Question:
should a lightweight try to loose weight before surgery?
I am 237 pounds now and have been taking vitamins and protein shakes in anticipation of an early July surgery date. I am also exercising and trying to get in water on a regular basis. At this point, would trying to loose weight help or hurt my WLS? — tigerpaws (posted on June 22, 2003)
June 22, 2003
My surgeon requires a 15 lbs weight loss, and even if it takes me under my
40 BMI they go by what your BMI was in the begining. I have lost the 15
plus 5 more. But i think it will just help in the long run. Plus i am
working out to help with the toning of my body. So no i dont thin it will
hurt to loose a few pounds.
— Debi Rouilliard
June 22, 2003
You should wait until you have your consult. That is the weight the
insurance companies go by. My surgeon put me on a diet just to maintain
and not gain anymore.
— Delores S.
June 22, 2003
Let me clarify that I have already had my first consult and waiting for
insurance approval. My second consult is 7/2/03.
— tigerpaws
June 22, 2003
I would check with your surgeon and/or insurance first. My BMI is 40.1 and
have been approved by insurance. My surgeon advised me against losing any
weight prior to surgery to ensure that my insurance company does not have a
change of heart at the last minute and deny coverage.
— Tracy G.
June 22, 2003
I had a BMI of 39, but after my consult my doctor told me to try and lose
weight. He said my consult weight is what would be submitted to the
insurance company for approval. I lost about 9 lbs. before the surgery and
the insurance company approved me without much problem.
— D. Bell
June 22, 2003
Definitely check with your doctor. Although some doctors only care what
you weigh at consultation, some feel it is unethical to operate on anyone
below 40 and will not do it if you are below on the day of surgery (unless
you had such significant comords that you would have qualified anyway).
This almost happened to me. I listened to people who said that the doctor
didn't care once you had your consultation but mine did care. Make sure
you know what your drs opinion is on this.
— susanje
June 22, 2003
I had a BMI of 42 at the first consultation, then lost weight before my
pre-op tests to the point where my BMI was 40 *on the nose*. My doc told
me to quit losing weight, or I'd risk not having insurance cover the
operation. So, I didn't lose any more weight (though I did keep up with my
exercise). Definitely check with your doc on this one.
— Suzy C.
June 22, 2003
I started my journey at 237lbs.My height is 5ft..I lost 16 lbs before my
surgery date of February 26th this year.I went into surgery weighing
226lbs..I am now at 185lbs.
— Sue T.
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