Nicole2021
Member
I just have been referred by doctor for weight loss surgery. I’m over 450 pounds and wondering how much weight I’d have to loose before the surgery.
How much weight is needed to loose before the surgery?
- Thread starter Nicole2021
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missyinacage
Member
Only your weight loss team can determine that. I did not have a set amount, I just had to make sure that I did not gain and had showed continual loss throughout the pre-op insurance required appointments.
Nicole2021
Member
How long is the process before the surgery?
JudyNY
Member
Hi Nicole, welcome to the group. There are so many variables in answering your question. We can tell you our requirements pre-surgery but your surgeon may have different requirements and your insurance might as well. I've heard of insurance companies making you wait 6 months before surgery. I didn't have that. I was ready to go in 2 1/2 months but Covid hit and shut down elective surgeries so it turned into a 5 month wait. And how much weight you need to lose prior varies a lot. The main thing is that you need to do your best at losing weight prior to surgery because it helps shrink the liver and makes surgery easier. Have you had a consult yet with a bariatric team?
Nicole2021
Member
Not yet, I’m still waiting for them to review my referral and verify insurance. I’m just ready to do something. I’ve struggled long enough. I’m so ready.
missyinacage
Member
My insurance required 6 monthly visits to a doctor to prove I was able to lose/not gain weight for an extended period. If you missed a month, your count started over. I went a to WLS seminar in July of 2019, 1st appt. with the doctor was in August. I was scheduled for surgery the end of March 2020, but was postponed until June 2020 due to covid restrictions. For most of us, this is not a fast process but those months are time well spent. I can't imagine just jumping into surgery without the preparation that those months of doctor, surgeon, nutritionist and therapy visits gave me.