Question:
Has anyone else had difficulties losing be surgery?

I am about 2 months pre op (October 2nd surgery date) and if I want the surgery done lap I need to drop my BMI below 50. Well I have basically maintained since I started my journey and I can't seem to lose the 20 pounds needed before surgery. Any suggestions?    — Becky W. (posted on August 6, 2003)

August 6, 2003
Either do a medically supervised liquid diet or do a strict Atkins regimen which is basically how you'll be eating after surgery (high protein). Watch the carbs and sugar intake (switch to Splenda). Maybe even join Curves or your local gym to get moving now. Doing both you should be able to loose 20 lbs by October. Wal-Mart has Atkins bars and shakes and GNC has many Atkins products as well. Good luck to you!
   — Starrlina

August 6, 2003
I had my consult last week. I was so excited that I had lost 26 lbs by the consult date doing Weight Watchers for 6 months. Well, the surgeon at UCLA will be doing open but because my BMI was 51 he has asked that I lose another 20 lbs for a total of 46 lbs by October. He agreed to scheduled my surgery now for October but if I don't lose the 20 lbs, the surgery will be rescheduled. YIKES. So I came home and regrouped. Trying to follow the guidelines that UCLA gave me for a 1200 calorie diet. Here's the link: <BR><BR> http://www.cellinteractive.com/ucla/weight/1200cal.html <BR><BR> I do meal replacements for breakfast and lunch and do a sensible dinner. Have used fruit for a snack or Atkins Crunchers (potato chip type cracker that is a protein item). They taste great and satisfy my snack attacks. If I don't lose at least 2 lbs a week, I will eliminate the fruit.
   — [Deactivated Member]

August 6, 2003
I've always found that Weight Watchers works best for me. I joined in April and have lost 45 lbs. while waiting for my initial consultation date the last week of August. My BMI was 50...now it's around 43. Good luck to you, whatever plan you choose to follow.
   — Leah W.

August 6, 2003
My wifes start BMI was over 60 she was done LAP without a problem or diet requirements pre op. It all depends on the surgeon and their experience and LAP tools. Longer ones for higher bmis are pricey. You might shop around for another surgeon.
   — bob-haller

August 7, 2003
My doctor also advised me to drop my BMI to below 50 (I was at almost 52 by his charts) There are many reasons a surgeon wants you to do this--not because he is unskilled. Dropping as much weight as you CAN before surgery promotes an easier recovery time, less likliness of developing blood clots, and also gets you in the habits you will need post op, so it is a less difficult transition. What my surgeon recommended was the lean for life program, he told me drink water--drink in ounces whatever my excess weight is, so I drink between 144-165 oz a day. He also told me to limit my carbs to 50/day and my fats to 30/day, and protein protein protein. He also advised me to try to increase my steps to 10,000 steps per day, which you can monitor with an inexpensive pedometer. I have done this--religiously since July 14 and have dropped 14 pounds so far. My surgery date is Sept 8, so I have one more month to lose as much as I can. If you do this and you don't lose weight, that is all the doctor can ask for--your efforts. Good luck!
   — jawalker72

August 7, 2003
I agree with Bob... if you could get below 50, you wouldn't be having surgery. You might consider finding another surgeon who is willing to put a little more money out for a little longer tools.
   — Sharon m. B.

August 7, 2003
I get upset with doctors who make you lose weight before surgery, but if you like him/her and that's their policy, I guess you have to do it. Actually, mine only says that you must maintain the weight you were at your consult. My consult was in February 2003, and my surgery is next month (Sept 11). I weighed 259.9 at consult, and went up to 270 at around the end of May/beginning of June. I'm back to 263, and need to lose a few more to feel comfortable. I think my doc will cancel me if I'm even over 1 pound - she's really tough on this issue.<p>Anyway, this is what I'm doing: protein shake for breakfast along with a slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter (if the shake isn't enough). Berries or melon for a snack around 10 AM, and if I'm still hungry before lunch, another protein shake or part of a protein bar. Afternoons are usually OK, but if I get hungry around 3:30 or 4:00 I might have the other part of the bar, or some lean turkey slices. Then for dinner, I've been eating fairly regularly, more protein, less carbs. Then I usually try not to eat anything else in the evening, and if I do, it's another shake or some other protein.<p>This has been working fairly well, but it's been tough. So I can feel your pain. If you really like your doctor, then I guess you'll have to keep at it. Otherwise, perhaps you could look for one for whom the weight loss issue isn't a problem. My son's BMI was over 60 (he weighed 442 at surgery), and he had a perfect Lap surgery, and great recovery, and no required weight loss prior. If I can't get these last few pounds off, I'll go to an all-liquid regimen the week before my pre-op appt. I really would like to be "under" my consult weight, just to be on the safe side. Anyway, good luck to you, and please let us know if you hit on something that really works well for you.
   — Carlita

August 8, 2003
Hi Becky. I was also told that I need to have a BMI of 50 or less. Well, I started at 49.6 & KNOW that I've gained weight (although I don't own a scale -- too humilating). In a panic, I called the surgeon's office. They told me that I'd probably still be able to have lap. But I have to have all my pre-ops (incl. an appt with the internist). THEY could try to put the kabosh on it. So I'm just doing protein shakes & no junk food & trying to walk a lot (even though my knees are KILLING me). I just keep reminding myself that I'm a master of losing 20 pounds quickly. The problem has always been KEEPING IT OFF. But I don't need to worry about that part. Once I'm in the danger zone of regaining, I'll be in surgery. So my thoughts are, I'll starve, drink lots of water ... do whatever it takes.
   — Annie H.