Question:
What if I lose weight before my consult?

What if I lose some weight before I get my consult? My BMI obviously goes down! Now does that put me further down the list for importance? I really need to know. My consult is May 4th(yeah!!) I need to get rid of some weight in the meen time. ( If I can)    — mumuvtwogrlz (posted on February 16, 2007)

February 16, 2007
With my doctor and my insurance my BMI had to be at lease 40 or higher or if you BMI is lower than 40 you had to have health issues. You might want to call your doctors office and ask what they do and if you have insurance that covers your surgery ask them.
   — barfiep01

February 17, 2007
Your BMI is 52, so you should be fine if you lose some weight. It is always good to exercise and practice what you will be doing even more after surgery. Just be sure you stay above 42 or so on your BMI so that there is no insurance doubt about your surgery. It could also cause you to lose slower after surgery, but if you take off 50 or 60 pounds prior to surgery, what is that? That is great! Losing fast is not the key to success, just loosing ane keeping it off is. The stronger and less fat you are before surgery only aids in your recovery and risk assessment during surgery, so you have nothing to lose but fat! You go girl! Work on strengthening exercises for your arms and upper body especially because you use them a lot after surgery, it will help you a lot! Take care and best to you. Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

February 17, 2007
Having WLS is not like having a transplant. There are no lists. Being heavier does not mean you get the surgery faster. Timing is based on how long it takes to get your insurance to approve it, how long it takes to get all pre-op testing, counseling, whatever, and the availability of your surgeon. Losing weight will help you, not hinder you. Best wishes.
   — mrsidknee

February 17, 2007
Tanya, I would go ahead and trim down. Your BMI is over 50 same as mine was. My Dr. considered it a good faith measure to take off some pounds before surgery. It makes it easier for the Dr. to do the surgery and shows your are serious about your health. Most Dr.s do not base who goes next on the BMI solely they take in to consideration if you are keeping your appointments, if you have all your tests up to date. if you are making an effort to stabelize your health, etc. so show your Doc you care about yourself and your health. I lost 32 lbs before surgery on the 9th of Jan. and am steadily taking it off now. Down another 30 since RNY. Feeling good. Went a lot better than I expected. Good Luck. njkbutton
   — njkbutton