Surgical Center Vs. Hospital

[ThinkThin78 25]

I've jumped through all the hurdles (6 month diet, psych, sleep study, blood work, etc) and am submitting to insurance this week for approval.

The problem is I need to lose another 25lbs to achieve a BMI of less than 50 to qualify to have the operation in the surgical center (anesthesiologist rules).

I feel like it's better to get the surgery now even if it is in the hospital and get on with losing weight for good than waiting until I can lose the weight to qualify for the surgical center.

Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this scenario?

[LouiseC 1,031]

Your recovery will be smoother if you lose weight prior to surgery. The risks will decrease if you have a BMI of less than 50. Also, it is good to get your body used to the changes in diet, to reduce the size of your liver and to have a clean system prior to the surgery.

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[LouiseC 1,031]

Also, I lost 25 pounds in the 2.5 weeks prior to surgery. I did Optifast and stuck to it to the letter.

It is possible and will mean better outcomes in the long run.

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[PEvette 297]

Its all depends on what you want...I had my lapband done at a surgical center as a day procedure...it was cheaper (I was self pay) and I slept in my own bed at the end of the day....

For my revision I had to pay for 2 nights in the hospital, actually all I needed was one, my surgoen was ready to release me the next day I was doing so good....but I stayed (I had to self pay again) and since I'd already wrote the check I was going to stay there....

[Tbrendon 36]

I'm in the same situation. But I have 50lbs to loose. I have decided in hospital with the 1 night stay. I figure the more time I wait, the longer the weight loss process will be.

My surgery date is sept 25 with PSSC

[ThinkThin78 25]

Thanks ladies for the good info. I suspect I will get scheduled earlier at the surgical center so I think I will give it a shot and work really hard this next few weeks and see what happens.