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I finished my last class on Friday, and I now have a tentative surgery date of July 28!! Only 5 weeks away. The past 6 months have flown by, and I can't believe I finally have my date! We're just waiting on approval from insurance now, but that's in Gods hands, and being as though I met their requirements, I'm not too worried. The reality of it all is really sinking in, but I am so ready and excited to start this next chapter of my life!!!

I'm 6 weeks out and my NUT said I was cleared for all foods. I have to say I feel horrible today. My stomach just feels sick and sour feeling... I got worried and started reading my notebook from Dr. And it says no raw veggies or beef til 3 months. -__- I had meat (pepperoni slices) and small baby carrots yesterday. I'm worried.

I don't have children but I do have three cats and a big dog. I was on my own after surgery without any problems. I didn't need any help at home other than someone to change the kitty litter, due to the lifting restriction. My dog was very happy since she got to go for at least three walks each day, even though they were short. If your dogs are big and tend to jump up I would start training them out of that habit now, as taking a big paw to the stomach could be painful! You don't want to be lifting heavy bags of dog food so make sure those are positioned where you won't need to move them -- or make sure that your children are up to the task of taking care of the dog food for a couple of days. I did not need any help getting in or out of bed. If I had a recliner, I probably would have slept in it but I didn't need one. I was pretty tired but managed to take care of everything just fine. Depending on how old and how self-reliant your children are, they may need a little coaching to take care of some of their own needs for a few days I guess.

The doctor that I go to is already booking his surgeries into December. Maybe even January by now! Anyhow, his office has not even called yet to tell me that I was approved. I found out as an aside when I called the insurance company about a question concerning my daughters physical. That was a week ago. I am not too worried about it I guess. If its going to happen, it will. I was really just wondering if anyone else had the same thing happen and how it had worked out. Thank you for taking the time to answer my post though. I appreciate it.

My surgery is 1/12/15. I've been considering some type of surgical help for quite some time and finally decided that VSG is best for me. I started seriously considering it in July and made outreach to my physician who got me started on the right path in August. I got my approval on Wednesday last week and now I'm a nervous wreck trying to physically and mentally prepare for an invasive procedure. I'm looking forward to it though and look forward to getting much support and giving support to others. Best wishes on your surgery. Be sure to post how things turn out for you!

Nope. I did a two week liquid diet.

Yep I was approved in September but surgeon for unknown reasons pushed me out til January. .I'm just now getting over the anger so I'm still just counting down the days and trying to be thankful for the approval alone. I should get a surgery date at my appointment the first week of January. If it is out further than January I will seriously blow a gasket!

@"verionca page" yea I'm having to wait to get my long copy of my birth certificate which is located 4 hrs away so I have to get that before I can apply so hopefully next week and did u do its reg processing time or expidited?

Hi. I had my surgery in Charlotte on Nov. 11. I believe Dr. Voellinger is part of the same group as my surgeon. It's called Carolina's Weight Loss Surgery. Dr. Roc Bauman did my bypass at CMC Northeast. Where does your doctor do his surgery? If I'm correct he either does his at CMC University or downtown at Mercy Hospital. The pre-op experience was very complete and and staff was wonderful. I've heard that all the surgeons in this group are excellent. My surgery went well, with no complications. I've saw Dr. Bauman at 1 week and 4 weeks post op. I saw the nutritionist at 2 weeks out. I will meet with the nutritionist once a month for a full year. I'll see Dr. Bauman at 3,6,9 and 12 months. As far as my success, so far so good....... I've lost 34lbs so far. I feel really good with the exception of some constipation. I'm now adding new foods everyday or so, and am tolerating them well. I'd love to hear from you. Good luck.

some folks say the 1 or 2 weeks of liquid diet prior to surgery is your bowel prep.

I'm also doing a 2 week pre-op diet

Well, I started to lose a little hope for getting approved. The doctor's office was moving and hired a new (inexperienced) insurance coordinator when I finished all the insurance prerequisites. I felt like I worked for the doctor's office because of all the calls I had to make to the insurance company with verifying what was needed and what was missing. What should have took only a couple of weeks took 2 months. I'm a woman of faith so the delay started me wondering if this is God's way of saying I should reconsider the surgery. I just completed the Daniel fast for 10 days and lost 6 lbs. Now I'm around 200 lbs at 5'3 BMI 35.4. My mind fluctuates every now and then but I still have the overshadowing feeling that I'm so tired of battling this weight. Will be scheduling surgery tomorrow!!!!!!

