Pre-Op diet and weight loss goal questions

 I am headed to the orientation at Weight Wise this weekend but am trying to get as much information as I can from any and every source.  I keep seeing people with pre-op weightloss and then the mention of having to do this.  Why is this?  Does it apply to everyone?  Does this mean they will not schedule your surgery until after you have met that goal?  I wonder mostly because I just meet the requirements to be a candidate.  I'm 5'8, 270lbs., and no other weight-related conditions.  I have tried PSMF before with some success although I'm concerned the difficulty I would face with this pre-op diet.  

Also, for anyone using weightwise, how long was your wait from consultation to surgery?

Thx for the info

I am not familiar with weightwise (though there are many others on this board that are). As far as me personally, I did not have to lose any weight before surgery because I was at a BMI 39.5.  However, I did lose about 12 lbs before surgery because of the 10-day liquid diet my doctor put me on before surgery. Most doctors make their patients do some type of clear liquids only diet before surgery because it shrinks your liver, which is better for surgery.

Good luck!

At weight wise, they base how much you have to lose preop on your BMI. If your BMI is 40-50, you have to lose 5% of your current body weight, if you are btwn 50-60, you have to lose 10% of your current body weight, if your bmi is more than 60, you will either have to lose whatever it takes to get your BMI below 60 or 10% of your current body weight, whichever is greater. That is the info that I had when I went to my first visit. Once you get close to your goal or at your goal, they will schedule you for your pre-op appointment (at which payment is due) and get you a surgery date. Your patient advocate, mine is Jamie England... LOVE HER!!, will walk you through each step of the way. They are just wonderful. Best of luck to you on your journey.

Hugs,
Angie

Dear Brownblonde,

First of all, congratulations on your choice of medical facility and physicians. They are the best, and they offer a complete program. Every one of your questions will be answered before you enter the operating room.

Most patients must lose some weight before the surgery, to shrink the liver and make the laproscopic surgery proceed with ease. I had to lose more than 5 percent of my body weight because I carry a lot of weight in my stomach. It varies from person to person. You will find out how much you have to lose at your first appointment. I only know of one person who did not have to lose anything.

Your nutritionist will put you on a diet plan, but I modified mine to fit my lifestyle. As long as you lose the weight necessary, you are good to go. It helps, however, to begin practicing your new lifestyle. Give up bread, rice, pasta and potatoes. Begin sipping your liquids, but not during or for an hour after meals.

I believe Dr. Walton said on average the wait from consultation to surgery was about 90 days. Though, you could complete the process sooner, or later.

Good luck. You can get a lot of questions answered at the WW support group meetings, 6-7:30 Wednesdays in September and October. It's for pre-ops and post-ops, and it's a great group of people.

Vicky

 To add to what the other Weight Wise patients said... the weight you have to loose really is dependent on your personal situation and it is just to make sure that you have the safest surgery possible. I know of quite a few people that didn't have to loose anything, and I only had to loose 16 pounds so while it is hard, its not impossible. I completely agree that you should come to a support group, its a great place to ask a bunch of people who are going through the pre-op routine and people who have had the surgery whatever questions you want answered.

P.S. as for the liquid diet someone else mentioned. Don't freak out, Weight Wise only requires 24 hours of liquids before surgery not 10 days. 

 Awesome new photo, Rissa. You look great!

I had my surgery for the VSG on May 13th.  I attended my orientation on April 4th.  My first appointment was on April 7th.  I weighed 330 and am 5'8.  I was required to lose 16 lbs.  On May 13th I had lost 17 lbs.  All I did was to cut out carbs.  I did nothing else.  I ate as much as I wanted at meals.  It was easy for me.  They did not schedule my surgery until I met all requirements and losing weight was one of them.
This has been the best decision for me.  My life has changed so much I still am amazed.  I would be glad to talk to you if you want to.  If you have any questions after the orientation you can contact me also.  Since April I have lost 85 lbs.

This morning I had a confirmation e-mail from Weight Wise.  So I tell my guests that we're good and plan on going.  Then at 3pm I get a call from Weight Wise telling me that the seminar is full and I'm SOL.  I cannot go on T/Th because I have class so I am very bummed.  I decided to call them back and gritch.  After all, I had to coordinate schedules and there are few dates that will work for me, and futhermore they're in the future.  At first it sounded like I wasn't going to get anywhere with them (firecode, etc.) and then I started thinking maybe this is a sign.  Luckily, though, while I was on the phone with them a party of 5 canceled and so I'm back on.  I am very relieved because I can't stand to just sit around and do nothing with this for a month just to get started.  Whew!

Be patient, relax, and leave your worries behind.  How many years did it take you to put the weight on?  Then don't worry if a couple of weeks have to pass before you can start taking it off.

The ride is fast so don't feel you have to rush.  It's worth the wait and the hoops you have to jump through. 

I went to the seminar the week before Thanksgiving 2008.  I didn't get to have surgery until March 2nd of 2009.  I had 44 pounds to lose (BMI was 60) but I lost 52.  Cardio took the longest to clear due to family history.

It WILL get here!  Just let it happen!

I was required by my insurance to do 6 months medically supervised and they wanted me to lose 10% of my excess weight.  In the beginning I so dreaded it...but now I am very thankful.  I lost 20% and I learned a lot of valuable lessons, and changed a lot of bad habbits during that time that I know have made my journey easier.

Read as much as you can and get as much information on the journey you have in front of you.  It is great, but information is power.  We all have ups and downs and it helps to have a support group and to understand what your body and your emotions will go through.

Best of luck to you!