My insurance required a "6 month physician supervised weight loss attempt" So what happened is I was put into a program at the clinic where a group of patients met with a dietitian once per month. We would get nutrition information and have speakers and encourage each other. We had to keep food and excersize journals and write down a goal to meet each month. I was not required to lose weight, however I did lose about 20 lbs in the 6 months. The emphasis was on making small progressive changes. We got tons of info and by the end we all knew exactly what would happen after surgery and how we would have to live and eat.
Some of my first months goals were 1- walk for 20 minutes 3 times a week. 2- Eat dessert only 2 times per week. (Very do-able!) Then the next month my goals were 1 - walk for 20 minutes 5 times a week. 2- Eat a salad for lunch 3 days a week.
Each month our goals 'built' on last months goals. Each goal is small but it was something I could live with.
Some of the most important things I learned was to write down everything I ate (you have to know before you can change) and to write down goals - be specific - so that you know HOW you're going to get where you need to be.
I hope that there is some sort of program where you are to help lead you through the process. If not, I would recommend weight watchers or something like that. Good luck!

I had to do the 6 month documented diet and it was a huge pain in the butt BUT it helped me get the surgery approved by my insurance. so I chalked it up to a small irratation to get my big goal! you can do it if you want it bad enough. just think of it as one small price to pay to be able to have the surgery that will change your life for the better. and it also helps you see portion control and what to expect food issues after surgery. I think it is a help to show yourself that you have the will power to succede in this surgery. keep a positive attitude during the diet part and the time will fly by before you know it!

the 6 month DR supervised weight program was required by my insurance also. I went to a local Dr that had a weight loss clinic going, I took the b12 shots, etc... I did lose some weight but not a lot, but I had done that the year before. It still worked to get me approved.

Every surgeon is different, but mine did not require the liquid or protein shakes before surgery. I was on regular diet until the day before surgery.

Good luck, you can do this!

I, too, was on a 6 month pre-op program that emphasized healthy eating, exercise and preparation for life after gastric bypass surgery. It was very helpful and definitely worthwhile. You don't say why you can't do the 6 month program. Is it because you mentally don't feel that you can or for some other reason? Gastric bypass surgery is a lifestyle change. You have to be committed to changing for the rest of your life. Perhaps you need to talk with your doctor about this. Maybe he/she can help you resolve your issues and get you started on the way to a new life.
Good luck. I hope everything works out for you.
Bonnie

My insurance company allowed by internist to sign a form stating I had been on a physican-supervised diet/exercise plan for 6 months. Since I've been seeing him for more than 15 years, and have never lost an ounce (gained, though), he signed it, so I didn't have to wait another 6 months. I don't know whether this is a unique policy of Blue Cross of Michigan, or if other insurance companies do it, too. I was tipped off about it by the nurse at the weight loss center at the hospital where I had the surgery.

I think it's pretty standard that you have to demonstrate that you've tried to lose weight "normally."
Dawn

I have just finished my 6 month pre-op diet. I simply logged my food on the daily plate and addressed any issues that the dr noticed. Like most everyone else, we set small goals for me every month. Yes, I've already changed some habits - I'm still changing habits! LOL

However, I have a friend that had the GBS done in December. She was afraid that if she lost weight during the 6 month diet, they would deny her surgery. Instead of losing, her habits got worse and she fell victim to the "last supper" syndrome. She gorged herself of all her favorite foods for the entire 6 month period and even wound up gaining weight. The surgery was still approved because she kept her dr appointments every month.

What's the bad news of that story? The first two-four weeks post-op, she was in a deep depression. It was horrible watching her go through that... but it's made me much more cautious. She mourned the loss of everything at once... and it took her a long time to work through those issues. She told me that, if she had it to do over again, she would definitely have practiced the habits needed after the surgery and weaned herself from caffeine and sugar before she was forced to give them up.

Whatever you choose to do, please remember that the power is in your hands to make the transition from pre- to post-op what it will be. By losing weight and practicing the habits, you will lessen the shock on your system and improve the over all results. Baby steps are all it takes. Otherwise, you may find that the transition is much harder than it needed to be - just like my friend did. It was a very cruel kind of torture that she went through.. and I would hate to see anyone else go through that.

You can do it. Have faith in yourself! If you have moments where you feel weak, come to the DS board. It's been extremely helpful to me!

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement. I am so excited to have the surgery and finally have a real life. I am a little worried that it's gonna make me gain weight because of my past experiences with diets. I have done diets before and have lost weight, but that usually only lasts a few months and then when I gain weight it's usually more than what I lost. I have been reminding myself this... Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. It's not like I haven't ever tried it before and now they are making me do it for another 6 months?!?! That's insanity in my book. I'm trying to just look at this as just the steps I have to take to get to my real goal.

Hi Caru,
The UK is so different, no 6 months for insurance or diets. I actually wish I had that option, it will prepare you for the changes where as we just jump in the deep end....
You CAN do it for sure....and you will because this is for a life you have not had, a life so beautiful and amazing...
Go for it...

Yippeee yippeee

Best wishes and good luck on your venture.

Andy (UK)