Question:
Do I really have to lose some weight before the lap?

I am 5'10 and weigh about 340, so needless to say my bmi is pretty high. My problem is, I want the lap procedure done, but my doctor said I need to lose 40 pounds. I don't look as if I weigh as much as I do, and my stomach isn't really that big. I have muscular legs and arms, but my doctor doesn't seem to be taking this into consideration. He told me he judges by the bmi alone. He didn't even look at my belly! Any suggestions on how to get around this, or how I can lose 40 pounds by Sept. 6th? Thanks!    — JM B. (posted on June 19, 2002)

June 19, 2002
HI! I cannot believe he didnot even look and touch your belly!! That is the first thing my surgeon did when I went for the consult, to feel for hard tissue and just to feel around if I was a good candidate for the LAP. I was 250 LBS and 5'2 and didn't have to lose any weight, although I did lose a few pounds b/c i had gotten sick.(1st time in my life by accident!!) Maybe you should get sick! LOL just kidding! Considering that once we are all post-op we are on such high protein and low carb diets, maybe you can try that until september? I know it will be hard, otherwise, why else would you be having this surgery! I would try calling him, and asking him why he didn't examine your belly and talk about your concerns, b/c not everyone has to lose weight before their surgery! goodluck to you, i wish you well!! :)
   — Lezlie Y.

June 19, 2002
My Doctor told me the larger you are the larger your liver is (that makes sense, duh...) The only way he would have to do open surgery is if my liver was too large. Your liver can get in the way of LAP. Your Dr. should have explained to you why you needed to lose 40 pounds. Try to only eat and drink sugar free products. I heard that can decrease your liver size. And you will also lose weight.
   — Debra P.

June 19, 2002
I also am going to have the LAP RNY done, and my Dr needs me to lose 30 lbs. I was so mad when he told me this but its for a good reason. Your liver is fatty, so when u lose weight it decreases the size of your liver and can prevent risks during surgery i.e: accidental knicks and cuts. I think of it this way....it will be less wieght I will have to less to lose after the surgery. So think of it as 40 lbs closer to your goal! :0)
   — Shavonne P.