Lower BMI before surguery

After reading my information pack I find that I have to lower my BMI from 56.5 to 53 - that equals out to about 19 lbs. I fiqured that I might as well start working on that ASAP while I am getting all the paperwork ready. They weighed us in at the information class. Any suggestions as to how to do this? Has anyone else had to do this? Any diets, liquid or otherwise that your doc has given you that has worked? Thanks so much for your help.

I didn't have to lower my BMI, but I chose to lose weight during my waiting time as a pre-op because I knew that it would be the most healthful thing for my body during the surgery, and to heal faster too. In the 9 months I had to wait for my surgeon I started following pouch rules and getting in all my water. I also started doing daily walking of just 30 minutes total (usually 2 15 minute walks). In 9 months I lost 45 lbs. I ate whatever I wanted, just Post-op style (protein forward, chew chew chew, etc.) and the weight floated off. It was rather incredible. And when surgery came I had very few new habits to adopt. This was the easiest "diet" I had ever been on for 2 reasons: 1. it wasn't a diet, it was a gradual shift in eating habits and patterns. I took one step at a time and made the shift gradual and permanent. It helped! and 2. I knew that reinforcements were on the way - as soon as my surgery happened I knew I would keep off the 45 I lost all on my own, and lose more. Just knowing that my surgery was coming soon to help me finish the job helped me stay on track. I'll never say that I was perfect and never "cheated" but I will say this - just having a plan of action for how I "should" be behaving really made a lot of difference for me. Best wishes! ~Lara -212@goal 10/2/05 - date of first 10 mile race!

Betty, Most patients I know who have to lose quick, use an Atkins type of diet. It allows you to lose significant amounts quickly. Besides, it will be pretty much what you have to do later on as well. Although, my nutritionist wants you to go low fat as well as low carb. Lori 384/322/170

Hello Betty, My doctor likes for his patients to lose 15 pounds before surgery. He says is gets the fatty off the liver. I lost 11 pounds right before surgery. The doctor was pleased with that. I watched my carbs. It was hard because it was Christmas time. You can do it, it's worth it. Good luck. Diana -151

Hi Betty, My surgeon requires that anyone with a BMI over 50 lose 10% of their body weight before surgery, and those under 50 must lose 5%. Since mine was over 50 at 5'4" and 333#, I had to lose 33# before surgery. After the informational meeting, I got my first dietary consult scheduled ASAP so I could get a weight recorded and start losing - that was about the middle of January 2005. By the time my surgery date had arrived (5/31), I had lost the 33# by gradually reducing my calories and starting and sticking with an exercise program, which for me, was to walk at least 30 minutes per day. I wasn't given a specific diet but told to do whatever worked best for me as long as it was done in a healthy manner. I had a few slip-ups, but I was pretty faithful, sticking with it for exactly the reason that Lara mentioned. I knew I would be "rewarded" with a tool that would help me keep off the 33# and help me continue to keep losing. It really is a great motivator. Good Luck, Tanja

Hello Betty, I have decided while I am waiting for the see my doctor on Sept 1 I would begin my new life. I have done all my pre-op stuff which was a lot. I read many profiles and question and response that other people post on the message boards. I have been taking notes on issues that might arise for me I will kinda know what to do. I decided to start eating and drinking the protein drinks(ISOPURE ZERO CARBS) which has 50grams of protein and I get a ATKINS ADVANTAGE protein drink which has 19grams of protein and mix them together with crush ice, it makes up into a thick shake depending on how much ice you use and drink it once a day. By the end of the day I will at least have 70grams of protein not to mention whatever else I might chose to eat during the day. I started that about a 6wks ago I have already lost exactly 40lbs as of 8-2-05. My goal to myself is to be under 300lbs before surgery. When I started I weighted 364lbs not I weigh 324lbs. I have 25lbs to go to be under 300. I know that after surgery our stomachs will not be able to hold much at one time but I have taken little baby food jars and baby juice jars (from my nephew)and keeping them b/c what I will do after surgery is to mix my drink up like I do not and pour it into those jars and drink them slowly throughout the day. I also have started on a liquid multivitamin. I feel like why wait until surgery to change what I need to change now if I would ever be successful in losing weight. Just try some of these tips you have gotten until you find the one that fix you best. And DO IT.....you will never be a failure if you never try to suceed. I know that you will make keep up the good work you are doing. Denise

I lost over 20 pounds pre op. I am 5 ft 4 in and weighed 326. I ate a light breakfast(by light it was LESS than normal) and a light lunch (just less than before) and for dinner I had the McDonalds taco salad. It only took me about a month and a half to loose the 20 pounds.