AcidArmor

Hi all, (VGS) I wanted to get some outside opinions. Firstly, I will say I am following what my dietician has directed. They want me to do a 3 month supervised diet which is fine, but they want me to cut out almost all carbs. I understand that getting the high protein is important and I agree. But my main concern is their opinion on things like brown rice, oatmeal, bananas and telling me not to eat ANY of it (even in small amounts).I feel like after surgery I would definitely try re-introducing some of those foods in small amounts because I believe they are healthy. I can tell my bariatric center is one of the ones that struggles to understand vegetarianism in detail, as everyone there pushes the protein and meat being easier (but no one has actually told me to eat meat or anything). It just seems strange to me that 3 whole months before surgery they only want me eating protein sources and vegetables,low carb fruits and no grains or anything at all. I have seen other surgeons in various places suggest different restrictions on diets and not all of them ban all carbs. I am at 38bmi and I don’t need to lose much before the surgery so it isn’t like, a rapid weight loss diet or anything pre-surgery. They sort of act like any carbs aren’t good for you. I understand immediately after surgery protein is top priority so getting in any carbs would be pretty difficult. It’s more-so that before and after permanently they are kind of saying to ban grains and things like that. But I know there are people eating a vegan diet etc and we’re able to re-introduce small amounts of carbs just fine. I am completely willing to cut down on carbs a lot, but has anyone else run into this experience ? My goal is to figure out a diet that works for me as a lifestyle and provides me with nutrients- before and after surgery. Just looking for some input from people who have gone through the surgery and how they handled this/what they are and if they agreed to long term elimination of most carbs. Thanks for any help!

I was just warned about raw veggies during a video appointment with my dietician about waiting a while after surgery, and to enjoy them as much as I can leading up to it. When you guys say stuff doesn’t “sit well” could you possibly give any more description? Is it just like, nausea or indigestion? Or stomach cramps and the works? Just wanted to get an idea of what that may be like

Thanks for all your input everyone, I will take it all into consideration going forward. I will also look into finding a nutritionist that understands vegetarianism and bariatric surgery to make things a bit easier. Thank you!

Thank you so much for your input! I feel better when thinking of it that way. Everything is just really new to me and I am worried about all the small things.

Hi! I’m new to the forum but have been lurking for a few weeks. I just started the process to get approved for the VGS. My currently BMI is about 38, and I have high blood pressure as my comorbidity. My insurance is BCBS of MA, and so far their requirements aren’t too strict. I did my nutrition, psych eval and surgeon consult yesterday. I still need to do some tests and follow a 3 month diet (per surgeon, not insurance) to help transition eating habits. I am still so nervous of getting denied even with my comorbidity. Mostly because my BP is mostly contained with a combination medication, but it still does go higher than is ideal. I’m just wondering if anyone knows what kind of documentation is usually required? I was diagnosed 3 years ago, but recently my blood pressure hasn’t been crazy high because of the medication. I guess I’m just worried the insurance will be like nope simply because it is in an acceptable range sometimes. I wasn’t sure if it was simply the diagnosis or if they want a bunch of proof I have high BP? I’m sure it may be different for different insurances, I guess I am just looking for a little advice. Does anyone have any experience with this? I am also waiting to try to get a sleep study for potential sleep apnea as well, but if I don’t have that then my blood pressure is my only qualifying comorbidity on the BCBS of MA list. I’m just afraid to get my hopes up. I have my visit with the NP at the bariatric center to start the 3 month supervised diet next Monday and I’m just very nervous something will go wrong. Thanks for any help!