Question:
Who decides if you have to lose weight before surgery?

I am wondering who decides if you need to lose weight before surgery, is it your surgeon or the insurance company? I am asking because when I met with the surgeon he mentioned nothing about having to lose weight before hand, when I had my visit with the nutritionist she mentioned I may have to try to lose weight. I don't know what to think and am confused about it. Is it up to the Surgeon? When does he tell you he wants you to lose weight, right away, first visit? Thank you in advance!    — Female C. (posted on July 18, 2002)

July 18, 2002
My surgeon and his team require a 15lb weight loss prior to surgery. I lost 50lbs. The reason for this requirement is to prove that you can actually lose weight and have some control. I guess they figure if you can't lose as little as 15lbs then you have good chance of being a failure after surgery. I believe they are 100% correct. They don't make any exceptions to this requirement unless it's a matter of life or death. I actually stopped attending meetings because I could not stand listening to the pre-op people complain about it. Everyone can lose weight, everyone. It's just the keeping it off and my surgeon doesn't require you to keep it off just to lose it and have it documented.
   — Angie B.

July 18, 2002
My Dr required a 10 - 15% weight loss. Due to many reasons I think part of it is showing you are committed to do whatever it takes, also he says it makes it much easier for surgery more room to work inside and the incesion was only about 5 inches compared to 10 or 12, and my stay was over night. I was back at wrok in 3 weeks could have been in two weeks proably. Never was in really pain.
   — Gail M.

July 18, 2002
Even though I was asked "DO Not Gain any More Weight", I was not *specifically* told that I needed to lose weight. I'm not sure if I completely agree with the previous post, but I can certainly understand the reasoning why. It may actually be up to the individual PCP or surgeon-I would think it would aid in the procedure by making it less complex going through so many layers of skin/fat whether open or LAP. Whatever it takes to lose ANY weight before surgery (whether I'm told or not), I'd be comfortable with doing.
   — yourdivaness

July 18, 2002
7/19- My surgeon requested that I begin a sample diet of smaller meals that I will be eating after surgery(not as small tho) so as to get into the habit of smaller,frequent meals. Also the therapist requested that I begin a mild exercise program to increase the health of my heart pre surgery. Together, These programs help you lose weight prior to surgery,show your willingness to comply with what is going to be a life long committment,and your ability to understand your future life style. I believe that is the intended results. Good luck on your new life!
   — Kalyn P.

July 18, 2002
I have always known it to be the surgeon to decide that. I had to lose 10% of my weight which is 30 lbs. After losing 15 lbs, he agreed to schedule me. Its to know you have the ambition and also to provide a safer surgery. any questions, let me know. ;)
   — Shavonne P.

July 18, 2002
Losing weight before surgery lowers your health risks! If you are having an open surgery, it also gives the flesh a litle more give so that you can be closed easier and you will be less likely to have a hernia. Losing weight reduces the stress on your heart as well. Finally, who decides if you have to lose weight before your surgery? YOUR SPOUSE! LOL
   — Thomas M.

July 18, 2002
I believe if you asked a different question in this section - asking how many people had to lose weight before their surgery, I think you'll get an overwhelming response from people who didn't. I personally think it's kind of crazy - as if most of us haven't tried every diet in the book. To lose 30 lbs. or whatever before surgery because people can be more "healthy" during surgery...I just don't buy it. My surgeon said that was the very last thing he'd be asking patients to do...he's worked on patients ranging in weight from 250 - 550 and none of them had to go on a diet before hand. He said that many times doctors ask their patients to do that because they want to see how much "will power" they have. He said its kind of crazy being that this surgery pretty much tells you what you can and can not have after surgery. We've put our bodies through enough torture and hurt through yo-yo dieting, in my opinion - if a doctor would have asked me to go through it again to prove myself, I would have found another doctor. Good luck to you - seems like if you were going to be asked to lose, they would have done so at the initial visit - the nutritionist are just that - people who teach other people about nutrition - doesn't sound like she should be assuming what the doctor/surgeon will or will not do, ya know what I mean?
   — Lisa J.

July 18, 2002
My brothers Dr. required him to lose 20 lbs. prior to surgery, he said that it shrinks the liver a bit and makes it easier for him to work. My Dr. says he doesn't require anyone to lose weight, BUT I do have to go on a liquid diet (milkshakes are okay) one week prior to surgery. He does not require any "bowel prep" other than that, He said it does the same thing without dehyrating you.
   — Dana B.