higher

I have UHC Choice plus and when I started looking into VSG it was one of my plan requirements for approval to enroll in the Optum Health program and engage with the RN they assigned me. So I didn't even think I had a choice and I really wanted to dot all my i's cross my t's etc. That said, the RN I've engaged with has been wonderful and helpful. For example, she explicitly laid out the steps to insurance approval for me and emailed me a copy. This was a huge assist since my surgery program has their own set of requirements and it was very confusing. We spoke, I believe, 3 times total and each time I felt like I got something out of it.

Double check with your surgeon to make sure you HAVE to wash it. I feel you on this topic. I was going to put my hair in boxer braids so I didn't have to bother with it post op (and so it would still look cute LOL) my pre-op instructions don't say anything about washing my hair.

Also- my surgeon wants me to drink a bottle of magnesium citrate the morning of the day before my surgery. However, I'm flying that day and really do not want to deal with diarrhea on the plane so I've got to address that with him when we meet again next week. Anyone else have to drink that?

My preop liquid diet is 5 days long and I'll start on 7/2. I'm allowed low carb Protein shakes, broth, Jello, unsweetened iced teas and coffees, low carb fruit juices, vegetable juice and blenderized Soups. However, I really want to lose as much weight as I can (or at least not gain anymore) so I'm attempting to do a low/no carb, high protein diet before my official preop diet starts. A pre preop diet if you wish. I'm on day 4 of that and am just struggling to keep the calories down, as always!

How did you feel after?

Still looking at July 7th. My surgery coordinator called today to tell me she submitted to my insurance - UHC Choice Plus.

Oh and for exfoliation: Paula's Choice BHA 2% exfoliant Exfolikate by Kate Somerville

You can speak to a dermatologist about your skin and they could make recommendations. A good derm would be familiar with acne caused by weight loss and/or surgery. I have had hormonal breakouts before and generally take good care of my skin. These are my favorite products: Retinol or retinoids from my dermatologist. Biologique Recherche P50 serum (this is a miracle product) Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant for weekly treatment Mario Badescu drying lotion for spot treatment of pimples Guerlain Midnight Secret serum at night before moisturizing Embryolisse Lait Creme as an everyday moisturizer Boscia beauty oil for moisture

Yeah...I gained since I decided to have surgery. At least 10 lbs. I'm less than a month away from surgery and pretty disappointed in myself for not losing. I've read that those who lose beforehand are more likely to succeed afterwards. So I keep telling myself I'll make the best of the 3 or so weeks left and try to make some progress !

I'm preop but I always sneeze like 6 times when I eat too much. It's called- snatiation!

I mentioned it when we set the date, but did not think to address those concerns. Thanks for pointing it out - I will ask my surgeon specifically about blood clots when I see him this week. We did discuss in depth the fact that I am flying again 2.5 weeks AFTER surgery, but we didn't spend much time on the flight the night before. Will make sure to remedy that ASAP.

I just realized that coming home the night before surgery means I will have to have everything out and ready before I leave for vacation. I'm recovering alone at home so will have to make sure the fridge has the Protein and liquids I need, make sure everything else I may need is down from the high shelves, oy.

July 7th....pending insurance approval

When I was in college I sought counseling at the campus's mental health clinic. I met with the head psychologist there, eager to discuss some of the issues I was having as a freshman - I was overwhelmed with the academics, an ill-prepared public school graduate in over my head at a rigorous highly ranked university. I was also dealing with great financial stress having to maintain a part time job to finance my education while juggling academics. All totally legitimate issues worth of discussion but the psychologist told me at our first meeting that all my problems stemmed from my weight and I needed to lose weight before I could continue to see him. It was very discouraging and frankly an awful experience that turned me off from counseling for way too long. Luckily many years later I discovered that not all mental health professionals were so curt and callous.

Me too!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'll be on an all liquid pre-op diet during vacation as well. It's at a peaceful resort and for some reason I think it will be easier to avoid temptation there as opposed to near all my old go-tos at home. But we'll see! When is your trip? Mine is the first week of July. I actually fly home the night before surgery...land at 10:30 pm and have to be at the hospital at 6:30 am the next day.

A lot of people on here post that they went down a shoe size! I hope that happens to me. I went from a size 6 to a 7 and have some gorgeous shoes that I haven't been able to wear. Also the bigger I get the more difficulty I have wearing high heels.

I asked my NUT about this and she strongly advised against starting with Protein drinks pre-op. She said you have to rely on them post-op and it's easy to get sick of them fast so to get protein from real food. I'm a month away from surgery and I've been trying to change my habits as well- low low carb, high protein foods. But I have also made the occasional "green smoothie" which is NOT low carb and added in protein powder- because I like them!

Anyone save $$ as a benefit? As a result of spending less money on food?

I'm leaving for a solo trip in a foreign country about 2 and a half weeks after surgery and joining friends at a resort 6 days after that. My surgeon and NUT said this should be fine but after reading this board I'm mentally preparing myself for the chance that my recovery is not as smooth as they predict and this won't be a good idea. But trying to stay positive! For the solo trip, I'm just looking forward to taking in an exciting foreign capital at my own pace- walking around, sightseeing, resting when I need it. Won't get to taste the cuisine much at all but I can always go back for that !

I would add - get a great tailor! Lots of clothes can be taken in as you lose weight.

My surgeon says no alcohol again ever as well. The nutritionist in his office disagrees with him. She recommends holding off for at least 3 months and then being aware that it may metabolize differently when trying it at first after surgery.

Thanks everyone. I'll see what my surgeon says but always great to see the range of responses. I hope I get the OK so I can swim!

Adding this to the list of many questions I'll ask my surgical team when I see them in 2 weeks but curious to hear from all of you as well: how soon after surgery were you permitted to swim? I'll be at a resort 3 weeks after surgery and was looking forward to the pool but suddenly realized....I might just be dipping my toes !