Anyone just starting this journey?? I would love to keep up with anyone who is new to the process so that I can know what to expect although I know each case is different. Anyone had their first consultation recently?? Or at the beginning stages of the process?? What’s been the experience thus far?

I had my first seminar at Eden with the Sutter Alta Bates group. I was impressed with the time they took to explain everything and how chill they were. They have us info packet and said to give them a couple weeks to get in contact to schedule or first consult and start scheduling the classes and testing. I'm excited and nervous and worried and excited and scared.

Just starting here as well. My first appointment was 4/11. I have to do the 6 month nutritionist visits and all of the test that people have mentioned. Nervous but excited. I appreciate all of the advice like finding a protein shake now. I haven't told anyone other than my husband. Estimating surgery by the end of the year. So far I have met with the nutritionist 4/18 and yesterday had the psych eval which she said she was clearing me for surgery.

Thank you for starting this, I look forward to going through this process together!

Attended my seminar on 4/19, nutrition class today and history and physical on Monday and a follow up with my PCP in 5/3. Not sure when I meet with the actual surgeon. This was just the order I was told to do things. ??‍♀️

Just starting here as well. My first appointment was 4/11. I have to do the 6 month nutritionist visits and all of the test that people have mentioned. Nervous but excited. I appreciate all of the advice like finding a protein shake now. I haven't told anyone other than my husband. Estimating surgery by the end of the year. So far I have met with the nutritionist 4/18 and yesterday had the psych eval which she said she was clearing me for surgery.
Thank you for starting this, I look forward to going through this process together!

I drink chocolate Premier Protein. It’s easy— grab and go! Definitely one of the best tasting I have had. I keep a couple everywhere for a quick snack. Just do NOT keep them in the car. I learned the hard way ?

I’m not at the very beginning of the journey. My surgery is set for May 10 and I started the Optifast diet to shrink my liver today. I’ve been waiting for 18 months to get everything complete and approved by my bcbs. I had to do three visits with my surgeon after the consultation, initial lab tests, 12 months of monthly nutritional counseling, 4 visits with a special psychiatrist, a meeting at the office with other pre-op patients, a meeting for instructions on pre-op diet and after care, 2 weeks Optifast diet and a second set of lab work. I still have the endoscopy, meeting with the anesthesiologist, X-rays and labs right before surgery.
It has been a LOOOONG journey. It seems like a lot of people had way less hoops to jump through, but I’m glad mine was incredibly thorough. I’m still nervous of course, but I feel super prepared at this point thanks to everything I’ve had (and still have to) do.

I’m not at the very beginning of the journey. My surgery is set for May 10 and I started the Optifast diet to shrink my liver today. I’ve been waiting for 18 months to get everything complete and approved by my bcbs. I had to do three visits with my surgeon after the consultation, initial lab tests, 12 months of monthly nutritional counseling, 4 visits with a special psychiatrist, a meeting at the office with other pre-op patients, a meeting for instructions on pre-op diet and after care, 2 weeks Optifast diet and a second set of lab work. I still have the endoscopy, meeting with the anesthesiologist, X-rays and labs right before surgery.
It has been a LOOOONG journey. It seems like a lot of people had way less hoops to jump through, but I’m glad mine was incredibly thorough. I’m still nervous of course, but I feel super prepared at this point thanks to everything I’ve had (and still have to) do.

Goodness that seems like so much to go through! I have BCBS as well but don't have to do a majority of what you did. I don't think I could have handled it.

Just starting here as well. My first appointment was 4/11. I have to do the 6 month nutritionist visits and all of the test that people have mentioned. Nervous but excited. I appreciate all of the advice like finding a protein shake now. I haven't told anyone other than my husband. Estimating surgery by the end of the year. So far I have met with the nutritionist 4/18 and yesterday had the psych eval which she said she was clearing me for surgery.
Thank you for starting this, I look forward to going through this process together!

Premier protein for sure! Their pre-made drinks are perfect to throw in the fridge and drink. They're not a terrible taste either. I wouldn't try their powder though.

