Question:
Seeking Those Who Have Been Required To Lose 50+ Lbs Before Surgery

My surgeons office called today to say they want me to lose another 50 lbs before they'll do WLS because of my cardiomyopathy (weakened heart). Due to foot problems, I am unable to exercise. Any suggestions for how to do this quickly or get my surgeon to settle for less lbs. loss? I fear it will take me 6 mths. and will not have insurance by then.    — duane B. (posted on May 27, 2003)

May 27, 2003
I was required to lose 30 lbs, and I took the Atkins approach. You don't have to do Atkins, but there are plenty other low-carb approaches out there. That's the fastest way to lose (to me). Also try using fitday.com.. it helps you keep up with all that you are eating. Good Luck to you, I know it can be hard.
   — Laydie K.

May 27, 2003
Hi, there. My surgeon made me lose 50 pounds before my surgery, too. I just counted calories on fitday.com and stayed away from carbs, sugar, and fat as much as possible. In the beginning I consumed about 800 calories a day and then in the last month or so I went up to about 1100. It took me about five months to lose it, but I'm a slow loser and I was determined to get it off. The week before my surgery I was down 53 pounds, six inches around my waist and my BMI had dropped to about 48. Good luck to you!!
   — Julia T.

May 27, 2003
The first doctor wanted me to lose weight before surgery. So I found a different doctor.
   — merri B.

May 28, 2003
Hi Duane- 50 lbs seems like an awful lot of weight to ask someone to lose. Obviously, you (and all of us) are seeing these surgeons because we have a problem LOSING weight in the first place. I have heard people say their docs asked them to lose anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of their body weight, and from the BMI index on your profile, I believe 50 pounds is way over that. And when you say "another 50 lbs", how much did s/he ask you to lose in the first place? I think you should ask your surgeon why s/he feels this way. Best of luck! Mea :o)
   — Mea A.

May 28, 2003
If your diabetic be careful and do atkins ONLY with your PCP approval and monitoring. Atkins can mess with kidney function:( I would find another surgeon. Some dont want high risk patients so they put requirements up too discourage them. Look for a different surgeon.
   — bob-haller

May 28, 2003
Duane- I agree with most of the other posters here that if you could lose another 50 pounds you wouldn't need WLS. I had my gastric bypass LAP; at the time I had a BMI over 60 (I was 6'3" and over 500#'s). My surgeon never insisted that I lose an ounce before the operation. You might want to consider getting a second opinion, particuarly where your surgeon seems uncomfortable performing WLS on someone who is morbidly obese (if he were a plastic surgeon, would he only operate on beautiful people?). Also, at this stage, I would strongly ask your primary to step in and talk to the surgeon and then you need to do the same.
   — SteveColarossi

May 29, 2003
Hi Duane Ask your PCP or Cardiologist for a referral to an endocrinlogist who will prescribe a Liquid Protien diet. (Example HRM 800)or a Protien Sparing Diet. But a diet you will need to be monitored. For exercise Water Aerobics if there is a local community access to a pool if you prefer a health club. Pick up a pair of aqua shoes for the pool. I understand what you're going through. I need to lost a lot weight before my surgery due my co-morbidites. After I threw my tantrum and, wasted alot of precious time looking for a new surgeon. I went on a diet and in June I start my Water Aerobic Class at the local Boys and Girls Club. Take Care and Good Luck Anne
   — Aynikaye