Hello! March 5th is my date, bright and early in the morning. This Thursday I start my pre op diet to help shrink liver. Pretty standard for WLS. Of course I am nervous, but I have found that if I "embrace" what I am doing.... and do what I can to research and prepare myself, it lessons my fear and helps me feel empowered. I know that I don't have a choice to not have the surgery if I want to live an extended life . One with out health problems. Feeling good about your surgeon and the hospital makes a big difference . I am fortunate to have an excellent surgeon and at a "center off excellence" hospital I am having my house cleaned the day before I go in, fresh sheets on the bed for when I come home. I am stocking up on my waters, Soups that will be mixed with Protein , and sugar free pop cyles.. that's for the first two weeks. I am also looking for ways to "pamper" myself through the hospital "experience" . I feel like I might as well make the best if it! I bought a new night gown and bathrobe to take to the hospital. I'm bringing my own pillow and a fuzzy throw for the bed. And of course my own toiletries , cell phone and charger. I"m bringing a sound machine that has nature sounds. I like the white noise to lull myself to sleep. If you have someone to rub your feet or back, lotion would be helpful too. I am very blessed to have an awesome and supportive husband Your doing something positive and wonderful for yourself by having this surgery, your taking care of yourself!! I'd love to hear about any other tips and suggestions that any one of you would have

Hi Sarahbeth;-) I'm having my surgery here in Seattle at Virginia Mason hospital. My Dr. Is Dr. Chang. And I tell you that the only way that I can be at ease with all of this is because of the hospitals credentials and reputation along with my Drs. I picked up my two week pre op diet... Ugh, good thing it's only for 2weeks! My poor husband LOL! Luckily I can have all the salad and carrots I want along with sugar free hello, yum! Oh well, sigh, it's for a good reason. Seems we tend to have " fatty livers" and the docs have an easier time in there if our livers aren't in the way. I'm thinking the next two weeks will actually be the hardest of all. keep me posted

I'm 2 weeks post op and am feeling hungry a lot now. I know it's not head hunger. Then when I start to eat I hardly can take more than 3 bites. Is this normal at this stage? Sent from my iPhone using VST

@@leag78 Hang in there---MANY of us have crazy stories like that, here's a synopsis of mine: --Hubby's work policy has specifically excluded WLS for at least 10 years --Last fall (early Oct), I looked into purchasing a policy for just me on the Affordable Care Marketplace ("Obamacare") --I'm in AZ, and all Marketplace policies must cover WLS -- not a well-known fact. I think it's 23 states ACA policies must cover WLS. Who knew? A fluke I found out... --Found a policy thru BCBS of AZ that costs about $600/month, but we save about $200/month by not included me on hubby's work policy. Expensive, kind of, but $3500 out of pocket max, after that, all is 100% covered. --Waited for open enrollment; purchased policy --BCBS sent me bariatric guidelines -- said 8-week pre-op diet; covers band, sleeve or bypass --Surgeon's office said have to do 6-month dr-supervised diet. Went round and round w/them since BCBS told me 8-week diet, not 6 months. --Yada, yada, yada -- finally, BCBS told me that they accidentally gave me the wrong guidelines. --UGH UGH UGH --'Real' guidelines say 6-month dr-supervised diet (which I'd done elsewhere, so that was ok for me), but only cover band and bypass, exclude sleeve. I have no idea why. --I get everything set up w/surgeon's office, have them change my file from wanting sleeve to bypass. They confirmed they had done that so when submitted to BCBS, it would say bypass since they don't cover sleeve on my policy. --Surgeon submits paperwork, I get call that my sleeve is approved. Yes, sleeve. --Dead silence on my part, then I ask 'so they now cover sleeve on my policy?" --Surgeon's office: "yes, they've specifically approved sleeve." I said, BUT IT'S NOT COVERED. --Surgeon's office checks w/BCBS again and lo and behold, sleeve is not covered. they were extremely apologetic, but I could have had sleeve surgery and they could have said 'oops', you're not covered for that!!!! --Plus, my surgeon's office had confirmed they'd changed my file to say bypass, but they obviously hadn't, and submitted me for sleeve (mistake) which BCBS approved (mistake) --Bottom line: Bypass surgery scheduled this Friday, day after tomorrow --Other bottom line: YOU have to be in charge of everything and know what's covered, what's not, get it all in writing, and triple-check EVERYTHING. Not to discourage you AT ALL, just offering advice. HANG IN THERE and keep your eye on the prize! Feel so very fortunate to have bypass covered, but what a huge hassle!!! I keep a spreadsheet of "to do's" and who I spoke with, etc. Names, dates, etc.

