Question:
The doctor that I will be going to requires weight loss before the surgery.

I am afaird that loosing weight before hand will bring my BMI down below 40. It is about 43 right now. Will I still qualify for surgery?    — Tammy R. (posted on October 25, 2000)

October 25, 2000
I don't understand why he wants you to lose before the surgery...my BMI is 43 and I am afraid to try to lose because I am afraid insurance won't approve if it goes lower. What benefit would losing say, 10# be for me, pre-0p? Is is so that we won't go on an eating frenzy like I am doing currently?
   — Carolyn G.

October 25, 2000
These idiot doctors chaffe my hide. If you could lose weight why would you be having WLS? It is another example of the doctor not really understanding what the patient is going through. I did not have to lose weight prior to surgery because common
   — [Anonymous]

October 25, 2000
These idiot doctors chaffe my hide. If you could lose weight why would you be having WLS? It is another example of the doctor not really understanding what the patient is going through. I did not have to lose weight prior to surgery because and probably wouldn't have if asked to. It seems so silly. If you trust him/her go ahead and try. Good luck!
   — [Anonymous]

October 25, 2000
Good grief! I'd go to another doctor. Betty
   — [Anonymous]

October 29, 2000
My sugeon does require weight loss prior to surgery but it is clearly not inteneded to punish us, it is necessary for the surgery. I had open RNY and my surgeon and his office staff were wonderfully supportive during my weight loss. They explained that the liver of a morbidly obese person is more than double the size of a "normal" liver (normal is about 4 pounds.) Losing 10-20% of your initial weight greatly reduced the size of the liver (giving the surgeon more room to work) and it also makes the liver very pliable so that it can be moved aside without as much risk of tearing. When the liver is enlarged it has the consistancy of a overful balloon and is difficult to move and if acidentally poked or cut the danger of permanent damage is much higher. My surgeon has never lost a patient, he expects a lot from himself and his patients, it is his reputation (and his patients life)on the line every time he performs surgery. Losing some weight before surgery makes the surgery easier, recovery faster and gets the patient used to eating smaller meals. It is not too much to ask.
   — Andrea P.