Question:
Weight Loss Before Surgery

I am scheduled for RNY surgery next month. My doctor requires that I loose 15-20 lbs. prior to surgery. This will allow the liver to shrink a little & allow him more room to operate. Has anyone out there who has had the RNY had to loose mandatory weight also? If I don't loose the weight, he will cancel the surgery.    — Ruth M. (posted on January 28, 2009)

January 27, 2009
Hi Ruth..Most surgeons require their patients to lose some preliminary weight. You are right this does help him for doing your surgery, and it also let's him know how committed you are to changing your eating habits. It sounds rough sometimes, but in the long run it's for your best interest. My doc prescribed a specific diet which I followed for two weeks before surgery, but I was already exercising and trying to lose weight anyway. You can do this. I wish the best of success to you.
   — katiecakes

January 27, 2009
My surgeon told me the same thing. I lost 17 pounds in 3 weeks, so it should be a task you can accomplish. Without the wt loss prior to surgery your liver may be too fatty. If that is the case then the LAP RNY will not be able to be done and you'll end up with an OPEN procudure, which is far more painful, and takes many more weeks to heal. I didn't want my surgery cancelled, so I lost the wt. You need "to practice" some new eating habits for your post op lifestyle, so why not get strarted now? High protein, low carb, give up sugars or fatty foods and sodas, drink water, and try to do some exercise, even walking is fine. Worked for me. DAVE
   — Dave Chambers

January 28, 2009
I had VSG but had to lose 28 before surgery. I knew that if I gained, he would cancel the morning of surgery so I was motivated! I ended up losing 34 before surgery. You can do it, I promise!
   — GlitterGal

January 28, 2009
I had a RNY on Nov.24th 2008. I had to go on the 10 day clear liquid diet. I lost 15 lbs. on the clear liquid diet before surgery. If you have a mind set that you really want the surgery and stick to the clear liquids you can do it. Good luck. "IF its meant to be it's up to me" that is what you should keep telling yourself. I know that is what I told my self. It worked for me. Wish you the best.
   — sides71

January 28, 2009
Yes.... same here. I'm in Denver, and I was told that I needed to lose at least 15 - 20 pounds prior to surgery, for the same reasons. First off, to prove you're committed to changing your life, and second, to reduce the size of fatty liver so that the surgeon will find it easier to operate. I lost 24, then gained back 5 1/2. I'm working on losing that 5+ that I regained before I have my surgery - hopefully early to mid February. Erica
   — Erica Alikchihoo

January 28, 2009
It's important...Even back 5 years ago with open RNY my surgeon "requested" not required his patients to lose as much weight as possible to shrink the liver. The reason being so important now is that most of the surgeries today are done laproscopically (with tools, not hands) The liver is like tissue paper and if lacerated will bleed profusely! The liver can get quite huge and heavy and it sits right on top of the stomach where the surgery takes place...When you lose weight...your fatty liver shrinks as well! So..try your best...it's for your own good and helps your surgeon tremendously. You can do a search for "Gastric Bypass surgery videos" and watch a surgery done from beginning to end! Not for the squeamish! I watched so many it doesn't bother me...anymore! LOL
   — .Anita R.

January 28, 2009
I had to lose 30lbs on my own before my doctor would sign off on my surgery . She unequivocally told me that if I did not lose it she would cancel the surgery. I wasn't for sure my surgery was a go until five days before the actual surgery.
   — thundercat

January 28, 2009
It all depends on how strict your doctor is . I lost 20 lbs pre op on the protein liquid diet.ButI know some people that I had my surgeron with had gained 5 lbs and I don't know how but he still did there surgery. It is all up to your doctor. I would just ask him straight out what he wants. Good Luck to you.
   — [Deactivated Member]

January 28, 2009
I was on a liquid diet 3 weeks prior to surgery. I lost 25 out of the 27 lbs that i was requested to lose. They still went ahead with the procedure. Do what you're told by your doctor. It will be for your benefit but don't stress if you don't lose all that is required. After all, we are all different. Good luck.
   — maria09elena

January 28, 2009
My sister in law had RNY 2 years ago and her doctor made her lose 60 pounds before they would operate. I am having RNY in February but my doctor did not require me to lose any weight. I guess it depends on each individual person and the doctor. Good luck with your journey!
   — jeannefitz

January 29, 2009
Hello Ruth... I had VSG on the 18th of Nov 08...This was my second atempt at surgery... My first doc required me to lose 10% of my body weight (37lbs) I did it but then the doc keep putting me off for almost and year and a half. when I looked for a second doc he required me to lose again 10% of my body weight (33lbs) I did that and he did the VSG in Nov. Best thing I did was to lose the weight pryor to having the surger he told me after words that the liver being smaller made the surgery go better than planned. any way I lost 63 LBS total before the VSG and have lost 56.5 LBS since. Go for it and lose as much as you can before going under the knife. You will feel a whole lot better and be prepaired for the loss after... Great success and best wishes to you. Rob (scubaok)
   — scubaok

January 29, 2009
Yes, this is a normal request.
   — Corina C

January 29, 2009
All Drs have different requirements before surgery, but, yes, it is very common to have a specific amount of weight to lose.
   — corky1057

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