Question about Pre-Surgery weight loss?

I have had my consult with Dr. Balfour and completed my pre-op tests, I have one more appt. with the psychiatrist and then I guess I get a date. However, my question is this: Dr. Balfour told me back in Oct. that he wanted me to lose some weight before surgery. When I saw him I was 292 (5'4) and I'm still about that now. I haven't gained any weight (keep gaining and losing the same 2-4 lbs) but I haven't lost any either. Has anyone been denied surgery for not losing weight pre-surgery? This is weighing heavily on my mind and totally stressing me out. Thanks, Jamie

Hi Jamie and welcome to the Hawaii OH Boards! I'm also pre-op and was reminded yesterday at my doctors visit that the reason they want me down to 315 is because that is the optimum weight for surgery (which was 10% less of my initial weigh-in weight). And my doctor also said that most patients that lose that 10% prior to surgery have a better chance of keeping it off in the long run (from the studies over the last 14 years regarding WLS). Plus I've also read it on various posts on the main OH messageboard too. So I'm trying my best to get to 315. I know what you mean about gaining/losing the same couple of pounds...I've been doing that for awhile, so I'm trying protein bars/shakes as meal replacements to drop that few pounds that keep insisting on staying on me! Oh and if you're interested here is a link for a Hawaii WLS group that a couple of Hawaii people started. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Hawaii-OSSG/ We're in the process of planning another get together, so I hope you'll come and meet everybody! I went to the last get together at the zoo and it was a blast! Keep in touch!! Aloha, Kris

Thanks for the welcome. I've been here a few times but I mostly hang out on the Bmi over 50 board. I am SO stressing about this frickin' weight loss. I've completed all my tests and am ready to have it faxed in so there is NO way I can lose 10% of my body weight before a date is given. I was hoping I'd be able to lose some but 10% of 292 is a pipe dream. Thanks for the advice though.. I'm currently drinking ISOPURE protein shakes. Jamie

Even if it's a pound or two more that you lose prior to surgery does help. How is the Isopure shakes? Do you know if they sell it at Costco or Sams Club? I'm drinking the new Weigh****chers protein drink (ready to drink cans) and it's actually not that bad. That's the only one I could find at Costco, unless I'm looking for the Isopure in the wrong place? But the ready to drink shakes tastes a little better then the powder form and it's easier to just grab a can and go.

I bought the Isopure from GNC. I wish I could say it was tasty but....I was mixing it with water and that was totally gross. I started mixing it with skim milk and that makes it a little better. It's kinda of like a cross between chocolate milk and a slimfast shake I think. I haven't tried any of the other protein drinks or the ready to drink ones yet. I'm trying very hard to drink all of this Isopure so I can try something different. My husband went into GNC and asked for a protein shake that was good for WLS patients and that was the one they recommended. I hate to be crude but there is no delicate way to say..the Isopure gives me awful gas.. I've been told that the carb solutions is pretty good and they might sell that at Costco. A lady that had her surgery a few weeks ago said she tried everything and this one works pretty good for her. I might go out this weekend and see if I can find something else just to change it up a little. It gets boring drinking the same thing all the time. I'll let you know what I find. Jamie

Forgot to tell you that you are Totally right about the losing weight. My sister keeps saying make an effort any effort and you'll be okay. I guess I'm just so stressed about losing exactly 30 lbs I need to look at the big picture..any amount looks good to the surgeon. Thanks for the replies.. Jamie

Heya Jamie, Welcome to the group..... Just wanted to let you know...that drinking WATER and not sodas, beer..etc...will increase your metabolism and thus cuase you to lose weight! Just eat less of the foods that you are eating now and drink a whole glass of water 1/2 hour before each meal and after each meal. This will help...with the fullness of the stomach!! Hope all goes well!! Best to you DEE 7/24/2002 LAP RNY 235/160/125