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New to the forum - pre surgery

C

ChrisD3818

Member
Happy New Year all!
So I'm set to have WLS sometime March as my insurance requires 6 months worth of doctors checks. Aside from the blood work, endoscopy etc, has anyone had issues with gaining weight during the weight checks? I think my head is playing tricks on me and saying well you are having surgery so F it eat whatever.

Anyone been turned away or declined because of gaining 5-10lbs during the 6 months of checks?

Glad to be part of the group and I'm so excited for this journey.
 
Welcome! I did not gain weight during the process, lost 17lbs, but I was on the brink of being denied by my insurance for being under their necessary BMI. Not everyone loses weight during the process pre op, but a lot of people do. I can only speak for myself, so I’ll just say I started making monthly goals with my dietitian. I generally met those goals, so the next month I made new one. However, I got to a point where there were no more pre op goals to achieve, and I couldn’t lose anymore without disqualifying myself. But most of my goals had nothing to do with what I was eating, rather how I was eating. I did stop soda. I quit caffeine the month before surgery knowing I couldn’t have it for a few months post op. I started using a smaller plate to eat, timed myself eating so I was eating slowly, tracked my water in take, and started trying different protein drinks to see what I might want for those first few weeks post op while I was on liquids. I know those aren’t all of them, but I can’t remember more right now. This surgery is a tool for the body, but it does nothing to help the brain-and as we know the brain is kind of a butt. I struggle still with cravings and a demonic sweet tooth. I indulge when I find myself less stressed because I don’t want my brain to keep linking stress to indulgences. I’ve lost all the weight I want, and I’ve been maintaining within a few pounds for a few months. I don’t use this to justify eating outside of my plan because I don’t really have a plan. I eat to live. That just doesn’t include the amount of food that I used to eat. Sorry this was long winded, but I hope it have a little insight. I’m glad you found the group!
 
I can already see the benefit of being in this group! Sounds like different requirements from different doctors for sure. My BMI is right on the fence but I have high blood pressure and sleep apnea so I guess you could say I have that in my favor. I have my fifth weight check next week, one more in February and I just need to get it done. In my defense, doctors has told me don't lose weight but you don't want to gain a bunch of weight. I've gained 11lbs since my first consult in September. Next week, I'm going to be more specific and ask way more questions. Sounds like after 6th required visit, there is a waiting period of getting approved from insurance. But thank you for the replies.
 
I was given a 1500 calorie diabetic diet ( I am not diabetic and never have been) with portions and food combinations. It was very helpful to focus on what I was eating and the potion amount. I did lose weight before surgery the dietician called it a bubble diet. Again diets are evil. They are more known as fads, and not a life long commitment to better choices and healthy eating. That is a very important thing to keep, plant and grow in your mind as real and life changing.
 
Welcome to the group! You might want to start now by making small changes and giving up certain things. Your doctor may give you a diet to follow at some point but if not start by cutting down on the size of what you are eating. If you normally reach for second helpings, stop. Or cut back on portions by using a lunch plate instead of a dinner plate. If you drink sugary drinks, stop. You get the idea. Don't try to do it all at once and it won't feel like a "diet" that way. I was able to lose weight in the months before surgery by just cutting back, but I would still have one or two things once in a while that I knew I wouldn't be able to have post surgery, so I didn't feel like I was depriving myself of anything.

As you get closer to your surgery date they will give you a diet that will help shrink the liver which is necessary. For some it is a liquid only diet but some are not as strict. At that time it is important for you to follow your doctor's instructions as shrinking the liver makes your surgery safer and easier to perform.
 
I've been told consistently by my team that if I gain weight my insurance will not cover the surgery. I started this process as soon as I was vaxxed and feeling better about going outside and moving around, so I think that helped me lose, like, 15 pounds and get back to my normal, not-in-lockdown weight. I've stepped down gradually from diet pepsi, to caffeine free diet pepsi, to caffeine free diet coke, to sugarless and calorieless sports drinks. I've never had so little sugar as I have in the last 2 months. I... haven't had bread in I don't know how long, and bread was life, man. :)
 
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