weight loss expected before surgery?

Hi, this is my first time writing in the message board. My first appt. with Dr. Pohl was back in late March and my second appt. is coming up on Thurs. June 3, 2004. I am worried about the 10 pounds that I found out, about 1 1/2 weeks ago, I needed to lose before this appointment. I don't know if I have gained or lost weight since my first appt. Does anyone know what happens if I have gained instead of lost weight? Has anyone had this happen? I really hope this doesn't delay my surgery. I really need and want this surgery!!!!! I'm afraid I may be unconsciously sabatoging myself because I am really scared. Any suggestions?? Thank You for listening. Sue

Hi Susan, First off, congratulations on your new journey!!! I just had my surgery last week (lap band). Prior to going for the surgery, on my last appt. I had gained weight(5lbs) instead of losing. My surgery was not postponed. Depending on what your BMI is I believe may have an effect on that, i was on the lower end. I remember in the seminar, and depending on which surgery you're having, he mentioned the weight loss rationale was for 1) showing that you can adhere to a diet plan (fear of hurting your pouch post op - but trust me, your first episode of over indulgence and you'll never do it again ), 2)to create space to make it easier to manuever the tools. I think this may be more so in the RNY procedure. My advice is to not sweat it, but if something is said to you, just tell him that you are invested in this. I think what he does not want to see is someone who comes in the office expecting to have the surgery and does not take it seriously and plans on going back to their old habits (although good luck in trying) . He is a very understanding person, so just make sure that if he does question it, make sure you reassure him that you are willing to do abide by the diet. Not sure of your age but females tend to retain water as well at certain times if you know what I mean. Don't worry, and keep us posted!!!!!!! Hugs, Stephanie

Hi Stephanie, Thanks for your words of encouragement. I have adhered to many very stringent diets in the past. I was even successful with the optifast program at Miriam and maintained for about a year before I could no longer exercise to keep it off. I became ill with Fibromyalgia and was in constant pain and felt lucky if I could even walk around my home, so excersising was out of the question. As for creating space for LPRNY surgery, I don't think I will have a problem if I am allowed the time between my last appointment on thurs. and my surgery date to comply. I too have read about the benefits of losing weight before surgery. Thanks, sue

Susan, I've been asked to lose 10-12 lbs before my Lap-RNY (expected around mid-September). I agree with the previous response - it's likely to demonstrate your commitment, and also will make the procedure a little easier. I've read that the internal organ that often responds first to weight loss (yes, our organs get fat, too!) is the liver, and the liver is "in the way" to a degree. If you can lose a few pounds, that can make the process smoother, which will certainly benefit you. In my case, I was told by Helen/NP for Dr. Harrington, that my BMI is just slightly above the level that he prefers for Lap surgery, so if I can lose the weight, I can avoid Open. I'll have it done either way, but Open invites other possible complications, so I'm willing to play it their way. I've resigned myself to the fact that, no matter how much I think I "know", when it comes to this stuff, they're smarter than I am! Please make an effort to take the 10 lbs. off. I doubt they'll postpone surgery if you don't, but remember that it will make it easier on you physically, and I think it may help confirm to you that you can handle the changes that this surgery will make in our lives. Good luck to you, and let us know how you do! Jackie

Hi Jackie, Thanks for your response. I agree I should lose weight for my benefit before surgery. Well I'll find out tomorrow. I'm unsure where I'm supposed to let you and Steph know what happens tomorrow. Do I put it here or on my profile page? Sue

HI SUSAN, LET ME JUST SAY THAT I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH, HE ASK ME TO LOOSE 10 POUNDS BEFORE THE SURGERY( I HAD THIS SURGERY ON MAY 27,2004) AND HE MEANS IT. HE CANCEL MY SURGERY THE DAY BEFORE BECAUSE I DIDN'T GO TO WEIGHT MY SELF BEFORE THAT. I WENT THE SAME DAY AND I HAD LOST 8 POUNDS SO HE RE-SCHEDULE IT. LET ME JUST SAY THAT I CRYIED LIKE A BABY ON MY WAY TO HIS OFFICE. HE IS VERY SERIOUS NOW ABOUT IT, BUT THAT IS ONLY BEFORE THE SURGERY THAT YOU NEED TO LOOSE THOSE POUNDS, TAKE CARE AND GOOD LUCK.