CRAP! Have I made a mistake before surgery?

[MyKidsMom89 70]

Hi, again!

So, being a control freak, I thought I'd get a jump on things. I've been using the MyFitnessPal app and really watching everything that goes into my mouth. I've lost 20 pounds in 26 days. YAY! But wait!!! Have I now lowered my BMI to a point where the surgery may not be appropriate?? Have I just proven that I can do it without surgery?? Do I continue to process to see if surgery is still for me??

I highly doubt I can keep the weight off without monitoring everything as closely as I am. (If I could, I wouldn't be considering hte sleeve inthe first place.) Plus, I am super tired. I mean, RIDICULOUSLY tired. I'm eating well under the amount of calories I'm allotted--like, under 800 per day, which is what I understand I would only be able to take in after surgery, so maybe just following the 'post-surgery' diet would be enough for me?

Oh, man! I am soooo confused! ANY advise/guidance/suggestions will be most welcome!

Thanks!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Well, for starters, how much do you weigh now?

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

And also ...

* What's your history of dieting / weight loss / weight regain?

* What's the least you've ever weighed? For how long?

[samanthar 46]

I had the same concern. I started at 279 and now, 4 months later, and still 2 months pre op I am down 30 pounds. I called the Dr's office a couple times. And they told me that most people that do wls can lose weight. It's keeping it off that is the hard part. A lot of people yo yo. They told me the insurance company would look at it as though I'm all in and willing to make the commitment and changes that need to happen for this process to work.

[MyKidsMom89 70]

I weigh 248 today, down from 268, which is my all-time high. I've gotten down to 150 on Weight Watchers 25 years ago, before I got married. Then came two children, one of which has special needs. So there was depression from his diagnosis, and the a hysterectomy and the death of my mother, all of which brought me to my all time high. I've never been able to keep the weight off, as food brought me comfort. (You know, being raised to clean your plate, regardless of the portion sizes.)

I really want to do the WLS for ME, because I don't like the body I am in, but now I fear I may have messed it all up!

[MyKidsMom89 70]

Samanthar, I sure hope my insurance company shares that perspective!

[barriej9 61]

I was told that it it does not matter if your BMI goes under the 40 or 35 number. I was worried about that a few months ago but it should not effect you especially since you were already approved.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

MKM89, you sound like a perfect candidate for WLS to me.

But if I were you, I'd find out what your surgeon's BMI standards are for surgery.

Unlike barriej9's report, my surgeon and my insurance won't authorize surgery below a BMI of 35. This is the way it goes in the World of Weight Loss Surgery -- the practices and policies and "rules" vary dramatically from surgeon to surgeon.

Very, very best wishes to you.

[kd5wzr 108]

Bariatric surgery is every bit as much "weight gain prevention surgery" as it is "weight loss surgery." If you can document a history of morbid obesity, there's absolutely no reason an insurance company would deny you because you suddenly lost a bunch of weight. Your history would prove conclusively that you WILL gain it all back.

Conversely, if you don't have a history of morbid obesity, and you just put on a bunch of weight in the last year or so, no insurance company would approve you because it's still possible the weight gain is temporary and your dieting will be successful.

[happymama2014 206]

I had the very same thing happen. I stuck to a 1200 cal through my fitness pal. But basically ate just clean foods. No processed foods and sugars. And I exercised and I was able to lose 55 pounds. My doctor had ordered me to lose 45 pounds prior to approving me for or surgery. Problem is I said to myself or if I can lose 55 I can lose 100 in blah blah blah blah blah. Then I had a problem with my hip again which I have a history of. As soon as I was not able to exercise again I didn't eat right I didn't go to the gym long story short two years later now here I am starting again except my high weight is 15 pounds more than it was when I try this last time. It showed me that yes I can lose weight yes I can get in great shape but I have a problem. I need more help with Portion Control which is what I am hoping the surgery will do. Plus if they can help me get over the hundred pound mark I know that I would be able to stay active. So think about how important it is to you to do this now because if you do have a history of gaining weight back then it is something to think about. I'm so sad I didn't finish this journey years prior when I started. Thank God my surgeon now saw that I lost all that weight before and did not require the same thing this time. Now from start to finish the process will be less than 5 months. Surgery in Oct.

Edited August 9, 2014 by happymama2014

[macman 603]

My insurance company required a six month managed plan during which I lost 42 pounds. They used my entry weight into the program as the starting point for evaluation. They actually told me they were happy I lost weight in a supervised program as it showed my commitment to making changes.

Losing the weight prior to surgery will be helpful to achieving your total goal for weight loss.

[MyKidsMom89 70]

Thanks, everyone! You've all helped to calm me down.

I am still anxious about the procedure, but know in my heart that this is the right way to go~I've tried everything to get the weight off, and I've been able to lose, but then it creeps right back on.

When I get my date, I will (most likely) make y'all nuts with questions, and seeking reassurance.

I am so grateful for this group, and the openness of everyone here!