I was already on the following plan when I started my 3-month supervised plan: 1200 calories a day + exercise calories Low carb (10g or less per meal) Lean Proteins Exercise 4-5 days a week (3 days weights + cardio, 2 days cardio only). My cardio preference is HIIT on elliptical. My nutritionist approved my plan an I continued doing that until my pre-op. Best wish on your journey!

I did about three weeks of pre-op diet, but mine was a mixture of shakes & protein bars. Think I had like 5 small shakes & 4 small protein bars per day.

@@twztdzsgrl Give your doctor a call. I find it hard to believe that you are on a clear liquid diet for more then a couple of days. Your body needs Protein and other Vitamins and minerals, I had to be on a 2 week liquid diet but not all clear fluids. Give them a call and ask them for an eating plan and let them know what's going on with you and seek their advice.

Greetings... just getting started on this journey after being overweight all of my life. I am 53 yr old single granny raising three grandkids, two are under two...lol. Yes, I am crazy. I never thought I would actually be doing this.. WLS. But I am blessed to have qualified and been approved so far. I have Kaiser insurance and as of now I am scheduled to begin the 12 weeks of required education classes Nov 3rd. I have had and have lots of appts and requirements to meet the next three months. I am scared, excited and very overwhelmed with it all right now. I am thankful at a chance for a new life , where I can be more mobile and in less pain. I work part time as a teacher and am wondering how long I need to take off after surgery? I have lots of questions but they can wait... glad to be here.

Hi ! I waiting for my insurance approval from Surgeons Office. I spoke to them 2 weeks ago I will be calling again tomorrow hopefully will get an answer. Want to start a diet plan in the meantime. Hoping to have a December date too ! Chrissy

Thanks Auri P. You are an inspiration. My surgery is exactly 3 weeks from today. I'm ready........I think.....

