Spitfireash

So I have a question. I've already stocked up on the one a day chewable bariatric Vitamins (which the surgery coordinator told me not to take till they clear me to do so after surgery). I also stocked up on calcium citrate powder and on B12 and Biotin liquid. I know they say not to take the vitamins right off the bat, but if I start taking the biotin and the B12 liquid right after surgery would this be an issue.

**I got the biotin because I do not want to lose my hair and have it thin out. I have very fine and silky hair as it is, if it starts falling out I'll look like a have barely any hair.

I stocked up on Gatorade Zero, cup of Soup (lentil, cream of mushroom and Tomato basil) and Protein Drinks.

Except for 6 people in my family, every single person that has heard I am going to has WLS has told me not to do it, I'll regret it, suggested numerous other diets or exercises I should try instead. I'll be honest, I have had to live in this body for the past 10 years and I've been miserable in it, all these people telling me how it's a bad idea are the same ones that have commented on how I've gained weight. I have just come to the point where I chalk it down to ignorance, they do not understand my struggle and journey and they might be a little jealous. Only one of my friends has said to me, "If my insurance would cover it, I would definitely like to do it too!" Don't worry about what people say, you do what is right for you.

All of you are scaring the crap out of me. I'm only a 36D and now I am having nightmarish visions of how I'm going to be possibly non-existent booby-wise after they let me have the sleeve! Mine aren't the perkiest to begin with thanks to breast feeding, so now I'm petrified that I'm going to have the ugliest, most deflated girls ever!

On 2/9/2021 at 6:43 PM, GenevaRaquel said:

I had my surgery Feb 1st.

I have to be honest and say I'm having a hard time and at this point I wish I did not do the surgery. I may change my mind as I go along but right now I'm starving, I'm uncomfortable, in pain and just want to sleep cause I'm so weak.

Sorry, I wish I had more positive news to share.

Hang in there. I am sorry that you are feeling so terrible. I pray things start looking up and you feel better soon.

On 2/5/2021 at 6:27 AM, Dogmom68 said:

Hey! Have you heard anything since your paperwork was submitted?

I have heard nada! so i'm still sitting tight.

On 1/28/2021 at 1:58 PM, Dogmom68 said:

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with your surgery team dragging their feet. I would prepare and maybe start some form of liquid diet just in case. ??? Call the surgery scheduler to make sure your info has been sent to your insurance company for approval regardless if there is a ban or not. The approval will be good for awhile so at least you’ll be ready when surgery time rolls around. I completely understand your frustration!
I wanted to let you know that my insurance company finally came through for me today and my surgery was approved! My sleep study info got sent to them yesterday and because my sleep apnea is so bad they approved me. Keep your eyes on your goal and put your foot down if it’s needed. Sometimes we just have to take control and be our own healthcare advocate. You’ve worked hard for your goal and you CAN reach it! Best wishes and keep me updated! 💕

Thanks for the encouragement. I've been hounding them now and they're in the process of getting papers submitted. I am so excited for you getting approved. Let me know how your journey goes.💕

19 minutes ago, Dogmom68 said:

Thank you so much for the encouragement. 💕 I wish my doctor’s office hadn’t waited to submit my paperwork but such is life, I guess. I’m actually doing my pre-op diet since my surgery is supposed to be in less than two weeks. I’m going to do this with or without my insurance so I’m just going to keep on truckin’!!! 😉

Keep at it my friend. If you need to let it out, don't hesitate to reach out. I completely understand what you are saying. The doctor initially said try to lose some weight but then it was actually my nutritionist that reminded me not to do that, because then insurance will deny it. I am so irritated, I finally got a hold of the surgery coordinator yesterday and she tells me, "well, the govt. ban has not been lifted yet and we wont know until Feb 1st if it is so don't start your liquid diet until I call you." That's fine and dandy, but they still haven't submitted my paperwork for approval, and told me I'm scheduled for the 8th Feb which now might not happen if the ban isn't lifted. I just feel like I've been strung along and I'm sick of it.

50 minutes ago, NiceAnkles said:

You know, I actually did. I always seemed to have to email and then send another a day or two later asking why I hadn't heard back yet. THEN I'd get a response. Phone was worse because not every employee is actually working in the office. That would suck if you have to start again with a new provider, but responding to patients is important.

