PRE-Operation Weight Loss Surgery Q&A

Now that my surgery date is set in stone, I'm beginning to think "what if this doesn't work?" Like I spend a chunk of money on a procedure and it doesn't do what I hoped it would. Maybe I'm just overthinking and I'm just so used to myself not ever losing the amount of weight I wished to. It's hard to think of an operation like VSG to actually work when I've been overweight my whole life. I just don't want to screw myself over. Have any of you been in this mood?

How long did everyone take off from work or plan to take off from work?

I just placed an enormously expensive order on BariatricPal for postop vitamins. They had the best price I was able to find on the internet for the dietitian suggested vitamins. My daily total is $1.22. Seems hefty to me. Does anyone have a better source for these? They suggested "Bariatric Advantage chewable Iron, Calcium Citrate and Multi-Vitamin. Along with Celebrate ENS Drink Mixes (instead of the multi-vitamin and calcium chewables).

Just wondering is anyone from Philadelphia or am I the only one? Sent from my SM-N910T using the BariatricPal App

Anxious. Not nervous, anxious. What if I chose the wrong surgery? What if something goes wrong? What if I'm the one who is nauseous 24/7 and can no longer work? YIKES!! I really surprised myself with the two week liquid diet. I have done great and really not hungry at all. Today, on just clear liquids, is a bit different. I'm really hungry.

I started my pre-op very low-calorie diet on 10/20 and have to do it until 11/22. I'm doing fine on it, but the only thing is I'm not losing weight as quickly as I was initially and I'm not going to the bathroom as much as I need to. I called my nutritionist to see if there's anything I can take to help my BMs but she hasn't gotten back to me yet. Does anyone have any advice please?

So… I got my surgery date and my surgeon just submitted my paperwork to insurance. Do people usually get the date before you actually get approval? Did they have to pick a date so that they could send it to insurance along with all the other documentation?

I have united healthcare choice plus. I am calling united in the morning and I have asked the bariatric center to find out if the surgery would be covered. On the united healthcare website, there is a tool that will estimate your out of pocket cost for procedures. When I click the tool it suggests that nothing will be covered. My question is has anyone ever used the tool, but then you were approved anyway? I'm not losing hope until I hear from the insurance company, but wanted to ask.

So I’m to start my liquid diet on 11/13.. 3 weeks out from my surgery date. With thanksgiving coming up, I feel I will be tempted to “taste” foods that I won’t be able to have for a while. Has anyone out there ever slipped on the pre-op liquid diet phase? I’m thinking that one day really won’t affect me because I will have a few days to get back on it. Thghts?

Hello, this is my first post so I'll start by telling a little about myself. I'm 35 years old , mother of 1. Married for 3 years to my wonderful husband who is super supportive of my choice to have WLS. I'm currently working on the list of items needed for approval. I have chosen to go with Cleveland Clinic in Weston FL. My surgeons name is Dr Szomstein. I have a BMI of 38.9. I have been diagnosed with high blood pressure and i have been taking 1 medication. I am also pre-diabetic. The insurance specialist from CCF advised having the co-morbidity of hypertension with 1 medication would not be sufficient and I would need to have a minimum of 3 blood pressure meds to use th…

So, yesterday, I had a meeting with the nurse prac who was able to let me know what I have left to do before I can meet with the surgeon. I started this journey with a different program/different insurance/different hospital, so there's a lot I was concerned about having to do over again. only 1 thing has to be repeated - the psych eval, and lifestyle classes. no biggie. I'll sail through that. then a few more minor tests. and of course the needed weight loss. I had it in my head that there would be a HUGE list of stuff left to do.. so i'm feeling good that the list is so small. I am a little concerned about losing the weight (17lbs) but i'm determined. I will…

Im starting my preop diet on 11/1...surgery in 11/15... I won't be able to have thankgiving dinner so I went out and brought every thing I 'll need to make mines on Halloween..my last meal of sorts...menu includes smothered turkey wings, collard greens, yams, baked macaroni, rice and peas, stuffing and apple pie.... Sent from my LGMS210 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi everyone! I'm new here. My surgery is scheduled for January 15, 2018. I'm in the process of getting all of my requirements out of the way and had my stress test today. I just started working out again after being relatively sedentary (aside from walking my dog). Well, I was not expecting the stress test to be what it was. It was really hard!! I lasted 7 min. You need to last 8 min to pass. You need to pass to have surgery. My body completely gave up. I'll get to re-take it or take the nuclear test at a different date but now, I'm feeling disappointed and sad and a bit humiliated. I remember a time when I probably could have done the stress test and it would have been…

Did anyone experience nausea on their preop diet? It’s day 1 for me and I’m having a hard time.

