WLS I have to lose 54 pounds before I can have surgery. I weigh too much at 454

I finally got threw all the things that have to be done after 6 months of waiting, so I had had my first visit with my doctor hoping he will give me a date for my surgery! All pumped up he came in the room and sat down and simply said. YOUR TOO FAT! You need to lose 54 pounds bringing my weight to 454 pounds before he will do it. Does anyone know another hospital that will take medicare, I'm in NC and was going to Frye in Hickory NC seeinmg Dr. Cook! Please help if you can..

I can't help you with any doctors but all of us here can help you to lose those 54 lbs. In my research, it has become evident that most all physicians require the patient to lose a certain amount of weight before the surgery can be done.  This is for many reasons.  One implicit reason is to make sure you have what it takes to commit to this drastic change in your life. It also helps you to transition into the new eating habits so your body and mind are not in such a shock.  Other reasons are the weight loss shrinks your stomach and liver I believe, which in turn makes the surgery less risky and ensures success. Most WLS patients have to undergo a liquid diet 2-3 weeks before surgery to do this.  I feel absolutely positive that you can get those 54 lbs off in a very short amount of time.  Especially, with you being 454 lbs the weight should come off much faster than for someone who is 254 lbs trying to lose the 54 lbs.  Whatever your decision may be we are here to help you and I hope and pray that you are able to get the surgery quickly! Ohh, you might try Roc Bauman in Concord, NC.  He is the surgeon I was going to choose. Perhaps he accepts medicare?  http://www.carolinaweightlosssurgery.com/

I had WLS and I can tell you that I had to lose 35lbs before they would touch me.  The reason is to shrink your liver.  Your liver is this fatty blob that has the consistancy of cold butter.  They have to move the blob to get to your belly to perform the surgery.  If the blob is too heavy (ie: too big) and they have to move it out of the way too far, they could cut through your liver, causing major major damage.  I learned this because I threw a hissy fit when my doctor told me that I had to lose weight.  I mean, I was having WLS because I COULDN'T lose weight and they're telling me I have to lose weight before I can have the surgery I need to lose the weight?  That was ridiculous to me and then it was explained to me. 

I'm going to suggest Atkin's.  That's what I did to lose my weight.  I did Atkin's and lost the weight in under three months.  Buy the copy of the book released in 2002 (the one Atkin's actually wrote himself, before he died) and follow it to the T.  You'll be on your way to WLS in no time.  Good luck and if you need any tips, email me!

If it's finite, you can do it. I started with a couple changes in late February, and now eat 1300 cals and exercise 4x a week-- and went from 368 to 337. It can be done!

Sorry you have to wait until you lose 54 before you can have your surgery.  BUT whatever help we can offer, we're here for you.  You'll find alot of good posts and support here.....HUGS

I'm sorry the doctor brought you such news when you were expecting a surgery date! That must have been such a let down! But 54 pounds compared to all the weight you want to lose doesnt' seem that bad. You're lucky you have the option of surgery, and that goal should help you on your way. This is a great group of people here (I'm pretty new to this board, and everyone's been more than supportive) and if you need support or diet/exercise ideas they can help! I'm starting Atkins monday, if not sooner, and I know that if I have a rough day they will be here to help me through it!!  You Can Do This!!! I have faith in you!

hey, how would you like to be me - my surgeon said..oh you're FAT, but not fat enough.  So I got rejected. Anyhoooo.... my biggest comment is think of it as practice.  You HAVE TO change your habits and your life after wls. Get on board now with it. At least you have wls at the apex of this journey, but it is not the end of the line. The real work begins after a couple years. remember, depending on whose statistics you like, up to 75% of people gain back the weight after wls.  A person looking into it has to realize that you are back to basics, hate it or not.  It's a temporary chance to get a normal life.  in my readings, this pre-diet protocol will vary from surgeon to surgeon. However, i would stay local for ease of follow up and just do it.  You need this practice. best of luck to you!!!!

 Neecee, I heard of a lady who intentational gained weight so she would be approved...I say WTH?

Ironic but I didn't want to lose weight because I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to get WLS and I thought it was the only way I would keep the weight off long term.  In fact, even when I started losing weight I told myself I would go on a 30 day eating binge to gain it all back so I could have the surgery. See my insurance didn't cover WLS and I wasn't going to pay out of pocket so I figured eventually I'd find insurance that would, but for the time being I should do "something".  My mind is completely changed now. :)

oh TRUST me, I considered that - I missed the boat by 12 freakin pounds - no sweat, could put that on in what one month?  I did not feel that was a good response. I don't judge those who choose that, but for me, I was not able to justify that. I sooooo considered it.