Glad to hear it's not just me.

46 minutes ago, NiceAnkles said:

No blood work? I thought that was just standard for any surgical procedure. At my anesthesiologist appointment, she measured my neck, looked down my throat and checked my teeth, aside from questions. Maybe they'll just do that stuff on the day of your surgery?

Let's hope so. Also, did you all have a hard time getting the surgery coordinator to call back and answer questions? My surgeon's coordinator sucks at calling back and answering the phone it seems. I'm almost at the point where I look for another surgeon.

7 minutes ago, Spitfireash said:

Surgeon told me to let the anesthesiologist know to give me a anti-nausea shot before the surgery.

This is all very interesting to me. I had my final appointment with the surgeon. I did not meet the anesthesiologist they said he/she would call me. They also did not do any blood work on me or give any EKG's etc. Just told me what diet to follow, provided those instructions (pre and post op) in written printouts and sent me on my way.

Now I'm nervous!

On 1/23/2021 at 6:42 PM, softbalmom said:

I had my pre-op class yesterday. Have my pre-op blood work and meeting with my surgeon Monday. Starting liquids only tomorrow. Very excited for this new chapter in my life but also very nervous. they talked about nausea in my class and that is what I am most nervous about. I hate to throw up - I have only done it 4 times in my whole life!! They said that they will be able to help if I am experience any nausea. Anyone have any info on this?

Surgeon told me to let the anesthesiologist know to give me a anti-nausea shot before the surgery.

2 hours ago, Skittle_buttTTV said:

Is there a reason your only having to do the liquid only for 2 days? I have my physical/final visit with Dr on Feb 1st as my surgery is Feb 9 and I have some questions. I am barely over the BMI required to have this surgery but due to a extremely large list of other health problems I am in need of this surgery. So I am scared if I do this diet for 1 entire week i will be under the needed BMI. Anyone else had or have this issue?

I am barely over the BMI requirement as well. The surgeon's office told me that the weight that they log for you on the day of the Pre-Op appointment (physical/final visit) is the weight that gets sent to the insurance. Then it doesn't matter how much weight you lose or if you are under BMI because you are already approved. It sounded weird to me but that is what I got told.

Due to Covid, I have been rescheduled to Feb 8th as well. I am hoping it does not get moved again!

Hi! I was wondering if there are any Sleevers of Pakistan / Indian or Middle Eastern origin on here? I am wondering about foods from that part of the world and how it reacts once we are cleared for normal food.

Can anyone share their experience?

3 minutes ago, Betty1971 said:

You can actually get an adult powdered Tylenol that works amazing! It’s low in sugar and tastes pretty decent. The children’s liquid is so sugary it’s hard to get down. Amazon and Walmart carry it

Thanks for sharing that info. I was oblivious to the existence of it.

On 1/6/2021 at 4:10 PM, Neensyb said:

This is what I posted in the post op section.

I have to say, being day 3 after surgery I have asked myself a number of times what the hell have I done....then I have moments of comfort which removes all concern.
It took me nearly 12 hours to come out of the anaesthetic properly, and I had the awful sweats and nausea, but no vomiting. I remember only the Ice packs put behind my shoulders and the cold towel on my head.....ooh it felt so good. The nurses were just smashing and I'm going to send a thank you hard to them at the ward. I came home the day after surgery.
I've had two bad nights, but last night felt so much better and slept 8 hours straight. I am already 4kgs down since surgery so that gives me hope.
My first night home I was worried about my intake of Fluid. I struggled to consume even one cup of liquid a day. Yesterday I got through an entire Optifast shake, one cup of warm coffee, and about 500ml of Powerade zero.
What has worked for me through trial and error (haha that auto corrected to "terror")
1. Don't drink laying down. Try and sit upright as possible, it reduces the chance of pain.
2. Small sips mean exactly that. Wet the inside of your mouth, and don't do more than two at a time.
3. Room temperature liquid gives me less issues
4. Make a shake in the morning and aim to complete by midday. Same for the afternoon
5. Keep on top of standard pain relief. Here in Australia we have panadol which is safe for bariatric patients. I tried dissolvable ones but the contain effervescent bubbles... not a great outcome
6. When pain is felt, stand up tall, take s deep breath through the nose and slowly out through the mouth. At most it has been two breaths and the pain is gone
7. A cool shower, clean hair, clean jammies and clean sheets make everything feel better
8. My headaches are likely to be caused by coffee withdrawl. I added 1tsp instant (powdered) coffee to a choc or vanilla shake. Voila!! Headache gone
Just my thoughts, and hope some of these ideas can help others just having had surgery.
Day 1 I was 7/10 discomfort, and full of unfounded regrets.
Today, day 3, 1/10 discomfort, totally happy with my decision to have taken this route.
How are you all doing?



