Question:
Do you have to lose 10% of your weight before surgery?

I saw something about 10% of your weight and now can't find where I saw it. Can anyone help? THANKS    — Pat T. (posted on September 2, 2003)

September 2, 2003
It depends on the surgeon, and possibly on the insurance company. I was not required to lose any weight before surgery, but did because I knew it would help my recovery. Don't balk if this is required for you. It helps the surgeon by reducing the size of your liver, makes for a smoother recovery, and gives you less to lose after the surgery. It also gives you some practice with making good food choices, and in drinking plenty of water. All in all, not a bad thing.
   — Vespa R.

September 2, 2003
Hi, my Doctor didnt require me to lose 10% before surgery, just to cut back on carbs and to do liquid diet 1 day before surgery. Good luck to you. Down 25 lbs in 28 days. Yvonne
   — YStarnes

September 2, 2003
My surgeon doesnt and I think its cruel, although it probably helps speed recovery.
   — bob-haller

September 2, 2003
I agree with Bob. This is a ridiculous and cruel requirement. Thankfully, my surgeon did not require it. I agree it is probably a good idea, but making a person who NEEDS this surgery WAIT until x number of pounds is lost is just senseless, in my opinion.
   — Angie M.

September 2, 2003
My surgeon did reqiure a 10% loss. I thought it was cruel and unfair, but I did it so I could have the surgery. I weighed 299 and was 272 the day I had it. I was so glad he made me do it because at nearly 300 I could barely walk 10 steps without pain and losing my breath. It made my recovery so much easier. And now I can say I have lost 135# instead of 108.
   — Tawnda C.

September 2, 2003
Nope, not all of them. Mine didn't say a thing about loosing weight ahead of time.
   — bethybb

September 4, 2003
my doctor requires the 10% weight lose prior to WLS and the reason for this is to adjust your body and less risk of surgery problems
   — cameo

September 4, 2003
Two surgeons I consulted required the 10% weight loss before surgery. I knew that I couldn't do this, so I found a different surgeon. My actual surgeon did not have the requirement, and it didn't cause me any problems. Now, I was a relative "lightweight" with a BMI around 43 pre-op. I lost 125 pounds with no complications, and I'm a very happy camper and at goal now.
   — Kathy J.