What will happen?

I want to know what will happen if I call the surgeons office and ask them if they can recommend a surgeon who can handle my BMI. I was told when I started out that they handle people up to BMI of 60. I am at 59.3 right now. The surgeon wants me down to 55. I am having one hell of a time loosing the weight. I want to have the surgery either the 1st or the 8th of Nov. This is what works for my schedule. I was told that after I loose the weight I would have a date within two weeks. Should I call my PCP and ask for diet pills? I would appreciate any responses. I am really going crazy. I am trying to get everything in order for me and my son. Thank you, Michelle

Have you tried doing strictly protein.....When I did that and stuck to it really good, it was nothing to drop 20 pounds in a week....bad part was I always put the 20 pounds back the following week But if you lost it then went and got weighed......are you already approved insurance wise??? Nov is really close I am not sure anyone would be ready that soon.........Call them and have a heart to heart....that you need this surgery done on those dates.....promise that you will work on dropping those couple BMI points.....if they are unable to work with you, then I would look around maybe, but they are probably just being careful and watching out for your best interest. There are a couple different places around Iowa that you could call on your own and tell them all of your info......Genesis in Davenport....Trininty across the river......Some in CedarFalls area....Grinell....you could always call any of them....tell them your story and predicament and see what they say......no harm in trying! But if you are not already approved by insurance.....it usually takes awhile and a lot of testing......if the testing and approval are done, you should be able to just have your surgeon fax all your test result and stuff.....you of course would have to let your insurance know.....make sure they cover the new surgeon etc.......I wish you the best of luck!!!! And remember everything happens for a reason, and if you are not able to get it so soon.....wait and it was meant to be!!!! Take Care Jesi

I am already approved. I just can't seem to loose this weight. I have lost 3 lbs since Sept 24th. I am working out 3 times a week and doing low carb. All protien? Just meat?

Check with surgical associates of Grinnell. I know they do BMI's up to at least 70. I have my 1st appointment in Jan 05.

Yeah like the first phase of adtkins......Meat, eggs, cheese, lettuce, greenbeans, cottage cheese, regualr mayo and dressings.....It is pretty basic....no milk, breads, carbs of any kind really....it sucks but you can drop the pounds really quick! If you are already approved I would call them and have that heart to heart and if they won't help.....start calling around pleading your case.......Best of luck Jesi

Thanks for responding. I was going to wait until I lost 20 of the 30 that they wanted and then call them, but I just can't. I have done a form of that low carb diet thru Curves. I had good results. I am just going to have to stick to it more closely. Thanks for responding to me. I was starting to feel really bad. I think I will start to keep a food diary. That seems to help me. Thanks, again.

MIchelle, I find that keeping a diary is a really good idea, as long as you make sure you write down everything you eat or drink. All those little tastes add up and I end up thinking twice before I eat anything. I guess when I write it down I'm justifying why I ate it. My surgeon requires a 2 week clear liquid diet before surgery & I lost over 20 LBs that way. It's hard to do & takes lots of will power but it can be done. All his patients do it. Good luck, Dixie

Hi Michelle! Dr. Bruce Hardy in Ames does not have a BMI requirement, or any requirements to lose weight prior to surgey...the downside is that he only performs the RNY open. Maybe you can give him a call at the McFarland Clinic in Ames and ask any questions that you may have. His nurse, Jean, is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. Good luck, Sweetie! Sherry Open RNY 02/04/04 (Proximal-75 cm) 294.5/172.5/150 -122#

Thanks for responding. At this point, I don't care if it is open or Lap. I just want it done. Thanks again. Michelle

Your pcp can give you diet pills - however you need to ask the WLS doc if he can support this idea. The reason he wants you to drop your bmi before surgery because it is safer for you and him while he operates. Have you figured out how many pounds it will take to lose to hit 55 bmi? I have been reading the South Beach Diet and I really like it. A nurse at the hospital told me about it and we have been talking about it. Remember stress is a huge factor with losing.... focus on what you want to accomplish and not on the time deadline you have given yourself. But make sure that whatever it is you do is the best thing possible for your health and for your son. Good Luck Melinda