an answer back and when I might be able to get a surgery date (best guess). Any ideas/what was your experience? I'm thinking (hoping) by early mid December my answer will be in and I can set a date, but I'm not sure if that seems an over or under estimate...

VSG surgery is less than 24hrs away and my emotions are all over the place. I don't know if I'm scared, nervous or excited. My life is about to Change [emoji1] Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

For some reason, I'm so worried about getting a stricture and dysphagia (painful swallowing). I read a study that there are some risk factors linked to post-op dysphagia and some of these included GERD and hypothyroidism and I have both. "As shown in Table Table2,2, there is increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus in those individuals who develop postoperative dysphagia compared to individuals with no dysphagia (P < 0.01). Patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (P < 0.0001) show an increased risk toward the development of postoperative dysphagia. There is also a statistically significant relationship between postoperative dysphagia and low whole bl…

Did peoples fingers get smaller? I am wondering whether to postpone engagement ring shopping to a later date. Thoughts?

I finally have my date, 11/13/17, and I'm really nervous now. I've been in this journey for over 1 year and can't believe it's finally here. I am excited too. Thanks for reading!

Hi everyone, this is my 7th day preop diet. I've been good,following everything. However i keep asking my self if i really have to do it? The last time i weighted myself was on my 1st day i was 304.5lbs. I know i need this but i keep asking myself if I'm able to do 7 day on liquid and veggies, which I'm really impressed, maybe i can follow that. But i also know myself I'm doing this because I'm scared of having implications. Anyone of you was like me? Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

I just wanted to share my excitement with all of you who are pre-op. I am down 17lbs in just 10 days after surgery (this does not include any weight loss prior to surgery because I didn't have a weight loss because I was not required to diet prior to surgery). YOU CAN DO THIS!!! All the pain and the hunger and the worry, it's ALL WORTH IT!!!!!!! Keep striving towards your goal, we can all get there and this surgery is the way to do that!!!!

I am 4 days into this liquid diet and this is hard. I have a serious headache and would normally reach for some IBuprofen but cant...... OMG I have 10 more days feel like i'm going insane. My mother in law brought over those big muffin that you find at sam's I am soooooooooo tempted to eat one she does'nt know I am having surgery. Those of you who walk this walk and made it to the other side my hats off to you.............Any advice would be awesome.

Wondering what that means . Got an email from one of the coordinators stating good news your pre cert will be sent in to your insurance tomorrow... Does that mean that is when they will approve/I get a date? Or does it just mean they will agree or not if I'm a candidate? Kind of confused. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

My co-worker told me that milk thistle will help me clean out my liver? Thoughts?

Tomorrow is my pre-op anesthesia appointment. Can someone tell me what happens at this appointment? I also see the surgeon too. 11/14 here I come!

Newbie here looking for fellow NC sleevers whether you are pre-op or post- op to start a support group... I am currently going through the process to become approved

Anyone considering BariatricPal Team MX in Mexico? I’d like to hear your feedback.

I just started listening to the Big Book on Gastric Bypass to start preparing for my January 23,2018 surgery date. How are you preparing for your surgery?

My gastric sleeve op was not a success. A year post op, I weigh more than I did pre op. I am considering having the bypass but wondering whether the same thing will happen. Also I know it is a more serious op. Has anyone else faced this situation? Any advice?

My LSD has had some set backs [emoji17] anyone experience this? My surgeon didn't have me on liquids until day before the LSD I was given had food is that normal ? My surgery is Monday and I am worried I sabotaged myself [emoji22]

I had my psych evaluation consult this morning. He told me that he doesn’t make the decision if I’m capable of having the surgery or not. Has anyone else heard this? From my understanding of what he said, he just gathers the information for the surgeon to decide if I’m ok to have surgery! I’m confused [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

Thought I would actually introduce myself finally. I’ve been here for a few months. I will be sleeved on Tuesday November 7th at 7:30 am. I’m muskegon Michigan. I’m 42 year old disabled single mom to one 12 year old. My starting stats are HW 385 in July. CW 346 11/03/17 SW Goal Weight 175 Drs goal 207. I just want happy and healthy. I quit smoking two years ago and that didn’t help my weight any at all.

The surgical coordinator called this morning while I was out for brunch to let me know I've been approved and will be having surgery on Jan 23! She apologized for calling on a Saturday. No problem! I had just ordered a mimosa so was ready to celebrate! Now to crack down again (after a foodie week) and get myself in good habits for surgery!

The panic is setting in. I’m 1 week away and now I have a million thoughts running through my brain. Trying to make a grocery list so I have everything I’ll need post op. I know right after surgery they encourage Gatorade or Powerade or something similar, but I cannot stand the taste of anything like that. The salty flavor is awful. What is everyone’s drink of choice for clear liquids?

My surgery date is Nov 7th. I start my 2 week liquid diet Oct 24. It’s been a lot of hoops to jump thru up till now. I’m excited.... I could use some tips on what you liked on your liquid diet. Here is what I’m stocking up on so far...

Hi there! I have been approved for surgery and am scheduled for next Thursday the 22nd. I have to start my 3 day liquid pre- op diet on Monday. It looks like most people have to do it for 2 weeks. Anyone have my same situation and know why there is such a difference in the length of time?

I am new to the forum and I am considering gastric sleeve surgery. I want some real life advice on the surgery. What are the pros, cons, and long term effects? Thank you all and I admire you all for sharing your stories!

I’m a little over 3 weeks away from surgery and trying to prepare. What kind of vitamins did everyone like best? What did you eat in the liquid phase post op? What about purees? I’m a bit of an OCD planned and starting to panic a bit because I don’t have anything prepared.

