Jan 23rd is coming...and I am "largely" concerned about one thing

Hello all! My date with destiny - and the surgeon - is less than 2 weeks away. I was told to lose 20 - 30 lbs. pre op, and I lost almost 20, but I'm sure I've gained some back. My questions are these: 1. Were all of you told to lose some pre - op? and 2. Is there anyone who has been denied surgery because they didn't lose enough pre - op? I was OK with 1200 or so calories a day from mid - October through New Year's, but I fell off the diet wagon. Now I am back on the diet, but, as always, I have a very difficult time staying on it.

Hi Fred. My surgery is on the 19th and I haven't had to lose any weight pre-op. All surgeons are different, they have different pre-op requirements. Some will make you lose and some won't. I hope you don't get denied. I think some of them want you to lose to prove that you're committed to the lifestyle change and some are for medical reasons. Good luck to you! Denise in Monticello, AR

Hi I was told to loose 30 as well, and from what I understand, it's to shrink the liver and to give a better access to the stomach. I lost 12 so far and I got to go on a Liquid diet and I am sure I will loose the rest then Good luck! Gina

Fred, I am scheduled for surgery on Jan 18th, and my surgeon didn't tell me to lose weight, but put me on a "liver shrinking diet" that consists of 2 meal replacement shakes per day, 4 oz lean chicken, turkey, or beef, 1 cup of steamed vegetables - no butter- 2 slices of light whole grain bread, 6oz light yogurt or yogurt smoothie, unlimited water, crystal light, sugar free jello and /or popsicles. I am starving and this diet is required for 14 days pre-op; I will stop complaining because you have been dieting from mid-October to the new year - that's a huge accomplishment!! Good luck, Sonia

Fred, was told to lose weight also for the liver shrinking thing. I got down to 250 and was supposed to go to 255 so well under, like you I fell off only for one week and went back up to 256...I freaked...lol. I went back to basics. 2 protein shakes one for breakfast and one for lunch. For a snake if I have to have one I eat a scifit beefstick...they are like 15g or protein and no fat and maybe 1g sugar. Then I eat a lean cuisine for dinner and I am back down to 252.5 this am. You can do it. I just got a message from Kerri and she said she did 3 or 4 days like that only with protein shake for all meals and then 3 days of clear liquids and she said she lost 17 pounds. My date is one day after yours. You can do it!!! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers that you do. Oh my doctor told me that it was okay if I didn't make it to the mark but not to gain or they would cancel. Hope this helps. I see you are not on our list so I am going to add you and will post it tomorrow evening. Congrats on your surgery date and Welcome to the Jan 07 board!!! Anna

I wasn't given a certain amount to lose, but I was just told to eat less than 30 carbs per day for the month before surgery. But, I goofed over the holidays and gained 7 lbs instead of losing. Not to scare you or anything, but my doctor did postpone my surgery. Best of luck to you.

Most bariatric patients have to lose weight, this is for your safety more than anything. It is also to show the surgeon that you have the resolve and discipline to stick to your lifelong change. Although I was not denied (I was not above my weight when I had surgery), I have heard of those who have been denied day of surgery for gaining weight back. I was weighed on the day I came into the hospital and after that milk of magnesia body flush..I was 3lbs down from where they wanted me... but I was still worried, because no matter how you try not to..you do a little "last supper" activity and try to shove in all the foods you'll likely have to give up on the other side. Best of luck to you!! and you have 2 weeks..just grab a copy of the south beach diet..do the first 2 weeks..and you'll be sure to lose whatever excess you've gained..worked for me! Jess

Hello Fred, I myself was told that I didn't have a certain amount of weight to loose. But I have lost 50 pounds on my own and 10 pounds preparing for surgery on the 30th of this month. I would go with what Anna said. I've done pretty much the samething. Its worked great for me so far. You can do it Fred!! I know its hard but we're all here for you whenever you need us. I widh you all the best Fred!!!