Hi. My first appointment was March 2017 where I weighed in at 303 at 5'8". I thought the insurance required appointments (doctors, dietitian, psychiatrist, exercise evals, endoscopy, EKGs, blood work, etc.) would never end, but today, 7 months later...I am 40 pounds lighter (daily power walks and change in diet)!
The weight loss wasn't a "requirement" by my doctor, but something clicked in my head when I reached the 300 pound threshold that put the fire under me to become serious and do something about it. I started my two week pre-op diet a couple days ago (arrrgh!) but I am excited to finally be scheduled for the gastric sleeve surgery October 13th.
25 pounds in 6 months is definitely reasonable and sounds like your doctor just wants to gauge your mental commitment to the process. I wish you and your wife the best of luck in your journeys!