Before Surgery ????

I have seen a few people mention a 10 day liquid diet before surgery? Is this something everyone does or just some doctors want you to do it? I will be having my done with Dr. Benn, I am now done w/ my first out of 3 visits to them, so surgery should be in March if all goes well. I have to lose 10 # and I always worry about my insurance (Aetna) but I have been told not to worry about the insurance. I am just amazed when I read on here how well everyone has done, at this point I am scared, worried and really excited to finally feel good again! One other question, I have basically a desk job (no benefits besides paid vac.) if things go well, how soon could I go back to work? I am worried about missing alot of work.  Thanks so much for all your help!

Hi there! You have a great surgeon. I also had Dr. Benn! The fairview clinic does not require a Liquid diet prior to the surgery instead they require that you lose a certain % of weight before hand.

Its normal to have a mixed amount of emotions as you go through this process. I had a lot of worries before surgery and many things run through my head. All in all things have gone really well for me. I had one set back in the beginning but once I got through that its been a pretty normal process.

As far as time off. I also work at a desk most of the day and I took 2 1/2 weeks off. Mostly because of the holidays I took that time frame (I had mu surgery 12/14). But, I would give yourself at least 2 weeks. You might get tired that first week back but, that is normal.

Wishing you all the best on your journey!!

Hello there!

Like Angela, I am also a Dr Benn patient.  The FVSD weight loss program is really fantastic.  I have so many great things to say about my experience and my journey.  Your emotions that you are feeling are totally normal.  I remember waiting breathless for my insurance approval.  I cried after I got off the phone from the clinic when they called to let me know I was approved and to schedule surgery.  People at work wondered what the heck was going on!!! :)

I have a job that has me on my feet most of the day and I decided to take 3 weeks off.  I probably didn't need the three weeks even in my job.  But, I was glad I had the time to relax and get used to my new body.  I can understand you wanting to get back a bit sooner.

I am excited to follow your journey and see you have surgery in March.  Are you doing a 6 month medically supervised weight loss attempt now?

Hi, I am doing the 3 month preop regiman insurance requires. I think I could do the 3 month versus the 6 month because of high blood pressure, sleep apnea and my BMI, I can't wait to get rid of my CPAP. Did you have one. I didn't look, when did you have surgery? This site has been so helpful! Does everyone go to actual support groups also? I haven't been to one yet as my parents, and other relatives do not know about my surgery and living in the small town I would probably run into someone at a meeting, I am not sure when or if I am going to tell anyone besides the ones that know now, (husband and kids, my boss, and 3 close friends) I have been so ashamed of my weight and I just don't know what people would think or say??!! Maybe when it gets closer I will decide to tell them.

Yay you for taking steps to get healthy and feel better!

Park Nicollet does require a 10 day liquid diet pre-op.  It helps to clean out some of the "junk" inside to clear the way for lap surgery (AND open, I'm sure!).  And while some plans require  10 pounds or certain percentage of pre-op weight to be lost in order to move ahead, the LD usually achieves that loss by itself!  (I lost 14# in 10 days!)

Being scared, worried and excited means only one thing I can come up with.  YOU ARE NORMAL.  Excited goes without saying.  A certain amount of fear is healthy, too - this IS major surgery, there are potential risks.  But there are CERTAIN health issues that most of us face if we Don't lose the weight.

Keep coming here with any questions you might have, and keep coming here to ensure your success!  Seeking support and answers to non-medical questions is one way to really imbed this whole WLS journey in your brain - 'cuz they don't operate on that!

I am a FVSD'er!!  I love the staff there, don't you?! Your feelings are normal.  The amount off work all depends on you and how you feel afterwards.  I took off 3 weeks just to get use to the "new" eating.  But could have gone back to work at 2 weeks (I'm a hairstylist).  SOOOO glad you have shared your story thus far and can't wait to sheer ya on and watch ya shrink 

Hi Linda, I, too am a patient of Dr Benn at FVSD.  A fabulous surgeon and WLS clinic indeed. I was relieved to know he did not require the pre-op liquid diet, was told only to not gain any weight prior to surgery.  That posed no problem, and I chose not to have the pre-surgery hedonistic 'ritual' many opt to have. Knew I'd been a hedonistic saprophyte all my life, so one night was not necessary.
I just work every other weekend, part-time receptionist at an assisted-living facility for the elderly.  Not a typical sit-down job, but I'm compassionate with the elderly and take it upon myself to do plenty of interaction with residents (listening ear, hugs, anything to put smiles and laughter on those sweet faces.).  My surgery had been scheduled a couple days after a weekend I'd worked.  I took one weekend off to ensure I'd have the eating/sipping/walking under control, so actually returned to work in four weeks.  All has gone fabulously throughout the two-plus years. Do your best in  following the program to the 't', call the clinic with any questions, and you'll do great!  As you progress into the phases, I've got a variety of ideas to add some pep and taste to the choices;  will share with you if you'd like!   Wishing you the best of the best!  Hugs, Patti