Question:
Any Suggestions for Pre-Op Weight Loss...

I have been seeing a surgeon since October to get the surgery. Then he suggested I see a nutritionist first to lose 30 lbs befroe the surgery. The problem is, is the nutritionist he wants me to see is only in the office like 3 times a month. I can not get in to see him/her until April!!! Anyone have any suggestions on how I can rapidly lose this weight so I can get this surgery on the road?? thanks!    — Shavonne P. (posted on March 18, 2002)

March 18, 2002
I lost pre op and then regained about 25 pounds on atkins over 4 mnonths. I starved myself, it was my last diet attept. It messed with my kidney functions thats why I quit it. Diabetics its NOT a good diet choice. I NEVER got into strong ketosis. MY surgeon doesnt require lost weight pre op. I would look for another surgeon.... <P> My motto was its low carb or surgery! BOY did surgery work GREAT!
   — bob-haller

March 18, 2002
I have been doing an Atkins-type low/no carb diet. It has been very effective, although I couldn't tell you exactly how effective since the only place I can get an accurate weight is at the doctor's office. Try cutting out all carbs...or at least most. I have eliminated all carbs except cheeses....a slice of american cheese on a couple of microwaved eggs in the morning, string cheeses for snacks, cottage cheese with dinner. See if this works. Good luck!
   — Michelle M.

March 18, 2002
Weight is never easy to lose, but try drinking lots of water, when you get that hunger pain go in there and drink water (Fast & as much as you can), This will usually help the hunger. Also like the others say watch your carbs and NO SUGAR. Good Luck!
   — Lynda T.

March 19, 2002
This is just a suggestion so please don't get mad. I heard that my surgeon would give us phentramine to help with the losing before surgery, a girlfriend of mine took it and she says it messes with your taste buds so you don't want food. I know that resorting to pills would be kind of ironic because if they worked long-term we wouldn't need this surgery, but I think it could help short-term, and then the surgery will take care of the rest. Just a thought. TJ
   — tjmoore

March 19, 2002
My surgeon, Dr Sweet {Reading PA} suggested a low carb diet to lose my pre-op weight. I started on 3-15 and as of today I have lost 7lbs. I walk for 20 min at night and drink lotsa h2o. So try nothing white- no sugar, no rice, no pasta, no potatoes, no bread etc.. I eat high protein- lean meats and veggies. I thought it would be hard but Im not having any headaches or cravings--not even chocolate. Good luck! I hope this helps.
   — diane M.

April 29, 2002
I think Diane's advise is the best for your weight loss, and the healthiest. But I might stress the importance of excercise. This will speed up your metabolism and help you to loss faster. I walked 30 min. a day, 5 days a week. If you walk as much as you can, and drink your 8 glasses of water a day, it will definetly help you.
   — Jean B.

May 2, 2002
I also was required to lose weight prior to my surgery. What I'm doing is watching not only the carbs but the fat contents of the foods I eat. I've lost 14 of the 15 pounds that I need to lose. And definately LOTS of water helps fill in between meals as well as getting us into the habit of drinking what we need too. Good Luck :)
   — Lesa Y.