Is It Possible To Lose Too Much Weight Pre-Surgery?

I started my quest to have WLS in May, although I had been mulling it over for a couple of years prior to asking for a referral. I desperately wanted to lose weight.

My history is that I am a Pro at losing weight and have done so on many occasions only to gain it all back and then some. This is primarily why I wanted to have the surgery. Not so much to lose the weight but to ensure that I keep it off.

Once I made the commitment to do this I began eating healthier and the weight began to come off. Then I had my appt with the Dietician and we started to change my eating habits etc and I got put on an eating plan.

Since June 1st I have lost 27 lbs. Yeah! I started at 275 lbs and am now at 248 lbs.

Realistically, I don't believe I will get Surgery until January at the earliest. It is entirely possible that by the time my surgery comes around I could be hovering around 200 lbs or even below 200. I am fairly lucky as I tend to lose quickly with short stalls.

Is it possible that if I lose too much weight I will become ineligible for surgery?

I have a friend who is like you- a pro at losing weight ---- but regains it... she is like between 40 BMI & 35 consistently... I know she wants the surgery but will they allow it if she is 35 BMI and yes has a great deal of medical issues. From what I read you can get the surgery if you are 35 BMI with issues.

You should double check with your centre as they are all different, but I was told by the nurse that your qualification is based on your weight at the first nurse appt that is recorded. My mom lost quite a bit pre-op and they still performed her surgery because the issue as you mentioned is being able to keep the weight off.

Humber confirmed at orientation in July that you can still qualify for surgery even if you go below a 35 BMI, they go by your referral weight. It makes sense because most of us can lose some weight but cannot keep it off long term.

Yes I have known folks this has happened to. They got too low and were steered to the non surgery program.

Great question! I too thought at the rate I was going I would lose too much to get the surgery - but I was assured that they went by the referral weight/BMI and if you lost in the process they were happy with that because it meant you were taking suggestions and working towards a new way of life. You will be fine. I'm 6 days post op. TWH

How heartbreaking would that be, eh? To get to your 3rd app't (w/ the Nurse Practitioner) only to find out that you disqualified yourself...Holy Jumpin'! :(

If someone has a BMI of 40 and no co-morbidity, it might be advisable not to loose Any weight until their weight has been recorded at the hospital during the NP appointment...
That's exactly what happened to my BF's sister 18 mos ago: she let her BMI drop to 39.5, and sadly she didn't have any of the 3 qualifying co-morbidities...With her height and weight, we're talking a difference of just 3 to 5 lbs!

Cold :(

Thanks for posting this thread, this was something I was worried about also. And thanks to everyone for your answers!

Hi Sweetride,

I too had this question early on. My BMI was close to 35 when I was referred and I am eligible for surgery only because I have sleep apnea. I asked this question at Orientation and I was told that if my BMI ever went below 35 then I would not be eligible for surgery. I am in Hamilton. I have had a lot of stress about this and have in fact gained quite a bit of weight during the past year waiting to find out when my surgery will be. I still don't know when it will be. I would say that for me this is worse than just waiting for the surgery. It's been extremely stressful and somewhat depressing. I am looking forward to being healthy and being at a healthy weight and maintaining it.

Thanks,

Barb

So sorry, Barbara M

I can understand ..... it must be!