Can I use that in my pre and post op shakes instead of 1% or skim milk?

I just had my “last” meal. I start my 2 week preop diet tomorrow. I’m so nervous!

whos my surgery twin december 7th[emoji13] [emoji13] [emoji13] amerie [emoji182]

How soon after surgery did you start driving again? DR Potential Sleever

It's my surgery today, I am hesitant but craving for a chewing gum. Does anyone know it's ok to chew gum before getting to the hospital? [emoji15] Sent from my SM-N910F using BariatricPal mobile app

So I had to do a sleep apnea test last night. It is my final test before my surgery. I was allowed to do an at home study. Problem is I couldn't sleep. I slept maybe 3 - 4 hours. Is that enough for them to be able to get results?

I have had a few people ask for my recipes, and I’ve asked for a few as well, so I thought I’d start a thread for bone broth recipes. I use an instapot but you can use a crock pot or just a pot on the stove. The stove top process will take longer but should have the same results. For the chicken one I bought 2 roasted chickens from Sams club and after we ate the meat I used the bones. For beef I went to the local meat market and bought a stew bone, I didn’t like the finished product so I’m going to try the Asian market. For pork I used 3 ham hocks. For all my broths I just combine veggies that I would put in soup (carrots, celery, mushrooms, onions, broccoli etc), he…

I find it completely ironic that the day before my pre-op diet is Halloween [emoji12]. I’ve got all my protein shakes chilling in the fridge...excited for tomorrow because I know I’m that much closer to the magic date 11/14

I was at my pre-op testing session this afternoon and got a call from my surgeon’s office. He is apparently not going to be there the day they scheduled me, so they moved me back a week to November 20. This has really been disappointing and has created all kinds of trouble since my husband can’t get work off that week and my family will be out of town. I just want to be done already, this is so frustrating. Good news is I was physically cleared for surgery, though. Still, now I have one more week at work and to stress about all of this. Sorry, just needed to vent.

So nervous and excited! Anyone else going in today? Wishing everyone a safe surgery!

Less than 24 hours left to my Lap-Band Surgery countdown! I'm super excited and nervous that I forgot something. What do you recommend I buy/ prepare? I'll list what I have below. Gas X strips, baby spoons, liquid Tylenol, a pill crusher, compression leggings, dry mouth spray, chicken broth, protein shakes, Diet Gatorade/ Vitamin Water Zero

Hello! So insurance is a no go for me, and I just recently decided that I would have my surgery in Mexico with Dr. Zavalza if everything goes accordingly (haven't booked yet). First I was trying get a loan, and I wondered what peoples experience was with United medical. I don't have the best credit score, it's fair, I also rent do not own a house. Did anyone use a credit card instead to pay for their surgery? Which one is better loan or CC? Thanks in advance! Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

So my insurance requires the 6 month pre op supervised diet now I'm exactly 40 bmi if I lose let's say 5-10 lbs will they still do the surgery even though I started my initial visit at 40 bmi? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

Are there any insurance companies that DON'T require 6 months of dieting prior to surgery? D.R. Potential Sleever

So did any of you start a workout routine before surgery? Do you think it helped with a more speedy recovery? I went and joined a gym yesterday and am having surgery in December.

I’m growing increasingly impatient. I finished all of my preop 10 days ago and still don’t have a date. I know it takes time, but I’m just anxious to have a date!

Today is my first day pre-op liquid diet. Sweet Jesus, i have temptations everywhere! My mind started to remember foods i haven't eaten in a while! [emoji37] . Someone had some fried chicken [emoji490] on the bus and was eating them! [emoji40] .2 weeks like this! Lord have mercy! This is going to be a though one! It is shocking to see how we sooo depend of foods! I need XXXtra strength [emoji123] for this one! Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

Anyone else here trying to quit or have quit smoking? I am trying my best but am really struggling with it. My PCM has me taking chantix which doesn't seem to be working. Any tips or tricks? I want to quit I have smoked for a long time.

