had consult today

well i went to see the dr today he told me one thing that i didnt know...that men are more prone to complications than women.did anyone know that??? well anyhow said with my comorbitities i shouldnt have a problem getting approved.we talked about have the lap done but he said unless i lost about 40lbs. that he'd have to do open can anyone tell me a safe and quick way to lose that much weight in about 2 months? rich

Richard, I had the same challenge before I could have surgery. I joined Weigh****chers on line. I had to lose 30 pounds and I was successful. It is scary because I got to that point on Weigh****chers that we all have been when you know you are about to cheat and ruin every thing you just did and it was time for surgery. What ever you decide best of luck to you. The surgery was the best thing I ever did for myself. It is worth the dieting. Deb

Rich, How did you like Dr. Hallowell? Just wait until post-op....the whole group is so different towards you. They really treat you like family. They know you by name...maybe not all the surgeons but the nurses etc. and you surgeon does! Makes you feel like someone! As far as losing weight....I lost 70 pounds before my surgery. I was worried if I lost too much that they wouldn't want to do surgery on me....that didn't happen! I cut out sugar and fat because you won't be eating after surgery anyway. Kind of gave me a taste of what my life was going to be like afterwards....but really nothing can compare to it! I didn't eat between meals and still stick to that unless I drink a protein shake. I tried to stick to around 1,000 calories a day but for you a would add more. But I did lose 70 pounds from September to March..... And....I doubt that your surgery will be in 2 months. After everything is submitted to your insurance and you are approved than it will be about 2 months. All the surgeons are 8-10 weeks out until you are scheduled. I thought I would get mine right away....mine was 8 weeks. It goes fast though....and you will have up until your your pre-op testing to get your weight down. That is the weight that they go by for weight loss. I will try to make it on August 1st. Good luck with your journey! The best is yet to come! Sue

Hi Rich, I had the lap-band procedure done on July 14th at St. Vincent Charity (which is affiliated with UH - because I also have qualchoice) by Dr. Ben-Meir. 2 weeks before surgery you are put on a liquid diet and I thought that there was no way I could do that. I was given Optifast (which is not inexpensive) by the Dr's office, but I have to say that I lost about 14 lbs in that 2 week time. I didn't even use all the drinks that I was given because they really do fill you up. I am using them post-op now for the protein. It is a medically prescribed diet (hence the cost!) and you can go to optifast.com and do a search for dr's. Good Luck!! LeAnn