Question:
what do you need to do to prepare before surgery such as eating and exercise?

   — lschesser (posted on April 26, 2007)

April 26, 2007
You need to check with your program. Each program is different. My husband was put on a 1200 cal. diet for 2 weeks pre-surg but I never had to do it so you need to check with your Dr. on what they expect from you.
   — Lost4Ever

April 26, 2007
My doctor wanted me to do a low carb diet two weeks prior to surgery because that will help shrink your liver. When your liver is shrink, it helps the doctor not have to do much moving of the liver during surgery. Ask your doctor what he wants you to do.
   — barfiep01

April 26, 2007
Every surgeon is different and will require different goals for you to reach. The reason those goals are in place are not only because some insurance companies may require them to be met, they are also tests to see if you have what it takes to do what you have to do in order to have this surgery. Patience is your best friend on this. You didn't put the weight on overnight, and the surgery isn't going to be scheduled overnight. In order for the best care, you will be made to go through a multitude of tests, doctor visits, and much more. Some people wait years for their surgery date...
   — oceanrayne

April 26, 2007
Try to get in extra protein to help in your healing. Best wishes.
   — StarWish624

April 27, 2007
Hi Linda. You ask a lot of good questions. First of all medicare is a tough agency and do not pay very well. Surgeons get tired of taking so much responsibility and not getting the pay, so if they can op out, some do. That is just life. There is a lot to learn about surgery and the rules, but truthfully on line here is not the place for some questions. Regarding requirements, you will have to contact medicare and see what they require to approve you. You probably can also find a surgeon through them that may help you if you qualify. If they require diet and exercise observation for a period of time, then your PCM can observe that, but if there is a co payment, it would be up to you to make it. Any pre-surgery tests coming from your surgeons office should be covered by your medicare, it is a pre surgery authorization for your health, so they usually cover all the blood work and any tests. Each surgeon is different, so once you find one, they will give you the list of things to do. Take it seriously and do them all quickly, because once all tests are in, then they apply for approval, and that can take about 6 weeks or so to get. I really encourage you to go to amazon.com and search under weight loss surgery and find books available. Knowledge is wonderful and learning from others is ok, but not always the "general" truth, but the truth according to their experience. You need to really educate yourself on the surgeries that are available, on what can happen and if it is really for you. There are usually support groups and classes at your local hospital that are free. Check into these. Talk on line, this is good, but please don't let it be your only resource. Many books come from the personal experience angle, but I found a few from the surgeons perspective, and very educational. It helped me a lot in making decisions and knowing what I was up against. Take care and best to you in your research. Patricia P
   — Patricia P