Sent from my SM-G950F using BariatricPal mobile app

I love this. Thank you so much for sharing. I was wondering about pain meds too. I've been thinking maybe children's liquid tylenol? The tips you have shared are really good and I certainly am grateful to those of you that do share with us. I am scheduled for the 19th. Started my liquid diet today. I love your tip about the coffee, that's going to be really handy for me.

4 hours ago, GradyCat said:

Thank you for sharing. I appreciate it.

Please share your liquid diet details. I am scheduled for surgery in Jan and would like to be prepared. Thank you for sharing about the heating pad too. I have terrible gas as it is, I don't know what to expect after surgery!

So I have a few questions for those of you that have already had the surgery or have the knowledge. These are just questions which are zipping through my mind constantly.

1. Scarring. What kinds of scars to expect and the location of the scars.

2.How long does it take for the incisions to heal? How many incisions are there normally?

3. Excess skin. Is there a lot of excess skin after weight loss? Is there a way to avoid it?

4. Exercise. What kinds of exercise besides walking is good for post-op

5. When they say liquid diet pre-op, is it all liquids or only Clear Liquids?

Ooh I'm happy you shared this. I've been considering getting one. Can you please share which one you have and what you've done with it when you got results previously?

3 hours ago, Notwhatyousee said:

I’m delayed too. It’s officially been a year since I started the program....It does feel very overwhelming and hopeless. Like it’s never going to happen. I completed 6 months went through all the hoops and loops and I tried to stay on top of it all and In November I got a phone call for Dec 23. I have a 7 yr old and I’m a single mom there’s no way I could do that to her. So I called to check on it today and I was informed that they may be shut down again and there’s forty ppl ahead of me between all of there doctors. So it probably won’t happen in January. I have insurance through January I will have to do a Redetermination mid January which shouldnt change insurance but there’s always that chance. Also the surgery center told me that if they shut down it could be months again and then all the people already scheduled will be rescheduled first. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Sucks.

I'm so sorry that you're having to go through that. That really does suck. Just hang in there and stick with the healthy eating. Hopefully Jan will be here before we know it. It took 6 phone calls and numerous messages to the surgeon's office for me to get the date finalized. They finally admitted that my file was lost in the process of COVID and a scheduler change in their office!😣 Sometimes it wears me out and gives me serious anxiety all these hoops to jump through to try to get healthier.

1 hour ago, snowcones said:

Is anyone else not having to do a 2 week liquid diet pre op? My surgeon is putting me on a 1 week low carb 800-900 calorie diet before surgery. I wonder why it differs.

I am going to have to go on the 2 week liquid only diet pre-op.

minimamaz00m, Right now they are saying that they will. The surgeon said it should be easy to get it covered as a scenario where the skin surgery is needed as a result of the sleeve surgery. Let's hope they really do cover it when it comes down to it. Worst case scenario, I have a relative overseas who is a general surgeon so if they wont cover it I'll have to take a trip overseas and get it done there which will be way cheaper and I know I'll still be in good hands!

Yes. I started this journey in February. I went through the required steps, then had the insurance tell me I had to have 6 mandatory sessions over a 6 month period with a nutritionist. Well, right after I started my sessions COVID hit. So even though I completed all of my requirements in September, I was not able to get a date for my surgery until 2 days ago, I am now scheduled for surgery in January. Hang in there, at least we know there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Since my insurance is covering my surgery, I deliberately scheduled it for Jan. This way I only pay the deductible once in the case of needing to have a second surgery down the road to remove excess skin.

I'm eating fairly healthy and just trying to keep in good spirits till January arrives.