You know i wasnt told either how much i had to lose, just to lose sum and my insurance n primary doctor require me to lose weight. I guess to see if im really willing to make the change. So i have been trying for 3 months.

You know i wasnt told either how much i had to lose, just to lose sum and my insurance n primary doctor require me to lose weight. I guess to see if im really willing to make the change. So i have been trying for 3 months.

Some insurance plans/physicians do not require pre-surgery weight loss, some do. I wouldn't worry about it. If it's required for your ins. approval, they will let you know. If you don't have to jump through that hoop--why sweat it? A lot of us had to do a pre-surgery liquid diet for anywhere from 14 days to 1 day to shrink the liver and clear out the system. For me, that was the hardest part of this journey.

The best thing I did pre-op was to start to clear out my pantry of no-no foods for the post-surgery period. I got rid of sugar and white flour products, learned to cook low-fat, learned to plan my meals and prioritize protein. It all helped me adjust post-op. You could do that and lose a couple of pounds a month--just start to eat as if you've already had the surgery: protein first, then veggies, then fruits, lastly, a small amount of complex carbohydrates, such as beans, whole grain breads....

I actually gained weight in the months before surgery. I lost about 15 pounds on my liquid diet, though. My surgeon had no set amount of weight I had to lose before surgery.

Robert

My surgeon never gave me an amount either, he only said to lose some. All surgeons have different requirements and every plan varies to some degree, good thing is we all have the same goal! : ) Good luck to you and your mother-in-law, how exciting to have someone to support and share in this journey!

Stephanie

I was told I had to lose 20 pounds before I could have the surgery. Kaiser requires you to prove that you can stay on a diet. That was over 3 yrs. ago. I have tried everything to lose weight. Milkshake diet and all. Nothing. I had my thyroid checked to see if that was the problem but it was normal. Three years ago I used to jog every morning, exercise every night before bed. I could ride my bike and dance all night. I lost 15 pounds but then I was put on two different types of insulin and gained 20 pounds each time. Because of my dieting, my cholesterol and my blood pressure is now normal. My blood sugars have improved but my weight keeps climbing and I feel like I'm getting old too fast. This surgery is supposed to be for people who can't lose weight on their own. That's me! You are very lucky you don't have to lose a certain amount before the surgery. I feel like I'll be too old and sick by the time I get the surgery (if I ever get it). I want to be on the losers bench with you all. I want this so bad.

Joanne

I have Kaiser also. They have been really great for me. I got into the Bariatric program and was told up front that one of the requirements was a 5% weight loss. (It used to be 10%, but they lowered it). For me that was only 15 lbs. I lost the 15 lbs in a couple months and then just stuck with the dieting and excercise. I walked at least once a day about 5x per week for 15-30 minutes. By the time I had my surgery I had lost 60 lbs. It really helped too, because my liver had already shrunk up fat or whatever it does and I didn't have to do a liquid diet before surgery. I had a couple different medical plans (through work) before we got Kaiser here and no one would ever approve the surgery. Kaiser was the best thing that ever happened to me. I am 3 months post op and doing great! I am down another 40 pounds for about a 105 total so far. ONly another 90 to go!

Barbv44059
When did Kaiser lower the percent that you have to lose? They never told me anything about it. They probably just forgot about me. You are doing great with the procedure. Congratulations!
In my case, I only have 50 pounds to lose after the surgery. But I can't lose the 20 pounds required before it. I'm so bummed.
Joanne

I was told 10% was what I had to lose 6 years ago. I don't know what it will be when I go. We'll see.

I also have Kaiser and was told to lose 10% of my weight prior to GBS. It sucked and almost made me want to quit. But after I got my head on straight and I lost the weight. It was the best thing I ever did because I got on a solid exercise, low cal diet and it became a habit for me. After GBS I was able to easily get back into my familiar exercise routine and that helped so much in losing my weight. Best of luck to you.

My doctor asked that I lose 11 lbs before my surgery. In fact, I had to sign a document stating that I would or no surgery until I did. This was based on shrinking the liver and some of the other organs to make it easier to do the surgery. I have United Health Care, and I don't think they required it. I would just ask your doctor - call them and find out. My two days before my surgery was all liquid diet. Hated it. Apple juice was my best friend on that diet. LOL Good luck to you

My surgeon or insurance didn't require a certain amount. I only lost 13 lbs. pre-op. However, you must stick to the low carb diet for at least 6 weeks to shrink your liver.

I don't have a set amount to loose, but will be on the liquid diet for 2 weeks before the surgery (8/23). My doctor did mention body type (I'm pear shaped) as a factor in how long his patient need to be on the pre-op diet. Since most of my weight is not belly fat, there is more room to work.

It's been said before, it's really all up to your doctor and his/her team.

My doctor wanted me to lose 5% before my surgery, gave me a diet plan, and I stuck to it. I had 3 months to go to my surgery so I started that day and didnt look back. I was asked to lose 15, lost 37 prior and it did make my surgery go much easier for him. I had my gall bladder out at the same time and it made that easier too (it was a real mess, it had adhered to my liver because of the inflammation). So I would say talk to your doctor, see if they can get you on a plan that you will follow similar to after your surgery. It will help establish a habit that can only benefit you after!

I have my seminar on July 23rd and in the paperwork they sent me to fill out and turn in at the seminar states that you have to loose 10% of your body weight.