pre op weight loss

hey gang, i was just interested in hearing others stories about pre op weight loss. the doc wanted me to lose 20 pounds before my surgery (im having lap band now) but my surgery date was scheduled like a month after that visit, and im finding it impossible (with the holidays-and my 1yr anniversary). I know they use this to see if you are serious about it, but that cant be that true. Im very serious about it, but i also do not make good decisions when im starving. Did anyone else have a problem losing their pre op weight? ~moni

Hi Moni, Sorry I have no words of wisdom to offer as my insurance did not require any weight loss and neither did my surgeon. I get very annoyed when I hear about these restrictions bcause if we could successfully lose weight we would not be seeking weight loss surgery!! My best advice for you would be to play the game because your surgeon can and may refuse to operate if you do not lose any weight. So try your best to lose SOME weight and you should be fine! Fill up on protein and vegetables etc and cut down on carbs.... easy to say, hard to do I know.... Good luck! Jackie

I put myself on the bariatric diet to make sure I could hack it. If I couldn't I wanted to know BEFORE I had RNY. I took right to it and lost 34 pounds pre-op. My doctor wanted a minium of 10 pounds off. I decided to make it what I wanted. I committed to NO sugar, or white food, and began walking. I also began protein supplements at the same time. I lost about 10 pounds a month. Sorry I don't have advice. I only know what worked for me. Good luck, Lois

Hiyas Monica, I was required to lose 10 and had already lost 5 by the visit so that made it 15 total. As of yesterday I have lost 20 preop and I am doing basically the same as Lois. During the week I follow strictly protein shake for breakfast and lunch and then for dinner I will eat a lean quisine(sp****asionally I will vary and have still managed to lose. During the weekend I am not so strict. I know I could lose more if I were. Hope this helps. Anna

Hey Moni, Sorry I can't help you. My surgeon did not require any pre-op weight loss. The holidays is a horrible time to try and lose weight ! All I can say is do whatever is reasonable to qualify. It is soooo worth it. My life has totally changed as a result. Good luck, Jennifer

Moni, Im glad for your upcoming surgery. Dr. Moazzez was my surgeon and I was required to lose 5-10lbs. Luckily, I lost 13! I really watched what I ate Monday-Saturday and treated myself on Sundays. My suggestion is to stay far away from fast food and sodas and dont take in more than 1200 calories a day. I bought a book from Barnes and Noble that gives calories on everything. Good Luck, Courtney

Hi Moni, my insurance did require me to lose 20 lbs. They also had a six month waiting period so I had six months to do it. There was no way I was going to let 20 lbs get in the way of me not having this surgery!! Although I remember thinking, what if they see I can lose 20 and then say well just get committed to lose the rest. They didn't!! I did follow South Beach pretty close. Like I said, I wasn't going to lose out on this because of 20 lbs. Good luck! love donna

thanks everyone, everything happens for a reason, so we shall see next thursday (jan 4th) during my 2 week pre op apppt with Dr. M. I hope I lost enough to his satisfaction. If not, then the timing is not right. Im just really nervous about it.

I'm surprised that Dr. M didn't tell you to do the 70/30 diet thing. 70g of protein, 30g of carbs per day. I got by with eating a LOT of salad, with lots of cheese, bacon, meats, etc. DRINK AS MUCH WATER AS YOU CAN. NO bread, sweets, etc (ugh, I could NOT imagine having surgery right around/after the holidays, my hat is off to you) He had expected me to lose about 35-40lbs before surgery, I ended up losing only 28, which was fine by him. Good luck on your 2 week pre-op -- after that, time moves by FAST. After you have the surgery, it goes by FASTER. People will tell you: water and protein. They're right. Julie