SAS11

My surgery is scheduled in November. I don’t have to start the pre-op diet until October, but I’ve been eating pretty close to it for the past 8 weeks anyway. I’ve hardly been eating enough to have any gastrointestinal motility. My eating has consisted of protein drinks plus one small meal per day. I’ve been drinking plenty of water and even taking fiber. But I’m getting horrible constipation. Last night I was in incredible pain from it. Has anyone else had this problem? How have you dealt with it?

I’ve recently started the process for getting the surgery at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC. I’m curious to know about whether the support group requirement tends to be an insurance requirement or just a requirement of some specific centers. I really hate support groups for a lot of reasons. For one, I’m deaf and there’s a major communication barrier even though I use cochlear implants, and it’s even worse now that everyone wears masks. For another, I’ve had experiences with support groups of other kinds before and I just don’t do well in those environments. I’m blessed to have many people I love and trust in my life, including people who have had this surgery, so I don’t need a group. I don’t need to attend something that’s going to be useless for me unless it’s an absolute requirement for insurance. If it’s not typically an insurance requirement, I’d like to know that. Does anyone know whether this is a requirement for insurance in most cases? Also, please do not try to convince me that I’m wrong to believe what I do about support groups. I know myself and my needs.

Could someone who has gone through the surgery process at this hospital please describe what can be expected from the candidacy and preparation process? The only thread I found about this hospital is an older one, and it doesn’t have the kind of info I’m looking for. I have my consultation scheduled now. I’d like some insight into what this will be like going forward.

I’m very serious about wanting to pursue weight loss surgery, and I’m about to schedule my consultation appointment. I feel very ready to do this. I’ve read in some places that people with mental health histories have sometimes been disqualified. I have bipolar disorder that is very well managed with medication. I had an alcohol problem in the past, but I’ve been sober for a long time and am committed to never touching alcohol again. Do people like me tend to get disqualified because of our histories? Or does it matter more that things are well managed now? I really want this procedure and will do anything I have to for making sure that I can get it to change my life for the better.