Newton-Wellesley question

For those who had a RNY at NWH, was there a weight loss requirement before your surgery?  Just curious.

They encourage you to lose weight but I know for my hubby and I it wasn't required just strongly recommended.  We were just told we couldn't gain any weight, luckily we both lost some before our surgeries Gwen

Ditto what Gwen said.  There wasn't a number figure or a percentage, just urged to lose some.  It was also drilled into me from them that if I gained anything from my consult weight, that surgery would be postponed.  Lucky for me I lost 17 prior to surgery.

I'll third those responces!... I was never told I "had to lose" any weight but was told that it would be better for me to lose some before surgery to help with the surgery and to help with recovering.. but I had to do a 6 month insurance required supervised diet with the NUT there and I lost 24.5 lbs in that 6 months... Weight loss also helps shrink your liver.. it can be in the way of the surgery.  Best of luck to you.. I am very happy with everyone at NWH. ~Kelly

Hi Mary Kay, You are going to love Dr. G.  He is a kind and sweet man.  He is also very straight forward which is refreshing.  He doesn't "require" weight loss but strongly recommends it.  I was in the office one time and heard them talking about a woman who they were about to tell her surgery was being cancelled because she had gained some weight.  I don't think it was just a few pounds though.  It sounds like you are serious about your health and are well on your way to a new life! Nicole

I had been losing weight on my own, I was glad that I had because in all the support meetings that mentioned weight loss prior to surgery I had heard it helps your liver to shrink.  I am so happy with Dr Gazmuri. I have lost over 51% of my consult weight. Linda

How do I join this board?  I was scheduled for Roux-en-Y bypass at MGH in May of 2005 which was canceled for money/insurance issues.  I was devastated, but somehow went on to lose 80 pounds by myself in the following year, 30 of which have returned.  I am not considering the gastric bypass again but so scared and doubtful at age 53.  I also had a Nissen fundoplication at MGH in 1997 and I know that makes this procedure even more complicated and dangerous than it already is.  I am thinking about calling Newton-Wellesley Hospital tomorrow for a consult.  I live in NH also so long drive.   Any advice or support is MUCH appreciated.  I havent even told my husband that I am thinking about this again.  I feel pretty alone in this. 

Hi Pinksweatergal, Welcome!  It doesn't hurt to call and ask questions.  Give them a call, if they can't help you (which I can't imagine why they couldn't), I'm sure they can at least give you some guidance on what you can do.  NWH has a fantastic program.  It was/is a long drive for me too, but it was well worth it.

Thank you so much for your help and encouragment.  I will call and see what I can find out.  I live in Derry, NH so it will be a very long drive for me and i am starting a new job next week working 8-5 from home as a transcription editor so not sure I could even get the time off for this.  Thanks.   Sally

Dr. G is the BEST!  I have my R-N-Y this Thursday.  I wasn't given an amount to lose, only told that I shouldn't gain.  :) I've lost about 8 lbs - which he was happy with.