Surgery Timing and Other Questions

[Sunnyskies2283 23]

Hi everyone...I am starting this path of being approved for surgery and would like to know based on your experience on when you think my surgery is likely to be planned. I cannot get a solid answer it seems. Likely because they don't like to commit to anything. This is what I know:

-Insurance requires 12 week program The last class that I'm scheduled for is June 25.

-They have a requirement for 4 negative monthly nicotine tests. I tested positive for the derivative of nicotine on a urine test March 27 (although I was 3 days clean). I have not smoked since March 23 and will not so the future monthly tests will be negative.

With work, time off between September 1 and December 30 would be very difficult so all I would like to hear is that surgery would occur the beginning of August so I would have time to recover before September. Otherwise, I fear I would have to delay the surgery until January. I am stressing about something I cannot really change at this point.

How long after your 12 week or 6 month program was your surgery scheduled for? Do you think they would go ahead and schedule the surgery after June with it being contingent still on a 4th negative nicotine test? Think I will have it scheduled beginning of August?

Another question...We've frequently heard (or at least I have) that a safe diet is 1200 calories and that you shouldn't really plan for a diet less than that Why is it okay after bariatric surgery to have fewer than those 1200 calories? The nutritionist indicated the average calories consumption is 600 - 800. Sound right? Is there extensive fatigue as a result of consuming so few calories?

One of my fears is that after surgery I will be so worried of eating wrong that it will make me scared to eat. If I do feel this way, is it safe to continue to consume only Protein shakes for longer periods than required (say for 2 months) until I feel the confidence to move into "real" food.

[Seela 1,187]

First, every insurance situation and surgeon is different. I had no insurance waiting period and was approved in about a week but my surgeon didn't have an opening for months. Second. .. wls changes your anatomy so no matter what you "hear" elsewhere, you need to follow your surgeons eating plan to the letter. Really it's the only way to insure success. Good luck

[1Day1Life4Now 882]

Wow, that's a lot for one post. Like Seela said, every insurance and surgeon is different so timing is up to them. Be upfront with your surgeon and the coordinator and let them know your time constraints. They will most likely be accommodating where they can. It will help if you do everything you are supposed to in order to make the process go quickly. I let my surgeon know that I wanted/needed surgery by a certain date due to an out of the country trip I had planned. I was scheduled 2 weeks after my last class. I made sure I had all of my prerequisite medical tests completed and sent to the surgical office so everything was on "ready". As for the 1200 calorie diet.. that pertains to people who haven't had WLS. With WLS you will only be able to eat a small amount at the beginning. Around 500 to 800 calories max. You will be drinking Protein Shakes and taking a lot of supplements to ensure you are getting your Vitamins. You will need to follow your doctor's diet plan. I've had no fatigue and actually have more energy with the weight loss and I'm only 7 weeks post op. Everyone has fears regarding the surgery and eating plan so don't stress too much about that. You will attend a class that will teach you how to eat and which foods to eat and which not to eat. You won't be thrown out there to flounder on your own. And of course there is this forum you can always come to for support. Trust me, you will be hungry for food and tired of liquids and you will want to eat. For now, focus on getting to the surgery. After the surgery focus on the healing and the eating. Take it all in order. If your surgeon has openings, I feel sure you can get scheduled for surgery in July or August. Good luck