So I am just waiting on approval for my surgery but I was wondering what I should be doing now to better prepare myself. For those who have already had the surgery what? advice can you give? If you could go back what are some things you wish you would have worked on more before getting the surgery? I research and what vlogs everyday but I still feel like I am missing something. Instead of stressing about if I will be approved or not or worse stress eating I want to do something productive with my time while I wait.

Being prepared by doing lots of research is a good move. If you haven’t yet, look at your current diet & start making small changes. You could cut back on your portion sizes, reduce your caffeine, alcohol & sugar intake or reduce how many carbs you’re eating. Look for healthier food choices & cooking methods. Add some exercise into your daily routine if you don’t now. Introducing some of these changes will make it easier in the long term.

You could start thinking about why you’re eating - habit, boredom, emotions or actual real hunger. What do you crave - sugar, salt/savoury, caffeine, carbs, ... This is part of the head work we all have to do.

Start making new habits now. Even if your approval is delayed, the changes will be of benefit to you.

Good luck. I hope you hear positive news soon.

If you met all the criteria & your Surgeon’s office completed all requested paperwork, they should be able to answer this so you are not in “ limbo.” You can also contact your insurance carrier and inquire about your status. I doubt you would not be accepted, most insurance, not all, is paying for bariatric surgery. If you have not already done this to prepare for your new life, an excellent resource for now & in the future: “Obesity Action Coalition.” You May already know about this organization, the website: www.obesityaction.com

When you access this site there is a lot of information preparing for Bariatric surgery, the resources offered are excellent for everyday, but also an excellent support system. They list 10 ways to prepare, I won’t list them all as it’s probably easier for you to read it on the website: 1. Start to Think about why you eat, 2. Keep a list of non- food ways to cope w/stress, 3. Don’t compare yourself with others, 4. Follow up, Follow up, Follow up, 5. Prepare to feel a little left out at dining & social gatherings. I referenced 5 items from the 10 Ways to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery. With each item is an explanation how to manage each one. You are not alone, there are many resources and groups on line & in your community. The OAC Community is an excellent, one of the best resources. You are in NC? I am from NC, excellent health care, exemplary hospitals in NC, whether it is Duke in Raleigh or Winston Salem - Wake Forest/Bowman Gray Center, UNC, Vidant Medical Center... You are in good hands with exceptional hospitals. Good luck, you will do great!

If you met all the criteria & your Surgeon’s office completed all requested paperwork, they should be able to answer this so you are not in “ limbo.” You can also contact your insurance carrier and inquire about your status. I doubt you would not be accepted, most insurance, not all, is paying for bariatric surgery. If you have not already done this to prepare for your new life, an excellent resource for now & in the future: “Obesity Action Coalition.” You May already know about this organization, the website: www.obesityaction.com
When you access this site there is a lot of information preparing for Bariatric surgery, the resources offered are excellent for everyday, but also an excellent support system. They list 10 ways to prepare, I won’t list them all as it’s probably easier for you to read it on the website: 1. Start to Think about why you eat, 2. Keep a list of non- food ways to cope w/stress, 3. Don’t compare yourself with others, 4. Follow up, Follow up, Follow up, 5. Prepare to feel a little left out at dining & social gatherings. I referenced 5 items from the 10 Ways to Prepare for Bariatric Surgery. With each item is an explanation how to manage each one. You are not alone, there are many resources and groups on line & in your community. The OAC Community is an excellent, one of the best resources. You are in NC? I am from NC, excellent health care, exemplary hospitals in NC, whether it is Duke in Raleigh or Winston Salem - Wake Forest/Bowman Gray Center, UNC, Vidant Medical Center... You are in good hands with exceptional hospitals. Good luck, you will do great!

Thank you for this seriously from the bottom of my heart. I called insurance friday and its still pending.

Sent from my SM-G981U using BariatricPal mobile app

So I am just waiting on approval for my surgery but I was wondering what I should be doing now to better prepare myself. For those who have already had the surgery what? advice can you give? If you could go back what are some things you wish you would have worked on more before getting the surgery? I research and what vlogs everyday but I still feel like I am missing something. Instead of stressing about if I will be approved or not or worse stress eating I want to do something productive with my time while I wait.

I havent gotten my surgery approved yet but the doctors suggest tracking meals, working out daily, and being honest. If you arent honest with the app or the doctors then they cant help you! It's okay to go over the calorie count every once in a while but try to limit those actions. Try to replace breakfast or lunch with a protein shake and try to consume AT LEAST 60 grams of protein a day. I got a booklet of how the Stages before and after surgery look like and how it will go. I hope everything goes well!!!!

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

start tracking your intake, increasing water intake, eliminating caffeine, sweets and alcohol, start meal prep research and invest in any needed tools, try a variety of protein shakes and powders, research recipes and phases....the more you do to prepare the easier the transition will be after surgery.

I personally invested in glass meal prep containers, measuring cups, shaker bottle, personal blender, 1/4-1/2 c storage containers. I also had a variety of premade shakes available, protein broths and soups, hot chocolate and chai tea (from BP store), and a vanilla, chocolate and unflavored protein powder for adding to food to supplement protein. Also, get in the routine of being active everyday if you are not already. Hope this helps and good luck!

All great suggestions! I would suggest starting to document your progress (photos videos, vlogs, etc) so you can see/remember your progress down the line.

Start eating now like you plan to eat post-surgery. Don't have a "Food Funeral" and splurge and eat a lot of junk. Document your measurements, take photos, and weigh yourself so you'll have timelines to look back on as you make your progress.