Have you checked out their Bariatric formula? No artificial colors or fillers of any type. Less likely to mess up your stomach.

Hello , so just needed words of wisdom and support .. i’m 25 and having surgery 11/10.. i’m scared anxious nervous one for this being the first major thing that has happened to me .. as i never *knock on wood* been to the hospital until now.. no kids due to this being main reason why i’m having this to have kids in the future,, been on liquid diet it’s hard, headaches, and just emotional about everything.... i’m excited don’t get me wrong but i feel so scared even though they say it’s a quick surgery but the aftermath is what scares me .. like losing hair if i don’t get enough protein which my hair has been starting to thin & mild loss...and recommendations like to st…

I can’t get in all my 1200 calories on this pre opliquid diet. Any suggestions? I have lost 1/2 pound in 3 days... ugh

I posted this under the main surgery forum and realized that was probably not the appropriate place to post it (I can't figure out how to delete it)... So this is my first main post although I've been "creeping" these forums for quite a while now. I'm scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, Nov. 8th. I know my surgeon uses a 36f bougie and I am also having a small hiatal hernia repaired. I have some reflux issues now, but other than that and my weight along with suffering from hypothyroidism, my health is fine. I have researched this for many months, went through the whole process, and now that it's happening, I'm so worried. I keep thinking about my husband and my …

I know its "normal" to be nervous about surgery. But im starting to freak out about my surgery coming up in one week. I "only" need to lose about 80 pounds. But I do have severe GERD, sleep apnea, and I feel exhausted and joint pain all the time. How do I know im not making a huge mistake ? Im 30 years old, will I be regretting this for the rest of my life ? Is it normal to be this worried/panicking ? Id say im leaning 75-80% towards backing out of the surgery, and dont just know what to do...

Any other November 22, 2017 sleevers out there? Let's start a thread - roll call!

Sorry TMI, but would like to know if anyone has had this issue. During my labs I had to bring in a stool sample. It tested positive for H pylori. Doctors office says it’s a bacteria that is common and that many have it with no symptoms. Have to take antibiotics for 14 days. I have my doctors visit in 3 weeks and then surgery will be scheduled.

Okay, so I'm doing my bowel cleanse and I drank a boatload of Metamucil. Then I went back to my binder and read MiraLAX! I went to the store to buy the correct product and now I'm working my way in the right direction. Do you think I might have drank too much by combining Metamucil and MiraLAX? Right now, I'm cramping a little, but not the physical act of cleansing.

I have my testing to clear me for surgery tomorrow - blood work, EKG, chest x-ray, etc. OF COURSE, I feel like I may be getting a cold. Will this affect my surgery date? I cannot believe this is happening right now, I'm so frustrated.

Did anybody have H-pillory before their surgery, and how about after?

Hi everyone, I start pre-op liquid diet tomorrow officially, and my surgery is scheduled for November 9. I just learned that the Gas-X Strips everyone has told me to buy and use are no longer made. Anyone know of an alternative for us? I hear the gas can be painful after surgery. Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

I know that this is off the topic, but I am in need to try and find a replacement for isopure. They are wanting me to drink two aday , please if you know anything, let me know send me a message http://www.facebook.com/vegmuffin

I am in the hospital right now as I type this. (Tuesday, Oct 24, 2017) and wanted to share with you guys a couple of items to bring that I had and was sooo glad I did. 1. Sunglasses / eye cover sleep mask Why? My room was directly across from the nurses station and the light poured into my room. Luckily for me I had my old sunglasses in my back pack from when I used to commute on the train. They blocked the train car light on the 4am train. Need my beauty sleep! 2. Noise canceling headphones Why? These come in handy for all the machines that go "ping". And, like I said, I was directly across.from the nurses station so I didnt have to hear them. …

I was bemoaning how long the pre-op phase is going to be but it is actually going by very fast so far - I guess 3 months is a really short period of time after all. I barely have time to get my blood sugar under control. I also lucked out in getting to see my endocrinologist this week and she said that even if my A1C isn't perfectly under 8%, she told me that she would be willing to let my doc know that I would be safe for surgery. My surgeon called me yesterday to let me know that he was able to count my first visit with him as one nutritional appointment, thereby shortening the time some. Yesterday, I got the Upper GI contrast and Abdominal ultrasound done plus I was ab…

How long did it take to get yours, feel free to share with kind of insurance. So far I got the echocardiogram and gallbladder ultrasound, endoscopy is on 11/17. At what point in your checklist do you actually get a date?

Finally finished my 6 month weigh ins and now I get to meet with my surgeon on the 10th. We will be able to set a surgery date after that. What types of questions should I ask her? What do I need to know besides the diet (before/after)?

Anyone struggling with liver shrinking as much as me ? I have surgery on Monday and I am having a hard time [emoji17]

Feeling shaky...like i have low blood sugar.....down 2 pounds though Sent from my LGMS210 using BariatricPal mobile app

I'm worried that my bad food habits might sabotage me after surgery, so I decided to try therapy as another tool toward getting healthy. So far I've had 4 sessions and so far it hasn't been about overeating specifically, but more about what I'm missing in life that I'm trying to fill with food, if anything. I'm just starting 6 months of weight management, which means I'll have a minimum of 7 months of therapy (once a week) before surgery. I'm really interested in seeing where therapy takes me. I'm wondering what experiences others have had with starting therapy in anticipation of the getting the surgery. Has it helped you? Has it caused you to reconsider your d…