JustSJ

We're almost surgery buddies. I'm scheduled for June 3rd. Just had my final testing at the hospital yesterday (upper GI, EKG, bloodwork) and my pre-registration done. I've stocked up on the same things. My doctor also gave me some protein and vitamin samples. And Miralax... I can only take a week and 2 days off of work, but since I pretty much just sit at a desk, I hope it will be ok, I'm super excited and nervous. And having a hard time thinking about anything else at the moment.

One week countdown for me! This time next Thursday, I should be in the recovery room. Did my pre-op testing and registration at the hospital yesterday. No word about the upper GI or blood test results, but my EKG, BP, and mini-exam were all good. Fingers crossed there's not a hernia or anything that would delay my surgery. Hopefully no news is good news!

I agree with @Drinkwine28. Every surgeon is different, but I think they require less time for lower BMI patients. Good Luck! Looking forward to having some people going through this with me!

@Shrink&Grow I heard nothing from my surgeon's office for weeks, then a flurry of activity this week. I emailed them a couple of times while I was waiting, but it was probably an annoyance to them. Didn't get much of a response except for "we're working on your paperwork."

Me too! Just got scheduled for my pre-op and pre-registration with the hospital. Got the final numbers as far as my cost after insurance from the surgeon. I guess I'll get it from the hospital when I pre-register. It's getting really real now. Nervous, but anxious to have it done. Start my liquid diet next week, but am doing a semi-liquid low-calorie diet this week to get prepared.

I don't think my doctor asked about GERD either. Maybe because I don't take meds for it regularly? I'm sold on the sleeve for my personal situation regardless.

Hey there! I'm right there with you. I'm scheduled for surgery on June 3rd, so I don't have post-surgical experience yet, but my husband and I are foodies who love to pair meals with the perfect wine. This is something we definitely enjoy as a couple, so I'm very interested in the responses to this thread! To be honest, the first time I brought up bariatric surgery, he was pretty negative about how it would affect our lifestyle. After about 2 years of continuing to watch me struggle to lose weight only to gain more - and continue to develop co-morbidities, he finally came around to the idea and is now supportive. Although, I think he's still worried about how it will affect us. This board has really helped me explain to him that with the sleeve, eventually I should be able to eat regular food and have the occasional glass of wine, just in much smaller amounts.

Congrats!! I had my first consultation on March 30. Had to have the psyche eval before they submitted it to insurance. Got that done and approval came through May 6th, so mine was a little over a month. Maybe you'll be having yours in June like me!! Did you end up going with sleeve or bypass?

I haven't heard of being tested for alcohol. I have been having a glass of wine here and there while I wait for my surgery to get closer. I only have to do a 2-week pre-op diet, so I won't be indulging at all during that time. I would assume as long as you don't have alcohol in your bloodstream for the pre-surgical tests, you'd be fine?

Yes. I had to give them all my info ahead of the first visit and they were ready to discuss it right away! I had such anxiety about it too. I was worried I would have to justify how I got to this point and explain everything I'd tried over the years. But everyone in the office made me feel comfortable right away and I wasn't embarrassed at all!

I have a BMI of 35 and am scheduled for surgery in June. I'm lucky that my insurance carrier will approve for BMIs of 35-40 with at least two comorbidities. I definitely don't think the surgeon will turn you away. They should be able to talk you through what your insurance requires and options available to you if your carrier won't cover the costs. My doctor and his staff were very helpful!

I am scheduled for VGS on June 3rd and have been watching (probably too many) videos about the procedure. It seems like needing to shrink fatty liver is the most important and risk of complications if your liver is too large. I plan to follow the pre-op diet religiously, but was wondering if anyone had the surgery and the doctor said your liver was still a little fatty and yet your surgery went well? I'm getting scared that, after being fat for so long, two weeks won't be enough to get my liver to a healthy size. I also enjoy a glass of wine almost every night and know that doesn't help either. Thanks for any feedback.

Thanks everyone. I'm just overthinking things. I'm sure it will be ok.

That makes me hopeful! My husband and I are wine lovers and I'll be missing it. I know I'll never be able to have several glasses at a time ever again, but would like to (slowly and carefully) be able to enjoy one with him eventually. LOL

Me TOO! Thought about going to San Antonio (from Dallas) to go to his practice. But it's not feasible for all the pre- and post- appointments.

My surgery is scheduled for June 3! Fingers crossed that there are no problems with the pre-op testing because I'm ready to do this!

Hi Mary. We are surgery twins! I'm scheduled for June 3 as well! I'm absolutely going to try to do pre-op for longer. Mostly I'm cutting way back on fat and carbs now, then in a week, do protein shakes for breakfast, lunch and snack with salad and lean protein for dinner. Similar to the Medifast diet I did a few years ago. Will have the protein soups and oatmeal along with the shakes, until the final week when it's all liquid. I just really want to make sure my liver shrinks enough. I'm afraid of getting on the operating table and having them say it's still too fatty.

I'm still waiting for my surgery, but have you tried parmesan crisps? I'm someone who craves more salty/savory and they can really hit the spot sometimes. My favorites are everything bagel flavored from Costco or Amazon. Only 160 calories for 19 crisps, 1 gram of carbs and 16 grams of protein!

Hi All. Newbie here and just going through the approval process. My surgeon will be Dr. Joe Cribbins in Plano. Anyone on here use him? I did a lot of research and he seemed like the best choice for me. I was impressed by his staff on my first visit. Would love to hear about your experience! Thanks!