Losing weight prior to surgery...

You are so right, Russ - "but let me tell you...the pre-op pounds you lose...they count to the total...those are hell pounds..." but so worth the momentum gained in changing the habits prior to WLS. My doc made me lose 50 pounds (10%) prior to WLS or he told me he wasn't going to operate on me. Put the fear of God in me since WLS was my last chance at life. Ended up taking off 52 although I gained 9 pounds at my first weigh-in...

I was told that a lot of it has to do with the surgeons confidence level after a certain BMI.

In my case, one of mine gets OH praise for his cheap price, while the other two get props for their manner, skill, and program. I'll let you guess which one of the three drug mine out for over a year with the 75 lb loss requirement. At the 6 month mark when I went back and told him that it wasn't gonna happen as i was starting to gain, his response was basically "try harder".
WTF Dude?

I certainly understand the necessity for me losing weight prior to surgery. 1) easier for them to operate on me  2) me starting a routine with exercise  I would just hope that if he surgeon #2 states that 75lb would be preferable....50lb is the target, you can be sure I can going to do everything I can to strive for the 75lb...hell I want to make it as easy as I can for the Dr and for myself overall!! -Rob