Question:
Dr. wants patients to lose 10% before surgery

The Dr. which is covered under my insurance generally wants patiences to lose 10% of thier weight before surgery. I am very stressed about this. I have lost 10% before (I weigh 250+) and have put it back on. If I lose that now, I would most likely not qualify for surgery. Has any one else had to deal with this before? Danni    — mytime (posted on April 25, 2003)

April 25, 2003
My thoughts are, if it was that easy to lose the weight and keep it off, why have WLS in the first place *G*??? Talk to the surgeon. Typically, the weigh-in at the initial consult is used to calculate the BMI that is submitted to insurance company - at least it was in my case. So, if you have to lose weight from that point on, it wouldn't affect your qualifying for the surgery. But check with the surgeon first and express your concerns...JR
   — John Rushton

April 25, 2003
My surgeon also requires patients to lose 10% before surgery, the reason is, losing the weight helps to shrink the liver, and that is better for him to be able to do the surgery. I to have lost weight and gained it back, probley 99% of us have, but the 10% is not a diet, and you will have the surgery before you gain it back again. I know it is hard to lose 10% of your weight, I have to lose 31 lbs, and it is hard, but the surgeon can cancell your surgery if you do not lose atleast alittle. Hope this helps
   — cindy

April 29, 2003
Danni...your surgeon will not reweigh you and then ask for approval. It's based on your original weigh in. The reason for the weight loss is twofold. One, it makes the liver less fatty and easier for the surgeon to get in there with a lower risk of knicking your liver and having a bleed. Two, it allows him to get at your stomach easier, making your pouch smaller. Even if you only lose 10 lbs. this is a good thing!! Good luck!! =)
   — Kim D.