Hello and Happy New Year to all! This is all new for me as I have taken the next step in taking care of my body by having gastric sleeve surgey! I just received my letter of consent from my Dr. yesterday and I have my first appointment with my surgeon on Saturday..Im nervous and excited at the same time! Its almost like an outter body experience because I have been thinking about surgery for years! What a way to start a new year huh?! Any advice on what to expect during the pre op process would be great! Thanks in advance guys!

Most insurance require 6 months of supervised diet, and psych exam. Your surgeon will want you to lose a certain amount before surgery to show that you can follow directions. And right before surgery you will have to do a liquid diet anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks - so find a protein drink you like, but don't buy a whole ton of it because you might not like it after surgery (your taste preferences might change).

Good luck! It was the best decision I've ever made

Wow! I knew about the psych eval but the 2 week diet I didnt know about.. Thanks!

I'm in Canada so didn't have to do the insurance loop but had very similar requirements pre surgery. We were told to expect 6 to 9 months before actual surgery and honestly, I needed that. They would have signed me off after 3 months as I was doing so well with the weight loss during that period but other things got in the way of that and really, I needed that time. There is a lot to learn as far as how you will have to eat after surgery so this pre time is a good time to educate and experiment and it will help you so much to really get into what you are going to be able to eat in the weeks after..it's very little so it really helps if you can make it interesting!!

The couple of weeks leading up to the surgery vary depending on the surgeon. I went with the Optifast as I simply didn't want to think about making the pre-op diet meals..so I did 4 of those a day plus 2 cups of non starch cooked vegetables and it really wasn't too bad. I ended up doing this for 4 weeks due to scheduling issues but the surgeon said my surgery was easy and I have had very little pain after. Returned to work after 3 weeks but could have gone back after 2 I'm sure. My work is not physical mind you.

There tends to be so much stress leading up to this..and it is not a small surgery by any means, but if you follow the directions as they are set out, it's not that bad either. Though each experience is different and there are those that have had a harder time and I sympathize with those...but be positive looking forward!

This is a life changer and a lifelong journey but I don't regret it for a minute.

Congrats on starting your journey!

Take your measurements! There will be times when you want to hit the scale with a sledgehammer. It can be very fickle. But when your weight isn't dropping, your measurements probably are. That will help get you through stalls, which can be very discouraging. Take "before" photos as well. They'll help keep you motivated during tough times.

Try to connect with a few people who have surgery at the same time as you. It is really helpful to swap stories and encourage each other.

Do plenty of research. If you have multiple surgeons available in your area, compare their programs, the support offered (as in continuing access to the nutritionist, psychologist, etc.). Look into (and attend) support groups near you and ask questions of people who've used your surgeon, hospital, etc.

Good luck!

What I've learned so far is that everyone's journey is completely different! My insurance did not require me to lose weight or follow anything for a specified period of time. My pre-op diet is low carb/high protein but thankfully not all liquid. It's a rollercoaster and an emotional journey but we're all in it together!

Thank you so much for your encouragement and support❤ We are in this together? I will post hiw my initial appt. went on saturday!

Neither my surgeon nor my insurance required weight loss before surgery. I started the process on oct 4 with my first appt w the surgeon. I had finished all requirements by thanksgiving. My surgery is scheduled for feb. More insurances are getting rid of the diet requirements.

Good Luck on your Journey! Just remember the pain if you are subject to it after surgery. Walk as much as you can and it will help alleviate it.