Start Atkins - pre surgery??

Hi,

I am in the beginning process of getting the sleeve.  Probably earliest I would have surgery is May.  My BMI is 40-41 ish and don't want to jeopardize insurance benefits, but I really want to start doing something.  It feels weird not being on a "diet" or something.

Anyway, I have done almost every diet known to man.  I have tried Atkins in the past, but never really "stuck" to it.  Doesn't seem like I can stick to anything.  I had tried the new Weigh****chers program, and even though I felt pretty well when I was on it, I lost 4# and gained them back.  Ugh.
I have seen where many of you who have had surgery are stating that low carb is your way of keeping weight off.  Should I just start Atkins now and see if I lose without surgery???  I have the new Atkins book and everything - I am just so scared to fail again.  

Also, I understand how the surgery is a tool to help you lose, but how has your behavior changed as a result of the surgery?  Do you think if you would have done Atkins prior to surgery you could have avoided the surgery?

Sorry for all the questions!

Thanks!  Lynn

P.S.  I am 53 & menopausal & hypothyroid

Hi Lynn!

I do not think it would be harmful to start learning the Atkins (or any other low-carb) way of eating in advance of surgery, since it is certainly unlikely to be harmful and very likely to be helpful.  BUT, in my opinion it would be best to consult your surgeon and his nutritionist (if he has one), before proceeding.  

That is because you're right!  There might be an issue with insurance if your BMI is not high enough, without comorbidities.  Or, your doctor may have a specific nutritional approach that he would like you to take.

Believe me, I'm all gung ho for the low-carb way of eating.  But in this case, I think you should ask the doctor.  I also want to add that he might ask you to lose some weight before surgery (this sometimes happens), in which case you might ask his permission to give Atkins a go.


Yes, I absolutely DO have to diet post-op.  But it is infinitely easier and more effective!  Over time, I have successfully changed my eating habits, with the help of the surgery.  Yet, I feel as if I could easily undo all of it, and regain my losses.  It's really frightening.  And potentially a huge problem.  
You're bound to get some other, interesting supportive ideas here -- Let's see who else chimes in!

Hi,

Originally (I saw the surgeon last year, then decided not to proceed with surgery - thought I could do it on Weigh****chers, but couldn't stick to it) and he wanted me to lose 15#.  It was the liver reduction diet, which is more limited than Atkins it seems.

I am to see him the end of the month for my 2nd supervised weight loss visit.  The insurance people said not to gain, but not to lose until I see him in case insurance would deny me because my BMI went below 40.  So I am kinda stuck right now.  I have Federal BCBS.

I pushed my surgery back from July until February.  With a bmi in the low 40's, I also had to ensure I stayed at a bmi of 40 or worse. 

Low carb does not automatically mean weight loss. Calories still matter.  However, learning to eat better now even while maintaining obesity will be valuable later.   You can begin to aquire a taste for a healthier diet. It is not likely you will be able to stick to it perfectly and have significant weight loss before your approval.  If you could do this you already would have done it. 

Best wishes to you. 

Thank you.

I am hoping that the surgery will help me lose and keep it off (like everyone else I guess).  I just have not been able to stick with anything so I am so scared to fail.