Almost approved? in Weight Loss Surgery

So yesterday I took a half day cause me and Will finally had out last weigh in at the WLS office.

They’ve always been pretty secretive about how much we should lose or not lose to get approved by insurance. Maybe secretive is the wrong word but they basically never wanted to give actual numbers to cover their own ass.

At the 2nd to lst weigh in one of the nurses said just stay within 5lbs of your first weigh in number to be safe.

At my first weigh in I was 290 and at this one I was 288 so I’m good if her advice is correct. Will started at 401 and weighed in at 388 so I was a little worried at his over 10 lbs loss but when we got to the doc he didn’t seem like it was a big deal. He was happy to see us down and he assumed the metformin was helping with weight loss. At least in Will’s case - I still haven’t taken them regularly. BUT I WILL and only because they’re going to do more blood work at the time of the surgery (whenever that is) and I don’t want them to know I haven’t taken it!

So they WLS said he approves us for WLS BUT the insurance company has to do the same before a date can be offered. The doc doesn’t see any reason why we shouldn’t be approved because we’re big enough and with us both having diabetes plus him having sleep apnea and blood pressure issues - that’s all reasons to say yes to us.

If we had been less over weight with no other factors to combine in with our obesity, insurance may have had pause to refuse us. He doesn’t seem that happening. Basically we’re unhealthy enough to need this.

As for how long it will take for the insurance to approve, he doesn’t know. He isn’t involved in their process. Plus we’re living in covid times so even if insurance approves, the hospitals have to be safe and open for elective surgeries - which is what this is. This surgery is not an emergency situation.

So basically he broadly said between now and spring time we could get the surgery. But of course we can’t hold him to that. If it gets to be summer time and we’re still not sleeved that’s not really his fault or in his control.

They told me something else I was kinda dreading but had read about plenty. The two week pre op liquid diet.

Once we get the surgery date we have to be on a liquid diet for TWO WEEKS. This is to shrink our liver out of the way because it is on top of the stomach. Getting it out of the way makes the surgery easier for him and safer for us.

Some docs only make you do it a few days - the longest I’ve ever heard of anyone having to do it is two weeks so of course that’s what me and Will have to do. I’m worried cause I hear of people getting major headaches and weakness from a 2 week liquid diet.

The liquid diet means a protein shake for meals, a cup of milk, a boiled egg, and a yogurt. Other than that we can have flavored water, tea, broth, sugar free popsicles, jello and vitamin waters. He expects us to lose at least 15lbs in 2 weeks on this diet. So we gotta.

We also had to sign a paper stating that they could use out of network people if need be. They don’t get any award for using out of network people but it could happen and we had to say ok or we don’t get surgery. Will was pissed cause we all know using an out of network person really jacks up the price, but it happens.

He also already ordered us our constipation meds, pain meds, anti nausea meds, heart burn meds - and one other thing all for after surgery.

He said we have to stop now taking any sort of blood thinner meds, even OTC stuff like asprin, motrin, advil, aleeve, etc. cause that could effect surgery - which if we’re lucky, could happen in less than a month - that’s why we need to stop now.

He told Will that he’s ok to go back to work a week after surgery if he feels like it. Cause hoisting himself back up on that truck may hurt. He’s gotta be gentle and be off pain meds (of course) before resuming driving.

As for me, just WFH.

After surgery we WILL be in pain and the incisions will hurt and look bad. He basically said unless the incisions are raised and oozing, we vomit for 24 hours straight, or we develop a fever it’s all normal. So is being constipated for weeks after.

After surgery we move to pureed foods with liquids. So like cottage cheese with protein shakes are good. Nothing should be dry. Nothing should be fatty or carby so no cheesy potato soup or something like that even if it is pureed. Nothing should be carbonated.

Eat slow and at determined times - don’t let a meal last all day. Don’t eat and drink at the same time cause it makes the food move through the system too quickly. Eat for 30 mins, wait 30 mins, then drink. If you got a headache, drink - dizziness, drink - cramps, drink. Just drink water all the time lol.

After a month pureed we can move to solid food but still keep it wet. And that’s only if we want too. We can stay on pureed as long as we’re comfortable. Skins from fruits are a no no right now.

It isn’t until about 4 months out that we can have sweeter fruits. Although the longer we stay away from sugar, the better. Anything with any form of sugar listed in the first 3 ingredients should be a forever no no.

I don’t think we should even have bread till 6 months out.

I forgot to ask when we can go back on gummy vitamins. I take a Vit D and Calcium - will takes a multi.

So much info and it’s scary but I’m happy and hope to get it over with soon.

In Other News - Will found out at that they messed up his bloodwork on one of the tests and he needs to go back for another bloodtest before he can be approved. He fucking freaked out in the car. I’m gonna take care of it.

Ok off to work and it should be a good day cause I’m bringing treats from my sister’s jobs and giving my boss her present. It’s a rocket book, look it up!

Last updated December 20, 2020