20 pounds to lose BEFORE surgery???

 You look amazing!!! Congrats!! I'm just starting out had my sleeve almost two weeks ago. You are an inspiration. 

I had RNY a year ago or so, and yes I would do it again knowing what I know now. Absolutely without hesitation.

As far as the weight loss goes, my surgeon said the insurance company uses the starting weight to determine whether you are approved, and any weight you lose before surgery only helps surgery and recovery to be somewhat easier.

I only lost 10 lbs during my 6 months pre-diet, but I lost an additional 10 lbs during the last 2 weeks before surgery on a high protein low carb diet.

 Yeah that's good to know. I'll go in next week and get my "official" weight and then lose the 20 pounds from there (hopefully).
I really want this and will do what they ask as I'm sure they have my best intrest in mind. :)

I would do it again in a heart beat.  Best thing I have ever done for myself.  6 Mo post op 80 lbs lost. Went from a size 22 to a 12 and best of all I now am living life and not just sitting around wathing it pass me by.  

I had to lose 20 pounds too, my doctor said he wanted to make sure I was "serious" about having WLS.

Most surgeons want you to lose at least 10% of your body weight to shrink your liver. It makes it easier for the surgeon and less risky for the patient. You have less of a chance of your liver "cracking and bleeding" by being moved if you lose weight.
As far as insurance, I was told they take the initial weight. I was EXACTLY at a BMI of 35 when I weighed in so I was worried about losing weight too, until they told me this.

 Hey Skinny Cat, thanks for that info. I calculated my BMI and it will also be close to 35 after the 20 pounds. I'm currently over 38 so I guess I shouldn't worry! 
Good to know it's the pre-diet weight. 

I was told it was for my liver as well.  I had to do a two week liquid diet before surgery to help "shink" the liver.  I actually lost about 60 pounds on my pre-diet surgery.  This did not surprise anyone as I lose awesome on diets at first.  Then I hit a wall.  And I cant get my body to co-operate.  It starts grabbing everything I put in and i stay at that weight or gain.  Then i would get frustrated because i would be accused of cheating....or I would THINK people thought i was cheating...and i would give up.  lol.  the things my mind does to me.  Any way.  I was around 450 at the highest.  My primary docs scale didnt go past 400 so the last time i was in the hospital the scale said 450 and that's what i went with.  Heck i may have been higher.  anyway.  i was 450 at last actual known weigh in.  I was 390 the morning of surgery.  My insurance company didnt back out.  (tho i had room to shrink) and i was totally glad i did what i was told as i had less risk with surgery.  I think some want you to lose to prove committment but I also know my doc said it had to do with the liver too.  Do as your surgeon says for health reasons.  That's the best advice I can give.  Knowing what I know now would I do my surgery over again?  In a heartbeat.  Without hesitation.  My health is greatly improved.  I am grateful for every movement i make today that doesnt have me gasping for air or cringing in pain.  I am grateful that all i take are supplements and not medications to fix diabetes or high blood pressure or relieve pain.  Do i still have to take medications in the form of supplements every day?  YEP.  Is it worth it?  ask my children when we get home from playing outside in the yard tonight.  ;)

 Lady Myst, thank you for your reply! What an inspiration. I do plan on listening to the surgeon and all the professionals who are in the bariatric team. The liver shrinks that quickly?!? It's amazing to know that! Enjoy your kiddos and congratulations on reaching your goal! 

Oh, my goodness. Your ticker just doesn't tell the whole story. You have done AMAZING things.

  Congratulations!