Pre-Op Weight Loss

Were you required to lose weight before your surgery?  How much did you lose.  How long did you diet?  What Was your BMI>>>>

I was not required to lose weight pre-surgery, but I was required to do a 3 week liquid diet pre-op.  And, although it wasn't a requirement, when I was participating in the nutritional sessions (3 months worth) I got the distinct impression that weight maintenance or gain was frowned upon (the second month I only lost one pound and that didn't seem too popular).  Anyway, through nutritional counseling I lost 10 pounds (of which I regained 5 prior to the liquid diet).  During the liquid diet I lost 35 pounds.  My BMI before surgery was over 70 and now it is in the mid-60s I believe.

I was required to make a "good faith" effort at losing weight.  No specific targeted amount but I was given the pre-op diet and told to follow that as best I could.  I lost 33 pounds before surgery and my surgeon was quite pleased with this loss.  He liked that I showed a commitment to the process. My BMI was in the low 80's but I cannot remember the exact number.

My surgeon suggested that I lose weight, but it was not required.  I did have to do a pre-op liquid diet for a week before my surgery; I dropped 10 pounds during that week.  The more weight you can lose before surgery, the less risky the surgery is and it'll make it much easier for your surgeon to do your procedure laproscopically.  My starting BMI was 62 (396 pounds, 5'7"); my current BMI is 29 (185 pounds, still 5'7"!!!).   Good luck on your continuing journey -  Kellie

yes I had to  go on a six month diet to prove I was comitted and I lost 39 pounds unfortunatly I had another 5 months between the time I met the surgeon and had surgery so I gained back almost all of it but took most of it back off in the liquid diet faze. ( not suggested behavior) my starting BMI was 66.7 5 "8

My surgeon says that he wants me to lose 10% (37) before my surgery.. so I had to start the sugar free clear liquid diet 3 1/2 days early.  I lost 17 in the first week... with 10 days to go.  I haven't lost any in the last 2 days.. (and I have not cheated 1 bite)  That is making me a little nervous.. as I really am hoping to prove to him that I am serious.  At my heaviest, I was BMI 64.9    now it is 59.9 :)

I lost 35lbs over a couple of months pre-op.  My BMI was in the low 80s and it was suggested that I lose as much as possible before surgery.  I did 2-3 protein shakes per day and a small dinner of meat and veggies.  It worked quite well when I followed it, but it was hard to follow, especially with vacations and things going on at that time. 

I seem to not be having luck with the pre-op loosing weight either. The hard thing for me was that I had already lost over 10% of my body weight on my own before seing the surgeon -- too bad that it wasn't dr supervised but I needed to change some lifestyle habits to make this journey easier. I am down over 50lbs now but this 1st month of dr.supervised eating I have only lost 5lbs in the first month. He wants to see 30lbs overall. What protien shakes are good, can you recommend what to do. He said that I should start having shakes and then I can eat some protien at dinner and try that for two weeks and then I go back for a check up with PCP to see if that is working, he is really recommending that I have to take off the 30lbs............... Help, frustrated in Houston,TX.

 

Amanda

Any protein shake that is low carb, high protein, and low/medium fat is fine - I used the Atkins Advantage shakes and I also like myoplex shakes very well.  Atkins advantages ready to drink are about $12 for a case of 12 if you find a good deal.  I do not recommend the slim fast low carb, its not high enough in protein.  As far as myoplex I like vanilla best, but they are kind of expensive so it depends on your budget. 

In the long run powders that you mix yourself are a lot cheaper, but more of a hassle too.  I can't recommend any powders, I haven't found one I liked, but I am waiting on Click protein powder. 

Since you are in Houston I'd also recommend buying mootopia milk from HEB - its higher in protein and calcium than regular milk.  Certainly post-op its saved me!  I didn't know about it pre-op, but you'd get a great amount of protein if you mixed a protein powder in skim mootopia instead of water. 

Good luck!

Thanks, I am going grocery shopping today. I have already gotten some mootopia as that is whwat the nutritionalist is wanting me to drink and I like it, now just need to get some shakes that I like and start getting this weight off.