Hi everyone! I've been c...

Hi everyone! I've been coming to OH for awhile now, but this is my first time on this board. I'm 5'7'' and 375 pounds, give or take, which lands me with a BMI of 58.7. Wow! I just began the evaluation process for WLS after being approved to do so by my insurance (yay!) and am probably looking at 6-9 looooong months (that will hopefully fly by) before I can get a surgery date. I do, however, have a surgeon in Hershey, PA. My first step is to go to the information session Sept. 6 and then meet with a nutritionist 4 times, who will let me know what tests I'll need done, and then I'll meet with Dr. Ku (my surgeon) and get a date. Seems easy enough, but I don't think it can happen fast enough for me. I wish there was a way to speed up the process! lol I really want to lose about 75 pounds on my own before surgery, so I can get the laproscopic done. Does anyone have any advise on how to do this safely? I know I should try walking 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes, but as for diet, I'm clueless. I've heard a lot of different things from Doctors... from low fat, to high protein, to low carb. What would be the best thing for me, since I'll be having the WLS? Should I try the shakes, and if so how aften and what kinds? Any advise would be greatly appreciated. I'd really like to lose this weight. I also heard the more weight you lose prior to surgery the smoother it will go and recovery is easier. That's a lot of weight though... 75 pounds in 9 months or less. Is it even possible? Sheesh... why is it so easy to gain the weight but so very very hard to lose it? Well, I want to say hello to everyone on the board, and may we all be losers soon! (I am so looking forward to being a loser... never thought I'd say that!)

Welcome to the gang, Amy! This board started off with such a bang. I'm not sure why it's quieted down so much....but we can always use someone else to help liven up the conversation. Luckily, my surgeon didn't require weight loss prior to my laproscopic RNY. It seems to make good sense though. I'm sure it's possible to lose 75 pounds before your surgery. It's a huge commitment though, and I'm glad you're taking it seriously by checking into safe options. 6-9 months is a long wait, but you'll need all of that time to prepare physically, financially, and emotionally for this roller coaster ride. Kind of like a pregnancy is spent preparing (as much as possible) for a serious life changing event. It's good in the long run to have that time, even though it seems like forever. I'm afraid I don't have weight loss suggestions for you, but I'm sure someone will. Good luck!!!!! Julie

Amy, Welcome to the board. Georgeann

I have had the most success with low carb. It offers unlimited options, portions, as long as it is from the approved list of foods. I think the weight comes off quicker with it, too. Also, its helpful, because low carb is the diet to follow after rny.

Hi Amy!!!! Welcome Home!!!! If you need any advice..........this is the place to be. I have heard that the Adkins Diet/South Beach is good to follow. I'm sure you can lose 75 pounds in 9 months. A friend of mine joined Weigh****chers in January and she has lost 100 pounds!!!!! There are MANY options, we all know!!!! And we know the dreaded excersise must be done and I know you can lose that weight. Losing weight before always helps because it "shrinks" the liver and the surgeon can move around better. Your waiting for a surgery day will fly by........It took me 3 insurace companies and 5 years of trying!!!! GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!! Carmella -75lbs in 3 months

Hi Amy. Welcome!All of the above holds true. You have to find what works for you. Before surgery I cut out all sodas and caffeine and most sugar. I ate 500-800 calories a day and drank lots of water. I lost 40 lbs in about 2 months. Good luck!

WELCOME AMY!!!!! heres our welcome wagon throwing you a PARTY!