pre op diet

Hello. For the past 2 months, I have been on the 'required' 3 month diet for medicaid. I have lost 21 lbs. But it's been very difficult. I will lose 10 lbs, then gain 10 lbs...and lose it again, etc. I have one month left to lose weight. My question, will my chances of being approved thru medicaid be diminished because I can't lose weight successfully? I have a very high bmi. Its hard to exercise because my knees and back hurt. I'm a wreck!! Thanks for any info.

Hello Bobbie From what I understand, at this stage they want you to make one last attempt at dieting. Your weight bouncing up and down should not hurt you. It will show them what you have put up with for years and that a normal diet is not going to do it. Also they are looking at aftercare. The surgery will help you take the weight off, but the diet you are learning right now is what is going to get you to your goal weight and keep you there. I myself am in the 7th week of my required 3 month diet. I started out by losing 9 pounds in 4 weeks. Then gained 10 pounds (mostly fluids) in the fifth week. Then lost 4 pounds by 6th week. I go to my next session Tuesday so we will see what happens. So basicly I have only lost 3 pounds from my starting weight, 7 weeks ago. As for the exercise, Just remember ACTIVITY = EXERCISE. And it does not have to be all at once either. Plan little activities through out your day, 5 minutes here, 10 minutes there, they all add up at the end of the day. Try to add it up to at least an hour each day. I have many health problems, (CHF COPD Diabetes Etc. Etc.) including bad feet and back. So regular exercise is pretty much out of the question. I have learned to work around them. There are many exercises you can do sitting down, Arm Rotations, Lifting Weights, Etc.Etc.. Also check with your local YMCA and see if they have a water exercise program, Swimming is great exercise and very low impact. Most YMCA's have indoor pools so you can go year round. And I already know what you are thinking. I don't want to do that people will be watching me and thinking, look at that fatty in the pool. Ok some people will, but some people are idiots. Most people will be thinking, WOW!!! Look at her working hard to improve herself. Because after all that is what they are there for too. To improve themselves. Well hope this helped you. Just remember STAY POSITIVE and STAY FOCUSED and good thing will happen. Hugs to you..... Jimmy

Jimmy , You are going to do great with this surgery. You have educated your self. Hugs Barb

Jimmy, I ditto Barb! I am in your corner here, I can't wait to watch your progress! Blessings, pam

I gained and lost the same 5 pounds on my 6th month diet. as long as you are trying what can they say hugs barb

Thank you both for the kind words. I do the best I can with what I got. I am going to get a swelled head with all these positive thing being said about me. I will have to butter my ears to get me thru the door if this keeps up. At my last session, my dietitian told me that out of the 3 years she has been doing this program, That I am understanding this program more that any other client she has ever had. Jimmy

Hi Jimmy, Thank you for all the information. I have the exercise tape of Richard Simmons called 'sit tight' I do that quite often. I go for my weigh in on Wednesday, wish me luck! Thanks again, for all you said. Bobbie