Pre-surgery requirements

 Hello all!  

I was just wondering what your pre-surgery requirements were with both diet and what your insurance required for approval.  

It seems maybe I have it way easy compared to most.  My insurance company only made me submit to a psych eval with a psychologist that works for the clinic I'm using for my surgery to say I didn't have some weird disorder that would cause me to NOT follow through on everything.  I had this appointment on Friday, he faxed everything to my insurance company at 8am on Monday and by 2pm I got the call saying I was approved.  I have no pre-surgery diet required, other than fasting for 12 hours prior to my pre-op blood work-up and no eating 12 hours prior to surgery. 

I was told that post-op I'll be on liquids for 2 weeks, puree for 2 weeks, soft foods for 2 weeks then can work my way back up to regular meals.  I was told no bread, sugar or soda EVER again, and no drinking through a straw anymore.  I'll be required to get 61g protein daily.  

I've seen so many people posting about denials and pre-op diets and all of these demands being placed on this to have a surgery that could possibly save their life.  I think this is craziness on the part of the surgeon and insurance companies (depending on what demand it is and who is responsible for it).  This isn't the first time I'd looked into the surgery.  Last time I stopped the process because I found out I was pregnant during the initial interviewing process, but I lived in another state, worked for a different employer with different insurance and my demands were the same as they are now.  Both times I've gone through Barix.

**I'm having the Realize Band**

hey Lissa--

congrats with getting approved for the Band!

im afraid im not any help with the pre-op for Banding, as us that have the actual surgery do require to have a pre-op diet WEEKS before, to prepare the liver to shrink a little to aid in surgery.

i hope the banding does well for you! 

Hmm.. I wonder if it's the band vs. the other procedures.  A lady I work with had the band in December and I talked to her this morning and she said she wasn't given any special diet pre-op either.  They told her she could eat normal up until 6pm the night before surgery. 

I'm still waiting on my official date for surgery.  I'm hoping this helps me win this battle!

Lissa,

Isn't it great that Dr. Schram doesnt require a pre op diet.  Just about 24 hours of liquids and that stuff that cleans you out.


btw, you have the best surgeon ever :)

That's what I've heard.  He came highly recommended to me by two of his other patients.  I met him and he eased my mind immediately about everything.  I met with Dr. Meddick for the pre-op psych eval and he gave me such great insight as to why all of this may have happened. 

Lissa

I have been stalking this site and reading different aticle for a long time. It don't mater what type of surgery, it is what the doctor sets as the criteria. And do what your Doctor says. He is your expert.

good luck and congratulations on the approval!

I'm fortunate to have excellent insurance through my employer and had 0 requirements except for being overweight and trying other programs before!

I hope things go well for you!  Schram was also my surgeon and things went totally smooth.