Pre-Op Weight Loss - Why?

I just had a bad appointment with my doctor.  He wants me to lose 25 pounds before doing surgery. I explained that my medical records will show I have lost 50 and 60 pounds respectively in the past (just to put it back on and more).   I am so burned out from dieting.  I am so tired of the white knuckle struggling that I always have.  I am so sick of putting so much effort out to lose one stupid pound.   I saw my doctor two months ago, despite stopping my munch fests between meals and exercising more, I didn't lose one pound.  During this time period my grandfather past away, I had to clean out his home and farm of 50 years, and deal with my mom who has stage IV cancer.  Considering the fact I maintained during all of this and managed to continue going to the gym and not binge eating shows I am dealing with my food addiction.  I feel I have no more in me to lose weight without the help of surgery.  The doctor operates on people much heavier than me.  I am so #$!#@ frustrated.  I may need to find another doctor.  He was a jerk with me too.

Hi there, I know my surgery is July 23rd and starting July 9th, I have to go on a liquid diet for 2 weeks.  It is a requirement from my Surgeon.  I guess it's becuase by losing a little weight right before surgery it is supposed to help eliminate a little fat around the liver. A lighter liver means less risk of complications and having a lap surgery turn into an open surgery.  We all have dieted and failed most of our lives so I know where your coming from on that one. I was also a little discouraged when I found out I had to do this.  My BMI is 39 right now,  but I have waited over 6 mos for this date, and I won't anything stand in my way. Hang in there.  I am thinking that the time will go by pretty fast. Linda

HI Linda, Thanks for the information.  Instead of my doctor explaining this to me, he mentioned something quickly about livers and instead become very angry at me for asking why I had to do something that's never worked for me.  I may need a surgeon with a better bedside manner even if I agree to do yet another diet.  I've been trying so hard to stop having a diet mentallity (which I think makes most people worse off) so when I was told to go on a diet, you might as well have told me to be tortured.  I have another two months to go before this doctor will even consider setting a surgery date for me.  I am feeling frustrated and defeated.  I doubt my ability to stick to a liquid diet and I have a lot of fear over the mood I'll be in and how people I work with will notice.  I am not sure what I am going to do. You're right about time going by quickly though.  That may be the one thing that keeps my head in the game. Good luck with your surgery prep.  Good for you for jumping in with both feet. Ms. Blues

 I know what you mean!!!  But I think the diff here-- is that when we do the pre-op--- we can know that we are losing those ##'s forever!!  I had even totally given up dieting---because although I could lose some weight----I never got to goal--and I'd end up gaining more!! I am sure there are many here that have that same story---for me--- I m also still pre-approval now---- I have gradually starting acting as if I already had the surgery----counting calories....protien first---- gave up sodas a few months ago.   So---by the time I get to my surgery--- this is already become a way of life for me! It seems to be working I've lost weight---and my head seems to be pretty calm about it---especially since I am counting all this as bonus pounds lost--- LOST FOREVER!!  And, if you don't feel good about your surgeon---- check these boards---- see if there is someone else that got great reviews-that your insurance pays for----- YOU need to have  confidence, and feel completely safe with the Dr. I hope that helps... take care, ~~~~Lori

Hi AuntieKC, Thanks for your response.  I've been thinking a lot this weekend and I am going to ask my primary doc to refer me to another surgeon.  Even if I loved the first one I spoke with, getting a second perspective and opinion is not a bad idea when doing major surgery.  I was feeling very defeated after meeting with my surgeon.  I am beginning to feel a switch in my attitude. I was in a panic when I left my first message on this board.  Panic that I couldn't muster the willingness to be on a diet.  It is also fear. Fear that I can never lose a pound on my own without the help of weight loss surgery.  I have maintenance down.  It's the first time in my life I have mastered being the same weight for over a year.  Now I want to be healthy.  I'll see the other surgeon and hope I can find somebody who is a bit more understanding than the first person I met with. Thanks again! Ms. Blues

Very glad to here you are a little calmer---- Best of luck to you---keep reading these boards---- full of info and support; also will help with what to ask your doc! Take care--and keep in touch! ~~~Lori

MsBlues- I feel the same way about dieting. If I was told I had to do one of those 6 months "doctor supervised" diets, I don't think I could have.

OTOH, I don't consider being on liquids for two weeks prior to surgery as being "on a diet". I think of it as "meeting my pre-op requirements".

I have to get a colonoscopy soon that also requires doing all sorts of things for up to a week prior to the test so I'm looking at this as being the same sort of thing -- a short-term medical requirement to prepare my body for surgery.

Maybe that kind of thinking will help you.

ms blues- i'm sorry you feel so frustrated!  the pre-op diet requirement is hard, especially when you've been through diets that were unsuccessful in the past.  hang in there; you can do this.  on the other hand, if the doctor was a jerk and you feel like you just didn't connect with him i would consider going to see someone else.  you deserve to be treated fairly and with compassion. 

I had the same problem, I would lose then gain back more........I called Obesity Law.  You can visit their website..........Obesitylaw.com............ Annabelle