WHERE ARE THE PEOPLE THAT ARE FAILING PRE-OP

Told I need to get to 400 to be considered for surgery ,,,started over 500

My surgeon successfully gave a DS to a 700 pound man.

Get another opinion with a more qualified surgeon.

400+ is not all that unusual.

 why not get a different surgeon? sounds like yours is just torturing you like Diana said - it's not necessary.

 That's not the norm. Your surgeon is a jerk, and your journey will be easier and likely more successful if you find a new one.

You apparently have Kaiser.  And are seeing Fisher.  'Nuf said about that.

Do yourself a favor and self-pay for a consult with Dr. Rabkin in SF.  Or just attend one of his free monthly meetings at St. Mary's Hospital in SF (cafeteria, 2nd Wednesday of every month, 6-8 PM), whi*****ludes a 1 hour presentation for first timers by Dr. Rabkin himself (while the rest of his patients use the first hour to have a wide-ranging discussion) and the second hour is a more formal format, with everyone introducing themselves and talking for a moment, Q&A with Rabkin, and often a presentation by a long-time post-op or allied medical professional or other related presenter.

Oh, and it's pot-luck, and there is good food - because DSers can EAT!

Rabkin has done DS laparoscopically on 700-800 lb people, WITHOUT requiring pre-op weight loss.  And he has a contract with NorCal Kaiser - when their patients demand the DS, they end up with Rabkin - lucky people!  And lately, NorCal Kaiser has been sending its oldest, fattest, sickest patients *****quest the DS to Rabkin after only one denial - I guess they figure those people would screw with their internal success rate anyway, and since Kaiser always loses the appeals anyway, they are better off just caving in.

You're a perfect candidate for that process.

my ex was over 450 at surgery..  

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That's a LOT of weight to have to lose in order to get a surgery to help you lose weight.

Find a better surgeon. I'd recommend Rabkin or Keshishian, since you're 1) in CA, and 2) need a DS.

Are you participating in a medically supervised weight loss program / nutristionist / supervised exercise program? All of the people that I've met who've been successful in losing a significant amount of weight pre surgery, participated in a supervised/formal weight loss & exercise program.

I know what you mean! I knew I had a doctors appointment yesterday and was needing to be as close to my goal weight as possible so I could get a surgery date. Well, my husband and I spent the weekend together and he took me to eat Chinese food Friday night and then we took the girls to Mcdonalds two more times over the weekend. Even though I ate a salad one of those meals, I went from 310 lbs on Friday morning to 314 lbs on Monday morning. I need to be at 303 before surgery. Mon and Tues I kicked it up a notch with the protein shakes and ate lots of sauted cabbage. Wed morning I was back down to 310 lbs and got my surgery date for Oct 11. However, my pre-op visit is next Thurs., one week and I have to lose 7lbs by then or the doctor will put me on a liquid diet. If I do reach my goal I will only have to do the clear liquids the day before surgery. I do struggle especially when I'm in social situations. Slow weight loss is better than gaining. I've gone 3wks and not lost 1 lb. It was because of my poor habits. Anyways, you are successful if you are losing at all. It will come off eventually! We just have to keep hanging tough. Good luck and God bless.