New to this forum

Hello,

     I just spoke to my doctor about weigh loss surgery, and she felt that I was a good canidate for the surgery.  I had blood work today, and will be having a total physical on September 1st.  She is going to go over my test results, talk to me about different types of surgery and risks versus benefits, and then refer me to a specialist.  I'm wondering what to expect once I actually see the specialist.  What types of things will I be required to do, and how quickly will I be allowed to get the surgery.  I've done a lot of research, and I have thinking about doing this for several years now. 

     I also noticed that people here tend to list their top weight, surgical weight and of course, current weight.  Is everyone required to lose some weight before the surgery?  If so, how is that accomplished?  I have such a hard time losing weight, I am concerned that I could get stuck there.

Thanks for any information you can share.  Glad I found this forum to have support while I embark on this journey!

Shannon

Welcome to ObesityHelp!  We are glad that you have joined our OH community.  

As you check out OH, you'll see many features and tools that are created for our members as you embark on your WLS journey.  OH is a great place for support, research and tools to assist you with your journey.  Here are a few suggestions:

About Obesity
About Weight Loss Surgery
Medical Necessity
Post-op Planner
BMI Calculator
Health Tracker

We also have a great HELP SECTION with tutorials to assist you with navigating our site. If you need our assistance, you can reach us at [email protected]

May we suggest you post on the surgery forums to reach out and ask questions.

Duodenal Switch Forum (DS)

LAP-BAND Forum

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Surgery Forum (RNY)

Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum (VSG)

We look forward to your updates

I just had VSG 8/20. My recommendation is that you read every piece of info you can get your hands on, and watch as many YouTube videos as you can!  I felt well prepared for surgery and what to expect afterwards.  That info was invaluable!  I'm am 2 days out and feel like I am doing pretty good. I am getting my fluids in and walking frequently.  

Good luck to you on your journey😀

Hi Shannon,

Welcome to the ObesityHelp community!

Everyone's journey is going to be different. Depending on your surgeon's requirements, or your insurance, or risk factors, you could be required to lose some weight before surgery.  Some people also have their Highest Weight (HW) and Surgery Weight (SW) different, not because they were required to lose before surgery, but their HW was just the highest it's ever been, and when they had surgery, their weight just wasn't their highest.

As part of the approval process, your surgeon or insurance may require you go on a medically supervised diet for 3-6 months. During that time many WLS patients will lose weight. Some may be required to lose X number of pounds before being approved too. It'll depend on your surgeon/insraunce. The good news is, they don't just kick you to the curb and say "come back after 20lb". As part of most processes, you meat with a Nutritionist (NUT) and they will help you with any prescribed diet, as well as explain what you will be eating after surgery as well.

All of that should be gone over during your first consultation with the specialist/surgeon. They'll likely give you a 'road map' of what to expect between your meeting and the actual surgery. What tests you'll need, records you'll need to gather, etc.

I also recommend looking at some of the forums for the specific surgeries! The VSG, RNY, and DS forum can be a big help too!

Good luck on your journey! Let us know how it goes, and if we can answer any questions for you too!!

The pre op journey moves differently for everyone. Mine moved like a turtle! And your surgeon will have specific requirements, as will your insurance company. Here are a few things I had to do, and document:

Log of diet history

Letter from primary care doc

6 months medically supervised weight loss program - this was in addition to the diet history thing. I attended at my local hospital.

Psychological evaluation

Sleep study

Stress test/cardiac clearance

Attendance at a minimum of 3 support group meetings

Lab work - I tested positive for H-Pylori which kicked in an extra step. Gastroenterological clearance following a big round of antibiotics.

As for the pre op requirements, there is a wide variety of stories to that. Some have to go through a 2 week liquid diet. Others have a required minimum pre op weight loss. Others can maintain a more normal low carb diet. For all of these, the goal is to shrink the liver, which gives more room for the dr. to "do his thing" on surgery day. 

As for what to ask your doctor:

What type of surgery is most medically advisable for you? (Some patients come in with a preconceived notion of their surgical choice. I'd suggest listening to the surgeon's recommendation first.) 

How many bariatric procedures does he do (if not strictly a bariatric surgeon).

What complication rate does he see in his patients? What types of complications?

What is the typical hospital stay?

Does his practice offer nutritional support, psychological support, and pre/post op support groups?

How can you reach someone in the office if there are questions or issues that arise after you are home? 

What is his aftercare protocol? How often will he see you post op? How often will you need labs done?

What is the pre op diet protocol?

What kind of guidance will you have regarding post op eating/drinking? Are guidelines spelled out in writing?

Just a few!

Best of luck to you! L. 

My surgeon said "I'm sure that if you could lose weight, you'd have already done so." I had my initial consult on October 30th and surgery on December 11th, 2003. I'm still totally 'in love' with my DS!