I am a new Member.

[shannonblindsay 9]

I just joined Bariatric pal. I am 43 yrs old and 250 pounds. I am meeting with the surgeon on 12/18 and was told I would then be scheduled for an endoscopy. I am hoping to be approved for the Sleeve around the beginning of next year. I am very scared but I don't admit that to my family or friends bc they are scared for me. I would appreciate any pre-surgery advice. Thanks!

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Hello and welcome. Are you paying for the surgery yourself or by insurance? Each doctor and program is a little different but the typical process is pre-op testing. I had to have a Upper GI (no endoscopy), Pulmonary Function, Chest Xray, sleep Study, a Psychological evaluation and a Vascular Ultrasound due to my high BMI. I also had to attend a nutritionist class and attend at least one support group meeting. I had to attend an informational seminar that reviewed and discussed Bariatric surgery and the various option before I could even get an appointment with the surgeon. I was required to meet with the bariatric team at least 3 times. Each appointment I met with the nurse practitioner, the nutritionist and then the surgeon. My program submitted the request to my insurance company.

Some program or insurance companies require a pre-op diet. Mine didn't. I had an IVC filter put in. Some people take blood thinning injections instead. At my first appointment I was given a handbook that detailed everything I needed to do from start to finish. It's literally a loos leaf binder with the entire process outlined step by step. It even had listings of recommended Protein shakes/drinks/powders, sample menus for every post op stage and listings of recommended Vitamins and supplements for post op. Some doctors only recommend a daily multi-Vitamin. Mine recommends Vitamins & supplements similar to what bypass patients take.

Start to finish I would guess the entire process can be done in 2 or 3 months. I started the end of May and didn't have surgery until September because I took off a few weeks in the summer due to family obligations. If I did have that I likely could have been sleeve late July/ August.

However I had a wonderful surgical experience. No pain and no complications.

[shannonblindsay 9]

Thank you so much for your response. I was in the middle of the 6 month weight loss visits and I found out that if I switched to my company's insurance instead of my husbands'..then it would be paid 100% with a $100 copayment and there isn't a waiting period if I have the surgery with a surgeon associated with the Health System where I work, So, the new insurance starts on 1/1. I've had the psychiatric evaluation, a sleep study, and seen the dietitian at the first surgeon I went to. I have went to a seminar about getting the sleeve surgery with the new surgeon. I have an appt with the surgeon and their dietitian on 12/18. The Program Director told me they would then schedule me for an endoscopy. I might be able to have the surgery by late January or early Feb. I will probably not schedule it until mid- Feb so it will be after my son's birthday. I am excited and very scared. I only know what life is like overweight.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

just joined Bariatric pal scared - pre-surgery advice

@@shannonblindsay

welcome welcome welcome

always nice to meet and greet another pretty, smiling face into sleeveland

normal for you and family to be nervous

you'll see many great questions and responses from other members

also use the search button in the top right hand corner

read a book or two about bariatric surgery if you haven't already

WLS for Dummies

others too

surgeon/nutritionist will give you plenty of "rules" you need to follow pre-op and post op

start practicing Water rules

don't drink for 30 minutes before you eat

NEVER, EVER drink with your meals

wait 45-60 minutes after you eat before you drink

drink at least 64 oz of Water a day

many more rules to follow

above is a good start

the sleeve is a wonderful "helper" in getting you to loose weight

you have to work hard eating correctly, moderation, water rules, et al

sleeve won't magically remove all your excess weight - and keep it off

YOU have to work hard hard hard for the rest of your life to be successful

you will get rid of the weight, but then you have to work just as hard to maintain

be good to the sleeve and it will be good to you

its a "cake" walk

you are on your way to a healthier, happier, longer life

have fun jumping through all the hoops of insurance

surgery in February would be great

good luck

kathy

Edited December 8, 2014 by proudgrammy

[shannonblindsay 9]

Thank you for your advice. I'm going to switch from diet Pepsi to Water. I think that will be my first hurdle.