Is Pre Surgery Diet mandatory

[crut77 3]

I see many posts about potential sleevers that are required to lose a certain amount of weight before surgery. This is different from the preop liquid diet.

My question is that the case for everyone. I'm an under 40 BMI soon to be sleeved. Was curious if I'll be placed on a diet. 5'7, 250

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[KristenLe 5,979]

@@crut77 It all depends on your surgeon (and sometimes your insurance plan). Sometimes it even varies by patient (not always related just to BMI). I didn't have to lose weight prior to surgery (although I did have to do nutrition counseling). I also don't have to do a pre-op liquid diet (except 24 hours before surgery). It's important to ask these questions of your surgeon so you are not surprised to learn you needed to lose weight and didn't.

[LipstickLady 25,682]

Seems like the only person who knows the answer to your questions will be your surgeon.

Good luck to you!!

[crut77 3]

Thank you. I'm scheduled for the nutritionist and surgeon appointment but it's not til October. Will definitely ask then. Thanks

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[ALittleMe0914 69]

@@crut77

From what I have seen, every surgeon is different and their pre op requirements vary, same goes for the different insurances. It's best to call your insurance company and find out what their requirements are when it comes to Bariatric Surgery, and speak with your surgeon about their specific pre op requirements.

I wasn't required to lose any weight by my insurance or surgeon, but I was encouraged to. I was not placed on a pre op liquid diet. My pre op diet is a high Protein lunch and dinner w/ little to no carbs, and a Meal Replacement shake for Breakfast. I am allowed unlimited veggies and 2 servings of fruit a day.

Best of luck!

Edited August 26, 2016 by Shrinking Kritta

[Armygalbonnie 643]

My SW was 242 and I'm 5'7". I won't have surgery until probably early November, but my NUT told me I need to lose between 10-15 lbs. No more though because then my BMI will be under 35. I was put on a high protein/veggie diet with a replacement shake every day. I've already lost 14lbs in the last 3 weeks. Now I just have to maintain and not lose more. I go back to the NUT for 2 more weigh-in (Sept 8, Oct 6), before everything is sent to my insurance for approval.

Edited August 26, 2016 by Armygalbonnie

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

My med plan didn't have a requirement and my surgeon personally didn't care about pre-op weight loss. Upon hearing that from her, I was thrilled, thinking I could eat as usual until later. Then, three weeks before my surgery date, it occurred to me that, if I were serious about losing weight, I'd start immediately. The 11 lbs I lost during those weeks were less significant than recognizing I'd truly committed to the whole undertaking.

[Christinamo7 4,042]

I did not have to loose weight or have a pre op diet, until, of course, the night before surgery.

it will depend on your health concerns, your surgeon, the practice and your insurance plan. I did however wean off caffeine in the pre op period so I wouldn't have those headaches at the same time as post op recovery. I ate a lot of green veg since I knew I wouldn't have room for them for a while, and they are chock full of good stuff your body needs, but those were my own choices.

[crut77 3]

Thank you for the responses. Just trying to keep my BMI above 35. I'm private pay so insurance isn't an issue.

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[Wchild22 34]

I had to see a nutritionist not to loose weight but how to eat when I am sleeve and develops new habits. My doctor didn't require me to loose as long as I didn't gain.

[Jen-2+1 131]

If you are private pay then does it even matter if your bmi drops below 35? I thought that only mattered to insurance companies.

[crut77 3]

They told me I could not have surgery unless I have a BMI of 35 with a comorbidity.

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[KristenLe 5,979]

If you are private pay then does it even matter if your bmi drops below 35? I thought that only mattered to insurance companies.

Many surgeons in the US won't perform surgery unless BMI over 35.