Question:
Which starting weight do I use??

I was 239 lbs at the last Dr. visit 3 weeks before surgery. Then I lost 8 lbs trying out the liquid diet and protein shakes before surgery. THEN the day of surgery, I had gained 11 lbs. So, what was my starting weight??    — Gail B. (posted on September 30, 2002)

September 30, 2002
I used the weight on my home bathroom scale the morning I went into surgery. My doctor had weighed me a week early and it was 8 pounds higher. I have kept track of my weight on the same home scale, and the doc has kept track of my weight on his-still 8 pound difference! So, choose whateve one you want, but I thought the morning of the surgery was a good starting weight.
   — Cindy R.

September 30, 2002
I was 361 the day of surgery and was 367 when I left the hospital. It was all water weight that I had gained. I took the highest weight I knew and went from there. I would suggest the same thing. In the long run, it doesn't matter too much, but it is nice to see that drop. In your case, your highest weight is the day of surgery, so I would suggest using that weight. hope this helps!
   — sammygirlwpc

September 30, 2002
this is a good question and I even asked it on the message board once, I was told to use my highest weight which was 280, thus being only a month before surgery, I lost 7 pnds during that month and weighed 273 the morning of surgery. So if people as me what my total loss is I tell them the figures from my highest weight, but I tend to tell them also my loss since surgery date as well, it dosnt really matter which number you use, you still lost and people are going to rave over that..I have had alot of good responses regardless of which number I use.... good luck
   — Deanna Wise

September 30, 2002
I was 240 when I started researching WLS, 223 on initial consult, 230 one week pre op when I started liver shrinking diet and 214 on actual date of surgery after 7 days of the liver shrinking diet. I count my weight from the 240, which is the day I decided that WLS was right for me. So through my entire process my weight loss is 115 lbs. It's a little vain, I know, but I spent so many years with a big butt, I think I'm entitled to a little bit of a "big head" at the moment. *giggle* It makes me feel better about my journey and if it is a little bit off, so be it. I feel good about it. ~CAE~
   — Mustang

September 30, 2002
Hi... I was 331 at my last pre-op visit so that is what my Dr. uses though I know I gained 8-10 pounds prior to surgery on my last feasts. So though clinically I lost 75#, I actually lost about 85 in 6 months. Unfortunately though for the records he is using his charted weight. Good luck to you.
   — AJC750

September 30, 2002
I use the highest one. I dieted preop and lost 7 pounds. In the begning, that made my weight sound better. Now, having lost 115 pounds total, it does not really matter much!!
   — Vicki L.