Question:
Help, my doctor has advised me that I have to loose 25 lbs in two weeks.
I am scheduled for a Lap RNY on 04-29-03. I went to my pre-op visit yesterday and my doctor has advised that I must lose 25 lbs before that date or he will postpone my surgery. He does not want to perform the open procedure on me. I am 5'8" and weight 388. I have no health problems at all other than a hiatal hernia and it was discovered when I did my sleep study that I have sleep apnea. I am on CPAP and my level is set at 11. I have made arrangements with my job and family for this date so I MUST do this. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Today I started my weight watchers plan for the umpteenth time. Can any of you think of anything that will make this happen faster? Please help. Thanks. — Melony H. (posted on April 17, 2003)
April 17, 2003
I would try the Atkins diet. Many people can drop weight quickly on
Atkins. However, even your doctor has to realize that 25 pounds in two
weeks is unrealistic and there's no reason (that I'm aware of) that he
can't do it lap unless it's because of the special equipment needed for
those who are really heavy. I believe I've read where some posters over
400 pounds have had their surgery done lap.
Good Luck.
— Carolyn M.
April 17, 2003
I second the Atkins suggestion. WW never did it for me.
— mom2jtx3
April 17, 2003
You can also try doing the post-op liquid diet to get a jump start. Soups,
protein drinks, salads, etc.. I'm sure if you can drop half of the 25 lbs
the dr. will do it. Two weeks is very unrealistic time frame for that
amount of weight to drop. Best of luck to you, we all understand the stress
you are under right now. You will do it. Best wishes to you..aims
— chickiewickie
April 17, 2003
It's not possible to lose 25 pounds of fat in two weeks. If you lose it, it
will be water weight, and it seems pretty irresponsible of your surgeon to
suggest that you try. In the weeks leading up to surgery, you should be
eating as healthfully as possible. Trying to lose some weight if you can
(because it will shrink your liver -- important for lap surgery), but not
by crash dieting! You have to be especially careful to get plenty of
protein (100+ grams a day before surgery is recommended). I'm so sorry
you've been put in this position, and I sure hope that there's been some
sort of misunderstanding. I'll be crossing my fingers that this works out
for you. Do you think maybe he's bluffing? Perhaps he just wants you to do
your very best to lose a *few* pounds between now and then?
— Tally
April 17, 2003
Twenty-five pounds in 2 weeks is very hard to achieve even on a liquid
diet! I've read where the LAP takes longer, so wouldn't it be better to do
an open RNY with less time under? Maybe you should get a second opinion on
the surgeon. Even though you've been scheduled if you're feeling rushed --
better safe then sorry -- let them reschedule!
— Starrlina
April 17, 2003
25 pounds in 2 weeks is a tremendous amount of weight for a health care
professional to require anyone to lose in that short period of time. Is
this the first he's advised you of this? There isn't any healthy way to
lose that much weight that quickly. If you did lose anything close to
that, it would be mostly water weight, and you certainly don't want to go
into this surgery dehydrated or with your system weakened from a crash
diet. I would think twice about using this surgeon if this is how he
treats his patients.
— Michele C.
April 17, 2003
Just a little advice..When I want to loose weight fast what I do is to take
a hot lemonade after breakfast and dinner at least 2 lemons squezed each
time, and also I take 1 diuretic pill a week, because I retain water, that
helps me a lot, but of course, everybody is diferent, I hope it works for
you.That's what some guys in boxing do when they have to loose a lot of
weight from one day to another, and don't forget the water,walking and no
candy after 12.00pm. Good luck.........
— Rosa M.
April 17, 2003
If this is the first you heard about this I would find a new surgeon, as
others have said there is no safe way to do this. Better to delay things
and be safe than rush and have troubles.
— bob-haller
April 17, 2003
WEll,if he is so concerned, he should have a suggestion on how to do it.
— Sharon B.
April 17, 2003
Melony--it sounds like the doctor never mentioned pre-operative weight loss
before your appointment--that sounds absolutely bizarre. I agree with
everyone--25 pounds in 2 weeks(BEFORE)going into major surgery sounds like
an absolutely irresponsible suggestion. I would call my nutritionist and
have a sit down with him or her. And why wouldn't he be prepared to do the
open procedure? My doctor said I was a perfect candidate for lap but that
during the surgery if he had to go open, he would. I'll be praying for you
and don't get discouraged!
— gina B.
April 17, 2003
I agree witih everyone that expecting you to drop 25# in 2 weeks is a
little presumptious. I can see 10 and understand the reasoning. All you can
do is make your best effort while you consider if you still searching for
another doc. Many have had success doing several protein shakes a day
(3-4-5) and 2-3 "sensible" meals. You can't sustain it forever,
of course, but for 2 weeks, bet you could knock 15 off, at least.
— vitalady
April 17, 2003
My surgeon requires a protein drink fast two weeks prior to surgery, but
there's no required weight loss, and certainly not 25 lbs! For laproscopic
surgery, the protein drink fast shrinks the liver, which apparently puts
you in optimal shape for lap surgery. I agree with the other posters; I
would definitely call the surgeon's office and discuss this impossible (and
unsafe) requirement!
— Leni M.
April 17, 2003
hi, melony. i talked to a surgeon who said i would have to lose 35 lbs to
get a lap, because he will only do lap on bmi's of 50 and under. he did
not say i had to lose it, only that he wouldnt do the lap at this bmi.
check it out and see exactly what they mean, sometimes they are not clear
on what they mean! also, i think atkins is the best way to go, you get to
eat but lose quickly! good luck! darci
— darci T.
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