Many people over this last year have asked me what I did to prepare for my weight loss surgery. There were many things that I did and not one was more important than another. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that your preparation heading into surgery and especially the liquid diet the week or two prior will be the hardest and most important thing you do as a part of your journey. You will work hard to prepare your mind, your body, and to some degree your spirit to go though the surgery. Once you do have the surgery the hardest part is over. If you can survive the months before taking the plunge then everything you do after will be a piece of cake in comparison. I am here to tell you that anyone who says having a weight loss surgery is taking the easy way out is someone who will never understand what it truly takes to go through this process. To some degree I feel sorry for those who don't get it. They will never understand the joy and excitement that comes with going through this transformation. To be honest, even though my wife loves me and has been an amazing support through this whole process, she will never full know or understand what it is like to make this decision and prepare for the surgery like I do. This is part one, in a series of three posts, detailing my preparation for surgery. The first aspect of this preparation I will cover is how I prepared my body. This was pretty simple for me really. I was in bad shape and was huffing after just sitting up from a chair; as my transformation video in an earlier post has shown. I was miserable! I would practically crawl through my front door after just my first night back to work. I work as a pharmacy technician at a hospital and walk 8 to 12 miles a night. I was living off of Tylenol and Bengay. Honestly I smelled like I was probably 90 years old. Looking back I find myself completely disgusted that I ever let things get that bad. Since I could not really do much working out because of the toll work was taking on my body, what could I do? The answer came from my brother. He is a nurse and knows a ton about medicine. I honestly think he should have became a doctor, but he didn't want the added responsibility. Before I had fully decided on having the bypass surgery and long before anyone knew I was even contemplating that option my brother came to me, as serious as I had ever seen him. Those that know my brother know he's a bit of a joker and very lighthearted. His demeanor kind of scared me, but in this conversation would be the answer that would help me prepare my body for surgery. He explained to me that he wanted to see me healthy, that he wanted me to be able to be the cool uncle when he had kids, and how he wanted his brother back. He was scared that I wouldn't be around much longer and didn't want to see me die. Looking back I really think he was right. Then he did something that floored me and provided and amazing answer to how I would physically prepare for the journey I was about to take. He explained to me that he wanted me healthy so badly he would pay for my gym membership if I promised to go three times a week and swim. On a side note; He religiously checked up on my progress with the gym manager to make sure I was going and even went so far as to meet me at the gym and swim with me. I swam on a team in junior high and he explained to me the benefits of working out in the Water. Water has the ability to take all of the pressure off of your knees and other joints. It can keep you cool if you are prone to overheating and provides an amazing about of resistance if you find ways to take advantage of it. He set up a plan and told me just to come three times a week to swim and do what I could. So that is what I did. I did not want to let me brother down and I would hope he would agree it was the best investment he ever made. So that is what I did; I swam. I swam freestyle, I swam breast stroke, I saw backstroke, and when I was feeling particularly squirrely, I swam butterfly. Butterfly was my specialty when I was on swim team but man it is a butt kicker. I started out with 10 laps, which was a lot better than I had thought. I found I could move more freely and with less pain in the water. From there I just simply added one or two laps each time I went. Before I knew it, I was approaching my surgery date and I was swimming close to an hour non-stop! Why should I work out prior to surgery? There is a very simple answer. To prepare your body. You need to prepare your body for what you are about to put it through. This is major surgery and not something to take lightly. You also want to work out to build up your cardiovascular and pulmonary endurance. Strengthening the heart will make you strong for surgery because your body will be stressed, because of this your blood pressure will spike for a short time after surgery and it is a lot to put on yourself. Strengthening your lungs will help keep you from a common post surgical complication which is pneumonia. My goal in preparing my body was simply to be able to survive the surgery, keep my complications down, and my hospital stay short as should be your goal as well. I want to tell you right now that preparing my body worked out well. I had no major complications and I left the hospital three days later, which was the minimum hospital stay my doctor required for his full bypass patients. What if I can't swim? The key here is to simply get moving. If you can walk, then walk. If you have access to a pool, then you can water walk or water jog. If you love biking and can do that, then do that. You just need to move. Your goals with this are simple. First, you want to make sure you are panting a little from being out of breath when you are done. This will show you that your lungs have been pushed a little and if that is true then your heart will have been pushed also. Second, each time you work out, just add a little to it. If your taking laps on a track, add a lap or a half a lap each time. If you are walking your neighborhood then walk for another 30 seconds or a minute. If you do this early, as soon as you begin contemplating surgery the further along and better prepared you will be, come surgery day. As always, if you have any questions, or if there is anything unclear, please post your questions and comments below and I will work to answer them all as soon as I can. Also check again soon for part 2 of the series about dealing with the psychological aspects of preparing for the amazing journey you are taking.

Oh Lizard, I was mad as hell too. I really was. It took two weeks from me before I talked myself back up. When I initially left the office, I was like you. As soon as he said that, I thought "I'm going to show you!" Now, when that day comes and I'm finally135, I'm sure he'll forget he ever said that and tell me 'Of course you could lose all your weight with the sleeve'. You know that's true, but either way, I'm losing all this weight and more. Pertaining to the vitamins, I am such a bad pill taker. I really am. But as soon as I was approved by insurance, they emailed me a slew of information, one of them being my needed daily vitamins. It said as soon as I read this, start the vitamins right away to build up a supply. So I have, which is good because it's a little tricky. There's a time frame around all these vitamins in what not to take with what. For instance, I'm on a synthroid pill where I can't take pretty much anything with, just to be safe. I take that at 5. My multivitamin and calcium can't be taken together. Those, too, need four hours apart, and both need four hours apart from my synthroid. It's been a little over two weeks and I feel like I'm now getting the hang of it. So, yes, I'm glad I started early because this is the last thing I'll want to deal with when I'm recovering. So, I take my synthroid at five am, I take my B Complex-50 with my multivitamin at ten o'clock, calcium #1 at two o'clock, and calcium #2 at dinner. And guess what? I'm actually taking them and not hating it. In fact, that B complex-50 is pretty amazing in helping me with boosting my energy and supporting my metabolism while I'm low carbing right now in preparation for my surgery. You'll love that vitamin!

I have Anthem BCBS and was approved in a week. I only lost 2 lbs from first visit to approval. As long as you're over 35 BMI you should be fine. But, they will want to see losses from the pre-op diet most likely. Like @@Elode said, each one is different though.