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a couple questions for all the sleeve veterans



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HI ! So earlier in the week I posted saying how discouraged I was because i couldn't find 2014 doctor records to send to my insurance. Someone (drawing a blank on the username) told me to brainstorm hard, and I did, and I found 2014 records and got approved!! Yay!! Monday they are calling me for a surgery date!! I'm so thrilled! But I do have some questions if anyone is willing to help me

1. I was told not to gain weight before surgery because it can postpone the date. I weighed 250 in June when I began this journey and currently weigh 254. I know when I do the pre op diet I will lose the 4 pounds. But do you guys think I should try to lose the 4 before I meet with my surgeon for the pre op appointment? Does it even matter? It's 4 effing pounds !!

2. I am on 4 different medications I take daily. Is swallowing pills an issue with anyone post-op? Any suggestions or tips that could help me? Should I take them 1 at a time? A lot of Water? Anything at all!

Thank you guys!!! You're all so helpful whenever I post. I really appreciate everything.

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I did not have a rule about not gaining weight - I would think once you are approved you are approved, but I don't know if this is an insurance rule or a rule at the bariatric practice you are using.

I did not have any trouble taking my pills after surgery but I did take them one at a time.

congrats on getting approved!

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I took pills even my huge metformin pills after surgery no issues.

Ditto. Wasn't even told to crush them up.

If your medications you are on are weight related, don't be surprised when you're taken off of them several weeks after surgery. One of the many wonderful things about this surgery!

Oh, and congrats!

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Oh, and I would also do the best you can to lose a few pounds. Just start getting into the healthy eating mode early by eating lean Proteins and veggies and lots of Water. Do that for a couple of weeks, and you'll see the weight come off. Plus you'll feel great.

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Congratulations on your approval. I asked this same question. I was told its ok to have gained a few pounds unless its a rule from ur insurance that u have to be at the weight they set for u or less. Just to be on the safe side I would try to be at the weight

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I was told we had to lose weight. I lost 15 lbs. When I went for my last preop visit I was told if I gained they would not do the surgery. The Dr needs to move your liver which needs to be pliable. That means high Protein, low carb, limit alcohol. You're having major surgery. You need to be in the best health you can be for it.

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HI ! So earlier in the week I posted saying how discouraged I was because i couldn't find 2014 doctor records to send to my insurance. Someone (drawing a blank on the username) told me to brainstorm hard, and I did, and I found 2014 records and got approved!! Yay!! Monday they are calling me for a surgery date!! I'm so thrilled! But I do have some questions if anyone is willing to help me

1. I was told not to gain weight before surgery because it can postpone the date. I weighed 250 in June when I began this journey and currently weigh 254. I know when I do the pre op diet I will lose the 4 pounds. But do you guys think I should try to lose the 4 before I meet with my surgeon for the pre op appointment? Does it even matter? It's 4 effing pounds !!

2. I am on 4 different medications I take daily. Is swallowing pills an issue with anyone post-op? Any suggestions or tips that could help me? Should I take them 1 at a time? A lot of Water? Anything at all!

Thank you guys!!! You're all so helpful whenever I post. I really appreciate everything.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I manage to get 15 pills down a day. It sucks but I can do it.

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Oh congratulations on date I finally got mine too. I go on October 25th for sleeve. I wasn't told to lose weight but was 270 first visit with surgeon. I am now 252 but started making small changes when I left Dr.office that day trying to prepare myself for after surgery. Lil changes like from regular coffee to half caffeine and now Decaf. Whole milk to 2% and now at 1% (which I use 4 coffee or a rare bowl of Cereal ),from white bread (several times a day ),to 100% whole wheat and now at least 2 Protein shakes a day (I use the Premier Protein Shakes as they have 30 grams of Protein per drink).

I didn't think about measuring myself the first mo.but from July 30th to August 30th I lost over 16 in along with the weight.

But depending on your Dr.whether it's 2 weeks or 4 weeks prior to surgery the preop diet is to help you lose a little bit to make your liver go down and make the surgery easier for the surgeon and you.

I take 17 pills a day and had a med . change which made me gain as I had gotten down to 249 .So of course I told my Dr.no way!!!Went back to original medicine and been trying to get the weight back down.

If you can make small changes now that would benefit you for surgery and success I think.

Good luck with your journey! !

Allie

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Allie - I'm not sure if you can get your med count down, but I'd try to either

A - eliminate meds

B - smaller pills (i.e. 1 40mg tablet changed to 2 20mgs)

C - see if liquid or dissolving forms are available

D - make sure you bring them to the hospital

I have struggled big time with my 15 (about 18 with pain meds and anti nausea). I wish I'd known beforw that it'd be such an issue.

Best of luck!

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