What is your surgeon requiring?

I'm just wondering what everyone's surgeons are requiring of them. My surgeon will postpone my surgery if I gain weight. Also the program requires attendence at a number of support groups (which I've already attended). Right now I'm worrying about losing weight. I lost 4lbs between the 1st and 2nd appts with the surgeon, but gained it back in the 2 weeks since. I don't meet with him again until June 7th (surgery June 20th). So I don't know if I should try to lose now or just maintain now and try to lose closer to the date. Any thoughts? Carolyn

Hello Carolyn, The bariatric clinic I am with had us (my wife and I are both having the surg) follow a three month exercise and dietician program, which consisted of writing down our exercise routine (try to walk at least 30 mins. a day 3-5 days a week) and see a dietician three times (once a month). My wife Kim had ten years of weigh****chers records and the clinic submitted them first, just to see if insurance would take that and approve her, which they didn't. But once we finished up the three month bariatric program, Kim was approved the very next day after submitttal and I was approved the following week. Now, I lost about five pounds during that time and Kim stayed about the same weight as when we started. The surgeon said just don't GAIN anymore and you'll be o.k. We will have to do a two week liquid-only diet before our surgeries though. My advice (not knowing your BMI) would be to try to loose anything that you can before surgery...They kept stressing to Kim and I that weight loss helps shrink the liver and make it easier for the dr.s to work inside you. Hope this helps, and the best of luck on your journey! Paul

After two denials, I'm paying cash for the RNY portion of my surgery (gallbladder covered by insurance), so my requirements are minimal. I have already done Labs, Psych study, EKG, Sleep study, and 2 appts with surgeon. I'll have to do a 2 week liquid only diet before the surgery... and I go this week to talk to them about a date!

Hi Carolyn, My surgeon requires that I lose 10% body weight before pre op appt. I also had to do psych eval, see a counselor to make sure I understood all the risks, and the life changes required. I had to have a pulse/ ox. test. I also had to attend information center and start going to support meetings. I still have to have the usual labs, ekg, ultra sound and anything else they may decide that I need based on these results. I also have to see my pcp every month to monitor the weight loss and keep him informed. Good luck on your journey! Take care, Dee