Did your Dr. make you lose weight before surgery?

I've seen people mention this and I'm wondering if it's typical.  Are you told you must lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery?

I went through the U of M program.  I was told 15 lbs. is the "norm"  for them to require pre-op.

I had lost 30 pounds on my own prior to the consult, and then they have a liquid diet for 2 weeks prior to surgery as well.. all told, I lost 60 pounds from my highest prior to surgery. I think it really depends on the surgeon. Some won't do a procedure on patients who can't drop a few pounds to show they are committed.. other just really don't have a preference. The main reason I have heard that weight loss should happen prior to surgery is because you lose weight from your liver first.. opening space in your abdominal cavity for them to move instruments, etc without having to deal with the extra liver fat thus making the procedure safer. I am all for safer! Good luck!

I went where Jodie did.  The internest (not the surgeon) told me they'd like to see me lose 10% of my excess weight  - or 15 lbs in my case.  I ended up losing 28 lbs prior to surgery by modifying my diet to post-surgery eating. Every surgeon is different. Some have a 2 week pre-op diet, others just have their patients do a clear liquid diet the day before. Either way, you will lose weight after your surgery!!  ;-p

I had my surgery through MMPC in Grand Rapids.  They put you on a 2 week high protein diet to shrink the liver and stomach.  I lost 20 lbs in 2 weeks on this diet.

I did not have to do that diet, only two days before the surgery.  My surgeon is the director of bariatrics at the DMC.  I have not heard of a two week liquid diet like that.  Just letting you know.  I do know you have to shrink your liver, but I only had to do the 2 days of clear liquids.  I was a mess and cried cause I was so hungry.  I am sorry you have to do that, I am not sure why 2 weeks. Tia

I'm having my surgery done by Dr. Bacal at Oakwood in Dearborn.  He put me on a three week liquid OptiFast diet to shrink my liver.  His nurse Terry is so funny!  She said don't make me have to come in the OR and look at the size of your liver!  Just follow the diet with no cheating.  If the doctor suspects that I didn't follow the diet they will cancel the surgery.   I start the OptiFast tommorrow and am hoping it isn't too bad! Kimberly C.

I had to lose a minimum of 15lbs before surgery at the U of M (Dr. Birkmeyer). But they wanted me to lose 30 so the insurance wouldn't complain. I have heard some programs require a 2 week liquid diet, the U of M wants you to lose weight and typically, they put you on a bariatric diet (can't remember all the details right now) leading up, so you can lose the required preop weight. I did mine starting the day I saw them, but didn't follow the bariatric diet. I just kicked up my exercise and really watched what I ate. Each program and doc is different, but in the end, we all get to the same place!

The liquid diet (2 weeks for me) was the best thing that ever happened to me as far as living this new life was concerned.  This gave my brain time to adjust to eating less food.  Your head is your enemy after surgery and if you don't start to train it before hand, you will have issues afterward.  Good luck to you!