Got my Insurance Approval

It's been a bit since I posted but the last couple of months has been spent finishing up the dietician visits required by my insurance and the final two doctor visits. Was touch and go there for a bit with my insurance. The first time the surgeon's office sent in my info, they forgot the 3 year doctor records of my weight. So, we gather those up, send them in and rejected again. This time, they had overlooked them in the mass of paperwork. sent. But, third time was the charm. Got my approval letter last Friday. So, I am hoping to get the surgery (Roux-en-Y) sometime in December. I have to wait a bit because of work commitments plus some family things I have to get out of the way.

Question to those who have had the procedure: What should I be doing between now and the time of my surgery to prepare? I know I have the two-week liquid diet prior to the operation but I was just wondering if there were any useful tips anyone would care to impart.

Between now and then there isn't much to do. You already made the mental leap which is major, and just get your mind ready. When you start the pre-surgery diet, follow it like your life depends on it. The better you do on the liquid diet, the easier it is for the surgeon to work. That increases the odds that the outcome will be better.

Start sampling protein powders etc. What taste okay now will taste like caca post op. Load up on SF Popsicles and maybe some G2 (SF Gatorade) and water "additives". Same applies to water flavors as protein powders and or drinks. Make sure you have a plunger handy and ......................

One thing I did that really helped was I took a good look at some of the bad habits I had (diet sodas, caffeine, things I knew i would have to give up post-op). I used the few months before surgery to quit these things. I was off sodas 6 months prior and kicked caffeine like 2 months prior. I did this because I knew at the time of surgery I was going to be going through a lot of changes and whatnot and didn't want to add withdrawals from those things on top of it.

Also, I bought a bunch of proteins and stuff to try and find ones I liked. It totally backfired and nothing I bought pre-op tasted good post-op. Though, YMMV.

I was scheduled initially for an RNY, but after discussion with my surgeon he said for quality of life you probably should have a sleeve. The reason was I have arthritis and I wouldn't be able to take my normal medications following RNY because they would be too hard on my new stomach. If I have a sleeve gastrectomy the medications weren't nearly as problematic. I now have to take Prilosec along with my prescription NSAIDs to protect my stomach but at least I have the option to take NSAIDs.

So just be proactive as to what if any medications you might need long-term following your surgery and it will all be good!

Hello: Congrats on getting insurance approval! That is Great news.  I had RNY  about one month ago. Preop I liked milk based protein drinks like premier protein. Post Op my tastes have completely changed. I like clear liquids with protein, mostly water, and I drink Isopure.  If you look at my prior posts, you will find that I had a really hard time with the low carb diet pre-op. I think 2 weeks prior I was only allowed 30 carbs per day. Looking back I think it would have been better if I got used to eating very small portions 3 times per day. Right now I can only have 3oz of food 3 times per day with no snacks.  Someone above mentioned sugar free popsicles, the first week after surgery I only had sugar free popsicles and ice chips.  I am very happy to have had the surgery. I have lost approximately 30lbs in One month post op.  Also if you can try to walk 30 minutes per day, 4 times per week.  Have you bought the stuff you will need after surgery? food scale, etc. Also I keep mentioning this, this website has valuable information, the people on obesityhelp.com are great. Something that helped me prior to surgery was listening to the Weight Loss Surgery Podcast by Reeger Cortell available on iTunes and downloads for her website. That is where I learned the most information.  Good luck with your surgery!