Question:
Does anyone overeat before they get approved?

I have as many problems as the next obese person, and I know what i'm doing is wrong, but for some reason I keep trying to make myself weigh more, so that I don't get turned down. I know i'm not supposed to, but I don't know what else to do. Is there anyone out there that has done this, if so can you tell me how you stopped it?    — Laydie K. (posted on July 7, 2002)

July 7, 2002
If your BMI already qualifies you for the surgery...then I really would not TRY to gain more weight out of fear of not being approved. Once you are morbidly obese, you are morbidly obese! Besides, any weight that you gain now...you will just have to take off later even with the surgery. And if for some unfortunate reason you DONT get approved...you will be just that much heavier. I started the process in December of 2001, and I just got approval this June. My main goal was to just try and maintain my weight. I knew that I didn't want to go on any strict diets while waiting, but I also didnt want to gain even more weight. So, I just concentrated on staying the same, and it worked! Good luck to you and try to stay positive. It is ok to have a few last meals before your surgery...but be careful not to add an extra 40 or 50 pounds that you will regret later.
   — Shawnie S.

July 7, 2002
I did the same thing once I had my initial consultation. Even though I was already WAY over the minimum weight requirement, I saw it as an opportunity to eat whatever I wanted knowing it was all going to come off anyway. I didn't do it to increase my chances, but used it as a "free pass". I regret it now that I'm post-op b/c it was just more weight I had to lose. I gained a total of 25 pounds in the 4 months between the first visit and the surgery date. Eat some foods you know you won't be able to touch for months post-op and enjoy them while you can, but don't go crazy. Good luck!
   — Kelly C.

July 7, 2002
I did the same thing. The 'Last Supper Syndrome' is very common. At my last support group meeting, my surgeon did say that it is better to abstain from high fat foods for a week before surgery because it can affect your liver. If I remember correctly, it causes it to engorge and makes it more difficult for the surgeon to keep it out of the way. That is why you hear of so many surgeons putting their patients on a diet prior to surgery.
   — Cheri M.

July 7, 2002
Your weight should not be a factor in your insurance's decision. A BMI over 40 with no co morbities seems to be the minimum at this date. So you could lose some weight if you wanted. Good Luck
   — Robert L.