:-( bumbed after consultation apt.

Well...what can I say. The good news is that UCLA doesn't turn anyone down for WLS. The other side is that they require a high weight loss for the SMO. I have to lose 70 lbs. before they will schedule surgery and another 30 before they will operate. It's been 30 years since I have been able to loose that kind of wt. Oh well...there is always the first time. Wish me luck and for those who are so inclined--I ask for your prayers. Best of everything to you all...E.

Hi Ema, First off, please know that my heart, as well as my prayers are being sent your way during this time. I know it is never easy to hear you will have to lose this kind of weight before they will perform the surgery. I have read this numerous times, and although I was lucky during my journey to not have this issue, my heart aches for those who truely want to make this change and have the delays. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you start this portion of your journey. ~Dan

Ema, Such a confusing requirement, when you were hoping for answers and help in just what they require from you... weight loss. My prayers are with you. Hugs, Aunt Pam

Ema, I know you can do this. Did they give you any assistance in how to obtain the loss? I said I know you can because my surgeron required that I be at 375 (I was at 450). They gave me a high liquid protein diet to follow. It has not been easy and sometimes I want to quit and just cry, but I have to keep my eyes on the prize as the doctor made it clear that he will not operate unless I'm at 375. The fear of not having this life saving surgery was my motivation. As of last week I was down 55 of the required 75 pounds. Tomorrow I go for my final weigh in and I'm convinced that I will be at goal before surgery (15 more days). Hang in there and keep your eyes on the prize. I'm here for you. Lurnia

Hey Ema, You hang in there girl and dont give up! They are really telling you this for your own good. They want you as fit as a fiddle for your surgery and your liver can shrink right along with you. They have to make sure the liver has shrunk some and believe me I know what your going thru. And then again, you see so many that never once had to lose jack! So it can be UGH!!The first day I walked out of the drs office they told me sixty pounds and I was devistated and a good smo bud wrote me and said the same thing im telling you. To hang in there ( thanks again Sandra!!) it is not anything you want to hear by no means. I was devistated... heck, thats what they were for right? LOL But if you need inspiration like we all do go read kix story. That girl has done amazing and no operation yet... Hope this helps and just remember, we are here for ya! Hugs Marge

Well, heck, Marge! I've been called lots of things in my life, but never inspiring! Seriously, I'm touched. Kix

Ema, my surgeon asked me to lose 10% of my weight prior to surgery (50 lbs). The bariatric doc at my HMO put me on a modified Optifast plan where I get 1200 calories a day, which equals 7 Optifast servings. I eat every two hours and am rarely hungry. I started doing this in February and have already lost 100 lbs, which is way more than the surgeon asked me to lose. I'm doing so well on it that I'm just going to stay on it until my surgery date in August. I get blood work done and a quick checkup every three weeks to make sure I'm fine, otherwise, it's not a problem at all. I lost 30 lbs the first week, and have lost steadily every week since then. Think about it, and if you think you might be interested, ask them if they offer it and what kind of support they provide along with the plan. I didn't think I could do it, either, and it turned out to be way easier than I thought. Kix

The surgen is probably requiring this weight loss to decrease any chances of complications. Also, it will prove that you are serious about a perminate change in your eating habits and lifestyle. I know of a person who was all gun ho to have the surgey, but has not yet completed all the steps that the surgeon requires and now is finding excuses as to why she is putting off the surgery. Hang in there, you are only increasing your chances for a positive experience and proving your determination to change your life for the better. Leslie

Ok this is just me and i know that i'm bucking the trend...but go on line find out all the surgeons in your area...and find a different surgeon. Lots of surgeons require some weight loss...but 100 lbs before surgery is just crazy. If you could do that you woudln't need surgery. (thats just my opinion). There are a few DS doctors (i don't know what kind of surgery you are going for) that specialize in SMO. The Rabkins which are located in CA are just one practice. Again this is just an idea. I went to my first surgeon....and switched to one that was a bit further away because i wanted to find the best surgeon for me. You can do what you want...but if someone told me i had to lose 100 lbs before surgery i would have found someone else to do it. scott