My surgery is scheduled for 11/19/13. I have to attend a 4 hour pre-op class a few weeks before. Is this common at other weight management centers? Also do other places allow patients to sample the required liquid diet product before they begin their preop diet? My program requires us to use new directions products. I have to a two week liquid diet.

Congrats! Each program varies. I had to attend a two hour seminar, a psych apt, nutritionalist consult, 30 minute video and quiz on the procedure and diet then a series of pre op test. Don't let it discourage you. Best thing to do is be prepared.

I had a four hour pre-op class as well. We had to buy food from our surgeon's office (sigh . . .) not all liquids but different kinds of protein chips, bars, pastas, etc. We didn't get to sample beforehand, but I hear lots of other doctors do allow that.

I have also done:

3 behaviorist appts

3 nutritionist appts

a ct angiogram

a chest x ray

blood work 2x

echocardiogram

mammogram

annual exam and pap smear

neuro clearance

physical

body comp test

exercise specialist appt

cardiology consult

here is what I have had to do. a blood test, a urine drug and nicotine test, 1 psychologist visit, a cardiac clearance test, and a EGD. I would have had to do a sleep study but I had one 2 years ago and came back nothing. 2 months left and on my last month I will need to go to 2 NUT classes.

I had to do a 4 hour pre-op class. My doctor gives out a binder full of EVERYTHING that you go through before, during, and after surgery. In my class they went over the binder, things you can eat, things you can't eat, things to avoid before surgery, we signed our consent for surgery forms, and they also gave out our tummy teddys. It wasn't bad. I learned a lot of neat stuff. Like to not to drink anything red or purple before surgery.

I just did the pre op classes today, they lasted about 4hrs also. Just going over all the info on everything. Healtheast Bariatrics in St. Paul Mn. Info was on what you have learned and what to do from two week liquid diet pre op to post op diet. What all will happen upon entering hospital for surgery until your ready to be discharged. Everything you need to know.

What's a tummy teddy?? I assume to hold when you have to cough??? I had a 4 hr class also and it was actually really informative and kind of fun. We got a bunch of samples of vitamins and and a few different protein shakes and powders. I liked that they didn't try to push any one specific product but give us a broad overview and some options. To the starter if the thread-- sounds like you have had a ton of hoops to jump through. Try to keep an open mind when you go the the long visit, it's probably not going to be as bad as you think.

It's just that I hate long meetings. I have a hard time sitting longer than 1 hour and I always have to pee constantly, it's so embarrassing!

Yeah, a tummy teddy is a teddy bear that's flat on the back to use after surgery.