Pre-Op Weight Loss

Is there such a thing as losing too much weight before surgery? I would like to lose more before surgery than the doc requires of me. But, if my BMI gets below 40, will they still do the surgery? Just wondering...Em

Maybe if it is that easy for you to lose the weight..you don't need the band. Sounds like you have the motivation to do it, why mess with a good thing?

I would call your surgeon and find out. 

I can lose weight if I set my mind to it, lost 125 pounds in 3 years with WW, BUT I have never been able to maintain, so that is why I am hoping to get the band soon! 

I am like you in that I have not been able to maintain. Argh!

I can't speak for every surgeon (and certainly not for ANY insurance company) but my BMI dropped just below 40 and I still had my surgery.  I think once you're approved its a go unless there's a medical reason not to go ahead.   Good luck!

Gail

I asked my surgeon this exact question...he said it didnt matter because the use your initial weight as your starting point.

Thanks! I will be sure to ask at my next app.!

I had the exact same question when I first started my journey because when I had my consult with my surgeon, my BMI was 40.8.  I was supposed to be on a medically supervised weight loss program for 3 months as part of my insurance requirements.  I was worried that if I actually lost weight and dropped below 40 my insurance would not cover it.  Like the previous post, my office told me that they go by the weight on your first appt.  I was still worried so I did not lose any weight the first month.  Then I decided to just trust that they knew what they were doing and went for it.  I lost a total of 36 lbs before my surgery which put me at a BMI of 34 on the day of surgery.  My insurance still covered me. 

I can't say this would be the same situation for everyone because I'm not sure if other surgeon's offices and/or insurance companies differ in their policies.  But this was what happened in my situation.


Good luck!

- B