Hello everyone! I'm just curious what everyone's Pre-OP diet consist of, looks like every doctor has a different system . My doctor's pre-op is up to 3 protein shakes, water, and one low calorie frozen meal like lean cuisine, that does not exceed 800 calories per day. I started my pre-op last Tuesday (10/3/17) and find it really hard to even get close to the 800 calories. I've been averaging 500-600 perday. I am down 9lbs and have 8 days to go so it will be interesting to see how much I actually lose before surgery day. The struggle is real! I suppose I got lucky not having to do straight liquids, but it is still hard, and I'm Hangry!

Just on the way into the hospital now. Am incredibly nervous and second guessing my decision big time. I keep thinking, how has it come to this that I have to get a part of my body removed. I’m incredibly anxious about the GA too. I know why I’m doing this surgery so just trying to focus on the new life I will have after it. Wish me luck

Did anyone else have to sign for a possible arterial line for RNY? I'm having hiatal hernia repair and conversion from sleeve to bypass. A possible arterial line scares me.

Hello All, I am scheduled for surgery 11/6, and was not advised to stop or discontinue my Androderm treatment. Does anyone have any input? I am finding a lot of conflicting information that doesn't say specifically yes or no. The information my surgeon provided specifies hormones in the same sentence as birth control, which doesn't apply to male patients typically.

Hi all, Having my sleeve done this Thursday. I have told a few people, but don't want most people I work with to know. What reasons do you give for missing work? I work in a place where people will probably ask and it would be weird to say nothing...

excited one more visit and I will get surgery date.5 months have flown by!

Hello there, I'm scheduled for 11/13 at NYC, Bellevue Hospital . So i wanted to know how are you guys getting ready for far? Are you require to have 2 weeks or more liquid diet? Did you start yet? What are you or will be using? Let's get ready together! [emoji4] Sent from my SM-N910T using BariatricPal mobile app

I have been reading about people using compression garments (after their incisions have healed) after surgery as a way to help possibly cut down the chance of loose skin. Has anyone considered this or have brands that they could suggest? I’m looking on Amazon for some but I have no idea what I am supposed to be looking for, there are a lot of options. HW 248 CW 241 Surgery Date: pending 11/21/2017

I’m sooooo nervous and excited!!! What Can I expect with the pre-op appointment? Usually how soon afterwards do they schedule the surgery?

I have been doing so well for the past 6 months by exercising and eating right up until I got my surgery date two weeks ago. Now I have NO Will Power, I am hungry all the time and I suddenly don't have the motivation to exercise. I feel horrible and I fear that my surgery date will be cancelled due to weight gain. Maybe I want to eat everything in sight due to my fear of NEVER HAVING IT AGAIN! Has anyone else experienced self sabotage before the surgery?

So did any of you start a workout routine before surgery? Do you think it helped with a more speedy recovery? I went and joined a gym yesterday and am having surgery in December.

Hello, I'm in the process of scheduling my sleeve surgery and am wondering if anyone else with a lower BMI has had it done or is going to have it done?

My surgery is in about 9 hrs! I am so nauseous and light headed I am not sure if it’s that I am nervous or just hungry from being on liquids lol. I wasn’t not one bit nervous until today. I can’t sleep! Ahhh! But at the same time I am excited to begin this new journey [emoji3]. Anyone else having surgery 10/25?

Hi all, my sleeve operation is on Wednesday 1st November. I have been trying to follow the 2 weeks pre-operative diet. Please come someone tell me when I need to stop eating totally for the operation? Sent from my SM-N910F using BariatricPal mobile app

I just got my FMLA paperwork to complete before my surgery. I'm a bean counter and basically spend my days glued to my desk. I also moonlight as a waitress on Saturday nights. I'm guessing that it will take me longer to get back to working at the restaurant. For my regular job I'm thinking if I'm having surgery on a Tuesday that I could possibly go back the following Monday...6 days?? How long were you out of work and what industry are you in? Thanks [emoji16]

So I am starting to research and try out protein powders & drinks so that I know what I like and don't like. And don't waste a ton of money on. Going to start trying them before my surgery which is in December. I would love recommendations. So what I am looking for is pre-made protein drinks, and powder protein where you make the drinks yourself. So I would love to know what your favorite is and of course what not to waste money on. I am sure a similar thread has been done before but here it is again :-) Thanks for your help!!!

Yay just had my follow up with my Dr! He confirmed that I will have a December surgery!! Yay. Looking at mid December and should find out the exact date soon! I am so excited!! Sent from my SM-J727T1 using BariatricPal mobile app

Just found out I need to do a nuclear stress test because my regular stress test came back "iffy". Umm scary... anyone else have to do this?