Hi,

I am just above the BMI that will allow me to get weight loss surgery. It's 41.6. Is it better to lose weight or gain weight on the doctor supervised diet? Or stay the same weight? Or just lose a pound or two? I'm afraid if I lose more than 5 pounds I won't have a high enough BMI to get the surgery anymore.

Thanks,

Carly

I have to do 6 months :( they go by your first weigh in, doesn't matter what you weigh at the end. Normally the doctors want you to loose 5-10% at least. I personally am loosing as much weight as possible so I'm healthy as can be for surgery. Good luck!

It depends on your insurance company so it's best to call and ask. Some go by initial weight, some go by end weight. 

Check with your insurance company.

But -- do you have any obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea?  If so, you may qualify at a BIM of 35, instead of 40.

Good luck to you.

I had to meet with a nutritionist twice a month for 6 months.

Since i was a light weight, they didnt want me to lose (and kick myself out of the insurance coverage part).

Dont be insulted or anything (like me, you have been probably dieting ...forever).  What they do at this stuff and teach you how to chew your food (i.e. applesauce consistency). Get you to buy smaller bowls and plates (i now use smaller than luncheon plates, and use dip bowls for parties....those dip bowls will ONLY hold 1/2 cup of food) and get you to buy baby feeding spoons (becuase what you put in your mouth will be chickpea sized in the beginning..and I try to remember to take smaller bites even 8 months out).

You will practice eating 1/2 cup food over 30 LONG minutes.

And not drinking when you eat and/or take pills.  That was hard to get used to and still is hard at times. But I obey this rule religiously

Insurance is the main deciding factor.

I had to do the 3 month Dr. supervised program.  And even though I was at a 61 BMI, they said I did not have to lose weight, just not gain weight.  Considering you have to show like a 3 year weight history, and I had to be above the BMI threshold for those 3 yrs, I doubt an insurance company would deny you if you lost 5 lbs during a 3 month supervised period.  

But that is a question that you surgeon should be able to help you answer for sure (due to their experience with the insurance companies).

Definitely ask your insurance company (or your surgeon's office, if the insurance company can't tell you).  I was worried about the same thing, and refused to lose any more weight once I got to 40.0 BMI.  My surgeon was the one that told me they go by the initial weight. 

Also, some insurance companies won't cover you if you GAIN weight during the weight loss process.  So, you need to check into that, as well.

Good luck!

Hi Carly,

I had my surgery about 3 months ago.  My insurance was not covering my procedure.  I did my research, and I opted for having it in Mexico.  You might want to look into that if your insurance is giving you problems.  My BMI was 38, and there was no problem.  Good Luck! :)

My surgeon wants a min of 25 lbs lost by surgery. The insurance wanted to see me lose some weight too to show i am dedicated to continued weight loss after surgery. 

I guess maybe everywhere is different. I am on the 6 month diet and I asked last time I had my weigh in what would happen if I gained ( I have been losing and not gaining but it is always a fear) and she said nothing would happen. She told me that I just needed to be lighter than my first weigh in because I can not gain. I was not given a certain amount of pounds to lose. We did discuss that I need to keep the BMI of 40 in mind since I have no co morbidities. So I know of the weight I don't want to drop below and I know my starting weight and I know I cant go above that. It all can be overwhelming really. Just hang in there!