An answer for all of us. Was to WallyWorld today, they have come up with an Equate version of Premier Protein, $5.25 as apposed to $7,27. only in Chocolate-Vanilla-Caramel versions so far but 30mg protein also. Might be a savings if they only taste as good.?

Goodness that seems like so much to go through! I have BCBS as well but don't have to do a majority of what you did. I don't think I could have handled it.

I don’t know. It’s weird because the research I did online said I’d have to do all this stuff. But then I came on here and see that some people are just eating like normal until surgery day. I think that’s crazy. It seems safer to do the Optifast and shrink your liver before surgery so the cameras can see better. I’m glad I went the way I did. I just feel like it’s the safest way for me.


HW: 311
CW: 262
SW: We’ll see on May 10!

7 hours ago, jackiesays said:

I drink chocolate Premier Protein. It’s easy— grab and go! Definitely one of the best tasting I have had. I keep a couple everywhere for a quick snack. Just do NOT keep them in the car. I learned the hard way ?

Great...thanks for the tip. I will give it a try...and keep it out of the car - got it!

6 hours ago, moondoggie1983 said:

I’m not at the very beginning of the journey. My surgery is set for May 10 and I started the Optifast diet to shrink my liver today. I’ve been waiting for 18 months to get everything complete and approved by my bcbs. I had to do three visits with my surgeon after the consultation, initial lab tests, 12 months of monthly nutritional counseling, 4 visits with a special psychiatrist, a meeting at the office with other pre-op patients, a meeting for instructions on pre-op diet and after care, 2 weeks Optifast diet and a second set of lab work. I still have the endoscopy, meeting with the anesthesiologist, X-rays and labs right before surgery.
It has been a LOOOONG journey. It seems like a lot of people had way less hoops to jump through, but I’m glad mine was incredibly thorough. I’m still nervous of course, but I feel super prepared at this point thanks to everything I’ve had (and still have to) do.

I "officially" no longer feel like I have to go through a lot, I too have BCBS but my list is not as extensive. It looks like you have done a great job and made it through it all. Congrats!

3 hours ago, Frustr8 said:

An answer for all of us. Was to WallyWorld today, they have come up with an Equate version of Premier Protein, $5.25 as apposed to $7,27. only in Chocolate-Vanilla-Caramel versions so far but 30mg Protein also. Might be a savings if they only taste as good.?

LOL I just had to google WallyWorld ! I have seen it referred in a few posts and finally looked to see what it meant!

I don’t know. It’s weird because the research I did online said I’d have to do all this stuff. But then I came on here and see that some people are just eating like normal until surgery day. I think that’s crazy. It seems safer to do the Optifast and shrink your liver before surgery so the cameras can see better. I’m glad I went the way I did. I just feel like it’s the safest way for me.


HW: 311
CW: 262
SW: We’ll see on May 10!

I know I have to do a psych eval and approval from my pcp. But nothing else was required for BCBS. Now the program I'm going through is definitely making me do more than my insurance requires. But luckily I only have to do 3 months with a nutritionist.

I "officially" no longer feel like I have to go through a lot, I too have BCBS but my list is not as extensive. It looks like you have done a great job and made it through it all. Congrats!

Thank you! It’s been nuts! [emoji23]Maybe because it’s not through the state. When I called BCBSNC last year about it I was told that there were pretty much no requirements if you’re on a state employee plan. But for me, having purchased it through the marketplace, I got to have LOTS of fun with the process. But 12 days to go! I honestly hope no one else has to go through the process like I did! May everyone else have a much easier journey!


HW: 311
CW: 262
SW: We’ll see on May 10!

Thank you! It’s been nuts! [emoji23]Maybe because it’s not through the state. When I called BCBSNC last year about it I was told that there were pretty much no requirements if you’re on a state employee plan. But for me, having purchased it through the marketplace, I got to have LOTS of fun with the process. But 12 days to go! I honestly hope no one else has to go through the process like I did! May everyone else have a much easier journey!


HW: 311
CW: 262
SW: We’ll see on May 10!

Are you in Nc?! I moved from Nc->Mo a little over a year ago. My bcbs is through TX for whatever reason that's what my job went with. Well either way congratulations now!! I know it has to feel good with the end being near.