Question:
Do most surgeons require you to lose weight before surgery

I have read so many postings about people being told to lose weight before surgery. Is this a surgeon requirment or insurance? Also, has anyone had surgery with Dr. Charles Mitchell and he required this?    — angela D. (posted on April 23, 2002)

April 23, 2002
I dont know if all doctors require this but I know my doctor didnt say specifically that he wanted me to lose weight before but he did say to get off cokes completely and in this fact I think Ive lost weight...So I guess its just whatever your doctor wants.. : ) Sorry I couldnt be more of a help ..Good luck..
   — Kathleen R.

April 23, 2002
My surgeon required three weeks of Medifast before the surgery because it helps get rid of the water in your organs which makes the surgery easier.
   — Helen C.

April 23, 2002
Angela, The reason the doctors want their patients to loose weight before surgery is b/c it shrinks the LIVER. We have fatty ,large livers and it makes it easier and safer if the liver is smaller. My doctor requires a 10 % reduction if your a light weight and if your a heavy weight 15-20%. He assists with that by giving every patient his 800 calorie (women) 1200 (men) diet. He also wants you to be smoke free, Be able to breath into the spirometer 400-4500 before surgery will take place. Very strick. But it is for your own benifit. He wants the BEST for his patients. He only does Open RNY, transsected. Also, with a smaller liver he can move the organs so he can get to the stomach without damaging the spleen, liver or other organs. The stomach lyes behing organs. Folow your doctors advice down to the letter. It's very important.
   — sandy W.

April 24, 2002
My doctor requires weight lose prior to surgery. His office told me he has and will cancell surgery if you do not lose what he asks you to. I know this is true. It happened to an on-line friend who goes to the same surgeon as I. I had to lose 15 and stopped all junk food and carbs. I feel much better all ready. I actually lost 15 the first 21/2 weeks-now Im down 25 and trying to walk the fine line between not losing more and not gaining! Good luck to you!
   — diane M.

April 25, 2002
It really varies from doctor to doctor, and I think it also depends on how high your BMI is. Two local doctors I consulted wanted a 10% weight loss pre-op. The doctor I eventually used for a lap RNY did not require any pre-op diet. 9 weeks post-op and down 40 pounds so far. I feel terrific!
   — Kathy J.