Bummed

Went to see my surgeon today for the first time, expecting to get a surgical date only to be told I need to lose 25 more lbs. before they will schedule another appointment. I know it is for my own good but dammit, I am tired of waiting. It has been 3 years since I started this journey, with insurance problems, two surgeons quitting the practice and I finally get this far and now I have to lose more weight. Anybody else experience this?

I don't understand why nor have I ever heard of a surgeon saying lose weight before the surgery. If you could lose the weight then you wouldn't need surgery. This is very odd. Dr's have done this surgery on pateints weighing over 600 Lbs. Have you asked why you have to lose the weight?

Mark, Many surgeons actually require people to lose some weight before surgery. My surgeon is in practice with the surgeon that you replied to this post from. While my surgeon didn't say I had to lose weight, he said what I could lose would be better for me after surgery...and before of course. Our surgeons require weightloss if they are over a certain amount of weight. It's better for the person having surgery and it's to have less complications than with people who are SMO. Our surgeon's have had no deaths associated with their surgeries. Part of the reason is compliance to the program and losing some weight before the actual surgery. Take care, Bambi

Eugene, My doctor says that the heavier you are the more risk it is to do the surgery. 2 weeks before my surgery date my doctor had me go on a liquid diet consisting of yogurt, pudding, jello and slim fast. I lost 27 lbs just doing that. I was suprised to see what I could live on. Just hang in there and think of the future. Good Luck, Dennis

Hi there, I am sorry to hear that you still need to lose some weight before hand. You might want to try a liquid diet...all protein drinks. Dr. Hoehn is my surgeon and he is partners with Hitch****I was 312 when I went in for surgery. Hoehn didn't require me to lose the weight. He did say that any that I lost before hand would be beneficial for me though. Good luck with your surgery. Have you gone to any of the support group meetings? It's always nice to put a face to a name! Take care, Bambi